e reproach. If he were only clear of this
disgrace, no knight could be found in all the world, however his valour
might be proved, who would equal the merit of this knight. If all good
knights could be compared, and if the truth were to be known, you
could find none so handsome or so expert." Thus they expressed their
sentiments. Then he began his speech of impudence: "Listen, thou knight,
who art bound for the sword-bridge! If thou wishest, thou shalt cross
the water very easily and comfortably. I will quickly have thee ferried
over in a skiff. But once on the other side, I will make thee pay me
toll, and I will take thy head, if I please to do so, or if not, thou
shalt be held at my discretion." And he replies that he is not seeking
trouble, and that he will never risk his head in such an adventure for
any consideration. To which the other answers at once: "Since thou
wilt not do this, whosesoever the shame and loss may be, thou must come
outside with me and there engage me hand to hand." Then, to beguile him.
the other says: "If I could refuse, I would very gladly excuse myself;
but in truth I would rather fight than be compelled to do what is
wrong." Before he arose from the table where they were sitting, he told
the youths who were serving him, to saddle his horse at once, and fetch
his arms and give them to him. This order they promptly execute: some
devote themselves to arming him, while others go to fetch his horse. As
he slowly rode along completely armed, holding his shield tight by the
straps, you must know that he was evidently to be included in the list
of the brave and fair. His horse became him so well that it is evident
he must be his own, and as for the shield he held by the straps and the
helmet laced upon his head, which fitted him so well, you would never
for a moment have thought that he had borrowed it or received it as a
loan; rather, you would be so pleased with him that you would maintain
that he had been thus born and raised: for all this I should like you to
take my word.

(Vv. 2691-2792.) Outside the gate, where the battle was to be fought,
there was a stretch of level ground well adapted for the encounter. When
they catch sight of each other, they spur hotly to the attack and come
together with such a shock, dealing such blows with their lances, that
they first bend, then buckle up, and finally fly into splinters. With
their swords they then hew away at their shields, helmets, and hauberks.