leave we of Sir Tristram and speak we of King Mark.



CHAPTER VII

How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with
two knights into England, and how he slew one of the
knights.


THEN King Mark had great despite of the renown of Sir
Tristram, and then he chased him out of Cornwall: yet
was he nephew unto King Mark, but he had great suspicion
unto Sir Tristram because of his queen, La Beale Isoud;
for him seemed that there was too much love between
them both. So when Sir Tristram departed out of Cornwall
into England King Mark heard of the great prowess that
Sir Tristram did there, the which grieved him sore. So
he sent on his part men to espy what deeds he did. And
the queen sent privily on her part spies to know what
deeds he had done, for great love was between them twain.
So when the messengers were come home they told the
truth as they had heard, that he passed all other knights
but if it were Sir Launcelot. Then King Mark was right
heavy of these tidings, and as glad was La Beale Isoud.
Then in great despite he took with him two good knights
and two squires, and disguised himself, and took his way
into England, to the intent for to slay Sir Tristram.
And one of these two knights hight Bersules, and the