Bab Bab 4 · OF SIR TRISTRAM

There was a knight that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the

country of Lyonesse, and this King Meliodas was as likely a man as any

was at that time living. And by fortune he wedded King Mark's sister of

Cornwall, whose name was Elizabeth, and she was a right fair lady and a

good.

[And it befell on a day that a certain enchantress wrought as he rode

on hunting, for he was a great hunter, and made him chase an hart by

himself till that he came to an old castle, and there she took him

prisoner. Now when Queen Elizabeth missed her husband King Meliodas,

she was nigh out of her wit; and she took a gentlewoman with her and

ran far into the forest and took such cold that she might not recover.

And when she saw] that the deep draughts of death took her, that needs

she must die and depart out of this world [and] there was none other

boot [_aid, or hope_], she made great moan and sorrow, and said unto

her gentlewoman: "When ye see my lord King Meliodas, recommend me unto

him, and tell him what pains I endure for his love, and how I must die

here for his sake, and for default of good help, and let him wit that

I am full sorry to depart out of this world from him, therefore pray

him to be good friend unto my soul. And I charge thee, gentlewoman,

that thou beseech my lord King Meliodas, that when my son shall

be christened let him be named Tristram, that is as much to say as

sorrowful birth."

And therewithal this Queen Elizabeth gave up her ghost, and died in the

same place. Then the gentlewoman laid her under the shadow of a great

tree.

* * * * *

[And it so happened that after seven years King Meliodas took him a

second wife, and wedded King Howell's daughter of Brittany. And the new

queen was jealous of young Tristram in the behalf of her own children,

and put poison for Tristram to drink. But by strange hap her own son

drank the poison and died. Then again she put poison in some drink for

Tristram; and] by fortune the King Meliodas her husband found the piece

[_cup_] with the wine whereas the poison was in, and he, that was most

thirsty, took the piece for to drink thereof, and as he would have

drunken thereof the queen espied him, and then she ran unto him and

pulled the piece from him suddenly. The king marvelled why she did so,

and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain with poison. And then

he took her by the hand, and thus said to her: "Thou false traitress,

thou shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or else I shall slay

thee." And therewith he pulled out his sword, and swore a great oath

that he would slay her but if she told him truth.

"Ah! mercy, my lord," said she, "and I shall tell you all."

And then she told him why that she would have slain Tristram, because

her children should rejoice the land.

"Well," said King Meliodas, "therefore shall ye have the law."

And so she was damned [_condemned_] by the assent of the barons to be

burnt; and then there was made a great fire, and right as she was at

the fire for to take her execution, young Tristram kneeled down before

King Meliodas, his father, and besought him to give him a boon.

"I will well," said the king.

Then said young Tristram, "Give me the life of your queen, my

stepmother."

"That is unrightfully asked," said his father, King Meliodas, "for she

would have slain thee with that poison and she might have had her will,

and for thy sake most is my cause that she should die."

"Sir," said Tristram, "as for that I beseech you of your mercy that ye

will forgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her, and I do,

and so much it liketh your highness to grant me my boon, for God's love

I pray you hold your promise."

"Sith it is so," said the king, "I will that ye have her life and give

her to you, and go ye to the fire and take her, and do with her what ye

will."

So young Tristram went to the fire, and, by the command of the king,

delivered her from the death.

And by the good means of young Tristram he made the king and her accord.

* * * * *

And then [King Meliodas] let ordain a gentleman that was well learned

and taught; his name was Gouvernail; and he sent young Tristram with

Gouvernail into France, to learn the language, and nurture, and deeds

of arms. And there was Tristram more than seven years. And then when

he well could speak the language, and had learned all that he might

learn in that country, then he came home to his father King Meliodas

again. And so Tristram learned to be an harper passing all other,

that there was none such called in no country, and so in harping and

on instruments of music he applied him in his youth for to learn. And

after as he grew in might and strength he laboured ever in hunting and

in hawking, so that never gentleman more, that ever we heard tell of.

* * * * *

Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent to King Mark of

Cornwall for his truage [_tribute_], which Cornwall had paid many

winters afore time, and all that time King Mark was behind of the

truage for seven years. And King Mark and his barons gave unto the

messenger of Ireland this answer, and said that they would none pay,

and bade the messenger go unto his King Anguish and tell him, "that we

will pay him no truage; but tell your lord, and he will always have

truage of us of Cornwall, bid him send a trusty knight of his land

that will fight for his right, and we shall find another to defend our

right." With this answer the messenger departed into Ireland. And when

King Anguish understood the answer of the messenger, he was wondrous

wroth; and then he called unto him Sir Marhaus the good knight that was

nobly proved, and a knight of the Round Table. And this Sir Marhaus was

brother unto the Queen of Ireland. Then the king [prayed Sir Marhaus

that he would go and fight for his truage of Cornwall].

"Sir," said Sir Marhaus, "wit [_know_] ye well that I shall not be loth

to do battle in the right of you and your land with the best knight of

the Round Table, for I know what their deeds be, and for to increase my

worship [_worth-ship_] I will right gladly go to this journey for our

right."

So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and so he

departed out of Ireland, and arrived up in Cornwall, even fast by the

castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark understood that he was there

arrived to fight for Ireland, then made King Mark great sorrow. For

they knew no knight that durst have ado with him. For at that time Sir

Marhaus was called one of the famousest and renowned knights of the

world.

And thus Sir Marhaus abode in the sea, and every day he sent unto King

Mark for to pay the truage that was behind of seven year, or else to

find a knight to fight with him for the truage. Then they of Cornwall

let make cries in every place, that what knight would fight for to save

the truage of Cornwall he should be rewarded so that he should fare the

better the term of his life. Then some of the barons said to King Mark,

and counselled him to send to the court of King Arthur for to seek Sir

Launcelot du Lake. Then there were some other barons that counselled

the king not to do so, and said that it was labour in vain, because Sir

Marhaus was a knight of the Round Table, therefore any of them will be

loth to have ado with other. So the king and all his barons assented

that it was no boot [_help_] to seek any knight of the Round Table.

When young Tristram heard of this he was wroth and sore ashamed that

there durst no knight in Cornwall have ado with Sir Marhaus of Ireland.

* * * * *

Therewithal Sir Tristram went unto his father King Meliodas, and asked

him counsel what was best to do for to recover the country of Cornwall

for truage. "For as me seemeth," said Sir Tristram, "it were shame that

Sir Marhaus, the queen's brother of Ireland, should go away, unless

that he were not fought withal."

"As for that," said King Meliodas, "wit ye well, my son Tristram, that

Sir Marhaus is called one of the best knights of the world, and knight

of the Round Table, and therefore I know no knight in this country that

is able to match with him."

"Alas!" said Sir Tristram, "that I am not made knight, and if Sir

Marhaus should thus depart into Ireland, God let me never have worship;

and I were made knight I should match him; and sir," said Sir Tristram,

"I pray you to give me leave to ride unto mine uncle King Mark, and so

ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made knight."

"I will well," said King Meliodas, "that ye be ruled as your courage

will rule you."

And then Sir Tristram thanked his father much, and so made him ready

to ride into Cornwall. And in the mean while there came a messenger

with letters of love from the daughter of King Faramon of France, unto

Sir Tristram, that were full piteous letters, and in them were written

many complaints of love. But Sir Tristram had no joy of her letters,

nor regard unto her. Also she sent him a little brachet [_hunting

hound_] that was passing fair. But when the king's daughter understood

that Tristram would not love her, she died for sorrow. So this young

Sir Tristram rode unto his uncle King Mark of Cornwall. And when he

came there he heard say that there would no knight fight with Sir

Marhaus. Then went Sir Tristram unto his uncle and said,--

"Sir, if ye will give me the order of knighthood I will do battle with

Sir Marhaus."

"What are ye?" said the king, "and from whence be ye come?"

"Sir," said Tristram, "I come from King Meliodas that wedded your

sister, and a gentleman wit ye well I am."

King Mark beheld Sir Tristram, and saw that he was but a young man of

age, but he was passingly well made and big.

"Fair sir," said the king, "what is your name, and where were ye born?"

"Sir," said he again, "my name is Tristram, and in the country of

Lyonesse was I born."

"Ye say well," said the king, "and if ye will do this battle I shall

make you knight."

"Therefore I come to you," said Sir Tristram, "and for none other

cause."

But then King Mark made him knight. And therewithal anon as he had made

him knight, he sent a messenger unto Sir Marhaus with letters that said

that he had found a young knight ready for to take the battle to the

uttermost.

"It may well be," said Sir Marhaus; "but tell unto King Mark that I

will not fight with no knight but if he be of blood royal, that is to

say either king's son or queen's son, born of a prince or princess."

