ave come to obtain; for it is right, I say it in spite of all,
that this damsel of mine should have it." "Away!" cries the other, "it
shall never be. Madness has brought thee here. If thou dost wish to have
the hawk, thou shalt pay fight dearly for it." "Pay, vassal; and how?"
"Thou must fight with me, if thou dost not resign it to me." "You talk
madness," cries Erec; "for me these are idle threats; for little
enough do I fear you." "Then I defy thee here and now. The battle is
inevitable." Erec replies: "God help me now; for never did I wish for
aught so much." Now soon you will hear the noise of battle.

(Vv. 863-1080.) The large place was cleared, with the people gathered
all around. They draw off from each other the space of an acre, then
drive their horses together; they reach for each other with the tips of
their lances, and strike each other so hard that the shields are pierced
and broken; the lances split and crack; the saddle-bows are knocked to
bits behind. They must needs lose their stirrups, so that they both fall
to the ground, and the horses run off across the field. Though smitten
with the lances, they are quickly on their feet again, and draw their
swords from the scabbards. With great fierceness they attack each other,
and exchange great sword blows, so that the helmets are crushed and made
to ring. Fierce is the clash of the swords, as they rain great blows
upon neck and shoulders. For this is no mere sport: they break whatever
they touch, cutting the shields and shattering the hauberks. The swords
are red with crimson blood. Long the battle lasts; but they fight so
lustily that they become weary and listless. Both the damsels are in
tears, and each knight sees his lady weep and raise her hands to God and
pray that He may give the honours of the battle to the one who strives
for her. "Ha! vassal," quoth the knight to Erec, "let us withdraw and
rest a little; for too weak are these blows we deal. We must deal better
blows than these; for now it draws near evening. It is shameful and
highly discreditable that this battle should last so long. See yonder
that gentle maid who weeps for thee and calls on God. Full sweetly she
prays for thee, as does also mine for me. Surely we should do our best
with our blades of steel for the sake of our lady-loves." Erec replies:
"You have spoken well." Then they take a little rest, Erec looking
toward his lady as she softly prays for him. While he sat and looked
on her, g