“That goodly lord,” said Beaumains, “would I fain behold.”
“Thou shalt see him time enough,” said the damsel, and so as she rode near she saw the pavilion where he was. “Lo,” said she, “seest thou yonder pavilion that is all blue of color, and the lord’s name is Sir Persant, the lordliest knight that ever thou lookedst on?”
“It may well be,” said Beaumains, “but be he never so stout a knight, in this field I shall abide until I see him.”
“Sir,” she said, “I marvel what thou art; boldly thou speakest and boldly thou hast done, that have I seen; therefore I pray thee save thyself, for thou and thy horse are weary and here I dread me sore lest ye catch some hurt. But I must tell you that Sir Persant is nothing in might unto the knight that laid the siege about my lady.”
“As for that,” said Sir Beaumains, “since I have come so nigh this knight, I will prove his might before I depart from him.”
“Oh,” said the damsel, “I marvel what manner of man ye be, for so shamefully did never woman treat knight as I have done you and ever courteously ye have borne it. Alas, Sir Beaumains, forgive me all that I have said or done against thee.”
“With all my heart,” said he, “I forgive you and now I think there is no knight living, but I am able enough for him.”
When Sir Persant saw them in the field, he sent to them to know whether Beaumains came in war or in peace.
“Say to thy lord,” said Beaumains, “that shall be as he pleases.”