 Chapter 17-22, Book 8, Volume 1 of Le Morte d'Itor. 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 MJ. The Morte d'Itor, Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory. Book 8, Chapter 17-22 Chapter 17 How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Leo Barris for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go. Then Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had overtaken him. Then spake Sir Tristram. Abide, he said, night of Arthur's court, bring again that lady or deliver her to me. I will do neither, said Leo Barris, for I dread no Cornish night so sore that may list to deliver her. Why, said Sir Tristram, may not a Cornish night do as well as another night? The same day two nights of your court within these three miles met with me, and, or ever we departed, they found a Cornish night good enough for them both. What were their names, said Leo Barris. They told me, said Sir Tristram, that one of them, Hite Sir Sagamore, is Desiris. What were their names, said Leo Barris. They told me, said Sir Tristram, that one of them, Hite Sir Sagamore, is Desiris. And the other, Hite Dotonos, is Lavage. Ah, said Sir Leo Barris. Have ye met with them? So God me help. They were two good nights and men of great worship, and if ye have beat them both, ye must needs be a good night. But if it so be ye have beat them both, yet shall ye not fear me, but ye shall beat me, or ever ye have this lady. Then defend you, said Sir Tristram. So they departed and came together like thunder, and either bare other down, horse and all, to the earth. Then they avoided their horses, and lashed together eagerly with swords, and mightily now tracing and traversing on the right hand, and on the left hand more than two hours. And some time they rushed together with such great a might that they lay both groveling on the ground. Then Sir Leo Barris, Durganis, stirred aback, and said thus, Now gentle knight, a while hold your hands, and let us speak together. Say what ye will, said Tristram, and I will answer you. Sir, said Leo Barris, I wit of whence ye be, and of whom ye become, and what is your name? So God me help. Said Sir Tristram, I fear not to tell you my name. Witch ye well, I am King Meliodias' son. And my mother is King Mark's sister. And my name is Sir Tristram, Durganis. And King Mark is my uncle. Truly, said Leo Barris, I am right glad of you. For ye are he that slew Marhouse the night, hand for hand in an island, for the true edge of Cornwall. Also he overcame Sir Palamides the good night at a tournament in an island, where ye beat Sir Gawain and his nine fellows. So God help me, said Sir Tristram, Witch ye well that I am the same night. Now I have told you my name. Tell me yours with good will. Witch ye well that my name is Sir Leo Barris, Durganis. And my brother Hyde, Sir Blaymore, Durganis. That is called a good night. And we be sisters children unto my Lord Sir Lancelot to lock. That we call one of the best nights of the world. That is truth, said Sir Tristram. Sir Lancelot is called peerless of courtesy and of knighthood. And for his sake, said Sir Tristram, I will not with my good will fight no more with you. For the great love I have to Sir Lancelot to lock. In good faith, said Leo Barris, as for me, I will be loath to fight with you. But sit and ye follow me here to have this lady. I shall proffer you kindness, courtesy, and gentleness right here upon this ground. This lady shall be betwixt us both, and to whom that she will go, let him have her in peace. I will well, said Tristram, for as I deem, she will leave you and come to me. Ye shall prove it anon, said Leo Barris, Chapter 18. How the lady forsukes Sir Tristram, and bodes with Sir Blaymore Barris, and how she desires to go to her husband. So when she was set, betwixt them both, she said these words unto Sir Tristram. Witty wells, Sir Tristram, do lean us. That but late thou wasst the man in the world that I most loved and trusted, and I weened thou hast loved me again above all ladies. But when thou sawst this night lead me away, thou madeest no cheer to rescue me, but suffered my lord, Sigwaradis, right after me. But until that time I weened thou hast loved me, and therefore now I will leave thee and never love thee more. And therewithal she went to Sir Blaymore Barris. When Sir Tristram saw her do so, he was wonderfully wroth with that lady, and ashamed to come to the court. Sir Tristram, said Sir Blaymore Barris, ye are in the default, for I here by this lady's words she before this day trusted you above all earthly nights. And as she saith, ye have deceived her, and wit ye well, therefore wit ye well, there may no man hold that will away. And rather than ye should be heartily pleased with me, I would ye had her, and she would abide with you. Nay, said the lady, so God me help, I will never go with him. For he that I loved most, I weened he had loved me. And therefore, Sir Tristram, she said, ride as thou came, for though thou hadst overcome this night, as ye was likely, with thee never would I have gone. And I shall pray this night so fair of his knighthood, that or ever he pass this country, that he will lead me to the abbey, where my lord, Sir Seguant Redis Lyeth. So God me help, said Leo Barris. I lent you wit, good night, Sir Tristram, because King Mark gave me the choice of a gift in this court. And so this lady liked me best, notwithstanding, she is wedded, and hath a lord. And I have fulfilled my quest, she shall be sent unto her husband again, and in a special most for your sake, Sir Tristram. And if she would go with you, I would ye had her. I thank you, said Sir Tristram, but for her love I shall beware what manner a lady I shall love or trust. For had her lord, Sir Seguant Redis, been away from the court, I should have been the first that should have followed you. But sit then that ye have refused me, as I am true knight, I shall her know passingly well, that I shall love or trust. And so they took their leave, one from the other, and departed. And so Sir Tristram rode unto Tintagel, and Sir Bleobaris rode unto the Abbey where Sir Seguant Redis lay sore-wounded, and there he delivered his lady and departed as a noble knight. And when Sir Seguant Redis saw his lady, he was greatly comforted. And then she told him that Sir Tristram had done great battle with Sir Bleobaris and caused him to bring her again. These words pleased Sir Seguant Redis right well, that Sir Tristram would do so much, and so that lady told all the battle unto King Mark betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Bleobaris. Chapter 19 How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for Labille, Isid toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England. Then when this was done, King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroy Sir Tristram. And then he imagined in himself to send Sir Tristram into Ireland for Labille, Isid. So for Sir Tristram had so praised her beauty and her goodness that King Mark said that he would wed her. Whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to take his way into Ireland for him on message. And all this was done to the intent to slay Sir Tristram. Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the message for no danger nor peril that might fall, for the pleasure of his uncle. But to go he made him ready and the most goodliest wise that might be devised. For Sir Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that he might find in the court. And they were arrayed after the guise that was then used in the goodliest manner. So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea with all his fellowship. And anon, as he was in the broad sea, a tempest took him and his fellowship and drove them back into the coast of England. And there they arrived fast by Camelot and full feign they were to take the land. And when they were landed, Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the land of Camelot and there he let hang his shield upon the pavilion. And that same day came two knights of King Arthur's. That one was Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Morganar. And they touched the shield and bade him come out of the pavilion for to jost and he would just. Ye shall be answered said Sir Tristram and ye will tarry a little while. So he made him ready and first he smote down Sir Ector de Maris and after he smote down Sir Morganar all with one spear and sore bruise them. And when they lay upon the earth they asked Sir Tristram what he was and of what country he was knight. Fair Lords said Sir Tristram with ye well that I am of Cornwall. Alas said Sir Ector now I am ashamed that ever any Cornish knight should overcome me. And then for despite Sir Ector put off his armor from him and went on foot and would not ride. Chapter 20 How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King Arthur's court for treason. Then it fell that Sir Bleobaris and Sir Blamour de Ganes that were brethren they had summoned the King Anguish of Ireland for to come to Arthur's court upon pain of forfeiture of King Arthur's good grace. And if the King of Ireland came not in at the day assigned and set the King should lose his lands. And so it happened that at the day assigned King Arthur neither Sir Lancelot might not be there for to give the judgment for King Arthur was with Sir Lancelot at the castle joyous guard. And so King Arthur assigned King Karados and the King of Scots to be there that day as judges. So when the kings were at Camelot King Anguish of Ireland was come to know his accusers. Then was there Sir Blamour de Ganes and appealed the King of Ireland of treason. Then he had slain a cousin of his in his court in Ireland by treason. The King was sore abashed of his accusation for why he was come at the summons of King Arthur and or he came at Camelot with not wherefore he was sent after. And when the King heard Sir Blamour say his will he understood well there was none other remedy but for to answer him nightly for the custom was such in those days that an any man were appealed of any treason or murder he should fight body for body or else to find another night for him. And all manner of murders in those days were