I may not believe that, said the king, for Sir Palomides is a passing good knight.

That is very truth, said Sir Dinadan, but yet I saw him better proved, hand for hand.

And then he told the king all that battle, and how Sir Palomides was more weaker, and more hurt, and more lost of his blood.

And without doubt, said Sir Dinadan, had the battle longer lasted, Palomides had been slain.

O Jesu, said King Arthur, this is to me a great marvel.