The mounted knights, whose lances had been almost all broken by the fury of the encounter, were now closely engaged with their swords, shouting their war-cries, and exchanging buffets, as if honour and life depended on the issue of the combat.
The tumult was presently increased by the advance of the second rank on either side, which, acting as a reserve, now rushed on to aid their companions.

The followers of Brian de Bois-Guilbert shouted--"Ha! Beau-seant! Beau-seant! [20] "-- For the Temple--For the Temple!" The opposite party shouted in answer--"Desdichado! Desdichado!"-- which watch-word they took from the motto upon their leader's shield.
The champions thus encountering each other with the utmost fury, and with alternate success, the tide of battle seemed to flow now toward the southern, now toward the northern extremity of the lists, as the one or the other party prevailed.

Meantime the clang of the blows, and the shouts of the combatants, mixed fearfully with the sound of the trumpets, and drowned the groans of those who fell, and lay rolling defenceless beneath the feet of the horses.

The splendid armour of the combatants was now defaced with dust and blood, and gave way at every stroke of the sword and battle-axe.

The gay plumage, shorn from the crests, drifted upon the breeze like snow-flakes.