OF SIR TRISTRAM
There was a knight that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the
country of Lyonesse, and this King Meliodas was as likely a man as any
was at that time living. And by fortune he wedded King Mark's sister of
Cornwall, whose name was Elizabeth, and she was a right fair lady and a
good.
[And it befell on a day that a certain enchantress wrought as he rode
on hunting, for he was a great hunter, and made him chase an hart by
himself till that he came to an old castle, and there she took him
prisoner. Now when Queen Elizabeth missed her husband King Meliodas,
she was nigh out of her wit; and she took a gentlewoman with her and
ran far into the forest and took such cold that she might not recover.
And when she saw] that the deep draughts of death took her, that needs
she must die and depart out of this world [and] there was none other
boot [_aid, or hope_], she made great moan and sorrow, and said unto
her gentlewoman: "When ye see my lord King Meliodas, recommend me unto
him, and tell him what pains I endure for his love, and how I must die
here for his sake, and for default of good help, and let him wit that
I am full sorry to depart out of this world from him, therefore pray
him to be good friend unto my soul. And I charge thee, gentlewoman,
that thou beseech my lord King Meliodas, that when my son shall
be christened let him be named Tristram, that is as much to say as
sorrowful birth."
And therewithal this Queen Elizabeth gave up her ghost, and died in the
same place. Then the gentlewoman laid her under the shadow of a great
tree.
* * * * *
[And it so happened that after seven years King Meliodas took him a
second wife, and wedded King Howell's daughter of Brittany. And the new
queen was jealous of young Tristram in the behalf of her own children,
and put poison for Tristram to drink. But by strange hap her own son
drank the poison and died. Then again she put poison in some drink for
Tristram; and] by fortune the King Meliodas her husband found the piece
[_cup_] with the wine whereas the poison was in, and he, that was most
thirsty, took the piece for to drink thereof, and as he would have
drunken thereof the queen espied him, and then she ran unto him and
pulled the piece from him suddenly. The king marvelled why she did so,
and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain with poison. And then
he took her by the hand, and thus said to her: "Thou false traitress,
thou shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or else I shall slay
thee." And therewith he pulled out his sword, and swore a great oath
that he would slay her but if she told him truth.
"Ah! mercy, my lord," said she, "and I shall tell you all."
And then she told him why that she would have slain Tristram, because
her children should rejoice the land.
"Well," said King Meliodas, "therefore shall ye have the law."
And so she was damned [_condemned_] by the assent of the barons to be
burnt; and then there was made a great fire, and right as she was at
the fire for to take her execution, young Tristram kneeled down before
King Meliodas, his father, and besought him to give him a boon.
"I will well," said the king.
Then said young Tristram, "Give me the life of your queen, my
stepmother."
"That is unrightfully asked," said his father, King Meliodas, "for she
would have slain thee with that poison and she might have had her will,
and for thy sake most is my cause that she should die."
"Sir," said Tristram, "as for that I beseech you of your mercy that ye
will forgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her, and I do,
and so much it liketh your highness to grant me my boon, for God's love
I pray you hold your promise."
"Sith it is so," said the king, "I will that ye have her life and give
her to you, and go ye to the fire and take her, and do with her what ye
will."
So young Tristram went to the fire, and, by the command of the king,
delivered her from the death.
And by the good means of young Tristram he made the king and her accord.
* * * * *
And then [King Meliodas] let ordain a gentleman that was well learned
and taught; his name was Gouvernail; and he sent young Tristram with
Gouvernail into France, to learn the language, and nurture, and deeds
of arms. And there was Tristram more than seven years. And then when
he well could speak the language, and had learned all that he might
learn in that country, then he came home to his father King Meliodas
again. And so Tristram learned to be an harper passing all other,
that there was none such called in no country, and so in harping and
on instruments of music he applied him in his youth for to learn. And
after as he grew in might and strength he laboured ever in hunting and
in hawking, so that never gentleman more, that ever we heard tell of.
* * * * *
Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent to King Mark of
Cornwall for his truage [_tribute_], which Cornwall had paid many
winters afore time, and all that time King Mark was behind of the
truage for seven years. And King Mark and his barons gave unto the
messenger of Ireland this answer, and said that they would none pay,
and bade the messenger go unto his King Anguish and tell him, "that we
will pay him no truage; but tell your lord, and he will always have
truage of us of Cornwall, bid him send a trusty knight of his land
that will fight for his right, and we shall find another to defend our
right." With this answer the messenger departed into Ireland. And when
King Anguish understood the answer of the messenger, he was wondrous
wroth; and then he called unto him Sir Marhaus the good knight that was
nobly proved, and a knight of the Round Table. And this Sir Marhaus was
brother unto the Queen of Ireland. Then the king [prayed Sir Marhaus
that he would go and fight for his truage of Cornwall].
"Sir," said Sir Marhaus, "wit [_know_] ye well that I shall not be loth
to do battle in the right of you and your land with the best knight of
the Round Table, for I know what their deeds be, and for to increase my
worship [_worth-ship_] I will right gladly go to this journey for our
right."
So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and so he
departed out of Ireland, and arrived up in Cornwall, even fast by the
castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark understood that he was there
arrived to fight for Ireland, then made King Mark great sorrow. For
they knew no knight that durst have ado with him. For at that time Sir
Marhaus was called one of the famousest and renowned knights of the
world.
And thus Sir Marhaus abode in the sea, and every day he sent unto King
Mark for to pay the truage that was behind of seven year, or else to
find a knight to fight with him for the truage. Then they of Cornwall
let make cries in every place, that what knight would fight for to save
the truage of Cornwall he should be rewarded so that he should fare the
better the term of his life. Then some of the barons said to King Mark,
and counselled him to send to the court of King Arthur for to seek Sir
Launcelot du Lake. Then there were some other barons that counselled
the king not to do so, and said that it was labour in vain, because Sir
Marhaus was a knight of the Round Table, therefore any of them will be
loth to have ado with other. So the king and all his barons assented
that it was no boot [_help_] to seek any knight of the Round Table.
When young Tristram heard of this he was wroth and sore ashamed that
there durst no knight in Cornwall have ado with Sir Marhaus of Ireland.
* * * * *
Therewithal Sir Tristram went unto his father King Meliodas, and asked
him counsel what was best to do for to recover the country of Cornwall
for truage. "For as me seemeth," said Sir Tristram, "it were shame that
Sir Marhaus, the queen's brother of Ireland, should go away, unless
that he were not fought withal."
"As for that," said King Meliodas, "wit ye well, my son Tristram, that
Sir Marhaus is called one of the best knights of the world, and knight
of the Round Table, and therefore I know no knight in this country that
is able to match with him."
