_How Sir Lionel slew Sir Colgrevance, and how after he would have slain
Sir Bors._
Then oft Colgrevance cried upon Sir Bors, Why will ye let me die here
for your sake? if it please you that I die for you the death, it will
please me the better for to save a worthy man. With that word Sir
Lionel smote off the helm from his head. Then Colgrevance saw that he
might not escape; then he said, Fair sweet Jesu, that I have misdone
have mercy upon my soul; for such sorrow that my heart suffereth for
goodness, and for alms deed that I would have done here, be to me
aligement of penance unto my soul’s health. At these words Lionel smote
him so sore that he bare him to the earth. So when he had slain
Colgrevance, he ran upon his brother as a fiendly man, and gave him
such a stroke that he made him stoop; and he, that was full of
humility, prayed him, for God’s love to leave this battle: For and it
befell, fair brother, that I slew you, or ye me, we should be dead of
that sin. Never God me help but if I have on you mercy, and I may have
the better hand. Then drew Bors his sword, all weeping, and said, Fair
brother, God knoweth mine intent. Ah, fair brother, ye have done full
evil this day to slay such an holy priest, the which never trespassed.
Also ye have slain a gentle knight, and one of our fellows. And well
wot ye that I am not afeard of you greatly, but I dread the wrath of
God; and this is an unkindly war, therefore God shew miracle upon us
both. Now God have mercy upon me, though I defend my life against my
brother. With that Bors lift up his hand, and would have smitten his
brother.