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[00:02] Good evening. Imagine how much better the world would be if everyone woke up well rested every day. That's why I and the team here at Slumber make The Sleepy Bookshelf. You can join us in this mission by supporting the show via our premium feed, which will get you ad-free access to the entire bookshelf and exclusive bonus episodes. If premium isn't for you, that's okay. Recommending your favorite episode to a friend or family member is just as meaningful. Thank you so much for your support, and I hope you sleep well tonight. Hello, it's Elizabeth, and I'm excited to share with you the newest show from Slumber Studios. It's called Sleepy History, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Intriguing stories, people, mysteries, and events from history, delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere. Explore the legend of El Dorado. See what life was like for the Roman gladiators. Uncover the myths and mysteries of Stonehenge. You'll find interesting but relaxing episodes like these on Sleepy History, and the same great production quality you've come to know and love from The Sleepy Bookshelf. So check it out, and perhaps you'll have another way to get a good night's rest. Just search Sleepy History in your preferred podcast player. Good evening, and welcome to The Sleepy Bookshelf, where we put down our worries from the day and pick up a good book. I'm your host, Elizabeth. Thank you so much for joining us tonight. This evening, we are returning to King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. Let's begin by getting cozy and still. Take a deep breath in, hold, and release. Feel your body soften with every exhale, and let go of anything you are holding onto. You've done more than enough for today. Sir Tristram was the son of King Melodius of Lioness and Queen Elizabeth, sister to King Mark of Cornwall. After his mother's death, after giving birth to him, his father remarried. His jealous stepmother tried to poison him, but when she was about to be executed, Tristram begged her pardon. He was sent to France where he learned knightly skills, becoming an exceptional harp player and warrior. At nineteen, he returned home, just as Ireland demanded tribute from Cornwall. King Mark declared that tribute would only be paid if defeated in combat. No Cornish knight dared challenge the Irish Sir Marhous, so Tristram traveled to Tintagel, revealed his royal lineage, and was knighted so he could fight in Cornwall's defense. The two fought in a long battle, and though grievously wounded by a poisoned spear, Tristram struck a fatal blow to Marhous, who later died with a fragment of Tristram's sword lodged in his skull. Cornwall was freed, but Tristram's wound would not heal until he went to the land where the poison originated. So he traveled under the false name Tramtrist. He was welcomed by King Anguish, and healed by the king's talented daughter, Lebelle Esaulde. They fell deeply in love, but Sir Palamides also loved her, and at a tournament, Tristram fought his rival in disguise, and Palamides was forced to renounce his pursuit. Soon, the queen discovered Tristram's true identity when she recognized the missing fragment in his sword as the piece taken from her brother, Mar House's skull. Tristram was then required to leave Ireland, to preserve the piece within King Anguish's court, but before departing, Tristram and La Belle Assault exchanged rings as tokens of love. Tonight, we continue with Sir Tristram's story, and we will continue with the story of his life. So just lie back and relax, as I turn to the next pages of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The Adventures of Sir Tristram continued. So, Sir Tristram departed from Ireland, and took the sea, and came with a fair wind to Tintagel. And when the news came to King Mark, that Sir Tristram was returned, healed of his wound, he was passing glad, and so were all his barons. And when he had visited the king, his uncle, he rode to his father, King Melodius, and there had all the heartiest welcome that could be made him. And on, he came again to King Mark's court, and there lived in great joy and pleasure, till within a while the king grew jealous of his fame, and the love and favor shown him by all the damsels. And as long as King Mark lived, he never after loved Sir Tristram, though there was much fair speech between them. Then it befell upon a certain day that the good knight, Sir Bleobristogannus, brother to Sir Blamordogannus, and nigh cousin to Sir Lancelot of the Lake, came to King Mark's court and asked him a favor. And though the king marveled, seeing he was a man of great renown and knight of the Round Table, he granted him all his asking. Then said Sir Bleobrist, I will