eace with the Queen at the Ford, and
knights and ladies came in a crowd to the gathering, for all loved the
Queen and would see her, save the three felons that yet survived.

On the day chosen for the meeting, the field shone far with the rich
tents of the barons, and suddenly Tristan and Iseult came out at the
forest's edge, and caught sight of King Mark far off among his Barony:

"Friend," said Tristan, "there is the King, your lord--his knights and
his men; they are coming towards us, and very soon we may not speak to
each other again. By the God of Power I conjure you, if ever I send
you a word, do you my bidding."

"Friend," said Iseult, "on the day that I see the ring, nor tower, nor
wall, nor stronghold will let me from doing the will of my friend."

"Why then," he said, "Iseult, may God reward you."

Their horses went abreast and he drew her towards him with his arm.

"Friend," said Iseult, "hear my last prayer: you will leave this land,
but wait some days; hide till you know how the King may treat me,
whether in wrath or kindness, for I am afraid. Friend, Orri the
woodman will entertain you hidden. Go you by night to the abandoned
cellar that you know and I will send Perinis there to say if anyone
misuse me."

"Friend, none would dare. I will stay hidden with Orri, and if any
misuse you let him fear me as the Enemy himself."

Now the two troops were near and they saluted, and the King rode a
bow-shot before his men and with him Dinas of Lidan; and when the
barons had come up, Tristan, holding Iseult's palfrey by the bridle,
bowed to the King and said:

"O King, I yield you here Iseult the Fair, and I summon you, before
the men of your land, that I may defend myself in your court, for I
have had no judgment. Let me have trial at arms, and if I am
conquered, burn me, but if I conquer, keep me by you, or, if you will
not, I will be off to some far country."

But no one took up Tristan's wager, and the King, taking Iseult's
palfrey by the bridle, gave it to Dinas, and went apart to take
counsel.

Dinas, in his joy, gave all honour and courtesy to the Queen, but when
the felons saw her so fair and honoured as of old, they were stirred
and rode to the King, and said:

"King, hear our counsel. That the Queen was slandered we admit, but if
she and Tristan re-enter your court together, rumour will revive
again. Rather let Tristan go apart awhile. Doubtless some day you may
recall him."

And so Mark did,