ristram because of his
prowess as knight and his great love and loyal devotion to the queen,
the Fair Isoud; and by treason King Mark let take him and put him in
prison, contrary to his promise that he made unto King Arthur. When
Queen Isoud understood that Sir Tristram was in prison, she made as
great sorrow as ever made lady or gentlewoman. Then Sir Tristram sent
a letter unto her, and prayed her to be his good lady; and if it
pleased her to make a vessel ready for her and him, he would go with
her unto the realm of Logris, that is this land.

When the Fair Isoud understood Sir Tristram's letter and his intent,
she sent him another, and bade him be of good comfort, for she would
make the vessel ready, and all things to purpose. Then she had King
Mark taken and put in prison, until the time that she and Sir Tristram
were departed unto the realm of Logris. And then Sir Tristram was
delivered out of prison, and anon in all haste they took their vessel,
and came by water into England.

When Sir Launcelot understood that Sir Tristram was there, he was full
glad. He espied whither he went, and after him he rode, and then
either made of other great joy. And so Sir Launcelot brought Sir
Tristram and the Fair Isoud unto Joyous Gard, that was Sir Launcelot's
own castle that he had won with his own hands. And he charged all his
people to honour them and love them as they would do himself.

Near three years Sir Tristram kept the Fair Isoud with him in Joyous
Gard, and then by means of treaties he brought her again unto King Fox,
which was the name Sir Launcelot gave unto Mark because of his wiles
and treason. But ever the malice of King Fox followed his brave
nephew, and in the end he slew him as he sat harping afore his lady,
the Fair Isoud, with a trenchant glaive, thrust in behind to the heart.

For his death was much bewailing of every knight that ever was in
Arthur's days, for he was traitorously slain. And the Fair Isoud died,
swooning upon the cross of Sir Tristram, whereof was great pity. And
all that were with King Mark that were consenting to the death of Sir
Tristram were slain, as Sir Andred and many others.

CHAPTER XXIII

HOW SIR PERCIVALE OF GALIS SOUGHT AND
FOUND SIR LAUNCELOT

While King Arthur and his knights were still sorrowful over Sir
Tristram's return to Cornwall, greatly fearing mischief to the good
knight by some manner of falsehood or treason of King Mark, there came
to the cou