ered the lists."

"That shall I," she replied, gladly. "Horse and armor shall be ready for
you, and I but ask you to do your best. I am sure your best must win."

"With Isolde's eyes upon me I can do no less," answered Tristram, with a
glad heart. "I am at your command in all things, and for your love would
dare tenfold this risk."

When the day of the tournament came, Palamides appeared in the lists
with a black shield, and so many knights fell before him that all the
people marvelled at his prowess. Throughout the first day's fight he
held his own against all comers, bearing off the honors of the lists.
As for Tristram, he sat among the spectators, and when King Anguish
asked him why he did not joust, replied that he was still too weak from
his wound.

On the morning of the next day Palamides came early into the field, and
began the same career of conquest as on the day before. But in the midst
of his good fortune there rode into the lists an unknown knight, who
seemed to the spectators like an angel, for his horse and his armor were
of the whiteness of snow.

No sooner had Palamides espied this stranger than he put his spear in
rest and rode against him at furious speed. But there came a sudden
change in his fortunes, for the white knight struck him with such force
as to hurl him from his horse to the ground.

Then there arose a great noise and uproar among the people, for they had
grown to think that no knight could face the Saracen, and Gawaine and
others whom he had overthrown marvelled who this stranger knight could
be. But Isolde was glad at heart, for the love of Palamides was a burden
to her, and well she knew the knight of the white arms.

As for the Palamides, he was so ashamed and disconcerted by his fall
that, on mounting his horse again, he sought privately to withdraw from
the field. But the white knight rode hastily after him and bade him
turn, saying that he should not leave the lists so lightly. At these
words Palamides turned and struck a fierce sword-blow at the white
champion. But the latter put the stroke aside, and returned it with so
mighty a buffet on the Saracen's head that he fell from his horse to the
earth.

Then Tristram--for he was the white knight--bade him yield and consent
to do his command, or he would slay him. To this Palamides agreed, for
he was hurt past defence.

"This, then, is my command," said Tristram. "First, upon pain of your
life, you shall cease your suit of th