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.