night is hight Sir Perard
and that he is brother of Sir Percevant of Hind, and that he is a very
strong, worthy, noble knight and one of great renown in deeds of arms.
This is a very different sort of knight from those thou didst overcome
at the ford of the river, wherefore be thou advised by me and turn thee
about and get thee gone ere yonder knight seest thee, or else harm will
certainly befall thee."

Quoth Sir Gareth: "Damsel, having followed you so far and through
several dangers it is not very likely that I shall turn back at this,
even if there be as much peril in it as you say."

"Very well," said Lynette, "then if ill befall thee thou art to blame
thyself therefor and not blame me." Therewith speaking, she tightened
the rein of her palfrey and so rode forward toward that hawthorn bush
aforesaid.

Now when they had come a little more close to that place, the Black
Knight, Sir Perard, was aware of their coming and looked up and beheld
them. Then, seeing that it was an armed knight and a damsel that were
coming thitherward, Sir Perard arose very slowly and with great dignity
and set his helm upon his head, and so he made him ready for whatsoever
might befall. Then when he had so prepared himself he came out into the
road for to meet them. Then when Sir Gareth and the damsel were come
pretty nigh, Sir Perard bespake Sir Gareth, saying: "Sir Knight, I pray
you of your courtesy for to tell me who you are and whither you go?"

Quoth Sir Gareth: "I may not tell you who I am, but ask you this damsel
and she will tell you."

Then Sir Perard was greatly surprised at that reply and he said, "Is
this a jest?" And he said: "Damsel, since I am directed to you, I pray
of you tell to me the name and the degree of this knight."

Upon this Lynette fell alaughing in great measure and she said:
"Messire, since you ask me that thing, I have to tell you that this
fellow is a certain kitchen knave, hight Beaumains, who hath followed me
hither from the court of King Arthur, and I have to tell you further
that many times I have bid him begone and leave me, but he will not do
so, but continually followeth after me."

"Fair damsel," quoth the Black Knight, speaking with great dignity, "you
are pleased to jest with me, for this is no kitchen knave I trow but a
very good worshipful knight of whom you are pleased to say such things."

Then Sir Gareth spake very sternly, saying, "Messire, I will not have
you or any man gainsay what t