_How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramor le Desirous, and Sir Dodinas
le Savage._
And then he sent his man that hight Gouvernail, and commanded him to go
to a city there by to fetch him new harness; for it was long time afore
that that Sir Tristram had been refreshed; his harness was bruised and
broken. And when Gouvernail his servant was come with his apparel, he
took his leave at the widow, and mounted upon his horse, and rode his
way early on the morn. And, by sudden adventure Sir Tristram met with
Sir Sagramor le Desirous, and with Sir Dodinas le Savage. And these two
knights met with Sir Tristram and questioned with him, and asked him if
he would just with them. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, with a good
will I would just with you, but I have promised at a day set near hand
to do battle with a strong knight. And therefore I am loth to have ado
with you, for and it misfortuned me here to be hurt, I should not be
able to do my battle which I promised. As for that, said Sir Sagramor,
maugre your head ye shall just with us or ye pass from us. Well, said
Sir Tristram, if ye enforce me thereto, I must do what I may. And then
they dressed their shields, and came running together with great ire.
But through Sir Tristram’s great force, he strake Sir Sagramor from his
horse. Then he hurled his horse farther, and said to Sir Dodinas,
Knight, make thee ready. And so through fine force Sir Tristram strake
Dodinas from his horse. And when he saw them lie on the earth he took
his bridle, and rode forth on his way, and his man Gouvernail with him.
Anon as Sir Tristram was past, Sir Sagramor and Sir Dodinas gat again
their horses, and mounted up lightly, and followed after Sir Tristram.
And when Sir Tristram saw them come so fast after him, he returned with
his horse to them, and asked them what they would. It is not long ago
since I smote you down to the earth at your own request and desire: I
would have ridden by you but ye would not suffer me, and now me seemeth
ye would do more battle with me. That is truth, said Sir Sagramor and
Sir Dodinas, for we will be revenged of the despite that ye have done
to us. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, that shall little need you, for
all that I did to you ye caused it, wherefore I require you of your
knighthood leave me as at this time, for I am sure and I do battle with
you I shall not escape without great hurts, and as I suppose ye shall
not escape all lotless. And this is the cause why I am so loth to have
ado with you. For I must fight within these three days with a good
knight and as valiant as any is now living, and if I be hurt I shall
not be able to do battle with him. What knight is that, said Sir
Sagramor, that ye shall fight withal? Sir, said he, it is a good knight
called Sir Palamides. By my head, said Sir Sagramor and Sir Dodinas, ye
have cause to dread him, for ye shall find him a passing good knight
and a valiant. And because ye shall have ado with him we will forbear
you as at this time, and else ye should not escape us lightly. But fair
knight, said Sir Sagramor, tell us your name. Sir, said he, my name is
Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, said Sagramor and Sir Dodinas, well be ye
found, for much worship have we heard of you. And then either took
leave of other, and departed on their way.