. How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with two
knights into England, and how he slew one of the knights.

THEN King Mark had great despite of the renown of Sir Tristram, and then
he chased him out of Cornwall: yet was he nephew unto King Mark, but
he had great suspicion unto Sir Tristram because of his queen, La Beale
Isoud; for him seemed that there was too much love between them both. So
when Sir Tristram departed out of Cornwall into England King Mark heard
of the great prowess that Sir Tristram did there, the which grieved
him sore. So he sent on his part men to espy what deeds he did. And the
queen sent privily on her part spies to know what deeds he had done, for
great love was between them twain. So when the messengers were come home
they told the truth as they had heard, that he passed all other knights
but if it were Sir Launcelot. Then King Mark was right heavy of these
tidings, and as glad was La Beale Isoud. Then in great despite he took
with him two good knights and two squires, and disguised himself, and
took his way into England, to the intent for to slay Sir Tristram. And
one of these two knights hight Bersules, and the other knight was called
Amant. So as they rode King Mark asked a knight that he met, where he
should find King Arthur. He said: At Camelot. Also he asked that knight
after Sir Tristram, whether he heard of him in the court of King Arthur.
Wit you well, said that knight, ye shall find Sir Tristram there for a
man of as great worship as is now living; for through his prowess he won
the tournament of the Castle of Maidens that standeth by the Hard Rock.
And sithen he hath won with his own hands thirty knights that were men
of great honour. And the last battle that ever he did he fought with
Sir Launcelot; and that was a marvellous battle. And not by force Sir
Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of him King Arthur made
passing great joy, and so made him Knight of the Table Round; and his
seat was where the good knight's, Sir Marhaus, seat was. Then was King
Mark passing sorry when he heard of the honour of Sir Tristram; and so
they departed.

Then said King Mark unto his two knights: Now will I tell you my
counsel: ye are the men that I trust most to alive, and I will that ye
wit my coming hither is to this intent, for to destroy Sir Tristram by
wiles or by treason; and it shall be hard if ever he escape our hands.
Alas, said Sir Bersules, what mean you? for ye b