and desire: I would have ridden by you, but ye would
not suffer me, and now meseemeth ye would do more
battle with me. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore and Sir
Dodinas, for we will be revenged of the despite ye have
done to us. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, that shall
little need you, for all that I did to you ye caused it;
wherefore I require you of your knighthood leave me as
at this time, for I am sure an I do battle with you I shall
not escape without great hurts, and as I suppose ye shall
not escape all lotless. And this is the cause why I am so
loath to have ado with you; for I must fight within these
three days with a good knight, and as valiant as any is
now living, and if I be hurt I shall not be able to do
battle with him. What knight is that, said Sir Sagramore,
that ye shall fight withal? Sirs, said he, it is a good
knight called Sir Palomides. By my head, said Sir
Sagramore and Sir Dodinas, ye have cause to dread him,
for ye shall find him a passing good knight, and a valiant.
And because ye shall have ado with him we will forbear
you as at this time, and else ye should not escape us
lightly. But, fair knight, said Sir Sagramore, tell us your
name. Sir, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones.
Ah, said Sagramore and Sir Dodinas, well be ye found,
for much worship have we heard of you. And then either
took leave of other, and departed on their way.



CHAPTER V