"Alas!" said Sir Tristram, "that I am not made knight, and if Sir
Marhaus should thus depart into Ireland, God let me never have worship;
and I were made knight I should match him; and sir," said Sir Tristram,
"I pray you to give me leave to ride unto mine uncle King Mark, and so
ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made knight."
"I will well," said King Meliodas, "that ye be ruled as your courage
will rule you."
And then Sir Tristram thanked his father much, and so made him ready
to ride into Cornwall. And in the mean while there came a messenger
with letters of love from the daughter of King Faramon of France, unto
Sir Tristram, that were full piteous letters, and in them were written
many complaints of love. But Sir Tristram had no joy of her letters,
nor regard unto her. Also she sent him a little brachet [_hunting
hound_] that was passing fair. But when the king's daughter understood
that Tristram would not love her, she died for sorrow. So this young
Sir Tristram rode unto his uncle King Mark of Cornwall. And when he
came there he heard say that there would no knight fight with Sir
Marhaus. Then went Sir Tristram unto his uncle and said,--
"Sir, if ye will give me the order of knighthood I will do battle with
Sir Marhaus."
"What are ye?" said the king, "and from whence be ye come?"
"Sir," said Tristram, "I come from King Meliodas that wedded your
sister, and a gentleman wit ye well I am."
King Mark beheld Sir Tristram, and saw that he was but a young man of
age, but he was passingly well made and big.
"Fair sir," said the king, "what is your name, and where were ye born?"
"Sir," said he again, "my name is Tristram, and in the country of
Lyonesse was I born."
"Ye say well," said the king, "and if ye will do this battle I shall
make you knight."
"Therefore I come to you," said Sir Tristram, "and for none other
cause."
But then King Mark made him knight. And therewithal anon as he had made
him knight, he sent a messenger unto Sir Marhaus with letters that said
that he had found a young knight ready for to take the battle to the
uttermost.
"It may well be," said Sir Marhaus; "but tell unto King Mark that I
will not fight with no knight but if he be of blood royal, that is to
say either king's son or queen's son, born of a prince or princess."
When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Lyonesse,
and told him what was the answer of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir
Tristram,--
"Since he sayeth so, let him wit that I am come of father's side and
mother's side of as noble blood as he is. For, sir, now shall ye know
that I am King Meliodas' son, born of your own sister dame Elizabeth,
that died in the forest in the birth of me."
"Yea!" said King Mark, "ye are welcome fair nephew to me."
Then in all the haste the king let horse Sir Tristram and arm him in
the best manner that might be had or gotten for gold or silver. And
then King Mark sent unto Sir Marhaus, and did him to wit [_let him
know_] that a better born man than he was himself should fight with
him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, [son of] King Meliodas,
and born of King Mark's sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad and blithe
that he should fight with such a gentleman. And so by the assent of
King Mark and Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight within
an island nigh Sir Marhaus' ships; and so was young Sir Tristram put
into a little vessel, both his horse and he, and all that to him
belonged both for his body and for his horse, so that Sir Tristram
lacked no manner thing. And when King Mark and his barons of Cornwall
beheld how young Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage [_that is,
carrying himself so bravely_] to fight for the right of Cornwall, wit
ye well there was neither man nor woman of worship but they wept for to
see so young a knight jeopard himself for their right.
* * * * *
For to make short this tale, that when Sir Tristram was arrived within
the island, then he looked to the further side, and there he saw at an
anchor six ships nigh to the land, and under the shadow of the ships,
upon the land, there hoved [_hovered_] the noble knight Sir Marhaus of
Ireland. And then Sir Tristram commanded his servant Gouvernail for to
bring his horse to the land, and dress his harness at all manner of
rights. And when he had so done, he mounted upon his horse. And when
he was in his saddle well apparelled, and his shield dressed upon his
shoulder, Sir Tristram asked Gouvernail, "Where is this knight that I
shall have to do withal?"
"Sir," said his servant Gouvernail, "see ye him not? I wend ye had seen
him, yonder he hoveth under the shadow of his ships upon horseback, and
his spear in his hand, and his shield upon his shoulder."
"It is truth," said Sir Tristram, "now I see him well enough."
And then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go again unto his
vessel, and commend him "unto mine uncle King Mark, and pray him that
if I be slain in this battle, for to bury my body as him seemeth
best, and, as for me, let him wit that I will never yield me for no
cowardice, and if I be slain and flee not, then have they lost no
truage for me. And if so be that I flee or yield me as recreant, bid
mine uncle never bury me in Christian burials. And upon my life," said
Sir Tristram to Gouvernail, "come thou not nigh this island till thou
see me overcome or slain, or else that I win yonder knight."
And so either departed from other weeping.
* * * * *
And then Sir Marhaus perceived Sir Tristram, and thus said unto him:
"Young knight Sir Tristram, what doest thou here? Me sore repenteth of
thy courage, for wit thou well I have matched with the best knights of
the world, and therefore by my counsel return again to thy ship."
"Fair knight and well proved knight," said Sir Tristram, "thou shalt
well wit that I may not forsake thee in this quarrel, for I am for
thy sake made knight, and thou shalt well wit that I am a king's son
born, and such promise have I made at mine uncle's request and mine own
seeking, that I shall fight with thee unto the uttermost, to deliver
Cornwall from the old truage. Also wit ye well, Sir Marhaus, that
for ye are called one of the best renowned knights of the world, and
because of that noise and fame that ye have, it will do me good to
have to do with you, for never yet sith [_since_] that I was born of
my mother was I proved with a good knight, and also sith I have taken
the high order of knighthood this day, I am right well pleased that I
may have to do with so good a knight as ye are. And now wit ye well,
Sir Marhaus of Ireland, that I cast me to win worship on thy body, I
trust to God I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy body and for to
deliver the country of Cornwall forever from all manner of truage from
Ireland."
