When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that was the same

isle thereas her brother Sir Gringamore dwelt, then she told them all

how she had done, and what promise she had made to King Arthur. Alas,

said Sir Gareth, I have been so wounded with unhappiness sithen I came

into this castle that I shall not be able to do at that tournament like

a knight; for I was never thoroughly whole since I was hurt. Be ye of

good cheer, said the damosel Linet, for I undertake within these

fifteen days to make ye whole, and as lusty as ever ye were. And then

she laid an ointment and a salve to him as it pleased to her, that he

was never so fresh nor so lusty. Then said the damosel Linet: Send you

unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and his knights to be here

with you as they have promised. Also, that ye send unto Sir Ironside,

that is the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and charge him that he be

ready with you with his whole sum of knights, and then shall ye be able

to match with King Arthur and his knights. So this was done, and all

knights were sent for unto the Castle Perilous; and then the Red Knight

answered and said unto Dame Lionesse, and to Sir Gareth, Madam, and my

lord Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have been at the court of

King Arthur, and Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren, and there we

have done our homage as ye commanded us. Also Sir Ironside said, I have

taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren to hold part

against my lord Sir Launcelot and the knights of that court. And this

have I done for the love of my lady Dame Lionesse, and you my lord Sir

Gareth. Ye have well done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall

be full sore matched with the most noble knights of the world;

therefore we must purvey us of good knights, where we may get them.

That is well said, said Sir Persant, and worshipfully.

And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, Ireland,

Cornwall, and in all the Out Isles, and in Brittany and in many

countries; that at the feast of our Lady the Assumption next coming,

men should come to the Castle Perilous beside the Isle of Avilion; and

there all the knights that there came should have the choice whether

them list to be on the one party with the knights of the castle, or on

the other party with King Arthur. And two months was to the day that

the tournament should be. And so there came many good knights that were

at their large, and held them for the most part against King Arthur and

his knights of the Round Table and came in the side of them of the

castle. For Sir Epinogrus was the first, and he was the king’s son of

Northumberland, and Sir Palamides the Saracen was another, and Sir

Safere his brother, and Sir Segwarides his brother, but they were

christened, and Sir Malegrine another, and Sir Brian de les Isles, a

noble knight, and Sir Grummore Grummursum, a good knight of Scotland,

and Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, a noble knight, and Sir Turquine

his brother, and Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, two brethren, good knights

of Cornwall. There came Sir Tristram de Liones, and with him Sir Dinas,

the Seneschal, and Sir Sadok; but this Sir Tristram was not at that

time knight of the Table Round, but he was one of the best knights of

the world. And so all these noble knights accompanied them with the

lady of the castle, and with the Red Knight of the Red Launds; but as

for Sir Gareth, he would not take upon him more but as other mean

knights.

CHAPTER XXVII. How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights,

and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights

encountered.

And then there came with King Arthur Sir Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris,

his brethren. And then his nephews Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and Sir

Aglovale, Sir Tor, Sir Percivale de Galis, and Sir Lamorak de Galis.

Then came Sir Launcelot du Lake with his brethren, nephews, and

cousins, as Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir

Galihodin, Sir Galihud, and many more of Sir Launcelot’s blood, and Sir

Dinadan, Sir La Cote Male Taile, his brother, a good knight, and Sir

Sagramore, a good knight; and all the most part of the Round Table.

Also there came with King Arthur these knights, the King of Ireland,

King Agwisance, and the King of Scotland, King Carados and King Uriens

of the land of Gore, and King Bagdemagus and his son Sir Meliaganus,

and Sir Galahault the noble prince. All these kings, princes, and

earls, barons, and other noble knights, as Sir Brandiles, Sir Uwaine

les Avoutres, and Sir Kay, Sir Bedivere, Sir Meliot de Logres, Sir

Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Godelake: all these came with King Arthur,

and more that cannot be rehearsed.

Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak of the great

array that was made within the castle and about the castle for both

parties. The Lady Dame Lionesse ordained great array upon her part for

her noble knights, for all manner of lodging and victual that came by

land and by water, that there lacked nothing for her party, nor for the

other, but there was plenty to be had for gold and silver for King

Arthur and his knights. And then there came the harbingers from King

Arthur for to harbour him, and his kings, dukes, earls, barons, and

knights. And then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the Red Knight of

the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore,

that in no wise there should none of them tell not his name, and make

no more of him than of the least knight that there was, For, he said, I

will not be known of neither more nor less, neither at the beginning

neither at the ending. Then Dame Lionesse said unto Sir Gareth: Sir, I

will lend you a ring, but I would pray you as you love me heartily let

me have it again when the tournament is done, for that ring increaseth

my beauty much more than it is of himself. And the virtue of my ring is

that, that is green it will turn to red, and that is red it will turn

in likeness to green, and that is blue it will turn to likeness of

white, and that is white it will turn in likeness to blue, and so it

will do of all manner of colours. Also who that beareth my ring shall

lose no blood, and for great love I will give you this ring. Gramercy,

said Sir Gareth, mine own lady, for this ring is passing meet for me,

for it will turn all manner of likeness that I am in, and that shall

cause me that I shall not be known. Then Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth

a bay courser that was a passing good horse; also he gave him good

armour and sure, and a noble sword that sometime Sir Gringamore’s

father won upon an heathen tyrant. And so thus every knight made him

ready to that tournament. And King Arthur was come two days to-fore the

Assumption of our Lady. And there was all manner of royalty of all

minstrelsy that might be found. Also there came Queen Guenever and the

Queen of Orkney, Sir Gareth’s mother.

And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins were done, there were

heralds with trumpets commanded to blow to the field. And so there came

out Sir Epinogrus, the king’s son of Northumberland, from the castle,

and there encountered with him Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and either of

them brake their spears to their hands. And then came in Sir Palamides

out of the castle, and there encountered with him Gawaine, and either

of them smote other so hard that both the good knights and their horses

fell to the earth. And then knights of either party rescued their

knights. And then came in Sir Safere and Sir Segwarides, brethren to

Sir Palamides; and there encountered Sir Agravaine with Sir Safere and

Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Segwarides. So Sir Safere smote down

Agravaine, Sir Gawaine’s brother; and Sir Segwarides, Sir Safere’s

brother. And Sir Malegrine, a knight of the castle, encountered with

Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and there Sir Uwaine gave Sir Malegrine a

fall, that he had almost broke his neck.

CHAPTER XXVIII. How the knights bare them in the battle.

Then Sir Brian de les Isles and Grummore Grummursum, knights of the

castle, encountered with Sir Aglovale, and Sir Tor smote down Sir

Grummore Grummursum to the earth. Then came in Sir Carados of the

dolorous tower, and Sir Turquine, knights of the castle; and there

encountered with them Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Lamorak de Galis,

that were two brethren. And there encountered Sir Percivale with Sir

Carados, and either brake their spears unto their hands, and then Sir

Turquine with Sir Lamorak, and either of them smote down other’s horse

and all to the earth, and either parties rescued other, and horsed them

again. And Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle,

encountered with Sir Brandiles and Sir Kay, and these four knights

encountered mightily, and brake their spears to their hands. Then came

in Sir Tristram, Sir Sadok, and Sir Dinas, knights of the castle, and

there encountered Sir Tristram with Sir Bedivere, and there Sir

Bedivere was smitten to the earth both horse and man. And Sir Sadok

encountered with Sir Petipase, and there Sir Sadok was overthrown. And

there Uwaine les Avoutres smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal. Then

came in Sir Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there

encountered with him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and there he smote Sir

Persant, horse and man, to the earth. Then came Sir Pertolepe from the

castle, and there encountered with him Sir Lionel, and there Sir

Pertolepe, the Green Knight, smote down Sir Lionel, brother to Sir

Launcelot. All this was marked by noble heralds, who bare him best, and

their names.

And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red Knight, Sir

Persant’s brother, that was a knight of the castle, and he encountered

with Sir Ector de Maris, and either smote other so hard that both their

horses and they fell to the earth. And then came in the Red Knight of

the Red Launds, and Sir Gareth, from the castle, and there encountered

with them Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Bleoberis, and there the Red Knight

and Sir Bors [either] smote other so hard that their spears brast, and

their horses fell grovelling to the earth. Then Sir Bleoberis brake his

spear upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleoberis fell to the

earth. When Sir Galihodin saw that he bade Sir Gareth keep him, and Sir

Gareth smote him to the earth. Then Sir Galihud gat a spear to avenge

his brother, and in the same wise Sir Gareth served him, and Sir

Dinadan and his brother, La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Sagramore le

Desirous, and Sir Dodinas le Savage. All these he bare down with one

spear.

When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so, he marvelled

what he might be that one time seemed green, and another time, at his

again coming, he seemed blue. And thus at every course that he rode to

and fro he changed his colour, so that there might neither king nor

knight have ready cognisance of him. Then Sir Agwisance, the King of

Ireland, encountered with Sir Gareth, and there Sir Gareth smote him

from his horse, saddle and all. And then came King Carados of Scotland,

and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and man. And in the same wise he

served King Uriens of the land of Gore. And then came in Sir

Bagdemagus, and Sir Gareth smote him down, horse and man, to the earth.

And Bagdemagus’ son, Meliganus, brake a spear upon Sir Gareth mightily

and knightly. And then Sir Galahault, the noble prince, cried on high:

Knight with the many colours, well hast thou jousted; now make thee

ready that I may joust with thee. Sir Gareth heard him, and he gat a

great spear, and so they encountered together, and there the prince

brake his spear; but Sir Gareth smote him upon the left side of the

helm that he reeled here and there, and he had fallen down had not his

men recovered him.

So God me help, said King Arthur, that same knight with the many

colours is a good knight. Wherefore the king called unto him Sir

Launcelot, and prayed him to encounter with that knight. Sir, said

Launcelot, I may well find in my heart for to forbear him as at this

time, for he hath had travail enough this day; and when a good knight

doth so well upon some day, it is no good knight’s part to let him of

his worship, and namely, when he seeth a knight hath done so great

labour; for peradventure, said Sir Launcelot, his quarrel is here this

day, and peradventure he is best beloved with this lady of all that be

here; for I see well he paineth him and enforceth him to do great

deeds, and therefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me, this day he shall

have the honour; though it lay in my power to put him from it I would

not.

CHAPTER XXIX. Yet of the said tournament.

Then when this was done there was drawing of swords, and then there

began a sore tournament. And there did Sir Lamorak marvellous deeds of

arms; and betwixt Sir Lamorak and Sir Ironside, that was the Red Knight

of the Red Launds, there was strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides

and Bleoberis there was a strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir

Tristram met, and there Sir Gawaine had the worse, for he pulled Sir

Gawaine from his horse, and there he was long upon foot, and defouled.

