my good fellow, if one fall is not enough to
satisfy you."

Then they rode apart to a fair distance, and putting spurs to their
horses hurtled together with headlong speed. So fiercely met they,
indeed, that horses and knights together went toppling to the earth,
both those brave warriors kissing the dust.

With all haste they regained their feet, put their shields before them,
and struck at each other with bright swords like men of might. The
battle that followed was such a one as that ground had never seen, for
those two knights seemed rather giants than men. For four hours they
kept up the combat, neither speaking a word, till at the end their armor
was hewn off in many places, and blood had flowed from their wounds till
the grass was turned from green to crimson.

The squires looked on in wonder, and boasted of the might of their
lords, though their hearts grew heavy when they saw the bright swords so
reddened with blood.

At last the unknown knight rested on his weapon, and said,--

"Sir stranger, you are the best fighter I ever saw in armor. I would
know you better, and beg to learn your name."

"I care not to tell it," said Tristram.

"Why not? I never make my name a secret."

"Then pray tell it, for I would give much to know the name of the
stoutest knight I ever drew sword upon."

"Fair sir, my name is Lancelot du Lake."

"Alas, can this be so? Have I fought thus against the man I love best in
the world?"

"Then who are you?"

"My name is Tristram de Lyonesse."

"Oh, what strange chance is this! Take my sword, Sir Tristram, for you
have earned it well."

And he knelt and yielded Tristram his sword.

Tristram in turn knelt and yielded up his. And thus with exchange of
words they gave each other the degree of brotherhood. Then they sat
together on the stone, and took off their helms to cool their heated
faces, and kissed each other with brotherly ardor.

When they had rested and conversed long in the most loving amity, and
their squires had salved and bandaged their wounds, they mounted and
rode towards Camelot.

Near the gates of the city they met Gawaine and Gaheris, who were
setting out in search of Tristram, having promised King Arthur never to
return till they could bring the valiant knight of Cornwall with them.

"Return, then, for your quest is done," said Lancelot. "I have found Sir
Tristram, and here he is in person."

"Then, by my life, you are heartily welcome!" cried Gawaine.