Read the excerpt from sir gawain and the green knight.
the king, bold by nature, went up to that huge man
and said, "knight, by heaven, your request is senseless.
what you ask is such madness you deserve to have it granted.
no knight i know is afraid of your great words.
give me your ax now, in the name of god,
and i shall grant the boon that you have requested.”
he strides toward him and grasps him by the hand.

which statement best describes the king’s actions?

a. he welcomes the knight with proper manners.
b. he shows strength in restraining the knight.
c. he asserts himself as a brave leader.
d. he forces the knight to surrender.