IT is now time that something should be told of Sir Tristram de Lyons,
one of the best knights that ever were in Britain, and one who in his
time gained scarcely less worship than Sir Lancelot himself.
South of Cornwall there was in King Arthur’s days a rich and fair
country called Lyonesse or Lyons, which is now all sunk under the sea.
The king of this country was named Meliodas, a good knight and a wise
king. He was wedded to a fair and virtuous lady, the sister of King
Marke of Cornwall. It befell that one time, while King Meliodas was
abroad hunting, he was taken prisoner by an enchantress that had long
loved him. When he did not return, the queen his wife, who loved him
exceedingly, became very sick with sorrow; and at the last she died,
after giving birth to a son, who at her request was christened Tristram,
because he was born in her time of sadness. A little while after, the
king escaped from his prison; and when he found that his queen was dead
with grief, his heart was passing heavy. He named his son as the queen
had wished, and the boy grew apace, and seemed likely to be a comely
man. When Tristram was seven years old, the king took for a second wife
a princess of Brittany; and when she had born him children, she began to
hate Tristram, because that after his father’s death he would be lord of
the country. So at last she plotted to poison him, and put a silver
cup with a poisoned draught in the room where he and her children were
together, so that when he was athirst he might drink of it. But
it befell that her own son drank of the cup, and very soon died.
Notwithstanding, the queen would not leave her wicked intent, but again
she put a cup with poison in Tristram’s way. This time her husband the
king took up the cup, and was going to drink, when suddenly she snatched
it out of his hand. Then the king remembered how his child had died
suddenly after drinking, and he drew his sword and swore that if she did
not tell him what was in the cup he would slay her. She, being afraid,
confessed all her intent, and what she had done. The king loved Tristram
exceedingly; so he declared that she should be punished. Therefore
was the queen brought to trial before the barons, and condemned to be
burned. But when she had been led out to the stake, Tristram kneeled
down before his father, and besought him to grant him a boon; and when
King Meliodas promised him, he asked for the queen’s life. To that the
king was full loath to assent, but he could not go back from his word.
Thus Tristram saved his stepmother from the fire; and afterwards he
contrived to reconcile her to the king. But Meliodas would not then
suffer his son to remain at the court; so he appointed a gentleman named
Governale to be his tutor, who was very learned, and also a great master
of the arts of hunting and hawking, and sent him with this gentleman
into France. So Tristram was abroad with Governale for seven years, and
learned all that he could teach him, and was also well skilled in all
knightly sports and exercises of arms. When he was nineteen years of age
he returned home, and was joyfully welcomed by his father, and also by
the queen his stepmother, who had loved him as much as any mother could,
after he saved her from the fire.
Soon after his return it befell that King Anguisance of Ireland sent
over to Cornwall to demand from King Marke a tribute that had long been
paid, but had not been asked for seven years. But King Marke refused
to pay the tribute, and said that if King Anguisance would send over a
knight to fight for his right, he would find another to defend the right
of Cornwall. To this King Anguisance readily assented, because he had in
his court Sir Marhaus, who was his wife’s brother, and was at that time
reckoned one of the noblest of the Knights of the Round Table, while
the Cornish knights were of little might or worship. So Sir Marhaus
undertook the adventure, and came over to Cornwall to do battle for his
brother-in-law. When King Marke and his barons heard of his coming, they
were greatly discouraged, for there was not one among them that would
meet Sir Marhaus; and well knew they that it would be of no purpose to
seek for a knight at King Arthur’s court, because Sir Marhaus belonged
to the Round Table, and none of his fellows would fight against him.
When the news came to King Meliodas’ country that Sir Marhaus was come
to Cornwall to fight for the tribute, and that King Marke could get
no knight to meet him, Tristram was sore wroth and ashamed, and he got
leave of his father to undertake the adventure. So he went to his uncle
King Marke, who knew him not, and said that if he would make him knight,
he would encounter Sir Marhaus. King Marke saw that he was strong and
well made, and a likely man, so he assented, and made him knight, and
then sent word to Sir Marhaus that he had found a champion.
“That is well,” said Marhaus; “but let King Marke know that I will fight
with no knight that is not of royal blood.”
This King Marke told to Sir Tristram; who answered, “Since he says so,
let him know that I am come of better blood than himself; for now shall
you know that I am the son of King Meliodas and of your own sister.”
When King Marke heard that, he made great joy of Sir Tristram, and sent
word to Sir Marhaus who it was that would meet with him. It was agreed
that the battle should be on a small island near where Sir Marhaus’
ships were lying; and thither went Tristram with his horse and armour,
and all else that he needed. When Sir Marhaus saw him he said,--
“Young knight Sir Tristram, what dost thou here? I am sorry of thy too
great courage, for I have matched with some of the best knights of the
world. Therefore I counsel thee to return again to thy ship.”
But Tristram answered him courteously that he could not do that, for he
had undertaken on his own request to fight in his uncle’s quarrel to the
uttermost. Moreover, as that was his first battle, he was glad that it
was to be with a well-proved knight, for he hoped to win worship.
“Well, fair knight,” said Marhaus, “if you seek to win worship on me,
I will tell you that you will lose no worship if you can withstand but
three strokes from me.”
Then they set their spears in rest, and ran together so fiercely that
both went to the ground, horse and man; but Marhaus gave Tristram a sore
wound in the side with his spear. Then they drew their swords and fought
full hard for more than half the day, giving each other many great
wounds. But at the last Sir Tristram waxed fresher and better winded
than Sir Marhaus, and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus so hard
on the helm that the sword edge went through and stuck in the brain-pan.
Then Sir Marhaus fell on his knees, and Tristram pulled thrice at his
sword ere he could withdraw it, and even then a piece was broken out of
the edge and remained in the wound. Suddenly Sir Marhaus rose, threw his
sword and shield from him, and fled to his ships. But Tristram cried,--
“Ah! Sir Knight of the Round Table, dost thou withdraw? Thou dost
thyself and thy kin great shame. I am but a young knight, and never
fought till now; but rather than withdraw, I would be hewn into a
hundred pieces.”
