Title: The Faerie Queene — Volume 01
Author: Edmund Spenser
Release date: November 1, 2004 [eBook #6930]
Most recently updated: December 30, 2020
Language: English
Portions Copyright (C) 2004 by Jonathan Barnes
This is an electronic edition of Volume One of Edmund Spenser's Faerie Queene. You are encouraged to use and copy it.
The edition includes the following elements:
- an entirely new composite text, based on the edition of 1596 (the "Original Text")
- details of departures, or proposed departures, from the copy text (the "Textual Appendix")
- a modernized version of the Original Text (the "Shadow Text")
- definitions of difficult words and phrases in the Shadow Text (the "Glossary").
The Original Text was not scanned, but typed, and proofed against the
Scolar Press facsimile (see Bibliography). Editing took place between
November 1989 and July 1992, using EMACS.
Edition 10 (faeri10.txt) was prepared especially for Project Gutenberg in February 2003.
Thus edition (August 2004) corrects a few errors in the convention for italic type. A few definitions appearing in the wrong place have also been fixed, as have anomalous top-bit set characters in the Hales Biography, which has been reformatted to make it easier to read.
The edition is best viewed with a monospaced font. Plain ASCII text is used throughout. Accented, etc., characters are indicated by symbols contained in curly brackets, e.g.:
{e/} = lower-case e + acute accent (pointing up to right) {e\} = lower-case e + grave accent (pointing up to left) {o^} = lower-case o + circumflex accent {o"} = lower-case o + diaeresis mark {e~} = lower-case e + tilde {ae} = lower-case ae diphthong {Ae} = ae diphthong with initial capital {AE} = fully capitalized ae diphthong etc.
In this way all the characters of the 1596 edition have been shown except the long "s", which has been throughout converted to its modern equivalent. In Roman type, the long "s" most closely resembles a lower-case "f" lacking part of the crossbar. It is used in the copy-text in nearly all places where this edition has an ordinary lower-case "s", except at the ends of words and when preceding the letter "k". Using the oblique character in place of the long "s", then, the first lines of the poem read:
Lo I the man, who/e Mu/e whilome did maske,
As time her taught in lowly Shepheards weeds,
Am now enfor/t a far vnfitter taske,
For trumpets /terne to chaunge mine Oaten reeds …
These rules are on occasion broken, apparently by mistake. The long "s" does nothing to aid comprehension, and indeed causes problems, noted in the Textual Appendix: e.g. confusion between "besit" and "befit".
Special characters contained in the list of printers' contractions are noted in the preamble to that list.
Regions of text printed, or intended to be shown, in italic type are defined by underscores, thus: the second word is in italics.
Spenser's original text of The Faerie Queene is here described as "Spenser's Text" and is in the public domain. The biography by John W. Hales has passed out of copyright and was published by Messrs Macmillan. Copyright in all other parts of this edition, including editorial treatment of Spenser's Text, is reserved. You may not sell the whole or any part of this edition in any form whatsoever, nor may you supply it as an inducement to any party to purchase any product. Except for private study, you may not alter the text in any way.
This edition is supplied as is. No warranty of any description is given in relation to the edition. Time and care have gone into its preparation, but no guarantee of accuracy is implied or made.
In such a large work, despite the stringent and repeated manual and electronic checking that has been carried out, some errors are bound to have slipped through. Please tell me about any that you find. All readers' emendations will be gratefully acknowledged in future releases.
— Jonathan Barnes
jonathan.barnes[at]conexil.co.uk 20 August 2004
Main components:
Editor's Introduction
Abbreviations Used
List of Proper Nouns
Table of Contents of Volume I
Introductory Matter
Books I-III
Printer's Contractions
Bibliography
Biographical Material
The start of each of these is marked with the string "=>"
=> THE FAERIE QUEENE
Editor's Introduction
Acknowledgements
Purpose of the edition
The text of the poem
The form of the poem
The numbering system
How the Glossary works
The Textual Appendix
Suggestions for new readers
No endeavour of this kind would be possible without the work of previous editors and critics, and I offer thanks to all who have advanced our understanding of Spenser and his work. In particular the scholarship of Professor A. C. Hamilton has provided much enlightenment: his commentary (see Bibliography) is required reading for those who would explore the secret meanings of The Faerie Queene. To the compilers and publishers of the monumental Oxford English Dictionary I am deeply indebted. I wish also to acknowledge the assistance of the staff of the British Library, who kindly allowed me to consult copies of the original editions.
When reading a book such as The Faerie Queene, it is tempting to minimize the looking up of difficult words, which are often glossed, if at all, in the end pages. Although Spenser's use of certain words appears quaint and lumpish, the language is superficially modern enough to enable the reader to "get by". Yet such an approach can lead only to a faulty appreciation of the poem, and deprives one of much enchantment. Queen Elizabeth would have found nothing lumpish about the language: her only impatience might have been with Spenser's weakness for archaisms. To her, the FQ will have revealed Spenser's exact and liberal style in all its glory: his words almost always make perfect sense.
The purpose of this edition is to make the language of the poem readily accessible. Interruptions to consult separate dictionaries and so on are eliminated, preserving as far as possible the flow of reading and accelerating one's apprehension of the poem.
The sustained power and scope of Spenser's master-work, of his "sacred fury", comprise a feat unsurpassed in English literature. But, by its very nature, language changes with time, and access to Spenser's magic kingdom is becoming ever more difficult. I hope this edition provides a key.
No manuscript of The Faerie Queene is known; we depend for our text upon printed copies of the work.
The first of these appeared in 1590. It is a quarto edition, published by William Ponsonby, and contains Books I-III. The Registers of the Stationers' Company for 1589 include the following entry:
Primo Die Decembris.—Master Ponsonbye. Entered for his Copye a book intituled the fayre Queene, dyposed into xii. bookes &c. Aucthorysed vnder thandes of the Archb. of Canterbury & bothe the Wardens, vjd.
The date of Spenser's letter to Raleigh is 23 January 1589 (1590 New Style); the book itself appeared some time after 25 March. The text was indifferently proof-read, and a list of corrigenda (Faults Escaped in the Print) accompanies it. Moreover, there is variation between individual copies of the edition. Early copies contain only ten dedicatory sonnets, while later ones contain the full set of seventeen: for Spenser had made the signal blunder of omitting Lord Burleigh from the illustrious company of dedicatees. To confuse matters further, a few copies contain a mixture of pages from the original and revised versions.
The quarto edition of 1596 was also published by Ponsonby, and contains Books I-VI, variously bound into one or two volumes. Books I-III were completely reset, apparently not from the MS. but from a copy of 1590 heavily annotated by the author. Some, but not all, of the corrections listed in the Faults Escaped were incorporated in 1596. The end of Book III was changed, continuing rather than ending the story of Scudamour and Amoret. Spenser also added a new stanza at the beginning of Book I, Canto xi, rewrote some single lines, and made sundry adjustments to others. This process continued even as pages passed through the press, so that there is variation from copy to copy, made more complex by the mixing of sheets from different printings during binding. No single copy of 1596 can therefore be said to be definitive. 1596 does, however, have the advantage of Spenser's personal supervision, and for this reason it is chosen as the core of modern composite texts.
The third edition of The Faerie Queene was published by Mathew Lownes in 1609, ten years after Spenser's death. It is a folio edition, and contains not only Books I-VI but also two cantos "which, both for Forme and Matter, appeare to be parcell of some following Booke of the Faerie Queene, vnder the Legend of Constancie". This fragment comprises what are now called the "Mutability Cantos".
The edition of 1609 is fundamentally a reprint of 1596. There is reason to suspect that its editor was guided, at least in part, by some authorial source which has now been lost: an annotated copy of 1596, perhaps; or material found among the assorted papers of the Mutability Cantos.
1609 is a conscientious edition which often achieves a higher degree of consistency and intelligibility than 1596 itself, although it is plain that a more modern hand than Spenser's is responsible for many of its emendations: the punctuation, for example, though often more logical, is blander than that of the editions produced in Spenser's lifetime. Furthermore, the editor of 1609 virtually ignores 1590, even though knowledge of that text is often essential for filling in the gaps left by errors in 1596.
The editions of 1611 onwards throw little light on problems raised by the three former editions.
A modern editor, then, must go to three different sources in order to assemble a text which tries to do justice to Spenser's original intention.
The copy-text for this edition is the facsimile published in 1976 by Scolar Press (see Bibliography).
The basic unit of the poem is a verse or stanza made up of nine lines. This "Spenserian stanza", much imitated (for example, by Byron), is Spenser's own invention. Typically, it consists of eight pentameters and a final alexandrine. Lines are sometimes short or long, on occasion perhaps through typographical error (see for example II iii 26.9), but at other times for deliberate effect (e.g. III iv 39.7, IV i 3).
The rhyming scheme is generally ababbcbcc, though this too is subject to change, whether by authorial oversight or authorial intention (e.g. II ii 7, VII vii 28).
The stanzas are not numbered in the original editions.
Between 30 and 87 stanzas comprise a canto (Italian, "song"), a term borrowed from Lodovico Ariosto, the Italian poet, whose work influenced Spenser.
A canto is preceded by a four-line verse called an argument. This summarizes what follows, often with particular emphasis on its allegorical meaning. The metre of the argument is that of the Book of Common Prayer.
Each complete book is introduced by a proem, a group of between four and eleven stanzas preceding the argument of Canto i.
Twelve cantos comprise a book. Book VII is incomplete.
Spenser's stated plan was to write twelve books, one on each of the twelve moral or private virtues; it is not known whether he composed any more of The Faerie Queene than has survived. The Faerie Queene was to have been followed by another epic poem of twelve more books, one on each of the political or public virtues. No trace of this work has ever been found.
The Shadow Text is intended as no more than a lowly companion to the original. It makes no attempt to preserve metre or rhyme, but renders a prosaic version, unifying the spelling in order to make the meaning easier to understand.
I have altered the punctuation for the shadow version, though not without trepidation. My aim has been to make crystal clear the mechanical sense expressed by each stanza, but quite often this is impossible. For one thing, the original pointing, rather than being used strictly logically, may also influence the rhythm or emphasis of the words when spoken (and The Faerie Queene is a poem which should be read aloud—although perhaps not in its entirety!—to be fully appreciated). For another, the functions of the punctuation marks themselves have undergone change since Spenser's day. The semicolon, for example, is found in FQ introducing direct speech, where today a comma or a colon would be used. Again, the comma is often required to carry long parentheses, themselves sprinkled with commas; these passages can become very confusing, especially where Spenser has also adopted a contorted and latinistic word-order.
Then there are problems introduced by deliberately ambiguous pointing. Spenser's immense command of the language, and his quicksilver gift for wordplay and puns, allow him, when he chooses, to pack great complexities of meaning into a line or even a single word, and in this his punctuation is frequently his accomplice.
A famous example comes right at the beginning of Book I:
But on his brest a bloudie Crosse he bore,
The deare remembrance of his dying Lord,
For whose sweete sake that glorious badge he wore,
And dead as liuing euer him ador'd:
Is the meaning of line 4: "dead, as living, ever him adored", or: "dead, as living ever, him adored"? In fact, both meanings are probably intended.
Thus it cannot be overemphasized that, where ambiguity is occasioned by the punctuation of the original, the Shadow Text can do no more than propose what seems to me the more or most likely interpretation. Sometimes (as in the case cited above) I suggest alternatives, but the pointing of the original poem should always be given precedence in case of doubt.
The Glossary does not seek to interpret the poem. From time to time it hints at what lies behind the bare words in order to aid understanding, but its sole purpose is to make the language more accessible to the modern reader. Interpretation is left to the teacher, and to the large and growing body of criticism devoted to The Faerie Queene.
In the Glossary and Textual Appendix, references to parts of the poem are given in the condensed form BCN.SN, where B = book number (from 1 to 7), CN = canto number (from 01 to 12; canto 00 is the proem), and SN = stanza number (from 1 to a maximum of 87; stanza 0 is the argument).
If a line within a stanza needs to be specified, it is preceded by a colon. Ranges of cantos, stanzas, or lines are indicated by a dash.
For example:
401.31 Book IV, Canto i, stanza 31 611.11:3 Book VI, Canto xi, stanza 11, line 3 503.2-9 Book V, Canto iii, stanzas 2 to 9 503-4 Book V, Cantos iii-iv 207.0 Book II, Canto vii, Argument 100.3 Book I, Proem, stanza 3 500.1:2-4 Book V, Proem, stanza 1, lines 2-4
In addition, a line of the Introductory Matter is specified by its number, preceded by a colon and a capital "I". For example, "I:123" refers to line 123 in the Introductory Matter.
Entries relating to each line of Shadow Text are shown below that line. In cases where a glossed word appears more than once in a line, plus signs are used if necessary to highlight the particular word being glossed. For example, in the line:
Till some end they find, +or+ in or out,
it is the first "or" which is glossed.
Editorial policy in the Glossary is as follows. Words which appear in modern concise dictionaries and whose meanings are unchanged are rarely glossed. The reader is expected to understand words such as "quoth", "hither", and "aught" in their modern senses. Where an apparently modern form has a different contextual meaning, it is glossed; and where the modern sense is also to be understood, this is included in the definition. Similar senses are grouped with commas; changes in sense are indicated by semicolons. For example:
sad > heavy, heavily laden; sad
The commoner obsolete forms have been silently converted: "thee" to "you", "dost" to "does", "mought" to "might", "whenas" to "when", and so on. Others (generally speaking, those less common words sufficiently distinct from their modern counterparts to merit a separate entry in the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary) have been unified to the spelling preferred by that and its parent dictionary. This should allow the reader, during very close scrutiny of any passage, quickly to find any of Spenser's words in the OED.
All the Glossary entries are context-sensitive: Spenser often uses the same word in several different ways. Thus no single Glossary entry should be taken as generally definitive.
Types of entry
(a) Translations
An entry not enclosed in brackets should be read as a straight translation of the quoted text which can be directly substituted for it.
For example, in stanza 1 of the proem to Book I, line 1:
whilom > formerly
Line 1 can thus be understood to mean:
Lo I, the man whose Muse formerly did mask
Very often, additional meanings are given in such definitions:
weeds > clothes, garb
These additional meanings may complement one another, indicating the hybrid sense which seems to be required, or they may constitute a set of alternative meanings, any or all of which may have been intended by Spenser. Each entry in any unbracketed list may always be substituted for the original without disturbing the syntax.
Similar senses are grouped with commas; changes in sense are indicated with semicolons. For example:
gentle > noble; courteous, generous
In this case, an apparently modern form has a different contextual meaning, and so it is glossed; and when the modern sense is also to be understood, this is included in the definition:
dull > dull, lacklustre; blunt
Where the contrast between alternatives is particularly great, words are separated by or, also, etc.
Sometimes the meaning is forced or metaphorical. In these cases the straight "dictionary" meaning of the word is given first, and hence, thus, or so are used to indicate contextual departure from this. For example:
style > literary composition; hence: poem, song (cf. SC,
"Januarie", 10)
In this example, parenthesized editorial comment has also been included.
Editorial comment in entries of this class is either enclosed in round brackets, as above, or set in "italic" type, as in this entry:
bale > torment; infliction of death; also, mainly in northern
usage: great consuming fire, funeral pyre; hence,
perhaps: hell-fire
A question-mark, as may be expected, indicates doubt, usually about words which are not found in the OED but whose meaning might be inferred from the context. For example:
mill > ?mill-wheel; ?cogs of the mill (or because the sallow grows by water)
(b) Definitions
An entry in curly brackets should be read as a dictionary definition of the quoted text which cannot be directly fitted into the syntax of the original line. For example:
scrine > {Casket or cabinet for archival papers}
(c) Notes
Entries in round brackets should be read as if they were footnotes, typically giving background information or editorial speculation. For example:
Muse > (The nine Muses are usually represented as the daughters of Jupiter and Mnemosyne (Memory); each goddess presides over an area of the arts and sciences and gives inspiration to its practitioners)
and:
chief > chief, first; best (here Spenser is addressing either Clio, the Muse of history, or Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry; probably Clio. Clio is the first of the nine Muses in Hesiod's Theogony, and is usually represented with an open roll of paper or a chest of books. Spenser calls her "thou eldest Sister of the crew" at TM 53. See 111.5:6- 8, 303.4:6, 706.37:9, 707.1:1)
It should be added that on occasion the distinction between a "note", requiring round brackets, and a "definition", requiring curly brackets, is somewhat moot.
(d) Hints and expansions
Entries in square brackets are hints or expansions to make the quoted text more intelligible, and can be thought of as being preceded by the qualifications "that is", "in other words", or "what Spenser appears to mean is". For example:
in his help > [to help him; in his armoury]
Such entries can be mentally substituted for the quoted word or phrase in order to aid comprehension.
Sometimes square brackets are employed in other sorts of definitions to indicate words which should be understood. For example:
mask > {Disguise [herself]; take part in a masque or masquerade}
and:
time > [her] term of apprenticeship
(e) Explanations of character-names
Most of the names of major characters in the poem have special meanings. These are briefly explained as follows:
Archimago > "Arch Mage", "Arch Magician"
Sometimes there is a qualifying parenthesis giving information on the etymology or adding comment:
Una > "One" (Latin; she is the sole Truth)
Character-names from the poem and from classical mythology are typically explained once only, on their first occurrence. If you encounter a name which is not defined, then it has appeared somewhere before. The list of proper nouns will quickly help you to find it.
A textual appendix, detailing actual or proposed departures from the copy-text, is incorporated. The Textual Appendix records:
(a) obvious misprints;
(b) lections from 1590 or 1609 which seem preferable;
(c) lections from 1590 or 1609 which throw light on the spelling,
punctuation or sense of 1596;
(d) illuminating conjectures or suggestions made by Spenserian
scholars and editors.
The four main sources for the text are quoted as follows:
1590: the 1590 quarto edition (Books I-III) 1596: the 1596 quarto edition (Books I-VI) 1609: the 1609 folio edition (Books I-VII) FE: the corrigenda (Faults Escaped in the Print) which accompany 1590 (Books I-III)
In the Textual Appendix, all original text is shown in "roman" type, except where it occurs in italic type in the sources. All editorial comment in the Textual Appendix is shown in "italic" type.
Examples
(a) Departures from the text of 1596
Elfe > Elfe, 1596
The lection from 1590 and 1609 is to be preferred, since 1596 (with an extraneous comma) appears to be in error.
sawe > saw 1596, 1609
The lection from 1590 is to be preferred.
there > their 1590, 1596
The lection from 1609 is to be preferred.
that > omitted from 1596
The word has been supplied from the lection of 1590 and 1609.
who > omitted from 1596 and 1609
The word has been supplied from 1590.
has > omitted from 1590 and 1596
The word has been supplied from 1609.
wite > wote 1590 etc.; this correction is generally agreed.
All three editions contain a blatant error, which has been corrected by editorial conjecture.
those > these 1590 etc.: FE
All three editions are in error and the word has been supplied from FE.
Harrow > Horrow 1590, 1596: FE
The error occurs in 1590 and 1596, and was corrected in 1609 from
FE.
(b) Variants on the text of 1596
in her sight > to her might 1590
The variant occurs in 1590, but not in 1596 or 1609.
traile > trayle 1609
The variant occurs in 1609, but not in 1590 or 1596.
fair > fayre, 1590; Faire 1609
These two variants occur in 1590 and 1609, so that the word in question is different in all three editions.
hand > hond sugg. Morris
Morris (see Bibliography) suggested this alternative to the given text.
So that any reader will be able to start anywhere and understand any stanza immediately, I have glossed even the common archaisms throughout (e.g. "gan", "eftsoons", "wont"). Occasionally, however, as with "squire", or "palmer", or "foster", when repetitious glossing would be locally irritating, I have glossed the word once or twice only at the beginning of each canto. Thus it is possible that you will alight somewhere and find an unknown word unglossed.
If this should happen, you will almost certainly be able to find the word glossed in at least one other place earlier in the canto. Or, if it is does not seem to be glossed at all, you will find it in any competent concise English dictionary.
Readers who are new to The Faerie Queene and who are working without the help of a teacher may be daunted by its sheer size. Such readers are invited to sample some of the poem before deciding to embark on a detailed reading.
If you are at present unfamiliar with Elizabethan spelling and usage, I recommend that, in the beginning, you read each stanza first in the Shadow Text, just to get the mechanical meaning. Then go to the original and read that, for its structure, for its rhythm and its music, and to absorb the idiom of the language. After a short while you will be able to read the Original Text immediately, referring to the Shadow Text only when difficulty is encountered.
The following passages provide a brief survey of the variety of
Spenser's style.
101. The sequence in Error's den (101.11-27) is perhaps the most crudely allegorical in the FQ, and shows signs of having been drafted before Spenser hit upon his "dark conceit". None the less, the whole of this canto should be read as an introduction to the poem. Stanzas 39-41 are especially beautiful.
102.15-19. The first of many titanic battles between armed knights.
103.0-9. Una finds her champion in the gentle lion.
104.17-36. Spenser's rendition of the Seven Deadly Sins is grotesquely medieval in tone.
105.19-28. The goddess Night prepares to descend into hell. The quality of Spenser's imagination defeats what may have been his original intention to produce a pastiche here. For example, the choice of the word "tarre" at 105.28:8 evinces artistry of the highest order.
107.1-7. The Redcross Knight brought low. You are challenged not to want to continue reading this canto!
107.38-41. Prince Arthur's "goodly reason, and well guided speach".
108.45-50. The spoiling of Duessa.
109.35-54. The counsel of Despair. The central stanzas are often quoted out of context; 109.40 was raided by Joseph Conrad for his epitaph.
111.8-55. The Redcross Knight slays the dragon.
112.9-11. Spenser's sense of humour, at its most savage in Book III, here shows a gentler face.
204.16-32. The confession of Phedon. Spenser's handling of this old story is both vivid and economical.
205.28-34. Cymochles in the Bower of Bliss. The sensuousness of the poet's imagination is still, unbelievably, developing, and has yet further to go.
207. Mammon's cave. One of Milton's favourite cantos. The word-picture of Mammon himself (207.3-4) is quite superb.
210.7-11. The long chronicle of Britain, often dismissed as tedious, nevertheless contains many striking images. See the potted King Lear at 210.27-32.
212.30-33. Guyon tempted by the mermaids. The whole of this canto is recommended to the new reader; see especially 212.42-45, 212.58-82.
301.20-30. Britomart rescues the Redcross Knight.
302.17-27. Britomart falls for Arthegall.
304.17 is one of the most graphic stanzas in the FQ. Cymodoce's grief, 304.29-39, is wonderfully portrayed.
305.41-48. Timias's love for Belphoebe.
308.0-19. The Snowy Florimell. This is just a specimen: cantos 308-310 are mercilessly funny.
311.47-49. The image of Cupid, quite different in conception from Venus's "little sonne" of 306.11 ff.
312.1-27. The Masque of Cupid.
If your interest has been now been aroused, I suggest you read the Letter to Raleigh before venturing on your journey through the landscape of The Faerie Queene.
You will find there a spacious playground for the mind. Its knights and ladies, dragons and satyrs, forests and castles, seem at first to be those of fantasy. Yet the FQ is by no means an exercise in escapism. Even incomplete, it triumphantly succeeds in Spenser's declared intention of fashioning a "noble person in vertuous and gentle discipline".
=> ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE GLOSSARY AND TEXTUAL APPENDIX
adj. adjective, adjectival, adjectivally adv. adverb, adverbial, adverbially Aen. Aeneid (Virgil) app. apparently BC before Christ c. circa, about catachr. catachresis, catachrestic, catachrestically CC Colin Clouts Come Home Againe (Spenser) cf. compare Col. Colossians conj. conjectured by corr. corrected by Dan. Daniel DGDG De Genealogia Deorum Gentilium (Boccaccio) Deut. Deuteronomy dub. dubitative, dubitatively Eccl. Ecclesiastes Ephes. Ephesians erron. erroneous, erroneously esp. especial, especially et seq. and the following words, passages euphem. euphemism, euphemistic, euphemistically Exod. Exodus Ezek. Ezekiel ff. following, et. seq. fig. figurative, figuratively fl. floruit (indicating the period during which a person "flourished" FQ The Faerie Queene Gal. Galatians Gen. Genesis GL Gerusalemme Liberata (Tasso) Heb. Hebrews Hos. Hosea HRB Historia Regum Britanniae (Geoffrey of Monmouth) Hubberd Mother Hubberds Tale (Spenser) intr. intransitive, intransitively Isa. Isaiah Josh. Joshua Judg. Judges lit. literal, literally LR Spenser's letter to Raleigh (see Introductory Matter) Matt. Matthew Met. Metamorphoses (Ovid) Myth. Mythologiae (Comes) Odes Odes (Ovid) OE Old English OED Oxford English Dictionary, 1989 edition OF Orlando Furioso (Ariosto) OFr Old French PL Paradise Lost (Milton) ppl. past participle prep. preposition, prepositional, prepositionally Ps. Psalms refl. reflexive, reflexively Rev. Revelation Rinaldo Rinaldo (Tasso) Rom. Romans RR Ruines of Rome (Spenser) sb. substantive, substantival, substantivally SC The Shepheardes Calender (Spenser) Song Sol. Song of Solomon sp., spp. species SU sense unique (i.e. this sense is found only here) SUFQ sense unique to FQ sugg. suggested by SUS sense unique to Spenser TM Teares of the Muses (Spenser) trans. transitive, transitively usu. usually Var. the variorum edition of Spenser's works (see Bibliography) vb. verb WU word unique (i.e. this word is found only here) WUFQ word unique to FQ WUS word unique to Spenser
=> PROPER NOUNS
The proper nouns in Books I-III (excluding the Introductory Matter) are catalogued here. The spellings given are those used in the Shadow Text. If the proper noun is glossed, reference to the stanza or stanzas containing the glossary entry or entries is given; otherwise, the stanza where the proper noun first occurs is noted.
The list has been extended to include characters who are not actually named. Entries for such characters begin with a lower- case letter. For example, Una's dwarf is listed as: dwarf [Una's].
The categories are as follows:
<MR> masculine character in history (i.e. a real person) <FR> feminine character in history <NR> neuter or animal character in history
<MM> masculine character in mythology <FM> feminine character in mythology <NM> neuter or animal character in mythology
<MB> masculine character in Bible <FB> feminine character in Bible
<MQ> masculine character unique to FQ <FQ> feminine character unique to FQ <NQ> neuter or animal character unique to FQ
<PQ> personification in FQ (e.g. Wrath, Despair) <PX> personification in general use (e.g. Nature, Time)
<LR> real place <LM> locus in mythology <LB> locus in Bible <LQ> locus in FQ
<XP> tribes, nations, peoples, or individuals of these (e.g. Briton)
<XX> not classified
<M any masculine character <F any feminine character <N any neuter or animal character <L any locus R> any historical character or real place M> any character or locus in mythology B> any character or locus in the Bible Q> any locus, character, or personification unique to FQ
<FQ> Abessa 103.18 <LR> Abus 210.16 <LM> Acheron 105.33 <MM> Achilles I:330, 302.25 <MM> Acontius 207.55 <FQ> Acrasia (Pleasure) 201.51, 301.2 <MQ> Acrates 204.41 <MB> Adam 210.50 <MM> Admetus 311.39 <MM> Adonis 301.34, 306.0 <LR> Adrian Gulf [Adriatic Sea] 207.14 <LR> Aegean 307.26 <FM> Aegeria 210.42 <FM> Aegina 311.35 <MM> Aeneas I:83 <MM> Aeolus (1) 107.9 <MM> Aeolus (2) 311.42 <MM> Aesculapius 105.36 <LR> African Ismael 303.6 <MM> Aganippus 210.29 <MM> Agdistes (Genius) 212.48 <MM> Aidan [Adin] 303.37 <LR> Alba [Alba Longa] <MM> Albanact 210.14 <LR> Albania 210.29 <LR> Albion (1) 210.6 <MM> Albion (2) 210.11 <MM> Alcides (Hercules) 107.17 <LR> Alcluith 210.63 <FM> Alcmene 311.33 <XX> Aldebaran 103.16 <MR> Alexander 209.45 <MR> Allectus 210.57 <LR> Allen [the Bog of Allen, in Ireland] 209.16 <FQ> Alma (Temperance) 209.0 <XX> Amarant 306.45 <FQ> Amavia 201.0 <LR> Amazon 200.2 <PQ> Ambition 207.46 <MR> Ambrosius 210.67 <PQ> Amendment 110.26 <LR> America 210.72 <MM> Amintas 306.45 <MM> Ammon 105.48 <FQ> Amoret 306.0 <FQ> Amphisa 306.4 <MQ> Anamnestes 209.58 <MM> Anchises 309.41 <MM> Androgeus 210.46 <MQ> angel [watching over Guyon] 208.3 <FM> Angela 303.56 <PQ> Anger 312.25 <XP> Angles 303.56 <PQ> Annoyance 304.55 <MR> Antiochus 105.47 <FM> Antiope 311.35 <XX> Antiquity of Faery Land 209.60 <MR> Antonius 105.49 <MM> Apollo 105.43, 304.41 <PQ> Appetite 209.28 <LR> Arabia 105.4 <FM> Arachne 207.28 <MQ> Archimago (Hypocrisy) 101.43, 304.45 <FQ> Argante 307.47 <XX> Argo 212.44 <MM> Argus 104.17, 309.7 <MQ> armed knight [Sir Ferraugh] 308.15 <LR> Armorica 303.41 <FM> Arne 311.42 <LR> Arras 301.34 <MQ> Artegall 209.6, 302.0 <MM> Arthgallo 210.44 <MM> Arthur 107.0 <MM> Arviragus 210.51 <MM> Asclepiodotus 210.50 <LR> Asia 309.39 <MM> Assaracus 209.56 <FM> Asteria 311.34 <FM> Atalanta 207.54 <FM> Ate 207.55 <LR> Athens 210.25 <MQ> Atin 204.42 <MM> Atlas 207.54 <MR> Augustine 303.35 <MR> Aurelius 210.67 <FM> Aurora 104.16, 310.1 <PQ> Avarice 104.27 <XX> Ave 103.13 <XX> Ave Maria 101.35 <LM> Avernus 105.31 <MM> Aveugle 105.23 <LB> Babel 209.21 <LR> Babylon 105.47 <MQ> Bacchante 301.45 <MM> Bacchus (Lyaeus) 106.15 <LR> Bangor 303.35 <LR> Barry 303.8 <MQ> Basciante 301.45 <LR> Bath (Caer-badus) 111.30 <MQ> beadmen 110.36 <MM> Belinus 210.40 <FQ> Belphoebe 203.0 <FM> Biblis 302.41 <FM> Bisaltis 311.41 <MM> Bladud 303.60 <FR> Boadicea 210.54 <MM> Boreas 102.33 <LQ> Bower of Bliss 201.51 <MQ> Braggadocchio 203.0 <MM> Brennus 210.40 <LR> Britain 110.65 <FQ> Britomart 301.0 <XP> Briton 111.7 <XX> Briton Moniments 209.59 <XP> Britoness 301.58 <MM> Brocmail [Brockwell] 303.35 <MM> Brunchild 210.24 <MM> Brutus 210.9 <MQ> Busirane 311.0 <MR> Cadmus 209.45 <MR> Cador 303.27 <XX> Caduceus 212.41 <MM> Cadwallader 303.40 <MM> Cadwalla [Cadwallin] 303.36 <MM> Cadwan 303.35 <FM> Caecily 210.34 <FQ> Caelia 110.4 <LR> Caer-badus (Bath) 210.26 <LR> Caer-lion 210.25 <LR> Caer-merdin (Maridunum) 303.7 <LR> Caer-verulam [St Albans] 303.52 <MR> Caesar [Gaius Julius Caesar] 105.49 <MQ> Calidore 308.28 <MM> Camber 210.14 <LR> Cambria 210.29 <FM> Camilla 304.2 <LR> Cantium (Canutium, Kent) 210.12 <MM> Canute 210.11 <LR> Canutium (Cantium, Kent) <MM> Carados 303.55 <MR> Carausius 210.57 <PQ> Care 101.40; ?another? at 312.25 <MM> Careticus 303.33 <LR> Carlisle 210.25 <LR> Caspian 207.14 <MM> Cassibellaun 210.47 <FM> Cassiopeia 103.16 <LQ> Castle Joyeous 301.20 <FM> Celeno 207.23 <LR> Celtic mainland 210.5 <LR> Celtica 210.29 <NM> Centaur 210.29 <MM> Cephissus 302.44 <LR> Cephisus 111.30 <NM> Cerberus 105.34 <FM> Ceres 301.51 <PQ> Change 312.25 <NM> Chanticleer 102.1 <FM> Chaos 306.36 <FQ> Charissa 110.4 <MB> Christ (Saviour, Redeemer) 210.53 <XX> Christianity 210.53 <XX> Christians 108.36 <FQ> Chrysogone 306.4 <XX> Church 303.34 <FQ> Claribella 204.26 <MR> Claudius 210.51 <FR> Cleopatra 105.50 <LQ> Cleopolis 107.46 <FM> Clio 304.4 <FM> Clymene 311.38 <LR> Cnidus 306.29 <LM> Cocytus 101.37 <MM> Coel 210.58 <MM> Coillus 210.53 <LR> Colchester 210.58 <FQ> Columbell 307.51 <PQ> Concoction 209.31 <MR> Constantine (1) 210.60 <MM> Constantine (2) 303.29 <MR> Constantius 210.59 <PQ> Contemplation 110.46 <MQ> Coradin 204.36 <FQ> Corceca (Devotion) 103.18 <FM> Cordelia 210.28 <MM> Corineus 210.10 <LR> Cornewaile (Cornwall) 210.12 <FM> Coronis 311.37 <MM> Coulin 210.11 <PQ> Covetise 105.46 <FM> Creusa 212.45 <MR> Critias 207.52 <MR> Croesus 105.47 <PQ> Cruelty 312.19 <MM> Cunedagius 210.33 <MM> Cupid (Love) 110.30 <FM> Cybele 106.15 <MM> Cymbeline 210.50 <LR> Cymbrian plain 108.11 <MQ> Cymochles 204.41 <FM> Cymodoce 304.19 <FM> Cynthia (Diana, Lucina, Phoebe) 101.39, 107.34, 300.4 <LR> Cynthus 203.31 <MM> Cyparissus 106.17 <FM> Cytherea (Venus, Dame Pleasure) 306.20 <LR> Cytheron 306.29 <FM> Dame Pleasure (Venus, Cytherea) 101.47 <FM> Danae 311.31 <PQ> Danger 312.11 <MM> Danius 210.43 <FM> Daphne 212.52, 311.36 <MM> Day (Phoebus, Light) 302.48 <PQ> Death 206.44 <MM> Debon 210.11 <FB> Deborah 304.2 <PQ> Deceit 105.26 <LR> Dee 303.35 <LR> Dehenbarth (South Wales) 302.18 <LR> Dell 210.24 <LR> Delos 212.13 <MM> Demogorgon 105.22 <LR> Denmark 210.41 <PQ> Desire 312.9 <PQ> Despair 109.0 <FQ> Despite 204.41 <MM> Deucalion 311.42 <LR> Devonshire 210.12 <FQ> Devotion (Corceca) 103.0 <FM> Diana (Cynthia, Lucina, Phoebe) 105.39 <PQ> Diet 209.27 <PQ> Digestion 209.31 <MR> Diocletian 210.8 <PQ> Disdain 207.41 <PQ> Disloyalty 312.25 <PQ> Displeasure 312.18 <PQ> Dissemblance 312.14 <PQ> Doubt 312.10 <NQ> dragon (Satan, Prince of Darkness) 101.3 <PQ> Dread 312.25 <PQ> Dread-of-Heavenly-Vengeance 312.25 <FM> Dryope 106.15 <FQ> Duessa (Fidessa, Falsehood) 102.34, 301.0 <MQ> Dumarin 304.19 <MR> Dunwallo 210.40 <MQ> dwarf [Florimell's; named at 502.3:1] 305.3 <MQ> dwarf [Una's] 101.6 <LR> Dynevor 303.8 <FM> Earth 107.9 <PQ> Ease 312.4 <LR> Easterland [Norway] 210.41 <XP> Easterlings 210.63 <MM> Ebraucus 210.21 <LB> Eden 112.26 <MM> Edwin 303.36 <MQ> Elf 210.71 <MQ> Elfant 210.73 <MQ> Elfar 210.73 <MQ> Elferon 210.75 <MQ> Elficleos 210.75 <MQ> Elfiline 210.72 <MQ> Elfin 210.72 <MQ> Elfinan 210.72 <MQ> Elfinell 210.73 <MQ> Elfinor 210.73 <MM> Elidure 210.44 <FQ> Elissa 202.35 <LR> Elversham 210.24 <XP> Elves 303.26 <FR> Emmilen 303.54 <MM> Enceladus 309.22 <LR> England 110.61 <PQ> Envy 104.30 <MR> Eosa [Oza] 303.52 <MM> Erebus 204.41, 304.55 <FM> Erigone 311.43 <FM> Erinnys 202.29 <FQ> Errant Damsel (Una, Truth) 201.19 <NQ> Error 101.0 <LR> Esquiline 209.32 <LR> Estham Bruges 210.24 <FM> Estrildis 210.17 <MM> Eternity 204.41 <MM> Ethelfrid [Etheldred] 303.35 <LR> Etna (Mongiball) 111.44, 208.20, 302.32 <MM> Euboean young man [Melanion, also called Hippomenes] 207.54 <MQ> Eumnestes 209.58 <LR> Euphrates 107.43 <FM> Europa 311.30 <LR> Eurotas 203.31 <LR> Euxine seas [Euxinus] 212.44 <PQ> Excess 212.57 <XP> Faery 100.2 <FQ> Faery Queen (Gloriana, Queen of Faery, Queen of Faeries) 107.36 <FQ> Falsehood (Duessa, Fidessa) 102.0 <PQ> Fancy 312.7 <FM> Fates 107.22 <MM> Faunus 202.7 <PQ> Fear 207.22 <MM> Ferrex 210.34 <MQ> Ferryman, The 211.4 <FQ> Fidelia 110.4 <FQ> Fidessa (Duessa, Falsehood) 102.26 <MQ> fisher [the fisherman who violates Florimell] 307.27 <FM> Flora 101.48 <FQ> Florimell 301.0 <MQ> foster 301.17 <MQ> Fradubio 102.33 <FQ> Fraelissa 102.37 <LR> France 210.22 <MM> Fulgenius 210.57 <FM> Furies 103.36 <PQ> Furor 204.0 <PQ> Fury 312.17 <MQ> Gardante 301.45 <LQ> Garden of Adonis 210.71, 306.29 <MM> Genius (Agdistes) 212.47 <MQ> Genius [at Garden of Adonis] 306.31 <FM> Genuissa 210.52 <MM> George (Redcross, Georgos) 102.11 <MQ> Georgos (Redcross, George) 110.66 <LR> Germany 210.22 <MM> Giants 309.22 <LB> Gihon 107.43 <LR> Glamorgan 210.33 <FQ> Glauce 302.30 <FQ> Gloriana (Faery Queen, Queen of Faery, Queen of Faeries) 210.0 <PQ> Gluttony 104.21 <XX> God (great King, heaven's King) 101.13 <MM> Godmer 210.11 <MM> Goemagot 210.10 <FM> Goneril 210.28 <MM> Gorboduc 210.34 <MM> Gorbonian 210.44 <MM> Gorgon 101.37 <FM> Gorgons 309.22 <MM> Gorlois 303.27 <MM> Gormund 303.33 <FM> Graces 101.48, 203.25, 208.6, 306.2 <MR> Gratian 210.61 <XX> great King (God, heaven's King) 110.55 <LR> Greece 105.4 <XP> Greeks 103.21, 207.55 <PQ> Grief 310.55 <MR> Griffith ap Cynan 303.45 <MQ> Grill 212.86 <FM> Guendolen 303.54 <MM> Guithelin 210.42 <LQ> Gulf of Greediness 212.3 <MM> Gurgiunt 210.41 <MM> Gurgustius 210.34 <MQ> Guyon 200.5 <LR> Haemus 309.22 <LR> Haina 210.24 <LR> Hainaut 210.21 <MR> Hannibal 105.49 <PQ> Hate 207.22 <XX> heaven's King (God, great King) 110.36 <LM> Heavenfield 303.38 <LR> Hebrus 111.30 <FM> Hecate 101.43 <MM> Hector 209.45 <FM> Helen 207.55 <FM> Helena 210.59 <MM> Heli 210.45 <FM> Heliconian maids (Muse) 100.1 <FM> Helle 311.30 <FQ> Hellenore 309.6 <XP> Henalois 210.24 <MM> Hengist 210.65 <MM> Hercules (Alcides) 207.54 <NM> Hermaphroditus 312.46 (1590) <XX> Hesperus 102.6, 304.51 <LR> Highgate 309.46 <MM> Hippolytus 105.36 <LR> Hoe 210.10 <XX> Holy Grail 210.53 <MR> Homer 304.2 <PQ> Hope 312.13 (this is not Speranza, q.v.) <MM> Horsa 210.65 <XX> House of Agonies 209.52 <LQ> House of Holiness 110.3 <LQ> House of Pride 104.0 <LM> House of Proserpine (Tartarus) 311.1 <LQ> House of Temperance 209.0 <MR> Howell Dha 303.45 <MQ> Huddibras 202.17 <LR> Humber 210.16 <MM> Huon 201.6 <MM> Hyacinth 212.54, 306.45 <NM> Hydra 212.23; see also 107.17 <NQ> hyena [the creature sent after Florimell] 308.44 <MM> Hylas 312.7 <XX> Hymen io Hymen 101.48 <MQ> Hypocrisy (Archimago) 101.0 <FM> Hypsipyle 210.56 <LR> Ida 212.52, 311.54 <LQ> Idle Lake 206.10 <PQ> Idleness (Sloth) 104.18 <MQ> Ignaro 108.31 <LR> Ilium 309.34 <PQ> Impatience 211.23 <PQ> Impotence 211.23 <MM> Inachus 209.56 <LR> Ind 105.4 <LR> India 200.2, 210.72, 303.6 <XP> Indians 312.8 <PQ> Infirmity 312.25 <FM> Inogene 210.13 <FM> Iphimedia 311.42 <PQ> Ire (Wrath) 104.35 <LR> Ireland 209.24, 210.41, 303.33 <FM> Iris 311.47 <FM> Isse 311.39 <LR> Italy 210.13 <MM> Iulus 309.43 <MM> Ixion 105.35 <MB> Jacob 106.35 <MM> Jago 210.34 <PQ> Jar 204.41 <MM> Jason 212.44 <PQ> Jealousy (see also Malbecco) 207.22, 310.55 <LR> Jerusalem 110.57 <XP> Jews 207.62 <MQ> Jocante 201.45 <LR> Jordan 111.30 <MB> Joseph of Arimathea 210.53 <MM> Jove 100.3, 101.6, 104.11, 210.3, 210.70, 211.43, 311.30 <FM> Juno (Lucina) 212.13 <LR> Kent (Canutium, Cantium) 210.12 <MM> Kimarus 210.43 <MM> Kinmarcus 210.34 <MQ> Kirkrapine 103.22 <MQ> Labryde 106.21 <LR> Lacedaemon 309.34 <FQ> Lady of Delight 301.26 <FM> Lady of the Lake 303.10 <NQ> lamb [Una's] 101.4 <MM> Laomedon 211.19 <MM> Latinus 309.42 <LR> Latium 309.42 <FM> Latona 212.13 <LR> Layburn Plain 303.37 <MM> Lear 210.27 <PQ> Lechery 104.24 <FM> Leda 311.32 <MM> Leill 210.25 <XX> Lentulus 105.49 <LM> Lerna 107.17 <LM> Lethe 103.36 <FM> Liagore 304.41 <MM> Light (Phoebus, Day) 105.24 <LM> Limbo-lake 102.32 <LR> Lincoln 309.51 <NQ> lion [Una's champion] 103.5 <MM> Locrin 210.13 <LR> Logris 210.14 <PQ> Loss of Time 312.25 <LR> Lothian 303.37 <MM> Love (Cupid) 109.8 <FQ> Lucifera 104.12 <FM> Lucina (Diana, Cynthia, Phoebe, Juno) 201.53 <MB> Lucius 210.53 <MM> Lud I:304, 210.46 <MM> Lyaeus (Bacchus) 301.51 <MM> Maddan 210.20 <MM> Maglaunus 210.29 <LR> Magnes 212.4 <XX> Mahound (Termagant) 208.23 <XX> Maidenhead [Order of] 107.46 <MQ> Malbecco 309.6 <FQ> Malecasta 301.0 <MQ> Maleger 211.0 <MM> Malgo 303.31 <MQ> Malvenu 104.6 <MM> Mammon (Richesse) 207.0 <MM> Manlius 210.21 <LR> Maridunum (Caer-merdin) 303.7 <MQ> Marinell 304.0 <MR> Marius 105.49 <MM> Mars 100.3, 311.36 <FM> Martia 303.54 <FM> Matilda 303.13 <LR> Matraval 303.13 <MR> Maximian 210.61 <FQ> Mean (Medina) 202.0 <FM> Medea 212.44 <FQ> Medina (Mean) 202.14 <FM> Medusa 311.42 <FM> Memory (Mnemosyne) 303.4 <MM> Mempricius 210.21 <LR> Menevia [St David's] 303.55 <XP> Mercians 303.30 <MM> Mercury 212.41 <PQ> Mercy 110.34 <MM> Merlin 107.36 <MB> Methuselah 209.57 <FM> Minerva 309.22 <FQ> Mirth (Phaedria) 206.0 <PQ> Misfortune 204.17 <PQ> Mnemon 309.47 <FM> Mnemosyne 311.35 <LR> Mona [Anglesey] 303.48 <LR> Mongiball (Etna) 209.29 <MQ> Mordant 201.0 <XX> Morddure 208.21 <MM> Morgan 210.33 <XP> Morini 210.43 <MM> Morpheus (Sleep) 101.36 <MM> Morvidus 210.43 <MM> Mulciber (Vulcan) 207.5 <FM> Muse (Heliconian maids) 100.1, 212.52 <PQ> Music 112.38 <FM> Myrrha 307.26; 101.9 <MM> Narcissus 306.45 <PX> Nature 111.47 <LR> Nausa (Paros) 309.37 <LM> Nausicle 309.37 <LM> Nemea 205.31 <MM> Nennius 210.49 <MM> Neptune 103.32 <MM> Nereus 103.31, 304.19 <MM> Nestor (Pylian) 209.57 <LR> Neustria 303.47 <FM> Night [Nox] 101.39, 105.20, 304.54 <LR> Nile 101.21 <MB> Nimrod 105.48 <MM> Ninus 105.48 <MB> Noah 210.15 <MQ> Noctante 301.45 <LR> Northumber 303.39 <XP> Norwegians 303.33 <MM> Numa 210.39 <PQ> Obedience 110.17 <MM> Oberon 201.6, 210.75 <PQ> Occasion 204.0 <MR> Octa 303.52 <MR> Octavius 210.60 <FM> Oenone 309.36 <MM> Offric 303.37 <MQ> Ollyphant 307.48 <LM> Olympus 307.41 <MM> Orcus (Pluto) 212.41 <MQ> Orgoglio 107.14 <XX> Orion 103.31 <XX> Orion's hound [the star Sirius] 103.31 <LR> Orkney 303.37 <MB> Orsilochus 304.2 <MM> Osric 303.37 <LR> Ossa 210.3 <MM> Oswald 303.38 <MM> Oswy 303.39 <LQ> Overt Gate 309.46 <MM> Paean 304.41 <PQ> Pain 207.21 <FQ> Palladine 307.52 <MQ> palmer 201.7 <MM> Pan 209.40 <FM> Panope 308.37 <LQ> Panthea 110.58 <LR> Panwelt 210.63 <LR> Paphos 306.29 <MQ> Paridas 309.37 <MQ> Paridell 308.0 <MM> Paris 207.55 <MQ> Parius 309.36 <MQ> Parlante 301.45 <LM> Parnassus 212.52 <LR> Paros (Nausa) 309.36 <FM> Pasiphae 302.41 <PQ> Patience 110.23 <MR> Paulinus 210.55 <PQ> Peace 303.49 <NM> Pegasus 109.21, 311.42 <MM> Pellitus 303.36 <PQ> Penance 110.27 <MM> Penda 303.37 <FM> Penthesilea 304.2 <MQ> Peredure 210.44 <FQ> Perissa 202.36 <LR> Persia 102.13 <LR> Peru 200.2 <FQ> Phaedria (Mirth) 206.9 <MQ> Phantastes 209.52 <FQ> Phao 302.20 <MQ> Phedon 204.0 <MQ> Philemon 204.20 <FQ> Philotime 207.49 <FM> Philyra 311.43 <LM> Phlegethon 105.33 <FM> Phoebe (Diana, Cynthia, Lucina) 107.5 <MM> Phoebus (Day, Light) 100.4, 101.23, 102.1, 111.5, 209.48, 211.19, 303.4 <MM> Phoebus' fairest child [Phaethon] 104.9 <FM> Pholoe 106.15 <XP> Picts 210.61 <MB> Pilate 207.62 <LR> Pindus 304.41 <LB> Pishon 107.43 <PQ> Pleasance 312.18 <FQ> Pleasure (Acrasia) 201.0 <PX> Pleasure [Volupia] 306.50 <MM> Pluto (Orcus) 101.37 <MR> Pompey 105.49 <MM> Porrex 210.34 <PQ> Poverty 312.25 <PQ> Praise-desire 209.39 <MR> Praxiteles 300.2 <MM> Priam 203.31 <PQ> Pride 104.0 <MB> Prince of Darkness (Satan, dragon) 308.8 <MM> Prometheus 210.70 <FM> Proserpine (Thracian maid) 102.2 <MM> Proteus 102.10, 304.25 <FQ> Pryene 204.25 <FM> Psyche 306.50 <MR> Ptolemy 302.20 <MM> Pubidius 303.13 <MM> Pylian (Nestor) 209.48 <MQ> Pyrochles 204.41 <MM> Pyrrhus 203.31 <FQ> Queen of Faeries (Faery Queen, Queen of Faery, Gloriana) 109.14 <FQ> Queen of Faery (Faery Queen, Queen of Faeries, Gloriana) 209.4 <PQ> Rancour 204.44 <LR> Rauran 109.4 <PQ> Reason 204.34 <MQ> Redcross (George, Georgos) 101.0, 102.0 <XX> Redeemer (Christ, Saviour) 201.27 <FM> Regan 210.28 <PQ> Remorse 110.27 <PQ> Repentance 110.27 <PQ> Reproach 312.24 <PQ> Revenge 204.44, 207.22 <PQ> Reverence 110.7 <LR> Rhodope 212.52 <MR> Rhodri 303.45 <LQ> Rich Strand 304.0 <MQ> Richesse (Mammon) 207.24 <PQ> Riotise 312.25 <LR> Riphaean hills 308.6 <MM> Rivallo 210.34 <LR> River Dee 109.4 <LQ> Rock of Reproach 212.8 <XP> Romans 210.47 <LR> Rome 210.40 <MM> Romulus 105.49, 309.43 <MM> Ruddoc 210.38 <MQ> Ruddymane 203.2 <XP> Russian 211.26 <MM> Ryence 302.18 <MM> Sabrina 210.19 <XX> Saint Francis' fire 104.35 <XX> Sanglamort 310.32 <MQ> Sansfoy 102.12 <MQ> Sansjoy 102.25 <MQ> Sansloy 102.25 <XP> Saracen 102.12 <MB> Satan (dragon, Prince of Darkness) 104.36 <MM> Saturn 311.43 <MQ> Satyrane 106.28 <MM> satyrs 106.7, 310.0 <XX> Saviour (Christ, Redeemer) 109.19 <XP> Saxon 303.29 <LR> Scaldis 210.24 <LM> Scamander 309.35 <MR> Scipio 105.49 <MQ> Scudamour 306.53 <LR> Selinus 107.32 <FM> Semele 311.33 <FM> Semiramis 105.50, 210.56 <LR> Severn 210.14, 210.19, 210.54 <MR> Severus 210.57 <PQ> Shame 105.26 <PQ> Shamefastness 209.43 <LB> Siloam 111.30 <MM> Silvanus 106.7 <MM> Silvius 309.48 <MB> Sisera 304.2 <MM> Sisilius 210.43 <MM> Sisillius 210.34 <MM> Sisyphus 105.35 <LR> Six Islands 303.32 <MM> Sleep (Morpheus) 101.40, 304.54 <PQ> Sloth (Idleness) 104.36 <NQ> snowy lady [Snowy Florimell] 308.0 <MR> Socrates 207.52 <FQ> Sophy 209.6 <PQ> Sorrow 107.25 <LR> South Wales (Dehenbarth) 302.18 <LR> Spain 210.41 <LR> Spau 111.30 <FQ> Speranza 110.4 <NQ> Spumador 211.19 <MQ> Squire of Dames 307.51 <MM> Stater 210.38 <FM> Sthenoboea 105.50 <LR> Stonehenge 210.66 <LR> Stremona 107.17 <PQ> Strife 204.0 <LM> Styx 101.37, 306.24, 306.46 <MR> Sulla 105.49 <PQ> Suspect 312.14 <FM> Tanaquil 100.2, 210.76 <MM> Tantalus 105.35 <MR> Tarquin 105.49 <XP> Tartar 211.26 <LM> Tartarus (House of Proserpine) 107.44 <LM> Tempe 212.52 <FQ> Temperance (Alma) 211.0 <MM> Tenuantius 210.46 <XX> Termagant (Mahound) 208.30 <MQ> Terwin 109.27 <FM> Tethys 101.39 <LR> Thames 309.45 <LR> Thebes 209.45 <MQ> Therion 106.21 <MM> Theseus 105.35 <FM> Thracian maid (Proserpine) 311.35 <FQ> Thyamis 106.21 <LR> Tiber 102.22 <PX> Time 306.39 <MQ> Timias 301.18 (he first appears at 107.29) <MQ> Timon 109.4 <MM> Titan 102.7, 104.8 <MM> Titans 207.41, 307.47 <MM> Tithonus 102.7 <MM> Tityus 105.35 <FR> Tomyris 210.56 <LR> Tours 301.34 <MR> Trahern 210.60 <PQ> Treason 207.22 <XX> Tree of Life 111.46 <MQ> Trevisan 109.0 <MM> Triton 304.33 <MM> Trojan boy [Ganymede] 311.34 <XP> Trojans 207.55 <MQ> Trompart 203.10 <LR> Troy 203.31 <LM> Troynovant 210.46 <FQ> Truth (Una, Errant Damsel) 102.0 <MM> Tryphon 304.43 <MM> Typhoeus 105.35 <MM> Ulfin 303.55 <MQ> Umilta 110.5 <FQ> Una (Truth, Errant Damsel) 101.45 <PQ> Unthriftihead 212.18 <MM> Uther 210.68, 303.55 <PQ> Vanity 104.13 <FM> Venus (Cytherea, Dame Pleasure) 100.3, 306.2 <MQ> Verdant 212.82 <MR> Vespasian 210.52 <MM> Vigenius 210.44 <LR> Virginia 200.2 <MM> Vortigern 210.64 <MM> Vortimer 210.66 <MM> Vortipore 303.31 <MM> Vulcan (Mulciber) 207.36 <LQ> Wandering Islands 212.11 <LQ> Wandering Wood 101.13 <MM> Wasserman 212.24 <LB> Well of Life 111.29 <LQ> Whirlpool of Decay 212.20 <FM> Widen 210.35 <FQ> witch 307.6 <MQ> witch's son 307.12 <PQ> Woe 304.55 <MR> Worthies [the nine Worthies] 303.4 <PQ> Wrath (Ire) 104.33 <LM> Xanthus 309.35 <MM> Ymner 210.38 <PQ> Zeal 110.6 <MM> Zephyr 205.29 <MR> Zeuxis 300.2
=> CONTENTS
Title page
Dedication
A letter to Sir Walter Raleigh
Commendatory Verses
A Vision vpon this conceipt of the Faery Queene
Another of the same (W. R.)
To the learned Shepheard (Hobinoll)
Fayre Thamis streame, that from Ludds stately towne (R. S.)
Graue Muses march in triumph and with prayses (H. B.)
When stout Achilles heard of Helens rape (W. L.)
To looke vpon a work of rare deuise (Ignoto)
Dedicatory Sonnets
Sir Christopher Hatton
William Cecil, Lord Burleigh
Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford
Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland
George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland
Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex
Thomas Butler, Earl of Ormond and Ossory
Charles, Lord Howard of Effingham
Henry Carey, Lord Hunsdon
Arthur, Lord Grey de Wilton
Thomas Sackville, Earl of Dorset and Baron Buckhurst
Sir Francis Walsingham
Sir John Norris
Sir Walter Raleigh
Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke
Lady Elizabeth Spencer Carey
Ladies in the Court
Canto xii, Stanzas 43-7 (from the 1590 edition)
[5]
(Numbers in square brackets show the number of stanzas in each canto)
=> INTRODUCTORY MATTER:
1
2 THE FAERIE
3 QVEENE.
4
5 Disposed into twelue bookes,
6 Fashioning
7 XII. Morall vertues.
8
9
10
11 LONDON
12
13 Printed for William Ponsonbie.
14
15 1596.
16
17
18
1
2 THE FAERY
FAERY > (An archaic variant of "fairy", used by Spenser to denote the
imaginary land, analogous to Britain, where his poem is set)
3 QUEEN
4
5 _Disposed into twelve books,
6 fashioning
fashioning > representing, exemplifying
7 twelve moral virtues_ 8 9 10 11 LONDON 12 13 Printed for William Ponsonby 14 15 1596 16 17 18 19 20 TO 21 22 THE MOST HIGH, 23 MIGHTIE 24 And 25 MAGNIFICENT 26 EMPRESSE RENOW- 27 MED FOR PIETIE, VER- 28 TVE, AND ALL GRATIOVS 29 GOVERNMENT ELIZABETH BY 30 THE GRACE OF GOD QVEENE 31 OF ENGLAND FRAVNCE AND 32 IRELAND AND OF VIRGI- 33 NIA, DEFENDOVR OF THE 34 FAITH, &c. HER MOST 35 HVMBLE SERVAVNT 36 EDMVND SPENSER 37 DOTH IN ALL HV- 38 MILITIE DEDI- 39 CATE, PRE- 40 SENT 41 AND CONSECRATE THESE 42 HIS LABOVRS TO LIVE 43 WITH THE ETERNI- 44 TIE OF HER 45 FAME. 46 19 20 TO 21 22 THE MOST HIGH, 23 MIGHTY 24 And 25 MAGNIFICENT 26 EMPRESS, RENOW- 27 NED FOR PIETY, VIR- 28 TUE, AND ALL GRACIOUS 29 GOVERNMENT: ELIZABETH, BY 30 THE GRACE OF GOD QUEEN 31 OF ENGLAND, FRANCE AND 32 IRELAND AND OF VIRGI- 33 NIA; DEFENDER OF THE 34 FAITH, etc., HER MOST 35 HUMBLE SERVANT 36 EDMUND SPENSER 37 DOES, IN ALL HU- 38 MILITY, DEDI- 39 CATE, PRE- 40 SENT 41 AND CONSECRATE THESE 42 HIS LABOURS TO LIVE 43 WITH THE ETERNI- 44 TY OF HER 45 FAME. 46 47 48 A 49 Letter of the Authors expounding his 50 whole intention in the course of this worke: which 51 for that it giueth great light to the Reader, for 52 the better vnderstanding is hereunto 53 annexed. 54 55 To the Right noble, and Valorous, Sir Walter 56 Raleigh knight, Lo. Wardein of the Stanneryes, and 57 her Maiesties liefetenaunt of the County of Corne- 58 wayll. 59 60 Sir knowing how doubtfully all Allegories may be 61 construed, and this booke of mine, which I haue entituled the 62 Faery Queene, being a continued Allegory, or darke conceit, I 63 haue thought good aswell for auoyding of gealous opinions and 64 misconstructions, as also for your better light in reading 65 therof, (being so by you commanded,) to discouer vnto you 66 the general intention and meaning, which in the whole 67 course thereof I haue fashioned, without expressing of any 68 particular purposes or by accidents therein occasioned. The 69 generall end therefore of all the booke is to fashion a 70 gentleman or noble person in vertuous and gentle discipline: 71 Which for that I conceiued shoulde be most plausible and 72 pleasing, being coloured with an historicall fiction, the which 73 the most part of men delight to read, rather for variety of 74 matter, then for profite of the ensample: I chose the historye of 75 king Arthure, as most fitte for the excellency of his person, 76 being made famous by many mens former workes, and also 77 furthest from the daunger of enuy, and suspition of present 78 time. In which I haue followed all the antique Poets 79 historicall, first Homere, who in the Persons of Agamemnon 80 and Vlysses hath ensampled a good gouernour and a vertuous 81 man, the one in his Ilias, the other in his Odysseis: then 82 Virgil, whose like intention was to doe in the person of 83 Aeneas: after him Ariosto comprised them both in his 84 Orlando: and lately Tasso disseuered them againe, and formed 85 both parts in two persons, namely that part which they in 86 Philosophy call Ethice, or vertues of a priuate man, coloured 87 in his Rinaldo: The other named Politice in his Godfredo. 88 By ensample of which excellente Poets, I labour to pourtraict in 89 Arthure, before he was king, the image of a braue knight, 90 perfected in the twelue priuate morall vertues, as Aristotle hath 91 deuised, the which is the purpose of these first twelue bookes: 92 which if I finde to be well accepted, I may be perhaps 93 encoraged, to frame the other part of polliticke vertues in his 94 person, after that hee came to be king. To some I know this 95 Methode will seeme displeasaunt, which had rather haue good 96 discipline deliuered plainly in way of precepts, or sermoned 97 at large, as they vse, then thus clowdily enwrapped in 98 Allegoricall deuises. But such, me seeme, should be satisfide 99 with the vse of these dayes seeing all things accounted by 100 their showes, and nothing esteemed of, that is not delightfull 101 and pleasing to commune sence. For this cause is Xenophon 102 preferred before Plato, for that the one in the exquisite depth 103 of his iudgement, formed a Commune welth such as it should 104 be, but the other in the person of Cyrus and the Persians 105 fashioned a gouernement such as might best be: So much 106 more profitable and gratious is doctrine by ensample, 107 then by rule. So haue I laboured to doe in the person of Arthure: 108 whome I conceiue after his long education by Timon, to 109 whom he was by Merlin deliuered to be brought vp, so soone 110 as he was borne of the Lady Igrayne, to haue seene in a dream 111 or vision the Faery Queen, with whose excellent beauty 112 rauished, he awaking resolued to seeke her out, and so being 113 by Merlin armed, and by Timon throughly instructed, he 114 went to seeke her forth in Faerye land. In that Faery Queene I 115 meane glory in my generall intention, but in my particular I 116 conceiue the most excellent and glorious person of our 117 soueraine the Queene, and her kingdome in Faery land. And 118 yet in some places els, I doe otherwise shadow her. For 119 considering she beareth two persons, the one of a most royall 120 Queene or Empresse, the other of a most vertuous and beautifull 121 Lady, this latter part in some places I doe ezpresse in Belph{oe}be, 122 fashioning her name according to your owne excellent 123 conceipt of Cynthia, (Ph{ae}be and Cynthia being both names 124 of Diana.) So in the person of Prince Arthure I sette forth 125 magnificence in particular, which vertue for that (according to 126 Aristotle and the rest) it is the perfection of all the rest, and 127 conteineth in it them all, therefore in the whole course I 128 mention the deedes of Arthure applyable to that vertue, which 129 I write of in that booke. But of the xii. other vertues, I 130 make xii. other knights the patrones, for the more variety 131 of the history: Of which these three bookes contayn three. The 132 first of the knight of the Redcrosse, in whome I expresse 133 Holynes: The seconde of Sir Guyon, in whome I sette forth 134 Temperaunce: The third of Britomartis a Lady knight, in 135 whome I picture Chastity. But because the beginning of the 136 whole worke seemeth abrupte and as depending vpon other 137 antecedents, it needs that ye know the occasion of these 138 three knights seuerall aduentures. For the Methode of a Poet 139 historical is not such, as of an Historiographer. For an 140 Historiographer discourseth of affayres orderly as they were 141 donne, accounting as well the times as the actions, but a Poet 142 thrusteth into the middest, euen where it most concerneth him, 143 and there recoursing to the thinges forepaste, and diuining 144 of thinges to come, maketh a pleasing Analysis of all. The 145 beginning therefore of my history, if it were to be told by an 146 Historiographer should be the twelfth booke, which is the 147 last, where I deuise that the Faery Queene kept her Annuall 148 feaste xii. dayes, vppon which xii. seuerall dayes, the 149 occasions of the xii. seuerall aduentures hapned, which 150 being vndertaken by xii. seuerall knights, are in these 151 xii. books seuerally handled and discoursed. The first 152 was this. In the beginning of the feast, there presented him selfe a 153 tall clownishe younge man, who falling before the Queen of 154 Faries desired a boone (as the manner then was) which 155 during that feast she might not refuse: which was that hee 156 might haue the atchieuement of any aduenture, which during 157 that feaste should happen, that being graunted, he rested him 158 on the floore, vnfitte through his rusticity for a better place. 159 Soone after entred a faire Ladye in mourning weedes, riding on a 160 white Asse, with a dwarfe behind her leading a warlike steed, 161 that bore the Armes of a knight, and his speare in the dwarfes 162 hand. Shee falling before the Queene of Faeries, complayned 163 that her father and mother an ancient King and Queene, had 164 bene by an huge dragon many years shut vp in a brasen Castle, 165 who thence suffred them not to yssew: and therefore 166 besought the Faery Queene to assygne her some one of her 167 knights to take on him that exployt. Presently that clownish 168 person vpstarting, desired that aduenture: whereat the 169 Queene much wondering, and the Lady much gainesaying, yet 170 he earnestly importuned his desire. In the end the Lady told 171 him that vnlesse that armour which she brought, would serue 172 him (that is the armour of a Christian man specified by Saint 173 Paul v. Ephes.) that he could not succeed in that 174 enterprise, which being forthwith put vpon him with dewe 175 furnitures thereunto, he seemed the goodliest man in al that 176 company, and was well liked of the Lady. And eftesoones taking 177 on him knighthood, and mounting on that straunge Courser, 178 he went forth with her on that aduenture: where beginneth the 179 first booke, vz. 180 181 A gentle knight was pricking on the playne. &c. 182 183 The second day ther came in a Palmer bearing an Infant 184 with bloody hands, whose Parents he complained to haue 185 bene slayn by an Enchaunteresse called Acrasia: and therfore 186 craued of the Faery Queene, to appoint him some knight, to 187 performe that aduenture, which being assigned to Sir 188 Guyon, he presently went forth with that same Palmer: 189 which is the beginning of the second booke and the whole 190 subiect thereof. The third day there came in, a Groome who 191 complained before the Faery Queene, that a vile Enchaunter 192 called Busirane had in hand a most faire Lady called Amoretta, 193 whom he kept in most grieuous torment, because she would 194 not yield him the pleasure of her body. Whereupon Sir 195 Scudamour the louer of that Lady presently tooke on him 196 that aduenture. But being vnable to performe it by reason of 197 the hard Enchauntments, after long sorrow, in the end met 198 with Britomartis, who succoured him, and reskewed his loue. 199 But by occasion hereof, many other aduentures are 200 intermedled, but rather as Accidents, then intendments. As 201 the loue of Britomart, the ouerthrow of Marinell, the misery 202 of Florimell, the vertuousnes of Belph{oe}be, the 203 lasciuiousnes of Hellenora, and many the like. 204 Thus much Sir, I haue briefly ouerronne to direct your 205 vnderstanding to the wel-head of the History, that from 206 thence gathering the whole intention of the conceit, ye may 207 as in a handfull gripe al the discourse, which otherwise may 208 happily seeme tedious and confused. So humbly crauing the 209 continuaunce of your honorable fauour towards me, and 210 th'eternall establishment of your happines, I humbly take leaue. 211 23. Ianuary. 1589. 212 213 Yours most humbly affectionate. 214 Ed. Spenser. 215 47 48 A 49 letter of the author's, expounding his 50 whole intention in the course of this work: which, 51 +for+ that it gives great light to the reader, for
for > [in]
52 the better understanding is hereto
53 annexed.
54
55 _To the Right Noble and Valorous Sir Walter
56 Raleigh, Knight, Lord Warden of the Stannaries, and
Raleigh > (1552-1618, poet, scholar, soldier, explorer, statesman, and
a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, who granted him, in 1584, a patent
for the exploration and settlement of the Americas. Later he fell
from her good graces, and after many hardships and adventures was
beheaded by James I. Probably an exact contemporary of Spenser.
He had a huge estate near Spenser's in southern Ireland, and under
his auspices FQ was published and dedicated to Elizabeth)
Stannaries > (The districts comprising the tin mines in Devon and
Cornwall, under the jurisdiction of the Stannary courts)
57 Her Majesty's Lieutenant of the County of Corn-
58 wall._
59
60 Sir, Knowing how doubtfully all allegories may be
doubtfully > ambiguously
61 construed, and this book of mine, which I have entitled The 62 Faery Queen, being a continued allegory, or dark conceit, I
dark > concealed, veiled conceit > conception
63 have thought good, as well for avoiding jealous opinions and
good > [it good] as well > both
64 misconstructions, as also for your better light in reading
as also > [and]
65 thereof, (being so by you commanded), to discover to you
discover to > tell, reveal to
66 the general intention and meaning, which in the whole 67 course thereof I have fashioned, without expressing any 68 particular purposes or by accidents therein occasioned. The
by accidents > side issues
69 general end, therefore, of all the book is to fashion a
fashion > represent; also: mould, train
70 gentleman or noble person in virtuous and gentle discipline:
gentle > noble; courteous; graceful
71 which for that I conceived should be most plausible and
for that > [to that end] plausible > popularly acceptable, agreeable
72 pleasing, being coloured with an historical fiction, which
coloured > painted, depicted; disguised
73 the most part of men delight to read rather for variety of
the most part of > [most]
74 matter than for profit of the example. I chose the history of 75 King Arthur, as most fit for the excellency of his person,
excellency > excellence
76 being made famous by many men's former works, and also 77 furthest from the danger of envy and suspicion of present
suspicion > [suspicion of political bias]
78 time. In which I have followed all the antique poets
antique > ancient (esp. of ancient Greece and Rome)
79 historical, first Homer who, in the persons of Agamemnon 80 and Ulysses, has ensampled a good governor and a virtuous
ensampled > exemplified
81 man: the one in his Iliad, the other in his Odyssey; then 82 Virgil, whose like intention was to do in the person of
like > similar
83 Aeneas; after him, Ariosto comprised them both in his
Aeneas > (Central character of Virgil's Aeneid)
Ariosto > (Lodovico Ariosto, 1474-1533, Italian poet)
84 Orlando; and lately Tasso dissevered them again, and formed
Orlando > (Orlando Furioso, 1516) Tasso > (Torquato Tasso, 1544-1595, Italian poet) dissevered > separated
85 both parts in two persons, namely that part which they in 86 Philosophy call Ethics, or virtues of a private man, coloured
coloured > depicted
87 in his Rinaldo: the other, named Politics, in his Godfredo.
Rinaldo > (Rinaldo, 1562)
Godfredo > (Count Godfredo, central character of Gerusalemme
Liberata, 1581)
88 By example of which excellent poets, I labour to portray in 89 Arthur, before he was king, the image of a brave knight,
brave > brave; splendid
90 perfected in the twelve private moral virtues, as Aristotle has
Aristotle > (Or rather, Aquinas and other medieval interpreters of Aristotle's Nicomachaean Ethics; Aristotle himself devises no such scheme)
91 devised, which is the purpose of these first twelve books: 92 which if I find to be well accepted, I may be perhaps 93 encouraged to frame the other part of political virtues in his 94 person, after he came to be king. To some I know this 95 method will seem displeasant, which had rather have good
displeasant > disagreeable which had > [who would]
96 discipline delivered plainly, by way of precepts, or sermoned 97 at large, as they use, than thus cloudily enwrapped in
use > are accustomed to
98 allegorical devices. But such, me seem, should be satisfied
me seem > [it seems to me]
99 with the use of these days, seeing all things accounted by
use > custom
100 their shows, and nothing esteemed of, that is not delightful
shows > appearances
101 and pleasing to common sense. For this cause is Xenophon
Xenophon > (In Cyropaedia)
102 preferred before Plato: for that the one, in the exquisite depth
before > [to] Plato > (In the Republic) for > [in]
103 of his judgement, formed a commonwealth such as it should 104 be; but the other, in the person of Cyrus and the Persians, 105 fashioned a government such as might best be; so much 106 more profitable and gracious is doctrine by example, than 107 by rule. So have I laboured to do in the person of Arthur: 108 whom I conceive (after his long education by Timon, to
Timon > (The "Faery knight" of 109.3:8. "Timon" is a Greek personal
name meaning "he who is honoured", "he who is held in respect".
Spenser is referring here to Sir Ector, to whom (in Malory)
Arthur's upbringing was entrusted by Merlin)
109 whom he was by Merlin delivered to be brought up, so soon
Merlin > (The great soothsayer and magician of the Arthurian cycle)
110 as he was born of the Lady Igerna) to have seen in a dream or
Igerna > (Widow of Gorlois, Duke of Tintagel, in Cornwall. She married Uther Pendragon, Arthur's father, thirteen days after the Duke's death)
111 vision the Faery Queen; with whose excellent beauty 112 ravished, he, awaking, resolved to seek her out, and so being 113 by Merlin armed, and by Timon thoroughly instructed, 114 went to seek her forth in Faery Land. In that Faery Queen I 115 mean glory in my general intention, but in my particular I 116 conceive the most excellent and glorious person of our 117 sovereign the Queen, and her kingdom in Faery Land. And 118 yet, in some places else, I do otherwise shadow her. For,
else > elsewhere shadow > symbolize, depict
119 considering she bears two persons, the one of a most royal 120 queen or empress, the other of a most virtuous and beautiful 121 lady, this latter part in some places I do express in Belphoebe, 122 fashioning her name according to your own excellent 123 conceit of Cynthia (Phoebe and Cynthia being both names
conceit > conception, idea
Cynthia > (Raleigh's poem in praise of Queen Elizabeth is called The
Ocean's Love to Cynthia; of this, only one book has survived)
124 of Diana). So in the person of Prince Arthur I set forth
Diana > (Virgin goddess of hunting and of the moon)
125 magnificence in particular, which virtue (according to 126 Aristotle and the rest) is the perfection of all the rest, and 127 contains in it them all: therefore in the whole course I
contains in it > [encompasses]
128 mention the deeds of Arthur appliable to that virtue, which
appliable > {Having reference, applicable}
129 I write of in that book. But of the twelve other virtues, I 130 make twelve other knights the patrons, for the more variety
patrons > patterns, exemplars; also: champions more > greater
131 of the history: of which these three books contain three. The
history > story
these three books > (Books I-III, first published in 1590, with which
this letter was included)
132 first of the Knight of the Redcross, in whom I express 133 Holiness; the second of Sir Guyon, in whom I set forth 134 Temperance; the third of Britomart, a lady knight, in 135 whom I picture Chastity. But because the beginning of the 136 whole work seems abrupt and as depending upon other
as > [as though]
137 antecedents, it needs that you know the occasion of these
needs > is necessary
138 three knights' several adventures. For the method of a poet
several > different, individual
139 historical is not such as of a historiographer. For a
historical > [writing historical or epic works] such as > [like that] historiographer > chronicler, historian
140 historiographer discourses of affairs orderly, as they were
orderly > in sequence
141 done, accounting as well the times as the actions, but a poet
well > [much] times > dates
142 thrusts into the middest, even where it most concerns him,
middest > middle [of the story; cf. in medias res (Horace, Ars Poetica 148-9)]
143 and there, recoursing to the things forepassed, and divining
recoursing > returning forepassed > [which have already happened]
144 of things to come, makes a pleasing analysis of all. The 145 beginning, therefore, of my history, if it were to be told by a 146 historiographer, should be the twelfth book, which is the 147 last, where I devise that the Faery Queen kept her annual
devise > contrive; conjecture, conceive kept > observed, celebrated
148 feast +twelve+ days, upon which twelve several days, the
twelve > [over a period of twelve] several > different
149 occasions of the twelve several adventures happened: which
occasions > {Causes; circumstances giving rise to the origins}
150 (being undertaken by twelve several knights) are in these 151 twelve books severally handled and discoursed. The first was 152 this. In the beginning of the feast, there presented himself a 153 tall, clownish young man who, falling before the Queen of
clownish > rustic, unsophisticated
154 Faeries, desired a boon (as the manner then was), which
boon > favour, request
155 during that feast she might not refuse: which was that he 156 might have the achievement of any adventure which during
achievement > {The action of achieving; the opportunity to pursue and successfully conclude}
157 that feast should happen; that being granted, he rested him
him > [himself]
158 on the floor, unfit through his rusticity for a better place. 159 Soon after entered a fair lady in mourning weeds, riding on a
weeds > clothing, attire
160 white ass, with a dwarf behind her leading a warlike steed, 161 that bore the arms of a knight, and his spear in the dwarf's
arms > {Weapons, shield and armour}
162 hand. She, falling before the Queen of Faeries, complained 163 that her father and mother (an ancient king and queen) had 164 been by a huge dragon many years shut up in a brazen castle, 165 who thence suffered them not to issue: and therefore
suffered > allowed issue > come out
166 besought the Faery Queen to assign her some one of her 167 knights to take on him that exploit. Presently that clownish
Presently > Promptly, at once
168 person, upstarting, desired that adventure: whereat the
upstarting > starting up, getting up whereat > at which, whereupon
169 queen much wondering, and the lady much gainsaying, yet 170 he earnestly importuned his desire. In the end the lady told
importuned > pressed
171 him that unless that armour which she brought would serve
brought > [had brought]
172 him (that is, the armour of a Christian man, specified by St 173 Paul, Ephesians 6.11-17), he could not succeed in that 174 enterprise; which being forthwith put upon him with due
due > appropriate
175 furnitures thereto, he seemed the goodliest man in all that
furnitures > gear, fittings goodliest > most handsome
176 company, and was well liked of the lady. And eftsoons taking
of > by eftsoons > thereupon
177 on him knighthood, and mounting on that strange courser, 178 he went forth with her on that adventure: where begins the 179 first book, viz. 180 181 A gentle knight was pricking on the plain, etc.
gentle > generous, courteous pricking > spurring his horse, riding
182 183 The second day there came in a palmer bearing an infant
palmer > {A pilgrim who has returned from the Holy Land, carrying a palm-leaf or palm-branch as a token; or: an itinerant monk}
184 with bloody hands, whose parents he complained to have 185 been slain by an enchantress called Acrasia: and therefore 186 craved of the Faery Queen to appoint him some knight to 187 perform that adventure, which being assigned to Sir 188 Guyon, he presently went forth with that same palmer: 189 which is the beginning of the second book and the whole 190 subject thereof. The third day there came in a groom, who
groom > young man
191 complained before the Faery Queen that a vile enchanter 192 called Busirane had in hand a most fair lady called Amoret,
hand > custody
193 whom he kept in most grievous torment, because she would 194 not yield him the pleasure of her body. Whereupon Sir 195 Scudamour, the lover of that lady, presently took on him 196 that adventure. But being unable to perform it by reason of 197 the hard enchantments, after long sorrow, in the end met 198 with Britomartis, who succoured him, and rescued his love. 199 But by occasion hereof, many other adventures are 200 intermeddled, but rather as accidents than intendments. As
intermeddled > mixed in
intendments > intentions (i.e. episodes which have an intentional
bearing on the allegory)
As > [For example,]
201 the love of Britomart, the overthrow of Marinell, the misery 202 of Florimell, the virtuousness of Belphoebe, the 203 lasciviousness of Hellenore, and many the like. 204 Thus much, sir, I have briefly overrun to direct your 205 understanding to the well-head of the history, that from
well-head > source history > story that > [so that]
206 thence, gathering the whole intention of the conceit, you may,
conceit > conception, idea, scheme
207 as in a handful, grip all the discourse, which otherwise may
grip > grasp, understand
208 haply seem tedious and confused. So, humbly craving the
haply > perhaps
209 continuance of your honourable favour towards me, and the 210 eternal establishment of your happiness, I humbly take leave. 211 23 January, 1590
1590 > (New Style: before the Gregorian calendar was adopted in England and Scotland in 1751, the new year began not on 1 January but on 25 March)
212 213 Yours most humbly affectionate, 214 Edmund Spenser 215 216 217 218 219 220 A Vision vpon this conceipt of the 221 Faery Queene. 222 223 ME thought I saw the graue, where Laura lay, 224 Within that Temple, where the vestall flame 225 Was wont to burne, and passing by that way, 226 To see that buried dust of liuing fame, 227 Whose tombe faire loue, and fairer vertue kept, 228 All suddenly I saw the Faery Queene: 229 At whose approch the soule of Petrarke wept, 230 And from thenceforth those graces were not seene. 231 For they this Queene attended, in whose steed 232 Obliuion laid him downe on Lauras herse: 233 Hereat the hardest stones were seene to bleed, 234 And grones of buried ghostes the heauens did perse. 235 Where Homers spright did tremble all for griefe, 236 And curst th'accesse of that celestiall theife. 237 216 217 218 COMMENDATORY VERSES 219 220 _A vision upon this conceit of the
conceit > conception
221 Faery Queen_ 222 223 I thought I saw the grave where Laura lay,
Laura > (Immortalized by Petrarch in his odes and sonnets, To Laura)
224 Within that temple where the Vestal flame
Vestal flame > (The sacred fire brought by Aeneas from Troy; it was kept burning by the Vestals, virgin priestesses officiating at the temple at Rome dedicated to Vesta, goddess of the hearth and domestic life. If the flame went out, it was believed that the state would fall)
225 Was wont to burn; and, passing by that way
wont > accustomed
226 To see that buried dust of living fame, 227 Whose tomb fair love, and fairer virtue kept, 228 All suddenly I saw the Faery Queen: 229 At whose approach the soul of Petrarch wept,
Petrarch > (Francesco Petrarch, 1304-74, Italian poet and scholar)
230 And from thenceforth those graces were not seen.
those graces > [the Vestals]
231 For they this queen attended, in whose stead
stead > place
232 Oblivion laid him down on Laura's hearse:
hearse > bier, coffin; tomb
233 Hereat the hardest stones were seen to bleed,
Hereat > At this; as a result of this
234 And groans of buried ghosts the heavens did pierce,
ghosts > spirits
235 Where Homer's spirit did tremble all for grief, 236 And cursed the access of that celestial thief.
access > coming
237 238 Another of the same. 239 240 _THe prayse of meaner wits this worke like profit brings, 241 As doth the Cuckoes song delight when Philumena sings. 242 If thou hast formed right true vertues face herein: 243 Vertue her selfe can best discerne, to whom they written bin. 244 If thou hast beautie praysd, let her sole lookes diuine 245 Iudge if ought therein be amis, and mend it by her eine. 246 If Chastitie want ought, or Temperaunce her dew, 247 Behold her Princely mind aright, and write thy Queene anew. 248 Meanewhile she shall perceiue, how farre her vertues sore 249 Aboue the reach of all that liue, or such as wrote of yore: 250 And thereby will excuse and fauour thy good will: 251 Whose vertue can not be exprest, but by an Angels quill. 252 Of me no lines are lou'd, nor letters are of price, 253 Of all which speake our English tongue, but those of thy deuice._ 254 255 W. R. 256 238 Another of the same 239 240 The praise of meaner wits this work like profit brings,
wits > minds
241 As does the cuckoo's song delight when Philomela sings.
Philomela > (She was changed into a nightingale after Tereus had cut out her tongue; hence: the nightingale)
242 If you have formed right true virtue's face herein,
right > aright; perhaps also: very
243 Virtue herself can best discern to whom they written been.
Virtue herself > [Queen Elizabeth] been > [have been, are]
244 If you have beauty praised, let her sole looks divine 245 Judge if aught therein be amiss, and mend it by her eyes. 246 If Chastity want aught, or Temperance her due, 247 Behold her princely mind aright, and write your Queen anew. 248 Meanwhile she shall perceive how far her virtues soar 249 Above the reach of all that live, or such as wrote of yore:
of yore > anciently, of old
250 And thereby will excuse and favour your goodwill: 251 Whose virtue cannot be expressed, but by an angel's quill.
but by > except with quill > {Pen made from swan- or goose-feather}
252 Of me no lines are loved, nor letters are of price,
Of > By
253 Of all who speak our English tongue, but those of your device.
device > devising
254 255 W. R.
W. R. > (Walter Raleigh, 1552-1618, poet, soldier, explorer, scholar, statesman, and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, who granted him, in 1584, a patent for the exploration and settlement of the Americas. Later he fell from her good graces, and after many hardships and adventures was beheaded by James I. Probably an exact contemporary of Spenser. He had a huge estate near Spenser's in southern Ireland, and under his auspices FQ was published, and dedicated to Elizabeth)
256 257 258 To the learned Shepheard. 259 260 _COllyn I see by thy new taken taske, 261 some sacred fury hath enricht thy braynes, 262 That leades thy muse in haughtie verse to maske, 263 and loath the layes that longs to lowly swaynes. 264 That lifts thy notes from Shepheardes vnto kings, 265 So like the liuely Larke that mounting sings. 266 267 Thy louely Rosolinde seemes now forlorne, 268 and all thy gentle flockes forgotten quight, 269 Thy chaunged hart now holdes thy pypes in scorne, 270 those prety pypes that did thy mates delight. 271 Those trustie mates, that loued thee so well, 272 Whom thou gau'st mirth: as they gaue thee the bell. 273 274 Yet as thou earst with thy sweete roundelayes, 275 didst stirre to glee our laddes in homely bowers: 276 So moughtst thou now in these refyned layes, 277 delight the dainty eares of higher powers. 278 And so mought they in their deepe skanning skill 279 Alow and grace our Collyns flowing quill. 280 281 And fare befall that Faerie Queene of thine, 282 in whose faire eyes loue linckt with vertue sits: 283 Enfusing by those bewties fiers deuyne, 284 such high conceites into thy humble wits, 285 As raised hath poore pastors oaten reede, 286 From rusticke tunes, to chaunt heroique deedes. 287 288 So mought thy Redcrosse knight with happy hand 289 victorious be in that faire Ilands right: 290 Which thou doest vayle in Type of Faery land 291 Elyzas blessed field, that Albion hight. 292 That shieldes her friendes, and warres her mightie foes, 293 Yet still with people, peace, and plentie flowes. 294 295 But (iolly Shepheard) though with pleasing style, 296 thou feast the humour of the Courtly traine: 297 Let not conceipt thy setled sence beguile, 298 ne daunted be through enuy or disdaine. 299 Subiect thy dome to her Empyring spright, 300 From whence thy Muse, and all the world takes light._ 301 Hobynoll. 257 258 To the learned shepherd
shepherd > (Spenser's The Shepheardes Calender, a work of pastoral poetry, was published in 1579)
259 260 Colin, I see by your new-taken task,
Colin > (Colin Clout, principal voice in SC; in 1595 Spenser
published Colin Clouts Come Home Again, dated 27 December 1591)
261 some sacred fury has enriched your brains,
fury > frenzy
262 That leads your Muse in haughty verse to mask,
Muse > (The nine Muses are the daughters of Jupiter and Mnemosyne
(Memory); each presides over an area of the arts and sciences and
gives inspiration to its practitioners. The Muse referred to is
probably Clio, the Muse of History)
haughty > noble, high-minded
mask > disguise [herself]
263 and loath the lays that long to lowly swains.
lays > songs long to > befit, beseem; are appropriate to swains > young men
264 That lifts your notes from shepherds to kings, 265 So like the lively lark that, mounting, sings. 266 267 Your lovely Rosalind seems now forlorn,
Rosalind > (Colin Clout's love in SC)
268 and all your gentle flocks forgotten quite, 269 Your changed heart now holds your pipes in scorn, 270 those pretty pipes that did your mates delight. 271 Those trusty mates, that loved you so well, 272 Whom you gave mirth: as they gave you the bell.
the bell > the prize; first place (before cups were awarded to winners of horse-races, etc., a little gold or silver bell was presented as the prize)
273 274 Yet as you erst with your sweet roundelays
erst > previously, at first roundelays > {Short, simple songs}
275 did stir to glee our lads in homely bowers:
glee > delight bowers > rooms, chambers
276 So might you now, in these refined lays, 277 delight the dainty ears of higher powers. 278 And so might they in their deep scanning skill
scanning skill > ability to understand [poetry]
279 Allow and grace our Colin's flowing quill. 280 281 And fair befall that Faery Queen of yours,
fair > [fair fortune]
282 in whose fair eyes love linked with virtue sits: 283 Infusing by those beauties fierce divine,
divine > [and divine]
284 Such high conceits into your humble wits,
conceits > ideas
285 As raised has poor pastor's oaten reed
pastor's > shepherd's oaten reed > (Of which shepherds' pipe were supposedly made)
286 From rustic tunes to chant heroic deeds. 287 288 So might your Redcross Knight with happy hand
happy > fortunate
289 victorious be in that fair island's right:
that fair island > [Britain]
290 Which you do veil in type of Faery Land, 291 Eliza's blessed field, that Albion hight,
Eliza > [Elizabeth]
hight > is called
292 That shields her friends, and wars her mighty foes,
wars > [wages war upon]
293 Yet still with people, peace, and plenty flows.
still > ever
294 295 But (jolly shepherd) though with pleasing style
jolly > gallant, fine
style > style; literary composition, hence: poem, song (cf. SC,
"Januarie", 10)
296 you feast the humour of the courtly train:
humour > state of mind; hence: tastes train > assembly, entourage
297 Let not conceit your settled sense beguile, 298 nor daunted be through envy or disdain. 299 Subject your doom to her empiring spirit,
doom > fate empiring > imperial
300 From whence your Muse and all the world takes light. 301 Hobinoll
Hobinoll > (Gabriel Harvey (1545?-1630); see glosses to SC, "Januarie", 55, and "September", 176. A fellow poet, Harvey remained a friend of Spenser from their Cambridge days. Elected a Fellow of Pembroke Hall in 1570, a year after Spenser was admitted there as a sizar (undergraduate receiving an allowance from the college))
302 303 304 FAyre Thamis streame, that from Ludds stately towne, 305 Runst paying tribute to the Ocean seas, 306 Let all thy Nymphes and Syrens of renowne 307 Be silent, whyle this Bryttane Orpheus playes: 308 Nere thy sweet bankes, there liues that sacred crowne, 309 Whose hand strowes Palme and neuer-dying bayes, 310 Let all at once, with thy soft murmuring sowne 311 Present her with this worthy Poets prayes. 312 For he hath taught hye drifts in shepeherdes weedes, 313 And deepe conceites now singes in Faeries deedes. 314 R. S. 315 302 303 304 Fair Thames' stream, that from Lud's stately town
Lud > (A mythical king of England, reputed founder of London (see 210.46:1 and cf. Cymbeline IV ii 100))
305 Run paying tribute to the ocean seas,
ocean seas > {The main or great seas of the world}
306 Let all your nymphs and Sirens of renown
nymphs > (Minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all
parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees,
mountains)
Sirens > (Sea-nymphs whose sweet singing had the power to lure sailors
to their destruction)
307 Be silent, while this Briton Orpheus plays:
Orpheus > (A mythical minstrel whose wonderful music could move rocks and trees and suspend the torments of the damned in hell)
308 Near your sweet banks there lives that sacred crown
crown > monarch
309 Whose hand strews palm and never-dying bays,
palm > {Leaves of the palm-tree, carried or worn as a symbol of
victory; hence: fame and glory}
bays > {Leaves or sprigs of the laurel, used to make a wreath for
conquerors or poets (cf. "poet laureate"); hence: fame and glory}
310 Let all at once, with your soft murmuring sound 311 Present her with this worthy poet's praise. 312 For he has taught high drifts in shepherd's weeds,
drifts > aims, objects; meanings weeds > garb
313 And deep conceits now sings in Faeries' deeds.
conceits > conceptions
R. S. > (Not identifiable)
315 316 317 _GRaue Muses march in triumph and with prayses, 318 Our Goddesse here hath giuen you leaue to land: 319 And biddes this rare dispenser of your graces 320 Bow downe his brow vnto her sacred hand. 321 Desertes findes dew in that most princely doome, 322 In whose sweete brest are all the Muses bredde: 323 So did that great Augustus erst in Roome 324 With leaues of fame adorne his Poets hedde. 325 Faire be the guerdon of your Faery Queene, 326 Euen of the fairest that the world hath seene._ 327 H. B. 328 316 317 Grave Muses, march in triumph and with praises: 318 Our goddess here has given you leave to land,
Our goddess > [Elizabeth]
319 And bids this rare dispenser of your graces
dispenser > (Puns were a favourite literary device of the period: Spenser's own are usually subtler than this one)
320 Bow down his brow to her sacred hand.
sacred > {Commonly used (-1590) as an epithet of royalty; also, specifically, here, perhaps, because FQ traces Elizabeth's lineage back to Aeneas, whose mother was the goddess Venus}
321 Deserts finds due in that most princely doom,
Deserts > {That which in conduct or character deserves reward or
punishment}
doom > judgement, opinion
322 In whose sweet breast are all the Muses bred: 323 So did that great Augustus erst in Rome
Augustus > (Augustus Caesar, 63 BC-14 AD, Emperor of Rome, patron of
Virgil: on whom he is not, incidentally, known to have bestowed the
laurel crown)
erst > of old, formerly
324 With leaves of fame adorn his poet's head. 325 Fair be the guerdon of your Faery Queen,
guerdon > reward
326 Even of the fairest that the world has seen. 327 H. B.
H. B. > (Not identifiable)
328 329 330 WHen stout Achilles heard of Helens rape 331 And what reuenge the States of Greece deuisd: 332 Thinking by sleight the fatall warres to scape, 333 In womans weedes him selfe he then disguisde: 334 But this deuice Vlysses soone did spy, 335 And brought him forth, the chaunce of warre to try. 336 337 When Spencer saw the fame was spredd so large, 338 Through Faery land of their renowned Queene: 339 Loth that his Muse should take so great a charge, 340 As in such haughty matter to be seene, 341 To seeme a shepeheard then he made his choice, 342 But Sydney heard him sing, and knew his voice. 343 344 And as Vlysses brought faire Thetis sonne 345 From his retyred life to menage armes: 346 So Spencer was by Sidneys speaches wonne, 347 To blaze her fame not fearing future harmes: 348 For well he knew, his Muse would soone be tyred 349 In her high praise, that all the world admired. 350 351 Yet as Achilles in those warlike frayes, 352 Did win the palme from all the Grecian Peeres: 353 So Spencer now to his immortall prayse, 354 Hath wonne the Laurell quite from all his feres. 355 What though his taske exceed a humaine witt, 356 He is excus'd, sith Sidney thought it fitt. 357 W. L. 358 329 330 When stout Achilles heard of Helen's rape
stout > bold, brave
Achilles > (See Iliad 9.410 ff.)
331 And what revenge the states of Greece devised: 332 Thinking by sleight the fatal wars to scape,
scape > escape
333 In woman's weeds himself he then disguised:
weeds > clothing
334 But this device Ulysses soon did spy, 335 And brought him forth, the chance of war to try. 336 337 When Spenser saw the fame was spread so large, 338 Through Faery Land of their renowned Queen: 339 Loath that his Muse should take so great a charge, 340 As in such haughty matter to be seen,
haughty > noble, high-minded
341 To seem a shepherd then he made his choice, 342 But Sidney heard him sing, and knew his voice.
Sidney > (Sir Philip Sidney, 1554-86, poet, soldier, and statesman: one of the Queen's favourites. Close friend and mentor of Spenser. Killed in action at Zutphen in the Netherlands)
343 344 And, as Ulysses brought fair Thetis' son
Thetis' son > [Achilles]
345 From his retired life to manage arms,
manage > wield
346 So Spenser was by Sidney's speeches won
won > persuaded
347 To blaze her fame, not fearing future harms:
blaze > celebrate; portray
348 For well he knew, his Muse would soon be tired
tired > attired, adorned
349 In her high praise, that all the world admired. 350 351 Yet as Achilles, in those warlike frays, 352 Did win the palm from all the Grecian peers:
palm > {Leaf or "branch" of palm tree: symbol of victory; hence:
victory}
peers > rivals; nobles
353 So Spenser now, to his immortal praise, 354 Has won the laurel quite from all his feres.
laurel > {Crown of laurel leaves for supreme poet or victor} feres > companions, peers
355 What though his task exceed a human wit,
What though > Inasmuch as wit > mind; wit
356 He is excused, sith Sidney thought it fit.
sith > since
W. L. > (Not identifiable)
358 359 360 TO looke vpon a worke of rare deuise 361 The which a workman setteth out to view, 362 And not to yield it the deserued prise, 363 That vnto such a workmanship is dew. 364 Doth either proue the iudgement to be naught 365 Or els doth shew a mind with enuy fraught. 366 367 To labour to commend a peece of worke, 368 Which no man goes about to discommend, 369 Would raise a iealous doubt that there did lurke, 370 Some secret doubt, whereto the prayse did tend. 371 For when men know the goodnes of the wyne, 372 T'is needlesse for the hoast to haue a sygne. 373 374 Thus then to shew my iudgement to be such 375 As can discerne of colours blacke, and white, 376 As alls to free my minde from enuies tuch, 377 That neuer giues to any man his right, 378 I here pronounce this workmanship is such, 379 As that no pen can set it forth too much. 380 381 And thus I hang a garland at the dore, 382 Not for to shew the goodnes of the ware: 383 But such hath beene the custome heretofore, 384 And customes very hardly broken are. 385 And when your tast shall tell you this is trew, 386 Then looke you giue your hoast his vtmost dew. 387 Ignoto. 388 359 360 To look upon a work of rare device,
device > make, devising
361 Which a workman sets out to view,
view > [be viewed; the view of others]
362 And not to yield it the deserved price
price > prize; praise; price (all three words have common ancestor)
363 That to such a workmanship is due, 364 Does either prove the judgement to be naught 365 Or else does show a mind with envy fraught.
fraught > filled
366 367 To labour to commend a piece of work, 368 Which no man goes about to discommend,
discommend > disparage
369 Would raise a jealous doubt that there did lurk 370 Some secret doubt whereto the praise did tend. 371 For when men know the goodness of the wine, 372 'Tis needless for the host to have a sign.
sign > (In a largely illiterate age, inns were identified by a painted sign depicting, for example, a boar's head or crossed keys, and from this the inn took its name)
373 374 Thus then to show my judgement to be such 375 As can discern of colours black and white, 376 As als to free my mind from envy's touch,
als > also
377 That never gives to any man his right, 378 I here pronounce this workmanship is such, 379 As that no pen can set it forth too much. 380 381 And thus I hang a garland at the door, 382 Not to show the goodness of the ware:
ware > wares, merchandise
383 But such has been the custom heretofore, 384 And customs very hardly broken are.
very hardly > with great difficulty
385 And when your taste shall tell you this is true, 386 Then look you give your host his utmost due.
look you > (An intensive: "make sure you", etc.)
387 Ignoto
Ignoto > "Unknown" (not identifiable)
388 389 390 391 392 393 _To the Right honourable Sir _Christopher Hatton, 394 Lord high Chauncelor of England. &c. 395 396 THose prudent heads, that with theire counsels wise 397 Whylom the Pillours of th'earth did sustaine, 398 And taught ambitious Rome to tyrannise, 399 And in the neck of all the world to rayne, 400 Oft from those graue affaires were wont abstaine, 401 With the sweet Lady Muses for to play: 402 So Ennius the elder Africane, 403 So Maro oft did C'sars cares allay. 404 So you great Lord, that with your counsell sway 405 The burdeine of this kingdom mightily, 406 With like delightes sometimes may eke delay 407 The rugged brow of carefull Policy: 408 And to these ydle rymes lend litle space, 409 Which for their titles sake may find more grace. 410 389 390 391 DEDICATORY SONNETS 392 393 _To the Right Honourable Sir Christopher Hatton,
Right > Very
Sir Christopher Hatton > (1540-91; principal minister of Elizabeth's
government)
394 Lord High Chancellor of England, etc._ 395 396 Those prudent heads, that with their counsels wise 397 Whilom the pillars of the earth did sustain,
Whilom > Formerly
398 And taught ambitious Rome to tyrannize, 399 And in the neck of all the world to reign,
in the neck > on top
400 Oft from those grave affairs were wont abstain,
wont > accustomed to, given to
401 With the sweet lady Muses to play: 402 So Ennius the elder African,
Ennius > (Quintus Ennius, 239-170 BC, Roman poet)
the elder African > (Scipio Africanus, 237-183 BC, Roman general in
Second Punic War)
403 So Maro oft did Caesar's cares allay.
Maro > (Publius Vergilius Maro [Virgil], 70-19 BC, author of the
Aeneid)
Caesar > (Augustus Caesar, 63 BC-14 AD, Emperor of Rome)
404 So you, great lord, that with your counsel sway
sway > influence
405 The burden of this kingdom mightily,
burden > fate, destiny
406 With like delights sometimes may eke delay
eke > also delay > mitigate, assuage; hence: soothe
407 The rugged brow of careful policy:
careful > {Full of cares; prudent} policy > statesmanship
408 And to these idle rhymes lend little space,
idle > empty; vain, trifling
409 Which, for their title's sake, may find more grace. 410 411 412 To the right honourable the Lo. Burleigh Lo. high 413 Threasurer of England. 414 415 TO you right noble Lord, whose carefull brest 416 To menage of most graue affaires is bent, 417 And on whose mightie shoulders most doth rest 418 The burdein of this kingdomes gouernement, 419 As the wide compasse of the firmament, 420 On Atlas mighty shoulders is vpstayd; 421 Vnfitly I these ydle rimes present, 422 The labor of lost time, and wit vnstayd: 423 Yet if their deeper sence be inly wayd, 424 And the dim vele, with which from comune vew 425 Their fairer parts are hid, aside be layd. 426 Perhaps not vaine they may appeare to you. 427 Such as they be, vouchsafe them to receaue, 428 And wipe their faults out of your censure graue. 429 E. S. 430 411 412 _To the Right Honourable the Lord Burghley, Lord High
Lord Burghley > (William Cecil, Lord Burghley, 1520-98: the most powerful man in England. An enemy of the Earl of Leicester, who was the uncle of Sir Philip Sidney (one of Spenser's friends). This, taken in combination with Spenser's friendship with Raleigh (another enemy) perhaps disinclined Burghley to favour the poet or his work)
413 Treasurer of England_ 414 415 To, you right noble lord, whose careful breast
careful > {Full of cares; prudent} breast > heart; hence: mind
416 To manage most grave affairs is bent,
bent > inclined, directed
417 And on whose mighty shoulders most does rest 418 The burden of this kingdom's government
burden > burden; fate, destiny
419 (As the wide compass of the firmament 420 On Atlas' mighty shoulders is upstayed);
Atlas > (A mythical giant said to support on his shoulders the pillars
of the universe)
upstayed > supported
421 Unfitly I these idle rhymes present,
idle > empty; vain, trifling
422 The labour of lost time and wit unstayed:
wit > mind, intelligence unstayed > unsteady
423 Yet if their deeper sense be inly weighed,
inly > inwardly
424 And the dim veil, with which from common view
common > vulgar
425 Their fairer parts are hidden, aside be laid, 426 Perhaps not vain they may appear to you.
vain > foolish, futile
427 Such as they be, vouchsafe them to receive, 428 And wipe their faults out of your censure grave. 429 E. S. 430 431 432 To the right Honourable the Earle of Oxenford, 433 Lord high Chamberlayne of England. &c. 434 435 REceiue most Noble Lord in gentle gree, 436 The vnripe fruit of an vnready wit: 437 Which by thy countenaunce doth craue to bee 438 Defended from foule Enuies poisnous bit. 439 Which so to doe may thee right well besit, 440 Sith th'antique glory of thine auncestry 441 Vnder a shady vele is therein writ, 442 And eke thine owne long liuing memory, 443 Succeeding them in true nobility: 444 And also for the loue, which thou doest beare 445 To th'Heliconian ymps, and they to thee, 446 They vnto thee, and thou to them most deare: 447 Deare as thou art vnto thy selfe, so loue 448 That loues and honours thee, as doth behoue. 449 431 432 _To the Right Honourable the Earl of Oxford,
Oxford > (Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, 1550-1604, Burghley's son-in-law; poet and literary patron)
433 Lord High Chamberlain of England, etc._ 434 435 Receive, most noble lord, in gentle gree,
gentle > noble; courteous; gentle gree > favour, goodwill
436 The unripe fruit of an unready wit:
wit > mind, intelligence
437 Which by your countenance does crave to be 438 Defended from foul Envy's poisonous bit.
bit > {Bite, the action of biting}
439 Which so to do may you right well besit,
right > very besit > become, befit
440 Sith the antique glory of your ancestry
Sith > Since
antique > ancient
441 Under a shady veil is therein written, 442 And eke your own long living memory,
eke > also
443 Succeeding them in true nobility: 444 And also for the love which you do bear 445 To the Heliconian imps, and they to you,
Heliconian imps > (Mount Helicon is the abode of the Muses; imps = offspring; hence: poets)
446 They to you, and you to them most dear: 447 Dear as you are to yourself, so love 448 That loves and honours you, as does behove.
That > [He who]
449 450 451 To the right honourable the Earle of 452 Northumberland. 453 454 THe sacred Muses haue made alwaies clame 455 To be the Nourses of nobility, 456 And Registres of euerlasting fame, 457 To all that armes professe and cheualry. 458 Then by like right the noble Progeny, 459 Which them succeed in fame and worth, are tyde 460 T'embrace the seruice of sweete Poetry, 461 By whose endeuours they are glorifide, 462 And eke from all, of whom it is enuide, 463 To patronize the authour of their praise, 464 Which giues them life, that els would soone haue dide, 465 And crownes their ashes with immortall baies. 466 To thee therefore right noble Lord I send 467 This present of my paines, it to defend. 468 450 451 To the Right Honourable the Earl of 452 Northumberland
Northumberland > (Henry Percy, "Wizard Earl", 9th Earl of
Northumberland, 1564-1632; a friend of Raleigh)
453 454 The sacred Muses have made always claim 455 To be the nurses of nobility, 456 And registers of everlasting fame, 457 To all that arms profess and chivalry.
arms profess > lay claim to prowess in arms
458 Then, by like right, the noble progeny 459 Who them succeed in fame and worth, are tied 460 To embrace the service of sweet poetry, 461 By whose endeavours they are glorified, 462 And eke from all, of whom it is envied,
eke > moreover of > by envied > wished for themselves
463 To patronize the author of their praise, 464 Who gives them life, that else would soon have died,
else > otherwise
465 And crowns their ashes with immortal bays.
bays > (Leaves or sprigs of the laurel, used to make a wreath for conquerors or poets)
466 To you, therefore, right noble lord, I send 467 This present of my pains, it to defend.
pains > efforts, labours it to defend > [so that you may defend it]
468 469 470 To the right honourable the Earle of Cumberland. 471 472 REdoubted Lord, in whose corageous mind 473 The flowre of cheualry now bloosming faire, 474 Doth promise fruite worthy the noble kind, 475 Which of their praises haue left you the haire; 476 To you this humble present I prepare, 477 For loue of vertue and of Martiall praise, 478 To which though nobly ye inclined are, 479 As goodlie well ye shew'd in late assaies, 480 Yet braue ensample of long passed daies, 481 In which trew honor yee may fashiond see, 482 To like desire of honor may ye raise, 483 And fill your mind with magnanimitee. 484 Receiue it Lord therefore as it was ment, 485 For honor of your name and high descent. 486 E. S. 487 469 470 To the Right Honourable the Earl of Cumberland
Cumberland > (George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, 1558-1605, naval commander)
471 472 Redoubted lord, in whose courageous mind 473 The flower of chivalry, now blossoming fair, 474 Does promise fruit worthy the noble kind
the > [of the] kind > kin, family
475 Which of their praises have left you the heir; 476 To you this humble present I prepare, 477 For love of virtue and of martial praise, 478 To which though nobly you inclined are, 479 As goodly well you showed in late assays,
late assays > recent assaults (a reference to the Portugal expedition of 1589, designed to liberate Portugal from the Spanish)
480 Yet brave example of long passed days,
brave > [a, this] splendid
481 In which true honour you may fashioned see, 482 To like desire of honour may you raise,
like > [a] similar
483 And fill your mind with magnanimity.
magnanimity > greatness of spirit
484 Receive it, lord, therefore, as it was meant: 485 For honour of your name and high descent. 486 E. S. 487 488 489 To the most honourable and excellent Lo. the Earle 490 of Essex. Great Maister of the Horse to her Highnesse, 491 and knight of the Noble order of the Garter. &c. 492 493 MAgnificke Lord, whose vertues excellent 494 Doe merit a most famous Poets witt, 495 To be thy liuing praises instrument, 496 Yet doe not sdeigne, to let thy name be writt 497 In this base Poeme, for thee far vnfitt. 498 Nought is thy worth disparaged thereby, 499 But when my Muse, whose fethers nothing flitt 500 Doe yet but flagg, and lowly learne to fly 501 With bolder wing shall dare alofte to sty 502 To the last praises of this Faery Queene, 503 Then shall it make more famous memory 504 Of thine Heroicke parts, such as they beene: 505 Till then vouchsafe thy noble countenaunce, 506 To these first labours needed furtheraunce. 507 508 488 489 _To the Most Honourable and Excellent Lord, the Earl 490 of Essex. Great Master of the Horse to Her Highness,
Essex > (Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, 1566-1601, Leicester's stepson and, in her old age, Elizabeth's favourite)
491 and Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter, etc._ 492 493 Magnific lord, whose virtues excellent
Magnific > Renowned, glorious; magnificent
494 Do merit a most famous poet's wit
wit > mind, intellectual capacity
495 To be your living praises' instrument, 496 Yet do not sdeign to let your name be written
sdeign > disdain
497 In this base poem, for you far unfit. 498 Naught is your worth disparaged thereby, 499 But when my Muse, whose feathers, nothing flit,
nothing > not at all flit > swift, quickly-moving
500 Do yet but flag and lowly learn to fly,
flag > droop lowly > {In a low or base manner}
501 With bolder wing shall dare aloft to sty
sty > rise, soar
502 To the last praises of this Faery Queen;
last > (Speaking of that time when all 24 books of the poem will be complete)
503 Then shall it make more famous memory
memory > memorial; historical record
504 Of your heroic parts, such as they been:
parts > abilities, qualities been > [are; were]
505 Till then, vouchsafe your noble countenance
countenance > regard
506 To these first labours' needed furtherance.
furtherance > promotion; also: improvement
507 508 509 To the right Honourable the Earle of 510 Ormond and Ossory. 511 512 REceiue most noble Lord a simple taste 513 Of the wilde fruit, which saluage soyl hath bred, 514 Which being through long wars left almost waste, 515 With brutish barbarisme is ouerspredd: 516 And in so faire a land, as may be redd, 517 Not one Parnassus, nor one Helicone 518 Left for sweete Muses to be harboured, 519 But where thy selfe hast thy braue mansione; 520 There in deede dwel faire Graces many one. 521 And gentle Nymphes, delights of learned wits, 522 And in thy person without Paragone 523 All goodly bountie and true honour sits, 524 Such therefore, as that wasted soyl doth yield, 525 Receiue dear Lord in worth, the fruit of barren field. 526 527 509 To the Right Honourable the Earl of 510 Ormond and Ossory
Ormond and Ossory > (Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond and Ossory, 1532-1614,; Lord Treasurer of Ireland)
511 512 Receive, most noble lord, a simple taste 513 Of the wild fruit which savage soil has bred,
savage > wild; savage soil > (Of Ireland, where Spenser lived)
514 Which, being through long wars left almost waste, 515 With brutish barbarism is overspread:
barbarism > (See Spenser's A View of the Present State of Ireland)
516 And in so fair a land, as may be read,
read > seen
517 Not one Parnassus, nor one Helicon
Parnassus > (Mount Parnassus, chief seat of Apollo, god of song and
music, and leader of the Muses)
Helicon > (Mount Helicon, sacred to Apollo and his Muses)
518 Left for sweet Muses to be harboured, 519 But where you yourself have your brave mansion;
But > Except brave > splendid mansion > dwelling-place; mansion
520 There indeed dwell fair Graces many one:
Graces > (The handmaids of Venus, bestowers of beauty and charm)
521 And gentle nymphs, delights of learned wits,
nymphs > (Minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all
parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees,
mountains)
wits > minds
522 And in your person without paragon
paragon > comparison; competition
523 All goodly bounty and true honour sit,
bounty > goodness, virtue; munificence, generosity
524 Such, therefore, as that wasted soil does yield, 525 Receive, dear lord, in worth, the fruit of barren field.
in worth > in good part; at its true value
526 527 528 To the right honourable the Lord Ch. Howard, Lo. high Admi- 529 ral of England, knight of the noble order of the Garter, 530 and one of her Maiesties priuie Counsel. &c. 531 532 ANd ye, braue Lord, whose goodly personage, 533 And noble deeds each other garnishing, 534 Make you ensample to the present age, 535 Of th'old Heroes, whose famous ofspring 536 The antique Poets wont so much to sing, 537 In this same Pageaunt haue a worthy place, 538 Sith those huge castles of Castilian king, 539 That vainly threatned kingdomes to displace, 540 Like flying doues ye did before you chace; 541 And that proud people woxen insolent 542 Through many victories, didst first deface: 543 Thy praises euerlasting monument 544 Is in this verse engrauen semblably, 545 That it may liue to all posterity. 546 547 528 _To the Right Honourable the Lord Charles Howard, Lord High Admi-
Charles Howard > (Charles, Lord Howard of Effingham, 1536-1624. Commander of the Western Fleet, based at Plymouth, which was credited with defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588)
529 ral of England, Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter, 530 and one of Her Majesty's Privy Council, etc._ 531 532 And you, brave lord (whose goodly personage
brave > brave; splendid
533 And noble deeds each other garnishing,
garnishing > embellishing
534 Make you example to the present age,
example > [an] example, [a] parallel case
535 Of the old heroes, whose famous offspring 536 The antique poets wont so much to sing),
antique > ancient (especially of ancient Greece and Rome) wont > were accustomed sing > {Celebrate in song or verse}
537 In this same pageant have a worthy place,
pageant > {Exhibition, show, staged as a feature of public triumph or celebration; scene or act of a medieval mystery play; tableau or tableaux from such a play. Spenser never uses his language idly; and "pageant" is the precise term favoured by C. S. Lewis (see Spenser's Images of Life) to define the form of FQ; see also SC, gloss to "June" (Many Graces: the passage referred to is at 203.25:1)}
538 Sith those huge castles of Castilian king,
Sith > Since
those huge castles > [the Spanish galleons of the Armada]
Castilian king > (Philip II of Spain, 1527-98)
539 That vainly threatened kingdoms to displace, 540 Like flying doves you did before you chase; 541 And that proud people, waxed insolent
waxed > grown
542 Through many victories, did first deface:
deface > cast in the shade; or: destroy
543 Your praises' everlasting monument 544 Is in this verse engraved semblably,
semblably > similarly; also: apparently, hence: allegorically
545 That it may live to all posterity.
That > [So that]
546 547 548 To the right honourable the Lord of Hunsdon, high 549 Chamberlaine to her Maiesty. 550 551 REnowmed Lord, that for your worthinesse 552 And noble deeds haue your deserued place, 553 High in the fauour of that Emperesse. 554 The worlds sole glory and her sexes grace, 555 Here eke of right haue you a worthie place, 556 Both for your nearnes to that Faerie Queene, 557 And for your owne high merit in like cace, 558 Of which, apparaunt proofe was to be seene, 559 When that tumultuous rage and fearfull deene 560 Of Northerne rebels ye did pacify, 561 And their disloiall powre defaced clene, 562 The record of enduring memory. 563 Liue Lord for euer in this lasting verse, 564 That all posteritie thy honor may reherse. 565 E. S. 566 548 _To the Right Honourable the Lord of Hunsdon, High
Lord of Hunsdon > (Henry Carey, 1st Lord Hunsdon, 1524?-96, Governor of Berwick. First cousin of the Queen and chamberlain of the royal household)
549 Chamberlain to Her Majesty_ 550 551 Renowned lord, that for your worthiness 552 And noble deeds have your deserved place 553 High in the favour of that empress, 554 The world's sole glory and her sex's grace; 555 Here eke of right have you a worthy place,
eke > also
556 Both for your nearness to that Faery Queen, 557 And for your own high merit in like case,
like > [a] similar
558 Of which apparent proof was to be seen 559 When that tumultuous rage and fearful deen
deen > din, noise
560 Of northern rebels you did pacify,
northern rebels > (Who wished in 1569 to assert the right of Mary Stuart to succeed, or supplant, Elizabeth)
561 And their disloyal power defaced clean,
defaced clean > utterly destroyed
562 The record of enduring memory. 563 Live, lord, for ever in this lasting verse, 564 That all posterity your honour may rehearse.
That > [So that] rehearse > relate, give an account of
565 E. S. 566 567 568 To the most renowmed and valiant Lord, the 569 Lord Grey of Wilton, knight of the Noble order 570 of the Garter, &c. 571 572 MOst Noble Lord the pillor of my life, 573 And Patrone of my Muses pupillage, 574 Through whose large bountie poured on me rife, 575 In the first season of my feeble age, 576 I now doe liue, bound yours by vassalage: 577 Sith nothing euer may redeeme, nor reaue 578 Out of your endlesse debt so sure a gage, 579 Vouchsafe in worth this small guift to receaue, 580 Which in your noble hands for pledge I leaue, 581 Of all the rest, that I am tyde t'account: 582 Rude rymes, the which a rustick Muse did weaue 583 In sauadge soyle, far from Parnasso mount, 584 And roughly wrought in an vnlearned Loome: 585 The which vouchsafe dear Lord your fauorable doome. 586 587 567 568 _To the Most Renowned and Valiant Lord, the 569 Lord Grey of Wilton, Knight of the Noble Order
Lord Grey > (Arthur Grey, 14th Lord Grey de Wilton, 1536-93, Lord Deputy of Ireland from 1580-82; on appointment he made Spenser his private secretary)
570 of the Garter, etc._ 571 572 Most noble lord, the pillar of my life, 573 And patron of my Muse's pupillage, 574 Through whose large bounty, poured on me rife
rife > unstintingly
575 In the first season of my feeble age, 576 I now do live, bound yours by vassalage:
vassalage > {The allegiance of a vassal: one who, in the feudal system, held land in return for homage and allegiance to his lord}
577 Sith nothing ever may redeem, nor reave
Sith > Since reave > forcibly remove, take
578 Out of your endless debt so sure a gage,
gage > pledge
579 Vouchsafe in worth this small gift to receive,
in worth > in good part; at its true value
580 Which in your noble hands for pledge I leave
for pledge > as a token
581 Of all the rest, that I am tied to account: 582 Rude rhymes, which a rustic Muse did weave
Rude > {Unpolished, lacking in literary skill}
583 In savage soil, far from Parnasso Mount,
savage soil > (Cf. I:513)
Parnasso Mount > (Mount Parnassus, chief seat of Apollo, god of song
and music, and leader of the Muses)
584 And roughly wrought in an unlearned loom:
wrought > worked
585 Which vouchsafe, dear lord, your favourable doom.
doom > judgement, opinion
586 587 588 To the right honourable the Lord of Buckhurst, one 589 of her Maiesties priuie Counsell. 590 591 IN vain I thinke right honourable Lord, 592 By this rude rime to memorize thy name; 593 Whose learned Muse hath writ her owne record, 594 In golden verse, worthy immortal fame: 595 Thou much more fit (were leasure to the same) 596 Thy gracious Souerain praises to compile. 597 And her imperiall Maiestie to frame, 598 In loftie numbers and heroicke stile. 599 But sith thou maist not so, giue leaue a while 600 To baser wit his power therein to spend, 601 Whose grosse defaults thy daintie pen may file, 602 And vnaduised ouersights amend. 603 But euermore vouchsafe it to maintaine 604 Against vile Zoilus backbitings vaine. 605 588 _To the Right Honourable the Lord of Buckhurst, one
Lord of Buckhurst > (Thomas Sackville, 1st Earl of Dorset and Baron
Buckhurst, 1536-1608, an accomplished poet)
589 of her Majesty's Privy Council_ 590 591 In vain I think, right honourable lord, 592 By this rude rhyme to memorize your name;
rude > {Unpolished, lacking in literary skill} memorize > commemorate
593 Whose learned Muse has written her own record, 594 In golden verse, worthy immortal fame:
worthy > [worthy of]
595 You much more fit (were leisure to the same)
You > [You are] were leisure to the same > [had you the leisure]
596 Your gracious sovereign's praises to compile. 597 And her imperial majesty to frame, 598 In lofty numbers and heroic style.
numbers > metrical lines; hence: verses style > style; literary composition
599 But sith you may not so, give leave a while
sith > since may not so > [are prevented from doing so]
600 To baser wit his power therein to spend,
baser > [a] baser wit > mind
601 Whose gross faults your dainty pen may file,
dainty > {Of delicate taste; hence: discerning} file > polish
602 And unadvised oversights amend. 603 But evermore vouchsafe it to maintain
maintain > defend
604 Against vile Zoilus' backbitings vain.
Zoilus > (A spiteful critic; unkind literary criticism in general,
named after Zoilus, 400?-320 BC, grammarian and commentator on
Homer)
vain > futile, foolish
605 606 607 To the right honourable Sir Fr. Walsingham knight, 608 principall Secretary to her Maiesty, and of her 609 honourable priuy Counsell. 610 611 THat Mantuane Poetes incompared spirit, 612 Whose girland now is set in highest place, 613 Had not Mec{oe}nas for his worthy merit, 614 It first aduaunst to great Augustus grace, 615 Might long perhaps haue lien in silence bace, 616 Ne bene so much admir'd of later age. 617 This lowly Muse, that learns like steps to trace, 618 Flies for like aide vnto your Patronage; 619 That are the great Mecenas of this age, 620 As wel to al that ciuil artes professe 621 As those that are inspird with Martial rage, 622 And craues protection of her feeblenesse: 623 Which if ye yield, perhaps ye may her rayse 624 In bigger tunes to sound your liuing prayse. 625 E. S. 626 606 607 _To the Right Honourable Sir Francis Walsingham, Knight,
Francis Walsingham > (1530?-1590, appointed Principal Secretary in 1573; with Essex and Lord Burghley, one of the triumvirate which effectively governed England on the Queen's behalf)
608 Principal Secretary to her Majesty, and of her 609 honourable Privy Council_. 610 611 That Mantuan poet's incompared spirit,
Mantuan poet > (Virgil, 70-19 BC, who was born near Maro, in Mantua,
northern Italy)
incompared > unmatched (SUS)
612 Whose garland now is set in highest place, 613 Had not Maecenas for his worthy merit
Maecenas > (Gaius Cilnius Maecenas, 73?-8 BC, a Roman statesman,
patron of Virgil and Horace. He brought Virgil to the attention of
Augustus Caesar)
614 It first advanced to great Augustus' grace, 615 Might long perhaps have lain in silence base, 616 Nor been so much admired of later age.
of > by [a]
617 This lowly Muse, that learns like steps to trace,
like > similar
618 Flies for like aid to your patronage; 619 (That are the great Maecenas of this age,
That are > [You who are]
620 As well to all that civil arts profess
As well > Both
621 As those that are inspired with martial rage),
As > [And to]
622 And craves protection of her feebleness: 623 Which if you yield, perhaps you may her raise 624 In bigger tunes to sound your living praise. 625 E. S. 626 627 628 To the right noble Lord and most valiaunt Captaine, 629 Sir Iohn Norris knight, Lord president of Mounster. 630 631 WHo euer gaue more honourable prize 632 To the sweet Muse, then did the Martiall crew; 633 That their braue deeds she might immortalize 634 In her shril tromp, and sound their praises dew? 635 Who then ought more to fauour her, then you 636 Moste noble Lord, the honor of this age, 637 And Precedent of all that armes ensue? 638 Whose warlike prowesse and manly courage, 639 Tempred with reason and aduizement sage 640 Hath fild sad Belgicke with victorious spoile, 641 In Fraunce and Ireland left a famous gage, 642 And lately shakt the Lusitanian soile. 643 Sith then each where thou hast dispredd thy fame, 644 Loue him, that hath eternized your name. 645 E. S. 646 627 628 To the Right Noble Lord and Most Valiant Captain, 629 Sir John Norris, Knight, Lord President of Munster
John Norris > (1547?-1597, a commander of the land forces in the
Netherlands during the Armada campaign)
630 631 Who ever gave more honourable prize
prize > prize; plunder
632 To the sweet Muse, than did the martial crew; 633 That their brave deeds she might immortalize
That > [In that]
brave > brave; splendid
634 In her shrill trump, and sound their praises due?
trump > trumpet-note
635 Who then ought more to favour her than you, 636 Most noble lord, the honour of this age, 637 And precedent of all that arms ensue?
precedent > pattern, model
arms ensue > seek after feats of arms; hence: follow a military
career
638 Whose warlike prowess and manly courage, 639 Tempered with reason and advisement sage
advisement > advice; prudence, consideration
640 Have filled sad Belgium with victorious spoil,
Belgium > {The Netherlands}
641 In France and Ireland left a famous gage,
gage > prize, military spoil
642 And lately shaken the Lusitanian soil.
Lusitanian > (A somewhat impolitic reference to the ill-fated Portugal expedition of 1589, in which Norris and Sir Francis Drake, with over 100 ships and some 20,000 soldiers, were sent to liberate Portugal from the Spanish)
643 Since then each where you have spread your fame,
each where > everywhere
644 Love him that has eternized your name. 645 E. S. 646 647 648 To the right noble and valorous knight, Sir Walter Raleigh, 649 Lo. Wardein of the Stanneryes, and lieftenaunt of 650 Cornewaile. 651 652 TO thee that art the sommers Nightingale, 653 Thy soueraine Goddesses most deare delight, 654 Why doe I send this rusticke Madrigale, 655 That may thy tunefull eare vnseason quite? 656 Thou onely fit this Argument to write, 657 In whose high thoughts Pleasure hath built her bowre, 658 And dainty loue learnd sweetly to endite. 659 My rimes I know vnsauory and sowre, 660 To tast the streames, that like a golden showre 661 Flow from thy fruitfull head, of thy loues praise, 662 Fitter perhaps to thonder Martiall stowre, 663 When so thee list thy lofty Muse to raise: 664 Yet till that thou thy Poeme wilt make knowne, 665 Let thy faire Cinthias praises bee thus rudely showne. 666 E. S. 667 647 648 To the Right Noble and Valorous Knight, Sir Walter Raleigh, 649 Lord Warden of the Stannaries, and Lieutenant of 650 Cornwall 651 652 To you, that are the summer's nightingale,
nightingale > (Cf. I:241)
653 Your sovereign goddess' most dear delight, 654 Why do I send this rustic madrigal, 655 That may your tuneful ear unseason quite?
unseason > {Strike or affect disagreeably}
656 You only fit this argument to write,
You only > [Only you are] argument > subject-matter
657 In whose high thoughts Pleasure has built her bower,
bower > chamber, retreat
658 And dainty love learned sweetly to indite. 659 My rhymes I know unsavoury and sour
know > [know to be too]
660 To taste the streams, that like a golden shower 661 Flow from your fruitful head, of your love's praise, 662 Fitter perhaps to thunder martial stour,
stour > conflict, tumult
663 Whenso you list your lofty Muse to raise:
Whenso > Whenever list > choose, please
664 Yet till you your poem will make known,
your poem > (The Ocean's Love to Cynthia, a paean to Queen Elizabeth)
665 Let your fair Cynthia's praises be thus rudely shown.
rudely > roughly, crudely
666 E. S. 667 668 669 To the right honourable and most vertuous Lady, the 670 Countesse of Penbroke. 671 672 REmembraunce of that most Heroicke spirit, 673 The heuens pride, the glory of our daies, 674 Which now triumpheth through immortall merit 675 Of his braue vertues, crownd with lasting baies, 676 Of heuenlie blis and euerlasting praies; 677 Who first my Muse did lift out of the flore, 678 To sing his sweet delights in lowlie laies; 679 Bids me most noble Lady to adore 680 His goodly image liuing euermore, 681 In the diuine resemblaunce of your face; 682 Which with your vertues ye embellish more, 683 And natiue beauty deck with heuenlie grace: 684 For his, and for your owne especial sake, 685 Vouchsafe from him this token in good worth to take. 686 E. S. 687 668 669 To the Right Honourable and Most Virtuous Lady, the 670 Countess of Pembroke
Countess of Pembroke > (Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, 1555?-
1621, patroness of the arts; sister of Sir Philip Sidney)
671 672 Remembrance of that most heroic spirit,
heroic spirit > (That of Sir Philip Sidney, 1554-86, poet, soldier, and statesman: one of the Queen's favourites. Close friend of Spenser. Killed in action at Zutphen in the Netherlands)
673 The heavens' pride, the glory of our days, 674 Which now triumphs through immortal merit 675 Of his brave virtues, crowned with lasting bays
brave > splendid; courageous
bays > (Leaves or sprigs of the laurel, used to make a wreath for
conquerors or poets)
676 Of heavenly bliss and everlasting praise; 677 Who first my Muse did lift out of the floor, 678 To sing his sweet delights in lowly lays;
lays > songs, poems
679 Bids me, most noble lady, to adore 680 His goodly image living evermore,
goodly > well-favoured; gracious
681 In the divine resemblance of your face; 682 Which with your virtues you embellish more, 683 And native beauty deck with heavenly grace: 684 For his, and for your own especial sake, 685 Vouchsafe from him this token in good worth to take.
in good worth > at its true value; in good part
686 E. S. 687 688 689 To the most vertuous, and beautifull Lady, 690 the Lady Carew. 691 692 NE may I, without blot of endlesse blame, 693 You fairest Lady leaue out of this place, 694 But with remembraunce of your gracious name, 695 Wherewith that courtly garlond most ye grace, 696 And deck the world, adorne these verses base: 697 Not that these few lines can in them comprise 698 Those glorious ornaments of heuenly grace, 699 Wherewith ye triumph ouer feeble eyes, 700 And in subdued harts do tyranyse: 701 For thereunto doth need a golden quill, 702 And siluer leaues, them rightly to deuise, 703 But to make humble present of good will: 704 Which whenas timely meanes it purchase may, 705 In ampler wise it selfe will forth display. 706 E. S. 707 688 689 To the Most Virtuous and Beautiful Lady, 690 the Lady Carey
Lady Carey > (Lady Elizabeth Spencer Carey (or Carew), the Elder (fl. 1590), patroness of poets; dedicatee of Spenser's Muiopotmos (1590))
691 692 Nor may I, without blot of endless blame, 693 You, fairest lady, leave out of this place, 694 But, with remembrance of your gracious name, 695 Wherewith that courtly garland most you grace, 696 And deck the world, adorn these verses base: 697 Not that these few lines can in them comprise 698 Those glorious ornaments of heavenly grace 699 Wherewith you triumph over feeble eyes,
Wherewith > With which
700 And in subdued hearts do tyrannize: 701 For thereto does need a golden quill, 702 And silver leaves, them rightly to devise,
devise > tell, recount
703 But to make humble present of goodwill: 704 Which when timely means it purchase may,
timely > opportune, seasonable
705 In ampler wise itself will forth display.
In ampler wise > (A reference to Muiopotmos)
706 E. S. 707 708 709 To all the gratious and beautifull Ladies in the Court. 710 711 _THe Chian Peincter, when he was requirde 712 To pourtraict Venus in her perfect hew, 713 To make his worke more absolute, desird 714 Of all the fairest Maides to haue the vew. 715 Much more me needs to draw the semblant trew 716 Of beauties Queene, the worlds sole wonderment, 717 To sharp my sence with sundry beauties vew, 718 And steale from each some part of ornament. 719 If all the world to seeke I ouerwent, 720 A fairer crew yet no where could I see 721 Then that braue court doth to mine eie present, 722 That the worlds pride seemes gathered there to bee. 723 Of each a part I stole by cunning thefte: 724 Forgiue it me faire Dames, sith lesse ye haue not lefte_. 725 E. S. 726 727 728 708 709 To All the Gracious and Beautiful Ladies in the Court 710 711 The Chian Painter, when he was required
Chian Painter > (The artist from Chios (Scio), in the Aegean, who built a composite image of beauty from various sitters)
712 To portray Venus in her perfect hue,
Venus > (Goddess of love and beauty) hue > colours, appearance
713 To make his work more absolute, desired 714 Of all the fairest maids to have the view. 715 Much more me needs to draw the semblance true
me needs > [do I need]
716 Of beauty's Queen, the world's sole wonderment, 717 To sharpen my sense with sundry beauties' view, 718 And steal from each some part of ornament. 719 If all the world to seek I overwent, 720 A fairer crew yet nowhere could I see 721 Than that brave court does to my eye present,
that > [that which that] brave > splendid
722 That the world's pride seems gathered there to be.
That > [Such that]
723 Of each a part I stole by cunning theft: 724 Forgive it me, fair dames, sith less you have not left.
sith > since
725 E. S. 726 727 728 729 FINIS. 729 THE END
THE END > (These verses, and the letter to Raleigh, were originally placed at the end of Volume I)
=> THE FIRST 2 BOOKE OF THE FAERIE QVEENE. 4 Contayning THE LEGENDE OF THE 6 KNIGHT OF THE RED CROSSE, OR 8 OF HOLINESSE.
1 THE FIRST 2 BOOK OF THE 3 FAERY QUEEN 4 Containing 5 THE LEGEND OF THE 6 KNIGHT OF THE RED CROSS 7 or 8 OF HOLINESS
100.1
LO I the man, whose Muse whilome did maske,
2 As time her +taught+ in lowly Shepheards weeds,
Am now enforst a far vnfitter taske,
4 For trumpets sterne to chaunge mine Oaten reeds,
And sing of Knights and Ladies gentle deeds;
6 Whose prayses hauing slept in silence long,
Me, all too meane, the sacred Muse areeds
8 To blazon +broad emongst+ her learned throng:
Fierce warres and faithfull loues shall moralize my song.
2 taught > taught, 1590, 1609 8 broad emongst > 'broad, amongst 1609
1 Lo I, the man whose Muse whilom did mask,
Muse > (The nine Muses are usually represented as the daughters of Jupiter and Mnemosyne (Memory); each goddess presides over an area of the arts and sciences and gives inspiration to its practitioners) whilom > formerly mask > {Disguise [herself]; take part in a masque or masquerade}
2 As time her taught, in lowly shepherd's weeds,
time > [her] term of apprenticeship shepherd > (Spenser's The Shepheardes Calender, a work of pastoral poetry, was published in 1579) weeds > clothes, garb
3 Am now enforced, a far unfitter task,
enforced > compelled [by the Muse]
4 For trumpets stern to change my oaten reeds,
stern > fierce oaten reeds > (Of which shepherds' pipes were supposedly made. Cf. SC, "October", 7-8)
5 And sing of knights' and ladies' gentle deeds;
gentle > noble; courteous, generous
6 Whose praises, having slept in silence long, 7 Me, all too mean, the sacred Muse areads
mean > unworthy, ignoble areads > counsels; instructs
8 To blazon broad amongst her learned throng:
blazon > proclaim (with additional meaning of describing or painting heraldic devices or armorial bearings) broad > widely, far
9 Fierce wars and faithful loves shall moralize my song.
100.2
Helpe then, {o^} holy Virgin chiefe of nine,
2 Thy weaker Nouice to performe thy will,
Lay forth out of thine euerlasting scryne
4 The antique rolles, which there lye hidden still,
Of Faerie knights and fairest Tanaquill,
6 Whom that most noble Briton Prince so long
Sought through the world, and suffered so much ill,
8 That I must rue his vndeserued wrong:
O helpe thou my weake wit, and sharpen my dull tong.
1 Help then, O holy virgin, chief of nine,
chief > chief, first; best (here Spenser is addressing either Clio, the Muse of history, or Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry; probably Clio. Clio is the first of the nine Muses in Hesiod's Theogony, and is usually represented with an open roll of paper or a chest of books. Spenser calls her "thou eldest Sister of the crew" at TM 53. See also 111.5:6-8, 303.4:6, 706.37:9, 707.1:1)
2 Your weaker novice to perform your will;
weaker > too-weak
3 Lay forth out of your everlasting scrine
scrine > {Casket or cabinet for archival papers}
4 The antique rolls, which there lie hidden still,
antique > ancient
5 Of Faery knights and fairest Tanaquil,
Faery > {An archaic variant of "fairy", used by Spenser to denote
the imaginary land, analogous to Britain, where his poem is set}
Tanaquil > (Caia Tanaquil, wife of Tarquinius Priscus, 5th King of
Rome (- 577 BC); an exemplary queen, taken as a type for the
Faery Queen. See 210.76)
6 Whom that most noble Briton prince so long
Briton prince > (Prince Arthur. For the origin of Arthur's quest for the Faery Queen, see 109.8-15)
7 Sought through the world, and suffered so much ill,
suffered > [for whom he suffered] ill > evil, distress
8 That I must rue his undeserved wrong: 9 O, help you my weak wit, and sharpen my dull tongue!
help you my > [help my; "you" intensifies the imperative mood] wit > wit; mind dull > dull, lacklustre; blunt
100.3
And thou most dreaded impe of highest Ioue,
2 Faire Venus sonne, that with thy cruell dart
At that good knight so cunningly didst roue,
4 That glorious fire it kindled in his hart,
Lay now thy deadly Heben bow apart,
6 And with thy mother milde come to mine ayde:
Come both, and with you bring triumphant Mart,
8 In loues and gentle iollities arrayd,
After his murdrous spoiles and bloudy rage allayd.
1 And you, most dreaded imp of highest Jove,
you > [Cupid, god of love, the son of Jupiter and Venus]
imp > child, scion
Jove > (Jupiter, the supreme deity of the Romans; Zeus of the
Greeks)
2 Fair Venus' son, that with your cruel dart
Venus > (Goddess of love and beauty, wife of Vulcan, mother of Cupid) dart > arrow
3 At that good knight so cunningly did rove
rove > shoot
4 That glorious fire it kindled in his heart; 5 Lay now your deadly ebon bow apart,
ebon > {Ebony, made of ebony, a tree of the family Ebenaceae, esp. Diospyros ebenus, producing hard black wood} apart > aside
6 And with your mother mild come to my aid:
mild > gracious, kind
7 Come, both; and with you bring triumphant Mars,
Mars > (God of war, the lover of Venus)
8 In loves and gentle jollities arrayed,
gentle > noble jollities > revelries
9 After his murderous spoils and bloody rage allayed.
allayed > grown mild
100.4
And with them eke, {o^} Goddesse heauenly bright,
2 Mirrour of grace and Maiestie diuine,
Great Lady of the greatest Isle, whose light
4 Like Ph{oe}bus lampe throughout the world doth shine,
Shed thy faire beames into my feeble eyne,
6 And raise my thoughts too humble and too vile,
To thinke of that true glorious type of thine,
8 The argument of mine afflicted stile:
The which to heare, vouchsafe, {o^} dearest dred a-while.
1 And with them eke, O goddess heavenly bright,
eke > also, in addition bright > bright; beautiful
2 Mirror of grace and majesty divine,
Mirror > Reflection; reflector; exemplar (he is now addressing Queen Elizabeth; the moment of uncertainty smoothly conflates her with both Venus and the "holy Virgin" of 100.2:1)
3 Great lady of the greatest isle, whose light
greatest isle > [Britain]
4 Like Phoebus' lamp throughout the world does shine,
Phoebus > (Phoebus Apollo, god of the sun; Elizabeth's light is elsewhere (e.g. 300.4:8) compared to that of the moon and (209.4:6) to that of the morning star)
5 Shed your fair beams into my feeble eyes, 6 And raise my thoughts, too humble and too vile,
vile > lowly, wretched
7 To think of that true glorious type of yours,
type > image, representation
8 The argument of my afflicted style:
argument > subject-matter afflicted > humble, lowly; contemptible (Latin afflictus) style > literary composition; hence: poem, song (cf. SC, "Januarie", 10)
9 Which to hear vouchsafe, O dearest dread, awhile.
dread > {Object of awe or reverence}
The Patron of true Holinesse,
Foule Errour doth defeate:
Hypocrisie him to +entrape+,
Doth to his home entreate.
3 entrape > entrappe 1590; entrap 1609
1 The patron of true Holiness
patron > protector, defender, champion
2 Foul Error does defeat: 3 Hypocrisy, him to entrap,
Hypocrisy > (Archimago, introduced at 101.29, named at 101.43:6)
4 Does to his home entreat.
entreat > [entreat the patron of true Holiness]
101.1
A Gentle Knight was pricking on the plaine,
2 Y cladd in mightie armes and siluer shielde,
Wherein old dints of deepe wounds did remaine,
4 The cruell markes of many'a bloudy fielde;
Yet armes till that time did he neuer wield:
6 His angry steede did chide his foming bitt,
As much disdayning to the curbe to yield:
8 Full iolly knight he seemd, and faire did sitt,
As one for knightly giusts and fierce encounters fitt.
1 A gentle knight was pricking on the plain,
gentle > generous, courteous (to take the meaning of this word as "noble", "high-born", would be to anticipate the revelation at 110.65 ff.; at I:153 he is described as "clownishe", i.e. rustic, unsophisticated) pricking > spurring his horse, riding
2 Clad in mighty arms and silver shield,
arms > armour (see I:171-3)
3 Wherein old dints of deep wounds did remain,
dints > dents, indentations
4 The cruel marks of many a bloody field;
field > field of battle, battle
5 Yet arms till that time did he never wield.
never wield > (See I:152 ff.: "In the beginning of the feast …")
6 His angry steed did chide his foaming bit, 7 As much disdaining to the curb to yield: 8 Full jolly knight he seemed, and fair did sit,
Full > [A] very jolly > gallant; handsome; fine; also, apparent only on a second reading of Book I, in the rarer pejorative senses: self- confident, arrogant, lustful fair > expertly sit > sit in the saddle; ride
9 As one for knightly jousts and fierce encounters fit.
101.2
+But+ on his brest a bloudie Crosse he bore,
2 The deare remembrance of his dying Lord,
For whose sweete sake that glorious badge he wore,
4 And dead as liuing euer him ador'd:
Vpon his shield the like was also scor'd,
6 For soueraine hope, which in his helpe he had:
Right faithfull true he was in deede and word,
8 But of his cheere did seeme too solemne sad,
Yet nothing did he dread, but euer was ydrad.
1 But > And 1590. 1596 emphasizes his inner conflict and points the way to his downfall and ultimate resurrection)
1 But on his breast a bloody cross he bore,
bloody > blood-red
2 The dear remembrance of his dying Lord,
dear > dear; grievous; brave remembrance > keepsake, token
3 For whose sweet sake that glorious badge he wore, 4 And dead, as living, ever him adored:
dead, as living, ever him adored > (Or: "dead, as living ever, him adored"; see Rev. 1.18)
5 Upon his shield the like was also scored,
scored > inscribed
6 For sovereign hope, which in his help he had:
in his help > [to help him; in his armoury]
7 Right faithful true he was in deed and word,
Right > Very, completely
8 But of his cheer did seem too solemn sad;
of > in cheer > expression, mood sad > grave, sober
9 Yet nothing did he dread, but ever was dreaded.
101.3
Vpon a great aduenture he was bond,
2 That greatest Gloriana to him gaue,
That greatest Glorious Queene of Faerie lond,
4 To winne him worship, and her grace to haue,
Which of all earthly things he most did craue;
6 And euer as he rode, his hart did earne
To proue his puissance in battell braue
8 Vpon his foe, and his new force to learne;
Vpon his foe, a Dragon horrible and stearne.
1 Upon a great adventure he was bound, 2 That greatest Gloriana to him gave 3 (That greatest glorious Queen of Faery Land) 4 To win him worship, and her grace to have,
worship > honour, renown
5 Which of all earthly things he most did crave; 6 And ever as he rode his heart did yearn 7 To prove his puissance in battle brave
prove > test; demonstrate puissance > strength (allied with prowess in arms) brave > brave; splendid
8 Upon his foe, and his new force to learn;
learn > learn; also: teach, hence: impose
9 Upon his foe, a dragon horrible and stern.
stern > fierce; merciless, cruel
101.4
A louely Ladie rode him faire beside,
2 Vpon a lowly Asse more white then snow,
Yet she much whiter, but the same did hide
4 Vnder a vele, that wimpled was full low,
And ouer all a blacke stole she did throw,
6 As one that inly mournd: so was she sad,
And heauie sat vpon her palfrey slow;
8 Seemed in heart some hidden care she had,
And by her in a line a milke white lambe she lad.
1 A lovely lady rode him fair beside,
lovely > lovely; loving; lovable [by virtue of her admirable qualities] fair > fittingly, becomingly; skilfully
2 Upon a lowly ass more white than snow, 3 Yet she much whiter; but the same did hide
the same > [her complexion she]
4 Under a veil, that wimpled was full low;
wimpled > {Falling in folds} full > very, exceedingly
5 And over all a black stole she did throw,
stole > robe
6 As one that inly mourned: so was she sad,
inly > inwardly
7 And heavy sat upon her palfrey slow;
heavy > sadly palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
8 Seemed in heart some hidden care she had,
Seemed > [It seemed] in heart > in her heart; inwardly
9 And by her, in a line, a milk-white lamb she led.
in a line > on a lead
101.5
So pure +an innocent+, as that same lambe,
2 She was in life and euery vertuous lore,
And by descent from Royall lynage came
4 Of ancient Kings and Queenes, that had of yore
Their scepters stretcht from East to Westerne shore,
6 And all the world in their subiection held;
Till that infernall feend with foule vprore
8 Forwasted all their land, and them expeld:
Whom to auenge, she had this Knight from far compeld.
1 an innocent > and innocent 1590; an Innocent 1609
1 So pure an innocent as that same lamb 2 She was in life and every virtuous lore;
lore > teaching, doctrine
3 And by descent from royal lineage came 4 Of ancient kings and queens, that had of yore
of yore > of old, in former times
5 Their sceptres stretched from east to western shore, 6 And all the world in their subjection held; 7 Till that infernal fiend with foul uproar
infernal fiend > hellish fiend (the dragon, Satan) uproar > insurrection; tumult
8 Forwasted all their land, and them expelled:
Forwasted > Ravaged, laid to waste
9 Whom to avenge, she had this knight from far compelled.
compelled > commanded; forced to come
101.6
Behind her farre away a Dwarfe did lag,
2 That lasie seemd in being euer last,
Or wearied with bearing of her bag
4 Of needments at his backe. Thus as they past,
The day with cloudes was suddeine ouercast,
6 And angry Ioue an hideous storme of raine
Did poure into his Lemans lap so fast,
8 That euery wight to shrowd it did constrain,
And this faire couple eke to shroud themselues were fain.
1 Behind her far away a dwarf did lag, 2 That lazy seemed, in being ever last, 3 Or wearied with bearing of her bag 4 Of needments at his back. Thus as they passed,
needments > necessaries passed > passed; and perhaps: paced
5 The day with clouds was suddenly overcast, 6 And angry Jove a hideous storm of rain
Jove > [the heavens personified] hideous > terrific; hence: violent, torrential
7 Did pour into his leman's lap so fast
leman > mistress; wife (the Earth portrayed as the lover of Heaven)
8 That every wight to shroud it did constrain;
wight > person, creature, being shroud > take shelter; shelter (sb.)
9 And this fair couple eke to shroud themselves were fain.
eke > likewise fain > obliged; eager
101.7
Enforst to seeke some couert nigh at hand,
2 A shadie groue not far away they spide,
That promist ayde the +tempest+ to withstand:
4 Whose loftie trees yclad with sommers pride,
Did spred so broad, that heauens light did hide,
6 Not perceable with power of any starre:
And all within were pathes and alleies wide,
8 With footing worne, and leading inward farre:
Faire harbour that them seemes; so in they entred arre.
3 tempest > tempests 1609
1 Enforced to seek some covert nigh at hand, 2 A shady grove not far away they spied, 3 That promised aid, the tempest to withstand: 4 Whose lofty trees, clad with summer's pride,
pride > splendour; splendid adornment (with connotations of "pride" (1) in its modern sense, and (2) in the sense "sexual heat", "sexual desire". In combination, these are the undoing of the knight. Cf. "iolly" at 101.1:8)
5 Did spread so broad that heaven's light did hide,
did > [they did]
6 Not pierceable with power of any star:
pierceable > able to be pierced
7 And all within were paths and alleys wide, 8 With footing worn, and leading inward far:
footing > {The passage of feet}
9 Fair harbour that them seems; so in they entered are.
harbour > refuge; also: arbour that them > [that to them]
101.8
And foorth they passe, with pleasure forward led,
2 Ioying to heare the birdes sweete harmony,
Which therein shrouded from the tempest dred,
4 Seemd in their song to scorne the cruell sky.
Much can they prayse the trees so straight and hy,
6 The sayling Pine, the Cedar proud and tall,
The vine-prop Elme, the Poplar neuer dry,
8 The builder Oake, sole king of forrests all,
The Aspine good for staues, the Cypresse funerall.
1 And forth they pass, with pleasure forward led, 2 Joying to hear the birds' sweet harmony, 3 Which, therein shrouded from the tempest dread,
shrouded > sheltered
4 Seemed in their song to scorn the cruel sky. 5 Much can they praise the trees so straight and high,
can > did; can
6 The sailing pine; the cedar proud and tall;
sailing > (Figuratively; also because pine was used to make masts for sailing-ships)
7 The vine-prop elm; the poplar never dry;
never dry > (Because the poplar grows beside water)
8 The builder oak, sole king of forests all; 9 The aspen good for staves; the cypress funeral;
funeral > funereal (because of its association with death and grief)
101.9
The Laurell, meed of mightie Conquerours
2 And Poets sage, the Firre that weepeth still,
The Willow worne of forlorne Paramours,
4 The Eugh obedient to the benders will,
The Birch for shaftes, the Sallow for the mill,
6 The Mirrhe +sweete+ bleeding in the bitter wound,
The warlike Beech, the Ash for nothing ill,
8 The fruitfull Oliue, and the Platane round,
The caruer Holme, the Maple +seeldom+ inward sound.
6 sweete > sweet, 1609 9 seeldom > sildom 1609 passim
1 The laurel, meed of mighty conquerors
meed > reward (the laurel, sacred to Apollo, was used to make a crown for conquerors or poets)
2 And poets sage; the fir that weeps still;
weeps still > continuously exudes resin
3 The willow, worn of forlorn paramours;
of > by; habitually by
4 The yew, obedient to the bender's will;
bender > [archer: the yew was traditionally used for longbows]
5 The birch for shafts; the sallow for the mill;
mill > ?mill-wheel; ?cogs of the mill (or because the sallow grows by water)
6 The myrrh sweet bleeding in the bitter wound;
myrrh > (The aromatic resin of the gum myrrh tree (Commiphora myrrha) is used herbally as an antiseptic and disinfectant. But the reference also evokes (noted by Bayley (1966) 264-5) the story of Myrrha (Met. 10), whose incestuous desire for her own father led to her transformation into a myrrh tree: in that form she gave agonizing birth to Adonis. In Song Sol. 1.13, myrrh is mentioned in a celebration of sexual congress. The word "myrrh" itself is derived from an Arabic word meaning "bitter". Here in one line is a perfect example of the richness of Spenser's art)
7 The warlike beech; the ash for nothing ill;
warlike > (Because war-chariots in antiquity were reputedly made of beech)
8 The fruitful olive; and the platan round;
platan > plane-tree
9 The carver holm; the maple seldom inward sound.
holm > (Holm oak, Quercus ilex, whose wood is suitable for carving)
101.10
Led with delight, they thus beguile the way,
2 Vntill the blustring storme is ouerblowne;
When weening to returne, whence they did stray,
4 +They+ cannot finde that path, which first was showne,
But wander too and fro in wayes vnknowne,
6 Furthest from end then, when they neerest weene,
That makes them doubt, their wits be not their owne:
8 So many pathes, so many turnings seene,
That which of them to take, in diuerse doubt they been.
4 They > The 1596
1 Led with delight, they thus beguile the way
beguile the way > evade the labour of travel; dawdle
2 Until the blustering storm is overblown; 3 When, weening to return whence they did stray,
weening > expecting
4 They cannot find that path, which first was shown, 5 But wander to and fro in ways unknown, 6 Furthest from end then, when they nearest ween,
ween > suppose, imagine [themselves to be nearest the end of their uncertainty]
7 That makes them doubt their wits be not their own:
doubt > fear
8 So many paths, so many turnings seen, 9 That which of them to take, in diverse doubt they been.
diverse > diverse; also: distracting (SUS) been > [were]
101.11
At last resoluing forward still to fare,
2 Till that some end they finde or in or out,
That path they take, that beaten seemd most bare,
4 And like to lead the labyrinth about;
Which when by tract they hunted had throughout,
6 At length it brought them to a hollow caue,
Amid the thickest woods. The Champion stout
8 Eftsoones dismounted from his courser braue,
And to the Dwarfe a while his needlesse spere he gaue.
1 At last, resolving forward still to fare,
still > continuously, without change; hence: in one direction
2 Till some end they find, +or+ in or out,
or > either
3 That path they take that beaten seemed most bare, 4 And likely to lead the labyrinth about;
the labyrinth about > [out of the labyrinth]
5 Which when by tract they hunted had throughout,
tract > track, trail; tracing
6 At length it brought them to a hollow cave
hollow > insincere, false; also: hungry (these readings might be indicated by the tautology; cf. 109.33:2, 308.37:5, but also 303.8:3)
7 Amid the thickest woods. The champion stout
stout > bold, brave
8 Eftsoons dismounted from his courser brave,
Eftsoons > Thereupon brave > splendid, fine; courageous
9 And to the dwarf awhile his needless spear he gave.
needless > (Because it is wielded only by a mounted knight, the sword being used when he is on foot)
101.12
Be well aware, quoth then that Ladie milde,
2 Least suddaine mischiefe ye too rash prouoke:
The danger hid, the place vnknowne and wilde,
4 Breedes dreadfull doubts: Oft fire is without smoke,
And perill without show: therefore +your stroke+
6 Sir knight with-hold, till further triall made.
Ah Ladie (said he) shame were to reuoke
8 The forward footing for an hidden shade:
Vertue giues her selfe light, through darkenesse for to wade.
5 your stroke > your hardy stroke 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Be well aware," quoth then that lady mild,
aware > watchful, on your guard mild > kind, gracious
2 "Lest sudden mischief you too rash provoke:
mischief > disaster you too rash provoke > [you, too rash, provoke; or: you too rashly provoke]
3 The danger hidden, the place unknown and wild, 4 Breeds dreadful doubts. Oft fire is without smoke, 5 And peril without show: therefore your stroke, 6 Sir knight, withhold, till further trial made."
made > [be made]
7 "Ah lady," said he, "shame were to revoke
shame were > [it would be shameful; it would be a shame] revoke > check; withdraw, draw back
8 The forward footing for a hidden shade:
footing > step, tread for > [for fear of]
9 Virtue gives herself light, through darkness for to wade."
for > in order wade > {Go, proceed; proceed through some medium which offers resistance}
101.13
Yea but (quoth she) the perill of this place
2 I better wot then you, though now too late,
To wish you backe returne with foule disgrace,
4 Yet wisedome warnes, whilest foot is in the gate,
To stay the steppe, ere forced to retrate.
6 This is the wandring wood, this Errours den,
A monster vile, whom God and man does hate:
8 Therefore I read beware. Fly fly (quoth then
The fearfull Dwarfe:) this is no place for liuing men.
1 "Yes but" quoth she, "the peril of this place 2 I better wot than you: though now too late
wot > know
3 To wish you back return with foul disgrace, 4 Yet wisdom warns, whilst foot is in the gate,
gate > gate; way, path; journey (for this marks the beginning of the knight's spiritual quest)
5 To stay the step, ere forced to retrait.
retrait > retreat, retire
6 This is the Wandering Wood, this Error's den,
Wandering > (The Latin verb errare means not only to "wander", but also "stray", "deviate", "be mistaken")
7 A monster vile, whom God and man does hate: 8 Therefore I read beware." "Fly, fly!" quoth then
read > counsel [you to …] Fly > Flee
9 The fearful dwarf, "this is no place for living men."
101.14
But full of fire and greedy hardiment,
2 The youthfull knight could not for ought be staide,
But forth vnto the darksome hole he went,
4 And looked in: his glistring armor made
A litle glooming light, much like a shade,
6 By which he saw the vgly monster plaine,
Halfe like a serpent horribly displaide,
8 But th'other halfe did womans shape retaine,
Most lothsom, filthie, foule, and full of vile disdaine.
1 But, full of fire and greedy hardiment,
greedy > eager, reckless hardiment > boldness
2 The youthful knight could not for aught be stayed, 3 But forth to the darksome hole he went, 4 And looked in: his glistering armour made 5 A little glooming light, much like a shade,
glooming > gloaming (cognate with "glow")
6 By which he saw the ugly monster plain, 7 Half like a serpent horribly displayed;
displayed > displayed; uncoiled, spread out (but cf. 101.15:3)
8 But the other half did woman's shape retain: 9 Most loathsome, filthy, foul, and full of vile disdain.
disdain > repulsiveness
101.15
And as she lay vpon the durtie ground,
2 Her huge long taile her den all ouerspred,
Yet was in knots and many boughtes vpwound,
4 Pointed with mortall sting. Of her there bred
A thousand yong ones, which she dayly fed,
6 Sucking vpon her +poisonous+ dugs, eachone
Of sundry +shapes,+ yet all ill fauored:
8 Soone as that vncouth light vpon them shone,
Into her mouth they crept, and suddain all were gone.
6 poisonous > poisnous 1590 7 shapes, > shape 1596 (some copies); shape, 1609
1 And as she lay upon the dirty ground, 2 Her huge long tail her den all overspread, 3 Yet was in knots and many boughts upwound,
boughts > coils
4 Pointed with mortal sting. Of her there bred
mortal > lethal
5 A thousand young ones, which she daily fed, 6 Sucking upon her poisonous dugs; each one 7 Of sundry shapes, yet all ill-favoured.
Of sundry shapes > [Each one was different]
8 Soon as that uncouth light upon them shone,
Soon > [As soon] uncouth > unaccustomed
9 Into her mouth they crept, and sudden all were gone.
101.16
Their dam vpstart, out of her den effraide,
2 And rushed forth, hurling her hideous taile
About her cursed head, whose folds displaid
4 Were stretcht now forth at length without entraile.
She lookt about, and seeing one in mayle
6 Armed to point, sought backe to turne againe;
For light she hated as the deadly bale,
8 Ay wont in desert darknesse to remaine,
Where plaine none might her see, nor she see any plaine.
1 Their dam upstart out of her den affrayed,
upstart > started up affrayed > alarmed, startled; frightened, terrified
2 And rushed forth, hurling her hideous tail
hurling > whirling; brandishing hideous > terrific; immense; odious
3 About her cursed head, whose folds displayed
displayed > uncoiled
4 Were stretched now forth at length without entrail.
entrail > [a] coil (SUS)
5 She looked about and, seeing one in mail,
mail > chain armour
6 Armed to point, sought back to turn again;
to point > to the smallest detail, completely
7 For light she hated as the deadly bale,
bale > torment; infliction of death; also, mainly in northern usage: great consuming fire, funeral pyre; hence, perhaps: hell-fire
8 Ay wont in desert darkness to remain,
Ay > Ever, always wont > used, accustomed desert > lonely
9 Where plain none might her see, nor she see any plain.
101.17
Which when the valiant Elfe +perceiu'd+, he lept
2 As Lyon fierce vpon the flying pray,
And with his trenchand blade her boldly kept
4 From turning backe, and forced her to stay:
Therewith enrag'd she loudly gan to bray,
6 And turning fierce, her speckled taile aduaunst,
Threatning her angry sting, him to dismay:
8 Who nought aghast, his mightie hand enhaunst:
The stroke down from her head vnto her shoulder glaunst.
1 perceiu'd > perceiu'ed 1596
1 Which when the valiant Elf perceived, he leapt
Elf > {Native of Faery Land (but see 110.64-5)}
2 As lion fierce upon the flying prey, 3 And with his trenchant blade her boldly kept
trenchant > sharp, deeply cutting
4 From turning back, and forced her to stay. 5 Therewith enraged, she loudly began to bray,
Therewith > With that
6 And turning fierce, her speckled tail advanced,
fierce > fierce; fiercely
7 Threatening her angry sting, him to dismay:
dismay > defeat
8 Who, naught aghast, his mighty hand enhanced:
enhanced > raised
9 The stroke down from her head to her shoulder glanced.
101.18
Much daunted with that dint, her sence was dazd,
2 Yet kindling rage, her selfe she gathered round,
And all attonce her beastly body raizd
4 With doubled forces high aboue the ground:
Tho wrapping vp her wrethed sterne arownd,
6 Lept fierce vpon his shield, and her huge traine
All suddenly about his body wound,
8 That hand or foot to stirre he stroue in vaine:
God helpe the man so wrapt in Errours endlesse traine.
1 Much daunted with that dint, her sense was dazed;
dint > stroke
2 Yet, kindling rage, herself she gathered round, 3 And all at once her beastly body raised 4 With doubled forces high above the ground: 5 Tho, wrapping up her wreathed stern around,
Tho > Then
6 Leapt fierce upon his shield, and her huge train
train > tail
7 All suddenly about his body wound, 8 That hand or foot to stir he strove in vain:
That > [So that]
9 God help the man so wrapped in Error's endless train!
train > tail; trickery, deceit; assembly, entourage
101.19
His Lady sad to see his sore constraint,
2 Cride out, Now now Sir knight, shew what +ye+ bee,
Add faith vnto your force, and be not faint:
4 Strangle her, else she sure will strangle thee.
That when he heard, in great perplexitie,
6 His gall did grate for griefe and high disdaine,
And knitting all his force got one hand free,
8 Wherewith he grypt her gorge with so great paine,
That soone to loose her wicked bands did her constraine.
2 ye > you 1609
1 His lady, sad to see his sore constraint,
sore > grievous constraint > restriction of liberty; affliction
2 Cried out, "Now, now, sir knight, show what you be; 3 Add faith to your force, and be not faint: 4 Strangle her, else she sure will strangle you!" 5 That when he heard, in great perplexity, 6 His gall did grate for grief and high disdain;
gall > sense of rancour (said to have its seat in the gall) grate > grind grief > rage
7 And, knitting all his force, got one hand free, 8 Wherewith he gripped her gorge with so great pain,
Wherewith > With which gorge > throat so > such pain > pains, effort, labour; hence: strength
9 That soon to loose her wicked bonds did her constrain.
did > [it did; he did]
101.20
Therewith she spewd out of her filthy maw
2 A floud of poyson horrible and blacke,
Full of great lumpes of flesh and gobbets raw,
4 Which stunck so vildly, that it forst him slacke
His grasping hold, and from her turne him backe:
6 Her vomit full of bookes and papers was,
With loathly frogs and toades, which eyes did lacke,
8 And creeping sought way in the weedy gras:
Her filthy parbreake all the place defiled has.
1 Therewith she spewed out of her filthy maw
Therewith > With that; thereupon maw > stomach
2 A flood of poison horrible and black, 3 Full of great lumps of flesh and gobbets raw,
gobbets > {Lumps of raw or semi-digested flesh or food}
4 Which stunk so vilely, that it forced him slack 5 His grasping hold, and from her turn him back: 6 Her vomit full of books and papers was, 7 With loathly frogs and toads, which eyes did lack,
loathly > loathsome, repulsive, hateful
8 And creeping sought way in the weedy grass: 9 Her filthy parbreak all the place defiled has.
parbreak > vomit
101.21
As when old father Nilus gins to swell
2 With timely pride aboue the Aegyptian vale,
His fattie waues do fertile slime outwell,
4 And ouerflow each plaine and lowly dale:
But when his later +spring+ gins to auale,
6 Huge heapes of mudd he leaues, wherein there breed
Ten thousand kindes of creatures, partly male
8 And partly female of his fruitfull seed;
Such vgly monstrous shapes elswhere may no man reed.
5 spring > ebbe 1590 etc.: FE
1 As when old Father Nile begins to swell 2 With timely pride above the Egyptian vale;
timely > seasonal pride > {The state of being in flood; stateliness, splendour; tumescence, sexual excitement}
3 His fatty waves do fertile slime outwell,
fatty > oleaginous, greasy; hence: mud-laden, rich outwell > pour forth
4 And overflow each plain and lowly dale: 5 But when his latter spring begins to avale,
latter > last, final spring > tide avale > sink down, flow down
6 Huge heaps of mud he leaves, wherein there breed 7 Ten thousand kinds of creatures, partly male
partly > some
8 And partly female, of his fruitful seed;
seed > semen (cf. 304.41:6); progeny
9 Such ugly monstrous shapes elsewhere may no man read.
read > see, observe (SUS)
101.22
The same so sore annoyed has the knight,
2 That welnigh choked with the deadly stinke,
His forces faile, ne can no longer fight.
4 Whose corage when the feend perceiu'd to shrinke,
She poured forth out of her hellish sinke
6 Her fruitfull cursed spawne of serpents small,
Deformed monsters, fowle, and black as inke,
8 Which swarming all about his legs did crall,
And him encombred sore, but could not hurt at all.
1 The same so sore annoyed has the knight,
annoyed > afflicted, discommoded
2 That, well-nigh choked with the deadly stink, 3 His forces fail, nor can no longer fight: 4 Whose courage when the fiend perceived to shrink, 5 She poured forth out of her hellish sink
sink > {Intestines, organs of excretion; rectum}
6 Her fruitful cursed spawn of serpents small: 7 Deformed monsters, foul, and black as ink, 8 Which swarming all about his legs did crawl, 9 And him encumbered sore, but could not hurt at all.
101.23
As gentle Shepheard in sweete euen-tide,
2 When ruddy Ph{oe}bus gins to welke in west,
High on an hill, his flocke to vewen wide,
4 Markes which do byte their hasty supper best;
A cloud of +combrous+ gnattes do him molest,
6 All striuing to infixe their feeble stings,
That from their noyance he no where can rest,
8 But with his clownish hands their tender wings
He brusheth +oft+, and oft doth mar their murmurings.
5 combrous > cumbrous 1590 9 oft > off conj. Collier
1 As gentle shepherd in sweet eventide 2 (When ruddy Phoebus begins to welk in west),
welk > fade, wane
3 High on a hill, his flock to view wide, 4 Marks which do bite their hasty supper best, 5 A cloud of cumbrous gnats do him molest,
A > [And a] cumbrous > harassing
6 All striving to infix their feeble stings, 7 That from their annoyance he nowhere can rest,
That > [So that]
8 But with his clownish hands their tender wings
clownish > rude, rustic
9 He brushes oft, and oft does mar their murmurings.
101.24
Thus ill bestedd, and fearefull more of shame,
2 Then of the certaine perill he stood in,
Halfe furious vnto his foe he came,
4 Resolv'd in minde all suddenly to win,
Or soone to lose, before he once would lin;
6 And +strooke+ at her with more then manly force,
That from her body full of filthie sin
8 He +raft+ her hatefull head without remorse;
A streame of cole black bloud forth gushed from her corse.
6 strooke > stroke 1590 8 raft > reft 1609
1 Thus ill-bested, and fearful more of shame
ill-bested > hard-pressed, threatened (bested = placed); or: ill- bestad: badly beset, badly hemmed in (SUS)
2 Than of the certain peril he stood in, 3 Half furious to his foe he came, 4 Resolved in mind all suddenly to win, 5 Or soon to lose, before he once would lin;
lin > desist, cease
6 And struck at her with more than manly force,
manly > human
7 That from her body, full of filthy sin,
That > [So that]
8 He reft her hateful head without remorse:
reft > severed (catachr.); took away remorse > compunction; pity
9 A stream of coal-black blood forth gushed from her corse.
corse > body
101.25
Her scattred brood, soone as their Parent deare
2 They saw so rudely falling to the ground,
Groning full deadly, all with troublous feare,
4 Gathred themselues about her body round,
Weening their wonted entrance to haue found
6 At her wide mouth: but being there withstood
They flocked all about her bleeding +wound,+
8 And sucked vp their dying mothers blood,
Making her death their life, and eke her hurt their good.
wound, > wound. 1596
1 Her scattered brood, soon as their parent dear
soon > [as soon]
2 They saw so rudely falling to the ground,
rudely > violently; clumsily
3 Groaning full deadly, all with troublous fear,
full > very, exceedingly
4 Gathered themselves about her body round, 5 Weening their wonted entrance to have found
Weening > Supposing wonted > customary, usual
6 At her wide mouth; but being there withstood, 7 They flocked all about her bleeding wound, 8 And sucked up their dying mother's blood, 9 Making her death their life, and eke her hurt their good.
eke > also, moreover
101.26
That detestable sight him much amazde,
2 To see th'vnkindly Impes of heauen accurst,
Deuoure their dam; on whom while so he gazd,
4 Hauing all satisfide their bloudy thurst,
Their bellies swolne he saw with fulnesse burst,
6 And bowels gushing forth: well worthy end
Of such as drunke her life, the which them nurst;
8 Now needeth him no +lenger+ labour spend,
His foes haue slaine themselues, with whom he should contend.
8 lenger > longer 1609
1 That detestable sight him much amazed,
amazed > astounded, stunned
2 To see the unkindly imps, of heaven accursed,
unkindly > unnatural imps > offspring, progeny
3 Devour their dam; on whom while so he gazed, 4 Having all satisfied their bloody thirst, 5 Their bellies swollen he saw with fullness burst, 6 And bowels gushing forth: well worthy end 7 Of such as drunk her life, who them nursed; 8 Now needs him no longer labour spend, 9 His foes have slain themselves, with whom he should contend.
should contend > [would have contended]
101.27
His Ladie seeing all, that chaunst, from farre
2 Approcht in hast to greet his victorie,
And said, Faire knight, borne vnder happy starre,
4 Who see your vanquisht foes before you lye:
Well worthy be you of that Armorie,
6 Wherein ye haue great glory wonne this day,
And proou'd your strength on a strong enimie,
8 Your first aduenture: many such I pray,
And henceforth euer wish, that like succeed it may.
1 His lady, seeing all that chanced from far, 2 Approached in haste to greet his victory;
greet > congratulate him on (SUFQ)
3 And said, "Fair knight, born under happy star,
born > born; borne, sustained, moved onward happy > fortunate, auspicious
4 Who see your vanquished foes before you lie, 5 Well worthy be you of that armoury
armoury > armour; armory: armorial bearings [the Red Cross]
6 Wherein you have great glory won this day, 7 And proved your strength on a strong enemy, 8 Your first adventure: many such I pray, 9 And henceforth ever wish, that like succeed it may."
like > the like; hence: similar success
101.28
Then mounted he vpon his Steede againe,
2 And with the Lady backward sought to wend;
That path he kept, which beaten was most plaine,
4 Ne euer would to any by-way bend,
But still did follow one vnto the end,
6 The which at last out of the wood them brought.
So forward on his way (with God to frend)
8 He +passed+ forth, and new aduenture sought;
Long way he trauelled, before he heard of ought.
8 passed > passeth 1596, 1609
1 Then mounted he upon his steed again, 2 And with the lady backward sought to wend. 3 That path he kept which beaten was most plain, 4 Nor ever would to any byway bend,
bend > incline; turn, hence: divert their course
5 But still did follow one to the end,
still > continuously, without change; hence: in one direction
6 Which at last out of the wood them brought. 7 So forward on his way (with God to friend)
to > as a
8 He passed forth, and new adventure sought; 9 Long way he travelled, before he heard of aught.
101.29
At length they chaunst to meet vpon the way
2 An aged Sire, in long blacke weedes yclad,
His feete all bare, his beard all hoarie gray,
4 And by his belt his booke he hanging had;
Sober he seemde, and very sagely sad,
6 And to the ground his eyes were lowly bent,
Simple in shew, and voyde of malice bad,
8 And all the way he prayed, as he went,
And often knockt his brest, as one that did repent.
1 At length they chanced to meet upon the way 2 An aged sire, in long black weeds clad,
sire > elderly man, father weeds > garments
3 His feet all bare, his beard all hoary grey, 4 And by his belt his book he hanging had; 5 Sober he seemed, and very sagely sad,
sad > grave
6 And to the ground his eyes were lowly bent, 7 Simple in show, and void of malice bad,
show > appearance
8 And all the way he prayed as he went, 9 And often knocked his breast, as one that did repent.
101.30
He faire the knight saluted, louting low,
2 Who faire him quited, as that courteous was:
And after asked him, if he did know
4 Of straunge aduentures, which abroad did pas.
Ah my deare Sonne (quoth he) how should, alas,
6 Silly old man, that liues in hidden cell,
Bidding his beades all day for his trespas,
8 Tydings of warre and worldly trouble tell?
With holy father +sits+ not with such things to mell.
9 sits > fits 1609; cf. 108.33:5, 202.11:9
1 He fair the knight saluted, louting low,
fair > courteously louting > bowing, making obeisance ("Lowted, did honour and reuerence": SC, gloss to "Julye")
2 Who fair him requited, as courteous was:
fair > equitably; courteously
3 And after asked him if he did know 4 Of strange adventures, which abroad did pass. 5 "Ah, my dear son," quoth he, "how should, alas, 6 Silly old man, that lives in hidden cell,
Silly > Simple, innocent cell > {Dwelling consisting of a single chamber, occupied by a hermit}
7 Bidding his beads all day for his trespass,
Bidding his beads > Saying his rosary, saying his prayers trespass > sin, sins
8 Tidings of war and worldly trouble tell? 9 With holy father sits not with such things to mell.
sits not > it is not fitting, it does not behove mell > meddle (see SC, gloss to "Julye")
101.31
But if of daunger which hereby doth dwell,
2 And +homebred euill ye+ desire to heare,
Of a straunge man I can you tidings tell,
4 That wasteth all this countrey farre and neare.
Of such (said he) I chiefly do inquere,
6 And shall +you+ well reward to shew the place,
In which that wicked wight his dayes doth weare:
8 For to all knighthood it is foule disgrace,
That such a cursed creature liues so long a space.
2 homebred euill ye > homebred euill euill ye 1596 6 you > thee 1590; "you" is the more courteous form; cf. 102.22:5, but also 107.48:9
1 "But if of danger, which hereby does dwell, 2 And homebred evil you desire to hear, 3 Of a strange man I can you tidings tell, 4 That wastes all this country, far and near." 5 "Of such," said he, "I chiefly do inquire, 6 And shall you well reward to show the place 7 In which that wicked wight his days does wear:
wight > being, person wear > spend
8 For to all knighthood it is foul disgrace 9 That such a cursed creature lives so long a space."
101.32
Far hence (quoth he) in wastfull wildernesse
2 His dwelling is, by which no liuing wight
May euer passe, but thorough great distresse.
4 Now (sayd the Lady) draweth toward night,
And well I wote, that of your later fight
6 Ye all +for wearied+ be: for what so strong,
But wanting rest will also want of might?
8 The Sunne that measures heauen all day long,
At night doth baite his steedes the Ocean waues emong.
6 for wearied > forwearied 1590, 1609
1 "Far hence" quoth he, "in wasteful wilderness
wasteful > desolate
2 His dwelling is, by which no living wight
wight > person
3 May ever pass, but through great distress." 4 "Now" said the lady, "draws toward night, 5 And well I wot, that of your later fight
wot > know later > late, recent
6 You all forwearied be: for what so strong,
all forwearied be > [are worn out]
7 But, wanting rest, will also want of might?
wanting > lacking
8 The sun, that measures heaven all day long, 9 At night does bait his steeds the ocean waves among.
bait > {Rest, allow to rest; allow to feed on a journey} steeds > (Drawing Phoebus's "fiery carre": see 102.1:7)
101.33
Then with the Sunne take Sir, your timely rest,
2 And with new day new worke at once begin:
Vntroubled night they say giues counsell best.
4 Right well Sir knight ye haue aduised bin,
(Quoth then that aged man;) the way to win
6 Is wisely to aduise: now day is spent;
Therefore with me ye may take vp your In
8 For this same night. The knight was well content:
So with that godly father to his home they went.
1 "Then with the sun take, sir, your timely rest, 2 And with new day new work at once begin: 3 Untroubled night, they say, gives counsel best." 4 "Right well, sir knight, you have advised been," 5 Quoth then that aged man; "the way to win 6 Is wisely to advise; now day is spent:
advise > consider, take stock; advise
7 Therefore with me you may take up your inn
inn > lodging
8 For this same night." The knight was well content: 9 So with that godly father to his home they went.
101.34
A little lowly Hermitage it was,
2 Downe in a dale, hard by a forests side,
Far from resort of people, that did pas
4 In trauell to and froe: a little wyde
There was an holy Chappell edifyde,
6 Wherein the Hermite dewly wont to say
His holy things each morne and euentyde:
8 Thereby a Christall streame did +gently+ play,
Which from a sacred fountaine welled forth alway.
8 gently > genlty 1596
1 A little lowly hermitage it was, 2 Down in a dale, hard by a forest's side, 3 Far from resort of people that did pass 4 In travel to and fro: a little wide
wide > apart
5 There was a holy chapel edified,
edified > built
6 Wherein the hermit duly wont to say
wont > was accustomed
7 His holy things each morn and eventide: 8 Thereby a crystal stream did gently play, 9 Which from a sacred fountain welled forth alway.
alway > always
101.35
Arriued there, the little house they fill,
2 Ne looke for entertainement, where none was:
Rest is their feast, and all things at their will;
4 The noblest mind the best contentment has.
With faire discourse the euening so they pas:
6 For that old man of pleasing wordes had store,
And well could file his tongue as smooth as glas;
8 He told of Saintes and Popes, and +euermore+
He strowd an Aue-Mary after and before.
8 euermore > euemore 1596
1 Arrived there, the little house they fill, 2 Nor look for entertainment, where none was:
entertainment > lavish hospitality
3 Rest is their feast, and all things at their will;
at their will > (Because they desire nothing)
4 The noblest mind the best contentment has. 5 With fair discourse the evening so they pass: 6 For that old man of pleasing words had store, 7 And well could file his tongue as smooth as glass;
file > shape, polish
8 He told of saints and popes, and evermore 9 He strewed an Ave Maria after and before.
Ave Maria > Hail Mary
101.36
The drouping Night thus creepeth on them fast,
2 And the sad humour loading their eye liddes,
As messenger of Morpheus on them cast
4 Sweet slombring deaw, the which to sleepe them biddes.
Vnto their lodgings then his guestes he riddes:
6 Where when all drownd in deadly sleepe he findes,
He to his study goes, and there amiddes
8 His Magick bookes and artes of sundry kindes,
He seekes out mighty charmes, to trouble sleepy mindes.
1 The drooping night thus creeps on them fast, 2 And the sad humour loading their eyelids,
sad humour > heavy moisture (see line 4)
3 As messenger of Morpheus, on them cast
As > [Like a] Morpheus > (The god of dreams: one of the sons of Somnus, the god of sleep. His name signifies "Fashioner", "Moulder", because he shapes the sleeper's dreams)
4 Sweet slumbering dew, which to sleep them bids.
dew > (The dew of sleep. Cf. PL 4.614, Richard III IV i 84, Julius Caesar II i 230)
5 To their lodgings then his guests he rids:
rids > dispatches
6 Where, when all drowned in deadly sleep he finds,
deadly > death-like
7 He to his study goes, and there amidst 8 His magic books, and arts of sundry kinds, 9 He seeks out mighty charms to trouble sleepy minds.
sleepy > sleeping
101.37
Then choosing out few wordes most horrible,
2 (Let none them read) thereof did verses frame,
With which and other spelles like terrible,
4 He bad awake blacke Plutoes griesly Dame,
And cursed heauen, and spake reprochfull shame
6 Of highest God, the Lord of life and light;
A bold bad man, that dar'd to call by name
8 Great Gorgon, Prince of darknesse and dead night,
At which Cocytus quakes, and Styx is put to flight.
1 Then, choosing out few words most horrible
few > [a few]
2 (Let none them read), thereof did verses frame, 3 With which, and other spells like terrible,
like > similarly
4 He bade awake black Pluto's grisly dame,
Pluto > (God of the underworld, brother of Jupiter and Neptune, husband of Proserpine) grisly > horrible, fearsome dame > (Pluto's consort, Proserpine, the daughter of Ceres and Jupiter; she was abducted by Pluto and taken to the lower world)
5 And cursed heaven, and spoke reproachful shame 6 Of highest God, the Lord of life and light; 7 A bold, bad man, that dared to call by name
call > invoke, summon
8 Great Gorgon, prince of darkness and dead night,
Gorgon > (Demogorgon, a primordial enchanter commanding the underworld (DGDG 1.1): see also 105.22:5, 402.47:7)
9 At which Cocytus quakes, and Styx is put to flight.
Cocytus > ("The stream of wailing": one of the five rivers of hell: the others are Acheron, Phlegethon, Lethe, and Styx) Styx > (The river of hate, which dead souls must cross)
101.38
And forth he cald out of deepe darknesse dred
2 Legions of Sprights, the which like little flyes
Fluttring about his euer damned hed,
4 A-waite whereto their seruice he applyes,
To aide his friends, or fray his enimies:
6 Of those he chose out two, the falsest twoo,
And fittest for to forge true-seeming lyes;
8 The one of them he gaue a message too,
The other by him selfe staide other worke to doo.
1 And forth he called out of deep darkness dread 2 Legions of sprites, which, like little flies 3 Fluttering about his ever-damned head,
ever > eternally
4 Await whereto their service he applies:
applies > directs, brings to bear, puts to use
5 To aid his friends, or fray his enemies.
fray > frighten; attack
6 Of those he chose out two, the falsest two, 7 And fittest to forge true-seeming lies; 8 One of them he gave a message to, 9 The other by himself stayed, other work to do.
stayed > kept, retained
101.39
He making speedy way through spersed ayre,
2 And through the world of waters wide and deepe,
To Morpheus house doth hastily repaire.
4 Amid the bowels of the earth full steepe,
And low, where dawning day doth neuer peepe,
6 His dwelling is; there Tethys his wet bed
Doth euer wash, and Cynthia still doth steepe
8 In siluer deaw his euer-drouping hed,
Whiles sad Night ouer him her mantle black doth spred.
1 He, making speedy way through spersed air,
spersed > scattered (aphetic form of "dispersed")
2 And through the world of waters wide and deep, 3 To Morpheus' house does hastily repair.
repair > go, betake himself
4 Amid the bowels of the earth full steep,
full > very, exceedingly
5 And low, where dawning day does never peep, 6 His dwelling is; there Tethys his wet bed
Tethys > (A marine goddess, wife of Oceanus; the sea)
7 Does ever wash, and Cynthia still does steep
Cynthia > (Diana in her aspect as goddess of the moon; the moon itself. See 203.31:2) still > continuously
8 In silver dew his ever-drooping head, 9 While sad Night over him her mantle black does spread.
sad > heavy; dark, deep; dismal Night > (The pre-Olympian goddess, Nox; she features in person at 105.20 ff.)
101.40
Whose double gates he findeth locked fast,
2 The one faire fram'd of burnisht Yuory,
The other all with siluer ouercast;
4 And wakefull dogges before them farre do lye,
Watching to banish Care their enimy,
6 Who oft is wont to trouble gentle +Sleepe+.
By them the Sprite doth passe in quietly,
8 And vnto Morpheus comes, whom drowned deepe
In drowsie fit he findes: of nothing he takes keepe.
6 Sleepe > sleepe 1596; sleep 1609
1 Whose double gates he finds locked fast,
double gates > (The two Gates of Sleep (Odyssey 19.562-7; Aen. 6.893-6). True dreams pass through the gate of horn, while false dreams pass through the gate of ivory) fast > firmly
2 One fair framed of burnished ivory,
framed > made, fashioned
3 The other all with silver overcast;
overcast > covered, overlaid
4 And wakeful dogs before them far do lie, 5 Watching to banish Care, their enemy, 6 Who oft is wont to trouble gentle Sleep.
wont > accustomed gentle > gentle; high-born, noble
7 By them the sprite does pass in quietly, 8 And to Morpheus comes, whom drowned deep 9 In drowsy fit he finds: of nothing he takes keep.
keep > heed
101.41
And more, to lulle him in his slumber soft,
2 A trickling streame from high rocke tumbling downe
And euer-drizling raine vpon the loft,
4 Mixt with a murmuring winde, much like the sowne
Of swarming Bees, did cast him in a swowne:
6 No other noyse, nor peoples troublous cryes,
As still are wont t'annoy the walled towne,
8 Might there be heard: but carelesse Quiet lyes,
Wrapt in eternall silence farre from enemyes.
1 And more, to lull him in his slumber soft, 2 A trickling stream from high rock tumbling down, 3 And ever-drizzling rain upon the loft,
loft > air, upper region; roof
4 Mixed with a murmuring wind, much like the sound 5 Of swarming bees, did cast him in a swoon: 6 No other noise, nor people's troublous cries, 7 As still are wont to annoy the walled town,
still > continually wont > accustomed
8 Might there be heard: but careless Quiet lies
careless > unconscious, free from cares
9 Wrapped in eternal silence, far from enemies.
101.42
The messenger approching to him spake,
2 But his +wast+ wordes returnd to him in vaine:
So sound he slept, that nought mought him awake.
4 Then rudely he him +thrust+, and pusht with paine,
Whereat he gan to stretch: but he againe
6 Shooke him so hard, that forced him to speake.
As one then in a dreame, whose dryer braine
8 Is tost with troubled sights and fancies weake,
He mumbled soft, but would not all his silence breake.
2 wast > waste 1590, 1609 4 thrust > trust 1596
1 The messenger approaching to him spoke, 2 But his waste words returned to him in vain:
waste > futile
3 So sound he slept, that naught might him awake. 4 Then rudely he him thrust, and pushed with pain,
rudely > roughly
5 Whereat he began to stretch: but he again 6 Shook him so hard, that forced him to speak.
pain > pains, effort
7 As one then in a dream, whose drier brain
drier > {Too-dry: subject to uneasy dreams} that > [that it]
8 Is tossed with troubled sights and fancies weak, 9 He mumbled soft, but would not all his silence break.
all > altogether, entirely
101.43
The Sprite then gan more boldly him to wake,
2 And threatned vnto him the dreaded name
Of Hecate: whereat he gan to quake,
4 And lifting vp his lumpish head, with blame
Halfe angry asked him, for what he came.
6 Hither (quoth he) me Archimago sent,
He that the stubborne Sprites can wisely tame,
8 He bids thee to him send for his intent
A fit false dreame, that can delude the sleepers sent.
1 The sprite then began more boldly him to wake, 2 And threatened to him the dreaded name 3 Of Hecate: whereat he began to quake,
Hecate > (Three-headed goddess of the underworld, companion of and attendant upon Proserpine, associated with witchcraft and dreams; sometimes identified with Proserpine herself. See Myth. 3.15, Macbeth II i 52, III v, IV i 39-43, King Lear I i 109) whereat > at which
4 And, lifting up his lumpish head, with blame
lumpish > heavy; sluggish blame > reproach
5 Half angry asked him for what he came. 6 "Hither" quoth he, "me Archimago sent,
Archimago > "Arch Mage", "Arch Magician"
7 He that the stubborn sprites can wisely tame,
can > can; did wisely > by magic arts
8 He bids you to him send for his intent
intent > purpose, intention
9 A fit false dream, that can delude the sleeper's assent."
assent > opinion, concurrence of the will; hence: will
101.44
The God obayde, and calling forth straight way
2 A diuerse dreame out of his prison darke,
Deliuered it to him, and downe did lay
4 His heauie head, deuoide of carefull carke,
Whose sences all were straight benumbd and starke.
6 He backe returning by the Yuorie dore,
Remounted vp as light as chearefull Larke,
8 And on his litle winges the dreame he bore
In hast vnto his Lord, where he him left afore.
1 The god obeyed, and calling forth straightway 2 A diverse dream out of his prison dark,
diverse > diverting; also: distracting (SUS)
3 Delivered it to him, and down did lay 4 His heavy head, devoid of careful cark,
careful > {Full of cares} cark > anxiety, responsibility
5 Whose senses all were straight benumbed and stark.
stark > rigid, unfeeling
6 He, back returning by the ivory door,
ivory door > (The one through which false dreams pass)
7 Remounted up as light as cheerful lark, 8 And on his little wings the dream he bore 9 In haste to his lord, where he him left before.
101.45
Who all this while with charmes and hidden artes,
2 Had made a Lady of that other Spright,
And fram'd of liquid ayre her tender partes
4 So liuely, and so like in all mens sight,
That weaker sence it could haue rauisht quight:
6 The maker selfe for all his wondrous witt,
Was nigh beguiled with so goodly sight:
8 Her all in white he clad, and ouer it
Cast a black stole, most like to seeme for Vna fit.
1 Who all this while, with charms and hidden arts,
charms > spells
2 Had made a lady of that other sprite, 3 And framed of liquid air her tender parts,
framed > designed; fashioned liquid > transparent; ethereal; bright
4 So lively, and so like in all men's sight,
lively > life-like like > convincing
5 That weaker sense it could have ravished quite:
weaker > [a weaker or: too-weak]
6 The maker himself, for all his wondrous wit, 7 Was nigh beguiled with so goodly sight:
goodly > beautiful [a]
8 Her all in white he clad, and over it 9 Cast a black stole, most like to seem for Una fit.
stole > robe Una > "One" (Latin; she is the sole Truth)
101.46
Now when that ydle dreame was to him brought,
2 Vnto that Elfin knight he bad him fly,
Where he slept soundly void of euill thought,
4 And with false shewes abuse his fantasy,
In sort as he him schooled priuily:
6 And that new creature borne without her dew,
Full of the makers guile, with +vsage+ sly
8 He taught to imitate that Lady trew,
Whose semblance she did carrie vnder feigned hew.
7 vsage > visage 1609
1 Now when that idle dream was to him brought,
idle > empty, baseless
2 To that Elfin knight he bade him fly,
Elfin > {Of a race native to Faery Land (see 210.71 ff.)}
3 Where he slept soundly, void of evil thought, 4 And with false shows abuse his fantasy,
shows > appearances abuse his fantasy > deceive his imagination
5 In sort as he him schooled privily:
In sort as > [As, in the manner in which] privily > secretly
6 And that new creature, born without her due, 7 Full of the maker's guile, with usage sly
usage > practice, craft [of Archimago]; behaviour, demeanour [of the sprite]
8 He taught to imitate that lady true, 9 Whose semblance she did carry under feigned hue.
hue > appearance; colours
101.47
Thus well instructed, to their worke they hast,
2 And comming where the knight in slomber lay,
The one vpon his hardy head him plast,
4 And made him dreame of loues and lustfull play,
That nigh his manly hart did melt away,
6 Bathed in wanton blis and wicked ioy:
Then seemed him his Lady by him lay,
8 And to him playnd, how that false winged +boy,+
Her chast hart had subdewd, to learne Dame +Pleasures+ toy.
boy, > boy 1609 Pleasures > pleasures 1596
1 Thus well instructed, to their work they hasten, 2 And, coming where the knight in slumber lay, 3 The one upon his hardy head himself placed,
The one > [The sprite who had visited Morpheus] hardy head > courageous head; or: hardihead: hardihood, boldness, courage
4 And made him dream of loves and lustful play, 5 That nigh his manly heart did melt away, 6 Bathed in wanton bliss and wicked joy: 7 Then seemed him his lady by him lay,
Then seemed him > [Then it seemed to him that]
8 And to him complained how that false winged boy
that false winged boy > [Cupid]
9 Her chaste heart had subdued, to learn Dame Pleasure's toy.
subdued > led aside, stolen away (Latin subduco, cognate with seduco and hence "seduce") learn > learn; teach [her] Dame Pleasure's toy > love-making, lust (Dame Pleasure = Venus; toy = amorous game)
101.48
And she her selfe of beautie soueraigne Queene,
2 Faire Venus seemde vnto his bed to bring
Her, whom he waking euermore did +weene,+
4 To be the chastest flowre, that ay did spring
On earthly braunch, the daughter of a king,
6 Now a loose Leman to vile seruice bound:
And eke the Graces seemed all to sing,
8 Hymen i{o~} Hymen, dauncing all around,
Whilst freshest Flora her +with+ Yuie girlond crownd.
3 weene, > weene 1609 9 with > omitted from 1596 and 1609
1 And she herself, of beauty sovereign queen,
she > (Perhaps Una rather than Venus; Spenser's pointing is ambiguous)
2 Fair Venus, seemed to his bed to bring 3 Her, whom he, waking, evermore did ween
waking > [when awake] ween > suppose
4 To be the chastest flower that ay did spring
ay > ever
5 On earthly branch, the daughter of a king, 6 Now a loose leman to vile service bound:
leman > slut, loose woman service > love-making; professed love
7 And eke the Graces seemed all to sing,
eke > moreover
Graces > (Three daughters of Jupiter, often described as the
handmaids of Venus. They are especially associated with poetry.
See 203.25, 610.9, 610.21-4)
8 "Hymen i{o"} Hymen", dancing all around,
Hymen i{o"} Hymen > (From the Roman hymeneal or bridal song. Hymen = the god of marriage, or the song itself; i{o"} = an interjection, as "hurrah!")
9 Whilst freshest Flora her with ivy garland crowned.
Flora > ("The Goddesse of flowres, but indede (as saith Tacitus) a famous harlot, which, with the abuse of her body hauing gotten great riches, made the people of Rome her heyre": SC, gloss to "March") her > [the semblance of Una] ivy > (An emblem of licentiousness; see, for example, 104.22:3, 212.61)
101.49
In this great passion of vnwonted lust,
2 Or wonted feare of doing ought amis,
He +started+ vp, as seeming to +mistrust,+
4 Some secret ill, or hidden foe of his:
Lo there before his face his Lady is,
6 Vnder +blacke+ stole hyding her bayted hooke,
And as halfe blushing offred him to kis,
8 With gentle blandishment and louely looke,
Most like that virgin true, which for her knight him took.
3 started > starteth 1590 3 mistrust, > mistrust 1609 6 blacke > blake 1596
1 In this great passion of unwonted lust,
unwonted > unaccustomed
2 Or wonted fear of doing aught amiss, 3 He started up, as seeming to mistrust
mistrust > suspect
4 Some secret ill, or hidden foe of his:
ill > malady; evil
5 Lo there before his face his lady is, 6 Under black stole hiding her baited hook,
stole > robe
7 And, as half blushing, offered him to kiss, 8 With gentle blandishment and lovely look,
blandishment > cajolery; flattery lovely > loving
9 Most like that virgin true which for her knight him took.
which for her knight him took > [who chose him as her knight]
101.50
All cleane dismayd to see so vncouth sight,
2 And half enraged at her shamelesse guise,
He thought +haue+ slaine her in his fierce despight:
4 But hasty heat tempring with sufferance wise,
He stayde his hand, and gan himselfe aduise
6 To proue his sense, and tempt her faigned truth.
Wringing her hands in +wemens+ pitteous wise,
8 Tho +can+ she weepe, to stirre vp gentle ruth,
Both for her noble bloud, and for her tender youth.
3 haue > t'haue 1609 7 wemens > womens 1609 8 can > gan 1679
1 All clean dismayed to see so uncouth sight,
clean > entirely uncouth > unaccustomed, unseemly [a]
2 And half enraged at her shameless guise,
guise > behaviour; appearance
3 He thought have slain her in his fierce despite:
have > [to have] despite > indignation, rage
4 But hasty heat tempering with sufferance wise,
sufferance > tolerance
5 He stayed his hand, and gan himself advise
gan > did
6 To prove his sense, and tempt her feigned truth.
tempt > test
7 Wringing her hands in women's piteous wise,
wise > manner
8 Tho can she weep, to stir up gentle ruth,
Tho > Then can > did ruth > pity
9 Both for her noble blood, and for her tender youth.
101.51
And said, Ah Sir, my liege Lord and my loue,
2 Shall I accuse the hidden cruell fate,
And mightie causes wrought in heauen aboue,
4 Or the blind God, that doth me thus amate,
For hoped loue to winne me certaine hate?
6 Yet thus perforce he bids me do, or die.
Die is my dew: yet rew my wretched state
8 You, whom my hard auenging destinie
Hath made iudge of my life or death indifferently.
1 And said, "Ah sir, my liege lord and my love,
liege lord > {If adj.: faithful lord; if sb.: liege-lord, lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}
2 Shall I accuse the hidden cruel fate, 3 And mighty causes wrought in heaven above, 4 Or the blind god that does me thus amate,
the blind god > [Cupid, who shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit; he is often depicted wearing a blindfold. See e.g. 311.48:1] amate > cast down; act as a mate to (see 101.47:8-9)
5 For hoped love to win me certain hate?
For > [In place of]
6 Yet thus perforce he bids me do, or die.
do > copulate (euphem.)
7 Die is my due: yet rue my wretched state,
Die > [To die] rue > feel sorry for
8 You, whom my hard avenging destiny 9 Has made judge of my life or death indifferently.
101.52
Your owne deare sake forst me at first to leaue
2 My Fathers kingdome, There she stopt with teares;
Her swollen hart her speach seemd to bereaue,
4 And then againe begun, My weaker yeares
Captiu'd to fortune and frayle worldly feares,
6 Fly to your faith for succour and sure ayde:
Let me not dye in languor and long teares.
8 Why Dame (quoth he) what hath ye thus dismayd?
What frayes ye, that were wont to comfort me affrayd?
1 "Your own dear sake forced me at first to leave 2 My father's kingdom …" there she stopped with tears; 3 Her swollen heart her speech seemed to bereave,
bereave > take away
4 And then again began: "My weaker years,
weaker > weaker; too-weak years > age; hence: youth
5 Captived to fortune and frail worldly fears,
Captived > Made captive
6 Fly to your faith for succour and sure aid: 7 Let me not die in languor and long tears."
languor > sorrow
8 "Why, dame," quoth he, "what has you thus dismayed? 9 What frays you, that were wont to comfort me afraid?"
frays > frightens; assails wont > accustomed (e.g. at 101.19:1-4) afraid > [when afraid; when I was afraid]
101.53
Loue of your selfe, she said, and deare constraint
2 Lets me not sleepe, but wast the wearie night
In secret anguish and vnpittied plaint,
4 Whiles you in carelesse sleepe are drowned quight.
Her doubtfull words made that redoubted knight
6 Suspect her truth: yet +since no'vntruth+ he knew,
Her fawning loue with foule disdainefull spight
8 He would not shend, but said, Deare dame I rew,
That for my sake vnknowne such griefe vnto you grew.
6 since no'vntruth > sith n'vntruth 1609
1 "Love of yourself," she said, "and dear constraint
dear > sore, grievous; dear, affectionate constraint > affliction, distress
2 Let me not sleep, but waste the weary night 3 In secret anguish and unpitied plaint,
plaint > complaint, lamentation
4 While you in careless sleep are drowned quite."
careless > unconscious, free from cares
5 Her doubtful words made that redoubted knight
doubtful > questionable, ambiguous; fearful
6 Suspect her truth: yet since no untruth he knew,
truth > [fidelity; or: the truth of her explanation]
7 Her fawning love with foul disdainful spite 8 He would not shend; but said, "Dear dame, I rue,
shend > reproach, revile; destroy
9 That for my sake unknown such grief to you grew.
unknown > (Because the quality of his character is as yet unknown to her, has not been fully proven)
101.54
Assure your selfe, it fell not all to ground;
2 For all so deare as life is to my hart,
I deeme your loue, and hold me to you bound;
4 Ne let vaine feares procure your needlesse smart,
Where cause is none, but to your rest depart.
6 Not all content, yet seemd she to appease
Her mournefull plaintes, beguiled of her art,
8 And fed with words, that could not chuse but please,
So slyding softly forth, she turnd as to her ease.
1 "Assure yourself, it fell not all to ground; 2 For all so dear as life is to my heart, 3 I deem your love, and hold me to you bound; 4 Nor let vain fears procure your needless smart,
procure > cause, bring about smart > pain, acute pain
5 Where cause is none, but to your rest depart." 6 Not all content, yet seemed she to appease
appease > desist from, check
7 Her mournful plaints, beguiled of her art,
plaints > complaints, lamentations beguiled of her art > [deprived of, disappointed in, her artful intention]
8 And fed with words that could not choose but please; 9 So, sliding softly forth, turned as to her ease.
turned as to her ease > [departed as though to her night's rest]
101.55
Long after lay he musing at her mood,
2 Much grieu'd to thinke that gentle Dame so light,
For whose defence he was to shed his blood.
4 At last dull wearinesse of former fight
Hauing yrockt a sleepe his irkesome spright,
6 That troublous dreame gan freshly tosse his braine,
With bowres, and beds, and Ladies deare delight:
8 But when he saw his labour all was vaine,
With that misformed spright he backe returnd againe.
1 Long after lay he musing at her mood, 2 Much grieved to think that gentle dame so light,
gentle > high-born light > wanton, frivolous
3 For whose defence he was to shed his blood. 4 At last, dull weariness of former fight 5 Having rocked asleep his irksome spirit,
irksome > weary; disgusted; also: irksome
6 That troublous dream gan freshly toss his brain
gan > did; began to
7 With bowers, and beds, and ladies' dear delight:
bowers > bedrooms
8 But when he saw his labour all was vain,
he > [the sprite bearing the dream]
9 With that misformed sprite he back returned again.
misformed > {Mis-made; evilly or falsely made. The prefix "mis-" (from Greek misos, hatred, grudge), generally denotes "evilly", "with bad intention", etc.} back > [to Archimago]
2 The guilefull great Enchaunter parts
The Redcrosse Knight from Truth:
4 Into whose stead faire falshood steps,
And workes him wofull ruth.
1 The guileful great enchanter parts 2 The Redcross Knight from Truth:
Truth > [Una]
3 Into whose stead fair Falsehood steps,
stead > place Falsehood > (Duessa, introduced at 102.13, named at 102.34:8)
4 And works him woeful ruth.
ruth > trouble, harm
102.1
BY this the Northerne wagoner had set
2 His seuenfold teme behind the stedfast starre,
That was in Ocean waues yet neuer wet,
4 But firme is fixt, and sendeth light from farre
To all, that in the wide deepe wandring arre:
6 And chearefull Chaunticlere with his note shrill
Had warned once, that Ph{oe}bus fiery carre
8 In hast was climbing vp the Easterne hill,
Full enuious that night so long his roome did fill.
1 By this the northern wagoner had set
this > [this time] northern wagoner > (The constellation of Bo{o"}tes (from the Greek word for "ploughman"), also called the Bear Driver, or Herdsman; it lies to the south and east of Ursa Major)
2 His sevenfold team behind the steadfast star
sevenfold team > (The seven stars of Ursa Major (the Great Bear, Plow, Wain, or, in Britain, the Wagon); they point to Polaris) steadfast star > (Polaris, the Pole Star)
3 That was in ocean waves yet never wet,
never wet > (Because, north of 41{degree-sign}N, Ursa Major never sets)
4 But firm is fixed, and sends light from far 5 To all that in the wide deep wandering are: 6 And cheerful Chanticleer, with his note shrill,
Chanticleer > ("Shrill-singer". The name of the cock in Reynard the Fox (see Martin, 1882-7) and Chaucer's The Nun's Priest's Tale; see also As You Like It II vii 30)
7 Had warned once that Phoebus' fiery car
once > once and for all, finally Phoebus > (Who each day drives his chariot across the sky) car > wheeled vehicle; hence: chariot
8 In haste was climbing up the eastern hill, 9 Full envious that Night so long his room did fill.
Full > Very, exceedingly room > place, space
102.2
When those accursed messengers of hell,
2 That feigning dreame, and that faire-forged Spright
Came to their wicked maister, and gan tell
4 Their bootelesse paines, and ill succeeding night:
Who all in rage to see his skilfull might
6 Deluded so, gan threaten hellish paine
And sad Proserpines wrath, them to affright.
8 But when he saw his threatning was but vaine,
He cast about, and searcht his balefull bookes againe.
1 When those accursed messengers of hell
When > Then; at that time
2 (That feigning dream, and that fair-forged sprite) 3 Came to their wicked master, and gan tell
gan > did tell > tell of, describe
4 Their bootless pains, and ill-succeeding night:
bootless > futile
5 Who, all in rage to see his skilful might 6 Deluded so, gan threaten hellish pain
Deluded > Frustrated gan > did
7 And sad Proserpine's wrath, them to affright.
sad > dismal, dark; sad Proserpine > (Daughter of Ceres and Jupiter. Carried off by Pluto to be his consort in the underworld; the queen of hell) affright > frighten
8 But when he saw his threatening was but vain, 9 He cast about, and searched his baleful books again.
102.3
Eftsoones he tooke that miscreated faire,
2 And that false other Spright, on whom he spred
A seeming body of the subtile aire,
4 Like a young Squire, in loues and +lusty-hed+
His wanton dayes that euer loosely led,
6 Without regard of armes and dreaded fight:
Those two he tooke, and in a secret bed,
8 Couered with darknesse and misdeeming night,
Them both together laid, to ioy in vaine delight.
4 lusty-hed > lusty-hed. 1596
1 Eftsoons he took that miscreated fair,
Eftsoons > Soon afterwards that miscreated fair > [the sprite resembling Una; miscreated = evilly or falsely created]
2 And that false other sprite, on whom he spread 3 A seeming body of the subtile air,
subtile > rarefied, thin; subtle
4 Like a young squire, in loves and lustihead
lustihead > libidinousness, pleasure; lustfulness
5 His wanton days that ever loosely led,
that > (Relative to "Squire" in line 4, i.e. "Like a young squire, that in loves and lustihood His wanton days ever loosely led)
6 Without regard of arms and dreaded fight:
arms > deeds of arms
7 Those two he took, and in a secret bed, 8 Covered with darkness and misdeeming night,
misdeeming > {Misleading; to "misdeem" is also to misjudge unfavourably, to deem evil}
9 Them both together laid, to joy in vain delight.
vain > weak, foolish; or, since their bodies are made of air: unavailing, insubstantial
102.4
Forthwith he runnes with feigned faithfull hast
2 Vnto his guest, who after troublous sights
And dreames, gan now to take more sound repast,
4 Whom suddenly he wakes with fearefull frights,
As one aghast with feends or damned sprights,
6 And to him cals, Rise rise vnhappy Swaine,
That here wex old in sleepe, whiles wicked wights
8 Haue knit themselues in Venus shamefull chaine;
Come see, where your false Lady doth her honour staine.
1 Forthwith he runs with feigned faithful haste 2 To his guest, who, after troublous sights 3 And dreams, began now to take more sound repast;
repast > refreshment; repose
4 Whom suddenly he wakes with fearful frights, 5 As one aghast with fiends or damned sprites,
aghast > terrified (especially with superstitious fear)
6 And to him calls, "Rise, rise, unhappy swain,
swain > young man
7 That here wax old in sleep, while wicked wights
wax > grow wights > people
8 Have knit themselves in Venus' shameful chain; 9 Come, see where your false lady does her honour stain!"
102.5
All in amaze he suddenly vp start
2 With sword in hand, and with the old man went;
Who soone him brought into a secret part,
4 Where that false couple were full closely ment
In wanton lust and lewd embracement:
6 Which when he saw, he burnt with gealous fire,
The eye of reason was with rage yblent,
8 And would haue slaine them in his furious ire,
But hardly was restreined of that aged sire.
1 All in amaze he suddenly upstart
amaze > confusion; amazement upstart > started up
2 With sword in hand, and with the old man went; 3 Who soon him brought into a secret part, 4 Where that false couple were full closely ment
full > very, exceedingly ment > joined; united sexually (pa. ppl. of "meng")
5 In wanton lust and lewd embracement:
embracement > embrace, embraces; willing acceptance, hence: eagerness
6 Which when he saw, he burnt with jealous fire 7 (The eye of reason was with rage blended),
blended > dazzled, temporarily blinded, blinded; also: stirred up, hence: rendered turbid, defiled
8 And would have slain them in his furious ire, 9 But hardly was restrained of that aged sire.
hardly > forcibly; with difficulty; barely of > by sire > father, elderly man
102.6
Returning to his bed in torment great,
2 And bitter anguish of his guiltie sight,
He could not rest, but did his stout heart eat,
4 And wast his inward gall with deepe despight,
Yrkesome of life, and too long lingring night.
6 At last faire Hesperus in highest skie
Had spent his lampe, and brought forth dawning light,
8 Then vp he rose, and clad him hastily;
The Dwarfe him brought his steed: so both away do fly.
1 Returning to his bed in torment great, 2 And bitter anguish of his guilty sight,
sight > vision
3 He could not rest, but did his stout heart eat,
stout > brave
4 And waste his inward gall with deep despite,
gall > rancour (said to have its seat in the gall) despite > anger, malice
5 Irksome of life and too-long lingering night.
Irksome of > Weary of, disgusted with
6 At last fair Hesperus in highest sky
Hesperus > (Name for the planet Venus when it appears as the evening star; Venus is also the morning star)
7 Had spent his lamp, and brought forth dawning light, 8 Then up he rose, and clad himself hastily; 9 The dwarf him brought his steed: so both away do fly.
102.7
Now when the rosy-fingred Morning faire,
2 Weary of aged Tithones saffron bed,
Had spred her purple robe through deawy aire,
4 And the high hils Titan discouered,
The royall virgin shooke off drowsy-hed,
6 And rising forth out of her baser bowre,
Lookt for her knight, who far away was fled,
8 And for her Dwarfe, that wont to wait each houre;
Then gan she waile and weepe, to see that woefull stowre.
1 Now when the rosy-fingered Morning fair,
Morning > (Aurora, goddess of the dawn)
2 Weary of aged Tithonus' saffron bed,
Tithonus > (Son of the king of Troy and husband of Aurora. Through Aurora's prayers the gods bestowed immortality on Tithonus, but she forgot to pray for his perpetual youth, so that he was doomed to eternal old age. Eventually she shut him up in his chamber and turned him into a cicada)
3 Had spread her purple robe through dewy air, 4 And the high hills Titan discovered,
Titan > (The sun) discovered > [had] revealed
5 The royal virgin shook off drowsihood;
drowsihood > drowsiness
6 And, rising forth out of her baser bower,
baser > too-base, lowly; or: lowlier [than Aurora's] bower > room, chamber
7 Looked for her knight, who far away was fled, 8 And for her dwarf, that wont to wait each hour;
wont > was accustomed wait > keep watch; attend; attend [upon her]
9 Then gan she wail and weep, to see that woeful stour.
gan > did stour > distress, unhappy condition
102.8
And after him she rode with so much speede
2 As her slow beast could make; but all in vaine:
For him so far had borne his light-foot steede,
4 Pricked with wrath and fiery fierce disdaine,
That him to follow was but fruitlesse paine;
6 Yet she her weary limbes would neuer rest,
But euery hill and dale, each wood and plaine
8 Did search, sore grieued in her gentle brest,
He so vngently left her, whom she +loued+ best.
9 loued > louest 1596
1 And after him she rode, with so much speed
so > as
2 As her slow beast could make; but all in vain: 3 For him so far had borne his lightfoot steed,
lightfoot > light-footed
4 Pricked with wrath and fiery fierce disdain,
Pricked > Spurred (the knight and the horse; in FQ the steed frequently symbolizes its rider's mood or nature: see, for example, 102.13:7) disdain > anger; malice, resentment
5 That him to follow was but fruitless pain;
pain > labour, effort
6 Yet she her weary limbs would never rest, 7 But every hill and dale, each wood and plain, 8 Did search, sore grieved in her gentle breast,
gentle > noble; gentle
9 He so ungently left her, whom she loved best.
He > [That he had] ungently > ignobly; rudely
102.9
But subtill Archimago, when his guests
2 He saw diuided into double parts,
And Vna wandring in woods and forrests,
4 Th'end of his drift, he praisd his diuelish arts,
That had such might ouer true meaning harts;
6 Yet rests not so, but other meanes doth make,
How he may worke vnto her further smarts:
8 For her he hated as the hissing snake,
And in her many troubles did most pleasure take.
1 But subtle Archimago, when his guests
subtle > sly, crafty
2 He saw divided into double parts, 3 And Una wandering in woods and forests 4 (The end of his drift), he praised his devilish arts,
end > purpose; also: result drift > plot, scheme
5 That had such might over true-meaning hearts; 6 Yet rests not so, but other means does make, 7 How he may work to her further smarts:
smarts > pains
8 For her he hated as the hissing snake, 9 And in her many troubles did most pleasure take.
102.10
He then deuisde himselfe how to disguise;
2 For by his mightie science he could take
As many formes and shapes in seeming wise,
4 As euer Proteus to himselfe could make:
Sometime a fowle, sometime a fish in lake,
6 Now like a foxe, now like a dragon fell,
That of himselfe he oft for feare would quake,
8 And oft would flie away. O who can tell
The hidden power of herbes, and might of Magicke spell?
1 He then devised himself how to disguise; 2 For by his mighty science he could take
science > knowledge, lore
3 As many forms and shapes in seeming wise
seeming wise > [manner of outward appearance]
4 As ever Proteus to himself could make:
Proteus > (The Old Man of the Sea, a god who could assume any shape or form when trying to evade questioners)
5 Sometime a fowl, sometime a fish in lake,
Sometime > Sometimes
6 Now like a fox, now like a dragon fell,
fell > fierce, terrible
7 That of himself he oft for fear would quake,
That > [So that]
8 And oft would fly away. O who can tell 9 The hidden power of herbs, and might of magic spell?
102.11
But now seemde best, the person to put on
2 Of that good knight, his late beguiled guest:
In mighty armes he was yclad +anon,+
4 And siluer +shield:+ vpon his coward brest
A bloudy crosse, and on his crauen crest
6 A bounch of haires discolourd diuersly:
Full iolly knight he seemde, and well addrest,
8 And when he sate vpon his courser free,
Saint George himselfe ye would haue deemed him to be.
3 anon, > anon: 1590, 1596 4 shield: > shield, 1590, 1596
1 But now seemed best the person to put on
seemed > [it seemed] person to put on > [appearance to assume]
2 Of that good knight, his late beguiled guest:
late > recently
3 In mighty arms he was clad anon,
anon > straightway
4 And silver shield: upon his coward breast 5 A bloody cross, and on his craven crest
bloody > blood-red
6 A bunch of hairs discoloured diversely:
hairs > plumes; perhaps horsehair plumes discoloured > varicoloured
7 Full jolly knight he seemed, and well addressed;
Full > Very jolly > gallant; handsome; fine addressed > armed, arrayed
8 And, when he sat upon his courser free,
free > willing
9 Saint George himself you would have deemed him to be.
102.12
But he the knight, whose semblaunt he did beare,
2 The true Saint George was wandred far away,
Still flying from his thoughts and gealous feare;
4 Will was his guide, and griefe led him astray.
At last him chaunst to meete vpon the way
6 A faithlesse Sarazin all arm'd to point,
In whose great shield was writ with letters gay
8 Sans foy: full large of limbe and euery ioint
He was, and cared not for God or man a point.
1 But he, the knight, whose semblant he did bear,
semblant > outward aspect
2 The true Saint George, was wandered far away, 3 Still flying from his thoughts and jealous fear; 4 Will was his guide, and grief led him astray.
grief > rage, pain; grief
5 At last him chanced to meet upon the way 6 A faithless Saracen, all armed to point,
Saracen > {Arab or Moslem of the time of the Crusades; pagan} to point > to the smallest detail, completely
7 In whose great shield was writ with letters gay
In > [On] writ > painted
8 Sansfoy: full large of limb and every joint
Sansfoy > "Without Faith" (French, sans foi) full > very, exceedingly
9 He was, and cared not for God or man a point.
point > jot, whit
102.13
He had a faire companion of his way,
2 A goodly Lady clad in scarlot red,
Purfled with gold and pearle of rich assay,
4 And like a Persian mitre on her hed
She wore, with crownes and owches garnished,
6 The which her lauish louers to her gaue;
Her wanton palfrey all was ouerspred
8 With tinsell trappings, wouen like a waue,
Whose bridle rung with golden bels and bosses braue.
1 He had a fair companion of his way,
companion of his way > travelling companion
2 A goodly lady clad in scarlet red
goodly > beautiful scarlet > {A rich kind of cloth, usually red or orange in colour; see Rev. 17.4; and Isa. 1.18}
3 Purfled with gold and pearl of rich assay,
Purfled > {Embroidered along the edge; trimmed with metallic lace, pearls, etc.} assay > quality; proven worth
4 And like a Persian mitre on her head
mitre > head-dress; sacerdotal head-dress (often associated with episcopal office or dignity)
5 She wore, with crowns and ouches garnished,
ouches > {Jewels; golden sockets to hold these}
6 Which her lavish lovers to her gave;
lavish > lavish; licentious
7 Her wanton palfrey all was overspread
wanton > playful, unruly; wanton palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
8 With tinsel trappings, woven like a wave,
tinsel > {Glittering, sparkling with interwoven golden or silver thread}
9 Whose bridle rang with golden bells and bosses brave.
bosses > studs brave > splendid, fine; showy
102.14
With faire disport and courting dalliaunce
2 She intertainde her louer all the way:
But when she saw the knight his speare aduaunce,
4 She soone left off her mirth and wanton play,
And bad her knight addresse him to the fray:
6 His foe was nigh at hand. He prickt with pride
And hope to winne his Ladies heart that day,
8 Forth spurred fast: adowne his coursers side
The red bloud trickling staind the way, as he did ride.
1 With fair disport and courting dalliance
disport > merriment, entertainment, wanton entertainment; diversion (including the sense of "diverting from the true path") courting > amorous dalliance > {Idle and amusing talk}
2 She entertained her lover all the way: 3 But when she saw the knight his spear advance,
advance > raise; advance
4 She soon left off her mirth and wanton play, 5 And bade her knight address himself to the fray: 6 His foe was nigh at hand. He, pricked with pride 7 And hope to win his lady's heart that day, 8 Forth spurred fast: down his courser's side 9 The red blood trickling stained the way as he did ride.
102.15
The knight of the Redcrosse when him he spide,
2 Spurring so hote with rage +dispiteous+,
Gan fairely couch his speare, and towards ride:
4 Soone meete they both, both fell and furious,
That daunted with their forces hideous,
6 Their steeds do stagger, and amazed stand,
And eke themselues too rudely rigorous,
8 Astonied with the stroke of their owne hand,
Do backe rebut, and each to other yeeldeth land.
2 dispiteous > dispighteous 1609
1 The Knight of the Redcross, when him he spied, 2 Spurring so hot with rage dispiteous,
dispiteous > pitiless
3 Gan fairly couch his spear, and towards ride:
Gan > Did fairly > well, expertly couch > {Place it in its rest and hold it ready for attack} towards > in his [Sansfoy's] direction
4 Soon meet they both, both fell and furious,
fell > fierce, terrible
5 That, daunted with their forces hideous,
That > [So that] hideous > terrific; immense
6 Their steeds do stagger, and amazed stand, 7 And eke themselves, too rudely rigorous,
eke > moreover rudely > roughly rigorous > violent
8 Astonied with the stroke of their own hand,
Astonied > Stunned; amazed; dismayed
9 Do back rebut, and each to other yields land.
rebut > recoil
102.16
As when two rams stird with ambitious pride,
2 Fight for the rule of the rich fleeced flocke,
Their horned fronts so fierce on either side
4 Do meete, that with the terrour of the shocke
Astonied both, stand sencelesse as a blocke,
6 Forgetfull of the hanging victory:
So stood these twaine, vnmoued as a rocke,
8 Both staring fierce, and holding +idlely+
The broken reliques of their former cruelty.
8 idlely > idely, 1590, 1596
1 As when two rams, stirred with ambitious pride, 2 Fight for the rule of the rich fleeced flock, 3 Their horned fronts so fierce on either side
fronts > foreheads
4 Do meet, that, with the terror of the shock, 5 Astonied, both stand senseless as a block,
Astonied > Stunned
6 Forgetful of the hanging victory:
hanging > pending, undecided
7 So stood these twain, unmoved as a rock, 8 Both staring fierce, and holding idly 9 The broken relics of their former cruelty.
relics > [their spears]
102.17
The Sarazin sore daunted with the buffe
2 Snatcheth his sword, and fiercely to him flies;
Who well it wards, and quyteth cuff with cuff:
4 Each others equall puissaunce enuies,
And through their iron sides with +cruell spies+
6 Does seeke to perce: repining courage yields
No foote to foe. The flashing fier flies
8 As from a forge out of their burning shields,
And streames of purple bloud new +dies+ the verdant fields.
5 cruell spies > cruelties 1590 etc.: FE 9 dies > die 1609
1 The Saracen, sore daunted with the buff,
buff > buffet, blow
2 Snatches his sword, and fiercely to him flies; 3 Who well it wards, and requites cuff with cuff: 4 Each other's equal puissance envies,
other's > [the other's] puissance > power, strength envies > vies with, seeks to rival; begrudges
5 And through their iron sides with cruel spies
cruel > fierce spies > looks, glances
6 Does seek to pierce: repining courage yields
repining > fretting; discontented
7 No foot to foe. The flashing fire flies, 8 As from a forge, out of their burning shields, 9 And streams of purple blood new dye the verdant fields.
purple > red
102.18
Curse on that Crosse (quoth then the Sarazin)
2 That keepes thy body from the bitter fit;
Dead long ygoe I wote thou haddest bin,
4 Had not that charme from thee forwarned it:
But yet I warne thee now assured sitt,
6 And hide thy head. Therewith vpon his crest
With rigour so outrageous he smitt,
8 That a large share it hewd out of the rest,
And glauncing downe his shield, from blame him fairely blest.
1 "Curse on that cross," quoth then the Saracen, 2 "That keeps your body from the bitter fit;
the bitter fit > [death]
3 Dead long ago, I wot, you had been,
wot > know
4 Had not that charm from you forwarned it:
charm > talisman (an insult, since the use of magic is forbidden by the code of chivalry) forwarned > prohibited; hence: spared
5 But yet I warn you, now assured sit
assured > (Derisively) in safety [in the protection of your cross]
6 And hide your head." Therewith upon his crest
Therewith > With that
7 With rigour so outrageous he smote,
rigour > violence outrageous > excessively fierce
8 That a large share it hewed out of the rest,
share > portion; piece sheared away
9 And, glancing down his shield, from blame him fairly blessed.
blame > injury fairly > actually, really [from blame it really did him bless]; completely blessed > spared, preserved
102.19
Who thereat wondrous wroth, the sleeping spark
2 Of natiue vertue gan eftsoones reuiue,
And at his haughtie helmet making mark,
4 So hugely +stroke+, that it the steele did riue,
And cleft his head. He tumbling downe aliue,
6 With bloudy mouth his mother earth did kis,
Greeting his graue: his grudging ghost did striue
8 With the fraile flesh; at last it flitted is,
Whither the soules do fly of men, that liue amis.
4 stroke > strooke 1609
1 Who, thereat wondrous wroth, the sleeping spark 2 Of native virtue gan eftsoons revive,
native > innate virtue > strength, worth; valour gan > did eftsoons > thereupon
3 And at his haughty helmet making mark,
haughty > proud; lofty
4 So hugely struck that it the steel did rive, 5 And cleft his head. He, tumbling down alive,
cleft > split
6 With bloody mouth his mother earth did kiss, 7 Greeting his grave: his grudging ghost did strive
grudging > complaining ghost > spirit
8 With the frail flesh; at last it flitted is, 9 Whither the souls do fly of men that live amiss.
102.20
The Lady when she saw her champion fall,
2 Like the old ruines of a broken towre,
Staid not to waile his woefull funerall,
4 But from him fled away with all her powre;
Who after her as hastily gan scowre,
6 Bidding the Dwarfe with him to bring away
The Sarazins shield, signe of the conqueroure.
8 Her soone he ouertooke, and bad to stay,
For present cause was none of dread her to dismay.
1 The lady, when she saw her champion fall 2 Like the old ruins of a broken tower, 3 Stayed not to wail his woeful funeral,
wail > mourn funeral > death
4 But from him fled away with all her power,
him > [the Redcross Knight]
5 Who after her as hastily gan scour,
gan > did scour > run
6 Bidding the dwarf with him to bring away 7 The Saracen's shield, sign of the conqueror.
sign > emblem
8 Her soon he overtook, and bade to stay, 9 For present cause was none of dread to her dismay.
none of dread > [nothing dreadful] to her dismay > [to dismay her; to "dismay" also = to "defeat", "ruin"]
102.21
She turning backe with ruefull countenaunce,
2 Cride, Mercy mercy Sir vouchsafe to show
On silly Dame, subiect to hard mischaunce,
4 And to your mighty will. Her humblesse low
In so ritch weedes and seeming glorious show,
6 Did much emmoue his stout hero{i"}cke heart,
And said, Deare dame, your suddein ouerthrow
8 Much rueth me; but now put feare apart,
And tell, both who ye be, and who that tooke your part.
1 She, turning back with rueful countenance, 2 Cried, "Mercy, mercy, sir, vouchsafe to show 3 On silly dame, subject to hard mischance,
silly > innocent, defenceless
4 And to your mighty will." Her humblesse low,
humblesse > humbleness, humility
5 In so rich weeds and seeming glorious show,
so > such weeds > attire show > appearance
6 Did much move his stout heroic heart, 7 And said, "Dear dame, your sudden overthrow
said > [he said]
8 Much rues me; but now put fear apart,
rues > affects [with pity or compassion] apart > aside
9 And tell both who you be, and who that took your part."
102.22
Melting in teares, then gan she thus lament;
2 The wretched woman, whom vnhappy howre
Hath now made thrall to your commandement,
4 Before that angry heauens list to lowre,
And fortune false betraide me to +your+ powre,
6 Was, (O what now auaileth that I +was!+)
Borne the sole daughter of an Emperour,
8 He that the wide West vnder his rule has,
And high hath set his throne, where Tiberis doth pas.
5 your > thy 1590; cf. 101.31:6 6 was! > was? 1590
1 Melting in tears, then gan she thus lament:
gan > did
2 "The wretched woman, whom unhappy hour 3 Has now made thrall to your commandment,
thrall > slave commandment > authority, control
4 Before angry heavens list to lour,
list > chose, pleased
5 And fortune false betrayed me to your power, 6 Was (O what now avails that I was?)
that > [that which, what]
7 Born the sole daughter of an emperor, 8 He that the wide west under his rule has, 9 And high has set his throne where the Tiber does pass.
the Tiber > (The River Tiber: an overt reference to Rome)
102.23
He in the first flowre of my freshest age,
2 Betrothed me vnto the onley haire
Of a most mighty king, most rich and sage;
4 Was neuer Prince so faithfull and so faire,
Was neuer Prince so meeke and debonaire;
6 But ere my hoped day of spousall shone,
My dearest Lord fell from high honours staire,
8 Into the hands of his accursed fone,
And cruelly was slaine, that shall I euer mone.
1 "He, in the first flower of my freshest age, 2 Betrothed me to the only heir 3 Of a most mighty king, most rich and sage; 4 Was never prince so faithful and so fair, 5 Was never prince so meek and debonair;
meek > gentle; courteous, kind; merciful, indulgent debonair > affable, gracious
6 But ere my hoped day of spousal shone,
day of spousal > wedding day
7 My dearest lord fell from high honour's stair
My dearest lord > [Christ] stair > {A step or degree in the scale of rank; cf. 207.46:9}
8 Into the hands of his accursed foes, 9 And cruelly was slain; that shall I ever moan.
moan > bewail
102.24
His blessed body spoild of liuely breath,
2 Was afterward, I know not how, conuaid
And fro me hid: of whose most innocent death
4 When tidings came to me vnhappy maid,
O how great sorrow my sad soule assaid.
6 Then forth I went his woefull corse to find,
And many yeares throughout the world I straid,
8 A virgin widow, whose deepe wounded mind
With loue, long time did languish as the striken hind.
1 "His blessed body, spoiled of lively breath,
spoiled of lively > robbed of living
2 Was afterward, I know not how, conveyed
conveyed > removed, removed in an underhand manner
3 And from me hidden: of whose most innocent death
innocent > undeserved; guiltless
4 When tidings came to me, unhappy maid,
unhappy > unfortunate; unhappy
5 Oh! how great sorrow my sad soul assayed.
how great > how greatly; or: such a great assayed > tested, made trial of; assailed
6 Then forth I went, his woeful corse to find,
corse > body
7 And many years throughout the world I strayed, 8 A virgin widow, whose deep wounded mind
deep > deeply; deep
9 With love long time did languish, as the stricken hind.
the stricken hind > (A simile applied (Aen. 4.68-9) to Dido, who literally burned for the love of Aeneas)
102.25
At last it chaunced this proud +Sarazin,+
2 To meete me wandring, who perforce me led
With him away, but yet could neuer win
4 The Fort, that Ladies hold in soueraigne dread.
There lies he now with foule dishonour dead,
6 Who whiles he liu'de, was called proud Sans foy,
The eldest of three brethren, all three bred
8 Of one bad sire, whose youngest is Sans ioy,
And twixt them both was borne the bloudy bold Sans loy.
1 Sarazin, > Sarazin 1609
1 "At last it chanced this proud Saracen 2 To meet me wandering, who perforce me led
perforce > forcibly
3 With him away, but yet could never win 4 The fort that ladies hold in sovereign dread. 5 There lies he now with foul dishonour dead, 6 Who, while he lived, was called proud Sansfoy, 7 The eldest of three brethren, all three bred 8 Of one bad sire, whose youngest is Sansjoy,
sire > father Sansjoy > "Without Joy"
9 And 'twixt them both was born the bloody bold Sansloy.
Sansloy > "Without Law"
102.26
In this sad plight, friendlesse, vnfortunate,
2 Now miserable I Fidessa dwell,
Crauing of you in pitty of my state,
4 To do none ill, if please ye not do well.
He in great passion all this while did dwell,
6 More busying his quicke eyes, her face to view,
Then his dull eares, to heare what she did tell;
8 And said, +faire+ Lady hart of flint would rew
The vndeserued woes and sorrowes, which ye shew.
8 faire > Faire 1609
1 "In this sad plight, friendless, unfortunate, 2 Now miserable I, Fidessa, dwell,
Fidessa > "Faithful" (Latin, fidelis esse, to be faithful)
3 Craving of you, in pity of my state, 4 To do no ill, if please you not do well."
ill > evil if please > [if it pleases] do > [to do]
5 He in great passion all this while did dwell,
dwell > remain
6 More busying his quick eyes her face to view, 7 Than his dull ears to hear what she did tell; 8 And said, "Fair lady, heart of flint would rue 9 The undeserved woes and sorrows which you show.
show > give an account of
102.27
Henceforth in safe assuraunce may ye rest,
2 Hauing both found a new friend you to aid,
And lost an old foe, that did you molest:
4 Better new friend then an old foe is said.
With chaunge of cheare the seeming simple maid
6 Let fall her eyen, as shamefast to the earth,
And yeelding soft, in that she nought gain-said,
8 So forth they rode, he feining seemely merth,
And she coy lookes: +so dainty+ they say maketh derth.
9 so dainty > so, Dainty 1609
1 "Henceforth in safe assurance may you rest,
assurance > security; also: engagement to be married
2 Having both found a new friend you to aid,
friend > friend; lover
3 And lost an old foe that did you molest: 4 Better new friend than an old foe, is said."
is > [it is]
5 With change of cheer the seeming simple maid
cheer > expression; mood
6 Let fall her eyes, as shamefast, to the earth,
as shamefast > [as if bashful]
7 And yielding soft, in that she naught gainsaid. 8 So forth they rode, he feigning seemly mirth, 9 And she coy looks: so, dainty, they say, makes dearth.
dainty, they say, makes dearth > (Dearth makes something dainty. Applied to food, dearth = scarceness; dainty = choice, delicious. And, generally: dearth = dearness, rarity; dainty = delightful. In either event this is a restatement of the Latin proverb, quae rara, cara: what is scarce is esteemed or becomes estimable. In other words, her very coyness serves to increase his desire)
102.28
Long time they thus together traueiled,
2 Till weary of their way, they came at last,
Where grew two goodly trees, that faire did spred
4 Their armes abroad, with gray mosse ouercast,
And their greene leaues trembling with euery blast,
6 Made a calme shadow far in compasse round:
The fearefull Shepheard often there aghast
8 Vnder them neuer sat, ne wont there sound
His mery oaten pipe, but shund th'vnlucky ground.
1 Long time they thus together travelled, 2 Till, weary of their way, they came at last 3 Where grew two goodly trees, that fair did spread
goodly > beautiful
4 Their arms abroad, with grey moss overcast,
abroad > widely, over a broad area overcast > covered, overlaid
5 And their green leaves, trembling with every blast,
blast > gust
6 Made a calm shadow far in compass round: 7 The fearful shepherd, often there aghast,
aghast > frightened (especially with superstitious fear)
8 Under them never sat, nor wont there sound
wont > was accustomed to; would
9 His merry oaten pipe, but shunned the unlucky ground.
merry > delightful, charming oaten > (Shepherds' pipes were supposedly made of oat stalks)
102.29
But this good knight soone as he them can spie,
2 For the coole +shade him thither+ hastly got:
For golden Ph{oe}bus now +ymounted+ hie,
4 From fiery wheeles of his faire chariot
Hurled his beame so scorching cruell hot,
6 That liuing creature mote it not abide;
And his new Lady it endured not.
8 There they alight, in hope themselues to hide
From the fierce heat, and rest their weary limbs a tide.
2 shade him thither > shade thither 1596; shadow thither 1609 3 ymounted > that mounted 1590 etc.: FE
1 But this good knight, soon as he them can spy,
soon > [as soon] can > did
2 For the cool shade him thither hastily got: 3 For golden Phoebus, now mounted high, 4 From fiery wheels of his fair chariot
From > [From the]
5 Hurled his beam so scorching cruel hot, 6 That living creature might it not abide; 7 And his new lady it endured not. 8 There they alight, in hope themselves to hide 9 From the fierce heat, and rest their weary limbs a tide.
tide > while
102.30
Faire seemly pleasaunce each to other makes,
2 With goodly purposes there as they sit:
And in his falsed fancy he her takes
4 To be the fairest wight, that liued yit;
Which to expresse, he bends his gentle wit,
6 And thinking of those braunches greene to frame
A girlond for her dainty forehead fit,
8 He pluckt a bough; out of whose rift there came
Small drops of gory bloud, that trickled downe the same.
1 Fair seemly pleasance each to other makes,
pleasance > courtesy, pleasing behaviour
2 With goodly purposes, there as they sit:
goodly > (Ironic) fine, elevated; courteous purposes > intentions
3 And in his falsed fancy he her takes
falsed > corrupted; failing
4 To be the fairest wight that lived yet;
wight > person, woman
5 Which to express, he bends his gentle wit,
bends > turns, applies; perverts from its usual trend; also, from Old English: puts in bonds; hence: constrains, confines
6 And, thinking of those branches green to frame 7 A garland for her dainty forehead fit,
dainty > {Delightful; of delicate beauty}
8 He plucked a bough; out of whose rift there came
rift > fissure
9 Small drops of gory blood, that trickled down the same.
102.31
Therewith a piteous yelling voyce was heard,
2 Crying, O spare with guilty hands to teare
My tender sides in this rough rynd embard,
4 But fly, ah fly far hence away, for feare
Least to you hap, that happened to me heare,
6 And to this wretched Lady, my deare loue,
O too deare loue, loue bought with death too deare.
8 Astond he stood, and vp his haire did houe,
And with that suddein horror could no member moue.
1 Therewith a piteous yelling voice was heard,
Therewith > With that; thereupon
2 Crying, "O spare with guilty hands to tear
guilty > criminal; conscious, cognizant
3 My tender sides, in this rough rind embarred:
embarred > imprisoned
4 But fly, ah! fly far hence away, for fear
fly > flee
5 Lest to you hap that happened to me here,
that > [that which]
6 And to this wretched lady, my dear love; 7 O too dear love, love bought with death too dear!"
dear > grievous, hard
8 Astound he stood, and up his hair did hove,
Astound > Stunned, confounded hove > rise
9 And with that sudden horror could no member move.
102.32
At last whenas the dreadfull passion
2 Was ouerpast, and manhood well awake,
Yet musing at the straunge occasion,
4 And doubting much his sence, he thus bespake;
What voyce of damned Ghost from Limbo lake,
6 Or guilefull spright wandring in empty aire,
Both which fraile men do oftentimes mistake,
8 Sends to my doubtfull eares these speaches rare,
And ruefull plaints, me bidding +guiltlesse+ bloud to spare?
9 guiltlesse > guitlesse 1596
1 At last when the dreadful passion
dreadful > [full of dread, full of fear]
2 Was overpassed, and manhood well awake,
overpassed > past
3 Yet musing at the strange occasion,
musing > wondering, marvelling occasion > {Event, turn of events; also: opportunity (Latin occasio), because this is a chance for him to learn the true nature of his companion}
4 And doubting much his sense, he thus bespoke:
bespoke > spoke
5 "What voice of damned ghost from Limbo-lake,
Limbo-lake > (The pit of hell; Limbo is the region at the edge of hell where the unbaptized are confined; "lake" comes to us via Latin from the Greek lakkos, = pit, hollow, hole (filled with water or not))
6 Or guileful sprite wandering in empty air 7 (Both which frail men do oftentimes mistake),
which > [of which] oftentimes > frequently, often mistake > imagine erroneously; or: mislead (so glossed by some editors, though this sense is not mentioned in OED)
8 Sends to my doubtful ears these speeches rare,
doubtful > fearful, apprehensive; doubting rare > unusual, strange
9 And rueful plaints, me bidding guiltless blood to spare?"
plaints > lamentations
102.33
Then groning deepe, Nor damned Ghost, (quoth he,)
2 Nor guilefull sprite to thee these wordes doth speake,
But once a man Fradubio, now a tree,
4 Wretched man, wretched tree; whose nature weake,
A cruell witch her cursed will to wreake,
6 Hath thus transformd, and plast in open plaines,
Where Boreas doth blow full bitter bleake,
8 And scorching Sunne does dry my secret vaines:
For though a tree I seeme, yet cold and heat me paines.
1 Then, groaning deep: "Nor damned ghost," quoth he,
Nor > Neither
2 "Nor guileful sprite to you these words does speak, 3 But once a man, Fradubio, now a tree;
Fradubio > "Brother Doubt" (Italian)
4 Wretched man, wretched tree, whose nature weak 5 A cruel witch, her cursed will to wreak, 6 Has thus transformed, and placed in open plains, 7 Where Boreas does blow full bitter bleak,
Boreas > (The north wind) full > very, exceedingly
8 And scorching sun does dry my secret veins: 9 For though a tree I seem, yet cold and heat me pains."
102.34
Say on Fradubio then, or man, or tree,
2 Quoth then the knight, by whose mischieuous arts
Art thou misshaped thus, as now I see?
4 He oft finds med'cine, who his griefe imparts;
But double griefs afflict concealing harts,
6 As raging flames who striueth to suppresse.
The author then (said he) of all my smarts,
8 Is one Duessa a false sorceresse,
That many errant knights hath brought to wretchednesse.
1 "Say on, Fradubio, then, +or+ man or tree,"
or > either, whether
2 Quoth then the knight. "By whose mischievous arts
mischievous > harmful; ill-intentioned
3 Are you misshapen thus, as now I see? 4 He oft finds medicine who his grief imparts;
imparts > relates, makes known
5 But double griefs afflict concealing hearts, 6 As raging flames, who strives to suppress."
who > [he who] suppress > [suppress his grief]
7 "The author then," said he, "of all my smarts
smarts > pains
8 Is one Duessa, a false sorceress,
Duessa > "Duplicity" (Latin, duo esse, to be two)
9 That many errant knights has brought to wretchedness.
errant > itinerant (a knight errant roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.)
102.35
In prime of youthly yeares, when corage hot
2 The fire of loue and ioy of cheualree
First kindled in my brest, it was my lot
4 To loue this gentle Lady, whom ye see,
Now not a Lady, but a seeming tree;
6 With whom as once I rode accompanyde,
Me chaunced of a knight encountred bee,
8 That had a like faire Lady by his syde,
Like a faire Lady, but did fowle Duessa hyde.
1 "In prime of youthly years, when courage hot
youthly > youthful courage > heart; spirit; lustiness
2 The fire of love and joy of chivalry 3 First kindled in my breast, it was my lot 4 To love this gentle lady, whom you see
gentle > noble; gentle
5 Now not a lady, but a seeming tree; 6 With whom, as once I rode accompanied, 7 Me chanced of a knight encountered be,
be > [to be]
8 That had a like fair lady by his side,
like > similarly; similar
9 Like a fair lady, but did foul Duessa hide.
102.36
Whose forged beauty he did take in hand,
2 All other Dames to haue exceeded farre;
I in defence of mine did likewise stand,
4 Mine, that did then shine as the Morning starre:
So both to battell fierce arraunged arre,
6 In which his harder fortune was to fall
Vnder my speare: such is the dye of warre:
8 His Lady left as a prise martiall,
Did yield her comely person, to be at my call.
1 "Whose forged beauty he did take in hand
take in hand > maintain, assert (by force of arms if necessary)
2 All other dames to have exceeded far;
All > [That of all]
3 I in defence of mine did likewise stand, 4 Mine, that did then shine as the morning star: 5 So both to battle fierce arranged are, 6 In which his harder fortune was to fall 7 Under my spear: such is the die of war.
die > hazard, chance
8 His lady, left as a prize martial,
prize martial > spoil of war
9 Did yield her comely person to be at my call.
102.37
So doubly lou'd of Ladies vnlike faire,
2 Th'one seeming such, the other such indeede,
One day in doubt I cast for to compare,
4 Whether in beauties glorie did exceede;
A Rosy girlond was the victors meede:
6 Both seemde to win, and both seemde won to bee,
So hard the discord was to be agreede.
8 Fr{ae}lissa was as faire, as faire mote bee,
And euer false Duessa seemde as faire as shee.
1 "So doubly loved of ladies, unlike fair,
unlike > differently [each is fair in her own way]
2 The one seeming such, the other such indeed, 3 One day in doubt I cast to compare
cast > decided, resolved
4 Whether in beauty's glory did exceed;
Whether > Which of the two
5 A rosy garland was the victor's meed:
meed > reward
6 Both seemed to win, and both seemed won to be,
won > defeated
7 So hard the discord was to be agreed. 8 Fraelissa was as fair as fair might be,
Fraelissa > "Frailty" (Italian)
9 And ever false Duessa seemed as fair as she.
ever false > (The pointing might be "ever, false" or "ever-false"; both meanings are probably intended. Cf. 304.54:9)
102.38
The wicked witch now seeing all this while
2 The doubtfull ballaunce equally to sway,
What not by right, she cast to win by guile,
4 And by her hellish science raisd streight way
A foggy mist, that ouercast the day,
6 And a dull blast, that breathing on her face,
Dimmed her former beauties shining ray,
8 And with foule vgly forme did her disgrace:
Then was she faire alone, when none was faire in place.
1 "The wicked witch, now seeing all this while 2 The doubtful balance equally to sway,
doubtful > uncertain; also: fearful; to be feared
3 What not by right, she cast to win by guile,
cast > resolved
4 And by her hellish science raised straightway
science > knowledge, lore
5 A foggy mist that overcast the day, 6 And a dull blast that, breathing on her face,
dull > obscuring, gloomy blast > {Wind, blighting wind, breath of a malignant power} her > [Fraelissa's]
7 Dimmed her former beauty's shining ray, 8 And with foul ugly form did her disgrace:
disgrace > disfigure, disgrace
9 Then was she fair alone, when none was fair in place.
she > [Duessa] in place > in her place; or: there (thus casting doubt on the reality of her beauty)
102.39
Then cride she out, +fye+, fye, deformed wight,
2 Whose borrowed beautie now appeareth plaine
To haue before bewitched all mens sight;
4 O leaue her soone, or let her soone be slaine.
Her loathly visage viewing with disdaine,
6 Eftsoones I thought her such, as she me told,
And would haue kild her; but with faigned paine,
8 The false witch did my wrathfull hand with-hold;
So left her, where she now is turnd to treen mould.
1 fye > Fye 1609
1 "Then cried she out, `Fie, fie, deformed wight,
Fie > (Addressing Fraelissa) wight > creature
2 Whose borrowed beauty now appears plain 3 To have before bewitched all men's sight; 4 O leave her soon, or let her soon be slain.'
O > (Addressing Fradubio) soon > immediately
5 Her loathly visage viewing with disdain,
loathly > loathsome, disgusting
6 Eftsoons I thought her such as she me told,
Eftsoons > Forthwith such > [to be such] she me told > [Duessa had informed me]
7 And would have killed her; but with feigned pain
pain > pains; effort
8 The false witch did my wrathful hand withhold; 9 So left her, where she now is turned to treen mould.
treen > (Here pronounced as two syllables: made of "tree", tree- like) mould > shape, form
102.40
+Thens+ forth I tooke Duessa for my Dame,
2 And in the witch vnweeting ioyd long time,
Ne euer wist, but that she was the same,
4 Till on a day (that day is euery Prime,
When Witches wont do penance for their crime)
6 I chaunst to see her in her proper hew,
Bathing her selfe in origane and thyme:
8 A filthy foule old woman I did vew,
That euer to haue toucht her, I did deadly rew.
1 Thens > Then 1590, 1596: FE
1 "Thenceforth I took Duessa for my dame, 2 And in the witch unweeting joyed long time,
unweeting > unwittingly
3 Nor ever wist that she was the same,
wist > knew, guessed the same > [a witch]
4 Till on a day (that day is every prime,
prime > {First day of the new moon; or, perhaps: springtime}
5 When witches wont do penance for their crime)
wont > are accustomed to crime > wrongdoing, sins
6 I chanced to see her in her proper hue,
hue > appearance
7 Bathing herself in origan and thyme:
origan > (Origanum sp., esp. O. vulgare, wild marjoram) thyme > (This and origan were used to treat scabs: see 108.47:3; thyme was also used to treat syphilis)
8 A filthy foul old woman I did view, 9 That ever to have touched her I did deadly rue.
That > [So that] touched > had sexual contact with
102.41
Her neather partes misshapen, monstruous,
2 Were hidd in water, that I could not see,
But they did seeme more foule and hideous,
4 Then womans shape man would beleeue to bee.
+Thens+ forth from her most beastly companie
6 I gan refraine, in minde to slip away,
Soon as appeard safe +opportunitie+:
8 For danger great, if not assur'd decay
I saw before mine eyes, if I were knowne to stray.
5 Thens > Then 1590, 1596: FE 7 opportunitie > oportunitie 1596
1 "Her nether parts, misshapen, monstrous, 2 Were hidden in water, that I could not see,
that > [so that]
3 But they did seem more foul and hideous 4 Than woman's shape man would believe to be. 5 Thenceforth from her most beastly company
company > society; sexual company
6 I gan refrain, in mind to slip away
gan > did; began to
7 Soon as appeared safe opportunity:
Soon > [As soon] safe > [a safe]
8 For danger great, if not assured decay,
decay > destruction, death
9 I saw before my eyes, if I were known to stray.
102.42
The diuelish hag by chaunges of my cheare
2 Perceiu'd my thought, and drownd in sleepie night,
With wicked herbes and ointments did besmeare
4 My bodie all, through charmes and magicke might,
That all my senses were bereaued quight:
6 Then brought she me into this desert waste,
And by my wretched louers side me pight,
8 Where now enclosd in wooden wals full faste,
Banisht from liuing wights, our wearie dayes we waste.
1 "The devilish hag, by changes of my cheer,
cheer > expression, mood
2 Perceived my thought; and, drowned in sleepy night, 3 With wicked herbs and ointments did besmear 4 My body all, through charms and magic might, 5 That all my senses were bereaved quite:
That > [So that] bereaved > taken away
6 Then brought she me into this desert waste,
desert > lonely
7 And by my wretched lover's side me pight,
pight > pitched, placed; planted
8 Where now, enclosed in wooden walls full fast,
full fast > entirely secure
9 Banished from living wights, our weary days we waste."
wights > people
102.43
But how long time, said then the Elfin knight,
2 Are you in this misformed house to dwell?
We may not chaunge (quoth he) this euil plight,
4 Till we be bathed in a liuing well;
That is the terme prescribed by the spell.
6 O how, said he, mote I that well out find,
That may restore you to your wonted well?
8 Time and suffised fates to former kynd
Shall vs restore, none else from hence may vs vnbynd.
1 "But how long time," said then the Elfin knight,
time > [a time]
2 "Are you in this misformed house to dwell?"
misformed > evilly made
3 "We may not change," quoth he, "this evil plight,
may not > cannot
4 Till we be bathed in a living well;
living well > (The well of everlasting life (John 4.14, Rev. 21.6); the grace of God)
5 That is the term prescribed by the spell." 6 "O how," said he, "might I that well out find,
out find > discover
7 That may restore you to your wonted well?"
wonted > accustomed well > well-being
8 "Time and sufficed fates to former kind
sufficed > satisfied former kind > [our former state; kind = nature, race, station in life]
9 Shall us restore; none else from hence may us unbind."
none > no one; nothing
102.44
The false Duessa, now Fidessa hight,
2 Heard how in vaine Fradubio did lament,
And knew well all was true. But the good knight
4 Full of sad feare and ghastly dreriment,
When all this speech the liuing tree had spent,
6 The bleeding bough did thrust into the ground,
That from the bloud he might be innocent,
8 And with fresh clay did close the wooden wound:
Then turning to his Lady, dead with feare her found.
1 The false Duessa, now Fidessa hight,
hight > called, named
2 Heard how in vain Fradubio did lament, 3 And knew well all was true. But the good knight, 4 Full of sad fear and ghastly dreariment,
ghastly > frightful (from the same root as "ghost") dreariment > horror
5 When all this speech the living tree had spent, 6 The bleeding bough did thrust into the ground, 7 That from the blood he might be innocent,
That > [So that]
8 And with fresh clay did close the wooden wound: 9 Then, turning to his lady, dead with fear her found.
102.45
Her seeming dead he found with feigned feare,
2 As all vnweeting of that well she knew,
And paynd himselfe with busie care to reare
4 Her out of carelesse swowne. Her eylids blew
And dimmed sight with pale and deadly hew
6 At last she vp gan lift: with trembling cheare
Her vp he tooke, too simple and too trew,
8 And oft her kist. At length all passed feare,
He set her on her steede, and forward forth did beare.
1 Her seeming dead he found with feigned fear, 2 As all unweeting of that well she knew;
unweeting > ignorant that > [that which]
3 And pained himself with busy care to rear
busy > solicitous
4 Her out of careless swoon. Her eyelids blue
careless > abandoned, not caring; artless; unconscious, free from care blue > {Livid; low-spirited, affected with fear}
5 And dimmed sight, with pale and deadly hue,
deadly hue > deathly appearance
6 At last she up gan lift: with trembling cheer
gan > did cheer > expression, countenance
7 Her up he took, too simple and too true,
simple > (The knight and Duessa both; simple also has the meaning "free from duplicity"; she is then too simple and too true)
8 And oft her kissed. At length, all passed fear,
passed fear > [fear passed]
9 He set her on her steed, and forward forth did bear.
bear > travel, maintain his course; also: take [her as a companion]
Forsaken Truth long seekes her loue,
2 And makes the Lyon mylde,
Marres blind Deuotions mart, and fals
4 In hand of leachour vylde.
1 Forsaken Truth long seeks her love,
Truth > [Una]
2 And makes the lion mild, 3 Mars blind Devotion's mart, and falls
Mars > Spoils Devotion > Corceca (introduced at 103.12, named at 103.18:4) mart > trade
4 In hand of lecher vile.
In hand > Into the hands lecher > [a lecher]
103.1
NOught is there vnder heau'ns wide hollownesse,
2 That moues more deare compassion of mind,
Then beautie brought t'vnworthy wretchednesse
4 Through enuies snares or fortunes freakes vnkind:
I, whether lately through her brightnesse blind,
6 Or through alleageance and fast fealtie,
Which I do owe vnto all woman kind,
8 Feele my heart perst with so great agonie,
When such I see, that all for pittie I could die.
1 Naught is there under heaven's wide hollowness 2 That moves more dear compassion of mind 3 Than beauty brought to unworthy wretchedness
unworthy > undeserved
4 Through envy's snares or fortune's freaks unkind:
freaks > whims, caprices
5 I, whether lately through its brightness blind,
its > [beauty's] blind > blinded
6 Or through allegiance, and fast fealty,
fast > firm fealty > obligation of fidelity; loyalty (of a vassal to his lord)
7 Which I do owe to all womankind, 8 Feel my heart pierced with so great agony
so great agony > [such great agony; or: so great an agony]
9 When such I see, that all for pity I could die.
103.2
And now it is empassioned so deepe,
2 For fairest Vnaes sake, of whom I sing,
That my fraile eyes these lines with teares do steepe,
4 To thinke how she through guilefull handeling,
Though true as touch, though daughter of a king,
6 Though faire as euer liuing wight was faire,
Though nor in word nor deede ill meriting,
8 Is from her knight diuorced in despaire
And her due loues deriu'd to that vile witches share.
1 And now it is empassioned so deep,
empassioned > {Moved or touched with deep feeling}
2 For fairest Una's sake (of whom I sing), 3 That my frail eyes these lines with tears do steep, 4 To think how she, through guileful handling,
handling > treatment
5 Though true as touch, though daughter of a king,
touch > [a] touchstone (fine-grained stone used for testing the quality of gold)
6 Though fair as ever living wight was fair,
wight > person, woman
7 Though +nor+ in word nor deed ill meriting,
nor > neither
8 Is from her knight divorced in despair, 9 And her due loves derived to that vile witch's share.
her due loves > [the love due to her] derived > transferred, diverted
103.3
Yet she most faithfull Ladie all this while
2 Forsaken, wofull, solitarie mayd
Farre from all peoples prease, as in exile,
4 In wildernesse and wastfull deserts strayd,
To seeke her knight; who subtilly betrayd
6 Through that late vision, which th'Enchaunter wrought,
Had her abandond. She of nought affrayd,
8 Through woods and wastnesse wide him daily sought;
Yet wished tydings none of him vnto her brought.
1 Yet she, most faithful lady, all this while
while > (Or: while, (if "Forsaken … mayd" is taken to be parenthesized))
2 Forsaken, woeful, solitary maid, 3 Far from all people's press, as in exile,
press > company, throng
4 In wilderness and wasteful deserts strayed
wasteful > desolate
5 To seek her knight; who, subtly betrayed
subtly > ingeniously, cunningly
6 Through that late vision which the enchanter wrought,
Through > By means of late > recent
7 Had her abandoned. She, of naught afraid, 8 Through woods and wasteness wide him daily sought;
wasteness > wilderness
9 Yet wished tidings none of him to her brought.
wished tidings none of him to her brought > [no one brought her longed-for tidings of him: wished = longed-for; none = no one]
103.4
One day nigh wearie of the yrkesome way,
2 From her vnhastie beast she did alight,
And on the grasse her daintie limbes did lay
4 In secret shadow, farre from all mens sight:
From her faire head her fillet she vndight,
6 And laid her stole aside. Her angels face
As the great eye of heauen shyned bright,
8 And made a sunshine in the shadie place;
Did neuer mortall eye behold such heauenly grace.
1 One day, nigh weary of the irksome way, 2 From her unhasty beast she did alight, 3 And on the grass her dainty limbs did lay 4 In secret shadow, far from all men's sight:
secret > secluded, remote
5 From her fair head her fillet she undight,
fillet > {Headband; ribbon used for keeping the head-dress in place: cf. 101.4:4} undight > unfastened
6 And laid her stole aside. Her angel's face,
stole > robe
7 As the great eye of heaven, shone bright, 8 And made a sunshine in the shady place; 9 Did never mortal eye behold such heavenly grace.
Did never > [Never did]
103.5
It fortuned out of the thickest wood
2 A ramping Lyon rushed suddainly,
Hunting full greedie after saluage blood;
4 Soone as the royall virgin he did spy,
With gaping mouth at her ran greedily,
6 To haue attonce deuour'd her tender corse:
But to the pray when as he drew more ny,
8 His bloudie rage asswaged with remorse,
And with the sight amazd, forgat his furious forse.
1 It fortuned, out of the thickest wood 2 A ramping lion rushed suddenly,
ramping > rampant, rearing up
3 Hunting full greedy after savage blood;
full > very, exceedingly greedy > greedily, recklessly savage > [wild animals']
4 Soon as the royal virgin he did spy,
Soon > [As soon]
5 With gaping mouth at her ran greedily,
ran > [he ran]
6 To have at once devoured her tender corse:
corse > body
7 But to the prey when he drew more nigh,
But to the prey when he drew more nigh > [But when he drew more nigh to the prey]
8 His bloody rage assuaged with remorse
assuaged > (Intr.) became less violent, abated; (tr.) [he] assuaged remorse > remorse; compassion, pity
9 And, with the sight amazed, forgot his furious force.
103.6
In stead thereof he kist her wearie feet,
2 And lickt her lilly hands with fawning tong,
As he her wronged innocence did weet.
4 O how can beautie maister the most strong,
And simple truth subdue auenging wrong?
6 Whose yeelded pride and proud submission,
Still dreading death, when she had marked long,
8 Her hart gan melt in great compassion,
And drizling teares did shed for pure affection.
1 Instead thereof he kissed her weary feet, 2 And licked her lily hands with fawning tongue, 3 As he her wronged innocence did weet.
As > [As if] weet > understand, perceive
4 O how can beauty master the most strong,
can beauty > can beauty; did beauty; does beauty know how to
5 And simple truth subdue avenging wrong? 6 Whose yielded pride and proud submission, 7 Still dreading death, when she had marked long,
marked > [marked his yielded pride and proud submission]
8 Her heart gan melt in great compassion,
gan > did
9 And drizzling tears did shed for pure affection.
drizzling > {Falling in fine drops}
103.7
The Lyon Lord of euerie beast in +field+
2 Quoth she, his princely puissance doth abate,
And mightie proud to humble weake does yield,
4 Forgetfull of the hungry rage, which late
Him prickt, in pittie of my sad estate:
6 But he my Lyon, and my noble +Lord+
How does he find in cruell hart to hate
8 Her that him lou'd, and euer most adord,
As the God of my life? why hath he me abhord?
1 field > field, 1609 6 Lord > Lord, 1609
1 "The lion, lord of every beast in field," 2 Quoth she, "his princely puissance does abate,
puissance > power, strength
3 And mighty proud to humble weak does yield, 4 Forgetful of the hungry rage, which late
late > formerly
5 Him pricked, in pity of my sad estate:
estate > state, condition
6 But he, my lion, and my noble lord, 7 How does he find in cruel heart to hate 8 Her that him loved, and ever most adored, 9 As the god of my life; why has he me abhorred?"
103.8
Redounding teares did choke th'end of her plaint,
2 Which softly ecchoed from the neighbour wood;
And sad to see her sorrowfull constraint
4 The kingly beast vpon her gazing stood;
With pittie calmd, downe fell his angry mood.
6 At last in close hart shutting vp her paine,
Arose the virgin borne of heauenly brood,
8 And to her snowy Palfrey got againe,
To seeke her strayed Champion, if she might attaine.
1 Redounding tears did choke the end of her plaint,
Redounding > Flowing, overflowing plaint > lament
2 Which softly echoed from the neighbouring wood; 3 And, sad to see her sorrowful constraint,
constraint > distress
4 The kingly beast upon her gazing stood; 5 With pity calmed, down fell his angry mood. 6 At last, in close heart shutting up her pain, 7 Arose the virgin, born of heavenly brood,
brood > parentage, lineage (this use is characteristic of Spenser)
8 And to her snowy palfrey got again,
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
9 To seek her strayed champion, if she might attain.
attain > succeed in reaching [him]
103.9
The Lyon would not leaue her desolate,
2 But with her went along, as a strong gard
Of her chast person, and a faithfull mate
4 Of her sad troubles and misfortunes hard:
Still when she slept, he kept both watch and ward,
6 And when she wakt, he waited diligent,
With humble seruice to her will prepard:
8 From her faire eyes he tooke commaundement,
And euer by her lookes conceiued her intent.
1 The lion would not leave her desolate, 2 But with her went along, as a strong guard 3 Of her chaste person, and a faithful mate 4 Of her sad troubles and misfortunes hard: 5 Still when she slept, he kept both watch and ward,
Still > Continually
6 And when she waked, he waited diligent, 7 With humble service to her will prepared: 8 From her fair eyes he took commandment,
commandment > command, orders; also: divine injunction
9 And ever by her looks conceived her intent.
103.10
Long she thus traueiled through deserts wyde,
2 By which she thought her wandring knight shold pas,
Yet neuer shew of liuing wight espyde;
4 Till that at length she found the troden gras,
In which the tract of peoples footing was,
6 Vnder the steepe foot of a mountaine hore;
The same she followes, till at last she has
8 A damzell spyde slow footing her before,
That on her shoulders sad a pot of water bore.
1 Long she thus travelled through deserts wide, 2 By which she thought her wandering knight should pass,
By > Through
3 Yet never show of living wight espied;
show > trace wight > person
4 Till at length she found the trodden grass 5 In which the tract of people's footing was,
tract > track
6 Under the steep foot of a mountain hoar;
hoar > hoary, grey; ancient
7 The same she follows, till at last she has 8 A damsel spied, slow footing her before, 9 That on her shoulders sad a pot of water bore.
sad > heavy, firm; heavily laden; sad
103.11
+To whom+ approching she to her gan call,
2 To weet, if dwelling place were nigh at hand;
But the rude wench her answer'd nought at all,
4 She could not heare, nor speake, nor vnderstand;
Till seeing by her side the Lyon stand,
6 With suddaine feare her pitcher downe she threw,
And fled away: for neuer in that land
8 Face of faire Ladie she before did vew,
And that dread Lyons looke her cast in deadly hew.
1 To whom > Whom 1596
1 To whom approaching, she to her gan call,
gan > did
2 To weet if dwelling place were nigh at hand;
weet > find out
3 But the rude wench her answered naught at all,
rude > simple; uneducated
4 She could not hear, nor speak, nor understand; 5 Till, seeing by her side the lion stand, 6 With sudden fear her pitcher down she threw, 7 And fled away: for never in that land 8 Face of fair lady she before did view, 9 And that dread lion's look her cast in deadly hue.
cast in deadly hue > [made "as white as a sheet"; deadly = deathly]
103.12
Full fast she fled, ne euer lookt behynd,
2 As if her life vpon the wager lay,
And home she came, whereas her mother blynd
4 Sate in eternall night: nought could she say,
But suddaine catching hold, did her dismay
6 With quaking hands, and other signes of feare:
Who full of ghastly fright and cold affray,
8 Gan shut the dore. By this arriued there
Dame Vna, wearie Dame, and entrance did requere.
1 Full fast she fled, nor ever looked behind,
Full > Very, exceedingly
2 As if her life upon the wager lay,
upon the wager lay > [were at stake]
3 And home she came, where her mother blind 4 Sat in eternal night: naught could she say,
she > [the damsel]
5 But, suddenly catching hold, did her dismay 6 With quaking hands, and other signs of fear: 7 Who, full of ghastly fright and cold affray,
ghastly > frightful, terrible affray > terror
8 Gan shut the door. By this arrived there
Gan > Did
By this > At this; by this time
9 Dame Una, weary Dame, and entrance did require.
require > request
103.13
Which when none yeelded, her vnruly Page
2 With his rude clawes the wicket open rent,
And let her in; where of his cruell rage
4 Nigh dead with feare, and faint astonishment,
She found them both in darkesome corner pent;
6 Where that old woman day and night did pray
Vpon her beades deuoutly penitent;
8 Nine hundred Pater nosters euery day,
And thrise nine hundred Aues she was wont to say.
1 Which when none yielded, her unruly page
none > no one; none was
2 With his rude claws the wicket open rent,
rude > rough, violent wicket > door, small door
3 And let her in; where, of his cruel rage 4 Nigh dead with fear and faint astonishment, 5 She found them both in darksome corner pent; 6 Where that old woman day and night did pray 7 Upon her beads, devoutly penitent;
beads > rosary beads
8 Nine hundred paternosters every day,
paternosters > (The Lord's Prayer, especially in Latin; pater noster = our father)
9 And thrice nine hundred Aves she was wont to say.
Ave > (Ave Maria, Hail Mary) wont > accustomed
103.14
And to augment her painefull pennance more,
2 Thrise euery weeke in ashes she did sit,
And next her wrinkled skin rough sackcloth wore,
4 And thrise three times did fast from any bit:
But now for feare her beads she did forget.
6 Whose needlesse dread for to remoue away,
Faire Vna framed words and count'nance fit:
8 Which hardly doen, at length she gan them pray,
That in their cotage small, that night she rest her may.
1 And to augment her painful penance more, 2 Thrice every week in ashes she did sit, 3 And next her wrinkled skin rough sackcloth wore, 4 And thrice three times did fast from any bit:
bit > morsel [of food]
5 But now for fear her beads she did forget.
beads > prayers; rosary
6 Whose needless dread to remove away, 7 Fair Una framed words and countenance fit: 8 Which, hardly done, at length she gan them pray
hardly > with difficulty; painfully gan > did pray > ask earnestly
9 That in their cottage small, that night she rest her may.
rest her may > [might rest herself]
103.15
The day is spent, and commeth drowsie night,
2 When euery creature shrowded is in sleepe;
Sad Vna downe her laies in wearie plight,
4 And at her feet the Lyon watch doth keepe:
In stead of rest, she does lament, and weepe
6 For the late losse of her deare loued knight,
And sighes, and grones, and euermore does steepe
8 Her tender brest in bitter teares all night,
All night she thinks too long, and often lookes for light.
1 The day is spent, and comes drowsy night, 2 When every creature shrouded is in sleep; 3 Sad Una down herself lays in weary plight, 4 And at her feet the lion watch does keep: 5 Instead of rest, she does lament, and weep
rest > resting
6 For the late loss of her dear loved knight, 7 And sighs, and groans, and evermore does steep 8 Her tender breast in bitter tears all night; 9 All night she thinks too long, and often looks for light.
103.16
Now when Aldeboran was mounted hie
2 Aboue the shynie Cassiopeias chaire,
And all in deadly sleepe did drowned lie,
4 One knocked at the dore, and in would fare;
He knocked fast, and often curst, and sware,
6 That readie entrance was not at his call:
For on his backe a heauy load he bare
8 Of nightly stelths and pillage seuerall,
Which he had got abroad by purchase criminall.
1 Now when Aldebaran was mounted high
Aldebaran > (A red star forming the eye of the bull in the constellation of Taurus; in the northern hemisphere, in this relationship to Cassiopeia the season would be winter, the time of greatest darkness and cold)
2 Above the shiny Cassiopeia's chair,
Cassiopeia > (A W-shaped constellation, hence resembling a chair or throne. Cassiopeia was a proud queen who consented to the sacrifice of her virgin daughter, Andromeda, to a sea-monster. Andromeda, however, was rescued by Perseus, who subsequently married her and was declared the saviour of the royal house; Cassiopeia and her throne were placed among the stars (see Met. 4.663-803, Myth. 8.6). The legend has certain parallels with the story of Una and the Redcross Knight)
3 And all in deadly sleep did drowned lie,
deadly > death-like
4 One knocked at the door, and in would fare; 5 He knocked fast, and often cursed, and swore, 6 That ready entrance was not at his call: 7 For on his back a heavy load he bore 8 Of nightly stealths and pillage several,
stealths > stealing, thefts several > [of various kinds and from various places]
9 Which he had got abroad by purchase criminal.
purchase criminal > theft (purchase = acquisition)
103.17
He was to weete a stout and sturdie thiefe,
2 Wont to robbe Churches of their ornaments,
And poore mens boxes of their due reliefe,
4 Which giuen was to them for good intents;
The holy Saints of their rich vestiments
6 He did disrobe, when all men carelesse slept,
And spoild the Priests of their habiliments,
8 Whiles none the holy things in safety kept;
Then he by cunning sleights in at the window crept.
1 He was, to wit, a stout and sturdy thief,
stout > bold sturdy > courageous, ruthless
2 Wont to rob churches of their ornaments
Wont > Accustomed
3 And poor men's boxes of their due relief,
boxes > [poor-boxes in church, for alms] relief > {Alms, funds administered from parish doles}
4 Which given was to them for good intents;
intents > purposes
5 The holy saints of their rich vestments 6 He did disrobe, when all men careless slept,
careless > unconscious, free from cares; negligently
7 And spoiled the priests of their habiliments,
spoiled > stripped, robbed habiliments > vestments, attire
8 While none the holy things in safety kept; 9 Then he by cunning sleights in at the window crept.
103.18
And all that he by right or wrong could find,
2 Vnto this house he brought, and did bestow
Vpon the daughter of this woman blind,
4 Abessa daughter of Corceca slow,
With whom he whoredome vsd, that few did know,
6 And fed her fat with feast of offerings,
And plentie, which in all the land did grow;
8 Ne spared he to giue her gold and rings:
And now he to her brought part of his stolen things.
1 And all that he by right or wrong could find 2 To this house he brought, and did bestow 3 Upon the daughter of this woman blind, 4 Abessa (daughter of Corceca slow),
Abessa > "Apart" (Latin, ab esse; i.e. detached from the true
church)
Corceca > "Blind of Heart" (Latin, cor, heart, caecus, blind)
5 With whom he whoredom used, that few did know,
whoredom > (Also figuratively, meaning idolatry or any form of unfaithfulness to the true God) used > practised, engaged in
6 And fed her fat with feast of offerings,
offerings > oblations
7 And plenty, which in all the land did grow; 8 Nor spared he to give her gold and rings: 9 And now he to her brought part of his stolen things.
103.19
Thus long the dore with rage and threats he bet,
2 Yet of those fearefull women none durst rize,
The Lyon frayed them, him in to let:
4 He would no longer stay him to aduize,
But open breakes the dore in furious wize,
6 And entring is; when that disdainfull beast
Encountring fierce, him suddaine doth surprize,
8 And seizing cruell clawes on trembling brest,
Vnder his Lordly foot him proudly hath supprest.
1 Thus, long the door with rage and threats he beat, 2 Yet of those fearful women none dared rise
rise > (Or: "… rize, The Lyon frayed them him in to let")
3 (The lion frayed them) him in to let:
frayed > frightened
4 He would no longer stay him to advise,
stay him > [stay himself, wait] advise > consider, take stock
5 But open breaks the door in furious wise,
wise > manner
6 And entering is; when that disdainful beast,
disdainful > angry, indignant
7 Encountering fierce, him suddenly does surprise,
Encountering > Confronting [him]
8 And, seizing cruel claws on trembling breast, 9 Under his lordly foot him proudly has suppressed.
103.20
Him booteth not resist, nor succour call,
2 His bleeding hart is in the vengers hand,
Who streight him rent in thousand peeces small,
4 And quite dismembred hath: the thirstie land
Drunke vp his life; his corse left on the strand.
6 His fearefull friends weare out the wofull night,
Ne dare to weepe, nor seeme to vnderstand
8 The heauie hap, which on them is alight,
Affraid, least to themselues the like mishappen might.
1 Him boots not resist, nor succour call,
boots > it avails resist > [to resist] succour > [for succour]
2 His bleeding heart is in the avenger's hand, 3 Who straight him rent in thousand pieces small,
straight > straightway rent > tore
4 And quite dismembered has: the thirsty land 5 Drank up his life, his corpse left on the strand.
strand > {?Sandy or earthen ?floor; this meaning not in OED}
6 His fearful friends wear out the woeful night, 7 Nor dare to weep, nor seem to understand 8 The heavy hap which on them is alight,
hap > fortune is alight > [has fallen]
9 Afraid lest to themselves the like mishappen might.
mishappen > happen amiss
103.21
Now when broad day the world discouered has,
2 Vp Vna rose, vp rose the Lyon eke,
And on their former iourney forward pas,
4 In wayes vnknowne, her wandring knight to seeke,
With paines farre passing that long wandring Greeke,
6 That for his loue refused deitie;
Such were the labours of this Lady meeke,
8 Still seeking him, that from her still did flie,
Then furthest from her hope, when most she weened nie.
1 Now when broad day the world discovered has,
discovered > uncovered, revealed
2 Up Una rose, up rose the lion eke,
eke > also
3 And on their former journey forward pass, 4 In ways unknown, her wandering knight to seek, 5 With pains far passing that long wandering Greek,
passing > surpassing [those of] that long wandering Greek > (Odysseus who, for the sake of Penelope, rejected the immortality offered him by Calypso (Odyssey 5))
6 That for his love refused deity; 7 Such were the labours of this lady meek, 8 Still seeking him, that from her still did fly;
fly > flee
9 Then furthest from her hope, when most she weened nigh.
weened > supposed [him]
103.22
Soone as she parted thence, the fearefull twaine,
2 That blind old woman and her daughter deare
Came forth, and finding Kirkrapine there slaine,
4 For anguish great they gan to rend their heare,
And beat their brests, and naked flesh to teare.
6 And when they both had wept and wayld their fill,
Then forth they ranne like two amazed deare,
8 Halfe mad through malice, and reuenging will,
To follow her, that was the causer of their ill.
1 Soon as she parted thence, the fearful twain
Soon > [As soon]
2 (That blind old woman and her daughter dear) 3 Came forth and, finding Kirkrapine there slain,
Kirkrapine > "Church-robber"
4 For anguish great they began to rend their hair
they > (Redundant)
5 And beat their breasts, and naked flesh to tear. 6 And when they both had wept and wailed their fill, 7 Then forth they ran, like two amazed deer,
amazed > panic-stricken
8 Half-mad through malice, and revenging will,
revenging will > [desire for vengeance]
9 To follow her that was the causer of their ill.
ill > misfortune; calamity
103.23
Whom ouertaking, they gan loudly bray,
2 With hollow howling, and lamenting cry,
Shamefully at her rayling all the way,
4 And her accusing of dishonesty,
That was the flowre of faith and chastity;
6 And still amidst her rayling, she did pray,
That plagues, and mischiefs, and long misery
8 Might fall on her, and follow all the way,
And that in endlesse error she might euer stray.
1 Whom overtaking, they gan loudly bray
gan > did; began to bray > cry out
2 With hollow howling and lamenting cry,
hollow > insincere
3 Shamefully at her railing all the way, 4 And her accusing of dishonesty,
dishonesty > unchastity, lewdness
5 That was the flower of faith and chastity; 6 And still, amidst her railing, she did pray
still > continually she > [Corceca; Abessa cannot talk - see 103.11:4]
7 That plagues, and mischiefs, and long misery,
mischiefs > misfortunes
8 Might fall on her, and follow all the way, 9 And that in endless error she might ever stray.
error > wandering; error
103.24
But when she saw her prayers nought preuaile,
2 She backe returned with some labour lost;
And in the way as she did weepe and waile,
4 A knight her met in mighty armes embost,
Yet knight was not for all his bragging bost,
6 But subtill Archimag, that Vna sought
By traynes into new troubles to haue tost:
8 Of that old woman tydings he besought,
If that of such a Ladie she could tellen ought.
