mauler's (non-verse) translation:
7
Now will I tell you no more of the service,
For anyone would know that nothing was wanting.
Just then a strange and novel noise drew near
So that the lord might yet have leave to eat;
For the music had only just ceased a short while before
And the first course to the court was courteously served,
When there appears at the hall-door an eldritch horseman.
On the whole of the earth, the greatest in stature;
From neck to waste so hardy and so thick,
His legs and limbs so long and so broad
Half ettin in fact I believe that he was
But most among men I make him out to have been
And the handsomest for his height that could still ride a horse;
Though his back and his breast made his body seem mighty
His belly and waist were becomingly trim
And his features well formed, his figure
quite stunning.
But it was his hue men wondered at -
It shone from his comely visage,
He seemed such a warlike fellow,
But was entirely emerald green.
8
All outfitted in green this man and his gear:
A close fitting coat that clung to his sides
A fine mantle on top, lined within
With finely trimmed fur and resplendent fabrics,
With dazzling ermine, and a hood of the same,
That was lifted from his locks and laid on his shoulders;
Neatly hemmed hose of that same harvest green,
That clung to his calves; and shining spurs below
Of bright gold, upon silken socks stridently striped,
And bare soles under shanks, thus he rode shoeless.
And verily all his vesture was a brilliant verdure.
Both the gems on his belt and the other bright stones,
That were richly arrayed on his raiment resplendent
About his person and his saddle, upon embroidered silk.
It would be too tedious to tell of even half the trifles
That were embroidered all about, birds and butterflies,
Gaily and gaudily in gold over green.
The pectoral pendants, the stately crupper.
The studs and all the metal enameled,
Even the stirrups he stood in were stained the same green,
As was the cantle behind him and his princely skirts,
That ever glimmered and glinted with the green gems
And even his horse that same fine color,
you can be sure.
A green horse great and sturdy,
A headstrong steed to restrain,
Tugs at the braided bridle;
But is mastered by the man.
9
Quite gaily was this man geared in green,
And the hair on his head and his horse a perfect match.
Fair fanning locks enfold his shoulders
And a great bushy beard hangs over his breast
And like the handsome hair that hangs from his head,
Ended evenly just above his elbows,
Such that the upper half of his arms were hidden in the same way
As a king’s capados clasped at the neck;
The mane of his mighty horse was much the same,
Well curled and combed, with many a braid
Of fine gold filigree among the fair green,
A strand of gold for each strand of hair.
His tail and his top-knot were entwined the same way,
and both bound with a ribbon of bright green,
The length of his tail, adorned with precious stones,
And held aloft by a tightly tied thong,
From which many bright bells of burnished gold jingled.
In all the world, such a steed, nor such a strange rider,
Had ever been seen in such a setting before that time,
by mortal eyes.
He looked as nimble as lightening,
All that saw him said so;
It seemed as if no man might
Endure his mighty blows.
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