hands of Sir Tristram de
Liones.

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that asked the knight his host if he saw
late any knights adventurous. Sir, he said, the last night here lodged
with me Ector de Maris and a damosel with him, and that damosel told me
that he was one of the best knights of the world. That is not so, said
Sir Tristram, for I know four better knights of his own blood, and the
first is Sir Launcelot du Lake, call him the best knight, and Sir Bors
de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Sir Gaheris. Nay,
said his host, Sir Gawaine is a better knight than he. That is not so,
said Sir Tristram, for I have met with them both, and I felt Sir Gaheris
for the better knight, and Sir Lamorak I call him as good as any of them
except Sir Launcelot. Why name ye not Sir Tristram? said his host, for
I account him as good as any of them. I know not Sir Tristram, said
Tristram. Thus they talked and bourded as long as them list, and then
went to rest. And on the morn Sir Tristram departed, and took his leave
of his host, and rode toward the Roche Dure, and none adventure had
Sir Tristram but that; and so he rested not till he came to the castle,
where he saw five hundred tents.

CHAPTER XLIV. How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that
Morgan le Fay delivered to him.

THEN the King of Scots and the King of Ireland held against King
Arthur's knights, and there began a great medley. So came in Sir
Tristram and did marvellous deeds of arms, for there he smote down many
knights. And ever he was afore King Arthur with that shield. And when
King Arthur saw that shield he marvelled greatly in what intent it was
made; but Queen Guenever deemed as it was, wherefore she was heavy. Then
was there a damosel of Queen Morgan in a chamber by King Arthur, and
when she heard King Arthur speak of that shield, then she spake openly
unto King Arthur. Sir King, wit ye well this shield was ordained for
you, to warn you of your shame and dishonour, and that longeth to you
and your queen. And then anon that damosel picked her away privily, that
no man wist where she was become. Then was King Arthur sad and wroth,
and asked from whence came that damosel. There was not one that knew
her nor wist where she was become. Then Queen Guenever called to her Sir
Ector de Maris, and there she made her complaint to him, and said: I wot
well this shield was made by Morgan le Fay in despite of me and of Sir
Launcelot, wherefore I drea