 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Le Morgh d'Artour, Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory. Book 7, Chapters 27-31, Chapter 27 And then there came with King Arthur, Sir Gavain, Agravain, Gaharis, his brethren, and then his nephews, Sir Avain, Le Blanchement, and Sir Aglovel, Sir Tor, Sir Percival de Galli, and Sir Lamorac de Galli. Then came Sir Lonselot de Lac, with his brethren, nephews and cousins, as Sir Lionel, Sir Héctor de Marie, Sir Bors de Ganesh, and Sir Gallodin, Sir Gallihood, and many more of Sir Lonselot's blood, and Sir Dinaran, Sir Lacot Malté, his brother, a good night, and Sir Sagramour, a good night, and all the most part of the round table. Also there came with King Arthur these nights, the King of Ireland, King Agrisans, and the King of Scotland, King Charros and King Uriens of the land of Gore, and King Bagdemagus and his sons, Sir Melilla Ganesh, and Sir Gallahol, the noble prince. All these kings, princes and earls, parents and other noble knights, as Sir Brandil, Sir Uvein de Savutre, and Sir Kay, Sir Pedyver, Sir Melio de Loegre, Sir Petipas of Winchelsie, Sir Godelike, all these came with King Arthur, and more that cannot be rehearsed. Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak of the great array that was made within the castle and about the castle for both parties. The Lady Dame Lioness ordained great array upon her part further her noble knights, for all manner of lodging and victual that came by land and by water, that there lacked nothing for her party, nor for the other, but there was plenty to be had for gold and silver for King Arthur and his knights. And then there came the harbingers from King Arthur for to harbour him, and his kings, dukes, earls, barons and knights. And then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lioness and the red knight of the red lawns, and Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore, that in no wise there should none of them tell not his name, and make no more of him than that of the least knight that there was. For he said, I will not be known of neither more nor less, neither at the beginning, neither at the ending. Then Dame Lioness said unto Sir Gareth, Sir, I will lend you a ring, but I would pray you, as you love me heartily, let me have it again when the tournament is done, for that ring increases my beauty much more than it is of himself. And the virtue of my ring is that, that is green, it will turn to red, and that is red, it will turn in likeness to green, and that is blue, it will turn to likeness of white, and that is white, it will turn in likeness to blue, and so it will do of all manner of colours. Also, who that birthed my ring shall lose no blood, and for great love I will give you this ring. Grummer said, Sir Gareth, my known lady, for this ring is passing meat to for me, for it will turn all manner of likeness that I am in, and that shall cause me that I shall not be known. Then Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth a bake horse that was a passing good horse, also he gave him good armour and sure, and a noble sword that sometimes Sir Gringamore's father won upon a heathen tyrant, and so, thus every night made him ready to that tournament. And King Arthur was come two days to fore the assumption of our lady, and there was all manner of royalty of all minstrelsy that might be found, also there came Queen Gunnevere and the Queen of Orkney, Sir Gareth' mother. And upon the assumption day, when Mass and Matins were done, there were heralds with trumpets commanded to blow to the field, and so there came out Sir Epinogros, the king son of Northumberland from the castle, and there encountered with him Sir Sagramore Ledissirou, and either of them break their spears through their hands, and then came Sir Palamedis out of the castle, and there encountered with him Gavain, and either of them smote others so hard that both the good knights and their horses fell to the earth, and then knights of either party rescued their knights. And then came in Sir Saffaire and Sir Sigward Wright's brethren to Sir Palamedis, and there encountered Sir Agravain with Sir Saffaire and Sir Gareth encountered with Sir Sigward Wright's. So Sir Saffaire smote down Agravain, and Sir Gavain's brother, and Sir Sigward Wright's Sir Saffaire's brother, and Sir Malagrin, a knight of the castle, encountered with Sir Uvein, Le Blancheman, and there Sir Uvein gave Sir Malagrin a fall that he had almost broke his neck. Chapter 28 Then Sir Brian, Delis-Ile and Grammar Grammarsam, knights of the castle, encountered with Sir Aglevail and Sir Tor, and Sir Tor smote down Sir Grammar Grammarsam to the earth. Then came in Sir Caradus of the Dolores Tower, and Sir Turkin, knights of the castle, and there encountered with them Sir Percival de Gales and Sir Lamorak de Gales, that were two brethren, and there encountered Sir Percival with Sir Caradus, and either break their spears unto their hands, and then Sir Turkin with Sir Lamorak, and either of them smote down others horse and all to the earth, and either parties rescued other and horse them again. And Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle, encountered with Sir Brandild and Sir Kay, and these four knights encountered mightily and break their spears to their hands. Then came in Sir Tristram, Sir Sadoch and Sir Dinas, knights of the castle, and there encountered Sir Tristram with Sir Bediver, and there Sir Bediver was smitten to the earth, both horse and man, and Sir Sadoch encountered with Sir Petipas, and there Sir Sadoch was overthrown, and there Uvein Lesavut smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneshal. Then came in Sir Hersent of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there encountered with him Sir Lonsalot Dulak, and there he smote Sir Persant, horse and man to the earth. Then came Sir Pertolipe from the castle, and there encountered with him Sir Lionel, and there Sir Pertolipe, the green knight, smote down Sir Lionel, brother to Sir Lonsalot. All this was marked by Noble Haralds, who bear him best and their names. And then came into the field Sir Persimons, the red knight, Sir Persant's brother. That was a knight of the castle, and he encountered with Sir Ector de Marie, and either smote others so hard that both their horses and they fell to the earth. And then came in the red knight of the red Lons, and Sir Gareth from the castle, and there encountered with him Sir Borde Gannis, and Sir Blioberis, and there the red knight, and Sir Borde either smote others so hard that their spears brass, and their horses fell scruveling to the earth. Then Sir Blioberis break his spear upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Blioberis fell to the earth. When Sir Galladin saw that, he bade Sir Gareth keep him, and Sir Gareth smote him to the earth. Then Sir Gallyhood got a spear to avenge his brother, and in the same way Sir Gareth served him, and Sir Dinaran and his brother, Lakot Maltail and Sir Sagramur Ledi-Siru and Sir Dordinas Lissavash, all these he bared down with one spear. When King Agvisons of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fair so, he marveled what he might be that one time seemed green, and another time, at his again coming, he said, Sir Gareth, and Sir Dinaran and his brother, came green, and another time, at his again coming, he seemed blue, and thus at every course that he rode to and fro, he changed his color, so that there might neither King nor Knight have ready cognizance of him. Then Sir Agvisons, the king of Ireland, encountered with Sir Gareth, and there Sir Gareth smote him from his horse, saddle and all, and then came King Carrados of Scotland, and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and man, and in the same wise he served King Uryans of the land of Gore, and then came in Sir Bagdemagus, and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and man to the earth, and Bagdemagus's son, Milliganus, break a spear upon Sir Gareth, mightily and nightly, and then Sir Gala Holt, the noble prince, cried on high, Knight, with the many colors, well hast thou josted, now make thee ready that I may just with thee. Sir Gareth heard him, and he got a great spear, and so they encountered together, and there the prince break his spear, but Sir Gareth smote him upon the left side of the helm that he reeled here and there, and he had fallen down, had not his men recovered him. So, God, me help, said King Arthur, that same night with the many colors is a good night, wherefore the king called unto him Sir Lonsalot, and he encountered with that night, Sir said Lonsalot, I may well find in my heart for to forbear him as at this time, for he hath had travel enough this day, and when a good night doth so well upon some day, it is no good night's part to let him of his worship, and namely, when a decent night has done so great labor for peradventure, said Sir Lonsalot, his quarrel is here this day, and I venture his best beloved with this lady of all that be here, for I see well he pains him and enforces him to do great deeds, and therefore, said Sir Lonsalot, as for me, this day he shall have the honor, though it lay in my power to put him from it, I would not. Chapter 29 Then, when this was done, there was drawing of swords, and there began a sword tournament, and there did Sir Lamarok marvellous deeds of arms, and betwixt Sir Lamarok and Sir Ironside, that was the red knight of the Red Lones, there was strong battle, and betwixt Sir Palamides and Blaobris, there was a strong battle, and Sir Gavain and Sir Tristramet, and there Sir Gavain had the words, for it pulls Sir Gavain from his horse, and there he was long upon foot and default. Then came in Sir Lonsalot and he smoked Sir Turkin and he, him, and then came Sir Carrados' brother, and both at once they assiled him, and he, as the most noblest knight of the world, worshipped fully fort with them both, that all men wondered of the noblest of Sir Lonsalot. And then came in Sir Gareth and knew that it was