1 But when she saw her prayers naught prevail, 2 She back returned with some labour lost; 3 And in the way, as she did weep and wail, 4 A knight her met in mighty arms embossed:
arms > armour embossed > encased
5 Yet knight was not, for all his bragging boast,
boast > pomp, vainglory
6 But subtle Archimago, that Una sought
subtle > wily Una sought > [sought Una]
7 By trains into new troubles to have tossed.
trains > tricks, snares
8 Of that old woman tidings he besought,
besought > asked earnestly
9 If of such a lady she could tell aught.
103.25
Therewith she gan her passion to renew,
2 And cry, and curse, and raile, and rend her heare,
Saying, that harlot she too lately knew,
4 That causd her shed so many a bitter teare,
And so forth told the story of her feare:
6 Much seemed he to mone her haplesse chaunce,
And after for that Ladie did +inquire+;
8 Which being taught, he forward gan aduaunce
His faire enchaunted steed, and eke his charmed launce.
7 inquire > inquere 1590, 1609
1 Therewith she began her passion to renew,
Therewith > With that; thereupon
2 And cry, and curse, and rail, and rend her hair,
rend > tear
3 Saying, that harlot she too lately knew,
too > [only too]
4 That caused her shed so many a bitter tear,
shed > [to shed]
5 And so forth told the story of her fear: 6 Much seemed he to moan her hapless chance,
moan > bewail, commiserate with
7 And after that lady did inquire; 8 Which being taught, he forward gan advance
gan > did
9 His fair enchanted steed, and eke his charmed lance.
eke > also
103.26
Ere long he came, where Vna traueild slow,
2 And that wilde Champion wayting her besyde:
Whom seeing such, for dread he durst not show
4 Himselfe too nigh at hand, but turned wyde
Vnto an hill; from whence when she him spyde,
6 By his like seeming shield, her knight by name
She weend it was, and towards him gan ryde:
8 Approching nigh, she wist it was the same,
And with faire fearefull humblesse towards him shee came.
1 Ere long he came where Una travelled slow 2 And that wild champion waiting her beside:
waiting her beside > [was] attending on her, keeping watch beside her
3 Whom seeing such, for dread he dared not show
seeing such > [seeing; seeing the lion for what he was]
4 Himself too nigh at hand, but turned wide
wide > aside
5 To a hill; from whence when she him spied, 6 By his like seeming shield, her knight by name
like seeming > similar her knight by name > [her own knight; by name = particular]
7 She weened it was, and towards him gan ride:
weened > supposed, imagined gan > did
8 Approaching nigh, she wist it was the same,
wist > believed
9 And with fair fearful humblesse towards him she came.
humblesse > humility, humbleness
103.27
And weeping said, Ah my long lacked Lord,
2 Where haue ye bene thus long out of my sight?
Much feared I to haue bene quite abhord,
4 Or ought haue done, that ye displeasen might,
That should as death vnto my deare hart light:
6 For since mine eye your ioyous sight did mis,
My chearefull day is turnd to chearelesse night,
8 And eke my night of death the shadow is;
But welcome now my light, and shining lampe of blis.
1 And, weeping, said, "Ah, my long-lacked lord, 2 Where have you been thus long out of my sight? 3 Much feared I to have been quite abhorred, 4 Or aught have done, that you displease might,
aught > anything
5 That should as death to my dear heart light:
dear > fond; grievous, hence: sad light > strike; befall; alight
6 For since my eye your joyous sight did miss, 7 My cheerful day is turned to cheerless night, 8 And eke my night of death the shadow is;
eke > also, moreover, in addition
9 But welcome now, my light, and shining lamp of bliss!"
103.28
He thereto meeting said, My dearest Dame,
2 Farre be it from your thought, and fro my will,
To thinke that knighthood I so much should shame,
4 As you to leaue, that haue me loued still,
And chose in Faery court of meere goodwill,
6 Where noblest knights were to be found on earth:
The earth shall sooner leaue her kindly skill
8 To bring forth fruit, and make eternall derth,
Then I leaue you, my liefe, yborne of heauenly berth.
1 He thereto meeting said, "My dearest dame,
thereto > with that, to that meeting > opposing, dealing; hence: responding
2 Far be it from your thought, and from my will, 3 To think that knighthood I so much should shame 4 As you to leave, that have me loved still,
still > constantly
5 And chose in Faery Court, of mere goodwill,
mere > pure, complete; sheer
6 Where noblest knights were to be found on earth: 7 The earth shall sooner leave her kindly skill
leave > forsake; neglect kindly skill > natural knowledge, innate ability
8 To bring forth fruit, and make eternal dearth,
dearth > famine
9 Than I leave you, my lief, born of heavenly birth.
lief > dear, beloved
103.29
And sooth to say, why I left you so long,
2 Was for to seeke aduenture in strange place,
Where Archimago said a felon strong
4 To many knights did daily worke disgrace;
But knight he now shall neuer more deface:
6 Good cause of mine excuse; that mote ye please
Well to accept, and euermore embrace
8 My faithfull seruice, that by land and seas
Haue vowd you to defend, now then your plaint appease.
1 "And sooth to say, why I left you so long
sooth > truth; truthfully, truly
2 Was to seek adventure in strange place,
strange > foreign, outlying
3 Where, Archimago said, a felon strong
Archimago said > (See 101.31:3)
4 To many knights did daily work disgrace;
disgrace > affront; misfortune
5 But knight he now shall never more deface:
deface > defame; disfigure; destroy
6 Good cause of my excuse; that might you please 7 Well to accept, and evermore embrace 8 My faithful service, that by land and seas
that > [of I that]
9 Have vowed you to defend; now then, your plaint appease."
plaint > complaint, lamentation appease > check, cease
103.30
His louely words her seemd due recompence
2 Of all her passed paines: one louing howre
For many yeares of sorrow can dispence:
4 A dram of sweet is worth a pound of sowre:
She has forgot, how many a wofull stowre
6 For him she late endur'd; she speakes no more
Of past: true is, that true loue hath no powre
8 To looken backe; his eyes be fixt before.
Before her stands her knight, for whom she toyld so sore.
1 His lovely words her seemed due recompense
lovely > loving her seemed > [seemed to her]
2 Of all her passed pains: one loving hour 3 For many years of sorrow can dispense:
dispense > make amends
4 A dram of sweet is worth a pound of sour.
dram > {Drachm, one sixteenth of an ounce avoirdupois}
5 She has forgotten how many a woeful stour
stour > distress, time of distress
6 For him she late endured; she speaks no more
late > lately
7 Of past: true is, that true love has no power 8 To look back; its eyes are fixed before. 9 Before her stands her knight, for whom she toiled so sore.
103.31
Much like, as when the beaten marinere,
2 That long hath wandred in the Ocean wide,
Oft soust in swelling Tethys saltish teare,
4 And long time hauing tand his tawney hide
With blustring breath of heauen, that none can bide,
6 And scorching flames of fierce Orions hound,
Soone as the port from farre he has espide,
8 His chearefull whistle merrily doth sound,
And Nereus crownes with cups; his mates him pledg around.
1 Much like when the beaten mariner 2 (That long has wandered in the ocean wide, 3 Oft soused in swelling Tethys' saltish tear,
saltish > salty
4 And long time having tanned his tawny hide 5 With blustering breath of heaven, that none can abide, 6 And scorching flames of fierce Orion's hound),
Orion's hound > (Sirius, in the constellation of Canis Major, one of Orion's two hounds; Orion is the giant hunter battling Taurus: cf. 103.16:1. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, ascendant during the "dog days" of July and August, "at which time the Dogge starre, which is called Syrius, or Canicula, reigneth with immoderate heate, causing pestilence, drougth, and many diseases" (SC, gloss to "Julye"))
7 Soon as the port from far he has spied,
Soon > [As soon]
8 His cheerful whistle merrily does sound, 9 And Nereus crowns with cups; his mates him pledge around.
Nereus > (One of the sea deities, son of Tethys; see 304.19:4, 411.18-19) crowns > [he] crowns, honours; hence: renders thanks to him pledge around > [drink a toast to him]
103.32
Such ioy made Vna, when her knight she found;
2 And eke th'enchaunter ioyous seemd no lesse,
Then the glad marchant, that does vew from ground
4 His ship farre come from watrie wildernesse,
He hurles out vowes, and Neptune oft doth blesse:
6 So forth they past, and all the way they spent
Discoursing of her dreadfull late distresse,
8 In which he askt her, what the Lyon ment:
Who +told+ +her all that+ fell in iourney as she went.
9 told > told, 1609 9 her all that > all that her sugg. Smith
1 Such joy made Una, when her knight she found; 2 And eke the enchanter joyous seemed no less
eke > moreover, also
3 Than the glad merchant, that does view from ground 4 His ship far come from watery wilderness; 5 He hurls out vows, and Neptune oft does bless.
Neptune > (God of the sea)
6 So forth they passed, and all the way they spent 7 Discoursing of her dreadful late distress, 8 In which he asked her what the lion meant: 9 Who told her all that fell, in journey as she went.
her all that fell > [all that befell her]
103.33
They had not ridden farre, when they might see
2 One pricking towards them with hastie heat,
Full strongly armd, and on a courser free,
4 That through his fiercenesse fomed all with sweat,
And the sharpe yron did for anger eat,
6 When his hot ryder spurd his chauffed side;
His looke was sterne, and seemed still to threat
8 Cruell reuenge, which he in hart did hyde,
And on his shield Sans loy in bloudie lines was dyde.
1 They had not ridden far, when they might see
might > could
2 One pricking towards them with hasty heat,
pricking > spurring [his horse], riding heat > (Referring to the "humours" of medieval physiology)
3 Full strongly armed, and on a courser free
Full > Very, exceedingly free > willing, eager (cf. 102.8:4)
4 That through his fierceness foamed all with sweat, 5 And the sharp iron did for anger eat,
sharp > [deliberately] roughened iron > bit
6 When his hot rider spurred his chafed side;
chafed > chafed; heated; angry
7 His look was stern, and seemed still to threaten
stern > fierce, grim still > continually
8 Cruel revenge, which he in heart did hide, 9 And on his shield Sansloy in bloody lines was dyed.
103.34
When nigh he drew vnto this gentle payre
2 And saw the Red-crosse, which the knight did beare,
He burnt in fire, and gan eftsoones prepare
4 Himselfe to battell with his couched speare.
Loth was that other, and did faint through +feare+,
6 To taste th'vntryed dint of deadly steele;
But yet his Lady did so well him cheare,
8 That hope of new good hap he gan to feele;
So bent his speare, and +spurnd+ his horse with yron heele.
5 feare > fe a 1596 9 spurnd > spurd 1590
1 When nigh he drew to this gentle pair
gentle > noble
2 And saw the red cross which the knight did bear, 3 He burnt in fire, and gan eftsoons prepare
gan > did eftsoons > forthwith
4 Himself to battle with his couched spear.
couched > {Placed in its rest and lowered, ready for attack}
5 Loath was that other, and did faint through fear,
other > (Relative to the Redcross Knight as well as Sansloy: i.e. Archimago, that other Knight of the Redcross) faint > lose heart
6 To taste the untried dint of deadly steel;
dint > blow, impact
7 But yet his lady did so well him cheer, 8 That hope of new good hap he began to feel;
hap > fortune
9 So bent his spear, and spurred his horse with iron heel.
bent > inclined, turned
103.35
But that proud Paynim forward came so +fierce+,
2 And full of wrath, that with his sharp-head speare
Through vainely crossed shield he quite did +pierce,+
4 And had his staggering steede not +shrunke+ for feare,
Through shield and bodie eke he should him beare:
6 Yet so great was the puissance of his push,
That from his saddle quite he did him beare:
8 He tombling rudely downe to ground did rush,
And from his gored wound a well of bloud did gush.
1 fierce > ferce 1590 3 pierce, > perce; 1590 4 shrunke > shronke 1590
1 But that proud paynim forward came so fierce
paynim > pagan, heathen
2 And full of wrath, that, with his sharp-head spear, 3 Through vainly crossed shield he quite did pierce;
vainly crossed > (Because its cross is counterfeit)
4 And, had his staggering steed not shrunk for fear, 5 Through shield and body eke he should him bear:
eke > also; hence: both bear > [have] thrust
6 Yet so great was the puissance of his push,
puissance > power
7 That from his saddle quite he did him bear:
bear > carry
8 He tumbling rudely down to ground did rush,
He > (The phrasing of this line is ambiguous: (1) He, tumbling rudely down, to ground did rush; (2) He, tumbling rudely, down to ground did rush) rudely > clumsily, violently
9 And from his gored wound a well of blood did gush.
103.36
Dismounting lightly from his loftie steed,
2 He to him lept, in mind to reaue his life,
And proudly said, Lo there the worthie meed
4 Of him, that slew Sansfoy with bloudie knife;
Henceforth his ghost freed from repining strife,
6 In peace may passen ouer Lethe lake,
When +morning+ altars purgd with enemies life,
8 The blacke infernall Furies doen aslake:
Life from Sansfoy thou tookst, Sansloy shall from thee take.
7 morning > mourning 1590, 1609
1 Dismounting lightly from his lofty steed,
lightly > quickly, lightly
2 He to him leapt, in mind to reave his life,
reave > take away
3 And proudly said, "Lo, there the worthy meed
meed > reward
4 Of him that slew Sansfoy with bloody knife;
knife > sword
5 Henceforth his ghost, freed from repining strife,
ghost > spirit, soul repining > fretting, fretful
6 In peace may pass over Lethe Lake,
Lethe > (A river in hell; those who drink from it lose all memory of their former life and become purified; see SC, gloss to "March", Aen. 6.745-51, PL 2.604)
7 When mourning altars, purged with enemy's life,
purged > purified
8 The black infernal Furies do aslake:
Furies > (In later accounts, Tisiphone, Megaera, and Alecto, three goddesses who guard the gates of hell; in earlier accounts, they are avenging deities, of indeterminate number, sent from hell to punish wrongdoers) aslake > assuage; cool
9 Life from Sansfoy you took, Sansloy shall from you take."
Life > [That life which; see 102.15-19]
103.37
Therewith in haste his helmet gan vnlace,
2 Till Vna cride, O hold that heauie hand,
Deare Sir, what euer that thou be in place:
4 Enough is, that thy foe doth vanquisht stand
Now at thy mercy: Mercie not withstand:
6 For he is one the truest knight aliue,
Though conquered now he lie on lowly land,
8 And whilest him fortune fauourd, faire did thriue
In bloudie field: therefore of life him not depriue.
1 Therewith in haste his helmet gan unlace,
Therewith > With that; thereupon gan > [he] began to unlace > remove (prior to decapitating the vanquished)
2 Till Una cried, "O hold that heavy hand, 3 Dear sir, whatever you be in place:
in place > here; in rank, in sort [whatever you be in place = whoever you are]
4 Enough is, that your foe does vanquished stand 5 Now at your mercy. Mercy not withstand:
not withstand > do not stand in the way of, oppose; hence: deny
6 For he is one the truest knight alive,
one the > [the one; the]
7 Though conquered now he lies on lowly land; 8 And, whilst him fortune favoured, fair did thrive 9 In bloody field: therefore, of life him not deprive."
field > field of battle, battle
103.38
Her piteous words might not abate his rage,
2 But rudely rending vp his helmet, would
Haue slaine him straight: but when he sees his age,
4 And hoarie head of Archimago old,
His hastie hand he doth amazed hold,
6 And halfe ashamed, wondred at the sight:
For +the+ old man well knew he, though vntold,
8 In charmes and magicke to haue wondrous might,
Ne euer wont in field, ne in round lists to fight.
7 the > that FE, probably referring to this line rather than line 6
1 Her piteous words might not abate his rage,
might > could
2 But, rudely rending up his helmet, would
rudely > roughly would > [he would]
3 Have slain him straight: but when he sees his age,
straight > straightway, immediately
4 And hoary head of Archimago old, 5 His hasty hand he does amazed hold, 6 And half ashamed, wondered at the sight:
wondered > marvelled
7 For that old man well knew he, though untold,
untold > [without needing to be told]
8 In charms and magic to have wondrous might, 9 Neither ever wont in field, nor in round lists, to fight.
wont > accustomed field > battle round lists > enclosures for tourneys ("lists" were the palisades enclosing the tilting-ground)
103.39
And said, Why Archimago, lucklesse syre,
2 What doe I see? what hard mishap is this,
That hath thee hither brought to taste mine yre?
4 Or thine the fault, or mine the error is,
In stead of foe to wound my friend amis?
6 He answered nought, but in a traunce still lay,
And on those guilefull dazed eyes of his
8 The cloud of death did sit. Which doen away,
He left him lying so, ne would no lenger stay.
1 And said, "Why Archimago, luckless sire,
sire > {Aged or elderly man; father; the original form of "sir"}
2 What do I see? What hard mishap is this, 3 That has you hither brought to taste my ire? 4 Or yours the fault, or mine the error is,
Or > Either
5 Instead of foe to wound my friend amiss?" 6 He answered naught, but in a trance still lay,
still > motionless; yet
7 And on those guileful dazed eyes of his 8 The cloud of death did sit. Which done away,
Which done away > [When the swoon had passed]
9 He left him lying so, nor would no longer stay.
nor would no > [neither would any]
103.40
But to the virgin comes, who all this while
2 Amased stands, her selfe so mockt to see
By him, who has the guerdon of his guile,
4 For so misfeigning her true knight to bee:
Yet is she now in more perplexitie,
6 Left in the hand of that same Paynim bold,
From whom her booteth not at all to flie;
8 Who by her cleanly garment catching hold,
Her from her Palfrey pluckt, her visage to behold.
1 But to the virgin comes; who all this while 2 Amazed stands, herself so mocked to see
herself so mocked to see > [to see herself so mocked]
3 By him, who has the guerdon of his guile,
guerdon > reward
4 For so misfeigning her true knight to be:
misfeigning > pretending
5 Yet is she now in more perplexity,
perplexity > trouble, distress
6 Left in the hand of that same paynim bold,
paynim > pagan, heathen
7 From whom her boots not at all to fly;
her boots > it avails her fly > flee
8 Who, by her cleanly garment catching hold,
cleanly > {Clean, neat, elegant; morally or spiritually clean}
9 Her from her palfrey plucked, her visage to behold.
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
103.41
But her fierce seruant full of kingly awe
2 And high disdaine, whenas his soueraine Dame
So rudely handled by her foe he sawe,
4 With gaping iawes full greedy at him came,
And ramping on his shield, did weene the same
6 Haue reft away with his sharpe rending clawes:
But he was stout, and lust did now inflame
8 His corage more, that from his griping pawes
He hath his shield redeem'd, and +foorth+ his +swerd+ he drawes.
9 foorth > forth 1590 9 swerd > sword 1609
1 But her fierce servant, full of kingly awe
awe > fierceness, rage; power to inspire fear
2 And high disdain, when his sovereign dame
disdain > indignation
3 So rudely handled by her foe he saw,
rudely > roughly, violently
4 With gaping jaws full greedy at him came,
full greedy > very reckless; very recklessly
5 And, ramping on his shield, did ween the same
ramping > leaping, rearing up ween > mean, intend
6 Have reft away with his sharp rending claws:
Have > [To have] reft > taken, torn
7 But he was stout, and lust did now inflame
he > [Sansloy] stout > bold, brave; resolute; physically robust
8 His courage more, that from his gripping paws
that > [so that]
9 He has his shield redeemed, and forth his sword he draws.
redeemed > recovered, recovered by force
103.42
O then too weake and feeble was the forse
2 Of saluage beast, his puissance to withstand:
For he was strong, and of so mightie corse,
4 As euer wielded speare in warlike hand,
And feates of armes did wisely vnderstand.
6 Eftsoones he perced through his chaufed chest
With thrilling point of deadly yron brand,
8 And launcht his Lordly hart: with death opprest
He roar'd aloud, whiles life forsooke his stubborne brest.
1 O then too weak and feeble was the force 2 Of savage beast, his puissance to withstand:
savage > wild puissance > strength
3 For he was strong, and of so mighty corse,
so mighty > [as mighty a] corse > body; hence: physique
4 As ever wielded spear in warlike hand,
As > [As any who]
5 And feats of arms did wisely understand.
wisely > expertly
6 Eftsoons he pierced through his chafed chest
Eftsoons > Thereupon chafed > angry
7 With thrilling point of deadly iron brand,
thrilling > piercing brand > sword
8 And lanced his lordly heart: with death oppressed 9 He roared aloud, while life forsook his stubborn breast.
103.43
Who now is left to keepe the forlorne maid
2 From raging spoile of lawlesse victors will?
Her faithfull gard remou'd, her hope dismaid,
4 Her selfe a yeelded pray to saue or spill.
He now Lord of the +field+, his pride to fill,
6 With foule reproches, and disdainfull spight
Her vildly entertaines, and will or nill,
8 Beares her away vpon his courser light:
Her prayers nought preuaile, his rage is more of might.
5 field > fied 1596
1 Who now is left to keep the forlorn maid 2 From raging spoil of lawless victor's will?
From > [From becoming the] of > [of the]
3 Her faithful guard removed, her hope dismayed, 4 Herself a yielded prey to save or spill.
spill > destroy
5 He, now lord of the field, his pride to fill,
He, now lord > (Or: He now, lord)
6 With foul reproaches and disdainful spite
disdainful > hateful; angry; contemptuous
7 Her vilely entertains and, will or nill,
entertains > treats will or nill > willy-nilly, will or will not
8 Bears her away upon his courser light:
light > eager, willing (cf. 103.33:3); or: easily, quickly
9 Her prayers naught prevail, his rage is more of might.
more of might > stronger
103.44
And all the way, with great lamenting paine,
2 And piteous plaints she filleth his dull eares,
That stony hart could riuen haue in twaine,
4 And all the way she wets with flowing teares:
But he enrag'd with rancor, nothing heares.
6 Her seruile beast yet would not leaue her so,
But followes her farre off, ne ought he feares,
8 To be partaker of her wandring woe,
More mild in beastly kind, then that her beastly foe.
1 And all the way, with great lamenting pain 2 And piteous plaints she fills his dull ears,
plaints > lamentations dull > deaf
3 That stony heart could rived have in twain,
rived > split
4 And all the way she wets with flowing tears: 5 But he, enraged with rancour, nothing hears. 6 Her servile beast yet would not leave her so,
beast > [horse]
7 But follows her far off (nor aught he fears)
aught > anything at all
8 To be partaker of her wandering woe,
partaker of > [a] participant in
9 More mild, in beastly kind, than her beastly foe.
beastly > animal, beast-like kind > nature beastly > vile, despicable
To sinfull house of Pride, Duessa
2 guides the faithfull knight,
Where brothers death to wreak Sansioy
4 doth chalenge him to fight.
1 To sinful House of Pride Duessa 2 guides the faithful knight; 3 Where, brother's death to wreak, Sansjoy
wreak > avenge
4 does challenge him to fight.
104.1
YOung knight, what euer that dost armes professe,
2 And through long labours huntest after fame,
Beware of fraud, beware of ficklenesse,
4 In choice, and change of thy deare loued Dame,
Least thou of her beleeue too lightly blame,
6 And rash misweening doe thy hart remoue:
For vnto knight there is no greater shame,
8 Then lightnesse and inconstancie in loue;
That doth this Redcrosse knights ensample plainly proue.
1 Young knight, whatever that do arms profess,
whatever that > whoever [you are] that arms > feats of arms profess > lay claim to, pretend to
2 And through long labours hunt after fame, 3 Beware of fraud, beware of fickleness,
fraud > faithlessness
4 In choice, and change of your dear-loved dame, 5 Lest you of her believe too lightly blame,
blame > accusation, charge; blame
6 And, rash misweening, do your heart remove:
rash misweening > rashly misunderstanding
7 For to knight there is no greater shame 8 Than lightness and inconstancy in love; 9 That does this Redcross Knight's example plainly prove.
104.2
Who after that he had faire Vna lorne,
2 Through light misdeeming of her loialtie,
And false Duessa in her sted had borne,
4 Called Fidess', and so supposd to bee;
Long with her traueild, till at last they see
6 A goodly building, brauely garnished,
The house of mightie Prince it seemd to bee:
8 And towards it a broad high way that led,
All bare through peoples feet, which thither traueiled.
1 Who, after he had fair Una forlorn,
forlorn > lost; left, forsaken (catachr.)
2 Through light misdeeming of her loyalty,
misdeeming > misjudgement
3 And false Duessa in her stead had borne,
borne > taken as a companion
4 Called "Fidessa", and so supposed to be; 5 Long with her travelled, till at last they see 6 A goodly building, bravely garnished,
goodly > fine, beautiful bravely garnished > splendidly adorned
7 The house of mighty prince it seemed to be: 8 And towards it a broad highway that led,
broad highway > (See Matt. 7.13)
9 All bare through people's feet, which thither travelled.
people's feet, which > [the feet of people who]
104.3
Great troupes of people traueild thitherward
2 Both day and night, of each degree and place,
But few returned, hauing scaped hard,
4 With balefull beggerie, or foule disgrace,
Which euer after in most wretched case,
6 Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay.
Thither Duessa bad him bend his pace:
8 For she is wearie of the toilesome way,
And also nigh consumed is the lingring day.
1 Great troops of people travelled thitherward
thitherward > towards there, thither
2 Both day and night, of each degree and place,
place > rank
3 But few returned, having scaped hard,
scaped hard > escaped with difficulty
4 With baleful beggary, or foul disgrace,
baleful > deadly, miserable
5 Which ever after, in most wretched case,
case > plight
6 Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay.
lazars > lepers
7 Thither Duessa bade him bend his pace:
bend > incline; turn, hence: divert (including sense of "diverting from the true path")
8 For she is weary of the toilsome way,
toilsome > wearisome
9 And also nigh consumed is the lingering day.
104.4
A stately Pallace built of squared bricke,
2 Which cunningly was without morter laid,
Whose wals were high, but nothing strong, nor thick,
4 And golden foile all ouer them displaid,
That purest skye with brightnesse they dismaid:
6 High lifted vp were many loftie towres,
And goodly galleries farre ouer laid,
8 Full of faire windowes, and delightfull bowres;
And on the top a Diall told the timely howres.
1 A stately palace built of squared brick, 2 Which cunningly was without mortar laid, 3 Whose walls were high, but nothing strong, nor thick,
nothing > not at all, in no way
4 And golden foil all over them displayed, 5 That purest sky with brightness they dismayed:
That > [So that the]
6 High lifted up were many lofty towers, 7 And goodly galleries far over laid,
goodly > fine, beautiful far over laid > placed high above
8 Full of fair windows, and delightful bowers;
bowers > chambers, rooms
9 And on the top a dial told the timely hours.
104.5
It was a goodly heape for to behould,
2 And spake the praises of the workmans wit;
But full great pittie, that so faire a mould
4 Did on so weake foundation euer sit:
For on a sandie hill, that still did flit,
6 And fall away, it mounted was full hie,
That euery breath of heauen shaked it:
8 And all the hinder parts, that few could spie,
Were ruinous and old, but painted cunningly.
1 It was a goodly heap to behold,
goodly > fine, beautiful heap > pile; hence: large building
2 And spoke the praises of the workman's wit;
wit > skill
3 But full great pity, that so fair a mould
full > very, exceedingly mould > form, structure
4 Did on so weak foundation ever sit:
so > such [a]
5 For on a sandy hill, that still did flit
still > continually flit > yield, crumble (see Matt. 7.26-7)
6 And fall away, it mounted was full high,
full > very, exceedingly
7 That every breath of heaven shook it:
That > [So that]
8 And all the hinder parts, that few could spy, 9 Were ruinous and old, but painted cunningly.
104.6
Arriued there they passed in forth right;
2 For still to all the gates stood open wide,
Yet charge of them was to a Porter hight
4 Cald Maluen{u\}, who entrance none denide:
Thence to the hall, which was on euery side
6 With rich array and costly arras dight:
Infinite sorts of people did abide
8 There waiting long, to win the wished sight
Of her, that was the Lady of that Pallace bright.
1 Arrived there, they passed in forthright;
forthright > straightway; directly forward
2 For still to all the gates stood open wide,
still > ever, continually
3 Yet charge of them was to a porter hight,
hight > committed, entrusted (SUS)
4 Called Malven{u\}, who entrance none denied:
Malven{u\} > "Ill-welcome"; "Welcome to Evil"
5 Thence to the hall, which was on every side 6 With rich array and costly arras dight:
arras > {Tapestry wall-hanging, screen} dight > decked
7 Infinite sorts of people did abide
sorts > kinds; companies
8 There waiting long, to win the wished sight 9 Of her, that was the lady of that palace bright.
104.7
By them they passe, all gazing on them round,
2 And to the Presence mount; whose glorious vew
Their frayle amazed senses did confound:
4 In liuing Princes court none euer knew
Such endlesse richesse, and so sumptuous shew;
6 Ne Persia selfe, the nourse of pompous pride
Like euer saw. And there a noble crew
8 Of Lordes and Ladies stood on euery side,
Which with their presence faire, the place much beautifide.
1 By them they pass, all gazing on them round,
round > from all sides
2 And to the presence mount; whose glorious view
presence > presence-chamber (where a sovereign receives guests) view > appearance
3 Their frail amazed senses did confound:
frail > {Weak; morally weak, unable to resist temptation}
4 In living prince's court none ever knew 5 Such endless richesse, and so sumptuous show;
richesse > opulence so sumptuous > such sumptuous; such a sumptuous; so sumptuous a
6 Nor Persia herself, the nurse of pompous pride, 7 Like ever saw. And there a noble crew 8 Of lords and ladies stood on every side, 9 Who, with their presence fair, the place much beautified.
104.8
High aboue all a cloth of State was spred,
2 And a rich throne, as bright as sunny day,
On which there sate most braue embellished
4 With royall robes and gorgeous array,
A mayden Queene, that shone as Titans ray,
6 In glistring gold, and peerelesse pretious stone:
Yet her bright blazing beautie did assay
8 To dim the brightnesse of her glorious throne,
As enuying her selfe, that too exceeding shone.
1 High above all a cloth of state was spread,
cloth of state > {Baldachin, canopy suspended on pillars above throne}
2 And a rich throne, as bright as sunny day, 3 On which there sat, most brave embellished
brave > splendidly
4 With royal robes and gorgeous array, 5 A maiden queen, that shone as Titan's ray,
that > who (if the pronoun refers to Lucifera rather than the throne; the intention is not entirely clear) Titan > (The sun personified. In this context the name also brings to mind the Titans, who sought to dethrone Zeus (Jove); they are synonymous with rebellion and the overthrow of order. And the phrase "Titans ray" prepares the reader for a description of Phaethon in the next stanza)
6 In glistering gold and peerless precious stone: 7 Yet her bright blazing beauty did essay
essay > attempt
8 To dim the brightness of her glorious throne, 9 As envying herself, that too exceeding shone.
104.9
Exceeding shone, like Ph{oe}bus fairest childe,
2 That did presume his fathers firie wayne,
And flaming mouthes of steedes vnwonted wilde
4 Through highest heauen with weaker hand to rayne;
Proud of such glory and aduancement vaine,
6 While flashing beames do daze his feeble eyen,
He leaues the welkin way most beaten plaine,
8 And rapt with whirling wheeles, inflames the skyen,
With fire not made to burne, but fairely for to shyne.
1 Exceeding shone, like Phoebus' fairest child,
Phoebus' fairest child > (Phaethon, son of Phoebus Apollo [Titan], who took his father's chariot and set the world on fire: killed by Jupiter with a thunderbolt. See 311.38, Met. 2.1 ff.)
2 That did presume his father's fiery wain
presume > usurp wain > chariot
3 And flaming mouths of steeds, unwonted wild
mouths > [control] unwonted > unaccustomedly, unusually (referring to Phaethon's handling of the reins)
4 Through highest heaven with weaker hand to rein;
weaker > too-weak; or: weaker (than his father's hand) rein > (Or reign; a typically Spenserian pun)
5 Proud of such glory and advancement vain, 6 While flashing beams do daze his feeble eyes, 7 He leaves the welkin way most beaten plain,
welkin > {Sky, skyey, heavenly; welkin way: the sun's path through the sky}
8 And, rapt with whirling wheels, inflames the skies
rapt > carried away, enraptured
9 With fire not made to burn, but fairly to shine.
fairly > gently, entirely, properly
104.10
So proud she shyned in her Princely state,
2 Looking to heauen; for earth she did disdayne,
And sitting high; for lowly she did hate:
4 Lo vnderneath her scornefull feete, was layne
A dreadfull Dragon with an hideous trayne,
6 And in her hand she held a mirrhour bright,
Wherein her face she often vewed fayne,
8 And in her selfe-lou'd semblance tooke delight;
For she was wondrous faire, as any liuing wight.
1 So proud she shone in her princely state,
state > canopied throne; rank, condition
2 Looking to heaven; for earth she did disdain, 3 And sitting high (for lowly she did hate),
lowly > {Lowliness, humbleness; that which is, or they who are, lowly}
4 Lo underneath her scornful feet was lain 5 A dreadful dragon with a hideous train;
hideous > immense train > tail
6 And in her hand she held a mirror bright, 7 Wherein her face she often viewed fain,
fain > gladly, eagerly
8 And in her self-loved semblance took delight; 9 For she was wondrous fair, as any living wight.
wight > person, woman
104.11
Of griesly Pluto she the daughter was,
2 And sad Proserpina the Queene of hell;
Yet did she thinke her pearelesse +worth+ to pas
4 That parentage, with pride so did she swell,
And thundring Ioue, that high in heauen doth dwell,
6 And wield the world, she claymed for her syre,
Or if that any else did Ioue excell:
8 For to the highest she did still aspyre,
Or if ought higher were then that, did it desyre.
3 worth > wroth 1596
1 Of grisly Pluto she the daughter was,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
2 And sad Proserpine, the queen of hell; 3 Yet did she think her peerless worth to pass
pass > excel, surpass
4 That parentage, with pride so did she swell; 5 And thundering Jove, that high in heaven does dwell
Jove > (Here, "Jupiter Tonans", lord of the thunderbolt; he killed
Phaethon with a bolt of lightning)
6 And wield the world, she claimed for her sire,
wield > rule, reign over sire > father
7 Or if that any else did Jove excel:
that any else > any else [that]
8 For to the highest she did still aspire, 9 Or, if aught higher were than that, did it desire.
104.12
And proud Lucifera men did her call,
2 That made her selfe +a+ Queene, and crownd to be,
Yet rightfull kingdome she had none at all,
4 Ne heritage of natiue soueraintie,
But did vsurpe with wrong and tyrannie
6 Vpon the scepter, which she now did hold:
Ne ruld her +Realmes+ with lawes, but pollicie,
8 And strong aduizement of six wisards old,
That with their counsels bad her kingdome did vphold.
2 a > omitted from 1596 7 Realmes > Realme 1590
1 And proud Lucifera men did her call,
Lucifera > (Derived from "Lucifer", meaning "Light-bringer": a name for Satan, and for Venus as the morning star)
2 Who made herself a queen, and crowned to be; 3 Yet rightful kingdom she had none at all, 4 Nor heritage of native sovereignty,
native > {Rightful, by right of birth}
5 But did usurp with wrong and tyranny 6 Upon the sceptre which she now did hold:
Upon the > [The]
7 Nor ruled her realms with laws, but policy,
policy > political cunning, artfulness
8 And strong advisement of six wizards old,
advisement > advice six wizards > (Wizard = sage, here used derisively. The six are Sloth, Gluttony, Lechery, Avarice, Envy and Wrath, described in 104.18-35. Together with Lucifera herself, Pride, they comprise the Seven Deadly Sins)
9 That, with their counsels bad, her kingdom did uphold.
104.13
Soone as the +Elfin+ knight in presence came,
2 And false Duessa seeming Lady faire,
A gentle Husher, Vanitie by name
4 Made rowme, and passage for them did prepaire:
So goodly brought them to the lowest staire
6 Of her high throne, where they on humble knee
Making +obeyssance+, did the cause declare,
8 Why they were come, her royall state to see,
To proue the wide report of her great Maiestee.
1 Elfin > Elfing 1596 7 obeyssance > obeisance 1609
1 Soon as the Elfin knight in presence came
Soon > [As soon] presence > presence-chamber (where a sovereign receives visitors)
2 (And false Duessa, seeming lady fair), 3 A gentle usher, Vanity by name,
gentle > gentle; noble (used ironically)
4 Made room, and passage for them did prepare: 5 So goodly brought them to the lowest stair
goodly > courteously
6 Of her high throne, where they, on humble knee 7 Making obeisance, did the cause declare
declare > declare, make clear; relate
8 Why they were come, her royal state to see,
state > throne; majesty, pomp
9 To prove the wide report of her great majesty.
prove > confirm by personal experience
104.14
With loftie eyes, halfe loth to looke so low,
2 She thanked them in her disdainefull wise,
Ne other grace vouchsafed them to show
4 Of Princesse worthy, scarse them bad arise.
Her Lordes and Ladies all this while deuise
6 Themselues to setten forth to straungers sight:
Some frounce their curled haire in courtly guise,
8 Some prancke their ruffes, and others trimly dight
Their gay attire: each others greater pride does spight.
1 With lofty eyes, half loath to look so low, 2 She thanked them in her disdainful wise,
wise > manner
3 No other grace vouchsafed them to show
No > [But no]
4 Of princess worthy; scarce them bade arise. 5 Her lords and ladies all this while devise
devise > skilfully prepare, contrive; scheme
6 Themselves to set forth to strangers' sight:
set forth > exhibit, show off
7 Some frounce their curled hair in courtly guise;
frounce > twist into folds, plait guise > manner
8 Some prank their ruffs; and others trimly dight
prank > adjust; pleat dight > arrange
9 Their gay attire: each other's greater pride does spite.
spite > begrudge, envy
104.15
Goodly they all that knight do entertaine,
2 Right glad with him to haue increast their crew:
But to Duess' each one himselfe did paine
4 All kindnesse and faire courtesie to shew;
For in that court whylome her well they knew:
6 Yet the stout Faerie mongst the middest crowd
Thought all their glorie vaine in knightly vew,
8 And that great Princesse too exceeding prowd,
That to strange knight no better countenance allowd.
1 Goodly they all that knight do entertain,
Goodly > Courteously entertain > receive
2 Right glad with him to have increased their crew:
Right > Very
3 But to Duessa each one himself did pain 4 All kindness and fair courtesy to show; 5 For in that court whilom her well they knew:
whilom > of old, formerly
6 Yet the stout Faery amongst the middest crowd
stout > unyielding; proud; brave, bold middest > midmost
7 Thought all their glory vain in knightly view,
vain > foolish; empty
8 And that great princess too exceeding proud, 9 That to strange knight no better countenance allowed.
strange > foreign; new-come countenance > demeanour
104.16
Suddein vpriseth from her stately place
2 The royall Dame, and for her coche doth call:
All +hurtlen+ forth, and she with Princely pace,
4 As faire Aurora in her purple pall,
Out of the East the dawning day doth call:
6 So forth she comes: her brightnesse brode doth blaze;
The heapes of people thronging in the hall,
8 Do ride each other, vpon her to gaze:
Her glorious +glitterand+ light doth all mens eyes amaze.
3 hurtlen > hurlen 1609; cf. 104.40:1, 111.23:1, 205.8:7, 207.42:3 9 glitterand > glitter and 1596, 1609
1 Sudden uprises from her stately place 2 The royal dame, and for her coach does call: 3 All hurtle forth, and she with princely pace
hurtle > rush, dash pace > movement, motion; step
4 (As fair Aurora, in her purple pall,
Aurora > (Goddess of the dawn; "Lucifer" means "Light-bringer", and is one name for the morning star) pall > cloak (esp. of rich material)
5 Out of the east the dawning day does call): 6 So forth she comes; her brightness broad does blaze;
broad > abroad; broadly
7 The heaps of people thronging in the hall 8 Do ride each other, upon her to gaze: 9 Her glorious glittering light does all men's eyes amaze.
104.17
So forth she comes, and to her coche does clyme,
2 Adorned all with gold, and girlonds gay,
That seemd as fresh as Flora in her prime,
4 And stroue to match, in royall rich array,
Great Iunoes golden chaire, the which they say
6 The Gods stand gazing on, when she does ride
To Ioues high house through heauens bras-paued way
8 Drawne of faire Pecocks, that excell in pride,
And full of Argus eyes their tailes dispredden wide.
1 So forth she comes, and to her coach does climb, 2 Adorned all with gold, and garlands gay, 3 That seemed as fresh as Flora in her prime, 4 And strove to match, in royal rich array, 5 Great Juno's golden chair; which, they say,
chair > chariot (see Iliad 5.727. Juno is the queen of the gods, sister and wife of Jupiter)
6 The gods stand gazing on, when she does ride 7 To Jove's high house through heaven's brass-paved way,
To Jove's high house > (See Met. 2.533 ff.) heaven's brass-paved way > (See Iliad 14.173)
8 Drawn of fair peacocks, that excel in pride,
of > by excel > surpass [all] others
9 And full of Argus eyes their tails dispread wide.
Argus > (Argus Panoptes, watchman with a hundred eyes, set by Juno to watch Io and killed by Mercury; Juno placed his eyes in the tail of the peacock. See Met. 1.622-723; SC, gloss to "Julye" and to "October") dispread > spread out
104.18
But this was drawne of six vnequall beasts,
2 On which her six sage Counsellours did ryde,
Taught to obay their bestiall beheasts,
4 With like conditions to their kinds applyde:
Of which the first, that all the rest did guyde,
6 Was sluggish Idlenesse the nourse of sin;
Vpon a slouthfull Asse he chose to ryde,
8 Arayd in habit blacke, and amis thin,
Like to an holy Monck, the seruice to begin.
1 But this was drawn of six unequal beasts,
of > by unequal > different, ill-matched
2 On which her six sage counsellors did ride, 3 Taught to obey their bestial behests, 4 With like conditions to their kinds applied:
With like conditions to their kinds applied > (Literally, "With similar qualities to their natures employed"; each beast was appropriate to its rider)
5 Of which the first, that all the rest did guide, 6 Was sluggish Idleness, the nurse of sin;
Idleness > [Sloth]
7 Upon a slothful ass he chose to ride, 8 Arrayed in a habit black, and amice thin,
amice > cap, hood, cape (of some religious order)
9 Like a holy monk, the service to begin.
104.19
And in his hand his Portesse still he bare,
2 That much was worne, but therein little red,
For of deuotion he had little care,
4 Still drownd in sleepe, and most of his dayes ded;
Scarse could he once vphold his heauie hed,
6 To looken, whether it were night or day:
May seeme the wayne was very euill led,
8 When such an one had guiding of the way,
That knew not, whether right he went, or else astray.
1 And in his hand his portas still he bore,
portas > {Portable breviary, Roman Catholic prayer-book containing the Divine Office for each day} still > ever, continually
2 That much was worn, but therein little read,
therein little > [little]
3 For of devotion he had little care, 4 Still drowned in sleep, and most of his days dead;
Still > Ever
5 Scarce could he once uphold his heavy head, 6 To look whether it were night or day: 7 May seem the wain was very evil led,
May > [It may] wain > carriage, wagon; hence: coach
8 When such a one had guiding of the way, 9 That knew not whether right he went, or else astray.
104.20
From worldly cares himselfe he did esloyne,
2 And greatly shunned manly exercise,
+From+ euery worke he chalenged essoyne,
4 For contemplation sake: yet otherwise,
His life he led in lawlesse riotise;
6 By which he grew to grieuous malady;
For in his lustlesse limbs through euill guise
8 A shaking feuer raignd continually:
Such one was Idlenesse, first of this company.
3 From > For 1596, 1609
1 From worldly cares himself he did eloin,
eloin > remove, withdraw (as if from legal jurisdiction)
2 And greatly shunned manly exercise, 3 From every work he challenged essoin,
challenged essoin > claimed exemption (another legal term)
4 For contemplation's sake: yet otherwise 5 His life he led in lawless riotise,
riotise > indulgence, dissipation
6 By which he grew to grievous malady; 7 For in his lustless limbs, through evil guise,
lustless > {Listless; joyless, lacking pleasure or delight} guise > mode of life
8 A shaking fever reigned continually: 9 Such one was Idleness, first of this company.
104.21
And by his side rode loathsome Gluttony,
2 Deformed creature, on a filthie swyne,
His belly was vp-blowne with luxury,
4 And eke with fatnesse swollen were his eyne,
And like a Crane his necke was long and fyne,
6 With which he swallowd vp excessiue feast,
For want whereof poore people oft did pyne;
8 And all the way, most like a brutish beast,
He spued vp his gorge, that all did him deteast.
1 And by his side rode loathsome Gluttony, 2 Deformed creature, on a filthy swine; 3 His belly was up-blown with luxury,
up-blown > swollen luxury > surfeit, excess; dissipation
4 And eke with fatness swollen were his eyes;
eke > moreover
5 And, like a crane's, his neck was long and fine,
fine > thin, scrawny
6 With which he swallowed up excessive feast,
excessive > greedy, excessive; intemperate
7 For want whereof poor people oft did pine;
pine > waste away
8 And all the way, most like a brutish beast, 9 He spewed up his gorge, that all did him detest.
gorge > {Contents of stomach} that > [so that]
104.22
In greene vine leaues he was right fitly clad;
2 For other clothes he could not weare for heat,
And on his head an yuie girland had,
4 From vnder which fast trickled downe the sweat:
Still as he rode, he somewhat still did eat,
6 And in his hand did beare a bouzing can,
Of which he supt so oft, that on his seat
8 His dronken corse he scarse vpholden can,
In shape and life more like a monster, then a man.
1 In green vine-leaves he was right fitly clad:
fitly > (Spenser's Gluttony recalls Silenus (Met. 4.26-7, 11.89- 99); Silenus was the foster-father of Bacchus, god of wine)
2 For other clothes he could not wear for heat, 3 And on his head an ivy garland had,
ivy > (Sacred to Bacchus)
4 From under which fast trickled down the sweat. 5 Still as he rode he somewhat still did eat,
Still > Continually somewhat > a little, something
6 And in his hand did bear a boozing can,
boozing > drinking
7 Of which he supped so oft, that on his seat 8 His drunken corse he scarce uphold can,
corse > body
9 In shape and life more like a monster than a man.
104.23
Vnfit he was for any worldly thing,
2 And eke +vnhable+ once to stirre or go,
Not meet to be of counsell to a king,
4 Whose mind in meat and drinke was drowned so,
That from his friend he +seldome+ knew his fo:
6 Full of diseases was his carcas blew,
And a +dry dropsie+ through his flesh did flow:
8 Which by misdiet daily greater grew:
Such one was Gluttony, the second of that crew.
2 vnhable > vnable 1609 5 seldome > seeldome 1590; sildom 1609 7 dry dropsie > drydropsie 1590; dire dropsie _conj. Upton after Horace's dirus hydrops; _hydropsy sugg. Collier
1 Unfit he was for any worldly thing, 2 And eke unable once to stir or go;
eke > also once > ever, at all go > walk
3 Not meet to be of counsel to a king,
meet > fit king > [sovereign, i.e. Lucifera]
4 Whose mind in meat and drink was drowned so, 5 That from his friend he seldom knew his foe: 6 Full of diseases was his carcase blue,
blue > (The colour of putrid flesh)
7 And a dry dropsy through his flesh did flow,
dry dropsy > ?swelling, corpulence (a "wet" dropsy is a disease in which watery fluid collects in the tissues and body cavities. See also Textual Appendix)
8 Which by misdiet daily greater grew:
misdiet > improper diet
9 Such one was Gluttony, the second of that crew.
104.24
And next to him rode lustfull Lechery,
2 Vpon a bearded Goat, whose rugged haire,
And whally eyes (the signe of gelosy,)
4 Was like the person selfe, whom he did beare:
Who rough, and blacke, and filthy did appeare,
6 Vnseemely man to please faire Ladies eye;
Yet he of Ladies oft was loued deare,
8 When fairer faces were bid standen by:
O who does know the bent of womens fantasy?
1 And next to him rode lustful Lechery,
next to > immediately after; _the arrangement is:
FRONT Sloth Gluttony
Avarice Lechery
Envy Wrath
Satan
BACK Lucifera_
2 Upon a bearded goat, whose rugged hair
rugged > shaggy
3 And wall eyes (the sign of jealousy),
wall > whitely opaque; glaring
4 Was like the person himself whom it did bear:
Was like > [Resembled those of]
5 Who, rough and black, and filthy, did appear
appear > (Or "appear:", meaning "seem", "present himself to view")
6 Unseemly man to please fair ladies' eye; 7 Yet he of ladies oft was loved dear,
of > by
8 When fairer faces were bid to stand by: 9 O who does know the bent of women's fantasy?
104.25
In a greene gowne he clothed was full faire,
2 Which vnderneath did hide his filthinesse,
And in his hand a burning hart he bare,
4 Full of vaine follies, and new fanglenesse:
For he was false, and fraught with ficklenesse,
6 And learned had to loue with secret lookes,
And well could daunce, and sing with ruefulnesse,
8 And fortunes tell, and read in louing bookes,
And thousand other wayes, to bait his fleshly hookes.
1 In a green gown he clothed was full fair,
full > very, exceedingly
2 Which underneath did hide his filthiness,
filthiness > obscenity, moral defilement
3 And in his hand a burning heart he bore, 4 Full of vain follies and new-fangleness: 5 For he was false, and fraught with fickleness,
fraught > filled
6 And learned had to love with secret looks, 7 And well could dance, and sing with ruefulness, 8 And fortunes tell, and read in loving books,
loving books > erotica
9 And thousand other ways to bait his fleshly hooks.
fleshly > lustful
104.26
Inconstant man, that loued all he saw,
2 And lusted after all, that he did loue,
Ne would his looser life be tide to law,
4 But ioyd weake wemens hearts to +tempt+ and proue
If from their loyall loues he might them moue;
6 Which lewdnesse fild him with reprochfull paine
Of that fowle euill, which all men reproue,
8 That rots the marrow, and consumes the braine:
Such one was Lecherie, the third of all this traine.
4 tempt > tempt, 1590
1 Inconstant man, that loved all he saw, 2 And lusted after all that he did love, 3 Nor would his looser life be tied to law,
looser > too-loose
4 But joyed weak women's hearts to tempt, and prove
prove > test, try
5 If from their loyal loves he might them move; 6 Which lewdness filled him with reproachful pain
reproachful > {Worthy of reproach or censure}
7 Of that foul evil, which all men reprove,
that foul evil > [syphilis; or perhaps leprosy, noted by Hamilton (1980)]
8 That rots the marrow, and consumes the brain: 9 Such one was Lechery, the third of all this train.
104.27
And greedy Auarice by him did ride,
2 Vpon a Camell loaden all with gold;
Two iron +coffers+ hong on either side,
4 With precious mettall full, as they might hold,
And in his lap an heape of coine he told;
6 For of his wicked pelfe his God he made,
And vnto hell him selfe for money sold;
8 Accursed vsurie was all his trade,
And right and wrong ylike in equall ballaunce waide.
3 coffers > coffets 1590
1 And greedy Avarice by him did ride, 2 Upon a camel laden all with gold: 3 Two iron coffers hung on either side, 4 With precious metal full as they might hold,
might > could
5 And in his lap a heap of coin he told;
told > counted
6 For of his wicked pelf his god he made,
pelf > money, cash, "filthy lucre"
7 And to hell himself for money sold; 8 Accursed usury was all his trade, 9 And right and wrong alike in equal balance weighed.
104.28
His life was nigh vnto deaths doore yplast,
2 And thred-bare cote, and cobled shoes he ware,
Ne scarse good morsell all his life did tast,
4 But both from backe and belly still did spare,
To fill his bags, and richesse to compare;
6 Yet chylde ne kinsman liuing had he none
To leaue them to; but thorough daily care
8 To get, and nightly feare to lose his owne,
He led a wretched life vnto him selfe vnknowne.
1 His life was nigh to death's door placed, 2 And threadbare coat, and cobbled shoes, he wore;
cobbled > mended (usually repeatedly)
3 Nor scarce good morsel all his life did taste, 4 But both from back and belly still did spare,
still > always, continually
5 To fill his bags, and richesse to compare;
richesse > wealth compare > acquire, get
6 Yet child nor kinsman living had he none 7 To leave them to; but through daily care 8 To get, and nightly fear to lose, his own, 9 He led a wretched life, to himself unknown.
life, to himself unknown > [existence, not even realizing it; or, with a change in punctuation: life to himself, unknown (he was a solitary miser). Spenser may have intended both senses]
104.29
Most wretched wight, whom nothing might suffise,
2 Whose greedy lust did lacke in greatest store,
Whose need had end, but no end couetise,
4 Whose wealth was want, whose plenty made him pore,
Who had enough, yet wished +euer more+;
6 A vile disease, and eke in foote and hand
A grieuous gout tormented him full sore,
8 That well he could not touch, nor go, nor stand:
Such one was Auarice, the +fourth+ of this faire band.
5 euer more > euermore 1609 9 fourth > forth 1590
1 Most wretched wight, whom nothing might suffice,
wight > creature
2 Whose greedy lust did lack in greatest store,
lust > desire lack in greatest store > (A proverb: He who desires the most lacks the most; lack = want, store = measure)
3 Whose need had end, but no end covetise,
no end covetise > [whose covetousness had no end]
4 Whose wealth was want, whose plenty made him poor, 5 Who had enough, yet wished ever more;
wished ever > [ever wished]
6 A vile disease, and eke in foot and hand
eke > moreover, in addition
7 A grievous gout tormented him full sore,
full > exceedingly
8 That well he could not touch, nor go, nor stand:
That > [So that] go > walk
9 Such one was Avarice, the fourth of this fair band.
104.30
And next to him malicious Enuie rode,
2 Vpon a rauenous wolfe, and still did chaw
Betweene his cankred teeth a venemous tode,
4 That all the poison ran about his +chaw+;
But inwardly he chawed his owne maw
6 At neighbours wealth, that made him euer sad;
For death it was, when any good he saw,
8 And wept, that cause of weeping none he had,
But when he heard of harme, he wexed wondrous glad.
4 chaw > jaw 1609
1 And next to him malicious Envy rode
next to > immediately after
2 Upon a ravenous wolf, and still did chaw
still > ever, continually chaw > chew, champ upon; fig.: ruminate, brood upon
3 Between his cankered teeth a venomous toad,
cankered > ulcerated
4 That all the poison ran about his chaw;
That > [So that] chaw > jaw, jaws
5 But inwardly he chawed his own maw
maw > stomach
6 At neighbour's wealth, that made him ever sad;
neighbour > [specifically, perhaps, Avarice] wealth > wealth; or: well-being
7 For death it was, when any good he saw, 8 And wept, that cause of weeping none he had, 9 But when he heard of harm he waxed wondrous glad.
waxed > grew
104.31
All in a kirtle of discolourd say
2 He clothed was, ypainted full of eyes;
And in his bosome secretly there lay
4 An hatefull Snake, the which his taile vptyes
In many folds, and mortall sting implyes.
6 Still as he rode, he gnasht his teeth, to see
Those heapes of gold with griple Couetyse,
8 And grudged at the great felicitie
Of proud Lucifera, and his owne companie.
1 All in a kirtle of discoloured say
kirtle > coat (reaching to knees or beyond) discoloured > varicoloured say > {A thin material used for cloaks, etc.}
2 He clothed was, painted full of eyes; 3 And in his bosom secretly there lay 4 A hateful snake, which its tail upties 5 In many folds, and mortal sting implies.
mortal > lethal implies > (Literally) enfolds; conceals
6 Still as he rode, he gnashed his teeth to see
Still > Continually
7 Those heaps of gold with gripple covetise,
gripple > griping, niggardly covetise > covetousness, avarice
8 And grudged at the great felicity
grudged at > begrudged, envied
9 Of proud Lucifera, and his own company.
104.32
He hated all good workes and vertuous deeds,
2 And him no lesse, that any like did vse,
And who with gracious bread the hungry feeds,
4 His almes for want of faith he doth accuse;
So euery good to bad he doth abuse:
6 And eke the verse of famous Poets witt
He does backebite, and spightfull poison spues
8 From leprous mouth on all, that euer writt:
Such one vile Enuie was, that +fifte+ in row did sitt.
9 fifte > first 1590 etc.: FE
1 He hated all good works and virtuous deeds, 2 And him no less, that any like did use;
like > of the sort use > undertake, perform, practise
3 And who with gracious bread the hungry feeds,
who > [whoever]
4 His alms for want of faith he does accuse;
alms > charitable actions
5 So every good to bad he does abuse:
So every good to bad he does abuse > [He imputes his own values to everyone else; "abuse" here = "misrepresent"]
6 And eke the verse of famous poets' wit
eke > also
7 He does backbite, and spiteful poison spews 8 From leprous mouth on all that ever writ:
writ > was written; or: wrote
9 Such one vile Envy was, that fifth in row did sit.
104.33
And him beside rides fierce reuenging Wrath,
2 Vpon a Lion, loth for to be led;
And in his hand a burning brond he hath,
4 The which he brandisheth about his hed;
His eyes did hurle forth sparkles fiery red,
6 And stared sterne on all, that him beheld,
As ashes pale of hew and seeming ded;
8 And on his dagger still his hand he held,
Trembling through hasty rage, when choler in him sweld.
1 And him beside rides fierce revenging Wrath, 2 Upon a lion, loath to be led; 3 And in his hand a burning brand he has,
brand > brand; or, perhaps: sword
4 Which he brandishes about his head; 5 His eyes did hurl forth sparkles fiery red, 6 And stared stern on all that him beheld,
stern > fiercely, mercilessly
7 As ashes pale of hue, and seeming dead;
hue > colour [his complexion was as pale as ashes]
8 And on his dagger still his hand he held,
still > continuously
9 Trembling through hasty rage, when choler in him swelled.
choler > (One of the four principal humours of the body, which, according to medieval belief, determine one's mental and physical attributes: phlegm, blood, black bile, and choler. Choler was associated with rage)
104.34
His ruffin raiment all was staind with blood,
2 Which he had spilt, and all to rags yrent,
Through vnaduized rashnesse woxen wood;
4 For of his hands he had no gouernement,
Ne car'd for bloud in his auengement:
6 But when the furious fit was ouerpast,
His cruell facts he often would repent;
8 Yet wilfull man he neuer would forecast,
How many mischieues should ensue his heedlesse hast.
1 His ruffin raiment all was stained with blood
ruffin > ruffian, ruffianly (also the name of a fiend, and a cant- word for the Devil) raiment > clothing
2 Which he had spilt, and all to rags rent,
rent > torn
3 Through unadvised rashness waxed wood;
unadvised > ill-considered waxed > grown, become wood > furious, mad [When through ill-considered rashness he had become furious]
4 For of his hands he had no government,
government > control
5 Nor cared for blood in his avengement:
cared for > cared about, shrank from [shedding] avengement > vengeance
6 But, when the furious fit was overpassed,
overpassed > over, at an end
7 His cruel facts he often would repent;
facts > deeds
8 Yet, wilful man, he never would forecast
forecast > [consider beforehand]
9 How many mischiefs should ensue his heedless haste.
mischiefs > evils, misfortunes ensue > follow
104.35
Full many mischiefes follow cruell Wrath;
2 Abhorred bloudshed, and tumultuous strife,
Vnmanly murder, and vnthrifty scath,
4 Bitter despight, with rancours rusty knife,
And fretting griefe the enemy of life;
6 All these, and many euils moe haunt ire,
The swelling Splene, and Frenzy raging rife,
8 The shaking Palsey, and Saint Fraunces fire:
Such one was Wrath, the last of this vngodly tire.
1 Full many mischiefs follow cruel Wrath:
Full > Very, exceedingly mischiefs > evils, misfortunes
2 Abhorred bloodshed, and tumultuous strife, 3 Unmanly murder, and unthrifty scathe,
Unmanly > {Dishonourable to, degrading to, unbefitting a man} unthrifty > unfortunate; prodigal, profligate scathe > damage, harm
4 Bitter despite, with rancour's rusty knife,
despite > rage; malice rusty > blood-stained; dirty; rusty
5 And fretting grief, the enemy of life;
fretting > devouring; gnawing (cf. 106.44:5)
6 All these, and many evils more, haunt Ire,
Ire > [Wrath]
7 The swelling spleen, and frenzy raging rife,
spleen > {Spite; the organ itself, with which anger and spite were associated}
8 The shaking palsy, and Saint Francis' fire:
Saint Francis' fire > {Erysipelas, a skin disease characterized by a deep red colour}
9 Such one was Wrath, the last of this ungodly tire.
tire > accoutrement, equipment; ornament, embellishment [of Lucifera] or: ?team (from the Common Romanic tirare, to draw, pull)
104.36
And after all, vpon the wagon beame
2 Rode +Sathan+, with a smarting whip in hand,
With which he forward lasht the laesie teme,
4 So oft as Slowth still in the mire did stand.
Huge routs of people did about them band,
6 Showting for ioy, and still before their way
A foggy mist had couered all the land;
8 And vnderneath their feet, all scattered lay
Dead sculs and bones of men, whose life had gone astray.
2 Sathan > Satan 1609
1 And, after all, upon the wagon beam 2 Rode Satan, with a smarting whip in hand, 3 With which he forward lashed the lazy team, 4 So oft as Sloth still in the mire did stand.
still > motionless; yet
5 Huge routs of people did about them band,
routs > {Crowds, clamorous or riotous assemblages}
6 Shouting for joy; and still before their way 7 A foggy mist had covered all the land;
mist > (Symbol of deception: cf. 102.38:5, 212.34:5)
8 And, underneath their feet, all scattered lay 9 Dead skulls and bones of men whose life had gone astray.
104.37
So forth they marchen in this goodly sort,
2 To take the solace of the open aire,
And in fresh flowring fields themselues to sport;
4 Emongst the rest rode that false Lady faire,
The fowle Duessa, next vnto the chaire
6 Of proud +Lucifera+, as one of the traine:
But that good knight would not so nigh repaire,
8 Him selfe estraunging from their ioyaunce vaine,
Whose fellowship seemd far vnfit for warlike swaine.
6 Lucifera > Lucifer' 1590
1 So forth they march in this goodly sort,
goodly > fine; courteous sort > company, band
2 To take the solace of the open air,
solace > pleasure, comfort (implying relief)
3 And in fresh flowering fields themselves to sport; 4 Amongst the rest rode that false lady fair, 5 The foul Duessa, next to the chair
chair > chariot, car; hence: coach
6 Of proud Lucifera, as one of the train: 7 But that good knight would not so nigh repair,
repair > go, betake himself
8 Himself estranging from their joyance vain,
estranging > distancing joyance > merrymaking; delight (this word apparently coined by Spenser) vain > vain; foolish, empty
9 Whose fellowship seemed far unfit for warlike swain.
swain > youth, young man
104.38
So hauing solaced themselues a space
2 With pleasaunce of the breathing fields yfed,
They backe returned to the Princely Place;
4 Whereas an errant knight in armes ycled,
And heathnish shield, wherein with letters red
6 Was writ Sans ioy, they new arriued find:
Enflam'd with fury and fiers hardy-hed,
8 He seemd in hart to harbour thoughts vnkind,
And nourish bloudy vengeaunce in his bitter mind.
1 So, having solaced themselves a space, 2 With pleasance of the breathing fields fed,
breathing > airy
3 They back returned to the princely place; 4 Where an errant knight in arms clad,
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.)
5 And heathenish shield, wherein with letters red 6 Was written Sansjoy, they new arrived find:
new > newly
7 Inflamed with fury and fierce hardihood,
hardihood > audacity, boldness; hardness
8 He seemed in heart to harbour thoughts unkind, 9 And nourish bloody vengeance in his bitter mind.
104.39
Who when the shamed shield of slaine Sans foy
2 He spide with that same Faery champions page,
Bewraying him, that did of late destroy
4 His eldest brother, burning all with rage
He to him leapt, and that same enuious gage
6 Of victors glory from him snatcht away:
But th'Elfin knight, which ought that warlike wage,
8 Disdaind to +loose+ the meed he wonne in fray,
And him +rencountring+ fierce, reskewd the noble pray.
8 loose > lose 1609 9 rencountring > re'ncountring 1609
1 Who, when the shamed shield of slain Sansfoy
shamed > (Because it is placed upside-down: see 104.41:9)
2 He spied with that same Faery champion's page
page > [the dwarf]
3 (Bewraying him that did of late destroy
Bewraying > Revealing, betraying
4 His eldest brother), burning all with rage 5 He to him leapt, and that same envious gage
envious > enviable; also: odious gage > pledge
6 Of victor's glory from him snatched away: 7 But the Elfin knight, which ought that warlike wage,
ought > owned wage > spoil of war
8 Disdained to loose the meed he won in fray;
loose > release meed > reward; hence: prize
9 And, him rencountering fierce, rescued the noble prey.
rencountering > engaging (in battle) prey > plunder, spoil
104.40
Therewith they gan to +hurtlen+ greedily,
2 Redoubted battaile ready to darrayne,
And clash their shields, and shake their +swords+ on hy,
4 That with their sturre they troubled all the traine;
Till that great Queene vpon eternall paine
6 Of high displeasure, that ensewen might,
Commaunded them their fury to refraine,
8 And if that either to that shield had right,
In equall lists they should the morrow next it fight.
1 hurtlen > hurlen 1609 3 swords > swerds 1590
1 Therewith they began to hurtle greedily,
Therewith > With that; thereupon hurtle > brandish arms (catachr.); clash, rush together greedily > recklessly, eagerly
2 Redoubted battle ready to deraign,
Redoubted > Doughty, valiant, redoubtable deraign > {Challenge; fight a contest in order to settle a dispute}
3 And clash their shields, and shake their swords on high, 4 That with their stir they troubled all the train;
That > [So that] train > retinue
5 Till that great queen, upon eternal pain 6 Of high displeasure that ensue might,
ensue might > [might ensue]
7 Commanded them their fury to refrain, 8 And, if either to that shield had right, 9 In equal lists they should the morrow next it fight.
equal lists > impartial knightly contest ("lists" were the palisades enclosing the tilting-ground) it fight > [contest the right to the shield]
104.41
Ah dearest Dame, (quoth then the Paynim bold,)
2 Pardon the errour of enraged wight,
Whom great griefe made forget the raines to hold
4 Of reasons rule, to see this recreant knight,
No knight, but treachour full of false despight
6 And shamefull treason, who through guile hath slayn
The prowest knight, that euer field did fight,
8 Euen stout Sans foy (O who can then refrayn?)
Whose shield he beares +renuerst+, the more to heape disdayn.
9 renuerst > re'nverst 1609
1 "Ah, dearest dame," quoth then the paynim bold,
paynim > pagan, heathen
2 "Pardon the error of enraged wight,
wight > person
3 Whom great grief made forget the reins to hold 4 Of reason's rule, to see this recreant knight
recreant > cowardly; apostate
5 (No knight, but treacher full of false despite
treacher > cheat, deceiver despite > malice
6 And shameful treason) who through guile has slain 7 The prowest knight that ever field did fight,
prowest > bravest field > [a] battle; [in the] field of battle
8 Even stout Sansfoy (O who can then refrain?),
Even > To wit; that is; no less than refrain > restrain oneself [from anger, desire for revenge]
9 Whose shield he bears reversed, the more to heap disdain.
reversed > upside-down (symbolizing ignominious defeat)
104.42
And to augment the glorie of his guile,
2 His dearest loue the faire Fidessa loe
Is there possessed of the traytour vile,
4 Who reapes the haruest sowen by his foe,
Sowen in bloudy field, and bought with woe:
6 That brothers hand shall dearely well requight
So be, {o^} Queene, you equall fauour showe.
8 Him litle answerd th'angry Elfin knight;
He neuer meant with words, but swords to plead his right.
1 "And, to augment the glory of his guile,
glory > [boastful spirit]
2 His dearest love, the fair Fidessa, lo 3 Is there possessed of the traitor vile,
of > by
4 Who reaps the harvest sown by his foe, 5 Sown in bloody field, and bought with woe: 6 That brother's hand shall dearly well requite,
That > [That deed his]
7 So be, O Queen, you equal favour show!"
So be > If equal > impartial
8 Him little answered the angry Elfin knight; 9 He never meant with words, but swords, to plead his right.
104.43
But threw his gauntlet as a sacred +pledge+,
2 His cause in combat the next day to try:
So been they parted both, with harts on +edge+,
4 To be aueng'd each on his enimy.
That night they pas in ioy and iollity,
6 Feasting and courting both in bowre and hall;
For Steward was excessiue Gluttonie,
8 That of his plenty poured forth to all;
Which doen, the Chamberlain Slowth did to rest them call.
1 pledge > pledg 1590 3 edge > edg 1590
1 But threw his gauntlet as a sacred pledge, 2 His cause in combat the next day to try: 3 So been they parted both, with hearts on edge
been > [were]
4 To be avenged each on his enemy. 5 That night they pass in joy and jollity,
jollity > revelry
6 Feasting and courting both in bower and hall; 7 For steward was excessive Gluttony, 8 That of his plenty poured forth to all; 9 Which done, the chamberlain, Sloth, did to rest them call.
104.44
Now whenas darkesome night had all displayd
2 Her coleblacke curtein ouer brightest skye,
The warlike youthes on dayntie couches layd,
4 Did chace away sweet sleepe from sluggish eye,
To muse on meanes of hoped victory.
6 But whenas Morpheus had with leaden mace
Arrested all that courtly company,
8 Vp-rose Duessa from her resting place,
And to the Paynims lodging comes with silent pace.
1 Now when darksome Night had all displayed
Night > (See 105.20 ff.) displayed > spread, spread out
2 Her coal-black curtain over brightest sky, 3 The warlike youths, on dainty couches laid, 4 Did chase away sweet sleep from sluggish eye, 5 To muse on means of hoped victory. 6 But when Morpheus had with leaden mace
Morpheus > (The god of dreams: one of the sons of Somnus, the god of sleep)
7 Arrested all that courtly company, 8 Uprose Duessa from her resting place, 9 And to the paynim's lodging comes with silent pace.
paynim > pagan, heathen pace > movement, step
104.45
Whom broad awake she finds, in troublous fit,
2 Forecasting, how his foe he might annoy,
And him amoues with speaches seeming fit:
4 Ah deare Sans ioy, next dearest to Sans foy,
Cause of my new griefe, cause of +my+ new ioy,
6 Ioyous, to see his ymage in mine eye,
And greeu'd, to thinke how foe did him destroy,
8 That was the flowre of grace and cheualrye;
Lo his Fidessa to thy secret faith I flye.
5 my > omitted from 1590 and 1596: FE
1 Whom broad awake she finds, in troublous fit,
fit > condition, mood
2 Forecasting how his foe he might annoy,
Forecasting > Planning annoy > injure
3 And him amoves with speeches seeming fit:
amoves > stirs fit > fit, appropriate
4 "Ah, dear Sansjoy, next dearest to Sansfoy, 5 Cause of my new grief, cause of my new joy; 6 Joyous, to see his image in my eye, 7 And grieved, to think how foe did him destroy, 8 That was the flower of grace and chivalry; 9 Lo his Fidessa, to your secret faith I fly."
104.46
With gentle wordes he can her fairely greet,
2 And bad say on the secret of her hart.
Then sighing soft, I learne that litle sweet
4 Oft tempred is (quoth she) with muchell smart:
For since my brest was launcht with louely dart
6 Of deare Sansfoy, I neuer ioyed howre,
But in eternall woes my weaker hart
8 Haue wasted, louing him with all my powre,
And for his sake haue felt full many an heauie stowre.
1 With gentle words he can her fairly greet,
gentle > generous; courteous can > did fairly > courteously
2 And bade say on the secret of her heart.
say on > tell
3 Then, sighing soft, "I learn that little sweet 4 Oft tempered is," quoth she, "with mickle smart:
mickle > much
5 For since my breast was lanced with lovely dart
lovely > amorous
6 Of dear Sansfoy, I never joyed hour,
joyed > [enjoyed an]
7 But in eternal woes my weaker heart
weaker > too-weak
8 Have wasted, loving him with all my power, 9 And for his sake have felt full many a heavy stour.
full > very stour > [time of] turmoil or distress
104.47
At last when perils all I weened past,
2 And hop'd to reape the crop of all my care,
Into new woes vnweeting I was cast,
4 By this false faytor, who vnworthy ware
His worthy shield, whom he with guilefull snare
6 Entrapped slew, and brought to shamefull graue.
Me silly maid away with him he bare,
8 And euer since hath kept in darksome caue,
For that I would not yeeld, that to Sans-foy I gaue.
1 "At last, when perils all I weened past,
weened > supposed
2 And hoped to reap the crop of all my care, 3 Into new woes unweeting I was cast
unweeting > ignorant, unwitting
4 By this false faitour, who unworthy wears
faitour > impostor, cheat wears > bears, carries
5 His worthy shield, whom he, with guileful snare,
His > [Sansfoy's] he > [the Redcross Knight]
6 Entrapped slew, and brought to shameful grave.
Entrapped slew > [Killed while trapped]
7 Me, silly maid, away with him he bore,
silly > defenceless; innocent
8 And ever since has kept in darksome cave, 9 For that I would not yield that to Sansfoy I gave.
For that > Because that > [that which]
104.48
But since faire Sunne hath sperst that lowring clowd,
2 And to my loathed life now shewes some light,
Vnder your beames I will me safely shrowd,
4 From dreaded storme of his disdainfull spight:
To you th'inheritance belongs by right
6 Of brothers prayse, to you eke longs his loue.
Let not his loue, let not his restlesse spright
8 Be vnreueng'd, that calles to you aboue
From wandring Stygian shores, where it doth endlesse moue.
1 "But since fair sun has spersed that louring cloud,
spersed > dispersed
2 And to my loathed life now shows some light, 3 Under your beams I will me safely shroud
shroud > take shelter
4 From dreaded storm of his disdainful spite:
disdainful > angry
5 To you the inheritance belongs by right 6 Of brother's praise, to you eke belongs his love.
praise > praiseworthiness; merit, virtue eke > also
7 Let not his love, let not his restless spirit, 8 Be unrevenged, that calls to you above 9 From wandering Stygian shores, where it does endless move."
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the river across which dead souls must pass. See Aen., 6.312 ff.} endless > eternally
104.49
Thereto said he, faire Dame, be nought dismaid
2 For sorrowes past; their griefe is with them gone:
Ne yet of present perill be affraid;
4 For needlesse feare did neuer vantage none,
And helplesse hap it booteth not to mone.
6 Dead is Sans-foy, his vitall paines are past,
Though greeued ghost for vengeance deepe do grone:
8 He liues, that shall him pay his dewties last,
And guiltie Elfin bloud shall sacrifice in hast.
1 Thereto said he, "Fair dame, be naught dismayed
Thereto > To that
2 For sorrows past; their grief is with them gone: 3 Nor yet of present peril be afraid; 4 For needless fear did never vantage none,
vantage > profit, benefit none > anyone
5 And helpless hap it boots not to moan.
helpless hap it boots not to moan > [it is of no avail to bemoan an unavoidable occurrence]
6 Dead is Sansfoy, his vital pains are past,
vital > [of life, worldly]
7 Though grieved ghost for vengeance deep do groan:
grieved > [his] injured
8 He lives, that shall him pay his duties last,
He > [The Redcross Knight] duties > debts
9 And guilty Elfin blood shall sacrifice in haste."
104.50
O but I feare the fickle freakes (quoth shee)
2 Of fortune +false+, and oddes of armes in field.
Why dame (quoth he) what oddes can euer bee,
4 Where both do fight alike, to win or yield?
Yea but (quoth she) he beares a charmed shield,
6 And eke enchaunted armes, that none can perce,
Ne none can wound the man, that does them wield.
8 Charmd or enchaunted (answerd he then ferce)
I no whit reck, ne you the like need to reherce.
2 false > salse 1596
1 "O but I fear the fickle freaks," quoth she,
freaks > whims
2 "Of Fortune false, and odds of arms in field."
odds > differences, inequalities field > battle, the field of battle
3 "Why, dame," quoth he, "what odds can ever be, 4 Where both do fight alike, to win or yield?"
alike > [in equal lists: see 104.40:9]
5 "Yes, but," quoth she, "he bears a charmed shield, 6 And eke enchanted arms, that none can pierce,
eke > moreover
7 Nor none can wound the man that does them wield."
none can > can anyone
8 "Charmed or enchanted," answered he then fierce, 9 "I no whit reck; nor you the like need to rehearse.
reck > care about, take account of rehearse > give an account of
104.51
But faire Fidessa, sithens fortunes guile,
2 Or enimies powre hath now captiued you,
Returne from whence ye came, and rest a while
4 Till morrow next, that I the Elfe subdew,
And with Sans-foyes dead dowry you endew.
6 Ay me, that is a double death (she said)
With proud foes sight my sorrow to renew:
8 Where euer yet I be, my secret aid
Shall follow you. So passing forth she him obaid.
1 "But, fair Fidessa, sithens Fortune's guile
sithens > since
2 Or enemy's power has now captived you,
captived you > taken you captive
3 Return from whence you came, and rest awhile, 4 Till morrow next, that I the Elf subdue,
that > when
5 And with Sansfoy's dead dowry you endew."
Sansfoy's dead > [dead Sansfoy's] endew > endow; or: endue
6 "Ay me! That is a double death," she said, 7 "With proud foe's sight my sorrow to renew: 8 Wherever yet I be, my secret aid 9 Shall follow you." So, passing forth, she him obeyed.
The faithfull knight in equall field
2 subdewes his faithlesse foe,
Whom false Duessa saues, and for
4 his cure to hell does goe.
1 The faithful knight in equal field
equal field > impartial battle
2 subdues his faithless foe, 3 Whom false Duessa saves, and for 4 his cure to hell does go.
105.1
THe noble hart, that harbours vertuous thought,
2 And is with child of glorious great intent,
Can neuer rest, vntill it forth haue brought
4 Th'eternall brood of glorie excellent:
Such restlesse passion did all night torment
6 The flaming corage of that Faery knight,
Deuizing, how that doughtie turnament
8 With greatest honour he atchieuen might;
Still did +he+ wake, and still did watch for dawning light.
9 he > omitted from 1596
1 The noble heart, that harbours virtuous thought,
virtuous > potent, powerful, valorous
2 And is with child of glorious great intent,
with child > [pregnant] glorious > {Eager for glory}
3 Can never rest, until it forth has brought 4 The eternal brood of glory excellent:
excellent > excelling; supreme
5 Such restless passion did all night torment 6 The flaming courage of that Faery knight,
courage > heart, mind
7 Devising how that doughty tournament 8 With greatest honour he achieve might;
achieve > [bring to successful conclusion]
9 Still did he wake, and still did watch for dawning light.
Still > Continuously
105.2
At last the golden Orientall +gate,+
2 Of greatest heauen gan to open faire,
And Ph{oe}bus fresh, as bridegrome to his mate,
4 Came dauncing forth, shaking his deawie haire:
And +hurld+ his glistring beames through gloomy aire.
6 Which when the wakeful Elfe perceiu'd, streight way
He started vp, and did him selfe prepaire,
8 In sun-bright armes, and battailous array:
For with that Pagan proud he combat will that day.
1 gate, > gate 1609 5 hurld > hurls 1590, 1596: FE; hurles 1609
1 At last the golden oriental gate
oriental > eastern
2 Of greatest heaven began to open fair, 3 And Phoebus fresh, as bridegroom to his mate,
bridegroom > (See Ps. 19.5)
4 Came dancing forth, shaking his dewy hair: 5 And hurled his glistering beams through gloomy air. 6 Which when the wakeful Elf perceived, straightway 7 He started up, and did himself prepare, 8 In sun-bright arms, and battailous array:
arms > {Arms and armour} battailous > warlike, ready for battle
9 For with that pagan proud he combat will that day.
105.3
And forth he comes into the +commune+ hall,
2 Where earely waite him many a gazing eye,
To weet what end to straunger knights may fall.
4 There many Minstrales maken melody,
To driue away the dull melancholy,
6 And many Bardes, that to the trembling chord
Can tune their timely voyces cunningly,
8 And many Chroniclers, that can record
Old loues, and warres for Ladies doen by many a Lord.
1 commune > common 1609
1 And forth he comes into the common hall, 2 Where early wait him many a gazing eye, 3 To weet what end to stranger knights may fall.
weet > know, find out
4 There many minstrels make melody,
minstrels > musicians
5 To drive away the dull melancholy, 6 And many bards, that to the trembling chord
bards > singers
7 Can tune their timely voices cunningly,
Can > Did; knew how to timely > {Measured; keeping time with the music}
8 And many chroniclers, that can record
chroniclers > writers of epics can > can, knew how to
9 Old loves, and wars for ladies done by many a lord.
105.4
Soone after comes the cruell Sarazin,
2 In wouen maile all armed warily,
And sternly lookes at him, who not a pin
4 Does care for looke of liuing creatures eye.
They bring them wines of Greece and Araby,
6 And daintie spices fetcht from furthest Ynd,
To kindle heat of corage priuily:
8 And in the wine a solemne oth they bynd
T'obserue the sacred lawes of armes, that are assynd.
1 Soon after comes the cruel Saracen,
Saracen > {Arab or Moslem of the time of the Crusades; pagan}
2 In woven mail all armed warily,
mail > chain armour warily > carefully
3 And sternly looks at him, who not a pin
sternly > fiercely
4 Does care for look of living creature's eye. 5 They bring them wines of Greece and Arabia, 6 And dainty spices fetched from furthest Ind,
dainty > precious Ind > India
7 To kindle heat of courage privily:
privily > inwardly
8 And in the wine a solemn oath they bind, 9 To observe the sacred laws of arms, that are assigned.
105.5
At last forth comes that far renowmed Queene,
2 With royall pomp and Princely maiestie;
She is ybrought vnto a paled greene,
4 And placed vnder stately canapee,
The warlike feates of both those knights to see.
6 On th'other side in all mens open vew
Duessa placed is, and on a tree
8 Sans-foy his shield is hangd with bloudy hew:
Both those the lawrell girlonds to the victor dew.
1 At last forth comes that far renowned queen, 2 With royal pomp and princely majesty; 3 She is brought to a paled green,
paled > {Fenced, surrounded with palings}
4 And placed under stately canopy, 5 The warlike feats of both those knights to see. 6 On the other side in all men's open view 7 Duessa placed is, and on a tree 8 Sansfoy his shield is hung with bloody hue:
Sansfoy his > Sansfoy's with bloody hue > [with its bloodstains]
9 Both those the laurel garlands to the victor due.
105.6
A shrilling trompet sownded from on hye,
2 And vnto battaill bad them selues addresse:
Their shining shieldes about their +wrestes+ they tye,
4 And burning blades about their heads do blesse,
The instruments of wrath and heauinesse:
6 With greedy force each other doth assayle,
And strike so fiercely, that they do impresse
8 Deepe dinted furrowes in the battred mayle;
The yron walles to ward their blowes are weake and fraile.
3 wrestes > wrists 1609
1 A shrilling trumpet sounded from on high, 2 And to battle bade themselves address: 3 Their shining shields about their wrists they tie, 4 And burning blades about their heads do bless,
bless > brandish
5 The instruments of wrath and heaviness:
heaviness > anger; grief
6 With greedy force each other does assail,
greedy > eager; insensate, reckless
7 And strike so fiercely, that they do impress 8 Deep dented furrows in the battered mail;
mail > chain armour
9 The iron walls to ward their blows are weak and frail.
iron walls > [of their armour]
105.7
The Sarazin was stout, and wondrous strong,
2 And heaped blowes like yron hammers great:
For after bloud and vengeance he did long.
4 The knight was fiers, and full of youthly heat:
And doubled strokes, like dreaded thunders threat:
6 For all for prayse and honour he did fight.
Both stricken strike, and beaten both do beat,
8 That from their shields forth flyeth firie light,
And +helmets hewen+ deepe, shew marks of eithers might.
9 helmets hewen > hewen helmets 1590
1 The Saracen was stout, and wondrous strong,
stout > robust; proud; bold, brave
2 And heaped blows like iron hammers great: 3 For after blood and vengeance he did long. 4 The knight was fierce, and full of youthly heat: 5 And doubled strokes, like dreaded thunder's threat:
doubled > (Vb.)
6 For all for praise and honour he did fight. 7 Both stricken strike, and beaten both do beat, 8 That from their shields forth flies fiery light,
That > [So that]
9 And helmets hewed deep show marks of either's might.
deep > deeply
105.8
So th'one for wrong, the other striues for right:
2 As when a Gryfon seized of his pray,
A Dragon fiers encountreth in his flight,
4 Through widest ayre making his ydle way,
That would his rightfull rauine rend away:
6 With hideous horrour both together smight,
And souce so sore, that they the heauens affray:
8 The wise Southsayer seeing so sad sight,
Th'amazed vulgar tels of warres and mortall fight.
1 So the one for wrong, the other strives for right: 2 As when a griffin, seized of his prey,
griffin > {Monster with the body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle} seized > in rightful possession
3 A dragon fierce encounters in his flight, 4 Through widest air making his idle way, 5 That would his rightful ravin rend away:
That > [The dragon] ravin > plunder, prey
6 With hideous horror both together smite,
hideous > abominable; terrific; immense
7 And souse so sore that they the heavens affray:
souse > strike heavy blows; perhaps also: swoop (as a hawk on its prey) affray > terrify
8 The wise soothsayer, seeing so sad sight,
sad > calamitous, ominous [a]
9 The amazed vulgar tells of wars and mortal fight.
vulgar > common people mortal > deadly, lethal
105.9
So th'one for wrong, the other striues for right,
2 And each to deadly shame would driue his foe:
The cruell steele so greedily doth bight
4 In tender flesh, that streames of bloud down flow,
With which the armes, that earst so bright did show
6 Into a pure vermillion now are dyde:
Great ruth in all the gazers harts did grow,
8 Seeing the gored woundes to gape so wyde,
That victory they dare not wish to either side.
1 So the one for wrong, the other strives for right, 2 And each to deadly shame would drive his foe: 3 The cruel steel so greedily does bite 4 In tender flesh, that streams of blood down flow, 5 With which the arms, that erst so bright did show,
the arms > [the armour] erst > at first
6 Into a pure vermilion now are dyed: 7 Great ruth in all the gazers' hearts did grow,
ruth > pity
8 Seeing the gored wounds to gape so wide, 9 That victory they dare not wish to either side.
105.10
At last the Paynim chaunst to cast his eye,
2 His suddein eye, flaming with wrathfull fyre,
Vpon his brothers shield, which hong thereby:
4 Therewith redoubled was his raging yre,
And said, Ah wretched sonne of wofull syre,
6 Doest thou sit wayling by black Stygian lake,
Whilest here thy shield is hangd for victors hyre,
8 And sluggish german doest thy forces slake,
To after-send his foe, that him may ouertake?
1 At last the paynim chanced to cast his eye,
paynim > pagan, heathen
2 His sudden eye, flaming with wrathful fire, 3 Upon his brother's shield, which hung thereby:
thereby > near by
4 Therewith redoubled was his raging ire,
Therewith > With that; thereupon
5 And said, "Ah wretched son of woeful sire,
sire > father
6 Do you sit wailing by black Stygian lake,
Stygian lake > (The River Styx, the river across which dead souls must pass)
7 Whilst here your shield is hung for victor's hire?
hire > wages
8 And, sluggish german, do your forces slake,
german > brother (now addressing himself rather than the soul of Sansfoy) slake > abate
9 To after-send his foe, that him may overtake?
105.11
Goe caytiue Elfe, him quickly ouertake,
2 And soone redeeme from his long wandring woe;
Goe guiltie ghost, to him my message make,
4 That I his shield haue quit from dying foe.
Therewith vpon his crest he stroke him so,
6 That twise he reeled, readie twise to fall;
End of the doubtfull battell deemed tho
8 The lookers on, and lowd to him gan call
The false Duessa, Thine the shield, and I, and all.
1 "Go, caitiff Elf, him quickly overtake,
caitiff > despicable, servile
2 And soon redeem from his long wandering woe; 3 Go, guilty ghost, to him my message make,
ghost > soul, spirit make > represent, personify, frame (by virtue of your presence)
4 That I his shield have quit from dying foe."
quit > recovered, freed
5 Therewith upon his crest he struck him so,
Therewith > With that
6 That twice he reeled, ready twice to fall; 7 End of the doubtful battle deemed tho
doubtful > doubtful (of uncertain outcome); also: fearful, awful tho > thereupon, then
8 The lookers on, and loud to him gan call
gan > did
9 The false Duessa, "Yours the shield, and I, and all!"
105.12
Soone as the Faerie heard his Ladie speake,
2 Out of his swowning dreame he gan awake,
And quickning faith, that earst was woxen weake,
4 The creeping deadly cold away did shake:
Tho mou'd with wrath, and shame, and Ladies sake,
6 Of all attonce he cast auengd to bee,
And with so'exceeding furie at him strake,
8 That forced him to +stoupe+ vpon his knee;
Had he not stouped so, he should haue clouen bee.
8 stoupe > stoope 1609
1 Soon as the Faery heard his lady speak, 2 Out of his swooning dream he gan awake,
gan > did
3 And quickening faith, that erst was waxed weak,
quickening > stirring, reviving erst > lately waxed > grown
4 The creeping deadly cold away did shake: 5 Tho moved with wrath, and shame, and lady's sake,
Tho > Then sake > consideration, regard
6 All at once he cast avenged to be,
cast > decided, resolved
7 And with so exceeding fury at him struck,
so > such
8 That forced him to stoop upon his knee;
forced > [it forced; he forced]
9 Had he not stooped so, he should have cloven be.
105.13
And to him said, Goe now proud Miscreant,
2 Thy selfe thy message doe to german deare,
Alone he wandring thee too long doth want:
4 Goe say, his foe thy shield with his doth beare.
Therewith his heauie hand he high gan reare,
6 Him to haue slaine; when loe a darkesome clowd
Vpon him fell: he no where doth appeare,
8 But vanisht is. The Elfe him cals alowd,
But answer none receiues: the darknes him does shrowd.
1 And to him said, "Go now, proud miscreant,
miscreant > wretch, villain; heretic
2 Yourself your message do to german dear;
do > give, make (as 105.11:3) german > [your] brother dear > dear; also: dire, difficult. (If "german" is read as an adj. and "deare" as a sb. ("pain, nuisance"), then the Redcross Knight is insulting both brothers simultaneously)
3 Alone he, wandering, you too long does want: 4 Go say, his foe your shield with his does bear." 5 Therewith his heavy hand he high gan rear,
Therewith > With that gan > did
6 Him to have slain; when lo a darksome cloud 7 Upon him fell: he nowhere does appear, 8 But vanished is. The Elf him calls aloud, 9 But answer none receives: the darkness him does shroud.
shroud > shroud; shelter
105.14
In haste Duessa from her place arose,
2 And to him running said, O prowest knight,
That euer Ladie to her loue did chose,
4 Let now abate the terror of your might,
And quench the flame of furious despight,
6 And bloudie vengeance; lo th'infernall powres
Couering your foe with cloud of deadly night,
8 Haue borne him hence to Plutoes balefull bowres.
The conquest yours, I yours, the shield, and glory yours.
1 In haste Duessa from her place arose, 2 And to him running said, "O prowest knight
prowest > bravest
3 That ever lady to her love did choose,
to > [as]
4 Let now abate the terror of your might, 5 And quench the flame of furious despite,
despite > rage
6 And bloody vengeance; lo the infernal powers, 7 Covering your foe with cloud of deadly night, 8 Have borne him hence to Pluto's baleful bowers.
Pluto's baleful bowers > hell (Pluto = god of the underworld; baleful = grim; bowers = chambers, rooms)
9 The conquest yours, I yours, the shield, and glory yours."
105.15
Not all so satisfide, with greedie eye
2 He sought all round about, his thirstie blade
To +bathe+ in bloud of faithlesse enemy;
4 Who all that while lay hid in secret shade:
He standes amazed, how he thence should fade.
6 At last the +trumpets+ Triumph sound on hie,
And running Heralds humble homage made,
8 Greeting him goodly with new victorie,
And to him brought the shield, the cause of enmitie.
3 bathe > bath 1596 6 trumpets > trumpets, 1596, 1609
1 Not all so satisfied, with greedy eye
all so > wholly greedy > eager
2 He sought all round about, his thirsty blade 3 To bathe in blood of faithless enemy; 4 Who all that while lay hidden in secret shade.
shade > shadow
5 He stands amazed how he thence should fade.
how > [by the way that] fade > fade, vanish
6 At last the trumpets triumph sound on high,
triumph > [the triumphal fanfare]
7 And running heralds humble homage made, 8 Greeting him goodly with new victory,
Greeting > Congratulating [… on (SUFQ)] goodly > courteously
9 And to him brought the shield, the cause of enmity.
105.16
Wherewith he goeth to that soueraine Queene,
2 And falling her before on lowly knee,
To her makes present of his seruice seene:
4 Which she accepts, with thankes, and goodly gree,
Greatly aduauncing his gay cheualree.
6 So marcheth home, and by her takes the knight,
Whom all the people follow with great glee,
8 Shouting, and clapping all their hands on hight,
That all the aire it fils, and flyes to heauen bright.
1 Wherewith he goes to that sovereign queen
Wherewith > With which
2 And, falling her before on lowly knee,
her before > [before her]
3 To her makes present of his service seen:
seen > shown, proven
4 Which she accepts with thanks and goodly gree,
thanks > goodwill, favour; graciousness goodly gree > gracious goodwill
5 Greatly advancing his gay chivalry.
advancing > extolling
6 So marches home, and by her takes the knight,
by > [beside]
7 Whom all the people follow with great glee, 8 Shouting, and clapping all their hands on high,
on high > on high; aloud
9 That all the air it fills, and flies to heaven bright.
That > [So that]
105.17
Home is he brought, and laid in sumptuous bed:
2 Where many skilfull leaches him abide,
To salue his hurts, that yet still freshly bled.
4 In wine and oyle they wash his woundes wide,
And softly +can+ embalme on euery side.
6 And all the while, most heauenly melody
About the bed sweet musicke did diuide,
8 Him to beguile of griefe and agony:
And all the while Duessa wept full bitterly.
5 can > gan 1590
1 Home is he brought, and laid in sumptuous bed: 2 Where many skilful leeches him abide
leeches > doctors abide > await, attend
3 To salve his hurts, that yet still freshly bled.
salve > anoint
4 In wine and oil they wash his wounds wide, 5 And softly can embalm on every side.
can embalm > did anoint (see Textual Appendix)
6 And all the while most heavenly melody 7 About the bed sweet music did divide,
divide > {Perform with "divisions", descant}
8 Him to beguile of grief and agony:
grief > pain
9 And all the while Duessa wept full bitterly.
full > very
105.18
As when a wearie traueller that strayes
2 By muddy shore of broad seuen-mouthed Nile,
Vnweeting of the perillous wandring wayes,
4 Doth meete a cruell craftie Crocodile,
Which in false griefe hyding his harmefull guile,
6 Doth weepe full sore, and sheddeth tender teares:
The foolish man, that pitties all this while
8 His mournefull plight, is swallowd vp vnwares,
Forgetfull of his owne, that mindes anothers cares.
1 As when a weary traveller, that strays 2 By muddy shore of broad seven-mouthed Nile,
seven-mouthed > (So described by Virgil, Aen. 6.800)
3 Unweeting of the perilous wandering ways,
Unweeting > Ignorant
4 Does meet a cruel crafty crocodile, 5 Which, in false grief hiding its harmful guile, 6 Does weep full sore, and sheds tender tears:
full > very, exceedingly sore > bitterly
7 The foolish man, that pities all this while 8 Its mournful plight, is swallowed up unwares,
unwares > unexpectedly
9 Forgetful of his own, that minds another's cares.
105.19
So wept Duessa vntill euentide,
2 That shyning lampes in Ioues high house were light:
Then forth she rose, ne lenger would abide,
4 But comes vnto the place, where th'Hethen knight
In slombring +swownd+ nigh voyd of vitall spright,
6 Lay couer'd with inchaunted cloud all day:
Whom when she found, as she him left in plight,
8 To wayle his woefull case she would not stay,
But to the easterne coast of heauen makes speedy way.
5 swownd > swoune 1609
1 So wept Duessa until eventide, 2 That shining lamps in Jove's high house were light:
That > To the extent that; hence: until lamps > [stars] light > alight; lit
3 Then forth she rose, nor longer would abide,
abide > remain; await the issue
4 But comes to the place where the heathen knight, 5 In slumbering swoon, nigh void of vital spirit, 6 Lay covered with enchanted cloud all day: 7 Whom when she found, as she him left in plight,
as she him left in plight > [just as she had left him, in the same plight]
8 To wail his woeful case she would not stay,
wail > mourn
9 But to the eastern coast of heaven makes speedy way.
coast > region
105.20
Where griesly Night, with visage deadly sad,
2 That Ph{oe}bus chearefull face durst neuer vew,
And in a foule blacke pitchie mantle clad,
4 She findes forth comming from her darkesome mew,
Where she all day did hide her hated hew.
6 Before the dore her yron charet stood,
Alreadie harnessed for iourney new;
8 And coleblacke steedes yborne of hellish brood,
That on their rustie bits did champ, as they were wood.
1 Where grisly Night (with visage deadly sad,
grisly > horrible, fearsome Night > (The pre-Olympian goddess Nox, progenitress of Aveugle (father of Sansfoy, Sansloy, and Sansjoy); see Myth. 3.12) sad > grave; dark-coloured
2 That Phoebus' cheerful face dared never view,
dared > (The subject is indifferently "visage" or "face")
3 And in a foul black pitchy mantle clad) 4 She finds forth coming from her darksome mew,
forth coming > [coming forth] mew > den, secret place (described as a "caue" at 105.21:6)
5 Where she all day did hide her hated hue.
hue > appearance; colour (cf. 302.28:1)
6 Before the door her iron charet stood,
charet > chariot
7 Already harnessed for journey new,
journey new > (I.e. across the heavens from east to west, the nocturnal counterpart of Phoebus's traverse of the sky. A "journey" originally meant "a day's travel"; cf. 312.47:4 (1590 stanzas))
8 And coal-black steeds born of hellish brood,
brood > parentage, race
9 That on their rusty bits did champ, as they were wood.
rusty > blood-stained; rusty as > [as though] wood > mad
105.21
Who when she saw Duessa sunny bright,
2 Adornd with gold and iewels shining cleare,
She greatly grew amazed at the sight,
4 And th'vnacquainted light began to feare:
For neuer did such brightnesse there appeare,
6 And would haue backe retyred to her caue,
Vntill the witches speech she gan to heare,
8 Saying, yet {o^} thou dreaded Dame, I craue
Abide, till I haue told the message, which I haue.
1 Who, when she saw Duessa sunny-bright,
bright > bright; beautiful
2 Adorned with gold and jewels shining clear,
clear > brightly
3 She greatly grew amazed at the sight,
She > (Redundant)
4 And the unacquainted light began to fear
unacquainted > unfamiliar
5 (For never did such brightness there appear): 6 And would have back retired to her cave, 7 Until the witch's speech she began to hear, 8 Saying, "Yet, O you dreaded dame, I crave
Yet > [For now; for a while] crave > {Entreat, beg; demand as by right}
9 Abide, till I have told the message which I have."
Abide > [You to] wait
105.22
She stayd, and foorth Duessa gan proceede,
2 O thou most auncient Grandmother of all,
More old then Ioue, whom thou at first didst breede,
4 Or that great house of Gods c{ae}lestiall,
Which wast begot in D{ae}mogorgons hall,
6 And sawst the secrets of the world vnmade,
Why suffredst thou thy Nephewes deare to fall
8 With Elfin sword, most shamefully betrade?
Lo where the stout Sansioy doth sleepe in deadly shade.
1 She stayed; and forth Duessa gan proceed:
stayed > remained; desisted [from starting her journey] gan > did
2 "O, you most ancient grandmother of all, 3 More old than Jove, whom you at first did breed, 4 Or that great house of gods celestial,
gods celestial > (The Olympian gods, over whom Jove reigned supreme; see Myth. 3.12)
5 Which was begotten in Demogorgon's hall,
Demogorgon > (A primordial enchanter commanding the underworld (DGDG 1.1); Chaos. Progenitor of all the gods. See also 101.37:8, 402.47:7)
6 And saw the secrets of the world unmade,
unmade > [in its chaotic or primeval state; see PL 2.890-6]
7 Why suffered you your nephews dear to fall
suffered > allowed nephews > grandsons; descendants [Sansfoy and Sansjoy]
8 With Elfin sword, most shamefully betrayed? 9 Lo, where the stout Sansjoy does sleep in deadly shade!
stout > brave; proud; robust
105.23
And him before, I saw with bitter eyes
2 The bold Sansfoy shrinke vnderneath his speare;
And now the pray of fowles in field he lyes,
4 Nor wayld of friends, nor laid on groning beare,
That whylome was to me too dearely deare.
6 O what of Gods then boots it to be borne,
If old Aveugles sonnes so euill heare?
8 Or who shall not great +Nightes+ children scorne,
When two of three her Nephews are so fowle forlorne?
8 Nightes > Nights drad 1609
1 "And him before, I saw with bitter eyes
him before > [before him, i.e. chronologically]
2 The bold Sansfoy shrink underneath his spear;
his > [the Elf's, i.e. the Redcross Knight's]
3 And now the prey of fowls in field he lies, 4 Nor wailed of friends, nor laid on groaning bier,
Nor > Neither wailed of > mourned by groaning > sorrowful [surrounded by mourners]
5 That whilom was to me too dearly dear.
That > [He who] whilom > formerly dearly > dearly (in the modern sense); grievously
6 O what of gods then boots it to be born,
boots > avails
7 If old Aveugle's sons so evil hear?
Aveugle > "Blind", "Blind-man" (French word. He is the son of Nox and the father of Sansfoy, Sansloy, and Sansjoy) so evil hear > such evil is heard [If of old Aveugle's sons such evil is heard, made public: Latin audire male]
8 Or who shall not great Night's children scorn, 9 When two of three her nephews are so foul forlorn?
three her nephews > her three grandsons forlorn > ruined [by the Redcross Knight]; deserted, abandoned [by their grandmother]
105.24
Vp then, vp dreary Dame, of darknesse Queene,
2 Go gather vp the reliques of thy race,
Or else goe them auenge, and let be seene,
4 That dreaded Night in brightest day hath place,
And can the children of faire light deface.
6 Her feeling speeches some compassion moued
In hart, and chaunge in that great mothers face:
8 Yet pittie in her hart was neuer proued
Till then: +for+ euermore she hated, neuer loued.
9 for > and 1596, 1609
1 "Up then, up, dreary dame, of darkness queen!
dreary > dreadful
2 Go gather up the relics of your race, 3 Or else go them avenge, and let be seen 4 That dreaded Night in brightest day has place,
place > rank, status
5 And can the children of fair Light deface."
deface > destroy; cast in the shade
6 Her feeling speeches some compassion moved 7 In heart, and change in that great mother's face: 8 Yet pity in her heart was never proved
proved > felt, experienced
9 Till then: for evermore she hated, never loved.
105.25
And said, Deare daughter rightly may I rew
2 The fall of famous children borne of mee,
And good successes, which their foes ensew:
4 But who can turne the streame of destinee,
Or breake the chayne of strong necessitee,
6 Which fast is tyde to Ioues eternall seat?
The sonnes of Day he fauoureth, I see,
8 And by my ruines thinkes to make them great:
To make one great by others losse, is bad excheat.
1 And said, "Dear daughter, rightly may I rue 2 The fall of famous children borne of me,
of > by (indirectly or metaphorically)
3 And good successes, which their foes ensue:
their foes ensue > follow their foes
4 But who can turn the stream of destiny, 5 Or break the chain of strong necessity,
chain > (The "golden rope" of Zeus (Jove), suspended from heaven to earth, by which he controls all creation. See Iliad 8.18-27; 109.1:1-2, 207.46)
6 Which fast is tied to Jove's eternal seat?
fast > firmly seat > throne
7 The sons of Day he favours, I see, 8 And by my ruins thinks to make them great: 9 To make one great by other's loss is bad escheat.
escheat > {Reversion of property to crown or to feudal lord on intestacy; property so reverting; plunder; forced contribution; here, perhaps, = "exchange", "bargain"}
105.26
Yet shall they not escape so freely all;
2 For some shall pay the price of others guilt:
And he the man that made Sansfoy to fall,
4 Shall with his owne bloud price that he hath spilt.
But what art thou, that telst of Nephews kilt?
6 I that do seeme not I, Duessa +am+,
(Quoth she) how euer now in garments gilt,
8 And gorgeous gold arayd I to thee came;
Duessa I, the daughter of Deceipt and Shame.
6 am > ame 1590
1 "Yet shall they not escape so freely all; 2 For some shall pay the price of others' guilt: 3 And he (the man that made Sansfoy to fall)
made > caused
4 Shall with his own blood price that he has spilt.
price > pay for that > [that which]
5 But what are you, that tell of nephews killed?"
nephews > grandchildren, descendants
6 "I, that do seem not I, Duessa am," 7 Quoth she, "however now in garments gilt
however > by whatever means (i.e. she implies that her apparel is of no consequence) gilt > gilded
8 And gorgeous gold arrayed I to you came; 9 Duessa I, the daughter of Deceit and Shame."
105.27
Then bowing downe her aged backe, she kist
2 The wicked witch, saying; In that faire face
The false resemblance of Deceipt, I wist
4 Did closely lurke; yet so true-seeming grace
It carried, that I scarse in darkesome place
6 Could it discerne, though I the mother bee
Of falshood, and root of Duessaes race.
8 O welcome child, whom I haue longd to see,
And now haue seene vnwares. Lo now I go with thee.
1 Then, bowing down her aged back, she kissed 2 The wicked witch, saying: "In that fair face 3 The false resemblance of Deceit I wist
wist > became aware, recognized; knew
4 Did closely lurk; yet so true-seeming grace
closely > secretly, covertly so > such
5 It carried, that I scarce in darksome place 6 Could it discern, though I the mother be 7 Of falsehood, and root of Duessa's race. 8 O welcome child, whom I have longed to see, 9 And now have seen unwares. Lo, now I go with you."
unwares > unexpectedly
105.28
Then to her yron wagon she betakes,
2 And with her beares the fowle welfauourd witch:
Through mirkesome aire her readie way she makes.
4 Her twyfold Teme, of which two blacke as pitch,
And two were browne, yet each to each vnlich,
6 Did softly swim away, ne euer stampe,
Vnlesse she chaunst their stubborne mouths to twitch;
8 Then foming tarre, their bridles they would champe,
And trampling the fine element, would fiercely rampe.
1 Then to her iron wagon she betakes,
betakes > [betakes herself]
2 And with her bears the foul well-favoured witch:
bears > carries; takes as a companion (cf. 102.45:9) well-favoured > beautiful
3 Through murksome air her ready way she makes.
murksome > dark, obscure (OED cites this as first occurrence) ready > {Lying directly before one; contrasted with the upward path at 110.33:9}
4 Her twofold team, of which two black as pitch, 5 And two were brown, yet each to each unlike,
brown > [merely] dusky, dark
6 Did softly swim away, nor ever stamp, 7 Unless she chanced their stubborn mouths to twitch;
twitch > jerk at; pinch, nip, pain
8 Then, foaming tar, their bridles they would champ, 9 And, trampling the fine element, would fiercely ramp.
fine element > [air] ramp > rear up
105.29
So well they sped, that they be come at length
2 Vnto the place, whereas the Paynim lay,
Deuoid of outward sense, and natiue strength,
4 Couerd with charmed cloud from vew of day,
And sight of men, since his late luckelesse fray.
6 His cruell wounds with cruddy bloud congealed,
They binden vp so wisely, as they may,
8 And handle softly, till they can be healed:
So lay him in her charet, close in night concealed.
1 So well they sped, that they be come at length 2 To the place where the paynim lay,
paynim > pagan, heathen
3 Devoid of outward sense and native strength,
outward sense > [faculty of perceiving the outside world; he is unconscious] native > innate, natural
4 Covered with charmed cloud from view of day 5 And sight of men, since his late luckless fray. 6 His cruel wounds, with cruddy blood congealed,
cruddy > clotted
7 They bind up so wisely as they may,
wisely > skilfully
8 And handle softly, till they can be healed: 9 So lay him in her chariot, close in night concealed.
close > closely; secretly
105.30
And all the while she stood vpon the ground,
2 The wakefull dogs did neuer cease to bay,
As giuing warning of th'vnwonted sound,
4 With which her yron wheeles did them affray,
And her darke griesly looke them much dismay;
6 The messenger of death, the ghastly Owle
With drearie shriekes did also her bewray;
8 And hungry Wolues continually did howle,
At her abhorred face, so filthy and so fowle.
1 And all the while she stood upon the ground, 2 The wakeful dogs did never cease to bay,
wakeful dogs > (See Aen. 6.257)
3 As giving warning of the unwonted sound
As > [As though] unwonted > unaccustomed
4 With which her iron wheels did them affray,
affray > terrify
5 And her dark grisly look them much dismay;
grisly > horrible, fearsome
6 The messenger of death, the ghastly owl,
ghastly > terrible, causing terror (from same root as "ghost") owl > (To the Romans, an omen of death: see Met. 10.453; see also 109.33:6, etc.)
7 With dreary shrieks did also her bewray;
dreary > dreadful bewray > betray, reveal
8 And hungry wolves continually did howl 9 At her abhorred face, so filthy and so foul.
105.31
Thence turning backe in silence soft they stole,
2 And brought the heauie corse with easie pace
To yawning gulfe of deepe Auernus hole.
4 By that same hole an entrance darke and bace
With smoake and sulphure hiding all the place,
6 Descends to hell: there creature neuer past,
That backe returned without heauenly grace;
8 But dreadfull Furies, which their chaines haue brast,
And damned sprights sent forth to make ill men aghast.
1 Thence turning back in silence soft they stole, 2 And brought the heavy corse with easy pace
corse > body
3 To yawning gulf of deep Avernus' hole.
gulf > abyss Avernus > (Lake Avernus, a volcanic lake near Naples, still called Lago d'Averno. Near it was the cave of the Cumaean Sibyl, through which Aeneas descended to the infernal regions: see Aen. 6.237 ff.)
4 By that same hole an entrance, dark and base,
By > [By means of, through] base > low
5 With smoke and sulphur hiding all the place, 6 Descends to hell: there creature never passed, 7 That back returned without heavenly grace; 8 But dreadful Furies who their chains have burst,
But > [Except]
9 And damned sprites sent forth to make ill men aghast.
ill > evil aghast > frightened (esp. with terror of the supernatural)
105.32
By that same way the direfull dames doe driue
2 Their mournefull charet, fild with rusty blood,
And downe to Plutoes house are come biliue:
4 Which passing through, on euery side them stood
The trembling ghosts with sad amazed mood,
6 Chattring their yron teeth, and staring wide
With stonie eyes; and all the hellish brood
8 Of feends infernall flockt on euery side,
To gaze on earthly wight, that with the Night durst ride.
1 By that same way the direful dames do drive 2 Their mournful chariot, fild with rusty blood,
fild > defiled; or: filled (cf. 107.9:9, etc.) rusty > rust-coloured; morally foul, corrupted
3 And down to Pluto's house are come belive:
belive > forthwith, without delay
4 Which passing through, on every side them stood
them > [of them]
5 The trembling ghosts with sad amazed mood,
sad > grave mood > mind, feeling, spirit
6 Chattering their iron teeth, and staring wide 7 With stony eyes; and all the hellish brood
stony > rigid, fixed brood > race
8 Of fiends infernal flocked on every side, 9 To gaze on earthly wight, that with the Night dared ride.
wight > creature, person, woman
105.33
They pas the bitter waues of Acheron,
2 Where many soules sit wailing woefully,
And come to fiery flood of Phlegeton,
4 Whereas the damned ghosts in torments fry,
And with sharp shrilling shriekes doe bootlesse cry,
6 Cursing high Ioue, the which them thither sent.
The house of endlesse paine is built thereby,
8 In which ten thousand sorts of punishment
The cursed creatures doe eternally torment.
1 They pass the bitter waves of Acheron,
Acheron > (The "Stream of Woe": one of the five rivers of hell.
The others are Cocytus, Phlegethon, Lethe, and Styx)
2 Where many souls sit wailing woefully, 3 And come to fiery flood of Phlegethon,
Phlegethon > (The "Stream of Fire": one of the five rivers of hell, through which fire flows instead of water (see Aen. 6.551))
4 Where the damned ghosts in torments fry, 5 And with sharp shrilling shrieks do bootless cry,
bootless > hopelessly, without remedy
6 Cursing high Jove, who them thither sent. 7 The house of endless pain is built thereby,
thereby > there; next to it [Phlegethon]
8 In which ten thousand sorts of punishment 9 The cursed creatures do eternally torment.
105.34
Before the threshold dreadfull Cerberus
2 His three deformed heads did lay along,
Curled with thousand adders venemous,
4 And lilled forth his bloudie flaming tong:
At them he gan to reare his bristles strong,
6 And felly gnarre, vntill dayes enemy
Did him appease; then downe his taile he hong
8 And suffered them to passen quietly:
For she in hell and heauen had power equally.
1 Before the threshold dreadful Cerberus
Cerberus > (The three-headed hound guarding the gates of hell. See Aen. 6.417 ff., Virgil's Gnat 345-52)
2 His three deformed heads did lay along,
along > at full length
3 Curled with thousand adders venomous, 4 And lilled forth his bloody flaming tongue:
lilled > lolled
5 At them he began to rear his bristles strong,
bristles > hackles
6 And felly gnarr, until day's enemy
felly > fiercely gnarr > growl, snarl
7 Did him appease; then down his tail he hung 8 And suffered them to pass quietly:
suffered > allowed
9 For she in hell and heaven had power equally.
105.35
There was Ixion turned on a wheele,
2 For daring tempt the Queene of heauen to sin;
And Sisyphus an huge round stone did reele
4 Against an hill, ne might from labour lin;
There thirstie Tantalus hong by the chin;
6 And Tityus fed a vulture on his maw;
Typh{oe}us ioynts were stretched on a gin,
8 Theseus condemned to endlesse slouth by law,
And fifty sisters water in leake vessels draw.
1 There was Ixion, turned on a wheel
Ixion > (King of the Lapithae in Thessaly; for attempting to seduce Juno he was sent to hell and bound to a perpetually revolving wheel)
2 For daring tempt the queen of heaven to sin;
the queen of heaven > (Juno, sister and wife of Jove)
3 And Sisyphus a huge round stone did reel
Sisyphus > (In later accounts, a corrupt king of Corinth, the father of Ulysses. For his wickedness he was condemned to push uphill a great marble boulder which constantly rolled down again. See Virgil's Gnat 389-92) reel > roll
4 Against a hill, nor might from labour lin;
lin > cease, leave off
5 There thirsty Tantalus hung by the chin;
Tantalus > (An evil king, variously said to be of Lydia, Phrygia, Argos, or Corinth. According to the account preferred, his fatal crime was (1) to have divulged secrets entrusted to him by Jupiter, (2) to have offered his son Pelops, in cooked pieces, as food for the gods, (3) to have stolen ambrosia and nectar from the table of the gods, or (4) to have feloniously received a golden dog, the property of the goddess Rhea. He was punished by being placed within reach of food and water which drew back whenever he tried to eat or drink; moreover, a giant rock was suspended over his head, perpetually threatening to fall and crush him. See Odyssey 11.582-92, Virgil's Gnat 385-8)
6 And Tityus fed a vulture on his maw;
Tityus > (A giant who attempted to rape the goddess Latona (Diana, in some accounts): he was killed, stretched out on a rack, and condemned to having his liver perpetually eaten by two vultures. See Virgil's Gnat 377) maw > stomach
7 Typhoeus' joints were stretched on a gin;
Typhoeus > (Another name for Typhon, a fearsome giant who contended with the gods) gin > engine [of torture], rack (a long table with a roller at each end to which the ankles and wrists were attached by ropes)
8 Theseus, condemned to endless sloth by law;
Theseus > (Condemned for helping Pirithous in his attempt to abduct Proserpine; he was bound to the Chair of Forgetfulness, but was eventually rescued by Hercules. See Aen. 6.617-8)
9 And fifty sisters water in leaky vessels draw.
fifty sisters > (The Belides or Dana{i"}des, daughters of Dana{u"}s, condemned endlessly to draw water in sieves. They killed their bridegrooms, the fifty sons of Aegyptus; strictly, only forty- nine sisters were thus condemned, since one of their number, Hypermnestra, spared her husband. In the interests of scansion, Spenser wisely overlooks this detail. See Virgil's Gnat 393-6)
105.36
They all beholding worldly wights in place,
2 Leaue off their worke, vnmindfull of their smart,
To gaze on them; who forth by them doe pace,
4 Till they be come vnto the furthest part:
Where was a Caue ywrought by wondrous art,
6 Deepe, darke, vneasie, dolefull, comfortlesse,
In which sad {AE}sculapius farre +a part+
8 Emprisond was in chaines remedilesse,
For that Hippolytus rent corse he did redresse.
7 a part > apart 1590, 1609
1 They all, beholding worldly wights in place,
worldly > mortal wights > creatures, people in place > there
2 Leave off their work, unmindful of their smart,
smart > suffering; sorrow; pain
3 To gaze on them; who forth by them do pace, 4 Till they be come to the furthest part: 5 Where was a cave wrought by wondrous art, 6 Deep, dark, uneasy, doleful, comfortless,
uneasy > disagreeable; without ease
7 In which sad Aesculapius, far apart,
Aesculapius > (God of medicine and healing, son of Apollo and
Coronis)
8 Imprisoned was in chains remediless,
remediless > without hope of rescue
9 For that Hippolytus' rent corse he did redress.
For that > Because Hippolytus > (Son of Theseus and Hippolyte (or her sister Antiope): see Met. 15.497 ff., Aen. 7.761 ff., DGDG 10.50) rent corse > torn body redress > restore, revivify
105.37
Hippolytus a iolly huntsman was,
2 That wont in charet chace the foming Bore;
He all his Peeres in beautie did surpas,
4 But Ladies loue as losse of time forbore:
His wanton stepdame loued him the more,
6 But when she saw her offred sweets refused
Her loue she turnd to hate, and him before
8 His father fierce of treason false accused,
And with her gealous termes his open eares abused.
1 Hippolytus a jolly huntsman was,
jolly > gallant; handsome
2 That wont in chariot chase the foaming boar;
wont > was accustomed chase > [to chase]
3 He all his peers in beauty did surpass, 4 But ladies' love as loss of time forbore: 5 His wanton stepdame loved him the more,
stepdame > stepmother (Phaedra, wife of Theseus and daughter of Minos, King of Crete. See Aen. 7.761-82, Met. 15.497 ff.)
6 But, when she saw her offered sweets refused, 7 Her love she turned to hate, and him before 8 His father fierce of treason false accused,
fierce > fiercely; fierce
9 And with her jealous terms his open ears abused.
jealous > [arousing jealousy; she accused Hippolytus of making advances to her] terms > words, language open > receptive abused > deceived
105.38
Who all in rage his Sea-god syre besought,
2 Some cursed vengeance on his sonne to cast:
From surging gulf two monsters straight were brought,
4 With dread whereof his chasing steedes aghast,
Both charet swift and huntsman ouercast.
6 His goodly corps on ragged +cliffs+ yrent,
Was quite dismembred, and his members chast
8 Scattered on euery mountaine, as he went,
That of Hippolytus was left no moniment.
6 cliffs > clifts 1590 etc.: FE
1 Who, all in rage, his sea-god sire besought
sea-god sire > (Neptune; though the father of Theseus was Aegeus, King of Athens)
2 Some cursed vengeance on his son to cast: 3 From surging gulf two monsters straight were brought,
straight > straightway, at once
4 With dread whereof his chasing steeds, aghast, 5 Both chariot swift and huntsman overcast. 6 His goodly corpse, on ragged cliffs rent,
goodly > fine, handsome rent > torn
7 Was quite dismembered, and his members chaste
members > limbs; organs, parts of his body
8 Scattered on every mountain as he went, 9 That of Hippolytus was left no monument.
That > [So that] monument > evidence; hence: trace
105.39
His cruell stepdame seeing what was donne,
2 Her wicked dayes with wretched knife did end,
In death auowing th'innocence of her sonne.
4 Which hearing his rash Syre, began to rend
His haire, and hastie tongue, that did offend:
6 Tho gathering vp the +relicks+ of his smart
By Dianes meanes, who was Hippolyts frend,
8 Them brought to {AE}sculape, that by his art
Did heale them all againe, and ioyned euery part.
6 relicks > reliques 1609
1 His cruel stepdame, seeing what was done, 2 Her wicked days with wretched knife did end, 3 In death avowing the innocence of her son. 4 Which hearing, his rash sire began to rend
sire > father
5 His hair, and hasty tongue that did offend: 6 Tho, gathering up the relics of his smart,
Tho > Then the relics of his smart > [Hippolytus's remains, which give Theseus mental pain]
7 By Diana's means, who was Hippolytus' friend,
Diana > (Virgin goddess of hunting and the moon; daughter of Jupiter and Latona; sister of Apollo) means > mediation, intervention, hence: assistance
8 Them brought to Aesculapius, who by his art 9 Did heal them all again, and joined every part.
105.40
Such wondrous science in mans wit to raine
2 When Ioue auizd, that could the dead reuiue,
And fates expired could renew againe,
4 Of endlesse life he might him not depriue,
But vnto hell did thrust him downe aliue,
6 With flashing thunderbolt ywounded sore:
Where long remaining, he did alwaies striue
8 Himselfe with salues to health for to restore,
And slake the heauenly fire, that raged euermore.
1 Such wondrous science in man's wit to reign,
science > knowledge, skill wit > mind, intelligence, mental capacity
2 When Jove advised, that could the dead revive
advised > perceived
3 And fates expired could renew again,
fate > {Life, term of life allotted by the Fates}
4 Of endless life he might him not deprive,
not > (Because Aesculapius is a god and thus immortal)
5 But to hell did thrust him down alive, 6 With flashing thunderbolt wounded sore: 7 Where, long remaining, he did always strive 8 Himself with salves to health to restore, 9 And slake the heavenly fire that raged evermore.
105.41
There auncient Night arriuing, did alight
2 From her +nigh+ wearie waine, and in her armes
To {AE}sculapius brought the wounded knight:
4 Whom hauing softly disarayd of armes,
Tho gan to him discouer all his harmes,
6 Beseeching him with prayer, and with praise,
If either salues, or oyles, or herbes, or charmes
8 A fordonne wight from dore of death mote raise,
He would at her request prolong her nephews daies.
2 nigh > high 1596, 1609
1 There ancient Night, arriving, did alight 2 From her nigh weary wain, and in her arms
wain > chariot
3 To Aesculapius brought the wounded knight: 4 Whom having softly disarrayed of arms,
disarrayed of arms > relieved of armour
5 Tho gan to him discover all his harms,
Tho gan to him discover all his harms > [Then did show Aesculapius all Sansjoy's wounds]
6 Beseeching him with prayer, and with praise, 7 If either salves, or oils, or herbs, or charms,
charms > spells
8 A fordone wight from door of death might raise,
fordone > utterly ruined, undone wight > mortal
9 He would at her request prolong her nephew's days.
nephew > grandson
105.42
Ah Dame (quoth he) thou temptest me in vaine,
2 To dare the thing, which daily yet I rew,
And the old cause of my continued paine
4 With like attempt to like end to renew.
Is not enough, that thrust from heauen dew
6 Here endlesse penance for one fault I pay,
But that redoubled crime with vengeance new
8 Thou biddest me to eeke? Can Night defray
The wrath of thundring Ioue, that rules both night and day?
1 "Ah Dame," quoth he, "you tempt me in vain, 2 To dare the thing which daily yet I rue, 3 And the old cause of my continued pain 4 With like attempt to like end to renew. 5 Is not enough that, thrust from heaven due,
Is > [Is it] heaven due > [my heavenly due]
6 Here endless penance for one fault I pay, 7 But that redoubled crime with vengeance new 8 You bid me to eke? Can Night defray
eke > increase (referring to "crime" or "vengeance", or both) defray > discharge, settle; appease
9 The wrath of thundering Jove, that rules both night and day?"
105.43
Not so (quoth she) but sith that heauens king
2 From hope of heauen hath thee excluded quight,
Why fearest thou, that canst not hope for thing,
4 And fearest not, that more thee hurten might,
Now in the powre of euerlasting Night?
6 Goe to then, {o^} thou farre renowmed sonne
Of great Apollo, shew thy famous might
8 In medicine, that else hath to thee wonne
Great paines, and greater praise, both neuer to be donne.
1 "Not so," quoth she, "but, sith that heaven's king
sith that > since
2 From hope of heaven has you excluded quite, 3 Why fear you, that cannot hope for thing,
thing > [anything]
4 And fear not, that more you hurt might,
more you hurt might > [anything more might hurt you]
5 Now in the power of everlasting Night? 6 Go to then, O you far renowned son 7 Of great Apollo; show your famous might
Apollo > (Phoebus Apollo, god of the sun, music, prophecy, etc.; in later legend he is identified with Paean, Homer's god of healing)
8 In medicine, that else has to you won
else > in another place; at another time
9 Great pains, and greater praise, both never to be done."
done > outdone; ended
105.44
Her words preuaild: And then the learned leach
2 His cunning hand gan to his wounds to lay,
And all things else, the which his art did teach:
4 Which hauing seene, from thence arose away
The mother of dread darknesse, and let stay
6 Aueugles sonne there in the leaches cure,
And backe returning tooke her wonted way,
8 To runne her timely race, whilst Ph{oe}bus pure
In westerne waues his wearie wagon did recure.
1 Her words prevailed: and then the learned leech
leech > doctor
2 His cunning hand began to his wounds to lay,
cunning > skilful, clever
3 And all things else, which his art did teach: 4 Which having seen, from thence arose away 5 The mother of dread darkness, and let stay 6 Aveugle's son there in the leech's cure;
cure > care, charge
7 And, back returning, took her wonted way,
wonted > accustomed
8 To run her timely race, whilst Phoebus pure
timely > {Measured; keeping time} Phoebus > (Who each day drives his chariot across the sky)
9 In western waves his weary wagon did recure.
recure > restore, refresh
105.45
The false Duessa leauing noyous Night,
2 Returnd to stately pallace of dame Pride;
Where when she came, she found the Faery knight
4 Departed thence, albe his woundes wide
Not throughly heald, vnreadie were to ride.
6 Good cause he had to hasten thence away;
For on a day his wary Dwarfe had spide,
8 Where in a +dongeon+ deepe huge numbers lay
Of caytiue wretched thrals, that wayled night and day.
8 dongeon > dungeon 1590, 1609
1 The false Duessa, leaving noyous Night,
noyous > injurious, vexatious
2 Returned to stately palace of Dame Pride; 3 Where, when she came, she found the Faery knight 4 Departed thence, albe his wounds wide,
albe > albeit, although
5 Not thoroughly healed, unready were to ride.
ride > [be ridden with]
6 Good cause he had to hasten thence away; 7 For on a day his wary dwarf had spied 8 Where in a dungeon deep huge numbers lay 9 Of caitiff wretched thralls, that wailed night and day.
caitiff > captive, wretched thralls > slaves
105.46
A ruefull sight, as could be seene with eie;
2 Of whom he learned had in secret wise
The hidden cause of their captiuitie,
4 How mortgaging their liues to Couetise,
Through wastfull Pride, and wanton Riotise,
6 They were by law of that proud Tyrannesse
Prouokt with Wrath, and Enuies false surmise,
8 Condemned to that Dongeon mercilesse,
Where they should liue in woe, and die in wretchednesse.
1 A rueful sight as could be seen with eye;
A rueful > [As rueful a]
2 Of whom he learned had in secret wise
secret wise > [a secret fashion]
3 The hidden cause of their captivity, 4 How, mortgaging their lives to Covetise,
Covetise > Avarice (covetise = covetousness)
5 Through wasteful pride and wanton riotise,
wasteful > causing ruin wanton riotise > wild extravagance, dissipation
6 They were by law of that proud tyranness
law > command tyranness > female tyrant (Pride)
7 (Provoked with Wrath, and Envy's false surmise),
surmise > accusation, accusations
8 Condemned to that dungeon merciless,
merciless > without hope of mercy; or: merciless [that merciless dungeon]
9 Where they should live in woe, and die in wretchedness.
105.47
There was that great proud king of Babylon,
2 That would compell all nations to adore,
And him as onely God to call vpon,
4 Till through celestiall doome throwne out of dore,
Into an Oxe he was transform'd of yore:
6 There also was king Cr{ae}sus, that enhaunst
His heart too high through his great riches store;
8 And proud Antiochus, the which aduaunst
His cursed hand gainst God, and on his altars daunst.
1 There was that great proud king of Babylon,
king of Babylon > (Nebuchadnezzar (- 562 BC); see Dan. 1-4)
2 That would compel all nations to adore,
adore > [adore him]
3 And him as only god to call upon, 4 Till, through celestial doom thrown out of door,
doom > judgement
5 Into an ox he was transformed of yore:
of yore > of old, formerly
6 There also was King Croesus, that enhanced
Croesus > (King of Lydia, reigned 560-46 BC, who was fabled to turn everything he touched to gold) enhanced > exalted
7 His heart too high through his great riches' store;
riches' store > store of wealth
8 And proud Antiochus, who advanced
Antiochus > (Antiochus Epiphanes, - 164 BC, king of Syria who captured Judea and tried to eradicate Judaism, c. 166 BC)
9 His cursed hand gainst God, and on his altars danced.
gainst > against
105.48
And them long time before, great Nimrod was,
2 That first the world with sword and fire warrayd;
And after him old Ninus farre did pas
4 In princely pompe, of all the world obayd;
There also was that mightie Monarch layd
6 Low vnder all, yet aboue all in pride,
That name of natiue syre did fowle vpbrayd,
8 And would as Ammons sonne be magnifide,
Till scornd of God and man a shamefull death he dide.
1 And them long time before, great Nimrod was,
Nimrod > (The first tyrant after Noah's Flood; associated with the founding of Babylon and Nineveh (Gen. 10.9-12))
2 That first the world with sword and fire warrayed;
warrayed > waged war on, laid to waste
3 And after him old Ninus far did pass
Ninus > (King Ninus of Assyria, fl. c. 1250 BC, the reputed founder of Nineveh) pass > surpass, go in excess of
4 In princely pomp, of all the world obeyed;
of > by
5 There also was that mighty monarch laid
monarch > (Alexander the Great, 356-323 BC, king of Macedon; conquered Thebes, Persia, Syria, Phoenicia, Egypt)
6 Low under all, yet above all in pride, 7 That name of native sire did foul upbraid,
native sire > [his] natural father upbraid > censure
8 And would as Ammon's son be magnified,
Ammon > (An Egyptian divinity to whom was dedicated a celebrated temple and oracle at Ammonium (Siwah), in Libya, which was visited by Alexander. Ammon was identified by the Romans with Jupiter)
9 Till, scorned of God and man, a shameful death he died.
of > by
105.49
All these together in one heape were throwne,
2 Like carkases of beasts in butchers stall.
And in another corner wide were strowne
4 The antique ruines of the Romaines fall:
Great Romulus the Grandsyre of them all,
6 Proud Tarquin, and too lordly Lentulus,
Stout Scipio, and stubborne Hanniball,
8 Ambitious Sylla, and sterne Marius,
High C{ae}sar, great Pompey, and fierce Antonius.
1 All these together in one heap were thrown, 2 Like carcases of beasts in butcher's stall. 3 And in another corner wide were strewn 4 The antique ruins of the Romans' fall: 5 Great Romulus, the grandsire of them all,
Romulus > (Founder and first king of Rome, the twin brother of Remus) grandsire > grandfather
6 Proud Tarquin, and too lordly Lentulus,
Tarquin > (Lucius Tarquinius Superbus (died after 496 BC), last king of Rome) Lentulus > (One of the families of the patrician gens Cornelia; it gave rise to the Latin noun Lentulitas, coined by Cicero, meaning "the family pride of the Lentuli")
7 Stout Scipio, and stubborn Hannibal,
Stout > Proud; bold; obstinate Scipio > (Publius Cornelius Scipio (Scipio Africanus Major), c. 232- 183 BC, the general who defeated Hannibal at Zama, 202 BC) Hannibal > (247-183 BC, general of the Carthaginians in the Second Punic War; after his defeat by Scipio he suffered exile and committed suicide with poison)
8 Ambitious Sulla, and stern Marius,
Sulla > (Lucius Cornelius Sulla, 138-78 BC, rival of Marius, who rose from humble origins to become dictator of Rome) Marius > (Gaius Cornelius Marius, c. 155-86 BC, leader of the popular party in Rome, seven times a consul, conqueror of Jugurtha and the Cimbri)
9 High Caesar, great Pompey, and fierce Antonius.
Caesar > (Gaius Julius Caesar, c. 101-44 BC, whose overweening power and ambition led to his assassination) Pompey > (Pompeius Magnus, 106-48 BC, triumvir with Caesar and Crassus; Caesar's great rival) Antonius > (Marcus Antonius, Mark Antony, c. 83-30 BC, triumvir and general; committed suicide after defeat by Octavian)
105.50
Amongst these mighty men were wemen mixt,
2 Proud wemen, vaine, forgetfull of their yoke:
The bold Semiramis, whose sides transfixt
4 With sonnes owne blade, her fowle reproches spoke;
Faire Sthenob{oe}a, that her selfe did choke
6 With wilfull cord, for wanting of her will;
High minded Cleopatra, that with stroke
8 Of Aspes sting her selfe did stoutly kill:
And thousands moe the like, that did that dongeon fill.
1 Amongst these mighty men were women mixed, 2 Proud women, vain, forgetful of their yoke: 3 The bold Semiramis, whose sides transfixed
Semiramis > (Fl. c. 1250 BC, queen of King Ninus of Assyria; seduced her own son, who murdered her)
4 With son's own blade, her foul reproaches spoke; 5 Fair Sthenoboea, that herself did choke
Sthenoboea > (Queen of King Proetus of Argos, rejected lover of his brother Bellerophon; committed suicide on Bellerophon's marriage)
6 With wilful cord, for wanting of her will;
wanting > being deprived
7 High-minded Cleopatra, that with stroke
Cleopatra > (69-30 BC, daughter of Ptolemy XI; queen of Egypt, mistress of Marcus Antonius; killed herself when Antony fell on his sword)
8 Of asp's sting herself did stoutly kill:
stoutly > proudly
9 And thousands more the like, that did that dungeon fill.
105.51
Besides the endlesse routs of wretched thralles,
2 Which thither were assembled day by day,
From all the world after their wofull falles,
4 Through wicked pride, and wasted wealthes decay.
But most of all, which in +that+ Dongeon lay
6 Fell from high Princes courts, or Ladies bowres,
Where they in idle pompe, or wanton play,
8 Consumed had their goods, and thriftlesse howres,
And lastly throwne themselues into these heauy stowres.
5 that > the 1590 etc.: FE
1 Besides the endless routs of wretched thralls
routs > crowds thralls > slaves, prisoners
2 Who thither were assembled day by day 3 From all the world, after their woeful falls, 4 Through wicked pride, and wasted wealth's decay,
decay > downfall, destruction
5 But most of all, who in that dungeon lay,
But > (This does not follow from "Besides" in line 1. The sense seems to be: "Besides the endless routs … decay, were also, most of all, those who in that dungeon lay …")
6 Fallen from high princes' courts, or ladies' bowers,
bowers > bedrooms
7 Where they in idle pomp, or wanton play, 8 Consumed had their goods and thriftless hours, 9 And lastly thrown themselves into these heavy stours.
stours > straits, distressful circumstances
105.52
Whose case when as the carefull Dwarfe had tould,
2 And made ensample of their mournefull sight
Vnto his maister, he no lenger would
4 There dwell in perill of like painefull plight,
But early rose, and ere that dawning light
6 Discouered had the world to heauen wyde,
He by a priuie Posterne tooke his flight,
8 That of no enuious eyes he mote be spyde:
For doubtlesse death ensewd, if any him descryde.
1 Whose case when the careful dwarf had told,
careful > {Full of care, wary}
2 And made example of their mournful sight
example > warning
3 To his master, he no longer would 4 There dwell in peril of like painful plight, 5 But early rose, and, ere that dawning light
ere that > [before the]
6 Discovered had the world to heaven wide,
Discovered > Revealed
7 He by a privy postern took his flight,
privy > secret, hidden postern > {Back door or gate; any door distinct from the main one}
8 That of no envious eyes he might be spied:
That of > [So that by] envious > malevolent
9 For, doubtless, death ensued if any him descried.
ensued > [would have ensued]
105.53
Scarse could he footing find in that fowle way,
2 For many corses, like a great Lay-stall
Of murdred men which therein strowed lay,
4 Without remorse, or decent funerall:
Which all through that great Princesse pride did fall
6 And came to shamefull end. And them beside
Forth ryding vnderneath the castell wall,
8 A donghill of dead carkases he spide,
The dreadfull spectacle of that sad house of Pride.
1 Scarce could he footing find in that foul way, 2 For many corses, like a great laystall
For > [Because of the] corses > bodies laystall > {Place where bodies are laid; dunghill, midden}
3 Of murdered men, who therein strewn lay, 4 Without remorse or decent funeral:
remorse > pity
5 Who all through that great princess Pride did fall 6 And came to shameful end. And them beside, 7 Forth riding underneath the castle wall, 8 A dunghill of dead carcases he spied, 9 The dreadful spectacle of that sad House of Pride.
spectacle > example; model, pattern
2 From lawlesse lust by wondrous grace
fayre Vna is releast:
4 Whom saluage nation does adore,
and learnes her wise beheast.
1 From lawless lust by wondrous grace 2 fair Una is released: 3 Whom savage nation does adore,
savage > wild, uncivilized
4 and learns her wise behest.
behest > {Bidding; injunction, often of a religious nature; cf. 107.18:7}
106.1
AS when a ship, that flyes faire vnder saile,
2 An hidden rocke escaped hath vnwares,
That lay in waite her wrack for to bewaile,
4 The Marriner yet halfe amazed stares
At perill past, and yet +in+ doubt ne dares
6 To ioy at his foole-happie ouersight:
So doubly is distrest twixt ioy and cares
8 The dreadlesse courage of this Elfin knight,
Hauing escapt so sad ensamples in his sight.
5 in > it 1590 etc.: FE
1 As when a ship, that flies fair under sail, 2 A hidden rock escaped has unwares,
unwares > unwittingly
3 That lay in wait her wreck to bewail,
bewail > ?cause, ?choose, ?mourn (perhaps an error)
4 The mariner yet half amazed stares 5 At peril past, and yet in doubt neither dares
doubt > fear
6 To joy at his fool-happy oversight:
joy > rejoice fool-happy > lucky
7 So doubly is distressed 'twixt joy and cares 8 The dreadless courage of this Elfin knight,
dreadless courage > fearless spirit
9 Having escaped so sad examples in his sight.
so > such
106.2
Yet sad he was that his too hastie speed
2 The faire Duess' had forst him leaue behind;
And yet more sad, that Vna his deare dreed
4 Her truth had staind with treason so vnkind;
Yet crime in her could neuer creature find,
6 But for his loue, and for her owne selfe sake,
She wandred had from one to other Ynd,
8 Him for to seeke, ne euer would forsake,
Till her vnwares the fierce Sansloy did ouertake.
1 Yet sad he was, that his too hasty speed 2 The fair Duessa had forced him leave behind;
leave > [to leave]
3 And yet more sad, that Una, his dear dread,
dread > loved one, object of reverence
4 Her truth had stained with treason so unkind;
unkind > unnatural; and perhaps: against her nature
5 Yet crime in her could never creature find, 6 But for his love, and for her own self sake, 7 She wandered had from one to other Ind
from one to other Ind > (Proverbial: a great distance; from the East to the West Indies. Cf. As You Like It III ii 78)
8 Him to seek, nor ever would forsake,
forsake > [forsake him]
9 Till her unwares the fierce Sansloy did overtake.
unwares > unexpectedly
106.3
Who after Archimagoes fowle defeat,
2 Led her away into a forrest wilde,
And turning wrathfull fire to lustfull heat,
4 With beastly sin thought her to haue defilde,
And made the vassall of his pleasures vilde.
6 Yet first he cast by treatie, and by traynes,
Her to perswade, that stubborne fort to yilde:
8 For greater conquest of hard loue he gaynes,
That workes it to his will, then he that it constraines.
1 Who, after Archimago's foul defeat, 2 Led her away into a forest wild, 3 And, turning wrathful fire to lustful heat, 4 With beastly sin thought her to have defiled, 5 And made the vassal of his pleasures vile.
vassal > slave
6 Yet first he cast by treaty, and by trains,
cast > resolved, designed treaty > entreaty, persuasion trains > trickery
7 Her to persuade that stubborn fort to yield: 8 For greater conquest of hard love he gains, 9 That works it to his will, than he that it constrains.
constrains > forces; achieves by force
106.4
With fawning wordes he courted her a while,
2 And looking louely, and oft sighing sore,
Her constant hart did tempt with diuerse guile:
4 But +wordes+ and lookes, and sighes she did abhore,
As rocke of Diamond stedfast euermore.
6 Yet for to feed his fyrie lustfull eye,
He snatcht the vele, that hong her face before;
8 Then gan her beautie shine, as brightest skye,
And burnt his beastly hart t'efforce her chastitye.
4 wordes > wordes, 1590, 1609
1 With fawning words he courted her awhile, 2 And looking lovely, and oft sighing sore,
lovely > lovingly
3 Her constant heart did tempt with diverse guile:
diverse > {Of different sorts}
4 But words, and looks, and sighs she did abhor, 5 As rock of diamond steadfast evermore. 6 Yet to feed his fiery lustful eye, 7 He snatched the veil that hung her face before; 8 Then gan her beauty shine as brightest sky,
gan > did
9 And burnt his beastly heart to efforce her chastity.
efforce > force, overcome by force (SUS); hence: violate
106.5
So when he saw his flatt'ring arts to fayle,
2 And subtile engines bet from batteree,
With greedy force he gan the fort assayle,
4 Whereof he weend possessed soone to bee,
And +win+ rich spoile of ransackt chastetee.
6 Ah heauens, that do this hideous act behold,
And heauenly virgin thus outraged see,
8 How can ye vengeance iust so long withhold,
And hurle not flashing flames vpon that Paynim bold?
5 win > with 1596, 1609
1 So when he saw his flattering arts fail, 2 And subtile engines beat from battery,
subtile engines > cunning engines of warfare beat from battery > beaten back from the attack
3 With greedy force he gan the fort assail
greedy > eager, reckless gan > did
4 Whereof he weened possessed soon to be,
Whereof > Of which weened > supposed [himself]
5 And win rich spoil of ransacked chastity. 6 Ah heavens, that do this hideous act behold,
hideous > odious
7 And heavenly virgin thus outraged see, 8 How can you vengeance just so long withhold,
vengeance just > [just vengeance]
9 And hurl not flashing flames upon that paynim bold?
paynim > pagan, heathen
106.6
The pitteous maiden carefull comfortlesse,
2 Does throw out thrilling shriekes, and shrieking cryes,
The last vaine helpe of womens great distresse,
4 And with loud plaints importuneth the skyes,
That molten starres do drop like weeping eyes;
6 And Ph{oe}bus flying so most shamefull sight,
His blushing face in foggy cloud implyes,
8 And hides for shame. What wit of mortall wight
Can now deuise to quit a thrall from such a plight?
1 The piteous maiden, careful, comfortless,
careful > {Full of cares, full of grief} comfortless > helpless, desolate
2 Does throw out thrilling shrieks, and shrieking cries
thrilling > piercing
3 (The last vain help of women's great distress), 4 And with loud plaints importunes the skies,
plaints > lamentations
5 That molten stars do drop like weeping eyes;
That > [So that]
6 And Phoebus, flying so most shameful sight,
flying > fleeing, flying from
7 His blushing face in foggy cloud implies,
implies > enfolds; conceals
8 And hides for shame. What wit of mortal wight
wight > man
9 Can now devise to quit a thrall from such a plight?
quit > rescue thrall > captive
106.7
Eternall prouidence exceeding thought,
2 Where none appeares can make her selfe a way:
A wondrous way it for this Lady wrought,
4 From Lyons clawes to pluck the griped pray.
Her shrill outcryes and shriekes so loud did bray,
6 That all the woodes and forestes did resownd;
A troupe of Faunes and Satyres far away
8 Within the wood were dauncing in a rownd,
Whiles old Syluanus slept in shady arber sownd.
1 Eternal providence, exceeding thought,
exceeding thought > [transcending human thought]
2 Where none appears, can make itself a way: 3 A wondrous way it for this lady wrought, 4 From lion's claws to pluck the gripped pray. 5 Her shrill outcries and shrieks so loud did bray,
bray > cry, cry out
6 That all the woods and forests did resound; 7 A troop of fauns and satyrs far away
fauns > (Horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat-like below; comparatively benign) satyrs > (Horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat-like below; usually portrayed as more or less lustful. In Roman mythology, Satyr, one of the satyrs, is a companion of Bacchus with long, pointed ears, behind which are the stumps of horns, with the tail of a goat, bristly hair, and a flat nose)
8 Within the wood were dancing in a round,
round > {Ring; a dance in which the performers move in a ring}
9 While old Silvanus slept in shady arbour sound.
Silvanus > (Roman god of forests and the country; identified with Pan) sound > soundly
106.8
Who when they heard that pitteous strained voice,
2 In haste forsooke their rurall meriment,
And ran towards the far rebownded noyce,
4 To weet, what wight so loudly did lament.
Vnto the place they come incontinent:
6 Whom when the raging Sarazin espide,
A rude, +misshapen+, monstrous rablement,
8 Whose like he neuer saw, he durst not bide,
But got his ready steed, and fast away gan ride.
7 misshapen > mishappen 1590; mishapen 1596
1 Who, when they heard that piteous strained voice, 2 In haste forsook their rural merriment, 3 And ran towards the far rebounded noise,
rebounded > re-echoed, reverberated
4 To weet what wight so loudly did lament.
weet > find out wight > creature, person
5 To the place they come incontinent:
incontinent > immediately, straightway
6 Whom when the raging Saracen espied
Saracen > {Arab or Moslem of the time of the Crusades; pagan}
7 (A rude, misshapen, monstrous rabblement,
rabblement > rabble
8 Whose like he never saw), he dared not abide, 9 But got his ready steed, and fast away gan ride.
ready > ready; willing gan > did
106.9
The wyld woodgods arriued in the place,
2 There find the virgin dolefull desolate,
With ruffled rayments, and faire blubbred face,
4 As her outrageous foe had left her late,
And trembling yet through feare of former hate;
6 All stand amazed at so vncouth sight,
And gin to pittie her vnhappie state,
8 All stand astonied at her beautie bright,
In their rude eyes vnworthie of so wofull plight.
1 The wild wood-gods, arrived in the place, 2 There find the virgin doleful, desolate, 3 With ruffled raiment, and fair blubbered face,
raiment > clothing blubbered > {Swollen or stained with tears}
4 As her outrageous foe had left her late,
late > lately
5 And trembling yet through fear of former hate;
former hate > [her former hate: the object of her former hatred (Sansloy)]
6 All stand amazed at so uncouth sight,
uncouth > extraordinary [a]
7 And begin to pity her unhappy state; 8 All stand astonied at her beauty bright,
astonied > stunned, astonished; dazed
9 In their rude eyes unworthy of so woeful plight.
rude > uneducated; uncivilized so > [such a]
106.10
She more amaz'd, in double dread doth dwell;
2 And euery tender part for feare does shake:
As when a greedie Wolfe through hunger fell
4 A seely Lambe farre from the flocke does take,
Of whom he meanes his bloudie feast to make,
6 A Lyon spyes fast running towards him,
The innocent pray in hast he does forsake,
8 Which quit from death yet quakes in euery lim
With chaunge of feare, to see the Lyon looke so grim.
1 She, more amazed, in double dread does dwell;
amazed > astounded; panic-stricken
2 And every tender part for fear does shake: 3 As when a greedy wolf, through hunger fell,
fell > fierce, terrible
4 A seely lamb far from the flock does take,
seely > helpless, innocent
5 Of whom he means his bloody feast to make, 6 A lion spies fast running towards him:
A > [And a]
7 The innocent prey in haste he does forsake; 8 Which, quit from death, yet quakes in every limb
quit > released, rescued
9 With change of fear, to see the lion look so grim.
fear > [the source of its fear] grim > fierce
106.11
Such fearefull fit assaid her trembling hart,
2 Ne word to speake, ne ioynt to moue she had:
The saluage nation feele her secret smart,
4 And read her sorrow in her count'nance sad;
Their frowning forheads with rough hornes yclad,
6 And rusticke horror all a side doe lay,
And gently grenning, shew a semblance glad
8 To comfort her, and feare to put away,
Their backward bent knees teach her humbly to obay.
1 Such fearful fit assayed her trembling heart;
Such > [A similarly] assayed > assailed; tested
2 Neither word to speak, nor joint to move, she had:
joint > limb
3 The savage nation feel her secret smart,
nation > clan, tribe smart > pain, suffering
4 And read her sorrow in her countenance sad; 5 Their frowning foreheads, with rough horns clad, 6 And rustic horror, all aside do lay,
horror > roughness
7 And, gently grinning, show a semblance glad 8 To comfort her; and, fear to put away, 9 Their backward bent knees teach her humbly to obey.
Their backward bent knees teach her humbly to obey > [Teach their backward bent knees to obey her humbly; obey = bow, do obeisance; "backward bent" because fauns and satyrs have the legs of a goat]
106.12
The doubtfull Damzell dare not yet commit
2 Her single person to their barbarous truth,
But still twixt feare and hope amazd does sit,
4 Late learnd what harme to hastie trust ensu'th,
They in compassion of her tender youth,
6 And wonder of her beautie soueraine,
Are wonne with pitty and vnwonted ruth,
8 And all prostrate vpon the lowly plaine,
Doe kisse her feete, and fawne on her with count'nance faine.
1 The doubtful damsel dare not yet commit
doubtful > fearful
2 Her single person to their barbarous truth,
single > solitary truth > {Allegiance; conduct in accordance with the divine standard; also: a variant spelling of "troth", good faith}
3 But still 'twixt fear and hope amazed does sit,
amazed > astounded
4 Late learned what harm to hasty trust ensues;
Late > Recently learned > taught; having learned
5 They, in compassion of her tender youth, 6 And wonder of her beauty sovereign,
of > at
7 Are won with pity and unwonted ruth,
won > overcome unwonted ruth > unaccustomed pity
8 And, all prostrate upon the lowly plain, 9 Do kiss her feet, and fawn on her with countenance fain.
fain > glad, eager
106.13
Their harts she ghesseth by their humble guise,
2 And yieldes her to extremitie of time;
So from the ground she fearelesse doth arise,
4 And walketh forth without suspect of crime:
They all as glad, as birdes of ioyous Prime,
6 Thence lead her forth, about her dauncing round,
Shouting, and singing all a shepheards ryme,
8 And with greene braunches strowing all the ground,
Do worship her, as Queene, with oliue girlond cround.
1 Their hearts she guesses by their humble guise,
guesses > judges; esteems, reckons guise > behaviour; demeanour, manner
2 And yields her to extremity of time;
her to extremity of time > [herself to the necessity of the moment]
3 So from the ground she fearless does arise, 4 And walks forth without suspect of crime:
suspect > suspicion
5 They, all as glad as birds of joyous prime,
They, all > (Or: They all,) prime > springtime; sunrise, morning
6 Thence lead her forth, about her dancing round, 7 Shouting, and singing all a shepherd's rhyme, 8 And with green branches strewing all the ground, 9 Do worship her as queen, with olive garland crowned.
106.14
And all the way their merry pipes they sound,
2 That all the woods with +doubled+ Eccho ring,
And with their horned feet do weare the ground,
4 Leaping like wanton kids in pleasant Spring.
So towards old Syluanus they her bring;
6 Who with the noyse awaked, commeth out,
To weet the cause, his weake steps gouerning,
8 And aged limbs on Cypresse stadle stout,
And with an yuie twyne his +wast+ is girt about.
2 doubled > double 1609 9 wast > waste 1590, 1609
1 And all the way their merry pipes they sound,
merry > merry; delightful
2 That all the woods with doubled echo ring,
That > [So that] echo > (Echo is also the name of a mountain-nymph; see Romeo and Juliet II ii 161)
3 And with their horned feet do wear the ground, 4 Leaping like wanton kids in pleasant spring. 5 So towards old Silvanus they her bring; 6 Who, with the noise awoken, comes out 7 To weet the cause, his weak steps governing
weet > discover governing > supporting, guiding (refers both to his "weak steps" and his "aged limbs")
8 And aged limbs on cypress staddle stout,
staddle > tree-trunk, prop, support; hence: staff (it is a cypress staddle because of his love for Cyparissus (cf. 106.17; DGDG 13.17; Myth. 5.10))
9 And with an ivy twine his waist is girt about.
ivy > (Sacred to Bacchus)
106.15
Far off he wonders, what them makes so glad,
2 +Or+ Bacchus merry fruit they did inuent,
Or Cybeles franticke rites haue made them mad;
4 They drawing nigh, vnto their God present
That flowre of faith and beautie excellent.
6 The God himselfe vewing that mirrhour rare,
Stood long amazd, and burnt in his intent;
8 His owne faire Dryope now he thinkes not faire,
And Pholoe fowle, when her to this he doth compaire.
2 Or > Of 1596, 1609; If conj. Hughes
1 Far off, he wonders what them makes so glad, 2 Or Bacchus' merry fruit they did invent,
Or > Whether Bacchus > (The god of wine, son of Jupiter and Semele) merry > {Delightful, characterized by festivity. Until about 1575, "merry" also meant, as again it does now, "tipsy"} invent > discover
3 Or Cybele's frantic rites have made them mad;
Cybele > (Or Rhea, wife of Saturn and mother of Jupiter, a goddess worshipped by the Corybants with frenetic music and dancing. Cybele's priests practised self-castration, which may account for the reference to her here: cf. the libidinous satyrs at 310.44 ff.)
4 They, drawing nigh, to their god present 5 That flower of faith and beauty excellent.
excellent > supreme
6 The god himself, viewing that mirror rare,
mirror > reflection [of perfection]; hence: paragon of beauty
7 Stood long amazed, and burnt in his intent;
intent > attention; mental activity; hence: gaze
8 His own fair Dryope now he thinks not fair,
Dryope > (A wood-nymph, the wife of Faunus, who, like Silvanus, is identified with the Greek deity Pan: see Aen. 10.551)
9 And Pholoe foul, when her to this he does compare.
Pholoe > (A beautiful wood-nymph, loved by Pan)
106.16
The woodborne people fall before her flat,
2 And worship her as Goddesse of the wood;
And old Syluanus selfe bethinkes not, what
4 To thinke of wight so faire, but gazing stood,
In doubt to deeme her borne of earthly brood;
6 Sometimes Dame Venus selfe he seemes to see,
But Venus neuer had so sober mood;
8 Sometimes Diana he her takes to bee,
But misseth bow, and shaftes, and buskins to her knee.
1 The wood-born people fall before her flat, 2 And worship her as Goddess of the Wood; 3 And old Silvanus himself bethinks not what
bethinks not > does not know, cannot decide
4 To think of wight so fair, but gazing stood,
wight > creature, person, woman
5 In doubt to deem her born of earthly brood;
brood > parentage, race
6 Sometimes Dame Venus herself he seems to see, 7 But Venus never had so sober mood;
so > [such a]
8 Sometimes Diana he her takes to be, 9 But misses bow, and shafts, and buskins to her knee.
shafts > arrows buskins > boots, half-boots (not extending to thigh)
106.17
By vew of her he ginneth to reuiue
2 His ancient loue, and dearest Cyparisse,
And calles to mind his pourtraiture aliue,
4 How faire he was, and yet not faire to this,
And how he slew with glauncing dart amisse
6 A gentle Hynd, the which the louely boy
Did loue as life, aboue all worldly blisse;
8 For griefe whereof the lad n'ould after ioy,
But pynd away in anguish and selfe-wild annoy.
1 By view of her he begins to revive 2 His ancient love, and dearest Cyparissus,
and > (Redundant) Cyparissus > (A youth loved by Silvanus, transformed into a cypress by Apollo: DGDG 13.17, Myth. 5.10; Met. 10.106-42)
3 And calls to mind his portrait alive,
portrait alive > living likeness
4 How fair he was, and yet not fair to this,
to > compared with
5 And how he slew with glancing dart amiss
he > (Either Silvanus (following Myth.), or Cyparissus (following Met.))
6 A gentle hind, which the lovely boy 7 Did love as life, above all worldly bliss; 8 For grief whereof the lad nould after joy,
nould > would not (past tense of "nill", derived from "ne will", hence Spenser's apostrophe; cf. 310.35:9) joy > rejoice
9 But pined away in anguish and self-willed annoy.
self-willed annoy > [wilful or self-imposed grief]
106.18
The wooddy Nymphes, faire Hamadryades
2 Her to behold do thither runne apace,
And all the troupe of light-foot Naiades,
4 Flocke all about to see her louely face:
But when they vewed haue her heauenly grace,
6 They enuie her in their malitious mind,
And fly away for feare of fowle disgrace:
8 But all the Satyres scorne their woody kind,
And henceforth nothing faire, but her on earth they find.
1 The woody nymphs, fair hamadryads,
woody > silvan, forest-dwelling hamadryads > (Or dryads: spirits of the trees; the Greek word drys means a timber-tree, and specifically the oak, sacred to Zeus (Jove))
2 Her to behold do thither run apace, 3 And all the troop of lightfoot naiads
lightfoot > light-footed naiads > (Or naiades: nymphs of fresh water)
4 Flock all about to see her lovely face: 5 But, when they viewed have her heavenly grace, 6 They envy her in their malicious mind, 7 And fly away for fear of foul disgrace: 8 But all the satyrs scorn their woody kind,
kind > race, sort
9 And henceforth nothing fair but her on earth they find.
106.19
Glad of such lucke, the luckelesse lucky maid,
2 Did her content to please their feeble eyes,
And long time with that saluage people staid,
4 To gather breath in many miseries.
During which time her gentle wit she plyes,
6 To teach them truth, which worshipt her in vaine,
And made her th'Image of Idolatryes;
8 But when their bootlesse zeale she did restraine
From her own worship, they her Asse would worship fayn.
1 Glad of such luck, the luckless lucky maid 2 Did her content to please their feeble eyes,
her content > [content herself]
3 And long time with that savage people stayed,
savage > wild, uncivilized
4 To gather breath in many miseries. 5 During which time her gentle wit she plies,
gentle > gentle; courteous; noble
6 To teach them truth, who worshipped her in vain,
in vain > without understanding, profanely
7 And made her the image of idolatries; 8 But when their bootless zeal she did restrain
bootless > unavailing, futile
9 From her own worship, they her ass would worship fain.
fain > gladly [instead of Una herself]
106.20
It fortuned a noble warlike knight
2 By iust occasion to that forrest came,
To seeke his kindred, and the lignage right,
4 From whence he tooke his well deserued name:
He had in armes abroad wonne muchell fame,
6 And fild far landes with glorie of his might,
Plaine, faithfull, true, and enimy of shame,
8 And euer lou'd to fight for Ladies right,
But in vaine glorious frayes he litle did delight.
1 It fortuned, a noble warlike knight 2 By just occasion to that forest came, 3 To seek his kindred, and the lineage right,
right > true
4 From whence he took his well deserved name:
name > (Sir Satyrane; he is not named until 106.28:6)
5 He had in arms abroad won mickle fame,
arms > feats of arms mickle > much
6 And filled far lands with glory of his might; 7 Plain, faithful, true, and enemy of shame, 8 And ever loved to fight for ladies' right, 9 But in vainglorious frays he little did delight.
106.21
A Satyres sonne yborne in forrest wyld,
2 By straunge aduenture as it did betyde,
And there begotten of a Lady myld,
4 Faire Thyamis the daughter of Labryde,
That was in sacred bands of wedlocke tyde
6 To Therion, a loose vnruly swayne;
Who had more ioy to raunge the forrest wyde,
8 And chase the saluage beast with busie payne,
Then serue his Ladies loue, and wast in pleasures vayne.
1 A satyr's son, born in forest wild, 2 By strange adventure as it did betide,
adventure > chance betide > happen, befall
3 And there begotten of a lady mild,
mild > gracious, kind
4 Fair Thyamis, the daughter of Labryde,
Thyamis > "Passion"
Labryde > "Turbulent, Greedy"
5 That was in sacred bonds of wedlock tied 6 To Therion, a loose, unruly swain;
Therion > "Wild Beast" swain > youth, young man
7 Who had more joy to range the forest wide, 8 And chase the savage beast with busy pain,
savage > wild, but not necessarily savage busy pain > careful labour
9 Than serve his lady's love, and waste in pleasures vain.
waste > idle time away vain > foolish, empty
106.22
The forlorne mayd did with loues longing burne,
2 And could not lacke her louers company,
But to the wood she goes, to serue her turne,
4 And seeke her spouse, that from her still does fly,
And followes other game and venery:
6 A Satyre chaunst her wandring for to find,
And kindling coles of lust in brutish eye,
8 The loyall links of wedlocke did vnbind,
And made her person thrall vnto his beastly kind.
1 The forlorn maid did with love's longing burn, 2 And could not lack her lover's company,
lack > do without
3 But to the wood she goes, to serve her turn,
serve her turn > answer her need
4 And seek her spouse, that from her still does fly,
still > continually fly > flee
5 And follows other game and venery.
venery > hunting; sexual pleasure
6 A satyr chanced her wandering to find, 7 And, kindling coals of lust in brutish eye, 8 The loyal links of wedlock did unbind, 9 And made her person thrall to his beastly kind.
thrall > slave kind > nature
106.23
So long in secret cabin there he held
2 Her captiue to his sensuall desire,
Till that with timely fruit her belly sweld,
4 And bore a boy vnto that saluage sire:
Then home he suffred her for to retire,
6 For ransome leauing him the late borne childe;
Whom till to ryper yeares he gan aspire,
8 He +noursled+ vp in life and manners wilde,
Emongst wild beasts and woods, from lawes of men exilde.
8 noursled > nousled 1590 ( = nuzzled; cf. 411.32:8)
1 So long in secret cabin there he held
So long > [Thus for a long time] cabin > den; cave
2 Her captive to his sensual desire, 3 Till with timely fruit her belly swelled, 4 And bore a boy to that savage sire:
savage > wild, uncivilized sire > father
5 Then home he suffered her to retire,
suffered > allowed retire > return
6 For ransom leaving him the late-born child; 7 Whom, till to riper years he gan aspire,
gan aspire > did reach; grew
8 He noursled up in life and manners wild,
noursled up > brought up, reared
9 Amongst wild beasts and woods, from laws of men exiled.
106.24
For all he taught the tender ymp, was but
2 To banish cowardize and bastard feare;
His trembling hand he would him force to put
4 Vpon the Lyon and the rugged Beare,
And from the she Beares teats her whelps to teare;
6 And eke wyld roring Buls he would him make
To tame, and ryde their backes not made to beare;
8 And the Robuckes in flight to ouertake,
That euery beast for feare of him did fly and quake.
1 For all he taught the tender imp was but
imp > child
2 To banish cowardice and bastard fear;
bastard > base
3 His trembling hand he would him force to put 4 Upon the lion and the rugged bear, 5 And from the she bear's teats her whelps to tear; 6 And eke wild roaring bulls he would him make
eke > also
7 To tame, and ride their backs, not made to bear; 8 And the roebucks in flight to overtake, 9 That every beast for fear of him did fly and quake.
That > [So that]
106.25
Thereby so fearelesse, and so fell he grew,
2 That his owne sire and maister of his guise
Did often tremble at his horrid vew,
4 And oft for dread of hurt would him aduise,
The angry beasts not rashly to despise,
6 Nor too much to prouoke; for he would learne
The Lyon stoup to him in lowly wise,
8 (A lesson hard) and make the Libbard sterne
Leaue roaring, when in rage he for reuenge did earne.
1 Thereby so fearless and so fell he grew
fell > fierce, terrible
2 That his own sire and master of his guise
sire > father master > teacher, tutor guise > behaviour, demeanour, appearance; mode of life
3 Did often tremble at his horrid view,
horrid > rough, frightful view > appearance
4 And oft, for dread of hurt, would him advise 5 The angry beasts not rashly to despise,
despise > treat with contempt
6 Nor too much to provoke; for he would learn
learn > teach
7 The lion stoop to him in lowly wise,
stoop > [to stoop] wise > manner
8 (A lesson hard) and make the libbard stern
libbard > leopard stern > fierce
9 Leave roaring, when in rage he for revenge did yearn.
Leave > Leave off, desist from he > [either the leopard or, perhaps, Satyrane himself]
106.26
And for to make his powre approued more,
2 Wyld beasts in yron yokes he would compell;
The spotted Panther, and the tusked Bore,
4 The Pardale swift, and the Tigre cruell;
The Antelope, and Wolfe both +fierce and fell+;
6 And them constraine in equall teme to draw.
Such ioy he had, their stubborne harts to quell,
8 And sturdie courage tame with dreadfull aw,
That his beheast they feared, as +a+ tyrans law.
5 fierce and fell > swifte and cruell 1590: FE 9 a > omitted from 1596; proud 1609
1 And to make his power approved more,
approved > put to the proof, demonstrated
2 Wild beasts in iron yokes he would compel;
compel > bring together; overpower, constrain
3 The spotted panther, and the tusked boar, 4 The pardal swift, and the tiger cruel;
pardal > panther; leopard
5 The antelope, and wolf both fierce and fell;
antelope > (Not the modern antelope, but the Greek antholops, a fierce horned beast) fell > terrible; merciless, cruel
6 And them constrain in equal team to draw.
in equal team > in pairs [in their "yron yokes"]
7 Such joy he had their stubborn hearts to quell, 8 And sturdy courage tame with dreadful awe,
sturdy > reckless, recklessly violent
9 That his behest they feared as a tyrant's law.
behest > bidding
106.27
His louing mother came vpon a day
2 Vnto the woods, to see her little sonne;
And chaunst vnwares to meet him in the way,
4 After his sportes, and cruell pastime donne,
When after him a Lyonesse did runne,
6 That roaring all with rage, did lowd requere
Her children deare, whom he away had wonne:
8 The Lyon whelpes she saw how he did beare,
And lull in rugged armes, withouten childish feare.
1 His loving mother came upon a day 2 To the woods, to see her little son, 3 And chanced unwares to meet him in the way,
unwares > unexpectedly
4 After his sports and cruel pastime done;
done > [were done]
5 When after him a lioness did run, 6 That, roaring all with rage, did loud require
require > demand
7 Her children dear, whom he away had won: 8 The lion whelps she saw how he did bear, 9 And lull in rugged arms without childish fear.
rugged > rough; hairy
106.28
The fearefull Dame all quaked at the sight,
2 And turning backe, gan fast to fly away,
Vntill with loue reuokt from vaine affright,
4 She hardly yet perswaded was to stay,
And then to him these womanish words gan say;
6 Ah Satyrane, my dearling, and my ioy,
For loue of me leaue off this dreadfull play;
8 To dally thus with death, is no fit toy,
Go find some other play-fellowes, mine own sweet boy.
1 The fearful dame all quaked at the sight, 2 And, turning back, began fast to fly away, 3 Until, with love revoked from vain affright,
revoked > restrained; called back vain > frail, weak; foolish affright > terror
4 She hardly yet persuaded was to stay,
hardly > with difficulty
5 And then to him these womanish words gan say:
gan > did
6 "Ah Satyrane, my darling, and my joy, 7 For love of me leave off this dreadful play; 8 To dally thus with death is no fit toy,
toy > game
9 Go find some other play-fellows, my own sweet boy."
106.29
In these and like delights of bloudy game
2 He trayned was, till ryper yeares he raught,
And there abode, whilst any beast of name
4 Walkt in that forest, whom he had not taught
To feare his force: and then his courage haught
6 Desird of forreine foemen to be knowne,
And far abroad for straunge aduentures sought:
8 In which his might was neuer ouerthrowne,
But through all Faery lond his famous worth was blown.
1 In these and like delights of bloody game
game > sport; sport derived from hunting
2 He trained was, till riper years he raught,
raught > reached, attained
3 And there abode, whilst any beast of name
abode > dwelt name > note
4 Walked in that forest, whom he had not taught 5 To fear his force: and then his courage haught
haught > high, noble
6 Desired of foreign foemen to be known,
foemen > foes, adversaries
7 And far abroad for strange adventures sought: 8 In which his might was never overthrown, 9 But through all Faery Land his famous worth was blown.
106.30
Yet euermore it was his manner faire,
2 After long labours and aduentures spent,
Vnto those natiue woods for to repaire,
4 To see his sire and ofspring auncient.
And now he thither came for like intent;
6 Where he vnwares the fairest Vna found,
Straunge Lady, in so straunge habiliment,
8 Teaching the Satyres, which her sat around,
Trew sacred lore, which from her sweet lips did redound.
1 Yet evermore it was his manner fair, 2 After long labours and adventures spent, 3 To those native woods to repair,
repair > go, betake himself; return
4 To see his sire and offspring ancient.
sire and offspring > father and origin
5 And now he thither came for like intent; 6 Where he unwares the fairest Una found,
unwares > unexpectedly
7 Strange lady, in so strange habiliment,
Strange > Foreign; new-come so > such habiliment > clothing, attire; or: ?surroundings
8 Teaching the satyrs, who her sat around, 9 True sacred lore, which from her sweet lips did redound.
redound > flow, proceed
106.31
He wondred at her wisedome heauenly rare,
2 Whose like in womens wit he neuer knew;
And when her curteous deeds he did compare,
4 Gan her admire, and her sad sorrowes rew,
Blaming of Fortune, which such troubles threw,
6 And ioyd to make proofe of her crueltie
On gentle Dame, so hurtlesse, and so trew:
8 Thenceforth he kept her goodly company,
And learnd her discipline of faith and veritie.
1 He wondered at her wisdom heavenly rare,
wondered > marvelled
2 Whose like in women's wit he never knew;
wit > mind
3 And, when her courteous deeds he did compare,
compare > (A difficult word. If the modern meaning is taken, Satyrane might be comparing her courteous deeds with those of other women, or he might be admiring the capacity for courtesy shown by one in Una's present plight. Alternatively, the meaning might be "acquire" (cf. 104.28:5), in the sense that he acquires knowledge or experience of her courteous deeds. In any case, the word can probably be approximately glossed as "come to appreciate".)
4 Gan her admire, and her sad sorrows rue,
Gan > did
5 Blaming Fortune, which such troubles threw,
threw > prepared, threw [in Una's way]
6 And joyed to make proof of its cruelty
joyed > rejoiced, took pleasure
7 On gentle dame, so hurtless, and so true:
gentle > gentle; noble hurtless > harmless
8 Thenceforth he kept her goodly company,
kept her goodly company > [courteously kept her company; or: remained in her courteous company]
9 And learned her discipline of faith and verity.
discipline > teaching (from same word as "disciple")
106.32
But she all vowd vnto the Redcrosse knight,
2 His wandring perill closely did lament,
Ne in this new acquaintaunce could delight,
4 But her deare heart with anguish did torment,
And all her wit in secret counsels spent,
6 How to escape. At last in priuie wise
To Satyrane she shewed her intent;
8 Who glad to gain such fauour, gan deuise,
How with that pensiue Maid he best might thence arise.
1 But she, all vowed to the Redcross Knight,
all vowed > altogether betrothed
2 His wandering peril closely did lament,
wandering > (Lit. and fig.) closely > secretly
3 Nor in this new acquaintance could delight, 4 But her dear heart with anguish did torment,
dear > sore, grieved
5 And all her wit in secret counsels spent,
wit > ingenuity
6 How to escape. At last in privy wise
in privy wise > in a secret manner, secretly
7 To Satyrane she showed her intent; 8 Who, glad to gain such favour, gan devise
gan devise > did plan
9 How with that pensive maid he best might thence arise.
pensive > anxious arise > depart
106.33
So on a day when Satyres all were gone,
2 To do their seruice to Syluanus old,
The gentle virgin left behind alone
4 He led away with courage stout and bold.
Too late it was, to Satyres to be told,
6 Or euer hope recouer her againe:
In vaine he seekes that hauing cannot hold.
8 So fast he carried her with carefull paine,
That they the woods are past, and come now to the plaine.
1 So on a day when satyrs all were gone 2 To do their service to Silvanus old, 3 The gentle virgin, left behind alone,
gentle > noble; gentle
4 He led away with courage stout and bold.
stout > brave
5 Too late it was, to satyrs to be told, 6 Or ever hope recover her again:
recover > [to recover]
7 In vain he seeks, that having cannot hold. 8 So fast he carried her with careful pains,
pain > anxiety; trouble (taken in accomplishing something)
9 That they the woods are past, and come now to the plain.
106.34
The better part now of the lingring day,
2 They traueild had, when as they farre espide
A wearie wight forwandring by the way,
4 And towards him they gan in hast to ride,
To weet of newes, that did abroad betide,
6 Or tydings of her knight of the Redcrosse.
But he them spying, gan to turne aside,
8 For feare as seemd, or for some feigned losse;
More greedy they of newes, fast towards him do crosse.
1 The better part now of the lingering day 2 They travelled had, when they far espied 3 A weary wight forwandering by the way,
wight > person, figure forwandering > wandering; wearying himself by wandering
4 And towards him they began in haste to ride, 5 To weet of news, that did abroad betide,
weet > learn betide > happen
6 Or tidings of her knight of the Redcross. 7 But he, them spying, began to turn aside, 8 For fear, as seemed, or for some feigned loss;
for some feigned loss > [as though he had lost something]
9 More greedy they of news, fast towards him do cross.
greedy > eager of > for
106.35
A silly man, in simple weedes forworne,
2 And soild with dust of the long dried way;
His sandales were with toilesome trauell torne,
4 And face all tand with scorching sunny ray,
As he had traueild many a sommers day,
6 Through boyling sands of Arabie and Ynde;
And in his hand a Iacobs staffe, to stay
8 His wearie limbes vpon: and eke behind,
His scrip did hang, in which his needments he did bind.
1 A silly man, in simple weeds forworn,
silly > simple, guileless (cf. 101.29-30) weeds forworn > worn-out clothes
2 And soiled with dust of the long dried way; 3 His sandals were with toilsome travel torn,
toilsome > wearisome
4 And face all tanned with scorching sunny ray, 5 As he had travelled many a summer's day,
As > [As though]
6 Through boiling sands of Arabia and Ind;
Ind > India
7 And in his hand a Jacob's staff, to stay
Jacob's staff > pilgrim's staff (named after St James (Jacobus), whose symbols are a pilgrim's staff and a scallop shell; see Gen. 32.10) stay > rest, support
8 His weary limbs upon: and eke behind
eke > also
9 His scrip did hang, in which his needments he did bind.
scrip > {Satchel, wallet, esp. one carried by a pilgrim, shepherd, or beggar} needments > necessaries
106.36
The knight approching nigh, of him inquerd
2 Tydings of warre, and of aduentures new;
But warres, nor new aduentures none he herd.
4 Then Vna gan to aske, if ought he knew,
Or heard abroad of that her champion trew,
6 That in his armour bare a croslet red.
Aye me, Deare dame (quoth he) well may I rew
8 To tell the sad sight, which mine eies haue red:
These eyes did see that knight both liuing and eke ded.
1 The knight, approaching nigh, of him inquired 2 Tidings of war, and of adventures new; 3 But wars, nor new adventures, none he heard.
wars > [of wars] he > [he had]
4 Then Una gan to ask, if aught he knew,
gan to > began to; did
5 Or heard abroad, of her champion true, 6 That in his armour bore a crosslet red.
in > [on] crosslet > small cross (term in heraldry)
7 "Ay me, dear dame!" quoth he, "well may I rue
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect)
8 To tell the sad sight which my eyes have read:
read > seen
9 These eyes did see that knight both living and eke dead."
eke > also
106.37
That cruell word her tender hart so thrild,
2 That suddein cold did runne through euery vaine,
And stony horrour all her sences fild
4 With dying fit, that downe she fell for paine.
The knight her lightly reared vp againe,
6 And comforted with curteous kind reliefe:
Then wonne from death, she bad him tellen plaine
8 The further processe of her hidden griefe;
The lesser pangs can beare, who hath endur'd the chiefe.
1 That cruel word her tender heart so thrilled
thrilled > pierced
2 That sudden cold did run through every vein, 3 And stony horror all her senses filled 4 With dying fit, that down she fell for pain.
dying > deathly that > [so that]
5 The knight her lightly reared up again,
lightly > easily, quickly
6 And comforted with courteous kind relief; 7 Then, won from death, she bade him tell plain
him > [the pilgrim]
8 The further process of her hidden grief:
process > story, account
9 The lesser pangs can bear, who has endured the chief.
can > [one can]
106.38
Then gan the Pilgrim thus, I chaunst this day,
2 This fatall day, that shall I euer rew,
To see two knights in trauell on my way
4 (A sory sight) arraung'd in battell new,
Both breathing vengeaunce, both of wrathfull hew:
6 My fearefull flesh did tremble at their strife,
To see their blades so greedily imbrew,
8 That +drunke+ with bloud, yet +thristed+ after life:
What more? the Redcrosse knight was slaine with Paynim knife.
8 drunke > dronke 1590 8 thristed > thirsted 1609
1 Then began the pilgrim thus, "I chanced this day, 2 This fatal day, that shall I ever rue, 3 To see two knights in travel on my way 4 (A sorry sight) arranged in battle new,
new > [having already jousted on horseback with spears, and now fighting anew, on foot with swords]
5 Both breathing vengeance, both of wrathful hue:
hue > appearance
6 My fearful flesh did tremble at their strife, 7 To see their blades so greedily imbrue,
greedily > eagerly, recklessly imbrue > soak [themselves with blood]
8 That drunk with blood, yet thirsted after life:
drunk > drank; or: were drunk
9 What more? The Redcross Knight was slain with paynim knife."
paynim > pagan, heathen knife > sword
106.39
Ah dearest Lord (quoth she) how might that bee,
2 And he the stoutest knight, that euer wonne?
Ah dearest dame (quoth he) how might I see
4 The thing, that might not be, and yet was donne?
Where is (said Satyrane) that Paynims sonne,
6 That him of life, and vs of ioy hath reft?
Not far away (quoth he) he hence doth wonne
8 Foreby a fountaine, where I late him left
Washing his bloudy wounds, that through the steele were cleft.
1 "Ah, dearest Lord!" quoth she, "how might that be, 2 And he the stoutest knight, that ever won?"
stoutest > bravest; strongest ever won > invariably used to win; or: ever lived
3 "Ah, dearest dame," quoth he, "how might I see 4 The thing that might not be, and yet was done?" 5 "Where is," said Satyrane, "that paynim's son,
paynim > pagan, heathen
6 That him of life, and us of joy, has reft?"
reft > bereaved
7 "Not far away," quoth he, "he hence does won,
hence > from here, away from here (pleonastic) won > dwell; hence: remain
8 Forby a fountain, where I late him left
Forby > Hard by, near late > recently
9 Washing his bloody wounds, that through the steel were cleft."
106.40
Therewith the knight thence marched forth in hast,
2 Whiles Vna with huge heauinesse opprest,
Could not for sorrow follow him so fast;
4 And soone he came, as he the place had ghest,
Whereas that Pagan proud him selfe did rest,
6 In secret shadow by a fountaine side:
Euen he it was, that earst would haue supprest
8 Faire Vna: whom when Satyrane espide,
With fowle reprochfull words he boldly him defide.
1 Therewith the knight thence marched forth in haste,
Therewith > With that, thereupon
2 While Una, with huge heaviness oppressed,
heaviness > sadness, grief
3 Could not for sorrow follow him so fast; 4 And soon he came, as he the place had guessed, 5 Where that pagan proud himself did rest
that pagan proud > [Sansloy]
6 In secret shadow by a fountain's side:
secret > hidden
7 Even he it was, that erst would have suppressed
erst > recently suppressed > forced (cf. 106.4:9)
8 Fair Una: whom when Satyrane espied, 9 With foul reproachful words he boldly him defied.
106.41
And said, Arise thou cursed Miscreaunt,
2 That hast with knightlesse guile and trecherous train
Faire knighthood fowly shamed, and doest vaunt
4 That good knight of the Redcrosse to haue slain:
Arise, and with like treason now maintain
6 Thy guilty wrong, or else thee guilty yield.
The Sarazin this hearing, rose amain,
8 And catching vp in hast his three square shield,
And shining helmet, soone him buckled to the field.
1 And said, "Arise, you cursed miscreant,
miscreant > infidel; villain; wretch
2 That has with knightless guile and treacherous train
knightless > unknightly, unchivalrous train > deceit
3 Fair knighthood foully shamed, and do vaunt
vaunt > boast
4 That good knight of the Redcross to have slain: 5 Arise, and with like treason now maintain
maintain > defend, uphold
6 Your guilty wrong, or else you guilty yield." 7 The Saracen, this hearing, rose amain,
amain > abruptly, violently
8 And, catching up in haste his three-square shield
three-square > equilaterally triangular
9 And shining helmet, soon him buckled to the field.
him buckled to the field > made himself ready for the field of battle; buckled his armour
106.42
And drawing nigh him said, Ah misborne Elfe,
2 In euill houre thy foes thee hither sent,
Anothers wrongs to wreake vpon thy selfe:
4 Yet ill thou blamest me, for hauing blent
My name with guile and traiterous intent;
6 That Redcrosse knight, perdie, I neuer slew,
But had he beene, where earst his armes were lent,
8 Th'enchaunter vaine his errour should not rew:
But thou his errour shalt, I hope now prouen trew.
1 And, drawing nigh him, said, "Ah, misborn Elf!
misborn > {Base-born; born out of wedlock; deformed as a result of premature birth}
2 In evil hour your foes you hither sent, 3 Another's wrongs to wreak upon yourself: 4 Yet ill you blame me for having blended
ill > wrongly blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, defiled
5 My name with guile and traitorous intent; 6 That Redcross Knight, pardie, I never slew,
pardie > truly; "by God"
7 But had he been where erst his arms were lent,
erst > lately (a reference to Sansloy's fight with the disguised Archimago at 103.34-39)
8 The enchanter vain his error should not rue:
vain > feeble, weak; foolish; vainly
9 But you his error shall, I hope, now prove true."
error > (Either Archimago's error in disguising himself as the Redcross Knight, or the error made by the Redcross Knight in killing Sansfoy, which ultimately led to Archimago being wounded and unhorsed) hope > think, predict prove > [through combat]
106.43
Therewith they gan, both furious and fell,
2 To thunder blowes, and fiersly to assaile
Each other bent his enimy to quell,
4 That with their force they perst both plate and maile,
And made wide furrowes in their fleshes fraile,
6 That it would pitty any liuing eie.
Large floods of bloud adowne their sides did raile;
8 But floods of bloud could not them satisfie:
Both hungred after death: both chose to win, or die.
1 Therewith they began, both furious and fell,
Therewith > With that, thereupon fell > fierce, terrible
2 To thunder blows, and fiercely to assail,
assail > attack (quasi-intransitive)
3 Each other bent his enemy to quell,
bent > determined quell > kill (rather than merely vanquish: see line 9)
4 That with their force they pierced both plate and mail,
That > [So that] plate and mail > (Implying that they are wearing armour consisting both of steel plates and of chain mail)
5 And made wide furrows in their fleshes frail,
fleshes > bodies
6 That it would pity any living eye.
That > [So that] pity > [move to pity]
7 Large floods of blood down their sides did rail;
Large > Plentiful, copious rail > gush, flow
8 But floods of blood could not them satisfy: 9 Both hungered after death: both chose to win, or die.
106.44
So long they fight, and +fell+ reuenge pursue,
2 That fainting each, themselues to breathen let,
And oft refreshed, battell oft renue:
4 As when two Bores with rancling malice met,
Their gory sides fresh bleeding fiercely fret,
6 Till breathlesse both them selues aside retire,
Where foming wrath, their cruell tuskes they whet,
8 And trample th'earth, the whiles they may respire;
Then backe to fight againe, new breathed and entire.
1 fell > full 1590
1 So long they fight, and fell revenge pursue,
fell > fierce, terrible
2 That, fainting each, themselves to breathe let,
fainting each, themselves to breathe let > [the fact that each becomes temporarily faint allows them both a chance to recover their breath]
3 And, oft refreshed, battle oft renew: 4 As when two boars, with rankling malice met, 5 Their gory sides fresh-bleeding fiercely fret,
fret > cut [with crisscross wounds]; gnaw, devour
6 Till, breathless, both themselves aside retire, 7 Where, foaming wrath, their cruel tusks they whet, 8 And trample the earth, while they may respire,
respire > breathe again, recover breath
9 Then back to fight again, new breathed and entire.
entire > fresh, refreshed
106.45
So fiersly, when these knights had breathed once,
2 They gan to fight returne, increasing more
Their puissant force, and cruell rage attonce,
4 With heaped strokes more hugely, then before,
That with their drerie wounds and bloudy gore
6 They both deformed, scarsely could be known.
By this sad Vna fraught with anguish sore,
8 Led with their noise, which through the aire was +thrown:+
Arriu'd, where they in erth their fruitles bloud had sown.
8 thrown: > thrown, 1609
1 So fiercely, when these knights had breathed once, 2 They gan to fight return (increasing more
gan > did
3 Their puissant force and cruel rage at once
puissant > powerful at once > simultaneously
4 With heaped strokes, more hugely than before), 5 That with their dreary wounds and bloody gore
dreary > gory; grievous
6 They both, deformed, scarcely could be known.
deformed > disfigured, rendered hideous
7 By this sad Una, fraught with anguish sore,
By this > At this; by this time fraught > filled
8 Led with their noise, which through the air was thrown, 9 Arrived where they in earth their fruitless blood had sown.
106.46
Whom all so soone as that proud Sarazin
2 Espide, he gan reuiue the memory
Of his lewd lusts, and late attempted sin,
4 And left the doubtfull battell hastily,
To catch her, newly offred to his eie:
6 But Satyrane with strokes him turning, staid,
And sternely bad him other businesse plie,
8 Then hunt the steps of pure vnspotted Maid:
Wherewith he all enrag'd, these bitter speaches said.
1 Whom all so soon as that proud Saracen 2 Espied, he gan revive the memory
gan > did
3 Of his lewd lusts and late attempted sin,
late > lately
4 And left the doubtful battle hastily,
doubtful > doubtful (of uncertain outcome); also: fearful, awful
5 To catch her, newly offered to his eye: 6 But Satyrane, with strokes him turning, stayed 7 And sternly bade him other business ply 8 Than hunt the steps of pure unspotted maid: 9 Wherewith he, all enraged, these bitter speeches said:
106.47
O foolish faeries sonne, what furie mad
2 Hath thee incenst, to hast thy dolefull +fate+?
Were it not better, I that Lady had,
4 Then that thou hadst repented it too late?
Most sencelesse man he, that himselfe doth hate,
6 To loue another. Lo then for thine ayd
Here take thy louers token on thy pate.
8 So they +two+ fight; the whiles the royall Mayd
Fled farre away, of that proud Paynim sore afrayd.
2 fate > fete 1596 8 two > to 1590; cf. 203.28:1, 307.9:3
1 "O foolish Faery's son, what fury mad 2 Has you incensed to hasten your doleful fate? 3 Were it not better I that lady had, 4 Than that you had repented it too late? 5 Most senseless man he, that himself does hate, 6 To love another. Lo then, for your aid,
your aid > [your aiding Una]
7 Here, take your lover's token on your pate!"
lover's token > {Keepsake, mark of affection, e.g. a ribbon, often worn on the helmet}
8 So they two fight; the whiles the royal maid
two > (See Textual Appendix) the whiles > meanwhile
9 Fled far away, of that proud paynim sore afraid.
paynim > pagan, heathen
106.48
But that false Pilgrim, which that leasing told,
2 Being in deed old Archimage, did stay
In secret shadow, all this to behold,
4 And much reioyced in their bloudy fray:
But when he saw the Damsell passe away
6 He left his stond, and her pursewd apace,
In hope to bring her to her last decay.
8 But for to tell her lamentable cace,
And eke this battels end, will need another place.
1 But that false pilgrim, who that leasing told,
leasing > lie, untrue story
2 Being indeed old Archimago, did stay 3 In secret shadow, all this to behold,
secret > hidden
4 And much rejoiced in their bloody fray: 5 But, when he saw the damsel pass away, 6 He left his stand, and her pursued apace,
apace > swiftly
7 In hope to bring her to her last decay.
decay > downfall, destruction (last decay = death)
8 But to tell her lamentable case, 9 And eke this battle's end, will need another place.
eke > also, moreover, in addition
2 The Redcrosse knight is captiue made
By Gyaunt proud opprest,
4 Prince Arthur meets with Vna great-
ly with those newes distrest.
1 The Redcross Knight is captive made
made > [made and]
2 By giant proud oppressed,
proud > [proud is] oppressed > taken by surprise; suppressed, overwhelmed
3 Prince Arthur meets with Una great- 4 ly with this news distressed.
107.1
WHat man so wise, what earthly wit so ware,
2 As to descry the crafty cunning traine,
By which deceipt doth maske in visour faire,
4 And cast her colours dyed deepe in graine,
To seeme like Truth, whose shape she well can faine,
6 And fitting gestures to her purpose +frame;+
The guiltlesse man with guile to entertaine?
8 Great maistresse of her art was that false Dame,
The false Duessa, cloked with Fidessaes name.
6 frame; > frame, 1609
1 What man so wise, what earthly wit so ware,
wit > mind, intelligence ware > vigilant, cautious
2 As to descry the crafty cunning train
train > wile, trick
3 By which Deceit does mask in visor fair,
mask > {Disguise [herself]; take part in a masquerade} visor > outward appearance
4 And cast her colours, died deep in grain,
cast > arrange, dispose (as an artist might when painting)
5 To seem like Truth (whose shape she well can feign), 6 And fitting gestures to her purpose frame, 7 The guiltless man with guile to entertain?
entertain > engage, keep occupied
8 Great mistress of her art was that false dame, 9 The false Duessa, cloaked with Fidessa's name.
107.2
Who when returning from the drery Night,
2 She fownd not in that perilous house of Pryde,
Where she had left, the noble Redcrosse knight,
4 Her hoped pray; she would no lenger bide,
But forth she went, to seeke him far and wide.
6 Ere long she fownd, whereas he wearie sate,
To reste him selfe, foreby a fountaine side,
8 Disarmed all of yron-coted Plate,
And by his side his steed the grassy forage ate.
1 Who, when returning from the dreary Night,
dreary > cruel, dire
2 She found not in that perilous House of Pride 3 (Where she had left the noble Redcross Knight) 4 Her hoped prey, she would no longer bide,
bide > abide, remain, wait; sojourn (chiefly in northern dialect)
5 But forth she went, to seek him far and wide. 6 Ere long she found where he weary sat 7 To rest himself, forby a fountain side,
forby > hard by, near
8 Disarmed all of iron-coated plate,
plate > armour
9 And by his side his steed the grassy forage ate.
107.3
He feedes vpon the cooling shade, and bayes
2 His sweatie forehead in the breathing wind,
Which through the trembling leaues full gently playes
4 Wherein the cherefull birds of sundry kind
Do chaunt sweet musick, to delight his mind:
6 The Witch approching gan him fairely greet,
And with reproch of carelesnesse vnkind
8 Vpbrayd, for leauing her in place vnmeet,
With fowle words tempring faire, soure gall with hony sweet.
1 He feeds upon the cooling shade, and bathes 2 His sweaty forehead in the breathing wind, 3 Which through the trembling leaves full gently plays,
full > entirely, quite
4 Wherein the cheerful birds of sundry kind 5 Do chant sweet music, to delight his mind. 6 The witch, approaching, gan him fairly greet,
gan > did fairly > courteously
7 And, with reproach of carelessness unkind, 8 Upbraid, for leaving her in place unmeet;
Upbraid > [Upbraid him] unmeet > unsuitable, improper, unfitting
9 With foul words tempering fair, sour gall with honey sweet.
107.4
Vnkindnesse past, they gan of solace treat,
2 And bathe in pleasaunce of the ioyous shade,
Which shielded them against the boyling heat,
4 And with greene boughes decking a gloomy glade,
About the fountaine like a girlond made;
6 Whose bubbling waue did euer freshly well,
Ne euer would through feruent sommer fade:
8 The sacred Nymph, which therein wont to dwell,
Was out of Dianes fauour, as it then befell.
1 Unkindness past, they gan of solace treat,
gan > did; began to solace > pleasure, enjoyment treat > to discourse, to deal
2 And bathe in pleasance of the joyous shade,
pleasance > [the pleasure-giving quality]
3 Which shielded them against the boiling heat, 4 And, with green boughs decking a gloomy glade, 5 About the fountain like a garland made; 6 Whose bubbling wave did ever freshly well, 7 Nor ever would through fervent summer fade:
fade > weaken, decline
8 The sacred nymph, who therein wont to dwell,
nymph > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. The nymph referred to here is one of the naiads (see 106.18:3), nymphs of fresh water. Many of these presided over springs which were believed to inspire those who drank the water) wont > was accustomed
9 Was out of Diana's favour, as it then befell.
107.5
The cause was this: one day when Ph{oe}be fayre
2 With all her band was following the chace,
This Nymph, quite tyr'd with heat of scorching ayre
4 Sat downe to rest in middest of the race:
The goddesse wroth gan fowly +her+ disgrace,
6 And bad the waters, which from her did flow,
Be such as she her selfe was then in place.
8 Thenceforth her waters waxed dull and slow,
And all that drunke thereof, +did+ faint and feeble grow.
5 her > he 1596 9 did > do 1590
1 The cause was this: one day, when Phoebe fair
Phoebe > (A name for Diana in her aspect as goddess of the moon)
2 With all her band was following the chase, 3 This nymph, quite tired with heat of scorching air,
heat > [the heat]
4 Sat down to rest in middest of the race;
middest > the middle
5 The goddess, wroth, gan foully her disgrace,
gan > did disgrace > disparage, revile
6 And bade the waters, which from her did flow, 7 Be such as she herself was then in place.
Be > [To be] in place > there
8 Thenceforth her waters waxed dull and slow,
waxed > grew, became
9 And all that drank thereof did faint and feeble grow.
107.6
Hereof this gentle knight vnweeting was,
2 And lying downe vpon the sandie graile,
Drunke of the streame, as cleare as cristall +glas,+
4 Eftsoones his manly forces gan to faile,
And mightie strong was turnd to feeble fraile.
6 His chaunged powres at first them selues not felt,
Till crudled cold his corage can assaile,
8 And chearefull bloud in faintnesse chill did melt,
Which like a feuer fit through all his body swelt.
3 glas, > glas: 1590; glas; 1609
1 Hereof this gentle knight unweeting was,
Hereof > Of this unweeting > ignorant
2 And, lying down upon the sandy grail,
grail > gravel
3 Drank of the stream, as clear as crystal glass; 4 Eftsoons his manly forces began to fail,
Eftsoons > Thereupon, forthwith manly > {Pertaining to human beings; also: manly, in the modern sense}
5 And mighty strong was turned to feeble frail. 6 His changed powers at first themselves not felt,
not > [were not]
7 Till curdled cold his courage can assail,
can > did
8 And cheerful blood in faintness chill did melt,
cheerful > lively, animating
9 Which like a fever-fit through all his body swelt.
swelt > broiled
107.7
Yet goodly court he made still to his Dame,
2 Pourd out in loosnesse on the grassy grownd,
Both carelesse of his health, and of his fame:
4 Till at the last he heard a dreadfull sownd,
Which through the wood loud bellowing, did rebownd,
6 That all the earth for terrour seemd to shake,
And trees did tremble. Th'Elfe therewith astownd,
8 Vpstarted lightly from his looser make,
And his vnready weapons gan in hand to take.
1 Yet goodly court he made still to his dame, 2 Poured out in looseness on the grassy ground,
looseness > laxity, dissolution
3 Both careless of his health, and of his fame:
Both > [Both he and Duessa; or: He is both]
4 Till at the last he heard a dreadful sound
at the last > finally
5 Which, through the wood loudly bellowing, did rebound, 6 That all the earth for terror seemed to shake,
That > [So that]
7 And trees did tremble. The Elf, therewith astounded,
therewith > with that astounded > amazed, confounded
8 Upstarted lightly from his looser make,
Upstarted > Started up lightly > quickly looser > looser (in the modern moral sense); also: too-loose make > companion, mate
9 And his unready weapons began in hand to take.
107.8
But ere he could his armour on him dight,
2 Or get his shield, his monstrous enimy
With sturdie steps came stalking in his sight,
4 An hideous Geant horrible and hye,
That with his talnesse seemd to threat the skye,
6 The ground eke groned vnder him for dreed;
His liuing like saw neuer liuing eye,
8 Ne durst behold: his stature did exceed
The hight of three the tallest sonnes of mortall seed.
1 But ere he could his armour on him dight,
dight > make ready, array; hence: fasten
2 Or get his shield, his monstrous enemy 3 With sturdy steps came stalking in his sight,
sturdy > stern; surly; reckless stalking > {Advancing with a striding, swaggering gait}
4 A hideous giant, horrible and high, 5 That with his tallness seemed to threaten the sky, 6 The ground eke groaned under him for dread;
eke > moreover, in addition
7 His living like saw never living eye, 8 Nor dared behold: his stature did exceed 9 The height of three the tallest sons of mortal seed.
three > [three of] seed > children, offspring
107.9
The greatest Earth his vncouth mother was,
2 And blustring AEolus his boasted sire,
Who with his breath, which through the world doth pas,
4 Her hollow womb did secretly inspire,
And fild her hidden caues with stormie yre,
6 That she conceiu'd; and trebling the dew time,
In which the wombes of women do expire,
8 Brought forth this monstrous masse of earthly slime,
Puft vp with emptie wind, and fild with sinfull crime.
1 The greatest Earth his uncouth mother was,
uncouth > unknown, uncertainly known; strange, bizarre
2 And blustering Aeolus his boasted sire,
Aeolus > (God of the winds) sire > father
3 Who with his breath, which through the world does pass, 4 Her hollow womb did secretly inspire,
inspire > breathe life into, quicken
5 And filled her hidden caves with stormy ire, 6 That she conceived; and trebling the due time
That > [So that]
7 In which the wombs of women do expire,
expire > become void, come to an end, terminate, so: come to term
8 Brought forth this monstrous mass of earthly slime,
earthly > mortal slime > flesh
9 Puffed up with empty wind, and fild with sinful crime.
fild > filled; or: filed: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc. The same interpretation may apply in line 5)
107.10
So growen great through arrogant delight
2 Of th'high descent, whereof he was yborne,
And through presumption of his matchlesse might,
4 All other powres and knighthood he did scorne.
Such now he marcheth to this man forlorne,
6 And left to losse: his stalking steps are stayde
Vpon a snaggy Oke, which he had torne
8 Out of his mothers bowelles, and it made
His mortall mace, wherewith his foemen he dismayde.
1 So grown great through arrogant delight 2 Of the high descent whereof he was born, 3 And through presumption of his matchless might, 4 All other powers and knighthood he did scorn. 5 Such now he marches to this man forlorn 6 And left to loss: his stalking steps are stayed
stalking > {Advancing with a striding, swaggering gait} stayed > supported
7 Upon a snaggy oak, which he had torn
snaggy > knotty
8 Out of his mother's bowels, and it made 9 His mortal mace, wherewith his foemen he dismayed.
mortal > lethal wherewith > with which foemen > foes dismayed > defeated
107.11
That when the knight he spide, he gan aduance
2 With huge force and insupportable mayne,
And towardes him with dreadfull fury praunce;
4 Who haplesse, and eke +hopelesse,+ all in vaine
Did to him pace, sad battaile to darrayne,
6 Disarmd, disgrast, and inwardly dismayde,
And eke so faint in euery ioynt and vaine,
8 Through that fraile fountaine, which him feeble made,
That scarsely could he weeld his bootlesse single blade.
4 hopelesse, > hopelesse; 1590, 1596
1 When the knight he spied, he gan advance
gan > did; began to
2 With huge force and insupportable main,
insupportable > irresistible main > strength, power
3 And towards him with dreadful fury prance;
prance > swagger
4 Who, hapless, and eke hopeless, all in vain
eke > also
5 Did to him pace, sad battle to deraign,
to > towards sad > grievous deraign > challenge
6 Disarmed, disgraced, and inwardly dismayed, 7 And eke so faint in every joint and vein,
joint > limb
8 Through that frail fountain, which him feeble made,
frail > enfeebling
9 That scarcely could he wield his bootless single blade.
bootless > unavailing single > single, solitary; unaided
107.12
The Geaunt strooke so maynly mercilesse,
2 That could haue ouerthrowne a stony towre,
And were not heauenly grace, that him did blesse,
4 He had beene pouldred all, as thin as flowre:
But he was wary of that deadly stowre,
6 And lightly lept from vnderneath the blow:
Yet so exceeding was the villeins powre,
8 That with the wind it did him ouerthrow,
And all his sences +stound+, that still he lay full low.
9 stound > stoond 1590
1 The giant struck so mainly merciless,
mainly > powerfully, violently
2 That could have overthrown a stony tower,
That > [That he; That the stroke]
3 And, were not heavenly grace that him did bless,
were not > [were it not; had it not been for] him > [the Redcross Knight] bless > guard, protect from evil
4 He had been powdered all as thin as flour:
had > [would have been]
5 But he was wary of that deadly stour,
stour > peril
6 And lightly leapt from underneath the blow:
lightly > quickly, easily
7 Yet so exceeding was the villain's power, 8 That with the wind it did him overthrow 9 And all his senses stun, that still he lay full low.
that > [so that] full > very, exceedingly
107.13
As when that diuelish yron Engin wrought
2 In deepest Hell, and framd by Furies skill,
With windy Nitre and quick Sulphur fraught,
4 And ramd with bullet round, ordaind to kill,
Conceiueth fire, the heauens it doth fill
6 With thundring noyse, and all the ayre doth choke,
That none can breath, nor see, nor heare at will,
8 Through smouldry cloud of duskish stincking smoke,
That th'onely breath him daunts, who hath escapt the stroke.
1 As when that devilish iron engine, wrought 2 In deepest hell, and framed by Furies' skill,
framed > fashioned
3 With windy nitre and quick sulphur fraught,
windy > {Generating wind, gas} nitre > {Saltpetre or potassium nitrate, a component of gunpowder} quick > readily inflammable fraught > filled
4 And rammed with bullet round, ordained to kill,
bullet > cannon-ball
5 Conceives fire, the heavens it does fill
Conceives fire > Detonates
6 With thundering noise, and all the air does choke, 7 That none can breathe, nor see, nor hear at will,
That > [So that]
8 Through smouldry cloud of duskish stinking smoke,
smouldry > {Smothery, tending to smother}
9 That the only breath him daunts, who has escaped the stroke.
That > [?And] only breath > blast alone stroke > [impact of the ball]
107.14
So daunted when the Geaunt saw the +knight+
2 His heauie hand he heaued vp on hye,
And him to dust thought to haue battred quight,
4 Vntill Duessa loud to him gan crye;
O great Orgoglio, greatest vnder skye,
6 O hold thy mortall hand for Ladies sake,
Hold for my sake, and do him not to dye,
8 But vanquisht thine eternall bondslaue make,
And me thy worthy meed vnto thy Leman take.
1 knight > knight, 1590, 1609
1 So daunted, when the giant saw the knight,
So daunted, > [The knight was similarly daunted; and]
2 His heavy hand he heaved up on high, 3 And him to dust thought to have battered quite, 4 Until Duessa loud to him gan cry:
gan > did
5 "O great Orgoglio, greatest under sky,
Orgoglio > "Pride" (Italian)
6 O hold thy mortal hand for lady's sake,
mortal > lethal
7 Hold for my sake, and do him not to die,
him not to die > [not put him to death; cf. 108.45:7]
8 But, vanquished, your eternal bondslave make; 9 And me, your worthy meed, unto your leman take."
meed > reward unto > as (expressing acquisition or addition) leman > lover
107.15
He hearkned, and did stay from further harmes,
2 To gayne so goodly guerdon, as she spake:
So willingly she came into his armes,
4 Who her as willingly to grace did take,
And was possessed of his new found make.
6 Then vp he tooke the slombred sencelesse corse,
And ere he could out of his swowne awake,
8 Him to his castle brought with hastie forse,
And in a Dongeon deepe him threw without remorse.
1 He hearkened, and did stay from further harms,
stay > desist
2 To gain so goodly guerdon as she spoke:
goodly > beautiful [a] guerdon > reward, recompense [for denying himself the pleasure of killing the Redcross Knight] spoke > [spoke of]
3 So willingly she came into his arms, 4 Who her as willingly to grace did take,
to grace > into his favour
5 And was possessed of his newfound make.
was possessed of > was possessed of; was possessed by (in the sexual sense) make > mate
6 Then up he took the slumbered senseless corse,
slumbered > unconscious corse > body
7 And, ere he could out of his swoon awake, 8 Him to his castle brought with hasty force, 9 And in a dungeon deep him threw without remorse.
in > [into]
107.16
From that day forth Duessa was his deare,
2 And highly honourd in his haughtie eye,
He gaue her gold and purple pall to weare,
4 And triple crowne set on her head full hye,
And her endowd with royall maiestye:
6 Then for to make her dreaded more of men,
And peoples harts with awfull terrour tye,
8 A monstrous beast ybred in filthy fen
He chose, which he had kept long time in darksome den.
1 From that day forth Duessa was his dear, 2 And highly honoured in his haughty eye; 3 He gave her gold and purple pall to wear,
pall > robe, cloak (see Rev. 17.4)
4 And triple crown set on her head full high,
triple crown > (The papal tiara) full > very, exceedingly
5 And her endowed with royal majesty: 6 Then, to make her dreaded more of men,
of > by
7 And people's hearts with awful terror tie,
tie > [to] bind, [to] confine
8 A monstrous beast, bred in filthy fen, 9 He chose, which he had kept long time in darksome den.
107.17
Such one it was, as that renowmed Snake
2 Which great Alcides in Stremona slew,
Long fostred in the filth of Lerna lake,
4 Whose many heads out budding euer new,
Did breed him endlesse labour to subdew:
6 But this same Monster much more vgly was;
For seuen great heads out of his body grew,
8 An yron brest, and backe of scaly bras,
And all embrewd in bloud, his eyes did shine as glas.
1 Such one it was, as that renowned snake
snake > (The Hydra, which grew two heads for each one cut off: it lived in the swamps of Lerna Lake in Argos and was killed by Hercules as his second labour; see Met. 9.68-74)
2 Which great Alcides in Stremona slew,
Alcides > (Another name for Hercules, grandson of Alceus)
Stremona > (Perhaps another name for Thrace, of which the River
Strymon forms one boundary. Thrace was noted for its seditions
(Upton); though Lerna was not in Thrace)
3 Long fostered in the filth of Lerna lake, 4 Whose many heads, out-budding ever new, 5 Did breed him endless labour to subdue:
breed > engender
6 But this same monster much more ugly was; 7 For seven great heads out of his body grew,
seven great heads > (Referring to Rev. 13.1, and perhaps also to the seven hills of Rome)
8 An iron breast, and back of scaly brass, 9 And, all imbrued in blood, his eyes did shine as glass.
imbrued > stained, soaked
107.18
His tayle was stretched out in wondrous length,
2 That to the house of heauenly gods it raught,
And with extorted powre, and borrow'd strength,
4 The euer-burning lamps from thence it +brought+,
And prowdly threw to ground, as things of +nought+;
6 And vnderneath his filthy feet did tread
The sacred things, and holy heasts foretaught.
8 Vpon this dreadfull Beast with seuenfold head
He set the false Duessa, for more aw and dread.
4 brought > braught 1590 5 nought > naught 1590
1 His tail was stretched out in wondrous length, 2 That to the house of heavenly gods it raught,
That > [So that] raught > reached
3 And with extorted power, and borrowed strength,
extorted > usurped (i.e. by the Roman Catholic church)
4 The ever-burning lamps from thence it brought,
lamps > [stars; see Dan. 8.10-13, 7.23]
5 And proudly threw to ground, as things of naught; 6 And underneath his filthy feet did tread 7 The sacred things, and holy hests foretaught.
hests > commands, injunctions, behests foretaught > taught of old
8 Upon this dreadful beast with sevenfold head 9 He set the false Duessa, for more awe and dread.
107.19
The wofull Dwarfe, which saw his maisters fall,
2 Whiles he had keeping of his grasing steed,
And valiant knight become a caytiue thrall,
4 When all was past, tooke vp his forlorne weed,
His mightie armour, missing most at need;
6 His siluer shield, now idle maisterlesse;
His poynant speare, that many made to bleed,
8 The rueful moniments of heauinesse,
And with them all departes, to tell his great distresse.
1 The woeful dwarf, who saw his master's fall 2 While he had keeping of his grazing steed, 3 And valiant knight become a caitiff thrall,
And > [And saw a] caitiff thrall > wretched slave
4 When all was past, took up his forlorn weed,
weed > attire
5 His mighty armour, missing most at need;
most > [when most]
6 His silver shield, now idle, masterless; 7 His poignant spear, that many made to bleed,
poignant > sharp-pointed, piercing
8 The rueful monuments of heaviness,
heaviness > grief, sadness
9 And with them all departs, to tell his great distress.
tell > recount
107.20
He had not trauaild long, when on the way
2 He wofull Ladie, wofull Vna met,
Fast flying from +the+ Paynims greedy pray,
4 Whilest Satyrane him from pursuit did let:
Who when her eyes she on the Dwarfe had set,
6 And saw the signes, that deadly tydings spake,
She fell to ground for sorrowfull regret,
8 And liuely breath her sad brest did forsake,
Yet might her pitteous hart be seene to pant and quake.
3 the > that 1590
1 He had not travelled long, when on the way 2 He woeful lady, woeful Una, met,
He > [He the]
3 Fast flying from the paynim's greedy prey,
flying > fleeing paynim > pagan, heathen [Sansloy] greedy prey > eager clutches ("prey" = the action of preying, seizing, or taking by force)
4 Whilst Satyrane him from pursuit did let:
let > hinder
5 Who, when her eyes she on the dwarf had set, 6 And saw the signs that deadly tidings spoke, 7 Fell to ground for sorrowful regret;
regret > {Distress caused by an external event: an obsolete usage}
8 And lively breath her sad breast did forsake,
lively > living, vital
9 Yet might her piteous heart be seen to pant and quake.
might > could piteous > {Pious, godly; compassionate; worthy of or exciting pity}
107.21
The messenger of so vnhappie newes,
2 Would faine haue dyde: dead was his hart within,
Yet outwardly some little comfort shewes:
4 At last recouering hart, he does begin
To rub her temples, and to chaufe her chin,
6 And euery tender part does tosse and turne:
So hardly he the flitted life does win,
8 Vnto her natiue prison to retourne:
Then gins her grieued ghost thus to lament and mourne.
1 The messenger of so unhappy news
so > such
2 Would fain have died: dead was his heart within,
fain > gladly, willingly
3 Yet outwardly some little comfort shows: 4 At last, recovering heart, he does begin 5 To rub her temples, and to chafe her chin,
chafe > {Rub in order to restore circulation and sensation} chin > cheek, lower jaw (from Old Norse kinn)
6 And every tender part does toss and turn: 7 So hardly he the flitted life does win
hardly > with difficulty win > persuade
8 To her native prison to return:
native prison > natural prison [of her soul]; hence: heart, body
9 Then begins her grieved ghost thus to lament and mourn:
ghost > spirit
107.22
Ye dreary instruments of dolefull sight,
2 That doe this deadly spectacle behold,
Why do ye lenger feed on loathed light,
4 Or liking find to gaze on earthly mould,
Sith cruell fates the carefull threeds vnfould,
6 The which my life and loue together tyde?
Now let the stony dart of senselesse cold
8 Perce to my hart, and pas through euery side,
And let eternall night so sad sight fro me hide.
1 "You dreary instruments of doleful sight, 2 That do this deadly spectacle behold, 3 Why do you longer feed on loathed light,
longer > still
4 Or liking find to gaze on earthly mould,
liking > pleasure mould > form, forms
5 Sith cruel Fates the careful threads unfold,
Sith > Since [the] Fates > (The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who spin the thread of human destiny, cutting it with shears whenever they choose; see 402.48) careful > {Full of cares}
6 Which my life and love together tied? 7 Now let the stony dart of senseless cold 8 Pierce to my heart, and pass through every side, 9 And let eternal night so sad sight from me hide.
so > such a
107.23
O lightsome day, the lampe of highest Ioue,
2 First made by him, mens wandring wayes to guyde,
When darknesse he in deepest dongeon droue,
4 Henceforth thy hated face for euer hyde,
And shut vp heauens windowes shyning wyde:
6 For earthly sight can nought but sorrow breed,
And late repentance, which shall long abyde.
8 Mine eyes no more on vanitie shall feed,
But seeled vp with death, shall haue their deadly meed.
1 "O lightsome day, the lamp of highest Jove, 2 First made by him, men's wandering ways to guide, 3 When darkness he in deepest dungeon drove, 4 Henceforth your hated face for ever hide, 5 And shut up heaven's windows, shining wide: 6 For earthly sight can naught but sorrow breed, 7 And late repentance, which shall long abide. 8 My eyes no more on vanity shall feed, 9 But, sealed up with death, shall have their deadly meed."
deadly > [of death] meed > reward
107.24
Then downe againe she fell vnto the ground;
2 But he her quickly reared vp againe:
Thrise did she sinke adowne in deadly swownd,
4 And thrise he her reviu'd with busie paine:
At last when life recouer'd had the raine,
6 And ouer-wrestled his strong enemie,
With foltring tong, and trembling euery vaine,
8 Tell on (quoth she) the wofull Tragedie,
The which these reliques sad present vnto mine eie.
1 Then down again she fell to the ground; 2 But he her quickly reared up again: 3 Thrice did she sink adown in deadly swoon,
adown > down
4 And thrice he her revived with busy pain:
busy > careful; solicitous pain > effort, labour
5 At last, when life recovered had the reign,
reign > reign; or, perhaps: rein (cf. 304.35:5)
6 And over-wrestled his strong enemy, 7 With faltering tongue, and trembling every vein, 8 "Tell on," quoth she, "the woeful tragedy, 9 Which these relics sad present to my eye.
these relics > [the arms and armour of the Redcross Knight]
107.25
Tempestuous fortune hath spent all her spight,
2 And thrilling sorrow throwne his vtmost dart;
Thy sad tongue cannot tell more heauy plight,
4 Then that I feele, and harbour in mine hart:
Who hath endur'd the whole, can beare each part.
6 If death it be, it is not the first wound,
That launched hath my brest with bleeding smart.
8 Begin, and end the bitter balefull stound;
If lesse, then that I +feare+ more fauour I haue found.
9 feare > feare, 1590, 1609
1 "Tempestuous Fortune has spent all her spite, 2 And thrilling Sorrow thrown his utmost dart;
thrilling > piercing
3 Your sad tongue cannot tell more heavy plight, 4 Than that I feel, and harbour in my heart:
that > [that which]
5 Who has endured the whole, can bear each part. 6 If death it be, it is not the first wound, 7 That lanced has my breast with bleeding smart.
smart > pain, acute pain; grief, sorrow
8 Begin, and end the bitter baleful stound;
stound > {Time of trial or pain (chiefly in northern dialect)}
9 If less than that I fear, more favour I have found."
that > [that which]
107.26
Then gan the Dwarfe the whole discourse declare,
2 The subtill traines of Archimago old;
The wanton loues of false Fidessa faire,
4 Bought with the bloud of vanquisht Paynim bold:
The wretched payre transform'd to treen mould;
6 The house of Pride, and perils round about;
The combat, which he with Sansioy did hould;
8 The lucklesse conflict with the Gyant stout,
Wherein captiu'd, of life or death he stood in doubt.
1 Then gan the dwarf the whole discourse declare:
gan > did
2 The subtle trains of Archimago old;
trains > wiles, deceits, snares
3 The wanton loves of false Fidessa fair, 4 Bought with the blood of vanquished paynim bold;
paynim > pagan, heathen [Sansfoy]
5 The wretched pair transformed to treen mould;
treen mould > [the shape or form of trees]
6 The House of Pride, and perils round about; 7 The combat which he with Sansjoy did hold; 8 The luckless conflict with the giant stout,
stout > proud, haughty, arrogant; powerful
9 Wherein captived, of life or death he stood in doubt.
captived > taken captive doubt > doubt; fear
107.27
She heard with patience all vnto the end,
2 And stroue to maister sorrowfull assay,
Which greater grew, the more she did contend,
4 And almost rent her tender hart in tway;
And loue fresh coles vnto her fire did lay:
6 For greater loue, the greater is the losse.
Was neuer Ladie loued dearer day,
8 Then she did loue the knight of the Redcrosse;
For whose deare sake so many troubles her did tosse.
1 She heard with patience all to the end, 2 And strove to master sorrowful assay,
assay > trial by affliction
3 Which greater grew, the more she did contend, 4 And almost rent her tender heart in twain;
rent > tore twain > two
5 And love fresh coals unto her fire did lay:
unto > [upon]
6 For greater love, the greater is the loss.
greater > [the greater the]
7 Was never lady loved dearer day,
loved dearer day > [who loved life more dearly]
8 Than she did love the Knight of the Redcross; 9 For whose dear sake so many troubles her did toss.
107.28
At last when feruent sorrow slaked was,
2 She vp arose, resoluing him to find
A liue or dead: and forward forth doth pas,
4 All as the Dwarfe the way to her assynd:
And euermore in constant carefull mind
6 She fed her wound with fresh renewed bale;
Long tost with stormes, and bet with bitter wind,
8 High ouer hils, and low adowne the dale,
She wandred many a wood, and measurd many a vale.
1 At last, when fervent sorrow slaked was, 2 She up arose, resolving him to find 3 Alive or dead: and forward forth does pass, 4 All as the dwarf the way to her assigned:
assigned > pointed out
5 And evermore, in constant careful mind,
careful > {Sorrowful, full of cares}
6 She fed her wound with fresh renewed bale;
bale > torment, woe
7 Long tossed with storms, and beaten with bitter wind, 8 High over hills, and low adown the dale,
adown > down
9 She wandered many a wood, and measured many a vale.
measured > traversed
107.29
At last she chaunced by good hap to meet
2 A goodly knight, faire marching by the way
Together with his Squire, arayed meet:
4 His glitterand armour shined farre away,
Like glauncing light of Ph{oe}bus brightest ray;
6 From top to toe no place appeared bare,
That deadly dint of steele endanger may:
8 Athwart his brest a bauldrick braue he ware,
That shynd, like twinkling stars, with stons most pretious rare.
1 At last she chanced by good hap to meet
hap > fortune
2 A goodly knight, fair marching by the way
goodly > {Well-favoured, of good appearance}
3 Together with his squire, arrayed meet:
squire > attendant meet > suitably
4 His glittering armour shone far away, 5 Like glancing light of Phoebus' brightest ray; 6 From top to toe no place appeared bare, 7 That deadly dint of steel endanger may:
dint > blow, stroke
8 Athwart his breast a baldric brave he wore,
baldric > {Belt worn pendent from the shoulder, often to support a sword} brave > splendid
9 That shone, like twinkling stars, with stones most precious rare.
precious > [precious and]
107.30
And in the midst thereof one pretious stone
2 Of wondrous worth, and eke of wondrous mights,
Shapt like a Ladies head, exceeding shone,
4 Like Hesperus emongst the lesser lights,
And stroue for to amaze the weaker sights;
6 Thereby his mortall blade full comely hong
In yuory sheath, ycaru'd with curious slights;
8 Whose hilts were burnisht gold, and handle strong
Of mother pearle, and buckled with a golden tong.
1 And in the midst thereof one precious stone 2 Of wondrous worth, and eke of wondrous mights,
eke > also mights > virtue, efficacy, powers
3 Shaped like a lady's head, exceeding shone,
lady > (Presumably the Faery Queen. In the chronicle of Geoffrey of Monmouth (Historia Regum Britanniae 9.4), Arthur's shield bore an image of the Virgin Mary)
4 Like Hesperus amongst the lesser lights,
Hesperus > (The "Evening Star", i.e. the planet Venus)
5 And strove to amaze the weaker sights;
amaze > overwhelm
6 Thereby his mortal blade full comely hung
mortal > lethal full > very, exceedingly
7 In ivory sheath, carved with curious sleights;
sleights > designs, patterns (SUS)
8 Whose hilts were burnished gold, and handle strong
hilts were > [hilt was: the plural form, which is obsolete, is apparently used here catachr. to denote the guard, "that part of the hilt which protects the hand" (OED)]
9 Of mother pearl, and buckled with a golden tongue.
mother pearl > mother-of-pearl tongue > pin (of buckle)
107.31
His haughtie helmet, horrid all with gold,
2 Both glorious brightnesse, and great terrour bred;
For all the crest a Dragon did enfold
4 With greedie pawes, and ouer all did spred
His golden wings: his dreadfull hideous hed
6 Close couched on the beuer, seem'd to throw
From flaming mouth bright sparkles fierie red,
8 That suddeine horrour to faint harts did show;
And scaly tayle was stretcht adowne his backe full low.
1 His haughty helmet, horrid all with gold,
haughty > high, imposing horrid > bristling, rough
2 Both glorious brightness, and great terror bred;
bred > engendered
3 For all the crest a dragon did enfold
dragon > (Geoffrey of Monmouth (HRB 9.4) says a dragon was engraved on Arthur's helmet; Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon, also wore such a device, and from it derived his name: the Brythonic "pen" = "head")
4 With greedy paws, and over all did spread
greedy > eager; greedy
5 His golden wings: his dreadful hideous head, 6 Close couched on the beaver, seemed to throw
couched > {Lying down, with head raised: a term in heraldry} beaver > visor (strictly, the lower part of face-guard of helmet)
7 From flaming mouth bright sparkles fiery red, 8 That sudden horror to faint hearts did show; 9 And scaly tail was stretched down his back full low.
full > exceedingly, very
107.32
Vpon the top of all his loftie crest,
2 A bunch of haires discolourd diuersly,
With sprincled pearle, and gold fully richly drest,
4 Did shake, and seem'd to daunce for iollity,
Like to an Almond tree ymounted hye
6 On top of greene +Selinis+ all alone,
With blossomes braue bedecked daintily;
8 +Whose+ tender locks do tremble euery one
At euery little breath, that vnder heauen is blowne.
6 Selinis > Selinis 1590, 1609 8 Whose > Her 1590
1 Upon the top of all his lofty crest
crest > {Apex of the helmet}
2 A bunch of hairs discoloured diversely
hairs > plumes, perhaps horsehair plumes discoloured diversely > [rendered (dyed) in various colours]
3 (With sprinkled pearl and gold fully richly dressed), 4 Did shake, and seemed to dance for jollity,
jollity > magnificence
5 Like an almond tree mounted high 6 On top of green Selinus all alone,
Selinus > (A city built on a hill in south-western Sicily. Taken by the Carthaginians in 409, when the greater portion was destroyed, it is now called Selinoto, the "town of palms". Virgil (Aen. 3.705) mentions "Selinus of the Palms". It was a Roman custom to give the victorious gladiator a branch of the palm-tree)
7 With blossoms brave bedecked daintily;
brave > splendid
8 Whose tender locks do tremble every one 9 At every little breath that under heaven is blown.
107.33
His warlike shield all closely couer'd was,
2 Ne might of mortall eye be euer seene;
Not made of steele, nor of enduring bras,
4 Such earthly mettals soone consumed bene:
But all of Diamond perfect pure and cleene
6 It framed was, one massie entire mould,
Hewen out of Adamant rocke with engines keene,
8 That point of speare it neuer percen could,
Ne dint of direfull sword diuide the substance would.
1 His warlike shield all closely covered was, 2 Nor might of mortal eye be ever seen;
Nor might of mortal eye be ever seen > [No mortal eye might ever look upon it]
3 Not made of steel, nor of enduring brass 4 (Such earthly metals soon consumed been):
been > [would have been]
5 But all of diamond perfect pure and clean
clean > unpatterned, unadorned
6 It framed was, one massy entire mould,
framed > fashioned, made massy > solid, weighty entire > [in one piece] mould > shape
7 Hewn out of adamant rock with engines keen,
adamant rock > diamond engines > tools, machines keen > sharp
8 That point of spear it never pierce could,
That > [So that]
9 Nor dint of direful sword divide the substance would.
dint > blow, impact direful > dreadful, terrible
107.34
The same to wight he neuer wont disclose,
2 But when as monsters huge he would dismay,
Or daunt vnequall armies of his foes,
4 Or when the flying heauens he would affray;
For so exceeding shone his glistring ray,
6 That Ph{oe}bus golden face it did attaint,
As when a cloud his beames doth ouer-lay;
8 And siluer Cynthia wexed pale and faint,
As when her face is staynd with magicke arts constraint.
1 The same to wight he never wont disclose,
wight > being, person; hence: anyone wont disclose > was accustomed to reveal
2 But when monsters huge he would dismay,
But > Except dismay > dismay; defeat, overcome
3 Or daunt unequal armies of his foes, 4 Or when the flying heavens he would affray;
affray > terrify (cf. the similar passage describing the powers of Merlin himself at 303.12)
5 For so exceeding shone his glistering ray, 6 That Phoebus' golden face it did attaint,
attaint > dishonour; sully; hence: obscure
7 As when a cloud his beams does overlay; 8 And silver Cynthia waxed pale and faint,
waxed > grew, became
9 As when her face is stained with magic arts' constraint.
constraint > affliction, oppression (cf. 706.16, Met. 7.207-8, PL 2.665)
107.35
No magicke arts hereof had any might,
2 Nor bloudie wordes of bold Enchaunters call,
But all that was not such, as seemd in sight,
4 Before that shield did fade, and suddeine fall:
And when him list the raskall routes appall,
6 Men into stones therewith he could transmew,
And stones to dust, and dust to nought at all;
8 And when him list the prouder lookes subdew,
He would them gazing blind, or turne to other hew.
1 No magic arts hereof had any might,
hereof > [respecting the shield]
2 Nor bloody words of bold enchanter's call; 3 But all that was not such as seemed in sight 4 Before that shield did fade, and sudden fall: 5 And when him list the rascal routs appal,
list > chose, decided, pleased (to …) rascal routs > rabble
6 Men into stones therewith he could transmute,
therewith > with that
7 And stones to dust, and dust to naught at all; 8 And, when him list the prouder looks subdue,
prouder looks > [looks of the too-proud]
9 He would them gazing blind, or turn to other hue.
hue > appearance, form
107.36
Ne let it seeme, that credence this exceedes,
2 For he that made the same, was knowne right well
To haue done much more admirable deedes.
4 It Merlin was, which whylome did excell
All liuing wightes in might of magicke spell:
6 Both shield, and sword, and armour all he wrought
For this young Prince, when first to armes he fell;
8 But when he dyde, the Faerie Queene it brought
To Faerie lond, where yet it may be seene, if sought.
1 Nor let it seem that credence this exceeds, 2 For he that made the same was known right well
right > very
3 To have done much more admirable deeds.
admirable > wonderful
4 It Merlin was, who whilom did excel
Merlin > (The great soothsayer and magician of the Arthurian cycle) whilom > of old
5 All living wights in might of magic spell:
wights > men, people
6 Both shield and sword, and armour all he wrought 7 For this young prince, when first to arms he fell;
fell > came [came to arms as a duty or as his destiny]
8 But, when he died, the Faery Queen it brought
it > [Arthur's arms and armour; (metaphorically) his virtue]
9 To Faery Land, where yet it may be seen, if sought.
107.37
A gentle youth, his dearely loued Squire
2 His speare of heben wood behind him bare,
Whose harmefull head, thrice heated in the fire,
4 Had riuen many a brest with pikehead square;
A goodly person, and could menage +faire,+
6 His stubborne steed with curbed canon bit,
Who vnder him did +trample+ as the aire,
8 And chauft, that any on his backe should sit;
The yron rowels into frothy fome he bit.
5 faire, > faire 1609 7 trample > amble 1590
1 A gentle youth, his dearly loved squire,
gentle > noble squire > attendant (this is Timias: he is not named till 301.18:9)
2 His spear of ebon wood behind him bore,
ebon > {Ebony, made of ebony, a tree of the family Ebenaceae, esp. Diospyros ebenus, producing hard black wood}
3 Whose harmful head, thrice heated in the fire, 4 Had rived many a breast with pikehead square;
rived > split pikehead > [the point of the spear] square > [Perhaps meaning square in cross-section; also: direct, straight, just, honourable; and adv. senses]
5 A goodly person, and could manege fair
goodly > {Well-favoured, of good appearance} manege > manage, control (a term in horsemanship)
6 His stubborn steed with curbed canon bit,
curbed > {Having a chain or strap passing under the lower jaw, fastened to the upper ends of the branches of the bit: used for controlling an unruly horse} canon bit > {A mild, uncruel bit}
7 Who under him did trample as the air, 8 And chafed that any on his back should sit; 9 The iron rowels into frothy foam he bit.
rowels > {Knobs on the bit}
107.38
When as this knight nigh to the Ladie drew,
2 With louely court he gan her entertaine;
But when he heard her answeres loth, he knew
4 Some secret sorrow did her heart distraine:
Which to allay, and calme her storming paine,
6 Faire feeling words he wisely gan display,
And for her humour fitting purpose faine,
8 To tempt the cause it selfe for to bewray;
Wherewith +emmou'd+, these bleeding words she gan to say.
9 emmou'd > enmoud 1590
1 When this knight nigh to the lady drew, 2 With lovely court he gan her entertain;
lovely > affectionate, well intentioned gan > did; began to entertain > encounter; receive as a guest, hence: greet
3 But, when he heard her answers loath, he knew 4 Some secret sorrow did her heart distrain:
distrain > afflict, rend
5 Which to allay, and calm her storming pain, 6 Fair feeling words he wisely gan display,
gan > did display > expound
7 And for her humour fitting purpose feign,
humour > frame of mind purpose > conversation, discourse
8 To tempt the cause itself to bewray;
bewray > betray, reveal
9 Wherewith enmoved, these bleeding words she began to say:
Wherewith enmoved > Moved with which
107.39
What worlds delight, or ioy of liuing speach
2 Can heart, so plung'd in sea of sorrowes deepe,
And heaped with so huge misfortunes, reach?
4 The carefull cold beginneth for to creepe,
And in my heart his yron arrow steepe,
6 Soone as I thinke vpon my bitter bale:
Such helplesse harmes yts better hidden keepe,
8 Then rip vp griefe, where it may not auaile,
My last left comfort is, my woes to weepe and waile.
1 "What world's delight, or joy of living speech, 2 Can heart, so plunged in sea of sorrows deep, 3 And heaped with so huge misfortunes, reach?
so > such
4 The careful cold begins to creep,
careful > sorrowful
5 And in my heart his iron arrow steep, 6 Soon as I think upon my bitter bale:
bale > woe
7 Such helpless harms it's better hidden keep,
helpless > {Beyond remedy} hidden keep > [to keep hidden]
8 Than rip up grief, where it may not avail, 9 My last left comfort is my woes to weep and wail."
left > remaining weep and wail > {Trans.: weep over and bewail}
107.40
Ah Ladie deare, quoth then the gentle knight,
2 Well may I weene, your griefe is wondrous great;
For wondrous great griefe groneth in my spright,
4 Whiles thus I heare you of your sorrowes treat.
But wofull Ladie let me you intrete,
6 For to vnfold the anguish of your hart:
Mishaps are maistred by aduice discrete,
8 And counsell mittigates the greatest smart;
Found neuer helpe, who neuer would his hurts impart.
1 "Ah lady dear," quoth then the gentle knight,
gentle > noble
2 "Well may I ween, your grief is wondrous great;
ween > imagine
3 For wondrous great grief groans in my spirit, 4 While thus I hear you of your sorrows treat.
treat > discourse
5 But, woeful lady, let me you entreat 6 To unfold the anguish of your heart: 7 Mishaps are mastered by advice discreet,
discreet > judicious
8 And counsel mitigates the greatest smart;
smart > anguish; pain
9 Found never help, who never would his hurts impart."
107.41
O but (quoth she) great griefe will not be tould,
2 And can more easily be thought, then said.
Right so; (quoth he) but he, that neuer would,
4 Could neuer: will to might giues greatest aid.
But griefe (quoth she) does greater grow displaid,
6 If then it find not helpe, and breedes despaire.
Despaire breedes not (quoth he) where faith is staid.
8 No faith so fast (quoth she) but flesh does paire.
Flesh may empaire (quoth he) but reason can repaire.
1 "O but," quoth she, "great grief will not be told, 2 And can more easily be thought than said." 3 "Right so," quoth he, "but he that never would 4 Could never: will to might gives greatest aid." 5 "But grief," quoth she, "does greater grow displayed,
displayed > [when] exhibited, made known (literally: unfolded)
6 If then it finds not help, and breeds despair." 7 "Despair breeds not," quoth he, "where faith is staid."
staid > constant
8 "No faith so fast," quoth she, "but flesh does impair."
fast > firm, steadfast impair > weaken
9 "Flesh may impair," quoth he, "but reason can repair."
107.42
His goodly reason, and well guided speach
2 So deepe did settle in her gratious thought,
That her perswaded to disclose the breach,
4 Which loue and fortune in her heart had wrought,
And said; +faire+ Sir, I hope good hap hath brought
6 You to inquire the secrets of my griefe,
Or that your wisedome will direct my thought,
8 Or that your prowesse can me yield reliefe:
Then heare the storie sad, which I shall tell you briefe.
5 faire > Faire 1609
1 His goodly reason, and well guided speech, 2 So deep did settle in her gracious thought, 3 That her persuaded to disclose the breach
her > [they her]
4 Which love and fortune in her heart had wrought, 5 And said: "Fair sir, I hope good hap has brought
hap > fortune
6 You to inquire the secrets of my grief, 7 Or that your wisdom will direct my thought,
Or > Either
8 Or that your prowess can me yield relief:
prowess > valour
9 Then hear the story sad, which I shall tell you brief.
107.43
The forlorne Maiden, whom your eyes haue seene
2 The laughing stocke of fortunes mockeries,
Am th'only daughter of a King and Queene,
4 Whose parents deare, whilest equall destinies
Did runne about, and their felicities
6 The fauourable heauens did not enuy,
Did spread their rule through all the territories,
8 Which Phison and Euphrates floweth by,
And +Gehons+ golden waues doe wash continually.
9 Gehons > Gebons 1596, 1609
1 "The forlorn maiden, whom your eyes have seen 2 The laughing-stock of fortune's mockeries, 3 Am the only daughter of a king and queen,
king and queen > [Adam and Eve; see 112.26]
4 Whose parents dear (whilst equal destinies
equal > impartial
5 Did run about, and their felicities
run about > revolve; run their course
6 The favourable heavens did not envy),
envy > begrudge
7 Did spread their rule through all the territories
the territories > [the Garden of Eden, Paradise; or: the entire known world]
8 Which Pishon and Euphrates flow by,
Pishon > (The first of the four rivers flowing out of Eden (Gen.
2.11))
Euphrates > (The fourth of the four rivers flowing out of Eden
(Gen. 2.14))
9 And Gihon's golden waves do wash continually,
Gihon > (The second of the four rivers flowing out of Eden (Gen. 2.13))
107.44
Till that their cruell cursed enemy,
2 An huge great Dragon horrible in sight,
Bred in the loathly lakes of Tartary,
4 With murdrous rauine, and deuouring might
Their kingdome spoild, and countrey wasted quight:
6 Themselues, for feare into his iawes to fall,
He forst to castle strong to take their flight,
8 Where fast embard in mightie brasen wall,
He has them now foure yeres besiegd to make them thrall.
1 "Till their cruel cursed enemy 2 (A huge great dragon, horrible in sight,
dragon > [Satan]
3 Bred in the loathly lakes of Tartarus)
Tartarus > (The underworld of Roman mythology; hell)
4 With murderous ravin, and devouring might,
ravin > rapine, pillage
5 Their kingdom spoiled, and country wasted quite: 6 Themselves, for fear into his jaws to fall,
for fear into his jaws to fall > [for fear of falling into his jaws]
7 He forced to castle strong to take their flight, 8 Where, fast embarred in mighty brazen wall,
fast > firmly
9 He has them now four years besieged to make them thrall.
four years > (Rev. 12.6 states that the nourishment in heaven of "the woman clothed with the sun" lasted 1,260 days; at 12.14, having been cast down again, she flees from Satan to the wilderness and spends there "a time, and times, and half a time", possibly a reference to three and a half years; Hamilton (1980) suggests that "four years" might also represent 4,000 years, the period, in round terms, which, according to the Geneva Bible, elapsed between the Creation and the birth of Christ) thrall > captive, enslaved
107.45
Full many knights aduenturous and stout
2 Haue enterprizd that Monster to subdew;
From euery coast that heauen walks about,
4 Haue thither come the noble Martiall crew,
That famous hard atchieuements still pursew,
6 Yet neuer any could that girlond win,
But all still shronke, and still he greater grew:
8 All they for want of faith, or guilt of sin,
The pitteous pray of his fierce crueltie haue bin.
1 "Full many knights, adventurous and stout,
Full > Very, exceedingly stout > valiant, fierce
2 Have enterprised that monster to subdue;
enterprised > undertaken
3 From every coast that heaven walks about,
coast > region walks about > walks around, revolves about
4 Have thither come the noble martial crew, 5 That famous hard achievements still pursue, 6 Yet never any could that garland win, 7 But all still shrank, and still he greater grew:
shrank > [shrank back]
8 All they, for want of faith, or guilt of sin, 9 The piteous prey of his fierce cruelty have been.
107.46
At last yledd with farre reported praise,
2 Which flying fame throughout the world had spred,
Of doughtie knights, whom Faery land did raise,
4 That noble order hight of Maidenhed,
Forthwith to court of Gloriane I sped,
6 Of Gloriane great Queene of glory bright,
Whose kingdomes seat Cleopolis is red,
8 There to obtaine some such redoubted knight,
That Parents deare from tyrants powre deliuer might.
1 "At last, led with far reported praise, 2 Which flying fame throughout the world had spread, 3 Of doughty knights, whom Faery Land did raise 4 (That noble order, hight of Maidenhead),
hight > called, named Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order. Its emblems include the Red Cross and St George slaying the dragon)
5 Forthwith to court of Gloriana I sped, 6 Of Gloriana, great queen of glory bright,
bright > bright; beautiful (referring both to the queen and her glory)
7 Whose kingdom's seat Cleopolis is read,
seat > throne Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; allegorically: London) read > named
8 There to obtain some such redoubted knight,
redoubted > doughty, valiant, redoubtable
9 That parents dear from tyrant's power deliver might.
107.47
It was my chance (my chance was faire and good)
2 There for to find a fresh vnproued knight,
Whose manly hands imbrew'd in guiltie blood
4 Had neuer bene, ne euer by his might
Had throwne to ground the vnregarded right:
6 Yet of his prowesse proofe he since hath made
(I witnesse am) in many a cruell fight;
8 The groning ghosts of many one dismaide
Haue felt the bitter dint of his auenging blade.
1 "It was my chance (my chance was fair and good)
chance > lot, luck
2 There to find a fresh unproved knight,
unproved > [in battle]
3 Whose manly hands imbrued in guilty blood
imbrued > stained, steeped
4 Had never been, nor ever by his might 5 Had thrown to ground the unregarded right: 6 Yet of his prowess proof he since has made
prowess > valour
7 (I witness am) in many a cruel fight; 8 The groaning ghosts of many one dismayed
ghosts > souls, spirits one > [a one] dismayed > defeated; dismayed
9 Have felt the bitter dint of his avenging blade.
bitter > cruel, severe dint > impact, stroke
107.48
And ye the forlorne reliques of his powre,
2 His byting sword, and his deuouring speare,
Which haue endured many a dreadfull stowre,
4 Can speake his prowesse, that did earst you beare,
And well could rule: now he hath left you heare,
6 To be the record of his ruefull losse,
And of my dolefull disauenturous deare:
8 O heauie record of the good Redcrosse,
Where haue +you+ left your Lord, that could so well you tosse?
9 you > yee 1590
1 "And you, the forlorn relics of his power, 2 His biting sword, and his devouring spear, 3 Which have endured many a dreadful stour,
stour > conflict
4 Can speak his prowess, that did erst you bear,
speak > [speak of] prowess > valour erst > once, formerly; not long ago
5 And well could rule: now he has left you here, 6 To be the record of his rueful loss, 7 And of my doleful disadventurous dear:
disadventurous > unfortunate dear > beloved (some editors gloss this as "loss, injury")
8 O heavy record of the good Redcross, 9 Where have you left your lord, that could so well you toss?
107.49
Well hoped I, and faire beginnings had,
2 That he my captiue +langour+ should redeeme,
Till all vnweeting, an Enchaunter bad
4 His sence abusd, and made him to misdeeme
My loyalty, not such as it did seeme;
6 That rather death desire, then such despight.
Be iudge ye heauens, that all things right esteeme,
8 How I him lou'd, and loue with all my might,
So thought I eke of him, and thinke I thought aright.
2 langour > languor 1590
1 "Well hoped I, and fair beginnings had, 2 That he my captive languor should redeem,
captive languor > wretched plight; or: languishment in captivity
3 Till, all unweeting, an enchanter bad
unweeting > ignorant, not knowing; hence: unsuspecting
4 His sense abused, and made him to misdeem
abused > deceived misdeem > misjudge
5 My loyalty, not such as it did seem; 6 That rather death desire, than such despite.
That > [I would] despite > {The affliction of contemptuously being thought disloyal}
7 Be judge, you heavens, that all things right esteem, 8 How I him loved, and love with all my might, 9 So thought I eke of him, and think I thought aright.
eke > also
107.50
Thenceforth me desolate he quite forsooke,
2 To wander, where wilde fortune would me lead,
And other bywaies he himselfe betooke,
4 Where neuer foot of liuing wight did tread,
That brought not backe the balefull body dead;
6 In which him chaunced false Duessa meete,
Mine onely foe, mine onely deadly dread,
8 Who with her witchcraft and misseeming sweete,
Inueigled him to follow her desires vnmeete.
1 "Thenceforth me desolate he quite forsook, 2 To wander where wild fortune would me lead, 3 And other byways he himself betook,
betook > took; or: committed [himself to]
4 Where never foot of living wight did tread,
wight > person
5 That brought not back the baleful body dead;
baleful > deadly, miserable
6 In which him chanced false Duessa meet,
meet > [to meet]
7 My only foe, my only deadly dread, 8 Who, with her witchcraft and misseeming sweet,
misseeming sweet > sweet [but] deceptive appearance; or: deceiving sweetness
9 Inveigled him to follow her desires unmeet.
unmeet > improper
107.51
At last by subtill sleights she him betraid
2 Vnto his foe, a Gyant huge and tall,
Who him disarmed, dissolute, dismaid,
4 Vnwares surprised, and with mightie mall
The monster mercilesse him made to fall,
6 Whose fall did neuer foe before behold;
And now in darkesome dungeon, wretched thrall,
8 Remedilesse, for aie he doth him hold;
This is my cause of griefe, more great, then may be told.
1 "At last, by subtle sleights she him betrayed 2 To his foe, a giant huge and tall, 3 Who him (disarmed, dissolute, dismayed)
dissolute > enfeebled, debauched; off guard
4 Unwares surprised, and with mighty maul
Unwares > Unexpectedly, suddenly maul > club
5 The monster merciless him made to fall, 6 Whose fall did never foe before behold; 7 And now in darksome dungeon, wretched thrall,
thrall > captive
8 Remediless for ay he does him hold;
Remediless > Without hope of rescue ay > ever, always
9 This is my cause of grief, more great than may be told."
107.52
Ere she had ended all, she gan to faint:
2 But he her comforted and faire bespake,
Certes, Madame, ye haue great cause of plaint,
4 +That+ stoutest heart, I weene, could cause to quake.
But be of cheare, and comfort to you take:
6 For till I haue acquit your captiue knight,
Assure your selfe, I will you not forsake.
8 His chearefull words reuiu'd her chearelesse spright,
So forth they went, the Dwarfe them guiding euer right.
4 That > The conj. Morris
1 Ere she had ended all, she began to faint: 2 But he her comforted, and fair bespoke:
bespoke > addressed
3 "Certes, madam, you have great cause of plaint,
Certes > Assuredly plaint > lamentation; complaint
4 That stoutest heart, I ween, could cause to quake.
That > [The; That the; or, perhaps: That cause of plaint the] ween > think
5 But be of cheer, and comfort to you take: 6 For till I have acquitted your captive knight,
acquitted > delivered, freed
7 Assure yourself, I will you not forsake." 8 His cheerful words revived her cheerless spirit, 9 So forth they went, the dwarf them guiding ever right.
1 Faire virgin to redeeme her deare 2 brings Arthur to the fight: 3 Who slayes +the Gyant+, wounds the beast, 4 and strips Duessa quight.
3 the Gyant > that Gyaunt 1590 etc.: FE
Fair virgin, to redeem her dear,
2 brings Arthur to the fight:
Who slays the giant, wounds the beast,
4 and strips Duessa quite.
108.1
AY me, how many perils doe enfold
2 The righteous man, to make him daily fall?
Were not, that heauenly grace doth him vphold,
4 And stedfast truth acquite him out of all.
Her loue is firme, her care continuall,
6 So oft as he through his owne foolish pride,
Or weaknesse is to sinfull bands made thrall:
8 Else should this Redcrosse knight in bands haue dyde,
For whose deliuerance she this Prince doth thither guide.
1 Ay me, how many perils do enfold
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect)
2 The righteous man, to make him daily fall? 3 Were not that heavenly grace does him uphold,
not > [it not]
4 And steadfast Truth acquit him out of all.
acquit > deliver
5 Her love is firm, her care continual, 6 So oft as he, through his own foolish pride, 7 Or weakness, is to sinful bonds made thrall:
thrall > slave
8 Else should this Redcross Knight in bonds have died, 9 For whose deliverance she this prince does thither guide.
she > [Una]
108.2
They sadly traueild thus, vntill they came
2 Nigh to a castle builded strong and hie:
Then cryde the Dwarfe, lo yonder is the same,
4 In which my Lord my liege doth lucklesse lie,
Thrall to that Gyants hatefull tyrannie:
6 Therefore, deare Sir, your mightie powres assay.
The noble knight alighted by and by
8 From loftie steede, and bad the Ladie stay,
To see what end of fight should him befall that day.
1 They sadly travelled thus, until they came 2 Nigh to a castle built strong and high: 3 Then cried the dwarf, "Lo yonder is the same 4 In which my lord, my liege, does luckless lie,
liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}
5 Thrall to that giant's hateful tyranny:
Thrall > Slave
6 Therefore, dear sir, your mighty powers assay."
assay > put to the proof, test
7 The noble knight alighted by and by
by and by > straight away
8 From lofty steed, and bade the lady stay, 9 To see what end of fight should him befall that day.
108.3
So with +the+ Squire, th'admirer of his might,
2 He marched forth towards that castle wall;
Whose gates he found fast shut, ne liuing wight
4 To ward the same, nor answere commers call.
Then tooke that Squire an horne of bugle small,
6 Which hong adowne his side in twisted gold,
And tassels gay. Wyde wonders ouer all
8 Of that same hornes great vertues weren told,
Which had approued bene in vses manifold.
1 the > his 1590
1 So with the squire, the admirer of his might, 2 He marched forth towards that castle wall, 3 Whose gates he found fast shut, no living wight
fast > firmly wight > being
4 To ward the same, nor answer comer's call.
ward > guard
5 Then took that squire a horn of bugle small,
bugle > wild ox
6 Which hung adown his side in twisted gold
adown > down
7 And tassels gay. Wide wonders over all
over all > everywhere
8 Of that same horn's great virtues were told,
virtues > powers
9 Which had approved been in uses manifold.
approved > proved, demonstrated practically
108.4
Was neuer wight, that heard that shrilling sound,
2 But trembling feare did feele in euery vaine;
Three miles it might be easie heard around,
4 And Ecchoes three answerd it selfe againe:
No false enchauntment, nor deceiptfull traine
6 Might once abide the terror of that blast,
But presently was voide and wholly vaine:
8 No gate so strong, no locke so firme and fast,
But with that percing noise flew open quite, or brast.
1 Was never wight, that heard that shrilling sound,
wight > [a] creature, being, person
2 But trembling fear did feel in every vein: 3 Three miles it might be easily heard around, 4 And echoes three answered itself again: 5 No false enchantment nor deceitful train
train > trick
6 Might once abide the terror of that blast, 7 But presently was void and wholly vain:
presently > instantly vain > useless; weak
8 No gate so strong, no lock so firm and fast,
fast > firm
9 But with that piercing noise flew open quite, or burst.
108.5
The same before the Geants gate he blew,
2 That all the castle quaked from the ground,
And euery dore of freewill open flew.
4 The Gyant selfe dismaied with that sownd,
Where he with his Duessa dalliance fownd,
6 In hast came rushing forth from inner bowre,
With staring countenance sterne, as one astownd,
8 And staggering steps, to weet, what suddein +stowre,+
Had wrought that horror strange, and dar'd his dreaded powre.
8 stowre, > stowre 1609
1 The same before the giant's gate he blew, 2 That all the castle quaked from the ground,
That > [So that]
3 And every door of freewill open flew.
of > [of its own]
4 The giant himself, dismayed with that sound
dismayed > dismayed (but also with a pun on "dis-made", here implying "unjoined", "unlinked") with > by
5 Where he with his Duessa dalliance found, 6 In haste came rushing forth from inner bower,
bower > room, chamber
7 With staring countenance stern, as one astounded,
stern > fierce, grim astounded > astounded, panic-stricken
8 And staggering steps, to weet what sudden stour
weet > find out stour > commotion
9 Had wrought that horror strange, and dared his dreaded power.
108.6
And after him the proud Duessa came,
2 High mounted on her manyheaded beast,
And euery head with fyrie tongue did flame,
4 And euery head was crowned on his creast,
And bloudie mouthed with late cruell feast.
6 That when the knight beheld, his mightie shild
Vpon his manly arme he soone addrest,
8 And at him fiercely flew, with courage fild,
And eger greedinesse through euery member thrild.
1 And after him the proud Duessa came, 2 High mounted on her many-headed beast, 3 And every head with fiery tongue did flame, 4 And every head was crowned on its crest,
crowned > (See Rev. 12.3)
5 And bloody-mouthed with late cruel feast. 6 That when the knight beheld, his mighty shield 7 Upon his manly arm he soon addressed,
soon > immediately addressed > put, fixed; hence: donned
8 And at him fiercely flew, with courage filled, 9 And eager greediness through every member thrilled.
greediness > eagerness, zeal member > limb
108.7
Therewith the Gyant buckled him to fight,
2 Inflam'd with scornefull wrath and high disdaine,
And lifting vp his dreadfull club on hight,
4 All arm'd with ragged snubbes and knottie graine,
Him thought at first encounter to haue slaine.
6 But wise and warie was that noble Pere,
And lightly leaping from so monstrous maine,
8 Did faire auoide the violence him nere;
It booted nought, to thinke, such thunderbolts to beare.
1 Therewith the giant buckled himself to fight,
Therewith > With that, thereupon buckled > prepared
2 Inflamed with scornful wrath and high disdain,
disdain > anger
3 And, lifting up his dreadful club on high 4 (All armed with ragged snubs and knotty grain),
snubs > snags; stubs (cf. 107.10:7)
5 Him thought at first encounter to have slain. 6 But wise and wary was that noble peer,
peer > {One equally matched with another; nobleman}
7 And, lightly leaping from so monstrous main,
lightly > lightly; quickly so > such main > force
8 Did fair avoid the violence him near; 9 It booted naught to think such thunderbolts to bear.
booted naught to think > [did not bear thinking about]
108.8
Ne shame he thought to shunne so hideous might:
2 The idle stroke, enforcing furious way,
Missing the marke of his misaymed sight
4 Did fall to ground, and with his heauie sway
So deepely dinted in the driuen clay,
6 That three yardes deepe a furrow vp did throw:
The sad earth wounded with so sore assay,
8 Did grone full grieuous vnderneath the blow,
And trembling with strange feare, did like an earthquake show.
1 No shame he thought to shun so hideous might:
thought > [thought it] so > such hideous > terrific; immense; odious
2 The idle stroke, enforcing furious way,
idle > futile
3 Missing the mark of his mis-aimed sight, 4 Did fall to ground and with his heavy sway
sway > swing, momentum of swing
5 So deeply dinted in the driven clay
dinted > impacted
6 That three yards deep a furrow up did throw: 7 The sad earth, wounded with so sore assay,
sad > steadfast; stiff, heavy so > such [a] assay > assault
8 Did groan full grievous underneath the blow,
full > very, exceedingly
9 And, trembling with strange fear, did like an earthquake show.
108.9
As when almightie Ioue in wrathfull mood,
2 To wreake the guilt of mortall sins is bent,
Hurles forth his thundring dart with deadly food,
4 Enrold in flames, and smouldring dreriment,
Through riuen cloudes and molten firmament;
6 The fierce threeforked engin making way,
Both loftie towres and highest trees hath rent,
8 And all that might his angrie passage stay,
And shooting in the earth, casts vp a mount of clay.
1 As when almighty Jove, in wrathful mood, 2 To wreak the guilt of mortal sins is bent,
wreak > avenge mortal > {Pertaining to mortals; also: deserving death}
3 Hurls forth his thundering dart with deadly feud,
feud > hatred
4 Enrolled in flames, and smouldering dreariment,
dreariment > gloom
5 Through riven clouds and molten firmament; 6 The fierce three-forked engine, making way,
engine > engine of destruction, missile
7 Both lofty towers and highest trees has rent,
rent > torn, split asunder
8 And all that might its angry passage stay;
stay > hinder
9 And, shooting in the earth, casts up a mount of clay.
mount > hill, hillock; mound
108.10
His boystrous club, so buried in the ground,
2 He could not rearen vp againe so light,
But that the knight him at +auantage+ found,
4 And whiles he stroue his combred clubbe to quight
Out of the earth, with blade all burning bright
6 He smote off his left arme, which like a blocke
Did fall to ground, depriu'd of natiue might;
8 Large streames of bloud out of the truncked stocke
Forth gushed, like fresh water streame from riuen rocke.
3 auantage > aduantage 1590
1 His boisterous club, so buried in the ground,
boisterous > cumbersome
2 He could not rear up again so lightly;
lightly > easily, quickly [as he had buried it]
3 But that the knight himself at advantage found,
But > [So]
4 And, while he strove his encumbered club to quit
quit > free
5 Out of the earth, with blade all burning bright 6 He smote off his left arm, which like a block 7 Did fall to ground, deprived of native might;
native > innate
8 Large streams of blood out of the trunked stock
trunked > truncated (Latin truncus: cf. 205.4:9)
9 Forth gushed, like freshwater stream from riven rock.
108.11
Dismaied with so desperate deadly wound,
2 And eke impatient of vnwonted paine,
He loudly brayd with beastly yelling sound,
4 That all the fields rebellowed againe;
As great a noyse, as when in Cymbrian plaine
6 An heard of Bulles, whom kindly rage doth sting,
Do for the milkie mothers want complaine,
8 And fill the fields with troublous bellowing,
The neighbour woods around with hollow +murmur ring+.
9 murmur ring > murmuring 1590 etc.: FE
1 Dismayed with so desperate deadly wound,
Dismayed with > Dismayed by; dis-made by (again the pun: cf. 108.5:4) so > such [a]
2 And eke impatient of unwonted pain,
eke impatient of unwonted pain > also unable to endure unaccustomed pain
3 He loudly brayed with beastly yelling sound,
brayed > cried out
4 That all the fields rebellowed again;
That > [So that] rebellowed > bellowed in reply; loudly re-echoed
5 As great a noise, as when in Cymbrian plain
Cymbrian > (Various explanations of this word have been put forward: (1) Cumbrian: Cumbria is a region in NW England which Spenser probably knew; (2) Cambrian, meaning Welsh; (3) Cimbrian, after the Cimbrian peninsula in modern Denmark, once noted for the ferocity of its inhabitants; (4) Crimean: relating to the Tauric Chersonese, once inhabited by the Cimmerii)
6 A herd of bulls, whom kindly rage does sting,
kindly rage > lust (kindly = natural; rage = violent passion)
7 Do for the milky mothers' want complain,
want > lack
8 And fill the fields with troublous bellowing; 9 The neighbour woods around with hollow murmur ring.
murmur > grumbling [sound]
108.12
That when his deare Duessa heard, and saw
2 The euill stownd, that daungerd her estate,
Vnto his aide she hastily did draw
4 Her dreadfull beast, who swolne with bloud of late
Came ramping forth with proud +presumpteous+ gate,
6 And threatned all his heads like flaming brands.
But him the Squire made quickly to retrate,
8 Encountring fierce with single sword in hand,
And twixt him and his Lord did like bulwarke stand.
5 presumpteous > presumptuous 1609
1 That when his dear Duessa heard, and saw 2 The evil stound that dangered her estate,
stound > {Time of peril or pain (chiefly in northern dialect)} dangered > endangered estate > prosperity, fortune; condition, rank, status
3 To his aid she hastily did draw 4 Her dreadful beast, who, swollen with blood of late, 5 Came ramping forth with proud presumptuous gait,
ramping > leaping
6 And threatened all his heads like flaming brands. 7 But him the squire made quickly to retrait,
retrait > retreat, retire
8 Encountering fiercely with single sword in hand, 9 And 'twixt him and his lord did like bulwark stand.
lord > [Arthur]
108.13
The proud Duessa full of wrathfull spight,
2 And fierce disdaine, to be affronted so,
Enforst her purple beast with all her might
4 That stop out of the way to ouerthroe,
Scorning the let of so vnequall foe:
6 But nathemore would that courageous swayne
To her yeeld passage, gainst his Lord to goe,
8 But with outrageous strokes did him restraine,
And with his bodie bard the way atwixt them twaine.
1 The proud Duessa, full of wrathful spite 2 And fierce disdain, to be affronted so,
disdain > indignation, anger affronted > defied; confronted
3 Enforced her purple beast with all her might
Enforced > Encouraged; constrained
4 That stop out of the way to overthrow,
stop > obstacle [the squire]
5 Scorning the let of so unequal foe:
let > hindrance so > such [an]
6 But nathemore would that courageous swain
nathemore > never the more swain > youth, young man
7 To her yield passage, gainst his lord to go,
gainst > against
8 But with outrageous strokes did him restrain,
outrageous > violent him > [the beast]
9 And with his body barred the way atwixt them twain.
atwixt them twain > between the two of them
108.14
Then tooke the angrie witch her golden cup,
2 Which she still bore, replete with magick artes;
Death and despeyre did many thereof sup,
4 And secret poyson through their +inner+ parts,
Th'eternall bale of heauie wounded harts;
6 Which after charmes and some enchauntments said,
She lightly sprinkled on his weaker parts;
8 Therewith his sturdie courage soone was quayd,
And all his senses were with suddeine dread dismayd.
4 inner > inward 1609
1 Then took the angry witch her golden cup,
golden cup > (See Rev. 17.4)
2 Which she still bore, replete with magic arts; 3 Death and despair did many thereof sup, 4 And secret poison through their inner parts, 5 The eternal bale of heavy wounded hearts;
bale > torment
6 Which, after charms and some enchantments said, 7 She lightly sprinkled on his weaker parts;
weaker > too-weak parts > abilities, capacities; hence: will, will-power
8 Therewith his sturdy courage soon was quayed,
Therewith > With that sturdy > courageous, ruthless soon > at once quayed > daunted
9 And all his senses were with sudden dread dismayed.
dismayed > overcome; defeated
108.15
So downe he fell before the cruell beast,
2 Who on his necke his bloudie clawes did seize,
That life +nigh+ crusht out of his panting brest:
4 No powre he had to stirre, nor will to rize.
That when the carefull knight gan well auise,
6 He lightly left the foe, with whom he fought,
And to the beast gan turne his enterprise;
8 For wondrous anguish in his hart it wrought,
To see his loued Squire into such thraldome brought.
3 nigh > night 1596
1 So down he fell before the cruel beast, 2 Who on his neck his bloody claws did seize, 3 That life nigh crushed out of his panting breast: 4 No power he had to stir, nor will to rise. 5 That when the careful knight gan well advise,
careful > wary; anxious gan > did advise > notice, perceive
6 He lightly left the foe with whom he fought,
lightly > quickly
7 And to the beast gan turn his enterprise;
gan > did; began to
8 For wondrous anguish in his heart it wrought 9 To see his beloved squire into such thraldom brought.
thraldom > captivity, bondage
108.16
And high aduauncing his bloud-thirstie blade,
2 Stroke one of those deformed heads so sore,
That of his puissance proud ensample made;
4 His monstrous scalpe downe to his teeth it tore,
And that misformed shape mis-shaped more:
6 A sea of bloud gusht from the gaping wound,
That her gay garments staynd with filthy gore,
8 And ouerflowed all the field around;
That ouer shoes in bloud he waded on the ground.
1 And, high advancing his bloodthirsty blade,
advancing > raising
2 Struck one of those deformed heads so sore 3 That of his puissance proud example made;
puissance > power, strength proud > (Refers to both "his puissance" and the "ensample")
4 His monstrous scalp down to his teeth it tore,
scalp > scalp; or: crown of the head, cranium
5 And that misformed shape mis-shaped more:
mis-shaped > made mis-shapen
6 A sea of blood gushed from the gaping wound, 7 That her gay garments stained with filthy gore, 8 And overflowed all the field around; 9 That over shoes in blood he waded on the ground.
That > [So that]
108.17
Thereat he roared for exceeding paine,
2 That to haue heard, great horror would haue bred,
And scourging th'emptie ayre with his long traine,
4 Through great impatience of his grieued hed
His gorgeous ryder from her loftie sted
6 Would haue cast downe, and trod in durtie myre,
Had not the Gyant soone her succoured;
8 Who all enrag'd with smart and franticke yre,
Came hurtling in full fierce, and forst the knight retyre.
1 Thereat he roared for exceeding pain, 2 That, to have heard, great horror would have bred,
bred > engendered
3 And, scourging the empty air with his long train,
train > tail
4 Through great impatience of his grieved head,
impatience > {Intolerance of, inability to endure, pain. Cf. 108.11:2} grieved > wounded
5 His gorgeous rider from her lofty stead
stead > place; hence: seat
6 Would have cast down, and trod in dirty mire, 7 Had not the giant soon her succoured;
soon > immediately
8 Who, all enraged with smart and frantic ire,
smart > acute pain
9 Came hurtling in full fierce, and forced the knight retire.
hurtling > rushing full > exceedingly retire > [to retire]
108.18
The force, which wont in two to be disperst,
2 In one alone left hand he now vnites,
Which is through rage more strong then both were erst;
4 With which his hideous club aloft he dites,
And at his foe with furious rigour smites,
6 That strongest Oake might seeme to ouerthrow:
The stroke vpon his shield so heauie lites,
8 That to the ground it doubleth him full +low+
What mortall wight could euer beare so monstrous blow?
8 low > lowe, 1609
1 The force, which wont in two to be dispersed,
wont > was accustomed, used
2 In one alone left hand he now unites,
left > remaining (cf. 108.10:6)
3 Which is through rage more strong than both were erst;
erst > previously
4 With which his hideous club aloft he dights,
hideous > terrific; immense; odious dights > prepares; hence: raises
5 And at his foe with furious rigour smites,
rigour > violence
6 That strongest oak might seem to overthrow:
strongest > [the strongest]
7 The stroke upon his shield so heavily alights, 8 That to the ground it doubles him full low:
full > very, exceedingly
9 What mortal wight could ever bear so monstrous blow?
wight > being, man so > such [a]
108.19
And in his fall his shield, that couered was,
2 Did loose his vele by chaunce, and open flew:
The light whereof, that heauens light did pas,
4 Such blazing brightnesse through the aier threw,
That eye mote not the same endure to vew.
6 Which when the Gyaunt spyde with staring eye,
He downe let fall his arme, and soft withdrew
8 His weapon huge, that heaued was on hye
For to haue slaine the man, that on the ground did lye.
1 And in his fall his shield, that covered was, 2 Did lose its veil by chance, and open flew:
veil > covering (see 107.33:1-2)
3 The light whereof, that heaven's light did surpass, 4 Such blazing brightness through the air threw 5 That eye might not the same endure to view. 6 Which when the giant spied with staring eye, 7 He down let fall his arm, and soft withdrew 8 His weapon huge, that heaved was on high 9 To have slain the man, that on the ground did lie.
108.20
And eke the fruitfull-headed beast, amaz'd
2 At flashing beames of that sunshiny shield,
Became starke blind, and all his senses daz'd,
4 That downe he tumbled on the durtie field,
And seem'd himselfe as conquered to yield.
6 Whom when his maistresse proud perceiu'd to fall,
Whiles yet his feeble feet for faintnesse reeld,
8 Vnto the Gyant loudly she gan call,
O helpe Orgoglio, helpe, or else we perish all.
1 And eke the fruitful-headed beast, amazed
eke > moreover fruitful-headed > {Having or producing many heads} amazed > astounded; panic-stricken; ?terrified
2 At flashing beams of that sunshiny shield, 3 Became stark blind, and all his senses dazed, 4 That down he tumbled on the dirty field,
That > [So that]
5 And seemed himself as conquered to yield. 6 Whom when his mistress proud perceived to fall, 7 While yet his feeble feet for faintness reeled, 8 To the giant loudly she gan call:
gan > did
9 "O help, Orgoglio, help, or else we perish all!"
108.21
At her so pitteous cry was much +amoou'd,+
2 Her champion stout, and for to ayde his frend,
Againe his wonted angry weapon proou'd:
4 But all in vaine: for he has read his end
In that bright shield, and all +their+ forces spend
6 Themselues in vaine: for since that glauncing sight,
He hath no powre to hurt, nor to defend;
8 As where th'Almighties lightning brond does light,
It dimmes the dazed eyen, and daunts the senses quight.
1 amoou'd, > amoou'd 1609 5 their > his sugg. Church; "their" may refer to Orgoglio and Duessa
1 At her so piteous cry was much moved 2 Her champion stout, and to aid his friend
stout > bold; fierce; arrogant friend > lover
3 Again his wonted angry weapon proved:
wonted > customary proved > tried
4 But all in vain: for he has read his end
read > seen
5 In that bright shield, and all their forces spend
their > (See Textual Appendix)
6 Themselves in vain: for, since that glancing sight,
glancing > flashing
7 He has no power to hurt, nor to defend; 8 As where the Almighty's lightning brand does alight, 9 It dims the dazed eyes, and daunts the senses quite.
dazed > dazzled
108.22
Whom when the Prince, to battell new addrest,
2 And threatning high his dreadfull stroke did see,
His sparkling blade about his head he blest,
4 And smote off quite his right leg by the knee,
That downe he tombled; as an aged tree,
6 High growing on the top of rocky clift,
Whose hartstrings with keene steele nigh hewen be,
8 The mightie trunck halfe rent, with ragged rift
Doth roll adowne the rocks, and fall with fearefull drift.
1 Whom when the prince, to battle new addressed, 2 And threatening high his dreadful stroke, did see, 3 His sparkling blade about his head he blessed,
blessed > brandished
4 And smote off quite his right leg by the knee, 5 That down he tumbled; as an aged tree,
That > [So that]
6 High growing on the top of rocky cliff, 7 Whose heartstrings with keen steel nigh hewed be,
heartstrings > {Tendons or nerves supporting the heart; hence, here: central fibres of heartwood} keen > sharp
8 The mighty trunk half rent, with ragged rift
rent > split, torn ragged rift > ragged fissure ("ragged" also = "discordant", "harsh" (e.g. at 112.23:4); "rift" may also mean "rubble": cf. this same phrase at 212.4:5)
9 Does roll adown the rocks, and fall with fearful drift.
adown > down drift > motion, momentum (cf. Aen. 2.626-631)
108.23
Or as a Castle reared high and round,
2 By subtile engins and malitious slight
Is vndermined from the lowest ground,
4 And her foundation forst, and feebled quight,
At last downe falles, and with her heaped hight
6 Her hastie ruine does more heauie make,
And yields it selfe vnto the victours might;
8 Such was this Gyaunts fall, that seemd to shake
The stedfast globe of earth, as it for feare did quake.
1 Or as a castle, reared high and round, 2 By subtile engines and malicious sleight
subtile > subtle; sly, cunning (cf. 106.5:2) engines > machines, contrivances; siege-engines sleight > skill; artifice, ruse
3 Is undermined from the lowest ground, 4 And its foundation forced, and enfeebled quite, 5 At last down falls, and with its heaped height 6 Its hasty ruin does more heavy make,
ruin > {The act of collapse of a building, etc.} heavy > heavy; grave; thunderous
7 And yields itself to the victor's might: 8 Such was this giant's fall, that seemed to shake 9 The steadfast globe of earth, as it for fear did quake.
steadfast > (Cf. 108.8:7-9) as > [as if]
108.24
The knight then lightly leaping to the pray,
2 With mortall steele him smot againe so sore,
That headlesse his vnweldy bodie lay,
4 All wallowd in his owne fowle bloudy gore,
Which flowed from his wounds in wondrous +store,+
6 But soone as breath out of his brest did pas,
That huge great body, which the Gyaunt bore,
8 Was vanisht quite, and of that monstrous mas
Was nothing left, but like an emptie bladder was.
5 store, > store. 1590; store: 1609
1 The knight, then lightly leaping to the prey,
lightly > lightly; quickly
2 With mortal steel him smote again so sore
mortal > lethal
3 That headless his unwieldy body lay, 4 All wallowed in his own foul bloody gore, 5 Which flowed from his wounds in wondrous store. 6 But, soon as breath out of his breast did pass, 7 That huge great body, which the giant bore, 8 Was vanished quite; and of that monstrous mass 9 Was nothing left, but like an empty bladder was.
108.25
Whose grieuous fall, when false Duessa spide,
2 Her golden cup she cast vnto the ground,
And crowned mitre rudely threw aside;
4 Such percing griefe her stubborne hart did wound,
That she could not endure that dolefull stound,
6 But leauing all behind her, fled away:
The light-foot Squire her quickly turnd around,
8 And by hard meanes enforcing her to stay,
So brought vnto his Lord, as his deserued pray.
1 Whose grievous fall when false Duessa spied, 2 Her golden cup she cast to the ground, 3 And crowned mitre rudely threw aside;
mitre > head-dress; sacerdotal head-dress (often associated with episcopal office or dignity) rudely > roughly
4 Such piercing grief her stubborn heart did wound,
stubborn > intractable
5 That she could not endure that doleful stound,
stound > {Period of alarm and tumult; peril (chiefly in northern dialect)}
6 But, leaving all behind her, fled away: 7 The lightfoot squire her quickly turned around,
lightfoot > light-footed
8 And by hard means enforcing her to stay, 9 So brought to his lord, as his deserved prey.
So brought > [Thus brought her]
108.26
The royall Virgin, which beheld from farre,
2 In pensiue plight, and sad perplexitie,
The whole atchieuement of this doubtfull warre,
4 Came running fast to greet his victorie,
With sober gladnesse, and myld modestie,
6 And with sweet ioyous cheare him thus bespake;
Faire braunch of noblesse, flowre of cheualrie,
8 That with your worth the world amazed make,
How shall I quite the paines, ye suffer for my sake?
1 The royal virgin, who beheld from far, 2 In pensive plight and sad perplexity,
pensive > apprehensive, anxious perplexity > distress
3 The whole achievement of this doubtful war,
doubtful > uncertain, unpredictable
4 Came running fast to greet his victory
greet > congratulate him on (SUFQ)
5 With sober gladness and mild modesty,
mild > gracious
6 And with sweet joyous cheer him thus bespoke:
cheer > expression; bearing bespoke > addressed
7 "Fair branch of noblesse, flower of chivalry,
noblesse > nobility
8 That with your worth the world amazed make, 9 How shall I requite the pains you suffer for my sake?
108.27
And you fresh bud of vertue springing fast,
2 Whom these sad eyes saw nigh vnto deaths dore,
What hath poore Virgin for such perill past,
4 Wherewith you to reward? Accept therefore
My simple selfe, and seruice euermore;
6 And he that high does sit, and all things see
With equall +eyes+, their merites to restore,
8 Behold what ye this day haue done for mee,
And what I cannot quite, requite with vsuree.
7 eyes > eye 1590
1 "And you, fresh bud of virtue springing fast,
you > [now addressing the squire] virtue > valour
2 Whom these sad eyes saw nigh to death's door, 3 What has poor virgin for such peril past 4 Wherewith you to reward? Accept therefore
Wherewith > With which
5 My simple self, and service evermore; 6 And He that high does sit, and all things see 7 With equal eyes, their merits to restore, 8 Behold what you this day have done for me,
Behold > [May He behold]
9 And what I cannot requite, +requite+ with usury.
requite > [may He requite] usury > interest
108.28
But sith the heauens, and your faire +handeling+
2 Haue made you maister of the field this day,
Your fortune maister eke with gouerning,
4 And well begun end all so well, I pray,
Ne let that wicked woman scape away;
6 For she it is, that did my Lord bethrall,
My dearest Lord, and deepe in dongeon lay,
8 Where he his better dayes hath wasted all.
O heare, how piteous he to you for ayd does call.
1 handeling > handling 1609
1 "But sith the heavens, and your fair handling,
sith > since handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct
2 Have made you master of the field this day,
field > field of battle; battle
3 Your fortune master eke with governing,
master > (Vb.) eke > likewise
4 And well-begun, end all so well, I pray;
all so > equally
5 Nor let that wicked woman scape away:
scape > escape
6 For she it is that did my lord thrall,
thrall > enslave, take captive
7 My dearest lord, and deep in dungeon laid, 8 Where he his better days has wasted all. 9 O hear, how piteously he to you for aid does call!"
108.29
Forthwith he gaue in charge vnto his Squire,
2 That scarlot whore to keepen carefully;
Whiles he himselfe with greedie great desire
4 Into the Castle entred +forcibly,+
Where liuing creature none he did espye;
6 Then gan he lowdly through the house to call:
But no man car'd to answere to his crye.
8 There raignd a solemne silence ouer all,
Nor voice was heard, nor wight was seene in bowre or hall.
4 forcibly, > forcibly. 1596
1 Forthwith he gave in charge to his squire 2 That scarlet whore to keep carefully;
scarlet > (The colour of her clothing; and also, of sins: heinous, deep-dyed (Isa. 1.18))
3 While he himself with greedy great desire
greedy > eager
4 Into the castle entered forcibly, 5 Where living creature none he did espy; 6 Then began he loudly through the house to call: 7 But no man cared to answer to his cry. 8 There reigned a solemn silence over all; 9 Nor voice was heard, nor wight was seen in bower or hall.
