Chapter Balaam to Balisarda of B by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Balin (Sir), or “Balin le Savage,” knight of the two swords. He was a Northumberland knight, and being taken captive, was imprisoned six months by king Arthur. It so happened that a damsel girded with a sword came to Camelot at the time of sir Balin’s release, and told the king that no man could draw it who was tainted with “shame, treachery, or guile.” King Arthur and all his knights failed in the attempt, but sir Balin drew it readily. The damsel begged him for the sword, but he refused to give it to any one. Whereupon the damsel said to him, “That sword shall be thy plague, for with it shall ye slay your best friend, and it shall also prove your own death.” Then the Lady of the Lake came to the king, and demanded the sword, but sir Balin cut off her head with it, and was banished from the court. After various adventures he came to a castle where the custom was for every guest to joust. He was accommodated with a shield, and rode forth to meet his antagonist. So fierce was the encounter that both the combatants were slain, but Balin lived just long enough to learn that his antagonist was his dearly beloved brother Balan, and both were buried in one tomb.—Sir T. Malory: History of Prince Arthur, i. 27–44 (1470).

“The Book of Sir Balin le Savage’ is part i. ch. 27 to 44 (both inclusive) of sir T. Malory’s History of Prince Arthur.

Balinverno, one of the leaders in Agramant’s allied army.—Ariosto: Orlando Furioso (1516).

Baliol (Edward), usurper of Scotland, introduced in Redgauntlet, a novel by sir W. Scott (time, George II.).

Baliol (Mrs.), friend of Mr. Croftangry, in the introductory chapter of The Fair Maid of Perth, a novel by sir W. Scott (time, Henry IV.).

Baliol (Mrs. Arthur Bethune), a lady of quality and fortune, who had a house called Baliol Lodging, Canongate, Edinburgh. At death she left to her cousin Mr. Croftangry two series of tales called The Chronicles of Canongate (q.v.), which he published.—Sir W. Scott: The Highland Widow (introduction, 1827).

Baliol College, Oxford, was founded (in 1263) by John de Baliol, knight, father of Baliol king of Scotland.

Balisarda, a sword made in the garden of Orgagna by the sorceress Falerina; it would cut through even enchanted substances, and was given to Rogero for the express purpose of “dealing Orlando’s death.”—Ariosto: Orlando Furioso, XXV. 15 (1516).

He knew with Balisarda’s lightest blows,
Nor helm, nor shield, nor cuirass could avail,
Nor strongly tempered plate, nor twisted mail.
   —Bk. xxiii.