“All this shall be done,” said the King.
“Fie on thee,” said the damsel, “shall I have none but one that is your kitchen boy?”
Then was she wroth and took her horse and departed from him.
And with that there came one to Beaumains and told him his horse and armor were come and there was the dwarf ready with all things that he needed in the richest manner. So when he was armed there were few so goodly men as he was.
Then Sir Kay said all open in the hall, “I will ride after my boy of the kitchen, to see whether he will know me for his better.” And as Beaumains overtook the damsel, right so came Sir Kay and said, “Beaumains, what, sir, know ye not me?”
“Yea,” said Beaumains, “I know you for an [ungentle knight] of the court and therefore beware of me.”
Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest and ran straight upon him, and Beaumains came as fast upon him with his sword and thrust him through the side, so that Sir Kay fell down as if he were dead and Beaumains took Sir Kay’s shield and spear and rode on his way.
When Sir Lancelot overtook him he proffered Sir Lancelot to joust and they came together fiercely and fought for an hour, and Lancelot marveled at Beaumains’ strength, for he fought more like a giant than a knight. So Sir Lancelot said, “Beaumains, [fight not so sore]; your quarrel and mine is not so great but we may leave off.”
“Truly that is truth,” said Beaumains, “but it doth me good to feel your might.”
“Hope ye that I may any while stand a proved knight?” said Beaumains.