Nor > Neither [a] wight > creature, being, person bower > room, chamber hall > {A spacious public room in a castle, palace, etc., used for banquets and receptions, much larger than the inner rooms or bowers}
108.30
At last with creeping crooked pace forth came
2 +An+ old old man, with beard as white as snow,
That on a staffe his feeble steps did frame,
4 And guide his wearie gate both too and fro:
For his eye sight him failed long ygo,
6 And on his arme a bounch of keyes he bore,
The which vnused rust did ouergrow:
8 Those were the keyes of euery inner dore,
But he could not them vse, but kept them still in store.
2 An > And 1596
1 At last, with creeping crooked pace, forth came 2 An old old man, with beard as white as snow,
old man > (This compound word can be taken here in its literal sense and as a synonym for unregenerate human nature, as in "Old Adam")
3 That on a staff his feeble steps did frame,
frame > give shape to, direct
4 And guide his weary gait both to and fro: 5 For his eyesight him failed long ago, 6 And on his arm a bunch of keys he bore, 7 Which, unused, rust did overgrow: 8 Those were the keys of every inner door, 9 But he could not them use, but kept them still in store.
still > yet; stationary (i.e. unused, unturned)
108.31
But very vncouth sight was to behold,
2 How he did fashion his vntoward pace,
For as he forward moou'd his footing old,
4 So backward still was turnd his wrincled face,
Vnlike to men, who euer as they trace,
6 Both feet and face one way are wont to lead.
This was the auncient keeper of that place,
8 And foster father of the Gyant dead;
His name Ignaro did his nature right aread.
1 But very uncouth sight was to behold
uncouth > strange, unseemly was > [it was]
2 How he did fashion his untoward pace,
untoward > ungainly; perverse
3 For as he forward moved his footing old, 4 So backward still was turned his wrinkled face,
still > continuously
5 Unlike to men, who ever, as they trace,
to > [the manner of] trace > tread, proceed
6 Both feet and face one way are wont to lead.
wont > accustomed
7 This was the ancient keeper of that place, 8 And foster-father of the giant dead; 9 His name Ignaro did his nature right aread.
Ignaro > "Ignorance" aread > bespeak; make known
108.32
His reuerend haires and holy grauitie
2 The knight much honord, as beseemed well,
And gently askt, where all the people bee,
4 Which in that stately building wont to dwell.
Who answerd him full soft, he could not tell.
6 Againe he askt, where that same knight was layd,
Whom great Orgoglio with his puissaunce fell
8 Had made his caytiue +thrall,+ againe he sayde,
He could not tell: ne euer other answere made.
8 thrall, > thrall: 1590; thrall; 1609
1 His reverend hair and holy gravity 2 The knight much honoured, as beseemed well,
beseemed > seemed fitting, seemed appropriate
3 And gently asked where all the people be,
gently > gently; politely be > [were]
4 Who in that stately building wont to dwell.
wont > were accustomed, used
5 Who answered him full soft, he could not tell.
full > very
6 Again he asked where that same knight was laid, 7 Whom great Orgoglio with his puissance fell
puissance > power, strength fell > fierce, terrible
8 Had made his caitiff thrall; again he said,
caitiff > wretched thrall > slave
9 He could not tell: nor ever other answer made.
108.33
Then asked he, which way he in might pas:
2 He could not tell, againe he answered.
Thereat the curteous knight displeased was,
4 And said, Old sire, it seemes thou hast not red
How ill it +sits+ with that same siluer hed
6 In vaine to mocke, or mockt in vaine to bee:
But if thou be, as thou art pourtrahed
8 With natures pen, in ages graue degree,
Aread in grauer wise, what I demaund of thee.
5 sits > fits 1596, 1609; cf. 101.30:9
1 Then asked he which way he in might pass: 2 He could not tell, again he answered. 3 Thereat the courteous knight displeased was,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
4 And said, "Old sire, it seems you have not read
sire > {Father; form of address to an elderly man; the original form of "sir"} read > discerned; thought; understood
5 How ill it sits with that same silver head
sits with > suits, befits (see Textual Appendix)
6 In vain to mock, or mocked in vain to be: 7 But if you are as you are portrayed 8 With nature's pen, in age's grave degree, 9 Aread in graver wise what I demand of you."
Aread > make known; declare wise > manner demand > ask, inquire (the modern sense is rather too strong)
108.34
His answere likewise was, he could not tell.
2 Whose sencelesse speach, and doted ignorance
When as the noble Prince had marked well,
4 He ghest his nature by his countenance,
And calmd his wrath with goodly temperance.
6 Then to him stepping, from his arme did reach
Those keyes, and made himselfe free enterance.
8 Each dore he opened without any breach;
There was no barre to stop, nor foe him to empeach.
1 His answer likewise was, he could not tell. 2 Whose senseless speech, and doted ignorance,
doted > deranged, weak-headed
3 When the noble prince had marked well, 4 He guessed his nature by his countenance,
countenance > demeanour
5 And calmed his wrath with goodly temperance. 6 Then, to him stepping, from his arm did reach 7 Those keys, and made himself free entrance. 8 Each door he opened without any breach;
breach > interruption; [need for] breaking [it] down
9 There was no bar to stop, nor foe him to impeach.
impeach > impede
108.35
There all within full rich arayd he found,
2 With royall arras and resplendent gold.
And did with store of euery thing abound,
4 That greatest Princes presence might behold.
But all the floore (too filthy to be told)
6 With bloud of guiltlesse babes, and innocents trew,
Which there were slaine, as sheepe out of the fold,
8 Defiled was, that dreadfull was to vew,
And sacred ashes ouer it was strowed new.
1 There all within full richly arrayed he found,
full > very, exceedingly
2 With royal arras and resplendent gold,
arras > {Tapestry wall-hanging, screen; see 301.34:2}
3 And did with store of everything abound, 4 That greatest princes' presence might behold.
princes' > (Or "prince's", possibly referring directly to Arthur)
5 But all the floor (too filthy to be told) 6 With blood of guiltless babes, and innocents true, 7 Who there were slain, as sheep out of the fold, 8 Defiled was, that dreadful was to view, 9 And sacred ashes over it were strewn new.
sacred > {Sacred, because used to soak up Christians' blood: see 108.36:3; detestable, accursed, consecrated to one of the in- fernal deities, hence: devoted to destruction (Latin sacer)} new > newly, recently
108.36
And there beside of marble stone was built
2 An Altare, caru'd with cunning imagery,
On which true Christians bloud was often spilt,
4 And holy Martyrs often doen to dye,
With cruell malice and strong tyranny:
6 Whose blessed sprites from vnderneath the stone
To God for vengeance cryde continually,
8 And with great griefe were often heard to grone,
That hardest heart would bleede, to heare their piteous mone.
1 And there beside of marble stone was built 2 An altar, carved with cunning imagery,
cunning > occult; deceitful imagery > idolatrous images
3 On which true Christians' blood was often spilt, 4 And holy martyrs often done to die
die > [death]
5 With cruel malice and strong tyranny: 6 Whose blessed spirits, from underneath the stone, 7 To God for vengeance cried continually, 8 And with great grief were often heard to groan, 9 That hardest heart would bleed to hear their piteous moan.
That > [So that the] moan > lamentation, lamentations
108.37
Through euery rowme he sought, and euery bowr,
2 But no where could he find that wofull thrall:
At last he came vnto an yron doore,
4 That fast was lockt, but key found not at all
Emongst that bounch, to open it withall;
6 But in the same a little grate was pight,
Through which he sent his voyce, and lowd did call
8 With all his powre, to weet, if liuing wight
Were housed therewithin, whom he enlargen might.
1 Through every room he sought, and every bower,
bower > inner room, bed-chamber
2 But nowhere could he find that woeful thrall:
thrall > captive
3 At last he came to an iron door 4 That fast was locked, but key found not at all
fast > firmly
5 Amongst that bunch to open it withal;
withal > therewith
6 But in the same a little grate was pight,
grate > grating, grille pight > placed
7 Through which he sent his voice, and loud did call 8 With all his power, to weet if living wight
weet > find out wight > person
9 Were housed therewithin, whom he enlarge might.
enlarge > set free
108.38
Therewith an hollow, dreary, murmuring voyce
2 These piteous plaints and dolours did resound;
O who is that, which brings me happy choyce
4 Of death, that here lye dying euery stound,
Yet liue perforce in balefull darkenesse bound?
6 For now three Moones haue changed thrice their hew,
And haue beene thrice hid vnderneath the ground,
8 Since I the heauens chearefull face did vew,
O welcome thou, that doest of death bring tydings trew.
1 Therewith a hollow, dreary, murmuring voice
Therewith > Thereupon murmuring > murmuring; complaining
2 These piteous plaints and dolours did resound:
plaints > complaints, lamentations dolours > griefs, sorrows
3 "O who is that, who brings me happy choice
choice > alternative [to a living death]
4 Of death, that here lie dying every stound,
stound > moment (of time)
5 Yet live perforce in baleful darkness bound?
baleful > deadly, miserable
6 For now three moons have changed thrice their hue,
hue > appearance
7 And have been thrice hidden underneath the ground, 8 Since I the heavens' cheerful face did view, 9 O welcome you, that do of death bring tidings true!"
108.39
Which when that Champion heard, with percing point
2 Of pitty deare his hart was thrilled sore,
And trembling horrour ran through euery ioynt,
4 For ruth of gentle knight so fowle forlore:
Which shaking off, he rent that yron dore,
6 With furious force, and indignation fell;
Where entred in, his foot could find no flore,
8 But all a deepe descent, as darke as hell,
That breathed euer forth a filthie banefull smell.
1 Which when that champion heard, with piercing point 2 Of pity dear his heart was thrilled sore,
dear > grievous thrilled > pierced
3 And trembling horror ran through every joint,
joint > limb
4 For ruth of gentle knight so foul forlorn:
ruth > pity gentle > noble
5 Which shaking off, he rent that iron door
rent > tore
6 With furious force and indignation fell;
fell > fierce, terrible
7 Where entered in, his foot could find no floor, 8 But all a deep descent, as dark as hell, 9 That breathed ever forth a filthy baneful smell.
baneful > life-destroying, poisonous
108.40
But neither darkenesse fowle, nor filthy bands,
2 Nor noyous smell his purpose could withhold,
(Entire affection hateth nicer hands)
4 But that with constant zeale, and courage bold,
After long paines and labours manifold,
6 He found the meanes that Prisoner vp to reare;
Whose feeble thighes, vnhable to vphold
8 His pined corse, him scarse to light could +beare,+
A ruefull spectacle of death and ghastly drere.
8 beare, > beare. 1596
1 But neither darkness foul, nor filthy bonds, 2 Nor noyous smell his purpose could withhold
noyous > noisome
3 (Entire affection hates nicer hands),
Entire > Perfect, wholly devoted, unreserved nicer > too-fastidious
4 But with constant zeal and courage bold, 5 After long pains and labours manifold,
pains > efforts
6 He found the means that prisoner up to rear; 7 Whose feeble thighs, unable to uphold 8 His pined corse, him scarce to light could bear,
pined corse > wasted body
9 A rueful spectacle of death and ghastly drear.
drear > sorrow, grief
108.41
His sad dull eyes deepe sunck in hollow pits,
2 Could not endure th'vnwonted sunne to view;
His bare thin cheekes for want of better bits,
4 And empty sides deceiued of their dew,
Could make a stony hart his hap to rew;
6 His rawbone armes, whose mighty brawned bowrs
Were wont to riue steele plates, +and+ helmets hew,
8 Were cleane consum'd, and all his vitall powres
Decayd, and all his flesh shronk vp like withered flowres.
7 and > omitted from 1596
1 His sad dull eyes, deep sunk in hollow pits, 2 Could not endure the unwonted sun to view;
unwonted > unaccustomed
3 His bare, thin cheeks, for want of better bits,
bits > [of food]
4 And empty sides deceived of their due,
deceived > deprived, cheated
5 Could make a stony heart his hap to rue;
hap > lot, fortune
6 His raw-boned arms, whose mighty brawned bowers
raw-boned > {Gaunt; having projecting bones} brawned bowers > brawny muscles
7 Were wont to rive steel plates, and helmets hew,
wont > accustomed
8 Were clean consumed, and all his vital powers 9 Decayed, and all his flesh shrunk up like withered flowers.
108.42
Whom when his Lady saw, to him she ran
2 With hasty ioy: to see him made her glad,
And sad to view his visage pale and wan,
4 Who earst in flowres of freshest youth was clad.
Tho when her well of teares she wasted had,
6 She said, Ah dearest Lord, what euill starre
On you hath fround, and pourd his influence bad,
8 That of your selfe ye thus berobbed arre,
And this misseeming hew your manly looks doth marre?
1 Whom when his lady saw, to him she ran 2 With hasty joy: to see him made her glad, 3 And sad to view his visage pale and wan, 4 Who erst in flowers of freshest youth was clad.
erst > once, previously
5 Tho, when her well of tears she wasted had,
Tho > Then
6 She said, "Ah, dearest lord, what evil star 7 On you has frowned, and poured his influence bad, 8 That of yourself you thus berobbed are,
berobbed > robbed (the prefix is intensive)
9 And this misseeming hue your manly looks does mar?
misseeming hue > unseemly appearance manly > {Pertaining to human beings; also: manly, in the modern sense}
108.43
But welcome now my Lord, in wele or woe,
2 Whose presence I +haue+ lackt too long a day;
And +fie+ on Fortune mine auowed foe,
4 Whose wrathfull wreakes them selues do now alay.
And for these wrongs shall treble penaunce pay
6 Of treble good: good growes of euils priefe.
The chearelesse man, whom sorrow did dismay,
8 Had no delight to treaten of his griefe;
His long endured famine needed more reliefe.
2 haue > kaue 1596 3 fie > sie 1590; fye FE
1 "But welcome now my lord, in weal or woe,
weal > happiness, prosperity
2 Whose presence I have lacked too long a day; 3 And fie on Fortune, my avowed foe, 4 Whose wrathful wreaks themselves do now allay;
wreaks > {Vindictive or vengeful acts (mainly northern dialect)}
5 And for these wrongs shall treble penance pay 6 Of treble good: good grows of evil's proof."
proof > trial, experience
7 The cheerless man, whom sorrow did dismay, 8 Had no delight to treat of his grief;
treat > talk
9 His long endured famine needed more relief.
108.44
Faire Lady, then said that victorious knight,
2 The things, that grieuous were to do, or beare,
Them to renew, I wote, breeds no delight;
4 Best musicke breeds +delight+ in loathing eare:
But th'onely good, that growes of passed feare,
6 Is to be wise, and ware of like agein.
This dayes ensample hath this lesson deare
8 Deepe written in my heart with yron pen,
That blisse may not abide in state of mortall men.
4 delight > dislike _conj. Jortin; despight conj. various editors_
1 "Fair lady," then said that victorious knight, 2 "The things that grievous were to do, or bear, 3 Them to renew, I wot, breeds no delight;
renew > go over again wot > know
4 Best music breeds delight in loathing ear:
delight > (See Textual Appendix; if the reading is good, the intention might perhaps be: "Best music, rather than going over old ground, breeds delight …")
5 But the only good that grows of passed fear 6 Is to be wise, and ware of like again.
ware > wary, cautious in avoiding
7 This day's example has this lesson dear
dear > hard, grievous; dire, difficult; costly
8 Deep written in my heart with iron pen,
iron pen > (See Job 19.24)
9 That bliss may not abide in state of mortal men.
state > [the state]
108.45
Henceforth sir knight, take to you wonted strength,
2 And maister these mishaps with patient might;
Loe where your foe lyes stretcht in monstrous length,
4 And loe that wicked woman in your sight,
The roote of all your care, and wretched plight,
6 Now in your powre, to let her liue, or dye.
To do her dye (quoth Vna) were despight,
8 And shame t'auenge so weake an enimy;
But spoile her of her scarlot robe, and let her fly.
1 "Henceforth, sir knight, take to you wonted strength,
wonted > [your] accustomed
2 And master these mishaps with patient might; 3 Lo where your foe lies stretched in monstrous length,
in > [at; he refers to the empty skin (see 108.24:9)]
4 And lo that wicked woman in your sight, 5 The root of all your care and wretched plight,
care > sorrow
6 Now in your power, to let her live, or die." 7 "To do her die," quoth Una, "were despite,
do her die > put her to death were > [would be] despite > [an act of] spite, malice
8 And shame to avenge so weak an enemy;
avenge > punish, take vengeance upon
9 But spoil her of her scarlet robe, and let her fly."
spoil > strip (with less sense of violence than modern usage implies) scarlet > (Also the colour of her sins: heinous, deep-dyed (Isa. 1.18)) fly > flee
108.46
So as she bad, that witch they disaraid,
2 And robd of royall robes, and purple pall,
And ornaments that richly were displaid;
4 Ne spared they to strip her naked all.
Then when they had despoild her tire and call,
6 Such as she was, their eyes might her behold,
That her +misshaped+ parts did them appall,
8 A loathly, wrinckled hag, ill fauoured, old,
Whose secret filth good manners biddeth not be told.
7 misshaped > mishaped 1596
1 So, as she bade, that witch they disarrayed,
disarrayed > unclothed
2 And robbed of royal robes, and purple pall,
pall > robe, cloak (esp. of rich material; and see Rev. 17.4)
3 And ornaments that richly were displayed; 4 Nor spared they to strip her naked all. 5 Then, when they had despoiled her tire and caul,
despoiled > stripped tire > head-dress caul > {Netted cap worn by women; here ?supporting a wig?}
6 Such as she was, their eyes might her behold, 7 That her misshapen parts did them appal:
That > [So that]
8 A loathly, wrinkled hag, ill-favoured, old,
loathly > loathsome, repulsive ill-favoured > ugly
9 Whose secret filth good manners bids not be told.
be > [to be]
108.47
Her craftie head was altogether bald,
2 And as in hate of honorable eld,
Was ouergrowne with scurfe and filthy scald;
4 Her teeth out of her rotten gummes were feld,
And her sowre breath abhominably smeld;
6 Her dried dugs, like bladders lacking wind,
Hong downe, and filthy matter from them weld;
8 Her wrizled skin as rough, as maple rind,
So scabby was, that would haue loathd all womankind.
1 Her crafty head was altogether bald, 2 And, as in hate of honourable eld,
eld > age, old age
3 Was overgrown with scurf and filthy scall;
scall > {A scabby disease of the skin, esp. of the scalp}
4 Her teeth out of her rotten gums were felled,
felled > fallen
5 And her sour breath abominably smelled; 6 Her dried dugs, like bladders lacking wind,
dugs > breasts
7 Hung down, and filthy matter from them welled; 8 Her wrizzled skin, as rough as maple rind,
wrizzled > wrinkled, shrivelled
9 So scabby was that would have loathed all womankind.
would have loathed > [it would have excited loathing in]
108.48
Her neather parts, the shame of all her kind,
2 My chaster Muse for shame doth blush to +write+
But at her rompe she growing had behind
4 A foxes taile, with dong all fowly dight;
And eke her feete most monstrous were in sight;
6 For one of them was like an Eagles claw,
With griping talaunts armd to greedy fight,
8 The other like a Beares vneuen paw:
More vgly shape yet neuer liuing creature saw.
2 write > write; 1590, 1609
1 Her nether parts, the shame of all her kind, 2 My chaster Muse for shame does blush to write;
chaster > too-chaste write > write of, describe
3 But at her rump she growing had behind 4 A fox's tail, with dung all foully dight;
dight > dressed, fitted; hence: encrusted, smeared
5 And eke her feet most monstrous were in sight;
eke > moreover
6 For one of them was like an eagle's claw, 7 With gripping talons armed to greedy fight,
greedy > eager, rapacious
8 The other like a bear's uneven paw:
uneven > irregular; rugged (see Rev. 13.2)
9 More ugly shape yet never living creature saw.
108.49
Which when the knights beheld, amazd they were,
2 And wondred at so fowle deformed wight.
Such then (said Vna) as she seemeth here,
4 Such is the face of falshood, such the sight
Of fowle Duessa, when her borrowed light
6 Is laid away, and counterfesaunce knowne.
Thus when they had the witch disrobed quight,
8 And all her filthy feature open showne,
They let her goe at will, and wander wayes vnknowne.
1 Which when the knights beheld, amazed they were, 2 And wondered at so foul deformed wight.
wondered > marvelled so > such [a] wight > creature
3 "Such then," said Una, "as she seems here, 4 Such is the face of falsehood: such the sight 5 Of foul Duessa, when her borrowed light 6 Is laid away, and counterfeisance known."
counterfeisance > imposture
7 Thus when they had the witch disrobed quite, 8 And all her filthy feature open shown,
feature > {Form, proportions; bodily shape or build}
9 They let her go at will, and wander ways unknown.
108.50
She flying fast from heauens hated face,
2 And from the world that her discouered wide,
Fled to the wastfull wildernesse apace,
4 From liuing eyes her open shame to hide,
And +lurkt+ in rocks and caues long vnespide.
6 But that faire crew of knights, and Vna faire
Did in that castle afterwards abide,
8 To rest them selues, and weary powres repaire,
Where store they found of all, that dainty was and rare.
5 lurkt > lurket 1596
1 She, flying fast from heaven's hated face,
flying > fleeing
2 And from the world that her discovered wide,
discovered > exposed to view
3 Fled to the wasteful wilderness apace,
wasteful > uninhabited, desolate apace > rapidly
4 From living eyes her open shame to hide, 5 And lurked in rocks and caves, long unespied.
unespied > unseen
6 But that fair crew of knights, and Una fair, 7 Did in that castle afterwards abide, 8 To rest themselves, and weary powers repair, 9 Where store they found of all that dainty was and rare.
dainty > pleasing; scarce; choice, delicious rare > excellent, fine
His loues and lignage Arthur +tells:+
2 The knights knit friendly +bands+:
Sir Treuisan flies from Despayre,
4 Whom Redcrosse knight withstands.
1 tells: > tells 1596 2 bands > hands 1590: FE
1 His loves and lineage Arthur tells: 2 The knights knit friendly bands:
bands > bonds (esp. of unity); uniting influences. (See also Textual Appendix: 1590 is supported by 109.1:8, 109.18:9)
3 Sir Trevisan flies from Despair, 4 Whom Redcross Knight withstands.
109.1
O Goodly golden chaine, wherewith yfere
2 The vertues linked are in louely wize:
And noble minds of yore allyed were,
4 In braue poursuit of cheualrous emprize,
That none did others safety despize,
6 Nor aid enuy to him, in need that stands,
But friendly each did others prayse +deuize,+
8 How to aduaunce with fauourable hands,
As this good Prince redeemd the Redcrosse knight from bands.
7 deuize, > deuize 1609
1 O goodly golden chain, wherewith yfere
golden chain > (Of Zeus (Jupiter): see Iliad 8.18-27; see also Knight's Tale, 2990 and Troilus and Criseyde 3.1746-9; and cf. 105.25, 207.46) wherewith yfere > with which together
2 The virtues linked are in lovely wise,
wise > manner, fashion
3 And noble minds of yore allied were
of yore > of old, formerly
4 In brave pursuit of chivalrous emprise:
emprise > undertaking, enterprise
5 That none did other's safety despise,
That > [So that] other's > (Or: "others'") despise > treat as valueless
6 Nor aid envy to him, in need that stands,
envy to > begrudge
7 But friendly each did other's praise devise
praise > praiseworthiness; virtue devise > contrive, scheme
8 How to advance with favourable hands, 9 As this good prince redeemed the Redcross Knight from bonds.
As > [Just as]
109.2
Who when their +powres+ empaird through labour long,
2 With dew repast they had recured well,
And that weake captiue wight now wexed strong,
4 Them list no lenger there at leasure dwell,
But forward fare, as their aduentures fell,
6 But ere they parted, Vna faire besought
That straunger knight his name and nation tell;
8 Least so great good, as he for her had wrought,
Should die vnknown, and buried be in thanklesse thought.
1 powres > powres, 1609
1 Who, when their powers, impaired through labour long, 2 With due repast they had recured well,
recured > recovered
3 And that weak captive wight now waxed strong,
wight > man, person waxed > [had] grown
4 Them list no longer there at leisure dwell,
Them list > It pleased them dwell > [to dwell]
5 But forward fare, as their adventures fell;
fell > befell, should befall
6 But, ere they parted, Una fair besought
Una fair > fair Una; Una fairly (fairly = becomingly, in a fair manner)
7 That stranger knight his name and nation tell:
stranger > foreign; new-come nation > family; country; nationality
8 Lest so great good, as he for her had wrought, 9 Should die unknown, and buried be in thankless thought.
109.3
Faire virgin (said the Prince) ye me require
2 A thing without the compas of my wit:
For both the lignage and the certain Sire,
4 From which I sprong, from me are hidden yit.
For all so soone as life did me admit
6 Into this world, and shewed heauens light,
From mothers pap I taken was vnfit:
8 And streight deliuered to a Faery knight,
To be vpbrought in gentle thewes and martiall might.
1 "Fair virgin," said the prince, "you me require
require > ask
2 A thing without the compass of my wit:
without > outside, beyond
3 For both the lineage and the certain sire
sire > father
4 From which I sprang from me are hidden yet. 5 For, all so soon as life did me admit
all so > just as
6 Into this world, and showed heaven's light, 7 From mother's pap I taken was unfit:
pap > teat
8 And straight delivered to a Faery knight, 9 To be upbrought in gentle thews and martial might.
upbrought > brought up gentle > noble thews > manners, qualities
109.4
Vnto old Timon he me brought byliue,
2 Old Timon, who in youthly yeares hath beene
In warlike feates th'expertest man aliue,
4 And is the wisest now on earth I weene;
His dwelling is low in a valley greene,
6 Vnder the foot of Rauran mossy hore,
From whence the riuer Dee as siluer cleene
8 His tombling billowes rolls with gentle rore:
There all my dayes he traind me vp in vertuous lore.
1 "To old Timon he me brought belive,
Timon > (The Faery knight of 109.3:8. "Timon" is a Greek personal name meaning "he who is honoured", "he who is held in respect". Plainly Arthur is referring here to Sir Ector, to whom (in Malory) his upbringing was entrusted by Merlin) he > [Merlin] belive > without delay
2 Old Timon, who in youthly years has been 3 In warlike feats the expertest man alive, 4 And is the wisest now on earth, I ween;
ween > believe
5 His dwelling is low in a valley green, 6 Under the foot of Rauran mossy hoar,
Rauran > (Given by Bayley (1966) as Rauran-fawr, a hill in Merioneth, Wales, though this name is not in the Ordnance Survey Gazetteer of Great Britain or the Times Index-Gazetteer of the World. See also note in Hamilton (1980)) mossy > overgrown with moss (if referring to the hill); or: marshy, peaty (if referring to the valley) hoar > {Venerable with age; grey; "mossy hoar" might be read as "mossy and hoar"}
7 From whence the River Dee as silver clean
River Dee > (Rises in Bala Lake, Merioneth, Wales, reaching the sea 70 miles east and north at West Kirby)
8 His tumbling billows rolls with gentle roar: 9 There all my days he trained me up in virtuous lore.
lore > doctrine, teaching
109.5
Thither the great Magicien Merlin came,
2 As was his vse, ofttimes to visit me:
For he had charge my discipline to frame,
4 And Tutours nouriture to ouersee.
Him oft and oft I askt in priuitie,
6 Of what loines and what lignage I did spring:
Whose aunswere bad me still assured bee,
8 That I was sonne and heire vnto a king,
As time in her iust terme the truth to light should bring.
1 "Thither the great magician Merlin came, 2 As was his use, often to visit me:
use > custom
3 For he had charge my discipline to frame,
discipline > {Education; mental and moral training}
4 And tutor's nouriture to oversee.
nouriture > {Nurture, the business of bringing up a child}
5 Him oft and oft I asked in privity,
privity > privacy, seclusion
6 Of what loins and what lineage I did spring: 7 Whose answer bade me still assured be
still > continually
8 That I was son and heir to a king, 9 As time in her just term the truth to light should bring."
just > full, proper
109.6
Well worthy impe, said then the Lady gent,
2 And Pupill fit for such a Tutours hand.
But what aduenture, or what high intent
4 Hath brought you hither into Faery land,
Aread Prince Arthur, crowne of Martiall band?
6 Full hard it is (quoth he) to read aright
The course of heauenly cause, or vnderstand
8 The secret meaning of th'eternall might,
That rules mens wayes, and rules the thoughts of liuing wight.
1 "Well worthy imp," said then the lady gent,
imp > child, scion gent > noble, high-born; graceful, elegant
2 "And pupil fit for such a tutor's hand! 3 But what adventure, or what high intent,
adventure > chance occurrence, fortune intent > purpose; desire
4 Has brought you hither into Faery Land, 5 Aread, Prince Arthur, crown of martial band?"
Aread > Make known
6 "Full hard it is," quoth he, "to read aright
Full > Very, exceedingly read > discern; expound
7 The course of heavenly cause, or understand
cause > [divine] intention
8 The secret meaning of the eternal might 9 That rules men's ways, and rules the thoughts of living wight.
wight > mortal, being, person
109.7
For whither he though fatall deepe foresight
2 Me hither sent, for cause to me vnghest,
Or that fresh bleeding wound, which day and night
4 Whilome doth rancle in my riuen brest,
With forced fury following his behest,
6 Me hither brought by wayes yet neuer found,
You to haue helpt I hold my selfe yet blest.
8 Ah curteous knight (quoth she) what secret wound
Could euer find, to grieue the gentlest hart on ground?
1 "For whether He, though fatal deep foresight,
fatal > preordained
2 Me hither sent, for cause to me unguessed, 3 Or that fresh bleeding wound (which day and night
Or > [Or whether]
4 Whilom does rankle in my riven breast),
Whilom > Continually; from the past until the present time
5 With forced fury, following his behest,
his > its (if referring to the wound); or: His (God's)
6 Me hither brought by ways yet never found, 7 You to have helped I hold myself yet blessed." 8 "Ah, courteous knight," quoth she, "what secret wound 9 Could ever find to grieve the gentlest heart on ground?"
find > contrive, devise gentlest > noblest; most gentle on ground > on Earth, in the world
109.8
Dear Dame (quoth he) you sleeping sparkes awake,
2 Which troubled once, into huge flames will grow,
Ne euer will their feruent fury slake,
4 Till liuing moysture into smoke do flow,
And wasted life do lye in ashes low.
6 Yet sithens silence lesseneth not my fire,
But told it flames, and hidden it does glow,
8 I will reuele, what ye so much desire:
Ah Loue, lay downe thy bow, the whiles I may respire.
1 "Dear dame," quoth he, "you sleeping sparks awake, 2 Which, troubled once, into huge flames will grow; 3 Nor ever will their fervent fury slake,
slake > abate
4 Till living moisture into smoke do flow,
living moisture > [the humours comprising the body]
5 And wasted life do lie in ashes low.
wasted > consumed, squandered lie > (With a pun on "lye")
6 Yet sithens silence lessens not my fire,
sithens > since
7 But, told, it flames; and, hidden, it does glow, 8 I will reveal what you so much desire: 9 Ah, Love, lay down your bow, while I may respire!
Love > [Cupid] respire > breathe again, recover breath
109.9
It was in freshest flowre of youthly yeares,
2 When courage first does creepe in manly chest,
Then first +the+ coale of kindly heat appeares
4 To kindle loue in euery liuing brest;
But me had warnd old Timons wise behest,
6 Those creeping flames by reason to subdew,
Before their rage grew to so great vnrest,
8 As miserable louers vse to rew,
Which still wex old in woe, whiles woe still wexeth new.
3 the > that 1590: FE, a lection defended, however, by Church
1 "It was in freshest flower of youthly years, 2 When courage first does creep in manly chest:
courage > lustiness, vigour creep > come on slowly, grow by degrees
3 Then first the coal of kindly heat appears
kindly > natural (cf. 108.11:6)
4 To kindle love in every living breast; 5 But me had warned old Timon's wise behest,
warned > forewarned, put on guard
6 Those creeping flames by reason to subdue 7 Before their rage grew to so great unrest,
so > such
8 As miserable lovers use to rue,
use to > observe as a custom; hence: customarily
9 Who still wax old in woe, while woe still waxes new.
wax > grow
109.10
That idle name of loue, and louers life,
2 As losse of time, and vertues enimy
I euer scornd, and ioyd to stirre vp strife,
4 In middest of their mournfull Tragedy,
Ay wont to laugh, when them I heard to cry,
6 And blow the fire, which them to ashes brent:
Their God himselfe, grieu'd at my libertie,
8 Shot many a dart at me with fiers intent,
But I them warded all with wary gouernment.
1 "That idle name of Love, and lover's life, 2 As loss of time, and virtue's enemy, 3 I ever scorned, and joyed to stir up strife 4 In middest of their mournful tragedy,
middest > [the midmost part of]
5 Ay wont to laugh when them I heard to cry,
Ay > Ever wont > accustomed
6 And blow the fire which them to ashes burnt: 7 Their god himself, grieved at my liberty,
god > [Cupid]
8 Shot many a dart at me with fierce intent, 9 But I them warded all with wary government.
government > conduct, discretion
109.11
But all in vaine: no fort can be so strong,
2 Ne fleshly brest can armed be so sound,
But will at last be wonne with battrie long,
4 Or +vnawares+ at disauantage found;
Nothing is sure, that growes on earthly ground:
6 And who most trustes in arme of fleshly might,
And boasts, in beauties chaine not to be bound,
8 Doth soonest fall in disauentrous fight,
And yeeldes his caytiue neck to victours most despight.
4 vnawares > vnwares 1596
1 "But all in vain: no fort can be so strong, 2 No fleshly breast can armed be so sound, 3 But will at last be won with battery long,
battery > battering; assault with many blows
4 Or unawares at disadvantage found; 5 Nothing is sure that grows on earthly ground: 6 And who most trusts in arm of fleshly might, 7 And boasts in beauty's chain not to be bound, 8 Does soonest fall in disadventurous fight,
disadventurous > unfortunate, disastrous
9 And yields his caitiff neck to victor's most despite.
caitiff > wretched; captive most > greatest despite > scorn, malice, outrage
109.12
Ensample make of him your haplesse ioy,
2 And of my selfe now mated, as ye see;
Whose prouder vaunt that proud auenging boy
4 Did soone pluck downe, and curbd my libertie.
For on a day prickt forth with iollitie
6 Of looser life, and heat of hardiment,
Raunging the forest wide on courser free,
8 The fields, the floods, the heauens with one consent
Did seeme to laugh +on+ me, and fauour mine intent.
9 on > at 1590, 1596: FE
1 "Example make of him, your hapless joy,
him > [the Redcross Knight] joy > [source or object of delight]
2 And of myself now mated, as you see;
mated > overcome, stupefied; also: mated as in chess [by the Faery Queen]
3 Whose prouder vaunt that proud avenging boy
prouder vaunt > too-proud boast that proud avenging boy > [Cupid]
4 Did soon pluck down, and curbed my liberty. 5 For on a day, pricked forth with jollity
pricked forth > spurred on, goaded jollity > pleasure, lust
6 Of looser life, and heat of hardiment,
looser > too-loose; the looser hardiment > hardihood, boldness
7 Ranging the forest wide on courser free, 8 The fields, the floods, the heavens, with one concent
concent > harmony, concord
9 Did seem to laugh on me, and favour my intent.
laugh on > smile on, favour intent > purpose, intention, desire; frame of mind
109.13
For-wearied with my sports, I did alight
2 From loftie steed, and downe to sleepe me layd;
The verdant gras my couch did goodly dight,
4 And pillow was my helmet faire displayd:
Whiles euery sence the humour sweet embayd,
6 And slombring soft my hart did steale away,
Me seemed, by my side a royall Mayd
8 Her daintie limbes full softly down did lay:
So faire a creature yet saw neuer sunny day.
1 "Forwearied with my sports, I did alight
Forwearied > Wearied, exhausted
2 From lofty steed, and down to sleep me laid; 3 The verdant grass my couch did goodly dight,
dight > prepare, arrange; hence: provide
4 And pillow was my helmet fair displayed;
displayed > spread out (presumably his head was resting on the "bunch of haires" mentioned at 107.32:2, and "helmet" should thus be read as "helm" or "crest"; but cf. 304.53:9)
5 While every sense the humour sweet embayed,
humour > dew [of sleep: cf. 101.36:2] embayed > bathed
6 And, slumbering soft, my heart did steal away; 7 Me seemed by my side a royal maid
Me seemed > [It seemed to me that]
8 Her dainty limbs full softly down did lay:
dainty > delightful, comely full > very, exceedingly
9 So fair a creature yet saw never sunny day.
109.14
Most goodly glee and louely blandishment
2 She to me made, and bad me loue her deare,
For dearely sure her loue was to me bent,
4 As when iust time expired should appeare.
But whether dreames delude, or true it were,
6 Was neuer hart so rauisht with delight,
Ne liuing man like words did euer heare,
8 As she to me deliuered all that night;
And at her parting said, She Queene of Faeries hight.
1 "Most goodly glee and lovely blandishment
goodly > gracious, courteous; beautiful glee > {Entertainment; a state of exaltation or joy} lovely > loving blandishment > gentle cajolery, flattery
2 She to me made, and bade me love her dear, 3 For dearly sure her love was to me bent,
to me bent > to me inclined; aimed at me
4 As, when just time expired, should appear.
just > due should > [it should]
5 But whether dreams delude, or true it were, 6 Was never heart so ravished with delight, 7 Nor living man like words did ever hear, 8 As she to me delivered all that night; 9 And at her parting said she `Queen of Faeries' hight.
hight > was called
109.15
When I awoke, and found her place deuoyd,
2 And nought but pressed gras, where she had lyen,
I sorrowed all so much, as earst I ioyd,
4 And washed all her place with watry eyen.
From that day forth I lou'd that face diuine;
6 From that day forth I cast in carefull mind,
To seeke her out with labour, and long tyne,
8 And neuer +vow+ to rest, till her I find,
Nine monethes I seeke in vaine yet ni'll that vow vnbind.
8 vow > vowd 1590
1 "When I awoke, and found her place devoid,
devoid > empty
2 And naught but pressed grass where she had lain, 3 I sorrowed all so much as erst I joyed,
all so > just as erst > previously joyed > [had joyed]
4 And washed all her place with watery eyes. 5 From that day forth I loved that face divine; 6 From that day forth I cast in careful mind,
cast > resolved, decided careful > {Sorrowful, full of cares}
7 To seek her out with labour and long teen,
teen > affliction, trouble
8 And never vow to rest, till her I find: 9 Nine months I seek in vain, yet nill that vow unbind."
nill > will not
109.16
Thus as he spake, his visage wexed pale,
2 And chaunge of hew great passion did bewray;
Yet still he stroue to cloke his inward bale,
4 And hide the smoke, that did his fire display,
Till gentle Vna thus to him gan say;
6 O happy Queene of Faeries, that hast found
Mongst many, one that with his prowesse may
8 Defend thine honour, and thy foes confound:
True Loues are often sown, but seldom grow on ground.
1 Thus as he spoke, his visage waxed pale,
waxed > grew
2 And change of hue great passion did bewray;
hue > colour bewray > betray
3 Yet still he strove to cloak his inward bale,
bale > torment; also, mainly in northern usage: a great consuming fire, pyre, bonfire
4 And hide the smoke that did his fire display, 5 Till gentle Una thus to him gan say:
gentle > courteous; generous gan > did
6 "O happy Queen of Faeries, that has found, 7 Amongst many, one that with his prowess may
prowess > valour
8 Defend your honour, and your foes confound: 9 True loves are often sown, but seldom grow on ground."
109.17
Thine, O then, said the gentle Redcrosse knight,
2 Next to that Ladies loue, shalbe the place,
O fairest virgin, full of heauenly light,
4 Whose wondrous faith, exceeding earthly race,
Was firmest fixt in mine extremest case.
6 And you, my Lord, the Patrone of my life,
Of that great Queene may well gaine worthy grace:
8 For onely worthy you through +prowes+ priefe
Yf liuing man mote worthy be, to be her liefe.
8 prowes > prowesse 1609
1 "Yours, O then," said the gentle Redcross Knight,
gentle > generous, courteous; (to take the meaning of this word as "noble, high-born" would be to anticipate the revelation at 110.65 ff.)
2 "Next to that lady's love, shall be the place, 3 O fairest virgin, full of heavenly light, 4 Whose wondrous faith, exceeding earthly race,
faith > fidelity; faith, loyalty earthly > [that of earthly]
5 Was firmest fixed in my extremest case.
case > plight
6 And you, my lord, the patron of my life,
patron > champion, defender; also: pattern, model (see I:130)
7 Of that great queen may well gain worthy grace:
worthy > deserved
8 For only worthy you through prowess' proof,
prowess' > valour's proof > trial, proof
9 If living man might worthy be to be her lief."
lief > beloved
109.18
So diuersly discoursing of their loues,
2 The golden Sunne his glistring head gan shew,
And sad remembraunce now the Prince amoues,
4 With fresh desire his voyage to pursew:
Als Vna earnd her traueill to renew.
6 Then those two knights, fast friendship for to bynd,
And loue establish each to other trew,
8 Gaue goodly gifts, the signes of gratefull mynd,
And eke +as+ pledges firme, right hands together ioynd.
9 as > the 1596, 1609
1 So diversely discoursing of their loves,
So > Thus
2 The golden sun his glistering head gan show,
gan > did; began to
3 And sad remembrance now the prince moves 4 With fresh desire his voyage to pursue:
voyage > journey
5 Als Una yearned her travel to renew.
Als > As; also (chiefly in northern dialect)
6 Then those two knights, fast friendship to bind,
fast > firm
7 And love establish each to other true, 8 Gave goodly gifts, the signs of grateful mind,
grateful > grateful; also: agreeable, pleasing
9 And eke, as pledges firm, right hands together joined.
eke > also
109.19
Prince Arthur gaue a boxe of Diamond sure,
2 Embowd with gold and gorgeous ornament,
Wherein were closd few drops of liquor pure,
4 Of wondrous worth, and vertue excellent,
That any wound could heale incontinent:
6 Which to requite, the Redcrosse knight him gaue
A booke, wherein his Saueours testament
8 Was writ with golden letters rich and braue;
A worke of wondrous grace, and able soules to saue.
1 Prince Arthur gave a box of diamond sure,
sure > steadfast (if referring to the diamond); secure (if referring to the box)
2 Embowed with gold and gorgeous ornament,
Embowed > Encircled
3 Wherein were closed few drops of liquor pure,
few > [a few]
4 Of wondrous worth, and virtue excellent,
virtue > powers, efficacy
5 That any wound could heal incontinent:
incontinent > immediately
6 Which to requite, the Redcross Knight him gave 7 A book, wherein his Saviour's testament
testament > (The New Testament)
8 Was written with golden letters rich and brave;
brave > splendid
9 A work of wondrous grace, and able souls to save.
109.20
Thus beene they parted, Arthur on his way
2 To seeke his loue, and th'other for to fight
With Vnaes foe, that all her realme did pray.
4 But she now weighing the decayed plight,
And shrunken synewes of her chosen knight,
6 Would not a while her forward course pursew,
Ne bring him forth in face of dreadfull fight,
8 Till he recouered had his former hew:
For him to be yet weake and wearie well she knew.
1 Thus been they parted, Arthur on his way
been > [were]
2 To seek his love, and the other to fight 3 With Una's foe, that all her realm did prey.
prey > plunder, ravage
4 But she, now weighing the decayed plight 5 And shrunken sinews of her chosen knight, 6 Would not awhile her forward course pursue, 7 Nor bring him forth in face of dreadful fight, 8 Till he recovered had his former hue:
hue > appearance
9 For him to be yet weak and weary well she knew.
109.21
So as they traueild, lo they gan espy
2 An armed knight towards them gallop fast,
That seemed from some feared foe to fly,
4 Or other griesly thing, that him +agast+.
Still as he fled, his eye was backward cast,
6 As if his feare still followed him behind;
Als flew his steed, as he his bands had brast,
8 And with his winged heeles did tread the wind,
As he had beene a fole of Pegasus his kind.
4 agast > aghast 1590
1 So as they travelled, lo they gan espy
gan > did
2 An armed knight towards them galloping fast, 3 That seemed from some feared foe to fly,
fly > flee
4 Or other grisly thing that him agast.
grisly > horrible, fearsome agast > terrified (esp. with fear of the supernatural: cognate with "ghost"; only the past participle of this verb [aghast] remains in current use)
5 Still as he fled, his eye was backward cast,
Still > Continually, ever; yet
6 As if his fear still followed him behind; 7 Als flew his steed, as he his bands had burst,
Als > Also flew > flew; fled as > [as though] bands > [bridle]
8 And with his winged heels did tread the wind, 9 As he had been a foal of Pegasus his kind.
As > [As though] Pegasus his kind > Pegasus's kind (kind = breed. Pegasus is the winged horse, said to have sprung from the blood of Medusa (see Met. 4.785-6). In later myth, he is regarded as the horse of the Muses, for it was with a stroke of his hoof that the inspiring fountain Hippocrene, on Mount Helicon, was caused to well forth. In the almost incredible fecundity of his vision, Spenser at this point is surely alive to the image of such a horse (i.e. art, poetry) serving to carry a man away from despair)
109.22
Nigh as he drew, they might perceiue his head
2 To be vnarmd, and curld vncombed heares
Vpstaring stiffe, dismayd with vncouth dread;
4 Nor drop of bloud in all his face appeares
Nor life in limbe: and to increase his feares,
6 In fowle reproch of knighthoods faire degree,
About his neck an hempen rope he weares,
8 That with his glistring armes does ill agree;
But he of rope or armes has now no memoree.
1 Nigh as he drew, they might perceive his head
might > could
2 To be unarmed, and curled uncombed hairs
unarmed > without a helmet
3 Upstaring stiff, dismayed with uncouth dread;
Upstaring > Standing erect uncouth > strange, bizarre
4 Nor drop of blood in all his face appears,
Nor > Neither
5 Nor life in limb: and, to increase his fears, 6 In foul reproach of knighthood's fair degree,
degree > social station
7 About his neck a hempen rope he wears 8 That with his glistering arms does ill agree;
arms > {Weapons, shield and armour} ill > (Because hanging was not considered fit punishment for a knight)
9 But he of rope or arms has now no memory.
109.23
The Redcrosse knight toward him crossed fast,
2 To weet, what mister wight was so dismayd:
There him he finds all sencelesse and aghast,
4 That of him selfe he seemd to be afrayd;
Whom hardly he from flying forward stayd,
6 Till he these wordes to him deliuer might;
Sir knight, aread who hath ye thus arayd,
8 And eke from whom make ye this hasty +flight:+
For neuer knight I saw in such misseeming plight.
8 flight: > flight. 1596
1 The Redcross Knight toward him crossed fast, 2 To weet what mister wight was so dismayed:
weet > find out mister wight > kind of man (mister = occupation; hence = class, sort)
3 There him he finds all senseless and aghast
all > [all so]
4 That of himself he seemed to be afraid; 5 Whom hardly he from flying forward stayed,
hardly > with difficulty stayed > hindered; checked, stopped
6 Till he these words to him deliver might:
might > could
7 "Sir knight, aread who has you thus arrayed,
aread > make known; declare arrayed > attired; put into your present state, afflicted
8 And eke from whom make you this hasty flight:
eke > also
9 For never knight I saw in such misseeming plight."
misseeming > unseemly
109.24
He answerd nought at all, but adding new
2 Feare to his first amazment, staring wide
With stony eyes, and hartlesse hollow hew,
4 Astonisht stood, as one that had +aspide+
Infernall furies, with their chaines vntide.
6 Him yet againe, and yet againe bespake
The gentle knight; who nought to him replide,
8 But trembling euery ioynt did inly quake,
And foltring tongue at last these words seemd forth to shake.
4 aspide > espide 1609
1 He answered naught at all, but adding new 2 Fear to his first amazement, staring wide
amazement > confusion, amazement
3 With stony eyes and heartless hollow hue,
stony > rigid, motionless heartless > timorous hue > expression, appearance
4 Astonished stood, as one that had espied 5 Infernal Furies with their chains untied. 6 Him yet again, and yet again, bespoke
bespoke > addressed
7 The gentle knight; who naught to him replied 8 But, trembling every joint, did inly quake;
joint > limb inly > inwardly
9 And faltering tongue at last these words seemed forth to shake:
109.25
For Gods deare loue, Sir knight, do me not stay;
2 For loe he comes, he comes fast after mee.
Eft looking backe would faine haue runne away;
4 But he him forst to stay, and tellen free
The secret cause of his perplexitie:
6 Yet nathemore by his bold hartie speach,
Could his bloud-frosen hart emboldned bee,
8 But through his boldnesse rather feare did reach,
Yet forst, at last he made through silence suddein breach.
1 "For God's dear love, sir knight, do me not stay;
stay > detain
2 For lo, he comes, he comes fast after me!" 3 Eft looking back, would fain have run away;
Eft > Again would fain > [he] would gladly, eagerly
4 But he him forced to stay, and tell freely 5 The secret cause of his perplexity:
perplexity > distress
6 Yet nathemore by his bold, hearty speech
nathemore > never the more hearty > courageous; energetic; genial
7 Could his blood-frozen heart emboldened be, 8 But through his boldness rather fear did reach, 9 Yet, forced, at last he made through silence sudden breach.
109.26
And am I now in safetie sure (quoth he)
2 From him, that would haue forced me to dye?
And is the point of death now turnd fro mee,
4 That I may tell this haplesse history?
Feare nought: (quoth he) no daunger now is +nye?+
6 Then shall I you recount a ruefull cace,
(Said he) the which with this vnlucky eye
8 I late beheld, and had not greater grace
Me reft from it, had bene partaker of the place.
5 nye? > nye. conj. various editors
1 "And am I now in safety sure," quoth he, 2 "From him that would have forced me to die? 3 And is the point of death now turned from me, 4 That I may tell this hapless history?"
That > [So that]
5 "Fear naught," quoth he, "no danger now is nigh." 6 "Then shall I you recount a rueful case,"
you > [to you]
7 Said he, "which with this unlucky eye 8 I late beheld and, had not greater grace
late > lately greater > [than that experienced by Sir Terwin - see following stanzas]
9 Me reft from it, had been partaker of the place.
reft > torn; removed had been partaker of the place > [would have been one who shared the place occupied (i.e. fate suffered) by Sir Terwin]
109.27
I lately chaunst (Would I had neuer chaunst)
2 With a faire knight to keepen companee,
Sir Terwin hight, that well himselfe aduaunst
4 In all affaires, and was both bold and free,
But not so happie as mote happie bee:
6 He lou'd, as was his lot, a Ladie gent,
That him againe lou'd in the least degree:
8 For she was proud, and of too high intent,
And ioyd to see her louer languish and lament.
1 "I lately chanced (would I had never chanced!) 2 With a fair knight to keep company, 3 Sir Terwin hight, that well himself advanced
hight > named
4 In all affairs, and was both bold and free, 5 But not so happy as might happy be:
happy > happy; fortunate
6 He loved, as was his lot, a lady gent
gent > high-born
7 That him again loved in the least degree:
again > in return
8 For she was proud, and of too high intent,
high intent > [proud a frame of mind]
9 And joyed to see her lover languish and lament.
109.28
From whom returning sad and comfortlesse,
2 As on the way together we did fare,
We met that villen (God from him me blesse)
4 That cursed wight, from whom I scapt whyleare,
A man of hell, that cals himselfe Despaire:
6 Who first vs greets, and after faire areedes
Of tydings strange, and of aduentures rare:
8 So creeping close, as Snake in hidden weedes,
Inquireth of our states, and of our knightly deedes.
1 "From whom returning sad and comfortless,
comfortless > desolate
2 As on the way together we did fare, 3 We met that villain (God from him me bless!),
bless > preserve, deliver
4 That cursed wight, from whom I scaped whilere,
wight > creature scaped > escaped whilere > erewhile: lately
5 A man of hell, that calls himself Despair: 6 Who first us greets, and after fair areads
fair areads > expertly tells
7 Of tidings strange, and of adventures rare:
adventures > happenings
8 So creeping close, as snake in hidden weeds, 9 Inquires of our states, and of our knightly deeds.
states > circumstances; marital states
109.29
Which when he knew, and felt our feeble harts
2 Embost with bale, and bitter byting griefe,
Which loue had +launched+ with his deadly darts,
4 With wounding words and termes of foule repriefe,
He pluckt from vs all hope of due reliefe,
6 That earst vs held in loue of lingring life;
Then hopelesse hartlesse, gan the cunning thiefe
8 Perswade vs die, to stint all further strife:
To me he lent this rope, to him a rustie knife.
3 launched > launced 1609
1 "Which when he knew, and felt our feeble hearts 2 Embossed with bale and bitter biting grief
Embossed > Swollen; encased; driven to extremity (as a hunted animal) bale > torment
3 (Which Love had lanced with his deadly darts),
Love > [Cupid]
4 With wounding words, and terms of foul reproof, 5 He plucked from us all hope of due relief, 6 That erst us held in love of lingering life;
erst > previously
7 Then hopeless, heartless, gan the cunning thief
gan > did; began to
8 Persuade us die, to stint all further strife:
die > [to die]
9 To me he lent this rope, to him a rusty knife.
rusty > blood-stained; dirty; rusty
109.30
With which sad instrument of hastie death,
2 That wofull louer, loathing lenger light,
A wide way made to let forth liuing breath.
4 But I more fearefull, or more luckie wight,
Dismayd with that deformed dismall sight,
6 Fled fast away, halfe dead with dying feare:
Ne yet assur'd of life by you, Sir knight,
8 Whose like infirmitie like chaunce may beare:
But God you neuer let his charmed speeches heare.
1 "With which sad instrument of hasty death 2 That woeful lover, loathing longer light,
light > daylight (i.e. life; cf. 107.27:7)
3 A wide way made to let forth living breath. 4 But I, more fearful or more lucky wight,
wight > creature, person
5 Dismayed with that deformed dismal sight,
deformed > perverted, morally repulsive
6 Fled fast away, half dead with dying fear:
dying fear > fear of dying
7 Not yet assured of life by you, sir knight, 8 Whose +like+ infirmity like chance may bear:
like > similar
9 But God you never let his charmed speeches hear!"
But > [But may] his > [Despair's]
109.31
How may a man (said he) with idle speach
2 Be wonne, to spoyle the Castle of his health?
I wote (quoth he) whom triall late did teach,
4 That like would not for all this worldes wealth:
His +subtill tongue+, like dropping honny, +mealt'h+
6 Into the hart, and searcheth euery vaine,
That ere one be aware, by secret stealth
8 His powre is reft, and weaknesse doth remaine.
O neuer Sir desire to try his guilefull traine.
5 subtill tongue > subtilltongue 1596 5 mealt'h > mealt'th conj. Smith, who cites 202.4:5
1 "How may a man," said he, "with idle speech
idle > empty; weak-headed
2 Be won to spoil the castle of his health?"
won > persuaded castle of his health > [his bodily well-being; Sir Thomas Elyot's The Castel of Helth was published in 1534]
3 "I wot," quoth he, "whom trial late did teach,
wot > know [one such] late > lately
4 That like would not for all this world's wealth:
like would not > [would not repeat the trial of listening to Despair]
5 His subtle tongue, like dropping honey, melts 6 Into the heart, and searches every vein, 7 That, ere one be aware, by secret stealth
That > [So that]
8 One's power is reft, and weakness does remain.
reft > taken away
9 O never, sir, desire to try his guileful train!"
try > test train > treachery
109.32
Certes (said he) hence shall I neuer rest,
2 Till I that treachours art haue heard and tride;
And you Sir knight, whose name mote I request,
4 Of grace do me vnto his cabin guide.
I that hight Treuisan (quoth he) will ride
6 Against my liking backe, to doe you grace:
But nor for gold nor +glee+ will I abide
8 By you, when ye arriue in that same place;
For leuer had I die, then see his deadly face.
7 glee > fee conj. Church; cf. 110.43:6, but also 605.39:3
1 "Certes," said he, "hence shall I never rest,
Certes > Assuredly
2 Till I that treacher's art have heard and tried;
treacher > deceiver, trickster
3 And you, sir knight, whose name might I request, 4 Of grace do me to his cabin guide."
Of grace > As a favour, as a kindness cabin > cave (see 109.33:2); also: den, hovel
5 "I, that hight Trevisan," quoth he, "will ride
hight > am called
6 Against my liking back, to do you grace: 7 But +nor+ for gold nor glee will I abide
nor > neither gold nor glee > ["love nor money": glee = beauty, joy]
8 By you, when you arrive in that same place; 9 For liefer had I die than see his deadly face."
liefer had > rather would
109.33
Ere long they come, where that same wicked wight
2 His dwelling has, low in an hollow caue,
Farre vnderneath a craggie clift ypight,
4 Darke, dolefull, drearie, like a greedie graue,
That still for carrion carcases doth craue:
6 On top whereof aye dwelt the ghastly Owle,
Shrieking his balefull note, which euer draue
8 Farre from that haunt all other chearefull fowle;
And all about it wandring ghostes did waile and howle.
1 Ere long they come where that same wicked wight
wight > creature
2 His dwelling has, low in a hollow cave,
hollow > insincere, false; also: hungry (these readings are suggested by the tautology: cf. 101.11:6, but also 303.8:3)
3 Far underneath a craggy cliff pight:
pight > placed
4 Dark, doleful, dreary, like a greedy grave,
greedy > greedy, eager
5 That still for carrion carcases does crave;
still > continuously
6 On top whereof ay dwelt the ghastly owl,
ay > ever, always ghastly > terrible, causing terror (esp. of the supernatural) owl > (To the Romans, an omen of death: see Met. 10.453; see also 105.30:6, etc.)
7 Shrieking his baleful note, which ever drove 8 Far from that haunt all other cheerful fowl; 9 And all about it wandering ghosts did wail and howl.
109.34
And all about old stockes and stubs of trees,
2 Whereon nor fruit, nor leafe was euer seene,
Did hang vpon the ragged rocky knees;
4 On which had many wretches hanged beene,
Whose carcases were +scattered+ on the greene,
6 And throwne about the +cliffs+. Arriued there,
That bare-head knight for dread and dolefull teene,
8 Would faine haue fled, ne durst approchen neare,
But th'other forst him stay, and comforted in feare.
5 scattered > scattred 1590 6 cliffs > clifts 1590 etc.: FE
1 And all about old stocks and stubs of trees,
stocks > dead trunks; also: stumps stubs > {Broken branches remaining on the stem; also: stumps}
2 Whereon +nor+ fruit nor leaf was ever seen,
nor > neither
3 Did hang upon the ragged rocky knees;
knees > projections [of rock]
4 On which had many wretches hanged been, 5 Whose carcases were scattered on the green, 6 And thrown about the cliffs. Arrived there, 7 That bare-headed knight, for dread and doleful teen,
teen > grief, pain
8 Would fain have fled, nor dared approach near,
fain > gladly
9 But the other forced him stay, and comforted in fear.
stay > [to stay] comforted > [comforted him]
109.35
That darkesome caue they enter, where they find
2 That cursed man, low sitting on the ground,
Musing full sadly in his sullein mind;
4 His +griesie+ lockes, long growen, and vnbound,
Disordred hong about his shoulders round,
6 And hid his face; through which his hollow eyne
Lookt deadly dull, and stared as astound;
8 His raw-bone cheekes through penurie and pine,
+Were+ shronke into his iawes, as he did neuer dine.
4 griesie > griesly 1611 9 Were > Where 1596
1 That darksome cave they enter, where they find 2 That cursed man, low sitting on the ground, 3 Musing full sadly in his sullen mind;
full > very sullen > malignant; melancholy
4 His griesy locks, long grown, and unbound,
griesy > squalid, hideous (see also Textual Appendix)
5 Disordered hung about his shoulders round, 6 And hid his face; through which his hollow eyes 7 Looked deadly dull, and stared as astounded;
as > [as though] astounded > {Stupefied; shocked with alarm, surprise, or wonder}
8 His raw-boned cheeks, through penury and pine,
raw-boned > {Gaunt; having projecting bones} pine > starvation, want
9 Were shrunk into his jaws, as he did never dine.
as > [as though]
109.36
His garment nought but many ragged clouts,
2 With thornes together pind and patched was,
The which his naked sides he wrapt abouts;
4 And him beside there lay vpon the gras
A drearie corse, whose life away did pas,
6 All wallowd in his owne yet luke-warme blood,
That from his wound yet welled fresh alas;
8 In which a rustie knife fast fixed stood,
And made an open passage for the gushing flood.
1 His garment, naught but many ragged clouts,
clouts > rags
2 With thorns together pinned and patched was, 3 Which his naked sides he wrapped abouts;
abouts > about (characteristic of northern dialect)
4 And him beside there lay upon the grass 5 A dreary corse, whose life away did pass,
dreary > gory; dreadful, grim corse > body
6 All wallowed in his own yet lukewarm blood,
wallowed > prostrated
7 That from his wound yet welled fresh, alas; 8 In which a rusty knife fast fixed stood,
rusty > blood-stained; dirty; rusty fast > firmly
9 And made an open passage for the gushing flood.
109.37
Which piteous spectacle, approuing trew
2 The wofull tale that Treuisan had told,
When as the gentle Redcrosse knight did vew,
4 With firie zeale he burnt in courage bold,
Him to auenge, before his bloud were cold,
6 And to the villein said, Thou damned wight,
The author of this fact, we here behold,
8 What iustice can but iudge against thee right,
With thine owne bloud to price his bloud, here shed in sight.
1 Which piteous spectacle, proving true 2 The woeful tale that Trevisan had told, 3 When the gentle Redcross Knight did view,
gentle > courteous; generous
4 With fiery zeal he burnt in courage bold 5 Him to avenge, before his blood were cold,
his blood > [the Redcross Knight's metaphorical, or Sir Terwin's literal, blood]
6 And to the villain said, "You damned wight,
wight > creature
7 The author of this fact we here behold,
fact > deed
8 What justice can but judge against you right,
justice can but > [system of justice can do anything but]
9 With your own blood to price his blood, here shed in sight?"
price > pay for
109.38
What franticke fit (quoth he) hath thus distraught
2 Thee, foolish man, so rash a doome to giue?
What iustice euer other iudgement taught,
4 But he should die, who merites not to liue?
None else to death this man despayring driue,
6 But his owne guiltie mind deseruing death.
Is then vniust to each his due to giue?
8 Or let him die, that loatheth +liuing+ breath?
Or let him die at ease, that liueth here vneath?
8 liuing > liniug 1596
1 "What frantic fit," quoth he, "has thus distracted
frantic > deliriously mad, frenzied
2 You, foolish man, so rash a doom to give?
doom > judgement, sentence
3 What justice ever other judgement taught,
justice > [system of justice]
4 But he should die, who merits not to live?
But > [But that]
5 None else to death this man despairing drive,
drive > drives; drove
6 But his own guilty mind, deserving death. 7 Is then unjust to each his due to give,
Is > [Is it]
8 Or let him die, that loathes living breath, 9 Or let him die at ease, that lives here uneath?
uneath > uneasily
109.39
Who trauels by the wearie wandring way,
2 To come vnto his wished home in haste,
And meetes a flood, that doth his passage stay,
4 Is not great grace to helpe him ouer past,
Or free his feet, that in the myre sticke fast?
6 Most enuious man, that grieues at neighbours good,
And fond, that ioyest in the woe thou hast,
8 Why wilt not let him passe, that long hath stood
Vpon the banke, yet wilt thy selfe not passe the flood?
1 "Who travels by the weary wandering way,
Who > [Whoever, He who]
2 To come to his wished home in haste, 3 And meets a flood that does his passage stay,
stay > obstruct
4 Is not great grace to help him over past,
Is > [Is it] over past > ?over and past; ?over-pass
5 Or free his feet, that in the mire stick fast?
fast > firmly
6 Most envious man, that grieves at neighbour's good, 7 And fond, that joys in the woe you have!
fond > foolish, foolishly tender
8 Why will not let him pass, that long has stood
will > [will you]
9 Upon the bank, yet will yourself not pass the flood?
109.40
He there does now enioy eternall rest
2 And happie ease, which thou doest want and craue,
And further from it daily wanderest:
4 What if some litle paine the passage haue,
That makes fraile flesh to feare the bitter waue?
6 Is not short paine well borne, that brings long ease,
And layes the soule to sleepe in quiet graue?
8 Sleepe after toyle, port after stormie seas,
Ease after warre, death after life does greatly please.
1 "He there does now enjoy eternal rest
He there > [Sir Terwin]
2 And happy ease, which you do want and crave, 3 And further from it daily wander: 4 What if some little pain the passage have, 5 That makes frail flesh fear the bitter wave? 6 Is not short pain well borne, that brings long ease, 7 And lays the soul to sleep in quiet grave? 8 Sleep after toil, port after stormy seas, 9 Ease after war, death after life does greatly please."
109.41
The knight much wondred at his suddeine wit,
2 And said, The terme of life is limited,
Ne may a man prolong, nor shorten it;
4 The souldier may not moue from watchfull sted,
Nor leaue his stand, vntill his Captaine bed.
6 Who life did limit by almightie doome,
(Quoth he) knowes best the termes established;
8 And he, that points the Centonell his roome,
Doth license him depart at sound of morning droome.
1 The knight much wondered at his sudden wit,
wondered > marvelled sudden > quick, sharp
2 And said, "The term of life is limited, 3 Nor may a man prolong, nor shorten, it;
Nor > Neither
4 The soldier may not move from watchful stead,
stead > place, post
5 Nor leave his stand, until his captain bids."
bids." > (Spenser's rendition of dialogue elsewhere, using "quoth he" to introduce a new speaker, seems to indicate, as does the context, that the Redcross Knight now finishes talking and Despair begins, though this assumption may not necessarily be correct)
6 "Who life did limit by almighty doom,"
Who > [He who] doom > judgement
7 Quoth he, "knows best the terms established; 8 And he, that appoints the sentinel his room,
his > [to his] room > place
9 Does license him depart at sound of morning drum."
depart > [to depart] morning > (Ambiguous spelling: see Textual Appendix at 103.36:7)
109.42
Is not his deed, what euer thing is donne,
2 In heauen and earth? did not he all create
To die againe? all ends that was begonne.
4 Their times in his eternall booke of fate
Are written sure, and haue their certaine date.
6 Who then can striue with strong necessitie,
That holds the world in his still chaunging state,
8 Or shunne the death ordaynd by destinie?
When houre of death is come, let none aske whence, nor why.
1 "Is not His deed, whatever thing is done
Is > [Is it]
2 In heaven and earth? Did not He all create 3 To die again? All ends that was begun. 4 Their times in His eternal book of fate 5 Are written sure, and have their certain date.
date > span (of life); end (cf. 201.44:8)
6 Who then can strive with strong necessity, 7 That holds the world in its still changing state,
still > continually
8 Or shun the death ordained by destiny? 9 When hour of death is come, let none ask whence, nor why.
109.43
The lenger life, I wote the greater sin,
2 The greater sin, the greater punishment:
All those great battels, which thou boasts to win,
4 Through strife, and bloud-shed, and auengement,
Now praysd, hereafter deare thou shalt repent:
6 For life must life, and bloud must bloud repay.
Is not enough thy euill life forespent?
8 For he, that once hath missed the right way,
The further he doth goe, the further he doth stray.
1 "The longer life, I wot, the greater sin,
wot > know, know for a fact
2 The greater sin, the greater punishment: 3 All those great battles (which you boast to win 4 Through strife, and bloodshed, and avengement),
avengement > vengeance
5 Now praised, hereafter dear you shall repent:
dear > dearly
6 For life must life, and blood must blood, repay. 7 Is not enough your evil life forespent?
Is not enough your evil life forespent? > [Is it not enough that your evil life has been utterly wasted? Or, more probably: Has not enough of your evil life already been utterly wasted?]
8 For he that once has missed the right way, 9 The further he does go, the further he does stray.
109.44
Then do no further goe, no further stray,
2 But here lie downe, and to thy rest betake,
Th'ill to preuent, that life ensewen may.
4 For what hath life, that may it loued make,
And giues not rather cause it to forsake?
6 Feare, sicknesse, age, losse, labour, sorrow, strife,
Paine, hunger, cold, that makes the hart to quake;
8 And euer fickle fortune rageth rife,
All which, and thousands mo do make a loathsome life.
1 "Then do no further go, no further stray, 2 But here lie down, and to your rest betake,
betake > commit yourself, betake yourself
3 The ill to prevent, that life ensue may.
ill > evil ensue may > may pursue; may result from; hence, by hypallage: may cause to ensue
4 For what has life, that may it loved make, 5 And gives not rather cause it to forsake? 6 Fear, sickness, age, loss, labour, sorrow, strife, 7 Pain, hunger, cold that makes the heart to quake; 8 And ever fickle fortune rages rife, 9 All which, and thousands more, do make a loathsome life.
109.45
Thou wretched man, of death hast greatest need,
2 If in true ballance thou wilt weigh thy state:
For neuer knight, that dared warlike deede,
4 More lucklesse disauentures did amate:
Witnesse the dongeon deepe, wherein of late
6 Thy life shut vp, for death so oft did call;
And though good lucke prolonged hath thy date,
8 Yet death then, would the like mishaps forestall,
Into the which hereafter thou maiest happen fall.
1 "You, wretched man, of death have greatest need, 2 If in true balance you will weigh your state: 3 For never knight, that dared warlike deed,
dared > dared to undertake [a]
4 More luckless disadventures did amate:
disadventures > misfortunes amate > cast down; also: act as a mate to (his disadventures being personified by Duessa: cf. 101.51:4)
5 Witness the dungeon deep, wherein of late 6 Your life, shut up, for death so oft did call; 7 And though good luck prolonged has your date,
date > span of life
8 Yet death then would the like mishaps forestall,
then > [when in the dungeon] the like > similar
9 Into which hereafter you may happen fall.
happen > [chance to]
109.46
Why then doest thou, {o^} man of sin, desire
2 To draw thy dayes forth to their last degree?
Is not the measure of thy sinfull hire
4 High heaped vp with huge iniquitie,
Against the day of wrath, to burden thee?
6 Is not enough, that to this Ladie milde
Thou falsed hast thy faith with periurie,
8 And sold thy selfe to serue Duessa vilde,
With whom in all abuse thou hast thy selfe defilde?
1 "Why then do you, O man of sin, desire 2 To draw your days forth to their last degree? 3 Is not the measure of your sinful hire
hire > wages
4 High heaped up with huge iniquity, 5 Against the day of wrath, to burden you? 6 Is not enough, that to this lady mild
Is > [Is it]
7 You falsed have your faith with perjury,
falsed have > [have betrayed]
8 And sold yourself to serve Duessa vile, 9 With whom in all abuse you have yourself defiled?
109.47
Is not he iust, that all this doth behold
2 From highest heauen, and beares an equall eye?
Shall he thy sins vp in his knowledge fold,
4 And guiltie be of thine impietie?
Is not his law, Let euery sinner die:
6 Die shall all flesh? what then must needs be donne,
Is it not better to doe willinglie,
8 Then linger, till the glasse be all out ronne?
Death is the end of woes: die soone, O faeries sonne.
1 "Is not He just, that all this does behold 2 From highest heaven, and bears an equal eye?
equal > impartial
3 Shall He your sins up in His knowledge fold, 4 And guilty be of your impiety? 5 Is not His law, Let every sinner die: 6 Die shall all flesh? What then must needs be done,
needs be done > [needs doing]
7 Is it not better to do willingly, 8 Than linger till the glass be all outrun?
glass > {Hourglass, filled with sand}
9 Death is the end of woes: die soon, O Faery's son!"
soon > without delay
109.48
The knight was much enmoued with his speach,
2 That as a swords point through his hart did perse,
And in his conscience made a secret breach,
4 Well knowing true all, that he did reherse,
And to his fresh remembrance did reuerse
6 The vgly vew of his deformed crimes,
That all his manly powres it did disperse,
8 As he were charmed with inchaunted rimes,
That oftentimes he quakt, and fainted oftentimes.
1 The knight was much enmoved with his speech,
enmoved > moved
2 That as a sword's point through his heart did pierce, 3 And in his conscience made a secret breach,
conscience > innermost consciousness
4 Well knowing true all that he did rehearse;
true > [to be true] rehearse > give an account of
5 And to his fresh remembrance did reverse
reverse > recall
6 The ugly view of his deformed crimes,
deformed > perverted, morally repulsive
7 That all his manly powers it did disperse,
That > [So that] manly > {Pertaining to human beings; also: manly, in the modern sense}
8 As he were charmed with enchanted rhymes;
As > [As though]
9 That oftentimes he quaked, and fainted oftentimes.
That > [So that] fainted > lost heart oftentimes > many times, frequently
109.49
In which amazement, when the Miscreant
2 Perceiued him to wauer weake and fraile,
Whiles trembling horror did his conscience dant,
4 And hellish anguish did his soule assaile,
To driue him to despaire, and quite to quaile,
6 He shew'd him painted in a table plaine,
The damned ghosts, that doe in torments waile,
8 And thousand feends that doe them endlesse paine
With fire and brimstone, which for euer shall remaine.
1 In which amazement, when the miscreant
amazement > stupefaction, confusion; amazement miscreant > unbeliever, infidel; wretch, villain
2 Perceived him to waver, weak and frail,
frail > frail; morally weak
3 While trembling horror did his conscience daunt, 4 And hellish anguish did his soul assail, 5 To drive him to despair, and quite to quail, 6 He showed him, painted in a table plain,
table > picture
7 The damned ghosts that do in torments wail, 8 And thousand fiends that do them endless pain
do > cause
9 With fire and brimstone, which for ever shall remain.
109.50
The sight whereof so throughly him dismaid,
2 That nought but death before his eyes he saw,
And euer burning wrath before him laid,
4 By righteous sentence of th'Almighties law:
Then gan the villein him to ouercraw,
6 And brought vnto him swords, ropes, poison, fire,
And all that might him to perdition draw;
8 And bad him choose, what death he would desire:
For death was due to him, that had prouokt Gods ire.
1 The sight whereof so thoroughly him dismayed,
whereof > of which
2 That naught but death before his eyes he saw, 3 And ever-burning wrath before him laid, 4 By righteous sentence of the Almighty's law: 5 Then began the villain him to overcrow,
overcrow > crow over, exult over
6 And brought to him swords, ropes, poison, fire, 7 And all that might him to perdition draw; 8 And bade him choose what death he would desire: 9 For death was due to him that had provoked God's ire.
109.51
But when as none of them he saw him take,
2 He to him raught a dagger sharpe and keene,
And gaue it him in hand: his hand did quake,
4 And tremble like a leafe of Aspin greene,
And troubled bloud though his pale face was seene
6 To come, and goe with tydings from the hart,
As it a running messenger had beene.
8 At last resolu'd to worke his finall smart,
He lifted vp his hand, that backe againe did start.
1 But, when none of them he saw him take, 2 He to him raught a dagger sharp and keen,
raught > held out, proffered
3 And gave it him in hand: his hand did quake 4 And tremble like a leaf of aspen green, 5 And troubled blood though his pale face was seen 6 To come and go with tidings from the heart, 7 As it a running messenger had been.
As > [As though]
8 At last, resolved to work his final smart,
smart > pain, acute pain; grief; final smart = death
9 He lifted up his hand, that back again did start.
109.52
Which when as Vna +saw+, through euery vaine
2 The crudled cold ran to her well of life,
As in a swowne: but soone +reliu'd+ againe,
4 Out of his hand she snatcht the cursed knife,
And threw it to the ground, enraged rife,
6 And to him said, Fie, fie, faint harted knight,
What meanest thou by this reprochfull strife?
8 Is this the battell, which thou vauntst to fight
With that fire-mouthed Dragon, horrible and bright?
1 saw > heard 1590 3 reliu'd > relieu'd 1609
1 Which when Una saw, through every vein 2 The curdled cold ran to her well of life,
well of life > [heart]
3 As in a swoon: but, soon relived again,
soon > soon; immediately relived > revived, come to life
4 Out of his hand she snatched the cursed knife, 5 And threw it to the ground, enraged rife,
rife > manifoldly; abundantly, hence: greatly
6 And to him said, "Fie, fie, faint-hearted knight! 7 What mean you by this reproachful strife?
reproachful > disgraceful
8 Is this the battle which you vaunt to fight
vaunt > boast
9 With that fire-mouthed dragon, horrible and bright?
109.53
Come, come away, fraile, +feeble+, fleshly wight,
2 Ne let vaine words bewitch thy manly hart,
Ne diuelish thoughts dismay thy constant spright.
4 In heauenly mercies hast thou not a part?
Why shouldst thou then despeire, that chosen art?
6 Where iustice growes, there grows eke greater grace,
The which doth quench the brond of hellish smart,
8 And that accurst hand-writing doth +deface,+
Arise, Sir knight arise, and leaue this cursed place.
1 feeble > seely 1596; silly 1609; cf. 107.6:5, 107.11:8 8 deface, > deface. 1590; deface: 1609
1 "Come, come away, frail, feeble, fleshly wight,
frail > morally weak wight > creature
2 Neither let vain words bewitch your manly heart,
vain > empty; foolish manly > {Pertaining to human beings; also: manly, in the modern sense}
3 Nor devilish thoughts dismay your constant spirit. 4 In heavenly mercies have you not a part? 5 Why should you then despair, that chosen are? 6 Where justice grows, there grows eke greater grace,
eke > in addition, also
7 Which does quench the brand of hellish smart,
smart > pain, grief
8 And that accursed handwriting does deface.
handwriting > (See Col. 2.14)
9 Arise, sir knight; arise, and leave this cursed place!"
109.54
So vp he rose, and thence amounted streight.
2 Which when the carle beheld, and saw his guest
Would safe depart, for all his subtill sleight,
4 He chose an halter from among the rest,
And with it hung himselfe, vnbid vnblest.
6 But death he could not worke himselfe thereby;
For thousand times he so himselfe had drest,
8 Yet nathelesse it could not doe him die,
Till he should die his last, that is eternally.
1 So up he rose, and thence amounted straight.
amounted > mounted, mounted up straight > straightway
2 Which when the carl beheld, and saw his guest
carl > villain, churl
3 Would safe depart, for all his subtle sleight,
for > despite subtle > crafty, sly sleight > trickery; knowledge; nimbleness of mind
4 He chose a halter from among the rest, 5 And with it hanged himself, unbid, unblessed.
unbid > not prayed for (cf. 101.30:7, 110.3:8)
6 But death he could not work himself thereby; 7 For thousand times he so himself had dressed,
dressed > disposed; put in that position; arrayed [with the halter]
8 Yet natheless it could not do him die,
natheless > nevertheless do him die > kill him
9 Till he should die his last, that is, eternally.
Her faithfull knight faire Vna brings
2 to house of Holinesse,
Where he is taught repentance, and
4 the way to heauenly blesse.
1 Her faithful knight fair Una brings 2 to House of Holiness, 3 Where he is taught repentance, and 4 the way to heavenly bliss.
110.1
WHat man is he, that boasts of fleshly might,
2 And vaine assurance of mortality,
Which all so soone, as it doth come to fight,
4 Against spirituall foes, yeelds by and by,
Or from the field most cowardly doth fly?
6 Ne let the man ascribe it to his skill,
That thorough grace hath gained victory.
8 If any strength we haue, it is to ill,
But all the good is Gods, both power and eke will.
1 What man is he, that boasts of fleshly might 2 And vain assurance of mortality, 3 Who, all so soon as it does come to fight
all so > just as
4 Against spiritual foes, yields by and by,
by and by > before long; straightway
5 Or from the field most cowardly does fly?
field > battle; field of battle fly > flee
6 Nor let the man ascribe it to his skill, 7 That through grace has gained victory. 8 If any strength we have, it is to ill,
ill > evil, wickedness; ill purpose, ill result
9 But all the good is God's, both power and eke will.
eke > also
110.2
By that, which lately hapned, Vna saw,
2 That this her knight was feeble, and too faint;
And all his sinews woxen weake and raw,
4 Through long +enprisonment+, and hard constraint,
Which he endured in his late restraint,
6 That yet he was vnfit for bloudie fight:
Therefore to cherish him with diets daint,
8 She cast to bring him, where he chearen might,
Till he recouered had his late decayed plight.
4 enprisonment > imprisonment 1609
1 By that which lately happened, Una saw 2 That this her knight was feeble, and too faint;
faint > sluggish; spiritless, lacking courage
3 And all his sinews waxed weak and raw
waxed > became; hence: had become raw > raw-boned, wasted; or: unready
4 Through long imprisonment and hard constraint,
constraint > restriction of liberty; affliction; oppression
5 Which he endured in his late restraint,
late restraint > recent restriction of liberty
6 That yet he was unfit for bloody fight:
That > [So that]
7 Therefore, to cherish him with diets daint,
daint > dainty, choice, pleasing, delicious
8 She cast to bring him where he cheer might,
cast > decided cheer > take heart
9 Till he recovered had his late decayed plight.
recovered had > had recovered from decayed > wasted, ruined (of health)
110.3
There was an auntient house not farre away,
2 Renowmd throughout the world for sacred lore,
And pure vnspotted life: so well they say
4 It gouernd was, and guided euermore,
Through wisedome of a matrone graue and hore;
6 Whose onely ioy was to relieue the needes
Of wretched soules, and helpe the helpelesse pore:
8 All night she spent in bidding of her bedes,
And all the day in doing good and godly deedes.
1 There was an ancient house not far away,
house > religious house; convent
2 Renowned throughout the world for sacred lore,
lore > teaching, doctrine
3 And pure unspotted life: so well, they say, 4 It governed was, and guided evermore, 5 Through wisdom of a matron grave and hoar;
hoar > {Venerable; grey-haired with age}
6 Whose only joy was to relieve the needs 7 Of wretched souls, and help the helpless poor: 8 All night she spent in bidding of her beads,
bidding of her beads > saying her rosary, saying her prayers
9 And all the day in doing good and godly deeds.
110.4
Dame C{ae}lia men did her call, as thought
2 From heauen to come, or thither to arise,
The mother of three daughters, well vpbrought
4 In goodly thewes, and godly exercise:
The eldest two most sober, chast, and wise,
6 Fidelia and Speranza virgins were,
Though spousd, yet wanting wedlocks solemnize;
8 But faire Charissa to a louely fere
Was lincked, and by him had many pledges dere.
1 Dame Caelia men did her call, as thought
Caelia > "Heavenly" (from the Latin caelum, the heavens)
2 From heaven to come, or thither to arise, 3 The mother of three daughters, well upbrought
upbrought > brought up
4 In goodly thews, and godly exercise:
thews > habits, morals; qualities exercise > worship, rites
5 The eldest two, most sober, chaste, and wise, 6 Fidelia and Speranza, virgins were,
Fidelia > "Faith" (from the Latin fides, faith)
Speranza > "Hope" (from the Latin spes, hope)
7 Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize;
spoused > betrothed solemnize > solemnization; solemnizing
8 But fair Charissa to a lovely fere
Charissa > "Charity" (from the old French charit{e/}, charity) lovely fere > loving husband
9 Was linked, and by him had many pledges dear.
pledges > [children]
110.5
Arriued there, the dore they find fast lockt;
2 For it was warely watched night and day,
For feare of many foes: but when they knockt,
4 The Porter opened vnto them streight way:
He was an aged syre, all hory gray,
6 With lookes full lowly cast, and gate full slow,
Wont on a staffe his feeble steps to stay,
8 Hight Humilt{a/}. They passe in stouping low;
For streight and narrow was the way, which he did show.
1 Arrived there, the door they find fast locked,
fast > firmly
2 For it was warely watched night and day,
warely > vigilantly
3 For fear of many foes: but when they knocked 4 The porter opened to them straightway: 5 He was an aged sire, all hoary grey,
sire > {Aged or elderly man}
6 With looks full lowly cast, and gait full slow
full > very
7 (Wont on a staff his feeble steps to stay),
Wont > Accustomed stay > support
8 Hight Umilt{a\}. They pass in, stooping low:
Hight > Called, named
Umilt{a\} > "Humility" (Italian)
9 For straight and narrow was the way which he did show.
straight and narrow > (See Matt. 7.14; and cf. 104.2:8)
110.6
Each goodly thing is hardest to begin,
2 But entred in a spacious court they see,
Both plaine, and pleasant to be walked in,
4 Where them does meete a francklin faire and free,
And entertaines with comely courteous glee,
6 His name was Zele, that him right well became,
For in his speeches and behauiour hee
8 Did labour liuely to expresse the same,
And gladly did them guide, till to the Hall they came.
1 Each goodly thing is hardest to begin,
goodly > fine
2 But, entered in, a spacious court they see, 3 Both plain, and pleasant to be walked in, 4 Where them does meet a franklin fair and free,
franklin > free man (as opposed to a villein or serf); land-owner (of free but not noble birth)
5 And entertains with comely courteous glee;
glee > joy
6 His name was Zeal, that him right well became,
right > very
7 For in his speeches and behaviour he 8 Did labour lively to express the same, 9 And gladly did them guide, till to the hall they came.
110.7
There fairely them receiues a gentle Squire,
2 Of milde demeanure, and rare courtesie,
Right cleanly clad in comely sad attire;
4 In word and deede that shew'd great modestie,
And knew his good to all of each degree,
6 Hight Reuerence. He them with speeches meet
Does faire entreat; no courting nicetie,
8 But simple true, and eke vnfained sweet,
As might become a Squire so great persons to greet.
1 There fairly them receives a gentle squire
fairly > becomingly, courteously gentle squire > noble attendant
2 Of mild demeanour and rare courtesy,
mild > gracious, kindly
3 Right cleanly clad in comely sad attire;
Right > Very sad > sober-coloured
4 In word and deed that showed great modesty, 5 And knew his good to all of each degree,
knew > made known; hence: applied, demonstrated good > grace; virtue, goodness degree > social station
6 Hight Reverence. He them with speeches meet
Hight > Called, named meet > seemly, appropriate
7 Does fair entreat: no courting nicety,
fair entreat > becomingly treat courting nicety > courtly foolishness, artificiality
8 But simple true, and eke unfeigned sweet,
true > truth eke > moreover sweet > {Sweetness; that which is pleasant to the mind}
9 As might become a squire so great persons to greet.
so > such
110.8
And afterwards them to his Dame he leades,
2 That aged Dame, the Ladie of the place:
Who all this while was busie at her beades:
4 Which doen, she vp arose with seemely grace,
And toward them full matronely did pace.
6 Where when that fairest Vna she beheld,
Whom well she knew to spring from heauenly race,
8 Her hart with ioy vnwonted inly sweld,
As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld.
1 And afterwards them to his dame he leads, 2 That aged dame, the lady of the place: 3 Who all this while was busy at her beads:
beads > prayers
4 Which done, she up arose with seemly grace, 5 And toward them full matronly did pace.
full > very, exceedingly
6 Where, when fairest Una she beheld, 7 Whom well she knew to spring from heavenly race, 8 Her heart with joy unwonted inly swelled,
unwonted > unaccustomed inly > inwardly
9 As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld.
comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort} weaker > too-weak eld > age, old age
110.9
And her embracing said, {o^} happie earth,
2 Whereon thy innocent feet doe euer tread,
Most vertuous virgin borne of heauenly berth,
4 That to redeeme thy woefull parents head,
From tyrans rage, and euer-dying dread,
6 Hast wandred through the world now long a day;
Yet ceasest not thy wearie soles to lead,
8 What grace hath thee now hither brought this way?
Or doen thy feeble feet vnweeting hither stray?
1 And, her embracing, said, "O happy earth, 2 Whereon your innocent feet do ever tread,
Whereon > On which
3 Most virtuous virgin, born of heavenly birth, 4 That, to redeem your woeful parents' head
head > position of command, hence: rule
5 From tyrant's rage and ever-dying dread,
ever-dying dread > [continual fear of death; fear of eternal death]
6 Have wandered through the world now long a day;
long a > [for many a long]
7 Yet cease not your weary soles to lead, 8 What grace has you now hither brought this way? 9 Or do your feeble feet unweeting hither stray?
unweeting > unwittingly
110.10
Strange thing it is an errant knight to see
2 Here in this place, or any other wight,
That hither turnes his steps. So few there bee,
4 That +chose+ the narrow path, or seeke the right:
All keepe the broad high way, and take delight
6 With many rather for to go astray,
And be partakers of their euill plight,
8 Then with a few to walke the rightest way;
O foolish men, why haste ye to your owne decay?
4 chose > chuse 1609
1 "Strange thing it is an errant knight to see
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.)
2 Here in this place, or any other wight,
wight > person, man
3 That hither turns his steps. So few there be 4 That choose the narrow path, or seek the right: 5 All keep the broad highway, and take delight
broad highway > (Cf. 104.2:8, 207.21:3)
6 With many rather to go astray, 7 And be partakers of their evil plight, 8 Than with a few to walk the rightest way; 9 O foolish men, why hasten you to your own decay?"
decay > downfall, destruction
110.11
Thy selfe to see, and tyred limbs to rest,
2 O matrone sage (quoth she) I hither came,
And this good knight his way with me addrest,
4 Led with thy prayses and broad-blazed fame,
That vp to heauen is blowne. The auncient Dame,
6 Him goodly greeted in her modest guise,
And entertaynd them both, as best became,
8 With all the court'sies, that she could deuise,
Ne wanted ought, to shew her bounteous or wise.
1 "Yourself to see, and tired limbs to rest, 2 O matron sage," quoth she, "I hither came, 3 And this good knight his way with me addressed,
addressed > directed; also: set to rights, made straight (for Caelia has just described him as "errant")
4 Led with your praises and broad-blazed fame, 5 That up to heaven is blown." The ancient dame 6 Him goodly greeted in her modest guise,
goodly > courteously guise > manner
7 And entertained them both, as best became,
best became > was most fitting
8 With all the courtesies that she could devise, 9 Nor wanted aught to show her bounteous or wise.
bounteous > {Full of goodness; beneficent}
110.12
Thus as they gan of sundry things deuise,
2 Loe two most goodly virgins came in place,
Ylinked arme in arme in louely wise,
4 With countenance demure, and modest grace,
They numbred euen steps and equall pace:
6 Of which the eldest, that Fidelia hight,
Like sunny beames threw from her Christall face,
8 That could haue dazd the rash beholders sight,
And round about her head did shine like heauens light.
1 Thus as they gan of sundry things devise,
gan > did devise > talk
2 Lo two most goodly virgins came in place,
goodly > beautiful in place > there
3 Linked arm-in-arm in lovely wise,
lovely > [a] loving, lovely wise > manner
6 Of whom the elder, that Fidelia hight,
hight > was named
7 Like sunny beams threw from her crystal face,
Like > [Something resembling] crystal > {Clear, having the qualities of crystal, as purity, luminosity}
8 That could have dazed the rash beholder's sight,
dazed > dazzled
9 And round about her head did shine like heaven's light.
110.13
She was araied all in lilly white,
2 And in her right hand bore a cup of gold,
With wine and water fild vp to the hight,
4 In which a Serpent did himselfe enfold,
That horrour made to all, that did behold;
6 But she no whit did chaunge her constant mood:
And in her other hand she fast did hold
8 A booke, that was both signd and seald with blood,
Wherein darke things were writ, hard to be vnderstood.
1 She was arrayed all in lily white, 2 And in her right hand bore a cup of gold, 3 With wine and water filled up to the height,
height > [brim]
4 In which a serpent did himself enfold, 5 That horror made to all that did behold; 6 But she no whit did change her constant mood: 7 And in her other hand she fast did hold
fast > firmly
8 A book, that was both signed and sealed with blood,
9 Wherein dark things were written, hard to be understood.
Wherein > In which dark things > (The Revelation)
110.14
Her younger sister, that Speranza hight,
2 Was clad in blew, that her beseemed well;
Not all so chearefull seemed she of sight,
4 As was her sister; whether dread did dwell,
Or anguish in her hart, is hard to tell:
6 Vpon her arme a siluer anchor lay,
Whereon she leaned euer, as befell:
8 And euer vp to heauen, as she did pray,
Her stedfast eyes were bent, ne swarued other way.
1 Her younger sister, that Speranza hight,
hight > was named
2 Was clad in blue, that her beseemed well;
blue > (The traditional colour of hope) beseemed > suited
3 Not all so cheerful seemed she of sight,
of sight > in appearance, of aspect
4 As was her sister; whether dread did dwell, 5 Or anguish in her heart, is hard to tell: 6 Upon her arm a silver anchor lay,
anchor > (The symbol of hope: see Heb. 6.19)
7 Whereon she leaned ever, as befell:
befell > was fitting; it happened
8 And ever up to heaven, as she did pray, 9 Her steadfast eyes were bent, nor swerved other way.
bent > directed
110.15
They seeing Vna, towards her gan wend,
2 Who them encounters with like courtesie;
Many kind speeches they betwene them spend,
4 And greatly ioy each other +well+ to see:
Then to the knight with shamefast modestie
6 They turne themselues, at Vnaes meeke request,
And him salute with well beseeming glee;
8 Who faire them quites, as him beseemed best,
And goodly +gan+ discourse of many a noble gest.
4 well > for 1590 9 gan > can 1609
1 They, seeing Una, towards her gan wend,
gan > did
2 Who them encounters with like courtesy;
encounters > addresses; goes forward to meet
3 Many kind speeches they between them spend, 4 And greatly joy each other well to see: 5 Then to the knight with shamefast modesty
shamefast > shy, bashful
6 They turn themselves, at Una's meek request, 7 And him salute with well beseeming glee;
beseeming > suitable glee > joy, delight
8 Who fair them requites, as him beseemed best,
him beseemed best > seemed most fitting to him
9 And goodly gan discourse of many a noble gest.
goodly > courteously; well gan > did gest > exploit, deed
110.16
Then Vna thus; But she your sister deare,
2 The deare Charissa where is she become?
Or wants she health, or busie is elsewhere?
4 Ah no, said they, but forth she may not come:
For she of late is lightned of her wombe,
6 And hath encreast the world with one sonne more,
That her to see should be but troublesome.
8 Indeede (quoth she) that should +her+ trouble sore,
But thankt be God, and her encrease so euermore.
8 her > be 1590 etc.: FE
1 Then Una thus: "But she, your sister dear, 2 The dear Charissa, where is she become?
is she become > [has she gone, is she]
3 Or wants she health, or busy is elsewhere?"
Or > Either; hence, here: perhaps
4 "Ah no," said they, "but forth she may not come: 5 For she of late is lightened of her womb, 6 And has increased the world with one son more, 7 That her to see should be but troublesome."
That > [So that] be > [be for Charissa]
8 "Indeed," quoth she, "that should her trouble sore, 9 But thanked be God, and her increase so evermore!"
increase so > [may He make more fruitful in this way]
110.17
Then said the aged C{oe}lia, Deare dame,
2 And you good Sir, I wote that of your toyle,
And labours long, through which ye hither came,
4 Ye both forwearied be: therefore a whyle
I read you rest, and to your bowres recoyle.
6 Then called she a Groome, that forth him led
Into a goodly lodge, and gan despoile
8 Of puissant armes, and laid in easie bed;
His name was meeke Obedience rightfully ared.
1 Then said the aged Caelia, "Dear dame, 2 And you, good sir, I wot that of your toil
wot > know
3 And labours long, through which you hither came, 4 You both forwearied be: therefore a while
forwearied > exhausted
5 I read you rest, and to your bowers recoil."
read you > advise you to bowers > rooms recoil > retire
6 Then called she a groom, that forth him led
groom > young man, manservant
7 Into a goodly lodge, and gan despoil
lodge > lodging, temporary abode gan > did despoil > strip
8 Of puissant arms, and laid in easy bed;
puissant > warlike arms > {Weapons, shield and armour}
9 His name was meek Obedience, rightfully aread.
aread > made known, declared
110.18
Now when their wearie limbes with kindly rest,
2 And bodies were refresht with due repast,
Faire Vna gan Fidelia faire request,
4 To haue her knight into her schoolehouse plaste,
That of her heauenly learning he might taste,
6 And heare the wisedome of her words diuine.
She graunted, and that knight so much agraste,
8 That she him taught celestiall discipline,
And opened his dull eyes, that light mote in them shine.
1 Now when their weary limbs with kindly rest,
kindly > natural
2 And bodies were refreshed with due repast,
refreshed > (Takes both "bodies" and "limbes" as direct objects)
3 Fair Una gan Fidelia fair request
gan > did fair > courteously
4 To have her knight into her schoolhouse placed, 5 That of her heavenly learning he might taste,
That > [So that]
6 And hear the wisdom of her words divine. 7 She granted, and that knight so much aggraced
aggraced > favoured
8 That she him taught celestial discipline,
celestial > heavenly discipline > {Learning; mental and moral training}
9 And opened his dull eyes, that light might in them shine.
that > [so that]
110.19
And that her sacred Booke, with bloud ywrit,
2 That none could read, except she did them teach,
She vnto him disclosed euery whit,
4 And heauenly documents thereout did preach,
That weaker wit of man could neuer reach,
6 Of God, of grace, of iustice, of free will,
That wonder was to heare her goodly speach:
8 For she was able, with her words to kill,
And raise againe to life the hart, that she did thrill.
1 And her sacred book, with blood written,
blood > [of Christ]
2 That none could read, except she did them teach,
except > unless
3 She to him disclosed every whit; 4 And heavenly documents thereout did preach,
documents > lessons; proofs thereout > out of that
5 That weaker wit of man could never reach,
weaker > [the] too-weak wit > mind, intelligence, mental faculty
6 Of God, of grace, of justice, of free will, 7 That wonder was to hear her goodly speech:
goodly > fine, beautiful
8 For she was able with her words to kill, 9 And raise again to life, the heart that she did thrill.
thrill > pierce
110.20
And when she list poure out her larger spright,
2 She would commaund the hastie Sunne to stay,
Or backward turne his course from heauens hight;
4 Sometimes great hostes of men she could dismay,
Dry-shod to passe, she parts the flouds in tway;
6 And eke huge mountaines from their natiue seat
She would commaund, themselues to beare away,
8 And throw in raging sea with roaring threat.
Almightie God her gaue such powre, and puissance great.
5 This line was added in 1609.
1 And, when she list pour out her larger spirit,
list > chose to larger spirit > greater power, higher power
2 She would command the hasty sun to stay,
stay > wait (see Josh. 10.12)
3 Or backward turn its course from heaven's height;
backward > (See 2 Kings 20.10)
4 Sometimes great hosts of men she could dismay;
hosts > armies (see Judg. 7.21) dismay > defeat
5 Dry-shod to pass, she parts the floods in tway,
parts > (See Exod. 14.21 ff.) tway > two
6 And eke huge mountains from their native seat
eke > moreover mountains > (See Matt. 21.21) native seat > natural throne (i.e. foundations)
7 She would command themselves to bear away, 8 And throw in raging sea with roaring threat.
threat > pressure, thrust, hence: force (Latin trudere, to press, thrust, urge); also: threat, peril
9 Almighty God her gave such power, and puissance great.
puissance > strength
110.21
The faithfull knight now grew in litle space,
2 By hearing her, and by her sisters lore,
To such perfection of all heauenly grace,
4 That wretched world he gan for to abhore,
And mortall life gan loath, as thing forlore,
6 Greeu'd with remembrance of his wicked wayes,
And prickt with anguish of his sinnes so sore,
8 That he +desirde,+ to end his wretched dayes:
So much the dart of sinfull guilt the soule dismayes.
8 desirde, > desirde 1609
1 The faithful knight now grew in little space, 2 By hearing her, and by her sister's lore,
lore > teaching
3 To such perfection of all heavenly grace 4 That wretched world he began to abhor, 5 And mortal life gan loathe as thing forlorn,
gan > did; began to forlorn > wretched, depraved; morally lost, doomed
6 Grieved with remembrance of his wicked ways, 7 And pricked with anguish of his sins so sore 8 That he desired to end his wretched days: 9 So much the dart of sinful guilt the soul dismays.
110.22
But wise Speranza gaue him comfort sweet,
2 And taught him how to take assured hold
Vpon her siluer anchor, as was meet;
4 Else had his sinnes so great, and manifold
Made him forget all that Fidelia told.
6 In this distressed doubtfull agonie,
When him his dearest Vna did behold,
8 Disdeining life, desiring leaue to die,
She found her selfe assayld with great perplexitie.
1 But wise Speranza gave him comfort sweet,
comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort}
2 And taught him how to take assured hold 3 Upon her silver anchor, as was meet;
meet > fitting
4 Else had his sins, so great and manifold,
Else had > [Otherwise would have]
5 Made him forget all that Fidelia told. 6 In this distressed doubtful agony,
doubtful > apprehensive, fearful agony > (In the Middle Ages, this word also applied specifically to Christ's mental anguish in Gethsemane)
7 When him his dearest Una did behold, 8 Disdaining life, desiring leave to die, 9 She found herself assailed with great perplexity,
perplexity > perplexity; distress
110.23
And came to C{oe}lia to declare her smart,
2 Who well acquainted with that commune plight,
Which sinfull horror workes in wounded hart,
4 Her wisely comforted all that she might,
With goodly counsell and aduisement right;
6 And streightway sent with carefull diligence,
To fetch a Leach, the which had great insight
8 In that disease of grieued conscience,
And well could cure the same; His name was Patience.
1 And came to Caelia to declare her smart.
smart > pain; grief
2 Who, well acquainted with that common plight 3 Which sinful horror works in wounded heart, 4 Her wisely comforted all that she might,
might > could
5 With goodly counsel and advisement right;
advisement > advice
6 And straightway sent with careful diligence 7 To fetch a leech, who had great insight
leech > physician
8 Into that disease of grieved conscience, 9 And well could cure the same; his name was Patience.
110.24
Who comming to that soule-diseased knight,
2 Could hardly him intreat, to tell his griefe:
Which knowne, and all that noyd his heauie spright,
4 Well searcht, eftsoones he gan apply +reliefe+
Of salues and med'cines, which had passing priefe,
6 And thereto added words of wondrous might:
By which to ease he him recured briefe,
8 And much asswag'd the passion of his plight,
That he his paine endur'd, as seeming now more light.
4 reliefe > relief 1590; reliefe. 1596
1 Who, coming to that soul-diseased knight, 2 Could hardly him entreat to tell his grief:
hardly > with difficulty entreat > persuade
3 Which known, and all that noyed his heavy spirit
noyed > troubled, harassed
4 Well searched, eftsoons he gan apply relief
searched > probed, examined eftsoons > forthwith gan > did
5 Of salves and medicines, which had passing proof,
passing > surpassing, excellent proof > proven worth; hence: efficacy
6 And thereto added words of wondrous might:
thereto > moreover, also
7 By which to ease he him recured brief,
ease > (Sb.) recured > cured, restored brief > rapidly; briefly, temporarily
8 And much assuaged the passion of his plight,
passion > suffering
9 That he his pain endured, as seeming now more light.
That > [So that]
110.25
But yet the cause and root of all his ill,
2 Inward corruption, and infected sin,
Not purg'd nor heald, behind remained still,
4 And festring sore did rankle yet within,
Close creeping twixt the marrow and the skin.
6 Which to extirpe, he laid him priuily
Downe in a darkesome lowly place farre in,
8 Whereas he meant his corrosiues to apply,
And with +streight+ diet tame his stubborne malady.
9 streight > streict 1609
1 But yet the cause and root of all his ill
ill > trouble, disorder
2 (Inward corruption and infected sin) 3 Not purged nor healed, behind remained still, 4 And festering sore did rankle yet within, 5 Close creeping 'twixt the marrow and the skin.
marrow > {The vital part or "core" of the body}
6 Which to extirp, he laid him privily
extirp > extirpate privily > secretly; hence: away from view
7 Down in a darksome lowly place far in, 8 Where he meant his corrosives to apply,
corrosives > remedies, caustic drugs
9 And with strait diet tame his stubborn malady.
strait > strict diet > {Way of living or thinking} stubborn > unyielding, intractable (cf. 108.25:4)
110.26
In ashes and sackcloth he did array
2 His daintie corse, proud humors to abate,
And dieted with fasting euery day,
4 The swelling of his wounds to mitigate,
And made him pray both earely and eke late:
6 And euer as superfluous flesh did rot
Amendment readie still at hand did wayt,
8 To pluck it out with pincers firie whot,
That soone in him was left no one corrupted iot.
1 In ashes and sackcloth he did array 2 His dainty corse, proud humours to abate,
dainty corse > handsome body proud > proud, arrogant; lascivious; swollen, superfluous humours > {Habits of mind; mental qualities, inclinations; also: the four cardinal "humours" of the body whose proportions, in medieval physiology, were believed to determine one's mental and physical qualities} abate > destroy; abate
3 And dieted with fasting every day, 4 The swelling of his wounds to mitigate, 5 And made him pray both early and eke late:
eke > also
6 And ever, as superfluous flesh did rot, 7 Amendment ready still at hand did wait, 8 To pluck it out with pincers fiery hot, 9 That soon in him was left not one corrupted jot.
That > [So that]
110.27
And bitter Penance with an yron whip,
2 Was wont him once to disple euery day:
And sharp Remorse his hart did pricke and nip,
4 That drops of bloud thence like a well did play;
And sad Repentance vsed to embay,
6 +His bodie in salt water smarting sore,+
The filthy blots of sinne to wash away.
8 So in short space they did to health restore
The man that would not liue, but earst lay at deathes dore.
6 His bodie in salt water smarting sore, > His blamefull body in salt water sore, 1590
1 And bitter Penance, with an iron whip, 2 Was wont him once to disple every day:
Was wont > Was accustomed; used disple > discipline (esp. as a religious practice)
3 And sharp Remorse his heart did prick and nip, 4 That drops of blood thence like a well did play;
That > [So that]
5 And sad Repentance used to embay
sad > solemn; grievous; sad; heavy embay > bathe, drench
6 His body in salt water smarting sore, 7 The filthy blots of sin to wash away. 8 So in short space they did to health restore 9 The man that would not live, but erst lay at death's door.
erst > lately
110.28
In which his torment often was so great,
2 That like a Lyon he would cry and rore,
And rend his flesh, and his owne synewes eat.
4 His owne deare Vna hearing euermore
His ruefull shriekes and gronings, often tore
6 Her guiltlesse garments, and her golden heare,
For pitty of his paine and anguish sore;
8 Yet all with patience wisely she did beare;
For well she wist, his crime could else be neuer cleare.
1 In which his torment often was so great 2 That like a lion he would cry and roar, 3 And rend his flesh, and his own sinews eat.
rend > tear
4 His own dear Una, hearing evermore
evermore > constantly
5 His rueful shrieks and groanings, often tore 6 Her guiltless garments and her golden hair, 7 For pity of his pain and anguish sore; 8 Yet all with patience wisely she did bear; 9 For well she wist his crime could else be never clear.
wist > knew crime > {Wrongdoing, sins taken collectively} else > otherwise clear > clean; cleared, cleansed, purified
110.29
Whom thus recouer'd by wise Patience,
2 And trew Repentance they to Vna brought:
Who ioyous of his cured conscience,
4 Him dearely kist, and fairely eke besought
Himselfe to chearish, and consuming thought
6 To put away out of his carefull brest.
By this Charissa, late in child-bed brought,
8 Was woxen strong, and left her fruitfull nest;
To her faire Vna brought this vnacquainted guest.
1 Whom, thus recovered by wise Patience 2 And true Repentance, they to Una brought; 3 Who, joyous of his cured conscience, 4 Him dearly kissed, and fairly eke besought
fairly > gently; courteously (when applied to "besought"); becomingly, equitably (when applied to "chearish") eke > also
5 Himself to cherish, and consuming thought
cherish > cheer (see Ephes. 5.29); hold dear, cherish consuming > destructive, diseased
6 To put away out of his careful breast.
careful > {Sorrowful, full of cares}
7 By this Charissa, late in childbed brought,
By this > By this time late > lately
8 Was waxed strong, and left her fruitful nest;
Was waxed > Had grown
9 To her fair Una brought this unacquainted guest.
unacquainted > unknown, un-introduced; or: unusual, strange
110.30
She was a woman in her freshest age,
2 Of wondrous beauty, and of bountie rare,
With goodly grace and comely personage,
4 That was on earth not easie to compare;
Full of great loue, but Cupids wanton snare
6 As hell she hated, chast in worke and will;
Her necke and breasts were euer open bare,
8 That ay thereof her babes might sucke their fill;
The rest was all in yellow robes arayed still.
1 She was a woman in her freshest age, 2 Of wondrous beauty, and of bounty rare,
bounty > virtue, goodness; kindness, generosity
3 With goodly grace and comely personage,
goodly > attractive, beautiful personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from clothing}
4 That was on earth not easy to compeer;
compeer > equal, rival
5 Full of great love, but Cupid's wanton snare
Cupid > (God of love, the son of Jupiter and Venus)
6 As hell she hated, chaste in work and will; 7 Her neck and breasts were ever open bare, 8 That ay thereof her babes might suck their fill;
ay > ever, always
9 The rest was all in yellow robes arrayed still.
yellow > (The colour of fertility: see Met. 10.1) still > ever, always
110.31
A multitude of babes about her hong,
2 Playing their sports, that ioyd her to behold,
Whom still she fed, whiles they were weake and young,
4 But thrust them forth still, as they wexed old:
And on her head she wore a tyre of gold,
6 Adornd with gemmes and owches wondrous +faire,+
Whose passing price vneath was to be told;
8 And by her side there sate a gentle paire
Of turtle doues, she sitting in an yuorie chaire.
6 faire, > faire. 1596
1 A multitude of babes about her hung, 2 Playing their sports, that joyed her to behold,
sports > games joyed her > made her delighted, gave her joy; also rejoiced her
3 Whom still she fed, while they were weak and young,
still > continually, habitually, invariably
4 But thrust them forth still, as they waxed old:
still > always, invariably waxed > grew
5 And on her head she wore a tire of gold,
tire > head-dress
6 Adorned with gems and ouches wondrous fair,
ouches > {Jewels; golden sockets to hold these}
7 Whose passing price uneath was to be told;
passing > surpassing uneath > scarcely
8 And by her side there sat a gentle pair 9 Of turtle doves, she sitting in an ivory chair.
110.32
The knight and Vna entring, faire her greet,
2 And bid her ioy of that her happie brood;
Who them requites with court'sies seeming meet,
4 And entertaines with friendly chearefull mood.
Then Vna her besought, to be so good,
6 As in her vertuous rules to schoole her knight,
Now after all his torment well withstood,
8 In that sad house of Penaunce, where his spright
Had past the paines of hell, and long enduring night.
1 The knight and Una entering, fair her greet,
fair > courteously
2 And bid her joy of that her happy brood; 3 Who them requites with courtesies seeming meet,
meet > appropriate
4 And entertains with friendly cheerful mood.
entertains > receives; hence: greets
5 Then Una her besought to be so good 6 As in her virtuous rules to school her knight, 7 Now after all his torment well withstood 8 In that sad house of Penance, where his spirit
sad house of Penance > (Cf. 105.53:9; "sad" here = "grave"; also: "steadfast")
9 Had passed the pains of hell, and long-enduring night.
passed > endured
110.33
She was right ioyous of her iust request,
2 And taking by the hand that Faeries sonne,
Gan him instruct in euery good behest,
4 Of loue, and righteousnesse, and well to donne,
And wrath, and hatred warely to shonne,
6 That drew on men Gods hatred, and his wrath,
And many soules in dolours had fordonne:
8 In which when him she well instructed hath,
From thence to heauen she teacheth him the ready path.
1 She was right joyous of her just request,
right joyous of > very delighted by just > righteous; proper
2 And, taking by the hand that Faery's son, 3 Gan him instruct in every good behest
Gan > Did; began to behest > injunction (esp. of a religious nature)
4 Of love and righteousness, and well to do,
well > good
5 And wrath and hatred warely to shun,
warely > vigilantly, cautiously
6 That drew on men God's hatred, and His wrath, 7 And many souls in dolours had fordone:
dolours > sorrows, griefs fordone > utterly ruined
8 In which when him she well instructed has, 9 From thence to heaven she teaches him the ready path.
teaches > shows ready > {Straight, direct; lying immediately before him}
110.34
Wherein his weaker wandring steps to guide,
2 An auncient matrone she to her does call,
Whose sober lookes her wisedome well descride:
4 Her name was Mercie, well knowne ouer all,
To be both gratious, and eke liberall:
6 To whom the carefull charge of him she gaue,
To lead aright, that he should neuer fall
8 In all his wayes through this wide +worldes+ waue,
That Mercy in the end his righteous soule might saue.
8 worldes > worlds 1609
1 Wherein his weaker wandering steps to guide,
Wherein > In which; in respect of which weaker > too-weak
2 An ancient matron she to her does call, 3 Whose sober looks her wisdom well descried:
descried > announced, bespoke
4 Her name was Mercy, well known over all
over all > everywhere
5 To be both gracious and eke liberal:
eke > also
6 To whom the careful charge of him she gave, 7 To lead aright, that he should never fall
that > [so that]
8 In all his ways through this wide world's wave, 9 That Mercy in the end his righteous soul might save.
That > [And that]
110.35
The godly Matrone by the hand him beares
2 Forth from her presence, by a narrow way,
Scattred with bushy thornes, and ragged breares,
4 Which still before him she remou'd away,
That nothing might his ready passage stay:
6 And euer when his feet encombred were,
Or gan to shrinke, or from the right to stray,
8 She held him fast, and firmely did vpbeare,
As carefull Nourse her child from falling oft does reare.
1 The godly matron by the hand him bears 2 Forth from her presence, by a narrow way
her > [Charissa's]
3 Scattered with bushy thorns and ragged briers, 4 Which still before him she removed away,
still > continually
5 That nothing might his ready passage stay:
That > [So that] ready > straight, direct stay > hinder
6 And ever, when his feet encumbered were, 7 Or began to shrink, or from the right to stray, 8 She held him fast, and firmly did upbear,
fast > firmly did > [did him]
9 As careful nurse her child from falling often does rear.
110.36
Eftsoones vnto an holy Hospitall,
2 That was fore by the way, she did him bring,
In which seuen Bead-men that had vowed all
4 Their life to seruice of high heauens king
Did spend their dayes in doing godly thing:
6 +There+ gates to all were open euermore,
That by the wearie way were traueiling,
8 And one sate wayting euer them before,
To call +in commers-by+, that needy were and pore.
6 There > Their 1609; cf. 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 211.21:8, 304.41:7, 312.28:1 9 in commers-by > in-commers by 1590, 1596
1 Eftsoons to a holy hospital,
Eftsoons > Forthwith, soon hospital > {Charitable institution for housing and aiding the needy; place of lodging}
2 That was forby the way, she did him bring;
forby > hard by, near
3 In which seven beadsmen (that had vowed all
beadsmen > holy men; "men of prayer"
4 Their life to service of high heaven's King) 5 Did spend their days in doing godly things: 6 Their gates to all were open evermore
Their > Their; or, conceivably: there (see Textual Appendix; though even among the educated the two spellings were occasionally used indifferently) evermore > constantly
7 That by the weary way were travelling,
travelling > (Here, especially, includes the sense of "travailing", = "toiling")
8 And one sat waiting ever them before,
waiting > keeping watch
9 To call in comers-by that needy were and poor.
comers-by > passers-by
110.37
The first of them that eldest was, and best,
2 Of all the house had charge and gouernement,
As Guardian and Steward of the rest:
4 His office was to giue entertainement
And lodging, vnto all that came, and went:
6 Not vnto such, as could him feast againe,
And double quite, for that he on them spent,
8 But such, as want of harbour did constraine:
Those for Gods sake his dewty was to entertaine.
1 The first of them, that eldest was and best,
best > most kind
2 Of all the house had charge and government, 3 As guardian and steward of the rest: 4 His office was to give entertainment
office > duty, function entertainment > hospitality
5 And lodging to all that came and went: 6 Not to such as could him feast again,
again > in return
7 And doubly requite for that he on them spent,
that > [that which]
8 But such as want of harbour did constrain:
harbour > shelter constrain > distress
9 Those for God's sake his duty was to entertain.
110.38
The second was +as+ Almner of the place,
2 His office was, the hungry for to feed,
And thristy giue to drinke, a worke of grace:
4 He feard not once him selfe to be in need,
Ne car'd to hoord for those, whom he did breede:
6 The grace of God he layd vp still in store,
Which as a stocke he left vnto his seede;
8 He had enough, what need him care for more?
And had he lesse, yet some he would giue to the pore.
1 as > an 1609
1 The second was as almoner of the place:
was as almoner > [occupied the position of almoner, = official distributor of alms]
2 His office was the hungry to feed,
office > duty, function
3 And thirsty give to drink, a work of grace. 4 He feared not once himself to be in need, 5 Nor cared to hoard for those whom he did breed:
breed > father [that is, his children]
6 The grace of God he laid up still in store,
still > continuously
7 Which as a stock he left to his seed;
stock > estate, endowment seed > children, heirs
8 He had enough, what need him care for more? 9 And had he less, yet some he would give to the poor.
110.39
The third had of their wardrobe custodie,
2 In which were not rich tyres, nor garments gay,
The plumes of pride, and wings of vanitie,
4 But +clothes+ meet to keepe keene could away,
And naked nature seemely to aray;
6 With which bare wretched wights he dayly clad,
The images of God in earthly clay;
8 And if that no spare +cloths+ to giue he had,
His owne coate he would cut, and it distribute glad.
4 clothes > clothez 1609, emphasizing the disyllable; cf. 200.5:4, 204.28:8, 206.39:5 8 cloths > clothes 1590, 1609
1 The third had of their wardrobe custody, 2 In which were not rich tires, nor garments gay,
tires > articles of clothing (attire); accoutrements
3 The plumes of pride, and wings of vanity,
wings > [plumes and birds' wings as used to adorn clothing]
4 But clothes meet to keep keen cold away,
meet > suitable keen > sharp
5 And naked nature seemly to array;
seemly > suitably, properly
6 With which bare wretched wights he daily clad,
wights > people
7 The images of God in earthly clay; 8 And, if no spare clothes to give he had, 9 His own coat he would cut, and it distribute gladly.
110.40
The fourth appointed by his office was,
2 Poore prisoners to relieue with gratious ayd,
And captiues to redeeme with price of bras,
4 From Turkes and Sarazins, which them had stayd;
And though they faultie were, yet well he wayd,
6 That God to vs forgiueth euery howre
Much more then that, why they in bands were layd,
8 And he that harrowd hell with heauie stowre,
The faultie soules from thence brought to his heauenly bowre.
1 The fourth appointed, by his office was
appointed > fixed by appointment; who had been appointed office > duty, function
2 Poor prisoners to relieve with gracious aid, 3 And captives to redeem with price of brass,
price > payment brass > money
4 From Turks and Saracens, who them had stayed;
Saracens > {Arabs or Moslems of the time of the Crusades; pagans} stayed > detained, taken hostage
5 And though they faulty were, yet well he weighed
they > (The hostages as well as their captors) faulty > guilty; at fault
6 That God to us forgives every hour
hour > hour; moment
7 Much more than that why they in bonds were laid,
why > [for which]
8 And he, that harrowed hell with heavy stour,
he > (Christ: see The Apocryphal New Testament 94-146) harrowed > harried heavy > grievous; intense stour > turmoil, conflict
9 The faulty souls from thence brought to his heavenly bower.
bower > dwelling
110.41
The fift had charge sicke persons to attend,
2 And comfort those, in point of death which lay;
For them most needeth comfort in the end,
4 When sin, and hell, and death do most dismay
The feeble soule departing hence away.
6 All is but lost, that liuing we bestow,
If not well ended at our dying day.
8 O man haue mind of that last bitter throw;
For as the tree does fall, so lyes it euer low.
1 The fifth had charge sick persons to attend, 2 And comfort those in point of death who lay;
in > [at the]
3 For them most need comfort in the end, 4 When sin, and hell, and death, do most dismay 5 The feeble soul departing hence away. 6 All is but lost, that living we bestow,
bestow > stow away, store up
7 If not well ended at our dying day. 8 O Man, have mind of that last bitter throe;
throe > (Equally, "throw", = the fall of a tree when cut down)
9 For as the tree does fall, so lies it ever low.
110.42
The sixt had charge of them now being dead,
2 In seemely sort their corses to engraue,
And deck with dainty flowres their bridall bed,
4 That to their heauenly spouse both sweet and braue
They might appeare, when he their soules shall saue.
6 The wondrous workemanship of Gods owne mould,
Whose face he made, all beasts to feare, and gaue
8 All in his hand, euen dead we honour should.
Ah dearest God me graunt, I dead be not defould.
1 The sixth had charge of them now being dead, 2 In seemly sort their corses to ingrave,
sort > manner corses > bodies ingrave > inter
3 And deck with dainty flowers their bridal bed, 4 That to their heavenly spouse both sweet and brave
That > [So that] heavenly spouse > [Christ] brave > finely dressed, splendid
5 They might appear, when he their souls shall save. 6 The wondrous workmanship of God's own mould,
mould > image; shape, form
7 Whose face He made all beasts to fear, and gave 8 All in His hand, even dead we honour should.
dead > [when dead]
9 Ah, dearest God, me grant, I dead be not defouled!
defouled > defiled, befouled; defaced
110.43
The seuenth now after death and buriall done,
2 Had charge the tender Orphans of the dead
And widowes ayd, least they should be vndone:
4 In face of iudgement he their right would plead,
Ne ought the powre of mighty men did dread
6 In their defence, nor would for gold or fee
Be wonne their rightfull causes downe to tread:
8 And when they stood in most necessitee,
He did supply their want, and gaue them euer free.
1 The seventh, now after death and burial done, 2 Had charge the tender orphans of the dead 3 And widows aid, lest they should be undone:
aid > [to aid] undone > ruined, made destitute
4 In face of judgement he their right would plead,
judgement > [legal judgement]
5 Neither aught the power of mighty men did dread
aught > at all
6 In their defence, nor would for gold or fee
fee > bribe; fee
7 Be won their rightful causes down to tread:
won > persuaded
8 And, when they stood in most necessity, 9 He did supply their want, and gave them ever free.
want > need
110.44
There when the Elfin knight arriued was,
2 The first and chiefest of the seuen, whose care
Was guests to welcome, towardes him did pas:
4 Where seeing Mercie, that his steps vp bare,
And alwayes led, to her with reuerence rare
6 He humbly louted in meeke lowlinesse,
And seemely welcome for her did prepare:
8 For of their order she was Patronesse,
Albe Charissa were their chiefest founderesse.
1 There when the Elfin knight arrived was, 2 The first and chiefest of the seven, whose care 3 Was guests to welcome, towards him did pas:
pas > pace; pass
4 Where, seeing Mercy, who his steps upbore,
upbore > did support
5 And always led, to her with reverence rare
rare > excellent, fine
6 He humbly louted in meek lowliness,
louted > bowed, made obeisance
7 And seemly welcome for her did prepare: 8 For of their order she was patroness, 9 Albe Charissa was their chiefest foundress.
Albe > Although foundress > {Female founder}
110.45
There she awhile him stayes, him selfe to rest,
2 That to the rest more able he might bee:
During which time, in euery good behest
4 And godly worke of Almes and charitee
She him instructed with great industree;
6 Shortly therein so perfect he became,
That from the first vnto the last degree,
8 His mortall life he learned had to frame
In holy righteousnesse, without rebuke or blame.
1 There she awhile him stays, himself to rest,
stays > detains
2 That to the rest more able he might be:
That to > [So that to accomplish]
3 During which time, in every good behest
behest > injunction (esp. of a religious nature)
4 And godly work of alms and charity, 5 She him instructed with great industry. 6 Shortly therein so perfect he became 7 That, from the first to the last degree, 8 His mortal life he learned had to frame
frame > give shape to, direct
9 In holy righteousness, without rebuke or blame.
without > beyond the reach of; without blame > accusation, charge; blame
110.46
Thence forward by that painfull way they pas,
2 Forth to an hill, that was both steepe and hy;
On top whereof a sacred chappell was,
4 And eke a litle Hermitage thereby,
Wherein an aged holy man did lye,
6 That day and night said his deuotion,
Ne other worldly busines did apply;
8 His name was heauenly Contemplation;
Of God and goodnesse was his meditation.
1 Thence forward by that painful way they pas,
pas > pass; pace
2 Forth to a hill that was both steep and high; 3 On top whereof a sacred chapel was,
whereof > of which
4 And eke a little hermitage thereby,
eke > in addition (cf. 101.34)
5 Wherein an aged holy man did lie, 6 Who day and night said his devotion, 7 Nor other worldly business did apply;
apply > pursue
8 His name was heavenly Contemplation; 9 Of God and goodness was his meditation.
110.47
Great grace that old man to him giuen had;
2 For God he often saw from heauens hight,
All were his earthly eyen both blunt and bad,
4 And through great age had lost their kindly sight,
Yet wondrous quick and persant was his spright,
6 As Eagles eye, that can behold the Sunne:
That hill they scale with all their powre and might,
8 That his frayle thighes nigh wearie and fordonne
Gan faile, but by her helpe the top at last he wonne.
1 Great grace that old man to him given had; 2 For God he often saw from heaven's height, 3 All were his earthly eyes both blunt and bad,
All > Even; hence: even though, although
4 And through great age had lost their kindly sight,
kindly > native, natural
5 Yet wondrous quick and perceant was his spirit,
perceant > piercing, percipient
6 As eagle's eye, that can behold the sun:
behold the sun > (Cf. Parliament of Fowls 330-1)
7 That hill they scale with all their power and might, 8 That his frail thighs, nigh weary and fordone,
That > [So that] fordone > ruined; exhausted
9 Gan fail; but by her help the top at last he won.
Gan > Did; began to won > reached, attained
110.48
There they do finde that godly aged Sire,
2 With snowy lockes adowne his shoulders shed,
As hoarie frost with spangles doth attire
4 The mossy braunches of an Oke halfe ded.
Each bone might through his body well be red,
6 And euery sinew seene through his long fast:
For nought he car'd his carcas long vnfed;
8 His mind was full of spirituall repast,
And pyn'd his flesh, to keepe his body low and chast.
1 There they do find that godly aged sire,
sire > father; elderly man
2 With snowy locks adown his shoulders shed,
adown > down
3 As hoary frost with spangles does attire 4 The mossy branches of an oak half dead. 5 Each bone might through his body well be read,
read > seen
6 And every sinew seen, through his long fast:
through > as a result of
7 For naught he cared his carcase long unfed;
naught > not at all, nothing at all cared > [cared about; cared for]
8 His mind was full of spiritual repast, 9 And pined his flesh to keep his body low and chaste.
pined > starved low > weak, lacking vigour
110.49
Who when these two approching he aspide,
2 At their first presence grew agrieued sore,
That forst him lay his heauenly thoughts aside;
4 And had he not that Dame respected more,
Whom highly he did reuerence and adore,
6 He would not once haue moued for the knight.
They him saluted standing far afore;
8 Who well them greeting, humbly did requight,
And asked, to what end they clomb that tedious height.
1 Who, when these two approaching he espied, 2 At their first presence grew aggrieved sore, 3 That forced him lay his heavenly thoughts aside;
That > [In that their presence] lay > [to lay]
4 And had he not that dame respected more 5 (Whom highly he did reverence and adore), 6 He would not once have moved for the knight. 7 They him saluted, standing far afore;
afore > in front [of him]
8 Who, well them greeting, humbly did requite,
requite > [them requite, return the compliment]
9 And asked to what end they climbed that tedious height.
climbed > [had climbed]
110.50
What end (quoth +she+) should cause vs take such paine,
2 But that same end, which euery liuing wight
Should make his marke, high heauen to attaine?
4 Is not from hence the way, that leadeth right
To that most glorious house, that glistreth bright
6 With burning starres, and euerliuing fire,
Whereof the keyes are to thy hand behight
8 By wise Fidelia? she doth thee require,
To shew it to this knight, according his desire.
1 she > he 1596
1 "What end," quoth she, "should cause us take such pain,
take > [to take]
2 But that same end, which every living wight
wight > mortal, person
3 Should make his mark, high heaven to attain? 4 Is not from hence the way, that leads right 5 To that most glorious house, that glisters bright 6 With burning stars and ever-living fire, 7 Whereof the keys are to your hand behight
Whereof > Of which behight > delivered, granted (catachr.); promised
8 By wise Fidelia? She does you require
require > request
9 To show it to this knight, according his desire."
according > agreeing to grant; hence: granting
110.51
Thrise happy man, said then the father graue,
2 Whose staggering steps thy steady hand doth lead,
And shewes the way, his sinfull soule to saue.
4 Who better can the way to heauen aread,
Then thou thy selfe, that was both borne and bred
6 In heauenly throne, where thousand Angels shine?
Thou doest the prayers of the righteous sead
8 Present before the maiestie diuine,
And his auenging wrath to clemencie incline.
1 "Thrice happy man," said then the father grave,
happy > blessed, beatified; fortunate; happy grave > important, influential; grave; gravely
2 "Whose staggering steps your steady hand does lead, 3 And shows the way his sinful soul to save! 4 Who better can the way to heaven aread
aread > make known; declare
5 Than you yourself, that was both born and bred 6 In heavenly throne, where thousand angels shine? 7 You do the prayers of the righteous seed
righteous seed > sinless children [the redeemed]
8 Present before the majesty divine, 9 And His avenging wrath to clemency incline.
110.52
Yet +since+ thou bidst, thy pleasure shalbe donne.
2 Then come thou man of earth, and see the way,
That neuer yet was seene of Faeries sonne,
4 That neuer leads the traueiler astray,
But after labours long, and sad delay,
6 +Brings+ +them+ to ioyous rest and endlesse blis.
But first thou must a season fast and pray,
8 Till from her bands the spright assoiled is,
And haue her strength recur'd from fraile infirmitis.
1 since > sith 1609 6 Brings > Bring 1590, 1596 6 them > him conj. Morris, who also sugg. the alternative of "traueilers" in line 4
1 "Yet, since you bid, your pleasure shall be done. 2 Then come, you man of earth, and see the way
man of earth > (See 110.66)
3 That never yet was seen by Faery's son; 4 That never leads the traveller astray, 5 But after labours long, and sad delay,
sad > grievous; sorrowful
6 Brings them to joyous rest and endless bliss. 7 But first you must a season fast and pray,
a season > for a while
8 Till from its bonds the spirit assoiled is,
assoiled > absolved; set free
9 And has its strength recured from frail infirmities."
recured from > recovered from; cured of frail > weak, morally weak
110.53
That done, he leads him to the highest Mount;
2 Such one, as that same mighty man of God,
That bloud-red billowes like a walled front
4 On either side disparted with his rod,
Till that his army dry-foot through them yod,
6 Dwelt fortie dayes vpon; where writ in stone
With bloudy letters by the hand of God,
8 The bitter doome of death and balefull mone
He did receiue, whiles flashing fire about him shone.
1 That done, he leads him to the highest mount; 2 Such one as that same mighty man of God
one > [a one] man of God > (Moses, on Mount Sinai: see Deut. 33.1, Exod. 24.18)
3 (That blood-red billows, like a walled front, 4 On either side disparted with his rod,
disparted > clove, parted asunder (see Exod. 14.21-2)
5 Till his army dry-foot through them yode)
yode > went
6 Dwelt forty days upon; where, written in stone 7 With bloody letters by the hand of God, 8 The bitter doom of death and baleful moan
doom > judgement, sentence baleful > deadly, miserable moan > {State of grief or lamentation}
9 He did receive, while flashing fire about him shone.
fire > (See Deut. 4.11)
110.54
Or like that sacred hill, whose head full hie,
2 Adornd with fruitfull Oliues all arownd,
Is, as it were for endlesse memory
4 Of that deare Lord, who oft thereon was fownd,
For euer with a flowring girlond crownd:
6 Or like that pleasaunt Mount, that is for ay
Through famous Poets verse each where renownd,
8 On which the thrise three learned Ladies play
Their heauenly notes, and make full many a louely lay.
1 Or like that sacred hill, whose head full high
sacred hill > (The Mount of Olives; see e.g. Luke 22.39 ff.) full > exceedingly, very
2 (Adorned with fruitful olives all around)
olives > [olive-trees]
3 Is, as it were, for endless memory
memory > memorial
4 Of that dear Lord, who often thereon was found, 5 For ever with a flowering garland crowned: 6 Or like that pleasant mount, that is for ay
mount > (Mount Parnassus, in Phocis, sacred to Apollo and the nine Muses) ay > ever, always
7 Through famous poets' verse each where renowned,
each where > everywhere
8 On which the thrice three learned ladies play 9 Their heavenly notes, and make full many a lovely lay.
full many a lovely lay > [very many lovely songs]
110.55
From thence, far off he vnto him did shew
2 A litle path, that was both steepe and long,
Which to a goodly Citie led his vew;
4 Whose wals and towres were builded high and strong
Of perle and precious stone, that earthly tong
6 Cannot describe, nor wit of man can tell;
Too high a ditty for my simple song;
8 The Citie of the great king hight it well,
Wherein eternall peace and happinesse doth dwell.
1 From thence, far off he to him did show 2 A little path, that was both steep and long, 3 Which to a goodly city led his view;
goodly > beautiful city > (See Rev. 21.10-21)
4 Whose walls and towers were built high and strong 5 Of pearl and precious stone, that earthly tongue 6 Cannot describe, nor wit of man can tell;
wit > skill, mental capacity
7 Too high a ditty for my simple song;
ditty > subject, theme
8 The city of the great King hight it well,
hight > was named
9 Wherein eternal peace and happiness do dwell.
110.56
As he thereon stood gazing, he might see
2 The blessed Angels to and fro descend
From highest heauen, in gladsome companee,
4 And with great ioy into that Citie wend,
As commonly as friend does with his frend.
6 Whereat he wondred much, and gan enquere,
What stately building durst so high extend
8 Her loftie towres vnto the starry sphere,
And what vnknowen nation there empeopled were.
1 As he thereon stood gazing, he might see
might > could (see Gen. 28.12)
2 The blessed angels to and fro descend 3 From highest heaven, in gladsome company, 4 And with great joy into that city wend, 5 As commonly as friend does with his friend.
commonly > familiarly
6 Whereat he wondered much, and gan inquire
Whereat > At which wondered > marvelled gan > did
7 What stately building dared so high extend 8 Its lofty towers to the starry sphere, 9 And what unknown nation there empeopled were.
empeopled > established [as the population: SUS]
110.57
Faire knight (quoth he) Hierusalem that is,
2 The new Hierusalem, that God has built
For those to dwell in, that are chosen his,
4 His chosen people purg'd from sinfull guilt,
With +pretious+ bloud, which cruelly was spilt
6 On cursed tree, of that vnspotted lam,
That for the sinnes of all the world was kilt:
8 Now are they Saints all in that Citie sam,
More deare vnto their God, then younglings to their dam.
5 pretious > piteous 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Fair knight," quoth he, "Jerusalem that is, 2 The new Jerusalem, that God has built 3 For those to dwell in that are chosen his, 4 His chosen people, purged from sinful guilt 5 With precious blood, which cruelly was spilt 6 On cursed tree, of that unspotted lamb
cursed tree > [the cross: see Gal. 3.13] of > of; by unspotted > blameless, innocent lamb > [Christ]
7 That for the sins of all the world was killed: 8 Now are they saints all in that city sam,
sam > together, mutually
9 More dear to their God than younglings to their dam."
younglings > young ones dam > mother
110.58
Till now, said then the knight, I weened well,
2 That great Cleopolis, where I haue beene,
In which that fairest Faerie Queene doth dwell
4 The fairest Citie was, that might be seene;
And that bright towre all built of christall cleene,
6 Panthea, seemd the brightest thing, that was:
But now by proofe all otherwise I weene;
8 For this great Citie that does far surpas,
And this bright Angels towre quite dims that towre of glas.
1 "Till now," said then the knight, "I weened well
weened > supposed, imagined
2 That great Cleopolis, where I have been
Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; allegorically: London)
3 (In which that fairest Faery Queen does dwell), 4 The fairest city was that might be seen;
might > could
5 And that bright tower, all built of crystal clean,
bright > bright; beautiful clean > {Clear, transparent; free from moral or spiritual pollution; pure and uncluttered in style}
6 Panthea, seemed the brightest thing that was:
Panthea > "All Sights", "Totality of Visions" (Greek, meaning
"Nonesuch", "Nonpareil", etc. Possibly identifiable as
Westminster Abbey or the Queen's Palace of Richmond)
7 But now by proof all otherwise I ween;
ween > think
8 For this great city that does far surpass, 9 And this bright angels' tower quite dims that tower of glass."
110.59
Most trew, then said the holy aged man;
2 Yet is Cleopolis for earthly +frame+,
The fairest peece, that eye beholden can:
4 And well beseemes all knights of noble name,
That couet in th'immortall booke of fame
6 To be eternized, that same to haunt,
And doen their seruice to that soueraigne Dame,
8 That glorie does to them for guerdon graunt:
For she is heauenly borne, and heauen may iustly vaunt.
2 frame > fame 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Most true," then said the holy aged man; 2 "Yet is Cleopolis, for earthly frame,
frame > structure, building
3 The fairest piece that eye behold can:
piece > piece of work
4 And well beseems all knights of noble name
beseems > suits, becomes name > repute, distinction; name
5 (That covet in the immortal book of fame
covet > wish, desire
6 To be eternized) that same to haunt,
eternized > eternalized, immortalized haunt > frequent
7 And do their service to that sovereign dame,
that sovereign dame > [the Faery Queen]
8 That glory does to them for guerdon grant:
guerdon > reward
9 For she is heavenly born, and heaven may justly vaunt.
vaunt > boast of [as her origin]
110.60
And thou faire ymp, sprong out from English race,
2 How euer now +accompted+ Elfins sonne,
Well worthy doest thy seruice for her grace,
4 To aide a virgin desolate foredonne.
But when thou famous victorie hast wonne,
6 And high emongst all knights hast hong thy shield,
Thenceforth the suit of earthly conquest shonne,
8 And wash thy hands from guilt of bloudy field:
For bloud can nought but sin, and wars but sorrowes yield.
2 accompted > accounted 1609
1 "And you, fair imp, sprung out from English race,
imp > child
2 However now accounted Elfin's son, 3 Well worthily do your service for her grace,
grace > favour, goodwill
4 To aid a virgin desolate, fordone.
fordone > ruined, undone
5 But when you famous victory have won, 6 And high amongst all knights have hung your shield, 7 Thenceforth the suit of earthly conquest shun,
suit > pursuit
8 And wash your hands from guilt of bloody field:
field > battle; field of battle
9 For blood can naught but sin, and wars but sorrows yield.
110.61
Then seeke this path, that I to thee presage,
2 Which after all to heauen shall thee send;
Then +peaceably thy+ painefull pilgrimage
4 To yonder same Hierusalem do bend,
Where is for thee ordaind a blessed end:
6 For thou emongst those Saints, whom thou doest see,
Shalt be a Saint, and thine owne nations frend
8 And Patrone: thou Saint George shalt called bee,
Saint George of mery England, the signe of victoree.
3 peaceably thy > peaceably to thy 1596
1 "Then seek this path, that I to you presage,
presage > prophesy; also: make known (SUS)
2 Which after all to heaven shall you send; 3 Then peaceably your painful pilgrimage 4 To yonder same Jerusalem do bend,
bend > incline, direct
5 Where is for you ordained a blessed end: 6 For you (amongst those saints whom you do see) 7 Shall be a saint, and your own nation's friend 8 And patron: you Saint George shall called be,
patron > champion; patron saint
9 Saint George of merry England, the sign of victory."
merry > pleasant sign > emblem
110.62
Vnworthy wretch (quoth he) of so great grace,
2 How dare I thinke such glory to attaine?
These that haue it attaind, were in like cace
4 +(Quoth he) as wretched, and liu'd in like paine.+
But deeds of armes must I at last be faine,
6 And Ladies loue to leaue so dearely bought?
What need of armes, where peace doth ay remaine,
8 (Said he) and +battailes none are to be+ fought?
As for loose loues +are+ vaine, and vanish into nought.
4 (Quoth he) as wretched, and liu'd in like paine. > As wretched men, and liued in like paine. 1590 8 battailes none are to be > bitter battailes all are 1590 9 are > they'are 1590; but cf. 503.22:5
1 "Unworthy wretch," quoth he, "of so great grace,
of > (Dependent upon "Vnworthy": "I, wretch, unworthy of so great grace") so > such
2 How dare I think such glory to attain?" 3 "These, that have it attained, were in like case,"
like case > [a] similar plight
4 Quoth he, "as wretched, and lived in like pain." 5 "But deeds of arms must I at last be fain
fain > obliged
6 And ladies' love, to leave, so dearly bought?" 7 "What need of arms, where peace does ay remain,"
ay > ever, always
8 Said he, "and battles none are to be fought? 9 As for loose loves, they are vain, and vanish into naught."
110.63
O let me not (quoth he) +then turne+ againe
2 Backe to the world, whose ioyes so fruitlesse are;
But let me here for aye in peace remaine,
4 Or streight way on that last long voyage fare,
That nothing may my present hope empare.
6 That may not be (said he) ne maist thou yit
Forgo that royall maides bequeathed care,
8 Who did her cause into thy hand commit,
Till from her cursed foe thou haue her freely quit.
1 then turne > returne 1609
1 "O let me not," quoth he, "then turn again 2 Back to the world, whose joys so fruitless are; 3 But let me here for ay in peace remain,
ay > ever, always
4 Or straightway on that last long voyage fare,
voyage > journey
5 That nothing may my present hope impair."
That > [So that] impair > weaken, lessen; impair
6 "That may not be," said he, "nor may you yet 7 Forgo that royal maid's bequeathed care,
bequeathed > committed, assigned (the adventure was assigned to him by the Faery Queen; see I:152-81)
8 Who did her cause into your hand commit, 9 Till from her cursed foe you have her freely quit."
quit > rescued
110.64
Then shall I soone, (quoth he) so God me grace,
2 Abet that virgins cause disconsolate,
And shortly backe returne vnto this place,
4 To walke this way in Pilgrims poore estate.
But now aread, old father, why of late
6 Didst thou behight me borne of English blood,
Whom all a Faeries sonne +doen nominate+?
8 That word shall I (said he) auouchen good,
Sith to thee is vnknowne the cradle of thy brood.
7 doen nominate > doen then nominate 1596
1 "Then shall I soon," quoth he, "so God me grace,
grace > show favour to, countenance
2 Abet that virgin's cause disconsolate,
Abet > Uphold
3 And shortly back return to this place, 4 To walk this way in pilgrim's poor estate. 5 But now aread, old father, why of late
aread > make known, declare of late > just now
6 Did you behight me born of English blood,
behight > call
7 Whom all a Faery's son do nominate?"
nominate > call [by the name of: see e.g. 105.11:1]
8 "That word shall I," said he, "avouch good, 9 Sith to you is unknown the cradle of your brood.
Sith > Since brood > parentage, race (this use is characteristic of Spenser)
110.65
For well I wote, thou springst from ancient race
2 Of Saxon kings, that haue with mightie hand
And many bloudie battailes fought in +place+
4 High reard their royall throne in +Britans+ land,
And vanquisht them, vnable to withstand:
6 From thence a Faerie thee vnweeting reft,
There as thou slepst in tender swadling band,
8 And her base Elfin brood there for thee left.
Such men do Chaungelings call, so chaungd by Faeries theft.
3 place > face 1590 4 Britans > Britane 1596, 1609
1 "For well I wot, you spring from ancient race
wot > know
2 Of Saxon kings, that have, with mighty hand 3 And many bloody battles fought in place,
in place > there
4 High reared their royal throne in Britain land, 5 And vanquished them unable to withstand:
vanquished > {Subdued by physical or spiritual power} them > [those who were]: apparently meaning the native Britons, a statement at odds with the succeeding account (e.g. in 210) of English genealogy
6 From thence a Faery you unweeting reft,
unweeting > unsuspecting [not knowing the identity of the child; perhaps also referring to "you"] reft > took away
7 There as you slept in tender swaddling-bands,
tender > infantile; youthly swaddling-bands > swaddling-clothes [strips of cloth in which infants were wrapped]
8 And her base Elfin brood there for you left:
Elfin brood > Faery offspring for > in place of, instead of
9 Such, men do changelings call, so changed by Faery's theft.
changed > exchanged
110.66
Thence she thee brought into this Faerie lond,
2 And in an heaped furrow did thee hyde,
Where thee a Ploughman all vnweeting fond,
4 As he his toylesome teme that way did guyde,
And brought thee vp in ploughmans state to byde,
6 Whereof Georgos he thee gaue to name;
Till prickt with courage, and thy forces pryde,
8 To Faery court thou cam'st to seeke for fame,
And proue thy puissaunt armes, as seemes thee best became.
1 "Thence she you brought into this Faery land, 2 And in a heaped furrow did you hide, 3 Where you a ploughman all unweeting found,
unweeting > unsuspecting, unwitting (or adv.: referring to the ploughman or to "you", as at 110.65:6)
4 As he his toilsome team that way did guide,
team > (Of plough-beasts, oxen or horses)
5 And brought you up in ploughman's state to bide,
state > {Condition or state in life} bide > remain; await [this revelation]
6 Whereof Georgos he you gave to name;
Whereof > By reason of which Georgos > "Man of the Earth" (Greek) to > as a
7 Till pricked with courage, and your forces' pride,
pricked > spurred (and the double meaning would have been understood in 1590) courage > courage; lustiness pride > {State of physical perfection; elation; sexual desire}
8 To Faery court you came to seek for fame, 9 And prove your puissant arms, as seems you best became."
puissant arms > powerful deeds of arms seems > [it seems] became > suited
110.67
O holy Sire (quoth he) how shall I quight
2 The many fauours I with thee haue found,
That hast my name and nation red aright,
4 And taught the way that does to heauen bound?
This said, adowne he looked to the ground,
6 To haue returnd, but dazed were his eyne,
Through passing brightnesse, which did quite confound
8 His feeble sence, and too exceeding shyne.
So darke are earthly things compard to things diuine.
1 "O holy sire," quoth he, "how shall I requite
sire > father
2 The many favours I with you have found, 3 That have my name and nation read aright,
nation > country; nationality read > expounded; discerned
4 And taught the way that does to heaven boun?"
boun > go, set out; hence: lead
5 This said, adown he looked to the ground,
adown > down
6 To have returned; but dazed were his eyes 7 Through passing brightness (which did quite confound
passing > surpassing
8 His feeble sense) and too exceeding shine.
shine > brilliance
9 So dark are earthly things compared to things divine.
to > with
110.68
At last whenas himselfe he gan to find,
2 To Vna back he cast him to retire;
Who him awaited still with pensiue mind.
4 Great thankes and goodly meed to that good syre,
He thence departing gaue for his paines hyre.
6 So came to Vna, who him ioyd to see,
And after litle rest, gan him desire,
8 Of her aduenture mindfull for to bee.
So leaue they take of C{oe}lia, and her daughters three.
1 At last, when himself he began to find,
find > [recover]
2 To Una back he cast himself to retire;
cast > resolved, decided
3 Who him awaited still with pensive mind.
pensive > apprehensive, anxious
4 Great thanks, and goodly meed, to that good sire
goodly meed > courteous reward; hence: praise, thanks sire > father, elderly man
5 He thence departing gave for his pains' hire.
for his pains' hire > as reward for his efforts
6 So came to Una, who him joyed to see, 7 And, after little rest, gan him desire
gan > did
8 Of her adventure mindful to be. 9 So leave they take of Caelia, and her daughters three.
The knight with that old Dragon fights
2 two dayes incessantly:
The third him ouerthrowes, and gayns
4 most glorious victory.
1 The knight with that old dragon fights
that old dragon > (Cf. Rev. 20.2)
2 two days incessantly: 3 The third him overthrows, and gains 4 most glorious victory.
111.1
HIgh time now gan it wex for Vna faire,
2 To thinke of those her captiue Parents deare,
And their forwasted kingdome to repaire:
4 Whereto whenas they now approched neare,
With hartie words her knight she gan to cheare,
6 And in her modest manner thus bespake;
Deare knight, as deare, as euer knight was deare,
8 That all these sorrowes suffer for my sake,
High heauen behold the tedious toyle, ye for me take.
1 High time now gan it wax for Una fair
gan > did wax > grow
2 To think of those her captive parents dear, 3 And their forwasted kingdom to repair:
forwasted > ravaged, laid to waste repair > restore, re-establish
4 Whereto when they now approached near,
Whereto > To which
5 With hearty words her knight she began to cheer,
hearty > sincere; cordial; encouraging
6 And in her modest manner thus bespoke:
bespoke > spoke
7 "Dear knight, as dear as ever knight was dear, 8 That all these sorrows suffer for my sake, 9 High heaven behold the tedious toil you for me take!
111.2
Now are we come vnto my natiue soyle,
2 And to the place, where all our perils dwell;
Here haunts that feend, and does his dayly spoyle,
4 Therefore henceforth be at your keeping well,
And euer ready for your foeman fell.
6 The sparke of noble courage now awake,
And striue your excellent selfe to excell;
8 That shall ye euermore renowmed make,
Aboue all knights on earth, that batteill vndertake.
1 "Now are we come to my native soil, 2 And to the place where all our perils dwell; 3 Here haunts that fiend, and does his daily spoil,
spoil > damage, spoliation
4 Therefore henceforth be at your keeping well,
at your keeping > on your guard
5 And ever ready for your foeman fell.
foeman > foe, enemy, enemy in war fell > fierce, terrible
6 The spark of noble courage now awake, 7 And strive your excellent self to excel; 8 That shall you evermore renowned make 9 Above all knights on earth, that battle undertake."
111.3
+And+ pointing forth, lo yonder is (said she)
2 The brasen towre in which my parents deare
For dread of that huge feend emprisond +be+
4 Whom I from +far,+ see on the walles +appeare+
Whose sight my feeble soule doth greatly cheare:
6 And on the top of all I do espye
The watchman wayting tydings glad to heare,
8 That {o^} my parents might I happily
Vnto you bring, to ease you of your misery.
This stanza was added in 1596 3 be > be, 1609 4 far, > far 1609 4 appeare > appeare, 1609
1 And pointing forth, "Lo yonder is," said she, 2 "The brazen tower in which my parents dear 3 For dread of that huge fiend imprisoned be,
be > [are]
4 Whom I from far see on the walls appear, 5 Whose sight my feeble soul does greatly cheer:
Whose sight > The sight of whom
6 And on the top of all I do espy 7 The watchman waiting tidings glad to hear, 8 That, O my parents, might I happily 9 To you bring, to ease you of your misery!"
111.4
With that they heard a roaring hideous sound,
2 That all the ayre with terrour filled wide,
And seemd vneath to shake the stedfast ground.
4 Eftsoones that dreadfull Dragon they espide,
Where +stretcht+ he lay vpon the sunny +side,+
6 Of a great hill, himselfe like a great hill.
But all so soone, as he from far descride
8 Those glistring armes, that heauen with light did fill,
He rousd himselfe full blith, and hastned them vntill.
5 stretcht > stretch 1596 5 side, > side 1609
1 With that they heard a roaring hideous sound,
hideous > terrific; odious; immense; hence: loud, horrible
2 That all the air with terror filled wide, 3 And seemed uneath to shake the steadfast ground.
uneath > with difficulty; hence: almost
4 Eftsoons that dreadful dragon they espied,
Eftsoons > Thereupon; soon afterwards
5 Where stretched he lay upon the sunny side 6 Of a great hill, himself like a great hill. 7 But, all so soon as he from far descried 8 Those glistering arms that heaven with light did fill,
arms > {Weapons, shield and armour}
9 He roused himself full blithe, and hastened them until.
full > very blithe > joyful; benignant; (and adv. A peculiarly sinister description; or perhaps the dragon does not as yet choose to recognize the newcomers as a threat) them until > towards them
111.5
Then bad the knight +his+ Lady yede aloofe,
2 And to an hill her selfe +with draw+ aside,
From whence she might behold that battailles proof
4 And eke be safe from daunger far descryde:
She him obayd, and turnd a little wyde.
6 Now O thou sacred Muse, most learned Dame,
Fayre ympe of Ph{oe}bus, and his aged bride,
8 The Nourse of time, and euerlasting fame,
That warlike hands ennoblest with immortall name;
1 his > this 1590 etc.: FE 2 with draw > withdraw 1590
1 Then bade the knight his Lady yode aloof,
yode > go aloof > away, apart
2 And to a hill herself withdraw aside; 3 From whence she might behold that battle's proof,
proof > outcome
4 And eke be safe from danger far descried:
eke > also
5 She him obeyed, and turned a little wide. 6 Now, O you sacred Muse, most learned dame, 7 Fair imp of Phoebus and his aged bride,
imp > child Phoebus > (Phoebus Apollo, god of music and poetry. In later accounts he is the leader of the choir of Muses, and receives the name Musagetes as a result. According to Myth. 4.10, the Muses are the children of Apollo, rather than of Jupiter)
8 The nurse of time and everlasting fame, 9 That warlike hands ennobles with immortal name;
name > fame, reputation
111.6
O gently come into my feeble brest,
2 Come gently, but not with that mighty rage,
Wherewith the martiall troupes thou doest infest,
4 And harts of great Hero{e"}s doest enrage,
That nought their kindled courage may +aswage,+
6 Soone as thy dreadfull trompe begins to +sownd;+
The God of warre with his fiers equipage
8 Thou doest awake, sleepe neuer he so sownd,
And +scared+ nations doest with horrour sterne astownd.
5 aswage, > asswage; 1609 6 sownd; > sound, 1609 9 scared > feared 1590 etc.: FE
1 O gently come into my feeble breast, 2 Come gently, but not with that mighty rage 3 Wherewith the martial troops you do infest,
Wherewith > With which infest > harass, molest, infest; (catachr.) infect, inspire
4 And hearts of great heroes do enrage,
enrage > inspire
5 That naught their kindled courage may assuage;
That > [So that] naught > nothing at all
6 Soon as your dreadful trump begins to sound,
Soon > [As soon] trump > trumpet; trumpet note
7 The god of war with his fierce equipage 8 You do awake, sleep never he so sound, 9 And scared nations do with horror stern astound.
stern > stern; fierce, cruel astound > stupefy
111.7
Faire Goddesse lay that furious fit aside,
2 Till I of warres and bloudy Mars do sing,
And Briton fields with Sarazin bloud bedyde,
4 Twixt that great faery Queene and Paynim king,
That with their horrour heauen and earth did ring,
6 A worke of labour long, and endlesse prayse:
But now a while let downe that haughtie string,
8 And to my tunes thy second tenor rayse,
That I this man of God his godly armes may blaze.
1 Fair goddess, lay that furious fit aside,
fit > mood, humour; or: strain of music
2 Till I of wars and bloody Mars do sing,
Till > (Perhaps a reference to the mooted twelve-book work on the public virtues; see I:92-4)
3 And Briton fields with Saracen blood bedyed,
Briton > British Saracen > {Arab, Moslem; pagan; here = Spanish} bedyed > dyed on all sides, thoroughly dyed; the prefix is also an intensive, hence: soaked
4 'Twixt that great Faery Queen and paynim king,
paynim > pagan, heathen king > (Philip II of Spain)
5 That with their horror heaven and earth did ring,
ring > cause to resound (cf. line 7); or, perhaps: encircle, encompass
6 A work of labour long, and endless praise:
praise > {Praising, the process of praising: the work is that of praising rather than being worthy of praise, as the modern sense implies}
7 But now awhile let down that haughty string,
let down > loosen haughty > high; hence: high-pitched; also: haughty, arrogant
8 And to my tunes your second tenor raise,
second tenor > {The next bell to the tenor bell; hence: lesser music}
9 That I this man of God his godly arms may blaze.
That > [So that] his > (Obsolete genitive form; cf. 105.5:8) arms > {Deeds of arms} blaze > proclaim (as with a trumpet); blazon forth; portray
111.8
By this the dreadfull Beast drew nigh to hand,
2 Halfe flying, and halfe footing in his hast,
That with his largenesse measured much land,
4 And made wide shadow vnder his huge wast;
As mountaine doth the valley ouercast.
6 Approching nigh, he reared high afore
His body monstrous, horrible, and +vast+,
8 Which to increase his wondrous greatnesse more,
Was swolne with wrath, and poyson, and with bloudy gore.
7 vast > vaste 1590; wast 1596
1 By this the dreadful beast drew nigh to hand,
By this > At this; by this time
2 Half flying and half footing in his haste, 3 That with his largeness measured much land, 4 And made wide shadow under his huge waist;
waist > girth (cf. SC, "April", 134); or: waste: abundance (this usage not recorded, in OED, until 1725)
5 As mountain does the valley overcast. 6 Approaching nigh, he reared high afore
reared high afore > (If, as seems likely, "reared" is transitive, the dragon reared his body high afore ( = before, in front). But if "reared" is intransitive, a comma is wanted after "afore": "he reared high afore, His body monstrous" etc.)
7 His body monstrous, horrible, and vast, 8 Which, to increase his wondrous greatness more, 9 Was swollen with wrath and poison, and with bloody gore.
111.9
And ouer, all with brasen scales was armd,
2 Like plated coate of steele, so couched neare,
That nought mote perce, ne might his corse be harmd
4 With dint of sword, nor push of pointed speare;
Which as an Eagle, seeing pray appeare,
6 His aery plumes doth rouze, full rudely dight,
So shaked he, that horrour was to heare,
8 For as the clashing of an Armour bright,
Such noyse his rouzed scales did send vnto the knight.
1 And over, all with brazen scales was armed,
over > moreover; also: over [his body]
2 Like plated coat of steel, so couched near
couched near > closely laid
3 That naught might pierce, nor might his corse be harmed
corse > body
4 With dint of sword, nor push of pointed spear:
dint > blow, impact
5 Which as an eagle, seeing prey appear, 6 His airy plumes does rouse, full rudely dight,
rouse > shake (used of a hawk shaking its feathers. Spenser reveals an intimate knowledge of falconry and its language in this canto, as elsewhere in the poem) full rudely dight > very roughly arranged
7 So shook he, that horror was to hear,
was > [it was]
8 For as the clashing of an armour bright, 9 Such noise his roused scales did send to the knight.
111.10
His flaggy wings when forth he did display,
2 Were like two sayles, in which the hollow wynd
Is gathered full, and worketh speedy way:
4 And eke the pennes, that did his pineons +bynd,+
Were like mayne-yardes, with flying canuas lynd,
6 With which whenas him list the ayre to beat,
And there by force vnwonted passage find,
8 The cloudes before him fled for terrour great,
And all the heauens stood still amazed with his threat.
4 bynd, > bynd 1596
1 His flaggy wings, when forth he did display,
flaggy > drooping display > spread [them]; or: exhibit himself ostentatiously (cf. King Lear II iv 40)
2 Were like two sails, in which the hollow wind 3 Is gathered full, and works speedy way: 4 And eke the pens, that did his pinions bind,
eke > also pens > feathers (here = wing-coverts) pinions > flight-feathers (primaries and secondaries)
5 Were like main-yards, with flying canvas lined, 6 With which when he list the air to beat,
list > chose
7 And there by force unwonted passage find,
unwonted > unaccustomed [the air being unaccustomed to such treatment]
8 The clouds before him fled for terror great, 9 And all the heavens stood still, amazed with his threat.
amazed with > overwhelmed by, confounded by threat > thrust; menace, threat
111.11
His huge long tayle wound vp in hundred foldes,
2 Does ouerspred his long bras-scaly backe,
Whose wreathed boughts when euer he vnfoldes,
4 And thicke entangled knots adown does +slacke.+
Bespotted +as+ with shields of red and blacke,
6 It sweepeth all the land behind him farre,
And of three furlongs does but litle lacke;
8 And at the point two stings in-fixed arre,
Both deadly sharpe, that sharpest steele exceeden farre.
4 slacke. > slack. 1590; slack; 1609 5 as > all 1590 etc.: FE
1 His huge long tail, wound up in hundred folds,
hundred > [a hundred, a large number]
2 Does overspread his long brass-scaly back, 3 Whose wreathed boughts whenever he unfolds,
boughts > coils
4 And thick entangled knots adown does slack,
adown > down
5 Bespotted as with shields of red and black,
Bespotted > {Spotted all over; the prefix is intensive}
6 It sweeps all the land behind him far, 7 And of three furlongs does but little lack;
furlong > {An eighth of a mile, 220 yards, about 201 metres}
8 And at the point two stings infixed are, 9 Both deadly sharp, that sharpest steel exceed far.
sharpest steel exceed > [exceed sharpest steel in sharpness]
111.12
But stings and sharpest steele did far exceed
2 The sharpnesse of his cruell rending clawes;
Dead was it sure, as sure as death in deed,
4 What euer thing does touch his rauenous pawes,
Or what within his reach he euer drawes.
6 But his most hideous head my toung to +tell,+
Does tremble: for his deepe deuouring iawes
8 Wide gaped, like the griesly mouth of hell,
Through which into his darke abisse all rauin fell.
6 tell, > tell 1609
1 But stings and sharpest steel did far exceed
did far exceed > [were far exceeded by]
2 The sharpness of his cruel rending claws; 3 Dead was it sure, as sure as death indeed, 4 Whatever thing does touch his ravenous paws, 5 Or what within his reach he ever draws. 6 But his most hideous head my tongue to tell
hideous > immense; odious; hideous tell > describe
7 Does tremble: for his deep devouring jaws 8 Wide gaped, like the grisly mouth of hell,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
9 Through which into his dark abyss all ravin fell.
abyss > abyss; infernal region ravin > plunder, prey
111.13
And that more wondrous was, in either iaw
2 Three ranckes of yron teeth enraunged were,
In which yet trickling bloud and gobbets raw
4 Of late deuoured bodies did appeare,
That sight thereof bred cold congealed feare:
6 Which to increase, and all atonce to kill,
A cloud of smoothering smoke and sulphur seare
8 Out of his stinking gorge forth steemed still,
That all the ayre about with smoke and stench did fill.
1 And, that more wondrous was, in either jaw 2 Three ranks of iron teeth enranged were,
enranged > arranged
3 In which yet-trickling blood and gobbets raw
gobbets > {Lumps of raw or semi-digested flesh or food}
4 Of late devoured bodies did appear,
late > recently
5 That sight thereof bred cold congealed fear:
That > [So that] congealed > frozen
6 Which to increase, and all at once to kill,
at once > at one time; hence: at a stroke
7 A cloud of smothering smoke and sulphur sere
sere > yellow; or perhaps: searing
8 Out of his stinking gorge forth steamed still,
gorge > throat; maw still > continually
9 That all the air about with smoke and stench did fill.
111.14
His blazing eyes, like two bright shining shields,
2 Did burne with wrath, and sparkled liuing fyre;
As two broad Beacons, set in open fields,
4 Send forth their flames farre off to euery shyre,
And warning giue, that enemies conspyre,
6 With fire and sword the region to inuade;
So flam'd his eyne with rage and rancorous yre:
8 But farre within, as in a hollow glade,
Those glaring lampes were set, that made a dreadfull shade.
1 His blazing eyes, like two bright shining shields, 2 Did burn with wrath, and sparkled living fire; 3 As two broad beacons, set in open fields, 4 Send forth their flames far off to every shire,
shire > county (perhaps a topical simile, alluding to the chain of beacon-fires set up along the English cliffs to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada, lit on 29 July 1588)
5 And warning give that enemies conspire 6 With fire and sword the region to invade; 7 So flamed his eyes with rage and rancorous ire: 8 But far within, as in a hollow glade, 9 Those glaring lamps were set that made a dreadful shade.
111.15
So dreadfully he towards him did pas,
2 Forelifting vp aloft his speckled brest,
And often bounding on the brused gras,
4 As for great ioyance of his newcome guest.
Eftsoones he gan aduance his haughtie crest,
6 As chauffed Bore his bristles doth vpreare,
And shoke his scales to battell readie drest;
8 That made the Redcrosse knight nigh quake for feare,
As bidding bold defiance to his foeman neare.
1 So dreadfully he towards him did pas,
pas > pace; pass
2 Forelifting up aloft his speckled breast,
Forelifting up > [Lifting up before, lifting up in front]
3 And often bounding on the bruised grass, 4 As for great joyance of his new-come guest.
As > [As though] joyance of > delight in; hence: delight in the arrival of
5 Eftsoons he gan advance his haughty crest,
Eftsoons > Thereupon gan > did haughty > arrogant; high, imposing
6 As chafed boar his bristles does uprear,
chafed > enraged; fretting
7 And shook his scales to battle ready dressed;
dressed > arrayed
8 That made the Redcross Knight nigh quake for fear, 9 As bidding bold defiance to his foeman near.
bidding > offering, proclaiming, threatening foeman > foe, enemy, enemy in war
111.16
The knight gan fairely couch his steadie speare,
2 And fiercely ran at him with rigorous might:
The pointed steele arriuing rudely theare,
4 His harder hide would neither perce, nor bight,
But glauncing by forth passed forward right;
6 Yet sore amoued with so puissant push,
The wrathfull beast about him turned light,
8 And him so rudely passing by, did brush
With his long tayle, that horse and man to ground did rush.
1 The knight gan fairly couch his steady spear,
gan fairly > did expertly couch > {Place it in its rest and hold it ready for attack}
2 And fiercely ran at him with rigorous might: 3 The pointed steel, arriving rudely there,
rudely > violently; roughly
4 His harder hide would neither pierce nor bite,
harder > too-hard; or: harder [than the spear]
5 But, glancing by, forth passed forward right;
glancing > darting, shooting (esp. obliquely)
6 Yet, sore moved with so puissant push,
puissant > powerful [a]
7 The wrathful beast about him turned light,
light > at once; nimbly, quickly
8 And him so rudely passing by, did brush 9 With his long tail, that horse and man to ground did rush.
111.17
Both horse and man vp lightly rose againe,
2 And fresh encounter towards him addrest:
But th'idle stroke yet backe recoyld in vaine,
4 And found no place his deadly point to rest.
Exceeding rage enflam'd the furious beast,
6 To be auenged of so great despight;
For neuer felt his imperceable brest
8 So wondrous force, from hand of liuing wight;
Yet had he prou'd the powre of many a puissant knight.
1 Both horse and man up lightly rose again,
lightly > immediately; easily
2 And fresh encounter towards him addressed: 3 But the idle stroke yet back recoiled in vain,
idle > futile
4 And found no place its deadly point to rest. 5 Exceeding rage inflamed the furious beast, 6 To be avenged of so great despite;
so > such a despite > outrage; act of defiance
7 For never felt his impierceable breast
impierceable > {Not pierceable}
8 So wondrous force from hand of living wight;
So > Such wight > being, person, mortal
9 Yet had he proved the power of many a puissant knight.
proved > tested puissant > powerful
111.18
Then with his wauing wings displayed wyde,
2 Himselfe vp high he lifted from the ground,
And with strong flight did forcibly diuide
4 The yielding aire, which nigh too feeble found
Her flitting partes, and element +vnsound+,
6 To beare so great a weight: he cutting way
With his broad sayles, about him soared round:
8 At last low stouping with vnweldie sway,
Snatcht vp both horse and man, to beare them quite away.
5 vnsound > vnfound 1596
1 Then, with his waving wings displayed wide,
displayed > spread, spread out
2 Himself up high he lifted from the ground, 3 And with strong flight did forcibly divide 4 The yielding air, which nigh too feeble found 5 Her flitting parts and element unsound,
flitting > unsubstantial; yielding (cf. 104.5:5, 208.2:4) unsound > unsubstantial
6 To bear so great a weight: he, cutting way 7 With his broad sails, about him soared round:
sails > wings (of a hawk)
8 At last, low stooping with unwieldy sway,
stooping > swooping (as a hawk on its prey) sway > momentum, swing; sweep; force
9 Snatched up both horse and man, to bear them quite away.
111.19
Long he them bore aboue the subiect plaine,
2 So farre as Ewghen bow a shaft may send,
Till struggling strong did him at last constraine,
4 To let them downe before his flightes end:
As hagard hauke presuming to contend
6 With hardie fowle, aboue his hable might,
His wearie pounces all in vaine doth spend,
8 To trusse the pray too heauie for his flight;
Which comming downe to ground, does free it selfe by fight.
1 Long he them bore above the subject plain,
subject > {Subjacent, lying below}
2 So far as yewen bow a shaft may send,
yewen > {Made of yew, the traditional wood for longbows}
3 Till struggling strong did him at last constrain 4 To let them down before his flight's end: 5 As haggard hawk, presuming to contend
haggard > untamed; wild (used of a hawk caught as an adult)
6 With hardy fowl, above its able might,
able might > strength, capabilities
7 Its weary pounces all in vain does spend
pounces > claws, talons
8 To truss the prey too heavy for its flight;
truss > {Seize in the talons, usually in mid air, and carry off; used of birds of prey}
9 Which, coming down to ground, does free itself by fight.
111.20
He so disseized of his gryping grosse,
2 The knight his thrillant speare againe assayd
In his bras-plated body to embosse,
4 And three mens strength vnto the stroke he layd;
Wherewith the stiffe beame quaked, as affrayd,
6 And glauncing from his scaly necke, did glyde
Close vnder his left wing, then broad displayd.
8 The percing steele there wrought a wound full wyde,
That with the vncouth smart the Monster lowdly cryde.
1 He so disseized of his gripping gross,
so disseized > thus dispossessed gripping gross > heavy grasping; gripped load; strong hold; clumsy hold; or perhaps an amalgam of these ideas, as: heavy and strongly gripped load
2 The knight his thrilling spear again essayed
thrilling > piercing essayed > attempted
3 In his brass-plated body to emboss,
emboss > encase; hence: bury
4 And three men's strength to the stroke he laid; 5 Wherewith the stiff beam quaked as afraid,
Wherewith > With which beam > shaft as > [as though]
6 And glancing from his scaly neck did glide
glancing > darting, shooting (esp. obliquely)
7 Close under his left wing, then broad displayed.
displayed > spread, spread out
8 The piercing steel there wrought a wound full wide,
full > exceedingly
9 That with the uncouth smart the monster loudly cried.
That > [So that] uncouth > strange, unusual smart > acute pain
111.21
He cryde, as raging seas are wont to rore,
2 When wintry storme his wrathfull wreck does threat,
The rolling billowes beat the ragged shore,
4 As they the earth would shoulder from her seat,
And greedie gulfe does gape, as he would eat
6 His neighbour element in his reuenge:
Then gin the blustring brethren boldly threat,
8 To moue the world from off his stedfast henge,
And boystrous battell make, each other to auenge.
1 He cried, as raging seas are wont to roar
wont > accustomed
2 When wintry storm its wrathful wreck does threaten;
wreck > destruction, overthrow of order
3 The rolling billows beat the ragged shore, 4 As they the earth would shoulder from her seat,
As > [As though]
5 And greedy gulf does gape, as it would eat
gulf > depths; abyss; also: chasm, ravine; perhaps: throat [?the hollow beneath a comber on the point of breaking] as > [as though]
6 Its neighbour element in its revenge:
neighbour element > (Earth and Water being two of the four elements of ancient philosophy, the others being Air and Fire)
7 Then gin the blustering brethren boldly threat
gin > do brethren > [brother waves] threat > threaten
8 To move the world from off its steadfast hinge,
hinge > axis
9 And boisterous battle make, each other to avenge.
boisterous > violently fierce, truculent, boisterous
111.22
The steely head stucke fast still in his flesh,
2 Till with his cruell clawes he snatcht the wood,
And quite a sunder broke. Forth flowed fresh
4 A gushing riuer of blacke goarie blood,
That drowned all the land, whereon he stood;
6 The streame thereof would driue a water-mill.
Trebly augmented was his furious mood
8 With bitter sense of his deepe rooted ill,
That flames of fire he threw forth from his large nosethrill.
1 The steely head stuck fast still in his flesh,
fast > firmly
2 Till with his cruel claws he snatched the wood, 3 And quite asunder broke. Forth flowed fresh 4 A gushing river of black gory blood, 5 That drowned all the land whereon he stood; 6 The stream thereof would drive a water-mill. 7 Trebly augmented was his furious mood 8 With bitter sense of his deep-rooted ill,
sense > sensation, awareness ill > injury; distress; also: wickedness
9 That flames of fire he threw forth from his large nostril.
That > [So that]
111.23
His hideous tayle then hurled he about,
2 And therewith all enwrapt the nimble thyes
Of his froth-fomy steed, whose courage stout
4 Striuing to loose the knot, that fast him tyes,
Himselfe in streighter bandes too rash implyes,
6 That to the ground he is perforce constraynd
To throw his rider: who can quickly ryse
8 From off the earth, with durty bloud distaynd,
For that reprochfull fall right fowly he disdaynd.
1 His hideous tail then hurled he about,
hideous > terrific; immense hurled > whirled; drove with force
2 And therewith all enwrapped the nimble thighs
therewith > with that [with his tail]
3 Of his froth-foamy steed, whose courage stout,
his > [the knight's] stout > proud; fierce; bold
4 Striving to loose the knot that fast him ties,
fast > firmly
5 Himself in straiter bonds too rash implies,
Himself > (The horse; allegorically, the knight also: cf. e.g. 102.8:4) straiter > stricter, tighter, more confining rash > hastily; suddenly implies > enfolds, entangles
6 That to the ground he is perforce constrained
That > [So that] perforce > by force; perforce
7 To throw his rider: who can quickly rise
can > did
8 From off the earth, with dirty blood distained;
distained > stained; defiled, sullied
9 For that reproachful fall right foully he disdained.
reproachful > shameful (of the ignoble means whereby it was brought about) he disdained > he disdained; moved him to anger; moved him to indignation
111.24
And fiercely tooke his trenchand blade in hand,
2 With which he stroke so furious and so fell,
That nothing seemd the puissance could withstand:
4 Vpon his crest the hardned yron fell,
But his more hardned crest was armd so well,
6 That deeper dint therein it would not make;
Yet so extremely did the buffe him quell,
8 That from thenceforth he shund the like to take,
But when he saw them come, he did them still forsake.
1 And fiercely took his trenchant blade in hand,
trenchant > sharp
2 With which he struck so furious and so fell,
fell > fierce, fiercely
3 That nothing seemed the puissance could withstand:
nothing seemed > [it seemed nothing] puissance > power, strength
4 Upon his crest the hardened iron fell, 5 But his more hardened crest was armed so well 6 That deeper dint therein it would not make;
dint > dent; hence: cut
7 Yet so extremely did the buff him quell,
buff > blow, buffet quell > subdue
8 That from thenceforth he shunned the like to take, 9 But when he saw them come he did them still forsake.
still forsake > invariably withdraw from
111.25
The knight was +wrath+ to see his stroke beguyld,
2 And smote againe with more outrageous might;
But backe againe the sparckling steele recoyld,
4 And left not any marke, where it did light;
As if in Adamant rocke it had bene pight.
6 The beast impatient of his smarting wound,
And of so fierce and forcible despight,
8 Thought with his wings to stye aboue the ground;
But his late wounded wing vnseruiceable found.
1 wrath > wroth 1590, 1609
1 The knight was wroth to see his stroke beguiled,
beguiled > foiled
2 And smote again with more outrageous might;
outrageous > fierce, violent
3 But back again the sparkling steel recoiled, 4 And left not any mark where it did light;
light > strike; fall, alight
5 As if in adamant rock it had been pight.
pight > pitched, placed; hence: struck
6 The beast, impatient of his smarting wound
impatient > intolerant, unable to bear the agony smarting > acutely painful
7 And of so fierce and forcible despite,
so > such forcible > strong; unavoidable despite > anger; injury; defiance
8 Thought with his wings to sty above the ground;
sty > rise
9 But his late wounded wing unserviceable found.
late > lately
111.26
Then full of griefe and anguish vehement,
2 He lowdly brayd, that like was neuer heard,
And from his wide deuouring ouen sent
4 A flake of fire, that flashing in his beard,
Him all amazd, and almost made affeard:
6 The scorching flame sore +swinged+ all his face,
And through his armour all his bodie seard,
8 That he could not endure so cruell cace,
But thought his armes to leaue, and helmet to vnlace.
6 swinged > singed 1609
1 Then, full of grief and anguish vehement,
grief > pain
2 He loudly brayed, that like was never heard,
brayed > cried out that > [such that the]
3 And from his wide devouring oven sent 4 A flake of fire that, flashing in his beard,
flake > {Flash; fragment of burning matter} his > [the knight's]
5 Him all amazed, and almost made afeard:
amazed > confused, confounded; overwhelmed almost > for the most part afeard > frightened
6 The scorching flame sore swinged all his face,
swinged > singed
7 And through his armour all his body seared, 8 That he could not endure so cruel case,
That > [So that] case > [a] plight; also, punningly: case, enclosure
9 But thought his arms to leave, and helmet to unlace.
arms > {Weapons, shield and armour}
111.27
Not that great Champion of the antique world,
2 Whom famous Poetes verse so much doth +vaunt+,
And hath for twelue huge labours high extold,
4 So many furies and sharpe fits did haunt,
When him the poysoned garment did enchaunt
6 With Centaures bloud, and bloudie verses charm'd,
As did this knight twelue thousand dolours daunt,
8 Whom fyrie steele now burnt, that earst him arm'd,
That erst him goodly arm'd, now most of all him harm'd.
2 vaunt > daunt 1596, 1609
1 Not that great champion of the antique world
champion > (Hercules) antique > ancient
2 (Whom famous poets' verse so much does vaunt,
vaunt > display, make a show of; boast of
3 And has for twelve huge labours high extolled),
high > [been highly; high been] extolled > praised; praised overmuch
4 So many furies and sharp fits did haunt,
So > (Follows from line 1: "Not so many furies did haunt that great champion as did this knight twelve thousand dolours daunt") haunt > visit; molest
5 When him the poisoned garment did enchant
garment > (A white garment soaked in the blood of the centaur Nessus, by which Hercules was killed (see Met. 9.134 ff.)) enchant > {Exert an evil magical influence upon}
6 (With centaur's blood and bloody verses charmed), 7 As did this knight twelve thousand dolours daunt,
dolours > pains
8 Whom fiery steel now burnt, that erst him armed,
erst > [at] first
9 That erst him goodly armed, now most of all him harmed.
111.28
Faint, wearie, sore, emboyled, grieued, brent
2 With heat, toyle, wounds, armes, smart, and inward fire
That neuer man such mischiefes did torment;
4 Death better were, death did he oft desire,
But death will neuer come, when needes require.
6 Whom so dismayd when that his foe beheld,
He cast to suffer him no more respire,
8 But gan his sturdie sterne about to weld,
And him so strongly stroke, that to the ground him feld.
1 Faint, weary, sore, emboiled, grieved, burnt,
emboiled > {Boiling with heat; boiling with rage; caused to be boiling with rage: SUS} grieved > hurt
2 With heat, toil, wounds, arms, smart, and inward fire,
smart > acute pain
3 That never man such mischiefs did torment;
mischiefs > misfortunes, evils; injuries
4 Death better were: death did he often desire, 5 But death will never come when needs require. 6 Whom so dismayed, when that his foe beheld,
so dismayed > thus overcome that > [that entity, that dragon]
7 He cast to suffer him no more respire,
He cast > [The dragon] resolved suffer > allow respire > [to] draw breath, live
8 But began his sturdy stern about to wield, 9 And him so strongly struck that to the ground him felled.
111.29
It fortuned (as faire it then befell)
2 Behind his backe vnweeting, where he stood,
Of auncient time there was a springing well,
4 From which fast trickled forth a siluer flood,
Full of great vertues, and for med'cine good.
6 Whylome, before that cursed Dragon got
That happie land, and all with innocent blood
8 Defyld those sacred waues, it rightly hot
The well of life, ne yet his vertues had forgot.
1 It fortuned (as fair it then befell)
fair > favourably
2 Behind his back, unweeting where he stood,
unweeting > unwittingly; hence: unnoticed
3 Of ancient time there was a springing well
well > {Spring, spring with supernatural powers}
4 From which fast trickled forth a silver flood, 5 Full of great virtues, and for medicine good.
virtues > powers
6 Whilom, before that cursed dragon got
Whilom > Of yore, in ancient times; formerly
7 That happy land, and all with innocent blood
happy > happy; fortunate
8 Defiled those sacred waves, it rightly hight
hight > was called
9 "The Well of Life", nor yet its virtues had forgotten.
forgotten > lost
111.30
For vnto life the dead it could restore,
2 And guilt of sinfull crimes cleane wash away,
Those that with sicknesse were infected sore,
4 It could recure, and aged long decay
Renew, as +one+ were borne that very day.
6 Both Silo this, and Iordan did excell,
And th'English Bath, and eke the german Spau,
8 Ne can Cephise, nor Hebrus match this well:
Into the same the knight backe ouerthrowen, fell.
5 one > it 1590 etc.: FE; lection defended by Collier
1 For to life the dead it could restore, 2 And guilt of sinful crimes clean wash away.
clean > entirely; cleanly
3 Those that with sickness were infected sore 4 It could recure, and aged long decay
recure > cure, restore to life
5 Renew, as one were born that very day. 6 Both Siloam this, and Jordan, did excel,
(The word-order in line 6 is exceptionally convoluted: "This did excel both Siloam and Jordan") Siloam > (Or Silo, the pool of Siloam; see John 9.7) Jordan > (The River Jordan, in which Naaman was cured of leprosy (2 Kings 5.1-14) and in which Christ was baptized by John (Matt. 3))
7 And the English Bath, and eke the German Spau,
Bath > (In Avon, England, a spa since at least Roman times)
eke > also
Spau > (Near Li{e\}ge in Belgium)
8 Nor can Cephissus, nor Hebrus, match this well:
can > did; can Cephissus > (The waters of this Greek river were used to purify Deucalion and Pyrrha (Met. 1.369-70); and for washing and whitening fleeces (Pliny, Hist. Nat. 2.106)) Hebrus > (A river in Thrace with unusually pure water (see Horace, Epistles 1.16:13)) well > {Spring, spring with supernatural powers}
9 Into the same the knight, back overthrown, fell.
111.31
Now gan the golden Ph{oe}bus for to steepe
2 His fierie face in billowes of the west,
And his faint steedes watred in Ocean deepe,
4 Whiles from their iournall labours they did rest,
When that infernall Monster, hauing kest
6 His wearie foe into that liuing well,
Can high aduance his broad discoloured brest,
8 Aboue his wonted pitch, with countenance fell,
And clapt his yron wings, as victor he did dwell.
1 Now began the golden Phoebus to steep
Phoebus > (Who each day drives his chariot across the sky)
2 His fiery face in billows of the west, 3 And his faint steeds watered in ocean deep, 4 While from their journal labours they did rest,
journal > daily; diurnal; or: viatical (a "journal" was also a day's travel, or any journey)
5 When that infernal monster, having cast 6 His weary foe into that living well,
living > constantly flowing; refreshing well > {Spring, spring with supernatural powers}
7 Can high advance his broad discoloured breast
Can > Did discoloured > varicoloured, hence: speckled (111.15:2); also: stained, dingy
8 Above his wonted pitch, with countenance fell,
wonted > accustomed pitch > height (to which a bird of prey rises before stooping on its prey) fell > fierce, terrible
9 And clapped his iron wings, as victor he did dwell.
as > [as though as] dwell > live; hence: survive, remain
111.32
Which when his pensiue Ladie saw from farre,
2 Great woe and sorrow did her soule assay,
As weening that the sad end of the warre,
4 And gan to highest God entirely pray,
That feared chance from her to turne away;
6 With folded hands and knees full lowly bent
All night she watcht, ne once adowne would lay
8 Her daintie limbs in her sad dreriment,
But praying still did wake, and waking did lament.
1 Which when his pensive lady saw from far,
pensive > apprehensive, anxious
2 Great woe and sorrow did her soul assay,
assay > assault; test, make trial of
3 As weening that the sad end of the war,
weening > supposing that > [that sight]
4 And gan to highest God entirely pray,
gan > did entirely > unreservedly; or: inwardly (cf. e.g. 408.23:9)
5 That feared chance from her to turn away; 6 With folded hands, and knees full lowly bent,
full > very
7 All night she watched, nor once adown would lay
adown > down
8 Her dainty limbs in her sad dreariment,
dainty > {Delightful; of delicate beauty} dreariment > affliction, melancholy
9 But praying still did wake, and waking did lament.
still > continually
111.33
The morrow next gan early to appeare,
2 That Titan rose to runne his daily race;
But early ere the morrow next gan reare
4 Out of the sea faire Titans deawy face,
Vp rose the gentle virgin from her place,
6 And looked all about, if she might spy
Her loued knight to moue his manly pace:
8 For she had great doubt of his safety,
Since late she saw him fall before his enemy.
1 The morrow next began early to appear, 2 That Titan rose to run his daily race;
That > [So that; when] race > journey
3 But early, ere the morrow next gan rear
gan > did
4 Out of the sea fair Titan's dewy face, 5 Up rose the gentle virgin from her place,
gentle > gentle; noble
6 And looked all about, if she might spy
if > [in the hope that]
7 Her beloved knight to move his manly pace:
to move > [moving]
8 For she had great doubt of his safety,
doubt of > fear for
9 Since late she saw him fall before his enemy.
late > recently
111.34
At last she saw, where he vpstarted braue
2 Out of the well, wherein he drenched lay;
As Eagle fresh out of the Ocean waue,
4 Where he hath left his plumes all hoary gray,
And deckt himselfe with feathers youthly gay,
6 Like Eyas hauke vp mounts vnto the skies,
His newly budded pineons to assay,
8 And marueiles at himselfe, still as he flies:
So new this new-borne knight to battell new did rise.
1 At last she saw where he upstarted brave
upstarted > started up brave > brave; splendid; and adv.
2 Out of the well wherein he drenched lay;
well > {Spring, spring with supernatural powers} drenched > bathed
3 As eagle, fresh out of the ocean wave
eagle > (Described in many medieval bestiaries as renewing itself by submersion in water)
4 (Where he has left his plumes all hoary grey, 5 And decked himself with feathers youthly gay), 6 Like eyas hawk up mounts to the skies,
eyas > {A young hawk from the nest; one not fully trained}
7 His newly-budded pinions to assay,
assay > test, try out
8 And marvels at himself still as he flies:
still > continually
9 So new this new-born knight to battle new did rise.
111.35
Whom when the damned feend so fresh did +spy,+
2 No wonder if he wondred at the sight,
And doubted, whether his late enemy
4 It were, or other new supplied knight.
+He, now+ to proue his late renewed might,
6 High brandishing his bright deaw-burning blade,
Vpon his crested scalpe so sore did smite,
8 That to the scull a yawning wound it made:
The deadly dint his dulled senses all dismaid.
1 spy, > spy. 1596 5 He, now > He now, 1590
1 Whom when the damned fiend so fresh did spy, 2 No wonder if he wondered at the sight,
wondered > marvelled
3 And doubted whether his late enemy
doubted > doubted; feared late > former
4 It were, or other new-supplied knight. 5 He now, to prove his lately renewed might, 6 High brandishing his bright dew-burning blade,
burning > glittering (see 111.36:2)
7 Upon his crested scalp so sore did smite,
scalp > crown of the head, cranium
8 That to the skull a yawning wound it made: 9 The deadly dint his dulled senses all dismayed.
dint > blow, impact
111.36
I wote not, whether the reuenging steele
2 Were hardned with that holy water dew,
Wherein he fell, or sharper edge did feele,
4 Or his baptized hands now greater grew;
Or other secret vertue did ensew;
6 Else neuer could the force of fleshly arme,
Ne molten mettall in his bloud embrew:
8 For till that stownd could neuer wight him harme,
By subtilty, nor slight, nor might, nor mighty charme.
1 I wot not whether the revenging steel
wot > know
2 Were hardened with that holy water dew
dew > dew (sb.); also: due, merited, belonging by right
3 Wherein he fell, or sharper edge did feel, 4 Or his baptized hands now greater grew; 5 Or other secret virtue did ensue;
virtue > power ensue > result [from his immersion]
6 Else never could the force of fleshly arm,
Else > Otherwise
7 Nor molten metal in his blood imbrue:
imbrue > steep (i.e. even molten metal could not be steeped in the dragon's blood)
8 For till that stound could never wight him harm
stound > {Moment; time of trial or pain} wight > person, mortal
9 By subtlety, nor sleight, nor might, nor mighty charm.
charm > magic spell
111.37
The cruell wound enraged him so sore,
2 That loud he +yelded+ for exceeding paine;
As hundred ramping Lyons seem'd to rore,
4 Whom rauenous hunger did thereto constraine:
Then gan he tosse aloft his stretched traine,
6 And therewith scourge the buxome aire so sore,
That to his force to yeelden it was faine;
8 Ne ought his sturdie strokes might stand afore,
That high trees ouerthrew, and rocks in peeces tore.
2 yelded > yelled 1609; yelped dub. conj. Smith
1 The cruel wound enraged him so sore, 2 That loud he yelled for exceeding pain; 3 As hundred ramping lions seemed to roar,
ramping > rearing
4 Whom ravenous hunger did thereto constrain:
thereto > to that [roaring]
5 Then gan he toss aloft his stretched train,
gan > did train > tail
6 And therewith scourge the buxom air so sore,
therewith > with it buxom > yielding, pliant
7 That to his force to yield it was fain;
fain > obliged
8 Neither aught his sturdy strokes might stand before,
aught > anything sturdy > recklessly violent might stand before > could withstand
9 That high trees overthrew, and rocks in pieces tore.
111.38
The same aduauncing high aboue his head,
2 With sharpe intended sting so rude him smot,
That to the earth him droue, as stricken dead,
4 Ne liuing wight would haue him life behot:
The mortall sting his angry needle shot
6 Quite through his shield, and in his shoulder seasd,
Where fast it stucke, ne would there out be got:
8 The griefe thereof him wondrous sore diseasd,
Ne might his ranckling paine with patience be appeasd.
1 The same advancing high above his head,
The same > [His tail] advancing > raising
2 With sharp intended sting so rude him smote,
intended > extended; intended rude > violently, roughly
3 That to the earth him drove, as stricken dead; 4 No living wight would have him life behight:
wight > person behight > {Held out hope of}
5 The mortal sting its angry needle shot 6 Quite through his shield, and in his shoulder seized,
seized > fastened, fixed itself (SUS)
7 Where fast it stuck, nor would thereout be got:
fast > firmly thereout > thence
8 The grief thereof him wondrous sore diseased,
grief > pain diseased > "dis-eased", discomforted, distressed, tormented
9 Nor might his rankling pain with patience be appeased.
111.39
But yet more mindfull of his honour deare,
2 Then of the grieuous smart, which him did wring,
From loathed soile he can him lightly reare,
4 And stroue to loose the farre infixed +sting+:
Which when in vaine he tryde with struggeling,
6 Inflam'd with wrath, his raging blade he heft,
And strooke so strongly, that the knotty +string+
8 Of his huge taile he quite +a+ sunder cleft,
Fiue ioynts thereof he hewd, and but the stump him left.
4 sting > string 1596, 1609 7 string > sting 1596, 1609 8 a > in 1609
1 But yet more mindful of his honour dear 2 Than of the grievous smart which him did wring,
smart > acute pain wring > rack, vex
3 From loathed soil he can him lightly rear,
can him > did himself lightly > quickly
4 And strove to loosen the far infixed sting: 5 Which when in vain he tried with struggling, 6 Inflamed with wrath, his raging blade he heft,
heft > raised
7 And struck so strongly that the knotty string 8 Of his huge tail he quite asunder cleft: 9 Five joints thereof he hewed, and but the stump him left.
but > only
111.40
Hart cannot thinke, what outrage, and what cryes,
2 With foule enfouldred smoake and flashing fire,
The hell-bred beast threw forth vnto the skyes,
4 That all was couered with darknesse dire:
Then fraught with rancour, and engorged ire,
6 He cast at once him to auenge for all,
And gathering vp himselfe out of the mire,
8 With his vneuen wings did fiercely +fall,+
Vpon his sunne-bright shield, and gript it fast withall.
8 fall, > fall 1609
1 Heart cannot think what outrage, and what cries,
Heart > Mind
2 With foul enfouldred smoke and flashing fire,
enfouldred > {?As black as a thunder-cloud. SU; cf. 202.20:9}
3 The hell-bred beast threw forth to the skies, 4 That all was covered with darkness dire:
That > [So that]
5 Then, fraught with rancour and engorged ire,
fraught > filled engorged > swallowed; hence: internal, swelling, choking
6 He cast at once him to avenge for all,
cast > decided, resolved him > [himself] for all > [once and for all]
7 And, gathering up himself out of the mire, 8 With his uneven wings did fiercely fall
uneven > (One has been hurt)
9 Upon his sun-bright shield, and gripped it fast withal.
fast > firmly withal > notwithstanding [his pain]; as well, moreover
111.41
Much was the man encombred with his hold,
2 In feare to lose his weapon in his paw,
Ne wist yet, how his talants to vnfold;
4 +For+ harder was from Cerberus greedie iaw
To plucke a bone, then from his cruell claw
6 To reaue by +strength,+ the griped gage away:
Thrise he assayd it from his foot to draw,
8 And thrise in vaine to draw it did assay,
It booted nought to thinke, to robbe him of his pray.
4 For > Nor 1609; cf. 506.26:5-6 6 strength, > strength 1609
1 Much was the man encumbered with his hold, 2 In fear to lose his weapon in his paw, 3 Nor wist yet how his talons to unfold;
wist > knew
4 For harder was from Cerberus' greedy jaw 5 To pluck a bone, than from his cruel claw 6 To reave by strength the gripped gage away:
reave > take gage > battle-token (cf. 104.39:5, where another shield is the gage)
7 Thrice he essayed it from his foot to draw,
essayed > attempted
8 And thrice in vain to draw it did essay; 9 It booted naught to think to rob him of his prey.
booted naught > [availed nothing, was useless]
111.42
Tho when he saw no power might preuaile,
2 His trustie sword he cald to his last aid,
Wherewith he fiercely did his foe assaile,
4 And double blowes about him stoutly laid,
That glauncing fire out of the yron plaid;
6 As sparckles from the Anduile vse to fly,
When heauie hammers on the wedge are swaid;
8 Therewith at last he forst him to vnty
One of his grasping feete, him to defend thereby.
1 Tho, when he saw no power might prevail,
Tho > Then
2 His trusty sword he called to his last aid, 3 Wherewith he fiercely did his foe assail,
Wherewith > With which
4 And double blows about him stoutly laid,
stoutly > boldly, bravely, resolutely
5 That glancing fire out of the iron played,
That > [So that]
6 As sparkles from the anvil use to fly,
use to > observe as a custom; hence: customarily, do
7 When heavy hammers on the wedge are swayed;
wedge > {Blacksmith's tool held in tongs and used on an anvil for cutting red-hot iron; also: ingot of gold or silver} swayed > swung
8 Therewith at last he forced him to untie
Therewith > With that
9 One of his grasping feet, him to defend thereby.
him > [himself, the dragon]
111.43
The other foot, fast fixed on his +shield+
2 Whenas no strength, nor stroks mote him constraine
To loose, ne yet the warlike pledge to yield,
4 He smot thereat with all his might and maine,
That nought so wondrous puissance might sustaine;
6 Vpon the ioynt the lucky steele did light,
And made such way, that hewd it quite in twaine;
8 The paw yet missed not his minisht might,
But hong still on the shield, as it at first was pight.
1 shield > shield, 1609
1 The other foot, fast fixed on his shield,
fast > firmly
2 When no strength, nor strokes, might him constrain 3 To loose, nor yet the warlike pledge to yield,
loose > loosen
4 He smote thereat with all his might and main,
main > force, strength
5 That naught so wondrous puissance might sustain;
so > such puissance > power, strength sustain > endure
6 Upon the joint the lucky steel did light,
light > strike; fall, alight
7 And made such way, that hewed it quite in twain;
that > [that it] twain > two
8 The paw yet missed not his minished might,
his > [the paw's or the dragon's] minished > reduced, diminished
9 But hung still on the shield, as it at first was pight.
as > [just as] pight > pitched, placed; hence: held, held down, held in place
111.44
For griefe thereof, and diuelish despight,
2 From his infernall fournace forth he threw
Huge flames, that dimmed all the heauens light,
4 Enrold in duskish smoke and brimstone blew;
As burning Aetna from his boyling stew
6 Doth belch out flames, and rockes in peeces broke,
And ragged ribs of mountaines molten new,
8 Enwrapt in coleblacke clouds and filthy smoke,
That all the land with stench, and heauen with horror choke.
1 For grief thereof, and devilish despite,
grief > pain despite > spite, malice
2 From his infernal furnace forth he threw 3 Huge flames that dimmed all the heavens' light, 4 Enrolled in duskish smoke and brimstone blue;
blue > {Burning without redness, as a candle is said to do in the presence of ghosts, death, or Satan}
5 As burning Etna from its boiling stew
Etna > (The volcano in Sicily, which was very active in the 16th century; see also Aen. 3.571-7) stew > cauldron
6 Does belch out flames, and rocks in pieces broken, 7 And ragged ribs of mountains molten new, 8 Enwrapped in coal-black clouds and filthy smoke, 9 That all the land with stench, and heaven with horror, choke.
111.45
The heate whereof, and harmefull pestilence
2 So sore him noyd, that forst him to retire
A little backward for his best defence,
4 To saue his bodie from the scorching fire,
Which he from hellish entrailes did expire.
6 It chaunst (eternall God that chaunce did guide)
As he recoyled backward, in the mire
8 His nigh forwearied feeble feet did slide,
And downe he fell, with dread of shame sore terrifide.
1 The heat whereof, and harmful pestilence,
whereof > of which pestilence > noxiousness
2 So sore him noyed, that forced him to retire
noyed > vexed, harassed; injured that > [that it]
3 A little backward for his best defence, 4 To save his body from the scorching fire, 5 Which he from hellish entrails did expire.
he > [the dragon] expire > exhale
6 It chanced (eternal God that chance did guide) 7 As he recoiled backward, in the mire 8 His nigh forwearied feeble feet did slide,
forwearied > exhausted
9 And down he fell, with dread of shame sore terrified.
111.46
There grew a goodly tree him faire beside,
2 Loaden with fruit and apples rosie red,
As they in pure vermilion had beene dide,
4 Whereof great vertues ouer all were red:
For happie life to all, which thereon fed,
6 And life eke euerlasting did befall:
Great God it planted in that blessed sted
8 With his almightie hand, and did it call
+The tree of life+, the crime of our first fathers fall.
9 The tree of life > The tree of life 1609; cf. 111.29:9
1 There grew a goodly tree him fair beside,
goodly > fine, beautiful (cf. Gen. 2.9, Rev. 2.7) fair > becomingly; favourably, luckily; plainly to be seen
2 Loaded with fruit and apples rosy red, 3 As they in pure vermilion had been dyed,
As > [As though] vermilion > {Scarlet-giving pigment, esp. cinnabar or red crystalline mercuric sulphide, used as a dye}
4 Whereof great virtues over all were read:
Whereof > Of which virtues > powers over all > everywhere read > discerned; made known
5 For happy life to all who thereon fed,
happy > fortunate; happy
6 And life eke everlasting, did befall:
eke > also, moreover
7 Great God it planted in that blessed stead
stead > place
8 With His almighty hand, and did it call 9 "The Tree of Life", the crime of our first father's fall.
crime > cause of accusation (in Gen. 3.22-4, Adam, having disobediently eaten (3.6-7) from the tree of knowledge, was banished by God from the Garden of Eden for fear that he would also taste the fruit of the tree of life. Adam thus laid himself open to the accusation of his descendants that he had denied them the opportunity to dwell in the Garden of Eden)
111.47
In all the world like was not to be found,
2 Saue in that soile, where all good things did grow,
And freely sprong out of the fruitfull ground,
4 As incorrupted Nature did them sow,
Till that dread Dragon all did ouerthrow.
6 Another like faire tree eke grew thereby,
Whereof who so did eat, eftsoones did know
8 Both good and ill: O mornefull memory:
That tree through one mans fault hath doen vs all to dy.
1 In all the world like was not to be found,
like > [the like]
2 Save in that soil, where all good things did grow, 3 And freely sprung out of the fruitful ground, 4 As incorrupted Nature did them sow,
incorrupted > pure, sound, uncorrupted
5 Till that dread dragon all did overthrow. 6 Another like fair tree eke grew thereby,
Another > (The tree of the knowledge of good and evil: see Gen. 2.9-17) like > similar, similarly eke > also
7 Whereof whosoever did eat, eftsoons did know
Whereof > Of which eftsoons > forthwith
8 Both good and ill: O mournful memory:
memory > recollection, remembrance; written memorial record (that is, these lines of FQ)
9 That tree through one man's fault has done us all to die.
done > caused
111.48
From that first tree forth flowd, as from a well,
2 A trickling streame of Balme, most soueraine
And daintie deare, which on the ground still fell,
4 And ouerflowed all the fertill plaine,
As it had deawed bene with timely raine:
6 Life and long health that gratious ointment gaue,
And deadly woundes could +heale+ and reare againe
8 The senselesse corse appointed for the graue.
Into that same he fell: which did from death him saue.
7 heale > heale, 1590, 1609
1 From that first tree forth flowed, as from a well,
well > {Spring, spring with supernatural powers}
2 A trickling stream of balm, most sovereign
sovereign > supremely efficacious
3 And dainty dear, which on the ground still fell,
dainty dear > preciously rare still > continually
4 And overflowed all the fertile plain, 5 As it had dewed been with timely rain:
As > [As though] timely > seasonal; seasonable, opportune
6 Life and long health that gracious ointment gave,
gracious > [imbued with heavenly grace]
7 And deadly wounds could heal, and rear again 8 The senseless corse appointed for the grave.
corse > body appointed > made ready
9 Into that same he fell: which did from death him save.
111.49
For nigh thereto the euer damned beast
2 Durst not approch, for he was deadly made,
And all that life preserued, did detest:
4 Yet he it oft aduentur'd to inuade.
By this the drouping day-light gan to fade,
6 And yeeld his roome to sad succeeding night,
Who with her sable mantle gan to shade
8 The face of earth, and wayes of liuing wight,
And high her burning torch set vp in heauen bright.
1 For nigh thereto the ever-damned beast
thereto > to that
2 Dared not approach, for he was deadly made,
deadly > [of death]
3 And all that life preserved did detest: 4 Yet he it often adventured to invade.
adventured > ventured invade > enter (SUS)
5 By this the drooping daylight began to fade,
By this > By this time
6 And yield its room to sad succeeding Night,
room > place, space sad > dark, dismal Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.)
7 Who with her sable mantle began to shade 8 The face of earth, and ways of living wight,
wight > creature, being, person
9 And high her burning torch set up in heaven bright.
her burning torch > [the moon]
111.50
When gentle Vna saw the second fall
2 Of her deare knight, who wearie of long fight,
And faint through losse of bloud, mou'd not at all,
4 But lay as in a dreame of deepe delight,
Besmeard with pretious Balme, whose vertuous might
6 Did heale his wounds, and scorching heat alay,
Againe she stricken was with sore affright,
8 And for his safetie gan deuoutly pray;
And watch the noyous night, and wait for ioyous day.
1 When gentle Una saw the second fall
gentle > noble; gentle
2 Of her dear knight (who, weary of long fight, 3 And faint through loss of blood, moved not at all, 4 But lay as in a dream of deep delight, 5 Besmeared with precious balm, whose virtuous might
virtuous > {Having "virtue" or healing power}
6 Did heal his wounds, and scorching heat allay), 7 Again she stricken was with sore fright, 8 And for his safety gan devoutly pray;
gan > did; began to
9 And watch the noyous night, and wait for joyous day.
watch > [keep watch on] noyous > irksome, vexatious
111.51
The ioyous day gan early to appeare,
2 And faire Aurora from +the+ deawy bed
Of aged Tithone gan her selfe to reare,
4 With rosie cheekes, for shame as blushing red;
Her golden lockes for haste were loosely shed
6 About her eares, when Vna her did marke
Clymbe to her charet, all with flowers +spred;+
8 From heauen high to chase the chearelesse +darke,+
With merry note her loud salutes the mounting larke.
2 the > her 1596, 1609 7 spred; > spred, conj. Smith 8 darke, > darke; conj. Smith
1 The joyous day began early to appear, 2 And fair Aurora from the dewy bed
Aurora > (Cf. 102.7: the two dawns mark the essential beginning and end of the knight's spiritual journey)
3 Of aged Tithonus began herself to rear, 4 With rosy cheeks, for shame as blushing red;
for shame as > [as though for shame]
5 Her golden locks for haste were loosely shed 6 About her ears, when Una her did mark
her > [Aurora] mark > see, notice
7 Climb to her chariot, all with flowers spread,
chariot > (Conflating Aurora with Phoebus Apollo, god of the sun, who each day drives his chariot across the sky)
8 From heaven high to chase the cheerless dark; 9 With merry note her loud salutes the mounting lark.
merry > delightful, charming
111.52
Then freshly vp arose the doughtie knight,
2 All healed of his hurts and woundes wide,
And did himselfe to battell readie dight;
4 Whose early foe awaiting him beside
To haue deuourd, so soone as day he spyde,
6 When now he saw himselfe so freshly reare,
As if late fight had nought him damnifyde,
8 He woxe dismayd, and gan his fate to feare;
Nathlesse with wonted rage he him aduaunced neare.
1 Then freshly up arose the doughty knight, 2 All healed of his hurts and wounds wide, 3 And did himself to battle ready dight;
dight > prepare, arrange
4 Whose early foe (awaiting him beside
awaiting > keeping watch
5 To have devoured so soon as day he spied),
To > [In order to] so > [him as] day > [daylight] he > [the dragon]
6 When now he saw himself so freshly rear,
he > [the dragon] himself > [the knight]
7 As if late fight had naught him damnified,
late > [the] recent naught > not at all damnified > injured
8 He waxed dismayed, and began his fate to fear;
He waxed > [The dragon] grew
9 Natheless with wonted rage he him advanced near.
Natheless > Nevertheless wonted > customary
111.53
And in his first encounter, gaping wide,
2 He thought attonce him to haue swallowd quight,
And rusht vpon him with outragious pride;
4 Who him r'encountring fierce, as hauke in flight,
Perforce rebutted backe. The weapon bright
6 Taking aduantage of his open iaw,
Ran through his mouth with so importune might,
8 That deepe emperst his darksome hollow maw,
And back retyrd, his life bloud forth with all did draw.
1 And in his first encounter, gaping wide, 2 He thought at once him to have swallowed quite,
at once > at once; at one time; hence: in one mouthful
3 And rushed upon him with outrageous pride;
outrageous > intemperate, excessively fierce
4 Who, him rencountering fierce, as hawk in flight,
rencountering > colliding with; coming into hostile contact with
5 Perforce rebutted back. The weapon bright,
Perforce > By force
6 Taking advantage of his open jaw, 7 Ran through his mouth with so importune might
so importune > such grievous
8 That deep empierced his darksome hollow maw,
That > [That it] empierced > transfixed
9 And, back retired, his life-blood forth withal did draw.
withal > with that, hence: with the sword
111.54
So downe he fell, and forth his life did breath,
2 That vanisht into smoke and cloudes swift;
So downe he fell, that th'earth him vnderneath
4 Did grone, as feeble so great load to lift;
So downe he fell, as an huge rockie clift,
6 Whose false foundation waues haue washt away,
With dreadfull +poyse+ is from the mayneland rift,
8 And rolling downe, great Neptune doth dismay;
So downe he fell, and like an heaped mountaine lay.
7 poyse > noyse conj. Morris
1 So down he fell, and forth his life did breathe, 2 That vanished into smoke and clouds swift; 3 So down he fell, that the earth him underneath
that > [so that]
4 Did groan, as feeble, so great load to lift;
so > [such a]
5 So down he fell, as a huge rocky cliff, 6 Whose false foundation waves have washed away,
false > (Required by the allegory: cf. 104.5:4, 108.23:4)
7 With dreadful poise is from the mainland rived,
poise > weight, gravity
8 And, rolling down, great Neptune does dismay;
Neptune > (See Rev. 21.1)
9 So down he fell, and like a heaped mountain lay.
111.55
The knight himselfe euen trembled at his fall,
2 So huge and horrible a masse it seem'd;
And his deare Ladie, that beheld it all,
4 Durst not approch for dread, which she misdeem'd,
But yet at last, when as the direfull feend
6 She saw not stirre, off-shaking vaine affright,
She nigher drew, and saw that ioyous end:
8 Then God she praysd, and thankt her faithfull knight,
That had atchieu'd so great a conquest by his might.
1 The knight himself even trembled at his fall, 2 So huge and horrible a mass it seemed; 3 And his dear lady, that beheld it all, 4 Dared not approach for dread, which she misdeemed,
misdeemed > [had conceived through misjudgement]
5 But yet at last, when the direful fiend
direful > terrible, dreadful
6 She saw not stir, off-shaking vain affright,
off-shaking > shaking off vain > frail, weak; futile; foolish affright > terror
7 She nigher drew, and saw that joyous end: 8 Then God she praised, and thanked her faithful knight, 9 That had achieved so great a conquest by his might.
his > his; His (see 201.33:2-3)
Faire Vna to the Redcrosse knight
2 betrouthed is with ioy:
Though false Duessa it to barre
4 her false sleights doe imploy.
1 Fair Una to the Redcross Knight 2 betrothed is with joy: 3 Though false Duessa, it to bar,
bar > debar, prevent
4 her false sleights does employ.
sleights > ruses, stratagems
112.1
BEhold I see the hauen nigh at hand,
2 To which I meane my wearie course to bend;
Vere the maine shete, and beare vp with the land,
4 The which afore is fairely to be kend,
And seemeth safe from stormes, that may offend;
6 There this faire virgin wearie of her way
Must landed be, now at her iourneyes end:
8 There eke my feeble barke a while may stay,
Till merry wind and weather call her thence away.
1 Behold, I see the haven nigh at hand, 2 To which I mean my weary course to bend; 3 Veer the main sheet, and bear up with the land,
Veer > Let out main sheet > {Mainsail; rope or chain attached to this and used for adjusting its inclination or volume} bear up with > [allowing the ship to run before the wind, steer towards]
4 Which afore is fairly to be kenned,
afore > in front; hence: ahead fairly > well; beautifully; actually, really kenned > seen, descried
5 And seems safe from storms that may offend;
offend > attack, harm, do damage
6 There this fair virgin, weary of her way, 7 Must landed be, now at her journey's end: 8 There eke my feeble bark awhile may stay,
eke > also bark > vessel
9 Till merry wind and weather call her thence away.
merry > pleasant
112.2
Scarsely had Ph{oe}bus in the glooming East
2 Yet harnessed his firie-footed teeme,
Ne reard aboue the earth his flaming creast,
4 When the last deadly smoke aloft did steeme,
That signe of last outbreathed life did seeme,
6 Vnto the watchman on the castle wall;
Who thereby dead that balefull Beast did deeme,
8 And to his Lord and Ladie lowd gan call,
To tell, how he had seene the Dragons fatall +fall.+
9 fall. > fall, 1590, 1596
1 Scarcely had Phoebus in the glooming east
glooming > gloaming, becoming light; louring; scowling
2 Yet harnessed his fiery-footed team,
team > (Of horses pulling his chariot across the sky)
3 Nor reared above the earth his flaming crest, 4 When the last deadly smoke aloft did steam, 5 That sign of last outbreathed life did seem
sign > [a sign, the sign]
6 To the watchman on the castle wall; 7 Who thereby dead that baleful beast did deem, 8 And to his lord and lady loud gan call,
gan > did
9 To tell how he had seen the dragon's fatal fall.
fatal > fatal; also: destined, ordained by fate
112.3
Vprose with hastie ioy, and feeble speed
2 That aged Sire, the Lord of all that land,
And looked forth, to weet, if true indeede
4 Those tydings were, as he did vnderstand,
Which whenas true by tryall he out +found+,
6 He bad to open wyde his brazen gate,
Which long time had bene shut, and out of hond
8 Proclaymed ioy and peace through all his state;
For dead now was their foe, which them forrayed late.
5 found > fond 1590
1 Uprose with hasty joy, and feeble speed 2 That aged sire, the lord of all that land,
sire > elderly man, father
3 And looked forth, to weet if true indeed
weet > find out
4 Those tidings were, as he did understand: 5 Which when true by trial he out found,
trial > inquiry, ascertaining the facts; seeing [for himself]
6 He bade to open wide his brazen gate, 7 Which long time had been shut, and out of hand
out of hand > straight away
8 Proclaimed joy and peace through all his state; 9 For dead now was their foe, which them forayed late.
forayed late > [had] recently pillaged
112.4
Then gan triumphant Trompets sound on hie,
2 That sent to heauen the ecchoed report
Of their new ioy, and happie victorie
4 Gainst him, that had them long opprest with tort,
And fast imprisoned in sieged fort.
6 Then all the people, as in solemne feast,
To him assembled with one full consort,
8 Reioycing at the fall of that great beast,
From whose eternall bondage now they were releast.
1 Then gan triumphant trumpets sound on high,
gan > did
2 That sent to heaven the echoed report 3 Of their new joy, and happy victory 4 Against him, that had them long oppressed with tort,
tort > wrong; injury
5 And fast imprisoned in besieged fort.
fast > securely
6 Then all the people, as in solemn feast,
solemn > {Sacred, having a religious character} feast > festival, festivity, rejoicing
7 To him assembled with one full consort,
consort > consent, accord; company, assembly
8 Rejoicing at the fall of that great beast, 9 From whose eternal bondage now they were released.
112.5
Forth came that auncient Lord and aged Queene,
2 Arayd in antique robes downe to the ground,
And sad habiliments right well beseene;
4 A noble crew about them waited round
Of sage and sober Peres, all grauely gownd;
6 Whom farre before did march a goodly band
Of tall young men, all hable armes to sownd,
8 But now they laurell braunches bore in hand;
Glad signe of victorie and peace in all their land.
1 Forth came that ancient lord and aged queen,
lord > [Adam] queen > [Eve]
2 Arrayed in antique robes down to the ground, 3 And sad habiliments right well beseen;
sad habiliments > sober-coloured clothing right > very well beseen > good-looking, attractive
4 A noble crew about them waited round 5 Of sage and sober peers, all gravely gowned;
peers > nobles gravely > [in a grave and dignified manner]
6 Whom far before did march a goodly band
goodly > well-favoured; courteous
7 Of tall young men, all able arms to sound,
tall > tall; handsome; valiant, doughty arms > arms, weapons; or perhaps, though less likely in view of "But now" at line 8: feats of arms sound > clash, wield in battle; or perhaps, though less likely in view of "But now" at line 8: celebrate, proclaim, make known
8 But now they laurel branches bore in hand;
laurel > (Used to make a wreath for conquerors)
9 Glad sign of victory and peace in all their land.
sign > emblem
112.6
Vnto that doughtie Conquerour they came,
2 And him before themselues prostrating low,
Their Lord and Patrone loud did him proclame,
4 And at his feet their laurell boughes did throw.
Soone after them all dauncing on a row
6 The comely virgins came, with girlands dight,
As fresh as flowres in medow greene do grow,
8 When morning deaw vpon their leaues doth light:
And in their hands sweet Timbrels all vpheld on hight.
1 To that doughty conqueror they came, 2 And him before themselves prostrating low, 3 Their lord and patron loud did him proclaim,
patron > champion, protector; patron saint
4 And at his feet their laurel boughs did throw. 5 Soon after them, all dancing on a row,
on > in
6 The comely virgins came, with garlands dight,
dight > arranged, dressed; hence: hung, decked
7 As fresh as flowers in meadow green do grow, 8 When morning dew upon their leaves does light:
light > alight; give light, twinkle
9 And in their hands sweet timbrels all upheld on high.
timbrel > tambourine (or similar percussion instrument)
112.7
And them before, the fry of children young
2 Their wanton sports and childish mirth did play,
And to the Maydens sounding +tymbrels+ +sung+
4 In well attuned notes, a ioyous lay,
And made delightfull musicke all the way,
6 Vntill they came, where that faire virgin stood;
As faire Diana in fresh sommers +day,+
8 Beholdes her Nymphes, enraung'd in shadie wood,
Some wrestle, some do run, some bathe in christall flood.
3 tymbrels > tymbrel 1590 3 sung > song 1590 7 day, > day 1609
1 And them before, the fry of children young 2 Their wanton sports and childish mirth did play,
wanton sports > frisky games mirth > sport; diversion, entertainment
3 And to the maidens sounding timbrels sang,
timbrel > tambourine (or similar percussion instrument)
4 In well attuned notes, a joyous lay,
lay > song
5 And made delightful music all the way, 6 Until they came where that fair virgin stood; 7 As fair Diana in fresh summer's day 8 Beholds her nymphs, enranged in shady wood:
enranged > ranging
9 Some wrestle, some do run, some bathe in crystal flood.
flood > river, stream
112.8
So she beheld those maydens meriment
2 With chearefull vew; who when to her they came,
Themselues to ground with gratious humblesse bent,
4 And her ador'd by honorable name,
Lifting to heauen her euerlasting fame:
6 Then on her head they set a girland greene,
And crowned her twixt earnest and twixt game;
8 Who in her selfe-resemblance and well beseene,
Did seeme such, as she was, a goodly maiden Queene.
1 So she beheld those maidens' merriment 2 With cheerful view; who when to her they came, 3 Themselves to ground with gracious humblesse bent,
humblesse > humbleness, humility
4 And her adored by honourable name,
by honourable name > by giving her honourable titles; by name (her name being honourable)
5 Lifting to heaven her everlasting fame: 6 Then on her head they set a garland green, 7 And crowned her 'twixt earnest and 'twixt game; 8 Who, in her self resemblance and well beseen,
self resemblance > trueness to herself well beseen > beauty (beseen = arranged; well beseen = good-looking: cf. 112.5:3)
9 Did seem such as she was: a goodly maiden queen.
goodly > beautiful; gracious
112.9
And +after,+ all the raskall many ran,
2 Heaped together in rude rablement,
To see the face of that victorious man:
4 Whom all admired, as from heauen sent,
And gazd vpon with gaping wonderment.
6 But when they came, where that dead Dragon lay,
Stretcht on the ground in +monstrous+ large extent,
8 The sight with idle feare did them dismay,
Ne durst approch him nigh, to touch, or once assay.
1 after, > after 1590 7 monstrous > monstrons 1596
1 And after, all the rascal many ran,
rascal > rabble (adj.) many > [many people; hence: multitude]
2 Heaped together in rude rabblement,
rude > [a] rough, clumsy; simple, uneducated rabblement > tumult
3 To see the face of that victorious man: 4 Whom all admired, as from heaven sent,
admired > [viewed with wonder or surprise; admired]
5 And gazed upon with gaping wonderment. 6 But when they came where that dead dragon lay, 7 Stretched on the ground in monstrous large extent, 8 The sight with idle fear did them dismay:
idle > empty, baseless; weak-headed
9 None dared approach him nigh, to touch, or once assay.
assay > test; hence: find out whether the dragon was still alive
112.10
Some feard, and fled; some feard and well it faynd;
2 One that would wiser seeme, then all the rest,
Warnd him not touch, for yet perhaps remaynd
4 Some lingring life within his hollow brest,
Or in his wombe might lurke some hidden nest
6 Of many Dragonets, his fruitfull seed;
Another said, that in his eyes did rest
8 Yet sparckling fire, and bad thereof take heed;
Another said, he saw him moue his eyes indeed.
1 Some feared, and fled; some feared and well it feigned;
feigned > concealed (SUS)
2 One, that would wiser seem than all the rest, 3 Warned him not touch, for yet perhaps remained
touch > [to touch]
4 Some lingering life within his hollow breast, 5 Or in his womb might lurk some hidden nest 6 Of many dragonets, his fruitful seed;
fruitful seed > abundant offspring
7 Another said that in his eyes did rest 8 Yet sparkling fire, and bade thereof take heed; 9 Another said, he saw him move his eyes indeed.
112.11
One mother, when as her foolehardie chyld
2 Did come too neare, and with his talants play,
Halfe dead through feare, her litle babe reuyld,
4 And to her +gossips+ gan in counsell say;
How can I tell, but that his +talants+ may
6 Yet scratch my sonne, or rend his tender hand?
So diuersly themselues in vaine they fray;
8 Whiles some more bold, to measure him nigh stand,
To proue how many acres he did spread of land.
4 gossips > gossibs 1590 5 talants > talents 1590 etc.: FE
1 One mother, when her foolhardy child 2 Did come too near, and with his talons play, 3 Half dead through fear, her little babe reviled, 4 And to her gossips gan in counsel say:
gossips > friends, woman-friends gan > did in counsel > in private, in confidence
5 "How can I tell, but that his talons may 6 Yet scratch my son, or rend his tender hand?" 7 So diversely themselves in vain they fray;
diversely > variously; also: distractingly (SUS) in vain > in vain; foolishly; profanely, without understanding (cf. 106.19:6) fray > frighten
8 While some, more bold, to measure him nigh stand, 9 To prove how many acres he did spread of land.
112.12
Thus flocked all the folke him round about,
2 The whiles that hoarie king, with all his traine,
Being arriued, where that champion stout
4 After his foes defeasance did remaine,
Him goodly greetes, and faire does entertaine,
6 With princely gifts of yuorie and gold,
And thousand thankes him yeelds for all his paine.
8 Then when his daughter deare he does behold,
Her dearely doth imbrace, and kisseth manifold.
1 Thus flocked all the folk him round about, 2 The whiles that hoary king, with all his train
The whiles > Meanwhile hoary > {Grey-haired with age; ancient}
3 (Being arrived where that champion stout
stout > bold, brave
4 After his foe's defeasance did remain),
defeasance > undoing, ruin; also: rendering null and void (of a condition, right, etc.: a legal term)
5 Him goodly greets, and fair does entertain,
goodly greets > courteously congratulates, courteously greets fair > fittingly entertain > receive; hence: greet
6 With princely gifts of ivory and gold, 7 And thousand thanks him yields for all his pain.
pain > effort, pains; pain
8 Then when his daughter dear he does behold, 9 Her dearly does embrace, and kisses manifold.
manifold > many times; in many ways
112.13
And after to his Pallace he them brings,
2 With shaumes, and trompets, and with Clarions sweet;
And all the way the ioyous people sings,
4 And with their garments strowes the paued street:
Whence mounting vp, they find purueyance meet
6 Of all, that royall Princes court became,
And all the floore was vnderneath their feet
8 Bespred with costly scarlot of great name,
On which they lowly sit, and fitting purpose frame.
1 And after to his palace he them brings, 2 With shawms, and trumpets, and with clarions sweet;
shawm > {Ancient instrument rather like an oboe} clarion > {Shrill trumpet with a narrow tube}
3 And all the way the joyous people sings, 4 And with their garments strews the paved street: 5 Whence, mounting up, they find purveyance meet
purveyance > victuals, provisions meet > fitting, suitable
6 Of all that royal prince's court became,
Of all > [Of all things, of all provisions] royal > [a royal] became > suited, was appropriate to
7 And all the floor was underneath their feet 8 Bespread with costly scarlet of great name,
scarlet > {A rich kind of cloth, usually red or orange in colour} name > reputation, value
9 On which they lowly sit, and fitting purpose frame.
purpose > discourse, conversation; questions
112.14
What needs me tell their feast and goodly guize,
2 In which was nothing riotous nor vaine?
What needes of daintie dishes to deuize,
4 Of comely seruices, or courtly trayne?
My narrow leaues cannot in them containe
6 The large discourse of royall Princes state.
Yet was their manner then but bare and plaine:
8 For th'antique world excesse and pride did hate;
Such proud luxurious pompe is swollen vp but late.
1 What needs me tell their feast and goodly guise,
needs me tell > need do I have to describe goodly > gracious, courteous; attractive guise > behaviour, demeanour
2 In which was nothing riotous nor vain?
vain > vain; foolish
3 What needs of dainty dishes to devise,
dainty > choice, delicious devise > talk, recount
4 Of comely services, or courtly train?
services > {The act of waiting at table; the manner in which this is done; also: the courses served}
5 My narrow leaves cannot in them contain 6 The large discourse of royal prince's state.
large discourse of > [necessarily] broad disquisition upon
7 Yet was their manner then but bare and plain: 8 For the antique world excess and pride did hate;
antique > ancient
9 Such proud luxurious pomp is swollen up but late.
luxurious > outrageous, extravagant; lascivious late > recently
112.15
Then when with meates and drinkes of euery kinde
2 Their feruent appetites they quenched had,
That auncient Lord gan fit occasion finde,
4 Of straunge aduentures, and of perils sad,
Which in his trauell him befallen had,
6 For to demaund of his renowmed guest:
Who then with vtt'rance graue, and count'nance sad,
8 From point to point, as is before exprest,
Discourst his voyage long, according his request.
1 Then, when with meats and drinks of every kind 2 Their fervent appetites they quenched had, 3 That ancient lord gan fit occasion find
gan > did
4 Of strange adventures, and of perils sad,
Of > [An account of] sad > grievous
5 Which in his travel him befallen had, 6 To demand of his renowned guest:
demand > request (the modern sense is rather too strong)
7 Who then with utterance grave, and countenance sad,
sad > sober
8 From point to point, as is before expressed, 9 Discoursed his voyage long, according his request.
Discoursed > Told of voyage > journey according > granting
112.16
Great +pleasure+ mixt with pittifull regard,
2 That godly King and Queene did passionate,
Whyles they his pittifull aduentures heard,
4 That oft they did lament his lucklesse state,
And often blame the too importune fate,
6 That heapd on him so many wrathfull wreakes:
For neuer gentle knight, as he of late,
8 So tossed was in fortunes cruell freakes;
And all the while salt teares bedeawd the hearers cheaks.
1 pleasure > pleasures 1596, 1609
1 Great pleasure mixed with pitiful regard 2 That godly king and queen did passionate,
passionate > {Excite or imbue with passion; express with passion}
3 While they his pitiful adventures heard, 4 That oft they did lament his luckless state,
That > [So that]
5 And often blame the too importune fate
blame > reprove importune > grievous
6 That heaped on him so many wrathful wreaks:
wreaks > {Vindictive or vengeful acts (mainly northern dialect)}
7 For never gentle knight, as he of late,
gentle > noble; gentle
8 So tossed was in Fortune's cruel freaks;
in > [by] freaks > whims, vagaries
9 And all the while salt tears bedewed the hearers' cheeks.
112.17
Then said +the+ royall Pere in sober wise;
2 Deare Sonne, great beene the euils, which ye bore
From first to last in your late enterprise,
4 That I note, whether prayse, or pitty more:
For neuer liuing man, I weene, so sore
6 In sea of deadly daungers was distrest;
But +since+ now safe ye seised haue the shore,
8 And well arriued are, (high God be blest)
Let vs deuize of ease and euerlasting rest.
1 the > that 1590 7 since > sith 1609
1 Then said the royal peer in sober wise:
peer > nobleman wise > manner
2 "Dear son, great been the evils which you bore
great been > [so] great were
3 From first to last in your late enterprise,
late > recent
4 That I no'te whether praise or pity more:
no'te > know not praise > [to praise] pity > [to pity you]
5 For never living man, I ween, so sore
ween > think, believe
6 In sea of deadly dangers was distressed; 7 But since now safe you seized have the shore,
seized > reached, gained
8 And well arrived are (high God be blessed), 9 Let us devise of ease and everlasting rest."
devise > talk
112.18
Ah dearest Lord, said then that doughty knight,
2 Of ease or rest I may not yet deuize;
For by the faith, which I to armes haue plight,
4 I bounden am streight after this emprize,
As that your daughter can ye well aduize,
6 Backe to returne to that great Faerie Queene,
And her to serue six yeares in warlike wize,
8 Gainst that proud +Paynim+ king, that workes her teene:
Therefore I ought craue pardon, till I there haue beene.
8 Paynim > Pynim 1596
1 "Ah dearest lord," said then that doughty knight, 2 "Of ease or rest I may not yet devise;
devise > talk
3 For by the faith which I to arms have plight,
plight > pledged
4 I bound am straight after this emprise
straight > straight; strictly emprise > enterprise, undertaking
5 (As that your daughter can you well advise), 6 Back to return to that great Faery Queen, 7 And her to serve six years in warlike wise,
wise > manner
8 Against that proud paynim king, that works her teen:
paynim king > heathen king [Philip II of Spain] teen > grief, trouble
9 Therefore I ought crave pardon, till I there have been.
crave > [to crave your]
112.19
Vnhappie falles that hard necessitie,
2 (Quoth he) the troubler of my happie peace,
And vowed foe of my felicitie;
4 Ne I against the same can iustly preace:
But +since+ that band ye cannot now release,
6 Nor doen vndo; (for vowes may not be vaine)
Soone as the terme of those six yeares shall cease,
8 Ye then shall hither backe returne againe,
The marriage to accomplish vowd betwixt you twain.
5 since > sith 1609
1 "Unhappy falls that hard necessity," 2 Quoth he, "the troubler of my happy peace, 3 And vowed foe of my felicity; 4 Nor I against the same can justly press: 5 But since that bond you cannot now release, 6 Nor done, undo (for vows may not be vain);
done > [once done] vain > idle, empty [made vain; made in vain]
7 Soon as the term of those six years shall cease,
Soon > [As soon]
8 You then shall hither back return again, 9 The marriage to accomplish, vowed betwixt you twain.
twain > two
112.20
Which for my part I couet to performe,
2 In sort as through the world I did proclame,
That who so kild that monster most deforme,
4 And him in hardy battaile ouercame,
Should haue mine onely daughter to his Dame,
6 And of my kingdome heire apparaunt bee:
Therefore +since+ now to thee perteines the same,
8 By dew desert of noble cheualree,
Both daughter and eke kingdome, lo I yield to thee.
7 since > sith 1609
1 "Which for my part I covet to perform,
covet > desire, long
2 In sort as through the world I did proclaim
In sort > [Even]
3 That whoso killed that monster most deformed,
whoso > whoever deformed > perverted, morally ugly; deformed
4 And him in hardy battle overcame, 5 Should have my only daughter to his dame,
to his dame > as his wife
6 And of my kingdom heir apparent be: 7 Therefore since now to you pertains the same, 8 By due desert of noble chivalry,
desert > merit
9 Both daughter and eke kingdom, lo I yield to you."
eke > also
112.21
Then forth he called that his daughter faire,
2 The fairest Vn' his onely daughter deare,
His onely daughter, and his onely heyre;
4 Who forth proceeding with sad sober cheare,
As bright as doth the morning starre appeare
6 Out of the East, with flaming lockes bedight,
To tell +that+ dawning day is +drawing+ neare,
8 And to the world does bring long wished light;
So faire and fresh that Lady shewd her selfe in sight.
7 that > the 1596, 1609 7 drawing > dawning 1596, 1609
1 Then forth he called his daughter fair, 2 The fairest Una, his only daughter dear, 3 His only daughter, and his only heir; 4 Who forth proceeding with sad sober cheer,
sad > steadfast; grave cheer > expression, mood
5 As bright as does the morning star appear 6 Out of the east, with flaming locks bedight,
bedight > adorned
7 To tell that dawning day is drawing near, 8 And to the world does bring long-wished light; 9 So fair and fresh that lady showed herself in sight.
So > Thus
112.22
So faire and fresh, as freshest flowre in May;
2 For she had layd her mournefull stole aside,
And widow-like sad wimple throwne away,
4 Wherewith her +heauenly+ beautie she did hide,
Whiles on her wearie iourney she did ride;
6 And on her now a garment she did weare,
All lilly white, withoutten spot, or pride,
8 That seemd like silke and siluer wouen neare,
But neither silke nor siluer therein did appeare.
4 heauenly > heaunnly 1596
1 So fair and fresh, as freshest flower in May; 2 For she had laid her mournful stole aside,
stole > robe (it is black: see 101.4:5)
3 And widow-like sad wimple thrown away,
wimple > {Linen or silk garment enveloping head, chin, and sides of face and neck}
4 Wherewith her heavenly beauty she did hide
Wherewith > With which
5 While on her weary journey she did ride; 6 And on her now a garment she did wear, 7 All lily white, without spot, or pride,
pride > adornment
8 That seemed like silk and silver woven near,
near > closely together
9 But neither silk nor silver therein did appear.
112.23
The blazing brightnesse of her beauties beame,
2 And glorious light of her sunshyny face
To tell, were as to striue against the streame.
4 My ragged rimes are all too rude and bace,
Her heauenly lineaments for to enchace.
6 Ne wonder; for her owne deare loued knight,
All were she dayly with himselfe in place,
8 Did wonder much at her celestiall sight:
Oft had he seene her faire, but neuer so faire dight.
1 The blazing brightness of her beauty's beam, 2 And glorious light of her sunshiny face 3 To tell, were as to strive against the stream. 4 My ragged rhymes are all too rude and base
ragged > harsh, discordant rude > rough, uneducated
5 Her heavenly lineaments to enchase.
enchase > make a setting for (as a jeweller might make a setting for a precious stone)
6 No wonder; for her own dear loved knight, 7 All were she daily with himself in place,
All were she > [Although she had been] in place > there; hence: together, in company
8 Did wonder much at her celestial sight:
wonder > marvel sight > appearance
9 Often had he seen her fair, but never so fairly dight.
fair > beauty dight > arranged, dressed; hence: displayed
112.24
So fairely dight, when she in presence came,
2 She to her Sire made humble reuerence,
And bowed low, that her right well became,
4 And added grace vnto her excellence:
Who with great wisedome, and graue eloquence
6 Thus gan to say. But eare he thus had said,
With flying speede, and seeming great pretence,
8 Came running in, much like a man dismaid,
A Messenger with letters, which his message said.
1 So fairly dight, when she in presence came,
So > Thus presence > presence [of the king]; [the] presence-chamber (where the sovereign receives visitors)
2 She to her sire made humble reverence,
sire > father
3 And bowed low, that her right well became,
right > very became > suited
4 And added grace to her excellence: 5 Who with great wisdom, and grave eloquence 6 Thus began to say … But ere he thus had said, 7 With flying speed, and seeming great pretence,
pretence > intention, importance; show of dignity
8 Came running in, much like a man dismayed, 9 A messenger with letters, which his message said.
112.25
All in the open hall amazed stood,
2 At suddeinnesse of that vnwarie sight,
And wondred at his breathlesse hastie mood.
4 But he for nought would stay his passage right,
Till fast before the king he did alight;
6 Where falling flat, great humblesse he did make,
And kist the ground, whereon his foot was pight;
8 Then to his hands that writ he did betake,
Which he disclosing, red thus, as the paper spake.
1 All in the open hall amazed stood,
hall > {A spacious public room in a castle, palace, etc., used for banquets and receptions} amazed > astounded; confounded
2 At suddenness of that unwary sight,
unwary > unexpected (SU)
3 And wondered at his breathless hasty mood.
wondered > marvelled
4 But he for naught would stay his passage right,
stay > check, delay right > {Straight, direct; leading towards the place he desired to reach}
5 Till fast before the king he did alight;
fast > close; rapidly alight > stop (SU)
6 Where, falling flat, great humblesse he did make,
humblesse > [show of] humbleness, humility
7 And kissed the ground whereon his foot was pight;
pight > placed
8 Then to his hands that writ he did beteach,
writ > document, paper beteach > yield; commit, entrust
9 Which he disclosing, read thus, as the paper spoke.
disclosing > opening up, unfolding (also in the fig. sense of revealing to the knowledge of others)
112.26
To thee, most mighty king of Eden faire,
2 Her greeting sends in these sad lines addrest,
The wofull daughter, and forsaken heire
4 Of that great Emperour of all the West;
And bids thee be aduized for the best,
6 Ere thou thy daughter linck in holy band
Of wedlocke to that new vnknowen guest:
8 For he already plighted his right hand
Vnto another loue, and to another land.
1 "To you, most mighty king of Eden fair, 2 Her greeting sends, in these sad lines addressed, 3 The woeful daughter, and forsaken heir 4 Of that great emperor of all the west;
emperor > (See 102.22:7-9)
5 And bids you be advised for the best, 6 Ere you your daughter link in holy bond 7 Of wedlock to that new unknown guest: 8 For he already plighted his right hand
plighted > [has] pledged right hand > allegiance
9 To another love, and to another land.
112.27
To me sad mayd, or rather widow sad,
2 He was affiaunced long time before,
And sacred pledges he both gaue, and had,
4 False erraunt knight, infamous, and forswore:
Witnesse the burning Altars, which he swore,
6 And guiltie heauens of his bold periury,
Which though he hath polluted oft +of+ yore,
8 Yet I to them for iudgement iust do fly,
And them coniure t'auenge this shamefull iniury.
7 of > and 1596, 1609
1 "To me, sad maid, or rather widow sad, 2 He was affianced long time before, 3 And sacred pledges he both gave, and had, 4 False errant knight, infamous, and forsworn:
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the context here also implies the sense of erring, deviating) forsworn > perjurious; in breach of a solemn oath
5 Witness the burning altars, which he swore,
which > [on which, by which]
6 And guilty heavens of his bold perjury,
of > [made guilty by]
7 Which though he has polluted often of yore,
Which > [The heavens] yore > old
8 Yet I to them for judgement just do fly, 9 And them conjure to avenge this shameful injury.
conjure > call upon by oath injury > {Wrongful action; also: intentionally offensive speech or words}
112.28
Therefore +since+ mine he is, or free or bond,
2 Or false or trew, or liuing or else dead,
Withhold, O soueraine Prince, your hasty hond
4 From knitting league with him, I you aread;
Ne weene my right with strength adowne to tread,
6 Through weaknesse of my widowhed, or woe:
For truth is strong, +her+ rightfull cause to plead,
8 And shall find friends, if need requireth soe,
So bids thee well to fare, Thy neither friend, nor foe, Fidessa.
1 since > sith 1609 7 her > his 1596, 1609
1 "Therefore since mine he is, +or+ free or bound,
or > either
2 Or false or true, +or+ living or else dead,
Or > Either or > either
3 Withhold, O sovereign prince, your hasty hand 4 From knitting league with him, I you aread;
aread > counsel
5 Nor ween my right with strength adown to tread,
ween > think, intend adown > down
6 Through weakness of my widowhood, or woe: 7 For truth is strong, her rightful cause to plead, 8 And shall find friends, if need requires so, 9 So bids you well to fare, Your neither friend nor foe, Fidessa."
well to fare > [farewell]
112.29
When he these bitter byting words had red,
2 The tydings straunge did him abashed make,
That still he sate long time astonished
4 As in great muse, ne word to creature spake.
At last his solemne silence thus he brake,
6 With doubtfull eyes fast fixed on his guest;
Redoubted knight, that for mine onely sake
8 Thy life and honour late aduenturest,
Let nought be hid from me, that ought to be exprest.
1 When he these bitter biting words had read, 2 The tidings strange did him abashed make, 3 That still he sat long time astonished,
That > [So that]
4 As in great muse, nor word to creature spoke.
muse > {Abstraction; the action of musing}
5 At last his solemn silence thus he broke, 6 With doubtful eyes fast fixed on his guest:
fast > firmly
7 "Redoubted knight, that for my only sake
Redoubted > Distinguished; feared; dreaded
8 Your life and honour late adventured,
adventured > risked
9 Let naught be hidden from me, that ought to be expressed.
112.30
What meane these bloudy vowes, and idle threats,
2 Throwne out from womanish impatient mind?
What heauens? what altars? what enraged heates
4 Here heaped vp with termes of loue vnkind,
My conscience cleare with guilty bands would bind?
6 High God be witnesse, that I guiltlesse ame.
But if your selfe, Sir knight, ye faultie find,
8 Or wrapped be in loues of former Dame,
With crime do not it couer, but disclose the same.
1 "What mean these bloody vows, and idle threats,
idle > empty
2 Thrown out from womanish impatient mind? 3 What heavens? what altars? what enraged heats,
heats > fits of passion; quarrels
4 Here heaped up with terms of love unkind,
terms > words, language unkind > unnatural; unkind
5 My conscience clear with guilty bonds would bind? 6 High God be witness that I guiltless am. 7 But if yourself, sir knight, you faulty find,
faulty > guilty
8 Or wrapped be in loves of former dame,
dame > lady, woman; mistress
9 With crime do not it cover, but disclose the same."
crime > [false denial]
112.31
To whom the Redcrosse knight this answere sent,
2 My Lord, my King, be nought hereat dismayd,
Till well ye wote by graue intendiment,
4 What woman, and wherefore doth me vpbrayd
With breach of loue, and loyalty betrayd.
6 It was in my mishaps, as hitherward
I lately traueild, that vnwares I strayd
8 Out of my way, through perils straunge and hard;
That day should faile me, ere I had them all declard.
1 To whom the Redcross Knight this answer sent,
answer > {Rejoinder; reply to an accusation}
2 "My lord, my king, be naught hereat dismayed, 3 Till well you wot by grave intendiment
wot > learn, discover; know grave > careful intendiment > attention; consideration; intendment
4 What woman, and wherefore does me upbraid
wherefore > on which account; in consequence of which does > [she] does
5 With breach of love, and loyalty betrayed. 6 It was in my mishaps, as hitherward 7 I lately travelled, that unwares I strayed
unwares > unwittingly; unexpectedly
8 Out of my way, through perils strange and hard; 9 That day should fail me, ere I had them all declared.
That day should fail me > [It would take a very long time]
112.32
There did I find, or rather I was found
2 Of this false woman, that Fidessa hight,
Fidessa hight the falsest Dame on ground,
4 Most false Duessa, royall richly dight,
That easie was +t'inuegle+ weaker sight:
6 Who by her wicked arts, and wylie skill,
Too false and strong for earthly skill or might,
8 Vnwares me wrought vnto her wicked will,
And to my foe betrayd, when least I feared ill.
5 t'inuegle > to inuegle 1590 etc.: FE
1 "There did I find (or rather I was found 2 Of) this false woman, that Fidessa hight,
Of > By hight > is named
3 Fidessa hight the falsest dame on ground,
dame > lady, woman
4 Most false Duessa, royal richly dight,
royal richly dight > [so] royally [and] richly dressed
5 That easy was to inveigle weaker sight:
That > [That it] inveigle > blind [in mind or judgement]; deceive weaker > too-weak
6 Who by her wicked arts, and wily skill
skill > skill; occult powers
7 (Too false and strong for earthly skill or might), 8 Unwares me worked to her wicked will,
Unwares > Unwittingly
9 And to my foe betrayed, when least I feared ill."
ill > evil
112.33
Then stepped forth the goodly royall Mayd,
2 And on the ground her selfe prostrating low,
With sober countenaunce thus to him sayd;
4 O pardon me, my soueraigne Lord, to show
The secret treasons, which of late I know
6 To haue bene wroght by that false sorceresse.
She onely she it is, that earst did throw
8 This gentle knight into so great distresse,
That death him did awaite in dayly wretchednesse.
1 Then stepped forth the goodly royal maid,
goodly > beautiful; gracious
2 And on the ground herself prostrating low, 3 With sober countenance thus to him said: 4 "O pardon me, my sovereign lord, to show
pardon me > [give me leave]
5 The secret treasons, which of late I know 6 To have been wrought by that false sorceress.
wrought > worked
7 She, only she, it is, that erst did throw
erst > recently; formerly
8 This gentle knight into so great distress,
gentle > noble; gentle so > such
9 That death him did await in daily wretchedness.
That > [Such that] him > him; he
112.34
And now it seemes, that she suborned hath
2 This craftie messenger with letters vaine,
To worke new woe and +improuided+ scath,
4 By breaking of the band betwixt vs twaine;
Wherein she vsed hath the practicke paine
6 Of this false footman, clokt with simplenesse,
Whom if ye please for to discouer plaine,
8 Ye shall him Archimago find, I ghesse,
The falsest man aliue; +who+ tries shall find no lesse.
3 improuided > vnprouided reported by Todd in some 1596 copies 9 who > wo 1590, 1596: FE
1 "And now it seems that she suborned has 2 This crafty messenger with letters vain,
vain > vain, proud; empty, useless; foolish
3 To work new woe and improvided scathe,
improvided > unforeseen (SU) scathe > harm, damage
4 By breaking the bond betwixt us twain;
twain > two
5 Wherein she used has the practic pain
practic > artful, cunning pain > pains, efforts
6 Of this false footman, cloaked with simpleness, 7 Whom if you please to discover plain,
discover > uncover, unmask, reveal
8 You shall him Archimago find, I guess, 9 The falsest man alive; who tries shall find no less."
who > [he who; whoever]
112.35
The king was greatly moued at her speach,
2 And all with suddein indignation fraight,
Bad on that Messenger rude hands to reach.
4 Eftsoones the Gard, which on his state did wait,
Attacht that faitor false, and bound him strait:
6 Who seeming sorely chauffed at his band,
As chained Beare, whom cruell dogs do bait,
8 With idle force did faine them to withstand,
And often semblaunce made to scape out of their hand.
1 The king was greatly moved at her speech, 2 And, all with sudden indignation fraught,
fraught > filled
3 Bade on that messenger rude hands to reach.
rude > rough reach > seize
4 Eftsoons the guard, which on his state did wait,
Eftsoons > Thereupon state > canopied throne; majesty
5 Attached that faitour false, and bound him strait:
Attached > Arrested faitour > impostor, cheat strait > strictly, tightly; straightway
6 Who, seeming sorely chafed at his bond
chafed > angry
7 (As chained bear, whom cruel dogs do bait), 8 With idle force did feign them to withstand,
idle > empty, futile; or: simulated
9 And often semblance made to scape out of their hand.
scape > escape their hand > [the constraint of the bonds; the custody of the guards]
112.36
But they him layd full low in dungeon deepe,
2 And bound him hand and foote with yron chains.
And with continuall watch did warely keepe;
4 Who then would thinke, that by his subtile trains
He could escape fowle death or deadly paines?
6 Thus when that Princes wrath was pacifide,
He gan renew the late forbidden +banes+,
8 And to the knight his daughter deare he tyde,
With sacred rites and vowes for euer to abyde.
7 banes > bains 1590
1 But they him laid full low in dungeon deep,
full > very, exceedingly
2 And bound him hand and foot with iron chains. 3 And with continual watch did warely keep;
warely keep > vigilantly observe
4 Who then would think, that by his subtile trains
subtile > subtle; sly, crafty trains > tricks, wiles
5 He could escape foul death or deadly pains?
deadly > fatal
6 Thus, when that prince's wrath was pacified, 7 He gan renew the late forbidden banns,
gan > did renew > resume late forbidden > lately challenged
8 And to the knight his daughter dear he tied, 9 With sacred rites and vows for ever to abide.
abide > remain, remain true
112.37
His owne two hands the holy knots did knit,
2 That none but death for euer can deuide;
His owne two hands, for such a turne most fit,
4 The housling fire did kindle and prouide,
And holy water thereon sprinckled wide;
6 At which +the+ bushy Teade a groome did light,
And sacred lampe in secret chamber hide,
8 Where it should not be quenched day nor night,
For feare of euill fates, but burnen euer bright.
6 the > a 1609
1 His own two hands the holy knots did knit, 2 That none but death for ever can divide; 3 His own two hands, for such a turn most fit,
turn > task (mainly northern and Scottish dialect)
4 The houseling fire did kindle and provide,
houseling > sacramental
5 And holy water thereon sprinkled wide; 6 At which the bushy tede a groom did light,
tede > torch (made of pine or other resinous wood); hence: hymeneal torch (cf. Epithalamion 27, Muiopotmos 293)
7 And sacred lamp in secret chamber hide, 8 Where it should not be quenched day nor night, 9 For fear of evil fates, but burn ever bright.
112.38
Then gan they sprinckle all the posts with wine,
2 And made great feast to solemnize that day;
They all perfumde with frankencense diuine,
4 And precious odours fetcht from far away,
That all the house did sweat with great aray:
6 And all the while sweete Musicke did apply
Her curious skill, the warbling notes to play,
8 To driue away the dull Melancholy;
The whiles one sung a song of loue and iollity.
1 Then gan they sprinkle all the posts with wine,
gan > did sprinkle all the posts with wine > (A Roman custom; cf. Epithalamion 253)
2 And made great feast to solemnize that day; 3 They all perfumed with frankincense divine,
all > everything
4 And precious odours fetched from far away,
fetched > [which had been imported]
5 That all the house did sweat with great array:
That > [So that] sweat > {Exude drops of moisture; hence: exhale fragrance} array > {State of special preparation for festivities}
6 And all the while sweet Music did apply
Music > (Music personified; the art of the Muses)
7 Her curious skill, the warbling notes to play,
curious > skilled; elaborate; exquisite
8 To drive away the dull melancholy;
melancholy > (Cf. 105.3:5)
9 The whiles one sang a song of love and jollity.
The whiles > Meanwhile jollity > pleasure, revelry; magnificence
112.39
During the which there was an heauenly noise
2 Heard sound through all the Pallace pleasantly,
Like as it had bene many an Angels voice,
4 Singing before th'eternall maiesty,
In their trinall triplicities on hye;
6 Yet wist no creature, whence that heauenly sweet
Proceeded, yet eachone felt secretly
8 Himselfe thereby reft of his sences meet,
And rauished with rare impression in his +sprite+.
9 sprite > spreete 1611
1 During which there was a heavenly noise
noise > {Melodious sound}
2 Heard sound through all the palace pleasantly,
sound > [to sound; sounding]
3 Like as it had been many an angel's voice,
Like as > As if
4 Singing before the eternal majesty,
before > in front of
5 In their trinal triplicities on high;
trinal > triple triplicities > trios, triads (referring to the nine angelic orders of St Thomas Aquinas and others. The three Hierarchies are each divided into three Orders of Choirs: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones; Dominations, Virtues, Powers; Principalities, Archangels, Angels)
6 Yet wist no creature whence that heavenly sweet
wist > knew sweet > sweetness
7 Proceeded, yet each one felt secretly 8 Himself thereby reft of his senses meet,
reft > deprived, robbed senses meet > proper senses
9 And ravished with rare impression in his spirit.
112.40
Great ioy was made that day of young and old,
2 And solemne feast proclaimd throughout the land,
That their exceeding merth may not be told:
4 Suffice it heare by signes to vnderstand
The vsuall ioyes at knitting of loues band.
6 Thrise happy man the knight himselfe did hold,
Possessed of his Ladies hart and hand,
8 And euer, when his eye did her behold,
+His+ heart did seeme to melt in pleasures manifold.
9 His > Her 1596, 1609
1 Great joy was made that day of young and old,
of > by
2 And solemn feast proclaimed throughout the land,
solemn > {Sacred, having a religious character} feast > festival, festivity, rejoicing
3 That their exceeding mirth may not be told:
That > [Such that]
4 Suffice it here by signs to understand
signs > traces, vestiges; hence: hints
5 The usual joys at knitting of love's bond.
knitting > [the knitting]
6 Thrice happy man the knight himself did hold, 7 Possessed of his lady's heart and hand, 8 And ever, when his eye did her behold, 9 His heart did seem to melt in pleasures manifold.
112.41
Her ioyous presence and sweet company
2 In full content he there did long enioy,
Ne wicked enuie, +ne+ vile gealosy
4 His deare delights were able to annoy:
Yet swimming in that sea of blisfull ioy,
6 He nought forgot, how he whilome had sworne,
In case he could that monstrous beast destroy,
8 Vnto his Farie Queene backe to returne:
The which he shortly did, and Vna left to mourne.
3 ne > nor 1609
1 Her joyous presence and sweet company 2 In full content he there did long enjoy,
content > pleasure, satisfaction
3 Neither wicked envy, nor vile jealousy 4 His dear delights were able to annoy:
annoy > afflict, vex; hence: spoil
5 Yet, swimming in that sea of blissful joy, 6 He naught forgot, how he whilom had sworn,
whilom > formerly
7 In case he could that monstrous beast destroy, 8 To his Faery Queen back to return: 9 Which he shortly did, and Una left to mourn.
Una left > [left Una]
112.42
Now strike your sailes ye iolly Mariners,
2 For we be come vnto a quiet rode,
Where we must land some of our passengers,
4 And light this wearie vessell of her lode.
Here she a while may make her safe abode,
6 Till she repaired haue her tackles spent,
And wants supplide. And then againe abroad
8 On the long voyage whereto she is bent:
Well may she speede and fairely finish her intent.
1 Now strike your sails, you jolly mariners,
strike > lower jolly > gallant, fine
2 For we be come to a quiet road,
be > [are, have] road > {Sheltered stretch of water near the shore where vessels may safely anchor}
3 Where we must land some of our passengers, 4 And lighten this weary vessel of her load. 5 Here she awhile may make her safe abode, 6 Till she repaired have her tackles spent,
tackles spent > worn-out rigging
7 And wants supplied. And then again abroad 8 On the long voyage whereto she is bent:
bent > inclined, directed
9 Well may she speed, and fairly finish her intent.
=>
THE SECOND
2 BOOKE OF THE
FAERIE QVEENE.
4 Contayning,
THE LEGEND OF SIR GVYON.
6 OR
Of Temperaunce.
1 THE SECOND 2 BOOK OF THE 3 FAERY QUEEN 4 Containing 5 THE LEGEND OF SIR GUYON 6 or 7 OF TEMPERANCE
200.1
RIght well I wote most mighty Soueraine,
2 That all this famous antique history,
Of some th'aboundance of an idle braine
4 Will iudged be, and painted forgery,
Rather then matter of iust memory,
6 Sith none, that breatheth liuing aire, does know,
Where is that happy land of Faery,
8 Which I so much do vaunt, yet no where show,
But vouch antiquities, which no body can know.
1 Right well I wot, most mighty sovereign,
wot > know
2 That all this famous antique history
antique > ancient; old-fashioned; also: antic: grotesque, bizarre
3 Of some the abundance of an idle brain
Of > By abundance > superfluity
4 Will judged be, and painted forgery,
painted > {Ornamented; given a false colouring}
5 Rather than matter of just memory,
just > true, correct memory > recollection; historical record
6 Sith none, that breathes living air, does know
Sith > Since living > refreshing; vital, giving life
7 Where is that happy land of Faery, 8 Which I so much do vaunt, yet nowhere show,
vaunt > reveal, display, make a show of; praise
9 But vouch antiquities, which nobody can know.
vouch > cite; affirm as true, certify antiquities > ancient records (cf. 100.2:4)
200.2
But let that man with better sence aduize,
2 That of the world least part to vs is red:
And dayly how through hardy enterprize,
4 Many great Regions are discouered,
Which to late age were neuer mentioned.
6 Who euer heard of th'Indian Peru?
Or who in venturous vessell measured
8 The +Amazons+ huge riuer now found trew?
Or fruitfullest Virginia who did euer vew?
8 Amazons > Amarons 1590; Amazon FE
1 But let that man with better sense advise
advise > consider
2 That of the world least part to us is read:
least > [the least] read > discerned; known
3 And daily how through hardy enterprise 4 Many great regions are discovered, 5 Which to late age were never mentioned.
to late age > [to those living in recent times]
6 Who ever heard of the Indian Peru?
Indian > (America was thought to be India)
7 Or who in venturous vessel measured
venturous > bold, daring; adventurous measured > measured; traversed
8 The Amazon's huge river, now found true? 9 Or fruitfullest Virginia who did ever view?
200.3
Yet all these were, when no man did them know;
2 Yet haue from wisest ages hidden beene:
And later times things more vnknowne shall show.
4 Why then should witlesse man so much misweene
That nothing is, but that which he hath seene?
6 What if within the Moones faire shining spheare?
What if in euery other starre vnseene
8 Of other worldes he happily should heare?
He wonder would much more: yet such to some appeare.
1 Yet all these were, when no man did them know; 2 Yet have from wisest ages hidden been: 3 And later times things more unknown shall show. 4 Why then should witless man so much misween
misween > hold the wrong opinion
5 That nothing is, but that which he has seen? 6 What if within the moon's fair shining sphere; 7 What if in every other star unseen 8 Of other worlds he happily should hear?
happily > perhaps; by chance; by good fortune; with mental pleasure
9 He wonder would much more: yet such to some appear.
more > [further]
200.4
Of Faerie lond yet if he more inquire,
2 By certaine signes here set in sundry place
He may it find; ne let him then admire,
4 But yield his sence to be too blunt and bace,
That no'te without an hound fine footing trace.
6 And +thou+, O fairest Princesse vnder sky,
In this faire mirrhour maist behold thy face,
8 And thine owne realmes in lond of Faery,
And in this antique Image thy great auncestry.
6 thou > then 1590
1 Of Faery Land yet if he more inquire,
inquire > seek
2 By certain signs here set in sundry place
sundry place > [various places]
3 He may it find; neither let him then admire,
admire > {Feel or express astonishment}
4 But yield his sense to be too blunt and base,
yield > concede, admit
5 That no'te without a hound fine footing trace.
no'te > cannot fine footing trace > trace faint tracks
6 And you, O fairest princess under sky,
you > [Elizabeth]
7 In this fair mirror may behold your face,
this fair mirror > [the poem; Gloriana; "mirror" also = "paragon of beauty", cf. 106.15:6]
8 And your own realms in land of Faery, 9 And in this antique image your great ancestry.
antique > ancient; old-fashioned; also: antic: grotesque, bizarre
200.5
The which O pardon me thus to enfold
2 In couert vele, and wrap in shadowes light,
That feeble eyes your glory may behold,
4 Which else could not endure those +beames+ bright,
But would be dazled with exceeding light.
6 O pardon, and vouchsafe with patient eare
The braue aduentures of this Faery knight
8 The good Sir Guyon gratiously to heare,
In whom great rule of Temp'raunce goodly doth appeare.
4 beames > beamez 1609, emphasizing the disyllable; cf. 110.39:4, 204.28:8, 206.39:5
1 Which O pardon me thus to enfold
pardon > {Make courteous allowance for}
2 In covert veil, and wrap in shadows light, 3 That feeble eyes your glory may behold,
That > [So that]
4 Which else could not endure those beams bright,
else > otherwise
5 But would be dazzled with exceeding light. 6 O pardon, and vouchsafe with patient ear 7 The brave adventures of this Faery knight
brave > brave; splendid
8 (The good Sir Guyon) graciously to hear,
9 In whom great rule of Temperance goodly does appear.
goodly > gracefully; excellently
Guyon by Archimage abusd,
2 The Redcrosse knight awaytes,
Findes Mordant and Amauia slaine
4 With pleasures poisoned baytes.
1 Guyon, by Archimago abused,
Guyon > (The origin of this name is not clear. It may be derived from "Gihon", the river in Eden associated with temperance; from "gyon", meaning "wrestler"; or from "Guy", the name of various romance heroes) abused > deceived; ill-used
2 The Redcross Knight awaits,
awaits > keeps watch for; waylays
3 Finds Mordant and Amavia slain
Mordant > "Biting" (the spelling at 201.49:9 (see Textual Appendix) also signifies "Death-giver") Amavia > "Life-loving"; "The Way of Love" (Latin)
4 With Pleasure's poisoned baits.
Pleasure > (The enchantress, Acrasia, so named at 212.1:8 and 212.48:8)
201.1
THat cunning Architect of cancred guile,
2 Whom Princes late displeasure left in bands,
For falsed letters and suborned wile,
4 Soone as the Redcrosse knight he vnderstands,
To beene departed out of Eden lands,
6 To serue againe his soueraine Elfin Queene,
His artes he moues, and out of +caytiues+ +hands+
8 Himselfe he frees by secret meanes vnseene;
His shackles emptie left, him selfe escaped cleene.
7 caytiues > caytiue 1609: i.e. the adj., caitiff, captive, vile (improving on the sense of 1596, which may well be a misprint) 7 hands > bands conj. some editors, even though this duplicates the rhyme
1 That cunning architect of cankered guile,
cankered > festering; malignant
2 Whom prince's late displeasure left in bonds
late > recent (see 112.35 ff.)
3 (For falsed letters and suborned wile),
falsed > forged wile > deceit, subtlety
4 Soon as the Redcross Knight he understands
Soon > [As soon]
5 To be departed out of Eden lands, 6 To serve again his sovereign Elfin queen, 7 His arts he moves, and out of caitiffs' hands
moves > puts in motion; hence: employs caitiffs > wretches (?his gaolers: see 112.35:3, and Textual Appendix)
8 Himself he frees by secret means unseen; 9 His shackles empty left, himself escaped clean.
clean > cleanly, entirely
201.2
And forth he fares full of malicious mind,
2 To worken mischiefe and auenging woe,
Where euer he that godly knight may find,
4 His onely hart sore, and his onely foe,
Sith Vna now he algates must forgoe,
6 Whom his victorious hands did earst restore
To +natiue+ crowne and kingdome late ygoe:
8 Where she enioyes sure peace for euermore,
As weather-beaten ship arriu'd on happie shore.
7 natiue > natiues 1596, 1609
1 And forth he fares, full of malicious mind,
mind > intention; memory
2 To work mischief and avenging woe
mischief > injury, disaster; evil
3 Wherever he that godly knight may find, 4 His only heart-sore, and his only foe,
only > pre-eminent [the only one worth considering] heart-sore > cause of grief
5 Sith Una now he algates must forgo,
Sith > Since algates > after all; altogether
6 Whom his victorious hands did erst restore
his > [the Redcross Knight's] erst > lately
7 To native crown and kingdom late ago:
late ago > lately
8 Where she enjoys sure peace for evermore, 9 As weather-beaten ship arrived on happy shore.
201.3
Him therefore now the obiect of his spight
2 And deadly +food+ he makes: him to offend
By forged treason, or by open fight
4 He seekes, of all his drift the aymed end:
Thereto his subtile engins he does +bend+
6 His practick wit, and his faire filed tong,
With thousand other sleights: for well he kend,
8 His credit now in doubtfull ballaunce hong;
For hardly could +be+ hurt, who was already stong.
2 food > feude 1609 5 bend > bend, 1609 9 be > he 1609
1 Him therefore now the object of his spite 2 And deadly feud he makes: him to offend
feud > hatred, hostility offend > {Cause to stumble or sin; attack; harm}
3 By forged treason or by open fight
forged > fabricated
4 He seeks, of all his drift the aimed end:
drift > intention; plot
5 Thereto his subtile engines he does bend,
subtile > subtle; sly, crafty engines > wiles
6 His practic wit, and his fair filed tongue,
practic > artful, cunning filed > smooth, polished
7 With thousand other sleights: for well he kenned
kenned > recognized; acknowledged
8 His credit now in doubtful balance hung;
credit > reputation; authority; credibility
9 For hardly could be hurt, who was already stung.
hardly could > with difficulty could [one]
201.4
Still as he went, he craftie stales did +lay,+
2 With cunning traines him to entrap vnwares,
And priuie spials plast in all his way,
4 To weete what course he takes, and how he fares;
To ketch him at +a vantage+ in his snares.
6 +But+ now so wise and warie was the knight
By triall of his former harmes and cares,
8 That he descride, and shonned still his slight:
The fish that once was caught, new bait will hardly bite.
1 lay, > lay. 1590, 1596 5 a vantage > avantage 1609 6, 7 Lines 6 and 7 are transposed in 1596 and 1609
1 Still as he went, he crafty stales did lay,
Still > Continually stales > decoys; lures
2 With cunning trains him to entrap unwares,
trains > tricks, snares unwares > unexpectedly
3 And privy spials placed in all his way,
privy spials > hidden spies
4 To weet what course he takes, and how he fares;
weet > find out
5 To catch him at a vantage in his snares.
vantage > advantage
6 But now so wise and wary was the knight 7 By trial of his former harms and cares, 8 That he descried, and shunned still, his sleight:
still > constantly his sleight > [Archimago's] cunning, trickery
9 The fish that once was caught, new bait will hardly bite.
201.5
Nath'lesse th'Enchaunter would not spare his paine,
2 In hope to win occasion to his will;
Which when he long awaited had in vaine,
4 He chaungd his minde from one to other ill:
For to all good he enimy was still.
6 Vpon the way him fortuned to meet,
Faire marching vnderneath a shady hill,
8 A goodly knight, all armd in harnesse meete,
That from his head no place appeared to his feete.
1 Natheless the enchanter would not spare his pain,
Natheless > Nevertheless pain > efforts
2 In hope to win occasion to his will;
win > persuade, subdue, seize; hence: shape occasion > circumstances
3 Which when he long awaited had in vain, 4 He changed his mind from one to other ill:
other > another; the other
5 For to all good he enemy was still.
still > ever, always
6 Upon the way him fortuned to meet,
him > (The same construction is found at 102.12:5-6; Archimago is the object of "meet"; the knight is the subject of "fortuned")
7 Fair marching underneath a shady hill, 8 A goodly knight, all armed in harness meet,
goodly > handsome, well-favoured; courteous, gracious; kindly all > completely harness > {Body-armour; suit of mail; the accoutrements of an armed horseman} meet > close-fitting; appropriate
9 That from his head no place appeared to his feet.
That > [So that]
201.6
His carriage was full comely and vpright,
2 His countenaunce demure and temperate,
But yet so sterne and terrible in sight,
4 That cheard his friends, and did his foes amate:
He was an Elfin borne of noble state,
6 And mickle worship in his natiue land;
Well could he tourney and in lists debate,
8 And knighthood tooke of good Sir Huons hand,
When with king Oberon he came to Faerie land.
1 His carriage was full comely and upright,
full > very
2 His countenance demure and temperate,
demure > sober, grave; reserved
3 But yet so stern and terrible in sight
stern > fierce
4 That cheered his friends, and did his foes amate:
That > [That it] amate > daunt
5 He was an Elfin born of noble state,
state > {Condition or state in life}
6 And mickle worship in his native land;
mickle > much worship > honour, renown
7 Well could he tourney and in lists debate,
tourney > joust (esp. with blunt weapons when taking part in a tournament) lists > knightly contests ("lists" were the palisades enclosing the tilting-ground) debate > fight
8 And knighthood took of good Sir Huon's hand,
took of > received from Huon > (Hero of the 13th-century romance, Huon de Bordeaux; Oberon's successor)
9 When with King Oberon he came to Faery Land.
Oberon > (King of Faery Land; see 210.75-6)
201.7
Him als accompanyd vpon the way
2 A comely Palmer, clad in blacke attire,
Of ripest yeares, and haires all hoarie gray,
4 That with a staffe his feeble steps did stire,
Least his long way his aged limbes should tire:
6 And if by lookes one may the mind aread,
He seemd to be a sage and sober sire,
8 And euer with slow pace the knight did lead,
Who taught his trampling steed with equall steps to tread.
1 Him als accompanied upon the way
als > also
2 A comely palmer, clad in black attire,
comely > decorous, decent, pleasing palmer > {Pilgrim who has returned from the Holy Land, carrying a palm-leaf or palm-branch as a token; also: an itinerant monk}
3 Of ripest years, and hair all hoary grey, 4 That with a staff his feeble steps did steer,
steer > steer; or, perhaps: stir
5 Lest his long way his aged limbs should tire: 6 And if by looks one may the mind aread,
aread > divine
7 He seemed to be a sage and sober sire,
sire > {Aged or elderly man, father}
8 And ever with slow pace the knight did lead, 9 Who taught his trampling steed with equal steps to tread.
equal > equable (the horse again symbolizes its rider, as 102.8, etc.)
201.8
Such whenas Archimago did them view,
2 He weened well to worke some vncouth wile,
Eftsoones vntwisting his deceiptfull clew,
4 He gan to weaue a web of wicked guile,
And +with faire+ countenance and flattring stile,
6 To them approching, thus the knight bespake:
Faire sonne of Mars, that seeke with warlike +spoile,+
8 And great atchieu'ments great your selfe to make,
Vouchsafe to stay your steed for humble misers sake.
5 with faire > with a faire 1596 7 spoile, > spoile. 1596
1 Such when Archimago did them view, 2 He weened well to work some uncouth wile:
weened > {Thought it possible or likely} uncouth > strange; bizarre; unseemly
3 Eftsoons untwisting his deceitful clew,
Eftsoons > Thereupon clew > ball of thread
4 He began to weave a web of wicked guile, 5 And, with fair countenance and flattering style, 6 To them approaching, thus the knight bespoke:
bespoke > addressed
7 "Fair son of Mars, that seeks with warlike spoil
spoil > plunder, booty
8 And great achievements great yourself to make, 9 Vouchsafe to stay your steed for humble miser's sake."
stay > detain; halt miser > wretch
201.9
He stayd his steed for humble misers sake,
2 And bad tell on the tenor of his plaint;
Who feigning then in euery limbe to quake,
4 Through inward feare, and seeming pale and faint
With piteous mone his percing speach gan paint;
6 Deare Lady how shall I declare thy cace,
Whom late I left in +langourous+ constraint?
8 Would God thy selfe now present were in place,
To tell this ruefull tale; thy sight could win thee grace.
7 langourous > languorous 1590
1 He stayed his steed for humble miser's sake, 2 And bade tell on the tenor of his plaint;
plaint > {Statement of grievance made in seeking redress}
3 Who, feigning then in every limb to quake, 4 Through inward fear, and seeming pale and faint, 5 With piteous moan his piercing speech gan paint:
gan > did; began to
6 "Dear lady, how shall I declare your case,
case > plight
7 Whom late I left in languorous constraint?
languorous > sorrowful constraint > affliction; restriction of liberty
8 Would God yourself now present were in place,
Would > [Please; I desire of] yourself > [that you yourself - he is still addressing the "Deare Lady"] present > {Being in the place being considered, being there as opposed to here} in place > here
9 To tell this rueful tale; your sight could win you grace.
your sight > [the sight of you]
201.10
Or rather would, O would it so had chaunst,
2 That you, most noble Sir, had present beene,
When that lewd ribauld with vile lust aduaunst
4 Layd first his filthy hands on virgin cleene,
To spoile her daintie corse so faire and sheene,
6 As on the earth, great mother of vs all,
With liuing eye more faire was neuer seene,
8 Of chastitie and honour virginall:
Witnesse ye heauens, whom she in vaine to helpe did call.
1 "Or rather would, O would it so had chanced, 2 That you, most noble sir, had present been, 3 When that lewd ribald, with vile lust advanced,
ribald > {Rascal; wicked, blasphemous, dissolute, or licentious fellow} advanced > moved forward; hence: impelled, incited
4 Laid first his filthy hands on virgin clean,
clean > pure, unsullied
5 To spoil her dainty corse (so fair and sheen
spoil > strip (cf. 108.45:9); despoil corse > body sheen > beautiful
6 As on the earth, great mother of us all, 7 With living eye more fair was never seen) 8 Of chastity and honour virginal: 9 Witness you heavens, whom she in vain to help did call."
201.11
How may it be, (said then the knight halfe wroth,)
2 That knight should knighthood euer so haue shent?
None but that saw (quoth he) would weene for troth,
4 How shamefully that Maid he did torment.
Her looser golden lockes he rudely rent,
6 And drew her on the ground, and his sharpe sword,
Against her snowy brest +he+ fiercely bent,
8 And threatned death with many a bloudie word;
Toung hates to tell the rest, that eye to see abhord.
7 he > be 1596
1 "How may it be," said then the knight half wroth, 2 "That knight should knighthood ever so have shent?"
knight > [a knight, any knight] shent > disgraced
3 "None but that saw," quoth he, "would ween for troth
None but that saw > [Nobody except one who saw] ween > believe, imagine troth > truth
4 How shamefully that maid he did torment.
maid > virgin; young woman
5 Her looser golden locks he rudely rent,
looser > too-loose; hence: unfastened, dishevelled rudely > roughly, violently; ignobly rent > tore
6 And drew her on the ground; and his sharp sword 7 Against her snowy breast he fiercely bent, 8 And threatened death with many a bloody word; 9 Tongue hates to tell the rest, that eye to see abhorred."
201.12
Therewith amoued from his sober mood,
2 And liues he yet (said he) that wrought this act,
And doen the heauens afford him vitall food?
4 He liues, (quoth he) and boasteth of the fact,
Ne yet hath any knight his courage crackt.
6 Where may that treachour then (said he) be found,
Or by what meanes may I his footing tract?
8 That shall I shew (said he) as sure, as hound
The stricken Deare doth chalenge by the bleeding wound.
1 Therewith amoved from his sober mood,
Therewith > With that; thereupon amoved > stirred
2 "And lives he yet," said he, "that wrought this act,
that > [he who]
3 And do the heavens afford him vital food?" 4 "He lives," quoth he, "and boasts of the fact,
fact > deed, crime
5 Nor yet has any knight his courage cracked." 6 "Where may that treacher then," said he, "be found,
treacher > deceiver; traitor
7 Or by what means may I his footing tract?"
footing tract > trail trace
8 "That shall I show," said he, "as sure as hound 9 The stricken deer does challenge by the bleeding wound."
challenge > {Call to account: a term used in hunting when the hounds first cry at finding the scent}
201.13
He staid not lenger talke, but with fierce ire
2 And zealous hast away is quickly gone
To seeke that knight, where him that craftie Squire
4 Supposd to be. They do arriue anone,
Where sate a gentle Lady all alone,
6 With garments rent, and haire discheueled,
Wringing her hands, and making piteous mone;
8 Her swollen eyes were much disfigured,
And her faire face with teares was fowly blubbered.
1 He stayed not longer talk, but with fierce ire
talk > [talking, to talk, for talk]
2 And zealous haste away is quickly gone 3 To seek that knight, where him that crafty squire
squire > (See 201.21:6-9)
4 Supposed to be. They do arrive anon
Supposed > {Stated, asserted as a fact} anon > straightway; (catachr.) soon
5 Where sat a gentle lady all alone,
gentle > noble; gentle
6 With garments rent, and hair dishevelled,
rent > torn
7 Wringing her hands, and making piteous moan;
moan > lamentation
8 Her swollen eyes were much disfigured, 9 And her fair face with tears was foully blubbered.
blubbered > swollen, stained
201.14
The knight approching nigh, thus to her said,
2 Faire Ladie, through foule sorrow ill bedight,
Great pittie is to see you thus dismaid,
4 And marre the blossome of your beautie bright:
For thy appease your griefe and heauie plight,
6 And tell the cause of your conceiued paine.
For if he liue, that hath you doen +despight,+
8 He shall you doe due recompence againe,
Or else his wrong with greater puissance maintaine.
7 despight, > despight; 1596, 1609
1 The knight, approaching nigh, thus to her said, 2 "Fair lady, through foul sorrow ill-bedight,
ill-bedight > ill-adorned; hence: disfigured
3 Great pity is to see you thus dismayed, 4 And mar the blossom of your beauty bright;
mar > [to see you mar]
5 For-thy appease your grief and heavy plight,
For-thy > For this reason, therefore appease > desist from, check
6 And tell the cause of your conceived pain:
conceived > {Taken or admitted into the mind; also: apparent, hence: self-evident}
7 For if he live, that has you done despite,
live > [lives; the subjunctive here is all but obsolete] despite > outrage
8 He shall you do due recompense again, 9 Or else his wrong with greater puissance maintain."
puissance > strength, force maintain > uphold, defend
201.15
Which when she heard, as in despightfull wise,
2 She wilfully her sorrow did augment,
And offred hope of comfort did despise:
4 Her golden lockes most cruelly she rent,
And scratcht her face with ghastly dreriment,
6 Ne would she speake, ne see, ne yet be seene,
But hid her visage, and her head downe bent,
8 Either for grieuous shame, or for great teene,
As if her hart with sorrow had transfixed beene.
