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Speaker 1:
[00:01] Good evening, and welcome to The Sleepy Bookshelf, where we pit down our worries from the day, and pick up a good book. I'm your host, Elizabeth. It is so lovely to have you here with us tonight. This evening, we are returning to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. But first, settle in and close your eyes. Take a slow and steady breath in and out. Relax your arms and legs, your stomach and chest. Let your shoulders drop and allow your whole body to be at rest. Sir Tristram returned from Ireland, and was welcomed by King Mark and his father, King Melodius. But King Mark soon grew jealous of Tristram's popularity, and turned against him. When Sir Bleabris of the Round Table came and seized the wife of an earl as a prize, Tristram pursued him, defeating two knights who had insulted Cornish knighthood. After a fierce combat, they recognized one another, and made peace, and the lady was returned honorably to her husband. In his spite, King Mark sent Tristram then to Ireland to ask for La Belle Assault's hand in marriage on the king's behalf. King Anguish agreed, but during the voyage to Cornwall, Tristram and Assault accidentally drank a love potion meant for her and King Mark, and fell even further in love. On their journey, they were imprisoned at Castle Pleuere, where Tristram slew Ser Brunor and ended the castle's cruel custom after Assault was judged the fairest lady of all. Assault did marry King Mark, yet still the king plotted Tristram's assassination. He escaped captivity by leaping from a cliff, but was wounded by a poison arrow and was banished from Cornwall. He sailed to Brittany, where Issoud, the daughter of King Howell, healed him. There he defended the kingdom from invasion, and out of gratitude, married Issoud, though his heart remained devoted to La Belle Assault. Longing for Cornwall, Tristram later returned to England, but wandered to North Wales, where he fought Sir Llamarack of Gaul and gained his friendship. At last, he reached home again only to be falsely told that La Belle Assault was dead, causing him to collapse in overwhelming grief for three days. Tonight, we continue with his story, so just lie back and relax, as I turn to the next pages of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. Chapter 12 The Adventures of Sir Tristram Continued When he awoke therefrom, he was crazed, and ran into the forest, and abode there like a wild man many days, whereby he waxed, lean, and weak of body, and would have died, but that a hermit laid some meat beside him as he slept. But when they told him he was mad, came forth and went at large again. And on a certain day, he saw a knight of Cornwall, named Sir Dinant, pass by with a lady. And when he had alighted by a well to rest, the giant leaped out from his ambush and took him by the throat to slay him. But Sir Tristram, as he wandered through the forest, came upon them as they struggled. And when the knight cried out for help, he rushed upon the giant, and taking up Sir Dinant's sword, struck off therewith the giant's head, and straight away disappeared among the trees. And on, Sir Dinant took the head of Tullius and bare it with him to the court of King Mark, whither he was bound, and told of his adventures. Where had ye this adventure, said King Mark? So within a day or two, he commanded his knights to a great hunting in the forest, and when the king came to the well, he saw a wild man, lying there asleep, having a sword beside him, but he knew not that it was Sir Tristram. Then he blew his horn and summoned all his knights, to take him gently up and bear him to the court. And when they came there too, they bathed and washed him, and brought him somewhat to his right mind. Now, La Belle Assault knew not that Sir Tristram was in Cornwall, but when she heard that a wild man had been found in the forest, she came to see him, and so sorely was he changed she knew him not. Yet, said she to Dame Bragwain, in good faith, it seemed to have beheld him off times before. came to Cornwall, and which was ever with her, saw Tristram lying there, and leapt upon him, licking his hands and face, and whined, and barked for joy. Alas, cried out La Belle Essoil. Tis my own true knight, Sir Tristram. And at her voice Sir Tristram's senses wholly came again, and well nigh he wept for joy to see his lady living. But never would the hound depart from Tristram, and when King Mark and other knights came up to see him, it sat upon his body and bade at all who came too near. Then one of the