 Chapter 64-68, Book 10, Volume 2 of Le Mans 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. Reading by Lars Rolander. Le Mans d'Artour, Volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory. Chapter 64. Then they departed, and the two brethren came against Sir Palomedes, and he against them, as fast as their horses might run. And by fortune Sir Palomedes smote Helacke through his shield, and through the breast more than a phathom. All this while Sir Helius held up his spear, and for pride and orglity he would not smite Sir Palomedes with his spear. But when he saw his brother lie on the earth, and saw he might not help himself, then he said unto Sir Palomedes, Help thyself! And therewith he came hurtling unto Sir Palomedes with his spear, and smote him quite from his saddle. Then Sir Helius rode over Sir Palomedes twice or thrice, and therewith Sir Palomedes was ashamed, and got the horse of Sir Helius by the bridle, and therewith all the horse arreared, and Sir Palomedes helped after, and so they fell both to the earth, but a known Sir Helius stirred up lightly, and there he smote Sir Palomedes a great stroke upon the helm, that he kneeled upon his own knee. Then they lashed together many sad strokes, and traced and traversed, now backward, now sidling, hurtling together like two boars, and that same time they fell both groveling to the earth. Thus they fought still without any reposing two hours, and never breathed, and then Sir Palomedes waxed faint and wary, and Sir Helius waxed passing strong, and doubled his strokes, and drew Sir Palomedes over thwart, and enlonged all the field, that day of the city when they saw Sir Palomedes, in this case they wept and cried, and made great dough, and the other party made as great joy. Alas! said the men of the city, that this noble night should thus be slain for our king's sake, and as they were thus weeping and crying, Sir Palomedes that has suffered an hundred strokes, that it was wonder that he stood on his feet, at the last Sir Palomedes beheld as he might the common people, how they wept for him, and then he said to himself, Ah, fie for shame, Sir Palomedes, why hangest thou thy head so low? And therewith he bear up his shield, and looked Sir Helius in the visage, and he smote him a great stroke upon the helm, and after that another and another, and then he smote Sir Helius with such a might that he fell to the earth, groveling, and then he raced off his helm from his head, and there he smote him such a puppet that he departed his head from the body. And then were the people of city the joyfulest people that might be, so they brought him to his lodging with great solemnity, and there all the people became his men, and then Sir Palomedes prayed them all to take keep unto all the lordship of King Hermans, for fair sirs, which ye well, I may not as at this time abide with you, for I must in all haste be with my lord King Arthur at the castle of Lonacep, the which I have promised. Then was the people full heavy at his departing, for all that city preferred Sir Palomedes the third part of their goods, so that he would abide with them, but in no wise as at that time he would not abide. And so Sir Palomedes departed, and so he came unto the castle, there as Sir Ebel was lieutenant, and when they in the castle wished how Sir Palomedes had sped, there was a joyful many, and so Sir Palomedes departed, and came to the castle of Lonacep, and when he wished that Sir Tristram was not there, he took his way over Humber, and came unto joyous guard, where as Sir Tristram was, and Labil is soot. Sir Tristram had commanded that what night errant came within the joyous guard, as in the town, that they should warn Sir Tristram. So there came a man of the town, and told Sir Tristram how there was a night in the town, a passing goodly man. What manner of man is he, said Sir Tristram, and what sign beareth he? So the man told Sir Tristram all the tokens of him. That is Palomedes, said Dinedan. It may well be, said Sir Tristram. Go ye to him, said Sir Tristram, unto Dinedan. So Dinedan went unto Sir Palomedes, and there either made other great joy, and so they lay together that night. And on the morning early came Sir Tristram and Sir Gareth, and took them in their beds, and so they arose and break their fast. Chapter 65 And then Sir Tristram desired Sir Palomedes to ride into the fields and woods, so they were accorded to repose them in the forest. And when they had played them a great while, they rode unto a farewell, and unknown they were aware of an armed night that came riding against them, and there either saluted other. Then this armed night spake to Sir Tristram, and asked what were these nights that were lodged in joyous guard. I what not what they are, said Sir Tristram. What nights be ye, said that night? For me, Seymeth, ye be no nights errand, because ye ride unharmed. Whether we be nights or not, we list not to tell thee our name. Wilt thou not tell me thy name, said the night? Then keep thee, for thou shall die of my hands. And therewith he got his spear in his hands, and would have run Sir Tristram through. That saw Sir Palomedes, and smoky source traverse in midst of the side, that man and horse fell to the earth. And therewith Sir Palomedes alighted, and pulled out his sword to have slain him. Let be, said Sir Tristram, slay him not. The night is but a fool. It was shame to slay him, but take away his spear, said Sir Tristram, and let him take his horse and go whether he will. So when this night arose, he groaned sore on the fall, and so he took his horse, and when he was up he turned then his horse, and required Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedes to tell him what nights they were. Now, which ye well, said Sir Tristram, that my name is Sir Tristram de Lyones, and this night's name is Sir Palomedes. When he wist what they were, he took his horse with the spurs, because they should not ask him his name, and so rode fast away through thick and thin. Then came there by them a knight with a bended shield of a asr, whose name was Epinogris, and he came toward them a great wallop. Wither are ye riding, said Sir Tristram. My fair Lord, said Epinogris, I follow the falsest night that beareth the life. Wherefore I require you to tell me whether ye saw him, for he beareth a shield with a case of red over it. So God me help, said Tristram. Such a night departed from us, not a quarter of an hour gone. Ye pray ye tell us his name. Allas, said Epinogris, why let ye him escape from you? And he is so great a foe unto all errant nights. His name is Prus sans piti. And fie for shame, said Sir Palomedes, Allas, that every he escaped mine hands, for he is the man in the world that I hate most. Then every night made great sorrow to other. And so Epinogris departed, and followed the chase after him. Then Sir Tristram and his three fellows rode unto Joyosgard, and there Sir Tristram talked unto Sir Palomedes of his battle, how he sped at the Red City. And as ye have heard of four, so was it ended. Truly, said Sir Tristram, I am glad ye have well sped, for ye have done worship fully. Well, said Sir Tristram, we must forward to mourn. And then he devised how it should be. And Sir Tristram devised to send his two pavilions to set them fast by the well of Lonasset. And therein shall be the Queen Labilisud. It is well said, said Sardinidan. But when Sir Palomedes heard of that, his heart was ravished out of measure. Notwithstanding, he said but little. So when they came to Joyosgard, Sir Palomedes would not have gone into the castle. But as Sir Tristram took him by the finger, and led him into the castle. And when Sir Palomedes saw Labilisud, he was ravished so that he might unearth speak. So they went on to meet, but Palomedes might not eat. And there was all the cheer that might be had. And on the mourn they were apparelled to ride toward Lonasset. So Sir Tristram had three squires, and Labilisud had three gentle women. And both the Queen and they were richly apparelled. And other people had they none with them, but varlots to bear their shields and their spares. And thus they rode forth. So as they rode they saw for them a route of nights. It was the night Galliudin with twenty nights with him. Fair fellow said Galliudin, Jonder come four nights, and a rich and a well-fair lady. I am in will to take that lady from them. That is not of the best counsel, said one of Galliudin's men. But send ye to them and wit what they will say. And so it was done. There came a squire unto Sir Tristram and asked them whether they would just or else to loose their lady. Not so, said Sir Tristram. Tell your Lord I bid him come as many as we be, and win her and take her. Sir, said Palomedes, and it please you let me have this deed, and I shall undertake them all for. I will that ye have it, said Sir Tristram, at your pleasure. Now go and tell your Lord Galliudin that this same night will encounter with him and his fellows. Chapter 66 Then the squire departed and told Galliudin, and then he dressed his shield, and put forth a spear, and Sir Palomedes another. And there Sir Palomedes smote Galliudin so hard that he smote both horse and man toward the earth. And there he had an horrible fall, and then came there another night, and in the same wise he served him. And so he served the third and the fourth, that he smote them over their horses' groups. And always Sir Palomedes' spear was whole. Then came six nights more of Galliudin's men, and would have been avenged upon Sir Palomedes. Let be, said Sir Galliudin, not so hardy, none of you all meddle with this night, for he's a man of great bounty and honour, and if he would ye were not able to meddle with him, and right so they held them still. And ever Sir Palomedes was ready to just, and when he saw they would know more, he rode unto Sir Tristram. Right well have ye done, said Sir Tristram, and