seeking to give precedence to his companion.  Having come to the bank the stranger knights prayed the prince to run a course for their pleasure.  He answered that it was his wish, too, and made him ready for the battle.  The prince rejoiced greatly when he saw one of these two adversaries ride a little apart, that he might the more easily observe the combat.  He was assured that he would suffer no felony at their hands.  For their part the two knights were persuaded that they had to do with an errant who had ridden to the ford for no other gain than honour and praise.  The two adversaries took their places within the lists.  They lowered their lance, and covering their bodies with the shield, smote fiercely together.  So rude was the shock that the staves of the spears were broken, and the strong destriers were thrown upon their haunches.  Neither of the good knights had lost his saddle.  Each of the combatants got him to his feet, and drawing the sword, pressed upon his fellow, till the blood began to flow.  When the knight who judged this quarrel saw their prowess, he came near, and commanded that the battle should cease.  The adversaries drew apart, and struck no further blow with the sword.  Right courteously and with fair words he spake to the prince.  “Friend,” said the knight, “get to your horse, and break a lance with me.  Then we can go in peace, for our time grows short.  You must endure till the light be come if you hope to gain the prize.  Do your devoir, valiantly, for should you chance to be thrown in this course, or slain by misadventure, you have lost your desire.  None will ever hear of this adventure; all your life you will remain little and obscure.  Your maiden will be led away by the victor, seated on the good Castilian horse you have gained by right of courage.  Fight bravely.  The trappings of the destrier are worth the spoil of a king’s castle, and as for the horse himself he is the swiftest and the fairest in the world.  Be not amazed that I tell you of these matters.  I have watched you joust, and know you for a hardy knight and a gallant gentleman.  Besides I stand to lose horse and harness equally with you.”

[Footnote 2:  There is here some omission in the manuscript.]

The prince listened to these words, and accorded that the knight spoke wisely and well.  He would willingly have taken counsel of the maiden, but first, as surely he knew, he must joust with this knight.  He gathered the reins in his glove, and choosing a lance with an ashen staff, opposed himself to his adversary.  The combatants met together so fiercely that the lance pierced the steel of the buckler; yet neither lost stirrup by the shock.  When the prince saw this he smote the knight so shrewdly that he would have fallen from the saddle, had he not clung to the neck of his destrier.  Of his courtesy the prince passed on, and refrained his hand until his enemy had recovered his seat.  On his return he found the knight full ready to continue his devoir.  Each of the champions