"It shall be done," said the duke. "And I am at your command all the days of my life, with a hundred knights in my train."
This said, the duke departed, leaving Gareth there alone. But not long had he stood when he saw another armed knight approaching. Then Gareth took the duke's shield, and mounted, waiting the new-comer, who rode upon him without a word of greeting. And now, for the first time, Gareth met his match, for the stranger knight held his seat unharmed, and wounded him in the side with his spear.
Then they alighted and drew their swords, and for two hours they fought, till the blood flowed freely from them both.
As they thus fought there came that way the damsel Linet, riding on an ambling mule. When she saw them, she cried,—
"Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave off fighting with thy brother Gareth."
When Gawaine, for it was indeed he, heard this, he threw down his shield and sword and ran to Gareth, whom he took in his arms, and then kneeled down and asked his mercy.
"Who are you," asked Gareth, "that one minute fight me so strongly and yield the next?"
"Oh, Gareth, I am your brother Gawaine."
Then Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled to him and asked his mercy. Both now rose and embraced each other, weeping so that it was long before they could speak. When their voices returned they entered into a brotherly contest, for each insisted that the other had won the battle. As they thus stood in loving converse, the damsel Linet came up to them, and stanched their wounds, from which the blood was flowing freely.
"What will you do now?" she asked. "It seems to me that my lord Arthur should have news of you, for your horses are too bruised to carry you."