Even as he spoke, one of the servants in the castle came to tell Sir Tristram that an errant-knight had come to the castle seeking lodging; and by the device of his shield Tristram knew it was Sir Dinadan. So Tristram bade Isoude send for him, saying that he would himself keep out of sight; and he told his lady that if she spoke in praise of lovers, against whom Sir Dinadan ever railed, she would have great diversion. Dinadan was accordingly welcomed to the castle, and when he was brought to Isoude, she questioned him as to his name, and whence he came, and wherefore he rode in that country. He told her all she would know. Then she led the talk to lovers, and he railed greatly against them. “Now, I pray you,” said she, “to tell me, will you fight for my love against three knights that have done me great wrong? Inasmuch as you be a knight of King Arthur’s court, I require you to undertake this battle for me.”
“Madam,” answered Dinadan, “I will say plainly to you that though you are the fairest lady I ever saw, and much fairer than is my lady Queen Guenever, yet will I not fight for you or for any other against three knights.” So Isoude laughed heartily at him; and they had pleasant diversion together. In the morning Tristram armed him early, to ride to Lonazep, where a great tournament had been appointed, to which knights were coming from all parts; and he promised to meet with Sir Dinadan on the way, and ride with him. Afterwards Sir Dinadan departed, and in a while he overtook Sir Tristram.
“Ah!” said he, “art thou that coward knight with whom I met yesterday? Make ready; for thou shalt joust with me whether thou wilt or not.”
“To that I am loath,” answered Tristram; and so they ran together. But Tristram missed him purposely, and he broke his spear on Tristram. Then he drew out his sword; but Tristram refused to fight with swords.
“Well,” cried Dinadan, “thou art as goodly and large a man as ever I saw; but a greater coward I never met. What wilt thou do with those great spears thou hast with thee?”—for Tristram’s squires were bearing spears for his use at the tournament.
“I shall give them,” said Tristram, “to some good knight when I come to the tournament; and if I see you do the best, I will give them to you.”
As they rode on together and talked, they saw in the way a knight that stood ready to joust.
“Do thou meet him,” said Tristram. “I will not, for he seems to me to be a shrewish knight.”
“Shame on thee!” answered Dinadan.
However, he encountered with the knight, who smote him clean out of his saddle. Then Sir Dinadan rose to his feet very angry, and challenged the other to fight on foot.