'That is truth!' said Beaumains, laughing, as he dropped the point of his weapon. 'But, Sir Lancelot, it doth me good to feel your wondrous skill and the strength of your arm. Yet, my lord, I have not shown the uttermost of mine.' 'By my faith, I believe ye,' cried Sir Lancelot, 'for I should have much ado to keep myself from shameful defeat if you should really push me to the utmost. Therefore I say that you need not fear any earthly knight.' 'I thank you for your good words,' replied Beaumains. 'And do you think I may hope at any time to become a proved knight?' 'Fight as you have fought with me, and I have no doubt of you.' 'Then, I pray you, my lord,' said Beaumains, 'give me the order of knighthood.' 'Ere I do that, you must tell me your name and of what kin you were born,' replied Sir Lancelot. 'If you will promise to tell no one, I will reveal it.' Sir Lancelot gave his promise, and Beaumains, going closer, whispered some words into Sir Lancelot's ear. 'Ah, sir,' said Sir Lancelot, taking the young man's hand in his, 'I am glad I was not deceived. I knew you must come of great kin, and that you had not come to King Arthur for meat or drink. Kneel now, and I will make you knight.' So Beaumains knelt before Sir Lancelot, who lightly touched him on the shoulder with his sword, naming him knight. Thereupon they parted with many kind words, and Beaumains made haste to overtake the damsel, who had long since disappeared. As for Sir Kay, he was lifted upon Sir Lancelot's shield and taken back to the court, and there slowly he recovered of his wound. Men laughed him to scorn for the beating he had received from his own 'kitchen boy.' 'Lo,' said some, 'the proud knight went forth to cuff his own scullion, and the scullion beat him sore and took his weapons for spoil.' When Beaumains reached the side of the damsel, she pulled up her horse and turned upon him with flashing eyes and angry looks. 'What doest thou here?' she cried. 'Away from me--thou smellest of the kitchen, knave! Pah! thy clothes are foul with grease and tallow! Dost thou think to ride with me?' 'Lady,' said Beaumains, and he spoke full gently, 'my clothes may be smirched, but my arm, I trust, is as strong to defend you as any that is wrapped in silk.' 'Out upon thee, saucy churl!' she cried. 'Thinkest thou I should allow for that knight whom you thrust from his horse but now? Nay, not a whit do I, for thou didst strike him foully and like a coward! I know thee well, for Sir Kay named you. Beaumains you are, dainty of hands and of eating, like a spoilt page. Get thee gone, thou turner of spits and washer of greasy dishes!' But for all that she raved, Beaumains would not reply in angry words, though his heart burned within him. 'Damsel,' said he courteously, 'ye may say what ye will to me, but I will not go from you whatever you say. I have given my promise to King Arthur that I will achieve this adventure for you, and that will I do or die in the trial of it.'