the first day he was with King Arthur thereas he
was set on high upon a scaffold to discern who was best worthy of his
deeds. So Sir Launcelot was with King Arthur, and jousted not the first
day.

CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the
tournament, and there he had the prize.

NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail,
his servant, to ordain him a black shield with none other remembrance
therein. And so Sir Persides and Sir Tristram departed from their host
Sir Pellounes, and they rode early toward the tournament, and then they
drew them to King Carados' side, of Scotland; and anon knights began the
field what of King Northgalis' part, and what of King Carados' part, and
there began great party. Then there was hurling and rashing. Right so
came in Sir Persides and Sir Tristram and so they did fare that they put
the King of Northgalis aback. Then came in Sir Bleoberis de Ganis and
Sir Gaheris with them of Northgalis, and then was Sir Persides smitten
down and almost slain, for more than forty horse men went over him. For
Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of arms, and Sir Gaheris failed him not.
When Sir Tristram beheld them, and saw them do such deeds of arms,
he marvelled what they were. Also Sir Tristram thought shame that Sir
Persides was so done to; and then he gat a great spear in his hand, and
then he rode to Sir Gaheris and smote him down from his horse. And then
was Sir Bleoberis wroth, and gat a spear and rode against Sir Tristram
in great ire; and there Sir Tristram met with him, and smote Sir
Bleoberis from his horse So then the King with the Hundred Knights was
wroth, and he horsed Sir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris again, and there
began a great medley; and ever Sir Tristram held them passing short, and
ever Sir Bleoberis was passing busy upon Sir Tristram; and there came
Sir Dinadan against Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram gave him such a
buffet that he swooned in his saddle. Then anon Sir Dinadan came to Sir
Tristram and said: Sir, I know thee better than thou weenest; but here I
promise thee my troth I will never come against thee more, for I promise
thee that sword of thine shall never come on mine helm.

With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet
that down he laid his head; and then he caught him so sore by the helm
that he pulled him under his horse's feet. And then King Arthur blew
to lodging. Then Sir Tristram departed to his pavil