When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Lyonesse,

and told him what was the answer of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir

Tristram,--

"Since he sayeth so, let him wit that I am come of father's side and

mother's side of as noble blood as he is. For, sir, now shall ye know

that I am King Meliodas' son, born of your own sister dame Elizabeth,

that died in the forest in the birth of me."

"Yea!" said King Mark, "ye are welcome fair nephew to me."

Then in all the haste the king let horse Sir Tristram and arm him in

the best manner that might be had or gotten for gold or silver. And

then King Mark sent unto Sir Marhaus, and did him to wit [_let him

know_] that a better born man than he was himself should fight with

him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, [son of] King Meliodas,

and born of King Mark's sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad and blithe

that he should fight with such a gentleman. And so by the assent of

King Mark and Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight within

an island nigh Sir Marhaus' ships; and so was young Sir Tristram put

into a little vessel, both his horse and he, and all that to him

belonged both for his body and for his horse, so that Sir Tristram

lacked no manner thing. And when King Mark and his barons of Cornwall

beheld how young Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage [_that is,

carrying himself so bravely_] to fight for the right of Cornwall, wit

ye well there was neither man nor woman of worship but they wept for to

see so young a knight jeopard himself for their right.

* * * * *

For to make short this tale, that when Sir Tristram was arrived within

the island, then he looked to the further side, and there he saw at an

anchor six ships nigh to the land, and under the shadow of the ships,

upon the land, there hoved [_hovered_] the noble knight Sir Marhaus of

Ireland. And then Sir Tristram commanded his servant Gouvernail for to

bring his horse to the land, and dress his harness at all manner of

rights. And when he had so done, he mounted upon his horse. And when

he was in his saddle well apparelled, and his shield dressed upon his

shoulder, Sir Tristram asked Gouvernail, "Where is this knight that I

shall have to do withal?"

"Sir," said his servant Gouvernail, "see ye him not? I wend ye had seen

him, yonder he hoveth under the shadow of his ships upon horseback, and

his spear in his hand, and his shield upon his shoulder."

"It is truth," said Sir Tristram, "now I see him well enough."

And then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go again unto his

vessel, and commend him "unto mine uncle King Mark, and pray him that

if I be slain in this battle, for to bury my body as him seemeth

best, and, as for me, let him wit that I will never yield me for no

cowardice, and if I be slain and flee not, then have they lost no

truage for me. And if so be that I flee or yield me as recreant, bid

mine uncle never bury me in Christian burials. And upon my life," said

Sir Tristram to Gouvernail, "come thou not nigh this island till thou

see me overcome or slain, or else that I win yonder knight."

And so either departed from other weeping.

* * * * *

And then Sir Marhaus perceived Sir Tristram, and thus said unto him:

"Young knight Sir Tristram, what doest thou here? Me sore repenteth of

thy courage, for wit thou well I have matched with the best knights of

the world, and therefore by my counsel return again to thy ship."

"Fair knight and well proved knight," said Sir Tristram, "thou shalt

well wit that I may not forsake thee in this quarrel, for I am for

thy sake made knight, and thou shalt well wit that I am a king's son

born, and such promise have I made at mine uncle's request and mine own

seeking, that I shall fight with thee unto the uttermost, to deliver

Cornwall from the old truage. Also wit ye well, Sir Marhaus, that

for ye are called one of the best renowned knights of the world, and

because of that noise and fame that ye have, it will do me good to

have to do with you, for never yet sith [_since_] that I was born of

my mother was I proved with a good knight, and also sith I have taken

the high order of knighthood this day, I am right well pleased that I

may have to do with so good a knight as ye are. And now wit ye well,

Sir Marhaus of Ireland, that I cast me to win worship on thy body, I

trust to God I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy body and for to

deliver the country of Cornwall forever from all manner of truage from

Ireland."

And when the good knight Sir Marhaus had heard him say what him list,

then said he thus again: "Fair knight, sith it is so that thou castest

thee to win worship on me, I let thee wit that no worship maist thou

leese [_lose_] by me, if thou mayst stand me three strokes, for I let

you wit that for my noble deeds, proved and seen, King Arthur made me

knight of the Table Round." Then they began to feuter [_place in rest_]

their spears, and they met so fiercely together that they smote either

other down both horse and all. But Sir Marhaus smote Sir Tristram

a great wound in the side with his spear, and then they avoided

their horses, and pulled out their swords, and threw their shields

afore them, and then they lashed together as men than were wild and

courageous. And when they had stricken so together long, then they left

their strokes, and foined [_thrust, in feinting_]; and when they saw

that that might not prevail them, then they hurtled together like rams

to bear either other down. Thus they fought still more than half a day,

and either were wounded passing sore, that the blood ran down freshly

from them upon the ground. By then Sir Tristram waxed more fresher than

Sir Marhaus, and better winded and bigger, and with a mighty stroke he

smote Sir Marhaus upon the helm such a buffet, that it went through his

helm, and through the coif of steel, and through the brain-pan, and the

sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brain-pan that Sir Tristram

pulled thrice at his sword or ever he might pull it out from his head,

and there Marhaus fell down on his knees, [and a piece of] the edge of

Tristram's sword [was] left in his brain-pan. And suddenly Sir Marhaus

rose grovelling, and threw his sword and his shield from him, and

so ran to his ships and fled his way, and Sir Tristram had ever his

shield and his sword. And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw

him, he said, "Ah, sir knight of the Round Table, why withdrawest thou

thee; thou doest thyself and thy kin great shame, for I am but a young

knight, or now I was never proved, and rather than I should withdraw

me from thee, I had rather be hewn in an hundred pieces." Sir Marhaus

answered no word, but went his way sore groaning.

* * * * *

Anon Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as

soon as he came to the king his brother he let search his wounds. And

when his head was searched, a piece of Sir Tristram's sword was found

therein, and might never be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so

he died of Sir Tristram's sword, and that piece of the sword the queen

his sister kept it for ever with her, for she thought to be revenged

and she might.

Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and full

sore bled, that he might not within a little while when he had taken

cold scarcely stir him of his limbs. And then he set him down softly

upon a little hill, and bled fast. Then anon came Gouvernail his man

with his vessel, and the king and his barons came with procession, and

when he was come to the land, King Mark took him in both his arms, and

the king and Sir Dinas the seneschal led Sir Tristram into the castle

of Tintagil, and then were his wounds searched in the best manner, and

laid in bed. And when King Mark saw all his wounds, he wept right

heartily, and so did all his lords.

"So God me help," said King Mark, "I would not for all my lands that my

nephew died."

So Sir Tristram lay there a month and more, and was like to have died

of the stroke that Sir Marhaus had given him first with his spear. For,

as the French book saith, that spear's head was envenomed, that Sir

Tristram might not be whole thereof. Then was King Mark and all his

barons passing heavy, for they deemed none other but that Sir Tristram

should not recover. So the king let send after all manner of leeches

and surgeons, both men and women, and there was none that would warrant

him his life. Then came there a lady, which was a full wise lady, and

she said plainly unto King Mark and unto Sir Tristram and unto all the

barons, that he should never be whole, but if Sir Tristram went into

the same country that the venom came from, and in that country should

he be holpen or else never. When King Mark had well heard what the

lady said, forthwith he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair vessel, and

well victualled it, and therein was put Sir Tristram and Gouvernail

with him, and Sir Tristram took his harp with him, and so he was put

to sea, for to sail into Ireland, and so by good fortune he arrived up

into Ireland even fast by a castle where the king and the queen were,

and at his arriving he sat and harped in his bed a merry lay, such one

had they never heard in Ireland afore that time. And when it was told

the king and the queen of such a knight that was such a harper, anon

the king sent for him, and let search his wound, and then he asked him

what was his name. He answered and said,

"I am of the country of Lyonesse, and my name is Tramtrist, [and I

have] been wounded in a battle as I fought for a lady's right."

"Truly," said King Anguish, "ye shall have all the help in this land

that ye may have here. But I let you wit in Cornwall I had a great loss

as ever had king, for there I lost the best knight of the world, his

name was Marhaus, a full noble knight, and knight of the Table Round;"

and there he told Sir Tristram wherefore Sir Marhaus was slain. Sir

Tristram made semblant [_like_] as he had been sorry, and better knew

he how it was than the king.

* * * * *

Then the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his

daughter's ward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. And

when she had searched his wound, she found in the bottom of his wound

that there was poison, and within a little while she healed him, and

therefore Tramtrist cast great love to la Belle Isolde, for she was

at that time the fairest lady of the world, and then Sir Tramtrist

[taught] her to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy unto Sir

Tramtrist. And at that time Sir Palamides, that was a Saracen, was in

that country, and was well cherished both of the king and the queen,

and he proffered her many great gifts, for he loved her passing well.

