Then came Sir Galahad, and the King with the Hundred Knights with him;

and this Sir Galahad proffered to fight with Sir Tristram hand for

hand. And so they made them ready to go unto battle on horseback with

great courage. Then Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram met together so hard

that either bare other down, horse and all, to the earth. And then they

avoided their horses as noble knights, and dressed their shields, and

drew their swords with ire and rancour, and they lashed together many

sad strokes, and one while striking, another while foining, tracing and

traversing as noble knights; thus they fought long, near half a day,

and either were sore wounded. At the last Sir Tristram waxed light and

big, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Galahad aback on the one

side and on the other, so that he was like to have been slain.

With that came the King with the Hundred Knights, and all that

fellowship went fiercely upon Sir Tristram. When Sir Tristram saw them

coming upon him, then he wist well he might not endure. Then as a wise

knight of war, he said to Sir Galahad, the haut prince: Sir, ye show to

me no knighthood, for to suffer all your men to have ado with me all at

once; and as meseemeth ye be a noble knight of your hands it is great

shame to you. So God me help, said Sir Galahad, there is none other way

but thou must yield thee to me, other else to die, said Sir Galahad to

Sir Tristram. I will rather yield me to you than die for that is more

for the might of your men than of your hands. And therewithal Sir

Tristram took his own sword by the point, and put the pommel in the

hand of Sir Galahad.

Therewithal came the King with the Hundred Knights, and hard began to

assail Sir Tristram. Let be, said Sir Galahad, be ye not so hardy to

touch him, for I have given this knight his life. That is your shame,

said the King with the Hundred Knights; hath he not slain your father

and your mother? As for that, said Sir Galahad, I may not wite him

greatly, for my father had him in prison, and enforced him to do battle

with him; and my father had such a custom that was a shameful custom,

that what knight came there to ask harbour his lady must needs die but

if she were fairer than my mother; and if my father overcame that

knight he must needs die. This was a shameful custom and usage, a

knight for his harbour-asking to have such harbourage. And for this

custom I would never draw about him. So God me help, said the King,

this was a shameful custom. Truly, said Sir Galahad, so seemed me; and

meseemed it had been great pity that this knight should have been

slain, for I dare say he is the noblest man that beareth life, but if

it were Sir Launcelot du Lake. Now, fair knight, said Sir Galahad, I

require thee tell me thy name, and of whence thou art, and whither thou

wilt. Sir, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and from King

Mark of Cornwall I was sent on message unto King Anguish of Ireland,

for to fetch his daughter to be his wife, and here she is ready to go

with me into Cornwall, and her name is La Beale Isoud. And, Sir

Tristram, said Sir Galahad, the haut prince, well be ye found in these

marches, and so ye will promise me to go unto Sir Launcelot du Lake,

and accompany with him, ye shall go where ye will, and your fair lady

with you; and I shall promise you never in all my days shall such

customs be used in this castle as have been used. Sir, said Sir

Tristram, now I let you wit, so God me help, I weened ye had been Sir

Launcelot du Lake when I saw you first, and therefore I dread you the

more; and sir, I promise you, said Sir Tristram, as soon as I may I

will see Sir Launcelot and in fellowship me with him; for of all the

knights of the world I most desire his fellowship.

CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away Sir

Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.

And then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time, and took the

sea. And in the meanwhile word came unto Sir Launcelot and to Sir

Tristram that Sir Carados, the mighty king, that was made like a giant,

fought with Sir Gawaine, and gave him such strokes that he swooned in

his saddle, and after that he took him by the collar and pulled him out

of his saddle, and fast bound him to the saddle-bow, and so rode his

way with him toward his castle. And as he rode, by fortune Sir

Launcelot met with Sir Carados, and anon he knew Sir Gawaine that lay

bound after him. Ah, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, how stands it

with you? Never so hard, said Sir Gawaine, unless that ye help me, for

so God me help, without ye rescue me I know no knight that may, but

outher you or Sir Tristram. Wherefore Sir Launcelot was heavy of Sir

Gawaine’s words. And then Sir Launcelot bade Sir Carados: Lay down that

knight and fight with me. Thou art but a fool, said Sir Carados, for I

will serve you in the same wise. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, spare

me not, for I warn thee I will not spare thee. And then he bound Sir

Gawaine hand and foot, and so threw him to the ground. And then he gat

his spear of his squire, and departed from Sir Launcelot to fetch his

course. And so either met with other, and brake their spears to their

hands; and then they pulled out swords, and hurtled together on

horseback more than an hour. And at the last Sir Launcelot smote Sir

Carados such a buffet upon the helm that it pierced his brain-pan. So

then Sir Launcelot took Sir Carados by the collar and pulled him under

his horse’s feet, and then he alighted and pulled off his helm and

struck off his head. And then Sir Launcelot unbound Sir Gawaine. So

this same tale was told to Sir Galahad and to Sir Tristram:—here may ye

hear the nobleness that followeth Sir Launcelot. Alas, said Sir

Tristram, an I had not this message in hand with this fair lady, truly

I would never stint or I had found Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Tristram and

La Beale Isoud went to the sea and came into Cornwall, and there all

the barons met them.

CHAPTER XXIX. Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of

Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.

And anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse. But ever, as the

French book saith, Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud loved ever together.

Then was there great jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and

ladies were at that feast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all

other. Thus dured the feast long, and after the feast was done, within

a little while after, by the assent of two ladies that were with Queen

Isoud, they ordained for hate and envy for to destroy Dame Bragwaine,

that was maiden and lady unto La Beale Isoud; and she was sent into the

forest for to fetch herbs, and there she was met, and bound feet and

hand to a tree, and so she was bounden three days. And by fortune, Sir

Palamides found Dame Bragwaine, and there he delivered her from the

death, and brought her to a nunnery there beside, for to be recovered.

When Isoud the queen missed her maiden, wit ye well she was right heavy

as ever was any queen, for of all earthly women she loved her best: the

cause was for she came with her out of her country. And so upon a day

Queen Isoud walked into the forest to put away her thoughts, and there

she went herself unto a well and made great moan. And suddenly there

came Palamides to her, and had heard all her complaint, and said: Madam

Isoud, an ye will grant me my boon, I shall bring to you Dame Bragwaine

safe and sound. And the queen was so glad of his proffer that suddenly

unadvised she granted all his asking. Well, Madam, said Palamides, I

trust to your promise, and if ye will abide here half an hour I shall

bring her to you. I shall abide you, said La Beale Isoud. And Sir

Palamides rode forth his way to that nunnery, and lightly he came again

with Dame Bragwaine; but by her good will she would not have come

again, because for love of the queen she stood in adventure of her

life. Notwithstanding, half against her will, she went with Sir

Palamides unto the queen. And when the queen saw her she was passing

glad. Now, Madam, said Palamides, remember upon your promise, for I

have fulfilled my promise. Sir Palamides, said the queen, I wot not

what is your desire, but I will that ye wit, howbeit I promised you

largely, I thought none evil, nor I warn you none evil will I do.

Madam, said Sir Palamides, as at this time, ye shall not know my

desire, but before my lord your husband there shall ye know that I will

have my desire that ye have promised me. And therewith the queen

departed, and rode home to the king, and Sir Palamides rode after her.

And when Sir Palamides came before the king, he said: Sir King, I

require you as ye be a righteous king, that ye will judge me the right.

Tell me your cause, said the king, and ye shall have right.

CHAPTER XXX. How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode

after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.

Sir, said Palamides, I promised your Queen Isoud to bring again Dame

Bragwaine that she had lost, upon this covenant, that she should grant

me a boon that I would ask, and without grudging, outher advisement,

she granted me. What say ye, my lady? said the king. It is as he saith,

so God me help, said the queen; to say thee sooth I promised him his

asking for love and joy that I had to see her. Well, Madam, said the

king, and if ye were hasty to grant him what boon he would ask, I will

well that ye perform your promise. Then, said Palamides, I will that ye

wit that I will have your queen to lead her and govern her whereas me

list. Therewith the king stood still, and bethought him of Sir

Tristram, and deemed that he would rescue her. And then hastily the

king answered: Take her with the adventures that shall fall of it, for

as I suppose thou wilt not enjoy her no while. As for that, said

Palamides, I dare right well abide the adventure. And so, to make short

tale, Sir Palamides took her by the hand and said: Madam, grudge not to

go with me, for I desire nothing but your own promise. As for that,

said the queen, I fear not greatly to go with thee, howbeit thou hast

me at advantage upon my promise, for I doubt not I shall be

worshipfully rescued from thee. As for that, said Sir Palamides, be it

as it be may. So Queen Isoud was set behind Palamides, and rode his

way.

Anon the king sent after Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could be

found, for he was in the forest a-hunting; for that was always his

custom, but if he used arms, to chase and to hunt in the forests. Alas,

said the king, now I am shamed for ever, that by mine own assent my

lady and my queen shall be devoured. Then came forth a knight, his name

was Lambegus, and he was a knight of Sir Tristram. My lord, said this

knight, sith ye have trust in my lord, Sir Tristram, wit ye well for

his sake I will ride after your queen and rescue her, or else I shall

be beaten. Gramercy, said the king, as I live, Sir Lambegus, I shall

deserve it. And then Sir Lambegus armed him, and rode after as fast as

he might. And then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides. And then

Sir Palamides left the queen. What art thou, said Palamides, art thou

Tristram? Nay, he said, I am his servant, and my name is Sir Lambegus.

That me repenteth, said Palamides. I had liefer thou hadst been Sir

Tristram. I believe you well, said Lambegus, but when thou meetest with

Sir Tristram thou shalt have thy hands full. And then they hurtled

together and all to-brast their spears, and then they pulled out their

swords, and hewed on helms and hauberks. At the last Sir Palamides gave

Sir Lambegus such a wound that he fell down like a dead knight to the

earth.

Then he looked after La Beale Isoud, and then she was gone he nist

where. Wit ye well Sir Palamides was never so heavy. So the queen ran

into the forest, and there she found a well, and therein she had

thought to have drowned herself. And as good fortune would, there came

a knight to her that had a castle thereby, his name was Sir Adtherp.

And when he found the queen in that mischief he rescued her, and

brought her to his castle. And when he wist what she was he armed him,

and took his horse, and said he would be avenged upon Palamides; and so

he rode on till he met with him, and there Sir Palamides wounded him

sore, and by force he made him to tell him the cause why he did battle

with him, and how he had led the queen unto his castle. Now bring me

there, said Palamides, or thou shalt die of my hands. Sir, said Sir

Adtherp, I am so wounded I may not follow, but ride you this way and it

shall bring you into my castle, and there within is the queen. Then Sir

Palamides rode still till he came to the castle. And at a window La

Beale Isoud saw Sir Palamides; then she made the gates to be shut

strongly. And when he saw he might not come within the castle, he put

off his bridle and his saddle, and put his horse to pasture, and set

himself down at the gate like a man that was out of his wit that recked

not of himself.

CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found

him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased.

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come home and wist La

Beale Isoud was gone with Sir Palamides, wit ye well he was wroth out

of measure. Alas, said Sir Tristram, I am this day shamed. Then he

cried to Gouvernail his man: Haste thee that I were armed and on

horseback, for well I wot Lambegus hath no might nor strength to

withstand Sir Palamides: alas that I have not been in his stead! So

anon as he was armed and horsed Sir Tristram and Gouvernail rode after

into the forest, and within a while he found his knight Lambegus almost

wounded to the death; and Sir Tristram bare him to a forester, and

charged him to keep him well. And then he rode forth, and there he

found Sir Adtherp sore wounded, and he told him how the queen would

have drowned herself had he not been, and how for her sake and love he

had taken upon him to do battle with Sir Palamides. Where is my lady?

said Sir Tristram. Sir, said the knight, she is sure enough within my

castle, an she can hold her within it. Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, of

thy great goodness. And so he rode till he came nigh to that castle;

and then Sir Tristram saw where Sir Palamides sat at the gate sleeping,

and his horse pastured fast afore him. Now go thou, Gouvernail, said

Sir Tristram, and bid him awake, and make him ready. So Gouvernail rode

unto him and said: Sir Palamides, arise, and take to thee thine

harness. But he was in such a study he heard not what Gouvernail said.

So Gouvernail came again and told Sir Tristram he slept, or else he was

mad. Go thou again, said Sir Tristram, and bid him arise, and tell him

that I am here, his mortal foe. So Gouvernail rode again and put upon

him the butt of his spear, and said: Sir Palamides, make thee ready,

for wit ye well Sir Tristram hoveth yonder, and sendeth thee word he is

thy mortal foe. And therewithal Sir Palamides arose stilly, without

words, and gat his horse, and saddled him and bridled him, and lightly

he leapt upon, and gat his spear in his hand, and either feutred their

spears and hurtled fast together; and there Tristram smote down Sir

Palamides over his horse’s tail. Then lightly Sir Palamides put his

shield afore him and drew his sword. And there began strong battle on

both parts, for both they fought for the love of one lady, and ever she

lay on the walls and beheld them how they fought out of measure, and

either were wounded passing sore, but Palamides was much sorer wounded.

