The following lines describe how the Green Knight is stunned that no one in the hall dares to accept his challenge. He is even angry that it's a pity that this court is granted its prestigious reputation. He then begins to speak sarcastically about what he has heard from far away lands the court's overwhelming reputation. But he is actually insulting the court as well as King Arthur:




"What, is this Arthur's house," said that horseman then,

"Whose fame is so fair in far realms and wide?

Where is now your arrogance and your awesome deeds,

Your valor and your victories and your vaunting words?

Now are the revel and renown of the Round Table

Overwhelmed with a word of one man's speech,

For all cover and quake, and no cut felt!"