Then came in Sir Launcelot, and he smote Sir Turquine, and he him; and

then came Sir Carados his brother, and both at once they assailed him,

and he as the most noblest knight of the world worshipfully fought with

them both, that all men wondered of the noblesse of Sir Launcelot. And

then came in Sir Gareth, and knew that it was Sir Launcelot that fought

with the two perilous knights. And then Sir Gareth came with his good

horse and hurtled them in-sunder, and no stroke would he smite to Sir

Launcelot. That espied Sir Launcelot, and deemed it should be the good

knight Sir Gareth: and then Sir Gareth rode here and there, and smote

on the right hand and on the left hand, and all the folk might well

espy where that he rode. And by fortune he met with his brother Sir

Gawaine, and there he put Sir Gawaine to the worse, for he put off his

helm, and so he served five or six knights of the Round Table, that all

men said he put him in the most pain, and best he did his devoir. For

when Sir Tristram beheld him how he first jousted and after fought so

well with a sword, then he rode unto Sir Ironside and to Sir Persant of

Inde, and asked them, by their faith, What manner a knight is yonder

knight that seemeth in so many divers colours? Truly, meseemeth, said

Tristram, that he putteth himself in great pain, for he never ceaseth.

Wot ye not what he is? said Sir Ironside. No, said Sir Tristram. Then

shall ye know that this is he that loveth the lady of the castle, and

she him again; and this is he that won me when I besieged the lady of

this castle, and this is he that won Sir Persant of Inde, and his three

brethren. What is his name, said Sir Tristram, and of what blood is he

come? He was called in the court of King Arthur, Beaumains, but his

right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, brother to Sir Gawaine. By my head,

said Sir Tristram, he is a good knight, and a big man of arms, and if

he be young he shall prove a full noble knight. He is but a child, they

all said, and of Sir Launcelot he was made knight. Therefore he is

mickle the better, said Tristram. And then Sir Tristram, Sir Ironside,

Sir Persant, and his brother, rode together for to help Sir Gareth; and

then there were given many strong strokes.

And then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his helm; and

then said his dwarf: Take me your ring, that ye lose it not while that

ye drink. And so when he had drunk he gat on his helm, and eagerly took

his horse and rode into the field, and left his ring with his dwarf;

and the dwarf was glad the ring was from him, for then he wist well he

should be known. And then when Sir Gareth was in the field all folks

saw him well and plainly that he was in yellow colours; and there he

rased off helms and pulled down knights, that King Arthur had marvel

what knight he was, for the king saw by his hair that it was the same

knight.

CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he

escaped out of the field.

But before he was in so many colours, and now he is but in one colour;

that is yellow. Now go, said King Arthur unto divers heralds, and ride

about him, and espy what manner knight he is, for I have spered of many

knights this day that be upon his party, and all say they know him not.

And so an herald rode nigh Gareth as he could; and there he saw written

about his helm in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney.

Then the herald cried as he were wood, and many heralds with him:—This

is Sir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms; that by all kings and

knights of Arthur’s beheld him and awaited; and then they pressed all

to behold him, and ever the heralds cried: This is Sir Gareth of

Orkney, King Lot’s son.

And when Sir Gareth espied that he was discovered, then he doubled his

strokes, and smote down Sir Sagramore, and his brother Sir Gawaine.

O brother, said Sir Gawaine, I weened ye would not have stricken me.

So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there, and so with great

pain he gat out of the press, and there he met with his dwarf. O boy,

said Sir Gareth, thou hast beguiled me foul this day that thou kept my

ring; give it me anon again, that I may hide my body withal; and so he

took it him. And then they all wist not where he was become; and Sir

Gawaine had in manner espied where Sir Gareth rode, and then he rode

after with all his might. That espied Sir Gareth, and rode lightly into

the forest, that Sir Gawaine wist not where he was become. And when Sir

Gareth wist that Sir Gawaine was passed, he asked the dwarf of best

counsel. Sir, said the dwarf, meseemeth it were best, now that ye are

escaped from spying, that ye send my lady Dame Lionesse her ring. It is

well advised, said Sir Gareth; now have it here and bear it to her, and

say that I recommend me unto her good grace, and say her I will come

when I may, and I pray her to be true and faithful to me as I will be

to her. Sir, said the dwarf, it shall be done as ye command: and so he

rode his way, and did his errand unto the lady. Then she said, Where is

my knight, Sir Gareth? Madam, said the dwarf, he bade me say that he

would not be long from you. And so lightly the dwarf came again unto

Sir Gareth, that would full fain have had a lodging, for he had need to

be reposed. And then fell there a thunder and a rain, as heaven and

earth should go together. And Sir Gareth was not a little weary, for of

all that day he had but little rest, neither his horse nor he. So this

Sir Gareth rode so long in that forest until the night came. And ever

it lightened and thundered, as it had been wood. At the last by fortune

he came to a castle, and there he heard the waits upon the walls.

CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged,

and he jousted with a knight and slew him.

Then Sir Gareth rode unto the barbican of the castle, and prayed the

porter fair to let him into the castle. The porter answered ungoodly

again, and said, Thou gettest no lodging here. Fair sir, say not so,

for I am a knight of King Arthur’s, and pray the lord or the lady of

this castle to give me harbour for the love of King Arthur. Then the

porter went unto the duchess, and told her how there was a knight of

King Arthur’s would have harbour. Let him in, said the duchess, for I

will see that knight, and for King Arthur’s sake he shall not be

harbourless. Then she yode up into a tower over the gate, with great

torchlight.

When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high: Whether thou be

lord or lady, giant or champion, I take no force so that I may have

harbour this night; and if it so be that I must needs fight, spare me

not to-morn when I have rested me, for both I and mine horse be weary.

Sir knight, said the lady, thou speakest knightly and boldly; but wit

thou well the lord of this castle loveth not King Arthur, nor none of

his court, for my lord hath ever been against him; and therefore thou

were better not to come within this castle; for an thou come in this

night, thou must come in under such form, that wheresomever thou meet

my lord, by stigh or by street, thou must yield thee to him as

prisoner. Madam, said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his

name? Sir, my lord’s name is the Duke de la Rowse. Well madam, said Sir

Gareth, I shall promise you in what place I meet your lord I shall

yield me unto him and to his good grace; with that I understand he will

do me no harm: and if I understand that he will, I will release myself

an I can with my spear and my sword. Ye say well, said the duchess; and

then she let the drawbridge down, and so he rode into the hall, and

there he alighted, and his horse was led into a stable; and in the hall

he unarmed him and said, Madam, I will not out of this hall this night;

and when it is daylight, let see who will have ado with me, he shall

find me ready. Then was he set unto supper, and had many good dishes.

Then Sir Gareth list well to eat, and knightly he ate his meat, and

eagerly; there was many a fair lady by him, and some said they never

saw a goodlier man nor so well of eating. Then they made him passing

good cheer, and shortly when he had supped his bed was made there; so

he rested him all night.

And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and took his leave at

the duchess, and at them all; and thanked her goodly of her lodging,

and of his good cheer; and then she asked him his name. Madam, he said,

truly my name is Gareth of Orkney, and some men call me Beaumains. Then

knew she well it was the same knight that fought for Dame Lionesse. So

Sir Gareth departed and rode up into a mountain, and there met him a

knight, his name was Sir Bendelaine, and said to Sir Gareth: Thou shalt

not pass this way, for either thou shalt joust with me, or else be my

prisoner. Then will I joust, said Sir Gareth. And so they let their

horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body; and Sir

Bendelaine rode forth to his castle there beside, and there died. So

Sir Gareth would have rested him, and he came riding to Bendelaine’s

castle. Then his knights and servants espied that it was he that had

slain their lord. Then they armed twenty good men, and came out and

assailed Sir Gareth; and so he had no spear, but his sword, and put his

shield afore him; and there they brake their spears upon him, and they

assailed him passingly sore. But ever Sir Gareth defended him as a

knight.

CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his

castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.

So when they saw that they might not overcome him, they rode from him,

and took their counsel to slay his horse; and so they came in upon Sir

Gareth, and with spears they slew his horse, and then they assailed him

hard. But when he was on foot, there was none that he fought but he

gave him such a buffet that he did never recover. So he slew them by

one and one till they were but four, and there they fled; and Sir

Gareth took a good horse that was one of theirs, and rode his way.

Then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle, and there he

heard much mourning of ladies and gentlewomen. So there came by him a

page. What noise is this, said Sir Gareth, that I hear within this

castle? Sir knight, said the page, here be within this castle thirty

ladies, and all they be widows; for here is a knight that waiteth daily

upon this castle, and his name is the Brown Knight without Pity, and he

is the periloust knight that now liveth; and therefore sir, said the

page, I rede you flee. Nay, said Sir Gareth, I will not flee though

thou be afeard of him. And then the page saw where came the Brown

Knight: Lo, said the page, yonder he cometh. Let me deal with him, said

Sir Gareth. And when either of other had a sight they let their horses

run, and the Brown Knight brake his spear, and Sir Gareth smote him

throughout the body, that he overthrew him to the ground stark dead. So

Sir Gareth rode into the castle, and prayed the ladies that he might

repose him. Alas, said the ladies, ye may not be lodged here. Make him

good cheer, said the page, for this knight hath slain your enemy. Then

they all made him good cheer as lay in their power. But wit ye well

they made him good cheer, for they might none otherwise do, for they

were but poor.

And so on the morn he went to mass, and there he saw the thirty ladies

kneel, and lay grovelling upon divers tombs, making great dole and

sorrow. Then Sir Gareth wist well that in the tombs lay their lords.

Fair ladies, said Sir Gareth, ye must at the next feast of Pentecost be

at the court of King Arthur, and say that I, Sir Gareth, sent you

thither. We shall do this, said the ladies. So he departed, and by

fortune he came to a mountain, and there he found a goodly knight that

bade him, Abide sir knight, and joust with me. What are ye? said Sir

Gareth. My name is, said he, the Duke de la Rowse. Ah sir, ye are the

same knight that I lodged once in your castle; and there I made promise

unto your lady that I should yield me unto you. Ah, said the duke, art

thou that proud knight that profferest to fight with my knights;

therefore make thee ready, for I will have ado with you. So they let

their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote the duke down from his

horse. But the duke lightly avoided his horse, and dressed his shield

and drew his sword, and bade Sir Gareth alight and fight with him. So

he did alight, and they did great battle together more than an hour,

and either hurt other full sore. At the last Sir Gareth gat the duke to

the earth, and would have slain him, and then he yield him to him. Then

must ye go, said Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my lord at the next feast,

and say that I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you unto him. It shall be

done, said the duke, and I will do to you homage and fealty with an

hundred knights with me; and all the days of my life to do you service

where ye will command me.

CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against

other, and how they knew each other by the damosel Linet.

