And Marco replied: only this, that you found more of your kind than I of mine.
[1] Marco Lombardo is mentioned by Dante (Purg. XVI, 46). [↑]
XLV
How Lancelot fought at a fountain
Sir Lancelot was fighting one day at a fountain with a knight of Sansonia[1] whose name was [[117]]Aliban; and they fought keenly, with their swords, dismounted from their horses.
And when they paused to draw breath, they asked one another’s names.
Sir Lancelot replied: since you desire to hear my name, know that I am called Lancelot.
Then the combat began once more, and the knight spoke to Lancelot, and said: your name is deadlier to me than your prowess.