And all that espied right well Sir Tramtrist, and full well he knew Sir

Palamides for a noble knight and a mighty man.

Thus was there great envy between Sir Tramtrist and Sir Palamides.

Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great joust and a great

tournament for a lady which was called the lady of the lawns, and she

was nigh cousin unto the king, and what man that should win her should

wed her three days after, and have all her lands. This cry was made in

England, Wales, and Scotland, and also in France and in Britain. It

befell upon a day la Belle Isolde came to Sir Tramtrist and told him of

this tournament.

"Ah! Tramtrist," said la Belle Isolde, "why will ye not have to do at

that tournament? well I wot Sir Palamides will be there and do what he

may, and therefore, Sir Tramtrist, I pray you to be there, for else Sir

Palamides is like to win the degree."

"Madam," said Sir Tramtrist, "as for that he may do so, for he is a

proved knight, and I am but a young knight and late made, and the

first battle that I did it mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see.

But and I wist [_if I knew_] that ye would be my better lady, at that

tournament I will be, so that ye will keep my counsel, and let no

creature have knowledge that I shall joust but yourself, and such as

ye will to keep your counsel; my poor person shall I jeopard there for

your sake, that peradventure Sir Palamides shall know when that I come."

"Thereto," said la Belle Isolde, "do your best, and as I can," said la

Belle Isolde, "I shall purvey horse and armor for you at my devise."

"As ye will so be it," said Sir Tramtrist, "I will be at your

commandment."

So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield,

and he overthrew many knights, that all the people had marvel of him.

For he put to the worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus,

Kay, Dodinas le Savage, Sagramor le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and

Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day Sir Palamides strake

down to the earth. And then all manner of knights were adread of Sir

Palamides, and many called him the knight with the black shield. So

that day Sir Palamides had great worship. Then came King Anguish unto

Tramtrist and asked him why he would not joust.

"Sir," said he, "I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare not adventure

me."

* * * * *

And so on the morn Sir Palamides made him ready to come into the field

as he did the first day. And there he smote down the king with the

hundred knights, and the King of Scotland. Then had la Belle Isolde

ordained and well arrayed Sir Tramtrist in white horse and harness.

And right so she let put him out at a privy postern, and so he came

into the field as it had been a bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides

espied him, and therewith he feutered [_laid in rest_] a spear unto Sir

Tramtrist, and he again unto him. And there Sir Tristram smote down Sir

Palamides unto the earth. And then there was a great noise of people:

some said Sir Palamides had a fall, some said the knight with the black

shield had a fall. And wit you well la Belle Isolde was passing glad.

And then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine had marvel what knight it

might be that had smitten down Sir Palamides. Then would there none

joust with Tramtrist, but all that were there forsook him, most and

least. And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well he

was sore ashamed; and as privily as he might he withdrew him out of

the field. All that espied Sir Tristram, and lightly he rode after Sir

Palamides, and overtook him, and bade him turn, for better he would

assay him or ever he departed. Then Sir Palamides turned him, and

either lashed at other with their swords. But at the first stroke Sir

Tristram smote down Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon the head

that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield him and do his

commandment, or else he would slay him. And when Sir Palamides beheld

his countenance, he dread sore his buffets, so that he granted him all

his asking.

"Well," said Sir Tristram unto him, "this shall be your charge. First,

upon pain of your life, that ye forsake my lady la Belle Isolde, and in

no manner of wise that ye draw unto her, and also these twelve months

and a day that ye bear none armor nor in like wise no harness of war.

Now promise me this, or here shalt thou die."

"Alas!" said Sir Palamides, "now am I for ever shamed."

And then he swore as Sir Tristram had commanded him. Then for great

despite and anger, Sir Palamides cut off his harness and threw it away.

And then Sir Tristram rode privily unto the postern where la Belle

Isolde kept him, and then she made him good cheer, and thanked God of

his good speed.

* * * * *

Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and

queen and namely [_likewise_] with la Belle Isolde. So upon a day the

queen and la Belle Isolde made a bayne [_bath_] for Sir Tramtrist, and

when he was in his bayne, the queen and her daughter la Belle Isolde

roamed up and down in the chamber, and there whiles Gouvernail and

Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the queen beheld his sword whereas

it lay upon his bed. And then by unhap the queen drew out his sword

and beheld it a long while, and both they thought it a passing fair

sword, but within a foot and an half of the point there was a great

piece broken out of the edge. And when the queen espied that gap in

the sword, she remembered of a piece of a sword that was found in the

brain-pan of the good knight Sir Marhaus that was her brother.

"Alas!" said she then to her daughter la Belle Isolde. "This is the

same traitorous knight that slew my brother thine uncle."

When la Belle Isolde heard her say so, she was then passing sore

abashed, for she loved Sir Tramtrist passingly well, and right well she

knew the cruelness of her mother the queen. And so anon therewith the

queen went in all the haste that she might unto her own chamber, and

then she sought in a coffer that she had, and there she found and took

out the piece of the sword that was taken out of her brother's head Sir

Marhaus, after that he was dead. And then anon she ran with the same

piece of iron unto Sir Tramtrist's sword which lay upon the bed, and

so when she put the same piece of steel and iron unto the same sword,

it was then as fit as ever it might be when it was first new broken.

And so forthwith the queen caught that sword fiercely in her hand, and

with all her might she ran straight unto Tramtrist where he sat in a

bayne, and there she had run him through had not Sir Hebes gotten her

in his arms and pulled the sword from her, and else she had thrust him

through. When she was thus letted of her evil will, she ran to King

Anguish her husband, and fell on her knees before him, saying, "Oh, my

lord and husband, here have ye in your house that traitor knight that

slew my brother and your servant, that noble knight Sir Marhaus."

"Who is that," said King Anguish, "and where is he?"

"Sir," said she, "it is Sir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter

hath healed."

"Alas!" said King Anguish, "therefore am I right neavy, for he is a

full noble knight as ever I saw in field, but I charge you," said the

king to the queen, "that ye have not to do with this knight, but let me

deal with him."

Then the king went into the chamber to Sir Tramtrist, that then was

gone unto his chamber, and then the king found him all armed, ready

to mount upon his horse. And when the king saw him all ready armed to

mount on horseback, the king said, "Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail

thee to compare against me. But thus much will I do for my worship,

and for thy love: in so much as thou art within this court, it were no

worship for me to slay thee, therefore upon this condition I will give

thee leave to depart from this court in safety, so that thou wilt tell

me who is thy father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew my brother

Sir Marhaus."

* * * * *

"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "now shall I tell you all the truth; my

father's name is Meliodas, King of Lyonesse, and my mother hight

Elizabeth, that was sister unto King Mark of Cornwall, and my mother

died of me in the forest, and because thereof she commanded or she died

that when I were christened that they should name me Tristram, and

because I would not be known in this country, I turned my name, and let

call me Tramtrist; and for the truage of Cornwall, I fought for mine

uncle's sake, and for the right of Cornwall that ye had possessed many

years. And wit ye well," said Tristram unto the king, "I did the battle

for the love of mine uncle King Mark, and for the love of the country

of Cornwall, and for to increase mine honor. For that same day that I

fought with Sir Marhaus I was made knight, and never or then did I know

battle with no knight, and from me he went alive, and left his shield

and his sword behind."

"Truly," said the king, "I may not say but ye did as a knight should,

and it was your part to do for your quarrel, and to increase your

worship as a knight should; howbeit I may not maintain you in this

country with my worship, unless that I should displease my barons, and

my wife, and her kin."

"Sir," said Tristram, "I thank you of your good lordship that I have

had with you here, and the great goodness my lady your daughter hath

showed me, and therefore," said Sir Tristram, "it may so happen that ye

shall win more by my life than by my death, for in the parts of England

it may happen I may do you service at some season that ye shall be glad

that ever ye showed me your good lordship. With more I promise you as I

am true knight, that in all places I shall be my lady your daughter's

servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I shall never fail her to

do as much as a knight may do. Also I beseech your good grace that I

may take my leave at my lady your daughter, and at all the barons and

knights."

"I will well," said the king.

Then Sir Tristram went unto la Belle Isolde, and took his leave of her.

And then he told her all, what he was, and how he had changed his name

because he would not be known, and how a lady told him that he should

never be whole till he came into this country where the poison was

made: "Wherethrough I was near my death, had not your ladyship been."

"Oh, gentle knight," said la Belle Isolde, "full woe am I of thy

departing, for I saw never man that I owed so good will to." And

therewithal she wept heartily.

"Madam," said Sir Tristram, "ye shall understand that my name is Sir

Tristram de Lyonesse, and I promise you faithfully that I shall be all

the days of my life your knight."

"Sir, gramercy," said la Belle Isolde, "and there again I promise you

that I shall not be married of this seven year but if it be by your

assent, and to whom ye will I shall be married, him shall I have, if he

will have me, if ye will consent."

