ble knight as few now be living, and
his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. 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, meseemeth it were no worship for a noble
man to have ado with him: and for because at this time he hath done over
much for any mean knight living, therefore, as meseemeth, it were great
shame and villainy to tempt him any more at this time, insomuch as he
and his horse are weary both; for the deeds of arms that he hath done
this day, an they be well considered, it were enough for Sir Launcelot
du Lake. As for that, said King Mark, I require you, as ye love me and
my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud, take your arms and joust with Sir
Lamorak de Galis. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye 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 both, and so is
not his horse and he; and wit ye well that he will take it for great
unkindness, for ever one good knight is loath to take another at
disadvantage; but because I will not displease you, as ye 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 Lamorak met him mightily, and what with the might of his own
spear, and of Sir Tristram's spear, Sir Lamorak'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 afore him and drew
his sword. And then he bade Sir Tristram: Alight, thou knight, an thou
durst. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will no more have ado with thee, for I
have done to thee over much unto my dishonour and to thy worship. As for
that, said Sir Lamorak, I can thee no thank; since thou hast for-jousted
me on horseback I require thee and I beseech thee, an thou be Sir
Tristram, fight with me on foot. I will not so, said Sir Tristram; and
wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and well I know ye be Sir
Lamorak de Galis, and this that I have done to you was against my will,
but I was required thereto; but to say that I will do at your request as
at this time, I will have no more ado with you, for me shameth of that
I have done. As for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on thy part or on mine,
bear thou it an thou wilt, for though a mare's son hath failed me, now a
queen's son shall not fail thee; and therefore, an