To that Sir Marhaus answered nothing, but went his way groaning; and as
soon as he was on board his ship, he caused her to set sail for Ireland.
When he reached King Anguisance’ court his wounds were searched, but the
piece of Sir Tristram’s sword could not be got out of his skull; so he
died. Then the queen, his sister, kept the piece of the sword always by
her, for she meant to have vengeance for her brother’s death, if ever
she might.
Though Sir Tristram had won the battle, yet he was very badly hurt, and
he lay in bed for more than a month. Then all his wounds were healed
save that which Sir Marhaus had given him in the side with his spear;
and this could not be made whole, because the point of the spear had
been in some manner envenomed. King Marke sorrowed greatly, because he
began to fear that his nephew would die, so he sent for all the skilled
leeches and surgeons he could hear of; but none of them could do
anything. Then at last a wise woman told the king that Sir Tristram
could not be healed save in the country whence came the poison that was
in the wound. Thereupon King Marke fitted up a fair vessel, and sent
Tristram over to Ireland, with his tutor Govemale to attend him. By
chance he came to land close by a castle where King Anguisance and his
queen were; and then Tristram, who was a very skilful harper, took his
harp and sang and played in such fashion as never before had been heard
in Ireland. This was told to the king, who sent for Tristram to his
court, and asked him his name, and why he came there. Tristram said,--
“I am of the country of Lyonesse, and my name is Tramtrist. I have been
sore wounded in a battle I fought for a lady’s right, and am come hither
to, be healed if I may.”
“Well,” said the king, “you shall have all the help I can give you.”
So he gave Tramtrist in charge to his daughter, who was a very fair
lady, and was called La Beale Isoude, and she was one of the most
skilful leeches in the world. When she had searched his wound, she found
the poison at the bottom of it, and in a little while she had healed it.
Tristram soon began to cast great love to Isoude, and he taught her to
harp, so that she grew also to love him. But at that time there was in
Ireland Sir Palomides, a Saracen knight, who was a man of great worship,
and he was much cherished both by the king and the queen. Now Sir
Palomides also loved Isoude, and gave her many great gifts; and between
him and Tristram there rose much jealousy and envy,--the more as Isoude
told Tristram that Palomides was willing to be christened for her sake.
It happened that King Anguisance gave a great tournament, to which
knights came from all parts of Britain. La Beale Isoude came to Tristram
and told him of it; and when he said that he was yet but feeble, and
might not joust, she asked him to do so for her sake, lest Sir Palomides
should win the prize. Then he assented, on the condition that she would
not let any one know of it. On the first day of the tournament, Sir
Palomides came into the field with a black shield, and he won great
worship; for he overthrew Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, King Bagdemagus, Sir
Sagramore, Sir Dodinas le Savage, and many other good knights. Then came
King Anguisance to Tristram and said,--
“Sir Tramtrist, why will you not joust?”
“Sir,” said he, “I was but late hurt, and dare not adventure.” While
they spoke together, there came a squire named Hebes that had known
Sir Tristram in Cornwall, and made a low reverence to him. Sir Tristram
begged him not to discover his name, and that Hebes promised. But
Isoude had seen him bow to Tristram, and therefore she thought he
must be some great knight, and was much comforted. On the morrow Sir
Palomides again went into the field, and did as well as he had done
before.
Then Isoude armed Tristram in white armour with a white shield, and let
him into the field by a private postern. Anon Sir Palomides saw him, and
rode at him with a great spear; but there Sir Tristram smote him to the
ground, horse and man. So there arose a great cry all over the field
that Sir Palomides had had a fall; and then was Isoude exceedingly glad.
After that none of the other knights would meddle with Sir Tristram. But
Palomides was sore wrathful and ashamed, and withdrew out of the field.
That Sir Tristram saw, and he rode after him and bade him turn, for they
would be better proved ere they parted. When Palomides heard that, he
turned angrily, and they fought together with their swords; but very
soon Sir Tristram smote him so mighty a stroke on the helm that he fell
on the ground.
“Now yield thee,” said Tristram, “or else will I slay thee.”
So Palomides yielded, and Tristram charged him, on pain of his life, to
forsake La Beale Isoude; and also for twelve months and a day to bear no
armour. This Sir Palomides was sworn to perform.
“Alas!” said he, “now am I utterly shamed;” and in his great despite and
anger he took off his armour and flung it away.
Sir Tristram returned to the castle by the same secret postern by which
he had left it, and found there La Beale Isoude, who gave him a full
tender greeting. But in a while it became known that Sir Tramtrist, as
he was called, was the knight that had overthrown Sir Palomides; so then
he was still more honoured than before.
But, unhappily, one day it befell that the queen happened to take up Sir
Tristram’s sword, and she drew it from the scabbard; and there, within a
foot and a half of the point, was a great piece broken out of the edge.
As soon as the queen saw that, she remembered the piece of a sword that
was taken out of the head of her brother Sir Marhaus.
“By Heaven!” said she to Isoude, “this is the same traitorous knight
that slew my brother, thine uncle.”
Then the queen hastened to her own chamber, and took out of a coffer the
piece of the sword, which she had kept by her ever since Sir Marhaus’
death; and when she put it to Sir Tristram’s sword, she found it fitted
exactly. So she went to King Anguisance, her husband, and made her
complaint. King Anguisance was much grieved, for he liked Tristram
well; but he went to seek him, and found him all armed and on horseback,
because Isoude had already told him what her mother had discovered.
“Nay,” said the king, “if I chose to have thee slain, resistance would
not avail thee. But I will give thee leave to depart from this court in
safety, if thou wilt tell me who thou art, and if thou slew my brother
Sir Marhaus.”