worshipfully have ye done as a good night should. This Galliudin was Naikasin unto Galaholt, the Horde Prince, and this Galliudin was a king within the country of Sir Luz. So as Sir Tristram, Sir Palomedes, and Labili Sud rode together, they saw for them four nights, and every man had his spear in his hand. The first was Sir Gavein, the second Sir Uvein, the third Sir Sagramor Ledisirus, and the fourth was Daudinas Le Savage. When Sir Palomedes beheld them, that the four nights were ready to just, he prayed Sir Tristram to give him leave to have adieu with them all, so long as he might hold him on horseback. And if that I be smitten down, I pray you revenge me. Well, said Sir Tristram, I will as ye will, and ye are not so faint to have worship, but I would as faint increase your worship. And therewith all Sir Gavein put forth his spear, and Sir Palomedes another, and so they came so eagerly together, that Sir Palomedes smote Sir Gavein to the earth, horse, and all. And in the same vice he served Uvein, Sudodinas, and Sagramor. All these four nights Sir Palomedes smote down with diverse spears, and then Sir Tristram departed toward Lonacep. And when they were departed, then came Dither Galeudin with his ten nights unto Sir Gavein, and there he told him all how he had sped. I'm marvel, said Sir Gavein, what nights they be, that are so arrayed in green. And that night upon the white horse smote me down, said Galeudin, and my three fellows, and so he did to me, said Gavein. And well I watch, said Sir Gavein, that either he upon the white horse is Sir Tristram, or else Sir Palomedes, and that gay, besieined lady is Queenie Sud. Thus they talked of one thing and of other. And in the meanwhile Sir Tristram passed on till that he came to the well, where his two pavilions were set, and there they alighted, and there they saw many pavilions and great array. Then Sir Tristram left there Sir Palomedes and Sir Gareth with Labili Sud, and Sir Tristram and Sir Dineran rode to Lonacep to Harkin Tidings, and Sir Tristram rode upon Sir Palomedes white horse. And when he came into the castle, Sir Dineran heard a great horn blow, and to the horn drew many nights. Then Sir Tristram asked a knight, what meaneth the blast of that horn? Sir said that night, it is all those that shall hold against King Arthur at this tournament. The first is the King of Ireland and the King of Sir Luz, the King of Listinois, the King of Northumberland, and the King of the best part of Wales, with many other countries. And these drew them to a council to understand what governance they shall be of. But the King of Ireland, whose name is Marhal, and father to the good knight Sir Marhouse, that Sir Tristram slew, had all the speech that Sir Tristram might hear it. He said, lords and fellows, let us look to ourself for which ye well, King Arthur is sure of many good knights, or else he would not with so few knights have a do with us. Therefore, by my counsel, let every king have a standard, and a cognizance by himself, that every knight draw to their natural lord, and then may every king and captain help his knights if they have need. When Sir Tristram had heard all their counsel, he rode unto King Arthur for to hear his counsel. Chapter 67 But Sir Tristram was not so soon come into the place, but Sir Gavain and Sir Gallyudin went to King Arthur and told him, that same green knight in the green harness with a white horse smoked us two down, and six of our fellows this same day. Well, said Arthur, and then he called Sir Tristram and asked him what was his name. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye shall hold me excused as at this time, for ye shall not with my name. And there Sir Tristram returned and rode his way. I have marble, said Arthur, that yonder knight will not tell me his name. But go thou, Gryphlet Laphice, did you, and pray him to speak with me betwixt us. Then Sir Gryphlet rode after him and overtook him, and said him that King Arthur prayed him for to speak with him secretly apart. Upon this covenant, said Sir Tristram, I will speak with him, that I will turn against so that ye will ensure me not to desire to hear my name. I shall undertake, said Sir Gryphlet, that he will not greatly desire it of you. So they rode together until they came to King Arthur. Fair sir, said King Arthur, what is the cause ye will not tell me your name? Sir, said Sir Tristram, without a cause I will not hide my name. Upon what party will ye hold? said King Arthur. My lord, said Sir Tristram, I what not yet on what party I will be on, until I come to the field. And there, as my heart giveth me, there will I hold. But tomorrow ye shall see and prove on what party I shall come. And there with all he returned and went to his pavilions. And upon the morning they armed them all in green and came into the field. And there young knights began to jost, and did many worshipful deeds. Then spake Gareth unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him to give him leave to break his spear. For him thought shame to bear his spear whole again. When Sir Tristram heard him say so, he laughed and said, I pray you do your best. Then Sir Gareth got a spear and proper to jost. That so a knight that was nephew unto the king of the hundred knights. His name was Cillis, and a good man of arms. So this knight Cillis then dressed him unto Sir Gareth. And they too met together so hard that either smote other down. His horse and all to the earth. So they were both bruised and hurt, and there they lay till the king with the hundred knights helped Cillis up, and Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedis helped up Gareth again. And so they rode with Sir Gareth unto their pavilions, and then they pulled off his hen. And when Labelisud saw Sir Gareth bruised in the face, she asked him what ailed him. Madam, said Sir Gareth, I had a great buffet, and as I suppose I gave another. But none of my fellows, God thank them, would not rescue me. For sooth, said Palomedis, it long not to none of us as this day to jost. For there have not this day josted no proved knights, and needly ye would jost. And when the other party saw ye profit yourself to jost, they sent one to you, a passing good knight of his age, for I know him well. His name is Cillis, and worshipfully ye met with him, and neither of you are dishonored, and therefore refresh yourself that ye may be ready and whole to jost tomorrow. As for that, said Gareth, I shall not fail you, and I may bestride mine horse. Chapter 68 Now upon what party, said Tristram, is it best we be with all as to mourn? Sir, said Palomedis, ye shall have mine advice to be against King Arthur as to mourn, for on his party will be Sir Lonslot and many good knights of his blood with him, and the more men of worship that they be, the more worship we shall win. That is full nightly spoken, said Sir Tristram, and right so as ye cancel me, so will we do. In the name of God, said they all, so that night they were lodged with the best. And on the mourn when it was day, they were arid all in green trappings, shields and spares, and Labile is soot in the same color, and are three damocles. And right so these four knights came into the field in long and through, and so they led Labile soo dither as she should stand and behold all the jost in a bay window. But always she was wimpled that no man might see her visage. And then these three knights rode straight unto the party of the King of Scots. When King Arthur had seen them do all this, he asked Sir Lonslot what were these knights, and the Queen. Sir said Lonslot, I cannot say you in certain, but if Sir Tristram be in this country, or Sir Palomedius, which ye well it be they I'm certain, and Labile is soot. Then Arthur called to him, Sir Kay, and said, Go lightly, and wit how many knights there be here lacking of the table round. For by the seeks thou may snow. So when Sir Kay and so by the writings in the seeks that there lack ten knights, and these be their names that be not here. Sir Tristram, Sir Palomedius, Sir Percival, Sir Gaharis, Sir Epinogris, Sir Mordred, Sir Dinidan, Sir Lacot Maltel, and Sir Pelias, the noble knight. Well, said Arthur, some of these I dare undertake are here this day against us. Then came therein two brethren, Cassius unto Sir Gavain, the one height Sir Edward, the other height Sir Sado, the which were two good knights, and they asked of King Arthur that they might have the first justs, for they were of Orkney. I am pleased, said King Arthur. Then Sir Edward encountered with the King of Scots, in whose party was Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedius, and Sir Edward smote the King of Scots quite from his horse, and Sir Sadox smote down the King of North Waves, and gave him a wonder-great fall, that there was a great cry on King Arthur's party, and that made Sir Palomedius passing wroth. And so Sir Palomedius dressed his shield and his spear, and with all his might he met with Sir Edward of Orkney, that he smote him so hard that his horse might not stand on his feet, and so they hurtled to the earth, and then with the same spear Sir Palomedius smote down Sir Sadox over his horse's crew. Oh Jesus, said Arthur, what night is that arid in all green? He josteth mightily. Which you well, said Sir Gavain, he is a good knight, and yet shall you see him just better, or he depart? And yet shall you see, said Sir Gavain, another bigger knight in the same colour than he is? For that same night, said Sir Gavain, that smote down right now my four cousins, he smote me down within these two days, and seven fellows more. This meanwhile, as they stood thus talking, they came into the place Sir Tristram upon a black horse, and, or ever his stint, he smote down with one spear four good knights of Orkney, that were of the king of Sir Gavain. And Sir Gareth and Sir Dinedan, every rich of them, smote down a good knight. Jesus, said