CHAPTER X. SIR TRISTRAM.
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 histime gained scarcely less worship than Sir Lancelot himself.
South of Cornwall there was in King Arthur's days a rich and faircountry 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 wiseking. He was wedded to a fair and virtuous lady, the sister of KingMarke of Cornwall. It befell that one time, while King Meliodas wasabroad hunting, he was taken prisoner by an enchantress that had longloved him. When he did not return, the queen his wife, who loved himexceedingly, 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, theking escaped from his prison; and when he found that his queen was deadwith grief, his heart was passing heavy. He named his son as the queenhad wished, and the boy grew apace, and seemed likely to be a comelyman. When Tristram was seven years old, the king took for a second wifea princess of Brittany; and when she had born him children, she began tohate Tristram, because that after his father's death he would be lord ofthe country. So at last she plotted to poison him, and put a silvercup with a poisoned draught in the room where he and her children weretogether, so that when he was athirst he might drink of it. Butit befell that her own son drank of the cup, and very soon died.Notwithstanding, the queen would not leave her wicked intent, but againshe put a cup with poison in Tristram's way. This time her husband theking took up the cup, and was going to drink, when suddenly she snatchedit out of his hand. Then the king remembered how his child had diedsuddenly after drinking, and he drew his sword and swore that if she didnot 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 Tristramexceedingly; so he declared that she should be punished. Thereforewas the queen brought to trial before the barons, and condemned to beburned. But when she had been led out to the stake, Tristram kneeleddown before his father, and besought him to grant him a boon; and whenKing Meliodas promised him, he asked for the queen's life. To that theking was full loath to assent, but he could not go back from his word.Thus Tristram saved his stepmother from the fire; and afterwards hecontrived to reconcile her to the king. But Meliodas would not thensuffer his son to remain at the court; so he appointed a gentleman namedGovernale to be his tutor, who was very learned, and also a great masterof the arts of hunting and hawking, and sent him with this gentlemaninto France. So Tristram was abroad with Governale for seven years, andlearned all that he could teach him, and was also well skilled in allknightly sports and exercises of arms. When he was nineteen years of agehe returned home, and was joyfully welcomed by his father, and also bythe 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 sentover to Cornwall to demand from King Marke a tribute that had long beenpaid, but had not been asked for seven years. But King Marke refusedto pay the tribute, and said that if King Anguisance would send over aknight to fight for his right, he would find another to defend the rightof Cornwall. To this King Anguisance readily assented, because he had inhis court Sir Marhaus, who was his wife's brother, and was at that timereckoned one of the noblest of the Knights of the Round Table, whilethe Cornish knights were of little might or worship. So Sir Marhausundertook the adventure, and came over to Cornwall to do battle for hisbrother-in-law. When King Marke and his barons heard of his coming, theywere greatly discouraged, for there was not one among them that wouldmeet Sir Marhaus; and well knew they that it would be of no purpose toseek for a knight at King Arthur's court, because Sir Marhaus belongedto the Round Table, and none of his fellows would fight against him.
When the news came to King Meliodas' country that Sir Marhaus was cometo Cornwall to fight for the tribute, and that King Marke could getno knight to meet him, Tristram was sore wroth and ashamed, and he gotleave of his father to undertake the adventure. So he went to his uncleKing 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 andwell made, and a likely man, so he assented, and made him knight, andthen sent word to Sir Marhaus that he had found a champion.
"That is well," said Marhaus; "but let King Marke know that I will fightwith 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 shallyou 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 sentword to Sir Marhaus who it was that would meet with him. It was agreedthat 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 toogreat courage, for I have matched with some of the best knights of theworld. Therefore I counsel thee to return again to thy ship."
But Tristram answered him courteously that he could not do that, for hehad undertaken on his own request to fight in his uncle's quarrel to theuttermost. Moreover, as that was his first battle, he was glad that itwas 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 butthree strokes from me."
Then they set their spears in rest, and ran together so fiercely thatboth went to the ground, horse and man; but Marhaus gave Tristram a sorewound in the side with his spear. Then they drew their swords and foughtfull hard for more than half the day, giving each other many greatwounds. But at the last Sir Tristram waxed fresher and better windedthan Sir Marhaus, and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus so hardon 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 hissword ere he could withdraw it, and even then a piece was broken out ofthe edge and remained in the wound. Suddenly Sir Marhaus rose, threw hissword and shield from him, and fled to his ships. But Tristram cried,--
"Ah! Sir Knight of the Round Table, dost thou withdraw? Thou dostthyself and thy kin great shame. I am but a young knight, and neverfought till now; but rather than withdraw, I would be hewn into ahundred pieces."
