this bridge but he
must joust with that knight. It is well, said King Mark, for this jousts
falleth with thee. Sir Dinadan knew the knight well that he was a noble
knight, and fain he would have jousted, but he had had liefer King Mark
had jousted with him, but by no mean King Mark would not joust. Then Sir
Dinadan might not refuse him in no manner. And then either dressed their
spears and their shields, and smote together, so that through fine force
Sir Dinadan was smitten to the earth; and lightly he rose up and gat
his horse, and required that knight to do battle with swords. And he
answered and said: Fair knight, as at this time I may not have ado
with you no more, for the custom of this passage is such. Then was Sir
Dinadan passing wroth that he might not be revenged of that knight; and
so he departed, and in no wise would that knight tell his name. But ever
Sir Dinadan thought he should know him by his shield that it should be
Sir Tor.

CHAPTER XI. How King Mark mocked Sir Dinadan, and how they met with six
knights of the Round Table.

So as they rode by the way King Mark then began to mock Sir Dinadan, and
said: I weened you knights of the Table Round might not in no wise find
their matches. Ye say well, said Sir Dinadan; as for you, on my life I
call you none of the best knights; but sith ye have such a despite at me
I require you to joust with me to prove my strength. Not so, said King
Mark, for I will not have ado with you in no manner; but I require you
of one thing, that when ye come to Arthur's court discover not my name,
for I am there so hated. It is shame to you, said Sir Dinadan, that ye
govern you so shamefully; for I see by you ye are full of cowardice,
and ye are a murderer, and that is the greatest shame that a knight may
have; for never a knight being a murderer hath worship, nor never
shall have; for I saw but late through my force ye would have slain
Sir Berluse, a better knight than ye, or ever ye shall be, and more of
prowess. Thus they rode forth talking till they came to a fair place,
where stood a knight, and prayed them to take their lodging with him.
So at the request of that knight they reposed them there, and made them
well at ease, and had great cheer. For all errant-knights were welcome
to him, and specially all those of Arthur's court. Then Sir Dinadan
demanded his host what was the knight's name that kept the bridge. For
what cause ask you it? said the host. For it is not long