Then he saw, the gallant Gawain, how out on the plain afar 675 The host of both friend and foeman were mingled in deadly war; And he spurred him swift towards them; nor 'twas light in his steps to tread, Tho' little they spared their chargers, those knights who behind him sped, Scherules and his vassals--Gawain gave them pain, I trow, Ah, me! for the spears he shivered and the knights that he laid alow. 680 Had God given him not such valour, this knight of the Table Round, Then in sooth had one made petition for the fame that he there had found. 'Twas all as one, both armies, 'gainst the twain did he set his hand, That of Gros as of Lys--Many chargers did he win from each knightly band, And straightway the hero brought them where his host's banner waved on high, 685 And he asked who was there who should need them? And many swift reply; Then he gave them e'en as they answered, and rich were they all, I trow, Thro' this brother-in-arms whose friendship they here for a space should know. Then there came a knight fast spurring, nor spears did he think to spare The Lord of Beauvais and Gawain they rode 'gainst each other there, 690 And the young knight, Lisavander, midst the flowers of the field he lay, From his saddle behind his charger did Gawain thrust the prince that day. For the sake of his squire shall this grieve me, who yestreen so courteous spake, And told to Gawain the tidings, and whence all this woe did wake. He dismounted, and bent o'er his master, and Gawain he knew his face, 695 And he gave him the steed he had won there, and the squire thanked his hand of grace. Now see ye how Kardefablet himself on the ground doth stand From a joust that was ridden against him, and aimed by young Meljanz' hand; From the ground his warriors lift him, and loud rings the battle-cry 'Jamore!' and the clashing sword-blades to the challenge make swift reply. 700 And closer the fight draws round him, onslaught on onslaught pressed, And the blows ring loud and deafening that fall on each knightly crest. Then Gawain called his men around him, and swift to his aid he sped, And he covered the knight with the banner of his host that flew high o'erhead, And many brave knights had been felled there--Tho' witness I never knew, 705 Yet in sooth ye may well believe me for the venture it telleth true!