So the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone; and there he

saw an armed knight coming toward him. Then Sir Gareth took the duke’s

shield, and mounted upon horseback, and so without biding they ran

together as it had been the thunder. And there that knight hurt Sir

Gareth under the side with his spear. And then they alighted and drew

their swords, and gave great strokes that the blood trailed to the

ground. And so they fought two hours.

At the last there came the damosel Linet, that some men called the

damosel Savage, and she came riding upon an ambling mule; and there she

cried all on high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave thy fighting with

thy brother Sir Gareth.

And when he heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword,

and ran to Sir Gareth, and took him in his arms, and sithen kneeled

down and asked him mercy.

What are ye, said Sir Gareth, that right now were so strong and so

mighty, and now so suddenly yield you to me? O Gareth, I am your

brother Sir Gawaine, that for your sake have had great sorrow and

labour.

Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled down to him, and asked

him mercy. Then they rose both, and embraced either other in their

arms, and wept a great while or they might speak, and either of them

gave other the prize of the battle. And there were many kind words

between them.

Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I owe of right to

worship you an ye were not my brother, for ye have worshipped King

Arthur and all his court, for ye have sent me more worshipful knights

this twelvemonth than six the best of the Round Table have done, except

Sir Launcelot.

Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet, that rode with

Sir Gareth so long, and there she did staunch Sir Gareth’s wounds and

Sir Gawaine’s. Now what will ye do? said the damosel Savage; meseemeth

that it were well done that Arthur had witting of you both, for your

horses are so bruised that they may not bear. Now, fair damosel, said

Sir Gawaine, I pray you ride unto my lord mine uncle, King Arthur, and

tell him what adventure is to me betid here, and I suppose he will not

tarry long. Then she took her mule, and lightly she came to King Arthur

that was but two mile thence. And when she had told him tidings the

king bade get him a palfrey. And when he was upon his back he bade the

lords and ladies come after, who that would; and there was saddling and

bridling of queens’ horses and princes’ horses, and well was him that

soonest might be ready.

So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir Gawaine and Sir

Gareth sit upon a little hill-side, and then the king avoided his

horse. And when he came nigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken but he

might not; and therewith he sank down in a swoon for gladness. And so

they stert unto their uncle, and required him of his good grace to be

of good comfort. Wit ye well the king made great joy, and many a

piteous complaint he made to Sir Gareth, and ever he wept as he had

been a child. With that came his mother, the Queen of Orkney, Dame

Morgawse, and when she saw Sir Gareth readily in the visage she might

not weep, but suddenly fell down in a swoon, and lay there a great

while like as she had been dead. And then Sir Gareth recomforted his

mother in such wise that she recovered and made good cheer. Then the

king commanded that all manner of knights that were under his

obeissance should make their lodging right there for the love of his

nephews. And so it was done, and all manner of purveyance purveyed,

that there lacked nothing that might be gotten of tame nor wild for

gold or silver. And then by the means of the damosel Savage Sir Gawaine

and Sir Gareth were healed of their wounds; and there they sojourned

eight days.

Then said King Arthur unto the damosel Savage: I marvel that your

sister, Dame Lionesse, cometh not here to me, and in especial that she

cometh not to visit her knight, my nephew Sir Gareth, that hath had so

much travail for her love. My lord, said the damosel Linet, ye must of

your good grace hold her excused, for she knoweth not that my lord, Sir

Gareth, is here. Go then for her, said King Arthur, that we may be

appointed what is best to be done, according to the pleasure of my

nephew. Sir, said the damosel, that shall be done, and so she rode unto

her sister. And as lightly as she might she made her ready; and she

came on the morn with her brother Sir Gringamore, and with her forty

knights. And so when she was come she had all the cheer that might be

done, both of the king, and of many other kings and queens.

CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other

to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.

And among all these ladies she was named the fairest, and peerless.

Then when Sir Gawaine saw her there was many a goodly look and goodly

words, that all men of worship had joy to behold them. Then came King

Arthur and many other kings, and Dame Guenever, and the Queen of

Orkney. And there the king asked his nephew, Sir Gareth, whether he

would have that lady as paramour, or to have her to his wife. My lord,

wit you well that I love her above all ladies living. Now, fair lady,

said King Arthur, what say ye? Most noble King, said Dame Lionesse, wit

you well that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to me more liefer to have and

wield as my husband, than any king or prince that is christened; and if

I may not have him I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord

Arthur, said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love, and he

shall be the last; and if ye will suffer him to have his will and free

choice I dare say he will have me. That is truth, said Sir Gareth; an I

have not you and wield not you as my wife, there shall never lady nor

gentlewoman rejoice me. What, nephew, said the king, is the wind in

that door? for wit ye well I would not for the stint of my crown to be

causer to withdraw your hearts; and wit ye well ye cannot love so well

but I shall rather increase it than distress it. And also ye shall have

my love and my lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my power.

And in the same wise said Sir Gareth’s mother.

Then there was made a provision for the day of marriage; and by the

king’s advice it was provided that it should be at Michaelmas

following, at Kink Kenadon by the seaside, for there is a plentiful

country. And so it was cried in all the places through the realm. And

then Sir Gareth sent his summons to all these knights and ladies that

he had won in battle to-fore, that they should be at his day of

marriage at Kink Kenadon by the sands.

And then Dame Lionesse, and the damosel Linet with Sir Gringamore, rode

to their castle; and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth,

and he gave her another. And King Arthur gave her a rich pair of bee of

gold; and so she departed.

And King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and Sir

Gareth brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again and

rode with him.

Lord! the great cheer that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he of

him, for there was never no knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he

did Sir Launcelot; and ever for the most part he would be in Sir

Launcelot’s company; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine’s

conditions, he withdrew himself from his brother, Sir Gawaine’s,

fellowship, for he was vengeable, and where he hated he would be

avenged with murder, and that hated Sir Gareth.

CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the

feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast.

So it drew fast to Michaelmas; and thither came Dame Lionesse, the lady

of the Castle Perilous, and her sister, Dame Linet, with Sir

Gringamore, her brother, with them for he had the conduct of these

ladies. And there they were lodged at the device of King Arthur. And

upon Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterbury made the wedding betwixt

Sir Gareth and the Lady Lionesse with great solemnity. And King Arthur

made Gaheris to wed the Damosel Savage, that was Dame Linet; and King

Arthur made Sir Agravaine to wed Dame Lionesse’s niece, a fair lady,

her name was Dame Laurel.

And so when this solemnization was done, then came in the Green Knight,

Sir Pertolepe, with thirty knights, and there he did homage and fealty

to Sir Gareth, and these knights to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir

Pertolepe said: I pray you that at this feast I may be your

chamberlain. With a good will, said Sir Gareth sith it liketh you to

take so simple an office. Then came in the Red Knight, with three score

knights with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage and fealty, and all

those knights to hold of him for evermore. And then this Sir Perimones

prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his chief butler at that high

feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have this office, and it

were better. Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights

with him, and there he did homage and fealty, and all his knights

should do him service, and hold their lands of him for ever; and there

he prayed Sir Gareth to make him his sewer-chief at the feast. I will

well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have it and it were better. Then came

the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred knights with him, and there he did

homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and so to hold their lands of him for

ever. And he required Sir Gareth that he might serve him of the wine

that day of that feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, and it were

better. Then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, that was Sir

Ironside, and he brought with him three hundred knights, and there he

did homage and fealty, and all these knights to hold their lands of him

for ever. And then he asked Sir Gareth to be his carver. I will well,

said Sir Gareth, an it please you.

Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they seemed widows, and

those thirty ladies brought with them many fair gentlewomen. And all

they kneeled down at once unto King Arthur and unto Sir Gareth, and

there all those ladies told the king how Sir Gareth delivered them from

the dolorous tower, and slew the Brown Knight without Pity: And

therefore we, and our heirs for evermore, will do homage unto Sir

Gareth of Orkney. So then the kings and queens, princes and earls,

barons and many bold knights, went unto meat; and well may ye wit there

were all manner of meat plenteously, all manner revels and games, with

all manner of minstrelsy that was used in those days. Also there was

great jousts three days. But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to

joust, because of his new bride; for, as the French book saith, that

Dame Lionesse desired of the king that none that were wedded should

joust at that feast.

So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he overthrew

thirty knights, and did passing marvellously deeds of arms; and then

King Arthur made Sir Persant and his two brethren Knights of the Round

Table to their lives’ end, and gave them great lands. Also the second

day there jousted Tristram best, and he overthrew forty knights, and

did there marvellous deeds of arms. And there King Arthur made

Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red Launds, a Knight of the

Table Round to his life’s end, and gave him great lands. The third day

there jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he overthrew fifty knights,

and did many marvellous deeds of arms, that all men wondered on him.

And there King Arthur made the Duke de la Rowse a Knight of the Round

Table to his life’s end, and gave him great lands to spend. But when

these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly,

and would not be known, for the which King Arthur and all the court

were sore displeased. And so they held the court forty days with great

solemnity. And this Sir Gareth was a noble knight, and a well-ruled,

and fair-languaged.

Thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that wedded Dame Lionesse

of the Castle Perilous. And also Sir Gaheris wedded her sister, Dame

Linet, that was called the Damosel Sabage. And Sir Agrabaine wedded

Dame Laurel, a fair lady and great, and mighty lands with great riches

gave with them King Arthur, that royally they might live till their

lives’ end.

Here followeth the viii. book, the which is the first book of Sir

Tristram de Liones, and who was his father and his mother, and how he

was born and fostered, and how he was made knight.

BOOK VIII.

CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died

at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.

It was a king that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the

country of Liones, and this Meliodas was a likely knight as any was

that time living. And by fortune he wedded King Mark’s sister of

Cornwall, and she was called Elizabeth, that was called both good and

fair. And at that time King Arthur reigned, and he was whole king of

England, Wales, and Scotland, and of many other realms: howbeit there

were many kings that were lords of many countries, but all they held

their lands of King Arthur; for in Wales were two kings, and in the

north were many kings; and in Cornwall and in the west were two kings;

also in Ireland were two or three kings, and all were under the

obeissance of King Arthur. So was the King of France, and the King of

Brittany, and all the lordships unto Rome.

So when this King Meliodas had been with his wife, within a while she

waxed great with child, and she was a full meek lady, and well she

loved her lord, and he her again, so there was great joy betwixt them.

Then there was a lady in that country that had loved King Meliodas

long, and by no mean she never could get his love; therefore she let

ordain upon a day, as King Meliodas rode a-hunting, for he was a great

chaser, and there by an enchantment she made him chase an hart by

himself alone till that he came to an old castle, and there anon he was

taken prisoner by the lady that him loved. When Elizabeth, King

Meliodas’ wife, missed her lord, and she was nigh out of her wit, and

also as great with child as she was, she took a gentlewoman with her,

and ran into the forest to seek her lord. And when she was far in the

forest she might no farther, for she began to travail fast of her

child. And she had many grimly throes; her gentlewoman helped her all

that she might, and so by miracle of Our Lady of Heaven she was

delivered with great pains. But she had taken such cold for the default

of help that deep draughts of death took her, that needs she must die

and depart out of this world; there was none other bote.

