th great noblesse; and the second day Sir Tristram won the degree; and
the third day Sir Launcelot won the degree. Well, said Queen Guenever,
who did best all these three days? So God me help, said these knights,
Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram had least dishonour. And wit ye well Sir
Palomides did passing well and mightily; but he turned against the party
that he came in withal, and that caused him to lose a great part of his
worship, for it seemed that Sir Palomides is passing envious. Then shall
he never win worship, said Queen Guenever, for an it happeth an envious
man once to win worship he shall be dishonoured twice therefore; and for
this cause all men of worship hate an envious man, and will shew him no
favour, and he that is courteous, and kind, and gentle, hath favour in
every place.

CHAPTER LXXXII. How Epinogris complained by a well, and how Sir
Palomides came and found him, and of their both sorrowing.

NOW leave we of this matter and speak we of Sir Palomides, that rode and
lodged him with the two kings, whereof the kings were heavy. Then the
King of Ireland sent a man of his to Sir Palomides, and gave him a great
courser, and the King of Scotland gave him great gifts; and fain they
would have had Sir Palomides to have abiden with them, but in no wise he
would abide; and so he departed, and rode as adventures would guide him,
till it was nigh noon. And then in a forest by a well Sir Palomides saw
where lay a fair wounded knight and his horse bounden by him; and that
knight made the greatest dole that ever he heard man make, for ever he
wept, and therewith he sighed as though he would die. Then Sir Palomides
rode near him and saluted him mildly and said: Fair knight, why wail
ye so? let me lie down and wail with you, for doubt not I am much more
heavier than ye are; for I dare say, said Palomides, that my sorrow is
an hundred fold more than yours is, and therefore let us complain either
to other. First, said the wounded knight, I require you tell me your
name, for an thou be none of the noble knights of the Round Table thou
shalt never know my name, whatsomever come of me. Fair knight, said
Palomides, such as I am, be it better or be it worse, wit thou well
that my name is Sir Palomides, son and heir unto King Astlabor, and Sir
Safere and Sir Segwarides are my two brethren; and wit thou well as for
myself I was never christened, but my two brethren are truly christened.
O noble knight, said that knight