and taken their lances with the gaily coloured ensigns,
they all proceed to the ford at once. Those on the farther side lower
their lances, and quickly ride to strike at them. But they (on the
hither bank) knew how to pay them back, not sparing nor avoiding them,
nor yielding to them a foot of ground. Rather, each man struck his
opponent so fiercely that there is no knight so brave but is compelled
to leave the saddle. They did not underestimate the experience, skill,
and bravery of their antagonists, but made their first blows count, and
unhorsed thirteen of them. The report spread to the camp of the fight
and of the blows that were being struck. There would soon have been a
merry strife if the others had dared to stand their ground. All through
the camp they run to arms, and raising a shout they cross the ford. And
those on the farther bank take to flight, seeing no advantage in staying
where they are. And the Greeks pursue them with blows of lance and
sword. Though they struck off many a head they themselves did not
receive a wound, and gave a good account of themselves that day. But
Alexander distinguished himself, who by his own efforts led off four
captive knights in bonds. The sands are strewn with headless dead, while
many others lie wounded and injured.

(Vv. 1349-1418.) Alexander courteously presents the victims of his first
conquest to the Queen, not wishing them to fall into the hands of the
King, who would have had them all hanged. The Queen, however, had them
seized and safely kept under guard, as being charged with treason.
Throughout the camp they talk of the Greeks, and all maintain that
Alexander acted very courteously and wisely in not surrendering the
knights whom he had captured to the King, who would surely have had them
burned or hanged. But the King is not so well satisfied, and sending
promptly to the Queen he bids her come into his presence and not detain
those who have proved treacherous towards him, for either she must give
them up or offend him by keeping them. While the Queen was in conference
with the King, as was necessary, about the traitors, the Greeks
remained in the Queen's tent with her maids-in-waiting. While his twelve
companions conversed with them, Alexander uttered not a word. Soredamors
took note of this, seated as she was close by his side. Her head resting
upon her hand, it was plain that she was lost in thought. [218] Thus
they sat a long time, until Soredamors saw on his sl