And when the good knight Sir Marhaus had heard him say what him list,
then said he thus again: "Fair knight, sith it is so that thou castest
thee to win worship on me, I let thee wit that no worship maist thou
leese [_lose_] by me, if thou mayst stand me three strokes, for I let
you wit that for my noble deeds, proved and seen, King Arthur made me
knight of the Table Round." Then they began to feuter [_place in rest_]
their spears, and they met so fiercely together that they smote either
other down both horse and all. But Sir Marhaus smote Sir Tristram
a great wound in the side with his spear, and then they avoided
their horses, and pulled out their swords, and threw their shields
afore them, and then they lashed together as men than were wild and
courageous. And when they had stricken so together long, then they left
their strokes, and foined [_thrust, in feinting_]; and when they saw
that that might not prevail them, then they hurtled together like rams
to bear either other down. Thus they fought still more than half a day,
and either were wounded passing sore, that the blood ran down freshly
from them upon the ground. By then Sir Tristram waxed more fresher than
Sir Marhaus, and better winded and bigger, and with a mighty stroke he
smote Sir Marhaus upon the helm such a buffet, that it went through his
helm, and through the coif of steel, and through the brain-pan, and the
sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brain-pan that Sir Tristram
pulled thrice at his sword or ever he might pull it out from his head,
and there Marhaus fell down on his knees, [and a piece of] the edge of
Tristram's sword [was] left in his brain-pan. And suddenly Sir Marhaus
rose grovelling, and threw his sword and his shield from him, and
so ran to his ships and fled his way, and Sir Tristram had ever his
shield and his sword. And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw
him, he said, "Ah, sir knight of the Round Table, why withdrawest thou
thee; thou doest thyself and thy kin great shame, for I am but a young
knight, or now I was never proved, and rather than I should withdraw
me from thee, I had rather be hewn in an hundred pieces." Sir Marhaus
answered no word, but went his way sore groaning.
* * * * *
Anon Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as
soon as he came to the king his brother he let search his wounds. And
when his head was searched, a piece of Sir Tristram's sword was found
therein, and might never be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so
he died of Sir Tristram's sword, and that piece of the sword the queen
his sister kept it for ever with her, for she thought to be revenged
and she might.
Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and full
sore bled, that he might not within a little while when he had taken
cold scarcely stir him of his limbs. And then he set him down softly
upon a little hill, and bled fast. Then anon came Gouvernail his man
with his vessel, and the king and his barons came with procession, and
when he was come to the land, King Mark took him in both his arms, and
the king and Sir Dinas the seneschal led Sir Tristram into the castle
of Tintagil, and then were his wounds searched in the best manner, and
laid in bed. And when King Mark saw all his wounds, he wept right
heartily, and so did all his lords.
"So God me help," said King Mark, "I would not for all my lands that my
nephew died."
So Sir Tristram lay there a month and more, and was like to have died
of the stroke that Sir Marhaus had given him first with his spear. For,
as the French book saith, that spear's head was envenomed, that Sir
Tristram might not be whole thereof. Then was King Mark and all his
barons passing heavy, for they deemed none other but that Sir Tristram
should not recover. So the king let send after all manner of leeches
and surgeons, both men and women, and there was none that would warrant
him his life. Then came there a lady, which was a full wise lady, and
she said plainly unto King Mark and unto Sir Tristram and unto all the
barons, that he should never be whole, but if Sir Tristram went into
the same country that the venom came from, and in that country should
he be holpen or else never. When King Mark had well heard what the
lady said, forthwith he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair vessel, and
well victualled it, and therein was put Sir Tristram and Gouvernail
with him, and Sir Tristram took his harp with him, and so he was put
to sea, for to sail into Ireland, and so by good fortune he arrived up
into Ireland even fast by a castle where the king and the queen were,
and at his arriving he sat and harped in his bed a merry lay, such one
had they never heard in Ireland afore that time. And when it was told
the king and the queen of such a knight that was such a harper, anon
the king sent for him, and let search his wound, and then he asked him
what was his name. He answered and said,
"I am of the country of Lyonesse, and my name is Tramtrist, [and I
have] been wounded in a battle as I fought for a lady's right."
"Truly," said King Anguish, "ye shall have all the help in this land
that ye may have here. But I let you wit in Cornwall I had a great loss
as ever had king, for there I lost the best knight of the world, his
name was Marhaus, a full noble knight, and knight of the Table Round;"
and there he told Sir Tristram wherefore Sir Marhaus was slain. Sir
Tristram made semblant [_like_] as he had been sorry, and better knew
he how it was than the king.
* * * * *
Then the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his
daughter's ward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. And
when she had searched his wound, she found in the bottom of his wound
that there was poison, and within a little while she healed him, and
therefore Tramtrist cast great love to la Belle Isolde, for she was
at that time the fairest lady of the world, and then Sir Tramtrist
[taught] her to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy unto Sir
Tramtrist. And at that time Sir Palamides, that was a Saracen, was in
that country, and was well cherished both of the king and the queen,
and he proffered her many great gifts, for he loved her passing well.
And all that espied right well Sir Tramtrist, and full well he knew Sir
Palamides for a noble knight and a mighty man.
Thus was there great envy between Sir Tramtrist and Sir Palamides.
Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great joust and a great
tournament for a lady which was called the lady of the lawns, and she
was nigh cousin unto the king, and what man that should win her should
wed her three days after, and have all her lands. This cry was made in
England, Wales, and Scotland, and also in France and in Britain. It
befell upon a day la Belle Isolde came to Sir Tramtrist and told him of
this tournament.
"Ah! Tramtrist," said la Belle Isolde, "why will ye not have to do at
that tournament? well I wot Sir Palamides will be there and do what he
may, and therefore, Sir Tramtrist, I pray you to be there, for else Sir
Palamides is like to win the degree."
"Madam," said Sir Tramtrist, "as for that he may do so, for he is a
proved knight, and I am but a young knight and late made, and the
first battle that I did it mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see.
But and I wist [_if I knew_] that ye would be my better lady, at that
tournament I will be, so that ye will keep my counsel, and let no
creature have knowledge that I shall joust but yourself, and such as
ye will to keep your counsel; my poor person shall I jeopard there for
your sake, that peradventure Sir Palamides shall know when that I come."
"Thereto," said la Belle Isolde, "do your best, and as I can," said la
Belle Isolde, "I shall purvey horse and armor for you at my devise."
"As ye will so be it," said Sir Tramtrist, "I will be at your
commandment."
So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield,
and he overthrew many knights, that all the people had marvel of him.
For he put to the worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus,
Kay, Dodinas le Savage, Sagramor le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and
Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day Sir Palamides strake
down to the earth. And then all manner of knights were adread of Sir
Palamides, and many called him the knight with the black shield. So
that day Sir Palamides had great worship. Then came King Anguish unto
Tramtrist and asked him why he would not joust.
"Sir," said he, "I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare not adventure
me."
* * * * *
And so on the morn Sir Palamides made him ready to come into the field
as he did the first day. And there he smote down the king with the
hundred knights, and the King of Scotland. Then had la Belle Isolde
ordained and well arrayed Sir Tramtrist in white horse and harness.
And right so she let put him out at a privy postern, and so he came
into the field as it had been a bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides
espied him, and therewith he feutered [_laid in rest_] a spear unto Sir
Tramtrist, and he again unto him. And there Sir Tristram smote down Sir
Palamides unto the earth. And then there was a great noise of people:
some said Sir Palamides had a fall, some said the knight with the black
shield had a fall. And wit you well la Belle Isolde was passing glad.
