messenger
departed unto King Mark, and told him how that his lord Elias had sent
him word to find a knight to do battle with him body for body. When King
Mark understood the messenger, he bade him abide and he should have his
answer. Then called he all the baronage together to wit what was the
best counsel. They said all at once: To fight in a field we have no
lust, for had not been Sir Tristram's prowess it had been likely that we
never should have escaped; and therefore, sir, as we deem, it were well
done to find a knight that would do battle with him, for he knightly
proffereth.

CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Elias and Sir Tristram fought together for the
truage, and how Sir Tristram slew Elias in the field.

NOT for then when all this was said, they could find no knight that
would do battle with him. Sir king, said they all, here is no knight
that dare fight with Elias. Alas, said King Mark, then am I utterly
ashamed and utterly destroyed, unless that my nephew Sir Tristram will
take the battle upon him. Wit you well, they said all, he had yesterday
overmuch on hand, and he is weary for travail, and sore wounded. Where
is he? said King Mark. Sir, said they, he is in his bed to repose him.
Alas, said King Mark, but I have the succour of my nephew Sir Tristram,
I am utterly destroyed for ever.

Therewith one went to Sir Tristram where he lay, and told him what King
Mark had said. And therewith Sir Tristram arose lightly, and put on him
a long gown, and came afore the king and all the lords. And when he saw
them all so dismayed he asked the king and the lords what tidings were
with them. Never worse, said the king. And therewith he told him all,
how he had word of Elias to find a knight to fight for the truage of
Cornwall, and none can I find. And as for you, said the king and all the
lords, we may ask no more of you for shame; for through your hardiness
yesterday ye saved all our lives. Sir, said Sir Tristram, now I
understand ye would have my succour, reason would that I should do all
that lieth in my power to do, saving my worship and my life, howbeit I
am sore bruised and hurt. And sithen Sir Elias proffereth so largely,
I shall fight with him, or else I will be slain in the field, or else
I will deliver Cornwall from the old truage. And therefore lightly call
his messenger and he shall be answered, for as yet my wounds be green,
and they will be sorer a seven night after than they be now; and
therefore he shall ha