CHAPTER XIII. THE TOURNAMENT OF LONAZEP.
WHILE Tristram was with La Beale Isoude at Joyous Gard, he often rode hunting, of which pastime he was exceedingly fond; and by Isoude’s advice he always rode armed. One day as he was returning from the chase, with his helm on, he met Sir Dinadan, who had come into that country to seek him. Sir Dinadan told his name; but Sir Tristram would not, at which Sir Dinadan was angry, and reproached him; and at last said that he must either tell his name or do battle. Tristram would do neither; so then Dinadan chid him for a coward. As they talked there came by a knight, Sir Epinogris, and Dinadan challenged him to joust. Sir Epinogris was nothing loath, and when they ran together he smote Sir Dinadan out of his saddle.
“How is it with you now?” said Tristram.
“Fie upon thee, coward,” cried Dinadan. “If thou be anything of a knight, avenge my shame.”
“Nay,” answered Sir Tristram. “I will not joust at this time; but take your horse and let us go from hence.”
“God defend me,” said Dinadan, “from thy fellowship, for I have not sped well since I met thee.”
“Well,” said Tristram, “peradventure I could give you tidings of Sir Tristram.”
“I will not believe,” answered Dinadan, “that Sir Tristram would ever be in thy company; if he were, he were so much the worse.”
And so they parted; and Tristram rode home to Joyous Gard, where he alighted and unarmed him. He told Isoude of his meeting with Sir Dinadan, and how he was full of mirth, and the best companion among all knights. “Why have you not brought him with you?” asked Isoude.
“Do not be afraid,” said Sir Tristram. “He has only come here to seek me, and I guess we shall soon hear of him.”