me is Sir Tristram. And so either told other their names, and then
departed Sir Tristram and rode his way.

And by fortune in a meadow Sir Tristram met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal,
and Sir Dinadan. What tidings with you, said Sir Tristram, with you
knights? Not good, said these knights. Why so? said Sir Tristram; I pray
you tell me, for I ride to seek a knight. What cognisance beareth he?
said Sir Kay. He beareth, said Sir Tristram, a covered shield close with
cloth. By my head, said Sir Kay, that is the same knight that met with
us, for this night we were lodged within a widow's house, and there was
that knight lodged; and when he wist we were of Arthur's court he spoke
great villainy by the king, and specially by the Queen Guenever, and
then on the morn was waged battle with him for that cause. And at the
first recounter, said Sir Kay, he smote me down from my horse and hurt
me passing sore; and when my fellow, Sir Dinadan, saw me smitten
down and hurt he would not revenge me, but fled from me; and thus he
departed. And then Sir Tristram asked them their names, and so either
told other their names. And so Sir Tristram departed from Sir Kay, and
from Sir Dinadan, and so he passed through a great forest into a plain,
till he was ware of a priory, and there he reposed him with a good man
six days.

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous and
Sir Dodinas le Savage.

AND then he sent his man that hight Gouvernail, and commanded him to go
to a city thereby to fetch him new harness; for it was long time afore
that that Sir Tristram had been refreshed, his harness was brised and
broken. And when Gouvernail, his servant, was come with his apparel, he
took his leave at the widow, and mounted upon his horse, and rode his
way early on the morn. And by sudden adventure Sir Tristram met with
Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and with Sir Dodinas le Savage. And these two
knights met with Sir Tristram and questioned with him, and asked him if
he would joust with them. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, with a good
will I would joust with you, but I have promised at a day set, near
hand, to do battle with a strong knight; and therefore I am loath to
have ado with you, for an it misfortuned me here to be hurt I should not
be able to do my battle which I promised. As for that, said Sagramore,
maugre your head, ye shall joust with us or ye pass from us. Well, said
Sir Tristram, if ye enforce me thereto I must do