At this I made answer that my place was with the Maid, and, as for better men, bigger he might well be, but I, for one, was not content to look on idly where blows were being dealt.

He answered in such terms that I bade him follow me, and see which of us would fare furthest into the press.
"And for that you may be swifter of foot than I, as you have longer legs," I cried, "clasp hands on this bargain, and let us reach the palisades with the same step." To this he agreed, and D'Aulon not refusing permission (for he loved to look on a vaillance), we, clasping hands, ran together swiftly, and struck our swords in the same moment against the wooden fence.

A little opening there was, not yet closed, or he that kept it deemed he might win more honour by holding it with his body.

He was a great knight and tall, well armed, the red cross of St.George on his breast, and he fought with a mighty sword.

Together, then, we made at him, two to one, as needs must be, for this was no gentle passage of arms, but open battle.