The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-12-06
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had not vet reached the stake, when Trist-
ram sprang across the burning pyre,
trampling the fire under his feet, and, cut
ting the cords that bound her, dragged the
half-fainting Queen to safety.
Not content with the performances of this
noble deed, which won for him even more
love and esteem from the court and the
countryside than had before been lavished
upon him, Tristram found no peace or
rest till he had effected a reconciliation
between the King and the Queen. But
while he forgave her, Meliodas feared to
keep Tristram near the Queen, though she
showed by every sign that her hate had
turned to love, since the boy saved her life.
Tristram, therefore, was put under the
charge of learned man called Gouvernail,
who took him to France, where he learned
the language, the manners and customs of
the people, and how to play on the harp
and on all other musical instruments.
For seven years he remained away, and in
his fifteenth year he returned to his
fathers court.
When he reached the age of 10 years he
was the handsomest youth in the king
dom. Tall, straight as an arrow, with a
strength and gentleness met, he showed
in his outward semblance but the truth of
his character. He had proved himself
gentle hearted. loyal and kind, unselfsh
and pure-minded, such youth as one
would expect to find in the court of King
Arthur, though as yet Tristram had not
set foot there.
Though brave and valorous and strong,
the youth had not yet sought knighthood
by deeds of arms. But events were shap-
ing themselves that would soon call him
in to action.
1t happened about this time that
King Anguish of Ireland and Tristram's
uncle, King Mark of Cornwall, had
a disagreement. The ruler of Irelend sent
to King Mark, demanding the payment
of tribute, which for seven years had re-
manned uncanceled. King Mark sent the
messenger back with the answer that he
owed no tribute nor would he pay it; but
that if King Anguish wished to prove his
claim he must send champion who could
overcome King Marks champion. At this
answer the monarch of Ireland was very
wroth, and he selected Sir Marhaus, q
knight of the Table Round, and brother 10
MS vile, LOT MS champion.
Sir Marhaus hastened to Cornwall, ac-
companied by following, and his feet of
six ships were soon anchored near the
castle of Tintagil. From there Marhaus
sent a challenge to King Mark, but he had
neglected to provide champion.
Then word was sent out over Cornwall
that champion for the Cornish right was
challenged by Marhaus. At first King
Marks councillors advised sending to Ar
thurs court for Sir Launcelot du Lake.
but as Marhaus also was knight OF the
Table Round, the inadvisability of doing
this was soon seen.
Day after day passed. each succeeding
one seeing new challenge sent by Mar
haus to the King. And yet throughout
all Cornwall no knight appeared, for well
they all knew the strength and valor Of
Marhaus and that no glory could come to
them in encounter with him.
At last the news spread to the court of
Meliodas, and Tristram hearing it felt all
the anger in his youthful bosom reused
that IN all Cornwall no knight was valiant
enough to face the champion of Ireland.
Seeking his father he poured forth his
indignation and besoughr him to think of
some way by which the honor of Cornwall
might be saved.
my SON." Mellodas answered him. ST
know not what can be done. Marhaus is
valiant knight. King Arthur chooses
only the bravest to sit at his Table Round.
fear that in all the land no knight can
cope with Sir Marhaus."
"say you sol" the excited youth cried.
''Ohl II only l were a knight l would
show Sir Marhaus that the land is not full
of cravens! Shall we let him return to
Ireland to boast that in all Cornwall there
was no knight to break spear with him
Oh, my father. let me depart to my uncle's
court. Perhaps he may knight me and
let me hold arms as his championp'
Concluded merit week