So at the last they smote together that both their swords met even together.

But the sword of the knight smote King Arthur's sword in two pieces, wherefore he was heavy.
Then said the knight unto Arthur, Thou art in my daunger whether me list to save thee or slay thee, and but thou yield thee as overcome and recreant, thou shalt die.

As for death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to yield me unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so shamed.

And therewithal the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took him by the middle and threw him down, and raced off his helm.

When the knight felt that he was adread, for he was a passing big man of might, and anon he brought Arthur under him, and raced off his helm and would have smitten off his head..