And then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave him another, and

therewith he departed from her, leaving her making full great moan and

lamentation, and he went straight unto the court among all the barons,

and there he took his leave of most and least, and openly among them

all he said: "Fair lords, now it is so that I must depart from hence,

if there be any man here that I have offended unto, or that any man

be with me grieved, let him complain here before me or I depart from

hence, and I shall amend it unto my power. And if there be any that

will proffer me wrong, or to say of me wrong or shame behind my back,

say it now or never, and here is my body to make it good, body against

body."

And all they stood still, there was not one that would say one word,

yet were there some knights which were of the queen's blood and of Sir

Marhaus' blood, but they would not meddle with him.

So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea, and with good wind he

arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall. And when King Mark was whole and in

his prosperity, there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived and

whole of his wound, whereof King Mark was passing glad, and so were

all the barons. And when he saw his time, he rode unto his father King

Meliodas, and there he had all the cheer that the king and the queen

could make him. And then largely King Meliodas and his queen parted of

their lands and goods unto Sir Tristram. So then by the license [leave]

of King Meliodas his father, he returned again unto the court of King

Mark, and there he lived in great joy long time, until at the last

there befell a jealousy and an unkindness between King Mark and Sir

Tristram.

* * * * *

Then King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroy Sir

Tristram. And then he imagined in himself to send Sir Tristram

into Ireland for la Belle Isolde. For Sir Tristram had so praised

her beauty and her goodness that King Mark said he would wed her,

whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to take his way into Ireland for him

on message. And all this was done to the intent to slay Sir Tristram.

Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the message for no

danger nor peril that might fall for the pleasure of his uncle, but to

go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be devised.

So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea with all his fellowship. And

anon as he was in the broad sea, a tempest took him and his fellowship

and drove them back into the coast of England, and there they arrived

fast by Camelot, and full fain they were to take the land. And when

they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the land of

Camelot, and there he let hang his shield upon the pavilion.

* * * * *

Then when Sir Tristram was in his rich pavilion, Gouvernail his man

came and told him how King Anguish of Ireland was come there, and how

he was put in great distress; and there Gouvernail told to Sir Tristram

how King Anguish of Ireland was summoned and accused of murder.

"So God me help," said Sir Tristram, "these be the best tidings that

ever came to me this seven year, for now shall the King of Ireland have

need of my help, for I dare say there is no knight in this country that

is not of King Arthur's court dare do no battle with Sir Blamor de

Ganis; and for to win the love of the King of Ireland, I shall take the

battle upon me; and therefore, Gouvernail, I charge thee to bring me to

the king."

And so Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted him

fair. The king welcomed him, and asked him what he would.

"Sir," said Gouvernail, "here is a knight near hand which desireth to

speak with you; and he bade me say that he would do you service."

"What knight is he?" said the king.

"Sir," said he, "it is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, that for the good

grace that ye showed unto him in your land, he will reward you in this

country."

"Come on, good fellow," said the king, "with me, and show me Sir

Tristram."

So the king took a little hackney and a little company with him, until

he came unto Sir Tristram's pavilion. And when Sir Tristram saw King

Anguish, he ran unto him, and would have holden his stirrup. But anon

the king leapt lightly from his horse, and either halsed [_embraced_]

other in their arms.

"My gracious lord," said Sir Tristram, "gramercy of your great goodness

that ye showed to me in your marches and lands. And at that time I

promised you to do you service and ever it lay in my power."

"Ah, worshipful knight," said the king unto Sir Tristram, "now have I

great need of you; for never had I so great need of no knight's help."

"How so, my good lord?" said Sir Tristram.

"I shall tell you," said King Anguish; "I am summoned and appealed

from my country for the death of a knight that was kin unto the good

knight Sir Launcelot, wherefore Sir Blamor de Ganis, brother to Sir

Bleoberis, hath appealed me to fight with him, other [_or else_] to

find a knight in my stead. And well I wot," said the king, "these that

are come of King Ban's blood, as Sir Launcelot and these other, are

passing good knights, and hard men for to win in battle as any that I

know now living."

"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "for the good lordship ye showed me in

Ireland, and for my lady your daughter's sake, la Belle Isolde, I

will take the battle for you upon this condition that ye shall grant

me two things: that one is, that ye shall swear to me that ye are in

the right, that ye were never consenting to the knight's death; sir,

then," said Sir Tristram, "when that I have done this battle, if God

give me grace that I speed, that ye shall give me a reward, what thing

reasonable that I will ask of you."

"Truly," said the king, "ye shall have whatsoever ye will ask."

"It is well said," said Sir Tristram.

* * * * *

Then were the lists made ready, and Sir Tristram and Sir Blamor de

Ganis, in the presence of the kings, judges, and knights, feutered

[_laid in rest_] their spears and came together as it had been thunder,

and there Sir Tristram through great might smote down Sir Blamor and

his horse to the earth. Then anon Sir Blamor avoided his horse, and

pulled out his sword and threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir

Tristram alight; "for though an horse hath failed me, I trust the earth

will not fail me."

And then Sir Tristram alighted and dressed him unto battle, and there

they lashed together strongly as racing and tracing, foining and

dashing many sad strokes, that the kings and knights had great wonder

that they might stand, for ever they fought like two wild men, so

that there were never knights seen fight more fiercely than they did;

for Sir Blamor was so hasty that he would have no rest, that all men

wondered that they had breath to stand on their feet; all the place

was bloody that they fought in. And at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir

Blamor such a buffet upon the helm that he fell down upon his side, and

Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.

Then when Sir Blamor might speak, he said thus:--

"Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, I require thee, as thou art a noble knight,

and the best knight that ever I found, that thou wilt slay me out of

hand [_straightway_], for I had liever die with worship than live

with shame, and needs, Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else thou

shalt never win the field, for I will never say the loth word [_of

surrender_]; and therefore, if thou dare slay me, slay me, I require

thee."

And when Sir Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what to

do with him. And then Sir Tristram started aback and went to the kings

which were judges; and there he kneeled down before them, and besought

them for their worship, and for King Arthur and Sir Launcelot's sake,

that they would take this matter in their hands:

"For, fair lords," said Sir Tristram, "it were shame and pity that this

noble knight that yonder lieth should be slain, for ye may well hear

that shamed he will not be, and I pray to God that he never be slain

nor shamed for me. And as for the king for whom I do this battle, I

shall require him, as I am his true champion and true knight in this

field, that he will have mercy upon this good knight."

"So God me help," said King Anguish to Sir Tristram, "I will be ruled

for your sake as ye will have me. For I know you for my true knight,

and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here as judges for

to take it into their hands."

And then the kings which were judges called Sir Bleoberis unto them and

demanded his advice.

"My lord," said Sir Bleoberis, "though that my brother be beaten and

both the worse through might of arms, I dare well say though Sir

Tristram hath beaten his body he hath not beaten his heart; I thank

God he is not shamed this day. And rather than he should be shamed, I

require you," said Sir Bleoberis, "let Sir Tristram slay him out of

hand [_immediately_]."

"It shall not be so," said the kings, "for his adverse party, both the

king and the champion, hath pity of Sir Blamor's knighthood."

"My lords," said Sir Bleoberis, "I will right well as ye will."

Then the kings called to them the King of Ireland, and found him good

and treatable [_willing to agree_]. And then by all their advices Sir

Tristram and Sir Bleoberis took up Sir Blamor. And the two brethren

were accorded with King Anguish; and kissed each other and were made

friends for ever. And then Sir Blamor and Sir Tristram kissed each

other, and then the two brethren made their oaths that they would

never fight with Sir Tristram. And Sir Tristram made the same oath.

And for that gentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved Sir

Tristram for ever more. Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their

leave and sailed into Ireland with great joy and nobleness. So when

they were in Ireland, the king let make it be known throughout all the

land how and in what manner Sir Tristram had done for him. And then the

queen and all the estates that were there made as much of him as ever

they might make; but the joy that la Belle Isolde made of Sir Tristram,

that might no tongue tell, for of men living she loved him most.

* * * * *

Then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his

boon, for whatsoever he had promised him he should have it without fail.

"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "now is it time, this is all that I will

desire, that ye will give me la Belle Isolde, your daughter, not for

myself, but for mine uncle King Mark, that shall have her to wife, for

so have I promised him."

"Alas," said the king, "I had liever than all the land that I have ye

would wed her yourself."

"Sir, and I did, then were I shamed for ever in this world, and false

of my promise. Therefore," said Sir Tristram, "I pray you hold your

promise that ye promised me, for this is my desire, that ye will give

me la Belle Isolde to go with me into Cornwall, for to be wedded to

King Mark mine uncle."