Arthur, jaundered night upon the black horse doth mightily, and marvellously well. Abide you, said Sir Gavain, that night with the black horse, began not yet. Then Sir Tristram made to horse again the two kings that Edward and Sadox had unhorsed at the beginning. And then Sir Tristram drew his sword, and rode into the thickest of the press against them of Orkney. And there he smote down knights and rushed off helms, and pulled away their shields, and hurtled down many knights. He fared so that Sir Arthur and all knights had great marvel when they saw one knight do so great deeds of arms. And Sir Palomedus failed not upon the other side, but did so marvellously well that all men had wonder. For there King Arthur likened Sir Tristram that was on the black horse like to a wood lion, and likened Sir Palomedus upon the white horse unto a wood leopard, and Sir Gareth and Sir Dinedan unto eager wolves. But the custom was such among them that none of the kings would help other, but all the fellowship of every standard to help other as they might. But ever Sir Tristram did so much deeds of arms that they of Orkney waxed wary of him, and so withdrew them unto Lonacep. End of book 10, chapter 64 to 68, read by Lars Rolander. Chapter 69 to 73, book 10, volume 2 of Le Mord Artur This is a LibriVox recording, all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, reading by Lars Rolander. Le Mord Artur, volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory, Chapter 69 Then was the cry of heralds and all manner of common people. The green knight hath done marvellously and beaten all them of Orkney. And there the heralds numbered that Sir Tristram that sat upon the black horse had smitten down with spears and swords thirty knights, and Sir Palomedus had smitten down twenty knights. And the most part of these fifty knights were of the house of King Arthur, and proved knights. So God me help, said Arthur unto Sir Loncelot, this is a great shame to us to see four knights beat so many knights of mine, and therefore make you ready, for we will have a do with them. Sir, said Loncelot, which ye well, that there are two passing good knights, and great worship were it not to us now to have a do with them, for they have this day sore travailed. As for that, said Arthur, I will be avenged, and therefore take with you Sir Bleobris and Sir Ector, and I will be the fourth, said Arthur. Sir, said Loncelot, ye shall find me ready, and my brother Sir Ector, and my cousin Sir Bleobris. And so, when they were ready, and on horseback, now choose, said Sir Arthur unto Sir Loncelot, with whom that ye will encounter with all. Sir, said Loncelot, I will meet with the green knight upon the black horse, that was Sir Tristram, and my cousin Sir Bleobris shall match the green knight upon the white horse, that was Sir Palomedas. And my brother Sir Ector shall match with the green knight upon the white horse, that was Sir Gareth. Then must I, said Arthur, have a do with the green knight upon the grizzled horse, and that was Sir Dinidam. Now every man take heed to his fellow, said Sir Loncelot, and so they trotted on together, and there encountered Sir Loncelot against Sir Tristram. So Sir Loncelot smote Sir Tristram so sore upon the shield, that he bear horse and man to the earth, but Sir Loncelot weaned that it had been Sir Palomedas, and so he passed forth. And then Sir Bleobris encountered with Sir Palomedas, and he smote him so hard upon the shield, that Sir Palomedas and his white horse rustled to the earth. Then Sir Ector de Maris smote Sir Gareth so hard that down he fell off his horse, and the noble king Arthur encountered with Sir Dinidam, and he smote him quite from his saddle. And then the noise turned awhile how the green knights were slain down. When the king of North Gareth saw that Sir Tristram had a fall, then he remembered him how great deeds of arms Sir Tristram had done. Then he made ready many knights, for the custom and cry was such that what knight were smitten down, and might not be horse again by his fellows, other by his own strength, that as that day he should be prisoner unto the party that has smitten him down. So came in the king of North Gareth, and he rode straight unto Sir Tristram, and when he came nigh him he alighted down suddenly, and betook Sir Tristram his horse, and said thus, Noble knight, I know thee not of what country that thou art, but for the noble deeds that thou hast done this day, take there my horse, and let me do as well I may, for as Jesus me help thou art better worthy to have mine horse than I myself. Gramercy said Sir Tristram, and if I may I shall quit you. Look that ye go not far from us, and as I suppose I shall win you another horse. And therewith Sir Tristram mounted upon his horse, and there he met with King Arthur, and he gave him such a buffet upon the helm with his sword, that King Arthur had no power to keep his saddle. And then Sir Tristram gave the king of North Gareth, King Arthur's horse, then was the great press upon King Arthur, for to horse him again. But Sir Palomedus would not suffer King Arthur to be horse again, but ever Sir Palomedus smote on the right hand and on the left hand mightily as a noble knight. And this meanwhile Sir Tristram rode through the sickest of the press, and smote down knights on the right hand and on the left hand, and raised off helms, and so passed forth unto his pavilions, and left Sir Palomedus on foot. And Sir Tristram charged his horse and disguised himself all in red, horse, and harness. Chapter 17 And when the Queen Labelisud saw that Sir Tristram was unhorsed, and she wished not where he was, then she wept greatly. But Sir Tristram, when he was ready, came dashing lightly into the field, and then Labelisud espied him, and so he did great deeds of arms with one spare that was great. Sir Tristram smote down five knights, or ever he stint. Then Sir Launcelot espied him readily that it was Sir Tristram, and then he repented him that he had smitten him down. And so Sir Launcelot went out of the press to repose him, and lightly he came again. And now when Sir Tristram came into the press, through his great force he put Sir Palomedus upon his horse, and Sir Gareth and Sir Dine done, and then they began to do marvellously. But Sir Palomedus, nor none of his two fellows, knew not who had holpened them on horseback again. But ever Sir Tristram was nigh them, and secured them, and they knew not him, because he was changed into red armour, and all this while Sir Launcelot was away. So when Labelisud knew Sir Tristram again upon his horseback she was passing glad, and then she laughed and made good cheer. And as it happened Sir Palomedus looked up toward her where she lay in the window, and he espied how she laughed, and therewith he took such a rejoicing that he smote down what with his spear, and with his sword, all that ever he met. For through the sight of her he was so enamoured in her love, that he seemed, at that time, that on both Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot had been both against him, they should have won no worship of him. And in his heart, as he took saith, Sir Palomedus wished that with his worship he might have a duel with Sir Tristram before all men, because of Labelisud. Then Sir Palomedus began to double his strength, and he did so marvellously that all men had wonder of him, and ever he cast up his eye unto Labelisud. And when he saw her make such cheer he fared like a lion, that there might no man withstand him. And then Sir Tristram beheld him, how that Sir Palomedus bestowed him, and then he said unto Sir Dinidan, So God me help! Sir Palomedus is a passing good night, and a well enduring. But such deeds saw I him never do, nor never heard I tell that ever he did so much in one day. It is his day, said Dinidan, and he would say no more unto Sir Tristram. But to himself he said, And if ye knew for whose love he doth all those deeds of arms, soon would Sir Tristram abate his courage. Allah said, Sir Tristram, that Sir Palomedus is not christened. So said King Arthur, and so said all those that beheld him. Then all people gave him the price as for the best night that day, that he passed Sir Launcelot, Arthur Sir Tristram. Well said Dinidan to himself, all this worship that Sir Palomedus hath here this day, he may thank the Queen Isud, for had she been away this day, Sir Palomedus hath not gotten the price this day. Right so came into the field Sir Launcelot to luck, and saw and heard the noise and cry and the great worship that Sir Palomedus had. He dressed him against Sir Palomedus with a great mighty spare and a long, and thought to smite him down. And when Sir Palomedus saw Sir Launcelot come upon him so fast, he ran upon Sir Launcelot as fast with his sword as he might, and as Sir Launcelot should have stricken him, he smote his spare aside and smote it atoo with his sword, and Sir Palomedus rushed down to Sir Launcelot and thought to have put him to a shame. And with his sword he smote his horse to his neck, that Sir Launcelot rode upon, and then Sir Launcelot fell to the earth. Then was the cry huge and great, see how Sir Palomedus the Saracen hath smitten down Sir Launcelot's horse. Right then, were there many nights wroth with Sir Palomedus because he had done that deed, therefore many nights held there against that it was unknightly done in a tournament to kill a horse willfully, but that it had been done in plain battle, life for life. CHAPTER 71 When Sir Héctor de Maris saw Sir Launcelot his brother have such a despite, and so set on foot, then he got a spare eagerly, and ran against Sir Palomedus, and he smote him so hard that he bare him quite from his horse. That saw Sir Tristram that was in red harness, and he smote down Sir Héctor de Maris quite from his horse. Then Sir Launcelot dressed his shield upon his shoulder, and with his sword naked in his