When Sir Beaumains heard him speak thus, he said, “Horse or armour gettest thou none of me, Sir knight, save thou winnest them with thy hands; therefore defend thyself, and let me see what thou canst do.”  “How sayest thou?” answered the Black Knight.  “Now quit this lady also, for it beseemeth not a kitchen knave like thee to ride with such a lady.”  “I am of higher lineage than thou,” said Sir Beaumains, “and will straightway prove it on thy body.”  Then furiously they drove their horses at each other, and came together as it had been thunder.  But the Black Knight’s spear brake short, and Sir Beaumains thrust him through the side, and his spear breaking at the head, left its point sticking fast in the Black Knight’s body.  Yet did the Black Knight draw his sword, and smite at Sir Beaumains with many fierce and bitter blows; but after they had fought an hour and more, he fell down from his horse in a swoon, and forthwith died.  Then Sir Beaumains lighted down and armed himself in the Black Knight’s armour, and rode on after the damsel.  But notwithstanding all his valour, still she scoffed at him, and said, “Away! for thou savourest ever of the kitchen.  Alas! that such a knave should by mishap destroy so good a knight; yet once again I counsel thee to flee, for hard by is a knight who shall repay thee!” “It may chance that I am beaten or slain,” answered Sir Beaumains, “but I warn thee, fair damsel, that I will not flee away, nor leave thy company or my quest, for all that ye can say.”

Anon, as they rode, they saw a knight come swiftly towards them, dressed all in green, who, calling to the damsel said, “Is that my brother, the Black Knight, that ye have brought with you?” “Nay, and alas!” said she, “this kitchen knave hath slain thy brother through mischance.”  “Alas!” said the Green Knight, “that such a noble knight as he was should be slain by a knave’s hand.  Traitor!” cried he to Sir Beaumains, “thou shalt die for this!  Sir Pereard was my brother, and a full noble knight.”  “I defy thee,” said Sir Beaumains, “for I slew him knightly and not shamefully.”  Then the Green Knight rode to a thorn whereon hung a green horn, and, when he blew three notes, there came three damsels forth, who quickly armed him, and brought him a great horse and a green shield and spear.  Then did they run at one another with their fullest might, and break their spears asunder; and, drawing their swords, they closed in fight, and sorely smote and wounded each other with many grievous blows.

At last, Sir Beaumains’ horse jostled against the Green Knight’s horse, and overthrew him.  Then both alighted, and, hurtling together like mad lions, fought a great while on foot.  But the damsel cheered the Green Knight, and said, “My lord, why wilt thou let a kitchen knave so long stand up against thee?” Hearing these words, he was ashamed, and gave Sir Beaumains such a mighty stroke as clave his shield asunder.  When Sir Beaumains heard the damsel’s words, and felt that blow, he waxed