meanwhile Sir Tristram was that same day ridden into the
forest to chase the hart of greese; but Sir Tristram would not ride
a-hunting never more unarmed, because of Sir Breuse Saunce Pite. And
so as Sir Tristram rode into that forest up and down, he heard one sing
marvellously loud, and that was Sir Palomides that lay by the well.
And then Sir Tristram rode softly thither, for he deemed there was some
knight errant that was at the well. And when Sir Tristram came nigh him
he descended down from his horse and tied his horse fast till a tree,
and then he came near him on foot; and anon he was ware where lay Sir
Palomides by the well and sang loud and merrily; and ever the complaints
were of that noble queen, La Beale Isoud, the which was marvellously and
wonderfully well said, and full dolefully and piteously made. And all
the whole song the noble knight, Sir Tristram, heard from the beginning
to the ending, the which grieved and troubled him sore.

But then at the last, when Sir Tristram had heard all Sir Palomides'
complaints, he was wroth out of measure, and thought for to slay him
thereas he lay. Then Sir Tristram remembered himself that Sir Palomides
was unarmed, and of the noble name that Sir Palomides had, and the noble
name that himself had, and then he made a restraint of his anger; and so
he went unto Sir Palomides a soft pace and said: Sir Palomides, I have
heard your complaint, and of thy treason that thou hast owed me so long,
and wit thou well therefore thou shalt die; and if it were not for shame
of knighthood thou shouldest not escape my hands, for now I know well
thou hast awaited me with treason. Tell me, said Sir Tristram, how thou
wilt acquit thee? Sir, said Palomides, thus I will acquit me: as for
Queen La Beale Isoud, ye shall wit well that I love her above all other
ladies in this world; and well I wot it shall befall me as for her love
as befell to the noble knight Sir Kehydius, that died for the love of La
Beale Isoud. And now, Sir Tristram, I will that ye wit that I have loved
La Beale Isoud many a day, and she hath been the causer of my worship,
and else I had been the most simplest knight in the world. For by her,
and because of her, I have won the worship that I have; for when I
remembered me of La Beale Isoud I won the worship wheresomever I came
for the most part; and yet had I never reward nor bounte of her the days
of my life, and yet have I been her knight guerdonless. And therefore,
Sir