Could I have done less for a woman, who all but died innocent
through me? I fled through the woods. Nor could I have come down into
the vale and yielded her, for there was a ban to take us dead or
alive. But now, as then, I am ready, my lord, to sustain in arms
against all comers that never had the Queen for me, nor I for her a
love dishonourable to you. Publish the lists, and if I cannot prove my
right in arms, burn me before your men. But if I conquer and you take
back Iseult, no baron of yours will serve you as will I; and if you
will not have me, I will offer myself to the King of Galloway, or to
him of the Lowlands, and you will hear of me never again. Take
counsel, King, for if you will make no terms I will take back Iseult
to Ireland, and she shall be Queen in her own land.'"
When the barons of Cornwall heard how Tristan offered battle, they
said to the King:
"Sire, take back the Queen. They were madmen that belied her to you.
But as for Tristan, let him go and war it in Galloway, or in the
Lowlands. Bid him bring back Iseult on such a day and that soon.
Then the King called thrice clearly:
"Will any man rise in accusation against Tristan?"
And as none replied, he said to his chaplain:
"Write me a writ in haste. You have heard what you shall write.
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