istram, that this knight is thus slain? Then Sir Tristram was
ware of a letter in the dead knight's hand. Master mariners, said Sir
Tristram, what meaneth that letter? Sir, said they, in that letter ye
shall hear and know how he was slain, and for what cause, and what was
his name. But sir, said the mariners, wit ye well that no man shall take
that letter and read it but if he be a good knight, and that he will
faithfully promise to revenge his death, else shall there be no knight
see that letter open. Wit ye well, said Sir Tristram, that some of us
may revenge his death as well as other, and if it be so as ye mariners
say his death shall be revenged. And therewith Sir Tristram took the
letter out of the knight's hand, and it said thus: Hermance, king and
lord of the Red City, I send unto all knights errant, recommending unto
you noble knights of Arthur's court. I beseech them all among them to
find one knight that will fight for my sake with two brethren that I
brought up of nought, and feloniously and traitorly they have slain me;
wherefore I beseech one good knight to revenge my death. And he that
revengeth my death I will that he have my Red City and all my castles.

Sir, said the mariners, wit ye well this king and knight that here lieth
was a full worshipful man and of full great prowess, and full well he
loved all manner knights errants. So God me help, said Sir Tristram,
here is a piteous case, and full fain would I take this enterprise upon
me; but I have made such a promise that needs I must be at this great
tournament, or else I am shamed. For well I wot for my sake in especial
my lord Arthur let make this jousts and tournament in this country; and
well I wot that many worshipful people will be there at that tournament
for to see me; therefore I fear me to take this enterprise upon me that
I shall not come again by time to this jousts. Sir, said Palomides,
I pray you give me this enterprise, and ye shall see me achieve it
worshipfully, other else I shall die in this quarrel. Well, said Sir
Tristram, and this enterprise I give you, with this, that ye be with
me at this tournament that shall be as this day seven night. Sir, said
Palomides, I promise you that I shall be with you by that day if I be
unslain or unmaimed.

CHAPTER LX. How Sir Tristram with his fellowship came and were with an
host which after fought with Sir Tristram; and other matters.

THEN departed Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Sir Dinadan, a