while he had slain half their horses and unhorsed them,
and their horses ran in the fields and forest. Then Sir
Tristram had so great pity of that one knight that
endured so great pain, and ever he thought it should be
Sir Palomides, by his shield. And so he rode unto the
knights and cried unto them, and bade them cease of
their battle, for they did themselves great shame so many
knights to fight with one. Then answered the master of
those knights, his name was called Breuse Saunce Pit,
that was at that time the most mischievoust knight living,
and said thus: Sir knight, what have ye ado with us to
meddle? and therefore, an ye be wise, depart on your
way as ye came, for this knight shall not escape us.
That were pity, said Sir Tristram, that so good a knight
as he is should be slain so cowardly; and therefore I
warn you I will succour him with all my puissance.




CHAPTER II

How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palomides' life, and how they
promised to fight together within a fortnight.


So Sir Tristram alighted off his horse because they were
on foot, that they should not slay his horse, and then
dressed his shield, with his sword in his hand, and he
smote on the right hand and on the left hand passing