“Sir,” said Tristram, “now will I tell you all the truth. My father is
King Meliodas of Lyonesse, and my name is Tristram. It was I that did
battle with Sir Marhaus, for love of my uncle King Marke; and before I
encountered with him had I never fought with any knight.”
“Well,” said the king, “I cannot but say that you did as a good knight
should; but I cannot maintain you in this country, lest I should
displease my wife and her kin.”
So Tristram thanked him for all the goodness he and his daughter had
shown, and promised him that if ever he needed a friend in England he
would serve him. Then he asked leave to say farewell to Isoude; and the
king assented. Tristram went to Isoude, and told her who he was, and
why he had come into Ireland They parted full tenderly, and Isoude swore
that for the next seven years she would not be married save with his
consent. Then Tristram went into the court, and took his leave of all
the knights and barons; and he offered, if he had done wrong to any, to
make amends, and said that if any had a quarrel with him, he was ready
to make it good in open field. But though some of the knights were of
Sir Marhaus’ blood, not one of them dared to meddle with him.
So Sir Tristram with his tutor Governale and the squire Hebes, whom he
had made knight, returned to England; and for a while he lived with his
father, King Meliodas, who was right glad to see him. Then he went again
to the court of King Marke, and lived there a long time in much honour.
But at last it chanced that both the king and Tristram loved the same
lady, who was the wife of a knight named Segwarides; and King Marke was
from that time jealous of Sir Tristram, and grew to hate him. Now, one
day there came to the court the good knight Sir Bleoberis de Ganis,
cousin to Sir Lancelot du Lake, and asked King Marke for a boon. King
Marke assented, and then Sir Bleoberis said,--
“I will have the fairest lady of your court, the one whom I may choose.”
The king had given his promise, and so could not refuse; and then Sir
Bleoberis chose Sir Segwarides’ wife, and led her away with him. When
Sir Segwarides saw that, he armed himself to rescue his wife, and rode
after Bleoberis. The ladies of the court knew that Tristram had loved
that lady, and rebuked him because he had suffered her to be taken away.
“Nay,” said Tristram, “it was not my part to have to do in the matter,
while her lord and husband was there. But if Sir Segwarides do not fare
well, it may happen that I will speak with that knight before he quit
the country.”
Presently came Sir Segwarides’ squire, and reported that his lord had
been overthrown and sore wounded by Sir Bleoberis. Then Sir Tristram
took his armour and his horse, and rode forth to rescue the lady. As
he went, he met his cousin, Sir Andret, who had been out to meet two
knights of King Arthur’s that were going through the country seeking
adventures. Sir Tristram asked him what tidings.
“Never worse with me than now,” said Andret; “for King Marke sent me to
bring to him two of King Arthur’s knights, and one of them overthrew and
wounded me, and they set naught by my message.”
“Well,” said Sir Tristram, “if I meet with them, I may happen to avenge
you.” So he rode on after the two knights, who were Sir Sagramore le
Desirous and Sir Dodinas le Savage. In a little while he overtook
them, and asked them whence they came, and what they were doing in that
country. They looked scornfully on Sir Tristram, and Sir Sagramore said:
“Fair knight, are you a knight of Cornwall?”
“Why do you ask?” said Tristram.
“Because it is seldom seen,” answered Sagramore, “that you Cornish men
are valiant with arms. Within these two hours there met us a Cornish
knight, and great words he spake, but anon with little might was he laid
on the earth; and I trow you shall have the same hansel that he had.”
“Fair knights,” answered Sir Tristram, “it may happen that I shall
withstand you better than he did; and whether you will or not I will
have to do with you for it was my cousin that you overthrew.” When Sir
Dodinas heard that, he took his spear and cried, “Knight, keep well
thyself.” So they rode together, and Sir Dodinas’ spear broke, but Sir
Tristram smote him clean over his crupper, and well-nigh broke his neck.
When Sir Sagramore saw his fellow have such a fall, he marvelled who the
strange knight might be, and he put his spear in rest, and rode at
Sir Tristram with all his might; but Sir Tristram bore him also to the
earth, and in the fall he broke his thigh. Then said Tristram: “Fair
knights, will you have any more? Are there no stronger knights in King
Arthur’s court? It is a shame to speak disworship of Cornish knights,
for here has one knight of Cornwall matched you both.”
This they had to confess; and then they asked him his name. When he told
them they were glad, and begged him to remain in their fellowship; but
he said he must follow Sir Bleoberis. So they bade him farewell, and in
a little while he overtook Sir Bleoberis riding in a fair valley, with
Sir Segwarides’ wife riding behind his squire on a palfrey.
“Abide, Sir Knight,” said Tristram; “bring back that lady, or deliver
her to me.”
“I will not,” answered Bleoberis, “for I dread no Cornish knight so
sorely that I need to obey him.”
“Why,” said Tristram, “may not a Cornish knight do as well as another?
Within three miles of this place, there were two knights of King
Arthur’s met me but now, and ere we parted they found one Cornish knight
good enough for them both.”
“What were their names?” asked Sir Bleoberis; and when Sir Tristram told
him, he said, “They are two good knights, and if you have beaten them
both you must needs be a man of great worship. Still, for all that, ere
you get this lady you must beat me also.” Then they met together like
thunder, and either bore the other down to the earth. Thereafter they
took to their swords, and fought eagerly and mightily for near two
hours. At last Sir Bleoberis asked Sir Tristram to hold his hand and
tell him his name.
“I fear not to tell you my name,” answered Tristram. “I am Tristram, the
son of King Meliodas of Lyonesse.”
“Truly,” said Bleoberis, “I am right glad to meet with you. Are you not
the same knight that slew Sir Marhaus, and overthrew Sir Palomides at a
tournament in Ireland?”
“Yea,” quoth Tristram. “And now tell me your name.”
“With a good will. I am Bleoberis de Ganis, cousin to Sir Lancelot, who
is called one of the best knights of the world.”
