_How Sir Tristram turned to king Arthur’s side, and how Sir Palamides
would not._
Then Sir Tristram called unto him Sir Palamides, Sir Gareth, and Sir
Dinadan, and said thus to them, My fair fellows, wit ye well that I
will turn unto king Arthur’s party, for I saw never so few men do so
well, and it will be shame unto us knights that be of the Round Table
to see our lord king Arthur, and that noble knight Sir Launcelot, to be
dishonoured. It will be well done, said Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan. Do
your best, said Palamides, for I will not change my party that I came
in withal. That is for my sake, said Sir Tristram: speed you well in
your journey. And so departed Sir Palamides from them. Then Sir
Tristram, Sir Gareth, and Sir Dinadan, turned with Sir Launcelot. And
then Sir Launcelot smote down the king of Ireland quite from his horse;
and so Sir Launcelot smote down the king of Scots, and the king of
Wales. And then Sir Arthur ran unto Sir Palamides, and smote him quite
from his horse. And then Sir Tristram bare down all that he met. Sir
Gareth and Sir Dinadan did there as noble knights. Then all the parties
began to flee. Alas, said Palamides, that ever I should see this day,
for now have I lost all the worship that I wan. And then Sir Palamides
went his way wailing, and so withdrew him till he came to a well, and
there he put his horse from him, and did off his armour, and wailed and
wept like as he had been a wood man.
Then many knights gave the prize to Sir Tristram, and there were many
that gave the prize unto Sir Launcelot. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram,
I thank you of the honour ye would give me, but I pray you heartily
that ye would give your voice to Sir Launcelot, for by my faith, said
Sir Tristram, I will give Sir Launcelot my voice. But Sir Launcelot
would not have it. And so the prize was given betwixt them both. Then
every man rode to his lodging. And Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector rode
with Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud unto her pavilions. Then as Sir
Palamides was at the well, wailing and weeping, there came by him
fleeing the king of Wales, and of Scotland, and they saw Sir Palamides
in that rage. Alas, said they, that so noble a man as ye be should be
in this array. And then those kings gat Sir Palamides’ horse again, and
made him to arm him and mount upon his horse, and so he rode with them,
making great dole. So when Sir Palamides came nigh the pavilions there
as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in, then Sir Palamides prayed
the two kings to abide him there the while that he spake with Sir
Tristram. And when he came to the port of the pavilions, Sir Palamides
said on high, Where art thou, Sir Tristram de Liones? Sir, said
Dinadan, that is Palamides. What, Sir Palamides, will ye not come in
here among us? Fie on thee traitor, said Sir Palamides, for wit you
well, and it were daylight as it is night, I would slay thee with mine
own hands. And if ever I may get thee, said Palamides, thou shalt die
for this day’s deed. Sir Palamides, said Sir Tristram, ye blame me with
wrong, for had ye done as I did ye had won worship. But since ye give
me so large warning I shall be well ware of you. Fie on thee traitor,
said Palamides, and therewith departed. Then on the morn Sir Tristram,
Bleoberis, and Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Gareth, Sir Dinadan, what by
water and what by land, they brought La Beale Isoud unto Joyous Gard,
and there reposed them a seven night, and made all the mirths and
disports that they could devise. And king Arthur and his knights drew
unto Camelot, and Sir Palamides rode with the two kings; and ever he
made the greatest dole that any man could think. For he was not all
only so dolorous for the departing from La Beale Isoud, but he was a
part as sorrowful to depart from the fellowship of Sir Tristram, for
Sir Tristram was so kind and so gentle that when Sir Palamides
remembered him thereof he might never be merry.