To that Sir Marhaus answered nothing, but went his way groaning; and assoon 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 thepiece of Sir Tristram's sword could not be got out of his skull; so hedied. Then the queen, his sister, kept the piece of the sword always byher, for she meant to have vengeance for her brother's death, if evershe might.
Though Sir Tristram had won the battle, yet he was very badly hurt, andhe lay in bed for more than a month. Then all his wounds were healedsave 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 hadbeen in some manner envenomed. King Marke sorrowed greatly, because hebegan to fear that his nephew would die, so he sent for all the skilledleeches and surgeons he could hear of; but none of them could doanything. Then at last a wise woman told the king that Sir Tristramcould not be healed save in the country whence came the poison that wasin the wound. Thereupon King Marke fitted up a fair vessel, and sentTristram over to Ireland, with his tutor Govemale to attend him. Bychance he came to land close by a castle where King Anguisance and hisqueen were; and then Tristram, who was a very skilful harper, took hisharp and sang and played in such fashion as never before had been heardin Ireland. This was told to the king, who sent for Tristram to hiscourt, 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 beensore wounded in a battle I fought for a lady's right, and am come hitherto, 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 fairlady, and was called La Beale Isoude, and she was one of the mostskilful leeches in the world. When she had searched his wound, she foundthe 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 toharp, so that she grew also to love him. But at that time there was inIreland 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 SirPalomides also loved Isoude, and gave her many great gifts; and betweenhim and Tristram there rose much jealousy and envy,--the more as Isoudetold Tristram that Palomides was willing to be christened for her sake.
It happened that King Anguisance gave a great tournament, to whichknights came from all parts of Britain. La Beale Isoude came to Tristramand told him of it; and when he said that he was yet but feeble, andmight not joust, she asked him to do so for her sake, lest Sir Palomidesshould win the prize. Then he assented, on the condition that she wouldnot let any one know of it. On the first day of the tournament, SirPalomides came into the field with a black shield, and he won greatworship; for he overthrew Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, King Bagdemagus, SirSagramore, Sir Dodinas le Savage, and many other good knights. Then cameKing Anguisance to Tristram and said,--
"Sir Tramtrist, why will you not joust?"
"Sir," said he, "I was but late hurt, and dare not adventure." Whilethey spoke together, there came a squire named Hebes that had knownSir Tristram in Cornwall, and made a low reverence to him. Sir Tristrambegged him not to discover his name, and that Hebes promised. ButIsoude had seen him bow to Tristram, and therefore she thought hemust be some great knight, and was much comforted. On the morrow SirPalomides again went into the field, and did as well as he had donebefore.
Then Isoude armed Tristram in white armour with a white shield, and lethim into the field by a private postern. Anon Sir Palomides saw him, androde at him with a great spear; but there Sir Tristram smote him to theground, horse and man. So there arose a great cry all over the fieldthat Sir Palomides had had a fall; and then was Isoude exceedingly glad.After that none of the other knights would meddle with Sir Tristram. ButPalomides 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 theywould be better proved ere they parted. When Palomides heard that, heturned angrily, and they fought together with their swords; but verysoon Sir Tristram smote him so mighty a stroke on the helm that he fellon 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, toforsake La Beale Isoude; and also for twelve months and a day to bear noarmour. This Sir Palomides was sworn to perform.
"Alas!" said he, "now am I utterly shamed;" and in his great despite andanger he took off his armour and flung it away.
Sir Tristram returned to the castle by the same secret postern by whichhe had left it, and found there La Beale Isoude, who gave him a fulltender greeting. But in a while it became known that Sir Tramtrist, ashe was called, was the knight that had overthrown Sir Palomides; so thenhe was still more honoured than before.
But, unhappily, one day it befell that the queen happened to take up SirTristram's sword, and she drew it from the scabbard; and there, within afoot 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 thatwas taken out of the head of her brother Sir Marhaus.
"By Heaven!" said she to Isoude, "this is the same traitorous knightthat slew my brother, thine uncle."
Then the queen hastened to her own chamber, and took out of a coffer thepiece 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 fittedexactly. So she went to King Anguisance, her husband, and made hercomplaint. King Anguisance was much grieved, for he liked Tristramwell; 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 wouldnot avail thee. But I will give thee leave to depart from this court insafety, if thou wilt tell me who thou art, and if thou slew my brotherSir Marhaus."
"Sir," said Tristram, "now will I tell you all the truth. My father isKing Meliodas of Lyonesse, and my name is Tristram. It was I that didbattle with Sir Marhaus, for love of my uncle King Marke; and before Iencountered with him had I never fought with any knight."
"Well," said the king, "I cannot but say that you did as a good knightshould; but I cannot maintain you in this country, lest I shoulddisplease my wife and her kin."