“That is truth,” said Sir Tristram, “for Sir Lancelot is peerless of
courtesy and of knighthood; and for his sake I would fight no more with
you.”
Sir Bleoberis thanked him for his courtesy, and proposed that the lady
should choose with which of them she would go. Sir Tristram assented,
for he thought she would come to him. But the lady was angered because
he had not at the first undertaken to rescue her, and she reproached him
sharply, and begged Sir Bleoberis to take her to her lord. Sir Tristram
was wondrous wroth, and answered that if her lord had been away he would
have been the first to ride after her. So Bleoberis took the lady to her
husband Segwarides, and she told him that Sir Tristram had rescued her,
at which Sir Segwarides was well pleased.
After this King Marke ever plotted to destroy Sir Tristram, and he
bethought him to send him into Ireland to ask for La Beale Isoude to be
given to King Marke for his queen, for he was unwedded. But King Marke
hoped that Sir Tristram would fall into some peril and be destroyed
on the journey. However, Tristram undertook the adventure, for he knew
nothing of his uncle’s malice against him. Accordingly he set sail, but
a tempest drove him back on the coast of England, not far from Camelot;
and there he set up a pavilion, and hung his shield over the entrance.
Anon there came by two of King Arthur’s knights, Sir Ector de Maris and
Sir Gringamor, and they touched the shield, and bade him come forth and
joust. Sir Tristram made ready, and smote both of them down with one
spear, bruising them sorely. Then they asked him whence he came. “Fair
knights,” said Tristram, “I am of Cornwall.”
“Alas!” said Sir Ector, “now am I ashamed that any Cornish knight should
overcome me.” And in his mortification he put off his armour, went on
foot, and would not ride.
Now it chanced that at that time Sir Bleoberis de Ganis and his brother
Sir Blamor had accused King Anguisance of Ireland of treason before King
Arthur, and he was summoned to come to Camelot by a given day and make
answer, on forfeiture of all his lands. King Arthur was at that time
with Sir Lancelot, at his castle of Joyous Gard; but he had appointed
King Carados of Scotland and another king to be the judges. When the day
came, King Anguisance was there before the judges, and Sir Blamor
came forward and charged him with having murdered a cousin of his by
treasonable means. King Anguisance was much abashed, for he understood
that he must meet Sir Blamor in open field to disprove his charge, or
find a knight to meet him; because in those times all such accusations
were determined by the ordeal of battle. Now the king knew that Sir
Blamor was a noble knight, and he did not know where to find one to meet
him. But the judges gave him three days wherein to make ready, and he
went to his lodgings greatly cast down.
All this heard Govemale, who was riding near Camelot, and he told
Tristram. “By my faith,” said Sir Tristram, “that is the best news I
have heard this seven years; for now will the King of Ireland be in need
of my help, and for his love will I undertake the battle.” So he sought
King Anguisance, and told him that in gratitude for the kindness he had
shown him in Ireland, and for La Beale Isoude’s sake, he would take the
battle in hand for him on two conditions--namely, that King Anguisance
would swear the accusation was unjust, and would promise him after the
battle to give him what boon he might ask. To all this the king gladly
assented, and sent word to the judges that he had found a champion. On
the day set the two knights met in the field, and when they withdrew to
make ready, Sir Bleoberis said to Sir Blamor: “Brother, you will find
that knight the mightiest you ever had to do with. I know him right
well, for I have had to do with him. But do thou remember of what kin we
are come, and that none of our kindred was ever shamed in battle, but
would rather suffer death than be shamed.”
“Brother,” answered Sir Blamor, “you need have no doubt of me. I know
that knight, Sir Tristram, is one of the best in the world; but though
he may overcome me, he shall not shame me, for rather than yield
recreant will I die.”
Then each took his horse to an opposite end of the lists, and they met
together with great force in the midst; and there Sir Tristram smote
Sir Blamor from his horse. After that they did a great battle with their
swords; but at the last Sir Tristram struck Sir Blamor so heavy a blow
on the helm that he fell down, and might not rise again. As soon as Sir
Blamor could speak, he said: “Sir Tristram, I require thee, as thou art
a noble knight, and the best that ever I met, to slay me out of hand;
for yield will I never, and I would not live shamed to be lord of all
the world.”
Sir Tristram knew not what to do, for he remembered of what blood Sir
Blamor was come, and for Sir Lancelot’s sake he was right loath to slay
him; but yet Sir Blamor would not yield, and so King Anguisance would
not be acquitted. With that Sir Tristram went to the judges, and
besought them to take the matter into their hands. “For,” said he, “it
were pity that that noble knight should be slain, and you hear that
shamed he will not be; and I pray to God that he never be slain or
shamed by me.” And he asked King Anguisance, for whom he fought the
battle, to have mercy on Sir Blamor. To that King Anguisance assented
gladly; and after further talk, Sir Bleoberis and Sir Tristram took up
Sir Blamor, and the two brethren were accorded with King Anguisance, and
swore friendship with him for ever. And for that gentle battle all the
blood of Sir Lancelot loved Sir Tristram ever after.
Then King Anguisance sailed with Sir Tristram into Ireland; and when it
was known what Sir Tristram had done for the king, the queen and all the
barons received him with great joy, and especially La Beale Isoude. So
there Sir Tristram asked for the boon the king had promised him, and
that was that Isoude should be given for wife to his uncle King Marke;
for so he had sworn to him. King Anguisance assented, though he said
he had rather Tristram had asked her for himself. However, in a little
while a ship was got ready, and Isoude went into it with Tristram; and
she took with her as waiting-woman an ancient lady named Bragwaine. To
this lady, just before they set sail, the queen, Isoudes mother, gave a
flask containing a potion, and charged her to let Isoude and King Marke
drink of it on the day they were married. “And then I undertake,” said
the queen, “that they will love each other all their life long.” But as
they sailed in the ship, it chanced that Tristram saw the flask standing
in the cabin. “Madam,” said he to Isoude, “here is choice wine which
your servant Bragwaine and my servant Govemale have put on one side for
themselves; but we will disappoint them.” So they drank to each other
merrily, thinking no evil; but from that time they loved each other, and
their love never changed in weal or woe.
