# How Sir Palomides kept his day to have foughten, but Sir Tristram might not come; and other things. explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

> Chapter companion for Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory.

## What happens

Sir Palomides arrives at the appointed well with knights and sergeants to fight Sir Tristram, but Tristram is bedridden with a deep thigh wound. He sends a squire to explain his condition and promises to seek Palomides when healed. Palomides departs, relieved. Tristram recovers within a month and rides across the land achieving adventures and seeking Palomides, but cannot find him. His fame grows, causing envy among Sir Launcelot's kinsmen, but Launcelot defends Tristram. News reaches Cornwall and Liones, bringing joy and gifts. Tristram returns to Joyous Gard to La Beale Isoud.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Reputation

Palomides keeps his promise to appear, and Tristram proves his honesty by showing his wound; Launcelot defends Tristram's noble reputation against envy.

### Violence and Vengeance

Tristram's quest to find and fight Palomides reflects the cycle of knightly vengeance, while Launcelot threatens violence against his own kin to protect Tristram.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Tristram de Liones

Lies wounded in bed at Joyous Gard, unable to fight Palomides; later recovers and seeks Palomides across the land.

### Sir Palomides

Keeps his day at the well with witnesses, but withdraws upon learning Tristram is hurt; departs and avoids Tristram.

### Sir Launcelot du Lake

Defends Tristram against his own kinsmen's envy, threatening to slay any who harm Tristram.

### La Beale Isoud

Remains at Joyous Gard, loved by Tristram, who returns to her.

## Key lines

> Ah, my fair brother, said Sir Tristram, wit thou well that I am right heavy for these tidings; therefore tell Sir Palomides an I were well at ease I would not lie here, nor he should have no need to send for me an I might either ride or go; and for thou shalt say that I am no liar—Sir Tristram showed him his thigh that the wound was six inches deep.

Tristram tells the squire he is deeply sorry, and that if he were healthy he would not be lying in bed; to prove he is not lying, he shows the squire his six-inch-deep thigh wound.

_Tristram demonstrates his honesty and physical incapacity to fight._

> Alas, fie for shame, should ye for his noble deeds await upon him to slay him. Jesu defend, said Launcelot, that ever any noble knight as Sir Tristram is should be destroyed with treason.

Launcelot rebukes his kinsmen, saying it is shameful to plot murder against a knight for his noble achievements, and prays that Tristram never be killed by treachery.

_Launcelot condemns treachery and defends Tristram's honor._

## Links

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