evertheless, said the Red
Knight, I will speak with him or he depart. Ah, said the damosel, this
knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir Kay named him Beaumains, and this
horse and this harness was thy brother's, the Black Knight. Also I
saw thy brother the Green Knight overcome of his hands. Now may ye be
revenged upon him, for I may never be quit of him.

With this either knights departed in sunder, and they came together with
all their might, and either of their horses fell to the earth, and they
avoided their horses, and put their shields afore them and drew their
swords, and either gave other sad strokes, now here, now there, rasing,
tracing, foining, and hurling like two boars, the space of two hours.
And then she cried on high to the Red Knight, Alas, thou noble Red
Knight, think what worship hath followed thee, let never a kitchen knave
endure thee so long as he doth. Then the Red Knight waxed wroth and
doubled his strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderly sore, that the blood
ran down to the ground, that it was wonder to see that strong battle.
Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to the earth, and as he would
have slain the Red Knight, he cried mercy, saying, Noble knight, slay me
not, and I shall yield me to thee with fifty knights with me that be at
my commandment. And I forgive thee all the despite that thou hast done
to me, and the death of my brother the Black Knight. All this availeth
not, said Beaumains, but if my damosel pray me to save thy life.
And therewith he made semblant to strike off his head. Let be, thou
Beaumains, slay him not, for he is a noble knight, and not so hardy,
upon thine head, but thou save him.

Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and thank the damosel now
of thy life. Then the Red Knight prayed him to see his castle, and to
be there all night. So the damosel then granted him, and there they
had merry cheer. But always the damosel spake many foul words unto
Beaumains, whereof the Red Knight had great marvel; and all that night
the Red Knight made three score knights to watch Beaumains, that he
should have no shame nor villainy. And upon the morn they heard mass
and dined, and the Red Knight came before Beaumains with his three score
knights, and there he proffered him his homage and fealty at all times,
he and his knights to do him service. I thank you, said Beaumains, but
this ye shall grant me: when I call upon you, to come afore my lord
King Arthur, and yield you unto