Chapter 12

CHAPTER XII.
THE STORY OF SIR TRISTRAM OF LYONESSE. SIR TRISTRAM rode through a forest, and saw ten men fighting, and
one man did battle against nine. So he rode to the knights and cried
to them, bidding them cease their battle, for they did themselves
great shame, so many knights to fight against one. Then answered the
master of the knights (his name was Sir Breuse sans Pitie, who was
at that time the most villainous knight living): "Sir knight, what
have ye to do to meddle with us? If ye be wise, depart on your way
as you came, for this knight shall not escape us." "That were pity,"
said Sir Tristram, "that so good a knight should be slain so cowardly;
therefore I warn you I will succor him with all my puissance."
Then Sir Tristram alighted off his horse, because they were on foot,
that they should not slay his horse. And he smote on the right hand
and on the left so vigorously, that well-nigh at every stroke he
struck down a knight. At last they fled, with Breuse sans Pitie,
into the tower, and shut Sir Tristram without the gate. Then Sir
Tristram returned back to the rescued knight, and found him sitting
under a tree, sore wounded. "Fair knight," said he, "how is it with
you?" "Sir knight," said Sir Palamedes, for he it was, "I thank you
for your great goodness, for ye have rescued me from death." "What
is your name?" said Sir Tristram. He said, "My name is Sir Palamedes."
"Say ye so?" said Sir Tristram; "now know that thou art the man in the
world that I most hate; therefore make thee ready, for I will do
battle with thee." "What is your name?" said Sir Palamedes. "My name
is Sir Tristram, your mortal enemy." "It may be so," said Sir
Palamedes; "but you have done overmuch for me this day, that I
should fight with you. Moreover, it will be no honor for you to have
to do with me, for you are fresh and I am wounded. Therefore, if you
will needs have to do with me, assign me a day, and I shall meet you
without fail." "You say well," said Sir Tristram; "now I assign you to
meet me in the meadow by the river of Camelot, where Merlin set the
monument." So they were agreed. Then they departed, and took their
ways diverse. Sir Tristram passed through a great forest into a plain,
till he came to a priory, and there he reposed him with a good man six
days.
Then departed Sir Tristram, and rode straight into Camelot to the
monument of Merlin, and there he looked about him for Sir Palamedes.
And he perceived a seemly knight, who came riding against him all in
white, with a covered shield. When he came nigh, Sir Tristram said
aloud, "Welcome, sir knight, and well and truly have you kept your
promise." Then they made ready their shields and spears, and came
together with all the might of their horses, so fiercely,