ut did so marvellously well that all men had wonder. For
there King Arthur likened Sir Tristram that was on the black horse like
to a wood lion, and likened Sir Palomides upon the white horse unto a
wood leopard, and Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan unto eager wolves. But the
custom was such among them that none of the kings would help other, but
all the fellowship of every standard to help other as they might; but
ever Sir Tristram did so much deeds of arms that they of Orkney waxed
weary of him, and so withdrew them unto Lonazep.

CHAPTER LXIX. How Sir Tristram was unhorsed and smitten down by Sir
Launcelot, and after that Sir Tristram smote down King Arthur.

THEN was the cry of heralds and all manner of common people: The Green
Knight hath done marvellously, and beaten all them of Orkney. And there
the heralds numbered that Sir Tristram that sat upon the black horse had
smitten down with spears and swords thirty knights; and Sir Palomides
had smitten down twenty knights, and the most part of these fifty
knights were of the house of King Arthur, and proved knights. So God me
help, said Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, this is a great shame to us to see
four knights beat so many knights of mine; and therefore make you ready,
for we will have ado with them. Sir, said Launcelot, wit ye well that
there are two passing good knights, and great worship were it not to us
now to have ado with them, for they have this day sore travailed. As for
that, said Arthur, I will be avenged; and therefore take with you Sir
Bleoberis and Sir Ector, and I will be the fourth, said Arthur. Sir,
said Launcelot, ye shall find me ready, and my brother Sir Ector, and my
cousin Sir Bleoberis. And so when they were ready and on horseback:
Now choose, said Sir Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, with whom that ye will
encounter withal. Sir, said Launcelot, I will meet with the green knight
upon the black horse, that was Sir Tristram; and my cousin Sir Bleoberis
shall match the green knight upon the white horse, that was Sir
Palomides; and my brother Sir Ector shall match with the green knight
upon the white horse, that was Sir Gareth. Then must I, said Sir Arthur,
have ado with the green knight upon the grisled horse, and that was Sir
Dinadan. Now every man take heed to his fellow, said Sir Launcelot. And
so they trotted on together, and there encountered Sir Launcelot against
Sir Tristram. So Sir Launcelot smote Sir Tristram so sore upon the
shield that he bare