called treason. So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was passing heavy for he knew Sir Blamour de Ganes that he was a noble knight and of noble knights come. Then the King of Ireland was simply pure vaid of his answer. Therefore the judges gave him respite by the third day to give his answer. So the King departed unto his lodging. The meanwhile there came a lady by Sir Tristram's Pavilion making great dole. What Eilith you said Sir Tristram that he make such dole? Ah fair knight said the lady I am ashamed unless that some good night help me for a great lady of worship sent by me a fair child and a rich unto Sir Lancelot du Lac and hereby there met me with a knight and threw me down for my palfre and took away the child from me. Well my lady said Sir Tristram and for my lord Sir Lancelot's sake I shall get you that child again or else I shall be beaten for it. And so Sir Tristram took his horse and asked the lady which way the knight rode and then she told him and he rode after him and within a while he overtook that knight and then Sir Tristram bade him turn and give again the child. Chapter 21 How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight and how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish The knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight and then Sir Tristram smote him with a sword such a buffet that he tumbled to the earth and then he yielded him unto Sir Tristram Then come thy way said Sir Tristram and bring the child to the lady again so he took his horse meekly and rode with Sir Tristram and then by the way Sir Tristram asked him his name then he said my name is Bruce Salsapit so when he had delivered that child to the lady he said Sir as in this the child is well remedied then Sir Tristram let him go again that sore repented him after for he was a great foe unto many good knights of King Arthur's court Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail his man came and told him how the King Anguish of Ireland was come thither and he was put in great distress and there Gouvernail told Sir Tristram how King Anguish was summoned in appeal to murder So God me help said Sir Tristram these be the best tidings that ever came to me this seven years for now shall the King of Ireland have need of my help for I dear say there is no knight in this country that has not of Arthur's court dare do battle with Sir Blaymore Duganis and for to win the love of the King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me and therefore Gouvernail bring me I charge thee to the King Then Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland and saluted him there the King welcomed him and asked him what he would Sir said Gouvernail there is a knight near hand that desireth to speak with you he bade me say he would do you service what knight is he said the King Sir said he it is Sir Tristram do Leoness that for your good grace that he showed him in your lands will reward you in this country come on fellow said the King with me and on and show me unto Sir Tristram so the King took a little hot knee and but a few fellowship with him until he came unto Sir Tristram's pavilion and when Sir Tristram saw the King he ran unto him and would have hold in his sterile but the King leapt from his horse lightly and either hulsed other in their arms my gracious Lord said Sir Tristram Gramercy of your great goodness showed unto me in your marches and lands and at that time I promised you to do service and ever it lay in my power and gentle knights said the King unto Sir Tristram now have I great need of you never had I so great need of no knight's help how so my good Lord said Sir Tristram I shall tell you said the King I am summoned and appealed from my country for the death of a knight that was kin unto the good knight Sir Lancelot wherefore Sir Blaymore Durgonese brother to Sir Bleobaris hath appealed me to fight with him Uther to find a knight in my steed and well I want said the King these that are come of King Bann's blood as Sir Lancelot and these other are passing good knights and hard men for to win in battle as any that I know now living Sir said Sir Tristram for the good Lordship ye showed me in Ireland and for my lady your daughters say Labille is who I take the battle for you upon this condition that ye shall grant me two things that one is that ye shall swear to me that ye are in the right that ye were never consenting to the knight's death Sir then said Sir Tristram when that I have done this battle if God give me grace that I speed that ye shall give me a reward one thing reasonable that I will ask of so God me help said the King ye shall have what some ever ye will ask it is well said said Sir Tristram Chapter 22 how Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his adversary and how his adversary would never yield him now make your answer that your champion is ready for I shall die in your quarrel rather than to be recreate I have no doubt of you said the King that and ye should have a do with Sir Lancelot de Lac Sir said Sir Tristram as for Sir Lancelot he is called the noblest knight of the world and witty well that the knights of his blood are noble men and dread shame and as for Bleobaris brother under Sir Blaymore I have done battle with him and therefore upon my head it is no shame to call him a good knight it is noise said the King that Blaymore is the hardier knight Sir as for that let him be he shall never be refused and as he were the best knight that now beareth shield or spear so King Anguish departed unto King Caradose and the kings that were at that time his judges and told them that he had found his champion ready then by the commandment of the kings Sir Blaymore de Gannith and Sir Tristram were sent for to hear the charge and when they were come before the judges there were many kings and knights beheld Sir Tristram and much speech they had of him because that he slew Sir Machaus the good knight and because he had fore josted Sir Palamides the good knight so when they had taken their charge they withdrew them to make them ready to do battle then said Sir Bleobaris unto his brother Sir Blaymore fair dear brother remember of what kin we become of and what a man is Sir Lancelot de Locke neither father nor nearer but brother's children and there was never none of our kin that ever was shamed in battle and rather suffered death brother than to be shamed brother said Blaymore have you no doubt of me for I shall never shame none of my blood how be it I am sure that Yonder Knight is called a passing good knight as of his time one of the world yet shall I never yield me nor say the loathe word well may he happen to smite me down with his great might of chivalry but rather shall he slay me than I shall yield me as requrient God speed you well said Sir Bleobaris for ye shall find him the mightiest knight that ever ye had adieu with all for I know him for I have had adieu with him God me speed said Sir Blaymore de Ganes and therewith he took his horse at one end of the lists and Sir Tristram at the other end of the lists and so they furtured their spears and came together as if it had been thunder and there Sir Tristram through a great might smoked down Sir Blaymore and his horse to the earth then on Sir Blaymore avoided his horse and pulled out his sword and threw his shield before him and bathed Sir Tristram alight for though and horse have failed me I trust to God the earth will not fail me and then Sir Tristram alighted and dressed him unto battle and there they lashed together strongly as racing and tracing foining and dashing many said stroke that the kings and the knights had great wonder that they might stand for ever they fought like wood men so that there were never knights seen fight more fiercely than they did for Sir Blaymore was so hasty that he would have no rest that all men wondered that they had breathed to stand on their feet and all the place was slutty that they had fought him and at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir Blaymore such a buffet upon the helm that he there fell down upon his side and Sir Tristram stood and beheld him end of book 8 chapter 17 through 22 this has been a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org read by M.J. LeMorte d'Artour volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory book 8 chapter 17 through 22 chapters 23 through 28 book 8 volume 1 of LeMorte d'Artour 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 Vin Riley LeMorte d'Artour volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory book 8 chapters 23 through 28 chapter 23 then when Sir Blaymore might speak he said thus Sir Tristram de Leonis I require thee as thou art a noble knight and the best knight that ever I found that thou wilt slay me out for I would not live to be made lord of all the earth for I have leave her die with worship and live with shame and needs Sir Tristram thou must slay me or else thou shall never win the field for I will never say the loath word and therefore if thou dare slay me slay me I require thee when Sir Tristram heard him say so nightly he whisked not what to do with him he remembering him of both parties of what bloody was come and for Sir Lancelot's sake he would be loath to slay him and in the other party in no wise he might not choose but that he must make him to say the loath word or else to slay him then Sir Tristram stirred her back and went to the kings that were judges and there he kneeled down to fore them and besought them for their worships and for king and judges and Sir Lancelot's sake that they would take this matter in their hands for my fair lord said Sir Tristram it was shame and pity that this noble night that yonder lieth should be slain for ye hear well shamed he will not be and I pray to God that he never be slain nor shamed for me and as for the king for whom I fight for I shall require him as I am his true champion and true knight in this field on this good night so God me help said king anguish I will for your sake Sir Tristram be ruled as you will have me for I know you for my true knight and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here as judges to take it in their hands and the