"As for that," said King Anguish, "ye shall have her with you, to do

with her what it please you, that is for to say if that ye list to wed

her yourself, that is to me lievest, and if ye will give her unto King

Mark your uncle, that is in your choice."

So to make a short conclusion, la Belle Isolde was made ready to go

with Sir Tristram, and dame Bragwaine went with her for her chief

gentlewoman, with many other.

And anon they were richly wedded with great nobleness. But ever Sir

Tristram and la Belle Isolde loved ever together.

Then was there great jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and

ladies were at that feast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all

other.

* * * * *

[Then, as time passed by, Sir Tristram grieved sorely in his heart that

la Belle Isolde was wedded to King Mark, till that he became as a wood

man, and mounted his horse and rode forth into the forest away from

Tintagil. So Sir Palamides sent a damsel to inquire after Sir Tristram.]

And she went to the lady of [a certain] castle, and told her of the

misadventure of Sir Tristram.

"Alas," said the lady of that castle, "where is my lord Sir Tristram?"

"Right here by your castle," said the damsel.

"In good time," said the lady, "is he so nigh me: he shall have meat

and drink of the best, and a harp I have of his whereupon he taught

me,--for of goodly harping he beareth the prize in the world."

So this lady and the damsel brought him meat and drink, but he eat

little thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse from him, and

then he unlaced his armor, and then Sir Tristram would go into the

wilderness, and burst down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile, when

he found the harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp and play

thereupon and weep together. And sometime when Sir Tristram was in the

wood, that the lady wist not where he was, then would she sit her down

and play upon that harp; then would Sir Tristram come to that harp and

hearken thereto, and sometime he would harp himself. Thus he there

endured a quarter of a year. Then at the last he ran his way, and she

wist not where he was become. And then was he naked, and waxed lean

and poor of flesh, and so he fell into the fellowship of herdmen and

shepherds, and daily they would give him of their meat and drink. And

when he did any shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they

clipped him with shears and made him like a fool.

* * * * *

And upon a day Sir Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, came into Cornwall,

with two squires with him, and as they rode through the forest they

came by a fair well where Sir Tristram was wont to be, and the weather

was hot, and they alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile

their horses brake loose. Right so Sir Tristram came unto them, and

first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and after his squires, and

thereat laughed the shepherds, and forthwithal he ran after their

horses, and brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as they

were, he made them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram

endured here an half year naked, and would never come in town nor

village.

And there was a giant in that country that hight Tauleas, and for

fear of Sir Tristram more than seven years he durst not much go out at

large, but for the most part he kept him in a sure castle of his own.

And so this Sir Tauleas heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead by the

noise of the court of King Mark, and then Sir Tauleas went daily at

large. And so it happened upon a day he came to the herdmen wandering

and lingering, and there he set him down to rest among them. The

meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that led a lady with him,

and his name was Sir Dinant. And when the giant saw him, he went from

the herdmen and hid him under a tree. And so the knight came to the

well, and there he alighted to rest him. And as soon as he was from his

horse, the giant Sir Tauleas came between the knight and his horse, and

leaped upon him. So forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant, and took him by

the collar, and drew him before him on his horse, and there would have

stricken off his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram, "Help

yonder knight."

"Help ye him," said Sir Tristram.

"We dare not," said the herdmen.

Then Sir Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight where it lay, and

thither he ran and took up the sword, and smote off Sir Tauleas' head,

and so went his way to the herdmen again.

* * * * *

Then the knight took up the giant's head, and bare it with him unto

King Mark, and told him what adventure betid him in the forest, and how

a naked man rescued him from the grimly giant Tauleas.

"Where had ye this adventure?" said King Mark.

"Forsooth," said Sir Dinant, "at the fair fountain in your forest,

where many adventurous knights meet, and there is the mad man."

"Well," said King Mark, "I will see that mad man."

So within a day or two King Mark commanded his knights and his hunters

that they should be ready on the morrow for to hunt. And on the morrow

he went unto the forest. And when the king came to the well, he found

there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. Then the

king blew and screked [_called shrilly_] and therewith his knights came

to him. And then the king commanded his knights to take that naked man

with fairness, "and bring him to my castle." So they did softly and

fair, and cast mantles upon Sir Tristram, and so led him unto Tintagil;

and there they bathed him and washed him, and gave him hot suppings,

till they had brought him well to his remembrance. But all this while

there was no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man he was. So

it fell upon a day that the queen la Belle Isolde heard of such a man

that ran naked in the forest, and how the king had brought him home

to the court. Then la Belle Isolde called unto her dame Bragwaine,

and said, "Come on with me, for we will go see this man that my lord

brought from the forest the last day."

So they passed forth, and asked where was the sick man. And then a

squire told the queen that he was in the garden taking his rest,

and reposing him against the sun. So when the queen looked upon Sir

Tristram she was not remembered of [_did not remember_] him. But

ever she said unto dame Bragwaine, "Me seemeth I should have seen him

heretofore in many places."

But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew her well enough, and then

he turned away his visage and wept. Then the queen had always a little

brachet with her, that Sir Tristram gave her the first time that ever

she came into Cornwall, and never would that brachet depart from her,

but if Sir Tristram was nigh there as was la Belle Isolde; and this

brachet was sent from the king's daughter of France unto Sir Tristram

for great love. And anon as this little brachet felt a savor of Sir

Tristram, she leaped upon him, and licked his learis [_cheeks_] and his

ears, and then she whined and quested, and she smelled at his feet and

at his hands, and on all parts of his body that she might come to.

"Ah, my lady," said dame Bragwaine unto la Belle Isolde, "alas, alas!"

said she, "I see it is mine own lord Sir Tristram."

And thereupon Isolde fell down in a sowne [_swoon_], and so lay a great

while; and when she might speak, she said: "My lord Sir Tristram,

blessed be God ye have your life, and now I am sure ye shall be

discovered by this little brachet, for she will never leave you; and

also I am sure that as soon as my lord King Mark shall know you, he

will banish you out of the country of Cornwall, or else he will destroy

you. For God's sake, mine own lord, grant King Mark his will, and then

draw you unto the court of King Arthur, for there are ye beloved."

Then la Belle Isolde departed, but the brachet would not from him. And

therewith came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and bayed at

them all. And therewith Sir Andret spake and said: "Sir, this is Sir

Tristram, I see by the brachet."

"Nay," said the king, "I cannot suppose that it is he."

So the king asked him upon his faith what he was, and what was his name.

"So God help," said he, "my name is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, and now

ye may do with me what ye list."

And so, by the advice of them all, Sir Tristram was banished out of the

country of Cornwall for ten year, and thereupon he took his oath.

And then were many barons brought him into his ship. And when Sir

Tristram was in the ship, he said thus: "Greet well King Mark and all

mine enemies, and tell them I will come again when I may. And well I

am rewarded for the fighting with Sir Marhaus, and delivering all the

country from servage [_subjection_]. And well I am rewarded for the

fetching and costs of la Belle Isolde out of Ireland, and the danger

that I was in first and last, and by the way coming home what danger I

had to bring again Queen Isolde from the castle. And well I am rewarded

when I fought with Sir Bleoberis for Sir Segwarides' wife. And well am

I rewarded when I fought with Sir Blamor de Ganis for King Anguish,

father unto la Belle Isolde. And well am I rewarded when I smote down

the good knight Sir Lamorak de Galis at King Mark's request. And well

am I rewarded when I fought with the king with the hundred knights,

and the King of Northgalis, and both these would have put his land in

servage, and by me they were put to a rebuke. And well am I rewarded

for the slaying of Tauleas the mighty giant, and many moe deeds have I

done for him, and now have I my guerdon. And tell the King Mark that

many noble knights of the Round Table have spared the barons of this

country for my sake. Also I am not well rewarded when I fought with

the good knight Sir Palamides, and rescued Queen Isolde from him. And

at that time King Mark said before all his barons I should have been

better rewarded." And therewith he took the sea.

* * * * *

[In those days was holden a great tournament at the Castle of Maidens,

and thereto came Sir Tristram, for King Arthur was there, with his

knights, and a goodly press of other kings, lords and ladies. And Sir

Tristram let make him a black shield, and therewith was he ever to be

known in the midst of the knights. And Sir Tristram overthrew eleven

knights of Sir Launcelot's kin in one day, and jousted with King Arthur

and with Sir Launcelot in such wise that all men wondered. And at the

last Sir Tristram was sore wounded, and rode away into a forest. But

Sir Launcelot held away the stour [_fight_] like as a man enraged that

took no heed to himself.] And because Sir Launcelot was the last in

the field the prize was given him. But Sir Launcelot would neither for

king, queen, nor knight have the prize; but when the cry was cried

through the field, "Sir Launcelot. Sir Launcelot, hath won the field

this day!" Sir Launcelot let make another cry contrary to that cry:

"Sir Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and last he hath

endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second, and the third

day."

