"Then shall he die," said Beaumains.
"Not so hardy, thou foul knave," said the damsel, "that thou slay him."
"Alas," said the green knight, "suffer me not to die, for a fair word may save my life. O fair knight," said the green knight, "save my life, and I will forgive the death of my brother, and for ever to become thy man, and thirty knights that hold of me for ever shall do you service."
Said the damsel, "That such a kitchen knave should have thee and thirty knights' service!"
"Sir knight," said Sir Beaumains, "all this availeth not, but if my damsel speak with me for thy life."
And therewithal he made resemblance to slay him.
"Let be," said the damsel, "thou knave, slay him not, for if thou do, thou shalt repent it."
"Damsel," said Sir Beaumains, "your charge is to me a pleasure, and at your commandment his life shall be saved, and else not."
Then he said, "Sir knight with the green arms, I release thee quit [acquitted] at this damsel's request, for I will not make her wroth, I will fulfil all that she chargeth me."
And then the green knight kneeled down and did him homage with his sword.