n, and I was sore ashamed, and so
began the medley betwixt us: and this is the cause wherefore we did this
battle. Well, said Sir Tristram, now I understand the manner of your
battle, but in any wise have remembrance of your promise that ye have
made with me to do battle with me this day fortnight. I shall not fail
you, said Sir Palomides. Well, said Sir Tristram, as at this time I will
not fail you till that ye be out of the danger of your enemies.

So they mounted upon their horses, and rode together unto that forest,
and there they found a fair well, with clear water bubbling. Fair sir,
said Sir Tristram, to drink of that water have I courage; and then they
alighted off their horses. And then were they ware by them where stood a
great horse tied to a tree, and ever he neighed. And then were they ware
of a fair knight armed, under a tree, lacking no piece of harness, save
his helm lay under his head. By the good lord, said Sir Tristram, yonder
lieth a well-faring knight; what is best to do? Awake him, said Sir
Palomides. So Sir Tristram awaked him with the butt of his spear. And
so the knight rose up hastily and put his helm upon his head, and gat a
great spear in his hand; and without any more words he hurled unto Sir
Tristram, and smote him clean from his saddle to the earth, and hurt him
on the left side, that Sir Tristram lay in great peril. Then he walloped
farther, and fetched his course, and came hurling upon Sir Palomides,
and there he struck him a part through the body, that he fell from his
horse to the earth. And then this strange knight left them there,
and took his way through the forest. With this Sir Palomides and Sir
Tristram were on foot, and gat their horses again, and either asked
counsel of other, what was best to do. By my head, said Sir Tristram, I
will follow this strong knight that thus hath shamed us. Well, said Sir
Palomides, and I will repose me hereby with a friend of mine. Beware,
said Sir Tristram unto Palomides, that ye fail not that day that ye have
set with me to do battle, for, as I deem, ye will not hold your day, for
I am much bigger than ye. As for that, said Sir Palomides, be it as it
be may, for I fear you not, for an I be not sick nor prisoner, I will
not fail you; but I have cause to have more doubt of you that ye will
not meet with me, for ye ride after yonder strong knight. And if ye meet
with him it is an hard adventure an ever ye escape his hands. Right
so Sir Tristram and S