knights said, Surely this is Sir Tristram I see by the hound. Nay, said the king, it cannot be. And asked Sir Tristram on his faith who he was. My name, said he, is Sir Tristram of Thine S, and now ye may do what ye list with me. Then the king said, It repents me that year recovered, and sought to make his baron slay him. But most of them would not assent thereto, and counseled him instead to banish Tristram for ten years again from Cornwall, for returning without orders from the king. So he was sworn to depart forthwith. And as he went towards the ship, a knight of King Arthur named Sir Dynadon, who sought him, came and said, Fair knight, e'er that you pass out of this country, I pray you joust with me. With a good will, said he. And they ran together, and Sir Tristram lightly smoked him from his horse. And on he prayed Sir Tristram's leave to bear him company. And when he had consented, they rode together to the ship. Then was Sir Tristram full of bitterness of heart, and said to all the knights who took him to the shore, Greet well, King Mark, and all mine enemies from me, and tell them I will come again when I may. Well am I now rewarded for slaying Sir Marhous, and delivering this kingdom from its bondage, and from the perils wherewithal I brought La Bella Sulp from Ireland to the king, and rescued her at Castle Pleur, and for the slaying of the giant Tullius, and all the other deeds that I have done for Cornwall and King Mark. Thus, angrily and passing bitterly, he spake, and went his way. And after sailing a while, the ship stayed at a landing place upon the coast of Wales, and there Sir Tristram and Sir Dynadon alighted, and on the shore they met two knights, Sir Hector and Sir Bors. And Sir Hector encountered with Sir Dynadon, and smote him to the ground. But Sir Bors would not encounter with Sir Tristram. Four, said he, no Cornish knights and men of worship. There at Sir Tristram was full wrath, but presently there met them two more knights, Sir Bleabress and Sir Dryant, and Sir Bleabress proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, who shortly smote him down. I had not thought, cried out Sir Bors, that any Cornish knight could do so valiantly. Then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinodin departed and rode into a forest, and as they rode, a damsel met them, who for Sir Lancelot's sake was seeking any noble knights to rescue him. For Queen Morgan le Fay, who hated him, had ordered thirty men at arms to lie in ambush for him as he passed, with the intent to kill him. So the damsel prayed them to rescue him. Then said Sir Tristram, bring me to that place for a damsel. But Sir Dynadan cried out, It is not possible for us to meet with thirty knights who will take no part in Sir Charleyhood for the match one or two, three knights is enough, but a match fifteen and will never assay. For shame, replied Sir Tristram. Because men of that country are deemed cowards, you are but little troubled as ye ride with knights to joust with. Nay, said Sir Tristram, but ye will never give my shield up for her sake who gave it to me. But if thou will not stand by me today, I will surely slay thee. For I ask no more of thee than to fight one knight, and if thy heart will not serve thee that much, thou shalt stand by and look on me and them. But God, that I had never met with ye, cried Sir Dinodin. But I promised to look on and do all that I may to save myself. And on they came to where the thirty knights lay waiting, and Sir Tristram rushed upon them, saying, Here is one who fights for love and Lancelot. Then slew he two of them at the first onset with his spear, and ten more swiftly after with his sword. At that Sir Dinodin took courage, and assailed the others with him, till they turned and fled. But Sir Tristram and Sir Dinodin rode on till nightfall, and meeting with a shepherd, asked him if he knew of any lodging thereabouts. It truly fell out, said he. There is good lodging in a castle, Harpby, but it is a custom there that none shall lodge therein, save ye first joust with two knights, and as soon as ye bay within, ye shall find your match. That is an evil lodging, said Sir Dinodin. Lodge where ye will, I will not lodge there. Shame on thee, said Sir Tristram. Art thou a knight at all? Then he required him on his knighthood to go with him, and they rode together to the castle. As soon as they were near, two knights came out and ran full speed against them. But both of them they overthrew and went within the castle. And had noble cheer. Now, when they were unarmed and ready to take rest, they came