Tramtrist had
great despite at Sir Palamides, for La Beale Isoud told Tramtrist that
Palamides was in will to be christened for her sake. Thus was there
great envy betwixt Tramtrist and Sir Palamides.

Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a great
tournament for a lady that was called the Lady of the Launds, and she
was nigh cousin unto the king. And what man won her, three days after
he should wed her and have all her lands. This cry was made in England,
Wales, Scotland, and also in France and in Brittany. It befell upon
a day La Beale Isoud came unto Sir Tramtrist, and told him of this
tournament. He answered and said: Fair lady, I am but a feeble knight,
and but late I had been dead had not your good ladyship been. Now, fair
lady, what would ye I should do in this matter? well ye wot, my lady,
that I may not joust. Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will
ye not have ado at that tournament? well I wot Sir Palamides shall be
there, and to do what he may; and therefore Tramtrist, I pray you for to
be there, for else Sir Palamides is like to win the degree. Madam, said
Tramtrist, as for that, it may be so, for he is a proved knight, and I
am but a young knight and late made; and the first battle that I did it
mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see. But an I wist ye would be
my better lady, at that tournament I will be, so that ye will keep
my counsel and let no creature have knowledge that I shall joust but
yourself, and such as ye will to keep your counsel, my poor person shall
I jeopard there for your sake, that, peradventure, Sir Palamides shall
know when that I come. Thereto, said La Beale Isoud, do your best, and
as I can, said La Beale Isoud, I shall purvey horse and armour for you
at my device. As ye will so be it, said Sir Tramtrist, I will be at your
commandment.

So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield,
and he overthrew many knights, that all the people had marvel of him.
For he put to the worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus,
Kay, Dodinas le Savage, Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and
Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day Sir Palamides struck
down to the earth. And then all manner of knights were adread of Sir
Palamides, and many called him the Knight with the Black Shield. So that
day Sir Palamides had great worship.

Then came King Anguish unto Tramtrist, and asked him why he would
not joust. Sir, he said, I was but