Sagremor said, “Gladly!” and that he would rather die than fail to avenge his companions. He aimed the head o his
horse toward Morholt and went toward him as fast as he could. Morholt, who had taken Dodinel the Wild’s lance, for his own was broken, little doubted that he would do to Sagremor what he had done to the others and charged toward him. Sagremor struck with all his strength, expecting to knock Morholt to the ground; he broke through his shield and hauberk and drove the point of his lance straight as an arrow into Morholt’s side, at which his lance shattered. And Morholt, who came bellowing like thunder, having delivered many great blows, struck Sagremor so painfully that he pierced his shield and hauberk and gave him a large wound in the chest, bearing him violently to the ground over his horse’s croup. When he expected to pass by, his horse struck against Sagremor’s horse, so that he fell to the ground. Sad that his horse had fallen, he stood up as nimbly as he could, for his wound had bled a great deal. Sagremor, who had already stood up and recovered his strength, came toward Morholt, his sword raised on high. Morholt, seeing clearly that he must fight, did the
same. Then began a bout of marvelous swordplay, and with their sharp swords they drove each other now this way, now that. They showed clearly that they did not love each other. The first assault lasted until both needed rest more than combat, and they were forced to pause. Morholt, who had labored less than Sagremor, looked at Sagremor, saw that he was young, and took a liking to him.

He felt pity for him and said to him out loud, “Sir knight, you and I have fought long enough for each to know what the other can do. Our quarrel isn’t so great; if you like, our battle can end. I beg you of your courtesy to tell me your name, for I greatly desire to know it because of the knightly skill I have found in you.”

When Sagremor heard Morholt speak this way, he was filled with joy, for he saw that ultimately he could not stand against him.

Post-Vulgate Merlin