Now the ship put into a harbour by a castle that was named Pluere, and
Sir Tristram and Isoude went on shore to refresh themselves. But as soon
as they came within the castle they were taken prisoners; for the custom
of the castle was that whatever knight came there with a lady must fight
with the lord, who was named Sir Brewnor, and his lady must be shown
against Sir Brewnors lady. If Sir Brewnor overcame the strange knight,
then was the other put to death; and if Sir Brewnor’s lady were the
fairer, then must the other lady lose her head. That custom had been
kept up for many winters, and therefore was the castle called Pluere;
that is, the Castle of Tears.
When Sir Tristram was told of the custom, he said it was a right foul
and shameful one. “But,” said he, “one advantage have I, that my lady
is the fairest I ever saw, and I do not fear that for lack of beauty
she will lose her head; and as for me, rather than lose my head, I will
fight for it on a fair field.”
On the morrow Sir Tristram got his horse and armour brought him, and was
led with Isoude to an open place within the castle, where was a great
assemblage to see what should take place. Then came Sir Brewnor with his
lady all veiled, and said to Tristram: “If thy lady be fairer than mine,
with thy sword smite off her head; and if my lady be fairer than thine,
I will do the like by thy lady. And if I win thee, then shalt thou lose
thy head.”
“Sir,” answered Tristram, “this is a foul and horrible custom that you
use. Rather than that my lady should lose her head, I would choose to
lose mine own.”
“Not so,” said Brewnor; “the ladies shall first be shown and judged.”
“I fear me that there are none here who will give rightful judgment,”
quoth Tristram. “Howbeit, I doubt not that my lady is fairer than
yours, and whoever may say the contrary, I will prove it upon his body.”
Thereupon Sir Tristram unveiled La Beale Isoude, and turned her round
thrice, so that all might see her, the while he held his naked sword in
his other hand. Sir Brewnor did the like with his lady; but as soon as
he had beheld Isoude, he thought he had never seen a fairer lady, and
all the people that were present gave judgment that she was the fairer.
“How now?” said Sir Tristram. “Because you and your lady have long used
this wicked custom, and have caused the destruction of many good knights
and ladies, it were no great damage to destroy you both.”
“Well,” said Brewnor, “it is true that thy lady is fairer than mine; and
if thou slay mine, I doubt not I shall slay thee, and so win thy lady.”
“Thou shalt win her dearer than ever lady was won,” answered Tristram;
“and because of thine evil custom give me thy lady.” So he took the lady
from him, and she bent her neck, and without more words he smote off her
head.
“Well, knight,” said Brewnor, “thou hast done me a despite.” Then they
took their horses, and ran together; and Sir Tristram unhorsed Sir
Brewnor, who thereupon drew his sword, and thrust Sir Tristram’s horse
through the shoulders, so that he fell dead to the earth. And Sir
Brewnor strove to slay Tristram as the horse fell; but Tristram was too
nimble for him, and got out his sword before the other could give him
more than one or two strokes. So they fought a long time, for this Sir
Brewnor was a proved and wily knight; but at last he was getting the
worse, when he rushed on Sir Tristram and took him in his arms with
intent to throw him on the ground, for he trusted much in his strength.
But at that time Tristram was reckoned the strongest knight in the
world, for he was stronger than even Sir Lancelot, though Lancelot was
the better winded. He thrust Sir Brewnor on the earth, undid his helm,
and struck off his head.
Most of those that belonged to the castle came now and did homage to Sir
Tristram, and asked him to abide there a little while; and he assented.
But one of the knights of the castle rode to Sir Galahaut the high
prince, Sir Brewnor’s son, who was near by with the King of the Hundred
Knights, and told him what had happened. So they came forthwith to the
castle with a great fellowship of knights. Sir Galahaut challenged Sir
Tristram to fight, and they had a long tussle, but in the end Tristram
got the better; and then all the knights fell fiercely upon him, so he
yielded to Sir Galahaut, but told him that he had done unknightly to
suffer his men to meddle. The King of the Hundred Knights would have had
Sir Galahaut kill Sir Tristram because he had slain Sir Brewnor; but Sir
Galahaut would not, and said he could not blame Sir Tristram, because of
the shameful custom that his father had used. And when the King of the
Hundred Knights heard what the custom was, he also said it was an evil
one. Then Sir Tristram told his name and the errand he was on to Sir
Galahaut, who set him at liberty on a pledge that as soon as he might he
would go in fellowship with Sir Lancelot.
After that, Tristram brought La Beale Isoude to Cornwall, where she and
King Marke were married with much ceremony; but ever she gave all her
love to Sir Tristram. Now it befell that some of Queen Isoude’s ladies
were jealous of Dame Bragwaine, who had come with her from Ireland, and
they got some churls to set upon her while she was gathering herbs in
a forest, and bind her to a tree. There she was three days, and then by
chance Sir Palomides found her, and saved her from death, and took
her to a nunnery near by to be recovered. Queen Isoude greatly loved
Bragwaine, and much lamented her absence; and one day she was walking in
the forest and lamenting, when Sir Palomides overheard her. So he came
to her, and said, “Madam, if you will grant me a boon, I will undertake
to bring you Dame Bragwaine safe and sound.”
To hear this Isoude was so glad that, without thinking, she agreed
to his offer; and straightway he went to the nunnery, and brought out
Bragwaine to her. Then he reminded her of her promise; and she said,
“Sir Palomides, I know not what your desire is, but though I promised
you largely, I thought no ill, nor will I consent to any.” Palomides
said he would make his request before her husband King Marke. Then
Isoude went back to the court, and Palomides soon followed. He laid his
case before the king, and told him what the queen had promised; and she
had to confess that she had promised to give him any boon he might ask.