kings that were judges called Sir Blaeoveris to them and asked him his advice my lord said Blaeoveris though my brother be beaten and hath the worse through might of arms I dare say though Sir Tristram hath beaten his body he hath not beaten his heart and I thank God he is not shamed this day and rather than he should be shamed I require you said Sir Blaeoveris let Sir Tristram slay him out it shall not be so said the kings for his part adversary both the king and the champion have pity of Sir Blaeoveris knighthood my lord said Blaeoveris I will write well as you will then the kings called the king of Ireland and found him goodly and treatable and then by all their advices Sir Tristram and Sir Blaeoveris took up Sir Blamour and the two brethren were accorded with King Anguish and kissed and made friends forever and then Sir Blamour and Sir Tristram kissed together and there they made their oaths that they would never none of them would ever fight with Sir Tristram and Sir Tristram made the same oath and for that gentle battle all the blood of Sir Lancelot loved Sir Tristram forever then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave and sailed into Ireland with great no-bless and joy so when they were in Ireland the king let make it known throughout all the land how and in what manner Sir Tristram had done for him then the queen and all that there were made the most of him that they might but the joy that La Bellisuit made of Sir Tristram there might no tongue tell for of all men earthly she loved him most End of Chapter 23 Chapter 24 then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his boon for whatsoever he had promised him he should have it without fail Sir said Sir Tristram now is it time this is all that I will desire that you will give me La Bellisuit your daughter not for myself but for my uncle King Mark that shall have her to wife for so have I promised him Alas! said the king I had leaper than all the land that I have you would wed her yourself Sir and I did then I was shamed forever in this world and false of my promise therefore said Sir Tristram I pray you hold your promise that you promised me for this is my desire that you will give me La Bellisuit to go with me into Cornwall for to be wedded to King Mark my uncle as for that said King Anguish you shall have her with you to do with her what it please you that is for to say that if he list to wed her yourself that is me leafest and if you will give her unto King Mark your choice so to make short conclusion La Bellisuit was made ready to go with Sir Tristram and Dame Braguane went with her for her chief gentlewoman with many other then the queen Isoud's mother gave to her and Dame Braguane her daughter's gentlewoman and unto Governail a drink and charge them that what day King Mark should wed that same day they should give him that drink La Bellisuit and then said the queen I undertake either shall love other the days of their life so this drink was given unto Dame Braguane and unto Governail and then anon Sir Tristram took the sea and La Bellisuit and when they were in their cabin it happened so that they were thirsty and they saw a little flask of gold stand by them and it seemed by the color and the taste that it was noble wine then Sir Tristram took the flask in his hand and said Madame Isoud here is the best drink that ever you drank that Dame Braguane your maiden and Governail my servant have kept for themselves then they laughed and made good cheer and either drank to other freely and they thought never drink that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good but by that their drink was in their bodies they loved neither other so well that never their love departed for wheel neither for woe and thus it happened the love first betwixt Sir Tristram and La Bellisuit the which love never departed the days of their life so then they sailed till by fortune they came now a castle that hight plure and thereby arrived for to repose them weaning to them to have had good harborage but anon as Sir Tristram in the castle they were taken prisoners for the custom of the castle was such who that rode by that castle and brought any lady he must needs fight with the lord that hight Brunor and if it was so that Brunor won the field then should the night stranger and his lady be put to death what that ever they were and if it was so that the strange night won the field of Sir Brunor then should he die and his lady both this custom was used many winters was called the castle plure that is to say the weeping castle end of chapter 24 chapter 25 thus as Sir Tristram and La Bellisuit were in prison it happened a night and a lady came unto them where they were to cheer them I have marvel said Tristram unto the night and the lady what is the cause the lord of this castle hold with us in prison there was never the custom of no place of worship that ever I came in when a night and the lady asked Harbour and they to receive them and after to destroy them that be his guests Sir said the night this is the old custom of this castle that when a night cometh here he must needs fight with our lord and he that is weaker must lose his head and when that is done if his lady that he bringeth be fowler than our lord's wife she must lose her head if she be fairer proved than is our lady then shall the lady of this castle lose her head so got me help said Sir Tristram this is a foul custom and a shameful but one advantage have I said Sir Tristram I have a lady as fair enough fairer so I never at all my life days and I doubt not for lack of beauty she shall not lose her head and rather than I should lose my head I will fight for it on a fair field wherefore Sir Knight I pray you tell your lord that I will be ready as to mourn with my lady and myself to do battle if it be so I may have my horse and my armor Sir said that night I undertake that your desire shall be sped right well and then he said take your rest and look that you be up betimes and make you ready and your lady for you shall want no thing that you behooveth and on the mourn betimes that same night came to Sir Tristram and fetched him out and his lady and brought him horse and armor that was his own and bat him make him ready to the field for all the estates and commons of that lordship were there ready to behold that battle and judgment then came Sir Brunor the lord of that castle with his lady in his hand muffled and asked Sir Tristram where was his lady will my lady be fairer than mine with thy sword smite off my lady's head and if my lady be fairer than thine with my sword I must strike off her head and if I may win thee yet shall thy lady be mine and thou shalt lose thy head Sir said Tristram this is a foul custom and horrible and rather than my lady should lose her head yet had I leave her lose my head nay nay said Sir Brunor the ladies shall be first showed together and the one shall have her judgment nay I will not so said Sir Tristram for here is none that will give righteous judgment but I doubt not said Sir Tristram my lady is fairer than thine and that will I prove and make good with my hand and whomesoever he be that will say the contrary I will prove it on his head and therewith Sir Tristram gave her a belliesuit and turned her thrice about with his naked sword in his hand and when Sir Brunor saw that he did the same wise turn his lady but when Sir Brunor beheld a belliesuit him thought he saw never a fairer lady and then he dread his lady's head should be off and so all the people that were there present gave judgment that a belliesuit was the fairer lady and the better maid it seemeth it were pity that my lady should lose her head but because thou and she of long time have used this wicked custom and by you both have many good nights and ladies been destroyed for that cause it were no loss to destroy you both so God me help said Sir Brunor for to say the sooth thy lady is fairer than mine and that me saw repenteth and so I hear the people of him and I saw none so fair and therefore and thou will slay my lady I doubt not but I shall slay thee and have thy lady thou shalt win her said Sir Tristram as dear as ever night one lady and because of thine own judgment as thou wouldst have done to my lady if that she had been fowler and because of the evil custom give me thy lady said Sir Tristram and therewith all Sir Tristram strode unto him and took his lady from him and with an awk stroke he smote off her head clean well night said Sir Brunor now has thou done me a despite now take thine horse sith and I am ladyless I will win thy lady and I may End of Chapter 25 Chapter 26 then they took their horses and came together as it had been the thunder and Sir Tristram smote Sir Brunor clean from his horse and lightly he rose up and as Sir Tristram came again by him he thrust his horse throughout both the shoulders that his horse hurled here and there and fell dead to the ground and ever Sir Brunor ran after to have slain Sir Tristram but Sir Tristram was light and nimble and voided his horse lightly and or ever Sir Tristram might dress his shield and his sword the other gave him three or four sad strokes then they rushed together like two boars tracing and traversing mightily and wisely as two noble knights for this Sir Brunor was a proved knight and had been or then the death of many good knights that it was pity he had so long endured thus they fought hurling here and there nigh two hours and either were wounded sore then at the last Sir Brunor rushed upon Sir Tristram and took him in his arms for he trusted much in his strength then was Sir Tristram called the strongest and the highest knight of the world for he was called bigger than Sir Lancelot but Sir Lancelot was better breathed so a non-Sir Tristram thrust Sir Brunor down groveling and then he unlaced his helm and struck off his head and then all they that longed to the castle came to him and did him homage and fealty and bide there still a little while to foredo that foul custom Sir Tristram granted there too the meanwhile one of the knights of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad the Hote Prince the witch was Sir Brunor's son which was a noble knight and told him what