Sir Lonsalot that fought with the two Perilius knights, and then Sir Gareth came with his good horse and hurtled them in sander, and no stroke would his might to Sir Lonsalot, that espied Sir Lonsalot, and deemed it should be the good knight Sir Gareth. And then Sir Gareth rode here and there and smoked on the right hand and on the left hand, and all the fork might well spy where that he rode. And by fortune he met with his brother Sir Gavain, and there he put Sir Gavain with five or six knights of the round table, that all men said he put him in the most pain, and best he did his divore. For when Sir Tristram beheld him how he first justed and after fought so well with a sword, then he rode unto Sir Ironside and to Sir Percent of Inde and asked them by their faith, what manner a knight is, John the Knight, that seems in so many diverse colors. He said to himself in great pain, for he never ceaseth. What ye not, what he is, said Sir Ironside. No, said Sir Tristram. Then shall ye know that this is he that loves the lady of the castle, and she him again. And this is he that won me when I beseech the lady of this castle, and this is he that wants Sir Percent of Inde and his three brethren. The Lord is he come. He was called in the court of King Arthur, Bo-Man. What his right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, brother to Sir Gavane. By my head, said Sir Tristram, he is a good knight and a big man of arms, and if he be young he shall prove a full noble knight. He is but a child, they all said, and of Sir Lonslot he was made knight. Therefore he is mickled and then Sir Tristram, Sir Ironside, Sir Percent and his brother rode together for to help Sir Gareth, and then there were given many strong strokes. And then Sir Gareth rode out onto the one side to amend his helm and then said his dwarf, take me your ring that ye lose it not while that ye drink. And so when he had drunk he got on his helm and left his ring with his dwarf and the dwarf was glad that the ring was from him for then he wished well he should be known and then when Sir Gareth was in the field all folk saw him well and plainly that he was in yellow colors and there he raised of helms and pulled down knights that King Arthur had marveled what knight he was for the king saw by his hair that it was the same knight. Chapter 30 Before he was in so many colors and now he is but in one color that is yellow. Now go said King Arthur unto diverse heralds and ride about him and espy what manner knight he is for I have spared of many knights this day that be upon his party and all say they know him not and so an herald rode Nye Gareth as he could and there he saw written about his helm in gold is Sir Gareth of Orkney then the herald cried as he were wood and many heralds with him this is Sir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms whereby all kings and knights of Arthur's beheld him and awaited and then they pressed all to behold him and ever the herald cried this is Sir Gareth of Orkney King Lot's son and when Sir Gareth espy that he was discovered Sir Sagramur and his brother Sir Gavain O brother said Sir Gavain I weaned you would not have stricken me so when he heard him say so he thrang there and there and so with great pain he got out of the press and there he met with his dwarf O boy said Sir Gareth thou hast beguiled me foul this day that thou kept my ring give it to me anon again and then he spied my body with all and so he took it to him and then they all wist not where he was become and Sir Gavain had in manner espied where Sir Gareth rode and then he rode after him with all his might that espied Sir Gareth and rode lightly into the forest that Sir Gavain wist not where he was become and when Sir Gareth wist that Sir Gavain was passed he asked the dwarf to be seen it were best now that ye are escaped from spying that ye send my lady Dame Lyon as her ring it is well advised Sir Gareth now have it here and bear it to her and say that I recommend me unto her good grace and say her I will come when I may and I pray her to be true and faithful to me as I will be to her Sir said the dwarf it shall be done as ye command and so he rode his way unto the lady then she said where is my knight Sir Gareth Madam said the dwarf he bade me say that he would not belong from you and so lightly the dwarf came again unto Sir Gareth that would full feign have had a lodging for he had need to breed reposed and then fell there a thunder and a rain as heaven and earth should go together and Sir Gareth was not a little weary for of all that day neither his horse nor he so this Sir Gareth rode so long in that forest until the night came and ever it lightened and thundered as it had been would at the last by fortune he came to a castle and there he heard the weights upon the walls Chapter 31 then Sir Gareth rode unto the Barbican of the castle and prayed the porter fair to let him into the castle and answered ungoodly again and said thou get a snow lodging here fair Sir say not so for I'm a knight of King Arthur's and pray the Lord or the lady of this castle to give me harbor for the love of King Arthur then the porter went unto the Duchess and told her how there was a knight of King Arthur's would have harbor let him in said the Duchess for I will see that night and for King Arthur's sake then she ewed up into a tower over the gate with great torch light when Sir Gareth saw that torch light he cried on high whether thou be Lord or lady giant or champion I take no force so that I may have harbor this night and if it so be that I must needs fight spare me not to mourn when I have rested me for both I and my horse be wary Sir Knight said the lady who speaks nightly and boldly but with the well the Lord of this castle loved not King Arthur nor none of his court for my Lord has ever been against him and therefore thou were better not to come within this castle for and thou come in this night thou must come in under such form that where some ever thou meet my Lord by stig or by street thou must yield thee to him as prisoner well madam said Sir Gareth what is your Lord and what is his name Sir my Lord's name is the Duke de la Rose well madam said Sir Gareth I shall promise you in what place I meet your Lord I shall yield me unto him and to his good grace with that I understand he will do me no harm and if I understand that he will I will release myself say well said the Duchess and then she let the drawbridge down and so he rode into the hall and there he elighted and his horse was led into a stable and in the hall he unarmed him and said madam I will not out of this hall this night and when it is daylight let's see who will have a do with me he shall find me ready then was he set unto supper and had many good dishes then Sir Gareth list well to eat and nightly he ate his meat and eagerly there was many a fair lady by him and some said they never saw a goodlier man nor so well of eating then they made him passing a good share and shortly when he had sucked his bed was made there so he rested him all night and on morn he heard mass and break his fast and took his leave at the Duchess hall and thanked her goodly of a lodging and who is good share and then she asked him his name madam he said truly my name is Gareth of Orkney and some men call me boomer then you she well it was the same night that fought for Dame Lioness so Sir Gareth departed and rode up into a mountain and there met him a night his name was Sir Benderlane and said to Sir Gareth thou shalt not pass this way for either thou shalt just with me or else be my prisoner then I will just said Sir Gareth and so they let their horses run and there Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body and Sir Benderlane rode forth to his castle there beside and there died so Sir Gareth would have rested him and he came riding to Benderlane's castle then his knights and servants aspired that it was he that had slain their lord then they armed twenty good men and came out and assailed Sir Gareth and so he had no spear but his sword and put his shield for him and there they break their spears upon him and they assailed him passingly sore but ever Sir Gareth defended him as a knight end of book 7 chapter 31 of Le Morte d'Artour volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory read by Lorsch Rulander chapters 32 to 35 book 7 volume 1 of Le Morte d'Artere this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Le Morte d'Artere chapter 31 chapter 32 chapter 32 so when they saw that they might not overcome him they rode from him and took their council to slay his horse and so they came in upon Sir Gareth and with spears they slew his horse and then they assailed him hard but when he was on foot there was none that he fought but he gave him such a buffet that he did never recover so he slew them by one and one till they were but four pears and rode his way then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle and there he heard much mourning of ladies and gentlewomen so there came by him a page what noise is this said Sir Gareth that I hear within this castle Sir Knight said the page hear be within this castle 30 ladies and they all be widows for here is a knight that waded daily upon this castle and his name is the brown knight without pity Sir Gareth said the page I read you flee nay said Sir Gareth I will not flee though thou be a feared of him and when the page saw where came the brown knight low said the page yonder he cometh let me deal with him said Sir Gareth and when either of other had a sight they let their horses run and the brown knight break his spear and Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body that he overthrew him to the ground stark dead and the mass said the ladies you may not be lodged here make him good cheer said the page for this knight hath slain your enemy then they all made him good cheer as lay in their power but wit ye well they made him good cheer for they might none otherwise do for they were but poor and so on the morning he went to mass and there