_How the third brother, called the red knight, justed and fought
against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him._
So within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow, well matchcold
all about, and double diked. And over the tower-gate there hung a fifty
shields of divers colours; and under that tower there was a fair
meadow. And therein were many knights and squires to behold scaffolds
and pavilions, for there upon the morn should be a great tournament;
and the lord of the tower was in his castle, and looked out at a
window, and saw a damsel, a dwarf, and a knight armed at all points. By
my faith, said the lord, with that knight will I just, for I see that
he is a knight errant. And so he armed him, and horsed him hastily. And
when he was on horseback with his shield and his spear, it was all red,
both his horse and his harness, and all that to him belonged. And when
that he came nigh him he wend it had been his brother the black knight.
And then he cried aloud, Brother what do ye in these marches? Nay, nay,
said the damsel, it is not he; this is but a kitchen knave, that was
brought up for alms in king Arthur’s court. Nevertheless, said the red
knight, I will speak with him or he depart. Ah, said the damsel, this
knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir Kay named him Beaumains, and
this horse and harness was thy brother’s the black knight. Also I saw
thy brother the green knight overcome of his hands. Now may ye be
revenged upon him, for I may never be quit of him.
With this either knight departed in sunder, and they came together with
all their might, and either of their horses fell to the earth, and they
avoided their horses, and put their shields afore them, and drew their
swords, and either gave other sad strokes, now here, now there, racing,
tracing, foining, and hurling like two boars, the space of two hours.
And then she cried on high to the red knight, Alas, thou noble red
knight, think what worship hath followed thee, let never a kitchen
knave endure thee so long as he doth. Then the red knight waxed wroth,
and doubled his strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderly sore, that the
blood ran down to the ground, that it was wonder to see that strong
battle. Yet at the last Sir Beaumains strake him to the earth, and as
he would have slain the red knight he cried mercy, saying, Noble knight
slay me not, and I shall yield me to thee with fifty knights with me
that be at my commandment. And I forgive thee all the despite that thou
hast done to me, and the death of my brother the black knight. All this
availeth not, said Sir Beaumains, but if my damsel pray me to save thy
life. And therewith he made semblant to strike off his head. Let be,
thou Beaumains, slay him not, for he is a noble knight, and not so
hardy upon thine head but thou save him. Then Beaumains bad the red
knight stand up, and thank the damsel now of thy life. Then the red
knight prayed him to see his castle, and to be there all night. So the
damsel then granted him, and there they had merry cheer. But always the
damsel spake many foul words unto Beaumains, whereof the red knight had
great marvel, and all that night the red knight made threescore knights
to watch Beaumains, that he should have no shame nor villainy. And upon
the morn they heard mass, and dined, and the red knight came before
Beaumains with his threescore knights, and there he proffered him his
homage and fealty at all times, he and his knights to do him service. I
thank you, said Beaumains, but this ye shall grant me when I call upon
you, to come afore my lord king Arthur and yield you unto him to be his
knights. Sir, said the red knight, I will be ready and my fellowship at
your summons. So Sir Beaumains departed and the damsel, and ever she
rode chiding him in the foullest manner.