“In good sooth,” said Sir Brewnor, “thy lady is fairer than mine, and of all women I never saw any so fair.  Therefore, slay my lady if thou wilt, and I doubt not but I shall slay thee and have thine.”

“Thou shalt win her,” said Sir Tristram, “as dearly as ever knight won lady; and because of thy own judgment and of the evil custom that thy lady hath consented to, I will slay her as thou sayest.”

And therewithal Sir Tristram went to him and took his lady from him, and smote off her head at a stroke.

“Now take thy horse,” cried out Sir Brewnor, “for since I have lost my lady I will win thine and have thy life.”

So they took their horses and came together as fast as they could fly, and Sir Tristram lightly smote Sir Brewnor from his horse.  But he rose right quickly, and when Sir Tristram came again he thrust his horse through both the shoulders, so that it reeled and fell.  But Sir Tristram was light and nimble, and voided his horse, and rose up and dressed his shield before him, though meanwhile, ere he could draw out his sword, Sir Brewnor gave him three or four grievous strokes.  Then they rushed furiously together like two wild boars, and fought hurtling and hewing here and there for nigh two hours, and wounded each other full sorely.  Then at the last Sir Brewnor rushed upon Sir Tristram and took him in his arms to throw him, for he trusted greatly in his strength.  But Sir Tristram was at that time called the strongest and biggest knight of the world; for he was bigger than Sir Lancelot, though Sir Lancelot was better breathed.  So anon he thrust Sir Brewnor grovelling to the earth, and then unlaced his helm and struck off his head.  Then all they that belonged to the castle came and did him homage and fealty, and prayed him to abide there for a season and put an end to that foul custom.

But within a while he departed and came to Cornwall, and there King Mark was forthwith wedded to La Belle Isault with great joy and splendour.

And Sir Tristram had high honour, and ever lodged at the king’s court.  But for all he had done him such services King Mark hated him, and on a certain day he set two knights to fall upon him as he rode in the forest.  But Sir Tristram lightly smote one’s head off, and sorely wounded the other, and made him bear his fellow’s body to the king.  At that the king dissembled and hid from Sir Tristram that the knights were sent by him; yet more than ever he hated him in secret, and sought to slay him.

So on a certain day, by the assent of Sir Andret, a false knight, and forty other knights, Sir Tristram was taken prisoner in his sleep and carried to a chapel on the rocks above the sea to be cast down.  But as they were about to cast him in, suddenly he brake his bonds asunder, and rushing at Sir Andret, took his sword and smote him down therewith.  Then, leaping down the rocks where none could follow, he escaped them.  But one shot after him and wounded him full sorely with a poisoned arrow in the arm.