So Tristram thanked him for all the goodness he and his daughter hadshown, and promised him that if ever he needed a friend in England hewould serve him. Then he asked leave to say farewell to Isoude; and theking assented. Tristram went to Isoude, and told her who he was, andwhy he had come into Ireland They parted full tenderly, and Isoude sworethat for the next seven years she would not be married save with hisconsent. Then Tristram went into the court, and took his leave of allthe knights and barons; and he offered, if he had done wrong to any, tomake amends, and said that if any had a quarrel with him, he was readyto make it good in open field. But though some of the knights were ofSir Marhaus' blood, not one of them dared to meddle with him.
So Sir Tristram with his tutor Governale and the squire Hebes, whom hehad made knight, returned to England; and for a while he lived with hisfather, King Meliodas, who was right glad to see him. Then he went againto 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 samelady, who was the wife of a knight named Segwarides; and King Marke wasfrom that time jealous of Sir Tristram, and grew to hate him. Now, oneday 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. KingMarke 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 SirBleoberis chose Sir Segwarides' wife, and led her away with him. WhenSir Segwarides saw that, he armed himself to rescue his wife, and rodeafter Bleoberis. The ladies of the court knew that Tristram had lovedthat 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 farewell, it may happen that I will speak with that knight before he quitthe country."
Presently came Sir Segwarides' squire, and reported that his lord hadbeen overthrown and sore wounded by Sir Bleoberis. Then Sir Tristramtook his armour and his horse, and rode forth to rescue the lady. Ashe went, he met his cousin, Sir Andret, who had been out to meet twoknights of King Arthur's that were going through the country seekingadventures. Sir Tristram asked him what tidings.
"Never worse with me than now," said Andret; "for King Marke sent me tobring to him two of King Arthur's knights, and one of them overthrew andwounded me, and they set naught by my message."
"Well," said Sir Tristram, "if I meet with them, I may happen to avengeyou." So he rode on after the two knights, who were Sir Sagramore leDesirous and Sir Dodinas le Savage. In a little while he overtookthem, and asked them whence they came, and what they were doing in thatcountry. 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 menare valiant with arms. Within these two hours there met us a Cornishknight, and great w
ords he spake, but anon with little might was he laidon the earth; and I trow you shall have the same hansel that he had."
"Fair knights," answered Sir Tristram, "it may happen that I shallwithstand you better than he did; and whether you will or not I willhave to do with you for it was my cousin that you overthrew." When SirDodinas heard that, he took his spear and cried, "Knight, keep wellthyself." So they rode together, and Sir Dodinas' spear broke, but SirTristram 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 thestrange knight might be, and he put his spear in rest, and rode atSir Tristram with all his might; but Sir Tristram bore him also to theearth, and in the fall he broke his thigh. Then said Tristram: "Fairknights, will you have any more? Are there no stronger knights in KingArthur'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 toldthem they were glad, and begged him to remain in their fellowship; buthe said he must follow Sir Bleoberis. So they bade him farewell, and ina little while he overtook Sir Bleoberis riding in a fair valley, withSir Segwarides' wife riding behind his squire on a palfrey.
"Abide, Sir Knight," said Tristram; "bring back that lady, or deliverher to me."
"I will not," answered Bleoberis, "for I dread no Cornish knight sosorely 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 KingArthur's met me but now, and ere we parted they found one Cornish knightgood enough for them both."
"What were their names?" asked Sir Bleoberis; and when Sir Tristram toldhim, he said, "They are two good knights, and if you have beaten themboth you must needs be a man of great worship. Still, for all that, ereyou get this lady you must beat me also." Then they met together likethunder, and either bore the other down to the earth. Thereafter theytook to their swords, and fought eagerly and mightily for near twohours. At last Sir Bleoberis asked Sir Tristram to hold his hand andtell him his name.
"I fear not to tell you my name," answered Tristram. "I am Tristram, theson of King Meliodas of Lyonesse."
"Truly," said Bleoberis, "I am right glad to meet with you. Are you notthe same knight that slew Sir Marhaus, and overthrew Sir Palomides at atournament in Ireland?"
"Yea," quoth Tristram. "And now tell me your name."
"With a good will. I am Bleoberis de Ganis, cousin to Sir Lancelot, whois called one of the best knights of the world."
"That is truth," said Sir Tristram, "for Sir Lancelot is peerless ofcourtesy and of knighthood; and for his sake I would fight no more withyou."