to the castle gate two nights, Sir Palameids and Sir Garrus, and desired the custom of the castle. I would far rather rest than fight, said Sir Dynodon. Well, that may not be, replied Sir Tristram. For we must each fight the custom of the castle. Seeing as we have overcome its lords, therefore we make ready. Alas, that I ever came into your company, said Sir Dynodon. So they made ready, and Sir Garrus encountered Sir Tristram and fell before him. But Sir Palameids overthrew Sir Dynodon. Then would all fight on foot save Sir Dynodon, for he was sorely bruised and frightened by his fall. And when Sir Tristram prayed him to fight, I will not, answered he. For I was wounded by those 30 knights with whom we fought this morning. And as to you, you're in truth like one gone mad. And who would cast himself away? There'd be but two knights in the world so mad, and the other is Sir Lancelot, with whom I once rode forth, who kept me evermore at battlin, so that for a quarter of a year thereafter, I lay in my bed. Haven't defend me again from either of your fellowships. Well, said Sir Tristram, if it must be, I will fight them both. Therewith, he drew his sword and assailed Sir Palamids and Sir Garrus together. But Sir Palamids said, Nay, that it is a shame for two to fight with one. So he bade Sir Garrus stand by, and he and Sir Tristram fought long together. But in the end, Sir Tristram drove him backward, where at Sir Garrus and Sir Dinodin, with one accord, sundered them. Then Sir Tristram prayed the two knights to lodge there. But Dinodin departed and rode away into a priory hard by, and there he lodged that night. And on the morrow came Sir Tristram to the priory to find him, and seeing him so weary that he could not ride, he left him and departed. At that same priory was lodged Sir Palinor, who asked Sir Dinodin, Sir Tristram's name, but could not learn it, for Sir Tristram had charged that he should remain unknown. Then said Sir Palinor, since you will not tell it me, I will ride after him and find it myself. Beware, Sir Knight, said Sir Dinodin, you will repent it if you follow him. But Sir Palinor straight away mounted and overtook him and cried him to joust, where at Sir Tristram forthwith turned and smote him down and wounded him full sorely in the shoulder. On the day after, Sir Tristram met a herald who told him of a tournament proclaimed between King Carrados of Scotland and the King of North Wales to be held at the Maiden's Castle. Now King Carrados sought Sir Lancelot to fight there on his side, and the King of North Wales sought Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram purposed to be there. So as he rode, he met Sir Key, the Seneschon and Sir Sagramore, and Sir Key proffered to joust with him, but he refused, desiring to keep himself unwounded for the tourney. Then Sir Key cried, Sir Knight of Cornwall, joust with me, or yield as recreant. When Sir Tristram heard that, he fiercely turned and set his spear in rest, and spurred his horse towards him. But when Sir Key saw him so madly coming on, he in his turn refused, whereas Sir Tristram called him coward, till for shame he was compelled to meet him. Then Sir Tristram lightly smote him down and rode away. But Sir Sagramore pursued him, crying loudly to joust with him also. So Sir Tristram turned, and quickly overthrew him likewise, and departed. Anon, a damsel, met him as he rode, and told him of a knight, adventurous, who did great harm thereby, and prayed him for his help. But as he went with her, he met Sir Gawain, who knew the damsel for a maiden of Queen Morgan le Fay. Knowing therefore that she needs must have evil procs against Sir Tristram, Sir Gawain demanded of him, courteously, whither he went. I know not whither, said he, save as this damsel leadeth me. Sir, said Sir Gawain, he shall not ride with her, as she and her lady never did good any. Mercy, Sir Gawain, cried the damsel. I will tell thee all. Then said he to Sir Tristram, Sir Knight, if you will stand with me, we will together prove the malice of these thirty knights. We will not fail you, answered he. But for a few days since, I had to do with thirty knights of that same queen, and trust we may win honor as lightly now as then. So they rode together, and when they came to the castle, Sir Gawain cried aloud, Queen Morgan le Fay, send out thy knights that we may fight with them. Then the queen urged her knights to issue forth, but they durst not, for they well knew Sir Tristram and feared him greatly. So Sir Tristram and Sir Gawain went on their way, and as they rode, they saw a knight