ht, 'that
my brother should die so meanly at the hand of a kitchen knave.
Traitor!' he added, turning to Beaumains, 'thou shalt die for slaying
my brother, for he was a noble Knight, and his name was Sir Percard.'
'I defy you,' said Beaumains, 'for I slew him as a good Knight
should.'

Then the Green Knight seized a horn which hung from a horn tree, and
blew three notes upon it, and two damsels came and armed him, and
fastened on him a green shield and a green spear. So the fight began
and raged long, first on horseback and then on foot, till both were
sore wounded. At last the damsel came and stood beside them, and said,
'My lord the Green Knight, why for very shame do you stand so long
fighting a kitchen knave? You ought never to have been made a Knight
at all!' These scornful words stung the heart of the Green Knight, and
he dealt a mighty stroke which cleft asunder the shield of Beaumains.
And when Beaumains saw this, he struck a blow upon the Knight's helmet
which brought him to his knees, and Beaumains leapt on him, and
dragged him to the ground. Then the Green Knight cried for mercy, and
offered to yield himself prisoner unto Beaumains. 'It is all in vain,'
answered Beaumains, 'unless the damsel prays me for your life,' and
therewith he unlaced his helmet as though he would slay him. 'Fie upon
thee, false kitchen page!' said the damsel, 'I will never pray to save
his life, for I am sure he is in no danger.' 'Suffer me not to die,'
entreated the Knight, 'when a word may save me!' 'Fair Knight,' he
went on, turning to Beaumains, 'save my life, and I will forgive you
the death of my brother, and will do you service for ever, and will
bring thirty of my Knights to serve you likewise.' 'It is a shame,'
cried the damsel, 'that such a kitchen knave should have you and
thirty Knights besides.' 'Sir Knight,' said Beaumains, 'I care nothing
for all this, but if I am to spare your life the damsel must ask for
it,' and he stepped forward as if to slay him. 'Let be, foul knave,'
then said the damsel, 'do not slay him. If you do, you will repent
it.' 'Damsel,' answered Beaumains, 'it is a pleasure to me to obey
you, and at your wish I will save his life. Sir Knight with the green
arms, I release you at the request of this damsel, and I will fulfil
all she charges me.'

Then the Green Knight kneeled down, and did him homage with his sword.
'I am sorry,' said the damsel, 'for the wounds you have received, and
for your brother