Sir Bleoberis thanked him for his courtesy, and proposed that the ladyshould choose with which of them she would go. Sir Tristram assented,for he thought she would come to him. But the lady was angered becausehe had not at the first undertaken to rescue her, and she reproached himsharply, and begged Sir Bleoberis to take her to her lord. Sir Tristramwas wondrous wroth, and answered that if her lord had been away he wouldhave been the first to ride after her. So Bleoberis took the lady to herhusband 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 hebethought him to send him into Ireland to ask for La Beale Isoude to begiven to King Marke for his queen, for he was unwedded. But King Markehoped that Sir Tristram would fall into some peril and be destroyedon the journey. However, Tristram undertook the adventure, for he knewnothing of his uncle's malice against him. Accordingly he set sail, buta 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 andSir Gringamor, and they touched the shield, and bade him come forth andjoust. Sir Tristram made ready, and smote both of them down with onespear, bruising them sorely. Then they asked him whence he came. "Fairknights," said Tristram, "I am of Cornwall."
"Alas!" said Sir Ector, "now am I ashamed that any Cornish knight shouldovercome me." And in his mortification he put off his armour, went onfoot, and would not ride.
Now it chanced that at that time Sir Bleoberis de Ganis and his brotherSir Blamor had accused King Anguisance of Ireland of treason before KingArthur, and he was summoned to come to Camelot by a given day and makeanswer, on forfeiture of all his lands. King Arthur was at that timewith Sir Lancelot, at his castle of Joyous Gard; but he had appointedKing Carados of Scotland and another king to be the judges. When the daycame, King Anguisance was there before the judges, and Sir Blamorcame forward and charged him with having murdered a cousin of his bytreasonable means. King Anguisance was much abashed, for he understoodthat he must meet Sir Blamor in open field to disprove his charge, orfind a knight to meet him; because in those times all such accusationswere determined by the ordeal of battle. Now the king knew that SirBlamor was a noble knight, and he did not know where to find one to meethim. But the judges gave him three days wherein to make ready, and hewent to his lodgings greatly cast down.
All this heard Govemale, who was riding near Camelot, and he toldTristram. "By my faith," said Sir Tristram, "that is the best news Ihave heard this seven years; for now will the King of Ireland be in needof my help, and for his love will I undertake the battle." So he soughtKing Anguisance, and told him that in gratitude for the kindness he hadshown him in Ireland, and for La Beale Isoude's sake, he would take thebattle in hand for him on two conditions--namely, that King Anguisancewould swear the accusation was unjust, and would promise him after thebattle to give him what boon he might ask. To all this the king gladlyassented, and sent word to the judges that he had found a champion. Onthe day set the two knights met in the field, and when they withdrew tomake ready, Sir Bleoberis said to Sir Blamor: "Brother, you will findthat knight the mightiest you ever had to do with. I know him rightwell, for I have had to do with him. But do thou remember of what kin weare come, and that none of our kindred was ever shamed in battle, butwould rather suffer death than be shamed."
"Brother," answered Sir Blamor, "you need have no doubt of me. I knowthat knight, Sir Tristram, is one of the best in the world; but thoughhe may overcome me, he shall not shame me, for rather than yieldrecreant will I die."
Then each took his horse to an opposite end of the lists, and they mettogether with great force in the midst; and there Sir Tristram smoteSir Blamor from his horse. After that they did a great battle with theirswords; but at the last Sir Tristram struck Sir Blamor so heavy a blowon the helm that he fell down, and might not rise again. As soon as SirBlamor could speak, he said: "Sir Tristram, I require thee, as thou arta 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 allthe world."
Sir Tristram knew not what to do, for he remembered of what blood SirBlamor was come, and for Sir Lancelot's sake he was right loath to slayhim; but yet Sir Blamor would not yield, and so King Anguisance wouldnot be acquitted. With that Sir Tristram went to the judges, andbesought them to take the matter into their hands. "For," said he, "itwere pity that that noble knight should be slain, and you hear thatshamed he will not be; and I pray to God that he never be slain orshamed by me." And he asked King Anguisance, for whom he fought thebattle, to have mercy on Sir Blamor. To that King Anguisance assentedgladly; and after further talk, Sir Bleoberis and Sir Tristram took upSir Blamor, and the two brethren were accorded with King Anguisance, andswore friendship with him for ever. And for that gentle battle all theblood of Sir Lancelot loved Sir Tristram ever after.
Then King Anguisance sailed with Sir Tristram into Ireland; and when itwas known what Sir Tristram had done for the king, the queen and all thebarons received him with great joy, and especially La Beale Isoude. Sothere Sir Tristram asked for the boon the king had promised him, andthat was that Isoude should be given for wife to h
is uncle King Marke;for so he had sworn to him. King Anguisance assented, though he saidhe had rather Tristram had asked her for himself. However, in a littlewhile a ship was got ready, and Isoude went into it with Tristram; andshe took with her as waiting-woman an ancient lady named Bragwaine. Tothis lady, just before they set sail, the queen, Isoudes mother, gave aflask containing a potion, and charged her to let Isoude and King Markedrink of it on the day they were married. "And then I undertake," saidthe queen, "that they will love each other all their life long." But asthey sailed in the ship, it chanced that Tristram saw the flask standingin the cabin. "Madam," said he to Isoude, "here is choice wine whichyour servant Bragwaine and my servant Govemale have put on one side forthemselves; but we will disappoint them." So they drank to each othermerrily, thinking no evil; but from that time they loved each other, andtheir love never changed in weal or woe.