And then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine had marvel what knight it
might be that had smitten down Sir Palamides. Then would there none
joust with Tramtrist, but all that were there forsook him, most and
least. And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well he
was sore ashamed; and as privily as he might he withdrew him out of
the field. All that espied Sir Tristram, and lightly he rode after Sir
Palamides, and overtook him, and bade him turn, for better he would
assay him or ever he departed. Then Sir Palamides turned him, and
either lashed at other with their swords. But at the first stroke Sir
Tristram smote down Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon the head
that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield him and do his
commandment, or else he would slay him. And when Sir Palamides beheld
his countenance, he dread sore his buffets, so that he granted him all
his asking.
"Well," said Sir Tristram unto him, "this shall be your charge. First,
upon pain of your life, that ye forsake my lady la Belle Isolde, and in
no manner of wise that ye draw unto her, and also these twelve months
and a day that ye bear none armor nor in like wise no harness of war.
Now promise me this, or here shalt thou die."
"Alas!" said Sir Palamides, "now am I for ever shamed."
And then he swore as Sir Tristram had commanded him. Then for great
despite and anger, Sir Palamides cut off his harness and threw it away.
And then Sir Tristram rode privily unto the postern where la Belle
Isolde kept him, and then she made him good cheer, and thanked God of
his good speed.
* * * * *
Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and
queen and namely [_likewise_] with la Belle Isolde. So upon a day the
queen and la Belle Isolde made a bayne [_bath_] for Sir Tramtrist, and
when he was in his bayne, the queen and her daughter la Belle Isolde
roamed up and down in the chamber, and there whiles Gouvernail and
Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the queen beheld his sword whereas
it lay upon his bed. And then by unhap the queen drew out his sword
and beheld it a long while, and both they thought it a passing fair
sword, but within a foot and an half of the point there was a great
piece broken out of the edge. And when the queen espied that gap in
the sword, she remembered of a piece of a sword that was found in the
brain-pan of the good knight Sir Marhaus that was her brother.
"Alas!" said she then to her daughter la Belle Isolde. "This is the
same traitorous knight that slew my brother thine uncle."
When la Belle Isolde heard her say so, she was then passing sore
abashed, for she loved Sir Tramtrist passingly well, and right well she
knew the cruelness of her mother the queen. And so anon therewith the
queen went in all the haste that she might unto her own chamber, and
then she sought in a coffer that she had, and there she found and took
out the piece of the sword that was taken out of her brother's head Sir
Marhaus, after that he was dead. And then anon she ran with the same
piece of iron unto Sir Tramtrist's sword which lay upon the bed, and
so when she put the same piece of steel and iron unto the same sword,
it was then as fit as ever it might be when it was first new broken.
And so forthwith the queen caught that sword fiercely in her hand, and
with all her might she ran straight unto Tramtrist where he sat in a
bayne, and there she had run him through had not Sir Hebes gotten her
in his arms and pulled the sword from her, and else she had thrust him
through. When she was thus letted of her evil will, she ran to King
Anguish her husband, and fell on her knees before him, saying, "Oh, my
lord and husband, here have ye in your house that traitor knight that
slew my brother and your servant, that noble knight Sir Marhaus."
"Who is that," said King Anguish, "and where is he?"
"Sir," said she, "it is Sir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter
hath healed."
"Alas!" said King Anguish, "therefore am I right neavy, for he is a
full noble knight as ever I saw in field, but I charge you," said the
king to the queen, "that ye have not to do with this knight, but let me
deal with him."
Then the king went into the chamber to Sir Tramtrist, that then was
gone unto his chamber, and then the king found him all armed, ready
to mount upon his horse. And when the king saw him all ready armed to
mount on horseback, the king said, "Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail
thee to compare against me. But thus much will I do for my worship,
and for thy love: in so much as thou art within this court, it were no
worship for me to slay thee, therefore upon this condition I will give
thee leave to depart from this court in safety, so that thou wilt tell
me who is thy father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew my brother
Sir Marhaus."
* * * * *
"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "now shall I tell you all the truth; my
father's name is Meliodas, King of Lyonesse, and my mother hight
Elizabeth, that was sister unto King Mark of Cornwall, and my mother
died of me in the forest, and because thereof she commanded or she died
that when I were christened that they should name me Tristram, and
because I would not be known in this country, I turned my name, and let
call me Tramtrist; and for the truage of Cornwall, I fought for mine
uncle's sake, and for the right of Cornwall that ye had possessed many
years. And wit ye well," said Tristram unto the king, "I did the battle
for the love of mine uncle King Mark, and for the love of the country
of Cornwall, and for to increase mine honor. For that same day that I
fought with Sir Marhaus I was made knight, and never or then did I know
battle with no knight, and from me he went alive, and left his shield
and his sword behind."
"Truly," said the king, "I may not say but ye did as a knight should,
and it was your part to do for your quarrel, and to increase your
worship as a knight should; howbeit I may not maintain you in this
country with my worship, unless that I should displease my barons, and
my wife, and her kin."
"Sir," said Tristram, "I thank you of your good lordship that I have
had with you here, and the great goodness my lady your daughter hath
showed me, and therefore," said Sir Tristram, "it may so happen that ye
shall win more by my life than by my death, for in the parts of England
it may happen I may do you service at some season that ye shall be glad
that ever ye showed me your good lordship. With more I promise you as I
am true knight, that in all places I shall be my lady your daughter's
servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I shall never fail her to
do as much as a knight may do. Also I beseech your good grace that I
may take my leave at my lady your daughter, and at all the barons and
knights."
"I will well," said the king.
Then Sir Tristram went unto la Belle Isolde, and took his leave of her.
And then he told her all, what he was, and how he had changed his name
because he would not be known, and how a lady told him that he should
never be whole till he came into this country where the poison was
made: "Wherethrough I was near my death, had not your ladyship been."
"Oh, gentle knight," said la Belle Isolde, "full woe am I of thy
departing, for I saw never man that I owed so good will to." And
therewithal she wept heartily.
"Madam," said Sir Tristram, "ye shall understand that my name is Sir
Tristram de Lyonesse, and I promise you faithfully that I shall be all
the days of my life your knight."
"Sir, gramercy," said la Belle Isolde, "and there again I promise you
that I shall not be married of this seven year but if it be by your
assent, and to whom ye will I shall be married, him shall I have, if he
will have me, if ye will consent."
