a
white horse, and came forth alone at the head of the line to joust, if
he may find an opponent. From the opposite side there rides out to meet
him Orguelleus de la Lande, mounted on an Irish steed which bears
him along with marvellous speed. On the shield before his breast Erec
strikes him with such force that he knocks him from his horse: he leaves
him prone and passes on. Then Raindurant opposed him, son of the old
dame of Tergalo, covered with blue cloth of silk; he was a knight of
great prowess. Against one another now they charge and deal fierce blows
on the shields about their neck. Erec from lance's length lays him over
on the hard ground. While riding back he met the King of the Red City,
who was very valiant and bold. They grasp their reins by the knots and
their shields by the inner straps. They both had fine arms, and strong
swift horses, and good shields, fresh and new. With such fury they
strike each other that both their lances fly in splinters. Never was
there seen such a blow. They rush together with shields, arms, and
horses. But neither girth nor rein nor breast-strap could prevent the
king from coming to earth. So he flew from his steed, carrying with him
saddle and stirrup, and even the reins of his bridle in his hand. All
those who witnessed the jousting were filled with amazement, and said it
cost him dear to joust with such a goodly knight. Erec did not wish
to stop to capture either horse or rider, but rather to joust and
distinguish himself in order that his prowess might appear. He thrills
the ranks in front of him. Gawain animates those who were on his side
by his prowess, and by winning horses and knights to the discomfiture
of his opponents. I speak of my lord Gawain, who did right well and
valiantly. In the fight he unhorsed Guincel, and took Gaudin of the
Mountain; he captured knights and horses alike: my lord Gawain did well.
Girtlet the son of Do, and Yvain, and Sagremor the Impetuous, so evilly
entreated their adversaries that they drove them back to the gates,
capturing and unhorsing many of them. In front of the gate of the town
the strife began again between those within and those without. There
Sagremor was thrown down, who was a very gallant knight. He was on the
point of being detained and captured, when Erec spurs to rescue him,
breaking his lance into splinters upon one of the opponents. So hard he
strikes him on the breast that he made him quit the saddle. Then he
made of his