misadventure his father had and his mother End of Chapter 26 Chapter 27 then came Sir Galahad and the king with the hundred knights with him and this Sir Galahad proffered to fight with Sir Tristram hand for hand and so they made them ready to go into battle on horseback with great courage then Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram met together so hard that either bare other down horse and all to the earth and then they avoided their horses as noble knights and dressed their shields and drew their swords with ire and rancor and they lashed together they had strokes and one while striking another while foining tracing and traversing as noble knights thus they fought long near half a day and either were sore wounded at the last Sir Tristram waxed light and big and doubled his strokes and drove Sir Galahad aback on the one side and on the other so that he was like to have been slain with that came the king with the hundred knights and all that fellowship went fiercely upon Sir Tristram when Sir Tristram saw them coming upon him then he wist he might not endure then as a wise knight of war he said to Sir Galahad the Hote Prince Sir you show to me no knighthood for to suffer all your men to have a do with me all at once and as misimuth ye be a noble knight of your hands it is great shame to you So God me help said Sir Galahad there is none other way but thou to me other else to die said Sir Galahad to Sir Tristram I will rather yield me to you than die for that is more for the might of your men than of your hands and therewith all Sir Tristram took his own sword by the point and put the pommel in the hand of Sir Galahad therewith all came the king with the hundred knights and hard began to assail Sir Tristram let be said Sir Galahad be not so hardy to touch him for I have given this knight his life that is your shame said the king with the hundred knights hath he not slain your father and your mother as for that said Sir Galahad I may not white him greatly for my father had him in prison and enforced him to do battle with him and my father had such a custom that was a shameful custom that what knight came there to ask harbour his lady must needs die but if she were fairer than my mother and if my father overcame that knight he must needs die this was a shameful custom and usage a knight for his harbour asking to have such harbourage and for this custom I would never draw about him so God me help said the king this was a shameful custom truly said Sir Galahad so seemed me and me seemed it had been great pity that this knight should have been slain for I dare say he is the noblest of my life but if it were so Lancelot du Lake now fair knight said Sir Galahad I require thee tell me thy name and of whence thou art and wither thou wilt sir he said my name is Sir Tristram de Leonis and from King Mark of Cornwall I was sent on message unto King Anguish of Ireland for to fetch his daughter to be his wife and here she is ready to go with me and Sir Tristram said Sir Galahad the hot prince well be found in these marches and so you will promise me to go unto Sir Lancelot du Lake and accompany with him ye shall go where ye will and your fair lady with you and I shall promise you never in all my days shall such customs be used in this castle as have been used sir said Sir Tristram now I let you wit I weaned ye had been Sir Lancelot du Lake when I saw you first and therefore I dread you the more and Sir I promise you said Sir Tristram as soon as I may I will see Sir Lancelot and in fellowship me with him for of all the knights of the world I most desire his fellowship End of Chapter 27 Chapter 28 and then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time and took the sea and in the meanwhile word came unto Sir Lancelot and to Sir Tristram that Sir Carrados the mighty king that was made like a giant fought with Sir Gawain and gave him such strokes that he swooned in his saddle and after that he took him by the collar and pulled him out of his saddle and fast bound him to the saddle-bow and so rode his way with him toward his castle and as he rode by fortune and a non he knew Sir Gawain that lay bound after him ah said Sir Lancelot unto Sir Gawain how stands it with you never so hard said Sir Gawain unless that he help me for so God me help without you rescue me I know no knight that may but other you or Sir Tristram wherefore Sir Lancelot was heavy of Sir Gawain's words and then Sir Lancelot bad Sir Carrados come that night and fight with me thou art but a fool said Sir Carrados for I will serve you in the same wise as for that said Sir Lancelot spare me not for I warn thee I will not spare thee and then he bound Sir Gawain hand and foot and so threw him to the ground and then he got his spear of his squire and departed from Sir Lancelot to fetch his course and so either met with other and break their spears to their hands and then they pulled out swords and hurtled together on horseback more than an hour and at the last Sir Lancelot smoked Sir Carrados such a buffett upon the helm that it pierced his brain pan so then Sir Lancelot took Sir Carrados by the collar and pulled him under his horse's feet and then he alighted and pulled off his helm and struck off his head and then Sir Lancelot came to the plane so this same tale was told to Sir Galahad and to Sir Tristram here may ye hear the nobleness that followeth Sir Lancelot alas said Sir Tristram and I had not this message in hand with this fair lady truly I would never stint or I had found Sir Lancelot then Sir Tristram and La Bellisude went to the sea and came into Cornwall and there all the barons met them chapters 23 through 28 chapters 29 to 33 book 8 volume 1 of Le Mort d'Artur 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 Tisto T-Y-S-T-O dot com Le Mort d'Artur volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory book 8 chapters 29 to 33 chapter 29 of the wedding of King Mark to La Bellisude and of Braguane, Hermade and of Palamides and anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse but ever as the French book sayeth Sir Tristram and La Bellisude loved ever together then there was great jousts and great turning and many lords and ladies were at that feast and Sir Tristram was most praised of all other thus doored the feast long and after the feast was done within a little while after by the ascent of two ladies that were with Queen Izzode they ordained for hate and envy to destroy Dame Braguane that was maiden and lady unto La Bellisode and she was sent into the forest for to fetch herbs and there she was met and bound feet and hand to a tree and so she was bounden three days and by fortune Sir Palamides found Dame Braguane and there he delivered her from the death and brought her to a nunnery for to be recovered when Izzode the Queen missed her maiden with you well she was right heavy as ever was any Queen for of all earthly women she loved her best the cause was for she came with her out of her country and so upon a day Queen Izzode walked into the forest to put away her thoughts and there she went herself unto a well great moan and suddenly there came Palamides to her and had heard all her complaint and said Madam Izzode and ye will grant me my boon I shall bring you Dame Braguane safe and sound and the Queen was so glad of his proffer that suddenly univised she granted all his asking well Madam said Palamides I trust to your promise and if ye will abide here half an hour I shall bring her to you I shall abide you said La Belle Izzode and Sir Palamides rode forth his way to that nunnery and lightly he came again with Dame Braguane but by her good will she would not have come again because for love of the Queen she stood in adventure of her life and by standing half against her will she went with Sir Palamides unto the Queen and when the Queen saw her she was passing glad now Madam said Sir Palamides remember upon your promise for I have fulfilled my promise Sir Palamides said the Queen I what not what is your desire but I will that we wit how beard I promised you largely I thought none evil nor new none evil will I do Madam said Sir Palamides as at this time you shall not know my desire but before my lord your husband there shall ye know that I will have my desire that ye have promised me and therewith the Queen departed and rode home to the King and Sir Palamides rode after her and when Sir Palamides came before the King Sir King I require you as ye be a righteous King that ye will judge me the right tell me your cause said the King and ye shall have right Chapter 30 How Palamides demanded Queen Izzode and how Lambigus rode after to rescue her and of the escape of Izzode Sir said Palamides I promised your Queen Izzode to bring again Dame Braguine that she had lost upon this covenant that she should grant me a boon that I would ask and without grudging other advisement she granted me What say ye my lady said the King it is as he saith so God may help by these sooth I promised him his asking for love and joy that I had to see her Well Madam said the King and if ye were hasty to grant him the boon he would ask I will well that you perform your promise then said Palamides I will that you wit that I will have your Queen to lead her whereas me list therewith the King stood still and bethought him of Sir Tristram and deemed that he would rescue her and then hastily the King answered take her with the adventures that shall fall of it for I suppose thou wilt not enjoy her no while as for that said Palamides I dare right well abide the adventure so to make short tale Sir Palamides took her by the hand and said Madam judge not to go with me for I desire nothing but your own promise as for that said the Queen I fear not greatly to go with thee how be it thou hast me at advantage upon my promise for I doubt not I shall be worshipfully rescued from thee as for that said Sir Palamides it does it be me so Queen Izzode was set behind Palamides and rode his way Anon the King sent after Sir Tristram but in no wise he could be found for he was in the forest hunting for that was always his custom but if he used arms to chase and to hunt in the forests alas said the King now I am shamed for ever by