sir tristram's prowess

so the next day sir tristram, carrying the black shield, went forth to enter the lists. and none knew him. the great conflict had already begun when he arrived. he found himself a place among those knights who jousted for northgalis. and very soon all perceived that this knight with the black shield was skillful and strong. well and lustily did he battle and none could withstand him. yet did he not meet with sir launcelot nor with sir palomides, on this first day. nor did any know him, but all marveled at his worth and bravery.

so, as the day was done, this unknown and his servant, gouvernail, rode back into the forest. and none followed him for he was a brave knight and all respected him and his desire to stay unknown. yet did the judges declare the side of northgalis victor and as for single knight, the most worthy was the unknown. and he was called "the knight of the black shield."

now as the judges' duties were done, king arthur showed how wroth he was that strange knight had carried off such great honors.

"yet do we hope tomorrow shall show other reckoning than this. for good launcelot shall be there and so shall we."

on the morn the heralds called forth the brave knights once again. and with the call came the "knight of the black shield."

sir palomides was await for him, eager and alert, to be the first to joust. and so they, like great hounds, went at each other. and truly, sir tristram found his foe a worthy one. long did they joust without either besting the other until he of the black shield by great skill and fine force brought down a mighty blow and did smite sir palomides over his horse's croup. but now as the knight fell king arthur was there and he rode straight at the unknown knight shouting, "make thee ready for me!" then the brave sovereign, with eager heart, rode straight at him and as he came, his horse reared high. and such was the king's strength he unhorsed sir tristram.

now, while the latter was on foot, rode full tilt upon him, sir palomides, and would have borne him down but that sir tristram was aware of his coming, and so lightly stepping aside, he grasped the arm of the rider and pulled him from his horse. the two dashed against each other on foot and with their swords battled so well that kings and queens and knights and their ladies stood and beheld them. but finally the unknown smote his foe three mighty blows so that he fell upon the earth groveling. then did they all truly wonder at his skill for sir palomides was thought by many to be the most skillful knight in britain.

a knight now brought horse for sir tristram, for now, all knew that it must be he. so too was horse brought for sir palomides. great was the latter's ire and he came at sir tristram again. full force, he bore his lance at the other. and so anew they fought. yet sir tristram was the better of the two and soon with great strength he got sir palomides by the neck with both hands and so pulled him clean out of his saddle. then in the presence of them all, and well they marveled at his deed, he rode ten paces carrying the other in this manner and let him fall as he might.

sir tristram turned now again and saw king arthur with naked sword ready for him. the former halted not, but rode straight at the king with his lance. but as he came, the king by wondrous blow sent his weapon flying and for a moment sir tristram was stunned. and as he sat there upon his horse the king rained blows upon him and yet did the latter draw forth his sword and assail the king so hard that he need must give ground. then were these two divided by the great throng. but sir tristram, lion hearted, rode here and there and battled with all who would. and of the knights who opposed him he was victor of eleven. and all present marveled at him, at his strength and at his great deeds.

yet had he not met sir launcelot, who elsewhere was meeting with all who would strive with him. not many, however, would joust with him for he was known as the very bravest and most skillful. so as he sat there all at ease, there came the great acclaim for the knight of the black shield. nor did sir launcelot know him to be sir tristram. but he got his great lance and rushed toward the cry. when he saw this strange knight he called to him, "knight of the black shield, prepare for me."

and then came such jousting as had never been seen. for each knight bowed low his head and came at the other like the wind. when they met it was very like thunder. flashed lance on shields and armor so that sparks flew. and each would not give to the other one step but by great skill with shield did avoid the best of each other's blows.

then did sir tristram's lance break in two, and sir launcelot, through further ill fortune, wounded sir tristram in his left side. but notwithstanding, the wounded knight brought forth his sword and rushed daringly at the other with a force that sir launcelot could not withstand, and gave him a fearful blow. low in his saddle sagged sir launcelot, exceeding weak for many moments. now sir tristram left him so and rode into the forest. and after him followed gouvernail, his servant.

sore wounded was sir tristram yet made he light of it. sir launcelot on his part recovered soon and turned back to the tourney, and thereafter did wondrous deeds and stood off many knights, together and singly.

now again was the day done and the tournament, too. and to sir launcelot was given full honor as victor of the field. but naught would sir launcelot have of this. he rode forthwith to his king.

"sire, it is not i but this knight with the black shield who has shown most marvelous skill of all. and so i will not have these prizes for they do not belong to me."

"well spoken, sir launcelot and like thy true self," replied the king. "so since this knight is gone, will you go forth with us within the fortnight in search for him. and unless we are in great error we shall find this knight of the black shield no more, no less, than sir tristram."