Thus they fought tracing and traversing more than two hours, that

well-nigh for dole and sorrow La Beale Isoud swooned. Alas, she said,

that one I loved and yet do, and the other I love not, yet it were

great pity that I should see Sir Palamides slain; for well I know by

that time the end be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight: because

he is not christened I would be loath that he should die a Saracen. And

therewithal she came down and besought Sir Tristram to fight no more.

Ah, madam, said he, what mean you, will ye have me shamed? Well ye know

I will be ruled by you. I will not your dishonour, said La Beale Isoud,

but I would that ye would for my sake spare this unhappy Saracen

Palamides. Madam, said Sir Tristram, I will leave fighting at this time

for your sake. Then she said to Sir Palamides: This shall be your

charge, that thou shalt go out of this country while I am therein. I

will obey your commandment, said Sir Palamides, the which is sore

against my will. Then take thy way, said La Beale Isoud, unto the court

of King Arthur, and there recommend me unto Queen Guenever, and tell

her that I send her word that there be within this land but four

lovers, that is, Sir Launcelot du Lake and Queen Guenever, and Sir

Tristram de Liones and Queen Isoud.

CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the

debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.

And so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness. And Sir Tristram

took the queen and brought her again to King Mark, and then was there

made great joy of her home-coming. Who was cherished but Sir Tristram!

Then Sir Tristram let fetch Sir Lambegus, his knight, from the

forester’s house, and it was long or he was whole, but at the last he

was well recovered. Thus they lived with joy and play a long while. But

ever Sir Andred, that was nigh cousin to Sir Tristram, lay in a watch

to wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, for to take them and

slander them. So upon a day Sir Tristram talked with La Beale Isoud in

a window, and that espied Sir Andred, and told it to the King. Then

King Mark took a sword in his hand and came to Sir Tristram, and called

him false traitor, and would have stricken him. But Sir Tristram was

nigh him, and ran under his sword, and took it out of his hand. And

then the King cried: Where are my knights and my men? I charge you slay

this traitor. But at that time there was not one would move for his

words. When Sir Tristram saw that there was not one would be against

him, he shook the sword to the king, and made countenance as though he

would have stricken him. And then King Mark fled, and Sir Tristram

followed him, and smote upon him five or six strokes flatling on the

neck, that he made him to fall upon the nose. And then Sir Tristram

yede his way and armed him, and took his horse and his man, and so he

rode into that forest.

And there upon a day Sir Tristram met with two brethren that were

knights with King Mark, and there he struck off the head of the one,

and wounded the other to the death; and he made him to bear his

brother’s head in his helm unto the king, and thirty more there he

wounded. And when that knight came before the king to say his message,

he there died afore the king and the queen. Then King Mark called his

council unto him, and asked advice of his barons what was best to do

with Sir Tristram. Sir, said the barons, in especial Sir Dinas, the

Seneschal, Sir, we will give you counsel for to send for Sir Tristram,

for we will that ye wit many men will hold with Sir Tristram an he were

hard bestead. And sir, said Sir Dinas, ye shall understand that Sir

Tristram is called peerless and makeless of any Christian knight, and

of his might and hardiness we knew none so good a knight, but if it be

Sir Launcelot du Lake. And if he depart from your court and go to King

Arthur’s court, wit ye well he will get him such friends there that he

will not set by your malice. And therefore, sir, I counsel you to take

him to your grace. I will well, said the king, that he be sent for,

that we may be friends. Then the barons sent for Sir Tristram under a

safe conduct. And so when Sir Tristram came to the king he was welcome,

and no rehearsal was made, and there was game and play. And then the

king and the queen went a-hunting, and Sir Tristram.

CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir

Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse down.

The king and the queen made their pavilions and their tents in that

forest beside a river, and there was daily hunting and jousting, for

there were ever thirty knights ready to joust unto all them that came

in at that time. And there by fortune came Sir Lamorak de Galis and Sir

Driant; and there Sir Driant jousted right well, but at the last he had

a fall. Then Sir Lamorak proffered to joust. And when he began he fared

so with the thirty knights that there was not one of them but that he

gave him a fall, and some of them were sore hurt. I marvel, said King

Mark, what knight he is that doth such deeds of arms. Sir, said Sir

Tristram, I know him well for a noble knight as few now be living, and

his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. It were great shame, said the king,

that he should go thus away, unless that some of you meet with him

better. Sir, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were no worship for a

noble man to have ado with him: and for because at this time he hath

done over much for any mean knight living, therefore, as meseemeth, it

were great shame and villainy to tempt him any more at this time,

insomuch as he and his horse are weary both; for the deeds of arms that

he hath done this day, an they be well considered, it were enough for

Sir Launcelot du Lake. As for that, said King Mark, I require you, as

ye love me and my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud, take your arms and

joust with Sir Lamorak de Galis. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye bid me do a

thing that is against knighthood, and well I can deem that I shall give

him a fall, for it is no mastery, for my horse and I be fresh both, and

so is not his horse and he; and wit ye well that he will take it for

great unkindness, for ever one good knight is loath to take another at

disadvantage; but because I will not displease you, as ye require me so

will I do, and obey your commandment.

And so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse, and put him forth,

and there Sir Lamorak met him mightily, and what with the might of his

own spear, and of Sir Tristram’s spear, Sir Lamorak’s horse fell to the

earth, and he sitting in the saddle. Then anon as lightly as he might

he avoided the saddle and his horse, and put his shield afore him and

drew his sword. And then he bade Sir Tristram: Alight, thou knight, an

thou durst. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will no more have ado with thee,

for I have done to thee over much unto my dishonour and to thy worship.

As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I can thee no thank; since thou hast

for-jousted me on horseback I require thee and I beseech thee, an thou

be Sir Tristram, fight with me on foot. I will not so, said Sir

Tristram; and wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and well I

know ye be Sir Lamorak de Galis, and this that I have done to you was

against my will, but I was required thereto; but to say that I will do

at your request as at this time, I will have no more ado with you, for

me shameth of that I have done. As for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on

thy part or on mine, bear thou it an thou wilt, for though a mare’s son

hath failed me, now a queen’s son shall not fail thee; and therefore,

an thou be such a knight as men call thee, I require thee, alight, and

fight with me. Sir Lamorak, said Sir Tristram, I understand your heart

is great, and cause why ye have, to say thee sooth; for it would grieve

me an any knight should keep him fresh and then to strike down a weary

knight, for that knight nor horse was never formed that alway might

stand or endure. And therefore, said Sir Tristram, I will not have ado

with you, for me forthinketh of that I have done. As for that, said Sir

Lamorak, I shall quit you, an ever I see my time.

CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of

Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel.

So he departed from him with Sir Driant, and by the way they met with a

knight that was sent from Morgan le Fay unto King Arthur; and this

knight had a fair horn harnessed with gold, and the horn had such a

virtue that there might no lady nor gentlewoman drink of that horn but

if she were true to her husband, and if she were false she should spill

all the drink, and if she were true to her lord she might drink

peaceable. And because of the Queen Guenever, and in the despite of Sir

Launcelot, this horn was sent unto King Arthur; and by force Sir

Lamorak made that knight to tell all the cause why he bare that horn.

Now shalt thou bear this horn, said Lamorak, unto King Mark, or else

choose thou to die for it; for I tell thee plainly, in despite and

reproof of Sir Tristram thou shalt bear that horn unto King Mark, his

uncle, and say thou to him that I sent it him for to assay his lady,

and if she be true to him he shall prove her. So the knight went his

way unto King Mark, and brought him that rich horn, and said that Sir

Lamorak sent it him, and thereto he told him the virtue of that horn.

Then the king made Queen Isoud to drink thereof, and an hundred ladies,

and there were but four ladies of all those that drank clean. Alas,

said King Mark, this is a great despite, and sware a great oath that

she should be burnt and the other ladies.

Then the barons gathered them together, and said plainly they would not

have those ladies burnt for an horn made by sorcery, that came from as

false a sorceress and witch as then was living. For that horn did never

good, but caused strife and debate, and always in her days she had been

an enemy to all true lovers. So there were many knights made their

avow, an ever they met with Morgan le Fay, that they would show her

short courtesy. Also Sir Tristram was passing wroth that Sir Lamorak

sent that horn unto King Mark, for well he knew that it was done in the

despite of him. And therefore he thought to quite Sir Lamorak.

Then Sir Tristram used daily and nightly to go to Queen Isoud when he

might, and ever Sir Andred his cousin watched him night and day for to

take him with La Beale Isoud. And so upon a night Sir Andred espied the

hour and the time when Sir Tristram went to his lady. Then Sir Andred

gat unto him twelve knights, and at midnight he set upon Sir Tristram

secretly and suddenly and there Sir Tristram was taken naked abed with

La Beale Isoud, and then was he bound hand and foot, and so was he kept

until day. And then by the assent of King Mark, and of Sir Andred, and

of some of the barons, Sir Tristram was led unto a chapel that stood

upon the sea rocks, there for to take his judgment: and so he was led

bounden with forty knights. And when Sir Tristram saw that there was

none other boot but needs that he must die, then said he: Fair lords,

remember what I have done for the country of Cornwall, and in what

jeopardy I have been in for the weal of you all; for when I fought for

the truage of Cornwall with Sir Marhaus, the good knight, I was

promised for to be better rewarded, when ye all refused to take the

battle; therefore, as ye be good gentle knights, see me not thus

shamefully to die, for it is shame to all knighthood thus to see me

die; for I dare say, said Sir Tristram, that I never met with no knight

but I was as good as he, or better. Fie upon thee, said Sir Andred,

false traitor that thou art, with thine avaunting; for all thy boast

thou shalt die this day. O Andred, Andred, said Sir Tristram, thou

shouldst be my kinsman, and now thou art to me full unfriendly, but an

there were no more but thou and I, thou wouldst not put me to death.

No! said Sir Andred, and therewith he drew his sword, and would have

slain him.

When Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he looked upon both his

hands that were fast bounden unto two knights, and suddenly he pulled

them both to him, and unwrast his hands, and then he leapt unto his

cousin, Sir Andred, and wrested his sword out of his hands; then he

smote Sir Andred that he fell to the earth, and so Sir Tristram fought

till that he had killed ten knights. So then Sir Tristram gat the

chapel and kept it mightily. Then the cry was great, and the people

drew fast unto Sir Andred, mo than an hundred. When Sir Tristram saw

the people draw unto him, he remembered he was naked, and sperd fast

the chapel door, and brake the bars of a window, and so he leapt out

and fell upon the crags in the sea. And so at that time Sir Andred nor

none of his fellows might get to him, at that time.

CHAPTER XXXV. How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen

Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt.

So when they were departed, Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir

Sentraille de Lushon, that were Sir Tristram’s men, sought their

master. When they heard he was escaped then they were passing glad; and

on the rocks they found him, and with towels they pulled him up. And

then Sir Tristram asked them where was La Beale Isoud, for he weened

she had been had away of Andred’s people. Sir, said Gouvernail, she is

put in a lazar-cote. Alas, said Sir Tristram, this is a full ungoodly

place for such a fair lady, and if I may she shall not be long there.

And so he took his men and went thereas was La Beale Isoud, and fetched

her away, and brought her into a forest to a fair manor, and Sir

Tristram there abode with her. So the good knight bade his men go from

him: For at this time I may not help you. So they departed all save

Gouvernail. And so upon a day Sir Tristram yede into the forest for to

disport him, and then it happened that there he fell sleep; and there

came a man that Sir Tristram aforehand had slain his brother, and when

this man had found him he shot him through the shoulder with an arrow,

and Sir Tristram leapt up and killed that man. And in the meantime it

was told King Mark how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in that

same manor, and as soon as ever he might thither he came with many

knights to slay Sir Tristram. And when he came there he found him gone;

and there he took La Beale Isoud home with him, and kept her strait

that by no means never she might wit nor send unto Tristram, nor he

unto her. And then when Sir Tristram came toward the old manor he found

the track of many horses, and thereby he wist his lady was gone. And

then Sir Tristram took great sorrow, and endured with great pain long

time, for the arrow that he was hurt withal was envenomed.

Then by the mean of La Beale Isoud she told a lady that was cousin unto

Dame Bragwaine, and she came to Sir Tristram, and told him that he

might not be whole by no means. For thy lady, La Beale Isoud, may not

help thee, therefore she biddeth you haste into Brittany to King Howel,

and there ye shall find his daughter, Isoud la Blanche Mains, and she

shall help thee. Then Sir Tristram and Gouvernail gat them shipping,

and so sailed into Brittany. And when King Howel wist that it was Sir

Tristram he was full glad of him. Sir, he said, I am come into this

country to have help of your daughter, for it is told me that there is

none other may heal me but she; and so within a while she healed him.

CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany,

and slew his adversary in the field.

There was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made great war upon

the king, and put the king to the worse, and besieged him. And on a

time Sir Kehydius, that was son to King Howel, as he issued out he was

sore wounded, nigh to the death. Then Gouvernail went to the king and

said: Sir, I counsel you to desire my lord, Sir Tristram, as in your

need to help you. I will do by your counsel, said the king. And so he

yede unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him in his wars to help him: For my

son, Sir Kehydius, may not go into the field. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I

will go to the field and do what I may. Then Sir Tristram issued out of

the town with such fellowship as he might make, and did such deeds that

all Brittany spake of him. And then, at the last, by great might and

force, he slew the Earl Grip with his own hands, and more than an

hundred knights he slew that day. And then Sir Tristram was received

worshipfully with procession. Then King Howel embraced him in his arms,

and said: Sir Tristram, all my kingdom I will resign to thee. God

defend, said Sir Tristram, for I am beholden unto you for your

daughter’s sake to do for you.