my own assent my lady and my Queen shall be devoured then came forth a knight his name was Lambagus and he was a knight of Sir Tristram my lord said this knight which he will for his sake I will ride after your Queen and rescue her or else I shall be beaten Gramercy said the King I shall deserve it and then Sir Lambagus armed him and rode after as fast as he might and then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides and then Sir Palamides left the Queen what art thou said Palamides art thou Tristram nay he said I am his servant and my name is Sir Lambagus that me repenteth said Palamides there has to been Sir Tristram I believe you well said Lambagus but when thou meetest with Sir Tristram thou shalt have thy hands full and then they hurtled together and all to brassed their spears and then they pulled out their swords and hewed on Helms and Halberks at the last Sir Palamides gave Sir Lambagus such a wound that he fell down like a dead knight to the earth and then he looked after Labelizod and then she was gone he nest where wik ye well Sir Palamides was never so heavy so the Queen ran into the forest and there she found a well and therein she had thought to have drowned herself and as good fortune would there came a knight to her that had a castle nearby his name was Adtherp and when he found the Queen in that mischief he rescued her and brought her to his castle and when he whisked what she was he armed him and took his horse and said he would be avenged upon Palamides and so he rode on till he met with him and there Sir Palamides wounded him sore and by force he made him to tell the cause why he did battle with him and how he had led the Queen unto his castle now bring me there said Palamides die of my hands sir said Sir Adtherp I am so wounded I may not follow but ride you this way and it shall bring you into my castle and there within is the Queen then Sir Palamides rode still till he came to the castle and at a window Labelizod saw Sir Palamides then she made the gates to be shut strongly and when he saw he might not come within the castle he put off his bridle and his saddle and put his horse to pasture and set himself down at the gate like a man that was out of his wit that wrecked not of himself Chapter 31 How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides and how he found him and fought with him and by the means of Izzod the battle ceased now we turn unto Sir Tristram that when he was come home and wist Labelizod was gone with Sir Palamides with ye well he was wroth out of measure Alas! said Sir Tristram I am this day shamed then he cried to Governail his man hast thee that I will armed and on horseback for well I what Lembegas hath no might nor strength to withstand Sir Palamides Alas! that I have not been in his stead so anon as he was armed and horsed Sir Tristram and Governail rode after into the forest and within a while he found his night Lembegas almost wounded to the death and Sir Tristram bear him to a forester and charged him to keep him well and then he rode forth and there he found Sir Anthrop soar wounded and he told him how the queen would have drowned herself had he not been sick and love he had taken upon himself to do battle with Sir Palamides where is my lady said Sir Tristram sir said the night she is sure enough within my castle and she can hold her within it Gramo say said Sir Tristram of thy great goodness and so he rode till he came nigh to that castle and then Sir Tristram saw where Sir Palamides held the gate sleeping and his horse pastured fast for him now go thou Governail said Sir Tristram and bid him awake and make him ready so Governail rode unto him and said Sir Palamides arise and take to thee thine harness but he was in such a study he heard not what Governail said so Governail came again and told Sir Tristram he slept he was mad go thou again said Sir Tristram and bid him arise and tell him I am here his mortal foe so Governail rode again and put upon him the butt of his spear and said Sir Palamides make thee ready for wit ye well Sir Tristram hoveth yonder and sendeth thee word ye without words and got his horse and saddled him and bridled him and lightly he leapt upon and got his spear in his hand and either footred their spears and hurtled fast together and there Tristram smoked down Sir Palamides over his horse's tail then lightly Sir Palamides put his shield for him and drew his sword and there began strong battle parts for both they fought for the love of one lady and ever she lay on the walls and beheld them how they fought out of measure and either were wounded passing sore but Palamides was much sora wounded thus they fought tracing and traversing more than two hours that well nigh for dole and sorrow la bellezode swooned alas! she said that one I loved and yet do and the other I love not yet it were great pity that I should see Sir Palamides slain for well I know by the time the end be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight because he is not christened I would be loathe that he should die a Saracen and therewithal she came down and besought Sir Tristram to fight no more ah madam said he will ye have misshamed well ye know I will be ruled by you I will not your dishonour said la bellezode but I would that he would for my sake spare this unhappy Saracen Palamides madam said Sir Tristram I will leave fighting at this time for your sake then she said to Sir Palamides this shall be your charge that thou shalt go out of this country while I am therein I will obey your commandment said Sir Palamides the witch you saw against my will then take thy way said la bellezode on to the court of King Arthur and there recommend me unto Queen Guinevere and tell her that I send her word that there be within this land but four lovers that is Soloncelot du Lake and Queen Guinevere Sir Tristram de Lyons and Queen Izode Chapter 32 How Sir Tristram brought Queen Izode home and of the debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram and so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness and Sir Tristram took the Queen and brought her again to King Mark and then there was made great joy of her homecoming who was cherished but Sir Tristram then Sir Tristram let fetch Sir Lambegus his night from the Forester's house and it was long or he was whole but at the last he was well recovered thus they lived with joy and play a long while but ever Sir Andred that was nigh cousin to Sir Tristram lay in a watch to wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Bellezode for to take them and slander them so upon a day Sir Tristram talked with La Bellezode in a window and that is spied Sir Andred and told it to the King then King Mark took a sword in his hand and came to Sir Tristram and called him false traitor and would have stricken him but Sir Tristram was nigh him and ran under his sword and took it out of his hand and then the King cried Where are my knights and my men? I charge you slay this traitor but at that time there was not one who would move for his words when Sir Tristram saw that there was not one who would be against him he shook the sword to the King and made countenance as though he would have stricken him and then King Mark fled and Sir Tristram followed him and smote upon him five or six strokes flatling on the neck that he made him to fall upon the nose and then Sir Tristram yead his way and armed him and took his horse and his man and so he rode into that forest and there upon a day Sir Tristram met with two brethren that were knights with King Mark and there he struck off the head of the one and wounded the other to the death and he made him to bear his brother's head in his helm unto the King and thirty more there he wounded and when that night came before the King to say his message he there died for the King and the Queen then King Mark called his council unto him and asked advice of his barons what was best to do with Sir Tristram Sir said the barons in a special Sardinus the Seneshall here we will give you council for to send for Sir Tristram for we will that ye with many men will hold with Sir Tristram and he will hard bested and Sir said Sardinus ye shall understand that Sir Tristram is called peerless and makeless of any Christian knight and of his might and hardiness we knew none so good a knight but if it be Sir Lancelot the Lake and if he depart from your court and go to King Arthur's court with ye well he will get him such friends there that he will not set by your malice and therefore Sir I council you to take him to your grace I will well said the King that he be sent for that we may be friends then the barons sent for Sir Tristram under a safe conduct and so when Sir Tristram came to the King he was welcome and no rehearsal was made and there was game and play and then the King and the Queen went a hunting and Sir Tristram Chapter 33 How Sir Lamarack jousted with thirty knights and how Sir Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse down the King and the Queen made their pavilions and their tents in that forest beside a river and there was daily hunting and jousting for there were ever thirty knights ready to joust unto all them that came in at that time and thereby fortune came Sir Lamarack to Gallus and Sir Dreant and there Sir Dreant jousted right well but at the last he had a fall then Sir Lamarack proffered to joust and when he began he fared so with the thirty knights that there was not one of them but that he gave him a fall and some of them were sore hurt I marvel said King Mark what night he is that doth such deeds of arms Sir said Sir Tristram I know him well for a noble knight as few now be living and his name is Sir Lamarack to Gallus it were great shame said the King that he should go thus away unless that some of you meet with him better Sir said Sir Tristram Missy Mith it were no worship for a noble man to have a do with him and for because at this time he had done over much for any mean knight living therefore as Missy Mith it were great shame and villainy to tempt him any more at this time in so much as he and his horse are weary both for the deeds of arms that he had done this day and they be well considered it were enough