eir spears in the rests, and rode together with the
force of two ships meeting in mid-ocean, smiting each other so strongly
in the midst of their shields that the backs of both horses broke
beneath them. The knights, astonished at this result, leaped hastily to
the ground to avoid being overthrown.

Then, drawing their swords and bearing their shields in front, they came
hotly together, striking with such force that shield and armor alike
gave way beneath the mighty blows, and blood soon began to flow freely
from their wounds. Thus for two hours and more the deadly contest
continued, the knights striking, parrying, advancing, and retiring with
all the skill of perfect swordsmen. At the last they both paused through
lack of breath, and stood leaning upon their swords, and facing each
other grimly.

"Hold thy hand a while, fellow," said Turquine, "and tell me what I
shall ask thee."

"Say on," rejoined Lancelot, briefly.

"Thou art the strongest and best-breathed man that ever I met with, and
art much like the knight that I hate most of all men. If you are not he,
then for the esteem I have for you I will release all my prisoners, and
we shall be fellows together while we live. But first of all I would
know your name."

"You speak well," said Lancelot. "But since you promise me your
friendship, tell me what knight it is you hate so deeply?"

"His name," said Turquine, "is Lancelot du Lake. He slew my brother
Carados at the dolorous tower, and I have vowed that, if I should meet
him, one of us shall make an end of the other. Through hate of him I
have slain a hundred knights, and maimed as many more, while of those I
have thrown in prison, many are dead, and threescore and four yet live.
If you will tell me your name, and it be not Lancelot, all these shall
be delivered."

"It stands, then," said Lancelot, "that if I be one man I may have your
peace and friendship, and if I be another man there will be mortal war
between us. If you would know my name, it is Lancelot du Lake, son of
King Ban of Benwick, and Knight of the Table Round. And now do your
best, for I defy you."

"Ah, Lancelot!" said Turquine, "never was knight so welcome to me. This
is the meeting I have long sought, and we shall never part till one of
us be dead."

Then they rushed together like two wild bulls, lashing at each other
with shield and sword, and striking such fiery blows that pieces of
steel flew from their armor of proof, and blood pou