“Well, madam,” said the king, “if you were hasty to make such a bargain,
I must still see that you hold to your word.”
“Then,” said Palomides, “I will have the queen, to lead and govern her
as I will.”
At this King Marke was dismayed; but he bethought him of Sir Tristram,
and deemed that he would rescue her, so he answered hurriedly, “Take her
with the adventures that may befall, for I suppose thou wilt not long
keep her.”
“As for that,” said Palomides, “I dare well abide the adventure.” And
he took Queen Isoude by the hand, and led her away. Anon King Marke sent
for Sir Tristram; but he could not be found, for he was hunting in the
forest. Then a knight of Sir Tristram’s named Sir Lambegus proffered to
go and essay the rescue of the queen. He followed after Palomides, and
challenged him, and they fought a strong battle; but at the last Sir
Palomides smote down Sir Lambegus, so that he lay as if dead. But while
they were fighting, the queen had run away into the forest. She came
to a well, and was going to drown herself in it; but a knight named Sir
Andret that had a castle thereby prevented her, and took her into his
castle. When he knew what had happened, he armed him, and went out to
seek Sir Palomides, to avenge the queen. So he met Palomides, who fought
with him, wounded him well-nigh to death, and forced him to say where
the queen was. So Palomides rode to the castle; but Isoude saw him
coming, and caused all the gates to be shut fast. When Palomides found
that he could not gain entrance, he put his horse to pasture, and sat
down at the gate raging like a man that had lost his wits.
In the meanwhile, Sir Tristram had come home from hunting, and learned
how Sir Palomides had taken away the queen. “Alas!” he cried, “this
day am I shamed, for well I know that Sir Lambegus hath not might to
withstand Sir Palomides.” He armed as quickly as he might, and followed
after them. From Sir Andret, whom he found sore wounded, he learned all
that had happened, and that Isoude was safe within his castle. So he
thanked that knight much, and rode on till he came to the castle, and
there he saw Palomides sleeping at the gate. So he sent Govemale to say
that his mortal enemy, Tristram, was there. When Govemale had delivered
that message, Sir Palomides arose without saying a word, took his horse
and his spear, and ran at Sir Tristram, who smote him over his horse’s
tail. Then they took to their swords, and both fought eagerly, for it
was for the love of the same lady; and Isoude sat within, and watched
them fight. But ever Palomides got the worse, and Queen Isoude said to
herself, “Well, I know that by the end Sir Palomides will be but a dead
knight, and because he is not yet christened I am loath that he should
die a Saracen.” So she came out of the castle, and implored Sir Tristram
to fight no more.
“Madam,” he cried, “what mean you? Will you have me shamed? You know
well I will be ruled by you.”
“I wish not your dishonour,” answered the queen; “but I ask that for my
sake you spare this unhappy Saracen Sir Palomides.”
“Madam,” said Tristram, “at your bidding I will leave fighting for this
time.”
“This,” she said to Palomides, “shall be your charge, that you quit this
country while I am within it.”
“I will obey your bidding,” answered Palomides, “but sorely against my
will.”
“Take then thy way to the court of King Arthur,” said the queen, “and
commend me to Queen Guenever, and tell her I send her word that there
are in this land but four true lovers--Lancelot du Lake and Guenever and
Tristram and Isoude.”
So Sir Palomides departed sadly, and Sir Tristram took home the queen,
who was joyfully received by King Marke. Then for a while Tristram was
much honoured and cherished at court; but ere long the king grew very
suspicious of his love for Queen Isoude; and one day, as they were
talking in a window-place, he suddenly drew his sword, and ran at
Tristram to take his life, calling him a false traitor. Tristram caught
the sword from him, and smote him five or six times on the back with the
flat of it, so that he fell on his face. Then he and his knights went
into the forest, and waged such warfare against King Marke’s knights
that the king was glad to make friendship with him again. So for a time
all went smoothly; and the king held a jousting in the forest, to the
which came Sir Lamoracke de Galis, who was one of the best knights of
the world, and he did mightily, overthrowing thirty knights. Then King
Marke asked Sir Tristram to joust with Sir Lamoracke. That he was loath
to do, because, he said, both the knight and his horse were tired, and
it would be shame to rob him of the worship he had gained. The king,
however, required him to joust; so with no good will he rode forth. Sir
Lamoracke met him mightily, but his horse was so wearied that with
the force of their meeting it fell to the ground, Sir Lamoracke still
keeping his seat in the saddle. Then Lamoracke was wroth, and required
Sir Tristram to fight on foot; but Sir Tristram would not, and said he
had only jousted with him because he was so commanded. But his refusal
only made Sir Lamoracke the more angry, and he swore to be quits with
Sir Tristram.
Shortly afterward Sir Lamoracke met a knight of Morgan le Fay that was
going to King Arthur’s court with a magic drinkinghorn that Morgan had
contrived to shame Queen Guenever and Sir Lancelot; for it was of such
kind that any wife who did not love her husband best could not drink
from it without spilling. When Sir Lamoracke understood the virtue of
the horn, he made the knight bear it to King Marke’s court to spite Sir
Tristram. The king made his queen Isoude and a hundred ladies of his
court drink from it, and very few of them drank clean. Then was the king
angered, and swore that the queen and the ladies who had failed should
be burned. But his barons plainly said they would not suffer it. Sir
Tristram was wroth at Sir Lamoracke because he had sent the horn. And he
had cause, for soon fresh quarrels arose between him and the king; and
at the last he was driven from the country, and Queen Isoude shut in
a close prison. Sir Tristram went to Brittany, and fought in the wars
there, and had many adventures; but after a while he returned to Britain
to seek Isoude. There he met Sir Lamoracke sitting by a well, and they
had a great battle together; but neither could prevail, so they swore
friendship together, and that neither of them should fight against the
other. Then both of them chanced to meet Sir Palomides, who at that time
had taken up the quest of following a strange and dreadful beast that
was called the questing-beast. It had a head and neck like a serpent,
a body like a leopard, and legs and feet like a deer, and the noise it
made was like the cry or questing of thirty couples of hounds. It was
while he was seeking this beast that Sir Palomides met Sir Lamoracke and
Sir Tristram; and there with one spear he smote them both down; which
shows that sometimes the worse knight may put the better knight to
reproach.