And then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave him another, and
therewith he departed from her, leaving her making full great moan and
lamentation, and he went straight unto the court among all the barons,
and there he took his leave of most and least, and openly among them
all he said: "Fair lords, now it is so that I must depart from hence,
if there be any man here that I have offended unto, or that any man
be with me grieved, let him complain here before me or I depart from
hence, and I shall amend it unto my power. And if there be any that
will proffer me wrong, or to say of me wrong or shame behind my back,
say it now or never, and here is my body to make it good, body against
body."
And all they stood still, there was not one that would say one word,
yet were there some knights which were of the queen's blood and of Sir
Marhaus' blood, but they would not meddle with him.
So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea, and with good wind he
arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall. And when King Mark was whole and in
his prosperity, there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived and
whole of his wound, whereof King Mark was passing glad, and so were
all the barons. And when he saw his time, he rode unto his father King
Meliodas, and there he had all the cheer that the king and the queen
could make him. And then largely King Meliodas and his queen parted of
their lands and goods unto Sir Tristram. So then by the license [leave]
of King Meliodas his father, he returned again unto the court of King
Mark, and there he lived in great joy long time, until at the last
there befell a jealousy and an unkindness between King Mark and Sir
Tristram.
* * * * *
Then King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroy Sir
Tristram. And then he imagined in himself to send Sir Tristram
into Ireland for la Belle Isolde. For Sir Tristram had so praised
her beauty and her goodness that King Mark said he would wed her,
whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to take his way into Ireland for him
on message. And all this was done to the intent to slay Sir Tristram.
Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the message for no
danger nor peril that might fall for the pleasure of his uncle, but to
go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be devised.
So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea with all his fellowship. And
anon as he was in the broad sea, a tempest took him and his fellowship
and drove them back into the coast of England, and there they arrived
fast by Camelot, and full fain they were to take the land. And when
they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the land of
Camelot, and there he let hang his shield upon the pavilion.
* * * * *
Then when Sir Tristram was in his rich pavilion, Gouvernail his man
came and told him how King Anguish of Ireland was come there, and how
he was put in great distress; and there Gouvernail told to Sir Tristram
how King Anguish of Ireland was summoned and accused of murder.
"So God me help," said Sir Tristram, "these be the best tidings that
ever came to me this seven year, for now shall the King of Ireland have
need of my help, for I dare say there is no knight in this country that
is not of King Arthur's court dare do no battle with Sir Blamor de
Ganis; and for to win the love of the King of Ireland, I shall take the
battle upon me; and therefore, Gouvernail, I charge thee to bring me to
the king."
And so Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted him
fair. The king welcomed him, and asked him what he would.
"Sir," said Gouvernail, "here is a knight near hand which desireth to
speak with you; and he bade me say that he would do you service."
"What knight is he?" said the king.
"Sir," said he, "it is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, that for the good
grace that ye showed unto him in your land, he will reward you in this
country."
"Come on, good fellow," said the king, "with me, and show me Sir
Tristram."
So the king took a little hackney and a little company with him, until
he came unto Sir Tristram's pavilion. And when Sir Tristram saw King
Anguish, he ran unto him, and would have holden his stirrup. But anon
the king leapt lightly from his horse, and either halsed [_embraced_]
other in their arms.
"My gracious lord," said Sir Tristram, "gramercy of your great goodness
that ye showed to me in your marches and lands. And at that time I
promised you to do you service and ever it lay in my power."
"Ah, worshipful knight," said the king unto Sir Tristram, "now have I
great need of you; for never had I so great need of no knight's help."
"How so, my good lord?" said Sir Tristram.
"I shall tell you," said King Anguish; "I am summoned and appealed
from my country for the death of a knight that was kin unto the good
knight Sir Launcelot, wherefore Sir Blamor de Ganis, brother to Sir
Bleoberis, hath appealed me to fight with him, other [_or else_] to
find a knight in my stead. And well I wot," said the king, "these that
are come of King Ban's blood, as Sir Launcelot and these other, are
passing good knights, and hard men for to win in battle as any that I
know now living."
"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "for the good lordship ye showed me in
Ireland, and for my lady your daughter's sake, la Belle Isolde, I
will take the battle for you upon this condition that ye shall grant
me two things: that one is, that ye shall swear to me that ye are in
the right, that ye were never consenting to the knight's death; sir,
then," said Sir Tristram, "when that I have done this battle, if God
give me grace that I speed, that ye shall give me a reward, what thing
reasonable that I will ask of you."
"Truly," said the king, "ye shall have whatsoever ye will ask."
"It is well said," said Sir Tristram.
* * * * *
Then were the lists made ready, and Sir Tristram and Sir Blamor de
Ganis, in the presence of the kings, judges, and knights, feutered
[_laid in rest_] their spears and came together as it had been thunder,
and there Sir Tristram through great might smote down Sir Blamor and
his horse to the earth. Then anon Sir Blamor avoided his horse, and
pulled out his sword and threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir
Tristram alight; "for though an horse hath failed me, I trust the earth
will not fail me."
And then Sir Tristram alighted and dressed him unto battle, and there
they lashed together strongly as racing and tracing, foining and
dashing many sad strokes, that the kings and knights had great wonder
that they might stand, for ever they fought like two wild men, so
that there were never knights seen fight more fiercely than they did;
for Sir Blamor was so hasty that he would have no rest, that all men
wondered that they had breath to stand on their feet; all the place
was bloody that they fought in. And at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir
Blamor such a buffet upon the helm that he fell down upon his side, and
Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.
Then when Sir Blamor might speak, he said thus:--
"Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, I require thee, as thou art a noble knight,
and the best knight that ever I found, that thou wilt slay me out of
hand [_straightway_], for I had liever die with worship than live
with shame, and needs, Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else thou
shalt never win the field, for I will never say the loth word [_of
surrender_]; and therefore, if thou dare slay me, slay me, I require
thee."
And when Sir Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what to
do with him. And then Sir Tristram started aback and went to the kings
which were judges; and there he kneeled down before them, and besought
them for their worship, and for King Arthur and Sir Launcelot's sake,
that they would take this matter in their hands:
"For, fair lords," said Sir Tristram, "it were shame and pity that this
noble knight that yonder lieth should be slain, for ye may well hear
that shamed he will not be, and I pray to God that he never be slain
nor shamed for me. And as for the king for whom I do this battle, I
shall require him, as I am his true champion and true knight in this
field, that he will have mercy upon this good knight."
"So God me help," said King Anguish to Sir Tristram, "I will be ruled
for your sake as ye will have me. For I know you for my true knight,
and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here as judges for
to take it into their hands."
And then the kings which were judges called Sir Bleoberis unto them and
demanded his advice.
"My lord," said Sir Bleoberis, "though that my brother be beaten and
both the worse through might of arms, I dare well say though Sir
Tristram hath beaten his body he hath not beaten his heart; I thank
God he is not shamed this day. And rather than he should be shamed, I
require you," said Sir Bleoberis, "let Sir Tristram slay him out of
hand [_immediately_]."
