"God forfend," said Tristram. "I am just released from prison, and have had enough of that regimen."
"You shall stay here, nevertheless, till I learn who you are and whence you came, but I promise you no hard quarters."
She set him, therefore, by her side at table, and made so much of him that a knight who loved her clutched his sword-hilt in jealous rage, half disposed to rush upon Tristram and run him through unawares.
"Tell me your name," said the queen, at the end of the repast, "and you shall depart when you will."
"Thanks for your promise, fair lady. My name is Tristram de Lyonesse."
"Then I am sorry I made so hasty a promise. But I will hold to my word if you will engage to bear a shield which I shall give you to the Castle of the Hard Rock, where King Arthur has announced that a tournament is to be held. I have heard of your deeds of arms at the Castle of Maidens, and hope you will do as much for me at this new tournament."
"Let me see the shield that you wish me to bear," asked Tristram.
So the shield was brought. It was golden on its face, and on it was painted a king and queen, with a knight standing above them with a foot on the head of each.
"This is a fair shield," said Tristram; "but what signifies the device?"
"It signifies King Arthur and Queen Guenever," said Morgan, "and a knight that holds them both in bondage."