he saw the 30 ladies kneel and lay groveling upon diverse tombs making great dole and sorrow then Sir Gareth whisked well that in the tombs lay their lords and Sir Gareth ye must at the next feast of Pentecost be at the court of King Arthur and say that I, Sir Gareth, sent you thither we shall do this said the ladies so he departed and by fortune he came to a mountain and there he found a goodly knight that bad him abide Sir Knight and joust with me what are you said Sir Gareth my name is said he the Duke de la Rouse ah Sir you are the same knight that I lodged once in your castle and there I made promise unto your lady and said the Duke thou art that proud knight that proffers to fight with my knights therefore make thee ready for I will have a do with you so they let their horses run and there Sir Gareth smote the Duke down from his horse but the Duke lightly avoided his horse and dressed his shield and drew his sword and bathed Sir Gareth alight and fight with him so he did alight and they did great battle together more than an hour and either hurt the other full sore and then he yield to him then must you go said Sir Gareth unto Sir Arthur my lord at the next feast and say that I Sir Gareth of Orkney sent you unto him it shall be done said the Duke and I will do to you homage and fealty with a hundred knights with me and all the days of my life to do you service where you will command me Chapter 33 so the Duke departed and Sir Gareth stood there alone and there he saw an armed knight toward him then Sir Gareth took the Duke's shield and mounted upon horseback and so without bidding they ran together as it had been the thunder and there that night hurt Sir Gareth under the side with his spear and then they alighted and drew their swords and gave great strokes that the blood trailed to the ground and so they fought two hours at the last there came the Demosel that some men called the Demosel and she came riding upon an ambling mule and there she cried high Sir Gareth, Sir Gareth leave the fighting with thy brother Gareth and when he heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword and ran to Sir Gareth and took him in his arms and Sithin kneeled down and asked him mercy who are you said Sir Gareth that right now we're so strong and so mighty and now so suddenly yield you to me oh Gareth I am your brother Sir Gareth that for your sake have had great sorrow and labor and asked him mercy then they rose both and embraced each other in the arms and wept a great while or they might speak and either of them gave the other prize of battle and there were many kind words between them alas my fair brother said Sir Gareth Perti I owe of right to worship you and you are not my brother for you have worshiped King Arthur and all his court for you have sent him more worshipful nights the twelve months then came the Damazelle Savage that was the lady Lynette that rode with Sir Gareth so long and there she did staunch Sir Gareth's wins and Sir Gowans now what will you do said the Damazelle Savage me seemeth that it were well done that Arthur had riding of you both for your horses are so bruised that they may not bear now fair Damazelle said Sir Gowan I pray you ride into Lord my uncle King Arthur and tell him what adventure is to me betide here and I suppose that he will not tarry long and when he took her mule and lightly she came to King Arthur that was but two mile vents and when she had told him tidings the king bad get him a paw free and when he was upon his back he bad the lord and ladies come after who that would and there was saddling and bridling of queens horses and princes horses and well was him that soonest might be ready so when the king came there as they were he saw Sir Gowan and Sir Gareth sit upon a little hillside and then the king avoided his horse and when he came nigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken but he might not and therewith he sank down in a swoon for gladness and so they stared unto their uncle and required him of his good grace to be off good comfort which ye well the king made great joy and many a piteous complaint he made to Sir Gareth and ever he wept as he had been child with that came his mother the queen of Orkney Daymore Gauss and when she saw Sir Gareth but suddenly fell down in a swoon and lay there a great while like as she had been dead and then Sir Gareth comforted his mother in such wise that she recovered and made good cheer then the king commanded that all manner of knights that were under his obeisance should make their lodging right there for the love of his nephews and so it was done and all manner of purvance pervade that there lacked nothing that might be gotten of tame nor wild for gold or silver and in a special that she cometh not to visit her night my nephew Sir Gareth that hath had so much travail for her love my lord said the Demosel Lynette ye must of your good grace hold her excused for she knoweth not that my lord Sir Gareth is here go then for the love of his mother and for the love of his mother and for the love of his mother and for the love of his mother and for her said King Arthur that we may be appointed what is best be done according to the pleasure of my nephew Sir said the Demosel that she'll be done and so she rode under her sister and as lightly as she might she made her ready and she came on the mourn with her brother Sir Gringamour and with her forty nights and so when she was come she had all the cheer that might be done and she was so peerless then when Sir Gowen saw her there was many a goodly look and goodly words that all men of worship had joy to behold them then came King Arthur and many other kings and Dame Guinevere and the Queen of Orkney and there the king asked his nephew Sir Gareth whether he would have that lady as paramour or to have her to his wife Dame Leonese what you will that my lord Sir Gareth is to me more lifer to have and wield as my husband than any king or prince that is christened and if I may not have him I promise you I will never have none for my lord Arthur said Dame Leonese what you will he is my first love and he shall be the last and if you will suffer him have his will and free choice I dare say he will have me as my wife there shall never lady nor gentle woman rejoice me what nephew said the king is the wind in that door for wit you well I would not for the stint of my crown to be causer to withdraw your hearts and wit you well you cannot love so well but I shall rather increase it than distress it and also you shall have my love and my lordship in the utter most wise the king's advice it was provided that it should be at Mickelmas following at Kink Kennedon by the seaside for there is a plentiful country and so it was cried in all the places through the realm and then Sir Gareth sent his summons to all these knights and ladies that he had won in battle to four that they should be at his day of marriage in Kink Kennedon by the sands and then Dame Leonese and the Damosel in it with Sir Gringamore rode to their castle and to another and King Arthur gave her a rich pair of beads of gold so she departed and King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kennedon and Sir Gareth brought his lady on the way and so came to the king again and rode with him Lord, the great cheer that Sir Lancelot made of Sir Gareth and he of him for there never was no knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did Sir Lancelot and ever for the most part since he withdrew himself from his brother Sir Gowen's fellowship for he was vengeful and where he hated he would be avenged with murder and that hated Sir Gareth Chapter 35 so it drew fast to Mikkelmas and there came Dame Leonese the lady of the castle perilous and her sister Dame Lynette with Sir Gringamore her brother with them for he had the conduct of these ladies and there they were lodged at the device of King Arthur and upon Mikkelmas day Sir Gareth and the lady Leonese with great solemnity and King Arthur made Geharus to wed the Damazelle Savage that was Dame Lynette and King Arthur made Sir Agriven to wed Dame Leonese's niece a fair lady her name was Dame Laurel and so when the solemnization was done then came in the green knight Sir Portilep with 30 knights and there he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth and these knights to hold him of forever more and then this Sir Paramones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his chief butler at that high feast I will well said Sir Gareth that she have this office and it were better then came in the red knight with three score knights with him and did to Sir Gareth homage and fealty all those knights to hold of him forever more and then this Sir Paramones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his chief butler and then came in Sir Persant of Inda with a hundred knights with him and there he did homage and fealty and all his knights should do him service and hold their lands of him forever and there he prayed Sir Gareth to make him his sewer chief at the feast I will well said Sir Gareth that she have it and it were better then came the Duke de la Rouse with an hundred knights with him and there he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth and so to hold their lands of him forever and he required Sir Gareth to be his carver I will well said Sir Gareth and it were better then came in the red knight of the red lands that was Sir Ironside and he brought with him three hundred knights and there he did homage and fealty and all these knights to hold their lands of him forever and then he asked Sir Gareth to be his carver I will well said Sir Gareth and it please you then came into the court thirty ladies and they all seemed widows and all they kneeled down at once under King Arthur and under Sir Gareth and there all those ladies told the king how Sir Gareth delivered them from the Dolores Tower and slew the brown knight without pity and therefore we and our heirs forevermore will do homage under Sir Gareth of Orkney so then the kings and queens