So then they rode into their pavilions; and when they were alighted
they unarmed them and washed their faces and hands, and so yode unto
meat, and were set at their table. But when Isoud saw Sir Palomides she
changed then her colours, and for wrath she might not speak. Anon Sir
Tristram espied her countenance and said: Madam, for what cause make ye
us such cheer? we have been sore travailed this day. Mine own lord,
said La Beale Isoud, for God’s sake be ye not displeased with me, for I
may none otherwise do; for I saw this day how ye were betrayed and nigh
brought to your death. Truly, sir, I saw every deal, how and in what
wise, and therefore, sir, how should I suffer in your presence such a
felon and traitor as Sir Palomides; for I saw him with mine eyes, how
he beheld you when ye went out of the field. For ever he hoved still
upon his horse till he saw you come in againward. And then forthwithal
I saw him ride to the hurt knight, and changed harness with him, and
then straight I saw him how he rode into the field. And anon as he had
found you he encountered with you, and thus wilfully Sir Palomides did
battle with you; and as for him, sir, I was not greatly afraid, but I
dread sore Launcelot, that knew you not. Madam, said Palomides, ye may
say whatso ye will, I may not contrary you, but by my knighthood I knew
not Sir Tristram. Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram, I will take your
excuse, but well I wot ye spared me but little, but all is pardoned on
my part. Then La Beale Isoud held down her head and said no more at
that time.
CHAPTER LXXVIII. How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came unto their
pavilions as they sat at supper, and of Sir Palomides.
And therewithal two knights armed came unto the pavilion, and there
they alighted both, and came in armed at all pieces. Fair knights, said
Sir Tristram, ye are to blame to come thus armed at all pieces upon me
while we are at our meat; if ye would anything when we were in the
field there might ye have eased your hearts. Not so, said the one of
those knights, we come not for that intent, but wit ye well Sir
Tristram, we be come hither as your friends. And I am come here, said
the one, for to see you, and this knight is come for to see La Beale
Isoud. Then said Sir Tristram: I require you do off your helms that I
may see you. That will we do at your desire, said the knights. And when
their helms were off, Sir Tristram thought that he should know them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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