“No,” said Merlin, “I could have saved myself if I had wished; but you are nearer death than I am, for now you are certainly traveling toward death unless God befriend you.”

Arthur asked the magician what he meant, but the wily man would give no explanation.  However, he turned and accompanied Arthur.

As they rode along they came across a beautiful wayside spring, near which, under a wide-spreading tree, a rich tent was set.  In front of it sat a sturdy knight full armed for battle.

“Sir Knight,” said Arthur, “why do you sit here in full armor thus watching the road?”

“It is my custom,” said the knight, “and no man may pass by unless he fight with me.”

“That is a vile custom,” said the king, “and I bid you give it up.”

“That will I not do,” said the knight.  “If any man does not like my custom, let him change it.”

“I will change it,” said Arthur.

“I will defend myself,” answered the knight.

Then the knight arose, took shield and spear, mounted the war-horse tethered near and rode at Arthur, who spurred his horse to meet the shock.  They came together with such force that their horses were thrown back upon their haunches and their spears were shivered against their shields.  Arthur recovered himself and pulled out his sword.

“No, no,” said the knight, “I pray you let us fight again with spears.  It is the fairer way.”

“I would be very willing,” assented Arthur, “if I had another spear.”

“But I have spears for both,” declared the knight, as he called to a squire to bring him two good spears.

When the weapons were brought Arthur selected one and the knight took the other.  Drawing apart they again charged together, and again their spears were both broken at the hand.  Again Arthur put his hand to his sword, but the knight protested a second time.

“Nay, not so,” he said, “for the honor of our knighthood let us joust once more.  You are the strongest knight and the best jouster I have ever met.”

“I am willing,” said Arthur, “if you will let me have another spear.”

Two more spears were brought—­heavy ones such as only the best of knights could handle.  Again Arthur chose the one he liked, and again they drew apart.

This time they ran together with greater force than ever, and once more Arthur shivered his spear on the shield of his opponent.  But this time the spear of the unknown knight struck Arthur’s shield full in the center and drove both horse and rider to the earth.

The king sprang free from his horse, recovered his shield, drew his sword and cried, “Now will I fight you on foot, for I have lost the honor on horseback.”

“No, I will fight only on horseback,” said the knight.

Then Arthur grew very angry and rushed afoot at the knight.  Seeing how determined the king was, and thinking it dishonorable to keep his seat while Arthur fought on foot, the knight alighted and dressed his shield against his foe.