After that, Sir Tristram and Sir Lamoracke parted; and as Sir Tristram
rode he fell in with Sir Kay, who asked him of what country he was come.
Sir Tristram answered that he was a knight of Cornwall. “It may well
be,” said Sir Kay, “for I never yet heard that any good knight came out
of Cornwall.”
“That is evil said,” quoth Tristram; “but if it please you to tell me
your name, I require it.”
“Sir, wit you well that I am Sir Kay the seneschal.”
“Is that your name?” said Tristram. “You are called the shamefullest
knight of your tongue that is now living; howbeit it is said that you
are a good knight.”
In a while there joined fellowship with them Sir Tor, the half-brother
of Sir Lamorâcke, and Sir Brandiles. These two and Sir Kay spoke much
shame of Cornish knights; and Sir Tristram sat by and said nothing, but
he thought the more. In a while Sir Brandiles asked him to joust; and
Sir Tristram smote him down, and afterwards served Sir Tor in the same
manner. Then he rode on his way, and the three knights followed till
they overtook him. He proffered them to joust; but they said they had
had enough of that, and they required him to tell them his name. This he
did, and they were right glad, and said that he ought to be a Knight of
the Round Table, all the fellowship of which desired his company. Sir
Tristram said he was not worthy to be of that fellowship; but they all
said he was the knight of most power alive, except Sir Lancelot. After
much conversation they parted.
Now King Arthur had at this time fallen into the crafts of an
enchantress named the Lady Annowre, that had brought him into a place
called the Forest Perilous with intent to have his love; and when she
could not get that, she sought to destroy him. But the Lady of the Lake,
called Nimue, that was ever friendly, to King Arthur, came into the
forest where Sir Tristram was, to seek him or Sir Lancelot, to rescue
the king; for she knew that unless she got the aid of one or other of
them he would be slain. As she rode she met Sir Tristram, and cried,
“Oh, my lord Sir Tristram, well be we met, for within these two hours,
unless you prevent it, will be done the foulest deed that ever was
wrought in this land.”
“Fair damsel,” said Tristram, “can I amend it?”
“Come with me,” quoth she, “and make what haste you may; for you shall
see the man of most worship in the world sorely bestead. It is none
other than King Arthur himself.”
“God forbid that he should be in such peril,” said Sir Tristram. And
they rode together at a great pace till they came to a castle, and at
its base there was a knight fighting on foot against two others. Even as
Sir Tristram came up, the two had smitten down the one knight, which
was King Arthur, and were unlacing his helm to slay him, while the
enchantress Annowre had got the king’s sword in her hand to have
stricken off his head. Then Tristram cried out, “Traitress! traitress!
leave that!” and he smote first one of the knights and then the other,
so that they both fell dead. In the meanwhile the damsel of the Lake
cried out to King Arthur, “Let not that untrue lady escape.” So King
Arthur overtook her, and, having got his sword again, he smote off her
head with it, and the damsel took it up, and hung it on her saddle-bow.
Then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur again and rode with him. The king
thanked him most heartily, and begged for his name; but Sir Tristram
would not give it, saying only that he was a poor knight adventurer, and
would bear the king company till he came to some of his own knights. In
a little they met Sir Ector de Maris, and he, not knowing King Arthur
or Sir Tristram, desired to joust with one of them. Sir Tristram rode to
him and smote him off his horse. When he had done that, he said to King
Arthur: “My lord, yonder is one of your own knights, so I will depart;
but I trust you will believe that I shall always be ready to do you
service.”
“Alas! good knight,” said King Arthur, “will you not tell me your name?”
“Not at this time,” answered Tristram, and so departed.
Soon after this, Sir Tristram found means to meet again with Queen
Isoude--who had returned to her husband’s court--to the great joy of
both of them. But by mishap Sir Tristram was led mistakenly to believe
that Isoude had proved false to him, and he grieved so sorely that he
went out of his mind, and ran wild in a wood among herdmen, where he
remained a long time. And there he soused Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s
fool, in a well; and also slew a great giant named Taüleas and rescued a
knight whom Taüleas had conquered. When King Marke heard of the wild
man that did such deeds, he had him brought to his castle. There Sir
Tristram came to his wits again; and when King Marke knew who it was, he
would have had him put to death. But this the barons would not agree to,
and so at last it was agreed that he should be banished from Cornwall
for ten years. As he went to the ship there came to him a knight of
King Arthur’s named Sir Dinadan, who had travelled to Cornwall to seek
fellowship with him, and this knight asked leave to go with him. Sir
Tristram assented, for Dinadan was a good knight, and ever full of
mirth. Then he and Sir Dinadan went into the ship together, and Sir
Tristram sent back a message of defiance to King Marke, that he would
come again when he chose.
After he and Sir Dinadan had landed in King Arthur’s realm, there came
to them a damsel that was seeking good knights to defend Sir Lancelot
against the treason of Morgan le Fay, who had ordained thirty knights
to lie in wait for him. The damsel knew of this plot, and sought for
knights to hinder it. When she told Sir Tristram, he said,--
“Fair damsel, bring me to the place where they are to meet Sir
Lancelot.”
“Why!” cried Dinadan, “what will you do? It is not for us to fight with
thirty knights. I am ready enough to deal with one or two, but to fight
with fifteen will I never undertake.”
“Fie for shame,” said Tristram; “surely you will do your part?”
