ne when a page of the court came to Beaumains and told
him that his dwarf was without, with a noble horse and a rich suit of
armor, and all other necessaries of the best.

At this all the court marvelled, for they could not imagine who had sent
all this rich gear to a kitchen menial. But when Beaumains was armed,
there were none in the court who presented a more manly aspect than he.
He took courteous leave of the king, and of Gawaine and Lancelot,
praying the latter that he would soon ride after him. This done, he
mounted his horse and pursued the damsel.

But those who observed him noticed that, while he was well horsed and
had trappings of cloth of gold, he bore neither shield nor spear. Among
those who watched him was Kay, who said,--

"Yonder goes my kitchen drudge, as fine a knight as the best of us, if a
brave show were all that a knight needed. I have a mind to ride after
him, to let him know that I am still his superior."

"You had better let him alone," said Gawaine. "You may find more than
you bargain for."

But Kay armed himself and rode after Beaumains, whom he overtook just as
he came up with the damsel.

"Hold there, Beaumains," he cried, in mockery. "Do you not know me?"

"Yes," answered the young man. "I know you for an ungentle knight of the
court, who has put much despite upon me. It is my turn to repay you for
your insults; so, sirrah, defend yourself."

Kay thereupon put his spear in rest and rode upon Beaumains, who awaited
him sword in hand. When they came together, Beaumains, with a skilful
parry, turned aside the spear, and then with a vigorous thrust wounded
Kay in the side, so that he fell from his horse like a dead man. This
done, he dismounted and took Kay's shield and spear, and bade his dwarf
take his horse.

All this was observed by the damsel, and also by Lancelot, who had
followed closely upon the track of the seneschal.

"Now, Sir Lancelot, I am ready to accept your offer to knight me," said
Beaumains, "but, first, I would prove myself worthy of the honor, and so
will joust with you, if you consent."

"That I shall certainly not decline," said Lancelot, counting upon an
easy victory.

But when the knight and the youth rode against each other both were
hurled from their horses to the earth, and sorely bruised. But Beaumains
was entangled in his harness, and Lancelot helped him from his horse.

Then Beaumains flung aside his shield and proffered to fight Lancelot
on foot,