"It shall not be so," said the kings, "for his adverse party, both the
king and the champion, hath pity of Sir Blamor's knighthood."
"My lords," said Sir Bleoberis, "I will right well as ye will."
Then the kings called to them the King of Ireland, and found him good
and treatable [_willing to agree_]. And then by all their advices Sir
Tristram and Sir Bleoberis took up Sir Blamor. And the two brethren
were accorded with King Anguish; and kissed each other and were made
friends for ever. And then Sir Blamor and Sir Tristram kissed each
other, and then the two brethren made their oaths that they would
never fight with Sir Tristram. And Sir Tristram made the same oath.
And for that gentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved Sir
Tristram for ever more. Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their
leave and sailed into Ireland with great joy and nobleness. So when
they were in Ireland, the king let make it be known throughout all the
land how and in what manner Sir Tristram had done for him. And then the
queen and all the estates that were there made as much of him as ever
they might make; but the joy that la Belle Isolde made of Sir Tristram,
that might no tongue tell, for of men living she loved him most.
* * * * *
Then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his
boon, for whatsoever he had promised him he should have it without fail.
"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "now is it time, this is all that I will
desire, that ye will give me la Belle Isolde, your daughter, not for
myself, but for mine uncle King Mark, that shall have her to wife, for
so have I promised him."
"Alas," said the king, "I had liever than all the land that I have ye
would wed her yourself."
"Sir, and I did, then were I shamed for ever in this world, and false
of my promise. Therefore," said Sir Tristram, "I pray you hold your
promise that ye promised me, for this is my desire, that ye will give
me la Belle Isolde to go with me into Cornwall, for to be wedded to
King Mark mine uncle."
"As for that," said King Anguish, "ye shall have her with you, to do
with her what it please you, that is for to say if that ye list to wed
her yourself, that is to me lievest, and if ye will give her unto King
Mark your uncle, that is in your choice."
So to make a short conclusion, la Belle Isolde was made ready to go
with Sir Tristram, and dame Bragwaine went with her for her chief
gentlewoman, with many other.
And anon they were richly wedded with great nobleness. But ever Sir
Tristram and la Belle Isolde loved ever together.
Then was there great jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and
ladies were at that feast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all
other.
* * * * *
[Then, as time passed by, Sir Tristram grieved sorely in his heart that
la Belle Isolde was wedded to King Mark, till that he became as a wood
man, and mounted his horse and rode forth into the forest away from
Tintagil. So Sir Palamides sent a damsel to inquire after Sir Tristram.]
And she went to the lady of [a certain] castle, and told her of the
misadventure of Sir Tristram.
"Alas," said the lady of that castle, "where is my lord Sir Tristram?"
"Right here by your castle," said the damsel.
"In good time," said the lady, "is he so nigh me: he shall have meat
and drink of the best, and a harp I have of his whereupon he taught
me,--for of goodly harping he beareth the prize in the world."
So this lady and the damsel brought him meat and drink, but he eat
little thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse from him, and
then he unlaced his armor, and then Sir Tristram would go into the
wilderness, and burst down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile, when
he found the harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp and play
thereupon and weep together. And sometime when Sir Tristram was in the
wood, that the lady wist not where he was, then would she sit her down
and play upon that harp; then would Sir Tristram come to that harp and
hearken thereto, and sometime he would harp himself. Thus he there
endured a quarter of a year. Then at the last he ran his way, and she
wist not where he was become. And then was he naked, and waxed lean
and poor of flesh, and so he fell into the fellowship of herdmen and
shepherds, and daily they would give him of their meat and drink. And
when he did any shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they
clipped him with shears and made him like a fool.
* * * * *
And upon a day Sir Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, came into Cornwall,
with two squires with him, and as they rode through the forest they
came by a fair well where Sir Tristram was wont to be, and the weather
was hot, and they alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile
their horses brake loose. Right so Sir Tristram came unto them, and
first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and after his squires, and
thereat laughed the shepherds, and forthwithal he ran after their
horses, and brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as they
were, he made them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram
endured here an half year naked, and would never come in town nor
village.
And there was a giant in that country that hight Tauleas, and for
fear of Sir Tristram more than seven years he durst not much go out at
large, but for the most part he kept him in a sure castle of his own.
And so this Sir Tauleas heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead by the
noise of the court of King Mark, and then Sir Tauleas went daily at
large. And so it happened upon a day he came to the herdmen wandering
and lingering, and there he set him down to rest among them. The
meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that led a lady with him,
and his name was Sir Dinant. And when the giant saw him, he went from
the herdmen and hid him under a tree. And so the knight came to the
well, and there he alighted to rest him. And as soon as he was from his
horse, the giant Sir Tauleas came between the knight and his horse, and
leaped upon him. So forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant, and took him by
the collar, and drew him before him on his horse, and there would have
stricken off his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram, "Help
yonder knight."
"Help ye him," said Sir Tristram.
"We dare not," said the herdmen.
Then Sir Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight where it lay, and
thither he ran and took up the sword, and smote off Sir Tauleas' head,
and so went his way to the herdmen again.
* * * * *
Then the knight took up the giant's head, and bare it with him unto
King Mark, and told him what adventure betid him in the forest, and how
a naked man rescued him from the grimly giant Tauleas.
"Where had ye this adventure?" said King Mark.
"Forsooth," said Sir Dinant, "at the fair fountain in your forest,
where many adventurous knights meet, and there is the mad man."
"Well," said King Mark, "I will see that mad man."
So within a day or two King Mark commanded his knights and his hunters
that they should be ready on the morrow for to hunt. And on the morrow
he went unto the forest. And when the king came to the well, he found
there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. Then the
king blew and screked [_called shrilly_] and therewith his knights came
to him. And then the king commanded his knights to take that naked man
with fairness, "and bring him to my castle." So they did softly and
fair, and cast mantles upon Sir Tristram, and so led him unto Tintagil;
and there they bathed him and washed him, and gave him hot suppings,
till they had brought him well to his remembrance. But all this while
there was no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man he was. So
it fell upon a day that the queen la Belle Isolde heard of such a man
that ran naked in the forest, and how the king had brought him home
to the court. Then la Belle Isolde called unto her dame Bragwaine,
and said, "Come on with me, for we will go see this man that my lord
brought from the forest the last day."
So they passed forth, and asked where was the sick man. And then a
squire told the queen that he was in the garden taking his rest,
and reposing him against the sun. So when the queen looked upon Sir
Tristram she was not remembered of [_did not remember_] him. But
ever she said unto dame Bragwaine, "Me seemeth I should have seen him
heretofore in many places."
