"Madam," said Palamides, calmly, "you may say what you will. I cannot in courtesy deny you. Yet by my knighthood I declare I knew not Sir Tristram." "I will take your excuse," said Tristram, "though it seems a lame one. You spared me little in the field, but all that I have pardoned." At this, Isolde held down her head in despite and said no more. While they were still at table two knights rode to the pavilions, and entered in full armor. "Fair sirs," said Tristram, "is this courtesy, to come upon us thus armed at our meal?" "We come with no ill intent," said one, "but as your friends, Sir Tristram." "I am come," said the other, "to greet you as a friend and comrade, and my companion is eager to see and welcome La Belle Isolde." "Then remove your helms, that I may see what guests I have." "That we do, willingly." No sooner were their helmets off than Tristram sprang hastily to his feet. "Madam, arise," he cried; "this is none less than my lord King Arthur; and this my very dear friend Sir Lancelot." Then the king and queen kissed, and Lancelot and Tristram warmly embraced, while deep joy filled all hearts there. At the request of Isolde the visitors removed their armor and joined them at their meal. "Many is the day that I have longed to see you," said Arthur to Isolde, "for much praise have I heard of you, and not without warrant. For a nobler match for beauty and valor than you and Sir Tristram the world does not hold." "We thank you heartily," replied Tristram and Isolde. "Such praise from King Arthur is the highest honor that men's lips could give." Then they talked of other things, but mainly of the tournament. "Why were you against us?" asked Arthur. "You are a Knight of the Round Table, and have fought to-day against your own." "Here is Dinadan, and your own nephew Gareth. You must blame them for that," said Tristram, smiling. "You may lay all the blame on my shoulders, if Tristram wishes it," said Gareth. "Not on mine, then," said Dinadan. "Mine are only broad enough to carry my own sins. It was this unhappy Tristram brought us to the tournament, and I owe to him a whole body full of aches and pains as it is, without taking any of his sins in my sack, to boot." At this the king and Lancelot laughed heartily, and the more so at the sour grimace with which Dinadan ended. "What knight was he with the shield of silver that held you so short?" asked Arthur. "Here he sits," said Tristram. "What! was it Palamides?" "None less than he," said Isolde. "That was not a courteous action." "Sir," said Palamides, "Tristram was so disguised that I knew him not." "That may well be," said Lancelot, "for I knew him no better." "However it be, we are friends again," said Tristram, "and I hope will continue so." And so the evening passed, till the time came for Arthur and Lancelot to take their leave.