[Sidenote:  King Angus welcomes Sir Tristram] But when King Angus saw Sir Tristram who he was, and when he beheld a face that was both familiar and kind, he gave a great cry of joy, and ran to Sir Tristram and flung his arms about him, and kissed him upon the cheek; for he was rejoiced beyond measure to find a friend in that unfriendly place.

Then Sir Tristram said, “Lord, what cheer have you?” Unto that King Angus replied:  “Tristram, I have very poor cheer; for I am alone amongst enemies with no one to befriend me, and unless I find some knight who will stand my champion to-morrow or the next day I am like to lose my life for the murder of Sir Bertrand de la Riviere Rouge.  And where am I to find any one to act as my champion in defence of my innocence in this place, where I behold an enemy in every man whom I meet?  Alas, Tristram!  There is no one in all the world who will aid me unless it be you, for you alone of all the knights in the world beyond the circle of the knights of the Round Table may hope to stand against so excellent and so strong a hero!”

“Lord,” quoth Sir Tristram, “I know very well what great trouble overclouds you at this time, and it is because of that that I am come hither for to visit you.  For I have not at any time forgotten how that I told you when you spared my life in Ireland that mayhap the time might come when I might serve as your friend in your day of need.  So if you will satisfy me upon two points, then I myself will stand for your champion upon this occasion.”

“Ah, Tristram,” quoth King Angus, “what you say is very good news to me indeed.  For I believe there is no other knight in all the world (unless it be Sir Launcelot of the Lake) who is so strong and worthy a knight as you.  So tell me what are those two matters concerning which you would seek satisfaction, and, if it is possible for me to do so, I will give you such an answer as may please you.”

“Lord,” said Sir Tristram, “the first matter is this:  that you shall satisfy me that you are altogether innocent of the death of Sir Bertrand.  And the second matter is this:  that you shall grant me whatsoever favor it is that I shall have to ask of you.”

[Sidenote:  King Angus swears innocence to Sir Tristram] Then King Angus arose and drew his sword and he said:  “Tristram, behold; here is my sword—­and the guard thereof and the blade thereof and the handle thereof make that holy sign of the cross unto which all Christian men bow down to worship.  Look!  See!  Here I kiss that holy sign and herewith I swear an oath upon that sacred symbol, and I furthermore swear upon the honor of my knighthood, that I am altogether guiltless of the death of that noble, honorable knight aforesaid.  Nor do I at all know how it was he met his death, for I am innocent of all evil knowledge thereof.  Now, Messire, art thou satisfied upon that point?” And Sir Tristram said, “I am satisfied.”

Then King Angus said:  “As to the matter of granting you a favor, that I would do in any case for the love I bear you.  So let me hear what it is that you have to ask of me.”