And a spear must Meljanz carry that had smitten him thro' the arm, And thro' conflict fierce the hero in blood and sweat waxed warm. Then Gawain by force he drave him within a portal wide, And he bade him his pledge to swear him, nor the young king his will defied; Were he not so sorely wounded then so swiftly he ne'er were known, 765 To yield himself to a foeman, but his prowess had longer shown. Then Lippaut the prince, the land's host, his valour might not restrain With the monarch of Gros he battled; and alike must they suffer pain, Both man and steed from the bow-shots, for their skill they were fain to show, They of Semblidag, and Kahetines, for they fled as they bent the bow. 770 And the Burgers must well bethink them the foe from their lines to hold, But foot-soldiers had they, and sheltered by their ramparts they battled bold. And he who of life was forfeit for the wrath of a maid must pay, For her folly and scorn on her people brought sorrow enow that day. But what part therein had Lippaut? I think me his lord of old, 775 King Schaut, ne'er had thus beset him! Now faint waxed those heroes bold. But Meljakanz still fought bravely--Do ye think it was whole, his shield? Not a hand's-breadth wide was the fragment--Then he bare him across the field Duke Kardefablet, and I think me the Tourney it came to stand On the meadow fair and flowery, for fast locked was either band. 780 Then Gawain he rode swiftly to them, and he pressed Meljakanz so sore, E'en Launcelot, gallant hero, ne'er wrought him such grief afore When the sword bridge he crossed to battle--Her captivity pleased him ill, The Queen Guinevere, and he thought him by the sword-blade to free her still. King Lot's son he rode full gallop--Meljakanz, what could he do 785 But spur his steed towards him? And many that joust must view. Who lay there behind his charger? He whom the gallant knight Of Norroway had smitten to earth with his spear of might. And many a knight and lady they looked on this joust so fair, And they spake in praise of Gawain, and his fame would aloud declare. 790 And the maidens right well might see it as they looked from the hall on high. Underfoot was Meljakanz trampled; many steeds did o'er him fly, And tare with their hoofs his surcoat, who fodder might taste no more,