rteous to set a mere
kitchen page before me; he is not fit to be in the company of
high-born people.' Her words struck shame into the Knight, and he took
Beaumains and set him at a side table, and seated himself before him.

In the early morning Sir Beaumains and the damsel bade farewell to the
Knight, and rode through the forest till they came to a great river,
where stood two Knights on the further side, guarding the passage.
'Well, what do you say now?' asked the damsel. 'Will you fight them or
turn back?' 'I would not turn if there were six more of them,'
answered Sir Beaumains, and he rushed into the water and so did one of
the Knights. They came together in the middle of the stream, and their
spears broke in two with the force of the charge, and they drew their
swords, hitting hard at each other. At length Sir Beaumains dealt the
other Knight such a blow that he fell from his horse, and was drowned
in the river. Then Beaumains put his horse at the bank, where the
second Knight was waiting for him, and they fought long together, till
Sir Beaumains clave his helmet in two. So he left him dead, and
rode after the damsel. 'Alas!' she cried, 'that even a kitchen page
should have power to destroy two such Knights! You think you have done
mighty things, but you are wrong! As to the first Knight, his horse
stumbled, and he was drowned before you ever touched him. And the
other you took from behind, and struck him when he was defenceless.'
'Damsel!' answered Beaumains, 'you may say what you will, I care not
what it is, so I may deliver this lady.' 'Fie, foul kitchen knave, you
shall see Knights that will make you lower your crest.' 'I pray you be
more civil in your language,' answered Beaumains, 'for it matters not
to me what Knights they be, I will do battle with them.' 'I am trying
to turn you back for your own good,' answered she, 'for if you follow
me you are certainly a dead man, as well I know all you have won
before has been by luck.' 'Say what you will, damsel,' said he, 'but
where you go I will follow you,' and they rode together till eventide,
and all the way she chid him and gave him no rest.

[Illustration: LINET AND THE BLACK KNIGHT]

At length they reached an open space where there was a black lawn, and
on the lawn a black hawthorn, whereon hung a black banner on one side,
and a black shield and spear, big and long, on the other. Close by
stood a black horse covered with silk, fastened to a black stone. A