Then by the great means of King Howel and Kehydius his son, by great

proffers, there grew great love betwixt Isoud and Sir Tristram, for

that lady was both good and fair, and a woman of noble blood and fame.

And for because Sir Tristram had such cheer and riches, and all other

pleasaunce that he had, almost he had forsaken La Beale Isoud. And so

upon a time Sir Tristram agreed to wed Isoud la Blanche Mains. And at

the last they were wedded, and solemnly held their marriage. And so

when they were abed both Sir Tristram remembered him of his old lady La

Beale Isoud. And then he took such a thought suddenly that he was all

dismayed, and other cheer made he none but with clipping and kissing;

as for other fleshly lusts Sir Tristram never thought nor had ado with

her: such mention maketh the French book; also it maketh mention that

the lady weened there had been no pleasure but kissing and clipping.

And in the meantime there was a knight in Brittany, his name was

Suppinabiles, and he came over the sea into England, and then he came

into the court of King Arthur, and there he met with Sir Launcelot du

Lake, and told him of the marriage of Sir Tristram. Then said Sir

Launcelot: Fie upon him, untrue knight to his lady, that so noble a

knight as Sir Tristram is should be found to his first lady false, La

Beale Isoud, Queen of Cornwall; but say ye him this, said Sir

Launcelot, that of all knights in the world I loved him most, and had

most joy of him, and all was for his noble deeds; and let him wit the

love between him and me is done for ever, and that I give him warning

from this day forth as his mortal enemy.

CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was

defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.

Then departed Sir Suppinabiles unto Brittany again, and there he found

Sir Tristram, and told him that he had been in King Arthur’s court.

Then said Sir Tristram: Heard ye anything of me? So God me help, said

Sir Suppinabiles, there I heard Sir Launcelot speak of you great shame,

and that ye be a false knight to your lady and he bade me do you to wit

that he will be your mortal enemy in every place where he may meet you.

That me repenteth, said Tristram, for of all knights I loved to be in

his fellowship. So Sir Tristram made great moan and was ashamed that

noble knights should defame him for the sake of his lady. And in this

meanwhile La Beale Isoud made a letter unto Queen Guenever, complaining

her of the untruth of Sir Tristram, and how he had wedded the king’s

daughter of Brittany. Queen Guenever sent her another letter, and bade

her be of good cheer, for she should have joy after sorrow, for Sir

Tristram was so noble a knight called, that by crafts of sorcery ladies

would make such noble men to wed them. But in the end, Queen Guenever

said, it shall be thus, that he shall hate her, and love you better

than ever he did to-fore.

So leave we Sir Tristram in Brittany, and speak we of Sir Lamorak de

Galis, that as he sailed his ship fell on a rock and perished all, save

Sir Lamorak and his squire; and there he swam mightily, and fishers of

the Isle of Servage took him up, and his squire was drowned, and the

shipmen had great labour to save Sir Lamorak’s life, for all the

comfort that they could do.

And the lord of that isle, hight Sir Nabon le Noire, a great mighty

giant. And this Sir Nabon hated all the knights of King Arthur’s, and

in no wise he would do them favour. And these fishers told Sir Lamorak

all the guise of Sir Nabon; how there came never knight of King

Arthur’s but he destroyed him. And at the last battle that he did was

slain Sir Nanowne le Petite, the which he put to a shameful death in

despite of King Arthur, for he was drawn limb-meal. That forthinketh

me, said Sir Lamorak, for that knight’s death, for he was my cousin;

and if I were at mine ease as well as ever I was, I would revenge his

death. Peace, said the fishers, and make here no words, for or ever ye

depart from hence Sir Nabon must know that ye have been here, or else

we should die for your sake. So that I be whole, said Lamorak, of my

disease that I have taken in the sea, I will that ye tell him that I am

a knight of King Arthur’s, for I was never afeard to reneye my lord.

CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and

how he met there with Sir Lamorak.

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that upon a day he took a little barget,

and his wife Isoud la Blanche Mains, with Sir Kehydius her brother, to

play them in the coasts. And when they were from the land, there was a

wind drove them in to the coast of Wales upon this Isle of Servage,

whereas was Sir Lamorak, and there the barget all to-rove; and there

Dame Isoud was hurt; and as well as they might they gat into the

forest, and there by a well he saw Segwarides and a damosel. And then

either saluted other. Sir, said Segwarides, I know you for Sir Tristram

de Liones, the man in the world that I have most cause to hate, because

ye departed the love between me and my wife; but as for that, said Sir

Segwarides, I will never hate a noble knight for a light lady; and

therefore, I pray you, be my friend, and I will be yours unto my power;

for wit ye well ye are hard bestead in this valley, and we shall have

enough to do either of us to succour other. And then Sir Segwarides

brought Sir Tristram to a lady thereby that was born in Cornwall, and

she told him all the perils of that valley, and how there came never

knight there but he were taken prisoner or slain. Wit you well, fair

lady, said Sir Tristram, that I slew Sir Marhaus and delivered Cornwall

from the truage of Ireland, and I am he that delivered the King of

Ireland from Sir Blamore de Ganis, and I am he that beat Sir Palamides;

and wit ye well I am Sir Tristram de Liones, that by the grace of God

shall deliver this woful Isle of Servage. So Sir Tristram was well

eased.

Then one told him there was a knight of King Arthur’s that was wrecked

on the rocks. What is his name? said Sir Tristram. We wot not, said the

fishers, but he keepeth it no counsel but that he is a knight of King

Arthur’s, and by the mighty lord of this isle he setteth nought. I pray

you, said Sir Tristram, an ye may, bring him hither that I may see him,

and if he be any of the knights of Arthur’s I shall know him. Then the

lady prayed the fishers to bring him to her place. So on the morrow

they brought him thither in a fisher’s raiment; and as soon as Sir

Tristram saw him he smiled upon him and knew him well, but he knew not

Sir Tristram. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth by your cheer ye

have been diseased but late, and also methinketh I should know you

heretofore. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, that ye have seen me and met

with me. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name. Upon a

covenant I will tell you, said Sir Lamorak, that is, that ye will tell

me whether ye be lord of this island or no, that is called Nabon le

Noire. Forsooth, said Sir Tristram, I am not he, nor I hold not of him;

I am his foe as well as ye be, and so shall I be found or I depart out

of this isle. Well, said Sir Lamorak, since ye have said so largely

unto me, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis, son unto King Pellinore.

Forsooth, I trow well, said Sir Tristram, for an ye said other I know

the contrary. What are ye, said Sir Lamorak, that knoweth me? I am Sir

Tristram de Liones. Ah, sir, remember ye not of the fall ye did give me

once, and after ye refused me to fight on foot. That was not for fear I

had of you, said Sir Tristram, but me shamed at that time to have more

ado with you, for meseemed ye had enough; but, Sir Lamorak, for my

kindness many ladies ye put to a reproof when ye sent the horn from

Morgan le Fay to King Mark, whereas ye did this in despite of me. Well,

said he, an it were to do again, so would I do, for I had liefer strife

and debate fell in King Mark’s court rather than Arthur’s court, for

the honour of both courts be not alike. As to that, said Sir Tristram,

I know well; but that that was done it was for despite of me, but all

your malice, I thank God, hurt not greatly. Therefore, said Sir

Tristram, ye shall leave all your malice, and so will I, and let us

assay how we may win worship between you and me upon this giant Sir

Nabon le Noire that is lord of this island, to destroy him. Sir, said

Sir Lamorak, now I understand your knighthood, it may not be false that

all men say, for of your bounty, noblesse, and worship, of all knights

ye are peerless, and for your courtesy and gentleness I showed you

ungentleness, and that now me repenteth.

CHAPTER XXXIX. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame

him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.

In the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry that all

the people of that isle should be at his castle the fifth day after.

And the same day the son of Nabon should be made knight, and all the

knights of that valley and thereabout should be there to joust, and all

those of the realm of Logris should be there to joust with them of

North Wales: and thither came five hundred knights, and they of the

country brought thither Sir Lamorak, and Sir Tristram, and Sir

Kehydius, and Sir Segwarides, for they durst none otherwise do; and

then Sir Nabon lent Sir Lamorak horse and armour at Sir Lamorak’s

desire, and Sir Lamorak jousted and did such deeds of arms that Nabon

and all the people said there was never knight that ever they saw do

such deeds of arms; for, as the French book saith, he for-jousted all

that were there, for the most part of five hundred knights, that none

abode him in his saddle.

Then Sir Nabon proffered to play with him his play: For I saw never no

knight do so much upon a day. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, play as I

may, but I am weary and sore bruised. And there either gat a spear, but

Nabon would not encounter with Sir Lamorak, but smote his horse in the

forehead, and so slew him; and then Sir Lamorak yede on foot, and

turned his shield and drew his sword, and there began strong battle on

foot. But Sir Lamorak was so sore bruised and short breathed, that he

traced and traversed somewhat aback. Fair fellow, said Sir Nabon, hold

thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy than ever I showed knight,

because I have seen this day thy noble knighthood, and therefore stand

thou by, and I will wit whether any of thy fellows will have ado with

me. Then when Sir Tristram heard that, he stepped forth and said:

Nabon, lend me horse and sure armour, and I will have ado with thee.

Well, fellow, said Sir Nabon, go thou to yonder pavilion, and arm thee

of the best thou findest there, and I shall play a marvellous play with

thee. Then said Sir Tristram: Look ye play well, or else peradventure I

shall learn you a new play. That is well said, fellow, said Sir Nabon.

So when Sir Tristram was armed as him liked best, and well shielded and

sworded, he dressed to him on foot; for well he knew that Sir Nabon

would not abide a stroke with a spear, therefore he would slay all

knights’ horses. Now, fair fellow, Sir Nabon, let us play. So then they

fought long on foot, tracing and traversing, smiting and foining long

without any rest. At the last Sir Nabon prayed him to tell him his

name. Sir Nabon, I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, a

knight of Cornwall under King Mark. Thou art welcome, said Sir Nabon,

for of all knights I have most desired to fight with thee or with Sir

Launcelot.

So then they went eagerly together, and Sir Tristram slew Sir Nabon,

and so forthwith he leapt to his son, and struck off his head; and then

all the country said they would hold of Sir Tristram. Nay, said Sir

Tristram, I will not so; here is a worshipful knight, Sir Lamorak de

Galis, that for me he shall be lord of this country, for he hath done

here great deeds of arms. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I will not be lord of

this country, for I have not deserved it as well as ye, therefore give

ye it where ye will, for I will none have. Well, said Sir Tristram,

since ye nor I will not have it, let us give it to him that hath not so

well deserved it. Do as ye list, said Segwarides, for the gift is

yours, for I will none have an I had deserved it. So was it given to

Segwarides, whereof he thanked them; and so was he lord, and

worshipfully he did govern it. And then Sir Segwarides delivered all

prisoners, and set good governance in that valley; and so he returned

into Cornwall, and told King Mark and La Beale Isoud how Sir Tristram

had advanced him to the Isle of Servage, and there he proclaimed in all

Cornwall of all the adventures of these two knights, so was it openly

known. But full woe was La Beale Isoud when she heard tell that Sir

Tristram was wedded to Isoud la Blanche Mains.

CHAPTER XL. How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how he met

with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot.

So turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that rode toward Arthur’s court, and Sir

Tristram’s wife and Kehydius took a vessel and sailed into Brittany,

unto King Howel, where he was welcome. And when he heard of these

adventures they marvelled of his noble deeds. Now turn we unto Sir

Lamorak, that when he was departed from Sir Tristram he rode out of the

forest, till he came to an hermitage. When the hermit saw him, he asked

him from whence he came. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I come from this

valley. Sir, said the hermit: thereof I marvel. For this twenty winter

I saw never no knight pass this country but he was either slain or

villainously wounded, or pass as a poor prisoner. Those ill customs,

said Sir Lamorak, are fordone, for Sir Tristram slew your lord, Sir

Nabon, and his son. Then was the hermit glad, and all his brethren, for

he said there was never such a tyrant among Christian men. And

therefore, said the hermit, this valley and franchise we will hold of

Sir Tristram.

So on the morrow Sir Lamorak departed; and as he rode he saw four

knights fight against one, and that one knight defended him well, but

at the last the four knights had him down. And then Sir Lamorak went

betwixt them, and asked them why they would slay that one knight, and

said it was shame, four against one. Thou shalt well wit, said the four

knights, that he is false. That is your tale, said Sir Lamorak, and

when I hear him also speak, I will say as ye say. Then said Lamorak:

Ah, knight, can ye not excuse you, but that ye are a false knight. Sir,

said he, yet can I excuse me both with my word and with my hands, that

I will make good upon one of the best of them, my body to his body.

