The poised and valiant Perceval gripped his sword of steel, vowing to drive them from the field or consider himself of little worth. He spurred his fine charger on and plunged into the thickest press; he felled two knights of high renown – companions
of Gawain they were: one was the worthy Lancelot and the other the proud Agravain. Then he struck out to left and right: all could declare with certainty that the master of all knights had come! That was soon agreed by all, and rightly so, I’d say! Through the press he charged back and forth, unstoppable, driving opponents back on every side, and thanks to him the Irish were resurgent. Then the Scottish king clashed with Yvain; they smashed their lances utterly, but neither was unhorsed and they let each other be. The mêlée now was general.
King Arthur withdrew from the press and sat watching the feats of Perceval – not that he recognised him. He saw him holding his charger still in the very middle of the fray, and striking and repelling the very finest of his household; he saw that no one could prevent him doing exactly as he wished; he saw him carving the press apart with his naked sword; he saw him single-handedly restore the fortunes of the foe; he saw him display sufficient might to earn the whole wide world’s esteem; he saw that if he’d wanted booty he could have captured steeds and knights at will. His courage and strength were such that he feared no man of woman born. Brien of the Isles and his men were at his side all day: what a fine companion they’d found in him! A wall, a fortress!

Second Continuation of Perceval