th thereof, and he grieveth the more
for that he feeleth him wounded. He cometh toward Meliant, sword
drawn, and holding him well under cover of his shield and cover of his
helm, and smiteth Meliant so fiercely that he cleaveth his shoulder
down to the rib in such sort that the end of the spear wherewith he had
pierced him fell out therefrom. Meliant felt himself wounded to the
death, and draweth him back all sorrowful, and other knights run upon
Lancelot and deliver assault. Messire Ywain and Sagramors li Desirous
and Messire Gawain were on the other side in great jeopardy, for the
people of Briant of the Isles came from all parts, and waxed more and
more, and on all sides the greater number of knights had the upper hand
therein. King Arthur and Briant of the Isles were in the midst of the
battle, and dealt each other right great buffets. Briant's people come
thither and take King Arthur by the bridle, and the King defendeth
himself as a good knight, and maketh a ring about him amongst them that
attack him, the same as doth a wild boar amongst the dogs. Messire
Ywain is come thither and Lucan the Butler, and break through the press
by force. Thereupon, behold you Sagramors li Desirous, that cometh as
fast as his horse may gallop under him, and smiteth Briant of the Isles
right before his people with such a rush that he beareth him to the
ground in a heap, both him and his horse. Briant to-brast his thigh
bone in the fall that he made. Sagramors holdeth sword drawn and would
fain have thrust it into his body, when the King crieth to him that he
slay him not.

V.

Briant's people were not able to succour their lord. Nay, rather, they
drew back on all sides, for the stout had lasted of a long space. So
they tended the dead and the wounded, of whom were enough on one side
and the other. King Arthur made carry Briant of the Isles to Cardoil,
and bring along the other knights that his own knights had taken.
Right joyous were the folks at Cardoil when the King came back. They
bore Meliant of the Waste Manor on his shield to the Hard Rock, but he
scarce lived after. The King made Briant of the Isles be healed, and
held him in prison of a long while, until Briant gave him surety of all
his lands and became his man. The King made him Seneschal of all his
lands, and Briant served him right well.

VI.

Lancelot was whole of his wound, and all the knights of theirs. King
Arthur was safely stablished, and redoubt