_How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the tournament, and
there he had the prize._
Now turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail his
servant to ordain him a black shield with none other remembrance
therein. And so Sir Persides and Sir Tristram departed from their host
Sir Pellounes and they rode early toward the tournament, and then they
drew them to king Carados’ side of Scotland: and anon knights began the
field, what of the king of Northgalis’ part, and what of king Carados’
part, and there began great party. Then there was hurling and rashing.
Right so came in Sir Persides and Sir Tristram, and so they did fare
that they put the king of Northgalis aback. Then came in Sir Bleoberis
de Ganis and Sir Gaheris with them of Northgalis, and then was Sir
Persides smitten down and almost slain, for more than forty horsemen
went over him. For Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of arms, and Sir
Gaheris failed him not. When Sir Tristram beheld them, and saw them do
such deeds of arms, he marvelled what they were. Also Sir Tristram
thought shame that Sir Persides was so done to; and then he gat a great
spear in his hand, and then he rode to Sir Gaheris and smote him down
from his horse. And then was Bleoberis wroth, and gat a spear and rode
against Sir Tristram in great ire, and there Sir Tristram met with him,
and smote Sir Bleoberis from his horse. So then the king with the
hundred knights was wroth, and he horsed Sir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris
again, and there began a great meddle; and ever Sir Tristram held them
passing short, and ever Sir Bleoberis was passing busy upon Sir
Tristram. And there came Sir Dinadan against Sir Tristram, and Sir
Tristram gave him such a buffet that he swooned in his saddle. Then
anon Sir Dinadan came to Sir Tristram, and said, Sir, I know thee
better than thou weenest, but here I promise thee my troth I will never
come against thee more, for I promise thee that sword of thine shall
never come on my helm. With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram
gave him such a buffet that down he laid his head: and then he caught
him so sore by the helm that he pulled him under his horse feet. And
then king Arthur blew to lodging. Then Sir Tristram departed to his
pavilion, and Sir Dinadan rode with him. And Sir Persides and king
Arthur then, and the kings upon both parties, marvelled what knight
that was with the black shield. Many said their advice, and some knew
him for Sir Tristram, and held their peace, and would nought say. So
that first day king Arthur and all the kings and lords that were judges
gave Sir Tristram the prize, how be it they knew him not, but named him
the knight with the black shield.