princes and earls barons and many bold knights went into meat and well may you wit there were all manner of meat plentyously devils and games with all manner of miscellery that was used in those days also there was great joust three days but the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to joust because of his new bride for as the French book sayeth that dame Leonest desired of the king that none there wedded should joust at that feast so the first day there jousted Sir Lemroc de Galles for he overthrew thirty knights and did passing marvellously deeds of arms then King Arthur made Sir Person and his two brethren knights of the round table to their lives end and gave them great lands also the second day there jousted Tristum best and he overthrew forty knights and did their marvellous deeds of arms and there King Arthur made Ironside that was the red knight of the red lawns a knight of the round table to his life's end and gave him great lands the third day there jousted Sir Lancelot de Luc and he overthrew fifty knights and did many marvellous deeds of arms that all men wondered on him and there King Arthur made the Duke de La Rouse a knight of the round table to his life's end and gave him great lands to spend but when these jousts were done Sir Lemroc and Sir Tristum departed suddenly and would not be known for which King Arthur and all the court were sore displeased and so they held the court forty days with great solemnity and this Sir Gareth was a noble knight and a well-ruled and fair language thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orteney that wedded dame Leonest as a noble pairless and also Sir Gareth redded her sister Dame Lynette that was called the Demoiselle Sauvage and Sir Agrabayne wedded dame Laurel a fair lady and great and mighty lands with great riches gave with them King Arthur that royally they might live till their lives end end of book seven chapters thirty-two through thirty-five book eight chapters one through six volume one of Le Morte d'Arthur this is a Librivox recording all Librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Librivox.org read by Catherine Fitz Le Morte d'Arthur volume one by Sir Thomas Mallory book eight chapters one through six chapter one it was a king that hiked Meliodas and he was lord and king of the country of Leonest Meliodas was a likely night as was any that time living and by fortune he wedded King Mark's sister of Cornwall and she was called Elizabeth that was called both good and fair and at that time King Arthur reigned and he was whole king of England Wales and Scotland and of many other realms how be it there were many kings there were lords of many countries but all they held their lands of King Arthur for in Wales were two kings and in the north were many kings also in Ireland were two or three kings and all were under the obeisance of King Arthur so was the king of France and the king of Brittany and all the lordships unto Rome so when this King Meliodas had been with his wife within a while she waxed great with child and she was a full meek lady and well she loved her lord and he her again so there was great joy betwixt them then there was a lady in that country King Meliodas long and by no means she could never get his love therefore she let ordain upon a day as King Meliodas wrote a hunting for he was a great chaser and thereby an enchantment she made him chase and heart by himself alone till that he came to an old castle and there and on he was taken prisoner by that lady that him loved when Elizabeth King Meliodas wife missed her lord and she was nigh out of her wit and also as great with child as she was her gentle woman with her and ran into the forest to seek her lord and when she was far in the forest she might no further for she began to travail fast of her child and she had many grimly throes her gentle woman helped her all that she might and so by miracle of our lady of heaven she was delivered with great pains but she had taken such cold for the default of help that deep drops of death took her that she must need die and depart out of this world there was none other boat then she made great dull and said unto her gentle woman when he see my lord King Meliodas recommend me unto him and tell him what pains I endure here for his love and how I must die here for his sake for default of good help and let him wit that I am full sorry to depart out of this world from him therefore pray him to be friend to my soul now let me see my little child for whom I have had all this sorrow and when she saw him she said thus thou hast murdered thy mother and therefore I suppose that thou art a murderer so young thou art full likely to be a manly man in thine age and because I shall die of the birth of thee I charge thee gentle woman that thou pray my lord King Meliodas that when he is christened let call him Tristram that is as much to say as a sorrowful birth and therewith this queen gave up the ghost and died then the gentle woman laid her under an umber of a great tree right so there came the barons following after the queen and when they saw that she was dead and understood none other but the king was destroyed then certain of them would have slain the child because they would have been lords of the country of Leonis Chapter 2 but then through the fair speech of the gentle woman and by the means that she made the most part of the barons would not assent thereto and then they let carry home the dead queen and thus meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas out of prison on the mourn after his queen was dead and so when the king was came home the most part of his barons made great joy but the sorrow that the king made for his queen that might no tongue tell so then the king let inter her richly and after he let christen his child as his wife had commanded afford her death and then he let call him Tristram the sorrowful born child then the King Meliodas endured and all this time Tristram was nourished well then it befell that King Meliodas wedded King Howell's daughter of Brittany and anon she had children of King Meliodas then she was heavy and wroth that her children should not rejoice the country of Leonis wherefore this queen ordained for to poison young Tristram so she let poison be put in a piece of silver in the chamber whereas Tristram and her children were together unto that intent that when Tristram was thirsty he should drink that drink so it fell upon a day the queen's son as he was in that chamber aspired the peace with the poison and he weened it had been good drink and because the child was thirsty he took the peace with poison and drank freely and therewithal suddenly the child brassed and was dead when the queen of Meliodas whisked of the death of her son wit ye well that she was heavy but yet the king understood nothing of her treason notwithstanding the queen would not and by fortune King Meliodas her husband found the peace with wine where was the poison and he that was much thirsty took the peace for to drink there out and as he would have drunken thereof the queen aspired him and then she ran into him and pulled the peace from him suddenly the king marveled why she did so and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain with poison and then he took her by the hand and said thou false traitorous mercy and therewith he pulled out his sword and swore a great oath that he should slay her but if she told him truth ah mercy my lord said she and I shall tell you all and then she told him why she would have slain Tristram because her children should rejoice this land well said King Meliodas and therefore shall ye have the law and so she was condemned by the ascent of the barons to be burned and then was there made a great fire and right as she was at the fire young Tristram kneeled afford King Meliodas and besought him to give him a boon I will well said the king again then said young Tristram give me the life of their queen my stepmother that is unrightfully asked said King Meliodas for thou ought of right to hate her for she would have slain thee with that poison and she might have had her will and for thy sake most is my cause that she should die sir said Tristram I see that you will forgive at her and as for my part God forgive at her and I do and so much it liked your highness to grant me my boon for God's love I require you hold your promise sir then it is so said the king I will that ye have her life then said the king I give her to you and go ye to the fire and take her and do with her what ye will so sir Tristram went to the fire and by the commandment of the king as at bed and board but by the good means of young Tristram he made the king and her accorded but then the king would not suffer young Tristram to abide no longer in his court chapter three and then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught his name was Governail and then he sent young Tristram with Governail into France to learn the language and nurture and deeds of arms and then when he well could speak the language and had learned all that he might learn in that country then he came home to his father King Meliodas again and so Tristram learned to be a harper passing all other that there was none such called in no country and so on harping and on instruments of music he applied him in his youth for to learn and after as he grew in might and strength he labored ever in hunting and in hawking and hunting he began good measures of blowing of beasts of venery and beasts of chase and all manner of vermin and all these terms we have yet of hawking and hunting and therefore the book of venery of hawking and hunting is called the book of Sir Tristram wherefore as Miesimeth all gentlemen bear old arms ought of right to honour Sir Tristram for the goodly terms that gentlemen have and use and from a yeoman a villain for he that gentle is will draw him unto gentle tatches and follow the customs of noble gentlemen thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was big and strong of the age of 18 years and