o they rode to his manor, which was not far distant. Here it happened
as it had on the evening before, for the damsel reviled Beaumains, and
would not listen to his sitting at the same table with her.

"Why deal you such despite to this noble warrior?" said the green
knight. "You are wrong, for he will do you good service, and whatever he
declares himself to be, I warrant in the end you will find him to come
of right noble blood."

"You say far more of him than he deserves," she replied. "I know him too
well."

"And so do I, for he is the best champion I ever found; and I have
fought in my day with many worthy knights."

That night, when they went to rest, the green knight set a guard over
Beaumains's chamber, for he feared some harm to him from the bitter
scorn and hatred of the damsel. In the morning he rode with them through
the forest, and at parting said,--

"My lord Beaumains, I and my knights shall always be at your summons,
early or late, or whatever be the service you demand."

"That is well said. When I require your service it will be to yield
yourself and your knights to King Arthur."

"If you bid us do so, we shall be ready at all times."

"Fie on you!" said the damsel. "It shames me to see good knights
obedient to a kitchen knave."

After they had parted she turned to Beaumains, and said, despitefully,--

"Why wilt thou follow me, lackey of the kitchen? Cast away thy spear and
shield and fly while you may, for that is at hand which you will not
easily escape. Were you Lancelot himself, or any knight of renown, you
would not lightly venture on a pass just in advance of us, called the
pass perilous."

"Damsel," said Beaumains, "he who is afraid let him flee. It would be a
shame for me to turn back, after having ridden so far with you."

"You soon shall, whether it be to your liking or not," replied the
damsel, scornfully.

What the damsel meant quickly appeared, for in a little time they came
in sight of a tower which was white as snow in hue, and with every
appliance for defence. Over the gateway hung fifty shields of varied
colors, and in front spread a level meadow. On this meadow were
scaffolds and pavilions, and many knights were there, for there was to
be a tournament on the morrow.

The lord of the castle was at a window, and as he looked upon the
tournament field he saw approaching a damsel, a dwarf, and a knight
armed at all points.

"A knight-errant, as I live!" said the lord. "By