King Arthur and the Knights of the Round TableMalory, Thomas, Sir
General
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
Malory, Thomas, Sir
Arthurian romances
So they took their horses and came together as fast as they could fly,
and Sir Tristram lightly smote Sir Brewnor from his horse. But he rose
right quickly, and when Sir Tristram came again he thrust his horse
through both the shoulders, so that it reeled and fell. But Sir Tristram
was light and nimble, and voided his horse, and rose up and dressed his
shield before him, though meanwhile, ere he could draw out his sword,
Sir Brewnor gave him three or four grievous strokes. Then they rushed
furiously together like two wild boars, and fought hurtling and hewing
here and there for nigh two hours, and wounded each other full sorely.
Then at the last Sir Brewnor rushed upon Sir Tristram and took him in
his arms to throw him, for he trusted greatly in his strength. But Sir
Tristram was at that time called the strongest and biggest knight of the
world; for he was bigger than Sir Lancelot, though Sir Lancelot was
better breathed. So anon he thrust Sir Brewnor groveling to the earth,
and then unlaced his helm and struck off his head. Then all they that
belonged to the castle came and did him homage and fealty, and prayed
him to abide there for a season and put an end to that foul custom.
But within a while he departed and came to Cornwall, and there King Mark
was forthwith wedded to La Belle Isault with great joy and splendor.
And Sir Tristram had high honor, and ever lodged at the king's court.
But for all he had done him such services King Mark hated him, and on a
certain day he set two knights to fall upon him as he rode in the
forest. But Sir Tristram lightly smote one's head off, and sorely
wounded the other, and made him bear his fellow's body to the king. At
that the king dissembled and hid from Sir Tristram that the knights were
sent by him; yet more than ever he hated him in secret, and sought to
slay him.
So on a certain day, by the assent of Sir Andret, a false knight, and
forty other knights, Sir Tristram was taken prisoner in his sleep and
carried to a chapel on the rocks above the sea to be cast down. But as
they were about to cast him in, suddenly he brake his bonds asunder, and
rushing at Sir Andret, took his sword and smote him down therewith.
Then, leaping down the rocks where none could follow, he escaped them.
But one shot after him and wounded him full sorely with a poisoned arrow
in the arm.
Anon, his servant Governale, with Sir Lambegus, sought him and found him
safe among the rocks, and told him that King Mark had banished him and
all his followers to avenge Sir Andret's death. So they took ship and
came to Brittany.
Now Sir Tristram, suffering great anguish from his wound, was told to
seek Isoude, the daughter of the King of Brittany, for she alone could
cure such wounds. Wherefore he went to King Howell's court, and said,
"Lord, I am come into this country to have help from thy daughter, for
men tell me none but she may help me." And Isoude gladly offering to do
her best, within a month he was made whole.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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