Now the ship put into a harbour by a castle that was named Pluere, andSir Tristram and Isoude went on shore to refresh themselves. But as soonas they came within the castle they were taken prisoners; for the customof the castle was that whatever knight came there with a lady must fightwith the lord, who was named Sir Brewnor, and his lady must be shownagainst Sir Brewnors lady. If Sir Brewnor overcame the strange knight,then was the other put to death; and if Sir Brewnor's lady were thefairer, then must the other lady lose her head. That custom had beenkept 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 fouland shameful one. "But," said he, "one advantage have I, that my ladyis the fairest I ever saw, and I do not fear that for lack of beautyshe will lose her head; and as for me, rather than lose my head, I willfight for it on a fair field."
On the morrow Sir Tristram got his horse and armour brought him, and wasled with Isoude to an open place within the castle, where was a greatassemblage to see what should take place. Then came Sir Brewnor with hislady 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 losethy head."
"Sir," answered Tristram, "this is a foul and horrible custom that youuse. Rather than that my lady should lose her head, I would choose tolose 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 thanyours, and whoever may say the contrary, I will prove it upon his body."Thereupon Sir Tristram unveiled La Beale Isoude, and turned her roundthrice, so that all might see her, the while he held his naked sword inhis other hand. Sir Brewnor did the like with his lady; but as soon ashe had beheld Isoude, he thought he had never seen a fairer lady, andall the people that were present gave judgment that she was the fairer.
"How now?" said Sir Tristram. "Because you and your lady have long usedthis wicked custom, and have caused the destruction of many good knightsand ladies, it were no great damage to destroy you both."
"Well," said Brewnor, "it is true that thy lady is fairer than mine; andif 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 ladyfrom him, and she bent her neck, and without more words he smote off herhead.
"Well, knight," said Brewnor, "thou hast done me a despite." Then theytook their horses, and ran together; and Sir Tristram unhorsed SirBrewnor, who thereupon drew his sword, and thrust Sir Tristram's horsethrough the shoulders, so that he fell dead to the earth. And SirBrewnor strove to slay Tristram as the horse fell; but Tristram was toonimble for him, and got out his sword before the other could give himmore than one or two strokes. So they fought a long time, for this SirBrewnor was a proved and wily knight; but at last he was getting theworse, when he rushed on Sir Tristram and took him in his arms withintent to throw him on the ground, for he trusted much in his strength.But at that time Tristram was reckoned the strongest knight in theworld, for he was stronger than even Sir Lancelot, though Lancelot wasthe 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 SirTristram, 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 highprince, Sir Brewnor's son, who was near by with the King of the HundredKnights, and told him what had happened. So they came forthwith to thecastle with a great fellowship of knights. Sir Galahaut challenged SirTristram to fight, and they had a long tussle, but in the end Tristramgot the better; and then all the knights fell fiercely upon him, so heyielded to Sir Galahaut, but told him that he had done unknightly tosuffer his men to meddle. The King of the Hundred Knights would have hadSir Galahaut kill Sir Tristram because he had slain Sir Brewnor; but SirGalahaut would not, and said he could not blame Sir Tristram, because ofthe shameful custom that his father had used. And when the King of theHundred Knights heard what the custom was, he also said it was an evilone. Then Sir Tristram told his name and the errand he was on to SirGalahaut, who set him at liberty on a pledge that as soon as he might hewould go in fellowship with Sir Lancelot.
After that, Tristram brought La Beale Isoude to Cornwall, where she andKing Marke were married with much ceremony; but ever she gave all herlove to Sir Tristram. Now it befell that some of Queen Isoude's ladieswere jealous of Dame Bragwaine, who had come with her from Ireland, andthey got some churls to set upon her while she was gathering herbs ina forest, and bind her to a tree. There she was three days, and then bychance Sir Palomides found her, and saved her from death, and tookher to a nunnery near by to be recovered. Queen Isoude greatly lovedBragwaine, and much lamented her absence; and one day she was walking inthe forest and lamenting, when Sir Palomides overheard her. So he cameto her, and said, "Madam, if you will grant me a boon, I will undertaketo bring you Dame Bragwaine safe and sound."
