But he missed Erec, while Erec used him hard; for he knew well
the right attack. He strikes him on the shield so fiercely that
he cracks it from top to bottom. Nor is his hauberk any
protection: Erec pierces and crushes it in the middle of his
breast, and thrusts a foot and a half of his lance into his body.
When he drew back, he pulled out the shaft. And the other fell
to earth. He must needs die, for the blade had drunk of his
life's blood. Then one of the other two rushes forward, leaving
his companion behind, and spurs toward Erec, threatening him.
Erec firmly grasps his shield, and attacks him with a stout
heart. The other holds his shield before his breast. Then they
strike upon the emblazoned shields. The knight's lance flies
into two bits, while Erec drives a quarter of lance's length
through the other's breast. He will give him no more trouble.
Erec unhorses him and leaves him in a faint, while he spurs at an
angle toward the third robber. When the latter saw him coming on
he began to make his escape. He was afraid, and did not dare to
face him; so he hastened to take refuge in the woods. But his
flight is of small avail, for Erec follows him close and cries
aloud: "Vassal, vassal, turn about now, and prepare to defend
yourself, so that I may not slay you in act of flight.
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