then the King Meliodas had great joy of Sir Tristram and so had the Queen his wife forever after in her life because Sir Tristram saved her from the fire she did never hate him more after but left him ever after with great gifts for every estate loved him where that he went Chapter 4 Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of Cornwall for his truage that Cornwall had paid many winters and all that time King Mark was behind of the truage for seven years and King Mark and his barons gave unto the messenger of Ireland these words and answer that they would none pay and bade the messenger to tell your lord and he will always have truage of us at Cornwall bid him send a trusty night of his land that will fight for his right and we shall find another to for to defend our right with this answers the messengers departed into Ireland and when King Anguish understood the answer of the messengers he was Wunderly Roth and then he called unto him Sir Marhouse the good night that was nobly proved and a night of the table round and he said to the King Mark to send his brother unto the Queen of Ireland then the King said thus Fair brother, Sir Marhouse I pray you go into Cornwall for my sake and do battle for our truage that of right we ought to have and what sem ever you spend you shall have sufficiently more than you shall need Sir said Marhouse with Ewell that I shall not be loathed to do battle in the right of you and your land with the best night of the table round that is my deeds and to increase my worship I will right gladly go into this journey for our right so in all haste there was made pervance for Sir Marhouse and he had all things that to him needed and so he departed out of Ireland and arrived up in Cornwall even fast by the castle of Tintagel and when King Mark understood that he was there arrived to fight for Ireland then made King Mark great sorrow when he understood that the good would have a do with him for at that time Sir Marhouse was called one of the famousist and renowned knights of the world and thus Sir Marhouse abode in the sea and every day he sent unto King Mark for to pay the truage that was behind of seven year other else to find a knight to fight with him for the truage this manner of message Sir Marhouse sent daily unto King Mark then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place what knight would fight for to save the truage of Cornwall he should be rewarded so that he should fare the better term of his life then some of the barons said to King Mark and counseled him to send to the court of King Arthur for to seek Sir Lancelot du Lake that was at that time named for the marvellous knight of all the world then there were some other barons that counseled the king not to do so and said that it was labour in vain to have a du with other but if it were any knight at his own request would fight disguised and unknown so the king and all his barons assented that it was no boat to seek any knight of the round table this meanwhile came the language and the noises unto King Meliodas how that Sir Marhouse abode battle fast by Tintigal and how King Mark could find no manner of knight to fight for him when young Tristram heard of this he was wroth and so ashamed and there durst no knight in Cornwall to have a du with Sir Marhouse of Ireland Chapter 5 therewithal Tristram went unto his father King Meliodas and asked him counsel what was best to do for to recover Cornwall from Chewage for as me seameth said Sir Tristram it was shame that Sir Marhouse the queen's brother of Ireland should go away unless that he were fought with all as for that said King Meliodas with you well son Tristram that Sir Marhouse is called one of the best knights of the world and knight of the table round and therefore I know no knight in this country that is able to match with him alas said Sir Tristram that I am not made knight and if Sir Marhouse should thus depart into Ireland God let me never have worship and I were made knight I should match him and sir said Tristram I pray you give me leave to ride to King Mark and so you not be displeased of King Mark will I be made knight I will well said King Meliodas that he be ruled as your courage will rule you then Sir Tristram thanked his father much and then he made him ready to ride into Cornwall in the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters of love from King Farrowman of France's daughter unto Sir Tristram there were full piteous letters and in them were written many complaints of love but Sir Tristram had no joy of her letter nor regard unto her also she sent him a little bratchet that was passing fair but when the King's daughter understood that Sir Tristram would not love her as the book sayeth she died for sorrow and then the same squire that brought the letter and the bratchet came again unto Sir Tristram as he shall after here in the tale so this young Sir Tristram wrote unto his eam King Mark of Cornwall and when he came there there would no night fight with Sir Marhouse then he'd Sir Tristram unto his eam and said Sir if ye will give me the order of knighthood I will do battle with Sir Marhouse what are ye said the King and from whence be ye come Sir said Tristram I come from King Meliotis that wedded your sister and a gentleman wed ye well I am King Mark beheld Sir Tristram and saw that he was but a young man of age but he was passingly well made Fair Sir said the King what is your name and where were ye born Sir said he again my name is Tristram and in the country of Leonis I was born ye say well said the King and if ye will do this battle I shall make you knight therefore I come to you said Sir Tristram and for no other cause but then King Mark made him knight and therewithal unhonest he had made him knight he sent a messenger unto Sir Marhouse to take the battle to his uttermost it may well be said Sir Marhouse but tell King Mark I will not fight with no knight but he be of blood royal that is to say other King's son other Queen's son born of a prince or princess when King Mark understood that he sent for Sir Tristram to Leonis and told him what was the answer of Sir Marhouse then said Sir Tristram that he say so let him wit that I am come noble blood as he is for sir now ye shall know that I am King Melioda's son born of your own sister Dame Elizabeth that died in the forest in the birth of me oh Jesus said King Mark ye are welcome fair nephew to me then in all the haste the King let Horace Sir Tristram and armed him in the best manner that might be had or gotten for gold or silver and then King Mark sent unto Sir Marhouse and did to him wit that a better born man and his name is Sir Tristram Dame Leonis gotten of King Melioda's and born of King Mark's sister then was Sir Marhouse glad and bleath that he should fight with such a gentleman and so by the ascent of King Mark and of Sir Marhouse they let ordained that they should fight within an island nice Sir Marhouse ships and so was Sir Tristram put into a vessel both his horse and he and all that to him longed for his horse Sir Tristram lacked nothing and when King Mark and his barons of Cornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage to fight for the right of Cornwall there was neither man nor women of worship but they wept to see and understand so young a knight to jeopardy himself for their right Chapter 6 so to shorten this tale when Sir Tristram was arrived within the island he looked to the farther side under six ships nigh to the land and under the shadow of the ships upon the land there hoved the noble knight Sir Marhouse Fireland then Sir Tristram commanded his servant Gouvernail to bring his horse to the land and dress his harness at all manner of rights and then when he had done so he mounted upon his horse and when he was in his saddle well apparel and his shield dressed upon his shoulder Tristram asked Gouvernail where is this knight that I shall have a do with all Sir said Gouvernail see him not I weaned he had seen him yonder he hoveth under the umber of his ships on horseback with his sphere in his hand and his shield upon his shoulder that is truth said the noble knight Sir Tristram now I see him well enough then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to his vessel again and commend me unto mine and pray him if that I be slain in this battle for to inter my body as him seemed best and as for me let him wit that I will never yield me for cowardice and if I be slain and flee not then they have lost no true ish for me and if so be that I flee or yield me as recreate bid mine aim never to bury me in Christian burials and upon thy life said Sir Tristram to Gouvernail from thou not nigh this island till that thou see me overcome or slain or else that I win yonder night so either departed from other sore weeping end of book 8 chapters 1 through 6 recording by Catherine Fitz Davis California book 8 chapter 7 through 11 volume 1 of LeMorte d'Arthur this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Catherine Fitz LeMorte d'Arthur volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory book 8 chapter 7 and then Sir Marhouse advised Sir Tristram and said thus me so repenteth of thy courage for wit thou well I have been assayed and the best nights of this land have been assayed of my hand and also I have matched with the best nights of the world and therefore by my counsel return again into thy vessel and fair night and well-proved night said Sir Tristram thou shalt well wit I may not forsake thee in this quarrel for I am for thy sake made night and thou shalt well wit and such promise I have made at my uncle's request and my known seeking that I shall fight with thee unto the uttermost and deliver Cornwall from the old truish and also wit thou well Sir Marhouse that this is the greatest cause that thou courageous me to have a do with thee for thou art called one of the most renowned nights of the world and because of that noise and fame that thou hast thou givest me courage to have a do with thee because I proved with good night and sit