"Welcome, indeed," said Arthur, "to one of the best and gentlest knights of the world, and the man of highest esteem. For of all modes of hunting, you bear the prize, and of all bugle hunting calls you are the origin, and all the terms of hunting and hawking began with you; on all instruments of music no man surpasses you: therefore, you are trebly welcome to this court. And here I pray you to grant me a boon."
"I am at your command," said Tristram.
"It is that you abide in my court, and be one of my knights."
"That I am loath to do, for I have work laid out elsewhere."
"Yet you have passed your word. You shall not say me nay."
"Then be it as you will," said Tristram.
ADMISSION OF SIR TRISTRAM TO THE KING OF THE ROUND TABLE.
These words spoken, Arthur took Tristram by the hand and led him to the Round Table, going with him round its circle, and looking into every seat that lacked a knight. When at length he came to that in which Sir Marhaus had formerly sat, he saw there engraved in letters of gold, "This is the seat of the noble knight Sir Tristram."