And the night, as of old her custom, had yielded her place to day, 645 Nor by song of the lark might they know it, for they hearkened far other lay, Whose voice was the voice of warfare with the crash of the splintered spear, As a cloud that is cleft and riven when the thunderbolt falleth near. And the King of Lys' young army sought the host of Lirivoin, And there, with his warriors, battled the monarch of Avendroin; 650 And many a joust rang loudly, e'en as when one is wont to throw Chestnuts within the furnace that burst in the fiery glow. Ah, me! how they strove together that morn on the grassy plain, How the knights spurred their steeds to jousting, and the Burgers they fought amain. Now Gawain, and his host the Burg-grave, since it health to their souls might bring, 655 And yield them a meed of blessing, bade a priest a Mass to sing; And he sang unto God and the heroes--And the prize of their fame waxed fair, For this was their pious bidding--Then they would to their post repair, But their rampart ere this was guarded by many a gallant knight, The followers they of Scherules, and well would those heroes fight. 660 And what should I tell ye further? Poidikonjonz was proud I ween, And he came with such host, if in Schwarzwald each bough had a spearshaft been I had looked on no greater forest than here on this field ye saw. And six banners they bare, and early to battle would nearer draw, With ringing blasts of trumpet e'en as thunder that wakeneth fear, 665 And drums strove amain with the trumpets, and smote on the listening ear. If a grass blade were left untrampled by the conflict I knew it not-- E'en now shall the Erfurt vineyards show such tokens of strife, I wot! Then hither he came, Duke Astor, and he fought with the men of Jamore, And for sharp joust the spears they whetted, and many a knight they bore 670 From his saddle down on the meadow, and for combat they aye were fain; And clear rang the stranger war-cries--And masterless o'er the plain Sped many a gallant charger, and afoot went the fallen knight, For I ween he had learnt the lesson how one oft is o'erthrown in fight.