hand, and so came straight upon Sir Palomedus fiercely and said, With thou well, thou hast done me this day the greatest despite that ever any worshipful night did to me in tournament or in justs, and therefore I will be avenged upon thee, therefore take keep to yourself. A mercy noble knight said Palomedus, and forgive me mine unkindly deeds, for I have no power nor might to withstand you, and I have done so much this day that well I did never so much, nor never shall in my life days. And therefore most noble knight, I require thee spare me as at this day, and I promise you I shall ever be your knight while I live, and ye put me from my worship now, ye put me from the greatest worship that ever I had or ever shall have in my life days. Well said Sir Launcelot, I see for to say this sooth ye have done marvellously well this day, and I understand a part for whose love ye do it, and well I what that love is a great mistress, and if my lady were here as she is not, which you well, said Sir Launcelot, ye should not bear away the worship, but beware your love be not discovered, for as a Tristram may know it, ye will repent it, and see then my quarrel is not here, ye shall have this day the worship as for me, considering the great travail and pain that ye have had this day. It were no worship for me to put you from it. And therewith all Sir Launcelot suffered Sir Palomedes to depart. Then Sir Launcelot by great force and might got his own horse Morg 20 knights. So when Sir Launcelot was hoarse he did many marvels, and so did Sir Tristram, and Sir Palomedes in likewise. Then Sir Launcelot smote down with a spare Sardinidan, and the king of Scotland, and the king of Wales, and the king of Northumberland, and the king of Listnois. So then Sir Launcelot and his fellow smote down well of 40 knights. Then came the king of Ireland, and the king of the straight marches to rescue Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedes. There began a great medley, and many knights were smitten down on both parties, and always Sir Launcelot spared Sir Tristram, and he spared him. And Sir Palomedes would not meddle with Sir Launcelot, and so there was hurtling here and there. And then King Arthur sent out many knights of the table round, and Sir Palomedes was ever in the foremost front. And Sir Tristram did so strongly well, that the king and all other had marvel. And then the king let blow to lodging. And because Sir Palomedes began first, and never he went nor rode out of the fields to repose, but ever he was doing marvelously well, either on foot or on horseback, and longest during. King Arthur and all the kings gave Sir Palomedes the honor, and the grie as for the day. Then Sir Tristram commanded Sir Dinedan to fetch the Queen Labilly Sud, and bring her to his two pavilions that stood by the well. And so Dinedan did, as he was commanded. But when Sir Palomedes understood and wished that Sir Tristram was in the red armor, and on a red horse, which ye well that he was glad. And so was Sir Gareth and Sir Dinedan, for they all weaned that Sir Tristram had been taken prisoner. And then every night drew to his inn. And then King Arthur and every night spake of those knights. But above all men they gave Sir Palomedes the price, and all knights that knew Sir Palomedes had wonder of his deeds. Sir said Sir Lonslott unto Arthur, as for Sir Palomedes and he be the green knight, I dare say as for this day, he is best worthy to have their degree, for he reposed him never, nor never changed his weeds. And he began first and longest held on. And yet, well I watched, said Sir Lonslott, that there was a better night than he, and that shall be proved or we depart upon pain of my life. Thus they talked on either party, and so Sir Dinedan railed with Sir Tristram and said, What the devil is upon thee this day? For Sir Palomedes strength feeble never this day, but ever he doubled his strength. Chapter 72 And thou, Sir Tristram, fairest all this day as thou had spinn asleep, and therefore I call thee coward. Well Dinedan, said Sir Tristram, I was never called coward, or now of known earthly night in my life. And with thou well, sir, I call myself never the more coward, though Sir Lonslott gave me a fall, for I outcept him of all knights. And doubt ye not, Sir Dinedan, and Sir Lonslott have a quarrel good, he is too over good for any knight that now is living. And yet of his sufferance, larges bounty and courtesy, I call him knight peerless. And so Sir Tristram was in manner wroth with Sir Dinedan. But all this language, Sir Dinedan said, because he would anger Sir Tristram, for to cause him to awake his spirits and to be wroth. For well knew Sir Dinedan, that and Sir Tristram were thoroughly wroth, Sir Palomedes should not get the prize upon the morn. And for this intent Sir Dinedan said all this railing and language against Sir Tristram. Truly, said Sir Palomedes, as for Sir Lonslott of his noble knighthood, courtesy and prowess and gentleness, I know not his spear. For this day, said Sir Palomedes, I did full unquarchously unto Sir Lonslott, and full unnightly, and full nightly and quarchously he did to me again. For and he had been as undental to me as I was to him. This day I had won no worship. And therefore, said Palomedes, I shall be Sir Lonslott's knight while my life last is. This talking was in the house of kings, but all kings, lords and knights said of clear knighthood, and of pure strength, of bounty, of courtesy, Sir Lonslott and Sir Tristram bear the prize above all knights that ever were in Arthur's days. And there were never knights in Arthur's days did half so many deeds as they did, as the book said. No ten knights did not half the deeds that they did, and there was never knight in their days that required Sir Lonslott or Sir Tristram of any quest. So it were not to their shame, but they performed their desire. Chapter 73 So on the morning Sir Lonslott departed, and Sir Tristram was ready, and La Bile Sud with Sir Palomedes and Sir Garrett. And so they rode all in green, full-freshly be seen unto the forest, and Sir Tristram left Sardinidan sleeping in his bed. And so, as they rode, it happened the king and Lonslott stood in a window, and saw Sir Tristram ride and Isud. Sir said Lonslott, John the Riddeth, the fairest lady of the world, except your queen, Dame Ganevere. Who is that? said Sir Arthur. Sir said he, It is Queen Isud, outtaken my lady, your queen, she is makeless. Take your horse, said Arthur, and array you at all rights as I will do. And I she promise you, said the king, I will see her. Then alone they were armed and horsed, and either took a spear and rode unto the forest. Sir said Lonslott, It is not good that ye go to nigh them, for which ye well there are two as good knights as now are living. Therefore, sir, I pray you, be not too hasty, for per adventure there will be some knights be displeased, and we come suddenly upon them. And for that said Arthur, I will see her, for I take no force whom I grieve. Sir said Lonslott, ye put yourself in great jeopardy, as for that said the king, we will take the adventure. So, anon the king rode even to her, and saluted her, and said, God, you save. Sir said she, ye are welcome. Then the king beheld her, and he liked her wonderfully well. With that came Sir Palomedes unto Arthur, and said, Uncautious knight, what sees thou here? Thou art uncautious to come upon a lady, thus suddenly. Therefore withdrew thee. Sir Arthur took none heed of Sir Palomedes' words, but ever he looked still upon Queen Issoud. Then was Sir Palomedes wroth, and therewith he took a spear and came hurtling upon King Arthur, and smote him down with a spear. When Sir Lonslott saw that despite of Sir Palomedes, he said to himself, I am loath to have a do with Yonder knight, and not for his own sake, but for Sir Tristram. And one thing I am sure of, if I smite down Sir Palomedes, I must have a do with Sir Tristram, and that were over much for me to match them both, for they are two noble knights. Notwithstanding whatever I live or die, needs must I revenge my lord, and so will I, what some ever befall of me. And therewith Sir Lonslott cried to Sir Palomedes, keep thee from me. And then Sir Lonslott and Sir Palomedes rushed together with two spears strongly, but Sir Lonslott smote Sir Palomedes so hard that he went quite out of his saddle, and had a great fall. When Sir Tristram saw Sir Palomedes have that fall, he said to Sir Lonslott, Sir knight, keep thee, for I must just with thee. And for to just with me, said Sir Lonslott, I will not fail you, for no dread I have of you, but I am loath to have a do with you, and I might choose. For I will have that ye with that I must revenge my special lord that was unhorsed, unwearly, and unnightly, and therefore, though I revenge that fall, take ye no displeasure therein, for he is to me such a friend that I may not see him shamed. A known Sir Tristram understood by his person and by his knightly words that it was Sir Lonslott to luck, and verily Sir Tristram deemed that it was King Arthur, he that Sir Palomedes had smitten down. And then Sir Tristram put his spear from him and put Sir Palomedes again on horseback, and Sir Lonslott put King Arthur on horseback, and so departed. So God me help, said Sir Tristram unto Palomedes. Ye did not worship fully when ye smote down that night so suddenly as ye did, and with ye well ye did yourself great shame, for the knights came hither of their gentleness to see a fair lady, and that is every good knight's part to behold a fair lady, and ye had not a do to play such masteries for my lady. With thou well it will turn to anger, for he that ye smote down was King Arthur, and that other was the good knight Sir Lonslott. But I shall not forget the words of Sir Lonslott when that he called him a man of great worship, thereby I wished that it was King Arthur. And as for Sir Lonslott, and there