dread the might of Sir Tristram, and therefore he
suffered him to breathe him. Thus they fought more than two hours, but
often Sir Tristram smote such strokes at Sir Palomides that he made
him to kneel; and Sir Palomides brake and cut away many pieces of Sir
Tristram's shield; and then Sir Palomides wounded Sir Tristram, for
he was a well fighting man. Then Sir Tristram was wood wroth out of
measure, and rushed upon Sir Palomides with such a might that Sir
Palomides fell grovelling to the earth; and therewithal he leapt up
lightly upon his feet, and then Sir Tristram wounded Palomides sore
through the shoulder. And ever Sir Tristram fought still in like hard,
and Sir Palomides failed not, but gave him many sad strokes. And at the
last Sir Tristram doubled his strokes, and by fortune Sir Tristram smote
Sir Palomides sword out of his hand, and if Sir Palomides had stooped
for his sword he had been slain.

Then Palomides stood still and beheld his sword with a sorrowful heart.
How now, said Sir Tristram unto Palomides, now have I thee at advantage
as thou haddest me this day; but it shall never be said in no court,
nor among good knights, that Sir Tristram shall slay any knight that is
weaponless; and therefore take thou thy sword, and let us make an end of
this battle. As for to do this battle, said Palomides, I dare right well
end it, but I have no great lust to fight no more. And for this cause,
said Palomides: mine offence to you is not so great but that we may be
friends. All that I have offended is and was for the love of La Beale
Isoud. And as for her, I dare say she is peerless above all other
ladies, and also I proffered her never no dishonour; and by her I have
gotten the most part of my worship. And sithen I offended never as to
her own person, and as for the offence that I have done, it was against
your own person, and for that offence ye have given me this day many
sad strokes, and some I have given you again; and now I dare say I
felt never man of your might, nor so well breathed, but if it were Sir
Launcelot du Lake; wherefore I require you, my lord, forgive me all that
I have offended unto you; and this same day have me to the next church,
and first let me be clean confessed, and after see you now that I be
truly baptised. And then will we all ride together unto the court of
Arthur, that we be there at the high feast. Now take your horse, said
Sir Tristram, and as ye say so it shall be, and all thine evil wi