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Chapter XI
Andsomarvellouslywassheskilledinmedicine,thatinafewdaysshefullycuredhim;andinreturnSirTristramtaughthertheharp;so,beforelong,theytwobegantoloveeachothergreatly.
Butatthattimeaheathenknight,SirPalomedes,wasinIreland,andmuchcherishedbythekingandqueen.HealsolovedmightilyLaBelleIsault,andneverweariedofmakinghergreatgifts,andseekingforherfavour,andwasreadyeventobechristenedforhersake.SirTristramthereforehatedhimoutofmeasure,andSirPalomedeswasfullofrageandenvyagainstTristram.
AndsoitbefellthatKingAnguishproclaimedagreattournamenttobeheld,theprizewhereofshouldbealadycalledtheLadyoftheLaunds,ofnearkindredtotheking:andherthewinnerofthetournamentshouldwedinthreedaysafterwards,andpossessallherlands.WhenLaBelleIsaulttoldSirTristramofthistournament,hesaid,“Fairlady!Iamyetafeebleknight,andbutfortheehadbeenadeadmannow:whatwouldestthouIshoulddo?ThouknowestwellImaynotjoust.”
“Ah,Tristram,”saidshe,“whywiltthounotfightinthistournament?SirPalomedeswillbethere,andwilldohismightiest;andthereforebethouthere,Ipraythee,orelsehewillbewinneroftheprize.”
“Madam,”saidTristram,“Iwillgo,andforthysakewilldomybest;butletmegounknowntoallmen;anddothou,Ipraythee,keepmycounsel,andhelpmetoadisguise.”
SoonthedayofjoustingcameSirPalomedes,withablackshield,andoverthrewmanyknights.
