She had begged him the
evening before to place her where she might have an unobstructed
view of the battle; he had granted her the boon, and went now to
seek and fetch her, for he was very anxious to show her honour
and courtesy. He placed her at one window, and took his place at
another window on her right. Beside them, there were gathered
there many knights and prudent dames and damsels, who were
natives of that land; and there were many others, who were
captives, and who were intent upon their orisons and prayers.
Those who were prisoners were praying for their lord, for to God
and to him they entrusted their succour and deliverance. Then
the combatants without delay make all the people stand aside;
then they clash the shields with their elbows, and thrust their
arms into the straps, and spur at each other so violently that
each sends his lance two arms' length through his opponent's
shield, causing the lance to split and splinter like a flying
spark. And the horses meet head on, clashing breast to breast,
and the shields and helmets crash with such a noise that it seems
like a mighty thunder-clap; not a breast-strap, girth, rein or
surcingle remains unbroken, and the saddle-bows, though strong,
are broken to pieces. The combatants felt no shame in falling to
earth, in view of their mishaps, but they quickly spring to their
feet, and without waste of threatening words rush at each other
more fiercely than two wild boars, and deal great blows with
their swords of steel like men whose hate is violent.
Pages:
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687