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