How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
Though still she stood right up, and never shrunk,
But spoke on bravely glorious lady fair!
Whatever tears her full lips may have drunk. (lines 55-57)
The narrator steps in here and praises Guenevere's brave appearance. But the narrator, too, emphasizes the difference between appearances and reality: he says she speaks "bravely," no matter how many tears she has really shed. In other words, her bravery might just be a front.
Quote #5
'Being such a lady could I weep these tears
If this were true? [...]' (lines 145-146)
Guenevere uses her appearance as part of her defense: she asks Gauwaine how she could appear to be so sorrowful, regretful, and ashamed if she were really guilty in truth.
Quote #6
'[...] my eyes
Wept all away to grey, may bring some sword
To drown you in your blood [...]' (lines 224-226)
Guenevere warns the knights in the courtroom that her beauty could still inspire someone to draw a sword and kick some butt on her behalf. Appearances are powerful in the world of this poem – what can we say?