_How damsel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well, and how she
delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud._
And then he pulled off his helm, and washed his visage and his hands,
and so he fell on sleep. In the mean while came a damsel that had
sought Sir Tristram many ways and days within this land. And when she
came to the well she looked upon him, and had forgotten him as in
remembrance of Sir Tristram, but by his horse she knew him, that hight
Passe-Brewel, that had been Sir Tristram’s horse many years. For when
he was mad in the forest, Sir Fergus kept him. So this lady dame
Bragwaine abode still till he was awake. So when she saw him wake she
saluted him, and he her again, for either knew other of old
acquaintance. Then she told him how she had sought him long and broad,
and there she told him how she had letters from queen La Beale Isoud.
Then anon Sir Tristram read them, and wit ye well he was glad, for
therein was many a piteous complaint. Then Sir Tristram said, Lady
Bragwaine, ye shall ride with me till that tournament be done at the
Castle of Maidens; and then shall ye bear letters and tidings with you.
And then Sir Tristram took his horse and sought lodging, and there he
met with a good ancient knight that prayed him to lodge with him. Right
so came Gouvernail unto Sir Tristram, that was glad of that lady. So
this old knight’s name was Sir Pellounes, and he told of the great
tournament that should be at the Castle of Maidens. And there Sir
Launcelot and thirty-two knights of his blood had ordained shields of
Cornwall. And right so there came one unto Sir Pellounes and told him
that Sir Persides de Bloise was come home, and then that knight held up
his hands and thanked God of his coming home, and there Sir Pellounes
told Sir Tristram that in two years he had not seen his son Sir
Persides. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I know your son well enough for a
good knight. So on a time Sir Tristram and Sir Persides came to their
lodging both at once, and so they unarmed them, and put upon them their
clothing. And then these two knights each welcomed other. And when
Persides understood that Sir Tristram was of Cornwall, he said he was
once in Cornwall,—and there I justed afore king Mark, and so it happed
me at that time to overthrow ten knights, and then came to me Sir
Tristram de Liones and overthrew me, and took my lady from me, and that
I shall never forget, but I shall remember me and ever I see my time.
Ah, said Sir Tristram, now I understand that ye hate Sir Tristram. What
deem ye, ween ye that Sir Tristram is not able to withstand your
malice? Yes, said Sir Persides, I know well that Sir Tristram is a
noble knight, and a much better knight than I, yet shall I not owe him
my good will. Right as they stood thus talking at a bay window of that
castle, they saw many knights riding to and fro toward the tournament.
And then was Sir Tristram ware of a likely knight riding upon a great
black horse, and a black covered shield. What knight is that, said Sir
Tristram, with the black horse and the black shield? He seemeth to be a
good knight. I know him well, said Sir Persides, he is one of the best
knights of the world. Then is it Sir Launcelot, said Sir Tristram. Nay,
said Sir Persides, it is Sir Palamides, that is yet unchristened.