had been five hundred knights in the meadow, he will not have refused them, and yet he said he would refuse me. By that again I wished that it was Sir Lonslott, for ever he forbeareth me in every place, and shows me great kindness, and of all knights I outtake none, say what men will say, he beareth the flower of all chivalry, sayeth him who some ever will. And he be well angered, and that him least to do his utterance without any favor, I know him not alive, but Sir Lonslott is over hard for him, be it on horseback or on foot. I may never believe, said Palomedus, that King Arthur will ride so privily as a poor errant knight. Ah, said Sir Tristram, ye know not my Lord Arthur, for all knights may learn to be a knight of him, and therefore ye may be sorry, said Sir Tristram, of your unkindly deeds to so noble a king. And a thing that is done may not be undone, said Palomedus. Then Sir Tristram sent Queen Isud unto her lodging in the priory, there to behold all the tournament. End of book 10, chapter 69 to 73. Read by Lars Rolander. Chapter 74 to 77. Book 10, volume 2 of Lémore 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. Reading by Lars Rolander. Lémore d'Artour, volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory. Chapter 74. Then there was a cry unto all knights, that when they heard a horn blow, they should make josts as they did the first day. And like as the brethren Sir Edward and Sir Saddock began the josts the first day, Sir Reuvene, the king's son Urian, and Sir Lucanair, the battler, began the josts the second day. And at the first encounter Sir Reuvene smote down the king's son of Scots, and Sir Lucanair ran against the king of Wales, and they break their spears all to pieces. And they were so fierce both, that they hurtled together, that both fell to the earth. Then they of Orkney horessed again Sir Lucanair, and then came in Sir Tristram the lioness. And then Sir Tristram smote down Sir Reuvene, and Sir Lucanair, and Sir Palomide smote down other two knights. And Sir Gareth smote down other two knights. Then said Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, See yonder, three knights do passingly well, and namely the first that josted. Sir said Launcelot, that night began not yet, but ye shall see him this day do marvelously. And then came into the place the duke's son of Orkney, and then they began to do many deeds of arms. When Sir Tristram saw them so begin, he said to Palomides, How feel ye yourself? May ye do this day as ye did yesterday? Nay, said Palomides, I feel myself so weary, and so sore bruised of the deeds of yesterday, that I may not endure as I did yesterday. That me repenteth, said Sir Tristram, for I shall lack you this day. Sir Palomides said, trust not to me, for I may not do as I did. All these words said Palomides fought to beguile Sir Tristram. Sir said Sir Tristram unto Sir Gareth, Then must I trust upon you, wherefore I pray you be not far from me to rescue me. And need be, said Sir Gareth, I shall not fail you in all that I may do. Then Sir Palomides rode by himself, and then, in despite of Sir Tristram, He put himself in the thickest press among them of Orkney, And there he did so marvelously deeds of arms that all men had wonder of him, For there might none stand him astroke. When Sir Tristram saw Sir Palomides to such deeds, he marveled and said to himself, He is weary of my company. So Sir Tristram beheld him a great while, and did but little else. For the noise and cry was so huge and great, that Sir Tristram marveled from whence came the strength that Sir Palomides had there in the field. Sir said Sir Gareth unto Sir Tristram, Remember ye not of the words that Sardinidan said to you yesterday, when he called you coward? For sooth, sir, he said it for none ill, for ye are the man in the world that he most love it, And all that he said was for your worship. And therefore said Sir Gareth to Sir Tristram, Let me know this day what ye be, and wonder ye not so upon Sir Palomides, For he enforces himself to win all the worship and honour from you. I may well believe it, said Sir Tristram, And see then I understand his evil will, and his envy ye shall see, If that I enforce myself, that the noise shall be left that now is upon him. Then Sir Tristram rode into the thickest of the press, and then he did so marvelously well, And did so great deeds of arms, that all men said that Sir Tristram did double so much deeds of arms, As Sir Palomides had done a forehand. And then the noise went plain from Sir Palomides, and all the people cried upon Sir Tristram. Oh, Jesus said the people, See how Sir Tristram smitteth down with his spear so many nights, And see, said they all, how many nights he smitteth down with his sword, And how many nights he rash'd off their helms and their shields, And so he beat them all of Orkney for him. How now, said Sir Loneslott, unto King Arthur, I told you that this day there would a night play his pageant, John the Riddeth a night, ye may see he doth nightly, for he hath strength and wind. So God me help, said Arthur to Loneslott, Ye say sooth, for I saw never a better night, for he patheth far, Sir Palomides. Sir, which ye well, said Loneslott, it must be so of right, for it is himself, The noble knight Sir Tristram. I may right well believe it, said Arthur. But when Sir Palomides heard the noise and the cry was turned from him, He rode out on a part and beheld Sir Tristram. And when Sir Palomides saw Sir Tristram do so marvelously well, He wept passingly sore for despite, for he wished well he should know worship win that day. For well knew Sir Palomides, when Sir Tristram would put forth his strength and his manhood, He should get but little worship that day. Chapter 75 Then came King Arthur and the King of North Gullis and Sir Loneslott to Luck. And Sir Bleobris, Sir Boris de Ganes, Sir Héctor de Maris. These three knights came into the field with Sir Loneslott. And then Sir Loneslott, with the three knights of his kin, Did so great deeds of arms that all the noise began upon Sir Loneslott. And so they beat the King of Wales and the King of Scots far aback, And made them to avoid the field. But Sir Tristram and Sir Gareth abode still in the field, And endured all that ever there came, That all men had wondered that any knight might endure so many strokes. But ever Sir Loneslott and his three kinsmen, By the commandment of Sir Loneslott, forebears Sir Tristram. Then said Arthur, Is that Sir Palomides that endureth so well? Nay, said Sir Loneslott, which ye well, It is the good night, Sir Tristram, For yonder ye may see Sir Palomides, Beholdeth and hoveth and doth little or not. And, sir, ye shall understand that Sir Tristram Winneth this day to beat us all out of the field. And as for me, said Sir Loneslott, I shall not beat him. Beat him whoso will. Sir, said Loneslott unto Arthur, Ye may see how Sir Palomides hoth yonder, As though he were in a dream, Which ye well, his full heavy, That Tristram doth such deeds of arms. Then he is but a fool, said Arthur, For never was Sir Palomides, Nor never shall be of such prowess as Sir Tristram. And if he have any envy at Sir Tristram, And cometh in with him upon his side, He is a false knight. As the king and Sir Loneslott thus beg, Sir Tristram grode privily out of the press, That none aspired him but labile suit and Sir Palomides, For they, too, would not let off their eyes upon Sir Tristram. And when Sir Tristram came to his pavilions, He found Sir Dinadan in his bed asleep. Awake, said Tristram, Ye ought to be ashamed so to sleep, When knights have a do in the field. Then Sir Dinadan arose lightly and said, What will ye that I shall do? Make you ready, said Sir Tristram, To ride with me into the field. So when Sir Dinadan was armed, He looked upon Sir Tristram's helm and on his shield, And when he saw so many strokes upon his helm And upon his shield, he said, In good time was I thus asleep, For had I been with you, I must needs for shame Have followed you, more for shame than any promise That is in me, that I see well now by those strokes That I should have been truly beaten as I was yesterday. Leave your jabs, said Sir Tristram, And come off that we were in the field again. What, said Sir Dinadan, is your heart up? Yesterday ye fared as though ye had dreamt. So then Sir Tristram was arrayed in black harness. Oh, Jesus said Dinadan, What ails you this day? Me seemeth ye be wilder than ye were yesterday. Then smiled Sir Tristram and said to Dinadan, Await well upon me. If ye see me overmatched, Look that ye be ever behind me, And I shall make you ready way by God's grace. So Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan took their horses. All this aspired Sir Palomedes, Both there going and there coming, And so did Labili suit, For she knew Sir Tristram above all other. Chapter 76 Then when Sir Palomedes saw that Sir Tristram was disguised, Then he thought to do him a shame. So Sir Palomedes rode to a night that was sore wounded, That sat under a farewell from the field. Sir Knight said Sir Palomedes, I pray you lend me your armor and your shield, For mine is over-well known in this field, And that hath done me great damage, And ye shall have mine armor and my shield, That is as sure as yours. I will well, said the Knight, That ye have mine armor and my shield, If they may do you any avail. So Sir Palomedes armed him hastily, In that night's armor and his shield, That shone as any crystal or silver, And so he came riding into the field. And then there was neither Sir Tristram Nor none of King Arthur's party That knew Sir Palomedes. And right so Sir Palomedes was coming to the field, Sir Tristram smoked down three nights, Even in the sight of Sir Palomedes. And then Sir Palomedes rode against Sir Tristram, And either met other with great spares That they brushed to their hands, And then they dashed together with swords eagerly. Then Sir