_How for the despite of Sir Tristram king Mark came with two knights
into England, and how he slew one of the knights._
Then king Mark had great despite of the renown of Sir Tristram, and
then he chased him out of Cornwall: yet was he nephew unto king Mark,
but he had great suspicion unto Sir Tristram, because of his queen, La
Beale Isoud: for him seemed that there was too much love between them
both. So when Sir Tristram departed out of Cornwall into England, king
Mark heard of the great prowess that Sir Tristram did there, the which
grieved him sore. So he sent on his party men to espy what deeds he
did. And the queen sent privily on her part spies to know what deeds he
had done, for great love was between them twain. So when the messagers
were come home, they told the truth as they had heard, that he passed
all other knights, but if it were Sir Launcelot. Then king Mark was
right heavy of these tidings, and as glad was La Beale Isoud. Then in
great despite he took with him two good knights and two squires, and
disguised himself, and took his way into England, to the intent for to
slay Sir Tristram. And one of these two knights hight Sir Bersules, and
the other knight was called Sir Amant. So as they rode, king Mark asked
a knight that he met where he should find king Arthur. He said, at
Camelot. Also he asked that knight after Sir Tristram, whether he heard
of him in the court of king Arthur. Wit you well, said that knight, ye
shall find Sir Tristram there for a man of as great worship as is now
living, for through his prowess he won the tournament of the Castle of
Maidens, that standeth by the Hard Rock. And sithen he hath won with
his own hands thirty knights that were men of great honour. And the
last battle that ever he did he fought with Sir Launcelot, and that was
a marvellous battle. And not by force Sir Launcelot brought Sir
Tristram to the court, and of him king Arthur made passing great joy,
and so made him knight of the Table Round, and his seat was where the
good knight’s Sir Marhaus seat was. Then was king Mark passing sorry
when he heard of the honour of Sir Tristram, and so they departed. Then
said king Mark unto his two knights, Now will I tell you my counsel; ye
are the men that I trust most to on live; and I will that ye wit my
coming hither is to this intent, for to destroy Sir Tristram by wiles
or by treason; and it shall be hard if ever he escape our hands. Alas,
said Bersules, what mean you? for ye be set in such a way ye are
disposed shamefully. For Sir Tristram is the knight of most worship
that we know living, and therefore I warn you plainly I will never
consent to do him to the death; and therefore I will yield my service,
and forsake you. When king Mark heard him say so, suddenly he drew his
sword, and said, A traitor! and smote Sir Bersules on the head, that
the sword went to his teeth. When Amant the knight saw him do that
villainous deed, and his squires, they said it was foul done and
mischievously, wherefore we will do thee no more service; and wit ye
well we will appeach thee of treason afore Arthur. Then was king Mark
wonderly wroth, and would have slain Amant; but he and the two squires
held them together, and set nought by his malice. When king Mark saw he
might not be revenged on them, he said thus unto the knight Amant, Wit
thou well, and thou appeach me of treason I shall thereof defend me
afore king Arthur; but I require thee that thou tell not my name that I
am king Mark, whatsoever come of me. As for that, said Sir Amant, I
will not discover your name. And so they parted; and Amant and his
fellows took the body of Bersules and buried it.