But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew her well enough, and then
he turned away his visage and wept. Then the queen had always a little
brachet with her, that Sir Tristram gave her the first time that ever
she came into Cornwall, and never would that brachet depart from her,
but if Sir Tristram was nigh there as was la Belle Isolde; and this
brachet was sent from the king's daughter of France unto Sir Tristram
for great love. And anon as this little brachet felt a savor of Sir
Tristram, she leaped upon him, and licked his learis [_cheeks_] and his
ears, and then she whined and quested, and she smelled at his feet and
at his hands, and on all parts of his body that she might come to.
"Ah, my lady," said dame Bragwaine unto la Belle Isolde, "alas, alas!"
said she, "I see it is mine own lord Sir Tristram."
And thereupon Isolde fell down in a sowne [_swoon_], and so lay a great
while; and when she might speak, she said: "My lord Sir Tristram,
blessed be God ye have your life, and now I am sure ye shall be
discovered by this little brachet, for she will never leave you; and
also I am sure that as soon as my lord King Mark shall know you, he
will banish you out of the country of Cornwall, or else he will destroy
you. For God's sake, mine own lord, grant King Mark his will, and then
draw you unto the court of King Arthur, for there are ye beloved."
Then la Belle Isolde departed, but the brachet would not from him. And
therewith came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and bayed at
them all. And therewith Sir Andret spake and said: "Sir, this is Sir
Tristram, I see by the brachet."
"Nay," said the king, "I cannot suppose that it is he."
So the king asked him upon his faith what he was, and what was his name.
"So God help," said he, "my name is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, and now
ye may do with me what ye list."
And so, by the advice of them all, Sir Tristram was banished out of the
country of Cornwall for ten year, and thereupon he took his oath.
And then were many barons brought him into his ship. And when Sir
Tristram was in the ship, he said thus: "Greet well King Mark and all
mine enemies, and tell them I will come again when I may. And well I
am rewarded for the fighting with Sir Marhaus, and delivering all the
country from servage [_subjection_]. And well I am rewarded for the
fetching and costs of la Belle Isolde out of Ireland, and the danger
that I was in first and last, and by the way coming home what danger I
had to bring again Queen Isolde from the castle. And well I am rewarded
when I fought with Sir Bleoberis for Sir Segwarides' wife. And well am
I rewarded when I fought with Sir Blamor de Ganis for King Anguish,
father unto la Belle Isolde. And well am I rewarded when I smote down
the good knight Sir Lamorak de Galis at King Mark's request. And well
am I rewarded when I fought with the king with the hundred knights,
and the King of Northgalis, and both these would have put his land in
servage, and by me they were put to a rebuke. And well am I rewarded
for the slaying of Tauleas the mighty giant, and many moe deeds have I
done for him, and now have I my guerdon. And tell the King Mark that
many noble knights of the Round Table have spared the barons of this
country for my sake. Also I am not well rewarded when I fought with
the good knight Sir Palamides, and rescued Queen Isolde from him. And
at that time King Mark said before all his barons I should have been
better rewarded." And therewith he took the sea.
* * * * *
[In those days was holden a great tournament at the Castle of Maidens,
and thereto came Sir Tristram, for King Arthur was there, with his
knights, and a goodly press of other kings, lords and ladies. And Sir
Tristram let make him a black shield, and therewith was he ever to be
known in the midst of the knights. And Sir Tristram overthrew eleven
knights of Sir Launcelot's kin in one day, and jousted with King Arthur
and with Sir Launcelot in such wise that all men wondered. And at the
last Sir Tristram was sore wounded, and rode away into a forest. But
Sir Launcelot held away the stour [_fight_] like as a man enraged that
took no heed to himself.] And because Sir Launcelot was the last in
the field the prize was given him. But Sir Launcelot would neither for
king, queen, nor knight have the prize; but when the cry was cried
through the field, "Sir Launcelot. Sir Launcelot, hath won the field
this day!" Sir Launcelot let make another cry contrary to that cry:
"Sir Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and last he hath
endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second, and the third
day."
[And so King Arthur and Sir Launcelot and more knights rode forth for
to find Sir Tristram. And after many adventures it happened that Sir
Launcelot passed by the tomb of Sir Lanceor (him that was slain by
Balin) and his lady Colombe. And by that same tomb came Sir Tristram:
and neither knew the other, but Sir Tristram weened it to have been
Sir Palamides. Then they two fought, and each wounded other wonderly
sore, that the blood ran out upon the grass. And thus they fought the
space of four hours. And at the last either knew other. Then cried Sir
Launcelot,] "Oh, what adventure is befallen me!"
And therewith Sir Launcelot kneeled down and yielded him up his
sword. And therewithal Sir Tristram kneeled adown, and yielded him up
his sword. And so either gave other the degree. And then they both
forthwithal went to the stone, and set them down upen it, and took off
their helms to cool them, and either kissed other an hundred times. And
then anon after they took their helms and rode to Camelot. And there
they met with Sir Gawaine and with Sir Gaheris that had made promise
to Arthur never to come again to the court till they had brought Sir
Tristram with them.
Then King Arthur took Sir Tristram by the hand, and led him unto the
Round Table. Then came Queen Guenever, and many ladies with her, and
all these ladies said, all with one voice, "Welcome, Sir Tristram;"
"welcome," said the damsels; "welcome," said the knights; "welcome,"
said King Arthur, "for one of the best knights and gentlest of the
world, and knight of the most worship; for of all manner of hunting
thou bearest the prize, and of all measures of blowing thou art the
beginner, and of all the terms of hunting and hawking ye are the
beginner; of all instruments of music ye are the best. Therefore,
gentle knight," said King Arthur, "ye are right heartily welcome unto
this court. And also I pray you," said King Arthur, "grant me a boon."
"It shall be at your commandment," said Sir Tristram.
"Well," said King Arthur, "I will desire of you that ye will abide in
my court."
"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "thereto am I loth, for I have to do in many
countries."
"Not so," said King Arthur, "ye have promised it me, ye may not say
nay."
"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "I will as ye will."
Then went King Arthur unto the sieges about the Round Table, and looked
in every siege which were void that lacked knights. And the king then
saw in the siege of Marhaus letters that said:--
"This is the siege of the noblest knight Sir Tristram."
And then King Arthur made Sir Tristram knight of the Round Table, with
great nobleness and great feast as might be thought.
* * * * *
Then King Mark had great despite of the renown of Sir Tristram. So
he sent on his part men to espy what deeds he did. And when the
messengers were come home, they told the truth as they heard, that he
passed all other knights but if it were the noble knight Sir Launcelot.