[And so King Arthur and Sir Launcelot and more knights rode forth for

to find Sir Tristram. And after many adventures it happened that Sir

Launcelot passed by the tomb of Sir Lanceor (him that was slain by

Balin) and his lady Colombe. And by that same tomb came Sir Tristram:

and neither knew the other, but Sir Tristram weened it to have been

Sir Palamides. Then they two fought, and each wounded other wonderly

sore, that the blood ran out upon the grass. And thus they fought the

space of four hours. And at the last either knew other. Then cried Sir

Launcelot,] "Oh, what adventure is befallen me!"

And therewith Sir Launcelot kneeled down and yielded him up his

sword. And therewithal Sir Tristram kneeled adown, and yielded him up

his sword. And so either gave other the degree. And then they both

forthwithal went to the stone, and set them down upen it, and took off

their helms to cool them, and either kissed other an hundred times. And

then anon after they took their helms and rode to Camelot. And there

they met with Sir Gawaine and with Sir Gaheris that had made promise

to Arthur never to come again to the court till they had brought Sir

Tristram with them.

Then King Arthur took Sir Tristram by the hand, and led him unto the

Round Table. Then came Queen Guenever, and many ladies with her, and

all these ladies said, all with one voice, "Welcome, Sir Tristram;"

"welcome," said the damsels; "welcome," said the knights; "welcome,"

said King Arthur, "for one of the best knights and gentlest of the

world, and knight of the most worship; for of all manner of hunting

thou bearest the prize, and of all measures of blowing thou art the

beginner, and of all the terms of hunting and hawking ye are the

beginner; of all instruments of music ye are the best. Therefore,

gentle knight," said King Arthur, "ye are right heartily welcome unto

this court. And also I pray you," said King Arthur, "grant me a boon."

"It shall be at your commandment," said Sir Tristram.

"Well," said King Arthur, "I will desire of you that ye will abide in

my court."

"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "thereto am I loth, for I have to do in many

countries."

"Not so," said King Arthur, "ye have promised it me, ye may not say

nay."

"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "I will as ye will."

Then went King Arthur unto the sieges about the Round Table, and looked

in every siege which were void that lacked knights. And the king then

saw in the siege of Marhaus letters that said:--

"This is the siege of the noblest knight Sir Tristram."

And then King Arthur made Sir Tristram knight of the Round Table, with

great nobleness and great feast as might be thought.

* * * * *

Then King Mark had great despite of the renown of Sir Tristram. So

he sent on his part men to espy what deeds he did. And when the

messengers were come home, they told the truth as they heard, that he

passed all other knights but if it were the noble knight Sir Launcelot.

Then in great despite he took with him two good knights and two

squires, and disguised himself, and took his way into England, to the

intent to slay him.

[And it happened that Sir Dinadan met King Mark, and began to mock

him for a Cornish knight of no worship. And] right as they stood thus

talking together, they saw come riding to them over a plain six knights

of the court of King Arthur, well armed at all points. And there by

their shields Sir Dinadan knew them well. The first was the good knight

Sir Uwaine, the son of King Uriens; the second was the noble knight Sir

Brandiles; the third was Ozanna le Cure Hardy; the fourth was Uwaine

les Adventurous; the fifth was Sir Agravaine; the sixth Sir Mordred,

brother to Sir Gawaine. When Sir Dinadan had seen these six knights, he

thought in himself he would bring King Mark by some wile to joust with

one of them.

"Lo," said Sir Dinadan, "yonder are knights errant that will joust with

us."

"God forbid," said King Mark, "for they be six, and we but two."

"As for that," said Sir Dinadan, "let us not spare, for I will assay

the foremost."

And therewith he made him ready. When King Mark saw him do so, as fast

as Sir Dinadan rode toward them King Mark rode from them with all his

menial company. So when Sir Dinadan saw King Mark was gone, he set the

spear out of the rest, and threw his shield upon his back, and came

riding to the fellowship of the Table Round. And anon Sir Uwaine knew

Sir Dinadan, and welcomed him, and so did all his fellowship.

"What knight is that," said Sir Brandiles, "that so suddenly departed

from you, and rode over yonder field?"

"Sir," said he, "it was a knight of Cornwall, and the most horrible

coward that ever bestrode horse."

"What is his name?" said all the knights.

"I wot not," said Sir Dinadan.

Said Sir Griflet, "Here have I brought Sir Dagonet, King Arthur's fool,

that is the best fellow and the merriest in the world."

[Then said Sir Mordred,] "Put my shield and my harness upon Sir

Dagonet, and let him set upon the Cornish knight."

"That shall be done," said Sir Dagonet, "by my faith."

Then anon was Dagonet armed in Mordred's harness and his shield, and he

was set on a great horse and a spear in his hand.

"Now," said Dagonet, "show me the knight, and I trow I shall bear him

down."

So all these knights rode to a woodside, and abode till King Mark came

by the way. Then they put forth Sir Dagonet, and he came on all the

while his horse might run, straight upon King Mark. And when he came

nigh King Mark, he cried as he were wood, and said, "Keep thee, knight

of Cornwall, for I will slay thee."

Anon as King Mark beheld his shield he said to himself, "Yonder is Sir

Launcelot: alas, now am I destroyed."

And therewithal he made his horse to run as fast as it might through

thick and thin. And ever Sir Dagonet followed King Mark crying and

rating him as a wood man through a great forest. When Sir Uwaine and

Sir Brandiles saw Dagonet so chase King Mark, they laughed all as they

were wood. And then they took their horses and rode after to see how

Sir Dagonet sped. For they would not for no good that Sir Dagonet were

hurt, for King Arthur loved him passing well, and made him knight with

his own hands.

When Sir Uwaine and Sir Brandiles with his fellows came to the court of

King Arthur, they told the king, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram how

Sir Dagonet the fool chased King Mark through the forest. There was

great laughing and jesting at King Mark and at Sir Dagonet.

* * * * *

King Arthur on a day said unto King Mark,--

"Sir, I pray you to give me a gift that I shall ask you."

"Sir," said King Mark, "I will give you whatsoever ye desire, and it be

in my power."

"Sir, gramercy," said King Arthur, "this I will ask you, that ye be a

good lord unto Sir Tristram, for he is a man of great honor; and that

ye will take him with you into Cornwall, and let him see his friends,

and there cherish him for my sake."

"Sir," said King Mark, "I promise you by the faith of my body, and by

the faith I owe to God and to you, I shall worship him for your sake in

all that I can or may."

"Sir," said Arthur, "and I will forgive you all the evil will that

ever I owed you, and so be that ye swear that upon a book afore me."

"With a good will," said King Mark.

And so he there sware upon a book afore him and all his knights, and

therewith King Mark and Sir Tristram took either other by the hands

hard knit together. But for all this King Mark thought falsely, as

it proved after, for he put Sir Tristram in prison, and cowardly

would have slain him. Then soon after King Mark took his leave to

ride into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram made him ready to ride with him,

wherefore the most part of the Round Table were wroth and heavy; and

in especial Sir Launcelot, and Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan were wroth

out of measure. For well they wist King Mark would slay or destroy Sir

Tristram.

* * * * *

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that, as he rode on hunting, he met with

Sir Dinadan, that was come into that country for to seek Sir Tristram.

Then Sir Dinadan told Sir Tristram his name, but Sir Tristram would not

tell his name; wherefor Sir Dinadan was wroth.

"For such a foolish knight as ye are," said Sir Dinadan, "I saw but

late to-day lying by a well, and he fared as he had slept, and there

he lay like a fool grinning and would not speak, and his shield lay by

him, and his horse stood by him, and well I wot he was a lover."

"Ah, fair sir," said Sir Tristram, "are ye not a lover?"

"Marry, fie upon that craft," said Sir Dinadan.

"That is evil said," quoth Sir Tristram, "for a knight may never be of

prowess, but if he be a lover."

"It is well said," quoth Sir Dinadan; "now tell me your name, sith ye

be a lover, or else I shall do battle with you."

"As for that," said Sir Tristram, "it is no reason to fight with me but

I tell you my name; as for that, my name shall ye not know as at this

time."

"Fie for shame," said Sir Dinadan, "art thou a knight and darest not

tell me thy name? therefore I will fight with thee."

"As for that," said Sir Tristram, "I will be advised, for I will not

fight but if me list; and if I do battle," said Sir Tristram, "ye are

not able for to withstand me."

"Fie on thee, coward," said Sir Dinadan.

And thus as they still hoved, they saw a knight come riding against

them.

"Lo," said Sir Tristram, "see where cometh a knight riding that will

joust with you."