Tristram had marveled what night He was that did battle so nightly with him. Then was Sir Tristram wroth, For he felt him passing strong, So that he deemed he might not have a do With the remnant of the knights, Because of the strength of Sir Palomedes. So they lashed together, And gave many sad strokes together, And many nights marveled what night He might be that so encountered With the black knight, Sir Tristram. Full well knew La Bellissude That there was Sir Palomedes That fought with Sir Tristram, For she aspired all in her window Where that she stood, As Sir Palomedes changed his harness With a wounded knight, And then she began to weep so heartily For the despite of Sir Palomedes That there she swummed. Then came in Sir Lawnslot With the knights of Orkney. And when the other party had aspired Sir Lawnslot, they cried Return, return, here comes Sir Lawnslot to luck. So there came knights and said Sir Lawnslot, you must need Fight with Yonder Knight in the black harness That was Sir Tristram. For he hath almost overcome That good knight that fighteth with him With a silver shield That was Sir Palomedes. Then Sir Lawnslot rode Between Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedes. And Sir Lawnslot said to Palomedes Sir Knight, let me have the battle For ye have need to be reposed. Sir Palomedes knew Sir Lawnslot well And so did Sir Tristram. But because Sir Lawnslot was far Hardier knight than himself Therefore he was glad And suffered Sir Lawnslot to fight With Sir Tristram. For well wist he that Sir Lawnslot Knew not Sir Tristram. And there he hoped that Sir Lawnslot Should beat or shame Sir Tristram. Whereof Sir Palomedes Was full feign. And so Sir Lawnslot gave Sir Tristram Many sad strokes. But Sir Lawnslot knew not Sir Tristram. But Sir Tristram knew well Sir Lawnslot. And thus they fought long together That Labili Sud was well knight Out of her mind for sorrow. Then Sir Dinadam told Sir Gareth How that knight in the black harness Was Sir Tristram. And this is Lawnslot that fighteth With him. That must needs have the better Of him. For Sir Tristram hath had too much Travelled this day. Then let us might him down Said Sir Gareth. So it is better that we do Said Sir Dinadam. Then Sir Tristram be shamed For yonder hoeth the strong knight With a silver shield to fall upon Sir Tristram if need be. Then forthwith all Gareth rushed upon Sir Lawnslot And gave him a great stroke upon That he was astounded. And then came Sir Dinadam with a spare And he smote Sir Lawnslot such a Buffet that horse and all fell To the earth. O Jesus said Sir Tristram To Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadam Fie for shame. Why did he smite down so good a knight As he is, and namely When I had a do with him. Now ye do yourself great shame And him know disworship For I held him reasonable hot Though ye had not holpened me. Then came Sir Palomedis That was disguised and smote Down Sir Dinadam from his horse. Then Sir Lawnslot because Sir Dinadam had smitten him a forehand. Then Sir Lawnslot Assailed Sir Dinadam passing sore And Sir Dinadam defended him Mightily, but well understood Sir Tristram that Sir Dinadam Might not endure Sir Lawnslot Wherefore Sir Tristram was sorry. Then came Sir Palomedis Fresh upon Sir Tristram And when Sir Tristram saw him come He thought to deliver him at once Because that he would help Sir Dinadam Where cause he stood in great peril With Sir Lawnslot Then Sir Tristram hurtled Unto Sir Palomedis and gave him A great buffet. And then Sir Tristram got Sir Palomedis And pulled him down underneath him And so fell Sir Tristram with him And Sir Tristram leapt up lightly And left Sir Palomedis And went between Sir Lawnslot and Dinadam And then they began To do battle together. Right so Sir Dinadam got Sir Tristram's horse And said on high That Sir Lawnslot might hear it My Lord Sir Tristram take your horse And when Sir Lawnslot Heard him name Sir Tristram Oh Jesus said Lawnslot What have I done? I am dishonored Ah my Lord Sir Tristram Said Lawnslot Why were ye disguised? Ye have put yourself in great peril this day But I pray your noble knight to pardon me For and I had known you We had not done this battle Sir said Sir Tristram This is not the first kindness you showed me So they were both horse again Then all the people on the one side Gave Sir Lawnslot the honour And the degree And on the other side all the people Gave to the noble knight Sir Tristram The honour and the degree But Lawnslot said Nay there too For I am not worthy to have this honour For I will report me unto all knights That Sir Tristram had been longer in the field than I And he hath smitten down many more knights This day than I have done And therefore I will give Sir Tristram My voice and my name And so I pray all my lords And fellows so to do Then there was the whole voice Of dukes and earls, barons and knights That Sir Tristram this day Is proved the best knight Chapter 77 Then they blew unto lodging And Queen Isud was led unto her pavilions But which well she was wroth Out of measure with Sir Palomedes For she saw all his treason From the beginning to the ending And all this while Neither Sir Tristram, neither Sir Gareth nor Dinedan Knew not of the treason of Sir Palomedes But afterward he shall hear That there befell the greatest debate Between Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedes That might be So when the tournament was done Sir Tristram, Gareth and Dinedan Road with La Bili Sud To these pavilions And ever Sir Palomedes rode with them In their company, disguised as he was But when Sir Tristram had despised him That he was the same knight With a shield of silver That held him so hot that day Sir Knight said Sir Tristram Which ye well here is none That hath need of your fellowship And therefore I pray you depart from us Sir Palomedes answered again As though he had not known Sir Tristram Which ye well, Sir Knight, From this fellowship will I never depart For one of the best knights of the world Commanded me to be in this company Until he discharge me of my service I will not be discharged By that Sir Tristram knew That it was Sir Palomedes Ah, Sir Palomedes said the noble knight Sir Tristram, are ye such a knight? Ye have been named wrong For ye have long been called a gentle knight And as this day ye have Showed me great ungendleness For ye had almost brought me unto my death But as for you I suppose I should have done well enough But Sir Launcelot with you was over much For I know no knight living But Sir Launcelot is over good for him And he will do his uttermost Allah said Sir Palomedes Are ye my Lord Sir Tristram? Ye, sir, and that ye know well enough By my knighthood, Sir Palomedes Until now I knew ye not I weaned that ye had been The king of Ireland For well I what ye bear his arms His arms I bear, said Sir Tristram And that will I stand by For I won them once in a field Of a full noble knight His name was Sir Marhavs And with great pain I won that knight For there was none other recover But Sir Marhavs died through false leeches And yet was he never golden to me Sir, said Palomedes I weaned ye had been Turned upon Sir Launcelot's party And that caused me to turn Ye, say well, said Sir Tristram And so I take you, and I forgive you So then they rode into their pavilions And when they were alighted They unarmed them and washed their faces and hands And so yawed on to meet And were set at their table But when he stood sop Sir Palomedes She changed then her colors And for rough she might not speak And known Sir Tristram Spied her countenance and said Madam, for what cause make ye a such chair We have been sore-traviled this day Mine own Lord, said La Bilisud For God's sake be ye not displeased with me For I may none otherwise do For I saw this day how ye were betrayed And I brought to your death Truly, sir, I saw every deal How and in what wise And therefore, sir How should I suffer in your presence Such a felon and traitor as Sir Palomedes For I saw him with mine eyes How he beheld you when ye went out to the field For every he hooped still upon his horse Till he saw you come in againward And then for with all I saw him ride To the hurt night and changed harness with him And then straight I saw him How he rode into the field And then known as he had found you He encountered with you And thus willfully Sir Palomedes did battle with you And as for him, sir I was not greatly afraid But I dread sore launch-lot that knew you not Madam, said Palomedes Ye may say what so ye will I may not contrary you But by my knighthood I knew not Sir Tristram Sir Palomedes, said Sir Tristram I will take your excuse But well I watched ye spade me but little But all is pardon on my part Then Labilly stood held down her head And said no more at that time End of book 10, chapters 74-77 Read by Lars Rolander Chapters 78-83, book 10, volume 2 Of Le Mord Artour This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer Please visit LibriVox.org Reading by Lars Rolander Le Mord Artour, volume 2 By Sir Thomas Mallory Chapter 78 And there with all two knights Armed came unto the pavilion And there they alighted both And came in armed at all pieces Fair knights, said Sir Tristram Ye are to blame to come thus armed At all pieces upon me While we are at our meet If ye would anything when we were in the field There might ye have eased your hearts Not so, said the one of those knights We come not for that intent But with ye well, Sir Tristram We become hither as your friends And I am come here, said the one, For to see you And this night is come for to see La Bile Sud Then, said Sir Tristram, I require you do off your helms That I may see you That will we do at your desire, said the knights And when their helms were off Sir Tristram thought that he should know them Then, said Sardinidan, Privilly unto Sir Tristram Sir, that is Sir Lonslot to Luck That spake unto you first And the