Page:Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical setting (IA cu31924026512263).pdf/122

 to pay tribute to the Danes. King Aethelstan asked his assembled men if they knew any knight who would dare to fight against Colbrond, but they all stood silent with downcast eyes. The king could not sleep that night, and was praying incessantly that God might send some one to champion the cause of England, when an angel appeared before him and bade him arise early the following morning and go to church, where he would find a pilgrim who would undertake the fight against the giant. Early the next morning the king met the pilgrim. The latter at first declined the king's behest, pleading feebleness and old age, but finally consented. On the day appointed the pilgrim went to the spot where the combat was to take place, knelt down and prayed for victory. Then came Colbrond on foot, for he was too heavy for any horse. All his armor was black, and his appearance such as to make one shudder. Guy rode towards him and the combat began. The giant cut Guy's steed in two without much delay. Guy was then obliged to fight on foot, and he was scarcely able to reach his adversary's shoulder with his sword. Nevertheless he succeeded in inflicting an ugly wound on Colbrond, who returned the blow, cutting Guy's shield in twain. A moment later Guy struck a vigorous blow with his sword and broke it. Thereupon he seized one of the axes of the giant, who immediately drove his sword at him with all his might, but missed him, the sword going three feet into the earth. While he was stooping to pull it out, Guy cut off his right arm. The giant made a desperate effort to extricate his weapon with his left, but before he could do so, Guy severed his head from the body. Thus was Colbrond, champion of the Danes, vanquished, and the invaders, true to their word, boarded their ships and returned to their country.

Guy was led back into the town of Winchester in a great triumphal procession. King Aethelstan wished to