“All this availeth not,” said Beaumains, “unless the damsel pray me to save thy life.” And therewith he made a motion as if to slay him.
“Let be,” said the damsel; “slay him not, for he is a noble knight.”
Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight stand up and the Red Knight prayed them to see his castle and rest there that night. And upon the morn he came before Beaumains with his three score knights and offered him his homage and service.
“I thank you,” said Beaumains, “but this ye shall grant me: to come before my lord King Arthur and yield you unto him to be his knight, when I call upon you.”
“Sir,” said the Red Knight, “I will be ready at your summons.”
So Sir Beaumains departed and the damsel, and ever she rode chiding him.
“Damsel,” said Beaumains, “ye are [uncourteous to rebuke] me as ye do, for I have done you good service.”
“Well,” said she, “right soon ye shall meet a knight who shall pay thee all thy wages, for he is the greatest of the world, except King Arthur.”
And soon there was before them a city rich and fair, and between them and the city there was a fair meadow and therein were many pavilions fair to behold.
“Lo,” said the damsel, “yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city and his custom is when the weather is fair to joust in this meadow. And ever there be about him five hundred knights and gentlemen of arms.”