But just then, loud and clear, a lone voice called
to the knight from among that merry crowd.
“Who are you, sir, who insults King Arthur’s court?
You ride here in our hall on your horse all high and mighty,
frightening these fine folk with your garish green,
and here you have the gall to call upon their king?”
The green horseman glowered over the crowd
to match that valiant voice to a man.
And the people parted in panic before him,
all those lords and ladies who stood where he stared.
But one man remained in the midst of the green knight’s glare;
he stepped forth unafraid to stand before him.
“You must be Arthur,” the horseman asserted.
“No,” said the noble knight. “My name is Sir Gawain.
Your turn: tell us, truly, who and what you are.
A ghoul of the forest? A phantom? A goblin?
What do they call you, and what uncouth king do you serve?”
The whole hall was hushed, awaiting an answer
            in silence.
            Anticipation reigned,
            and fear of sudden violence.
            The green knight gripped the reins,
            and then rejoined, “Your highness,