have the fairest lady in your court at my own choosing. I may not say thee nay, replied the king, choose therefore, but take all the issues of thy choice. So when he had looked around, he chose the wife of Earl Seguarides and took her by the hand and set her upon horseback behind his squire and rode forth on his way. Presently thereafter came in the Earl and rode out straight away after him in rage. But all the ladies cried out shame upon Sir Tristram that he had not gone. And one rebuked him fowling and called him a coward knight, that he would stand and see a lady forced away from his uncle's court. But Sir Tristram answered her, Fair lady, it is not my place to take part in this quarrel while her lord and husband is here to do it. Had he not been at this court, peradventure I had been her champion. And if so befall, that he speed ill, then may it happen that I speak with that foul knight before he pass out of this realm. Anon ran in one of Saguarity's squires and told that his master was sore wounded and at the point of death. When Sir Tristram heard that, he was soon armed and on his horse, and Govanel, his servant, followed him with a shield and spear. And as he rode, he met his cousin, Sir Andred, who had been commanded by King Mark to bring home to him two knights of King Arthur's court, who roamed the country thereabouts, seeking adventures. What tidings? said Sir Tristram. God help me, never worse, replied his cousin. For those I went to bring have beaten and defeated me, and set my message at naught. Fair cousin, said Sir Tristram, ride ye on your way. A chance if I should meet them, you may be revenged. So Sir Andret rode into Cornwall, but Sir Tristram rode after the two knights who had misused him, namely Sir Sagramore, Le Desirous, and Sir Dodinus, Le Savage. And before long, he saw them but a little way before him. Sir, said Govanel, by my advice, that would leave them alone, for they be two well-proved knights of Arthur's court. Shall I not therefore rather meet them, said Sir Tristram. Riding swiftly after them, he called them to stop, and asked them whence they came, and whither they were going, and what they were doing in those marches. Sir Sagramore looked haughtily at Sir Tristram, and made mocking of his words, and said, Fair knight, be ye a knight of Cornwall? Said Tristram. Truly, because it is full seldom seen, replied Sir Sagramore, that Cornish knights are valiant with their arms as with their tongues. It is but two hours since there met us such a Cornish knight who spoke great words with might and prowess. But anon, with little mastery, he was laid on air, as I trow wilt thou be also. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it may be chance I be a better man than he, but be that as it may, he was my cousin, and for his sake I will assail ye both. One cornish night, against ye two. When Sir Dodonus le Savage heard this speech, he caught at his spear and said, Sundyde, keep well thyself. And then they parted, and came together as it had been thunder, and Sir Dodonus' spear split asunder. But Sir Tristram smote him with so full a stroke, as hurled him over his horse's crupper and nearly break his neck. Sir Sagremore, seeing his fellows fall, marvelled who this new knight be, and dressed his spear and came against Sir Tristram as a whirlwind. But Sir Tristram smote him a mighty buffet, and rolled him with his horse down on the ground, and in the falling, he break his thigh. Then, looking at them both as they lay grovelling on the grass, Sir Tristram said, Fair knights, will ye joust any more? Are there no bigger knights in King Arthur's court? Will ye soon again speak shame of Cornish knights? Thou hast defeated us in truth. Replied Sir Sagramore. And on the faith of knighthood, I require ye to tell us thy right name. Ye charge me by a great thing, said Sir Tristram, and I will answer thee. And when they heard his name, the two knights were right glad that they had met Sir Tristram, for his deeds were known through all the land, and they prayed him to abide in their company. Nay, said he, I must find a fellow knight of yours, Sir Bleabris de Gannis, whom I seek. God speed ye well, said the two knights, and Sir Tristram rode away. Soon he saw before him in a valley, Sir Bleabris, with Sir Seguarty's wife riding behind his squire upon a poultry. At that he cried aloud, Abide, Sir Knight of King Arthur's court. Bring back again that lady or deliver her to me. I will not, said Sir Bleabris, for I dread no Cornish knight. Why, said Sir Tristram, may not a Cornish knight do as well as any other? This day but three miles back, two knights of thy own court met me and found one Cornish knight enough for both before we parted. What were their names, said Sir Bleabris. Sir Sagramore Le Desiris and Sir