Hartmann von Aue *Erec*, trans. Thomas L. Keller Vol. 12, Series B, Garland Library of Medieval Literature New York and London: Garland, 1987 [9070] Quickly he returned to where he had left his horse. He strapped on his helmet and prepared himself at once. He mounted his horse quickly. The other did not neglect to prepare himself likewise. Each of them took his shield and drew it close to his body. The lord of the park and the guest urged on their horses. Truly they both showed fierce anger. They spurred the horses on and charged at each other with all their strength. The oaken shafts were lowered and aimed at the four nails over the handgrip. Their aim was good and they both hit the mark. The spears passed through the shields and went in as far as the hand. The strong shafts remained whole, however forcefully they had been driven. They pulled out their lances again with manly eagerness and rode away from each other, the two like- minded men, both intending to joust again. The horses were again spurred roughly and firmly, and driven together a second time. Here began a love affair for a great prize. They needed no bed to make love. The goal of their love was such that whoever lay down would be rewarded with death. They kissed one another on the breast with their lances through the shields with such passion that the oaken shafts splintered right down to the hand so that the chips flew like dust. .