named Sir Bruce without pity, chasing a lady with intent to slay her. Then Sir Gawain prayed Sir Tristram to hold still and let him assail that night. So he rode up between Sir Bruce and the lady and cried, False knight, turn thee to me and leave that lady. Then Sir Bruce turned and set his spear in rest and rushed against Sir Gawain and overthrew him and rode his horse upon him as he lay, which when Sir Tristram saw he cried, Forbear that villainy and galloped at him. But when Sir Bruce saw by the shield it was Sir Tristram, he turned and flared. And though Sir Tristram followed swiftly after him, yet he was so well-horsed that he escaped. And on Sir Tristram and Sir Gawain came nigh the maiden's castle, and there an old knight, named Sir Pelonies, gave them lodging. And Sir Percedes, the son of Sir Pelonies, a good knight, came out to welcome them. And as they stood talking at a bay window of the castle, they saw a goodly knight ride by on a black horse, and carrying a black shield. What night is that? asked Tristram. One of the best knights in all the world, said Sir Percedes. Is he Sir Lancelot? said Sir Tristram. Oh, nay, answered Sir Percedes. Is Sir Palamute, who is yet unchristened? Let us go and see this jousting, said Sir Tristram. So they armed themselves and went down. And when Sir Palamute saw Sir Percedes, he sent a squire to him and profited him to joust. So they jousted, and Sir Percedes was overthrown. Then Sir Tristram made ready to joust, but ere he had his spear in rest, Sir Palamute took him at advantage and struck him on the shield so that he fell. At that, Sir Tristram was wroth out of measure and sore ashamed, wherefore he sent a squire and prayed Sir Palamute to joust once again. But he would not, saying, Tell thy master to revenge himself tomorrow at the maiden's castle, where he shall see me again. So on the morrow, Sir Tristram commanded his servant to give him a black shield, with no cognizance thereon. And he in supercities rode into the tournament and joined King Carrados's side. Then the Knights of the King of North Wales came forth, and there was a great fighting and breaking of spears and overthrow of men and horses. Now King Arthur sat above in a high gallery to see the tourney and give the judgment, and Sir Lancelot sat beside him. Then came against Sir Tristram and Sir Percedes two knights with them of North Wales, Sir Bleabris and Sir Garrus, and Sir Percedes was smitten down and nigh slain. But Sir Tristram rode against Sir Garrus and smote him from his horse, and when Sir Bleabris next encountered him, he overthrew him also. And on they horsed themselves again, and with them came Sir Dynadan, whom Sir Tristram fought with smoke so sorely that he reeled off his saddle. Then cried he, Sir Knight, I know ye better than Edim, and promise nevermore to come against ye. Then rode Sir Bleabris at him the second time, and had a buffet that felled him to the earth. And soon thereafter, the king commanded to cease for that day, and all men marvelled who Sir Tristram was, for the prize of the first day was given him in the name of the Knight of the Black Shield. Now Sir Palamides was on the side of the King of North Wales, but knew not Sir Tristram again. And when he saw his marvellous deeds, he sent to ask his name. As to that, said Sir Tristram, he shall not know at this time. But tell him he shall know when I have broken two spears upon him, for I am the knight he smoked down yesterday. And whatever side he take it, I will take the other. So when they told him that Sir Palamides would be on King Carrados' side, for he was kindred to King Arthur, then would I be on the King of North Wales' side, said he, but else would I be on my Lord King Arthur's. Then on the morrow, when King Arthur was come, the heralds blew unto the tanny, and King Carrados jousted with the King of a hundred knights and fell before him. And then came in King Arthur's knights and bare back those of North Wales. But Anon, Sir Tristram, came to aid them and bare back the battle, and fought so mightily that Anon could stand against him. For he smote down on the right and on the left, so that all the knights and common people shouted his praise. Since I bare arms, said King Arthur, never saw I a knight do more marvellous deeds. Then the King of the Hundred Knights and those of North Wales set upon twenty knights who were of Sir Lancelot's kin, who fought all together, non failing the others. When Sir Tristram beheld their nobleness and valour, he marvelled much. Well, may you be valiant and full of prowess, said he, who