To hear this Isoude was so glad that, without thinking, she agreedto his offer; and straightway he went to the nunnery, and brought outBragwaine to her. Then he reminded her of her promise; and she said,"Sir Palomides, I know not what your desire is, but though I promisedyou largely, I thought no ill, nor will I consent to any." Palomidessaid he would make his request before her husband King Marke. ThenIsoude went back to the court, and Palomides soon followed. He laid hiscase before the king, and told him what the queen had promised; and shehad 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 heras 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 herwith the adventures that may befall, for I suppose thou wilt not longkeep her."
"As for that," said Palomides, "I dare well abide the adventure." Andhe took Queen Isoude by the hand, and led her away. Anon King Marke sentfor Sir Tristram; but he could not be found, for he was hunting in theforest. Then a knight of Sir Tristram's named Sir Lambegus proffered togo and essay the rescue of the queen. He followed after Palomides, andchallenged him, and they fought a strong battle; but at the last SirPalomides smote down Sir Lambegus, so that he lay as if dead. But whilethey were fighting, the queen had run away into the forest. She cameto a well, and was going to drown herself in it; but a knight named SirAndret that had a castle thereby prevented her, and took her into hiscastle. When he knew what had happened, he armed him, and went out toseek Sir Palomides, to avenge the queen. So he met Palomides, who foughtwith him, wounded him well-nigh to death, and forced him to say wherethe queen was. So Palomides rode to the castle; but Isoude saw himcoming, and caused all the gates to be
shut fast. When Palomides foundthat he could not gain entrance, he put his horse to pasture, and satdown at the gate raging like a man that had lost his wits.
In the meanwhile, Sir Tristram had come home from hunting, and learnedhow Sir Palomides had taken away the queen. "Alas!" he cried, "thisday am I shamed, for well I know that Sir Lambegus hath not might towithstand Sir Palomides." He armed as quickly as he might, and followedafter them. From Sir Andret, whom he found sore wounded, he learned allthat had happened, and that Isoude was safe within his castle. So hethanked that knight much, and rode on till he came to the castle, andthere he saw Palomides sleeping at the gate. So he sent Govemale to saythat his mortal enemy, Tristram, was there. When Govemale had deliveredthat message, Sir Palomides arose without saying a word, took his horseand his spear, and ran at Sir Tristram, who smote him over his horse'stail. Then they took to their swords, and both fought eagerly, for itwas for the love of the same lady; and Isoude sat within, and watchedthem fight. But ever Palomides got the worse, and Queen Isoude said toherself, "Well, I know that by the end Sir Palomides will be but a deadknight, and because he is not yet christened I am loath that he shoulddie a Saracen." So she came out of the castle, and implored Sir Tristramto fight no more.
"Madam," he cried, "what mean you? Will you have me shamed? You knowwell I will be ruled by you."
"I wish not your dishonour," answered the queen; "but I ask that for mysake you spare this unhappy Saracen Sir Palomides."
"Madam," said Tristram, "at your bidding I will leave fighting for thistime."
"This," she said to Palomides, "shall be your charge, that you quit thiscountry while I am within it."
"I will obey your bidding," answered Palomides, "but sorely against mywill."
"Take then thy way to the court of King Arthur," said the queen, "andcommend me to Queen Guenever, and tell her I send her word that thereare in this land but four true lovers--Lancelot du Lake and Guenever andTristram 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 wasmuch honoured and cherished at court; but ere long the king grew verysuspicious of his love for Queen Isoude; and one day, as they weretalking in a window-place, he suddenly drew his sword, and ran atTristram to take his life, calling him a false traitor. Tristram caughtthe sword from him, and smote him five or six times on the back with theflat of it, so that he fell on his face. Then he and his knights wentinto the forest, and waged such warfare against King Marke's knightsthat the king was glad to make friendship with him again. So for a timeall went smoothly; and the king held a jousting in the forest, to thewhich came Sir Lamoracke de Galis, who was one of the best knights ofthe world, and he did mightily, overthrowing thirty knights. Then KingMarke asked Sir Tristram to joust with Sir Lamoracke. That he was loathto do, because, he said, both the knight and his horse were tired, andit 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. SirLamoracke met him mightily, but his horse was so wearied that withthe force of their meeting it fell to the ground, Sir Lamoracke stillkeeping his seat in the saddle. Then Lamoracke was wroth, and requiredSir Tristram to fight on foot; but Sir Tristram would not, and said hehad only jousted with him because he was so commanded. But his refusalonly made Sir Lamoracke the more angry, and he swore to be quits withSir Tristram.