Then spake they all at once: We will not jeopardy our bodies as for

thee. But wit thou well, they said, an King Arthur were here himself,

it should not lie in his power to save his life. That is too much said,

said Sir Lamorak, but many speak behind a man more than they will say

to his face; and because of your words ye shall understand that I am

one of the simplest of King Arthur’s court; in the worship of my lord

now do your best, and in despite of you I shall rescue him. And then

they lashed all at once to Sir Lamorak, but anon at two strokes Sir

Lamorak had slain two of them, and then the other two fled. So then Sir

Lamorak turned again to that knight, and asked him his name. Sir, he

said, my name is Sir Frol of the Out Isles. Then he rode with Sir

Lamorak and bare him company.

And as they rode by the way they saw a seemly knight riding against

them, and all in white. Ah, said Frol, yonder knight jousted late with

me and smote me down, therefore I will joust with him. Ye shall not do

so, said Sir Lamorak, by my counsel, an ye will tell me your quarrel,

whether ye jousted at his request, or he at yours. Nay, said Sir Frol,

I jousted with him at my request. Sir, said Lamorak, then will I

counsel you deal no more with him, for meseemeth by his countenance he

should be a noble knight, and no japer; for methinketh he should be of

the Table Round. Therefore I will not spare, said Sir Frol. And then he

cried and said: Sir knight, make thee ready to joust. That needeth not,

said the White Knight, for I have no lust to joust with thee; but yet

they feutred their spears, and the White Knight overthrew Sir Frol, and

then he rode his way a soft pace. Then Sir Lamorak rode after him, and

prayed him to tell him his name: For meseemeth ye should be of the

fellowship of the Round Table. Upon a covenant, said he, I will tell

you my name, so that ye will not discover my name, and also that ye

will tell me yours. Then, said he, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. And

my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then they put up their swords, and

kissed heartily together, and either made great joy of other. Sir, said

Sir Lamorak, an it please you I will do you service. God defend, said

Launcelot, that any of so noble a blood as ye be should do me service.

Then he said: More, I am in a quest that I must do myself alone. Now

God speed you, said Sir Lamorak, and so they departed. Then Sir Lamorak

came to Sir Frol and horsed him again. What knight is that? said Sir

Frol. Sir, he said, it is not for you to know, nor it is no point of my

charge. Ye are the more uncourteous, said Sir Frol, and therefore I

will depart from you. Ye may do as ye list, said Sir Lamorak, and yet

by my company ye have saved the fairest flower of your garland; so they

departed.

CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous

fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.

Then within two or three days Sir Lamorak found a knight at a well

sleeping, and his lady sat with him and waked. Right so came Sir

Gawaine and took the knight’s lady, and set her up behind his squire.

So Sir Lamorak rode after Sir Gawaine, and said: Sir Gawaine, turn

again. And then said Sir Gawaine: What will ye do with me? for I am

nephew unto King Arthur. Sir, said he, for that cause I will spare you,

else that lady should abide with me, or else ye should joust with me.

Then Sir Gawaine turned him and ran to him that ought the lady, with

his spear, but the knight with pure might smote down Sir Gawaine, and

took his lady with him. All this Sir Lamorak saw, and said to himself:

But I revenge my fellow he will say of me dishonour in King Arthur’s

court. Then Sir Lamorak returned and proffered that knight to joust.

Sir, said he, I am ready. And there they came together with all their

might, and there Sir Lamorak smote the knight through both sides that

he fell to the earth dead.

Then that lady rode to that knight’s brother that hight Belliance le

Orgulus, that dwelt fast thereby, and then she told him how his brother

was slain. Alas, said he, I will be revenged. And so he horsed him, and

armed him, and within a while he overtook Sir Lamorak, and bade him:

Turn and leave that lady, for thou and I must play a new play; for thou

hast slain my brother Sir Frol, that was a better knight than ever wert

thou. It might well be, said Sir Lamorak, but this day in the field I

was found the better. So they rode together, and unhorsed other, and

turned their shields, and drew their swords, and fought mightily as

noble knights proved, by the space of two hours. So then Sir Belliance

prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, said he, my name is Sir Lamorak

de Galis. Ah, said Sir Belliance, thou art the man in the world that I

most hate, for I slew my sons for thy sake, where I saved thy life, and

now thou hast slain my brother Sir Frol. Alas, how should I be accorded

with thee; therefore defend thee, for thou shalt die, there is none

other remedy. Alas, said Sir Lamorak, full well me ought to know you,

for ye are the man that most have done for me. And therewithal Sir

Lamorak kneeled down, and besought him of grace. Arise, said Sir

Belliance, or else thereas thou kneelest I shall slay thee. That shall

not need, said Sir Lamorak, for I will yield me unto you, not for fear

of you, nor for your strength, but your goodness maketh me full loath

to have ado with you; wherefore I require you for God’s sake, and for

the honour of knighthood, forgive me all that I have offended unto you.

Alas, said Belliance, leave thy kneeling, or else I shall slay thee

without mercy.

Then they yede again unto battle, and either wounded other, that all

the ground was bloody thereas they fought. And at the last Belliance

withdrew him aback and set him down softly upon a little hill, for he

was so faint for bleeding that he might not stand. Then Sir Lamorak

threw his shield upon his back, and asked him what cheer. Well, said

Sir Belliance. Ah, Sir, yet shall I show you favour in your mal-ease.

Ah, Knight Sir Belliance, said Sir Lamorak, thou art a fool, for an I

had had thee at such advantage as thou hast done me, I should slay

thee; but thy gentleness is so good and so large, that I must needs

forgive thee mine evil will. And then Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and

unlaced first his umberere, and then his own, and then either kissed

other with weeping tears. Then Sir Lamorak led Sir Belliance to an

abbey fast by, and there Sir Lamorak would not depart from Belliance

till he was whole. And then they sware together that none of them

should never fight against other. So Sir Lamorak departed and went to

the court of King Arthur.

Here leave we of Sir Lamorak and of Sir Tristram. And here beginneth

the history of La Cote Male Taile.

BOOK IX.

CHAPTER I. How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and how

Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.

At the court of King Arthur there came a young man and bigly made, and

he was richly beseen: and he desired to be made knight of the king, but

his over-garment sat over-thwartly, howbeit it was rich cloth of gold.

What is your name? said King Arthur. Sir, said he, my name is Breunor

le Noire, and within short space ye shall know that I am of good kin.

It may well be, said Sir Kay, the Seneschal, but in mockage ye shall be

called La Cote Male Taile, that is as much to say, the evil-shapen

coat. It is a great thing that thou askest, said the king; and for what

cause wearest thou that rich coat? tell me, for I can well think for

some cause it is. Sir, he answered, I had a father, a noble knight, and

as he rode a-hunting, upon a day it happed him to lay him down to

sleep; and there came a knight that had been long his enemy, and when

he saw he was fast asleep he all to-hew him; and this same coat had my

father on the same time; and that maketh this coat to sit so evil upon

me, for the strokes be on it as I found it, and never shall be amended

for me. Thus to have my father’s death in remembrance I wear this coat

till I be revenged; and because ye are called the most noblest king of

the world I come to you that ye should make me knight. Sir, said Sir

Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, it were well done to make him knight; for him

beseemeth well of person and of countenance, that he shall prove a good

man, and a good knight, and a mighty; for, Sir, an ye be remembered,

even such one was Sir Launcelot du Lake when he came first into this

court, and full few of us knew from whence he came; and now is he

proved the man of most worship in the world; and all your court and all

your Round Table is by Sir Launcelot worshipped and amended more than

by any knight now living. That is truth, said the king, and to-morrow

at your request I shall make him knight.

So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither rode King Arthur

with a company of his knights to slay the hart. And this young man that

Sir Kay named La Cote Male Taile was there left behind with Queen

Guenever; and by sudden adventure there was an horrible lion kept in a

strong tower of stone, and it happened that he at that time brake

loose, and came hurling afore the queen and her knights. And when the

queen saw the lion she cried and fled, and prayed her knights to rescue

her. And there was none of them all but twelve that abode, and all the

other fled. Then said La Cote Male Taile: Now I see well that all

coward knights be not dead; and therewithal he drew his sword and

dressed him afore the lion. And that lion gaped wide and came upon him

ramping to have slain him. And he then smote him in the midst of the

head such a mighty stroke that it clave his head in sunder, and dashed

to the earth. Then was it told the queen how the young man that Sir Kay

named by scorn La Cote Male Taile had slain the lion. With that the

king came home. And when the queen told him of that adventure, he was

well pleased, and said: Upon pain of mine head he shall prove a noble

man and a faithful knight, and true of his promise: then the king

forthwithal made him knight. Now Sir, said this young knight, I require

you and all the knights of your court, that ye call me by none other

name but La Cote Male Taile: in so much as Sir Kay hath so named me so

will I be called. I assent me well thereto, said the king.

CHAPTER II. How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to

take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised.

Then that same day there came a damosel into the court, and she brought

with her a great black shield, with a white hand in the midst holding a

sword. Other picture was there none in that shield. When King Arthur

saw her he asked her from whence she came and what she would. Sir, she

said, I have ridden long and many a day with this shield many ways, and

for this cause I am come to your court: there was a good knight that

ought this shield, and this knight had undertaken a great deed of arms

to enchieve it; and so it misfortuned him another strong knight met

with him by sudden adventure, and there they fought long, and either

wounded other passing sore; and they were so weary that they left that

battle even hand. So this knight that ought this shield saw none other

way but he must die; and then he commanded me to bear this shield to

the court of King Arthur, he requiring and praying some good knight to

take this shield, and that he would fulfil the quest that he was in.

Now what say ye to this quest? said King Arthur; is there any of you

here that will take upon him to wield this shield? Then was there not

one that would speak one word. Then Sir Kay took the shield in his

hands. Sir knight, said the damosel, what is your name? Wit ye well,

said he, my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal, that wide-where is known.

Sir, said that damosel, lay down that shield, for wit ye well it

falleth not for you, for he must be a better knight than ye that shall

wield this shield. Damosel, said Sir Kay, wit ye well I took this

shield in my hands by your leave for to behold it, not to that intent;

but go wheresomever thou wilt, for I will not go with you.

Then the damosel stood still a great while and beheld many of those

knights. Then spake the knight, La Cote Male Taile: Fair damosel, I

will take the shield and that adventure upon me, so I wist I should

know whitherward my journey might be; for because I was this day made

knight I would take this adventure upon me. What is your name, fair

young man? said the damosel. My name is, said he, La Cote Male Taile.

Well mayest thou be called so, said the damosel, the knight with the

evil-shapen coat; but an thou be so hardy to take upon thee to bear

that shield and to follow me, wit thou well thy skin shall be as well

hewn as thy coat. As for that, said La Cote Male Taile, when I am so

hewn I will ask you no salve to heal me withal. And forthwithal there

came into the court two squires and brought him great horses, and his

armour, and his spears, and anon he was armed and took his leave. I

would not by my will, said the king, that ye took upon you that hard

adventure. Sir, said he, this adventure is mine, and the first that

ever I took upon me, and that will I follow whatsomever come of me.

Then that damosel departed, and La Cote Male Taile fast followed after.

And within a while he overtook the damosel, and anon she missaid him in

the foulest manner.

CHAPTER III. How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king’s

fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel.

Then Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, to follow after

La Cote Male Taile; and there Sir Kay ordained that Sir Dagonet was

horsed and armed, and bade him follow La Cote Male Taile and proffer

him to joust, and so he did; and when he saw La Cote Male Taile, he

cried and bade him make him ready to joust. So Sir La Cote Male Taile

smote Sir Dagonet over his horse’s croup. Then the damosel mocked La

Cote Male Taile, and said: Fie for shame! now art thou shamed in

Arthur’s court, when they send a fool to have ado with thee, and

specially at thy first jousts; thus she rode long, and chid. And within

a while there came Sir Bleoberis, the good knight, and there he jousted

with La Cote Male Taile, and there Sir Bleoberis smote him so sore,

that horse and all fell to the earth. Then La Cote Male Taile arose up

lightly, and dressed his shield, and drew his sword, and would have

done battle to the utterance, for he was wood wroth. Not so, said Sir

Bleoberis de Ganis, as at this time I will not fight upon foot. Then

the damosel Maledisant rebuked him in the foulest manner, and bade him:

Turn again, coward. Ah, damosel, he said, I pray you of mercy to missay

me no more, my grief is enough though ye give me no more; I call myself

never the worse knight when a mare’s son faileth me, and also I count

me never the worse knight for a fall of Sir Bleoberis.

