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Updated: May 7, 2025
This cry was made in all Ireland and Wales, and in Logres and Alban, which are now called England and Scotland. It befell the same day that La Belle Isoude came to Sir Tristram, and she seemed distressed of mind and as if she had wept secretly. 'Sir Tramor, she said, 'this tournament shall exalt Sir Palomides beyond all other knights, unless a better do come forward and overcome him.
'Ah, but I know thou wilt do well in the battle, and thou shalt have all my prayers for thy safety and success, said La Belle Isoude. On the first day of the jousts Sir Palomides came with a black shield, and he was a knight big of his body and on a great horse. All these he struck down, and the others were adread of him.
Suffice it to say, he fulfilled on all occasions the duty of a true knight, rescuing the oppressed, redressing wrongs, abolishing evil customs, and suppressing injustice, thus by constant action endeavoring to lighten the pains of absence from her he loved. In the meantime Isoude, separated from her dear Tristram, passed her days in languor and regret.
'Swear me this, said the stranger, 'that upon pain of thy life thou leave my lady La Belle Isoude, and come not unto her ever again, and for a year and a day thou shalt bear no armour. Promise me this, or here shalt thou die! 'I swear it, said Sir Palomides, 'but I am for ever shamed. In his rage Sir Palomides cut off his armour and threw it from him and fled away on his horse.
Sir Tristram wandered through various countries, achieving the most perilous enterprises, and covering himself with glory, yet unhappy at the separation from his beloved Isoude. At length King Mark's territory was invaded by a neighboring chieftain, and he was forced to summon his nephew to his aid.
So, therefore, if the king married La Belle Isoude, this would cause some grief and hurt to Sir Tristram. But King Mark cared not overmuch whether he wedded La Belle Isoude or not. He believed that Sir Tristram would of a surety be slain by the kin of Sir Marhaus in Ireland, and, if so, King Mark's plot would succeed to the full.
He took part in many justs; he fought many combats, in which he covered himself with glory. One day he saw among those recently arrived the king of Ireland, father of the fair Isoude. This prince, accused of treason against his liege sovereign, Arthur, came to Camelot to free himself from the charge. He must therefore seek a champion to sustain his innocence.
He took with him two knights, brought up in his court, who he thought were devoted to him; and, not willing to leave Isoude behind, named two of her maidens to attend her, together with her faithful Brengwain, and made them accompany him.
Tristram told him all minutely; but when he came to speak of the fair Isoude he described her charms with a warmth and energy such as none but a lover could display. Hence the sacred obligation of the boon granted by a knight to his suppliant.
How can we describe the conflict that agitated the heart of Tristram? He adored the first Isoude, but his love for her was hopeless, and not unaccompanied by remorse. Moreover, the sacred quest on which he had now entered demanded of him perfect purity of life.
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