Shortly afterward Sir Lamoracke met a knight of Morgan le Fay that wasgoing to King Arthur's court with a magic drinkinghorn that Morgan hadcontrived to shame Queen Guenever and Sir Lancelot; for it was of suchkind that any wife who did not love her husband best could not drinkfrom it without spilling. When Sir Lamoracke understood the virtue ofthe horn, he made the knight bear it to King Marke's court to spite SirTristram. The king made his queen Isoude and a hundred ladies of hiscourt drink from it, and very few of them drank clean. Then was the kingangered, and swore that the queen and the ladies who had failed shouldbe burned. But his barons plainly said they would not suffer it. SirTristram was wroth at Sir Lamoracke because he had sent the horn. And hehad cause, for soon fresh quarrels arose between him and the king; andat the last he was driven from the country, and Queen Isoude shut ina close prison. Sir Tristram went to Brittany, and fought in the warsthere, and had many adventures; but after a while he returned to Britainto seek Isoude. There he met Sir Lamoracke sitting by a well, and theyhad a great battle together; but neither could prevail, so they sworefriendship together, and that neither of them should fight against theother. Then both of them chanced to meet Sir Palomides, who at that timehad taken up the quest of following a strange and dreadful beast thatwas 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 itmade was like the cry or questing of thirty couples of hounds. It waswhile he was seeking this beast that Sir Palomides met Sir Lamoracke andSir Tristram; and there with one spear he smote them both down; whichshows that sometimes the worse knight may put the better knight toreproach.
After that, Sir Tristram and Sir Lamoracke parted; and as Sir Tristramrode 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 wellbe," said Sir Kay, "for I never yet heard that any good knight came outof Cornwall."
"That is evil said," quoth Tristram; "but if it please you to tell meyour 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 shamefullestknight of your tongue that is now living; howbeit it is said that youare a good knight."
In a while there joined fellowship with them Sir Tor, the half-brotherof Sir Lamoracke, and Sir Brandiles. These two and Sir Kay spoke muchshame of Cornish knights; and Sir Tristram sat by and said nothing, buthe thought the more. In a while Sir Brandiles asked him to joust; andSir Tristram smote him down, and afterwards served Sir Tor in the samemanner. Then he rode on his way, and the three knights followed tillthey overtook him. He proffered them to joust; but they said they hadhad enough of that, and they required him to tell them his name. This hedid, and they were right glad, and said that he ought to be a Knight ofthe Round Table, all the fellowship of which desired his company. SirTristram said he was not worthy to be of that fellowship; but they allsaid he was the knight of most power alive, except Sir Lancelot. Aftermuch conversation they parted.
Now King Arthur had at this time fallen into the crafts of anenchantress named the Lady Annowre, that had brought him into a placecalled the Forest Perilous with intent to have his love; and when shecould 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 theforest where Sir Tristram was, to seek him or Sir Lancelot, to rescuethe king; for she knew that unless she got the aid of one or other ofthem 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 waswrought in this land."
"Fair damsel," said Tristram, "can I amend it?"
"Come with me," quoth she, "and make what haste you may; for you shallsee the man of most worship in the world sorely bestead. It is noneother than King Arthur himself."
"God forbid that he should be in such peril," said Sir Tristram. Andthey rode together at a great pace till they came to a castle, and atits base there was a knight fighting on foot against two others. Even asSir Tristram came up, the two had smitten down the one knight, whichwas King Arthur, and were unlacing his helm to slay him, while theenchantress Annowre had got the king's sword in her hand to havestricken 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 Lakecried out to King Arthur, "Let not that untrue lady escape." So KingArthur overtook her, and, having got his sword again, he smote off herhead 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 kingthanked him most heartily, and begged for his name; but Sir Tristramwould not give it, saying only that he was a poor knight adventurer, andwould bear the king company till he came to some of his own knights. Ina little they met Sir Ector de Maris, and he, not knowing King Arthuror Sir Tristram, desired to joust with one of them. Sir Tristram rode tohim and smote him off his horse. When he had done that, he said to KingArthur: "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 youservice."
"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 QueenIsoude--who had returned to her husband's court--to the great joy ofboth of them. But by mishap Sir Tristram was led mistakenly to believethat Isoude had proved false to him, and he grieved so sorely that hewent out of his mind, and ran wild in a wood among herdmen, where heremained a long time. And there he soused Sir Dagonet, King Arthur'sfool, in a well; and also slew a great giant named Taueleas and rescued aknight whom Taueleas had conquered. When King Marke heard of the wildman that did such deeds, he had him brought to his castle. There SirTristram came to his wits again; and when King Marke knew who it was, hewould 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 Cornwallfor ten years. As he went to the ship there came to him a knight ofKing Arthur's named Sir Dinadan, who had travelled to Cornwall to seekfellowship with him, and this knight asked leave to go with him. SirTristram assented, for Dinadan was a good knight, and ever full ofmirth. Then he and Sir Dinadan went into the ship together, and SirTristram sent back a message of defiance to King Marke, that he wouldcome again when he chose.