And when this Queen Elizabeth saw that there was none other bote, then

she made great dole, and said unto her gentlewoman: When ye see my

lord, King Meliodas, recommend me unto him, and tell him what pains I

endure here for his love, and how I must die here for his sake 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 friend to my soul.

Now let me see my little child, for whom I have had all this sorrow.

And when she saw him she said thus: Ah, my little son, thou hast

murdered thy mother, and therefore I suppose, thou that art a murderer

so young, thou art full likely to be a manly man in thine age. And

because I shall die of the birth of thee, I charge thee, gentlewoman,

that thou pray my lord, King Meliodas, that when he is christened let

call him Tristram, that is as much to say as a sorrowful birth. And

therewith this queen gave up the ghost and died. Then the gentlewoman

laid her under an umbre of a great tree, and then she lapped the child

as well as she might for cold. Right so there came the barons,

following after the queen, and when they saw that she was dead, and

understood none other but the king was destroyed.

CHAPTER II. How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for

to have poisoned Sir Tristram.

Then certain of them would have slain the child, because they would

have been lords of the country of Liones. But then through the fair

speech of the gentlewoman, and by the means that she made, the most

part of the barons would not assent thereto. And then they let carry

home the dead queen, and much dole was made for her.

Then this meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas out of prison on the

morn after his queen was dead. And so when the king was come home the

most part of the barons made great joy. But the sorrow that the king

made for his queen that might no tongue tell. So then the king let

inter her richly, and after he let christen his child as his wife had

commanded afore her death. And then he let call him Tristram, the

sorrowful born child. Then the King Meliodas endured seven years

without a wife, and all this time Tristram was nourished well. Then it

befell that King Meliodas wedded King Howell’s daughter of Brittany,

and anon she had children of King Meliodas: then was she heavy and

wroth that her children should not rejoice the country of Liones,

wherefore this queen ordained for to poison young Tristram. So she let

poison be put in a piece of silver in the chamber whereas Tristram and

her children were together, unto that intent that when Tristram were

thirsty he should drink that drink. And so it fell upon a day, the

queen’s son, as he was in that chamber, espied the piece with poison,

and he weened it had been good drink, and because the child was thirsty

he took the piece with poison and drank freely; and therewithal

suddenly the child brast and was dead.

When the queen of Meliodas wist of the death of her son, wit ye well

that she was heavy. But yet the king understood nothing of her treason.

Notwithstanding the queen would not leave this, but eft she let ordain

more poison, and put it in a piece. And by fortune King Meliodas, her

husband, found the piece with wine where was the poison, and he that

was much thirsty took the piece for to drink thereout. 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 said: 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 sware a great oath that he

should 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 she would have

slain Tristram, because her children should rejoice his land. Well,

said King Meliodas, and therefore shall ye have the law. And so she was

condemned by the assent of the barons to be burnt; and then was there

made a great fire, and right as she was at the fire to take her

execution, young Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas, and besought him

to give him a boon. I will well, said the king again. Then said young

Tristram, Give me the life of thy queen, my stepmother. That is

unrightfully asked, said King Meliodas, for thou ought of right to hate

her, for she would have slain thee with that poison an 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 you

will forgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her, and I do;

and so much it liked your highness to grant me my boon, for God’s love

I require you hold your promise. Sithen it is so, said the king, I will

that ye have her life. Then, said the king, I give her to you, and go

ye to the fire and take her, and do with her what ye will. So Sir

Tristram went to the fire, and by the commandment of the king delivered

her from the death. But after that King Meliodas would never have ado

with her, as at bed and board. But by the good means of young Tristram

he made the king and her accorded. But then the king would not suffer

young Tristram to abide no longer in his court.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to

govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and

hunt.

And then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught,

his name was Gouvernail; and then 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 on 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 read of. And as the book saith, he began good measures of blowing

of beasts of venery, and beasts of chase, and all manner of vermin, and

all these terms we have yet of hawking and hunting. And therefore the

book of venery, of hawking, and hunting, is called the book of Sir

Tristram. Wherefore, as meseemeth, all gentlemen that bear old arms

ought of right to honour Sir Tristram for the goodly terms that

gentlemen have and use, and shall to the day of doom, that thereby in a

manner all men of worship may dissever a gentleman from a yeoman, and

from a yeoman a villain. For he that gentle is will draw him unto

gentle tatches, and to follow the customs of noble gentlemen.

Thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was big and strong, of

the age of eighteen years. And then the King Meliodas had great joy of

Sir Tristram, and so had the queen, his wife. For ever after in her

life, because Sir Tristram saved her from the fire, she did never hate

him more after, but loved him ever after, and gave Tristram many great

gifts; for every estate loved him, where that he went.

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of

Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.

Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of

Cornwall for his truage, that Cornwall had paid many winters. 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 these words and

answer, that they would none pay; and bade the messenger go unto his

King Anguish, and tell him we will pay him no truage, but tell your

lord, an 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 for to defend our right. With this answer the messengers

departed into Ireland. And when King Anguish understood the answer of

the messengers he was wonderly wroth. And then he called unto him Sir

Marhaus, the good knight, that was nobly proved, and a Knight of the

Table Round. And this Marhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland.

Then the king said thus: Fair brother, Sir Marhaus, I pray you go into

Cornwall for my sake, and do battle for our truage that of right we

ought to have; and whatsomever ye spend ye shall have sufficiently,

more than ye shall need. Sir, said Marhaus, wit ye well that I shall

not be loath to do battle in the right of you and your land with the

best knight of the Table Round; for I know them, for the most part,

what be their deeds; and for to advance my deeds and to increase my

worship I will right gladly go unto this journey for our right.

So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and he had

all things that to him needed; 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 when he understood that the good and

noble knight Sir Marhaus was come. 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, other else to find a knight to fight

with him for the truage. This manner of message Sir Marhaus sent daily

unto King Mark.

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, 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, that was that time named

for the marvelloust knight of all the world. 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 loath to have ado with other, but if it

were any knight at his own request would fight disguised and unknown.

So the king and all his barons assented that it was no bote to seek any

knight of the Round Table. This mean while came the language and the

noise unto King Meliodas, how that Sir Marhaus abode battle fast by

Tintagil, and how King Mark could find no manner knight to fight for

him. 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.

CHAPTER V. How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage

of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.

Therewithal Tristram went unto his father, King Meliodas, and asked him

counsel what was best to do for to recover Cornwall from truage. For,

as meseemeth, said Sir Tristram, it were shame that Sir Marhaus, the

queen’s brother of Ireland, should go away unless that he were foughten

withal. As for that, said King Meliodas, wit you well, son Tristram,

that Sir Marhaus is called one of the best knights of the world, and

Knight of the Table Round; 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: an I were made knight I should match

him. And sir, said Tristram, I pray you give me leave to ride to 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. Then Sir Tristram thanked his father much. And then he made

him ready to ride into Cornwall.

In the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters of love from King

Faramon of France’s daughter 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 that was passing fair. But when the king’s

daughter understood that Sir Tristram would not love her, as the book

saith, she died for sorrow. And then the same squire that brought the

letter and the brachet came again unto Sir Tristram, as after ye shall

hear in the tale.

So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his eme, King Mark of Cornwall.

And when he came there he heard say that there would no knight fight

with Sir Marhaus. Then yede Sir Tristram unto his eme 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 Liones

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 King Mark I will not fight with no knight but he be

of blood royal, that is to say, other king’s son, other queen’s son,

born of a prince or princess.

When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Liones and

told him what was the answer of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir Tristram:

Sithen that he saith so, let him wit that I am come of father side and

mother 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. O Jesu, said King Mark, ye

are welcome fair nephew to me. Then in all the haste the king let horse

Sir Tristram, and armed 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 that a better born man than he was himself should

fight with him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten 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 of Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight

within an island nigh Sir Marhaus’ ships; and so was Sir Tristram put

into a vessel both his horse and he, and all that to him longed both

for his body and for his horse. Sir Tristram lacked nothing. And when

King Mark and his barons of Cornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram

departed with such a carriage to fight for the right of Cornwall, there

was neither man nor woman of worship but they wept to see and

understand so young a knight to jeopardy himself for their right.

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish the

battle with Sir Marhaus.

So to shorten this tale, when Sir Tristram was arrived within the

island he looked to the farther 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 the noble knight, Sir Marhaus of Ireland. Then Sir

Tristram commanded his servant Gouvernail to bring his horse to the

land, and dress his harness at all manner of rights. And then 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, Tristram

asked Gouvernail, Where is this knight that I shall have ado withal?

Sir, said Gouvernail, see ye him not? I weened ye had seen him; yonder

he hoveth under the umbre of his ships on horseback, with his spear in

his hand and his shield upon his shoulder. That is truth, said the

noble knight, Sir Tristram, now I see him well enough.

Then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to his vessel again: And

commend me unto mine eme King Mark, and pray him, if that I be slain in

this battle, for to inter my body as him seemed best; and as for me,

let him wit that I will never yield me for cowardice; and if I be slain

and flee not, then they have lost no truage for me; and if so be that I

flee or yield me as recreant, bid mine eme never bury me in Christian

burials. And upon thy life, said Sir Tristram to Gouvernail, come thou

not nigh this island till that thou see me overcome or slain, or else

that I win yonder knight. So either departed from other sore weeping.

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved

his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.

And then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus: Young knight,

Sir Tristram, what dost thou here? me sore repenteth of thy courage,

for wit thou well I have been assayed, and the best knights of this

land have been assayed of my hand; and also I have matched with the

best knights of the world, and therefore by my counsel return again

unto thy vessel. And fair knight, and well-proved knight, said Sir

Tristram, thou shalt well wit 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 gotten upon a queen; and such promise I have made

at my uncle’s request and mine own seeking, that I shall fight with

thee unto the uttermost, and deliver Cornwall from the old truage. And

also wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that this is the greatest cause that

thou couragest me to have ado with thee, for thou art called one of the

most renowned knights of the world, and because of that noise and fame

that thou hast thou givest me courage to have ado with thee, for never

yet was I proved with good knight; and sithen I took the order of

knighthood this day, I am well pleased that I may have ado with so good

a knight as thou art. And now wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that I cast

me to get worship on thy body; and if that I be not proved, I trust to

God that I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy body, and to deliver

the country of Cornwall for ever from all manner of truage from Ireland

for ever.

When Sir Marhaus had heard him say what he would, he said then thus

again: Fair knight, sithen it is so that thou castest to win worship of

me, I let thee wit worship may thou none lose by me if thou mayest

stand me three strokes; for I let thee wit for my noble deeds, proved

and seen, King Arthur made me Knight of the Table Round.

