_How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and
how by fortune he arrived into England._
Then when this was done 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 Beale Isoud. 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. For Sir Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that
he might find in the court, and they were arrayed after the guise that
was then used in the goodliest manner. 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. And that day came two knights of king
Arthur’s, that one was Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Morganor. And they
touched the shield and bad him come out of the pavilion for to just,
and he would just. Ye shall be answered, said Sir Tristram, and ye will
tarry a little while. So he made him ready, and first he smote down Sir
Ector de Maris, and after he smote down Sir Morganor, all with one
spear, and sore bruised them. And when they lay upon the earth they
asked Sir Tristram what he was, and of what country he was knight. Fair
lords, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am of Cornwall. Alas, said
Sir Ector, now am I ashamed that ever any Cornish knight should
overcome me. And then for despite Sir Ector put off his armour from
him, and went on foot, and would not ride.