After he and Sir Dinadan had landed in King Arthur's realm, there cameto them a damsel that was seeking good knights to defend Sir Lancelotagainst the treason of Morgan le Fay, who had ordained thirty knightsto lie in wait for him. The damsel knew of this plot, and sought forknights to hinder it. When she told Sir Tristram, he said,--
"Fair damsel, bring me to the place where they are to meet SirLancelot."
"Why!" cried Dinadan, "what will you do? It is not for us to fight withthirty knights. I am ready enough to deal with one or two, but to fightwith 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 ofCornwall have such a name for cowardice that you are forborne, so Ishall be left in peace."
"No," said Tristram, "I will not part with my shield, for her sake thatgave it me. But if you will not go with me, I swear that I will slayyou; for I only ask of you to answer one knight, and if that be toomuch, then stand by and look on."
"Sir," said Dinadan, "I promise to do what I can to save myself, but Iheartily wish I had never met with you."
Then were they aware of the thirty knights that passed by to lie in waitfor Sir Lancelot. Sir Tristram cried out, "Lo! here is a knight againstyou for the love of Sir Lancelot;" and he slew two with his spear andten with his sword. Thereafter came in Sir Dinadan, and he did passingwell; and in the end, of the thirty knights there went but ten away, andthey 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 wantedlodging must joust with two knights that dwelt there. Sir Tristram andSir Dinadan smote them both down, and then they went within and hadgood cheer. But just as they were about to take their rest, came SirPalomides 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 ofthe castle now that we have got the better of the lord of the castle, soyou must even make you ready."
"In an evil hour came I into your company," answered Dinadan, and withmuch grumbling he made him ready. When they encountered, Sir Tristrammet Sir Gaheris and gave him a fall, but Sir Palomides unhorsed SirDinadan and bruised him much. Then they were for fighting on foot, andSir Tristram was ready enough, but Sir Dinadan would not. "You fare likea madman," said he to Tristram; "and I may curse the hour when I sawyou. There are not in the world two knights that crave after fighting asdo you and Sir Lancelot. Once I fell in his company, and he set me workthat kept me in bed for a quarter of a year."
"Then will I fight them both," said Tristram; but to this the otherswould not agree, so he encountered Sir Palomides alone, and in a whilehe 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 andharness 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 bruisedthat he could not ride, and he remained behind. There was a knight atthe priory named Sir Pellinore, and he desired to know Sir Tristram'sname; but he would not tell it. When Sir Tristram had departed, thisknight 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 willrepent it." The other took no heed, but went after Sir Tristram andrequired him to joust. Then Sir Tristram smote him down, and gave him agreat wound in the shoulder. And so he went his way.
About this time the King of Northgalis and King Carados of Scotlandagreed to hold a tournament against each other at a great castle calledthe Castle of Maidens, and Sir Tristram bethought him to go to thattournament. On the way he met with Sir Gawaine, and they had manyadventures together. The tournament lasted three days, and on each daySir Tristram smote down so many knights that the prize was given to him.But on the third day Sir Lancelot, by misadventure, hurt Sir Tristrambadly with a spear, and Sir Tristram left the field, because he wouldnot be known by King Arthur. When his wound was healed, he rode forthagain and encountered many knights; and at last he rescued Sir Palomidesfrom a felon knight named Sir Breuse sans Pitie that had set upon himwith a great fellowship. When Sir Tristram found who it was he hadrescued, he appointed a day to meet Sir Palomides in mortal combat,because there was ever enmity between them on account of the love thatboth bore to Queen Isoude. A solemn compact was made that they shouldfight at the tomb of Sir Lanceor, the knight of Ireland that was slainlong before by Balin le Savage. On the day set, Sir Tristram came tothe tomb, and there was he aware of a seemly knight that came riding inwhite armour, with a covered shield. When he came near Sir Tristram hecried out, "You are welcome, Sir Knight, and well and truly have youkept your promise." So they rode together with all their might, andboth were overthrown. After that they fought on foot for more than fourhours, and each dealt the other many sore strokes. At the last, thestrange knight said, "Sir Knight, you fight wondrous well, as ever I sawknight; therefore I require you, if it please you, tell me your name."
Tristram, who knew by this time that the stranger could not bePalomides--for he was too mighty--answered, "I am loath to tell thee myname."
"Truly," answered the other, "when I am required I am never loath totell 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 allthe 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 theyboth sat on the stone, took off their helms, and kissed each other, andthey had great joy at their meeting. And so was the prediction of Merlinfulfilled, that at that tomb the two best knights of the
world should dobattle.
Sir Lancelot conducted Sir Tristram to Gamelot, where King Arthur, whohad long desired him, and all the Knights of the Round Table, receivedhim with the greatest honour. And forthwith he was made Knight of theRound 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, andafter many hardships and perils he brought her with him to England.There they fell in with Sir Lancelot, who took them to his castle ofJoyous 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 thepresent we will leave them.