"I will well," said King Meliodas, "that ye be ruled as your courage will rule you."
And then Sir Tristram thanked his father much, and so made him ready to ride into Cornwall. And in the mean while there came a messenger with letters of love from the daughter of King Faramon of France, unto Sir Tristram, that were full piteous letters, and in them were written many complaints of love. But Sir Tristram had no joy of her letters, nor regard unto her. Also she sent him a little brachet [hunting hound] that was passing fair. But when the king's daughter understood that Tristram would not love her, she died for sorrow. So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his uncle King Mark of Cornwall. And when he came there he heard say that there would no knight fight with Sir Marhaus. Then went Sir Tristram unto his uncle and said,—
"Sir, if ye will give me the order of knighthood I will do battle with Sir Marhaus."
"What are ye?" said the king, "and from whence be ye come?"
"Sir," said Tristram, "I come from King Meliodas that wedded your sister, and a gentleman wit ye well I am."
King Mark beheld Sir Tristram, and saw that he was but a young man of age, but he was passingly well made and big.
"Fair sir," said the king, "what is your name, and where were ye born?"
"Sir," said he again, "my name is Tristram, and in the country of Lyonesse was I born."
"Ye say well," said the king, "and if ye will do this battle I shall make you knight."
"Therefore I come to you," said Sir Tristram, "and for none other cause."