then I took the order of knighthood this day I am well pleased that I may have a do with so good a night as thou art and now with thou well Sir Marhouse that I cast me to get worship on thy body and if that I not be proved I trust to God that I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy body and to deliver the country of Cornwall forever from all manner of truish from Ireland forever when Sir Marhouse had heard him say what he would say to me fair knight sit then it is so that thou castest to win worship of me I let thee wit worship may thou none lose by me if thou may stand me three strokes for I let thee wit for my noble deeds proved and seen King Arthur made me knight of the table round then they began to future their spears and they met so fiercely together that they smote either other down both horse and all but Sir Marhouse smote Sir Tristram a great wound in the side of their horses and pulled out their swords and threw their shields before them and then they lashed together as men that were wild and courageous and when they had stricken together so long then they left their strokes and foined at their breaths and visors and when they saw that that might not prevail them then they hurtled together like rams to bear either other down thus they fought still more than half a day and either were wounded passing sore that the blood ran down freshly by then Sir Tristram waxed more fresher than Sir Marhouse and better winded and bigger and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhouse upon the helm such a buffet that it went through his helm and through the coiff of steel and through the brain pan and the sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brain pan that Sir Tristram pulled thrice at his sword or ever he might pull it out from his head and there Marhouse fell down upon his knees the edge of Tristram's sword was left in his brain pan and suddenly Sir Marhouse rose groveling and threw his sword and his shield from him and so ran to his ships and fled his way and Sir Tristram had ever his shield and sword and when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhouse withdraw him he said ah Sir Knight of the Round Table why withdraw us thou thou dost thyself and thy kin great shame for I am but a young knight or now I was never proved and rather than I should withdraw me I had rather been hewn in a hundred pieces Sir Marhouse answered no word but ye'd his way soar groaning well Sir Knight said Sir Tristram I promise thee thy sword and thy shield shall be mine and thy shield shall I wear in all places where I ride on mine adventures and in the sight of King Arthur and all the Round Table Chapter 8 Anon Sir Marhouse and his fellowship departed into Ireland and as soon as he came to the King his brother he let search his wounds and when his head was searched a piece of Sir Tristram's sword was found therein and might never be had out of his head for no surgeons and so he died of Sir Tristram's sword and that piece of sword the Queen his sister kept it forever with her for she thought to be revenged and she might now we turn again unto Sir Tristram that was sore wounded and full sore bled that he might not be taken cold unearths stir him of his limbs and then he set him down softly upon a little hill and bled fast then Anon came Governell his man with his vessel and the King and his barons came with procession against him and when he was come unto the land King Mark took him in his arms and the King and Sir Dinas the Seneschal led Sir Tristram into the castle of Tintagill and then he was searched in the best manner and then King Mark saw his wounds he wept heartily and so did all his lords so God me help said King Mark I would not for all my lands that my nephew died so Sir Tristram lay there a month and more and ever he was like to die of that stroke that Sir Marhouse smote him first with the spear for as the French book saith the spear's head was inventomed that Sir Tristram might not be whole then was King Mark and all his barons passing heavy that Sir Tristram should not recover then the King let send after all manner of leeches and surgeons both unto men and women and there was none that would be hold him the life then came there a lady that was a right wise lady and she said plainly unto King Mark and to Sir Tristram and to all his barons that he should never be whole but if Sir Tristram went in the same country that the venom came from and in that country should he be when King Mark understood that he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair vessel well victualed and therein was put Sir Tristram and Gouvernale with him and Sir Tristram took his harp with him and so he was put into the sea to sail into Ireland and so by good fortune he arrived up in Ireland even fast by a castle where the King and the Queen was and at his arrival I heard never none in Ireland before that time and when it was told the King and Queen of such a night that was such an harper anon the King sent for him and let search his wounds and then asked him his name then he answered I am of the country of Leonis and my name is Tram Trist that was thus wounded in a battle as I fought for a lady's right so God me help said King Anguish he shall have all the help in this land that ye may have here I had a great loss as ever had King for there I lost the best night of the world his name was Marhouse a full noble night and night of the table round and there he told Sir Tristram wherefore Sir Marhouse was slain Sir Tristram made semblant as he had been sorry and better knew he how was it than the King Chapter 9 then the King for great favor made Tram Trist to be put because she was a noble surgeon and when she had searched him she found in the bottom of his wound that therein was poison and so she healed him within a while and therefore Tram Trist cast great love to Labelle Isoud for she was at that time the fairest maid and lady of the world and there Tram Trist learned her to harp and she began to have a great fantasy unto him and at that time Sir Palomedes the Saracen was in that country and every day Sir Palomedes drew unto Labelle Isoud and proffered her many gifts for he loved her passingly well all that aspired Tram Trist and full well he knew Sir Palomedes for a noble night and a mighty man and wit you well Sir Tram Trist had great despite at Sir Palomedes for Labelle Isoud told Tram Trist that Palomedes was in will to be christened for her sake thus there was great envy betwixt Tram Trist and Sir Palomedes then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a great tournament for a lady that was called the lady of the lawns and she was nigh cousin unto the king and what man won her three days after he should wed her and have all her lands this cry was made in England Wales, Scotland and also in France and in Brittany it befell upon a day Labelle Isoud came unto Sir Tram Trist and told him of this tournament I am but a feeble night and but late I had been dead had not your good ladyship been now fair lady what would ye I should do in this matter well ye want my lady that I may not joust ah Tram Trist said Labelle Isoud why will ye not have a do at that tournament well I want Sir Palomedes shall be there and to do what he may and therefore Tram Trist I pray for you to be there for else Sir Palomedes is like to win the degree Madam said Tram Trist so that it may be so for he is a proof night and I am but a young night and late made and the first battle that I did it mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see but then I wished you would be my better lady at that tournament I will be so that ye will keep my counsel and let no creature have knowledge that I shall joust but yourself and such as ye will to keep your counsel my poor person I shall jeopard there for your sake the para-venture Sir Palomedes shall know when that I come to Labelle Isoud do your best and as I can said Labelle Isoud I shall purvey horse and armor for you at my device as ye will so be it said Sir Tram Trist I will be at your commandment so at the day of jousts there came Sir Palomedes with a black shield and he overthrew many nights that all the people had marvel of him for he put to the worst Sir Gawain Geharis Agravain Bagdemagus Serus Goumret Le Petit and Gryphlet Le Fiste du all these the first day Sir Palomedes struck down to the earth and then all manner of nights were a dread of Sir Palomedes and many called him the night with the black shield so that day Sir Palomedes had great worship then came King Anguish unto Tram Trist and asked him why he would not joust Sir he said he would not venture me then came there the same squire that was sent from the king's daughter of France unto Sir Tristram and when he had aspired Sir Tristram he fell flat to his feet all that aspired Le Belly sold what courtesy the squire made unto Sir Tristram and therewithal suddenly Sir Tristram ran into his squire whose name was Hibis Lyronomus and prayed him heartily in no wise to tell his name Serus said Hibis Chapter 10 then Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries Sir he said I came hither with Sir Gawain for to be made night and if it please you of your hands that I may be made night await upon me as to mourn secretly and in the field I shall make you a night then had Le Belly sold great suspicion unto Tram Trist that he was some man of worship proved and therewith she comforted herself to see him than she had done to four and so on the mourn Sir Palomedes made him ready to come into the field as he did at the first day and there he smote down the king with the hundred knights and the king of scots then had Le Belly sold ordained and well arrayed Sir Tristram in white horse and harness and right so she let put him out at a privy postern and so he came into the field as it had been a bright angel and therewith he featured a spear unto Sir Tram Trist and he again unto him and there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomedes unto the earth and then there was a great noise of people