for Soloncelot Lake as for that said King Mark I require you as you love me and my Lady the Queen La Bellisode take your arms and joust with Sir Lamarack to Gallus Sir said Sir Tristram you bid me do a thing that is against knighthood and well I can deem that I shall give him a fall for it is no mastery for my horse and I be fresh for both and so is not his horse and he and with you well that he will take it for great unkindness for ever one good knight is loath to take another disadvantage but because I will not displease you as you require me so will I do and obey your commandment and so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse and put him forth and there Sir Lamarack met him mightily with the might of his own spear and of Sir Tristram's spear Sir Lamarack's horse fell to the earth and he sitting in the saddle then anon as lightly as he might he avoided the saddle and his horse and put his shield for him and drew his sword and then he bade Sir Tristram alight thou knight and thou durst nay said Sir Tristram I will no more have a do with thee done to thee over much unto my dishonour and to thy worship as for that said Sir Lamarack, I can thee no thank since thou hast forge ousted me on horseback I require thee and I beseech thee and thou be Sir Tristram fight with me on foot I will not so said Sir Tristram and with you well my name is Sir Tristram de Lyons and well I know ye be Sir Lamarack de Gales that I have done to you was against my will but I was required there too but to say that I will do at your request at this time I will have no more a do with you for miss Shameth of that I have done as for shame said Sir Lamarack, on thy part or on mine bear thou it and thou wilt for thou a mare's son hath failed me now a queen's son shall not fail thee and therefore and thou be such a knight as men call thee I require thee a light and fight with me Sir Lamarack, said Sir Tristram I understand your heart is great and cause why ye have to say thee sooth for it would grieve me and any knight should keep him fresh and then to strike down a weary night for that night no horse was never formed that all way may stand or endure and therefore said Sir Tristram I will not have a do with you for me for thinketh of that I have done as for that said Sir Lamarack I shall quit you and ever I see my time end of book 8 chapters 29 to 33 read by Vin Riley Lamort D'Arture, volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory book 8, chapters 34 through 38 chapter 34 so he departed from him with Sir Dryant and by the way they met with a knight that was sent from Morgan Le Fay unto King Arthur and this knight had a fair horn harnessed with gold and the horn had such a virtue to drink of that horn but if she were true to her husband and if she were false she should spill all the drink and if she were true to her lord she might drink peaceable and because of the Queen Guinevere and in the despite of Sir Lancelot this horn was sent up to King Arthur and by force Sir Lamarack made that knight to tell all the cause why he bear that horn now shall thou bear this horn said Lamarack unto King Mark or else choose thou to die for it for I tell thee plainly in despite and reproof of Sir Tristram thou shall bear that horn unto King Mark his uncle and say thou to him that I sent it him for to assay his lady and if she be true to him he shall prove her so the knight went his way unto King Mark and brought him that rich horn and said that Sir Lamarack sent it him and there too he told him the virtue of that horn then the king made Queen Issoud to drink thereof and an hundred ladies and there were but four ladies of all those that drank clean Alas! said King Mark this is a great despite and swear a great oath that she should be burnt and the other ladies then the barons gathered them together and said plainly they would not have those ladies burnt for an horn made by sorcery that came from as false a sorceress and which as then was living for that horn did never good but caused strife and debate and always in her days she had been an enemy to all true lovers so there were many knights made their avow and ever they met with Morgan Le Fay that they would show her short courtesy also Sir Tristram was passing Roth that Sir Lamarack sent that horn unto King Mark for well he knew that it was done in the spite of him and therefore he thought to quite Sir Lamarack then Sir Tristram used daily and nightly to go to Queen Isid when he might and ever Sir Andred his cousin watched him night and day for to take him with La Belle Isid and so upon a night Sir Andred aspired the hour and the time when Sir Tristram went to his lady then Sir Andred got unto him twelve nights and at midnight he set upon Sir Tristram secretly and suddenly Sir Tristram was taken naked of bed with La Belle Isid and then was he bound hand and foot and so was he kept until day and then by the ascent of King Mark and of Sir Andred and of some of the barons Sir Tristram was led unto a chapel that stood upon the sea-rocks there for to take his judgment and so he was led bound in with forty nights and when Sir Tristram saw that there was none other boot needs that he must die then said he Fair Lords remember what I have done for the country of Cornwall and in what jeopardy I have been in for the wheel of you all for when I fought for the truage of Cornwall with Sir Marhouse the good night I was promised for to be better rewarded when you all refused to take the battle therefore as you be good gentle knights see me not thus shamefully to die for it is shame to all knighthood thus to see me die for I daresay said Sir Tristram that I never met with no knight but I was as good as he or better Fire upon thee said Sir Andred false traitor that thou art with thine of vaunting for all thy boast thou shall die this day O Andred Andred said Sir Tristram thou shouldst be my kinsman and now thou art to me full unfriendly but and there were no more than I thou wouldst not put me to death no said Sir Andred and therewith he drew his sword and would have slain him when Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he looked upon both his hands that were fast bound and unto two knights and suddenly he pulled them both to him and unrast his hands and then he leapt unto his cousin Sir Andred and rested his sword out of his hands then he smote Sir Andred that he fell to the earth and so Sir Tristram fought till that he had killed ten knights so then Sir Tristram got the chapel and kept it mightily then the cry was great and the people drew fast unto Sir Andred more than a hundred when Sir Tristram saw the people draw unto him he remembered he was naked and spurred fast the chapel door and break the bars of a window and so he leapt out of his legs in the sea and so at that time Sir Andred no none of his fellows might get to him at that time End of Chapter 34 Chapter 35 So when they were departed Governail and Sir Lambegis and Sir Sentrai de Luchon that were Sir Tristram's men sought their master when they heard he was escaped then they were passing glad and on the rocks they found him and then Sir Tristram asked them where was La Bellisude for he weaned she had been had away of Andred's people Sir said Governail she is put in a Lazar coat Alas! said Sir Tristram this is a full ungoodly place for such a fair lady and if I may she shall not be long there and so he took his men and went there as was La Bellisude and fetched her away and brought her into a forest and Sir Tristram there abode with her so the good night bad his men go from him for at this time I may not help you so they departed all saved Governail and so upon a day Sir Tristram yed into the forest for to desport him and then it happened that there he fell asleep and there came a man that Sir Tristram a forehand had slain his brother and when this man had found him he shot him through the shoulder with an arrow and Sir Tristram leapt up and killed that man and in the meantime it was told King Mark how Sir Tristram and La Bellisude were in that same manner and as soon as ever he might dither he came with many nights to slay Sir Tristram and when he came there he found him gone and there he took La Bellisude home with him and kept her straight that by no means never she might wit nor send unto Tristram nor he unto her and then when Sir Tristram came toward the old manor he found the track of many horses and thereby he whisked his lady was gone and then Sir Tristram took great sorrow and endured with great pain long time for the arrow that he was hurt with all was in Venom'd then by the mean of La Bellisude she told a lady that was cousin unto Dame Braguane and she came to Sir Tristram and told him that he might not be whole by no means Lady La Bellisude may not help thee therefore she bideth you hasten to Brittany to King Howell and there he shall find his daughter he sued La Blancheman and she shall help thee then Sir Tristram and Governail got them shipping and so sailed into Brittany and when King Howell whisked that it was Sir Tristram he was full glad of him Sir he said I am come into this country to have help of your daughter for it is told me that there is none other may heal me but she and so within a while she healed him End of Chapter 35 Chapter 36 There was an Earl that hight grip and this Earl made great war upon the king and put the king to the worse and besieged him and on a time Sir Cahideus that was son to King Howell as he issued out he was sore wounded nigh to the death then Governail went to the king and said Sir I counsel you to desire my lord Sir Tristram as in your need to help you I will do by your counsel said the king and so he yeet unto Sir Tristram and prayed him in his wars to help him for my son Sir Cahideus may not go into the field Sir said Sir Tristram I will go to the field and do what I may then Sir Tristram issued out of the town with such fellowship as he might make and did such deeds that all Britain he spake of him and then at the last by great might and force he slew the Earl grip with his own hands and more than a hundred knights he slew that day and then Sir Tristram was received worshipfully with procession then King Howell embraced him in his