1 At length the barriers were opened, and five knights, chosen by lot, advanced slowly into the area; a single champion riding in front, and the other four following in pairs.
2 All eyes were turned to see the new champion which these sounds announced, and no sooner were the barriers opened than he paced into the lists.
3 Over this champion the Disinherited Knight obtained a slight but decisive advantage.
4 I cannot guess," answered De Bracy, "nor did I think there had been within the four seas that girth Britain a champion that could bear down these five knights in one day's jousting.
5 Boast not of that," said a Knight of St John, who was present; "your Temple champion had no better luck.
6 At length the champion paused beneath the balcony in which the Lady Rowena was placed, and the expectation of the spectators was excited to the utmost.
7 Both displayed great feats of gallantry, nor did either Bois-Guilbert or the Disinherited Knight find in the ranks opposed to them a champion who could be termed their unquestioned match.
8 Prince John had now no further excuse for resisting the claim of the Disinherited Knight, whom, therefore, he named the champion of the day.
9 On the lower step of this throne the champion was made to kneel down.
10 There is more than mere strength, there seems as if the whole soul and spirit of the champion were given to every blow which he deals upon his enemies.
11 On either side rode Conrade of Mont-Fitchet, and Albert de Malvoisin, who acted as godfathers to the champion.
12 Malvoisin, then, acting as godfather of the champion, stepped forward, and laid the glove of the Jewess, which was the pledge of battle, at the feet of the Grand Master.
13 "No champion appears for the appellant," said the Grand Master.
14 The Judges had now been two hours in the lists, awaiting in vain the appearance of a champion.
15 I may not deny what thou hast challenged," said the Grand Master, "provided the maiden accepts thee as her champion.