Dodinus Le Savage, said Sir Tristram. Ah, said Sir Bleabris, amazed. Hast thou then met with them? By my faith, they were two good knights and men of worship. And if thou hast beat both, thou must needs be a good knight. But for all that, thou shalt beat me also, ere thou hast this lady. Defend thee then, cried out Sir Tristram, and came upon him swiftly with his spear in rest. But Sir Bleabris was as swift as he, and each bore down the other, horse and all, on to the earth. Then they sprang clear of their horses, and lashed together full eagerly and mightily, with their swords tracing and traversing on the right hand, and on the left more than two hours, and sometimes rushing together with such fury that they both lay grovelling on the ground. At last, Sir Bleabris started back and said, Now, Gentle Knight, hold hard a while, and let us speak together. See on, said Sir Tristram, and I will answer thee. Sir, said Sir Bleabris, I would know their name and court and country. They have no shame to tell them, said Sir Tristram. I am King Melodius' son, and my mother was sister to King Mark, from whose court I know come. My name is Sir Tristram Delinas. Truly, said Sir Bleabris, I am right glad to hear it. Thou art his slew, Sir Marhous, hand to hand, fighting for the Cornish Tribute, and overcame Sir Palamids at the Great Irish Tournament, where thou also did overthrow Sir Garwain and his nine companions. I am that night, said Sir Tristram, and now I pray thee tell me thy name. I am Sir Blaibor, Sir Gannis, cousin of Sir Lancelot of the Lake, one of the best knights in all the world, he answered. Thou sayest truth, said Sir Tristram, for Sir Lancelot, as all men know, is peerless in courtesy and knighthood, and for the great love I bear to his name, I will not willingly fight more with thee, his kinsman. In good faith, sir, said Sir Blaibris, I am as loath to fight thee more. But since thou hast followed me to win this lady, I proffer thee kindness, courtesy and gentleness. This lady shall be free to go with which of us she pleaseth best. Whom contend, said Sir Tristram, for I doubt not she will come to me. That shalt thou shortly prove, said he, and called his squire, and set the lady in the midst between them, who forthwith walked to Sir Blaibris and elected to abide with him. Which, when Sir Tristram saw he was in wondrous anger with her, and felt that he could scarce for shame return to King Mark's court. But Sir Blaibris said, Harken to me good night, because King Mark gave me the free choice of any gift, and because this lady chose to go with me, I took her. But now I have fulfilled my quest and my adventure, and for thy sake, she shall be sent back to her husband at the Abbey, where he lieth. So Sir Tristram rode back to Tintagel and Sir Blaibris to the Abbey, where Sir Saguarides lay wounded, and there delivered up his lady and departed as a noble knight. After this adventure, Sir Tristram abode still at his uncle's court, till in the envy of his heart, King Mark devised a plan to be rid of him. So on a certain day, he desired him to depart again for Ireland, and there demand La Bella sought on his behalf to be his queen. Forever had Sir Tristram praised her beauty and her goodness, till King Mark desired to wed her for himself. Moreover, he believed his nephew surely would be slain by the queen's kindred, if he once were found again in Ireland. But Sir Tristram, scorning fear, made ready to depart, and took with him the noblest knights that could be found, arrayed in the richest fashion. And when they were come to Ireland upon a certain day, Sir Tristram gave his uncle's message, and King Anguish consented thereto. But when La Belle Assault was told the tidings, she was very sorrowful and loathe, yet made she ready to set forth with Sir Tristram, and took with her Dame Bragwain, her chief gentlewoman. Then the queen gave Dame Bragwain and Govanel, Sir Tristram's servant, a little flask, and charged them La Belle Assault and King Mark, should both drink of it on their marriage day. And then should they surely love each other all their lives. And on Sir Tristram and Issaul, with a great company, took the sea and departed. And so it chanced that one day, sitting in their cabin they were athirst, and saw a little flask of gold, which seemed to hold good wine. So Sir Tristram took it up and said, Fair lady, this looketh to be the best of wines. And you're made, Dame Bragwayne and my servant Gov'nornail have kept it for themselves. Thereat they both laughed merrily and drank each other from the flask. And never before had they tasted any wine, which seemed so good and sweet. But by the time they had finished drinking, they loved each other so well that their love never more might leave them for weal or woe. And thus it came to pass