So thus he rode with her two days; and by fortune there came Sir

Palomides and encountered with him, and he in the same wise served him

as did Bleoberis to-forehand. What dost thou here in my fellowship?

said the damosel Maledisant, thou canst not sit no knight, nor

withstand him one buffet, but if it were Sir Dagonet. Ah, fair damosel,

I am not the worse to take a fall of Sir Palomides, and yet great

disworship have I none, for neither Bleoberis nor yet Palomides would

not fight with me on foot. As for that, said the damosel, wit thou well

they have disdain and scorn to light off their horses to fight with

such a lewd knight as thou art. So in the meanwhile there came Sir

Mordred, Sir Gawaine’s brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with

the damosel Maledisant. And then they came afore the Castle Orgulous,

and there was such a custom that there might no knight come by that

castle but either he must joust or be prisoner, or at the least to lose

his horse and his harness. And there came out two knights against them,

and Sir Mordred jousted with the foremost, and that knight of the

castle smote Sir Mordred down off his horse. And then La Cote Male

Taile jousted with that other, and either of them smote other down,

horse and all, to the earth. And when they avoided their horses, then

either of them took other’s horses. And then La Cote Male Taile rode

unto that knight that smote down Sir Mordred, and jousted with him. And

there Sir La Cote Male Taile hurt and wounded him passing sore, and put

him from his horse as he had been dead. So he turned unto him that met

him afore, and he took the flight towards the castle, and Sir La Cote

Male Taile rode after him into the Castle Orgulous, and there La Cote

Male Taile slew him.

CHAPTER IV. How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights,

and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.

And anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed him; and

when he saw his horse should be slain he alighted and voided his horse,

and put the bridle under his feet, and so put him out of the gate. And

when he had so done he hurled in among them, and dressed his back unto

a lady’s chamber-wall, thinking himself that he had liefer die there

with worship than to abide the rebukes of the damosel Maledisant. And

in the meantime as he stood and fought, that lady whose was the chamber

went out slily at her postern, and without the gates she found La Cote

Male Taile’s horse, and lightly she gat him by the bridle, and tied him

to the postern. And then she went unto her chamber slily again for to

behold how that one knight fought against an hundred knights. And when

she had beheld him long she went to a window behind his back, and said:

Thou knight, thou fightest wonderly well, but for all that at the last

thou must needs die, but, an thou canst through thy mighty prowess, win

unto yonder postern, for there have I fastened thy horse to abide thee:

but wit thou well thou must think on thy worship, and think not to die,

for thou mayst not win unto that postern without thou do nobly and

mightily. When La Cote Male Taile heard her say so he gripped his sword

in his hands, and put his shield fair afore him, and through the

thickest press he thrulled through them. And when he came to the

postern he found there ready four knights, and at two the first strokes

he slew two of the knights, and the other fled; and so he won his horse

and rode from them. And all as it was it was rehearsed in King Arthur’s

court, how he slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgulous; and so he

rode on his way.

And in the meanwhile the damosel said to Sir Mordred: I ween my foolish

knight be either slain or taken prisoner: then were they ware where he

came riding. And when he was come unto them he told all how he had sped

and escaped in despite of them all: And some of the best of them will

tell no tales. Thou liest falsely, said the damosel, that dare I make

good, but as a fool and a dastard to all knighthood they have let thee

pass. That may ye prove, said La Cote Male Taile. With that she sent a

courier of hers, that rode alway with her, for to know the truth of

this deed; and so he rode thither lightly, and asked how and in what

manner that La Cote Male Taile was escaped out of the castle. Then all

the knights cursed him, and said that he was a fiend and no man: For he

hath slain here twelve of our best knights, and we weened unto this day

that it had been too much for Sir Launcelot du Lake or for Sir Tristram

de Liones. And in despite of us all he is departed from us and maugre

our heads.

With this answer the courier departed and came to Maledisant his lady,

and told her all how Sir La Cote Male Taile had sped at the Castle

Orgulous. Then she smote down her head, and said little. By my head,

said Sir Mordred to the damosel, ye are greatly to blame so to rebuke

him, for I warn you plainly he is a good knight, and I doubt not but he

shall prove a noble knight; but as yet he may not yet sit sure on

horseback, for he that shall be a good horseman it must come of usage

and exercise. But when he cometh to the strokes of his sword he is then

noble and mighty, and that saw Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palomides, for wit

ye well they are wily men of arms, and anon they know when they see a

young knight by his riding, how they are sure to give him a fall from

his horse or a great buffet. But for the most part they will not light

on foot with young knights, for they are wight and strongly armed. For

in likewise Sir Launcelot du Lake, when he was first made knight, he

was often put to the worse upon horseback, but ever upon foot he

recovered his renown, and slew and defoiled many knights of the Round

Table. And therefore the rebukes that Sir Launcelot did unto many

knights causeth them that be men of prowess to beware; for often I have

seen the old proved knights rebuked and slain by them that were but

young beginners. Thus they rode sure talking by the way together.

Here leave we off a while of this tale, and speak we of Sir Launcelot

du Lake.

CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote

Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile

was prisoner.

That when he was come to the court of King Arthur, then heard he tell

of the young knight La Cote Male Taile, how he slew the lion, and how

he took upon him the adventure of the black shield, the which was named

at that time the hardiest adventure of the world. So God me save, said

Sir Launcelot unto many of his fellows, it was shame to all the noble

knights to suffer such a young knight to take such adventure upon him

for his destruction; for I will that ye wit, said Sir Launcelot, that

that damosel Maledisant hath borne that shield many a day for to seek

the most proved knights, and that was she that Breuse Saunce Pité took

that shield from her, and after Tristram de Liones rescued that shield

from him and gave it to the damosel again, a little afore that time

that Sir Tristram fought with my nephew Sir Blamore de Ganis, for a

quarrel that was betwixt the King of Ireland and him. Then many knights

were sorry that Sir La Cote Male Taile was gone forth to that

adventure. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I cast me to ride after him. And

within seven days Sir Launcelot overtook La Cote Male Taile, and then

he saluted him and the damosel Maledisant. And when Sir Mordred saw Sir

Launcelot, then he left their fellowship; and so Sir Launcelot rode

with them all a day, and ever that damosel rebuked La Cote Male Taile;

and then Sir Launcelot answered for him, then she left off, and rebuked

Sir Launcelot.

So this meantime Sir Tristram sent by a damosel a letter unto Sir

Launcelot, excusing him of the wedding of Isoud la Blanche Mains; and

said in the letter, as he was a true knight he had never ado fleshly

with Isoud la Blanche Mains; and passing courteously and gentily Sir

Tristram wrote unto Sir Launcelot, ever beseeching him to be his good

friend and unto La Beale Isoud of Cornwall, and that Sir Launcelot

would excuse him if that ever he saw her. And within short time by the

grace of God, said Sir Tristram, that he would speak with La Beale

Isoud, and with him right hastily. Then Sir Launcelot departed from the

damosel and from Sir La Cote Male Taile, for to oversee that letter,

and to write another letter unto Sir Tristram de Liones.

And in the meanwhile La Cote Male Taile rode with the damosel until

they came to a castle that hight Pendragon; and there were six knights

stood afore him, and one of them proffered to joust with La Cote Male

Taile. And there La Cote Male Taile smote him over his horse’s croup.

And then the five knights set upon him all at once with their spears,

and there they smote La Cote Male Taile down, horse and man. And then

they alighted suddenly, and set their hands upon him all at once, and

took him prisoner, and so led him unto the castle and kept him as

prisoner.

And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose, and delivered the damosel with

letters unto Sir Tristram, and then he took his way after La Cote Male

Taile; and by the way upon a bridge there was a knight proffered Sir

Launcelot to joust, and Sir Launcelot smote him down, and then they

fought upon foot a noble battle together, and a mighty; and at the last

Sir Launcelot smote him down grovelling upon his hands and his knees.

And then that knight yielded him, and Sir Launcelot received him fair.

Sir, said the knight, I require thee tell me your name, for much my

heart giveth unto you. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, as at this time I will

not tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your name. Certainly,

said the knight, my name is Sir Nerovens, that was made knight of my

lord Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, Nerovens de Lile, said Sir Launcelot, I

am right glad that ye are proved a good knight, for now wit ye well my

name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir Nerovens de Lile, what

have I done! And therewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would

have kissed them, but Sir Launcelot would not let him; and then either

made great joy of other. And then Sir Nerovens told Sir Launcelot that

he should not go by the Castle of Pendragon: For there is a lord, a

mighty knight, and many knights with him, and this night I heard say

that they took a knight prisoner yesterday that rode with a damosel,

and they say he is a Knight of the Round Table.

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with

Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.

Ah, said Sir Launcelot, that knight is my fellow, and him shall I

rescue or else I shall lose my life therefore. And therewithal he rode

fast till he came before the Castle of Pendragon; and anon therewithal

there came six knights, and all made them ready to set upon Sir

Launcelot at once; then Sir Launcelot feutred his spear, and smote the

foremost that he brake his back in-sunder, and three of them hit and

three failed. And then Sir Launcelot passed through them, and lightly

he turned in again, and smote another knight through the breast and

throughout the back more than an ell, and therewithal his spear brake.

So then all the remnant of the four knights drew their swords and

lashed at Sir Launcelot. And at every stroke Sir Launcelot bestowed so

his strokes that at four strokes sundry they avoided their saddles,

passing sore wounded; and forthwithal he rode hurling into that castle.

And anon the lord of the castle, that was that time cleped Sir Brian de

les Isles, the which was a noble man and a great enemy unto King

Arthur, within a while he was armed and upon horseback. And then they

feutred their spears and hurled together so strongly that both their

horses rashed to the earth. And then they avoided their saddles, and

dressed their shields, and drew their swords, and flang together as

wood men, and there were many strokes given in a while. At the last Sir

Launcelot gave to Sir Brian such a buffet that he kneeled upon his

knees, and then Sir Launcelot rashed upon him, and with great force he

pulled off his helm; and when Sir Brian saw that he should be slain he

yielded him, and put him in his mercy and in his grace. Then Sir

Launcelot made him to deliver all his prisoners that he had within his

castle, and therein Sir Launcelot found of Arthur’s knights thirty, and

forty ladies, and so he delivered them; and then he rode his way. And

anon as La Cote Male Taile was delivered he gat his horse, and his

harness, and his damosel Maledisant.

The meanwhile Sir Nerovens, that Sir Launcelot had foughten withal

afore at the bridge, he sent a damosel after Sir Launcelot to wit how

he sped at the Castle of Pendragon. And then they within the castle

marvelled what knight he was, when Sir Brian and his knights delivered

all those prisoners. Have ye no marvel, said the damosel, for the best

knight in this world was here, and did this journey, and wit ye well,

she said, it was Sir Launcelot. Then was Sir Brian full glad, and so

was his lady, and all his knights, that such a man should win them. And

when the damosel and La Cote Male Taile understood that it was Sir

Launcelot du Lake that had ridden with them in fellowship, and that she

remembered her how she had rebuked him and called him coward, then was

she passing heavy.

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Male disant,

and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.

So then they took their horses and rode forth a pace after Sir

Launcelot. And within two mile they overtook him, and saluted him, and

thanked him, and the damosel cried Sir Launcelot mercy of her evil deed

and saying: For now I know the flower of all knighthood is departed

even between Sir Tristram and you. For God knoweth, said the damosel,

that I have sought you my lord, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram long,

and now I thank God I have met with you; and once at Camelot I met with

Sir Tristram, and there he rescued this black shield with the white

hand holding a naked sword that Sir Breuse Saunce Pité had taken from

me. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name? Sir,

said she, there came a damosel from a knight that ye fought withal at

the bridge, and she told me your name was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Blame

have she then, said Sir Launcelot, but her lord, Sir Nerovens, hath

told her. But, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, upon this covenant I will

ride with you, so that ye will not rebuke this knight Sir La Cote Male

Taile no more; for he is a good knight, and I doubt not he shall prove

a noble knight, and for his sake and pity that he should not be

destroyed I followed him to succour him in this great need. Ah, Jesu

thank you, said the damosel, for now I will say unto you and to him

both, I rebuked him never for no hate that I hated him, but for great

love that I had to him. For ever I supposed that he had been too young

and too tender to take upon him these adventures. And therefore by my

will I would have driven him away for jealousy that I had of his life,

for it may be no young knight’s deed that shall enchieve this adventure

to the end. Pardieu, said Sir Launcelot, it is well said, and where ye

are called the Damosel Maledisant I will call you the Damosel

Bienpensant.

And so they rode forth a great while unto they came to the border of

the country of Surluse, and there they found a fair village with a

strong bridge like a fortress. And when Sir Launcelot and they were at

the bridge there stert forth afore them of gentlemen and yeomen many,

that said: Fair lords, ye may not pass this bridge and this fortress

because of that black shield that I see one of you bear, and therefore

there shall not pass but one of you at once; therefore choose you which

of you shall enter within this bridge first. Then Sir Launcelot

proffered himself first to enter within this bridge. Sir, said La Cote

Male Taile, I beseech you let me enter within this fortress, and if I

may speed well I will send for you, and if it happened that I be slain,

there it goeth. And if so be that I am a prisoner taken, then may ye

rescue me. I am loath, said Sir Launcelot, to let you pass this

passage. Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, I pray you let me put my body in

this adventure. Now go your way, said Sir Launcelot, and Jesu be your

speed.

