his hand a golden banner, beneath which he galloped merrily into the lists, and there called wrathfully on Stilfrid, saying: “Stilfrid! whither hast thou betaken thyself? Didst thou not know that I was left? Thou needest not plume thyself on the eleven, for I would overthrow four-and-twenty such; therefore it will be evil for thee, if thou fightest with me.” And thus he reviled him greatly, till Stilfrid laughing thereat said: “On my faith, why should I not dare to fight with thee? Unless it be for the costly armour that glitters on thee? Therefore, Zibrid! if the Lord God helpeth me to reach thee in career, verily the roses must fall in showers from thee! Let the daughter of the King of England aid thee; I take for aid my God and S. Wenceslas.” And when he sprang on his horse, it bounded and curvetted proudly beneath him. After waiting a short time, he gave honour and praise to God and said: “Give me the lion-coloured pennon, that colour signifies the honour and praise of my Bohemian nation.” In graceful and dignified manner he rode into the lists against Zibrid and many thousands of people were spectators thereby.
