They looked on that lord at length to observe him,
for each man marveled at what it might mean
that a horseman and horse might have such a color,
as green as the growing grass and greener, it seemed,
glowing like green enamel on gold and brighter.
They all stood and stared at him, stalking closer,
with all the wonder of the world at what he would do.
For they’d met many marvels, but none like this—
a phantom or fairy, as the folk there took it.
So the noble knights were nervous to answer,
but sat stone-still, all stunned by his voice,
in a swooned silence through the splendid hall;
as if they’d slipped into sleep, their speech subsided
            at once—
            not all, I think, out of fear,
            but courtesy for some—
            letting him whom all revere
            speak to the other one.