either had wounded other wonderly sore, then the king
made great dole. Then Sir Tristram told the king how
he came thither for to have had ado with Sir Palomides.
And then he told the king how he had rescued him from
the nine knights and Breuse Saunce Pit; and how he
found a knight lying by a well, and that knight smote
down Sir Palomides and me, but his shield was covered
with a cloth. So Sir Palomides left me, and I followed
after that knight; and in many places I found where he
had slain knights, and forjousted many. By my head,
said Sir Gawaine, that same knight smote me down and
Sir Bleoberis, and hurt us sore both, he with the covered
shield. Ah, said Sir Kay, that knight smote me adown
and hurt me passing sore, and fain would I have known
him, but I might not. Jesu, mercy, said Arthur, what
knight was that with the covered shield? I know not,
said Sir Tristram; and so said they all. Now, said King
Arthur, then wot I, for it is Sir Launcelot. Then they
all looked upon Sir Launcelot and said: Ye have beguiled
us with your covered shield. It is not the first time, said
Arthur, he hath done so. My lord, said Sir Launcelot,
truly wit ye well I was the same knight that bare the
covered shield; and because I would not be known that I
was of your court I said no worship of your house. That
is truth, said Sir Gawaine, Sir Kay, and Sir Bleoberis.

Then King Arthur took Sir Tristram by the hand and
went to the Table Round. Then came Queen Guenever
and many ladies with her, and all the ladies said at one
voice: Welcome, Sir Tristram! Welcome, said the