"You speak well," answered Tristram.
"Tell me this," continued Palamides. "Were I here naked of armor, and you full armed as I am, what would you do?"
"I shall not answer from fear, but from truthfulness. I would bid you depart, as I could not have ado with you."
"No more can I with you," said Palamides, "therefore ride on your way."
"I shall ride or abide as I may choose," said Tristram. "But tell me this, Palamides: how is it that so good a knight as you refuses to be christened, as your brothers have long been?"
"I cannot become a Christian till a vow I made years ago is fulfilled. I believe fully in Jesus Christ and His mild mother Mary; but there is one battle yet I must fight, and when that is done I will be baptized with a good will."
"If that is the battle with me," said Tristram, "you shall not long wait for it. For God defend that through my fault you should continue a Saracen. Yonder is a knight whom you have hurt. Help me to put on his armor and I will aid you to fulfil your vow."
So they rode together to the wounded knight, who was seated on a bank. Tristram saluted him, and he weakly returned the salute.
"Will you tell me your name, sir knight?" asked Tristram.
"I am Sir Galleron of Galway, and a Knight of the Round Table."