"You shall die," answered Beaumains, "unless this damsel pray me to spare your life," and he unlaced his helm, as with intent to slay him.
"Pray you to save his life!" cried the damsel, in scorn. "I shall never so demean myself to a page of the kitchen."
"Then he shall die."
"Slay him, if you will. Ask me not to beg for his life."
"Alas!" said the green knight, "you would not let me die when you can save my life with a word? Fair sir, spare me, and I will forgive you my brother's death, and become your man, with thirty knights who are at my command."
"In the fiend's name!" cried the damsel, "shall such a knave have service of thee and thirty knights?"
"All this avails nothing," said Beaumains. "You shall have your life only at this damsel's request," and he made a show as if he would slay him.
"Let him be, knave," said the damsel. "Slay him not, or you shall repent it."
"Damsel," said Beaumains, "your request is to me a command and a pleasure. His life shall be spared, since you ask it. Sir knight of the green array, I release you at the damsel's request, for I am bound by her wish, and will do all that she commands."
Then the green knight kneeled down and did homage with his sword.