On the sword-fight raged, so long that even the stronger weakened: the flesh of both was black and blue from the blows that they’d exchanged. But Perceval, naked sword in hand, launched himself at his foe once more, and with a backward cut caught
the knight in the side, so hard that he slashed mail rings from his hauberk – it wasn’t worth a farthing against that sword! – and sliced so deep into his flesh that the bowels came spilling out. But the Knight of the Dragon was tough and strong; when he felt the blow he summoned all his strength – before Perceval killed him he’d sell his life dearly if he could! – and flinging down his sword of steel, resolved to win or lose all, he ran and seized Perceval round the waist in an agonising hold. Perceval likewise gripped the knight as he drew him tight into his grasp; but the knight didn’t loose his
hold at all – his strength was great indeed. Both knights strove with might and main for the honour of victory.

Suddenly a girl came galloping up on a piebald palfrey, summoning all the speed she could; but she wouldn’t address the fighting knights as they pummelled each other with their fists – instead she dismounted, picked up Perceval’s shield and mounted again that instant. Perceval, embroiled in battle, suddenly saw she’d hung the shield from her neck and was carrying it off. He was none too pleased – he was furious! He had the Dragon Knight now with his back bent double, and he couldn’t resist, for his wound was giving him terrible pain, splitting open and pouring blood; and Perceval kept pounding him with his fists till he battered him to the ground and laid him out flat.

Gerbert's Continuation of Perceval