that though Sir Tristram might never wed LaBelle Assault, he did the mightiest deeds of arms, for her sake only, all his life. Then they sailed onwards, till they came to a castle called Plouin, where they would have rested. But anon there ran forth a great company and took them prisoners. And when they were in prison, Sir Tristram asked a knight and lady whom they found therein, wherefore they were so shamefully dealt with. For, said he, it was never the custom of any place of honor that I ever came to, unto to seize a knight and lady, ask them for shelter, and thrust them into prison. And a full evil and discourteous custom it is. And if the lady he hath with him be less fair than the Lord's wife, she shall lose her head. But if she be fairer, then must the lady of the Castle lose her head. Said Citrusstrum. This is a foul and shameful custom. Yet, have I one advantage, for my lady is the fairest that doth live in all the world, so that I nothing fear for her. And as for me, I will full gladly fight for my own head in a fair field. Then said the knight, Look ye be up at times tomorrow, and make you ready in your lady. And on the morrow came Sir Brunor to Citrusstrum, and put him and Esauld forth out of the prison, and brought him a horse and armor, and bade him make ready, for all the commons and estates of that lordship waited in the field to see and judge the battle. Then Sir Brunor, holding his lady by the hand, all muffled, came forward, and Citrusstrum went to meet him with Lebellisalt beside him, muffled also. Then said Sir Brunor, who was standing beside him, and said to him, Sir Knight, if thy lady be fairer than mine with thy sword, smite off my lady's head. But if my lady be fairer than thine with my sword, I will smite off thy lady's head. And if I overcome thee, thy lady shall be mine, and thou shalt lose thy head. Sir Knight replied Citrusstrum, This is a right foul and felon custom. Rather than my lady shall lose her head, I will lose my own. Nay, said Sir Brunel, but the ladies shall now be compared together, and judgment shall be had. I consent not, cried Citrusstrum. For who is here that will give rightful judgment? Yet doubt not that my lady is far fairer than thine own. And that will I prove and make good. Therewith Citrusstrum lifted up the veil off Le Bellissont and stood beside her with his naked sword drawn in his hand. Sir Brunel unmuffled his lady and did in like manner. But when he saw Le Bellissont, he knew that none could be so fair, and all their present gave their judgment so. Then said Citrusstrum, Because thou and thy lady have long used this evil custom and have slain many good knights and ladies, it were a just thing to destroy thee both. In good sooth, said Sir Brunel, thy lady is far fairer than mine, and of all women, I never saw any so fair. You shalt win her, said Citrusstrum, as dearly as ever knight one lady. And because of thy own judgment, and of the evil custom that thy lady is consented to, I will slay her as thou sayest. And therewithal, Citrusstrum went to him and took his lady from him. Now take thy horse, cried out Sir Brunor, for since I have lost my lady, I will win thine and have thy life. So they took their horses and came together as fast as they could fly, and Citrusstrum lightly smote Sir Brunor from his horse. But he rode right quickly, and when Citrusstrum came again, he thrust his horse through both the shoulders, so that it reeled and fell. But Citrusstrum was light and nimble, and voided his horse and rose up, and dressed his shield before him. Though meanwhile, ere he could draw out his sword, Sir Brunor gave him three or four grievous strokes. Then they rushed furiously together like two wild boars, and fought, hurtling and hewing here and there, for nigh two hours, and wounded each other full sorely. Then at the last, Sir Brunor rushed upon Sir Tristram, and took him in his arms to throw him, for he trusted greatly in his strength. But Sir Tristram was at that time called the Strongest and Biggest Knight of the World, for he was bigger than Sir Lancelot, though Sir Lancelot was better breathed. So anon he thrust Sir Brunor, grovelling to the earth, and then unlaced his helm, and struck off his head. Then all they that belonged to the castle came and did him homage and fealty, and prayed him to abide there for a season, and put an end to that foul custom. But within a while he departed, and came to Cornwall, and there King Mark was forthwith wedded to La Belli-Saunt with great joy and splendor. And Sir Tristram had high honor, and ever lodged at the king's court. But for all he had done him such services, King Mark hated him, and on a certain day he set two knights to fall upon him as he rode in the forest. But Sir Tristram lightly defeated them, killing one and