But Sir Tristano didn't refuse the joust at all. Instead, he accepted the challenge, and each of them struck the other a great blow on his shield. Tristano seemed to not even feel Sir Chieso's blow: he did not even bend over the saddlebow. Rather he hit Chieso such a blow that he fell heavily to the earth, wounded. Then he overcame both Gariette and Agravano without even breaking his lance, and without another word rode off on his way.

La Tavola Ritonda