“Well,” said Sir Marhaus, “it is not likely that thou shalt die at my hand.  For because of thy youth I will not have it that this battle shall be so desperate as that.”  “Say not so,” said Sir Tristram, “for either I shall die at thy hand, or else I shall overcome thee in this battle, for I make my vow to God that I will not yield myself to thee so long as there is life within my body.”

“Alas!” said Sir Marhaus, “that is certes a great pity.  But as thou hast foreordained it, so it must needs be.”  Therewith he saluted Sir Tristram and drew rein and rode aside to a little distance where he straightway made ready for that battle.  Nor was Sir Tristram behind him in making preparation, albeit he was filled with doubts as to the outcome of that undertaking.

[Sidenote:  Sir Tristram is wounded] Then when they were in all ways prepared, each gave shout and drave spurs into his horse and rushed toward the other with such fury that it was terrible to behold.  And each smote the other with his spear in the centre of his shield, and in that encounter Sir Marhaus smote through Sir Tristram’s shield and gave Sir Tristram a great wound in his side.  Then Sir Tristram felt the blood gush out of that wound in such abundance that it filled his iron boots, so that they were sodden therewith, and he thought he had got his death-wound.  But in spite of that grievous bitter stroke, he held his seat and was not overthrown.  Then so soon as he had recovered himself he voided his horse and drew his sword and set his shield before him; and when Sir Marhaus saw his preparations, he likewise voided his horse and made ready for battle upon foot.  So straightway they came together with terrible fury, lashing at each other with such fearful strength and evil will that it was dreadful to behold.  And each gave the other many grievous strokes, so that whole pieces of armor were hewn off from their bodies; and each gave the other many deep wounds, so that that part of the armor that still hung to them became red as though it were painted with red.  Likewise the ground was all besprinkled red where they stood, yet neither gave any thought to quitting that battle in which they were engaged.

[Sidenote:  Sir Tristram gives Sir Marhaus a death-wound] Now for a while Sir Tristram feared because of the wound which he had at first received that he would die in that battle, but by and by he perceived that he was stouter than Sir Marhaus and better winded; wherefore great hope came to him and uplifted him with redoubled strength.  Then presently Sir Marhaus fell back a little and when Sir Tristram perceived that he ran in upon him and smote him several times, such direful strokes that Sir Marhaus could not hold up his shield against that assault.  Then Sir Tristram perceived that Sir Marhaus was no longer able to hold up his shield, and therewith he smote him a great blow with his sword upon the helmet.  So direful was that blow that the sword of Sir Tristram pierced very deep through the helm of Sir Marhaus and into the brainpan.  And Sir Tristram’s sword stuck fast in the helm and the brain-pan of Sir Marhaus so that Sir Tristram could not pull it out again.  Then Sir Marhaus, half a-swoon, fell down upon his knees, and therewith a part of the edge of the blade brake off from Sir Tristram’s sword, and remained in the wound that he had given to Sir Marhaus.