1 Which when she heard, as in despiteful wise,
despiteful > [a] scornful wise > manner
2 She wilfully her sorrow did augment, 3 And offered hope of comfort did despise: 4 Her golden locks most cruelly she rent,
rent > tore
5 And scratched her face with ghastly dreariment,
dreariment > affliction, melancholy
6 Neither would she speak, nor see, nor yet be seen, 7 But hid her visage, and her head down bent,
down bent > bent down, inclined; or: down-bent (describing her head which she hid)
8 Either for grievous shame, or for great teen,
teen > grief; woe
9 As if her heart with sorrow had transfixed been.
201.16
Till her that Squire bespake, Madame my +liefe+,
2 For Gods deare loue be not so wilfull bent,
But doe vouchsafe now to receiue reliefe,
4 The which good fortune doth to you present.
For what bootes it to weepe and to wayment,
6 When ill is chaunst, but doth the ill increase,
And the weake mind with double woe +torment?+
8 When she her Squire heard speake, she gan appease
Her voluntarie paine, and feele some secret ease.
1 liefe > life 1590; cf. 201.52:5 7 torment? > torment{inverse ?} 1596
1 Till her that squire bespoke: "Madam, my lief,
that squire > [Archimago] bespoke > addressed lief > friend, dear
2 For God's dear love be not so wilful bent,
wilful bent > wilfully inclined
3 But do vouchsafe now to receive relief, 4 Which good fortune does to you present. 5 For what boots it to weep and to wayment
boots > avails wayment > lament; wail
6 When ill is chanced, but does the ill increase,
ill > evil chanced > happened upon; hence: experienced but > [for weeping only]
7 And the weak mind with double woe torment." 8 When she her squire heard speak, she gan appease
gan > did; began to appease > check
9 Her voluntary pain, and feel some secret ease.
voluntary > self-induced, self-inflicted
201.17
Eftsoone she said, Ah gentle trustie Squire,
2 What comfort can I wofull wretch conceaue,
Or why should euer I henceforth +desire,+
4 To see faire heauens face, and life not leaue,
Sith that false Traytour did my honour reaue?
6 False traytour certes (said the Faerie knight)
I read the man, that euer would deceaue
8 A gentle Ladie, or her wrong through might:
Death were too little paine for such a foule despight.
3 desire, > desyre, 1590; desire 1609
1 Eftsoons she said, "Ah, gentle trusty squire,
Eftsoons > Thereupon gentle > noble
2 What comfort can I, woeful wretch, conceive, 3 Or why should ever I henceforth desire 4 To see fair Heaven's face, and life not leave, 5 Sith that false traitor did my honour reave?"
Sith > Since reave > take away; plunder, despoil
6 "False traitor certes," said the Faery knight,
certes > assuredly
7 "I read the man, that ever would deceive
read > consider
8 A gentle lady, or her wrong through might:
gentle > noble; gentle wrong > (Vb.)
9 Death were too little pain for such a foul despite.
despite > outrage
201.18
But now, faire Ladie, comfort to you make,
2 And read, who hath ye wrought this shamefull +plight;+
That short reuenge the man may ouertake,
4 Where so he be, and soone vpon him light.
Certes (saide she) I wote not how he hight,
6 But vnder him a gray steede +did he+ wield,
Whose sides with dapled circles weren dight;
8 Vpright he rode, and in his siluer shield
He bore a bloudie Crosse, that quartred all the field.
2 plight; > plight. 1590, 1596 6 did he > he did 1590
1 "But now, fair lady, comfort to you make, 2 And read who has you wrought this shameful plight;
read > declare
3 That short revenge the man may overtake,
That > [So that] short > quick, speedy; immediate
4 Whereso he be, and soon upon him light."
Whereso > Wherever light > fall
5 "Certes," said she, "I wot not how he hight,
Certes > Assuredly wot > know hight > is named
6 But under him a grey steed did he wield,
wield > manage, control
7 Whose sides with dappled circles were dight;
dight > arranged; hence: marked
8 Upright he rode, and in his silver shield
in > [on]
9 He bore a bloody cross, that quartered all the field."
bloody > blood-red quartered > {Divided into four; a technical term in heraldry} field > {Surface of the shield; another term in heraldry}
201.19
Now by my head (said Guyon) much I muse,
2 How that same knight should do so foule amis,
Or euer gentle Damzell so abuse:
4 For may I boldly say, he surely is
A right good knight, and true of word ywis:
6 I present was, and can it witnesse well,
When armes he swore, and streight did enterpris
8 Th'aduenture of the Errant damozell,
In which he hath great glorie wonne, as I heare tell.
1 "Now by my head," said Guyon, "much I muse
by my head > (An oath) muse > marvel, wonder; am at a loss to understand
2 How that same knight should do so foul amiss,
amiss > [an] evil deed (cf. Hamlet IV v 18)
3 Or ever gentle damsel so abuse:
gentle > noble; gentle abuse > violate, ill-use
4 For, may I boldly say, he surely is 5 A right good knight, and true of word iwis:
right > very iwis > certainly, indeed
6 I present was, and can it witness well, 7 When arms he swore, and straight did enterprise
arms > [the oaths of knighthood] straight > straightway enterprise > undertake
8 The adventure of the Errant Damsel,
Errant Damsel > (Una, who wandered in order to find a knight to free her parents; see Book I)
9 In which he has great glory won, as I hear tell.
201.20
Nathlesse he shortly shall againe be tryde,
2 And fairely quite him of th'imputed blame,
Else be ye sure he dearely shall abyde,
4 Or make you good amendment for the same:
All wrongs haue mends, but no amends of shame.
6 Now therefore Ladie, rise out of your paine,
And see the saluing of your blotted name.
8 Full loth she seemd thereto, but yet did faine;
For she was inly glad her purpose so to gaine.
1 "Natheless he shortly shall again be tried,
Natheless > Nevertheless
2 And fairly quit himself of the imputed blame,
quit > absolve, clear blame > charge
3 Else be you sure he dearly shall aby,
Else > Otherwise dearly > sorely; expensively aby > atone, pay the penalty; suffer (cf. 204.40:4)
4 Or make you good amendment for the same: 5 All wrongs have mends, but no amends of shame.
mends > compensations (partly aphetic for "amends") no amends of > [there can be no reparation for]
6 Now, therefore, lady, rise out of your pain, 7 And see the salving of your blotted name."
salving > restoration, making good
8 Full loath she seemed thereto, but yet did feign;
thereto > in that purpose; with that feign > dissimulate (this spelling suggested by 201.21:1); also: fain: become glad
9 For she was inly glad her purpose so to gain.
inly > inwardly
201.21
Her purpose was not such, as she did faine,
2 Ne yet her person such, as it was seene,
But vnder simple shew and semblant plaine
4 Lurckt false Duessa secretly vnseene,
As a chast Virgin, that had wronged beene:
6 So had false Archimago her disguisd,
To cloke her guile with sorrow and sad teene;
8 And eke himselfe had craftily deuisd
To be her Squire, and do her seruice well aguisd.
1 Her purpose was not such as she did feign, 2 Nor yet her person such as it was seen, 3 But under simple show and semblant plain
show > appearance (cf. 102.45:7) semblant > outward aspect, semblance
4 Lurked false Duessa, secretly unseen, 5 As a chaste virgin, that had wronged been: 6 So had false Archimago her disguised, 7 To cloak her guile with sorrow and sad teen;
teen > grief; woe
8 And eke himself had craftily devised
eke > also
9 To be her squire, and do her service well aguised.
squire > attendant aguised > arrayed
201.22
Her late forlorne and naked he had found,
2 Where she did wander in waste wildernesse,
Lurking in rockes and caues farre vnder ground,
4 And with greene mosse cou'ring her nakednesse,
To hide her shame and loathly filthinesse;
6 Sith her Prince Arthur of proud ornaments
And borrow'd beautie spoyld. Her nathelesse
8 Th'enchaunter finding fit for his intents,
Did thus reuest, and deckt with due habiliments.
1 Her late forlorn and naked he had found,
late > lately
2 Where she did wander in waste wilderness,
waste > desolate, uninhabited (see 108.50:3)
3 Lurking in rocks and caves far underground, 4 And with green moss covering her nakedness, 5 To hide her shame and loathly filthiness;
loathly > loathsome, repulsive, hateful filthiness > obscenity, moral defilement
6 Sith her Prince Arthur of proud ornaments
Sith > Since
7 And borrowed beauty spoiled. Her natheless
spoiled > stripped (with less sense of violence than modern usage implies) natheless > nevertheless
8 The enchanter finding fit for his intents,
intents > purposes
9 Did thus revest, and decked with due habiliments.
revest > reinstate; dress, apparel ("her" being understood from line 7) due habiliments > appropriate attire
201.23
For all he did, was to deceiue good knights,
2 And draw them from pursuit of praise and fame,
To slug in slouth and sensuall delights,
4 And end their daies with irrenowmed shame.
And now exceeding griefe him ouercame,
6 To see the Redcrosse thus aduaunced hye;
Therefore this craftie engine he did frame,
8 Against his praise to stirre vp enmitye
Of such, as vertues like mote vnto him allye.
1 For all he did was to deceive good knights, 2 And draw them from pursuit of praise and fame, 3 To slug in sloth and sensual delights,
slug > laze; waste time
4 And end their days with irrenowned shame.
irrenowned > infamous (WU)
5 And now exceeding grief him overcame, 6 To see the Redcross thus advanced high;
advanced > raised; extolled (referring either to the knight or his heraldic bearing, the red cross)
7 Therefore this crafty engine he did frame,
engine > contrivance, snare frame > fashion
8 Against his praise to stir up enmity
praise > praiseworthiness; good reputation
9 Of such as virtues like might to him ally.
such as virtues like > [those people whose similar virtues] ally > [ally themselves]
201.24
So now he Guyon guides an vncouth way
2 Through woods and mountaines, till they came at last
Into a pleasant dale, that lowly lay
4 Betwixt two hils, whose high heads ouerplast,
The valley did with coole shade ouercast;
6 Through midst thereof a little riuer rold,
By which there sate a knight with helme vnlast,
8 Himselfe refreshing with the liquid cold,
After his trauell long, and labours manifold.
1 So now he Guyon guides an uncouth way
uncouth > unaccustomed; unfrequented; desolate, wild
2 Through woods and mountains, till they came at last 3 Into a pleasant dale, that lowly lay
lowly > {Low in situation}
4 Betwixt two hills, whose high heads overplaced
overplaced > overhanging; looming
5 The valley did with cool shade overcast; 6 Through midst thereof a little river rolled, 7 By which there sat a knight with helm unlaced,
helm > helmet
8 Himself refreshing with the liquid cold, 9 After his travel long, and labours manifold.
201.25
Loe yonder he, cryde Archimage alowd,
2 That wrought the shamefull fact, which I did shew;
And now he doth himselfe in secret shrowd,
4 To flie the vengeance for his outrage dew;
But vaine: for ye shall dearely do him rew,
6 So God ye speed, and send you good successe;
Which we farre off will here abide to vew.
8 So they him left, inflam'd with wrathfulnesse,
That streight against that knight his speare he did addresse.
1 "Lo yonder he," cried Archimago aloud, 2 "That wrought the shameful fact which I did show;
fact > deed, crime show > behold; make known, describe
3 And now he does himself in secret shroud,
shroud > hide
4 To fly the vengeance for his outrage due;
fly > flee, avoid for his outrage due > [due to him for his outrage]
5 But vain: for you shall dearly do him rue,
vain > vainly; in vain dearly > sorely; dearly do him > make him, cause him to (cf. "do him die", e.g. 109.54:8)
6 So God you speed, and send you good success;
speed > assist
7 Which we far off will here abide to view."
abide > remain
8 So they him left, inflamed with wrathfulness, 9 That straight against that knight his spear he did address.
That > [So that] straight > immediately, straightway; directly
201.26
Who seeing him from farre so fierce to pricke,
2 His warlike armes about him gan embrace,
And in the rest his readie speare did sticke;
4 Tho when as still he saw him towards pace,
He gan rencounter him in equall race.
6 They bene ymet, both readie to affrap,
When suddenly that warriour gan abace
8 His threatned speare, as if some new mishap
Had him +betidde+, or hidden daunger did entrap.
9 betidde > betide 1590
1 Who, seeing him from far so fierce to prick,
prick > spur [his horse]; ride
2 His warlike arms about him gan embrace,
gan > did embrace > put (usually just a shield) on the arm; hence: put on, take up (shield and lance, etc.)
3 And in the rest his ready spear did stick;
rest > {Socket in the saddle for the heel of the lance}
4 Tho when still he saw him towards pace,
Tho > Then towards > [in his direction]
5 He gan rencounter him in equal race.
gan rencounter > did engage equal race > {The level course along which the two jousting knights in a tourney charge toward one another, here used fig.}
6 They been met, both ready to affrap,
been met > [came together in battle] affrap > strike (WUFQ)
7 When suddenly that warrior gan abase
that warrior > [Guyon, as the next stanza makes clear] gan abase > did lower
8 His threatened spear, as if some new mishap 9 Had him betide, or hidden danger did entrap.
betide > befallen
201.27
And cryde, Mercie Sir knight, and mercie Lord,
2 For mine offence and heedlesse hardiment,
That had almost committed crime abhord,
4 And with reprochfull shame mine honour shent,
Whiles cursed steele against that badge I bent,
6 The sacred badge of my Redeemers death,
Which on your shield is set for ornament:
8 But his fierce foe his steede could stay vneath,
Who prickt with courage kene, did cruell battell breath.
1 And cried, "Mercy, sir knight, and mercy Lord, 2 For my offence and heedless hardiment,
offence > {Assault; occasion of doubt, unbelief, or apostasy} hardiment > hardihood, boldness; audacity
3 That had almost committed crime abhorred, 4 And with reproachful shame my honour shent,
shent > disgraced
5 While cursed steel against that badge I bent,
bent > inclined, directed
6 The sacred badge of my Redeemer's death, 7 Which on your shield is set for ornament." 8 But his fierce foe his steed could stay uneath,
uneath > scarcely, with difficulty
9 Who, pricked with courage keen, did cruel battle breathe.
Who > (The knight or his horse; see note at 102.8:4) courage > spirit; courage keen > fierce; brave; savage
201.28
But when he heard him speake, streight way he knew
2 His error, and himselfe inclyning sayd;
Ah deare Sir Guyon, +well+ becommeth you,
4 But me behoueth rather to vpbrayd,
Whose hastie hand so farre from reason strayd,
6 That almost it did haynous violence
On that faire image of that heauenly Mayd,
8 That decks and armes your shield with faire defence:
Your court'sie takes on you anothers due offence.
3 well > ill 1679
1 But when he heard him speak, straightway he knew 2 His error and, himself inclining, said:
inclining > [bending the head and body forward; hence: yielding]
3 "Ah, dear Sir Guyon, well becomes you,
becomes > [it becomes]
4 But me behoves rather to upbraid,
me behoves rather to upbraid > [it behoves that I should be upbraided rather than you]
5 Whose hasty hand so far from reason strayed 6 That almost it did heinous violence 7 On that fair image of that heavenly maid,
On > To that heavenly maid > (The Faery Queen: see e.g. 209.4:1-2)
8 That decks and arms your shield with fair defence: 9 Your courtesy takes on you another's due offence."
on you > on yourself; to your own account
201.29
So bene they both +attone+, and doen vpreare
2 Their beuers bright, each other for to greete;
Goodly comportance each to other beare,
4 And entertaine themselues with court'sies meet.
Then said the Redcrosse knight, Now mote I weet,
6 Sir Guyon, why with so fierce saliaunce,
And fell intent ye did at earst me meet;
8 For sith I know your goodly gouernaunce,
Great cause, I weene, you guided, or some vncouth chaunce.
1 attone > at one 1590
1 So been they both at one, and do uprear
been > [were] uprear > raise
2 Their beavers bright, each other to greet;
beaver > visor (strictly, the lower part of the face-guard)
3 Goodly comportance each to other bear,
comportance > behaviour; accordance
4 And entertain themselves with courtesies meet.
meet > fitting
5 Then said the Redcross Knight, "Now might I weet,
weet > know
6 Sir Guyon, why with so fierce salience
so > such [a] salience > {Leaping forward, projection from the norm; hence: onslaught}
7 And fell intent you did at erst me meet;
fell > fierce, terrible intent > purpose, intention erst > first
8 For sith I know your goodly governance,
sith > since governance > demeanour, behaviour; self-control
9 Great cause, I ween, you guided, or some uncouth chance."
ween > imagine, think uncouth > strange
201.30
Certes (said he) well mote I shame to tell
2 The fond encheason, that me hither led.
A false infamous faitour late befell
4 Me for to meet, that seemed ill bested,
And playnd of grieuous outrage, which he red
6 A knight had wrought against a Ladie gent;
Which to auenge, he to this place me led,
8 Where you he made the marke of his intent,
And now is fled; foule shame him follow, where he went.
1 "Certes," said he, "well might I shame to tell
Certes > Assuredly shame > feel shame, feel ashamed
2 The fond encheason that me hither led.
fond > foolish encheason > cause, reason
3 A false infamous faitour late befell
faitour > impostor, cheat late > recently
4 Me to meet, that seemed ill-bested,
ill-bested > hard-pressed, threatened, in trouble (bested = placed)
5 And plained of grievous outrage, which he read
plained > complained read > [had] observed; declared, made known
6 A knight had wrought against a lady gent;
gent > graceful, elegant; noble
7 Which to avenge, he to this place me led, 8 Where you he made the mark of his intent, 9 And now is fled; foul shame him follow, where he went."
where > wherever
201.31
So can he turne his earnest vnto game,
2 Through goodly +handling+ and wise temperance.
By this his aged guide in presence came;
4 Who soone as on that knight his eye did glance,
Eft soones of him had perfect cognizance,
6 Sith him in Faerie court he late auizd;
And said, +faire+ sonne, God giue you happie chance,
8 And that deare Crosse vpon your shield deuizd,
Wherewith aboue all knights ye goodly seeme aguizd.
2 handling > handing 1596 7 faire > fayre 1590; Faire 1609
1 So can he turn his earnest to game,
can he > did he; does he know how to
2 Through goodly handling and wise temperance.
handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct
3 By this his aged guide in presence came;
By this > At this; by this time
4 Who, soon as on that knight his eye did glance,
soon > [as soon]
5 Eftsoons of him had perfect cognizance,
Eftsoons > Forthwith cognizance > recognition (SUS)
6 Sith him in Faery court he late advised;
Sith > Since late > recently advised > saw, noticed, observed
7 And said, "Fair son, God give you happy chance,
happy > fortunate; happy
8 And that dear cross upon your shield devised,
devised > contrived, skilfully prepared; hence: painted ("device" (sb.) = "design", and, specifically in heraldry, "emblem")
9 Wherewith above all knights you goodly seem aguised.
Wherewith > With which aguised > arrayed; hence: protected
201.32
Ioy may you haue, and euerlasting fame,
2 Of late most hard atchieu'ment by you donne,
For which enrolled is your glorious name
4 In heauenly Registers aboue the Sunne,
Where you a Saint with Saints your seat haue wonne:
6 But wretched we, where ye haue left your marke,
Must now anew begin, like race to runne;
8 God guide thee, Guyon, well to end thy warke,
And to the wished hauen bring thy weary barke.
1 "Joy may you have, and everlasting fame, 2 Of late most hard achievement by you done,
late > [the] recent
3 For which enrolled is your glorious name 4 In heavenly registers above the sun,
heavenly registers > (See Luke 10.20; Rev. 3.5)
5 Where you a saint with saints your seat have won: 6 But wretched we, where you have left your mark, 7 Must now anew begin, like race to run;
like > [a] similar race > {Journey, voyage; competitive race [against the forces of evil]; course in a tourney (cf. 201.26:5); strong current in the sea or a river (cf. esp. 212); course of events; course of a narrative}
8 God guide you, Guyon, well to end your work, 9 And to the wished haven bring your weary bark."
bark > vessel
201.33
Palmer, (him answered the Redcrosse knight)
2 His be the praise, that this atchieu'ment wrought,
Who made my hand the organ of his might;
4 More then goodwill to me attribute nought:
For all I did, I did but as I ought.
6 But you, faire Sir, whose pageant next ensewes,
Well mote yee thee, as well can wish your thought,
8 That home ye may report +thrise+ happie newes;
For well ye worthie bene for worth and gentle thewes.
8 thrise > these 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Palmer," him answered the Redcross Knight, 2 "His be the praise, that this achievement wrought, 3 Who made my hand the organ of His might;
organ > instrument, agent (cf. 312.40:5); organ
4 More than goodwill to me attribute naught: 5 For all I did, I did but as I ought. 6 But you, fair sir, whose pageant next ensues,
pageant > {Exhibition, show; scene or act of a medieval mystery play; tableau or tableaux from such a play. The same word is used in the dedicatory sonnet to Charles Howard at I:537} next > (See I:183 ff.: "The second day ther came in a Palmer …")
7 Well might you thee, as well can wish your thought,
thee > thrive; grow your > [your own]
8 That home you may report thrice happy news;
That > [So that] report > carry; send back; report
9 For well you worthy be for worth and gentle thews."
gentle thews > noble qualities
201.34
So courteous conge both did giue and take,
2 With right hands plighted, pledges of good will.
Then Guyon forward gan his voyage make,
4 With his blacke Palmer, that him guided still.
Still he him guided ouer dale and hill,
6 And with his +steedie+ staffe did point his way:
His race with reason, and with words his will,
8 From foule intemperance he oft did stay,
And suffred not in wrath his hastie steps to stray.
6 steedie > steedy 1590; steadie 1609; steady 1590 reported by Grosart
1 So courteous cong{e/} both did give and take,
cong{e/} > leave, farewell
2 With right hands plighted, pledges of goodwill.
plighted > plaited, knitted; hence: clasped
3 Then Guyon forward gan his voyage make,
gan > did; began to voyage > journey
4 With his black palmer, that him guided still.
black > (Referring to the colour of his clothes: see 201.7:2) still > continually
5 Still he him guided over dale and hill, 6 And with his steady staff did point his way: 7 His race with reason, and with words his will,
race > (Meanings as at 201.32:7)
8 From foul intemperance he oft did stay,
stay > hold back
9 And suffered not in wrath his hasty steps to stray.
suffered > allowed
201.35
In this faire wize they traueild long yfere,
2 Through many hard assayes, which did betide;
Of which he honour still away did beare,
4 And spred his glorie through all countries wide.
At last as chaunst them by a forest side
6 To passe, for succour from the scorching ray,
They heard a ruefull voice, that dearnly cride
8 With percing shriekes, and many a dolefull lay;
Which to attend, a while their forward steps they stay.
1 In this fair wise they travelled long yfere,
wise > manner yfere > together
2 Through many hard assays, which did betide;
assays > trials betide > befall
3 Of which he honour still away did bear,
still > always
4 And spread his glory through all countries wide. 5 At last, as chanced them by a forest side 6 To pass, for succour from the scorching ray,
succour > relief; protection, shelter
7 They heard a rueful voice, that dernly cried
dernly > darkly; dismally (SUS)
8 With piercing shrieks, and many a doleful lay;
lay > song, strain; hence: cry, lamentation
9 Which to attend, awhile their forward steps they stay.
attend > listen to stay > check
201.36
But if that carelesse heauens (quoth she) despise
2 The doome of iust reuenge, and take delight
To see sad pageants of mens miseries,
4 As bound by them to liue in +liues+ despight,
Yet can they not warne death from wretched wight.
6 Come then, come soone, come sweetest death to mee,
And take away this long lent loathed light:
8 Sharpe be thy wounds, but sweet the medicines bee,
That long captiued soules from wearie thraldome free.
4 liues > lifes 1609
1 "But if careless heavens," quoth she, "despise
despise > set at naught; treat with contempt
2 The doom of just revenge, and take delight
doom > judgement, sentence; righteousness, equity; power, authority
3 To see sad pageants of men's miseries,
pageants > {Acted scenes on stage}
4 As bound by them to live in life's despite,
bound > fated, compelled [by the heavens] life's despite > [life's malicious circumstances; or, perhaps: scorning, defiant of, life]
5 Yet can they not warn death from wretched wight.
warn death from > refuse death to [a] wight > mortal, woman
6 Come then, come soon, come sweetest death to me, 7 And take away this long lent loathed light: 8 Sharp be your wounds, but sweet the medicines be, 9 That long captived souls from weary thraldom free.
thraldom > captivity, bondage
201.37
But thou, sweet Babe, whom frowning froward fate
2 Hath made sad witnesse of thy fathers fall,
Sith heauen thee deignes to hold in liuing state,
4 Long maist thou liue, and better thriue withall,
Then to thy lucklesse parents did befall:
6 Liue thou, and to thy mother dead attest,
That cleare she dide from blemish criminall;
8 Thy litle hands embrewd in bleeding brest
Loe I for pledges leaue. So giue me leaue to rest.
1 "But you, sweet babe, whom frowning froward Fate
froward > perverse; adverse; evilly disposed
2 Has made sad witness of your father's fall, 3 Sith heaven you deigns to hold in living state,
Sith > Since
4 Long may you live, and better thrive withal
withal > with it, in addition
5 Than to your luckless parents did befall: 6 Live you, and to your mother dead attest
mother dead > [dead mother] attest > testify (this obsolete use is indicated by the preceding "to"; though better sense is made if the "to" is omitted, as: "attest that your dead mother died clear from criminal blemish")
7 That clear she died from blemish criminal; 8 Your little hands imbrued in bleeding breast
imbrued > steeped; stained, defiled
9 Lo I for pledges leave. So give me leave to rest."
201.38
With that a deadly shrieke she forth did throw,
2 That through the wood reecchoed againe,
And after gaue a grone so deepe and low,
4 That seemd her tender heart was rent in twaine,
Or thrild with point of thorough piercing paine;
6 As gentle Hynd, whose sides with cruell steele
Through +launched+, forth her bleeding life does raine,
8 Whiles the sad pang approching she does feele,
Brayes out her latest breath, and vp her eyes doth seele.
7 launched > launced 1609
1 With that a deadly shriek she forth did throw, 2 That through the wood re-echoed again, 3 And after gave a groan so deep and low 4 That seemed her tender heart was rent in twain,
That > [That it] rent > torn twain > two
5 Or thrilled with point of through-piercing pain;
thrilled > pierced
6 As gentle hind, whose sides with cruel steel 7 Through lanced, forth her bleeding life does rain, 8 While the sad pang approaching she does feel,
sad > heavy; solemn; dismal; grievous
9 Brays out her latest breath, and up her eyes does seel.
Brays > Cries latest > last seel > close
201.39
Which when that warriour heard, dismounting straict
2 From his tall steed, he rusht into the thicke,
And soone arriued, where that sad pourtraict
4 Of death and +dolour+ lay, halfe dead, halfe quicke,
In whose white alabaster brest did sticke
6 A cruell knife, that made a griesly wound,
From which forth gusht a streme of gorebloud thick,
8 That all her goodly garments staind around,
And into a deep sanguine dide the grassie ground.
4 dolour > labour 1596, 1609
1 Which when that warrior heard, dismounting straight
straight > straightway, immediately; hence, perhaps: intemperately
2 From his tall steed, he rushed into the thick,
the thick > the thicket, the copse, with perhaps a sly connotation of: the thick of it
3 And soon arrived where that sad portrait 4 Of death and dolour lay, half dead, half quick,
dolour > pain; anguish (see Textual Appendix; I have chosen 1590 as the more obvious reading, though "labour" more graphically describes Amavia's suffering and may also refer to her labour in bearing the child) quick > alive
5 In whose white alabaster breast did stick 6 A cruel knife, that made a grisly wound,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
7 From which forth gushed a stream of goreblood thick,
goreblood > {?Gory blood; ?blood shed by carnage or butchery}
8 That all her goodly garments stained around, 9 And into a deep sanguine dyed the grassy ground.
sanguine > blood-red
201.40
Pittifull spectacle of deadly smart,
2 Beside a bubbling fountaine low she lay,
Which she increased with her bleeding hart,
4 And the cleane waues with purple +gore+ did ray;
Als in her lap a +louely+ babe did play
6 His cruell sport, in stead of sorrow dew;
For in her streaming blood he did embay
8 His litle hands, and tender ioynts embrew;
Pitifull spectacle, as euer eye did view.
4 gore > gold 1596, 1609 5 louely > little 1609
1 Pitiful spectacle of deadly smart,
smart > {Grief, sorrow; suffering; sharp or biting pain. Spenser may have known that "smart" is perhaps related to the Latin mordere, to bite: see 201.0:3}
2 Beside a bubbling fountain low she lay, 3 Which she increased with her bleeding heart, 4 And the clean waves with purple gore did beray;
purple > red, blood-red beray > defile; asperse, bespatter
5 Als in her lap a lovely babe did play
Als > As; also
6 His cruel sport, instead of sorrow due;
due > fitting, proper; merited
7 For in her streaming blood he did embay
embay > bathe
8 His little hands, and tender joints imbrue;
joints > arms; limbs imbrue > steep; defile
9 Pitiful spectacle as ever eye did view.
Pitiful > [As pitiful a]
201.41
Besides them both, vpon the soiled gras
2 The dead corse of an armed knight was spred,
Whose armour all with bloud besprinckled was;
4 His ruddie lips did smile, and rosy red
Did paint his chearefull cheekes, yet being +ded,+
6 Seemd to haue beene a goodly personage,
Now in his freshest flowre of lustie hed,
8 Fit to inflame faire Lady with loues rage,
But that fiers fate did crop the blossome of his age.
5 ded, > ded: 1609
1 Beside them both, upon the soiled grass
soiled > stained; sullied; defiled
2 The dead corse of an armed knight was spread,
corse > body
3 Whose armour all with blood besprinkled was;
besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is intensive}
4 His ruddy lips did smile, and rosy red 5 Did paint his cheerful cheeks, yet being dead:
yet > although
6 Seemed to have been a goodly personage,
Seemed > [He seemed] goodly > well-favoured, handsome
7 Now in his freshest flower of lustihead,
lustihead > lustiness, vigour; lustfulness
8 Fit to inflame fair lady with love's rage, 9 But that fierce fate did crop the blossom of his age.
201.42
Whom when the good Sir Guyon did behold,
2 His hart gan wexe as starke, as marble stone,
And his fresh bloud did frieze with fearefull cold,
4 That all his senses seemd bereft +attone:+
At last his mightie ghost gan deepe to grone,
6 As Lyon grudging in his great disdaine,
Mournes inwardly, and makes to himselfe mone;
8 Till ruth and fraile affection did +constraine,+
His +stout courage+ to stoupe, and shew his inward paine.
4 attone: > attone, 1596 8 constraine, > constraine 1609 9 stout courage > courage stout 1609
1 Whom when the good Sir Guyon did behold, 2 His heart gan wax as stark as marble stone,
gan > did; began to wax > grow stark > rigid, incapable of movement
3 And his fresh blood did freeze with fearful cold, 4 That all his senses seemed bereft at one:
That > [So that] at one > at once, simultaneously
5 At last his mighty ghost began deep to groan,
ghost > spirit
6 As lion, grudging in his great disdain,
grudging > murmuring, grumbling; hence: growling disdain > indignation, anger
7 Mourns inwardly, and makes to himself moan; 8 Till ruth and frail affection did constrain
ruth > pity
9 His stout courage to stoop, and show his inward pain.
stout > proud; bold courage > heart, mind, spirit
201.43
Out of her gored wound the cruell steele
2 He lightly snatcht, and did the floudgate stop
With his faire garment: then gan softly feele
4 Her feeble pulse, to proue if any drop
Of liuing bloud yet in her veynes did hop;
6 Which when he felt to moue, he hoped faire
To call backe life to her forsaken shop;
8 So well he did her deadly wounds repaire,
That at the last she gan to breath out liuing aire.
1 Out of her gored wound the cruel steel 2 He lightly snatched, and did the floodgate stop
lightly > quickly, lightly
3 With his fair garment: then gan softly feel
gan > did
4 Her feeble pulse, to prove if any drop 5 Of living blood yet in her veins did hop;
hop > hop, hence: beat, pulse
6 Which when he felt to move, he hoped fair 7 To call back life to her forsaken shop;
shop > {Place where something is produced or elaborated, often said of heart, liver, and other internal organs; hence, here: heart}
8 So well he did her deadly wounds repair, 9 That at the last she began to breathe out living air.
201.44
Which he perceiuing greatly gan reioice,
2 And goodly counsell, that for wounded hart
Is meetest med'cine, tempred with sweet voice;
4 Ay me, deare Lady, which the image art
Of ruefull pitie, and impatient smart,
6 What direfull chance, armd with +reuenging+ fate,
Or cursed hand hath plaid this cruell part,
8 Thus fowle to hasten your vntimely date;
Speake, O deare Lady speake: help neuer comes too late.
6 reuenging > auenging 1590
1 Which he perceiving, greatly gan rejoice,
gan > did; began to
2 And goodly counsel (that for wounded heart 3 Is meetest medicine) tempered with sweet voice:
meetest > most suitable tempered > blended; moderated; adapted; kept in check
4 "Ay me, dear lady, who the image are
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect) image > emblem; personification
5 Of rueful pity, and impatient smart,
impatient smart > unendurable pain
6 What direful chance, armed with revenging fate,
direful > terrible
7 Or cursed hand has played this cruel part, 8 Thus foul to hasten your untimely date;
date > end
9 Speak, O dear lady, speak: help never comes too late!"
201.45
Therewith her dim eie-lids she vp gan reare,
2 On which the drery death did sit, as sad
As lump of lead, and made darke clouds appeare;
4 But when as him all in bright armour clad
Before her standing she espied had,
6 As one out of a deadly dreame affright,
She weakely started, yet she nothing drad:
8 Streight downe againe her selfe in great despight,
She groueling threw to ground, as hating life and light.
1 Therewith her dim eyelids she up gan rear,
Therewith > With that gan > did
2 On which the dreary death did sit, as sad
sad > heavy
3 As lump of lead, and made dark clouds appear; 4 But when him (all in bright armour clad) 5 Before her standing she espied had, 6 As one out of a deadly dream affright
affright > terrified
7 She weakly started, yet she nothing dreaded: 8 Straight down again herself in great despite
despite > defiance; scorn
9 She grovelling threw to ground, as hating life and light.
grovelling threw > threw [herself] face-down as > [as though]
201.46
The gentle knight her soone with carefull paine
2 Vplifted light, and softly did vphold:
Thrise he her reard, and thrise she sunke againe,
4 Till he his armes about her sides gan fold,
And to her said; Yet if the stony cold
6 Haue not all seized on your frozen hart,
Let one word fall that may your griefe vnfold,
8 And tell the secret of your mortall smart;
He oft finds present helpe, who does his griefe impart.
1 The gentle knight her soon with careful pain
gentle > noble; gentle soon > soon; immediately pain > pains, effort
2 Uplifted light, and softly did uphold: 3 Thrice he her reared, and thrice she sank again, 4 Till he his arms about her sides gan fold,
gan > did
5 And to her said: "Yet if the stony cold 6 Has not all seized on your frozen heart, 7 Let one word fall that may your grief unfold, 8 And tell the secret of your mortal smart;
smart > pain; biting pain
9 He oft finds present help, who does his grief impart."
present > prompt, ready
201.47
Then casting vp a deadly looke, full +low+
2 Shee +sight+ from bottome of her wounded brest,
And after, many bitter throbs did throw
4 With lips full pale and foltring tongue opprest,
These words she breathed forth from riuen chest;
6 Leaue, ah leaue off, what euer wight thou bee,
To let a wearie wretch from her dew rest,
8 And trouble dying soules tranquilitee.
Take not away now got, which none would giue to me.
1 low > low, 1596 2 sight > sigh't 1609
1 Then, casting up a deadly look, full low
full > very, exceedingly
2 She sighed from bottom of her wounded breast, 3 And after, many bitter throbs did throw 4 With lips full pale and faltering tongue oppressed; 5 These words she breathed forth from riven chest:
riven > split, torn asunder
6 "Leave, ah leave off, whatever wight you be,
wight > person, man
7 To let a weary wretch from her due rest,
let > hinder
8 And trouble dying soul's tranquillity. 9 Take not away now got, which none would give to me."
now > [that which I have now]
201.48
Ah farre be it (said he) Deare dame fro mee,
2 To hinder soule from her desired rest,
Or hold sad life in long captiuitee:
4 For all I seeke, is but to haue redrest
The bitter pangs, that doth your heart infest.
6 Tell then, {o^} Lady tell, what fatall priefe
Hath with so huge misfortune you opprest?
8 That I may cast to compasse your reliefe,
Or die with you in sorrow, and partake your griefe.
1 "Ah, far be it," said he, "dear dame, from me 2 To hinder soul from its desired rest, 3 Or hold sad life in long captivity: 4 For all I seek is but to have redressed
redressed > remedied; removed
5 The bitter pangs that do your heart infest.
infest > harass, molest; (catachr.) infect
6 Tell then, O lady tell, what fatal proof
proof > experience, trial
7 Has with so huge misfortune you oppressed?
so > such
8 That I may cast to compass your relief,
That > [So that] cast > contrive compass > accomplish
9 Or die with you in sorrow, and partake your grief."
partake > share in (trans.)
201.49
With feeble hands then stretched forth on hye,
2 As heauen accusing guiltie of her death,
And with dry drops congealed in her eye,
4 In these sad words she spent her vtmost breath:
Heare then, {o^} man, the sorrowes that vneath
6 My tongue can tell, so farre all sense they pas:
Loe this dead corpse, that lies here vnderneath,
8 The gentlest knight, that euer on greene gras
Gay steed with spurs did pricke, the good Sir +Mortdant+ was.
9 Mortdant > Mordant 1609
1 With feeble hands then stretched forth on high 2 (As heaven accusing guilty of her death),
As heaven accusing > [As if accusing heaven of being]
3 And with dry drops congealed in her eye, 4 In these sad words she spent her utmost breath:
utmost > final
5 "Hear then, O man, the sorrows that uneath
uneath > scarcely, with difficulty
6 My tongue can tell, so far all sense they pass:
pass > surpass
7 Lo this dead corpse, that lies here underneath, 8 The gentlest knight, that ever on green grass
gentlest > noblest; gentlest
9 Gay steed with spurs did prick, the good Sir Mordant was.
prick > spur; hence: ride
201.50
Was, (ay the while, that he is not so now)
2 My Lord my loue; my deare Lord, my deare loue,
So long as heauens iust with equall +brow,+
4 Vouchsafed to behold vs from aboue,
One day when him high courage did emmoue,
6 As wont ye knights to seeke aduentures wilde,
He pricked forth, his puissant force to proue,
8 Me then he left enwombed of this child,
This lucklesse child, whom thus ye see with bloud defild.
3 brow, > brow 1609
1 "Was (ay the while, that he is not so now!)
ay the while > alas the time (expressing grief at the present compared with the past)
2 My lord my love; my dear lord, my dear love,
dear > dear; grievous
3 So long as heavens just with equal brow
heavens just > [the] just heavens equal > impartial brow > countenance
4 Vouchsafed to behold us from above. 5 One day, when him high courage did amove
amove > stir
6 (As wont you knights to seek adventures wild),
wont you knights > you knights are accustomed
7 He pricked forth, his puissant force to prove;
pricked > spurred; hence: rode puissant > mighty (esp. in relation to deeds of arms)
8 Me then he left enwombed of this child,
enwombed of > [holding in the womb, pregnant with]
9 This luckless child, whom thus you see with blood defiled.
201.51
Him fortuned (hard fortune ye may ghesse)
2 To come, where vile Acrasia does wonne,
Acrasia a false enchaunteresse,
4 That many errant knights hath foule fordonne:
Within a wandring Island, that doth ronne
6 And stray in perilous gulfe, her dwelling is,
Faire Sir, if euer there ye trauell, shonne
8 The cursed land where many wend amis,
And know it by the name; it hight the Bowre of blis.
1 "Him fortuned (hard fortune you may guess)
fortuned > [it fortuned]
2 To come where vile Acrasia does won,
Acrasia > (Medieval Latin word signifying "incontinence", "unchastity", "absence of self restraint") won > dwell
3 Acrasia, a false enchantress 4 That many errant knights has foul fordone:
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.) fordone > utterly ruined; destroyed
5 Within a wandering island, that does run
run > course, flow
6 And stray in perilous gulf, her dwelling is; 7 Fair sir, if ever there you travel, shun 8 The cursed land where many wend amiss,
wend amiss > go astray
9 And know +it+ by the name: it hight the Bower of Bliss.
it > [its nature] hight > is called Bower > Dwelling, Abode
201.52
Her blisse is all in pleasure and delight,
2 Wherewith she makes her louers drunken mad,
And then with words and weedes of wondrous might,
4 On them she workes her will to vses bad:
My +lifest+ Lord she thus beguiled had;
6 For he was flesh: (all flesh doth frailtie breed.)
Whom when I heard to beene so ill bestad,
8 Weake wretch I wrapt my selfe in Palmers weed,
And cast to seeke him forth through danger and great dreed.
5 lifest > liefest 1590; cf. 201.16:1
1 "Her bliss is all in pleasure and delight, 2 Wherewith she makes her lovers drunken mad,
Wherewith > With which
3 And then, with words and weeds of wondrous might,
weeds > herbs, drugs
4 On them she works her will to uses bad: 5 My liefest lord she thus beguiled had;
liefest > dearest
6 (For he was flesh: all flesh does frailty breed)
frailty > weakness; moral weakness
7 Whom when I heard to been so ill-bestad,
been > [have been] ill-bestad > badly beset, assailed (SUS)
8 Weak wretch, I wrapped myself in palmer's weed,
Weak wretch > (Referring to herself) palmer > {Pilgrim who has returned from the Holy Land, carrying a palm-leaf or palm-branch as a token; also: an itinerant monk} weed > attire, habit
9 And cast to seek him forth through danger and great dread.
cast > resolved
201.53
Now had faire Cynthia by euen tournes
2 Full measured three quarters of her yeare,
And thrise three times had fild her crooked hornes,
4 Whenas my wombe her burdein would forbeare,
And bad me call Lucina to me neare.
6 Lucina came: a manchild forth I brought:
The woods, the Nymphes, my bowres, my midwiues weare,
8 Hard helpe at need. So deare thee babe I bought,
Yet nought too deare I deemd, while so my dear I sought.
1 "Now had fair Cynthia by even turns 2 Full measured three-quarters of her year, 3 And thrice three times had filled her crooked horns,
horns > [horns of the crescent moon, filled once a month at the full moon]
4 When my womb its burden would forbear,
forbear > part with
5 And bade me call Lucina to me near.
Lucina > (The goddess of childbirth, sometimes identified, as here, with Diana)
6 Lucina came: a manchild forth I brought: 7 The woods, the nymphs, my bowers, my midwives were,
nymphs > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. The nymphs referred to here are evidently dryads, wood-nymphs) bowers > rooms, hence: shelter [the woods were my shelter, the nymphs my midwives]; or, just possibly, in view of the spelling and number of bowres: muscles [the woods, the nymphs, and my own exertions were my only help in childbirth]
8 Hard help at need. So dear you babe I bought,
need > [a time of need] dear > dearly, grievously
9 Yet naught too dear I deemed, while so my dear I sought.
naught > not at all so my dear > [thus Sir Mordant]
201.54
Him so I sought, and so at last I found,
2 Where him that witch had thralled to her will,
In chaines of lust and lewd desires ybound,
4 And so transformed from his former skill,
That me he knew not, neither his owne ill;
6 Till through wise handling and faire gouernance,
I him recured to a better will,
8 Purged from drugs of foule intemperance:
Then meanes I gan deuise for his deliuerance.
1 "Him so I sought, and so at last I found,
so > thus
2 Where him that witch had thralled to her will,
thralled > enslaved, made a captive
3 In chains of lust and lewd desires bound, 4 And so transformed from his former skill
skill > reason, power of discrimination; knowledge
5 That me he knew not, neither his own ill;
neither > [neither did he know] ill > distress; wickedness
6 Till, through wise handling and fair governance,
handling > treatment governance > governing, management; self-control
7 I him recured to a better will,
recured > restored
8 Purged from drugs of foul intemperance: 9 Then means I gan devise for his deliverance.
gan > did; began to
201.55
Which when the vile Enchaunteresse perceiu'd,
2 How that my Lord from her I would repriue,
With cup thus charmd, him parting she deceiu'd;
4 Sad verse, giue death to him that death does giue,
And losse of loue, to her that loues to liue,
6 So soone as Bacchus with the Nymphe does +lincke,+
So parted we and on our iourney driue,
8 Till comming to this well, he stoupt to drincke:
The charme fulfild, dead suddenly he downe did sincke.
6 lincke, > lincke: 1609
1 "Which when the vile enchantress perceived, 2 How my lord from her I would reprieve,
reprieve > reprieve; rescue
3 With cup thus charmed, him parting she deceived:
charmed > enchanted parting > [in parting, while parting]
4 `Sad verse, give death to him that death does give,
Sad > Heavy; ill-omened verse > charm, spell (cf. 312.36:4) death does give > (See note on "Mordant" at 201.0:3)
5 And loss of love, to her that loves to live,
loves to live > (See note on "Amavia" at 201.0:3)
6 So soon as Bacchus with the nymph does link';
Bacchus > (The god of wine; wine itself) nymph > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. The nymph figuratively referred to here is a naiad, a nymph of fresh water; hence, fresh water itself)
7 So parted we and on our journey drove, 8 Till, coming to this well, he stooped to drink: 9 The charm fulfilled, dead suddenly he down did sink.
201.56
Which when I wretch, Not one word more she sayd
2 But breaking +off+ the end for want of breath,
And slyding soft, as downe to sleepe her layd,
4 And ended all her woe in quiet death.
That seeing good Sir Guyon, could vneath
6 From teares abstaine, for griefe his hart did grate,
And from so heauie sight his head did wreath,
8 Accusing fortune, and too cruell fate,
Which plunged had faire Ladie in so wretched state.
2 off > of, 1590; off, 1596
1 "Which when I wretch …" Not one word more she said, 2 But, breaking off the end for want of breath, 3 And sliding soft, as down to sleep her laid, 4 And ended all her woe in quiet death. 5 That seeing, good Sir Guyon could uneath
uneath > scarcely
6 From tears abstain: for grief his heart did grate,
grate > grind (cf. 101.19:6)
7 And from so heavy sight his head did wreathe,
so heavy > [such a sad] wreathe > turn
8 Accusing Fortune, and too cruel Fate, 9 Which plunged had fair lady in so wretched state.
so > [such a]
201.57
Then turning to +his+ Palmer said, Old syre
2 Behold the image of mortalitie,
And feeble nature cloth'd with fleshly tyre,
4 When raging passion with fierce tyrannie
Robs reason of her due regalitie,
6 And makes it seruant to her basest part:
The strong it weakens with infirmitie,
8 And with bold furie armes the weakest hart; [smart.
The strong through pleasure soonest falles, the weake through
1 his > the 1609
1 Then, turning to his palmer, said, "Old sire,
sire > {Father; form of address to a holy or elderly man}
2 Behold the image of mortality,
image > emblem; personification
3 And feeble nature clothed with fleshly tire,
tire > dress, attire
4 When raging passion with fierce tyranny 5 Robs reason of its due regality, 6 And makes it servant to its basest part: 7 The strong it weakens with infirmity, 8 And with bold fury arms the weakest heart; 9 The strong through pleasure soonest falls, the weak through smart."
smart > pain; acute pain
201.58
But temperance (said he) with golden squire
2 Betwixt them both can measure out a meane,
Neither to melt in pleasures whot desire,
4 Nor +fry+ in hartlesse griefe and dolefull teene.
Thrise happie man, who fares them both atweene:
6 But sith this wretched woman ouercome
Of anguish, rather then of crime hath beene,
8 Reserue her cause to her eternall doome,
And in the meane vouchsafe her honorable toombe.
4 fry > frye 1590; fryze _sugg. Smith, from Church's conj. of frieze or frize (i.e. "freeze") cf. 201.42:3, 610.33:9; 201.46:6_
1 "But temperance," said he, "with golden square
square > {Carpenter's square, for measuring right-angles, a traditional symbol of temperance; also: rule, precept, model, pattern}
2 Betwixt them both can measure out a mean, 3 Neither to melt in pleasure's hot desire,
pleasure > (Or: Pleasure; see note at 201.0:4)
4 Nor freeze in heartless grief and doleful teen.
freeze > (See Textual Appendix) heartless > [lacking courage] teen > affliction, woe
5 Thrice happy man, who fares them both atween:
atween > between
6 But sith this wretched woman overcome
sith > since
7 Of anguish, rather than of crime has been,
Of > By of crime > by sin
8 Reserve her cause to her eternal doom,
cause > case, suit doom > heavenly judgement
9 And in the mean vouchsafe her honourable tomb."
mean > [mean time] honourable > [an honourable]
201.59
Palmer (quoth he) death is an +equall+ doome
2 To good and bad, the common Inne of rest;
But after death the tryall is to come,
4 When best shall be to them, that liued best:
But both alike, when death hath both supprest,
6 Religious reuerence doth buriall teene,
Which who so wants, wants so much of his rest:
8 For all so great shame after death I weene,
As selfe to dyen bad, vnburied bad to beene.
1 equall > euill 1596, 1609
1 "Palmer," quoth he, "death is an equal doom 2 To good and bad, the common inn of rest; 3 But after death the trial is to come, 4 When best shall be to them that lived best: 5 But both alike, when death has both suppressed,
both > [?to both: see next line] suppressed > pressed down; hence: laid low
6 Religious reverence does burial teem,
does burial > [burial does] teem > produce, bear (as offspring); hence: ?yield (this assumes that the spelling has been forced by the rhyme. Another interpretation, suggested by Roche (1978), retains the given spelling, but assumes that "buriall teene" is a misprint for "bury all teene" (teen = grief, woe))
7 Which whoso wants, wants so much of his rest:
whoso > whosoever wants > lacks
8 For all so great shame after death, I ween,
all so > [it is an] equally ween > think
9 As self to die bad, unburied bidden to been."
As self to die bad, unburied bidden to been > [To have died badly as to be left unburied; "bide" (pa. ppl. "bidden") = "to remain in some state or condition"]
201.60
So both agree their bodies to engraue;
2 The great earthes wombe they open to the sky,
And with sad Cypresse seemely it embraue,
4 Then couering with a clod their closed eye,
They lay therein those corses tenderly,
6 And bid them sleepe in euerlasting peace.
But ere they did their vtmost obsequy,
8 Sir Guyon more affection to increace,
Bynempt a sacred vow, which none should aye releace.
1 So both agree their bodies to ingrave;
ingrave > inter
2 The great earth's womb they open to the sky, 3 And with sad cypress seemly it embrave,
seemly > fitting (if referring to the cypress branches); fittingly, becomingly (if referring to the action) embrave > adorn
4 Then, covering with a clod their closed eye, 5 They lay therein those corses tenderly,
corses > bodies
6 And bid them sleep in everlasting peace. 7 But, ere they did their utmost obsequy,
utmost obsequy > final obsequies
8 Sir Guyon, more affection to increase, 9 Benamed a sacred vow, which none should ay release.
Benamed > Declared solemnly ay release > ever cancel
201.61
The dead knights sword out of his sheath he drew,
2 With which he cut a locke of all their heare,
Which medling with their bloud and earth, he threw
4 Into the graue, and gan deuoutly sweare;
Such and such euill God on Guyon reare,
6 And worse and worse young Orphane be thy paine,
If I or thou dew vengeance doe forbeare,
8 Till guiltie bloud her guerdon doe obtaine:
So shedding many teares, they closd the earth againe.
1 The dead knight's sword out of his sheath he drew, 2 With which he cut a lock of all their hair,
all > (It is not clear whether Guyon and the palmer are included)
3 Which, meddling with their blood and earth, he threw
meddling > mixing
4 Into the grave, and gan devoutly swear:
gan > did
5 "Such-and-such evil God on Guyon rear,
on Guyon rear > [rear up against Guyon]
6 And worse and worse, young orphan, be your pain, 7 If I or you due vengeance do forbear, 8 Till guilty blood her guerdon do obtain!"
guerdon > recompense
9 So, shedding many tears, they closed the earth again.
Babes bloudie hands may not be clensd,
2 the face of golden Meane.
Her sisters two Extremities:
4 striue her to banish cleane.
1 Babe's bloody hands may not be cleansed: 2 the face of golden Mean.
face > {External appearance; face of a place or building (e.g. a castle), esp. that comprehended between the flanked angles of two neighbouring bastions} golden > (See 201.58:1, 202.11:6; 202.15:7, Odes 2.10:5) Mean > Medina (named at 202.14:4)
3 Her sisters, two extremities,
extremities > extreme points, extremenesses
4 strive her to banish clean.
clean > entirely, utterly
202.1
THus when Sir Guyon with his faithfull guide
2 Had with due rites and dolorous lament
The end of their sad Tragedie vptyde,
4 The litle babe vp in his armes he hent;
Who with sweet pleasance and bold blandishment
6 Gan smyle on them, that rather ought to weepe,
As carelesse of his woe, or innocent
8 Of that was doen, that ruth emperced deepe
In that knights heart, and wordes with bitter teares did steepe.
1 Thus when Sir Guyon with his faithful guide 2 Had with due rites and dolorous lament 3 The end of their sad tragedy uptied,
uptied > tied up
4 The little babe up in his arms he hent;
hent > took, held
5 Who, with sweet pleasance and bold blandishment,
pleasance > joy; disposition to please, complaisance blandishment > {Flattery, cajolery; allurement; anything that pleases}
6 Gan smile on them, that rather ought to weep,
Gan > Did
7 As careless of his woe, or innocent
As > [As if]
8 Of that was done, that ruth empierced deep
that > [that which] that > [so that] ruth > pity empierced > penetrated
9 In that knight's heart, and words with bitter tears did steep.
202.2
Ah lucklesse babe, borne vnder cruell starre,
2 And in dead parents balefull ashes bred,
Full litle weenest thou, what sorrowes are
4 Left thee for portion of thy liuelihed,
Poore Orphane in the wide world scattered,
6 As budding braunch rent from the natiue tree,
And throwen forth, till it be withered:
8 Such is the state of men: thus enter wee
Into this life with woe, and end with miseree.
1 "Ah, luckless babe, born under cruel star, 2 And in dead parents' baleful ashes bred,
baleful > unhappy, sorrowful; full of active evil; "bale" also = "funeral pyre", so alluding to the legend of the phoenix
3 Full little ween you what sorrows are
Full > Very, exceedingly ween you > do you imagine
4 Left you for portion of your livelihead;
portion > {Share of an estate left to an heir} livelihead > inheritance; means of living
5 Poor orphan in the wide world scattered, 6 As budding branch rent from the native tree,
As > [Like a] rent > torn native > {Parent; pertaining to one's birthright}
7 And thrown forth, till it be withered: 8 Such is the state of men: thus enter we 9 Into this life with woe, and end with misery."
202.3
Then soft himselfe inclyning on his knee
2 Downe to that well, did in the water weene
(So loue does loath disdainfull nicitee)
4 His guiltie hands from bloudie gore to cleene.
He washt them oft and oft, yet nought they beene
6 For all his washing cleaner. Still he stroue,
Yet still the litle hands were bloudie seene;
8 The which him into great amaz'ment droue,
And into diuerse doubt his wauering wonder cloue.
1 Then soft himself inclining on his knee 2 Down to that well, did in the water ween
well > spring; spring with supernatural powers ween > intend
3 (So love does loathe disdainful nicety)
nicety > scrupulosity, fastidiousness
4 His guilty hands from bloody gore to clean.
His > [The baby's]
5 He washed them oft and oft, yet naught they been
naught > not at all been > [were]
6 (For all his washing) cleaner. Still he strove, 7 Yet still the little hands were bloody seen; 8 Which him into great amazement drove, 9 And into diverse doubt his wavering wonder clove.
diverse > diverse; also: distracting (SUS) clove > cleft, divided
202.4
He wist not whether blot of foule offence
2 Might not be purgd with water nor with bath;
Or that high God, in +lieu+ of innocence,
4 Imprinted had that token of his wrath,
To shew how sore bloudguiltinesse he +hat'th+;
6 Or that the charme and venim, which they druncke,
Their bloud with secret filth infected hath,
8 Being diffused through the senselesse truncke,
That through the great contagion direfull deadly stunck.
3 lieu > loue sugg. Church 5 hat'th > hat'h 1590; cf. 109.31:5
1 He wist not whether blot of foul offence
wist > knew
2 Might not be purged with water nor with bath; 3 Or that high God, in lieu of innocence,
Or > Either in lieu > in place, instead
4 Imprinted had that token of His wrath, 5 To show how sore blood-guiltiness He hates;
sore > severely; seriously; intensely blood-guiltiness > responsibility for bloodshed
6 Or that the charm and venom, which they drank,
venom > poison drank > (Applies literally to the poison and figuratively to the charm)
7 Their blood with secret filth infected has, 8 Being diffused through the senseless trunk,
trunk > {Corpse; body considered apart from its soul}
9 That, through the great contagion, direful deadly stank.
202.5
Whom thus at gaze, the Palmer gan to bord
2 With goodly reason, and thus faire bespake;
Ye bene right +hard+ amated, gratious Lord,
4 And of your ignorance great maruell make,
Whiles cause not well conceiued ye mistake.
6 But know, that secret vertues are infusd
In euery fountaine, and in euery lake,
8 Which who hath skill them rightly to haue chusd,
To proofe of passing wonders hath full often vsd.
3 hard > hart 1590
1 Whom, thus at gaze, the palmer began to board
at gaze > {Gazing in wonder, bewilderment, or perplexity} board > draw near to and address, accost
2 With goodly reason, and thus fair bespoke:
bespoke > spoke
3 "You been right hard amated, gracious lord,
been > [are; have been] amated > daunted, subdued; cast down
4 And of your ignorance great marvel make, 5 While cause not well conceived you mistake.
mistake > imagine erroneously
6 But know that secret virtues are infused
virtues > properties, powers; occult properties
7 In every fountain, and in every lake, 8 Which who has skill them rightly to have chosen,
who has skill > [whoever has the knowledge]
9 To proof of passing wonders has full often used.
proof of > make proof of, prove; hence: demonstrate passing > surpassing full > very
202.6
Of those some were so from their sourse indewd
2 By great Dame Nature, from whose fruitfull pap
Their welheads spring, and are with moisture deawd;
4 Which feedes each liuing plant with liquid sap,
And filles with flowres faire Floraes painted lap:
6 But other some by gift of later grace,
Or by good prayers, or by other hap,
8 Had vertue pourd into their waters bace,
And thenceforth were renowmd, and sought from place to place.
1 "Of those some were so from their source endued 2 By great Dame Nature, from whose fruitful pap
pap > breast
3 Their well-heads spring, and are with moisture dewed; 4 Which feeds each living plant with liquid sap, 5 And fills with flowers fair Flora's painted lap: 6 But other some, by gift of later grace,
other some > [some others]
7 Or by good prayers, or by other hap,
hap > chance, fortune
8 Had virtue poured into their waters base,
virtue > efficacy, power; occult power
9 And thenceforth were renowned, and sought from place to place.
202.7
Such is this well, wrought by occasion straunge,
2 Which to her Nymph befell. Vpon a day,
As she the woods with bow and shafts did raunge,
4 The hartlesse Hind and Robucke to dismay,
Dan Faunus chaunst to meet her by the way,
6 And kindling fire at her faire burning eye,
Inflamed was to follow beauties +chace+,
8 And chaced her, that fast from him did fly;
As Hind from her, so she fled from her enimy.
7 chace > pray sugg. Collier, after a note by Drayton in a copy of the 1611 edition
1 "Such is this well, wrought by occasion strange
well > spring; spring with supernatural powers occasion > incident, juncture of circumstances
2 Which to its nymph befell. Upon a day,
nymph > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. The nymph referred to here is one of the naiads, nymphs of fresh water. Many of these presided over springs which were believed to inspire those who drank the water)
3 As she the woods with bow and shafts did range,
shafts > arrows
4 The hartless hind and roebuck to dismay,
hartless > {Timid (heartless); lacking a hart or harts (hart = the adult male deer, esp. Red Deer)} hind > {Adult female deer, esp. Red Deer} dismay > overcome, defeat; hence: hunt, kill
5 Dan Faunus chanced to meet her by the way,
Dan > {Title of honour, as "Master", "Sir"} Faunus > (The Roman god of the woods, half man and half goat, grandson of Saturn; identified with the Greek Pan)
6 And, kindling fire at her fair burning eye, 7 Inflamed was to follow beauty's chase, 8 And chased her, that fast from him did fly;
fly > flee
9 As hind from her, so she fled from her enemy.
202.8
At last when fayling breath began to faint,
2 And saw no meanes to scape, of shame affrayd,
She +set+ her downe to weepe for sore constraint,
4 And to Diana calling lowd for ayde,
Her deare besought, to let her dye a mayd.
6 The goddesse heard, and suddeine where she sate,
Welling out streames of teares, and quite dismayd
8 With stony feare of that rude rustick mate,
Transformd her to a stone from stedfast virgins state.
3 set > sate 1609
1 "At last when failing breath began to faint,
faint > become faint, grow weak; hence: give out
2 And saw no means to scape, of shame afraid,
saw > [she saw] scape > escape
3 She set her down to weep for sore constraint,
her > [herself] constraint > distress
4 And to Diana calling loud for aid, 5 Her dear besought to let her die a maid.
dear > earnestly
6 The goddess heard, and suddenly, where she sat 7 (Welling out streams of tears, and quite dismayed 8 With stony fear of that rude rustic mate), 9 Transformed her to a stone from steadfast virgin's state.
202.9
Lo now she is that stone, from +whose+ two heads,
2 As from two weeping eyes, fresh streames do flow,
Yet cold through feare, and old conceiued dreads;
4 And yet the stone her semblance seemes to show,
Shapt like a maid, that such ye may her know;
6 And yet her vertues in her water byde:
For it is chast and pure, as purest snow,
8 Ne lets her waues with any filth +be+ dyde,
But euer like her selfe vnstained hath beene tryde.
1 whose > those 1596, 1609 8 be > he 1596
1 "Lo now she is that stone, from whose two heads, 2 As from two weeping eyes, fresh streams do flow, 3 Yet cold through fear, and old conceived dreads;
Yet > Still
4 And yet the stone her semblance seems to show, 5 Shaped like a maid, that such you may her know;
such > [as such]
6 And yet her virtues in her water bide:
virtues > (Playing on both meanings: "virtues" in the modern sense, and "virtues" as at 202.5:6) bide > remain; remain unchanged
7 For it is chaste and pure, as purest snow, 8 Nor lets her waves with any filth be dyed, 9 But ever like herself, unstained, has been tried.
tried > shown to be
202.10
From thence it comes, that this babes bloudy hand
2 May not be clensd with water of this well:
Ne certes Sir striue you it to withstand,
4 But let them still be bloudy, as befell,
That they his mothers innocence may tell,
6 As she bequeathd in her last testament;
That as a sacred Symbole it may dwell
8 In her sonnes flesh, to minde reuengement,
And be for all chast Dames an endlesse moniment.
1 "From thence it comes that this babe's bloody hand 2 May not be cleansed with water of this well:
well > spring; spring with supernatural powers
3 Neither certes sir, strive you it to withstand,
certes > assuredly
4 But let them still be bloody, as befell,
still > always befell > [it befell]
5 That they his mother's innocence may tell,
That > [So that]
6 As she bequeathed in her last testament; 7 That as a sacred symbol it may dwell
That > [So that] dwell > remain
8 In her son's flesh, to mind revengement,
In > On; in (cf. Rom. 7.20) mind > bring to mind revengement > revenge, retribution; punishment
9 And be for all chaste dames an endless monument."
202.11
He hearkned to his reason, and the childe
2 Vptaking, to the Palmer gaue to beare;
But his sad fathers armes with bloud defilde,
4 An heauie load himselfe did lightly reare,
And turning to that place, in which whyleare
6 He left his loftie steed with golden sell,
And goodly gorgeous barbes, him found not theare.
8 By other accident that earst befell,
He is conuaide, but how or where, here fits not tell.
1 He hearkened to his reason, and the child 2 Uptaking, to the palmer gave to bear; 3 But his sad father's arms, with blood defiled,
arms > {Weapons, shield and armour}
4 A heavy load, himself did lightly rear,
lightly > easily
5 And turning to that place, in which whilere
turning > returning whilere > erewhile: lately
6 He left his lofty steed with golden sell,
sell > saddle
7 And goodly gorgeous bards, him found not there.
bards > horse-armour
8 By other accident that erst befell,
other > [another] accident > unforeseen event, chance erst > recently
9 He is conveyed, but how or where, here fits not tell.
conveyed > removed in an underhand manner (described at 203.4) tell > [to tell]
202.12
Which when Sir Guyon saw, all were he wroth,
2 Yet algates mote he soft himselfe appease,
And fairely fare on foot, how euer loth;
4 His double burden did him sore disease.
So long they traueiled with litle ease,
6 Till that at last they to a Castle came,
Built on a rocke adioyning to the +seas,+
8 It was an auncient worke of antique fame,
And wondrous strong by nature, and by skilfull frame.
7 seas, > seas: 1609
1 Which when Sir Guyon saw, all were he wroth,
all were he wroth > [although he was angry]
2 Yet algates might he soft himself appease,
algates > after all; at any rate
3 And fairly fare on foot, however loath; 4 His double burden did him sore disease.
disease > dis-ease: discomfort, distress
5 So long they travelled with little ease, 6 Till at last they to a castle came, 7 Built on a rock adjoining the sea; 8 It was an ancient work of antique fame, 9 And wondrous strong by nature, and by skilful frame.
frame > construction; architectural intent
202.13
Therein three sisters dwelt of sundry sort,
2 The children of one sire by mothers three;
Who dying whylome did diuide this fort
4 To them by equall shares in equall fee:
But +strifull+ minde, and diuerse qualitee
6 Drew them in parts, and each made others foe:
Still they did striue, and dayly disagree;
8 The eldest did against the youngest goe,
And both against the middest meant to worken woe.
5 strifull > strifefull 1609
1 Therein three sisters dwelt of sundry sort,
sundry > different; distinct
2 The children of one sire by mothers three;
sire > father
3 Who, dying whilom, did divide this fort
whilom > at some past time; a while ago (the intended pointing might also be "Who, dying, whylome did diuide …") divide > {Separate into parts and distribute}
4 To them by equal shares in equal fee:
fee > {Estate of inheritance held in land}
5 But strifeful mind and diverse quality
quality > disposition, character
6 Drew them in parts, and each made others' foe:
in parts > into factions ("part" is cognate with "party", = prin- cipal in legal proceeding) others' > [the others'; or: the other's, in view of lines 7-9]
7 Still they did strive, and daily disagree;
Still > Always, ever
8 The eldest did against the youngest go, 9 And both against the middest meant to work woe.
middest > midmost, middle [sister]
202.14
Where when the knight arriu'd, he was right well
2 Receiu'd, as knight of so much worth became,
Of second sister, who did far excell
4 The other two; Medina was her name,
A sober sad, and comely curteous Dame;
6 Who rich arayd, and yet in modest guize,
In goodly garments, that her well became,
8 Faire marching forth in honorable wize,
Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprize.
1 Where when the knight arrived, he was right well
right > very
2 Received, as knight of so much worth became,
became > fitted, suited
3 Of second sister, who did far excel
Of > [By the]
4 The other two; Medina was her name,
Medina > "Mean", "Central" (Latin medius, middle); hence:
"Temperate"
5 A sober, sad, and comely courteous dame;
sad > grave, serious comely > decorous, decent
6 Who (rich arrayed, and yet in modest guise,
guise > appearance; demeanour; behaviour
7 In goodly garments, that her well became), 8 Fair marching forth in honourable wise,
wise > manner
9 Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise.
enterprise > undertake, take in hand; hence: welcome, entertain
202.15
She led him vp into a goodly bowre,
2 And comely courted with meet modestie,
Ne in her speach, ne in her hauiour,
4 Was lightnesse seene, or looser vanitie,
But gratious womanhood, and grauitie,
6 Aboue the reason of her youthly yeares:
Her golden lockes she roundly did vptye
8 In +breaded+ tramels, that no looser heares
Did out of order stray about her daintie eares.
8 breaded > brayded 1609
1 She led him up into a goodly bower,
bower > room, chamber
2 And comely courted with meet modesty;
comely > decorously meet > appropriate, fitting
3 Neither in her speech, nor in her haviour,
haviour > deportment, bearing; behaviour
4 Was lightness seen, or looser vanity,
looser > too-loose; loose
5 But gracious womanhood, and gravity, 6 Above the reason of her youthly years:
Above the reason of > [Beyond those to be expected from one of]
7 Her golden locks she roundly did uptie
roundly > completely; severely uptie > tie up, bind
8 In braided trammels, that no looser hairs
trammels > constraints, restraints (her hair is held in place by braids rather than a snood or net) that > [so that] looser > too-loose; loose
9 Did out of order stray about her dainty ears.
202.16
Whilest she her selfe thus busily did frame,
2 Seemely to entertaine her new-come guest,
Newes hereof to her other sisters came,
4 Who all this while were at their wanton rest,
Accourting each her friend with lauish fest:
6 They were two knights of perelesse puissance,
And famous far abroad for warlike gest,
8 Which to these Ladies loue did countenaunce,
And to his mistresse each himselfe stroue to aduaunce.
1 Whilst she herself thus busily did frame,
frame > direct, give shape to; hence: proceed
2 Seemly to entertain her new-come guest,
Seemly > Suitably, properly, seemlily
3 News hereof to her other sisters came, 4 Who all this while were at their wanton rest, 5 Accourting each her friend with lavish feast:
Accourting > Courting, entertaining (WU) friend > lover
6 They were two knights of peerless puissance,
puissance > strength, power
7 And famous far abroad for warlike gest,
gest > exploits
8 Who to these ladies love did countenance,
countenance > make a show of; pretend
9 And to his mistress each himself strove to advance.
202.17
He that made loue vnto the eldest Dame,
2 Was hight Sir Huddibras, an hardy man;
Yet not so good of deedes, as great of name,
4 Which he by many rash aduentures wan,
Since errant armes to sew he first began;
6 More huge in strength, then wise in workes he was,
And reason with foole-hardize ouer ran;
8 Sterne melancholy did his courage pas,
And was for terrour more, all armd in shyning bras.
1 He that made love to the eldest dame 2 Was hight Sir Huddibras, a hardy man;
hight > called Huddibras > (A name catalogued by Spenser in his roll of British kings at 210.25:4. Glossed by Roche (1978) as "Rashness"; Hamilton (1980) speculates on "Hardi-bras", "Foolhardiness"; this might also be interpreted as "One Who Chances His Arm". The name "Hudibras" was used by Samuel Butler for his satire of that name published in 1662, but according to the Grub Street Journal (1731), Butler derived the name from that of Hugh de Bras, the patron saint of Cornwall)
3 Yet not so good of deeds, as great of name,
name > reputation, fame
4 Which he by many rash adventures won, 5 Since errant arms to sue he first began;
errant arms > [feats of arms performed by a knight errant] sue > {Pursue, go in quest of; take as a model, pattern, or ideal}
6 More huge in strength than wise in works he was, 7 And reason with foolhardice overran;
foolhardice > foolhardiness
8 Stern melancholy did his courage pass,
Stern > Fierce, grim, harsh melancholy > melancholy, gloom; irascibility pass > surpass, exceed
9 And was, for terror more, all armed in shining brass.
terror more > [greater terror]
202.18
But he that lou'd the youngest, was Sans-loy,
2 He that faire Vna late fowle outraged,
The most vnruly, and the boldest boy,
4 That euer warlike weapons menaged,
And to all lawlesse lust encouraged,
6 Through strong opinion of his matchlesse might:
Ne ought he car'd, whom he endamaged
8 By tortious wrong, or whom bereau'd of right.
He now this Ladies champion chose for loue to fight.
1 But he that loved the youngest was Sansloy 2 (He that fair Una late foul outraged),
late > lately (see 103.43-44, 106.3-8)
3 The most unruly, and the boldest, boy 4 That ever warlike weapons managed,
managed > wielded
5 And to all lawless lust encouraged,
encouraged > [was encouraged]
6 Through strong opinion of his matchless might: 7 Ne aught he cared whom he endamaged
Ne aught > Naught; and naught endamaged > inflicted injury upon; hurt
8 By tortious wrong, or whom bereaved of right.
tortious > injurious; wicked; illegal
9 He now this lady's champian chose for love to fight.
champian > campaign, field of military operations
202.19
These two gay knights, vowd to so diuerse loues,
2 Each other does enuie with deadly hate,
And dayly warre against his foeman moues,
4 In hope to win more fauour with his mate,
And th'others pleasing seruice to abate,
6 To magnifie his owne. But when they heard,
How in that place straunge knight arriued late,
8 Both knights and Ladies forth right angry far'd,
And fiercely vnto battell sterne themselues prepar'd.
1 These two gay knights, vowed to so diverse loves,
gay > fine so diverse > [such different]
2 Each other does envy with deadly hate,
envy > begrudge
3 And daily war against his foeman moves,
foeman > foe, enemy moves > stirs up
4 In hope to win more favour with his mate, 5 And the other's pleasing service to abate, 6 To magnify his own. But when they heard 7 How in that place strange knight arrived late,
strange > [a foreign, an unknown] late > recently
8 Both knights and ladies forth right angry fared,
right > at once; very
9 And fiercely to battle stern themselves prepared.
stern > hard, stubbornly contested; fierce
202.20
But ere they could proceede vnto the place,
2 Where he abode, themselues at discord fell,
And cruell combat ioynd in middle space:
4 With horrible assault, and furie fell,
They heapt huge strokes, the scorned life to quell,
6 That all on vprore from her settled seat,
The house was raysd, and all that in did dwell;
8 Seemd that lowde thunder with amazement great
Did rend the ratling skyes with flames of fouldring heat.
1 But ere they could proceed to the place 2 Where he abode, themselves at discord fell, 3 And cruel combat joined in middle space:
joined > (To "join battle" is to come together and begin fighting)
4 With horrible assault, and fury fell,
fell > fierce, terrible
5 They heaped huge strokes, the scorned life to quell,
the > (Each other's; and each is also careless of his own) quell > destroy; extinguish
6 That all on uproar from its settled seat
That > [So that]
7 The house was raised, and all that in did dwell; 8 Seemed that loud thunder with amazement great
Seemed > [It seemed] amazement > consternation, frenzy
9 Did rend the rattling skies with flames of fouldering heat.
fouldering > {Flashing or thundering forth; cf. 111.40:2}
202.21
The noyse thereof +calth+ forth that straunger knight,
2 To weet, what dreadfull thing was there in +hand+;
Where when as two braue knights in bloudy fight
4 With deadly rancour he enraunged fond,
His sunbroad shield about his wrest he bond,
6 And shyning blade vnsheathd, with which he ran
Vnto that stead, their strife to vnderstond;
8 And at his first arriuall, them began
With goodly meanes to pacifie, well as he can.
1 calth > cald 1590 2 hand > hond 1609
1 The noise thereof called forth that stranger knight,
stranger > new-come; foreign; unknown
2 To weet what dreadful thing was there in hand;
weet > find out
3 Where when two brave knights in bloody fight
brave > brave; splendid
4 With deadly rancour he enranged found,
enranged > arranged; ranged [in battle]
5 His sun-broad shield about his wrist he bound, 6 And shining blade unsheathed, with which he ran 7 To that stead, their strife to understand;
stead > place
8 And at his first arrival them began 9 With goodly means to pacify, well as he can.
well > [as well]
202.22
But they him spying, both with greedy forse
2 Attonce vpon him ran, and him beset
With strokes of mortall steele without remorse,
4 And on his shield like yron sledges bet:
As when a Beare and Tygre being met
6 In cruell fight on lybicke Ocean wide,
Espye a traueiler with feet surbet,
8 Whom they in equall pray hope to deuide,
They stint their strife, and him assaile on euery side.
1 But they, him spying, both with greedy force
greedy > eager; mad, reckless
2 At once upon him ran, and him beset
At once > Immediately; together, simultaneously
3 With strokes of mortal steel without remorse,
remorse > {Compunction; mitigation; also: biting or cutting force (SUFQ; cf. 402.15:3)}
4 And on his shield like iron sledges beat:
sledges > sledge-hammers
5 As when a bear and tiger, being met 6 In cruel fight on Libyan ocean wide,
ocean > {A great expanse of anything; hence: desert}
7 Espy a traveller with feet surbated,
surbated > bruised, sore (from too much walking)
8 Whom they in equal prey hope to divide, 9 They stint their strife, and him assail on every side.
202.23
But he, not like a wearie traueilere,
2 Their sharpe assault right +bloudy+ did rebut,
And suffred not their blowes to byte him nere,
4 But with redoubled buffes them backe did put:
Whose grieued mindes, which choler did englut,
6 Against themselues turning their wrathfull spight,
Gan with new rage their shields to hew and cut;
8 But still when Guyon came to part their fight,
With heauie load on him they freshly gan to smight.
2 bloudy > boldly 1590; boldy 1609
1 But he, not like a weary traveller,
not like > unlike
2 Their sharp assault right boldly did rebut, 3 And suffered not their blows to bite him near,
suffered > allowed
4 But with redoubled buffs them back did put:
buffs > buffets, blows
5 Whose grieved minds, which choler did englut,
choler > (One of the four principal humours of the body which, according to medieval belief, were supposed to determine one's mental and physical attributes: phlegm, blood, black bile, and choler. Choler was associated with rage) englut > swallow, engulf; satiate
6 Against themselves turning their wrathful spite, 7 Began with new rage their shields to hew and cut; 8 But still when Guyon came to part their fight,
still > ever, always
9 With heavy load on him they freshly began to smite.
heavy > heavy; grievous; intense
202.24
As a tall ship tossed in troublous seas,
2 Whom raging windes threatning to make the pray
Of the rough rockes, do diuersly disease,
4 Meetes two contrary billowes by the way,
That her on either side do sore assay,
6 And boast to swallow her in greedy graue;
She scorning both their spights, does make wide way,
8 And with her brest breaking the fomy waue,
Does ride on both their backs, and faire her selfe doth saue.
1 As a tall ship, tossed in troublous seas,
As > [As when]
2 Whom raging winds (threatening to make the prey
Whom > (Aiding the understanding. A ship is still referred to as "she")
3 Of the rough rocks) do diversely disease,
diversely > variously; also: distractingly (SUS) disease > dis-ease: trouble, distress
4 Meets two contrary billows by the way, 5 That her on either side do sore assay,
assay > assail; make trial of
6 And boast to swallow her in greedy grave;
boast > threaten
7 She, scorning both their spites, does make wide way, 8 And with her breast breaking the foamy wave 9 Does ride on both their backs, and fair herself does save.
202.25
So boldly he him beares, and rusheth forth
2 Betweene them both, by conduct of his blade.
Wondrous great prowesse and heroick worth
4 He shewd that day, and rare ensample made,
When two so mighty warriours he dismade:
6 Attonce he wards and strikes, he takes and payes,
Now forst to yield, now forcing to inuade,
8 Before, behind, and round about him layes:
So double was his paines, so double be his prayse.
1 So boldly he him bears, and rushes forth
So > Similarly him > [himself]
2 Between them both, by conduct of his blade.
conduct > management, control
3 Wondrous great prowess and heroic worth
prowess > valour
4 He showed that day, and rare example made, 5 When two so mighty warriors he dismayed:
so > such dismayed > overcame, defeated
6 At once he wards and strikes, he takes and pays, 7 Now forced to yield, now forcing to invade, 8 Before, behind, and round about him lays: 9 So double were his pains, so double be his praise.
pains > efforts
202.26
Straunge sort of fight, three valiaunt knights to see
2 Three combats ioyne in one, and to darraine
A triple warre with triple enmitee,
4 All for their Ladies froward loue to gaine,
Which gotten was but hate. So loue does raine
6 In stoutest minds, and maketh monstrous warre;
He maketh warre, he maketh peace againe,
8 And yet his peace is but continuall iarre:
O miserable men, that to him subiect arre.
1 Strange sort of fight, three valiant knights to see 2 Three combats join in one, and to deraign
deraign > {Challenge; determine; fight a contest in order to settle a dispute}
3 A triple war with triple enmity, 4 All for their ladies' froward love to gain,
froward > perverse, evilly disposed
5 Which gotten was but hate. So Love does reign
gotten > [once got, once secured] Love > [Cupid]
6 In stoutest minds, and makes monstrous war;
stoutest > [the] bravest
7 He makes war, he makes peace again, 8 And yet his peace is but continual jar:
jar > discord
9 O miserable men, that to him subject are.
202.27
Whilst thus they mingled were in furious armes,
2 The faire Medina with her tresses torne,
And naked brest, in pitty of their harmes,
4 Emongst them ran, and falling them beforne,
Besought them by the womb, which them had borne,
6 And by the loues, which were to them most deare,
And by the knighthood, which they sure had sworne,
8 Their deadly cruell discord to forbeare,
And to her iust conditions of faire peace to heare.
1 Whilst thus they mingled were in furious arms,
arms > deeds of arms; hence: armed combat
2 The fair Medina, with her tresses torn, 3 And naked breast, in pity of their harms,
harms > troubles, pains
4 Amongst them ran and, falling them before, 5 Besought them by the womb which them had borne, 6 And by the loves, which were to them most dear, 7 And by the knighthood which they sure had sworn,
knighthood > [vows of chivalry]
8 Their deadly cruel discord to forbear, 9 And to her just conditions of fair peace to hear.
hear > listen, give audience
202.28
But her two other sisters standing by,
2 Her lowd gainsaid, and both +their champions+ bad
Pursew the end of their strong enmity,
4 As euer of their loues they would be glad.
Yet she with pitthy words and counsell sad,
6 Still stroue their stubborne rages to reuoke,
That at the last suppressing fury mad,
8 They gan abstaine from dint of direfull stroke,
And hearken to the sober speaches, which she spoke.
2 their champions > her champions 1590; their champion 1596, 1609; this correction is generally agreed
1 But her two other sisters, standing by,
other > (Superfluous to the sense)
2 Her loud gainsaid, and both their champions bade 3 Pursue the end of their strong enmity, 4 As ever of their loves they would be glad.
As > [As; if]
5 Yet she, with pithy words and counsel sad,
pithy > significant, full of meaning sad > grave
6 Still strove their stubborn rages to revoke,
revoke > restrain
7 That at the last, suppressing fury mad,
That > [So that]
8 They gan abstain from dint of direful stroke,
gan > did dint > [the dealing of blows; the force] direful > dreadful, terrible stroke > (Collectively)
9 And hearken to the sober speeches which she spoke.
202.29
Ah puissaunt Lords, what cursed euill Spright,
2 Or fell +Erinnys+ in your noble +harts,+
Her hellish brond hath kindled with despight,
4 And stird you vp to worke your wilfull smarts?
Is this the ioy of armes? be these the parts
6 Of glorious knighthood, after bloud to +thrust+,
And not regard dew right and iust desarts?
8 Vaine is the vaunt, and victory vniust,
That more to mighty hands, then rightfull cause doth trust.
2 Erinnys > Erinnys, 1609 2 harts, > harts 1609 6 thrust > thurst 1609
1 "Ah, puissant lords, what cursed evil spirit,
puissant > mighty
2 Or fell Erinnys in your noble hearts,
fell > fierce, terrible Erinnys > (The Erinnyes or Furies are three goddesses who guard the gates of hell)
3 Her hellish brand has kindled with despite,
brand > burning, fire; torch; sword (if the last sense applies, "kindled" = "made to glow") despite > rage, malice
4 And stirred you up to work your wilful smarts?
smarts > sharp pains
5 Is this the joy of arms? Be these the parts
parts > qualities; abilities
6 Of glorious knighthood, after blood to thrust,
thrust > thrust; thirst
7 And not regard due right and just deserts? 8 Vain is the vaunt, and victory unjust,
vaunt > boast
9 That more to mighty hands than rightful cause does trust.
202.30
And were +there+ rightfull cause of difference,
2 Yet were not better, faire it to accord,
Then with +bloud guiltnesse+ to heape offence,
4 And mortall vengeaunce ioyne to crime abhord?
O fly from wrath, fly, O my liefest Lord:
6 Sad be the sights, and bitter fruits of warre,
And thousand furies wait on wrathfull sword;
8 Ne ought the prayse of prowesse more doth marre,
Then fowle reuenging rage, and base contentious iarre.
1 there > their 1596, 1609; cf. 110.36:6, 206.27:9, 211.21:8, 304.41:7, 312.28:1 3 bloud guiltnesse > bloodguiltnesse 1590; bloodguiltinesse 1609; cf. 202.4:5
1 "And were there rightful cause of difference, 2 Yet were not better, fair it to accord,
were > [were it] accord > reconcile
3 Than with blood-guiltiness to heap offence,
blood-guiltiness > responsibility for bloodshed offence > hurt, harm, damage; injury
4 And mortal vengeance join to crime abhorred? 5 O fly from wrath, fly, O my liefest lord:
liefest > dearest
6 Sad be the sights and bitter fruits of war, 7 And thousand furies wait on wrathful sword;
furies > (Or Furies, traditionally (in later accounts) the three goddesses who guard the gates of hell; in earlier accounts, they are avenging deities, of indeterminate number, sent from hell to punish wrongdoers) wait on > [attend the]
8 Ne aught the praise of prowess more does mar,
Ne aught > Naught; and naught praise > praiseworthiness prowess > valour
9 Than foul revenging rage, and base contentious jar.
jar > discord
202.31
But louely concord, and most sacred peace
2 Doth nourish vertue, and fast friendship breeds;
Weake she makes strong, and strong thing does increace,
4 Till it the pitch of highest prayse exceeds:
Braue be her warres, and honorable deeds,
6 By which she triumphes ouer ire and pride,
And winnes an Oliue girlond for her meeds:
8 Be therefore, O my deare Lords, pacifide,
And this misseeming discord meekely lay aside.
1 "But lovely concord, and most sacred peace,
lovely > loving
2 Does nourish virtue, and fast friendship breeds;
fast > firm
3 Weak she makes strong, and strong thing does increase, 4 Till it the pitch of highest praise exceeds: 5 Brave be her wars, and honourable deeds, 6 By which she triumphs over ire and pride, 7 And wins an olive garland for her meeds:
olive > (The emblem of peace and concord; see Gen. 8.11, Ps. 128.3) meeds > meed, reward
8 Be therefore, O my dear lords, pacified, 9 And this misseeming discord meekly lay aside."
misseeming > unseemly
202.32
Her gracious wordes their rancour did appall,
2 And suncke so deepe into their boyling brests,
That downe they let their cruell weapons fall,
4 And lowly did abase their loftie crests
To her faire presence, and discrete behests.
6 Then she began a treatie to procure,
And stablish termes betwixt both their requests,
8 That as a law for euer should endure;
Which to obserue in word of knights they did assure.
1 Her gracious words their rancour did appal,
appal > {Make pale, flat, or stale, cause to fade; hence: quell}
2 And sank so deep into their boiling breasts 3 That down they let their cruel weapons fall, 4 And lowly did abase their lofty crests
abase > lower (lit. or fig.)
5 To her fair presence and discreet behests.
behests > bidding, injunctions
6 Then she began a treaty to procure,
procure > bring about
7 And establish terms betwixt both their requests,
requests > demands
8 That as a law for ever should endure: 9 Which to observe, in word of knights they did assure.
assure > pledge [each giving his word as a knight]
202.33
Which to confirme, and fast to bind their league,
2 After their wearie sweat and bloudy toile,
She them besought, during their quiet treague,
4 Into her lodging to repaire a while,
To rest themselues, and grace to reconcile.
6 They soone consent: so forth with her they fare,
Where they are well receiu'd, and made to spoile
8 Themselues of soiled armes, and to prepare
Their minds to pleasure, and their mouthes to dainty fare.
1 Which to confirm, and fast to bind their league,
fast > firmly
2 After their weary sweat and bloody toil, 3 She them besought, during their quiet treague,
treague > truce
4 Into her lodging to repair awhile,
repair > go, betake themselves
5 To rest themselves, and grace to reconcile.
grace > in goodwill; gracefully; goodwill reconcile > (Taking the first two senses of "grace" requires this to be reflexive, "themselves" being understood from the previous verb)
6 They soon consent: so forth with her they fare,
soon > immediately
7 Where they are well received, and made to spoil
spoil > divest
8 Themselves of soiled arms, and to prepare
arms > armour
9 Their minds to pleasure, and their mouths to dainty fare.
dainty > pleasing; scarce; choice (esp. of food)
202.34
And those two froward sisters, their faire loues
2 Came with them eke, all were they wondrous loth,
And fained cheare, as for the time behoues,
4 But could not colour yet so well the troth,
But that their natures bad appeard in both:
6 For both did at their second sister grutch,
And inly grieue, as doth an hidden moth
8 The inner garment fret, not th'vtter touch;
One +thought their+ cheare too litle, th'other thought too mutch.
9 thought their > thoug ther _1590: i.e. a misprint of thought her, "which we should perhaps read" (Smith)_
1 And those two froward sisters, their fair loves,
froward > perverse, evilly disposed
2 Came with them eke, all were they wondrous loath,
eke > also all were they > [although they were]
3 And feigned cheer, as for the time behoves, 4 But could not colour yet so well the troth,
colour > [give a colour to; hence: simulate] troth > allegiance, covenant; truth
5 But that their natures bad appeared in both:
both > each
6 For both did at their second sister grutch,
grutch > murmur, grumble
7 And inly grieve, as does a hidden moth
inly > inwardly
8 The inner garment fret, not the utter touch;
fret > gnaw not > [but not] utter > outer; outward
9 One thought her cheer too little, the other thought too much.
202.35
Elissa (so the eldest hight) did deeme
2 Such entertainment base, ne ought would eat,
Ne ought would speake, but euermore did seeme
4 As discontent for want of merth or meat;
No solace could her Paramour intreat
6 Her once to show, ne court, nor dalliance,
But with bent lowring browes, as she would threat,
8 She scould, and frownd with froward countenaunce,
Vnworthy of faire Ladies comely gouernaunce.
1 Elissa (so the eldest hight) did deem
Elissa > "Too Little" (Greek) hight > was named
2 Such entertainment base, nor aught would eat,
entertainment > hospitality
3 Nor aught would speak, but evermore did seem 4 As discontent for want of mirth or meat;
As discontent > [As though discontented] want > lack mirth > diversion, entertainment meat > food
5 No solace could her paramour entreat
solace > pleasure, enjoyment
6 Her once to show, nor court, nor dalliance,
court > {Courteous or amorous attention} dalliance > {Idle and amusing talk, banter}
7 But with bent louring brows, as she would threat,
as > [as if] threat > threaten
8 She scowled, and frowned with froward countenance,
froward > perverse
9 Unworthy of fair lady's comely governance.
governance > demeanour; behaviour
202.36
But young Perissa was of other mind,
2 Full of disport, still laughing, loosely light,
And quite contrary to her sisters kind;
4 No measure in her mood, no rule of right,
But poured out in pleasure and delight;
6 In wine and meats she flowd aboue the bancke,
And in excesse exceeded her owne might;
8 In sumptuous tire she ioyed her selfe to prancke,
But of her loue too lauish (litle haue she thancke.)
1 But young Perissa was of other mind,
Perissa > "Too Much" (Greek)
2 Full of disport, still laughing, loosely light,
disport > merriment, diversion still > continually
3 And quite contrary to her sister's kind;
sister's > (Clearly meaning Elissa) kind > nature
4 No measure in her mood, no rule of right, 5 But poured out in pleasure and delight; 6 In wine and meats she flowed above the bank,
meats > food, viands
7 And in excess exceeded her own might; 8 In sumptuous tire she joyed herself to prank,
tire > attire prank > {Dress up; dress or deck oneself in a showy manner}
9 But of her love too lavish (little have she thought).
little have she thought > [she has thought of little; she is empty- headed]
202.37
+Fast+ by her side did sit the bold Sans-loy,
2 Fit mate for such a mincing mineon,
Who in her loosenesse tooke exceeding ioy;
4 Might not be found a franker franion,
Of her lewd parts to make companion;
6 But Huddibras, more like a Malecontent,
Did see and grieue at his bold fashion;
8 Hardly could he endure his hardiment,
Yet still he sat, and inly did him selfe torment.
1 Fast > First 1590 etc.: FE
1 Fast by her side did sit the bold Sansloy,
Fast > Very closely
2 Fit mate for such a mincing minion,
mincing > affectedly dainty minion > lady-love, paramour
3 Who in her looseness took exceeding joy; 4 Might not be found a franker franion
Might > [There might] franker > freer, looser; more ingenuous, more outspoken franion > paramour, ladies' man
5 Of her lewd parts to make companion;
parts > capacities, attributes (also "lewd parts" = "private parts")
6 But Huddibras, more like a malcontent, 7 Did see and grieve at his bold fashion; 8 Hardly could he endure his hardiment,
hardiment > boldness
9 Yet still he sat, and inly did himself torment.
inly > inwardly
202.38
Betwixt them both the faire Medina sate
2 With sober grace, and goodly carriage:
With equall measure she did moderate
4 The strong extremities of their outrage;
That +forward+ paire she euer would asswage,
6 When they would striue dew reason to exceed;
But that same froward twaine would accourage,
8 And of her plenty adde vnto their need:
So kept she them in order, and her selfe in heed.
5 forward > froward dub. conj. Morris, in view of line 7
1 Betwixt them both the fair Medina sat 2 With sober grace, and goodly carriage: 3 With equal measure she did moderate
equal > equal; impartial
4 The strong extremities of their outrage;
outrage > intemperance
5 That forward pair she ever would assuage,
That forward pair > [Perissa and Sansloy] assuage > pacify, appease
6 When they would strive due reason to exceed;
due > appropriate, proper
7 But that same froward twain would accourage,
froward > perverse (also, as an adv. or prep., "fromward", and so pointing the contrast with "that forward pair") twain > two, pair (Elissa and Huddibras) accourage > encourage (WUFQ)
8 And of her plenty add to their need: 9 So kept she them in order, and herself in heed.
in heed > heeded, regarded
202.39
Thus fairely she attempered her feast,
2 And pleasd them all with meete satietie,
At last when lust of meat and drinke was ceast,
4 She Guyon deare besought of curtesie,
To tell from whence he came through ieopardie,
6 And whither now on new aduenture bound.
Who with bold grace, and comely grauitie,
8 Drawing to him the eyes of all around,
From lofty siege began these words aloud to sound.
1 Thus fairly she attempered her feast,
fairly > well, expertly attempered > regulated; tempered, moderated
2 And pleased them all with meet satiety;
meet > appropriate satiety > {Sufficiency; the condition of being fully satisfied, without the modern connotation of surfeit}
3 At last when lust of meat and drink was ceased,
lust of meat > desire for food
4 She Guyon dear besought of courtesy
dear > earnestly, heartily of courtesy > by favour, as an indulgence (on Guyon's part)
5 To tell from whence he came through jeopardy, 6 And whither now on new adventure bound. 7 Who with bold grace, and comely gravity, 8 Drawing to him the eyes of all around, 9 From lofty siege began these words aloud to sound.
siege > seat (esp. one used by person of rank or distinction)
202.40
This thy demaund, {o^} Lady, doth reuiue
2 Fresh memory in me of that great Queene,
Great and most glorious virgin Queene aliue,
4 That with her soueraigne powre, and scepter shene
All Faery lond does +peaceably+ sustene.
6 In widest Ocean she her throne does reare,
That ouer all the earth it may be seene;
8 As morning Sunne her beames dispredden cleare,
And in her face faire peace, and mercy doth appeare.
5 peaceably > peaceable 1596, 1609
1 "This, your demand, O lady, does revive
demand > request
2 Fresh memory in me of that great queen,
that great queen > [Gloriana]
3 Great and most glorious virgin queen alive, 4 That with her sovereign power and sceptre sheen
sheen > shining, resplendent
5 All Faery Land does peaceably sustain. 6 In widest ocean she her throne does rear, 7 That over all the earth it may be seen;
That > [So that]
8 As morning sun her beams dispread clear,
dispread > [are] spread out; spread about
9 And in her face fair peace and mercy do appear.
202.41
In her the richesse of all heauenly +grace,+
2 In chiefe degree are heaped vp on hye:
And all that else this worlds enclosure +bace,+
4 Hath great or glorious in mortall +eye,+
Adornes the person of her Maiestie;
6 That men beholding so great excellence,
And rare perfection in mortalitie,
8 Do her adore with sacred reuerence,
As th'Idole of her makers great magnificence.
1 grace, > grace 1609 3 bace, > bace 1609 4 eye, > eye. 1596
1 "In her the richesse of all heavenly grace
richesse > riches
2 In chief degree are heaped up on high: 3 And all that else this world's enclosure base
else > otherwise enclosure base > [earthly confines, lowly confines]
4 Has great or glorious in mortal eye,
Has > [Holds which is]
5 Adorns the person of her majesty; 6 That men, beholding so great excellence,
That > [So that] so > such
7 And rare perfection in mortality,
mortality > mortal form; mortal existence; mortals collectively
8 Do her adore with sacred reverence, 9 As the idol of her Maker's great magnificence.
idol > image
202.42
To her I homage and my seruice owe,
2 In number of the noblest knights on ground,
Mongst whom on me she deigned to bestowe
4 Order of Maydenhead, the most renownd,
That may this day in all the world be +found,+
6 An yearely solemne feast she wontes to +make+
The day that first doth lead the yeare around;
8 To which all knights of worth and courage bold
Resort, to heare of straunge aduentures to be told.
5 found, > found: 1609 6 make > hold conj. various editors
1 "To her I homage and my service owe, 2 In number of the noblest knights on ground,
number > [the company] on ground > in the world
3 Amongst whom on me she deigned to bestow 4 Order of Maidenhead, the most renowned
Order of Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order)
5 That may this day in all the world be found: 6 A yearly solemn feast she wonts to make
yearly > (See I:144-8: "The beginning therefore of my history …") wonts > is accustomed make > [observe, hold: see Textual Appendix]
7 The day that first does lead the year around;
day > (Probably Lady Day, 25 March, the first day of the new year in the Julian calendar; cf. also this passage in the general argument to SC: "For it is wel known, and stoutely mainteyned with strong reasons of the learned, that the yeare beginneth in March")
8 To which all knights of worth and courage bold 9 Resort, to hear of strange adventures to be told.
202.43
There this old Palmer shewed himselfe that day,
2 And to that mighty Princesse did complaine
Of grieuous mischiefes, which a wicked Fay
4 Had wrought, and many whelmd in deadly paine,
Whereof he crau'd redresse. My Soueraine,
6 Whose glory is in gracious deeds, and ioyes
Throughout the world her mercy to maintaine,
8 Eftsoones deuisd redresse for such annoyes;
Me all vnfit for so great purpose she employes.
1 "There this old palmer showed himself that day, 2 And to that mighty princess did complain 3 Of grievous mischiefs, which a wicked fay
mischiefs > wrongs, evil-doing fay > fairy; enchantress [Acrasia; cf. Antony and Cleopatra IV viii 12]
4 Had wrought, and many whelmed in deadly pain,
whelmed > engulfed, buried, covered completely
5 Whereof he craved redress. My sovereign 6 (Whose glory is in gracious deeds, and joys 7 Throughout the world her mercy to maintain) 8 Eftsoons devised redress for such annoys;
Eftsoons > Soon, thereupon annoys > annoyances, vexations, injuries
9 Me, all unfit for so great purpose, she employs.
all > wholly so > [such a]
202.44
Now hath faire Ph{oe}be with her siluer face
2 Thrise seene the shadowes of the neather world,
Sith last I left that honorable place,
4 In which her royall presence is +introld+;
Ne euer shall I rest in house nor hold,
6 Till I that false Acrasia haue wonne;
Of whose fowle deedes, too hideous to be +told,+
8 I witnesse am, and this their wretched sonne,
Whose wofull parents she hath wickedly fordonne.
4 introld > entrold 1590; enrold conj. various editors 7 told, > told 1596
1 "Now has fair Phoebe with her silver face 2 Thrice seen the shadows of the nether world, 3 Sith last I left that honourable place
Sith > Since (i.e. three months have passed)
4 In which her royal presence is introld;
introld > (Meaning uncertain; see Textual Appendix. "Enrolled" = "inscribed", "recorded", and hence "celebrated". Cf. 210.4:8)
5 Nor ever shall I rest in house nor hold,
hold > {Place of refuge or shelter; fort; prison cell}
6 Till I that false Acrasia have won;
won > overcome, defeated
7 Of whose foul deeds, too hideous to be told, 8 I witness am, and this their wretched son,
this their wretched son > ([Likewise] the baby)
9 Whose woeful parents she has wickedly fordone."
fordone > destroyed
202.45
Tell on, faire Sir, said she, that dolefull tale,
2 From which sad ruth does seeme you to restraine,
That we may pitty such vnhappy bale,
4 And learne from pleasures poyson to abstaine:
Ill by ensample good doth often gayne.
6 Then forward he his purpose gan pursew,
And told the storie of the mortall payne,
8 Which Mordant and Amauia did rew;
As with lamenting eyes him selfe did lately vew.
1 "Tell on, fair sir," said she, "that doleful tale, 2 From which sad ruth does seem you to restrain,
ruth > pity
3 That we may pity such unhappy bale,
That > [So that] bale > woe, torment
4 And learn from Pleasure's poison to abstain: 5 Ill, by example, good does often gain."
Ill > Evil
6 Then forward he his purpose gan pursue,
purpose > {Discourse; that which forms the subject of discourse} gan > did; began to
7 And told the story of the mortal pain 8 Which Mordant and Amavia did rue; 9 As with lamenting eyes himself did lately view.
As > [Just as] himself > [he himself]
202.46
Night was far spent, and now in Ocean deepe
2 Orion, flying fast from hissing snake,
His flaming head did hasten for to steepe,
4 When of his pitteous tale he end did make;
Whilest with delight of that he wisely spake,
6 Those guestes beguiled, did beguile their eyes
Of kindly sleepe, that did them ouertake.
8 At last when they had markt the chaunged skyes,
They wist their houre was spent; then each to rest him hyes.
1 Night was far spent, and now in ocean deep 2 Orion, flying fast from hissing Snake,
Orion > (The constellation; Orion is also called "The Hunter")
Snake > [Scorpio]
3 His flaming head did hasten to steep, 4 When of his piteous tale he end did make; 5 Whilst with delight of that he wisely spoke,
that > [that of which] wisely > sagely; informatively
6 Those guests beguiled did beguile their eyes
guests beguiled > [beguiled guests]
7 Of kindly sleep, that did them overtake.
kindly > natural; benign
8 At last, when they had marked the changed skies,
marked the changed skies > [noticed the changed relationship between the earth and the constellations]
9 They wist their hour was spent; then each to rest him hies.
wist > knew, realized hies > hastens
Vaine Braggadocchio getting Guyons
2 horse is made the scorne
Of knighthood trew, and is of fayre
3 Belph{oe}be fowle forlorne.
1 Vain Braggadocchio, getting Guyon's
Vain > Weak; foolish Braggadocchio > "Braggart", "Boaster" ("brag" + Italian augment- ative. The name gives rise to "braggadocio", a general term either for an idle braggart or for his boasting. Spenser's spelling varies, so "Braggadocchio", the first encountered, is here used as the standard)
2 horse, is made the scorn 3 Of knighthood true, and is of fair
of > by
4 Belphoebe foul forlorn.
Belphoebe > "Beautifully Radiant", "Beautiful and Pure" (Latin and Greek; foster-daughter of Diana or Phoebe, virgin goddess of hunting and the moon (see 306.28:5). For correspondence to Elizabeth, see I:118-24) foul > insultingly forlorn > abandoned, deserted; hence: rejected
203.1
SOone as the morrow faire with purple beames
2 Disperst the shadowes of the mistie night,
And Titan playing on the eastern streames,
4 Gan cleare the deawy ayre with springing light,
Sir Guyon mindfull of his vow yplight,
6 Vprose from drowsie couch, and him addrest
Vnto the iourney which he had behight:
8 His puissaunt armes about his noble brest,
And many-folded shield he bound about his wrest.
1 Soon as the morrow fair with purple beams
Soon > [As soon]
2 Dispersed the shadows of the misty night, 3 And Titan, playing on the eastern streams, 4 Gan clear the dewy air with springing light,
Gan > Did; began to springing > rising, growing; dawning
5 Sir Guyon, mindful of his vow plight,
vow plight > [plighted vow]
6 Uprose from drowsy couch, and himself addressed 7 To the journey which he had behight:
behight > promised (to Gloriana)
8 His puissant arms about his noble breast,
puissant > mighty arms > armour (shares the vb. "bound" with the "shield" in line 9)
9 And many-folded shield he bound about his wrist.
many-folded > (Consisting of many layers, seven in fact: see 205.6:3, 208.32:5. Guyon carries the classical seven-layered shield as borne by Ajax at Iliad 7.220 (imitated by Virgil at Aen. 12.925). In Homer the layers are of bull's-hide)
203.2
Then taking Cong{e/} of that virgin pure,
2 The bloudy-handed babe vnto her truth
Did earnestly commit, and her coniure,
4 In vertuous lore to traine his tender youth,
And all that gentle noriture ensu'th:
6 And that so soone as ryper yeares he raught,
He might for memorie of that dayes ruth,
8 Be called Ruddymane, and thereby taught,
T'auenge his Parents death on them, that had it wrought.
1 Then, taking cong{e/} of that virgin pure,
cong{e/} > leave that virgin pure > [Medina]
2 The bloody-handed babe to her truth
truth > {Virtue, integrity, conduct in accordance with the divine standard; hence: trust, care; also a variant spelling of: troth, good faith}
3 Did earnestly commit, and her conjure
conjure > implore; adjure
4 In virtuous lore to train his tender youth,
lore > doctrine, teaching
5 And all that gentle nouriture ensues:
gentle > noble nouriture > {Nurture, the business of bringing up a child} ensues > follows, conforms to; hence: involves, entails
6 And that (so soon as riper years he raught)
raught > reached
7 He might, for memory of that day's ruth,
ruth > sorrow; calamity; occasion of regret
8 Be called Ruddymane, and thereby taught
Ruddymane > "Bloody-handed"
9 To avenge his parents' death on them that had it wrought.
203.3
So forth he far'd, as now befell, on foot,
2 Sith his good steed is lately from him gone;
Patience perforce; helpelesse what may it boot
4 To fret for anger, or for griefe to mone?
His Palmer now shall foot no more alone:
6 So fortune wrought, as vnder greene woods syde
He lately heard that dying Lady grone,
8 He left his steed without, and speare besyde,
And rushed in on foot to ayd her, ere she dyde.
1 So forth he fared, as now befell, on foot, 2 Sith his good steed is lately from him gone;
Sith > Since
3 Patience perforce; helpless, what may it boot
Patience perforce > (Proverbial: patience upon compulsion, i.e. when there is no other course. Cf. 310.3:1) boot > avail
4 To fret for anger, or for grief to moan?
moan > lament, bewail one's lot
5 His palmer now shall foot no more alone:
foot > walk
6 So Fortune wrought, as under green wood's side
wrought > fashioned [it] green > [a] green
7 He lately heard that dying lady groan: 8 He left his steed without, and spear beside,
without > outside (the thicket)
9 And rushed in on foot to aid her, ere she died.
203.4
The whiles a losell wandring by the way,
2 One that to bountie neuer cast his mind,
Ne thought of honour euer did assay
4 His baser brest, but in his kestrell kind
A pleasing vaine of glory +vaine+ did find,
6 To which his flowing toung, and troublous spright
Gaue him great ayd, and made him more inclind:
8 He that braue steed there finding ready dight,
Purloynd both steed and speare, and ran away full light.
5 vaine > he 1590
1 The whiles a losel wandering by the way
The whiles > Meanwhile losel > scoundrel, ne'er-do-well, ragamuffin (one who is lost, esp. fig.)
2 (One that to bounty never cast his mind,
bounty > goodness, virtue; generosity; valour
3 Nor thought of honour ever did assay
assay > assail; make a test of
4 His baser breast, but in his kestrel kind
baser > more base; most base kestrel > {A small falcon, Falco tinnunculus, deemed worthless for sport. The Boke of St Albans defines the hawk appropriate to each social station: the eagle for an emperor, the peregrine for an earl, and so down the scale until the kestrel is assigned to a "knave". Hence "kestrel" here = "knavish". The word is also confused with "coistrel" = "groom", "varlet"; cf. Twelfth Night I iii 37} kind > nature; disposition; social class
5 A pleasing vein of glory vain did find,
glory vain > {Vainglory; "glory" on its own = "boastful spirit". See also Textual Appendix}
6 To which his flowing tongue, and troublous spirit 7 Gave him great aid, and made him more inclined): 8 He, that brave steed there finding ready dight,
brave > splendid dight > decked, prepared; hence: caparisoned
9 Purloined both steed and spear, and ran away full light.
full light > very quickly, very easily
203.5
Now gan his hart all swell in iollitie,
2 And of him selfe great hope and helpe conceiu'd,
That puffed vp with smoke of vanitie,
4 And with selfe-loued personage deceiu'd,
He gan to hope, of men to be receiu'd
6 For such, as he him thought, or faine would bee:
But for in court gay portaunce he perceiu'd,
8 And gallant shew to be in greatest gree,
Eftsoones to court he cast t'+auaunce+ his first degree.
9 auaunce > aduaunce 1590
1 Now gan his heart all swell in jollity,
gan > did; began ( … to) jollity > pleasure, revelry; magnificence
2 And of himself great hope and help conceived,
help > relief [of his former poverty]; remedy [for his lowliness]
3 That, puffed up with smoke of vanity,
That > [So that]
4 And with self-loved personage deceived,
personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from clothing; hence: image}
5 He began to hope of men to be received
of > by
6 For such as he himself thought, or fain would be:
For > As fain > gladly
7 But for in court gay portance he perceived,
for > because portance > carriage, demeanour, bearing; conduct
8 And gallant show, to be in greatest gree,
gree > favour; pre-eminence, superiority
9 Eftsoons to court he cast to advance his first degree.
Eftsoons > Thereupon cast > resolved degree > step; rung [stage in ascending the social ladder]
203.6
And by the way he chaunced to espy
2 One sitting idle on a sunny bancke,
To whom auaunting in great brauery,
4 As Peacocke, that his painted plumes doth prancke,
He smote his courser in the trembling flancke,
6 And to him threatned his hart-thrilling speare:
The seely man seeing him ryde so rancke,
8 And ayme at him, fell flat to ground for feare,
And crying Mercy lowd, his pitious hands gan reare.
1 And by the way he chanced to espy 2 One sitting idle on a sunny bank, 3 To whom avaunting in great bravery,
avaunting > advancing; boasting; hence: proudly advancing bravery > bravado; boastful display
4 As peacock, that his painted plumes does prank,
prank > {Make a display of}
5 He smote his courser in the trembling flank, 6 And to him threatened his heart-thrilling spear:
thrilling > piercing
7 The seely man, seeing him ride so rank,
seely > helpless; insignificant; pitiable rank > proudly; swiftly; impetuously
8 And aim at him, fell flat to ground for fear, 9 And crying "Mercy!" loud, his piteous hands gan rear.
gan > did
203.7
Thereat the Scarcrow wexed wondrous prowd,
2 Through fortune of his first aduenture faire,
And with big thundring voyce reuyld him lowd;
4 Vile Caytiue, vassall of dread and despaire,
Vnworthie of the +commune+ breathed aire,
6 Why liuest thou, dead dog, a lenger day,
And doest not vnto death thy selfe prepaire.
8 Dye, or thy selfe my captiue yield for ay;
Great fauour I thee graunt, for aunswere thus to stay.
5 commune > common 1609
1 Thereat the scarecrow waxed wondrous proud
waxed > grew
2 Through fortune of his first adventure fair, 3 And with big thundering voice reviled him loud: 4 "Vile caitiff, vassal of dread and despair,
caitiff > wretch vassal > slave
5 Unworthy of the common breathed air, 6 Why live you, dead dog, a longer day, 7 And do not to death yourself prepare? 8 Die, or yourself my captive yield for ay;
ay > ever
9 Great favour I you grant, for answer thus to stay."
stay > delay, hold back
203.8
Hold, {o^} deare Lord, hold your dead-doing hand,
2 Then loud he cryde, I am your humble thrall.
Ah wretch (quoth he) thy destinies withstand
4 My wrathfull will, and do for mercy call.
I giue thee life: therefore prostrated fall,
6 And kisse my stirrup; that thy homage bee.
The Miser threw him selfe, as an Offall,
8 Streight at his foot in base humilitee,
And cleeped him his liege, to hold of him in fee.
1 "Hold, O dear lord, hold your dead-doing hand,"
dead-doing > murderous, death-dealing
2 Then loud he cried, "I am your humble thrall!"
thrall > captive; slave
3 "Ah wretch," quoth he, "your destinies withstand 4 My wrathful will, and do for mercy call. 5 I give you life: therefore prostrated fall, 6 And kiss my stirrup; that your homage be."
that > [let that]
7 The miser threw himself, as an offal,
miser > wretch an offal > offal, dross, refuse; carrion, putrid flesh (also used opprobriously of the bodies or limbs of those killed in battle)
8 Straight at his foot in base humility, 9 And cleped him his liege, to hold of him in fee.
cleped > called liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service} of him > [his loyalty] fee > service
203.9
So happy peace they made and faire accord:
2 Eftsoones this liege-man gan to wexe more bold,
And when he felt the folly of his Lord,
4 In his owne kind he gan him selfe vnfold:
For he was wylie witted, and growne old
6 In cunning sleights and practick knauery.
+From+ that day forth he cast for to vphold
8 His idle humour with fine flattery,
And blow the bellowes to his swelling vanity.
7 From > For 1596
1 So happy peace they made and fair accord: 2 Eftsoons this liege man began to wax more bold,
Eftsoons > Soon liege man > {Vassal; faithful follower or subject} wax > grow
3 And, when he felt the folly of his lord, 4 In his own kind he gan himself unfold:
kind > nature (or perhaps this is a misprint for "mind") gan > did unfold > reveal, disclose; make plain
5 For he was wily witted, and grown old 6 In cunning sleights and practic knavery.
practic > artful, cunning
7 From that day forth he cast to uphold
cast > decided
8 His idle humour with fine flattery,
His > [Braggadocchio's] idle > empty; vain, trifling humour > frame of mind
9 And blow the bellows to his swelling vanity.
203.10
Trompart fit man for Braggadochio,
2 To serue at court in view of vaunting eye;
Vaine-glorious man, when fluttring wind does blow
4 In his light wings, is lifted vp to skye:
The scorne of knighthood and trew cheualrye,
6 To thinke without desert of gentle deed,
And noble worth to be aduaunced hye:
8 Such prayse is shame; but honour vertues meed
Doth beare the fairest flowre in honorable seed.
1 Trompart, fit man for Braggadocchio,
Trompart > "Deceiver", "Fraud" (French); "Trumpet" (via French)
2 To serve at court in view of vaunting eye;
vaunting > boasting
3 Vainglorious man, when fluttering wind does blow 4 In his light wings, is lifted up to sky: 5 The scorn of knighthood and true chivalry, 6 To think without desert of gentle deed,
desert > merit gentle > noble
7 And noble worth to be advanced high: 8 Such praise is shame; but honour, virtue's meed,
meed > reward
9 Does bear the fairest flower in honourable seed.
honourable seed > [the nobility; honourable = noble, illustrious; seed = children, offspring]
203.11
So forth they pas, a well consorted paire,
2 Till that at length with Archimage they meet:
Who seeing one that shone in armour faire,
4 On goodly courser thundring with his feet,
Eftsoones supposed him a person meet,
6 Of his reuenge to make the instrument:
For since the Redcrosse knight he earst did weet,
8 To beene with Guyon knit in one consent,
The ill, which earst to him, he now to Guyon ment.
1 So forth they pas, a well consorted pair,
pas > pace; pass consorted > associated; accorded
2 Till at length with Archimago they meet: 3 Who, seeing one that shone in armour fair, 4 On goodly courser thundering with his feet, 5 Eftsoons supposed him a person meet
Eftsoons > Thereupon meet > fit, suitable
6 Of his revenge to make the instrument: 7 For, since the Redcross Knight he erst did weet
erst > lately weet > understand, learn
8 To been with Guyon knit in one consent,
been > [have been; be] consent > accord
9 The ill which erst to him, he now to Guyon meant.
ill > evil erst > earlier; recently him > [the Redcross Knight] meant > intended; or, perhaps ment (ppl. of "meng") joined, attached
203.12
And comming close to Trompart gan inquere
2 Of him, what mighty warriour that mote bee,
That rode in golden sell with single spere,
4 But wanted sword to wreake his enmitee.
He is a great aduenturer, (said he)
6 That hath his sword through hard assay forgone,
And now hath vowd, till he auenged bee,
8 Of that despight, neuer to wearen none;
That speare is him enough to doen a thousand grone.
1 And, coming close to Trompart, gan inquire
gan > did
2 Of him what mighty warrior that might be, 3 That rode in golden sell with single spear,
sell > saddle single > {Solitary; unsupported by a sword}
4 But wanted sword to wreak his enmity.
wanted > lacked [a]
5 "He is a great adventurer," said he, 6 "That has his sword through hard assay forgone,
assay > trial; endeavour; assault forgone > forgone; forsaken (cf. Braggadocchio's own account at 203.17)
7 And now has vowed, till he avenged be 8 Of that despite, never to wear none;
despite > outrage none > (The double negative serves as an intensive)
9 That spear is him enough to do a thousand groan."
him enough > [enough for him] do > cause, produce groan > [groans]
203.13
Th'enchaunter greatly ioyed in the vaunt,
2 And weened well ere long his will to win,
And both his foen with equall foyle to daunt.
4 Tho to him louting lowly, did begin
To plaine of wrongs, which had committed bin
6 By Guyon, and by that false Redcrosse knight,
Which two through treason and deceiptfull gin,
8 Had slaine Sir Mordant, and his Lady bright:
That mote him honour win, to wreake so foule despight.
1 The enchanter greatly joyed in the vaunt,
joyed > took pleasure; rejoiced vaunt > boast
2 And weened well ere long his will to win,
weened > imagined, supposed win > achieve
3 And both his foes with equal foil to daunt.
equal > {Equal, adequate to the task of defeating them; or: similar, identical} foil > defeat, throw; or: sword, weapon daunt > overcome, subdue
4 Tho to him louting lowly, did begin
Tho > Then louting > bowing, making obeisance
5 To plain of wrongs which had committed been
plain > complain
6 By Guyon and by that false Redcross Knight, 7 Which two, through treason and deceitful gin,
gin > craftiness; [a] scheme, trick
8 Had slain Sir Mordant and his lady bright:
bright > beautiful
9 That might him honour win, to wreak so foul despite.
him > [Braggadocchio] wreak > avenge so > [such a] despite > outrage
203.14
Therewith all suddeinly he seemd enraged,
2 And threatned death with dreadfull countenaunce,
As if their liues had in his hand beene gaged;
4 And with stiffe force shaking his mortall launce,
To let him weet his doughtie valiaunce,
6 Thus said; Old man, great sure shalbe thy meed,
If where those knights for feare of dew vengeaunce
8 Do lurke, thou certainly to me areed,
That I may wreake on them their hainous hatefull deed.
1 Therewith all suddenly he seemed enraged,
Therewith > With that; thereupon he > [Braggadocchio]
2 And threatened death with dreadful countenance, 3 As if their lives had in his hand been gaged;
gaged > pledged; left in pledge
4 And with stiff force shaking his mortal lance
stiff > violent mortal > deadly
5 (To let him weet his doughty valiance),
weet > know, perceive valiance > valour, bravery
6 Thus said: "Old man, great sure shall be your meed,
meed > reward
7 If where those knights (for fear of due vengeance) 8 Do lurk, you certainly to me aread,
certainly > reliably, with certainty aread > make known
9 That I may wreak on them their heinous hateful deed."
That > [So that] wreak > visit [visit on them the equivalent of their misdeed]
203.15
Certes, my Lord, (said he) that shall I soone,
2 And giue you eke good helpe to their decay,
But mote I wisely you aduise to doon;
4 Giue no ods to your foes, but do puruay
Your selfe of sword before that bloudy day:
6 For they be two the prowest knights on ground,
And oft approu'd in many hard assay,
8 And eke of surest steele, that may be found,
Do arme your selfe against that day, them to confound.
1 "Certes, my lord," said he, "that shall I soon,
Certes > Assuredly that > [aread where those knights do lurk]
2 And give you eke good help to their decay,
eke > moreover to > [in bringing about] decay > destruction, death
3 But might I wisely you advise to do:
do > [do the following]
4 Give no odds to your foes, but do purvey
purvey > provide
5 Yourself of sword before that bloody day:
of > [with a]
6 For they be two the prowest knights on ground,
be > [are] the prowest > [of] the bravest on ground > in the world
7 And oft approved in many hard assay,
approved > proved, tested assay > assaults; trials
8 And eke of surest steel that may be found
eke of > [moreover, with the]
9 Do arm yourself against that day, them to confound."
203.16
Dotard (said he) let be thy deepe aduise;
2 Seemes that through many yeares thy wits thee faile,
And that weake eld hath left thee nothing wise,
4 Else neuer should thy iudgement be so fraile,
To measure manhood by the sword or maile.
6 Is not enough foure quarters of a man,
Withouten sword or shield, an host to quaile?
8 Thou little wotest, what this right hand can:
Speake they, which haue beheld the battailes, which it wan.
1 "Dotard," said he, "let be your deep advice;
deep > solemn; profound
2 Seems that through many years your wits you fail,
Seems > [It seems] through > [as a result of your]
3 And that weak eld has left you nothing wise,
eld > old age nothing > not at all
4 Else never should your judgement be so frail 5 To measure manhood by the sword or mail.
To > [As to] mail > chain-mail; chain-armour
6 Is not enough four quarters of a man, 7 Without sword or shield, a host to quail?
host > army quail > daunt
8 You little wot what this right hand can:
wot > know can > [can do; is capable of]
9 Speak they, who have beheld the battles which it won!"
203.17
The man was much abashed at his boast;
2 Yet well he wist, that who so would contend
With either of those knights on euen coast,
4 Should need of all his armes, him to defend;
Yet feared least his boldnesse should offend,
6 When Braggadocchio said, Once I did sweare,
When with one sword seuen knights I brought to end,
8 Thence forth in battell neuer sword to beare,
But it were that, which noblest knight on earth doth weare.
1 The man was much abashed at his boast; 2 Yet well he wist that whoso would contend
wist > knew whoso > whosoever
3 With either of those knights on even coast
even coast > even ground; or: equal cost, equal terms (cf. 403.24:8)
4 Should need of all his arms, himself to defend;
need > [have need]
5 Yet feared lest his boldness should offend, 6 When Braggadocchio said, "Once I did swear,
Once > Once; once and for all; to sum up, in a word
7 When with one sword seven knights I brought to end, 8 Thenceforth in battle never sword to bear, 9 But it were that which noblest knight on earth does wear."
But it > [Unless the sword]
203.18
Perdie Sir knight, said then th'enchaunter bliue,
2 That shall I shortly purchase to your hond:
For now the best and noblest knight aliue
4 Prince Arthur is, that wonnes in Faerie lond;
He hath a sword, that flames like burning brond.
6 The same by my +deuice+ I vndertake
Shall by to morrow by thy side be fond.
8 At which bold word that boaster gan to quake,
And wondred in his mind, what mote that monster make.
6 deuice > aduise 1596, 1609
1 "Pardie, sir knight," said then the enchanter belive,
Pardie > Truly; "by God" belive > without delay
2 "That shall I shortly purchase to your hand:
purchase > procure; hence: deliver
3 For now the best and noblest knight alive 4 Prince Arthur is, that wons in Faery Land;
wons > dwells
5 He has a sword that flames like burning brand. 6 The same, by my device, I undertake
device > ingenuity
7 Shall by tomorrow by your side be found." 8 At which bold word that boaster began to quake, 9 And wondered in his mind what might that monster make.
what might that monster make > [how that marvel might be achieved; monster = marvel]
203.19
He stayd not for more bidding, but away
2 Was suddein vanished out of his sight:
The Northerne wind his wings did broad display
4 At his commaund, and reared him vp light
From off the earth to take his aerie flight.
6 They lookt about, but no where could espie
Tract of his foot: then dead through great affright
8 They both nigh were, and each bad other flie:
Both fled attonce, ne euer backe returned eie.
1 He stayed not for more bidding, but away
He > [Archimago] bidding > entreaty
2 Was sudden vanished out of his sight: 3 The northern wind his wings did broad display
display > extend, spread out; display
4 At his command, and reared him up light
light > lightly; quickly, easily
5 From off the earth, to take his airy flight. 6 They looked about, but nowhere could espy 7 Tract of his foot: then dead through great affright
Tract > Trace affright > terror
8 They both nigh were, and each bade other fly:
other fly > [the other to flee]
9 Both fled at once, nor ever back returned eye.
at once > immediately; together
203.20
Till that they come vnto a forrest greene,
2 In which they shrowd themselues from causelesse feare;
Yet feare them followes still, where so they beene,
4 Each trembling leafe, and whistling wind they heare,
As ghastly bug +their haire on end does reare+:
6 Yet both doe striue their fearfulnesse to faine.
At last they heard a horne, that shrilled cleare
8 Throughout the wood, that ecchoed againe,
And made the forrest ring, as it would riue in twaine.
5 their haire on end does reare > does vnto them affeare 1590; does greatly them affeare _FE; perhaps the 1590 reading is a mis- print of appeare, with Spenser subsequently forgetting this, or changing his mind, when compiling FE and again when revising the text of 1590 for the 1596 edition (Smith)_
1 Till they come to a forest green, 2 In which they shroud themselves from causeless fear;
shroud > shelter; conceal
3 Yet fear them follows still, whereso they be,
still > continually whereso > wherever
4 Each trembling leaf and whistling wind they hear 5 As ghastly bug their hair on end does rear:
As > [Like a] ghastly > {Ghostly; causing terror of the supernatural} bug > {Bugbear, bogy, object of needless dread}
6 Yet both do strive their fearfulness to feign.
feign > conceal (SUS; cf. 112.10:1)
7 At last they heard a horn, that shrilled clear 8 Throughout the wood, that echoed again, 9 And made the forest ring, as it would rive in twain.
it would rive > [if it would split it] twain > two
203.21
Eft through the thicke they heard one rudely rush;
2 With noyse whereof he from his loftie steed
Downe fell to ground, and crept into a bush,
4 To hide his coward head from dying dreed.
But Trompart stoutly stayd to taken +heed,+
6 Of what might hap. Eftsoone there stepped forth
A goodly Ladie clad in hunters weed,
8 That seemd to be a woman of great worth,
And by her stately portance, borne of heauenly birth.
5 heed, > heed 1609
1 Eft through the thick they heard one rudely rush;
Eft > Thereupon (aphetic for "eftsoons") thick > thicket, copse rudely > violently
2 With noise whereof he from his lofty steed
he > [Braggadocchio]
3 Down fell to ground, and crept into a bush, 4 To hide his coward head from dying dread.
dying dread > fear of dying
5 But Trompart stoutly stayed to take heed
stoutly > bravely
6 Of what might hap. Eftsoons there stepped forth
hap > happen, come about by chance Eftsoons > Soon, soon afterwards
7 A goodly lady clad in hunter's weed,
goodly > beautiful; fine weed > garb
8 That seemed to be a woman of great worth,
worth > merit, rank
9 And, by her stately portance, born of heavenly birth.
portance > carriage, demeanour
203.22
Her face so faire as flesh it seemed not,
2 But heauenly pourtraict of bright Angels hew,
Cleare as the skie, withouten blame or blot,
4 Through goodly mixture of complexions dew;
And in her cheekes the vermeill red did shew
6 Like roses in a bed of lillies shed,
The which ambrosiall odours from them threw,
8 And gazers sense with double pleasure fed,
Hable to heale the sicke, and to reuiue the ded.
1 Her face so fair as flesh it seemed not,
so fair as > [was so fair that like]
2 But heavenly portrait of bright angel's hue,
portrait > image hue > appearance, form
3 Clear as the sky, without blame or blot,
Clear > Brightly shining blame > fault
4 Through goodly mixture of complexions due;
complexions due > (Due or proper combination of the four cardinal "humours" of the body whose proportions, in medieval physiology, were supposed to determine one's mental and physical qualities. Cf. 306.38:5, 310.59:3)
5 And in her cheeks the vermeil red did show
vermeil > scarlet
6 Like roses in a bed of lilies shed, 7 Which ambrosial odours from them threw,
ambrosial > divinely fragrant
8 And gazer's sense with double pleasure fed, 9 Able to heal the sick, and to revive the dead.
203.23
In her faire eyes two liuing lamps did flame,
2 Kindled aboue at th'heauenly makers light,
And darted fyrie beames out of the same,
4 So passing +persant+, and so wondrous bright,
That quite bereau'd the rash beholders sight:
6 In them the blinded god his lustfull fire
To kindle oft assayd, but had no might;
8 For with +dredd+ Maiestie, and awfull ire,
She broke his wanton darts, and quenched base desire.
4 persant > pearceant 1609 8 dredd > drad 1609
1 In her fair eyes two living lamps did flame, 2 Kindled above at the heavenly Maker's light, 3 And darted fiery beams out of the same, 4 So passing perceant, and so wondrous bright,
passing > surpassingly perceant > piercing, percipient
5 That quite bereaved the rash beholder's sight:
That > [That they]
6 In them the blinded god his lustful fire
the blinded god > [Cupid, who shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit. He is often depicted wearing a blindfold]
7 To kindle oft essayed, but had no might;
essayed > attempted
8 For with dread majesty, and awful ire, 9 She broke his wanton darts, and quenched base desire.
203.24
Her iuorie forhead, full of bountie braue,
2 Like a broad table did it selfe dispred,
For Loue his loftie triumphes to engraue,
4 And write the battels of his great godhed:
All good and honour might therein be red:
6 For there their dwelling was. And when she spake,
Sweet words, like dropping honny she did shed,
8 And twixt the perles and rubins softly brake
A siluer sound, that heauenly musicke seemd to make.
1 Her ivory forehead, full of bounty brave,
bounty > goodness, virtue brave > splendid, fine
2 Like a broad table did itself dispread,
table > {Surface on which picture is painted; cf. 109.49:6} dispread > spread out, extend
3 For Love his lofty triumphs to engrave, 4 And write the battles of his great godhead: 5 All good and honour might therein be read:
read > seen, discerned
6 For there their dwelling was. And when she spoke, 7 Sweet words, like dropping honey, she did shed, 8 And 'twixt the pearls and rubies softly broke
pearls and rubies > [teeth and lips]
9 A silver sound, that heavenly music seemed to make.
203.25
Vpon her eyelids many Graces sate,
2 Vnder the shadow of her euen browes,
Working belgards, and amorous retrate,
4 And euery one her with a grace endowes:
And euery one with meekenesse to her bowes.
6 So glorious mirrhour of celestiall grace,
And soueraine moniment of mortall vowes,
8 How shall fraile pen descriue her heauenly face,
For feare through want of skill her beautie to disgrace?
1 Upon her eyelids many Graces sat,
Graces > (Aglaia, Thalia, and Euphrosyne, the handmaids of Venus; hence, here: charms, refinements. Cf. SC, gloss to "June")
2 Under the shadow of her even brows, 3 Working belgards, and amorous retrait,
belgards > loving looks (WUS) retrait > portrait; hence: countenance
4 And every one her with a grace endows: 5 And every one with meekness to her bows. 6 So glorious mirror of celestial grace,
So > [Such a] mirror > reflection [of perfection]; hence: paragon of beauty (cf. 106.15:6)
7 And sovereign monument of mortal vows,
sovereign > (A direct reference to Elizabeth)
8 How shall frail pen describe her heavenly face, 9 For fear, through want of skill, her beauty to disgrace?
disgrace > disfigure; disparage
203.26
So faire, and thousand thousand times more faire
2 She seemd, when she presented was to sight,
And was yclad, for heat of scorching aire,
4 All in a silken Camus lylly whight,
Purfled vpon with many a folded plight,
6 Which all aboue besprinckled was throughout,
With golden aygulets, that glistred bright,
8 Like twinckling starres, and all the skirt about
+Was hemd with golden fringe+
9 Sic, 1590 etc.
1 So fair, and thousand thousand times more fair 2 She seemed, when she presented was to sight, 3 And was clad, for heat of scorching air, 4 All in a silken camis lily white,
camis > {properly, a light loose dress; here, possibly, = "chemise", meaning "body garment", via Spanish or Portuguese camisa}
5 Purfled upon with many a folded pleat,
Purfled upon > {Embroidered; trimmed with metallic lace, pearls, etc.}
6 Which all above besprinkled was throughout
besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is intensive}
7 With golden aglets that glistered bright,
aglets > spangles; tags, pendants
8 Like twinkling stars, and all the skirt about 9 Was hemmed with golden fringe
203.27
Below her ham her weed did somewhat traine,
2 And her streight legs most brauely were embayld
In gilden buskins of costly Cordwaine,
4 All bard with golden bendes, which were entayld
With curious antickes, and full faire aumayld:
6 Before they fastned were vnder her knee
In a rich Iewell, and therein entrayld
8 The ends of all +their+ knots, that none might see,
How they within their fouldings close enwrapped bee.
8 their > the 1590; end 1609
1 Below her ham her weed did somewhat train,
ham > {Back of the knee} weed > garment train > hang down
2 And her straight legs most bravely were embaled
bravely > splendidly embaled > enclosed
3 In gilded buskins of costly cordwain,
buskins > boots, half-boots (not extending to thigh) cordwain > cordovan (leather from the Spanish town of Corduba, much used for shoes, etc. by the wealthy in the Middle Ages)
4 All barred with golden bends, which were entailed
bends > {Flat strips, straps, bands} entailed > carved; ornamented; intaglioed
5 With curious antics, and full fair amelled:
antics > {Fantastic or grotesque representations of birds, animals, plants} full fair amelled > very becomingly enamelled
6 Before they fastened were under her knee
Before > In front
7 In a rich jewel, and therein entrailed
In > [With] entrailed > were intertwined
8 The ends of all their knots, that none might see
that > [so that]
9 How they within their foldings close enwrapped be.
foldings > folds close > (Referring adj. to "foldings", or adv. to "enwrapped")
203.28
Like two faire marble pillours they were seene,
2 Which doe the temple of the Gods support,
Whom all the people decke with girlands greene,
4 And honour in their festiuall resort;
Those same with stately grace, and princely port
6 She taught to tread, when she her selfe would grace,
But with the wooddie Nymphes when she did +play+,
8 Or when the flying Libbard she did chace,
She could them nimbly moue, and after fly apace.
7 play > sport conj. Smith
1 Like two fair marble pillars they were seen, 2 Which do the temple of the gods support, 3 Whom all the people deck with garlands green, 4 And honour in their festival resort;
festival > {Glad, merry; pertaining to a feast or feast-day} resort > assembly, concourse of people
5 Those same with stately grace and princely port
port > deportment, bearing
6 She taught to tread, when she herself would grace;
grace > {Endow with (heavenly) grace; gratify, delight; confer honour or dignity upon}
7 But with the woody nymphs when she did play,
woody > forest-dwelling nymphs > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, mountains. The "wooddie" nymphs referred to here are evidently the dryads and hamadryads, the nymphs associated with trees and woodland)
8 Or when the flying libbard she did chase,
libbard > leopard
9 She could them nimbly move, and after fly apace.
apace > swiftly
203.29
And in her hand a sharpe bore-speare she held,
2 And at her backe a bow and quiuer gay,
Stuft with steele-headed darts, wherewith she queld
4 The saluage beastes in her victorious play,
Knit with a golden bauldricke, which forelay
6 Athwart her snowy brest, and did diuide
Her daintie paps; which like young fruit in May
8 Now little gan to swell, and being tide,
Through her thin weed their places only signifide.
1 And in her hand a sharp boar-spear she held, 2 And at her back a bow and quiver gay 3 (Stuffed with steel-headed darts, wherewith she quelled
darts > arrows wherewith > with which quelled > killed
4 The savage beasts in her victorious play),
savage > wild; savage
5 Knit with a golden baldric, which forelay
Knit > Fastened, held baldric > {Belt worn pendent from the shoulder, here supporting the quiver} forelay > lay before
6 Athwart her snowy breast, and did divide 7 Her dainty paps; which, like young fruit in May,
paps > breasts
8 Now little began to swell and, being tied,
little > [a] little
9 Through her thin weed their places only signified.
weed > garment
203.30
Her yellow lockes crisped, like golden wyre,
2 About her shoulders were loosely shed,
And when the winde emongst them did inspyre,
4 They waued like a penon wide +dispred+,
And low behinde her backe were scattered:
6 And whether art it were, or heedlesse hap,
As through the flouring forrest rash she fled,
8 In her rude haires sweet flowres themselues did lap,
And flourishing fresh leaues and blossomes did enwrap.
4 dispred > disspred 1609
1 Her yellow locks crisped, like golden wire,
crisped > (Ppl. adj.) closely curled
2 About her shoulders were loosely shed, 3 And, when the wind amongst them did inspire,
inspire > quicken, breathe
4 They waved like a pennon wide dispread,
dispread > spread out
5 And low behind her back were scattered: 6 And whether art it were, or heedless hap,
hap > chance
7 As through the flowering forest rash she fled,
rash > nimbly, quickly; impetuously, rashly fled > flew (this somewhat catachr. spelling chosen for the sake of the rhyme)
8 In her rude hair sweet flowers themselves did lap,
rude > wild, uncultivated; hence: untrammelled, disordered lap > wrap up, enfold; surround
9 And flourishing fresh leaves and blossoms did enwrap.
enwrap > [enwrap themselves]
203.31
Such as Diana by the sandie shore
2 Of swift Eurotas, or on Cynthus greene,
Where all the Nymphes haue her vnwares forlore,
4 Wandreth alone with bow and arrowes keene,
To seeke her game: Or as that famous Queene
6 Of Amazons, whom Pyrrhus did destroy,
The day that first of Priame she was seene,
8 Did shew her selfe in great triumphant ioy,
To succour the weake state of sad afflicted Troy.
1 Such as Diana by the sandy shore 2 Of swift Eurotas, or on Cynthus green,
Eurotas > (Principal river of Sparta)
Cynthus > (A mountain on the island of Delos, the birthplace of
Apollo and Diana: these deities are thus also called Cynthius and
Cynthia respectively)
3 Where all the nymphs have her unwares forlorn,
unwares > unwittingly; unexpectedly forlorn > forsaken
4 Wanders alone with bow and arrows keen, 5 To seek her game: or as that famous queen
queen > (Penthesilea, an ally of Priam against the Greeks in the Trojan War; killed by Achilles or his son Pyrrhus)
6 Of Amazons, whom Pyrrhus did destroy,
Amazons > (A mythical race of warlike females, said to have come from the Caucasus and to have settled in Asia Minor, where they founded the city of Themiscyra. The Amazons were ruled by a queen, and the female children had their right breasts burned off so that they might better use a bow and arrow. The ninth labour of Hercules was to take the girdle of Hippolyte, an earlier queen of the Amazons)
7 The day that first of Priam she was seen,
of > by Priam > (The last king of Troy)
8 Did show herself in great triumphant joy, 9 To succour the weak state of sad afflicted Troy.
203.32
Such when as hartlesse Trompart her did vew,
2 He was dismayed in his coward mind,
And doubted, whether he himselfe should shew,
4 Or fly away, or bide alone behind:
Both feare and hope he in her face did find,
6 When she at last him spying thus bespake;
Hayle Groome; didst not thou see a bleeding Hind,
8 Whose right haunch earst my stedfast arrow strake?
If thou didst, tell me, that I may her ouertake.
1 Such when heartless Trompart her did view,
heartless > pusillanimous
2 He was dismayed in his coward mind, 3 And doubted whether he himself should show, 4 Or fly away, or bide alone behind:
fly > fly; flee bide > remain
5 Both fear and hope he in her face did find, 6 When she at last, him spying, thus bespoke:
bespoke > spoke
7 "Hail, groom; did not you see a bleeding hind,
Hail, groom > You there! (groom = man, fellow, man-servant) hind > {Adult female deer, esp. Red Deer}
8 Whose right haunch erst my steadfast arrow strake?
erst > lately strake > streaked, marked with a line; hence: wounded; perhaps also: struck
9 If you did, tell me, that I may her overtake."
that > [so that]
203.33
Wherewith reviu'd, this answere forth he threw;
2 O Goddesse, (for such I thee take to bee)
For neither doth thy face terrestriall shew,
4 Nor voyce sound mortall; I auow to thee,
Such wounded beast, as that, I did not see,
6 Sith earst into this forrest wild I came.
But mote thy goodlyhed forgiue it mee,
8 To weet, which of the Gods I shall thee name,
That vnto thee due worship I may rightly frame.
1 Wherewith revived, this answer forth he threw:
Wherewith > With which
2 "O Goddess (for such I you take to be: 3 For neither does your face terrestrial show,
show > seem, appear
4 Nor voice sound mortal), I avow to you, 5 Such wounded beast, as that, I did not see, 6 Sith erst into this forest wild I came.
Sith erst > Since first
7 But might Your Goodlihead forgive it me
Your Goodlihead > Your Goodliness; Your Excellency
8 To weet which of the gods I shall you name,
weet > learn
9 That to you due worship I may rightly frame?"
That > [So that] frame > fashion, give shape to; hence: offer, address
203.34
To whom she thus; but ere her words ensewed,
2 Vnto the bush her eye did suddein glaunce,
In which vaine Braggadocchio was mewed,
4 And saw it stirre: she left her percing launce,
And towards gan a deadly shaft aduaunce,
6 In mind to marke the beast. At which sad stowre,
Trompart forth stept, to stay the mortall chaunce,
8 Out crying, {o^} what euer heauenly powre,
Or earthly wight thou be, withhold this deadly howre.
1 To whom she thus … but ere her words ensued, 2 To the bush her eye did sudden glance, 3 In which vain Braggadocchio was mewed,
vain > weak; foolish mewed > cooped up (of poultry)
4 And saw it stir: she left her piercing lance, 5 And towards gan a deadly shaft advance,
towards > [in the direction of the bush] gan > did; began ( … to) shaft > arrow (most editors gloss "left" in line 4 as "lifted", but 203.35:2 (cf. usage at 106.16:9) and 203.43:4 cast doubt on that meaning. We may be intended to infer that in line 4 she lets go of the spear in order to shoot an arrow. At 203.42:7 she apparently recovers the spear)
6 In mind to mark the beast. At which sad stour
mark > aim at; strike stour > peril
7 Trompart forth stepped, to stay the mortal chance,
stay > hinder; prevent mortal chance > fatal accident
8 Out crying, "O, whatever heavenly power 9 Or earthly wight you be, withhold this deadly hour!
wight > creature, woman hour > time, moment
203.35
O stay thy +hand,+ for yonder is no game
2 For thy fierce arrowes, them to exercize,
But loe my Lord, my liege, whose warlike name,
4 Is farre renowmd through many bold emprize;
And now in shade he shrowded yonder lies.
6 She staid: with that he crauld out of his nest,
Forth creeping on his caitiue hands and thies,
8 And standing stoutly vp, his loftie crest
Did fiercely shake, and rowze, as comming late from rest.
1 hand, > hand 1596; hand: 1609
1 "O stay your hand, for yonder is no game 2 For your fierce arrows, them to exercise,
exercise > employ, put to use
3 But lo my lord, my liege, whose warlike name
liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service} name > name; reputation
4 Is far renowned through many bold emprise;
bold > [a bold] emprise > undertaking, enterprise
5 And now in shade he shrouded yonder lies."
shrouded > hidden
6 She stayed: with that he crawled out of his nest,
stayed > desisted, held back
7 Forth creeping on his caitiff hands and thighs,
caitiff > wretched, despicable; servile
8 And, standing stoutly up, his lofty crest
stoutly > boldly, bravely crest > [plumes on his hat]
9 Did fiercely shake, and rouse, as coming late from rest.
rouse > shake (used of a hawk shaking its feathers); rise (of gamebirds flushed from cover); rouse (in the modern sense) as > [as if]
203.36
As fearefull fowle, that long in secret caue
2 For dread of soaring hauke her selfe hath hid,
Not caring how, her silly life to saue,
4 She her gay painted plumes disorderid,
Seeing at last her selfe from daunger rid,
6 Peepes +foorth+, and soone renewes her natiue pride;
She gins her feathers foule disfigured
8 Proudly to prune, and set on euery side,
So shakes off shame, ne thinks how erst she did her hide.
6 foorth > forth 1590
1 As fearful fowl (that long in secret cave 2 For dread of soaring hawk herself has hidden, 3 Not caring how, her silly life to save,
silly > silly; feeble, frail, insignificant
4 She her gay painted plumes disordered), 5 Seeing at last herself from danger rid,
rid > spared; delivered
6 Peeps forth, and soon renews her native pride;
native > natural, innate pride > magnificence, splendour ("in his pride" is a heraldic term applied to the peacock in splendour)
7 She begins her feathers foul disfigured 8 Proudly to prune, and set on every side,
prune > preen
9 So shakes off shame, nor thinks how erst she did her hide.
erst > previously her > [herself]
203.37
So when her goodly visage he beheld,
2 He gan himselfe to vaunt: but when he vewed
Those deadly tooles, which in her hand she held,
4 Soone into other fits he was transmewed,
Till she to him her gratious speach renewed;
6 All haile, Sir knight, and well may thee befall,
As all the like, which honour haue pursewed
8 Through deedes of armes and prowesse martiall;
All vertue merits praise, but such the most of all.
1 So when her goodly visage he beheld,
goodly > beautiful
2 He began himself to vaunt: but when he viewed
vaunt > display; or perhaps aphetic for: avaunt: advance proudly (cf. 203.6:3)
3 Those deadly tools, which in her hand she held,
tools > weapons
4 Soon into other fits he was transmewed,
fits > moods, humours; hence: a frame of mind transmewed > transmuted
5 Till she to him her gracious speech renewed: 6 "All hail, sir knight, and well may you befall,
well > well-being; hence: good fortune
7 As all the like, who honour have pursued 8 Through deeds of arms and prowess martial;
prowess > valour
9 All virtue merits praise, but such the most of all."
203.38
To whom he thus; {o^} fairest vnder skie,
2 True be thy words, and worthy of thy praise,
That warlike feats doest highest glorifie.
4 Therein +haue I+ spent all my youthly daies,
And many battailes fought, and many fraies
6 Throughout the world, wher so they might be found,
Endeuouring my dreadded name to raise
8 Aboue the Moone, that fame may it resound
In her eternall trompe, with laurell girland cround.
4 haue I > I haue 1590
1 To whom he thus: "O fairest under sky, 2 True be your words, and worthy of your praise, 3 That warlike feats do highest glorify.
That > [You who]
4 Therein have I spent all my youthly days, 5 And many battles fought, and many frays 6 Throughout the world, whereso they might be found,
whereso > wherever
7 Endeavouring my dreaded name to raise 8 Above the moon, that fame may it resound
Above the moon > In heaven, in eternity (Belphoebe's foster-mother,
Diana, is the goddess of the moon, making this choice of phrase
splendidly crass)
that > [so that]
9 In her eternal trump, with laurel garland crowned.
trump > {Trumpet-note; hence: proclamation of fame, glory, etc.} laurel > (Used to make a wreath for conquerors)
203.39
But what art thou, {o^} Ladie, which doest raunge
2 In this wilde forrest, where no pleasure is,
And doest not it for ioyous court exchaunge,
4 Emongst thine equall peres, where happie blis
And all delight does raigne, much more then this?
6 There thou maist loue, and dearely loued bee,
And swim in pleasure, which thou here doest mis;
8 There maist thou best be seene, and best maist see:
The wood is fit for beasts, the court is fit for thee.
1 "But what are you, O lady, who do range 2 In this wild forest, where no pleasure is, 3 And do not it for joyous court exchange, 4 Amongst your equal peers, where happy bliss
peers > nobles; peers (those equally matched with her)
5 And all delight do reign, much more than this? 6 There you may love, and dearly loved be, 7 And swim in pleasure, which you here do miss;
do miss > lack, want; do without
8 There may you best be seen, and best may see: 9 The wood is fit for beasts, the court is fit for you."
203.40
Who so in pompe of proud estate (quoth she)
2 Does swim, and bathes himselfe in courtly blis,
Does waste his dayes in darke obscuritee,
4 And in obliuion euer buried is:
Where ease abounds, yt's eath to doe amis;
6 But who his limbs with labours, and his mind
Behaues with cares, cannot so easie mis.
8 Abroad in armes, at home in studious kind
Who seekes with painfull toile, shall honor soonest find.
1 "Whoso in pomp of proud estate," quoth she,
Whoso > Whosoever estate > rank, status; condition
2 "Does swim, and bathes himself in courtly bliss, 3 Does waste his days in dark obscurity, 4 And in oblivion ever buried is: 5 Where ease abounds, it's eath to do amiss;
eath > easy amiss > evil; [an] evil deed (cf. Hamlet IV v 18)
6 But who his limbs with labours, and his mind
who > [he who]
7 Behaves with cares, cannot so easy miss.
Behaves > Conducts, regulates cares > concern; thought, study miss > go wrong
8 Abroad in arms, at home in studious kind,
arms > deeds of arms kind > station in life, place; manner, way
9 Who seeks with painful toil, shall Honour soonest find.
Who > [He who]
203.41
In woods, in waues, in warres she wonts to dwell,
2 And will be found with perill and with paine;
Ne can the man, that moulds in idle cell,
4 Vnto her happie mansion attaine:
Before her gate high God did Sweat ordaine,
6 And wakefull watches euer to abide:
But easie is the way, and passage plaine
8 To pleasures pallace; it may soone be spide,
And day and night her dores to all stand open wide.
1 "In woods, in waves, in wars she wonts to dwell,
she > [Honour] wonts > is accustomed
2 And will be found with peril and with pain; 3 Nor can the man, that moulds in idle cell,
moulds > moulders, decays cell > {Dwelling consisting of a single chamber, occupied by a hermit; small room with single occupant, as in a monastery, prison, etc.}
4 To her happy mansion attain:
mansion > (In the modern sense: a large and stately residence, to contrast with the "cell' in line 3)
5 Before her gate high God did sweat ordain,
sweat > exertion, toil; pains, trouble
6 And wakeful watches ever to abide:
watches > sentinels abide > remain
7 But easy is the way, and passage plain
plain > clear; open; public (cf. 104.2:8)
8 To Pleasure's palace; it may soon be spied,
Pleasure > (The enchantress, Acrasia (so named at 212.1:8 and 212.48:8))
9 And day and night her doors to all stand open wide.
203.42
In Princes court, The rest she would haue said,
2 But that the foolish man, fild with delight
Of her sweet words, that all his sence dismaid,
4 And with her wondrous beautie rauisht quight,
Gan burne in filthy lust, and leaping light,
6 Thought in his bastard armes her to embrace.
With that she swaruing backe, her Iauelin bright
8 Against him bent, and fiercely did menace:
So turned her about, and fled away apace.
1 "In prince's court …" The rest she would have said, 2 But that the foolish man (filled with delight
But > Except
3 Of her sweet words, that all his sense dismayed,
dismayed > overcame
4 And with her wondrous beauty ravished quite), 5 Gan burn in filthy lust, and leaping light,
Gan > Did; began to light > quickly
6 Thought in his bastard arms her to embrace.
bastard > base, lowly
7 With that she, swerving back, her javelin bright
swerving > shrinking; swerving
8 Against him bent, and fiercely did menace:
bent > directed, brought to bear
9 So turned her about, and fled away apace.
her > [herself] apace > swiftly
203.43
Which when the Peasant saw, amazd he stood,
2 And +grieued+ at her flight; yet durst he not
Pursew her steps, through wild vnknowen wood;
4 Besides he feard her wrath, and threatned shot
Whiles in the bush he lay, not yet forgot:
6 Ne car'd he greatly for her presence vaine,
But turning said to Trompart, What foule blot
8 Is this to knight, that Ladie should againe
Depart to woods vntoucht, and leaue so proud disdaine?
2 grieued > greiued 1596
1 Which when the peasant saw, amazed he stood,
peasant > boor, clown, lout
2 And grieved at her flight; yet dared he not
at > by
3 Pursue her steps, through wild unknown wood; 4 Besides, he feared her wrath, and threatened shot 5 While in the bush he lay, not yet forgotten: 6 Nor cared he greatly for her presence vain,
vain > vain, proud; useless (because she is inexplicably resistant to his charms)
7 But, turning, said to Trompart, "What foul blot 8 Is this to knight, that lady should again 9 Depart to woods untouched, and leave so proud disdain?"
untouched > (Sexually: cf. 102.40:9) leave so > [leave such; leave in such] disdain > indignation, anger; dudgeon
203.44
Perdie (said Trompart) let her passe at will,
2 Least by her presence daunger mote befall.
For who can tell (and sure I feare it ill)
4 But that she is some powre celestiall?
For whiles she spake, her great words did apall
6 My feeble courage, and my hart oppresse,
That yet I quake and tremble ouer all.
8 And I (said Braggadocchio) thought no lesse,
When first I heard her horne sound with such ghastlinesse.
1 "Pardie," said Trompart, "let her pass at will,
Pardie > truly; "by God"
2 Lest by her presence danger might befall. 3 For who can tell (and sure I fear it ill) 4 But that she is some power celestial? 5 For while she spoke, her great words did appal 6 My feeble courage, and my heart oppress,
courage > spirit
7 That yet I quake and tremble over all."
That > [So that] over all > everywhere (in all parts of my body)
8 "And I," said Braggadocchio, "thought no less, 9 When first I heard her horn sound with such ghastliness.
ghastliness > {Ghostliness; that which induces terror of the supernatural}
203.45
For from my mothers wombe this grace I haue
2 Me giuen by eternall destinie,
That earthly thing may not my courage braue
4 Dismay with feare, or cause +on+ foot to flie,
But either hellish feends, or powres on hie:
6 Which was the cause, when earst that horne I heard,
Weening it had beene thunder in the skie,
8 I hid my selfe from it, as one affeard;
But when I other knew, my selfe I boldly reard.
4 on > one 1609
1 "For from my mother's womb this grace I have 2 Me given by eternal destiny,
Me given > [Given to me]
3 That earthly thing may not my courage brave
brave > splendid, fine; brave
4 Dismay with fear, or cause on foot to fly,
on > (See Textual Appendix) fly > flee
5 But either hellish fiends, or powers on high:
But > Unless [it be]
6 Which was the cause, when erst that horn I heard,
erst > first
7 Weening it had been thunder in the sky,
Weening > Supposing, believing
8 I hid myself from it, as one afeard;
afeard > frightened
9 But when I other knew, myself I boldly reared.
other > otherwise
203.46
But now for feare of worse, that may betide,
2 Let vs soone hence depart. They soone agree;
So to his steed he got, and gan to ride,
4 As one vnfit therefore, that all might see
He had not trayned bene in cheualree.
6 Which well that valiant courser did discerne;
For he despysd to tread in dew degree,
8 But chaufd and fom'd, with courage fierce and sterne,
And to be easd of that base burden still did +erne+.
9 erne > yerne 1609
1 "But now, for fear of worse that may betide,
betide > happen, befall
2 Let us soon hence depart." They soon agree;
soon > at once
3 So to his steed he got, and began to ride, 4 As one unfit therefor, that all might see
therefor > for that [for riding such a steed]
5 He had not trained been in chivalry.
chivalry > cavalry, horsemanship; knightly conduct
6 Which well that valiant courser did discern; 7 For he despised to tread in due degree,
in due degree > carefully, slowly
8 But chafed and foamed with courage fierce and stern,
stern > stern; terrible
9 And to be eased of that base burden still did yearn.
still > ever
Guyon does Furor bind in chaines,
2 and stops Occasion:
Deliuers +Phedon+, and therefore
4 by +strife+ is rayld vpon.
3 Phedon > Phaon 1590 4 strife > Strife 1609
1 Guyon does Furor bind in chains,
Furor > "Madness" (Latin)
2 and stops Occasion:
Occasion > "Opportunity"
3 Delivers Phedon, and therefore
Phedon > (Meaning and origin uncertain)
4 by Strife is railed upon.
Strife > Atin (named at 204.42:5) railed upon > abused
204.1
IN braue pursuit of honorable deed,
2 There is I know not what great difference
Betweene the vulgar and the noble seed,
4 Which vnto things of valorous pretence
Seemes to be borne by natiue influence;
6 As feates of armes, and loue to entertaine,
But chiefly skill to ride, seemes a science
8 Proper to gentle bloud; some others faine
To menage steeds, as did this vaunter; but in vaine.
1 In brave pursuit of honourable deed,
brave > fine, splendid
2 There is I know not what great difference 3 Between the vulgar and the noble seed,
vulgar > common, ordinary seed > children, offspring (hence "noble seed" = "nobility")
4 Which to things of valorous pretence
Which > (Referring to "the noble seed") pretence > expressed intention, purpose, design
5 Seems to be born by native influence;
native > [virtue of] natal; hence: astrological
6 As feats of arms, and love to entertain,
As > [Such as] entertain > deal with; occupy oneself with; receive, be receptive to; cherish
7 But chiefly skill to ride, seems a science
science > skill, lore
8 Proper to gentle blood; some others feign
Proper > Belonging, peculiar; proper gentle > noble feign > [pretend to be able]
9 To manage steeds, as did this vaunter; but in vain.
vaunter > boaster [Braggadocchio]
204.2
But he the rightfull owner of that steed,
2 Who well could menage and subdew his pride,
The whiles on foot was forced for to yeed,
4 With that blacke Palmer, his most trusty guide;
Who suffred not his wandring feet to slide.
6 But when strong passion, or weake fleshlinesse
Would from the right way seeke to draw him wide,
8 He would through temperance and stedfastnesse,
Teach him the weake to strengthen, and the strong suppresse.
1 But he, the rightful owner of that steed,
he > [Guyon]
2 Who well could manage and subdue his pride,
pride > (Again the horse appears as a symbol of its rider's nature: cf. 102.8, etc.)
3 The whiles on foot was forced to yode,
The whiles > Meanwhile yode > go
4 With that black palmer, his most trusty guide;
black > (Referring to the colour of his clothes; see 201.7:2)
5 Who suffered not his wandering feet to slide.
suffered > allowed slide > [slide into error]
6 But when strong passion, or weak fleshliness, 7 Would from the right way seek to draw him wide, 8 He would, through temperance and steadfastness, 9 Teach him the weak to strengthen, and the strong suppress.
204.3
It fortuned forth faring on his way,
2 He saw from farre, or seemed for to see
Some troublous vprore or contentious fray,
4 Whereto he drew in haste it to agree.
A mad man, or that feigned mad to bee,
6 Drew by the haire along vpon the ground,
A handsome stripling with great crueltee,
8 Whom sore he bett, and gor'd with many a wound,
That cheekes with teares, and sides with bloud did all abound.
1 It fortuned, forth faring on his way, 2 He saw from far, or seemed to see, 3 Some troublous uproar or contentious fray, 4 Whereto he drew in haste it to agree.
agree > settle, reconcile
5 A madman, or that feigned mad to be,
madman > [Furor] that > [one that]
6 Drew by the hair, along upon the ground, 7 A handsome stripling with great cruelty, 8 Whom sore he beat, and gored with many a wound, 9 That cheeks with tears, and sides with blood did all abound.
That > [So that the stripling's]
204.4
And him behind, a wicked Hag did stalke,
2 In ragged robes, and filthy disaray,
Her other leg was lame, that she no'te +walke,+
4 But on a staffe her feeble steps did stay;
Her lockes, that loathly were and hoarie gray,
6 Grew all afore, and +loosely+ hong vnrold,
But all behind was bald, and worne away,
8 That none thereof could euer taken hold,
And eke her face ill fauourd, full of wrinckles old.
3 walke, > walke. 1590, 1596 6 loosely > loosly 1590
1 And him behind a wicked hag did stalk,
a wicked hag > [Occasion]
2 In ragged robes, and filthy disarray,
disarray > {Imperfect or improper attire}
3 Her other leg was lame, that she no'te walk,
that > [so that] no'te > could not
4 But on a staff her feeble steps did stay;
stay > support
5 Her locks, that loathly were and hoary grey,
loathly > loathsome, repulsive
6 Grew all afore, and loosely hung unrolled, 7 But all behind was bald, and worn away, 8 That none thereof could ever take hold,
That > [So that]
9 And eke her face ill-favoured, full of wrinkles old.
eke > also [was] ill-favoured > ugly
204.5
And euer as she went, her tongue did walke
2 In foule reproch, and termes of vile despight,
Prouoking him by her outrageous talke,
4 To heape more vengeance on that wretched wight;
Sometimes she raught him stones, wherwith to smite,
6 Sometimes her staffe, though it her one leg were,
Withouten which she could not go vpright;
8 Ne any euill meanes she did forbeare,
That might him moue to wrath, and indignation reare.
1 And ever as she went her tongue did walk
walk > move, remain in motion
2 In foul reproach, and terms of vile despite,
terms > words, language despite > anger; malice; contempt
3 Provoking him, by her outrageous talk,
him > [Furor] outrageous > outrageous; excessively fierce
4 To heap more vengeance on that wretched wight;
wight > person [Phedon]
5 Sometimes she raught him stones, wherewith to smite,
raught > reached, handed wherewith > with which
6 Sometimes her staff, though it her one leg were, 7 Without which she could not go upright; 8 Neither any evil means she did forbear, 9 That might him move to wrath, and indignation rear.
rear > arouse
204.6
The noble Guyon mou'd with great remorse,
2 Approching, first the Hag did thrust away,
And after adding more impetuous forse,
4 His mightie hands did on the madman lay,
And pluckt him backe; who all on fire streight way,
6 Against him turning all his fell intent,
With beastly brutish rage gan him assay,
8 And smot, and bit, and kickt, and scratcht, and rent,
And did he wist not what in his auengement.
1 The noble Guyon, moved with great remorse,
remorse > pity, compassion
2 Approaching, first the hag did thrust away 3 And, after adding more impetuous force, 4 His mighty hands did on the madman lay, 5 And plucked him back; who, all on fire straightway, 6 Against him turning all his fell intent,
fell > fierce, terrible
7 With beastly brutish rage gan him assay,
gan > did assay > assail
8 And smote, and bit, and kicked, and scratched, and rent,
rent > tore
9 And did he wist not what in his avengement.
wist > knew avengement > vengeance
204.7
And sure he was a man of mickle might,
2 Had he had gouernance, it well to guide:
But when the franticke fit inflamd his spright,
4 His force was vaine, and strooke more often wide,
Then at the aymed marke, which he had eide:
6 And oft himselfe he chaunst to hurt vnwares,
Whilst reason blent through passion, nought descride,
8 But as a blindfold Bull at randon fares,
And where he hits, nought knowes, and whom he hurts, nought cares.
1 And sure he was a man of mickle might,
mickle > much
2 Had he had governance, it well to guide:
governance > management, self-control
3 But when the frantic fit inflamed his spirit 4 His force was vain, and struck more often wide
vain > empty, unavailing
5 Than at the aimed mark, which he had eyed: 6 And oft himself he chanced to hurt unwares,
unwares > unwittingly
7 Whilst reason, blended through passion, naught descried,
blended > blinded; also: stirred up, hence: spoiled, rendered turbid naught > nothing at all
8 But as a blindfolded bull at random fares, 9 And where he hits naught knows, and whom he hurts naught cares.
naught > not at all naught > nothing at all
204.8
His rude assault and rugged handeling
2 Straunge seemed to the knight, that aye with foe
In faire defence and goodly menaging
4 Of armes was wont to fight, yet nathemoe
Was he abashed now not fighting so,
6 But more enfierced through his currish play,
Him sternely grypt, and haling to and fro,
8 To ouerthrow him strongly did assay,
But ouerthrew himselfe vnwares, and lower lay.
1 His rude assault and rugged handling
rude > violent rugged > rough handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct
2 Strange seemed to the knight, that ay with foe
ay > ever, always
3 In fair defence and goodly managing
managing > handling, wielding
4 Of arms was wont to fight, yet nathemore
wont > accustomed nathemore > never the more, not at all
5 Was he abashed now not fighting so, 6 But, more enfierced through his currish play,
enfierced > made fierce currish > cur-like: quarrelsome, snappish
7 Him sternly gripped and, haling to and fro,
sternly > fiercely haling > hauling, dragging
8 To overthrow him strongly did essay,
essay > attempt
9 But overthrew himself unwares, and lower lay.
unwares > unexpectedly
204.9
And being downe the villein sore did beat,
2 And bruze with clownish fistes his manly face:
And eke the Hag with many a bitter threat,
4 Still cald vpon to kill him in the place.
With whose reproch and odious menace
6 The knight emboyling in his haughtie hart,
Knit all his forces, and gan soone vnbrace
8 His grasping hold: so lightly did vpstart,
And drew his deadly weapon, to maintaine his part.
1 And, being down, the villein sore did beat,
villein > villain; serf
2 And bruise with clownish fists his manly face:
clownish > coarse; clumsy
3 And eke the hag, with many a bitter threat,
eke > also
4 Still called upon to kill him in the place.
Still > Continuously upon > [upon Furor] in the place > there; on the spot, right away
5 With whose reproach and odious menace 6 The knight, emboiling in his haughty heart,
emboiling > boiling with rage (SUS)
7 Knit all his forces, and gan soon unbrace
gan soon unbrace > did immediately loosen
8 His grasping hold: so lightly did upstart,
lightly > quickly, lightly upstart > get up
9 And drew his deadly weapon, to maintain his part.
maintain > defend part > {Side in a contest; cause}
204.10
Which when the Palmer saw, he loudly cryde,
2 Not so, {o^} Guyon, neuer thinke that so
That Monster can be maistred or destroyd:
4 He is +not+, ah, he is not such a foe,
As steele can wound, or strength can ouerthroe.
6 That same is Furor, cursed cruell wight,
That vnto knighthood workes much shame and woe;
8 And that same Hag, his aged mother, hight
Occasion, the root of all wrath +and+ despight.
4 not > no 1590 etc.: FE 9 and > aud 1596
1 Which when the palmer saw, he loudly cried, 2 "Not so, O Guyon, never think that so
so > thus
3 That monster can be mastered or destroyed: 4 He is not, ah, he is not such a foe 5 As steel can wound, or strength can overthrow. 6 That same is Furor, cursed cruel wight,
wight > creature, being
7 That to knighthood works much shame and woe; 8 And that same hag, his aged mother, hight
hight > is called
9 Occasion, the root of all wrath and despite.
despite > malice; rage; outrage
204.11
With her, who so will raging Furor tame,
2 Must first begin, and well her amenage:
First her restraine from her reprochfull blame,
4 And euill meanes, with which she doth enrage
Her franticke sonne, and kindles his courage,
6 Then when she is withdrawen, or strong withstood,
It's eath his idle furie to asswage,
8 And calme the tempest of his passion wood;
The bankes are ouerflowen, when stopped is the flood.
1 "With her, whoso will raging Furor tame
whoso > whoever
2 Must first begin, and well her amenage:
amenage > tame, domesticate; control (WU)
3 First her restrain from her reproachful blame
reproachful > shameful, disgraceful blame > {Reproach, the action of censuring, reprehension}
4 And evil means, with which she does enrage 5 Her frantic son, and kindles his courage,
courage > wrath; confidence
6 Then when she is withdrawn, or strong withstood, 7 It's eath his idle fury to assuage,
eath > easy idle > empty; unavailing, futile assuage > abate
8 And calm the tempest of his passion wood;
passion > {Outburst of anger; overpowering access of emotion; affection of the mind; also: suffering, affliction} wood > furious, mad
9 The banks are overflowed, when stopped is the flood."
204.12
Therewith Sir Guyon left his first emprise,
2 And turning to that woman, fast her hent
By the hoare lockes, that hong before her eyes,
4 And to the ground her threw: yet n'ould she stent
Her bitter rayling and foule reuilement,
6 But still prouokt her sonne to wreake her wrong;
But nathelesse he did her still torment,
8 And catching hold of her vngratious +tong+,
Thereon an yron +lock+ did fasten firme and strong.
8 tong > tongue 1590; tonge FE 9 lock > lock, 1590, 1596
1 Therewith Sir Guyon left his first emprise
Therewith > With that emprise > undertaking, enterprise
2 And, turning to that woman, fast her hent
fast > firmly hent > seized
3 By the hoar locks that hung before her eyes,
hoar > hoary, grey
4 And to the ground her threw: yet nould she stint
nould > would not stint > desist from
5 Her bitter railing and foul revilement,
revilement > {The action of reviling}
6 But still provoked her son to wreak her wrong;
wrong > evil intent
7 But natheless he did her still torment,
natheless > nevertheless
8 And, catching hold of her ungracious tongue,
ungracious > wicked
9 Thereon an iron lock did fasten firm and strong.
lock > {Any contrivance for fastening; cf. Isa. 37.29}
204.13
Then when as vse of speach was from her reft,
2 With her two crooked handes she signes did make,
And beckned him, the last helpe she had left:
4 But he that last left helpe away did take,
And both her hands fast bound vnto a stake,
6 That she +note+ stirre. Then gan her sonne to flie
Full fast away, and did her quite forsake;
8 But Guyon after him in haste did hie,
And soone him ouertooke in sad perplexitie.
6 note > no'te 1609
1 Then, when use of speech was from her reft,
reft > taken away
2 With her two crooked hands she signs did make, 3 And beckoned him (the last help she had left):
him > [Furor]
4 But he that last left help away did take,
he > [Guyon]
5 And both her hands fast bound to a stake,
fast > firmly
6 That she no'te stir. Then began her son to fly
no'te > could not fly > flee
7 Full fast away, and did her quite forsake;
Full > Very, exceedingly
8 But Guyon after him in haste did hie, 9 And soon him overtook in sad perplexity.
perplexity > distress
204.14
In his strong armes he stiffely him embraste,
2 Who him gainstriuing, nought at all preuaild:
For all his power was vtterly defaste,
4 And furious fits at earst quite weren quaild:
Oft he re'nforst, and oft his forces fayld,
6 Yet yield he would not, nor his rancour slacke.
Then him to ground he cast, and rudely hayld,
8 And both his hands fast bound behind his backe,
And both his feet in fetters to an yron racke.
1 In his strong arms he stiffly him embraced,
stiffly > strongly; tightly
2 Who, him gainstriving, naught at all prevailed:
gainstriving > opposing, striving against
3 For all his power was utterly defaced,
defaced > destroyed
4 And furious fits at erst quite were quailed:
erst > once (catachr.) quailed > overpowered
5 Oft he reinforced, and oft his forces failed,
reinforced > made a fresh effort
6 Yet yield he would not, nor his rancour slack. 7 Then him to ground he cast, and rudely haled,
rudely > roughly, violently haled > hauled, dragged
8 And both his hands fast bound behind his back,
fast > firmly
9 And both his feet in fetters to an iron rack.
rack > {Iron bar to which prisoners were secured}
204.15
With hundred yron chaines he did him bind,
2 And hundred knots that did him sore constraine:
Yet his great yron teeth he still did grind,
4 And grimly gnash, threatning reuenge in vaine:
His burning eyen, whom bloudie strakes did staine,
6 Stared full wide, and threw forth sparkes of fire,
And more for ranck despight, then for great paine,
8 Shakt his long lockes, colourd like copper-wire,
And bit his tawny beard to shew his raging ire.
1 With hundred iron chains he did him bind, 2 And hundred knots that did him sore constrain:
hundred knots > (Cf. Aen. 1.294-6, where Furor is bound with a bronze chain of 100 links)
3 Yet his great iron teeth he still did grind, 4 And grimly gnash, threatening revenge in vain:
grimly > grimly, fiercely; dreadfully
5 His burning eyes, which bloody strakes did stain,
strakes > streaks
6 Stared full wide, and threw forth sparks of fire,
Stared > {Glared; opened wide in madness or fury} full > exceedingly
7 And, more for rank despite than for great pain,
rank > proud, rebellious; violent; excessive; festering; virulent despite > malice, spite; rage
8 Shook his long locks, coloured like copper wire,
Shook > [He shook]
9 And bit his tawny beard to show his raging ire.
204.16
Thus when as Guyon Furor had captiu'd,
2 Turning about he saw that wretched Squire,
Whom that mad man of life nigh late depriu'd,
4 Lying on ground, all soild with bloud and mire:
Whom when as he perceiued to respire,
6 He gan to comfort, and his wounds to dresse.
Being at last recured, he gan inquire,
8 What hard mishap him brought to such distresse,
And made that caitiues thral, the thral of wretchednesse.
1 Thus when Guyon Furor had captived,
captived > made captive
2 Turning about, he saw that wretched squire
squire > {One ranking next to a knight in the feudal system of military service and tenure; also: a gallant, lover}
3 (Whom that madman of life nigh late deprived)
late > lately
4 Lying on ground, all soiled with blood and mire: 5 Whom when he perceived to respire, 6 He began to comfort, and his wounds to dress. 7 Being at last recured, he gan inquire
recured > recovered, restored he gan > [Guyon did]
8 What hard mishap him brought to such distress, 9 And made that caitiff's thrall, the thrall of wretchedness.
caitiff's thrall > wretch's slave
204.17
With hart then throbbing, and with watry eyes,
2 Faire Sir (quoth he) what man can shun the hap,
That hidden lyes vnwares him to +surpryse?+
4 Misfortune waites aduantage to entrap
The man most warie in her whelming lap.
6 So me weake wretch, of many weakest +one+,
Vnweeting, and vnware of such mishap,
8 She brought to mischiefe through +occasion+,
Where this same wicked villein did me +light vpon+.
3 surpryse? > surpryse 1590, 1596 6 one > wretch 1590 8 occasion > her guilful trech 1590 9 light vpon > wandring ketch 1590
1 With heart then throbbing, and with watery eyes, 2 "Fair sir," quoth he, "what man can shun the hap
hap > chance, fortune
3 That hidden lies unwares him to surprise?
unwares > unexpectedly; suddenly
4 Misfortune waits advantage to entrap
waits > lies in wait for advantage > [a] time of advantage, chance, opportunity
5 The man most wary in her whelming lap.
whelming > submerging, engulfing; ruinous
6 So me, weak wretch, of many weakest one,
weakest > [the weakest]
7 Unweeting, and unware of such mishap,
Unweeting > Unwitting, unsuspecting unware > unaware; unvigilant
8 She brought to mischief through occasion,
She > [Misfortune] mischief > misfortune, disaster; evil occasion > [an] opportunity
9 Where this same wicked villein did me light upon.
Where > [In which, at which] villein > villain; serf
204.18
It was a faithlesse Squire, that was the sourse
2 Of all my sorrow, and of these sad teares,
With whom from tender dug of commune nourse,
4 Attonce I was vpbrought, and eft when yeares
More rype vs reason lent to +chose+ our Peares,
6 Our selues in league of vowed loue we knit:
In which we long time without gealous feares,
8 +Or+ faultie thoughts continewd, as was fit;
And for my part I vow, dissembled not a whit.
5 chose > chuse 1609 8 Or > Our 1609
1 "It was a faithless squire, that was the source
squire > gallant, lover
2 Of all my sorrow, and of these sad tears, 3 With whom from tender dug of common nurse,
dug > breast; teat
4 At once I was upbrought, and eft, when years
At once > Together, simultaneously upbrought > brought up eft > afterwards
5 More ripe us reason lent to choose our peers,
peers > companions
6 Ourselves in league of vowed love we knit: 7 In which we long time, without jealous fears 8 Or faulty thoughts, continued, as was fit; 9 And, for my part I vow, dissembled not a whit.
204.19
+It+ was my fortune commune to that age,
2 To loue a Ladie faire of great degree,
The which was borne of noble parentage,
4 And set in highest seat of dignitee,
Yet seemd no lesse to loue, then loued to bee:
6 Long I her seru'd, and found her faithfull still,
Ne euer thing could cause vs disagree:
8 Loue that two harts makes +one,+ makes eke one will:
Each stroue to please, and others pleasure to fulfill.
1 It > Is 1596 8 one, > one; 1596
1 "It was my fortune, common to that age,
age > {Time of life}
2 To love a lady fair of great degree,
degree > social station
3 Who was born of noble parentage, 4 And set in highest seat of dignity, 5 Yet seemed no less to love, than loved to be: 6 Long I her served, and found her faithful still,
still > always
7 Ne ever thing could cause us disagree:
Ne ever > Nor ever; never disagree > [to disagree]
8 Love that two hearts makes one, makes eke one will:
eke > also
9 Each strove to please, and other's pleasure to fulfil.
204.20
My friend, hight Philemon, I did +partake,+
2 Of all my loue and all my priuitie;
Who greatly ioyous seemed for my sake,
4 And gratious to that Ladie, as to mee,
Ne euer wight, that mote so welcome bee,
6 As he to her, withouten blot or blame,
Ne euer thing, that she could thinke or see,
8 But vnto him she would impart the same:
O wretched man, that would abuse so gentle Dame.
1 partake, > partake 1609
1 "My friend, hight Philemon, I did partake
hight > named Philemon > "My Friend" (Greek) partake > inform
2 Of all my love and all my privity;
privity > private knowledge, secrets
3 Who greatly joyous seemed for my sake, 4 And gracious to that lady, as to me;
gracious > [as gracious]
5 Ne ever wight that might so welcome be,
Ne ever > Never [a] wight > person
6 As he to her, without blot or blame,
blame > imputation
7 Ne ever thing that she could think or see,
Ne ever > Nor ever; never
8 But to him she would impart the same: 9 O wretched man, that would abuse so gentle dame!
abuse > deceive; take advantage of; violate gentle > gentle; noble [a]
204.21
At last such grace I found, and meanes I wrought,
2 That I that Ladie to my spouse had wonne;
Accord of friends, consent of parents sought,
4 Affiance made, my happinesse begonne,
There wanted nought but few rites to be donne,
6 Which mariage make; that day too farre did seeme:
Most ioyous man, on whom the shining +Sunne,+
8 Did shew his face, my selfe I did esteeme,
And that my falser friend did no lesse ioyous deeme.
7 Sunne, > Sunne 1609
1 "At last such grace I found, and means I wrought,
grace > favour, goodwill
2 That I that lady to my spouse had won;
to > [to become] won > persuaded
3 Accord of friends, consent of parents sought, 4 Affiance made, my happiness begun,
Affiance > Betrothal
5 There wanted naught but few rites to be done, 6 Which marriage make; that day too far did seem: 7 Most joyous man on whom the shining sun 8 Did show his face, myself I did esteem,
esteem > estimate, reckon
9 And that my falser friend did no less joyous deem.
that > [that day] falser > falsest; too false
204.22
But ere that wished day his beame disclosd,
2 He either enuying my toward good,
Or of himselfe to treason ill +disposd+
4 One day vnto me came in friendly mood,
And told for secret how he vnderstood
6 That Ladie whom I had to me assynd,
Had both distaind her honorable blood,
8 And eke the faith, which she to me did bynd;
And therfore wisht me stay, till I more truth should fynd.
3 disposd > disposd, 1609
1 "But ere that wished day its beam disclosed, 2 He, either envying my toward good,
envying > begrudging; envying toward > approaching, impending; propitious
3 Or of himself to treason ill disposed, 4 One day to me came in friendly mood, 5 And told for secret how he understood 6 That lady, whom I had to me assigned,
That > [That that] assigned > allotted; designated (for marriage)
7 Had both distained her honourable blood
distained > sullied
8 And eke the faith which she to me did bind;
eke > also
9 And therefore wished me stay till I more truth should find.
stay > [to] wait
204.23
The gnawing anguish and sharpe gelosy,
2 Which his sad speech infixed in my brest,
Ranckled so sore, and festred inwardly,
4 That my engreeued mind could find no rest,
Till that the truth thereof I did outwrest,
6 And him besought by that same sacred band
Betwixt vs both, to counsell me the best.
8 He then with solemne oath and plighted hand
Assur'd, ere long the truth to let me vnderstand.
1 "The gnawing anguish and sharp jealousy, 2 Which his sad speech infixed in my breast, 3 Rankled so sore, and festered inwardly, 4 That my engrieved mind could find no rest,
engrieved > aggravated; grieved
5 Till the truth thereof I did outwrest,
outwrest > wrest out, extract
6 And him besought, by that same sacred band 7 Betwixt us both, to counsel me the best. 8 He then, with solemn oath and plighted hand, 9 Assured, ere long, the truth to let me understand.
Assured > Pledged
204.24
Ere long with like againe he boorded mee,
2 Saying, he now had boulted all the floure,
And that it was a groome of base degree,
4 Which of my loue was partner Paramoure:
Who vsed in a darkesome inner bowre
6 Her oft to meet: which better to approue,
He promised to bring me at that howre,
8 When I should see, that would me nearer moue,
And driue me to withdraw my blind abused loue.
1 "Ere long with like again he boarded me,
boarded > drew near to and addressed, accosted
2 Saying, he now had bolted all the flour,
bolted > sifted; examined by sifting, searched (proverbial)
3 And that it was a groom of base degree,
groom > fellow degree > rank
4 Who of my love was partner paramour:
paramour > (Adv.) in sexual love
5 Who used in a darksome inner bower
used > was accustomed, was in the habit of bower > chamber
6 Her oft to meet: which better to approve,
approve > prove, demonstrate
7 He promised to bring me at that hour 8 When I should see that would me nearer move,
that > [that which] nearer move > affect more deeply
9 And drive me to withdraw my blind abused love.
abused > deceived; abused
204.25
This gracelesse man for furtherance of his guile,
2 Did court the handmayd of my Lady deare,
Who glad t'embosome his affection vile,
4 Did all she might, more pleasing to appeare.
One day to worke her to his will more neare,
6 He woo'd her thus: Pryene (so she hight)
What great despight doth fortune to thee beare,
8 Thus lowly to abase thy beautie bright,
That it should not deface all others lesser light?
1 "This graceless man, for furtherance of his guile, 2 Did court the handmaid of my lady dear, 3 Who, glad to embosom his affection vile,
embosom > embrace (chiefly fig.)
4 Did all she might, more pleasing to appear. 5 One day, to work her to his will more near,
near > closely
6 He wooed her thus: `Pryene,' (so she hight)
Pryene > (The name is possibly derived from pyr, the Greek word for fire (cf. "prytaneum"), in that she is identified as both an incendiary in the story (see 204.29:8) and herself inflamed with love (204.27:1)) hight > is named
7 `What great despite does Fortune to you bear,
despite > ill-will, malice
8 Thus lowly to abase your beauty bright, 9 That it should not deface all others' lesser light?
deface > cast in the shade
204.26
But if she had her least helpe to thee lent,
2 T'adorne thy forme according thy desart,
Their blazing pride thou wouldest soone haue blent,
4 And staynd their prayses with thy least good part;
Ne should faire Claribell with all her art,
6 Though she thy Lady be, approch thee neare:
For proofe thereof, this euening, as thou art,
8 Aray thy selfe in her most gorgeous geare,
That I may more delight in thy embracement deare.
1 "`But if she had her least help to you lent,
she > [Fortune]
2 To adorn your form according your desert,
your desert > [to your merits]
3 Their blazing pride you would soon have blended,
blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, spoiled
4 And stained their praises with your least good part;
stained > {Deprived of colour and lustre} praises > [the praises they receive; cf. 111.7:6] part > quality; accomplishment
5 Neither should fair Claribella, with all her art,
Claribella > "Clear and Beautiful" (Latin. This spelling is adopted in view of 204.28:3, and to differentiate her from the "Claribell" in 612)
6 Though she your lady be, approach you near: 7 For proof thereof, this evening, as you are, 8 Array yourself in her most gorgeous gear,
gear > clothes
9 That I may more delight in your embracement dear.'
That > [So that] embracement > embrace, embraces
204.27
The Maiden proud through prayse, and mad through loue
2 Him hearkned to, and soone her selfe arayd,
The whiles to me the treachour did remoue
4 His craftie engin, and as he had sayd,
Me leading, in a secret corner layd,
6 The sad spectatour of my Tragedie;
Where left, he went, and his owne false part playd,
8 Disguised like that groome of base degree,
Whom he had feignd th'abuser of my loue to bee.
1 "The maiden, proud through praise, and mad through love, 2 Him hearkened to, and soon herself arrayed; 3 The whiles to me the treacher did remove
The whiles > Meanwhile treacher > deceiver; traitor remove > [transfer from Pryene to myself]
4 His crafty engine and, as he had said,
engine > contrivance, scheme
5 Me leading, in a secret corner laid, 6 The sad spectator of my tragedy; 7 Where left, he went, and his own false part played, 8 Disguised like that groom of base degree
groom > fellow degree > rank
9 Whom he had feigned the abuser of my love to be.
204.28
Eftsoones he came vnto th'appointed place,
2 And with him brought +Priene+, rich arayd,
In Claribellaes clothes. Her proper face
4 I not +descerned+ in that darkesome shade,
But weend it was my loue, with whom he playd.
6 Ah God, what horrour and tormenting griefe
My hart, my hands, mine eyes, and all assayd?
8 Me liefer were ten thousand +deathes+ priefe,
Then wound of gealous worme, and shame of such repriefe.
2 Priene > Pryene 1590 4 descerned > discerned 1609 8 deathes > deathez 1609, to emphasize the disyllable; cf. 110.39:4, 200.5:4, 206.39:5
1 "Eftsoons he came to the appointed place,
Eftsoons > Thereupon
2 And with him brought Pryene, rich arrayed, 3 In Claribella's clothes. Her proper face
proper > own; beautiful; excellent, admirable
4 I not discerned in that darksome shade, 5 But weened it was my love with whom he played.
weened > supposed
6 Ah God, what horror and tormenting grief 7 My heart, my hands, my eyes, and all assayed?
assayed > assailed; made trial of
8 Me liefer were ten thousand deaths' proof,
Me liefer > Preferable to me, dearer to me proof > trial, experience
9 Than wound of jealous worm, and shame of such reproof.
worm > snake, serpent [of jealousy]; passion, gnawing torment reproof > shame, disgrace
204.29
I home returning, fraught with fowle despight,
2 And chawing vengeance all the way I went,
Soone as my loathed loue appeard in sight,
4 With wrathfull hand I slew her innocent;
That after soone I dearely did lament:
6 For when the cause of that outrageous deede
Demaunded, I made plaine and euident,
8 Her faultie Handmayd, which that bale did breede,
Confest, how Philemon her wrought to chaunge her weede.
1 "I, home returning (fraught with foul despite,
fraught > filled despite > anger; malice
2 And chawing vengeance all the way I went),
chawing > chewing, champing; fig.: ruminating upon, brooding over
3 Soon as my loathed love appeared in sight,
Soon > [As soon]
4 With wrathful hand I slew her innocent; 5 That after soon I dearly did lament:
That > [That deed] dearly > sorely, grievously
6 For when the cause of that outrageous deed
cause of > [motive for]
7 Demanded (I made plain and evident),
Demanded > [Was demanded] made > [made it]
8 Her faulty handmaid, who that bale did breed,
faulty > guilty bale > torment; infliction of death (and, keeping the meaning of "Pryene" in mind, see 101.16:7)
9 Confessed how Philemon her wrought to change her weed.
weed > clothing
204.30
Which when I heard, with horrible affright
2 And hellish fury all enragd, I sought
Vpon my selfe that vengeable despight
4 To punish: yet it better first I thought,
To wreake my wrath on him, that first it wrought.
6 To Philemon, false faytour Philemon
I cast to pay, that I so dearely bought;
8 Of deadly drugs I gaue him drinke anon,
And washt away his guilt with guiltie potion.
1 "Which when I heard, with horrible affright
affright > terror
2 And hellish fury all enraged, I sought 3 Upon myself that vengeable despite
vengeable > {Characterized by or arising from revenge; cruel, dreadful} despite > outrage; rage; malice
4 To punish: yet it better first, I thought,
punish > inflict [by way of punishment]
5 To wreak my wrath on him that first it wrought. 6 To Philemon, false faitour Philemon,
faitour > impostor
7 I cast to pay that I so dearly bought;
cast > decided, resolved that > [that which] dearly > grievously; expensively
8 Of deadly drugs I gave him drink anon,
drink > [to drink] anon > straightway; (catachr.) soon
9 And washed away his guilt with guilty potion.
204.31
Thus heaping crime on crime, and griefe on griefe,
2 To losse of loue adioyning losse of frend,
I meant to purge both with a third mischiefe,
4 And in my woes beginner it to end:
That was Pryene; she did first offend,
6 She last should smart: with which cruell intent,
When I at her my murdrous blade did bend,
8 She fled away with ghastly dreriment,
And I pursewing my fell purpose, after went.
1 "Thus heaping crime on crime, and grief on grief, 2 To loss of love adjoining loss of friend,
adjoining > uniting
3 I meant to purge both with a third mischief, 4 And in my woes' beginner it to end:
beginner > initiator, author
5 That was Pryene; she did first offend, 6 She last should smart: with which cruel intent,
smart > suffer
7 When I at her my murderous blade did bend,
bend > direct, bring to bear
8 She fled away with ghastly dreariment,
ghastly > frightful, terrible dreariment > horror
9 And I, pursuing my fell purpose, after went.
fell > terrible, dreadful
204.32
Feare gaue her wings, and rage enforst my flight;
2 Through woods and plaines so long I did her chace,
Till this mad man, whom your victorious might
4 Hath now fast bound, me met in middle space,
As I her, so he me pursewd apace,
6 And shortly ouertooke: +I+ breathing yre,
Sore chauffed at my stay in such a cace,
8 And with my heat kindled his cruell fyre;
Which kindled once, his mother did more rage inspyre.
6 I > I, 1609
1 "Fear gave her wings, and rage enforced my flight;
enforced > strengthened, reinforced
2 Through woods and plains so long I did her chase,
so > thus, in that manner
3 Till this madman, whom your victorious might 4 Has now fast bound, me met in middle space,
fast > firmly middle space > (Cf. 202.20:3)
5 As I her, so he me pursued apace,
apace > swiftly
6 And shortly overtook: I, breathing ire, 7 Sore chafed at my stay in such a case,
chafed > fretted stay > detention, hindrance
8 And with my heat kindled his cruel fire; 9 Which, kindled once, his mother did more rage inspire.
inspire > blow upon [his cruel fire, as if with bellows expelling rage]; also: inspire [in him]
204.33
Betwixt them both, they haue me doen to dye,
2 Through wounds, and strokes, and stubborne handeling,
That death were better, then such agony,
4 As griefe and furie vnto me did bring;
Of which in me yet stickes the mortall sting,
6 That during life will neuer be appeasd.
When he thus ended had his sorrowing,
8 Said Guyon, Squire, sore haue ye beene diseasd;
But all your hurts may soone through temperance be easd.
1 "Betwixt them both, they have me done to die,
done > caused, made; tried to make
2 Through wounds, and strokes, and stubborn handling,
stubborn > inflexible, unyielding handling > treatment
3 That death were better than such agony
That > [So that]
4 As grief and fury to me did bring; 5 Of which in me yet sticks the mortal sting, 6 That during life will never be appeased."
appeased > assuaged
7 When he thus ended had his sorrowing, 8 Said Guyon, "Squire, sore have you been diseased;
diseased > troubled, distressed
9 But all your hurts may soon through temperance be eased."
204.34
Then gan the Palmer thus, +most+ wretched man,
2 That to affections does the bridle lend;
In their beginning they are weake and wan,
4 But soone through suff'rance grow to fearefull end;
Whiles they are weake betimes with them contend:
6 For when they once to perfect strength do grow,
Strong warres they make, and cruell battry bend
8 Gainst fort of Reason, it to ouerthrow:
Wrath, gelosie, griefe, loue this Squire haue layd thus low.
1 most > Most 1609
1 Then began the palmer thus, "Most wretched man, 2 That to affections does the bridle lend;
affections > emotions (esp. strong emotions, as passion, lust, etc.)
3 In their beginning they are weak and wan, 4 But soon through sufferance grow to fearful end;
sufferance > acquiescence, non-intervention; toleration
5 While they are weak, betimes with them contend:
betimes > in good time, early
6 For when they once to perfect strength do grow, 7 Strong wars they make, and cruel battery bend
battery > assault with many blows bend > direct, bring to bear
8 Against fort of Reason, it to overthrow: 9 Wrath, jealousy, grief, love, this squire have laid thus low.
204.35
Wrath, gealosie, griefe, loue do thus expell:
2 Wrath is a fire, and gealosie a weede,
Griefe is a flood, and loue a monster fell;
4 The fire of sparkes, the weede of little seede,
The flood of drops, the Monster filth did breede:
6 But sparks, seed, drops, and filth do thus delay;
The sparks soone quench, the springing seed +outweed+
8 The drops dry vp, and filth wipe cleane away:
So shall wrath, gealosie, griefe, loue dye and decay.
7 outweed > outweed, 1609
1 "Wrath, jealousy, grief, love do thus expel:
expel > (Imperative mood)
2 Wrath is a fire, and jealousy a weed, 3 Grief is a flood, and love a monster fell;
fell > fierce, terrible
4 The fire of sparks, the weed of little seed, 5 The flood of drops, the monster filth did breed;
filth > (Cf. 101.21, 107.17:3, 311.51:7-9)
6 But sparks, seed, drops, and filth do thus delay:
delay > mitigate; assuage
7 The sparks soon quench, the springing seed outweed,
outweed > (The meaning is not clear. Two possible interpretations are (1) become weeded out, i.e. the springing seed soon gives rise to a plant which dies and is therefore thinned out; (2) germinate, spring out as a weed, with implication of subsequent death and decay. In either event one is in little doubt about the intention)
8 The drops dry up, and filth wipe clean away: 9 So shall wrath, jealousy, grief, love, die and decay."
So > Thus
204.36
Vnlucky Squire (said Guyon) sith thou hast
2 Falne +into+ mischiefe through intemperaunce,
Henceforth take heede of that thou now hast past,
4 And guide thy wayes with warie gouernaunce,
Least worse betide thee by some later chaunce.
6 But read how art thou nam'd, and of what kin.
+Phedon+ I hight (quoth he) and do aduaunce
8 Mine auncestry from famous Coradin,
Who first to rayse our house to honour did begin.
2 into > vnto 1596 7 Phedon > Phaon 1590
1 "Unlucky squire," said Guyon, "sith you have
sith > since
2 Fallen into mischief through intemperance,
mischief > misfortune, disaster; evil
3 Henceforth take heed of that you now have passed,
that > [that which] passed > [in the temporal sense]
4 And guide your ways with wary governance,
governance > management, self-control
5 Lest worse betide you by some later chance.
betide > befall chance > chance, accident (Occasion)
6 But read how are you named, and of what kin."
read > make known, declare
7 "Phedon I hight," quoth he, "and do advance
hight > am called advance > boast of, lay claim to
8 My ancestry from famous Coradin,
Coradin > "Uncontrollable Spirit" (Latin cor, heart; Greek adunateo, to lack strength or spirit)
9 Who first to raise our house to honour did begin."
204.37
Thus as he spake, lo far away they spyde
2 A varlet running towards hastily,
Whose flying feet so fast their way applyde,
4 That round about a cloud of dust did fly,
Which mingled all with sweate, did dim his eye.
6 He soone approched, panting, breathlesse, whot,
And all so soyld, that none could him descry;
8 His countenaunce was bold, and bashed not
For Guyons lookes, but scornefull eyglaunce at him shot.
1 Thus as he spoke, lo far away they spied 2 A varlet running towards hastily,
varlet > knight's attendant; menial; rogue towards > [in their direction]
3 Whose flying feet so fast their way applied
applied > plied, pursued
4 That round about a cloud of dust did fly, 5 Which, mingled all with sweat, did dim his eye. 6 He soon approached, panting, breathless, hot, 7 And all so soiled that none could him descry; 8 His countenance was bold, and bashed not
bashed > was abashed, was disconcerted
9 For Guyon's looks, but scornful eyeglance at him shot.
204.38
Behind his backe he bore a brasen shield,
2 On which was drawen faire, in colours fit,
A flaming fire in midst of bloudy field,
4 And round about the wreath this word was writ,
Burnt I do burne. Right well beseemed it,
6 To be the shield of some redoubted knight;
And in his hand two darts exceeding flit,
8 And deadly sharpe he held, whose heads were dight
In poyson and in bloud, of malice and despight.
1 Behind his back he bore a brazen shield, 2 On which was drawn fair, in colours fit, 3 A flaming fire in midst of bloody field,
bloody > blood-red field > {Surface of the shield; a technical term in heraldry}
4 And round about the wreath this word was written:
wreath > {Representation of a ring or circlet used as a bearing or device; another heraldic term} word > declaration; motto, phrase
5 Burnt I do burn. Right well beseemed it,
beseemed it > [it seemed appropriate]
6 To be the shield of some redoubted knight; 7 And in his hand two darts, exceeding fleet
fleet > swift, fast-flying
8 And deadly sharp, he held, whose heads were dight
dight > decked, prepared; hence: dipped, steeped
9 In poison and in blood, of malice and despite.
despite > rage
204.39
When he in presence came, to Guyon first
2 He boldly spake, Sir knight, if knight thou bee,
Abandon this forestalled place at erst,
4 For feare of further harme, I counsell thee,
Or bide the chaunce at thine owne ieoperdie.
6 The knight at his great boldnesse wondered,
And though he scornd his idle vanitie,
8 Yet mildly him to purpose answered;
For not to grow of nought he it coniectured.
1 When he in presence came, to Guyon first
presence > [their presence]
2 He boldly spoke, "Sir knight, if knight you be, 3 Abandon this forestalled place at erst,
forestalled > {Pre-occupied, taken or spoken for already} erst > once (catachr.)
4 For fear of further harm, I counsel you, 5 Or bide the chance at your own jeopardy."
bide > await chance > outcome
6 The knight at his great boldness wondered,
wondered > marvelled
7 And though he scorned his idle vanity,
idle > empty
8 Yet mildly him to purpose answered;
purpose > the point
9 For not to grow of naught he it conjectured.
it > [the varlet's boldness]
204.40
Varlet, this place most dew to me I deeme,
2 Yielded by him, that held it forcibly.
But whence should come that harme, which thou doest seeme
4 To threat to him, that minds his chaunce t'abye?
Perdy (said he) here comes, and is hard by
6 A knight of wondrous powre, and great assay,
That neuer yet encountred enemy,
8 But did him deadly daunt, or fowle dismay;
Ne thou for better hope, if thou his presence stay.
1 "Varlet, this place most due to me I deem, 2 Yielded by him that held it forcibly.
him > [Furor]
3 But whence should come that harm, which you do seem 4 To threat to him, that minds his chance to aby?"
threat > threaten minds > [is of a mind] chance > fortune, luck (cf. 204.39:5) aby > abide, await, await the issue of
5 "Pardie," said he, "here comes, and is hard by,
Pardie > Truly; "by God"
6 A knight of wondrous power, and great assay,
assay > proven worth; quality
7 That never yet encountered enemy, 8 But did him deadly daunt, or foul dismay;
But > [Except that he] deadly daunt > kill foul dismay > ignominiously defeat
9 Nor you for better hope, if you his presence stay."
hope > (Vb.) stay > await, remain for
204.41
How hight he then (said Guyon) and from whence?
2 +Pyrochles+ is his name, renowmed farre
For his bold feats and hardy confidence,
4 Full oft approu'd in many a cruell warre,
The brother of Cymochles, both which arre
6 The sonnes of old Acrates and Despight,
Acrates sonne of Phlegeton and Iarre;
8 But Phlegeton +is sonne of+ Herebus and Night;
But Herebus sonne of Aeternitie is hight.
2 Pyrochles > Pyrrochles passim 1590 etc.: FE 8 is sonne of > of dub. conj. Smith, since the line is hypermetrical
1 "How hight he then," said Guyon, "and from whence?"
hight > is he named
2 "Pyrochles is his name, renowned far
Pyrochles > "Fiery Troublemaker" (Greek pyr, fire, ochleo, to disturb, cause trouble)
3 For his bold feats and hardy confidence,
confidence > hardihood
4 Full oft approved in many a cruel war,
Full > Exceedingly approved > tested
5 The brother of Cymochles, both which are
Cymochles > "Wavering Troublemaker" (Greek kyma, wave, ochleo, to disturb, cause trouble) which > of whom
6 The sons of old Acrates and Despite,
Acrates > "Without Control", "Intemperate" (Greek; cf. "Acrasia",
201.51:2)
Despite > Rage
7 Acrates, son of Phlegethon and Jar;
Phlegethon > (The "Stream of Fire": one of the five rivers of hell, though which fire flows instead of water) Jar > Discord
8 But Phlegethon is son of Erebus and Night;
Erebus > Darkness (son of Chaos, brother and husband of Nox.
Personified in Hesiod, Theogony 125)
Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.)
9 But Erebus son of Eternity is hight.
hight > called
204.42
So from immortall race he does proceede,
2 That mortall hands may not withstand his might,
Drad for his derring do, and bloudy deed;
4 For all in bloud and spoile is his delight.
His am I Atin, his in wrong and right,
6 That matter make for him to worke vpon,
And stirre him vp to strife and cruell fight.
8 Fly therefore, fly this fearefull stead anon,
Least thy foolhardize worke thy sad confusion.
1 "So from immortal race he does proceed,
So > Thus proceed > spring from
2 That mortal hands may not withstand his might,
That > [So that]
3 Dreaded for his derring do and bloody deed;
derring do > {Daring feats; desperate courage (catachr.; cf. Troilus and Criseyde 5.837)}
4 For all in blood and spoil is his delight.
spoil > plunder, booty
5 His am I, Atin, his in wrong and right,
Atin > "Strife" (Greek; cf. Ate, the goddess of discord, at 207.55:5)
6 That matter make for him to work upon, 7 And stir him up to strife and cruel fight. 8 Fly therefore, fly this fearful stead anon,
Fly > Flee stead > place anon > immediately
9 Lest your foolhardice work your sad confusion."
foolhardice > foolhardiness work > bring about sad confusion > calamitous ruin
204.43
His be that care, whom most it doth concerne,
2 (Said he) but whither with such hasty flight
Art thou now bound? for well mote I discerne
4 Great cause, that carries thee so swift and light.
My Lord (quoth he) me sent, and streight behight
6 To seeke +Occasion;+ where so she bee:
For he is all disposd to bloudy fight,
8 And breathes out wrath and hainous crueltie;
Hard is his hap, that first fals in his ieopardie.
6 Occasion; > Occasion, 1609
1 "His be that care, whom most it does concern," 2 Said he, "but whither with such hasty flight 3 Are you now bound? For well might I discern 4 Great cause, that carries you so swift and light."
light > quickly
5 "My lord," quoth he, "me sent, and straight behight
straight > directly; or: straict: strict, strictly behight > ordained (catachr.); hence: appointed
6 To seek Occasion whereso she be:
whereso > wherever
7 For he is all disposed to bloody fight, 8 And breathes out wrath and heinous cruelty;
heinous > heinous; grievous; full of hate
9 Hard is his hap, that first falls in his jeopardy."
hap > fortune in his jeopardy > [in Pyrochles's way; "jeopardy" has its modern meaning here]
204.44
Madman (said then the Palmer) that does seeke
2 Occasion to wrath, and cause of strife;
She comes vnsought, and shonned followes eke.
4 Happy, who can abstaine, when Rancour rife
Kindles Reuenge, and threats his rusty knife;
6 Woe neuer wants, where euery cause is caught,
And rash Occasion makes vnquiet life.
8 Then loe, where bound she +sits+, whom thou hast sought,
(Said Guyon,) let that message to thy Lord be brought.
8 sits > fits 1596
1 "Madman," said then the palmer, "that does seek
seek > {Pursue, harass; try to effect or bring about; in the passive voice, "seek" is also used of a woman being courted or wooed}
2 Occasion to wrath, and cause of strife; 3 She comes unsought, and shunned follows eke.
eke > also, moreover
4 Happy who can abstain when Rancour rife
Happy > [He is happy]
5 Kindles Revenge, and threats his rusty knife;
threats > threatens, brandishes rusty > blood-stained; dirty; rusty
6 Woe never wants, where every cause is caught, 7 And rash Occasion makes unquiet life." 8 "Then lo, where bound she sits, whom you have sought," 9 Said Guyon, "let that message to your lord be brought!"
204.45
That when the varlet heard and saw, streight way
2 He wexed wondrous wroth, and said, Vile knight,
That knights and knighthood doest with shame vpbray,
4 And shewst th'ensample of thy childish +might+,
With silly weake old woman +thus to+ fight.
6 Great glory and gay spoile sure hast thou got,
And stoutly prou'd thy puissaunce here in sight;
8 That shall Pyrochles well requite, I wot,
And with thy bloud abolish so reprochfull blot.
4 might > migbt 1596 5 thus to > that did 1590
1 That when the varlet heard and saw, straightway 2 He waxed wondrous wroth, and said, "Vile knight,
waxed > grew
3 That knights and knighthood do with shame upbraid,
upbraid > reprove
4 And show the example of your childish might,
example > pattern
5 With silly weak old woman thus to fight.
silly > helpless; innocent
6 Great glory and gay spoil sure have you got,
spoil > plunder
7 And stoutly proved your puissance here in sight;
stoutly > bravely puissance > power, strength (allied to prowess in arms)
8 That shall Pyrochles well requite, I wot,
wot > know, know for a fact
9 And with your blood abolish so reproachful blot."
blot > [a blot, disgrace]
204.46
With that one of his thrillant darts he threw,
2 Headed with ire and vengeable despight;
The quiuering steele his aymed end well knew,
4 And to his brest it selfe intended right:
But he was warie, and ere it empight
6 In the meant marke, aduaunst his shield atweene,
On which it seizing, no way enter might,
8 But backe rebounding, left the forckhead keene;
Eftsoones he fled away, and might no where be seene.
1 With that one of his thrillant darts he threw,
thrillant > thrilling, piercing
2 Headed with ire and vengeable despite;
vengeable > {Characterized by or arising from revenge; cruel, dreadful} despite > outrage; rage; malice
3 The quivering steel its aimed end well knew, 4 And to his breast itself intended right:
intended > directed
5 But he was wary, and ere it empight
empight > implanted itself
6 In the meant mark, advanced his shield atween,
atween > between
7 On which it seizing, no way enter might,
seizing > fastening, fixing itself (SUS)
8 But, back rebounding, left the forkhead keen;
forkhead > barbed head keen > sharp
9 Eftsoons he fled away, and might nowhere be seen.
Eftsoons > Thereupon
Pyrochles does with Guyon fight,
2 And Furors chayne +vnbinds+
Of whom sore hurt, for his reuenge
4 Atin Cymochles finds.
2 vnbinds > vntyes, 1590; vnbinds: 1609 3 Of whom sore hurt, for his reuenge > Who him sore wounds: whiles Atin to 1590 4 Atin Cymochles finds. > Gymochles for ayd flyes. 1590; Attin Gymochles finds. 1596
1 Pyrochles does with Guyon fight, 2 And Furor's chain unbinds; 3 Of whom sore hurt, for his revenge
Of > By for his revenge > [to avenge Pyrochles]
4 Atin Cymochles finds.
205.1
WHo euer doth to temperaunce apply
2 His stedfast life, and all his actions frame,
Trust me, shall find no greater enimy,
4 Then stubborne perturbation, to the same;
To which right well the wise do giue that name,
6 For it the goodly peace of stayed mindes
Does ouerthrow, and troublous warre proclame:
8 His owne woes authour, who so bound it findes,
As did Pyrochles, and it wilfully vnbindes.
1 Whoever does to temperance apply 2 His steadfast life, and all his actions frame,
frame > direct
3 Trust me, shall find no greater enemy 4 Than stubborn perturbation, to the same;
stubborn > hard; unyielding
5 To which right well the wise do give that name,
right well > very well; hence: most appropriately that name > (I.e. "perturbation", derived from the Latin perturbationem: disorder, disquiet, confusion, passion, emotion, derangement)
6 For it the goodly peace of staid minds
staid > steady, sober, well regulated (without the pejorative modern sense)
7 Does overthrow, and troublous war proclaim: 8 His own woes' author, whoso bound it finds,
His > [He is his] whoso > whoever it > [perturbation, personified by Furor]
9 As did Pyrochles, and it wilfully unbinds.
205.2
After that varlets flight, it was not long,
2 Ere on the plaine fast pricking Guyon spide
One in bright armes embatteiled full strong,
4 That as the Sunny beames do glaunce and glide
Vpon the trembling waue, so shined bright,
6 And round about him threw forth sparkling fire,
That seemd him to enflame on euery side:
8 His steed was bloudy red, and fomed ire,
When with the maistring spur he did him roughly stire.
1 After that varlet's flight, it was not long
varlet > attendant (esp. of a knight); menial [Atin]
2 Ere on the plain, fast pricking, Guyon spied
pricking > spurring his horse, riding
3 One in bright arms embattled full strong,
arms > {Arms and armour} embattled > armed for battle (SUFQ) full > very, exceedingly
4 That, as the sunny beams do glance and glide 5 Upon the trembling wave, so shone bright,
shone > [he shone; they shone]
6 And round about him threw forth sparkling fire, 7 That seemed him to inflame on every side:
inflame > {Light up or redden as if with flame; envelop in flame}
8 His steed was bloody red, and foamed ire, 9 When with the mastering spur he did him roughly stir.
205.3
Approching nigh, he neuer stayd to greete,
2 Ne +chaffar+ words, prowd courage to prouoke,
But prickt so fiers, that vnderneath his feete
4 The smouldring dust did round about him smoke,
Both horse and man nigh able for to choke;
6 And fairly couching his steele-headed speare,
Him first saluted with a sturdy stroke;
8 It booted nought Sir Guyon comming neare
To thinke, such hideous puissaunce on foot to beare.
2 chaffar > chaffer 1609
1 Approaching nigh, he never stayed to greet, 2 Nor chaffer words, proud courage to provoke,
chaffer > barter, exchange
3 But pricked so fierce that underneath his feet
pricked > spurred, rode
4 The smouldering dust did round about him smoke,
smouldering > smothering, choking
5 Both horse and man nigh able to choke;
able > liable
6 And fairly couching his steel-headed spear,
fairly > expertly couching > {Lowering and placing in its rest}
7 Him first saluted with a sturdy stroke;
sturdy > recklessly violent
8 It booted naught, Sir Guyon coming near,
booted > availed
9 To think, such hideous puissance on foot to bear.
hideous > terrific; immense; odious puissance > force, power
205.4
But lightly shunned it, and passing by,
2 With his bright blade did smite at him so fell,
That the sharpe steele arriuing forcibly
4 On his +broad+ shield, bit not, but glauncing fell
On his horse necke before the quilted +sell+
6 And from the head the body sundred quight.
So him dismounted low, he did compell
8 On foot with him to matchen equall fight;
The truncked beast fast bleeding, did him fowly dight.
4 broad > braod 1596 5 sell > sell, 1609
1 But lightly shunned it and, passing by,
lightly > easily
2 With his bright blade did smite at him so fell
fell > terribly, fiercely
3 That the sharp steel, arriving forcibly 4 On his broad shield, bit not, but glancing fell 5 On his horse's neck, before the quilted sell,
before > in front of sell > saddle
6 And from the head the body sundered quite. 7 So him dismounted low, he did compel
him > (Probably Pyrochles) he > [Guyon]
8 On foot with him to match equal fight; 9 The trunked beast, fast bleeding, did him foully dight.
trunked > mutilated, cut short (Latin truncus; cf. 108.10:8); hence: decapitated fast > rapidly; also, perhaps: close by, in close proximity [to Guyon] dight > deck, prepare; hence: sully, befoul
205.5
Sore bruzed with the fall, he slow vprose,
2 And all enraged, thus him loudly shent;
Disleall knight, whose coward courage chose
4 To wreake it selfe on beast all innocent,
And shund the marke, at which it should be ment,
6 Thereby thine armes seeme strong, but manhood +fraile;+
So hast thou oft with guile thine honour blent;
8 But litle may such guile thee now +auaile+,
If wonted force and fortune +do not much me faile+.
6 fraile; > frayl: 1590 8 auaile > auayl 1590 9 do not much me faile > doe me not much fayl 1590
1 Sore bruised with the fall, he slow uprose
Sore > Grievously
2 And, all enraged, thus him loudly shent:
shent > reviled
3 "Disleal knight, whose coward courage chose
Disleal > Disloyal, perfidious (Italian disleale: WU) courage > spirit
4 To wreak itself on beast all innocent,
wreak > give expression to
5 And shunned the mark at which it should be meant,
meant > intended
6 Thereby your arms seem strong, but manhood frail;
frail > weak; morally weak
7 So have you oft with guile your honour blended;
blended > blended, mingled, stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, spoiled
8 But little may such guile you now avail, 9 If wonted force and fortune do not much me fail."
wonted > accustomed, customary
205.6
With that he drew his flaming sword, and strooke
2 At him so fiercely, that the vpper marge
Of his seuenfolded shield away it tooke,
4 And glauncing on his helmet, made a large
And open gash therein: were not his targe,
6 That broke the violence of his intent,
The weary soule from thence it would discharge;
8 Nathelesse so sore a buff to him it lent,
That made him reele, and to his brest his beuer bent.
1 With that he drew his flaming sword, and struck 2 At him so fiercely that the upper marge
marge > margin
3 Of his sevenfold shield away it took,
sevenfold > seven-layered (cf. 203.1:9)
4 And, glancing on his helmet, made a large 5 And open gash therein: were not his targe
were > [were it] targe > shield
6 That broke the violence of his intent, 7 The weary soul from thence it would discharge;
it > ["his flaming sword"]
8 Natheless so sore a buff to him it lent,
Natheless > Nevertheless sore > grievous buff > blow, buffet lent > dealt
9 That made him reel, and to his breast his beaver bent.
That > [That it] beaver > {Lower part of face-guard of helmet}
205.7
Exceeding wroth was Guyon at that blow,
2 And much ashamd, that stroke of liuing arme
Should him dismay, and make him stoup so low,
4 Though otherwise it did him litle harme:
Tho hurling high his yron braced arme,
6 He smote so manly on his shoulder plate,
That all his left side it did quite disarme;
8 Yet there the steele stayd not, but inly bate
Deepe in his flesh, and opened wide a red floodgate.
1 Exceeding wroth was Guyon at that blow, 2 And much ashamed that stroke of living arm
stroke > [a stroke]
3 Should him dismay, and make him stoop so low,
dismay > overcome
4 Though otherwise it did him little harm: 5 Tho, hurling high his iron-braced arm,
Tho > Then hurling > whirling; brandishing
6 He smote so manly on his shoulder-plate 7 That all his left side it did quite disarm;
disarm > strip of armour
8 Yet there the steel stayed not, but inly bit
inly > inwardly; thoroughly, extremely
9 Deep in his flesh, and opened wide a red floodgate.
205.8
Deadly dismayd, with horrour of that dint
2 Pyrochles was, and grieued eke entyre;
Yet nathemore did it his fury stint,
4 But added flame vnto his former fire,
That welnigh molt his hart in raging yre;
6 Ne thenceforth his approued skill, to ward,
Or strike, or +hurtle+ round in +warlike+ gyre,
8 Remembred he, ne car'd for his saufgard,
But rudely rag'd, and like a cruell Tygre far'd.
7 hurtle > hurle, 1596; hurlen 1609 7 warlike > warelike 1596
1 Deadly dismayed with horror of that dint
horror > [the horror] dint > blow
2 Pyrochles was, and grieved eke entire;
eke > also entire > unreservedly; inwardly
3 Yet nathemore did it his fury stint,
nathemore > not at all
4 But added flame to his former fire, 5 That well-nigh melted his heart in raging ire;
That > [That; so that] well-nigh > very nearly
6 Neither thenceforth his approved skill (to ward,
approved > proven, tested
7 Or strike, or hurtle round in warlike gyre)
gyre > {A turning round, a whirling}
8 Remembered he, nor cared for his safeguard,
safeguard > protection, security
9 But rudely raged, and like a cruel tiger fared.
rudely > violently fared > acted
205.9
He hewd, and lasht, and foynd, and thundred blowes,
2 And euery way did seeke into his life,
Ne plate, ne male could ward so mighty throwes,
4 But yielded passage to his cruell knife.
But Guyon, in the heat of all his strife,
6 Was warie wise, and closely did awayt
Auauntage, whilest his foe did rage most rife;
8 Sometimes a thwart, sometimes he strooke him strayt,
And falsed oft his blowes, t'illude him with such bayt.
1 He hewed, and lashed, and foined, and thundered blows,
foined > lunged, thrust (with a pointed weapon)
2 And every way did seek into his life;
way > {Means of entry}
3 Neither plate nor mail could ward so mighty throws,
plate > armour plating mail > chain-mail so > such throws > blows
4 But yielded passage to his cruel knife.
But > [But that it would have] knife > sword
5 But Guyon, in the heat of all his strife, 6 Was wary wise, and closely did await
closely > closely; privately, secretly
7 Advantage, whilst his foe did rage most rife;
rife > abundantly, copiously; hence: violently
8 Sometimes athwart, sometimes he struck him straight, 9 And falsed oft his blows, to illude him with such bait.
falsed > feinted, dummied illude > trick, deceive; evade, elude; mock
205.10
Like as a Lyon, whose imperiall powre
2 A prowd rebellious Vnicorne defies,
T'auoide the rash assault and wrathfull stowre
4 Of his fiers foe, him to a tree applies,
And when him running in full course he spies,
6 He slips aside; the whiles that furious beast
His precious horne, sought of his +enimies+
8 Strikes in the stocke, ne thence can be +releast+,
But to the mighty victour yields a bounteous feast.
7 enimies > enimye 1590; enimies, 1609 8 releast > relast 1596
1 Like a lion, whose imperial power 2 A proud rebellious unicorn defies: 3 To avoid the rash assault and wrathful stour
stour > conflict, combat
4 Of his fierce foe, him to a tree applies,
him > [himself, the lion] applies > places in contact; hence: backs up against; also: directs his path, makes his way
5 And when him running in full course he spies,
him > [the unicorn]
6 He slips aside; while that furious beast 7 His precious horn, sought of his enemies,
precious > (Because it was believed to have medicinal or magical properties, esp. as an antidote to or preventive of poison)
8 Strikes in the stock, nor thence can be released,
stock > trunk
9 But to the mighty victor yields a bounteous feast.
205.11
With such faire slight him Guyon often faild,
2 Till at the last all breathlesse, wearie, faint
Him spying, with fresh onset he assaild,
4 And kindling new his courage seeming queint,
Strooke him so hugely, that through great constraint
6 He made him stoup perforce vnto his knee,
And do vnwilling worship to the Saint,
8 That on his shield depainted he did see;
Such homage till that instant neuer learned hee.
1 With such fair sleight him Guyon often failed,
sleight > sleight; dexterity [in handling a weapon]; prudence failed > deceived (cf. 311.46:9); disappointed
2 Till at the last, all breathless, weary, faint 3 Him spying, with fresh onset he assailed,
assailed > (The quasi-intransitive construction is rare. Cf. 106.43:2)
4 And kindling new his courage seeming queint,
courage > courage; spirit queint > extinguished, quenched
5 Struck him so hugely, that through great constraint 6 He made him stoop perforce to his knee,
perforce > by violence; perforce
7 And do unwilling worship to the saint
saint > [Gloriana; see 209.4:1-2]
8 That on his shield depainted he did see;
depainted > depicted
9 Such homage till that instant never learned he.
205.12
Whom Guyon seeing stoup, pursewed fast
2 The present offer of faire victory,
And soone his dreadfull blade about he cast,
4 Wherewith he smote his haughty crest so hye,
That streight on ground made him full low to lye;
6 Then on his brest his victour foote he thrust,
With that he cryde, Mercy, do me not dye,
8 Ne deeme thy force +by+ fortunes doome vniust,
That hath (maugre her spight) thus low me laid in dust.
8 by > but conj. Smith; see Glossary
1 Whom Guyon seeing stoop, pursued fast
Guyon seeing stoop, > [seeing to stoop, Guyon]
2 The present offer of fair victory, 3 And soon his dreadful blade about he cast, 4 Wherewith he smote his haughty crest so high
Wherewith > With which haughty > high; proud high > high [physically]; excessively, hence: forcefully; also: loudly
5 That straight on ground made him full low to lie;
made > [Guyon made; the blow made] full > very, entirely
6 Then on his breast his victor foot he thrust; 7 With that he cried, "Mercy, do me not die,
he > [Pyrochles] die > [to death]
8 Nor deem your force by Fortune's doom unjust,
deem > estimate, judge, form an opinion of by > [by virtue of, according to] doom unjust > unjust judgement
9 That has (maugre her spite!) thus low me laid in dust!"
maugre > a curse upon (SUS) her > [Fortune's]
205.13
Eftsoones his cruell hand Sir Guyon stayd,
2 Tempring the passion with aduizement slow,
And maistring might on enimy dismayd:
4 For th'equall dye of warre he well did know;
Then to him said, Liue and allegaunce owe,
6 To him that giues thee life and libertie,
And henceforth by this dayes ensample trow,
8 That hasty wroth, and heedlesse hazardrie
Do breede repentaunce late, and lasting infamie.
1 Eftsoons his cruel hand Sir Guyon stayed,
Eftsoons > Thereupon
2 Tempering the passion with advisement slow,
advisement > consideration; prudence
3 And mastering might on enemy dismayed:
mastering > overcoming [his] on > [over an] dismayed > [who has been defeated]
4 For the equal die of war he well did know;
equal die > impartial hazard
5 Then to him said, "Live, and allegiance owe 6 To him that gives you life and liberty, 7 And henceforth, by this day's example, trow
trow > believe, accept as true
8 That hasty wrath and heedless hazardry
hazardry > {Venturesomeness, the incurring of risk; SU}
9 Do breed repentance late, and lasting infamy."
late > late, tardy; overdue, after the proper time
205.14
So vp he let him rise, who with grim looke
2 And count'naunce sterne vpstanding, gan to grind
His grated teeth for great disdeigne, and shooke
4 His sandy lockes, long hanging downe behind,
Knotted in bloud and dust, for griefe of mind,
6 That he in ods of armes was conquered;
Yet in himselfe some comfort he did find,
8 That him so noble knight had maistered,
Whose bounty more then might, yet both he wondered.
1 So up he let him rise, who, with grim look 2 And countenance stern, upstanding, began to grind
stern > {Austere, gloomy, expressing grave displeasure}
3 His grated teeth for great disdain, and shook
grated > ground together; hence: clenched disdain > anger, indignation
4 His sandy locks, long hanging down behind, 5 Knotted in blood and dust, for grief of mind 6 That he in odds of arms was conquered; 7 Yet in himself some comfort he did find, 8 That him so noble knight had mastered,
knight > [a knight] mastered > overcome
9 Whose bounty more than might, yet both he wondered.
more than > [was greater than his] wondered > marvelled at
205.15
Which Guyon marking said, Be nought agrieu'd,
2 Sir knight, that thus ye now subdewed arre:
Was neuer man, who most conquestes atchieu'd
4 But sometimes had the worse, and lost by warre,
Yet shortly gaynd, that losse exceeded farre:
6 Losse is no shame, nor to be lesse then foe,
But to be lesser, then himselfe, doth marre
8 Both loosers lot, and victours prayse alsoe.
Vaine others ouerthrowes, +who+ selfe doth ouerthrowe.
9 who > whose 1609
1 Which Guyon marking said, "Be naught aggrieved,
Guyon marking > [marking, Guyon]
2 Sir knight, that thus you now subdued are: 3 Was never man who most conquests achieved,
most > most; the greatest
4 But sometimes had the worse, and lost by war, 5 Yet shortly gained that loss exceeded far:
that loss exceeded > [that which exceeded the loss by]
6 Loss is no shame, nor to be less than foe, 7 But to be lesser than himself does mar
lesser > less
8 Both loser's lot and victor's praise also.
praise > praiseworthiness also > (Tautological)
9 Vain others' overthrows, who self does overthrow.
Vain others' overthrows, who self does overthrow > [In vain are the defeats of others, to whomever defeats himself]
205.16
Fly, O Pyrochles, fly the dreadfull warre,
2 That in thy selfe thy lesser parts do moue,
Outrageous anger, and woe-working iarre,
4 Direfull impatience, and hart murdring loue;
Those, those thy foes, those warriours far remoue,
6 Which thee to endlesse bale captiued lead.
But sith in might thou didst my mercy proue,
8 Of curtesie to me the cause +aread+,
That thee against me drew with so impetuous dread.
8 aread > a read 1596
1 "Fly, O Pyrochles, fly the dreadful war, 2 That in yourself your lesser parts do move:
lesser parts > inferior qualities, lesser attributes
3 Outrageous anger, and woe-working jar,
Outrageous > Intemperate; fierce jar > discord (see 204.41:7)
4 Direful impatience, and heart-murdering love;
impatience > impatience; intolerance, inability to endure suffering
5 Those, those your foes, those warriors far remove, 6 Which you to endless bale captived lead.
bale > woe, torment; also, mainly in northern usage: a great consuming fire, pyre (see 204.38:5, note at 204.41:2) captived > held captive
7 But sith in might you did my mercy prove,
sith > since prove > test; demonstrate; confirm by personal experience
8 Of courtesy to me the cause aread
aread > make known, declare
9 That you against me drew with so impetuous dread."
That > [Why] drew > [drew your sword] so > such dread > doubt; risk [of failure, since Guyon was an unknown quantity]; hence: rashness
205.17
Dreadlesse (said he) that shall I soone declare:
2 It was complaind, that thou hadst done great tort
Vnto an aged woman, poore and bare,
4 And thralled her in chaines with strong effort,
Voide of all succour and needfull comfort:
6 That ill beseemes thee, such as I thee see,
To worke such shame. Therefore I thee exhort,
8 To chaunge thy will, and set +Occasion+ free,
And to her captiue sonne yield his first libertee.
8 Occasion > occasion 1590; Occasion 1609
1 "Dreadless," said he, "that shall I soon declare:
Dreadless > Without doubt, fear not (a typical word-play on "dread" in the preceding line); also, perhaps: Fearless One (as a term of address) soon > straightway
2 It was complained that you had done great tort
tort > wrong
3 To an aged woman, poor and bare,
bare > defenceless; destitute; simple
4 And thralled her in chains with strong effort,
thralled > {Brought into bondage or captivity, took captive}
5 Void of all succour and needful comfort: 6 That ill beseems you, such as I you see,
beseems > becomes, suits
7 To work such shame. Therefore I you exhort
work > bring about
8 To change your will, and set Occasion free, 9 And to her captive son yield his first liberty."
first > original, former
205.18
Thereat Sir Guyon smilde, And is that all
2 (Said he) that thee so sore displeased hath?
Great mercy sure, for to enlarge a thrall,
4 Whose freedome shall thee turne to greatest scath.
Nath'lesse now quench thy whot emboyling wrath:
6 Loe there they be; to thee I yield them free.
Thereat he wondrous glad, out of the path
8 Did lightly leape, where he them bound did see,
And gan to breake the bands of their captiuitee.
1 Thereat Sir Guyon smiled; "And is that all,"
Thereat > At that
2 Said he, "that you so sore displeased has? 3 Great mercy sure, to enlarge a thrall,
mercy > act of mercy enlarge > set free thrall > captive
4 Whose freedom shall you turn to greatest scathe.
scathe > harm, damage
5 Natheless now quench your hot emboiling wrath:
Natheless > Nevertheless emboiling > {Boiling with rage; SUS}
6 Lo, there they be; to you I yield them free!" 7 Thereat he, wondrous glad, out of the path
Thereat > Thereupon he > [Pyrochles]
8 Did lightly leap, where he them bound did see,
lightly > quickly
9 And began to break the bonds of their captivity.
205.19
Soone as Occasion felt her selfe vntyde,
2 Before her sonne could well assoyled bee,
She to her vse returnd, and streight defyde
4 Both Guyon and Pyrochles: th'one (said +shee+)
Bycause he wonne; the other because hee
6 Was wonne: So matter did she make of nought,
To stirre vp strife, and +do+ them disagree:
8 But soone as Furor was enlargd, she sought
To kindle his quencht fire, and thousand causes wrought.
4 shee > hee 1590, 1596 7 do > garre _1590; "garre" = to make, cause (northern dialect; cf. SC, gloss to "April", and "September", 106. This somewhat provincial word occurs nowhere else in FQ and is a striking example of Spenser's alterations for the 1596 edition)_
1 Soon as Occasion felt herself untied
Soon > [As soon]
2 (Before her son could well assoiled be)
assoiled > set free
3 She to her use returned, and straight defied
use > habit, custom straight > immediately; directly; unreservedly, outspokenly
4 Both Guyon and Pyrochles: the one (said she) 5 Because he won; the other because he 6 Was won: so matter did she make of naught,
won > defeated
7 To stir up strife, and do them disagree:
do > make
8 But soon as Furor was enlarged, she sought
soon > [as soon] enlarged > set free
9 To kindle his quenched fire, and thousand causes wrought.
causes > {Cases, suits, causes for disagreement}
205.20
It was not long, ere she inflam'd him so,
2 That he would algates with Pyrochles fight,
And his redeemer chalengd for his foe,
4 Because he had not well mainteind his right,
But yielded had to that same straunger knight:
6 Now gan Pyrochles wex as wood, as hee,
And him affronted with impatient might:
8 So both together fiers engrasped bee,
Whiles Guyon standing by, their vncouth strife does see.
1 It was not long ere she inflamed him so
so > [so greatly]
2 That he would algates with Pyrochles fight,
algates > anyhow, by any means
3 And his redeemer challenged for his foe,
challenged for > demanded as, laid claim to as
4 Because he had not well maintained his right,
maintained > defended
5 But yielded had to that same stranger knight:
stranger > foreign; new-come
6 Now gan Pyrochles wax as wood as he,
gan > did; began (… to) wax > grow, become wood > furious
7 And him affronted with impatient might:
affronted > confronted; faced in defiance impatient > impatient (from Pyrochles's viewpoint); unendurable, insufferable (from Furor's viewpoint)
8 So both together fierce engrasped be,
engrasped be > [were grasped; grappled]
9 While Guyon, standing by, their uncouth strife does see.
uncouth > bizarre; unseemly
205.21
Him all that while Occasion did prouoke
2 Against Pyrochles, and new matter framed
Vpon the old, him stirring to be wroke
4 Of his late wrongs, in which she oft him blamed
For suffering such abuse, as knighthood shamed,
6 And him dishabled quite. But he was wise
Ne would with vaine +occasions+ be inflamed;
8 Yet others she more vrgent did deuise:
Yet nothing could him to impatience entise.
7 occasions > occasion 1609
1 Him all that while Occasion did provoke 2 Against Pyrochles, and new matter framed 3 Upon the old, him stirring to be wreaked
wreaked > avenged
4 Of his late wrongs, in which she oft him blamed
late > recent
5 For suffering such abuse as knighthood shamed, 6 And him disabled quite. But he was wise
disabled > pronounced as of no force; disparaged
7 Nor would with vain occasions be inflamed;
vain > empty, futile
8 Yet others she more urgent did devise: 9 Yet nothing could him to impatience entice.
entice > provoke
205.22
Their fell contention still increased more,
2 And more thereby increased Furors might,
That he his foe has hurt, and wounded sore,
4 And him in bloud and durt deformed quight.
His mother eke, more to augment his +spight+,
6 Now brought to him a flaming +fire+ brond,
Which she in Stygian lake, ay burning +bright+
8 Had kindled: that she gaue into his hond,
That armd with fire, more hardly he mote him withstond.
5 spight > spright 1609 6 fire > fyer 1590; fier 1609 7 bright > bright, 1609
1 Their fell contention still increased more,
Their > [Pyrochles's and Furor's] fell > fierce, terrible
2 And more thereby increased Furor's might, 3 That he his foe has hurt, and wounded sore,
That > [So that]
4 And him in blood and dirt deformed quite.
deformed > befouled, defiled, rendered hideous
5 His mother eke, more to augment his spite,
eke > moreover more > [the more]
6 Now brought to him a flaming firebrand, 7 Which she in Stygian lake, ay burning bright,
Stygian lake > (The River Styx, the river of hate, one of the five rivers of hell) ay > ever, always
8 Had kindled: that she gave into his hand, 9 That, armed with fire, more hardly he might him withstand.
That > [So that] hardly > forcibly, violently; hardily
205.23
Tho gan +that+ villein wex so fiers and strong,
2 That nothing might sustaine his furious forse;
He cast him downe to ground, and all along
4 Drew him through durt and myre without remorse,
And fowly battered his comely corse,
6 That Guyon much disdeignd so loathly sight.
At last he was compeld to cry perforse,
8 Helpe, {o^} Sir Guyon, helpe most noble knight,
To rid a wretched man from hands of hellish wight.
1 that > the 1609
1 Tho gan that villein wax so fierce and strong
Tho gan > Then did villein > villain; serf (as he is slave to Occasion) wax > grow, become
2 That nothing might sustain his furious force;
might > could sustain > endure; withstand
3 He cast him down to ground, and all along 4 Drew him through dirt and mire without remorse,
remorse > pity, compassion
5 And foully battered his comely corse,
corse > body
6 That Guyon much disdained so loathly sight.
That > [So that] disdained > [was moved to indignation or scorn by] loathly > loathsome [a]
7 At last he was compelled to cry perforce, 8 "Help, O Sir Guyon, help, most noble knight, 9 To rid a wretched man from hands of hellish wight!"
wight > creature
205.24
The knight was greatly moued at his plaint,
2 And gan him dight to succour his distresse,
Till that the Palmer, by his graue restraint,
4 Him stayd from yielding pitifull redresse;
And said, Deare sonne, thy causelesse ruth represse,
6 Ne let thy stout hart melt in pitty vayne:
He that his sorrow sought through wilfulnesse,
8 And his foe fettred would release +agayne,+
Deserues to tast his follies fruit, repented payne.
agayne, > agayne. 1596
1 The knight was greatly moved at his plaint,
plaint > complaint, lamentation
2 And gan himself dight to succour his distress,
gan > began to; did dight > prepare
3 Till the palmer, by his grave restraint, 4 Him stayed from yielding pitiful redress;
stayed > restrained pitiful > {Prompted by pity} redress > relief, assistance
5 And said, "Dear son, your causeless ruth repress,
ruth > pity; also: trouble
6 Nor let your stout heart melt in pity vain:
stout > brave; proud; resolute vain > empty, futile
7 He that his sorrow sought through wilfulness, 8 And his foe fettered would release again,
foe fettered > [fettered foe]
9 Deserves to taste his follies' fruit, repented pain."
205.25
Guyon obayd; So him away he drew
2 From needlesse trouble of renewing fight
Already fought, his voyage to pursew.
4 But rash Pyrochles varlet, Atin hight,
When late he saw his Lord in heauy plight,
6 Vnder Sir Guyons puissaunt stroke to fall,
Him deeming dead, as then he seemd in sight,
8 Fled fast away, to tell his funerall
Vnto his brother, whom Cymochles men did call.
1 Guyon obeyed; so him away he drew 2 From needless trouble of renewing fight 3 Already fought, his voyage to pursue.
voyage > journey
4 But rash Pyrochles' varlet, Atin hight,
varlet > attendant (esp. of a knight); menial hight > named, by name
5 When late he saw his lord, in heavy plight
late > lately
6 Under Sir Guyon's puissant stroke to fall,
puissant > powerful; warlike
7 Him deeming dead (as then he seemed in sight), 8 Fled fast away, to tell his funeral
tell > report, describe funeral > death
9 To his brother, whom "Cymochles" men did call.
205.26
He was a man of rare redoubted might,
2 Famous throughout the world for warlike prayse,
And glorious spoiles, purchast in perilous fight:
4 Full many doughtie knights he in his dayes
Had doen to death, subdewde in equall frayes,
6 Whose carkases, for terrour of his name,
Of fowles and beastes he made the piteous prayes,
8 And hong their conquered armes for more defame
On gallow trees, in honour of his dearest Dame.
1 He was a man of rare redoubted might, 2 Famous throughout the world for warlike praise,
praise > praiseworthiness; virtue; hence: qualities, worth
3 And glorious spoils, purchased in perilous fight:
purchased > got by conquest
4 Full many doughty knights he in his days
Full > Very
5 Had done to death, subdued in equal frays,
subdued > overcome (by violence) equal > fair, impartial
6 Whose carcases, for terror of his name, 7 Of fowls and beasts he made the piteous prey, 8 And hung their conquered arms, for more defame,
more > greater defame > disgrace, defamation
9 On gallow trees, in honour of his dearest dame.
205.27
His dearest Dame is that Enchaunteresse,
2 The vile Acrasia, that with vaine delightes,
And idle pleasures in +her+ Bowre of Blisse,
4 Doe charme her louers, and the feeble sprightes
Can call out of the bodies of fraile wightes:
6 Whom then she does transforme to monstrous hewes,
And horribly misshapes with vgly sightes,
8 Captiu'd eternally in yron mewes,
And darksom dens, where Titan his face neuer shewes.
3 her > his 1596
1 His dearest dame is that enchantress, 2 The vile Acrasia, that with vain delights
vain > vain; empty
3 And idle pleasures, in her Bower of Bliss, 4 Does charm her lovers, and the feeble spirits 5 Can call out of the bodies of frail wights:
frail > weak, morally weak wights > men; people, mortals
6 Whom then she does transform to monstrous hues,
monstrous hues > [the] forms of monsters
7 And horribly misshapes with ugly sights,
sights > appearances
8 Captived eternally in iron mews,
Captived > Held captive mews > cages
9 And darksome dens, where Titan his face never shows.
205.28
There Atin found Cymochles soiourning,
2 To serue his Lemans loue: for +he+ by kind,
Was giuen all to lust and loose liuing,
4 When euer his fiers hands he free mote find:
And now he has pourd out his idle mind
6 In daintie delices, and lauish ioyes,
Hauing his warlike weapons cast behind,
8 And flowes in pleasures, and vaine pleasing toyes,
Mingled emongst loose Ladies and lasciuious boyes.
2 he > he, 1609
1 There Atin found Cymochles sojourning, 2 To serve his leman's love: for he, by kind,
leman > lover kind > nature
3 Was given all to lust and loose living, 4 Whenever his fierce hands he free might find: 5 And now he has poured out his idle mind
poured out > (Cf. 107.7:2)
6 In dainty delices and lavish joys,
delices > delights, sensual pleasures lavish > licentious
7 Having his warlike weapons cast behind, 8 And flows in pleasures, and vain pleasing toys,
toys > amorous games
9 Mingled amongst loose ladies and lascivious boys.
205.29
And ouer him, art striuing to compaire
2 With nature, did an Arber greene dispred,
Framed of wanton Yuie, flouring faire,
4 Through which the fragrant Eglantine did spred
His +pricking+ armes, entrayld with roses red,
6 Which daintie odours round about them threw,
And all within with flowres was garnished,
8 That when myld Zephyrus emongst them blew,
Did breath out bounteous smels, and painted colors shew.
5 pricking > prickling 1590
1 And over him (Art striving to compare
compare > vie
2 With Nature) did an arbour green dispread,
dispread > spread out
3 Framed of wanton ivy, flowering fair,
Framed > Fashioned wanton > luxuriant, rank; wanton (because ivy is sacred to Bacchus; in FQ it is often an emblem of licentiousness: cf. e.g. 104.22:3, 306.44:5)
4 Through which the fragrant eglantine did spread
eglantine > sweetbrier (Rosa rubiginosa)
5 His pricking arms, entrailed with roses red,
entrailed > entwined, interlaced
6 Which dainty odours round about them threw, 7 And all within with flowers was garnished, 8 That when mild Zephyr amongst them blew,
That > [So that] Zephyr > (The west wind; the west wind personified; the god of the west wind)
9 Did breathe out bounteous smells, and painted colours show.
Did > [The eglantine did]
205.30
And fast beside, there trickled softly downe
2 A gentle streame, whose murmuring waue did play
+Emongst+ the pumy stones, and made a sowne,
4 To lull him soft a sleepe, that by it lay;
The wearie Traueiler, wandring that way,
6 Therein did often quench his thristy heat,
And then by it his wearie limbes display,
8 Whiles creeping slomber made him to forget
His former paine, and wypt away his toylsom sweat.
3 Emongst > Emon gst 1596
1 And, fast beside, there trickled softly down
fast > very closely
2 A gentle stream, whose murmuring wave did play 3 Amongst the pumice stones, and made a sound,
sound > sound, the original spelling also evoking, perhaps: swowne, swoune, swoon; furthermore "the obsolete spelling avoids the harsh dental of `sound'", observes Hamilton (1980)
4 To lull him soft asleep, that by it lay; 5 The weary traveller, wandering that way, 6 Therein did often quench his thirsty heat, 7 And then by it his weary limbs display,
display > extend
8 While creeping slumber made him forget 9 His former pain, and wiped away his toilsome sweat.
205.31
And on the other side a pleasaunt groue
2 Was shot vp high, full of the stately tree,
That dedicated is t'Olympicke Ioue,
4 And to his sonne Alcides, whenas hee
+Gaynd in Nemea+ goodly victoree;
6 Therein the mery birds of euery sort
Chaunted alowd their chearefull harmonie:
8 And made emongst them selues a sweet consort,
That quickned the dull spright with musicall comfort.
5 Gaynd in Nemea > In Netmus gayned 1590; Nemus FE
1 And on the other side a pleasant grove 2 Was shot up high, full of the stately tree 3 That dedicated is to Olympic Jove,
Olympic > (The tree is either the oak, dedicated to Jove (Jupiter), whose abode is Olympus; or it is the poplar, dedicated to Hercules. The latter is more probable in view of "shot vp high" in line 2, which more accurately describes the habit of the poplar)
4 And to his son, Alcides, when he 5 Gained in Nemea goodly victory;
Nemea > (The city of Argolis, near which Hercules killed the Nemean lion and founded the Nemean games)
6 Therein the merry birds of every sort
merry > delightful, charming
7 Chanted aloud their cheerful harmony: 8 And made amongst themselves a sweet consort
consort > concert; also: accord, consent
9 That quickened the dull spirit with musical comfort.
quickened > enlivened
205.32
There he him found all carelesly displayd,
2 In secret shadow from the sunny ray,
On a sweet bed of lillies softly layd,
4 Amidst a flocke of Damzels fresh and gay,
That round about him dissolute did play
6 Their wanton follies, and light meriment;
Euery of which did loosely disaray
8 Her vpper parts of meet habiliments,
And shewd them naked, deckt with many ornaments.
1 There he him found all carelessly displayed,
he > [Atin] him > [Cymochles] displayed > spread out
2 In secret shadow from the sunny ray,
secret shadow > shade secret (secret = secluded, retired)
3 On a sweet bed of lilies softly laid, 4 Amidst a flock of damsels fresh and gay, 5 That round about him dissolute did play 6 Their wanton follies and light merriment;
follies > indecencies light > wanton, frivolous
7 Every of whom did loosely disarray
of > [one of]
8 Her upper parts of meet habiliments,
meet > fitting, suitable habiliments > clothing
9 And showed them naked, decked with many ornaments.
205.33
And euery of them stroue, with most delights,
2 Him to aggrate, and greatest pleasures shew;
Some framd faire lookes, glancing like euening +lights,+
4 Others sweet words, dropping like honny dew;
Some bathed kisses, and did soft embrew
6 The sugred licour through his melting lips:
One boastes her beautie, and does yeeld to vew
8 Her daintie limbes aboue her tender hips;
Another her out boastes, and all for tryall strips.
3 lights, > lights 1596
1 And every of them strove with most delights
of > [one of]
2 Him to aggrate, and greatest pleasures show;
aggrate > gratify (SUS) show > proffer, put forth
3 Some framed fair looks, glancing like evening lights; 4 Others sweet words, dropping like honey dew; 5 Some bathed kisses, and did soft imbrue
imbrue > pour, infuse (SU)
6 The sugared liquor through his melting lips: 7 One boasts her beauty, and does yield to view 8 Her dainty limbs above her tender hips; 9 Another her out-boasts, and all for trial strips.
trial > examination; hence: scrutiny
205.34
He, like an Adder, lurking in the weeds,
2 His wandring thought in deepe desire does steepe,
And his fraile eye with spoyle of beautie feedes;
4 Sometimes he falsely faines himselfe to sleepe,
Whiles through their lids his wanton eies do peepe,
6 To steale a snatch of amorous +conceipt+,
Whereby close fire into his heart does creepe:
8 So, +he+ them deceiues, deceiu'd in his deceipt,
Made drunke with drugs of deare voluptuous receipt.
6 conceipt > conceit 1609 8 he > omitted from 1609, perhaps solely for the sake of the metre
1 He, like an adder lurking in the weeds, 2 His wandering thought in deep desire does steep, 3 And his frail eye with spoil of beauty feeds;
frail > {Morally weak, unable to resist temptation; tender: last is SUS} spoil > plunder, booty; spoliation ("beautie" being abstract); or: divestment ("beautie" referring to the scantily clad "Damzels" of the preceding stanzas)
4 Sometimes he falsely feigns himself to sleep, 5 While through their lids his wanton eyes do peep, 6 To steal a snatch of amorous conceit,
conceit > conception, idea; scheme
7 Whereby close fire into his heart does creep:
close > secret
8 So he them deceives, deceived in his deceit,
So > ?Thus (see Textual Appendix and original pointing)
9 Made drunk with drugs of dear voluptuous receipt.
dear > costly (esp. in fig. senses); grievous receipt > {Formula, recipe; also: that which is received, i.e. his view of the damsels}
205.35
Atin arriuing there, when him he spide,
2 Thus in still waues of deepe delight to wade,
Fiercely approching, to him lowdly cride,
4 Cymochles; oh no, but Cymochles shade,
In which that manly person late did fade,
6 What is become of great Acrates sonne?
Or where hath he hong vp his mortall blade,
8 That hath so many haughtie conquests wonne?
Is all his force forlorne, and all his glory donne?
1 Atin, arriving there, when him he spied 2 Thus in still waves of deep delight to wade,
still > constant; continuous; perhaps also with the paradoxical but sensual meaning: still, motionless
3 Fiercely approaching, to him loudly cried, 4 "Cymochles! … O no, but Cymochles' shade,
shade > ghost, spectre
5 In which that manly person late did fade;
manly > manly; human, mortal fade > weaken, decline; become dry (in further allusion to his name: cf. 107.4:7); vanish (cf. 105.15:5)
6 What is become of great Acrates' son? 7 Or where has he hung up his mortal blade,
mortal > lethal
8 That has so many haughty conquests won?
haughty > exalted, of exalted courage; proud
9 Is all his force forlorn, and all his glory done?"
forlorn > lost, perished; forsaken
205.36
Then pricking him with his sharpe-pointed dart,
2 He said; +vp+, vp, thou womanish weake knight,
That here in Ladies lap entombed art,
4 Vnmindfull of thy praise and prowest might,
And weetlesse eke of lately wrought despight,
6 Whiles sad Pyrochles lies on senselesse ground,
And groneth out his vtmost grudging spright,
8 Through many a stroke, and many a streaming wound,
Calling thy helpe in vaine, that here in ioyes art dround.
2 vp > Vp 1609
1 Then, pricking him with his sharp-pointed dart, 2 He said: "Up, up, you womanish weak knight, 3 That here in ladies' lap entombed are, 4 Unmindful of your praise and prowest might,
praise > praiseworthiness; virtue; hence: qualities, worth prowest > bravest
5 And weetless eke of lately wrought despite,
weetless > unknowing, unconscious (WUS) eke > also despite > outrage
6 While sad Pyrochles lies on senseless ground, 7 And groans out his utmost grudging spirit,
grudging > complaining, repining
8 Through many a stroke, and many a streaming wound, 9 Calling your help in vain, that here in joys are drowned!"
Calling > [Calling for]
205.37
Suddeinly out of his delightfull dreame
2 The man awoke, and would haue questiond more;
But he would not endure that wofull theame
4 For to dilate at large, but vrged sore
With percing words, and pittifull implore,
6 Him hastie to arise. As one affright
With hellish feends, or Furies mad vprore,
8 He then vprose, inflam'd with fell despight,
And called for his armes; for he would algates fight.
1 Suddenly out of his delightful dream 2 The man awoke, and would have questioned more; 3 But he would not endure that woeful theme
he > [Atin] endure > permit
4 For to dilate at large, but urged sore
For to dilate > [To be dilated upon] at large > at greater liberty; hence: further sore > deeply, with great distress, but here, mainly a simple intensive
5 With piercing words, and pitiful implore,
implore > entreaty
6 Him hastily to arise. As one affright
affright > terrified
7 With hellish fiends or Furies' mad uproar, 8 He then uprose, inflamed with fell despite,
inflamed > (Because he has been pricked (205.36:1) by one of Atin's darts: see 204.38:7-9) fell > terrible despite > rage
9 And called for his arms; for he would algates fight.
arms > {Weapons, shield and armour} algates > anyhow, by any means
205.38
They bene ybrought; he quickly does him dight,
2 And lightly mounted, passeth on his way,
Ne Ladies loues, ne sweete entreaties might
4 Appease his heat, or hastie passage stay;
For he has vowd, to beene aueng'd that day,
6 (That day it selfe him seemed all too long:)
On him, that did Pyrochles deare dismay:
8 So proudly pricketh on his courser strong,
And Atin aie him pricks with spurs of shame and wrong.
1 They been brought; he quickly does himself dight,
been > [were] dight > prepare, clad
2 And, lightly mounted, passes on his way;
lightly > quickly; easily
3 Neither ladies' loves, nor sweet entreaties might
might > could
4 Appease his heat, or hasty passage stay;
Appease > Assuage heat > fit of passion
5 For he has vowed to be avenged that day 6 (That day itself him seemed all too long)
him seemed > [seemed to him]
7 On him that did Pyrochles dear dismay:
dear > grievously (adv.); dear, beloved (adj.) dismay > defeat, overcome
8 So proudly pricks on his courser strong,
pricks on > spurs on
9 And Atin ay him pricks with spurs of shame and wrong.
ay > ever
Guyon is of immodest +Merth,+
2 led into loose desire,
Fights with Cymochles, whiles his bro-
3 ther burnes in furious fire.
1 Merth, > Merth 1609
1 Guyon is of immodest Mirth
of > by immodest > forward, impudent; unchaste (also, the Latin immodestus means "intemperate", "unbridled") Mirth > Phaedria (introduced at 206.3, named at 206.9; an early meaning of "mirth" is "fun", "ridicule")
2 led into loose desire, 3 Fights with Cymochles, while his bro-
Fights > [And fights] his > [Cymochles's (his brother is Pyrochles)]
4 ther burns in furious fire.
206.1
A Harder lesson, to learne Continence
2 In ioyous pleasure, then in grieuous paine:
For sweetnesse doth allure the weaker sence
4 So strongly, that vneathes it can refraine
From that, which feeble nature couets faine;
6 But griefe and wrath, that be her enemies,
And foes of life, she better can +restraine+;
8 Yet vertue vauntes in both +their+ victories,
And Guyon in them all shewes goodly maisteries.
7 restraine > abstaine 1590 8 their > her 1590
1 A harder lesson, to learn continence 2 In joyous pleasure than in grievous pain: 3 For sweetness does allure the weaker sense
weaker > too-weak
4 So strongly, that uneath it can refrain
uneath > with difficulty
5 From that which feeble nature covets fain;
fain > eagerly
6 But grief and wrath (that be her enemies,
be > [are]
7 And foes of life) she better can restrain;
better > [more easily]
8 Yet virtue vaunts in both their victories,
vaunts > displays [itself]; advances [itself, its cause; the last only if "vaunts" is taken to be aphetic for "avaunts"] both their victories > [the victories of continence over both sweetness and wrath]
9 And Guyon in them all shows goodly mastery.
all > [both]
206.2
Whom bold Cymochles trauelling to find,
2 With cruell purpose bent to wreake on him
The wrath, which Atin kindled in his mind,
4 Came to a riuer, by whose vtmost brim
Wayting to passe, he saw whereas did swim
6 A long the shore, as swift as glaunce of eye,
A litle Gondelay, bedecked trim
8 With boughes and arbours wouen cunningly,
That like a litle forrest seemed outwardly.
1 Whom bold Cymochles travelling to find 2 (With cruel purpose bent to wreak on him 3 The wrath which Atin kindled in his mind), 4 Came to a river, by whose utmost brim,
Came > [Bold Cymochles came; if the words "bold Cymochles" are moved here from line 1 the sense is made clearer]
5 Waiting to pass, he saw where did swim
pass > take passage (across the water)
6 Along the shore, as swift as glance of eye, 7 A little gondola, bedecked trim
trim > beautifully, in good order; neatly, trimly
8 With boughs and arbours woven cunningly,
arbours > {Shrubs, etc. trained on trellis-work; hence: vines, creepers}
9 That like a little forest seemed outwardly.
206.3
And therein sate a Ladie fresh and faire,
2 Making sweet solace to her selfe alone;
Sometimes she sung, as loud as larke in aire,
4 Sometimes she laught, +that nigh her breth was gone+,
Yet was there not with her else any one,
6 That +might to her+ moue cause of meriment:
Matter of merth enough, though there were none
8 She could deuise, and thousand waies inuent,
To feede her foolish humour, and vaine iolliment.
4 that nigh her breth was gone > as merry as Pope Ione 1590 6 might to her > to her might 1590
1 And therein sat a lady fresh and fair, 2 Making sweet solace to herself alone;
solace > pleasure, amusement; entertainment
3 Sometimes she sang, as loud as lark in air, 4 Sometimes she laughed, that nigh her breath was gone, 5 Yet was there not with her else anyone
else anyone > [anyone else]
6 That might to her move cause of merriment: 7 Matter of mirth enough, though there were none 8 She could devise, and thousand ways invent, 9 To feed her foolish humour, and vain jolliment.
humour > state of mind; hence: tastes jolliment > jollity, mirth
206.4
Which when farre off Cymochles heard, and saw,
2 He loudly cald to such, as were a bord,
The little barke vnto the shore to draw,
4 And him to ferrie ouer that deepe ford:
The merry marriner vnto his word
6 Soone hearkned, and her painted bote streightway
Turnd to the shore, where that same warlike Lord
8 She in receiu'd; but Atin by no way
She would admit, albe the knight her much did pray.
1 Which when far off Cymochles heard, and saw,
far off > (Qualifying Cymochles or her merriment)
2 He loudly called, to such as were aboard, 3 The little bark to the shore to draw,
bark > vessel
4 And him to ferry over that deep ford:
ford > stream, current
5 The merry mariner to his word
merry > delightful; mirthful
6 Soon hearkened, and her painted boat straightway 7 Turned to the shore, where that same warlike lord 8 She in received; but Atin by no way 9 She would admit, albe the knight her much did pray.
albe > although pray > beseech
206.5
Eftsoones her shallow ship away did slide,
2 More swift, then swallow sheres the liquid skie,
Withouten oare or Pilot it to guide,
4 Or winged canuas with the wind to flie,
Only she turn'd a pin, and by and by
6 It cut +away+ vpon the yielding waue,
Ne cared she her course for to apply:
8 For it was taught the way, which she would haue,
And both from rocks and flats it selfe could wisely saue.
6 away > a way 1611, and independently conj. Smith
1 Eftsoons her shallow ship away did slide,
Eftsoons > Soon
2 More swift than swallow shears the liquid sky,
swift > swiftly liquid > clear, transparent; bright
3 Without oar or pilot it to guide,
it > (Spenser here subordinates the gender of the boat to clarity; cf. 206.11:5 etc.)
4 Or winged canvas with the wind to fly, 5 Only she turned a pin, and by and by
by and by > straight away
6 It cut away upon the yielding wave,
away > away; a way (see Textual Appendix) wave > water
7 Nor cared she her course to apply:
apply > steer
8 For it was taught the way which she would have, 9 And both from rocks and flats itself could wisely save.
flats > shoals wisely > expertly, skilfully
206.6
And all the way, the wanton Damzell found
2 New merth, her passenger to entertaine:
For she in pleasant purpose did abound,
4 And greatly ioyed merry tales to faine,
Of which a store-house did with her remaine,
6 Yet seemed, nothing well they her became;
For all her words she drownd with laughter vaine,
8 And wanted grace in vtt'ring of the same,
That turned all her pleasance to a scoffing game.
1 And all the way, the wanton damsel found
wanton > capricious; wanton, lewd
2 New mirth, her passenger to entertain:
to > [in order to]
3 For she in pleasant purpose did abound,
purpose > conversation, discourse
4 And greatly joyed merry tales to feign,
merry > delightful, charming feign > relate
5 Of which a storehouse did with her remain, 6 Yet seemed nothing well they her became;
seemed > [it seemed] nothing > not at all
7 For all her words she drowned with laughter vain,
vain > foolish
8 And wanted grace in uttering of the same,
wanted > lacked
9 That turned all her pleasance to a scoffing game.
pleasance > pleasant behaviour; capacity for giving pleasure
206.7
And other whiles vaine toyes she would deuize,
2 As her fantasticke wit did most delight,
Sometimes her head she fondly would aguize
4 With gaudie girlonds, or fresh flowrets dight
About her necke, or rings of rushes plight;
6 Sometimes to doe him laugh, she would assay
To laugh at shaking +of+ the leaues light,
8 Or to behold the water worke, and play
About her litle frigot, therein making way.
7 of > off 1590
1 And otherwhiles vain toys she would devise,
otherwhiles > at other times vain > foolish toys > amorous games, tricks
2 As her fantastic wit did most delight, 3 Sometimes her head she fondly would aguise
fondly > foolishly aguise > array
4 With gaudy garlands, or fresh flowerets dight
gaudy > fine, gay, showy flowerets > small flowers dight > deck; hence: hang, arrange
5 About her neck, or rings of rushes plighted;
plighted > plaited
6 Sometimes, to do him laugh, she would essay
do > make essay > try, venture
7 To laugh at shaking of the leaves light, 8 Or to behold the water work and play 9 About her little frigate, therein making way.
frigate > {Light and swift boat}
206.8
Her light behauiour, and loose dalliaunce
2 Gaue wondrous great contentment to the knight,
That of his way he had no souenaunce,
4 Nor care of vow'd reuenge, and cruell fight,
But to weake wench did yeeld his martiall might.
6 So easie was to quench his flamed mind
With one sweet drop of sensuall +delight,+
8 So easie is, t'appease the stormie wind
Of malice in the calme of pleasant womankind.
7 delight, > delight. 1590
1 Her light behaviour and loose dalliance
light > wanton, frivolous dalliance > {Idle and amusing talk}
2 Gave wondrous great contentment to the knight, 3 That of his way he had no sovenance,
That > [So that] sovenance > remembrance, memory
4 Nor care of vowed revenge, and cruel fight,
care of > concern for
5 But to weak wench did yield his martial might. 6 So easy was to quench his flamed mind
flamed > angry; inflamed, burning
7 With one sweet drop of sensual delight, 8 So easy is, to appease the stormy wind
is > [it is]
9 Of malice in the calm of pleasant womankind.
206.9
Diuerse discourses in their way they spent,
2 Mongst which Cymochles of her questioned,
Both what she was, and what that vsage ment,
4 Which in her cot she daily practised.
Vaine man (said she) that wouldest be reckoned
6 A straunger in thy home, and ignoraunt
Of Ph{ae}dria (for so my name is red)
8 Of Ph{ae}dria, thine owne fellow seruaunt;
For thou to serue Acrasia thy selfe doest vaunt.
1 Diverse discourses in their way they spent,
Diverse > Diverse; also: distracting (SUS)
2 Amongst which Cymochles of her questioned 3 Both what she was, and what that usage meant, 4 Which in her cot she daily practised.
cot > small boat (Irish and Gaelic); cote, small shelter
5 "Vain man," said she, "that would be reckoned
Vain > Foolish
6 A stranger in your home, and ignorant
home > [the Bower of Bliss]
7 Of Phaedria (for so my name is read)
Phaedria > "Beaming", "Radiant", "Jocund", "Cheery" (Greek phaidros) read > declared, uttered aloud, made known
8 Of Phaedria, your own fellow servant; 9 For you to serve Acrasia yourself do vaunt.
vaunt > boast
206.10
In this wide Inland sea, that hight by name
2 The Idle lake, my wandring ship I row,
That knowes her port, and thither sailes by ayme,
4 Ne care, ne feare I, how the wind do blow,
Or whether swift I wend, or whether slow:
6 Both slow and swift a like do serue my tourne,
Ne swelling Neptune, ne loud thundring Ioue
8 Can chaunge my cheare, or make me euer mourne;
My litle boat can safely passe this perilous bourne.
1 "In this wide inland sea, that hight by name
sea > (Of which the river (206.2:4) is a tributary) hight > is called
2 The Idle Lake, my wandering ship I row,
wandering > (Cf. 308.31:1)
3 That knows her port, and thither sails by aim, 4 Neither care nor fear I how the wind do blow, 5 Or whether swift I wend, or whether slow: 6 Both slow and swift alike do serve my turn,
turn > purpose
7 Neither swelling Neptune, nor loud thundering Jove
thundering Jove > (In his guise as Jupiter Tonans, lord of the thunderbolt; hence: storms)
8 Can change my cheer, or make me ever mourn;
cheer > expression, mood
9 My little boat can safely pass this perilous bourn.
bourn > boundary (cf. Winter's Tale I ii 134), frontier (esp. of this life: cf. Hamlet III i 79); burn, brook, small river (in which case "pass" should be understood as "pass over"; cf. King Lear III vi 25)
206.11
Whiles thus she talked, and whiles thus she toyd,
2 They were farre past the passage, which he spake,
And come vnto an Island, waste and voyd,
4 That floted in the midst of that great lake,
There her small Gondelay her port did make,
6 And that gay paire issuing on the shore
Disburdned her. Their way they forward take
8 Into the land, that lay them faire before,
Whose pleasaunce she him shew'd, and plentifull great store.
1 While thus she talked, and while thus she toyed, 2 They were far past the passage which he spoke,
spoke > [had] described; hence: requested
3 And come to an island, waste and void,
waste > uncultivated void > uninhabited
4 That floated in the midst of that great lake. 5 There her small gondola her port did make, 6 And that gay pair issuing on the shore 7 Disburdened her. Their way they forward take 8 Into the land, that lay them fair before, 9 Whose pleasance she him showed, and plentiful great store.
pleasance > pleasantness; capacity for giving pleasure
206.12
It was a chosen plot of fertile land,
2 Emongst wide waues set, like a litle nest,
As if it had by Natures cunning hand,
4 Bene choisely picked out from all the rest,
And laid forth for ensample of the best:
6 No daintie flowre or herbe, that growes on ground,
No arboret with painted blossomes drest,
8 And smelling sweet, but there it might be found
To bud out faire, and +her sweet smels throw+ all around.
9 her sweet smels throw > throwe her sweete smels 1590
1 It was a chosen plot of fertile land, 2 Amongst wide waves set, like a little nest, 3 As if it had by Nature's cunning hand 4 Been choicely picked out from all the rest, 5 And laid forth for example of the best:
for example > as an example; as a model
6 No dainty flower or herb that grows on ground,
on ground > in the world
7 No arboret with painted blossoms dressed
arboret > little tree, shrub
8 And smelling sweet, but there it might be found 9 To bud out fair, and her sweet smells throw all around.
her > [its; or: Nature's]
206.13
No tree, whose braunches did not brauely spring;
2 No braunch, whereon a fine bird did not sit:
No bird, but did her shrill notes sweetly sing;
4 No song but did containe a louely dit:
Trees, braunches, birds, and songs were framed fit,
6 For to allure fraile mind to carelesse ease.
Carelesse the man soone woxe, and his weake wit
8 Was ouercome of thing, that did him please;
So pleased, did his wrathfull purpose faire appease.
1 No tree, whose branches did not bravely spring;
bravely > splendidly
2 No branch, whereon a fine bird did not sit: 3 No bird, but did her shrill notes sweetly sing; 4 No song but did contain a lovely dite:
dite > ditty, in the sense of: theme, burden
5 Trees, branches, birds, and songs were framed fit
framed > made; fashioned
6 To allure frail mind to careless ease.
frail > morally weak
7 Careless the man soon waxed, and his weak wit
Careless > Abandoned, free from cares waxed > grew, became wit > mind
8 Was overcome of thing that did him please;
of > [by the]
9 So pleased, did his wrathful purpose fair appease.
So > Thus did > [it did; he did] purpose > intention [of avenging Pyrochles]
206.14
Thus when she had his eyes and senses fed
2 With false delights, and fild with pleasures vaine,
Into a shadie dale she soft him led,
4 And laid him downe vpon a grassie plaine;
And her sweet selfe without dread, or disdaine,
6 She set beside, laying his head disarm'd
In her loose lap, it softly to sustaine,
8 Where soone he slumbred, fearing not be harm'd,
The whiles with a +loud+ lay she thus him sweetly charm'd.
9 loud > loue 1590
1 Thus when she had his eyes and senses fed 2 With false delights, and fild with pleasures vain,
fild > filled; also: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) vain > idle, empty; weak, foolish
3 Into a shady dale she soft him led, 4 And laid him down upon a grassy plain; 5 And her sweet self, without dread or disdain, 6 She set beside, laying his head disarmed
disarmed > (The helmet having been removed; "disarmed" = "stripped of armour")
7 In her loose lap, it softly to sustain, 8 Where soon he slumbered, fearing not be harmed,
be > [that he would be]
9 While with a loud lay she thus him sweetly charmed:
loud > (The reading of 1590 is probably to be preferred, but it should be noted that "loud" also has the meaning "flagrant" (usually applied to a lie), and might just be construed here as "scandalous", "suggestive", etc. See also 206.3:3, 212.15:1-4) lay > song
206.15
Behold, {o^} man, that toilesome paines doest +take+
2 The flowres, the fields, and all that pleasant growes,
How they themselues doe thine ensample make,
4 Whiles nothing enuious nature them forth throwes
Out of her fruitfull lap; how, no man knowes,
6 They spring, they bud, they blossome fresh and faire,
And deck the world with their rich pompous showes;
8 Yet no man for them taketh paines or care,
Yet no man to them can his carefull paines compare.
1 take > take, 1609
1 "Behold, O man, that toilsome pains do take,
pains > effort, labour
2 The flowers, the fields, and all that pleasant grows, 3 How they themselves do your example make,
example > pattern, model (see Matt. 6.28 ff.)
4 While, nothing envious, Nature them forth throws
nothing envious > [not at all grudgingly]
5 Out of her fruitful lap; how, no man knows, 6 They spring, they bud, they blossom fresh and fair, 7 And deck the world with their rich pompous shows;
pompous > splendid (derives from Latin pompa, a solemn procession, display)
8 Yet no man for them takes pains or care,
for > for; of
9 Yet no man to them can his careful pains compare.
careful > {Careful; full of cares}
206.16
The lilly, Ladie of the flowring field,
2 The Flowre-deluce, her louely Paramoure,
Bid thee to them thy fruitlesse labours yield,
4 And soone leaue off this toylesome wearie stoure;
Loe loe how braue she decks her bounteous boure,
6 With silken curtens and gold couerlets,
Therein to shrowd her sumptuous Belamoure,
8 Yet neither spinnes nor cardes, ne cares nor frets,
But to her mother Nature all her care she lets.
1 "The lily, lady of the flowering field,
lady > (The lily is a symbol of the feminine; cf. Henry VIII III i 151-2)
2 The flower deluce, her lovely paramour,
flower deluce > iris, flowering-lily, fleur-de-lis (heraldic ensign of the Bourbons -1594, and as such ambiguously an iris or the head of a sceptre or battle-axe; hence a phallic symbol; see also Winter's Tale IV iv 126-7) lovely > loving
3 Bid you to them your fruitless labours yield, 4 And soon leave off this toilsome weary stour;
stour > distress, unhappy condition; struggle [of everyday life]
5 Lo, lo, how brave she decks her bounteous bower
brave > splendidly bower > chamber
6 With silken curtains and gold coverlets, 7 Therein to shroud her sumptuous belamour,
shroud > shelter; conceal belamour > loved one (French bel amour; spelled "bellamoure", this word is also used for an unidentified flower in Amoretti 64:7)
8 Yet neither spins nor cards, neither cares nor frets,
cards > {Prepares wool for spinning}
9 But to her mother, Nature, all her care she lets.
lets > leaves
206.17
Why then dost thou, {o^} man, that of them all
2 Art Lord, and eke of nature Soueraine,
Wilfully make thy selfe a wretched thrall,
4 And wast thy ioyous houres in needlesse paine,
Seeking for daunger and aduentures vaine?
6 What bootes it all to haue, and nothing vse?
Who shall him rew, that swimming in the maine,
8 Will die for thirst, and water doth refuse?
Refuse such fruitlesse toile, and present pleasures chuse.
1 "Why then do you, O man, that of them all 2 Are lord, and eke of Nature sovereign,
eke > also
3 Wilfully make yourself a wretched thrall,
thrall > slave
4 And waste your joyous hours in needless pain, 5 Seeking for danger and adventures vain?
vain > futile; foolish
6 What boots it all to have, and nothing use?
boots it > does it avail
7 Who shall him rue that, swimming in the main,
rue > {Regard with pity or compassion} main > {Any broad expanse of water, here plainly fresh rather than salt}
8 Will die for thirst, and water does refuse? 9 Refuse such fruitless toil, and present pleasures choose."
206.18
By this she had him lulled fast a sleepe,
2 That of no worldly thing he care did take;
Then she with liquors strong his eyes did steepe,
4 That nothing should him hastily awake:
So she him left, and did her selfe betake
6 Vnto her boat againe, with which she cleft
The slouthfull +waue+ of that great +griesly+ lake;
8 Soone she that Island farre behind her left,
And now is come to that same place, where first she weft.
7 waue > waues 1609 7 griesly > griesy 1590
1 By this she had him lulled fast asleep,
By this > By means of this; by this time
2 That of no worldly thing he care did take;
That > [So that]
3 Then she with liquors strong his eyes did steep, 4 That nothing should him hastily awake:
That > [So that]
5 So she him left, and did herself betake 6 To her boat again, with which she cleft 7 The slothful wave of that great grisly lake;
grisly > fearsome, horrible (if the 1590 spelling is adopted, the meaning is "squalid", "hideous". Cf. 109.35:4 (where 1611 has "griesly"), 211.12:3, 301.67:7, 312.19:2)
8 Soon she that island far behind her left, 9 And now is come to that same place where first she weft.
weft > wove [her web, to ensnare Cymochles]; moved in a devious course; tacked [sailed]; wove her way
206.19
By this time was the worthy Guyon brought
2 Vnto the other side of that wide strond,
Where she was rowing, and for passage sought:
4 Him needed not long call, she soone to hond
Her ferry brought, where him she byding fond,
6 With his sad guide; himselfe she tooke a boord,
But the Blacke Palmer suffred still to stond,
8 Ne would for price, or prayers once affoord,
To ferry that old man ouer the perlous foord.
1 By this time was the worthy Guyon brought 2 To the other side of that wide strand,
other side > (Because Guyon is travelling towards the Bower of Bliss and Cymochles has travelled from it) strand > {Land bordering a body of water; shore}
3 Where she was rowing, and for passage sought; 4 Him needed not long call: she soon to hand
call > [to call]
5 Her ferry brought, where him she biding found,
biding > waiting
6 With his sad guide; himself she took aboard,
sad > grave, serious; sober
7 But the black palmer suffered still to stand,
black > (Referring to the colour of his clothes; see 201.7:2) suffered > allowed; let alone
8 Neither would for price, nor prayers once afford
afford > {Agree; give of what one has}
9 To ferry that old man over the perilous ford.
ford > stream, current
206.20
Guyon was loath to leaue his guide behind,
2 Yet being entred, might not backe retyre;
For the flit barke, obaying to her mind,
4 Forth launched quickly, as she did desire,
Ne gaue him leaue to bid that aged sire
6 Adieu, but nimbly ran her wonted course
Through the dull billowes thicke as troubled mire,
8 Whom neither wind out of their seat could forse,
Nor timely tides did driue out of their sluggish sourse.
1 Guyon was loath to leave his guide behind, 2 Yet, being entered, might not back retire;
might > could
3 For the fleet bark, obeying to her mind,
fleet > swift, fast-flying bark > vessel obeying > obedient (see 206.5:5)
4 Forth launched quickly, as she did desire, 5 Nor gave him leave to bid that aged sire
sire > father; elderly man
6 Adieu, but nimbly ran her wonted course
nimbly > swiftly; lightly; cleverly wonted > accustomed
7 Through the dull billows, thick as troubled mire,
dull > sluggish
8 Which neither wind out of their seat could force, 9 Nor timely tides did drive out of their sluggish source.
timely > regular; keeping time
206.21
And by the way, as was her wonted guize,
2 Her merry fit she freshly gan to reare,
And did of ioy and iollitie deuize,
4 Her selfe to cherish, and her guest to cheare:
The knight was courteous, and did not forbeare
6 Her honest merth and pleasaunce to partake;
But when he saw her toy, and gibe, and geare,
8 And passe the +bonds+ of modest merimake,
Her dalliance he despisd, and follies did forsake.
8 bonds > bounds 1609
1 And by the way, as was her wonted guise,
by the way > in the course of the voyage wonted guise > custom, customary manner
2 Her merry fit she freshly began to rear,
merry > amusing, delightful, charming fit > mood, humour rear > {Bring into existence; resume}
3 And did of joy and jollity devise,
jollity > pleasure; lust devise > talk
4 Herself to cherish, and her guest to cheer:
cherish > entertain; cheer
5 The knight was courteous, and did not forbear 6 Her honest mirth and pleasance to partake;
pleasance > pleasing behaviour partake > share, share in
7 But when he saw her toy, and gibe, and jeer, 8 And pass the bounds of modest merrimake,
merrimake > merry-making
9 Her dalliance he despised, and follies did forsake.
dalliance > {Idle and amusing talk} follies > foolishnesses; lewdnesses, wantonnesses forsake > refuse, decline
206.22
Yet she still followed her former stile,
2 And said, and did all that mote him delight,
Till they arriued in that pleasant Ile,
4 Where sleeping late she left her other knight.
But when as Guyon of that land had sight,
6 He wist himselfe amisse, and angry said;
Ah Dame, perdie ye haue not doen me right,
8 Thus to mislead me, whiles I you obaid:
Me litle needed from my right way to haue straid.
1 Yet she still followed her former style, 2 And said and did all that might him delight, 3 Till they arrived in that pleasant isle,
in > [at]
4 Where, sleeping late, she left her other knight.
late > lately
5 But when Guyon of that land had sight, 6 He wist himself amiss, and angry said:
wist > knew, believed amiss > [to be] away from the mark, lost
7 "Ah dame, pardie you have not done me right,
pardie > truly; "by God" done > served, treated
8 Thus to mislead me, while I you obeyed: 9 Me little needed from my right way to have strayed."
206.23
Faire Sir (quoth she) be not displeasd at all;
2 Who fares on sea, may not commaund his way,
Ne wind and weather at his pleasure call:
4 The sea is wide, and easie for to stray;
The wind vnstable, and doth neuer stay.
6 But here a while ye may in safety rest,
Till season serue new passage to assay;
8 Better safe port, then be in seas distrest.
Therewith she laught, and did her earnest end in iest.
