the riders lay rolling on the plain

I will never mount steed more, said the youth; farewell — I love thee better dying, than ever I thought to have done while in life — I would that old man’s blood were not on my hand!— Sancte Benedicte, ora pro me — Stand not to look on a dying man, but haste to save the Queen!
These words were spoken with the last effort of his voice, and scarce were they uttered ere the speaker was no more. They recalled Roland to a sense of the duty which he had well-nigh forgotten, but they did not reach his ears only.
The Queen — where is the Queen? said Halbert Glendinning, who, followed by two or three horsemen, appeared at this instant. Roland made no answer, but, turning his horse, and confiding in his speed, gave him at once rein and spur, and rode over height and hollow towards the Castle of Crookstone. More heavily armed, and mounted upon a horse of less speed, Sir Halbert Glendinning followed with couched lance, calling out as he rode, Sir, with the holly-branch, halt, and show your right to bear that badge — fly not thus cowardly, nor dishonour the cognizance thou deservest not to wear!— Halt, sir coward, or by Heaven, I will strike thee with my lance on the back, and slay thee like a dastard — I am the Knight of Avenel — I am Halbert Glendinning.
But Roland, who had no purpose of encountering his old master, and who, besides, knew the Queen’s safety depended on his making the best speed he could, answered not a word to the defiances and reproaches which Sir Halbert continued to throw out against him; but making the best use of his spurs, rode yet harder than before, and had gained about a hundred yards upon his pursuer, when, coming near to the yew-tree where he had left the Queen, he saw them already getting to horse, and cried out as loud as he could, Foes! foes!— Ride for it, fair ladies — Brave gentlemen, do your devoir to protect them!
So saying, he wheeled his horse, and avoiding the shock of Sir Halbert Glendinning, charged one of that Knight’s followers, who was nearly on a line with him, so rudely with his lance, that he overthrew horse and man. He then drew his sword and attacked the second, while the black man-at-arms, throwing himself in the way of Glendinning, they rushed on each other so fiercely, that both horses were overthrown, and the riders lay rolling on the plain. Neither was able to arise, for the black horseman was pierced through with Glendinning’s lance, and the Knight of Avenel, oppressed with the weight of his own horse and sorely bruised besides, seemed in little better plight than he whom he had mortally wounded.
Yield thee, Sir Knight of Avenel, rescue or no rescue, said Roland, who had put a second antagonist out of condition to combat, and hastened to prevent Glendinning from renewing the conflict.
I may not choose but yield, said Sir Halbert, since I can no longer fight; but it shames me to speak such a word to a coward like thee!
Call me not coward, said Roland, lifting his visor, and helping his prisoner to rise, since but for old kindness at thy hands, and yet more at thy lady’s, I had met thee as a brave man should.