“I know you by your noble reputation.
With due respect, I’ll speak with Arthur now.
And so I’ll say again: Where is your king?
Or is the coward hiding in the crowd?”
He held his head up high and peered around
from side to side, seeking the lord of the hall.
And Arthur stood and stepped down from the dais,
strode forth in front of Gawain, and met the green knight’s glare.
Face to face, they fixed their eyes on each other,
each man probing for proof of the other’s prowess.
Then the king’s countenance softened, and he said,
“I am the king of this court, and the head of this house.
Forgive my nephew Gawain—he speaks out of place.
Come, get off your horse and join this joyful feast.
Sit at my table and talk and indulge yourself.
Whatever it is you want will wait till later.”
Gawain, behind the king, hanging his head,
returned to his seat at the table, and sat
            in shame.
            Said Arthur to the knight,
            “Perhaps you crave a game?
            Or do you seek a fight?
            Come join us, all the same.”