1 "Fair sir," quoth she, "be not displeased at all; 2 Who fares on sea may not command his way,
Who > [Whoever]
3 Nor wind and weather at his pleasure call: 4 The sea is wide, and easy to stray;
easy > [it is easy]
5 The wind unstable, and does never stay.
stay > cease
6 But here awhile you may in safety rest, 7 Till season serve new passage to essay;
essay > attempt
8 Better safe port, than be in seas distressed."
distressed > [in distress, when distressed]
9 Therewith she laughed, and did her earnest end in jest.
Therewith > With that; thereupon earnest > seriousness
206.24
But he halfe discontent, mote nathelesse
2 Himselfe appease, and issewd forth on shore:
The ioyes whereof, and happie fruitfulnesse,
4 Such as he +saw,+ she gan him lay before,
And all though pleasant, yet she made much more:
6 The fields did laugh, the flowres did freshly spring,
The trees did bud, and earely blossomes bore,
8 And all the quire of birds did sweetly sing,
And told that gardins pleasures in their caroling.
4 saw, > saw 1596, 1609
1 But he, half discontent, might natheless
might > could, was able to natheless > nevertheless
2 Himself appease, and issued forth on shore:
appease > calm
3 The joys whereof, and happy fruitfulness, 4 Such as he saw, she gan him lay before,
gan > did; began to lay before > show; submit to the consideration of
5 And all though pleasant, yet she made much more:
all though > although; or: all, though more > [more pleasant, more of]
6 The fields did laugh, the flowers did freshly spring,
field > {Open ground as opposed to woodland; plain. This rather than the modern meaning is to be taken, since at 206.11:3 we are told that the island is "waste"}
7 The trees did bud, and early blossoms bore, 8 And all the choir of birds did sweetly sing, 9 And told that garden's pleasures in their carolling.
carolling > {Singing a lively or joyous song}
206.25
And she more sweet, then any bird on bough,
2 Would oftentimes emongst them beare a part,
And striue to passe (as she could well enough)
4 Their natiue musicke by her skilfull art:
So did she all, that might his constant hart
6 Withdraw from thought of warlike enterprize,
And drowne in dissolute delights apart,
8 Where noyse of armes, or vew of martiall guize
Might not reuiue desire of knightly exercize.
1 And she, more sweet than any bird on bough, 2 Would oftentimes amongst them bear a part,
oftentimes > often bear > carry, sustain; hence: take
3 And strive to pass (as she could well enough)
pass > surpass
4 Their native music by her skilful art:
native > natural; innate
5 So did she all that might his constant heart 6 Withdraw from thought of warlike enterprise, 7 And drown in dissolute delights apart, 8 Where noise of arms, or view of martial guise
arms > {Deeds of arms} martial guise > martial behaviour; martial attire, hence: armour, weapons
9 Might not revive desire of knightly exercise.
206.26
But he was wise, and warie of her will,
2 And euer held his hand vpon his hart:
Yet would not seeme so rude, and thewed ill,
4 As to despise so courteous seeming part,
That gentle Ladie did to him impart,
6 But fairely tempring fond desire subdewd,
And euer her desired to depart.
8 She list not heare, but her disports poursewd,
And euer bad him stay, till time the tide renewd.
1 But he was wise, and wary of her will, 2 And ever held his hand upon his heart: 3 Yet would not seem so rude, and thewed ill,
thewed ill > badly brought-up
4 As to despise so courteous-seeming part
5 That gentle lady did to him impart,
gentle > [a] noble
6 But fairly tempering fond desire subdued,
fond > foolish
7 And ever her desired to depart.
desired to depart > asked that they might depart
8 She list not hear, but her disports pursued,
list not > chose not [to] disport > merriment; diversion (including the sense of "diverting from the true path"); wanton entertainment
9 And ever bade him stay, till time the tide renewed.
tide > (There are no tides on the Idle Lake (see 206.20:9), so she wants him never to leave)
206.27
And now by this, Cymochles howre was spent,
2 That he awoke out of his idle dreme,
And shaking off his drowzie dreriment,
4 Gan him auize, how ill did him beseeme,
In slouthfull sleepe his molten hart to steme,
6 And quench the brond of his conceiued ire.
Tho vp he started, stird with shame extreme,
8 Ne staied for his Damzell to inquire,
But marched to the strond, +there+ passage to require.
9 there > their 1590, 1596; cf. 110.36:6, 202.30:1, 211.21:8, 304.41:7, 312.28:1
1 And now by this Cymochles' hour was spent,
by this > by this time hour > time; hour
2 That he awoke out of his idle dream,
That > [So that] idle > idle; empty, unavailing; weak-headed
3 And, shaking off his drowsy dreariment,
dreariment > melancholy
4 Gan him advise how ill did him beseem
Gan > Did; began to him advise > reflect did him beseem > [it became him]
5 In slothful sleep his molten heart to steam,
steam > soften [as if by cooking]
6 And quench the brand of his conceived ire. 7 Tho up he started, stirred with shame extreme,
Tho > Then
8 Nor stayed for his damsel to inquire,
stayed > waited
9 But marched to the strand, there passage to require.
strand > shore
206.28
And in the way he with Sir Guyon met,
2 Accompanyde with Ph{ae}dria the faire,
Eftsoones he gan to rage, and inly fret,
4 Crying, Let be that Ladie debonaire,
Thou recreant knight, and soone thy selfe prepaire
6 To battell, if thou meane her loue to gaine:
Loe, loe alreadie, how the fowles in aire
8 Doe flocke, awaiting shortly to obtaine
Thy carcasse for their pray, the guerdon of thy paine.
1 And in the way he with Sir Guyon met, 2 Accompanied with Phaedria the fair:
with > by
3 Eftsoons he began to rage, and inly fret,
Eftsoons > Thereupon inly > inwardly fret > fret; gnaw upon himself
4 Crying, "Let be that lady debonair,
debonair > gracious; meek, gentle
5 You recreant knight, and soon yourself prepare
recreant > cowardly, apostate (cf. 104.41:4) soon > without delay
6 To battle, if you mean her love to gain:
mean > intend
7 Lo, lo already, how the fowls in air 8 Do flock, awaiting shortly to obtain 9 Your carcase for their prey, the guerdon of your pain.
guerdon > reward pain > effort, trouble
206.29
And therewithall he fiercely at him flew,
2 And with +importune+ outrage him assayld;
Who soone prepard to field, his sword forth drew,
4 And him with equall value counteruayld:
Their mightie strokes their haberieons dismayld,
6 And naked made each others manly spalles;
The mortall steele despiteously entayld
8 Deepe in their flesh, quite through the yron walles,
That a large purple streme +adown+ their giambeux falles.
2 importune > importance 1596; important 1609 9 adown > a down 1596
1 And therewithal he fiercely at him flew,
therewithal > therewith, with that; forthwith
2 And with importune outrage him assailed;
importune > grievous outrage > intemperance; fury
3 Who, soon prepared to field, his sword forth drew,
field > {Defend the field of battle}
4 And him with equal value countervailed:
value > valour; worth countervailed > vied with; resisted
5 Their mighty strokes their habergeons dismailed,
habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail} dismailed > stripped of mail
6 And naked made each other's manly spalls;
spalls > shoulders
7 The mortal steel dispiteously entailed
mortal > lethal dispiteously > pitilessly entailed > incised
8 Deep in their flesh, quite through the iron walls, 9 That a large purple stream adown their jambeaux falls.
That > [So that] purple > red, blood-red adown > down jambeaux > leg-armour, greaves; or: leggings (perhaps of mail)
206.30
Cymochles, that had neuer met +before,+
2 So puissant foe, with enuious despight
His proud presumed force increased more,
4 Disdeigning to be held so long in fight;
Sir Guyon grudging not so much his might,
6 As those vnknightly raylings, which he spoke,
With wrathfull fire his courage kindled bright,
8 Thereof deuising shortly to be wroke,
And doubling all his powres, redoubled euery stroke.
1 before, > before 1609
1 Cymochles, that had never met before
met > encountered in battle
2 So puissant foe, with envious despite
puissant > powerful [a] envious > malevolent despite > rage
3 His proud presumed force increased more,
presumed force > [the force that Cymochles presumes he has]
4 Disdaining to be held so long in fight; 5 Sir Guyon (grudging not so much his might
grudging > being mentally troubled with; hence: resenting
6 As those unknightly railings which he spoke) 7 With wrathful fire his courage kindled bright, 8 Thereof devising shortly to be wreaked,
devising > skilfully preparing; contriving wreaked > avenged
9 And, doubling all his powers, redoubled every stroke.
206.31
Both of them high attonce their hands enhaunst,
2 And both attonce their huge blowes downe did sway;
Cymochles sword on Guyons shield yglaunst,
4 And thereof nigh one quarter sheard away;
But Guyons angry blade so fierce did play
6 On th'others helmet, which as Titan shone,
That quite it cloue his plumed crest in tway,
8 And bared all his head vnto the bone;
Wherewith astonisht, still he stood, as senselesse stone.
1 Both of them high at once their hands enhanced,
at once > simultaneously enhanced > raised
2 And both at once their huge blows down did sway;
sway > swing
3 Cymochles' sword on Guyon's shield glanced, 4 And thereof nigh one quarter sheared away; 5 But Guyon's angry blade so fierce did play 6 On the other's helmet (which as Titan shone),
as Titan shone > [shone like the sun]
7 That quite it clove his plumed crest in tway,
clove > cleft, divided plumed > [bearing a plume] tway > two
8 And bared all his head to the bone; 9 Wherewith astonished, still he stood, as senseless stone.
Wherewith > With which astonished > stunned; bewildered
206.32
Still as he stood, faire Ph{ae}dria, that beheld
2 That deadly daunger, soone atweene them ran;
And at their feet her selfe most humbly feld,
4 Crying with pitteous voice, and count'nance wan;
Ah well away, most noble Lords, how can
6 Your cruell eyes endure so pitteous sight,
To shed your liues on ground? wo worth the man,
8 That first did teach the cursed steele to bight
In his owne flesh, and make way to the liuing spright.
1 Still as he stood, fair Phaedria, that beheld 2 That deadly danger, soon atween them ran;
atween > between
3 And at their feet herself most humbly felled, 4 Crying with piteous voice, and countenance wan: 5 "Ah wellaway, most noble lords, how can
wellaway > alas!
6 Your cruel eyes endure so piteous sight,
sight > [a sight]
7 To shed your lives on ground? Woe worth the man
worth > betide
8 That first did teach the cursed steel to bite 9 In his own flesh, and make way to the living spirit.
his own > [human]
206.33
If euer loue of Ladie did empierce
2 Your yron brestes, or pittie could find place,
Withhold your bloudie hands from battell fierce,
4 And sith for me ye fight, to me this grace
Both yeeld, to stay your deadly strife a space.
6 They stayd a while: and forth she gan proceed:
Most wretched woman, and of wicked race,
8 That am the author of this hainous deed,
And cause of death betweene two doughtie knights doe breed.
1 "If ever love of lady did empierce
empierce > penetrate
2 Your iron breasts, or pity could find place, 3 Withhold your bloody hands from battle fierce, 4 And sith for me you fight, to me this grace
sith > since grace > favour
5 Both yield, to stay your deadly strife a space."
stay > delay, hold back
6 They stayed a while: and forth she gan proceed:
gan > did; began to
7 "Most wretched woman, and of wicked race, 8 That am the author of this heinous deed, 9 And cause of death between two doughty knights do breed.
206.34
But if for me ye fight, or me will serue,
2 Not this rude kind of battell, nor these armes
Are meet, the which doe men in bale to sterue,
4 And dolefull sorrow heape with deadly harmes:
Such cruell game my scarmoges disarmes:
6 Another warre, and other weapons I
Doe loue, where loue does giue his sweet alarmes,
8 Without bloudshed, and where the enemy
Does yeeld vnto his foe a pleasant victory.
1 "But if for me you fight, or me will serve, 2 Not this rude kind of battle, nor these arms
rude > rough; uncivilized
3 Are meet, which do men in bale to starve,
meet > suitable, seemly do > cause bale > woe, torment starve > die
4 And doleful sorrow heap with deadly harms: 5 Such cruel game my scarmoges disarm:
scarmoges > skirmishes
6 Another war, and other weapons I 7 Do love, where Love does give his sweet alarms,
Love > Cupid alarms > sudden attacks, surprises; alarms
8 Without bloodshed, and where the enemy 9 Does yield to his foe a pleasant victory.
206.35
Debatefull strife, and cruell enmitie
2 The famous name of knighthood fowly +shend+;
But louely peace, and gentle amitie,
4 And in Amours the passing houres to spend,
The mightie martiall hands doe most commend;
6 Of loue they euer greater glory bore,
Then of their armes: Mars is Cupidoes frend,
8 And is for Venus loues renowmed more,
Then all his wars and spoiles, the which he did of yore.
2 shend > shent 1596
1 "Debateful strife and cruel enmity
Debateful > Contentious
2 The famous name of knighthood foully shend;
shend > disgrace
3 But lovely peace, and gentle amity,
lovely > loving
4 And in amours the passing hours to spend,
amours > love-making
5 The mighty martial hands do most commend; 6 Of love they ever greater glory bore, 7 Than of their arms: Mars is Cupid's friend,
Mars > (The adulterous lover of Venus)
8 And is for Venus' loves renowned more 9 Than all his wars and spoils, which he did of yore."
spoil > {Pillage, rapine; also: the act of spoiling or damaging} of yore > of old, formerly
206.36
Therewith she sweetly smyld. They though full +bent,+
2 To proue extremities of bloudie fight,
Yet at her speach their rages gan relent,
4 And calme the sea of their tempestuous spight,
Such powre haue pleasing words: such is the might
6 Of courteous clemencie in gentle hart.
Now after all was ceast, the Faery knight
8 Besought that Damzell suffer him depart,
And yield him readie passage to that other part.
1 bent, > bent 1609
1 Therewith she sweetly smiled. They, though full bent
Therewith > With that; thereupon full bent > exceedingly inclined
2 To prove extremities of bloody fight,
prove extremities > experience [the] extremities (i.e. they are determined to fight to the death)
3 At her speech their rages gan relent,
gan > did; began to
4 And calm the sea of their tempestuous spite: 5 Such power have pleasing words; such is the might 6 Of courteous clemency in gentle heart.
gentle > noble
7 Now after all was ceased, the Faery knight 8 Besought that damsel suffer him depart,
suffer him depart > to allow him to depart; to grant him departure
9 And yield him ready passage to that other part.
ready > prompt; direct that other part > [the mainland]
206.37
She no lesse glad, then he desirous was
2 Of his departure thence; for of her ioy
And vaine delight she saw he light did pas,
4 A foe of folly and immodest toy,
Still solemne sad, or still disdainfull coy,
6 Delighting all in armes and cruell warre,
That her sweet peace and pleasures did annoy,
8 Troubled with terrour and vnquiet iarre,
That she well pleased was thence to amoue him farre.
1 She no less glad, than he desirous was
no > [was no]
2 Of his departure thence; for of her joy 3 And vain delight she saw he light did pass,
vain > empty; foolish light > (Adj., applied to her "vaine delight", or adv., qualifying "pas") pass > regard
4 A foe of folly and immodest toy,
folly > lewdness toy > amorous game, trick; hence: flirtatiousness
5 Still solemn sad, or still disdainful coy,
Still > Ever coy > aloof, distant
6 Delighting all in arms and cruel war, 7 That her sweet peace and pleasures did annoy,
annoy > afflict, vex; hence: spoil
8 Troubled with terror and unquiet jar,
jar > discord
9 That she well pleased was thence to amove him far.
That > [So that] amove > remove
206.38
Tho him she brought abord, and her swift bote
2 Forthwith directed to that further strand;
The which on the dull waues did lightly flote
4 And soone arriued on the shallow sand,
Where gladsome Guyon +salied+ forth to land,
6 And to that Damzell thankes gaue for reward.
Vpon that shore he spied Atin stand,
8 +There by+ his maister left, when late he far'd
In Ph{ae}drias +flit+ barke ouer that perlous shard.
5 salied > sailed 1609 8 There by > Thereby 1590, 1596 9 flit > fleet 1609
1 Tho him she brought aboard, and her swift boat
Tho > Then
2 Forthwith directed to that further strand;
strand > shore
3 Which on the dull waves did lightly float,
dull > sluggish
4 And soon arrived on the shallow sand, 5 Where gladsome Guyon sallied forth to land,
gladsome > gladsome; gladsomely; with alacrity sallied > leapt (from French saillir)
6 And to that damsel thanks gave for reward. 7 Upon that shore he spied Atin stand, 8 There by his master left, when late he fared
late > lately
9 In Phaedria's fleet bark over that perilous shard.
fleet > swift bark > vessel shard > dividing water; also: dung; hence, perhaps: quagmire, filth
206.39
Well could he him remember, sith of late
2 He with Pyrochles sharp debatement made;
Streight gan he him reuile, and bitter rate,
4 As shepheards curre, that in darke euenings shade
Hath tracted forth some saluage +beastes+ trade;
6 Vile Miscreant (said he) whither doest thou flie
The shame and death, which will thee soone inuade?
8 What coward hand shall doe thee next to die,
That art thus foully fled from famous enemie?
5 beastes > beastez 1609, to emphasize the disyllable; cf. 110.39:4, 200.5:4, 204.28:8
1 Well could he him remember, sith of late
sith > since
2 He with Pyrochles sharp debatement made;
debatement > strife, contention
3 Straight gan he him revile, and bitterly rate,
Straight > Straightway, immediately gan > did
4 As shepherd's cur, that in dark evening's shade 5 Has tracted forth some savage beast's trade:
tracted > traced, tracked savage > wild but not necessarily savage trade > track, trail
6 "Vile miscreant," said he, "whither do you fly
miscreant > wretch, villain; heretic fly > flee
7 The shame and death which will you soon invade?
invade > intrude upon, attack
8 What coward hand shall do you next to die,
do > cause
9 That are thus foully fled from famous enemy?"
206.40
With that he stiffely shooke his steelehead dart:
2 But sober Guyon, hearing him so raile,
Though somewhat moued in his mightie hart,
4 Yet with strong reason maistred passion fraile,
And passed fairely forth. He turning taile,
6 Backe to the strond retyrd, and there still stayd,
Awaiting passage, which him late did faile;
8 The whiles Cymochles with that wanton mayd
The hastie heat of his auowd reuenge delayd.
1 With that he stiffly shook his steelhead dart:
stiffly > violently
2 But sober Guyon, hearing him so rail,
so > thus
3 Though somewhat moved in his mighty heart, 4 With strong reason mastered passion frail,
frail > weak (esp. morally)
5 And passed fairly forth. He, turning tail,
fairly > gently, moderately
6 Back to the strand retired, and there still stayed,
strand > shore
7 Awaiting passage, which him late did fail;
which him late did fail > which lately disappointed him; hence: of which he was lately disappointed
8 The whiles Cymochles with that wanton maid
The whiles > Meanwhile
9 The hasty heat of his avowed revenge delayed.
delayed > allayed, assuaged; deferred
206.41
+Whylest+ there the varlet stood, he saw from farre
2 An armed knight, that towards him fast ran,
He ran on foot, as if in lucklesse warre
4 His forlorne steed from him the victour wan;
He seemed breathlesse, hartlesse, faint, and wan,
6 And all his armour sprinckled was with bloud,
And soyld with durtie gore, that no man can
8 Discerne the hew thereof. He neuer stood,
But bent his hastie course towards the idle flood.
1 Whylest > Whiles 1609
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.)
206.42
The varlet saw, when to the flood he came,
2 How without stop or stay he fiercely lept,
And deepe him selfe +beducked+ in the same,
4 That in the lake his loftie crest was +steept+,
Ne of his safetie seemed care he kept,
6 But with his raging armes he rudely flasht,
The waues about, and all his armour swept,
8 That all the bloud and filth away was washt,
Yet still he bet the water, and the billowes dasht.
3 beducked > beduked 1596 4 steept > stept 1590
1 The varlet saw, when to the flood he came,
varlet > knight's attendant; menial; rogue
2 How without stop or stay he fiercely leapt, 3 And deep himself beducked in the same,
beducked > immersed
4 That in the lake his lofty crest was steeped,
That > [So that]
5 Nor of his safety seemed care he kept,
seemed > [it seemed]
6 But with his raging arms he rudely flashed
rudely > violently, clumsily flashed > splashed
7 The waves about, and all his armour swept, 8 That all the blood and filth away was washed,
That > [So that]
9 Yet still he beat the water, and the billows dashed.
still > still, yet; continually
206.43
Atin drew nigh, to weet what it mote bee;
2 For much he wondred at that vncouth sight;
Whom should he, but his owne deare Lord, there see,
4 His owne deare Lord Pyrochles, in sad plight,
Readie to drowne himselfe for fell despight.
6 Harrow now out, and well away, he cryde,
What dismall day hath lent +this+ cursed light,
8 To see my Lord so deadly +damnifyde?+
Pyrochles, {o^} Pyrochles, what is thee betyde?
7 this > but this his 1590 8 damnifyde? > damnifyde 1590, 1596
1 Atin drew nigh, to weet what it might be;
weet > learn, perceive it > [the matter]
2 For much he wondered at that uncouth sight;
wondered > marvelled uncouth > bizarre, unseemly
3 Whom should he, but his own dear lord, there see, 4 His own dear lord Pyrochles, in sad plight, 5 Ready to drown himself for fell despite.
fell > terrible despite > rage; defiance
6 "Harrow now out, and wellaway!" he cried.
Harrow > {A cry of distress or alarm, or for help} wellaway > alas! he > [Atin]
7 "What dismal day has lent this cursed light, 8 To see my lord so deadly damnified?
deadly > mortally damnified > brought to destruction; injured
9 Pyrochles, O Pyrochles, what is you betide?"
is you betide > has befallen you
206.44
I burne, I burne, I burne, then loud he cryde,
2 O how I burne with implacable fire,
Yet nought can quench mine inly flaming syde,
4 Nor sea of licour cold, nor lake of mire,
Nothing but death can doe me to respire.
6 Ah be it (said he) from Pyrochles farre
After pursewing death once to require,
8 Or think, that ought those puissant hands may marre:
Death is for wretches borne vnder vnhappie starre.
1 "I burn, I burn, I burn," then loud he cried, 2 "O how I burn with implacable fire,
implacable > {That which cannot be assuaged; inexorable}
3 Yet naught can quench my inly flaming side,
inly > inwardly side > {Trunk, torso, body}
4 Nor sea of liquor cold, nor lake of mire,
Nor > Neither liquor > liquid
5 Nothing but death can do me to respire!"
do > cause; hence: permit respire > find relief (cf. 303.36:8)
6 "Ah be it," said he, "from Pyrochles far 7 After pursuing Death once to require,
require > {"Require after" = "seek", "call"}
8 Or think that aught those puissant hands may mar:
aught > anything at all puissant > powerful, warlike mar > damage morally
9 Death is for wretches born under unhappy star."
unhappy > evil, inauspicious
206.45
Perdie, then +is it+ fit for me (said he)
2 That am, I weene, most wretched man aliue,
+Burning+ in flames, yet no flames can I see,
4 And dying daily, daily yet reuiue:
O Atin, helpe to me last death to giue.
6 The varlet at his plaint was grieued so sore,
That his deepe wounded hart in two did riue,
8 And his owne health remembring now no more,
Did follow that ensample, which he blam'd afore.
1 is it > it is 1609 3 Burning > But 1596
1 "Pardie, then is it fit for me," said he,
Pardie > Truly; "by God" is it > [it is: see Textual Appendix]
2 "That am, I ween, most wretched man alive,
ween > know [for a fact]
3 Burning in flames, yet no flames can I see, 4 And dying daily, daily yet revive: 5 O Atin, help to me last death to give."
last > utmost
6 The varlet at his plaint was grieved so sore,
varlet > knight's attendant plaint > complaint, lamentation
7 That his deep wounded heart in two did rive,
rive > split; tear
8 And, his own health remembering now no more,
health > health; safety, welfare
9 Did follow that example which he blamed afore.
blamed afore > reproved previously
206.46
Into the lake he lept, his Lord to ayd,
2 (So Loue the dread of daunger doth despise)
And of him catching hold him strongly stayd
4 From drowning. But more happie he, then wise
Of that seas nature did him not auise.
6 The waues thereof so slow and sluggish were,
Engrost with mud, which did them foule agrise,
8 That euery weightie thing they did vpbeare,
Ne ought mote euer sinke downe to the bottome there.
1 Into the lake he leapt, his lord to aid, 2 (So love the dread of danger does despise)
So > Thus
3 And of him catching hold, him strongly stayed
stayed > stopped; prevented
4 From drowning. But more happy he, than wise:
happy > lucky
5 Of that sea's nature did him not advise.
Of that sea's nature did him not advise > [Atin did not consider the nature of that sea]
6 The waves thereof so slow and sluggish were, 7 Engrossed with mud, which did them foul agrise,
Engrossed > {Rendered gross, dense, thick} them > [Atin and Pyrochles] agrise > horrify
8 That every weighty thing they did upbear,
That > [So that] they > [the waves]
9 Nor aught might ever sink down to the bottom there.
206.47
Whiles thus they strugled in that idle waue,
2 And stroue in vaine, the one himselfe to drowne,
The other both from drowning for to saue,
4 Lo, to that shore one in an auncient gowne,
Whose hoarie locks great grauitie did crowne,
6 Holding in hand a goodly arming sword,
By fortune came, led with the troublous sowne:
8 Where drenched deepe he found in that dull ford
The carefull seruant, striuing with his raging Lord.
1 While thus they struggled in that idle wave,
idle > lazy; hence: sluggish
2 And strove in vain, the one himself to drown, 3 The other both from drowning to save, 4 Lo, to that shore one in an ancient gown 5 (Whose hoary locks great gravity did crown, 6 Holding in hand a goodly arming sword), 7 By fortune came, led with the troublous sound: 8 Where drenched deep he found in that dull ford
drenched > bathed, immersed (cf. 111.34:2) dull > sluggish ford > stream, current
9 The careful servant, striving with his raging lord.
careful > {Anxious, full of care}
206.48
Him Atin spying, knew right well of yore,
2 And loudly cald, Helpe helpe, {o^} Archimage;
To saue my Lord, in wretched plight forlore;
4 Helpe with thy hand, or with thy counsell sage:
Weake hands, but counsell is most strong in age.
6 Him when the old man saw, he wondred sore,
To see Pyrochles there so rudely rage:
8 Yet sithens helpe, he saw, he needed more
Then pittie, he in hast approched to the shore.
1 Him Atin spying, knew right well of yore,
knew right > [Atin knew him very] yore > old
2 And loudly called, "Help, help, O Archimago; 3 To save my lord, in wretched plight forlorn;
forlorn > lost
4 Help with your hand, or with your counsel sage: 5 Weak hands, but counsel is most strong in age!"
hands > [are hands]
6 Him when the old man saw, he wondered sore,
wondered sore > marvelled greatly
7 To see Pyrochles there so rudely rage:
rudely > violently, clumsily
8 Yet sithence help, he saw, he needed more
sithence > since
9 Than pity, he in haste approached the shore.
206.49
And cald, Pyrochles, what is this, I see?
2 What hellish furie hath at earst thee hent?
Furious euer I thee knew to bee,
4 Yet neuer in this straunge astonishment.
These flames, these flames (he cryde) do me torment.
6 What flames (quoth he) when I thee present see,
In daunger rather to be drent, then brent?
8 Harrow, the flames, which me consume (said hee)
Ne can be quencht, within my secret bowels bee.
1 And called, "Pyrochles, what is this I see? 2 What hellish fury has at erst you hent?
fury > frenzy, madness (cf. I:261); or: Fury (one of the avenging deities sent from hell to punish wrongdoers) at erst > lately hent > seized
3 Furious ever I you knew to be, 4 Yet never in this strange astonishment."
strange > extreme; severe; new-come, new-found astonishment > {Loss of sense or wits}
5 "These flames, these flames," he cried, "do me torment." 6 "What flames," quoth he, "when I you present see, 7 In danger rather to be drenched, than burnt?"
drenched > drowned
8 "Harrow, the flames, which me consume," said he,
Harrow > {A cry of distress or alarm}
9 Ne can be quenched, within my secret bowels be.
Ne can > And cannot secret > unseen, invisible bowels > {Internal organs generally} be > [are]
206.50
That cursed man, that cruell feend of hell,
2 Furor, oh Furor hath me thus bedight:
His deadly wounds within my +liuer+ swell,
4 And his whot fire burnes in mine entrails bright,
Kindled through his infernall brond of spight,
6 Sith late with him I batteil vaine would boste;
That now I weene Ioues dreaded thunder light
8 Does scorch not halfe so sore, nor damned ghoste
In flaming Phlegeton does not so felly roste.
3 liuer > liuers 1596
1 "That cursed man, that cruel fiend of hell, 2 Furor, O Furor has me thus bedight:
bedight > arrayed, adorned; hence: treated, maltreated
3 His deadly wounds within my liver swell,
liver > (The supposed seat of love and violent passion)
4 And his hot fire burns in my entrails brightly, 5 Kindled through his infernal brand of spite, 6 Sith late with him I battle vain would boast;
Sith late > Since lately vain > futile; foolish boast > threaten
7 That now I ween Jove's dreaded thunder-light
ween > think, believe thunder-light > lightning
8 Does scorch not half so sore, nor damned ghost 9 In flaming Phlegethon does not so felly roast."
Phlegethon > (The "Stream of Fire": one of the five rivers of hell, through which fire flows instead of water (see 204.41:7)) felly > fiercely, cruelly
206.51
Which when as Archimago heard, his griefe
2 He knew right well, and him attonce disarmd:
Then searcht his secret wounds, and made a priefe
4 Of euery place, that was with brusing harmd,
Or with the hidden +fire too inly+ warmd.
6 Which done, he balmes and herbes thereto applyde,
And +euermore+ with mighty spels them charmd,
8 That in short space he has them qualifyde,
And him restor'd to health, that would haue algates dyde.
5 fire too inly > fier inly 1590 7 euermore > euemore 1596
1 Which when Archimago heard, his grief
grief > pain
2 He knew right well, and him at once disarmed:
right > very disarmed > relieved of armour (evidently after getting him out of the water)
3 Then searched his secret wounds, and made a proof
searched > examined, probed secret > hidden; unseen; invisible proof > examination
4 Of every place that was with bruising harmed, 5 Or with the hidden fire too inly warmed.
the hidden fire > [of passion] inly > inwardly
6 Which done, he balms and herbs thereto applied,
thereto > to them; moreover; suitable to them [the wounds]
7 And evermore with mighty spells them charmed,
them > [the balms and herbs; or Pyrochles's wounds]
8 That in short space he has them qualified,
That > [So that] them > [Pyrochles's wounds] qualified > moderated, mitigated
9 And him restored to health, that would have algates died.
algates > altogether, at any rate; hence: surely
Guyon findes +Mamon+ in a delue,
2 Sunning his threasure hore:
Is by him tempted, and led downe,
4 To see his secret store.
1 Mamon > Mammon 1609
1 Guyon finds Mammon in a delve,
Mammon > "Riches" (Aramaic; wealth regarded as an idol or an evil influence; the God of Money; see Matt. 6.24, Luke 16.9-13; PL 1.678 ff., 2.228 ff.) delve > pit, depression
2 Sunning his treasure hoar:
hoar > {Ancient, venerable with age}
3 Is by him tempted, and led down, 4 To see his secret store.
207.1
AS Pilot well expert in perilous waue,
2 That to a stedfast starre his course hath bent,
When foggy mistes, or cloudy tempests haue
4 The faithfull light of that faire lampe yblent,
And couer'd heauen with hideous dreriment,
6 Vpon his card and compas firmes his eye,
The maisters of his long experiment,
8 And to them does the steddy helme apply,
Bidding his winged vessell fairely forward +fly.+
9 fly. > fly: 1609
1 As pilot well expert in perilous wave,
As > [Like a] wave > water
2 That to a steadfast star his course has bent, 3 When foggy mists, or cloudy tempests have 4 The faithful light of that fair lamp blended,
blended > rendered turbid, obscured
5 And covered heaven with hideous dreariment,
dreariment > gloom
6 Upon his card and compass firms his eye
card > chart firms > fixes
7 (The masters of his long experiment),
masters > teachers, preceptors experiment > experience, practical knowledge
8 And to them does the steady helm apply,
to > [according to] apply > steer
9 Bidding his winged vessel fairly forward fly:
207.2
So Guyon hauing lost his trusty guide,
2 Late left beyond that Ydle lake, proceedes
Yet on his way, of none accompanide;
4 And euermore himselfe with comfort feedes,
Of his owne vertues, and prayse-worthy deedes.
6 +So long+ he yode, yet no aduenture found,
Which fame of her shrill trompet worthy reedes:
8 For still he traueild through wide wastfull ground,
That nought but desert wildernesse shew'd all around.
6 So long > Long so 1590 (corrected in some copies)
1 So Guyon, having lost his trusty guide 2 (Late left beyond that Idle Lake), proceeds
Late > Lately
3 Yet on his way, of none accompanied;
of > by
4 And evermore himself with comfort feeds,
comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort}
5 Of his own virtues, and praiseworthy deeds. 6 So long he yode, yet no adventure found,
yode > went
7 Which fame of her shrill trumpet worthy reads:
reads > considers
8 For still he travelled through wide wasteful ground,
still > continually wasteful > desolate, uncultivated
9 That naught but desert wilderness showed all around.
That > [In that] desert > lonely showed > was visible
207.3
At last he came vnto a gloomy glade,
2 Couer'd with boughes and shrubs from heauens light,
Whereas he sitting found in secret shade
4 An vncouth, saluage, and vnciuile wight,
Of griesly hew, and fowle ill fauour'd sight;
6 His face with smoke was tand, and eyes were bleard,
His head and beard with sout were ill bedight,
8 His cole-blacke hands did seeme to haue beene seard
In smithes fire-+spitting+ forge, and nayles like clawes appeard.
9 spitting > spetting 1609
1 At last he came to a gloomy glade, 2 Covered with boughs and shrubs from heaven's light, 3 Where he sitting found in secret shade
secret > hidden
4 An uncouth, savage, and uncivil wight,
uncouth > strange, clumsy, awkward uncivil > uncivilized, barbaric wight > person, creature
5 Of grisly hue, and foul ill-favoured sight;
grisly > horrible, fearsome hue > colour; appearance (less likely in view of "ill fauour'd sight") ill-favoured sight > ugly appearance
6 His face with smoke was tanned, and eyes were bleared,
bleared > watery, inflamed
7 His head and beard with soot were ill bedight;
ill bedight > ill-adorned; hence: disfigured
8 His coal-black hands did seem to have been seared 9 In smith's fire-spitting forge, and nails like claws appeared.
nails > [his nails]
207.4
His yron coate all ouergrowne with rust,
2 Was vnderneath enueloped with gold,
Whose glistring glosse darkned with filthy dust,
4 Well +yet+ appeared, to haue beene of old
A worke of rich entayle, and curious mould,
6 Wouen with antickes and wild Imagery:
And in his lap a masse of coyne he told,
8 And turned +vpsidowne+, to feede his eye
+And+ couetous desire with his huge threasury.
4 yet > it 1596 etc. 8 vpsidowne > vpside downe 1590 9 And > A 1596
1 His iron coat, all overgrown with rust, 2 Was underneath enveloped with gold,
enveloped > lined (catachr.; cf. 301.59:9)
3 Whose glistering gloss, darkened with filthy dust, 4 Well yet appeared to have been of old 5 A work of rich entail, and curious mould,
entail > ornament; carving; intaglio curious > skilled, elaborate; exquisite mould > form, style
6 Woven with antics and wild imagery:
antics > {Fantastic or grotesque representations of birds, animals, plants} imagery > idolatrous images (cf. 108.36:2, 212.60:5)
7 And in his lap a mass of coin he told
told > counted (cf. 104.27:5)
8 And turned upside-down, to feed his eye 9 And covetous desire with his huge treasury.
treasury > treasure
207.5
And round about him lay on euery side
2 Great heapes of gold, that neuer could be spent:
Of which some were rude owre, not purifide
4 Of +Mulcibers+ deuouring element;
Some others were new driuen, and distent
6 Into great +Ingoes+, and to wedges square;
Some in round plates withouten moniment;
8 But most were stampt, and in their metall bare
The antique shapes of kings and kesars straunge and rare.
4 Mulcibers > Melcibers 1590 6 Ingoes > Ingowes 1590
1 And round about him lay on every side 2 Great heaps of gold, that never could be spent: 3 Of which some were rude ore, not purified 4 Of Mulciber's devouring element;
Of > By
Mulciber > (A surname of Vulcan, god of fire; see PL 1.740 ff.)
5 Some others were new driven, and distent
driven > beaten out distent > extended
6 Into great ingots, and to wedges square;
to > into wedges > ingots
7 Some in round plates without monument;
monument > mark, inscription
8 But most were stamped, and in their metal bare
bare > bore (vb.); or: bare (the vb. "were" being understood)
9 The antique shapes of kings and kaisers strange and rare.
kaisers > emperors, caesars
207.6
Soone as he Guyon saw, in great affright
2 And hast he rose, for to remoue aside
Those pretious hils from straungers enuious sight,
4 And downe them poured through an hole full wide,
Into the hollow earth, them there to hide.
6 But Guyon lightly to him leaping, stayd
His hand, that trembled, as one terrifyde;
8 And though him selfe were at the sight dismayd,
Yet him perforce restraynd, and to him doubtfull sayd.
1 Soon as he Guyon saw, in great affright
Soon > [As soon] affright > terror
2 And haste he rose, to remove aside 3 Those precious hills from stranger's envious sight, 4 And down them poured, through a hole full wide,
full > very, exceedingly
5 Into the hollow earth, them there to hide. 6 But Guyon lightly to him leaping, stayed
lightly > quickly
7 His hand, that trembled, as one terrified; 8 And though himself were at the sight dismayed,
himself were > [he himself was]
9 Yet him perforce restrained, and to him doubtful said:
perforce > by force doubtful > fearful (applies to Mammon, as the tone of Guyon's inquiry makes clear)
207.7
What art thou man, (if man at all thou art)
2 That here in desert hast thine habitaunce,
And these rich +heapes+ of wealth doest hide apart
4 From the worldes eye, and from her right vsaunce?
Thereat with staring eyes fixed askaunce,
6 In great disdaine, he answerd; Hardy Elfe,
That darest vew my direfull countenaunce,
8 I read thee rash, and heedlesse of thy selfe,
To trouble my still seate, and heapes of pretious pelfe.
3 heapes > hils 1590
1 "What are you, man (if man at all you are), 2 That here in desert have your habitance,
desert > [the] wilderness habitance > habitation, dwelling (WU)
3 And these rich heaps of wealth do hide apart 4 From the world's eye, and from its right usance?"
right usance > proper usage (i.e. financial usage; usance also = the practice or fact of lending or borrowing money at interest)
5 Thereat, with staring eyes fixed askance,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that staring > glaring (cf. 204.15:6)
6 In great disdain he answered: "Hardy Elf,
Hardy > Rash, presumptuously audacious
7 That dares view my direful countenance,
direful > terrible, dreadful
8 I read you rash, and heedless of yourself,
read > consider
9 To trouble my still seat, and heaps of precious pelf.
pelf > money, cash, "filthy lucre"
207.8
God of the world and worldlings I me call,
2 Great Mammon, greatest god below the skye,
That of my plenty poure out vnto all,
4 And vnto none my graces do enuye:
Riches, renowme, and principality,
6 Honour, estate, and all this worldes good,
For which men swinck and sweat incessantly,
8 Fro me do flow into an ample flood,
And in the hollow earth haue their eternall brood.
1 "God of the world and worldlings I me call,
me > myself
2 Great Mammon, greatest god below the sky, 3 That of my plenty pour out to all, 4 And to none my graces do envy:
envy > begrudge
5 Riches, renown, and principality,
principality > {Sovereignty; the authority or dignity of a sovereign or ruler}
6 Honour, estate, and all this world's good,
estate > prosperity; condition, rank, status
7 For which men swink and sweat incessantly,
swink > toil
8 From me do flow into an ample flood, 9 And in the hollow earth have their eternal brood.
brood > breeding, hatching
207.9
Wherefore if me thou deigne to serue and sew,
2 At thy commaund lo all these mountaines bee;
Or if to thy great mind, or greedy vew
4 All these may not suffise, there shall to thee
Ten times so much be numbred francke and free.
6 Mammon (said he) thy godheades vaunt is vaine,
And idle offers of thy golden fee;
8 To them, that couet such eye-glutting gaine,
Proffer thy giftes, and fitter seruaunts entertaine.
1 "Wherefore if me you deign to serve and sue,
Wherefore > On which account; in consequence of which serve and sue > do service and homage (sue = follow as an attendant, take as a model, pattern, or ideal)
2 At your command lo all these mountains be; 3 Or if to your great mind, or greedy view,
greedy > eager; rapacious
4 All these may not suffice, there shall to you 5 Ten times so much be numbered frank and free."
so > as numbered > measured, enumerated frank and free > liberally and freely (another quasi-legal term)
6 "Mammon," said he, "your godhead's vaunt is vain,
vaunt > boast; display vain > unavailing; foolish
7 And idle offers of your golden fee;
idle > empty fee > wage, bribe
8 To them that covet such eye-glutting gain 9 Proffer your gifts, and fitter servants entertain.
fitter > more suitable entertain > engage; maintain
207.10
Me ill +besits+, that in der-doing armes,
2 And honours suit my vowed dayes do spend,
Vnto thy bounteous baytes, and pleasing charmes,
4 With which weake men thou witchest, to attend:
Regard of worldly mucke doth fowly blend,
6 And low abase the high heroicke spright,
That ioyes for crownes and kingdomes to contend;
8 Faire shields, gay steedes, bright armes be my delight:
Those be the riches fit for an aduent'rous knight.
1 besits > befits 1609
1 "Me ill besits (that in der-doing arms
besits > becomes, befits der-doing arms > {Daring feats of arms; "der-doing" is app. derived from "derring-do", and is believed to be a deliberate archaism}
2 And honour's suit my vowed days do spend)
suit > pursuit; wooing
3 To your bounteous baits, and pleasing charms,
baits > temptations (cf. 207.64:2)
4 With which weak men you witch, to attend:
witch > bewitch
5 Regard of worldly muck does foully blend
of > for blend > stir up, render turbid; hence: defile; also: dazzle, blind
6 And low abase the high heroic spirit, 7 That joys for crowns and kingdoms to contend; 8 Fair shields, gay steeds, bright arms be my delight: 9 Those be the riches fit for an adventurous knight."
207.11
Vaine glorious Elfe (said he) doest not thou weet,
2 That money can thy wantes at will supply?
Sheilds, steeds, and armes, and all things for thee meet
4 It can puruay in twinckling of an eye;
And crownes and kingdomes to thee multiply.
6 Do not I kings create, and throw the crowne
Sometimes to him, that low in dust doth ly?
8 And him that raignd, into his rowme thrust downe,
And whom I lust, do heape with glory and renowne?
1 "Vainglorious Elf," said he, "do not you weet
weet > know, understand
2 That money can your wants at will supply? 3 Shields, steeds, and arms, and all things for you meet
meet > appropriate
4 It can purvey in twinkling of an eye;
purvey > provide
5 And crowns and kingdoms to you multiply. 6 Do not I kings create, and throw the crown 7 Sometimes to him that low in dust does lie? 8 And him that reigned, into his room thrust down,
room > place, space
9 And whom I lust, do heap with glory and renown?"
lust > desire, choose (intr.); please, delight (tr.)
207.12
All otherwise (said he) I riches read,
2 And deeme them roote of all disquietnesse;
First got with guile, and then preseru'd with dread,
4 And after spent with pride and lauishnesse,
Leauing behind them griefe and heauinesse.
6 Infinite mischiefes of them do arize,
+Strife,+ and debate, bloudshed, and bitternesse,
8 Outrageous wrong, and hellish couetize,
That noble heart +as+ great dishonour doth despize.
7 Strife, > Strife; 1596 9 as > in 1590
1 "All otherwise," said he, "I riches read,
read > consider
2 And deem them root of all disquietness;
disquietness > trouble, unrest (cf. 1 Tim. 6.10)
3 First got with guile, and then preserved with dread, 4 And after spent with pride and lavishness, 5 Leaving behind them grief and heaviness.
heaviness > anger; sadness
6 Infinite mischiefs of them do arise:
of > from
7 Strife, and debate, bloodshed, and bitterness,
debate > quarrelling; fighting
8 Outrageous wrong, and hellish covetise,
covetise > covetousness, avarice
9 That noble heart as great dishonour does despise.
noble > [the noble]
207.13
Ne thine be kingdomes, ne the scepters thine;
2 But realmes and rulers thou doest both confound,
And loyall truth to treason doest incline;
4 Witnesse the guiltlesse bloud pourd oft on ground,
The crowned often slaine, the slayer cround,
6 The sacred Diademe in peeces rent,
And purple robe gored with many a wound;
8 Castles surprizd, great cities sackt and brent:
So mak'st thou kings, and gaynest wrongfull gouernement.
1 "Nor yours be kingdoms, nor the sceptres yours; 2 But realms and rulers you do both confound,
confound > overthrow, subvert
3 And loyal truth to treason do incline;
incline > dispose, direct; hence: pervert
4 Witness the guiltless blood poured oft on ground, 5 The crowned often slain, the slayer crowned, 6 The sacred diadem in pieces rent,
diadem > crown rent > torn
7 And purple robe gored with many a wound;
purple robe > (Traditionally worn by emperors and kings: Tyrian purple was a dye obtained in the eastern Mediterranean from the whelks Murex trunculus and M. brandaris and processed at the Phoenician city of Tyre, whence it was sold at high price to the Romans. "Purple" also = "blood-red" (cf. e.g. 206.29:9), thus adding more meaning to the phrase)
8 Castles surprised, great cities sacked and burnt:
surprised > {Captured using surprise tactics}
9 So make you kings, and gain wrongful government.
So > Thus, in this manner
207.14
Long were to tell the troublous stormes, that tosse
2 The priuate state, and make the life vnsweet:
Who swelling sayles in Caspian sea doth crosse,
4 And in frayle wood on Adrian gulfe doth fleet,
Doth not, I weene, so many euils meet.
6 Then Mammon wexing wroth, And why then, said,
Are mortall men so fond and vndiscreet,
8 So euill thing to seeke vnto their ayd,
And hauing not complaine, and hauing it vpbraid?
1 "Long were to tell the troublous storms that toss
Long were > [It would take a long time] tell > describe
2 The private state, and make the life unsweet:
private state > private condition, personal life
3 Who swelling sails in Caspian Sea does cross,
Who > [Whoever, he who] cross > hoist, set in position
4 And in frail wood on Adrian Gulf does fleet,
Adrian Gulf > (The Adriatic Sea, which, like the Caspian, was notoriously stormy) fleet > float; sail
5 Does not, I ween, so many evils meet."
ween > think
6 Then Mammon, waxing wroth, "And why then," said,
waxing > growing, becoming
7 "Are mortal men so fond and undiscreet,
fond > foolish undiscreet > lacking in discretion, imprudent
8 So evil thing to seek to their aid,
So > Such [an]
9 And, having not, complain, and having it, upbraid?"
upbraid > reproach [wealth]; or, perhaps: are reproached (for being rich)
207.15
Indeede (quoth he) through fowle intemperaunce,
2 Frayle men are oft captiu'd to couetise:
But would they thinke, with how small allowaunce
4 Vntroubled Nature doth her selfe suffise,
Such superfluities they would despise,
6 Which with sad cares empeach our natiue ioyes:
At the well head the purest streames arise:
8 But mucky filth his braunching armes annoyes,
And with vncomely weedes the gentle waue accloyes.
1 "Indeed," quoth he, "through foul intemperance 2 Frail men are oft captived to covetise:
Frail > Morally weak covetise > avarice, covetousness
3 But would they think with how small allowance
would > [if only]
4 Untroubled Nature does herself suffice, 5 Such superfluities they would despise, 6 Which with sad cares impeach our native joys:
impeach > endamage, impair
7 At the well-head the purest streams arise: 8 But mucky filth its branching arms annoys,
its branching arms > [the stream's various watercourses] annoys > afflicts, vexes
9 And with uncomely weeds the gentle wave accloys.
wave > water accloys > clogs, chokes
207.16
The antique world, in his first flowring youth,
2 Found no defect in his Creatours grace,
But with glad thankes, and vnreproued truth,
4 The gifts of soueraigne bountie did embrace:
Like Angels life was then mens happy cace;
6 But later ages pride, like corn-fed steed,
Abusd her plenty, and fat swolne encreace
8 To all licentious lust, and gan exceed
The measure of her meane, and naturall first need.
1 "The antique world, in its first flowering youth,
antique > ancient
2 Found no defect in its Creator's grace, 3 But with glad thanks, and unreproved truth,
unreproved > blameless; unreproving, uncomplaining truth > {Conduct in accordance with the divine standard; also a variant spelling of "troth", good faith}
4 The gifts of sovereign bounty did embrace: 5 Like angels' life was then men's happy case;
case > state
6 But later ages' pride, like corn-fed steed,
corn-fed > [pampered]
7 Abused her plenty, and fat swollen increase
her > [Nature's, referring to 207.15:4] fat swollen increase > [swollen with fat, increased]
8 To all licentious lust, and gan exceed
gan > did
9 The measure of her mean, and natural first need.
measure of her mean > [limits of natural temperance]
207.17
Then gan a cursed hand the quiet wombe
2 Of his great +Grandmother+ with steele to wound,
And the hid treasures in her sacred tombe,
4 With Sacriledge to dig. Therein he found
Fountaines of gold and siluer to abound,
6 Of which the matter of his huge desire
And pompous pride eftsoones he did compound;
8 Then auarice gan through his veines inspire
His greedy flames, and kindled life-deuouring fire.
2 Grandmother > Gandmother 1596
1 "Then gan a cursed hand the quiet womb
gan > did
2 Of his great grandmother with steel to wound,
his great grandmother > (The earth; cf. 201.10:6) wound > [mine]
3 And the hidden treasures in her sacred tomb 4 With sacrilege to dig. Therein he found 5 Fountains of gold and silver to abound,
Fountains > Founts, sources
6 Of which the matter of his huge desire
matter > substance
7 And pompous pride eftsoons he did compound;
eftsoons > soon compound > {Compose, make up with the combination of elements (i.e. gold and silver)}
8 Then avarice gan through his veins inspire
gan > did inspire > breathe life, quicken
9 His greedy flames, and kindled life-devouring fire."
His > [Those of avarice; or: those of man]
207.18
Sonne (said he then) let be thy bitter scorne,
2 And leaue the rudenesse of +that+ antique age
To them, that liu'd therein in state forlorne;
4 Thou that doest liue in later times, must wage
Thy workes for wealth, and life for gold engage.
6 If then thee list my offred grace to vse,
Take what thou please of all this surplusage;
8 If thee list not, leaue haue thou to refuse:
But thing refused, do not afterward accuse.
2 that > omitted from 1596
1 "Son," said he then, "let be your bitter scorn,
let be > give over, desist from
2 And leave the rudeness of that antique age
rudeness > barbarism antique > ancient
3 To them that lived therein in state forlorn; 4 You, that do live in later times, must wage
wage > hire out
5 Your works for wealth, and life for gold engage.
engage > pledge, pawn
6 If then you list my offered grace to use,
list > choose
7 Take what you please of all this surplusage;
surplusage > superabundance, excess
8 If you list not, leave have you to refuse: 9 But thing refused, do not afterward accuse."
accuse > blame, find fault with
207.19
Me list not (said the Elfin knight) receaue
2 Thing offred, till I know it well be got,
Ne wote I, but thou didst these goods bereaue
4 From rightfull owner by vnrighteous lot,
Or that +bloud guiltinesse+ or guile them blot.
6 Perdy (quoth he) yet neuer eye did vew,
Ne toung did tell, ne hand these handled not,
8 But safe I haue them kept in secret mew,
From heauens sight, and powre of all which them pursew.
5 bloud guiltinesse > bloodguiltnesse 1590; bloud guiltnesse 1596: cf. 202.4:5, 202.30:3
1 "I list not," said the Elfin knight, "receive
list > choose, please receive > [to receive]
2 Thing offered, till I know it well be got, 3 Nor wot I, but you did these goods bereave
wot > know you > [that you] bereave > take away, rob
4 From rightful owner by unrighteous lot,
unrighteous lot > criminal division
5 Or that blood-guiltiness or guile them blot."
blood-guiltiness > responsibility for bloodshed
6 "Pardie," quoth he, "yet never eye did view,
Pardie > Truly; "by God" yet never > [never yet]
7 Nor tongue did tell, nor hand these handled not,
tell > describe not > (The double negative serves as an intensive)
8 But safe I have them kept in secret mew,
mew > place [of confinement]
9 From heaven's sight, and power of all who them pursue."
power > [the power]
207.20
What secret place (quoth he) can safely hold
2 So huge a masse, and hide from heauens eye?
Or where hast thou thy wonne, that so much gold
4 Thou canst preserue from wrong and robbery?
Come thou (quoth he) and see. So by and by
6 Through that thicke couert he him led, and found
A darkesome way, which no man could descry,
8 That deepe descended through the hollow ground,
And was with dread and horrour compassed around.
1 "What secret place," quoth he, "can safely hold 2 So huge a mass, and hide from heaven's eye?
hide > [hide it]
3 Or where have you your won, that so much gold
won > dwelling-place
4 You can preserve from wrong and robbery?" 5 "Come you," quoth he, "and see!" So by and by
by and by > straight away
6 Through that thick covert he him led, and found 7 A darksome way, which no man could descry,
descry > make out, see; explore
8 That deep descended through the hollow ground, 9 And was with dread and horror compassed around.
compassed around > encircled, surrounded
207.21
At length they came into a larger space,
2 That stretcht it selfe into an ample plaine,
Through which a beaten broad high way did trace,
4 That streight did lead to Plutoes griesly raine:
By that wayes side, there sate +infernall+ Payne,
6 And fast beside him sat tumultuous Strife:
The one in hand an yron whip did straine,
8 The other brandished a bloudy knife,
And both did gnash their teeth, and both did threaten life.
5 infernall > internall 1590; eternall conj. Collier
1 At length they came into a larger space, 2 That stretched itself into an ample plain, 3 Through which a beaten broad highway did trace,
broad highway > (Cf. 104.2:8, 110.10:5) trace > proceed, pass
4 That straight did lead to Pluto's grisly reign:
grisly > fearsome, horrible reign > kingdom, realm
5 By that way's side there sat infernal Pain,
Pain > Punishment
6 And fast beside him sat tumultuous Strife:
fast > very closely
7 The one in hand an iron whip did strain,
strain > clasp tightly
8 The other brandished a bloody knife, 9 And both did gnash their teeth, and both did threaten life.
207.22
On thother side in one consort there sate,
2 Cruell Reuenge, and rancorous Despight,
Disloyall Treason, and hart-burning Hate,
4 But gnawing Gealosie out of their sight
Sitting alone, his bitter lips did bight,
6 And trembling Feare still to and fro did fly,
And found no place, where safe he shroud him might,
8 Lamenting Sorrow did in darknesse +lye,+
And Shame his vgly face did hide from liuing eye.
8 lye, > lye. 1596
1 On the other side, in one consort, there sat
consort > company, assembly (cf. Aen. 6.273-81)
2 Cruel Revenge, and rancorous Despite,
Despite > Anger; Malice; Outrage
3 Disloyal Treason, and heart-burning Hate, 4 But gnawing Jealousy, out of their sight, 5 Sitting alone, his bitter lips did bite, 6 And trembling Fear still to and fro did fly,
still > continually
7 And found no place, where safe he shroud himself might;
shroud > hide
8 Lamenting Sorrow did in darkness lie, 9 And Shame his ugly face did hide from living eye.
207.23
And ouer them sad +Horrour+ with grim hew,
2 Did alwayes sore, beating his yron wings;
And after him Owles and Night-rauens flew,
4 The hatefull messengers of heauy things,
Of death and dolour telling sad tidings;
6 Whiles sad Celeno, sitting on a clift,
A song of bale and bitter sorrow sings,
8 That hart of flint a sunder could haue rift:
Which hauing ended, after him she flyeth swift.
1 Horrour > horror 1590; horrour 1596
1 And over them sad Horror, with grim hue,
hue > appearance; colour
2 Did always soar, beating his iron wings;
always > always; perhaps also: all ways [in all directions, round and round] iron wings > (Cf. 111.31:9)
3 And after him owls and night-ravens flew,
owls > (To the Romans, the owl was an omen of death: see Met. 10.453; see also 105.30:6, etc.) night-raven > {An unspecified nocturnal bird, perhaps the nightjar or the night-heron. See SC, gloss to "June"}
4 The hateful messengers of heavy things,
heavy > distressing, grievous; grave
5 Of death and dolour telling sad tidings;
dolour > dolour; physical suffering; grief
6 While sad Celeno, sitting on a cliff,
Celeno > (One of the harpies, vultures with the head and breasts of a woman; associated with greed. The others were Ocypeta and A{e"}llo. See Aen. 3.219 ff.)
7 A song of bale and bitter sorrow sings,
bale > woe, torment
8 That heart of flint asunder could have rived:
rived > torn asunder
9 Which having ended, after him she flies swift.
207.24
All these before the gates of Pluto lay,
2 By whom they passing, spake vnto them nought.
But th'Elfin knight with wonder all the way
4 Did feed his eyes, and fild his inner thought.
At last him to a litle dore he brought,
6 That to the gate of Hell, which gaped wide,
Was next adioyning, ne them parted +ought+:
8 Betwixt them both was but a litle stride,
That did the house of Richesse from hell-mouth diuide.
7 ought > nought 1590
1 All these before the gates of Pluto lay, 2 By whom they passing, spoke to them naught.
naught > nothing at all [Guyon and Mammon said nothing to Pain, Strife, etc. as they passed]
3 But the Elfin knight with wonder all the way 4 Did feed his eyes, and fild his inner thought.
fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.)
5 At last him to a little door he brought,
he > [Mammon]
6 That to the gate of hell, which gaped wide, 7 Was next adjoining, ne them parted aught:
ne them parted aught > [nor did anything separate them; there was no space between the two]
8 Betwixt them both was but a little stride, 9 That did the house of Richesse from hell-mouth divide.
Richesse > Wealth
207.25
Before the dore sat selfe-consuming Care,
2 Day and night keeping wary watch and ward,
For feare least Force or Fraud should vnaware
4 Breake in, and spoile the treasure there in gard:
Ne would he suffer Sleepe once thither-ward
6 Approch, albe his drowsie den were next;
For next to death is Sleepe to be compard:
8 Therefore his house is vnto his annext;
Here Sleep, there Richesse, and Hel-gate them both betwext.
1 Before the door sat self-consuming Care, 2 Day and night keeping wary watch and ward,
ward > guard ("watch and ward" was formerly a common compound sb.)
3 For fear lest Force or Fraud should unawares 4 Break in, and spoil the treasure there in guard:
spoil > plunder, rob in > [under]
5 Nor would he suffer Sleep once thitherward
suffer > allow thitherward > towards there, in that direction
6 Approach, albe his drowsy den was next;
albe > although next > next adjoining (207.24:7), adjacent
7 For next to death is Sleep to be compared:
next > [most closely; cf. Aen. 6.278]
8 Therefore his house is to his annexed; 9 Here Sleep, there Richesse, and hell-gate them both betwixt.
Richesse > Wealth
207.26
So soone as Mammon there arriu'd, the dore
2 To him did open, and affoorded way;
Him followed eke Sir Guyon euermore,
4 Ne darkenesse him, ne daunger might dismay.
Soone as he entred was, the dore streight way
6 Did shut, and from behind it forth there lept
An vgly feend, more fowle then dismall day,
8 The which with monstrous stalke behind him stept,
And euer as he went, dew watch vpon him kept.
1 So soon as Mammon there arrived, the door 2 To him did open, and afforded way; 3 Him followed eke Sir Guyon evermore,
eke > also evermore > constantly
4 Neither darkness him, nor danger might dismay. 5 Soon as he entered was, the door straightway
Soon > [As soon]
6 Did shut, and from behind it forth there leapt 7 An ugly fiend, more foul than dismal day,
dismal day > {Dies mali, one of the evil or unlucky days of the medieval calendar}
8 Which with monstrous stalk behind him stepped, 9 And ever, as he went, due watch upon him kept.
207.27
Well hoped he, ere long that hardy guest,
2 If euer couetous hand, or lustfull eye,
Or lips he layd on thing, that likt him best,
4 Or euer sleepe his eye-strings did vntye,
Should be his pray. And therefore still on hye
6 He ouer him did hold his cruell clawes,
Threatning with greedy gripe to do him dye
8 And rend in peeces with his rauenous pawes,
If euer he transgrest the fatall Stygian lawes.
1 Well hoped he ere long that hardy guest
ere long that > [that before long that] hardy > bold, audacious
2 (If ever covetous hand, or lustful eye, 3 Or lips he laid on thing, that liked him best,
liked > pleased
4 Or ever sleep his eyestrings did untie)
eyestrings > {The tendons, nerves or muscles of the eyes, relaxation of which was supposed to accompany sleep; cf. Cymbeline I iii 17: Shakespeare may have got the word from here. The earliest use quoted by OED is by Ben Jonson in 1601. Cf. also 108.22:7}
5 Should be his prey. And therefore still on high
still > continuously
6 He over him did hold his cruel claws, 7 Threatening with greedy grip to do him die
greedy > eager, rapacious die > [to death]
8 And rend in pieces with his ravenous paws,
rend > [tear him]
9 If ever he transgressed the fatal Stygian laws.
Stygian laws > (Laws of the underworld)
207.28
That houses forme within was rude and strong,
2 Like an huge caue, hewne out of rocky clift,
From whose rough vaut the ragged breaches hong,
4 Embost with massy gold of glorious gift,
And with rich metall loaded euery rift,
6 That heauy ruine they did seeme to threat;
And ouer them Arachne high did lift
8 Her cunning web, and spred her subtile net,
Enwrapped in fowle smoke and clouds more blacke then Iet.
1 That house's form within was rude and strong,
rude > rough, crude, clumsy
2 Like a huge cave, hewn out of rocky cliff, 3 From whose rough vault the ragged breaches hung,
breaches > {?Broken sheets of rock}
4 Embossed with massy gold of glorious gift,
Embossed > Encased; richly decorated massy > solid gift > quality
5 And with rich metal loaded every rift, 6 That heavy ruin they did seem to threaten;
That > [So that] heavy > grievous, intense ruin > {The act of collapse, of a building, etc.}
7 And over them Arachne high did lift
Arachne > (Transformed by Minerva into a spider (Met. 6.1-145);
Ovid's story is retold and embellished in Muiopotmos 257 ff.)
8 Her cunning web, and spread her subtile net,
subtile > delicate; rarefied; crafty
9 Enwrapped in foul smoke and clouds more black than jet.
207.29
Both roofe, and floore, and wals were all of gold,
2 But ouergrowne with dust and old decay,
And hid in darkenesse, that none could behold
4 The hew thereof: for vew of chearefull day
Did neuer in that house it selfe display,
6 But a faint shadow of vncertain light;
Such as a lamp, whose life does fade away:
8 Or as the Moone cloathed with clowdy night,
Does shew to him, that walkes in feare and sad affright.
1 Both roof and floor, and walls were all of gold, 2 But overgrown with dust and old decay, 3 And hidden in darkness, that none could behold
that > [so that]
4 The hue thereof: for view of cheerful day
hue > form; colour
5 Did never in that house itself display, 6 But a faint shadow of uncertain light;
But > Except as
7 Such as a lamp, whose life does fade away: 8 Or as the moon, clothed with cloudy night, 9 Does show to him that walks in fear and sad affright.
sad affright > grave terror
207.30
In all that rowme was nothing to be seene,
2 But huge great yron chests and coffers strong,
All bard with double bends, that none could weene
4 Them to efforce by violence or wrong;
On euery side they placed were along.
6 But all the ground with sculs was scattered,
And dead mens bones, which round about were flong,
8 Whose liues, it seemed, whilome there were shed,
And their vile carcases now left vnburied.
1 In all that room was nothing to be seen 2 But huge great iron chests and coffers strong, 3 All barred with double bands, that none could ween
that > [so that] ween > imagine; intend
4 Them to efforce by violence or wrong;
efforce > force open (SUFQ)
5 On every side they placed were along. 6 But all the ground with skulls was scattered, 7 And dead men's bones, which round about were flung, 8 Whose lives, it seemed, whilom there were shed,
whilom > formerly, of yore; at some past time
9 And their vile carcases now left unburied.
vile > vile; worthless
207.31
They forward passe, ne Guyon yet spoke word,
2 Till that they came vnto an yron dore,
Which to them opened of +his+ owne accord,
4 And shewd of richesse such exceeding store,
As eye of man did neuer see before;
6 Ne euer could within one place be found,
Though all the wealth, which is, or was of yore,
8 Could gathered be through all the world around,
And that aboue were added to that vnder ground.
3 his > it 1609
1 They forward pass, ne Guyon yet spoke word,
ne Guyon yet spoke word > [and Guyon did not yet speak a word; and still Guyon said nothing]
2 Till they came to an iron door, 3 Which to them opened of its own accord, 4 And showed of richesse such exceeding store
richesse > wealth, opulence
5 As eye of man did never see before; 6 Nor ever could within one place be found, 7 Though all the wealth, which is, or was of yore,
Though > Even if yore > old
8 Could gathered be through all the world around, 9 And that above were added to that under ground.
207.32
The charge thereof vnto a couetous Spright
2 Commaunded was, who thereby did attend,
And warily awaited day and night,
4 From other couetous feends it to defend,
Who it to rob and ransacke did intend.
6 Then Mammon turning to that warriour, said;
Loe here the worldes blis, loe here the end,
8 To which all men do ayme, rich to be made:
Such grace now to be happy, is before thee laid.
1 The charge thereof to a covetous sprite
charge > keeping, responsibility
2 Commended was, who thereby did attend,
thereby > near that [store], nearby
3 And warily awaited day and night,
awaited > kept watch
4 From other covetous fiends it to defend, 5 Who it to rob and ransack did intend. 6 Then Mammon, turning to that warrior, said: 7 "Lo, here the world's bliss, lo here the end, 8 To which all men do aim, rich to be made: 9 Such grace now to be happy is before you laid."
grace > favour; bestowal of favour happy > fortunate; happy
207.33
Certes (said he) I n'ill thine offred grace,
2 Ne to be made so happy do intend:
Another blis before mine eyes I place,
4 Another happinesse, another end.
To them, that list, these base regardes I lend:
6 But I in armes, and in atchieuements braue,
Do rather choose my flitting houres to spend,
8 And to be Lord of those, that riches haue,
Then them to haue my selfe, and be their seruile +sclaue+.
9 sclaue > slaue 1609
1 "Certes," said he, "I nill your offered grace,
Certes > Assuredly nill > will not [accept] grace > favour
2 Nor to be made so happy do intend:
so > thus, in this way
3 Another bliss before my eyes I place, 4 Another happiness, another end. 5 To them, that list, these base regards I lend:
list > choose, please regards > concerns
6 But I in arms, and in achievements brave,
achievements > achievements; feats, victories brave > brave; splendid
7 Do rather choose my flitting hours to spend, 8 And to be lord of those that riches have, 9 Than them to have myself, and be their servile slave."
them > [riches]
207.34
Thereat the feend his gnashing teeth did grate,
2 And grieu'd, so long to lacke his greedy pray;
For well he weened, that so glorious bayte
4 Would tempt his guest, to take thereof assay:
Had he so doen, he had him snatcht away,
6 More light then Culuer in the Faulcons fist.
Eternall God thee saue from such decay.
8 But whenas Mammon saw his purpose mist,
Him to entrap vnwares another way he wist.
1 Thereat the fiend his gnashing teeth did grate,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
2 And grieved, so long to lack his greedy prey;
his greedy prey > [the prey for which he is eager]
3 For well he weened that so glorious bait
weened > supposed so > such [a]
4 Would tempt his guest, to take thereof assay:
assay > test, trial; hence: a sample
5 Had he so done, he had him snatched away,
he had him snatched > [the fiend would have snatched him]
6 More light than culver in the falcon's fist.
light > quickly; easily culver > dove; wood-pigeon fist > clutch, clutches
7 (Eternal God you save from such decay!)
decay > [a] downfall
8 But when Mammon saw his purpose missed,
purpose > intention; discourse, point
9 Him to entrap unwares another way he wist.
unwares > unexpectedly wist > knew; hence: planned
207.35
Thence forward he him led, and shortly brought
2 Vnto another rowme, whose dore forthright,
To him did open, as it had beene taught:
4 Therein an hundred raunges weren pight,
And hundred fornaces all burning bright;
6 By euery fornace many feends did bide,
Deformed creatures, horrible in sight,
8 And euery feend his busie paines applide,
To melt the golden metall, ready to be tride.
1 Thenceforward he him led, and shortly brought
Thenceforward > From that place, thence
2 To another room, whose door forthright 3 To him did open, as it had been taught:
as > as; as if
4 Therein a hundred ranges were pight,
pight > placed
5 And hundred furnaces all burning bright; 6 By every furnace many fiends did bide,
bide > remain, await; hence: stand
7 Deformed creatures, horrible in sight, 8 And every fiend his busy pains applied,
busy > careful; solicitous pains > efforts, labours
9 To melt the golden metal, ready to be tried.
tried > refined, purified
207.36
One with great bellowes gathered filling aire,
2 And with forst wind the fewell did inflame;
Another did the dying bronds repaire
4 With +yron+ toungs, and sprinckled oft the same
With liquid waues, fiers Vulcans rage to tame,
6 Who maistring them, renewd his former heat;
Some scumd the drosse, that from the metall came;
8 Some stird the molten owre with ladles great;
And euery one did swincke, and euery one did sweat.
4 yron > dying 1590
1 One with great bellows gathered filling air, 2 And with forced wind the fuel did inflame; 3 Another did the dying brands repair
brands > {Burning pieces of wood, hence: embers} repair > renew
4 With iron tongs, and sprinkled oft the same 5 With liquid waves, fierce Vulcan's rage to tame,
liquid waves > [water] Vulcan's rage > [the fire: Vulcan is the god of fire]
6 Who, mastering them, renewed his former heat;
them > [the "waues"]
7 Some scummed the dross that from the metal came;
scummed > skimmed
8 Some stirred the molten ore with ladles great; 9 And every one did swink, and every one did sweat.
swink > toil
207.37
But when +as+ earthly wight they present saw,
2 Glistring in armes and battailous aray,
From their whot worke they did themselues withdraw
4 To wonder at the sight: for till that day,
They neuer creature saw, that came that way.
6 Their staring eyes sparckling with feruent fire,
And vgly shapes did nigh the man dismay,
8 That were it not for shame, he would retire,
Till that him thus bespake their soueraigne Lord and sire.
1 as > an 1590
1 But when an earthly wight they present saw,
wight > person, man
2 Glistering in arms and battailous array,
arms > {Arms and armour} battailous > {Warlike, ready for battle}
3 From their hot work they did themselves withdraw 4 To wonder at the sight: for till that day
wonder > marvel
5 They never creature saw, that came that way. 6 Their staring eyes, sparkling with fervent fire,
staring > glaring
7 And ugly shapes did nigh the man dismay, 8 That were it not for shame, he would retire,
That were it not > [Had it not been] retire > [have retired]
9 Till him thus bespoke their sovereign lord and sire:
bespoke > addressed sire > father; forefather; ruler, master
207.38
Behold, thou Faeries sonne, with mortall eye,
2 That liuing eye before did neuer see:
The thing, that thou didst craue so earnestly,
4 To weet, whence all the wealth late shewd by mee,
Proceeded, lo now is reueald to thee.
6 Here is the fountaine of the worldes good:
Now therefore, if thou wilt enriched bee,
8 Auise thee well, and chaunge thy wilfull mood,
Least thou perhaps hereafter wish, and be withstood.
1 "Behold, you Faery's son, with mortal eye, 2 That living eye before did never see:
That > [That which]
3 The thing that you did crave so earnestly 4 To weet (whence all the wealth late shown by me
weet > learn late > lately
5 Proceeded), lo now is revealed to you. 6 Here is the fountain of the world's good:
fountain > fount, source good > money; property; good
7 Now therefore, if you will enriched be, 8 Advise you well, and change your wilful mood,
Advise > Consider; perceive, notice
9 Lest you perhaps hereafter wish, and be withstood."
withstood > [refused]
207.39
Suffise it then, thou Money God (quoth hee)
2 That all thine idle offers I refuse.
All that I need I haue; what needeth mee
4 To couet more, then I haue cause to vse?
With such vaine shewes thy worldlings vile abuse:
6 But giue me leaue to follow mine emprise.
Mammon was much displeasd, yet no'te he chuse,
8 But beare the rigour of his bold +mesprise+,
And thence him forward led, him further to entise.
8 mesprise > mespise 1596, 1609
1 "Suffice it then, you Money God," quoth he, 2 "That all your idle offers I refuse.
idle > futile
3 All that I need I have; what needs me
needs me > do I need; need do I have
4 To covet more than I have cause to use? 5 With such vain shows your worldlings vile abuse:
vain shows > foolish displays vile > lowly; despicable; also adv., qualifying "abuse" abuse > deceive; abuse
6 But give me leave to follow my emprise."
emprise > enterprise, undertaking
7 Mammon was much displeased, yet no'te he choose
no'te he > he could not
8 But bear the rigour of his bold misprize,
But > [But to] rigour > harshness, rigour; rigorism, puritanic strictness (a development in the characterization of Guyon which becomes increasingly evident as Book II proceeds, reaching its apogee with the destruction of the Bower of Bliss at 212.81-3) misprize > contempt, scorn
9 And thence him forward led, him further to entice.
207.40
He brought him through a darksome narrow strait,
2 To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold:
The gate was open, but therein did wait
4 A sturdy villein, striding stiffe and bold,
As +if+ +that+ highest God defie he would;
6 In his right hand an yron club he held,
+But+ he himselfe was all of +golden+ mould,
8 Yet had both life and sence, and well could weld
That cursed weapon, when his cruell foes he queld.
5 if > omitted from 1596 5 that > the 1590 etc.: FE 7 But > And 1590 7 golden > yron 1590
1 He brought him through a darksome narrow strait, 2 To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold: 3 The gate was open, but therein did wait 4 A sturdy villein, striding stiff and bold,
sturdy > courageous, ruthless (cf. 103.17:1) villein > villain; serf stiff > strongly, violently
5 As if highest God defy he would; 6 In his right hand an iron club he held, 7 But he himself was all of golden mould,
mould > form, structure
8 Yet had both life and sense, and well could wield 9 That cursed weapon, when his cruel foes he quelled.
cruel > cruel; vigorous, savage quelled > subdued; killed (cf. the description of Orgoglio, 107.8-10)
207.41
Disdayne he called was, and did disdaine
2 To be so cald, and who so did him call:
Sterne was +his+ looke, and full of stomacke vaine,
4 His portaunce terrible, and stature tall,
Far passing th'hight of men terrestriall;
6 Like an huge Gyant of the Titans race,
That made him scorne all creatures great and small,
8 And with his pride all others powre deface:
More fit amongst blacke fiendes, then men to haue his place.
3 his > to 1596, 1609
1 "Disdain" he called was, and did disdain 2 To be so called, and whoso did him call:
whoso > whoever
3 Stern was his look, and full of stomach vain,
Stern > Fierce, grim, harsh stomach > haughtiness; ill-will
4 His portance terrible, and stature tall,
portance > demeanour
5 Far passing the height of men terrestrial;
passing > surpassing
6 Like a huge giant of the Titans' race,
Titans > (The firstborn children of Heaven and Earth, as Oceanus,
Rhea, Hyperion, Cronos; see Hesiod, Theogony 132-8)
7 That made him scorn all creatures great and small, 8 And with his pride all others' power deface:
deface > cast in the shade; or: destroy
9 More fit amongst black fiends, than men to have his place.
than > [than among]
207.42
Soone as those glitterand armes he did espye,
2 That with their brightnesse made that darknesse light,
His harmefull club he gan to hurtle hye,
4 And threaten batteill to the Faery knight;
Who likewise gan himselfe to batteill dight,
6 Till Mammon did his hasty hand withhold,
And counseld him abstaine from perilous fight:
8 For nothing might abash the villein bold,
Ne mortall steele emperce his miscreated mould.
1 Soon as those glittering arms he did espy,
Soon > [As soon] arms > {Arms and armour}
2 That with their brightness made that darkness light,
brightness > (Cf. 101.14:4-5)
3 His harmful club he began to hurtle high,
hurtle > brandish (catachr.)
4 And threaten battle to the Faery knight; 5 Who likewise gan himself to battle dight,
gan > did dight > prepare
6 Till Mammon did his hasty hand withhold, 7 And counselled him abstain from perilous fight:
abstain > [to abstain]
8 For nothing might abash the villein bold,
villein > villain; serf
9 Nor mortal steel empierce his miscreated mould.
mortal > {Mortal, pertaining to living men; lethal} empierce > transfix; penetrate miscreated > {Created unnaturally or with evil intention: cf. 102.3:1} mould > shape, form; hence: body
207.43
So hauing him with reason pacifide,
2 And the fiers Carle commaunding to forbeare,
He brought him in. The rowme was large and wide,
4 As it some Gyeld or solemne Temple weare:
Many great golden pillours did vpbeare
6 The massy roofe, and riches huge sustayne,
And euery pillour decked was full deare
8 With crownes and Diademes, and titles vaine,
Which mortall Princes wore, whiles they on earth did rayne.
1 So having him with reason pacified, 2 And the fierce carl commanding to forbear,
carl > villain, churl
3 He brought him in. The room was large and wide, 4 As it some gyeld or solemn temple were:
As > [As if] gyeld > {Guild, guildhall, the building where a guild met or in which a religious guild or fraternity lived} solemn > grand, imposing
5 Many great golden pillars did upbear 6 The massy roof, and riches huge sustain,
massy > solid, massive
7 And every pillar decked was full dear
full > very, exceedingly dear > richly
8 With crowns and diadems, and titles vain,
diadems > crowns (here somewhat pleonastic)
9 Which mortal princes wore, while they on earth did reign.
207.44
A route of people there assembled were,
2 Of euery sort and nation vnder skye,
Which with great vprore preaced to draw nere
4 To th'vpper part, where was aduaunced hye
A stately siege of soueraigne maiestye;
6 And thereon sat a woman gorgeous gay,
And richly clad in robes of royaltye,
8 That neuer earthly Prince in such aray
His glory did enhaunce, and pompous pride display.
1 A rout of people there assembled were,
rout > {Crowd; clamorous or riotous assemblage}
2 Of every sort and nation under sky, 3 Who with great uproar pressed to draw near
pressed > strove
4 To the upper part, where was advanced high
advanced > raised
5 A stately siege of sovereign majesty;
siege > seat (esp. one used by person of rank or distinction); hence: throne
6 And thereon sat a woman gorgeous gay, 7 And richly clad in robes of royalty, 8 That never earthly prince in such array
That > [Such that]
9 His glory did enhance, and pompous pride display.
enhance > exalt pompous > splendid; pompous
207.45
Her face right wondrous faire did seeme to bee,
2 That her broad beauties beam great brightnes threw
Through the dim shade, that all men might it see:
4 Yet was not that same her owne natiue hew,
But wrought by art and counterfetted shew,
6 Thereby more louers vnto her to call;
Nath'lesse most heauenly faire in deed and vew
8 She by creation was, till she did fall;
Thenceforth she sought for helps, to cloke her crime withall.
1 Her face right wondrous fair did seem to be,
right > very
2 That her broad beauty's beam great brightness threw
That > [So that; such that]
3 Through the dim shade, that all men might it see:
that > [so that]
4 Yet was not that same her own native hue,
native hue > natural appearance
5 But wrought by art and counterfeited show, 6 Thereby more lovers to her to call; 7 Natheless most heavenly fair in deed and view
Natheless > Nevertheless view > appearance
8 She by creation was, till she did fall; 9 Thenceforth she sought for helps, to cloak her crime withal.
helps > remedies; hence: artificial aids crime > {Wrong-doing, sins taken collectively}
207.46
There, as in glistring glory she did sit,
2 She held a great gold chaine ylincked well,
Whose vpper end to highest heauen was knit,
4 And lower part did reach to lowest Hell;
And all that preace did round about her swell,
6 To catchen hold of that long chaine, thereby
To clime aloft, and others to excell:
8 That was Ambition, rash desire to sty,
And euery lincke thereof a step of dignity.
1 There, as in glistering glory she did sit, 2 She held a great gold chain linked well,
gold chain > (Cf.109.1:1)
3 Whose upper end to highest heaven was knit, 4 And lower part did reach to lowest hell; 5 And all that press did round about her swell,
press > crowd, throng
6 To catch hold of that long chain, thereby 7 To climb aloft, and others to excel: 8 That was Ambition, rash desire to sty,
sty > rise, ascend, mount
9 And every link thereof a step of dignity.
dignity > rank
207.47
Some thought to raise themselues to high degree,
2 By riches and vnrighteous reward,
Some by close shouldring, some by flatteree;
4 Others through friends, others for base regard;
And all by wrong wayes for themselues prepard.
6 Those that were vp themselues, kept others low,
Those that were low themselues, held others hard,
8 Ne suffred them to rise or greater grow,
But euery one did striue his fellow downe to throw.
1 Some thought to raise themselves to high degree
degree > social station
2 By riches and unrighteous reward, 3 Some by close shouldering, some by flattery;
close shouldering > [secretly shouldering other people aside]
4 Others through friends, others for base regard;
regard > motive; hence: bribery
5 And all by wrong ways for themselves prepared. 6 Those that were up themselves kept others low; 7 Those that were low themselves held others hard; 8 Nor suffered them to rise or greater grow:
suffered > permitted
9 But every one did strive his fellow down to throw.
207.48
Which whenas Guyon saw, he gan inquire,
2 What meant that preace about that Ladies throne,
And what she was that did so high aspire.
4 Him Mammon answered; That goodly one,
Whom all that folke with such contention,
6 Do flocke about, my +deare, my+ daughter is;
Honour and dignitie from her alone
8 Deriued are, and all this worldes blis
For which ye men do striue: few get, but many mis.
6 deare, my > deare my, 1596
1 Which when Guyon saw, he gan inquire
gan > did
2 What meant that press about that lady's throne,
meant > was the import of; intended press > crowd, throng
3 And what she was that did so high aspire. 4 Him Mammon answered: "That goodly one,
goodly > beautiful
5 Whom all that folk with such contention
folk > {Aggregation of people in relation to a superior, e.g. a monarch; mass}
6 Do flock about, my dear, my daughter is; 7 Honour and dignity from her alone
dignity > rank
8 Derived are, and all this world's bliss 9 For which you men do strive: few get, but many miss.
miss > lack; fail to achieve; go wrong, go astray
207.49
And faire Philotime she rightly hight,
2 The fairest wight that wonneth vnder skye,
But that this darksome neather world her light
4 Doth dim with horrour and deformitie,
Worthy of heauen and hye felicitie,
6 From whence the gods haue her for enuy thrust:
But sith thou hast found fauour in mine eye,
8 Thy spouse I will her make, if that thou lust,
That she may thee aduance for workes and merites iust.
1 "And fair Philotime she rightly hight,
Philotime > "Love of Honour" (Greek) hight > is called
2 The fairest wight that wons under sky
wight > person, woman wons > dwells
3 (But that this darksome nether world her light
But > Except
4 Does dim with horror and deformity),
deformity > perversion, moral repulsiveness
5 Worthy of heaven and high felicity, 6 From whence the gods have her for envy thrust: 7 But, sith you have found favour in my eye,
sith > since
8 Your spouse I will her make, if that you lust,
lust > pleases, delights; also, intr.: please, choose; desire (esp. sexually)
9 That she may you advance for works and merits just."
That > [So that] merits > {That which is deserved, reward, whether secular or specifically from God}
207.50
Gramercy Mammon (said the gentle knight)
2 For so great grace and offred high estate;
But I, that am fraile flesh and earthly wight,
4 Vnworthy match for such immortall mate
My selfe well wote, and mine vnequall fate;
6 And were I not, yet is my trouth yplight,
And loue auowd to other Lady late,
8 That to remoue the same I haue no might:
To chaunge loue causelesse is reproch to warlike knight.
1 "Gramercy, Mammon," said the gentle knight,
Gramercy > Thank you gentle > noble
2 "For so great grace and offered high estate;
so > such grace > favour
3 But I, that am frail flesh and earthly wight,
wight > person, man
4 Unworthy match for such immortal mate 5 Myself well wot, and my unequal fate;
wot > [I] know [to be] unequal > {Socially ill-matched}
6 And were I not, yet is my troth plighted, 7 And love avowed to other lady late,
late > lately
8 That to remove the same I have no might:
That > [So that] remove > [annul]
9 To change love causeless is reproach to warlike knight."
causeless > without [good] cause
207.51
Mammon emmoued was with inward wrath;
2 Yet forcing it to faine, him forth thence led
Through griesly shadowes by a beaten path,
4 Into a gardin goodly garnished
With hearbs and fruits, whose kinds mote not be red:
6 Not such, as earth out of her fruitfull woomb
Throwes forth to men, sweet and well sauoured,
8 But direfull deadly blacke both leafe and bloom,
Fit to adorne the dead, and decke the drery toombe.
1 Mammon enmoved was with inward wrath;
enmoved > moved
2 Yet forcing it to feign, him forth thence led
forcing > [forcing himself] feign > dissimulate, conceal (SUS)
3 Through grisly shadows by a beaten path,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
4 Into a garden goodly garnished
goodly > well, beautifully garnished > beautifed, decorated
5 With herbs and fruits, whose kinds might not be read:
read > seen, discerned, made known; hence: described
6 Not such as earth out of her fruitful womb 7 Throws forth to men, sweet and well savoured, 8 But direful deadly black both leaf and bloom,
direful > terrible, dreadful
9 Fit to adorn the dead, and deck the dreary tomb.
207.52
There mournfull Cypresse grew in greatest store,
2 And trees of bitter Gall, and Heben sad,
Dead sleeping Poppy, and blacke Hellebore,
4 Cold Coloquintida, and Tetra mad,
Mortall Samnitis, and Cicuta bad,
6 +Which with+ +th'vniust+ Atheniens made to dy
Wise Socrates, who thereof quaffing glad
8 Pourd out his life, and last Philosophy
To the faire Critias his dearest Belamy.
6 Which with > Which-with 1609; With which sugg. most editors 6 th'vniust > th vniust 1596
1 There mournful cypress grew in greatest store,
cypress > (Cupressus spp., C. sempervirens in classical mythology, trees associated with death and grief. Cf. 201.60:3, 106.17:2)
2 And trees of bitter gall, and ebon sad,
gall > (Gall is another name for bile, the intensely bitter secretion of the liver: by transference applied to any poison or venom; the gall-nut or oak-apple is an excrescence caused on oak trees by insects of the family Cynipidae. Hence "trees of bitter Gall" might be intended to mean "oaks") ebon > {Ebony, made of ebony, a tree of the family Ebenaceae, esp. Diospyros ebenus, producing hard black wood}
3 Dead sleeping poppy, and black hellebore,
sleeping > (Because it produces opium) black hellebore > (Probably Helleborus foetidus (colloquially called the stinking hellebore) rather than the green hellebore H. viridis. Both are highly poisonous plants found growing in England, and were formerly used officinally as violent cathartics and emetics, though they are so dangerous that their use was abandoned)
4 Cold coloquintida, and tetra mad,
coloquintida > (The colocynth or bitter-apple, Citrullus colocynthis, a plant of the gourd family. The fruit has a very bitter pulp, producing a purgative drug. The colocynth is the gourd referred to in 2 Kings 4.38-41; see also Othello I iii 345) tetra > (The deadly nightshade, Atropa bella-donna)
5 Mortal samnitis, and cicuta bad,
Mortal > Lethal samnitis > (Conjectured by Upton to be the savin, Junipera sabina, the dried tops of which are abortifacient: hence "Mortall". Cf. 302.49:5) cicuta > hemlock (Conium maculatum, a deadly poison)
6 With which the unjust Athenians made to die 7 Wise Socrates who, thereof quaffing glad,
Socrates > (The Greek philosopher, c. 470-399, who was obliged to drink hemlock)
8 Poured out his life and last philosophy 9 To the fair Critias, his dearest belamy.
Critias > (Socrates's former pupil and enemy, one of the Thirty Tyrants. Perhaps an error for "Crito" on Spenser's part) belamy > fair friend, bosom-friend
207.53
The +Gardin+ of Proserpina this hight;
2 And in the midst thereof a siluer seat,
With a thicke Arber goodly ouer dight,
4 In which she often vsd from open heat
Her selfe to shroud, and pleasures to entreat.
6 Next thereunto did grow a goodly tree,
With braunches broad dispred and body great,
8 Clothed with leaues, that none the wood mote see
And loaden all with fruit as thicke as it might bee.
1 Gardin > Gordin 1596
1 The Garden of Proserpine this hight;
hight > was called; is called
2 And in the midst thereof a silver seat,
a > [was a]
3 With a thick arbour goodly over dight,
goodly > gracefully over dight > [trained to overhang; "dight" = "prepared"]
4 In which she often used from open heat 5 Herself to shroud, and pleasures to entreat.
shroud > shelter entreat > occupy herself in (this instance cited by OED)
6 Next thereto did grow a goodly tree,
goodly > beautiful
7 With branches broad dispread and body great,
dispread > extended
8 Clothed with leaves, that none the wood might see,
that > [so that] wood > [trunk, boughs]
9 And loaded all with fruit as thick as it might be.
207.54
Their fruit were golden apples glistring bright,
2 That goodly was their glory to behold,
On earth like neuer grew, ne liuing wight
4 Like euer saw, but they from hence were sold;
For those, which Hercules with conquest bold
6 Got from great Atlas daughters, hence began,
And planted there, did bring forth fruit of gold:
8 And those with which th'Eub{ae}an young man wan
Swift Atalanta, when through craft he her out ran.
1 Their fruit were golden apples glistering bright,
Their > [The branches'] golden apples > (Symbols of avarice and discord: cf. Myth. 7.7; cf. also Aen. 6.136-43)
2 That goodly was their glory to behold,
That > [So that; or: so] goodly > beautiful
3 On earth like never grew, nor living wight
like > [the like] wight > person, creature
4 Like ever saw, but they from hence were sold;
but > unless sold > given, handed over
5 For those which Hercules, with conquest bold,
Hercules > (His eleventh and most difficult labour required him to
get possession of the apples in the garden of the three
Hesperides, the daughters of Hesperus. In Comus 402-6, the
Hesperides are made the nieces of Atlas)
6 Got from great Atlas' daughters hence began,
Atlas > (A semi-divine giant said to support on his shoulders the pillars of the universe; Hercules took over this burden while Atlas went to fetch the golden apples on his behalf) hence began > [originated from here]
7 And planted there, did bring forth fruit of gold:
there > [in the garden of the Hesperides]
8 And those with which the Euboean young man won
the Euboean young man > (Melanion; in Ovid and subsequent accounts he is called Hippomenes)
9 Swift Atalanta, when through craft he her outran.
Atalanta > (A beautiful maiden whose suitors had to race her for her hand in marriage. Those who lost the race were condemned to death; Hippomenes only succeeded because Venus gave him three golden apples which he threw on the ground, making Atalanta delay to stop and pick them up. See Met. 10.560-704, Amoretti 77)
207.55
Here also sprong that goodly golden fruit,
2 With which Acontius got his louer trew,
Whom he had long time sought with fruitlesse suit:
4 Here eke that famous golden Apple grew,
The which emongst the gods false Ate threw;
6 For which th'Id{ae}an Ladies disagreed,
Till partiall Paris dempt it Venus dew,
8 And had of her, faire Helen for his meed,
That many noble Greekes and Troians made to bleed.
1 Here also sprang that goodly golden fruit
goodly > beautiful
2 With which Acontius got his lover true,
Acontius > (Who won Cydippe by means of a golden fruit: see Ovid, Heroides 20-1)
3 Whom he had long time sought with fruitless suit:
fruitless > (Even after four centuries this pun still raises a groan of protest)
4 Here eke that famous golden apple grew,
eke > also
5 Which amongst the gods false Ate threw;
Ate > (Goddess of discord, also called Eris. She threw a golden apple inscribed "To the fairest" among the guests at the wedding of Thetis and Peleus. A contest, held on Mount Ida, ensued between Minerva, Juno and Venus; Paris awarded the apple to Venus, who gave him Helen, and this led to the Trojan War. See Hyginus, Fabulae 42)
6 For which the Idaean ladies disagreed,
disagreed > quarrelled (cf. PL 2.497)
7 Till partial Paris deemed it Venus' due, 8 And had of her fair Helen for his meed,
of > from meed > reward
9 That many noble Greeks and Trojans made to bleed.
207.56
The warlike +Elfe+ much wondred at this tree,
2 So faire and great, that shadowed all the ground,
And his broad braunches, laden with rich fee,
4 Did stretch themselues without the vtmost bound
Of this great gardin, compast with a mound,
6 Which ouer-hanging, they themselues did steepe,
In a blacke flood which flow'd about it round;
8 That is the riuer of Cocytus deepe,
In which full many soules do endlesse waile and weepe.
1 Elfe > Elfe, 1596
1 The warlike Elf much wondered at this tree,
wondered > marvelled
2 So fair and great, that shadowed all the ground, 3 And its broad branches, laden with rich fee,
fee > wealth
4 Did stretch themselves without the utmost bound
without > outside, beyond
5 Of this great garden, compassed with a mound,
compassed with > enclosed with; encircled by mound > embankment
6 Which overhanging, they themselves did steep 7 In a black flood which flowed about it round;
flood > river
8 That is the river of Cocytus deep,
Cocytus > (The "stream of wailing": one of the five rivers of hell: the others are Acheron, Phlegethon, Lethe, and Styx)
9 In which full many souls do endless wail and weep.
full > very, exceedingly
207.57
Which to behold, he clomb vp to the banke,
2 And looking downe, saw many damned wights,
In those sad waues, which direfull deadly stanke,
4 Plonged continually of cruell Sprights,
That with their pitteous cryes, and yelling shrights,
6 They made the further shore resounden wide:
Emongst the rest of those same ruefull sights,
8 One cursed +creature+ he by chaunce espide,
That drenched lay full deepe, vnder the Garden side.
8 creature > creature, 1596
1 Which to behold, he climbed up to the bank, 2 And, looking down, saw many damned wights
wights > people
3 In those sad waves, which direful deadly stank,
sad > {Sorrowful, causing sorrow; dark; deep} direful > dreadfully
4 Plunged continually of cruel sprites,
Plunged > Immersed, pushed under of > by
5 That with their piteous cries and yelling shrikes
That > [So that, in such a way that] their > [the "damned wights"'] shrikes > shrieks
6 They made the farther shore resound wide:
resound > echo, re-echo; ring
7 Amongst the rest of those same rueful sights, 8 One cursed creature he by chance espied, 9 That drenched lay full deep, under the garden side.
drenched > immersed full > very, exceedingly
207.58
Deepe was he drenched to the vpmost chin,
2 Yet gaped still, as coueting to drinke
Of the cold liquor, which he waded in,
4 And stretching forth his hand, did often thinke
To reach the fruit, which grew vpon the brincke:
6 But both the fruit from hand, and floud from mouth
Did flie abacke, and made him vainely swinke:
8 The whiles he steru'd with hunger and with drouth
He daily dyde, yet neuer throughly dyen couth.
1 Deep was he drenched to the upmost chin,
upmost > uppermost
2 Yet gaped still, as coveting to drink
still > continuously
3 Of the cold liquor which he waded in,
Of > From; some of liquor > liquid
4 And, stretching forth his hand, did often think 5 To reach the fruit which grew upon the brink: 6 But both the fruit from hand, and flood from mouth 7 Did fly aback, and made him vainly swink:
swink > toil
8 The whiles he starved with hunger and with drought;
The whiles > Meanwhile starved > perished drought > thirst
9 He daily died, yet never thoroughly die could.
207.59
The knight him seeing labour so in vaine,
2 Askt who he was, and what he ment thereby:
Who groning deepe, thus answerd him againe;
4 Most cursed of all creatures vnder skye,
Lo Tantalus, I here tormented lye:
6 Of whom high Ioue wont whylome feasted bee,
Lo here I now for want of food doe dye:
8 But if that thou be such, as I thee see,
Of grace I pray thee, giue to eat and drinke to mee.
1 The knight, him seeing labour so in vain, 2 Asked who he was, and what he meant thereby;
meant thereby > intended by that; hence: was doing
3 Who, groaning deep, thus answered him again:
again > in return
4 "Most cursed of all creatures under sky, 5 Lo Tantalus, I here tormented lie: 6 Of whom high Jove wont whilom feasted be,
Of > By wont whilom > formerly was accustomed be > [to be]
7 Lo here I now for want of food do die: 8 But if you be such, as I you see, 9 Of grace I pray you, give to eat and drink to me!"
207.60
Nay, nay, thou greedie Tantalus (quoth he)
2 Abide the fortune of thy present fate,
And vnto all that liue in high degree,
4 Ensample be of mind +intemperate+,
To teach them how to vse their present state.
6 Then gan the cursed wretch aloud to cry,
Accusing highest Ioue and gods ingrate,
8 And eke blaspheming heauen bitterly,
As authour of vniustice, there to let him dye.
4 intemperate > more temperate 1590
1 "Nay, nay, you greedy Tantalus," quoth he, 2 "Abide the fortune of your present fate,
Abide > Endure; await the issue of
3 And, to all that live in high degree,
degree > social station
4 Example be of mind intemperate, 5 To teach them how to use their present state." 6 Then began the cursed wretch aloud to cry, 7 Accusing highest Jove and gods ingrate,
ingrate > unfriendly; unpleasant
8 And eke blaspheming heaven bitterly,
eke > also
9 As author of injustice, there to let him die.
207.61
He lookt a little further, and espyde
2 Another wretch, whose carkasse deepe was drent
Within the riuer, which the same did hyde:
4 But both his hands most filthy feculent,
Aboue the water were on high extent,
6 And faynd to wash themselues incessantly;
Yet nothing cleaner were for such intent,
8 But rather fowler seemed to the eye;
So lost his labour vaine and idle industry.
1 He looked a little further, and espied 2 Another wretch, whose carcase deep was drenched
drenched > immersed
3 Within the river, which the same did hide: 4 But both his hands, most filthy feculent,
feculent > {Covered with faecal matter: SU}
5 Above the water were on high extent,
extent > extended
6 And fained to wash themselves incessantly;
fained > were anxious, hence: tried; or: feigned
7 Yet nothing cleaner were for such intent,
nothing > not at all
8 But rather fouller seemed to the eye; 9 So lost his labour vain and idle industry.
vain > futile idle > unavailing, empty
207.62
The knight him calling, asked who he was,
2 Who lifting vp his head, him answerd thus:
I Pilate am the falsest Iudge, alas,
4 And most vniust, that by vnrighteous
And wicked doome, to Iewes despiteous
6 Deliuered vp the Lord of life to die,
And did acquite a murdrer felonous;
8 The whiles my hands I washt in puritie,
The whiles my soule was soyld with foule iniquitie.
1 The knight, him calling, asked who he was, 2 Who, lifting up his head, him answered thus: 3 "I Pilate am, the falsest judge, alas,
Pilate > (See Matt. 27.11-24)
4 And most unjust, that by unrighteous 5 And wicked doom, to Jews dispiteous
doom > judgement dispiteous > pitiless
6 Delivered up the Lord of life to die, 7 And did acquit a murderer felonous:
felonous > {Cruel, wicked, having the nature of a felon}
8 The whiles my hands I washed in purity;
The whiles > Meanwhile
9 The whiles my soul was soiled with foul iniquity."
207.63
Infinite moe, tormented in like paine
2 He there beheld, too long here to be told:
Ne Mammon would there let him long remaine,
4 For terrour of the tortures manifold,
In which the damned soules he did behold,
6 But roughly him bespake. Thou fearefull foole,
Why takest not of that same fruit of gold,
8 Ne sittest downe on that same siluer stoole,
To rest thy wearie person, in the shadow coole.
1 Infinite more, tormented in like pain
like > similar
2 He there beheld, too long here to be told: 3 Nor Mammon would there let him long remain, 4 For terror of the tortures manifold 5 In which the damned souls he did behold, 6 But roughly him bespoke. "You fearful fool,
bespoke > addressed
7 Why take not of that same fruit of gold,
of > [some of]
8 Ne sit down on that same silver stool,
Ne > [Or why not, And why not] silver stool > (See 207.53:2)
9 To rest your weary person in the shadow cool?"
207.64
All which he did, to doe him deadly fall
2 In frayle intemperance through sinfull bayt;
To which if he inclined had at all,
4 That dreadfull feend, which did behind him wayt,
Would him haue rent in thousand peeces strayt:
6 But he was warie wise in all his way,
And well perceiued his deceiptfull sleight,
8 Ne suffred lust his safetie to betray;
So goodly did beguile the Guyler of +the+ pray.
9 the > his 1590
1 All which he did to do him deadly fall
do him deadly fall > [cause him fatal destruction; make him fatally succumb]
2 In frail intemperance through sinful bait;
frail > {Morally weak, unable to resist temptation} bait > harassment; temptation, bait; refreshment, rest
3 To which if he inclined had at all, 4 That dreadful fiend, which did behind him wait, 5 Would him have rent in thousand pieces straight:
rent > torn straight > straightway, immediately
6 But he was wary wise in all his way, 7 And well perceived his deceitful sleight,
his > [Mammon's] sleight > trickery, stratagem
8 Nor suffered lust his safety to betray;
suffered > permitted
9 So goodly did beguile the guiler of the prey.
goodly > easily; gracefully; excellently beguile > deprive guiler > beguiler, deceiver
207.65
And now he has so long remained there,
2 That vitall powres gan wexe both weake and wan,
For want of food, and sleepe, which two vpbeare,
4 Like mightie pillours, this fraile life of man,
That none without the same enduren can.
6 For now three dayes of men were full outwrought,
Since he this hardie enterprize began:
8 For thy great Mammon fairely he besought,
Into the world to guide him backe, as he him brought.
1 And now he has so long remained there 2 That vital powers gan wax both weak and wan,
gan > did; began to wax > grow, become
3 For want of food, and sleep (which two upbear,
upbear > support
4 Like mighty pillars, this frail life of man), 5 That none without the same endure can. 6 For now three days of men were full outwrought,
outwrought > worked out, completed
7 Since he this hardy enterprise began:
hardy > audacious
8 For-thy great Mammon fairly he besought
For-thy > Therefore, for this reason fairly > courteously
9 Into the world to guide him back, as he him brought.
brought > [had brought]
207.66
The God, though loth, yet was constraind t'obay,
2 For lenger time, then that, no liuing wight
Below the earth, might suffred be to stay:
4 So backe againe, him brought to liuing light.
But all so soone as his enfeebled spright
6 Gan sucke this vitall aire into his brest,
As ouercome with too exceeding might,
8 The life did flit away out of her nest,
And all his senses were with deadly fit opprest.
1 The god, though loath, yet was constrained to obey,
yet > (Pleonastic)
2 For longer time than that no living wight
that > ["three dayes of men"] wight > creature, person, man
3 Below the earth might suffered be to stay:
suffered > allowed (cf. Matt. 12.40)
4 So back again him brought to living light. 5 But all so soon as his enfeebled spirit 6 Gan suck this vital air into his breast,
Gan > Did
7 As overcome with too exceeding might
As > [As though]
8 The life did flit away out of her nest, 9 And all his senses were with deadly fit oppressed.
deadly > death-like oppressed > overwhelmed; taken by surprise
Sir Guyon laid in swowne is by
2 Acrates sonnes despoyld,
Whom Arthur soone hath reskewed
4 And Paynim brethren foyld.
1 Sir Guyon, laid in swoon, is by 2 Acrates' sons despoiled:
despoiled > stripped (strictly speaking, only the attempt is made)
3 Whom Arthur soon has rescued
soon > without delay
4 And paynim brethren foiled.
paynim > pagan, heathen foiled > repulsed; defeated; trampled underfoot
208.1
ANd is there care in heauen? and is there loue
2 In heauenly spirits to these creatures bace,
That may compassion of their euils moue?
4 There is: else much more wretched were the cace
Of men, then beasts. But {o^} th'exceeding grace
6 Of highest God, that loues his creatures so,
And all his workes with mercy doth embrace,
8 That blessed Angels, he sends to and fro,
To serue to wicked man, to serue his wicked foe.
1 And is there care in heaven? And is there love 2 In heavenly spirits to these creatures base,
to > for
3 That may compassion of their evils move?
of > for evils > misfortunes
4 There is: else much more wretched were the case
else > otherwise
5 Of men, than beasts'. But O the exceeding grace
exceeding > surpassing
6 Of highest God, that loves His creatures so, 7 And all His works with mercy does embrace, 8 That blessed angels He sends to and fro,
That > [Such that]
9 To serve to wicked Man, to serve His wicked foe.
serve > minister; act as an instrument of God serve > oppose; punish
208.2
How oft do they, their siluer bowers leaue,
2 To come to succour vs, that succour want?
How oft do they with golden pineons, cleaue
4 The flitting skyes, like flying Pursuiuant,
Against foule feends to aide vs millitant?
6 They for vs fight, they watch and dewly ward,
And their bright Squadrons round about vs plant,
8 And all for loue, and nothing for reward:
O why should heauenly God to men haue such regard?
1 How oft do they their silver bowers leave,
bowers > chambers [heaven]
2 To come to succour us, that succour want?
want > need; want
3 How oft do they, with golden pinions, cleave 4 The flitting skies, like flying pursuivant,
flitting > unsubstantial, yielding pursuivant > {Royal messenger with power to execute warrants}
5 Against foul fiends to aid us militant?
militant > {Engaged in warfare; hence: combatively}
6 They for us fight, they watch and duly ward,
ward > keep guard
7 And their bright squadrons round about us plant, 8 And all for love, and nothing for reward: 9 O why should heavenly God to men have such regard?
to > for
208.3
During the while, that Guyon did abide
2 In +Mamons+ house, the Palmer, whom whyleare
That wanton Mayd of passage had denide,
4 By further search had passage found elsewhere,
And being on his way, approched neare,
6 Where Guyon lay in traunce, when suddenly
He heard a voice, that called loud and cleare,
8 +Come hither, come hither+, {o^} come hastily;
That all the fields resounded with the ruefull cry.
2 Mamons > Mammons 1609 8 Come hither, come hither > Come hether, Come hether 1590; Come hither, hither 1609, to preserve the metre
1 During the while that Guyon did abide 2 In Mammon's house, the palmer, whom whilere
palmer > (Guyon's mentor: see 201.7 ff.) whilere > erewhile: lately
3 That wanton maid passage had denied,
That wanton maid > (Phaedria: see 206.19:7-9)
4 By further search had passage found elsewhere 5 And, being on his way, approached near
near > [near to the place]
6 Where Guyon lay in trance, when suddenly 7 He heard a voice that called loud and clear, 8 "Come hither, come hither, O come hastily!" 9 That all the fields resounded with the rueful cry.
That > [So that] resounded > rang; re-echoed
208.4
The Palmer lent his eare vnto the noyce,
2 To weet, who called so importunely:
Againe he heard a more efforced voyce,
4 That bad him come in haste. He by and by
His feeble feet directed to the cry;
6 Which to that shadie delue him brought at last,
Where Mammon earst did sunne his threasury:
8 There the good Guyon he found slumbring fast
In senselesse dreame; which sight at first him sore aghast.
1 The palmer lent his ear to the noise, 2 To weet who called so importunely:
weet > find out importunely > urgently, pressingly
3 Again he heard a more efforced voice,
efforced > {Uttered with effort}
4 That bade him come in haste. He by and by
by and by > straight away
5 His feeble feet directed to the cry, 6 Which to that shady delve him brought at last,
delve > pit, depression
7 Where Mammon erst did sun his treasury:
erst > recently (see 207.3 ff.) treasury > treasure
8 There the good Guyon he found slumbering fast
fast > firmly, deeply
9 In senseless dream; which sight at first him sore agast.
agast > terrified
208.5
Beside his head there sate a faire young man,
2 Of wondrous beautie, and of freshest yeares,
Whose tender bud to blossome new began,
4 And flourish faire aboue his equall peares;
His snowy front curled with golden heares,
6 Like Ph{oe}bus face adornd with sunny rayes,
Diuinely shone, and two sharpe winged sheares,
8 Decked with diuerse plumes, like painted Iayes,
Were fixed at his backe, to cut his ayerie wayes.
1 Beside his head there sat a fair young man, 2 Of wondrous beauty, and of freshest years, 3 Whose tender bud to blossom new began, 4 And flourish fair above his equal peers;
peers > peers, companions (cf. SC, gloss to "December"); also: nobles [the other angels of his rank]
5 His snowy front, curled with golden hair,
front > forehead
6 Like Phoebus' face adorned with sunny rays, 7 Divinely shone, and two sharp winged shears,
shears > {Wings shaped like blades, for cutting the air: this instance cited by OED}
8 Decked with diverse plumes, like painted jays',
diverse > {Of different sorts}
9 Were fixed at his back, to cut his airy ways.
208.6
Like as Cupido on Id{ae}an hill,
2 When hauing laid his cruell bow away,
And mortall arrowes, wherewith he doth fill
4 The world with murdrous spoiles and bloudie pray,
With his faire mother he him dights to play,
6 And with his goodly sisters, Graces three;
The Goddesse pleased with his wanton play,
8 Suffers her selfe through sleepe beguild to bee,
The whiles the other Ladies mind their merry glee.
1 Like Cupid on Idaean hill,
Idaean hill > (Mount Ida, in Asia Minor, where Paris lived; see 207.55:6, 309.36)
2 When (having laid his cruel bow away, 3 And mortal arrows, wherewith he does fill
mortal > lethal wherewith > with which
4 The world with murderous spoils and bloody prey) 5 With his fair mother he him dights to play,
dights > prepares
6 And with his goodly sisters, Graces three;
goodly > beautiful Graces > (Aglaia, Thalia, and Euphrosyne, customarily described as the handmaids of Venus rather than her daughters; see DGDG 3.22, Myth. 4.13)
7 The goddess, pleased with his wanton play,
wanton > frisky, playful; lewd
8 Suffers herself through sleep beguiled to be,
Suffers > Allows
9 While the other ladies mind their merry glee.
merry > delightful, charming glee > entertainment; joy
208.7
Whom when the Palmer saw, abasht he was
2 Through feare and wonder, that he nought could say,
Till him the childe bespoke, Long lackt, alas,
4 Hath bene thy faithfull aide in hard assay,
Whiles deadly fit thy pupill doth dismay;
6 Behold this heauie sight, thou reuerend Sire,
But dread of death and dolour doe away;
8 For life ere long shall to her home retire,
And he that breathlesse seemes, shal corage bold respire.
1 Whom when the palmer saw, abashed he was 2 Through fear and wonder, that he naught could say,
that > [so that]
3 Till him the child bespoke: "Long lacked, alas,
child > youth of gentle birth (also used as a title, as in "Childe Harold") bespoke > addressed
4 Has been your faithful aid in hard assay,
assay > endeavour; trial, trial by affliction
5 While deadly fit your pupil does dismay;
dismay > overcome
6 Behold this heavy sight, you reverend sire,
heavy > sad sire > {Father; form of address to an elderly or holy man; the original form of "sir"}
7 But dread of death and dolour do away; 8 For life ere long shall to her home retire,
retire > return
9 And he that breathless seems shall courage bold respire.
courage > courage; vigour, spirit, lustiness; wrath respire > breathe again, recover
208.8
The charge, which God doth vnto me arret,
2 Of his deare safetie, I to thee commend;
Yet will I not forgoe, ne yet forget
4 The care thereof my selfe vnto the end,
But euermore him succour, and defend
6 Against his foe and mine: watch thou I pray;
For euill is at hand him to offend.
8 So hauing said, eftsoones he gan display
His painted nimble wings, and vanisht quite away.
1 "The charge which God does to me arrest,
arrest > ordain, entrust
2 Of his dear safety, I to you commend; 3 Yet will I not forgo, nor yet forget 4 The care thereof myself until the end, 5 But evermore him succour, and defend 6 Against his foe and mine: watch you I pray;
you > (Intensifies the imperative mood)
7 For evil is at hand, him to offend."
offend > attack, injure
8 So having said, eftsoons he gan display
So > Thus eftsoons > thereupon gan > did display > extend
9 His painted nimble wings, and vanished quite away.
208.9
The Palmer seeing his left empty place,
2 And his slow eyes beguiled of their sight,
Woxe sore affraid, and standing still a space,
4 Gaz'd after him, as fowle escapt by flight;
At last him turning to his charge behight,
6 With trembling hand his troubled pulse gan try;
Where finding life not yet dislodged quight,
8 He much reioyst, and courd it tenderly,
As chicken newly hatcht, from dreaded destiny.
1 The palmer, seeing his left empty place, 2 And his slow eyes beguiled of their sight, 3 Waxed sore afraid and, standing still a space,
Waxed > Grew
4 Gazed after him, as fowl escaped by flight; 5 At last, him turning to his charge behight,
behight > ordained (catachr.); hence: appointed
6 With trembling hand his troubled pulse gan try;
gan try > did test
7 Where finding life not yet dislodged quite, 8 He much rejoiced, and covered it tenderly,
covered > protected
9 As chicken newly hatched, from dreaded destiny.
208.10
At last he spide, where towards him did pace
2 Two Paynim knights, all armd as bright as skie,
And them beside an aged Sire did trace,
4 And farre before a light-foot Page did flie,
That breathed strife and troublous enmitie;
6 Those were the two sonnes of Acrates old,
Who meeting earst with Archimago slie,
8 Foreby that idle strond, of him were told,
That he, which earst them combatted, was Guyon bold.
1 At last he spied where towards him did pace 2 Two paynim knights, all armed as bright as sky,
paynim > pagan, heathen
3 And them beside an aged sire did trace,
sire > elderly man trace > walk, proceed (with added connotation of tracking or pursuing)
4 And far before a lightfoot page did fly,
before > in front lightfoot > light-footed
5 That breathed strife and troublous enmity; 6 Those were the two sons of Acrates old, 7 Who, meeting erst with Archimago sly,
erst > recently (see 206.47)
8 Forby that Idle strand, of him were told
Forby > hard by, near strand > shore of > by
9 That he, who erst them combatted, was Guyon bold.
208.11
Which to auenge on him they dearely vowd,
2 Where euer that on ground they mote him fynd;
False Archimage prouokt their courage prowd,
4 And +stryfull+ Atin in their stubborne mynd
Coles of contention and whot vengeance tynd.
6 Now bene they come, whereas the Palmer sate,
Keeping that slombred corse to him assynd;
8 Well knew they both his person, sith of late
With him in bloudie armes they rashly did debate.
4 stryfull > strife-full 1609
1 Which to avenge on him they dearly vowed,
dearly > earnestly
2 Wherever on ground they might him find;
on ground > in the world (though Guyon is of course literally "on ground")
3 False Archimago provoked their courage proud, 4 And strifeful Atin in their stubborn mind
Atin > (See 204.42:5) stubborn > hard, unyielding
5 Coals of contention and hot vengeance tinded.
tinded > inflamed, ignited
6 Now been they come where the palmer sat,
been > [are]
7 Keeping that slumbered corse to him assigned;
Keeping > Guarding slumbered corse > unconscious body
8 Well knew they both his person, sith of late
his > [Guyon's] sith > since
9 With him in bloody arms they rashly did debate.
arms > {Feats of arms, fighting} debate > fight
208.12
Whom when Pyrochles saw, inflam'd with rage,
2 That sire he foule bespake, Thou dotard vile,
That with thy brutenesse shendst thy comely age,
4 Abandone soone, I read, the caitiue spoile
Of that same outcast carkasse, that erewhile
6 Made it selfe famous through false trechery,
And crownd his coward crest with knightly stile;
8 Loe where he now inglorious doth lye,
To proue he liued ill, that did thus foully dye.
1 Whom when Pyrochles saw, inflamed with rage, 2 That sire he foul bespoke: "You dotard vile,
sire > elderly man bespoke > addressed
3 That with your bruteness shends your comely age,
bruteness > stupidity shends > disgraces
4 Abandon soon, I read, the caitiff spoil
soon > immediately read > advise [you] caitiff > despicable; wretched; captive
5 Of that same outcast carcase, that erewhile
erewhile > lately
6 Made itself famous through false treachery, 7 And crowned his coward crest with knightly style; 8 Lo where he now inglorious does lie, 9 To prove he lived ill, that did thus foully die."
ill > evilly
208.13
To whom the Palmer fearelesse answered;
2 Certes, Sir knight, ye bene too much to blame,
Thus for to blot the honour of the dead,
4 And with foule cowardize his carkasse shame,
Whose liuing hands immortalizd his name.
6 Vile is the vengeance on the ashes cold,
And enuie base, to barke at sleeping fame:
8 Was neuer wight, that treason of him told;
Your selfe his prowesse prou'd and found him fiers and bold.
1 To whom the palmer fearless answered: 2 "Certes, sir knight, you been too much to blame,
Certes > Assuredly been > [are]
3 Thus to blot the honour of the dead, 4 And with foul cowardice his carcase shame, 5 Whose living hands immortalized his name. 6 Vile is the vengeance on the ashes cold, 7 And envy base, to bark at sleeping fame:
bark > {Speak angrily or aggressively}
8 Was never wight that treason of him told;
wight > person, anyone
9 Yourself his prowess proved and found him fierce and bold.
prowess > valour proved > tested, tried
208.14
Then said Cymochles; Palmer, thou doest dote,
2 Ne canst of prowesse, ne of knighthood deeme,
Saue as thou seest or hearst. But well I wote,
4 That of his puissance tryall made extreeme;
Yet gold all is not, that doth golden seeme,
6 Ne all good knights, that shake well speare and shield:
The worth of all men by their end esteeme,
8 And then due praise, or due reproch them yield;
Bad therefore I him deeme, that thus lies dead on field.
1 Then said Cymochles: "Palmer, you do dote, 2 Nor can of prowess, nor of knighthood deem,
deem > judge, form an opinion
3 Save as you see or hear. But well I wot,
wot > know
4 That of his puissance, trial made extreme;
puissance > strength, power made > [made it]
5 Yet gold all is not that does golden seem, 6 Nor all good knights, that shake well spear and shield:
shake > wield
7 The worth of all men by their end esteem, 8 And then due praise, or due reproach them yield; 9 Bad therefore I him deem, that thus lies dead on field."
208.15
Good or bad (gan his brother fierce reply)
2 What doe I recke, sith that he dyde entire?
Or what doth his bad death now satisfy
4 The greedy hunger of reuenging ire,
Sith wrathfull hand wrought not her owne desire?
6 Yet since no way is left to wreake my spight,
I will him reaue of armes, the victors hire,
8 And of that shield, more worthy of good knight;
For why should a dead dog be deckt in armour bright?
1 "Good or bad," gan his brother fierce reply,
gan > did
2 "What do I reck, sith he died entire?
reck > care sith > since entire > entirely, altogether
3 Or what does his bad death now satisfy
what > how, to what extent
4 The greedy hunger of revenging ire, 5 Sith wrathful hand wrought not its own desire? 6 Yet since no way is left to wreak my spite, 7 I will him reave of arms, the victor's hire,
reave > despoil, strip hire > reward, wages
8 And of that shield, more worthy of good knight; 9 For why should a dead dog be decked in armour bright?"
208.16
Faire Sir, said then the Palmer suppliaunt,
2 For knighthoods loue, do not so foule a deed,
Ne blame your honour with so shamefull vaunt
4 Of vile reuenge. To spoile the dead of weed
Is sacrilege, and doth all sinnes exceed;
6 But leaue these relicks of his liuing might,
To decke his herce, and trap his +tomb-blacke+ steed.
8 What herce or steede (said he) should he haue dight,
But be entombed in the rauen or the kight?
7 tomb-blacke > tomblacke 1590
1 "Fair sir," said then the palmer suppliant, 2 "For knighthood's love, do not so foul a deed,
do > commit
3 Nor blame your honour with so shameful vaunt
blame > bring into disrepute so > [such a] vaunt > boast
4 Of vile revenge. To spoil the dead of weed
vile > despicable spoil > strip, plunder weed > clothing
5 Is sacrilege, and does all sins exceed; 6 But leave these relics of his living might, 7 To deck his hearse, and trap his tomb-black steed."
hearse > bier, coffin; tomb; dead body trap > adorn, caparison
8 "What hearse or steed," said he, "should he have dight,
dight > prepared [for him]
9 But be entombed in the raven or the kite?"
be > [to be] kite > (A carrion-eating bird of prey, Milvus milvus, formerly common in England)
208.17
With that, rude hand vpon his shield he laid,
2 And th'other brother gan his helme vnlace,
Both fiercely bent to haue him disaraid;
4 Till that they spide, where towards them did pace
An armed knight, of bold and bounteous grace,
6 Whose squire bore after him an heben launce,
And couerd shield. Well kend him so farre space
8 Th'enchaunter by his armes and amenaunce,
When vnder him he saw his Lybian steed to praunce.
1 With that, rude hand upon his shield he laid,
rude > rough
2 And the other brother gan his helm unlace,
gan > did; began to helm > helmet
3 Both fiercely bent to have him disarrayed;
bent > (Lit. and fig.)
4 Till they spied where towards them did pace 5 An armed knight, of bold and bounteous grace, 6 Whose squire bore after him an ebon lance
squire > attendant (esp. waiting on a knight) ebon > {Ebony, made of ebony, a tree of the family Ebenaceae, esp. Diospyros ebenus, producing hard black wood}
7 And covered shield. Well kenned him so far space
covered > (See 107.33) kenned > recognized so far space > at such a distance
8 The enchanter by his arms and amenance,
The enchanter > [Archimago] arms > {Arms and armour} amenance > bearing
9 When under him he saw his Libyan steed to prance.
208.18
And to those brethren said, Rise rise by liue,
2 And vnto battell doe your selues addresse;
For yonder comes the prowest knight aliue,
4 Prince Arthur, flowre of grace and nobilesse,
That hath to Paynim knights wrought great distresse,
6 And thousand Sar'zins foully donne to dye.
That word so deepe did in their harts impresse,
8 That both eftsoones vpstarted furiously,
And gan themselues prepare to battell greedily.
1 And to those brethren said, "Rise, rise belive,
belive > forthwith
2 And to battle do yourselves address; 3 For yonder comes the prowest knight alive,
prowest > bravest
4 Prince Arthur, flower of grace and noblesse, 5 That has to paynim knights wrought great distress,
paynim > pagan, heathen
6 And thousand Saracens foully done to die."
Saracens > (Arabs or Moslems of the time of Crusades; pagans) die > [death]
7 That word so deep did in their hearts impress,
word > speech, utterance
8 That both eftsoons upstarted furiously,
eftsoons > thereupon upstarted > started up
9 And gan themselves prepare to battle greedily.
gan > did greedily > eagerly
208.19
But fierce Pyrochles, lacking his owne sword,
2 The want thereof now greatly gan to plaine,
And Archimage besought, him that afford,
4 Which he had brought for Braggadocchio vaine.
So would I (said th'enchaunter) glad and faine
6 Beteeme to you +this+ sword, you to defend,
Or ought that else your honour might maintaine,
8 But that this weapons powre I well haue kend,
To be contrarie to the worke, which ye intend.
6 this > his 1609
1 But fierce Pyrochles, lacking his own sword, 2 The want thereof now greatly began to plain,
want > lack plain > lament
3 And Archimago besought him that afford
that > [that sword]
4 Which he had brought for Braggadocchio vain.
vain > foolish
5 "So would I," said the enchanter, "glad and fain
fain > willingly
6 Beteem to you this sword, you to defend,
Beteem > Grant
7 Or aught that else your honour might maintain;
else > otherwise maintain > defend, uphold
8 But that this weapon's power I well have kenned
But > Except kenned > recognized, observed
9 To be contrary to the work which you intend.
208.20
For that same knights owne sword this is of yore,
2 Which Merlin made by his almightie art
For that his noursling, when he knighthood swore,
4 Therewith to doen his foes eternall smart.
The metall first he mixt with Med{ae}wart,
6 That no enchauntment from his dint might saue;
Then it in flames of Aetna wrought apart,
8 And seuen times dipped in the bitter waue
Of hellish Styx, which hidden vertue to it gaue.
1 "For that same knight's own sword this is of yore,
yore > old
2 Which Merlin made by his almighty art 3 For him, his nursling, when he knighthood swore,
his nursling > [Arthur] knighthood swore > took the oaths of knighthood
4 Therewith to do his foes eternal smart.
Therewith > With which (catachr., or misprint for "Wherewith") do > cause, deal smart > suffering, pain; grief
5 The metal first he mixed with meadwort,
meadwort > (Meadow-sweet, Filipendula ulmaria, a herb ruled in astrology by Jupiter and used for various officinal purposes. It is also the plant "that Queen Elizabeth of famous memory did more desire than any sweet herb to strew her chambers"; quoted Genders, 1971)
6 That no enchantment from its dint might save;
That > [So that] its dint > [the sword's impact]
7 Then it in flames of Etna wrought apart,
Etna > (The volcano in Sicily, which was very active in the sixteenth century; its flames were associated with Vulcan, who forged Aeneas's arms)
8 And seven times dipped in the bitter wave
wave > water
9 Of hellish Styx, which hidden virtue to it gave.
Styx > (The river of hate, one of the five rivers of hell, in which Vulcan tempered from white heat the sword made for Daunus, the father of Turnus (Aen. 12.90-1)) virtue > efficacy, occult power
208.21
The vertue is, that neither steele, nor stone
2 The stroke thereof from entrance may defend;
Ne euer may be vsed by his fone,
4 Ne forst his rightfull owner to offend,
Ne euer will it breake, ne euer bend.
6 Wherefore Morddure it rightfully is hight.
In vaine therefore, Pyrochles, should I lend
8 The same to thee, against his lord to fight,
For sure it would deceiue thy labour, and thy might.
1 "The virtue is that neither steel nor stone 2 The stroke thereof from entrance may defend; 3 Nor ever may be used by his foes,
may > [may it]
4 Nor forced its rightful owner to offend,
forced > [be forced] offend > harm, injure
5 Nor ever will it break, nor ever bend. 6 Wherefore Morddure it rightfully is hight.
Wherefore > On which account; in consequence of which Morddure > "Hard-biter" hight > called
7 In vain therefore, Pyrochles, should I lend 8 The same to you, against its lord to fight, 9 For sure it would deceive your labour, and your might."
deceive > betray
208.22
Foolish old man, said then the Pagan wroth,
2 That weenest words or charmes may force withstond:
Soone shalt thou see, and then beleeue for troth,
4 That I can carue with this inchaunted brond
His Lords owne flesh. Therewith out of his hond
6 That vertuous steele he rudely snatcht away,
And Guyons shield about his +wrest+ he bond;
8 So readie dight, fierce battaile to assay,
And match his brother proud in battailous array.
7 wrest > wrist 1609
1 "Foolish old man," said then the pagan wroth, 2 "That weens words or charms may force withstand:
weens > thinks, believes charms > magic spells
3 Soon shall you see, and then believe for truth, 4 That I can carve with this enchanted brand
brand > sword
5 Its lord's own flesh." Therewith out of his hand
Therewith > With that
6 That virtuous steel he rudely snatched away,
virtuous > {Having virtue or occult power} rudely > roughly; impolitely
7 And Guyon's shield about his wrist he bound; 8 So ready dight fierce battle to essay,
ready > readily, promptly dight > prepared [himself] essay > attempt
9 And match his brother proud in battailous array.
battailous > warlike
208.23
By this that straunger knight in presence came,
2 And goodly salued them; who nought againe
Him answered, as courtesie became,
4 But with sterne lookes, and stomachous disdaine,
Gaue signes of grudge and discontentment vaine:
6 Then turning to the Palmer, he gan spy
Where at his feete, with sorrowfull demaine
8 And deadly hew, an armed corse did lye,
In whose dead face he red great magnanimity.
1 By this that stranger knight in presence came,
By this > At this; by this time stranger > new-come; foreign
2 And goodly salued them; who naught again
goodly salued > courteously saluted again > in reply
3 Him answered, as courtesy became, 4 But with stern looks, and stomachous disdain,
stern > fierce, grim stomachous > haughty, irascible, bitter
5 Gave signs of grudge and discontentment vain:
vain > proud
6 Then, turning to the palmer, he gan spy
gan > did
7 Where at his feet, with sorrowful demean
demean > bearing, demeanour
8 And deadly hue, an armed corse did lie,
deadly hue > deathly colour, death-like appearance armed corse > [body clad in armour]
9 In whose dead face he read great magnanimity.
read > discerned magnanimity > greatness of mind (cf. 207.9:3)
208.24
Said he then to the Palmer, Reuerend syre,
2 What great misfortune hath betidd this knight?
Or did his life her fatall date expyre,
4 Or did he fall by treason, or by fight?
How euer, sure I rew his pitteous plight.
6 Not one, nor other, (said the Palmer graue)
Hath him befalne, but cloudes of deadly night
8 A while his heauie eylids couer'd haue,
And all his senses drowned in deepe senselesse waue.
1 Said he then to the palmer, "Reverend sire,
sire > {Father; form of address to an elderly or holy man; the original form of "sir"}
2 What great misfortune has betide this knight?
betide > befallen
3 Or did his life its fatal date expire,
Or > Either (pleonastic, and thus intensive) fatal date > preordained term expire > terminate, use up
4 Or did he fall by treason, or by fight? 5 However, sure I rue his piteous plight."
However > In any case, in either event rue > {Regard with pity or compassion}
6 "Not one, nor other," said the palmer grave, 7 "Has him befallen, but clouds of deadly night 8 Awhile his heavy eyelids covered have, 9 And all his senses drowned in deep senseless wave.
wave > water (metaphorical)
208.25
+Which, those his cruell foes, that stand hereby+,
2 Making aduantage, to reuenge their spight,
Would him disarme, and treaten shamefully,
4 Vnworthy vsage of redoubted knight.
But you, faire Sir, whose honorable sight
6 Doth promise hope of helpe, and timely grace,
Mote I beseech to succour his sad plight,
8 And by your powre protect his feeble cace.
First praise of knighthood is, foule outrage to deface.
1 Which, those his cruell foes, that stand hereby > Which, those same foes, that stand hereby 1590, 1596: FE; Which those same foes, that doen awaite hereby 1609
1 "Which, those his cruel foes, that stand hereby, 2 Making advantage to revenge their spite,
Making > [Turning to] spite > outrage, outrageous conduct (i.e. they have nothing to revenge)
3 Would him disarm, and treat shamefully: 4 Unworthy usage of redoubted knight. 5 But you, fair sir, whose honourable sight
sight > appearance
6 Does promise hope of help, and timely grace, 7 Might I beseech to succour his sad plight, 8 And by your power protect his feeble case. 9 First praise of knighthood is foul outrage to deface."
praise > merit, virtue deface > destroy
208.26
Palmer, (said he) no knight so rude, I weene,
2 As to doen outrage to a sleeping ghost:
Ne was there euer noble courage seene,
4 That in aduauntage would his puissance bost:
Honour is least, where oddes appeareth most.
6 May be, that better reason will +asswage,+
The rash reuengers heat. Words well dispost
8 Haue secret powre, t'appease inflamed rage:
If not, leaue vnto me thy knights last +patronage+.
6 asswage, > asswage 1609 9 patronage > patonage 1596
1 "Palmer," said he, "no knight so rude, I ween,
rude > barbarous ween > imagine, believe
2 As to do outrage to a sleeping ghost:
ghost > soul
3 Nor was there ever noble courage seen, 4 That in advantage would its puissance boast:
puissance > power boast > threaten; vaunt; display
5 Honour is least where odds appear most.
most > [most favourable]
6 May be that better reason will assuage
May > [It may]
7 The rash revengers' heat. Words well disposed
heat > fit of passion (also a reference to the "humours" of medieval physiology: and see the etymology of "Pyrochles" at 204.41:2)
8 Have secret power to appease inflamed rage: 9 If not, leave to me your knight's last patronage."
patronage > protection, defence
208.27
Tho turning to those brethren, thus bespoke,
2 Ye warlike payre, whose valorous great might
It seemes, iust wrongs to vengeance +doe+ prouoke,
4 To wreake your wrath on this dead seeming knight,
Mote ought allay the storme of your despight,
6 And settle patience in so furious heat?
Not to debate the chalenge of your right,
8 But for this carkasse pardon I entreat,
Whom fortune hath alreadie laid in lowest seat.
3 doe > doth 1609
1 Tho turning to those brethren, thus bespoke:
Tho > Then bespoke > said; addressed [them]
2 "You warlike pair, whose valorous great might, 3 It seems, just wrongs to vengeance do provoke 4 (To wreak your wrath on this dead-seeming knight), 5 Might aught allay the storm of your despite,
aught > anything at all despite > anger; malice
6 And settle patience in so furious heat?
so > such [a]
7 Not to debate the challenge of your right,
debate > dispute, with implied threat of physical following verbal contention challenge of > claim to
8 But for this carcase pardon I entreat, 9 Whom fortune has already laid in lowest seat."
208.28
To whom Cymochles said; For what art thou,
2 That mak'st thy selfe his dayes-man, to prolong
The vengeance prest? Or who shall let me now,
4 On this vile bodie from to wreake my wrong,
And make his carkasse as the outcast dong?
6 Why should not that dead carrion satisfie
The guilt, which if he liued had thus long,
8 His life for due reuenge should deare abie?
The trespasse still doth liue, albe the person die.
1 To whom Cymochles said: "For what are you, 2 That make yourself his daysman, to prolong
daysman > arbitrator prolong > postpone
3 The vengeance prest? Or who shall let me now,
prest > at hand let > hinder, prevent
4 On this vile body from to wreak my wrong,
vile > despicable, worthless to wreak > revenging
5 And make his carcase as the outcast dung? 6 Why should not that dead carrion satisfy 7 The guilt which, if he lived had thus long, 8 His life for due revenge should dear aby?
dear aby > dearly atone
9 The trespass still does live, albe the person die."
trespass > offence, sin albe > although, albeit die > [dies, has died]
208.29
Indeed (then said the Prince) the euill donne
2 Dyes not, when breath the bodie first doth leaue,
But from the grandsyre to the Nephewes sonne,
4 And all his seed the curse doth often cleaue,
Till vengeance vtterly the guilt bereaue:
6 So streightly God doth iudge. But gentle knight,
That doth against the dead his hand +vpreare+,
8 His honour staines with rancour and despight,
And great disparagment makes to his former might.
7 vpreare > vpheaue conj. various editors
1 "Indeed," then said the prince, "the evil done 2 Dies not, when breath the body first does leave, 3 But from the grandsire to the nephew's son
grandsire > grandfather nephew > grandson
4 And all his seed the curse does often cleave,
seed > children cleave > adhere to
5 Till vengeance utterly the guilt bereave:
bereave > take away; hence: expiate
6 So straitly God does judge. But gentle knight,
straitly > strictly (see Exod. 20.5) gentle > [a] noble
7 That does against the dead his hand uprear,
uprear > raise, raise up (see Textual Appendix)
8 His honour stains with rancour and despite,
despite > outrage; malice
9 And great disparagement makes to his former might."
disparagement > indignity; vilification
208.30
Pyrochles gan reply the second time,
2 And to him said, Now felon sure I read,
How that thou art partaker of his crime:
4 Therefore by Termagaunt thou shalt be dead.
With that his hand, more sad then lomp of lead,
6 Vplifting high, he weened with Morddure,
His owne good sword Morddure, to cleaue his head.
8 The faithfull steele such treason no'uld endure,
But swaruing from the marke, his Lords life did assure.
1 Pyrochles gan reply the second time,
gan > did
2 And to him said, "Now felon sure I read,
felon > [you are a felon, you are a villain] read > observe; realize; declare
3 How that you are partaker of his crime:
How > [In] partaker of > [a] participant in
4 Therefore, by Termagant, you shall be dead!"
Termagant > {Conflated with Mohammed as a Saracen god, or reckoned to be his partner, by the Crusaders: the name may derive from the Persian tir-magian, meaning a magian lord or deity; or from "Tervagan", a proper name in Chanson de Roland. See OF 12.59}
5 With that his hand, more sad then lump of lead,
sad > heavy, heavily
6 Uplifting high, he weened with Morddure,
Uplifting > Raising weened > thought, intended, meant
7 His own good sword Morddure, to cleave his head.
His > [Arthur's]
8 The faithful steel such treason nould endure,
nould > would not (cf. 106.17:8)
9 But, swerving from the mark, his lord's life did assure.
assure > protect, render safe
208.31
Yet was the force so furious and so fell,
2 That horse and man it made to reele aside;
Nath'lesse the Prince would not forsake his sell:
4 For well of yore he learned had to ride,
But full of anger fiercely to him cride;
6 False traitour miscreant, thou broken hast
The law of armes, to strike foe vndefide.
8 But thou thy treasons fruit, I hope, shalt taste
Right sowre, and feele the law, the which thou hast defast.
1 Yet was the force so furious and so fell,
fell > fierce, terrible
2 That horse and man it made to reel aside; 3 Natheless the prince would not forsake his sell:
Natheless > Nevertheless sell > saddle
4 For well of yore he learned had to ride,
yore > old
5 But, full of anger, fiercely to him cried: 6 "False traitor miscreant, you broken have
miscreant > unbeliever, infidel; villain; wretch
7 The law of arms, to strike foe undefied! 8 But you your treason's fruit, I hope, shall taste 9 Right sour, and feel the law which you have defaced."
Right > Very defaced > defamed; hence: brought ignominy upon
208.32
With that his balefull +speare,+ he fiercely bent
2 Against the Pagans brest, and therewith thought
His cursed life out of her lodge haue rent:
4 But ere the point arriued, where it ought,
That seuen-fold shield, which he from Guyon brought
6 He cast betwene to ward the bitter stound:
Through all those foldes the steelehead passage wrought
8 And through his shoulder pierst; wherwith to ground
He groueling fell, all gored in his gushing wound.
1 speare, > speare 1609
1 With that his baleful spear he fiercely bent
baleful > deadly, woe-dealing bent > brought to bear
2 Against the pagan's breast, and therewith thought
therewith > with that
3 His cursed life out of its lodge have rent:
have rent > [to] have torn
4 But ere the point arrived where it ought, 5 That sevenfold shield, which he from Guyon brought,
sevenfold > seven-layered (see note at 203.1:9)
6 He cast between to ward the bitter stound:
ward > avert stound > {Time of trial, time of pain (chiefly in northern dialect)}
7 Through all those folds the steelhead passage wrought
steelhead > [steel tang]
8 And through his shoulder pierced; wherewith to ground
wherewith > with which
9 He grovelling fell, all gored in his gushing wound.
grovelling > face-down
208.33
Which when his brother saw, fraught with great griefe
2 And wrath, he to him leaped furiously,
And fowly said, By Mahoune, cursed thiefe,
4 That direfull stroke thou dearely shalt aby.
Then hurling vp his harmefull blade on hye,
6 Smote him so hugely on his haughtie crest,
That from his saddle forced him to fly:
8 Else mote it needes downe to his manly brest
Haue cleft his head in twaine, and life thence dispossest.
1 Which when his brother saw, fraught with great grief
fraught > filled
2 And wrath, he to him leapt furiously, 3 And foully said, "By Mahound, cursed thief,
Mahound > Mohammed (see note at 208.30:4) thief > villain, scoundrel
4 That direful stroke you dearly shall aby!"
aby > pay for, pay the penalty for
5 Then, hurling up his harmful blade on high,
hurling > whirling; brandishing
6 Smote him so hugely on his haughty crest
Smote > [He] smote, hit haughty > high, imposing (cf. 107.31:1)
7 That from his saddle forced him to fly:
forced > [Cymochles forced]
8 Else might it needs down to his manly breast
Else might it > [Otherwise it might] needs > of necessity; hence: perforce
9 Have cleft his head in twain, and life thence dispossessed.
cleft > split twain > two
208.34
Now was the Prince in daungerous distresse,
2 Wanting his sword, when he on foot should fight:
His single speare could doe him small redresse,
4 Against two foes of so exceeding might,
The least of which was match for any knight.
6 And now the other, whom he earst did daunt,
Had reard himselfe againe to cruell fight,
8 Three times more furious, and more puissaunt,
Vnmindfull of his wound, of his fate ignoraunt.
1 Now was the prince in dangerous distress, 2 Wanting his sword, when he on foot should fight:
Wanting > Lacking
3 His single spear could do him small redress
single > {Solitary, unsupported by a sword; cf. 203.12:3} do > render redress > assistance
4 Against two foes of so exceeding might,
so > such
5 The least of which was match for any knight.
least > lesser
6 And now the other, whom he erst did daunt,
erst > not long ago; first daunt > overcome, subdue
7 Had reared himself again to cruel fight, 8 Three times more furious, and more puissant,
puissant > powerful
9 Unmindful of his wound, of his fate ignorant.
ignorant > unconscious; hence: heedless
208.35
So both attonce him charge on either side,
2 With hideous strokes, and importable powre,
That forced him his ground to trauerse wide,
4 And wisely watch to ward that deadly stowre:
For +in+ his shield, as thicke as stormie showre,
6 Their strokes did raine, yet did he neuer quaile,
Ne backward shrinke, but as a stedfast towre,
8 Whom foe with double battry doth assaile,
Them on her bulwarke beares, and bids them nought auaile.
5 in > on 1609
1 So both at once him charge on either side, 2 With hideous strokes and importable power,
hideous > terrific; immense; odious importable > unbearable
3 That forced him his ground to traverse wide, 4 And wisely watch to ward that deadly stour:
ward > guard against; avert stour > peril; conflict
5 For in his shield, as thick as stormy shower,
in > [on]
6 Their strokes did rain, yet did he never quail, 7 Nor backward shrink, but as a steadfast tower,
as > [he was] like
8 Which foe with double battery does assail;
battery > {Battering; assault with many blows or missiles}
9 Them on its bulwark bears, and bids them naught avail.
bulwark > rampart, ramparts bids > ?proclaims to, ?tells (assuming that "naught avail" is intended to be read in quotation marks, i.e. as a retort: "Naught avail!", "Do your worst!")
208.36
So stoutly he withstood their strong assay,
2 Till that at last, when he aduantage spyde,
His poinant speare he thrust with puissant sway
4 At proud Cymochles, whiles his shield was wyde,
That through his thigh the mortall steele did gryde:
6 He swaruing with the force, within his flesh
Did breake the launce, and let the head abyde:
8 Out of the wound the red bloud flowed fresh,
That vnderneath his feet soone made a purple plesh.
1 So stoutly he withstood their strong assay,
So > Thus, in that manner stoutly > bravely, unyieldingly assay > assault
2 Till at last, when he advantage spied, 3 His poignant spear he thrust with puissant sway
poignant > sharp-pointed, piercing puissant sway > powerful force
4 At proud Cymochles, while his shield was wide,
wide > [held aside, held in such a way that he was unprotected]
5 That through his thigh the mortal steel did gride:
That > [So that] mortal > deadly gride > pierce
6 He, swerving with the force, within his flesh 7 Did break the lance, and let the head abide:
abide > remain
8 Out of the wound the red blood flowed fresh, 9 That underneath his feet soon made a purple plash.
purple > red, blood-red plash > puddle, pool
208.37
Horribly then he gan to rage, and rayle,
2 Cursing his Gods, and himselfe damning deepe:
Als when his brother saw the red bloud +rayle+
4 Adowne so fast, and all his armour steepe,
For very felnesse lowd he gan to weepe,
6 And said, Caytiue, cursse on thy cruell hond,
That twise hath sped; yet shall it not thee keepe
8 From the third brunt of this my fatall brond:
Loe where the dreadfull Death behind thy backe doth stond.
3 rayle > traile 1609, perhaps in defiance of the convention allowing a duplicate rhyme when the meaning of the second word differs from that of the first
1 Horribly then he began to rage, and rail,
rail > {Use abusive language}
2 Cursing his gods, and himself damning deep: 3 Als when his brother saw the red blood rail
Als > Also rail > gush, flow
4 Adown so fast, and all his armour steep,
Adown > Down
5 For very fellness loud he began to weep,
fellness > fierceness
6 And said, "Caitiff, curse on your cruel hand,
Caitiff > Wretch, slave curse > [a curse]
7 That twice has sped; yet shall it not you keep
sped > attained its purpose, prospered
8 From the third brunt of this my fatal brand:
brunt > sharp blow; onset, violent attack brand > sword
9 Lo where the dreadful Death behind your back does stand!"
208.38
With that he strooke, and th'other strooke withall,
2 That nothing seem'd mote beare so monstrous might:
The one vpon his couered shield did fall,
4 And glauncing downe would not his owner byte:
But th'other did vpon his troncheon smyte,
6 Which hewing quite a sunder, further way
It made, and on his hacqueton did lyte,
8 The which diuiding with importune sway,
It seizd in his right side, and there the dint did stay.
1 With that he struck, and the other struck withal,
withal > also, in addition
2 That nothing, seemed, might bear so monstrous might:
That > [So that] seemed > [it seemed] so > such
3 The one upon his covered shield did fall, 4 And, glancing down, would not its owner bite: 5 But the other did upon his truncheon smite,
truncheon > broken lance
6 Which, hewing quite asunder, further way 7 It made, and on his acton did light,
acton > {Stuffed jerkin worn under chain-mail; later, a leather jacket covered with chain-mail} light > strike; fall, alight
8 Which dividing with importune sway,
importune sway > grievous force
9 It seized in his right side, and there the dint did stay.
seized > fastened, fixed itself (SUS) dint > blow, stroke stay > cease, delay; hence: arrest itself
208.39
Wyde was the wound, and a large lukewarme flood,
2 Red as the Rose, thence gushed grieuously;
That when the Paynim spyde the streaming blood,
4 Gaue him great hart, and hope of victory.
On th'other side, in huge perplexity,
6 The Prince now stood, hauing his weapon broke;
Nought could he hurt, but still at ward did ly:
8 Yet with his troncheon he so rudely stroke
Cymochles twise, that twise him forst his foot reuoke.
1 Wide was the wound, and a large lukewarm flood, 2 Red as the rose, thence gushed grievously; 3 That (when the paynim spied the streaming blood),
paynim > pagan, heathen
4 Gave him great heart, and hope of victory. 5 On the other side, in huge perplexity,
perplexity > distress
6 The prince now stood, having his weapon broke; 7 Naught could he hurt, but still at ward did lie:
Naught > Not at all at ward > on guard, on the defensive lie > remain
8 Yet with his truncheon he so rudely struck
truncheon > broken lance rudely > violently
9 Cymochles twice, that twice him forced his foot revoke.
that > [that it, that he] revoke > [to] draw back (cf. 101.12:7)
208.40
Whom when the Palmer saw in such distresse,
2 Sir Guyons sword he lightly to him raught,
And said; +faire+ Son, great God thy right hand blesse,
4 To vse that sword +so wisely as+ it ought.
Glad was the knight, and with fresh courage fraught,
6 When as againe he armed felt his hond;
Then like a Lion, which hath long time saught
8 His robbed whelpes, and at the last them fond
Emongst the shepheard swaynes, then wexeth wood and yond.
3 faire > fayre 1590; Faire 1609 4 so wisely as > so well, as he 1590, i.e. "as well as he who owned it", "ought" being the past tense of "owe" in the sense "owned", "possessed". 1596 means "as wisely as it ought to be used": the change might have been "a correction of the printer, who misunderstood `ought'" (Smith)
1 Whom when the palmer saw in such distress, 2 Sir Guyon's sword he lightly to him raught,
lightly > quickly; easily raught > reached, handed
3 And said: "Fair son, great God your right hand bless, 4 To use that sword so wisely as it ought."
so wisely as it ought > (See Textual Appendix)
5 Glad was the knight, and with fresh courage fraught,
fraught > filled
6 When again he armed felt his hand; 7 Then like a lion, which has long time sought
like > [he was like]
8 His robbed whelps, and at the last them found
robbed > stolen
9 Amongst the shepherd swains, then waxes wood and yond.
swains > young men; rustics waxes > becomes, grows wood > furious yond > mad, furious (cf. 307.26:5); or aphetic for: beyond (i.e. "beyond fury")
208.41
So fierce he laid about him, and dealt blowes
2 On either side, that neither mayle could hold,
Ne shield defend the thunder of his throwes:
4 Now to Pyrochles many strokes he told;
Eft to Cymochles twise so many fold:
6 Then backe againe turning his busie hond,
Them both attonce compeld with courage bold,
8 To yield wide way to his hart-thrilling brond;
And though they both stood stiffe, yet could not both withstond.
1 So fierce he laid about him, and dealt blows
So fierce > Thus fiercely, similarly fiercely
2 On either side, that neither mail could hold,
mail > chain-mail; chain-armour
3 Nor shield defend the thunder of his throws:
throws > blows
4 Now to Pyrochles many strokes he told;
told > counted out (cf. 104.27:5)
5 Eft to Cymochles twice so many fold:
Eft > Again; or: thereupon (aphetic for "eftsoons") so > as fold > [over again]
6 Then back again turning his busy hand, 7 Them both at once compelled with courage bold,
at once > simultaneously
8 To yield wide way to his heart-thrilling brand;
thrilling > piercing brand > sword
9 And though they both stood stiff, yet could not both withstand.
stiff > strong, firm; hence: resolute, resolutely
208.42
As saluage Bull, whom two fierce mastiues bayt,
2 When rancour doth with rage him once engore,
Forgets with warie ward them to awayt,
4 But with his dreadfull hornes them driues afore,
Or flings aloft, or treads downe in the flore,
6 Breathing out wrath, and bellowing disdaine,
That all the forrest quakes to heare him rore:
8 So rag'd Prince Arthur twixt his foemen twaine,
That neither could his mightie puissance sustaine.
1 As savage bull, whom two fierce mastiffs bait,
savage > wild; savage bait > harass, attack; also: worry, torment (a captive or chained animal, for "sport")
2 When rancour does with rage him once engore,
once > [once and for all, finally] engore > gore, wound deeply; hence: infuriate
3 Forgets with wary ward them to await,
ward > guard await > [keep watch for]
4 But with his dreadful horns them drives afore, 5 Or flings aloft, or treads down in the floor,
floor > ground (catachresis prompted by the rhyme)
6 Breathing out wrath, and bellowing disdain,
disdain > wrath
7 That all the forest quakes to hear him roar:
That > [So that]
8 So raged Prince Arthur 'twixt his foemen twain,
foemen > enemies twain > two, double, twofold (emphasizing their unfairness)
9 That neither could his mighty puissance sustain.
That > [So that] puissance > strength, power sustain > endure, withstand
208.43
But euer at Pyrochles when he smit,
2 Who Guyons shield cast euer him before,
Whereon the Faery Queenes pourtract was writ,
4 His hand relented, and the stroke forbore,
And his deare hart the picture gan adore,
6 Which oft the Paynim sau'd from deadly stowre.
But him henceforth the same can saue no more;
8 For now arriued is his fatall howre,
That no'te auoyded be by earthly skill or powre.
1 But ever at Pyrochles when he smote 2 (Who Guyon's shield cast ever him before, 3 Whereon the Faery Queen's portrait was writ),
Whereon > On which writ > drawn, painted
4 His hand relented, and the stroke forbore, 5 And his dear heart the picture gan adore,
dear > loving gan > did
6 Which oft the paynim saved from deadly stour.
paynim > pagan, heathen stour > peril
7 But him henceforth the same can save no more: 8 For now arrived is his fatal hour,
hour > moment
9 That no'te avoided be by earthly skill or power.
no'te > cannot skill > knowledge
208.44
For when Cymochles saw the fowle reproch,
2 Which them appeached, prickt with +guilty+ shame,
And inward griefe, he fiercely gan approch,
4 Resolu'd to put away that loathly blame,
Or dye with honour and desert of fame;
6 And on the hauberk stroke the Prince so sore,
That quite disparted all the linked frame,
8 And pierced to the skin, but bit +no more+,
Yet made him twise to reele, that neuer moou'd afore.
2 guilty > guiltie 1590; gulty 1596 8 no more > not thore 1590 (i.e. "not there")
1 For when Cymochles saw the foul reproach 2 Which them appeached, pricked with guilty shame,
appeached > shamed, dishonoured
3 And inward grief, he fiercely gan approach,
gan > did
4 Resolved to put away that loathly blame,
put away > dispel, put an end to loathly > loathsome, hateful
5 Or die with honour and desert of fame;
desert > merit, reward
6 And on the hauberk struck the prince so sore
hauberk > {Chain-mail tunic; chain-mail covering for neck and shoulders} sore > grievously
7 That quite disparted all the linked frame,
That > [That he] disparted > clove, parted asunder frame > structure; hence: fabric
8 And pierced to the skin, but bit no more,
more > [further]
9 Yet made him twice to reel, that never moved afore.
208.45
Whereat renfierst with wrath and sharpe regret,
2 He stroke so hugely with his borrowd blade,
That it empierst the Pagans burganet,
4 And cleauing the hard steele, did deepe inuade
Into his head, and cruell passage made
6 Quite through his braine. He tombling downe on ground,
Breathd out his ghost, which to th'infernall shade
8 Fast flying, there eternall torment found,
For all the sinnes, wherewith his lewd life did +abound.+
9 abound. > abound, 1596
1 Whereat renfierced with wrath and sharp regret,
Whereat > At which renfierced > rendered fierce; rendered fierce again (re-enfierced, ?with additional connotations of "renforced", "reinforced", "strengthened") regret > pain, distress (cf. 107.20:7)
2 He struck so hugely with his borrowed blade 3 That it empierced the pagan's burgonet,
empierced > transfixed burgonet > {helmet with a visor; steel cap. Cf. Muiopotmos 73, 305.31:9}
4 And, cleaving the hard steel, did deep invade 5 Into his head, and cruel passage made 6 Quite through his brain. He, tumbling down on ground, 7 Breathed out his ghost, which to the infernal shade
ghost > spirit, soul
8 Fast flying, there eternal torment found 9 For all the sins wherewith his lewd life did abound.
wherewith > with which lewd > lewd; ignorant, good-for-nothing
208.46
Which when his german saw, the stony +feare,+
2 Ran to his hart, and all his sence dismayd,
Ne thenceforth life ne courage did appeare,
4 But as a man, whom hellish feends haue frayd,
Long trembling still he stood: at last thus sayd;
6 Traytour what hast thou doen? how euer may
Thy cursed hand so cruelly haue swayd
8 Against that knight: +Harrow+ and +well away,+
After so wicked deed why liu'st thou lenger day?
1 feare, > feare 1609 8 Harrow > Horrow 1590, 1596: FE 8 well away, > weal-away! 1609
1 Which when his german saw, the stony fear
german > brother
2 Ran to his heart, and all his sense dismayed,
dismayed > overcame
3 Neither thenceforth life nor courage did appear, 4 But as a man whom hellish fiends have frayed,
frayed > terrified
5 Long trembling still he stood: at last thus said: 6 "Traitor, what have you done? How ever may 7 Your cursed hand so cruelly have swayed
swayed > swung (a weapon)
8 Against that knight: harrow and wellaway,
harrow > {A cry of distress} wellaway > alas!
9 After so wicked deed why live you longer day?"
longer > [a longer; cf. 203.7:6]
208.47
With that all desperate as loathing light,
2 And with reuenge desiring soone to dye,
Assembling all his force and vtmost might,
4 With his owne sword he fierce at him did flye,
And strooke, and foynd, and lasht outrageously,
6 Withouten reason or regard. Well knew
The Prince, with patience and sufferaunce sly
8 So hasty heat soone cooled to subdew:
Tho when +this+ breathlesse woxe, that batteil gan renew.
9 this > he 1679
1 With that, all desperate, as loathing light,
as > [as if] light > daylight (i.e. life itself)
2 And with revenge desiring soon to die,
soon > soon; at once
3 Assembling all his force and utmost might, 4 With his own sword he fierce at him did fly,
his > [Arthur's]
5 And struck, and foined, and lashed outrageously,
foined > lunged, thrust (with a pointed weapon) outrageously > violently
6 Without reason or regard. Well knew 7 The prince, with patience and sufferance sly,
sufferance > forbearance sly > skilful, cunning
8 So hasty heat soon cooled to subdue:
So > Such
9 Tho when this breathless waxed, that battle gan renew.
Tho > Then this > [Pyrochles] waxed > grew that > [Arthur] gan > did
208.48
As when a windy tempest bloweth hye,
2 That nothing may withstand his stormy stowre,
The cloudes, as things affrayd, before him flye;
4 But all so soone as his outrageous powre
Is layd, they fiercely then begin to shoure,
6 And as in scorne of his spent stormy spight,
Now all attonce their malice forth do poure;
8 So did +Prince Arthur+ beare himselfe in fight,
And suffred rash Pyrochles wast his idle might.
8 Prince Arthur > Sir Guyon 1590, 1596
1 As when a windy tempest blows high, 2 That nothing may withstand its stormy stour,
That > [So that] stour > tumult
3 The clouds, as things afraid, before it fly;
fly > flee, fly
4 But all so soon as its outrageous power
outrageous > violent
5 Is laid, they fiercely then begin to shower,
laid > caused to subside; calmed
6 And as in scorn of its spent stormy spite, 7 Now all at once their malice forth do pour;
malice > harmfulness
8 So did Prince Arthur bear himself in fight, 9 And suffered rash Pyrochles waste his idle might.
suffered > permitted waste > [to waste] idle > futile
208.49
At last when as the Sarazin perceiu'd,
2 How that straunge sword refusd, to serue his need,
But when he stroke most strong, the dint deceiu'd,
4 He flong it from him, and deuoyd of dreed,
Vpon him lightly leaping without heed,
6 Twixt his two mighty armes engrasped fast,
Thinking to ouerthrow and downe him tred:
8 But him in strength and skill the Prince surpast,
And through his nimble sleight did vnder him down cast.
1 At last when the Saracen perceived 2 How that strange sword refused to serve his need
strange > {Belonging to another; introduced from outside; wonderful}
3 (But when he struck most strong, the dint deceived),
dint > blow, impact
4 He flung it from him and, devoid of dread, 5 Upon him lightly leaping without heed,
lightly > quickly, easily
6 'Twixt his two mighty arms engrasped fast,
engrasped > grasped [him] fast > firmly; very closely
7 Thinking to overthrow and down him tread: 8 But him in strength and skill the prince surpassed, 9 And through his nimble sleight did under him down cast.
sleight > dexterity
208.50
Nought booted it the Paynim then to striue;
2 For as a Bittur in the Eagles claw,
That may not hope by flight to scape aliue,
4 Still waites for death with dread and trembling aw;
So he now subiect to the victours law,
6 Did not once moue, nor vpward cast his eye,
For vile disdaine and rancour, which did gnaw
8 His hart in twaine with sad melancholy,
As one that loathed life, and yet despisd to dye.
1 Naught booted it the paynim then to strive;
booted it > it availed paynim > pagan, heathen
2 For as a bittern in the eagle's claw, 3 That may not hope by flight to scape alive,
scape > escape
4 Still waits for death with dread and trembling awe; 5 So he, now subject to the victor's law,
he, now > (Or: "he now,") law > command
6 Did not once move, nor upward cast his eye, 7 For vile disdain and rancour, which did gnaw
disdain > indignation, anger
8 His heart in twain with sad melancholy,
twain > two sad > heavy; grievous; sad melancholy > irascibility
9 As one that loathed life, and yet despised to die.
208.51
But full of Princely bounty and great mind,
2 The Conquerour nought cared him to slay,
But casting wrongs and all reuenge behind,
4 More glory thought to giue life, then decay,
And said, Paynim, this is thy dismall day;
6 Yet if thou wilt renounce thy miscreaunce,
And my trew liegeman yield thy selfe for ay,
8 Life will I graunt thee for thy valiaunce,
And all thy wrongs will wipe out of my souenaunce.
1 But, full of princely bounty and great mind,
bounty > goodness, virtue; kindness, generosity great mind > magnanimity
2 The conqueror naught cared him to slay, 3 But, casting wrongs and all revenge behind, 4 More glory thought to give life than decay,
thought > [thought it] decay > death
5 And said, "Paynim, this is your dismal day;
Paynim > Pagan, heathen dismal day > {Dies mali, [one of] the evil or unlucky days of the medieval calendar}
6 Yet if you will renounce your miscreance,
miscreance > false belief, false faith
7 And my true liege man yield yourself for ay,
liege man > {Vassal; faithful follower or subject} ay > ever
8 Life will I grant you for your valiance,
valiance > valour, bravery
9 And all your wrongs will wipe out of my sovenance."
sovenance > remembrance, memory
208.52
Foole (said the Pagan) I thy gift defye,
2 But vse thy fortune, as it doth befall,
And say, that I not ouercome do dye,
4 But in despight of life, for death do call.
Wroth was the Prince, and sory yet withall,
6 That he so wilfully refused grace;
Yet sith his fate so cruelly did fall,
8 His shining Helmet he gan soone vnlace,
And left his headlesse body bleeding all the place.
1 "Fool," said the pagan, "I your gift defy, 2 But use your fortune as it does befall, 3 And say, that I not overcome do die, 4 But in despite of life, for death do call."
despite > contempt
5 Wroth was the prince, and sorry yet withal, 6 That he so wilfully refused grace;
grace > mercy
7 Yet sith his fate so cruelly did fall,
sith > since
8 His shining helmet he gan soon unlace,
gan soon > did immediately unlace > [remove, with a stroke of his sword; cf. 208.17:2]
9 And left his headless body bleeding all the place.
bleeding > (This trans. use is rare)
208.53
By this Sir Guyon from his traunce awakt,
2 Life hauing maistered her sencelesse foe;
And looking vp, when as his shield he lakt,
4 And sword saw not, he wexed wondrous woe:
But when the Palmer, whom he long ygoe
6 +Had+ lost, he by him spide, right glad he grew,
And said, Deare sir, whom wandring to and fro
8 I long haue lackt, I ioy thy face to vew;
Firme is thy faith, whom daunger neuer fro me drew.
6 Had > Hast 1596
1 By this Sir Guyon from his trance awaked,
By this > At this; by this time awaked > awoke; had awoken
2 Life having mastered her senseless foe; 3 And, looking up, when his shield he lacked,
lacked > {Missed, perceived the absence of}
4 And sword saw not, he waxed wondrous woe:
waxed > grew, became woe > sad; sorry
5 But when the palmer (whom he long ago 6 Had lost) he by him spied, right glad he grew,
right > very
7 And said, "Dear sir, whom wandering to and fro 8 I long have lacked, I joy your face to view; 9 Firm is your faith, whom danger never from me drew.
208.54
But read what wicked hand hath robbed mee
2 Of my good sword and shield? The Palmer glad,
With so fresh hew vprising him to see,
4 Him answered; +faire+ sonne, be no whit sad
For want of weapons, they shall soone be had.
6 So gan he to discourse the whole debate,
Which that straunge knight for him sustained had,
8 And those two Sarazins confounded late,
Whose carcases on ground were horribly prostrate.
4 faire > fayre 1590; Faire 1609
1 "But read what wicked hand has robbed me
read > make known
2 Of my good sword and shield?" The palmer glad 3 With so fresh hue uprising him to see,
so > such [a] hue > colour; appearance
4 Him answered: "Fair son, be no whit sad
no whit > [not in the least]
5 For want of weapons, they shall soon be had." 6 So began he to discourse the whole debate,
discourse > tell, describe debate > fight
7 Which that strange knight for him sustained had,
strange > new-come; foreign
8 And those two Saracens confounded late,
late > lately
9 Whose carcases on ground were horribly prostrate.
208.55
Which when he heard, and saw the tokens trew,
2 His hart with great affection was embayd,
And to the +Prince bowing+ with reuerence dew,
4 As to the Patrone of his life, thus sayd;
My Lord, my liege, by whose most gratious ayd
6 I liue this day, and see my foes subdewd,
What may suffise, to be for meede repayd
8 Of so great graces, as ye haue me shewd,
+But to be euer bound+
3 Prince bowing > Prince with bowing 1590 etc.: FE 9 Sic, 1590 etc.
1 Which when he heard, and saw the tokens true,
tokens > signs; hence: evidence
2 His heart with great affection was embayed,
affection > emotion (esp. strong emotion) embayed > bathed
3 And, to the prince bowing with reverence due, 4 As to the patron of his life, thus said:
patron > protector, defender; also: exemplar, model
5 "My lord, my liege, by whose most gracious aid
liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}
6 I live this day, and see my foes subdued, 7 What may suffice, to be for meed repaid
meed > reward
8 Of so great graces as you have me shown,
Of so > For such graces > favours
9 But to be ever bound -"
208.56
To whom the Infant thus, Faire Sir, what need
2 Good turnes be counted, as a seruile bond,
To bind their doers, to receiue their meede?
4 Are not all knights by oath bound, to withstond
Oppressours powre by armes and puissant hond?
6 Suffise, that I haue done my dew in place.
So goodly purpose they together fond,
8 Of kindnesse and of curteous aggrace;
The whiles false Archimage and Atin fled apace.
1 To whom the infant thus, "Fair sir, what need
infant > prince (apparently interrupting)
2 Good turns be counted as a servile bond,
be > [to be]
3 To bind their doers to receive their meed?
meed > reward
4 Are not all knights by oath bound to withstand 5 Oppressors' power by arms and puissant hand?
puissant > powerful
6 Suffice that I have done my due in place.
Suffice > [Suffice it; it is enough] due > duty in place > here
7 So goodly purpose they together found,
goodly > courteous purpose > conversation, discourse found > devised
8 Of kindness and of courteous aggrace;
aggrace > favour
9 The whiles false Archimago and Atin fled apace.
The whiles > Meanwhile apace > quickly
The house of Temperance, in which
2 doth sober Alma dwell,
Besiegd of many foes, whom straunger
4 knightes to +flight+ compell.
4 flight > fight 1596, 1609
1 The House of Temperance, in which 2 does sober Alma dwell,
Alma > (Introduced at 209.17. Her name has a number of meanings: (1) "Nourishing", "Fair", "Gracious", "Propitious", "Kind" (Latin); (2) "Maiden" (Hebrew); (3) "All Good" (Celtic))
3 Besieged of many foes, whom stranger
of > by stranger > new-come
4 knights to flight compel.
209.1
OF all Gods workes, which do this world adorne,
2 There is no one more faire and excellent,
Then is mans body both for powre and forme,
4 Whiles it is kept in sober gouernment;
But none then it, more fowle and indecent,
6 Distempred through misrule and passions bace:
It growes a Monster, and incontinent
8 Doth loose his dignitie and natiue grace.
Behold, who list, both one and other in this place.
1 Of all God's works, which do this world adorn, 2 There is none more fair and excellent 3 Than is man's body, both for power and form, 4 While it is kept in sober government;
government > control
5 But none than it more foul and indecent,
indecent > uncomely; repulsive
6 Distempered through misrule and passions base:
Distempered > [When] disordered
7 It grows a monster, and incontinent
grows > becomes incontinent > lacking self-restraint (adj.); immediately (adv.)
8 Does loose its dignity and native grace.
loose > lose; loose; loosen, dissolve native > innate, natural
9 Behold, who list, both one and other in this place.
list > chooses, please other > [the other]
209.2
After the Paynim brethren conquer'd were,
2 The Briton Prince recou'ring his stolne sword,
And Guyon his lost shield, they both yfere
4 Forth passed on their way in faire accord,
Till him the Prince with gentle court did bord;
6 Sir knight, mote I of you this curt'sie read,
To weet why on your shield so goodly scord
8 Beare ye the picture of that Ladies head?
Full liuely is the semblaunt, though the substance dead.
1 After the paynim brethren conquered were,
paynim > pagan, heathen
2 The Briton prince recovering his stolen sword, 3 And Guyon his lost shield, they both yfere
yfere > together
4 Forth passed on their way in fair accord, 5 Till him the prince with gentle court did board:
gentle > polite court > {Courteous attention} board > address
6 "Sir knight, might I of you this courtesy read,
read > make known; hence: ask
7 To weet why on your shield so goodly scored
weet > learn, know goodly > beautifully scored > inscribed; hence: carved, depicted
8 Bear you the picture of that lady's head?
that lady > [the Faery Queen; see 107.30:1-5]
9 Full lively is the semblant, though the substance dead."
Full lively > Very life-like semblant > resemblance; image dead > [is dead]
209.3
Faire Sir (said he) if in that picture dead
2 Such life ye read, and vertue in vaine shew,
What mote ye weene, if the trew liuely-head
4 Of that most glorious visage ye did vew?
But if the beautie of her mind ye knew,
6 That is her bountie, and imperiall powre,
Thousand times fairer then her mortall hew,
8 O how great wonder would your thoughts deuoure,
And infinite desire into your spirite poure!
1 "Fair sir," said he, "if in that picture dead 2 Such life you read, and virtue in vain show,
read > discern virtue > virtue; power show > behold; describe
3 What might you ween if the true livelihead
ween > think livelihead > living form; hence: original
4 Of that most glorious visage you did view? 5 But if the beauty of her mind you knew, 6 That is her bounty, and imperial power
bounty > goodness, virtue
7 (Thousand times fairer than her mortal hue),
hue > appearance
8 O how great wonder would your thoughts devour,
how great > [how great a, what great]
9 And infinite desire into your spirit pour!
209.4
She is the mighty Queene of Faerie,
2 Whose faire retrait I in my shield do beare;
She is the flowre of grace and chastitie,
4 Throughout the world renowmed far and neare,
My liefe, my liege, my Soueraigne, my deare,
6 Whose glory shineth as the morning starre,
And with her light the earth enlumines cleare;
8 Far reach her mercies, and her prayses farre,
As well in state of peace, as puissaunce in warre.
1 "She is the mighty Queen of Faery, 2 Whose fair retrait I in my shield do bear;
retrait > portrait in > [on]
3 She is the flower of grace and chastity, 4 Throughout the world renowned far and near, 5 My lief, my liege, my sovereign, my dear,
lief > beloved liege > {Superior to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}
6 Whose glory shines as the morning star,
the morning star > (Another name for the planet Venus; cf. 100.4:2 and SC, gloss to "December": "Venus, the goddesse of beauty or pleasure. Also a signe in heaven, as it is here taken")
7 And with her light the earth enlumines clear;
enlumines > illuminates
8 Far reach her mercies, and her praises far, 9 As well in state of peace, as puissance in war."
well > much puissance > [in] strength
209.5
Thrise happy man, (said then the Briton knight)
2 Whom gracious lot, and thy great valiaunce
Haue made +thee+ souldier of that Princesse bright,
4 Which with her bounty and glad countenance
Doth blesse her seruaunts, and them high aduaunce.
6 How may straunge knight hope euer to aspire,
By faithfull seruice, and meet amenance,
8 Vnto such blisse? sufficient were that hire
For losse of thousand liues, to dye at her desire.
3 thee > a 1609
1 "Thrice happy man," said then the Briton knight, 2 "Whom gracious lot and your great valiance
gracious lot > favourable fortune valiance > valour, bravery
3 Have made you soldier of that princess bright,
bright > shining; beautiful
4 Who with her bounty and glad countenance
bounty > goodness, virtue glad > bright, shining; beautiful countenance > countenance; patronage, favour
5 Does bless her servants, and them high advance. 6 How may strange knight hope ever to aspire
strange > [a] foreign
7 (By faithful service and meet amenance)
meet > suitable, seemly amenance > bearing, conduct
8 To such bliss? Sufficient were that hire
hire > reward
9 For loss of thousand lives, to die at her desire."
209.6
Said Guyon, Noble Lord, what meed so great,
2 Or grace of earthly Prince so soueraine,
But by your wondrous worth and warlike feat
4 Ye well may hope, and easely attaine?
But were your will, her sold to entertaine,
6 And numbred be mongst knights of Maydenhed,
Great guerdon, well I wote, should you remaine,
8 And in her fauour high be reckoned,
As Arthegall, and Sophy now beene honored.
1 Said Guyon, "Noble lord, what meed so great,
meed > reward
2 Or grace of earthly prince so sovereign, 3 But by your wondrous worth and warlike feat 4 You well may hope, and easily attain?
hope > hope for
5 But were your will her sold to entertain,
sold > wages entertain > accept
6 And numbered be amongst knights of Maidenhead,
Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order)
7 Great guerdon, well I wot, should you remain,
guerdon > reward, recompense wot > know remain > await
8 And in her favour high be reckoned, 9 As Artegall, and Sophy now been honoured."
Artegall > (Hero of Book V)
Sophy > "Wisdom" (Greek; ?protagonist of an unwritten or unknown
book of FQ)
been > [have been; are being]
209.7
Certes (then said the Prince) I God auow,
2 That sith I armes and knighthood first did plight,
My whole desire has beene, and yet is now,
4 To serue that Queene with all my powre and might.
+Now hath+ the Sunne with his lamp-burning light,
6 +Walkt round+ about the world, and I no lesse,
+Sith+ of that Goddesse I haue sought the sight,
8 Yet no where can her find: such happinesse
Heauen doth to me enuy, and fortune +fauourlesse+.
5 Now hath > Seuen times 1590; cf. 109.15 and 209.38 6 Walkt round > Hath walkte 1590 7 Sith > Since 1609 9 fauourlesse > Perhaps a misprint for fauour lesse_, since spacing is very tight in the quartos. If so,_ fortune should be read as Fortune_. Weight is given to this possibility by the beginning of the next line_
1 "Certes," then said the prince, "I God avow
Certes > Assuredly
God > [before God; to God]
2 That sith I arms and knighthood first did plight,
sith > since arms > {Feats of arms} plight > pledge myself [to]; also: plait, knit, hence: interweave
3 My whole desire has been, and yet is now, 4 To serve that queen with all my power and might. 5 Now has the sun, with his lamp-burning light, 6 Walked round about the world, and I no less, 7 Sith of that goddess I have sought the sight, 8 Yet nowhere can her find: such happiness 9 Heaven does to me envy, and fortune favourless."
envy > begrudge fortune > (Vb.) [I] happen; hence: I proceed through life, I follow my quest (see also Textual Appendix) favourless > lacking favour
209.8
Fortune, the foe of famous cheuisaunce
2 Seldome (said Guyon) yields to vertue aide,
But in her way throwes mischiefe and mischaunce,
4 Whereby her course is stopt, and passage staid.
But +you,+ faire Sir, be not herewith dismaid,
6 But constant keepe the way, in which ye stand;
Which were it not, that I am else delaid
8 With hard aduenture, which I haue in hand,
I labour would to guide you through all Faery land.
5 you, > you 1596
1 "Fortune, the foe of famous chevisance,
chevisance > enterprise, knightly enterprise (catachr.)
2 Seldom," said Guyon, "yields to virtue aid,
to virtue aid > [aid to virtue]
3 But in its way throws mischief and mischance,
mischief > misfortune; evil; disaster
4 Whereby its course is stopped, and passage stayed.
stayed > obstructed; stopped
5 But you, fair sir, be not herewith dismayed,
herewith > with this dismayed > dismayed; defeated (with pun on "dis-made": cf. 108.5:4, 108.11:1, 209.37:5, etc.)
6 But constant keep the way in which you stand;
stand > stand, remain steadfast; also, perhaps, in view of "way": steer, direct your course (usu. applied to ships: OED first records this usage in 1627)
7 Were it not that I am else delayed
else > otherwise
8 With hard adventure, which I have in hand, 9 I labour would to guide you through all Faery Land."
209.9
Gramercy Sir (said he) but mote I +weete+,
2 What straunge aduenture do ye now pursew?
Perhaps my succour, or aduizement meete
4 Mote stead you much your purpose to subdew.
Then gan Sir Guyon all the story shew
6 Of false Acrasia, and her wicked wiles,
Which to auenge, the Palmer him forth drew
8 From Faery court. So talked they, the whiles
They wasted had much way, and measurd many miles.
1 weete > wote 1590 etc.; this correction is generally agreed
1 "Gramercy sir," said he, but might I weet
Gramercy > Thank you weet > learn; hence: ask
2 What strange adventure do you now pursue? 3 Perhaps my succour, or advisement meet
advisement > advice meet > seemly, appropriate; hence, perhaps: modest
4 Might stead you much your purpose to subdue."
stead > help subdue > overcome; hence: achieve
5 Then gan Sir Guyon all the story show
gan > did show > make known, tell
6 Of false Acrasia, and her wicked wiles, 7 Which to avenge, the palmer him forth drew 8 From Faery court. So talked they; the whiles
Faery court > (See I:183: "The second day ther came in a Palmer …") the whiles > meanwhile, during which time
9 They wasted had much way, and measured many miles.
209.10
And now faire Ph{oe}bus gan decline in hast
2 His weary wagon to the Westerne vale,
Whenas they spide a goodly castle, plast
4 Foreby a riuer in a pleasaunt dale,
Which choosing for that euenings hospitale,
6 They thither marcht: but when they came in sight,
And from their sweaty Coursers did auale,
8 They found the gates fast barred long ere night,
And euery loup fast lockt, as fearing foes despight.
1 And now fair Phoebus gan decline in haste
Phoebus > (Who each day drives his chariot across the sky) gan > did; began to
2 His weary wagon to the western vale, 3 When they spied a goodly castle, placed
goodly > beautiful, fine
4 Forby a river in a pleasant dale,
Forby > Hard by, near
5 Which choosing for that evening's hospital,
hospital > hospice, lodging-place
6 They thither marched: but when they came in sight, 7 And from their sweaty coursers did avale,
their sweaty coursers > (Perhaps we are to infer that Arthur's squire has lent Guyon his, or a spare, horse) avale > dismount
8 They found the gates fast barred long ere night,
fast > firmly
9 And every loop fast locked, as fearing foes' despite.
loop > loop-hole fearing > [if in fear of] despite > outrage
209.11
Which when they saw, they weened fowle reproch
2 Was to them doen, their entrance to forstall,
Till that the Squire gan nigher to approch;
4 And wind his horne vnder the castle wall,
That with the noise it shooke, as it would fall:
6 Eftsoones forth looked from the highest spire
The watch, and lowd vnto the knights did call,
8 To weete, what they so rudely did require.
Who gently answered, They entrance did desire.
1 Which when they saw, they weened foul reproach
weened > imagined, supposed
2 Was to them done, their entrance to forestall, 3 Till the squire began nigher to approach; 4 And wind his horn under the castle wall,
wind > blow (cf. 108.3-5)
5 That with the noise it shook, as it would fall:
That > [So that] as > [as if]
6 Eftsoons forth looked from the highest spire
Eftsoons > Thereupon; before long
7 The watch, and loud to the knights did call,
watch > sentinel
8 To weet what they so rudely did require.
weet > find out
9 Who gently answered, they entrance did desire.
gently > politely
209.12
Fly, fly, good knights, (said he) fly fast away
2 If that your liues ye loue, as meete ye should;
Fly fast, and saue your selues from neare decay,
4 Here may ye not haue entraunce, though we would:
We would and would againe, if that we could;
6 But thousand enemies about vs raue,
And with long siege vs in this castle hould:
8 Seuen yeares this wize they vs besieged haue,
And many good knights slaine, that haue vs sought to saue.
1 "Fly, fly, good knights," said he, "fly fast away
Fly > Flee
2 If your lives you love, as meet you should;
meet > [it is] fitting [that]
3 Fly fast, and save yourselves from near decay;
near decay > imminent death
4 Here may you not have entrance, though we would:
would > [would be pleased to grant it to you]
5 We would and would again, if that we could; 6 But thousand enemies about us rave,
rave > rage
7 And with long siege us in this castle hold: 8 Seven years this wise they us besieged have,
this wise > in this manner
9 And many good knights slain, that have us sought to save."
209.13
Thus as he +spoke+, loe with outragious cry
2 A thousand villeins round about them swarmd
Out of the rockes and caues adioyning nye,
4 Vile caytiue wretches, ragged, rude, deformd,
All threatning death, all in straunge manner armd,
6 Some with vnweldy clubs, some with long speares,
Some rusty kniues, some staues in fire warmd.
8 Sterne was their looke, like wild amazed steares,
Staring with hollow eyes, and stiffe vpstanding heares.
1 spoke > spake 1609
1 Thus as he spoke, lo with outrageous cry
outrageous cry > intemperate yelling
2 A thousand villeins round about them swarmed
villeins > villains; serfs
3 Out of the rocks and caves adjoining nigh, 4 Vile caitiff wretches, ragged, rude, deformed,
Vile > Despicable caitiff > servile, wretched rude > uncivilized deformed > deformed; perverted; befouled
5 All threatening death, all in strange manner armed, 6 Some with unwieldy clubs, some with long spears, 7 Some rusty knives, some staves in fire warmed.
rusty > rusty; blood-stained knives> knives; swords warmed > part-burnt (in order to harden the points)
8 Stern was their look, like wild amazed steers,
Stern > Fierce amazed > confounded, panic-stricken
9 Staring with hollow eyes and stiff upstanding hair.
Staring > Staring; glaring
209.14
Fiersly at first those knights they did assaile,
2 And droue them to recoile: but when againe
They gaue fresh charge, their forces gan to faile,
4 Vnhable their encounter to sustaine;
For with such puissaunce and impetuous maine
6 Those Champions broke on them, that forst them fly,
Like scattered +Sheepe+, whenas the Shepheards swaine
8 A Lyon and a Tigre doth espye,
With greedy pace forth rushing from the forest nye.
7 Sheepe > Speepe 1596
1 Fiercely at first those knights they did assail, 2 And drove them to recoil: but when again 3 They gave fresh charge, their forces began to fail, 4 Unable their encounter to sustain; 5 For with such puissance and impetuous main
puissance > power, strength main > force
6 Those champions broke on them, that forced them fly:
that > [that it] fly > [to] flee
7 Like scattered sheep, when the shepherd's swain
swain > boy
8 A lion and a tiger does espy, 9 With greedy pace forth rushing from the forest nigh.
greedy > eager, reckless
209.15
A while they fled, but soone returnd againe
2 With greater fury, then before was found;
And euermore their cruell +Captaine+
4 Sought with his raskall routs t'enclose them round,
And ouerrun to tread them to the ground.
6 But soone the knights with their bright-burning blades
Broke their rude troupes, and orders did confound,
8 Hewing and slashing at their idle shades;
For though they bodies seeme, yet substance from them fades.
3 Captaine > Capitaine 1609
1 Awhile they fled, but soon returned again 2 With greater fury than before was found; 3 And evermore their cruel captain 4 Sought with his rascal routs to enclose them round,
rascal routs > rabble
5 And overrun to tread them to the ground.
overrun > [to overrun them]
6 But soon the knights with their bright-burning blades 7 Broke their rude troops, and orders did confound,
rude > clumsy orders > [their] ranks
8 Hewing and slashing at their idle shades;
idle > empty shades > shadows
9 For though they bodies seem, yet substance from them fades.
fades > vanishes (cf. 105.15:5)
209.16
As when a swarme of Gnats at euentide
2 Out of the fennes of Allan do arise,
Their murmuring small trompets sounden wide,
4 Whiles in the aire their clustring army flies,
That as a cloud doth seeme to dim the skies;
6 Ne man nor beast may rest, or take repast,
For their sharpe wounds, and noyous iniuries,
8 Till the fierce Northerne wind +with+ blustring blast
Doth blow them quite away, and in the Ocean cast.
8 with > omitted from 1596
1 As when a swarm of gnats at eventide 2 Out of the fens of Allen do arise,
Allen > (The Bog of Allen, a 372 square-mile peat morass in NW Ireland; the Lough of Allen is cited as one source of Ireland's principal river, the Shannon)
3 Their murmuring small trumpets sound wide, 4 While in the air their clustering army flies, 5 That, as a cloud, does seem to dim the skies; 6 Neither man nor beast may rest, or take repast, 7 For their sharp wounds, and noyous injuries,
noyous > vexatious injuries > wrongs inflicted; hence: attacks
8 Till the fierce northern wind, with blustering blast, 9 Does blow them quite away, and in the ocean cast.
209.17
Thus when they had that troublous rout disperst,
2 Vnto the castle gate they come againe,
And entraunce crau'd, which was denied erst.
4 Now when report of that their +perilous+ paine,
And combrous +conflict+, which they did sustaine,
6 Came to the Ladies eare, which there did dwell,
She forth issewed with a goodly traine
8 Of Squires and Ladies equipaged well,
And entertained them right fairely, as befell.
4 perilous > perlous 1590 5 conflict > comflict 1596
1 Thus when they had that troublous rout dispersed, 2 To the castle gate they come again, 3 And entrance craved, which was denied erst.
erst > at first; lately
4 Now when report of that their perilous pain, 5 And cumbrous conflict, which they did sustain,
cumbrous > harassing (cf. 101.23)
6 Came to the lady's ear, which there did dwell, 7 She forth issued with a goodly train
goodly > courteous, kindly; comely
8 Of squires and ladies equipaged well,
squires > attendants equipaged > fitted out
9 And entertained them right fairly, as befell.
entertained > received fairly > courteously, well; becomingly befell > was fitting
209.18
Alma she called was, a virgin bright;
2 That had not yet felt Cupides wanton rage,
Yet was she +woo'd+ of many a gentle knight,
4 And many a Lord of noble parentage,
That sought with her to lincke in marriage:
6 For she was faire, as faire mote euer bee,
And in the flowre now of her freshest age;
8 Yet full of grace and goodly modestee,
That euen heauen reioyced her sweete face to see.
3 woo'd > wooed 1590
1 Alma she called was, a virgin bright,
bright > beautiful
2 That had not yet felt Cupid's wanton rage, 3 Yet was she wooed of many a gentle knight,
of > by gentle > noble
4 And many a lord of noble parentage, 5 That sought with her to link in marriage: 6 For she was fair, as fair might ever be, 7 And in the flower now of her freshest age; 8 Yet full of grace and goodly modesty, 9 That even heaven rejoiced her sweet face to see.
That > [So that]
209.19
In robe of lilly white she was arayd,
2 That from her shoulder to her heele downe raught,
The traine whereof loose far behind her strayd,
4 Braunched with gold and pearle, most richly wrought,
And borne of two faire Damsels, which were taught
6 That seruice well. Her yellow golden heare
Was trimly wouen, and in tresses wrought,
8 Ne other tyre she on her head did weare,
But crowned with a garland of sweete Rosiere.
1 In robe of lily white she was arrayed, 2 That from her shoulder to her heel down raught,
raught > reached
3 The train whereof loose far behind her strayed, 4 Branched with gold and pearl, most richly wrought,
Branched > {Embroidered with a branching pattern}
5 And borne of two fair damsels, who were taught
of > by
6 That service well. Her yellow golden hair 7 Was trimly woven, and in tresses wrought, 8 No other tire she on her head did wear,
tire > head-dress; garment
9 But crowned with a garland of sweet rosier.
crowned > [was crowned] rosier > rose-tree, rose-bush; hence: roses
209.20
Goodly she entertaind those noble knights,
2 And brought them vp into her castle hall;
Where gentle court and gracious delight
4 She to them made, with mildnesse virginall,
Shewing her selfe both wise and liberall:
6 +There+ when they rested had a season dew,
They her besought of fauour speciall,
8 Of that faire Castle to affoord them vew;
She graunted, and them leading forth, the same did shew.
6 There > Then 1590
1 Goodly she entertained those noble knights,
Goodly > Courteously entertained > received
2 And brought them up into her castle hall; 3 Where gentle court and gracious delight
gentle > gentle; noble court > {Courteous attention}
4 She to them made, with mildness virginal,
mildness > kindness, considerateness, graciousness
5 Showing herself both wise and liberal:
liberal > open-hearted
6 There, when they rested had a season due,
a season due > for a fitting period
7 They her besought of favour special,
her besought of favour special > [asked her for special favour, asked her as a special favour]
8 Of that fair castle to afford them view; 9 She granted and, them leading forth, the same did show.
209.21
First she +them+ led vp to the Castle wall,
2 That was so high, as foe might not it clime,
And all so faire, and +fensible+ withall,
4 Not built of bricke, ne yet of stone and lime,
But of thing like to that AEgyptian slime,
6 Whereof king Nine whilome built Babell towre;
But {o^} great pitty, that no lenger time
8 So goodly workemanship should not endure:
Soone it must turne to earth; no earthly thing is sure.
1 them > him 1590 3 fensible > sensible 1596, 1609
1 First she them led up to the castle wall, 2 That was so high as foe might not it climb,
as > [that a]
3 And all so fair, and fencible withal,
all so > all so; also fencible > strong, well-fortified, defensible
4 Not built of brick, nor yet of stone and lime, 5 But of thing like to that Egyptian slime
like to > resembling slime > (See Gen. 2.7)
6 Whereof King Ninus whilom built Babel Tower;
Ninus > (King Ninus of Assyria, fl. c. 1250 BC. The reputed founder
of Nineveh)
whilom > in ancient times
Babel Tower > (The tower of Babylon, built by Nimrod; see Gen. 11)
7 But O great pity that no longer time 8 So goodly workmanship should not endure:
So > Such not > (The double negative serves as an intensive)
9 Soon it must turn to earth; no earthly thing is sure.
209.22
The frame thereof seemd partly circulare,
2 And part triangulare, {o^} worke diuine;
Those two the first and last proportions are,
4 The one imperfect, mortall, f{oe}minine;
Th'other immortall, perfect, masculine,
6 And twixt them both a quadrate was the base,
Proportioned equally by seuen and nine;
8 Nine was the circle set in heauens place,
All which compacted made a goodly +diapase+.
9 diapase > Dyapase 1590 etc.: FE
1 The frame thereof seemed partly circular,
frame > structure; architectural intent (see Hamilton 1980)
2 And part triangular, O work divine; 3 Those two the first and last proportions are, 4 The one imperfect, mortal, feminine; 5 The other immortal, perfect, masculine, 6 And, 'twixt them both, a quadrate was the base,
quadrate > rectangle
7 Proportioned equally by seven and nine; 8 Nine was the circle set in heaven's place, 9 All which, compacted, made a goodly diapason.
compacted > combined goodly > fine, beautiful diapason > harmony, concord
209.23
Therein two gates were placed seemly well:
2 The one before, by which all in did pas,
Did th'other far in workmanship excell;
4 For not of wood, nor of enduring bras,
But of more worthy substance fram'd it was;
6 Doubly disparted, it did locke and close,
That when it locked, none might thorough pas,
8 And when it opened, no man might it close,
Still open to their friends, and closed to their foes.
1 Therein two gates were placed seemly well:
two gates > [the mouth and the anus] seemly > fittingly (i.e. in opposition)
2 The one before, by which all in did pas,
before > in front pas > pass; pace
3 Did the other far in workmanship excel; 4 For not of wood, nor of enduring brass, 5 But of more worthy substance framed it was;
framed > fashioned, made
6 Doubly disparted, it did lock and close,
disparted > divided (i.e. into upper and lower jaws)
7 That when it locked, none might through pas,
That > [So that] pas > (Takes the meaning alternate to that of "pas" in line 2, thus allowing the rhyme)
8 And when it opened, no man might it close, 9 Still open to their friends, and closed to their foes.
Still > Continually
209.24
Of hewen stone the porch was fairely wrought,
2 Stone more of valew, and more smooth and fine,
Then Iet or Marble far from Ireland brought;
4 Ouer the which was cast a wandring vine,
Enchaced with a wanton yuie twine.
6 And ouer it a faire Portcullis hong,
Which to the gate directly did incline,
8 With comely compasse, and compacture strong,
Neither vnseemely short, nor yet exceeding long.
1 Of hewn stone the porch was fairly wrought,
porch > [chin] fairly > expertly; beautifully
2 Stone more of value, and more smooth and fine, 3 Than jet or marble far from Ireland brought; 4 Over which was cast a wandering vine,
vine > [the beard]
5 Enchased with a wanton ivy twine.
Enchased > Adorned wanton > luxuriant, rank twine > [the moustache]
6 And over it a fair portcullis hung,
portcullis > [the nose]
7 Which to the gate directly did incline, 8 With comely compass, and compacture strong,
compass > proportion compacture > {Compact structure; manner of putting closely together}
9 Neither unseemly short, nor yet exceeding long.
209.25
Within the Barbican a Porter sate,
2 Day and night duely keeping watch and ward,
Nor wight, nor word mote passe out of the gate,
4 But in good order, and with dew regard;
Vtterers of secrets he from thence debard,
6 Bablers of folly, and blazers of crime.
His larumbell might lowd and wide be hard,
8 When cause requird, but neuer out of time;
Early and late it rong, at euening and at prime.
1 Within the barbican a porter sat,
barbican > {Outer defence of a castle, esp. a tower erected over a gate or bridge; hence: the mouth} porter > [the tongue]
2 Day and night duly keeping watch and ward,
ward > guard ("watch and ward" was formerly a common compound sb.)
3 Nor wight nor word might pass out of the gate,
Nor > Neither wight > person, creature
4 But in good order, and with due regard; 5 Utterers of secrets he from thence debarred,
debarred > kept out
6 Babblers of folly, and blazers of crime.
blazers > proclaimers
7 His larumbell might loud and wide be heard,
larumbell > alarm-bell
8 When cause required, but never out of time; 9 Early and late it rang, at evening and at prime.
prime > sunrise; 6 a.m.
209.26
And round about the porch on euery side
2 Twise sixteen warders sat, all armed bright
In glistring steele, and strongly fortifide:
4 Tall yeomen seemed they, and of great might,
And were enraunged ready, still for fight.
6 By them as Alma passed with her guestes,
They did obeysaunce, as beseemed right,
8 And then againe returned to their restes:
The Porter eke to her did lout with humble gestes.
1 And round about the porch on every side 2 Twice sixteen warders sat, all armed bright
warders > [the teeth]
3 In glistering steel, and strongly fortified: 4 Tall yeomen seemed they, and of great might,
Tall > Doughty; comely
5 And were enranged ready, still for fight.
enranged > arranged; ranged [in battle-order] still > continuously
6 By them as Alma passed with her guests, 7 They did obeisance, as beseemed right,
beseemed right > [was rightly fitting]
8 And then again returned to their rests: 9 The porter eke to her did lout with humble gests.
eke > also lout > bow, stoop gests > gestures
209.27
Thence she them brought into a stately Hall,
2 Wherein were many tables faire dispred,
And ready dight with drapets festiuall,
4 Against the viaundes should be ministred.
At th'upper end there sate, yclad in red
6 Downe to the ground, a comely personage,
That in his hand a white rod menaged,
8 He Steward was hight Diet; rype of age,
And in demeanure sober, and in counsell sage.
1 Thence she them brought into a stately hall,
hall > [the pharynx]
2 Wherein were many tables fair dispread,
dispread > spread out
3 And ready dight with drapets festival,
dight > decked; hence: spread drapets > coverings festival > {Befitting a feast}
4 Against the viands should be ministered.
Against > In preparation for [the time when] ministered > served
5 At the upper end there sat, clad in red 6 Down to the ground, a comely personage, 7 That in his hand a white rod managed,
white rod > {Mark of authority, sceptre, mace; allegorically, the uvula} managed > wielded
8 He, steward, was hight Diet; ripe of age,
steward > (The earliest meaning (to 1580) of "spencer") hight > named
9 And in demeanour sober, and in counsel sage.
209.28
And through the Hall there walked to and fro
2 A iolly yeoman, Marshall of the same,
Whose name was Appetite; he did bestow
4 Both guestes and meate, when euer in they came,
And knew them how to order without blame,
6 As him the Steward bad. They both attone
Did dewty to their Lady, as became;
8 Who passing by, forth led her guestes anone
Into the kitchin rowme, ne spard for nicenesse none.
1 And through the hall there walked to and fro 2 A jolly yeoman, marshal of the same,
jolly > fine; gallant; amorous yeoman > servant; assistant [to Diet]
3 Whose name was Appetite; he did bestow
bestow > place, locate
4 Both guests and meat, whenever in they came,
meat > food
5 And knew them how to order without blame,
order > arrange blame > fault
6 As him the steward bade. They both at one
at one > together; in concord
7 Did duty to their lady, as became;
became > was fitting
8 Who, passing by, forth led her guests anon
anon > straightway
9 Into the kitchen room, nor spared for niceness none.
kitchen room > [stomach] niceness > fastidiousness
209.29
It was a vaut ybuilt for great dispence,
2 With many raunges reard along the wall;
And one great chimney, whose long tonnell thence,
4 The smoke forth threw. And in the midst of all
There placed was a caudron wide and tall,
6 Vpon a mighty furnace, burning whot,
More whot, then Aetn', or flaming Mongiball:
8 For day and night it brent, ne ceased not,
So long as any thing it in the caudron got.
1 It was a vault built for great dispense,
dispense > dispensation, management; expenditure
2 With many ranges reared along the wall; 3 And one great chimney, whose long tunnel thence 4 The smoke forth threw. And in the midst of all 5 There placed was a cauldron wide and tall, 6 Upon a mighty furnace, burning hot, 7 More hot than Etna, or flaming Mongiball:
Etna > (The volcano in Sicily, which was unusually active in the
sixteenth century)
Mongiball > (Another name for Mount Etna, from the Italian,
Mongibello)
8 For day and night it burnt, nor ceased not,
not > (The double negative serves as an intensive)
9 So long as anything it in the cauldron got.
209.30
But to delay the heat, least by mischaunce
2 It might breake out, and set the whole on fire,
There added was by goodly ordinaunce,
4 An huge great paire of bellowes, which did styre
Continually, and cooling breath inspyre.
6 About the Caudron many Cookes accoyld,
With hookes and ladles, as need did require;
8 The whiles the viandes in the vessell boyld
They did about their businesse sweat, and sorely toyld.
1 But to delay the heat, lest by mischance
delay > mitigate, assuage
2 It might break out, and set the whole on fire, 3 There added was, by goodly ordinance,
goodly > expert ordinance > provision; decree, divine decree
4 A huge great pair of bellows, which did stir
bellows > [the lungs]
5 Continually, and cooling breath inspire.
inspire > inhale
6 About the cauldron many cooks accoiled,
accoiled > collected, assembled (WU)
7 With hooks and ladles, as need did require; 8 While the viands in the vessel boiled 9 They did about their business sweat, and sorely toiled.
209.31
The maister Cooke was cald Concoction,
2 A carefull man, and full of comely guise:
The kitchin Clerke, that hight Digestion,
4 Did order all +th'Achates+ in seemely wise,
And set them forth, as well he could deuise.
6 The rest had seuerall offices assind,
Some to remoue the scum, as it did rise;
8 Others to beare the same away did mind;
And others it to vse according to his kind.
4 th'Achates > the cates 1609
1 The master cook was called Concoction, 2 A careful man, and full of comely guise:
guise > behaviour
3 The kitchen clerk, that hight Digestion,
hight > was called
4 Did order all the achates in seemly wise,
order > arrange achates > {Things purchased; cates, viands, provisions, delicacies} wise > manner
5 And set them forth, as well he could devise.
devise > skilfully contrive
6 The rest had several offices assigned,
several offices > specific duties
7 Some to remove the scum, as it did rise; 8 Others to bear the same away did mind; 9 And others it to use according to his kind.
his > his; its
209.32
But all the liquour, which was fowle and wast,
2 Not good nor seruiceable else for ought,
They in another great round vessell plast,
4 Till by a conduit pipe it thence were brought:
And all the rest, that noyous was, and nought,
6 By secret wayes, that none might it espy,
Was close conuaid, and to the back-gate brought,
8 That cleped was Port Esquiline, whereby
It was auoided quite, and throwne out priuily.
1 But all the liquor, which was foul and waste,
liquor > liquid, fluid
2 Not good nor serviceable else for aught,
else > otherwise
3 They in another great round vessel placed,
vessel > [the bladder]
4 Till by a conduit pipe it thence was brought:
conduit pipe > [the urethra]
5 And all the rest, that noyous was, and naught,
noyous > noisome, obnoxious naught > worthless
6 By secret ways, that none might it espy,
that > [so that]
7 Was close conveyed, and to the back gate brought,
close > secretly conveyed > conveyed; removed in an underhand manner back gate > [the anus]
8 That cleped was Port Esquiline, whereby
cleped > named
Port > Gate
Esquiline > (Esquilina, the Esquiline Gate in ancient Rome, the
outermost gate, named after the largest of the hills on which
Rome was built; it gave access to a common dump)
9 It was avoided quite, and thrown out privily.
avoided > ejected, voided privily > covertly
209.33
Which goodly order, and great workmans skill
2 Whenas those knights beheld, with rare delight,
And gazing wonder they their minds did fill;
4 For neuer had they seene so straunge a sight.
Thence backe againe faire Alma led them right,
6 And soone into a goodly Parlour brought,
That was with royall arras richly dight,
8 In which was nothing pourtrahed, nor wrought,
Not wrought, nor pourtrahed, but easie to be thought.
1 Which goodly order, and great workman's skill, 2 When those knights beheld, with rare delight 3 And gazing wonder they their minds did fill; 4 For never had they seen so strange a sight. 5 Thence back again fair Alma led them right, 6 And soon into a goodly parlour brought,
parlour > [the heart]
7 That was with royal arras richly dight,
arras > {Tapestry wall-hangings} dight > decked; hence: hung
8 In which was nothing portrayed, nor wrought, 9 Not wrought, nor portrayed, but easy to be thought.
but > [but was; except that which was]
209.34
And in the midst thereof vpon the floure,
2 A louely beuy of faire Ladies sate,
Courted of many a iolly Paramoure,
4 The which them did in modest wise amate,
And eachone sought his Lady to aggrate:
6 And eke emongst them litle Cupid playd
His wanton sports, being returned late
8 From his fierce warres, and hauing from him layd
His cruell bow, wherewith he thousands hath dismayd.
1 And in the midst thereof, upon the floor, 2 A lovely bevy of fair ladies sat, 3 Courted of many a jolly paramour,
of > by jolly > amorous; gallant; fine; handsome
4 Who them did in modest wise amate,
wise > manner amate > {Be a mate to, equal; hence: consort with}
5 And each one sought his lady to aggrate:
aggrate > gratify (SUS)
6 And eke amongst them little Cupid played
eke > also
7 His wanton sports, being returned late
wanton > frisky, playful; lewd late > lately
8 From his fierce wars, and having from him laid
from him laid > [laid down]
9 His cruel bow, wherewith he thousands has dismayed.
wherewith > with which dismayed > dismayed; defeated
209.35
Diuerse delights they found them selues to please;
2 Some song in sweet consort, some laught for ioy,
Some plaid with strawes, some +idly+ sat at ease;
4 But other some could not abide to toy,
All pleasaunce was to them griefe and annoy:
6 This fround, that faund, the third for shame did blush,
Another seemed enuious, or coy,
8 Another in her teeth did gnaw a rush:
But at these straungers presence euery one did hush.
3 idly > idle 1609
1 Diverse delights they found themselves to please;
Diverse > Diverse; also: distracting (SUS)
2 Some sang in sweet consort, some laughed for joy,
consort > concert; accord, consent
3 Some played with straws, some idly sat at ease;
with straws > ?on pipes (cf. 100.1:4, 102.28:9)
4 But other some could not abide to toy:
other some > some others toy > play
5 All pleasance was to them grief and annoy:
pleasance > joy, pleasing behaviour annoy > annoyance
6 This frowned, that fawned, the third for shame did blush,
fawned > {Cringed, assumed a servile manner; courted favour by affecting an abject demeanour}
7 Another seemed envious, or coy,
envious > malevolent coy > aloof, distant
8 Another in her teeth did gnaw a rush:
gnaw a rush > (Indicating indifference. Before the invention of carpets, rushes were strewn on the floor. Favoured guests were given clean rushes, but other visitors had to make do with used rushes, or none at all. Hence the phrase "not worth a rush")
9 But at these strangers' presence every one did hush.
209.36
Soone as the gracious Alma came in place,
2 They all attonce out of their seates arose,
And to her homage made, with humble grace:
4 Whom when the knights beheld, they gan dispose
Themselues to court, and each a Damsell chose:
6 The Prince by chaunce did on a Lady light,
That was right faire and fresh as morning rose,
8 But somwhat sad, and solemne eke in sight,
As if some pensiue thought constraind her gentle spright.
1 Soon as the gracious Alma came in place,
Soon > [As soon] in place > there
2 They all at once out of their seats arose,
at once > together, simultaneously
3 And to her homage made, with humble grace: 4 Whom when the knights beheld, they gan dispose
gan > did
5 Themselves to court, and each a damsel chose: 6 The prince by chance did on a lady light,
light > alight, chance
7 That was right fair and fresh as morning rose,
right > very
8 But somewhat sad, and solemn eke in sight,
eke > also sight > appearance
9 As if some pensive thought constrained her gentle spirit.
pensive > anxious constrained > afflicted, distressed gentle > noble; gentle
209.37
In a long purple pall, whose skirt with +gold,+
2 Was fretted all about, she was arayd;
And in her hand a Poplar braunch did hold:
4 To whom the Prince in curteous manner said;
Gentle Madame, why beene ye thus dismaid,
6 And your faire beautie do with sadnesse spill?
Liues any, that you hath thus ill apaid?
8 Or doen +you+ loue, or doen you lacke your will?
What euer be the cause, it sure beseemes you ill.
1 gold, > gold 1609 8 you > your 1590, 1596: FE
1 In a long purple pall, whose skirt with gold
pall > robe, cloak
2 Was fretted all about, she was arrayed;
fretted > {Adorned with interlaced work}
3 And in her hand a poplar branch did hold:
poplar > (Sacred to Hercules, so associating her with the quest for glory; she is named "Praise-desire")
4 To whom the prince in courteous manner said: 5 "Gentle madam, why been you thus dismayed,
Gentle > Noble; gentle been > [are] dismayed > (The pun, "dis-maid", rather resembles the one at 202.8:7; see also 203.42:3)
6 And your fair beauty do with sadness spill?
spill > mar
7 Lives any, that you has thus ill apaid?
apaid > pleased; repaid
8 Or do you love, or do you lack your will?
Or > Either (somewhat pleonastic, and thus intensive) lack > want, feel the need of
9 Whatever be the cause, it sure beseems you ill."
beseems > suits
209.38
Faire Sir, (said she halfe in disdainefull wise,)
2 How is it, that this +word+ in me ye blame,
And in your selfe do not the same aduise?
4 Him ill beseemes, anothers fault to name,
That may vnwares be blotted with the same:
6 Pensiue I yeeld I am, and sad in mind,
Through great desire of glory and of fame;
8 Ne ought I weene are ye therein behind,
That haue +twelue moneths+ sought one, yet no where can her find.
2 word > mood corr. Drayton, whose copy of 1611 was acquired by Collier; cf. 202.7:7 9 twelue moneths > three years 1590. The change agrees with 109.15; see also 209.7
1 "Fair sir," said she, half in disdainful wise,
wise > manner
2 "How is it that this word in me you blame,
word > (A colloquialism: the thing spoken of, the subject in hand; hence, here: mien, mood (see Textual Appendix)) blame > reprove
3 And in yourself do not the same advise?
advise > perceive
4 Him ill beseems, another's fault to name,
beseems > suits, becomes
5 That may unwares be blotted with the same:
unwares > unwittingly
6 Pensive I yield I am, and sad in mind,
Pensive > Anxious; thoughtful
7 Through great desire of glory and of fame; 8 Neither aught I ween are you therein behind,
aught > in any way ween > think
9 That have twelve months sought one, yet nowhere can her find."
one > [the Faery Queen]
209.39
The Prince was inly moued at her speach,
2 Well weeting trew, what she had rashly told;
Yet with faire +semblaunt+ sought to hide the breach,
4 Which chaunge of colour did perforce vnfold,
Now seeming flaming whot, now stony cold.
6 Tho turning soft aside, he did inquire,
What wight she was, that Poplar braunch did hold:
8 It answered was, her name was Prays-desire,
That by well doing sought to honour to aspire.
3 semblaunt > samblaunt 1596
1 The prince was inly moved at her speech,
inly > inwardly
2 Well weeting true, what she had rashly told;
weeting > knowing [to be]
3 Yet with fair semblant sought to hide the breach
semblant > expression; demeanour, outward show; pretence breach > {Broken or injured spot; hence: raw nerve}
4 Which change of colour did perforce unfold,
unfold > reveal, make plain
5 Now seeming flaming hot, now stony cold. 6 Tho turning soft aside, he did inquire
Tho > Then
7 What wight she was, that poplar branch did hold:
wight > person, lady poplar > [a poplar]
8 It answered was, her name was Praise-desire, 9 That by well doing sought to honour to aspire.
209.40
The whiles, the Faerie knight did entertaine
2 Another Damsell of that gentle crew,
That was right faire, and modest of demaine,
4 But that too oft she chaung'd her natiue hew:
Straunge was her tyre, and all her garment blew,
6 Close round +about her+ tuckt with many a plight:
Vpon her fist the bird, which shonneth vew,
8 And keepes in couerts close from liuing wight,
Did sit, as yet ashamd, how rude Pan did her dight.
6 about her > abouther 1596
1 The whiles, the Faery knight did entertain
The whiles > Meanwhile
2 Another damsel of that gentle crew,
gentle > noble; gentle
3 That was right fair, and modest of demean,
right > very demean > bearing, demeanour
4 But that too oft she changed her native hue:
But > Except hue > colour, complexion
5 Strange was her tire, and all her garment blue,
tire > attire; head-dress
6 Close round about her tucked with many a plait:
plait > pleat
7 Upon her fist the bird which shuns view,
bird > (Variously identified as the turtle dove, wryneck, owl, or cuckoo)
8 And keeps in coverts close from living wight,
close > hidden wight > mortal, creature
9 Did sit, as yet ashamed how rude Pan did her dight.
how rude > by the way that crude; and: how crudely Pan > (Greek god of woods and shepherds, a man above and a goat below, sometimes depicted with goat's ears and horns) dight > deal with (esp. sexually. The legend is not identifiable)
209.41
So long as Guyon with her +commoned+,
2 Vnto the ground she cast her modest eye,
And euer and anone with rosie red
4 The bashfull bloud her snowy cheekes did dye,
That her became, as polisht yuory,
6 Which cunning +Craftesman+ hand hath ouerlayd
With faire vermilion or pure +Castory+.
8 Great wonder had the knight, to see the mayd
So straungely passioned, and to her gently sayd,
1 commoned > communed 1609 6 Craftesman > Craftesmans 1609 7 Castory > lastery 1590 etc.: FE
1 So long as Guyon with her commoned,
commoned > conversed
2 To the ground she cast her modest eye, 3 And ever and anon with rosy red 4 The bashful blood her snowy cheeks did dye, 5 That her became, as polished ivory 6 Which cunning craftsman's hand has overlaid 7 With fair vermilion or pure castor.
vermilion > {Scarlet-giving pigment, esp. cinnabar or red crystal- line mercuric sulphide, used as a dye} castor > {Castoreum, a reddish substance obtained from the beaver and used for medicine and perfumery}
8 Great wonder had the knight, to see the maid 9 So strangely passioned, and to her gently said,
passioned > affected gently > politely
209.42
Faire Damzell, seemeth, by your troubled +cheare+,
2 That either me too bold ye weene, this wise
You to molest, or other ill to feare
4 That in the secret of your hart close lyes,
From whence it doth, as cloud from sea arise.
6 If it be I, of pardon I you pray;
But if ought else that I mote not deuise,
8 I will, if please you it discure, assay,
To ease you of that ill, so wisely as I may.
1 cheare > cleare 1590 (i.e. clearness of mind or conscience)
1 "Fair damsel, seems by your troubled cheer
seems > [it seems] cheer > expression
2 That either me too bold you ween, this wise
ween > think this wise > in this manner
3 You to molest, or other ill to fear
molest > vex ill > evil, harm
4 That in the secret of your heart close lies, 5 From whence it does as cloud from sea arise. 6 If it be I, of pardon I you pray;
of > for pray > entreat
7 But if aught else that I might not devise,
devise > conceive, conjecture, guess [at]
8 I will, if please you it discover, essay,
discover > [to] discover, [to] reveal [to me] essay > try
9 To ease you of that ill, so wisely as I may."
wisely > sagely; skilfully
209.43
She answerd nought, but more abasht for shame,
2 Held downe her head, the whiles her louely face
The flashing bloud with blushing did inflame,
4 And the strong passion mard her modest grace,
That Guyon meruayld at her vncouth cace:
6 Till Alma him bespake, +why+ wonder yee
Faire Sir at that, which ye so much embrace?
8 She is the fountaine of your modestee;
You +shamefast+ are, but Shamefastnesse it selfe is shee.
6 why > Why 1609 9 shamefast > shamefac't 1609
1 She answered naught, but, more abashed for shame, 2 Held down her head, while her lovely face 3 The flashing blood with blushing did inflame,
flashing > rushing
4 And the strong passion marred her modest grace, 5 That Guyon marvelled at her uncouth case;
That > [So that] uncouth > strange; unseemly
6 Till Alma him bespoke: "Why wonder you,
bespoke > addressed
7 Fair sir, at that which you so much embrace? 8 She is the fountain of your modesty;
fountain > source, well-head
9 You shamefast are, but Shamefastness itself is she."
shamefast > shy, bashful; ashamed
209.44
Thereat the Elfe did blush in priuitee,
2 And turnd his face away; but she the same
Dissembled faire, and faynd to ouersee.
4 Thus they awhile with court and goodly game,
Themselues did solace each one with his Dame,
6 Till that great Ladie thence away them sought,
To vew her castles other wondrous frame.
8 Vp to a stately Turret she them brought,
Ascending by ten steps of Alablaster wrought.
1 Thereat the Elf did blush in privity,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that in privity > privately
2 And turned his face away; but she the same 3 Dissembled fair, and fained to oversee.
fair > courteously; expertly fained > feigned; or: was pleased oversee > overlook
4 Thus they awhile with court and goodly game
court > {Courteous or amorous attention} goodly > courteous, gracious; fine, elevated game > amusement
5 Themselves did solace each one with his dame,
solace > entertain
6 Till that great lady thence away them sought,
sought > invited
7 To view her castle's other wondrous frame.
frame > structure
8 Up to a stately turret she them brought,
turret > [the head]
9 Ascending by ten steps of alabaster wrought.
steps > [vertebrae]
209.45
That Turrets frame most admirable was,
2 Like highest heauen compassed around,
And lifted high aboue this earthly masse,
4 Which it suruew'd, as hils doen lower ground;
But not on ground mote like to this be found,
6 Not that, which antique Cadmus whylome built
In Thebes, which Alexander did confound;
8 Nor that proud towre of Troy, though richly guilt,
From which young Hectors bloud by cruell Greekes was spilt.
1 That turret's frame most admirable was,
frame > structure admirable > wonderful
2 Like highest heaven compassed around,
compassed around > encircled, surrounded
3 And lifted high above this earthly mass, 4 Which it surviewed, as hills do lower ground;
surviewed > overlooked, commanded
5 But not on ground might like to this be found,
on ground > in the world like to > [anything like]
6 Not that, which antique Cadmus whilom built
antique > ancient Cadmus > (Fl. c. 493 BC: the founder of Thebes) whilom > in ancient times
7 In Thebes, which Alexander did confound;
Thebes > (In Egypt, on both banks of the Nile, part of its site being later occupied by Luxor and Karnak) Alexander > (Alexander the Great, 356-323 BC, King of Macedon. Thebes was his first major conquest) confound > overthrow (see Met. 3.1-130)
8 Nor that proud tower of Troy, though richly gilt,
gilt > gilded
9 From which young Hector's blood by cruel Greeks was spilt.
young Hector > (Astyanax, son of Andromache and Hector (who was in turn the son of Priam, the last king of Troy); Astyanax was thrown from the tower by the Greeks when they captured Troy. See Met. 13.415-7)
209.46
The roofe hereof was arched ouer head,
2 And deckt with flowers and herbars daintily;
Two goodly Beacons, set in watches stead,
4 Therein gaue light, and flam'd continually:
For they of liuing fire most subtilly
6 Were made, and set in siluer sockets bright,
Couer'd with lids deuiz'd of substance sly,
8 That readily they shut and open might.
O who can tell the prayses of that makers might!
1 The roof hereof was arched overhead, 2 And decked with flowers and herbars daintily;
herbars > herb-gardens [the hair]
3 Two goodly beacons, set in watches' stead,
beacons > [the eyes] watches > sentinels stead > place
4 Therein gave light, and flamed continually: 5 For they of living fire most subtly
subtly > intricately, abstrusely; skilfully
6 Were made, and set in silver sockets bright, 7 Covered with lids devised of substance sly,
sly > ingenious
8 That readily they shut and open might.
That > [So that]
9 O who can tell the praises of that Maker's might!
209.47
Ne can I tell, ne can I stay to tell
2 This parts great workmanship, and wondrous powre,
That all this other worlds worke doth excell,
4 And likest is vnto that heauenly towre,
That God hath built for his owne blessed bowre.
6 Therein were diuerse roomes, and diuerse stages,
But three the chiefest, and of greatest powre,
8 In which there dwelt three honorable sages,
The wisest men, I weene, that liued in their ages.
1 Nor can I tell, nor can I stay to tell 2 This part's great workmanship, and wondrous power,
This part > [The head]
3 That all this other world's work does excel, 4 And likest is that heavenly tower
likest > most like
5 That God has built for His own blessed bower.
bower > dwelling, residence
6 Therein were diverse rooms, and diverse stages,
diverse > diverse; also: distracting (SUS) stages > steps; storeys
7 But three the chiefest, and of greatest power,
the chiefest > [were] the most important
8 In which there dwelt three honourable sages, 9 The wisest men, I ween, that lived in their ages.
ween > think, believe
209.48
Not he, whom Greece, the Nourse of all good arts,
2 By Ph{oe}bus doome, the wisest thought aliue,
Might be compar'd to +these+ by many parts:
4 Nor that sage Pylian syre, which did suruiue
Three ages, such as mortall men contriue,
6 By whose aduise old Priams cittie fell,
With these in praise of pollicies mote striue.
8 These three in these three roomes did sundry dwell,
And counselled faire Alma, how to gouerne well.
3 these > this 1590
1 Not he whom Greece, the nurse of all good arts, 2 By Phoebus' doom the wisest thought alive,
Phoebus > (Apollo's oracle at Delphi judged Socrates the wisest man alive) doom > judgement, opinion
3 Might be compared to these by many parts:
parts > times [over]
4 Nor that sage Pylian sire (who did survive
Pylian > (Nestor, son of the king of Pylus; the oldest and wisest of the Greek heroes who overthrew Troy) sire > elder
5 Three ages, such as mortal men contrive,
Three ages > (Nestor had already counselled two generations of Greeks before he came to advise Agamemnon (Iliad 1.247-52)) contrive > wear down (of time); hence: live through
6 By whose advice old Priam's city fell),
By > [And by]
Priam > (The last king of Troy)
7 With these in praise of policies might strive.
praise > praiseworthiness
8 These three in these three rooms did sundry dwell,
sundry > separately
9 And counselled fair Alma how to govern well.
209.49
The first of them could things to come foresee:
2 The next could of things present best aduize;
The third things past could keepe in memoree,
4 So that no time, nor +reason+ could arize,
But that the same could one of these comprize.
6 For thy the first did in the forepart sit,
That nought mote hinder his quicke preiudize:
8 He had a sharpe foresight, and working wit,
That neuer idle was, ne once +could+ rest a whit.
4 reason > season corr. Drayton, per Collier (cf. 209.38:2) 9 could > would 1590
1 The first of them could things to come foresee: 2 The next could of things present best advise; 3 The third things past could keep in memory, 4 So that no time, nor reason could arise, 5 But that the same could one of these comprise.
comprise > comprehend
6 For-thy the first did in the fore-part sit,
For-thy > For this reason, therefore
7 That naught might hinder his quick prejudice:
That > [So that] prejudice > anticipation
8 He had a sharp foresight, and working wit,
working wit > active intelligence
9 That never idle was, nor once could rest a whit.
idle > idle; weak-headed, unavailing
209.50
His chamber was dispainted all within,
2 With sundry colours, in the which were writ
Infinite shapes of things dispersed thin;
4 Some such as in the world were neuer yit,
Ne can deuized be of mortall wit;
6 Some daily seene, and knowen by their names,
Such as in idle fantasies doe flit:
8 Infernall Hags, Centaurs, feendes, Hippodames,
Apes, Lions, {AE}gles, Owles, fooles, louers, children, Dames.
1 His chamber was dispainted all within
dispainted > diversely painted (WU)
2 With sundry colours, in which were writ
writ > drawn, painted
3 Infinite shapes of things dispersed thin; 4 Some such as in the world were never yet,
yet > yet (adv.); cast, moulded (pa. ppl.); hence: created
5 Nor can devised be of mortal wit;
of > by wit > mind, intelligence
6 Some daily seen, and known by their names, 7 Such as in idle fantasies do flit: 8 Infernal hags, centaurs, fiends, hippodames,
centaur > {Fabulous creature with the head, arms and trunk of a man and the lower parts of a horse} hippodame > ?hippopotamus (from the medieval spelling "ypotame"; or perhaps this is a new creature, invented by Spenser, half horse and half woman, the female counterpart of the centaur. "Centaurs" and "Hippodames" are the only words italicized in the original stanza. See also 311.40:9)
9 Apes, lions, eagles, owls, fools, lovers, children, dames.
209.51
And all the chamber filled was with flyes,
2 Which buzzed all about, and made such sound,
That they encombred all mens eares and eyes,
4 Like many swarmes of Bees assembled round,
After their hiues with honny do abound:
6 All those were idle thoughts and fantasies,
Deuices, dreames, opinions vnsound,
8 Shewes, visions, sooth-sayes, and prophesies;
And all that fained is, as leasings, tales, and lies.
1 And all the chamber filled was with flies, 2 Which buzzed all about, and made such sound, 3 That they encumbered all men's ears and eyes, 4 Like many swarms of bees assembled round,
bees > ("To have your head full of bees. Full of devices, crotchets, fancies, inventions, and dreamy theories." (Brewer, 1894))
5 After their hives with honey do abound: 6 All those were idle thoughts and fantasies,
idle > foolish, weak-headed
7 Devices, dreams, opinions unsound,
Devices > Notions
8 Shows, visions, soothsays, and prophecies;
Shows > Apparitions soothsays > prognostications
9 And all that feigned is, as leasings, tales, and lies.
as > such as leasings > lies, tall stories
209.52
Emongst them all sate he, which wonned there,
2 That hight Phantastes by his nature trew;
A man of yeares yet fresh, as mote appere,
4 Of swarth complexion, and of crabbed hew,
That him full of melancholy did shew;
6 Bent hollow beetle browes, sharpe staring eyes,
That mad or foolish seemd: one by his vew
8 Mote deeme him borne with ill disposed skyes,
When oblique Saturne sate in +the house+ of agonyes.
9 the house > th'house 1609
1 Amongst them all sat he who wonned there,
wonned > dwelt
2 That hight Phantastes by his nature true;
hight > was named Phantastes > "Fantast", "Visionary" (Greek: literally, "Boaster")
3 A man of years, yet fresh as might appear, 4 Of swarth complexion, and of crabbed hue,
swarth > swart, swarthy crabbed > churlish, irritable hue > appearance
5 That him full of melancholy did show;
melancholy > {Black bile, one of the four chief humours or fluids whose proportions in the body, according to medieval physiology, determine one's constitution} show > [reveal to be]
6 Bent hollow beetle brows, sharp staring eyes,
staring > staring; glaring
7 That mad or foolish seemed: one, by his view, 8 Might deem him born with ill-disposed skies,
skies > astrological influences
9 When oblique Saturn sat in the House of Agonies.
oblique > {In the oblique ascension or declension; lying obliquely with respect to the celestial equator; also: deviating from right conduct or thought} House of Agonies > (Possibly Pisces, the twelfth and last astrological house, associated with adversity and death. A "house" in astrology is a sign of the zodiac considered as the seat of the greatest influence of a particular planet, each of the planets of the ancients having two such houses, a day house and a night house. Pisces might thus be a house of Saturn)
209.53
Whom Alma hauing shewed to her guestes,
2 Thence brought them to the second roome, whose wals
Were painted faire with memorable gestes,
4 Of famous Wisards, and with picturals
Of Magistrates, of courts, of tribunals,
6 Of commen wealthes, of states, of pollicy,
Of lawes, of iudgements, and of decretals;
8 All artes, all science, all Philosophy,
And all that in the world was aye thought wittily.
1 Whom Alma having showed to her guests, 2 Thence brought them to the second room, whose walls 3 Were painted fair with memorable gests
fair with > expertly with [representations of] gests > deeds, exploits; stories
4 Of famous wizards, and with picturals
picturals > pictures, portraits (this instance quoted by OED)
5 Of magistrates, of courts, of tribunals, 6 Of commonwealths, of states, of policy,
policy > statecraft, statesmanship
7 Of laws, of judgements, and of decretals;
decretals > decrees
8 All arts, all science, all philosophy, 9 And all that in the world was ay thought wittily.
ay > ever wittily > wisely, intelligently
209.54
Of those that roome was full, and them among
2 There sate a man of ripe and perfect age,
Who did them meditate all his life long,
4 That through continuall practise and vsage,
He now was growne right wise, and wondrous sage.
6 Great pleasure had those stranger knights, to see
His goodly reason, and graue personage,
8 That his disciples both desir'd to bee;
But Alma thence them led to th'hindmost roome of three.
1 Of those that room was full, and them among 2 There sat a man of ripe and perfect age,
perfect > full, mature
3 Who did them meditate all his life long, 4 That through continual practice and usage,
That > [So that]
5 He now was grown right wise, and wondrous sage.
right > very
6 Great pleasure had those stranger knights, to see
stranger > new-come
7 His goodly reason, and grave personage,
personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from clothing}
8 That his disciples both desired to be;
That > [So that]
9 But Alma thence them led to the hindmost room of three.
209.55
That chamber seemed ruinous and old,
2 And therefore was remoued farre behind,
Yet were the wals, that did the same vphold,
4 Right firme and strong, though somewhat they declind,
And therein sate an old oldman, halfe blind,
6 And all decrepit in his feeble corse,
Yet liuely vigour rested in his mind,
8 And recompenst him with a better scorse:
Weake body well is chang'd for minds redoubled forse.
1 That chamber seemed ruinous and old, 2 And therefore was removed far behind, 3 Yet were the walls, that did the same uphold, 4 Right firm and strong, though somewhat they declined,
Right > Very declined > leaned, slanted
5 And therein sat an old old man, half blind,
old man > (Compound sb.)
6 And all decrepit in his feeble corse,
corse > body
7 Yet lively vigour rested in his mind, 8 And recompensed him with a better scorse:
scorse > exchange, bargain
9 Weak body well is changed for mind's redoubled force.
well > advantageously
209.56
This man of infinite remembrance was,
2 And things foregone through many ages held,
Which he recorded still, as they did pas,
4 Ne suffred them to perish through long eld,
As all things else, the which this world doth weld,
6 But laid them vp in his immortall scrine,
Where they for euer incorrupted dweld:
8 The warres he well remembred of king Nine,
Of old Assaracus, and Inachus diuine.
1 This man of infinite remembrance was, 2 And things foregone through many ages held, 3 Which he recorded still, as they did pass,
still > continuously pass > happen
4 Nor suffered them to perish through long eld,
suffered > allowed eld > age, period of time
5 As all things else which this world does wield,
As > Like else > other, otherwise wield > command, reign over
6 But laid them up in his immortal scrine,
scrine > {Casket or cabinet for archival papers}
7 Where they for ever incorrupted dwelt:
incorrupted > uncorrupted
8 The wars he well remembered of King Ninus,
King Ninus > (Of Assyria, fl. c. 1250 BC. The reputed founder of
Nineveh)
9 Of old Assaracus, and Inachus divine.
Assaracus > (A mythical king of Phrygia, son of Tros (the founder of
Troy); the great-grandfather of Aeneas. See Iliad 20.231-40)
Inachus > (A river-god, king of Argos, father of Io)
209.57
The yeares of Nestor nothing were to his,
2 Ne yet Mathusalem, though longest liu'd;
For he remembred both their infancies:
4 Ne wonder then, if that he were depriu'd
Of natiue strength now, that he them suruiu'd.
6 His chamber all was hangd about with rolles,
And old records from auncient times deriu'd,
8 Some made in books, some in long parchment scrolles,
That were all worme-eaten, and full of canker holes.
1 The years of Nestor nothing were to his,
years > [age] Nestor > (See 209.48:4) to > [compared with]
2 Nor yet Methuselah, though longest lived;
Methuselah > (Who lived 969 years according to Gen. 5.27)
3 For he remembered both their infancies: 4 No wonder then, if he were deprived 5 Of native strength now, that he them survived.
native > natural; innate
6 His chamber all was hung about with rolls, 7 And old records from ancient times derived, 8 Some made in books, some in long parchment scrolls, 9 That were all worm-eaten, and full of canker holes.
209.58
Amidst them all he in a chaire was set,
2 Tossing and turning them withouten end;
But for he was vnhable them to fet,
4 A litle boy did on him still attend,
To reach, when euer he for ought did send;
6 And oft when things were lost, or laid amis,
That boy them sought, and vnto him did lend.
8 Therefore he Anamnestes cleped is,
And that old man Eumnestes, by their propertis.
1 Amidst them all he in a chair was set,
set > set; seated
2 Tossing and turning them without end; 3 But for he was unable them to fetch,
for > [in that]
4 A little boy did on him still attend,
still > continuously
5 To reach, whenever he for aught did send; 6 And oft when things were lost, or laid amiss, 7 That boy them sought, and to him did lend.
lend > give
8 Therefore he Anamnestes cleped is,
Anamnestes > "Reminder" (Greek) cleped > called
9 And that old man Eumnestes, by their properties.
Eumnestes > "Good Memory" (Greek) properties > attributes, qualities
209.59
The knights there entring, did him reuerence dew
2 And wondred at his endlesse exercise,
Then as they gan his Librarie to vew,
4 And antique Registers for to auise,
There chaunced to the Princes hand to rize,
6 An auncient booke, hight Briton moniments,
That of this lands first conquest did deuize,
8 And old diuision into Regiments,
Till it reduced was to one mans gouernments.
1 The knights, there entering, did him reverence due 2 And wondered at his endless exercise,
wondered > marvelled
3 Then as they began his library to view, 4 And antique registers to advise,
advise > look at
5 There chanced to the prince's hand to rise 6 An ancient book, hight Briton Moniments,
hight > called, entitled Moniments > Monuments: records, documents
7 That of this land's first conquest did devise,
devise > treat, tell
8 And old division into regiments,
regiments > kingdoms
9 Till it reduced was to one man's governments.
governments > government; control
209.60
Sir Guyon chaunst eke on another booke,
2 That hight Antiquitie of Faerie +lond,+
In which when as he greedily did +looke,+
4 Th'off-spring of Elues and Faries there he fond,
As it deliuered was from hond to hond:
6 Whereat they burning both with feruent fire,
Their countries auncestry to vnderstond,
8 Crau'd leaue of Alma, and that aged sire,
To read those bookes; who gladly graunted their desire.
2 lond, > lond. 1596 3 looke, > looke; 1596, 1609
1 Sir Guyon chanced eke on another book,
eke > also
2 That hight Antiquity of Faery Land,
hight > was called, was entitled Antiquity > Ancient Records
3 In which when he greedily did look,
greedily > eagerly
4 The offspring of Elves and Faeries there he found,
offspring > ancestry
5 As it delivered was from hand to hand: 6 Whereat they, burning both with fervent fire
Whereat > At which
7 Their countries' ancestry to understand, 8 Craved leave of Alma, and that aged sire,
sire > elderly man [Eumnestes]
9 To read those books; who gladly granted their desire.
A chronicle of Briton kings,
2 from Brute to Vthers rayne.
And rolles of Elfin Emperours,
4 till time of Gloriane.
1 A chronicle of Briton kings
chronicle > (Spenser derives his chronicle from standard chronicles, principally the twelfth-century Historia Regum Britanniae (HRB) by Geoffrey of Monmouth, and Elizabethan sources such as Holinshed's Chronicles. A full account is in Harper (1910), abstracted in Var. 301-34, 449-53; Hamilton (1980) provides further comment)
2 from Brutus to Uther's reign.
Brutus > (The mythical first king of Britain, great-grandson of
Aeneas)
Uther > (Uther Pendragon, father of Arthur; see 210.68:1-2)
3 And rolls of Elfin emperors
rolls > registers, lists
4 till time of Gloriana.
Gloriana > (The Faery Queen; Elizabeth)
210.1
WHo now shall giue vnto me words and sound,
2 Equall vnto this haughtie enterprise?
Or who shal lend me wings, with which from ground
4 My lowly verse may loftily arise,
And lift it selfe vnto the highest skies?
6 More ample spirit, then hitherto was wount,
Here needes me, whiles the famous auncestries
8 Of my most dreaded Soueraigne I recount,
By which all earthly Princes she doth farre surmount.
1 Who now shall give to me words and sound 2 Equal to this haughty enterprise?
haughty > lofty, noble
3 Or who shall lend me wings, with which from ground 4 My lowly verse may loftily arise, 5 And lift itself to the highest skies? 6 More ample spirit than hitherto was wont
wont > accustomed
7 Here needs me, while the famous ancestries
needs me > I need
8 Of my most dreaded sovereign I recount,
dreaded > revered
9 By which all earthly princes she does far surmount.
By > [By virtue of] surmount > surpass
210.2
Ne vnder Sunne, that shines so wide and faire,
2 Whence all that liues, does borrow life and light,
Liues ought, that to her linage may compaire,
4 Which though from earth it be deriued right,
Yet doth it selfe stretch forth to heauens hight,
6 And all the world with wonder ouerspred;
A labour huge, exceeding farre my might:
8 How shall fraile pen, with feare disparaged,
Conceiue such soueraine glory, and great bountihed?
1 Not under sun, that shines so wide and fair, 2 Whence all that lives does borrow life and light, 3 Lives aught that to her lineage may compare,
aught > anything at all
4 Which though from earth it be derived right, 5 Yet does itself stretch forth to heaven's height, 6 And all the world with wonder overspread; 7 A labour huge, exceeding far my might: 8 How shall frail pen, with fear disparaged,
disparaged > cast down
9 Conceive such sovereign glory, and great bountihead?
bountihead > bounteousness
210.3
Argument worthy of M{oe}onian quill,
2 Or rather worthy of great Ph{oe}bus rote,
Whereon the ruines of great Ossa hill,
4 And triumphes of Phlegr{ae}an Ioue he wrote,
That all the Gods admird his loftie note.
6 But if some relish of that heauenly lay
His learned daughters would to me report,
8 To decke my song withall, I would assay,
Thy name, {o^} soueraine Queene, to blazon farre away.
1 Argument worthy of Maeonian quill,
Argument > Subject-matter Maeonian > (Homer is said to have come from Maeonia, part of Lydia, and is also known as "Maeonides") quill > pen
2 Or rather worthy of great Phoebus' rote,
rote > {A medieval musical instrument, probably resembling the violin; hence: lyre, phorminx}
3 Whereon the ruins of great Ossa hill,
Ossa > (A mountain (elev. c. 6400 feet) in northern Thessaly (now Kisavo); the Giants, in attempting to scale Mount Olympus, piled it on the neighbouring Mount Pelion (Virgil, Georgics 1.281))
4 And triumphs of Phlegrean Jove he wrote,
Phlegrean > (It was at Phlegra (or Pallene), in Macedonia, that the
Giants attacked the gods; see 507.10:5)
Jove > (Who defeated the Giants with thunderbolts fashioned by
Vulcan and his Cyclopes)
wrote > set to music
5 That all the gods admired his lofty note.
That > [So that] admired > {Admired; heard with wonder or surprise}
6 But if some relish of that heavenly lay
relish > flavour; trace lay > song
7 His learned daughters would to me report,
His learned daughters > (The nine Muses. "His" may equally refer to Apollo, for in later accounts he is the leader of the choir of Muses, and receives the name of Musagetes as a result. According to Myth. 4.10, the Muses are the children of Apollo rather than of Jupiter) report > send back
8 To deck my song withal, I would essay
withal > notwithstanding essay > attempt
9 Your name, O sovereign queen, to blazon far away.
blazon > proclaim (cf. 100 for various resemblances to the four opening stanzas of 210, which themselves comprise a sort of proem)
210.4
Thy name {o^} soueraine Queene, thy realme and race,
2 From this renowmed Prince deriued arre,
+Who+ mightily vpheld that royall mace,
4 Which now thou bear'st, to thee descended farre
From mightie kings and conquerours in warre,
6 Thy fathers and great Grandfathers of old,
Whose noble deedes aboue the Northerne starre
8 Immortall fame for euer hath enrold;
As in that old mans booke they were in order told.
3 Who > Whom 1590, 1596: FE
1 Your name, O sovereign queen, your realm and race, 2 From this renowned prince derived are,
prince > [Arthur]
3 Who mightily upheld that royal mace
mace > sceptre
4 Which now you bear, to you descended far 5 From mighty kings and conquerors in war, 6 Your fathers and great grandfathers of old,
grandfathers > ancestors
7 Whose noble deeds above the northern star 8 Immortal fame for ever has enrolled;
enrolled > recorded
9 As in that old man's book they were in order told.
that old man > [Eumnestes]
210.5
The land, which warlike Britons now possesse,
2 And therein haue their mightie empire raysd,
In antique times was saluage wildernesse,
4 Vnpeopled, vnmanurd, vnprou'd, vnpraysd,
Ne was it Island then, ne was it paysd
6 Amid the Ocean waues, ne was it sought
Of marchants farre, for profits therein praysd,
8 But all was desolate, and of some thought
By sea to haue bene from the Celticke mayn-land brought.
1 The land which warlike Britons now possess,
possess > inhabit; own
2 And therein have their mighty empire raised, 3 In antique times was savage wilderness,
antique > ancient
4 Unpeopled, unmanured, unproved, unpraised,
unmanured > unploughed, uncultivated
5 Nor was it island then, nor was it peised
peised > balanced; weighed down; weighed upon
6 Amid the ocean waves, nor was it sought 7 Of merchants far, for profits therein praised,
Of > By praised > valued, esteemed
8 But all was desolate, and of some thought
of > by some > [some of the chroniclers whom Spenser consulted]
9 By sea to have been from the Celtic mainland brought.
Celtic mainland > (Normandy and Brittany)
210.6
Ne did it then deserue a name to haue,
2 Till that the venturous Mariner that way
Learning his ship from those white rocks to saue,
4 Which all along the Southerne sea-coast lay,
Threatning vnheedie wrecke and rash decay,
6 For +safeties sake+ that same his sea-marke made,
And namd it Albion. But later day
8 Finding in it fit ports for fishers trade,
Gan more the same frequent, and further to inuade.
6 safeties sake > safety 1590 (trisyllabic)
1 Nor did it then deserve a name to have, 2 Till the venturous mariner that way, 3 Learning his ship from those white rocks to save,
white rocks > (Chalk cliffs, esp. in Dorset, Sussex and Kent)
4 Which all along the southern sea-coast lay, 5 Threatening unheedy wreck and rash decay,
unheedy > incautious, heedless decay > downfall, death
6 For safety's sake that same his sea-mark made, 7 And named it Albion. But later day
Albion > (England. The origin of the name is obscure. The idea that it derives from the Latin albus, white, and was given to England by Julius Caesar in allusion to the cliffs, is refuted by mention of "Albion" in De Mundo, a Greek treatise formerly attributed to Aristotle, written three hundred years before Caesar's invasion. The name is certainly very old) day > age; hence: people
8 Finding in it fit ports for fishers' trade, 9 Gan more the same frequent, and further to invade.
Gan > Did; began to invade > enter (SUS); hence: explore
210.7
But farre in land a saluage nation dwelt,
2 Of hideous Giants, and halfe beastly men,
That neuer tasted grace, nor goodnesse felt,
4 But like wild beasts lurking in loathsome den,
And flying fast as Roebucke through the fen,
6 All naked without shame, or care of cold,
By hunting and by spoiling liued then;
8 Of stature huge, and eke of courage bold,
That sonnes of men amazd their sternnesse to behold.
1 But far inland a savage nation dwelt, 2 Of hideous giants and half beastly men,
hideous > immense; odious; terrific
3 That never tasted grace, nor goodness felt, 4 But like wild beasts, lurking in loathsome den, 5 And flying fast as roebuck through the fen, 6 All naked without shame, or care of cold, 7 By hunting and by spoiling lived then;
spoiling > pillaging
8 Of stature huge, and eke of courage bold,
eke > moreover
9 That sons of men amazed, their sternness to behold.
amazed > confounded, astounded sternness > ferocity
210.8
But whence they sprong, or how they were begot,
2 Vneath is to assure; vneath to wene
That monstrous error, which doth some assot,
4 That Dioclesians fiftie daughters shene
Into this land by chaunce haue driuen bene,
6 Where companing with feends and filthy Sprights,
Through vaine illusion of their lust vnclene,
8 They brought forth Giants and such dreadfull wights,
As farre exceeded men in their immeasurd mights.
1 But whence they sprang, or how they were begotten, 2 Uneath is to assure; uneath to ween
Uneath > Difficult assure > establish; state positively; venture ween > believe, accept
3 That monstrous error, which does some assot,
assot > make a fool of; hence: deceive
4 That Diocletian's fifty daughters sheen
Diocletian > (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus, 245-313, Roman emperor 284-305; noted for his persecution of Christians. His thirty-three daughters, like the fifty daughters of Danaus, are said to have murdered their bridegrooms; except for Albine, from whom Albion derived. See also 105.35:9) sheen > beautiful
5 Into this land by chance have driven been, 6 Where, companying with fiends and filthy sprites,
companying > keeping company
7 Through vain illusion of their lust unclean,
Through vain illusion of > [Deluded by]
8 They brought forth giants, and such dreadful wights
wights > creatures
9 As far exceeded men in their immeasured mights.
immeasured > immense, vast mights > strengths, capacities
210.9
They held this land, and with their filthinesse
2 Polluted this same gentle soyle long time:
That their owne mother loathd their beastlinesse,
4 And gan abhorre her broods vnkindly crime,
All were they borne of her owne natiue slime;
6 Vntill that Brutus anciently deriu'd
From royall stocke of old +Assaracs+ line,
8 Driuen by fatall error, here arriu'd,
And them of their vniust possession depriu'd.
7 Assaracs > Assaraos 1596
1 They held this land, and with their filthiness
filthiness > obscenity, moral defilement
2 Polluted this same gentle soil long time:
gentle > noble
3 That their own mother loathed their beastliness,
That > [So that] their own mother > [the soil of Albion]
4 And gan abhor her brood's unkindly crime,
gan > began to; did unkindly > unnatural crime > sins (collectively)
5 All were they born of her own native slime;
All were they > [Although they were] slime > slime, soil; flesh (cf. 209.21)
6 Until Brutus (anciently derived 7 From royal stock of old Assaracus' line), 8 Driven by fatal error, here arrived,
fatal > predestined; fatal error > wandering (see Aen. 1.2, HRB 1.3-15, 309.48); error (in that he killed his father in a hunting accident and was subsequently banished from Italy: see HRB 1.3)
9 And them of their unjust possession deprived.
210.10
But ere he had established his throne,
2 And spred his empire to the vtmost shore,
He fought great battels with his saluage fone;
4 In which he them defeated euermore,
And many Giants left on groning flore;
6 That well can witnesse yet vnto this day
The westerne Hogh, besprincled with the gore
8 Of mightie Go{e"}mot, whom in stout fray
Corineus conquered, and cruelly did slay.
1 But ere he had established his throne, 2 And spread his empire to the utmost shore, 3 He fought great battles with his savage foes; 4 In which he them defeated evermore, 5 And many giants left on groaning floor; 6 That well can witness yet to this day 7 The western Hoe, besprinkled with the gore
Hoe > (Plymouth Hoe, in Devon)
8 Of mighty Go{e"}magot, whom in stout fray
Go{e"}magot > (One of the giants who held sway over Cornwall) stout > brave, robust
9 Corineus conquered, and cruelly did slay.
Corineus > (Former commander of the Trojan remnants who had accompanied Antenor (Aen. 1.241); joined company with Brutus in Etruria)
210.11
And eke that ample Pit, yet farre renownd,
2 For the large leape, which Debon did compell
Coulin to make, being eight lugs of grownd;
4 Into the which returning backe, he fell,
But those three monstrous stones doe most excell
6 Which that huge sonne of hideous Albion,
Whose father Hercules in Fraunce did quell,
8 Great Godmer threw, in fierce contention,
At bold Canutus; but of him was slaine anon.
1 And eke that ample pit, yet far renowned
eke > also yet > still, even now
2 For the large leap which Debon did compel
Debon > (Another of Brutus's heroes)
3 Coulin to make, being eight lugs of ground:
Coulin > (One of the giants) lug > {Pole: a measure of distance, 16 feet 6 inches, about 5 metres}
4 Into which, returning back, he fell; 5 But those, three monstrous stones do most excel,
But those > [But those two examples (i.e. the defeats of Go{e"}magot and Coulin)] most excel > [far surpass (as an example of notable defeat)]
6 Which that huge son of hideous Albion,
hideous > immense, terrific; odious Albion > (A giant slain by Hercules; distinct from "Albion" as a name for England)
7 (Whose father Hercules in France did quell)
quell > kill
8 Great Godmer, threw, in fierce contention,
Godmer > (Son of Albion)
9 At bold Canute; but of him was slain anon.
Canute > (Another of Brutus's champions) of > by anon > straightway
210.12
In meed of these great conquests by them got,
2 Corineus had +that+ Prouince vtmost west,
To him assigned for his worthy lot,
4 Which of his name and memorable gest
He called Cornewaile, yet so called best:
6 And Debons shayre was, that is Deuonshyre:
But Canute had his portion from the rest,
8 The which he cald Canutium, for his hyre;
Now Cantium, which Kent we commenly inquire.
2 that > the 1609
1 In meed of these great conquests by them got,
In meed of > As reward for
2 Corineus had that province utmost west 3 To him assigned for his worthy lot, 4 Which of his name and memorable gest
of > after, by virtue of gest > exploit
5 He called Cornewaile, yet so called best:
Cornewaile > Cornwall yet > still, even today called > pronounced
6 And Debon's share was that is Devonshire:
that > [that which]
7 But Canute had his portion from the rest,
from > apart from, away from (geographically, Kent lies in the SE corner of England); out of (since Cornwall and Devon form the SW peninsula of England)
8 Which he called Canutium, for his hire;
hire > reward
9 Now Cantium, which Kent we commonly inquire.
inquire > call (catachr.)
210.13
Thus Brute this Realme vnto his rule subdewd,
2 And raigned long in great felicitie,
Lou'd of his friends, and of his foes eschewd,
4 He left three sonnes, his famous progeny,
Borne of faire Inogene of Italy;
6 Mongst whom he parted his imperiall state,
And Locrine left chiefe Lord of Britany.
8 At last ripe age bad him surrender late
His life, and long good fortune vnto finall fate.
1 Thus Brutus this realm to his rule subdued, 2 And reigned long in great felicity, 3 Loved of his friends, and of his foes eschewed:
of > by
4 He left three sons, his famous progeny, 5 Borne of fair Inogene of Italy;
Inogene > (Or Ignoge; a native of Greece according to the sources)
6 Amongst whom he parted his imperial state,
parted > divided
7 And Locrin left chief lord of Britain.
Locrin > (Brutus's eldest son, also called Logris, king of Loegres,
Loegria or Logris, roughly corresponding to modern England)
8 At last ripe age bade him surrender late 9 His life and long good fortune to final fate.
210.14
Locrine was left the soueraine Lord of all;
2 But Albanact had all the Northrene part,
Which of himselfe Albania he did call;
4 And Camber did possesse the Westerne quart,
Which Seuerne now from Logris doth depart:
6 And each his portion peaceably enioyd,
Ne was there outward breach, nor grudge in hart,
8 That once their quiet gouernment annoyd,
But each his paines to others profit still employd.
1 Locrin was left the sovereign lord of all; 2 But Albanact had all the northern part,
all the northern part > [Scotland]
3 Which of himself Albania he did call;
of > after
4 And Camber did possess the western quart,
western quart > [Wales; quart = quarter, region: SU]
5 Which Severn now from Logris does depart:
Severn > (The River Severn, which rises in Montgomery and flows 158 miles to the sea, disemboguing into the Bristol Channel) Logris > England depart > divide, separate
6 And each his portion peaceably enjoyed, 7 Nor was there outward breach, nor grudge in heart, 8 That once their quiet government annoyed, 9 But each his pains to others' profit still employed.
pains > efforts still > ever, continuously
210.15
Vntill a nation straung, with visage swart,
2 And courage fierce, that all men did affray,
Which through the world then swarmd in euery part,
4 And ouerflow'd all countries farre away,
Like Noyes great flood, with their importune sway,
6 This land inuaded with like violence,
And did themselues through all the North display:
8 Vntill that Locrine for his Realmes defence,
Did head against them make, and strong +munifience+.
9 munifience > munificence 1590, 1609
1 Until a nation strange, with visage swart,
strange > foreign (they are the Huns) swart > swarthy
2 And courage fierce, that all men did affray,
affray > terrify
3 Which through the world then swarmed in every part, 4 And overflowed all countries far away, 5 Like Noah's great flood, with their importune sway,
importune > heavy, exacting, grievous sway > force
6 This land invaded with like violence,
like > similar
7 And did themselves through all the north display:
display > spread out
8 Until Locrin, for his realm's defence, 9 Did head against them make, and strong munifience.
head > headway; advance munifience > fortification, defence (WU)
210.16
He them encountred, a confused rout,
2 Foreby the Riuer, that whylome was hight
The auncient Abus, where with courage stout
4 He them defeated in victorious fight,
And chaste so fiercely after fearefull flight,
6 That forst their Chieftaine, for his safeties sake,
(Their Chieftaine Humber named was aright)
8 Vnto the mightie streame him to betake,
Where he an end of battell, and of life did make.
1 He them encountered, a confused rout, 2 Forby the river that whilom was hight
Forby > Hard by, near whilom > formerly hight > called (it is now called the River Humber)
3 The ancient Abus, where with courage stout
stout > bold, brave
4 He them defeated in victorious fight, 5 And chased so fiercely after fearful flight, 6 That forced their chieftain, for his safety's sake,
That > [That he (i.e. Locrin)]
7 (Their chieftain Humber named was aright) 8 To the mighty stream him to betake, 9 Where he an end of battle, and of life did make.
210.17
The king returned proud of victorie,
2 And insolent wox through vnwonted ease,
That shortly he forgot the ieopardie,
4 Which in his land he lately did appease,
And fell to vaine voluptuous disease:
6 He lou'd faire Ladie Estrild, lewdly lou'd,
Whose wanton pleasures him too much did please,
8 That quite his hart from Guendolene remou'd,
From Guendolene his wife, though alwaies faithfull prou'd.
1 The king returned proud of victory, 2 And insolent waxed through unwonted ease,
insolent waxed > grew arrogant unwonted > unaccustomed
3 That shortly he forgot the jeopardy
That > [So that]
4 Which in his land he lately did appease,
appease > check; assuage
5 And fell to vain voluptuous disease:
vain > foolish; idle; weak disease > dis-ease: trouble, strife
6 He loved fair Lady Estrildis, lewdly loved, 7 Whose wanton pleasures him too much did please, 8 That quite his heart from Guendolen removed,
That > [So that] removed > removed itself (refl.)
9 From Guendolen his wife, though always faithful proved.
210.18
The noble daughter of Corineus
2 Would not endure to be so vile disdaind,
But gathering force, and courage valorous,
4 Encountred him in battell well ordaind,
In which him vanquisht she to fly constraind:
6 But she so fast pursewd, that him she tooke,
And threw in bands, where he till death remaind;
8 Als his faire Leman, flying through a brooke,
She ouerhent, nought moued with her piteous looke.
1 The noble daughter of Corineus
The noble daughter of Corineus > [Guendolen]
2 Would not endure to be so vile disdained,
vile > vilely; despicably
3 But gathering force, and courage valorous, 4 Encountered him in battle well ordained,
ordained > drawn up
5 In which him, vanquished, she to fly constrained:
fly > flee constrained > compelled
6 But she so fast pursued, that him she took, 7 And threw in bonds, where he till death remained; 8 Als his fair leman, flying through a brook,
Als > Also; as, in the same way leman > lover [Estrildis]
9 She overhent, naught moved with her piteous look.
overhent > overtook; seized
210.19
But both her selfe, and eke her daughter deare,
2 Begotten by her kingly Paramoure,
The faire Sabrina almost dead with feare,
4 She there attached, farre from all succoure;
The one she slew +in that impatient stoure+,
6 But the sad virgin innocent of all,
Adowne the rolling riuer she did poure,
8 Which of her name now Seuerne men do call:
Such was the end, that to disloyall loue did fall.
5 in that impatient stoure > vpon the present floure 1590; i.e. without further ado: present = immediate; floure = floor
1 But both herself, and eke her daughter dear,
eke > also
2 Begotten by her kingly paramour, 3 The fair Sabrina, almost dead with fear,
Sabrina > (Or Sabre; she ultimately became the nymph of the Severn. See Drayton's Polyolbion and Fletcher's Faithful Shepherdess; and Comus 824 ff.)
4 She there attached, far from all succour;
attached > seized, laid hold of
5 The one she slew in that impatient stour,
stour > conflict, turmoil
6 But the sad virgin, innocent of all, 7 Adown the rolling river she did pour,
Adown > Down
8 Which of her name now Severn men do call:
of > by virtue of, in remembrance of Severn > (Via Sabrina, Savarina, Severn)
9 Such was the end that to disloyal love did fall.
disloyal > disloyal, faithless; also: illegal, ex-marital
210.20
Then for her sonne, which she to Locrin bore,
2 Madan was young, vnmeet the rule +to+ sway,
In her owne hand the crowne she kept in store,
4 Till ryper yeares he raught, and stronger stay:
During which time her powre she did display
6 Through all this realme, the glorie of her sex,
And first taught men a woman to obay:
8 But when her sonne to mans estate did wex,
She it surrendred, ne her selfe would lenger vex.
2 to > of 1596, 1609
1 Then for her son (whom she to Locrin bore),
for > because
2 Maddan, was young, unmeet the rule to sway,
unmeet > unfitted rule > dominion sway > govern
3 In her own hand the crown she kept in store, 4 Till riper years he raught, and stronger stay:
raught > reached, attained stay > staying power; self-control
5 During which time her power she did display
display > spread
6 Through all this realm, the glory of her sex, 7 And first taught men a woman to obey: 8 But when her son to man's estate did wax,
wax > grow
9 She it surrendered, nor herself would longer vex.
210.21
Tho Madan raignd, vnworthie of his race:
2 For with all shame that sacred throne he fild:
Next Memprise, as vnworthy of that place,
4 In which being consorted with Manild,
For thirst of single kingdome him he kild.
6 But Ebranck salued both their infamies
With noble deedes, and warreyd on Brunchild
8 In Henault, where yet of his victories
Braue moniments remaine, which yet that land enuies.
1 Tho Maddan reigned, unworthy of his race:
Tho > Then
2 For with all shame that sacred throne he fild:
fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.)
3 Next Mempricius, as unworthy of that place,
as > equally
4 In which being consorted with Manlius,
Manlius > (Or Malim, brother of Mempricius, son of Maddan)
5 For thirst of single kingdom him he killed.
single > [an undivided]
6 But Ebraucus salved both their infamies
Ebraucus > (Son of Mempricius) salved > remedied, made up for
7 With noble deeds, and warrayed on Brunchildis
warrayed > waged war Brunchildis > (Prince of Hainaut)
8 In Hainaut, where yet of his victories
Hainaut > (A province of Belgium) yet > still, even today
9 Brave monuments remain, which yet that land envies.
envies > {Feels a grudge against, resents}
210.22
An happie man in his first dayes he was,
2 And happie father of faire progeny:
For all so many weekes as the yeare has,
4 So many children he did multiply;
Of which were twentie sonnes, which did +apply,+
6 Their minds to praise, and cheualrous desire:
Those germans did subdew all Germany,
8 Of whom it hight; but in the end their Sire
With foule repulse from Fraunce was forced to retire.
5 apply, > apply 1609
1 A happy man in his first days he was,
happy > happy; fortunate
2 And happy father of fair progeny: 3 For all so many weeks as the year has,
all so > just as
4 So many children he did multiply; 5 Of which were twenty sons, which did apply 6 Their minds to praise, and chivalrous desire:
praise > virtue; praiseworthy acts
7 Those germans did subdue all Germany,
germans > brothers
8 Of whom it hight; but in the end their sire
Of > After hight > is called sire > father
9 With foul repulse from France was forced to retire.
210.23
Which blot his sonne succeeding in his seat,
2 The second Brute, the second both in name,
And eke in semblance of his puissance great,
4 Right well recur'd, and did away that blame
With recompence of euerlasting fame.
6 He with his victour sword first +opened,+
The bowels of wide Fraunce, a forlorne Dame,
8 And taught her first how to be conquered;
Since which, with sundrie spoiles she hath beene ransacked.
6 opened, > opened 1609
1 Which blot his son (succeeding in his seat, 2 The second Brutus, the second both in name
Brutus > (Surnamed "Greenshield")
3 And eke in semblance of his puissance great)
eke > also puissance > power, strength
4 Right well recured, and did away that blame
Right well > Very well, thoroughly recured > remedied
5 With recompense of everlasting fame. 6 He with his victor sword first opened 7 The bowels of wide France, a forlorn dame, 8 And taught her first how to be conquered; 9 Since which, with sundry spoils she has been ransacked.
spoils > {Acts of pillage}
210.24
Let Scaldis tell, and let tell Hania,
2 And let the marsh of Estham bruges tell,
What colour were their waters that same day,
4 And all the moore twixt Eluersham and Dell,
With bloud of Henalois, which therein fell.
6 How oft that day did sad Brunchildis see
The greene shield dyde in dolorous vermell?
8 That not +Scuith guiridh+ +it+ mote seeme to +bee,+
But +rather y Scuith gogh, signe of sad crueltee+.
8 Scuith guiridh > omitted from 1590 8 it > he 1590 8 bee, > bee. 1596 9 rather y Scuith gogh, signe of sad crueltee > omitted from 1590; But Seuith Scuith FE
1 Let Scaldis tell, and let tell Haina,
Scaldis > (The River Schelde, which rises in NE France, crosses
Belgium, and in the Netherlands flows into the North Sea; length
c. 270 miles)
Haina > (The River Haina)
2 And let the marsh of Estham Bruges tell,
Estham Bruges > (Bruges; Brutus's camp)
3 What colour were their waters that same day, 4 And all the moor 'twixt Elversham and Dell,
moor > marsh; flood-plain; heath Elversham and Dell > (Not identifiable)
5 With blood of Henalois which therein fell.
Henalois > (The men of Hainaut)
6 How oft that day did sad Brunchildis see 7 The green shield dyed in dolorous vermilion?
in > [with]
8 That not Scuith guiridh it might seem to be,
That > [So that] Scuith guiridh > Green Shield (Welsh, referring to his surname: cf. 210.23:2)
9 But rather y Scuith gogh, sign of sad cruelty.
y Scuith gogh > Red Shield (Welsh) sign > emblem; banner, standard sad > sad; heavy, grievous
210.25
His sonne king Leill by fathers labour long,
2 Enioyd an heritage of lasting peace,
And built Cairleill, and built Cairleon strong.
4 Next Huddibras his realme did not encrease,
But taught the land from wearie warres to cease.
6 Whose footsteps Bladud following, in arts
Exceld at Athens all the learned preace,
8 From whence he brought them to these saluage parts,
And with sweet science mollifide their stubborne harts.
1 His son, King Leill (by father's labour long),
by > [by virtue of, as a result of]
2 Enjoyed a heritage of lasting peace, 3 And built Carlisle, and built Caer-lion strong.
Caer-lion > Caerleon-upon-Usk strong > (Adj. or adv.)
4 Next Huddibras his realm did not increase, 5 But taught the land from weary wars to cease. 6 Whose footsteps Bladud following, in arts 7 Excelled at Athens all the learned press,
Excelled > Surpassed press > company, throng
8 From whence he brought them to these savage parts,
them > [the "arts"] savage > wild; savage
9 And with sweet science mollified their stubborn hearts.
science > learning, knowledge; skill; hence: magic, occult powers their > [the Britons']
210.26
Ensample of his wondrous faculty,
2 Behold the boyling Bathes at Cairbadon,
Which seeth with secret fire eternally,
4 And in their entrails, full of quicke Brimston,
Nourish the flames, which they are warm'd vpon,
6 That to +their+ people wealth they forth do well,
And health to euery forreine nation:
8 Yet he at last contending to excell
The reach of men, through flight into fond mischief fell.
6 their > her 1590 etc.: FE
1 Example of his wondrous faculty,
Example > [As an example of] faculty > [occult powers]
2 Behold the boiling baths at Caer-badus,
Caer-badus > (Bath, in the present county of Avon)
3 Which seethe with secret fire eternally,
secret > hidden
4 And in their entrails, full of quick brimstone,
entrails > inner parts quick > burning, burning strongly; living
5 Nourish the flames which they are warmed upon, 6 That to their people wealth they forth do well,
That > [So that] wealth > well-being
7 And health to every foreign nation: 8 Yet he at last, contending to excel
contending > striving
9 The reach of men, through flight into fond mischief fell.
reach > natural capacities flight > (At Trinovantum, with artificial wings; Bladud's magic was not quite up to this and he crashed into the temple of Apollo, with terminal results) fond > foolish mischief > disaster
210.27
Next him king Leyr in happie peace long raind,
2 But had no issue male him to succeed,
But three faire daughters, which were well vptraind,
4 In all that seemed fit for kingly seed:
Mongst whom his realme he equally decreed
6 To haue diuided. Tho when feeble age
Nigh to his vtmost date he saw proceed,
8 He cald his daughters; and with speeches sage
Inquyrd, which of them most did loue her parentage.
1 Next him King Lear in happy peace long reigned,
Next > After, immediately after Lear > (Also known as Leir or Leyr. The son of Bladud, builder of Caer-leir (i.e. Learchester, the modern Leicester; see note on Colchester at 210.58:9). The story of Lear and his daughters is a Buddhist parable of great antiquity) happy > happy; fortunate
2 But had no issue male him to succeed,
issue male > [sons]
3 But three fair daughters, who were well uptrained
uptrained > trained, inculcated
4 In all that seemed fit for kingly seed:
seed > children, offspring
5 Amongst whom his realm he equally decreed 6 To have divided. Tho when feeble age
Tho > Then
7 Nigh to his utmost date he saw proceed,
date > term, span of life
8 He called his daughters; and with speeches sage 9 Inquired which of them most did love her parentage.
parentage > parents; hence: father
210.28
The eldest +Gonorill+ gan to protest,
2 That she much more then her owne life him lou'd:
And Regan greater loue to him profest,
4 Then all the world, when euer it were proou'd;
But Cordeill said she lou'd him, as behoou'd:
6 Whose simple answere, wanting colours faire
To paint it forth, him to displeasance moou'd,
8 That in his crowne he counted her no haire,
But twixt the other twaine his kingdome whole did shaire.
1 Gonorill > Gonerill 1590
1 The eldest, Goneril, began to protest 2 That she much more than her own life him loved: 3 And Regan greater love to him professed 4 Than all the world, whenever it were proved;
it were proved > [her love should be put to the test]
5 But Cordelia said she loved him, as behoved:
as behoved > as was fitting (that is, filially)
6 Whose simple answer, wanting colours fair 7 To paint it forth, him to displeasance moved,
displeasance > displeasure, annoyance
8 That in his crown he counted her no heir,
That > [So that]
9 But 'twixt the other twain his kingdom whole did share.
twain > two
210.29
So wedded th'one to Maglan king of Scots,
2 And th'other to the king of Cambria,
And twixt them shayrd his realme by equall lots:
4 But without dowre the wise +Cordelia,+
Was sent to Aganip of Celtica.
6 Their aged Syre, thus eased of his crowne,
A priuate life led in Albania,
8 With Gonorill, long had in great renowne,
That nought him grieu'd to bene from rule deposed downe.
4 Cordelia, > Cordelia 1609
1 So wedded the one to Maglaunus, king of Scots,
the one > [Goneril]
2 And the other to the king of Cambria,
the other > [Regan] Cambria > Wales (Cornwall, according to HRB 2.12)
3 And 'twixt them shared his realm by equal lots: 4 But, without dower, the wise Cordelia 5 Was sent to Aganippus of Celtica.
Celtica > (The central division of Transalpine Gaul; i.e. France)
6 Their aged sire, thus eased of his crown,
sire > father eased > relieved
7 A private life led in Albania,
Albania > Scotland
8 With Goneril, long had in great renown,
long had > (That is, the crown)
9 That naught him grieved to been from rule deposed down.
That naught > [So that not at all] been > [have been; be]
210.30
But true it is, that when the oyle is spent,
2 The light goes out, and +weeke+ is throwne away;
So when he had resignd his regiment,
4 His daughter gan despise his drouping day,
And wearie +waxe+ of his continuall stay.
6 Tho to his daughter +Rigan+ he repayrd,
Who him at first well vsed euery way;
8 But when of his departure she despayrd,
Her bountie she abated, and his cheare empayrd.
2 weeke > wike 1609 5 waxe > wox 1609 6 Rigan > Regan 1590
1 But true it is that when the oil is spent 2 The light goes out, and wick is thrown away; 3 So when he had resigned his regiment,
regiment > rule, royal authority; kingdom
4 His daughter gan despise his drooping day,
gan > did; began to drooping > declining, fading
5 And weary wax of his continual stay.
wax > grow, become
6 Tho to his daughter Regan he repaired,
Tho > Then repaired > went
7 Who him at first well used every way; 8 But when of his departure she despaired, 9 Her bounty she abated, and his cheer impaired.
cheer > mood, gladness; countenance, expression; also: hospitable reception; also: viands, food (a fine example of Spenser's talent for finding le mot juste)
210.31
The wretched man gan then auise too late,
2 That loue is not, where most it is profest,
Too truely tryde in his extreamest state;
4 At last resolu'd likewise to proue the rest,
He to Cordelia him selfe addrest,
6 Who with entire affection him receau'd,
As for her Syre and king her seemed best;
8 And after all an army strong she leau'd,
To war on those, which him had of his realme bereau'd.
1 The wretched man gan then advise, too late,
gan > did advise > perceive; reflect
2 That love is not where most it is professed: 3 Too truly tried in his extremest state;
tried > proved, demonstrated
4 At last, resolved likewise to prove the rest,
prove > try; test rest > remainder (i.e. his remaining daughter)
5 He to Cordelia himself addressed,
himself addressed > betook himself, went
6 Who with entire affection him received,
entire > unreserved, wholly devoted
7 As for her sire and king her seemed best;
As > [In the manner that] sire > father her > [to her]
8 And after all an army strong she leaved,
after all > afterwards; next; later leaved > levied, mustered (via French lever: WU)
9 To war on those who him had of his realm bereaved.
bereaved > robbed
210.32
So to his crowne she him restor'd againe,
2 In which he dyde, made ripe for death by eld,
And after wild, it should to her remaine:
4 Who peaceably the same long time did weld:
And all mens harts in dew obedience held:
6 Till that her sisters children, woxen strong
Through proud ambition, against her rebeld,
8 And ouercommen kept in prison long,
Till wearie of that wretched life, her selfe she hong.
1 So to his crown she him restored again,
crown > rule, kingdom again > (Pleonastic)
2 In which he died, made ripe for death by eld,
eld > old age
3 And after willed it should to her remain:
it > [that the crown] remain > continue to belong
4 Who peaceably the same long time did wield:
wield > command, govern
5 And all men's hearts in due obedience held:
due > fitting
6 Till her sisters' children, waxed strong
waxed > grown
7 Through proud ambition, against her rebelled, 8 And overcome kept in prison long,
overcome > [Cordelia, overcome,]
9 Till, weary of that wretched life, herself she hanged.
210.33
Then gan the bloudie brethren both to raine:
2 But fierce Cundah gan shortly to enuie
His brother Morgan, prickt with proud disdaine,
4 To haue a pere in part of soueraintie,
And kindling coles of cruell enmitie,
6 Raisd warre, and him in battell ouerthrew:
Whence as he to those woodie hils did flie,
8 Which hight of him Glamorgan, there him slew:
Then did he raigne alone, when he none equall knew.
1 Then began the bloody brethren both to reign: 2 But fierce Cunedagius began shortly to envy
Cunedagius > (Son of Regan) envy > resent
3 His brother Morgan, pricked with proud disdain,
brother > cousin, kinsman Morgan > (Son of Goneril) disdain > indignation
4 To have a peer in part of sovereignty,
peer > rival part > [the] function, office, business; hence: discharge sovereignty > royal authority
5 And, kindling coals of cruel enmity, 6 Raised war, and him in battle overthrew: 7 Whence, as he to those woody hills did fly
fly > flee
8 (Which hight of him Glamorgan), there him slew:
hight of > were named after Glamorgan > [Glen of Morgan]
9 Then did he reign alone, when he none equal knew.
equal > [equal to him]
210.34
His sonne +Riuallo+ his dead roome did supply,
2 In whose sad time bloud did from heauen raine:
Next great Gurgustus, then faire C{ae}cily
4 In constant peace their kingdomes did containe,
After whom Lago, and Kinmarke did raine,
6 And Gorbogud, till farre in yeares he grew:
+Till+ his ambitious sonnes vnto them twaine,
8 Arraught the rule, and from their father drew,
Stout Ferrex and sterne Porrex him in prison threw.
1 Riuallo > Riuall' 1590; Rivall' 1609 7 Till > Then 1590; When 1609
1 His son Rivallo his dead room did supply,
dead room > [place created by his death (cf. 207.11:8)] supply > fill
2 In whose sad time blood did from heaven rain: 3 Next great Gurgustius, then fair Sisillius 4 In constant peace their kingdoms did contain,
contain > hold; control
5 After whom Jago, and Kinmarcus did reign, 6 And Gorboduc, till far in years he grew:
Gorboduc > (The story of Gorboduc and his sons is the subject of the first English tragedy, Gorboduc, acted in 1561, and printed in 1565 by Thomas Norton and Thomas Sackville, i.e. Lord Buckhurst, to whom one of Spenser's dedicatory sonnets is addressed: see I:588 ff.)
7 Till his ambitious sons to them twain
them twain > the two of them
8 Arraught the rule, and from their father drew:
Arraught > Arreached, obtained, got into possession of from > [it from] drew > withdrew
9 Stout Ferrex and stern Porrex him in prison threw.
Stout > Bold; arrogant; fierce stern > fierce, merciless
210.35
But {o^}, the greedy thirst of royall crowne,
2 That knowes no kinred, nor regardes no right,
Stird Porrex vp to put his brother downe;
4 Who vnto him assembling forreine might,
Made warre on him, and fell him selfe in fight:
6 Whose death t'auenge, his mother mercilesse,
Most mercilesse of women, Wyden hight,
8 Her other sonne fast sleeping did oppresse,
And with most cruell hand him murdred pittilesse.
1 But O the greedy thirst of royal crown
of > for
2 (That knows no kindred, nor regards no right), 3 Stirred Porrex up to put his brother down; 4 Who, to him assembling foreign might, 5 Made war on him, and fell himself in fight: 6 Whose death to avenge, his mother merciless, 7 Most merciless of women, Widen hight,
hight > named, called
8 Her other son fast sleeping did oppress,
oppress > take by surprise (cf. 107.0:2)
9 And with most cruel hand him murdered pitiless.
210.36
Here ended Brutus sacred progenie,
2 Which had seuen hundred yeares this scepter borne,
With high renowme, and great +felicitie;+
4 The noble braunch from th'antique stocke was torne
Through discord, and the royall throne forlorne:
6 Thenceforth this Realme was into factions rent,
Whilest each of Brutus boasted to be borne,
8 That in the end was left no moniment
Of Brutus, nor of Britons glory auncient.
3 felicitie; > felicitie? 1596
1 Here ended Brutus' sacred progeny,
sacred > {An epithet of royalty; also, here, specifically because Brutus's lineage could be traced back to Aeneas (whose father, Anchises, was a mortal, and whose mother, Venus, was a goddess)}
2 Which had seven hundred years this sceptre borne, 3 With high renown, and great felicity; 4 The noble branch from the antique stock was torn
antique stock > ancient trunk (with the pun on "stock")
5 Through discord, and the royal throne forlorn:
forlorn > abandoned, forsaken; lost
6 Thenceforth this realm was into factions rent,
rent > torn
7 While each of Brutus boasted to be born,
each of Brutus boasted to be born > [each pretender to the throne claimed to be descended from Brutus]
8 That in the end was left no monument
That > [So that] monument > monument; also: evidence, hence: trace
9 Of Brutus, nor of Britons' glory ancient.
glory ancient > [ancient glory]
210.37
Then vp arose a man of matchlesse might,
2 And wondrous wit to menage high affaires,
Who stird +with+ pitty of the stressed plight
4 Of this sad Realme, cut into sundry shaires
By such, as claymd themselues Brutes rightfull haires,
6 Gathered the Princes of the people loose,
To taken counsell of their common cares;
8 Who with his wisedom won, him streight did choose,
Their king, and swore him fealty to win or loose.
3 with > vp 1596
1 Then up arose a man of matchless might,
a man > (Dunwallo Molmutius, also called Dynval Moelmud)
2 And wondrous wit to manage high affairs,
wit > mental capacity, intelligence
3 Who (stirred with pity of the stressed plight
stressed > afflicted, oppressed
4 Of this sad realm, cut into sundry shares
cut > [which had been divided]
5 By such as claimed themselves Brutus' rightful heirs) 6 Gathered the princes of the people loose,
loose > disunited
7 To take counsel of their common cares; 8 Who, with his wisdom won, him straight did choose
won > persuaded, won over straight > straightway; directly; unreservedly
9 Their king, and swore him fealty to win or lose.
to win or lose > [for better or worse, in good times or bad]
210.38
Then made he head against his enimies,
2 And Ymner slew, +of+ Logris miscreate;
Then Ruddoc and proud Stater, both allyes,
4 This of Albanie newly nominate,
And that of Cambry king confirmed late,
6 He ouerthrew through his owne valiaunce;
Whose countreis he redus'd to quiet state,
8 And shortly brought to ciuill gouernaunce,
Now one, which earst were many, made through variaunce.
2 of > or 1596, 1609
1 Then made he head against his enemies,
head > headway; [an] advance
2 And Ymner slew, of Logris miscreate;
of > [king of] Logris > England miscreate > wrongly created
3 Then Ruddoc and proud Stater, both allies 4 (This of Albania newly nominate,
This > [Ruddoc] Albania > Scotland nominate > appointed to office; hence: installed [as king]
5 And that of Cambria king confirmed late),
that > [Stater] Cambria > Wales late > lately, recently
6 He overthrew through his own valiance; 7 Whose countries he reduced to quiet state, 8 And shortly brought to civil governance,
governance > control
9 Now one, which erst were many, made through variance.
one > [united] erst > once; at first variance > discord, quarrelling
210.39
Then made he sacred lawes, which some men say
2 Were vnto him reueald in vision,
By which he freed the Traueilers high way,
4 The Churches part, and Ploughmans portion,
Restraining stealth, and strong extortion;
6 The gracious Numa of great Britanie:
For till his dayes, the chiefe dominion
8 By strength was wielded without pollicie;
Therefore he first wore crowne of gold for dignitie.
