that he would tell Sir Palomides that he was King Mark;
and therefore he withdrew him, and took his horse and
rode to his men, where he commanded them to abide.
And so he rode as fast as he might unto Camelot; and
the same day he found there Amant, the knight, ready
that afore Arthur had appealed him of treason; and so,
lightly the king commanded them to do battle. And by
misadventure King Mark smote Amant through the body.
And yet was Amant in the righteous quarrel. And right
so he took his horse and departed from the court for
dread of Sir Dinadan, that he would tell Sir Tristram and
Sir Palomides what he was. Then were there maidens
that La Beale Isoud had sent to Sir Tristram, that knew
Sir Amant well.



CHAPTER XV

How King Mark had slain Sir Amant wrongfully to-fore
King Arthur, and Sir Launcelot fetched King Mark to
King Arthur.


THEN by the license of King Arthur they went to him
and spake with him; for while the truncheon of the spear
stuck in his body he spake: Ah, fair damosels, said
Amant, recommend me unto La Beale Isoud, and tell her
that I am slain for the love of her and of Sir Tristram.
And there he told the damosels how cowardly King Mark