sword and advances upon them, crushing and splitting their
helmets. Some flee, and others make way before him, for even the boldest
fears him. Finally, he distributed so many blows and thrusts that he
rescued Sagremor from them, and drove them all in confusion into the
town. Meanwhile, the vesper hour drew to a close. Erec bore himself so
well that day that he was the best of the combatants. But on the morrow
he did much better yet: for he took so many knights and left so many
saddles empty that none could believe it except those who had seen it.
Every one on both sides said that with his lance and shield he had won
the honours of the tournament. Now was Erec's renown so high that no one
spoke save of him, nor was any one of such goodly favour. In countenance
he resembled Absalom, in language he seemed a Solomon, in boldness he
equalled Samson, [124] and in generous giving and spending he was the
equal of Alexander. On his return from the tourney Erec went to speak
with the King. He went to ask him for leave to go and visit his own
land; but first he thanked him like a frank, wise, and courteous man for
the honour which he had done him; for very deep was his gratitude.
Then he asked his permission to leave, for he wished to visit his own
country, and he wished to take his wife with him. This request the King
could not deny, and yet he would have had him stay. He gives him leave
and begs him to return as soon as possible: for in the whole court there
was no better or more gallant knight, save only his dear nephew Gawain;
[125] with him no one could be compared. But next after him, he prized
Erec most, and held him more dear than any other knight.

(Vv. 2293-2764.) Erec wished to delay no longer. As soon as he had the
King's leave, he bid his wife make her preparations, and he retained as
his escort sixty knights of merit with horses and with dappled and grey
furs. As soon as he was ready for his journey, he tarried little further
at court, but took leave of the Queen and commended the knights to God.
The Queen grants him leave to depart. At the hour of prime he set out
from the royal palace. In the presence of them all he mounted his steed,
and his wife mounted the dappled horse which she had brought from her
own country; then all his escort mounted. Counting knights and squires,
there were full seven score in the train. After four long days' journey
over hills and slopes, through forests, plains, and streams, they
came o