1 Then made he sacred laws, which some men say 2 Were to him revealed in vision, 3 By which he freed the travellers' highway, 4 The church's part, and ploughman's portion,
ploughman > [the ploughman]
5 Restraining stealth and strong extortion;
stealth > thievery
6 The gracious Numa of great Britain:
Numa > (Numa Pompilius, the mythical second king of Rome, a law- giver who reigned peacefully for 39 (or 43) years and was revered for his wisdom and piety)
7 For, till his days, the chief dominion 8 By strength was wielded, without policy;
policy > statecraft (referring to the Molmutine Laws; cf. the pejorative use at 104.12:7)
9 Therefore he first wore crown of gold for dignity.
210.40
Donwallo dyde (for what may liue for ay?)
2 And left two sonnes, of pearelesse prowesse both;
That sacked Rome too dearely did assay,
4 The recompence of their periured oth,
And ransackt Greece well tryde, when they were wroth;
6 Besides subiected Fraunce, and Germany,
Which yet their prayses speake, all be they loth,
8 And inly tremble at the memory
Of Brennus and Bellinus, kings of Britany.
1 Dunwallo died (for what may live for ay?)
ay > ever
2 And left two sons, of peerless prowess both;
prowess > valour
3 That sacked Rome too dearly did assay,
That > [Their valour] sacked > (Pa. ppl. adj.) assay > put to the proof; hence: learn, experience
4 The recompense of their perjured oath,
recompense > reward, requital of > [for] oath > [peace treaty: see HRB 3.9]
5 And ransacked Greece well tried, when they were wroth;
ransacked > (Pa. ppl. adj., as "sacked" in line 3) tried > tested (as "assay" in line 3)
6 Besides subjected France and Germany, 7 Which yet their praises speak, all be they loath,
yet > still, even now all be they > [although they are]
8 And inly tremble at the memory
inly > inwardly
9 Of Brennus and Belinus, kings of Britain.
210.41
Next them did +Gurgunt+, great Bellinus sonne
2 In rule succeede, and eke in fathers prayse;
He Easterland subdewd, and +Danmarke+ wonne,
4 And of them both did foy and tribute raise,
The which was dew in his dead fathers dayes:
6 He also gaue to fugitiues of Spayne,
Whom he at sea found wandring from their wayes,
8 A seate in Ireland safely to remayne,
Which they should hold of him, as subiect to Britayne.
1 Gurgunt > Gurgiunt 1590 3 Danmarke > Denmarke 1590
1 Next them did Gurgiunt, great Belinus' son
Next > After, immediately after
Gurgiunt > (Gurgiunt Brabtruc)
2 In rule succeed, and eke in father's praise;
eke > also praise > praiseworthiness, virtue; hence: qualities, worth
3 He Easterland subdued, and Denmark won,
Easterland > (This must refer to Norway, since Denmark is mentioned separately; cf. 210.63)
4 And of them both did foy and tribute raise,
of > from foy > allegiance, fealty tribute > imposts, taxes
5 Which was due in his dead father's days: 6 He also gave to fugitives of Spain 7 (Whom he at sea found wandering from their ways) 8 A seat in Ireland safely to remain,
remain > dwell in
9 Which they should hold of him, as subject to Britain.
210.42
After him raigned Guitheline his hayre,
2 The iustest man and trewest in his dayes,
Who had to wife Dame Mertia the fayre,
4 A woman worthy of immortall prayse,
Which for this Realme found many goodly layes,
6 And wholesome Statutes to her husband brought;
Her many deemd to haue beene of the Fayes,
8 As was Aegerie, that Numa tought;
Those yet of her be Mertian lawes both nam'd and thought.
1 After him reigned Guithelin his heir, 2 The justest man and truest in his days, 3 Who had to wife Dame Martia the fair,
had to > took as
4 A woman worthy of immortal praise, 5 Which for this realm found many goodly lays,
found > founded, established lay > {Law, esp. a religious law}
6 And wholesome statutes to her husband brought; 7 Her many deemed to have been of the fays,
many > [many people] fays > fairies
8 As was Aegeria, who Numa taught;
Aegeria > (One of the Camenae (the prophetic nymphs of early Roman mythology, identified with the Greek Muses), from whom Numa received instruction)
9 Those yet of her be Martian laws both named and thought.
of > after
210.43
Her +sonne+ +Sisillus+ after her did rayne,
2 And then Kimarus, and then Danius;
Next whom Morindus did the crowne sustaine,
4 Who, had he not with wrath outrageous,
And cruell rancour dim'd his valorous
6 And mightie deeds, should matched haue the best:
As well in that same field victorious
8 Against the forreine Morands he exprest;
Yet liues his memorie, though carcas sleepe in rest.
1 sonne > sonnes 1596, 1609 1 Sisillus > Sifillus 1590 etc.
1 Her son Sisilius after her did reign, 2 And then Kimarus, and then Danius; 3 Next whom Morvidus did the crown sustain,
Next > Immediately after
4 Who (had he not with wrath outrageous,
outrageous > violent; intemperate
5 And cruel rancour dimmed his valorous 6 And mighty deeds) should matched have the best: 7 As well in that same field victorious
well > (Adv., applicable to "exprest" in next line) field > battlefield; battle (in Northumberland, to repel the invading Morini)
8 Against the foreign Morini he expressed;
Morini > (A tribe in Belgic Gaul, living near present-day Boulogne) expressed > revealed [his cruelty]
9 Yet lives his memory, though carcase sleep in rest.
Yet > Still, even today carcase > [his carcase]
210.44
Fiue +sonnes+ he left begotten of one wife,
2 All which successiuely by turnes did raine;
First Gorboman a man of vertuous life;
4 Next Archigald, who for his proud disdaine,
Deposed was from Princedome soueraine,
6 And pitteous Elidure put in his sted;
Who shortly it to him restord againe,
8 Till by his death he it recouered;
But Peridure and Vigent him disthronized.
1 sonnes > sonne 1596
1 Five sons he left begotten of one wife,
Five sons > (Gorbonian, Arthgallo, Elidure, Peredure, Vigenius)
2 All which successively by turns did reign; 3 First Gorbonian, a man of virtuous life; 4 Next Arthgallo who, for his proud disdain,
disdain > loathsomeness
5 Deposed was from princedom sovereign, 6 And piteous Elidure put in his stead;
piteous > godly, devout stead > place
7 Who shortly it to him restored again, 8 Till by his death he it recovered; 9 But Peredure and Vigenius him disthronized.
disthronized > dethroned
210.45
In wretched prison long he did remaine,
2 Till they outraigned had their vtmost date,
And then therein reseized was againe,
4 And ruled long with honorable state,
Till he surrendred Realme and life to fate.
6 Then all the sonnes of these fiue brethren raynd
By dew successe, and all their Nephewes late,
8 Euen thrise eleuen descents the crowne retaynd,
Till aged Hely by dew heritage it gaynd.
1 In wretched prison long he did remain, 2 Till they outreigned had their utmost date,
outreigned had > [had reigned to the end of] date > term, span of life
3 And then therein reseised was again,
therein reseised > [restored to legal possession of the crown]
4 And ruled long with honourable state, 5 Till he surrendered realm and life to fate. 6 Then all the sons of these five brethren reigned 7 By due success, and all their nephews late,
due success > proper succession nephews > grandsons; descendants late > later, afterwards
8 Even thrice eleven descents the crown retained, 9 Till aged Heli by due heritage it gained.
210.46
He had two sonnes, whose eldest called Lud
2 Left of his life most famous memory,
And endlesse moniments of his great good:
4 The ruin'd wals he did re{ae}difye
Of Troynouant, gainst force of enimy,
6 And built that gate, which of his name is hight,
By which he lyes entombed solemnly.
8 He left two sonnes, too young to rule aright,
Androgeus and Tenantius, pictures of his might.
1 He had two sons, whose eldest (called Lud)
two > (Three, according to HRB 3.20: Lud, Cassibellaun, Nennius) Lud > (Also called Lludd; apparently the same Lludd of Brythonic legend)
2 Left of his life most famous memory, 3 And endless monuments of his great good:
monuments > monuments; records
4 The ruined walls he did re-edify 5 Of Troynovant, gainst force of enemy,
Troynovant > (New Troy, i.e. London. Brewer (1894) states that the word derives from the old British "Tri-nouhant", meaning "inhabitants of the new town". In Layamon's Brut the name is spelled "Trinovant" and derives from the Trinovantes; but their principal town was not London, but Colchester, in Essex) gainst > against
6 And built that gate which of his name is hight,
that gate > [Ludgate] of > after, from hight > called
7 By which he lies entombed solemnly.
solemnly > grandiosely, magnificently
8 He left two sons, too young to rule aright,
aright > properly; justly
9 Androgeus and Tenuantius, pictures of his might.
210.47
Whilst they were young, Cassibalane their Eme
2 Was by the people chosen in their sted,
Who on him tooke the royall Diademe,
4 And goodly well long time it gouerned,
Till the prowd Romanes him disquieted,
6 And warlike C{ae}sar, tempted with the name
Of this sweet Island, neuer conquered,
8 And enuying the Britons blazed fame,
(O hideous hunger of dominion) hither came.
1 While they were young, Cassibellaun, their eme,
Cassibellaun > (Or Caswallon, called Cassivelaunus by the Romans) eme > uncle
2 Was by the people chosen in their stead,
stead > place
3 Who on him took the royal diadem,
diadem > crown, rule
4 And goodly well long time it governed, 5 Till the proud Romans him disquieted, 6 And warlike Caesar, tempted with the name
Caesar > (Gaius Julius Caesar, c. 101-44 BC)
7 Of this sweet island, never conquered, 8 And envying the Britons' blazed fame,
envying > envying; begrudging blazed > celebrated
9 (O hideous hunger of dominion) hither came.
hideous > immense; odious of > for
210.48
Yet twise they were repulsed backe againe,
2 And twise renforst, backe to their ships to fly,
The whiles with bloud they all the shore did +staine,+
4 And the gray Ocean into purple dy:
Ne had they footing found at last perdie,
6 Had not Androgeus, false to natiue soyle,
And enuious of Vncles soueraintie,
8 Betrayd his contrey vnto forreine spoyle:
Nought else, but treason, from the first this land did foyle.
3 staine, > staine. 1596
1 Yet twice they were repulsed back again,
back > (Pleonastic and thus intensive)
2 And twice renforced back to their ships to fly,
renforced > compelled (SU) fly > flee
3 While with blood they all the shore did stain, 4 And the grey ocean into purple dye:
purple > red, blood-red
5 Neither had they footing found at last pardie,
had they > [would they have] pardie > certainly, truly, "by God"
6 Had not Androgeus, false to native soil, 7 And envious of uncle's sovereignty,
sovereignty > royal authority
8 Betrayed his country to foreign spoil:
spoil > {Act of pillage}
9 Naught else but treason from the first this land did foil.
foil > defeat; trample underfoot; befoul, defile; violate
210.49
So by him C{ae}sar got the victory,
2 Through great bloudshed, and many a sad assay,
In which him selfe was charged heauily
4 Of hardy Nennius, whom he yet did slay,
But lost his sword, yet to be seene this day.
6 Thenceforth this land was tributarie made
T'ambitious Rome, and did their rule obay,
8 Till Arthur all that reckoning +defrayd+;
Yet oft the Briton kings against them strongly swayd.
8 defrayd > did defray 1596, 1609
1 So by him Caesar got the victory, 2 Through great bloodshed, and many a sad assay,
sad > heavy assay > assault
3 In which himself was charged heavily 4 Of hardy Nennius, whom he yet did slay,
Of > By yet > nonetheless
5 But lost his sword, yet to be seen this day.
to be seen > (HRB 4.4 records that Caesar's sword was buried with Nennius)
6 Thenceforth this land was tributary made
tributary > {Subject to imposts, paying tribute}
7 To ambitious Rome, and did their rule obey, 8 Till Arthur all that reckoning defrayed; 9 Yet oft the Briton kings against them strongly swayed.
210.50
Next him Tenantius raigned, then Kimbeline,
2 What time th'eternall Lord in fleshly slime
Enwombed was, from wretched Adams line
4 To purge away the guilt of sinfull crime:
O ioyous memorie of happy time,
6 That heauenly grace so plenteously displayd;
(O too high ditty for my simple rime.)
8 Soone after this the Romanes him +warrayd+;
For that their tribute he refusd to let be payd.
8 warrayd > wrrayd 1596
1 Next him Tenuantius reigned, then Cymbeline,
Next > After, immediately after
2 What time the eternal Lord in fleshly slime
What time > At the time when the eternal Lord > [Christ] fleshly slime > [human form; cf. e.g. 209.21:5]
3 Enwombed was, from wretched Adam's line
Enwombed > Placed in a womb; hence: conceived (somewhat catachr.; the use at 306.5:7 is more orthodox. See also 201.50:8) wretched Adam's line > (See note at 111.46:9)
4 To purge away the guilt of sinful crime:
crime > {Wrongdoing, sins taken collectively}
5 O joyous memory of happy time, 6 That heavenly grace so plenteously displayed;
displayed > was spread; did spread itself out
7 (O too high ditty for my simple rhyme).
ditty > subject, theme (cf. 110.55:7)
8 Soon after this the Romans him warrayed;
warrayed > waged war upon
9 For that their tribute he refused to let be paid.
For that > Because tribute > taxes
210.51
Good Claudius, that next was Emperour,
2 An army brought, and with him battell fought,
In which the king was by a Treachetour
4 Disguised slaine, ere any thereof thought:
Yet ceased not the bloudy fight for ought;
6 For Aruirage his brothers place supplide,
+Both in his armes, and+ crowne, and by that draught
8 Did driue the Romanes to the weaker side,
That they to peace agreed. So all was pacifide.
7 Both in his armes, and > Both in armes, and 1596; In armes, and eke in 1609
1 Good Claudius, that next was emperor,
Claudius > (Claudius I, 10 BC-54 AD, reigned 41-54 and visited
Britain in 43)
2 An army brought, and with him battle fought,
him > (Guiderus, son of Cymbeline)
3 In which the king was by a treacher
the king > [Guiderius] treacher > traitor (Hamo: see HRB 4.13)
4 Disguised slain, ere any thereof thought:
thought > realized [that the king was in danger and would be slain]
5 Yet ceased not the bloody fight for aught; 6 For Arviragus his brother's place supplied,
supplied > filled
7 Both in his arms, and crown, and by that draught
draught > {Plot, scheme; the drawing out of something to a greater length; a move at chess}
8 Did drive the Romans to the weaker side, 9 That they to peace agreed. So all was pacified.
That > [So that]
210.52
Was neuer king more highly magnifide,
2 Nor dred of Romanes, then was Aruirage,
For which the Emperour to him allide
4 His daughter Genuiss' in marriage:
Yet shortly he renounst the vassalage
6 Of Rome againe, who hither hastly sent
Vespasian, that with great spoile and rage
8 Forwasted all, till Genuissa gent
Perswaded him to ceasse, and her Lord to relent.
1 Was never king more highly magnified,
magnified > lauded
2 Nor dread of Romans, than was Arviragus,
dread of > [dreaded by the]
3 For which the emperor to him allied 4 His daughter Genuissa in marriage: 5 Yet shortly he renounced the vassalage
vassalage > subservience, subjection
6 Of Rome again, who hither hastily sent
Of > To
7 Vespasian, that with great spoil and rage
Vespasian > (Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasian, 9-79: he subsequently became emperor himself and ruled from 69 until his death. During this period, Agricola (37-93) achieved his military victories in Britain) spoil > plunder; acts of pillage
8 Forwasted all, till Genuissa gent
Forwasted > Ravaged, devastated gent > noble; gentle
9 Persuaded him to cease, and her lord to relent.
210.53
He dyde; and him succeeded Marius,
2 Who ioyd his dayes +in+ great tranquillity,
Then Coyll, and after him good Lucius,
4 That first receiued Christianitie,
The sacred pledge of Christes Euangely:
6 Yet true it is, that long before that day
Hither came Ioseph of Arimathy,
8 Who brought with him the holy grayle, (they say)
And preacht the truth, but since it greatly did decay.
2 in > with 1609
1 He died; and him succeeded Marius, 2 Who joyed his days in great tranquillity,
joyed > [had the benefit of; felt the joy of]
3 Then Coillus, and after him good Lucius,
Lucius > (Or Pudens, "The Modest": see 2 Tim. 4.21)
4 That first received Christianity, 5 The sacred pledge of Christ's evangely;
sacred pledge > [baptism] evangely > evangile, evangel: gospel
6 Yet true it is, that long before that day 7 Hither came Joseph of Arimathea,
Joseph of Arimathea > (Mentioned in all the gospels: e.g. Matt. 27.57-60)
8 Who brought with him the Holy Grail, (they say)
Holy Grail > (The Sangreal, the platter used at the last supper, in which Joseph is said to have received Christ's blood at the cross. A persistent medieval legend has Joseph bringing the Sangreal, and with it Christianity, to Glastonbury in western England)
9 And preached the truth; but since it greatly did decay.
since > subsequently
210.54
This good king shortly without issew dide,
2 Whereof great trouble in the kingdome grew,
That did her selfe in sundry parts diuide,
4 And with her powre her owne selfe ouerthrew,
Whilest Romanes dayly did the weake subdew:
6 Which seeing stout Bunduca, vp arose,
And taking armes, the Britons to her drew;
8 With whom she marched streight against her foes,
And them vnwares besides the Seuerne did enclose.
1 This good king shortly without issue died, 2 Whereof great trouble in the kingdom grew, 3 That did itself in sundry parts divide,
sundry > various
4 And with its power its own self overthrew, 5 While Romans daily did the weak subdue: 6 Which seeing, stout Boadicea up arose,
stout > brave; proud Boadicea > (Or Boudicca, widow of the British king, Cunobelinus. As a result of atrocities committed by the Romans against the Iceni tribe in East Anglia, in 61 AD she led an army of 80,000 Britons into battle against Suetonius's 14th and 20th Legions; the field, near the present site of Daventry, in Northamptonshire, saw the death of 400 Romans and some 70,000 Britons. However, final subjugation by Rome was not achieved until 83 AD)
7 And, taking arms, the Britons to her drew; 8 With whom she marched straight against her foes,
straight > directly; immediately
9 And them unwares beside the Severn did enclose.
unwares > unexpectedly; suddenly Severn > (The River Severn) enclose > hem in (said of an army)
210.55
There she with them a cruell battell tride,
2 Not with so good successe, as she deseru'd;
By reason that the Captaines on her side,
4 Corrupted by Paulinus, from her sweru'd:
Yet such, as were through former flight +preseru'd+,
6 Gathering againe, her Host she did renew,
And with fresh courage on the victour seru'd:
8 But being all defeated, saue a few,
Rather then fly, or be captiu'd her selfe she slew.
5 preseru'd > perseru'd 1596
1 There she with them a cruel battle tried,
tried > attempted; tested
2 Not with so good success as she deserved;
so > such
3 By reason that the captains on her side,
By reason that > Because
4 Corrupted by Paulinus, from her swerved:
Paulinus > (Paulinus Suetonius, Roman consul and general, fl. 59-66) swerved > [deserted]
5 Yet such as were through former flight preserved,
such > [such forces]
6 Gathering again, her host she did renew,
host > army
7 And with fresh courage on the victor served:
served > attended; hence: renewed her onslaught
8 But being all defeated, save a few, 9 Rather than fly or be captived, herself she slew.
fly > flee captived > taken captive
210.56
O famous moniment of womens prayse,
2 Matchable either to Semiramis,
Whom antique history so high doth raise,
4 Or to Hypsiphil' or to Thomiris:
Her Host two hundred thousand numbred is;
6 Who whiles good fortune fauoured her might,
Triumphed oft against her enimis;
8 And yet though ouercome in haplesse fight,
She triumphed on death, in enemies despight.
1 O famous monument of women's praise,
monument of > record of, testament to praise > praiseworthiness, virtue; hence: qualities, worth
2 Matchable either to Semiramis',
Matchable > Comparable Semiramis > (The legendary queen of King Ninus of Assyria, who was her second husband. Before she acceded to the throne she successfully led the daring siege of Bactra; five days after her accession she had Ninus murdered. She went on to conquer many nations in Asia, subdued Egypt and much of Ethiopia besides. Some of her exploits are the same as those attributed to the goddess Ishtar; Semiramis herself was said to be a daughter of the Syrian goddess Dekarat. Her name derives from the Syrian Sammu-ramat. See also 105.50:3-4)
3 Whom antique history so high does raise,
antique > ancient
4 Or to Hypsipyle's, or to Tomyris':
Hypsipyle > (Daughter of Thoas, king of Lemnos; she concealed and thus saved her father when the Lemnian women killed all the men in the island) Tomyris > (Queen of the Massagetes, a Scythian people on the east coast of the Caspian Sea. In a battle in 529 BC she decapitated Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, and threw his head into a bag of human blood, so that, as she said, he might finally satiate himself with it. (This follows Herodotus rather than Xenophon))
5 Her host two hundred thousand numbered is;
host > army
6 Who, while good fortune favoured her might, 7 Triumphed oft against her enemies; 8 And yet though overcome in hapless fight, 9 She triumphed on death, in enemies' despite.
in enemies' despite > [scorning her enemies]
210.57
Her reliques Fulgent hauing gathered,
2 Fought with Seuerus, and him ouerthrew;
Yet in the chace was slaine of them, that fled:
4 So made them victours, whom he did subdew.
Then gan Carausius tirannize anew,
6 And gainst the Romanes bent their proper powre,
But him Allectus treacherously slew,
8 And tooke on him the robe of Emperoure:
Nath'lesse the same enioyed but short happy howre:
1 Her relics Fulgenius having gathered,
relics > (Of her army)
2 Fought with Severus, and him overthrew;
Severus > (Lucius Septimus Severus, 146-211; Roman emperor 193-211.
Spent the last three years of his life in Britain, and died at
Eboracum (York))
3 Yet in the chase was slain of them that fled:
of > by
4 So made them victors, whom he did subdue. 5 Then gan Carausius tyrannize anew,
gan > did; began to Carausius > (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Carausius, c. 250-293. He seized control of Britain and proclaimed himself emperor, between 290-2 even receiving a modicum of acceptance from Rome) tyrannize > tyrannize; rule
6 And gainst the Romans bent their proper power,
gainst > against bent > turned, directed proper > own
7 But him Allectus treacherously slew,
Allectus > (C. 250-296, prime minister to Carausius, whom he murdered in 293, taking the robe for himself. Three years later he was killed near London by Roman soldiers)
8 And took on him the robe of emperor: 9 Natheless the same enjoyed but short happy hour:
Natheless > Nevertheless hour > time, period
210.58
For Asclepiodate him ouercame,
2 And left inglorious on the vanquisht playne,
Without or robe, or rag, to hide his shame.
4 Then afterwards he in his stead did rayne;
But shortly was by Coyll in battell slaine:
6 Who after long debate, since Lucies time,
Was of the Britons first crownd Soueraine:
8 Then gan this Realme renewe her passed prime:
He of his name Coylchester built of stone and lime.
1 For Asclepiodotus him overcame,
Asclepiodotus > (Praefectus praetorio under Constantius Chlorus (?250-306), who was the general who really recovered Britain from Allectus)
2 And left inglorious on the vanquished plain, 3 Without or robe, or rag, to hide his shame.
or > either
4 Then afterwards he in his stead did reign;
stead > place
5 But shortly was by Coel in battle slain:
Coel > (Or Cole. The nursery rhyme about the "merry old soul" was popular in the 18th century)
6 Who after long debate, since Lucius' time,
debate > fight
7 Was of the Britons first crowned sovereign: 8 Then gan this realm renew her passed prime:
gan > did
9 He of his name Colchester built of stone and lime.
of > after Colchester > (In Essex; the Romans called it Camulodunum. It was the first Roman city in Britain to be given the rank of a colonia. The suffix "chester" derives from the Latin castra, applied to a walled town, especially one that had been a Roman station in Britain; Colchester was originally called "Colnecaster", after its river, the Colne)
210.59
Which when the Romanes heard, they hither sent
2 Constantius, a man of mickle might,
With whom king Coyll made an agreement,
4 And to him gaue for wife his daughter bright,
Faire Helena, the fairest liuing wight;
6 Who in all godly thewes, and goodly prayse
Did far excell, but was most famous hight
8 For skill in Musicke of all in her dayes,
Aswell in curious instruments, as cunning layes.
1 Which when the Romans heard, they hither sent 2 Constantius, a man of mickle might,
Constantius > (Flavius Valerius Constantius, c. 250-306; died at Eboracum (York) fighting the Picts) mickle > much
3 With whom King Coel made an agreement, 4 And to him gave for wife his daughter bright,
for > as bright > beautiful
5 Fair Helena, the fairest living wight;
Helena > (C. 248-328. Constantius, on his elevation to the dignity of Caesar in 292, divorced her in order to marry Theodora, the stepdaughter of Maximian. On the elevation of her son, Constantine, however, Helena received the title of Augusta. She made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in about 325, and built there the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Nativity; she was subsequently made a saint) wight > girl, woman, person
6 Who in all godly thews, and goodly praise
thews > manners, qualities praise > virtue
7 Did far excel, but was most famous hight
most famous hight > most famously called; hence: best known
8 For skill in music of all in her days, 9 As well in curious instruments, as cunning lays.
well > much curious > {Requiring musical virtuosity} as > [as in] cunning > clever, skilled lays > songs
210.60
Of whom he did great Constantine beget,
2 Who afterward was Emperour of Rome;
To which whiles absent he his mind did set,
4 Octauius here lept into his roome,
And it vsurped by vnrighteous doome:
6 But he his title iustifide by might,
Slaying Traherne, and hauing ouercome
8 The Romane legion in dreadfull fight:
So settled he his kingdome, and confirmd his right.
1 Of whom he did great Constantine beget,
Constantine > (Constantine I, "The Great", 274-337, emperor of Rome 306-37. Eldest son of Constantius I by Helena)
2 Who afterward was emperor of Rome; 3 To which, while absent, he his mind did set;
which > [Rome] absent > [absent in Rome] set > [devote]
4 Octavius here leapt into his room,
Octavius > (Duke of the Wisseans) here > at this point; here [in Britain] room > place
5 And it usurped by unrighteous doom:
doom > statute, ordinance; power
6 But he his title justified by might, 7 Slaying Trahern, and having overcome
Trahern > (Uncle of Helena, brother of Coel)
8 The Roman legion in dreadful fight: 9 So settled he his kingdom, and confirmed his right.
210.61
But wanting issew male, his daughter +deare,+
2 He gaue in wedlocke to Maximian,
And him with her made of his kingdome heyre,
4 Who soone by meanes thereof the Empire wan,
Till murdred by the friends of Gratian;
6 Then gan the Hunnes and Picts inuade this land,
During the raigne of Maximinian;
8 Who dying left none heire them to withstand,
But that they ouerran all parts with easie hand.
1 deare, > deare 1609
1 But, wanting issue male, his daughter dear
wanting > lacking issue male > [sons]
2 He gave in wedlock to Maximian,
Maximian > (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus, surnamed Herculius.
Roman emperor 286-305 and 306-308; died 310)
3 And him with her made of his kingdom heir, 4 Who soon by means thereof the empire won, 5 Till murdered by the friends of Gratian;
Gratian > (Flavius Gratianus, 359-383, Roman emperor 367-383; killed by Maximian)
6 Then gan the Huns and Picts invade this land,
gan > did Picts > (Inhabitants of northern Scotland and northern Ireland who probably arrived from mainland Europe c. 1000 BC. Fought against the Romans in Britain in the 4th century AD. They are said to have received their name (Latin, Picti) from their custom of ornamenting their bodies with tattoos; they are also known for cannibalism and the fact that Pictish women fought alongside the men in battle)
7 During the reign of Maximian; 8 Who, dying, left none heir, them to withstand,
none > [no one as]
9 But that they overran all parts with easy hand.
But > So
210.62
The weary Britons, whose war-hable youth
2 Was by Maximian lately led away,
With wretched miseries, and woefull ruth,
4 Were to those Pagans made an open pray,
And dayly spectacle of sad decay:
6 Whom Romane warres, which now foure hundred yeares,
And more had wasted, could no whit dismay;
8 Till by consent of Commons and of Peares,
They crownd the second Constantine with ioyous teares,
1 The weary Britons, whose war-able youth
war-able > {Suited to warfare}
2 Was by Maximian lately led away, 3 With wretched miseries, and woeful ruth,
ruth > calamity; sorrow
4 Were to those pagans made an open prey,
to > [of] open > defenceless
5 And daily spectacle of sad decay:
decay > downfall; destruction; death
6 Whom Roman wars (which now four hundred years 7 And more had wasted) could no whit dismay;
dismay > dismay; defeat
8 Till, by consent of commons and of peers,
commons > [the commonalty, the common people] peers > [the aristocracy]
9 They crowned the second Constantine with joyous tears,
Constantine > (Constantine II, 317-340, second son of Constantine I, emperor 337-340)
210.63
Who hauing oft in battell vanquished
2 Those spoilefull Picts, and swarming Easterlings,
Long time in peace his Realme established,
4 Yet oft annoyd with sundry bordragings
Of neighbour Scots, and forrein Scatterlings,
6 With which the world did in those dayes abound:
Which to outbarre, with painefull pyonings
8 From sea to sea he heapt a mightie mound,
Which from Alcluid to Panwelt did that border bound.
1 Who having oft in battle vanquished 2 Those spoilful Picts, and swarming Easterlings,
spoilful > plundering, spoliatory Easterlings > (Presumably, Norwegians: cf. 210.41:3)
3 Long time in peace his realm established, 4 Yet oft annoyed with sundry bodragings
bodragings > hostile incursions, border-raids
5 Of neighbour Scots, and foreign scatterlings,
scatterlings > vagrants
6 With which the world did in those days abound: 7 Which to outbar, with painful pionings
outbar > keep out painful > arduous, toilsome pionings > excavations (to "pion" is to do the work of a pioneer in its original sense, i.e. digging trenches, preparing the way for the main army)
8 From sea to sea he heaped a mighty mound,
mound > embankment; hence: wall (see 411.36)
9 Which from Alcluith to Panwelt did that border bound.
Alcluith > (Possibly the modern Dumbarton)
Panwelt > (Not identifiable)
210.64
Three sonnes he dying left, all vnder age;
2 By meanes whereof, their vncle Vortigere
Vsurpt the crowne, during their pupillage;
4 Which th'Infants tutors gathering to feare,
Them closely into Armorick did beare:
6 For dread of whom, and for those Picts annoyes,
He sent to Germanie, straunge aid to reare,
8 From whence eftsoones arriued here three hoyes
Of Saxons, whom he for his safetie imployes.
1 Three sons he, dying, left, all under age;
Three sons > (Constans, Aurelius Ambrosius, Uther Pendragon)
2 By means whereof, their uncle Vortigern
Vortigern > (Fl. c. 450; we have it on the authority of Bede that he enlisted the aid of the Jutes, under Hengest and Horsa, in the fight of the Britons against the Picts and the Scots. However, the name "Vortigern" may well refer to more than one historical character, and may have been a mere title)
3 Usurped the crown during their pupillage; 4 Which the infants' tutors, gathering to fear,
Which > [Which action] infants' > princes'; children's (the children are Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, Constans having been murdered by order of Vortigern)
5 Them closely into Armorica did bear:
closely > secretly
Armorica > (Also called Aremorica: in ancient times the NW part of
France, between the mouths of the Seine and Loire. Later this
name became more or less synonymous with that of Brittany)
6 For dread of whom, and for those Picts' annoys,
for > [for dread of] annoys > molestations
7 He sent to Germany, strange aid to rear,
He > [Vortigern] strange > foreign
8 From whence eftsoons arrived here three hoys
eftsoons > soon afterwards hoys > small ships (esp. for carrying passengers. They are described as "large ships", and "brigandines, or long galleys, full of armed men" at HRB 8.10. The landing is generally believed to have been in the year 449. The main force of Saxons arrived later)
9 Of Saxons, whom he for his safety employs.
Saxons > (First mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, these were originally inhabitants of the lower Elbe Valley. They were a warlike people who spread mainly to the south and west; they landed in Britain in 449. By the end of the sixth century they had conquered most of NW Europe. With the Angles and the Jutes they established the beginnings of Anglo-Saxon culture in England) safety > security [he employed them as guards]
210.65
Two brethren were their +Capitains+, which hight
2 Hengist and Horsus, well approu'd in warre,
And both of them men of renowmed might;
4 Who making vantage of their ciuill iarre,
And of those forreiners, which came from farre,
6 Grew great, and got large portions of land,
That in the Realme ere long they stronger arre,
8 Then they which sought at first their helping hand,
And Vortiger +enforst+ the kingdome to aband.
1 Capitains > Capitayns 1590; Captains 1596 9 enforst > haue forst 1590
1 Two brethren were their captains, which hight
hight > were named
2 Hengest and Horsa, well approved in war,
Hengest > (Chief of the Jutes, joint founder with his brother of the kingdom of Kent. Died 488) Horsa > (Hengest's brother, killed at the Battle of Aylesford in 455) approved > proved, tried
3 And both of them men of renowned might; 4 Who, making vantage of their civil jar,
vantage > advantage their > [the Britons'] jar > discord
5 And of those foreigners, which came from far,
those foreigners > [the Saxons]
6 Grew great, and got large portions of land, 7 That in the realm ere long they stronger are
That > [So that]
8 Than they who sought at first their helping hand, 9 And Vortigern enforced the kingdom to aband.
enforced > compelled aband > forsake, abandon
210.66
But by the helpe of Vortimere his sonne,
2 He is againe vnto his rule restord,
And Hengist seeming sad, for that was donne,
4 Receiued is to grace and new accord,
Through his faire daughters face, and flattring word;
6 Soone after which, three hundred Lordes he slew
Of British bloud, all sitting at his bord;
8 Whose dolefull moniments who list to rew,
Th'eternall markes of treason may at Stonheng vew.
1 But by the help of Vortimer, his son, 2 He is again to his rule restored, 3 And Hengest, seeming sad for that was done,
that > [that which]
4 Received is to grace and new accord, 5 Through his fair daughter's face, and flattering word;
his fair daughter > (Rowena, whom Vortigern married)
6 Soon after which, three hundred lords he slew 7 Of British blood, all sitting at his board;
board > table; council-meeting
8 Whose doleful monuments, who list to rue,
who > [whoever] list > chooses, pleases
9 The eternal marks of treason may at Stonehenge view.
marks > marks; also: memorial-stones Stonehenge > (The standing stones of which were supposed to have represented the murdered men)
210.67
By this the sonnes of Constantine, which fled,
2 +Ambrose+ and Vther did ripe yeares attaine,
And here arriuing, strongly challenged
4 The crowne, which Vortiger did long detaine:
Who flying from his guilt, by them was +slaine,+
6 And Hengist eke soone brought to shamefull death.
Thenceforth Aurelius peaceably did rayne,
8 Till that through poyson stopped was his breath;
So now entombed lyes at Stoneheng by the heath.
2 Ambrose > Ambrise 1596, 1609 5 slaine, > slaine. 1596
1 By this the sons of Constantine, who fled,
By this > By this time
2 (Ambrosius and Uther) did ripe years attain,
Ambrosius > (Ambrosius Aurelius, fl. c. 440 AD, Roman emperor of Britain, Gaul and Spain under Honorius. He led the Britons against the Saxon invasion. Poisoned at Winchester by a Saxon)
3 And here arriving, strongly challenged
challenged > laid claim to
4 The crown, which Vortigern did long detain:
detain > hold
5 Who, flying from his guilt, by them was slain,
flying > fleeing
6 And Hengest eke soon brought to shameful death.
eke > also
7 Thenceforth Aurelius peaceably did reign, 8 Till through poison stopped was his breath; 9 So now entombed lies at Stonehenge by the heath.
the heath > (Salisbury Plain, in Wiltshire)
210.68
After him Vther, which Pendragon hight,
2 Succeding There abruptly it did end,
Without full point, or other Cesure right,
4 As if the rest some wicked hand did rend,
Or th'Authour selfe could not at least attend
6 To finish it: that so vntimely breach
The Prince him selfe halfe +seemeth+ to offend,
8 Yet secret pleasure did offence empeach,
And wonder of antiquitie long stopt his speach.
7 seemeth > seemed 1590
1 After him Uther, who Pendragon hight,
Uther > (The father of Arthur; hence the abrupt end of the chronicle) Pendragon > ("Dragon-head", perhaps so called from the dragon surmounting his helmet: "pen" = "head" in the Brythonic language. HRB 8.17 records that Uther caused golden dragons to be made in commemoration of Merlin's prophecy that a comet with a dragon- shaped effulgence portended his accession. One of these dragons he carried with him in his wars) hight > was named
2 Succeeding … There abruptly it did end, 3 Without full point, or other caesura right,
full point > full stop, period caesura > formal stop right > proper, appropriate
4 As if the rest some wicked hand did rend,
did rend > [had torn out]
5 Or the author himself could not at least attend
least > any rate attend > [turn his mind, turn his energies]
6 To finish it: that so untimely breach
breach > fracture, breaking-off
7 The prince himself half seems to offend, 8 Yet secret pleasure did offence impeach,
impeach > impede; prevent
9 And wonder of antiquity long stopped his speech.
of antiquity > at ancient times; at ancient records
210.69
At last quite rauisht with delight, to heare
2 The royall Ofspring of his natiue land,
Cryde out, Deare countrey, {o^} how dearely deare
4 Ought thy remembraunce, and perpetuall band
Be to thy foster Childe, that from thy hand
6 Did commun breath and nouriture receaue?
How brutish is it not to vnderstand,
8 How much to her we owe, that all vs gaue,
That gaue vnto vs all, what euer good we haue.
1 At last, quite ravished with delight to hear
hear > learn
2 The royal offspring of his native land,
offspring > ancestry
3 Cried out, "Dear country, O how dearly dear
Cried > [Arthur cried]
4 Ought your remembrance, and perpetual band
band > [binding quality or power]
5 Be to your foster child, that from your hand
Be > [To be] foster child > (As opposed to the original giants, who were sons of the land)
6 Did common breath and nouriture receive?
nouriture > nurture
7 How brutish is it not to understand 8 How much to her we owe, that all us gave,
her > [Britain]
9 That gave to us all, whatever good we have!"
210.70
But Guyon all this while his booke did read,
2 Ne yet has ended: for it was a great
And ample volume, that doth far excead
4 My leasure, so long leaues here to repeat:
It told, how first Prometheus did create
6 A man, of many partes from beasts deriued
And then stole fire from heauen, to animate
8 His worke, for which he was by Ioue depriued
Of life him selfe, and hart-strings of an {AE}gle riued.
1 But Guyon all this while his book did read, 2 Nor yet has ended: for it was a great 3 And ample volume, that does far exceed 4 My leisure, so long leaves here to repeat:
so > such leaves > pages repeat > reproduce
5 It told, how first Prometheus did create
Prometheus > (Whose name means "Forethought": he stole fire from heaven in a hollow tube, and taught mortals how to use it. In one legend, he is said to have created man out of earth and water, and to have bestowed on him a portion of the characteristics possessed by all the other animals. See Odes I 16.13-16, Met. 1.82)
6 A man, of many parts from beasts derived, 7 And then stole fire from heaven, to animate 8 His work, for which he was by Jove deprived 9 Of life himself, and heartstrings of an eagle rived.
heartstrings > {Tendons or nerves supporting the heart; in citing the heart rather than the liver, Spenser follows Cooper (1565)} of > by rived > torn (perpetually: as part of his punishment, Prometheus was chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus, where each day an eagle consumed his liver, which was then restored overnight. The eagle was eventually killed, and Prometheus rescued, by Hercules)
210.71
That man so made, he called Elfe, to weet
2 Quick, the first authour of all Elfin kind:
Who wandring through the world with wearie feet,
4 Did in the gardins of Adonis find
A goodly creature, whom he deemd in mind
6 To be no earthly wight, but either Spright,
Or Angell, th'authour of all woman kind;
8 Therefore a Fay he her according hight,
Of whom all Faeryes spring, and fetch their lignage right.
1 That man so made, he called Elf, to wit 2 Quick, the first author of all Elfin kind:
Quick > Alive (the derivation is the poet's) author > ancestor, forefather
3 Who, wandering through the world with weary feet, 4 Did in the Gardens of Adonis find
Gardens of Adonis > (See 306.29 ff.)
5 A goodly creature, whom he deemed in mind
goodly > beautiful
6 To be no earthly wight, but either sprite
wight > mortal, woman
7 Or angel, the author of all womankind; 8 Therefore a fay he her according hight,
fay > fairy according hight > accordingly called
9 Of whom all Faeries spring, and fetch their lineage right.
Of > From fetch > derive right > directly; in a straight line; correctly
210.72
Of these a mightie people shortly grew,
2 And puissaunt kings, which all the world warrayd,
And to them selues all Nations did subdew:
4 The first and eldest, which that scepter swayd,
Was Elfin; him all India obayd,
6 And all that now America men call:
Next him was noble Elfinan, who layd
8 Cleopolis foundation first of all:
But Elfiline enclosd it with a golden wall.
1 Of these a mighty people shortly grew,
Of > From
2 And puissant kings, which all the world warrayed,
puissant > powerful warrayed > ravaged by war
3 And to themselves all nations did subdue: 4 The first and eldest which that sceptre swayed
eldest > earliest, most ancient swayed > wielded; brandished
5 Was Elfin; him all India obeyed, 6 And all that now America men call: 7 Next him was noble Elfinan, who laid
Next > After, immediately after (chronologically or in importance)
8 Cleopolis' foundation first of all:
Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; allegorically, London)
9 But Elfiline enclosed it with a golden wall.
210.73
His sonne was Elfinell, who ouercame
2 The wicked Gobbelines in bloudy field:
But Elfant was of most renowmed fame,
4 Who all of Christall did Panthea build:
Then Elfar, who two brethren gyants kild,
6 The one of which had two heads, th'other three:
Then Elfinor, who was in Magick skild;
8 He built by art vpon the glassy See
A bridge of bras, whose sound heauens thunder seem'd to +bee.+
9 bee. > bee 1596
1 His son was Elfinell, who overcame 2 The wicked Gobbelines in bloody field:
Gobbelines > (See SC, gloss to "June") field > battle, field of battle
3 But Elfant was of most renowned fame, 4 Who all of crystal did Panthea build:
Panthea > "All Sights", "Totality of Visions" (Greek, meaning
"Nonesuch", "Nonpareil". Possibly identifiable as Westminster
Abbey or the Queen's Palace of Richmond)
5 Then Elfar, who two brethren giants killed, 6 One of which had two heads, the other three: 7 Then Elfinor, who was in magic skilled; 8 He built by art upon the glassy sea
glassy sea > [River Thames]
9 A bridge of brass, whose sound heaven's thunder seemed to be.
whose sound > (?The sound of the river; or: ?the sound of hoofs passing over the bridge. The allegory is unclear)
210.74
He left three sonnes, the which in order raynd,
2 And all their Ofspring, in their dew descents,
Euen seuen hundred Princes, which maintaynd
4 With mightie deedes their sundry gouernments;
That were too long their infinite contents
6 Here to record, ne much materiall:
Yet should they be most famous moniments,
8 And braue ensample, both of martiall,
And ciuill rule to kings and states imperiall.
1 He left three sons, who in order reigned, 2 And all their offspring, in their due descents, 3 Even seven hundred princes, who maintained
maintained > defended, upheld
4 With mighty deeds their sundry governments;
sundry > various
5 That were too long, their infinite contents 6 Here to record, nor much material:
material > of consequence, important
7 Yet should they be most famous monuments 8 And brave example, both of martial
brave > splendid example > example; model
9 And civil rule, to kings and states imperial.
210.75
After all these Elficleos did rayne,
2 The wise Elficleos in great Maiestie,
Who mightily that scepter did sustayne,
4 And with rich spoiles and famous victorie,
Did high aduaunce the crowne of Faery:
6 He left two sonnes, of which faire Elferon
The eldest brother did vntimely dy;
8 Whose emptie place the mightie Oberon
Doubly supplide, in spousall, and dominion.
1 After all these Elficleos did reign, 2 The wise Elficleos in great majesty, 3 Who mightily that sceptre did sustain, 4 And with rich spoils and famous victory, 5 Did high advance the crown of Faery:
crown > rule
6 He left two sons, of which fair Elferon 7 (The elder brother) did untimely die; 8 Whose empty place the mighty Oberon
Oberon > (He first appears in the 13th-century romance Huon de Bordeaux, and later in A Midsummer-night's Dream. As the reputed son of Julius Caesar and Morgan le Fay, King Oberon provides the link between the classical world and Arthur's line. Elizabeth's conflation with Gloriana is thus rendered complete)
9 Doubly supplied, in spousal and dominion.
supplied > filled spousal > espousal, wedlock
210.76
Great was his power and glorie ouer all,
2 Which him before, that sacred seate did fill,
That yet remaines his wide memoriall:
4 He dying left the fairest Tanaquill,
Him to succeede therein, by his last will:
6 Fairer and nobler liueth none this howre,
Ne like in grace, ne like in learned skill;
8 Therefore they Glorian call that glorious flowre,
Long mayst thou Glorian liue, in glory and great powre.
1 Great was his power and glory over all
over > [compared with; superior to]
2 Who him before that sacred seat did fill,
him before > [before him] sacred > {An epithet of royalty; also, here, specifically because Oberon's lineage could be traced back to a supernatural being; cf. 210.36:1}
3 That yet remains his wide memorial: 4 He, dying, left the fairest Tanaquil
Tanaquil > (Historically, Caia Tanaquil, wife of Tarquinius Priscus, 5th King of Rome (- 577 BC); an exemplary queen, taken as the type for Gloriana as the Faery Queen. Hence, allegorically: Elizabeth, so that Oberon becomes identifiable with Henry VIII and Elficleos with Henry VII)
5 Him to succeed therein, by his last will: 6 Fairer and nobler lives none this hour, 7 Neither like in grace, nor like in learned skill;
like > comparable
8 Therefore they Gloriana call that glorious flower, 9 Long may you, Gloriana, live, in glory and great power.
210.77
Beguild thus with delight of nouelties,
2 And naturall desire of countreys state,
So long they red in those antiquities,
4 That how the time was fled, they quite forgate,
Till +gentle+ Alma seeing it so late,
6 Perforce their studies broke, and them besought
To thinke, how supper did them long awaite.
8 So halfe vnwilling from their bookes them brought,
And fairely feasted, as so +noble+ knights she ought.
5 gentle > geutle 1596 9 noble > nobles 1596
1 Beguiled thus with delight of novelties, 2 And natural desire of countries' state,
desire of > ?desire to learn of; ?interest in
3 So long they read in those antiquities,
antiquities > ancient records
4 That how the time was fled, they quite forgot, 5 Till gentle Alma, seeing it so late,
gentle > noble; gentle
6 Perforce their studies broke, and them besought
Perforce > Forcibly
7 To think how supper did them long await. 8 So, half unwilling, from their books them brought,
them > [she them]
9 And fairly feasted, as so noble knights she ought.
fairly > courteously; well, becomingly so > such ought > ought [to have done]; owed
The enimies of Temperaunce
2 besiege her dwelling place:
Prince Arthur them repelles, and fowle
4 Maleger doth deface.
1 The enemies of Temperance
Temperance > [Alma, of the House of Temperance, i.e. the human frame: see 209.0:1]
2 besiege her dwelling-place: 3 Prince Arthur them repels, and foul 4 Maleger does deface.
Maleger > "Sick and Evil" (Latin malus, bad, wicked, villainous, unwell; aeger, sick, unwell, unsound) deface > destroy
211.1
WHat warre so cruell, or what siege so sore,
2 As that, which strong affections do apply
Against the fort of reason euermore
4 To bring the soule into captiuitie:
Their force is fiercer through infirmitie
6 Of the fraile flesh, relenting to their rage,
And exercise most bitter tyranny
8 Vpon the parts, brought into their bondage:
No wretchednesse is like to sinfull vellenage.
1 What war so cruel, or what siege so sore,
sore > grievous
2 As that which strong affections do apply
affections > emotions (esp. strong emotions, as passion, lust, etc.) apply > bring to bear
3 Against the fort of reason evermore 4 To bring the soul into captivity? 5 Their force is fiercer through infirmity 6 Of the frail flesh, relenting to their rage,
frail > frail, weak; morally weak relenting > yielding; softening; melting
7 And exercise most bitter tyranny 8 Upon the parts, brought into their bondage:
parts > abilities, capacities; will, will-power (a sly reference to "private parts" may also be intended: cf. 202.37:5)
9 No wretchedness is like sinful villeinage.
villeinage > servitude, bondage, complete subjection
211.2
But in a body, which doth freely yeeld
2 His partes to reasons rule obedient,
And letteth her that ought the scepter weeld,
4 All happy peace and goodly gouernment
Is setled there in sure establishment;
6 There Alma like a virgin Queene most bright,
Doth florish in all beautie excellent:
8 And to her guestes doth bounteous banket dight,
Attempred goodly well for health and +for+ delight.
9 for > omitted from 1596
1 But in a body which does freely yield 2 Its parts to reason's rule obedient,
parts > (As in preceding stanza)
3 And let her that ought the sceptre wield,
let > [does let]
4 All happy peace and goodly government 5 Is settled there in sure establishment; 6 There Alma, like a virgin queen most bright,
bright > fair
7 Does flourish in all beauty excellent: 8 And to her guests does bounteous banquet dight,
dight > prepare; hence: serve
9 Attempered goodly well for health and for delight.
Attempered > Regulated; tempered, moderated health > {Spiritual and moral as well as physical well-being}
211.3
Early before the Morne with cremosin ray,
2 The windowes of bright heauen opened had,
Through which into the world the dawning day
4 Might looke, that maketh euery creature glad,
Vprose Sir Guyon, in bright armour clad,
6 And to his purposd iourney him prepar'd:
With him the Palmer eke in habit sad,
8 Him selfe addrest to that aduenture hard:
So to the riuers side they both together far'd.
1 Early, before the morn with crimson ray 2 The windows of bright heaven opened had 3 (Through which into the world the dawning day 4 Might look, that makes every creature glad), 5 Uprose Sir Guyon, in bright armour clad, 6 And to his purposed journey him prepared: 7 With him the palmer eke in habit sad,
the palmer > (Guyon's mentor: see 201.7 ff.) eke > also sad > sober, dark-coloured (his clothes are black)
8 Himself addressed to that adventure hard: 9 So to the river's side they both together fared.
211.4
Where them awaited ready at the ford
2 The Ferriman, as Alma had behight,
With his well rigged boate: They go abord,
4 And +he+ eftsoones gan launch his barke forthright.
Ere long they rowed were quite out of sight,
6 And fast the land behind them fled away.
But let them pas, whiles wind and weather right
8 Do serue their turnes: here I a while must stay,
To see a cruell fight doen by the Prince this day.
4 he > omitted from 1596
1 Where them awaited ready at the ford
ford > stream, current
2 The ferryman, as Alma had behight,
behight > promised; (catachr.) ordained
3 With his well rigged boat: they go aboard, 4 And he eftsoons gan launch his bark forthright.
eftsoons > thereupon gan > did bark > vessel
5 Ere long they rowed were quite out of sight, 6 And fast the land behind them fled away. 7 But let them pass, while wind and weather right 8 Do serve their turns: here I awhile must stay, 9 To see a cruel fight done by the prince this day.
211.5
For all so soone, as Guyon thence was gon
2 Vpon his voyage with his trustie guide,
That wicked band of villeins fresh begon
4 That castle to assaile on euery side,
And lay strong siege about it far and wide.
6 So huge and infinite their numbers were,
That all the land they vnder them did hide;
8 So fowle and vgly, that exceeding feare
Their visages imprest, when they approched neare.
1 For all so soon as Guyon thence was gone 2 Upon his voyage with his trusty guide, 3 That wicked band of villeins fresh began
villein > villain; serf (cf. 209.13:2)
4 That castle to assail on every side, 5 And lay strong siege about it far and wide. 6 So huge and infinite their numbers were, 7 That all the land they under them did hide; 8 So foul and ugly, that exceeding fear 9 Their visages impressed, when they approached near.
impressed > [impressed on the mind]
211.6
Them in twelue troupes their Captain did dispart
2 And round about in fittest steades did place,
Where each might best offend his proper part,
4 And his contrary obiect most deface,
As euery one seem'd meetest in that cace.
6 Seuen of the same against the Castle gate,
In strong entrenchments he did closely place,
8 Which with incessaunt force and endlesse hate,
They battred day and night, and entraunce did awate.
1 Them in twelve troops their captain did dispart
dispart > distribute; divide
2 And round about in fittest steads did place,
steads > places, positions
3 Where each might best offend his proper part,
offend > attack, damage; do harm to proper > own, individual, peculiar
4 And his contrary object most deface,
contrary > opposed, opposite; hence: appointed deface > mar, disfigure; lay waste
5 As every one seemed meetest in that case.
meetest > most suitable
6 Seven of the same against the castle gate,
castle gate > [mouth: see 209.23 ff.]
7 In strong entrenchments, he did closely place,
closely > secretly
8 Which with incessant force and endless hate 9 They battered day and night, and entrance did await.
211.7
The other fiue, fiue sundry wayes he set,
2 Against the fiue great Bulwarkes of that +pile,+
And vnto each a Bulwarke did arret,
4 T'assayle with open force or hidden guile,
In hope thereof to win victorious spoile.
6 They all that charge did feruently apply,
With greedie malice and importune toyle,
8 And planted there their huge artillery,
With which they dayly made most dreadfull battery.
2 pile, > pile. 1596
1 The other five, five sundry ways he set,
sundry > different
2 Against the five great bulwarks of that pile,
five great bulwarks > [five senses] pile > {Collection of lofty buildings, large building, castle}
3 And to each a bulwark did arrest,
arrest > ordain, entrust
4 To assail with open force or hidden guile, 5 In hope thereof to win victorious spoil. 6 They all that charge did fervently apply, 7 With greedy malice and importune toil,
greedy > eager, reckless importune > persistent, importunate
8 And planted there their huge artillery, 9 With which they daily made most dreadful battery.
battery > {Assault with many blows or missiles}
211.8
The first troupe was a monstrous rablement
2 Of fowle misshapen wights, of which some were
Headed like Owles, with +beckes+ vncomely bent,
4 Others like Dogs, others like Gryphons dreare,
And some had wings, and some had clawes to teare,
6 And euery one of them had Lynces eyes,
And euery one did bow and arrowes beare:
8 All those were lawlesse lustes, corrupt enuies,
And couetous aspectes, all cruell enimies.
3 beckes > beakes 1609
1 The first troop was a monstrous rabblement
monstrous > unnatural; malformed; monstrous rabblement > rabble
2 Of foul misshapen wights, of which some were
wights > creatures
3 Headed like owls, with becks uncomely bent,
becks > backs; or: beaks
4 Others like dogs, others like griffins drear,
griffin > {Monster with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, believed by the Greeks to guard the Scythian gold; traditionally watchful and perseverant} drear > dreary, dreadful, horrid
5 And some had wings, and some had claws to tear, 6 And every one of them had lynx's eyes,
lynx > (Proverbially keen-sighted)
7 And every one did bow and arrows bear: 8 All those were lawless lusts, corrupt envies, 9 And covetous aspects, all cruel enemies.
aspects > glances, looks, gazes
211.9
Those same against the bulwarke of the Sight
2 Did lay strong siege, and battailous assault,
Ne once did yield it respit day nor night,
4 But soone as Titan gan his head +exault,+
And soone againe as he his light with hault,
6 Their wicked engins they against it bent:
That is each thing, by which the eyes may fault,
8 But two then all more huge and violent,
Beautie, and money, +they that Bulwarke sorely rent+.
4 exault, > exault. 1596 9 they that Bulwarke sorely rent > they against that Bulwarke lent 1590
1 Those same against the bulwark of the sight 2 Did lay strong siege, and battailous assault,
battailous > warlike, ready for battle
3 Nor once did yield it respite day nor night, 4 But soon as Titan gan his head exalt,
soon > [as soon] gan > did; began to exalt > raise [at dawn]
5 And soon again as he his light withheld,
soon > [as soon]
6 Their wicked engines they against it bent:
engines > engines of destruction, missiles; siege-engines; snares, deceptions bent > directed, brought to bear
7 That is, each thing by which the eyes may fault,
fault > err, sin
8 But two than all more huge and violent, 9 Beauty, and money, they that bulwark sorely rent.
rent > tore, broke, burst
211.10
The second Bulwarke was the Hearing sence,
2 Gainst which the second troupe +dessignment+ makes;
Deformed creatures, in straunge difference,
4 Some hauing heads like Harts, some like to Snakes,
Some like wild Bores late rouzd out of the brakes;
6 Slaunderous reproches, and fowle infamies,
Leasings, backbytings, and vaine-glorious crakes,
8 Bad counsels, prayses, and false flatteries.
All those against that fort did bend their batteries.
2 dessignment > assignment 1590
1 The second bulwark was the hearing sense, 2 Against which the second troop designment makes;
designment > design, scheming, contrivance
3 Deformed creatures, in strange difference, 4 Some having heads like harts', some like snakes', 5 Some like wild boars', late roused out of the brakes;
late > lately brakes > bracken, ferns; brushwood
6 Slanderous reproaches, and foul infamies, 7 Leasings, backbitings, and vainglorious crakes,
Leasings > Lies crakes > boasts
8 Bad counsels, praises, and false flatteries: 9 All those against that fort did bend their batteries.
bend > apply, direct batteries > {Assaults, assaults with many blows; artillery}
211.11
Likewise that same third Fort, that is the Smell
2 Of that third troupe was cruelly assayd:
Whose hideous shapes were like to feends of hell,
4 Some like to hounds, some like to +Apes, dismayd+,
Some like to Puttockes, all in plumes arayd:
6 All shap't according their conditions,
For by those vgly formes weren pourtrayd,
8 Foolish delights and fond abusions,
Which do that sence besiege with light illusions.
4 Apes, dismayd > Apes mismayd _(i.e. "mis-made") conj. Jortin. Church suggests that dismayd = "dismayed" and that _Some like to hounds, some like to Apes, _should be read parenthetically, so that dismayd, or mismayd, refers to the feends of hell; cf. 303.50:3_
1 Likewise that same third fort (that is, the smell) 2 Of that third troop was cruelly assayed:
Of > By assayed > assaulted; put to the test; attempted
3 Whose hideous shapes were like to fiends of hell,
were like to > resembled
4 Some like to hounds, some like to apes dismade,
dismade > ?mismade (see Textual Appendix)
5 Some like to puttocks', all in plumes arrayed:
puttock > kite (a carrion-eating bird of prey, Milvus milvus, formerly common in England)
6 All shaped according their conditions,
their conditions > [to their natures (i.e. to their allegorical roles)]
7 For by those ugly forms were portrayed 8 Foolish delights and fond abusions,
fond > foolish abusions > perversions (esp. of the truth)
9 Which do that sense besiege with light illusions.
light > wanton, frivolous
211.12
And that fourth band, which cruell battry bent,
2 Against the fourth Bulwarke, that is the Tast,
Was as the rest, a grysie rablement,
4 Some mouth'd like greedy Oystriges, some +fast+
Like loathly Toades, some fashioned in the wast
6 Like swine; for so deformd is luxury,
+Surfeat+, misdiet, and vnthriftie wast,
8 Vaine feasts, and idle superfluity:
All those this sences Fort assayle incessantly.
4 fast > fac't 1609 7 Surfeat > Surfait 1609
1 And that fourth band, which cruel battery bent
battery > {Assault, assault with many blows; artillery} bent > directed, applied
2 Against the fourth bulwark (that is, the taste), 3 Was as the rest, a grisy rabblement,
grisy > horrible, fearsome; grisly rabblement > rabble
4 Some mouthed like greedy ostriches, some faced
faced > [having faces]
5 Like loathly toads, some fashioned in the waist
loathly > loathsome, disgusting
6 Like swine; for so deformed is luxury,
so > in this manner luxury > excess; dissipation
7 Surfeit, misdiet, and unthrifty waste,
misdiet > improper diet unthrifty > senseless; profligate
8 Vain feasts, and idle superfluity: 9 All those this sense's fort assail incessantly.
211.13
But the fift troupe most horrible of hew,
2 And fierce of force, +was+ dreadfull to report:
For some like Snailes, some did like spyders shew,
4 And some like vgly Vrchins thicke and short:
+Cruelly they+ +assayled+ that fift Fort,
6 Armed with darts of sensuall delight,
With stings of carnall lust, and strong effort
8 Of feeling pleasures, with which day and night
Against that same fift bulwarke they continued fight.
2 was > is 1590 5 Cruelly they > They cruelly 1609 5 assayled > assayed 1590: i.e. attempted, attacked
1 But the fifth troop, most horrible of hue,
hue > appearance; colour
2 And fierce of force, was dreadful to report: 3 For some like snails, some did like spiders show,
show > appear, seem
4 And some like ugly urchins, thick and short:
urchins > hedgehogs
5 Cruelly they assailed that fifth fort, 6 Armed with darts of sensual delight, 7 With stings of carnal lust, and strong effort
effort > power
8 Of feeling pleasures, with which day and night 9 Against that same fifth bulwark they continued fight.
fight > [the fight, fighting]
211.14
Thus these twelue troupes with dreadfull puissance
2 Against that Castle restlesse siege did lay,
And euermore their hideous Ordinance
4 Vpon the Bulwarkes cruelly did play,
That now it gan to threaten neare decay:
6 And euermore their wicked Capitaine
Prouoked them the breaches to assay,
8 Somtimes with threats, somtimes with hope of gaine,
Which by the ransack of that peece they should attaine.
1 Thus these twelve troops with dreadful puissance
puissance > force, power
2 Against that castle restless siege did lay, 3 And evermore their hideous ordinance
hideous > immense, terrific; odious ordinance > battle-array; or, more probably: ordnance, artillery (cf. 211.10:9, 211.12:1)
4 Upon the bulwarks cruelly did play, 5 That now it began to threaten near decay:
That > [So that] decay > downfall, destruction; death
6 And evermore their wicked captain 7 Provoked them the breaches to assay,
assay > assault; attempt
8 Sometimes with threats, sometimes with hope of gain,
hope > promise; expectation
9 Which by the ransack of that piece they should attain.
piece > piece of work, contrivance [the castle]
211.15
On th'other side, th'assieged Castles ward
2 Their stedfast stonds did mightily maintaine,
And many bold repulse, and many hard
4 Atchieuement wrought with perill and with paine,
That goodly frame from ruine to sustaine:
6 And those two brethren Giants did defend
The walles so stoutly with their sturdie maine,
8 That neuer entrance any durst pretend,
But they to direfull death their groning ghosts did send.
1 On the other side, the assieged castle's ward
assieged > besieged ward > guards, garrison
2 Their steadfast stands did mightily maintain,
stands > positions maintain > defend
3 And many bold repulse, and many hard 4 Achievement wrought with peril and with pain, 5 That goodly frame from ruin to sustain:
frame > structure sustain > keep, preserve
6 And those two brethren giants did defend
brethren giants > [hands]
7 The walls so stoutly with their sturdy main,
stoutly > bravely, resolutely sturdy > courageous main > strength, power (with a pun on the French main, "hand")
8 That never entrance any dared pretend,
That > [So that] pretend > presume, intend; attempt
9 But they to direful death their groaning ghosts did send.
their > [of those who dared pretend entrance] ghosts > souls
211.16
The noble virgin, Ladie of +the+ place,
2 Was much dismayed with that dreadfull sight:
For neuer was she in so euill cace,
4 Till that the Prince seeing her wofull plight,
Gan her recomfort from so sad affright,
6 Offring his seruice, and his dearest life
For her defence, against that Carle to fight,
8 Which was their chiefe and th'author of that strife:
She him remercied as the Patrone of her life.
1 the > that 1609
1 The noble virgin, lady of the place,
place > fortress, citadel; place
2 Was much dismayed with that dreadful sight:
with > by
3 For never was she in so evil case;
case > [a] plight
4 Till the prince, seeing her woeful plight, 5 Gan her recomfort from so sad affright,
Gan > Did recomfort > console; inspire with fresh courage so sad affright > such a heavy terror
6 Offering his service, and his dearest life 7 For her defence, against that carl to fight,
carl > villain, churl
8 Who was their chief and the author of that strife: 9 She him remercied as the patron of her life.
remercied > thanked patron > champion, protector
211.17
Eftsoones himselfe in glitterand armes he dight,
2 And his well proued weapons to him hent;
So taking courteous conge he behight,
4 Those gates to be vnbar'd, and forth he went.
Faire mote he thee, the prowest and most gent,
6 That euer brandished bright steele on hye:
Whom soone as that vnruly rablement,
8 With his gay Squire issuing did espy,
They reard a most outrageous dreadfull yelling cry.
1 Eftsoons himself in glittering arms he dight,
Eftsoons > Thereupon arms > {Arms and armour} dight > prepared; hence: clad
2 And his well proved weapons to him hent;
hent > took
3 So, taking courteous cong{e/}, he behight
cong{e/} > leave behight > bade (catachr.)
4 Those gates to be unbarred, and forth he went. 5 Fair might he thee, the prowest, and most gent,
Fair > Fairly, well thee > thrive prowest > bravest gent > noble
6 That ever brandished bright steel on high: 7 Whom soon as that unruly rabblement,
soon > [as soon] rabblement > rabble
8 With his gay squire issuing, did espy,
squire > knight's attendant
9 They reared a most outrageous dreadful yelling cry.
211.18
And therewith all attonce at him let fly
2 Their fluttring arrowes, thicke as flakes of snow,
And round about him flocke impetuously,
4 Like a great water flood, that tombling low
From the high mountaines, threats to ouerflow
6 With suddein fury all the fertile plaine,
And the sad husbandmans long hope doth throw
8 A downe the streame, and all his vowes make vaine,
Nor bounds nor banks his headlong ruine may sustaine.
1 And therewith all at once at him let fly
therewith > with that; thereupon at once > simultaneously; immediately
2 Their fluttering arrows, thick as flakes of snow, 3 And round about him flock impetuously, 4 Like a great water flood that, tumbling low 5 From the high mountains, threats to overflow
threats > threatens
6 With sudden fury all the fertile plain, 7 And the sad husbandman's long hope does throw 8 Adown the stream, and all his vows make vain,
Adown > Down vain > futile
9 Nor bounds nor banks his headlong ruin may sustain.
Nor > Neither his > its (the flood's); his (the husbandman's) ruin > downfall (of the water or the husbandman) sustain > withstand
211.19
Vpon his shield their heaped hayle he bore,
2 And with his sword disperst the raskall flockes,
Which fled a sunder, and him fell before,
4 As withered leaues drop from their dried stockes,
When the wroth Western wind does reaue their locks;
6 And vnder neath him his courageous steed,
The fierce Spumador trode them downe like docks,
8 The fierce Spumador borne of heauenly seed:
Such as Laomedon of Ph{oe}bus race did breed.
1 Upon his shield their heaped hail he bore, 2 And with his sword dispersed the rascal flocks, 3 Which fled asunder, and him fell before, 4 As withered leaves drop from their dried stocks
stocks > stems
5 When the wroth western wind does reave their locks;
reave > ravage; carry off locks > [locks of hair]
6 And underneath him his courageous steed, 7 The fierce Spumador, trod them down like docks,
Spumador > "Foaming One" (Latin spumo, to foam or froth; cf. Aen. 6.881) docks > {Coarse, floppy weeds of rough ground, Rumex spp.}
8 The fierce Spumador, born of heavenly seed:
seed > offspring
9 Such as Laomedon of Phoebus' race did breed.
Laomedon > (King of Troy and, in some accounts, the father of Ganymede, the beautiful youth carried off by Zeus (Jupiter). In compensation Jupiter gave Laomedon a pair of divine horses, such as those which draw Phoebus's fiery chariot across the sky) Phoebus > (Who, incidentally, having displeased Jupiter, was sentenced for a time to watch Laomedon's flocks on Mount Ida)
211.20
Which suddeine horrour and confused cry,
2 When as their Captaine heard, in haste he yode,
The cause to weet, and fault to remedy;
4 Vpon a Tygre swift and fierce he rode,
That as the winde ran vnderneath his lode,
6 Whiles his long legs nigh raught vnto the ground;
Full large he was of limbe, and shoulders brode,
8 But of such subtile substance and vnsound,
That like a ghost he seem'd, whose graue-clothes were vnbound.
1 Which sudden horror and confused cry, 2 When their captain heard, in haste he yode
yode > went
3 The cause to weet, and fault to remedy;
weet > find out
4 Upon a tiger swift and fierce he rode, 5 That as the wind ran underneath his load, 6 While his long legs nigh raught to the ground;
raught > reached
7 Full large he was of limb, and shoulders broad,
Full > Very, exceedingly
8 But of such subtile substance and unsound,
subtile > rarefied, thin; subtle
9 That like a ghost he seemed, whose grave-clothes were unbound.
211.21
And in his hand a bended bow was seene,
2 And many arrowes vnder his right side,
All deadly daungerous, all cruell keene,
4 Headed with flint, and feathers bloudie dide,
Such as the Indians in their quiuers hide;
6 Those could he well direct and streight as line,
And bid them strike the marke, which he had eyde,
8 Ne was +there+ salue, ne was +there+ medicine,
That mote recure their wounds: so inly they did tine.
8 there > their 1590, 1596; cf. 110.36:6, 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 304.41:7, 312.28:1 8 there > their 1590, 1596
1 And in his hand a bent bow was seen, 2 And many arrows under his right side, 3 All deadly dangerous, all cruel keen,
keen > sharp
4 Headed with flint, and feathers bloody dyed, 5 Such as the Indians in their quivers hide; 6 Those could he well direct and straight as line, 7 And bid them strike the mark, which he had eyed, 8 Neither was there salve, nor was there medicine, 9 That might recure their wounds: so inly they did teen.
recure > cure, restore inly > inwardly teen > vex, enrage, give grief
211.22
As pale and wan as ashes was his looke,
2 His bodie leane and meagre as a rake,
And skin all withered like a dryed rooke,
4 Thereto as cold and drery as a Snake,
That seem'd to tremble euermore, and quake:
6 All in a canuas thin he was bedight,
And girded with a belt of twisted brake,
8 Vpon his head he wore an Helmet light,
Made of a dead mans skull, that seem'd a ghastly sight.
1 As pale and wan as ashes was his look, 2 His body lean and meagre as a rake,
meagre > emaciated
3 And skin all withered like a dried rook,
rook > (A sort of crow, Corvus frugilegus, nesting communally around farmsteads; the partly feathered squabs were formerly much taken as food, sometimes being dried and put in store)
4 Thereto as cold and dreary as a snake,
Thereto > Moreover, also dreary > dreadful, grim
5 That seemed to tremble evermore, and quake: 6 All in a canvas thin he was bedight,
bedight > arrayed; hence: clad
7 And girded with a belt of twisted brake;
brake > fern, bracken
8 Upon his head he wore a helmet light, 9 Made of a dead man's skull, that seemed a ghastly sight.
ghastly > {Frightful, causing terror of the supernatural}
211.23
Maleger was his name, and after him,
2 There follow'd fast at hand two wicked Hags,
With hoarie lockes all loose, and visage grim;
4 Their feet vnshod, their bodies wrapt in rags,
And both as swift on foot, as chased Stags;
6 And yet the one her other legge had lame,
Which with a staffe, all full of litle snags
8 She did +support+, and Impotence her name:
But th'other was Impatience, arm'd with raging flame.
8 support > disport 1596, 1609
1 Maleger was his name, and after him 2 There followed fast at hand two wicked hags,
fast > closely; rapidly
3 With hoary locks all loose, and visage grim; 4 Their feet unshod, their bodies wrapped in rags, 5 And both as swift on foot as chased stags; 6 And yet the one her other leg had lame,
other > (Cf. 204.4:3)
7 Which with a staff, all full of little snags, 8 She did support, and Impotence her name:
Impotence > "Lack of Self-restraint"; "Violent Passion" (obsolete meanings of this word) her > [was her]
9 But the other was Impatience, armed with raging flame.
Impatience > "Inability to Endure Suffering" (the primary meaning)
211.24
Soone as the Carle from farre the Prince espyde,
2 Glistring in armes and warlike ornament,
His Beast he felly prickt on either syde,
4 And his mischieuous bow full readie bent,
With which at him a cruell shaft he sent:
6 But he was warie, and it warded well
Vpon his shield, that it no further went,
8 But to the ground the idle quarrell fell:
Then he another and another did expell.
1 Soon as the carl from far the prince espied,
Soon > [As soon] carl > villain, churl
2 Glistering in arms and warlike ornament,
arms > {Arms and armour}
3 His beast he felly pricked on either side,
felly > fiercely, hotly pricked > spurred
4 And his mischievous bow full ready bent,
mischievous > {Producing or intending harm} full > very, quite
5 With which at him a cruel shaft he sent:
shaft > arrow
6 But he was wary, and it warded well
he > [Arthur]
7 Upon his shield, that it no further went,
that > [so that]
8 But to the ground the idle quarrel fell:
idle > vain, futile quarrel > arrow (normally applied to the arrow or bolt for a crossbow, a weapon favoured by the medieval French and greatly disdained by English longbowmen)
9 Then he another and another did expel.
211.25
Which to preuent, the Prince his mortall speare
2 Soone to him raught, and fierce at him did ride,
To be auenged of that shot whyleare:
4 But he was not so hardie to abide
That bitter stownd, but turning quicke aside
6 His light-foot beast, fled fast away for feare:
Whom to pursue, the Infant after hide,
8 So fast as his good Courser could him beare,
But labour lost it was, to weene approch him neare.
1 Which to prevent, the prince his mortal spear
mortal > lethal, deadly
2 Soon to him raught, and fierce at him did ride,
raught > reached
3 To be avenged of that shot whilere:
whilere > erewhile: lately [fired; or quasi-adj.]
4 But he was not so hardy to abide
hardy > foolhardy; robust; bold to abide > [as to await]
5 That bitter stound, but, turning quick aside
stound > peril
6 His lightfoot beast, fled fast away for fear:
lightfoot > light-footed
7 Whom to pursue, the infant after hied,
infant > prince hied > went quickly; hence: raced; also: strove
8 So fast as his good courser could him bear,
fast > fast; closely
9 But labour lost it was, to ween approach him near.
ween > intend, imagine [to]
211.26
For as the winged wind his Tigre fled,
2 That vew of eye could scarse him ouertake,
Ne scarse his feet on ground were seene to tred;
4 Through hils and dales he speedie way did make,
Ne hedge ne ditch his readie passage brake,
6 And in his flight the villein turn'd his face,
(As wonts the Tartar by the Caspian lake,
8 When as the Russian him in fight does chace)
Vnto his Tygres taile, and shot at him apace.
1 For as the winged wind his tiger fled, 2 That view of eye could scarce him overtake,
That > [So that]
3 Nor scarce his feet on ground were seen to tread; 4 Through hills and dales he speedy way did make, 5 Neither hedge nor ditch his ready passage broke,
ready > straight, direct broke > delayed; diverted
6 And in his flight the villein turned his face
villein > villain; serf
7 (As wonts the Tartar by the Caspian Lake,
wonts > is accustomed; hence: does Lake > Sea
8 When the Russian him in fight does chase) 9 To his tiger's tail, and shot at him apace.
To his tiger's tail > [Maleger faced backwards in the manner of the
Parthians, who, like the Tartars, were inhabitants of western
Asia]
apace > quickly; hence: with a quick succession of arrows
211.27
Apace he shot, and yet he fled apace,
2 Still as the greedy knight nigh to him drew,
And oftentimes he would relent his pace,
4 That him his foe more fiercely should pursew:
+Who+ when his vncouth manner he did vew,
6 He gan auize to follow him no more,
But keepe his standing, and his shaftes eschew,
8 Vntill he quite had spent his perlous store,
And then assayle him fresh, ere he could shift for more.
5 Who > But 1590
1 Apace he shot, and yet he fled apace, 2 Still as the greedy knight nigh to him drew,
Still > Continuously; ever greedy > eager; reckless
3 And oftentimes he would relent his pace,
oftentimes > many times, frequently relent > slacken
4 That him his foe more fiercely should pursue:
That > [So that]
5 Who, when his uncouth manner he did view,
uncouth > bizarre; unseemly (i.e. riding backwards and varying his speed)
6 He gan advise to follow him no more,
gan > did advise > bethink, purpose; hence: decide
7 But keep his standing, and his shafts eschew,
keep his standing > [stay where he was; or: hang back] shafts > arrows
8 Until he quite had spent his perilous store, 9 And then assail him fresh, ere he could shift for more.
shift for > make efforts for, contrive to get hold of
211.28
But that lame Hag, still as abroad he strew
2 His wicked arrowes, gathered them againe,
And to him brought, fresh battell to renew:
4 Which he espying, cast her to restraine
From yielding succour to that cursed Swaine,
6 And her attaching, thought her hands to tye;
But soone as him dismounted on the plaine,
8 That other Hag did farre away espy
Binding her sister, she to him ran hastily.
1 But that lame hag, still as abroad he strewed
that lame hag > [Impotence] still > continually
2 His wicked arrows, gathered them again, 3 And to him brought, fresh battle to renew: 4 Which he espying, cast her to restrain
he > [Arthur] cast > resolved
5 From yielding succour to that cursed swain,
swain > youth, young man; with further connotations, as: attendant, serf (of the hags); lover (of the lame hag)
6 And her attaching, thought her hands to tie;
attaching > seizing, arresting (cf. 112.35:5)
7 But soon as him, dismounted on the plain, 8 That other hag did far away espy
That other hag > [Impatience]
9 Binding her sister, she to him ran hastily.
211.29
And catching hold of him, as downe he lent,
2 Him backward ouerthrew, and downe him stayd
With their rude hands and griesly graplement,
4 Till that the villein comming to their +ayd+,
Vpon him fell, and lode vpon him layd;
6 Full litle wanted, but he had him slaine,
And of the battell balefull end had made,
8 Had not his gentle Squire beheld his paine,
And commen to his reskew, ere his bitter bane.
4 ayd > aye 1596
1 And catching hold of him, as down he leaned, 2 Him backward overthrew, and down him stayed
stayed > held, held motionless
3 With their rude hands and grisly grapplement,
rude > rough, clumsy; violent grisly > horrible, fearsome grapplement > grappling; clutch, grasp (WU)
4 Till the villein, coming to their aid,
villein > villain, serf
5 Upon him fell, and load upon him laid; 6 Full little wanted, but he had him slain,
Full little wanted, but he had him slain > [Maleger very nearly killed him; "full" = "very", "wanted" = "lacked"]
7 And of the battle baleful end had made,
baleful > deadly, unhappy
8 Had not his gentle squire beheld his pain,
his > [Arthur's] gentle > noble
9 And come to his rescue, ere his bitter bane.
bane > death, murder
211.30
So greatest and most glorious thing on ground
2 May often need the helpe of weaker hand;
So feeble is mans state, and life vnsound,
4 That in assurance it may neuer stand,
Till it dissolued be from earthly band.
6 Proofe be thou Prince, the prowest man aliue,
And noblest borne of all in Briton land;
8 Yet thee fierce Fortune did so nearely driue,
That had not grace thee blest, thou shouldest not +suruiue+.
9 suruiue > reuiue 1590 etc.: FE
1 So greatest and most glorious thing on ground
So > Thus, in this manner [the] on ground > in the world (cf. 208.11:2, where the same pun is used)
2 May often need the help of weaker hand; 3 So feeble is man's state, and life unsound, 4 That in assurance it may never stand,
assurance > security
5 Till it dissolved be from earthly band.
band > attachment; bonds; also, perhaps: company, hence: society
6 Proof be you, Prince, the prowest man alive,
prowest > bravest
7 And noblest born of all in Briton land; 8 Yet you fierce Fortune did so nearly drive,
nearly > closely; particularly drive > (E.g. a game animal into a net, trap, or other confined space where it can be killed)
9 That had not grace you blessed, you should not survive.
grace > favour, goodwill; God's grace blessed > protected from evil, delivered, spared survive > [have survived]
211.31
The Squire arriuing, fiercely in his armes
2 Snatcht first the one, and then the other Iade,
His chiefest lets and authors of his harmes,
4 And them perforce withheld with threatned blade,
Least that his Lord they should behind inuade;
6 The whiles the Prince prickt with reprochfull shame,
As one awakt out of long slombring shade,
8 Reuiuing thought of glorie and of fame,
Vnited all his powres to purge himselfe from blame.
1 The squire, arriving, fiercely in his arms 2 Snatched first the one and then the other jade,
jade > {A worn-out horse; hence: an opprobrious term for a woman, and often also applied to Fortune, Nature, etc. personified}
3 His chiefest lets and authors of his harms,
lets > hindrances
4 And them perforce withheld with threatened blade,
perforce > forcibly
5 Lest his lord they should behind invade;
behind invade > [attack from behind]
6 The whiles the prince, pricked with reproachful shame,
The whiles > Meanwhile
7 As one awoken out of long slumbering shade,
shade > shadow; darkness, night
8 Reviving thought of glory and of fame, 9 United all his powers to purge himself from blame.
blame > fault
211.32
Like as a fire, the which in hollow caue
2 Hath long bene vnderkept, and downe supprest,
With murmurous disdaine doth inly raue,
4 And grudge, in so streight prison to be prest,
At last breakes forth with furious +vnrest+,
6 And striues to mount vnto his natiue seat;
All that did earst it hinder and molest,
8 It now deuoures with flames and scorching heat,
And carries into smoake with rage and horror great.
5 vnrest > infest 1590
1 Like a fire, which in hollow cave 2 Has long been underkept, and down suppressed, 3 With murmurous disdain does inly rave,
With > [And with] disdain > anger; indignation inly > inwardly
4 And grudge, in so strait prison to be pressed,
grudge > complain so > such [a] strait > strict; narrow, confining
5 At last breaks forth with furious unrest,
At > [And at] unrest > turmoil
6 And strives to mount to his native seat;
native seat > rightful position (of the element Fire, above Earth, Air, and Water)
7 All that did erst it hinder and molest,
erst > formerly
8 It now devours with flames and scorching heat, 9 And carries into smoke with rage and horror great.
211.33
So mightily the Briton Prince him rouzd
2 Out of his hold, and broke his caitiue bands,
And as a Beare whom angry curres haue touzd,
4 Hauing off-shakt them, and escapt their hands,
Becomes more fell, and all that him withstands
6 Treads downe and ouerthrowes. Now had the Carle
Alighted from his Tigre, and his hands
8 Discharged of his bow and deadly quar'le,
To seize vpon his foe flat lying on the marle.
1 So mightily the Briton prince himself roused
So > Thus, similarly
2 Out of his hold, and broke his caitiff bonds,
his > [Maleger's] caitiff > despicable; wretched
3 And, as a bear whom angry curs have toused
toused > harassed, worried (during bear-baiting; cf. 208.42:1)
4 (Having off-shaken them, and escaped their hands)
hands > possession, custody; attentions
5 Becomes more fell, and all that him withstands
fell > fierce, terrible
6 Treads down and overthrows. Now had the carl
Now > (Intensifying the pluperfect) carl > villain, churl
7 Alighted from his tiger, and his hands 8 Discharged of his bow and deadly quarrel,
Discharged > Rid (by throwing aside) quarrel > arrow, arrows
9 To seize upon his foe flat lying on the marl.
marl > soil
211.34
Which now him turnd to disauantage deare;
2 For neither can he fly, nor other harme,
But trust vnto his strength and manhood meare,
4 Sith now he is farre from his monstrous swarme,
And of his weapons did himselfe disarme.
6 The knight yet wrothfull for his late disgrace,
Fiercely aduaunst his valorous right arme,
8 And him so sore smote with his yron mace,
That groueling to the ground he fell, and fild his place.
1 Which now him turned to disadvantage dear;
dear > grievous; costly
2 For neither can he fly, nor other harm,
fly > flee other > otherwise; the other; do other
3 But trust to his strength and manhood mere,
mere > unaided
4 Sith now he is far from his monstrous swarm,
Sith > Since
5 And of his weapons did himself disarm. 6 The knight, yet wrathful for his late disgrace,
late > recent
7 Fiercely advanced his valorous right arm,
advanced > raised
8 And him so sore smote with his iron mace 9 That grovelling to the ground he fell, and fild his place.
grovelling > face-down fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) his > [Arthur's]
211.35
Well weened he, that field was then his owne,
2 And all his labour brought to happie end,
When suddein vp the villein ouerthrowne,
4 Out of his swowne arose, fresh to contend,
And gan himselfe to second battell bend,
6 As hurt he had not bene. Thereby there lay
An huge great stone, which stood vpon one end,
8 And had not bene remoued many a day;
Some land-marke seem'd to be, or signe of sundry way.
1 Well weened he, that field was then his own,
weened > supposed field > [that] battle, field of battle
2 And all his labour brought to happy end, 3 When suddenly up the villein overthrown
villein > villain, serf
4 Out of his swoon arose, fresh to contend, 5 And gan himself to second battle bend,
gan > did bend > direct, apply
6 As hurt he had not been. Thereby there lay
As > [As though]
Thereby > There, nearby
7 A huge great stone, which stood upon one end, 8 And had not been removed many a day;
removed > moved [for]
9 Some landmark seemed to be, or sign of sundry way.
sundry > distinct; other, separate, sundry; hence: some (indifferently, in the sense "some road or other") way > road, track
211.36
The same he snatcht, and with exceeding sway
2 Threw at his foe, who was right well aware
To shunne the engin of his meant decay;
4 It booted not to thinke that throw to beare,
But ground he gaue, and lightly leapt areare:
6 Eft fierce returning, as a Faulcon faire
That once hath failed of her souse full neare,
8 Remounts againe into the open aire,
And vnto better fortune doth her selfe prepaire.
1 The same he snatched, and with exceeding sway
sway > force; momentum
2 Threw at his foe, who was right well aware
right > at once; very aware > watchful
3 To shun the engine of his meant decay;
engine > instrument meant decay > intended death
4 It booted not to think that throw to bear,
booted not to think > [did not bear thinking about: cf. 108.7:9] throw > throw; blow
5 But ground he gave, and lightly leapt arrear:
lightly > lightly; quickly arrear > backwards
6 Eft fierce returning, as a falcon fair,
Eft > Afterwards, then
7 That once has failed of her souse full near,
souse > swoop, stoop (cf. 105.8:7) full near > [very nearly, by very little]
8 Remounts again into the open air, 9 And to better fortune does herself prepare.
211.37
So braue returning, with his brandisht blade,
2 He to the Carle himselfe againe addrest,
And strooke at him so sternely, that he made
4 An open passage through his riuen brest,
That halfe the steele behind his back did rest;
6 Which drawing backe, he looked euermore
When the hart bloud should gush out of his chest,
8 Or his dead corse should fall vpon the flore;
But his dead corse vpon the flore fell nathemore.
1 So brave returning, with his brandished blade, 2 He to the carl himself again addressed,
carl > villain, churl
3 And struck at him so sternly, that he made
sternly > fiercely, mercilessly
4 An open passage through his riven breast,
riven > split, torn open
5 That half the steel behind his back did rest;
That > [So that] rest > remain; hence: protrude
6 Which drawing back, he looked evermore 7 When the heart-blood should gush out of his chest, 8 Or his dead corse should fall upon the floor;
corse > body floor > ground (catachr. prompted by the rhyme, as at 208.42:5)
9 But his dead corse upon the floor fell nathemore.
nathemore > not at all
211.38
Ne drop of bloud appeared shed to bee,
2 All were the wounde so wide and wonderous,
That through his carkasse one might plainely see:
4 Halfe in a maze with horror hideous,
And halfe in rage, to be deluded thus,
6 Againe through both the sides he strooke him quight,
That made his spright to grone full piteous:
8 Yet nathemore forth fled his groning spright,
But freshly as at first, prepard himselfe to fight.
1 Nor drop of blood appeared shed to be, 2 All were the wound so wide and wondrous
All > Although
3 That through his carcase one might plainly see: 4 Half in amaze with horror hideous,
amaze > confusion, amazement hideous > terrific
5 And half in rage, to be deluded thus, 6 Again through both the sides he struck him quite,
quite > thoroughly, entirely
7 That made his spirit groan full piteous:
That > [That thrust; or: so that it] full > exceedingly
8 Yet nathemore forth fled his groaning spirit,
nathemore > not at all
9 But freshly, as at first, prepared himself to fight.
211.39
Thereat he smitten was with great affright,
2 And trembling terror did his hart apall,
Ne wist he, what to thinke of that same sight,
4 Ne what to say, ne what to doe at all;
He doubted, least it were some magicall
6 Illusion, that did beguile his sense,
Or wandring ghost, that wanted funerall,
8 Or aerie spirit vnder false pretence,
Or hellish feend raysd vp through diuelish science.
1 Thereat he smitten was with great affright,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that affright > terror
2 And trembling terror did his heart appal, 3 Neither wist he what to think of that same sight,
wist > knew, guessed
4 Nor what to say, nor what to do at all; 5 He doubted, lest it were some magical
doubted > was afraid
6 Illusion that did beguile his sense, 7 Or wandering ghost, that wanted funeral,
wanted > lacked [a]
8 Or airy spirit under false pretence,
airy > aerial; composed of air (cf. 101.45:3)
9 Or hellish fiend raised up through devilish science.
science > skill, lore, knowledge
211.40
His wonder farre exceeded reasons reach,
2 That he began to doubt his dazeled sight,
And oft of error did himselfe appeach:
4 Flesh without bloud, a person without spright,
Wounds without hurt, a bodie without might,
6 That could doe harme, yet could not harmed bee,
That could not die, yet seem'd a mortall wight,
8 That was most strong in most infirmitee;
Like did he neuer heare, like did he neuer see.
1 His wonder far exceeded reason's reach, 2 That he began to doubt his dazzled sight,
That > [So that]
3 And oft of error did himself appeach:
appeach > impeach, accuse
4 Flesh without blood, a person without spirit, 5 Wounds without hurt, a body without might,
might > strength
6 That could do harm, yet could not harmed be, 7 That could not die, yet seemed a mortal wight,
wight > man, creature
8 That was most strong in most infirmity;
most > greatest
9 Like did he never hear, like did he never see.
Like > [The like]
211.41
A while he stood in this astonishment,
2 Yet would he not for all his great dismay
Giue ouer to effect his first intent,
4 And th'vtmost meanes of victorie assay,
Or th'vtmost issew of his owne decay.
6 His owne good sword +Mordure+, that neuer fayld
At need, till now, he lightly threw away,
8 And his bright shield, that nought him now auayld,
And with his naked hands him forcibly assayld.
6 Mordure > Morddure 1609
1 A while he stood in this astonishment, 2 Yet would he not for all his great dismay 3 Give over to effect his first intent,
Give over > Desist from [trying]
4 And the utmost means of victory essay,
essay > attempt
5 Or the utmost issue of his own decay.
issue > outcome decay > death
6 His own good sword Morddure, that never failed
Morddure > "Hard-biter" (see 208.20-1)
7 At need, till now, he lightly threw away,
lightly > lightly; quickly
8 And his bright shield, that naught him now availed,
And > [And also] naught > not at all
9 And with his naked hands him forcibly assailed.
211.42
Twixt his two mightie armes him vp he snatcht,
2 And crusht his carkasse so against his brest,
That the disdainfull soule he thence dispatcht,
4 And th'idle breath all vtterly exprest:
Tho when he felt him dead, +a downe+ he kest
6 The lumpish corse vnto the senselesse grownd;
Adowne he kest it with so puissant wrest,
8 That backe againe it did aloft rebownd,
And gaue against his mother earth a gronefull sownd.
5 a downe > adowne 1590
1 'Twixt his two mighty arms him up he snatched, 2 And crushed his carcase so against his breast 3 That the disdainful soul he thence dispatched,
disdainful > angry; indignant
4 And the idle breath all utterly expressed:
idle > empty expressed > squeezed out
5 Tho when he felt him dead, adown he cast
Tho > Then adown > down
6 The lumpish corse to the senseless ground;
lumpish > sluggishly inactive; low-spirited corse > body
7 Adown he cast it with so puissant wrest,
so puissant wrest > such a powerful twist
8 That back again it did aloft rebound, 9 And gave against his mother earth a groanful sound.
groanful > groaning, lugubrious, mournful
211.43
As when Ioues harnesse-bearing Bird from hie
2 Stoupes at a flying heron with proud disdaine,
The stone-dead quarrey fals so forciblie,
4 That it rebounds against the lowly plaine,
A second fall redoubling backe againe.
6 Then thought the Prince all perill sure was past,
And that he victor onely did remaine;
8 No sooner thought, then that the Carle as fast
Gan heap huge strokes on him, as ere he downe was cast.
1 As when Jove's harness-bearing bird from high
harness > {Military equipment or accoutrements} bird > (The eagle, which carries his thunderbolts)
2 Stoops at a flying heron with proud disdain,
Stoops > Swoops disdain > indignation; anger
3 The stone-dead quarry falls so forcibly 4 That it rebounds against the lowly plain, 5 A second fall redoubling back again. 6 Then, thought the prince, all peril sure was past, 7 And that he victor only did remain;
victor > [as victor; victorious] only > solely
8 No sooner thought, than the carl as fast
carl > villain, churl
9 Gan heap huge strokes on him, as ere he down was cast.
Gan > Did; began to
211.44
Nigh his wits end then woxe th'amazed knight,
2 And thought his labour lost and trauell vaine,
Against this lifelesse shadow so to fight:
4 Yet life he saw, and felt his mightie maine,
That whiles he marueild still, did still him paine:
6 For thy he gan some other wayes aduize,
How to take life from that dead-liuing swaine,
8 Whom still he marked freshly to arize
From th'earth, and from her wombe new spirits to reprize.
1 Nigh his wits' end then waxed the amazed knight,
waxed > grew, became amazed > astounded; confounded
2 And thought his labour lost and travail vain,
travail > toil
3 Against this lifeless shadow so to fight: 4 Yet life he saw, and felt his mighty main,
main > strength, power
5 That while he marvelled still, did still him pain: 6 For-thy he gan some other ways advise
For-thy > For this reason, therefore gan > did advise > consider
7 How to take life from that dead-living swain,
swain > youth, young man; with further connotations, as: attendant, serf (of the hags); lover (of the lame hag)
8 Whom still he marked freshly to arise
still > continually, ever marked > observed
9 From the earth, and from her womb new spirits to reprise.
reprise > take anew (SUFQ)
211.45
He then remembred well, that had bene sayd,
2 How th'Earth his mother was, and first him bore;
She eke so often, as his life decayd,
4 Did life with vsury to him restore,
And raysd him vp much stronger then before,
6 So soone as he vnto her wombe did fall;
Therefore to ground he would him cast no more,
8 Ne him commit to graue terrestriall,
But beare him farre from hope of succour vsuall.
1 He then remembered well, that had been said,
that had been said > (A reference to the slaying of Antaeus by Hercules. Antaeus was a huge giant, the son of Neptune and Earth, and was invincible as long as he remained in contact with his mother element. In order to crush and kill him, Hercules had to lift him into the air first)
2 How the Earth his mother was, and first him bore; 3 She eke so often, as his life decayed,
eke > also decayed > declined
4 Did life with usury to him restore,
usury > interest
5 And raised him up much stronger than before, 6 So soon as he to her womb did fall; 7 Therefore to ground he would him cast no more, 8 Nor him commit to grave terrestrial, 9 But bear him far from hope of succour usual.
211.46
Tho vp he caught him twixt his puissant hands,
2 And hauing scruzd out of his carrion corse
The lothfull life, now loosd from sinfull bands,
4 Vpon his shoulders carried him perforse
Aboue three furlongs, taking his full course,
6 Vntill he came vnto a standing lake;
Him thereinto he threw without remorse,
8 Ne stird, till hope of life did him forsake;
So end of that Carles dayes, and his owne paines did make.
1 Tho up he caught him 'twixt his puissant hands,
Tho > Then puissant > powerful
2 And having scruzed out of his carrion corse
scruzed > squeezed corse > body
3 The loathful life, now loosed from sinful bonds,
loathful > loathsome; reluctant
4 Upon his shoulders carried him perforce
perforce > forcibly
5 Above three furlongs, taking his full course,
Above > More than furlong > {An eighth of a mile, 220 yards, about 201 metres; cf. 111.11:7}
6 Until he came to a standing lake;
standing > tideless
7 Him thereinto he threw without remorse,
remorse > pity, compunction
8 Nor stirred, till hope of life did him forsake; 9 So end of that carl's days, and his own pains, did make.
carl > villain, churl pains > efforts; pains
211.47
Which when those wicked Hags from farre did spy,
2 Like two mad dogs they ran about the lands,
And th'one of them with dreadfull yelling cry,
4 Throwing away her broken chaines and bands,
And hauing quencht her burning fier brands,
6 Hedlong her selfe did cast into that lake;
But Impotence with her owne wilfull hands,
8 One of Malegers cursed darts did take,
So riu'd her trembling hart, and wicked end did make.
1 Which when those wicked hags from far did spy, 2 Like two mad dogs they ran about the lands, 3 And one of them with dreadful yelling cry,
one of them > (Impatience - see line 7)
4 Throwing away her broken chains and bonds,
her broken chains > (Apparently an error: it was Impotence whom Arthur bound, or tried to bind, at 211.28:6)
5 And having quenched her burning fire brands, 6 Headlong herself did cast into that lake; 7 But Impotence with her own wilful hands 8 One of Maleger's cursed darts did take, 9 So rived her trembling heart, and wicked end did make.
rived > split, tore
211.48
Thus now alone he conquerour remaines;
2 Tho comming to his Squire, that kept his steed,
Thought to haue mounted, but his feeble vaines
4 Him faild thereto, and serued not his need,
Through losse of bloud, which from his wounds did bleed,
6 That he began to faint, and life decay:
But his good Squire him helping vp with speed,
8 With stedfast hand vpon his horse did stay,
And led him to the Castle by the beaten way.
1 Thus now alone he conqueror remains; 2 Tho coming to his squire, that kept his steed,
Tho > Then squire > knight's attendant
3 Thought to have mounted, but his feeble veins 4 Him failed thereto, and served not his need,
thereto > in that purpose
5 Through loss of blood, which from his wounds did bleed, 6 That he began to faint, and life decay:
That > [So that] decay > [began to] decline
7 But his good squire, him helping up with speed, 8 With steadfast hand upon his horse did stay,
upon > [Arthur upon] stay > support
9 And led him to the castle by the beaten way.
211.49
Where many Groomes and Squiers readie were,
2 To take him from his steed full tenderly,
And eke the fairest Alma met him there
4 With balme and wine and costly spicery,
To comfort him in his infirmity;
6 Eftsoones she causd him vp to be conuayd,
And of his armes despoyled easily,
8 In sumptuous bed she made him to be layd,
And all the while his wounds were dressing, by him stayd.
1 Where many grooms and squires ready were
grooms > servants squires > attendants
2 To take him from his steed full tenderly,
full > very
3 And eke the fairest Alma met him there
eke > also, moreover
4 With balm and wine and costly spicery,
spicery > spices
5 To comfort him in his infirmity; 6 Eftsoons she caused him up to be conveyed,
Eftsoons > Soon, thereupon
7 And of his arms despoiled easily,
arms > armour despoiled > stripped
8 In sumptuous bed she made him to be laid, 9 And, all the while his wounds were dressing, by him stayed.
dressing > [being treated]
Guyon +by+ Palmers gouernance,
2 +passing through+ perils great,
Doth ouerthrow the Bowre of blisse,
4 and Acrasie defeat.
1 by > through 1590 2 passing through > through passing 1590
1 Guyon, by palmer's governance,
palmer > (Guyon's mentor: see 201.7 ff.) governance > management; guidance (the possible arrangements of the commas in this line alter the meaning, applying the palmer's governance either to the sea-passage through "perils great" or to the overthrow of the Bower of Bliss. The original pointing suggests that the palmer's governance applies to both)
2 passing through perils great, 3 Does overthrow the Bower of Bliss, 4 and Acrasy defeat.
Acrasy > Irregularity; disorder; intemperance, all these being personified by Acrasia
212.1
NOw gins this goodly frame of Temperance
2 Fairely to rise, and her adorned hed
To pricke of highest praise forth to aduance,
4 +Formerly+ grounded, and fast setteled
On firme foundation of true bountihed;
6 And this braue knight, that for +that+ vertue fights,
Now comes to point of that same perilous sted,
8 Where Pleasure dwelles in sensuall delights,
Mongst thousand dangers, and ten thousand magick mights.
4 Formerly > Formally conj. Smith; cf. 212.81:5 6 that > this 1590 etc.: FE, probably referring to this word; FE does not give line-numbers
1 Now begins this goodly frame of Temperance
frame > structure, construction, architectural intent [on the part of Spenser]
2 Fairly to rise, and her adorned head
her adorned head > [Guyon]
3 To prick of highest praise forth to advance,
prick > point; hence: pinnacle
4 Formerly grounded and fast settled
Formerly > First (see also Textual Appendix) fast > firmly
5 On firm foundation of true bountihead;
bountihead > bounteousness; goodness, virtue
6 And this brave knight, that for that virtue fights,
brave > brave; splendid, fine
7 Now comes to point of that same perilous stead,
point > [the point, acme, zenith; hence: centre] stead > place
8 Where Pleasure dwells in sensual delights,
Pleasure > Acrasia (cf. 201.0:4)
9 Amongst thousand dangers, and ten thousand magic mights.
mights > powers
212.2
Two dayes now in that sea he sayled has,
2 Ne euer land beheld, ne liuing wight,
Ne ought saue perill, still as he did pas:
4 Tho when appeared the third Morrow bright,
Vpon the waues to spred her trembling light,
6 An hideous roaring farre away they heard,
That all their senses filled with affright,
8 And streight they saw the raging surges reard
Vp to the skyes, that them of drowning made affeard.
1 Two days now in that sea he sailed has, 2 Nor ever land beheld, nor living wight,
wight > person, creature
3 Nor aught save peril, still as he did pass:
still > continually
4 Tho when appeared the third morrow bright,
Tho > Then bright > bright; beautiful
5 Upon the waves to spread its trembling light, 6 A hideous roaring far away they heard,
hideous > terrific; odious
7 That all their senses filled with affright,
affright > terror
8 And straight they saw the raging surges reared
straight > straightway
9 Up to the skies: that them of drowning made afeard.
afeard > frightened
212.3
Said then the Boteman, Palmer stere aright,
2 And keepe an euen course; for yonder way
We needes must passe (God do vs well acquight,)
4 That is the Gulfe of Greedinesse, they say,
That deepe engorgeth all this worldes pray:
6 Which hauing swallowd vp excessiuely,
He soone in vomit vp againe doth lay,
8 And belcheth forth his superfluity,
That all the seas for feare do seeme away to fly.
1 Said then the boatman, "Palmer, steer aright,
aright > straight; correctly
2 And keep an even course; for yonder way 3 We needs must pass (God do us well acquit):
needs > of necessity do us well acquit > [make us acquit ourselves well; do us well deliver]
4 That is the Gulf of Greediness, they say,
Gulf > {Abyss; whirlpool; yawning chasm}
5 That deep engorges all this world's prey;
engorges > devours
6 Which, having swallowed up excessively,
excessively > excessively; greedily, intemperately
7 It soon in vomit up again does lay,
lay > deposit
8 And belches forth its superfluity,
belches > spews
9 That all the seas for fear do seem away to fly.
That > [So that] fly > flee
212.4
On th'other side an hideous Rocke is pight,
2 Of mightie Magnes stone, whose craggie clift
Depending from on high, dreadfull to sight,
4 Ouer the waues his rugged armes doth lift,
And threatneth downe to throw his ragged rift
6 On who so commeth nigh; yet nigh it drawes
All passengers, that none from it can shift:
8 For whiles they fly that Gulfes deuouring iawes,
They on this rock are rent, and sunck in helplesse wawes.
1 "On the other side a hideous rock is pight,
hideous > immense pight > pitched, placed
2 Of mighty Magnes stone, whose craggy cliff
Magnes stone > loadstone, magnetite (named after Magnes (Magnesia) in Thessaly)
3 Depending from on high, dreadful to sight,
Depending > Suspended sight > see, view; the sight
4 Over the waves its rugged arms does lift, 5 And threatens down to throw its ragged rift
rift > ?rock fragments, ?rubble (cf. 108.22:8, 207.28:3-6)
6 On whoso comes nigh; yet nigh it draws
whoso > whoever draws > (Because Magnes stone was supposed to attract ships by their ironwork)
7 All passengers, that none from it can shift:
passengers > passers-by that > [so that]
8 For while they fly that gulf's devouring jaws,
fly > flee
9 They on this rock are rent, and sunk in helpless waves."
rent > torn, split helpless > {Affording no help}
212.5
Forward they passe, and strongly he them rowes,
2 Vntill they nigh vnto that Gulfe arriue,
Where streame more violent and greedy growes:
4 Then he with all his puissance doth striue
To strike his oares, and mightily doth driue
6 The hollow vessell through the threatfull waue,
Which gaping wide, to swallow them aliue,
8 In th'huge abysse of his engulfing graue,
Doth rore at them in vaine, and with great terror raue.
1 Forward they pass, and strongly he them rows, 2 Until they nigh to that gulf arrive, 3 Where stream more violent and greedy grows:
stream > [the] current
4 Then he with all his puissance does strive
puissance > strength
5 To strike his oars, and mightily does drive
strike > [make strokes with (rather than the usual nautical meaning: cf. 112.42:1)]
6 The hollow vessel through the threatful wave, 7 Which, gaping wide to swallow them alive 8 In the huge abyss of its engulfing grave, 9 Does roar at them in vain, and with great terror rave.
212.6
They passing by, that griesly mouth did see,
2 Sucking the seas into his entralles deepe,
That seem'd more horrible then hell to bee,
4 Or that darke dreadfull hole of Tartare steepe,
Through which the damned ghosts doen often creepe
6 Backe to the world, bad liuers to torment:
But nought that falles into this direfull deepe,
8 Ne that approcheth nigh the wide descent,
May backe returne, but is condemned to be drent.
1 They, passing by, that grisly mouth did see,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
2 Sucking the seas into its entrails deep,
entrails > bowels, inner parts
3 That seemed more horrible than hell to be, 4 Or that dark dreadful hole of Tartarus steep,
that dark dreadful hole > (Lake Avernus, a volcanic lake near Naples; near it was the cave of the Cumaean Sibyl, through which Aeneas descended to the infernal regions) Tartarus > (The underworld of Roman mythology, the infernal regions; the lowest part of these; hell) steep > (Qualifying the hole rather than Tartarus)
5 Through which the damned ghosts do often creep 6 Back to the world, bad livers to torment:
bad livers > [those who live badly]
7 But naught that falls into this direful deep, 8 Nor that approaches nigh the wide descent, 9 May back return, but is condemned to be drenched.
drenched > drowned
212.7
On th'other side, they saw that perilous Rocke,
2 Threatning it selfe on them to ruinate,
On whose sharpe clifts the ribs of vessels broke,
4 And shiuered ships, which had bene wrecked late,
Yet stuck, with carkasses exanimate
6 Of such, as hauing all their substance spent
In wanton ioyes, and lustes intemperate,
8 Did afterwards make shipwracke violent,
Both of their life, and fame for euer fowly blent.
1 On the other side they saw that perilous rock, 2 Threatening itself on them to ruinate,
ruinate > bring destruction
3 On whose sharp cliffs the ribs of vessels broken,
ribs > {Curved frame-timbers, extending from the keel to the top of the hull}
4 And shivered ships, which had been wrecked late,
shivered > split, shattered late > lately
5 Yet stuck, with carcases exanimate
exanimate > inanimate; lacking spirits, lacking souls
6 Of such as, having all their substance spent
such > [such people]
7 In wanton joys and lusts intemperate, 8 Did afterwards make shipwreck violent, 9 Both of their life, and fame for ever foully blended.
blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, spoiled, defiled
212.8
For thy, this hight The Rocke of vile Reproch,
2 A daungerous and detestable place,
To which nor fish nor fowle did once approch,
4 But yelling Meawes, with Seagulles hoarse and bace,
And Cormoyrants, with birds of rauenous race,
6 Which still sate +waiting+ on that wastfull clift,
For spoyle of wretches, whose vnhappie cace,
8 After lost credite and consumed thrift,
At last them driuen hath to this despairefull drift.
6 waiting > weiting 1590; wayting FE
1 For-thy, this hight the Rock of vile Reproach,
For-thy > For this reason hight > is called
2 A dangerous and detestable place, 3 To which +nor+ fish nor fowl did once approach,
nor > neither
4 But yelling mews, with seagulls hoarse and base,
But > Except mew > {The common gull, Larus canus, which has a mewing cry} seagulls > (Probably denoting the larger species, such as herring gull, Larus argentatus, great black-backed gull, L. marinus, etc., which have deeper cries) base > (Because gulls are associated with deception; or: bass, of their voices)
5 And cormorants, with birds of ravenous race,
cormorant > (Phalacrocorax sp., the sea-raven, noted for its greed) ravenous > {Ravenous; given to ravin or robbery; also, perhaps, punningly: raven-like}
6 Which still sat waiting on that wasteful cliff,
still > continuously waiting > keeping watch wasteful > desolate
7 For spoil of wretches, whose unhappy case,
spoil > plunder, booty
8 After lost credit and consumed thrift,
thrift > prosperity; savings
9 At last them driven has to this despairful drift.
drift > {The condition of being driven}
212.9
The Palmer seeing them in safetie past,
2 Thus said; +behold+ th'ensamples in our sights,
Of lustfull luxurie and thriftlesse wast:
4 What now is left of miserable wights,
Which spent their looser daies in lewd delights,
6 But shame and sad reproch, here to be red,
By these rent reliques, speaking their ill plights?
8 Let all that liue, hereby be counselled,
To shunne Rocke of Reproch, and it as death to dred.
2 behold > Behold 1609
1 The palmer, seeing them in safety past,
them > [himself, Guyon, and the ferryman]
2 Thus said: "Behold the examples in our sight 3 Of lustful luxury and thriftless waste:
luxury > surfeit, excess; dissipation thriftless > improvident
4 What now is left of miserable wights
wights > people
5 Who spent their looser days in lewd delights,
looser > too-loose lewd > lewd, wanton; ignorant, good-for-nothing
6 But shame and sad reproach, here to be read
But > Except read > seen
7 By these rent relics, speaking their ill plights?
rent > torn, shattered speaking > bespeaking, giving evidence of; expressive of ill > evil
8 Let all that live, hereby be counselled 9 To shun Rock of Reproach, and it as death to dread."
212.10
So forth they rowed, and that Ferryman
2 With his stiffe oares did brush the sea so strong,
That the hoare waters from his frigot ran,
4 And the light bubbles daunced all along,
Whiles the salt brine out of the billowes sprong.
6 At last farre off they many Islands spy,
On euery side floting the floods emong:
8 Then said the knight, Loe I the land descry,
Therefore old Syre thy course do thereunto apply.
1 So forth they rowed, and that ferryman 2 With his stiff oars did brush the sea so strong
stiff > resolute, steadfast; strong
3 That the hoar waters from his frigate ran,
hoar > grey-white; hence: foamy frigate > (Light and swift boat; cf. 206.7:9)
4 And the light bubbles danced all along, 5 While the salt brine out of the billows sprang. 6 At last, far off, they many islands spy, 7 On every side floating the floods among:
floods > waters; hence: waves
8 Then said the knight, "Lo I the land descry, 9 Therefore, old sire, your course do thereto apply."
sire > {Father; term of respect accorded to an elderly man} apply > steer (as 207.1:8)
212.11
That may not be, said then the Ferryman
2 Least we vnweeting hap to be fordonne:
For those same Islands, seeming now and than,
4 Are not firme lande, nor any certein wonne,
But straggling plots, which to and fro do ronne
6 In the wide waters: therefore are they hight
The wandring Islands. Therefore doe them shonne;
8 For they haue oft drawne many a wandring wight
Into most deadly daunger and distressed plight.
1 "That may not be," said then the ferryman, 2 "Lest we unweeting hap to be fordone:
3 For those same islands, seeming now and then,
seeming > appearing
4 Are not firm land, nor any certain wone,
certain > fixed, definite; established wone > country; dwelling-place
5 But straggling plots, which to and fro do run
straggling > wandering
6 In the wide waters: therefore are they hight
hight > called
7 The Wandering Islands. Therefore do them shun; 8 For they have oft drawn many a wandering wight
wight > person, mortal
9 Into most deadly danger and distressed plight.
212.12
Yet well they seeme to him, that farre doth vew,
2 Both faire and fruitfull, and the ground +dispred+
With grassie greene of delectable hew,
4 And the tall trees with leaues apparelled,
Are deckt with blossomes dyde in white and red,
6 That mote the passengers thereto allure;
But whosoeuer once hath fastened
8 His foot thereon, may neuer it recure,
But wandreth euer more vncertein and vnsure.
2 dispred > disspred 1609
1 "Yet well they seem to him that far does view,
far > [from afar]
2 Both fair and fruitful, and the ground dispread
dispread > spread
3 With grassy green of delectable hue,
hue > colour; appearance
4 And the tall trees, with leaves apparelled, 5 Are decked with blossoms dyed in white and red, 6 That might the passengers thereto allure;
passengers > passers-by
7 But whosoever once has fastened 8 His foot thereon, may never it recure,
recure > recover
9 But wanders, ever more uncertain and unsure.
212.13
As th'Isle of Delos whylome men report
2 Amid th'Aeg{ae}an sea long time did stray,
Ne made for shipping any certaine port,
4 Till that Latona traueiling that way,
Flying from Iunoes wrath and hard assay,
6 Of her faire twins was there deliuered,
Which afterwards did rule the night and day;
8 Thenceforth it firmely was established,
And for Apolloes +honor+ highly herried.
9 honor > temple 1590
1 "As the Isle of Delos whilom, men report,
Delos > (The smallest of the Cyclades, a floating island till Jupiter chained it to the sea-bed so that Latona, pregnant with Apollo and Diana, might have a secure resting-place for the birth: see Met. 6.157-381) whilom > in ancient times
2 Amid the Aegean Sea long time did stray, 3 Nor made for shipping any certain port,
certain > fixed
4 Till Latona, travelling that way
Latona > (Mother of Apollo and Diana, fathered by Jupiter, and thus persecuted by Juno)
5 (Flying from Juno's wrath and hard assay),
Flying > Fleeing Juno > (Wife and sister of Jupiter) assay > trials; assaults
6 Of her fair twins was there delivered, 7 Which afterwards did rule the night and day;
night and day > (Diana is goddess of the moon and Apollo god of the sun)
8 Thenceforth it firmly was established,
it > [Delos]
9 And for Apollo's honour highly heried."
heried > exalted, praised; worshipped
212.14
They to him hearken, as beseemeth meete,
2 And passe on forward: so their way does ly,
That one of those same Islands, which doe fleet
4 In the wide sea, they needes must passen by,
Which seemd so sweet and pleasant to the eye,
6 That it would tempt a man to touchen there:
Vpon the banck they sitting did espy
8 A daintie damzell, dressing of her heare,
By whom a litle skippet floting did appeare.
1 They to him hearken, as beseems meet,
beseems meet > seems fitting
2 And pass on forward: so their way does lie
so > thus
3 That one of those same islands, which do fleet
fleet > float, drift
4 In the wide sea, they needs must pass by,
needs > of necessity
5 Which seemed so sweet and pleasant to the eye 6 That it would tempt a man to touch there:
touch > land, visit
7 Upon the bank they sitting did espy
bank > shore
8 A dainty damsel, dressing her hair, 9 By whom a little skippet floating did appear.
skippet > skiff, small boat (see 206.2-5)
212.15
She them espying, loud to them +can+ call,
2 Bidding them nigher draw vnto the shore;
For she had cause to busie them withall;
4 And therewith loudly laught: But nathemore
Would they once turne, but kept on as afore:
6 Which when she saw, she left her lockes vndight,
And running to her boat withouten ore,
8 From the departing land it launched light,
And after them did driue with all her power and might.
1 can > gan 1609
1 She, them espying, loud to them can call,
can > did
2 Bidding them nigher draw to the shore; 3 For she had cause to busy them withal; 4 And therewith loudly laughed: but nathemore
therewith > with that nathemore > not at all
5 Would they once turn, but kept on as afore:
afore > previously
6 Which when she saw, she left her locks undight,
undight > unprepared; hence: unbrushed, untied (cf. 212.14:8)
7 And running to her boat without oar,
boat without oar > (See 206.5)
8 From the departing land it launched light,
light > quickly
9 And after them did drive with all her power and might.
212.16
Whom ouertaking, she in merry sort
2 Them gan to bord, and purpose diuersly,
Now faining dalliance and wanton sport,
4 Now throwing forth lewd words immodestly;
Till that the Palmer gan full bitterly
6 Her to rebuke, for being loose and light:
Which not abiding, but more scornefully
8 Scoffing at him, that did her iustly wite,
She turnd her bote about, and from them rowed quite.
1 Whom overtaking, she in merry sort
merry > delightful, charming; mirthful sort > manner
2 Them began to board, and purpose diversely,
board > accost, draw near to and address purpose > discourse, talk
3 Now faining dalliance and wanton sport,
faining > rejoicing in; feigning dalliance > {Idle and amusing talk, banter} wanton > playful, frisky; wanton
4 Now throwing forth lewd words immodestly; 5 Till the palmer began full bitterly
full > very
6 Her to rebuke, for being loose and light: 7 Which not abiding, but more scornfully
abiding > tolerating
8 Scoffing at him that did her justly wite,
wite > reproach
9 She turned her boat about, and from them rowed quite.
rowed > (Not literally: her boat is propelled without oars)
212.17
That was the wanton Ph{oe}dria, which late
2 Did ferry him ouer the Idle lake:
Whom nought regarding, they kept on their gate,
4 And all her vaine allurements did forsake,
When them the wary Boateman thus bespake;
6 Here now behoueth vs well to auyse,
And of our safetie good heede to take;
8 For here before a perlous passage lyes,
Where many Mermayds haunt, making false melodies.
1 That was the wanton Phaedria, who late
late > lately
2 Did ferry him over the Idle Lake:
him > [Guyon: see 206.20-3, 206.38]
3 Whom naught regarding, they kept on their gate,
gate > way, manner of going (closely cognate with "gait"); hence: course
4 And all her vain allurements did forsake,
vain > empty, futile; foolish allurements > charms, baits
5 When them the wary boatman thus bespoke:
bespoke > addressed
6 "Here now behoves us well to advise,
behoves > [it behoves] advise > take stock, consider
7 And of our safety good heed to take; 8 For here before a perilous passage lies,
before > ahead
9 Where many mermaids haunt, making false melodies.
haunt > resort, frequent
212.18
But by the way, there is a great Quicksand,
2 And a whirlepoole of hidden ieopardy,
Therefore, Sir Palmer, keepe an euen hand;
4 For twixt them both the narrow way doth ly.
Scarse had he said, when hard at hand they spy
6 That quicksand nigh with water couered;
But by the checked waue they did descry
8 It plaine, and by the sea discoloured:
It called was the quicksand of Vnthriftyhed.
1 "But by the way, there is a great quicksand,
by > beside way > passage, course
2 And a whirlpool of hidden jeopardy; 3 Therefore, sir palmer, keep an even hand:
even > straight, direct (the palmer is steering)
4 For 'twixt them both the narrow way does lie." 5 Scarce had he said, when hard at hand they spy
said > spoken
6 That quicksand nigh with water covered; 7 But by the checked wave they did descry
by > by means of; or perhaps: through checked > chequered, patterned (because of contrary currents and the shallowness of the water)
8 It plain, and by the sea discoloured: 9 It called was the quicksand of Unthriftihead.
Unthriftihead > Extravagance, Dissolution
212.19
They passing by, a goodly Ship did see,
2 Laden from far with precious merchandize,
And brauely furnished, as ship might bee,
4 Which through great disauenture, or +mesprize+,
Her selfe had runne into that hazardize;
6 Whose mariners and merchants with much toyle,
Labour'd in vaine, to haue recur'd their prize,
8 And the rich wares to saue from pitteous spoyle,
But neither toyle nor trauell might her backe recoyle.
4 mesprize > misprize 1609
1 They, passing by, a goodly ship did see,
goodly > fine, beautiful
2 Laden from far with precious merchandise, 3 And bravely furnished as ship might be,
bravely > [as] splendidly, finely furnished > fitted; decorated
4 Which through great disadventure, or misprize,
disadventure > misfortune misprize > error (SUFQ); or: failure to appreciate [the danger of the quicksand]
5 Herself had run into that hazardize;
hazardize > hazard, peril (WU)
6 Whose mariners and merchants, with much toil, 7 Laboured in vain to have recured their prize,
recured > recovered prize > {A ship or property captured at sea; here "captured" by the quicksand}
8 And the rich wares to save from piteous spoil,
spoil > spoliation
9 But neither toil nor travail might her back recoil.
travail > labour, painful labour back recoil > draw back, recover (pleonastic, and thus intensive)
212.20
On th'other side they see that perilous Poole,
2 That called was the Whirlepoole of decay,
In which full many had with haplesse doole
4 Beene suncke, of whom no memorie did stay:
Whose circled waters rapt with whirling sway,
6 Like to a restlesse wheele, still running round,
Did couet, as they passed by that way,
8 To draw +their+ boate within the vtmost bound
Of his wide Labyrinth, and then to haue them dround.
8 their > the 1596, 1609
1 On the other side they see that perilous pool 2 That called was the Whirlpool of Decay, 3 In which full many had with hapless dole
full > very dole > grief, sorrow; deceit, guile
4 Been sunk, of whom no memory did stay:
stay > remain
5 Whose circled waters (rapt with whirling sway,
circled > {Encircled; formed in circular waves} rapt > carried away, enraptured sway > sweep, momentum
6 Like a restless wheel, still running round)
still > continuously
7 Did covet, as they passed by that way,
covet > desire
8 To draw their boat within the utmost bound 9 Of its wide labyrinth, and then to have them drowned.
212.21
But th'+heedfull+ Boateman strongly forth did stretch
2 His brawnie armes, and all his body straine,
That th'vtmost sandy breach they shortly fetch,
4 Whiles the dred daunger does behind remaine.
Suddeine they see from midst of all the Maine,
6 The surging waters like a mountaine rise,
And the great sea puft vp with proud disdaine,
8 To swell aboue the measure of his guise,
As threatning to deuoure all, that his powre despise.
1 heedfull > earnest 1590
1 But the heedful boatman strongly forth did stretch 2 His brawny arms, and all his body strain, 3 That the utmost sandy breach they shortly fetch,
That > [So that] breach > bay, inlet; breaking surf (the intention is unclear; Hamilton (1980) surmises that the "sandy breach" might be the extreme edge of the quicksand, the channel between it and the whirlpool) fetch > reach, attain
4 While the dread danger does behind remain. 5 Sudden they see, from midst of all the main,
main > main ocean, high sea; hence: sea
6 The surging waters like a mountain rise, 7 And the great sea puffed up with proud disdain 8 To swell above the measure of its guise,
guise > usual manner, usual appearance
9 As threatening to devour all that its power despise.
212.22
The waues come rolling, and the billowes rore
2 Outragiously, as they enraged were,
Or wrathfull Neptune did them driue before
4 His whirling charet, for exceeding feare:
For not one puffe of wind there did appeare,
6 That all the three thereat woxe much afrayd,
Vnweeting, what such horrour straunge did reare.
8 Eftsoones they saw an hideous hoast arrayd,
Of huge Sea monsters, such as liuing sence dismayd.
1 The waves come rolling, and the billows roar 2 Outrageously, as they enraged were,
Outrageously > Violently, intemperately as > [either as though]
3 Or wrathful Neptune did them drive before 4 His whirling chariot, for exceeding fear: 5 For not one puff of wind there did appear, 6 That all the three thereat waxed much afraid,
That > [So that] thereat > thereupon; as a result of that waxed > grew
7 Unweeting what such horror strange did rear.
Unweeting > Not knowing horror > horror; roughness (of the water) rear > bring into existence, cause; hence: portend
8 Eftsoons they saw a hideous host arrayed
Eftsoons > Soon, thereupon hideous > immense; odious; hideous host > army
9 Of huge sea-monsters, such as living sense dismayed.
212.23
Most vgly shapes, and horrible aspects,
2 Such as Dame Nature selfe mote feare to see,
Or shame, that euer should so fowle defects
4 From her most cunning hand escaped bee;
All dreadfull pourtraicts of deformitee:
6 Spring-headed Hydraes, and sea-shouldring Whales,
Great whirlpooles, which all fishes make to flee,
8 Bright Scolopendraes, arm'd with siluer scales,
Mighty +Monoceros+, with immeasured tayles.
9 Monoceros > Monoceroses sugg. Jortin, but Smith compares immeasored _with the four-syllabled treasores in "The Visions of Petrarch" 2:6. See also 212.33:4_
1 Most ugly shapes, and horrible aspects,
aspects > appearances; visages, faces
2 Such as Dame Nature herself might fear to see, 3 Or shame, that ever should so foul defects
shame > feel shame so > such
4 From her most cunning hand escaped be;
cunning > clever, skilful
5 All dreadful portraits of deformity: 6 Spring-headed hydras, and sea-shouldering whales; 7 Great whirlpools, which all fishes make to flee;
whirlpool > {Some sort of large baleen-bearing whale, such as the blue whale: "The Whales and Whirlepooles called Balaenae" (Holland's Pliny, quoted in OED)}
8 Bright scolopendras, armed with silver scales;
scolopendra > {A fabulous sea-fish} armed > armoured
9 Mighty monoceroses, with immeasured tails.
monoceros > {Narwhal, sawfish, or swordfish; at any rate, a fish or fish-like creature having a single horn} immeasured > immense, vast
212.24
The dreadfull Fish, that hath deseru'd the name
2 Of Death, and like him lookes in dreadfull hew,
The griesly Wasserman, that makes his game
4 The flying ships with swiftnesse to pursew,
The horrible Sea-satyre, that doth shew
6 His fearefull face in time of greatest storme,
Huge Ziffius, whom Mariners eschew
8 No lesse, then rockes, (as trauellers informe,)
And greedy Rosmarines with visages deforme.
1 The dreadful fish that has deserved the name 2 Of Death, and like him looks in dreadful hue;
Death > (The morse or walrus, named from the Lapp word morsa, and not from the Latin mors (death), as the bestiarists believed) hue > appearance; colour
3 The grisly Wasserman, that makes his game
grisly > horrible, fearsome Wasserman > merman (German word, from Gesner's Historia Animalium)
4 The flying ships with swiftness to pursue;
flying > {Fleeing; sailing before the wind}
5 The horrible sea-satyr, that does show
sea-satyr > (Satyrus marinus, satyr of the sea: each creature or monster of the land was believed to have its counterpart in the sea)
6 His fearful face in time of greatest storm; 7 Huge xiphias, whom mariners eschew
xiphias > swordfish (Greek)
8 No less than rocks, (as travellers inform), 9 And greedy rosmarines with visages deform.
rosmarine > {Walrus, Trichechus rosmarus, also called the "sea- horse"} deform > deformed, hideous
212.25
All these, and thousand thousands many more,
2 And more deformed Monsters thousand fold,
With dreadfull noise, and hollow rombling rore,
4 Came rushing in the fomy waues enrold,
Which seem'd to fly for feare, them to behold:
6 Ne wonder, if these did the knight appall;
For all that here on earth we dreadfull hold,
8 Be but as bugs to fearen babes withall,
Compared to the creatures in the seas entrall.
1 All these, and thousand thousands many more, 2 And more deformed monsters thousand-fold, 3 With dreadful noise, and hollow rumbling roar, 4 Came rushing, in the foamy waves enrolled
enrolled > wrapped, wrapped up
5 (Which seemed to fly for fear, them to behold):
Which > [The waves] fly > flee
6 No wonder, if these did the knight appal; 7 For all that here on earth we dreadful hold 8 Be but as bugs to fear babes withal,
bugs > bugbears, bogies fear > frighten withal > with
9 Compared to the creatures in the sea's entrail.
to > with entrail > bowels, inner parts; hence: depths
212.26
Feare nought, (then said the Palmer well auiz'd;)
2 For these same Monsters are not these in deed,
But are into these fearefull shapes disguiz'd
4 By that same wicked witch, to worke vs dreed,
And draw from on this iourney to proceede.
6 Tho lifting vp his vertuous staffe on hye,
He smote the sea, which calmed was with speed,
8 And all that dreadfull Armie fast gan flye
Into great Tethys bosome, where they hidden lye.
1 "Fear naught," then said the palmer well advised,
well advised > well informed; having carefully reflected; carefully
2 "For these same monsters are not these indeed, 3 But are into these fearful shapes disguised
disguised > transformed
4 By that same wicked witch, to work us dread,
that same wicked witch > [Acrasia] work > cause
5 And draw from on this journey to proceed."
draw > [make us] shrink
6 Tho, lifting up his virtuous staff on high,
Tho > Then virtuous > potent; magical (see 212.40:3, and cf. Ubaldo's wand at GL 14.73)
7 He smote the sea, which calmed was with speed, 8 And all that dreadful army fast gan fly
gan fly > did flee
9 Into great Tethys' bosom, where they hidden lie.
212.27
Quit from that daunger, forth their course they kept,
2 And as they went, they heard a ruefull cry
Of one, that wayld and +pittifully+ wept,
4 That through the sea +the+ resounding plaints did fly:
At last they in an Island did espy
6 A seemely Maiden, sitting by the shore,
That with great sorrow and sad agony,
8 Seemed some great +misfortune+ to deplore,
And lowd to them for succour called euermore.
3 pittifully > pittifull 1596 4 the > omitted from 1609 8 misfortune > misfortnne 1596
1 Quit from that danger, forth their course they kept,
Quit > Rescued, released
2 And as they went, they heard a rueful cry 3 Of one that wailed and pitifully wept, 4 That through the sea the resounding plaints did fly:
That through > [So that from one side to the other of] plaints > lamentations
5 At last they in an island did espy
in > [on]
6 A seemly maiden, sitting by the shore,
seemly > fair, pleasing
7 That with great sorrow and sad agony
agony > mental anguish
8 Seemed some great misfortune to deplore,
deplore > lament, grieve over
9 And loud to them for succour called evermore.
evermore > ever, constantly
212.28
Which Guyon hearing, streight his Palmer bad,
2 To stere the boate towards that dolefull Mayd,
That he might know, and ease her sorrow sad:
4 Who him auizing better, to him sayd;
Faire Sir, be not displeasd, if disobayd:
6 For ill it were to hearken to her cry;
For she is inly nothing ill apayd,
8 But onely womanish fine forgery,
Your stubborne hart t'affect with fraile infirmity.
1 Which Guyon hearing, straight his palmer bade
straight > straightway; directly
2 To steer the boat towards that doleful maid, 3 That he might know, and ease, her sorrow sad:
That > [So that] know > understand, know the nature of
4 Who him advising better, to him said: 5 "Fair sir, be not displeased if disobeyed: 6 For ill it were to hearken to her cry;
ill > wrong, evil; hence: ill advised, foolhardy, dangerous were > [would be]
7 For she is inly nothing ill apaid,
inly nothing ill apaid > inwardly not in the least badly satisfied
8 But only womanish fine forgery,
only > [her laments are only an example of] fine > sheer, unadulterated; consummate, skilful
9 Your stubborn heart to affect with frail infirmity.
stubborn > pertinacious, dogged frail > morally weak; tender (last is SUS)
212.29
To which when she your courage hath inclind
2 Through foolish pitty, then her guilefull bayt
She will embosome deeper in your mind,
4 And for your ruine at the last awayt.
The knight was ruled, and the Boateman strayt
6 Held on his course with stayed stedfastnesse,
Ne euer shruncke, ne euer sought to bayt
8 His tyred armes for toylesome wearinesse,
But with his oares did sweepe the watry wildernesse.
1 "To which when she your courage has inclined
courage > spirit, heart; sexual desire
2 Through foolish pity, then her guileful bait
bait > temptation
3 She will embosom deeper in your mind,
embosom > enclose; implant
4 And for your ruin at the last await."
await > {Watch for a chance of contriving}
5 The knight was ruled, and the boatman strait
strait > strictly (if referring to the action); strict (if referring to the boatman)
6 Held on his course with staid steadfastness,
staid > fixed, unchanging; sober
7 Nor ever shrank, nor ever sought to bait
shrank > [shrank with fear] bait > rest, refresh
8 His tired arms for toilsome weariness, 9 But with his oars did sweep the watery wilderness.
212.30
And now they nigh approched to the sted,
2 Where as those Mermayds dwelt: it was a still
And calmy bay, on th'one side sheltered
4 With the brode shadow of an hoarie hill,
On th'other side an high rocke toured still,
6 That twixt them both a +pleasaunt+ port they made,
And did like an halfe Theatre fulfill:
8 There those fiue sisters had continuall trade,
And vsd to +bath+ themselues in that +deceiptfull+ shade.
6 pleasaunt > peasaunt 1596 9 bath > bathe 1609 9 deceiptfull > deceitfull 1609
1 And now they nigh approached to the stead
stead > place
2 Where those mermaids dwelt: it was a still 3 And calmy bay, on the one side sheltered
calmy > calm
4 With the broad shadow of a hoary hill;
hoary > ancient; hoary, grey
5 On the other side a high rock towered still,
still > ever, always
6 That 'twixt them both a pleasant port they made,
That > [So that]
7 And did like a half theatre fulfil:
fulfil > make, form
8 There those five sisters had continual trade,
trade > {Occupation, habitual course of action}
9 And used to bathe themselves in that deceitful shade.
shade > shadow (cast by the hill)
212.31
They were faire Ladies, till they fondly striu'd
2 With th'Heliconian maides for maistery;
Of whom they ouer-comen, were depriu'd
4 Of their proud beautie, and th'one moyity
Transform'd to fish, for their bold surquedry,
6 But th'vpper halfe their hew retained still,
And their sweet skill in wonted melody;
8 Which euer after they abusd to ill,
T'allure weake trauellers, whom gotten they did kill.
1 They were fair ladies, till they fondly strove
were > [had been] fondly > foolishly
2 With the Heliconian maids for mastery;
the Heliconian maids > (The Muses, who live on Mount Helicon; see notes at 212.52:8)
3 Of whom they, overcome, were deprived
Of > By
4 Of their proud beauty, and the one moiety
moiety > half
5 Transformed to fish, for their bold surquidry;
surquidry > presumption, arrogance
6 But the upper half their hue retained still,
hue > appearance, form
7 And their sweet skill in wonted melody;
wonted > [their] habitual, accustomed
8 Which ever after they abused to ill,
ill > ill purpose, evil
9 To allure weak travellers, whom gotten they did kill.
gotten > [once got]
212.32
So now to Guyon, as he passed by,
2 Their pleasaunt tunes they sweetly thus applide;
O thou faire sonne of gentle Faery,
4 +That+ art in mighty armes most magnifide
Aboue all knights, that euer battell tride,
6 O turne thy rudder hither-ward a while:
Here may thy storme-bet vessell safely ride;
8 This is the Port of rest from troublous toyle,
The worlds sweet In, from paine and wearisome turmoyle.
4 That > Thou 1596
1 So now to Guyon, as he passed by, 2 Their pleasant tunes they sweetly thus applied:
applied > directed, addressed
3 "O you fair son of gentle Faery,
gentle > noble
4 That are in mighty arms most magnified
arms > {Feats of arms} magnified > lauded
5 Above all knights that ever battle tried, 6 O turn your rudder hitherward awhile:
hitherward > this way
7 Here may your storm-beaten vessel safely ride; 8 This is the port of rest from troublous toil, 9 The world's sweet inn, from pain and wearisome turmoil."
turmoil > harassing labour, toil
212.33
With that the rolling sea resounding soft,
2 In his big base them fitly answered,
And on the rocke the waues breaking aloft,
4 A solemne Meane vnto them measured,
The whiles sweet Zephirus lowd whisteled
6 His treble, a straunge kinde of harmony;
Which Guyons senses softly tickeled,
8 That he the boateman bad row easily,
And let him heare some part of their rare melody.
1 With that the rolling sea, resounding soft 2 In its big base, them fitly answered;
big > deep; loud; powerful base > base; bass
3 And on the rock the waves, breaking aloft, 4 A solemn mean to them measured;
mean > middle part, baritone, tenor measured > apportioned, meted out
5 The whiles sweet Zephyr loud whistled
The whiles > Meanwhile loud > loudly (if applied to his whistling); loud (if applied to Zephyr)
6 His treble, a strange kind of harmony; 7 Which Guyon's senses softly tickled, 8 That he the boatman bade row easily,
That > [So that] easily > without hurry
9 And let him hear some part of their rare melody.
rare > unusual, strange
212.34
But him +the+ Palmer from that vanity,
2 With temperate aduice discounselled,
That they it past, and shortly gan descry
4 The land, to which their course they leueled;
When suddeinly a grosse fog ouer spred
6 With his dull vapour all that desert has,
And heauens chearefull face enueloped,
8 That all things one, and one as nothing was,
And this great Vniuerse seemd one confusd mas.
1 the > that 1609
1 But him the palmer from that vanity 2 With temperate advice discounselled,
discounselled > dissuaded
3 That they it passed, and shortly gan descry
That > [So that] it > [the place; the vanity] gan > did
4 The land, to which their course they levelled;
to > at levelled > directed
5 When suddenly a gross fog overspread
gross > thick
6 With its dull vapour all that desert has,
dull > obscuring, gloomy; sluggish (cf. 102.38:5, 104.36:7) desert > wilderness, lonely place has > (Modifying "ouerspred" in the previous line)
7 And heaven's cheerful face enveloped, 8 That all things one, and one as nothing was,
That > [So that] one > [were one]
9 And this great universe seemed one confused mass.
212.35
Thereat they greatly were dismayd, ne wist
2 How to direct their way in darkenesse wide,
But feard to wander in that wastfull mist,
4 For tombling into mischiefe vnespide.
Worse is the daunger hidden, then descride.
6 Suddeinly an innumerable flight
Of harmefull fowles about them fluttering, cride,
8 And with their wicked wings them oft did smight,
And sore annoyed, groping in that griesly night.
1 Thereat they greatly were dismayed, nor wist
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that wist > knew
2 How to direct their way in darkness wide, 3 But feared to wander in that wasteful mist,
wasteful > desolate
4 For tumbling into mischief unespied.
For > [For fear of] mischief unespied > unseen mischief; mischief unobserved (by anyone who might be able to rescue them; "mischief" = misfortune, disaster, evil)
5 Worse is the danger hidden, than descried.
descried > [the danger descried]
6 Suddenly an innumerable flight 7 Of harmful fowls, about them fluttering, cried, 8 And with their wicked wings them oft did smite, 9 And sore annoyed, groping in that grisly night.
annoyed > vexed, harassed, discommoded grisly > horrible, fearsome
212.36
Euen all the nation of vnfortunate
2 And fatall birds about them flocked were,
Such as by nature men abhorre and hate,
4 The ill-faste Owle, deaths dreadfull messengere,
The hoars Night-rauen, trump of dolefull drere,
6 The lether-winged Bat, dayes enimy,
The ruefull Strich, still waiting on the bere,
8 The Whistler shrill, that who so heares, doth dy,
The hellish Harpies, prophets of sad destiny.
1 Even all the nation of unfortunate
nation > class, race unfortunate > inauspicious, ominous
2 And fatal birds about them flocked were,
fatal > fateful, ominous; destructive, ruinous; gravely mischievous
3 Such as by nature men abhor and hate: 4 The ill-faced owl, death's dreadful messenger;
ill > evil owl > (To the Romans, an omen of death: see Met. 10.453; see also 105.30:6-7, etc.)
5 The hoarse night-raven, trump of doleful drear;
night-raven > (An unspecified nocturnal bird, perhaps the nightjar or the night-heron. See SC, "June", 23 and gloss) trump > proclaimer, herald drear > sorrow, grief
6 The leather-winged bat, day's enemy; 7 The rueful strich, still waiting on the bier;
strich > screech-owl (see Isa. 34.15; this bird is usually identified as either the tawny owl, Strix aluco, or the barn owl, Tyto alba) still > continually; yet waiting on > attending; waiting [sitting] on
8 The whistler shrill, that whoso hears does die;
whistler > (Probably the whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus, whose cry, consisting nominally of seven notes, was said to portend the hearer's death) whoso > whoever
9 The hellish harpies, prophets of sad destiny.
harpies > (Vultures with the head and breasts of a woman; associated with greed. See 207.23:7, Aen. 3.219 ff.) prophets > (Celeno, leader of the harpies, prophesies a grim future to Aeneas at Aen. 3.225-62)
212.37
All those, and all that else does horrour breed,
2 About them flew, and fild their sayles with feare:
Yet stayd they not, but forward did proceed,
4 Whiles th'one did row, and th'other stifly steare;
Till that at last the weather gan to cleare,
6 And the faire land it selfe did plainly show.
Said then the Palmer, Lo where does appeare
8 The sacred soile, where all our perils grow;
Therefore, Sir knight, your ready armes about you throw.
1 All those, and all that else does horror breed,
else > otherwise
2 About them flew, and fild their sails with fear:
fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.)
3 Yet stayed they not, but forward did proceed, 4 While the one did row, and the other stiffly steer;
stiffly > resolutely, steadfastly; strongly
5 Till at last the weather began to clear, 6 And the fair land itself did plainly show. 7 Said then the palmer, "Lo where does appear 8 The sacred soil where all our perils grow;
sacred > accursed, detestable; also: dedicated [to pleasure]
9 Therefore, sir knight, your ready arms about you throw!"
arms > {Arms and armour}
212.38
He hearkned, and his armes about him tooke,
2 The whiles the nimble boate so well her sped,
That with her crooked keele the land she strooke,
4 Then forth the noble Guyon sallied,
And his sage Palmer, that him gouerned;
6 But th'other by his boate behind did stay.
They marched fairly forth, of nought ydred,
8 Both firmely armd for euery hard assay,
With constancy and care, gainst daunger and dismay.
1 He hearkened, and his arms about him took; 2 The whiles the nimble boat so well herself sped
The whiles > Meanwhile nimble > swift, light (cf. 206.20:6)
3 That with her crooked keel the land she struck:
crooked > curved
4 Then forth the noble Guyon sallied,
sallied > went forth; or: leapt (via French saillir, as at 206.38:5)
5 And his sage palmer, that him governed;
governed > guided, controlled
6 But the other by his boat behind did stay. 7 They marched fairly forth, of naught adrad,
adrad > frightened
8 Both firmly armed for every hard assay,
assay > trial; endeavour; assault
9 With constancy and care, gainst danger and dismay.
gainst > against dismay > dismay; defeat
212.39
Ere long they heard an hideous bellowing
2 Of many beasts, that roard outrageously,
As if that hungers point, or Venus sting
4 Had them enraged with fell surquedry;
Yet nought they feard, but past on hardily,
6 Vntill they came in vew of those wild beasts:
Who all attonce, gaping full greedily,
8 And rearing fiercely their +vpstarting+ crests,
Ran towards, to deuoure those vnexpected guests.
8 vpstarting > vpstaring 1590; cf. 109.22:3, 611.27:4
1 Ere long they heard a hideous bellowing
hideous > terrific; odious
2 Of many beasts, that roared outrageously,
outrageously > violently, intemperately
3 As if hunger's point, or Venus' sting 4 Had them enraged with fell surquidry;
fell > fierce, terrible surquidry > presumption, arrogance
5 Yet naught they feared, but passed on hardily, 6 Until they came in view of those wild beasts: 7 Who all at once, gaping full greedily,
at once > at once; together full > very
8 And rearing fiercely their upstarting crests, 9 Ran towards, to devour those unexpected guests.
towards > [towards them]
212.40
But soone as they +approcht+ with deadly +threat,+
2 The Palmer ouer them his staffe vpheld,
His mighty staffe, that could all charmes defeat:
4 Eftsoones their stubborne courages were queld,
And high aduaunced crests downe meekely feld,
6 In stead of fraying, they them selues did feare,
And trembled, as them passing they beheld:
8 Such wondrous powre did in that staffe appeare,
All monsters to subdew to him, that did it beare.
1 approcht > approch't, 1609 1 threat, > threat 1609
1 But soon as they approached with deadly threat,
soon > [as soon]
2 The palmer over them his staff upheld, 3 His mighty staff, that could all charms defeat:
charms > spells
4 Eftsoons their stubborn courages were quelled,
Eftsoons > Thereupon stubborn courages > intractable spirits
5 And high advanced crests down meekly felled,
advanced > raised down > [were down]
6 Instead of fraying, they themselves did fear,
fraying > causing fear, frightening
7 And trembled, as them passing they beheld: 8 Such wondrous power did in that staff appear, 9 All monsters to subdue to him that did it bear.
212.41
Of that same wood it fram'd was cunningly,
2 Of which Caduceus whilome was made,
Caduceus the rod of Mercury,
4 With which he wonts the Stygian realmes inuade,
Through ghastly horrour, and eternall shade;
6 Th'infernall feends with it he can asswage,
And Orcus tame, whom nothing can perswade,
8 And rule the Furyes, when they most do rage:
Such vertue in his staffe had eke this Palmer sage.
1 Of that same wood it framed was cunningly,
framed > fashioned, made cunningly > skilfully; with occult knowledge
2 Of which Caduceus whilom was made,
whilom > in ancient times (see Aen. 4.242-6)
3 Caduceus the rod of Mercury,
rod > wand Mercury > (Representing, and often synonymous with, Hermes, the envoy of the gods; employed by them to conduct the souls of the dead from the upper into the lower world. According to Virgil, his wand also allows him to summon these souls back from hell. Mercury is identified as the god of reason and wisdom)
4 With which he wonts the Stygian realms invade,
wonts > is accustomed to Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; hence: infernal} invade > enter (SUS); hence: explore
5 Through ghastly horror, and eternal shade;
ghastly > {Evoking fear of the supernatural}
6 The infernal fiends with it he can assuage,
assuage > pacify, appease
7 And Orcus tame, whom nothing can persuade,
Orcus > (Another name for Pluto, god of the underworld)
8 And rule the Furies, when they most do rage: 9 Such virtue in his staff had eke this palmer sage.
virtue > power, efficacy, occult power eke > also, likewise
212.42
Thence passing forth, they shortly do arriue,
2 Whereas the Bowre of Blisse was situate;
A place pickt out by choice of best aliue,
4 That natures worke by art can imitate:
In which what euer in this worldly state
6 Is sweet, and pleasing vnto liuing sense,
Or that may +dayntiest+ fantasie aggrate,
8 Was poured forth with plentifull dispence,
And made there to abound with lauish affluence.
7 dayntiest > dayntest 1590
1 Thence passing forth, they shortly do arrive 2 Where the Bower of Bliss was situate;
situate > situated
3 A place picked out by choice of best alive
best > [the best artisans]
4 That Nature's work by Art can imitate: 5 In which whatever in this worldly state 6 Is sweet and pleasing to living sense, 7 Or that may daintiest fantasy aggrate,
that > [that which] daintiest > [the] most fastidious; [the] choicest aggrate > gratify (SUS)
8 Was poured forth with plentiful dispense,
dispense > dispensation; liberality
9 And made there to abound with lavish affluence.
212.43
Goodly it was enclosed round about,
2 Aswell their entred guestes to keepe within,
As those vnruly beasts to hold without;
4 Yet was the fence thereof but weake and thin;
Nought feard +their+ force, that fortilage to win,
6 But wisedomes powre, and temperaunces might,
By which the +mightiest+ things efforced bin:
8 And eke the gate was wrought of substaunce light,
Rather for pleasure, then for battery or fight.
5 their > they conj. Church, i.e. "They had no fear of force", otherwise feard means "frightened" and their refers to those vnruly beasts 7 mightiest > mightest 1590
1 Goodly it was enclosed round about,
Goodly > Beautifully
2 As well their entered guests to keep within,
well > much
3 As those unruly beasts to hold without; 4 Yet was the fence thereof but weak and thin; 5 Naught feared their force, that fortalice to win,
Naught feared their force > [The beasts' physical force was not at all feared] fortalice > small fort
6 But wisdom's power, and temperance's might,
But > [Instead; but rather]
7 By which the mightiest things efforced been:
efforced been > are forced, are overcome by force
8 And eke the gate was wrought of substance light,
eke > moreover, also
9 Rather for pleasure than for battery or fight.
for > [to withstand] battery > {The action of battery, of being struck with a battering- ram}
212.44
Yt framed was of precious yuory,
2 That seemd a worke of admirable wit;
And therein all the famous history
4 Of Iason and Med{ae}a was ywrit;
Her mighty charmes, her furious louing fit,
6 His goodly conquest of the golden fleece,
His falsed faith, and loue too lightly flit,
8 The wondred Argo, which in venturous peece
First through the Euxine seas bore all the flowr of Greece.
1 It framed was of precious ivory,
framed > made, fashioned ivory > (Cf. 101.40:1)
2 That seemed a work of admirable wit;
admirable wit > wonderful skill
3 And therein all the famous history 4 Of Jason and Medea was written;
Jason and Medea > (Medea was the daughter of King Ae{e"}tes, king of Colchis, and possessed magic powers. When Jason, in the Argo, came to Colchis in quest of the golden fleece, Medea fell in love with him, helped him take it, and fled, pursued by her father. To delay her father and prevent him from overtaking the Argo, she murdered her young brother and strewed pieces of his body in the sea; these Ae{e"}tes stopped to gather. Medea was later abandoned by Jason for Cre{u"}sa, daughter of King Creon of Corinth. Medea took revenge by sending the new wife an enchanted robe, which burnt her to death when she put it on) written > scored, drawn
5 Her mighty charms, her furious loving fit,
charms > spells fit > fit; paroxysm of lunacy
6 His goodly conquest of the golden fleece,
conquest > {Booty; that which is obtained by force of arms} golden fleece > (Which was suspended in an oak tree in the Grove of Mars at Colchis, in Asia Minor, and guarded day and night by a dragon. Jason was persuaded to go on this quest by Pelias, king of Iolcus in Thessaly)
7 His falsed faith, and love too lightly flit,
falsed > counterfeited; proved false flit > shifted, altered; hence: transferred
8 The wondered Argo, which in venturous piece
wondered > marvelled at Argo > (A ship of 50 oars, commissioned by Jason for his quest and named after its builder, Argus) venturous > [that] bold; [that] adventurous piece > piece of work, masterpiece; hence: daring exploit
9 First through the Euxine seas bore all the flower of Greece.
Euxine seas > Euxinus, Black Sea the flower of Greece > (Jason was accompanied by more than 50 of the greatest heroes of Greece: Hercules, Theseus, Castor and Pollux, etc.)
212.45
Ye might haue seene the frothy billowes fry
2 Vnder the ship, as thorough them she went,
That seemd the waues were into yuory,
4 Or yuory into the waues were sent;
And other where the snowy substaunce sprent
6 With vermell, like the boyes bloud therein shed,
A piteous spectacle did represent,
8 And otherwhiles with gold besprinkeled;
Yt seemd th'enchaunted flame, which did Cre{u"}sa wed.
1 You might have seen the frothy billows fry
fry > seethe, foam
2 Under the ship, as through them she went, 3 That seemed the waves were into ivory,
That > [So that it]
4 Or ivory into the waves were sent;
sent > sent, hence: transmuted; also: sended (used of a ship pitching deeply with head or stern in the trough of a wave)
5 And otherwhere the snowy substance sprent
otherwhere > elsewhere sprent > sprinkled (pa. ppl. of "sprenge")
6 With vermeil, like the boy's blood therein shed,
vermeil > scarlet the boy > (See note on Jason and Medea at 212.44:4)
7 A piteous spectacle did represent,
represent > bring to mind; make manifest; symbolize
8 And otherwhiles with gold besprinkled:
otherwhiles > at other times; now and then (the original pointing also suggests: "And otherwhiles, with gold besprinkled, It seemed the enchanted flame …") besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is intensive}
9 It seemed the enchanted flame which did Cre{u"}sa wed.
seemed > [seemed to be]
212.46
All this, and more might in that goodly gate
2 Be red; that euer open stood to all,
Which thither came: but in the Porch there sate
4 A comely personage of stature tall,
And semblaunce pleasing, more then naturall,
6 That trauellers to him seemd to entize;
His looser garment to the ground did fall,
8 And flew about his heeles in wanton wize,
Not fit for speedy pace, or manly exercize.
1 All this and more might in that goodly gate
might > could goodly > beautiful
2 Be read; that ever open stood to all
read > discerned
3 Who thither came: but in the porch there sat 4 A comely personage, of stature tall 5 And semblance pleasing, more than natural, 6 That travellers to him seemed to entice; 7 His looser garment to the ground did fall,
looser > too-loose
8 And flew about his heels in wanton wise,
wise > fashion, manner
9 Not fit for speedy pace, or manly exercise.
pace > movement, motion
212.47
They in that place him Genius did call:
2 Not that celestiall powre, to whom the care
Of life, and generation of all
4 That liues, pertaines in charge particulare,
Who wondrous things concerning our welfare,
6 And straunge phantomes doth let vs oft +forsee+,
And oft of secret ill bids vs beware:
8 That is our Selfe, whom though we do not see,
Yet each doth in him selfe it well perceiue to bee.
6 forsee > foresee 1609
1 They in that place him Genius did call
Genius > "Guardian Spirit" (Latin; cf. 306.31:8-9)
2 (Not that celestial power, to whom the care
that celestial power > (The Greeks thought that each man had a demon assigned to him at the moment of his birth; the demon accompanied him throughout his life and after death conducted his soul to Hades. The Romans held a similar belief: the genius (the name shares the same root as "geno", "gigno", to beget or bring forth) was worshipped as the god of generation. Each place also had its own genius or guardian spirit. Spenser is saying that the porter here is not that celestial power, and I have shown the parenthesis recommended by Warton (1762))
3 Of life, and generation of all 4 That lives, pertains in charge particular, 5 Who wondrous things concerning our welfare, 6 And strange phantoms does let us oft foresee, 7 And oft of secret ill bids us beware:
ill > evil
8 That is our Self, whom though we do not see, 9 Yet each does in himself it well perceive to be.
212.48
Therefore a God him sage Antiquity
2 Did wisely make, and good Agdistes call:
But this same was to that quite contrary,
4 The foe of life, that good enuyes to all,
That secretly doth vs procure to fall,
6 Through guilefull semblaunts, which he makes vs see.
He of this Gardin had the gouernall,
8 And Pleasures porter was deuizd to bee,
Holding a staffe in hand for more formalitee.
1 Therefore a god him sage antiquity
antiquity > ancient times (esp. of the Greeks and Romans); ancient records
2 Did wisely make, and good Agdistes call):
Agdistes > (So called in Myth. 4.3)
3 But this same was to that quite contrary,
that > [Agdistes]
4 The foe of life, that good envies to all,
envies > begrudges
5 That secretly does us procure to fall,
procure > cause
6 Through guileful semblants, which he makes us see.
semblants > outward aspects, semblances
7 He of this garden had the governail,
governail > management
8 And Pleasure's porter was devised to be,
Pleasure > [Acrasia; cf. 201.0:4] devised > assigned, directed; conjectured, considered; artfully contrived, feigned; bequeathed
9 Holding a staff in hand for more formality.
212.49
With diuerse flowres he daintily was deckt,
2 And strowed round about, and by his side
A mighty Mazer bowle of wine was set,
4 As if it had to him bene sacrifide;
Wherewith all new-come guests he gratifide:
6 So did he eke Sir Guyon passing by:
But he his idle curtesie defide,
8 And ouerthrew his bowle disdainfully;
And broke his staffe, with which he charmed semblants sly.
1 With diverse flowers he daintily was decked,
diverse > {Of different sorts}
2 And strewn round about, and by his side 3 A mighty mazer bowl of wine was set,
mazer > {Some hard wood, usually maple, used for carving bowls and cups}
4 As if it had to him been sacrified;
sacrified > offered as a sacrifice
5 Wherewith all new-come guests he gratified:
Wherewith > With which
6 So did he eke Sir Guyon passing by:
eke > likewise
7 But he his idle courtesy defied,
idle > unavailing, empty
8 And overthrew his bowl disdainfully; 9 And broke his staff, with which he charmed semblants sly.
charmed semblants > conjured up visions sly > clever, mischievous, adept; or: slyly, cleverly
212.50
Thus being entred, they behold around
2 A large and spacious plaine, on euery side
Strowed with pleasauns, whose faire grassy ground
4 Mantled with +greene+, and goodly beautifide
With all the ornaments of Floraes pride,
6 Wherewith her mother Art, as halfe in scorne
Of niggard Nature, like a pompous bride
8 Did decke her, and too lauishly adorne,
When forth from virgin bowre she comes in th'early morne.
4 greene > grenee 1596
1 Thus being entered, they behold around 2 A large and spacious plain, on every side 3 Strewn with pleasances, whose fair grassy ground
Strewn > Spread, covered pleasances > pleasure-grounds, ornamental gardens
4 Mantled with green, and goodly beautified
Mantled > [Was mantled]
5 With all the ornaments of Flora's pride, 6 Wherewith her mother, Art, as half in scorn
Wherewith > With which as > [as though]
7 Of niggard Nature, like a pompous bride
niggard > mean, parsimonious pompous > splendid (derives from Latin pompa, a solemn procession, display)
8 Did deck her, and too lavishly adorn, 9 When forth from virgin bower she comes in the early morn.
bower > bedroom
212.51
+Thereto+ the Heauens alwayes Iouiall,
2 Lookt on them louely, still in stedfast state,
Ne suffred storme nor frost on them to fall,
4 Their tender buds or leaues to violate,
Nor scorching heat, nor cold intemperate
6 T'afflict the creatures, which therein did dwell,
But the milde aire with season moderate
8 Gently attempred, and disposd so well,
That still it breathed forth sweet spirit and holesome smell.
1 Thereto > Therewith 1590
1 Thereto the heavens, always jovial,
Thereto > Moreover, also jovial > {Azure (heraldic term); under the influence of Jove, joyful, happy}
2 Looked on them lovely, still in steadfast state,
lovely > lovingly still > ever, always; motionless in steadfast state > [unchanging; there are no seasons here]
3 Nor suffered storm nor frost on them to fall,
suffered > permitted
4 Their tender buds or leaves to violate,
violate > spoil, corrupt
5 Nor scorching heat, nor cold intemperate 6 To afflict the creatures which therein did dwell, 7 But the mild air with season moderate 8 Gently attempered, and disposed so well,
attempered > regulated; tempered, moderated disposed > regulated
9 That still it breathed forth sweet spirit and wholesome smell.
still > ever spirit > {The breath of life, animating breath} smell > aroma, perfume
212.52
More sweet and holesome, then the pleasaunt hill
2 Of Rhodope, on which the Nimphe, that bore
A gyaunt babe, her selfe for griefe did kill;
4 Or the Thessalian Tempe, where of yore
Faire Daphne Ph{oe}bus hart with loue did gore;
6 Or Ida, where the Gods lou'd to repaire,
When euer they their heauenly bowres forlore;
8 Or sweet Parnasse, the haunt of Muses faire;
+Or Eden selfe, if ought+ with Eden mote compaire.
9 Or Eden selfe, if ought > Of Eden, if ought 1596; Or Eden, if that ought 1609
1 More sweet and wholesome than the pleasant hill 2 Of Rhodope, on which the nymph that bore
Rhodope > (One of the highest mountain-ranges in Thrace, sacred to
Bacchus and named after the nymph Rhodope, who bore Neptune a
giant child (Met. 10.86 ff.). In Met. 6.87-9 Jupiter turns
Rhodope into a mountain as punishment for her excessive pride)
3 A giant babe herself for grief did kill; 4 Or the Thessalian Temp{e/}, where of yore
Temp{e/} > (A beautiful valley in northern Thessaly, between Mt Ossa and Mt Olympus; through it the River Peneus flows into the sea. One of the favourite haunts of Apollo) yore > old
5 Fair Daphne Phoebus' heart with love did gore;
Daphne > (Daughter of the river-god Peneus. Pursued by Apollo, she was on the point of being overtaken when she prayed for release and was metamorphosed into a laurel-tree. See Met. 1.452-567)
6 Or Ida, where the gods loved to repair
Ida > (A mountain-range in Asia Minor, scene of the rape of Ganymede and the judgement of Paris (see note at 207.55:5). In Homer, the summit of Ida is the vantage of the gods when they watch the battles in the plain of Troy) repair > go, betake themselves
7 Whenever they their heavenly bowers forlore;
bowers > chambers forlore > forsook, left
8 Or sweet Parnassus, the haunt of Muses fair;
Parnassus > (A mountain-range extending SE through Doris and Phocis, celebrated as one of the chief haunts of Apollo and the Muses; "sweet" because it was so well wooded) Muses > (In later accounts their leader is Apollo, who receives the name Musagetes as a result. See e.g. Myth. 4.10)
9 Or Eden itself, if aught with Eden might compare.
212.53
Much wondred Guyon at the faire aspect
2 Of that sweet place, yet suffred no delight
To sincke into his sence, nor mind affect,
4 But passed forth, and lookt still forward right,
Bridling his will, and maistering his might:
6 Till that he came vnto another gate,
No gate, but like one, being goodly dight
8 With boughes and braunches, which did broad dilate
Their clasping armes, in wanton wreathings intricate.
1 Much wondered Guyon at the fair aspect
wondered > marvelled
2 Of that sweet place, yet suffered no delight
suffered > allowed
3 To sink into his sense, nor mind affect, 4 But passed forth, and looked still forward right,
still > constantly forward right > straight ahead
5 Bridling his will, and mastering his might: 6 Till he came to another gate: 7 No gate, but like one, being goodly dight
goodly > beautifully dight > decked
8 With boughs and branches, which did broad dilate
dilate > spread
9 Their clasping arms, in wanton wreathings intricate.
212.54
So fashioned a Porch with rare deuice,
2 Archt ouer head with an embracing vine,
Whose bounches hanging downe, seemed to entice
4 All passers by, to tast their lushious wine,
And did themselues into their hands incline,
6 As freely offering to be gathered:
Some deepe empurpled as the +Hyacint+,
8 Some as the Rubine, laughing sweetly red,
Some like faire Emeraudes, not yet well ripened.
7 Hyacint > Hyacine 1611
1 So fashioned a porch with rare device,
So > Thus [was] device > ingenuity
2 Arched overhead with an embracing vine, 3 Whose bunches, hanging down, seemed to entice
bunches > [bunches of grapes]
4 All passers-by to taste their luscious wine, 5 And did themselves into their hands incline, 6 As freely offering to be gathered: 7 Some deep empurpled as the hyacinth,
empurpled > {Made purple; reddened} hyacinth > (A blue precious stone, the sapphire, but here, in view of the italicization of the original, also making reference to the lily, described by Ovid as deep red or purple, which sprang from the blood of the beautiful youth Hyacinth. Hyacinth received the amorous attentions of Apollo and Zephyr (god of the west wind), but Zephyr's interest was not reciprocated. One day, when Apollo and Hyacinth were playing at quoits, the jealous Zephyr caused one of Apollo's quoits to drift in flight and strike Hyacinth on the head, killing him instantly. See Met. 10.162-219)
8 Some as the rubine, laughing sweetly red,
rubine > ruby
9 Some like fair emeralds, not yet well ripened.
212.55
And them amongst, some were of burnisht gold,
2 So made by art, to beautifie the rest,
Which did themselues emongst the leaues enfold,
4 As lurking from the vew of couetous guest,
That the weake bowes, with so rich load opprest,
6 Did bow adowne, as ouer-burdened.
Vnder that Porch a comely dame did rest,
8 Clad in faire weedes, but fowle disordered,
And garments loose, that seemd vnmeet for womanhed.
1 And them amongst, some were of burnished gold,
some > [some of the grapes]
2 So made by art, to beautify the rest, 3 Which did themselves amongst the leaves enfold, 4 As lurking from the view of covetous guest,
As > [As though]
5 That the weak boughs, with so rich load oppressed,
That > [So that] so > such a
6 Did bow adown, as over-burdened.
adown > down
7 Under that porch a comely dame did rest, 8 Clad in fair weeds, but foul disordered,
weeds > clothes
9 And garments loose, that seemed unmeet for womanhood.
unmeet > unsuitable
212.56
In her left hand a Cup of gold she held,
2 And with her right the riper fruit did reach,
Whose sappy liquor, that with fulnesse sweld,
4 Into her cup she scruzd, with daintie breach
Of her fine fingers, without fowle empeach,
6 That so faire wine-presse made the wine more sweet:
Thereof she vsd to giue to drinke to each,
8 Whom passing by she happened to meet:
It was her guise, all Straungers goodly so to greet.
1 In her left hand a cup of gold she held, 2 And with her right the riper fruit did reach,
riper > riper; too-ripe, over-ripe
3 Whose sappy liquor, that with fullness swelled, 4 Into her cup she scruzed, with dainty breach
scruzed > squeezed dainty > fastidious; pleasing breach > {Breaking, splitting, the act of splitting}
5 Of her fine fingers, without foul impeach,
Of > By, with impeach > injury, damage, detriment; hence: staining [of her fingers], tainting [of the wine]
6 That so fair winepress made the wine more sweet:
so > (Intensifying "fair": "That so-fair winepress")
7 Thereof she used to give to drink to each
each > each person, everyone
8 Whom passing by she happened to meet: 9 It was her guise, all strangers goodly so to greet.
guise > custom goodly > courteously greet > greet; gratify
212.57
So she to Guyon offred it to tast;
2 Who taking it out of her tender hond,
The cup to ground did violently cast,
4 That all in peeces it was broken fond,
And with the liquor stained all the lond:
6 Whereat Excesse exceedingly was wroth,
Yet no'te the same amend, ne yet withstond,
8 But suffered him to passe, all were she loth;
Who +not+ regarding her displeasure forward goth.
9 not > nought 1590
1 So she to Guyon offered it to taste;
So > In that manner
2 Who, taking it out of her tender hand, 3 The cup to ground did violently cast, 4 That all in pieces it was broken found,
That > [So that]
5 And with the liquor stained all the land: 6 Whereat Excess exceedingly was wroth,
Whereat > At which
7 Yet no'te the same amend, nor yet withstand,
no'te > could not
8 But suffered him to pass, all were she loath;
suffered > allowed all were she > [although she was]
9 Who, not regarding her displeasure, forward goes.
212.58
There the most daintie Paradise on ground,
2 It selfe doth offer to his sober eye,
In which all pleasures plenteously abound,
4 And none does others happinesse enuye:
The painted flowres, the trees vpshooting hye,
6 The dales for shade, the hilles for breathing space,
The trembling groues, the Christall running by;
8 And that, which all faire workes doth most aggrace,
The art, which all that wrought, appeared in no place.
1 There the most dainty paradise on ground
dainty > pleasing; choice on ground > in the world
2 Itself does offer to his sober eye, 3 In which all pleasures plenteously abound, 4 And none does other's happiness envy:
envy > begrudge
5 The painted flowers, the trees upshooting high, 6 The dales for shade, the hills for breathing space, 7 The trembling groves, the crystal running by;
crystal > [crystal waters]
8 And that which all fair works does most aggrace
aggrace > grace, add grace to
9 (The art, which all that wrought) appeared in no place.
212.59
One would haue thought, (so cunningly, the rude,
2 And scorned parts were mingled with the fine,)
That nature had for wantonesse ensude
4 Art, and that Art at nature did repine;
So striuing each th'other to vndermine,
6 Each did the others worke more beautifie;
So diff'ring both in willes, agreed in fine:
8 So all agreed through sweete diuersitie,
This Gardin to adorne with all varietie.
1 One would have thought (so cunningly the rude
rude > imperfect, coarse
2 And scorned parts were mingled with the fine) 3 That Nature had for wantonness ensued
wantonness > extravagance ensued > imitated
4 Art, and that Art at Nature did repine;
repine > murmur, fret; complain
5 So striving each the other to undermine,
So > Thus
6 Each did the other's work more beautify; 7 So differing both in wills, agreed in fine:
fine > the end
8 So all agreed, through sweet diversity,
all > both [Art and Nature]
9 This garden to adorn with all variety.
212.60
And in the midst of all, a fountaine stood,
2 Of richest substaunce, that on earth might bee,
So pure and shiny, that the siluer flood
4 Through euery channell running one might see;
Most goodly it with +curious+ imageree
6 Was ouer-wrought, and shapes of naked boyes,
Of which some seemd with liuely iollitee,
8 To fly about, playing their wanton toyes,
Whilest others did them selues embay in liquid ioyes.
5 curious > pure 1609
1 And in the midst of all a fountain stood, 2 Of richest substance that on earth might be, 3 So pure and shiny that the silver flood 4 Through every channel running one might see; 5 Most goodly it with curious imagery
goodly > finely, beautifully; gracefully curious > skilled; elaborate; exquisite imagery > idolatrous images (cf. 108.36:2, 207.5:6)
6 Was overwrought, and shapes of naked boys,
overwrought > {Over-laboured; worked up to too high a pitch}
7 Of which some seemed with lively jollity
lively > life-like jollity > pleasure, lust
8 To fly about, playing their wanton toys,
wanton > unruly, frisky; lewd toys > games, amorous games (cf. e.g. 205.28:8)
9 Whilst others did themselves embay in liquid joys.
embay > bathe
212.61
And ouer all, of purest gold was spred,
2 A trayle of yuie in his natiue hew:
For the rich mettall was so coloured,
4 That wight, who did not well auis'd it vew,
Would surely deeme it to be yuie trew:
6 Low his lasciuious armes adown did creepe,
That themselues dipping in the siluer dew,
8 Their fleecy flowres they +tenderly+ did steepe,
Which drops of Christall seemd for wantones to weepe.
8 tenderly > fearefully 1590
1 And overall of purest gold was spread
overall > everywhere, in every direction
2 A trail of ivy in his native hue:
trail > trellis ivy > (An emblem of licentiousness: see, for example, 104.22:3, 306.44:5) his > (The unexpected gender emphasizes the symbolism) hue > colour, appearance
3 For the rich metal was so coloured
coloured > coloured; misrepresented, hence: disguised
4 That wight who did not well advised it view,
wight > [a] person, anyone well advised > carefully
5 Would surely deem it to be ivy true: 6 Low his lascivious arms adown did creep,
adown > down
7 That themselves dipping in the silver dew,
That > [So that]
8 Their fleecy flowers they tenderly did steep, 9 Which drops of crystal seemed for wantonness to weep.
wantonness > wantonness or, conceivably: wantons: licentious people
212.62
Infinit streames continually did well
2 Out of this fountaine, sweet and faire to see,
The which into an ample lauer fell,
4 And shortly grew to so great quantitie,
That like a little lake it seemd to bee;
6 Whose depth exceeded not three cubits hight,
That through the waues one might the bottom see,
8 All pau'd beneath with Iaspar shining bright,
That seemd the fountaine in that sea did sayle vpright.
1 Infinite streams continually did well 2 Out of this fountain, sweet and fair to see, 3 Which into an ample laver fell,
laver > [basin of the fountain]
4 And shortly grew to so great quantity
so > such a
5 That like a little lake it seemed to be; 6 Whose depth exceeded not three cubits' height,
three cubits > (Four-and-a-half to five-and-a-half feet (about 1.4 to 1.7 metres); the cubit is an ancient measure based on the length of the forearm, about 18-22 inches)
7 That through the waves one might the bottom see,
That > [So that]
8 All paved beneath with jasper shining bright,
jasper > (Used to describe various precious stones, esp. of a bright green colour)
9 That seemed the fountain in that sea did sail upright.
That > [So that it] sail > sail; sally forth, issue forth, project
212.63
And all the margent round about was set,
2 With shady Laurell trees, thence to defend
The sunny beames, which on the billowes bet,
4 And those which therein bathed, mote offend.
As Guyon hapned by the same to wend,
6 Two naked Damzelles he therein espyde,
Which therein bathing, seemed to contend,
8 And wrestle wantonly, ne car'd to hyde,
Their dainty parts from vew of any, which them eyde.
1 And all the margin round about was set 2 With shady laurel trees, thence to defend
laurel > (Sacred to Apollo, god of the sun; see note at 212.52:5) defend > ward off
3 The sunny beams, which on the billows beat 4 And those which therein bathed might offend.
offend > harm
5 As Guyon happened by the same to wend, 6 Two naked damsels he therein espied, 7 Who, therein bathing, seemed to contend, 8 And wrestle wantonly, nor cared to hide 9 Their dainty parts from view of any who them eyed.
212.64
Sometimes the one would lift the other quight
2 Aboue the waters, and then downe againe
Her plong, as ouer maistered by might,
4 Where both awhile would couered remaine,
And each the other from to rise restraine;
6 The whiles their snowy limbes, as through a vele,
So through the Christall waues appeared plaine:
8 Then suddeinly both would themselues vnhele,
And th'amarous sweet spoiles to greedy eyes reuele.
1 Sometimes the one would lift the other quite 2 Above the waters, and then down again 3 Her plunge, as overmastered by might,
plunge > immerse overmastered > overcome
4 Where both awhile would covered remain, 5 And each the other from to rise restrain;
to rise > rising
6 The whiles their snowy limbs, as through a veil,
The whiles > Meanwhile
7 So through the crystal waves appeared plain: 8 Then suddenly both would themselves unhele,
unhele > uncover
9 And the amorous sweet spoils to greedy eyes reveal.
amorous > {Lovely; pertaining to sexual love} greedy > eager; rapacious
212.65
As that faire Starre, the messenger of morne,
2 His deawy face out of the sea doth reare:
Or as the Cyprian goddesse, newly borne
4 Of th'Oceans fruitfull froth, did first appeare:
Such seemed they, and so their yellow heare
6 Christalline humour dropped downe apace.
Whom such when Guyon saw, he drew him neare,
8 And somewhat gan relent his earnest pace,
His stubborne brest gan secret pleasaunce to embrace.
1 As that fair star, the messenger of morn,
that fair star > (The morning star, Venus, named after the goddess of love)
2 His dewy face out of the sea does rear: 3 Or as the Cyprian goddess, newly born
Cyprian > (Belonging to Cyprus: Cyprus was one of the chief centres of the worship of Aphrodite (Venus); she is also called Cypria. Thus "cyprian" also = "lewd", "licentious")
4 Of the ocean's fruitful froth, did first appear:
froth > (In later accounts, Aphrodite is said to have been born from the sea-foam: hence her name, from the Greek aphros, foam, froth)
5 Such seemed they, and so their yellow hair 6 Crystalline humour dropped down apace.
humour > moisture apace > swiftly
7 Whom such when Guyon saw, he drew near,
Whom such > [Whom]
8 And somewhat gan relent his earnest pace;
gan > did relent > slacken; also: repent of, regret (SUS)
9 His stubborn breast began secret pleasance to embrace.
stubborn > pertinacious, dogged pleasance > delight, joy
212.66
The wanton Maidens him espying, stood
2 Gazing a while at his vnwonted guise;
Then th'one her selfe low ducked in the flood,
4 Abasht, that her a straunger did a vise:
But th'other rather higher did arise,
6 And her two lilly paps aloft displayd,
And all, that might his melting hart entise
8 To her delights, she vnto him bewrayd:
The rest hid vnderneath, him more desirous made.
1 The wanton maidens, him espying, stood 2 Gazing awhile at his unwonted guise;
unwonted guise > unaccustomed manner; unusual behaviour
3 Then the one herself low ducked in the flood,
flood > water
4 Abashed that her a stranger did advise:
advise > look at; consider
5 But the other rather higher did arise, 6 And her two lily paps aloft displayed,
paps > breasts
7 And all that might his melting heart entice 8 To her delights, she to him bewrayed:
bewrayed > revealed
9 The rest, hidden underneath, him more desirous made.
212.67
With that, the other likewise vp arose,
2 And her faire lockes, which formerly were bownd
Vp in one knot, she low adowne did lose:
4 Which flowing long and thick, her cloth'd arownd,
And th'yuorie in golden mantle gownd:
6 So that faire spectacle from him was reft,
Yet that, which reft it, no lesse faire was fownd:
8 So hid in lockes and waues from lookers theft,
Nought but her louely face she for his looking left.
1 With that, the other likewise up arose, 2 And her fair locks, which formerly were bound 3 Up in one knot, she low adown did loosen:
adown > down
4 Which, flowing long and thick, her clothed around, 5 And the ivory in golden mantle gowned:
ivory > [of her skin]
6 So that fair spectacle from him was reft,
reft > taken away
7 Yet that, which reft it, no less fair was found: 8 So hid in locks and waves from looker's theft, 9 Naught but her lovely face she for his looking left.
212.68
Withall she laughed, and she blusht withall,
2 That blushing to her laughter gaue more grace,
And laughter to her blushing, as did fall:
4 Now when they spide the knight to slacke his pace,
Them to behold, and in his sparkling face
6 The secret signes of kindled lust appeare,
Their wanton meriments they did encreace,
8 And to him beckned, to approch more neare,
And shewd him many sights, that courage cold could reare.
1 Withal she laughed, and she blushed withal:
Withal > With that withal > nevertheless
2 That blushing to her laughter gave more grace, 3 And laughter to her blushing, as did fall;
fall > happen
4 Now when they spied the knight to slack his pace,
to slack > [slackening]
5 Them to behold, and in his sparkling face 6 The secret signs of kindled lust appear,
appear > [appearing]
7 Their wanton merriments they did increase,
wanton > playful; lewd merriment > {Jest; piece of foolery}
8 And to him beckoned, to approach more near, 9 And showed him many sights, that courage cold could rear.
courage > sexual desire rear > excite, arouse
212.69
On which when gazing him the Palmer saw,
2 He much rebukt those wandring eyes of his,
And counseld well, him forward thence did draw.
4 Now are they come nigh to the Bowre of blis
Of her fond fauorites so nam'd amis:
6 When thus the Palmer; Now Sir, well auise;
For here the end of all our trauell is:
8 Here wonnes Acrasia, whom we must surprise,
Else she will slip away, and all our drift despise.
1 On which when gazing him the palmer saw:
gazing > [Guyon was gazing]
2 He much rebuked those wandering eyes of his, 3 And counselled well: him forward thence did draw. 4 Now are they come nigh to the Bower of Bliss 5 Of her fond favourites so named amiss:
her > [Acrasia's; or the Bower's] fond > foolish
6 When thus the palmer: "Now sir, well advise;
advise > consider
7 For here the end of all our travel is:
travel > travel, travail
8 Here wons Acrasia, whom we must surprise,
wons > dwells
9 Else she will slip away, and all our drift despise."
drift > aim, plot despise > set at naught
212.70
Eftsoones they heard a most melodious sound,
2 Of all that mote delight a daintie eare,
Such as attonce might not on liuing ground,
4 Saue in this Paradise, be heard elswhere:
Right hard it was, for wight, which did it heare,
6 To read, what manner musicke that mote bee:
For all that pleasing is to liuing eare,
8 Was there consorted in one harmonee,
Birdes, voyces, instruments, windes, waters, all agree.
1 Eftsoons they heard a most melodious sound,
Eftsoons > Soon; thereupon
2 Of all that might delight a dainty ear,
dainty > fastidious
3 Such as at once might not on living ground,
at once > at one time; one time, hence: ever on living ground > [in the living world, in the present world]
4 Save in this paradise, be heard elsewhere: 5 Right hard it was, for wight which did it hear,
Right > Very wight > person, man, mortal
6 To read what manner music that might be:
read > discern manner > sort [of]
7 For all that pleasing is to living ear 8 Was there consorted in one harmony:
consorted > accorded, joined in accord
9 Birds, voices, instruments, winds, waters, all agree.
212.71
The ioyous birdes shrouded in chearefull shade,
2 Their notes vnto the voyce attempred sweet;
Th'Angelicall soft trembling voyces made
4 To th'instruments diuine respondence meet:
The siluer sounding instruments did meet
6 With the base murmure of the waters fall:
The waters fall with difference discreet,
8 Now soft, now loud, vnto the wind did call:
The gentle warbling wind low answered to all.
1 The joyous birds, shrouded in cheerful shade,
shrouded > sheltered; hidden cheerful > encouraging (hence: conducive to music-making)
2 Their notes to the voice attempered sweet;
voice > ?music attempered > attuned
3 The angelic soft trembling voices made 4 To the instruments divine respondence meet:
respondence > response; concord meet > fitting, suitable
5 The silver-sounding instruments did meet
meet > unite
6 With the bass murmur of the water's fall: 7 The water's fall with difference discreet,
difference > variation discreet > moderate; or: discrete, distinct
8 Now soft, now loud, to the wind did call: 9 The gentle warbling wind low answered to all.
212.72
There, whence that Musick seemed heard to bee,
2 Was the faire Witch her selfe now solacing,
With a new Louer, whom through sorceree
4 And witchcraft, she from farre did thither bring:
There she had him now layd a slombering,
6 In secret shade, after long wanton ioyes:
Whilst round about them pleasauntly did sing
8 Many faire Ladies, and lasciuious boyes,
That euer mixt their song with light licentious toyes.
1 There, whence that music seemed heard to be, 2 Was the fair witch herself now solacing
solacing > {Taking comfort, recreation, or enjoyment}
3 With a new lover, whom through sorcery 4 And witchcraft she from far did thither bring: 5 There she had him now laid a-slumbering, 6 In secret shade, after long wanton joys:
secret > hidden
7 Whilst round about them pleasantly did sing 8 Many fair ladies, and lascivious boys, 9 That ever mixed their song with light licentious toys.
toys > amorous games; antics, whims (perhaps of a musical nature)
212.73
And all +that+ while, right ouer him she hong,
2 With her false eyes fast fixed in his sight,
As seeking medicine, whence she was stong,
4 Or greedily depasturing delight:
And oft inclining downe with kisses light,
6 For feare of waking him, his lips bedewd,
And through his humid eyes did sucke his spright,
8 Quite molten into lust and pleasure lewd;
Wherewith she sighed soft, as if his case she rewd.
1 that > the 1609
1 And all that while, right over him she hung,
right > (Here, an intensive: a very archaic usage)
2 With her false eyes fast fixed in his sight,
false > deceitful; or: forged (i.e. painted, or perhaps having had their pupils dilated with belladonna) fast > firmly; very closely
3 As seeking medicine, whence she was stung,
As > [As though] medicine > [a] cure; or: philtre, love-potion (i.e. she desires more of the same) was > [had been]
4 Or greedily depasturing delight:
depasturing > feeding upon, consuming (the literal meaning, "grazing", "stripping a pasture", becomes relevant when we learn that her lover's name is Verdant: see 212.82:8)
5 And oft, inclining down with kisses light, 6 For fear of waking him, his lips bedewed,
bedewed > [she bedewed]
7 And through his humid eyes did suck his spirit, 8 Quite molten into lust and pleasure lewd; 9 Wherewith she sighed soft, as if his case she rued.
Wherewith > With which rued > pitied
212.74
The whiles some one did chaunt this louely lay;
2 Ah see, who so faire thing doest faine to see,
In springing flowre the image of thy day;
4 Ah see the Virgin Rose, how sweetly shee
Doth first peepe forth with bashfull modestee,
6 That fairer seemes, the lesse ye see her may;
Lo see soone after, how more bold and free
8 Her bared bosome she doth broad display;
Loe see soone after, how she fades, and falles away.
1 The whiles someone did chant this lovely lay:
The whiles > Meanwhile lovely lay > love-song; lovely song
2 "Ah see, whoso fair thing does fain to see,
whoso > whoever fain > enjoy; make glad
3 In springing flower the image of your day; 4 Ah see the virgin rose, how sweetly she 5 Does first peep forth with bashful modesty, 6 That fairer seems, the less you see her may; 7 Lo see soon after, how more bold and free 8 Her bared bosom she does broad display;
9 Lo see soon after, how she fades, and falls away.
display > display; spread
212.75
So passeth, in the passing of a day,
2 Of mortall life the leafe, the bud, the flowre,
Ne more doth flourish after first decay,
4 That earst was sought to decke both bed and bowre,
Of many a Ladie, and many a Paramowre:
6 Gather therefore the Rose, whilest yet is prime,
For soone comes age, that will her pride deflowre:
8 Gather the Rose of loue, whilest yet is time,
Whilest louing thou mayst loued be with equall crime.
1 "So passes, in the passing of a day, 2 Of mortal life the leaf, the bud, the flower, 3 No more does flourish after first decay, 4 That erst was sought to deck both bed and bower
erst > lately; formerly bower > chamber, bedroom
5 Of many a lady, and many a paramour: 6 Gather therefore the rose, whilst yet is prime,
is > [it is; in its] prime > prime; springtime (sb.); prime, early, young (adj.)
7 For soon comes age, that will her pride deflower:
pride > prime, most flourishing state, magnificence; sexual desire
8 Gather the rose of love, whilst yet is time,
is > [there is]
9 Whilst loving you may loved be with equal crime."
with equal crime > ?with equal sin ("equal" can also have the meaning "impartial"; and "crime" can mean "accusation". If these are adopted, the phrase might mean "without unfair judgement", or something similar. Hamilton (1980) cites Cheney (1966), and suggests that the phrase "conveys the sense less of `mutual enjoyment (and hence no crime at all)' than that of `a reprobate guilt to be shared by all'")
212.76
He ceast, and then gan all the quire of birdes
2 Their diuerse notes t'attune vnto his lay,
As in approuance of his pleasing words.
4 The constant paire heard all, that he did say,
Yet swarued not, but kept their forward way,
6 Through many couert groues, and thickets close,
In which they creeping did at last display
8 That wanton Ladie, with her louer lose,
Whose sleepie head she in her lap did soft dispose.
1 He ceased, and then began all the choir of birds 2 Their diverse notes to attune to his lay,
diverse > various; also: distracting (SUS) lay > song
3 As in approvance of his pleasing words.
As > [As if] approvance > approval
4 The constant pair heard all that he did say, 5 Yet swerved not, but kept their forward way, 6 Through many covert groves, and thickets close,
close > close; secret
7 In which they creeping did at last display
display > open up to view, make manifest (perhaps by parting the branches)
8 That wanton lady, with her lover loose, 9 Whose sleepy head she in her lap did soft dispose.
212.77
Vpon a bed of Roses she was layd,
2 As faint through heat, or dight to pleasant sin,
And was arayd, or rather disarayd,
4 All in a vele of silke and siluer thin,
That hid no whit her alablaster skin,
6 But rather shewd more white, if more might bee:
More subtile web Arachne can not spin,
8 Nor the fine nets, which oft we wouen see
Of scorched deaw, do not in th'aire more lightly flee.
1 Upon a bed of roses she was laid, 2 As faint through heat, or dight to pleasant sin,
As > [As though] dight to > prepared for, arranged for
3 And was arrayed, or rather disarrayed, 4 All in a veil of silk and silver thin,
silver > [silver thread]
5 That hid no whit her alabaster skin, 6 But rather showed more white, if more might be: 7 More subtile web Arachne cannot spin,
subtile > rarefied, thin; subtle
8 Nor the fine nets, which oft we woven see 9 Of scorched dew, do not in the air more lightly flee.
scorched dew > [gossamer] not > (Pleonastic, and thus intensive) flee > fly; hence: drift
212.78
Her snowy brest was bare to readie spoyle
2 Of hungry eies, which n'ote therewith be fild,
And yet through languour of her late sweet toyle,
4 Few drops, more cleare then Nectar, forth distild,
That like pure Orient perles adowne it trild,
6 And her faire eyes sweet smyling in delight,
Moystened their fierie beames, with which she thrild
8 Fraile harts, yet quenched not; like starry light
Which sparckling on the silent waues, does seeme more bright.
1 Her snowy breast was bare to ready spoil
spoil > spoliation
2 Of hungry eyes, which no'te therewith be filled,
no'te > could not, might not therewith > with that
3 And yet, through languor of her late sweet toil,
yet > still, even now of > [resulting from] late > recent
4 Few drops, more clear than nectar, forth distilled,
Few > [A few] distilled > exuded
5 That like pure orient pearls adown it trilled,
orient > {Coming from the Orient; best quality, having a special lustre; brilliant, lustrous, sparkling} adown > down trilled > trickled
6 And her fair eyes, sweet smiling in delight, 7 Moistened their fiery beams, with which she thrilled
thrilled > pierced
8 Frail hearts, yet quenched not; like starry light
Frail > {Frail; morally weak, unable to resist temptation; tender (last is SUS)} quenched > destroyed, killed
9 Which, sparkling on the silent waves, does seem more bright.
bright > bright; beautiful
212.79
The young man sleeping by her, seemd to bee
2 Some goodly swayne of honorable place,
That certes it great pittie was to see
4 Him his nobilitie so foule deface;
A sweet regard, and amiable grace,
6 Mixed with manly sternnesse did appeare
Yet sleeping, in his well proportiond face,
8 And on his tender lips the downy heare
Did now but freshly spring, and silken blossomes beare.
1 The young man sleeping by her seemed to be 2 Some goodly swain of honourable place,
goodly > well-favoured; fine swain > youth; lover place > social station
3 That certes it great pity was to see
certes > assuredly
4 Him his nobility so foully deface;
deface > cast in the shade; disgrace; destroy
5 A sweet regard, and amiable grace,
regard > expression, aspect
6 Mixed with manly sternness did appear, 7 Yet sleeping, in his well proportioned face,
Yet sleeping > [Even as he slept]
8 And on his tender lips the downy hair 9 Did now but freshly spring, and silken blossoms bear.
212.80
His warlike armes, the idle instruments
2 Of sleeping praise, were hong vpon a tree,
And his braue shield, full of old moniments,
4 Was fowly ra'st, that none the signes might see;
Ne for them, ne for honour cared hee,
6 Ne ought, that did to his aduauncement tend,
But in lewd loues, and wastfull luxuree,
8 His dayes, his goods, his bodie he did spend:
O horrible enchantment, that him so did blend.
1 His warlike arms, the idle instruments
arms > {Arms and armour}
2 Of sleeping praise, were hung upon a tree,
praise > praiseworthiness; virtue
3 And his brave shield, full of old monuments,
brave > splendid, showy; brave monuments > {Painted records of battle, insignia; relics (i.e. dents and other marks of battle)}
4 Was foully rased, that none the signs might see;
rased > scratched (i.e. the paint had been scratched off) that > [so that]
5 Neither for them, nor for honour cared he, 6 Nor aught that did to his advancement tend, 7 But in lewd loves, and wasteful luxury,
luxury > {Lasciviousness; dissipation; refined and intense enjoyment}
8 His days, his goods, his body he did spend: 9 O horrible enchantment, that him so did blend.
blend > blind, dazzle; also: stir up, hence: render turbid, spoil
212.81
The noble Elfe, and carefull Palmer drew
2 So nigh them, minding nought, but lustfull game,
That suddein forth they on them rusht, and threw
4 A subtile net, which onely for the same
The skilfull Palmer formally did frame.
6 So held them vnder fast, the whiles the rest
Fled all away for feare of fowler shame.
8 The faire Enchauntresse, so vnwares opprest,
Tryde all her arts, and all her sleights, thence out to wrest.
1 The noble Elf and careful palmer drew 2 So nigh them, minding naught but lustful game, 3 That sudden forth they on them rushed, and threw 4 A subtile net, which only for the same
subtile > thin, fine-textured net > (Cf. the net with which Vulcan traps his wife, Venus, and her lover, Mars, at Met. 4.169 ff.) the same > [that purpose]
5 The skilful palmer formally did frame.
formally > expressly; in good form; perhaps: formerly (see Textual Appendix at 212.1:4) frame > fashion, make
6 So held them under fast, while the rest
fast > firmly
7 Fled all away for fear of fouller shame. 8 The fair enchantress, so unwares oppressed,
unwares > unexpectedly oppressed > taken by surprise
9 Tried all her arts, and all her sleights, thence out to wrest.
wrest > force a way, twist, struggle, find egress; hence: escape
212.82
And eke her louer stroue: but all in vaine;
2 For that same net so cunningly was wound,
That neither guile, nor force might it distraine.
4 They tooke them both, and both them strongly bound
In captiue bandes, which there they readie found:
6 But her in chaines of adamant he tyde;
For nothing else might keepe her safe and sound;
8 But Verdant (so he hight) he soone vntyde,
And counsell sage in steed thereof to him applyde.
1 And eke her lover strove: but all in vain;
eke > in addition; likewise
2 For that same net so cunningly was wound
cunningly > skilfully, cleverly wound > woven
3 That neither guile nor force might it distrain.
distrain > rend asunder
4 They took them both, and both them strongly bound 5 In captive bonds, which there they ready found: 6 But her in chains of adamant he tied;
adamant > {Hardest metal, perhaps with magnetic properties (probably steel, from Greek adamas); also: a very hard rock of legendary hardness, as diamond or sapphire}
7 For nothing else might keep her safe and sound; 8 But Verdant (so he hight) he soon untied,
Verdant > "Green"; "Inexperienced"; "Green-giver", "Life-giver" hight > was named
9 And counsel sage instead thereof to him applied.
applied > applied; addressed
212.83
But all those pleasant bowres and Pallace braue,
2 Guyon broke downe, with rigour pittilesse;
Ne ought their goodly workmanship might saue
4 Them from the tempest of his wrathfulnesse,
But that their blisse he turn'd to balefulnesse:
6 Their groues he feld, their gardins did deface,
Their arbers +spoyle+, their Cabinets suppresse,
8 Their banket houses burne, their buildings race,
And of the fairest late, now made the fowlest place.
7 spoyle > spoyld 1596, 1609
1 But all those pleasant bowers and palace brave
bowers > arbours, shady recesses; rooms, chambers brave > splendid, fine
2 Guyon broke down with rigour pitiless;
rigour > violence
3 Ne aught their goodly workmanship might save
Ne aught > Naught, not at all
4 Them from the tempest of his wrathfulness, 5 But their bliss he turned to balefulness:
balefulness > sorrow, unhappiness, painfulness
6 Their groves he felled, their gardens did deface,
deface > destroy
7 Their arbours spoil, their cabinets suppress,
cabinet > little cabin, rustic cottage, summerhouse suppress > press down; hence: break down
8 Their banquet houses burn, their buildings raze, 9 And of the fairest late, now made the foullest place.
late > lately
212.84
Then led they her away, and eke that knight
2 They with them led, both sorrowfull and sad:
The way they came, the same retourn'd they right,
4 Till they arriued, where they lately had
Charm'd those wild-beasts, that rag'd with furie mad.
6 Which now awaking, fierce at them gan fly,
As in their mistresse reskew, whom they lad;
8 But them the Palmer soone did pacify.
Then Guyon askt, what meant those beastes, which there did ly.
1 Then led they her away, and eke that knight
eke > also
2 They with them led, both sorrowful and sad: 3 The way they came, the same returned they right,
right > directly
4 Till they arrived where they lately had 5 Charmed those wild beasts that raged with fury mad. 6 Which now awaking, fierce at them gan fly,
gan > did
7 As in their mistress' rescue, whom they led;
they led > [Guyon and the palmer were leading - literally]
8 But them the palmer soon did pacify. 9 Then Guyon asked what meant those beasts, which there did lie.
meant > was the meaning of; intended, had in mind
212.85
Said he, +these+ seeming beasts are men indeed,
2 Whom this Enchauntresse hath transformed thus,
Whylome her louers, which her lusts did feed,
4 Now turned into figures hideous,
According to their mindes like monstruous.
6 Sad end (quoth he) of life intemperate,
And mournefull meed of ioyes delicious:
8 But Palmer, if it mote thee so aggrate,
Let them returned be vnto their former state.
1 these > These 1609
1 Said he, "These seeming beasts are men indeed, 2 Whom this enchantress has transformed thus, 3 Whilom her lovers, which her lusts did feed,
Whilom > Formerly
4 Now turned into figures hideous,
hideous > hideous; immense; odious
5 According to their minds like monstrous."
like > similarly (cf. 104.18:4, Odyssey 10.238-41 and Myth. 6.6)
6 "Sad end," quoth he, "of life intemperate,
he > [Guyon]
7 And mournful meed of joys delicious:
meed > reward delicious > voluptuous
8 But palmer, if it might you so aggrate,
aggrate > please
9 Let them returned be to their former state."
212.86
Streight way he with his vertuous staffe them strooke,
2 And streight of beasts they comely men became;
Yet being men they did vnmanly looke,
4 And stared ghastly, some for inward shame,
And some for wrath, to see their captiue Dame:
6 But one aboue the rest in speciall,
That had an hog beene late, hight Grille by name,
8 Repined greatly, and did him miscall,
That had from hoggish forme him brought to naturall.
1 Straightway he with his virtuous staff them struck,
virtuous > {Possessing occult power; cf. 212.26:6, 212.40:8}
2 And straight of beasts they comely men became;
straight > straightway, immediately of > [from the form of]
3 Yet being men they did unmanly look,
unmanly > not human
4 And stared ghastly: some for inward shame,
ghastly > {Ghastlily, horribly; in a ghost-like manner; as if terrified by the supernatural}
5 And some for wrath, to see their captive dame; 6 But one above the rest in special,
in special > especially, particularly
7 That had a hog been late, hight Grill by name,
late > lately hight > called Grill > "Pig" (Greek; one of Circe's former lovers (Odyssey 10.238-41): the character figures in Plutarch's dialogue, Whether the Beasts have the Use of Reason)
8 Repined greatly, and did him miscall,
Repined > Fretted, complained miscall > revile
9 That had from hoggish form him brought to natural.
212.87
Said Guyon, See the mind of beastly man,
2 That hath so soone forgot the excellence
Of his creation, when he life began,
4 That now he chooseth, with vile difference,
To be a beast, and lacke intelligence.
6 To whom the Palmer thus, The donghill kind
Delights in filth and foule incontinence:
8 Let Grill be Grill, and haue his hoggish mind,
But let vs hence depart, whilest wether serues and wind.
1 Said Guyon, "See the mind of beastly man, 2 That has so soon forgotten the excellence 3 Of his creation, when he life began, 4 That now he chooses, with vile difference,
difference > discrimination; argument, disagreement
5 To be a beast, and lack intelligence." 6 To whom the palmer thus: "The dunghill kind 7 Delights in filth and foul incontinence: 8 Let Grill be Grill, and have his hoggish mind, 9 But let us hence depart, whilst weather serves and wind."
=>
THE THIRD
2 BOOKE OF THE
FAERIE QVEENE.
4 Contayning,
THE LEGEND OF BRITOMARTIS.
6 OR
Of Chastitie.
1 THE THIRD 2 BOOK OF THE 3 FAERY QUEEN 4 Containing 5 THE LEGEND OF BRITOMART 6 OR 7 of Chastity
300.1
IT falles me here to write of Chastity,
2 +That+ fairest vertue, farre aboue the rest;
For which what needs me fetch from Faery
4 Forreine ensamples, it to haue exprest?
Sith it is shrined in my Soueraines brest,
6 And form'd so liuely in each perfect part,
That to all Ladies, which haue it profest,
8 Need but behold the pourtraict of her hart,
If pourtrayd it might be by any liuing art.
1 That > The 1590
1 It falls me here to write of chastity,
falls > befalls
2 That fairest virtue, far above the rest; 3 For which what needs me fetch from Faery
needs me > do I need to; need do I have to
4 Foreign examples, it to have expressed?
expressed > portrayed, represented; represented symbolically
5 Sith it is shrined in my sovereign's breast,
Sith > Since shrined > enclosed, enshrined
6 And formed so lively in each perfect part,
lively > {Livelily, in a lifelike manner}
7 That to all ladies, which have it professed,
to > (?? One possible reading moves this word to the next line: "Need but to behold …" Alternatively the "Ladies" may share with "pourtraict" the verb "pourtrayd") professed > pretended, laid claim to
8 Need but behold the portrait of her heart,
portrait > image
9 If portrayed it might be by any living art.
300.2
But liuing art may not least part expresse,
2 Nor life-resembling pencill it can paint,
All were it Zeuxis or Praxiteles:
4 His d{ae}dale hand would faile, and greatly faint,
And her perfections with his error taint:
6 Ne Poets wit, that passeth Painter farre
In picturing the parts of beautie daint,
8 So hard a workmanship aduenture darre,
For fear through want of words her excellence to marre.
1 But living art may not least part express,
least > [the least] express > represent
2 Nor life-resembling pencil it can paint,
resembling > depicting pencil > artist's brush
3 All were it Zeuxis' or Praxiteles':
All > Even
Zeuxis > (Greek painter, c. 455-396 BC)
Praxiteles > (Greek sculptor, c. 400-320 BC)
4 His daedal hand would fail, and greatly faint,
daedal > cunning, inventive (derived from the name of Daedalus, the Artist, of Knossos) faint > grow weak
5 And her perfections with his error taint: 6 Nor poet's wit (that passes painter's far
wit > skill; mental capacity passes > surpasses [the]
7 In picturing the parts of beauty dainty)
parts > qualities dainty > delightful, delicate
8 So hard a workmanship adventure dares,
adventure > [to] venture, [to] hazard
9 For fear, through want of words, her excellence to mar.
300.3
How then shall I, Apprentice of the skill,
2 That whylome in diuinest wits did raine,
Presume so high to stretch mine humble quill?
4 Yet now my lucklesse lot doth me constraine
Hereto perforce. But {o^} dred Soueraine
6 Thus farre forth pardon, sith that choicest wit
Cannot your glorious pourtraict figure plaine
8 That I in colourd showes may shadow it,
And antique praises vnto present persons fit.
1 How then shall I, apprentice of the skill 2 That whilom in divinest wits did reign,
whilom > of old wits > minds
3 Presume so high to stretch my humble quill?
quill > pen
4 Yet now my luckless lot does me constrain 5 Hereto perforce. But O dread Sovereign
Hereto > To this, to this matter dread > dreaded; revered
6 Thus far forth pardon, sith choicest wit
pardon > {Make courteous allowance} sith > since wit > skill
7 Cannot your glorious portrait figure plain,
figure > represent
8 That I in coloured shows may shadow it,
coloured > disguised shadow > {Render a poor likeness of; portray}
9 And antique praises to present persons fit.
antique > ancient
300.4
But if in liuing colours, and right hew,
2 +Your+ selfe +you+ couet to see pictured,
Who can it doe more liuely, or more trew,
4 Then that sweet verse, with Nectar sprinckeled,
In which a gracious seruant pictured
6 His Cynthia, his heauens fairest light?
That with his melting sweetnesse rauished,
8 And with the wonder of her beames bright,
My senses lulled are in slomber of delight.
2 Your > Thy 1590 2 you > thou 1590
1 But if in living colours and right hue
hue > appearance
2 Yourself you covet to see pictured, 3 What can it do more lively, or more true,
lively > {Livelily; in a lifelike manner} true > accurately
4 Than that sweet verse, with nectar sprinkled, 5 In which a gracious servant pictured
a gracious servant > (Sir Walter Raleigh, 1552-1618, poet, soldier, explorer, scholar, statesman, and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth. He had a huge estate near Spenser's in southern Ireland, and under his auspices the FQ was published and dedicated to the sovereign)
6 His Cynthia, his heaven's fairest light?
Cynthia > (Raleigh's poem in praise of Queen Elizabeth is called The Ocean's Love to Cynthia; of this, only one book has survived. See I:118-24)
7 That with his melting sweetness ravished,
That > [So that]
8 And with the wonder of her beams bright,
her beams > (Cynthia is an aspect of Diana, goddess of the moon) bright > bright; beautiful
9 My senses lulled are in slumber of delight.
300.5
But let that same delitious Poet lend
2 A little leaue vnto a rusticke Muse
To sing his mistresse prayse, and let him mend,
4 If ought amis her liking may abuse:
Ne let his fairest Cynthia refuse,
6 In mirrours more then one her selfe to see,
But either Gloriana let her chuse,
8 Or in Belph{oe}be fashioned to bee:
In th'one her rule, in th'other her rare chastitee.
1 But let that same delicious poet lend 2 A little leave to a rustic Muse
Muse > (Here the word is used metonymically to mean "poet")
3 To sing his mistress' praise, and let him mend,
mend > [mend my verses]
4 If aught amiss her liking may abuse:
abuse > violate; hence: offend
5 Nor let his fairest Cynthia refuse 6 In mirrors more than one herself to see,
mirror > mirror; also: reflection [of perfection] and hence paragon of beauty
7 But either Gloriana let her choose,
Gloriana > (The Faery Queen)
8 Or in Belphoebe fashioned to be: 9 In the one her rule, in the other her rare chastity.
Guyon encountreth Britomart,
2 faire Florimell is chaced:
Duessaes traines and +Malecastaes+
4 champions are defaced.
3 Malecastaes > Materastaes 1590 etc.: FE
1 Guyon encounters Britomart,
Britomart > (Her name probably derives from the "Britomartis" in Virgil (Ciris, 295 ff.), who is associated with Diana; the name also appropriately suggests "Briton" conjoined with "Martial")
2 fair Florimell is chased:
Florimell > "Honey-flower", "Flower-sweetness" (Latin)
3 Duessa's trains and Malecasta's
Duessa > (She does not appear in person in Book III, though it can be said that some of her "traines" are employed by Malecasta) trains > wiles, tricks Malecasta > "Wickedly Chaste" (Latin); "Evil Caster" (referring to her lascivious glances. She is also called the Lady of Delight)
4 champions are defaced.
defaced > disgraced, put in the shade
301.1
THe famous Briton Prince and Faerie knight,
2 After long wayes and perilous paines endured,
Hauing their wearie limbes to perfect plight
4 Restord, and sory wounds right well recured,
Of the faire Alma greatly were procured,
6 To make there lenger soiourne and abode;
But when thereto they might not be allured,
8 From seeking praise, and deeds of armes abrode,
They courteous conge tooke, and forth together yode.
1 The famous Briton prince and Faery knight,
Briton prince > [Arthur]
Faery knight > [Guyon]
2 After long ways and perilous pains endured, 3 Having their weary limbs to perfect plight
plight > condition, state
4 Restored, and sorry wounds right well recured,
sorry > painful, distressing right > very recured > cured, restored
5 Of the fair Alma greatly were procured
Of > By Alma > (Their hostess at the House of Temperance: see 209 ff.) procured > prevailed upon
6 To make there longer sojourn and abode;
abode > temporary stay, visit
7 But when thereto they might not be allured
thereto > for that purpose; hence: in that way
8 From seeking praise, and deeds of arms abroad,
praise > merit; praiseworthy acts
9 They courteous cong{e/} took, and forth together yode.
cong{e/} > leave yode > went
301.2
But the captiu'd Acrasia he sent,
2 Because of trauell long, a nigher way,
With a strong gard, all reskew to preuent,
4 And her to Faerie court safe to conuay,
That her for witnesse of his hard assay,
6 Vnto his Faerie Queene he might present:
But he himselfe betooke another way,
8 To make more triall of his hardiment,
And seeke aduentures, as he with Prince Arthur went.
1 But the captived Acrasia he sent,
captived > {Held captive} he > [Guyon]
2 Because of travel long, a nigher way,
nigher > nearer; hence: shorter
3 With a strong guard, all rescue to prevent, 4 And her to Faery court safe to convey, 5 That her for witness of his hard assay,
That > [So that] witness > knowledge, understanding; testimony assay > trial, tribulation; endeavour
6 To his Faery Queen he might present: 7 But he himself betook another way,
betook > took
8 To make more trial of his hardiment,
hardiment > hardihood, boldness
9 And seek adventures, as he with Prince Arthur went.
301.3
Long so they trauelled through wastefull wayes,
2 Where daungers dwelt, and perils most did wonne,
To hunt for glorie and renowmed praise;
4 Full many Countries they did ouerronne,
From the vprising to the setting Sunne,
6 And many hard aduentures did atchieue;
Of all the which they honour euer wonne,
8 Seeking the weake oppressed to relieue,
And to recouer right for such, as wrong did grieue.
1 Long so they travelled through wasteful ways,
so > thus wasteful > desolate
2 Where dangers dwelt, and perils most did won,
won > dwell
3 To hunt for glory and renowned praise;
praise > merit, virtue; praise
4 Full many countries they did overrun,
Full > Very, exceedingly overrun > pass through
5 From the uprising to the setting sun, 6 And many hard adventures did achieve; 7 Of all which they honour ever won, 8 Seeking the weak oppressed to relieve, 9 And to recover right for such as wrong did grieve.
301.4
At last as through an open plaine they yode,
2 They spide a knight, that towards pricked faire,
And him beside an aged Squire there rode,
4 That seem'd to couch vnder his shield three-square,
As if that age bad him that burden spare,
6 And yield it those, that stouter could it wield:
He them espying, gan himselfe prepare,
8 And on his arme addresse his goodly shield
That bore a Lion passant in a golden field.
1 At last, as through an open plain they yode,
yode > went
2 They spied a knight that towards pricked fair,
towards > [in their direction] pricked > spurred [his horse]; rode
3 And him beside an aged squire there rode, 4 That seemed to couch under his shield three-square,
couch > stoop, cower three-square > equilaterally triangular
5 As if age bade him that burden spare, 6 And yield it those, that stouter could it wield:
those > [to those] stouter > more robustly; more bravely
7 He, them espying, gan himself prepare,
gan > did
8 And on his arm address his goodly shield
address > set, place ready goodly > fine, beautiful
9 That bore a lion passant in a golden field.
passant > (In heraldry, used to describe a beast walking, looking towards the right, with the right fore-paw raised) field > (The surface of a shield or one of its divisions. The heraldic arms described are those of Brutus, first of the kings in the chronicle of 210 and an ancestor of Britomart)
301.5
Which seeing good Sir Guyon, deare besought
2 The Prince of grace, to let him runne that turne.
He graunted: then the Faery quickly raught
4 His poinant speare, and sharpely gan to spurne
His fomy steed, whose fierie feete did burne
6 The verdant grasse, as he thereon did tread;
Ne did the other backe his foot returne,
8 But fiercely forward came withouten dread,
And bent his dreadfull speare against the others head.
1 Which seeing, good Sir Guyon dear besought
besought > asked earnestly
2 The prince of grace to let him run that turn.
of grace > as a favour turn > contest, round in a tournament (at which the jousting knights would converge on horseback, lances advanced, and, having passed one another, turn at the end of the course to repeat the action)
3 He granted: then the Faery quickly raught
raught > reached, took hold of
4 His poignant spear, and sharply began to spur
poignant > sharp-pointed, piercing
5 His foamy steed, whose fiery feet did burn 6 The verdant grass, as he thereon did tread; 7 Nor did the other back his foot return, 8 But fiercely forward came without dread, 9 And bent his dreadful spear against the other's head.
bent > inclined, aimed
301.6
They bene ymet, and both their points arriued,
2 But Guyon droue so furious and fell,
That seem'd both shield and plate it would haue riued;
4 Nathelesse it bore his foe not from his sell,
But made him stagger, as he were not well:
6 But Guyon selfe, ere well he was aware,
Nigh a speares length behind his crouper fell,
8 Yet in his fall so well him selfe he bare,
That mischieuous mischance his life and limbes did spare.
1 They been met, and both their points arrived,
been met > were met, did meet
2 But Guyon drove so furious and fell
fell > fiercely, terribly
3 That seemed both shield and plate it would have rived;
seemed > [it seemed] plate it > [armour Guyon's spear] rived > split, punctured
4 Natheless it bore his foe not from his sell,
Natheless > Nevertheless sell > saddle
5 But made him stagger, as he were not well:
as > [as though]
6 But Guyon himself, ere well he was aware, 7 Nigh a spear's length behind his crupper fell,
crupper > {The strap fastened to the back of the saddle and passed under the horse's tail; the horse's rump}
8 Yet in his fall so well himself he bore 9 That mischievous mischance his life and limbs did spare.
mischievous > {Disastrous, producing harm}
301.7
Great shame and sorrow of that fall he tooke;
2 For neuer yet, +sith+ warlike armes he bore,
And shiuering speare in bloudie field first shooke,
4 He found himselfe dishonored so sore.
Ah gentlest knight, that euer armour bore,
6 Let not thee grieue dismounted to haue beene,
And brought to ground, that neuer wast before;
8 For not thy fault, but secret powre vnseene,
That speare enchaunted was, which layd thee on the greene.
2 sith > since 1609
1 Great shame and sorrow of that fall he took;
of > in, from
2 For never yet, sith warlike arms he bore,
sith > since
3 And shivering spear in bloody field first shook,
shivering > quivering field > field of battle, battle shook > wielded
4 He found himself dishonoured so sore.
He > [Had he]
5 Ah, gentlest knight that ever armour bore,
gentlest > noblest
6 Let not you grieve dismounted to have been, 7 And brought to ground, that never was before; 8 For not your fault, but secret power unseen:
not > [it was not]
9 That spear enchanted was, which laid you on the green!
301.8
But weenedst thou what wight thee ouerthrew,
2 Much greater griefe and shamefuller regret
For thy hard fortune then thou wouldst renew,
4 That of a single damzell thou wert met
On equall plaine, and there so hard beset;
6 Euen the famous Britomart it was,
Whom straunge aduenture did from Britaine fet,
8 To seeke her louer (loue farre sought alas,)
Whose image she had seene in Venus looking glas.
1 But weened you what wight you overthrew,
But weened you > If you did but know wight > person
2 Much greater grief and shamefuller regret
shamefuller > more shameful
3 For your hard fortune then you would renew,
renew > resume; say in resumption; repeat
4 That of a single damsel you were met
of > by single > solitary
5 On equal plain, and there so hard beset;
equal > level (physically); equitable, impartial
6 Even the famous Britomart it was, 7 Whom strange adventure did from Britain fetch,
adventure > fortune, occurrence
8 To seek her lover (love far sought, alas), 9 Whose image she had seen in Venus' looking-glass.
Venus' looking-glass > (The magic globe described at 302.18-21)
301.9
Full of disdainefull wrath, he fierce vprose,
2 For to reuenge that foule reprochfull shame,
And snatching his bright sword began to close
4 With her on foot, and stoutly forward came;
Die rather would he, then endure that same.
6 Which when his Palmer saw, he gan to feare
His toward perill and vntoward blame,
8 Which by that new rencounter he should reare:
For death sate on the point of that enchaunted speare.
1 Full of disdainful wrath, he fierce uprose
disdainful > angry, indignant
2 To revenge that foul reproachful shame, 3 And, snatching his bright sword, began to close 4 With her on foot, and stoutly forward came;
stoutly > boldly
5 Die rather would he, than endure that same. 6 Which when his palmer saw, he began to fear
palmer > (Guyon's companion and mentor: see 201.7 ff.)
7 His toward peril and untoward blame,
toward > impending untoward > unlucky; unseemly; foolish blame > injury; reprehension; fault
8 Which by that new rencounter he should rear:
rencounter > engagement, conflict rear > bring into being
9 For death sat on the point of that enchanted spear.
301.10
And hasting towards him gan faire perswade,
2 Not to prouoke misfortune, nor to weene
His speares default to mend with cruell blade;
4 For by his mightie Science he had seene
The secret vertue of that weapon keene,
6 That mortall puissance mote not withstond:
Nothing on earth mote alwaies happie beene.
8 Great hazard were it, and aduenture fond,
To loose long gotten honour with one euill hond.
1 And, hasting towards, him gan fair persuade
hasting towards > hastening in his direction gan fair persuade > did courteously advise
2 Not to provoke misfortune, nor to ween
ween > suppose, imagine; intend
3 His spear's default to mend with cruel blade;
default > fault; failure
4 For by his mighty science he had seen
science > learning, knowledge; skill; hence: clairvoyance (cf. 210.25:9)
5 The secret virtue of that weapon keen,
virtue > occult power; virtue (see 405.8) keen > sharp
6 That mortal puissance might not withstand:
puissance > strength, power
7 "Nothing on earth might always happy be."
happy > lucky; happy (the palmer cites a proverb)
8 Great hazard were it, and adventure fond,
adventure fond > foolish risk
9 To lose long gotten honour with one evil hand.
hand > action, stroke
301.11
By such good meanes he him discounselled,
2 From prosecuting his reuenging rage;
And eke the Prince like treaty handeled,
4 His wrathfull will with reason to asswage,
And laid the blame, not to his carriage,
6 But to his starting steed, that swaru'd asyde,
And to the ill purueyance of his page,
8 That had his furnitures not firmely tyde:
So is his angry courage fairely pacifyde.
1 By such good means he him discounselled
discounselled > dissuaded
2 From prosecuting his revenging rage; 3 And eke the prince like treaty handled,
eke > also like > similar treaty > entreaty, persuasion handled > used
4 His wrathful will with reason to assuage, 5 And laid the blame not to his carriage,
to his carriage > on his conduct
6 But to his starting steed, that swerved aside,
to > on
7 And to the ill purveyance of his page,
to > on ill purveyance of > [poor preparations made by]
8 That had his furnitures not firmly tied:
furnitures > harness, fittings (i.e. the straps and buckles of his saddle and bridle. Cf. I:175)
9 So is his angry courage fairly pacified.
courage > spirit fairly > well, expertly; moderately; entirely
301.12
Thus reconcilement was betweene them knit,
2 Through goodly temperance, and affection chaste,
And either vowd with all their power and wit,
4 To let not others honour be defaste,
Of friend or foe, who euer it embaste,
6 Ne armes to beare against the others syde:
In which accord the Prince was also plaste,
8 And with that golden chaine of concord tyde.
So goodly all agreed, they forth yfere did ryde.
1 Thus reconcilement was between them knit,
reconcilement > reconciliation
2 Through goodly temperance, and affection chaste, 3 And either vowed with all their power and wit,
their > [his] wit > mental capacity, imagination; hence: heart
4 To let not other's honour be defaced,
defaced > disgraced
5 Of friend or foe, whoever it embased,
Of > By embased > degraded, humiliated
6 Nor arms to bear against the other's side: 7 In which accord the prince was also placed, 8 And with that golden chain of concord tied.
golden chain > [the golden chain; see 109.1]
9 So goodly all agreed; they forth yfere did ride.
goodly > courteously yfere > together
301.13
O goodly vsage of those antique times,
2 In which the sword was seruant vnto right;
When not for malice and contentious crimes,
4 But all for praise, and proofe of manly might,
The martiall brood accustomed to fight:
6 Then honour was the meed of victorie,
And yet the vanquished had no despight:
8 Let later age that noble vse enuie,
Vile rancour to auoid, and cruell surquedrie.
1 O goodly usage of those antique times,
antique > ancient
2 In which the sword was servant to right; 3 When not for malice and contentious crimes, 4 But all for praise, and proof of manly might,
praise > merit, virtue
5 The martial brood accustomed to fight:
brood > race; offspring accustomed > [was accustomed]
6 Then honour was the meed of victory,
meed > reward
7 And yet the vanquished had no despite:
despite > malice; defiance; anger
8 Let later age that noble use envy,
use > custom envy > wish for itself (without any particular sense of malevolence), hence: emulate
9 Vile rancour to avoid, and cruel surquidry.
surquidry > arrogance
301.14
Long they thus trauelled in friendly wise,
2 Through countries waste, and eke well edifyde,
Seeking aduentures hard, to exercise
4 Their puissance, whylome full dernely tryde:
At length they came into a forrest wyde,
6 Whose hideous horror and sad trembling sound
Full griesly seem'd: Therein they long did ryde,
8 Yet tract of liuing +creatures+ none they found,
Saue Beares, Lions, and Buls, which romed them around.
8 creatures > creature 1590
1 Long they thus travelled in friendly wise,
wise > fashion
2 Through countries waste, and eke well edified,
waste > desolate, uncultivated eke > also [through countries] edified > built up, built over
3 Seeking adventures hard, to exercise 4 Their puissance, whilom full dernly tried:
puissance > power, strength whilom > formerly; recently full dernly tried > very severely put to the test (this use of "dernly" is SUS)
5 At length they came into a forest wide, 6 Whose hideous horror and sad trembling sound 7 Full grisly seemed: therein they long did ride,
Full > Very, exceedingly grisly > horrible, fearsome
8 Yet tract of living creatures none they found,
tract > track, trace
9 Save bears, lions, and bulls, which roamed them around.
301.15
All suddenly out of the thickest brush,
2 Vpon a milke-white Palfrey all alone,
A goodly Ladie did foreby them rush,
4 Whose face did seeme as cleare as Christall stone,
And eke through feare as white as whales bone:
6 Her garments all were wrought of beaten gold,
And all her steed with tinsell trappings shone,
8 Which fled so fast, that nothing mote him hold,
And scarse them leasure gaue, her passing to behold.
1 All suddenly out of the thickest brush, 2 Upon a milk-white palfrey all alone,
palfrey > (Saddle-horse for ladies)
3 A goodly lady did forby them rush,
goodly > beautiful forby > close by; past
4 Whose face did seem as clear as crystal stone,
clear > brightly shining (cf. 203.22:3)
5 And eke through fear as white as whale's bone:
eke > also whale's bone > ivory (distinct from whalebone)
6 Her garments all were wrought of beaten gold, 7 And all her steed with tinsel trappings shone,
tinsel > {Glittering, sparkling with interwoven golden or silver thread}
8 Which fled so fast, that nothing might him hold,
might > could
9 And scarce them leisure gave her passing to behold.
passing > [passing, passage; while passing]
301.16
Still as she fled, her eye she backward threw,
2 As fearing euill, that pursewd her fast;
And her faire yellow locks behind her flew,
4 Loosely disperst with puffe of euery blast:
All as a blazing starre doth farre outcast
6 His hearie beames, and flaming lockes dispred,
At sight whereof the people stand aghast:
8 But the sage wisard telles, as he has red,
That it importunes death and dolefull drerihed.
1 Still as she fled, her eye she backward threw,
Still > Ever, continually
2 As fearing evil, that pursued her fast;
As > [As if] fast > rapidly; very closely
3 And her fair yellow locks behind her flew, 4 Loosely dispersed with puff of every blast: 5 All as a blazing star does far outcast
blazing star > comet outcast > cast out; hence: emit
6 His hairy beams, and flaming locks dispread,
dispread > extend
7 At sight whereof the people stand aghast: 8 But the sage wizard tells, as he has read,
read > foreseen, divined; foretold
9 That it importunes death and doleful drearihead.
importunes > imports, portends (catachr. SU) drearihead > dreariness, grief
301.17
So as they gazed after her a while,
2 Lo where a griesly Foster forth did rush,
Breathing out beastly lust her to defile:
4 His tyreling iade he fiercely forth did push,
Through thicke and thin, both ouer banke and bush
6 In hope her to attaine by hooke or crooke,
That from his gorie sides the bloud did gush:
8 Large were his limbes, and terrible his looke,
And in his clownish hand a sharp bore speare he shooke.
1 So as they gazed after her a while, 2 Lo where a grisly foster forth did rush,
grisly > horrible, fearsome foster > forester
3 Breathing out beastly lust, her to defile:
defile > debauch, violate
4 His tireling jade he fiercely forth did push,
tireling > {A tired animal} jade > nag, hack (cf. 211.31:2)
5 Through thick and thin, both over bank and bush 6 In hope her to attain by hook or crook, 7 That from its gory sides the blood did gush:
That > [So that] blood > (Raised by the foster's spurs)
8 Large were his limbs, and terrible his look, 9 And in his clownish hand a sharp boar-spear he shook.
clownish > clumsy, peasant's shook > wielded
301.18
Which outrage when those gentle knights did see,
2 Full of great enuie and fell gealosy,
They stayd not to auise, who first should bee,
4 But all spurd after fast, as they mote fly,
To reskew her from shamefull villany.
6 The Prince and Guyon equally byliue
Her selfe pursewd, in hope to win thereby
8 Most goodly meede, the fairest Dame aliue:
But after the foule foster Timias did striue.
1 Which outrage when those gentle knights did see,
gentle > noble; courteous
2 Full of great envy and fell jealousy,
envy > enthusiasm; or, perhaps: malice [directed at the foster] fell > terrible, fierce jealousy > eagerness to serve; anger, indignation
3 They stayed not to advise who first should be,
advise > consider (a key word in Book II)
4 But all spurred after, fast as they might fly,
might > could
5 To rescue her from shameful villainy.
villainy > ill-usage, indignity, insult
6 The prince and Guyon equally belive
belive > quickly; eagerly
7 Herself pursued, in hope to win thereby 8 Most goodly meed, the fairest dame alive:
meed > reward
9 But after the foul foster Timias did strive.
foster > forester Timias > "Honoured", "Esteemed" (Greek; Arthur's squire is named at last)
301.19
The whiles faire Britomart, whose constant mind,
2 Would not so lightly follow beauties chace,
Ne reckt of Ladies Loue, did stay behind,
4 And them awayted there a certaine space,
To weet if they would turne backe to that place:
6 But when she saw them gone, she forward went,
As lay her iourney, through that perlous Pace,
8 With stedfast courage and stout hardiment;
Ne euill thing she fear'd, ne euill thing she ment.
1 The whiles fair Britomart (whose constant mind
The whiles > Meanwhile
2 Would not so lightly follow beauty's chase, 3 Nor recked of ladies' love) did stay behind,
recked of > cared about, took account of
4 And them awaited there a certain space,
space > time
5 To weet if they would turn back to that place:
weet > discover, learn, hence: see
6 But when she saw them gone, she forward went, 7 As lay her journey, through that perilous pace,
pace > {Tract, region through which one passes; strait, narrow passage}
8 With steadfast courage and stout hardiment;
stout > robust; brave hardiment > hardihood, boldness
9 No evil thing she feared, nor evil thing she ment.
ment > meant, intended; or: disturbed, stirred up; and, more particularly: united with, hence: allowed to attach itself to her
301.20
At last as nigh out of the wood she came,
2 A stately Castle farre away she spyde,
To which her steps directly she did frame.
4 That Castle was most goodly edifyde,
And plaste for pleasure nigh that forrest syde:
6 But faire before the gate a spatious plaine,
Mantled with greene, it selfe did spredden wyde,
8 On which she saw sixe knights, that did darraine
Fierce battell against one, with cruell might and maine.
1 At last as nigh out of the wood she came, 2 A stately castle far away she spied, 3 To which her steps directly she did frame.
frame > shape, direct
4 That castle was most goodly edified,
goodly > beautifully, excellently edified > built
5 And placed for pleasure nigh that forest side: 6 But fair before the gate a spacious plain, 7 Mantled with green, itself did spread wide, 8 On which she saw six knights, that did deraign
deraign > {Challenge; fight in order to settle a dispute}
9 Fierce battle against one, with cruel might and main.
cruel > savage; cruel main > force, strength
301.21
Mainly they all attonce vpon him laid,
2 And sore beset on euery side around,
That nigh he breathlesse grew, yet nought dismaid,
4 Ne euer to them yielded foot of ground
All had he lost much bloud through many a wound,
6 But stoutly dealt his blowes, and euery way
To which he turned in his wrathfull stound,
8 Made them recoile, and fly from dred decay,
That none of all the sixe before, him durst assay.
1 Mainly they all at once upon him laid,
Mainly > Powerfully
2 And sore beset on every side around, 3 That nigh he breathless grew, yet naught dismayed,
That > [So that] dismayed > overcome, defeated; dismayed
4 Nor ever to them yielded foot of ground 5 All had he lost much blood through many a wound,
All > Although
6 But stoutly dealt his blows, and every way
stoutly > bravely, robustly
7 To which he turned in his wrathful stound
stound > peril, time of peril; fierce attack; also (mainly northern usage): roaring, violent noise; so: uproar
8 Made them recoil, and fly from dread decay,
fly > flee decay > death
9 That none, of all the six before, him dared assay.
That > [So that] before > [before him, in front of him] assay > assail; test, put to proof
301.22
Like dastard Curres, that hauing at a bay
2 The saluage beast embost in wearie chace,
Dare not aduenture on the stubborne pray,
4 Ne byte before, but rome from place to place,
To get a snatch, when turned is his face.
6 In such distresse and doubtfull ieopardy,
When Britomart him saw, she ran a pace
8 Vnto his reskew, and with earnest cry,
Bad those same sixe forbeare that single enimy.
1 Like dastard curs, that (having at abay
at abay > barking, baying; at bay
2 The savage beast embossed in weary chase)
savage > wild embossed > driven to extremity
3 Dare not adventure on the stubborn prey,
adventure > venture, make an attempt stubborn > dogged, unyielding
4 Nor bite before, but roam from place to place
before > in front
5 To get a snatch when turned is his face. 6 In such distress and doubtful jeopardy,
doubtful > apprehensive, fearful; undecided
7 When Britomart him saw, she ran apace
apace > quickly
8 To his rescue, and with earnest cry
earnest > ardent; warlike
9 Bade those same six forbear that single enemy.
forbear > spare, desist from single > solitary
301.23
But to her cry they list not lenden eare,
2 Ne ought the more their mightie strokes surceasse,
But gathering him round about more neare,
4 Their direfull rancour rather did encreasse;
Till that she rushing through the thickest preasse,
6 Perforce disparted their compacted gyre,
And soone compeld to hearken vnto peace:
8 Tho gan she myldly of them to inquyre
The cause of their dissention and outrageous yre.
1 But to her cry they list not lend ear,
list > chose, pleased lend > [to lend an]
2 Nor aught the more their mighty strokes surcease,
aught > in any way surcease > [to] leave off, [to] stop
3 But, gathering him round about more near, 4 Their direful rancour rather did increase; 5 Till she, rushing through the thickest press,
press > throng
6 Perforce disparted their compacted gyre,
Perforce > Forcibly disparted > clove, parted gyre > ring, circle; vortex
7 And soon compelled to hearken to peace:
soon > immediately; soon compelled > [compelled them]
8 Tho began she mildly of them to inquire
Tho > Then mildly > graciously; mildly
9 The cause of their dissention and outrageous ire.
outrageous > violent; intemperate; excessively fierce
301.24
Whereto that single knight did answere frame;
2 These sixe would me enforce by oddes of might,
To chaunge my liefe, and loue another Dame,
4 That death me liefer were, then such despight,
So vnto wrong to yield my wrested right:
6 For I loue one, the truest one on ground,
Ne list me chaunge; she th'Errant Damzell hight,
8 For whose deare sake full many a bitter stownd,
I haue endur'd, and tasted many a bloudy wound.
1 Whereto that single knight did answer frame:
Whereto > To which single > solitary frame > fashion, direct
2 "These six would me enforce by odds of might
odds > inequalities
3 To change my lief, and love another dame;
lief > beloved, hence: true-love, lady
4 That death me liefer were than such despite,
liefer > dearer; preferable despite > [an] outrage
5 So to wrong to yield my wrested right:
So > Thus wrested > {?Won with effort}
6 For I love one, the truest one on ground,
on ground > in the world
7 Nor list me change; she the Errant Damsel hight,
list me > do I desire; do I please to, do I choose to Errant Damsel > (The Wandering Damsel, Una; she is so named at 201.19:8) hight > is called
8 For whose dear sake full many a bitter stound
dear > loving, dear; difficult, grievous (for the truth is not always easy) full > very stound > peril, time of peril
9 I have endured, and tasted many a bloody wound."
301.25
Certes (said she) then bene ye sixe to blame,
2 To weene your wrong by force to iustifie:
For knight to leaue his Ladie were great shame,
4 That faithfull is, and better were to die.
All losse is lesse, and lesse the infamie,
6 Then losse of loue to him, that loues but one;
Ne may loue be compeld by maisterie;
8 For soone as maisterie comes, sweete loue anone
Taketh his nimble wings, and soone away is gone.
1 "Certes," said she, "then been you six to blame,
Certes > Assuredly been > [are]
2 To ween your wrong by force to justify:
ween > imagine, suppose
3 For knight to leave his lady were great shame, 4 That faithful is, and better were to die. 5 All loss is less, and less the infamy, 6 Than loss of love to him that loves but one; 7 Nor may love be compelled by mastery;
compelled > constrained, overpowered mastery > superior force
8 For soon as mastery comes, sweet Love anon
Love > [Cupid] anon > straightway; (catachr.) soon
9 Takes his nimble wings, and soon away is gone.
soon > straightway; soon
301.26
Then spake one of those sixe, There dwelleth here
2 Within this castle wall a Ladie faire,
Whose soueraine beautie hath no liuing pere,
4 Thereto so bounteous and so debonaire,
That neuer any mote with her compaire.
6 She hath ordaind this law, which we approue,
That euery knight, which doth this way repaire,
8 In case he haue no Ladie, nor no loue,
Shall doe vnto her seruice neuer to remoue.
1 Then spoke one of those six, "There dwells here 2 Within this castle wall a lady fair, 3 Whose sovereign beauty has no living peer, 4 Thereto so bounteous and so debonair,
Thereto > Moreover debonair > affable, gracious
5 That never any might with her compare. 6 She has ordained this law, which we approve,
approve > confirm, make proof of; hence: uphold
7 That every knight which does this way repair,
repair > come, make his way
8 In case he have no lady, nor no love, 9 Shall do to her service, never to remove.
service > {Service; sexual gratification; also: a lover's devotion, professed love}
301.27
But if he haue a Ladie or a Loue,
2 Then must he her forgoe with foule defame,
Or else with vs by dint of sword approue,
4 That she is fairer, then our fairest Dame,
As did this knight, before ye hither came.
6 Perdie (said Britomart) the choise is hard:
But what reward had he, that ouercame?
8 He should aduaunced be to high regard,
(Said they) and haue our Ladies loue for his reward.
1 "But if he have a lady or a love, 2 Then must he her forgo with foul defame,
defame > disgrace, dishonour
3 Or else with us by dint of sword approve
approve > demonstrate; prove
4 That she is fairer than our fairest dame, 5 As did this knight, before you hither came." 6 "Pardie," said Britomart, "the choice is hard:
Pardie > Truly; "by God"
7 But what reward had he that overcame?"
had he > [would he have]
8 "He should advanced be to high regard," 9 Said they, "and have our lady's love for his reward.
301.28
Therefore a read Sir, if thou haue a loue.
2 Loue haue I sure, (quoth she) but Lady none;
Yet will I not fro mine owne loue remoue,
4 Ne to your Lady will I seruice done,
But wreake your wrongs wrought to this knight alone,
6 And proue his cause. With that her mortall speare
She mightily auentred towards one,
8 And downe him smot, ere well aware he weare,
Then to the next she rode, and downe the next did beare.
1 "Therefore aread sir, if you have a love."
aread > declare
2 "Love have I sure," quoth she, "but lady none; 3 Yet will I not from my own love remove, 4 Neither to your lady will I service do, 5 But wreak your wrongs wrought to this knight alone,
wreak > avenge alone > acting by himself; hence: unaided
6 And prove his cause." With that her mortal spear
cause > case, suit mortal > lethal
7 She mightily aventred towards one,
aventred > (Meaning uncertain: perhaps "thrust". This word also occurs at 403.9:1 and 406.11:3)
8 And down him smote, ere well aware he were,
aware > on his guard
9 Then to the next she rode, and down the next did bear.
301.29
Ne did she stay, till three on ground she layd,
2 That none of them himselfe could reare againe;
The fourth was by that other knight dismayd,
4 All were he wearie of his former paine,
That now there do but two of six remaine;
6 Which two did yield, before she did them smight.
Ah (said she then) now may ye all see plaine,
8 That truth is strong, and trew loue most of might,
That for his trusty seruaunts doth so strongly fight.
1 Nor did she stay, till three on ground she laid,
stay > pause, cease
2 That none of them himself could rear again;
That > [So that] rear > get up
3 The fourth was by that other knight dismayed,
dismayed > defeated
4 All were he weary of his former pain,
All were he > Although he [that other knight] was pain > pain; pains, efforts
5 That now there do but two of six remain;
That > [So that]
6 Which two did yield, before she did them smite. 7 "Ah!" said she then, "now may you all see plain, 8 That truth is strong, and true Love most of might,
Love > [Cupid] most of might > strongest (cf. 103.43:9)
9 That for his trusty servants does so strongly fight."
301.30
Too well we see, (said they) and proue too well
2 Our faulty weaknesse, and your matchlesse might:
For thy faire Sir, yours be the Damozell,
4 Which by her owne law to your lot doth light,
And we your liege men faith vnto you plight.
6 So vnderneath her feet their swords they +mard+,
And after her besought, well as they might,
8 To enter in, and reape the dew reward:
She graunted, and then in they all together far'd.
6 mard > shard 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Too well we see," said they, "and prove too well
prove > demonstrate; learn, experience
2 Our faulty weakness, and your matchless might:
faulty > blameworthy; guilty
3 For-thy, fair sir, yours be the damsel,
For-thy > Therefore
4 Who by her own law to your lot does light,
law > command; law light > fall
5 And we your liege men faith to you plight."
liege men > vassals, faithful followers
6 So underneath her feet their swords they marred,
marred > spoiled (i.e. broke or damaged as a sign of submission, if "swords" is taken literally); or: disgraced, debased (if "swords" is taken to mean their collective valour, which is debased by the act of laying their weapons at the victor's feet - particularly as they later break their word. In either case the use is forced)
7 And after her besought, well as they might,
besought > pleaded
8 To enter in, and reap the due reward: 9 She granted, and then in they all together fared.
301.31
Long were it to describe the goodly frame,
2 And stately port of Castle Ioyeous,
(For so that Castle hight by commune name)
4 Where they were entertaind with curteous
And comely glee of many gracious
6 Faire Ladies, +and many+ a gentle knight,
Who through a Chamber long and spacious,
8 Eftsoones them brought vnto their Ladies +sight,+
That of them cleeped was the Lady of delight.
6 and many > and of many 1590 8 sight, > sight. 1596
1 Long were it to describe the goodly frame
Long were it > [It would take a long time] goodly > excellent, beautiful frame > structure, design
2 And stately port of Castle Joyous,
port > gate, gateway; also, perhaps: style of life (led by the inhabitants)
3 (For so that castle hight by common name)
hight > was called common > {Generally known}
4 Where they were entertained with courteous
entertained > received
5 And comely glee of many gracious
comely glee of > decorous rejoicing by
6 Fair ladies, and many a gentle knight,
gentle > noble
7 Who through a chamber long and spacious 8 Eftsoons them brought to their lady's sight,
Eftsoons > Presently
9 That of them cleped was the Lady of Delight.
of > by cleped > called
301.32
But for to tell the sumptuous aray
2 Of that great chamber, should be labour lost:
For liuing wit, I weene, cannot display
4 The royall riches and exceeding cost,
Of euery pillour and of euery post;
6 Which all of purest bullion framed were,
And with great pearles and pretious stones embost,
8 That the bright glister of their beames cleare
Did sparckle forth great light, and glorious did appeare.
1 But to tell the sumptuous array
tell > describe
2 Of that great chamber should be labour lost: 3 For living wit, I ween, cannot display
wit > mind, intelligence ween > think display > set forth, describe
4 The royal riches and exceeding cost 5 Of every pillar and of every post; 6 Which all of purest bullion framed were,
bullion > {Solid gold or silver} framed > fashioned
7 And with great pearls and precious stones embossed,
embossed > [were] adorned, [were] ornamented (as with bosses); [were] sumptuously decorated
8 That the bright glister of their beams clear
That > [So that] bright > bright; beautiful clear > brightly shining
9 Did sparkle forth great light, and glorious did appear.
301.33
These straunger knights through passing, forth were led
2 Into an inner rowme, whose royaltee
And rich purueyance might vneath be red;
4 Mote Princes place +beseeme+ so deckt to bee.
Which stately manner when as they did see,
6 The image of superfluous riotize,
Exceeding much the state of meane degree,
8 They greatly wondred, whence so sumptuous guize
Might be maintaynd, and each gan diuersely deuize.
4 beseeme > be seeme 1596
1 These stranger knights, through passing, forth were led
stranger > foreign; new-come
2 Into an inner room, whose royalty
royalty > magnificence, pomp
3 And rich purveyance might uneath be read;
purveyance > preparation, preparations, provision, provision of victuals might uneath be read > could hardly be described
4 Might princes' place beseem so decked to be.
Might > Would that beseem > seem
5 Which stately manner when they did see, 6 The image of superfluous riotise,
superfluous > extravagant riotise > indulgence, dissipation
7 Exceeding much the state of mean degree,
mean > medium; temperate degree > rank, social station
8 They greatly wondered whence so sumptuous guise
guise > appearance; mode of life
9 Might be maintained, and each gan diversely devise.
gan > did devise > conjecture, speculate
301.34
The wals were round about apparelled
2 With costly clothes of Arras and of Toure,
In which with cunning hand was pourtrahed
4 The loue of Venus and her Paramoure
The faire Adonis, turned to a flowre,
6 A work of rare deuice, and wondrous wit.
First did it shew the bitter balefull stowre,
8 Which her assayd with many a feruent fit,
When first her tender hart was with his beautie smit.
1 The walls were round about apparelled 2 With costly cloths of Arras and of Tours,
Arras > (A town in Pas-de-Calais, France, famous for its rich tapestries, which were often made in the form of wall-hangings) Tours > (A town in Indre-et-Loire, France, likewise famous for its tapestries)
3 In which with cunning hand was portrayed
cunning > skilful
4 The love of Venus and her paramour 5 The fair Adonis, turned to a flower,
Adonis > (Son of Cintyras by his daughter Myrrha (see note at 101.9:6). Venus loved him, but while hunting he was wounded by a boar and died. The anemone sprang from his blood. Venus's grief was such that the gods of the lower world allowed him to spend six months of each year with her on earth. See Met. 10.519-559, 10.708-739; Myth. 5.16; and Shakespeare's poem, Venus and Adonis)
6 A work of rare device, and wondrous wit.
device > ingenuity wit > intelligence, skill
7 First did it show the bitter baleful stour
stour > tumult; distress
8 Which her assayed with many a fervent fit,
assayed > assailed; put to the test
9 When first her tender heart was with his beauty smitten.
301.35
Then with what sleights and sweet allurements she
2 Entyst the Boy, as well that art she knew,
And wooed him her Paramoure to be;
4 Now making girlonds of each flowre that grew,
To crowne his golden lockes with honour dew;
6 Now leading him into a secret shade
From his Beauperes, and from bright heauens vew,
8 Where him to sleepe she gently would perswade,
Or bathe him in a fountaine by some couert glade.
1 Then with what sleights and sweet allurements she 2 Enticed the boy, as well that art she knew, 3 And wooed him her paramour to be; 4 Now making garlands of each flower that grew, 5 To crown his golden locks with honour due; 6 Now leading him into a secret shade
secret > hidden (cf. e.g. 212.72:6)
7 From his beauperes', and from bright heaven's view,
beauperes > companions, peers
8 Where him to sleep she gently would persuade, 9 Or bathe him in a fountain by some covert glade.
301.36
And whilst he slept, she ouer him would spred
2 Her mantle, colour'd like the starry skyes,
And her soft arme lay vnderneath his hed,
4 And with ambrosiall kisses bathe his eyes;
And whilest he bath'd, with her two crafty spyes,
6 She secretly would search each daintie lim,
And throw into the well sweet Rosemaryes,
8 And fragrant violets, and Pances trim,
And euer with sweet Nectar she did sprinkle him.
1 And whilst he slept, she over him would spread 2 Her mantle, coloured like the starry skies, 3 And her soft arm lay underneath his head, 4 And with ambrosial kisses bathe his eyes;
ambrosial > {Belonging to or worthy of the gods: ambrosia is the food of the gods. See 306.18:9}
5 And whilst he bathed, with her two crafty spies
spies > [eyes]
6 She secretly would search each dainty limb,
dainty > {Handsome, of delicate beauty; pleasing}
7 And throw into the well sweet rosemaries, 8 And fragrant violets, and pansies trim, 9 And ever with sweet nectar she did sprinkle him.
nectar > {The drink of the gods}
301.37
So did she steale his heedelesse hart away,
2 And ioyd his loue in secret vnespyde.
But for she saw him bent to cruell play,
4 To hunt the saluage beast in forrest wyde,
Dreadfull of daunger, that mote him betyde,
6 She oft and oft aduiz'd him to refraine
From chase of greater beasts, whose brutish pryde
8 Mote breede him +scath+ vnwares: but all in vaine;
For who can shun the chaunce, that dest'ny doth ordaine?
8 scath > scathe 1609
1 So did she steal his heedless heart away, 2 And joyed his love in secret unespied.
joyed > enjoyed; took delight in
3 But for she saw him bent to cruel play
for > when; because, in that bent > inclined, of a mind
4 (To hunt the savage beast in forest wide),
savage > wild; savage
5 Dreadful of danger that might him betide,
Dreadful > Fearful betide > befall
6 She oft and oft advised him to refrain 7 From chase of greater beasts, whose brutish pride
greater > too great, too powerful pride > spirit, mettle; also: state of physical perfection, hence: strength
8 Might breed him scathe unwares: but all in vain:
breed > engender scathe > harm; matter for regret unwares > unexpectedly
9 For who can shun the chance that destiny does ordain?
shun > evade
301.38
Lo, where beyond he lyeth languishing,
2 Deadly engored of a great wild Bore,
And by his side the Goddesse groueling
4 Makes for him endlesse mone, and euermore
With her soft garment wipes away the gore,
6 Which staines his snowy skin with hatefull hew:
But when she saw no helpe might him restore,
8 Him to a dainty flowre she did transmew,
Which in that cloth was wrought, as if it liuely grew.
1 Lo, where beyond he lies languishing,
beyond > [in the next tapestry along]
2 Deadly engored of a great wild bore,
Deadly engored of > Mortally gored by
3 And by his side the goddess, grovelling,
grovelling > prostrate
4 Makes for him endless moan, and evermore
moan > lamentation
5 With her soft garment wipes away the gore 6 Which stains his snowy skin with hateful hue: 7 But when she saw no help might him restore, 8 Him to a dainty flower she did transmew,
dainty > delightful, pleasing transmew > transmute
9 Which in that cloth was wrought, as if it lively grew.
that cloth > [the tapestry] lively > living; in a lifelike manner
301.39
So was that chamber clad in goodly wize,
2 And round about it many beds were dight,
As whilome was the antique worldes guize,
4 Some for vntimely ease, some for delight,
As pleased them to vse, that vse it might:
6 And all was full of Damzels, and of Squires,
Dauncing and reueling both day and night,
8 And swimming deepe in sensuall desires,
And Cupid still emongst them kindled lustfull fires.
1 So was that chamber clad in goodly wise,
clad > arrayed, decked goodly wise > [a] fine fashion
2 And round about it many beds were dight,
beds > couches dight > prepared, arranged
3 As whilom was the antique world's guise,
whilom > formerly, in ancient times antique > ancient (esp. applied to Greece and Rome) guise > manner, custom
4 Some for untimely ease, some for delight,
untimely > inopportune (i.e. during the day)
5 As pleased them to use, that use it might: 6 And all was full of damsels, and of squires, 7 Dancing and revelling both day and night, 8 And swimming deep in sensual desires, 9 And Cupid still amongst them kindled lustful fires.
still > continually
301.40
And all the while sweet Musicke did diuide
2 Her looser notes with Lydian harmony;
And all the while sweet birdes thereto applide
4 Their daintie layes and dulcet melody,
Ay caroling of loue and iollity,
6 That wonder was to heare their trim consort.
Which when those knights beheld, with scornefull eye,
8 They sdeigned such lasciuious disport,
And loath'd the loose demeanure of that wanton sort.
1 And all the while sweet Music did divide
divide > descant
2 Her looser notes with Lydian harmony;
looser > too-loose Lydian > (Describing a mode of Greek music, characteristically soothing and effeminate; see Plato, Republic 3.398)
3 And all the while sweet birds thereto applied
thereto > in addition; to that
4 Their dainty lays and dulcet melody,
dainty lays > delightful songs
5 Ay carolling of love and jollity,
Ay > Ever carolling > {Singing; celebrating in song} jollity > pleasure, revelry (as at 100.3:8)
6 That wonder was to hear their trim consort.
That > [So that] trim > fine, pleasing consort > concert; accord, agreement
7 Which when those knights beheld with scornful eye, 8 They sdeigned such lascivious disport,
sdeigned > disdained disport > diversion; amusement
9 And loathed the loose demeanour of that wanton sort.
demeanour > conduct sort > company
301.41
Thence they were brought to that great Ladies vew,
2 Whom they found sitting on a sumptuous bed,
That glistred all with gold and glorious shew,
4 As the proud Persian Queenes accustomed:
She seemd a woman of great bountihed,
6 And of rare beautie, sauing that askaunce
Her wanton eyes, ill signes of womanhed,
8 Did roll too +lightly+, and too often glaunce,
Without regard of grace, or comely amenaunce.
8 lightly > highly 1590, 1596
1 Thence they were brought to that great lady's view, 2 Whom they found sitting on a sumptuous bed,
bed > couch
3 That glistered all with gold and glorious show, 4 As the proud Persian queens accustomed:
Persian > (Cf. 102.13:4, 104.7:6) accustomed > practised, were accustomed [to sit in this fashion]
5 She seemed a woman of great bountihead,
bountihead > bounteousness
6 And of rare beauty, saving that askance
saving > except
7 Her wanton eyes, ill signs of womanhood,
womanhood > womanliness
8 Did roll too lightly, and too often glance, 9 Without regard of grace or comely amenance.
comely amenance > decorous behaviour
301.42
Long worke it were, and needlesse to deuize
2 Their goodly entertainement and great glee:
She caused them be led in curteous wize
4 Into a bowre, disarmed for to bee,
And cheared well with wine and spiceree:
6 The Redcrosse Knight was soone disarmed there,
But the braue Mayd would not disarmed bee,
8 But onely vented vp her vmbriere,
And so did let her goodly visage to appere.
1 Long work it were, and needless to devise
were > [would be] devise > recount
2 Their goodly entertainment and great glee:
glee > play; also: musical entertainment
3 She caused them be led in courteous wise
be > [to be] wise > fashion
4 Into a bower, disarmed to be,
bower > chamber disarmed > relieved of their armour
5 And cheered well with wine and spicery:
spicery > spices
6 The Redcross Knight was soon disarmed there, 7 But the brave maid would not disarmed be,
brave > brave; splendid
8 But only vented up her umbrere,
vented up her umbrere > raised her visor
9 And so did let her goodly visage to appear.
let > allow goodly > beautiful
301.43
As when faire Cynthia, in darkesome night,
2 Is in a noyous cloud enueloped,
Where she may find the substaunce thin and light,
4 Breakes forth her siluer beames, and her bright hed
Discouers to the world discomfited;
6 Of the poore traueller, that went astray,
With thousand blessings she is heried;
8 Such was the beautie and the shining ray,
With which faire Britomart gaue light vnto the day.
1 As when fair Cynthia, in darksome night, 2 Is in a noyous cloud enveloped,
noyous > vexatious
3 Where she may find the substance thin and light, 4 Breaks forth her silver beams, and her bright head
bright > bright; beautiful
5 Discovers to the world discomfited;
Discovers > Reveals discomfited > perplexed; dejected
6 Of the poor traveller, that went astray,
Of > By
7 With thousand blessings she is heried;
heried > praised, worshipped
8 Such was the beauty and the shining ray, 9 With which fair Britomart gave light to the day.
301.44
And eke those six, which lately with her fought,
2 Now were disarmd, and did them selues present
Vnto her vew, and company vnsoght;
4 For they all seemed curteous and gent,
And all sixe brethren, borne of one parent,
6 Which had them traynd in all ciuilitee,
And goodly taught to tilt and turnament;
8 Now were they liegemen to this Lady free,
And her knights seruice ought, to hold of her in fee.
1 And eke those six, which lately with her fought,
eke > also, moreover
2 Now were disarmed, and did themselves present
disarmed > relieved of their armour
3 To her view and company, unsought;
her > (Self-evidently Britomart's; but if we take this to mean "Malecasta's", lines 7-9 of the stanza contain doubles entendres on "tilt", "free", "seruice", "ought" (in the sense "rendered"), and "hold of her")
4 For they all seemed courteous and gent,
gent > noble
5 And all six brethren, born of one parent, 6 Which had them trained in all civility, 7 And goodly taught to tilt and tournament;
goodly > excellently tilt > {Take part in a tilt, a contest between two mounted knights with lances, who ride on opposite sides of a barrier and score by attaints (touches, strikes, sometimes involving the loser being unhorsed) and by lances broken} tournament > {Take part in a tournament, an exercise in which two groups of mounted knights fight with blunted weapons}
8 Now were they liege men to this lady free,
liege men > vassals, faithful followers (thus pledged at 301.30:5) to > of
9 And her knight's service ought, to hold of her in fee.
ought > owed hold of > be held by fee > absolute possession (a feudal term)
301.45
The first of them by name Gardante hight,
2 A iolly person, and of comely vew;
The second was Parlante, a bold knight,
4 And next to him Iocante did ensew;
Basciante did him selfe most curteous shew;
6 But fierce Bacchante seemd too fell and keene;
And yet in armes Noctante greater grew:
8 All were faire knights, and goodly well beseene,
But to faire Britomart they all but shadowes beene.
1 The first of them by name Gardante hight,
Gardante > "Looking" hight > was called
2 A jolly person, and of comely view;
jolly > amorous; fine view > appearance
3 The second was Parlante, a bold knight,
Parlante > "Talking"
4 And next to him Jocante did ensue;
next to > immediately after Jocante > "Jesting"
5 Basciante did himself most courteous show;
Basciante > "Kissing"
6 But fierce Bacchante seemed too fell and keen;
Bacchante > "Carousing" fell > terrible, fierce keen > {Bold, daring; piercing, having a sharp point}
7 And yet in arms Noctante greater grew:
in arms > in arms; and also: in a woman's arms Noctante > "Nocturnally Active" (the six names have aptly been called "a ladder of lechery" (Gilbert 1941, quoted by Roche 1978). Compare Lucifera's "six sage Counsellours", 104.18 ff.) grew > (Again with a double entendre)
8 All were fair knights, and goodly well beseen,
goodly > excellently well beseen > good looking
9 But to fair Britomart they all but shadows been.
been > [were]
301.46
For she was full of amiable grace,
2 And manly terrour mixed therewithall,
That as the one stird vp affections bace,
4 So th'other did mens rash desires apall,
And hold them backe, that would in errour fall;
6 As he, that hath espide a vermeill Rose,
To which sharpe thornes and +breres+ the way forstall,
8 Dare not for dread his hardy hand expose,
But wishing it far off, his idle wish doth lose.
7 breres > briers 1609
1 For she was full of amiable grace,
amiable > lovable; pleasing
2 And manly terror mixed therewithal,
terror > {The quality of causing terror} therewithal > therewith, with that
3 That as the one stirred up affections base, 4 So the other did men's rash desires appal,
appal > cause to fade; hence: quell
5 And hold them back, that would in error fall;
them > [those men]
6 As he, that has espied a vermeil rose
vermeil > scarlet
7 To which sharp thorns and briers the way forestall,
forestall > obstruct
8 Dare not for dread his hardy hand expose, 9 But wishing it, far off, his idle wish does lose.
idle > empty, futile
301.47
Whom when the Lady saw so faire a +wight,+
2 All ignoraunt of her contrary sex,
(For she her weend a fresh and lusty knight)
4 She greatly gan enamoured to wex,
And with vaine thoughts her falsed fancy vex:
6 Her fickle hart conceiued hasty fire,
Like sparkes of fire, +which+ fall in +sclender+ flex,
8 That shortly brent into extreme desire,
And ransackt all her veines with passion entire.
1 wight, > wight. 1596 7 which > that 1590 7 sclender > slender 1609
1 Whom, when the lady saw so fair a wight
Whom > [Of whom] wight > person, "man"
2 (All ignorant of her contrary sex:
contrary > different; opposite; untoward, prejudicial
3 For she her weened a fresh and lusty knight),
weened > supposed, imagined [to be]
4 She greatly began enamoured to wax,
wax > grow
5 And with vain thoughts her falsed fancy vex:
falsed > corrupted; failing (cf. 102.30:3) vex > [to vex]
6 Her fickle heart conceived hasty fire, 7 Like sparks of fire which fall in slender flax,
flax > (From the fine or "sclender" fibres of which candle or lamp wicks were once made)
8 That shortly burnt into extreme desire, 9 And ransacked all her veins with passion entire.
entire > complete, total; or: inward (cf. 408.23:9, 408.48:9)
301.48
Eftsoones she grew to great impatience
2 And into termes of open outrage +brust+,
That plaine discouered her incontinence,
4 Ne reckt she, who her meaning did mistrust;
For she was giuen all to fleshly lust,
6 And poured forth in sensuall delight,
That all regard of shame she had discust,
8 And meet respect of honour put to flight:
So shamelesse beauty soone becomes a +loathly+ +sight.+
2 brust > burst 1609 8 loathly > loathy 1596, 1609 8 sight. > sight, 1596
1 Eftsoons she grew to great impatience
Eftsoons > Thereupon; soon
2 And into terms of open outrage burst,
terms > condition, state (the meaning "words", "language" is not supported by 301.50:6-8) outrage > intemperance, passion
3 That plain discovered her incontinence,
discovered > revealed
4 Nor recked she, who her meaning did mistrust;
recked > cared mistrust > suspect
5 For she was given all to fleshly lust, 6 And poured forth in sensual delight,
poured forth > (Cf. 107.7:2)
7 That all regard of shame she had discussed,
That > [So that] discussed > shaken off, dispelled
8 And meet respect of honour put to flight:
meet > fitting
9 So shameless beauty soon becomes a loathly sight.
loathly > loathsome, disgusting
301.49
Faire Ladies, that to loue captiued arre,
2 And chaste desires do nourish in your mind,
Let not her fault your sweet affections marre,
4 Ne blot the bounty of all womankind;
'Mongst thousands good one wanton Dame to find:
6 Emongst the Roses grow some wicked weeds;
For this was not to loue, but lust inclind;
8 For loue does alwayes bring forth bounteous deeds,
And in each gentle hart desire of honour breeds.
1 Fair ladies, that to love captived are,
captived > made captive
2 And chaste desires do nourish in your mind, 3 Let not her fault your sweet affections mar,
her > [Malecasta's]
4 Nor blot the bounty of all womankind;
bounty > virtue, goodness
5 Amongst thousands good one wanton dame to find: 6 Amongst the roses grow some wicked weeds; 7 For this was not to love, but lust inclined;
this > [this woman]
8 For love does always bring forth bounteous deeds,
bounteous > {Full of goodness; beneficent}
9 And in each gentle heart desire of honour breeds.
of > for
301.50
Nought so of loue this looser Dame did skill,
2 But as a coale to kindle fleshly flame,
Giuing the bridle to her wanton will,
4 And treading vnder foote her honest name:
Such loue is hate, and such desire is shame.
6 Still did she roue at her with crafty glaunce
Of her false eyes, that at her hart did ayme,
8 And told her meaning in her countenaunce;
But Britomart dissembled it with ignoraunce.
1 Naught so of love this looser dame did skill,
Naught so > Not at all thus looser > too-loose skill > understand; know how to practise
2 But as a coal to kindle fleshly flame, 3 Giving the bridle to her wanton will, 4 And treading underfoot her honest name: 5 Such love is hate, and such desire is shame. 6 Still did she rove at her with crafty glance
Still > Continuously rove > shoot (cf. Cupid's arrow at 100.3:3)
7 Of her false eyes, that at her heart did aim, 8 And told her meaning in her countenance; 9 But Britomart dissembled it with ignorance.
with ignorance > [by not knowing (or, perhaps, pretending not to know) what Malecasta meant]
301.51
Supper was shortly dight and downe they sat,
2 Where they were serued with all sumptuous fare,
Whiles fruitfull Ceres, and Ly{ae}us fat
4 Pourd out their plenty, without spight or spare:
Nought wanted there, that dainty was and rare;
6 And aye the cups their bancks did ouerflow,
And aye betweene the cups, she did prepare
8 Way to her loue, and secret darts did throw;
But Britomart would not such guilfull message know.
1 Supper was shortly dight and down they sat,
dight > prepared
2 Where they were served with all sumptuous fare, 3 While fruitful Ceres and Lyaeus fat
Ceres > (Goddess of agriculture; corn, grain, hence, here: food)
Lyaeus > (Surname of Bacchus, the god of wine, the releaser from
care; hence, here: wine)
fat > {Well supplied with what is needed, abundant}
4 Poured out their plenty without spite or spare:
spite > grudge, meanness spare > restraint, parsimony
5 Naught wanted there, that dainty was and rare;
Naught > Nothing at all [was] dainty > pleasing; scarce; choice; delicious rare > excellent, fine (the same phrase occurs at 108.50:9)
6 And ay the cups their banks did overflow,
ay > ever, always banks > [brims]
7 And ay between the cups she did prepare 8 Way to her love, and secret darts did throw;
darts > [glances]
9 But Britomart would not such guileful message know.
know > know; or, perhaps, considering 301.50:9: acknowledge, recognize (but cf. 301.53:9)
301.52
So when they slaked had the feruent heat
2 Of appetite with meates of euery sort,
The Lady did faire Britomart entreat,
4 Her to disarme, and with delightfull sport
To loose her warlike limbs and strong effort,
6 But when she mote not thereunto be wonne,
(For she her sexe vnder that straunge purport
8 Did vse to hide, and plaine apparaunce shonne:)
In plainer wise to tell her grieuaunce she begonne.
1 So when they slaked had the fervent heat 2 Of appetite with meats of every sort,
meats > foods
3 The lady did fair Britomart entreat 4 Herself to disarm, and with delightful sport
Herself to disarm > [To take off her armour]
5 To loose her warlike limbs and strong effort,
loose > relax (with connotation of sexual looseness) effort > struggle; hence: self-restraint
6 But when she might not thereto be won
thereto > to that [course of action] won > persuaded
7 (For she her sex under that strange purport
purport > outward bearing (SU)
8 Did use to hide, and plain appearance shun), 9 In plainer wise to tell her grievance she began.
wise > manner she > [Malecasta]
301.53
And all attonce discouered her desire
2 With sighes, and sobs, and plaints, and piteous griefe,
The outward sparkes of her in burning fire;
4 Which spent in vaine, at last she told her briefe,
That but if she did lend her short reliefe,
6 And do her comfort, she mote algates dye.
But the chaste damzell, that had neuer priefe
8 Of such malengine and fine forgerie,
Did easily beleeue her strong extremitie.
1 And all at once discovered her desire
discovered > revealed, made known
2 With sighs, and sobs, and plaints, and piteous grief,
plaints > complaints, laments
3 The outward sparks of her in burning fire;
in > inwardly
4 Which spent in vain, at last she told her brief, 5 That but if she did lend her short relief,
but if > unless short > immediate
6 And do her comfort, she might algates die.
do > afford (with implication of sexual service: cf. 101.51:6) algates > altogether, at any rate; hence: surely
7 But the chaste damsel, that had never proof
proof > experience
8 Of such malengin and fine forgery,
malengin > ill intent; deceit, guile fine > consummate, skilful; sheer, unadulterated forgery > fiction, mendacity
9 Did easily believe her strong extremity.
strong > intense extremity > urgency, need
301.54
Full easie was for her to haue beliefe,
2 Who by self-feeling of her feeble sexe,
And by long triall of the inward griefe,
4 Wherewith imperious loue her hart did vexe,
Could iudge what paines do louing harts perplexe.
6 Who meanes no guile, +be guiled+ soonest shall,
And to faire semblaunce doth light faith annexe;
8 The bird, that knowes not the false fowlers call,
Into his hidden net full easily doth fall.
6 be guiled > beguiled 1596; be 'guiled 1609
1 Full easy was for her to have belief,
Full > Very was > [it was]
2 Who, by self-feeling of her feeble sex
self-feeling of > ?fellow-feeling for (this sense not in OED)
3 (And by long trial of the inward grief 4 Wherewith imperious love her heart did vex),
Wherewith > With which
5 Could judge what pains do loving hearts perplex.
perplex > distress
6 Who means no guile, be guiled soonest shall,
Who > [He who] guiled > deceived
7 And to fair semblance does light faith annex;
light > quickly, promptly (adv.); ready; light (adj.) annex > attach
8 The bird that knows not the false fowler's call 9 Into his hidden net full easily does fall.
301.55
For thy she would not in discourteise wise,
2 Scorne the faire offer of good will profest;
For great rebuke it is, loue to despise,
4 Or rudely sdeigne a gentle harts request;
But with faire countenaunce, as beseemed best,
6 Her entertaynd; nath'lesse she inly deemd
Her loue too light, to wooe a wandring guest:
8 Which she misconstruing, thereby esteemd
That from like inward fire that outward smoke had +steemd.+
9 steemd. > steemd, 1596
1 For-thy she would not in discourteous wise
For-thy > For this reason, therefore wise > fashion
2 Scorn the fair offer of goodwill professed; 3 For great rebuke it is, love to despise,
rebuke > shame, disgrace
4 Or rudely sdeign a gentle heart's request;
sdeign > disdain
5 But with fair countenance, as beseemed best,
fair countenance > courteous demeanour beseemed best, > [seemed most fitting, Britomart]
6 Her entertained; natheless she inly deemed
natheless > nevertheless inly > inwardly
7 Her love too light, to woo a wandering guest: 8 Which she misconstruing, thereby esteemed
she > [Malecasta] esteemed > believed
9 That from like inward fire outward smoke had steamed.
like > [a] similar
301.56
Therewith a while she her flit fancy fed,
2 Till she mote winne fit time for her desire,
But yet her wound still inward freshly bled,
4 And through her bones the false instilled fire
Did spred it selfe, and venime close inspire.
6 Tho were the tables taken all away,
And euery knight, and euery gentle Squire
8 Gan choose his dame with +Basciomani+ gay,
With whom he meant to make his sport and courtly play.
8 Basciomani > Bascimano 1590; Bascio mani 1609
1 Therewith awhile she her flit fancy fed,
Therewith > Thereupon; with that [belief] flit > shifting
2 Till she might win fit time for her desire, 3 But yet her wound still inward freshly bled, 4 And through her bones the false instilled fire 5 Did spread itself, and venom close inspire.
close > secret; secretly
6 Tho were the tables taken all away,
Tho > Then
7 And every knight, and every gentle squire
gentle > noble
8 Gan choose his dame with baciamani gay,
Gan > Did baciamani > hand-kissings (Italian word)
9 With whom he meant to make his sport and courtly play.
sport > {Amusement, diversion; amorous dalliance, sexual intercourse}
301.57
Some fell to daunce, some fell to hazardry,
2 Some to make loue, some to make meriment,
As diuerse wits to diuers things apply;
4 And all the while faire Malecasta bent
Her crafty engins to her close intent.
6 By this th'eternall lampes, wherewith high Ioue
Doth light the lower world, were half yspent,
8 And the moist daughters of huge Atlas stroue
Into the Ocean deepe to driue their weary droue.
1 Some fell to dance, some fell to hazardry,
hazardry > gambling
2 Some to make love, some to make merriment, 3 As diverse wits to divers things apply;
divers > sundry
4 And all the while fair Malecasta bent
bent > inclined, directed
5 Her crafty engines to her close intent.
engines > schemes, snares close > secret
6 By this the eternal lamps, wherewith high Jove
By this > By this time lamps > [stars] wherewith > with which
7 Does light the lower world, were half spent,
the lower world > [the world of mortals, compared with the higher world of the gods] spent > burned out
8 And the moist daughters of huge Atlas strove
the moist daughters of huge Atlas > (The Hyades or Rainers, a star- cluster or asterism marking the head of the constellation Taurus. The most prominent of the Hyades is Aldebaran, the eye of the bull. At best, seven of the Hyades are visible to the naked eye. In early legend they were said to be seven nymphs placed by Jupiter in the sky. Later (Myth. 4.7) they became daughters of Atlas (a mythical giant said to support on his shoulders the pillars of the universe), and their number increased to twelve or fifteen. The name is probably derived from the Greek verb hyo, to rain; the V-shaped cluster of the Hyades, when rising simultaneously with the sun, was said to portend wet weather: hence the alternative name, and Spenser's epithet)
9 Into the ocean deep to drive their weary drove.
drove > flock, shoal; hence: star-cluster
301.58
High time it seemed then for euery wight
2 Them to betake vnto their kindly rest;
Eftsoones long waxen torches weren light,
4 Vnto their bowres to guiden euery guest:
Tho when the Britonesse saw all the rest
6 Auoided quite, she gan her selfe despoile,
And safe commit to her soft fethered nest,
8 Where through long watch, and late dayes weary toile,
She soundly slept, and carefull thoughts did quite assoile.
1 High time it seemed then for every wight
every > [all severally: all the wights; cf. 312.1:3] wight > person
2 Them to betake to their kindly rest;
kindly > natural
3 Eftsoons long waxen torches were lit,
Eftsoons > Soon; thereupon
4 To their bowers to guide every guest:
bowers > rooms
5 Tho when the Britoness saw all the rest
Tho > Then
6 Avoided quite, she gan herself despoil
Avoided > Retired, retreated gan > did despoil > undress
7 And safe commit to her soft feathered nest, 8 Where, through long watch and late day's weary toil,
long watch > [having been awake for a long time] late > [the late, the preceding]
9 She soundly slept, and careful thoughts did quite assoil.
careful > anxious assoil > pardon, absolve; hence: set free, resolve, do away with
301.59
Now whenas all the world in silence deepe
2 Yshrowded was, and euery mortall wight
Was drowned in the depth of deadly sleepe,
4 Faire Malecasta, whose engrieued spright
Could find no rest in such perplexed plight,
6 Lightly arose out of her wearie bed,
And vnder the blacke vele of guilty Night,
8 Her with a scarlot mantle couered,
That was with gold and Ermines faire enueloped.
1 Now when all the world in silence deep 2 Shrouded was, and every mortal wight
wight > creature, person
3 Was drowned in the depth of deadly sleep,
deadly > death-like
4 Fair Malecasta, whose engrieved spirit
engrieved > aggravated
5 Could find no rest in such perplexed plight,
perplexed > troubled
6 Lightly arose out of her weary bed,
Lightly > Quickly, easily; unchastely
7 And, under the black veil of guilty Night,
Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.)
8 Her with a scarlet mantle covered,
Her > [Herself] scarlet > {A rich kind of cloth, usually red or or orange in colour}
9 That was with gold and ermines fair enveloped.
ermines > (Ermine pelts. The ermine is a traditional emblem of chastity, though "ermine" is also the name for the stoat, an emblem of unchastity, in its winter pelage) fair > beautiful (if applied to the ermines); skilfully (if applied to the verb) enveloped > enveloped making the lining scarlet; or, perhaps, catachr.: lined (cf. 207.4:2)
301.60
Then panting soft, and trembling euery ioynt,
2 Her fearfull feete towards the bowre she moued;
Where she for secret purpose did appoynt
4 To lodge the warlike mayd vnwisely loued,
And to her bed approching, first she prooued,
6 Whether she slept or wakt, with her soft hand
She softly felt, if any member mooued,
8 And lent her +weary+ eare to vnderstand,
If any puffe of breath, or signe of sence she +fond+.
8 weary > wary 1590 9 fond > fand 1609
1 Then panting soft, and trembling every joint,
joint > limb
2 Her fearful feet towards the bower she moved;
bower > chamber, bedroom
3 Where she for secret purpose did appoint 4 To lodge the warlike maid unwisely loved; 5 And to her bed approaching, first she proved
proved > tested
6 Whether she slept or waked: with her soft hand
waked > [was awake]
7 She softly felt if any member moved, 8 And lent her weary ear to understand
weary > ?wary (see Textual Appendix)
9 If any puff of breath, or sign of sense she found.
301.61
Which whenas none she fond, with easie shift,
2 For feare least her vnwares she should abrayd,
Th'embroderd quilt she lightly vp did lift,
4 And by her side her selfe she softly layd,
Of euery finest fingers touch affrayd;
6 Ne any noise she made, ne word she spake,
But inly sigh'd. At last the royall Mayd
8 Out of her quiet slomber did awake,
And chaungd her weary side, the better ease to take.
1 Which when none she found, with easy shift
shift > movement
2 (For fear lest her unwares she should abraid)
unwares > unexpectedly abraid > startle
3 The embroidered quilt she lightly up did lift,
lightly > lightly; unchastely (as at 301.59:6)
4 And by her side herself she softly laid, 5 Of every finest finger's touch afraid; 6 Nor any noise she made, nor word she spoke, 7 But inly sighed. At last the royal maid
inly > inwardly
8 Out of her quiet slumber did awake, 9 And changed her weary side, the better ease to take.
301.62
Where feeling one close couched by her side,
2 She lightly lept out of her filed bed,
And to her weapon ran, in minde to gride
4 The loathed leachour. But the Dame halfe ded
Through suddein feare and ghastly drerihed,
6 Did shrieke alowd, that through the house it rong,
And the whole family therewith adred,
8 Rashly out of their rouzed couches sprong,
And to the troubled chamber all in armes did throng.
1 Where feeling one close couched by her side, 2 She lightly leapt out of her filed bed,
lightly > quickly filed > defiled
3 And to her weapon ran, in mind to gride
gride > wound, pierce; hence: run through
4 The loathed lecher. But the dame, half dead 5 Through sudden fear and ghastly drearihead,
ghastly > frightful, terrible (as if induced by fear of the supernatural) drearihead > dreariness, grief; hence: horror
6 Did shriek aloud, that through the house it rang,
that > [so that]
7 And the whole family, therewith adrad,
family > household therewith adrad > frightened by that
8 Rashly out of their roused couches sprang,
Rashly > Hastily; suddenly couches > beds
9 And to the troubled chamber all in arms did throng.
301.63
And those six Knights that Ladies Champions,
2 And eke the Redcrosse knight ran to the stownd,
Halfe armd and halfe vnarmd, with them attons:
4 Where when confusedly they came, they fownd
Their Lady lying on the sencelesse grownd;
6 On th'other side, they saw the warlike Mayd
All in her snow-white smocke, with locks vnbownd,
8 Threatning the point of her auenging blade,
That with so troublous terrour they were all dismayde.
1 And those six knights, that lady's champions, 2 And eke the Redcross Knight ran to the stound,
eke > also stound > [period of] alarm, tumult; or perhaps, with its spelling forced by the rhyme: stand, place, spot
3 Half armed and half unarmed, with them at once:
at once > together, simultaneously
4 Where, when confusedly they came, they found
they > [the six knights]
5 Their lady lying on the senseless ground; 6 On the other side they saw the warlike maid 7 All in her snow-white smock, with locks unbound, 8 Threatening the point of her avenging blade, 9 That with so troublous terror they were all dismayed.
That > [So that] so > such
301.64
About their Lady first they flockt arownd,
2 Whom hauing laid in comfortable couch,
Shortly they reard out of her frosen swownd;
4 And afterwards they gan with fowle reproch
To stirre vp strife, and troublous contecke broch:
6 But by ensample of the last dayes losse,
None of them rashly durst to her approch,
8 Ne in so glorious spoile themselues embosse;
Her succourd eke the Champion of the bloudy Crosse.
