At the ends of the lists the squires caught the horses by the bridles and turned them.

The first course was run.
Again the clarions blew, and again they started forward, and presently again they met in mid career.

As before, the lances struck upon the shields; but so fearful was the impact, that Peter's shivered, while that of Morella, sliding from the topmost rim of his foe's buckler, got hold in his visor bars.

Back went Peter beneath the blow, back and still back, till almost he lay upon his horse's crupper.

Then, when it seemed that he must fall, the lacings of his helm burst.