Anon, as Sir Dinadan beheld him, he said, "It is the same doting knight

that I saw lie by the well neither sleeping nor waking."

"Well," said Sir Tristram, "I know that knight full well with the

covered shield of azure; he is the king's son of Northumberland, his

name is Epinegris, and he is as great a lover as I know, and he loveth

the king's daughter of Wales, a full fair lady. And now I suppose,"

said Sir Tristram, "and ye require him he will joust with you; and then

shall ye prove whether a lover be a better knight or ye that will not

love no lady."

"Well," said Sir Dinadan, "now shalt thou see what I shall do."

Therewithal Sir Dinadan spake on high and said, "Sir knight, make thee

ready to joust with me, for it is the custom of errant knights one to

joust with the other."

"Sir," said Epinegris, "is it the rule of you errant knights for to

make a knight to joust will he or nill?"

"As for that," said Dinadan, "make thee ready, for here is for me."

And therewithal they spurred their horses, and met together so hard

that Epinegris smote down Sir Dinadan. Then Sir Tristram rode to Sir

Dinadan, and said, "How now? me seemeth the lover hath right well sped."

"Fie upon thee, coward," said Sir Dinadan, "and if thou be any good

knight, now revenge my shame."

"Nay," said Sir Tristram, "I will not joust as at this time, but take

your horse and let us go from hence."

"God defend me," said Sir Dinadan, "from thy fellowship, for I never

sped well sith I met with thee."

And so they departed.

"Well," said Sir Tristram, "peradventure I could tell you tidings of

Sir Tristram."

"God defend me," said Sir Dinadan, "from thy fellowship, for Sir

Tristram were much the worse and he were in thy company."

And then they departed.

"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "yet it may happen that I shall meet with you

in other places."

And so Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there heard in that town

great noise and cry.

"What meaneth this noise?" said Sir Tristram.

"Sir," said they, "here is a knight of this castle which hath been long

among us, and right now he is slain with two knights, and for none

other cause but that our knight said that Sir Launcelot was a better

knight than was Sir Gawaine."

"That was but a simple cause," said Sir Tristram, "to slay a good

knight because he said well by his master."

"That is but a little remedy unto us," said the men of the town; "for

if Sir Launcelot had been here, soon we should have been revenged upon

those false knights."

When Sir Tristram heard them say so, incontinent he sent for his shield

and for his spear, and lightly within a little while he had overtaken

them, and bade them turn and amend that they had misdone.

"What amends wouldst thou have?" said that one knight.

And therewith they took their course, and either met other so hard,

that Sir Tristram smote down that knight over his horse's crupper. Then

the other knight dressed him unto Sir Tristram, and in the same wise as

he served the first knight, so he served him. And then they gat them

upon their feet as well as they might, and dressed their shields and

their swords to do their battle unto the uttermost.

"Knights," said Sir Tristram, "ye shall tell me of whence ye are and

what be your names."

"Wit thou well, sir knight," said they, "we fear us not to tell thee

our names, for my name is Sir Agravaine, and my name is Gaheris,

brethren unto the good knight Sir Gawaine, and we be nephews unto King

Arthur."

"Well," said Sir Tristram, "for King Arthur's sake I shall let you pass

as at this time. But it is shame," said Sir Tristram, "that Sir Gawaine

and ye that be come of so great a blood, that ye four brethren are so

named as ye be. For ye be called the greatest destroyers and murderers

of good knights that be now in this realm; for it is but as I heard

say, that Sir Gawaine and ye slew among you a better knight than ever

ye were, that was the noble knight Sir Lamorak de Galis; and it had

pleased God," said Sir Tristram, "I would I had been by Sir Lamorak at

his death."

"Then shouldest thou have gone the same way," said Sir Gaheris.

"Fair knight," said Sir Tristram, "there must have been many more

knights than ye are."

And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from them towards Joyous Gard.

And when he was departed they took their horses, and the one said

to the other, "We will overtake him and be revenged upon him in the

despite of Sir Lamorak."

* * * * *

So when they had overtaken Sir Tristram, Sir Agravaine bade him, "Turn,

traitor knight."

"That is evil said," said Sir Tristram; and therewith he pulled out

his sword, and smote Sir Agravaine such a buffet upon the helm that he

tumbled down off his horse in a swoon, and he had a grievous wound. And

then he turned to Gaheris, and Sir Tristram smote his sword and his

helm together with such a might that Gaheris fell out of his saddle;

and so Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there he alighted and

unarmed him. So Sir Tristram told la Belle Isolde of all his adventure

as ye have heard tofore. And when she heard him tell of Sir Dinadan,

"Sir," she said, "is not that he that made the song by King Mark?"

"That same is he," said Sir Tristram, "for he is the best joker and

jester, and a noble knight of his hands, and the best fellow that I

know, and all good knights love his fellowship."

"Alas, sir," said she, "why brought ye not him with you?"

"Have ye no care," said Sir Tristram, "for he rideth to seek me in this

country, and therefore he will not away till he have met with me."

And there Sir Tristram told la Belle Isolde how Sir Dinadan held

against all lovers. Right so there came in a varlet and told Sir

Tristram how there was come an errant knight into the town with such

colors upon his shield.

"That is Sir Dinadan," said Sir Tristram. "Wit ye what ye shall do?"

said Sir Tristram; "send ye for him, my lady Isolde, and I will not be

seen, and ye shall hear the merriest knight that ever ye spake withal,

and the maddest talker, and I pray you heartily that ye make him good

cheer."

Then anon la Belle Isolde sent into the town, and prayed Sir Dinadan

that he would come into the castle and rest him there with a lady.

"With a good will," said Sir Dinadan; and so he mounted upon his horse,

and rode into the castle; and there he alighted, and was unarmed and

brought into the castle. Anon la Belle Isolde came unto him, and either

saluted other. Then she asked him of whence he was.

"Madam," said Sir Dinadan, "I am of King Arthur's court, and knight of

the Round Table, and my name is Sir Dinadan."

"What do ye in this country?" said la Belle Isolde.

"Madam," said he, "I seek the noble knight Sir Tristram, for it was

told me that he was in this country."

"It may well be," said la Belle Isolde, "but I am not ware of him."

"Madam," said Sir Dinadan, "I marvel of Sir Tristram and moe other

lovers, what aileth them to be so mad and so assotted upon women."

"Why," said la Belle Isolde, "are ye a knight and be ye no lover? it is

a shame unto you; wherefore ye may not be called a good knight, but if

that ye make a quarrel for a lady."

"God defend me," said Sir Dinadan, "for the joy of love is too short,

and the sorrow and what cometh thereof endureth over long."

"Ah!" said la Belle Isolde, "say ye not so, for here fast by was the

good knight Sir Bleoberis, which fought with three knights at once for

a damsel's sake, and he won her before the King of Northumberland."

"It was so," said Sir Dinadan, "for I know him well for a good knight

and a noble, and come of noble blood; for all be noble knights of whom

he is come of, that is Sir Launcelot du Lake."

"Now I pray you," said la Belle Isolde, "tell me will ye fight for my

love with three knights that did me great wrong? and insomuch as ye be

a knight of King Arthur's court, I require you to do battle for me."

Then Sir Dinadan said, "I shall say unto you, ye are as fair a lady as

ever I saw any, and much fairer than is my lady Queen Guenever; but wit

ye well at one word that I will not fight for you with three knights,

Jesu defend me."

Then Isolde laughed, and had good game at him. So he had all the cheer

that she might make him; and there he lay all that night. And on the

morn early Sir Tristram armed him, and la Belle Isolde gave him a good

helm; and then he promised her that he would meet with Sir Dinadan, and

they two would ride together unto Lonazep, where the tournament should

be, "and there shall I make ready for you, where ye shall see the

tournament." Then departed Sir Tristram with two squires that bare his

shield and his spears that were great and long.

* * * * *

Then after that, Sir Dinadan departed and rode his way a great pace

until he had overtaken Sir Tristram. And when Sir Dinadan had overtaken

him, he knew him anon, and he hated the fellowship of him above all

other knights.

"Ah," said Sir Dinadan, "art thou that coward knight that I met with

yesterday, keep thee, for thou shalt joust with me, maugre thy head."

"Well," said Sir Tristram, "and I am loth to joust."

And so they let their horses run, and Sir Tristram missed of him a

purpose, and Sir Dinadan brake a spear upon Sir Tristram; and therewith

Sir Dinadan dressed himself to draw out his sword.

"Not so," said Sir Tristram, "why are ye so wroth? I will not fight."

"Fie on thee, coward," said Sir Dinadan, "thou shamest all knights."

"As for that," said Sir Tristram, "I care not, for I will wait upon you

and be under your protection, for because ye are so good a knight ye

may save me."

