‘In good faith, it’s Gawain,’ said the God-fearing knight,

‘I heave this axe, and whatever happens after,

in twelvemonth’s time I’ll be struck in return

with any weapon you wish, and by you and you

alone.’

The other answers, says

‘Well, by my living bones,

I welcome you, Gawain,

to bring the blade-head home.’

‘Gawain,’ said the green knight, ‘By God, I’m glad 390

the favour I’ve called for will fall from your fist.

You’ve perfectly repeated the promise we’ve made

and the terms of the contest are crystal clear.

Except for one thing: you must solemnly swear

that you’ll seek me yourself; that you’ll search me out

to the ends of the earth to earn the same blow

as you’ll dole out today in this decorous hall.’

‘But where will you be? Where’s your abode?

You’re a man of mystery, as God is my maker.

Which court do you come from and what are you called? 400

There is knowledge I need, including your name,

then by wit I’ll work out the way to your door

and keep to our contract, so cross my heart.’

‘But enough at New Year. It needs nothing more,’

said the war-man in green to worthy Gawain.

‘I could tell you the truth once you’ve taken the blow;

if you smite me smartly I could spell out the facts

of my house and home and my name, if it helps,

then you’ll pay me a visit and vouch for our pact.

Or if I keep quiet you might cope much better, 410

loafing and lounging here, looking no further. But

you stall!

Now grasp that gruesome axe

and show your striking style.’

He answered, ‘Since you ask,’

and touched the tempered steel.

In the standing position he prepared to be struck,

bent forward, revealing a flash of green flesh

as he heaped his hair to the crown of his head,

the nape of his neck now naked and ready. 420

Gawain grips the axe and heaves it heavenwards,

plants his left foot firmly on the floor in front,

then swings it swiftly towards the bare skin.

The cleanness of the strike cleaved the spinal cord

and parted the fat and the flesh so far

that that bright steel blade took a bite from the floor.

The handsome head tumbles onto the earth

and the king’s men kick it as it clatters past.

Blood gutters brightly against his green gown,

yet the man doesn’t shudder or stagger or sink 430

but trudges towards them on those tree-trunk legs

and rummages around, reaches at their feet

and cops hold of his head and hoists it high,

and strides to his steed, snatches the bridle,

steps into the stirrup and swings into the saddle

still gripping his head by a handful of hair.

Then he settles himself in his seat with the ease

of a man unmarked, never mind being minus

his head!

And when he wheeled about 440

his bloody neck still bled.

His point was proved. The court