Editiones Arnamagnæanæ. Series B - 01.10.1983, Side 262

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A1 auld that two men release [from obligation] all this army
between you two, such that each would ride forward from
his host, and let that one have the victory whom God wishes, 75
and that one of us two all France who has the braver knight-
hood.”
After that this opportunity was offered to the king of the 78
Bretons with all these conditions which already were made.
He answered: “Well and bravely is this offered which you
offer.” But nevertheless he said he himself wanted to ride 81
on his own behalf, because that he thought he knew, that he
conquered each one who rode against him. But he was not
willing to ride against a lesser man than an earl or the son 84
of an earl.
Now King Hlodvir had all those knights gathered together
that two men settle this war by their duel, one from your host
and the other from his, and let him have France in peace who
has braver knights and wins this duel. This opportunity was
offered to the king of the Bretons, and he agreed immediately
with that condition which was mentioned before and that other
one, that he himself wanted to ride on behalf of his host A3.
86 knights] men A3. 87 when—king] -í- A3. 88-89 and thus—
b1 —that those two men who were the most valiant would ride
forward from each of these hosts, and that that one of you
would have this kingdom who won the victory.” To the
king and all the other men this seemed a good plan, and
they thought they knew that the king of the Bretons would
rather take this choice and would himself want to ride
forward from his host. But they did not think they knew
who would want to ride against him, because many men
had tried that, and all had been defeated by him.
Now this opportunity was offered to the king of the
Bretons with all those conditions which they had already
discussed. He responded to this matter very well and bravely
and said he was very eager to accept now this opportunity
from them and said he himself would ride out from his
army, because he had no doubt about it, that he would win,
who ever might come against him. He said he was not
willing to ride out except against the king himself, or prince,
or earl, or other such chieftains.'
Now they parted in this matter, and the king of the