knights who met them know who these two were, else milder were their
tone. Such was the valor of the two and such their strength that four
men were thrown from their horses in that first attack and of these
two were grievously wounded.

Together and well they fought. Easily did they withstand the men of
King Ryence. Four men were slain by their might, through wondrous and
fearful strokes, and four were sorely wounded. There lay the four
against an oaken tree where they had been placed in a moment's lull.
But two knights were left to oppose Launcelot and Gawaine but these
two were gallant men and worthy, the very best of all the ten.

So they fought again each with a single foe. Hard pressed were the two
men of King Ryence, yet stubbornly they would not give way. And as
each side gave blow for blow, so each called "for Arthur" or "for
Ryence," whichever the case might be. Many hours they fought until at
last Sir Launcelot by a powerful blow crashed both foe and foe's horse
to the ground.

And as the other would further combat, though exceedingly weak, Sir
Launcelot, upraised lance in hand by a swift stroke smote sword from
out of his weakened grasp.

"Thou art a brave knight, friend. And having fought so well, I ask no
further penance but this, that you do now declare King Arthur no
upstart. I care not for your enmity but I will abide no slander."

"So must I then declare, since you have proven better man than I,"
declared the conquered knight. "And for your leniency I owe you
thanks. Wherefore then to whom am I grateful? I pray your name?"