_How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last smote off
his head._
Now take thy horse: since I am ladyless I will win thy lady and I may.
Then they took their horses and came together as it had been the
thunder; and Sir Tristram smote Sir Breunor clean from his horse, and
lightly he rose up; and as Sir Tristram came again by him he thrust his
horse throughout both the shoulders, that his horse hurled here and
there and fell dead to the ground. And ever Sir Breunor ran after to
have slain Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram was light and nimble and
voided his horse lightly. And or ever Sir Tristram might dress his
shield and his sword, the other gave him three or four sad strokes.
Then they rushed together like two boars, tracing and traversing
mightily and wisely as two noble knights. For this Sir Breunor was a
proved knight, and had been, or then, the death of many good knights,
that it was pity that he had so long endured. Thus they fought, hurling
here and there nigh two hours, and either were wounded sore. Then at
the last Sir Breunor rushed upon Sir Tristram, and took him in his
arms, for he trusted much in his strength. Then was Sir Tristram called
the strongest and the highest knight of the world, for he was called
bigger than Sir Launcelot, but Sir Launcelot was better breathed. So
anon Sir Tristram thrust Sir Breunor down groveling, and then he
unlaced his helm and strake off his head. And then all they that longed
to the castle came to him and did him homage and fealty, praying him
that he would abide there still a little while to fordo that foul
custom. Sir Tristram granted thereto. The meanwhile one of the knights
of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad, the haut prince, the which was Sir
Breunor’s son, which was a noble knight, and told him what misadventure
his father had and his mother.