page 43 of 960 of Sir Thomas Malory: Le Morte Darthur: The Definitive Original Text Edition

043:

This Pellinore is going to be the father of Percyvall and Lamorake. They come to THE LAKE, (“strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.”) Lady of the Lake wants a gift in return for giving Arthur the sword.