Then they began to feutre 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

that were wild and courageous. And when they had stricken so together

long, then they left their strokes, and foined at their breaths and

visors; 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, the edge of Tristram’s sword 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 dost 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

yede his way sore groaning. Well, Sir Knight, said Sir Tristram, I

promise thee thy sword and thy shield shall be mine; and thy shield

shall I wear in all places where I ride on mine adventures, and in the

sight of King Arthur and all the Round Table.

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland died

of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram was

hurt.

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

an 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, unnethe 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

against him. And when he was come unto the land, King Mark took him in

his arms, and the king and Sir Dinas, the seneschal, led Sir Tristram

into the castle of Tintagil. And then was he searched in the best

manner, and laid in his bed. And when King Mark saw his wounds he wept

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 ever he was like to die of that stroke that

Sir Marhaus smote him first with the spear. For, as the French book

saith, the spear’s head was envenomed, that Sir Tristram might not be

whole. Then was King Mark and all his barons passing heavy, for they

deemed none other but that Sir Tristram should not recover. Then the

king let send after all manner of leeches and surgeons, both unto men

and women, and there was none that would behote him the life. Then came

there a lady that was a right wise lady, and she said plainly unto King

Mark, and to Sir Tristram, and to all his barons, that he should never

be whole but if Sir Tristram went in the same country that the venom

came from, and in that country should he be holpen or else never. Thus

said the lady unto the king.

When King Mark understood that, he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair

vessel, well victualled, and therein was put Sir Tristram, and

Gouvernail with him, and Sir Tristram took his harp with him, and so he

was put into the sea to sail into Ireland; and so by good fortune he

arrived up in Ireland, even fast by a castle where the king and the

queen was; and at his arrival he sat and harped in his bed a merry lay,

such one heard they never none in Ireland before that time.

And when it was told the king and the queen of such a knight that was

such an harper, anon the king sent for him, and let search his wounds,

and then asked him his name. Then he answered, I am of the country of

Liones, and my name is Tramtrist, that thus was wounded in a battle as

I fought for a lady’s right. So God me help, 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 as he had

been sorry, and better knew he how it was than the king.

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud

first for to be healed of his wound.

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 him she found in the bottom of his wound that therein

was poison, and so she healed him within a while; and therefore

Tramtrist cast great love to La Beale Isoud, for she was at that time

the fairest maid and lady of the world. And there Tramtrist learned her

to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy unto him. And at that

time Sir Palamides, the Saracen, was in that country, and well

cherished with the king and the queen. And every day Sir Palamides drew

unto La Beale Isoud and proffered her many gifts, for he loved her

passingly well. All that espied Tramtrist, and full well knew he Sir

Palamides for a noble knight and a mighty man. And wit you well Sir

Tramtrist had great despite at Sir Palamides, for La Beale Isoud told

Tramtrist that Palamides was in will to be christened for her sake.

Thus was there great envy betwixt Tramtrist and Sir Palamides.

Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a great

tournament for a lady that was called the Lady of the Launds, and she

was nigh cousin unto the king. And what man won her, three days after

he should wed her and have all her lands. This cry was made in England,

Wales, Scotland, and also in France and in Brittany. It befell upon a

day La Beale Isoud came unto Sir Tramtrist, and told him of this

tournament. He answered and said: Fair lady, I am but a feeble knight,

and but late I had been dead had not your good ladyship been. Now, fair

lady, what would ye I should do in this matter? well ye wot, my lady,

that I may not joust. Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will ye

not have ado at that tournament? well I wot Sir Palamides shall be

there, and to do what he may; and therefore Tramtrist, I pray you for

to be there, for else Sir Palamides is like to win the degree. Madam,

said Tramtrist, as for that, it may be 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 an I wist 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 Beale Isoud, do your

best, and as I can, said La Beale Isoud, I shall purvey horse and

armour for you at my device. 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, Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and

Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day Sir Palamides struck

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, he said, I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare not

adventure me. Then came there the same squire that was sent from the

king’s daughter of France unto Sir Tristram. And when he had espied Sir

Tristram he fell flat to his feet. All that espied La Beale Isoud, what

courtesy the squire made unto Sir Tristram. And therewithal suddenly

Sir Tristram ran unto his squire, whose name was Hebes le Renoumes, and

prayed him heartily in no wise to tell his name. Sir, said Hebes, I

will not discover your name but if ye command me.

CHAPTER X. How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland,

and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a year.

Then Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries. Sir, he

said, I came hither with Sir Gawaine for to be made knight, and if it

please you, of your hands that I may be made knight. Await upon me as

to-morn secretly, and in the field I shall make you a knight.

Then had La Beale Isoud great suspicion unto Tramtrist, that he was

some man of worship proved, and therewith she comforted herself, and

cast more love unto him than she had done to-fore. 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 Scots. Then had La Beale Isoud ordained and well arrayed Sir

Tristram 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

feutred 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

Beale Isoud 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 there were

forsook him, most and least. Then Sir Tristram made Hebes a knight, and

caused him to put himself forth, and did right well that day. So after

Sir Hebes held him with Sir Tristram.

And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well that 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. When Sir Palamides beheld his

countenance, he dread his buffets so, that he granted all his askings.

Well said, said Sir Tristram, this shall be your charge. First, upon

pain of your life that ye forsake my lady La Beale Isoud, and in no

manner wise that ye draw not to her. Also this twelvemonth and a day

that ye bear none armour nor none harness of war. Now promise me this,

or here shalt thou die. Alas, said Palamides, for ever am I ashamed.

Then he sware as Sir Tristram had commanded him. Then for despite and

anger Sir Palamides cut off his harness, and threw them away.

And so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle where was La Beale

Isoud; and by the way he met with a damosel that asked after Sir

Launcelot, that won the Dolorous Guard worshipfully; and this damosel

asked Sir Tristram what he was. For it was told her that it was he that

smote down Sir Palamides, by whom the ten knights of King Arthur’s were

smitten down. Then the damosel prayed Sir Tristram to tell her what he

was, and whether that he were Sir Launcelot du Lake, for she deemed

that there was no knight in the world might do such deeds of arms but

if it were Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that

I am not Sir Launcelot, for I was never of such prowess, but in God is

all that he may make me as good a knight as the good knight Sir

Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said she, put up thy visor; and when she

beheld his visage she thought she saw never a better man’s visage, nor

a better faring knight. And then when the damosel knew certainly that

he was not Sir Launcelot, then she took her leave, and departed from

him. And then Sir Tristram rode privily unto the postern, where kept

him La Beale Isoud, and there she made him good cheer, and thanked God

of his good speed. So anon, within a while the king and the queen

understood that it was Tramtrist that smote down Sir Palamides; then

was he much made of, more than he was before.

CHAPTER XI. How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her

brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.

Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and the

queen, and namely with La Beale Isoud. So upon a day the queen and La

Beale Isoud made a bain for Sir Tramtrist. And when he was in his bain

the queen and Isoud, her daughter, roamed up and down in the chamber;

and therewhiles Gouvernail and Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the

queen beheld his sword thereas 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 thereof out-broken of the edge. And when

the queen espied that gap in the sword, she remembered her of a piece

of a sword that was found in the brain-pan of Sir Marhaus, the good

knight that was her brother. Alas then, said she unto her daughter, La

Beale Isoud, this is the same traitor knight that slew my brother,

thine eme. When Isoud heard her say so she was passing sore abashed,

for passing well she loved Tramtrist, and full well she knew the

cruelness of her mother the queen.

Anon therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber, and sought her

coffer, and there she took out the piece or the sword that was pulled

out of Sir Marhaus’ head after that he was dead. And then she ran with

that piece of iron to the sword that lay upon the bed. And when she put

that piece of steel and iron unto the sword, it was as meet as it might

be when it was new broken. And then the queen gripped that sword in her

hand fiercely, and with all her might she ran straight upon Tramtrist

where he sat in his bain, and there she had rived him through had not

Sir Hebes gotten her in his arms, and pulled the sword from her, and

else she had thrust him through.

Then when she was let of her evil will she ran to the King Anguish, her

husband, and said on her knees: O my lord, 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, she said, it is Sir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter

healed. Alas, said the king, therefore am I right heavy, 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 ado with that knight, but let me

deal with him.

Then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist, and then was he

gone unto his chamber, and the king found him all ready armed to mount

upon his horse. When the king saw him all ready armed to go unto

horseback, the king said: Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail to compare

thee against me; but thus much I shall do for my worship and for thy

love; in so much as thou art within my court it were no worship for me

to slay thee: therefore upon this condition I will give thee leave for

to depart from this court in safety, so thou wilt tell me who was thy

father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew Sir Marhaus, my brother.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale Isoud

out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.

Sir, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth: my father’s

name is Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, 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 they should christen me Tristram; and because I would

not be known in this country I turned my name and let me call

Tramtrist; and for the truage of Cornwall I fought for my eme’s sake,

and for the right of Cornwall that ye had posseded 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 honour; for that same day that I fought with Sir

Marhaus I was made knight, and never or then did I battle with no

knight, and from me he went alive, and left his shield and his sword

behind.

So God me help, 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 shewed 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 shewed 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 Beale Isoud 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. O

gentle knight, said La Beale Isoud, 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 Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and born of his queen.

And I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life

your knight. Gramercy, said La Beale Isoud, and I promise you

there-against that I shall not be married this seven years but by your

assent; and to whom that ye will I shall be married to him will I have,

and 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 great dole and

lamentation; and he straight went unto the court among all the barons,

and there he took his leave at most and least, and openly he said among

them all: Fair lords, now it is so that I must depart: if there be any

man here that I have offended unto, or that any man be with me grieved,

let complain him here afore me or that ever I depart, and I shall amend

it unto my power. And if there be any that will proffer me wrong, or

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 that were of the queen’s blood, and of Sir Marhaus’ blood, but

they would not meddle with him.

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Tristram and King Mark hurted each other for the

love of a knight’s wife.

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 in his

prosperity there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived, and whole

of his wounds: thereof was King Mark 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 departed

of their lands and goods to Sir Tristram.

Then by the license 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 betwixt

King Mark and Sir Tristram, for they loved both one lady. And she was

an earl’s wife that hight Sir Segwarides. And this lady loved Sir

Tristram passingly well. And he loved her again, for she was a passing

fair lady, and that espied Sir Tristram well. Then King Mark understood

that and was jealous, for King Mark loved her passingly well.

