1 Whilst there the varlet stood, he saw from far
varlet > knight's attendant; menial
2 An armed knight, that towards him fast ran: 3 He ran on foot, as if in luckless war 4 His forlorn steed from him the victor won;
forlorn > lost; hence: missing won > [had won]
5 He seemed breathless, heartless, faint, and wan, 6 And all his armour sprinkled was with blood, 7 And soiled with dirty gore, that no man can
that > [so that] can > could
8 Discern the hue thereof. He never stood,
hue > colour; appearance stood > [stopped]
9 But bent his hasty course towards the Idle Flood.
bent > directed Flood > Lake (catachr.)