"The devil deliver me of thee," said Sir Dinadan, "for thou art as

goodly a man of arms and of thy person as ever I saw, and the most

coward that ever I saw. What wilt thou do with those great spears that

thou carriest with thee?"

"I shall give them," said Sir Tristram, "to some good knight when I

come to the tournament; and if I see you do best I shall give them to

you."

So thus as they rode talking they saw where came an errant knight afore

them dressing him for to joust.

"Lo," said Sir Tristram, "yonder is one will joust; now dress thee to

him."

"Ah! shame betide thee!" said Sir Dinadan.

"Nay, not so," said Sir Tristram, "for that knight seemeth a shrew."

"Then shall I," said Sir Dinadan.

And so they dressed their shields and their spears, and they met

together so hard that the other knight smote down Sir Dinadan from his

horse.

"Lo," said Sir Tristram, "it had been better that ye had left."

"Fie on thee, coward!" said Sir Dinadan.

Then Sir Dinadan started up, and gat his sword in his hand, and

proffered to do battle on foot.

"Whether in love or in wrath?" said the other knight.

"Let us do battle in love," said Sir Dinadan.

"What is your name?" said that knight, "I pray you tell me."

"Wit ye well my name is Sir Dinadan."

"Ah, Sir Dinadan," said that knight, "and my name is Sir Gareth, the

youngest brother unto Sir Gawaine."

Then either made of other great joy, for this Sir Gareth was the best

knight of all those brethren, and he proved a full good knight. Then

they took their horses, and there they spake of Sir Tristram, how he

was such a coward. And every word Sir Tristram heard, and laughed them

to scorn. Then were they ware where there came a knight before them

well horsed and well armed.

"Fair knights," said Sir Tristram, "look between you who shall joust

with yonder knight, for I warn you I will not have to do with him."

"Then shall I," said Sir Gareth.

And so they encountered together, and there that knight smote down Sir

Gareth over his horse's crupper.

"How now?" said Sir Tristram unto Sir Dinadan, "dress thee now, and

revenge the good knight Sir Gareth."

"That shall I not," said Sir Dinadan, "for he hath stricken down a much

bigger knight than I am."

"Ah!" said Sir Tristram, "now Sir Dinadan, I see and perceive full well

that your heart faileth you, therefore now shall ye see what I shall

do."

And then Sir Tristram hurled unto that knight, and smote him quite from

his horse. And when Sir Dinadan saw that, he marvelled greatly, and

then he deemed in himself that it was Sir Tristram. Then this knight

that was on foot pulled out his sword to do battle.

"What is your name?" said Sir Tristram.

"Wit ye well," said the knight, "my name is Sir Palamides."

"What knight hate ye most?" said Sir Tristram.

"Sir knight," said he, "I hate Sir Tristram to the death, for and I may

meet with him the one of us shall die."

"Ye say well," said Sir Tristram, "and wit ye well that I am Sir

Tristram de Lyonesse, and now do your worst."

When Sir Palamides heard him say so he was astonished, and then he

said thus, "I pray you, Sir Tristram, forgive me all mine evil will,

and if I live I shall do you service above all other knights that be

living, and there as I have owed you evil will me sore repenteth. I

wot not what aileth me, for me seemeth that ye are a good knight, and

none other knight that named himself a good knight should not hate you;

therefore I require you, Sir Tristram, take no displeasure at mine

unkind words."

"Sir Palamides," said Sir Tristram, "ye say well, and well I wot ye are

a good knight, for I have seen you proved, and many great enterprises

have ye taken upon you, and well achieved them; therefore," said Sir

Tristram, "and ye have any evil will to me, now may ye right it, for I

am ready at your hand."

"Not so, my lord Sir Tristram; I will do you knightly service in all

things as ye will command."

"And right so I will take you," said Sir Tristram.

And so they rode forth on their ways, talking of many things.

"Oh my lord Sir Tristram," said Dinadan, "foul have ye mocked me, for

truly I came into this country for your sake, and by the advice of

my lord Sir Launcelot, and yet would not Sir Launcelot tell me the

certainty of you, where I should find you."

"Truly," said Sir Tristram, "Sir Launcelot wist well where I was, for I

abode within his own castle."

* * * * *

Thus they rode until they were ware of the Castle of Lonazep, and then

were they ware of four hundred tents and pavilions, and marvellous

great ordinance. "So God me help," said Sir Tristram, "yonder I see the

greatest ordinance that ever I saw."

"Sir," said Sir Palamides, "me seemeth there was as great an ordinance

at the Castle of Maidens upon the rock, where ye won the prize, for I

saw myself where ye forjousted thirty knights."

"Sir," said Sir Dinadan, "and in Surluse, at that tournament that Sir

Galahalt of the long isles made, the which lasted seven days, was as

great a gathering as is here, for there were many nations."

"Who was the best?" said Sir Tristram.

"Sir, it was Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the noble knight Sir Lamorak de

Galis; Sir Launcelot won the degree."

"I doubt not," said Sir Tristram, "but he won the degree, so that

he had not been overmatched with many knights. And of the death of

Sir Lamorak," said Sir Tristram, "it was over great pity, for I dare

say that he was the cleanest mighted man, and the best winded of his

age that was on live, for I knew him that he was the biggest knight

that ever I met withal, but if it were Sir Launcelot. Alas!" said Sir

Tristram, "full woe is me of his death, and, if they were all the

cousins of my lord King Arthur that slew him, they should die for it,

and all those that were consenting to his death. And for such things,"

said Sir Tristram, "I fear to draw unto the court of my lord King

Arthur. I will that ye wit it," said Sir Tristram to Sir Gareth.

"Sir, I blame you not," said Sir Gareth, "for well I understand the

vengeance of my brethren Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and

Sir Mordred; but for me," said Gareth, "I meddle not of their matters,

therefore there is none of them that loveth me, and, for I understand

they be murderers of good knights, I left their company, and would God

I had been by," said Sir Gareth, "when the noble knight Sir Lamorak was

slain."

"Now as Jesu be my help," said Sir Tristram, "it is well said of you,

for I had liever than all the gold between this and Rome I had been

there."

"Truly," said Sir Palamides, "I would I had been there, and yet I had

never the degree at no jousts there as he was, but he put me to the

worse on foot or on horseback, and that day that he was slain he did

the most deeds of arms that ever I saw knight do all the days of my

life. And when the degree was given him by my lord King Arthur, Sir

Gawaine and his three brethren, Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir

Mordred, set upon Sir Lamorak in a privy place, and there they slew his

horse, and so they fought with him on foot more than three hours, both

before him and behind him. And Sir Mordred gave him his death wound

behind him at his back, and all to-hewed him; for one of his squires

told me that saw it."

[Illustration: "_They fought with him on foot more than three hours,

both before him and behind him_"]

"Fie upon treason," said Sir Tristram, "for it killeth my heart to hear

this tale."

"So doth it mine," said Sir Gareth; "brethren as they be mine, I shall

never love them nor draw me to their fellowship for that deed."

"Now speak we of other deeds," said Sir Palamides, "and let him be, for

his life ye may not get again."

"That is the more pity," said Sir Dinadan, "for Sir Gawaine and his

brethren (except you, Sir Gareth) hate all the good knights of the

Round Table for the most part; for well I wot, and they might privily,

they hate my lord Sir Launcelot and all his kin, and great privy

despite they have at him, and that is my lord Sir Launcelot well ware

of, and that causeth him to have the good knights of his kindred about

him."

* * * * *

"Sir," said Palamides, "let us leave off this matter, and let us see

how we shall do at this tournament. By mine advice," said Palamides,

"let us four hold together against all that will come."

"Not by my counsel," said Sir Tristram, "for I see by their pavilions

there will be four hundred knights, and doubt ye not," said Sir

Tristram, "but there will be many good knights, and be a man never

so valiant nor so big yet he may be overmatched. And so I have seen

knights done many times: and when they wend best to have won worship

they lost it. For manhood is not worth but if it be meddled [_mingled_]

with wisdom: and as for me," said Sir Tristram, "it may happen I shall

keep mine own head as well as another."

So thus they rode until that they came to Humber bank, where they heard

a cry and a doleful noise. Then were they ware in the wind where came

a rich vessel covered over with red silk, and the vessel landed fast

by them. Therewith Sir Tristram alighted and his knights. And so Sir

Tristram went afore and entered into that vessel. And when he came

within, he saw a fair bed richly covered, and thereupon lay a dead

seemly knight, all armed, save the head was all bebled, with deadly

wounds upon him: the which seemed to be a passing good knight.

"How may this be," said Sir Tristram, "that this knight is thus slain?"

Then Sir Tristram was ware of a letter in the dead knight's hand.

"Master mariners," said Sir Tristram, "what meaneth that letter?"