“By Heaven I’m happy, King Arthur,” said the green knight,
“that I shall have, under your hand, what I’ve sought here.
You’re aware of the rules, and you’re willing to play;
but you must swear to keep our covenant, sir:
a blow for a blow, by your binding oath.
So swear, in a year’s time, to seek me out yourself,
wherever you imagine I might be found,
to take one stroke in return for your strike today.”
“Name yourself, and say where you hail from,”
responded Arthur to the errant knight,
“and I shall track you down to take my due.”
“Nay,” said the knight, “my name can wait.
First let us get to the game—do your worst,
Arthur, and after your turn is over, I’ll tell you
my house and my home and my own name,
if I’m in any condition to do so;
and yet if I can’t, the better it’ll be for you,
for the game—and your obligations—will be over.
Now get!
Take up your weapon, man!
Let’s see how hard you hit.”
“You’ll feel how fierce I can,”
said Arthur, caressing the bit.