Sir Palamedes

XXXVI Ort, as Sir Palamedes went Upon the quest, he was aware Of some vast shadow subtly blent With his own shadow in the air. It had no shape, no voice had it Wherewith to daunt the eye or ear; Yet all the horror of the pit Clad it with all the arms of fear. Moreover, though he sought to scan Some feature, though he listened long, No shape of God or fiend or man, No whisper, groan, shriek, scream, or song Gave him to know it. Now it chanced One day Sir Palamedes rode Through a great wood whose leafage danced In the thin sunlight as it flowed From heaven. He halted in a glade, Bade his horse crop the tender grass; Put off his armour, softly laid Himself to sleep till noon should pass. 93