arms and said Sir Tristram all my kingdom I will resign to thee God defends that Sir Tristram for I am beholden unto you for your daughter's sake to do for you then by the great means of King Howell and Cahideus his son by great prothers there grew great love betwixt the sued and Sir Tristram for that lady was both good and fair and a woman of noble blood and fame and for because Sir Tristram had such cheer and riches and all other pleasant that he had almost he had forsaken Lady La Belly sued and so upon a time Sir Tristram agreed to wed he sued La Blanche man and at the last they were wedded and solemnly held their marriage and so when they were a bed both Sir Tristram remembered him of his old lady La Belly sued and then he took such a thought suddenly that he was all dismayed and other cheer made he none but with clipping and kissing as for other fleshly lusts never thought nor had a do with her such mention make it the French book also it make it mention that the lady weaned there had been no pleasure but kissing and clipping and in the meantime there was a knight in Brittany his name was Sir Pina Biles and he came over the sea into England and then he came into the court of King Arthur and there he met with Sir Lancelot du Lake and told him of the marriage of Sir Tristram then said Sir Lancelot fire upon him untrue night to his lady that so noble a night as Sir Tristram is should be found to his first lady false La Belly sued Queen of Cornwall but say ye him this at Sir Lancelot that of all nights in the world I loved him most and had most joy of him and all was for his noble deeds and let him wit the love between him and me is done forever and that I give him warning from this day forth as his mortal enemy End of Chapter 36 Chapter 37 then departed Sir Sir Pina Biles unto Brittany again and there he found Sir Tristram and told him that he had been in King Arthur's court then said Sir Tristram heard ye anything of me so God me help said Sir Sir Pina Biles there I heard Sir Lancelot speak of you great shame and that ye be a false night to your lady and he bad me do you to wit that he will be your mortal enemy in every place where he may meet you that me repentance said Tristram for of all nights I loved to be in his fellowship so Sir Tristram made great moan and was ashamed that noble nights should defame him for the sake of his lady and in this meanwhile La Belly sued made a letter unto Queen Guinevere explaining her of the untruth of Sir Tristram and how he had wedded the king's daughter of Brittany Queen Guinevere sent her another letter and bad her be of good cheer for she should have joy after sorrow for Sir Tristram was so noble a night called that by crafts of sorcery ladies would make such noble men to wed them but in the end Queen Guinevere said it shall be thus that he shall hate her and love you for ever he did to four so leave we Sir Tristram in Brittany and speak we of Sir Lamarack to Gallus that as he sailed his ship fell on a rock and perished all save Sir Lamarack and his squire and there he swam mightily and fishers of the Isle of Servage took him up and his squire was drowned and the shipmen had great labour to save Sir Lamarack's life for all the comfort they could do and the lord of that isle hight Sir Nabon Le Noir a great mighty giant and this Sir Nabon hated all the knights of King Arthur's and in no wise would he do them favour and these fishers told Sir Lamarack all the guys of Sir Nabon how there came never knight of King Arthur's but he destroyed him and at the last battle that he did was slain Sir Nanon Lipetit the witch he put to a shameful death in despite of King Arthur that forethinketh me said Sir Lamarack for that knight's death for he was my cousin and if I were at my knees as well as ever I was I would revenge his death peace said the fishers and make here no words for wherever you depart from hence Sir Nabon must know that he had been here or else we should die for your sake so that I behold said Lamarack of my disease that I have taken in the sea feel that he tell him that I am a knight of King Arthur's for I was never feared to renae my lord End of Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Now turn we unto Sir Tristram that upon a day he took a little Bargett and his wife Isoudla Blanchmann with Sir Cahide as her brother to play them in the coasts and when they were from the land there was a wind drove them in the coast of Wales upon this land of Surveige whereas was Sir Lamarack and there the Bargett all to rove and there Demisud was hurt and as well as they might they got into the forest and there by a well he saw Segwerides and a Damacil and then either saluted other Sir said Segwerides I know you for Sir Tristram de Leonis the man in the world that I have most cause to hate because he departed the love between me and my wife Sir Segwerides I will never hate a noble knight for a light lady and therefore I pray you be my friend and I will be yours unto my power for witty well you're hard bestowed in this valley and we shall have enough to do either of us to suck or other and then Sir Segwerides brought Sir Tristram to a lady there by that was born in Cornwall and she told him all the perils of that valley and how there came never night there but he were taken out of the slain witty well fair lady said Sir Tristram that I slew Sir Marhouse and delivered Cornwall from the Truage of Ireland and I am he that delivered the King of Ireland from Sir Blamour de Gannis and I am he that beat Sir Palamides and witty well I am Sir Tristram de Leonis that by the grace of God shall deliver this woeful isle of servage so Sir Tristram was well eased then one told him there was it was wrecked on the rocks what is his name said Sir Tristram we what not said the fishers but he keepeth it no council but that he is a knight of King Arthur's and by the mighty lord of this isle he setteth not I pray you said Sir Tristram and you may bring him hither that I may see him and if he be any of the knights of Arthur's I shall know him then the lady prayed the fishers to bring him to her place so on the morrow they brought him thither the fishers raiment and as soon as Sir Tristram saw him he smiled upon him and knew him well but he knew not Sir Tristram fair sir said Sir Tristram may seemeth by your cheer ye have been diseased but late and also may thinketh I should know you here to fore I will well said Sir Lamarack that ye have seen me and met with me fair sir said Sir Tristram tell me your name upon a covenant I will tell you said Sir Lamarack that is, that ye will tell me whether ye be lord of this isle and or no that is called Nabon Le Noir for sooth said Sir Tristram I am not he nor I hold not of him I am his foe as well as ye be and so shall I be found or I depart out of this isle well said Sir Lamarack since he have said so largely unto me my name is Sir Lamarack de Gallus son unto King Pelinor for sooth I trow well said Sir Tristram for an ye said other I know the contrary what are ye said Sir Lamarack that knoweth me I am Sir Tristram de Leonis ah sir remember ye not of the fall ye did give me once and after ye refused me to fight on foot that was not for fear I had of you said Sir Tristram but me shamed at that time to have more adieu with you for me seemed ye had enough but Sir Lamarack for my kindness many ladies ye put to a reproof when ye sent the horn from Morgan Le Fay to King Mark whereas ye did this in despite of me well said he and it were to do again so would I do for I had left for strife and debate fell in King Mark's court rather than Arthur's court for the honor of both courts be not alike as to that said Sir Tristram I know well but that was done was for despite of me but all your malice thank God hurt not greatly therefore said Sir Tristram ye shall leave all your malice and so will I and let us assay how we may win worship between you and me upon this giant Sir Nablon Le Noir that is lord of this island to destroy him sir said Sir Lamarack now I understand your knighthood it may not be false that all men say for of your bounty no blessing worship of all knights fearless and for your courtesy and gentleness I showed you un gentleness and that now me repenteth end of chapter 38 end of book 8 chapters 34 through 38 chapters 39 to 41 book 8 volume 1 of Le Mordatour this is the Librivox recording all Librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Librivox.org read by Gesine Le Mordatour volume 1 by Sir Thomas Mallory book 8 chapters 39 to 41 chapter 39 in the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry that all the people of that isle the fifth day after and the same day the son of Nabon should be made knight and all the knights of that valley and there about should be there to joust and all those of the realm of Logris should be there to joust with them of north wales and thither came 500 knights and they of the country brought thither Sir Lamarack and Sir Tristram and Sir Cahedius for they durst none otherwise do and then Sir Nabon lent Sir Lamarack horse and armour at Sir Lamarack's desire and Sir Lamarack jousted and did such deeds of arms that Nabon and all the people said there was never knight that ever they saw do such deeds of arms for as the French book says he forejusted all that were there for the most part of 500 knights that none abode him in his saddle then Sir Nabon profited to play with him his play for I saw never no knight do so much upon a day I will well said Sir Lamarack play as I may but I am weary and saw bruised and there either got a spear but Nabon would not encounter with Sir Lamarack but smote his horse on the forehead and so slew him Sir Lamarack yed on foot and turned his shield and drew his sword and there began strong battle on foot but Sir Lamarack was so sore bruised and short breathed that he traced and traversed somewhat back Fair fellow said Sir Nabon hold thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy than ever I showed knight because I have seen this day thy noble knighthood and I will wit whether any of thy fellows will have a do with me then when Sir Tristram heard that he stepped forth and said Nabon lend me horse and shore armor and I will have a