No sooner were the words uttered, than the thundering tramp of the
steeds resounded, and the opponents met midway. Both their lances
were shivered; but as the king did not, in the slightest degree, change
his position, he was held to have the best of it. Courses were then run
by the others, with varied success, the Marquis of Dorset being
unhorsed by Sir Henry Norris, whose prowess was rewarded by the
plaudits of the assemblage, and what was infinitely more dear to him,
by the smiles of the queen.
"You have ridden well, Norris," cried Henry, advancing towards him.
"Place yourself opposite me, and let us splinter a lance together."
As Norris reined back his steed, in compliance with the injunction, the
tall monk stepped from out the line, and drawing near him, said, "If you
wish to prove victorious, aim at the upper part of the king's helmet."
And with these words he withdrew.
By the time Norris had placed his lance in the rest, the trumpet
sounded. The next moment the word was given, and the champions
started. Henry rode with great impetuosity, and struck Norris in the
gorget with such good will that both he and his steed were shaken.
But Norris was more fortunate.
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