"Then I must seek further," said the damsel, "for that I am forbidden to tell."
At this moment Beaumains came to the king, and said,—
"Royal sir, I have been twelve months in your kitchen, and have had all you promised me; now I desire to ask for my other two gifts."
"Ask, if you will. I shall keep to my word."
"This, then, is what I request. First, that you send me with the damsel, for this adventure belongs to me."
"You shall have it," said the king.
"My third request is that you shall bid Lancelot du Lake make me a knight, for he is the only man in your court from whom I will take that honor. When I am gone let him ride after me, and dub me knight when I require it of him."
"I grant your wish," said the king. "All shall be done as you desire."
"Fie on you all!" cried the damsel. "I came here for a knight, and you offer me a kitchen scullion. Is this King Arthur's way of rescuing a lady in distress? If so, I want none of it, and will seek my knight elsewhere."
She left the court, red with anger, mounted her horse, and rode away.