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 to slay him.
[And it happened that Sir Dinadan met King Mark, and began to mock
him for a Cornish knight of no worship. And] right as they stood thus
talking together, they saw come riding to them over a plain six knights
of the court of King Arthur, well armed at all points. And there by
their shields Sir Dinadan knew them well. The first was the good knight
Sir Uwaine, the son of King Uriens; the second was the noble knight Sir
Brandiles; the third was Ozanna le Cure Hardy; the fourth was Uwaine
les Adventurous; the fifth was Sir Agravaine; the sixth Sir Mordred,
brother to Sir Gawaine. When Sir Dinadan had seen these six knights, he
thought in himself he would bring King Mark by some wile to joust with
one of them.
"Lo," said Sir Dinadan, "yonder are knights errant that will joust with
us."
"God forbid," said King Mark, "for they be six, and we but two."
"As for that," said Sir Dinadan, "let us not spare, for I will assay
the foremost."
And therewith he made him ready. When King Mark saw him do so, as fast
as Sir Dinadan rode toward them King Mark rode from them with all his
menial company. So when Sir Dinadan saw King Mark was gone, he set the
spear out of the rest, and threw his shield upon his back, and came
riding to the fellowship of the Table Round. And anon Sir Uwaine knew
Sir Dinadan, and welcomed him, and so did all his fellowship.
"What knight is that," said Sir Brandiles, "that so suddenly departed
from you, and rode over yonder field?"
"Sir," said he, "it was a knight of Cornwall, and the most horrible
coward that ever bestrode horse."
"What is his name?" said all the knights.
"I wot not," said Sir Dinadan.
Said Sir Griflet, "Here have I brought Sir Dagonet, King Arthur's fool,
that is the best fellow and the merriest in the world."
[Then said Sir Mordred,] "Put my shield and my harness upon Sir
Dagonet, and let him set upon the Cornish knight."
"That shall be done," said Sir Dagonet, "by my faith."
Then anon was Dagonet armed in Mordred's harness and his shield, and he
was set on a great horse and a spear in his hand.
"Now," said Dagonet, "show me the knight, and I trow I shall bear him
down."
So all these knights rode to a woodside, and abode till King Mark came
by the way. Then they put forth Sir Dagonet, and he came on all the
while his horse might run, straight upon King Mark. And when he came
nigh King Mark, he cried as he were wood, and said, "Keep thee, knight
of Cornwall, for I will slay thee."
Anon as King Mark beheld his shield he said to himself, "Yonder is Sir
Launcelot: alas, now am I destroyed."
And therewithal he made his horse to run as fast as it might through
thick and thin. And ever Sir Dagonet followed King Mark crying and
rating him as a wood man through a great forest. When Sir Uwaine and
Sir Brandiles saw Dagonet so chase King Mark, they laughed all as they
were wood. And then they took their horses and rode after to see how
Sir Dagonet sped. For they would not for no good that Sir Dagonet were
hurt, for King Arthur loved him passing well, and made him knight with
his own hands.
When Sir Uwaine and Sir Brandiles with his fellows came to the court of
King Arthur, they told the king, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram how
Sir Dagonet the fool chased King Mark through the forest. There was
great laughing and jesting at King Mark and at Sir Dagonet.
* * * * *
King Arthur on a day said unto King Mark,--
"Sir, I pray you to give me a gift that I shall ask you."
"Sir," said King Mark, "I will give you whatsoever ye desire, and it be
in my power."
"Sir, gramercy," said King Arthur, "this I will ask you, that ye be a
good lord unto Sir Tristram, for he is a man of great honor; and that
ye will take him with you into Cornwall, and let him see his friends,
and there cherish him for my sake."
"Sir," said King Mark, "I promise you by the faith of my body, and by
the faith I owe to God and to you, I shall worship him for your sake in
all that I can or may."
"Sir," said Arthur, "and I will forgive you all the evil will that
ever I owed you, and so be that ye swear that upon a book afore me."
"With a good will," said King Mark.
And so he there sware upon a book afore him and all his knights, and
therewith King Mark and Sir Tristram took either other by the hands
hard knit together. But for all this King Mark thought falsely, as
it proved after, for he put Sir Tristram in prison, and cowardly
would have slain him. Then soon after King Mark took his leave to
ride into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram made him ready to ride with him,
wherefore the most part of the Round Table were wroth and heavy; and
in especial Sir Launcelot, and Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan were wroth
out of measure. For well they wist King Mark would slay or destroy Sir
Tristram.
* * * * *
Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that, as he rode on hunting, he met with
Sir Dinadan, that was come into that country for to seek Sir Tristram.
Then Sir Dinadan told Sir Tristram his name, but Sir Tristram would not
tell his name; wherefor Sir Dinadan was wroth.
"For such a foolish knight as ye are," said Sir Dinadan, "I saw but
late to-day lying by a well, and he fared as he had slept, and there
he lay like a fool grinning and would not speak, and his shield lay by
him, and his horse stood by him, and well I wot he was a lover."
"Ah, fair sir," said Sir Tristram, "are ye not a lover?"
"Marry, fie upon that craft," said Sir Dinadan.
"That is evil said," quoth Sir Tristram, "for a knight may never be of
prowess, but if he be a lover."
"It is well said," quoth Sir Dinadan; "now tell me your name, sith ye
be a lover, or else I shall do battle with you."
"As for that," said Sir Tristram, "it is no reason to fight with me but
I tell you my name; as for that, my name shall ye not know as at this
time."
"Fie for shame," said Sir Dinadan, "art thou a knight and darest not
tell me thy name? therefore I will fight with thee."
"As for that," said Sir Tristram, "I will be advised, for I will not
fight but if me list; and if I do battle," said Sir Tristram, "ye are
not able for to withstand me."
"Fie on thee, coward," said Sir Dinadan.
And thus as they still hoved, they saw a knight come riding against
them.
"Lo," said Sir Tristram, "see where cometh a knight riding that will
joust with you."
Anon, as Sir Dinadan beheld him, he said, "It is the same doting knight
that I saw lie by the well neither sleeping nor waking."
"Well," said Sir Tristram, "I know that knight full well with the
covered shield of azure; he is the king's son of Northumberland, his
name is Epinegris, and he is as great a lover as I know, and he loveth
the king's daughter of Wales, a full fair lady. And now I suppose,"
said Sir Tristram, "and ye require him he will joust with you; and then
shall ye prove whether a lover be a better knight or ye that will not
love no lady."
"Well," said Sir Dinadan, "now shalt thou see what I shall do."
Therewithal Sir Dinadan spake on high and said, "Sir knight, make thee
ready to joust with me, for it is the custom of errant knights one to
joust with the other."