But Tristram, nothing mistrusting, got together a company of gallant knights, all fairly arrayed as became men sent by their King on such an errand; and with them he embarked on a goodly ship.  Now it chanced that when he had reached the open sea, a great storm arose and drove him back on to the coast of England, and landing with great difficulty he set up his pavilion hard by the city of Camelot.

Presently, word was brought him by his squire that King Anguish with his company lay hard by, and that the King was in sore straits; for he was charged with the murder of a knight of Arthur’s court, and must meet in combat Sir Blamor, one of the stoutest knights of the Round Table.  Then Sir Tristram rejoiced, for he saw in this opportunity of serving King Anguish the means of earning his good will.  So he betook himself to the King’s tent, and proffered to take upon him the encounter, for the kindness shown him by King Anguish in former days.  And the King gratefully accepting of his championship, the next day Sir Tristram encountered with Sir Blamor, overthrew him, and so acquitted the Irish King of the charge brought against him.  Then in his joy, King Anguish begged Sir Tristram to voyage with him to his own land, bidding Tristram ask what boon he would and he should have it.  So rejoicing in his great fortune, Sir Tristram sailed once again for the Irish land.

CHAPTER XV

HOW SIR TRISTRAM AND THE FAIR ISOLT DRANK OF THE MAGIC POTION

Then King Anguish made haste to return to Ireland, taking Sir Tristram with him.  And when he was come there and had told all his adventures, there was great rejoicing over Sir Tristram, but of none more than of the Fair Isolt.  So when Sir Tristram had stayed there some while, King Anguish reminded him of the boon he should ask and of his own willingness to grant it.  “Sir King,” replied Sir Tristram, “now will I ask it.  Grant me your daughter, the Fair Isolt, that I may take her to Cornwall, there to become the wife of my uncle, King Mark.”  Then King Anguish grieved when he heard Sir Tristram’s request, and said:  “Far more gladly would I give her to you to wife.”  “That may not be,” replied Sir Tristram; “my honour forbids.”  “Take her then,” said King Anguish, “she is yours to wed or to give to your uncle, King Mark, as seems good to you.”

So a ship was made ready and there entered it the Fair Isolt and Sir Tristram, and Gouvernail, his squire, and Dame Bragwaine, who was maid to the princess.  But before they sailed, the Queen gave in charge to Gouvernail and Dame Bragwaine a phial of wine which King Mark and Isolt should drink together on their wedding-day; “For,” said the Queen, “such is the magic virtue of this wine, that, having drunk of it, they may never cease from loving one another.”