1 About their lady first they flocked around, 2 Whom, having laid in comfortable couch,
couch > bed
3 Shortly they reared out of her frozen swoon; 4 And afterwards they began with foul reproach 5 To stir up strife, and troublous conteck broach:
conteck > strife, discord; contumely
6 But by example of the last day's loss, 7 None of them rashly dared to her approach,
rashly > rashly; quickly
8 Nor in so glorious spoil themselves emboss;
so > [such, such a] emboss > encase, enwrap hence: get involved with
9 Her succoured eke the champion of the bloody Cross.
eke > moreover
301.65
But one of those sixe knights, Gardante hight,
2 Drew out a deadly bow and arrow keene,
Which forth he sent with felonous despight,
4 And fell intent against the virgin sheene:
The mortall steele stayd not, till it was seene
6 To gore her side, yet was the wound not deepe,
But lightly rased her soft silken skin,
8 That drops of purple bloud thereout did weepe,
Which did her lilly smock with staines of vermeil steepe.
1 But one of those six knights, Gardante hight,
hight > named, hence: by name
2 Drew out a deadly bow and arrow keen,
keen > sharp
3 Which forth he sent with felonous despite,
felonous > {Cruel, wicked, befitting a felon} despite > malice; anger
4 And fell intent against the virgin sheen:
fell > terrible sheen > shining, resplendent; beautiful
5 The mortal steel stayed not, till it was seen
mortal > lethal
6 To gore her side, yet was the wound not deep, 7 But lightly rased her soft silken skin,
rased > scratched
8 That drops of purple blood thereout did weep,
That > [So that] purple > red, blood-red; purple also signifying royalty thereout > from it [her skin]
9 Which did her lily smock with stains of vermeil steep.
lily > pure white (denoting chastity: cf. 110.13:1 etc.) vermeil > scarlet
301.66
Wherewith enrag'd she fiercely at them flew,
2 And with her flaming sword about her layd,
That none of them foule mischiefe could eschew,
4 But with her dreadfull strokes were all dismayd:
Here, there, and euery where about her swayd
6 Her wrathfull steele, that none mote it abide;
And eke the Redcrosse knight gaue her good aid,
8 Ay ioyning foot to foot, and side to side,
That in short space their foes they haue quite terrifide.
1 Wherewith enraged, she fiercely at them flew,
Wherewith > With which
2 And with her flaming sword about her laid, 3 That none of them foul mischief could eschew,
That > [So that] mischief > injury eschew > escape
4 But with her dreadful strokes were all dismayed:
dismayed > dismayed; defeated
5 Here, there, and everywhere about her swayed
swayed > swung, swept
6 Her wrathful steel, that none might it abide;
that > [so that] abide > endure; face
7 And eke the Redcross Knight gave her good aid,
eke > also
8 Ay joining foot to foot, and side to side,
Ay > Ever
9 That in short space their foes they have quite terrified.
That > [So that] space > time
301.67
Tho whenas all were put to shamefull flight,
2 The noble Britomartis her arayd,
And her bright armes about her body dight:
4 For nothing would she lenger there be stayd,
Where so loose life, and so vngentle trade
6 Was vsd of Knights and Ladies seeming gent:
So earely ere the grosse Earthes gryesy shade,
8 Was all disperst out of the firmament,
They tooke their steeds, and forth vpon their iourney went.
1 Tho, when all were put to shameful flight,
Tho > Then
2 The noble Britomart herself arrayed, 3 And her bright arms about her body dight:
arms > armour dight > arrayed, put on
4 For nothing would she longer there be stayed,
stayed > detained
5 Where so loose life, and so ungentle trade
so loose > such promiscuous ungentle trade > ignoble conduct
6 Was used of knights and ladies seeming gent:
used of > practised by gent > high-born, noble
7 So early, ere the gross Earth's griesy shade
gross > massive; dense, thick griesy > grim
8 Was all dispersed out of the firmament, 9 They took their steeds, and forth upon their journey went.
They > [Britomart, her "aged Squire" (301.4:3), and the Redcross
Knight]
The Redcrosse knight to Britomart
2 describeth Artegall:
The wondrous myrrhour, by which she
4 in loue with him did fall.
1 The Redcross Knight to Britomart 2 describes Artegall:
Artegall > (The hero of Book V. The name "Arthgal" is used by
Geoffrey of Monmouth (HRB 9.12). Artgallo, son of Gorlois, was
the brother of Cador, king of Cornwall, and half-brother of
Arthur; in FQ "Artegall" signifies "Equal to Arthur")
3 The wondrous mirror, by which she
mirror > magic glass, crystal
4 in love with him did fall.
302.1
HEre haue I cause, in men iust blame to find,
2 That in their proper prayse too partiall bee,
And not indifferent to woman kind,
4 To whom no share in armes and cheualrie
They do impart, ne maken memorie
6 Of their braue gestes and prowesse martiall;
Scarse do they spare to one or two or three,
8 Rowme in their writs; yet the same writing small
Does all their deeds deface, and dims their glories +all.+
9 all. > all, 1596
1 Here have I cause in men just blame to find, 2 That in their proper praise too partial be,
proper > own
3 And not indifferent to womankind,
indifferent > fair, impartial
4 To whom no share in arms and chivalry
arms > {Feats of arms}
5 They do impart, nor make memory
memory > memorial; historical record
6 Of their brave gests and prowess martial;
gests > exploits, deeds prowess > valour
7 Scarce do they spare, to one or two or three, 8 Room in their writs; yet the same writing small
writs > writings, books small > {Sparse, inconsiderable; falling short of the usual standard}
9 Does all their deeds deface, and dims their glories all.
deface > disgrace; cast in the shade
302.2
But by record of antique times I find,
2 That women wont in warres to beare most sway,
And to all great exploits them selues inclind:
4 Of which they still the girlond bore away,
Till enuious Men fearing their rules decay,
6 Gan coyne streight lawes to curb their liberty;
Yet sith they warlike armes haue layd +away,+
8 They haue exceld in artes and pollicy,
That now we foolish men that prayse gin eke t'enuy.
7 away, > away: 1596
1 But, by record of antique times, I find
antique > ancient
2 That women wont in wars to bear most sway,
wont > were accustomed sway > influence; momentum, power
3 And to all great exploits themselves inclined: 4 Of which they still the garland bore away,
Of > By; from still > ever, continually
5 Till envious men, fearing their rule's decay, 6 Gan coin strait laws to curb their liberty;
Gan > Did strait > strict
7 Yet sith they warlike arms have laid away,
sith > since
8 They have excelled in arts and policy,
policy > statecraft; sagacity, shrewdness
9 That now we foolish men that praise begin eke to envy.
That > [So that] praise > virtue, merit, praiseworthiness eke > also envy > begrudge, resent
302.3
Of warlike puissaunce in ages spent,
2 Be thou faire Britomart, whose prayse I write,
But of all wisedome be thou precedent,
4 O soueraigne Queene, whose prayse I would endite,
Endite I would as dewtie doth excite;
6 But ah my rimes too rude and rugged arre,
When in so high an obiect they do lite,
8 And striuing, fit to make, I feare do marre:
Thy selfe thy prayses tell, and make them knowen farre.
1 Of warlike puissance in ages spent,
puissance > power, strength spent > passed, gone by
2 Be you, fair Britomart, whose praise I write;
Be > [Are]
3 But of all wisdom be you precedent,
be > [are] precedent > [the] model, exemplar; example (i.e. Britomart is the precedent of ancient puissance and Elizabeth the precedent of all wisdom)
4 O sovereign queen, whose praise I would indite, 5 Indite I would as duty does excite;
excite > incite, stir up; hence: move
6 But ah my rhymes too rude and rugged are,
rude > rough, clumsy, simple; uneducated rugged > coarse, unrefined
7 When in so high an object they do light,
light > shine, give light, hence: have their poetic existence; or: alight, hence: find their place
8 And striving, fit to make, I fear do mar: 9 Yourself your praises tell, and make them known far.
tell > disclose, reveal; hence: make self-evident
302.4
She trauelling with +Guyon+ by the way,
2 Of sundry things faire purpose gan to find,
T'abridg their iourney long, and lingring day;
4 Mongst which it fell into that Faeries mind,
To aske this Briton Mayd, what vncouth wind,
6 Brought her into those parts, and what inquest
Made her dissemble her disguised kind:
8 Faire Lady she him seemed, like Lady drest,
But fairest knight aliue, when armed was her brest.
1 Guyon > Redcrosse sugg. Todd (see 302.16:8). That this character is described at 302.4:4 as having a "Faeries mind" seems to indicate that Spenser really does confuse here the Redcross Knight with the hero of the book just finished. However, it must be said that the Redcross Knight is loosely identified as a Faery throughout Book I
1 She, travelling with Redcross by the way,
Redcross > ("Guyon" is plainly an error: see Textual Appendix)
2 Of sundry things fair purpose began to find,
purpose > discourse, talk
3 To abridge their journey long and lingering day; 4 Amongst which it fell into that Faery's mind 5 To ask this Briton maid what uncouth wind
uncouth > extraordinary, unusual
6 Brought her into those parts, and what inquest
inquest > quest
7 Made her dissemble her disguised kind:
kind > gender, sex
8 Fair lady she him seemed, like lady dressed,
him > [to him]
9 But fairest knight alive, when armed was her breast.
armed > [clad in armour]
302.5
Thereat she sighing softly, had no powre
2 To speake a while, ne ready answere make,
But with hart-thrilling throbs and bitter stowre,
4 As if she had a feuer fit, did quake,
And euery daintie limbe with horrour shake;
6 And euer and anone the rosy red,
Flasht through her face, as it had beene a flake
8 Of lightning, through bright heauen fulmined;
At last the passion past she thus him answered.
1 Thereat she, sighing softly, had no power
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
2 To speak awhile, nor ready answer make, 3 But with heart-thrilling throbs and bitter stour,
thrilling > piercing throbs > beats, pulsations [of the heart] stour > turmoil, distress
4 As if she had a fever fit, did quake, 5 And every dainty limb with horror shake;
dainty > delightful, comely
6 And ever and anon the rosy red
ever and anon > every now and then
7 Flashed through her face, as it had been a flake
Flashed > Rushed as > [as if] flake > flash
8 Of lightning, through bright heaven fulmined;
fulmined > sent forth (used of lightning or thunder)
9 At last, the passion past, she thus him answered:
302.6
Faire Sir, I let you weete, that from the howre
2 I taken was from nourses tender pap,
I haue beene trained vp in warlike stowre,
4 To tossen speare and shield, and to affrap
The warlike ryder to his most mishap;
6 Sithence I loathed haue my life to lead,
As Ladies wont, in pleasures wanton lap,
8 To finger the fine needle and nyce thread;
Me leuer were with point of foemans speare be dead.
1 "Fair sir, I let you weet that, from the hour
weet > know
2 I taken was from nurse's tender pap,
pap > nipple, breast (cf. 109.3:7)
3 I have been trained up in warlike stour,
stour > conflict, combat
4 To toss spear and shield, and to affrap
affrap > strike (WUFQ)
5 The warlike rider to his most mishap;
mishap > misfortune
6 Sithens I loathed have my life to lead
Sithens > Since that time
7 (As ladies wont) in Pleasure's wanton lap,
wont > are accustomed, do
8 To finger the fine needle and nice thread;
nice > slender, delicate
9 Me liefer were with point of foeman's spear be dead.
Me liefer were > [I would rather] foeman > enemy, adversary
302.7
All my delight on deedes of armes is set,
2 To hunt out perils and aduentures hard,
By sea, by land, where so they may be met,
4 Onely for honour and for high regard,
Without respect of richesse or reward.
6 For such intent into these parts I came,
Withouten compasse, or withouten card,
8 Far +fro+ my natiue soyle, that is by name
The greater Britaine, here to seeke for prayse and fame.
8 fro > from 1609
1 "All my delight on deeds of arms is set, 2 To hunt out perils and adventures hard, 3 By sea, by land, whereso they may be met,
whereso > wherever
4 Only for honour and for high regard, 5 Without respect of richesse or reward.
respect of > regard for richesse > riches, wealth
6 For such intent into these parts I came,
intent > endeavour; notion; intention
7 Without compass, or without card,
card > chart
8 Far from my native soil, that is by name 9 The greater Britain, here to seek for praise and fame.
The greater Britain > (Britain, meaning here England and Wales, rather than the lesser Britain, Brittany, in France)
302.8
Fame blazed hath, that here in Faery lond
2 Do many famous Knightes and Ladies wonne,
And many straunge aduentures to be fond,
4 Of which great worth and worship may be wonne;
Which +I to proue,+ this voyage haue begonne.
6 But mote I weet of you, right curteous knight,
Tydings of one, that hath vnto me donne
8 Late foule dishonour and reprochfull spight,
The which I seeke to wreake, and Arthegall he hight.
5 I to proue, > to proue, I 1590
1 "Fame blazed has that here in Faery Land
blazed > proclaimed, trumpeted
2 Do many famous knights and ladies won,
won > dwell
3 And many strange adventures to be found,
to > [are to]
4 Of which great worth and worship may be won;
Of > From, by worship > honour, renown
5 Which I, to prove, this voyage have begun.
prove > test, confirm by personal experience voyage > journey
6 But might I weet of you, right courteous knight,
weet > learn right > very
7 Tidings of one that has to me done 8 Late foul dishonour and reproachful spite,
Late > Lately; recent reproachful > shameful, disgraceful spite > outrage, injury
9 Which I seek to wreak, and Artegall he hight."
wreak > avenge hight > is named
302.9
The word gone out, she backe againe would call,
2 As her repenting so to haue missayd,
But that he it vp-taking ere the fall,
4 Her shortly answered; Faire martiall Mayd
Certes ye misauised beene, t'vpbrayd
6 A gentle knight with so vnknightly blame:
For weet ye well of all, that euer playd
8 At tilt or tourney, or like warlike game,
The noble Arthegall hath euer borne the name.
1 The word gone out, she back again would call, 2 As her repenting so to have mis-said;
As her repenting > [As if she repented] mis-said > spoken evilly, slandered
3 But he, it up-taking ere the fall,
ere the fall > (Before the remark had hit the ground, as it were; before she believed it had registered with the Redcross Knight and before she had had a chance to correct herself)
4 Her shortly answered: "Fair martial maid,
shortly > soon afterwards; curtly
5 Certes you misadvised been to upbraid
Certes > Assuredly misadvised been > were injudicious; have been wrongly advised
6 A gentle knight with so unknightly blame:
gentle > noble blame > [a] charge
7 For weet you well, of all that ever played
weet > know, understand
8 At tilt or tourney, or like warlike game,
tilt > {Contest between two mounted knights with lances, who ride on opposite sides of a barrier and score by attaints (touches, strikes, sometimes involving the loser being unhorsed) and by lances broken} tourney > {Exercise in which two groups of mounted knights fight with blunted weapons}
9 The noble Artegall has ever borne the name.
the name > ["noble"]
302.10
For thy great wonder were it, if such shame
2 Should euer enter in his bounteous thought,
Or euer do, that mote deseruen blame:
4 The noble courage neuer weeneth ought,
That may vnworthy of it selfe be thought.
6 Therefore, faire Damzell, be ye well aware,
Least that too farre ye haue your sorrow sought:
8 You and your countrey both I wish welfare,
And honour both; for each of other worthy are.
1 "For-thy great wonder were it, if such shame
For-thy > Therefore, for this reason were it > [it would be]
2 Should ever enter in his bounteous thought, 3 Or ever do that might deserve blame:
ever > [he should ever] that > [that which] blame > reproof, censure
4 The noble courage never weens aught
courage > heart, mind, spirit weens > imagines, thinks
5 That may unworthy of itself be thought. 6 Therefore, fair damsel, be you well aware,
aware > wary, watchful
7 Lest too far you have your sorrow sought: 8 You and your country both I wish welfare
welfare > good fortune; prosperity; happiness
9 And honour both; for each of other worthy are."
other > [the other] are > (The plural form is forced for the sake of the rhyme)
302.11
The royall Mayd woxe inly wondrous glad,
2 To heare her Loue so highly magnifide,
And ioyd that euer she affixed had,
4 Her hart on knight so goodly glorifide,
How euer finely she it faind to hide:
6 The louing mother, that nine monethes did beare,
In the deare closet of her painefull side,
8 Her tender babe, it seeing safe appeare,
Doth not so much reioyce, as she reioyced theare.
1 The royal maid waxed inly wondrous glad
waxed inly > grew inwardly
2 To hear her love so highly magnified,
magnified > praised
3 And joyed that ever she affixed had
joyed > rejoiced
4 Her heart on knight so goodly glorified,
goodly > courteously; well
5 However finely she it fained to hide:
finely > skilfully fained > was disposed, was anxious; hence: tried; or: feigned
6 The loving mother, that nine months did bear, 7 In the dear closet of her painful side,
dear > dear; grievous side > loins
8 Her tender babe, it seeing safe appear, 9 Does not so much rejoice, as she rejoiced there.
there > then
302.12
But to occasion him to further talke,
2 To feed her humour with his pleasing stile,
Her list in +strifull+ termes with him to balke,
4 And thus replide, How euer, Sir, ye file
Your curteous tongue, his prayses to compile,
6 It ill beseemes a knight of gentle sort,
Such as ye haue him boasted, to beguile
8 A simple mayd, and worke so haynous tort,
In shame of knighthood, as I largely can report.
3 strifull > strife-full 1609
1 But to occasion him to further talk 2 (To feed her humour with his pleasing style),
humour > frame of mind, mood
3 Her list in strifeful terms with him to balk,
Her list > It pleased her; she chose balk > quibble, bandy words
4 And thus replied: "However, sir, you file
file > polish (cf. 101.35:7)
5 Your courteous tongue, his praises to compile,
compile > compose; heap together
6 It ill beseems a knight of gentle sort,
beseems > becomes, suits gentle sort > noble kind
7 Such as you have him boasted, to beguile
boasted > bragged of, claimed to be (trans.)
8 A simple maid, and work so heinous tort,
tort > [a] wrong
9 In shame of knighthood, as I largely can report.
largely > copiously, at length
302.13
Let be therefore my vengeaunce to disswade,
2 And read, where I that faytour false may find.
Ah, but if reason faire might you perswade,
4 To slake your wrath, and mollifie your mind,
(Said he) perhaps ye should it better find:
6 For hardy thing it is, to weene by might,
That man to hard conditions to bind,
8 Or euer hope to match in equall fight,
Whose prowesse paragon saw neuer liuing wight.
1 "Let be, therefore, my vengeance to dissuade,
Let be > Give over [from trying]; hence: do not attempt further dissuade > advise against, dehort me from
2 And read where I that faitour false may find."
read > declare, make known faitour > impostor, cheat
3 "Ah, but if reason fair might you persuade 4 To slake your wrath and mollify your mind," 5 Said he, "perhaps you should it better find: 6 For hardy thing it is, to ween by might
hardy > bold; presumptuous ween > imagine, suppose
7 That man to hard conditions to bind, 8 Or ever hope to match in equal fight,
match > [match him] equal > impartial
9 Whose prowess' paragon saw never living wight.
prowess > valour paragon > match; competitor; also: mate, consort in marriage (a relevant meaning for Britomart) wight > creature, person
302.14
Ne soothlich is it easie for to read,
2 Where now on earth, or how he may be found;
For he ne wonneth in one certaine stead,
4 But restlesse walketh all the world around,
Ay doing things, that to his fame redound,
6 Defending Ladies cause, and Orphans right,
Where so he heares, that any doth confound
8 Them comfortlesse, through tyranny or might;
So is his soueraine honour raisde to heauens hight.
1 "Nor soothly is it easy to read
soothly > truly read > declare
2 Where now on earth, or how he may be found; 3 For he ne wons in one certain stead,
ne wons > does not dwell certain stead > fixed place
4 But restless walks all the world around, 5 Ay doing things that to his fame redound:
Ay > Ever
6 Defending ladies' cause, and orphans' right, 7 Whereso he hears that any does confound
Whereso > Wherever confound > overthrow, discomfit, bring to perdition
8 Them comfortless, through tyranny or might;
comfortless > helpless
9 So is his sovereign honour raised to heaven's height."
sovereign > supreme
302.15
His feeling words her feeble sence much pleased,
2 And softly sunck into her molten hart;
Hart that is inly hurt, is greatly eased
4 With hope of thing, that may +allegge+ his smart;
For pleasing words are like to Magick art,
6 That doth the charmed Snake in slomber lay:
Such secret ease felt gentle Britomart,
8 Yet list the same efforce with faind gainesay;
So dischord oft in Musick makes the sweeter lay.
4 allegge > alledge 1679
1 His feeling words her feeble sense much pleased,
feeling > {Indicating emotion; compassionate, sympathetic} feeble > unresisting
2 And softly sank into her molten heart; 3 Heart that is inly hurt is greatly eased
inly > inwardly
4 With hope of thing that may allege its smart;
allege > allay smart > pain; suffering
5 For pleasing words are like magic art, 6 That does the charmed snake in slumber lay: 7 Such secret ease felt gentle Britomart,
gentle > gentle; noble
8 Yet list the same efforce with feigned gainsay;
list > pleased, chose efforce > [to] suppress; also: overcome by force, violate (SUS: cf. 106.4:9, etc.) gainsay > contradiction
9 So discord oft in music makes the sweeter lay.
lay > song; strain, tune
302.16
And said, Sir knight, these idle termes forbeare,
2 And sith it is vneath to find his haunt,
Tell me some markes, by which he may appeare,
4 If chaunce I him encounter parauaunt;
For perdie one shall other slay, or daunt:
6 What shape, what shield, what armes, what steed, what sted,
And what so else his person most may vaunt?
8 All which the Redcrosse knight to point ared,
And him in euery +part+ before her fashioned.
9 part > point 1609
1 And said, "Sir knight, these idle terms forbear,
idle > empty; foolish terms > words
2 And, sith it is uneath to find his haunt,
sith > since uneath > difficult
3 Tell me some marks by which he may appear,
marks > characteristics appear > come into view; hence: be recognized
4 If chance I him encounter paravant;
chance I him encounter > [I chance to encounter him] paravant > from before, in front; hence: before me, face to face
5 For pardie one shall other slay, or daunt:
pardie > truly; "by God" daunt > overcome, subdue
6 What shape, what shield, what arms, what steed, what stead,
stead > mark, imprint; hence: distinguishing features (OED II 4 b)
7 And whatso else his person most may vaunt?"
whatso > whatever vaunt > display, make a show of; boast
8 All which the Redcross Knight to point aread,
to point > to the smallest detail, completely aread > made known
9 And him in every part before her fashioned.
302.17
Yet him in euery part before she knew,
2 How euer list her now her knowledge faine,
Sith him whilome in Britaine she did vew,
4 To her reuealed in a mirrhour plaine,
Whereof did grow her first engraffed paine;
6 Whose root and stalke so bitter yet did tast,
That but the fruit more sweetnesse did containe,
8 Her wretched dayes in dolour she mote wast,
And yield the pray of loue to lothsome death at last.
1 Yet him in every part before she knew, 2 However list her now her knowledge feign,
list > chose, pleased feign > [to] conceal (SUS)
3 Sith him whilom in Britain she did view,
Sith > Since whilom > formerly
4 To her revealed in a mirror plain,
mirror > magic glass, crystal
5 Whereof did grow her first engrafted pain,
engrafted > implanted, firmly inset
6 Whose root and stalk so bitter yet did taste, 7 That the fruit more sweetness did contain; 8 Her wretched days in dolour she might waste, 9 And yield the prey of love to loathsome death at last.
302.18
By strange occasion she did him behold,
2 And much more strangely gan to loue his sight,
As it in bookes hath written bene of old.
4 In Deheubarth that now South-wales is hight,
What time king Ryence raign'd, and dealed right,
6 The great Magitian Merlin had deuiz'd,
By his deepe science, and hell-dreaded might,
8 A looking glasse, right wondrously aguiz'd,
Whose vertues through the wyde world soone were solemniz'd.
1 By strange occasion she did him behold,
occasion > circumstances
2 And much more strangely began to love his sight,
sight > appearance
3 As it in books has written been of old. 4 In Dehenbarth (that now South Wales is hight,
Dehenbarth > (The name given by Holinshed, Chronicles 1.26, for South Wales) hight > called
5 What time King Ryence reigned, and dealed right)
What time > [At the time when] Ryence > (Named in Malory 38-41) dealed > acted, proceeded [in respect of his subjects]
6 The great magician Merlin had devised, 7 By his deep science, and hell-dreaded might,
science > learning, knowledge, skill; hence: magic, occult powers
8 A looking-glass, right wondrously aguised,
looking-glass > mirror; magic crystal right > very aguised > arrayed; hence: equipped, endowed
9 Whose virtues through the wide world soon were solemnized.
virtues > occult powers soon > soon; immediately solemnized > proclaimed; lauded
302.19
It vertue had, to shew in perfect sight,
2 What euer thing was in the world contaynd,
Betwixt the lowest earth and heauens hight,
4 So that it to the looker appertaynd;
What euer foe had wrought, or frend had faynd,
6 Therein discouered was, ne ought mote pas,
Ne ought in secret from the same remaynd;
8 For thy it round and hollow shaped was,
Like to the world it selfe, and seem'd a world of glas.
1 It virtue had to show in perfect sight
virtue > power
2 Whatever thing was in the world contained, 3 Betwixt the lowest earth and heaven's height, 4 So that it to the looker appertained;
So > Provided; to the extent
5 Whatever foe had wrought, or friend had fained,
fained > rejoiced in; or: feigned, concealed
6 Therein discovered was, nor aught might pass,
discovered > revealed pass > have passage, so: escape [notice]
7 Nor aught in secret from the same remained;
the same > [the magic globe]
8 For-thy it round and hollow shaped was,
For-thy > Therefore
9 Like the world itself, and seemed a world of glass.
302.20
Who wonders not, that reades so wonderous worke?
2 But who does wonder, that has red the Towre,
Wherein th'{AE}gyptian Phao long did lurke
4 From all mens vew, that none might her discoure,
Yet she might all men vew out of her bowre?
6 Great Ptolom{ae}e it for his lemans sake
Ybuilded all of glasse, by Magicke powre,
8 And also it impregnable did make;
Yet when his loue was false, he with a peaze it brake.
1 Who wonders not, that reads so wondrous work?
wonders > marvels reads > sees; reads about; considers so > such; such a
2 But who does wonder, that has read the tower 3 Wherein the Egyptian Phao long did lurk
Phao > (Perhaps from Greek phaos, light; the source of this story is not known)
4 From all men's view, that none might her discover,
that > [so that]
5 Yet she might all men view out of her bower?
bower > room, chamber
6 Great Ptolemy it for his leman's sake
Ptolemy > (Ptolemy II, 309-247 BC, king of Egypt 285-246. Founder of the museum and library of Alexandria; completed the Pharos, the lighthouse which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. He was credited with almost magical powers in working with glass) leman > lover
7 Built all of glass, by magic power, 8 And also it impregnable did make; 9 Yet, when his love was false, he with a peise it broke.
peise > blow, heavy blow; or, conceivably, in view of his supernatural powers: pease: pea
302.21
Such was the glassie globe that Merlin made,
2 And gaue vnto king Ryence for his gard,
That neuer foes his kingdome might inuade,
4 But he it knew at home before he hard
Tydings thereof, and so them still debar'd.
6 It was a famous Present for a Prince,
And worthy worke of infinite reward,
8 That treasons could bewray, and foes conuince;
Happie this Realme, had it remained euer since.
1 Such was the glassy globe that Merlin made, 2 And gave to King Ryence for his guard,
guard > protection, defence
3 That never foes his kingdom might invade,
That > [So that]
4 But he it knew at home before he heard
But > [But that]
5 Tidings thereof, and so them still debarred.
still > continually debarred > kept out, thwarted
6 It was a famous present for a prince, 7 And worthy work of infinite reward,
reward > regard, heed; hence: merit
8 That treasons could bewray, and foes convince;
bewray > betray, reveal convince > overcome, vanquish; convict
9 Happy this realm, had it remained ever since.
Happy > Fortunate; happy
302.22
One day it fortuned, faire Britomart
2 Into her fathers closet to repayre;
For nothing he from her reseru'd apart,
4 Being his onely daughter and his hayre:
Where when she had espyde that mirrhour fayre,
6 Her selfe a while therein she vewd in vaine;
Tho her auizing of the vertues rare,
8 Which thereof spoken were, she gan againe
Her to bethinke of, that mote to her selfe pertaine.
1 One day it fortuned fair Britomart 2 Into her father's closet to repair;
closet > private apartment [of a monarch] repair > go
3 For nothing he from her reserved apart, 4 Being his only daughter and his heir: 5 Where, when she had espied that mirror fair,
mirror > magic glass, crystal ball
6 Herself awhile therein she viewed in vain;
in vain > fruitlessly, pointlessly; vainly (a charming pun)
7 Tho her advising of the virtues rare
Tho > Then her advising > considering; hence: thinking (quasi-refl.) virtues > powers, occult powers
8 Which thereof spoken were, she gan again
gan > did
9 Her to bethink of that might to herself pertain.
Her to bethink of > [Think about, reflect on] that > [that which]
302.23
But as it falleth, in the gentlest harts
2 Imperious Loue hath highest set his throne,
And tyrannizeth in the bitter smarts
4 Of them, that to him buxome are and prone:
So thought this Mayd (as maydens vse to done)
6 Whom fortune for her husband would allot,
Not that she lusted after any one;
8 For she was pure from blame of sinfull blot,
Yet wist her life at last must lincke in that same knot.
1 But, as it falls, in the gentlest hearts
gentlest > gentlest; noblest; most courteous
2 Imperious Love has highest set his throne,
Love > [Cupid]
3 And tyrannizes in the bitter smarts
smarts > pains
4 Of them, that to him buxom are and prone:
buxom > yielding prone > ready [in mind], eager; given, inclined
5 So thought this maid (as maidens use to do)
thought > considered (esp. in connexion with marriage) use > are accustomed
6 Whom Fortune for her husband would allot,
Whom > [He whom]
7 Not that she lusted after anyone; 8 For she was pure from blame of sinful blot,
blame > fault; charge, accusation
9 Yet wist her life at last must link in that same knot.
wist > knew
302.24
Eftsoones there was presented to her eye
2 A comely knight, all arm'd in +complete+ wize,
Through whose bright ventayle lifted vp on hye
4 His manly face, that did his foes agrize,
And friends to termes of gentle truce entize,
6 Lookt foorth, as Ph{oe}bus face out of the east,
Betwixt two shadie mountaines doth arize;
8 Portly his person was, and much increast
Through his Heroicke grace, and honorable gest.
2 complete > complet 1596, 1609
1 Eftsoons there was presented to her eye
Eftsoons > Thereupon
2 A comely knight, all armed in complete wise,
armed > [with arms and armour both] wise > manner, fashion (i.e. he is "armed to point": cf. 102.12:6)
3 Through whose bright ventail, lifted up on high,
ventail > {Visor, movable part of helmet}
4 His manly face (that did his foes agrise,
agrise > terrify
5 And friends to terms of gentle truce entice) 6 Looked forth, as Phoebus' face out of the east 7 Betwixt two shady mountains does arise; 8 Portly his person was, and much increased
Portly > Magnificent; stately, dignified, imposing increased > made more powerful; hence: enhanced
9 Through his heroic grace, and honourable gest.
gest > bearing, mien
302.25
His crest was couered with a couchant Hound,
2 And all his armour seem'd of antique mould,
But wondrous massie and assured sound,
4 And round about yfretted all with gold,
In which there written was with cyphers old,
6 Achilles armes, which Arthegall did win.
And on his shield enueloped seuenfold
8 He bore a crowned litle Ermilin,
That deckt the azure field with her faire pouldred skin.
1 His crest was covered with a couchant hound,
couchant > (A term in heraldry, used to describe an animal "lying on his belly, but with his head lifted up")
2 And all his armour seemed of antique mould,
mould > style, design
3 But wondrous massy and assured sound,
massy > solid, weighty (cf. Arthur's shield at 107.33:6)
4 And round about fretted all with gold,
fretted > interlaced (another heraldic term); adorned
5 In which there written was, with ciphers old,
ciphers > figures, lettering
6 Achilles' arms, which Artegall did win.
Achilles > (The great hero of the Iliad, so linking Artegall with
Troy and hence Brutus: see 210.9:6 ff., 309.38:8 ff.)
7 And on his shield, enveloped sevenfold,
enveloped sevenfold > [covered with seven layers; cf. Guyon's shield at 205.6:3, 208.32:5]
8 He bore a crowned little ermelin,
ermelin > ermine [the animal]
9 That decked the azure field with her fair powdered skin.
decked > adorned, beautified azure field > (Another heraldic term. Azure = sky-blue, field = the surface of the shield or one of its divisions) powdered > {Decorated with small spots. In heraldry, ermine is a fur, white marked with triangular black spots. It is a traditional symbol of royalty and chastity}
302.26
The Damzell well did vew his personage,
2 And liked well, ne further fastned not,
But went her way; ne her vnguilty age
4 Did weene, vnwares, that her vnlucky lot
Lay hidden in the bottome of the pot;
6 Of hurt vnwist most daunger doth redound:
But the false Archer, which that arrow shot
8 So slyly, that she did not feele the wound,
Did smyle full smoothly at her weetlesse wofull stound.
1 The damsel well did view his personage,
personage > image, representation
2 And liked well, ne further fastened not,
ne further fastened not > [but did not fix her mind on him further, i.e. she went no further than mere approval]
3 But went her way; nor her unguilty age
unguilty age > [innocence of youth]
4 Did ween, unwares, that her unlucky lot
ween > suppose, imagine unwares > unwittingly, unexpectedly; also: suddenly, hence: right away
5 Lay hidden in the bottom of the pot; 6 Of hurt unwist most danger does redound:
unwist > unknown, unsuspected
7 But the false archer, who that arrow shot
the false archer > [Cupid]
8 So slyly that she did not feel the wound, 9 Did smile full smoothly at her weetless woeful stound.
full > very smoothly > affably weetless > unknowing, unconscious (WUS) stound > {Time of trial or pain; chiefly in northern dialect}
302.27
Thenceforth the feather in her loftie crest,
2 Ruffed of loue, gan lowly to auaile,
And her proud portance, and her princely gest,
4 With which she earst tryumphed, now did quaile:
Sad, solemne, sowre, and full of fancies fraile
6 She woxe; yet wist she neither how, nor why,
She wist not, silly Mayd, what she did aile,
8 Yet wist, she was not well at ease perdy,
Yet thought it was not loue, but some melancholy.
1 Thenceforth the feather in her lofty crest, 2 Ruffed of love, began lowly to avale,
Ruffed of > Ruffled by avale > droop
3 And her proud portance, and her princely gest,
portance > demeanour; behaviour gest > bearing, mien
4 With which she erst triumphed, now did quail:
erst > not long ago; formerly; at first quail > decline, fail
5 Sad, solemn, sour, and full of fancies frail 6 She waxed; yet wist she neither how, nor why;
waxed > grew, became wist > knew, understood
7 She wist not, silly maid, what she did ail,
silly > innocent; helpless she did ail > [ailed her]
8 Yet wist she was not well at ease pardie,
pardie > truly; "by God"
9 Yet thought it was not love, but some melancholy.
302.28
So soone as Night had with her pallid hew
2 Defast the beautie of the shining sky,
And reft from men the worlds desired vew,
4 She with her Nourse adowne to sleepe did lye;
But sleepe full farre away from her did fly:
6 In stead thereof sad sighes, and sorrowes deepe
Kept watch and ward about her warily,
8 That nought she did but wayle, and often steepe
Her daintie couch with teares, which closely she did weepe.
1 So soon as Night had with her pallid hue
Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.) pallid > colourless [lacking colour, i.e. black] hue > appearance, form; hue
2 Defaced the beauty of the shining sky,
Defaced > Cast in the shade; destroyed; defaced
3 And reft from men the world's desired view,
reft > taken, stolen view > appearance
4 She with her nurse adown to sleep did lie;
adown > down
5 But sleep full far away from her did fly:
full > very
6 Instead thereof sad sighs, and sorrows deep 7 Kept watch and ward about her warily,
ward > guard ("watch and ward" was formerly a common compound sb.) warily > watchfully; carefully
8 That naught she did but wail, and often steep
That > [So that]
9 Her dainty couch with tears, which closely she did weep.
dainty > choice, delightful; hence: fine, elegant couch > bed closely > secretly
302.29
And if that any drop of slombring rest
2 Did chaunce to still into her wearie spright,
When feeble nature felt her selfe opprest,
4 Streight way with dreames, and with fantasticke sight
Of dreadfull things the same was put to flight,
6 That oft out of her bed she did astart,
As one with vew of ghastly feends affright:
8 Tho gan she to renew her former smart,
And thinke of that faire visage, written in her hart.
1 And if any drop of slumbering rest 2 Did chance to still into her weary spirit,
still > instil, infuse
3 When feeble Nature felt herself oppressed,
oppressed > overwhelmed
4 Straightway with dreams, and with fantastic sight 5 Of dreadful things, the same was put to flight, 6 That oft out of her bed she did astart,
That > [So that] astart > start up
7 As one with view of ghastly fiends affright:
ghastly > {Frightful, causing terror (esp. of the supernatural)} affright > terrified
8 Tho began she to renew her former smart,
Tho > Then renew > go over again; resume smart > pain, suffering
9 And think of that fair visage written in her heart.
302.30
One night, when she was tost with such vnrest,
2 Her aged Nurse, whose name was Glauce hight,
Feeling her leape out of her loathed nest,
4 Betwixt her feeble armes her quickly keight,
And downe againe +in her warme bed her+ dight;
6 Ah my deare daughter, ah my dearest dread,
What vncouth fit (said she) what euill plight
8 Hath thee opprest, and with sad drearyhead
Chaunged thy liuely cheare, and liuing made thee dead?
5 in her warme bed her > her in her warme bed 1590
1 One night, when she was tossed with such unrest, 2 Her aged nurse, whose name was Glauce hight,
Glauce > (Perhaps from the Greek glaukos, "grey": though this usually applies to glaucous greys, as of the olive, willow, or vine, or to blue-greys, as of the eyes, and is in Greek mythology a name of one of the nereids, a personification of the colour of the sea. Or perhaps a reference is intended to the Greek glaux (feminine form glauxe), the owl, the traditional companion of Minerva, with whom Britomart is associated. In Cicero (De Natura Deorum 3.58), Glauce is the mother of Diana, with whom Britomart is also associated) hight > called (pleonastically); or: ordained; or, possibly: assuredly (i.e. "her name really is `Glauce' rather than the one you think I mean", in which case Spenser may be playing here some sophisticated game with meaning for those of his readers able to discern real people represented in FQ)
3 Feeling her leap out of her loathed nest, 4 Betwixt her feeble arms her quickly caught, 5 And down again in her warm bed her dight;
dight > put in order; hence: placed
6 "Ah my dear daughter, ah my dearest dread,
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} dread > loved one, object of reverence
7 What uncouth fit," said she, "what evil plight
uncouth > strange, unaccustomed; unseemly
8 Has you oppressed, and with sad drearihead
oppressed > overwhelmed; taken by surprise sad > heavy drearihead > sorrow, melancholy
9 Changed your lively cheer, and living made you dead?
lively > living, vital cheer > demeanour; expression; mood
302.31
For not of nought these suddeine ghastly feares
2 All night afflict thy naturall repose,
And all the day, when as thine equall peares
4 Their fit disports with faire delight doe chose,
Thou in dull corners doest thy selfe inclose,
6 Ne tastest Princes pleasures, ne doest spred
Abroad thy fresh youthes fairest flowre, but lose
8 Both leafe and fruit, both too vntimely shed,
As one in wilfull bale for euer buried.
1 "For not of naught these sudden ghastly fears
of > for ghastly > {Frightful, terrible, evoking fear of the supernatural}
2 All night afflict your natural repose, 3 And all the day, when your equal peers
peers > peers; companions
4 Their fit disports with fair delight do chose,
disports > entertainments, diversions
5 You in dull corners do yourself enclose, 6 Ne taste princes' pleasures, nor do spread
Ne > [Nor do you]
7 Abroad your fresh youth's fairest flower, but lose 8 Both leaf and fruit, both too untimely shed, 9 As one in wilful bale for ever buried.
bale > torment, suffering
302.32
The time, that mortall men their weary cares
2 Do lay away, and all wilde beastes do rest,
And euery riuer eke his course +forbeares,+
4 Then doth this wicked euill thee infest,
And riue with thousand throbs thy thrilled brest;
6 Like an huge Aetn' of deepe engulfed griefe,
Sorrow is heaped in thy hollow chest,
8 Whence forth it breakes in sighes and anguish rife,
As smoke and sulphure mingled with confused strife.
3 forbeares, > forbeares 1596
1 "The time that mortal men their weary cares
that > [when]
2 Do lay away, and all wild beasts do rest, 3 And every river eke his course forbears,
eke > moreover
4 Then does this wicked evil you infest,
infest > harass, molest
5 And rive with thousand throbs your thrilled breast;
rive > tear asunder thrilled > pierced
6 Like a huge Etna of deep engulfed grief,
Etna > (The volcano in Sicily, which was very active in the 16th century; its flames were associated with Vulcan's forge. Perhaps, here, this association alludes to the royal line to be established by the marriage of Britomart and Artegall) engulfed > buried
7 Sorrow is heaped in your hollow chest,
hollow > ?vacant (thus being, like Etna, more resonant, and so amplifying her sighs; intention otherwise unclear. Cf. 303.18:7)
8 Whence forth it breaks in sighs and anguish rife, 9 As smoke and sulphur mingled with confused strife.
strife > {The act of striving; strong effort}
302.33
Aye me, how much I feare, least loue it bee;
2 But if that loue it be, as sure I read
By knowen signes and passions, which I see,
4 Be it worthy of thy race and royall sead,
Then I auow by this most sacred head
6 Of my deare foster child, to ease thy griefe,
And win thy will: Therefore away doe dread;
8 For death nor daunger from thy dew reliefe
Shall me debarre, tell me therefore my liefest liefe.
1 "Ay me, how much I fear lest love it be;
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect)
2 But if love it be (as sure I read
read > observe
3 By known signs and passions which I see)
passions > {Afflictions; overpowering fits of emotion}
4 Be it worthy of your race and royal seed,
Be it > [Let your love be] seed > children [as yet unborn]
5 Then I avow, by this most sacred head
avow > take a vow by this most sacred head > [by your most royal head; "by my head" is an oath: cf. 201.19:1]
6 Of my dear foster child, to ease your grief,
grief > pain
7 And win your will: therefore away do dread:
win > gain, achieve will > [that which you desire] away do > do away with
8 For death nor danger from your due relief
death > [neither death] due > fitting; merited
9 Shall me debar. Tell me, therefore, my liefest lief."
liefest lief > dearest dear
302.34
So hauing said, her twixt her armes twaine
2 She straightly straynd, and colled tenderly,
And euery trembling ioynt, and euery vaine
4 She softly felt, and rubbed busily,
To doe the frosen cold away to fly;
6 And her faire deawy eies with kisses deare
She oft did bath, and oft againe did dry;
8 And euer her importund, not to feare
To let the secret of her hart to her appeare.
1 So having said, her 'twixt her arms twain
So > Thus said > spoken twain > two
2 She straightly strained, and colled tenderly,
straightly > straightway; or, pleonastically: straitly: tightly strained > clasped tightly colled > embraced
3 And every trembling joint, and every vein
joint > limb
4 She softly felt, and rubbed busily,
busily > solicitously
5 To do the frozen cold away to fly;
do > cause
6 And her fair dewy eyes with kisses dear 7 She oft did bathe, and oft again did dry; 8 And ever her importuned not to fear 9 To let the secret of her heart to her appear.
302.35
The Damzell pauzd, and then thus fearefully;
2 Ah Nurse, what needeth thee to eke my paine?
Is not enough, that I alone doe dye,
4 But it must doubled be with death of twaine?
For nought for me but death there doth remaine.
6 O daughter deare (said she) despaire no whit;
For neuer sore, but might a salue obtaine:
8 That blinded God, which hath ye blindly smit,
Another arrow hath your louers hart to hit.
1 The damsel paused, and then thus fearfully: 2 "Ah nurse, what needs you to eke my pain?
needs you > need do you have eke > augment
3 Is not enough that I alone do die,
not > [it not]
4 But it must doubled be with death of twain?
twain > two
5 For naught for me but death there does remain."
For > Because
6 "O daughter dear," said she, "despair no whit;
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman}
7 For never sore, but might a salve obtain:
never > [there was never a]
8 That blinded god, who has you blindly smitten,
That blinded god > [Cupid, who shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit; he is sometimes depicted wearing a blindfold]
9 Another arrow has, your lover's heart to hit."
302.36
But mine is not (quoth she) like +others+ wound;
2 For which no reason can find remedy.
Was neuer such, but mote the like be found,
4 (Said she) and though no reason may apply
Salue to your sore, yet loue can higher stye,
6 Then reasons reach, and oft hath wonders donne.
But neither God of loue, nor God of sky
8 Can doe (said she) that, which cannot be donne.
Things oft impossible (quoth she) seeme, ere begonne.
1 others > other 1590
1 "But mine is not," quoth she, "like others' wound; 2 For which no reason can find remedy."
which > [my wound]
3 "Was never such, but might the like be found," 4 Said she, "and though no reason may apply 5 Salve to your sore, yet love can higher sty
sty > rise, soar
6 Than reason's reach, and oft has wonders done." 7 "But neither god of love, nor god of sky
god of sky > (Jupiter - likelier in view of "God of loue", i.e. Cupid; or: God)
8 Can do," said she, "that which cannot be done." 9 "Things oft impossible," quoth she, "seem, ere begun."
ere > [before they are]
302.37
These idle words (said she) doe nought asswage
2 My stubborne smart, but more annoyance breed,
For no no vsuall fire, no vsuall rage
4 It is, {o^} Nurse, which on my life doth feed,
And suckes the bloud, which from my hart doth bleed.
6 But since thy faithfull zeale lets me not hyde
My crime, (if crime it be) I will it reed.
8 Nor Prince, nor pere it is, whose loue hath gryde
My feeble brest of late, and +launched+ this wound wyde.
9 launched > launced 1609
1 "These idle words," said she, "do naught assuage
idle > futile, empty; weak-headed naught > not at all
2 My stubborn smart, but more annoyance breed,
stubborn > intractable smart > pain, suffering annoyance > affliction
3 For +no+ no usual fire, no usual rage
no > (Perhaps an intensive form: cf. 304.26:3; Upton (1758) suggests "know")
4 It is, O nurse, which on my life does feed, 5 And sucks the blood which from my heart does bleed. 6 But since your faithful zeal lets me not hide 7 My crime (if crime it be), I will it read.
read > make known
8 Nor prince, nor peer it is, whose love has gride
Nor > Neither peer > nobleman gride > pierced
9 My feeble breast of late, and lanced this wound wide.
302.38
Nor man it is, nor other liuing wight;
2 For then some hope I might vnto me draw,
But th'only shade and semblant of a knight,
4 Whose shape or person yet I neuer saw,
Hath me subiected to loues cruell law:
6 The same one day, as me misfortune led,
I in my fathers wondrous mirrhour saw,
8 And pleased with that seeming goodly-hed,
Vnwares the hidden hooke with baite I swallowed.
1 "Nor man it is, nor other living wight;
Nor > Neither wight > creature, person
2 For then some hope I might to me draw, 3 But the only shade and semblant of a knight
the only > [only the] shade > spectre semblant > image, semblance
4 (Whose shape or person yet I never saw) 5 Has me subjected to love's cruel law: 6 The same one day (as me Misfortune led) 7 I in my father's wondrous mirror saw,
mirror > magic glass, crystal ball
8 And, pleased with that seeming goodlihead,
goodlihead > excellence, goodness; comeliness
9 Unwares the hidden hook with bait I swallowed.
Unwares > Unwittingly
302.39
Sithens it hath infixed faster hold
2 Within my bleeding bowels, and so sore
Now ranckleth in this same fraile fleshly mould,
4 That all mine entrailes flow with poysnous gore,
And th'vlcer groweth daily more and more;
6 Ne can my running sore find remedie,
Other then my hard fortune to deplore,
8 And languish as the leafe falne from the tree,
Till death make one end of my dayes and miserie.
1 "Sithens it has infixed faster hold
Sithens > Since then faster > firmer
2 Within my bleeding bowels, and so sore
bowels > {Heart, breast; internal organs generally}
3 Now rankles in this same frail fleshly mould,
fleshly mould > [human form]
4 That all my entrails flow with poisonous gore, 5 And the ulcer grows daily more and more; 6 Nor can my running sore find remedy, 7 Other than my hard fortune to deplore, 8 And languish as the leaf fallen from the tree, 9 Till death make one end of my days and misery."
one > joint, simultaneous
302.40
Daughter (said she) what need ye be dismayd,
2 Or why make ye such Monster of your mind?
Of much more vncouth thing I was affrayd;
4 Of filthy lust, contrarie vnto kind:
But this affection nothing straunge I find;
6 For who with reason can you aye reproue,
To loue the semblant pleasing most your mind,
8 And yield your heart, whence ye cannot remoue?
No guilt in you, but in the tyranny of loue.
1 "Daughter," said she, "what need you be dismayed,
Daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} need you > [need do you have to]
2 Or why make you such monster of your mind?
monster > [a monster]
3 Of much more uncouth thing I was afraid;
uncouth > unseemly
4 Of filthy lust, contrary to kind:
kind > Nature; your nature
5 But this affection nothing strange I find;
nothing > not at all
6 For who with reason can you ay reprove,
ay > ever
7 To love the semblant pleasing most your mind,
semblant > image
8 And yield your heart, whence you cannot remove? 9 No guilt in you, but in the tyranny of love.
302.41
Not so th'Arabian Myrrhe did set her mind;
2 +Nor+ so did Biblis spend her pining hart,
But lou'd their natiue flesh against all kind,
4 And to their purpose vsed wicked art:
Yet playd Pasipha{e"} a more +monstrous+ part,
6 That lou'd a Bull, and learnd a beast to bee;
Such shamefull lusts who loaths not, which depart
8 From course of nature and of modestie?
Sweet loue such lewdnes bands from his faire companie.
2 Nor > Not 1590 etc.: FE 5 monstrous > mostrous 1596
1 "Not so the Arabian Myrrha did set her mind;
Myrrha > (Who desired her own father; see Met. 10, 101.9:6)
2 Nor so did Biblis spend her pining heart,
Biblis > (Who desired her brother; see Met. 9.453 ff.)
3 But loved their native flesh against all kind,
native > {Connected by birth, closely related} kind > {Nature, that which is natural}
4 And to their purpose used wicked art: 5 Yet played Pasiphae a more monstrous part,
Pasiphae > (Who contrived sexual intercourse with a bull, giving birth as a result to the Minotaur; see Met. 9.735-44) part > (With the scurrilous double meaning: cf. e.g. 202.37:5)
6 That loved a bull, and learned a beast to be; 7 Such shameful lusts who loathes not, which depart
depart > deviate
8 From course of nature and of modesty? 9 Sweet Love such lewdness bandies from his fair company.
bandies > (To "bandy" is to throw or drive a ball away; hence, here, "bandies" = "repels")
302.42
But thine my Deare (welfare thy heart my deare)
2 Though strange beginning had, yet fixed is
On one, that worthy may perhaps appeare;
4 And certes seemes bestowed not amis:
Ioy thereof haue thou and eternall blis.
6 With that vpleaning on her elbow weake,
Her +alablaster+ brest she soft did kis,
8 Which all that while she felt to pant and quake,
As it an Earth-quake were; at last she thus bespake.
7 alablaster > alablasted 1596
1 "But yours, my dear (welfare your heart, my dear),
welfare > well fare; may it go well with
2 Though strange beginning had, yet fixed is 3 On one that worthy may perhaps appear;
appear > {Come forth into view at a later time}
4 And certes seems bestowed not amiss:
certes > assuredly bestowed > located, placed; hence also: endowed
5 Joy thereof have you and eternal bliss."
have you > [may you have]
6 With that, upleaning on her elbow weak, 7 Her alabaster breast she soft did kiss, 8 Which all that while she felt to pant and quake, 9 As it an earthquake were; at last she thus bespoke:
As > [As if] she > [Britomart] bespoke > spoke
302.43
Beldame, your words doe worke me litle ease;
2 For though my loue be not so lewdly bent,
As those ye blame, yet may it +nought+ appease
4 My raging smart, ne ought my flame relent,
But rather doth my helpelesse griefe augment.
6 For they, how euer shamefull and vnkind,
Yet did possesse their horrible intent:
8 Short end of sorrowes they thereby did find;
So was their fortune good, though wicked were their mind.
3 nought > not 1609
1 "Beldam, your words do work me little ease;
Beldam > {Respectful form of address to an elderly woman; often used in the 16th century, as here, when addressing a nurse} work > cause, produce in; hence: give
2 For though my love be not so lewdly bent
bent > inclined
3 As those you blame, yet may it naught appease
blame > reprove naught > not at all
4 My raging smart, nor aught my flame relent,
smart > pain, suffering aught > at all, in any way relent > lessen, abate
5 But rather does my helpless grief augment. 6 For they, however shameful and unkind,
unkind > unnatural
7 Yet did possess their horrible intent:
possess > [take possession of] intent > intention
8 Short end of sorrows they thereby did find; 9 So was their fortune good, though wicked were their mind.
mind > desires, inclination
302.44
But wicked fortune mine, though mind be good,
2 Can haue no end, nor hope of my desire,
But feed on shadowes, whiles I die for food,
4 And like a shadow wexe, whiles with entire
Affection, I doe languish and expire.
6 I fonder, then Cephisus foolish child,
Who hauing vewed in a fountaine shere
8 His face, was with the loue thereof beguild;
I fonder loue a shade, the bodie farre exild.
1 "But wicked fortune mine, though mind be good, 2 Can have no end, nor hope of my desire, 3 But feed on shadows, while I die for food, 4 And like a shadow wax, while with entire
wax > grow, become entire > unreserved; inward (cf. e.g. 408.23:9); morally whole, blameless
5 Affection I do languish and expire. 6 I fonder than Cephissus' foolish child,
fonder > [am more foolish] Cephissus > (Father of Narcissus, a beautiful youth who became so enamoured of his own reflection in a pool that he gradually pined away and was metamorphosed into a flower; see Met. 3.339-510, DGDG 4.9-10)
7 Who, having viewed in a fountain sheer
sheer > pure, clear, translucent (of water)
8 His face, was with the love thereof beguiled; 9 I, fonder, love a shade, the body far exiled."
fonder > more foolish; or, without my parenthesis: more foolishly shade > spectre, ghost
302.45
Nought like (quoth she) for that same wretched boy
2 Was of himselfe the idle Paramoure;
Both loue and louer, without hope of ioy,
4 For which he faded to a watry flowre.
But better fortune thine, and better howre,
6 Which lou'st the shadow of a warlike knight;
No shadow, but a bodie hath in powre:
8 That bodie, wheresoeuer that it light,
May learned be by cyphers, or by Magicke might.
1 "Naught like," quoth she, "for that same wretched boy
Naught like > [Not at all is your case like Narcissus's]
2 Was of himself the idle paramour;
idle > weak-headed, futile
3 Both love and lover, without hope of joy, 4 For which he faded to a watery flower.
watery > vapid, wishy-washy; also, said of land or soil: moist and plashy, and so: growing by water (i.e. by the fountain; cf. 306.45:4)
5 But better fortune yours, and better hour,
hour > time
6 Which loves the shadow of a warlike knight;
shadow > shade, spectre
7 No shadow but a body has in power:
No shadow but a body has in power > [There is never a shadow without a physical body in control of it, i.e. casting it]
8 That body, wheresoever it light,
light > occurs, has its particular place
9 May learned be by ciphers, or by magic might.
ciphers > numbers, figures, hence: numerological means; or: deciphering occult writings
302.46
But if thou may with reason yet represse
2 The growing euill, ere it strength haue got,
And thee abandond wholly doe possesse,
4 Against it strongly striue, and yield thee not,
Till thou in open field adowne be smot.
6 But if the passion +mayster+ thy fraile might,
So that needs loue or death must be thy lot,
8 Then I auow to thee, by wrong or right
To compasse thy desire, and find that loued knight.
6 mayster > master 1609
1 "But if you may with reason yet repress 2 The growing evil, ere it strength have got, 3 And you, abandoned, wholly do possess,
do > [it (i.e. love) does]
4 Against it strongly strive, and yield you not,
strive > (Imperative mood) you > (Intensifying the imperative mood)
5 Till you in open field adown be smitten.
field > battle, field of battle (fig.) adown > down
6 But if the passion master your frail might,
might > strength
7 So that needs love or death must be your lot,
needs > of necessity, perforce
8 Then I avow to you, by wrong or right
avow > vow, take a vow
9 To compass your desire, and find that loved knight."
compass > accomplish, attain
302.47
Her chearefull words much cheard the feeble spright
2 Of the sicke virgin, that her downe she layd
In her warme bed to sleepe, if that she might;
4 And the old-woman carefully displayd
The clothes about her round with busie ayd;
6 So that at last a little creeping sleepe
Surprisd her sense: She therewith well apayd,
8 The drunken lampe downe in the oyle did steepe,
And set her by to watch, and set her by to weepe.
1 Her cheerful words much cheered the feeble spirit 2 Of the sick virgin, that her down she laid
that > [so that]
3 In her warm bed to sleep, if that she might;
that > [to sleep]
4 And the old woman carefully displayed
old woman > (A compound sb.; cf. "old man" at 209.55:5) displayed > spread out
5 The clothes about her round with busy aid;
about her round > [round about her; around her] busy > careful, solicitous
6 So that at last a little creeping sleep 7 Surprised her sense: she, therewith well apaid,
Surprised > Took hold of sense > senses; consciousness she > [Glauce] therewith > with that; thereupon apaid > pleased; satisfied
8 The drunken lamp down in the oil did steep,
lamp > [wick]
9 And sat her by to watch, and sat her by to weep.
her by > [by her]
302.48
Earely the morrow next, before that day
2 His ioyous face did to the world reueale,
They both vprose and tooke their readie way
4 Vnto the Church, their prayers to appeale,
With great deuotion, and with litle zeale:
6 For the faire Damzell from the holy herse
Her loue-sicke hart to other thoughts did steale;
8 And that old Dame said many an idle verse,
Out of her daughters hart fond fancies to reuerse.
1 Early the morrow next, before Day 2 His joyous face did to the world reveal, 3 They both uprose and took their ready way
ready > {Straight, direct; lying immediately before them}
4 To the church, their prayers to appeal,
appeal > address to a higher tribunal (i.e. God)
5 With great devotion, and with little zeal: 6 For the fair damsel from the holy hearse
hearse > dead body (i.e. that of Christ, and so the Christian faith); perhaps also: obsequy (cf. SC, "November", 60), and so: ceremony, service
7 Her lovesick heart to other thoughts did steal; 8 And that old dame said many an idle verse,
idle > futile
9 Out of her daughter's heart fond fancies to reverse.
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} fond > foolish reverse > remove; turn away
302.49
Returned home, the royall Infant fell
2 Into her former fit; for why, no powre
Nor guidance of her selfe in her did dwell.
4 But th'aged Nurse her calling to her bowre,
Had gathered Rew, and Sauine, and the flowre
6 Of +Camphora+, and Calamint, and Dill,
All which she in +a+ earthen Pot did poure,
8 And to the brim with Colt wood did it fill,
And many drops of milke and bloud through it did spill.
6 Camphora > Camphara 1596, 1609 7 a > an 1609
1 Returned home, the royal infant fell
infant > princess, infanta (used also of male heirs to the throne, as of Prince Arthur at 208.56:1 etc.)
2 Into her former fit; for why no power
for why > because
3 Nor guidance of herself in her did dwell. 4 But the aged nurse, her calling to her bower,
bower > room
5 Had gathered rue, and savin, and the flower
rue > (Ruta graveolens, a bitter evergreen shrub, a symbol of sorrow and repentance, called the "herb of grace" after the God- given grace that follows true repentance. It was used in the middle ages as a defence against magic; and was prescribed for a nervous heart, menstrual problems, etc. Rue was specifically not to be taken by pregnant women) savin > (Junipera sabina, a small evergreen shrub, the dried tops of which are abortifacient; cf. 207.52:5)
6 Of camphor, and calamint, and dill,
camphor > (The camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora, which yields a powerful and volatile oil used in many herbal preparations) calamint > (Calamintha spp., aromatic herbs of the thyme family, used, like the closely related mints, for nervousness, insomnia, etc.) dill > (Anetha graveolens, a herb of the parsley family, also used as a calming agent)
7 All which she in an earthen pot did pour, 8 And to the brim with colt wood did it fill,
colt wood > (Not in OED. Two explanations seem possible: (1) green wood ("colt" being an adj. meaning young, immature); or (2) the tough roots of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara, a herb of the dandelion family)
9 And many drops of milk and blood through it did spill.
milk and blood > (Traditionally used to propitiate Hecate, the three-headed goddess of the underworld associated with witchcraft and dreams) spill > disperse
302.50
Then taking thrise three haires from off her head,
2 Them trebly +breaded+ in a threefold lace,
And round about the pots mouth, bound the thread,
4 And after hauing whispered a space
Certaine sad words, with hollow voice and bace,
6 She to the virgin said, thrise said she it;
Come daughter come, come; spit vpon my face,
8 Spit thrise vpon me, thrise vpon me spit;
Th'vneuen number for this businesse is most fit.
2 breaded > braided 1609
1 Then, taking thrice three hairs from off her head, 2 Them trebly braided in a threefold lace,
Them > [She them] lace > thread
3 And round about the pot's mouth bound the thread, 4 And (after having whispered a space 5 Certain sad words, with hollow voice and base)
sad > solemn, heavy hollow voice and base > [a sepulchral and quiet voice]
6 She to the virgin said, thrice said she it: 7 "Come daughter come, come; spit upon my face,
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman}
8 Spit thrice upon me, thrice upon me spit; 9 The uneven number for this business is most fit!"
302.51
That sayd, her round about she from her turnd,
2 She turned her contrarie to the Sunne,
Thrise she her turnd contrary, and returnd,
4 All contrary, for she the right did shunne,
And euer what she did, was streight vndonne.
6 So thought she to vndoe her daughters loue:
But loue, that is in gentle brest begonne,
8 No idle charmes so lightly may remoue,
That well can witnesse, who by triall it does proue.
1 That said, her round about she from her turned, 2 She turned her contrary to the sun, 3 Thrice she her turned contrary, and returned, 4 All contrary, for she the right did shun, 5 And ever what she did was straight undone.
straight > straightway
6 So thought she to undo her daughter's love: 7 But love that is in gentle breast begun,
gentle > noble, high-born
8 No idle charms so lightly may remove,
idle > foolish, weak-headed; empty
9 That well can witness, who by trial it does prove.
well > [one well] prove > experience, confirm by personal experience; test
302.52
Ne ought it mote the noble Mayd auayle,
2 Ne slake the furie of her cruell flame,
But that she still did waste, and still did wayle,
4 That through long +languour+, and hart-burning brame
She shortly like a pyned ghost became,
6 Which long hath waited by the Stygian strond.
That when old Glauce saw, for feare least blame
8 Of her miscarriage should in her be fond,
She wist not how t'amend, nor how it to withstond.
4 languour > laugour 1596
1 Nor aught it might the noble maid avail, 2 Nor slake the fury of her cruel flame, 3 But she still did waste, and still did wail,
still > yet; continually
4 That through long languor and heart-burning brame
That > [So that] languor > languor, lassitude; amorous pining brame > longing (?from the Italian brama; WU)
5 She shortly like a pined ghost became,
pined > wasted, hence: insubstantial; also: mourning
6 Which long has waited by the Stygian strand.
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the river across which dead souls must pass. See Aen. 6.312 ff.} strand > shore
7 That when old Glauce saw, for fear lest blame
blame > blame; [a] charge, accusation
8 Of her miscarriage should in her be found,
miscarriage > mismanagement [of her ward]
9 She wist not how to amend, nor how it to withstand.
wist > knew
Merlin bewrayes to Britomart,
2 the state of +Artegall+.
And shewes the famous Progeny
4 which from them springen shall.
2 Artegall > Arthegall 1590
1 Merlin bewrays to Britomart
bewrays > reveals
2 the state of Artegall,
state > {Condition or state in life; marital status}
3 And shows the famous progeny 4 which from them spring shall.
303.1
+MOst+ sacred fire, that burnest mightily
2 In liuing brests, ykindled first aboue,
Emongst th'eternall spheres and lamping sky,
4 And thence pourd into men, which men call Loue;
Not that same, which doth base affections moue
6 In brutish minds, and filthy lust inflame,
But that sweet fit, that doth true beautie loue,
8 And choseth vertue for his dearest Dame,
Whence spring all noble deeds and neuer dying fame:
1 MOst > OH 1609
1 Most sacred fire, that burn mightily 2 In living breasts, kindled first above, 3 Amongst the eternal spheres and lamping sky,
lamping > flashing; resplendent
4 And thence poured into men, which men call Love; 5 Not that same, which does base affections move
affections > emotions (esp. strong emotions, as passion, lust, etc.) move > actuate, excite
6 In brutish minds, and filthy lust inflame, 7 But that sweet fit that does true beauty love, 8 And chooses virtue for his dearest dame, 9 Whence spring all noble deeds and never-dying fame:
303.2
Well did Antiquitie a God thee deeme,
2 That ouer mortall minds hast so great might,
To order them, as best to thee doth seeme,
4 And all their actions to direct aright;
The fatall purpose of diuine foresight,
6 Thou doest effect in destined descents,
Through deepe impression of thy secret might,
8 And stirredst vp th'Heroes high intents,
Which the late world admyres for wondrous moniments.
1 Well did antiquity a god you deem,
antiquity > ancient times (esp. of the Greeks and Romans); ancient records
2 That over mortal minds have so great might,
so > such
3 To order them as best to you does seem, 4 And all their actions to direct aright; 5 The fatal purpose of divine foresight
fatal > preordained, predestined
6 You do effect in destined descents,
descents > {Lineages, lines of family descent}
7 Through deep impression of your secret might, 8 And stirred up the heroes' high intents,
intents > endeavours
9 Which the late world admires for wondrous monuments.
late > recent [compared with antiquity] and hence: modern monuments > monuments; also: evidence [of Love's paramountcy]
303.3
But thy +dread+ darts in none doe triumph more,
2 Ne brauer proofe in any, of thy powre
Shew'dst thou, then in this royall Maid of yore,
4 Making her seeke an vnknowne Paramoure,
From the worlds end, through many a bitter stowre:
6 From whose two loynes thou afterwards did rayse
Most famous fruits of matrimoniall bowre,
8 Which through the earth haue spred their liuing prayse,
That fame in trompe of gold eternally displayes.
1 dread > dredd 1590; drad 1609
1 But your dread darts in none do triumph more,
darts > [Cupid's arrows]
2 Nor braver proof in any, of your power
braver > more splendid
3 Showed you, than in this royal maid of yore,
yore > old, olden times
4 Making her seek an unknown paramour, 5 From the world's end, through many a bitter stour:
stour > {Peril, conflict, time of turmoil or distress}
6 From whose two loins you afterwards did raise 7 Most famous fruits of matrimonial bower,
bower > bed-chamber
8 Which through the earth have spread their living praise,
praise > praiseworthiness, virtue; hence: qualities, worth
9 That fame in trump of gold eternally displays.
trump > trumpet; trumpet-note displays > describes; makes manifest, makes a show of; spreads out, hence: blazons forth, broadcasts
303.4
Begin then, {o^} my dearest sacred Dame,
2 Daughter of Ph{oe}bus and of Memorie,
+That+ doest ennoble with immortall name
4 The warlike Worthies, from antiquitie,
In thy great volume of Eternitie:
6 Begin, {o^} Clio, and recount from hence
My glorious Soueraines goodly +auncestrie+,
8 Till that by dew degrees and long +protense+,
Thou haue it lastly brought vnto her Excellence.
3 That > Thou 1590 7 auncestrie > auncestie 1596 8 protense > pretence 1596
1 Begin then, O my dearest sacred dame,
my dearest sacred dame > (Clio, the Muse of history; cf. 100.2:1)
2 Daughter of Phoebus and of Memory,
Phoebus > (The god of music and poetry, who is also sometimes described as the leader of the choir of Muses and is thus called "Musagetes". According to Myth. 4.10, the Muses are the children of Apollo rather than of Jupiter)
3 That do ennoble with immortal name 4 The warlike Worthies, from antiquity,
Worthies > (The nine Worthies comprise (to quote Dryden) "three Jews": Joshua, David, and Judas Maccabeus; "three pagans": Hector, Alexander, and Julius Caesar; and "three Christian knights": Arthur, Charlemagne, and Godfrey of Bouillon. Spenser may also be referring to either or both of the two sets of British worthies: nine privy councillors to William III, including Lord Pembroke; or the Nine Worthies of London (see The Seven Champions of Christendom by Richard Johnson, 1592)) antiquity > ancient times
5 In your great volume of Eternity: 6 Begin, O Clio, and recount from hence 7 My glorious sovereign's goodly ancestry,
goodly > fine, elevated
8 Till, by due degrees and long protension,
protension > extent, duration
9 You have it lastly brought to Her Excellence.
lastly > finally Her Excellence > Her Excellency [Queen Elizabeth]
303.5
Full many wayes within her troubled mind,
2 Old Glauce cast, to cure this Ladies griefe:
Full many waies she sought, but none could find,
4 Nor herbes, nor charmes, nor counsell, that is chiefe
And choisest med'cine for sicke harts reliefe:
6 For thy great care she tooke, and greater feare,
Least that it should her turne to foule repriefe,
8 And sore reproch, when so her father deare
Should of his dearest daughters hard misfortune heare.
1 Full many ways within her troubled mind
Full > Very, exceedingly
2 Old Glauce cast to cure this lady's grief:
cast > deliberated, contrived; resolved, planned grief > pain
3 Full many ways she sought, but none could find, 4 Nor herbs, nor charms, nor counsel (that is chief
Nor > Neither
5 And choicest medicine for sick hearts' relief): 6 For-thy great care she took, and greater fear,
For-thy > Therefore, for this reason
7 Lest it should her turn to foul reproof,
reproof > reproof, scorn; shame, disgrace
8 And sore reproach, whenso her father dear
whenso > whenever her father dear > [King Ryence]
9 Should of his dearest daughter's hard misfortune hear.
303.6
At last she her +auisd+, that he, which made
2 That mirrhour, wherein the sicke Damosell
So straungely vewed her straunge louers shade,
4 To weet, the learned Merlin, well could tell,
Vnder what coast of heauen the man did dwell,
6 And by what meanes his loue might best be wrought:
For though beyond the Africk Ismaell,
8 Or th'Indian Peru he were, she thought
Him forth through infinite endeuour to haue sought.
1 auisd > aduis'd 1609; cf. 402.22:7
1 At last she her advised that he who made
her advised > bethought herself, reflected, recalled
2 That mirror (wherein the sick damsel
mirror > magic glass, crystal ball
3 So strangely viewed her strange lover's shade),
strange > {Foreign, not of this region} shade > spectre
4 To wit, the learned Merlin, well could tell
tell > [relate]
5 Under what coast of heaven the man did dwell,
coast > tract, region
6 And by what means his love might best be wrought: 7 For though beyond the African Ismael,
African Ismael > (The north African territories of the Arabs or of
Mohameddans generally, who were held to be descendants of
Ishmael)
8 Or the Indian Peru he were, she thought
Indian > (America was thought to be India; like "the Africk
Ismael", it was an outpost of the known world. Cf. 200.2:6)
9 Him forth through infinite endeavour to have sought.
303.7
Forthwith themselues disguising both in straunge
2 And base attyre, that none might them bewray,
To Maridunum, that is now by chaunge
4 Of name Cayr-Merdin cald, they tooke their way:
There the wise Merlin whylome wont (they say)
6 To make his wonne, low vnderneath the ground,
In a deepe delue, farre from the vew of day,
8 That of no liuing wight he mote be found,
When so he counseld with his sprights encompast round.
1 Forthwith, themselves disguising both in strange 2 And base attire, that none might them bewray,
that > [so that] bewray > reveal, make known; betray
3 To Maridunum, that is now by change 4 Of name Caer-merdin called, they took their way:
Caer-merdin > (Carmarthen, in Wales; the traditional birthplace of
Merlin)
5 There the wise Merlin whilom wont (they say)
wise > {Sage; skilled in magic arts} whilom > formerly, of old wont > was accustomed they > (The chroniclers, e.g. Geoffrey of Monmouth in HRB 6.17)
6 To make his wone, low underneath the ground,
wone > abode, dwelling-place
7 In a deep delve, far from the view of day,
delve > pit, depression; ?cave (cf. 303.8:3, 207.0:1, 401.20:4)
8 That of no living wight he might be found,
That > [So that] of > by wight > person, creature
9 Whenso he counselled with his sprites encompassed round.
Whenso > Whenever counselled > deliberated; gave advice, took advice
303.8
And if thou euer happen that same way
2 To trauell, goe to see that dreadfull place:
It is an hideous hollow caue (they say)
4 Vnder a rocke that lyes a litle space
From the swift Barry, tombling downe apace,
6 Emongst the woodie hilles of Dyneuowre:
But dare thou not, I charge, in any cace,
8 To enter into that same balefull Bowre,
For fear the cruell Feends should thee vnwares deuowre.
1 And if you ever happen that same way 2 To travel, go to see that dreadful place: 3 It is a hideous hollow cave (they say)
hideous > huge
4 Under a rock that lies a little space 5 From the swift Barry, tumbling down apace,
apace > rapidly
6 Amongst the woody hills of Dynevor: 7 But dare you not, I charge, in any case, 8 To enter into that same baleful bower,
baleful > deadly, miserable bower > chamber
9 For fear the cruel fiends should you unwares devour.
unwares > suddenly; unexpectedly
303.9
But standing high aloft, low lay thine eare,
2 And there such ghastly noise of yron chaines,
And brasen Caudrons thou shalt rombling heare,
4 Which thousand sprights with long enduring paines
Doe tosse, that it will stonne thy feeble braines,
6 And oftentimes great grones, and grieuous stounds,
When too huge toile and labour them constraines:
8 And oftentimes loud strokes, and ringing sounds
From vnder that deepe Rocke most horribly rebounds.
1 But, standing high aloft, low lay your ear, 2 And there such ghastly noise of iron chains
ghastly > {Frightful, evoking terror of the supernatural}
3 And brazen cauldrons you shall rumbling hear 4 (Which thousand sprites with long enduring pains
thousand > [a thousand]
5 Do toss) that it will stun your feeble brains;
stun > stun; or: stone: petrify
6 And oftentimes great groans, and grievous stounds,
stounds > roars
7 When too huge toil and labour them constrain:
constrain > afflict, distress (with implied restriction of liberty)
8 And oftentimes loud strokes, and ringing sounds
oftentimes > frequently
9 From under that deep rock most horribly rebound.
303.10
The cause some say is this: A litle while
2 Before that Merlin dyde, he did intend,
A brasen wall in compas to compile
4 About Cairmardin, and did it commend
Vnto these Sprights, to bring to perfect end.
6 During which worke the Ladie of the Lake,
Whom long he lou'd, for him in hast did send,
8 Who thereby forst his workemen to forsake,
Them bound till his returne, their labour not to slake.
1 The cause, some say, is this: a little while 2 Before Merlin died, he did intend 3 A brazen wall in compass to compile
in compass to compile > to build in a circle
4 About Caer-merdin, and did it commend
it > [the project] commend > entrust, commit
5 To these sprites to bring to perfect end. 6 During which work the Lady of the Lake 7 (Whom long he loved) for him in haste did send, 8 Who, thereby forced his workmen to forsake, 9 Them bound, till his return, their labour not to slake.
slake > abate, slacken
303.11
In the meane time through that false Ladies traine,
2 He was surprisd, and buried vnder beare,
Ne euer to his worke returnd againe:
4 Nath'lesse those feends may not their worke forbeare,
So greatly his commaundement they feare,
6 But there doe toyle and trauell day and night,
Vntill that brasen wall they vp doe reare:
8 For Merlin had in Magicke more insight,
Then euer him before or after liuing wight.
1 In the mean time, through that false lady's train,
train > treachery, deceit
2 He was surprised, and buried under bier,
surprised > captured unexpectedly, ensnared under bier > under a bier [underground, in a tomb]; or: in a sepulchre ("bier" sometimes taking this meaning by transference)
3 Nor ever to his work returned again: 4 Natheless those fiends may not their work forbear,
Natheless > Nevertheless
5 So greatly his commandment they fear,
commandment > authority; control
6 But there do toil and travail day and night, 7 Until that brazen wall they up do rear: 8 For Merlin had in magic more insight, 9 Than ever him before or after living wight.
wight > man, person
303.12
For he by words could call out of the sky
2 Both Sunne and Moone, and make them him obay:
The land to sea, and sea to maineland dry,
4 And darkesome night he eke could turne to day:
Huge hostes of men he could alone dismay,
6 And hostes of men of meanest things could frame,
When so him list his enimies to fray:
8 That to this day for terror of his fame,
The feends do quake, when any him to them does name.
1 For he by words could call out of the sky 2 Both sun and moon, and make them him obey: 3 The land to sea, and sea to mainland dry, 4 And darksome night he eke could turn to day:
eke > also
5 Huge hosts of men he could alone dismay,
hosts > armies alone > acting by himself; hence: unaided, single-handedly dismay > defeat
6 And hosts of men of meanest things could frame,
frame > make, fashion
7 Whenso him list his enemies to fray:
Whenso > Whenever him list > it pleased him, he chose fray > frighten; assault, attack
8 That to this day, for terror of his fame,
That > [So that] fame > evil reputation
9 The fiends do quake when any him to them does name.
any > anyone
303.13
And sooth, men say that he was not the sonne
2 Of mortall Syre, or other liuing wight,
But wondrously begotten, and begonne
4 By false illusion of a guilefull Spright,
On a faire Ladie Nonne, that whilome hight
6 Matilda, daughter to Pubidius,
Who was the Lord of Mathrauall by right,
8 And coosen vnto king Ambrosius:
Whence he indued was with skill so maruellous.
1 And sooth, men say that he was not the son
sooth > truly, in truth
2 Of mortal sire, or other living wight,
sire > father wight > creature
3 But wondrously begotten, and begun
begun > brought into being
4 By false illusion of a guileful sprite,
sprite > (See HRB 6.18)
5 On a fair lady nun, that whilom hight
whilom > formerly, of old hight > was named
6 Matilda, daughter to Pubidius,
Matilda > "Might of Battle" (Teutonic); also: "Noble or honourable Lady of Maids" (Camden (1605) noted by Hamilton (1980); this name and that of Pubidius do not occur in HRB)
7 Who was the Lord of Matraval by right,
Matraval > (One of the ancient divisions of Wales)
8 And cousin to King Ambrosius:
cousin > kinsman
9 Whence he endued was with skill so marvellous.
skill > skill; knowledge, science
303.14
They here ariuing, staid a while without,
2 Ne durst aduenture rashly in to wend,
But of their first intent gan make new dout
4 For dread of daunger, which it might portend:
Vntill the hardie Mayd (with loue to frend)
6 First entering, the dreadfull Mage there found
Deepe busied bout worke of wondrous end,
8 And writing strange characters in the ground,
With which the stubborn feends he to his seruice bound.
1 They, here arriving, stayed awhile without,
without > outside
2 Nor dared adventure rashly in to wend,
adventure > [to] venture, take the chance of
3 But of their first intent gan make new doubt
intent > intention, notion gan > did
4 For dread of danger, which it might portend: 5 Until the hardy maid (with love to friend),
to > as a
6 First entering, the dreadful mage there found
mage > magician
7 Deep busied about work of wondrous end,
end > purpose
8 And writing strange characters in the ground, 9 With which the stubborn fiends he to his service bound.
stubborn > intractable
303.15
He nought was moued at their entrance bold:
2 For of their comming well he wist afore,
Yet list them bid their businesse +to+ vnfold,
4 As if ought in this world in secret store
Were from him hidden, or vnknowne of yore.
6 Then Glauce thus, +let+ not it thee offend,
That we thus rashly through thy darkesome dore,
8 Vnwares haue prest: for either fatall end,
Or other mightie cause vs two did hither send.
3 to > omitted from 1609 6 let > Let 1609
1 He naught was moved at their entrance bold: 2 For of their coming well he wist afore,
wist > knew afore > previously
3 Yet list them bid their business to unfold,
list > [he] chose, it pleased [him]
4 As if aught in this world in secret store 5 Were from him hidden, or unknown of yore.
yore > old
6 Then Glauce thus: "Let not it you offend, 7 That we thus rashly through your darksome door
rashly > suddenly; rashly
8 Unwares have pressed: for either fatal end
Unwares > Unexpectedly pressed > {To "press" is to push one's way boldly or impetuously into another's presence, to intrude} fatal > [a] preordained, predestined end > purpose
9 Or other mighty cause us two did hither send."
303.16
He bad tell on; And then she thus began.
2 Now haue three Moones with borrow'd brothers light,
Thrice shined faire, and thrice seem'd dim and wan,
4 Sith a sore euill, which this virgin bright
Tormenteth, and doth plonge in dolefull plight,
6 First rooting tooke; but what thing it mote bee,
Or whence it sprong, I cannot read aright:
8 But this I read, that but if remedee,
Thou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.
1 He bade tell on; and then she thus began: 2 "Now have three moons with borrowed brother's light
brother > [the sun]
3 Thrice shined fair, and thrice seemed dim and wan, 4 Sith a sore evil, which this virgin bright
Sith > Since sore > grievous (adj.); sore (sb.: see 302.39:6) evil > malady, misfortune (sb.); or, if "sore" is taken as a sb.: evil (adj.) bright > beautiful
5 Torments, and does plunge in doleful plight, 6 First rooting took; but what thing it might be, 7 Or whence it sprang, I cannot read aright:
read > declare
8 But this I read, that but if remedy
but if > [if no, unless]
9 You her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see."
full > very
303.17
Therewith th'Enchaunter softly gan to smyle
2 At her smooth speeches, weeting inly well,
That she to him dissembled womanish guyle,
4 And to her said, Beldame, by that ye tell,
More need of leach-craft hath your Damozell,
6 Then of my skill: who helpe may haue elsewhere,
In vaine seekes wonders out of Magicke spell.
8 Th'old woman wox half blanck, those words to heare;
And yet was loth to let her purpose plaine appeare.
1 Therewith the enchanter softly began to smile
Therewith > With that; thereupon
2 At her smooth speeches, weeting inly well
weeting > knowing, understanding inly > inwardly
3 That she to him dissembled womanish guile, 4 And to her said, "Beldam, by that you tell,
Beldam > (Respectful form of address to an elderly woman) that > [that which]
5 More need of leechcraft has your damsel
leechcraft > medicine, medical science
6 Than of my skill: who help may have elsewhere,
skill > skill; knowledge, science, occult powers who > [he who, whoever]
7 In vain seeks wonders out of magic spell." 8 The old woman waxed half blank, those words to hear;
waxed > grew blank > nonplussed; white, pale
9 And yet was loath to let her purpose plain appear.
303.18
And to him said, If any leaches skill,
2 Or other learned meanes could haue redrest
This my deare daughters deepe engraffed ill,
4 Certes I should be loth thee to molest:
But this sad euill, which doth her infest,
6 Doth course of naturall cause farre exceed,
And housed is within her hollow brest,
8 That either seemes some cursed witches deed,
Or euill spright, that in her doth such torment breed.
1 And to him said, "If any leech's skill
leech's > doctor's skill > skill; knowledge, science
2 Or other learned means could have redressed
redressed > remedied
3 This my dear daughter's deep engrafted ill,
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} engrafted > implanted, firmly inset (as 302.17:5) ill > malady
4 Certes I should be loath you to molest:
Certes > Assuredly molest > annoy; put to inconvenience
5 But this sad evil, which does her infest,
sad > heavy; sad; grievous evil > malady, misfortune
6 Does course of natural cause far exceed, 7 And housed is within her hollow breast,
hollow > ?vacant (cf. 302.32:7)
8 That either seems some cursed witch's deed, 9 Or evil sprite, that in her does such torment breed."
303.19
The wisard could no +lenger+ beare her bord,
2 But brusting forth in laughter, to her sayd;
Glauce, what needs this colourable word,
4 To cloke the cause, that hath it selfe bewrayd?
Ne ye faire Britomartis, thus arayd,
6 More hidden are, then Sunne in cloudy vele;
Whom thy good fortune, hauing fate obayd,
8 Hath hither brought, for succour to appele:
The which the powres to thee are pleased to reuele.
1 lenger > longer 1609
1 The wizard could no longer bear her board,
board > speech, address (from the vb. "to board", to accost, assail, make advances to)
2 But, bursting forth in laughter, to her said: 3 "Glauce, what needs this colourable word,
needs > [need is there of] colourable > specious word > speech
4 To cloak the cause that has itself bewrayed?
bewrayed > revealed, betrayed
5 Nor you, fair Britomart, thus arrayed, 6 More hidden are, than sun in cloudy veil; 7 Whom your good fortune, having fate obeyed, 8 Has hither brought, for succour to appeal: 9 Which the powers to you are pleased to reveal."
303.20
The doubtfull Mayd, seeing her selfe descryde,
2 Was all abasht, and her pure yuory
Into a cleare Carnation suddeine dyde;
4 As faire Aurora rising hastily,
Doth by her blushing tell, that she did lye
6 All night in old Tithonus frosen bed,
Whereof she seemes ashamed inwardly.
8 But her old Nourse was nought dishartened,
But vauntage made of that, which Merlin had ared.
1 The doubtful maid, seeing herself descried,
doubtful > fearful, apprehensive descried > made known, revealed, discovered; seen through
2 Was all abashed, and her pure ivory 3 Into a clear carnation sudden dyed; 4 As fair Aurora, rising hastily, 5 Does by her blushing tell that she did lie 6 All night in old Tithonus' frozen bed, 7 Whereof she seems ashamed inwardly. 8 But her old nurse was naught disheartened, 9 But vantage made of that which Merlin had aread.
vantage > advantage aread > divined; declared
303.21
And sayd, Sith then thou knowest all our griefe,
2 (For what doest not thou know?) of grace I pray,
Pitty our plaint, and yield vs meet reliefe.
4 With that the Prophet still awhile did stay,
And then his spirite thus gan forth display;
6 Most noble Virgin, that by fatall lore
Hast learn'd to loue, let no whit thee dismay
8 The hard begin, that meets thee in the +dore,+
And with sharpe fits thy tender hart oppresseth sore.
8 dore, > dore. 1596
1 And said, "Sith then you know all our grief
Sith > Since grief > suffering, pain
2 (For what do not you know?), of grace I pray,
of grace > as a favour
3 Pity our plaint, and yield us meet relief."
plaint > {Lamentation, complaint; statement of grievance made in seeking redress} meet > fitting
4 With that the prophet still awhile did stay,
still awhile did stay > (Two interpretations are possible: (1) "motionless (or quiet) awhile did remain"; (2) "yet awhile did hold back" [delay putting them out of their misery])
5 And then his spirit thus gan forth display:
gan > did display > unfold, expound [a tale]
6 "Most noble virgin, that by fatal lore
fatal lore > predestined command; preordained doctrine
7 Has learned to love, let no whit you dismay 8 The hard beginning that meets you in the door,
in the door > [at the outset]
9 And with sharp fits your tender heart oppresses sore.
303.22
For so must all things excellent begin,
2 And eke enrooted deepe must be that Tree,
Whose big embodied braunches shall not lin,
4 Till they to heauens hight forth stretched bee.
For from thy wombe a famous Progenie
6 Shall spring, out of the auncient Troian blood,
Which shall reuiue the sleeping memorie
8 Of those same antique Peres, the heauens brood,
Which +Greeke+ and Asian riuers stained with their blood.
9 Greeke > Greece 1596, 1609
1 "For so must all things excellent begin, 2 And eke enrooted deep must be that tree
eke > also, moreover
3 Whose big embodied branches shall not lin
embodied > {Consisting of human bodies; it is the family tree whose scion will be Elizabeth} lin > cease, desist (see 210.2:5)
4 Till they to heaven's height forth stretched be. 5 For from your womb a famous progeny 6 Shall spring, out of the ancient Trojan blood,
Trojan > (See 210.9:6 ff., 309.38 ff.)
7 Which shall revive the sleeping memory 8 Of those same antique peers, the heavens' brood,
antique > ancient peers > nobles brood > offspring; race
9 Which Greek and Asian rivers stained with their blood.
303.23
Renowmed kings, and sacred Emperours,
2 Thy fruitfull Ofspring, shall from thee descend;
Braue Captaines, and most mighty warriours,
4 That shall their conquests through all lands extend,
And their decayed kingdomes shall amend:
6 The feeble Britons, broken with long warre,
They shall vpreare, and mightily defend
8 Against their forrein foe, that comes from farre,
Till vniuersall peace compound all ciuill iarre.
1 "Renowned kings, and sacred emperors,
sacred > {Commonly used (-1590) as an epithet of royalty; also, here, specifically because Britomart's lineage can be traced back to Aeneas, whose father, Anchises, was a mortal, and whose mother, Venus, was a goddess}
2 Your fruitful offspring, shall from you descend; 3 Brave captains, and most mighty warriors, 4 That shall their conquests through all lands extend 5 And their decayed kingdoms shall amend:
amend > repair, restore
6 The feeble Britons, broken with long war, 7 They shall uprear, and mightily defend 8 Against their foreign foe, that comes from far,
their foreign foe > [the Spanish; or Roman Catholics in general]
9 Till universal peace compound all civil jar.
compound > settle jar > discord
303.24
It was not, Britomart, thy wandring eye,
2 Glauncing vnwares in charmed looking glas,
But the streight course of heauenly destiny,
4 Led with eternall prouidence, that has
Guided thy glaunce, to bring his will to pas:
6 Ne is thy fate, ne is thy fortune ill,
To loue the prowest knight, that euer was.
8 Therefore submit thy wayes vnto his will,
And do by all dew meanes thy destiny fulfill.
1 "It was not, Britomart, your wandering eye, 2 Glancing unwares in charmed looking-glass,
unwares > unwittingly looking-glass > magic glass, crystal ball
3 But the straight course of heavenly destiny,
straight > straight; or: strait: strict, narrow, confining
4 Led with eternal providence, that has 5 Guided your glance, to bring His will to pass: 6 Nor is your fate, nor is your fortune ill,
ill > bad, evil
7 To love the prowest knight that ever was.
prowest > bravest
8 Therefore submit your ways to His will,
His > (Or: his, meaning Artegall's)
9 And do by all due means your destiny fulfil."
303.25
But read (said Glauce) thou Magitian
2 What meanes shall she out seeke, or what wayes take?
How shall she know, how shall she find the man?
4 Or what needs her to toyle, sith fates can make
Way for themselues, their purpose to partake?
6 Then Merlin thus; Indeed the fates are firme,
And may not shrinck, though all the world do shake:
8 Yet ought mens good endeuours them confirme,
And guide the heauenly causes to their constant terme.
1 "But read," said Glauce, "you magician,
read > make known, declare
2 What means shall she out seek, or what ways take?
out seek > [seek out]
3 How shall she know, how shall she find the man? 4 Or what needs her to toil, sith fates can make
what needs > [why is it necessary for] sith > since
5 Way for themselves, their purpose to partake?"
partake > ?accomplish (this sense not in OED)
6 Then Merlin thus: "Indeed the fates are firm, 7 And may not shrink, though all the world do shake:
shrink > {Shrink back with fear; cf. 107.45:7, 212.29:7}
8 Yet ought men's good endeavours them confirm, 9 And guide the heavenly causes to their constant term.
constant > fixed term > object, end
303.26
The man whom heauens haue ordaynd to bee
2 The spouse of Britomart, is Arthegall:
He wonneth in the land of Fayeree,
4 Yet is no Fary borne, ne sib at all
To Elfes, but sprong of seed terrestriall,
6 And whilome by false Faries stolne away,
Whiles yet in infant cradle he did crall;
8 Ne other to himselfe is knowne this day,
But that he by an Elfe was gotten of a Fay.
1 "The man whom heavens have ordained to be
heavens > [the heavens]
2 The spouse of Britomart is Artegall: 3 He wons in the land of Faery,
wons > lives
4 Yet is no Faery born, nor sib at all
sib > kinsman
5 To Elves, but sprung of seed terrestrial,
seed terrestrial > earthly offspring, mortals
6 And whilom by false Faeries stolen away,
whilom > formerly, of old
7 While yet in infant cradle he did crawl; 8 Ne other to himself is known this day,
Ne other > (Nor any other [version of events]; cf. 110.65-6)
9 But that he by an Elf was gotten of a fay.
gotten > begotten fay > fairy, Faery
303.27
But sooth he is the sonne of Gorlois,
2 And brother vnto Cador Cornish king,
And for his warlike feates renowmed is,
4 From where the day out of the sea doth spring,
Vntill the closure of the Euening.
6 From thence, him firmely bound with faithfull band,
To this his natiue soyle thou backe shalt bring,
8 Strongly to aide his countrey, to withstand
The powre of forrein Paynims, which inuade thy land.
1 "But sooth he is the son of Gorlois,
sooth > in truth
Gorlois > (Duke of Tintagel, in Cornwall; husband of the Lady Igerna
who, after his death, married Uther Pendragon, the father of
Arthur)
2 And brother to Cador, Cornish king,
Cador > (According to HRB (9.1, 9.5), Cador helped Arthur in defeating the Saxons)
3 And for his warlike feats renowned is, 4 From where the day out of the sea does spring, 5 Until the closure of the evening.
closure > conclusion (i.e. he is renowned from east to west)
6 From thence, him firmly bound with faithful bond,
thence > [Faery Land] faithful bond > [a bond of faith]
7 To this his native soil you back shall bring, 8 Strongly to aid his country, to withstand 9 The power of foreign paynims, which invade your land.
paynims > pagans, heathens
303.28
Great aid thereto his mighty puissaunce,
2 And dreaded name shall giue in that sad day:
Where also proofe of thy prow valiaunce
4 Thou then shalt make, t'increase thy louers pray.
Long time ye both in armes shall beare great sway,
6 Till thy wombes burden thee from them do call,
And his last fate him from thee take away,
8 Too rathe cut off by practise criminall
Of secret foes, that him shall make in mischiefe fall.
1 "Great aid thereto his mighty puissance
thereto > in that purpose puissance > power, strength
2 And dreaded name shall give in that sad day: 3 Where also proof of your prow valiance
prow > doughty
4 You then shall make, to increase your lover's prey.
prey > plunder, spoils
5 Long time you both in arms shall bear great sway,
arms > {Feats of arms}
6 Till your womb's burden you from them do call,
them > ["armes"]
7 And his last fate him from you take away,
last fate > [death]
8 Too rathe cut off by practice criminal
Too rathe > Too soon, before his natural time practice > conspiracy, collusion; treachery
9 Of secret foes, that him shall make in mischief fall.
mischief > disaster; evil
303.29
+With+ thee yet shall he leaue for memory
2 Of his late puissaunce, his Image dead,
That liuing him in all actiuity
4 To thee shall represent. He from the head
Of his coosin Constantius without dread
6 Shall take the crowne, that was his fathers right,
And therewith crowne himselfe in th'others stead:
8 Then shall he issew forth with dreadfull might,
Against his Saxon foes in bloudy field to fight.
1 With > Where 1596, 1609
1 "With you yet shall he leave, for memory
for memory > as a memorial
2 Of his late puissance, his image dead,
puissance > power, strength his image dead > [the image of his dead self]
3 That, living, him in all activity 4 To you shall represent. He from the head
represent > bring clearly to mind; re-present, present again He > (Presumably, Aurelius Conan)
5 Of his cousin Constantine without dread
cousin > relative; hence: uncle Constantine > (Cador's son; he succeeded Arthur, but was soon killed by his nephew, Aurelius Conan. See HRB 11.2, 11.4)
6 Shall take the crown that was his father's right, 7 And therewith crown himself in the other's stead:
therewith > with that stead > place
8 Then shall he issue forth with dreadful might, 9 Against his Saxon foes in bloody field to fight.
Saxon > (First mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, the Saxons were originally inhabitants of the lower Elbe Valley. They were a warlike people who spread mainly to the south and west; they landed in Britain in 449. By the end of the sixth century they had conquered most of NW Europe. With the Angles and the Jutes they established the beginnings of Anglo-Saxon culture in England) field > battle; field of battle
303.30
Like as a Lyon, that in drowsie caue
2 Hath long time slept, himselfe so shall he shake,
And comming forth, shall spred his banner braue
4 Ouer the troubled South, that it shall make
The warlike Mertians for feare to quake:
6 Thrise shall he fight with them, and twise shall win,
But the third time shall faire accordaunce make:
8 And if he then with victorie can lin,
He shall his dayes with peace bring to his earthly In.
1 "Like a lion that in drowsy cave 2 Has long time slept, himself so shall he shake, 3 And, coming forth, shall spread his banner brave
brave > splendid; brave
4 Over the troubled south, that it shall make
that > [so that]
5 The warlike Mercians for fear to quake:
Mercians > (Mercia was an ancient kingdom of central southern
England)
6 Thrice shall he fight with them, and twice shall win, 7 But the third time shall fair accordance make:
accordance > harmony; agreement
8 And if he then with victory can lin,
lin > desist [from fighting]
9 He shall his days with peace bring to his earthly inn.
303.31
His sonne, hight Vortipore, shall him succeede
2 In kingdome, but not in felicity;
Yet shall he long time warre with happy speed,
4 And with great honour many battels try:
But at the last to th'importunity
6 Of froward fortune shall be forst to yield.
But his sonne Malgo shall full mightily
8 Auenge his fathers losse, with speare and shield,
And his proud foes discomfit in victorious field.
1 "His son, hight Vortipore, shall him succeed
hight > named
2 In kingdom, but not in felicity;
In kingdom > [As king]
3 Yet shall he long time war with happy speed,
happy > fortunate speed > success, profit
4 And with great honour many battles try:
try > undergo, experience; attempt
5 But at the last to the importunity 6 Of froward fortune shall be forced to yield.
froward > perverse; adverse; evilly disposed
7 But his son Malgo shall full mightily
full > very, exceedingly
8 Avenge his father's loss, with spear and shield, 9 And his proud foes discomfit in victorious field.
field > battle; field of battle
303.32
Behold the man, and tell me Britomart,
2 If ay more goodly creature thou didst see;
How like a Gyaunt in each manly part
4 Beares he himselfe with portly maiestee,
That one of th'old Heroes seemes to bee:
6 He the six Islands, comprouinciall
In auncient times vnto great Britainee,
8 Shall to the same reduce, and to him call
Their sundry kings to do their homage seuerall.
1 "Behold the man, and tell me, Britomart,
the man > [Malgo; Spenser diplomatically ignores his sexual habits]
2 If ay more goodly creature you did see;
ay > ever goodly > handsome
3 How like a giant in each manly part 4 Bears he himself with portly majesty,
portly > stately, magnificent; dignified, imposing
5 That one of the old heroes seems to be:
That > [So that] seems > [he seems]
6 He the Six Islands, comprovincial
the Six Islands > (Ireland, Iceland, Gotland, the Orkneys, Norway, Denmark) comprovincial > {Belonging to the same province}
7 In ancient times to Great Britain, 8 Shall to the same reduce, and to him call
reduce > bring back (Latin reducere)
9 Their sundry kings to do their homage several.
several > [individual, different; variously]
303.33
All which his sonne Careticus awhile
2 Shall well defend, and Saxons powre suppresse,
Vntill a straunger king from +vnknowne+ soyle
4 Arriuing, him with multitude oppresse;
Great Gormond, hauing with huge mightinesse
6 Ireland subdewd, and therein fixt his throne,
Like a swift Otter, fell through emptinesse,
8 Shall ouerswim the sea with many one
Of his Norueyses, to assist the Britons fone.
3 vnknowne > vnkowne 1596
1 "All which his son Careticus awhile 2 Shall well defend, and Saxons' power suppress, 3 Until a stranger king from unknown soil
stranger > foreign
4 Arriving, him with multitude oppress;
multitude > [a multitude] oppress > [shall] take by surprise; [shall] overwhelm
5 Great Gormund, having with huge mightiness 6 Ireland subdued, and therein fixed his throne, 7 Like a swift otter, fell through emptiness,
fell > fierce, terrible emptiness > [hunger]
8 Shall overswim the sea with many 9 Of his Norwegians, to assist the Britons' foes.
303.34
He in his furie all shall ouerrunne,
2 And holy Church with faithlesse hands deface,
That thy sad people vtterly fordonne,
4 Shall to the vtmost mountaines fly apace:
Was neuer so great wast in any place,
6 Nor so fowle +outrage+ doen by liuing men:
For all thy Cities they shall sacke and race,
8 And the greene grasse, that groweth, they shall bren,
That euen the wild beast shall dy in starued den.
6 outrage > autrage 1596
1 "He in his fury all shall overrun, 2 And holy Church with faithless hands deface,
Church > [the institution] deface > destroy; disgrace
3 That your sad people, utterly fordone,
That > [So that] fordone > ruined
4 Shall to the utmost mountains fly apace:
fly apace > flee rapidly
5 Was never so great waste in any place,
waste > [a] devastation, [a] laying to waste
6 Nor so foul outrage done by living men: 7 For all your cities they shall sack and raze, 8 And the green grass that grows they shall burn, 9 That even the wild beast shall die in starved den.
That > [So that]
303.35
Whiles thus +thy+ Britons do in languour pine,
2 Proud Etheldred shall from the North arise,
Seruing th'ambitious will of Augustine,
4 And passing Dee with hardy enterprise,
Shall backe repulse the valiaunt Brockwell twise,
6 And Bangor with massacred Martyrs fill;
But the third time shall rew his foolhardise:
8 For Cadwan pittying his peoples ill,
Shall stoutly him defeat, and thousand Saxons kill.
1 thy > the 1596, 1609
1 "While thus your Britons do in languor pine,
languor > sorrow, mental distress
2 Proud Ethelfrid shall from the north arise, 3 Serving the ambitious will of Augustine 4 And, passing Dee with hardy enterprise,
Dee > (The River Dee, in NW England) hardy > audacious, bold; robust
5 Shall back repulse the valiant Brocmail twice, 6 And Bangor with massacred martyrs fill; 7 But the third time shall rue his foolhardice:
foolhardice > foolhardiness
8 For Cadwan, pitying his people's ill,
ill > distress
9 Shall stoutly him defeat, and thousand Saxons kill.
stoutly > bravely
303.36
But after him, Cadwallin mightily
2 On his sonne Edwin all those wrongs shall wreake;
Ne shall auaile the wicked sorcery
4 Of false Pellite, his purposes to breake,
But him shall slay, and on a gallowes bleake
6 Shall giue th'enchaunter his vnhappy +hire;+
Then shall the Britons, late dismayd and weake,
8 From their long vassalage gin to respire,
And on their Paynim foes auenge their ranckled ire.
6 hire; > hire 1596
1 "But after him, Cadwalla mightily 2 On his son Edwin all those wrongs shall wreak;
his > [Ethelfrid's] wreak > avenge
3 Nor shall avail the wicked sorcery 4 Of false Pellitus, his purposes to break, 5 But him shall slay, and on a gallows bleak 6 Shall give the enchanter his unhappy hire;
hire > reward
7 Then shall the Britons, late dismayed and weak,
dismayed > defeated
8 From their long vassalage begin to respire,
respire > take relief; recover [hope, courage]; resurface to breathe
9 And on their paynim foes avenge their rankled ire.
paynim > pagan
303.37
Ne shall he yet his wrath so mitigate,
2 Till both the sonnes of Edwin he haue slaine,
Offricke and Osricke, twinnes vnfortunate,
4 Both slaine in battell vpon Layburne plaine,
Together with the king of Louthiane,
6 Hight Adin, and the king of Orkeny,
Both ioynt partakers of +their+ fatall paine:
8 But Penda, fearefull of like desteny,
Shall yield him selfe his liegeman, and sweare fealty.
7 their > the 1596, 1609
1 "Nor shall he yet his wrath so mitigate, 2 Till both the sons of Edwin he has slain, 3 Offric and Osric, twins unfortunate, 4 Both slain in battle upon Layburn Plain, 5 Together with the king of Lothian,
Lothian > Scotland
6 Hight Aidan, and the king of Orkney,
Hight > Named
7 Both joint partakers of their fatal pain:
partakers > participants; sharers fatal > preordained, fated; fatal
8 But Penda, fearful of like destiny,
like > [a] similar
9 Shall yield himself his liege man, and swear fealty.
liege man > vassal, faithful follower fealty > loyalty (of a vassal to his lord)
303.38
Him shall he make his fatall Instrument,
2 T'afflict the other Saxons vnsubdewd;
He marching forth with fury insolent
4 Against the good king Oswald, who indewd
With heauenly powre, and by Angels reskewd,
6 All holding crosses in their hands on hye,
Shall him defeate withouten bloud imbrewd:
8 Of which, that field for endlesse memory,
Shall Heuenfield be cald to all posterity.
1 "Him shall he make his fatal instrument,
Him > [Penda] fatal > deadly; fated, preordained
2 To afflict the other Saxons unsubdued;
unsubdued > [who are as yet unsubdued]
3 He, marching forth with fury insolent
insolent > immoderate; disdainful, arrogant
4 Against the good King Oswald who (endued 5 With heavenly power, and by angels rescued, 6 All holding crosses in their hands on high) 7 Shall him defeat without blood imbrued:
imbrued > stained, soaked; hence: being spilled
8 Of which that field, for endless memory,
field > field, battlefield memory > memorial
9 Shall Heavenfield be called to all posterity.
303.39
Whereat Cadwallin wroth, shall forth issew,
2 And an huge hoste into Northumber lead,
With which he godly Oswald shall subdew,
4 And crowne with martyrdome his sacred head.
Whose brother Oswin, daunted with like dread,
6 With price of siluer shall his kingdome buy,
And Penda, seeking him adowne to tread,
8 Shall tread adowne, and do him fowly dye,
But shall with gifts his Lord Cadwallin pacify.
1 "Whereat Cadwalla, wroth, shall forth issue,
Whereat > At which
2 And a huge host into Northumber lead,
host > army Northumber > {England north of the River Humber}
3 With which he godly Oswald shall subdue, 4 And crown with martyrdom his sacred head. 5 Whose brother, Oswy, daunted with like dread, 6 With price of silver shall his kingdom buy; 7 And Penda, seeking him adown to tread,
adown > down
8 Shall tread adown, and do him foully die,
Shall tread > [Oswin shall tread Penda] do > cause die > [to die]
9 But shall with gifts his Lord Cadwalla pacify.
303.40
Then shall Cadwallin dye, and then the raine
2 Of Britons eke with him attonce shall dye;
Ne shall the good Cadwallader with paine,
4 Or powre, be hable it to remedy,
When the full time prefixt by destiny,
6 Shalbe expird of Britons regiment.
For heauen it selfe shall their successe enuy,
8 And them with plagues and murrins pestilent
Consume, till all their warlike puissaunce be spent.
1 "Then shall Cadwalla die, and then the reign 2 Of Britons eke with him at once shall die;
eke > also, likewise at once > simultaneously; immediately
3 Nor shall the good Cadwallader, with pain
pain > labour, pains, effort
4 Or power, be able it to remedy, 5 When the full time prefixed by destiny
prefixed > determined beforehand
6 Shall be expired of Britons' regiment.
regiment > rule, government
7 For heaven itself shall their success envy,
envy > begrudge
8 And them with plagues and murrains pestilent
murrains > pestilences
9 Consume, till all their warlike puissance be spent.
puissance > power, strength
303.41
Yet after all these sorrowes, and huge hills
2 Of dying people, during eight yeares space,
Cadwallader not yielding to his ills,
4 From Armoricke, where long in wretched cace
He liu'd, returning to his natiue place,
6 Shalbe by vision staid from his intent:
For th'heauens haue decreed, to displace
8 The Britons, for their sinnes dew punishment,
And to the Saxons ouer-giue their gouernment.
1 "Yet after all these sorrows, and huge hills 2 Of dying people, during eight years' space, 3 Cadwallader, not yielding to his ills,
ills > adversities
4 From Armorica, where long in wretched case
Armorica > Brittany (see 210.64) case > plight
5 He lived, returning to his native place,
returning > [expecting to return]
6 Shall be by vision stayed from his intent:
stayed > held back intent > intention
7 For the heavens have decreed to displace 8 The Britons for their sins' due punishment, 9 And to the Saxons overgive their government.
overgive > hand over
303.42
Then woe, and woe, and euerlasting woe,
2 Be to the Briton babe, that shalbe borne,
To liue in thraldome of his fathers foe;
4 Late King, now captiue, late Lord, now forlorne,
The worlds reproch, the cruell victours scorne,
6 Banisht from Princely bowre to wastfull wood:
O who shall helpe me to lament, and mourne
8 The royall seed, the antique Troian blood,
Whose Empire lenger here, then euer any stood.
1 "Then woe, and woe, and everlasting woe 2 Be to the Briton babe, that shall be born 3 To live in thraldom of his fathers' foe;
thraldom of > slavery to
4 Late king, now captive, late lord, now forlorn, 5 The world's reproach, the cruel victors' scorn, 6 Banished from princely bower to wasteful wood:
bower > chamber wasteful > desolate
7 O who shall help me to lament, and mourn 8 The royal seed, the antique Trojan blood,
seed > offspring antique > ancient
9 Whose empire longer here than ever any stood?"
longer > (From the advent of Brutus to the death of Cadwallader represents a period of some 1,822 years)
303.43
The Damzell was full deepe empassioned,
2 Both for his griefe, and for her peoples sake,
Whose future woes so plaine he fashioned,
4 And sighing sore, at length him thus bespake;
Ah but will heauens fury neuer slake,
6 Nor vengeaunce huge relent it selfe at last?
Will not long misery late mercy make,
8 But shall their name for euer be defast,
And quite from +of the earth+ their memory be rast?
9 of the earth > th'earth 1590 etc.: FE
1 The damsel was full deep empassioned,
full deep empassioned > very deeply moved
2 Both for his grief, and for her people's sake, 3 Whose future woes so plain he fashioned, 4 And, sighing sore, at length him thus bespoke:
sore > grievously bespoke > addressed
5 "Ah, but will heaven's fury never slake,
slake > abate
6 Nor vengeance huge relent itself at last? 7 Will not long misery late mercy make, 8 But shall their name for ever be defaced,
their > [the Britons'] defaced > destroyed; cast in the shade
9 And quite from of the earth their memory be rased?"
from of > from; from off rased > erased, obliterated
303.44
Nay but the terme (said he) is limited,
2 That in this thraldome Britons shall abide,
And the iust reuolution measured,
4 That they as Straungers shalbe notifide.
For twise foure hundredth +yeares+ +shalbe supplide+,
6 Ere they to former rule restor'd +shalbee,+
And their importune fates all satisfide:
8 Yet during this their most obscuritee,
Their beames shall oft breake forth, that men them faire may see.
5 yeares > omitted from 1596 and 1609 5 shalbe supplide > shall be full supplide 1609 6 shalbee, > shalbee. 1596
1 "Nay but the term," said he, "is limited, 2 That in this thraldom Britons shall abide,
thraldom > slavery abide > remain; wait, await the outcome
3 And the just revolution measured,
just > exact; full, complete measured > [is measured]
4 That they as strangers shall be notified.
strangers > foreigners, outsiders [in their own country] notified > denoted, called
5 For twice four hundred years shall be supplied
twice four hundred years > (Virtually the exact interval between the death of Cadwallader in about 690 and the enthronement of Henry VII in 1485)
6 Ere they to former rule restored shall be, 7 And their importune fates all satisfied:
importune > grievous, burdensome
8 Yet during this their most obscurity,
most > greatest
9 Their beams shall oft break forth, that men them fair may see.
that > [so that]
303.45
For Rhodoricke, whose surname shalbe Great,
2 Shall of him selfe a braue ensample shew,
That Saxon kings his friendship shall intreat;
4 And Howell Dha shall goodly well indew
The saluage minds with skill of iust and trew;
6 Then Griffyth Conan also shall vp reare
His dreaded head, and +the old+ sparkes renew
8 Of natiue courage, that his foes shall feare,
Least backe againe the kingdome he from them should beare.
7 the old > th'old 1609
1 "For Rhodri, whose surname shall be Great,
Rhodri > (Rhodri the Great of Wales, ruled c. 844)
2 Shall of himself a brave example show,
brave > splendid; brave
3 That Saxon kings his friendship shall entreat;
That > [So that]
4 And Howell Dha shall goodly well endue
Howell Dha > (King of Wales, died 948)
5 The savage minds with skill of just and true;
skill of > [the] knowledge of [the]
6 Then Griffith ap Cynan also shall uprear
Griffith ap Cynan > (King of Wales, died 1136)
7 His dreaded head, and the old sparks renew 8 Of native courage, that his foes shall fear
that > [so that]
9 Lest back again the kingdom he from them should bear.
bear > carry; hence: take
303.46
Ne shall the Saxons selues all peaceably
2 Enioy the crowne, which they from Britons wonne
First ill, and after ruled wickedly:
4 For ere two hundred yeares be full +outronne+,
There shall a Rauen far from rising Sunne,
6 With his wide wings vpon them fiercely fly,
And bid his faithlesse chickens ouerronne
8 The fruitfull plaines, and with fell cruelty,
In their auenge, tread downe the victours surquedry.
4 outronne > ouerrone 1596
1 "Nor shall the Saxons themselves all peaceably 2 Enjoy the crown which they from Britons won 3 First ill, and after ruled wickedly:
ill > wrongly; evilly
4 For ere two hundred years be full outrun, 5 There shall a raven far from rising sun
raven > (The Danish king, on whose bearings a raven was depicted) far from rising sun > [in the far north]
6 With his wide wings upon them fiercely fly, 7 And bid his faithless chickens overrun
faithless > heathen chickens > chicks, brood [his soldiers and mercenaries]
8 The fruitful plains and, with fell cruelty,
fell > terrible; fierce
9 In their avenge tread down the victors' surquidry.
avenge > vengeance surquidry > presumption, arrogance
303.47
Yet shall a third both these, and thine subdew;
2 There shall a Lyon from the sea-bord wood
Of Neustria come roring, with a crew
4 Of hungry whelpes, his battailous bold brood,
Whose clawes were newly dipt in cruddy blood,
6 That from the Daniske Tyrants head shall rend
Th'vsurped crowne, as if that he were wood,
8 And the spoile of the countrey conquered
Emongst his young ones shall diuide with bountyhed.
1 "Yet shall a third both these, and yours subdue; 2 There shall a lion from the seaboard wood
a lion > (Meaning William the Conqueror, ruled 1066-1087) seaboard > {Bordering the sea}
3 Of Neustria come roaring, with a crew
Neustria > (The western kingdom of the Franks, extending from the mouth of the Schelde to the Loire; later developed into the kingdom of France; hence, here, = "France")
4 Of hungry whelps, his battailous bold brood,
battailous > warlike
5 Whose claws were newly dipped in cruddy blood,
cruddy > clotted
6 That from the Danish tyrant's head shall rend 7 The usurped crown, as if he were wood,
wood > mad
8 And the spoil of the country conquered
country conquered > [conquered country]
9 Amongst his young ones shall divide with bountihead.
bountihead > bounteousness, munificence
303.48
Tho when the terme is full accomplishid,
2 There shall a sparke of fire, which hath long-while
Bene in his ashes raked vp, and hid,
4 Be freshly kindled in the fruitfull Ile
Of Mona, where it lurked in exile;
6 Which shall breake forth into bright burning flame,
And reach into the house, that beares the stile
8 Of royall maiesty and soueraigne name;
So shall the Briton bloud their crowne againe reclame.
1 "Tho when the term is full accomplished,
Tho > Then
2 There shall a spark of fire, which has long-while 3 Been in its ashes raked up, and hidden, 4 Be freshly kindled in the fruitful isle 5 Of Mona, where it lurked in exile;
Mona > (Anglesey, the large island off north Wales; although Henry VII, to whom Spenser is almost certainly alluding, was actually born at Pembroke Castle. Henry VII was the first of the Tudor monarchs, the grandfather of Queen Elizabeth)
6 Which shall break forth into bright burning flame, 7 And reach into the House that bears the style
style > title, appellation
8 Of royal majesty and sovereign name:
name > fame, reputation
9 So shall the Briton blood their crown again reclaim.
blood > race, stock
303.49
Thenceforth eternall vnion shall be made
2 Betweene the nations different afore,
And sacred Peace shall louingly perswade
4 The warlike minds, to learne her goodly lore,
And ciuile armes to exercise no more:
6 Then shall a royall virgin raine, which shall
Stretch her white rod ouer the Belgicke shore,
8 And the great Castle smite so sore with all,
That it shall make him shake, and shortly learne to fall.
1 "Thenceforth eternal union shall be made 2 Between the nations different afore,
different afore > previously at variance
3 And sacred Peace shall lovingly persuade 4 The warlike minds to learn her goodly lore,
lore > teaching, doctrine
5 And civil arms to exercise no more:
arms > feats of arms; hence: war
6 Then shall a royal virgin reign, who shall
royal virgin > [Elizabeth]
7 Stretch her white rod over the Belgic shore,
white rod > {Sceptre, symbol of authority (now called a white staff or white wand) carried by certain officials, such as the steward of the sovereign's household. Cf. 101.5:5, 209.27:7} Belgic > {Of the Netherlands, referring to the campaign in the Low Countries. See I:640}
8 And the great castle smite so sore withal,
the great castle > (The Castilian king, Philip II of Spain (cf. 111.7:2-6, 112.18, 510.26). At I:538 Spenser speaks of "those huge Castles of Castilian king", meaning the galleons of the Armada)
9 That it shall make him shake, and shortly learn to fall.
303.50
But yet the end is not. There Merlin stayd,
2 As ouercomen of the spirites powre,
Or other ghastly spectacle dismayd,
4 That secretly he saw, yet note discoure:
Which suddein fit, and halfe extatick stoure
6 When the two fearefull women saw, they grew
Greatly confused in behauioure;
8 At last the fury past, to former hew
+Hee+ turnd againe, and chearefull looks +as earst+ did shew.
9 Hee > She 1590 etc.: FE 9 as earst > omitted from 1590 and 1596
1 "But yet the end is not." There Merlin stayed,
stayed > halted
2 As overcome of the spirit's power,
As > [As if] of > by
3 Or other ghastly spectacle dismayed,
other > [by another] ghastly > ghastly, supernatural
4 That secretly he saw, yet no'te discover:
no'te > could not discover > disclose
5 Which sudden fit, and half ecstatic stour
stour > distress; conflict, turmoil
6 When the two fearful women saw, they grew 7 Greatly confused in behaviour; 8 At last, the fury past, to former hue
fury > inspired frenzy; poetic rage (cf. I:261) hue > appearance; colour
9 He turned again, and cheerful looks as erst did show.
erst > formerly
303.51
Then, when them selues they well instructed had
2 Of all, that needed them to be inquird,
They both conceiuing hope of comfort glad,
4 With lighter hearts vnto their home retird;
Where they in secret counsell close conspird,
6 How to effect so hard an enterprize,
And to possesse the purpose they desird:
8 Now this, now that twixt them they did deuise,
And diuerse plots did frame, to maske in strange +disguise+.
9 disguise > deuise 1596, 1609
1 Then, when themselves they well instructed had 2 Of all that needed them to be inquired,
needed > [was necessary to] inquired > searched into, investigated (trans.)
3 They both, conceiving hope of comfort glad, 4 With lighter hearts to their home retired; 5 Where they in secret counsel close conspired 6 How to effect so hard an enterprise, 7 And to possess the purpose they desired:
possess > win; hence: achieve
8 Now this, now that 'twixt them they did devise, 9 And diverse plots did frame, to mask in strange disguise.
diverse > various mask > disguise [themselves]
303.52
At last the Nourse in her foolhardy wit
2 Conceiu'd a bold deuise, and thus bespake;
Daughter, I deeme that counsell aye most fit,
4 That of the time doth dew aduauntage take;
Ye see that good king Vther now doth make
6 Strong warre vpon the Paynim brethren, hight
Octa and Oza, whom he lately brake
8 Beside Cayr Verolame, in victorious fight,
That now all Britanie doth burne in armes bright.
1 At last the nurse in her foolhardy wit
wit > mind
2 Conceived a bold device, and thus bespoke:
device > stratagem bespoke > spoke
3 "Daughter, I deem that counsel ay most fit
Daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} ay > ever, always fit > fitting, suitable
4 That of the time does due advantage take; 5 You see that good King Uther now does make
King Uther > (See HRB 8.23)
6 Strong war upon the paynim brethren, hight
paynim > pagan hight > named
7 Octa and Eosa, whom he lately broke
Octa and Eosa > (Octa was the son of Hengest (see 210.65:2).
Together with his kinsman Eosa he launched an attack on Uther
Pendragon in c. 475)
broke > overwhelmed, crushed
8 Beside Caer-verulam, in victorious fight,
Caer-verulam > Verulamium (i.e. St Albans, in Hertfordshire)
9 That now all Britain does burn in arms bright.
That > [So that] arms > deeds of arms; hence: war
303.53
That therefore nought our passage may empeach,
2 Let vs in feigned armes our selues disguize,
And our weake hands +(whom need new strength shall teach)+
4 The dreadfull speare and shield to exercize:
Ne certes daughter that same warlike wize
6 I weene, would you misseeme; for ye bene tall,
And large of limbe, t'atchieue an hard emprize,
8 Ne ought ye want, but skill, which practize small
Will bring, and shortly make you a mayd Martiall.
3 (whom need new strength shall teach) > (need makes good schollers) teach 1590; (whom need new strength shall teach _1596, 1609; only the 1590 reading makes sense, though 1596 is clearly an author's correction. The given version is a conjecture of various editors. The closing bracket after teach may have been overlooked because line 3 is too wide to fit the page; the final word has been broken and placed at the end of line 2, separated from it with an opening bracket, thus:_ … selues disguize, (teach
1 "That, therefore, naught our passage may impeach,
That > [So that] impeach > impede
2 Let us in feigned arms ourselves disguise,
feigned > {Feigning; serving as a disguise} arms > armour
3 And our weak hands (whom need new strength shall teach)
teach > (See Textual Appendix)
4 The dreadful spear and shield to exercise: 5 Neither, certes, daughter, that same warlike wise,
certes > assuredly daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} wise > style
6 I ween, would you mis-seem; for you been tall,
ween > think, believe mis-seem > misbecome been > [are]
7 And large of limb, to achieve a hard emprise,
emprise > undertaking, enterprise
8 Nor aught you want but skill, which practice small
want > lack practice small > [a little practice]
9 Will bring, and shortly make you a maid martial.
maid martial > [warlike maiden]
303.54
And sooth, it ought your courage much inflame,
2 To heare so often, in that royall hous,
From whence to none inferiour ye came:
4 Bards tell of many women valorous
Which haue full many feats aduenturous
6 Performd, in paragone of proudest men:
The bold Bunduca, whose victorious
8 Exploits made Rome to quake, stout Guendolen,
Renowmed Martia, and redoubted Emmilen.
1 "And sooth, it ought your courage much inflame,
sooth > in truth
2 To hear so often, in that royal house, 3 From whence to none inferior you came: 4 Bards tell of many women valorous 5 Who have full many feats adventurous
full > very, exceedingly
6 Performed, in paragon of proudest men:
paragon of > competition with; emulation of; also, perhaps: as consorts of
7 The bold Boadicea, whose victorious 8 Exploits made Rome to quake, stout Guendolen,
stout > brave, bold Guendolen > (The daughter of Corineus; see 210.17-20)
9 Renowned Martia, and redoubted Emmilen.
Martia > (Wife of Guithelin; see 210.42) Emmilen > (?The daughter of Charlemagne; "Emiline" is the name of the mother of Sir Tristram at 602.29)
303.55
And that, which more then all the rest may sway,
2 Late dayes ensample, which these eyes beheld,
In the last field before Meneuia
4 Which Vther with those forrein Pagans held,
I saw a Saxon Virgin, the which feld
6 Great Vlfin thrise vpon the bloudy plaine,
And had not Carados her hand withheld
8 From rash reuenge, she had him surely slaine,
Yet Carados himselfe from her escapt with paine.
1 "And that, which more than all the rest may sway,
sway > have influence [with you]
2 Late day's example, which these eyes beheld,
Late > Recent
3 In the last field before Menevia,
field > battle before > [physically, not chronologically] Menevia > (St David's; see HRB 8.16)
4 Which Uther with those foreign pagans held,
those foreign pagans > [the Saxons]
5 I saw a Saxon virgin, who felled 6 Great Ulfin thrice upon the bloody plain,
Ulfin > (Ulfin de Ricaradoch, who advised Uther to consult Merlin in finding a way to lie with Igerna: see HRB 8.19)
7 And had not Carados her hand withheld 8 From rash revenge, she had him surely slain,
rash > hasty had > [would have]
9 Yet Carados himself from her escaped with pain."
pain > troubles, difficulty
303.56
Ah read, (quoth Britomart) how is she hight?
2 Faire Angela (quoth she) men do her call,
No whit lesse faire, then terrible in fight:
4 She hath the leading of a Martiall
And mighty people, dreaded more then all
6 The other Saxons, which do for her sake
And loue, themselues of her name Angles call.
8 Therefore faire Infant her ensample make
Vnto thy selfe, and equall courage to thee take.
1 "Ah read," quoth Britomart, "how is she hight?"
read > declare hight > called
2 "Fair Angela," quoth she, "men do her call, 3 No whit less fair, than terrible in fight: 4 She has the leading of a martial
has the leading > [is the leader]
5 And mighty people, dreaded more than all 6 The other Saxons, which do for her sake 7 And love, themselves of her name Angles call. 8 Therefore, fair infant, her example make
infant > princess, infanta (used also of male heirs to the throne, as of Prince Arthur at 208.56:1 etc.)
9 To yourself, and equal courage to you take."
303.57
Her harty words so deepe into the mynd
2 Of the young Damzell sunke, that great desire
Of warlike armes in her forthwith they tynd,
4 And generous stout courage did inspire,
That she resolu'd, +vnweeting+ to her Sire,
6 Aduent'rous knighthood on her selfe to don,
And counseld with her Nourse, her Maides attire
8 To turne into a massy habergeon,
And bad her all things put in readinesse anon.
5 vnweeting > vnmeeting 1596
1 Her hearty words so deep into the mind
hearty > courageous; hearty
2 Of the young damsel sank, that great desire 3 Of warlike arms in her forthwith they tinded,
arms > {Feats of arms} tinded > inflamed
4 And generous stout courage did inspire,
generous > gallant; high-spirited; noble stout > resolute; brave courage > spirit
5 That she resolved, unweeting to her sire,
That > [And that; So that] unweeting > unknown sire > father
6 Adventurous knighthood on herself to don,
don > (The refl. use is characteristically northern)
7 And counselled with her nurse, her maid's attire 8 To turn into a massy habergeon,
massy > solid, weighty habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail}
9 And bade her all things put in readiness anon.
anon > straightway
303.58
Th'old woman nought, that needed, did omit;
2 But all things did +conueniently+ puruay:
It fortuned (so time their turne did fit)
4 A band of Britons ryding on forray
Few +dayes+ before, had gotten a great pray
6 Of Saxon goods, emongst the which was seene
A goodly Armour, and full rich aray,
8 Which long'd to Angela, the Saxon Queene,
All fretted round with gold, and goodly well beseene.
2 conueniently > conuiently 1596 5 dayes > dryes 1596
1 The old woman naught that needed did omit;
needed > [was needed]
2 But all things did conveniently purvey:
conveniently > befittingly, appropriately; suitably purvey > provide
3 It fortuned (so time their turn did fit)
turn > purpose
4 A band of Britons, riding on foray
A > [That a] foray > [a] raid
5 Few days before, had gotten a great prey
Few > [A few] prey > booty, plunder
6 Of Saxon goods, amongst which was seen 7 A goodly armour, and full rich array,
armour > [suit of armour] full > exceedingly
8 Which belonged to Angela, the Saxon queen, 9 All fretted round with gold, and goodly well beseen.
fretted > adorned well beseen > attractive, beautiful
303.59
The same, with all the other ornaments,
2 King Ryence caused to be hanged hy
In his chiefe Church, for endlesse moniments
4 Of his successe and gladfull victory:
Of which her selfe auising readily,
6 In th'euening late old Glauce thither led
Faire Britomart, and that same Armory
8 Downe taking, her therein appareled,
Well as she might, and with braue bauldrick garnished.
1 The same, with all the other ornaments, 2 King Ryence caused to be hung high 3 In his chief church, for endless monuments
monuments > memorials
4 Of his success and gladful victory:
gladful > {Full of gladness}
5 Of which herself advising readily,
herself advising > bethinking herself
6 In the evening, late, old Glauce thither led 7 Fair Britomart, and that same armoury
armoury > armour
8 Down taking, her therein apparelled, 9 Well as she might, and with brave baldric garnished.
Well > [As well] brave > [a] splendid baldric > (Belt worn pendent from the shoulder, often to support a sword) garnished > embellished [Britomart]
303.60
Beside those armes there stood a mighty speare,
2 Which Bladud made by Magick art of yore,
And vsd the same in battell aye to beare;
4 Sith which it had bin here preseru'd in store,
For his great vertues proued long afore:
6 For neuer wight so fast in sell could sit,
But him perforce vnto the ground it bore:
8 Both speare she tooke, and shield, which hong by it:
Both speare and shield of great powre, for her purpose +fit.+
9 fit. > fit 1596
1 Beside those arms there stood a mighty spear,
arms > {Arms and armour}
2 Which Bladud made by magic art of yore,
Bladud > (A British king with magic powers; see 210.25:6 ff.) yore > old
3 And used the same in battle ay to bear;
ay > always
4 Sith which it had been here preserved in store,
Sith which > [Since which time]
5 For his great virtues proved long afore:
For > [For the sake of] virtues > occult powers proved > proved, established; also: tested, hence: demonstrated afore > beforehand
6 For never wight so fast in sell could sit,
wight > [a] man fast > firmly sell > [the] saddle
7 But him perforce to the ground it bore:
perforce > by violence, forcibly
8 Both spear she took, and shield, which hung by it: 9 Both spear and shield of great power, for her purpose fit.
303.61
Thus when she had the virgin all arayd,
2 Another harnesse, which did hang thereby,
About her selfe she dight, that the young Mayd
4 She might in equall armes accompany,
And as her Squire attend her carefully:
6 Tho to their ready Steeds they clombe full light,
And through back wayes, that none might them espy,
8 Couered with secret cloud of silent night,
Themselues they forth conuayd, and passed forward right.
1 Thus when she had the virgin all arrayed, 2 Another harness, which did hang thereby,
harness > suit of mail thereby > there, adjacent [to Angela's]
3 About herself she dight, that the young maid
dight > decked; hence: hung that > [so that]
4 She might in equal arms accompany, 5 And as her squire attend her carefully:
squire > knight's attendant carefully > solicitously; with care
6 Tho to their ready steeds they climbed full light,
Tho > Then full light > very easily; very quickly
7 And through back ways, that none might them espy,
that > [so that]
8 Covered with secret cloud of silent night, 9 Themselves they forth conveyed, and passed forward right.
right > (An intensive: here = "straight", "dead straight")
303.62
Ne rested they, till that to Faery lond
2 They came, as Merlin them directed late:
Where meeting with this Redcrosse knight, she fond
4 Of diuerse things discourses to dilate,
But most of Arthegall, and his estate.
6 At last their wayes so fell, that they mote +part:+
Then each to other well affectionate,
8 Friendship professed with vnfained hart,
The Redcrosse knight diuerst, but forth rode Britomart.
6 part: > part 1596
1 Nor rested they, till to Faery Land 2 They came, as Merlin them directed late:
late > lately
3 Where, meeting with this Redcross Knight, she found 4 Of diverse things discourses to dilate,
dilate > {Relate at length; expatiate upon}
5 But most of Artegall, and his estate.
most > mostly estate > condition, state
6 At last their ways so fell, that they might part:
might > should, must
7 Then each to other, well affectionate,
affectionate > disposed
8 Friendship professed with unfeigned heart; 9 The Redcross Knight diversed, but forth rode Britomart.
diversed > turned aside
Bold Marinell of Britomart,
2 Is throwne on the Rich strond:
Faire Florimell of Arthur is
4 Long followed, but not fond.
1 Bold Marinell of Britomart
Marinell > (A grandson of Nereus, who is father of the fifty nereids or sea-nymphs of the Mediterranean. The name is derived from the Latin marinus, marine) of > by
2 Is thrown on the Rich Strand:
Strand > Shore ("Rich" because its shingle is rich with pearls, jewels, and gold)
3 Fair Florimell of Arthur is
of > by
4 Long followed, but not found.
304.1
WHere is the Antique glory now become,
2 That whilome wont in women to appeare?
Where be the braue atchieuements doen by some?
4 Where be the battels, where the shield and speare,
And all the conquests, which them high did reare,
6 That matter made for famous Poets verse,
And boastfull men so oft +abasht+ to heare?
8 Bene they all dead, and laid in dolefull herse?
Or doen they onely sleepe, and shall againe reuerse?
7 abasht > a basht 1596
1 Where is the antique glory now become,
antique > ancient (esp. relating to the Greeks and Romans) become > gone
2 That whilom wont in women to appear?
whilom wont > used of old
3 Where be the brave achievements done by some?
be > [are] brave > brave; splendid achievements > achievements; feats; victories
4 Where be the battles, where the shield and spear, 5 And all the conquests which them high did rear, 6 That matter made for famous poets' verse,
matter > theme, subject
7 And boastful men so oft abashed to hear? 8 Been they all dead, and laid in doleful hearse;
Been > [Are] hearse > coffin; tomb, grave
9 Or do they only sleep, and shall again reverse?
reverse > return
304.2
If they be dead, then woe is me therefore:
2 But if they sleepe, {o^} let them soone awake:
For all too long I burne with enuy sore,
4 To heare the warlike feates, which Homere spake
Of bold P{ae}nthesilee, which made a lake
6 Of Greekish bloud so oft in Troian plaine;
But when I read, how stout Debora strake
8 Proud Sisera, and how Camill' hath slaine
The huge Orsilochus, I swell with great disdaine.
1 If they be dead, then woe is me therefore:
be > [are]
2 But if they sleep, O let them soon awake:
soon > soon; immediately
3 For all too long I burn with envy sore
envy > desire, enthusiasm
4 To hear the warlike feats which Homer spoke 5 Of bold Penthesilea, which made a lake
Penthesilea > (Daughter of Mars and Otrera, the queen of the Amazons. After Hector's death, she came to the aid of the Trojans, but was finally killed by Achilles (or his son Neoptolemus, according to popular legend). She is not, incidentally, described by Homer, but see Aen. 1.490-3, where she leads the Amazons into battle) which > (Referring to Penthesilea or her feats)
6 Of Greekish blood so oft in Trojan plain;
Greekish > Greek
7 But when I read how stout Deborah struck
stout > bold, brave; proud Deborah > (See Judg. 4.4-21; Sisera was actually dispatched by Jael)
8 Proud Sisera, and how Camilla has slain
Camilla > (The daughter of King Metabus; she slew various Trojans, including two of the tallest, Orsilochus and But{e"}s. See Aen. 11.650 ff.)
9 The huge Orsilochus, I swell with great disdain.
disdain > indignation (occasioned by the modern absence of such feats); or, perhaps: scorn (excited by the suppression by men of such feats performed by modern women)
304.3
Yet these, and all that else had puissaunce,
2 Cannot with noble Britomart compare,
Aswell for glory of great valiaunce,
4 As for pure chastitie and vertue rare,
That all her goodly deeds do well declare.
6 Well worthy stock, from which the branches sprong,
That in late yeares so faire a blossome bare,
8 As thee, {o^} Queene, the matter of my song,
Whose lignage from this Lady I deriue along.
1 Yet these, and all that else had puissance,
that else > who otherwise puissance > power, strength (allied with prowess in arms)
2 Cannot with noble Britomart compare,
with > to
3 As well for glory of great valiance,
well > much valiance > valour, bravery
4 As for pure chastity and virtue rare, 5 That all her goodly deeds do well declare.
declare > make clear; declare
6 Well worthy stock, from which the branches sprang 7 That in late years so fair a blossom bore
late > {Recent; belonging to an advanced stage of development [of the line of descent]}
8 As you, O queen, the matter of my song,
queen > [Elizabeth] matter > subject
9 Whose lineage from this lady I derive along.
along > in full; from end to end, in a linear manner; hence: directly
304.4
Who when through speaches with the Redcrosse knight,
2 She learned had th'estate of Arthegall,
And in each point her selfe informd aright,
4 A friendly league of loue perpetuall
She with him bound, and Cong{e/} tooke withall.
6 Then he forth on his iourney did proceede,
To seeke aduentures, which mote him befall,
8 And win him worship through his warlike deed,
Which alwayes of his paines he made the chiefest meed.
1 Who when through speeches with the Redcross Knight 2 She learned had the estate of Artegall,
estate > state; marital status
3 And in each point herself informed aright, 4 A friendly league of love perpetual 5 She with him bound, and cong{e/} took withal.
cong{e/} > leave withal > therewith, with that
6 Then he forth on his journey did proceed, 7 To seek adventures which might him befall, 8 And win him worship through his warlike deed:
worship > honour, renown (his stated goal at 101.3:4)
9 Which always of his pains he made the chiefest meed.
pains > efforts; pains meed > reward
304.5
But Britomart kept on her former course,
2 Ne euer dofte her armes, but all the way
Grew pensiue through that amorous discourse,
4 By which the Redcrosse knight did earst display
Her louers shape, and cheualrous aray;
6 A thousand thoughts she fashioned in her mind,
And in her feigning fancie did pourtray
8 Him such, as fittest she for loue could find,
Wise, warlike, personable, curteous, and kind.
1 But Britomart kept on her former course, 2 Nor ever doffed her arms, but all the way
arms > armour
3 Grew pensive through that amorous discourse
pensive > anxious; pensive
4 By which the Redcross Knight did erst display
erst > lately display > describe
5 Her lover's shape and chivalrous array;
shape > appearance chivalrous > {Doughty; pertaining to a medieval knight} array > state; or, more likely, in view of "cheualrous", and complementing "shape": outfit, attire, hence: armour
6 A thousand thoughts she fashioned in her mind, 7 And in her feigning fancy did portray 8 Him such as fittest she for love could find:
such > [to be such]
9 Wise, warlike, personable, courteous, and kind.
kind > sympathetic, kind; loving, affectionate; well born
304.6
With such selfe-pleasing thoughts her wound she fed,
2 And thought so to beguile her grieuous smart;
But so her smart was much more grieuous bred,
4 And the deepe wound more deepe engord her hart,
That nought but death her dolour mote depart.
6 So forth she rode without repose or rest,
Searching all lands and each remotest part,
8 Following the guidaunce of her blinded guest,
Till that +to the+ sea-coast at length she +her+ +addrest.+
9 to the > tothe 1596 9 her > had 1609 9 addrest. > addres . 1596
1 With such self-pleasing thoughts her wound she fed, 2 And thought so to beguile her grievous smart;
so > thus beguile > pleasantly divert attention from smart > pain
3 But so her smart was much more grievous bred, 4 And the deep wound more deep engored her heart,
engored > gored, wounded deeply
5 That naught but death her dolour might depart.
dolour > pain; mental suffering might > could depart > sever, break off; (catachr.) remove
6 So forth she rode, without repose or rest, 7 Searching all lands and each remotest part, 8 Following the guidance of her blinded guest,
her blinded guest > [Cupid, who shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit. He is often depicted wearing a blindfold. "Guest" here might = "foe" (from the Latin hostis) or perhaps the modern sense applies, in that he is a guest (albeit uninvited) in her heart]
9 Till to the sea coast at length she her addressed.
her addressed > betook herself
304.7
There she +alighted+ from her light-foot beast,
2 And sitting downe vpon the rocky shore,
Bad her old Squire vnlace her lofty creast;
4 Tho hauing vewd a while the surges hore,
That gainst the craggy clifts did loudly rore,
6 And in their raging surquedry disdaynd,
That the fast earth affronted them so sore,
8 And their +deuouring+ couetize restraynd,
Thereat she sighed deepe, and after thus complaynd.
1 alighted > a lighted 1596 8 deuouring > deuoring 1596
1 There she alighted from her lightfoot beast
lightfoot > light-footed
2 And, sitting down upon the rocky shore, 3 Bade her old squire unlace her lofty crest;
squire > attendant [Glauce] crest > helmet
4 Tho, having viewed awhile the surges hoar,
Tho > Then, next hoar > grey-white, hence: foamy (cf. 212.10:3)
5 That gainst the craggy cliffs did loudly roar,
gainst > against
6 And in their raging surquidry disdained
surquidry > arrogance disdained > took offence
7 That the fast earth affronted them so sore
That > [In that] fast > firm, stable, firmly fixed affronted > defied, confronted (with further connotations of the Latin frons, in at least two senses: (1) "forehead" (cf. 102.16:3), and (2) "front line", "military vanguard")
8 And their devouring covetise restrained,
covetise > avarice
9 Thereat she sighed deep, and after thus complained:
Thereat > Thereupon (redundant in view of "Tho" in line 4)
304.8
Huge sea of sorrow, and tempestuous griefe,
2 Wherein my feeble barke is tossed long,
Far from the hoped hauen of reliefe,
4 +Why+ do thy cruell billowes beat so strong,
And thy moyst mountaines each on others throng,
6 Threatning to swallow vp my fearefull life?
O do thy cruell wrath and spightfull wrong
8 At length allay, and stint thy stormy strife,
Which in +these+ troubled bowels raignes, and rageth rife.
4 Why > Who 1596, 1609 9 these > thy 1590
1 "Huge sea of sorrow and tempestuous grief, 2 Wherein my feeble bark is tossed long,
bark > vessel
3 Far from the hoped haven of relief, 4 Why do your cruel billows beat so strong, 5 And your moist mountains each on others throng, 6 Threatening to swallow up my fearful life? 7 O do your cruel wrath and spiteful wrong 8 At length allay, and stint your stormy strife,
stint > cease
9 Which in these troubled bowels reigns, and rages rife.
bowels > {Heart, breast; internal organs generally} rife > abundantly, largely; hence: strongly
304.9
For else my feeble vessell crazd, and crackt
2 Through thy strong buffets and outrageous blowes,
Cannot endure, but needs it must be wrackt
4 On the rough rocks, or on the sandy shallowes,
The whiles that loue it steres, and fortune rowes;
6 Loue my lewd Pilot hath a restlesse mind
And fortune Boteswaine no assuraunce knowes,
8 But saile withouten starres, gainst tide and wind:
How can they other do, sith both are bold and blind?
1 "For else my feeble vessel, crazed and cracked
else > otherwise crazed > damaged [weakened by multiple hairline fissures]
2 Through your strong buffets and outrageous blows,
outrageous > violent; intemperate blows > blows, strokes; blasts of wind
3 Cannot endure, but needs it must be wracked
needs > of necessity, perforce wracked > wrecked, shipwrecked; ruined
4 On the rough rocks, or on the sandy shallows, 5 While Love it steers, and Fortune rows;
Love > [Cupid; on his blindness, see 304.6:8]
6 Love, my lewd pilot, has a restless mind,
lewd > unlearned; bungling; worthless; sorry, poor; lewd, lascivious
7 And Fortune, boatswain, no assurance knows,
assurance > steadiness, intrepidity
8 But sail without stars, gainst tide and wind:
stars > [benefit of navigation by the stars] gainst > against
9 How can they other do, sith both are bold and blind?
sith > since
304.10
Thou God of winds, that raignest in the seas,
2 That raignest also in the Continent,
At last blow vp some gentle gale of ease,
4 The which may bring my ship, ere it be rent,
Vnto the gladsome port of her intent:
6 Then when I shall my selfe in safety see,
A table for eternall moniment
8 Of thy great grace, and my great ieopardee,
Great Neptune, I auow to hallow vnto thee.
1 "You god of winds, that reign in the seas, 2 That reign also in the continent,
continent > land
3 At last blow up some gentle gale of ease, 4 Which may bring my ship, ere she be rent,
rent > shattered
5 To the gladsome port of her intent:
intent > purpose
6 Then when I shall myself in safety see, 7 A table for eternal monument
table > votive tablet
8 Of your great grace, and my great jeopardy, 9 Great Neptune, I avow to hallow to you."
Neptune > ("Thou God of winds" (line 1) is Aeolus, so her principal supplication might be addressed to Neptune as the "sea of sorrow" of 304.8:1) avow > vow
304.11
Then sighing softly sore, and inly deepe,
2 She shut vp all her plaint in priuy griefe;
For her great courage would not let her weepe,
4 Till that old Glauce gan with sharpe repriefe,
Her to restraine, and giue her good reliefe,
6 Through hope of those, which Merlin had her told
Should of her name and nation be chiefe,
8 And fetch their being from the sacred mould
Of her immortall wombe, to be in heauen enrold.
1 Then, sighing softly sore, and inly deep,
sore > perhaps: sorely, grievously, bitterly, or used simply as an intensive inly > inwardly
2 She shut up all her plaint in privy grief;
plaint > complaint, lamentation privy > private, hidden
3 For her great courage would not let her weep,
courage > courage, spirit
4 Till old Glauce began with sharp reproof 5 Her to restrain, and give her good relief, 6 Through hope of those which Merlin had her told
told > (For Merlin's prophecy, see 303.21:6 ff.)
7 Should of her name and nation be chief, 8 And fetch their being from the sacred mould
sacred > royal; sacred (see 303.23:1)
9 Of her immortal womb, to be in heaven enrolled.
304.12
Thus as she her recomforted, she spyde,
2 Where farre away one all in armour bright,
With hastie gallop towards her did ryde;
4 Her dolour soone she ceast, and on her dight
Her Helmet, to her Courser mounting light:
6 Her former sorrow into suddein wrath,
Both coosen passions of distroubled spright,
8 Conuerting, forth she beates the dustie path;
Loue and despight attonce her courage kindled hath.
1 Thus as she her recomforted, she spied
recomforted > consoled; inspired with fresh courage
2 Where far away one all in armour bright, 3 With hasty gallop, towards her did ride; 4 Her dolour soon she ceased, and on her dight
dolour > lamentation; sorrow dight > arranged
5 Her helmet, to her courser mounting light:
light > quickly; easily
6 Her former sorrow into sudden wrath 7 (Both cousin passions of distroubled spirit)
cousin > kinsman; hence: related distroubled > disturbed, greatly disturbed
8 Converting, forth she beats the dusty path; 9 Love and despite at once her courage kindled have.
despite > anger; ill-will, malice [the converse of love] at once > together, simultaneously
304.13
As when a foggy mist hath ouercast
2 The face of heauen, and the cleare aire engrost,
The world in darkenesse dwels, till that at last
4 The watry Southwinde from the seabord cost
Vpblowing, doth disperse the vapour lo'st,
6 And poures it selfe forth in a stormy showre;
So the faire Britomart hauing disclo'st
8 Her clowdy care into a wrathfull stowre,
The mist of griefe dissolu'd, +did+ into vengeance +powre.+
9 did > omitted from 1596 9 powre. > powre, 1596
1 As, when a foggy mist has overcast 2 The face of heaven and the clear air engrossed,
engrossed > {Rendered gross, dense, thick}
3 The world in darkness dwells, till at last 4 The watery south-wind from the seaboard coast,
watery > {Indicative of rain; rain-bearing} seaboard > {Bordering the sea} coast > region, part (used in the modern sense, the word would here be tautological)
5 Upblowing, does disperse the vapour lossed,
lossed > discharged, unloaded [from the mist, from the clouds]
6 And pours itself forth in a stormy shower; 7 So the fair Britomart, having disclosed
disclosed > opened up, unfastened; hence: released
8 Her cloudy care into a wrathful stour,
stour > turmoil; hence: storm
9 The mist of grief, dissolved, did into vengeance pour.
304.14
Eftsoones her goodly shield addressing faire,
2 That mortall speare she in her hand did take,
And vnto battell did her selfe prepaire.
4 The knight approching, sternely her bespake;
Sir knight, that doest thy voyage rashly make
6 By this forbidden way in my despight,
Ne doest by others death ensample take,
8 I read thee soone retyre, whiles thou hast might,
Least afterwards it be too late to take thy flight.
1 Eftsoons her goodly shield addressing fair,
Eftsoons > Thereupon goodly > beautiful addressing > setting straight; hence: presenting fair > expertly
2 That mortal spear she in her hand did take,
That mortal spear > (The magic spear of King Bladud: see 303.60; mortal = lethal)
3 And to battle did herself prepare. 4 The knight, approaching, sternly her bespoke:
sternly > fiercely bespoke > addressed
5 "Sir knight, that do your voyage rashly make
voyage > journey (an appropriate catachresis for the "Sea-nymphes sonne")
6 By this forbidden way in my despite,
my despite > defiance of me
7 Nor do by others' death example take,
example > warning
8 I read you soon retire, while you have might,
read > advise soon > immediately [to] you have might > you have the strength to do so; also: you can
9 Lest afterwards it be too late to take your flight."
304.15
Ythrild with deepe disdaine of his proud threat,
2 She shortly thus; Fly they, that need to fly;
Words fearen babes. I meane not thee entreat
4 To passe; but maugre thee will passe or dy.
Ne lenger stayd for th'other to reply,
6 But with sharpe +speare+ the rest made dearly knowne.
+Strongly+ the straunge knight ran, and sturdily
8 Strooke her full on the brest, that made her downe
Decline her head, and touch her crouper with her crowne.
6 speare > speares 1590, 1596 7 Strongly > Srongly 1596
1 Thrilled with deep disdain of his proud threat,
Thrilled > Moved disdain > disdain, contempt; indignation, loathing of > of; by
2 She shortly thus: "Fly they, that need to fly;
shortly > curtly; shortly afterwards (cf. 306.20:2) thus > [spoke] thus Fly > Flee
3 Words fear babes. I mean not you entreat
fear > frighten mean > intend entreat > [to entreat]
4 To pass; but maugre you will pass or die."
maugre > notwithstanding (this word is used by Spenser more or less catachr. as a general imprecation or indication of ill-will: here the sense might be taken as "like it or lump it")
5 Nor longer stayed for the other to reply,
stayed > waited
6 But with sharp spear the rest made dearly known. 7 Strongly the strange knight ran, and sturdily
ran > [galloped towards her with lance extended; cf. 307.38:8] sturdily > courageously; with reckless violence
8 Struck her full on the breast: that made her down 9 Decline her head, and touch her crupper with her crown.
crupper > {The strap fastened to the back of the saddle and passed under the horse's tail; the horse's rump} crown > {Head; top of the head}
304.16
But she againe him in the shield did smite
2 With so fierce furie and great puissaunce,
That through his threesquare scuchin percing quite,
4 And through his mayled hauberque, by mischaunce
The wicked steele through his left side did glaunce;
6 Him so transfixed she before her bore
Beyond his croupe, the length of all her launce,
8 Till sadly soucing on the sandie shore,
He tombled on an heape, and wallowd in his gore.
1 But she again him in the shield did smite
again > in return
2 With so fierce fury and great puissance
so > such puissance > force
3 That through his three-square scutcheon piercing quite,
three-square > equilaterally triangular scutcheon > escutcheon, shield
4 And through his mailed hauberk, by mischance
hauberk > {Military tunic, usu. of chain-mail}
5 The wicked steel through his left side did glance;
glance > dart, shoot (esp. obliquely)
6 Him, so transfixed, she before her bore
so > thus
7 Beyond his croup, the length of all her lance,
croup > {Hinder end of saddle}
8 Till, sadly sousing on the sandy shore,
sadly > heavily; grievously sousing > falling (with weight or force)
9 He tumbled on a heap, and wallowed in his gore.
on > in
304.17
Like as the sacred Oxe, that carelesse stands,
2 With gilden hornes, and flowry girlonds crownd,
Proud of his dying honor and deare bands,
4 Whiles th'altars fume with frankincense arownd,
All suddenly with mortall stroke astownd,
6 Doth groueling fall, and with his streaming gore
Distaines the pillours, and the holy grownd,
8 And the faire flowres, that decked him afore;
So fell proud Marinell vpon the pretious shore.
1 Like the sacred ox, that careless stands,
sacred > sacrificial careless > unconcernedly
2 With gilden horns, and flowery garlands crowned
gilden > gilded; golden
3 (Proud of his dying honour and dear bonds,
dying honour > honour in dying (i.e. in being sacrificed) dear > costly; beloved; grievous
4 While the altars fume with frankincense around), 5 All suddenly, with mortal stroke astound,
All > [And all] mortal > lethal, death-dealing astound > stunned
6 Does grovelling fall, and with his streaming gore
grovelling > prostrate
7 Distains the pillars, and the holy ground,
Distains > Stains, discolours; sullies, defiles pillars > [of the temple]
8 And the fair flowers that decked him afore:
afore > before
9 So fell proud Marinell upon the precious shore.
304.18
The martiall Mayd stayd not him to lament,
2 But forward rode, and kept her readie way
Along the strond, which as she ouer-went,
4 She saw bestrowed all with rich aray
Of pearles and pretious stones of great assay,
6 And all the grauell mixt with golden owre;
Whereat she wondred much, but would not stay
8 For gold, or perles, or pretious stones an howre,
But them despised all; for all was in her powre.
1 The martial maid stayed not him to lament, 2 But forward rode, and kept her ready way
ready > straight, direct
3 Along the strand, which, as she overwent,
strand > shore overwent > passed
4 She saw bestrewn all with rich array
bestrewn > [was] strewn
5 Of pearls and precious stones of great assay,
assay > quality, proven worth, hence: value
6 And all the gravel mixed with golden ore; 7 Whereat she wondered much, but would not stay
Whereat > At which wondered > marvelled
8 For gold, or pearls, or precious stones an hour,
hour > instant
9 But them despised all; for all was in her power.
304.19
Whiles thus he lay in deadly stonishment,
2 Tydings hereof came to his mothers eare;
His mother was the blacke-browd Cymoent,
4 The daughter of great Nereus, which did beare
This warlike sonne vnto an earthly peare,
6 The famous Dumarin; who on a day
Finding the Nymph a sleepe in secret wheare,
8 As he by chaunce did wander that same way,
Was taken with her loue, and by her closely lay.
1 While thus he lay in deadly astonishment,
deadly astonishment > death-like insensibility
2 Tidings hereof came to his mother's ear; 3 His mother was the black-browed Cymodoc{e"},
Cymodoc{e"} > (So named at 411.50:6 ff. The name derives from the Greek kyma, wave. She is one of the nereids, sister of Thetis, the mother of Achilles, whom Cymodoc{e"} comforts in the Iliad 18.39. She also appears, with other sea-deities, at Aen. 5.826)
4 The daughter of great Nereus, who did bear
Nereus > (Son of Pontus and Ge, husband of Doris. He lives at the bottom of the sea, being especially associated with the Aegean; like Proteus, he is said to have the power of prophecy)
5 This warlike son to an earthly peer,
peer > mate; nobleman
6 The famous Dumarin; who on a day
Dumarin > "Of the Sea" (French)
7 Finding the nymph asleep in secret weir,
weir > pool
8 As he by chance did wander that same way, 9 Was taken with her love, and by her closely lay.
her love > [love of her] closely > secretly; closely
304.20
There he this knight of her begot, whom borne
2 She of his father Marinell did name,
And in a rocky caue as wight forlorne,
4 Long time she fostred vp, till he became
A mightie man at armes, and mickle fame
6 Did get through great aduentures by him donne:
For neuer man he suffred by that same
8 Rich strond to trauell, whereas he did wonne,
But that he must do battell with the Sea-nymphes sonne.
1 There he this knight of her begot, whom born
born > [once born]
2 She of his father "Marinell" did name,
of > after
3 And in a rocky cave, as wight forlorn,
wight > person, so: child forlorn > abandoned, deserted
4 Long time she fostered up, till he became
fostered up > brought up [with parental care]
5 A mighty man at arms, and mickle fame
mickle > much
6 Did get through great adventures by him done: 7 For never man he suffered by that same
suffered > permitted
8 Rich Strand to travel, where he did won,
won > dwell
9 But he must do battle with the sea-nymph's son.
304.21
An hundred knights of honorable name
2 He had subdew'd, and them his vassals made,
That through all Farie lond his noble fame
4 Now blazed was, and feare did all inuade,
That none durst passen through that perilous glade.
6 And to aduance his name and glorie more,
Her Sea-god syre she dearely did perswade,
8 T'endow her sonne with threasure and rich store,
Boue all the sonnes, that were of earthly wombes ybore.
1 A hundred knights of honourable name
hundred > large number of name > repute, fame, distinction
2 He had subdued, and them his vassals made,
subdued > overcome (by physical force or violence) vassals > slaves
3 That through all Faery Land his noble fame
That > [So that]
4 Now blazed was, and fear did all invade,
blazed > proclaimed; celebrated invade > enter (SUS); hence: possess, daunt
5 That none dared pass through that perilous glade.
That > [So that] glade > (Possibly, referring to the gold and jewels of the shore, meaning a bright, shining or beautiful place. An obsolete meaning is "clear or bright space in the sky". Hamilton (1980) suggests that the coinage/catachresis might be prompted to remind the reader of Mammon's glade at 207.3:1)
6 And, to advance his name and glory more, 7 Her sea-god sire she dearly did persuade
sire > father [Nereus] dearly > earnestly, heartily persuade > recommend; persuade
8 To endow her son with treasure and rich store, 9 Above all the sons that were of earthly wombs borne.
of earthly wombs borne > of earthly wombs born or: by earthly wombs borne
304.22
The God did graunt his daughters deare demaund,
2 To doen his Nephew in all riches flow;
Eftsoones his heaped waues he did commaund,
4 Out of their hollow bosome forth to throw
All the huge threasure, which the sea below
6 Had in his greedie gulfe deuoured deepe,
And him enriched through the ouerthrow
8 And wreckes of many wretches, which did weepe,
And often waile their wealth, which he from them did keepe.
1 The god did grant his daughter's dear demand,
dear > earnest; expensive
2 To do his nephew in all riches flow;
do > make nephew > grandson
3 Eftsoons his heaped waves he did command
Eftsoons > Soon; thereupon
4 Out of their hollow bosom forth to throw 5 All the huge treasure, which the sea below 6 Had in its greedy gulf devoured deep,
gulf > abyss
7 And him enriched through the overthrow
him > itself (if referring to the sea); him (if referring to Nereus)
8 And wrecks of many wretches, which did weep, 9 And often wail their wealth, which he from them did keep.
wail > mourn he > it (if referring to the sea); he (if referring to Nereus)
304.23
Shortly vpon that shore there heaped was,
2 Exceeding riches and all pretious things,
The spoyle of all the world, that it did pas
4 The wealth of th'East, and pompe of Persian kings;
Gold, amber, yuorie, perles, owches, rings,
6 And all that else was pretious and deare,
The sea vnto him voluntary brings,
8 That shortly he a great Lord did appeare,
As was in all the lond of Faery, or elsewheare.
1 Shortly upon that shore there heaped was
was > were (the singular form being forced by the rhyme)
2 Exceeding riches and all precious things, 3 The spoil of all the world, that it did pass
spoil > plunder, booty that > [such that] pass > surpass, exceed
4 The wealth of the east, and pomp of Persian kings: 5 Gold, amber, ivory, pearls, ouches, rings,
amber > {Four parts of gold alloyed with one of silver; also: white amber or spermaceti; and: amber (the fossil resin, used for ornaments)} ouches > {Jewels; golden sockets to hold these}
6 And all that else was precious and dear,
else > otherwise dear > costly
7 The sea to him voluntarily brings, 8 That shortly he a great lord did appear
That > [So that] a great > [as great a]
9 As was in all the land of Faery, or elsewhere.
304.24
Thereto he was a doughtie dreaded knight,
2 Tryde often to the +scath+ of many deare,
That none in equall armes him matchen might,
4 The which his mother seeing, gan to feare
Least his too haughtie hardines might reare
6 Some hard mishap, in hazard of his life:
For thy she oft him counseld to forbeare
8 The bloudie battell, and to stirre vp strife,
But after all his warre, to rest his wearie knife.
2 scath > scathe 1609
1 Thereto he was a doughty dreaded knight,
Thereto > Moreover, also
2 Tried often to the scathe of many dear,
Tried > Tested [in his prowess] scathe > harm, damage dear > grievously
3 That none in equal arms him match might,
That > [Such that; so that] equal arms > impartial combat might > could
4 Which, his mother seeing, began to fear
began > [she began]
5 Lest his too haughty hardiness might rear
haughty > high; proud, arrogant rear > arouse, bring into existence
6 Some hard mishap, in hazard of his life: 7 For-thy she oft him counselled to forbear
For-thy > For this reason
8 The bloody battle and to stir up strife,
to stir up > [the stirring up of]
9 But, after all his war, to rest his weary knife.
knife > sword
304.25
And for his more assurance, she inquir'd
2 One day of Proteus by his mightie spell,
(For Proteus was with prophecie inspir'd)
4 Her deare sonnes destinie to her to tell,
And the sad end of her sweet Marinell.
6 Who through foresight of his eternall skill,
Bad her from womankind to keepe him well:
8 For of a woman he should haue much ill,
A virgin strange and stout him should dismay, or kill.
1 And, for his more assurance, she inquired
more > greater assurance > security
2 One day of Proteus, by his mighty spell
Proteus > (The Old Man of the Sea, a god who can foretell the future (see Met. 11.249-56, Odyssey 4)) spell > occult power
3 (For Proteus was with prophecy inspired) 4 Her dear son's destiny to her to tell, 5 And the sad end of her sweet Marinell. 6 Who, through foresight of his eternal skill,
Who > [Proteus] eternal skill > [knowledge of eternity]
7 Bade her from womankind to keep him well: 8 For of a woman he should have much ill,
of > from, by ill > evil, suffering, misfortune
9 A virgin strange and stout him should dismay, or kill.
strange > foreign, new-come stout > bold, brave dismay > overcome
304.26
For thy she gaue him warning euery day,
2 The loue of women not to entertaine;
A lesson too too hard for liuing clay,
4 From loue in course of nature to refraine:
Yet he his mothers lore did well retaine,
6 And euer from faire Ladies loue did fly;
Yet many Ladies faire did oft complaine,
8 That they for loue of him would algates dy:
Dy, who so list for him, he was loues enimy.
1 For-thy she gave him warning every day
For-thy > Therefore, for this reason
2 The love of women not to entertain; 3 A lesson too too hard for living clay,
clay > flesh (after Gen. 2.7)
4 From love in course of nature to refrain: 5 Yet he his mother's lore did well retain,
lore > teaching
6 And ever from fair ladies' love did fly;
fly > flee
7 Yet many ladies fair did oft complain 8 That they for love of him would algates die:
algates > altogether; hence: surely
9 Die, whoso list for him; he was Love's enemy.
whoso > whoever list for > desired; or: list, for ("list" then meaning "pleased", "chose")
304.27
But ah, who can deceiue his destiny,
2 Or weene by warning to auoyd his fate?
That when he sleepes in most security,
4 And safest seemes, him soonest doth amate,
And findeth dew effect or soone or late.
6 So feeble is the powre of fleshly arme.
His mother bad him womens loue to hate,
8 For she of womans force did feare no harme;
So weening to haue arm'd him, she did quite disarme.
1 But ah, who can deceive his destiny,
deceive > prove false to; defraud
2 Or ween by warning to avoid his fate?
ween > intend; suppose, imagine
3 That when he sleeps in most security,
That > [His destiny]
4 And safest seems, him soonest does amate,
amate > daunt, subdue; also: act as a mate to (cf. esp. 109.45:4; Britomart can be said to personify the destiny foretold by Proteus)
5 And finds due effect +or+ soon or late.
effect > accomplishment; reality or > either
6 So feeble is the power of fleshly arm.
So > Thus, to this extent
7 His mother bade him women's love to hate, 8 For she of woman's force did fear no harm;
force > [physical force, violence]
9 So weening to have armed him, she did quite disarm.
weening > supposing, imagining quite > [him quite]
304.28
This was that woman, this that deadly wound,
2 That Proteus prophecide should him dismay,
The which his mother vainely did expound,
4 To be hart-wounding loue, which should assay
To bring her sonne vnto his last decay.
6 So tickle be the termes of mortall state,
And full of subtile sophismes, which do play
8 With double senses, and with false debate,
T'approue the vnknowen purpose of eternall fate.
1 This was that woman, this that deadly wound, 2 That Proteus prophesied should him dismay,
dismay > defeat, overcome
3 Which his mother vainly did expound
vainly > in vain; also: foolishly, hence: erroneously
4 To be heart-wounding love, which should assay
assay > attack; assail [him]; or, more likely, in view of the absence of a comma at the end of the line: essay, attempt
5 To bring her son to his last decay.
decay > downfall, destruction ("last decay" = "death")
6 So tickle be the terms of mortal state,
So > Thus tickle > capricious, fickle; precarious, insecure
7 And full of subtile sophisms, which do play
subtile > subtle; sly
8 With double senses, and with false debate,
debate > dispute, argument
9 To approve the unknown purpose of eternal fate.
approve > prove, demonstrate
304.29
Too true the famous Marinell it fownd,
2 Who through late triall, on that wealthy Strond
Inglorious now lies in senselesse swownd,
4 Through heauy stroke of Britomartis hond.
Which when his mother deare did vnderstond,
6 And heauy tydings heard, whereas she playd
Amongst her watry sisters by a pond,
8 Gathering sweet daffadillyes, to haue made
Gay girlonds, from the Sun their forheads faire to +shade.+
9 shade. > shade; 1609
1 Too true the famous Marinell it found, 2 Who, through late trial, on that wealthy strand
late > recent wealthy > [rich] strand > shore
3 Inglorious now lies in senseless swoon,
senseless > unconscious
4 Through heavy stroke of Britomart's hand.
heavy > grievous; grave
5 Which when his mother dear did understand,
dear > dear (if applied to Cymodoc{e"}); grievously, at great cost (if applied to "understand")
6 And heavy tidings heard (where she played
heavy > distressing; grave, grievous
7 Amongst her watery sisters by a pond,
her watery sisters > [the other nereids]
8 Gathering sweet daffodils, to have made 9 Gay garlands, from the sun their foreheads fair to shade)
304.30
Eftsoones both flowres and girlonds farre away
2 She flong, and her faire deawy lockes yrent,
To sorrow huge she turnd her former play,
4 And +gamesom+ merth to grieuous dreriment:
She threw her selfe downe on the Continent,
6 Ne word did speake, but lay as in a swowne,
Whiles all her sisters did for her lament,
8 With yelling outcries, and with shrieking sowne;
And euery one did teare her girlond from her crowne.
4 gamesom > gameson 1590, 1596
1 Eftsoons both flowers and garlands far away
Eftsoons > Forthwith
2 She flung, and her fair dewy locks rent.
rent > tore
3 To sorrow huge she turned her former play, 4 And gamesome mirth to grievous dreariment:
dreariment > affliction, melancholy
5 She threw herself down on the continent,
continent > land, earth; hence: ground
6 Nor word did speak, but lay as in a swoon, 7 While all her sisters did for her lament, 8 With yelling outcries, and with shrieking sound; 9 And every one did tear her garland from her crown.
crown > head
304.31
Soone as she vp out of her deadly fit
2 Arose, she bad her charet to be brought,
And all her sisters, that with her did sit,
4 Bad eke attonce their charets to be sought;
Tho full of bitter griefe and pensiue thought,
6 She to her wagon clombe; clombe all the rest,
And forth together went, with sorrow fraught.
8 The waues obedient to their beheast,
Them yielded readie passage, and their rage surceast.
1 Soon as she up out of her deadly fit
Soon > [As soon; or: Soon,] deadly > death-like
2 Arose, she bade her charet to be brought,
bade > ordered charet > chariot
3 And all her sisters, that with her did sit, 4 Bade eke at once their charets to be sought;
eke > also at once > immediately; together, simultaneously
5 Tho, full of bitter grief and pensive thought,
Tho > Then pensive > anxious; sorrowful
6 She to her wagon climbed; climbed all the rest, 7 And forth together went, with sorrow fraught.
fraught > filled
8 The waves, obedient to their behest, 9 Them yielded ready passage, and their rage surceased.
ready > ready, willing; direct surceased > ceased, gave over
304.32
Great Neptune stood amazed at their sight,
2 Whiles on his broad round backe they softly slid
And eke himselfe mournd at their mournfull plight,
4 Yet wist not what their wailing ment, yet did
For great compassion of their sorrow, bid
6 His mightie waters to them buxome bee:
Eftsoones the roaring billowes still abid,
8 And all the griesly Monsters of the See
Stood gaping at their gate, and wondred them to see.
1 Great Neptune stood amazed at their sight,
their sight > [the sight of them]
2 While on his broad round back they softly slid 3 And eke himself mourned at their mournful plight,
eke > moreover [he]
4 Yet wist not what their wailing meant, yet did,
wist > knew
5 For great compassion of their sorrow, bid 6 His mighty waters to them buxom be:
buxom > yielding
7 Eftsoons the roaring billows still abode,
Eftsoons > Thereupon still > still, motionless abode > remained, waited
8 And all the grisly monsters of the sea
grisly > fearsome, horrible
9 Stood gaping at their gate, and wondered them to see.
gate > manner of going wondered > marvelled
304.33
A teme of Dolphins raunged in +aray+,
2 Drew the smooth charet of sad Cymoent;
They were all taught by Triton, to obay
4 To the long +raynes+, at her commaundement:
As swift as swallowes, on the waues they went,
6 That their broad flaggie finnes no fome did reare,
Ne bubbling roundell they behind them sent;
8 The rest of other fishes drawen weare,
Which with their finny oars the swelling sea did sheare.
1 aray > a ray (my conjecture); "ray" is aphetic for "array", and spacing between words in the early editions is often very tight. Cf. 209.7:9 4 raynes > traines 1596, 1609
1 A team of dolphins, ranged in array,
array > [a] rank (see also Textual Appendix)
2 Drew the smooth charet of sad Cymodoc{e"};
charet > chariot
3 They were all taught by Triton to obey
Triton > (Son of Neptune and Amphitrite, and thus a nephew of Cymodoc{e"}; his chief characteristic is his shell-trumpet, which he blows to quieten the waves; for his command over dolphins, see Myth. 8.3) obey > be obedient; submit
4 To the long reins, at her commandment:
commandment > command
5 As swift as swallows, on the waves they went,
swallows > (Which, besides having a fast and liquid flight, will skim the surface of fresh water in order to drink)
6 That their broad flaggy fins no foam did rear,
That > [So that] flaggy > drooping (Spenser's knowledge of dolphin anatomy seems to have been gained from woodcuts in medieval bestiaries and the like) rear > raise
7 Nor bubbling roundel they behind them sent;
roundel > circle [of ripples]
8 The rest of other fishes drawn were,
rest > [other nereids' chariots] of > by fish > (So the dolphin was believed to be)
9 Which with their finny oars the swelling sea did shear.
304.34
Soone as they bene arriu'd vpon the brim
2 Of the Rich strond, their charets they forlore,
And let their temed fishes softly swim
4 Along the margent of the fomy shore,
Least they their finnes should bruze, and surbate sore
6 Their tender feet vpon the stony ground:
And comming to the place, where all in gore
8 And cruddy bloud enwallowed they found
The lucklesse Marinell, lying in deadly swound;
1 Soon as they been arrived upon the brim
Soon > [As soon] been > [were, had] brim > margin, edge
2 Of the Rich Strand, their charets they forlore,
Strand > Shore charets > chariots forlore > left
3 And let their teamed fishes softly swim 4 Along the margent of the foamy shore,
margent > margin
5 Lest they their fins should bruise, and surbate sore
surbate > bruise, make sore
6 Their tender feet upon the stony ground: 7 And, coming to the place where all in gore 8 And cruddy blood enwallowed they found
cruddy > clotted enwallowed > wallowed (the prefix is an intensive)
9 The luckless Marinell, lying in deadly swoon,
deadly > death-like
304.35
His mother swowned thrise, and the third time
2 Could scarce recouered be out of her paine;
Had she not bene deuoyd of mortall slime,
4 She should not then haue bene reliu'd againe,
But soone as life recouered had the raine,
6 She made so piteous mone and deare wayment,
That the hard rocks could scarse from teares refraine,
8 And all her sister Nymphes with one consent
Supplide her sobbing breaches with sad complement.
1 His mother swooned thrice, and the third time 2 Could scarcely recovered be out of her pain; 3 Had she not been devoid of mortal slime,
slime > flesh (for the nereids are goddesses)
4 She should not then have been relived again,
relived > revived
5 But soon as life recovered had the reign,
soon > [as soon] reign > reign; or, perhaps: rein (cf. 107.24:5)
6 She made so piteous moan and dear wayment
so > such moan > moaning dear > grievous wayment > waymenting: lamenting, sorrowing
7 That the hard rocks could scarcely from tears refrain, 8 And all her sister nymphs with one concent
concent > harmony, accord
9 Supplied her sobbing breaches with sad complement.
her sobbing breaches > [intervals between her sobs]
304.36
Deare image of my selfe (she said) that is,
2 The wretched sonne of wretched mother borne,
Is this thine high aduauncement, {o^} is this
4 Th'immortall name, with which thee yet vnborne
Thy Gransire Nereus promist to adorne?
6 Now lyest thou of life and honor reft;
Now lyest thou a lumpe of earth forlorne,
8 Ne of thy late life memory is left,
Ne can thy irreuocable destiny be weft?
1 "Dear image of myself," she said, "that is 2 The wretched son of wretched mother born, 3 Is this your high advancement, O is this 4 The immortal name with which you, yet unborn, 5 Your grandsire Nereus promised to adorn?
grandsire > grandfather
6 Now lie you of life and honour reft;
reft > robbed, bereft
7 Now lie you a lump of earth forlorn, 8 Ne of your late life memory is left,
Ne > Not, neither hence: and nothing, and nothing whatever (not exactly translatable: a conjunctional intensification of "no") late > recent, late memory > memorial; memento; memory
9 Ne can your irrevocable destiny be weft?
Ne > And neither weft > avoided
304.37
Fond Proteus, father of false prophecis,
2 And they more fond, that credit to thee giue,
Not this the worke of womans hand ywis,
4 That so deepe wound through these deare members driue.
I feared loue: but they that loue do liue,
6 But they that die, doe neither loue nor hate.
Nath'lesse to thee thy folly I forgiue,
8 And to my selfe, and to accursed fate
The guilt I doe ascribe: deare wisedome bought too late.
1 "Fond Proteus, father of false prophecies,
Fond > Foolish, imbecile; credulous
2 And they more fond, that credit to you give,
they > [those people] you > (Addressing Proteus)
3 Not this the work of woman's hand iwis,
iwis > certainly, indeed; (catachr.) I know, hence: I certainly know (contemptuous of Proteus's "false prophecis")
4 That so deep wound through these dear members drive.
so > such [a] members > limbs; organs drive > could drive; drove; has driven
5 I feared love: but they that love do live, 6 But they that die do neither love nor hate. 7 Natheless to you your folly I forgive,
Natheless > Nevertheless forgive > grant; pardon
8 And to myself, and to accursed Fate 9 The guilt I do ascribe: dear wisdom bought too late.
dear > precious; costly; grievous
304.38
O what auailes it of immortall seed
2 To beene ybred and neuer borne to die?
Farre better I it deeme to die with speed,
4 Then waste in woe and wailefull miserie.
Who dyes the vtmost dolour doth abye,
6 But who that liues, is left to waile his losse:
So life is losse, and death felicitie.
8 Sad life worse then glad death: and greater crosse
To see friends graue, then dead the graue selfe to engrosse.
1 "O what avails it of immortal seed
seed > offspring
2 To been bred and never born to die?
been > [be; have been]
3 Far better I it deem to die with speed 4 Than waste in woe and wailful misery.
wailful > lamentable
5 Who dies the utmost dolour does aby,
Who > [He who] dolour > dolour; physical suffering; grief aby > suffer
6 But who that lives is left to wail his loss:
wail > mourn
7 So life is loss, and death felicity. 8 Sad life worse than glad death: and greater cross 9 To see friend's grave than, dead, the grave self to engross.
dead > [being dead] self > oneself engross > occupy wholly, hence: fill (somewhat catachr.)
304.39
But if the heauens did his dayes enuie,
2 And my short blisse maligne, yet mote they well
Thus much afford me, ere that he did die
4 That the dim eyes of my deare Marinell
I mote haue closed, and him +bed+ farewell,
6 Sith other offices for mother meet
They would not graunt.
8 Yet maulgre them farewell, my sweetest sweet;
Farewell my sweetest sonne, +sith we no more shall+ meet.
5 bed > bid 1609 9 sith we no more shall > till we againe may 1590
1 "But if the heavens did his days envy,
envy > begrudge; regard with malevolence
2 And my short bliss malign, yet might they well
malign > regard with hatred; resent; begrudge
3 Thus much afford me, ere he did die, 4 That the dim eyes of my dear Marinell 5 I might have closed, and him bade farewell, 6 Sith other offices for mother meet
Sith > Since meet > fitting, suitable (referring to the "offices")
7 They would not grant. 8 Yet maugre them farewell, my sweetest sweet;
maugre > despite, in spite of
9 Farewell my sweetest son, sith we no more shall meet."
304.40
Thus when they all had sorrowed their fill,
2 They softly gan to search his griesly wound:
And that they might him handle more at will,
4 They him disarm'd, and spredding on the ground
Their watchet mantles frindgd with siluer round,
6 They softly wipt away the +gelly blood+
From th'orifice; which hauing well vpbound,
8 They pourd in soueraine balme, and Nectar good,
Good both for earthly med'cine, and for heauenly food.
6 gelly blood > gelly-blood 1590; ielly'd blood 1609
1 Thus, when they all had sorrowed their fill, 2 They softly began to search his grisly wound:
search > probe; examine grisly > fearsome
3 And that they might him handle more at will,
that > [so that]
4 They him disarmed, and spreading on the ground
disarmed > relieved of armour
5 Their watchet mantles fringed with silver round,
watchet > {Light blue, sky-blue; cloth of this colour}
6 They softly wiped away the jelly-blood 7 From the orifice; which having well upbound, 8 They poured in sovereign balm, and nectar good,
sovereign > supremely efficacious
9 Good both for earthly medicine, and for heavenly food.
heavenly food > (Because nectar is the drink of the gods)
304.41
Tho when the lilly handed Liagore,
2 (This Liagore whylome had learned skill
In leaches craft, by great Appolloes lore,
4 Sith her whylome vpon the high Pindus hill,
He loued, and at last her wombe did fill
6 With heauenly seed, whereof wise P{ae}on sprong)
Did feele his pulse, she knew +there+ staied still
8 Some litle life his feeble sprites emong;
Which to his mother told, despeire she from her flong.
7 there > their 1590, 1596; cf. 110.36:6, 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 211.21:8, 312.28:1
1 Tho when the lily-handed Liagore
Tho > Then
Liagore > "White-armed" (Greek. She is one of the nereids. See
Hesiod, Theogony 257)
2 (This Liagore whilom had learned skill
whilom > in ancient times; at some past time
3 In leech's craft, by great Apollo's lore,
leech > doctor Apollo > (The god who affords help and wards off evils, father of Aesculapius, the god of healing; associated with Paean, though the details of Paean's conception are apparently invented by Spenser) lore > teaching, doctrine
4 Sith her whilom upon the high Pindus hill,
Sith > Since
Pindus > (A range of high mountains in northern Greece; the name of
"Pindus" was confined to that part which separates Thessaly and
Epirus)
5 He loved, and at last her womb did fill 6 With heavenly seed, whereof wise Paean sprang)
seed > semen; progeny wise > expert, skilful; wise Paean > (The god of healing in Homer: see Iliad 5.388-402, 5.899- 901)
7 Did feel his pulse, she knew there stayed still
stayed > remained
8 Some little life his feeble spirits among; 9 Which, to his mother told, despair she from her flung.
told > [being told, having been told]
304.42
Tho +vp him+ taking in their tender hands,
2 They easily vnto her charet beare:
Her teme at her commaundement quiet stands,
4 Whiles they the corse into her wagon reare,
And strow with flowres the lamentable beare:
6 Then all the rest into their coches clim,
And through the brackish waues their passage sheare;
8 Vpon great Neptunes necke they softly swim,
And to her watry chamber swiftly carry him.
1 vp him > him vp 1609
1 Tho, up him taking in their tender hands,
Tho > Then
2 They easily to her charet bear:
easily > easily; without hurry charet > chariot bear > [bear Marinell]
3 Her team at her commandment quiet stands,
commandment > command
4 While they the corse into her wagon rear,
corse > body rear > raise, raise up
5 And strew with flowers the lamentable bier:
lamentable > mournful, doleful
6 Then all the rest into their coaches climb, 7 And through the brackish waves their passage shear; 8 Upon great Neptune's neck they softly swim, 9 And to her watery chamber swiftly carry him.
304.43
Deepe in the bottome of the sea, her bowre
2 Is built of hollow billowes heaped hye,
Like to thicke cloudes, that threat a stormy showre,
4 And +vauted+ all within, like to the sky,
In which the Gods do dwell eternally:
6 There they him laid in easie couch well dight;
And sent in haste for Tryphon, to apply
8 Salues to his wounds, and medicines of might:
For Tryphon of sea gods the soueraine leach is hight.
4 vauted > vaulted 1609
1 Deep in the bottom of the sea, her bower
bower > dwelling, abode
2 Is built of hollow billows heaped high, 3 Like thick clouds, that threaten a stormy shower, 4 And vaulted all within, like the sky 5 In which the gods do dwell eternally: 6 There they him laid in easy couch well dight;
couch > bed dight > arranged, prepared
7 And sent in haste for Tryphon, to apply
Tryphon > (Another god of healing. A sea-god and the brother of
Aesculapius, according to DGDG 7.36)
8 Salves to his wounds, and medicines of might:
might > power, efficacy
9 For Tryphon of sea-gods the sovereign leech is hight.
of > of; by leech > doctor hight > called
304.44
The whiles the Nymphes sit all about him round,
2 Lamenting his mishap and heauy plight;
And oft his mother vewing his wide wound,
4 Cursed the hand, that did so deadly smight
Her dearest sonne, her dearest harts delight.
6 But none of all those curses ouertooke
The warlike Maid, th'ensample of that might,
8 But fairely well she thriu'd, and well did brooke
Her noble deeds, ne her right course for ought forsooke.
1 The whiles the nymphs sit all about him round,
The whiles > Meanwhile the nymphs > [the other nereids]
2 Lamenting his mishap and heavy plight;
heavy > sad, distressing; grievous
3 And oft his mother, viewing his wide wound, 4 Cursed the hand that did so deadly smite 5 Her dearest son, her dearest heart's delight. 6 But none of all those curses overtook
none > not one
7 The warlike maid, the example of that might,
example > exemplar; sample, specimen; hence, very loosely: agent, perpetrator that might > (Possibly referring back to 304.27:8)
8 But fairly well she throve, and well did brook
fairly > {In a favourable manner} brook > find agreeable; profit by
9 Her noble deeds, nor her right course for aught forsook.
304.45
Yet did false Archimage her still pursew,
2 To bring to passe his mischieuous intent,
Now that he had her singled from the crew
4 Of courteous knights, the Prince, and Faery gent,
Whom late in chace of beautie excellent
6 She left, pursewing that same foster strong;
Of whose foule outrage they impatient,
8 And full of fiery zeale, him followed long,
To reskew her from shame, and to reuenge her wrong.
1 Yet did false Archimago her still pursue,
Archimago > (He does not appear again, and his appearance here is something of a puzzle. Cf. 301.0:3, in which Duessa is mentioned: yet she does not feature in Book III. Perhaps these are traces of a subsequently revised synopsis) still > yet; continually
2 To bring to pass his mischievous intent,
mischievous > {Producing or intending harm} intent > purpose, intention
3 Now that he had her singled from the crew 4 Of courteous knights, the prince and Faery gent,
gent > noble
5 Whom late in chase of beauty excellent
late > recently (see 301.18-19) chase > pursuit
6 She left, pursuing that same foster strong;
foster > forester
7 Of whose foul outrage they impatient,
impatient > [being] intolerant
8 And full of fiery zeal, him followed long, 9 To rescue her from shame, and to revenge her wrong.
her > [Florimell, "beautie excellent"]
304.46
Through thick and thin, through mountaines and through plains,
2 Those two great champions did attonce pursew
The fearefull damzell, with incessant paines:
4 Who from them fled, as light-foot hare from vew
Of +hunter+ swift, and sent of houndes trew.
6 At last they came vnto a double way,
Where, doubtfull which to take, her to reskew,
8 Themselues they did dispart, each to assay,
Whether more happie were, to win so goodly pray.
5 hunter > hunters 1609
1 Through thick and thin, through mountains and through plains, 2 Those two great champions did at once pursue
at once > together
3 The fearful damsel, with incessant pains:
pains > efforts
4 Who from them fled, as lightfoot hare from view
lightfoot > light-footed (also a quasi-sb. name for the hare)
5 Of hunter swift, and scent of hounds true.
scent of > also, perhaps: sent by
6 At last they came to a double way 7 Where, doubtful which to take, her to rescue, 8 Themselves they did dispart, each to assay
dispart > separate assay > test, put to the proof
9 Whether more happy were, to win so goodly prey.
Whether > Which of the two [champions] happy > fortunate so goodly prey > such beautiful plunder; so beautiful a prey
304.47
But Timias, the Princes gentle Squire,
2 That Ladies loue vnto his Lord forlent,
And with proud enuy, and indignant ire,
4 After that wicked foster fiercely went.
So beene they three three sundry wayes ybent.
6 But fairest fortune to the Prince befell,
Whose chaunce it was, that soone he did +repent,+
8 To take that way, in which that Damozell
Was fled afore, affraid of him, as feend of hell.
7 repent, > repent 1609
1 But Timias, the prince's gentle squire,
gentle > gentle; noble squire > attendant
2 That lady's love to his lord forlent,
forlent > gave up, relinquished (this form not in OED)
3 And with proud envy, and indignant ire,
envy > enthusiasm, desire
4 After that wicked foster fiercely went.
foster > forester
5 So been they three three sundry ways bent.
been > [were] bent > bound, directed
6 But fairest fortune to the prince befell, 7 Whose chance it was, that soon he did repent,
repent > regret
8 To take that way in which that damsel 9 Was fled afore, afraid of him as fiend of hell.
afore > before, in front [of him] him > (Referring indifferently to the forester and Arthur)
304.48
At last of her farre off he gained vew:
2 Then gan he freshly pricke his fomy steed,
And euer as he nigher to her drew,
4 So euermore he did increase his speed,
And of each turning still kept warie heed:
6 Aloud to her he oftentimes did call,
To doe away vaine doubt, and needlesse dreed:
8 Full myld to her he spake, and oft let fall
Many meeke wordes, to stay and comfort her withall.
1 At last of her far off he gained view: 2 Then gan he freshly prick his foamy steed,
gan > did prick > spur
3 And ever as he nigher to her drew, 4 So evermore he did increase his speed, 5 And of each turning still kept wary heed:
still > continually
6 Aloud to her he oftentimes did call,
oftentimes > many times
7 To do away vain doubt, and needless dread:
do away > banish vain > empty, foolish doubt > fear
8 Full mild to her he spoke, and oft let fall
Full > Very, exceedingly
9 Many meek words, to stay and comfort her withal.
stay > support; detain
304.49
But nothing might relent her hastie flight;
2 So deepe the deadly feare of that foule swaine
Was earst impressed in her gentle spright:
4 Like as a fearefull Doue, which through the raine,
Of the wide aire her way does cut amaine,
6 Hauing farre off espyde a Tassell gent,
Which after her his nimble wings doth straine,
8 Doubleth her haste for feare to be +for-hent+,
And with her pineons cleaues the liquid firmament.
8 for-hent > forhent 1590; fore-hent 1609
1 But nothing might relent her hasty flight;
might relent > could slacken
2 So deep the deadly fear of that foul swain
swain > bumpkin, yokel; the word is also a legal term: freeholder within the forest, hence: forester
3 Was erst impressed in her gentle spirit:
erst > lately, previously; first
4 Like a fearful dove, which through the reign
reign > realm, dominion
5 Of the wide air her way does cut amain
amain > at full speed
6 (Having far off espied a tercel-gentle,
tercel-gentle > male falcon (esp. the peregrine, Falco peregrinus)
7 Which after her his nimble wings does strain), 8 Doubles her haste for fear to be for-hent,
Doubles > [And doubles; the construction is rather awkward without a conjunction here] for-hent > overtaken, seized (the prefix is an intensive and superlative, implying painful effect or overpowering; "hend" = "seize", "lay hold of", "take", "grasp")
9 And with her pinions cleaves the liquid firmament.
liquid > transparent; ethereal; bright
304.50
With no lesse haste, and eke with no lesse dreed,
2 That fearefull Ladie fled from him, that ment
To her no euill thought, nor euill deed;
4 Yet former feare of being fowly shent,
Carried her forward with her first intent:
6 And though oft looking backward, well she vewd,
Her selfe freed from that foster insolent,
8 And that it was a knight, which now her sewd,
Yet she no lesse the knight feard, then that villein rude.
1 With no less haste, and eke with no less dread,
eke > also
2 That fearful lady fled from him, that meant
meant > intended; or, perhaps: ment (ppl. of "meng"), joined, attached (cf. 203.11:9)
3 To her no evil thought, nor evil deed; 4 Yet former fear of being foully shent
shent > disgraced, defiled
5 Carried her forward with her first intent:
intent > intention, purpose
6 And though oft looking backward, well she viewed 7 Herself freed from that foster insolent, 8 And that it was a knight which now her sued,
sued > pursued
9 Yet she no less the knight feared than that villein rude.
villein > villain; serf (if the legalistic meaning of "swain" is not intended at 304.49:2) rude > barbarous; rough, clumsy; violent
304.51
His vncouth shield and straunge armes her dismayd,
2 Whose like in Faery lond were seldome seene,
That fast she from him fled, no lesse affrayd,
4 Then of wild beastes if she had chased beene:
Yet he her followd still with courage keene,
6 So long that now the golden Hesperus
Was mounted high in top of heauen sheene,
8 And warnd his other brethren ioyeous,
To light their blessed lamps in Ioues eternall hous.
1 His uncouth shield and strange arms her dismayed,
uncouth > strange
2 Whose like in Faery Land were seldom seen, 3 That fast she from him fled, no less afraid
That > [So that]
4 Than of wild beasts if she had chased been: 5 Yet he her followed still with courage keen,
courage > spirit; vigour; confidence; lustiness
6 So long that now the golden Hesperus
Hesperus > (Name for the planet Venus when it appears as the evening star; Venus is also the morning star. Hesperus is, as here, accorded male gender at 102.6. For a clue to the analogy between Florimell and the Faery Queen, see 107.30:4)
7 Was mounted high in top of heaven sheen,
sheen > shining, resplendent; beautiful (applicable both to "Hesperus" and "heauen")
8 And warned his other brethren joyous
brethren joyous > heavenly brothers
9 To light their blessed lamps in Jove's eternal house.
304.52
All suddenly dim woxe the dampish ayre,
2 And griesly shadowes couered heauen bright,
That now with thousand starres was decked fayre;
4 Which when the Prince beheld, a lothfull sight,
And that perforce, for want of lenger light,
6 He mote surcease his suit, and lose the hope
Of his long labour, he gan fowly wyte
8 His wicked fortune, that had turnd aslope,
And cursed night, that reft from him so goodly scope.
1 All suddenly dim waxed the dampish air,
waxed > grew, became
2 And grisly shadows covered heaven bright,
grisly > grim, fearsome bright > beautiful
3 That now with thousand stars was decked fair; 4 Which when the prince beheld, a loathful sight,
loathful > loathsome
5 And that perforce, for want of longer light,
that > [that when he also beheld that]
6 He might surcease his suit, and lose the hope
might > must surcease > discontinue, desist from; hence: be thwarted in suit > pursuit; wooing
7 Of his long labour, he gan foully wite
gan > did wite > blame
8 His wicked fortune, that had turned aslope,
aslope > slantwise; hence: awry
9 And cursed Night, that reft from him so goodly scope.
Night > (Nox) reft > took away so goodly > such a beautiful scope > aim, end in view; object of desire
304.53
Tho when her wayes he could no more descry,
2 But to and fro at disauenture strayd;
Like as a ship, whose Lodestarre suddenly
4 Couered with cloudes, her Pilot hath dismayd;
His wearisome pursuit perforce he stayd,
6 And from his loftie steed dismounting low,
Did let him forage. Downe himselfe he layd
8 Vpon the grassie ground, to sleepe a throw;
The cold earth was his couch, the hard steele his pillow.
1 Tho, when her ways he could no more descry,
Tho > Then ways > way
2 But to and fro at disadventure strayed
at disadventure > unfortunately, lucklessly; hence: without success ("disadventure" = "misfortune", "mischance")
3 (Like a ship whose lodestar, suddenly 4 Covered with clouds, her pilot has dismayed), 5 His wearisome pursuit perforce he stayed,
stayed > ceased
6 And from his lofty steed dismounting low, 7 Did let him forage. Down himself he laid 8 Upon the grassy ground, to sleep a throw;
throw > turn; hence: spell, while
9 The cold earth was his couch, the hard steel his pillow.
couch > bed
304.54
But gentle Sleepe enuyde him any rest;
2 In stead thereof sad sorrow, and disdaine
Of his hard hap did vexe his noble brest,
4 And thousand fancies bet his idle braine
With their light wings, the sights of semblants vaine:
6 Oft did he wish, that Lady faire mote bee
His Faery Queene, for whom he did complaine:
8 Or that his Faery Queene were such, as shee:
And euer hastie Night he blamed bitterlie.
1 But gentle Sleep envied him any rest;
gentle > gentle; high-born, noble Sleep > (The adjective and the capital letter indicate that Spenser means Somnus, the god of sleep; or perhaps his son, Morpheus (see 101.40:6), so preparing us for the forthcoming theologism) envied > begrudged
2 Instead thereof sad sorrow, and disdain
disdain > indignation, anger [… at]
3 Of his hard hap, did vex his noble breast,
hap > fortune, lot
4 And thousand fancies beat his idle brain
idle > inactive; empty
5 With their light wings, the sights of semblants vain:
sights > appearances, visions semblants > images vain > weak, foolish; unavailing
6 Oft did he wish that lady fair might be
that > [that that]
7 His Faery Queen, for whom he did complain:
complain > suffer, ail; groan, lament
8 Or that his Faery Queen were such as she: 9 And ever hasty Night he blamed bitterly.
ever hasty > (Both alternatives are probably intended: "ever, hasty", and "ever-hasty". Cf. 102.37:9) Night > (Nox is here taken as the antithesis of the effulgent Gloriana) blamed > reproved
304.55
Night thou foule Mother of annoyance sad,
2 Sister of heauie death, and nourse of woe,
Which wast begot in heauen, but for thy bad
4 And brutish shape thrust downe to hell below,
Where by the grim floud of Cocytus slow
6 Thy dwelling is, in Herebus blacke hous,
(Blacke Herebus thy husband is the foe
8 Of all the Gods) where thou vngratious,
Halfe of thy dayes doest lead in horrour hideous.
1 "Night, you foul mother of Annoyance sad, 2 Sister of heavy Death, and nurse of Woe; 3 Who was begotten in heaven, but for your bad
begotten > (See 105.22, 204.41) for > because of, for the sake of
4 And brutish shape thrust down to hell below, 5 Where by the grim flood of Cocytus slow
grim > harsh; cruel, formidable flood > river Cocytus > ("The stream of wailing": one of the five rivers of Hell)
6 Your dwelling is, in Erebus' black house, 7 (Black Erebus, your husband, is the foe 8 Of all the gods) where you, ungracious,
ungracious > devoid of spiritual grace, unregenerate; malignant; repulsive, offensive
9 Half of your days do lead in horror hideous.
hideous > odious; immense
304.56
What had th'eternall Maker need of thee,
2 The world in his continuall course to keepe,
That doest all things deface, ne lettest see
4 The beautie of his worke? Indeed in sleepe
The slouthfull bodie, that doth loue to steepe
6 His lustlesse limbes, and drowne his baser mind,
Doth praise thee oft, and oft from Stygian deepe
8 Calles thee, his goddesse in his error blind,
And great Dame Natures handmaide, chearing euery kind.
1 "What had the eternal Maker need of you, 2 The world in its continual course to keep, 3 That do all things deface, nor let see
deface > deface, destroy; cast in the shade
4 The beauty of His work? Indeed in sleep 5 The slothful body, that does love to steep
steep > {Bathe in slumber or rest}
6 His lustless limbs, and drown his baser mind,
lustless > {Listless; joyless, lacking pleasure or delight} baser > too-base; more base; most base
7 Does praise you oft, and oft from Stygian deep
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the river which dead souls must cross}
8 Calls you, his goddess in his error blind, 9 And great Dame Nature's handmaid, cheering every kind.
kind > race, species
304.57
But well I wote, that to an heauy hart
2 Thou art the root and nurse of bitter cares,
Breeder of new, renewer of old smarts:
4 In stead of rest thou lendest rayling teares,
In stead of sleepe thou sendest troublous feares,
6 And dreadfull visions, in the which aliue
The drearie image of sad death appeares:
8 So from the wearie spirit thou doest driue
Desired rest, and men of happinesse depriue.
1 "But well I wot, that to a heavy heart
wot > know
2 You are the root and nurse of bitter cares, 3 Breeder of new, renewer of old smarts:
smarts > pains, sorrows
4 Instead of rest you lend railing tears,
lend > impart, afford railing > flowing; gushing
5 Instead of sleep you send troublous fears, 6 And dreadful visions, in which alive
alive > (An intensive)
7 The dreary image of sad Death appears:
dreary > dreadful, grim
8 So from the weary spirit you do drive 9 Desired rest, and men of happiness deprive.
304.58
Vnder thy mantle blacke there hidden lye,
2 Light-shonning theft, and traiterous intent,
Abhorred bloudshed, and vile felony,
4 Shamefull deceipt, and daunger imminent;
Foule horror, and eke hellish dreriment:
6 All these I wote in thy protection bee,
And light doe shonne, for feare of being shent:
8 For light ylike is loth'd of them and thee,
And all that lewdnesse loue, doe hate the light to see.
1 "Under your mantle black there hidden lie 2 Light-shunning theft, and traitorous intent, 3 Abhorred bloodshed, and vile felony,
felony > wickedness; guile, perfidy
4 Shameful deceit, and danger imminent;
danger > mischief; harm
5 Foul horror, and eke hellish dreariment:
eke > also dreariment > affliction; gloom, melancholy
6 All these I wot in your protection be,
wot > know
7 And light do shun, for fear of being shent:
shent > disgraced
8 For light alike is loathed of them and you,
of > by
9 And all that lewdness love, do hate the light to see.
lewdness > wickedness, evil behaviour; ignorance
304.59
For day discouers all dishonest wayes,
2 And sheweth each thing, as it is indeed:
The prayses of high God he faire displayes,
4 And his large bountie rightly doth areed.
+Dayes dearest children+ be the blessed seed,
6 Which darknesse shall subdew, and heauen win:
Truth is his daughter; he her first did breed,
8 Most sacred virgin, without spot of sin.
Our life is day, but death with darknesse doth begin.
5 Dayes dearest children > The children of day 1590
1 "For Day discovers all dishonest ways, 2 And shows each thing as it is indeed: 3 The praises of high God he fair displays,
fair > becomingly; well, expertly displays > makes manifest; expounds
4 And His large bounty rightly does aread.
aread > declare, make known
5 Day's dearest children be the blessed seed
seed > progeny (see 105.24-5)
6 Which darkness shall subdue, and heaven win:
darkness shall subdue > [shall subdue darkness]
7 Truth is his daughter; he her first did breed, 8 Most sacred virgin, without spot of sin. 9 Our life is day, but death with darkness does begin.
304.60
O when will day then turne to me againe,
2 And bring with him his long expected light?
O Titan, haste to reare thy ioyous waine:
4 Speed thee to spred abroad thy beames +bright,+
And chase away this too long lingring night,
6 Chase her away, from whence she came, to hell.
She, she it is, that hath me done despight:
8 There let her with the damned spirits dwell,
And yeeld her roome to day, that can it gouerne well.
4 bright, > bright? 1590, 1596
1 "O when will Day then turn to me again, 2 And bring with him his long expected light? 3 O Titan, hasten to rear your joyous wain:
joyous > glorious; heavenly; joyous wain > chariot (in which Phoebus Apollo makes his daily journey across the sky)
4 Speed you to spread abroad your beams bright, 5 And chase away this too long lingering Night; 6 Chase her away, from whence she came, to hell. 7 She, she it is, that has me done despite:
despite > [an] outrage, malice
8 There let her with the damned spirits dwell, 9 And yield her room to Day, that can it govern well!"
room > space, place
304.61
Thus did the Prince that wearie night outweare,
2 In restlesse anguish and vnquiet paine:
And earely, ere the morrow did vpreare
4 His deawy head out of the Ocean maine,
He vp arose, as halfe in great disdaine,
6 And clombe vnto his steed. So forth he went,
With heauie looke and lumpish pace, that plaine
8 In him bewraid great grudge and maltalent:
His steed eke seem'd t'apply his steps to his intent.
1 Thus did the prince that weary night outwear
outwear > consume; outlive
2 In restless anguish and unquiet pain: 3 And early, ere the morrow did uprear
morrow > dawn uprear > rear (the prefix is an intensive)
4 His dewy head out of the ocean main,
main > {Broad expanse of water}
5 He up arose, as half in great disdain,
as > [as if] disdain > indignation, anger
6 And climbed unto his steed. So forth he went,
unto > upon
7 With heavy look and lumpish pace, that plain
lumpish > sluggish; low-spirited
8 In him bewrayed great grudge and maltalent:
bewrayed > revealed grudge > discontent maltalent > ill-will, malevolence
9 His steed eke seemed to apply his steps to +his+ intent.
eke > moreover apply > adapt, conform his > [Arthur's] intent > frame of mind
Prince Arthur heares of Florimell:
2 three fosters Timias wound,
Belphebe finds him almost dead,
4 and reareth out of +sownd+.
4 sownd > _swound 1609; sownd is not a misprint, but an alternative spelling of swowne, swoune etc. Cf. 601.34:2_
1 Prince Arthur hears of Florimell: 2 three fosters Timias wound,
fosters > foresters
3 Belphoebe finds him almost dead, 4 and rears out of sound.
sound > swoon
305.1
WOnder it is to see, in diuerse minds,
2 How diuersly loue doth his pageants play,
And shewes his powre in variable kinds:
4 The baser wit, whose idle thoughts alway
Are wont to cleaue vnto the lowly clay,
6 It stirreth vp to sensuall desire,
And in lewd slouth to wast his carelesse day:
8 But in braue sprite it kindles goodly fire,
That to all high desert and honour doth aspire.
1 Wonder it is to see, in diverse minds,
Wonder > [A] marvel
2 How diversely love does his pageants play, 3 And shows his power in variable kinds:
variable > differing, diverse kinds > natures; kinds, sorts, fashions
4 The baser wit (whose idle thoughts alway
wit > mind, intelligence alway > always
5 Are wont to cleave to the lowly clay)
wont > accustomed clay > [flesh, after Gen. 2.7]
6 It stirs up to sensual desire, 7 And in lewd sloth to waste his careless day: 8 But in brave spirit it kindles goodly fire,
brave > splendid, fine
9 That to all high desert and honour does aspire.
desert > merit, reward
305.2
Ne suffereth it vncomely idlenesse,
2 In his free thought to build her sluggish nest:
Ne suffereth it thought of vngentlenesse,
4 Euer to creepe into his noble brest,
But to the highest and the worthiest
6 Lifteth it vp, that else would lowly fall:
It lets not fall, it lets it not to rest:
8 It lets not scarse this Prince to +breath+ at all,
But to his first poursuit him forward still doth call.
8 breath > breathe 1609
1 Nor suffers it uncomely idleness
suffers it > [does love permit]
2 In his free thought to build her sluggish nest:
his > [the brave spirit's]
3 Nor suffers it thought of ungentleness
ungentleness > discourtesy; ignobility
4 Ever to creep into his noble breast, 5 But to the highest and the worthiest 6 Lifts it up, that else would lowly fall:
it > [his free thought] else > otherwise
7 It lets not fall, it lets it not to rest: 8 It lets not scarce this prince to breathe at all,
scarce this prince > [this prince scarcely]
9 But to his first pursuit him forward still does call.
305.3
Who long time wandred through the forrest wyde,
2 To finde some issue thence, till +that at+ last
He met a Dwarfe, that seemed terrifyde
4 With some late perill, which he hardly past,
Or other accident, which him aghast;
6 Of whom he asked, whence he lately came,
And whither now he trauelled so fast:
8 For sore he swat, and running through that same
Thicke forest, was bescratcht, and both his feet nigh lame.
2 that at > at the 1609
1 Who long time wandered through the forest wide, 2 To find some issue thence, till at last
issue > way out
3 He met a dwarf, that seemed terrified 4 With some late peril which he hardly passed,
With > By late > recent hardly > with difficulty [had]
5 Or other accident which him agast;
accident > event; disaster agast > [had] terrified (esp. with superstitious fear)
6 Of whom he asked, whence he lately came, 7 And whither now he travelled so fast: 8 For sore he sweat, and running through that same
sweat > sweated
9 Thick forest, was bescratched, and both his feet nigh lame.
bescratched > scratched all over (the prefix is also an intensive) nigh > [were nigh]
305.4
Panting for breath, and almost out of hart,
2 The Dwarfe him answerd, Sir, ill mote I stay
To tell the same. I lately did depart
4 From Faery court, where I haue many a day
Serued a gentle Lady of great sway,
6 And high +accompt+ though out all Elfin land,
Who lately left the same, and tooke this way:
8 Her now I seeke, and if ye vnderstand
Which way she fared hath, good Sir tell out of hand.
6 accompt > account 1609
1 Panting for breath, and almost out of heart,
heart > mind; courage
2 The dwarf him answered, "Sir, ill might I stay 3 To tell the same. I lately did depart 4 From Faery court, where I have many a day 5 Served a gentle lady of great sway,
gentle > noble; generous, courteous sway > influence
6 And high account throughout all Elfin land,
account > importance
7 Who lately left the same, and took this way: 8 Her now I seek, and if you understand
understand > know
9 Which way she fared has, good sir, tell out of hand."
out of hand > straight away
305.5
What mister wight (said he) and how arayd?
2 Royally clad (quoth he) in cloth of gold,
As meetest may beseeme a noble mayd;
4 Her faire lockes in rich circlet be enrold,
+A+ fairer wight did neuer Sunne behold,
6 And on a Palfrey rides more white then snow,
Yet she her selfe is whiter manifold:
8 The surest signe, whereby ye may her know,
Is, that she is the fairest wight aliue, I trow.
5 A > And 1596, 1609
1 "What mister wight," said he, "and how arrayed?"
mister wight > sort of person (mister = occupation; hence: class, sort) arrayed > attired
2 "Royally clad," quoth he, "in cloth of gold, 3 As meetest may beseem a noble maid;
meetest > most fittingly beseem > suit
4 Her fair locks in rich circlet be enrolled:
rich > [a rich] circlet > (Two meanings are possible. Either Florimell's hair is coiled in a circle, or she wears a golden or jewelled circlet in which her hair is coiled) be > are
5 A fairer wight did never sun behold,
wight > creature, woman sun > [the sun: indifferently the subject or object of "behold"]
6 And on a palfrey rides more white than snow,
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
7 Yet she herself is whiter manifold:
manifold > many times over
8 The surest sign whereby you may her know 9 Is that she is the fairest wight alive, I trow."
trow > am of the opinion, think, believe (assertively)
305.6
Now certes swaine (said he) such one I weene,
2 Fast flying through this forest from her fo,
A foule ill fauoured foster, I haue seene;
4 Her selfe, well as I might, I reskewd tho,
But could not stay; so fast she did foregoe,
6 Carried away with wings of speedy feare.
Ah dearest God (quoth he) that is great woe,
8 And wondrous ruth to all, that shall it heare.
But can ye read Sir, how I may her find, or +where?+
9 where? > where. 1590, 1596
1 "Now certes, swain," said he, "such one, I ween,
certes > assuredly swain > young man ween > believe, think
2 Fast flying through this forest from her foe
flying > fleeing
3 (A foul ill-favoured foster) I have seen;
ill-favoured foster > ugly forester
4 Herself, well as I might, I rescued tho,
tho > then [when I saw her]
5 But could not stay; so fast she did forego,
stay > detain forego > go before [me]
6 Carried away with wings of speedy fear." 7 "Ah dearest God," quoth he, "that is great woe, 8 And wondrous ruth to all that shall it hear.
ruth > sorrow, calamity; occasion for regret
9 But can you read, sir, how I may her find, or where?"
read > declare
305.7
Perdy me leuer were to weeten that,
2 (Said he) then ransome of the richest knight,
Or all the good that euer yet I gat:
4 But froward fortune, and too forward Night
Such happinesse did, maulgre, to me spight,
6 And fro me reft both life and light attone.
But Dwarfe aread, what is that Lady bright,
8 That through this forest wandreth thus alone;
For of her errour straunge I haue great ruth and mone.
1 "Pardie me liefer were to weet that,"
Pardie > Truly; "by God" me liefer > dearer to me weet > know
2 Said he, "than ransom of the richest knight, 3 Or all the good that ever yet I got:
good > property, money
4 But froward fortune, and too forward Night
froward > perverse; adverse; evilly disposed Night > (Nox: see 304.55 ff.)
5 Such happiness did, maugre, to me spite,
maugre > here, something like: worst luck (this word is used by Spenser more or less catachr. as a general imprecation or indication of ill-will) spite > begrudge
6 And from me reft both life and light at one.
reft > took away at one > together (SUS)
7 But, dwarf, aread, what is that lady bright,
aread > declare, make known bright > beautiful
8 That through this forest wanders thus alone; 9 For of her error strange I have great ruth and moan."
error > wandering strange > {Foreign, in unknown regions} ruth > pity, sorrow moan > grief, state of grief
305.8
That Lady is (quoth he) where so she bee,
2 The bountiest virgin, and most debonaire,
That euer liuing eye I weene did see;
4 Liues none this day, that may with her compare
In stedfast chastitie and vertue rare,
6 The goodly ornaments of beautie bright;
And is ycleped Florimell the faire,
8 Faire Florimell belou'd +of many+ a knight,
Yet she loues none but one, that Marinell is hight.
8 of many > of a many 1596
1 "That lady is," quoth he, "whereso she be,
whereso > wherever
2 The bountiest virgin, and most debonair,
bountiest > ?most virtuous, most worthy (this word is not in OED) debonair > gentle, meek; gracious; courteous; affable
3 That ever living eye I ween did see;
ween > think
4 Lives none this day that may with her compare 5 In steadfast chastity and virtue rare, 6 The goodly ornaments of beauty bright; 7 And is cleped Florimell the fair,
cleped > called
8 Fair Florimell, beloved of many a knight, 9 Yet she loves none but one, that Marinell is hight.
hight > named
305.9
A Sea-nymphes sonne, that Marinell is hight,
2 Of my deare Dame is loued dearely well;
In other none, but him, she sets delight,
4 All her delight is set on Marinell;
But he sets nought at all by Florimell:
6 For Ladies loue his mother long ygoe
Did him, they say, forwarne through sacred spell.
8 But fame now flies, that of a forreine foe
He is yslaine, which is the ground of all our woe.
1 "A sea-nymph's son, that Marinell is hight,
sea-nymph > (See 304.19:3 ff.) hight > called
2 Of my dear dame is loved dearly well;
Of > By dame > lady
3 In other none, but him she sets delight,
In other none, but him > [In no one else but him]
4 All her delight is set on Marinell; 5 But he sets naught at all by Florimell: 6 For ladies' love his mother long ago 7 Did him, they say, forewarn through sacred spell.
forewarn > ?give warning of (see 304.25-6; this use is not in OED) sacred > {Holy by association with a god (i.e. Proteus); also: accursed, after Latin sacer} spell > discourse, talk; hence: prophecy
8 But fame now flies that of a foreign foe
fame > report, rumour (Latin fama) of > by
9 He is slain, which is the ground of all our woe.
ground > basis, cause
305.10
Fiue dayes there be, since he (they say) was slaine,
2 And foure, since Florimell the Court for-went,
And vowed neuer to returne againe,
4 Till him aliue or dead she did inuent.
Therefore, faire Sir, for loue of knighthood gent,
6 And honour of trew Ladies, if ye may
By your good counsell, or bold hardiment,
8 Or succour her, or me direct the way;
Do one, or other good, I you most humbly pray.
1 "Five days there be, since he (they say) was slain, 2 And four, since Florimell the court forwent,
forwent > forsook, left (but cf. 301.15-16, which precedes Marinell's encounter with Britomart; 308.46 agrees with the dwarf's version)
3 And vowed never to return again 4 Till him alive or dead she did invent.
invent > find
5 Therefore, fair sir, for love of knighthood gent,
gent > high-born, noble
6 And honour of true ladies, if you may 7 By your good counsel, or bold hardiment,
hardiment > hardihood, audacity
8 Or succour her, or me direct the way;
Or > Either me > [to me]
9 Do one, or other good, I you most humbly pray.
good > [good deed] pray > implore
305.11
So may +you+ gaine to you full great renowme,
2 Of all good Ladies through the world so wide,
And haply in her hart find highest rowme,
4 Of whom ye seeke to be most magnifide:
At least eternall meede shall you abide.
6 To whom the Prince; Dwarfe, comfort to thee take,
For till thou tidings learne, what her betide,
8 I here auow thee neuer to forsake.
Ill weares he armes, that nill them vse for Ladies sake.
1 you > ye 1590
1 "So may you gain to you full great renown,
So > Thus full > very, exceedingly
2 Of all good ladies through the world so wide, 3 And haply in her heart find highest room,
haply > perhaps room > place
4 Of whom you seek to be most magnified:
Of > By magnified > praised; hence: highly regarded
5 At least eternal meed shall you abide."
eternal > [heavenly] meed > reward abide > await, remain
6 To whom the Prince: "Dwarf, comfort to you take, 7 For till you tidings learn what her betide,
betide > befell
8 I here avow you never to forsake.
avow > take a vow
9 Ill wears he arms, that nill them use for ladies' sake."
Ill > Badly, evilly nill > will not
305.12
So with the Dwarfe he backe return'd againe,
2 To seeke his Lady, where he mote her find;
But by the way he greatly gan complaine
4 The want of his good Squire late left behind,
For whom he wondrous pensiue grew in mind,
6 For +doubt+ of daunger, which mote him betide;
For him he loued aboue all mankind,
8 Hauing him trew and +faithfull+ euer tride,
And bold, as euer Squire that waited by knights side.
6 doubt > douht 1596 8 faithfull > faithfall 1596
1 So with the dwarf he back returned again, 2 To seek his lady, where he might her find;
where > wherever
3 But by the way he greatly gan complain
by > on gan complain > did lament
4 The want of his good squire late left behind,
want > lack squire > attendant; knight's attendant late > recently
5 For whom he wondrous pensive grew in mind,
pensive > anxious
6 For doubt of danger which might him betide;
doubt > fear betide > befall
7 For him he loved above all mankind, 8 Having him true and faithful ever tried,
tried > proved
9 And bold, as ever squire that waited by knight's side.
waited > attended; kept watch
305.13
Who all this while full hardly was assayd
2 Of deadly daunger, which to him betid;
For whiles his Lord pursewd that noble Mayd,
4 After that foster fowle he fiercely rid,
To bene auenged of the shame, he did
6 To that faire Damzell: Him he chaced long
Through the thicke woods, wherein he would haue hid
8 His shamefull head from his auengement +strong,+
And oft him threatned death for his outrageous wrong.
8 strong, > strong. 1596
1 Who all this while full hardly was assayed
full hardly > very severely assayed > assailed
2 Of deadly danger, which to him betide;
Of > By to him betide > befell him
3 For while his lord pursued that noble maid, 4 After that foster foul he fiercely rode, 5 To be avenged of the shame he did
shame > dishonour
6 To that fair damsel: him he chased long 7 Through the thick woods, wherein he would have hidden 8 His shameful head from his avengement strong,
avengement > vengeance
9 And oft him threatened death for his outrageous wrong.
threatened > [threatened with]
305.14
Nathlesse the villen sped himselfe so well,
2 Whether through swiftnesse of his speedy +beast;+
Or knowledge of those woods, where he did dwell,
4 That shortly he from daunger was releast,
And out of sight escaped at the least;
6 Yet not escaped from the dew reward
Of his bad deeds, which dayly he increast,
8 Ne ceased not, till him oppressed hard
The heauy plague, that for such leachours is prepard.
2 beast; > beast, 1609
1 Natheless the villein sped himself so well
Natheless > Nevertheless villein > villain; serf (if the legalistic meaning of "swain" is not intended at 304.49:2)
2 (Whether through swiftness of his speedy beast 3 Or knowledge of those woods where he did dwell) 4 That shortly he from danger was released, 5 And out of sight escaped at the least;
at the least > at any rate, at all events; some editors gloss this as at the last, at last_: cf. 305.37:9, 305.43:8_
6 Yet not escaped from the due reward 7 Of his bad deeds, which daily he increased, 8 Nor ceased not, till him oppressed hard
oppressed > took by surprise; overwhelmed
9 The heavy plague that for such lechers is prepared.
heavy > grievous plague > blow, stroke (see 305.23; also, noted by Hamilton (1980), possibly a reference to venereal disease)
305.15
For soone as he was vanisht out of sight,
2 His coward courage gan emboldned bee,
And cast t'auenge him of that fowle despight,
4 Which he had borne of his bold enimee.
Tho to his brethren came: for they were three
6 Vngratious children of one gracelesse sire,
And vnto them complained, how that he
8 Had vsed bene of that foolehardy Squire;
So them with bitter words he stird to bloudy ire.
1 For, soon as he was vanished out of sight,
soon > [as soon]
2 His coward courage began emboldened be,
courage > heart, spirit be > [to be]
3 And cast to avenge him of that foul despite
cast > [he] resolved despite > {Outrage, act of defiance}
4 Which he had borne of his bold enemy.
of > from
5 Tho to his brethren came: for they were three
Tho > Then brethren > brothers
6 Ungracious children of one graceless sire,
Ungracious > {Lacking in heavenly grace; ungracious} sire > father
7 And to them complained how he 8 Had used been of that foolhardy squire;
of > by
9 So them with bitter words he stirred to bloody ire.
305.16
Forthwith themselues with their sad instruments
2 Of spoyle and murder they gan arme byliue,
And with him forth into the forest went,
4 To wreake the wrath, which he did earst reuiue
In their sterne brests, on him which late did driue
6 Their brother to reproch and shamefull flight:
For they had vow'd, that neuer he aliue
8 Out of that forest should escape their might;
Vile rancour their rude harts had fild with such despight.
1 Forthwith themselves with their sad instruments
sad > grievous (cf. 105.6:5)
2 Of spoil and murder they gan arm belive,
spoil > plunder, spoliation gan > did belive > eagerly, quickly
3 And with him forth into the forest went, 4 To wreak the wrath which he did erst revive
erst > lately revive > bring into existence; hence: kindle
5 In their stern breasts, on him which late did drive
stern > merciless, cruel; fierce him > [Timias] late > recently
6 Their brother to reproach and shameful flight: 7 For they had vowed that never he alive 8 Out of that forest should escape their might;
might > power
9 Vile rancour their rude hearts had fild with such despite.
rude > uncultivated, violent fild > filled; or: filed, defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) despite > malice; rage
305.17
Within that wood there was a couert glade,
2 Foreby a narrow foord, to them well knowne,
Through which it was vneath for wight to wade;
4 And now by fortune it was ouerflowne:
By that same way they knew that Squire vnknowne
6 Mote algates passe; for thy themselues they set
There in await, with thicke woods ouer growne,
8 And all the while their malice they did whet
With cruell threats, his passage through the ford to let.
1 Within that wood there was a covert glade, 2 Forby a narrow ford, to them well known,
Forby > Hard by, near
3 Through which it was uneath for wight to wade;
uneath > difficult wight > person, hence: anyone
4 And now by fortune it was overflowed:
overflowed > flooded
5 By that same way they knew that squire unknown 6 Might algates pass; for-thy themselves they set
Might > Must algates > anyhow, by any means; hence: surely for-thy > therefore
7 There in await, with thick woods overgrown,
await > watchfulness; ambush
8 And all the while their malice they did whet 9 With cruel threats, his passage through the ford to let.
let > obstruct, hinder
305.18
It fortuned, as they deuized had,
2 The gentle Squire came ryding that same way,
Vnweeting of their wile and treason bad,
4 And through the ford to passen did assay;
But that fierce foster, which late fled away,
6 Stoutly forth stepping on the further shore,
Him boldly bad his passage there to stay,
8 Till he had made amends, and full restore
For all the damage, which he had him doen afore.
1 It fortuned, as they devised had,
devised > conjectured, surmised
2 The gentle squire came riding that same way,
gentle > noble
3 Unweeting of their wile and treason bad,
Unweeting > Ignorant wile > deceitfulness, cunning
4 And through the ford to pass did essay;
essay > try
5 But that fierce foster, which late fled away,
late > recently
6 Stoutly forth stepping on the further shore,
Stoutly > Boldly; proudly
7 Him boldly bade his passage there to stay
stay > check
8 Till he had made amends and full restore
restore > restoration, restitution
9 For all the damage which he had him done afore.
afore > before
305.19
With that at him a quiu'ring dart he threw,
2 With so fell force and villeinous despighte,
That through his haberieon the forkehead flew,
4 And through the linked mayles empierced quite,
But had no powre in his soft flesh to bite:
6 That stroke the hardy Squire did sore displease,
But more that him he could not come to smite;
8 For by no meanes the high banke he could sease,
But labour'd long in that deepe ford with vaine disease.
1 With that at him a quivering dart he threw, 2 With so fell force and villainous despite,
so > such fell > fierce, terrible despite > malice; rage
3 That through his habergeon the forkhead flew,
habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail} forkhead > barbed head
4 And through the linked mail empierced quite,
empierced > pierced, pierced keenly
5 But had no power in his soft flesh to bite: 6 That stroke the hardy squire did sore displease, 7 But more that him he could not come to smite;
more > [it displeased him more]
8 For by no means the high bank he could seize,
seize > reach, arrive at (an obsolete nautical sense)
9 But laboured long in that deep ford with vain disease.
vain > futile disease > "dis-ease", distress, torment
305.20
And still the foster with his long bore-speare
2 Him kept from landing at his wished will;
Anone one sent out of the thicket neare
4 A cruell shaft, headed with deadly ill,
And fethered with an vnlucky quill;
6 The wicked steele stayd not, till it did light
In his left thigh, and deepely did it thrill:
8 Exceeding griefe that wound in him empight,
But more that with his foes he could not come to fight.
1 And still the foster with his long boar-spear
still > continually, ever
2 Him kept from landing at his wished will; 3 Anon one sent out of the thicket near
Anon > Soon (catachr.)
4 A cruel shaft, headed with deadly ill,
shaft > arrow ill > evil; hence: poison
5 And feathered with an unlucky quill;
unlucky > {Mischievous, malicious; causing misfortune}
6 The wicked steel stayed not, till it did light
light > strike, alight
7 In his left thigh, and deeply did it thrill:
thrill > pierce
8 Exceeding grief that wound in him empight,
grief > pain, suffering empight > implanted
9 But more that with his foes he could not come to fight.
305.21
At last through wrath and vengeaunce making way,
2 He on the bancke arriu'd with mickle paine,
Where the third brother did him sore assay,
4 And droue at him with all his might and maine
A forrest bill, which both his hands did straine;
6 But warily he did auoide the blow,
And with his speare requited him againe,
8 That both his sides were thrilled with the throw,
And a large streame of bloud out of the wound did flow.
1 At last, through wrath and vengeance making way, 2 He on the bank arrived with mickle pain,
mickle > much, great
3 Where the third brother did him sore assay,
assay > assail
4 And drove at him, with all his might and main,
main > strength, power
5 A forest bill, which both his hands did strain;
bill > {Long-bladed implement used for pruning and cutting wood} strain > clasp
6 But warily he did avoid the blow, 7 And with his spear requited him again,
again > in return (pleonastic, and thus intensive)
8 That both his sides were thrilled with the throw,
That > [So that] thrilled > pierced with the throw > by the stroke
9 And a large stream of blood out of the wound did flow.
305.22
He tombling downe, with gnashing teeth did bite
2 The bitter earth, and bad to let him in
Into the balefull house of endlesse night,
4 Where wicked ghosts do waile their former sin.
Tho gan the battell freshly to begin;
6 For nathemore for that spectacle bad,
Did th'other two their cruell vengeaunce blin,
8 But both attonce on both sides him bestad,
And load vpon him layd, his life for to haue had.
1 He, tumbling down, with gnashing teeth did bite 2 The bitter earth, and bade to let him in,
to > [it to]
3 Into the baleful house of endless night,
baleful > deadly, miserable (with possible connotation of hell-fire: cf. 101.16:7)
4 Where wicked ghosts do wail their former sin.
wail > mourn
5 Tho began the battle freshly to begin;
Tho > Then
6 For nathemore for that spectacle bad
nathemore > not at all for > [as a result of]
7 Did the other two their cruel vengeance blin,
blin > leave off
8 But both at once on both sides him bestad,
at once > together; simultaneously bestad > beset (this catachr. use is SUFQ)
9 And load upon him laid, his life for to have had.
305.23
Tho when that villain he auiz'd, which late
2 Affrighted had the fairest Florimell,
Full of fiers fury, and indignant hate,
4 To him he turned, and with rigour fell
Smote him so rudely on the Pannikell,
6 That to the chin he cleft his head in twaine:
Downe on the ground his carkas groueling fell;
8 His sinfull soule with desperate disdaine,
Out of her fleshly ferme fled to the place of paine.
1 Tho when that villain he advised, which late
Tho > Then advised > saw; hence: recognized late > lately
2 Affrighted had the fairest Florimell,
Affrighted > Terrified
3 Full of fierce fury, and indignant hate, 4 To him he turned, and with rigour fell
rigour fell > terrible violence
5 Smote him so rudely on the pannicle
rudely > violently pannicle > brain-pan (catachr.)
6 That to the chin he cleft his head in twain:
cleft > split twain > two
7 Down on the ground his carcase grovelling fell;
grovelling > face-down
8 His sinful soul, with desperate disdain,
disdain > indignation
9 Out of its fleshly farm fled to the place of pain.
farm > (From French ferme. A tract of land rented out for cultivation, hence: temporary abode)
305.24
That seeing now the onely last of three,
2 Who with that wicked shaft him wounded had,
Trembling with horrour, as that did foresee
4 The fearefull end of his auengement sad,
Through which he follow should his brethren bad,
6 His bootelesse bow in feeble hand vpcaught,
And therewith shot an arrow at the lad;
8 Which faintly fluttring, scarce his helmet raught,
And glauncing fell to ground, but him annoyed naught.
1 That seeing now, the only last of three,
only > one; solitary
2 Who with that wicked shaft him wounded had,
shaft > arrow
3 Trembling with horror (as that did foresee
as > [as one]
4 The fearful end of his avengement sad,
avengement sad > grievous vengeance
5 Through which he follow should his brethren bad),
brethren > brothers
6 His bootless bow in feeble hand upcaught,
bootless > unavailing
7 And therewith shot an arrow at the lad;
therewith > with that; thereupon
8 Which, faintly fluttering, scarce his helmet raught
raught > reached
9 And, glancing, fell to ground, but him annoyed naught.
annoyed > injured; vexed naught > not at all
305.25
With that he would haue fled into the wood;
2 But Timias him lightly ouerhent,
Right as he entring was into the flood,
4 And strooke at him with force so violent,
That headlesse him into the foord he sent:
6 The carkas with the streame was carried downe,
But th'head fell backeward on the Continent.
8 So mischief fel vpon the meaners crowne;
They three be dead with shame, the Squire liues with renowne.
1 With that he would have fled into the wood; 2 But Timias him lightly overhent,
lightly overhent > quickly overtook
3 Right as he entering was into the flood,
Right > Just, exactly flood > river; water
4 And struck at him with force so violent, 5 That headless him into the ford he sent: 6 The carcase with the stream was carried down, 7 But the head fell backward on the continent.
continent > {Land, that which contains [the water]; hence: bank, margin}
8 So mischief fell upon the meaners' crown;
mischief > misfortune, disaster meaners' > (Or meaner's: they or he who intended mischief)
9 They three be dead with shame: the squire lives with renown.
be > [are]
305.26
He liues, but takes small ioy of his renowne;
2 For of that cruell wound he bled so sore,
That from his steed he fell in deadly swowne;
4 Yet still the bloud forth gusht in so great store,
That he lay wallowd all in his owne gore.
6 Now God thee keepe, thou gentlest Squire aliue,
Else shall thy louing Lord thee see no more,
8 But both of comfort him thou shalt depriue,
And eke thy selfe of honour, which thou didst atchiue.
1 He lives, but takes small joy of his renown; 2 For of that cruel wound he bled so sore 3 That from his steed he fell in deadly swoon;
deadly > death-like; (potentially) fatal
4 Yet still the blood forth gushed, in so great store
so > such
5 That he lay wallowed all in his own gore.
wallowed > prostrate and hence immersed; wallowing
6 Now God you keep, you gentlest squire alive,
keep > preserve gentlest > noblest
7 Else shall your loving lord you see no more,
Else > Otherwise your loving lord > [Arthur]
8 But both of comfort him you shall deprive, 9 And eke yourself of honour, which you did achieve.
eke > also
305.27
Prouidence heauenly passeth liuing thought,
2 And doth for wretched mens reliefe make way;
For loe great grace or fortune thither brought
4 Comfort to him, that comfortlesse now lay.
In those same woods, ye well remember may,
6 How that a noble hunteresse did wonne,
She, that base Braggadochio did affray,
8 And made him fast out of the forrest runne;
Belph{oe}be was her name, as faire as Ph{oe}bus sunne.
1 Providence heavenly passes living thought,
Providence heavenly passes > [Heavenly providence surpasses]
2 And does for wretched men's relief make way;
make way > open a passage; remove obstacles
3 For lo great grace, or fortune, thither brought 4 Comfort to him, that comfortless now lay.
comfortless > helpless, desolate
5 In those same woods, you well remember may 6 How a noble huntress did won,
won > dwell
7 She, that base Braggadocchio did affray,
affray > terrify (at 203.34 ff.)
8 And made him fast out of the forest run; 9 Belphoebe was her name, as fair as Phoebus' sun.
305.28
She on a day, as she pursewd the chace
2 Of some wild beast, which with her arrowes keene
She wounded had, the same along did trace
4 By tract of bloud, which she had freshly seene,
To haue besprinckled all the grassy greene;
6 By the great persue, which she there perceau'd,
Well hoped she the beast engor'd had beene,
8 And made more hast, the life to haue bereau'd:
But ah, her expectation greatly was deceau'd.
1 She on a day, as she pursued the chase 2 Of some wild beast, which with her arrows keen
keen > sharp
3 She wounded had, the same along did trace
along > continuously; in a line
4 By tract of blood, which she had freshly seen
tract > track, trace
5 To have besprinkled all the grassy green;
besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is an intensive}
6 By the great persue, which she there perceived,
persue > trail of blood
7 Well hoped she the beast engored had been,
engored > wounded deeply
8 And made more haste, the life to have bereaved:
the life to have bereaved > to have taken the life away [to have dispatched the wounded beast]
9 But ah, her expectation greatly was deceived.
deceived > proved false
305.29
Shortly she came, whereas that woefull Squire
2 With bloud deformed, lay in deadly swownd:
In whose faire eyes, like lamps of quenched fire,
4 The Christall humour stood congealed rownd;
His locks, like faded leaues fallen to grownd,
6 Knotted with bloud, in bounches rudely ran,
And his sweete lips, on which before that stownd
8 The bud of youth to blossome faire began,
Spoild of their rosie red, were woxen pale and wan.
1 Shortly she came where that woeful squire, 2 With blood deformed, lay in deadly swoon:
deformed > disfigured (cf. 106.45:6) deadly > death-like; (potentially) fatal
3 In whose fair eyes, like lamps of quenched fire, 4 The crystal humour stood congealed round;
humour > moisture, fluid
5 His locks, like faded leaves fallen to ground, 6 Knotted with blood, in bunches rudely ran,
rudely > roughly, crudely ran > [flowed, were arranged]
7 And his sweet lips, on which before that stound
stound > {Time of trial or pain; chiefly in northern dialect}
8 The bud of youth to blossom fair began,
fair > fairly, becomingly
9 Spoiled of their rosy red, were waxed pale and wan.
Spoiled > Stripped, deprived waxed > grown
305.30
Saw neuer liuing eye more heauy sight,
2 That could haue made a rocke of stone to rew,
Or riue in twaine: which when that Lady bright
4 Besides all hope with melting eyes did vew,
All suddeinly abasht she chaunged hew,
6 And with sterne horrour backward gan to start:
But when she +better+ him beheld, she grew
8 Full of soft passion and vnwonted smart:
The point of pitty perced through her tender hart.
7 better > bitter 1590
1 Saw never living eye more heavy sight,
heavy > distressing; grievous
2 That could have made a rock of stone to rue,
rue > {Regard with pity or compassion}
3 Or rive in twain: which when that lady bright,
rive > split twain > two bright > beautiful
4 Beside all hope, with melting eyes did view,
Beside > Past
5 All suddenly abashed, she changed hue,
hue > colour; also: appearance, hence: expression
6 And with stern horror backwards began to start:
stern > grim
7 But when she better him beheld, she grew 8 Full of soft passion and unwonted smart:
unwonted smart > unaccustomed pain
9 The point of pity pierced through her tender heart.
305.31
Meekely she bowed downe, to weete if life
2 Yet in his frosen members did remaine,
And feeling by his pulses beating rife,
4 That the weake soule her seat did yet retaine,
She cast to comfort him with busie paine:
6 His double folded necke she reard vpright,
And rubd his temples, and each trembling vaine;
8 His mayled haberieon she did vndight,
And from his head his heauy burganet did +light.+
9 light. > light, 1596
1 Meekly she bowed down, to weet if life
weet > find out
2 Yet in his frozen members did remain, 3 And feeling by his pulse's beating rife
rife > manifoldly; copiously; hence: strongly
4 That the weak soul its seat did yet retain, 5 She cast to comfort him with busy pain:
cast > set to, started, decisively started busy pain > solicitous efforts
6 His double folded neck she reared upright, 7 And rubbed his temples, and each trembling vein; 8 His mailed habergeon she did undight,
habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail} undight > undress; hence: remove
9 And from his head his heavy burgonet did light.
burgonet > {Helmet with a visor; steep cap. Cf. Muiopotmos 73, 208.45:3} light > unload, relieve of [its] weight; hence: remove
305.32
Into the woods thenceforth in hast she went,
2 To seeke for hearbes, that mote him remedy;
For she of hearbes had great intendiment,
4 Taught of the Nymphe, which from her infancy
Her +nourced+ had in trew Nobility:
6 There, whether it diuine Tobacco were,
Or Panach{ae}a, or Polygony,
8 She found, and brought it to her patient deare
Who al this while lay bleeding out his hart-bloud neare.
5 nourced > nursed 1609
1 Into the woods thenceforth in haste she went, 2 To seek for herbs that might him remedy;
remedy > heal, cure
3 For she of herbs had great intendment,
intendment > understanding
4 Taught of the nymph which from her infancy
of > by nymph > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains)
5 Her nursed had in true nobility: 6 There, whether it divine tobacco were,
tobacco > (Introduced to Europe in 1584 by Spenser's friend, Raleigh; "diuine" because it was held to have magical properties)
7 Or panace, or polygony,
panace > (A fabulous herb, said to be a cure-all; Spenser uses an alternative spelling, "panacea", which has a different derivation) polygony > (Polygonum sp., esp. snake-root, P. bistorta, whose powdered root, when directly applied to a wound, will stop the bleeding)
8 She found, and brought it to her patient dear,
dear > dear; grievous
9 Who all this while lay bleeding out his heart-blood near.
near > almost (he is all but bleeding to death)
305.33
The soueraigne weede betwixt two marbles plaine
2 She pownded small, and did in peeces bruze,
And then atweene her lilly handes twaine,
4 Into his wound the iuyce thereof did scruze,
And round about, as she could well it vze,
6 The flesh therewith she suppled and did steepe,
T'abate all spasme, and soke the swelling bruze,
8 And after hauing searcht the intuse deepe,
She with her scarfe did bind the wound from cold to keepe.
1 The sovereign weed betwixt two marbles plain
sovereign > supremely efficacious marbles plain > [smooth slabs of marble]
2 She pounded small, and did in pieces bruise,
bruise > crush, grind down
3 And then, atween her lily hands twain,
atween > between lily hands > (Cf. Liagore at 304.41:1, who is also versed in "leaches craft") twain > two
4 Into his wound the juice thereof did scruze,
scruze > squeeze
5 And round about, as she could well it use,
as she could well it use > [as well as she could]
6 The flesh therewith she suppled and did steep,
therewith > with that suppled > softened, mollified
7 To abate all spasm, and soak the swelling bruise; 8 And, after having searched the intuse deep,
searched > examined, probed intuse > interior [of the wound: from Latin adv. intus, within, into, into the inside]; or: bruise, contusion (from Latin intundere, to bruise; this meaning is given in OED and by other editors but makes less contextual sense)
9 She with her scarf did bind the wound from cold to keep.
305.34
By this he had sweet life recur'd againe,
2 And groning inly deepe, at last his eyes,
His watry eyes, drizling like deawy raine,
4 He vp gan lift toward the azure skies,
From whence descend all hopelesse remedies:
6 Therewith he sigh'd, and turning him aside,
The goodly Mayd full of diuinities,
8 And gifts of heauenly grace he by him spide,
Her bow and gilden quiuer lying him beside.
1 By this he had sweet life recured again,
By this > By this time recured > recovered
2 And groaning inly deep, at last his eyes,
inly > inwardly
3 His watery eyes, drizzling like dewy rain, 4 He up gan lift toward the azure skies,
gan > did
5 From whence descend all hopeless remedies:
hopeless > unexpected; despaired of
6 Therewith he sighed, and turning him aside,
Therewith > With that, thereupon him > [himself]
7 The goodly maid, full of divinities
goodly > beautiful divinities > divine qualities
8 And gifts of heavenly grace, he by him spied, 9 Her bow and gilden quiver lying him beside.
gilden > golden; gilded him beside > [beside him]
305.35
Mercy deare Lord (said he) what grace is this,
2 That thou hast shewed to me sinfull wight,
To send thine Angell from her bowre of blis,
4 To comfort me in my distressed plight?
Angell, or Goddesse do I call thee right?
6 What seruice may I do vnto thee meete,
That hast from darkenesse me returnd to light,
8 And with thy heauenly salues and med'cines sweete,
Hast drest my sinfull wounds? I kisse thy blessed feete.
1 "Mercy, dear Lord," said he, "what grace is this 2 That You have showed to me, sinful wight,
wight > creature, man
3 To send Your angel from her bower of bliss,
bower > abode, dwelling (this allusion to the Bower of the Bliss is not accidental: see 305.39-40, and cf. 205.30-1, 212.58 ff.)
4 To comfort me in my distressed plight? 5 Angel, or goddess, do I call you right? 6 What service may I do to you meet,
meet > fitting, suitable; suitably
7 That have from darkness me returned to light, 8 And with your heavenly salves and medicines sweet, 9 Have dressed my sinful wounds? I kiss your blessed feet."
305.36
Thereat she blushing said, Ah gentle Squire,
2 Nor Goddesse I, nor Angell, but the Mayd,
And daughter of a woody Nymphe, desire
4 No seruice, but thy safety and ayd;
Which if thou gaine, I shalbe well apayd.
6 We mortall wights, whose liues and fortunes bee
To commun accidents still open layd,
8 Are bound with commun bond of frailtee,
To succour wretched wights, whom we captiued see.
1 Thereat she, blushing, said, "Ah, gentle squire,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that gentle > noble
2 Nor goddess, I, nor angel, but the maid
Nor > Neither
3 And daughter of a woody nymph, desire
daughter > girl, hence: ward (her mother is Chrysogone; see 306.4, 306.28) woody > silvan, forest-dwelling (i.e. the nymph is a dryad)
4 No service but your safety and aid; 5 Which if you gain, I shall be well apaid.
apaid > pleased, satisfied; repaid
6 We mortal wights, whose lives and fortunes be
wights > people
7 To common accidents still open laid,
common > ordinary still > ever, continually
8 Are bound with common bond of frailty, 9 To succour wretched wights, whom we captived see.
captived > taken captive (in this case by injury)
305.37
By this her Damzels, which the former chace
2 Had +vndertaken+ after +her,+ arriu'd,
As +did+ Belph{oe}be, in the bloudy place,
4 And thereby deemd the beast had bene depriu'd
Of life, whom late their Ladies arrow ryu'd:
6 For thy the bloudy tract they +followd+ fast,
And euery one to runne the swiftest stryu'd;
8 But two of them the rest far ouerpast,
And where their Lady was, arriued at the last.
2 vndertaken > vndertaken, 1609 2 her, > her 1596, 1609 3 did > had conj. Collier 6 followd > follow 1596, 1609
1 By this her damsels (who the former chase
By this > By this time
2 Had undertaken after her) arrived, 3 As did Belphoebe, in the bloody place, 4 And thereby deemed the beast had been deprived 5 Of life, whom late their lady's arrow rived:
late > lately rived > pierced
6 For-thy the bloody tract they followed fast,
For-thy > For this reason tract > track, trail fast > fast; very closely
7 And everyone to run the swiftest strove; 8 But two of them the rest far overpassed,
overpassed > surpassed
9 And where their lady was, arrived at the last.
at the last > finally
305.38
Where when they saw that goodly boy, with blood
2 Defowled, and their Lady dresse his wownd,
They wondred much, and shortly vnderstood,
4 How him in deadly case their Lady fownd,
And reskewed out of the heauy stownd.
6 Eftsoones his warlike courser, which was strayd
Farre in the woods, whiles that he lay in swownd,
8 She made those Damzels search, which being stayd,
They did him set thereon, and +forth with+ them conuayd.
9 forth with > forthwith 1596
1 Where when they saw that goodly boy with blood
goodly > good-looking
2 Defouled, and their lady dress his wound,
Defouled > Defiled, befouled; defaced
3 They wondered much, and shortly understood
wondered > marvelled
4 How him in deadly case their lady found,
case > condition, plight
5 And rescued out of the heavy stound.
heavy stound > grievous peril
6 Eftsoons his warlike courser, which was strayed
Eftsoons > Presently
7 Far in the woods while he lay in swoon, 8 She made those damsels search; which being stayed,
search > [search for] stayed > detained
9 They did him set thereon, and forth with them conveyed.
305.39
Into that forest farre they thence him led,
2 Where was their dwelling, in a pleasant glade,
With mountaines round about enuironed,
4 And mighty woods, which did the valley shade,
And like a stately Theatre it made,
6 Spreading it selfe into a spatious plaine.
And in the midst a little riuer plaide
8 Emongst the pumy stones, which seemd to plaine
With gentle murmure, that his course they did restraine.
1 Into that forest far they thence him led, 2 Where was their dwelling, in a pleasant glade, 3 With mountains round about environed, 4 And mighty woods, which did the valley shade, 5 And like a stately theatre it made, 6 Spreading itself into a spacious plain. 7 And in the midst a little river played 8 Amongst the pumice stones, which seemed to plain,
plain > complain
9 With gentle murmur, that its course they did restrain.
murmur > murmur; grumbling
305.40
Beside the same a dainty place there lay,
2 Planted with mirtle trees and laurels greene,
In which the birds song many a louely lay
4 Of gods high prayse, and of their +loues sweet+ teene,
As it an earthly Paradize had beene:
6 In whose enclosed shadow there was pight
A faire Pauilion, scarcely to be seene,
8 The which was all within most richly dight,
That greatest Princes +liuing+ it mote well delight.
4 loues sweet > sweet loues 1590 9 liuing > liking 1590
1 Beside the same a dainty place there lay,
dainty > delightful, pleasing
2 Planted with myrtle trees and laurels green,
myrtle > (The myrtle is held sacred to Venus and was used as an emblem of love; the laurel is sacred to Phoebus Apollo (see 212.52:5): appropriate vegetation for the residence of Belphoebe, on the etymology of whose name see 305.27:9)
3 In which the birds sang many a lovely lay
lay > song
4 Of God's high praise, and of their loves' sweet teen,
praise > praiseworthiness, merit teen > pain
5 As it an earthly paradise had been:
As > [As if]
6 In whose enclosed shadow there was pight
pight > pitched, placed
7 A fair pavilion, scarcely to be seen, 8 Which was all within most richly dight,
dight > arrayed
9 That greatest princes living it might well delight.
That > [So that, such that]
305.41
Thither they brought that wounded Squire, and layd
2 In easie couch his feeble limbes to rest,
He rested him a while, and then the Mayd
4 His ready wound with better salues new drest;
Dayly she dressed him, and did the best
6 His grieuous hurt to +garish+, that she might,
That shortly she his dolour hath redrest,
8 And his foule sore reduced to faire plight:
It she reduced, but himselfe destroyed quight.
6 garish > guarish 1590
1 Thither they brought that wounded squire, and laid 2 In easy couch his feeble limbs to rest.
easy couch > [a] comfortable bed
3 He rested him a while, and then the maid
him > [himself]
4 His ready wound with better salves new dressed;
ready > (Possibly in the sense of "lying directly before" one: he is now better placed to be tended) new > (May be intended to qualify "salues" as well as "drest")
5 Daily she dressed him, and did the best, 6 His grievous hurt to guarish, that she might,
hurt > wound guarish > cure, heal
7 That shortly she his dolour has redressed,
That > [So that] dolour > pain; physical suffering redressed > relieved
8 And his foul sore reduced to fair plight:
fair > tolerable
9 It she reduced, but himself destroyed quite.
305.42
O foolish Physick, and vnfruitfull paine,
2 That heales vp one and makes another wound:
She his hurt thigh to him recur'd againe,
4 But hurt his hart, the which before was sound,
Through an vnwary dart, which did rebound
6 From her faire eyes and gracious countenaunce.
What bootes it him from death to be vnbound,
8 To be captiued in endlesse duraunce
Of sorrow and despaire without aleggeaunce?
1 O foolish physic, and unfruitful pain,
pain > effort
2 That heals up one and makes another wound: 3 She his hurt thigh to him recured again,
recured > restored
4 But hurt his heart, which before was sound, 5 Through an unwary dart, which did rebound 6 From her fair eyes and gracious countenance. 7 What boots it him from death to be unbound,
boots > avails
8 To be captived in endless durance
captived > made captive
9 Of sorrow and despair without allegeance?
allegeance > alleviation, relief
305.43
Still as his wound did gather, and grow hole,
2 So still his hart woxe sore, and health decayd:
Madnesse to saue a part, and lose the whole.
4 Still whenas he beheld the heauenly Mayd,
Whiles dayly plaisters to his wound she layd,
6 So still his Malady the more increast,
The whiles her matchlesse beautie him dismayd.
8 Ah God, what other could he do at least,
But loue so faire a Lady, that his life releast?
1 Still as his wound did gather, and grow whole,
Still > Ever
2 So still his heart waxed sore, and health decayed:
waxed > grew
3 Madness to save a part, and lose the whole. 4 Still when he beheld the heavenly maid,
Still > Ever, continually
5 While daily plasters to his wound she laid,
laid > applied
6 So still his malady the more increased, 7 The whiles her matchless beauty him dismayed.
The whiles > While; meanwhile dismayed > overwhelmed, defeated
8 Ah God, what other could he do at least,
at least > at all events, at any rate
9 But love so fair a lady, that his life released?
released > [had] delivered, liberated; hence: saved
305.44
Long while he stroue in his courageous brest,
2 With reason dew the passion to subdew,
And loue for to dislodge out of his nest:
4 Still when her excellencies he did vew,
Her soueraigne bounty, and celestiall hew,
6 The same to loue he strongly was constraind:
But when his meane estate he did +reuew+,
8 He from such hardy boldnesse was restraind,
And of his lucklesse lot and cruell loue thus plaind.
7 reuew > renew 1596, 1609
1 Long while he strove in his courageous breast, 2 With reason due the passion to subdue,
due > appropriate, fitting
3 And love to dislodge out of its nest: 4 Still when her excellencies he did view,
Still > Ever excellencies > {Surpassing merits}
5 Her sovereign bounty, and celestial hue,
bounty > virtue, goodness hue > appearance
6 The same to love he strongly was constrained:
The same > [Those qualities]
7 But when his mean estate he did review,
mean > lowly estate > rank, status; condition
8 He from such hardy boldness was restrained, 9 And of his luckless lot and cruel love thus plained:
plained > complained
305.45
Vnthankfull wretch (said he) is this the meed,
2 With which her soueraigne mercy thou doest quight?
Thy life she saued by her gracious deed,
4 But thou doest weene with villeinous despight,
To blot her honour, and her heauenly light.
6 Dye rather, dye, then so disloyally
Deeme of her high desert, or seeme so light:
8 Faire death it is to shonne more shame, to dy:
Dye rather, dy, then euer loue disloyally.
1 "Unthankful wretch," said he, "is this the meed
meed > reward
2 With which her sovereign mercy you do quit?
quit > requite
3 Your life she saved by her gracious deed, 4 But you do ween with villainous despite
ween > imagine, think it possible despite > outrage
5 To blot her honour, and her heavenly light. 6 Die rather, die, than so disloyally 7 Deem of her high desert, or seem so light:
Deem > [To] think desert > merit
8 Fair death it is to shun more shame, to die:
to shun more shame, to die > [to die in order to shun more shame]
9 Die rather, die, than ever love disloyally!
305.46
But if to loue disloyalty it bee,
2 Shall I then hate her, that from deathes dore
Me brought? ah farre be such reproch fro mee.
4 What can I lesse do, then her loue therefore,
Sith I her dew reward cannot restore:
6 Dye rather, dye, and dying do her serue,
Dying her serue, and liuing her adore;
8 Thy life she gaue, thy life she doth deserue:
Dye rather, dye, then euer from her seruice swerue.
1 "But if to love disloyalty it be, 2 Shall I then hate her, that from death's door 3 Me brought? Ah, far be such reproach from me.
reproach > shame
4 What can I less do, than her love therefore, 5 Sith I her due reward cannot restore?
Sith > Since
6 Die rather, die, and dying do her serve, 7 Dying her serve, and living her adore; 8 Your life she gave, your life she does deserve: 9 Die rather, die, than ever from her service swerve.
305.47
But foolish boy, what bootes thy seruice bace
2 To her, to whom the heauens do serue and sew?
Thou a meane Squire, of meeke and lowly place,
4 She heauenly borne, and of celestiall hew.
How then? of all loue taketh equall vew:
6 And doth not highest God vouchsafe to take
The loue and seruice of the basest crew?
8 If she will not, dye meekly for her sake;
Dye rather, dye, then euer so faire loue forsake.
1 "But, foolish boy, what boots your service base
boots > avails
2 To her, to whom the heavens do serve and sue?
serve and sue > service and homage (sue = follow as an attendant, take as a model, pattern, or ideal)
3 You a mean squire, of meek and lowly place,
mean > lowly place > rank, status
4 She heavenly born, and of celestial hue.
hue > appearance
5 How then? Of all Love takes equal view: 6 And does not highest God vouchsafe to take 7 The love and service of the basest crew?
crew > mob
8 If she will not, die meekly for her sake; 9 Die rather, die, than ever so fair love forsake."
so > [such a]
305.48
Thus warreid he long time against his will,
2 Till that through weaknesse he was forst at last,
To yield himselfe vnto the mighty ill:
4 Which as a victour proud, gan ransack fast
His inward parts, and all his entrayles wast,
6 That neither bloud in face, nor life in hart
It left, but both did quite drye vp, and blast;
8 As percing leuin, which the inner part
Of euery thing consumes, and calcineth by art.
1 Thus warrayed he long time against his will,
warrayed > waged war will > {Inclination, carnal desire, carnal appetite; that which he desired}
2 Till through weakness he was forced at last 3 To yield himself to the mighty ill:
the mighty ill > (Death, decay; ill = evil)
4 Which, as a victor proud, gan ransack fast
gan > did
5 His inward parts, and all his entrails waste,
entrails > bowels, inner parts waste > (Vb.)
6 That neither blood in face, nor life in heart
That > [So that]
7 It left, but both did quite dry up, and blast;
blast > wither
8 As piercing levin, which the inner part
levin > lightning
9 Of everything consumes, and calcines by art.
by art > (Precise meaning unclear)
305.49
Which seeing faire Belph{oe}be, gan to feare,
2 Least that his wound were inly well not healed,
Or that the wicked steele empoysned were:
4 Litle she weend, that loue he close concealed;
Yet still he wasted, as the snow congealed,
6 When the bright sunne his beams thereon doth beat;
Yet neuer he his hart to her reuealed,
8 But rather chose to dye for sorrow great,
Then with dishonorable termes her to entreat.
1 Which seeing, fair Belphoebe began to fear 2 Lest his wound were inly well not healed,
inly > inwardly
3 Or the wicked steel empoisoned were:
the wicked steel > (The foster's arrowhead) empoisoned were > had been dipped in poison
4 Little she weened that love he close concealed;
weened > imagined close > secretly
5 Yet still he wasted, as the snow congealed,
as > like snow congealed > frozen snow
6 When the bright sun his beams thereon does beat; 7 Yet never he his heart to her revealed, 8 But rather chose to die for sorrow great 9 Than with dishonourable terms her to entreat.
terms > words, language
305.50
She gracious Lady, yet no paines did spare,
2 To do him ease, or do him remedy:
Many Restoratiues of vertues rare,
4 And costly Cordialles she did apply,
To mitigate his stubborne mallady:
6 But that sweet Cordiall, which can restore
A loue-sick hart, she did to him enuy;
8 To +him, and to+ all th'vnworthy world forlore
She did enuy that soueraigne salue, in secret store.
8 him, and to > him and 1609
1 She, gracious lady, yet no pains did spare
pains > efforts
2 To do him ease, or do him remedy:
do > cause; hence: give
3 Many restoratives of virtues rare,
virtues > powers; occult powers rare > excellent, fine; unusual
4 And costly cordials she did apply, 5 To mitigate his stubborn malady: 6 But that sweet cordial, which can restore
cordial > (The word is derived ultimately from the Latin cor, heart)
7 A love-sick heart, she did to him envy;
to him envy > begrudge him; hence: deny him, withhold
8 To him, and to all the unworthy world forlorn, 9 She did envy that sovereign salve, in secret store.
305.51
That dainty Rose, the daughter of her Morne,
2 More deare then life she tendered, whose flowre
The girlond of her honour did adorne:
4 Ne suffred she the Middayes scorching powre,
Ne the sharp Northerne wind thereon to showre,
6 But lapped vp her silken leaues most chaire,
When so the froward skye began to lowre:
8 But soone as calmed was the Christall aire,
She did it faire dispred, and let +to+ florish faire.
9 to > it 1611
1 That dainty rose, the daughter of her morn, 2 More dear than life she tendered, whose flower
tendered > {Regarded or treated with tenderness; treated with proper regard}
3 The garland of her honour did adorn: 4 Neither suffered she the midday's scorching power,
suffered > permitted
5 Nor the sharp northern wind thereon to shower, 6 But lapped up her silken leaves most chare,
lapped > folded; wrapped chare > carefully
7 Whenso the froward sky began to lour:
Whenso > Whenever froward > adverse, perverse; evilly disposed
8 But soon as calmed was the crystal air,
soon > [as soon]
9 She did it fair dispread, and let to flourish fair.
dispread > spread out let to > [allowed it to]
305.52
Eternall God in his almighty powre,
2 To make ensample of his heauenly grace,
In Paradize whilome did plant this flowre,
4 Whence he it fetcht out of her natiue place,
And did in stocke of earthly flesh enrace,
6 That mortall men her glory should +admire:+
In gentle Ladies brest, and bounteous race
8 Of woman kind it fairest flowre doth spire,
And beareth fruit of honour and all chast desire.
6 admire: > admire 1590, 1596
1 Eternal God in His almighty power, 2 To make example of His heavenly grace, 3 In paradise whilom did plant this flower,
whilom > formerly; at some past time; in ancient times
4 Whence He it fetched out of its native place, 5 And did in stock of earthly flesh enrace,
enrace > introduce; implant
6 That mortal men its glory should admire:
That > [So that]
7 In gentle ladies' breast, and bounteous race
gentle > noble; gentle bounteous > {Full of goodness, virtuous; beneficent}
8 Of womankind it fairest flower does spire,
spire > germinate; sprout; also: shoot up (as a stem); soar aloft
9 And bears fruit of honour and all chaste desire.
305.53
Faire ympes of beautie, whose bright shining beames
2 Adorne the world with like to heauenly light,
And to your willes both royalties and +Realmes+
4 Subdew, through conquest of your wondrous might,
With this faire flowre your goodly girlonds dight,
6 Of chastity and vertue virginall,
That shall embellish more your beautie bright,
8 And crowne your heades with heauenly coronall,
Such as the Angels +weare+ before Gods tribunall.
3 Realmes > Reames 1590, and so pronounced. The earliest form in England, reaume_, became reduced to_ reame, reme, reume_; the present spelling became the standard form about 1600. Cf. 507.23:6-9_ 9 weare > were 1590
1 Fair imps of beauty, whose bright shining beams
imps > scions bright > bright; beautiful
2 Adorn the world with like to heavenly light,
like to > [something resembling]
3 And to your wills both royalties and realms
royalties > royal persons, sovereigns
4 Subdue, through conquest of your wondrous might,
might > power
5 With this fair flower your goodly garlands dight,
goodly > beautiful; fine dight > deck (imperative mood)
6 Of chastity and virtue virginal, 7 That shall embellish more your beauty bright,
more > [the more]
8 And crown your heads with heavenly coronal,
coronal > {Wreath for the head; circlet; coronet}
9 Such as the angels wear before God's tribunal.
tribunal > {Raised throne, chair of state; judgement seat}
305.54
To your faire selues a faire ensample frame,
2 Of this faire virgin, this Belph{oe}be faire,
To whom in perfect loue, and spotlesse fame
4 Of chastitie, none liuing may compaire:
Ne poysnous Enuy iustly can empaire
6 The prayse of her fresh flowring Maidenhead;
For thy she standeth on the highest staire
8 Of th'honorable stage of womanhead,
That Ladies all may follow her ensample dead.
1 To your fair selves a fair example frame,
frame > {Form in the mind; enclose as in a picture-frame}
2 Of this fair virgin, this Belphoebe fair, 3 To whom in perfect love, and spotless fame
fame > reputation
4 Of chastity, none living may compare: 5 Nor poisonous Envy justly can impair 6 The praise of her fresh flowering maidenhead;
praise > virtue
7 For-thy she stands on the highest stair
For-thy > For this reason; therefore stair > {Step or degree in the scale of rank}
8 Of the honourable stage of womanhood, 9 That ladies all may follow her example dead.
That > [So that] dead > [when she is dead; now that she is dead]
305.55
In so great prayse of stedfast chastity,
2 Nathlesse she was so curteous and kind,
Tempred with grace, and goodly modesty,
4 That seemed those two vertues stroue to find
The higher place in her Heroick mind:
6 So striuing each did other more augment,
And both encreast the prayse of woman kind,
8 And both encreast her beautie excellent;
So all did make in her a perfect complement.
1 In so great praise of steadfast chastity,
so > such praise > virtue; praiseworthiness
2 Natheless she was so courteous and kind,
Natheless > Nevertheless
3 Tempered with grace, and goodly modesty, 4 That seemed those two virtues strove to find
That > [That it]
5 The higher place in her heroic mind: 6 So striving each did other more augment,
other > [the other]
7 And both increased the praise of womankind,
praise > virtue; praiseworthiness
8 And both increased her beauty excellent;
excellent > supreme
9 So all did make in her a perfect complement.
complement > consummation, completeness
The birth of faire Belph{oe}be and
2 Of Amoret is told.
The Gardins of Adonis fraught
4 With pleasures manifold.
1 The birth of fair Belphoebe and 2 Of Amoret is told.
Amoret > "Little Love" (from the Italian amoretto)
3 The Gardens of Adonis, fraught
fraught > filled
4 With pleasures manifold.
306.1
WEll may I weene, faire Ladies, all this while
2 Ye wonder, how this noble Damozell
So great perfections did in her compile,
4 Sith that in saluage forests she did dwell,
So farre from court and royall Citadell,
6 The great schoolmistresse of all curtesy:
Seemeth that such wild woods should far expell
8 All ciuill vsage and gentility,
And gentle sprite deforme with rude rusticity.
1 Well may I ween, fair ladies, all this while
ween > surmise
2 You wonder how this noble damsel
wonder > wonder; marvel
3 So great perfections did in herself compile,
So > Such compile > heap together; compose (e.g. a sonnet)
4 Sith in savage forests she did dwell,
Sith > Since savage > wild, uncivilized
5 So far from court and royal citadel, 6 The great schoolmistress of all courtesy: 7 Seems that such wild woods should far expel
Seems > [It seems]
8 All civil usage and gentility, 9 And gentle spirit deform with rude rusticity.
gentle > noble deform > disfigure; render hideous rude > clumsy, barbaric
306.2
But to this faire Belph{oe}be in her berth
2 The heauens so fauourable were and free,
Looking with myld aspect vpon the earth,
4 In th'Horoscope of her natiuitee,
That all the gifts of grace and chastitee
6 On her they poured forth of plenteous horne;
Ioue laught on Venus from his soueraigne see,
8 And Ph{oe}bus with faire beames did her adorne,
And all the Graces rockt her cradle being borne.
1 But to this fair Belphoebe in her birth 2 The heavens so favourable were and free
free > generous, magnanimous
3 (Looking with mild aspect upon the earth,
mild > gracious, kind
4 In the horoscope of her nativity), 5 That all the gifts of grace and chastity 6 On her they poured forth of plenteous horn;
plenteous horn > (The cornucopia, the horn of plenty, the symbol of fruitfulness and plenty)
7 Jove laughed on Venus from his sovereign see,
Venus > (The astrological combination of Jupiter and Venus is held to be especially favourable) see > throne
8 And Phoebus with fair beams did her adorn, 9 And all the Graces rocked her cradle being born.
Graces > (Three daughters of Jupiter, often described as the handmaids of Venus. They are especially associated with poetry) being > [once she had been]
306.3
Her berth was of the wombe of Morning dew,
2 And her conception of the ioyous Prime,
And all her whole creation did her shew
4 Pure and vnspotted from all loathly crime,
That is ingenerate in fleshly slime.
6 So was this virgin borne, so was she bred,
So was she trayned vp from time to time,
8 In all chast vertue, and true bounti-hed
Till to her dew perfection she was ripened.
1 Her birth was of the womb of morning dew, 2 And her conception of the joyous prime,
prime > sunrise; springtime
3 And all her whole creation did her show
show > [show to be, prove to be]
4 Pure and unspotted from all loathly crime,
unspotted from > innocent of loathly > loathsome crime > {Wrongdoing; sins taken collectively}
5 That is ingenerate in fleshly slime.
ingenerate > inborn; engendered fleshly slime > [human flesh; "slime" = "clay": cf. e.g. 209.21:5]
6 So was this virgin born, so was she bred,
So > Thus, in this manner
7 So was she trained up from time to time,
from time to time > [from stage to stage in her development]
8 In all chaste virtue and true bountihead,
bountihead > bounteousness; goodness, virtue
9 Till to her due perfection she was ripened.
306.4
Her mother was the faire Chrysogonee,
2 The daughter of Amphisa, who by race
A Faerie was, yborne of high degree,
4 She bore +Belph{ae}be+, she bore in like cace
Faire Amoretta in the second place:
6 These two were twinnes, and twixt them two did share
The heritage of all celestiall grace.
8 That all the rest it seem'd they robbed bare
Of bountie, and of beautie, and all vertues rare.
4 Belph{ae}be > Belphoebe 1609
1 Her mother was the fair Chrysogone,
Chrysogone > "Golden-born" (Greek)
2 The daughter of Amphisa, who by race
Amphisa > "On Both Sides", "Of Double Nature" (Greek)
3 A Faery was, born of high degree.
degree > rank
4 She bore Belphoebe, she bore in like case
in like case > [similarly]
5 Fair Amoret in the second place: 6 These two were twins, and 'twixt them two did share 7 The heritage of all celestial grace, 8 That all the rest, it seemed, they robbed bare
That > [So that]
9 Of bounty, and of beauty, and all virtues rare.
306.5
It were a goodly storie, to declare,
2 By what straunge accident faire Chrysogone
Conceiu'd these infants, and how she them bare,
4 In this wild forrest wandring all alone,
After she had nine moneths fulfild and gone:
6 For not as other wemens commune brood,
They were enwombed in the sacred throne
8 Of her chaste bodie, nor with commune food,
As other wemens babes, they sucked vitall blood.
1 It were a goodly story, to declare 2 By what strange accident fair Chrysogone
accident > occurrence
3 Conceived these infants, and how she them bore 4 In this wild forest, wandering all alone, 5 After she had nine months fulfilled and gone:
fulfilled and gone > filled up and completed; hence: passed
6 For not as other women's common brood
brood > offspring
7 They were enwombed in the sacred throne
They were > [Were they] enwombed > {Placed in a womb}
8 Of her chaste body, nor with common food
with > in exchange for; hence: as
9 (As other women's babes) they sucked vital blood.
they sucked > [did they suck]
306.6
But wondrously they were begot, and bred
2 Through influence of th'heauens fruitfull ray,
As it in antique bookes is mentioned.
4 It was vpon a Sommers shynie day,
When Titan faire +his beames+ did display,
6 In a fresh fountaine, farre from all mens vew,
She bath'd her brest, the boyling heat t'allay;
8 She bath'd with roses red, and violets blew,
And all the sweetest flowres, that in the forrest grew.
5 his beames > his hot beames 1609
1 But wondrously they were begotten, and bred 2 Through influence of the heavens' fruitful ray,
influence > {Emanation from the heavens: the supposed flowing from the stars of an ethereal fluid affecting men's characters and destiny. Derived from the Latin influentem, via French influence}
3 As it in antique books is mentioned.
antique books > ancient books (e.g. Met. 1.416-37, Myth. 4.13)
4 It was upon a summer's shiny day, 5 When Titan fair his beams did display,
fair > fair (referring to Titan); fairly (adj.) display > spread out; display
6 In a fresh fountain, far from all men's view,
In > [That in]
7 She bathed her breast, the boiling heat to allay; 8 She bathed with roses red, and violets blue, 9 And all the sweetest flowers that in the forest grew.
306.7
Till faint through irkesome wearinesse, adowne
2 Vpon the grassie ground her selfe she layd
To sleepe, the whiles a gentle slombring swowne
4 Vpon her fell all naked bare displayd;
The sunne-beames bright vpon her body playd,
6 Being through former bathing mollifide,
And pierst into her wombe, where they embayd
8 With so sweet sence and secret power vnspide,
That in her pregnant flesh they shortly fructifide.
1 Till, faint through irksome weariness, adown
irksome > irksome; weary adown > down
2 Upon the grassy ground herself she laid 3 To sleep, the whiles a gentle slumbering swoon
the whiles > while; meanwhile
4 Upon her fell, all naked bare displayed;
all > [as she lay all] displayed > displayed; spread out
5 The sunbeams bright upon her body played 6 (Being through former bathing mollified)
Being > [Her body being] mollified > softened
7 And pierced into her womb, where they embayed
embayed > {Bathed; also: lay or were trapped within a bay (as a ship), were shut in}
8 With so sweet sense and secret power unspied,
so > such sense > {Feeling, sensation; also, perhaps: direction in which motion takes place, hence: intention, purpose (after French sens)}
9 That in her pregnant flesh they shortly fructified.
306.8
Miraculous may seeme to him, that reades
2 So straunge ensample of conception;
But reason teacheth that the fruitfull seades
4 Of all things liuing, through impression
Of the sunbeames in moyst complexion,
6 Doe life conceiue and quickned are by kynd:
So after Nilus invndation,
8 Infinite shapes of +creatures+ men do fynd,
Informed in the mud, on which the Sunne hath shynd.
8 creatures > creature 1596
1 Miraculous may seem to him that reads
may > [it may]
2 So strange example of conception;
So > [Such a]
3 But reason teaches that the fruitful seeds 4 Of all things living, through impression 5 Of the sunbeams in moist complexion,
complexion > combination of humours ("cold" or "hot", "moist" or "dry". The "humours", in medieval physiology, were the four chief fluids of the body: blood, phlegm, choler and melancholy. A person's temperament was said to be determined by the relative proportions of these four cardinal humours)
6 Do life conceive and quickened are by kind:
quickened > given life by kind > by nature; by their natures
7 So after Nile's inundation,
Nile > [the River Nile; see 101.21]
8 Infinite shapes of creatures men do find 9 Informed in the mud, on which the sun has shone.
Informed > Formed; arranged
306.9
Great father he of generation
2 Is rightly cald, th'author of life and light;
And his faire sister for creation
4 Ministreth matter fit, which tempred right
With heate and humour, breedes the liuing wight.
6 So sprong these twinnes in wombe of Chrysogone,
Yet wist she nought thereof, but sore affright,
8 Wondred to see her belly so vpblone,
Which still increast, till she her terme had full outgone.
1 Great father he of generation
he > [the sun]
2 Is rightly called, the author of life and light; 3 And his fair sister for creation
his fair sister > (The moon: Phoebe (Diana) is the twin sister of Phoebus Apollo)
4 Ministers matter fit, which, tempered right
Ministers > Manages; furnishes; dispenses (Spenser's chief source for this account of spontaneous generation is Met. 1.416-37)
5 With heat and humour, breeds the living wight.
humour > moisture wight > creature
6 So sprang these twins in womb of Chrysogone, 7 Yet wist she naught thereof, but sore affright,
Yet wist she naught thereof, but sore affright > (Two inter- pretations seem possible: (1) "Yet knew she nothing thereof, but, sorely terrified," in which case "Wondered" at the start of line 8 means "Marvelled"; and (2) "Yet she knew nothing thereof but sore terror," giving "Wondered" the meaning "Filled with wonder")
8 Wondered to see her belly so up-blown,
up-blown > swollen
9 Which still increased, till she her term had full outgone.
still > continually
306.10
Whereof conceiuing shame and foule disgrace,
2 Albe her guiltlesse conscience her cleard,
She fled into the wildernesse a space,
4 Till that vnweeldy burden she had reard,
And shund dishonor, which as death she feard:
6 Where wearie of long trauell, downe to rest
Her selfe she set, and comfortably cheard;
8 There a sad cloud of sleepe her ouerkest,
And seized euery sense with sorrow sore opprest.
1 Whereof conceiving shame and foul disgrace
Whereof > Of which
2 (Albe her guiltless conscience her cleared),
Albe > Albeit
3 She fled into the wilderness a space,
a space > for a time
4 Till that unwieldy burden she had reared,
reared > brought into existence
5 And shunned dishonour, which as death she feared: 6 Where, weary of long travel, down to rest
travel > travel; travail, labour
7 Herself she set, and comfortably cheered;
comfortably > [self consolingly]
8 There a sad cloud of sleep her overcast,
sad > heavy; sad overcast > overshadowed
9 And seized every sense with sorrow sore oppressed.
oppressed > overwhelmed; oppressed
306.11
It fortuned, faire Venus hauing lost
2 Her little sonne, the winged god of loue,
Who for some light displeasure, which him crost,
4 Was from her fled, as flit as ayerie Doue,
And left her blisfull bowre of ioy aboue,
6 (So from her often he had fled away,
When she for ought him sharpely did reproue,
8 And wandred in the world in strange aray,
Disguiz'd in thousand shapes, that none might him bewray.)
1 It fortuned, fair Venus having lost 2 Her little son, the winged god of love,
Her little son > [Cupid]
3 Who for some light displeasure, which him crossed, 4 Was from her fled, as flit as airy dove,
flit > swift, fleet
5 And left her blissful bower of joy above
left > [had left] bower > abode
6 (So from her often he had fled away, 7 When she for aught him sharply did reprove, 8 And wandered in the world in strange array,
array > attire
9 Disguised in thousand shapes, that none might him bewray),
that > [so that] bewray > betray; reveal
306.12
Him for to seeke, she left her heauenly hous,
2 The house of goodly formes and faire aspects,
Whence all the world deriues the glorious
4 Features of +beautie+, and all shapes select,
With which high God his workmanship hath deckt;
6 And searched euery way, through which his wings
Had borne him, or his tract she mote detect:
8 She promist kisses sweet, and sweeter things
Vnto the man, that of him tydings to her brings.
4 beautie > beauties 1596, 1609
1 Him to seek, she left her heavenly house
heavenly house > (This also encompasses the astrological sense)
2 (The house of goodly forms and fair aspects
goodly > beautiful aspects > views; aspects (in the astrological sense)
3 Whence all the world derives the glorious 4 Features of beauty, and all shapes select,
select > choice, superior
5 With which high God His workmanship has decked), 6 And searched every way, through which his wings 7 Had borne him, or his tract she might detect:
his > [in which his] tract > track, trail
8 She promised kisses sweet, and sweeter things 9 To the man that of him tidings to her brings.
brings > [should bring]
306.13
First she him sought in Court, where most he vsed
2 Whylome to haunt, but there she found him not;
But many there she found, which sore accused
4 His falsehood, and with foule infamous blot
His cruell deedes and wicked wyles did spot:
6 Ladies and Lords she euery where mote heare
Complayning, how with his empoysned shot
8 Their wofull harts he wounded had whyleare,
And so had left them languishing twixt hope and feare.
1 First she him sought in court, where most he used 2 Whilom to haunt, but there she found him not;
Whilom > Formerly haunt > resort
3 But many there she found who sore accused
accused > blamed; made known
4 His falsehood, and with foul infamous blot 5 His cruel deeds and wicked wiles did spot:
spot > asperse, calumniate
6 Ladies and lords she everywhere might hear
might > could
7 Complaining how with his empoisoned shot
empoisoned > {Dipped in poison} shot > action of shooting with a bow; hence: arrow
8 Their woeful hearts he wounded had whilere,
whilere > erewhile: a while before
9 And so had left them languishing 'twixt hope and fear.
306.14
She then the Citties sought from gate to gate,
2 And euery one did aske, did he him see;
And euery one her answerd, that too late
4 He had him seene, and felt the crueltie
Of his sharpe darts and whot artillerie;
6 And euery one threw forth reproches rife
Of his mischieuous deedes, and said, That hee
8 Was the disturber of all ciuill life,
The enimy of peace, and author of all strife.