So it fell upon a day this lady sent a dwarf unto Sir Tristram, and

bade him, as he loved her, that he would be with her the night next

following. Also she charged you that ye come not to her but if ye be

well armed, for her lover was called a good knight. Sir Tristram

answered to the dwarf: Recommend me unto my lady, and tell her I will

not fail but I will be with her the term that she hath set me. And with

this answer the dwarf departed. And King Mark espied that the dwarf was

with Sir Tristram upon message from Segwarides’ wife; then King Mark

sent for the dwarf, and when he was come he made the dwarf by force to

tell him all, why and wherefore that he came on message from Sir

Tristram. Now, said King Mark, go where thou wilt, and upon pain of

death that thou say no word that thou spakest with me; so the dwarf

departed from the king.

And that same night that the steven was set betwixt Segwarides’ wife

and Sir Tristram, King Mark armed him, and made him ready, and took two

knights of his counsel with him; and so he rode afore for to abide by

the way for to wait upon Sir Tristram. And as Sir Tristram came riding

upon his way with his spear in his hand, King Mark came hurtling upon

him with his two knights suddenly. And all three smote him with their

spears, and King Mark hurt Sir Tristram on the breast right sore. And

then Sir Tristram feutred his spear, and smote his uncle, King Mark, so

sore, that he rashed him to the earth, and bruised him that he lay

still in a swoon, and long it was or ever he might wield himself. And

then he ran to the one knight, and eft to the other, and smote them to

the cold earth, that they lay still. And therewithal Sir Tristram rode

forth sore wounded to the lady, and found her abiding him at a postern.

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how her husband

fought with Sir Tristram.

And there she welcomed him fair, and either halsed other in arms, and

so she let put up his horse in the best wise, and then she unarmed him.

And so they supped lightly, and went to bed with great joy and

pleasaunce; and so in his raging he took no keep of his green wound

that King Mark had given him. And so Sir Tristram be-bled both the over

sheet and the nether, and pillows, and head sheet. And within a while

there came one afore, that warned her that her lord was near-hand

within a bow-draught. So she made Sir Tristram to arise, and so he

armed him, and took his horse, and so departed. By then was come

Segwarides, her lord, and when he found her bed troubled and broken,

and went near and beheld it by candle light, then he saw that there had

lain a wounded knight. Ah, false traitress, then he said, why hast thou

betrayed me? And therewithal he swang out a sword, and said: But if

thou tell me who hath been here, here thou shalt die. Ah, my lord,

mercy, said the lady, and held up her hands, saying: Slay me not, and I

shall tell you all who hath been here. Tell anon, said Segwarides, to

me all the truth. Anon for dread she said: Here was Sir Tristram with

me, and by the way as he came to me ward, he was sore wounded. Ah,

false traitress, said Segwarides, where is he become? Sir, she said, he

is armed, and departed on horseback, not yet hence half a mile. Ye say

well, said Segwarides.

Then he armed him lightly, and gat his horse, and rode after Sir

Tristram that rode straightway unto Tintagil. And within a while he

overtook Sir Tristram, and then he bade him, Turn, false traitor

knight. And Sir Tristram anon turned him against him. And therewithal

Segwarides smote Sir Tristram with a spear that it all to-brast; and

then he swang out his sword and smote fast at Sir Tristram. Sir knight,

said Sir Tristram, I counsel you that ye smite no more, howbeit for the

wrongs that I have done you I will forbear you as long as I may. Nay,

said Segwarides, that shall not be, for either thou shalt die or I.

Then Sir Tristram drew out his sword, and hurtled his horse unto him

fiercely, and through the waist of the body he smote Sir Segwarides

that he fell to the earth in a swoon. And so Sir Tristram departed and

left him there. And so he rode unto Tintagil and took his lodging

secretly, for he would not be known that he was hurt. Also Sir

Segwarides’ men rode after their master, whom they found lying in the

field sore wounded, and brought him home on his shield, and there he

lay long or that he were whole, but at the last he recovered. Also King

Mark would not be aknown of that Sir Tristram and he had met that

night. And as for Sir Tristram, he knew not that King Mark had met with

him. And so the king askance came to Sir Tristram, to comfort him as he

lay sick in his bed. But as long as King Mark lived he loved never Sir

Tristram after that; though there was fair speech, love was there none.

And thus it passed many weeks and days, and all was forgiven and

forgotten; for Sir Segwarides durst not have ado with Sir Tristram,

because of his noble prowess, and also because he was nephew unto King

Mark; therefore he let it overslip: for he that hath a privy hurt is

loath to have a shame outward.

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark’s

court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with.

Then it befell upon a day that the good knight Bleoberis de Ganis,

brother to Blamore de Ganis, and nigh cousin unto the good knight Sir

Launcelot du Lake, this Bleoberis came unto the court of King Mark, and

there he asked of King Mark a boon, to give him what gift that he would

ask in his court. When the king heard him ask so, he marvelled of his

asking, but because he was a knight of the Round Table, and of a great

renown, King Mark granted him his whole asking. Then, said Sir

Bleoberis, I will have the fairest lady in your court that me list to

choose. I may not say nay, said King Mark; now choose at your

adventure. And so Sir Bleoberis did choose Sir Segwarides’ wife, and

took her by the hand, and so went his way with her; and so he took his

horse and gart set her behind his squire, and rode upon his way.

When Sir Segwarides heard tell that his lady was gone with a knight of

King Arthur’s court, then he armed him and rode after that knight for

to rescue his lady. So when Bleoberis was gone with this lady, King

Mark and all the court was wroth that she was away. Then were there

certain ladies that knew that there were great love between Sir

Tristram and her, and also that lady loved Sir Tristram above all other

knights. Then there was one lady that rebuked Sir Tristram in the

horriblest wise, and called him coward knight, that he would for shame

of his knighthood see a lady so shamefully be taken away from his

uncle’s court. But she meant that either of them had loved other with

entire heart. But Sir Tristram answered her thus: Fair lady, it is not

my part to have ado in such matters while her lord and husband is

present here; and if it had been that her lord had not been here in

this court, then for the worship of this court peradventure I would

have been her champion, and if so be Sir Segwarides speed not well, it

may happen that I will speak with that good knight or ever he pass from

this country.

Then within a while came one of Sir Segwarides’ squires, and told in

the court that Sir Segwarides was beaten sore and wounded to the point

of death; as he would have rescued his lady Sir Bleoberis overthrew him

and sore hath wounded him. Then was King Mark heavy thereof, and all

the court. When Sir Tristram heard of this he was ashamed and sore

grieved; and then was he soon armed and on horseback, and Gouvernail,

his servant, bare his shield and spear. And so as Sir Tristram rode

fast he met with Sir Andred his cousin, that by the commandment of King

Mark was sent to bring forth, an ever it lay in his power, two knights

of Arthur’s court, that rode by the country to seek their adventures.

When Sir Tristram saw Sir Andred he asked him what tidings. So God me

help, said Sir Andred, there was never worse with me, for here by the

commandment of King Mark I was sent to fetch two knights of King

Arthur’s court, and that one beat me and wounded me, and set nought by

my message. Fair cousin, said Sir Tristram, ride on your way, and if I

may meet them it may happen I shall revenge you. So Sir Andred rode

into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram rode after the two knights, the which

one hight Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage.

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round

Table.

Then within a while Sir Tristram saw them afore him, two likely

knights. Sir, said Gouvernail unto his master, Sir, I would counsel you

not to have ado with them, for they be two proved knights of Arthur’s

court. As for that, said Sir Tristram, have ye no doubt but I will have

ado with them to increase my worship, for it is many day sithen I did

any deeds of arms. Do as ye list, said Gouvernail. And therewithal anon

Sir Tristram asked them from whence they came, and whither they would,

and what they did in those marches. Sir Sagramore looked upon Sir

Tristram, and had scorn of his words, and asked him again, Fair knight,

be ye a knight of Cornwall? Whereby ask ye it? said Sir Tristram. For

it is seldom seen, said Sir Sagramore, that ye Cornish knights be

valiant men of arms; for within these two hours there met us one of

your Cornish knights, and great words he spake, and anon with little

might he was laid to the earth. And, as I trow, said Sir Sagramore, ye

shall have the same handsel that he had. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram,

it may so happen that I may better withstand than he did, and whether

ye will or nill I will have ado with you, because he was my cousin that

ye beat. And therefore here do your best, and wit ye well but if ye

quit you the better here upon this ground, one knight of Cornwall shall

beat you both.

When Sir Dodinas le Savage heard him say so he gat a spear in his hand,

and said, Sir knight, keep well thyself: And then they departed and

came together as it had been thunder. And Sir Dodinas’ spear brast

in-sunder, but Sir Tristram smote him with a more might, that he smote

him clean over the horse-croup, that nigh he had broken his neck. When

Sir Sagramore saw his fellow have such a fall he marvelled what knight

he might be. And he dressed his spear with all his might, and Sir

Tristram against him, and they came together as the thunder, and there

Sir Tristram smote Sir Sagramore a strong buffet, that he bare his

horse and him to the earth, and in the falling he brake his thigh.

When this was done Sir Tristram asked them: Fair knights, will ye any

more? Be there no bigger knights in the court of King Arthur? it is to

you shame to say of us knights of Cornwall dishonour, for it may happen

a Cornish knight may match you. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore, that

have we well proved; but I require thee, said Sir Sagramore, tell us

your right name, by the faith and troth that ye owe to the high order

of knighthood. Ye charge me with a great thing, said Sir Tristram, and

sithen ye list to wit it, ye shall know and understand that my name is

Sir Tristram de Liones, King Meliodas’ son, and nephew unto King Mark.

Then were they two knights fain that they had met with Tristram, and so

they prayed him to abide in their fellowship. Nay, said Sir Tristram,

for I must have ado with one of your fellows, his name is Sir Bleoberis

de Ganis. God speed you well, said Sir Sagramore and Dodinas. Sir

Tristram departed and rode onward on his way. And then was he ware

before him in a valley where rode Sir Bleoberis, with Sir Segwarides’

lady, that rode behind his squire upon a palfrey.

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady,

and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go.

Then Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had overtaken

him. Then spake Sir Tristram: Abide, he said, Knight of Arthur’s court,

bring again that lady, or deliver her to me. I will do neither, said

Bleoberis, for I dread no Cornish knight so sore that me list to

deliver her. Why, said Sir Tristram, may not a Cornish knight do as

well as another knight? this same day two knights of your court within

this three mile met with me, and or ever we departed they found a

Cornish knight good enough for them both. What were their names? said

Bleoberis. They told me, said Sir Tristram, that the one of them hight

Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage. Ah,

said Sir Bleoberis, have ye met with them? so God me help, they were

two good knights and men of great worship, and if ye have beat them

both ye must needs be a good knight; but if it so be ye have beat them

both, yet shall ye not fear me, but ye shall beat me or ever ye have

this lady. Then defend you, said Sir Tristram. So they departed and

came together like thunder, and either bare other down, horse and all,

to the earth.

