When Sir Tristram heard how Sir Palomides went to his death, he was
heavy to hear that, and said: Howbeit that I am wroth with Sir
Palomides, yet will not I suffer him to die so shameful a death, for he
is a full noble knight. And then anon Sir Tristram was armed and took
his horse and two squires with him, and rode a great pace toward the
castle of Pelownes where Sir Palomides was judged to death. And these
twelve knights that led Sir Palomides passed by a well whereas Sir
Launcelot was, which was alighted there, and had tied his horse to a
tree, and taken off his helm to drink of that well; and when he saw
these knights, Sir Launcelot put on his helm and suffered them to pass
by him. And then was he ware of Sir Palomides bounden, and led
shamefully to his death. O Jesu, said Launcelot, what misadventure is
befallen him that he is thus led toward his death? Forsooth, said
Launcelot, it were shame to me to suffer this noble knight so to die an
I might help him, therefore I will help him whatsomever come of it, or
else I shall die for Sir Palomides’ sake. And then Sir Launcelot
mounted upon his horse, and gat his spear in his hand, and rode after
the twelve knights that led Sir Palomides. Fair knights, said Sir
Launcelot, whither lead ye that knight? it beseemeth him full ill to
ride bounden. Then these twelve knights suddenly turned their horses
and said to Sir Launcelot: Sir knight, we counsel thee not to meddle
with this knight, for he hath deserved death, and unto death he is
judged. That me repenteth, said Launcelot, that I may not borrow him
with fairness, for he is over good a knight to die such a shameful
death. And therefore, fair knights, said Sir Launcelot, keep you as
well as ye can, for I will rescue that knight or die for it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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