asked such noble knights for kindred. So when he had looked on them a while, he thought it a shame to see two hundred men assailing twenty, and riding to the King of a Hundred Knights, he said, O pray thee, Sir King, leave your fighting with those twenty knights, for ye be too many and they be too few. For ye shall gain no honor if ye win, nor I see verily ye will not do unless ye slay them. But if ye will not stay, I will ride with them and help them. Nay, said the King, ye shall not do so, for full gladly I will do your courtesy. And with that, he withdrew his knights. Then Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest that no man might know him, and King Arthur caused the heralds to blow that the tourney should end that day, and he gave the King of North Wales the prize, because Sir Tristram was on his side. And all in the field there was such a cry, the sound thereof was heard two miles away. The knight with the black shield hath won the field. Alas, said King Arthur, where is that knight? Is it a shame to let him thus escape us? Then he comforted his knights and said, Be not dismayed, my friends. Howbeit ye have lost the day, be of good cheer. Tomorrow, I myself will be in the field, and fare with you. So they all rested that night. And on the morrow, the heralds blew unto the field, so the King of North Wales and the King of a Hundred Knights encountered with King Caradhorce and the King of Ireland and overthrew them. With that came King Arthur and did mighty deeds of arms and overthrew the King of North Wales and his fellows and put twenty valiant knights to the worse. And on came in Sir Palamides and made great fight upon King Arthur's side. But Sir Tristram rode furiously against him, and Sir Palamides was thrown from his whores. Then cried King Arthur, Knight of the Black Shield, keep thyself. And as he spake, he came upon himself and smote him from his saddle to the ground. And so passed on to other knights. Then Sir Palamides, having now another horse, rushed at Sir Tristram as he was on foot, thinking to run over him. But he was aware of him and stepped aside, and grasped Sir Palamides by the arms, and pulled him off his horse. Then they rushed together with their swords, and many stood still to gaze on them. And Sir Tristram smote Sir Palamides with three mighty strokes upon the helm, crying at each stroke, Take this for Sir Tristram's sake! And with that, Sir Palamides fell to the earth. And on, the King of North Wales brought Sir Tristram another horse, and Sir Palamides found one also. Then did they joust again with passing rage, for both by now were like mad lions. But Sir Tristram avoided his spear and seized Sir Palamides by the neck, and pulled him from his saddle, and bore him onward ten spears length, and so let him fall. Then King Arthur drew forth his sword and smote the spear asunder, and gave Tristram two or three saw strokes, ere he could get at his own sword. With that, eleven knights of Lancelot's kin went forth against him, but he smote them all down to the earth, so that men marveled at his deeds. And the cry was now so great that Sir Lancelot got a spear in his hand and came down to assay Sir Tristram, saying, Night with the black shield, make ready. When Sir Tristram heard him, he leveled his spear, and both stooping their heads, they ran together mightily as it had been thunder. And Sir Tristram's spear break short, but Sir Lancelot struck him with a deep wound in the side, and broke his spear, yet overthrew him not. Therewith, Sir Tristram, smarting at his wound, drew forth his sword, and rushing at Sir Lancelot, gave him mighty strokes upon the helm, so that the sparks flew from it. And Sir Lancelot stooped his head down to the saddle bow. But then Sir Tristram turned and left the field, for he felt his wound so grievous, that he deemed he should soon die. Then did Sir Lancelot hold the field against all comers, and put the King of North Wales and his party to the worse. But he refused to take it. And when the cry was raised, Sir Lancelot hath won the day, he cried out, Nay, but Sir Tristram is the victor. For he first began and last endured, and so hath he done each day. And all men honored Lancelot more for his knightly words than if he had taken the prize. This was the tournament ended, and King Arthur departed to Carlyon, for the Whitsun feast was now nigh come, and all the knights adventurers went their ways. And many sought Sir Tristram in the forest whether he had gone. And at last Sir Lancelot found him, and brought him to King Arthur's court, as hath been told already.