He rejoiced greatly to adventure himself against Gawain,
whose praise was so often in the mouths of men. Should he return
living from the battle, sweetly could he boast before the ladies
of Rome. The paladins strove with lifted arm and raised buckler.
Marvellous blows they dealt with the sword. They pained themselves
greatly, doing all that craft might devise to bring the combat to an
end. Neither of them flinched, nor gave back before the other. Pieces
were hewn from the buckler, and sparks flew from the brands. They
joined together, smiting above and thrusting under, two perfect
knights, two gentle paladins, so fierce and so terrible, that had they
been left to themselves very quickly must one have come to a fair end.
The Roman legions recovered from the panic into which they had fallen.
They ranged themselves beneath the golden eagle, and brought succour
to the emperor at the moment of his utmost need. The legions swept
the Britons before them, and won again the field from which they
were driven. Arthur watched the fortunes of the day. He marked the
discomfiture of his host, and hearkened to the triumphant shouts of
the legionaries. He could not, and dared not, wait longer. Arthur
hastened with his chosen company to the battle.
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