some said Sir Palomedes had a fall some said the night with the black shield had a fall and wit ye well Le Belly sold was passing glad and then Sir Gawain and his fellows nine had marvel what night it might be that had smitten down Sir Palomedes then would there none joust with Tram Trist but all that were there foresook him most and least then Sir Tristram made Habbis a night and caused him to put himself forth and did right well that day so after Sir Habbis held him with Sir Tristram and when Sir Palomedes had received this fall wit ye well that he was sore ashamed and as privily as he might he withdrew him out of the field all that aspired Sir Tristram and lightly he rode after Sir Palomedes and overtook him and bade him turn for better he would assay him or ever he departed then Sir Palomedes turned him and either lashed out at other with their swords but at the first stroke Sir Tristram smote down Palomedes and gave him such a stroke upon the head that he fell to the earth so then Tristram bade yield him and do his commandment or else he would slay him when Sir Palomedes beheld his countenance he dread his buffet so that he granted all his askings well said Sir Tristram this shall be your charge first upon pain of your life that ye forsake my lady Lebelli soad and in no manner wise that ye draw not to her also this twelve month and a day that ye bear none armour nor harness of war now promise me this or here shall that die alas said Sir Palomedes forever I am ashamed that I abandoned him then for despite an anger Sir Palomedes cut off his harness and threw them away and so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle where was Lebelli soad and by the way he met with a damacell that asked after Sir Lancelot that won the dollar his guard worshipfully and this damacell asked Sir Tristram what he was for it was told her that it was he that smote down Sir Palomedes by whom the ten nights of King Arthur's were smitten down to tell her what he was and whether that he were Sir Lancelot due lake for she deemed that there was no night in the world might do such deeds of arms but if it were Lancelot Fair Damacell said Sir Tristram what ye well that I am not Sir Lancelot for I was never of such prowess but in God is all that he may make me as good a night as the good night Sir Lancelot now gentle night said she put up thy visor and when she beheld his visage she never saw a better man's visage nor a better faring night and then when the damacell knew certainly that he was not Sir Lancelot then she took her leave and departed from him and then Sir Tristram rode privily unto the postern where kept him la belly sowed and there she made him good cheer and thanked God of his good speed so and on within a while the king and the queen understood that it was Tramtrus that smote down Sir Palomedes Chapter 11 Thus was Sir Tramtrus long there well cherished with the king and the queen and namely with la belly sowed so upon a day the queen and la belly sowed made a bane for Sir Tramtrus and when he was in his bane the queen and a sowed her daughter roamed up and down in the chamber and there while's Gouvernail and Habies attended on Sir Tramtrus and the queen beheld his sword and then by unhap the queen drew out his sword and beheld it a long while and they both fought it a passing fair sword but within a foot and half of the point there was a great peace thereof outbroken of the edge and when the queen aspired that gap in the sword she remembered her of a piece of a sword that was found in the brain pan of Sir Marhouse the good night that was her brother alas then she said unto her daughter la belly sowed when a sowed heard her say so she was passing Sora bashed for passing well she loved Tramtrus and full well she knew the cruelness of her mother the queen and on therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber and sought her coffer and there she took out the piece of the sword that was pulled out of Sir Marhouse head after that he was dead and then she ran with that piece of iron to the sword that lay upon the bed and when she put that piece of steel and iron unto the sword it had been when it was new broken and then the queen gripped that sword in her hand fiercely and with all her might she ran straight upon Tramtrus where he sat in his bane and there she had rived him through had not Sir Haby's gotten her in his arms and pulled the sword from her and else she had thrust him through then when she was led of her evil will she ran to the king anguish her husband and said on her knees oh my lord here have ye in your house the servant that noble knight Sir Marhouse who is that said king anguish and where is he sir she said it is Sir Tramtrust the same night that my daughter healed alas said the king therefore I am right heavy for he is a full noble knight as ever I saw in field but I charge you said the king to the queen that ye not have a do with that night but let me deal with him then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrust and found him already armed to mount upon his horse when the king saw him already armed to go unto horseback the king said nay Tramtrust it will not avail to compare thee against me but thus much I shall do for my worship and for thy love in so much as thou art within my court it were no worship for me to slay thee therefore upon this condition I will give thee leave for to depart from this court in safety so thou wilt tell me this is my brother end of book 8 chapters 7 through 11 recording by Catherine Fitz Davis California book 8 chapters 12 through 16 volume 1 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the Mortar Thur volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory book 8 chapter 12 Sir said Tristram now I shall tell you all the truth my father's name is Sir Meliodas King of Leonis and my mother Hyte Elizabeth that was sister unto Mark of Cornwall and my mother died of me in the forest and because thereof she commanded where she died that when I were christened they should christen me Tristram I christened my name and let me call Tram Trist and for the truish of Cornwall I fought for my aim's sake and for the right of Cornwall that ye had possessed many years and wit ye well said Tristram unto the king I did the battle for the love of my uncle King Mark and for the love of the country of Cornwall and for to increase my honor for that same day that I fought with Sir Marhouse so God me help said the king I may not say but ye did as a night should and it was your part to do so for your quarrel and to increase your worship as a night should how be it I may not maintain you in this country with my worship unless that I should displease my barons my wife and her kin Sir said Tristram I thank you of your good lordship that I have had with you here and the great goodness my lady your daughter hath showed me and therefore said Sir Tristram to death for in the parts of England it may happen that I am with you service at some season that ye shall be glad that ye ever should meet your good lordship with more I promise you as I am true night that in all places I shall be my lady your daughter's servant and night in right and wrong and I shall never fail her to do as much as a night may do also I beseech your good grace that I may take my leave at my lady your daughter then Sir Tristram went to Lebelisode and took his leave of her and then he told her all what he was and how he had changed his name because he would not be known and how a lady told him that he should never be whole till he came unto this country where the poison was made where through I was near my death had not your ladyship been oh gentle night said Lebelisode full woe I am of thy departing for I never saw man Sir Tristram he shall understand that my name is Sir Tristram De Leonis gotten of King Miliotis and born of his queen and I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life your night Gramercy said Lebelisode and I promise you there against that I shall not be married this seven years but by your ascent and to whom that ye will I shall be married to him and will I have with he departed from her leaving her making great dole and lamentation and he straight went unto the court among all the barons and there he took his leave at most and least and openly he said among them all fair lords now it is so that I must depart if there be any man here that I have offended unto or that any man be with me grieved let him complain here for me or that I ever depart or say of me wrong or shame behind my back say it now or never and here is my body to make it good body against body and all they stood still there was not one that would say one word yet there were some nights that were of the queen's blood and of Sir Marjo's blood but they would not meddle with him Chapter 13 So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea and with good wind King Mark was whole in his prosperity there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived and whole of his wounds thereof was King Mark passing glad and so were all the barons and when he saw his time he rode unto his father King Meliodas and there he had all the cheer that the king and queen could make him and then largely King Meliodas and his queen departed of their lands and goods to Sir Tristram then by the license of King Meliodas and there he lived in great joy a long time until at last there befell a jealousy and an unkindness betwixt King Mark and Sir Tristram for they loved both one lady and she was an Earl's wife that hights her Sigwardus and this lady loved Sir Tristram passingly well and he loved her again for she was a passing fair lady and that aspired Sir Tristram well then King Mark understood that and was jealous that one day this lady sent a dwarf into Sir Tristram and bade him as he loved her that he would be with her the night next following also she charged you that he cannot to her but if you be well armed for her lover was called a good night Sir Tristram answered to the dwarf recommend me unto my lady and tell her I