Then did the two straightway prepare, horse and armor having been obtained for the younger man.
Not long did they battle however, for the kitchen boy proved Sir Kay's master right quickly. Whereupon, Sir Kay becoming furious, made great ado to wound his opponent. But could not do so; instead, the other brought him down with fearful stroke which crushed through helmet and all.
"If you please, now, Sir Launcelot, to joust with me, I shall find it great honor." So spoke the youth to the knight.
Then there was such a battle as none had seen in many months. Neither of these two brought to play his full, strength, yet right cleverly, each struck, counterstruck and brought his skill to play. Much marveled the knight at the youth.
Then finally, Sir Launcelot said.
"Your quarrel and mine, youth, is not so sore, we may not leave off."
"Truly, that is truth," replied the lad. "But it does me good to feel your might."
"So tell me your name, that I may dub you knight. Right gladly will I do so."
"My name," said the other, "is Gareth. I am brother to Gawaine. I made vow to prove myself worthy of knighthood by finding myself able to undergo the mean tasks as well as the noble ones."
So Sir Gawaine came forward wonderingly, to see this brother whom he had not seen since he was a babe.