other is my Lord King Arthur Then, said Sir Tristram, unto La Bile Sud Madame, arise For here is my Lord King Arthur Then the King and the Queen kissed And Sir Lonslot and Sir Tristram Braced either other in arms And then there was joy without measure And at the request of La Bile Sud King Arthur and Lonslot were unarmed And then there was merry talking Madame, said Sir Arthur, It is many a day see then That I have desired to see you For ye have been praised so far And now I dare say Ye are the fairest that ever I saw And Sir Tristram is as fair And as good a night as any that I know Therefore, me, we seem if ye are well Reset together. Sir, God thank you Said the noble knight Sir Tristram And I Sud, of your great goodness And largest ye are peerless Thus they talked of many things And of all the whole justs But for what cause, said King Arthur Were ye Sir Tristram against us Ye are a knight of the table round A knight ye should have been with us Sir, said Sir Tristram Here is Dinedan and Sir Gareth, your own nephew Caused me to be against you My Lord Arthur, said Gareth I may well bear the blame But it were Sir Tristram's own deeds That may I repent, said Dinedan For this unhappy Sir Tristram Brought us to this tournament And many great buffets he caused us to have Then the King and Lonslot laughed That they might not sit What night was that, said Arthur That held you so short This with a shield of silver Sir, said Sir Tristram Here he sitteth at this board What, said Arthur? Was it Sir Palomedes? Which ye well it was he, said La Bile Sud So God me help, said Arthur That was unnightly done Of you, of so good a night For I have heard many people Call you a courteous night Sir, said Palomedes I knew not Sir Tristram For he was so disguised So God me help, said Lonslot It may well be, for I knew not Sir Tristram But I marveled why he turned on our party That was done for the same cause, said Lonslot As for that, said Sir Tristram I have pardoned him And I would be right loath to leave his fellowship For I love right well his company So they left off and talked of other things And in the evening King Arthur and Sir Lonslot Departed unto their lodging But which ye well, Sir Palomedes Had envy heartily, for all that night He had never rest in his bed But wailed and wept out of measure So on the morning Sir Tristram Gareth and Dinedan arose early And they went unto Sir Palomedes' chamber And there they found him fast asleep For he had all night watched And it was seen upon his cheeks That he had wept full sore Say nothing, said Sir Tristram For I am sure he hath taken anger and sorrow For the rebuke that I gave to him And Labil is soot Chapter 79 Then Sir Tristram let call Sir Palomedes And bade him make him ready For it was time to go to the field When they were ready they were armed And clothed all in red both is soot and all day And so they led her passing freshly through the field Into the priory where was her lodging And then they heard three blasts blow And every king and night dressed him unto the field And the first that was ready to adjust Was Sir Palomedes and Sir Canos Lestrange A night of the table round And so they two encountered together But Sir Palomedes smote Sir Canos so hard That he smote him quite over his horse's crew And forth with all Sir Palomedes smote down another night And break then his spear and pulled out his sword And did wonderfully well And then the noise began greatly upon Sir Palomedes Lo, said King Arthur, Jonder Palomedes begineth to play his pageant So God me help, said Arthur, He is a passing good night And right as they stood talking thus In came Sir Tristram as a thunder And he encountered with Sir Canes the Seneshal And there he smote him down quite from his horse And with that same spear Sir Tristram Smote down three nights more And then he pulled out his sword And did marvelously Then the noise and cry changed from Sir Palomedes And turned to Sir Tristram And all the people cried, Oh Tristram, oh Tristram! And then was Sir Palomedes clean forgotten How now, said Launcelot unto Arthur Jonder rideth a night that played his pageants So God me help, said Arthur to Launcelot Ye shall see this day That Jonder two nights shall here do this day wonders Sir, said Launcelot, The one night wetteth upon the other And enforthies himself through Envy To pass the noble night Sir Tristram And he knoweth not of the prevy Envy The which Sir Palomedes hath to him For all that the noble night Sir Tristram Doth is through clean knighthood And then Sir Gareth and Dinedan Did wonderly great deeds of arms As two noble knights So that King Arthur spake of them great honour And worship, and the kings and knights Of Sir Tristram's side did passingly well And held them truly together Then Sir Arthur and Sir Launcelot Took their horses and dressed them And got into the thickest of the press And there Sir Tristram unknowing Smote down King Arthur And then Sir Launcelot would have rescued him But there were so many upon Sir Launcelot That they pulled him down from his horse And then the king of Ireland And the king of Scots with their knights Did their pain to take King Arthur And Sir Launcelot prisoner When Sir Launcelot heard them say so He fared as it had been an hungry lion For he fared so that no knight Dursed nigh him Then came Sir Héctor de Maris And he bear a spear against Sir Palomedes Brassed it upon him all to shivers And then Sir Héctor came again And gave Sir Palomedes such a dash With a sword that he stooped down Upon his saddle-bow And forth with all Sir Héctor Pulled down Sir Palomedes under his feet And then Sir Héctor de Maris Got Sir Launcelot to luck and horse And brought it to him And bade him mount upon him But Sir Palomedes leapt before And got the horse by the bridle And leapt into the saddle So God me help, said Launcelot Ye are better worthy to have that horse than I Then Sir Héctor brought Sir Launcelot Another horse Gramercy, said Launcelot Unto his brother And so when he was horse again With one spear he smote down four knights And then Sir Launcelot brought to King Arthur One of the best of the four horses Then Sir Launcelot with King Arthur And a few of his knights of Sir Launcelot's king Did marvelous deeds for that time As the book recorded Sir Launcelot smote down And pulled down thirty knights Notwithstanding the other party Held them so fast together That King Arthur and his knights were over-matched And when Sir Tristram saw that What labor King Arthur and his knights And, in special, the noble deeds That Sir Launcelot did with his own hands He marveled greatly Chapter 18 Then Sir Tristram called unto him Sir Palomedes, Sir Gareth, and Sir Dinedan And said thus to them My fair fellows, which ye well That I will turn unto King Arthur's party For I saw never so few men do so well And it will be shame unto us knights That be of the round table To see our Lord King Arthur And that noble knights Sir Launcelot to be dishonored It will be well done, said Sir Gareth and Sir Dinedan Do your best, said Palomedes, For I will not change my party That I came in with all That is for my sake, said Sir Tristram God speed you in your journey And so departed Sir Palomedes from them Then Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Dinedan Turned with Sir Launcelot And then Sir Launcelot smote down The king of Ireland, quite from his horse And so Sir Launcelot smote down The king of Scots and the king of Wales And then Sir Arthur ran unto Sir Palomedes And smote in quite from his horse And then Sir Tristram bear down All that he met Sir Gareth and Sir Dinedan Did there as noble knights Then all the parties began to flee Alas, said Palomedes, That ever I should see this day For now have I lost all the worship That I won And then Sir Palomedes went his way wailing And so withdrew him till he came too well And there he put his horse from him And did off his armour And wailed and wept like as he had been a woodman Then many knights gave the price to Sir Tristram And then were many that gave the price unto Sir Launcelot Fair Lord, said Sir Tristram I thank you of the honour you would give me But I pray you heartily That you would give your voice to Sir Launcelot For by my faith, said Sir Tristram I will give Sir Launcelot my voice But Sir Launcelot would not have it And so the price was given betwixt them both Then every man rode to his lodging And Sir Bleobris and Sir Ector Rowed with Sir Tristram And Labilly sood unto their pavilions Then as Sir Palomedes was at the well Wailing and weeping There came by him flying the kings of Wales And of Scotland And they saw Sir Palomedes in that arrage Allah said they That so noble a man as ye be Should be in this array And then those kings got Sir Palomedes' horse again And made him to arm him And mount upon his horse And so he rode with them Making great dough So when Sir Palomedes came nigh the pavilions There as Sir Tristram and Labilly sood was in Then Sir Palomedes prayed the two kings To abide him there The while that he spake with Sir Tristram And when he came to the port of the pavilions Sir Palomedes said on high Where art thou, Sir Tristram the lioness? Sir said in Edan, that is Palomedes What Sir Palomedes will ye not come In here among us? Fie on thee, traitors said Palomedes For wit ye well And it were daylight as it is night I should slay thee mine own hands And if I ever may get thee said Palomedes Thou shalt die for this day's deed Sir Palomedes said Sir Tristram Ye white me with wrong For had ye done as I did Ye had won worship But see then ye give me so large warning I shall be well aware of you Fie on thee, traitors said Palomedes And therewith departed Then on the morning Sir Tristram, Blyobrys and Sir Ekto de Marie Sir Gareth, Sir Dinedan What by water and what by land They brought Labilly sood unto joyous guard And then there reposed them a seven night And made all the mirth and