'Now, my kitchen knight, 'tis not too late. Fly back through the valley, or this knight will surely slay thee.'
'Nay, I will not,' said Beaumains, 'for I fear him not.'
The black knight came to the damsel and asked if she had brought this knight from King Arthur's court to be her champion.
'Fie!' she said angrily, 'he is no knight. He is but a knave that was fed for alms in the king's kitchen, and would follow me in spite of all I say. And I would that you would rid me of him. To-day he slew two noble knights at the passage of the water, and all by evil chance.'
'A strong knave, in truth,' answered the knight, 'and a saucy one. Then this will I do. He shall leave me his horse and armour, for since he is but a knave, my knightly hands may not harm him.'
'You speak lightly of my horse and armour,' said Beaumains, 'but I will have you know that you get naught from me, and moreover I will pass these lands with this lady in spite of you.'
'Thou knave!' cried the knight angrily, 'yield me this lady and thyself without ado!'
'Let me see what thou canst do to take us,' replied Beaumains, and laughed gaily.
At this the knight in a rage leaped upon his horse and they thundered together. The black knight's spear broke, but Beaumains' lance pierced him through the side and broke off short. Nevertheless, though badly wounded, the black knight drew his sword and fought manfully, striking Beaumains many mighty blows and bruising him sorely.
But suddenly his lifted sword fell from his hand, and turning in his saddle, he dropped to the ground in a swoon, and shortly died.