“Nay,” answered Sir Dinadan, “I will meddle not. But if you will go,
lend me your shield, for it bears Cornish arms, and yon knights of
Cornwall have such a name for cowardice that you are forborne, so I
shall be left in peace.”
“No,” said Tristram, “I will not part with my shield, for her sake that
gave it me. But if you will not go with me, I swear that I will slay
you; for I only ask of you to answer one knight, and if that be too
much, then stand by and look on.”
“Sir,” said Dinadan, “I promise to do what I can to save myself, but I
heartily wish I had never met with you.”
Then were they aware of the thirty knights that passed by to lie in wait
for Sir Lancelot. Sir Tristram cried out, “Lo! here is a knight against
you for the love of Sir Lancelot;” and he slew two with his spear and
ten with his sword. Thereafter came in Sir Dinadan, and he did passing
well; and in the end, of the thirty knights there went but ten away, and
they fled. So Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode on and sought lodging,
and they came to a castle where it was the custom that any who wanted
lodging must joust with two knights that dwelt there. Sir Tristram and
Sir Dinadan smote them both down, and then they went within and had
good cheer. But just as they were about to take their rest, came Sir
Palomides and Sir Gaheris requiring to have the custom of the castle.
“What is this?” said Sir Dinadan; “I would have my rest.”
“That may not be,” said Tristram. “We must needs defend the custom of
the castle now that we have got the better of the lord of the castle, so
you must even make you ready.”
“In an evil hour came I into your company,” answered Dinadan, and with
much grumbling he made him ready. When they encountered, Sir Tristram
met Sir Gaheris and gave him a fall, but Sir Palomides unhorsed Sir
Dinadan and bruised him much. Then they were for fighting on foot, and
Sir Tristram was ready enough, but Sir Dinadan would not. “You fare like
a madman,” said he to Tristram; “and I may curse the hour when I saw
you. There are not in the world two knights that crave after fighting as
do you and Sir Lancelot. Once I fell in his company, and he set me work
that kept me in bed for a quarter of a year.”
“Then will I fight them both,” said Tristram; but to this the others
would not agree, so he encountered Sir Palomides alone, and in a while
he drove Palomides backward, and then the two other knights parted them.
After that, Sir Tristram desired that all four should lodge together;
but Dinadan would stay no more in that place, and took his horse and
harness and departed. The others followed, and found him in a priory,
where they had good cheer.
In the morning Sir Tristram rode forth; but Sir Dinadan was so bruised
that he could not ride, and he remained behind. There was a knight at
the priory named Sir Pellinore, and he desired to know Sir Tristram’s
name; but he would not tell it. When Sir Tristram had departed, this
knight said he would follow him, to make him tell his name. “Beware,
Sir Knight,” said Dinadan; “for if you follow him, I warn you you will
repent it.” The other took no heed, but went after Sir Tristram and
required him to joust. Then Sir Tristram smote him down, and gave him a
great wound in the shoulder. And so he went his way.
About this time the King of Northgalis and King Carados of Scotland
agreed to hold a tournament against each other at a great castle called
the Castle of Maidens, and Sir Tristram bethought him to go to that
tournament. On the way he met with Sir Gawaine, and they had many
adventures together. The tournament lasted three days, and on each day
Sir Tristram smote down so many knights that the prize was given to him.
But on the third day Sir Lancelot, by misadventure, hurt Sir Tristram
badly with a spear, and Sir Tristram left the field, because he would
not be known by King Arthur. When his wound was healed, he rode forth
again and encountered many knights; and at last he rescued Sir Palomides
from a felon knight named Sir Breuse sans Pitie that had set upon him
with a great fellowship. When Sir Tristram found who it was he had
rescued, he appointed a day to meet Sir Palomides in mortal combat,
because there was ever enmity between them on account of the love that
both bore to Queen Isoude. A solemn compact was made that they should
fight at the tomb of Sir Lanceor, the knight of Ireland that was slain
long before by Balin le Savage. On the day set, Sir Tristram came to
the tomb, and there was he aware of a seemly knight that came riding in
white armour, with a covered shield. When he came near Sir Tristram he
cried out, “You are welcome, Sir Knight, and well and truly have you
kept your promise.” So they rode together with all their might, and
both were overthrown. After that they fought on foot for more than four
hours, and each dealt the other many sore strokes. At the last, the
strange knight said, “Sir Knight, you fight wondrous well, as ever I saw
knight; therefore I require you, if it please you, tell me your name.”
Tristram, who knew by this time that the stranger could not be
Palomides--for he was too mighty--answered, “I am loath to tell thee my
name.”
“Truly,” answered the other, “when I am required I am never loath to
tell any man my name.”
“Then,” quoth Tristram, “I require thee to tell me thy name.”
“Sir,” said he, “my name is Lancelot du Lake.”
“Alas!” cried Sir Tristram, “what have I done? You are the man in all
the world that I most love.”
“Fair knight,” said Sir Lancelot, “tell me now thy name.”
“Truly, I am Sir Tristram de Lyons.”
“Alas!” said Lancelot, “what an adventure hath befallen me.” So they
both sat on the stone, took off their helms, and kissed each other, and
they had great joy at their meeting. And so was the prediction of Merlin
fulfilled, that at that tomb the two best knights of the world should do
battle.
Sir Lancelot conducted Sir Tristram to Gamelot, where King Arthur, who
had long desired him, and all the Knights of the Round Table, received
him with the greatest honour. And forthwith he was made Knight of the
Round Table, and the seat that was given him was that of Sir Marhaus,
whom he himself had slain. So he abode a while at King Arthur’s court,
and then again he went into Cornwall for the love of Queen Isoude, and
after many hardships and perils he brought her with him to England.
There they fell in with Sir Lancelot, who took them to his castle of
Joyous Gard, and put it in their governance as if it had been their own.
So they lived at Joyous Gard very happily together; and there for the
present we will leave them.