So he entered, and anon there met with him two brethren, the one hight

Sir Plaine de Force, and the other hight Sir Plaine de Amours. And anon

they met with Sir La Cote Male Taile; and first La Cote Male Taile

smote down Plaine de Force, and after he smote down Plaine de Amours;

and then they dressed them to their shields and swords, and bade La

Cote Male Taile alight, and so he did; and there was dashing and

foining with swords, and so they began to assail full hard La Cote Male

Taile, and many great wounds they gave him upon his head, and upon his

breast, and upon his shoulders. And as he might ever among he gave sad

strokes again. And then the two brethren traced and traversed for to be

of both hands of Sir La Cote Male Taile, but he by fine force and

knightly prowess gat them afore him. And then when he felt himself so

wounded, then he doubled his strokes, and gave them so many wounds that

he felled them to the earth, and would have slain them had they not

yielded them. And right so Sir La Cote Male Taile took the best horse

that there was of them three, and so rode forth his way to the other

fortress and bridge; and there he met with the third brother whose name

was Sir Plenorius, a full noble knight, and there they jousted

together, and either smote other down, horse and man, to the earth. And

then they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew

their swords, and gave many sad strokes, and one while the one knight

was afore on the bridge, and another while the other. And thus they

fought two hours and more, and never rested. And ever Sir Launcelot and

the damosel beheld them. Alas, said the damosel, my knight fighteth

passing sore and over long. Now may ye see, said Sir Launcelot, that he

is a noble knight, for to consider his first battle, and his grievous

wounds; and even forthwithal so wounded as he is, it is marvel that he

may endure this long battle with that good knight.

CHAPTER VIII. How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after

rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren.

This meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the earth,

what for-wounded and what for-bled he might not stand. Then the other

knight had pity of him, and said: Fair young knight, dismay you not,

for had ye been fresh when ye met with me, as I was, I wot well that I

should not have endured so long as ye have done; and therefore for your

noble deeds of arms I shall show to you kindness and gentleness in all

that I may. And forthwithal this noble knight, Sir Plenorius, took him

up in his arms, and led him into his tower. And then he commanded him

the wine, and made to search him and to stop his bleeding wounds. Sir,

said La Cote Male Taile, withdraw you from me, and hie you to yonder

bridge again, for there will meet with you another manner knight than

ever was I. Why, said Plenorius, is there another manner knight behind

of your fellowship? Yea, said La Cote Male Taile, there is a much

better knight than I am. What is his name? said Plenorius. Ye shall not

know for me, said La Cote Male Taile. Well, said the knight, he shall

be encountered withal whatsomever he be.

Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said: Sir Plenorius, where

art thou? either thou must deliver me the prisoner that thou hast led

unto thy tower, or else come and do battle with me. Then Plenorius gat

his horse, and came with a spear in his hand walloping toward Sir

Launcelot; and then they began to feutre their spears, and came

together as thunder, and smote either other so mightily that their

horses fell down under them. And then they avoided their horses, and

pulled out their swords, and like two bulls they lashed together with

great strokes and foins; but ever Sir Launcelot recovered ground upon

him, and Sir Plenorius traced to have gone about him. But Sir Launcelot

would not suffer that, but bare him backer and backer, till he came

nigh his tower gate. And then said Sir Launcelot: I know thee well for

a good knight, but wit thou well thy life and death is in my hand, and

therefore yield thee to me, and thy prisoner. The other answered no

word, but struck mightily upon Sir Launcelot’s helm, that the fire

sprang out of his eyes. Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes so

thick, and smote at him so mightily, that he made him kneel upon his

knees. And therewith Sir Launcelot leapt upon him, and pulled him

grovelling down. Then Sir Plenorius yielded him, and his tower, and all

his prisoners at his will.

Then Sir Launcelot received him and took his troth; and then he rode to

the other bridge, and there Sir Launcelot jousted with other three of

his brethren, the one hight Pillounes, and the other hight Pellogris,

and the third Sir Pellandris. And first upon horseback Sir Launcelot

smote them down, and afterward he beat them on foot, and made them to

yield them unto him; and then he returned unto Sir Plenorius, and there

he found in his prison King Carados of Scotland, and many other

knights, and all they were delivered. And then Sir La Cote Male Taile

came to Sir Launcelot, and then Sir Launcelot would have given him all

these fortresses and these bridges. Nay, said La Cote Male Taile, I

will not have Sir Plenorius’ livelihood; with that he will grant you,

my lord Sir Launcelot, to come unto King Arthur’s court, and to be his

knight, and all his brethren, I will pray you, my lord, to let him have

his livelihood. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, with this that he will

come to the court of King Arthur and become his man, and his brethren

five. And as for you, Sir Plenorius, I will undertake, said Sir

Launcelot, at the next feast, so there be a place voided, that ye shall

be Knight of the Round Table. Sir, said Plenorius, at the next feast of

Pentecost I will be at Arthur’s court, and at that time I will be

guided and ruled as King Arthur and ye will have me. Then Sir Launcelot

and Sir La Cote Male Taile reposed them there, unto the time that Sir

La Cote Male Taile was whole of his wounds, and there they had merry

cheer, and good rest, and many good games, and there were many fair

ladies.

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the

Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table.

And in the meanwhile came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Brandiles,

and anon they fellowshipped with them. And then within ten days, then

departed those knights of Arthur’s court from these fortresses. And as

Sir Launcelot came by the Castle of Pendragon there he put Sir Brian de

les Isles from his lands, for cause he would never be withhold with

King Arthur; and all that Castle of Pendragon and all the lands thereof

he gave to Sir La Cote Male Taile. And then Sir Launcelot sent for

Nerovens that he made once knight, and he made him to have all the rule

of that castle and of that country, under La Cote Male Taile; and so

they rode to Arthur’s court all wholly together. And at Pentecost next

following there was Sir Plenorius and Sir La Cote Male Taile, called

otherwise by right Sir Breunor le Noire, both made Knights of the Table

Round; and great lands King Arthur gave them, and there Breunor le

Noire wedded that damosel Maledisant. And after she was called

Beauvivante, but ever after for the more part he was called La Cote

Male Taile; and he proved a passing noble knight, and mighty; and many

worshipful deeds he did after in his life; and Sir Plenorius proved a

noble knight and full of prowess, and all the days of their life for

the most part they awaited upon Sir Launcelot; and Sir Plenorius’

brethren were ever knights of King Arthur. And also, as the French book

maketh mention, Sir La Cote Male Taile avenged his father’s death.

CHAPTER X. How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid

Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.

Now leave we here Sir La Cote Male Taile, and turn we unto Sir Tristram

de Liones that was in Brittany. When La Beale Isoud understood that he

was wedded she sent to him by her maiden Bragwaine as piteous letters

as could be thought and made, and her conclusion was that, an it

pleased Sir Tristram, that he would come to her court, and bring with

him Isoud la Blanche Mains, and they should be kept as well as she

herself. Then Sir Tristram called unto him Sir Kehydius, and asked him

whether he would go with him into Cornwall secretly. He answered him

that he was ready at all times. And then he let ordain privily a little

vessel, and therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius, Dame Bragwaine,

and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram’s squire. So when they were in the sea a

contrarious wind blew them on the coasts of North Wales, nigh the

Castle Perilous. Then said Sir Tristram: Here shall ye abide me these

ten days, and Gouvernail, my squire, with you. And if so be I come not

again by that day take the next way into Cornwall; for in this forest

are many strange adventures, as I have heard say, and some of them I

cast me to prove or I depart. And when I may I shall hie me after you.

Then Sir Tristram and Kehydius took their horses and departed from

their fellowship. And so they rode within that forest a mile and more;

and at the last Sir Tristram saw afore him a likely knight, armed,

sitting by a well, and a strong mighty horse passing nigh him tied to

an oak, and a man hoving and riding by him leading an horse laden with

spears. And this knight that sat at the well seemed by his countenance

to be passing heavy. Then Sir Tristram rode near him and said: Fair

knight, why sit ye so drooping? ye seem to be a knight-errant by your

arms and harness, and therefore dress you to joust with one of us, or

with both. Therewithal that knight made no words, but took his shield

and buckled it about his neck, and lightly he took his horse and leapt

upon him. And then he took a great spear of his squire, and departed

his way a furlong. Sir Kehydius asked leave of Sir Tristram to joust

first. Do your best, said Sir Tristram. So they met together, and there

Sir Kehydius had a fall, and was sore wounded on high above the paps.

Then Sir Tristram said: Knight, that is well jousted, now make you

ready unto me. I am ready, said the knight. And then that knight took a

greater spear in his hand, and encountered with Sir Tristram, and there

by great force that knight smote down Sir Tristram from his horse and

had a great fall. Then Sir Tristram was sore ashamed, and lightly he

avoided his horse, and put his shield afore his shoulder, and drew his

sword. And then Sir Tristram required that knight of his knighthood to

alight upon foot and fight with him. I will well, said the knight; and

so he alighted upon foot, and avoided his horse, and cast his shield

upon his shoulder, and drew his sword, and there they fought a long

battle together full nigh two hours. Then Sir Tristram said: Fair

knight, hold thine hand, and tell me of whence thou art, and what is

thy name. As for that, said the knight, I will be avised; but an thou

wilt tell me thy name peradventure I will tell thee mine.

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how

they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.

Now fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Sir, said

the other knight, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. Ah, Sir Lamorak,

said Sir Tristram, well be we met, and bethink thee now of the despite

thou didst me of the sending of the horn unto King Mark’s court, to the

intent to have slain or dishonoured my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud;

and therefore wit thou well, said Sir Tristram, the one of us shall die

or we depart. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, remember that we were together in

the Isle of Servage, and at that time ye promised me great friendship.

Then Sir Tristram would make no longer delays, but lashed at Sir

Lamorak; and thus they fought long till either were weary of other.

Then Sir Tristram said to Sir Lamorak: In all my life met I never with

such a knight that was so big and well breathed as ye be, therefore,

said Sir Tristram, it were pity that any of us both should here be

mischieved. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, for your renown and name I will that

ye have the worship of this battle, and therefore I will yield me unto

you. And therewith he took the point of his sword to yield him. Nay,

said Sir Tristram, ye shall not do so, for well I know your proffers,

and more of your gentleness than for any fear or dread ye have of me.

And therewithal Sir Tristram proffered him his sword and said: Sir

Lamorak, as an overcome knight I yield me unto you as to a man of the

most noble prowess that ever I met withal. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I

will do you gentleness; I require you let us be sworn together that

never none of us shall after this day have ado with other. And

therewithal Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak sware that never none of them

should fight against other, nor for weal nor for woe.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote

down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.

And this meanwhile there came Sir Palomides, the good knight, following

the Questing Beast that had in shape a head like a serpent’s head, and

a body like a leopard, buttocks like a lion, and footed like an hart;

and in his body there was such a noise as it had been the noise of

thirty couple of hounds questing, and such a noise that beast made

wheresomever he went; and this beast ever more Sir Palomides followed,

for it was called his quest. And right so as he followed this beast it

came by Sir Tristram, and soon after came Palomides. And to brief this

matter he smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak both with one spear;

and so he departed after the beast Galtisant, that was called the

Questing Beast; wherefore these two knights were passing wroth that Sir

Palomides would not fight on foot with them. Here men may understand

that be of worship, that he was never formed that all times might

stand, but sometime he was put to the worse by mal-fortune; and at

sometime the worse knight put the better knight to a rebuke.

Then Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak gat Sir Kehydius upon a shield

betwixt them both, and led him to a forester’s lodge, and there they

gave him in charge to keep him well, and with him they abode three

days. Then the two knights took their horses and at the cross they

departed. And then said Sir Tristram to Sir Lamorak: I require you if

ye hap to meet with Sir Palomides, say him that he shall find me at the

same well where I met him, and there I, Sir Tristram, shall prove

whether he be better knight than I. And so either departed from other a

sundry way, and Sir Tristram rode nigh thereas was Sir Kehydius; and

Sir Lamorak rode until he came to a chapel, and there he put his horse

unto pasture. And anon there came Sir Meliagaunce, that was King

Bagdemagus’ son, and he there put his horse to pasture, and was not

ware of Sir Lamorak; and then this knight Sir Meliagaunce made his moan

of the love that he had to Queen Guenever, and there he made a woful

complaint. All this heard Sir Lamorak, and on the morn Sir Lamorak took

his horse and rode unto the forest, and there he met with two knights

hoving under the wood-shaw. Fair knights, said Sir Lamorak, what do ye

hoving here and watching? and if ye be knights-errant that will joust,

lo I am ready. Nay, sir knight, they said, not so, we abide not here to

joust with you, but we lie here in await of a knight that slew our

brother. What knight was that, said Sir Lamorak, that you would fain

meet withal? Sir, they said, it is Sir Launcelot that slew our brother,

and if ever we may meet with him he shall not escape, but we shall slay

him. Ye take upon you a great charge, said Sir Lamorak, for Sir

Launcelot is a noble proved knight. As for that we doubt not, for there

nis none of us but we are good enough for him. I will not believe that,

said Sir Lamorak, for I heard never yet of no knight the days of my

life but Sir Launcelot was too big for him.

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought

together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.

