And to the noise of bells, and over pavings strewn with branches, the
King and his counts and princes made her escort, and the gates of the
palace were thrown open that rich and poor might enter and eat and
drink at will.
And Mark freed a hundred of his slaves, and armed a score of squires
that day with hauberk and with sword.
But Tristan that night hid with Orri, as the Queen had counselled him.
THE ORDEAL BY IRON
Denoalen, Andret, and Gondoin held themselves safe; Tristan was far
over sea, far away in service of a distant king, and they beyond his
power. Therefore, during a hunt one day, as the King rode apart in a
glade where the pack would pass, and hearkening to the hounds, they
all three rode towards him, and said:
"O King, we have somewhat to say. Once you condemned the Queen without
judgment, and that was wrong; now you acquit her without judgment, and
that is wrong. She is not quit by trial, and the barons of your land
blame you both. Counsel her, then, to claim the ordeal in God's
judgment, for since she is innocent, she may swear on the relics of
the saints and hot iron will not hurt her. For so custom runs, and in
this easy way are doubts dissolved."
But Mark answered:
"God strike you, my Cornish lords, how you hunt my shame! For you have
I exiled my nephew, and now what would you now? Would you have me
drive the Queen to Ireland too? What novel plaints have you to plead?
Did not Tristan offer you battle in this matter? He offered battle to
clear the Queen forever: he offered and you heard him all.
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