do with thee well fellow said Sir Nabon go thou to Yonder Pavilion and arm thee of the best thou findest there and I shall play a marvellous play with thee then said Sir Tristram I shall play well or else pro-adventure I shall learn you a new play that is well said fellow said Sir Nabon so when Sir Tristram was armed as him like best and well shielded and sordid he dressed to him on foot for well he knew that Sir Nabon would not abide a stroke with a spear therefore he would slay all knight's horses no fair fellow Sir Nabon let us play so then they fought long on foot tracing and traversing smiting and foining long without any rest at the last Sir Nabon prayed him to tell him his name Sir Nabon I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Leonis a knight of Cornwall under King Mark thou art welcome said Sir Nabon for of all knights I have most desired to fight with thee or with Sir Lancelot so then they went eagerly together and Sir Tristram slew Sir Nabon and so forthwith he leapt to his son and struck off his head and then all the countries said they would hold of Sir Tristram Nay said Sir Tristram I will not so here is a worshipful knight Sir Lamarack de Gallis that for me he shall be lord of this country for he hath done here great deeds of arms Nay said Sir Lamarack Nay said Sir Lamarack I will not be lord of this country for I have not deserved it as well as ye therefore give ye it where you will for I will none have well said Sir Tristram since ye nor I will not have it let us give it to him that hath not so well deserved it do as ye list said Sir Guarides for the gift is yours for I will none have and I had deserved it so was it given to Sir Guarides whereof he thanked them and so was he lord and worshipful he did govern it and then Sir Guarides delivered all prisoners and set good governance in that valley and so he returned into Cornwall and told King Mark and Labille Isoud how Sir Tristram had advanced him to the Isle of Servage and here he proclaimed in all Cornwall of all the adventures of these two knights so was it openly known but full woe was Labille Isoud when she had tell that Sir Tristram was wedded to Isoud la Blanche Meurre Chapter 40 So turned we on to Sir Lamarack that road toward Arthur's Court and Sir Tristram's wife and Kihedius took a vessel and sailed into Brittany on to King Howell where he was welcome and when he heard of these adventures they marveled of his noble deeds now turned we on to Sir Lamarack that when he was departed from Sir Tristram he rode out of the forest till he came to an hermitage when the hermit saw him he asked him from whence he came Sir said Sir Lamarack I come from this valley Sir said the hermit thereof I marvel for this twenty winter I saw Sir Lamarack on the night past this country but he was either slain or valinously wounded or past as a poor prisoner those ill customs Sir Sir Lamarack are foredone for Sir Tristram slew your lord Sir Nabon and his son then was the hermit glad and all his brethren for he said there was never such a tyrant among Christian men and therefore said the hermit Sir Tristram so on the morrow Sir Lamarack departed and as he rode he saw four knights fight against one and that one knight defended him well but at the last the four knights had him down and then Sir Lamarack went betwixt them and asked them why they would slay that one knight and said it was shame four against one Thou shalt well with said the four knights that is your tale said Sir Lamarack and when I hear him also speak I will say as ye say then said Lamarack our knight can ye not excuse you but that ye are a false knight Sir said he yet can I excuse me both with my word and with my hands that I will make good upon one of the best of them my body to his body then spake they all at once we will not jeopardy our bodies as for thee but with Thou well they said and King Arthur will hear himself it should not lie in his power to save his life that is too much said Sir Lamarack but many speak behind a man more than they will say to his face and because of your words he shall understand that I am one of the simplest of King Arthur's court in the worship of my lord now do you best and in despite of you I shall rescue him and then they lashed all at once to Sir Lamarack but none at two strokes Sir Lamarack had slain two of them and then the other two fled so then Sir Lamarack turned again to that knight and asked him his name Sir he said my name is Sir Froll of the Out Isles then he rode with Sir Lamarack and bear him company and as they rode by the way they saw a seemly knight riding against them in white ah said Froll Yonder Knight justed late with me and smoothed me down therefore I will joust with him he shall not do so said Sir Lamarack by my counsel and he will tell me your quarrel whether he jousted at his request or he at yours nay said Sir Froll I jousted with him at my request Sir said Lamarack then will I cancel you deal no more with him for me seems by his countenance he should be a noble knight and no japer for me thinkers he should be of the table round therefore I will not spare said Sir Froll and then he cried and said Sir Knight make thee ready to joust that need is not said the white knight for I have no lust to joust with thee but yet they footed their spears and the white knight over through Sir Froll and then he rode his way a soft pace then Sir Lamarack rode after him and prayed him to tell him his name for me seems he should be of the fellowship of the round table upon a covenant said he I will tell you my name so that you will not discover my name and also that you will tell me yours then said he my name is Sir Lamarack de Gallis and my name is Sir Lancelot du Lake then they put up their swords and kissed heartily together and either made great joy of other Sir Sir Lamarack and it please you I will do your service God defend said Lancelot that any of so noble a blood as Yibi should do me service then he said more I am in a quest that I must do myself alone God speed you said Sir Lamarack and so they departed then Sir Lamarack came to Sir Froll and horse him again what knight is that said Sir Froll Sir he said it is not for you to know nor it is no point of my charge he are the more uncutious said Sir Froll and therefore I will depart from you he may do as you list said Sir Lamarack you have saved the fairest flower of your garland so they departed Chapter 41 then within two or three days Sir Lamarack found a knight at a well sleeping and his lady sat with him and waked right so came Sir Gawain and took the knight's lady and set her up behind his squire Sir Sir Lamarack rode after Sir Gawain and said Sir Gawain turn again and then said Sir Gawain what will you do with me for I am niff you unto King Arthur Sir said he for that cause I will spare you else that lady should abide with me or else he should just with me then Sir Gawain turned him and ran to him that ought the lady with his spear but the knight with pure might smoothed down Sir Gawain and took his lady with him all this Sir Lamarack saw and said to himself but I revenge my fellow he will say of me dishonour in King Arthur's court then Sir Lamarack returned and profited that knight to joust Sir said he I am ready and there they came together with all their might and there Sir Lamarack smoothed the knight through both sides that he fell to the earth dead then that lady rode to that knight's brother that height that bellion's leorgulous that dwelt fast thereby and then she told him how his brother was slain alas said he I will be revenged and so he horsed him and armed him and within a while he overtook Sir Lamarack and bade him turn and leave that lady for thou and I must play a new play for thou hast slain my brother as a frool that was a better knight than ever would thou it might well be said Sir Lamarack but this day in the field I was found the better so they rode together and unhorst other and turned their shields and drew their swords and fought mightily as noble knights proved by the space of two hours so then Sir Bellion sprayed him to tell him his name Sir said he my name is Sir Lamarack the gullis ah said Sir Bellion thou art the man in the world that I most hate for I slew my sons for thy sake where I saved thy life and now thou hast slain my brother so frool alas how should I be accorded with thee therefore defend thee for thou shalt die there is none other remedy alas said Sir Lamarack full well me ought to know you for you are the man that most have done for me and there was all Sir Lamarack kneeled down and besought him of grace arise Sir Sir Bellion's or else there as thou kneelest I shall slay thee that shall not need Sir Sir Lamarack for I will yield me unto you not for fear of you nor for your strength but your goodness maketh me full loath to have a do with you wherefore I require you for God's sake and for the honour of knighthood and give me all that I have offended unto you alas said Bellion's leave thy kneeling or else I shall slay thee without mercy then they heed again unto battle and either wounded other that all the ground was bloody there as they fought and at the last Bellion's withdrew him her back and set him down softly upon a little hill for he was so faint for bleeding and then Sir Lamarack threw his shield upon his back and asked him what cheer well said Sir Bellion's ah Sir, yet shall I show you favour in your mallease ah knight Sir Bellion's said Sir Lamarack thou art a fool for when I had had thee at such advantage as thou has done me I should slay thee but thy gentleness is so good and so large that I must need forgive thee my evil will and then Sir Lamarack kneeled down and unlaced first his unbiriri and then his own and then either kissed other with weeping tears then Sir Lamarack led Sir Bellion's into an abbey fast by and there Sir Lamarack would not depart from Bellion's till he was whole and then they swear together that none of them should ever fight against other so Sir Lamarack departed and then went to the court of King Arthur here leave we of Sir Lamarack and of Sir Tristram and here beginness the history of La Courte-Maltel end of book 8 chapters 39 to 41 recorded by Gazine in December 2007