_How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame spoken of
the knights of Cornwall, and how they justed._
Now leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as he
rode he met with Sir Kay the seneschal, and there Sir Kay asked Sir
Tristram of what country he was. He answered that he was of the country
of Cornwall. It may well be, said Sir Kay, for yet heard I never that
ever good knight came out of Cornwall. That is evil spoken, said Sir
Tristram, but and it please you to tell me your name I require you.
Sir, wit ye well, said Sir Kay, that my name is Sir Kay the seneschal.
Is that your name? said Sir Tristram; now wit ye well that ye are named
the shamefullest knight of your tongue that now is living, how be it ye
are called a good knight, but ye are called unfortunate, and passing
overthwart of your tongue. And thus they rode together till they came
to a bridge. And there was a knight would not let them pass till one of
them justed with him. And so that knight justed with Sir Kay, and there
that knight gave Sir Kay a fall; his name was Sir Tor, Sir Lamorak’s
half brother. And then they two rode to their lodging, and there they
found Sir Brandiles; and Sir Tor came thither anon after.
And as they sat at supper, these four knights, three of them spake all
shame by Cornish knights. Sir Tristram heard all that they said, and he
said but little, but he thought the more; but at that time he
discovered not his name. Upon the morn Sir Tristram took his horse and
abode them upon their way; and there Sir Brandiles proffered to just
with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram smote him down, horse and all, to
the earth. Then Sir Tor le Fise de Vayshoure encountered with Sir
Tristram, and there Sir Tristram smote him down. And then he rode his
way, and Sir Kay followed him, but he would not of his fellowship. Then
Sir Brandiles came to Sir Kay, and said, I would wit fain what is that
knight’s name. Come on with me, said Sir Kay, and we shall pray him to
tell us his name. So they rode together till they came nigh him; and
then they were ware where he sat by a well, and had put off his helm to
drink at the well. And when he saw them come, he laced on his helm
lightly, and took his horse, and proffered them to just. Nay, said Sir
Brandiles, we justed late enough with you; we come not in that intent.
But for this we come, to require you of knighthood to tell us your
name. My fair knights, since that is your desire, and to please you, ye
shall wit that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, nephew unto king Mark
of Cornwall. In good time, said Sir Brandiles, and well ye be found;
and wit ye well that we be right glad that we have found you, and we be
of a fellowship that would be right glad of your company. For ye are
the knight in the world that the noble fellowship of the Round Table
most desireth to have the company of. I thank them, said Sir Tristram,
of their great goodness; but as yet I feel well that I am unable to be
of their fellowship. For I was never of such deeds of worthiness to be
in the company of such a fellowship. Ah, said Sir Kay, and ye be Sir
Tristram de Liones, ye are the man now called most of prowess, except
Sir Launcelot du Lake. For he beareth not the life, christian ne
heathen, that can find such another knight, to speak of his prowess,
and of his hands, and his truth withal. For yet could there never
creature say of him dishonour and make it good. Thus they talked a
great while; and then they departed either from other, such ways as
them seemed best.