el what knight he was
that did battle so knightly with him. Then was Sir Tristram wroth, for
he felt him passing strong, so that he deemed he might not have ado with
the remnant of the knights, because of the strength of Sir Palomides.
So they lashed together and gave many sad strokes together, and many
knights marvelled what knight he might be that so encountered with the
black knight, Sir Tristram. Full well knew La Beale Isoud that there was
Sir Palomides that fought with Sir Tristram, for she espied all in her
window where that she stood, as Sir Palomides changed his harness with
the wounded knight. And then she began to weep so heartily for the
despite of Sir Palomides that there she swooned.

Then came in Sir Launcelot with the knights of Orkney. And when the
other party had espied Sir Launcelot, they cried: Return, return,
here cometh Sir Launcelot du Lake. So there came knights and said: Sir
Launcelot, ye must needs fight with yonder knight in the black harness,
that was Sir Tristram, for he hath almost overcome that good knight that
fighteth with him with the silver shield, that was Sir Palomides. Then
Sir Launcelot rode betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides, and Sir
Launcelot said to Palomides: Sir knight, let me have the battle, for ye
have need to be reposed. Sir Palomides knew Sir Launcelot well, and so
did Sir Tristram, but because Sir Launcelot was far hardier knight than
himself therefore he was glad, and suffered Sir Launcelot to fight with
Sir Tristram. For well wist he that Sir Launcelot knew not Sir Tristram,
and there he hoped that Sir Launcelot should beat or shame Sir Tristram,
whereof Sir Palomides was full fain. And so Sir Launcelot gave Sir
Tristram many sad strokes, but Sir Launcelot knew not Sir Tristram,
but Sir Tristram knew well Sir Launcelot. And thus they fought long
together, that La Beale Isoud was well-nigh out of her mind for sorrow.

Then Sir Dinadan told Sir Gareth how that knight in the black harness
was Sir Tristram: And this is Launcelot that fighteth with him, that
must needs have the better of him, for Sir Tristram hath had too much
travail this day. Then let us smite him down, said Sir Gareth. So it is
better that we do, said Sir Dinadan, than Sir Tristram be shamed, for
yonder hoveth the strong knight with the silver shield to fall upon Sir
Tristram if need be. Then forthwithal Gareth rushed upon Sir Launcelot,
and gave him a great stroke upon his helm so hard that he was a