Then, seeing the two errant knights, he asked them what they did there. They answered that they were from Arthur's court, and had ridden in search of adventures.
"Then you can have one here," said Marhaus. "I shall be glad to joust with you."
He rode away from them to the proper range, without waiting for a reply.
"Let him go," said Uwaine. "I fear he is more than our match."
"I care not if he is," said Gawaine. "However good a knight he be, he shall not challenge us unanswered."
"Then let me meet him first. I am the weaker, and if he strikes me down you can revenge me."
With these words Uwaine took his place and rode against the Irish knight, but with such ill fortune that he was hurled to the earth with a wounded side. When Gawaine saw this he prepared for the joust, and the two knights rode together with great force. But, as luck would have it, Gawaine's spear broke, while that of Marhaus held firm. In consequence, both Gawaine and his horse went to the ground.
In an instant the knight was on his feet, sword in hand, and advancing towards his adversary. Marhaus drew his sword and moved upon him mounted.
"Meet me on foot," cried Gawaine, "or I will kill your horse."
"Gramercy, you teach me courtesy," said Marhaus, "It is not fair for one knight to be on foot and the other on horse."