while he seated himself before the gate like a man who
cared not what became of him.

Meanwhile, Tristram had returned from the hunt, and when he learned what
had happened, he was half beside himself with anger.

"Lambegus is no match for the Saracen," he said. "Would I had been here
in his stead. The unchristianed villain shall answer for this outrage if
he can be found."

Then he armed himself in all haste, and rode into the forest. Not far
had he gone when he found Lambegus, sorely wounded, and had him borne to
a place of shelter. Somewhat farther on he found Adtherp, also hurt and
bleeding, and from him he learned what had taken place.

"Where is my lady now?" he asked.

"Safe in my castle," said the knight. "And there she can hold herself
secure against the Saracen."

"Then I owe you much," said Tristram. "Trust me to see that some of your
men be sent to your aid."

He continued his journey till he came to the castle, and here he saw
Palamides sitting by the gate fast asleep, with his horse grazing beside
him.

"The misbegotten rogue takes life easy," said Tristram. "Go rouse him,
Gouvernail. Bid him make ready to answer for his outrage."

But he was in such deep slumber that Gouvernail called to him in vain.
He returned and told Tristram that the knight was either asleep or mad.

"Go again and tell him that I, his mortal foe, am here."

Gouvernail now prodded him with the butt of his spear, and cried,--

"Arise, Sir Palamides, and make ready, for yonder is Sir Tristram, and
he sends you word that he is your mortal foe."

Then Palamides rose without a word of answer, and saddled and bridled
his horse, upon which he sprang, putting his spear in rest. But he
remained not long in his saddle, for when they met in mid career,
Tristram smote him so hard a blow as to thrust him over his horse's tail
to the ground.

Then they drew their swords and fought with all their strength, for the
lady whom they both loved looked upon them from the walls, and well-nigh
swooned for grief and distress on seeing how sorely each was hurt.

"Alas!" she cried, "one of them I love, and the other loves me. It would
be a great pity to see Sir Palamides slain, much as he has troubled me,
and slain he will be if this fight goes on."

Then, moved by her tender heart, she went down and besought Tristram to
fight no more.

"What mean you?" he asked. "Would you have me shamed?"

"I desire not your dishonor; but for my sake I