e fight, I require you to tell
me where you got that shield."

"I had it from Morgan le Fay, sister to King Arthur," answered Tristram.

"Then, if you are worthy to bear it, you are able to tell me its
meaning."

"That I cannot," answered the knight. "It was given me by Queen Morgan,
not through any asking of mine. She told me not what it signified, nor
do I know, but I promised to bear it worthily."

"In truth," said Arthur, "no knight should bear arms he cannot
understand. But at least you will tell me your name."

"To what intent?" asked Tristram.

"Simply that I wish to know."

"That is small reason. I decline to tell you."

"If not, we must do battle together."

"What!" cried Tristram; "you will fight me on so small a cause? My name
is my own, to be given or withheld as I will. It is not honorable for a
fresh knight to challenge me to battle, after all I have done this day.
But if you think you have me at advantage, you may find that I am able
to hold my own."

Then they put their spears in rest and furiously dashed together across
the lists. But King Arthur's spear shivered to splinters on Tristram's
shield, while he himself got such a blow from the Cornish knight that
horse and man fell headlong to the earth, the king with a dangerous
wound in the side.

When Uwaine saw this he reined back his horse in haste, and crying
loudly, "Knight, defend thyself!" he rode furiously on Tristram. But man
fared no better than master. Uwaine was borne out of his saddle to the
earth, while Tristram sat unmoved.

Then Tristram wheeled his horse and said,--

"Fair sirs, I had no need to joust with you, for I have done enough
to-day; but you forced me to it."

"We have had what we deserved," answered Arthur. "Yet I would fain know
your name, and would further learn if that device on your shield is
intended as an insult to King Arthur."

"That you must ask Morgan le Fay: she alone knows. But report says she
does not love her royal brother over much. Yet she told me not what it
means, and I have borne it at her command. As for my name, it shall be
known when I will."

So Tristram departed, and rode far over hill and dale, everywhere
seeking for Lancelot, with whom he in his heart wished to make
fellowship. As he went on he came by a forest, on the edge of which
stood a tall tower, and in front of it a fair level meadow. And here he
saw one knight fighting against ten, and bearing himself so well that it
seemed m