"Truly," said the other, "if I was requested, I was never loath to tell my name. I am Sir Launcelot of the Lake."
"Alas," said Sir Tristram, "what have I done, for ye are the man in the world that I love best."
"Fair knight," said Sir Launcelot, "tell me now your name."
"Truly," said he, "my name is Sir Tristram of Lyonesse."
"Oh," said Sir Launcelot, "what adventure is befallen me!"
Therewith Sir Launcelot kneeled adown, and yielded him up his sword. And therewithal Sir Tristram kneeled adown, and yielded him up his sword. So either gave other the victory. Thereupon they both forthwithal went to a stone, and sat down upon it, and took off their helms to cool themselves. Then after a while they took their helms and rode together to Camelot.
There soon they met King Arthur, and when he wist that it was Sir Tristram, he ran unto him and took him by the hand and said, "Sir Tristram, ye be as welcome as any knight that ever came to this court." Then they went to the Table Round, where Queen Guenever came, and many ladies with her, and all the ladies said at one voice, "Welcome, Sir Tristram." "Welcome," said the damsels; "Welcome," said the knights; "Welcome," said Arthur, "for one of the best knights and the gentlest of the world, and the man of most honour. For of all manner of hunting ye bear the prize; and of all the terms of hunting and hawking ye are the beginner; of all instruments of music ye are the best. Therefore, gentle knight, ye are welcome to this court. Now I pray you, grant me a boon."
"It shall be at your commandment," said Tristram.
"Well," said Arthur, "I will desire of you that ye will abide in my court."
"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "thereto is me loath, for I have ado in many countries."