“Madam,” said he, “I promise faithfully that all my life I shall be your knight.”

Then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave him another, and after that he left her, weeping and lamenting, and went among the barons, and openly took his leave of them all, saying, “Fair lords, it so befalleth that I now must depart hence; therefore, if there be any here whom I have offended or who is grieved with me, let him now say it, and before I go I will amend it to the utmost of my power.  And if there be but one who would speak shame of me behind my back, let him say it now or never, and here is my body to prove it on—­body against body.”

And all stood still and said no word, though some there were of the queen’s kindred who would have assailed him had they dared.

So Sir Tristram departed from Ireland and took the sea and came with a fair wind to Tintagil.  And when the news came to King Mark that Sir Tristram was returned, healed of his wound, he was passing glad, and so were all his barons.  And when he had visited the king his uncle, he rode to his father, King Meliodas, and there had all the heartiest welcome that could be made him.  And both the king and queen gave largely to him of their lands and goods.

Anon he came again to King Mark’s court, and there lived in great joy and pleasure, till within a while the king grew jealous of his fame, and of the love and favour shown him by all damsels.  And as long as King Mark lived, he never after loved Sir Tristram, though there was much fair speech between them.

Then it befell upon a certain day that the good knight Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, brother to Sir Blamor de Ganis, and nigh cousin to Sir Lancelot of the Lake, came to King Mark’s court and asked of him a favour.  And though the king marvelled, seeing he was a man of great renown, and a knight of the Round Table, he granted him all his asking.  Then said Sir Bleoberis, “I will have the fairest lady in your court, at my own choosing.”

“I may not say thee nay,” replied the king; “choose therefore, but take all the issues of thy choice.”

So when he had looked around, he chose the wife of Earl Segwarides, and took her by the hand, and set her upon horseback behind his squire, and rode forth on his way.

Presently thereafter came in the earl, and rode out straightway after him in rage.  But all the ladies cried out shame upon Sir Tristram that he had not gone, and one rebuked him foully and called him coward knight, that he would stand and see a lady forced away from his uncle’s court.  But Sir Tristram answered her, “Fair lady, it is not my place to take part in this quarrel while her lord and husband is here to do it.  Had he not been at this court, peradventure I had been her champion.  And if it so befall that he speed ill, then may it happen that I speak with that foul knight before he pass out of this realm.”

Anon ran in one of Sir Segwarides’ squires, and told that his master was sore wounded, and at the point of death.  When Sir Tristram heard that, he was soon armed and on his horse, and Governale, his servant, followed him with shield and spear.