me, I am a gentleman born, and of
higher birth than you; and will prove this on your body if you deny it."

Then in hot anger they rode apart, and came together with a sound of
thunder. The spear of the black knight broke, but Beaumains thrust him
through the side, the spear breaking in his body, and leaving the
truncheon in his flesh. Yet, despite his wound, he drew his sword and
struck with strength and fury at his antagonist. But the fight lasted
not long, for the black knight, faint with loss of blood, fell from his
horse in a swoon, and quickly died.

Then Beaumains, seeing that the horse and armor were better than his
own, dismounted and put on the dead knight's armor. Now, mounting the
sable horse, he rode after the damsel. On coming up she greeted him as
before.

"Away, knave, the smell of thy clothes displeases me. And what a pity it
is that such as you should by mishap slay so good a knight! But you will
be quickly repaid, unless you fly, for there is a knight hereby who is
double your match."

"I may be beaten or slain, fair damsel," said Beaumains; "but you cannot
drive me off by foul words, or by talking of knights who will beat or
kill me. Somehow I ride on and leave your knights on the ground. You
would do well to hold your peace, for I shall follow you, whatever may
happen, unless I be truly beaten or slain."

So they rode on, Beaumains in silence, but the damsel still at times
reviling, till they saw approaching them a knight who was all in green,
both horse and harness. As he came nigh, he asked the damsel,--

"Is that my brother, the black knight, who rides with you?"

"No," she replied. "Your brother is dead. This unhappy kitchen knave has
slain him through mishap."

"Alas!" cried the green knight, "has so noble a warrior as he been slain
by a knave! Traitor, you shall die for your deed!"

"I defy you," said Beaumains. "I slew him knightly and not shamefully,
and am ready to answer to you with sword and spear."

Then the knight took a green horn from his saddle-bow, and blew on it
three warlike notes. Immediately two damsels appeared, who aided him in
arming. This done, he mounted his steed, took from their hands a green
spear and green shield, and stationed himself opposite Beaumains.

Setting spurs to their horses they rode furiously together, both
breaking their spears, but keeping their seats. Then they attacked each
other, sword in hand, and cut and slashed with knightly vigor. At
l