Now turn we from this matter, and speak we of Sir Tristram, of whom
this book is principally of, and leave we the king and the queen, Sir
Launcelot, and Sir Lamorak, and here beginneth the treason of King
Mark, that he ordained against Sir Tristram. There was cried by the
coasts of Cornwall a great tournament and jousts, and all was done by
Sir Galahalt the haut prince and King Bagdemagus, to the intent to slay
Launcelot, or else utterly destroy him and shame him, because Sir
Launcelot had always the higher degree, therefore this prince and this
king made this jousts against Sir Launcelot. And thus their counsel was
discovered unto King Mark, whereof he was full glad.
Then King Mark bethought him that he would have Sir Tristram unto that
tournament disguised that no man should know him, to that intent that
the haut prince should ween that Sir Tristram were Sir Launcelot. So at
these jousts came in Sir Tristram. And at that time Sir Launcelot was
not there, but when they saw a knight disguised do such deeds of arms,
they weened it had been Sir Launcelot. And in especial King Mark said
it was Sir Launcelot plainly. Then they set upon him, both King
Bagdemagus, and the haut prince, and their knights, that it was wonder
that ever Sir Tristram might endure that pain. Notwithstanding for all
the pain that he had, Sir Tristram won the degree at that tournament,
and there he hurt many knights and bruised them, and they hurt him and
bruised him wonderly sore. So when the jousts were all done they knew
well that it was Sir Tristram de Liones; and all that were on King
Mark’s party were glad that Sir Tristram was hurt, and the remnant were
sorry of his hurt; for Sir Tristram was not so behated as was Sir
Launcelot within the realm of England.
Then came King Mark unto Sir Tristram and said: Fair nephew, I am sorry
of your hurts. Gramercy my lord, said Sir Tristram. Then King Mark made
Sir Tristram to be put in an horse bier in great sign of love, and
said: Fair cousin, I shall be your leech myself. And so he rode forth
with Sir Tristram, and brought him to a castle by daylight. And then
King Mark made Sir Tristram to eat. And then after he gave him a drink,
the which as soon as he had drunk he fell asleep. And when it was night
he made him to be carried to another castle, and there he put him in a
strong prison, and there he ordained a man and a woman to give him his
meat and drink. So there he was a great while.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account