I. iv Confusion

[gawainandthegreenknight]

There were lengthy looks as they beheld that lord,
For each man marvelled what it might mean
That a hero and horse should have such a hue
As green as the grass, and greener it seemed,
Glowing brighter than green enamel on gold.
All that stood there studied him as a hunter stalks,
With all the wonder in the world what he would do.
For many marvels they had seen, but never one such:
A phantom of Faery they thought it, and feared.
Therefore many an armsman was too awed to answer,
All were stunned at his voice's sound, and stood stone-still
In a sudden silence through the spacious hall
As if all were slipped into sleep, so slacked the noise
Away;
Not all, I think, for dread,
But some for courtesy,
To let their lord and head
Speak first, right fittingly.