have gone the
same way, said Sir Gaheris. Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, there must
have been many more knights than ye are. And therewithal Sir Tristram
departed from them toward Joyous Gard. And when he was departed they
took their horses, and the one said to the other: We will overtake him
and be revenged upon him in the despite of Sir Lamorak.

CHAPTER LVI. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris,
and how Sir Dinadan was sent for by La Beale Isoud.

SO when they had overtaken Sir Tristram, Sir Agravaine bade him: Turn,
traitor knight. That is evil said, said Sir Tristram; and therewith he
pulled out his sword, and smote Sir Agravaine such a buffet upon
the helm that he tumbled down off his horse in a swoon, and he had a
grievous wound. And then he turned to Gaheris, and Sir Tristram smote
his sword and his helm together with such a might that Gaheris fell out
of his saddle: and so Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there he
alighted and unarmed him. So Sir Tristram told La Beale Isoud of all his
adventure, as ye have heard to-fore. And when she heard him tell of Sir
Dinadan: Sir, said she, is not that he that made the song by King Mark?
That same is he, said Sir Tristram, for he is the best bourder and
japer, and a noble knight of his hands, and the best fellow that I
know, and all good knights love his fellowship. Alas, sir, said she, why
brought ye not him with you? Have ye no care, said Sir Tristram, for he
rideth to seek me in this country; and therefore he will not away till
he have met with me. And there Sir Tristram told La Beale Isoud how Sir
Dinadan held against all lovers. Right so there came in a varlet and
told Sir Tristram how there was come an errant knight into the town,
with such colours upon his shield. That is Sir Dinadan, said Sir
Tristram; wit ye what ye shall do, said Sir Tristram: send ye for him,
my Lady Isoud, and I will not be seen, and ye shall hear the merriest
knight that ever ye spake withal, and the maddest talker; and I pray you
heartily that ye make him good cheer.

Then anon La Beale Isoud sent into the town, and prayed Sir Dinadan that
he would come into the castle and repose him there with a lady. With a
good will, said Sir Dinadan; and so he mounted upon his horse and rode
into the castle; and there he alighted, and was unarmed, and brought
into the castle. Anon La Beale Isoud came unto him, and either saluted
other; then she asked him of whence th