will not fail but I will be with her the term she has set me and with this answered the dwarf departed and King Mark aspired that the dwarf was with Sir Tristram and he was with Sir Sigwardus wife then King Mark sent for the dwarf and when he was come he made the dwarf by force to tell him all why and wherefore he came on message from Sir Tristram now said King Mark go where thou wilt and upon pain of death that thou say no word that thou speakest with me so the dwarf departed from the king and that same night that the Stevan was set between Sir Guardus wife and Sir Tristram King Mark armed him and so he rode forth to abide by the way for to wait on Sir Tristram and as Sir Tristram came riding upon his way with his spear in his hand King Mark came hurtling upon him with his two nights suddenly and all three smote him with their spears and King Mark hurt Sir Tristram on the best right sore and there Sir Tristram floated his spear and smote his uncle King Mark so sore that he rashed him to the earth and bruised him that he lay still in a swoon and long it was or he might end up ever wheeled himself and then he ran to the one night and F to the other and smote them to the cold earth that they lay still and there with all Sir Tristram rode forth sore wounded to the lady and found her abiding him at a posturing Chapter 14 and there she welcomed him fair and either housed each other in arms and so she let put his horse up in the vest wise and then she unarmed him and went to bed with great joy and pleasance and so in his raging he took no keep of his green wound that King Mark had given him and so Sir Tristram bebled both the oversheet and the nether and pillows and headsheet and within a while there came one a fort that warned her that her lord was near hand within a bow draft so she made Sir Tristram to arise and so he armed him and took his horse and so departed by then was come Siguardas her lord and when he found her bed she held it by the candle light then he saw that there had lain a wounded night a false traitorous he said why has thou betrayed me and there with all he swung out a sword and said but if thou tell me who hath been here here thou shalt die ah my lord mercy said the lady and held up her hands saying slay me not and I shall tell you all who hath been here tell anon said Siguardas to me all the truth then he armed him with me and by the way as he came to me ward he was sore wounded ah a false traitorous said Siguardas where has he become sir she said he has armed and departed on horseback not yet hence a half a mile he say well said Siguardas then he armed him lightly and get his horse and rode after Sir Tristram that rode straight away unto Tingtegal and within a while he overtook Sir Tristram and then he bathed him against him and there with all Siguardas smote Sir Tristram with a spear that it all to brass and then he swang out his sword and smote fast at Sir Tristram Sir Knight said Sir Tristram I counsel you that you might know more how be it for the wrongs that I have done you I will forbear you as long as I may nays said Sir Siguardas that shall not be for either thou shalt die or I then Sir Tristram drew out his sword and hurtled his horse unto him fiercely and through the waste of the body he smote Sir Siguardas that he fell to the earth in his wound and so Sir Tristram departed and left him there and so he rode unto Tingtegal and took his lodging secretly for he would not be known that he was hurt also Sir Siguardas men rode after their master whom they found lying in the field sore wounded and brought him home on his shield and there he lay long or that he were whole but at last he recovered and he had met that night and as for Sir Tristram he knew not that King Mark had met with him and so the King Iskance came to Sir Tristram to comfort him as he lay sick on his bed but as long as King Mark lived he loved never Sir Tristram after that though there was fair speech love there was none and thus it passed many weeks and days and all was forgiven and forgotten for Sir Siguardas durst not have a do with Sir Tristram because of his noble prowess and also because he was nephew unto King Mark therefore he let it over slip for he that hath a privy hurt is loath to have a shame outward Chapter 15 Then it befell upon a day that the good night Bliobaris de Gannis brother to Blamour de Gannis and nigh cousin to the good night Sir Lancelot de Lake this Bliobaris came into the court of King Mark and there he asked of King Mark a boon to give him what gift that he would ask in his court when the King heard him ask so because he was a night of the round table and of a great renown King Mark granted him his whole asking then said Sir Bliobaris I will have the fairest lady in your court that me list to choose I may not say nay said King Mark now choose at your adventure and so Sir Bliobaris did choose Sir Siguardas wife and took her by the hand and so went his way with her and so he took his horse and Gart set her behind his squire and rode upon his way when Sir Siguardas heard tell that his lady was gone with a night of King Arthur's court then he armed him and rode after that night for to rescue his lady so when Bliobaris was gone with this lady King Mark and all the court was rough that she was away then there were certain ladies that knew there were great love between Sir Tristram and her and also that lady loved Sir Tristram above all other nights then there was one lady that rebuked Sir Tristram that he would for shame of his knighthood see a lady so shamefully taken away from his uncle's court but she meant that either of them had loved other with entire heart but Sir Tristram answered her thus fair lady it is not my part to have a do in such matters while her lord and husband is present here and if it had been that her lord had not been here in this court then for the worship of this court per adventure I would have been her champion and if so be Sir Siguardas speed not well it may happen that I will speak fast from this country then within a while came one of Sir Siguardas squires and told in the court that Sir Siguardas was beaten sore and wounded to the point of death as he would have rescued his lady Sir Bleobaris over through him and sore hath wounded him then was King Mark heavy thereof and all the court when Sir Tristram heard of this he was ashamed and sore grieved and then he was soon armed and on horseback and so as Sir Tristram rode fast he met with Sir Andred his cousin that by the commandment of King Mark was sent to bring forth and ever lay in his power two nights of Arthur's court that rode by the country to seek their adventures when Sir Tristram saw Sir Andred he asked him what tidings so God help me said Sir Andred there was never worse with me for here by the commandment of King Mark I was sent to fetch two nights of King Arthur's court and Sir Tristram wounded me and said not by my message fair cousin said Sir Tristram ride on your way and if I may meet them it may happen I shall revenge you so Sir Andred rode into Cornwall and Sir Tristram rode after the two nights the one which hiked Sagamar La Desiris and the other hiked Odinas Le Sivage Chapter 16 then within a while Sir Tristram saw a forum Sir I would counsel you not to have a do with them for they be two proved knights of Arthur's court as for that said Sir Tristram have you no doubt but I will have a do with them to increase my worship for as many day Sith and I did any deeds of arms do as he lists said Gouverneil and therewithal and on Sir Tristram asked them from whence they came and whether they would and what they did in these marches they said fair knight be ye a knight of Cornwall whereby ask ye it said Sir Tristram for it is seldom seen said Sir Sagamar that ye Cornish knights be valiant men of arms for within these two hours there met one of us your Cornish knights and great words he spake and anon with little knight he was laid to the earth and as I trow said Sir Sagamar he shall have the same Hansel that he had fair lord said Sir Tristram it may so happen that I may better ye will or nil I will have a do with you because he was my cousin that ye beat and therefore here do your best and wit ye well but if ye quit ye the better here upon this ground one knight of Cornwall shall beat you both when Sir Dodinus LeSavage heard him say so he got a spear in his hand and said Sir Knight keep well thyself and then they departed and came together as it had been thunder and Sir Dodinus spear brassed in thunder but Sir Tristram smote him with a more might that he smote him clean over the horse-croap that nigh he had broken his neck when Sir Sagamar saw his fellow have such a fall he marveled what night he might be and he dressed his spear with all his might and Sir Tristram against him and they came together as the thunder and there Sir Tristram smote Sir Sagamar a strong buffet that he bear his horse and him to the earth and in the falling he break his thigh when this was done Sir Tristram asked them fair knights will ye any more be there no bigger knights in the court of King Arthur it is to you shame to say of us knights in Cornwall dishonor for it may happen a Cornish knight may match you that is the truth said Sir Sagamar that ye have well proved but I require thee said Sir Sagamar tell us your right name by the faith and trough that ye owe to the high order of knighthood he charged me with a great thing said Sir Tristram and sit then ye list to wit it you shall know and understand that my name is Sir Tristram De Leonis King Meliotis son and nephew unto King Mark then were they two knights feigned that they had met with Tristram and so they prayed him to abide in their fellowship nay said Sir Tristram for I must have a do with one of your fellows his name is Sir Bleobaris De Gannis God speed you well said Sir Sagamar and Dodianus Sir Tristram departed and rode onward on his way before him in a valley where rode Sir Bleobaris with Sir Sigwartus Lady that rode behind his squire on a Palfrey end of book 8 chapters 12 through 16