Right so as they stood talking thus Sir Lamorak was ware how Sir

Launcelot came riding straight toward them; then Sir Lamorak saluted

him, and he him again. And then Sir Lamorak asked Sir Launcelot if

there were anything that he might do for him in these marches. Nay,

said Sir Launcelot, not at this time I thank you. Then either departed

from other, and Sir Lamorak rode again thereas he left the two knights,

and then he found them hid in the leaved wood. Fie on you, said Sir

Lamorak, false cowards, pity and shame it is that any of you should

take the high order of knighthood. So Sir Lamorak departed from them,

and within a while he met with Sir Meliagaunce. And then Sir Lamorak

asked him why he loved Queen Guenever as he did: For I was not far from

you when ye made your complaint by the chapel. Did ye so? said Sir

Meliagaunce, then will I abide by it: I love Queen Guenever, what will

ye with it? I will prove and make good that she is the fairest lady and

most of beauty in the world. As to that, said Sir Lamorak, I say nay

thereto, for Queen Morgawse of Orkney, mother to Sir Gawaine, and his

mother is the fairest queen and lady that beareth the life. That is not

so, said Sir Meliagaunce, and that will I prove with my hands upon thy

body. Will ye so? said Sir Lamorak, and in a better quarrel keep I not

to fight. Then they departed either from other in great wrath. And then

they came riding together as it had been thunder, and either smote

other so sore that their horses fell backward to the earth. And then

they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their

swords. And then they hurtled together as wild boars, and thus they

fought a great while. For Meliagaunce was a good man and of great

might, but Sir Lamorak was hard big for him, and put him always aback,

but either had wounded other sore.

And as they stood thus fighting, by fortune came Sir Launcelot and Sir

Bleoberis riding. And then Sir Launcelot rode betwixt them, and asked

them for what cause they fought so together: And ye are both knights of

King Arthur!

Sir, said Meliagaunce, I shall tell you for what cause we do this

battle. I praised my lady, Queen Guenever, and said she was the fairest

lady of the world, and Sir Lamorak said nay thereto, for he said Queen

Morgawse of Orkney was fairer than she and more of beauty. Ah, Sir

Lamorak, why sayest thou so? it is not thy part to dispraise thy

princess that thou art under her obeissance, and we all. And therewith

he alighted on foot, and said: For this quarrel, make thee ready, for I

will prove upon thee that Queen Guenever is the fairest lady and most

of bounty in the world. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I am loath to have ado

with you in this quarrel, for every man thinketh his own lady fairest;

and though I praise the lady that I love most ye should not be wroth;

for though my lady, Queen Guenever, be fairest in your eye, wit ye well

Queen Morgawse of Orkney is fairest in mine eye, and so every knight

thinketh his own lady fairest; and wit ye well, sir, ye are the man in

the world except Sir Tristram that I am most loathest to have ado

withal, but, an ye will needs fight with me I shall endure you as long

as I may. Then spake Sir Bleoberis and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, I

wist you never so misadvised as ye are now, for Sir Lamorak sayeth you

but reason and knightly; for I warn you I have a lady, and methinketh

that she is the fairest lady of the world. Were this a great reason

that ye should be wroth with me for such language? And well ye wot,

that Sir Lamorak is as noble a knight as I know, and he hath ought you

and us ever good will, and therefore I pray you be good friends. Then

Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Lamorak. I pray you forgive me mine evil

will, and if I was misadvised I will amend it. Sir, said Sir Lamorak,

the amends is soon made betwixt you and me. And so Sir Launcelot and

Sir Bleoberis departed, and Sir Meliagaunce and Sir Lamorak took their

horses, and either departed from other.

And within a while came King Arthur, and met with Sir Lamorak, and

jousted with him; and there he smote down Sir Lamorak, and wounded him

sore with a spear, and so he rode from him; wherefore Sir Lamorak was

wroth that he would not fight with him on foot, howbeit that Sir

Lamorak knew not King Arthur.

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame

spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted.

Now leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as he

rode he met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal; and there Sir Kay asked Sir

Tristram of what country he was. He answered that he was of the country

of Cornwall. It may well be, said Sir Kay, for yet heard I never that

ever good knight came out of Cornwall. That is evil spoken, said Sir

Tristram, but an it please you to tell me your name I require you. Sir,

wit ye well, said Sir Kay, that my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal. Is

that your name? said Sir Tristram, now wit ye well that ye are named

the shamefullest knight of your tongue that now is living; howbeit ye

are called a good knight, but ye are called unfortunate, and passing

overthwart of your tongue. And thus they rode together till they came

to a bridge. And there was a knight would not let them pass till one of

them jousted with him; and so that knight jousted with Sir Kay, and

there that knight gave Sir Kay a fall: his name was Sir Tor, Sir

Lamorak’s half-brother. And then they two rode to their lodging, and

there they found Sir Brandiles, and Sir Tor came thither anon after.

And as they sat at supper these four knights, three of them spake all

shame by Cornish knights. Sir Tristram heard all that they said and he

said but little, but he thought the more, but at that time he

discovered not his name.

Upon the morn Sir Tristram took his horse and abode them upon their

way. And there Sir Brandiles proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and

Sir Tristram smote him down, horse and all, to the earth. Then Sir Tor

le Fise de Vayshoure encountered with Sir Tristram and there Sir

Tristram smote him down, and then he rode his way, and Sir Kay followed

him, but he would not of his fellowship. Then Sir Brandiles came to Sir

Kay and said: I would wit fain what is that knight’s name. Come on with

me, said Sir Kay, and we shall pray him to tell us his name. So they

rode together till they came nigh him, and then they were ware where he

sat by a well, and had put off his helm to drink at the well. And when

he saw them come he laced on his helm lightly, and took his horse, and

proffered them to joust. Nay, said Sir Brandiles, we jousted late

enough with you, we come not in that intent. But for this we come to

require you of knighthood to tell us your name. My fair knights, sithen

that is your desire, and to please you, ye shall wit that my name is

Sir Tristram de Liones, nephew unto King Mark of Cornwall. In good

time, said Sir Brandiles, and well be ye found, and wit ye well that we

be right glad that we have found you, and we be of a fellowship that

would be right glad of your company. For ye are the knight in the world

that the noble fellowship of the Round Table most desireth to have the

company of. God thank them, said Sir Tristram, of their great goodness,

but as yet I feel well that I am unable to be of their fellowship, for

I was never yet of such deeds of worthiness to be in the company of

such a fellowship. Ah, said Sir Kay, an ye be Sir Tristram de Liones,

ye are the man called now most of prowess except Sir Launcelot du Lake;

for he beareth not the life, Christian nor heathen, that can find such

another knight, to speak of his prowess, and of his hands, and his

truth withal. For yet could there never creature say of him dishonour

and make it good. Thus they talked a great while, and then they

departed either from other such ways as them seemed best.

CHAPTER XV. How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and

how Sir Tristram saved his life.

Now shall ye hear what was the cause that King Arthur came into the

Forest Perilous, that was in North Wales, by the means of a lady. Her

name was Annowre, and this lady came to King Arthur at Cardiff; and she

by fair promise and fair behests made King Arthur to ride with her into

that Forest Perilous; and she was a great sorceress; and many days she

had loved King Arthur, and because she would have him to lie by her she

came into that country. So when the king was gone with her many of his

knights followed after King Arthur when they missed him, as Sir

Launcelot, Brandiles, and many other; and when she had brought him to

her tower she desired him to lie by her; and then the king remembered

him of his lady, and would not lie by her for no craft that she could

do. Then every day she would make him ride into that forest with his

own knights, to the intent to have had King Arthur slain. For when this

Lady Annowre saw that she might not have him at her will, then she

laboured by false means to have destroyed King Arthur, and slain.

Then the Lady of the Lake that was alway friendly to King Arthur, she

understood by her subtle crafts that King Arthur was like to be

destroyed. And therefore this Lady of the Lake, that hight Nimue, came

into that forest to seek after Sir Launcelot du Lake or Sir Tristram

for to help King Arthur; foras that same day this Lady of the Lake knew

well that King Arthur should be slain, unless that he had help of one

of these two knights. And thus she rode up and down till she met with

Sir Tristram, and anon as she saw him she knew him. O my lord Sir

Tristram, she said, well be ye met, and blessed be the time that I have

met with you; for this same day, and within these two hours, shall be

done the foulest deed that ever was done in this land. O fair damosel,

said Sir Tristram, may I amend it. Come on with me, she said, and that

in all the haste ye may, for ye shall see the most worshipfullest

knight of the world hard bestead. Then said Sir Tristram: I am ready to

help such a noble man. He is neither better nor worse, said the Lady of

the Lake, but the noble King Arthur himself. God defend, said Sir

Tristram, that ever he should be in such distress. Then they rode

together a great pace, until they came to a little turret or castle;

and underneath that castle they saw a knight standing upon foot

fighting with two knights; and so Sir Tristram beheld them, and at the

last the two knights smote down the one knight, and that one of them

unlaced his helm to have slain him. And the Lady Annowre gat King

Arthur’s sword in her hand to have stricken off his head. And

therewithal came Sir Tristram with all his might, crying: Traitress,

traitress, leave that. And anon there Sir Tristram smote the one of the

knights through the body that he fell dead; and then he rashed to the

other and smote his back asunder; and in the meanwhile the Lady of the

Lake cried to King Arthur: Let not that false lady escape. Then King

Arthur overtook her, and with the same sword he smote off her head, and

the Lady of the Lake took up her head and hung it up by the hair of her

saddle-bow. And then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur and rode forth

with him, but he charged the Lady of the Lake not to discover his name

as at that time.

When the king was horsed he thanked heartily Sir Tristram, and desired

to wit his name; but he would not tell him, but that he was a poor

knight adventurous; and so he bare King Arthur fellowship till he met

with some of his knights. And within a while he met with Sir Ector de

Maris, and he knew not King Arthur nor Sir Tristram, and he desired to

joust with one of them. Then Sir Tristram rode unto Sir Ector, and

smote him from his horse. And when he had done so he came again to the

king and said: My lord, yonder is one of your knights, he may bare you

fellowship, and another day that deed that I have done for you I trust

to God ye shall understand that I would do you service. Alas, said King

Arthur, let me wit what ye are? Not at this time, said Sir Tristram. So

he departed and left King Arthur and Sir Ector together.

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius

began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found.

And then at a day set Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak met at the well; and

then they took Kehydius at the forester’s house, and so they rode with

him to the ship where they left Dame Bragwaine and Gouvernail, and so

they sailed into Cornwall all wholly together. And by assent and

information of Dame Bragwaine when they were landed they rode unto Sir

Dinas, the Seneschal, a trusty friend of Sir Tristram’s. And so Dame

Bragwaine and Sir Dinas rode to the court of King Mark, and told the

queen, La Beale Isoud, that Sir Tristram was nigh her in that country.

Then for very pure joy La Beale Isoud swooned; and when she might speak

she said: Gentle knight Seneschal, help that I might speak with him,

outher my heart will brast. Then Sir Dinas and Dame Bragwaine brought

Sir Tristram and Kehydius privily unto the court, unto a chamber

whereas La Beale Isoud had assigned it; and to tell the joys that were

betwixt La Beale Isoud and Sir Tristram, there is no tongue can tell

it, nor heart think it, nor pen write it. And as the French book maketh

mention, at the first time that ever Sir Kehydius saw La Beale Isoud he

was so enamoured upon her that for very pure love he might never

withdraw it. And at the last, as ye shall hear or the book be ended,

Sir Kehydius died for the love of La Beale Isoud. And then privily he

wrote unto her letters and ballads of the most goodliest that were used

in those days. And when La Beale Isoud understood his letters she had

pity of his complaint, and unavised she wrote another letter to comfort

him withal.

And Sir Tristram was all this while in a turret at the commandment of

La Beale Isoud, and when she might she came unto Sir Tristram. So on a

day King Mark played at the chess under a chamber window; and at that

time Sir Tristram and Sir Kehydius were within the chamber over King

Mark, and as it mishapped Sir Tristram found the letter that Kehydius

sent unto La Beale Isoud, also he had found the letter that she wrote

unto Kehydius, and at that same time La Beale Isoud was in the same

chamber. Then Sir Tristram came unto La Beale Isoud and said: Madam,

here is a letter that was sent unto you, and here is the letter that ye

sent unto him that sent you that letter. Alas, Madam, the good love

that I have loved you; and many lands and riches have I forsaken for

your love, and now ye are a traitress to me, the which doth me great

pain. But as for thee, Sir Kehydius, I brought thee out of Brittany

into this country, and thy father, King Howel, I won his lands, howbeit

I wedded thy sister Isoud la Blanche Mains for the goodness she did

unto me. And yet, as I am true knight, she is a clean maiden for me;

but wit thou well, Sir Kehydius, for this falsehood and treason thou

hast done me, I will revenge it upon thee. And therewithal Sir Tristram

drew out his sword and said: Sir Kehydius, keep thee, and then La Beale

Isoud swooned to the earth. And when Sir Kehydius saw Sir Tristram come

upon him he saw none other boot, but leapt out at a bay-window even

over the head where sat King Mark playing at the chess. And when the

king saw one come hurling over his head he said: Fellow, what art thou,

and what is the cause thou leapest out at that window? My lord the

king, said Kehydius, it fortuned me that I was asleep in the window

above your head, and as I slept I slumbered, and so I fell down. And

thus Sir Kehydius excused him.

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he

sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind.

