of
the town, and told Sir Tristram how there was a knight in the town, a
passing goodly man. What manner of man is he, said Sir Tristram, and
what sign beareth he? So the man told Sir Tristram all the tokens of
him. That is Palomides, said Dinadan. It may well be, said Sir Tristram.
Go ye to him, said Sir Tristram unto Dinadan. So Dinadan went unto
Sir Palomides, and there either made other great joy, and so they lay
together that night. And on the morn early came Sir Tristram and Sir
Gareth, and took them in their beds, and so they arose and brake their
fast.

CHAPTER LXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides met Breuse Saunce Pite,
and how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went unto Lonazep.

AND then Sir Tristram desired Sir Palomides to ride into the fields and
woods. So they were accorded to repose them in the forest. And when they
had played them a great while they rode unto a fair well; and anon they
were ware of an armed knight that came riding against them, and there
either saluted other. Then this armed knight spake to Sir Tristram, and
asked what were these knights that were lodged in Joyous Gard. I wot not
what they are, said Sir Tristram. What knights be ye? said that knight,
for meseemeth ye be no knights errant, because ye ride unarmed. Whether
we be knights or not we list not to tell thee our name. Wilt thou not
tell me thy name? said that knight; then keep thee, for thou shalt die
of my hands. And therewith he got his spear in his hands, and would have
run Sir Tristram through. That saw Sir Palomides, and smote his horse
traverse in midst of the side, that man and horse fell to the earth. And
therewith Sir Palomides alighted and pulled out his sword to have slain
him. Let be, said Sir Tristram, slay him not, the knight is but a fool,
it were shame to slay him. But take away his spear, said Sir Tristram,
and let him take his horse and go where that he will.

So when this knight arose he groaned sore of the fall, and so he took
his horse, and when he was up he turned then his horse, and required Sir
Tristram and Sir Palomides to tell him what knights they were. Now wit
ye well, said Sir Tristram, that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and
this knight's name is Sir Palomides. When he wist what they were he took
his horse with the spurs, because they should not ask him his name,
and so rode fast away through thick and thin. Then came there by them a
knight with a bended shield of azure, whose name was