"A stout-looking fellow that," said Tristram. "What shall we do?"
"Awake him," said Palamides.
Tristram did so, stirring him with the butt of his spear.
But they had better have let him sleep, for he sprang angrily to his feet, put on his helmet in haste, and mounting his war-horse seized his spear. Without a word he spurred upon Tristram and struck him such a blow as to fling him from his saddle to the earth. Then he galloped back and came hurling upon Palamides, whom he served in the same rude fashion. Leaving them laying there, he turned his horse and rode leisurely away.
When the two overthrown knights gained their feet again, they looked at one another with faces of shame and anger.
"Well, what now?" asked Tristram. "That is the worst waking I ever did in my life. By my troth, I did not fancy there was a knight in Arthur's realm that could have served you and me such a trick. Whatever you do, I am going after this woodland champion to have a fairer trial."
"So would I were I well," said Palamides. "But I am so hurt that I must seek rest with a friend of mine near by."
"I can trust you to meet me at the place appointed?"
"I have cause to have more doubt of you than you of me; for if you follow this strong knight you may not escape with whole bones from the adventure. I wish you success."
"And I wish you health."