Then they avoided their horses, and lashed together eagerly with

swords, and mightily, now tracing and traversing on the right hand and

on the left hand more than two hours. And sometime they rushed together

with such a might that they lay both grovelling on the ground. Then Sir

Bleoberis de Ganis stert aback, and said thus: Now, gentle good knight,

a while hold your hands, and let us speak together. Say what ye will,

said Tristram, and I will answer you. Sir, said Bleoberis, I would wit

of whence ye be, and of whom ye be come, and what is your name? So God

me help, said Sir Tristram, I fear not to tell you my name. Wit ye well

I am King Meliodas’ son, and my mother is King Mark’s sister, and my

name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and King Mark is mine uncle. Truly,

said Bleoberis, I am right glad of you, for ye are he that slew Marhaus

the knight, hand for hand in an island, for the truage of Cornwall;

also ye overcame Sir Palamides the good knight, at a tournament in an

island, where ye beat Sir Gawaine and his nine fellows. So God me help,

said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am the same knight; now I have

told you my name, tell me yours with good will. Wit ye well that my

name is Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, and my brother hight Sir Blamore de

Ganis, that is called a good knight, and we be sister’s children unto

my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake, that we call one of the best knights of

the world. That is truth, said Sir Tristram, Sir Launcelot is called

peerless of courtesy and of knighthood; and for his sake, said Sir

Tristram, I will not with my good will fight no more with you, for the

great love I have to Sir Launcelot du Lake. In good faith, said

Bleoberis, as for me I will be loath to fight with you; but sithen ye

follow me here to have this lady, I shall proffer you kindness,

courtesy, and gentleness right here upon this ground. This lady shall

be betwixt us both, and to whom that she will go, let him have her in

peace. I will well, said Tristram, for, as I deem, she will leave you

and come to me. Ye shall prove it anon, said Bleoberis.

CHAPTER XVIII. How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir

Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.

So when she was set betwixt them both she said these words unto Sir

Tristram: Wit ye well, Sir Tristram de Liones, that but late thou wast

the man in the world that I most loved and trusted, and I weened thou

hadst loved me again above all ladies; but when thou sawest this knight

lead me away thou madest no cheer to rescue me, but suffered my lord

Segwarides ride after me; but until that time I weened thou haddest

loved me, and therefore now I will leave thee, and never love thee

more. And therewithal she went unto Sir Bleoberis.

When Sir Tristram saw her do so he was wonderly wroth with that lady,

and ashamed to come to the court. Sir Tristram, said Sir Bleoberis, ye

are in the default, for I hear by this lady’s words she before this day

trusted you above all earthly knights, and, as she saith, ye have

deceived her, therefore wit ye well, there may no man hold that will

away; and rather than ye should be heartily displeased with me I would

ye had her, an she would abide with you. Nay, said the lady, so God me

help I will never go with him; for he that I loved most I weened he had

loved me. And therefore, Sir Tristram, she said, ride as thou came, for

though thou haddest overcome this knight, as ye was likely, with thee

never would I have gone. And I shall pray this knight so fair of his

knighthood, that or ever he pass this country, that he will lead me to

the abbey where my lord Sir Segwarides lieth. So God me help, said

Bleoberis, I let you wit, good knight Sir Tristram, because King Mark

gave me the choice of a gift in this court, and so this lady liked me

best—notwithstanding, she is wedded and hath a lord, and I have

fulfilled my quest, she shall be sent unto her husband again, and in

especial most for your sake, Sir Tristram; and if she would go with you

I would ye had her. I thank you, said Sir Tristram, but for her love I

shall beware what manner a lady I shall love or trust; for had her

lord, Sir Segwarides, been away from the court, I should have been the

first that should have followed you; but sithen that ye have refused

me, as I am true knight I shall her know passingly well that I shall

love or trust. And so they took their leave one from the other and

departed.

And so Sir Tristram rode unto Tintagil, and Sir Bleoberis rode unto the

abbey where Sir Segwarides lay sore wounded, and there he delivered his

lady, and departed as a noble knight; and when Sir Segwarides saw his

lady, he was greatly comforted; and then she told him that Sir Tristram

had done great battle with Sir Bleoberis, and caused him to bring her

again. These words pleased Sir Segwarides right well, that Sir Tristram

would do so much; and so that lady told all the battle unto King Mark

betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis.

CHAPTER XIX. How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward

Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.

Then when this was done 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 Beale Isoud. For Sir Tristram had so

praised her beauty and her goodness that King Mark said that 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. For Sir Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that

he might find in the court; and they were arrayed, after the guise that

was then used, in the goodliest manner. 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.

And that same day came two knights of King Arthur’s, that one was Sir

Ector de Maris, and Sir Morganor. And they touched the shield, and bade

him come out of the pavilion for to joust, an he would joust. Ye shall

be answered, said Sir Tristram, an ye will tarry a little while. So he

made him ready, and first he smote down Sir Ector de Maris, and after

he smote down Sir Morganor, all with one spear, and sore bruised them.

And when they lay upon the earth they asked Sir Tristram what he was,

and of what country he was knight. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, wit

ye well that I am of Cornwall. Alas, said Sir Ector, now am I ashamed

that ever any Cornish knight should overcome me. And then for despite

Sir Ector put off his armour from him, and went on foot, and would not

ride.

CHAPTER XX. How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King

Arthur’s court for treason.

Then it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis, that were

brethren, they had summoned the King Anguish of Ireland for to come to

Arthur’s court upon pain of forfeiture of King Arthur’s good grace. And

if the King of Ireland came not in, at the day assigned and set, the

king should lose his lands. So it happened that at the day assigned,

King Arthur neither Sir Launcelot might not be there for to give the

judgment, for King Arthur was with Sir Launcelot at the Castle Joyous

Garde. And so King Arthur assigned King Carados and the King of Scots

to be there that day as judges. So when the kings were at Camelot King

Anguish of Ireland was come to know his accusers. Then was there Sir

Blamore de Ganis, and appealed the King of Ireland of treason, that he

had slain a cousin of his in his court in Ireland by treason. The king

was sore abashed of his accusation, for-why he was come at the summons

of King Arthur, and or he came at Camelot he wist not wherefore he was

sent after. And when the king heard Sir Blamore say his will, he

understood well there was none other remedy but for to answer him

knightly; for the custom was such in those days, that an any man were

appealed of any treason or murder he should fight body for body, or

else to find another knight for him. And all manner of murders in those

days were called treason.

So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was passing heavy, for

he knew Sir Blamore de Ganis that he was a noble knight, and of noble

knights come. Then the King of Ireland was simply purveyed of his

answer; therefore the judges gave him respite by the third day to give

his answer. So the king departed unto his lodging. The meanwhile there

came a lady by Sir Tristram’s pavilion making great dole. What aileth

you, said Sir Tristram, that ye make such dole? Ah, fair knight, said

the lady, I am ashamed unless that some good knight help me; for a

great lady of worship sent by me a fair child and a rich, unto Sir

Launcelot du Lake, and hereby there met with me a knight, and threw me

down from my palfrey, and took away the child from me. Well, my lady,

said Sir Tristram, and for my lord Sir Launcelot’s sake I shall get you

that child again, or else I shall be beaten for it. And so Sir Tristram

took his horse, and asked the lady which way the knight rode; and then

she told him. And he rode after him, and within a while he overtook

that knight. And then Sir Tristram bade him turn and give again the

child.

CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how

Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.

The knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight. And then Sir

Tristram smote him with a sword such a buffet that he tumbled to the

earth. And then he yielded him unto Sir Tristram. Then come thy way,

said Sir Tristram, and bring the child to the lady again. So he took

his horse meekly and rode with Sir Tristram; and then by the way Sir

Tristram asked him his name. Then he said, My name is Breuse Saunce

Pité. So when he had delivered that child to the lady, he said: Sir, as

in this the child is well remedied. Then Sir Tristram let him go again

that sore repented him after, for he was a great foe unto many good

knights of King Arthur’s court.

Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail, his man, came

and told him how that King Anguish of Ireland was come thither, and he

was put in great distress; and there Gouvernail told Sir Tristram how

King Anguish was summoned and appealed of murder. So God me help, said

Sir Tristram, these be the best tidings that ever came to me this seven

years, for now shall the King of Ireland have need of my help; for I

daresay there is no knight in this country that is not of Arthur’s

court dare do battle with Sir Blamore de Ganis; and for to win the love

of the King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me; and therefore

Gouvernail bring me, I charge thee, to the king.

Then 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 that desireth to speak with you:

he bade me say he would do you service. What knight is he? said the

king. Sir, said he, it is Sir Tristram de Liones, that for your good

grace that ye showed him in your lands will reward you in this country.

Come on, fellow, said the king, with me anon and show me unto Sir

Tristram. So the king took a little hackney and but few fellowship with

him, until he came unto Sir Tristram’s pavilion. And when Sir Tristram

saw the king he ran unto him and would have holden his stirrup. But the

king leapt from his horse lightly, and either halsed other in their

arms. My gracious lord, said Sir Tristram, gramercy of your great

goodnesses showed unto me in your marches and lands: and at that time I

promised you to do you service an ever it lay in my power. And, gentle

knight, said the king unto Sir Tristram, now have I great need of you,

never had I so great need of no knight’s help. How so, my good lord?

said Sir Tristram. I shall tell you, said the king: 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 Blamore de Ganis, brother

to Sir Bleoberis hath appealed me to fight with him, outher 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 Beale Isoud, 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. So God me help, said the king, ye shall have

whatsomever ye will ask. It is well said, said Sir Tristram.

CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his

adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him.

Now make your answer that your champion is ready, for I shall die in

your quarrel rather than to be recreant. I have no doubt of you, said

the king, that, an ye should have ado with Sir Launcelot du Lake— Sir,

said Sir Tristram, as for Sir Launcelot, he is called the noblest

knight of the world, and wit ye well that the knights of his blood are

noble men, and dread shame; and as for Bleoberis, brother unto Sir

Blamore, I have done battle with him, therefore upon my head it is no

shame to call him a good knight. It is noised, said the king, that

Blamore is the hardier knight. Sir, as for that let him be, he shall

never be refused, an as he were the best knight that now beareth shield

or spear.

So King Anguish departed unto King Carados and the kings that were that

time as judges, and told them that he had found his champion ready.

Then by the commandment of the kings Sir Blamore de Ganis and Sir

Tristram were sent for to hear the charge. And when they were come

before the judges there were many kings and knights beheld Sir

Tristram, and much speech they had of him because that he slew Sir

Marhaus, the good knight, and because he for-jousted Sir Palamides the

good knight. So when they had taken their charge they withdrew them to

make them ready to do battle.

