o be held. Here they were given shelter and
entertainment.

As they sat at supper with Sir Pellounes, their ancient host, he told
them much of the great tournament that was at hand, among other things
that Lancelot would be there, with thirty-two knights of his kindred,
each of whom would bear a shield with the arms of Cornwall.

In the midst of their conversation a messenger entered, who told
Pellounes that his son, Persides de Bloise, had come home, whereupon
the old knight held up his hands and thanked God, telling Tristram that
he had not seen his son for two years.

"I know him," said Tristram, "and a good and worthy knight he is."

On the next morning, when Tristram came into the castle hall clad in his
house attire, he met with Persides, similarly unarmed, and they saluted
each other courteously.

"My father tells me that you are of Cornwall," said Persides. "I jousted
there once before King Mark, and fortune helped me to overthrow ten
knights. But Tristram de Lyonesse overthrew me and took my lady from me.
This I have not forgotten, and I will repay him for it yet."

"You hate Sir Tristram, then? Do you think that will trouble him much,
and that he is not able to withstand your malice?"

"He is a better knight than I, that I admit. But for all that I owe him
no good will."

As thus they stood talking at a bay window of the castle, they saw many
knights ride by on their way to the tournament. Among these Tristram
marked a strongly-built warrior mounted on a great black horse, and
bearing a black shield.

"What knight is that?" he asked. "He looks like a strong and able one."

"He is one of the best in the world," said Persides. "I know him well."

"Is it Sir Lancelot?"

"No, no. It is Palamides, an unchristened Saracen, but a noble man."

"Palamides! I should know him too, but his arms deceived me."

As they continued to look they saw many of the country people salute the
black knight. Some time afterwards a squire came to Pellounes, the lord
of the castle, and told him that a fierce combat had taken place in the
road some distance in advance, and that a knight with a black shield had
smitten down thirteen others. He was still there, ready for any who
might wish to meet him, and holding a tournament of his own in the
highway.

"On my faith, that is Palamides!" said Tristram. "The worthy fellow must
be brimful of fight. Fair brother, let us cast on our cloaks and see the
play."

"Not I," said P