_How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in king Mark’s court, whom
he took away, and how he was fought with._
Then it befel upon a day, that the good knight Bleoberis de Ganis,
brother to Blamore de Ganis, and nigh cousin unto the good knight Sir
Launcelot du Lake,—this Bleoberis came unto the court of king Mark,
and there he asked of king Mark a boon, to give him what gift he would
ask in his court. When the king heard him ask so, he marvelled of his
asking, but because he was a knight of the Round Table, and of a great
renown, king Mark granted him his whole asking. Then, said Sir
Bleoberis, I will have the fairest lady in your court that me list to
choose. I may not say nay, said king Mark; now choose at your
adventure. And so Sir Bleoberis did chose Sir Segwarides’s wife, and
took her by the hand, and so went his way with her, and so he took his
horse and let set her behind his squire, and rode upon his way. When
Sir Segwarides heard tell that his lady was gone with a knight of king
Arthur’s court, then anon he armed him, and rode after that knight for
to rescue his lady. So when Bleoberis was gone with this lady, king
Mark and all the court was wroth that she was away. Then were there
certain ladies that knew that there was great love between Sir Tristram
and her, and also that lady loved Sir Tristram above all other knights.
Then there was one lady that rebuked Sir Tristram in the horriblest
wise, and called him coward knight, that he would for shame of his
knighthood see a lady so shamefully taken away from his uncle’s court.
But Sir Tristram answered her thus: Fair lady, it is not my part to
have ado in such matters, while her lord and husband is present here.
And if it had been that her lord had not been here in this court, then
for the worship of this court peradventure I would have been her
champion, and if so be Sir Segwarides speed not well, it may happen
that I will speak with that good knight or ever he pass from this
country. Then within awhile came one of Sir Segwarides’s squires, and
told in the court that Sir Segwarides was beaten sore and wounded to
the point of death: as he would have rescued his lady Sir Bleoberis
overthrew him, and sore hath wounded him. Then was king Mark heavy
thereof, and all the court. When Sir Tristram heard of this he was
ashamed and sore grieved. And then was he soon armed and on horseback,
and Gouvernail his servant bare his shield and spear. And so as Sir
Tristram rode fast he met with Sir Andret his cousin, that by the
commandment of king Mark was sent to bring forth, and ever it lay in
his power two knights of king Arthur’s court, that rode by the country
to seek their adventures. When Sir Tristram saw Sir Andret he asked him
what tidings. Truly, said Sir Andret, there was never worse with me,
for here by the commandment of king Mark I was sent to fetch two
knights of king Arthur’s court, and that one beat me and wounded me,
and set nought by my message. Fair cousin, said Sir Tristram, ride on
your way, and if I may meet them it may happen I shall revenge you. So
Sir Andret rode into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram rode after the two
knights, the which one hight Sagramore le Desirous, and that other
hight Dodinas le Savage.