Then said Sir Bleoberis unto his brother, Sir Blamore: Fair dear

brother, remember of what kin we be come of, and what a man is Sir

Launcelot du Lake, neither farther nor nearer but brother’s children,

and there was never none of our kin that ever was shamed in battle; and

rather suffer death, brother, than to be shamed. Brother, said Blamore,

have ye no doubt of me, for I shall never shame none of my blood;

howbeit I am sure that yonder knight is called a passing good knight as

of his time one of the world, yet shall I never yield me, nor say the

loath word: well may he happen to smite me down with his great might of

chivalry, but rather shall he slay me than I shall yield me as

recreant. God speed you well, said Sir Bleoberis, for ye shall find him

the mightiest knight that ever ye had ado withal, for I know him, for I

have had ado with him. God me speed, said Sir Blamore de Ganis; and

therewith he took his horse at the one end of the lists, and Sir

Tristram at the other end of the lists, and so they feutred their

spears and came together as it had been thunder; and there Sir Tristram

through great might smote down Sir Blamore and his horse to the earth.

Then anon Sir Blamore 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 to God 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 wood men, so that there was

never knights seen fight more fiercely than they did; for Sir Blamore

was so hasty that he would have no rest, that all men wondered that

they had breath to stand on their feet; and all the place was bloody

that they fought in. And at the last, Sir Tristram smote Sir Blamore

such a buffet upon the helm that he there fell down upon his side, and

Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.

CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how

Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took appointment.

Then when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus: Sir Tristram de

Liones, I require thee, as thou art a noble knight, and the best knight

that ever I found, that thou wilt slay me out, for I would not live to

be made lord of all the earth, for I have liefer 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 loath word.

And therefore if thou dare slay me, slay me, I require thee. When Sir

Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what to do with him; he

remembering him of both parties, of what blood he was come, and for Sir

Launcelot’s sake he would be loath to slay him; and in the other party

in no wise he might not choose, but that he must make him to say the

loath word, or else to slay him.

Then Sir Tristram stert aback, and went to the kings that were judges,

and there he kneeled down to-fore them, and besought them for their

worships, and for King Arthur’s and Sir Launcelot’s sake, that they

would take this matter in their hands. For, my fair lords, said Sir

Tristram, it were shame and pity that this noble knight that yonder

lieth should be slain; for ye hear well, shamed will he not be, and I

pray to God that he never be slain nor shamed for me. And as for the

king for whom I fight for, 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, I will for your

sake; Sir Tristram, be ruled 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 to take it in their hands. And the kings that were judges

called Sir Bleoberis to them, and asked him his advice. My lords, said

Bleoberis, though my brother be beaten, and hath the worse through

might of arms, I dare say, though Sir Tristram hath beaten his body he

hath not beaten his heart, and I thank God he is not shamed this day;

and rather than he should be shamed I require you, said Bleoberis, let

Sir Tristram slay him out. It shall not be so, said the kings, for his

part adversary, both the king and the champion, have pity of Sir

Blamore’s knighthood. My lords, said Bleoberis, I will right well as ye

will.

Then the kings called the King of Ireland, and found him goodly and

treatable. And then, by all their advices, Sir Tristram and Sir

Bleoberis took up Sir Blamore, and the two brethren were accorded with

King Anguish, and kissed and made friends for ever. And then Sir

Blamore and Sir Tristram kissed together, and there they made their

oaths that they would never none of them two brethren 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.

Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave, and sailed into

Ireland with great noblesse and joy. So when they were in Ireland the

king let make it known throughout all the land how and in what manner

Sir Tristram had done for him. Then the queen and all that there were

made the most of him that they might. But the joy that La Beale Isoud

made of Sir Tristram there might no tongue tell, for of all men earthly

she loved him most.

CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark,

and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.

Then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his

boon, for whatsomever 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 Beale Isoud, 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 liefer than all the

land that I have ye would wed her yourself. Sir, an I did then I were

shamed for ever in this world, and false of my promise. Therefore, said

Sir I Tristram, I pray you hold your promise that ye promised me; for

this is my desire, that ye will give me La Beale Isoud 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 me liefest, and if ye will give her unto King Mark, your uncle,

that is in your choice. So, to make short conclusion, La Beale Isoud

was made ready to go with Sir Tristram, and Dame Bragwaine went with

her for her chief gentlewoman, with many other.

Then the queen, Isoud’s mother, gave to her and Dame Bragwaine, her

daughter’s gentlewoman, and unto Gouvernail, a drink, and charged them

that what day King Mark should wed, that same day they should give him

that drink, so that King Mark should drink to La Beale Isoud, and then,

said the queen, I undertake either shall love other the days of their

life. So this drink was given unto Dame Bragwaine, and unto Gouvernail.

And then anon Sir Tristram took the sea, and La Beale Isoud; and when

they were in their cabin, it happed so that they were thirsty, and they

saw a little flasket of gold stand by them, and it seemed by the colour

and the taste that it was noble wine. Then Sir Tristram took the

flasket in his hand, and said, Madam Isoud, here is the best drink that

ever ye drank, that Dame Bragwaine, your maiden, and Gouvernail, my

servant, have kept for themselves. Then they laughed and made good

cheer, and either drank to other freely, and they thought never drink

that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But by that

their drink was in their bodies, they loved either other so well that

never their love departed for weal neither for woe. And thus it happed

the love first betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, the which love

never departed the days of their life.

So then they sailed till by fortune they came nigh a castle that hight

Pluere, and thereby arrived for to repose them, weening to them to have

had good harbourage. But anon as Sir Tristram was within the castle

they were taken prisoners; for the custom of the castle was such; who

that rode by that castle and brought any lady, he must needs fight with

the lord, that hight Breunor. And if it were so that Breunor won the

field, then should the knight stranger and his lady be put to death,

what that ever they were; and if it were so that the strange knight won

the field of Sir Breunor, then should he die and his lady both. This

custom was used many winters, for it was called the Castle Pluere, that

is to say the Weeping Castle.

CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he

fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady’s head.

Thus as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in prison, it happed a

knight and a lady came unto them where they were, to cheer them. I have

marvel, said Tristram unto the knight and the lady, what is the cause

the lord of this castle holdeth us in prison: it was never the custom

of no place of worship that ever I came in, when a knight and a lady

asked harbour, and they to receive them, and after to destroy them that

be his guests. Sir, said the knight, this is the old custom of this

castle, that when a knight cometh here he must needs fight with our

lord, and he that is weaker must lose his head. And when that is done,

if his lady that he bringeth be fouler than our lord’s wife, she must

lose her head: and if she be fairer proved than is our lady, then shall

the lady of this castle lose her head. So God me help, said Sir

Tristram, this is a foul custom and a shameful. But one advantage have

I, said Sir Tristram, I have a lady is fair enough, fairer saw I never

in all my life-days, and I doubt not for lack of beauty she shall not

lose her head; and rather than I should lose my head I will fight for

it on a fair field. Wherefore, sir knight, I pray you tell your lord

that I will be ready as to-morn with my lady, and myself to do battle,

if it be so I may have my horse and mine armour. Sir, said that knight,

I undertake that your desire shall be sped right well. And then he

said: Take your rest, and look that ye be up betimes and make you ready

and your lady, for ye shall want no thing that you behoveth. And

therewith he departed, and on the morn betimes that same knight came to

Sir Tristram, and fetched him out and his lady, and brought him horse

and armour that was his own, and bade him make him ready to the field,

for all the estates and commons of that lordship were there ready to

behold that battle and judgment.

Then came Sir Breunor, the lord of that castle, with his lady in his

hand, muffled, and asked Sir Tristram where was his lady: For an thy

lady be fairer than mine, with thy sword smite off my lady’s head; and

if my lady be fairer than thine, with my sword I must strike off her

head. And if I may win thee, yet shall thy lady be mine, and thou shalt

lose thy head. Sir, said Tristram, this is a foul custom and horrible;

and rather than my lady should lose her head, yet had I liefer lose my

head. Nay, nay, said Sir Breunor, the ladies shall be first showed

together, and the one shall have her judgment. Nay, I will not so, said

Sir Tristram, for here is none that will give righteous judgment. But I

doubt not, said Sir Tristram, my lady is fairer than thine, and that

will I prove and make good with my hand. And whosomever he be that will

say the contrary I will prove it on his head. And therewith Sir

Tristram showed La Beale Isoud, and turned her thrice about with his

naked sword in his hand. And when Sir Breunor saw that, he did the same

wise turn his lady. But when Sir Breunor beheld La Beale Isoud, him

thought he saw never a fairer lady, and then he dread his lady’s head

should be off. And so all the people that were there present gave

judgment that La Beale Isoud was the fairer lady and the better made.

How now, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were pity that my lady should

lose her head, but because thou and she of long time have used this

wicked custom, and by you both have many good knights and ladies been

destroyed, for that cause it were no loss to destroy you both. So God

me help, said Sir Breunor, for to say the sooth, thy lady is fairer

than mine, and that me sore repenteth. And so I hear the people privily

say, for of all women I saw none so fair; and therefore, an thou wilt

slay my lady, I doubt not but I shall slay thee and have thy lady. Thou

shalt win her, said Sir Tristram, as dear as ever knight won lady. And

because of thine own judgment, as thou wouldst have done to my lady if

that she had been fouler, and because of the evil custom, give me thy

lady, said Sir Tristram. And therewithal Sir Tristram strode unto him

and took his lady from him, and with an awk stroke he smote off her

head clean. Well, knight, said Sir Breunor, now hast thou done me a

despite.

CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last

smote off his head.

Now take thine horse: sithen I am ladyless I will win thy lady an I

may.

Then they took their horses and came together as it had been the

thunder; and Sir Tristram smote Sir Breunor clean from his horse, and

lightly he rose up; and as Sir Tristram came again by him he thrust his

horse throughout both the shoulders, that his horse hurled here and

there and fell dead to the ground. And ever Sir Breunor ran after to

have slain Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram was light and nimble, and

voided his horse lightly. And or ever Sir Tristram might dress his

shield and his sword the other gave him three or four sad strokes. Then

they rushed together like two boars, tracing and traversing mightily

and wisely as two noble knights. For this Sir Breunor was a proved

knight, and had been or then the death of many good knights, that it

was pity that he had so long endured.

Thus they fought, hurling here and there nigh two hours, and either

were wounded sore. Then at the last Sir Breunor rashed upon Sir

Tristram and took him in his arms, for he trusted much in his strength.

Then was Sir Tristram called the strongest and the highest knight of

the world; for he was called bigger than Sir Launcelot, but Sir

Launcelot was better breathed. So anon Sir Tristram thrust Sir Breunor

down grovelling, and then he unlaced his helm and struck off his head.

And then all they that longed to the castle came to him, and did him

homage and fealty, praying him that he would abide there still a little

while to fordo that foul custom. Sir Tristram granted thereto. The

meanwhile one of the knights of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad, the

haut prince, the which was Sir Breunor’s son, which was a noble knight,

and told him what misadventure his father had and his mother.

CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir

Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot.