When that idea occurred to him he did not delay and started off that very instant, leaving behind his country and his kingdom. He took with him neither hauberk nor helmet. He went on walking night and day and did not stop until he reached the sea. Only with great difficulty did he walk so far; and I can tell you that he had suffered such hardships for her that indeed he was already a madman. He changed his name and called himself Tantris.

When he had crossed the sea and arrived in Cornwall he quickly went away from the shore. He did not want anyone to think he was in his senses and he tore his clothes and scratched his face. He struck any man who crossed his path. He had his fair hair shorn off. Nobody on the seashore thought he was anything but mad, for they did not know what was in his mind. He was carrying a staff in his hand. He walked along looking like a fool and everyone shouted after him and threw stones at his head. Tristan went on without stopping. He walked like this through the land for many days, all for love of Yseut. Whatever he did seemed good to him, and nothing displeased him except that he was not with Yseut: he desired her and longed for her. He had not yet been to the court, but now he was going, whatever the outcome. He would make himself appear to be a fool, for he wanted to speak to Yseut.

He was able to walk straight into the court, for no door was closed to the fool. When Tristan presented himself before the king, his appearance was somewhat unprepossessing: with short-cropped hair and a long neck he looked remarkably like a fool. He had taken great trouble, all for the sake of love. Mark called to him and asked:

‘Fool, what is your name?’

‘My name is Picous.’

‘Who was your father?’

‘A walrus.’

‘By whom did he have you?’

‘A whale. I have a sister I will bring to you. The girl is called Bruneheut: you shall have her and I will have Yseut.’

‘If we exchange, what will you do?’

‘Listen to this!’ said Tristan. ‘Between the clouds and the sky, where there is no frost, I shall build a house of flowers and roses and there she and I will enjoy ourselves. I have not yet finished the story I am telling these Welshmen – may God shame them! King Mark, the maiden Brangain – with my hand in yours I assure you this is true – gave Tristan the drink which caused him such distress afterwards. I can see Yseut over there: she and I drank it – ask her! And if she says that is a lie, then I say it is a lie that I have dreamed every night since! Even now, king, there is more to tell. Look me straight in the face: do I not look like Tantris? I have leaped and thrown reeds and balanced sharpened twigs, I have lived on roots in a wood and I have held a queen in my arms. I shall say more if I have a mind to.’

‘Rest yourself now, Picolet. I am sorry you have done so many things. Leave your jesting for today.’

‘What does it matter to me if you are sorry? I do not care a scrap!’

Then all the knights said: ‘No one heeds a fool or argues with him.’

The Madness of Tristan