Then Sir Tristram dread sore lest he were discovered unto the king that

he was there; wherefore he drew him to the strength of the Tower, and

armed him in such armour as he had for to fight with them that would

withstand him. And so when Sir Tristram saw there was no resistance

against him he sent Gouvernail for his horse and his spear, and

knightly he rode forth out of the castle openly, that was called the

Castle of Tintagil. And even at gate he met with Gingalin, Sir

Gawaine’s son. And anon Sir Gingalin put his spear in his rest, and ran

upon Sir Tristram and brake his spear; and Sir Tristram at that time

had but a sword, and gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell

down from his saddle, and his sword slid adown, and carved asunder his

horse’s neck. And so Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest, and all

this doing saw King Mark. And then he sent a squire unto the hurt

knight, and commanded him to come to him, and so he did. And when King

Mark wist that it was Sir Gingalin he welcomed him and gave him an

horse, and asked him what knight it was that had encountered with him.

Sir, said Gingalin, I wot not what knight he was, but well I wot that

he sigheth and maketh great dole.

Then Sir Tristram within a while met with a knight of his own, that

hight Sir Fergus. And when he had met with him he made great sorrow,

insomuch that he fell down off his horse in a swoon, and in such sorrow

he was in three days and three nights. Then at the last Sir Tristram

sent unto the court by Sir Fergus, for to spere what tidings. And so as

he rode by the way he met with a damosel that came from Sir Palomides,

to know and seek how Sir Tristram did. Then Sir Fergus told her how he

was almost out of his mind. Alas, said the damosel, where shall I find

him? In such a place, said Sir Fergus. Then Sir Fergus found Queen

Isoud sick in her bed, making the greatest dole that ever any earthly

woman made. And when the damosel found Sir Tristram she made great dole

because she might not amend him, for the more she made of him the more

was his pain. And at the last Sir Tristram took his horse and rode away

from her. And then was it three days or that she could find him, and

then she brought him meat and drink, but he would none; and then

another time Sir Tristram escaped away from the damosel, and it happed

him to ride by the same castle where Sir Palomides and Sir Tristram did

battle when La Beale Isoud departed them. And there by fortune the

damosel met with Sir Tristram again, making the greatest dole that ever

earthly creature made; and she yede to the lady of that castle and told

her of the misadventure of Sir Tristram. Alas, said the lady of that

castle, where is my lord, Sir Tristram? Right here by your castle, said

the damosel. In good time, said the lady, is he so nigh me; he shall

have meat and drink of the best; and an harp I have of his whereupon he

taught me, for of goodly harping he beareth the prize in the world. So

this lady and damosel brought him meat and drink, but he ate little

thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse from him, and then he

unlaced his armour, and then Sir Tristram would go into the wilderness,

and brast down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile when he found the

harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp, and play thereupon and

weep together. And sometime when Sir Tristram was in the wood that the

lady wist not where he was, then would she sit her down and play upon

that harp: then would Sir Tristram come to that harp, and hearken

thereto, and sometime he would harp himself. Thus he there endured a

quarter of a year. Then at the last he ran his way, and she wist not

where he was become. And then was he naked and waxed lean and poor of

flesh; and so he fell in the fellowship of herdmen and shepherds, and

daily they would give him some of their meat and drink. And when he did

any shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped him

with shears and made him like a fool.

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how

Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met with

King Mark.

And upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, came into Cornwall with two

squires with him; and as they rode through that forest they came by a

fair well where Sir Tristram was wont to be; and the weather was hot,

and they alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile their

horses brake loose. Right so Sir Tristram came unto them, and first he

soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and after his squires, and thereat

laughed the shepherds; and forthwithal he ran after their horses and

brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as they were, he made

them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram endured there an

half year naked, and would never come in town nor village. The

meanwhile the damosel that Sir Palomides sent to seek Sir Tristram, she

yede unto Sir Palomides and told him all the mischief that Sir Tristram

endured. Alas, said Sir Palomides, it is great pity that ever so noble

a knight should be so mischieved for the love of a lady; but

nevertheless, I will go and seek him, and comfort him an I may. Then a

little before that time La Beale Isoud had commanded Sir Kehydius out

of the country of Cornwall. So Sir Kehydius departed with a dolorous

heart, and by adventure he met with Sir Palomides, and they

enfellowshipped together; and either complained to other of their hot

love that they loved La Beale Isoud. Now let us, said Sir Palomides,

seek Sir Tristram, that loved her as well as we, and let us prove

whether we may recover him. So they rode into that forest, and three

days and three nights they would never take their lodging, but ever

sought Sir Tristram.

And upon a time, by adventure, they met with King Mark that was ridden

from his men all alone. When they saw him Sir Palomides knew him, but

Sir Kehydius knew him not. Ah, false king, said Sir Palomides, it is

pity thou hast thy life, for thou art a destroyer of all worshipful

knights, and by thy mischief and thy vengeance thou hast destroyed that

most noble knight, Sir Tristram de Liones. And therefore defend thee,

said Sir Palomides, for thou shalt die this day. That were shame, said

King Mark, for ye two are armed and I am unarmed. As for that, said Sir

Palomides, I shall find a remedy therefore; here is a knight with me,

and thou shalt have his harness. Nay, said King Mark, I will not have

ado with you, for cause have ye none to me; for all the misease that

Sir Tristram hath was for a letter that he found; for as to me I did to

him no displeasure, and God knoweth I am full sorry for his disease and

malady. So when the king had thus excused him they were friends, and

King Mark would have had them unto Tintagil; but Sir Palomides would

not, but turned unto the realm of Logris, and Sir Kehydius said that he

would go into Brittany.

Now turn we unto Sir Dagonet again, that when he and his squires were

upon horseback he deemed that the shepherds had sent that fool to array

them so, because that they laughed at them, and so they rode unto the

keepers of beasts and all to-beat them. Sir Tristram saw them beat that

were wont to give him meat and drink, then he ran thither and gat Sir

Dagonet by the head, and gave him such a fall to the earth that he

bruised him sore so that he lay still. And then he wrast his sword out

of his hand, and therewith he ran to one of his squires and smote off

his head, and the other fled. And so Sir Tristram took his way with

that sword in his hand, running as he had been wild wood. Then Sir

Dagonet rode to King Mark and told him how he had sped in that forest.

And therefore, said Sir Dagonet, beware, King Mark, that thou come not

about that well in the forest, for there is a fool naked, and that fool

and I fool met together, and he had almost slain me. Ah, said King

Mark, that is Sir Matto le Breune, that fell out of his wit because he

lost his lady; for when Sir Gaheris smote down Sir Matto and won his

lady of him, never since was he in his mind, and that was pity, for he

was a good knight.

CHAPTER XIX. How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La

Beale Isoud would have slain herself.

Then Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram, made a lady that

was his paramour to say and to noise it that she was with Sir Tristram

or ever he died. And this tale she brought unto King Mark’s court, that

she buried him by a well, and that or he died he besought King Mark to

make his cousin, Sir Andred, king of the country of Liones, of the

which Sir Tristram was lord of. All this did Sir Andred because he

would have had Sir Tristram’s lands. And when King Mark heard tell that

Sir Tristram was dead he wept and made great dole. But when Queen Isoud

heard of these tidings she made such sorrow that she was nigh out of

her mind; and so upon a day she thought to slay herself and never to

live after Sir Tristram’s death. And so upon a day La Beale Isoud gat a

sword privily and bare it to her garden, and there she pight the sword

through a plum tree up to the hilt, so that it stuck fast, and it stood

breast high. And as she would have run upon the sword and to have slain

herself all this espied King Mark, how she kneeled down and said: Sweet

Lord Jesu, have mercy upon me, for I may not live after the death of

Sir Tristram de Liones, for he was my first love and he shall be the

last. And with these words came King Mark and took her in his arms, and

then he took up the sword, and bare her away with him into a tower; and

there he made her to be kept, and watched her surely, and after that

she lay long sick, nigh at the point of death.

This meanwhile ran Sir Tristram naked in the forest with the sword in

his hand, and so he came to an hermitage, and there he laid him down

and slept; and in the meanwhile the hermit stole away his sword, and

laid meat down by him. Thus was he kept there ten days; and at the last

he departed and came to the herdmen again. And there was a giant in

that country that hight Tauleas, and for fear of Sir Tristram more than

seven year he durst never much go at large, but for the most part he

kept him in a sure castle of his own; and so this Tauleas heard tell

that Sir Tristram was dead, by the noise of the court of King Mark.

Then this Tauleas went daily at large. And so he happed upon a day he

came to the herdmen wandering and langering, and there he set him down

to rest among them. The meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that

led a lady with him, and his name was Sir Dinant; and when the giant

saw him he went from the herdmen and hid him under a tree, and so the

knight came to that well, and there he alighted to repose him. And as

soon as he was from his horse this giant Tauleas came betwixt this

knight and his horse, and took the horse and leapt upon him. So

forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant and took him by the collar, and

pulled him afore him upon his horse, and there would have stricken off

his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram: Help yonder knight.

Help ye him, said Sir Tristram. We dare not, said the herdmen. Then Sir

Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight thereas it lay; and so

thither he ran and took up the sword and struck off Sir Tauleas’ head,

and so he yede his way to the herdmen.

CHAPTER XX. How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be

borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet.

Then the knight took up the giant’s head and bare it with him unto King

Mark, and told him what adventure betid him in the forest, and how a

naked man rescued him from the grimly giant, Tauleas. Where had ye this

adventure? said King Mark. Forsooth, said Sir Dinant, at the fair

fountain in your forest where many adventurous knights meet, and there

is the mad man. Well, said King Mark, I will see that wild man. So

within a day or two King Mark commanded his knights and his hunters

that they should be ready on the morn for to hunt, and so upon the morn

he went unto that forest. And when the king came to that well he found

there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. Then

King Mark blew and straked, and therewith his knights came to him; and

then the king commanded his knights to: Take that naked man with

fairness, and bring him to my castle. So they did softly and fair, and

cast mantles upon Sir Tristram, and so led him unto Tintagil; and there

they bathed him, and washed him, and gave him hot suppings till they

had brought him well to his remembrance; but all this while there was

no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man he was.

So it fell upon a day that the queen, La Beale Isoud, heard of such a

man, that ran naked in the forest, and how the king had brought him

home to the court. Then La Beale Isoud called unto her Dame Bragwaine

and said: Come on with me, for we will go see this man that my lord

brought from the forest the last day. So they passed forth, and spered

where was the sick man. And then a squire told the queen that he was in

the garden taking his rest, and reposing him against the sun. So when

the queen looked upon Sir Tristram she was not remembered of him. But

ever she said unto Dame Bragwaine: Meseemeth I should have seen him

heretofore in many places. But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew

her well enough. And then he turned away his visage and wept.

Then the queen had always a little brachet with her that Sir Tristram

gave her the first time that ever she came into Cornwall, and never

would that brachet depart from her but if Sir Tristram was nigh thereas

was La Beale Isoud; and this brachet was sent from the king’s daughter

of France unto Sir Tristram for great love. And anon as this little

brachet felt a savour of Sir Tristram, she leapt upon him and licked

his lears and his ears, and then she whined and quested, and she

smelled at his feet and at his hands, and on all parts of his body that

she might come to. Ah, my lady, said Dame Bragwaine unto La Beale

Isoud, alas, alas, said she, I see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram.

And thereupon Isoud fell down in a swoon, and so lay a great while. And

when she might speak she said: My lord Sir Tristram, blessed be God ye

have your life, and now I am sure ye shall be discovered by this little

brachet, for she will never leave you. And also I am sure as soon as my

lord, King Mark, do know you he will banish you out of the country of

Cornwall, or else he will destroy you; for God’s sake, mine own lord,

grant King Mark his will, and then draw you unto the court of King

Arthur, for there are ye beloved, and ever when I may I shall send unto

you; and when ye list ye may come to me, and at all times early and

late I will be at your commandment, to live as poor a life as ever did

queen or lady. O Madam, said Sir Tristram, go from me, for mickle anger

and danger have I escaped for your love.

CHAPTER XXI. How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir

Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.

Then the queen departed, but the brachet would not from him; and

therewithal came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and bayed at

them all. There withal Sir Andred spake and said: Sir, this is Sir

Tristram, I see by the brachet. Nay, said the king, I cannot suppose

that. Then the king asked him upon his faith what he was, and what was

his name. So God me help, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones;

now do by me what ye list. Ah, said King Mark, me repenteth of your

recovery. And then he let call his barons to judge Sir Tristram to the

death. Then many of his barons would not assent thereto, and in

especial Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and Sir Fergus. And so by the advice

of them all Sir Tristram was banished out of the country for ten year,

and thereupon he took his oath upon a book before the king and his

barons. And so he was made to depart out of the country of Cornwall;

and there were many barons brought him unto his ship, of the which some

were his friends and some his foes. And in the meanwhile there came a

knight of King Arthur’s, his name was Dinadan, and his coming was for

to seek after Sir Tristram; then they showed him where he was armed at

all points going to the ship. Now fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, or ye

pass this court that ye will joust with me I require thee. With a good

will, said Sir Tristram, an these lords will give me leave. Then the

barons granted thereto, and so they ran together, and there Sir

Tristram gave Sir Dinadan a fall. And then he prayed Sir Tristram to

give him leave to go in his fellowship. Ye shall be right welcome, said

then Sir Tristram.