But as they came near Sir Beaumains saw upon the branches of some trees which grew there, the dead bodies of forty knights hanging, with rich armour on them, their shields and swords about their necks, and golden spurs upon their heels.  “What meaneth this?” said he, amazed.  “Lose not thy courage, fair sir,” replied the damsel, “at this shameful sight, for all these knights came hither to rescue my sister; and when the Knight of the Redlands had overcome them, he put them to this piteous death, without mercy; and in such wise will he treat thee also unless thou bearest thee more valiantly than they.”  “Truly he useth shameful customs,” said Sir Beaumains; “and it is a marvel that he hath endured so long.”

So they rode onward to the castle walls, and found them double-moated, and heard the sea waves dashing on one side the walls.  Then said the damsel, “See you that ivory horn hanging upon the sycamore-tree?  The Knight of the Redlands hath hung it there, that any knight may blow thereon, and then will he himself come out and fight with him.  But I pray thee sound it not till high noontide, for now it is but daybreak, and till noon his strength increases to the might of seven men.”  “Let that be as it may, fair damsel,” answered he, “for were he stronger knight than ever lived, I would not fail him.  Either will I defeat him at his mightiest, or die knightly in the field.”  With that he spurred his horse unto the sycamore, and blew the ivory horn so eagerly, that all the castle rang its echoes.  Instantly, all the knights who were in the pavilions ran forth, and those within the castle looked out from the windows, or above the walls.  And the Knight of the Redlands, arming himself quickly in blood-red armour, with spear, and shield, and horse’s trappings of like colour, rode forth into a little valley by the castle walls, so that all in the castle, and at the siege, might see the battle.

“Be of good cheer,” said the damsel Linet to Sir Beaumains, “for thy deadly enemy now cometh; and at yonder window is my lady and sister, Dame Lyones.”  “In good sooth,” said Sir Beaumains, “she is the fairest lady I have ever seen, and I would wish no better quarrel than to fight for her.”  With that, he looked up to the window, and saw the Lady Lyones, who waved her handkerchief to her sister and to him to cheer them.  Then called the Knight of the Redlands to Sir Beaumains, “Leave now thy gazing, Sir knight, and turn to me, for I warn thee that lady is mine.”  “She loveth none of thy fellowship,” he answered; “but know this, that I love her, and will rescue her from thee, or die.”  “Say ye so!” said the Red Knight.  “Take ye no warning from those knights that hang on yonder trees?” “For shame that thou so boastest!” said Sir Beaumains.  “Be sure that sight hath raised a hatred for thee that will not lightly be put out, and given me not fear, but rage.”  “Sir knight, defend thyself,” said the Knight of the Redlands, “for we will talk no longer.”