gave their verdict that the
vanquished knight should live, and by their advice Tristram and
Bleoberis took him up and brought him to King Anguish, who forgave and
made friends with him. Then Blamor and Tristram kissed each other and
the two brothers took oath that neither of them would ever fight with
their noble antagonist, who took the same oath. And from the day of
that battle there was peace and love between Tristram and all the
kindred of Lancelot forever.

The happy close of this contest made great rejoicing in Arthur's court,
King Anguish and his champion being treated with all the honor that
could be laid upon them, and for many days thereafter feasting and
merry-making prevailed. In the end the king and his champion sailed for
Ireland with great state and ceremony, while many noble knights attended
to bid them farewell.

When they reached Ireland, King Anguish spread far and wide the story of
what Tristram had done for him, and he was everywhere greeted with honor
and delight. Even the queen forgot her anger, and did all that lay in
her power to give her lord's champion a glad welcome to the court.

As for La Belle Isolde, she met Tristram with the greatest joy and
gladness. Absence had dimmed the love in both their hearts, and it no
longer burned as of yore, yet only time and opportunity were needed to
make it as warm as ever.

CHAPTER IV.

THE DRAUGHT OF LOVE.

At length there came a day, after Tristram had dwelt long at King
Anguish's court, that the king asked him why he had not demanded his
boon, since the royal word had been passed that whatever he asked
should be his without fail.

"I asked you not," said Tristram, "since it is a boon that will give me
no pleasure, but so much pain that with every day that passes I grow
less inclined to ask it."

"Then why ask it at all?"

"That I must, for I have passed my word of honor, and the word of a
knight is his best possession. What I am forced to demand, then, is that
you will give me the hand of La Belle Isolde,--not for myself, and that
is what makes my heart so sore, but for my uncle, King Mark, who desires
to wed her, and for whom I have promised to demand her."

"Alas!" cried the king, "that you should ask me so despiteful a boon. I
had rather than all King Mark's dominions that you should wed her
yourself."

"I never saw woman whom I would rather wed," he replied. "But if I
should do so I would be the shame of the world forever, as