Disports that they could devise And King Arthur and his knights drew unto Camelot And Sir Palomedes rode with the two kings And ever he made the greatest stole That any man could think For he was not all only so dolerous For the departing from Labilly sood But he was a part, a sorrowful to depart From the fellowship of Sir Tristram For Sir Tristram was so kind and so gentle That when Sir Palomedes remembered him thereof He might never be married So at the seven nights end Sir Blyobrys and Sir Ekto departed from Sir Tristram And from the Queen And these two good knights had great gifts And Sir Gareth and Sir Dinedan Abode with Sir Tristram And when Sir Blyobrys and Sir Ekto Were coming there as the Queen Gunover was lodged in a castle By the seaside And through the grace of God The Queen was recovered of her malady Then she asked the two knights From whence they came They said that they came from Sir Tristram And from Labilly sood How doth Sir Tristram Said the Queen and Labilly sood Truly said those two knights He doth as a noble knight should do And as for the Queen is sood She is peerless of all ladies For to speak of her beauty Bounty and mirth And of her goodness We so never her match as far As we have ridden and gone O mercy, Jesus said Queen Gunover So said all the people That have seen her and spoken with her God would that I had part Of her conditions And it is misfortune me of my sickness While that tournament endured And as I suppose I shall never see In all my life such an assembly Of knights and ladies as ye have done Then the knights told her How Palomedes won the degree At the first day with great noblesse And the second day Sir Tristram won the degree And the third day Sir Lonslott won the degree Well said Queen Gunover Who did best all these three days So God me help said these knights Sir Lonslott and Sir Tristram Had least dishonour And which ye well Sir Palomedes did passing well and mightily But he turned against the party That he came in with all And that caused him to lose A great part of his worship For it seemed that Sir Palomedes Is passing envious Then shall he never win worship Said Queen Gunover For any tapeth an envious man Wants to win worship He shall be dishonoured twice therefore And for this course all men of worship Hate an envious man And will shoe him no favour And he that is courteous And kind and gentle Had favour in every place Chapter 82 Now leave we of this matter And speak we of Sir Palomedes That rode and lodged him With the two kings Whereof the kings were heavy Then the king of Ireland sent a man Of his to Sir Palomedes And gave him a great coarser And the king of Scotland gave him great gifts And feign they would have had Sir Palomedes To have abidened with them But in no wise he would abide And so he departed And rode as adventures would guide him Till it was nigh noon And then in a forest by a well Sir Palomedes saw there lay A fair wounded knight And his horse bounden by him And that night made the greatest Told that ever he heard man make For ever he wept And therewith he sighed As though he would die Then Sir Palomedes rode near him And saluted him mildly and said Fair knight, why wail you so? Let me lie down and wail with you For doubt not I am much more heavier Than ye are For I dare say, said Palomedes That my sorrow is an hundred fold More than yours is And therefore let us complain Either to other First, said the wounded knight I require you, tell me your name For and thou be none of the Noble knights of the round table Thou shalt never know my name What some ever come of me Fair knight, said Palomedes Such as I am, be it better Or be it worse, with the well That my name is Sir Palomedes Son and heir unto King Aslabor And Sir Saffer and Sir Segwarite Are my two brethren And with the well as for myself I was never christened But my two brethren are truly christened O noble knight, said the knight Well is me that I have met with you And with you well my name is Epinogris The king's son of Northumberland Now sit down, said Epinogris And let us either complain to other Then Sir Palomedes began his complaint Now shall I tell you, said Palomedes What who I endure I love the fairest queen and lady That ever bear life And with you well her name Is Labil Isoud King Mark's wife of Cornwall That is great folly, said Epinogris For to love Queen Isoud For one of the best knights of the world Loved her, that is Sir Tristram de Lyones That is truth, said Palomedes For no man knows that matter better than I do For I have been in Sir Tristram's fellowship This month and with Labil Isoud together And alas, said Palomedes Unhappy man that I am Now have I lost the fellowship Of Sir Tristram forever And the love of Labil Isoud forever And I am never like to see her more And Sir Tristram and I be either To other mortal enemies Well, said Epinogris Sith that ye loved Labil Isoud Loved she you ever again By anything that ye could think or wit Or else did ye rejoice her ever in any pleasure Nay, by my knighthood, said Palomedes I never aspired that ever she loved me More than all the world Nor never had I pleasure with her But the last day she gave me The greatest rebuke that ever I had The which shall never go from my heart And yet I well deserved that rebuke For I did not knightly And therefore I have lost the love Of her and of Sir Tristram forever And I have many times enforced myself To do many deeds for Labil Isoud And she was the coarser of my worship winning Alas, said Sir Palomedes Now have I lost all the worship that I ever won For never shall me before such prowess As I had in the fellowship of Sir Tristram Chapter 83 Nay, nay, said Epinogris Your sorrows is but yaps to my sorrow For I rejoiced my lady and won her with my hands And lost her again alas that day Thus first I won her, said Epinogris My lady was an Earl's daughter And as the Earl and two knights came From the tournament of Lonacep For her sake I set upon this Earl And on his two knights My lady there being present And so by fortune there I slew the Earl And one of the knights and the other knight fled And so that night I had my lady And on the morn as she and I reposed us At this wellside there came there to me An errant knight, his name was Sir Helio Slipeuse An hardy knight, and this Sir Helio Challenged me to fight for my lady And then we went to battle first upon horse And after on foot, but at the last Sir Helio Wounded me so that he left me for dead And so he took my lady with him And thus my sorrow is more than yours For I have rejoiced and ye rejoiced never That is truth, said Palomedes But sith I can never recover myself I shall promise you, if I can meet with Sir Helio I shall get you your lady again Or else he shall beat me Then Sir Palomedes made Sir Epinogris To take his horse, and so they rode To an Hermitage, and there Sir Epinogris Rested him And in the meanwhile Sir Palomedes Walked privily out to rest him under the leaves And there beside he saw a knight Come riding with a shield That he had seen Sir Ector de Maris Bear beforehand And there came after him a ten knights And so these ten knights Hoved under the leaves for heat And a known after there came a knight With a green shield and therein a white lion Leading a lady upon a palfrey Then this knight with a green shield That seemed to be master of the ten knights He rode fiercely after Sir Helio For it was he that hurt Sir Epinogris And when he came nigh Sir Helio He bade him defend his lady I will defend her, said Helio Unto my power And so they ran together so mightily That either of these knights smote other down Horse and all to the earth And then they won up lightly And drew their swords and their shields And lashed together mightily More than an hour Or this Sir Palomedes saw and beheld But ever at the last the knight With Sir Ector's shield was bigger And at the last this knight Smote Sir Helio down And then that knight unlaced his helm To have stricken off his head And then he cried mercy And prayed him to save his life And bade him take his lady Then Sir Palomedes dressed him up Because he wished well That same lady was Epinogris lady And he promised him to help him Then Sir Palomedes went straight to that lady And took her by the hand And asked her whether she knew a knight That hight Epinogris Alas she said that ever he knew me Or I him, for I have for his sake Lost my worship and also his life Grieved me most of all Not so lady said Palomedes Come with me, for here is Epinogris In this hermitage Ah, well is me said the lady And he be alive With a wilt thou with that lady Said the knight with Sir Ector's shield I will do with her what me lists Said Palomedes, with you well Said that knight, thou speaks'd Over large, though thou seemed Me to have an advantage Because thou sourced me do battle But late, thou wins her knight To have that lady away from me so lightly Nay, think it never not And thou were as good as knight As his Sir Lonslotters As Sir Tristram or Sir Palomedes But thou shall win her dearer Than ever did I And so they went unto battle upon foot And there they gave many sad strokes And either wounded other passing sore And thus they fought still more than an hour Then Sir Palomedes had marvel What knight he might be that was so strong And so well breathed during And thus said Palomedes, night I require thee tell me thy name With thou well said that night I dare tell thee my name So that thou will tell me thy name I will, said Palomedes Truly said that night My name is Saffaire, son of King Astlabor And Sir Palomedes and Sir Segraweds Are my brethren Now and with thou well My name is Sir Palomedes Then Sir Saffaire kneeled down upon his knees And prayed him of mercy And then they unlaced their helms And either kissed other weeping And in the meanwhile Sir Epinogres Aroused out of his bed And heard them by the strokes And so he armed him to help Sir Palomedes If need were Thank you