On the morning of the fourth day Sir Gawain left the castle gate
The lady of the castle waved him off biding him farewell.
Brave Gawain did not know if he would greet another morn but on he went to meet his fate.
The sun shone off the snow and all hushed and still , with God help he prayed all would go well!
After a long days ride Sir Gawain saw a little chapel come into view.
His spirits were low but he knew he had honour and truth on his side.
As the sun set he dismounted his steed , he knew what he had to do.
So he left his sword and shield by the chapel door and walked towards the alter , there was nowhere to hide.
There stood the Green Knight waiting in the gloom,he asked sir Gawain was he ready to meet his doom.
Gawain advanced toward the Green Knight, and went down on bended knee and removed his helmet
Offering his neck he waited for the blow, he hoped he could be brave enough, he feared that he might swoon.
The Green Knight raised the axe and as he brought it down she saw Sir Gawain flinch before his neck the blade met.
The Green Knight asked Sir Gawain if he was afraid, he then made fun of him calling him a maid.
Gawain then told the Green knight to get on with things and take his blow.
Then Knight then swung again and this time missed his mark. At this Sir Gawain, no longer afraid
Demanded that the Green Knight tarry no more . He shouted ” take your blow sir and let my blood flow!!”
So taking aim the Green Knight took a swing and came down hard and fast, but just barely glanced our brave Knight’s neck.
Sir Gawain could not understand how he was only grazed, he asked the Green Knight why he was still alive.
The Green Knight started laughing and suddenly he changed by magic fair or foul he had become Lord Betilak.
What is this wandered our brave hero, why was he here awake and alive.
The two knights left the chapel and to a near by lake, did walk
The Green Knight told Gawain it had all been just a test.
Devised by the old lady who had been at their first meeting , who had smiled at him but did not talk.
She was the witch Morgan Le Fay she had decided they would test Arthur’s Knights to see if any she could best!
Gawain was angry perhaps it was his pride
The Green Knight told him that his wife had been in on the trial
But Sir Gawain had resisted her however hard she’d tried.
You are an honourable knight sir I beg you lets part as friends said the Green knight with a smile..
So back to Arthur’s court a weary Gawain rode
He had many a tale to tell of the people he had met
On his journeying and those he had helped along the road.
Arthur was interested in Sir Gawain’s tale he was not surprised at his sisters’ part in the whole affair.
So now it is another Christmas tide for Arthur and his knights
Let us leave them for a while to their feasting and their fights!
willowdot21 
