IX. Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon.

AND then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let their
horses run so fast that either smote other in the midst of the shield
with their spear-heads, that both horse and man went to the earth; and
then they started up both, and pulled out their swords. The meanwhile
that they were thus at the battle, came the Damosel of the Lake into the
field, that put Merlin under the stone; and she came thither for love
of King Arthur, for she knew how Morgan le Fay had so ordained that King
Arthur should have been slain that day, and therefore she came to save
his life. And so they went eagerly to the battle, and gave many great
strokes, but always Arthur's sword bit not like Accolon's sword; but for
the most part, every stroke that Accolon gave he wounded sore Arthur,
that it was marvel he stood, and always his blood fell from him fast.

When Arthur beheld the ground so sore be-bled he was dismayed, and then
he deemed treason that his sword was changed; for his sword bit not
steel as it was wont to do, therefore he dreaded him sore to be dead,
for ever him seemed that the sword in Accolon's hand was Excalibur,
for at every stroke that Accolon struck he drew blood on Arthur. Now,
knight, said Accolon unto Arthur, keep thee well from me; but Arthur
answered not again, and gave him such a buffet on the helm that it made
him to stoop, nigh falling down to the earth. Then Sir Accolon withdrew
him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, and smote Sir Arthur
such a buffet that he fell nigh to the earth. Then were they wroth both,
and gave each other many sore strokes, but always Sir Arthur lost so
much blood that it was marvel he stood on his feet, but he was so full
of knighthood that knightly he endured the pain. And Sir Accolon lost
not a deal of blood, therefore he waxed passing light, and Sir Arthur
was passing feeble, and weened verily to have died; but for all that he
made countenance as though he might endure, and held Accolon as short
as he might. But Accolon was so bold because of Excalibur that he waxed
passing hardy. But all men that beheld him said they saw never knight
fight so well as Arthur did considering the blood that he bled. So was
all the people sorry for him, but the two brethren would not accord.
Then always they fought together as fierce knights, and Sir Arthur
withdrew him a little for to rest him, and Sir Accolon called him
to battle and sa