t folly. If I
thought she would not thank me for it, I would think twice before doing
battle for her. But she plainly wants not you, and I will tell you this:
I love her, and will rescue her or die."

"Say you so? The knights who hang yonder might give you warning."

"You shame yourself and knighthood by such an evil custom," said
Beaumains, hotly. "How can any lady love such a man as you? That
shameful sight gives me more courage than fear, for I am nerved now to
revenge those knights as well as to rescue yonder lady."

"Make ready," cried the red knight; "we have talked enough."

Then Beaumains bade the damsel retire to a safe distance. Taking their
places, they put their spears in rest, and came together like two
thunderbolts, each smiting the other so fiercely that the breast-plates,
horse-girths, and cruppers burst, and both fell to the earth with the
bridle-reins still in their hands, and they lay awhile stunned by the
fall.

So long they lay indeed that all who looked on thought that both their
necks were broken, and said that the stranger knight must be of mighty
prowess, for never had the red knight been so roughly handled before.

But ere long the knights regained their breath and sprang to their feet.
Then, drawing their swords, they ran like fierce lions together, giving
each other such buffets on the helms that both reeled backwards, while
pieces were hewed out from their armor and shields and fell into the
field.

Thus they fought on till it was past noon, when both stopped for breath,
and stood panting and bleeding till many who beheld them wept for pity.
When they had rested awhile they again went to battle, now gnashing at
each other with their swords like tusked boars, and now running together
like furious rams, so that at times both fell to the ground; and at
times they were grappled so closely that they changed swords in the
wrestle.

This went on till evening was near at hand, and so evenly they continued
matched that none could know which would win. Their armor was so hewn
away that the naked flesh showed in places, and these places they did
their utmost to defend. The red knight was a wily fighter, and Beaumains
suffered sorely before he learned his methods and met him in his own
way.

At length, by mutual assent, they granted each other a short time for
rest, and seated themselves upon two hillocks, where each had his page
to unlace his helm and give him a breath of the cold air.

Wh