"That, too," replied Sir Gareth, "makes me but doubly certain that
knighthood is not the garment you should wear. I shall do battle with
you, Sir Knight, so soon as you don armor. Meantime I await your
pleasure."

Then did the three ride toward the castle. And as they neared it there
came to the open window both the Lady Linet and the Dame Lyoness. Low
did the latter courtesy to them all, but chiefest to Sir Gareth. Long
did these two gaze at each other and in that gaze love was in the
dawning.

Now, the Red Knight came forward. For a few moments each watched the
other, their horses stepping now this way, now that. Then of a sudden,
they made at each other, with all their might. And well it was that
shields were there to meet the blows. For such was their force that
breast plates, horsegirths and cruppers burst. Both knights were sent
to earth, Sir Gareth holding the reins of his bridle still in his
hands. Sore stunned was each for many minutes. Wonder it was that neck
of either was not broken.

Now the two left their horses and with shields in front they battled
with their swords. And they fought until midday and until they both
lacked wind. So that each was forced to take rest.

From their window, the two ladies watched the affray. Both of them
prayed that harm should not come to their champion.

But the Red Knight watching them and seeing how in especial Dame
Lyoness was interested, conceived a new idea.