"Make ready, then, for here is for you."
Then they spurred their horses and rode together at full speed, Dinadan breaking his spear, while Epinegris struck him so shrewd a blow that he rolled upon the earth.
"How now?" cried Tristram. "It seems to me that the lover has best sped."
"Will you play the coward?" queried Dinadan. "Or will you, like a good knight, revenge me?"
"I am not in the mood," answered Tristram. "Take your horse, Sir Dinadan, and let us get away from here, where hard blows are more plentiful than soft beds."
"Defend me from such fellowship as yours!" roared Dinadan. "Take your way and I will take mine. We fit not well together."
"I might give you news of Sir Tristram."
"Sir Tristram, if he be wise, will seek better company. I can do without your news, as I have had to do without your help," and he rode on in high dudgeon.
"Farewell, then," cried Tristram, laughing. "It may happen we shall soon meet again."
Tristram rode back in much amusement to Joyous Gard, but on coming near he heard in the neighboring town a great outcry.