ion, and Sir Dinadan
rode with him; and Sir Persides and King Arthur then, and the kings upon
both parties, marvelled what knight that was with the black shield. Many
said their advice, and some knew him for Sir Tristram, and held their
peace and would nought say. So that first day King Arthur, and all the
kings and lords that were judges, gave Sir Tristram the prize; howbeit
they knew him not, but named him the Knight with the Black Shield.

CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party
because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.

THEN upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the King of Northgalis,
and rode to King Arthur's side, where was King Carados, and the King
of Ireland, and Sir Launcelot's kin, and Sir Gawaine's kin. So Sir
Palomides sent the damosel unto Sir Tristram that he sent to seek him
when he was out of his mind in the forest, and this damosel asked
Sir Tristram what he was and what was his name? As for that, said Sir
Tristram, tell Sir Palomides ye shall not wit as at this time unto the
time I have broken two spears upon him. But let him wit thus much,
said Sir Tristram, that I am the same knight that he smote down in
over-evening[*10] at the tournament; and tell him plainly on what party
that Sir Palomides be I will be of the contrary party. Sir, said the
damosel, ye shall understand that Sir Palomides will be on King Arthur's
side, where the most noble knights of the world be. In the name of God,
said Sir Tristram, then will I be with the King of Northgalis, because
Sir Palomides will be on King Arthur's side, and else I would not but
for his sake. So when King Arthur was come they blew unto the field;
and then there began a great party, and so King Carados jousted with the
King of the Hundred Knights, and there King Carados had a fall: then
was there hurling and rushing, and right so came in knights of King
Arthur's, and they bare aback the King of Northgalis' knights.

[*10] "the evening afore," W. de W.

Then Sir Tristram came in, and began so roughly and so bigly that there
was none might withstand him, and thus Sir Tristram dured long. And at
the last Sir Tristram fell among the fellowship of King Ban, and there
fell upon him Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Blamore
de Ganis, and many other knights. And then Sir Tristram smote on the
right hand and on the left hand, that all lords and ladies spake of his
noble deeds. But at the last Sir Tristr