Green Knight, page 2

Over tumbled holly stepped he
From the darkness to the light
From cold to firewarmth came the stranger
And grown men trembled at the sight

He was a huge thing, half a giant
As lived before the days of man
He led a horse with feet like platters
An axe was in his mighty hand

All the court stepped back in wonder
In wonder and a little fear
For the man was green as holly
Green of skin and clothes and hair

Green his cloak and green his surcoat
Green his belt with tassels gold
All stitched thick with silver figures
Of birds and beasts and runes of old

Welcome,
stranger, said King Arthur,
All are welcome to this hall
Tell this court your name and purpose --
What brings you to our New Year's ball?

The stranger's deep voice rattled rafters
And ruffled up the candlelight
In the roof vault the pennants twisted
And from their perches, hawks took flight

Men call me Knight of the Green Chapel
I have no need of Christian name
I travel all lands seeking honour
A knight who's equal to my game

What game is that? sneered Lancelot
Whatever game you play -- beware
For I am quick with sword and buckler
You will find your equal here

The Green Knight faced him down and rumbled
I do not come to duel or fight
But to take one blow without resisting
To lose my head this New Year's night

And in one year, at the moon's darkening
In one year, we'll make a trade --
Who kills me now must seek me out then
And bare his neck to my axe blade