wounding the other, and made the one bear his fellow's body to the king. At that the king dissembled and hid from Sir Tristram that the knights were sent by him, yet more than ever he hated him in secret and sought to slay him. So, on a certain day by the ascent of Sir Andret, a false knight, and forty other knights, Sir Tristram was taken prisoner in his sleep, and carried to a chapel on the rocks, above the sea to be cast down. But as they were about to cast him, suddenly he break his bonds asunder, and rushing at Sir Andret took his sword, and smote him down therewith. Then, leaping down the rocks where none could follow, he escaped them. But one shot after him, and wounded him full sorely with a poisoned arrow in the arm. And on his servant Govanel with Sir Lambergus sought him and found him safe among the rocks, and told him that King Mark had banished him, and all his followers, to avenge Sir Undrett's death. So they took ship and came to Brittany. Now Sir Tristram, suffering great anguish from his wound, was told to seek Isud, the daughter of the King of Brittany, for she alone could cure such wounds. Wherefore he went to King Howell's court and said, Lord, I am come into this country to have help from thy daughter. For men tell me none but she may help me. And Isud, gladly offering to do her best, within a month he was made whole. While he abode still at that court, an earl named Gryph made war upon King Howell. And besieged him. And so Kay Hedeas, the king's son, went forth against him, but was beaten in battle and sorely wounded. Then the king, praying Ser Tristram for his help, he took with him such knights as he could find. And on the morrow, in another battle, did such deeds of arms that all the land spake of him. For there he slew the earl with his own hands, and more than a hundred knights besides. When he came back, King Howell met him and saluted him with every honor, and rejoicing that he could be thought of, and took him in his arms and said, Sertristram, all my kingdom will I resign to thee. Nay, answered he, God forbid, for truly I am beholden to you forever for your daughter's sake. Then the king prayed him to take Isud in marriage, with a great dower of lands and castles. To this, Sertristram presently consenting anon, they were wedded at the court. But within a while, Sertristram greatly longed to see Cornwall, and Sir Kay Hedius desired to go with him. So they took ship. But as soon as they were at sea, the wind blew them upon the coast of North Wales, nigh to Castle Perilous, hard by a forest wherein many strange adventures oftimes to be met. Then said Sertristram to Sir Kay Hedius, Let us prove some of them ere we depart. So they took their horses and rode forth. When they had ridden a mile or more, Sertristram spied a goodly knight before him, well-armed, who sat by a clear fountain, with a strong horse near him, tied to an oak tree. Fair sir, said he when they came near, ye seem to be a knight errant by your arms and harnesses. Therefore make ready now to joust with one of us, or both. There at the knight spake Noth, but took his shield and buckled it round his neck, and leaping on his horse caught a spear from his squire's hand. Then said Sir Kay Hedius to Sir Tristram, let me essay him. Do thy best, said he. So the two knights met, and Sir Kay Hedius fell sorely wounded in the breast. Thou hast well jousted, cried Sir Tristram to the knight. Now make ready for me. I am ready, answered he, and encountered him, and smote him so heavily that he fell down from his horse. Whereat, being ashamed, he put his shield before him, and drew his sword, crying to the strange knight to do likewise. Then they fought on foot for well nigh two hours, till they were both weary. At last, said Tristram, said, In all my life, I never met a knight so strong and well breathed as ye be. But, o pity, we should further hurt each other. Hold thy hand, fair knight, and tell me thy name. That will I, answered he, if thou wilt tell me thine. Sir, for your great renown, I will that ye have all the worship of this battle, And therewith he took his sword by the point to yield him. Nay, said Sir Tristram, ye shall not do so, for well I know ye do it of courtesy, and not of dread. And therewith he offered his sword to Sir Lamarach, saying, Sir, as an overcome knight, I yield me unto you, as unto the man of noblest powers I have ever met with. Hold, said Sir Lamarach, let us now swear together never more to fight against each other. Then did they swear, as he said. Then Sir Tristram returned to Sir Key Hedius, and when he was whole of his wounds, they departed together in a ship and landed on the coast of Cornwall. And when they came ashore, Sir Tristram eagerly sought news of La Bellissorte, and one told him in mistake that she was dead.