Chương Chương 242 · How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous and

. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous and

Sir Dodinas le Savage.

And then he sent his man that hight Gouvernail, and commanded him to go

to a city thereby to fetch him new harness; for it was long time afore

that that Sir Tristram had been refreshed, his harness was brised and

broken. And when Gouvernail, his servant, was come with his apparel, he

took his leave at the widow, and mounted upon his horse, and rode his

way early on the morn. And by sudden adventure Sir Tristram met with

Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and with Sir Dodinas le Savage. And these

two knights met with Sir Tristram and questioned with him, and asked

him if he would joust with them. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, with

a good will I would joust with you, but I have promised at a day set,

near hand, to do battle with a strong knight; and therefore I am loath

to have ado with you, for an it misfortuned me here to be hurt I should

not be able to do my battle which I promised. As for that, said

Sagramore, maugre your head, ye shall joust with us or ye pass from us.

Well, said Sir Tristram, if ye enforce me thereto I must do what I may.

And then they dressed their shields, and came running together with

great ire. But through Sir Tristram’s great force he struck Sir

Sagramore from his horse. Then he hurled his horse farther, and said to

Sir Dodinas: Knight, make thee ready; and so through fine force Sir

Tristram struck Dodinas from his horse. And when he saw them lie on the

earth he took his bridle, and rode forth on his way, and his man

Gouvernail with him.

Anon as Sir Tristram was passed, Sir Sagramore and Sir Dodinas gat

again their horses, and mounted up lightly and followed after Sir

Tristram. And when Sir Tristram saw them come so fast after him he

returned with his horse to them, and asked them what they would. It is

not long ago sithen I smote you to the earth at your own request and

desire: I would have ridden by you, but ye would not suffer me, and now

meseemeth ye would do more battle with me. That is truth, said Sir

Sagramore and Sir Dodinas, for we will be revenged of the despite ye

have done to us. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, that shall little

need you, for all that I did to you ye caused it; wherefore I require

you of your knighthood leave me as at this time, for I am sure an I do

battle with you I shall not escape without great hurts, and as I

suppose ye shall not escape all lotless. And this is the cause why I am

so loath to have ado with you; for I must fight within these three days

with a good knight, and as valiant as any is now living, and if I be

hurt I shall not be able to do battle with him. What knight is that,

said Sir Sagramore, that ye shall fight withal? Sirs, said he, it is a

good knight called Sir Palomides. By my head, said Sir Sagramore and

Sir Dodinas, ye have cause to dread him, for ye shall find him a

passing good knight, and a valiant. And because ye shall have ado with

him we will forbear you as at this time, and else ye should not escape

us lightly. But, fair knight, said Sir Sagramore, tell us your name.

Sir, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, said Sagramore and

Sir Dodinas, well be ye found, for much worship have we heard of you.

And then either took leave of other, and departed on their way.