1 She then the cities sought from gate to gate,
sought > searched from gate to gate > [from end to end: many cities being formerly enclosed by a wall]
2 And everyone did ask, did he him see; 3 And everyone her answered that too late 4 He had him seen, and felt the cruelty 5 Of his sharp darts and hot artillery; 6 And everyone threw forth reproaches rife
rife > abundant; abundantly
7 Of his mischievous deeds, and said that he
mischievous > harmful
8 Was the disturber of all civil life, 9 The enemy of peace, and author of all strife.
306.15
Then in the countrey she abroad him sought,
2 And in the rurall cottages inquired,
Where also many plaints to her were brought,
4 How he their heedlesse harts with loue had fyred,
And his false venim through their veines inspyred;
6 And eke the gentle shepheard swaynes, which sat
Keeping their fleecie flockes, as they were hyred,
8 She sweetly heard complaine, both how and what
Her sonne had to them doen; yet she did smile thereat.
1 Then in the country she abroad him sought,
abroad > broadly, widely; in different directions
2 And in the rural cottages inquired, 3 Where also many plaints to her were brought,
plaint > {Complaint; statement of grievance in seeking redress}
4 How he their heedless hearts with love had fired, 5 And his false venom through their veins inspired;
inspired > [had] breathed, infused
6 And eke the gentle shepherd swains, who sat
eke > moreover swains > young men, rustics
7 Keeping their fleecy flocks, as they were hired, 8 She sweetly heard complain, both how and what 9 Her son had to them done; yet she did smile thereat.
thereat > at that, as a result of that
306.16
But when in none of all these she him got,
2 She gan auize, where else he mote him hyde:
At last she her bethought, that she had not
4 Yet sought the saluage woods and forrests wyde,
In which full many louely Nymphes abyde,
6 Mongst whom might be, that he did closely lye,
Or that the loue of some of them him tyde:
8 For thy she thither cast her course t'apply,
To search the secret haunts of Dianes company.
1 But when in none of all these she him got,
got > got hold of; hence: found
2 She gan advise where else he might himself hide:
gan > did advise > consider, ponder
3 At last she her bethought that she had not
her bethought > reminded herself
4 Yet sought the savage woods and forests wide,
sought > searched savage > wild, uncultivated
5 In which full many lovely nymphs abide,
full > very nymphs > (The minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature) abide > dwell
6 Amongst whom might be that he did closely lie,
might > [it might] closely > secretly
7 Or that the love of some of them him tied: 8 For-thy she thither cast her course to apply,
For-thy > Therefore; for this reason cast > decided apply > steer
9 To search the secret haunts of Diana's company.
haunts > resorts
306.17
Shortly vnto the wastefull woods she came,
2 Whereas she found the Goddesse with her crew,
After late chace of their embrewed game,
4 Sitting beside a fountaine in a rew,
Some of them washing with the liquid dew
6 From off their dainty limbes the dustie sweat,
And soyle which did deforme their liuely hew;
8 Others lay shaded from the scorching heat;
The rest vpon her person gaue attendance great.
1 Shortly to the wasteful woods she came,
wasteful > desolate, uncultivated
2 Where she found the goddess with her crew,
crew > company, retinue; applied also to an organized band of armed men, hence: armed retinue
3 After late chase of their imbrued game,
late > recent imbrued > blood-stained, blood-soaked
4 Sitting beside a fountain in a rew,
rew > row, line (with the pun on "rue")
5 Some of them washing with the liquid dew 6 From off their dainty limbs the dusty sweat
dainty > delightful, comely
7 And soil which did deform their lively hue;
deform > disfigure, defile lively > vital hue > appearance; colour, complexion
8 Others lay shaded from the scorching heat; 9 The rest upon her person gave attendance great.
306.18
She hauing hong vpon a bough on high
2 Her bow and painted quiuer, had vnlaste
Her siluer buskins from her nimble thigh,
4 And her lancke loynes vngirt, and brests vnbraste,
After her heat the breathing cold to taste;
6 Her golden lockes, that late in tresses bright
Embreaded were for hindring of her haste,
8 Now loose about her shoulders hong vndight,
And were with sweet Ambrosia all besprinckled light.
1 She, having hung upon a bough on high 2 Her bow and painted quiver, had unlaced 3 Her silver buskins from her nimble thigh,
buskins > boots, half-boots (not extending to thigh; they are silver because she is also goddess of the moon) nimble > swift; agile thigh > [feet, legs]
4 And her lank loins ungirt, and breasts unbraced,
lank > lean, slender loins > flanks, waist (to "gird up one's loins" is to prepare oneself for action) unbraced > freed (from confining bands or braces forming part of armour, etc.)
5 After her heat the breathing cold to taste; 6 Her golden locks, that late in tresses bright
late > recently bright > bright; beautiful
7 Embraided were for hindering of her haste,
Embraided > Plaited for hindering of > [to prevent them from hindering]
8 Now loose about her shoulders hung undight,
undight > unarranged; hence: loose, loosely
9 And were with sweet ambrosia all besprinkled light.
ambrosia > (Possibly the unguent of the gods: cf. PL 5.55, Aen. 1.403-4, though this meaning came into currency rather later than 1590. In his Herball (1597) 950 (quoted Fowler (1971) 101), Gerard remarks that "The fragrant smell that this kinde of Ambrosia or Oke of Cappadocia yeeldeth, hath mooved the Poets to suppose that this herbe was meate and foode for the gods." The "Oak of Cappadocia" is a plant of the daisy family. Perhaps we are simply to take it that Diana's hair, after the chase, is left sprinkled with perfumed fragments of leaves and flowers) besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is intensive}
306.19
Soone as she Venus saw behind her backe,
2 She was asham'd to be so loose surprized
And woxe halfe wroth against her damzels slacke,
4 That had not her thereof before auized,
But suffred her so carelesly disguized
6 Be ouertaken. Soone her garments loose
Vpgath'ring, in her bosome she comprized,
8 Well as she might, and to the Goddesse rose,
Whiles all her Nymphes did like a girlond her enclose.
1 Soon as she Venus saw behind her back,
Soon > [As soon]
2 She was ashamed to be so loose surprised
loose > ungirt, naked
3 And waxed half wroth against her damsels slack,
waxed half wroth against > half grew angry with
4 That had not her thereof before advised,
advised > informed, apprised
5 But suffered her so carelessly disguised
suffered > allowed disguised > {Dressed in a fashion different from that which is customary or considered appropriate}
6 Be overtaken. Soon her garments loose,
Be > [To be]
Soon > Straightway
7 Upgathering, in her bosom she comprised
comprised > embraced
8 Well as she might, and to the goddess rose,
Well > [As well]
9 While all her nymphs did like a garland her enclose.
306.20
Goodly she gan faire Cytherea greet,
2 And shortly asked her, what cause her brought
Into that wildernesse for her vnmeet,
4 From her sweet bowres, and beds with pleasures fraught:
That suddein change she strange aduenture thought.
6 To whom halfe weeping, she thus answered,
That she her dearest sonne Cupido sought,
8 Who in his frowardnesse from her was fled;
That she repented sore, to haue him angered.
1 Goodly she gan fair Cytherea greet,
Goodly > Politely (though somewhat icily, as the following dialogue
shows)
gan > did
Cytherea > (Another name for Venus, after the island of Cythera
(Cerigo), off which it is said she first rose from the foam of
the sea)
2 And shortly asked her what cause her brought
shortly > presently; curtly
3 Into that wilderness for her unmeet,
unmeet > unsuitable, unfitting
4 From her sweet bowers, and beds with pleasures fraught:
bowers > rooms, bedrooms fraught > filled
5 That sudden change she strange adventure thought.
adventure > occurrence
6 To whom, half weeping, she thus answered, 7 That she her dearest son Cupid sought, 8 Who in his frowardness from her was fled;
frowardness > naughtiness; refractoriness, perverseness
9 That she repented sore, to have him angered.
306.21
Thereat Diana gan to smile, in scorne
2 Of her vaine plaint, and to her scoffing sayd;
Great pittie sure, that ye be so forlorne
4 Of your gay sonne, that giues ye so good ayd
To your disports: ill mote ye bene apayd.
6 But she was more engrieued, and replide;
Faire sister, ill beseemes it to vpbrayd
8 A dolefull heart with so disdainfull pride;
The like that mine, may be your paine another tide.
1 Thereat Diana began to smile, in scorn
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
2 Of her vain plaint, and to her, scoffing, said:
vain plaint > foolish complaint
3 "Great pity sure, that you be so forlorn
be > are forlorn > abandoned
4 Of your gay son, that gives you so good aid
Of > By so > such
5 To your disports: ill might you been apaid."
To > [In] disports > diversions, sports ill > evilly, badly been apaid > have been repaid; or, as an imprecation: be pleased, be satisfied
6 But she was more engrieved, and replied:
engrieved > aggravated; grieved
7 "Fair sister, ill beseems it to upbraid
beseems > becomes
8 A doleful heart with so disdainful pride;
so > such
9 The like that mine may be your pain another tide.
The like that > [A similar predicament to] tide > time
306.22
As you in woods and wanton wildernesse
2 Your glory set, to chace the saluage beasts,
So my delight is all in ioyfulnesse,
4 In beds, in bowres, in banckets, and in feasts:
And ill becomes you with your loftie creasts,
6 To scorne the ioy, that Ioue is glad to seeke;
We both are bound to follow heauens beheasts,
8 And tend our charges with obeisance meeke:
Spare, gentle sister, with reproch my paine to eeke.
1 "As you in woods and wanton wilderness
wanton > rank, luxuriant; untrammelled
2 Your glory set, to chase the savage beasts,
savage > wild; savage
3 So my delight is all in joyfulness, 4 In beds, in bowers, in banquets, and in feasts:
bowers > bedrooms
5 And ill becomes you with your lofty crests
crests > {Symbols of pride or self-confidence; "lofty crests" thus = "superior ways"}
6 To scorn the joy that Jove is glad to seek; 7 We both are bound to follow heaven's behests, 8 And tend our charges with obeisance meek:
obeisance > obedience; submission
9 Spare, gentle sister, with reproach my pain to eke.
gentle > noble eke > augment
306.23
And tell me, if that ye my sonne haue heard,
2 To lurke emongst your Nymphes in secret wize;
Or keepe their cabins: much I am affeard,
4 Least he like one of them him selfe disguize,
And turne his arrowes to their exercize:
6 So may he long himselfe full easie hide:
For he is faire and fresh in face and guize,
8 As any Nymph (let not it be enuyde.)
So saying euery Nymph full narrowly she eyde.
1 "And tell me if that you my son have heard
if that > [whether]
2 To lurk amongst your nymphs in secret wise;
wise > fashion
3 Or keep their cabins: much I am afeard,
keep > remain in afeard > afraid
4 Lest he like one of them himself disguise, 5 And turn his arrows to their exercise:
their exercise > (Either the nymphs' exercise, chasing game, or the arrows' usual exercise, so exciting love among the nymphs)
6 So may he long himself full easy hide:
full easy > very easily
7 For he is fair and fresh in face and guise,
guise > appearance
8 As any nymph (let not it be envied)."
envied > begrudged; hence: gainsaid
9 So saying, every nymph full narrowly she eyed.
narrowly > closely
306.24
But Ph{oe}be therewith sore was angered,
2 And sharply said; Goe Dame, goe seeke your boy,
Where you him lately left, in Mars his bed;
4 He comes not here, we scorne his foolish ioy,
Ne lend we leisure to his idle toy:
6 But if I catch him in this company,
By Stygian lake I vow, whose sad annoy
8 The Gods doe dread, he dearely shall abye:
Ile clip his wanton wings, that he no more shall fly.
1 But Phoebe therewith sore was angered,
therewith > with that
2 And sharply said: "Go, dame, go seek your boy
sharply > (Cf. "shortly" at 306.20:2)
3 Where you him lately left, in Mars his bed;
Mars his > Mars's (Mars is the lover of Venus; see e.g. Odyssey 8)
4 He comes not here, we scorn his foolish joy, 5 Nor lend we leisure to his idle toy:
idle > futile; weak-headed toy > game; amorous game (cf. 101.47:9)
6 But if I catch him in this company, 7 By Stygian lake I vow, whose sad annoy
Stygian lake > (The River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell, over which Charon ferries the souls of the departed, and by which the gods, as here, swear their most solemn oaths: cf. Aen. 6.324-5) sad annoy > grievous vexation
8 The gods do dread, he dearly shall aby:
aby > atone, pay the penalty; suffer
9 I'll clip his wanton wings, that he no more shall fly."
wanton > {Undisciplined; lewd; frisky; cruel; also: luxuriant, rank, profuse in growth} that > [so that]
306.25
Whom when as Venus saw so sore displeased,
2 She inly sory was, and gan relent,
What she had said: so her she soone appeased,
4 With sugred words and gentle blandishment,
+Which as+ a fountaine from her sweet lips went,
6 And welled goodly forth, that in short space
She was well pleasd, and forth her damzels sent,
8 Through all the woods, to search from place to place,
If any tract of him or tydings they mote trace.
5 Which as > From which 1590, 1596; Of which conj. Church
1 Whom when Venus saw so sore displeased, 2 She inly sorry was, and gan relent
inly > inwardly gan > did relent > ?regret (SU: perhaps a misprint or slip of the pen for "repent")
3 What she had said: so her she soon appeased
soon > soon; straight away
4 With sugared words and gentle blandishment,
gentle > courteous, generous; noble; gentle blandishment > cajolery, flattery
5 Which as a fountain from her sweet lips went, 6 And welled goodly forth, that in short space
goodly > beautifully that > [so that] space > time
7 She was well pleased, and forth her damsels sent,
She > [Diana]
8 Through all the woods, to search from place to place, 9 If any tract of him or tidings they might trace.
tract > track, trail might > could
306.26
To search the God of loue, her Nymphes she sent
2 Throughout the wandring forrest euery where:
And after them her selfe eke with her went
4 To seeke the fugitiue, both farre and nere,
So long they sought, till they arriued were
6 In that same shadie couert, whereas lay
Faire Crysogone in slombry traunce whilere:
8 Who in her sleepe (a wondrous thing to say)
Vnwares had borne two babes, as faire as springing day.
1 To search the god of love, her nymphs she sent
search > seek
2 Throughout the wandering forest everywhere: 3 And after them herself eke with her went
eke > moreover
4 To seek the fugitive, both far and near, 5 So long they sought, till they arrived were
So > Thus
6 In that same shady covert where lay 7 Fair Chrysogone in slumbery trance whilere:
slumbery > slumbrous, sleepy whilere > erewhile: a while before
8 Who in her sleep (a wondrous thing to say) 9 Unwares had borne two babes, as fair as springing day.
Unwares > Unwittingly springing > dawning
306.27
Vnwares she them conceiu'd, vnwares she bore:
2 She bore withouten paine, that she conceiued
Withouten pleasure: ne her need implore
4 Lucinaes aide: which when they both perceiued,
They were through wonder nigh of sense bereaued,
6 And gazing each on other, nought bespake:
At last they both agreed, her seeming grieued
8 Out of her heauy swowne not to awake,
But from her louing side the tender babes to take.
1 Unwares she them conceived, unwares she bore: 2 She bore without pain that she conceived
that > [that which]
3 Without pleasure: ne her need implore
ne her need > [nor did she need to]
4 Lucina's aid: which when they both perceived,
Lucina > (The goddess of childbirth; sometimes identified with Juno or Diana)
5 They were through wonder nigh of sense bereaved
bereaved > robbed
6 And, gazing each on other, naught bespoke:
bespoke > spoke
7 At last they both agreed, her (seeming grieved)
grieved > hurt, hence: in pain; and also: grieved
8 Out of her heavy swoon not to awake, 9 But from her loving side the tender babes to take.
306.28
Vp they them tooke, each one a babe vptooke,
2 And with them carried, to be fostered;
Dame +Ph{ae}be+ to a Nymph her babe betooke,
4 To be vpbrought in perfect Maydenhed,
And of her selfe her name Belph{oe}be red:
6 But Venus hers +thence+ farre away conuayd,
To be vpbrought in goodly womanhed,
8 And in her litle loues stead, which was strayd,
Her Amoretta cald, to comfort her dismayd.
3 Ph{ae}be > Ph{oe}be 1609 6 thence > hence 1596, 1609
1 Up they them took, each one a babe uptook,
uptook > took up
2 And with them carried, to be fostered; 3 Dame Phoebe to a nymph her babe betook,
betook > took; committed
4 To be upbrought in perfect maidenhead,
upbrought > brought up perfect > complete, thorough, fully trained maidenhead > virginity
5 And of herself her name, Belphoebe, read;
of > after read > named; hence: gave, bestowed
6 But Venus hers thence far away conveyed, 7 To be upbrought in goodly womanhood, 8 And in her little love's stead, which was strayed,
stead > place
9 Her Amoret called, to comfort her dismayed.
her dismayed > [herself in her unhappiness]
306.29
She brought her to her ioyous Paradize,
2 Where most she wonnes, when she on earth does dwel.
So faire a place, as Nature can deuize:
4 Whether in Paphos, or Cytheron hill,
Or it in +Gnidus+ be, I wote not well;
6 But well I wote by tryall, that this same
All other pleasant places doth excell,
8 And called is by her lost louers name,
The Gardin of Adonis, farre renowmd by fame.
5 Gnidus > Gnidas 1590
1 She brought her to her joyous paradise, 2 Where most she wons when she on earth does dwell.
wons > lives
3 So fair a place as Nature can devise: 4 Whether in Paphos, or Cytheron hill,
Paphos > ("Old Paphos", on the west coast of Cyprus, where, according to some legends, Aphrodite (Venus) is said to have come ashore after her birth in the waves. Centre of her worship, with an important temple dedicated to her: its high priest exercised religious authority over the whole island. In other traditions she is said to have arisen from the sea off Cythera (Cerigo), and is thus sometimes, as at 306.20:1, called Cytherea. "Cytheron hill" follows DGDG 3.22 and Knight's Tale 1936-7 (noted Church (1758)))
5 Or it in Cnidus be, I wot not well;
Cnidus > (A city in Asia Minor, on the coast of Caria, with a temple to Aphrodite containing a famous statue of her by Praxiteles) wot > know
6 But well I wot by trial that this same 7 All other pleasant places does excel,
excel > surpass
8 And called is, by her lost lover's name, 9 The Garden of Adonis, far renowned by fame.
fame > report; reputation
306.30
In that same Gardin all the goodly flowres,
2 Wherewith dame Nature doth her beautifie,
And decks the girlonds of her paramoures,
4 Are fetcht: there is the first seminarie
Of all things, that are borne to liue and die,
6 According to their kindes. Long worke it were,
Here to account the endlesse progenie
8 Of all the weedes, that bud and blossome there;
But so much as doth need, must needs be counted here.
1 In that same garden all the goodly flowers
goodly > beautiful
2 Wherewith Dame Nature does herself beautify,
Wherewith > With which
3 And decks the garlands of her paramours, 4 Are fetched: there is the first seminary
fetched > come by, found; hence: to be found seminary > seedbed
5 Of all things that are born to live and die, 6 According to their kinds. Long work it were
were > [would be]
7 Here to account the endless progeny
account > narrate; render an account of
8 Of all the weeds that bud and blossom there;
weeds > plants (whether herbs, shrubs, or trees)
9 But so much as does need, must needs be counted here.
does need > [is necessary] needs > of necessity counted > related
306.31
It sited was in fruitfull soyle of old,
2 And girt in with two walles on either side;
The one of yron, the other of bright gold,
4 That none might thorough breake, nor ouer-stride:
And double gates it had, which opened wide,
6 By which both in and out men moten pas;
Th'one faire and fresh, the other old and dride:
8 Old Genius the porter of them was,
Old Genius, the which a double nature has.
1 It sited was in fruitful soil of old, 2 And girt in with two walls on either side; 3 The one of iron, the other of bright gold, 4 That none might through break, nor over-stride:
That > [So that]
5 And double gates it had, which opened wide, 6 By which both in and out men might pas;
pas > pass; pace
7 The one fair and fresh, the other old and dried: 8 Old Genius the porter of them was,
Genius > "Guardian Spirit" (Latin: his evil double is described at 212.47 ff.) porter > {Door-keeper; one who has charge of a door or gate}
9 Old Genius, who a double nature has.
306.32
He letteth in, he letteth out to wend,
2 All that to come into the world desire;
A thousand thousand naked babes attend
4 About him day and night, which doe require,
That he with fleshly weedes would them attire:
6 Such as him list, such as eternall fate
Ordained hath, he clothes with sinfull mire,
8 And sendeth forth to liue in mortall state,
Till they againe returne backe by the hinder gate.
1 He lets in, he lets out to wend, 2 All that to come into the world desire; 3 A thousand thousand naked babes attend 4 About him day and night, which do require
require > request; demand; insist
5 That he with fleshly weeds would them attire:
weeds > clothing; hence: fleshly weeds = bodies
6 Such as him list, such as eternal fate
list > pleases; please
7 Ordained has, he clothes with sinful mire,
mire > [clay, flesh (after Gen. 2.7)]
8 And sends forth to live in mortal state, 9 Till they again return back by the hinder gate.
hinder > rear, posterior; also: latter (of the two mentioned in stanza 31, i.e. the gate which is "old and dride")
306.33
After that they againe returned beene,
2 They in that Gardin planted be againe;
And grow +afresh+, as they had neuer seene
4 Fleshly corruption, nor mortall paine.
Some thousand yeares so doen they there +remaine+;
6 And then of him are clad with other hew,
Or sent into the chaungefull world againe,
8 Till thither they returne, where first they grew:
So like a wheele around they runne from old to new.
3 afresh > a fresh 1596 5 remaine > remaire 1596
1 After they again returned been,
been > [are, have]
2 They in that garden planted be again; 3 And grow afresh, as they had never seen
as > [as though]
4 Fleshly corruption, nor mortal pain. 5 Some thousand years so do they there remain;
so > thus
6 And then of him are clad with other hue,
of > by hue > appearance, form
7 Or sent into the changeful world again,
Or > (Possibly a misprint for "And"; for a summary of other explanations, see Hamilton (1980))
8 Till thither they return, where first they grew: 9 So like a wheel around they run from old to new.
306.34
Ne needs there Gardiner to set, or sow,
2 To plant +or+ prune: for of their owne accord
All things, as they created were, doe grow,
4 And yet remember well the mightie word,
Which first was spoken by th'Almightie lord,
6 That bad them to increase and multiply:
Ne doe they need with water of the ford,
8 Or of the clouds to moysten their roots dry;
For in themselues eternall moisture they imply.
2 or > of 1596
1 Neither needs there gardener to set, or sow,
needs there > [is there need of a; is there need of there a]
2 To plant or prune: for of their own accord 3 All things, as they created were, do grow, 4 And yet remember well the mighty word 5 Which first was spoken by the Almighty Lord,
spoken > (Gen. 1.22)
6 That bade them to increase and multiply: 7 Nor do they need with water of the ford,
ford > stream, current
8 Or of the clouds to moisten their roots dry;
roots dry > [dry roots]
9 For in themselves eternal moisture they imply.
imply > enfold; conceal; hence: contain
306.35
Infinite shapes of creatures there are bred,
2 And vncouth formes, which none yet euer knew,
And euery sort is in a sundry bed
4 Set by it selfe, and ranckt in comely rew:
Some fit for reasonable soules t'indew,
6 Some made for beasts, some made for birds to weare,
And all the fruitfull spawne of fishes hew
8 In endlesse rancks along enraunged were,
That seem'd the Ocean could not containe them there.
1 Infinite shapes of creatures there are bred, 2 And uncouth forms, which none yet ever knew,
uncouth > strange, bizarre; unseemly
3 And every sort is in a sundry bed
sundry > separate, distinct
4 Set by itself, and ranked in comely rew:
rew > row
5 Some fit for reasonable souls to endue,
Some > (See 1 Cor. 15.39) reasonable > {Endowed with reason}
6 Some made for beasts, some made for birds to wear, 7 And all the fruitful spawn of fishes' hue
hue > appearance, form
8 In endless ranks along enranged were,
enranged > arranged
9 That seemed the ocean could not contain them there.
That > [So that it] ocean > {The main seas of the world considered as one body of water}
306.36
Daily they grow, and daily forth are sent
2 Into the world, it to replenish more;
Yet is the stocke not lessened, nor spent,
4 But still remaines in euerlasting store,
As it at first created was of yore.
6 For in the wide wombe of the world there lyes,
In hatefull darkenesse and in deepe horrore,
8 An huge eternall Chaos, which supplyes
The substances of natures fruitfull progenyes.
1 Daily they grow, and daily forth are sent 2 Into the world, it to replenish more; 3 Yet is the stock not lessened, nor spent, 4 But still remains in everlasting store,
still > ever, continually
5 As it at first created was of yore.
yore > old
6 For in the wide womb of the world there lies, 7 In hateful darkness and in deep horror, 8 A huge eternal chaos, which supplies
chaos > (The vacant and infinite space which, in the ancient cosmogonies, existed before the creation of the world. Chaos was called the mother of Erebus (Darkness) and Nox (Night). Cf. RR 22, De Rerum Natura 5.259, DGDG 1.2, PL 2.907-20, 204.41:9)
9 The substances of Nature's fruitful progenies.
306.37
All things from thence doe their first being fetch,
2 And borrow matter, whereof they are made,
Which when as forme and feature it does ketch,
4 Becomes a bodie, and doth then inuade
The state of life, out of the griesly shade.
6 That substance is eterne, and bideth so,
Ne when the life decayes, and forme does fade,
8 Doth it consume, and into nothing go,
But chaunged is, and often altred to and fro.
1 All things from thence do their first being fetch, 2 And borrow matter whereof they are made,
whereof > of which
3 Which, when form and feature it does catch, 4 Becomes a body, and does then invade
invade > enter (SUS); intrude upon
5 The state of life, out of the grisly shade.
grisly > horrible, fearsome
6 That substance is eterne, and bides so,
eterne > eternal bides > remains
7 Nor when the life decays, and form does fade, 8 Does it consume, and into nothing go,
consume > waste away
9 But changed is, and often altered to and fro.
306.38
The substance is not chaunged, nor altered,
2 But th'only forme and outward fashion;
For euery substance is conditioned
4 To change her hew, and sundry formes to don,
Meet for her temper and complexion:
6 For formes are variable and decay,
By course of kind, and by occasion;
8 And that faire flowre of beautie fades away,
As doth the lilly fresh before the sunny ray.
1 The substance is not changed, nor altered, 2 But the only form and outward fashion;
the only > [only the] fashion > {Appearance; form as opposed to matter}
3 For every substance is conditioned 4 To change its hue, and sundry forms to don,
hue > appearance, form
5 Meet for its temper and complexion:
Meet > Suitable temper > {Character, quality; temperament, i.e. the combination of bodily "humours"} complexion > {Nature; bodily or mental habit; temperament}
6 For forms are variable and decay, 7 By course of kind, and by occasion;
kind > nature occasion > necessity; course of events, force of circumstance
8 And that fair flower of beauty fades away, 9 As does the lily fresh before the sunny ray.
306.39
Great enimy to it, and +to+ all the rest,
2 That in the Gardin of Adonis springs,
Is wicked Time, who with his scyth addrest,
4 Does mow the flowring herbes and goodly things,
And all their glory to the ground downe flings,
6 Where they doe wither, and are fowly mard:
He flyes about, and with his flaggy wings
8 Beates downe both leaues and buds without regard,
Ne euer pittie may relent his malice hard.
1 to > omitted from 1611, for the sake of the metre
1 Great enemy to it (and to all the rest, 2 That in the Garden of Adonis springs)
springs > grows
3 Is wicked Time, who, with his scythe addressed,
addressed > armed, equipped
4 Does mow the flowering herbs and goodly things,
goodly > beautiful
5 And all their glory to the ground down-flings, 6 Where they do wither, and are foully marred:
marred > spoiled; debased; ruined
7 He flies about, and with his flaggy wings
flaggy > drooping
8 Beats down both leaves and buds without regard, 9 Ne ever pity may relent his malice hard.
Ne ever > Nor ever; never may > can relent > soften, cause to relent
306.40
Yet pittie often did the gods relent,
2 To see so faire things mard, and spoyled quight:
And their great mother Venus did lament
4 The losse of her deare brood, her deare delight;
Her hart was pierst with pittie at the sight,
6 When walking through the Gardin, them she +spyde+,
Yet no'te she find redresse for such despight.
8 For all that liues, is subiect to that law:
All things decay in time, and to their end do draw.
6 spyde > saw sugg. various editors
1 Yet pity often did the gods relent,
relent > soften, cause to relent
2 To see so fair things marred, and spoiled quite:
so > such marred > debased
3 And their great mother Venus did lament 4 The loss of her dear brood, her dear delight; 5 Her heart was pierced with pity at the sight 6 When, walking through the Garden, them she spied, 7 Yet no'te she find redress for such despite.
no'te she > she could not despite > outrage; malice, maliciousness
8 For all that lives is subject to that law: 9 All things decay in time, and to their end do draw.
306.41
But were it not, that Time their troubler is,
2 All that in this delightfull Gardin growes,
Should happie be, and haue immortall blis:
4 For here all plentie, and all pleasure flowes,
And sweet loue gentle fits emongst them throwes,
6 Without fell rancor, or fond gealosie;
Franckly each paramour his leman knowes,
8 Each bird his mate, ne any does enuie
Their goodly meriment, and gay felicitie.
1 But were it not that Time their troubler is, 2 All that in this delightful garden grows 3 Should happy be, and have immortal bliss:
happy > happy; fortunate
4 For here all plenty, and all pleasure flow, 5 And sweet Love gentle fits amongst them throws, 6 Without fell rancour, or fond jealousy;
fell > fierce fond > foolish
7 Frankly each paramour his leman knows,
Frankly > Freely leman > lover knows > {In the Hebrew sense: has carnal knowledge of}
8 Each bird his mate, nor any does envy
Each > [And each] envy > begrudge
9 Their goodly merriment, and gay felicity.
merriment > entertainment
306.42
There is continuall spring, and haruest there
2 Continuall, both meeting at one time:
For both the boughes doe laughing blossomes beare,
4 And with fresh colours decke the wanton Prime,
And eke attonce the +heauy+ trees they clime,
6 Which seeme to labour vnder their fruits lode:
The whiles the ioyous birdes make their pastime
8 Emongst the shadie leaues, their sweet abode,
And their true loues without suspition tell abrode.
5 heauy > heauenly 1590
1 There is continual spring, and harvest there
harvest > autumn; harvest-time
2 Continual, both meeting at one time: 3 For both the boughs do laughing blossoms bear,
the boughs do > [do the boughs]
4 And with fresh colours deck the wanton prime,
wanton > rank, luxuriant, hence: abundant; undisciplined, unchaste prime > springtime
5 And eke at once the heavy trees they climb,
eke > also at once > simultaneously, together heavy > (See Textual Appendix) they > (An ambiguous pronoun. Refers perhaps to all the creatures in the garden, or just to the birds. Most likely it is redundant (i.e. it is the trees which climb), the word being included only for the sake of the metre)
6 Which seem to labour under their fruits' load: 7 The whiles the joyous birds make their pastime
The whiles > Meanwhile
8 Amongst the shady leaves, their sweet abode, 9 And their true loves without suspicion tell abroad.
tell > [sing]
306.43
Right in the middest of that Paradise,
2 There stood a stately Mount, on whose round top
A gloomy groue of mirtle trees did rise,
4 Whose shadie boughes sharpe steele did neuer lop,
Nor wicked beasts their tender buds did crop,
6 But like a girlond compassed the hight,
And from their fruitfull sides sweet gum did drop,
8 That all the ground with precious deaw bedight,
Threw forth most dainty odours, and most sweet delight.
1 Right in the middest of that paradise
middest > middle
2 There stood a stately mount, on whose round top 3 A gloomy grove of myrtle trees did rise,
myrtle > (Held sacred to Venus, and used as an emblem of love)
4 Whose shady boughs sharp steel did never lop, 5 Nor wicked beasts their tender buds did crop, 6 But like a garland compassed the height,
compassed > encircled, enclosed height > summit
7 And from their fruitful sides sweet gum did drop, 8 That all the ground with precious dew bedight,
That > (Marks the start of an ambiguous construction, the alter- native readings being (1) "[So] that all the ground, with precious dew bedight, Threw forth …" and (2) "That all the ground with precious dew bedight, [And] threw …") bedight > adorned, arrayed
9 Threw forth most dainty odours, and most sweet delight.
dainty > delightful
306.44
And in the thickest couert of that shade,
2 There was a pleasant arbour, not by art,
But of the trees owne inclination made,
4 Which knitting their rancke braunches part to part,
With wanton yuie twyne entrayld athwart,
6 And Eglantine, and Caprifole emong,
Fashiond aboue within their inmost part,
8 That nether Ph{oe}bus beams could through them throng,
Nor Aeolus sharp blast could worke them any wrong.
1 And in the thickest covert of that shade 2 There was a pleasant arbour, not by art, 3 But of the trees' own inclination made,
of > by inclination > (Lit. and fig.)
4 Which, knitting their rank branches part to part, 5 With wanton ivy twine entrailed athwart,
wanton > rank, luxuriant (cf. 205.29:2-4) entrailed > entwined (formed on OFr treille, trellis)
6 And eglantine, and caprifoil among,
eglantine > sweetbrier (Rosa rubiginosa) caprifoil > honeysuckle
7 Fashioned above within their inmost part, 8 That neither Phoebus' beams could through them throng,
That > [So that] throng > force their way
9 Nor Aeolus' sharp blast could work them any wrong.
work > do, cause
306.45
And all about grew euery sort of flowre,
2 To which sad louers were transformd of yore;
Fresh Hyacinthus, Ph{oe}bus paramoure,
4
Foolish Narcisse, that likes the watry shore,
6 Sad Amaranthus, made a flowre but late,
Sad Amaranthus, in whose purple gore
8 Me seemes I see Amintas wretched fate,
To whom sweet Poets verse hath giuen endlesse date.
4 > this line was added in 1609: And dearest loue,
1 And all about grew every sort of flower, 2 To which sad lovers were transformed of yore:
of yore > in former times
3 Fresh Hyacinth, Phoebus' paramour,
Hyacinth > (The lily, which sprang from the blood of the beautiful youth Hyacinth, son of the Spartan king Amyclas. Hyacinth received the attentions of Apollo and Zephyr, god of the west wind; Zephyr's interest was not reciprocated. One day, when Apollo and Hyacinth were playing at quoits, the jealous Zephyr caused one of Apollo's quoits to drift in flight and strike Hyacinth on the head, killing him instantly. See Met. 10.162- 219)
4 And dearest love; 5 Foolish Narcissus, that likes the watery shore;
Narcissus > (A beautiful youth who became so enamoured of his own reflection in a pool that he gradually pined away and was metamorphosed into a flower; see Met. 3.339-510, DGDG 4.9-10, 302.44:6-45:4)
6 Sad Amarant, made a flower but late,
Amarant > (An imaginary flower that never withers (Greek amarantos, unfading); cf. PL 3.353. The name is applied to the genus Amaranthus, with coloured foliage, which includes Love-lies- bleeding, A. caudatus) late > lately
7 Sad Amarant, in whose purple gore
purple > red, blood-red
8 Me seems I see Amintas' wretched fate,
Me seems > [It seems to me]
Amintas > (Perhaps an allusion to Sir Philip Sidney; cf. CC 434-9)
9 To whom sweet poets' verse has given endless date.
verse > (E.g. "Astrophel", by Spenser; "The Doleful Lay of Clarinda", probably by Sidney's sister, Mary, Countess of Pembroke, and other elegies to Sidney) date > term, span of life; hence: endless date = immortality
306.46
There wont faire Venus often to enioy
2 Her deare Adonis ioyous company,
And reape sweet pleasure of the wanton boy;
4 There yet, some say, in secret he does ly,
Lapped in flowres and pretious spycery,
6 By her hid from the world, and from the skill
Of Stygian Gods, which doe her loue enuy;
8 But she her selfe, when euer that she will,
Possesseth him, and of his sweetnesse takes her fill.
1 There wont fair Venus often to enjoy
wont > was accustomed
2 Her dear Adonis' joyous company,
company > sexual company
3 And reap sweet pleasure of the wanton boy; 4 There yet, some say, in secret he does lie, 5 Lapped in flowers and precious spicery,
Lapped > Enfolded, swathed spicery > spices
6 By her hid from the world, and from the skill
skill > knowledge; skill (i.e. in dealing death)
7 Of Stygian gods, which do her love envy;
Stygian > {Pertaining to the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell, over which Charon ferries the souls of the departed; used also as a synonym for "infernal", "hellish"} envy > begrudge, resent
8 But she herself, whenever she will, 9 Possesses him, and of his sweetness takes her fill.
306.47
And sooth it seemes they say: for he may not
2 For euer die, and euer buried bee
In balefull night, where all things are forgot;
4 All be he subiect to mortalitie,
Yet is eterne in mutabilitie,
6 And by succession made perpetuall,
Transformed oft, and chaunged diuerslie:
8 For him the Father of all formes they call;
Therefore needs mote he liue, that liuing giues to all.
1 And sooth it seems they say: for he may not
sooth > truly, truthfully say > speak may not > cannot
2 For ever die, and ever buried be 3 In baleful night, where all things are forgotten;
baleful > deadly, miserable
4 All be he subject to mortality,
All > Although
5 Yet is eterne in mutability,
is eterne > [he is eternal]
6 And by succession made perpetual, 7 Transformed oft, and changed diversely: 8 For him the father of all forms they call; 9 Therefore needs might he live, that living gives to all.
needs might he live > [it is necessary that he shall live]
306.48
There now he liueth in eternall blis,
2 Ioying his goddesse, and of her enioyd:
Ne feareth he henceforth that foe of his,
4 Which with his cruell tuske him deadly cloyd:
For that wilde Bore, the which him once annoyd,
6 She firmely hath emprisoned for ay,
That her sweet loue his malice mote auoyd,
8 In a strong rocky Caue, which is they say,
Hewen vnderneath that Mount, that none him +losen+ may.
9 losen > loosen 1609
1 There now he lives in eternal bliss, 2 Joying his goddess, and of her enjoyed:
Joying > Enjoying of > by
3 Nor fears he henceforth that foe of his,
that foe of his > (The boar which killed him; see note at 306.0)
4 Which with its cruel tusk him deadly cloyed:
deadly > mortally cloyed > pierced, spiked, hence: gored; or, perhaps: nauseated, wearied (consonant with the allegorical import of Adonis's death)
5 For that wild boar, which him once annoyed,
annoyed > molested, injured
6 She firmly has imprisoned for ay,
ay > ever
7 That her sweet love its malice might avoid,
That > [So that]
8 In a strong rocky cave, which is, they say, 9 Hewn underneath that mount, that none it loosen may.
that mount > (Referred to at 306.43:2) that > [so that] loosen > undo, untie; hence: set free
306.49
There now he liues in euerlasting ioy,
2 With many of the Gods in company,
Which thither haunt, and with the winged boy
4 Sporting himselfe in safe felicity:
Who when he hath with spoiles and cruelty
6 Ransackt the world, and in the wofull harts
Of many wretches set his triumphes hye,
8 Thither resorts, and laying his sad darts
Aside, with faire Adonis playes his wanton parts.
1 There now he lives in everlasting joy, 2 With many of the gods in company, 3 Which thither haunt, and with the winged boy
haunt > resort the winged boy > [Cupid]
4 Sporting himself in safe felicity: 5 Who, when he has with spoils and cruelty
Who > [Cupid]
6 Ransacked the world, and in the woeful hearts 7 Of many wretches set his triumphs high,
triumphs > (The word "triumph" is cognate with the Greek triambos, meaning a hymn to Bacchus, the god of wine, associated with madness and frenzy. Bacchus compelled the women of Thebes to celebrate festivals to him on Mount Cytheron (see 306.29:4); perhaps this connexion was in Spenser's mind)
8 Thither resorts, and laying his sad darts
sad darts > grievous arrows
9 Aside, with fair Adonis plays his wanton parts.
306.50
And his true loue faire Psyche with him playes,
2 Faire Psyche to him lately reconcyld,
After long troubles and vnmeet vpbrayes,
4 With which his mother Venus her reuyld,
And eke himselfe her cruelly exyld:
6 But now in stedfast loue and happy state
She with him liues, and hath him borne a chyld,
8 Pleasure, that doth both gods and men aggrate,
Pleasure, the daughter of Cupid and Psyche late.
1 And his true love, fair Psyche, with him plays,
Psyche > ("The Soul"; her allegorical story is told in The Golden
Ass by Apuleius)
2 Fair Psyche, to him lately reconciled 3 After long troubles and unmeet upbrays,
unmeet > unfitting; hence: unfair, unreasonable upbrays > reproaches, reproofs
4 With which his mother, Venus, her reviled, 5 And eke himself her cruelly exiled:
eke > also
6 But now in steadfast love and happy state 7 She with him lives, and has him borne a child, 8 Pleasure, that does both gods and men aggrate,
Pleasure > (Volupia or Voluptas, the personification of sensual pleasure) aggrate > please; gratify (SUS)
9 Pleasure, the daughter of Cupid and Psyche late.
late > late (i.e. recently deceased, qualifying "Psyche"); recent (qualifying "daughter")
306.51
Hither great Venus brought this infant faire,
2 The younger daughter of Chrysogonee,
And vnto Psyche with great trust and care
4 Committed her, yfostered to bee,
And trained vp in true feminitee:
6 Who no lesse carefully her tendered,
Then her owne daughter Pleasure, to whom shee
8 Made her companion, and her lessoned
In all the lore of loue, and goodly womanhead.
1 Hither great Venus brought this infant fair, 2 The younger daughter of Chrysogone, 3 And to Psyche with great trust and care 4 Committed her, fostered to be, 5 And trained up in true feminity:
feminity > femininity
6 Who no less carefully her tendered
tendered > {Treated with proper regard}
7 Than her own daughter Pleasure, to whom she 8 Made her companion, and her lessoned
lessoned > instructed
9 In all the lore of love, and goodly womanhood.
lore > teaching, doctrine
306.52
In which when she to perfect ripenesse grew,
2 Of grace and beautie noble Paragone,
She brought her forth into the worldes vew,
4 To be th'ensample of true loue alone,
And Lodestarre of all chaste affectione,
6 To all faire Ladies, that doe liue on ground.
To Faery court she came, where many one
8 Admyrd her goodly haueour, and found
His feeble hart wide +launched+ with loues cruell wound.
9 launched > launch 1590; launced 1609
1 In which when she to perfect ripeness grew, 2 Of grace and beauty noble paragon, 3 She brought her forth into the world's view, 4 To be the example of true love alone,
example > model, pattern
5 And lodestar of all chaste affection, 6 To all fair ladies, that do live on ground.
on ground > in the world
7 To Faery court she came, where many one 8 Admired her goodly haviour, and found
goodly > beautiful haviour > deportment, bearing; behaviour
9 His feeble heart wide lanced with love's cruel wound.
306.53
But she to none of them her loue did cast,
2 Saue to the noble knight Sir Scudamore,
To whom her louing hart she linked fast
4 In +faithfull+ loue, t'abide for euermore,
And for his dearest sake endured sore,
6 Sore trouble of an hainous enimy;
Who her would forced haue to haue forlore
8 Her former loue, and stedfast loialty,
As ye may elsewhere read that ruefull history.
4 faithfull > fathfull 1596
1 But she to none of them her love did cast,
to > [on] cast > confer
2 Save to the noble knight Sir Scudamour,
to > [on] Scudamour > "Shield of Love" (French, {e/}cu d'amour)
3 To whom her loving heart she linked fast
fast > firmly; very closely
4 In faithful love, to abide for evermore, 5 And for his dearest sake endured sore, 6 Sore trouble of a heinous enemy; 7 Who her would forced have to have forlore
forlore > forsaken
8 Her former love, and steadfast loyalty, 9 As you may elsewhere read that rueful history.
elsewhere > (311.16 ff.) history > story
306.54
But well I weene, ye first desire to learne,
2 What end vnto that fearefull Damozell,
Which fled so fast from that same foster stearne,
4 Whom with his brethren Timias slew, befell:
That was to weet, the goodly Florimell;
6 Who wandring for to seeke her louer deare,
Her louer deare, her dearest Marinell,
8 Into misfortune fell, as ye did heare,
And from Prince Arthur fled with wings of idle feare.
1 But well I ween, you first desire to learn
ween > believe, suppose
2 What end that fearful damsel, 3 Who fled so fast from that same foster stern
foster > forester stern > grim; fierce; cruel
4 (Whom, with his brethren, Timias slew), befell:
brethren > brothers
5 That was, to weet, the goodly Florimell
to weet > to know, to wit goodly > beautiful
6 Who, wandering to seek her lover dear, 7 Her lover dear, her dearest Marinell, 8 Into misfortune fell, as you did hear, 9 And from Prince Arthur fled with wings of idle fear.
idle > foolish (see 304.48 ff.)
The witches sonne loues Florimell:
2 she flyes, he faines to die.
Satyrane saues the Squire of Dames
4 from Gyants tyrannie.
1 The witch's son loves Florimell: 2 she flies, he fains to die.
flies > flees fains > rejoices, is glad; hence: wishes
3 Satyrane saves the Squire of Dames 4 from giant's tyranny.
307.1
LIke as an Hynd forth singled from the heard,
2 That hath escaped from a rauenous beast,
Yet flyes away of her owne feet affeard,
4 And euery leafe, that shaketh with the least
Murmure of winde, her terror hath encreast;
6 So fled faire Florimell from her vaine feare,
Long after she from perill was releast:
8 Each shade she saw, and each noyse she did heare,
Did seeme to be the same, which she escapt whyleare.
1 Like a hind forth singled from the herd, 2 That has escaped from a ravenous beast, 3 Yet flies away, of her own feet afeard,
afeard > frightened
4 And every leaf, that shakes with the least 5 Murmur of wind, her terror has increased; 6 So fled fair Florimell from her vain fear,
vain > foolish; empty
7 Long after she from peril was released: 8 Each shade she saw, and each noise she did hear,
shade > shadow
9 Did seem to be the same which she escaped whilere.
whilere > erewhile: a while before
307.2
All that same euening she in flying spent,
2 And all that night her course continewed:
Ne did she let dull sleepe once to relent,
4 Nor wearinesse to slacke her hast, but fled
Euer alike, as if her former dred
6 Were hard behind, her readie to arrest:
And her white Palfrey hauing conquered
8 The maistring raines out of her weary wrest,
Perforce her carried, where euer he thought best.
1 All that same evening she in flying spent,
flying > fleeing
2 And all that night her course continued: 3 Nor did she let dull sleep once to relent,
relent > lessen, abate
4 Nor weariness to slack, her haste, but fled 5 Ever alike, as if her former dread
alike > in the same manner dread > dread; object of dread
6 Were hard behind, her ready to arrest:
hard > close arrest > catch, apprehend
7 And her white palfrey, having conquered
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies} conquered > won, got possession of
8 The mastering reins out of her weary wrist, 9 Perforce her carried wherever he thought best.
Perforce > Forcibly; perforce
307.3
So long as breath, and hable puissance
2 Did natiue courage vnto him supply,
His pace he freshly forward did aduaunce,
4 And carried her beyond all ieopardy,
But nought that wanteth rest, can long aby.
6 He hauing through incessant trauell spent
His force, at last perforce a downe did ly,
8 Ne foot could further moue: The Lady gent
Thereat was suddein strooke with great astonishment.
1 So long as breath and able puissance
able puissance > sufficient strength
2 Did native courage to him supply,
native > innate, natural courage > vigour
3 His pace he freshly forward did advance, 4 And carried her beyond all jeopardy; 5 But naught that wants rest can long aby.
aby > abide, endure, remain
6 He, having through incessant travel spent
travel > travel; travail
7 His force, at last perforce adown did lie,
adown > down
8 Nor foot could further move: the lady gent
gent > noble, high-born; graceful, elegant
9 Thereat was sudden struck with great astonishment,
Thereat > As a result of that astonishment > dismay; bewilderment
307.4
And forst t'alight, on foot mote algates fare,
2 A traueller vnwonted to such way:
Need teacheth her this lesson hard and rare,
4 That fortune all in equall launce doth sway,
And mortall miseries doth make her play.
6 So long she trauelled, till at length she came
To an hilles side, which did to her bewray
8 A little valley, subiect to the same,
All couerd with thick woods, that quite it ouercame.
1 And forced to alight: on foot might algates fare,
might algates fare > [she must proceed; algates = at any rate, anyhow]
2 A traveller unwonted to such way;
unwonted > unaccustomed way > manner of travel
3 Need teaches her this lesson hard and rare,
rare > (An intensive, qualifying "hard")
4 That Fortune all in equal launce does sway,
equal > [an] impartial; [the] same launce > scales, balance (WU) sway > weigh; press down; sway
5 And mortal miseries does make her play.
play > game, sport; play (i.e. side-to-side motion of the scales)
6 So long she travelled, till at length she came
So > Thus
7 To a hill's side, which did to her bewray
bewray > reveal
8 A little valley, subject to the same,
subject to > under
9 All covered with thick woods, that quite it overcame.
overcame > overran; dominated
307.5
Through +the tops+ of the high trees she did descry
2 A litle smoke, whose vapour thin and light,
Reeking aloft, vprolled to the sky:
4 Which, chearefull signe did send vnto her sight,
That in the same did wonne some liuing wight.
6 Eftsoones her steps she thereunto applyde,
And came at last in weary wretched plight
8 Vnto the place, to which her hope did guyde,
To find some refuge there, and rest her weary syde.
1 the tops > th'tops 1609
1 Through the tops of the high trees she did descry 2 A little smoke, whose vapour, thin and light, 3 Reeking aloft, uprolled to the sky:
Reeking > Rising (used of smoke, vapour, etc.) uprolled > rolled up
4 Which cheerful sign did send to her sight 5 That in the same did won some living wight.
That in the same > [The impression that under the smoke] won > dwell wight > person
6 Eftsoons her steps she thereto applied,
Eftsoons > Thereupon thereto applied > directed to that place
7 And came at last in weary wretched plight 8 To the place, to which her hope did guide,
guide > [guide her]
9 To find some refuge there, and rest her weary side.
side > sides, body; hence: self
307.6
There in a gloomy hollow glen she found
2 A little cottage, built of stickes and reedes
In homely wize, and wald with sods around,
4 In which a witch did dwell, in loathly weedes,
And wilfull want, all carelesse of her needes;
6 So choosing solitarie to abide,
Far from all neighbours, that her deuilish deedes
8 And hellish arts from people she might hide,
And hurt far off vnknowne, whom euer she enuide.
1 There in a gloomy hollow glen she found 2 A little cottage, built of sticks and reeds 3 In homely wise, and walled with sods around,
wise > style
4 In which a witch did dwell, in loathly weeds
loathly weeds > loathsome clothing
5 And wilful want, all careless of her needs;
want > penury
6 So choosing solitary to abide,
So > (The sense is primarily "thus"; but the word may also serve "that" in the next line ["so that her deuilish deedes …"]) solitary > solitarily
7 Far from all neighbours, that her devilish deeds 8 And hellish arts from people she might hide, 9 And hurt far off, unknown, whomever she envied.
envied > felt a grudge against; disliked, hated
307.7
The Damzell there arriuing entred in;
2 Where sitting on the flore the Hag she found,
Busie (as seem'd) about some wicked gin:
4 Who soone as she beheld that suddein stound,
Lightly vpstarted from the dustie ground,
6 And with fell looke and hollow deadly gaze
Stared on her awhile, as one astound,
8 Ne had one word to speake, for great +amaze,+
But shewd by outward signes, that dread her sence did daze.
8 amaze, > amaze. 1596
1 The damsel, there arriving, entered in; 2 Where sitting on the floor the hag she found, 3 Busy (as seemed) about some wicked gin:
seemed > [it seemed] gin > scheme, stratagem; contrivance
4 Who, soon as she beheld that sudden stound,
soon > [as soon] stound > {Time or peril or alarm; hence: alarming or startling sight}
5 Lightly upstarted from the dusty ground,
Lightly > Quickly upstarted > started up
6 And, with fell look and hollow deadly gaze,
fell > fierce, terrible
7 Stared on her awhile, as one astound,
astound > amazed, confounded
8 Nor had one word to speak, for great amaze,
amaze > confusion; amazement
9 But showed, by outward signs, that dread her sense did daze.
307.8
At last turning her feare to foolish wrath,
2 She askt, what deuill had her thither brought,
And who she was, and what vnwonted path
4 Had guided her, vnwelcomed, vnsought?
To which the Damzell full of doubtfull thought,
6 Her mildly answer'd; Beldame be not wroth
With silly Virgin by aduenture brought
8 Vnto your dwelling, ignorant and loth,
That craue but rowme to rest, while tempest ouerblo'th.
1 At last, turning her fear to foolish wrath, 2 She asked what devil had her thither brought, 3 And who she was, and what unwonted path
unwonted > unaccustomed
4 Had guided her, unwelcomed, unsought? 5 To which the damsel, full of doubtful thought,
doubtful > fearful
6 Her mildly answered: "Beldam, be not wroth
mildly > graciously; mildly Beldam > {Respectful form of address to an elderly woman}
7 With silly virgin, by adventure brought
silly > helpless; innocent adventure > chance; hence: misfortune
8 To your dwelling, ignorant and loath, 9 That crave but room to rest, while tempest overblows."
room > place, space while > until [the] overblows > blows over, blows itself out
307.9
With that adowne out of her Christall eyne
2 Few trickling teares she softly forth let fall,
That like +two+ Orient pearles, did purely shyne
4 Vpon her snowy cheeke; and therewithall
She sighed soft, that none so bestiall,
6 Nor saluage hart, but ruth of her sad plight
Would make to melt, or pitteously appall;
8 And that vile Hag, all were her whole delight
In mischiefe, was much moued at so pitteous sight.
3 two > to conj. Hughes; cf. 106.47:8
1 With that adown out of her crystal eyes
adown > down crystal > clear, luminous
2 Few trickling tears she softly forth let fall,
Few > [A few]
3 That, like two orient pearls, did purely shine
two > (See Textual Appendix. If Hughes's conjecture is accepted, this word should be removed from the Shadow Text) orient > (Coming from the Orient; best quality, having a special lustre; brilliant, lustrous, sparkling)
4 Upon her snowy cheek; and therewithal
therewithal > therewith, with that
5 She sighed soft, that none so bestial,
that none > [so that no one]
6 Nor savage heart, but ruth of her sad plight
savage > [a] savage ruth > pity sad > sad; grievous
7 Would make to melt, or piteously appal;
piteously > [by means of feeling pity] appal > quell
8 And that vile hag, all were her whole delight
all > although
9 In mischief, was much moved at so piteous sight.
mischief > misfortune, disaster; evil at so > by such a
307.10
And gan recomfort her in her rude wyse,
2 With womanish compassion of her plaint,
Wiping the teares from her suffused eyes,
4 And bidding her sit downe, to rest her faint
And wearie limbes a while. She nothing quaint
6 Nor s'deignfull of so homely fashion,
Sith brought she was now to so hard constraint,
8 Sate downe vpon the dusty ground anon,
As glad of that small rest, as Bird of tempest gon.
1 And gan recomfort her in her rude wise,
gan recomfort > did console; began to console rude wise > clumsy manner
2 With womanish compassion of her plaint,
compassion of > compassion for; fellow-feeling for plaint > grieving, complaint
3 Wiping the tears from her suffused eyes, 4 And bidding her sit down, to rest her faint 5 And weary limbs awhile. She, nothing quaint,
nothing > not at all, in no way quaint > fastidious, prim
6 Nor sdeignful of so homely fashion,
sdeignful > disdainful so > such [a] fashion > style, manner [of seating]
7 Sith brought she was now to so hard constraint,
Sith > Since so > such constraint > affliction, oppression
8 Sat down upon the dusty ground anon,
anon > straightway
9 As glad of that small rest, as bird of tempest gone.
tempest gone > [a (or the) tempest which had just passed]
307.11
Tho gan she gather vp her garments rent,
2 And her loose lockes to dight in order dew,
With golden wreath and gorgeous ornament;
4 Whom such whenas the wicked Hag did vew,
She was astonisht at her heauenly hew,
6 And doubted her to deeme an earthly wight,
But or some Goddesse, or of Dianes crew,
8 And thought her to adore with humble spright;
T'adore thing so diuine as beauty, were but right.
1 Tho gan she gather up her garments rent,
Tho gan she > Then she began to rent > torn
2 And her loose locks to dight in order due,
dight > arrange due > fitting, proper
3 With golden wreath and gorgeous ornament;
wreath > circlet; coronet
4 Whom such when the wicked hag did view, 5 She was astonished at her heavenly hue,
at > by hue > appearance
6 And doubted her to deem an earthly wight,
wight > woman
7 But +or+ some goddess, or of Diana's crew,
or > either crew > (Of nymphs: cf. 306.17:2)
8 And thought her to adore with humble spirit; 9 To adore thing so divine as beauty, were but right.
307.12
This wicked woman had a wicked sonne,
2 The comfort of her age and weary dayes,
A laesie loord, for nothing good to donne,
4 But stretched forth in idlenesse alwayes,
Ne euer cast his mind to couet prayse,
6 Or ply him selfe to any honest trade,
But all the day before the sunny rayes
8 He vs'd to slug, or sleepe in slothfull shade:
Such laesinesse both lewd and poore attonce him made.
1 This wicked woman had a wicked son, 2 The comfort of her age and weary days, 3 A lazy lourd, for nothing good to do,
lourd > sluggard; lout (formed on French lourd, heavy; for another interpretation, see SC, gloss to "Julye". The spelling "loord" may also be intended to connote "lord") for nothing good to do > [good for nothing]
4 But stretched forth in idleness always, 5 Ne ever cast his mind to covet praise,
Ne ever > And never praise > merit; virtue (here esp. that associated with praiseworthy deeds)
6 Or ply himself to any honest trade,
ply > apply
7 But all the day before the sunny rays 8 He used to slug, or sleep in slothful shade:
slug > act lazily, waste his time
9 Such laziness both lewd and poor at once him made.
lewd > ignorant; good for nothing; unchaste at once > together, simultaneously
307.13
He comming home at vndertime, there found
2 The fairest creature, that he euer saw,
Sitting beside his mother on the ground;
4 The sight whereof did greatly him adaw,
And his base thought with terrour and with aw
6 So inly smot, that as one, which +had+ gazed
On the bright Sunne vnwares, doth soone withdraw
8 His feeble eyne, with too much brightnesse dazed;
So stared he on her, and stood long while amazed.
6 had > hath 1590
1 He, coming home at undern-time, there found
undern-time > {The third hour of the day, i.e. about 9 a.m.; noon; the afternoon or evening. Hamilton (1980) suggests that "noon" makes good contextual sense, since the witch's son finds Florimell as dazzling as "the bright Sunne"}
2 The fairest creature that he ever saw, 3 Sitting beside his mother on the ground; 4 The sight whereof did greatly him adaw,
whereof > of whom adaw > confound, daunt, daze (from OFr adanter: cf. SC, gloss to "Februarie"); also, on a second reading of Cantos vii and viii: awaken (cognate with "dawn") whence: arouse (i.e. sexually. "Daw" (aphetic for "jackdaw") in early Scottish and northern dialect also means "simpleton" (cf. Hubberd 913); thus Spenser might have intended that the verb "to adaw" should also connote "to dumbfound")
5 And his base thought with terror and with awe 6 So inly smote that, as one who had gazed
inly > inwardly
7 On the bright sun unwares does soon withdraw
unwares > unwittingly
8 His feeble eyes, with too much brightness dazed, 9 So stared he on her, and stood long while amazed.
So > (The parenthesis causes a problem, but the meaning is clear)
307.14
Softly at last he gan his mother aske,
2 What mister wight that was, and whence deriued,
That in so straunge disguizement there did maske,
4 And by what accident she there arriued:
But she, as one nigh of her wits depriued,
6 With nought but ghastly lookes him answered,
Like to a ghost, that lately is reuiued
8 From Stygian shores, where late it wandered;
So both at her, and each at other wondered.
1 Softly at last he gan his mother ask
gan > did
2 What mister wight that was, and whence derived,
mister wight > sort of person (mister = occupation; hence: class, sort)
3 That in so strange disguisement there did mask,
so > such disguisement > {Disguise; clothing different from that which is considered customary} mask > disguise [herself]; masquerade
4 And by what accident she there arrived: 5 But she, as one nigh of her wits deprived, 6 With naught but ghastly looks him answered,
ghastly > frightful, terrible (as if induced by fear of the supernatural)
7 Like a ghost, that lately is revived
revived > brought back to life
8 From Stygian shores, where late it wandered;
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the river across which dead souls must pass. See Aen. 6.312 ff.} late > recently
9 So both at her, and each at other wondered.
wondered > marvelled
307.15
But the faire Virgin was so meeke and mild,
2 That she to them vouchsafed to embace
Her goodly port, and to their senses vild,
4 Her gentle speach applide, that in short space
She grew familiare in that desert place.
6 During which time, the Chorle through her so kind
And curteise vse conceiu'd affection bace,
8 And cast to loue her in his brutish mind;
No loue, but brutish lust, that was so beastly tind.
1 But the fair virgin was so meek and mild 2 That she to them vouchsafed to embase
embase > degrade, humiliate
3 Her goodly port, and to their senses vile
port > rank, social station
4 Her gentle speech applied, that in short space
gentle > gracious, courteous; noble; gentle applied > directed that > [so that] space > time
5 She grew familiar in that desert place.
familiar > {On a family footing} desert > lonely
6 During which time the churl, through her so kind
churl > rustic, boor
7 And courteous use, conceived affection base, 8 And cast to love her in his brutish mind;
cast > resolved
9 No love, but brutish lust, that was so beastly tinded.
beastly tinded > bestially kindled
307.16
Closely the wicked flame his bowels brent,
2 And shortly grew into outrageous fire;
Yet had he not the hart, nor hardiment,
4 As vnto her to vtter his desire;
His caytiue thought durst not so high aspire,
6 But with soft sighes, and louely semblaunces,
He ween'd that his affection entire
8 She should aread; many resemblaunces
To her he made, and many kind remembraunces.
1 Closely the wicked flame his bowels burnt,
Closely > Secretly; closely bowels > {Heart, breast; internal organs generally}
2 And shortly grew into outrageous fire;
outrageous > violent; outrageous
3 Yet had he not the heart, nor hardiment,
had he > [he had] hardiment > boldness
4 As to her to utter his desire; 5 His caitiff thought dared not so high aspire,
caitiff > servile; despicable
6 But with soft sighs, and lovely semblances,
lovely > loving
7 He weened that his affection entire
weened > imagined, supposed entire > entire; unreserved; inward (cf. e.g. 408.23:9); blameless
8 She should aread; many resemblances
aread > divine resemblances > shows (of some quality; here, of love)
9 To her he made, and many kind remembrances.
remembrances > mentions, notices (i.e. he also paid her many compliments)
307.17
Oft from the forrest wildings he did bring,
2 Whose sides empurpled were with smiling red,
And oft young birds, which he had taught to sing
4 His mistresse prayses, sweetly caroled,
Girlonds of flowres sometimes for her faire hed
6 He fine would dight; sometimes the squirell wild
He brought to her in bands, as conquered
8 To be her thrall, his fellow seruant vild;
All which, she of him tooke with countenance meeke and mild.
1 Oft from the forest wildings he did bring,
wildings > wild apples
2 Whose sides empurpled were with smiling red,
empurpled > reddened
3 And oft young birds, which he had taught to sing 4 His mistress' praises, sweetly carolled;
carolled > sung; sang, celebrated [her praises] with song
5 Garlands of flowers sometimes for her fair head 6 He finely would dight; sometimes the squirrel wild
dight > prepare; arrange
7 He brought to her in bonds, as conquered
as > [as though]
8 To be her thrall, his fellow servant vile;
thrall > slave vile > lowly, wretched
9 All which she of him took with countenance meek and mild.
of > from mild > mild; gracious, kind (cf. 307.15:1)
307.18
But past awhile, when she fit season saw
2 To leaue that desert mansion, she cast
In secret wize her selfe thence to withdraw,
4 For feare of mischiefe, which she did forecast
Might +by+ the witch or +by+ her sonne compast:
6 Her wearie Palfrey closely, as she might,
Now well recouered after long repast,
8 In his proud furnitures she freshly dight,
His late miswandred wayes now to remeasure right.
5 by > be 1596, 1609 5 by > that _1596, 1609; in the 1590 reading, "be" must be understood before _compast
1 But past awhile, when she fit season saw
past awhile > [when some time had passed] season > occasion; opportunity
2 To leave that desert mansion, she cast
desert > lonely mansion > lodging, place of abode cast > resolved
3 In secret wise herself thence to withdraw,
wise > manner
4 For fear of mischief, which she did forecast
mischief > evil forecast > conjecture
5 Might by the witch or by her son compassed:
compassed > [be] contrived
6 Her weary palfrey, closely as she might
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies} closely > [as] secretly might > could
7 (Now well recovered after long repast), 8 In his proud furnitures she freshly dight,
furnitures > harness, fittings dight > arranged
9 His late miswandered ways now to remeasure right.
late > recent miswandered > errant remeasure > traverse again, retrace
307.19
And earely ere the dawning day appeard,
2 She forth issewed, and on her iourney went;
She went in perill, of each noyse affeard,
4 And of each shade, that did it selfe present;
For still she feared to be ouerhent,
6 Of that vile hag, or +her+ vnciuile sonne:
Who when too late awaking, well they kent,
8 That their faire guest was gone, they both begonne
To make exceeding mone, as they had bene vndonne.
6 her > that 1609
1 And early, ere the dawning day appeared, 2 She forth issued, and on her journey went; 3 She went in peril, of each noise afeard,
afeard > frightened
4 And of each shade that did itself present;
shade > shadow
5 For still she feared to be overhent
still > continually overhent > overtaken (cf. 304.49:8)
6 Of that vile hag or her uncivil son:
Of > By uncivil > uncivilized, barbaric
7 Who, when too late awaking, well they kenned
kenned > discovered
8 That their fair guest was gone, they both began 9 To make exceeding moan, as they had been undone.
moan > lamentation as > [as if]
307.20
But that lewd louer did the most lament
2 For her depart, that euer man did heare;
He knockt his brest with desperate intent,
4 And scratcht his face, and with his teeth did teare
His rugged flesh, and rent his ragged heare:
6 That his sad mother seeing his sore plight,
Was greatly woe begon, and gan to feare,
8 Least his fraile senses were emperisht quight,
And loue to frenzy turnd, sith loue is franticke hight.
1 But that lewd lover did the most lament
lewd > ignorant; lewd (cf. 307.12:9)
2 For her depart that ever man did hear;
depart > departure
3 He knocked his breast with desperate intent,
intent > frame of mind; purpose
4 And scratched his face, and with his teeth did tear 5 His rugged flesh, and rent his ragged hair:
rent > tore
6 That his sad mother, seeing his sore plight,
That his > [His; so that his]
7 Was greatly woe-begone, and began to fear 8 Lest his frail senses were emperished quite,
emperished > impaired
9 And love to frenzy turned, sith love is frantic hight.
sith > since hight > called
307.21
All wayes she sought, him to restore to plight,
2 With herbs, with charms, with counsell, and with teares,
But tears, nor charms, nor herbs, nor counsell might
4 Asswage the fury, which his entrails teares:
So strong is passion, that no reason heares.
6 Tho when all other helpes she saw to faile,
She turnd her selfe backe to her wicked leares
8 And by her deuilish arts thought to preuaile,
To bring her backe againe, or worke her finall bale.
1 All ways she sought, him to restore to plight,
plight > health
2 With herbs, with charms, with counsel, and with tears,
charms > spells
3 But tears, nor charms, nor herbs, nor counsel might
might > could
4 Assuage the fury which his entrails tears: 5 So strong is passion, that no reason hears. 6 Tho, when all other helps she saw to fail,
Tho > Then helps > {Means of assistance}
7 She turned herself back to her wicked lears,
lears > doctrines, lessons
8 And by her devilish arts thought to prevail, 9 To bring her back again, or work her final bale.
work > cause bale > torment, suffering; infliction of death (final bale = death: cf. 106.48:7, 109.51:8)
307.22
Eftsoones out of her hidden caue she cald
2 An hideous beast, of horrible aspect,
That could the stoutest courage haue appald;
4 +Monstrous+ mishapt, and his backe was spect
With thousand spots of colours queint elect,
6 Thereto so swift, that it all beasts did pas:
Like neuer yet did liuing eye detect;
8 But likest it to an Hyena was,
That feeds on womens flesh, as others feede on gras.
4 Monstrous > Monstrous, 1590
1 Eftsoons out of her hidden cave she called
Eftsoons > Thereupon; forthwith; presently
2 A hideous beast, of horrible aspect,
hideous > hideous; odious; perhaps: immense aspect > appearance; visage
3 That could the stoutest courage have appalled;
stoutest > bravest; boldest appalled > caused to fade; hence: quelled
4 Monstrous mis-shapen, and his back was specked
mis-shapen > deformed; shaped with evil intent, misformed (as 101.55:9)
5 With thousand spots of colours quaint elect,
quaint > cunningly, ingeniously, strangely; and adj. elect > elected: chosen (if "quaint" is adv.); [and] select (if "quaint" is adj.)
6 Thereto so swift that he all beasts did pass:
Thereto > Moreover pass > surpass
7 Like never yet did living eye detect;
Like > [The like]
8 But likest he to a hyena was,
likest he to > [he most like]
9 That feeds on women's flesh as others feed on grass.
307.23
It forth she cald, and gaue it streight in charge,
2 Through thicke and thin her to pursew apace,
Ne once to stay to rest, or breath at large,
4 Till her he had attaind, and brought in place,
Or quite deuourd her beauties scornefull grace.
6 The Monster swift as word, that from her went,
Went forth in hast, and did her footing trace
8 So sure and swiftly, through his perfect sent,
And passing speede, that shortly he her ouerhent.
1 It forth she called, and gave it straight in charge
straight > straightway; strait: strictly
2 Through thick and thin her to pursue apace,
apace > swiftly, at speed
3 Nor once to stay to rest, or breathe at large,
stay > halt at large > at liberty, freely
4 Till her he had attained, and brought in place,
attained > overtaken, caught in place > there (i.e. back to the witch's cottage)
5 Or quite devoured her beauty's scornful grace. 6 The monster, swift as word that from her went, 7 Went forth in haste, and did her footing trace
footing > trail
8 So sure and swiftly, through his perfect scent,
scent > {Sense of smell}
9 And passing speed, that shortly he her overhent.
passing > surpassing overhent > overtook
307.24
Whom when the fearefull Damzell nigh espide,
2 No need to bid her fast away to flie;
That vgly shape so sore her terrifide,
4 That it she shund no lesse, then dread to die,
And her flit Palfrey did so well apply
6 His nimble feet to her conceiued feare,
That whilest his breath did strength to him supply,
8 From perill free he her away did beare:
But when his force gan faile, his pace gan wex areare.
1 Whom when the fearful damsel nigh espied,
nigh > close (qualifying the creature)
2 No need to bid her fast away to fly;
fly > flee
3 That ugly shape so sore her terrified 4 That it she shunned no less than dread to die,
dread to die > [the fear of death]
5 And her flit palfrey did so well apply
flit > fleet, swift apply > adapt, conform
6 His nimble feet to her conceived fear 7 That, whilst his breath did strength to him supply, 8 From peril free he her away did bear: 9 But when his force gan fail, his pace gan wax arear.
gan > began to; did wax arear > grow rearwards, hence: slacken
307.25
Which whenas she perceiu'd, she was dismayd
2 At that same last extremitie full sore,
And of her safetie greatly grew afrayd;
4 And now she gan approch to the sea shore,
As it befell, that she could flie no more,
6 But yield her selfe to spoile of greedinesse.
Lightly she leaped, as a wight forlore,
8 From her dull horse, in desperate distresse,
And to her feet betooke her doubtfull sickernesse.
1 Which when she perceived, she was dismayed 2 At that same last extremity full sore,
At > By full sore > very greatly, exceedingly grievously
3 And of her safety greatly grew afraid; 4 And now she gan approach to the sea-shore,
gan > began to
5 As it befell, that she could fly no more,
that > [so that] fly > flee
6 But yield herself to spoil of greediness. 7 Lightly she leapt, as a wight forlore,
Lightly > Quickly wight > person, woman forlore > forsaken
8 From her dull horse, in desperate distress,
dull > slow, sluggish
9 And to her feet betook her doubtful sickerness.
betook > entrusted sickerness > security
307.26
Not halfe so fast the wicked Myrrha fled
2 From dread of her reuenging fathers hond:
Nor halfe so fast to saue her maidenhed,
4 Fled fearefull Daphne on th'AEg{ae}an strond,
As Florimell fled from that Monster yond,
6 To reach the sea, ere she of him were raught:
For in the sea to drowne her selfe she fond,
8 Rather then of the tyrant to be caught:
Thereto feare gaue her wings, and neede her courage taught.
1 Not half so fast the wicked Myrrha fled
Myrrha > (Whose incestuous desire for her own father led to her transformation into a tree: see Met. 10.312 ff.)
2 From dread of her revenging father's hand: 3 Nor half so fast, to save her maidenhead, 4 Fled fearful Daphne on the Aegean strand,
Aegean > (Daphne was the daughter of the river-god Peneus, in
Thessaly, the largest division of Greece, which is bounded on the
east by the Aegean Sea)
strand > shore
5 As Florimell fled from that monster yond,
yond > mad, furious; also: yonder
6 To reach the sea, ere she of him were raught:
of > by raught > reached, laid hold of, seized
7 For in the sea to drown herself she fond,
fond > [would] fond: [would] try; or perhaps a contortion of: fained: was eager, desired
8 Rather than of the tyrant to be caught:
of > by
9 Thereto fear gave her wings, and need her courage taught.
Thereto > To that purpose
307.27
It fortuned (high God did so ordaine)
2 As she arriued on the roring shore,
In minde to leape into the mighty maine,
4 A little boate lay houing her before,
In which there slept a fisher old and pore,
6 The whiles his nets were drying on the sand:
Into the same she leapt, and with the ore
8 Did thrust the shallop from the floting strand:
So safetie found at sea, which she found not at land.
1 It fortuned (high God did so ordain) 2 As she arrived on the roaring shore 3 (In mind to leap into the mighty main)
main > main ocean, high sea; sea
4 A little boat lay hoving her before,
hoving > {Lingering; floating; heaving, rising and falling with the waves}
5 In which there slept a fisher old and poor,
fisher > fisherman
6 The whiles his nets were drying on the sand:
The whiles > While
7 Into the same she leapt, and with the oar 8 Did thrust the shallop from the floating strand:
shallop > dinghy strand > shore
9 So safety found at sea, which she found not at land.
307.28
The Monster ready on the pray to sease,
2 Was of his forward hope deceiued quight;
Ne durst assay to wade the perlous seas,
4 But greedily long gaping at the sight,
At last in vaine was forst to turne his flight,
6 And tell the idle tidings to his Dame:
Yet to auenge his deuilish despight,
8 He set vpon her Palfrey tired lame,
And slew him cruelly, ere any reskew came.
1 The monster, ready on the prey to seize,
seize > {Fasten his claws: SUS}
2 Was of his forward hope deceived quite;
forward > eager; well advanced; presumptuous, extreme deceived > deprived
3 Nor dared essay to wade the perilous seas,
essay > try
4 But, greedily long gaping at the sight,
greedily > eagerly
5 At last in vain was forced to turn his flight, 6 And tell the idle tidings to his dame:
idle > empty, futile
7 Yet, to avenge his devilish despite,
despite > rage, malice
8 He set upon her palfrey tired lame,
lame > [and lame]
9 And slew him cruelly, ere any rescue came.
307.29
And after hauing him embowelled,
2 To fill his +hellish+ gorge, it chaunst a knight
To passe that way, as forth he trauelled;
4 It was a goodly Swaine, and of great might,
As euer man that bloudy field did fight;
6 But in vaine sheows, that wont yong knights bewitch,
And courtly seruices tooke no delight,
8 But rather ioyd to be, then seemen sich:
For both to be and seeme to him was labour lich.
2 hellish > bellish 1596
1 And after having him embowelled,
embowelled > disembowelled
2 To fill his hellish gorge, it chanced a knight
gorge > maw
3 To pass that way, as forth he travelled; 4 He was a goodly swain, and of great might,
goodly > well-favoured; fine swain > young man; gallant (with connotation of "rustic")
5 As ever man that bloody field did fight;
man > [any man] field > battle
6 But in vain shows, that wont young knights bewitch,
vain > empty, useless; foolish, proud shows > {Ostentatious displays, pretensions} wont > are accustomed bewitch > [to bewitch]
7 And courtly services took no delight,
courtly > [in courtly] took > [he took]
8 But rather joyed to be, than seem such:
joyed > rejoiced, took pleasure
9 For both to be and seem to him was labour like.
labour like > [the same labour]
307.30
It was to weete the good Sir Satyrane,
2 That raungd abroad to seeke aduentures wilde,
As was his wont in forrest, and in plaine;
4 He was all armd in rugged steele vnfilde,
As in the smoky forge it was compilde,
6 And in his Scutchin bore a Satyres hed:
He comming present, where the Monster vilde
8 Vpon that milke-white Palfreyes carkas fed,
Vnto his reskew ran, and greedily him sped.
1 It was to weet the good Sir Satyrane,
to weet > to wit
2 That ranged abroad to seek adventures wild,
abroad > broadly, widely; in different directions
3 As was his wont in forest, and in plain; 4 He was all armed in rugged steel unfiled,
unfiled > [not smoothed with the file]
5 As in the smoky forge it was compiled,
compiled > constructed, hence: fashioned, hammered out
6 And in his scutcheon bore a satyr's head:
scutcheon > escutcheon, shield satyr > (Satyrs are horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat- like below, usually portrayed as more or less lustful. In Roman mythology, Satyr, one of the satyrs, is a companion of Bacchus with long, pointed ears, behind which are the stumps of horns, with the tail of a goat, bristly hair, and a flat nose. See 106.20 ff.)
7 He coming present, where the monster vile
present > there; speedily (said of a remedy); ready with assistance
8 Upon that milk-white palfrey's carcase fed, 9 To his rescue ran, and greedily him sped.
greedily > eagerly, zealously sped > sent with speed; hence: caused to run away (but see 307.32:4)
307.31
There well perceiu'd he, that it was the horse,
2 Whereon faire Florimell was wont to ride,
That of that feend was rent without remorse:
4 Much feared he, least ought did ill betide
To that faire Mayd, the flowre of womens pride;
6 For her he dearely loued, and in all
His famous conquests highly magnifide:
8 Besides her golden girdle, which did fall
From her in flight, he found, that did him sore apall.
1 There well perceived he that it was the horse 2 Whereon fair Florimell was wont to ride,
wont > accustomed
3 That of that fiend was rent without remorse:
of > by rent > torn to pieces remorse > pity, compassion
4 Much feared he, lest aught did ill betide
aught > anything ill betide > evilly happen
5 To that fair maid, the flower of women's pride; 6 For her he dearly loved, and in all 7 His famous conquests highly magnified:
magnified > glorified
8 Besides her golden girdle, which did fall
Besides > {By the side, nearby}
9 From her in flight, he found, that did him sore appal.
appal > dismay
307.32
Full of sad feare, and doubtfull agony,
2 Fiercely he flew vpon that wicked feend,
And with huge strokes, and cruell battery
4 Him forst to leaue his pray, for to attend
Him selfe from deadly daunger to defend:
6 Full many wounds in his corrupted flesh
He did engraue, and muchell bloud did spend,
8 Yet might not do him dye, but aye more fresh
And fierce he still appeard, the more he did him thresh.
1 Full of sad fear, and doubtful agony,
sad > grievous; heavy; sad doubtful agony > fearful mental anguish
2 Fiercely he flew upon that wicked fiend, 3 And with huge strokes, and cruel battery
battery > battering; assault with many blows
4 Him forced to leave his prey, to attend
leave his prey > (Apparently contradicting 307.30:9) attend > turn his energies
5 Himself from deadly danger to defend: 6 Full many wounds in his corrupted flesh
Full > Exceedingly
7 He did engrave, and mickle blood did spend,
engrave > cut, carve mickle > much
8 Yet might not do him die, but ay more fresh
might not do him die > [could not kill him] ay > ever
9 And fierce he still appeared, the more he did him thrash.
still > ever, continually
307.33
He wist not, how him to despoile of life,
2 Ne how to win the wished victory,
Sith him he saw still stronger grow through strife,
4 And him selfe weaker through infirmity;
Greatly he grew enrag'd, and furiously
6 Hurling his sword away, he lightly lept
Vpon the beast, that with great cruelty
8 Rored, and raged to be vnder-kept:
Yet he perforce him held, and strokes vpon him hept.
1 He wist not how him to despoil of life,
wist > knew
2 Nor how to win the wished victory, 3 Sith him he saw still stronger grow through strife,
Sith > Since still > ever; yet
4 And himself weaker through infirmity;
infirmity > weakness; hence: fatigue; also, in tune with the allegory: weakness of character, moral frailty
5 Greatly he grew enraged, and furiously 6 Hurling his sword away, he lightly leapt
lightly > quickly
7 Upon the beast, that with great cruelty 8 Roared, and raged to be under-kept: 9 Yet he perforce him held, and strokes upon him heaped.
perforce > by force
307.34
As he that striues to stop a suddein flood,
2 And in strong banckes his violence +enclose+,
Forceth it swell aboue his wonted mood,
4 And largely ouerflow the fruitfull plaine,
That all the countrey seemes to be a Maine,
6 And the rich furrowes flote, all quite fordonne:
The wofull husbandman doth lowd complaine,
8 To see his whole yeares labour lost so soone,
For which to God he made so many an idle boone.
2 enclose > containe sugg. various editors
1 As he that strives to stop a sudden flood, 2 And in strong banks its violence enclose,
enclose > [does] contain, [to] contain
3 Forces it swell above its wonted mode,
swell > [to swell] wonted > customary mode > way of being; hence: level
4 And largely overflow the fruitful plain,
largely > copiously; freely
5 That all the country seems to be a main,
That > [So that] main > {Broad expanse of water}
6 And the rich furrows float, all quite fordone:
fordone > ruined
7 The woeful husbandman does loud complain, 8 To see his whole year's labour lost so soon, 9 For which to God he made so many an idle boon.
idle boon > useless prayer
307.35
So him he held, and did through might amate:
2 So long he held him, and him bet so long,
That at the last his fiercenesse gan abate,
4 And meekely stoup vnto the victour strong:
Who to auenge the implacable wrong,
6 Which he supposed donne to Florimell,
Sought by all meanes his dolour to prolong,
8 Sith dint of steele his carcas could not quell:
His maker with her charmes had framed him so well.
1 So him he held, and did through might amate:
So > Thus, in this manner might amate > strength subdue
2 So long he held him, and him beat so long, 3 That at the last his fierceness gan abate,
gan > did
4 And meekly stoop to the victor strong: 5 Who, to avenge the implacable wrong 6 Which he supposed done to Florimell, 7 Sought by all means his dolour to prolong,
dolour > pain
8 Sith dint of steel his carcase could not quell:
Sith > Since dint > dint; blow, impact carcase > body quell > destroy; kill
9 His maker with her charms had framed him so well.
charms > spells framed > made
307.36
The golden ribband, which that virgin wore
2 About her +sclender+ wast, he tooke in hand,
And with it bound the beast, that lowd did rore
4 For great despight of that vnwonted band,
Yet dared not his victour to withstand,
6 But trembled like a lambe, fled from the pray,
And all the way him followd on the strand,
8 As he had long bene learned to obay;
Yet neuer learned he such seruice, till that day.
2 sclender > slender 1609
1 The golden riband, which that virgin wore
riband > ribbon
2 About her slender waste, he took in hand, 3 And with it bound the beast, that loud did roar 4 For great despite of that unwonted bond,
despite > disdain; defiance unwonted > unaccustomed
5 Yet dared not his victor to withstand, 6 But trembled like a lamb, fled from the prey,
the prey > [the action of preying; hence: the scene of the attack]
7 And all the way him followed on the strand,
strand > shore
8 As he had long been learned to obey;
As > [As though] learned > taught
9 Yet never learned he such service, till that day.
307.37
Thus as he led the Beast along the way,
2 He spide far off a mighty Giauntesse,
Fast flying on a Courser dapled gray,
4 From a bold knight, that with great hardinesse
Her hard pursewd, and sought for to suppresse;
6 She bore before her lap a dolefull Squire,
Lying athwart her horse in great distresse,
8 Fast bounden hand and foote with cords of wire,
Whom she did meane to make the thrall of her desire.
1 Thus as he led the beast along the way, 2 He spied far off a mighty giantess, 3 Fast flying, on a courser dappled grey,
flying > fleeing
4 From a bold knight, that with great hardiness 5 Her hard pursued, and sought to suppress;
hard > closely; strenuously suppress > stop, arrest; vanquish
6 She bore before her lap a doleful squire
squire > knight's attendant
7 (Lying athwart her horse in great distress, 8 Fast bound, hand and foot, with cords of wire),
Fast > Firmly
9 Whom she did mean to make the thrall of her desire.
thrall > slave
307.38
Which whenas Satyrane beheld, in hast
2 He left his captiue Beast at liberty,
And crost the nearest way, by which he cast
4 Her to encounter, ere she passed by:
But she the way shund nathemore for thy,
6 But forward gallopt fast; which when he spyde,
His mighty speare he couched warily,
8 And at her ran: she hauing him descryde,
Her selfe to fight addrest, and threw her lode aside.
1 Which when Satyrane beheld, in haste 2 He left his captive beast at liberty, 3 And crossed the nearest way, by which he cast
cast > contrived; resolved
4 Her to encounter, ere she passed by:
encounter > go to meet; face as an adversary
5 But she the way shunned nathemore for-thy,
But > (Pleonastic) nathemore for-thy > not at all for that reason (i.e. she did not alter her course because of that)
6 But forward galloped fast; which when he spied, 7 His mighty spear he couched warily,
couched warily > {Carefully lowered and placed in its rest, ready for attack}
8 And at her ran: she, having him descried, 9 Herself to fight addressed, and threw her load aside.
addressed > prepared
307.39
Like as a Goshauke, that in foote doth beare
2 A trembling Culuer, hauing spied on hight
An Egle, that with plumy wings doth sheare
4 The subtile ayre, stouping with all his might,
The quarrey throwes to ground with fell despight,
6 And to the battell doth her selfe prepare:
So ran the Geauntesse vnto the fight;
8 Her firie eyes with furious sparkes did stare,
And with blasphemous bannes high God in peeces tare.
1 Like a goshawk, that in foot does bear 2 A trembling culver, having spied on high
culver > dove; woodpigeon
3 An eagle (that with plumy wings does shear 4 The subtile air, stooping with all his might),
subtile > rarefied stooping > swooping; descending from a height; descending on his prey
5 The quarry throws to ground with fell despite,
The quarry > [Her prey] fell > fierce, terrible despite > rage; defiance
6 And to the battle does herself prepare: 7 So ran the giantess to the fight; 8 Her fiery eyes with furious sparks did stare,
stare > glare
9 And with blasphemous bans high God in pieces tore.
bans > curses, imprecations
307.40
She caught in hand an huge great yron mace,
2 Wherewith she many had of life depriued,
But ere the stroke could seize his aymed place,
4 His speare amids her sun-broad shield arriued;
Yet nathemore the steele a sunder riued,
6 All were the beame in bignesse like a mast,
Ne her out of the stedfast sadle driued,
8 But glauncing on the tempred mettall, brast
In thousand shiuers, and so forth beside her past.
1 She caught in hand a huge great iron mace, 2 Wherewith she many had of life deprived,
Wherewith > With which
3 But, ere the stroke could seize its aimed place,
seize > take possession of; fasten upon (latter is SUS)
4 His spear amidst her sun-broad shield arrived:
amidst > in the middle of
5 Yet nathemore the steel asunder rived,
nathemore > not at all rived > split; tore
6 All were the beam in bigness like a mast;
All > Although
7 Nor her out of the steadfast saddle drove, 8 But, glancing on the tempered metal, burst 9 In thousand shivers, and so forth beside her passed.
307.41
Her Steed did stagger with that puissaunt strooke;
2 But she no more was moued with that might,
Then it had lighted on an aged Oke;
4 Or on the marble Pillour, that is pight
Vpon the top of Mount Olympus hight,
6 For the braue youthly Champions to assay,
With burning charet wheeles it nigh to smite:
8 But who that smites it, mars his ioyous play,
And is the spectacle of ruinous decay.
1 Her steed did stagger with that puissant stroke;
puissant > powerful
2 But she no more was moved with that might
might > force
3 Than it had lighted on an aged oak;
it had > [had it] lighted on > alighted on, struck
4 Or on the marble pillar that is pight
pight > placed
5 Upon the top of Mount Olympus' height,
height > summit ("The assumption that Mount Olympus was the site of the Olympic Games appears also in Sidney's Apology for Poetry; but Spenser may have been misled by the obscure language of the Mythologiae of Natales Comes (5.1)": Maclean (1982) 286)
6 For the brave youthly champions to essay,
essay > attempt
7 With burning charet wheels, it nigh to smite:
charet > chariot
8 But who that smites it mars his joyous play,
who that > [whoever]
9 And is the spectacle of ruinous decay.
spectacle > example; model, pattern decay > downfall, destruction
307.42
Yet therewith sore enrag'd, with sterne regard
2 Her dreadfull weapon she to him addrest,
Which on his helmet martelled so hard,
4 That made him low incline his lofty crest,
And bowd his battred visour to his brest:
6 Wherewith he was so stund, that he n'ote ryde,
But reeled to and fro from East to West:
8 Which when his cruell enimy espyde,
She lightly vnto him adioyned side to syde;
1 Yet therewith sore enraged, with stern regard
therewith > with that ["with that puissaunt strooke"] stern > fierce, merciless regard > aspect; look, gaze; care, attention
2 Her dreadful weapon she to him addressed,
to > at addressed > directed
3 Which on his helmet martelled so hard
martelled > hammered (esp. as with an iron war-hammer; SU)
4 That made him low incline his lofty crest,
That > [That it]
5 And bowed his battered visor to his breast: 6 Wherewith he was so stunned that he no'te ride,
Wherewith > With which no'te > could not
7 But reeled to and fro from east to west: 8 Which when his cruel enemy espied, 9 She lightly to him adjoined side to side;
lightly > quickly to him adjoined side to side > [came alongside him]
307.43
And on his collar laying puissant hand,
2 Out of his wauering seat him pluckt perforse,
Perforse him pluckt, vnable to withstand,
4 Or helpe himselfe, and laying thwart her horse,
In loathly wise like to a carion corse,
6 She bore him fast away. Which when the knight,
That her pursewed, +saw+ with great +remorse,+
8 He neare was touched in his noble spright,
And gan encrease his speed, as she encreast her flight.
7 saw > saw, 1609 7 remorse, > remorse 1609
1 And, on his collar laying puissant hand,
puissant > powerful
2 Out of his wavering seat him plucked perforce,
perforce > by force
3 Perforce him plucked, unable to withstand, 4 Or help himself, and laying thwart her horse,
laying > [laying him] thwart > athwart, across
5 In loathly wise, like a carrion corse,
loathly wise > [a] loathsome manner carrion corse > dead body
6 She bore him fast away. Which when the knight 7 That her pursued saw, with great remorse
remorse > compassion
8 He near was touched in his noble spirit,
near > closely; hence: deeply
9 And gan increase his speed, as she increased her flight.
gan > did
307.44
Whom when as nigh approching she espyde,
2 She threw away her burden angrily;
For she list not the battell to abide,
4 But made her selfe more light, away to fly:
Yet her the hardy knight pursewd so nye,
6 That almost in the backe he oft her strake:
But still when him at hand she did espy,
8 She turnd, and semblaunce of faire fight did make;
But when he stayd, to flight againe she did her take.
1 Whom when nigh approaching she espied, 2 She threw away her burden angrily; 3 For she list not the battle to abide,
list > chose abide > await, attend, await the issue of; face, endure
4 But made herself more light, away to fly:
fly > flee
5 Yet her the hardy knight pursued so nigh 6 That almost in the back he oft her struck: 7 But still, when him at hand she did espy,
still > ever, continually
8 She turned, and semblance of fair fight did make; 9 But when he stayed, to flight again she did herself take.
307.45
By this +the+ good Sir Satyrane gan +wake+
2 Out of his dreame, that did him long entraunce,
And seeing none in place, he gan to make
4 Exceeding mone, and curst that cruell chaunce,
Which reft +from him+ so faire a cheuisaunce:
6 At length he spide, whereas that wofull Squire,
Whom he had reskewed from captiuaunce
8 Of his strong foe, lay tombled in the myre,
Vnable to arise, or foot or hand to styre.
1 the > omitted from 1596 and 1609 1 wake > awake 1609 5 from him > him from 1609
1 By this the good Sir Satyrane gan wake
By this > By this time gan > did; began to
2 Out of his dream, that did him long entrance, 3 And, seeing none in place, he began to make
none in place > no one there
4 Exceeding moan, and cursed that cruel chance
moan > lamentation
5 Which reft from him so fair a chevisance:
reft > took chevisance > enterprise, knightly enterprise (catachr.)
6 At length he spied where that woeful squire, 7 Whom he had rescued from captivance
captivance > captivity (WUS)
8 Of his strong foe, lay tumbled in the mire, 9 Unable to arise, +or+ foot or hand to stir.
or > either
307.46
To whom approching, well he mote perceiue
2 In that foule plight a comely personage,
And louely face, made fit for to deceiue
4 Fraile Ladies hart with loues consuming rage,
Now in the blossome of his freshest age:
6 He reard him vp, and loosd his yron bands,
And after gan inquire his parentage,
8 And how he fell into +that+ Gyaunts hands,
And who that was, which chaced her along the lands.
8 that > the 1590
1 To whom approaching, well he might perceive
might > could
2 In that foul plight a comely personage,
foul plight > [befouled state, i.e. the squire is covered in mud] personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from the clothing}
3 And lovely face, made fit to deceive
lovely > loving, kind; lovable deceive > betray, prove false to
4 Frail ladies' heart with love's consuming rage,
Frail > weak; morally weak
5 Now in the blossom of his freshest age: 6 He reared him up, and loosed his iron bonds,
iron > [wire: see 307.37:8]
7 And after gan inquire his parentage,
gan inquire > did ask about
8 And how he fell into that giant's hands, 9 And who that was, who chased her along the lands.
lands > land, landscape (contrived for the rhyme)
307.47
Then trembling yet through feare, the Squire bespake,
2 That Geauntesse Argante is behight,
A daughter of the Titans which did make
4 Warre against heauen, and heaped hils on hight,
To scale the skyes, and put Ioue from his right:
6 Her sire Typh{oe}us was, who mad through merth,
And drunke with bloud of men, slaine by his might,
8 Through incest, her of his owne mother Earth
Whilome begot, being but halfe twin of that berth.
1 Then, trembling yet through fear, the squire bespoke,
bespoke > said
2 "That giantess Argante is behight,
Argante > "Shining", "Glistening" (i.e. with lust); "Swift-footed" (argos, shining, glistening, is also applied in classical Greek to the legs of running dogs, as rapid motion is said to cause a flickering light. Argante is described as "fast flying" at 307.37:3, and has a "sun-broad shield" (307.40:4). Alter- natively, the name might be derived from that of Arges, one of the Titans) behight > named (catachr.)
3 A daughter of the Titans which did make
Titans > (A slip for the Giants, who piled Mount Ossa on Mount Pelion in order to scale Mount Olympus and dethrone Jupiter (Met. 1.151 ff.))
4 War against heaven, and heaped hills on high, 5 To scale the skies, and put Jove from his right: 6 Her sire Typhoeus was, who, mad through mirth,
sire > father
7 And drunk with blood of men slain by his might, 8 Through incest, her of his own mother, Earth,
of > by Earth > (Typhoeus was the youngest son of Ge (Earth) and Tartarus, who was in turn the son of Ge and Aether (Sky))
9 Whilom begot, being but half twin of that birth.
Whilom > Anciently
307.48
For at that berth another Babe she bore,
2 To weet the mighty Ollyphant, that wrought
Great wreake to many errant knights of yore,
4 +And many hath to foule+ confusion brought.
These twinnes, men say, (a thing far passing thought)
6 Whiles in their mothers wombe enclosd they were,
Ere they into the lightsome world were brought,
8 In fleshly lust were mingled both yfere,
And in that monstrous wise did to the world appere.
4 And many hath to foule > Till him Chylde Thopas to 1590. The change distances Ollyphant from Chaucer's tale (see Glossary), which actually breaks off before Olifaunt is killed; and Spenser recalls that his Ollyphant features later in the story (311.3 ff.)
1 "For at that birth another babe she bore, 2 To weet the mighty Ollyphant, that wrought
To weet > To wit Ollyphant > "Elephant" (based on "Olifaunt", a character in Chaucer's Tale of Sir Thopas 7.807-9)
3 Great wreak to many errant knights of yore,
wreak > harm, injury, damage errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.) yore > old
4 And many has to foul confusion brought.
many > a great number (singular) confusion > discomfiture, ruin
5 These twins, men say (a thing far passing thought),
passing > surpassing
6 While in their mother's womb enclosed they were, 7 Ere they into the lightsome world were brought,
lightsome > bright, luminous
8 In fleshly lust were mingled both yfere,
yfere > together
9 And in that monstrous wise did to the world appear.
wise > fashion
307.49
So liu'd they euer after in like sin,
2 Gainst natures law, and good behauioure:
But greatest shame was to that maiden twin,
4 Who not content so fowly to deuoure
Her natiue flesh, and +staine+ her brothers bowre,
6 Did wallow in all other fleshly myre,
And suffred beasts her body to deflowre:
8 So whot she burned in that lustfull fyre,
Yet all that might not slake her sensuall desyre.
5 staine > straine 1596, 1609
1 "So lived they ever after in like sin,
like > similar
2 Gainst Nature's law, and good behaviour:
Gainst > Against
3 But greatest shame was to that maiden twin, 4 Who, not content so foully to devour
devour > {Consume destructively; cf. Luke 15.30}
5 Her native flesh, and stain her brother's bower,
bower > bedroom; hence: bed
6 Did wallow in all other fleshly mire, 7 And suffered beasts her body to deflower,
suffered > allowed
8 So hot she burnt in that lustful fire; 9 Yet all that might not slake her sensual desire.
all that > [all that perversion] might > could
307.50
But ouer all the countrey she did raunge,
2 To seeke young men, to quench her flaming +thurst+,
And feed her fancy with delightfull chaunge:
4 Whom so she fittest finds to serue her lust,
Through her maine strength, in which she most doth trust,
6 She with her brings into a secret Ile,
Where in eternall bondage dye he must,
8 Or be the vassall of her pleasures vile,
And in all shamefull sort him selfe with her defile.
2 thurst > thrust 1590
1 "But over all the country she did range, 2 To seek young men, to quench her flaming thirst, 3 And feed her fancy with delightful change: 4 Whomso she fittest finds to serve her lust,
Whomso > Whomever
5 Through her main strength, in which she most does trust,
main > mighty; very great; remarkable
6 She with her brings into a secret isle, 7 Where in eternal bondage die he must, 8 Or be the vassal of her pleasures vile,
vassal > slave
9 And in all shameful sort himself with her defile.
sort > manner, method; company
307.51
Me seely wretch she so at vauntage caught,
2 After she long in waite for me did lye,
And meant vnto her prison to haue brought,
4 Her lothsome pleasure there to satisfye;
That thousand deathes me leuer were to dye,
6 Then breake the vow, that to faire Columbell
I plighted haue, and yet keepe stedfastly:
8 As for my name, it mistreth not to tell;
Call me the Squyre of Dames that me beseemeth well.
1 "Me, seely wretch, she so at vantage caught,
seely > helpless, innocent; pitiable so > thus, in that manner vantage > advantage (i.e. to Argante)
2 After she long in wait for me did lie, 3 And meant to her prison to have brought,
meant > intended
4 Her loathsome pleasure there to satisfy; 5 That thousand deaths me liefer were to die,
That > [So that] me liefer were to > [I would rather]
6 Than break the vow that to fair Columbell
Columbell > "Little Dove"; "Pretty Dove"
7 I plighted have, and yet keep steadfastly:
plighted have > have pledged
8 As for my name, it misters not to tell;
misters not > is not necessary
9 Call me the Squire of Dames: that me beseems well.
beseems > suits
307.52
But that bold knight, whom ye pursuing saw
2 That Geauntesse, is not such, as she seemed,
But a faire virgin, that in martiall law,
4 And deedes of armes aboue all Dames is deemed,
And aboue many knights is eke esteemed,
6 For her great worth; She Palladine is hight:
She you from death, you me from dread redeemed.
8 Ne any may that Monster match in fight,
But she, or such as she, that is so chaste a wight.
1 "But that bold knight, whom you pursuing saw 2 That giantess, is not such as she seemed, 3 But a fair virgin, that in martial law
law > ways; manner of life
4 And deeds of arms above all dames is deemed, 5 And above many knights is eke esteemed,
eke > also
6 For her great worth; she Palladine is hight:
Palladine > (The name seems to be formed on that of Pallas Athene, the Greek goddess of wisdom, Minerva in Roman mythology. She is represented as a virgin divinity, immune to sexual love) hight > named
7 She you from death, you me from dread redeemed. 8 Nor any may that monster match in fight, 9 But she, or such as she, that is so chaste a wight."
wight > person
307.53
Her well beseemes that Quest (quoth Satyrane)
2 But read, thou Squyre of Dames, what vow is this,
Which thou vpon thy selfe hast lately ta'ne?
4 That shall I you recount (quoth he) ywis,
So be ye pleasd to pardon all amis.
6 That gentle Lady, whom I loue and serue,
After long suit and weary seruicis,
8 Did aske me, how I could her loue deserue,
And how she might be sure, that I would neuer swerue.
1 "Her well beseems that quest," quoth Satyrane,
beseems > suits
2 "But read, you Squire of Dames, what vow is this,
read > declare
3 Which you upon yourself have lately taken?" 4 "That shall I you recount," quoth he, "iwis,
you > [to you] iwis > certainly, indeed, assuredly
5 So be you pleased to pardon all amiss.
So be you > [If you will be] all amiss > [all in it that is objectionable]
6 That gentle lady, whom I love and serve,
gentle > noble; gracious
7 After long suit and weary services, 8 Did ask me how I could her love deserve, 9 And how she might be sure that I would never swerve.
307.54
I glad by any meanes her grace to gaine,
2 Bad her commaund my life to saue, or spill.
Eftsoones she bad me, with incessaunt paine
4 To wander through the world abroad at will,
And euery where, where with my power or skill
6 I might do seruice vnto gentle Dames,
That I the same should faithfully fulfill,
8 And at the twelue monethes end should bring their names
And pledges; as the spoiles of my victorious games.
1 "I, glad by any means her grace to gain, 2 Bade her command my life to save, or spill.
spill > destroy
3 Eftsoons she bade me with incessant pain
Eftsoons > Thereupon; presently pain > effort; pain
4 To wander through the world abroad at will, 5 And everywhere, where with my power or skill
skill > knowledge; skill
6 I might do service to gentle dames;
do service to > profess love to; supply the sexual needs of, copulate with gentle > gentle; gracious
7 That I the same should faithfully fulfil, 8 And, at the twelve months' end, should bring their names 9 And pledges as the spoils of my victorious games.
307.55
So well I to faire Ladies seruice did,
2 And found such fauour in their louing hartes,
That ere the yeare his course had compassid,
4 Three hundred pledges for my good desartes,
And thrise three hundred thanks for my good partes
6 I with me brought, and did to her present:
Which when she saw, more bent to eke my smartes,
8 Then to reward my trusty true intent,
She gan for me deuise a grieuous punishment.
1 "So well I to fair ladies service did, 2 And found such favour in their loving hearts, 3 That, ere the year its course had compassed,
compassed > accomplished; encircled
4 Three hundred pledges for my good deserts,
deserts > deeds, merits
5 And thrice three hundred thanks for my good parts
parts > acts; qualities, capacities; also, perhaps: private parts (as 202.37:5)
6 I with me brought, and did to her present: 7 Which when she saw, more bent to eke my smarts
eke > augment smarts > pains
8 Than to reward my trusty true intent, 9 She gan for me devise a grievous punishment.
gan > did
307.56
To weet, that I my trauell should resume,
2 And with like labour walke the world around,
Ne euer to her presence should presume,
4 Till I so many other Dames had found,
The which, for all the suit I could propound,
6 Would me refuse their pledges to afford,
But did abide for euer chast and sound.
8 Ah gentle Squire (quoth he) tell at one word,
How many foundst thou such to put in thy record?
1 "To weet, that I my travel should resume,
To weet > To wit travel > travel; travail
2 And with like labour walk the world around,
like > similar
3 Ne ever to her presence should presume
Ne ever > And never
4 Till I so many other dames had found,
so many > [the same number of]
5 Who, for all the suit I could propound, 6 Would me refuse their pledges to afford, 7 But did abide for ever chaste and sound."
abide > remain
8 "Ah, gentle squire," quoth he, "tell, at one word,
gentle > noble; gentle
9 How many found you such to put in your record?"
307.57
In deed Sir knight (said he) one word may tell
2 All, that I euer found so wisely stayd;
For onely three they were disposd so well,
4 And yet three yeares I now abroad haue strayd,
To find them out. Mote I (then laughing sayd
6 The knight) inquire of thee, what were those three,
The which thy proffred curtesie denayd?
8 Or ill they seemed sure auizd to bee,
Or brutishly brought vp, that neu'r did fashions see.
1 "Indeed, sir knight," said he, "one word may tell 2 All, that I ever found so wisely staid;
staid > faithful; staid
3 For only three they were disposed so well, 4 And yet three years I now abroad have strayed, 5 To find them out." "Might I" (then, laughing, said 6 The knight) "inquire of you, what were those three, 7 Which your proffered courtesy denied?
denied > refused
8 Or ill they seemed sure advised to be,
Or > Either ill > badly, poorly
9 Or brutishly brought up, that never did fashions see."
307.58
The first which then refused me (said hee)
2 Certes was but a common Courtisane,
Yet flat refusd to haue a do with mee,
4 Because I could not giue her many a Iane.
(Thereat full hartely laughed Satyrane)
6 The second was an holy Nunne to chose,
Which would not let me be her Chappellane,
8 Because she knew, she said, I would disclose
Her counsell, if she should her trust in me repose.
1 "The first which then refused me," said he, 2 "Certes was but a common courtesan,
Certes > Assuredly
3 Yet flat refused to have a do with me,
a do > ado; a do (in the sexual sense; cf. 101.51:6)
4 Because I could not give her many a jane."
jane > {A small silver Genoese coin}
5 (Thereat full heartily laughed Satyrane.)
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that full > very
6 "The second was a holy nun to choose,
to choose > by choice
7 Who would not let me be her chaplain, 8 Because she knew, she said, I would disclose 9 Her counsel, if she should her trust in me repose.
counsel > confidences, secrets
307.59
The third a Damzell was of low degree,
2 Whom I in countrey cottage found by chaunce;
Full little weened I, that chastitee
4 Had lodging in so meane a maintenaunce,
Yet was she faire, and in her +countenance+
6 Dwelt simple truth in seemely fashion.
Long thus I woo'd her with dew obseruance,
8 In hope vnto my pleasure to haue won;
But was as farre at last, as when I first begon.
5 countenance > countenaunce 1590
1 "The third a damsel was of low degree,
degree > rank, social station
2 Whom I in country cottage found by chance; 3 Full little weened I that chastity
Full > Very weened > imagined
4 Had lodging in so mean a maintenance,
maintenance > livelihood, means of subsistence; hence: condition, way of life
5 Yet was she fair, and in her countenance 6 Dwelt simple truth in seemly fashion. 7 Long thus I wooed her with due observance, 8 In hope +to+ my pleasure to have won;
to > [her to]
9 But was as far at last, as when I first began.
307.60
Safe her, I neuer any woman found,
2 That chastity did for it selfe embrace,
But were for other causes firme and sound;
4 Either for want of handsome time and place,
Or else for feare of shame and fowle disgrace.
6 Thus am I hopelesse euer to attaine
My Ladies loue, in such a desperate case,
8 But all my dayes am like to wast in vaine,
Seeking to match the chaste with th'vnchaste Ladies traine.
1 "Save her, I never any woman found 2 That chastity did for itself embrace, 3 But were for other causes firm and sound; 4 Either for want of handsome time and place,
handsome > suitable
5 Or else for fear of shame and foul disgrace. 6 Thus am I hopeless ever to attain 7 My lady's love, in such a desperate case, 8 But all my days am like to waste in vain,
like > likely
9 Seeking to match the chaste with the unchaste ladies' train."
train > company, assembly; hence: number
307.61
Perdy, (said Satyrane) thou Squire of Dames,
2 Great labour fondly hast thou hent in hand,
To get small thankes, and therewith many blames,
4 That may +emongst+ Alcides labours stand.
Thence backe returning to the former land,
6 Where late he left the Beast, he ouercame,
He found him not; for he had broke his band,
8 And was return'd againe vnto his Dame,
To tell what tydings of faire Florimell became.
4 emongst > among 1609
1 "Pardie," said Satyrane, "you Squire of Dames,
Pardie > Truly; "by God"
2 Great labour fondly have you hent in hand,
fondly > foolishly hent > taken
3 To get small thanks, and therewith many blames:
therewith > with that blames > reproofs
4 That may amongst Alcides' labours stand."
That > [That great labour]
5 Thence back returning to the former land
land > [place]
6 Where late he left the beast he overcame,
late > lately he overcame > [that he had overcome]
7 He found him not; for he had broken his bond, 8 And was returned again to his dame, 9 To tell what tidings of fair Florimell became.
tidings > happenings, occurrences became > had befallen (i.e. the beast has returned to tell the witch what happened to Florimell)
The Witch creates a snowy Lady,
2 like to Florimell,
Who wrongd by Carle by Proteus sau'd,
4 is sought by Paridell.
1 The witch creates a snowy lady 2 like to Florimell,
like to > resembling
3 Who, wronged by carl, by Proteus saved,
carl > [a] villain, [a] churl by > [and by] Proteus > (The Old Man of the Sea, a god who can assume any shape or form)
4 is sought by Paridell.
Paridell > (The name is derived from that of Paris: see 309.34:5 ff.)
308.1
SO oft as I this history record,
2 My hart doth melt with meere compassion,
To thinke, how causelesse of her owne accord
4 This gentle Damzell, whom I write vpon,
Should plonged be in such affliction,
6 Without all hope of comfort or reliefe,
That sure I weene, the hardest hart of stone,
8 Would hardly find to aggrauate her griefe;
For misery craues rather mercie, then repriefe.
1 So oft as I this history record,
history > history; story
2 My heart does melt with mere compassion
mere > pure, complete, sheer
3 To think how causeless of her own accord
causeless of her own accord > [through no fault of hers]
4 This gentle damsel, whom I write upon,
gentle > gracious; gentle; noble upon > [about]
5 Should plunged be in such affliction, 6 Without all hope of comfort or relief, 7 That sure, I ween, the hardest heart of stone
That sure > [So that surely] ween > think, believe
8 Would hardly find to aggravate her grief;
find > contrive grief > suffering, pain
9 For misery craves rather mercy than reproof.
reproof > reproof, scorn; shame, disgrace
308.2
But that accursed Hag, her hostesse late,
2 Had so enranckled her malitious hart,
That she desyrd th'abridgement of her fate,
4 Or long enlargement of her painefull smart.
Now when the Beast, which by her wicked art
6 Late forth she sent, she backe returning spyde,
Tyde with her +broken+ girdle, it a part
8 Of her rich spoyles, whom he had earst destroyd,
She weend, and wondrous gladnesse to her hart applyde.
7 broken > golden 1590
1 But that accursed hag, her hostess late,
hostess late > [erstwhile hostess]
2 Had so enrankled her malicious heart
enrankled > embittered (the "en-" prefix denotes "inward" action, and is also an intensive)
3 That she desired the abridgement of her fate,
fate > {Life, term of life allotted by the Fates}
4 Or long enlargement of her painful smart.
smart > anguish, sorrow
5 Now when the beast (which by her wicked art 6 Late forth she sent) she back returning spied,
Late > Recently
7 Tied with her broken girdle, it a part 8 Of her rich spoils (whom he had erst destroyed)
whom > [she whom, i.e. Florimell] erst > recently; first (before apparently making free with "her rich spoils")
9 She weened, and wondrous gladness to her heart applied.
weened > supposed applied > administered [as a remedy]
308.3
And with it running hast'ly to her sonne,
2 Thought with that sight him much to haue +reliued+;
Who thereby deeming sure the thing as donne,
4 His former griefe with furie fresh reuiued,
Much more then earst, and would haue algates riued
6 The hart out of his brest: for sith her ded
He surely dempt, himselfe he thought depriued
8 Quite of all hope, wherewith he long had fed
His foolish maladie, and long time had misled.
2 reliued > relieued 1609
1 And with it running hastily to her son, 2 Thought with that sight him much to have relived;
relived > revived
3 Who, thereby deeming sure the thing as done, 4 His former grief with fury fresh revived, 5 Much more than erst, and would have algates rived
erst > at first, formerly, hence: before algates > altogether, at any rate; hence: surely rived > torn
6 The heart out of his breast: for sith her dead
sith > since
7 He surely deemed, himself he thought deprived 8 Quite of all hope, wherewith he long had fed
wherewith > with which
9 His foolish malady, and long time had misled.
misled > misconducted [himself]
308.4
With thought whereof, exceeding mad he grew,
2 And in his rage his mother would haue slaine,
Had she not fled into a secret mew,
4 Where she was wont her Sprights to entertaine
The +maisters+ of her art: there was she faine
6 To call them all in order to her ayde,
And them coniure vpon eternall paine,
8 To counsell her so carefully dismayd,
How she might heale her sonne, whose senses were decayd.
5 maisters > masters 1609
1 With thought whereof exceeding mad he grew, 2 And in his rage his mother would have slain, 3 Had she not fled into a secret mew,
mew > den, secret place
4 Where she was wont her sprites to entertain,
wont > accustomed entertain > receive
5 The masters of her art: there was she fain
masters > (Cf. Macbeth IV i 63) fain > disposed; obliged
6 To call them all, in order, to her aid,
all, in order, to > (Or: "all, in order to") her aid > [aid her; her assistance]
7 And them conjure upon eternal pain
conjure > adjure, implore
8 To counsel her, so carefully dismayed,
carefully > anxiously
9 How she might heal her son, whose senses were decayed.
decayed > rotted, ruined (cf. 307.20-1, even before he saw the girdle)
308.5
By their +aduise+, and her owne wicked wit,
2 She there deuiz'd a wondrous worke to frame,
Whose like on earth was neuer framed yit,
4 That euen Nature selfe enuide the same,
And grudg'd to see the counterfet should shame
6 The thing it selfe. In hand she boldly tooke
To make another like the former Dame,
8 Another Florimell, in shape and looke
So liuely and so like, that many it mistooke.
1 aduise > deuise 1590
1 By their advice, and her own wicked wit,
wit > intelligence, mental capacity; skill
2 She there devised a wondrous work to frame,
frame > fashion
3 Whose like on earth was never framed yet, 4 That even Nature herself envied the same,
That > [So that] envied > envied; begrudged
5 And grudged to see the counterfeit should shame
the > [that the]
6 The thing itself. In hand she boldly took 7 To make another like the former dame, 8 Another Florimell, in shape and look 9 So lively, and so like, that many it mistook.
lively > life-like (cf. 101.45:4) like > resembling the original (said of a portrait, etc.); convincing mistook > [wrongly took to be Florimell]
308.6
The substance, whereof she the bodie made,
2 Was purest snow in massie mould congeald,
Which she had gathered in a shadie glade
4 Of the Riph{oe}an hils, to her reueald
By errant Sprights, but from all men conceald:
6 The same she tempred with fine Mercury,
And virgin +wex+, that neuer yet was seald,
8 And mingled them with perfect vermily,
That like a liuely sanguine it seem'd to the eye.
7 wex > wax 1609
1 The substance, whereof she the body made, 2 Was purest snow in massy mould congealed,
massy > solid, weighty mould > shape, form congealed > frozen
3 Which she had gathered in a shady glade 4 Of the Riphaean hills, to her revealed
Riphaean hills > {The mountains in Scythia, i.e. northern Europe and
Asiatic Russia}
5 By errant sprites, but from all men concealed:
errant > wandering
6 The same she tempered with fine mercury,
tempered > blended mercury > (Formerly numbered among the five elementary "principles" of which all matter was said to be composed; also called "spirit". According to Paracelsus, mercury is one of three basic components of man. Mercury was also a symbol of sprightliness, volatility, and inconstancy)
7 And virgin wax, that never yet was sealed,
sealed > [used for sealing]
8 And mingled them with perfect vermilion,
vermilion > {Cinnabar, red crystalline mercuric sulphide, used in the manufacture of red sealing-wax: it is the ore from which most of the world's mercury is derived}
9 That like a lively sanguine it seemed to the eye.
That > [So that] lively > living, vital, life-like sanguine > blood-red colour (amorousness is among the attributes associated with the "sanguine" complexion; cf. 306.8:5)
308.7
In stead of eyes two burning lampes she set
2 In siluer sockets, shyning like the skyes,
And a quicke mouing Spirit did arret
4 To stirre and roll them, like +a womans+ eyes;
In stead of yellow lockes she did deuise,
6 With golden wyre to weaue her curled head;
Yet golden wyre was not so yellow thrise
8 As Florimells faire haire: and in the stead
Of life, she put a Spright to rule the carkasse dead.
4 a womans > to womens 1590
1 Instead of eyes two burning lamps she set 2 In silver sockets, shining like the skies, 3 And a quick moving sprite did arrest
quick > living arrest > ordain, entrust
4 To stir and roll them, like a woman's eyes; 5 Instead of yellow locks she did devise 6 With golden wire to weave her curled head; 7 Yet golden wire was not so yellow thrice
thrice > many times over; by a third
8 As Florimell's fair hair: and in the stead
stead > place
9 Of life she put a sprite to rule the carcase dead.
308.8
A wicked Spright yfraught with fawning guile,
2 And faire resemblance aboue all the rest,
Which with the Prince of Darknesse fell +somewhile+,
4 From heauens blisse and euerlasting rest;
Him needed not instruct, which way were best
6 Himselfe to fashion likest Florimell,
Ne how to speake, ne how to vse his gest,
8 For he in counterfeisance did excell,
And all the wyles of wemens wits knew passing well.
3 somewhile > lomewhyle 1590; lomewhile 1596
1 A wicked sprite fraught with fawning guile,
fraught > filled
2 And fair resemblance above all the rest,
resemblance > appearance, show
3 Which with the Prince of Darkness fell somewhile
somewhile > at some time; at some former time
4 From heaven's bliss and everlasting rest; 5 Him needed not instruct which way were best
needed not > [it was not necessary to]
6 Himself to fashion likest Florimell,
likest > most like
7 Nor how to speak, nor how to use his gest,
gest > bearing, mien; gesture, hence: gestures, "body language"
8 For he in counterfeisance did excel,
counterfeisance > imposture
9 And all the wiles of women's wits knew passing well.
wits > minds passing > surpassingly, exceedingly
308.9
Him shaped thus, she deckt in garments gay,
2 Which Florimell had left behind her late,
That who so then her saw, would surely say,
4 It was her selfe, whom it did imitate,
Or fairer then her selfe, if ought algate
6 Might fairer be. And then she forth her brought
Vnto her sonne, that lay in feeble state;
8 Who seeing her gan streight vpstart, and thought
She was the Lady selfe, +whom+ he so long had sought.
9 whom > who 1590, 1596
1 Him shaped thus, she decked in garments gay, 2 Which Florimell had left behind her late,
late > recently
3 That whoso then her saw would surely say
That whoso > [So that whoever] her > (Appropriately confusing the snowy Florimell's gender)
4 It was herself whom it did imitate, 5 Or fairer than herself, if aught algate
algate > anyhow, in any way
6 Might fairer be. And then she forth her brought 7 To her son, that lay in feeble state; 8 Who, seeing her, gan straight upstart, and thought
gan > did straight > straightway; straight, erect upstart > start up (with the double meaning)
9 She was the lady herself, whom he so long had sought.
308.10
Tho fast her clipping twixt his armes twaine,
2 Extremely ioyed in so happie sight,
And soone forgot his former sickly paine;
4 But she, the more to seeme such as she hight,
Coyly rebutted his embracement light;
6 Yet still with gentle +countenaunce+ retained,
Enough to hold a foole in vaine delight:
8 Him long she so with shadowes entertained,
As her Creatresse had in charge to her ordained.
6 countenaunce > countenant 1596
1 Tho, fast her clipping 'twixt his arms twain,
Tho > Then fast > firmly; very closely clipping > clasping, embracing arms twain > two arms
2 Extremely joyed in so happy sight,
Extremely joyed > [He] took pleasure extremely; hence: He took extreme pleasure so > [such a]
3 And soon forgot his former sickly pain; 4 But she, the more to seem such as she hight,
hight > was called
5 Coyly rebutted his embracement light;
rebutted > reproved; repulsed embracement > embraces light > wanton (qualifying "embracement"); quickly, lightly (qualifying "rebutted")
6 Yet still with gentle countenance retained,
retained > [retained his interest]
7 Enough to hold a fool in vain delight:
vain > futile; weak, foolish
8 Him long she so with shadows entertained,
so > thus
9 As her creatress had in charge to her ordained.
308.11
Till on a day, as he disposed was
2 To walke the woods with that his Idole faire,
Her to disport, and idle time to pas,
4 In th'open freshnesse of the gentle aire,
A knight that way there chaunced to repaire;
6 Yet knight +he+ was not, but a boastfull swaine,
That deedes of armes had euer in despaire,
8 Proud Braggadocchio, that in vaunting vaine
His glory did repose, and credit did maintaine.
6 he > omitted from 1596
1 Till on a day, as he disposed was 2 To walk the woods with that his idol fair,
idol > idol; effigy; phantom, idolum
3 Her to disport, and idle time to pass,
disport > divert, entertain
4 In the open freshness of the gentle air, 5 A knight that way there chanced to repair;
repair > go, betake himself
6 Yet knight he was not, but a boastful swain,
swain > fellow
7 That deeds of arms had ever in despair,
ever in despair > [only in the condition of despairing (his despair, Spenser's, or ours)]
8 Proud Braggadocchio, that in vaunting vain
vaunting > boasting vain > foolish; empty, insubstantial
9 His glory did repose, and credit did maintain.
repose > repose; trust credit > reputation; credibility maintain > maintain; defend
308.12
He seeing with that Chorle so faire a wight,
2 Decked with many a costly ornament,
Much merueiled thereat, as well he might,
4 And thought that match a fowle disparagement:
His bloudie speare eftsoones he boldly bent
6 Against the silly clowne, who dead through feare,
Fell streight to ground in great astonishment;
8 Villein (said he) this Ladie is my deare,
Dy, if thou it gainesay: I will away her beare.
1 He, seeing with that churl so fair a wight,
churl > bumpkin, boor, low fellow wight > creature, woman
2 Decked with many a costly ornament, 3 Much marvelled thereat, as well he might,
thereat > at that
4 And thought that match a foul disparagement:
disparagement > {Marriage to one of inferior rank; the disgrace occasioned by this}
5 His bloody spear eftsoons he boldly bent
eftsoons > thereupon bent > brought to bear
6 Against the silly clown, who, dead through fear,
silly > silly; helpless clown > yokel, peasant; clown
7 Fell straight to ground in great astonishment;
straight > straight; straightway astonishment > {Literal loss of sense or wits; loss of courage}
8 "Villein," said he, "this lady is my dear,
Villein > Villain; serf
9 Die, if you it gainsay: I will away her bear."
bear > carry; take [as a travelling companion: cf. 102.45:9]
308.13
The fearefull Chorle durst not gainesay, nor dooe,
2 But trembling stood, and yielded him the pray;
Who finding litle leasure her to wooe,
4 On Tromparts steed her mounted without stay,
And without reskew led her quite away.
6 Proud man himselfe then Braggadocchio deemed,
And next to none, after that happie day,
8 Being possessed of that spoyle, which seemed
The fairest wight on ground, and most of men esteemed.
1 The fearful churl dared not gainsay, nor do, 2 But trembling stood, and yielded him the prey; 3 Who, finding little leisure her to woo, 4 On Trompart's steed her mounted without stay,
steed > [shoulders: cf. 308.19:3] stay > delay; hesitation; hindrance
5 And without rescue led her quite away. 6 Proud man himself then Braggadocchio deemed, 7 And next to none, after that happy day,
next to none > second to none (next = behind) happy > fortunate; happy
8 Being possessed of that spoil, which seemed 9 The fairest wight on ground, and most of men esteemed.
wight > creature, woman on ground > in the world of > by
308.14
But when he saw himselfe free from poursute,
2 He gan make gentle purpose to his Dame,
With termes of loue and lewdnesse dissolute;
4 For he could well his glozing speaches frame
To such vaine vses, that him best became:
6 But she thereto would lend but light regard,
As seeming sory, that she euer came
8 Into his powre, that vsed her so hard,
To reaue her honor, which she more then life prefard.
1 But when he saw himself free from pursuit 2 He gan make gentle purpose to his dame,
gan > did; began to gentle purpose > courteous conversation
3 With terms of love and lewdness dissolute;
terms > words
4 For he could well his glozing speeches frame
glozing > flattering; coaxing, wheedling
5 To such vain uses, that him best became:
vain > foolish; empty
6 But she thereto would lend but light regard,
thereto > to that, to those
7 As seeming sorry that she ever came 8 Into his power, that used her so hard, 9 To reave her honour, which she more than life preferred.
reave > plunder, despoil
308.15
Thus as they two of kindnesse treated long,
2 There them by chaunce encountred on the way
An armed knight, vpon a courser strong,
4 Whose trampling feet vpon the hollow lay
Seemed to thunder, and did nigh affray
6 That Capons courage: yet he looked grim,
And fain'd to cheare his Ladie in dismay;
8 Who seem'd for feare to quake in euery lim,
And her to saue from outrage, meekely prayed him.
1 Thus as they two of kindness treated long,
kindness > love treated > discoursed, spoke
2 There them by chance encountered on the way 3 An armed knight, upon a courser strong,
An armed knight > (This is Sir Ferraugh; see 402.4:5-7)
4 Whose trampling feet upon the hollow lea
lea > ground
5 Seemed to thunder, and did nigh affray
affray > frighten away
6 That capon's courage: yet he looked grim,
capon > {Castrated cock}
7 And fained to cheer his lady in dismay;
fained > was anxious, tried; feigned
8 Who seemed for fear to quake in every limb, 9 And her to save from outrage, meekly prayed him.
prayed > entreated
308.16
Fiercely that stranger forward came, and nigh
2 Approching, with bold words and bitter threat,
Bad that same boaster, as he mote, on high
4 To leaue to him that Lady for excheat,
Or bide him battell without further treat.
6 That challenge did too peremptory seeme,
And fild his senses with abashment great;
8 Yet seeing nigh him ieopardy extreme,
He it dissembled well, and light seem'd to esteeme.
1 Fiercely that stranger forward came and, nigh 2 Approaching, with bold words and bitter threat 3 Bade that same boaster, as he might, on high,
might > could on high > aloud, hence: loudly; to heaven; from a height
4 To leave to him that lady for escheat,
escheat > {Forced contribution, plunder; property falling by right to the lord, king, or state}
5 Or bide him battle without further treat.
bide > offer treat > discussion
6 That challenge did too peremptory seem, 7 And filled his senses with abashment great;
abashment > confusion
8 Yet seeing nigh him jeopardy extreme, 9 He it dissembled well, and light seemed to esteem.
308.17
Saying, Thou foolish knight, that weenst with words
2 To steale away, that I with blowes haue wonne,
And brought throgh points of many perilous swords:
4 But if thee list to see thy Courser ronne,
Or proue thy selfe, this sad encounter shonne,
6 And seeke else without hazard of thy hed.
At those proud words that other knight begonne
8 To wexe exceeding wroth, and him ared
To turne his steede about, or sure he should be ded.
1 Saying, "You foolish knight, that weens with words
weens > supposes, thinks
2 To steal away that I with blows have won,
that > [that which]
3 And brought through points of many perilous swords: 4 But if you list to see your courser run,
list > please, choose run > [run in a joust; cf. 304.15:7, 307.38:8]
5 Or prove yourself, this sad encounter shun,
sad > grievous
6 And seek else, without hazard of your head."
else > {In another manner, place, or time; by other means; under other circumstances} of > to
7 At those proud words that other knight began 8 To wax exceeding wroth, and him aread
wax > grow aread > instructed
9 To turn his steed about, or sure he should be dead.
308.18
Sith then (said Braggadocchio) needes thou wilt
2 Thy dayes abridge, through proofe of puissance,
Turne we our steedes, that both in equall tilt
4 May meet againe, and each take happie chance.
This said, they both a furlongs mountenance
6 Retyrd their steeds, to ronne in euen race:
But Braggadocchio with his bloudie lance
8 Once hauing turnd, no more returnd his face,
But left his loue to losse, and fled himselfe apace.
1 "Sith then," said Braggadocchio, "needs you will
Sith > Since needs you will > you will of necessity
2 Your days abridge, through proof of puissance,
proof > trial, experience puissance > power, strength (allied to prowess in arms)
3 Turn we our steeds, that both in equal tilt
that > [so that] equal > impartial tilt > {Contest between two mounted knights with lances}
4 May meet again, and each take happy chance."
happy > fortunate
5 This said, they both a furlong's mountenance
furlong > {An eighth of a mile, 220 yards, about 201 metres} mountenance > distance
6 Retired their steeds, to run in even race: 7 But Braggadocchio with his bloody lance 8 Once having turned, no more returned his face,
returned > turned back
9 But left his love to loss, and fled himself apace.
apace > swiftly
308.19
The knight him seeing fly, had no regard
2 Him to poursew, but to the Ladie rode,
And hauing her from Trompart lightly reard,
4 Vpon his Courser set the louely lode,
And with her fled away without abode.
6 Well weened he, that fairest Florimell
It was, with whom in company he yode,
8 And so her selfe did alwaies to him tell;
So made him thinke him selfe in heauen, that was in hell.
1 The knight, him seeing fly, had no regard
fly > flee regard > care; interest
2 Him to pursue, but to the lady rode 3 And, having her from Trompart lightly reared,
lightly > easily, quickly
4 Upon his courser set the lovely load, 5 And with her fled away without abode.
abode > {The action of waiting}
6 Well weened he that fairest Florimell
weened > believed
7 It was, with whom in company he yode,
yode > went
8 And so herself did always to him tell;
so herself did always to him tell > [so she did always tell him; i.e. she did not disabuse him]
9 So made him think himself in heaven, that was in hell.
308.20
But Florimell her selfe was farre away,
2 Driuen to great distresse by Fortune straunge,
And taught the carefull Mariner to play,
4 Sith late mischaunce had her compeld to chaunge
The land for sea, at randon there to raunge:
6 Yet there that cruell Queene auengeresse,
Not satisfide so farre her to estraunge
8 From courtly blisse and wonted happinesse,
Did heape on her new waues of weary wretchednesse.
1 But Florimell herself was far away, 2 Driven to great distress by Fortune strange,
strange > extreme, severe
3 And taught the careful mariner to play,
careful > {Anxious, full of care} play > {Act; also: frolic with, have sexual dealings with}
4 Sith late mischance had her compelled to change
Sith > Since late > recent
5 The land for sea, at random there to range: 6 Yet there that cruel queen avengeress,
that cruel queen avengeress > [Fortune, Fortuna; "queen" = "goddess"]
7 Not satisfied so far her to estrange
so > thus (in extent); so (in time)
8 From courtly bliss and wonted happiness,
wonted > customary
9 Did heap on her new waves of weary wretchedness.
308.21
For being fled into the fishers bote,
2 For refuge from the Monsters crueltie,
Long so she on the mightie maine did flote,
4 And with the tide droue forward careleslie;
For th'aire was milde, and cleared was the skie,
6 And all his windes Dan Aeolus did keepe,
From stirring vp their stormy enmitie,
8 As pittying to see her waile and weepe;
But all the while the fisher did securely sleepe.
1 For, being fled into the fisher's boat,
fisher > fisherman
2 For refuge from the monster's cruelty, 3 Long so she on the mighty main did float,
so > thus main > main ocean, high sea; sea
4 And with the tide drove forward carelessly; 5 For the air was mild, and cleared was the sky, 6 And all his winds Dan Aeolus did keep
Dan > {Title of honour, as "Master", "Sir"}
7 From stirring up their stormy enmity, 8 As pitying to see her wail and weep;
As > [As though]
9 But all the while the fisher did securely sleep.
securely > carelessly, free from care; confidently
308.22
At last when droncke with drowsinesse, he woke,
2 And saw his drouer driue along the streame,
He was dismayd, and thrise his breast he stroke,
4 For maruell of that accident extreame;
But when he +saw+ that blazing beauties beame,
6 Which with rare light his bote did beautifie,
He marueild more, and thought he yet did dreame
8 Not well awakt, or that some extasie
Assotted had his sense, or dazed was his eie.
5 saw > saw, 1590, 1596
1 At last, when, drunk with drowsiness, he woke
drunk > [unsteady, intoxicated; or, perhaps: satiated]
2 And saw his drover drive along the stream,
drover > {Boat used for fishing with a drift-net} stream > current
3 He was dismayed, and thrice his breast he struck, 4 For marvel of that accident extreme;
accident > occurrence, happening
5 But when he saw that blazing beauty's beam, 6 Which with rare light his boat did beautify, 7 He marvelled more, and thought he yet did dream, 8 Not well awaked, or that some ecstasy
awaked > awoken, aroused; awake ecstasy > rapture
9 Assotted had his sense, or dazed was his eye.
Assotted > Infatuated; made a fool of, hence: deceived
308.23
But when her well auizing, he perceiued
2 To be no vision, nor fantasticke sight,
Great comfort of her presence he conceiued,
4 And felt in his old courage new delight
To gin awake, and stirre his frozen spright:
6 Tho rudely askt her, how she thither came.
Ah (said she) father, I note read aright,
8 What hard misfortune brought me to +the+ same;
Yet am I glad that here I now in safety +am+.
8 the > this 1590 9 am > ame 1590
1 But when her, well advising, he perceived
advising > observing, regarding
2 To be no vision, nor fantastic sight,
sight > vision
3 Great comfort of her presence he conceived,
comfort > renewal of strength of > of, from
4 And felt in his old courage new delight
courage > spirit; sexual desire
5 To gin awake, and stir his frozen spirit:
gin > begin to
6 Tho rudely asked her how she thither came.
Tho > Then rudely > roughly; rudely
7 "Ah," said she, "father, I no'te read aright
no'te read aright > cannot properly tell
8 What hard misfortune brought me to the same; 9 Yet am I glad that here I now in safety am.
308.24
But thou good man, sith farre in sea we bee,
2 And the great waters gin apace to swell,
That now no more we can the maine-land see,
4 Haue care, I pray, to guide the cock-bote well,
Least worse on sea then vs on land befell.
6 Thereat th'old man did nought but fondly grin,
And said, his boat the way could wisely tell:
8 But his deceiptfull eyes did neuer lin,
To looke on her faire face, and marke her snowy skin.
1 "But you, good man, sith far in sea we be,
sith > since
2 And the great waters begin apace to swell,
apace > quickly
3 That now no more we can the mainland see,
That > [So that]
4 Have care, I pray, to guide the cock-boat well,
cock-boat > {Small ship's boat; with the double meaning}
5 Lest worse on sea than us on land befell." 6 Thereat the old man did naught but fondly grin,
Thereat > At that; as a result of that fondly > foolishly; eagerly
7 And said his boat the way could wisely tell:
wisely > expertly
8 But his deceitful eyes did never lin
lin > cease
9 To look on her fair face, and mark her snowy skin.
mark > notice, observe (here also connoting "besmirch", "defile")
308.25
The sight whereof in his congealed flesh,
2 Infixt such secret sting of greedy lust,
That the drie withered stocke it gan refresh,
4 And kindled heat, that soone in flame forth brust:
The driest wood is soonest burnt to dust.
6 Rudely to her he lept, and his rough +hand+
Where ill became him, rashly would haue thrust,
8 But she with angry scorne him did withstond,
And shamefully +reproued+ for his rudenesse fond.
6 hand > hond sugg. Morris 9 reproued > reprou'd 1590
1 The sight whereof in his congealed flesh
whereof > of which congealed > frozen
2 Infixed such secret sting of greedy lust 3 That the dry withered stock it gan refresh,
gan > did
4 And kindled heat that soon in flame forth burst: 5 The driest wood is soonest burnt to dust. 6 Rudely to her he leapt, and his rough hand,
Rudely > Roughly; violently; ignobly
7 Where ill became him, rashly would have thrust,
ill > [it ill]
8 But she with angry scorn him did withstand, 9 And shamefully reproved for his rudeness fond.
rudeness > roughness; barbarism fond > foolish; idiotic
308.26
But he, that neuer good nor maners knew,
2 Her sharpe rebuke full litle did esteeme;
Hard is to teach an old horse amble trew.
4 The inward smoke, that did before but steeme,
Broke into open fire and rage extreme,
6 And now he strength gan adde vnto his will,
Forcing to doe, that did him fowle misseeme:
8 Beastly he threw her downe, ne car'd to spill
Her garments gay with scales of fish, that all did fill.
1 But he, that never good nor manners knew, 2 Her sharp rebuke full little did esteem;
full > very, exceedingly
3 Hard is to teach an old horse amble true.
amble true > [to] amble properly
4 The inward smoke, that did before but steam, 5 Broke into open fire and rage extreme,
rage > violent desire; sexual passion
6 And now he strength gan add to his will,
gan > did
7 Forcing to do that did him foul misseem:
Forcing > Using force that > [that which] foul misseem > foully misbecome
8 Beastly he threw her down, nor cared to spill
Beastly > Brutally to spill > [whether he spoiled]
9 Her garments gay with scales of fish, that all did fill.
all > [all the boat]
308.27
The silly virgin stroue him to withstand,
2 All that she might, and him in vaine reuild:
She struggled strongly both with foot and hand,
4 To saue her honor from that villaine vild,
And cride to heauen, from humane helpe exild.
6 O ye braue knights, that boast this Ladies loue,
Where be ye now, when she is nigh defild
8 Of filthy wretch? well may shee you reproue
Of falshood or of slouth, when most it may behoue.
1 The silly virgin strove him to withstand
silly > helpless; innocent
2 All that she might, and him in vain reviled:
might > could
3 She struggled strongly both with foot and hand, 4 To save her honour from that villain vile, 5 And cried to heaven, from human help exiled. 6 O you brave knights, that boast this lady's love,
boast > brag of; extol
7 Where be you now, when she is nigh defiled 8 Of filthy wretch? Well may she you reprove
Of > By [a]
9 Of falsehood or of sloth, when most it may behove.
may behove > [behoves you to come to her aid]
308.28
But if that thou, Sir Satyran, didst weete,
2 Or thou, Sir Peridure, her sorie state,
How soone would yee assemble many a fleete,
4 To fetch from sea, that ye at land lost late;
Towres, Cities, Kingdomes ye would ruinate,
6 In your auengement and dispiteous rage,
Ne ought your burning fury mote abate;
8 But if Sir Calidore could it presage,
No liuing creature could his cruelty asswage.
1 But if you, Sir Satyrane, did weet
weet > know; discover
2 (Or you, Sir Peridure) her sorry state,
Peridure > (The spelling indicates a meaning like "Endurance" or "He
Who Persists". Possibly the intended hero of an unknown book of
FQ)
sorry > painful, distressing
3 How soon would you assemble many a fleet, 4 To fetch from sea that you at land lost late;
that > [she whom] late > lately
5 Towers, cities, kingdoms, you would ruinate
ruinate > demolish; lay waste; overthrow
6 In your avengement and dispiteous rage,
avengement > vengeance dispiteous > pitiless
7 Nor aught your burning fury might abate;
might > could
8 But if Sir Calidore could it presage,
Calidore > "Beautiful Gift" (Greek); "Clever", "Skilful" (Latin callidus); "Hot", "Fiery", "Passionate" (Latin calidus. The latter meanings are the most appropriate here. Sir Calidore is the hero of Book VI) presage > {Have a presentiment of; hence: know of, hear about}
9 No living creature could his cruelty assuage.
308.29
But sith that none of all her knights is nye,
2 See how the heauens of voluntary grace,
And soueraine fauour towards chastity,
4 Doe succour send to her distressed cace:
So much high God doth innocence embrace.
6 It fortuned, whilest thus she stifly stroue,
And the wide sea importuned long space
8 With shrilling shriekes, Proteus abrode did roue,
Along the fomy waues driuing his finny droue.
1 But sith none of all her knights is nigh,
sith > since none > not one
2 See how the heavens, of voluntary grace
of > from, by
3 And sovereign favour towards chastity,
sovereign > supreme
4 Do succour send to her distressed case:
case > state; plight
5 So much high God does innocence embrace.
embrace > take in hand, include; hence: protect
6 It fortuned, whilst thus she stiffly strove,
stiffly > strongly, violently; resolutely
7 And the wide sea importuned long space
long space > [for a] long time
8 With shrilling shrieks, Proteus abroad did rove, 9 Along the foamy waves driving his finny drove.
drove > {A number of beasts driven in a body, usually sheep, oxen, etc., but here, seals}
308.30
Proteus is Shepheard of the seas of yore,
2 And hath the charge of Neptunes mightie heard;
An aged sire with head all +frory+ hore,
4 And sprinckled frost vpon his deawy beard:
Who when those pittifull outcries he heard,
6 Through all the seas so ruefully resound,
His charet swift in haste he thither steard,
8 Which with a teeme of scaly Phocas bound
Was drawne vpon the waues, that fomed him around.
3 frory > frowy 1590, 1596; cf. 308.35:2
1 Proteus is shepherd of the seas of yore,
yore > old
2 And has the charge of Neptune's mighty herd; 3 An aged sire, with head all frory hoar,
sire > {Father, elderly man} frory > foamy (with connotation of the primary sense, "frosty") hoar > {Venerable with age; ancient; silver-grey like hoar-frost}
4 And sprinkled frost upon his dewy beard:
frost > {The colour of frost: silver, silver-grey}
5 Who when those pitiful outcries he heard
outcries > {Cryings out}
6 Through all the seas so ruefully resound,
ruefully > pitiably
7 His charet swift in haste he thither steered,
charet > chariot
8 Which with a team of scaly phocas bound
phocas bound > harnessed seals ("bound" may also indicate metaphorical bonds, as of duty and obligation)
9 Was drawn upon the waves that foamed him around.
him around > [around him]
308.31
And comming to that Fishers wandring bote,
2 That went at will, withouten carde or sayle,
He therein saw that yrkesome sight, which smote
4 Deepe indignation and compassion frayle
Into his hart attonce: streight did he hayle
6 The greedy villein from his hoped pray,
Of which he now did very litle fayle,
8 And with his staffe, that driues his Heard astray,
Him bet so sore, that life and sense did much dismay.
1 And coming to that fisher's wandering boat,
fisher > fisherman wandering > (Includes the sense "errant", "deviating from the true course": cf. 206.10:2)
2 That went at will, without card or sail,
card > chart
3 He therein saw that irksome sight, which smote
irksome > distressing; loathsome
4 Deep indignation and compassion frail
frail > tender (SUS)
5 Into his heart at once: straight did he hale
at once > simultaneously; at once straight > straightway, unreservedly; strait: strictly hale > drag
6 The greedy villein from his hoped prey,
villein > villain; serf hoped > [hoped-for]
7 Of which he now did very little fail,
fail > lack (fail of = miss)
8 And with his staff, that drives his herd astray,
astray > [when they are astray; hence: when they stray from their proper course]
9 Him beat so sore that life and sense did much dismay.
sore > grievously; sore life > [he his] life dismay > {Overcome, defeat by sudden onslaught}
308.32
The whiles the pitteous Ladie vp did ryse,
2 Ruffled and fowly raid with filthy soyle,
And blubbred face with teares of her faire eyes:
4 Her heart nigh broken was with weary toyle,
To saue her selfe from that outrageous spoyle,
6 But when she looked vp, to weet, what wight
+Had her from so infamous fact assoyld,+
8 For shame, but more for feare of his grim sight,
Downe in her lap she hid her face, and loudly shright.
7 Had her from so infamous fact assoyld, > Did her from so infamous fact assoyle, conj. Church
1 The whiles the piteous lady up did rise,
The whiles > Meanwhile piteous > {Worthy of or exciting pity}
2 Ruffled and foully berayed with filthy soil,
berayed > defiled; bespattered soil > earth, soil, hence: muck
3 And blubbered face with tears of her fair eyes:
blubbered > {Swollen or stained with tears}
4 Her heart nigh broken was with weary toil, 5 To save herself from that outrageous spoil,
outrageous > outrageous; violent spoil > {Pillage, rapine; act of spoiling or damaging}
6 But when she looked up, to weet what wight
weet > discover, learn wight > person, creature
7 Had her from so infamous fact assoiled,
so > [such an] fact > deed, crime assoiled > set free, rescued (catachr.)
8 For shame, but more for fear of his grim sight,
grim sight > formidable appearance
9 Down in her lap she hid her face, and loudly shright.
shright > shrieked
308.33
Her selfe not saued yet from daunger dred
2 She thought, but chaung'd from one to other feare;
Like as a fearefull Partridge, that is fled
4 From the sharpe Hauke, which her attached neare,
And fals to ground, to seeke for succour theare,
6 Whereas the hungry Spaniels she does spy,
With greedy iawes her readie for to teare;
8 In such distresse and sad perplexity
Was Florimell, when Proteus she did see +thereby+.
9 thereby > her by 1590
1 Herself not saved yet from danger dread
danger dread > [dreadful danger]
2 She thought, but changed from one to other fear;
fear > [source of fear: cf. 106.10:9]
3 Like a fearful partridge that is fled 4 From the sharp hawk, which her attached near,
sharp > hungry, eager for prey attached near > nearly seized
5 And falls to ground, to seek succour there, 6 Where the hungry spaniels she does spy,
spaniel > (This breed is used for starting and retrieving small game)
7 With greedy jaws her ready to tear;
greedy > eager
8 In such distress and sad perplexity
sad > grievous; sad perplexity > perplexity; distress
9 Was Florimell, when Proteus she did see thereby.
thereby > there, adjacent; hence: beside her
308.34
But he endeuoured with speeches milde
2 Her to recomfort, and accourage bold,
Bidding her feare no more her foeman vilde,
4 Nor doubt himselfe; and who he was, her told.
Yet all that could not from affright her hold,
6 Ne to recomfort her at all preuayld;
For her faint heart was with the frozen cold
8 Benumbd so inly, that her wits nigh fayld,
And all her senses with abashment quite were quayld.
1 But he endeavoured with speeches mild
mild > mild, kind; gracious
2 Her to recomfort, and accourage bold,
recomfort > console; inspire with fresh courage accourage > encourage (WUFQ)
3 Bidding her fear no more her foeman vile,
foeman > enemy
4 Nor doubt himself; and who he was her told.
doubt > fear; doubt
5 Yet all that could not from affright her hold,
affright > terror hold > preserve
6 Nor to recomfort her at all prevailed; 7 For her faint heart was with the frozen cold 8 Benumbed so inly that her wits nigh failed,
inly > inwardly
9 And all her senses with abashment quite were quailed.
abashment > confusion quailed > broken down; spoiled, impaired
308.35
Her vp betwixt his rugged hands he reard,
2 And with his frory lips full softly kist,
Whiles the cold ysickles from his rough beard,
4 Dropped adowne vpon her yuorie brest:
Yet he himselfe so busily addrest,
6 That her out of astonishment he wrought,
And out of that same fishers filthy nest
8 Remouing her, into his charet brought,
And there with many gentle termes her faire besought.
1 Her up betwixt his rugged hands he reared,
rugged > coarse, rough, unrefined; hairy
2 And with his frory lips full softly kissed,
frory > foamy (with connotation of the primary sense, "frosty") full > very kissed > [kissed her]
3 While the cold icicles from his rough beard 4 Dropped adown upon her ivory breast:
adown > down
5 Yet he himself so busily addressed
addressed > applied
6 That her out of astonishment he wrought,
astonishment > {Loss of sense or wits} wrought > worked; hence: brought
7 And out of that same fisher's filthy nest 8 Removing her, into his charet brought,
charet > chariot
9 And there with many gentle terms her fair besought.
terms > words
308.36
But that old leachour, which with bold assault
2 That beautie durst presume to violate,
He cast to punish for his hainous fault;
4 Then tooke he him yet trembling sith of late,
And tyde behind his charet, to aggrate
6 The virgin, whom he had abusde so sore:
So drag'd him through the waues in scornefull state,
8 And after cast him vp, vpon the shore;
But Florimell with him vnto his bowre he bore.
1 But that old lecher, who with bold assault 2 That beauty dared presume to violate, 3 He cast to punish for his heinous fault;
cast > decided fault > offence, transgression
4 Then took he him, yet trembling sith of late,
yet > still sith of late > since recently (i.e. since his drubbing)
5 And tied behind his charet, to aggrate
charet > chariot aggrate > gratify (SUS)
6 The virgin, whom he had abused so sore: 7 So dragged him through the waves in scornful state, 8 And after cast him up upon the shore; 9 But Florimell with him to his bower he bore.
bower > dwelling
308.37
His bowre is in the bottome of the maine,
2 Vnder a mightie rocke, gainst which do raue
The roaring billowes in their proud disdaine,
4 That with the angry working of the waue,
Therein is eaten out an hollow caue,
6 That seemes rough Masons hand with engines keene
Had long while laboured it to engraue:
8 There was his wonne, ne liuing wight was seene,
Saue one old Nymph, +hight+ Panope to keepe it cleane.
9 hight > high 1590
1 His bower is in the bottom of the main,
bower > dwelling main > main ocean, high sea; sea
2 Under a mighty rock, gainst which do rave
gainst > against
3 The roaring billows in their proud disdain,
disdain > anger; malice, resentment
4 That with the angry working of the wave
That > [So that]
5 Therein is eaten out a hollow cave,
hollow > hollow; insincere, false, hungry
6 That seems rough mason's hand with engines keen
engines > tools; machines keen > sharp
7 Had long while laboured, it to engrave:
engrave > sculpture; hence: carve out
8 There was his won, nor living wight was seen,
won > dwelling-place wight > creature
9 Save one old nymph, hight Panope, to keep it clean.
nymph > {Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. This one is a nereid, a sea-nymph} hight > named Panope > "All Seeing" (Greek; she sees all the deeds enacted under her master's roof. She reappears at 411.49:8, and see Hesiod, Theogony 250)
308.38
Thither he brought the sory Florimell,
2 And entertained her the best he might
And Panope her entertaind eke well,
4 As an immortall mote a mortall wight,
To winne her liking vnto his delight:
6 With flattering words he sweetly wooed her,
And offered faire gifts t'allure her sight,
8 But she both offers and the offerer
Despysde, and all the fawning of the flatterer.
1 Thither he brought the sorry Florimell,
sorry > {Distressed; full of grief}
2 And entertained her the best he might;
might > could
3 And Panope her entertained eke well,
eke > in addition
4 As an immortal might a mortal wight,
wight > woman
5 To win her liking to his delight:
win > persuade liking > inclination, approval, consent
6 With flattering words he sweetly wooed her, 7 And offered fair gifts to allure her sight, 8 But she both offers and the offerer 9 Despised, and all the fawning of the flatterer.
308.39
Daily he tempted her with this or that,
2 And neuer suffred her to be at rest:
But euermore she him refused flat,
4 And all his fained kindnesse did +detest,+
So firmely she had sealed vp her brest.
6 Sometimes he boasted, that a God he hight:
But she a mortall creature loued best:
8 Then he would make himselfe a mortall wight;
But then she said she lou'd none, but a Faerie knight.
4 detest, > detest. 1596
1 Daily he tempted her with this or that, 2 And never suffered her to be at rest:
suffered > allowed
3 But evermore she him refused flat, 4 And all his feigned kindness did detest,
feigned kindness > feigned kindness; dissimulated love ("kindness" in the sense found at 308.15:1)
5 So firmly she had sealed up her breast. 6 Sometimes he boasted that a god he hight:
hight > was called
7 But she a mortal creature loved best: 8 Then he would make himself a mortal wight;
wight > man
9 But then she said she loved none but a Faery knight.
none > no one
308.40
Then like a Faerie knight himselfe he drest;
2 For euery shape on him he could endew:
Then like a king he was to her exprest,
4 And offred kingdomes vnto her in vew,
To be his Leman and his Ladie trew:
6 But when all this he nothing saw preuaile,
With harder meanes he cast her to subdew,
8 And with sharpe threates her often did assaile,
So thinking for to make her stubborne courage quaile.
1 Then like a Faery knight himself he dressed;
dressed > dressed; arrayed (with armour, etc.)
2 For every shape on him he could endue:
endue > put on (as a garment)
3 Then like a king he was to her expressed,
expressed > portrayed
4 And offered kingdoms to her in view,
in view > in her view; or, lacking the final comma: with the object, hence: to prevail upon her
5 To be his leman and his lady true:
leman > lover, mistress
6 But when all this he nothing saw prevail,
nothing > not in the least prevail > avail; prevail
7 With harder means he cast her to subdue,
cast > resolved
8 And with sharp threats her often did assail,
sharp > sharp (probably with connotation of the meaning at 308.33:4)
9 So thinking to make her stubborn courage quail.
So > In this manner courage > spirit
308.41
To dreadfull shapes he did himselfe transforme,
2 Now like a Gyant, now like to a feend,
Then like a Centaure, then like to a storme,
4 Raging within the waues: thereby he weend
Her will to win vnto his wished +end+.
6 But when with feare, nor fauour, nor with all
He else could doe, he saw himselfe esteemd,
8 Downe in a Dongeon deepe he let her fall,
And threatned there to make her his eternall thrall.
5 end > eend 1590
1 To dreadful shapes he did himself transform, 2 Now like a giant, now like a fiend, 3 Then like a centaur, then like a storm
centaur > {Fabulous creature with the head, arms and trunk of a man and the lower parts of a horse}
4 Raging within the waves: thereby he weened
weened > thought, supposed
5 Her will to win to his wished end.
win > persuade
6 But when with fear, nor favour, nor with all
with fear > [neither with fear]
7 He else could do, he saw himself esteemed,
else > otherwise
8 Down in a dungeon deep he let her fall, 9 And threatened there to make her his eternal thrall.
thrall > slave
308.42
Eternall thraldome was to her more liefe,
2 Then losse of chastitie, or chaunge of loue:
Die had she rather in tormenting griefe,
4 Then any should of falsenesse her reproue,
Or loosenesse, that she lightly did remoue.
6 Most vertuous virgin, glory be thy meed,
And crowne of heauenly praise with Saints aboue,
8 Where most sweet hymmes of this thy famous deed
Are still emongst them song, that far my rymes exceed.
1 Eternal thraldom was to her more lief
thraldom > captivity, slavery lief > agreeable, acceptable
2 Than loss of chastity, or change of love: 3 Die had she rather in tormenting grief
Die had she rather > [She would rather have died]
4 Than any should of falseness her reprove,
Than > [Than that] reprove > condemn
5 Or looseness, that she lightly did remove.
that > [in that] remove > [remove her love from Marinell]
6 Most virtuous virgin, glory be your meed,
meed > reward
7 And crown of heavenly praise with saints above, 8 Where most sweet hymns of this your famous deed 9 Are still amongst them sung, that far my rhymes exceed.
exceed > surpass
308.43
Fit song of Angels caroled to bee;
2 But yet what so my feeble Muse can frame,
Shall be t'aduance thy goodly chastitee,
4 And to enroll thy memorable name,
In th'heart of euery honourable Dame,
6 That they thy vertuous deedes may imitate,
And be partakers of thy endlesse fame.
8 It yrkes me, leaue thee in this wofull state,
To tell of Satyrane, where I him left of late.
1 Fit song of angels carolled to be;
of > by carolled > sung
2 But yet whatso my feeble Muse can frame
whatso > whatever frame > give expression to, compose
3 Shall be to advance your goodly chastity
advance > extol
4 And to enrol your memorable name 5 In the heart of every honourable dame, 6 That they your virtuous deeds may imitate,
That > [So that]
7 And be partakers of your endless fame.
partakers of > participants in; sharers of
8 It irks me leave you in this woeful state,
irks > troubles; shames leave > [to leave]
9 To tell of Satyrane, where I him left of late.
308.44
Who hauing ended with that Squire of Dames
2 A long discourse of his aduentures vaine,
The which himselfe, then Ladies more defames,
4 And finding not th'Hyena to be slaine,
With that same Squire, returned backe againe
6 To his first way. And as they forward went,
They spyde a knight faire pricking on the plaine,
8 As if he were on some aduenture bent,
And in his port appeared manly hardiment.
1 Who, having ended with that Squire of Dames 2 A long discourse of his adventures vain,
vain > foolish; futile
3 Which himself, than ladies more defame, 4 And finding not the hyena to be slain,
hyena > (The monster is described only as "likest" to a hyena at 307.22:8)
5 With that same squire returned back again 6 To his first way. And, as they forward went, 7 They spied a knight fair pricking on the plain,
fair > handsome, good-looking (qualifying the knight); expertly, becomingly (qualifying "pricking") pricking > spurring his horse, riding
8 As if he were on some adventure bent,
bent > bound
9 And in his port appeared manly hardiment.
port > deportment, bearing (i.e. hardiment is discernible in his demeanour) hardiment > hardihood; boldness
308.45
Sir Satyrane him towards did addresse,
2 To weet, what wight he was, and what his quest:
And comming nigh, eftsoones he gan to +gesse+
4 Both by the burning hart, which on his brest
He bare, and by the colours in his crest,
6 That Paridell it was. Tho to him yode,
And him saluting, as beseemed best,
8 Gan first inquire of tydings farre abrode;
And afterwardes, on what aduenture now he rode.
3 gesse > ghesse 1609
1 Sir Satyrane him towards did address,
address > betake himself, go
2 To weet what wight he was, and what his quest:
weet > find out wight > man
3 And coming nigh, eftsoons he began to guess,
eftsoons > soon
4 Both by the burning heart (which on his breast 5 He bore) and by the colours in his crest, 6 That Paridell it was. Tho to him yode,
Paridell > (This is his first appearance in the poem; he is known to
Satyrane, but not to us)
Tho > Then
yode > went
7 And him saluting, as beseemed best,
beseemed best > was most fitting
8 Gan first inquire of tidings far abroad;
Gan > Did
9 And afterwards, on what adventure now he rode.
308.46
Who thereto answering, said; The tydings bad,
2 Which now in Faerie court all men do tell,
Which turned hath great mirth, to mourning sad,
4 Is the late ruine of proud Marinell,
And suddein parture of faire Florimell,
6 To find him forth: and after her are gone
All the braue knights, that doen in armes excell,
8 To sauegard her, ywandred all alone;
Emongst the rest my lot (vnworthy) is to be one.
1 Who thereto answering, said: "The tidings bad,
thereto > to that
2 Which now in Faery court all men do tell, 3 Which turned has great mirth to mourning sad,
has > (The singular verb with the plural "tidings" was formerly not unusual)
4 Is the late ruin of proud Marinell,
late ruin > recent downfall
5 And sudden departure of fair Florimell 6 To find him forth: and after her are gone 7 All the brave knights that do in arms excel,
brave > brave; splendid arms > {Deeds of arms}
8 To safeguard her, wandered all alone; 9 Amongst the rest my lot (unworthy) is to be one."
308.47
Ah gentle knight (said then Sir Satyrane)
2 Thy labour all is lost, I greatly dread,
That hast a thanklesse seruice on thee ta'ne,
4 And offrest sacrifice vnto the dead:
For dead, I +surely+ doubt, thou maist aread
6 Henceforth for euer Florimell to be,
That all the noble knights of Maydenhead,
8 Which her ador'd, may sore repent with me,
And all faire Ladies may for euer sory be.
5 surely > sorely sugg. Upton; see 308.48:6
1 "Ah, gentle knight," said then Sir Satyrane,
gentle > noble
2 "Your labour all is lost, I greatly dread, 3 That have a thankless service on you taken,
That > [In that you]
4 And offer sacrifice to the dead: 5 For dead, I sorely doubt, you may aread
sorely > (Following Upton's suggestion: see Textual Appendix) doubt > fear aread > adjudge; declare
6 Henceforth for ever Florimell to be, 7 That all the noble knights of Maidenhead,
That > [So that; or: that sad fact] Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order)
8 Which her adored, may sore repent with me,
sore > grievously
9 And all fair ladies may for ever sorry be."
308.48
Which words when Paridell had heard, his hew
2 Gan greatly chaunge, and seem'd dismayd to bee;
Then said, Faire Sir, how may I weene it trew,
4 That ye doe tell in such vncertaintee?
Or speake ye of report, or did ye see
6 Iust cause of dread, that makes ye doubt so sore?
For perdie else how mote it euer bee,
8 That euer hand should dare for to engore
Her noble bloud? the heauens such crueltie abhore.
1 Which words when Paridell had heard, his hue
hue > colour; appearance
2 Gan greatly change, and seemed dismayed to be;
Gan > Did
3 Then said, "Fair sir, how may I ween it true,
ween > believe
4 That you do tell in such uncertainty?
That > [That which]
5 Or speak you of report, or did you see
Or > Either; hence: do report > rumour, [a] rumour
6 Just cause of dread, that makes you doubt so sore?
doubt > fear
7 For pardie else how might it ever be
pardie > truly, "by God" else > otherwise might > could
8 That ever hand should dare to engore
engore > make gory [cause blood to coagulate by shedding it]
9 Her noble blood? The heavens such cruelty abhor."
308.49
These eyes did see, that they will euer rew
2 +T'haue+ seene, (quoth he) when as a monstrous beast
The Palfrey, whereon she did trauell, slew,
4 And of his bowels made +his bloudie+ feast:
Which speaking token sheweth at the least
6 Her certaine losse, if not her sure decay:
Besides, that more suspition encreast,
8 I found her golden girdle cast astray,
Distaynd with durt and bloud, as relique of the pray.
2 T'haue > To haue 1590 4 his bloudie > a bloudy 1609
1 "These eyes did see (that they will ever rue 2 To have seen)," quoth he, "when a monstrous beast 3 The palfrey, whereon she did travel, slew,
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies} whereon > on which
4 And of his bowels made his bloody feast: 5 Which speaking token shows at the least 6 Her certain loss, if not her sure decay:
decay > death
7 Besides, that more suspicion increased,
that more > [and that more greatly my]
8 I found her golden girdle cast astray, 9 Distained with dirt and blood, as relic of the prey."
Distained > Stained, sullied prey > {Act of preying, as 307.36:6}
308.50
Aye me, (said Paridell) the signes be sad,
2 And but God turne the same to good soothsay,
That Ladies safetie is sore to be drad:
4 Yet will I not forsake my forward way,
Till triall doe more certaine truth bewray.
6 Faire Sir (quoth he) well may it you succeed,
Ne long shall Satyrane behind you stay,
8 But to the rest, which in this Quest proceed
My labour adde, and be partaker of their speed.
1 "Ay me," said Paridell, "the signs be sad,
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect) be > [are] sad > ill-omened; grievous
2 And but God turn the same to good soothsay,
but > unless good soothsay > [a] favourable omen
3 That lady's safety is sore to be dreaded: 4 Yet will I not forsake my forward way,
forward > forward (in direction); eager
5 Till trial do more certain truth bewray."
trial > inquiry bewray > reveal
6 "Fair sir," quoth he, "well may it you succeed,
succeed > succeed in; give success to
7 Nor long shall Satyrane behind you stay, 8 But to the rest which in this quest proceed
rest > [of the Faery knights]
9 My labour add, and be partaker of their speed."
add > [I shall add] partaker of > [a] participant in, [a] sharer of speed > success; speed; promptness
308.51
Ye noble knights (said then the Squire of Dames)
2 Well may ye speed in so praiseworthy paine:
But sith the Sunne now ginnes to slake his beames,
4 In deawy vapours of the westerne maine,
And lose the teme out of his weary waine,
6 Mote not mislike you also to abate
Your zealous hast, till morrow next againe
8 Both light of heauen, and strength of men relate:
Which if ye please, to yonder castle turne your gate.
1 "You noble knights," said then the Squire of Dames, 2 "Well may you speed in so praiseworthy pain:
speed > succeed, thrive so > [such a] pain > effort
3 But sith the sun now begins to slake his beams
sith > since
4 In dewy vapours of the western main,
main > sea
5 And loosen the team out of his weary wain,
team > [team of horses] wain > chariot (in which Phoebus Apollo makes his daily journey across the sky)
6 Might not mislike you also to abate
not mislike > [it] not displease
7 Your zealous haste, till morrow next again 8 Both light of heaven, and strength of men relates:
relates > brings back, restores (SU)
9 Which if you please, to yonder castle turn your gate."
you please > [this advice you pleases] gate > way, journey (closely cognate with "gait"); hence: course
308.52
That counsell pleased well; so all yfere
2 Forth marched to a Castle them before,
Where soone arriuing, they restrained were
4 Of readie entrance, which ought euermore
To errant knights be +commun+: wondrous sore
6 Thereat displeasd they were, till that young Squire
Gan them informe the cause, why that same dore
8 Was shut to all, which lodging did desire:
The which to let you weet, will further time require.
5 commun > commune 1590
1 That counsel pleased well; so all yfere
yfere > together
2 Forth marched to a castle them before, 3 Where, soon arriving, they restrained were
restrained > deprived
4 Of ready entrance, which ought evermore 5 To errant knights be common: wondrous sore
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating) common > generally accessible; hence: freely available
6 Thereat displeased they were, till that young squire
Thereat > Because of that, at that
7 Gan them inform the cause why that same door
Gan > Did cause > reason
8 Was shut to all which lodging did desire: 9 Which, to let you weet, will further time require.
weet > discover, learn
Malbecco will no straunge knights host,
2 For peeuish gealosie:
Paridell giusts with Britomart:
4 Both shew their auncestrie.
1 Malbecco will no strange knights host,
strange > foreign; new-come
2 For peevish jealousy:
peevish > senseless, crazy; malicious; perverse; peevish
3 Paridell jousts with Britomart: 4 Both show their ancestry.
show > explain, expound
309.1
REdoubted knights, and honorable Dames,
2 To whom I leuell all my labours end,
Right sore I feare, least with vnworthy blames
4 This odious argument my rimes should shend,
Or ought your goodly patience offend,
6 Whiles of a wanton Lady I do write,
Which with her loose incontinence doth blend
8 The shyning glory of your soueraigne light,
And knighthood fowle defaced by a faithlesse knight.
1 Redoubted knights, and honourable dames,
Redoubted > Distinguished; doughty
2 To whom I level all my labours' end,
level > direct, aim (as in levelling a weapon)
3 Right sore I fear lest with unworthy blames
Right > Very, greatly blames > accusations, imputations
4 This odious argument my rhymes should shend,
argument > subject-matter shend > disgrace ("rimes" is the object)
5 Or aught your goodly patience offend,
goodly > courteous; graceful, fine, elevated
6 While of a wanton lady I do write 7 (Who with her loose incontinence does blend
blend > stir up, render turbid; hence: defile
8 The shining glory of your sovereign light) 9 And knighthood foully defaced by a faithless knight.
knighthood > [while I do write of knighthood]
309.2
But neuer let th'ensample of the bad
2 Offend the good: for good by paragone
Of euill, may more notably be rad,
4 As white seemes fairer, macht with blacke +attone+;
Ne all are shamed by the fault of one:
6 For lo in heauen, whereas all goodnesse is,
Emongst the Angels, a whole legione
8 Of wicked Sprights did fall from happy blis;
What wonder then, if one of women all did mis?
4 attone > attonce 1590
1 But never let the example of the bad 2 Offend the good: for good, by paragon
paragon > comparison
3 Of evil, may more notably be read,
Of > With read > seen; made known
4 As white seems fairer matched with black at one;
at one > together; simultaneously
5 Nor all are shamed by the fault of one:
all are > [are all]
6 For lo in heaven, where all goodness is, 7 Amongst the angels, a whole legion 8 Of wicked sprites did fall from happy bliss; 9 What wonder then, if one of women all did miss?
of women all > [among all women] miss > go astray
309.3
Then listen Lordings, if ye list to weet
2 The cause, why Satyrane and Paridell
Mote not be entertaynd, as seemed meet,
4 Into that Castle (as that Squire does tell.)
Therein a cancred crabbed Carle does dwell,
6 That has no skill of Court nor courtesie,
Ne cares, what men say of him ill or well;
8 For all his dayes he drownes in priuitie,
Yet has full large to liue, and spend at libertie.
1 Then listen, lordings, if you list to weet
lordings > gentlemen; lords list > please, choose weet > learn
2 The cause why Satyrane and Paridell
cause > reason
3 Might not be entertained, as seemed meet,
Might > Could entertained > received meet > fitting, appropriate
4 Into that castle (as that squire does tell).
squire > (The Squire of Dames, continuing from 308.52)
5 "Therein a cankered crabbed carl does dwell,
cankered > malignant, spiteful; ill-tempered crabbed > perverse; churlish carl > churl; villain; niggard
6 That has no skill of court nor courtesy,
skill > knowledge
7 Nor cares what men say of him, ill or well;
ill > evilly
8 For all his days he drowns in privity,
privity > seclusion
9 Yet has full large to live, and spend at liberty.
large > liberality, bounty, largess, money; hence: means
309.4
But all his mind is set on mucky pelfe,
2 To hoord vp heapes of euill gotten masse,
For which he others wrongs, and wreckes himselfe;
4 Yet he is lincked to a louely lasse,
Whose beauty doth +her+ bounty far surpasse,
6 The which to him both far vnequall yeares,
And also far vnlike conditions has;
8 For she does ioy to play emongst her peares,
And to be free from hard restraint and gealous feares.
5 her > his 1609
1 "But all his mind is set on mucky pelf,
pelf > money, cash, "filthy lucre"
2 To hoard up heaps of evil-gotten mass,
mass > ("In mass" is a term used to describe gold or silver in the mass; hence: treasure)
3 For which he others wrongs, and wrecks himself; 4 Yet he is linked to a lovely lass, 5 Whose beauty does her bounty far surpass,
bounty > virtue
6 Who to him both far unequal years
far unequal > (She is much younger)
7 And also far unlike conditions has;
conditions > personal qualities, personality, tastes
8 For she does joy to play amongst her peers,
joy > enjoy, take delight play > (In various senses, including that of sexual diversion: cf. 308.20:3)
9 And to be free from hard restraint and jealous fears.
309.5
But he is old, and withered like hay,
2 Vnfit faire Ladies seruice to supply;
The priuie guilt whereof makes him alway
4 Suspect her truth, and keepe continuall spy
Vpon her with his other blincked eye;
6 Ne suffreth he resort of liuing wight
Approch to her, ne keepe her company,
8 But in close bowre her mewes from all mens sight,
Depriu'd of kindly ioy and naturall delight.
1 "But he is old, and withered like hay, 2 Unfit fair lady's service to supply;
service > sexual gratification
3 The privy guilt whereof makes him alway
privy > private, hidden alway > always
4 Suspect her truth, and keep continual spy
truth > fidelity; virtue, integrity spy > watch
5 Upon her with his other blinked eye;
his other > his remaining (i.e. his one remaining; see 309.27:6) blinked > {Affected with a blink; also: deceived}
6 Nor suffers he resort of living wight
suffers > permits resort > assemblage, company, repair; hence, loosely: [the] presence wight > person [to]
7 Approach to her, nor keep her company, 8 But in close bower her mews from all men's sight,
close bower > [a] secret chamber mews > hides
9 Deprived of kindly joy and natural delight.
kindly > natural
309.6
Malbecco he, and Hellenore she hight,
2 Vnfitly yokt together in one teeme,
That is the cause, why neuer any knight
4 +Is+ suffred here to enter, but he seeme
Such, as no doubt of him he neede misdeeme.
6 Thereat Sir Satyrane gan smile, and say;
Extremely mad the man I surely deeme,
8 That weenes with watch and hard restraint to stay
A womans will, which is disposd to go astray.
4 Is > It 1596
1 "Malbecco he, and Hellenore she, hight,
Malbecco > "Evil Goat", "Misguided Cuckold" (Italian: mal, bad, wrong; becco, billy-goat, cuckold) Hellenore > "Beyond Helen" ("ore" is an obsolete spelling of "o'er", "over"; with possible pun on "whore". She is named after Helen of Troy: see 310.13:1) hight > [they] are named
2 Unfitly yoked together in one team,
team > {Pair of animals used for draught; hence: marriage}
3 That is the cause why never any knight 4 Is suffered here to enter, but he seem
suffered > allowed but > unless
5 Such as no doubt of him he need misdeem."
doubt > doubt; fear he > [Malbecco] misdeem > suspect
6 Thereat Sir Satyrane gan smile, and say:
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that gan > did
7 "Extremely mad the man, I surely deem, 8 That weens with watch and hard restraint to stay
weens > imagines, supposes stay > restrain
9 A woman's will, which is disposed to go astray.
309.7
In vaine he feares that, which he cannot shonne:
2 For who wotes not, that womans subtiltyes
Can guilen Argus, when she list +misdonne+?
4 It is not yron bandes, nor hundred eyes,
Nor brasen walls, nor many wakefull spyes,
6 That can withhold her wilfull wandring feet;
But fast good will with gentle curtesyes,
8 And timely seruice to her pleasures meet
May her perhaps containe, that else would algates fleet.
3 misdonne > disdonne 1590
1 "In vain he fears that which he cannot shun: 2 For who wots not, that woman's subtleties
wots > knows
3 Can guile Argus, when she list misdo?
guile > deceive; beguile list > chooses, pleases misdo > [to] do wrong
4 It is not iron bonds, nor hundred eyes, 5 Nor brazen walls, nor many wakeful spies, 6 That can withhold her wilful wandering feet; 7 But fast goodwill with gentle courtesies,
fast > firm, close
8 And timely service to her pleasures meet
meet > appropriate
9 May her perhaps contain, that else would algates fleet."
contain > keep under control that else > who otherwise algates > altogether; after all; hence: surely fleet > waver, fluctuate; slip away, vanish
309.8
Then is he not more mad (said Paridell)
2 That hath himselfe vnto such seruice sold,
In dolefull thraldome all his dayes to dwell?
4 For sure a foole I do him firmely hold,
That loues his fetters, though they were of gold.
6 But why do we deuise of others ill,
Whiles thus we suffer this same dotard old,
8 To keepe vs out, in scorne of his owne will,
And rather do not ransack all, and him selfe kill?
1 "Then is he not more mad," said Paridell, 2 "That has himself to such service sold, 3 In doleful thraldom all his days to dwell?
thraldom > slavery
4 For sure a fool I do him firmly hold, 5 That loves his fetters, though they were of gold. 6 But why do we devise of other's ill,
devise > talk other's ill > [another's plight]
7 While thus we suffer this same dotard old
suffer > allow
8 To keep us out in scorn of his own will,
scorn > [the] contempt
9 And rather do not ransack all, and himself kill?"
309.9
Nay let vs first (said +Satyrane)+ entreat
2 The man by gentle meanes, to let vs in,
And afterwardes affray with cruell threat,
4 Ere that we to efforce it do begin:
Then if all fayle, we will by force it win,
6 And eke reward the wretch for his mesprise,
As may be worthy of his haynous sin.
8 That counsell pleasd: then Paridell did rise,
And to the Castle gate approcht in quiet wise.
1 Satyrane) > Satyrane 1596
1 "Nay, let us first," said Satyrane, "entreat 2 The man, by gentle means, to let us in, 3 And afterwards affray with cruel threat,
affray > terrify [him]
4 Ere we to efforce it do begin:
efforce > force open (SUFQ) it > (Presumably, the castle; or Malbecco's hospitality)
5 Then, if all fails, we will by force it win, 6 And eke reward the wretch for his misprize,
eke > moreover misprize > contempt, scorn; mistake; failure to appreciate [the wrath of his visitors]
7 As may be worthy of his heinous sin." 8 That counsel pleased: then Paridell did rise, 9 And to the castle gate approached in quiet wise.
wise > manner, fashion
309.10
Whereat soft knocking, entrance he desyrd.
2 The good man selfe, which then the Porter playd,
Him answered, that all were now retyrd
4 Vnto their rest, and all the keyes conuayd
Vnto their maister, who in bed was layd,
6 That none him durst awake out of his dreme;
And therefore them of patience gently prayd.
8 Then Paridell began to chaunge his theme,
And threatned him with force and punishment extreme.
1 Whereat soft knocking, entrance he desired.
Whereat > At which
2 The goodman himself, who then the porter played,
goodman > {Male head of a household; host of an inn; keeper of a prison; husband; yeoman} porter > {Door-keeper; one who has charge of a door or gate (from the Latin portarius, etymologically distinct from the "porter" who carries burdens)} played > acted, hence: was pretending to be
3 Him answered that all were now retired 4 To their rest, and all the keys conveyed 5 To their master, who in bed was laid, 6 That none him dared awake out of his dream;
That > [So that]
7 And therefore them of patience gently prayed.
them of patience gently prayed > [politely entreated them to be patient]
8 Then Paridell began to change his theme, 9 And threatened him with force and punishment extreme.
309.11
But all in vaine; for nought mote him relent,
2 And now so long before the wicket fast
They wayted, that the night was forward spent,
4 And the faire welkin fowly ouercast,
Gan blowen vp a bitter stormy blast,
6 With shoure and hayle so horrible and dred,
That this faire many were compeld at last,
8 To fly for succour to a little shed,
The which beside the gate for swine was ordered.
1 But all in vain; for naught might him relent,
might > could relent > cause to relent
2 And now so long before the wicket fast
wicket > {Small door or gate made in or placed beside a large one} fast > (Of a door) bolted, locked
3 They waited that the night was forward spent,
forward spent > [well advanced]
4 And the fair welkin, foully overcast,
welkin > sky
5 Gan blow up a bitter stormy blast,
Gan > Began to, did
6 With shower and hail so horrible and dread,
dread > dreadful, fearsome
7 That this fair many were compelled at last
many > meinie: company
8 To fly for succour to a little shed,
fly > flee succour > shelter
9 Which beside the gate for swine was ordered.
was ordered > was arranged, hence: had been placed
309.12
It fortuned, soone after they were gone,
2 Another knight, whom the tempest thither brought,
Came to that Castle, and with earnest mone,
4 Like as the rest, late entrance deare besought;
But like so as the rest he prayd for nought,
6 For flatly he of entrance was refusd,
Sorely thereat he was displeasd, and thought
8 How to auenge himselfe so sore abusd,
And euermore the Carle of curtesie accusd.
1 It fortuned, soon after they were gone, 2 Another knight, whom the tempest thither brought,
Another > [That another]
3 Came to that castle and, with earnest moan,
moan > complaint, lamentation; hence: entreaty
4 Like the rest, late entrance dear besought;
dear > earnestly, keenly; also: desirable, precious (qualifying "late entrance")
5 But like the rest he prayed for naught,
prayed > besought
6 For flatly he entrance was refused; 7 Sorely thereat he was displeased, and thought
thereat > at that
8 How to avenge himself so sore abused, 9 And evermore the carl of courtesy accused.
carl > churl; villain; niggard of > [in the name of]
309.13
But to auoyde th'intollerable stowre,
2 He was compeld to seeke some refuge neare,
And to that shed, to shrowd him from the showre,
4 He came, which full of guests he found +whyleare+,
So as he was not let to enter there:
6 Whereat he gan to wex exceeding wroth,
And swore, that he would lodge with them yfere,
8 Or them dislodge, all were they liefe +or loth+;
And +so defide them+ each, and so defide them both.
4 whyleare > why leare 1596 8 or loth > orloth 1596 9 so defide them > defide them 1596; them defied 1609
1 But, to avoid the intolerable stour,
stour > storm, driving storm (Scottish and northern dialect)
2 He was compelled to seek some refuge near, 3 And to that shed, to shroud himself from the shower,
shroud > shelter
4 He came, which full of guests he found whilere,
whilere > erewhile: a while before; hence: already
5 So as he was not let to enter there:
as he was not let > [that he was not allowed]
6 Whereat he began to wax exceeding wroth,
Whereat > At which, whereupon wax > grow
7 And swore that he would lodge with them yfere,
yfere > together
8 Or them dislodge, all were they lief or loath;
all were they lief or loath > [whether they liked it or not]
9 And so defied them each, and so defied them both.
both > (The two knights, Sir Paridell and Sir Satyrane; a squire would not be challenged)
309.14
Both were full loth to leaue that needfull tent,
2 And both full loth in darkenesse to debate;
Yet both full liefe him lodging to haue lent,
4 And both full liefe his boasting to abate;
But chiefly Paridell his hart did grate,
6 To heare him threaten so despightfully,
As if he did a dogge +to+ kenell rate,
8 That durst not barke; and rather had he dy,
Then when he was defide, in coward corner ly.
7 to > in 1590
1 Both were full loath to leave that needful tent,
full > very, exceedingly tent > (Fig., as a shelter used by travellers)
2 And both full loath in darkness to debate;
debate > fight
3 Yet both full lief him lodging to have lent,
full lief > [were] very willing ("lief" used antithetically to "loath", as at 309.13:8)
4 And both full lief his boasting to abate; 5 But chiefly Paridell his heart did grate
Paridell his > Paridell's grate > grind (cf. 101.19:6)
6 To hear him threaten so despitefully,
despitefully > scornfully
7 As if he did a dog to kennel rate,
rate > drive (by scolding)
8 That dared not bark; and rather had he die
rather had he die > [he would rather have died]
9 Than, when he was defied, in coward corner lie.
coward > [a] cowardly
309.15
Tho hastily remounting to his steed,
2 He forth issew'd; like as a boistrous wind,
Which in th'earthes hollow caues hath long bin hid,
4 And shut vp fast within her prisons blind,
Makes the huge element against her kind
6 To moue, and tremble as it were agast,
Vntill that it an issew forth may find;
8 Then forth it breakes, and with his furious blast
Confounds both land and seas, and skyes doth ouercast.
1 Tho hastily remounting his steed,
Tho > Then
2 He forth issued, like a boisterous wind
boisterous > violently fierce
3 Which in the Earth's hollow caves has long been hidden 4 And, shut up fast within her prisons blind,
fast > firmly; closely blind > {Dark, lightless; lacking an opening; secret}
5 Makes the huge element against her kind
huge element > [Earth] kind > nature
6 Move, and tremble as she were aghast,
as > [as though] aghast > terrified
7 Until he an issue forth may find;
issue > outlet
8 Then forth he breaks, and with his furious blast
blast > {Blast; also: blighting wind, breath of a malignant power, as 102.38:6, since it causes the skies to become overcast}
9 Confounds both land and seas, and skies does overcast.
Confounds > Overthrows, lays waste; also, perhaps: throws into confusion, mixes up [the two elements]
309.16
Their steel-hed speares they strongly coucht, and met
2 Together with impetuous rage and forse,
That with the terrour of their fierce affret,
4 They rudely droue to ground both man and horse,
That each awhile lay like a sencelesse corse.
6 But Paridell sore brused with the blow,
Could not arise, the counterchaunge to scorse,
8 Till that young Squire him reared from below;
Then drew he his bright sword, and gan about him throw.
1 Their steel-headed spears they strongly couched, and met
couched > {Placed in their rests and lowered, ready for attack}
2 Together with impetuous rage and force, 3 That with the terror of their fierce affret
That > [So that] affret > encounter, onslaught (WUFQ)
4 They rudely drove to ground both man and horse,
rudely > violently; ignobly
5 That each awhile lay like a senseless corse.
That > [So that] corse > corpse
6 But Paridell, sore bruised with the blow, 7 Could not arise, the counterchange to scorse,
counterchange > exchange; hence: requital scorse > barter, bargain, exchange; hence: deal
8 Till that young squire him reared from below; 9 Then drew he his bright sword, and gan about him throw.
gan > did him > [himself] throw > turn, twist
309.17
But Satyrane forth stepping, did them stay
2 And with faire treatie pacifide their +ire,+
Then when they were accorded from the fray,
4 Against that Castles Lord they gan conspire,
To heape on him dew vengeaunce for his hire.
6 They bene agreed, and to the gates they goe
To burne the same with vnquenchable fire,
8 And that vncurteous Carle their commune foe
To do fowle death to dye, or wrap in grieuous woe.
2 ire, > ire; 1590
1 But Satyrane, forth stepping, did them stay
stay > hold back
2 And with fair treaty pacified their ire;
treaty > speech, negotiation; entreaty, persuasion
3 Then, when they were accorded from the fray,
accorded > reconciled
4 Against that castle's lord they gan conspire,
gan > did
5 To heap on him due vengeance for his hire.
hire > reward
6 They been agreed, and to the gates they go
been > [are]
7 To burn the same with unquenchable fire, 8 And that uncourteous carl, their common foe,
uncourteous > discourteous carl > churl; villain; niggard
9 To do foul death to die, or wrap in grievous woe.
do > make [a]
309.18
Malbecco seeing them resolu'd in deed
2 To flame the gates, and hearing them to call
For fire in earnest, ran with fearefull speed,
4 And to them calling from the castle wall,
Besought them humbly, him to beare with all,
6 As ignoraunt of seruants bad abuse,
And slacke attendaunce vnto straungers call.
8 The knights were willing all things to excuse,
Though nought beleu'd, and entraunce late did not refuse.
1 Malbecco, seeing them resolved indeed 2 To flame the gates, and hearing them to call 3 For fire in earnest, ran with fearful speed 4 And, to them calling from the castle wall, 5 Besought them humbly him to bear withal,
him to bear withal > [to bear with him]
6 As ignorant of servants' bad abuse, 7 And slack attendance to strangers' call.
attendance > attention; service
8 The knights were willing all things to excuse 9 (Though naught believed), and entrance late did not refuse.
naught believed > [they believed none of it]
309.19
They bene ybrought into a comely bowre,
2 And seru'd of all things that mote needfull bee;
Yet secretly their hoste did on them lowre,
4 And welcomde more for feare, then charitee;
But they dissembled, what they did not see,
6 And welcomed themselues. Each gan vndight
Their garments wet, and weary armour free,
8 To dry them selues by Vulcanes flaming light,
And eke their lately bruzed parts to bring in plight.
1 They been brought into a comely bower,
been > [were] bower > room
2 And served of all things that might needful be;
of > with
3 Yet secretly their host did on them lour, 4 And welcomed more for fear than charity; 5 But they dissembled what they did not see, 6 And welcomed themselves. Each gan undight
Each gan undight > [All] did unfasten
7 Their garments wet, and weary armour free, 8 To dry themselves by Vulcan's flaming light,
Vulcan > (God of fire)
9 And eke their lately bruised parts to bring in plight.
eke > also lately > recently in plight > to health
309.20
And eke that straunger knight emongst the +rest,+
2 Was for like need enforst to disaray:
Tho whenas vailed was her loftie crest,
4 Her golden locks, that were in tramels gay
Vpbounden, did them selues adowne display,
6 And raught vnto her heeles; like sunny beames,
That in a cloud their light did long time stay,
8 Their vapour vaded, shew their golden gleames,
And through the +persant+ aire shoote forth their +azure+ streames.
1 rest, > rest; 1590, 1596 9 persant > persent 1609; present 1611: a striking example of corruption; azure sugg. Collier 9 azure > persant sugg. Collier
1 And eke that stranger knight amongst the rest
eke > also stranger > new-come
2 Was for like need enforced to disarray:
like > [a] similar disarray > disrobe, divest herself [of armour]
3 Tho, when vailed was her lofty crest,
Tho > Then vailed > lowered; doffed crest > helmet
4 Her golden locks, that were in trammels gay
trammels > plaits, braids
5 Upbound, did themselves adown display,
adown > down display > spread, spread out; display
6 And raught to her heels: like sunny beams
raught > reached
7 That in a cloud their light did long time stay,
stay > fix; restrain
8 Their vapour vaded, show their golden gleams,
Their > [The clouds', confusing the number; or, perhaps, a variant spelling of "There"] vaded > [having been] dimmed, withered, hence: having been dispersed (variant of "faded") their > [the beams']
9 And through the azure air shoot forth their perceant streams.
perceant > piercing (I have changed the word-order to follow Collier's suggestion: see Textual Appendix. The syntax of lines 6-9 is confusing, but the intention is clear)
309.21
She also dofte her heauy haberieon,
2 Which the faire feature of her limbs did hyde,
And her well plighted frock, which she did won
4 To tucke about her short, when she did ryde,
She low let fall, that flowd from her lanck syde
6 Downe to her foot, with carelesse modestee.
Then of them all she plainly was espyde,
8 To be a woman wight, vnwist to bee,
The fairest woman wight, that euer eye did see.
1 She also doffed her heavy habergeon,
habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail}
2 Which the fair feature of her limbs did hide, 3 And her well plighted frock, which she did won
plighted > pleated did won > used, was accustomed
4 To tuck about her short when she did ride, 5 She low let fall; that flowed from her lank side
lank > lean, slender
6 Down to her foot, with careless modesty. 7 Then of them all she plainly was espied,
of > by
8 To be a woman wight, unwist to be,
wight > person (redundant, and thus intensifying "woman") unwist > unknown
9 The fairest woman wight that ever eye did see.
309.22
Like as +Minerua+, being late returnd
2 From slaughter of the Giaunts conquered;
Where proud Encelade, whose wide nosethrils burnd
4 With breathed flames, like to a furnace red,
Transfixed with +the+ speare, downe tombled ded
6 From top of Hemus, by him heaped hye;
Hath loosd her helmet from her lofty hed,
8 And her Gorgonian shield gins to vntye
From her left arme, to rest in glorious victorye.
1 Minerua > Bellona 1590 5 the > her 1590
1 Like Minerva, being late returned
Minerva > (Roman goddess of war; Bellona (see Textual Appendix) is another name for her. Bellona is sometimes represented as the wife of Mars, while Minerva, specifically, is identified with Pallas Athene, the virgin goddess. Cf. 307.52:6, 706.3:7, 706.32:4-8; SC, "October", 114 and gloss) late > lately
2 From slaughter of the Giants conquered
Giants > (The vast beings which, sprung from the blood that fell from Uranus on the earth, piled Mount Ossa on Mount Pelion in order to launch an unsuccessful attack on Olympus, abode of the gods)
3 (Where proud Enceladus, whose wide nostrils burnt
Enceladus > (One of the Giants; traditionally, he was killed by Jupiter and buried under Mount Etna, whence he still breathes fire. In Myth. 6.21 it is Minerva who kills him)
4 With breathed flames, like a furnace red, 5 Transfixed with the spear, down tumbled dead 6 From top of Haemus, by him heaped high),
Haemus > (The Balkan Haemi are a lofty range of mountains separating Thrace and Moesia. Spenser's source for this detail is not known; Jupiter killed Typhoeus on Mount Haemus)
7 Has loosed her helmet from her lofty head,
Has > [Who has, when she has]
8 And her Gorgonian shield begins to untie
Gorgonian shield > (The Gorgons were three terrifying females with serpents for hair, wings, brazen claws, and huge teeth. One of them, Medusa, was a mortal. According to most accounts, Medusa desecrated one of Minerva's temples and the goddess turned her into a Gorgon in punishment. Medusa's visage became so horrible that anyone who saw it was turned to stone. Perseus managed to kill her (using a mirror so that he did not have to look at her directly); and afterwards Minerva placed Medusa's head in the centre of her shield or breastplate. See Met. 4.790-803)
9 From her left arm, to rest in glorious victory.
309.23
Which whenas they beheld, they smitten were
2 With great amazement of so wondrous sight,
And each on other, and they all on her
4 Stood gazing, as if suddein great affright
Had them surprised. At last auizing right,
6 Her goodly personage and glorious hew,
Which they so much mistooke, they tooke delight
8 In their first errour, and yet still anew
With wonder of her beauty fed their hungry vew.
1 Which when they beheld, they smitten were 2 With great amazement of so wondrous sight,
of so > by such a
3 And each on other, and they all on her, 4 Stood gazing, as if sudden great affright
affright > terror
5 Had them surprised. At last, advising right
advising right > perceiving correctly
6 Her goodly personage and glorious hue,
goodly > beautiful personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from the clothing} hue > colour, hence: complexion; also: form, shape, hence: figure
7 Which they so much mistook, they took delight 8 In their first error, and yet still anew 9 With wonder of her beauty fed their hungry view.
309.24
Yet note their hungry vew be satisfide,
2 But seeing still the more desir'd to see,
And euer firmely fixed did abide
4 In contemplation of diuinitie:
But +most+ they meruaild at her cheualree,
6 And noble prowesse, which they had approued,
That much they faynd to know, who she mote bee;
8 Yet none of all them her thereof amoued,
Yet euery one her likte, and euery one her loued.
5 most > omitted from 1596
1 Yet no'te their hungry view be satisfied,
no'te > could not
2 But, seeing, still the more desired to see, 3 And ever firmly fixed did abide
abide > remain
4 In contemplation of divinity: 5 But most they marvelled at her chivalry,
chivalry > knightly conduct
6 And noble prowess, which they had approved,
prowess > valour approved > proved, tested; approved
7 That much they fained to know who she might be;
That > [So that] fained > were eager
8 Yet none of all them her thereof amoved,
thereof amoved > [stirred of that; i.e. no one of the company ventured to disturb her privacy by asking who she was]
9 Yet everyone her liked, and everyone her loved.
309.25
And Paridell though partly discontent
2 With his late fall, and fowle indignity,
Yet was soone wonne his malice to relent,
4 Through gracious regard of her faire eye,
And knightly worth, which he too late did try,
6 Yet tried did adore. Supper was dight;
Then they Malbecco prayd of curtesy,
8 That of his Lady they might haue the sight,
And company at meat, to do them more delight.
1 And Paridell, though partly discontent 2 With his late fall and foul indignity,
late > recent
3 Yet was soon won his malice to relent,
won > persuaded relent > lessen, soften
4 Through gracious regard of her fair eye, 5 And knightly worth, which he too late did try,
late > recently try > test; experience
6 Yet, tried, did adore. Supper was dight;
dight > prepared; hence: served (as 211.2:8)
7 Then they Malbecco prayed of courtesy
prayed > besought of > [in the name of; out of]
8 That of his lady they might have the sight, 9 And company at meat, to do them more delight.
meat > food, dinner; hence: supper do > cause, give
309.26
But he to shift their curious request,
2 Gan causen, why she could not come in place;
Her crased health, her late recourse to rest,
4 And humid euening ill for sicke folkes cace:
But none of those excuses could take place;
6 Ne would they eate, till she in presence came.
She came in presence with right comely grace,
8 And fairely them saluted, as became,
And shewd her selfe in all a gentle curteous Dame.
1 But he, to shift their curious request,
shift > put off, evade curious > solicitous; inquisitive
2 Gan cause why she could not come in place:
Gan > Began to, did cause > explain, give excuses (WU) in place > there
3 Her crazed health, her late recourse to rest,
crazed > shattered, broken down, infirm late > recent
4 And humid evening, ill for sick folk's case;
ill > bad case > plight, state
5 But none of those excuses could take place,
take place > [be accepted]
6 Nor would they eat till she in presence came. 7 She came in presence with right comely grace,
right > very
8 And fairly them saluted, as became,
fairly > courteously saluted > greeted (with words and perhaps also a kiss) became > was fitting
9 And showed herself in all a gentle courteous dame.
gentle > gentle; noble
309.27
They sate to meat, and Satyrane his chaunce
2 Was her before, and Paridell besyde;
But he him selfe sate looking still askaunce,
4 Gainst Britomart, and euer closely eyde
Sir Satyrane, +that+ glaunces might not glyde:
6 But his blind eye, that syded Paridell,
All his +demeasnure+ from his sight did hyde:
8 On her faire face so did he feede his fill,
And sent close messages of loue to her at will.
5 that > with 1590 7 demeasnure > demeanure 1609
1 They sat to meat, and Satyrane his chance
meat > food, dinner; hence: supper Satyrane his > Satyrane's
2 Was her before, and Paridell beside;
her before > [to be seated opposite Hellenore]
3 But he himself sat looking still askance,
he > [Malbecco] still > ever, continually; or perhaps: yet (if suspecting that Britomart might yet be a man)
4 Gainst Britomart, and ever closely eyed
Gainst > Against, facing
5 Sir Satyrane, that glances might not glide:
that > [so that]
6 But his blind eye, that sided Paridell,
sided > [was side by side with; hence: was on the side of]
7 All his demeanour from his sight did hide:
his demeanour > [Paridell's conduct]
8 On her fair face so did he feed his fill,
so > thus he > [Paridell]
9 And sent close messages of love to her at will.
close > secret
309.28
And euer and anone, when none was ware,
2 With speaking lookes, that close embassage bore,
He rou'd at her, and told his secret care:
4 For all that art he learned had of yore.
Ne was she ignoraunt of that lewd lore,
6 But in his eye his meaning wisely red,
And with the like him answerd euermore:
8 She sent at him one firie dart, whose hed
Empoisned was with priuy lust, and gealous dred.
1 And ever and anon, when none was ware,
ever and anon > every now and then none > no one ware > aware; vigilant
2 With speaking looks, that close ambassage bore,
close > secret ambassage > {Properly, a message brought by an ambassador; hence: message}
3 He roved at her, and told his secret care:
roved > fired, shot (used of arrows) care > mental suffering; esteem, love (Latin carus)
4 For all that art he learned had of yore.
yore > old
5 Nor was she ignorant of that lewd lore,
lore > teaching, doctrine
6 But in his eye his meaning wisely read,
wisely > skilfully, expertly
7 And with the like him answered evermore: 8 She sent at him one fiery dart, whose head 9 Empoisoned was with privy lust and jealous dread.
Empoisoned > {Poisoned; dipped in poison (cf. 305.49:3)} privy > secret, hidden
309.29
He from that deadly throw made no defence,
2 But to the wound his weake hart opened wyde;
The wicked engine through false influence,
4 Past through his eyes, and secretly did glyde
Into his hart, which it did sorely gryde.
6 But nothing new to him was that same paine,
Ne paine at all; for he so oft had tryde
8 The powre thereof, and lou'd so oft in vaine,
That thing of course he counted, loue to entertaine.
1 He from that deadly throw made no defence,
from > [against] throw > {Throw, cast, action of hurling a missile}
2 But to the wound his weak heart opened wide; 3 The wicked engine, through false influence,
engine > contrivance; engine of destruction, missile; snare, wile
4 Passed through his eyes, and secretly did glide 5 Into his heart, which it did sorely gride.
gride > wound, pierce, run through
6 But nothing new to him was that same pain, 7 Nor pain at all; for he so oft had tried
tried > undergone; hence: experienced
8 The power thereof, and loved so oft in vain, 9 That thing of course he counted, love to entertain.
thing of course > [a] thing to be expected counted > [it] reckoned; hence: [it] regarded
309.30
Thenceforth to her he sought to intimate
2 His inward griefe, by meanes to him well knowne,
Now Bacchus fruit out of the siluer plate
4 He on the table dasht, as ouerthrowne,
Or of the fruitfull liquor ouerflowne,
6 And by the dauncing bubbles did diuine,
Or therein write to let his loue be showne;
8 Which well she red out of the learned line,
A sacrament prophane in mistery of wine.
1 Thenceforth to her he sought to intimate 2 His inward grief, by means to him well known: 3 Now Bacchus' fruit out of the silver plate
Bacchus' fruit > wine (Bacchus is the god of wine) plate > utensil, drinking-vessel; hence: goblet, wine-cup
4 He on the table dashed, as overthrown,
as overthrown > [as if it had been upset]
5 Or of the fruitful liquor overflowed,
of > by
6 And by the dancing bubbles did divine, 7 Or therein write to let his love be shown;
write > (See Ovid, Heroides 17.75-90)
8 Which well she read out of the learned line, 9 A sacrament profane in mystery of wine.
profane > (Since wine is used in the Eucharist)
309.31
And when so of his hand the pledge she raught,
2 The guilty cup she fained to mistake,
And in her lap did shed her idle draught,
4 Shewing desire her inward flame to slake:
By such close signes they secret way did make
6 Vnto their wils, and one eyes watch escape;
Two eyes him needeth, for to watch and wake,
8 Who louers will deceiue. Thus was the ape,
By their faire handling, put into Malbeccoes cape.
1 And when so of his hand the pledge she raught,
so > thus raught > reached, took (i.e. she took the cup from him)
2 The guilty cup she fained to mistake,
fained > was eager; or: feigned mistake > mis-take, fumble
3 And in her lap did shed her idle draught,
idle > unavailing
4 Showing desire her inward flame to slake. 5 By such close signs they secret way did make
close > secret
6 To their wills, and one eye's watch escape: 7 Two eyes him needs, to watch and wake,
him needs > [are necessary to him] wake > remain awake, keep guard
8 Who lovers will deceive. Thus was the ape,
ape > fool ("to put an ape in his hood" is to make a fool of some- one: see Chaucer, introduction to The Prioress's Tale, 1630)
9 By their fair handling, put into Malbecco's cape.
handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct cape > {Cloak with a hood}
309.32
Now when of meats and drinks they had their fill,
2 Purpose was moued by that gentle Dame,
Vnto those knights aduenturous, to tell
4 Of deeds of armes, which vnto them became,
And euery one his kindred, and his name.
6 Then Paridell, in whom a kindly pryde
Of gracious speach, and skill his words to frame
8 Abounded, being glad of so fit tyde
Him to commend to her, thus spake, of all well eyde.
1 Now when of meats and drinks they had their fill,
meats > foods, food had > [had had]
2 Purpose was moved by that gentle dame,
Purpose > [A] proposition gentle > noble; gentle
3 To those knights adventurous, to tell 4 Of deeds of arms which to them became,
became > [had] happened
5 And everyone his kindred, and his name. 6 Then Paridell, in whom a kindly pride
kindly > natural, innate pride > {Love of display or ostentation}
7 Of gracious speech, and skill his words to frame 8 Abounded, being glad of so fit tide
so > such [a] tide > occasion, opportunity
9 Him to commend to her, thus spoke, of all well eyed.
of > by
309.33
Troy, that art now nought, but an idle name,
2 And in thine ashes buried low dost lie,
Though whilome far much greater then thy fame,
4 Before that angry Gods, and cruell skye
Vpon thee heapt a direfull destinie,
6 What boots it boast thy glorious descent,
And fetch from heauen thy great Genealogie,
8 Sith all thy worthy prayses being blent,
Their of-spring hath embaste, and later glory shent.
1 "Troy, that are now naught but an idle name,
idle > empty
2 And in your ashes buried low do lie, 3 Though whilom far much greater than your fame,
whilom > in ancient times
4 Before angry gods, and cruel sky, 5 Upon you heaped a direful destiny,
direful > dreadful, terrible
6 What boots it boast your glorious descent,
boots it > does it avail to boast > boast of
7 And fetch from heaven your great genealogy,
heaven > (Olympus, since the founder of Troy, Dardanus, was a son of Jupiter. Furthermore, Aeneas, who ruled Troy after the fall of the house of Priam, was a son of Venus)
8 Sith all your worthy praises, being blended,
Sith > Since blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, obscured, spoiled
9 Their offspring has embased, and later glory shent.
has > (Notice that the number of the vb. agrees with "of-spring", here regarded as a singular sb.) embased > debased, depreciated shent > disgraced
309.34
Most famous Worthy of the world, by whome
2 That warre was kindled, which did Troy inflame,
And stately towres of Ilion whilome
4 Brought vnto balefull ruine, was by name
Sir Paris far renowmd through noble fame,
6 Who through great prowesse and bold hardinesse,
From Laced{ae}mon fetcht the fairest Dame,
8 That euer Greece did boast, or knight possesse,
Whom Venus to him gaue for meed of worthinesse.
1 "Most famous worthy of the world (by whom
Most > [The most] worthy > {Hero of antiquity}
2 That war was kindled, which did Troy inflame 3 And stately towers of Ilium whilom
Ilium > (Another name for Troy) whilom > in ancient times
4 Brought to baleful ruin) was by name
baleful > deadly, miserable
5 Sir Paris, far renowned through noble fame, 6 Who, through great prowess and bold hardiness,
prowess > valour
7 From Lacedaemon fetched the fairest dame
Lacedaemon > (Another name for Sparta: Helen was the consort of
Menelaus, its king)
8 That ever Greece did boast, or knight possess, 9 Whom Venus to him gave for meed of worthiness.
meed > reward (following the dispute on Mount Ida; see 207.55:5)
309.35
Faire Helene, flowre of beautie excellent,
2 And girlond of the mighty Conquerours,
That madest many Ladies deare lament
4 The heauie losse of their braue Paramours,
Which they far off beheld from Troian toures,
6 And saw the fieldes of faire Scamander strowne
With carcases of noble warrioures,
8 Whose fruitlesse liues were vnder furrow sowne,
And Xanthus sandy bankes with bloud all ouerflowne.
1 "Fair Helen, flower of beauty excellent,
excellent > supreme (she was the most beautiful woman in the world)
2 And garland of the mighty conquerors, 3 That made many ladies dear lament 4 The heavy loss of their brave paramours,
heavy > sad, grievous brave > brave; splendid, fine
5 Which they far off beheld from Trojan towers, 6 And saw the fields of fair Scamander strewn
Scamander > (One of the two principal rivers of Troy)
7 With carcases of noble warriors, 8 Whose fruitless lives were under furrow sown, 9 And Xanthus' sandy banks with blood all overflowed.
Xanthus > (Another name for the Scamander)
309.36
From him my linage I deriue aright,
2 Who long before the ten yeares siege of Troy,
Whiles yet on Ida he a shepheard hight,
4 On faire Oenone got a louely boy,
Whom for remembraunce of her passed ioy,
6 She of his Father Parius did name;
Who, after Greekes did Priams realme destroy,
8 Gathred the Troian reliques sau'd from flame,
And with them sayling thence, to th'Isle of Paros came.
1 "From him my lineage I derive aright,
aright > properly, justly; straight, hence: directly
2 Who, long before the ten years' siege of Troy, 3 While yet on Ida he a shepherd hight,
shepherd > (Paris was the second son of King Priam. Before his birth his mother, Hecuba, dreamed she had brought forth a fire- brand which ignited the whole city. Thus as soon as the child was born he was left out on Mount Ida; but he was found and sub- sequently raised by a shepherd, who gave him the name of Paris) hight > was called
4 On fair Oenone got a lovely boy
Oenone > (Daughter of the river god Cebren and wife of Paris)
5 Whom, for remembrance of her passed joy, 6 She of his father `Parius' did name;
of > after
7 Who, after Greeks did Priam's realm destroy, 8 Gathered the Trojan relics saved from flame 9 And, with them sailing thence, to the Isle of Paros came.
Paros > (In the Aegean Sea)
309.37
That was by him cald Paros, which before
2 Hight Nausa, there he many yeares did raine,
And built Nausicle by the Pontick shore,
4 The which he dying left next in remaine
To Paridas his sonne.
6 From whom I Paridell by kin descend;
But for faire Ladies loue, and glories gaine,
8 My natiue soile haue left, my dayes to spend
In +sewing+ deeds of armes, my liues and labours end.
9 sewing > seewing 1590, 1596
1 "That was by him called Paros, which before 2 Hight Nausa: there he many years did reign,
Hight > Was named
3 And built Nausicle by the Pontic shore,
Pontic > [Black Sea]
4 Which he, dying, left next in remain
next in remain > [designating the one remaining immediately after him, his immediate heir]
5 To Paridas his son. 6 From whom I, Paridell, by kin descend; 7 But for fair ladies' love, and glory's gain,
ladies' > (Or, Hellenore might assume, "lady's")
8 My native soil have left, my days to spend 9 In suing deeds of arms, my life's and labours' end."
suing > pursuing
309.38
Whenas the noble Britomart heard tell
2 Of Troian warres, and Priams Citie sackt,
The ruefull story of Sir Paridell,
4 She was empassiond at that piteous act,
With zelous enuy of Greekes cruell fact,
6 Against that nation, from whose race of old
She heard, that she was lineally extract:
8 For noble Britons sprong from Troians bold,
And Troynouant was built of old Troyes ashes cold.
1 When the noble Britomart heard tell 2 Of Trojan wars, and Priam's city sacked 3 (The rueful story of Sir Paridell), 4 She was empassioned at that piteous act,
empassioned at > [moved or touched with deep feeling by]
5 With zealous envy of Greeks' cruel fact
envy > enmity, malice; hence: hatred fact > deed
6 Against that nation from whose race of old, 7 She heard, she was lineally extract:
heard > [had heard] extract > extracted: derived, descended
8 For noble Britons sprang from Trojans bold,
Britons > (See 210.9 ff.)
9 And Troynovant was built of old Troy's ashes cold.
Troynovant > (London. For a note on the etymology, see 210.46:5)
309.39
Then sighing soft awhile, at last she thus:
2 O lamentable fall of famous towne,
Which raignd so many yeares victorious,
4 And of all +Asie+ bore the soueraigne crowne,
In one sad night consumd, and throwen downe:
6 What stony hart, that heares thy haplesse fate,
Is not empierst with deepe compassiowne,
8 And makes ensample of mans wretched state,
That floures so fresh at morne, and fades at euening late?
4 Asie > Asia 1609
1 Then, sighing soft awhile, at last she thus: 2 "O lamentable fall of famous town, 3 Which reigned so many years victorious, 4 And of all Asia bore the sovereign crown,
sovereign > supreme
5 In one sad night consumed, and thrown down: 6 What stony heart, that hears your hapless fate, 7 Is not empierced with deep compassion,
empierced > transfixed
8 And makes example of man's wretched state,
example > [an] example, [a] pattern, hence: a metaphor (cf. Ps. 90.6)
9 That flowers so fresh at morn, and fades at evening late?
309.40
Behold, Sir, how your pitifull complaint
2 Hath found another partner of your payne:
For nothing may impresse so deare constraint,
4 As countries cause, and commune foes disdayne.
But if it should not grieue you, backe agayne
6 To turne your course, I would to heare desyre,
What to Aeneas fell; sith that men sayne
8 He was not in the Cities wofull fyre
Consum'd, but did him selfe to safetie retyre.
1 "Behold, sir, how your pitiful complaint 2 Has found another partner of your pain:
partner of > sharer of, participant in
3 For nothing may impress so dear constraint
so dear constraint > such grievous affliction
4 As country's cause and common foes' disdain. 5 But if it should not grieve you, back again 6 To turn your course, I would to hear desire 7 What to Aeneas fell; sith men say
fell > happened sith > since
8 He was not in the city's woeful fire 9 Consumed, but did himself to safety retire."
309.41
Anchyses sonne begot of Venus faire,
2 (Said he,) out of the flames for safegard fled,
And with a remnant did to sea repaire,
4 Where he through fatall errour long was led
Full many yeares, and weetlesse wandered
6 From shore to shore, emongst the Lybicke sands,
Ere rest he found. Much there he suffered,
8 And many perils past in forreine lands,
To saue his people sad from victours vengefull hands.
1 "Anchises' son, begotten of Venus fair,"
Anchises > (Father of Aeneas)
2 Said he, "out of the flames for safeguard fled,
safeguard > safety, protection
3 And with a remnant did to sea repair,
repair > go, betake himself
4 Where he through fatal error long was led
fatal error > predestined wandering (cf. Aen. 1.2, 210.9:8)
5 Full many years, and weetless wandered
Full > Very weetless > unknowing, in ignorance (WUS)
6 From shore to shore, amongst the Libyan sands,
sands > shores, beaches
7 Ere rest he found. Much there he suffered, 8 And many perils passed in foreign lands,
passed > endured
9 To save his people sad from victors' vengeful hands.
309.42
At last in Latium he did arriue,
2 Where he with cruell warre was entertaind
Of th'inland folke, which sought him backe to driue,
4 Till he with old Latinus was constraind,
To contract wedlock: (so the fates ordaind.)
6 Wedlock contract in bloud, and eke in blood
Accomplished, that many deare complaind:
8 The riuall slaine, the victour through the flood
Escaped hardly, hardly praisd his wedlock good.
1 "At last in Latium he did arrive,
Latium > (A country in Italy, originally between the Rivers Tiber and Numicus. Its people were among the most ancient inhabitants of Italy, and are sometimes called "Aborigines". Their town of Alba Longa boasted a Trojan origin, though the story of Trojan settlement in Italy is probably no more credible than that of Trojan settlement in Britain)
2 Where he with cruel war was entertained
entertained > received
3 Of the inland folk, who sought him back to drive,
Of > By
4 Till he with old Latinus was constrained
Latinus > (King of Latium, son of Faunus and the nymph Marica)
5 To contract wedlock (so the fates ordained).
wedlock > (With Lavinia, daughter of Latinus, promised to Turnus, king of the Rutulians)
6 Wedlock contract in blood, and eke in blood
contract > contracted eke > also
7 Accomplished, that many dear complained:
that > [so that] dear complained > grievously lamented
8 The rival slain, the victor through the flood
rival > [Turnus: see Aen. 12]
9 Escaped hardly, hardly praised his wedlock good.
hardly > with difficulty
309.43
Yet after all, he victour did suruiue,
2 And with Latinus did the kingdome part.
But after, when both nations gan to striue,
4 Into their names the title to conuart,
His sonne I{u"}lus did from thence depart,
6 With all the warlike youth of Troians bloud,
And in long Alba plast his throne apart,
8 Where faire it florished, and long time stoud,
Till Romulus renewing it, to Rome +remoud+.
9 remoud > remou'd 1609
1 "Yet, after all, he victor did survive,
victor > [as victor]
2 And with Latinus did the kingdom part.
3 But after, when both nations began to strive 4 Into their names the title to convert, 5 His son Iulus did from thence depart,
Iulus > (By Creusa; his name was Ilus while Troy stood. Also called
Ascanius)
6 With all the warlike youth of Trojans' blood, 7 And in long Alba placed his throne apart,
long Alba > [Alba Longa]
8 Where fair it flourished, and long time stood,
long time > [for a long time: 300 years, in fact]
9 Till Romulus, renewing it, to Rome removed."
Romulus > (A son of Ilia, by Mars. A descendant of Iulus, Romulus was the founder of Rome)
309.44
There there (said Britomart) a fresh appeard
2 The glory of the later world to spring,
And Troy againe out of her dust was reard,
4 To sit in second seat of soueraigne king,
Of all the world vnder her gouerning.
6 But a third kingdome yet is to arise,
Out of the Troians scattered of-spring,
8 That in all glory and great enterprise,
Both first and second Troy shall dare to equalise.
1 "There there," said Britomart, "afresh appeared
"There there," said Britomart, "afresh appeared > ["In Rome," said
Britomart, "there appeared afresh]
2 The glory of the later world to spring, 3 And Troy again out of her dust was reared, 4 To sit in second seat of sovereign king,
sovereign > [a] supreme
5 Of all the world under her governing. 6 But a third kingdom yet is to arise, 7 Out of the Trojans' scattered offspring, 8 That in all glory and great enterprise, 9 Both first and second Troy shall dare to equalize.
equalize > equal, match
309.45
It Troynouant is hight, that with the waues
2 Of wealthy Thamis washed is along,
Vpon whose stubborne neck, whereat he raues
4 With roring rage, and sore him selfe does throng,
That all men feare to tempt his billowes strong,
6 She fastned hath her foot, which standes so hy,
That it a wonder of the world is song
8 In forreine landes, and all which passen by,
Beholding it from far, do thinke it threates the skye.
1 "It Troynovant is hight, that with the waves
Troynovant > (London. For a note on the etymology, see 210.46:5) hight > called
2 Of wealthy Thames washed is along,
along > {At full length; in a linear manner}
3 Upon whose stubborn neck (whereat he raves
stubborn > intractable whereat > at which
4 With roaring rage, and sore himself does throng,
throng > press, jostle
5 That all men fear to tempt his billows strong)
That > [So that] tempt > test, try, risk the perils of
6 She fastened has her foot, which stands so high
She > [Troynovant]
7 That it a wonder of the world is sung 8 In foreign lands, and all who pass by, 9 Beholding it from far, do think it threats the sky.
threats > threatens
309.46
The Troian Brute did first that Citie found,
2 And +Hygate+ made the meare thereof by West,
And Ouert gate by North: that is the bound
4 Toward the land; two riuers bound the rest.
So huge a scope at first him seemed best,
6 To be the compasse of his kingdomes seat:
So huge a mind could not in lesser rest,
8 Ne in small meares containe his glory great,
That Albion had conquered first by warlike feat.
2 Hygate > Hygate gate 1596
1 "The Trojan Brutus did first that city found,
Brutus > (See 210.9:6 ff.)
2 And Highgate made the mere thereof by west,
mere > boundary
3 And Overt Gate by north: that is the bound
Overt > Open (unlike Highgate, this gate is not identifiable today) bound > boundary
4 Toward the land; two rivers bound the rest.
two rivers > (One appears to be the Thames; the other is not clearly identifiable)
5 So huge a scope at first him seemed best, 6 To be the compass of his kingdom's seat:
compass > area, extent
7 So huge a mind could not in lesser rest,
lesser > [a lesser compass]
8 Nor in small meres contain his glory great, 9 That Albion had conquered first by warlike feat."
Albion > (England: for a note on the etymology, see 210.6:7)
309.47
Ah fairest Lady knight, (said Paridell)
2 Pardon I pray my heedlesse ouersight,
Who had forgot, that whilome I heard tell
4 From aged Mnemon; for my wits bene light.
Indeed he said (if I remember right,)
6 That of the antique Troian stocke, there grew
Another plant, that raught to wondrous hight,
8 And far abroad his mighty branches threw,
Into the vtmost Angle of the world he knew.
1 "Ah, fairest lady knight," said Paridell, 2 "Pardon I pray my heedless oversight, 3 Who had forgotten, that whilom I heard tell
Who > [Such that I; in that I] that > [that that] whilom > formerly
4 From aged Mnemon; for my wits been light.
Mnemon > "Memory" (Greek) been > [are, were]
5 Indeed, he said (if I remember right) 6 That of the antique Trojan stock there grew
antique > ancient
7 Another plant, that raught to wondrous height,
raught > reached, attained
8 And far abroad his mighty branches threw, 9 Into the utmost angle of the world he knew.
angle > corner
309.48
For that same Brute, whom much he did aduaunce
2 In all his speach, was Syluius his sonne,
Whom hauing slaine, through luckles arrowes glaunce
4 He fled for feare of that he had misdonne,
Or else for shame, so fowle reproch to shonne,
6 And with him led +to sea+ an youthly trayne,
Where wearie wandring they long time did wonne,
8 And many fortunes prou'd in th'Ocean mayne,
And great aduentures found, that now were long to sayne.
6 to sea > to the sea 1596
1 "For that same Brutus, whom much he did advance
he > [Mnemon] advance > praise, extol
2 In all his speech, was Silvius his son,
Silvius his > Silvius's
3 Whom having slain, through luckless arrow's glance
Whom > [Silvius] glance > shot (esp. an oblique shot)
4 He fled for fear of that he had misdone,
that > [that which] misdone > done wrong
5 Or else for shame, so foul reproach to shun,
so > [such a]
6 And with him led to sea a youthly train,
youthly > youthful train > company, retinue
7 Where, weary wandering, they long time did won,
weary > wearily won > dwell
8 And many fortunes proved in the ocean main,
proved > experienced ocean main > {The main or great seas of the world, Oceanus being the sea personified as a god}
9 And great adventures found, that now were long to say.
were long to say > [would take a long time to tell]
309.49
At last by fatall course they driuen were
2 Into an Island spatious and brode,
The furthest North, that did to them appeare:
4 +Which+ after rest they seeking far abrode,
Found it the fittest soyle for their abode,
6 Fruitfull of all things fit for liuing foode,
But wholy wast, and void of peoples trode,
8 Saue an huge nation of the Geaunts broode,
That fed on liuing flesh, and druncke mens vitall blood.
4 Which > And 1609
1 "At last by fatal course they driven were
fatal > preordained (as 210.9:8)
2 Into an island spacious and broad, 3 The furthest north that did to them appear: 4 Which, after rest, they, seeking far abroad,
seeking > investigating; hence: exploring abroad > in different directions
5 Found it the fittest soil for their abode, 6 Fruitful of all things fit for living food,
living food > [providing sustenance, food enabling one to sustain life]
7 But wholly waste, and void of people's trod,
waste > uncultivated, "vnmanurd" (210.5:4) trod > tread, footprint, track
8 Save a huge nation of the giants' brood,
nation > race
9 That fed on living flesh, and drunk men's vital blood.
vital > living (Spenser contradicts his statement that the country was empty of people; then again, perhaps the giants' appetites had left it so)
309.50
Whom he through wearie wars and labours long,
2 Subdewd with losse of many Britons bold:
In which the great Goemagot of strong
4 Corineus, and Coulin of Debon old
Were ouerthrowne, and layd on th'earth full cold,
6 Which quaked vnder their so hideous masse,
A famous history to be enrold
8 In euerlasting moniments of brasse,
That all the antique Worthies merits far did passe.
1 "Whom he, through weary wars and labours long,
labours long > (See 210.10 ff.)
2 Subdued with loss of many Britons bold: 3 In which the great Go{e"}magot of strong
of > by
4 Corineus, and Coulin of Debon old
of > by
5 Were overthrown, and laid on the earth full cold,
full cold > very cold (i.e. stone dead)
6 Which quaked under their so hideous mass,
hideous > immense
7 A famous history to be enrolled 8 In everlasting monuments of brass, 9 That all the antique worthies' merits far did pass.
antique worthies > (Heroes of antiquity; or the Nine Worthies: see 303.4:4) pass > surpass
309.51
His worke great Troynouant, his worke is eke
2 Faire Lincolne, both renowmed far away,
That who from East to West will endlong seeke,
4 Cannot two fairer Cities find this day,
Except Cleopolis: so heard I say
6 Old Mnemon. Therefore Sir, I greet you well
Your countrey kin, and you entirely pray
8 Of pardon for the strife, which late befell
Betwixt vs both vnknowne. So ended Paridell.
1 "His work great Troynovant, his work is eke
great > [is great] eke > also
2 Fair Lincoln, both renowned far away,
Lincoln > (The authority for this statement is not known)
3 That who from east to west will endlong seek,
That > [So that] who > [whoever, he who] endlong > from end to end
4 Cannot two fairer cities find this day, 5 Except Cleopolis: so heard I say
Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; the seat of Gloriana, hence, elsewhere in the allegory, intended to denote London)
6 Old Mnemon. Therefore, sir, I greet you well,
sir > (Addressing Britomart as a knight)
7 Your country kin, and you entirely pray
Your country kin > [As your fellow countryman] entirely > unreservedly
8 Of pardon for the strife, which late befell
Of > For
9 Betwixt us both unknown." So ended Paridell.
unknown > [when we were unknown to each other]
309.52
But all the while, that he these speaches spent,
2 Vpon his lips hong faire Dame Hellenore,
With vigilant regard, and dew attent,
4 Fashioning worlds of fancies euermore
In her fraile wit, that now her quite forlore:
6 The whiles vnwares away her wondring eye,
And greedy eares her weake hart from her bore:
8 Which he perceiuing, euer priuily
In speaking, many false belgardes at her let fly.
1 But, all the while that he these speeches spent, 2 Upon his lips hung fair Dame Hellenore, 3 With vigilant regard, and due attent,
attent > attention
4 Fashioning worlds of fancies evermore 5 In her frail wit, that now her quite forlore:
frail > weak, morally weak wit > mind forlore > forsook
6 The whiles unwares away her wondering eye
The whiles > Meanwhile unwares > unwittingly wondering > marvelling
7 And greedy ears her weak heart from her bore:
greedy > eager
8 Which he perceiving, ever privily
privily > secretly
9 In speaking, many false belgards at her let fly.
belgards > loving looks (WUS)
309.53
So long these knights discoursed diuersly,
2 Of straunge affaires, and noble hardiment,
Which they had past with mickle ieopardy,
4 That now the humid night was farforth spent,
And heauenly lampes were halfendeale ybrent:
6 Which th'old man seeing well, who too long thought
Euery discourse and euery argument,
8 Which by the houres he measured, besought
Them go to rest. So all vnto their bowres were brought.
1 So long these knights discoursed diversely
So > Thus, in this manner diversely > variously; also: distractingly
2 Of strange affairs, and noble hardiment,
hardiment > hardihood; boldness, audacity
3 Which they had passed with mickle jeopardy,
passed > endured mickle > much
4 That now the humid night was far-forth spent,
That > [So that] far-forth > far
5 And heavenly lamps were halfendeal burnt:
heavenly lamps > [the stars] halfendeal > half
6 Which the old man, seeing well, (who too long thought
thought > [deemed]
7 Every discourse and every argument, 8 Which by the hours he measured) besought 9 Them go to rest. So all to their bowers were brought.
go > [to go] bowers > rooms
Paridell rapeth Hellenore:
2 Malbecco her pursewes:
Findes emongst Satyres, whence with him
4 To turne she doth refuse.
1 Paridell rapes Hellenore:
rapes > carries off; ravishes
2 Malbecco her pursues: 3 Finds amongst satyrs, whence with him
Finds > [And finds] satyrs > (Horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat-like below, usually portrayed as more or less lustful. In Roman mythology, Satyr, one of the satyrs, is a companion of Bacchus with long, pointed ears, behind which are the stumps of horns, with the tail of a goat, bristly hair, and a flat nose. Unlike those at 106.7 ff., the satyrs in this canto conform to the usual literary pattern)
4 To turn she does refuse.
turn > return
310.1
THe morow next, so soone as Ph{oe}bus Lamp
2 Bewrayed had the world with early light,
And fresh Aurora had the shady damp
4 Out of the goodly heauen amoued quight,
Faire Britomart and that same Faerie knight
6 Vprose, forth on their iourney for to wend:
But Paridell complaynd, that his late fight
8 With Britomart, so sore did him offend,
That ryde he could not, till his hurts he did amend.
1 The morrow next, so soon as Phoebus' lamp 2 Bewrayed had the world with early light,
Bewrayed > Revealed; betrayed; also: berayed, aspersed; and: be-rayed, covered with rays
3 And fresh Aurora had the shady damp
Aurora > (We may be intended to infer here a correspondence between Tithonus and Malbecco; at 102.7:2 Aurora is described as "weary of aged Tithones saffron bed") damp > mist
4 Out of the goodly heaven amoved quite,
goodly > beautiful amoved > removed; hence: dispersed
5 Fair Britomart and that same Faery knight
that same Faery knight > [Satyrane]
6 Uprose, forth on their journey to wend: 7 But Paridell complained that his late fight
late > recent
8 With Britomart so sore did him offend
offend > pain
9 That ride he could not, till his hurts he did amend.
hurts > injuries amend > heal, put right
310.2
So forth they far'd, but he behind them stayd,
2 Maulgre his host, who grudged grieuously,
To house a guest, that would be needes obayd,
4 And of his owne him left not liberty:
Might wanting measure moueth surquedry.
6 Two things he feared, but the third was death;
That fierce youngmans vnruly maistery;
8 His money, which he lou'd as liuing breath;
And his faire wife, whom honest long he kept vneath.
1 So forth they fared, but he behind them stayed, 2 Maugre his host, who grudged grievously
Maugre > in spite of, notwithstanding grudged > grumbled
3 To house a guest that would be needs obeyed,
needs > of necessity
4 And of his own him left not liberty:
his own > [his own household] liberty > [the liberty]
5 Might wanting measure moves surquidry.
Might wanting measure moves surquidry > Power lacking restraint leads to arrogance (measure = temperance, moderation; surquidry = arrogance, presumption)
6 Two things he feared, but the third was death; 7 That fierce young man's unruly mastery;
young man > (A compound sb., like "old man" (108.30:2, etc.) or "old woman" (302.47:4))
8 His money, which he loved as living breath; 9 And his fair wife, whom honest long he kept uneath.
honest > virtuous, chaste uneath > with difficulty
310.3
But patience perforce he must abie,
2 What fortune and his fate on him will lay,
Fond is the feare, that findes no remedie;
4 Yet warily he watcheth euery way,
By which he feareth euill happen may:
6 So th'euill thinkes by watching to preuent;
Ne doth he suffer her, nor night, nor day,
8 Out of his sight her selfe once to absent.
So doth he punish her and eke himselfe torment.
1 But patience perforce he must aby
patience perforce > (Proverbial: patience upon compulsion, like it or not. Cf. 203.3:3) aby > suffer, endure
2 What Fortune and his fate on him will lay, 3 Fond is the fear that finds no remedy;
Fond > Foolish
4 Yet warily he watches every way 5 By which he fears evil happen may: 6 So the evil thinks by watching to prevent; 7 Nor does he suffer her, +nor+ night nor day,
suffer > allow nor > neither
8 Out of his sight herself once to absent. 9 So does he punish her, and eke himself torment.
eke > also
310.4
But Paridell kept better watch, then hee,
2 A fit occasion for his turne to find:
False loue, why do men say, thou canst not see,
4 And in their foolish fancie feigne thee blind,
That with thy charmes the sharpest sight doest bind,
6 And to thy will abuse? Thou walkest free,
And seest euery secret of the mind;
8 Thou seest all, yet none at all sees thee;
All that is by the working of thy Deitee.
1 But Paridell kept better watch than he, 2 A fit occasion for his turn to find:
turn > purpose
3 False Love, why do men say you cannot see,
Love > [Cupid, who is often depicted wearing a blindfold: he shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit]
4 And in their foolish fancy feign you blind,
feign > fashion, form; hence: depict blind > [as blind]
5 That with your charms the sharpest sight does bind,
charms > spells bind > enwreath, encircle, tie up
6 And to your will abuse? You walk free, 7 And see every secret of the mind; 8 You see all, yet none at all sees you; 9 All that is by the working of your deity.
deity > godhead
310.5
So perfect in that art was Paridell,
2 That he +Melbeccoes+ halfen eye did wyle,
His halfen eye he wiled wondrous well,
4 And Hellenors both eyes did eke beguyle,
Both eyes and hart attonce, during the whyle
6 That he there soiourned his wounds to heale;
That Cupid selfe it seeing, close did smyle,
8 To weet how he her loue away did steale,
And bad, that none their ioyous treason should reueale.
1 Melbeccoes > Malbeccoes 1590, 1609
1 So perfect in that art was Paridell 2 That he Malbecco's halfen eye did wile,
halfen > half (WUS; perhaps derived from "halfendeal". "Halfen eye" = halved eyesight, for he is blind in one eye: see 309.27:6) wile > deceive
3 His halfen eye he wiled wondrous well, 4 And Hellenore's both eyes did eke beguile,
eke > also
5 Both eyes and heart at once, during the while
at once > together
6 That he there sojourned, his wounds to heal; 7 That Cupid himself, it seeing, close did smile,
That > [So that] close > secretly
8 To weet how he her love away did steal,
weet > see, perceive
9 And bade that none their joyous treason should reveal.
310.6
The learned louer lost no time nor tyde,
2 That least auantage mote to him afford,
Yet bore so faire a saile, that none espyde
4 His secret drift, till he her layd abord.
When so in open place, and commune bord,
6 He fortun'd her to meet, with commune speach
Her courted her, yet bayted euery word,
8 That his vngentle hoste n'ote him appeach
Of vile vngentlenesse, or hospitages breach.
1 The learned lover lost no time nor tide,
tide > opportunity
2 That least advantage might to him afford,
least > [the least]
3 Yet bore so fair a sail that none espied 4 His secret drift, till he her laid aboard.
drift > plot, scheme; and metaphorically: motion (an especially pleasing pun) laid aboard > (To "lay aboard" a ship is to run alongside or into her, with the intention of boarding. Spenser also uses "abord", "aboord" (cf. Hubberd 324, RR 185) to mean "adrift" or "astray")
5 Whenso in open place and common board
Whenso > Whenever common > [at the common] board > table
6 He fortuned her to meet, with common speech
common > ordinary; public
7 Her courted her, yet baited every word,
baited > baited; or: bated: moderated
8 That his ungentle host no'te him appeach
That > [In such a way that; so that] ungentle > discourteous; ignoble no'te > could not appeach > accuse
9 Of vile ungentleness, or hospitage's breach.
ungentleness > lack of breeding hospitage > {The behaviour befitting a guest (WU)}
310.7
But when apart (if euer her apart)
2 He found, then his false engins fast he plyde,
And all the sleights vnbosomd in his hart;
4 He sigh'd, he sobd, he swownd, he perdy dyde,
And cast himselfe on ground her fast besyde:
6 Tho when againe he him bethought to liue,
He wept, and wayld, and false laments belyde,
8 Saying, but if she Mercie would him giue
That he mote algates dye, yet did his death forgiue.
1 But when apart (if ever her apart) 2 He found, then his false engines fast he plied,
He > [He her] engines > schemes, wiles fast > fast; closely; firmly plied > plied; applied
3 And all the sleights unbosomed in his heart:
sleights > ruses, stratagems
4 He sighed, he sobbed, he swooned, he pardie died,
pardie > assuredly, verily (an oath)
5 And cast himself on ground her fast beside;
fast > closely
6 Tho when again he him bethought to live,
Tho > Then him bethought > contrived; resolved
7 He wept, and wailed, and false laments belied,
belied > misrepresented; lied about (tautological, and thus intensive)
8 Saying, but if she mercy would him give
but if > unless
9 He might algates die, yet did his death forgive.
algates > altogether did > [he did] forgive > [forgive her]
310.8
And otherwhiles with amorous delights,
2 And pleasing toyes he would her entertaine,
Now singing sweetly, to surprise her sprights,
4 Now making layes of loue and louers paine,
Bransles, Ballads, virelayes, and verses vaine;
6 Oft purposes, oft riddles he deuysd,
And thousands like, which flowed in his braine,
8 With which he fed her fancie, and entysd
To take +to+ his new loue, and leaue her old despysd.
9 to > with 1590
1 And otherwhiles with amorous delights
otherwhiles > at other times
2 And pleasing toys he would her entertain,
toys > games; amorous games
3 Now singing sweetly, to surprise her spirits,
surprise > capture; lead unawares (into doing something not intended)
4 Now making lays of love and lovers' pain,
lays > songs
5 Branles, ballads, virelays, and verses vain;
Branle > {A French dance, or the music for it} virelay > {A sort of song originating in France. See SC, gloss to "November"} vain > foolish; empty; weak
6 Oft purposes, oft riddles he devised,
purposes > riddles; games of questions-and-answers
7 And thousands like, which flowed in his brain, 8 With which he fed her fancy, and enticed
enticed > [enticed her]
9 To take to his new love, and leave her old despised.
310.9
And euery where he might, and euery while
2 He did her seruice dewtifull, and sewed
At hand with humble pride, and pleasing guile,
4 So closely yet, that none but she it vewed,
Who well perceiued all, and all indewed.
6 Thus finely did he his false nets dispred,
With which he many weake harts had subdewed
8 Of yore, and many had ylike misled:
What wonder then, if she were likewise carried?
1 And everywhere he might, and every while
might > could every while > [all the time]
2 He did her service dutiful, and sued
sued > {Followed as an attendant or companion}
3 At hand with humble pride, and pleasing guile, 4 So closely yet that none but she it viewed,
closely > secretly
5 Who well perceived all, and all endued.
endued > digested (used of a hawk); hence: took in, absorbed (Latin inducere, to lead in)
6 Thus finely did he his false nets dispread,
finely > skilfully, artfully dispread > spread out
7 With which he many weak hearts had subdued
subdued > subdued; also: led astray, stolen away (Latin subduco, cognate with seduco and hence "seduce")
8 Of yore, and many had alike misled:
yore > old
9 What wonder, then, if she were likewise carried?
310.10
No fort so fensible, no wals so strong,
2 But that continuall battery will riue,
Or daily siege through dispuruayance long,
4 And lacke of reskewes will to parley driue;
And +Peece+, that vnto parley eare will giue,
6 Will shortly yeeld it selfe, and will be made
The vassall of the victors will byliue:
8 That stratageme had oftentimes assayd
This crafty Paramoure, and now it plaine displayd.
5 Peece > Peace 1596
1 No fort so fencible, no walls so strong,
fencible > strong, well-fortified, defensible
2 But that continual battery will rive,
battery > {Battering; assault with many blows or missiles} rive > tear [it] open
3 Or daily siege, through dispurveyance long
dispurveyance > deprivation of provisions; hence: starvation
4 And lack of rescues, will to parley drive; 5 And piece, that to parley ear will give,
piece > [a] piece, piece of work, contrivance; hence: castle (as 211.14:9, with the same wordplay on "peace")
6 Will shortly yield itself, and will be made 7 The vassal of the victor's will belive:
vassal > slave belive > forthwith
8 That stratagem had oftentimes essayed
oftentimes essayed > often attempted
9 This crafty paramour, and now it plain displayed.
310.11
For through his traines he her intrapped hath,
2 That she her loue and hart hath wholy sold
To him, without regard of gaine, or scath,
4 Or care of credite, or of husband old,
Whom she hath vow'd to dub a faire Cucquold.
6 Nought wants but time and place, which shortly shee
Deuized hath, and to her louer told.
8 It pleased well. So well they both agree;
So readie rype to ill, ill wemens counsels bee.
1 For through his trains he her entrapped has,
trains > wiles, tricks
2 That she her love and heart has wholly sold
That > [So that]
3 To him, without regard of gain, or scathe,
scathe > harm, damage
4 Or care of credit, or of husband old,
of credit > for [her] reputation
5 Whom she has vowed to dub a fair cuckold. 6 Naught wants but time and place, which shortly she
wants > lacks
7 Devised has, and to her lover told. 8 It pleased well. So well they both agree; 9 So ready ripe to ill, ill women's counsels be.
ill > evil
310.12
Darke was the Euening, fit for louers stealth,
2 When chaunst +Melbecco+ busie be elsewhere,
She to his closet went, where all his wealth
4 Lay hid: thereof she countlesse summes did reare,
The which she meant away with her to beare;
6 The rest she fyr'd for sport, or for despight;
As Hellene, when she saw aloft appeare
8 The Troiane flames, and reach to heauens hight
Did clap her hands, and ioyed at that dolefull sight.
2 Melbecco > Malbecco 1590, 1609
1 Dark was the evening, fit for lovers' stealth, 2 When chanced Malbecco busy be elsewhere;
chanced > [it chanced] busy be > [to be busy]
3 She to his closet went, where all his wealth
closet > cabinet; private room, side-room (used for storage)
4 Lay hidden: thereof she countless sums did rear,
rear > gather, collect (usu. said of fines, rents, etc.)
5 Which she meant away with her to bear; 6 The rest she fired for sport, or for despite;
despite > malice
7 As Helen (when she saw aloft appear 8 The Trojan flames, and reach to heaven's height) 9 Did clap her hands, and joyed at that doleful sight.
joyed > rejoiced (see Aen. 6.517-519)
310.13
This second Hellene, faire Dame Hellenore,
2 The whiles her husband ranne with sory haste,
To quench the flames which she had tyn'd before,
4 Laught at his foolish labour spent in waste;
And ranne into her louers armes right fast;
6 Where streight embraced, she to him did cry,
And call aloud for helpe, ere helpe were past;
8 For loe that Guest +would+ beare her forcibly,
And meant to rauish her, that rather had to dy.
8 would > did 1590
1 This second Helen, fair Dame Hellenore, 2 While her husband ran with sorry haste
sorry > painful, distressing
3 To quench the flames which she had tinded before,
tinded > kindled
4 Laughed at his foolish labour spent in waste;
waste > [vain]
5 And ran into her lover's arms right fast;
right > very fast > quickly; closely, firmly
6 Where, straight embraced, she to him did cry,
straight > straightway; strait: tightly him > [Malbecco]
7 And call aloud for help, ere help were past; 8 For lo that guest would bear her forcibly,
bear > take [as a companion; cf. 102.45:9]
9 And meant to ravish her, that rather had to die.
meant > intended rather had to die > [would rather have died]
310.14
The wretched man hearing her call for ayd,
2 And readie seeing him with her to fly,
In his disquiet mind was much dismayd:
4 But when againe he backward cast his eye,
And saw the wicked fire so furiously
6 Consume his hart, and scorch his Idoles face,
He was therewith distressed diuersly,
8 Ne wist he how to turne, nor to what place;
Was neuer wretched man in such a wofull cace.
1 The wretched man, hearing her call for aid, 2 And ready seeing him with her to fly,
fly > flee
3 In his disquiet mind was much dismayed: 4 But when again he backward cast his eye, 5 And saw the wicked fire so furiously 6 Consume his heart, and scorch his idol's face,
his idol's face > [his money; his god is Mammon]
7 He was therewith distressed diversely,
therewith > with that diversely > variously; also: distractingly (SUS)
8 Nor wist he how to turn, nor to what place;
wist > knew
9 Was never wretched man in such a woeful case.
wretched man > [a wretched man; or: wretched Man] case > plight
310.15
Ay when to him she cryde, to her he turnd,
2 And left the fire; loue money ouercame:
But when he marked, how his money burnd,
4 He left his wife; money did loue disclame:
Both was he loth to loose his loued Dame,
6 And loth to leaue his liefest pelfe behind,
Yet sith he n'ote saue both, he sau'd that same,
8 Which was the dearest to his donghill mind,
The God of his desire, the ioy of misers blind.
1 Ay when to him she cried, to her he turned,
Ay > Ever
2 And left the fire; love money overcame: 3 But when he marked how his money burnt, 4 He left his wife; money did love disclaim:
disclaim > renounce
5 Both was he loath to loose his loved dame,
loose > lose; release
6 And loath to leave his liefest pelf behind,
liefest > dearest pelf > cash, lucre
7 Yet sith he no'te save both, he saved that same
sith > since, because no'te > could not
8 Which was the dearest to his dunghill mind,
dearest > (A superlative, not a comparative)
9 The god of his desire, the joy of misers blind.
310.16
Thus whilest all things in troublous vprore were,
2 And all men busie to suppresse the flame,
The louing couple need no reskew feare,
4 But leasure had, and libertie to frame
Their purpost flight, free from all mens reclame;
6 And Night, the patronesse of loue-stealth faire,
Gaue them safe conduct, till to end they came:
8 So bene they gone yfeare, a wanton paire
Of louers loosely knit, where list them to repaire.
1 Thus, whilst all things in troublous uproar were, 2 And all men busy to suppress the flame, 3 The loving couple need no rescue fear, 4 But leisure had, and liberty to frame
frame > bring to pass
5 Their purposed flight, free from all men's reclaim;
purposed > intended reclaim > {Recall, power to bring back}
6 And Night, the patroness of love-stealth fair,
Night > (The goddess Nox, who first appears at 105.20. See esp. 304.55 ff.)
7 Gave them safe conduct till to end they came: 8 So been they gone yfere, a wanton pair
been > [were] yfere > together
9 Of lovers loosely knit, where list them to repair.
list > it pleased repair > go
310.17
Soone as the cruell flames yslaked were,
2 Malbecco seeing, how his losse did lye,
Out of the flames, which he had quencht whylere
4 Into huge waues of griefe and gealosye
Full deepe emplonged was, and drowned nye,
6 Twixt inward doole and felonous despight;
He rau'd, he wept, he stampt, he lowd did cry,
8 And all the passions, that in man may light,
Did him attonce oppresse, and vex his caytiue spright.
1 Soon as the cruel flames slaked were,
Soon > [As soon]
2 Malbecco, seeing how his loss did lie, 3 Out of the flames, which he had quenched whilere,
whilere > erewhile: a while before
4 Into huge waves of grief and jealousy 5 Full deep implunged was, and drowned nigh,
Full > Very implunged > plunged into (the prefix is here tautological, and thus intensive)
6 'Twixt inward dole and felonous despite;
dole > grief, sorrow felonous > {Cruel, wicked, befitting a felon} despite > malice; rage
7 He raved, he wept, he stamped, he loud did cry, 8 And all the passions that in man may light
light > be incident; hence: occur
9 Did him at once oppress, and vex his caitiff spirit.
at once > simultaneously; immediately oppress > overwhelm caitiff > wretched, despicable, servile
310.18
Long thus he chawd the cud of inward griefe,
2 And did consume his gall with anguish sore,
Still when he mused on his late mischiefe,
4 +Then+ still the smart thereof increased more,
And seem'd more grieuous, then it was before:
6 At last when sorrow he saw booted nought,
Ne griefe might not his loue to him restore,
8 He gan deuise, how her he reskew mought,
Ten thousand wayes he cast in his confused thought.
4 Then > So 1590
1 Long thus he chawed the cud of inward grief, 2 And did consume his gall with anguish sore;
gall > (Rancour was said to have its seat in the gall)
3 Still when he mused on his late mischief,
Still > Ever, continuously late > recent mischief > misfortune, disaster
4 Then still the smart thereof increased more,
smart > pain, acute pain
5 And seemed more grievous than it was before: 6 At last, when sorrow he saw booted naught,
booted > availed
7 Ne grief might not his love to him restore,
Ne > [And that; and neither: with the intensive double negative]
8 He gan devise how her he rescue might:
gan > did; began to
9 Ten thousand ways he cast in his confused thought.
cast > contrived; decided upon
310.19
At last resoluing, like a pilgrim pore,
2 To +search+ her forth, where so she might be fond,
And bearing with him treasure in close store,
4 The rest he leaues in ground: So takes in hond
To seeke her endlong, both by sea and lond.
6 Long he her sought, he sought her farre and nere,
And euery where that he mote vnderstond,
8 Of knights and ladies any meetings were,
And of eachone he met, he tydings did inquere.
2 search > seach 1596
1 At last resolving like a pilgrim poor
like > [disguised as; also: in the manner of]
2 To search her forth whereso she might be found,
whereso > wherever
3 And bearing with him treasure in close store,
close > secret, hidden
4 The rest he leaves in ground: so takes in hand 5 To seek her endlong, both by sea and land.
endlong > from end to end [of the world]
6 Long he her sought, he sought her far and near, 7 And everywhere that he might understand
might understand > could learn [that]
8 Of knights and ladies any meetings were; 9 And of each one he met he tidings did inquire.
each one > everyone
310.20
But all in vaine, his woman was too wise,
2 Euer to come into his clouch againe,
And he too simple euer to surprise
4 The iolly Paridell, for all his paine.
One day, as he forpassed by the plaine
6 With weary pace, he farre away espide
A couple, seeming well to be his twaine,
8 Which houed close vnder a forrest side,
As if they lay in wait, or else themselues did hide.
1 But all in vain: his woman was too wise 2 Ever to come into his clutch again,
clutch > claws, grasp; hand (the beginning of an extended metaphor based in falconry)
3 And he too simple ever to surprise
he > [he was]
4 The jolly Paridell, for all his pain.
jolly > gallant; fine; amorous, lustful pain > pains, effort
5 One day, as he forpassed by the plain
forpassed by > went along, travelled (SUS)
6 With weary pace, he far away espied 7 A couple, seeming well to be his twain,
twain > two, pair
8 Who hoved close under a forest side,
hoved > lingered; hovered
9 As if they lay in wait, or else themselves did hide.
310.21
Well weened he, that those the same mote bee,
2 And as he better did their shape auize,
Him seemed more their manner did agree;
4 For th'one was armed all in warlike wize,
Whom, to be Paridell he did deuize;
6 And th'other all yclad in garments light,
Discolour'd like to womanish disguise,
8 He did resemble to his Ladie bright;
And euer his faint hart much +earned+ at the sight.
9 earned > yearned 1609
1 Well weened he that those the same might be
weened > thought, supposed
2 And, as he better did their shape advise,
advise > perceive
3 Him seemed more their manner did agree;
Him seemed > [It seemed to him that]
4 For the one was armed all in warlike wise
wise > style, fashion
5 (Whom to be Paridell he did devise);
devise > surmise
6 And the other all clad in garments light, 7 Discoloured like to womanish disguise,
Discoloured > Varicoloured like to > resembling disguise > (The ordinary sense, garb assumed in order to deceive, is consonant with his perception of "ill wemens counsels": see 310.11:9)
8 He did resemble to his lady bright;
resemble > liken bright > beautiful
9 And ever his faint heart much yearned at the sight.
310.22
And euer faine he towards them would goe,
2 But yet durst not for dread approchen nie,
But stood aloofe, vnweeting what to doe;
4 Till that prickt forth with loues extremitie,
That is the father of foule gealosy,
6 He closely nearer crept, the truth to weet:
But, as he nigher drew, he easily
8 Might scerne, that it was not his sweetest sweet,
Ne yet her Belamour, the partner of his sheet.
1 And ever fain he towards them would go,
fain > gladly, willingly
2 But yet dared not for dread approach nigh, 3 But stood aloof, unweeting what to do;
aloof > apart unweeting > not knowing
4 Till, pricked forth with love's extremity,
pricked forth > spurred on, goaded
5 That is the father of foul jealousy, 6 He closely nearer crept, the truth to weet:
closely > secretly weet > learn, find out
7 But, as he nigher drew, he easily 8 Might scern that it was not his sweetest sweet,
Might > Could scern > discern (OED quotes this instance)
9 Nor yet her belamour, the partner of his sheet.
belamour > lover (French bel amour)
310.23
But it was scornefull Braggadocchio,
2 That with his seruant Trompart houerd there,
Sith late he fled from his too earnest foe:
4 Whom such when as Malbecco spyed clere,
He turned backe, and would haue fled arere;
6 Till Trompart ronning hastily, him did stay,
And bad before his soueraine Lord appere:
8 That was him loth, yet durst he not gainesay,
And comming him before, low louted on the lay.
1 But it was scornful Braggadocchio 2 That with his servant Trompart hovered there, 3 Sith late he fled from his too earnest foe:
Sith > Since late > recently (at 308.18:7) his too earnest foe > [Sir Ferraugh]
4 Whom such when Malbecco spied clear, 5 He turned back, and would have fled arear;
arear > in the rear; hence: back
6 Till Trompart, running hastily, him did stay,
stay > detain
7 And bade before his sovereign lord appear: 8 That was him loath, yet dared he not gainsay,
him loath > [unpleasant to him] gainsay > refuse
9 And, coming him before, low louted on the lea.
louted > bowed, made obeisance lea > ground
310.24
The Boaster at him sternely bent his browe,
2 As if he could haue kild him with his looke,
That to the ground him meekely made to bowe,
4 And awfull terror deepe into him strooke,
That euery member of his bodie quooke.
6 Said he, thou man of nought, what doest thou here,
Vnfitly furnisht with thy bag and booke,
8 Where I expected one with shield and spere,
To proue some deedes of armes vpon an equall pere.
1 The boaster at him sternly bent his brow,
sternly > fiercely
2 As if he could have killed him with his look, 3 That to the ground him meekly made to bow, 4 And awful terror deep into him struck, 5 That every member of his body quaked.
That > [So that] member > limb; organ
6 Said he, "You man of naught, what do you here,
do > [are you doing]
7 Unfitly furnished with your bag and book, 8 Where I expected one with shield and spear, 9 To prove some deeds of arms upon an equal peer?"
prove > try peer > peer, rival; nobleman
310.25
The wretched man at his imperious speach,
2 Was all abasht, and low prostrating, said;
Good Sir, let not my +rudenesse+ be no breach
4 Vnto your patience, ne be ill ypaid;
For I vnwares this way by fortune straid,
6 A silly Pilgrim driuen to distresse,
That seeke a Lady, There he suddein staid,
8 And did the rest with grieuous sighes suppresse,
While teares stood in his eies, few drops of bitternesse.
3 rudenesse > rudedesse 1596
1 The wretched man at his imperious speech 2 Was all abashed and, low prostrating, said:
prostrating > [prostrating himself]
3 "Good sir, let not my rudeness be no breach
no > (The double negative is intensive)
4 To your patience, nor be ill apaid;
be > (Imperative mood, addressing Braggadocchio) ill apaid > displeased
5 For I unwares this way by fortune strayed,
unwares > unwittingly
6 A silly pilgrim driven to distress,
silly > humble, lowly; helpless, innocent
7 That seek a lady …" There he sudden stayed,
stayed > stopped
8 And did the rest with grievous sighs suppress, 9 While tears stood in his eyes, few drops of bitterness.
310.26
What Ladie, man? (said Trompart) take good hart,
2 And tell thy griefe, if any hidden lye;
Was neuer better time to shew thy smart,
4 Then now, that noble succour is thee by,
That is the whole worlds commune remedy.
6 That chearefull word his weake hart much did cheare,
And with vaine hope his spirits faint supply,
8 That bold he said; {o^} most redoubted Pere,
Vouchsafe with mild regard a wretches cace to heare.
1 "What lady, man?" said Trompart. "Take good heart, 2 And tell your grief, if any hidden lie;
tell > describe
3 Was never better time to show your smart
smart > pain, acute pain
4 Than now, that noble succour is you by, 5 That is the whole world's common remedy." 6 That cheerful word his weak heart much did cheer, 7 And with vain hope his spirits faint supply,
vain > foolish
8 That bold he said: "O most redoubted peer,
That > [So that] peer > nobleman
9 Vouchsafe with mild regard a wretch's case to hear."
mild > gracious, kindly
310.27
Then sighing sore, It is not long (said hee)
2 +Sith+ I enioyd the gentlest Dame aliue;
Of whom a knight, no knight at all perdee,
4 But shame of all, that doe for honor striue,
By treacherous deceipt did me depriue;
6 Through open outrage he her bore away,
And with fowle force vnto his will did driue,
8 Which all good knights, that armes do beare this day,
Are bound for to reuenge, and punish if they may.
2 Sith > Since 1609
1 Then, sighing sore, "It is not long," said he, 2 "Sith I enjoyed the gentlest dame alive;
Sith > Since gentlest > noblest
3 Of whom a knight (no knight at all pardie,
pardie > assuredly, "by God"
4 But shame of all that do for honour strive) 5 By treacherous deceit did me deprive; 6 Through open outrage he her bore away, 7 And with foul force to his will did drive, 8 Which all good knights, that arms do bear this day, 9 Are bound to revenge, and punish if they may.
may > can
310.28
And you most noble Lord, that can and dare
2 Redresse the wrong of miserable wight,
Cannot employ your most victorious speare
4 In better quarrell, then defence of right,
And for a Ladie gainst a faithlesse knight;
6 So shall your glory be aduaunced much,
And all faire Ladies magnifie your might,
8 And eke my selfe, albe I simple such,
Your worthy paine shall well reward with guerdon rich.
1 "And you, most noble lord, that can and dare 2 Redress the wrong of miserable wight,
wight > man, creature
3 Cannot employ your most victorious spear 4 In better quarrel than defence of right, 5 And for a lady gainst a faithless knight;
gainst > against
6 So shall your glory be advanced much,
advanced > extolled; raised
7 And all fair ladies magnify your might,
magnify > praise, glorify might > strength
8 And eke myself, albe I simple such,
eke > also albe I simple such > [although I am humble as I have described]
9 Your worthy pain shall well reward with guerdon rich."
pain > pains; effort guerdon > reward
310.29
With that out of his bouget forth he drew
2 Great store of treasure, therewith him to tempt;
But he on it lookt scornefully askew,
4 As much disdeigning to be so misdempt,
Or a war-monger to be basely nempt;
6 And said; +thy+ offers base I greatly loth,
And eke thy words vncourteous and vnkempt;
8 I tread in dust thee and thy money both,
That, were it not for shame, So turned from him wroth.
6 thy > Thy 1609
1 With that out of his budget forth he drew
budget > bag, pouch, wallet
2 Great store of treasure, therewith him to tempt;
therewith > with which
3 But he on it looked scornfully askew, 4 As much disdaining to be so misdeemed,
misdeemed > misjudged
5 Or a warmonger to be basely named;
warmonger > mercenary soldier
6 And said: "Your offers base I greatly loathe, 7 And eke your words uncourteous and unkempt;
eke > also unkempt > inelegant, unpolished; rude
8 I tread in dust you and your money both, 9 That, were it not for shame …" So turned from him wroth.
That > [So that] shame > [the shame incurred by striking one of vastly inferior rank] So > Thus
310.30
But Trompart, that his maisters humor knew,
2 In lofty lookes to hide an humble mind,
Was inly tickled with that golden vew,
4 And in his eare him +rounded+ close behind:
Yet stoupt he not, but lay still in the wind,
6 Waiting aduauntage on the pray to sease;
Till Trompart lowly to the ground inclind,
8 Besought him his great courage to appease,
And pardon simple man, that rash did him displease.
4 rounded > rownded 1590; grounded 1596
1 But Trompart, that his master's humour knew
humour > frame of mind
2 (In lofty looks to hide a humble mind),
humble > low, inferior
3 Was inly tickled with that golden view,
inly > inwardly
4 And in his ear him rounded close behind:
rounded > addressed in a whisper
5 Yet stooped he not, but lay still in the wind,
stooped > swooped, dived for the kill (a term in falconry)
6 Waiting advantage on the pray to seize;
advantage > [a] time of advantage, [an] occasion, [an] opportunity
7 Till Trompart, lowly to the ground inclined, 8 Besought him his great courage to appease,
courage > wrath; spirit
9 And pardon simple man, that rash did him displease.
simple > [a] humble
310.31
Bigge looking like a doughtie Doucepere,
2 At last he thus; Thou clod of vilest clay,
I pardon yield, +and with+ thy rudenesse beare;
4 But weete henceforth, that all that golden pray,
And all that else the vaine world vaunten may,
6 I loath as doung, ne deeme my dew reward:
Fame is my meed, and glory +vertues+ +pray+.
8 But minds of mortall men are muchell mard,
And mou'd amisse with massie mucks vnmeet regard.
3 and with > and that with 1590 7 vertues > vertuous 1590 7 pray > pay 1609, avoiding the duplication from line 4
1 Big-looking, like a doughty doucepere,
doucepere > {In the old romances, one of Charlemagne's douzepers, his twelve peers or paladins; in history, one of the twelve great peers of France}
2 At last he thus: "You, clod of vilest clay, 3 I pardon yield, and with your rudeness bear; 4 But weet henceforth that all that golden prey,
weet > understand prey > plunder
5 And all that else the vain world vaunt may,
else > otherwise vain > foolish; empty vaunt may > may boast of
6 I loathe as dung, nor deem my due reward: 7 Fame is my meed, and glory virtue's prey.
meed > reward prey > spoil (see Textual Appendix)
8 But minds of mortal men are mickle marred,
mickle > much, greatly marred > damaged morally, corrupted
9 And moved amiss with massy muck's unmeet regard.
massy > solid, weighty (applied esp. to precious metals) unmeet > unfitting, unseemly regard > [Minds of mortal men are … moved amiss with unmeet regard for massy muck]
310.32
And +more+, I graunt to thy great miserie
2 Gratious respect, thy wife shall backe be sent,
And that vile knight, who euer that he bee,
4 Which hath thy Lady reft, and knighthood shent,
By Sanglamort my sword, whose deadly dent
6 The bloud hath of so many thousands shed,
I sweare, ere long shall dearely it repent;
8 Ne he twixt heauen and earth shall hide his hed,
But soone he shall be found, and shortly doen be ded.
1 more > mote 1590
1 "And more, I grant to your great misery 2 Gracious respect; your wife shall back be sent, 3 And that vile knight, whoever he be, 4 Who has your lady reft, and knighthood shent,
reft > taken away shent > disgraced
5 By Sanglamort my sword, whose deadly dint
Sanglamort > "Bloody Death" (French) dint > blow, stroke
6 The blood has of so many thousands shed, 7 I swear, ere long shall dearly it repent;
dearly > grievously
8 Nor he 'twixt heaven and earth shall hide his head, 9 But soon he shall be found, and shortly done be dead.'
done be dead > [shall be killed]
310.33
The foolish man thereat woxe wondrous blith,
2 As if the word so spoken, were halfe donne,
And humbly thanked him a thousand sith,
4 That had from death to life him newly wonne.
Tho forth the Boaster marching, braue begonne
6 His stolen steed to thunder furiously,
As if he heauen and hell would ouerronne,
8 And all the world confound with cruelty,
That much Malbecco ioyed in his iollity.
1 The foolish man thereat waxed wondrous blithe,
thereat > at that; thereupon waxed > grew, became
2 As if the word so spoken were half done, 3 And humbly thanked him a thousand sithes,
sithes > times
4 That had from death to life him newly won. 5 Tho forth the boaster marching, brave began
Tho > Then brave > bravely; splendidly
6 His stolen steed to thunder furiously,
stolen steed > (It belongs to Guyon, and was stolen at 203.4; he will regain it at 503.29)
7 As if he heaven and hell would overrun, 8 And all the world confound with cruelty,
confound > overthrow cruelty > severity, rigour
9 That much Malbecco joyed in his jollity.
That > [So that] joyed in > rejoiced at jollity > magnificence; arrogance
310.34
Thus long they three together traueiled,
2 Through many a wood, and many an vncouth way,
To seeke his wife, that was farre wandered:
4 But those two sought nought, but the present pray,
To weete the treasure, which he did bewray,
6 On which their eies and harts were wholly set,
With purpose, how they might it best betray;
8 For sith the houre, that first he did them let
The same behold, therewith their keene desires were whet.
1 Thus long they three together travelled, 2 Through many a wood, and many an uncouth way,
uncouth > unknown, strange
3 To seek his wife, that was far wandered: 4 But those two sought naught but the present prey, 5 To weet, the treasure, which he did bewray,
To weet > To wit, that is to say bewray > reveal
6 On which their eyes and hearts were wholly set, 7 With purpose how they might it best betray;
purpose > [the] matter in hand [of] betray > get hold of (Latin tradere, to give up, hand over, deliver up); also: lead astray, seduce
8 For, sith the hour that first he did them let
sith > since, ever since hour > moment; hour
9 The same behold, therewith their keen desires were whetted.
therewith > with that
310.35
It fortuned as they together far'd,
2 They spide, where Paridell came pricking fast
Vpon the plaine, the which himselfe prepar'd
4 To giust with that braue straunger knight a cast,
As on aduenture by the way he past:
6 Alone he rode without his Paragone;
For hauing filcht her bels, her vp he cast
8 To the wide world, and let her fly alone,
He nould be clogd. So had he serued many one.
1 It fortuned, as they together fared, 2 They spied where Paridell came pricking fast
pricking > spurring his horse, riding
3 Upon the plain, who himself prepared 4 To joust with that brave stranger knight a cast,
brave > brave; splendid stranger > new-come cast > turn, throw
5 As on adventure by the way he passed: 6 Alone he rode, without his paragon;
paragon > mate, consort, companion
7 For, having filched her bells, her up he cast
filched > (A filch was a staff with a hook at one end, used to steal things from open windows, etc.) bells > (Another term from falconry. Small spherical bells are attached to the legs of falcons by their trainers) cast > threw, launched; also connoting: vomited (another term in falconry)
8 To the wide world, and let her fly alone: 9 He nould be clogged. So had he served many one.
nould > would not clogged > hampered, impeded one > [a one]
310.36
The gentle Lady, loose at randon left,
2 The greene-wood long did walke, and wander wide
At wilde aduenture, like a forlorne weft,
4 Till on a day the Satyres her espide
Straying alone withouten groome or guide;
6 Her vp they tooke, and with them home her led,
With them as housewife euer to abide,
8 To milke their gotes, and make them cheese and bred,
And euery one as commune good her handeled.
1 The gentle lady, loose at random left,
gentle > noble
2 The greenwood long did walk, and wander wide
greenwood > {A wood or forest when in leaf} long > (Adv., applied to her walking; or perhaps adj., applied to the greenwood)
3 At wild adventure, like a forlorn waif,
wild adventure > [hazard in the wild]
4 Till on a day the satyrs her espied 5 Straying alone without groom or guide;
groom > manservant
6 Her up they took, and with them home her led, 7 With them as housewife ever to abide,
abide > remain
8 To milk their goats, and make them cheese and bread, 9 And every one as common good her handled.
good > property
310.37
That shortly she Malbecco has forgot,
2 And eke Sir Paridell, all were he deare;
Who from her went to seeke another lot,
4 And now by fortune was arriued here,
Where those two guilers with Malbecco were:
6 Soone as the oldman saw Sir Paridell,
He fainted, and was almost dead with feare,
8 Ne word he had to speake, his griefe to tell,
But to him louted low, and greeted goodly well.
1 That shortly she Malbecco has forgotten,
That > [So that]
2 And eke Sir Paridell, all were he dear;
eke > also all were he > although he was
3 Who from her went to seek another lot,
lot > fortune; prize
4 And now by fortune was arrived here, 5 Where those two guilers with Malbecco were:
guilers > deceivers
6 Soon as the old man saw Sir Paridell
Soon > [As soon] old man > (Compound sb.)
7 He fainted, and was almost dead with fear, 8 Nor word he had to speak, his grief to tell, 9 But to him louted low, and greeted goodly well,
louted > bowed, made obeisance goodly > courteously
310.38
And after asked him for Hellenore,
2 I take no keepe of her (said Paridell)
She wonneth in the forrest there before.
4 So forth he rode, as his aduenture fell;
The whiles the Boaster from his loftie sell
6 Faynd to alight, something amisse to mend;
But the fresh Swayne would not his leasure dwell,
8 But went his way; whom when he passed kend,
He vp remounted light, and after faind to wend.
1 And after asked him for Hellenore. 2 "I take no keep of her," said Paridell,
keep of > heed of; charge of, responsibility for
3 "She wons in the forest there before."
wons > dwells
4 So forth he rode, as his adventure fell; 5 The whiles the boaster from his lofty sell
The whiles > Meanwhile sell > saddle
6 Fained to alight, something amiss to mend;
Fained > Was disposed; or: feigned
7 But the fresh swain would not his leisure dwell,
fresh > {Young; not fatigued; speedy (said of a ship: cf. 310.6:3-4)} swain > lover dwell > await (trans.); tarry, delay (intr., requiring "his leisure" to be read as "at his leisure")
8 But went his way; whom when he passed kenned,
he > [Braggadocchio] passed kenned > [knew had passed, knew to be past]
9 He up remounted light, and after feigned to wend.
light > quickly
310.39
Perdy nay (said Malbecco) shall ye not:
2 But let him passe as lightly, as he came:
For litle good of him is to be got,
4 And mickle perill to be put to shame.
But let vs go to seeke my dearest Dame,
6 Whom he hath left in yonder forrest wyld:
For of her safety in great doubt I +am+,
8 Least saluage beastes her person haue despoyld:
Then all the world is lost, and we in vaine haue toyld.
7 am > ame 1590
1 "Pardie nay," said Malbecco, "shall you not:
Pardie > Verily, "by God"
2 But let him pass as lightly as he came:
lightly > easily; quickly
3 For little good of him is to be got, 4 And mickle peril to be put to shame.
mickle > much
5 But let us go to seek my dearest dame, 6 Whom he has left in yonder forest wild: 7 For of her safety in great doubt I am,
doubt > fear
8 Lest savage beasts her person have despoiled:
savage > wild; savage
9 Then all the world is lost, and we in vain have toiled."
310.40
+They+ all agree, and forward them addrest:
2 Ah but (said craftie Trompart) weete ye well,
That yonder in that +wastefull+ wildernesse
4 Huge monsters haunt, and many dangers dwell;
Dragons, and Minotaures, and feendes of hell,
6 And many wilde woodmen, which robbe and rend
All trauellers; therefore aduise ye well,
8 Before ye enterprise that way to wend:
One may his iourney bring too soone to euill end.
1 They > The 1596 3 wastefull > faithfull 1590
1 They all agree, and forward them addressed:
them addressed > betook themselves, went; or, more likely: aimed themselves, made ready [to leave]
2 "Ah but," said crafty Trompart, "weet you well,
weet > know, understand
3 That yonder in that wasteful wilderness
wasteful > desolate
4 Huge monsters haunt, and many dangers dwell: 5 Dragons, and minotaurs, and fiends of hell, 6 And many wild woodmen, who rob and rend
woodmen > wild men, savages, satyrs; also: maniacs rend > tear to bits
7 All travellers; therefore advise you well,
advise > consider
8 Before you enterprise that way to wend:
enterprise > undertake
9 One may his journey bring too soon to evil end."
310.41
Malbecco stopt in great astonishment,
2 And with pale eyes fast fixed on the rest,
Their counsell crau'd, in daunger imminent.
4 Said Trompart, +you+ that are the most opprest
With burden of great treasure, I thinke best
6 Here for to stay in safetie behind;
My Lord and I will search the wide forrest.
8 That counsell pleased not Malbeccoes mind;
For he was much affraid, himselfe alone to find.
4 you > You 1609
1 Malbecco stopped in great astonishment
astonishment > {Loss of sense or wits}
2 And, with pale eyes fast fixed on the rest,
fast > firmly
3 Their counsel craved, in danger imminent. 4 Said Trompart, "You, that are the most oppressed
oppressed > weighed down
5 With burden of great treasure, I think best 6 Here to stay in safety behind; 7 My lord and I will search the wide forest." 8 That counsel pleased not Malbecco's mind: 9 For he was much afraid himself alone to find.
310.42
Then is it best (said he) that ye doe leaue
2 Your treasure here in some securitie,
Either fast closed in some hollow greaue,
4 Or buried in the ground from ieopardie,
Till we returne againe in safetie:
6 As for vs two, least doubt of vs ye haue,
Hence farre away we will blindfolded lie,
8 Ne priuie be vnto your treasures graue.
It pleased: so he +did.+ Then they march forward braue.
9 did. > did, 1596
1 "Then is it best," said he, "that you do leave
is it > [it is] he > [Trompart]
2 Your treasure here in some security, 3 Either fast closed in some hollow greave,
fast closed > closely shut in, closely hidden hollow > hollow; also: false, insincere greave > thicket (cognate with "grove"); or perhaps, in view of 310.54:2: grave: hole in the ground, trench (so contrasting with the private meaning intended by Trompart at line 8)
4 Or buried in the ground from jeopardy, 5 Till we return again in safety: 6 As for us two, lest doubt of us you have, 7 Hence far away we will blindfolded lie, 8 Nor privy be to your treasure's grave." 9 It pleased: so he did. Then they march forward brave.
310.43
Now when amid the thickest woods they were,
2 They heard a noyse of many bagpipes shrill,
And shrieking Hububs them approching nere,
4 Which all the forrest did with horror fill:
That dreadfull sound the boasters hart did thrill,
6 With such amazement, that in haste he fled,
Ne euer looked backe for good or ill,
8 And after him eke fearefull Trompart sped;
The old man could not fly, but fell to ground halfe ded.
1 Now when amid the thickest woods they were, 2 They heard a noise of many bagpipes shrill,
bagpipes > (A symbol of debauchery)
3 And shrieking hubbubs them approaching near, 4 Which all the forest did with horror fill: 5 That dreadful sound the boaster's heart did thrill
thrill > pierce
6 With such amazement that in haste he fled,
amazement > consternation
7 Nor ever looked back for good or ill,
ill > evil
8 And after him eke fearful Trompart sped;
eke > also
9 The old man could not fly, but fell to ground half dead.
fly > flee
310.44
Yet afterwards close creeping, as he might,
2 He in a bush did hide his fearefull hed,
The iolly Satyres full of fresh delight,
4 Came dauncing forth, and with them nimbly led
Faire +Helenore+, with girlonds all bespred,
6 Whom their May-lady they had newly made:
She proud of that new honour, which they red,
8 And of their louely fellowship full glade,
Daunst liuely, and her face did with a Lawrell shade.
5 Helenore > Hellenore 1609
1 Yet afterwards (close creeping as he might,
close > [as] close, [as] closely; [as] secretly might > could
2 He in a bush did hide his fearful head) 3 The jolly satyrs, full of fresh delight,
jolly > jolly; lustful
4 Came dancing forth, and with them nimbly led 5 Fair Hellenore, with garlands all bespread, 6 Whom their May-lady they had newly made:
May-lady > Queen of the May (girl chosen to be queen of the games on
Mayday)
7 She, proud of that new honour which they read,
read > [had] declared, hence: had announced
8 And of their lovely fellowship full glad,
lovely > loving full > very, exceedingly
9 Danced lively, and her face did with a laurel shade.
lively > livelily laurel > laurel wreath (the laurel is sacred to Apollo, god of the sun, song and music)
310.45
The silly man that in the thicket lay
2 Saw all this goodly sport, and grieued sore,
Yet durst he not against it doe or say,
4 But did his hart with bitter thoughts engore,
To see th'vnkindnesse of his Hellenore.
6 All day they daunced with great lustihed,
And with their horned feet the greene grasse wore,
8 The whiles their Gotes vpon the brouzes +fed,+
Till drouping Ph{oe}bus gan to hide his golden hed.
8 fed, > fed. 1590, 1596
1 The silly man that in the thicket lay
silly > helpless; silly
2 Saw all this goodly sport, and grieved sore, 3 Yet dared he not against it do or say, 4 But did his heart with bitter thoughts engore,
engore > wound deeply
5 To see the unkindness of his Hellenore.
unkindness > unnatural behaviour; perhaps also: unkindness
6 All day they danced with great lustihead,
lustihead > lustiness, vigour; lustfulness
7 And with their horned feet the green grass wore, 8 The whiles their goats upon the browses fed,
The whiles > Meanwhile; while browses > tender shoots, buds
9 Till drooping Phoebus began to hide his golden head.
310.46
Tho vp they gan their merry pypes to trusse,
2 And all their goodly heards did gather round,
But euery Satyre first did giue a busse
4 To Hellenore: so busses did abound.
Now gan the humid vapour shed the ground
6 With perly deaw, and +th'Earthes+ gloomy shade
Did dim the brightnesse of the welkin round,
8 That euery bird and beast awarned made,
To shrowd themselues, whiles sleepe their senses did inuade.
6 th'Earthes > the Earthes 1609
1 Tho up they began their merry pipes to truss,
Tho > Then truss > pack
2 And all their goodly herds did gather round, 3 But every satyr first did give a buss
buss > kiss (OED cites Robert Herrick (1591-1674): "We busse our Wantons, but our Wives we kisse")
4 To Hellenore: so busses did abound. 5 Now gan the humid vapour shed the ground
gan > did shed > sprinkle
6 With pearly dew, and the earth's gloomy shade 7 Did dim the brightness of the welkin round:
welkin > {The apparent arch or vault of heaven overhead}
8 That every bird and beast awarned made,
every > [all severally: all the birds and beasts] awarned > warned (WU)
9 To shroud themselves, while sleep their senses did invade.
shroud > shelter
310.47
Which when +Melbecco+ saw, out of +his+ bush
2 Vpon his +hands+ and feete he crept full light,
And like a Gote emongst the Gotes did rush,
4 That through the helpe of his faire hornes on hight,
And misty dampe of misconceiuing night,
6 And eke through likenesse of his gotish beard,
He did the better counterfeite aright:
8 So home he marcht emongst the horned heard,
That none of all the Satyres him espyde or heard.
1 Melbecco > Malbecco 1590, 1609 1 his > the 1609 2 hands > hand 1596
1 Which when Malbecco saw, out of his bush 2 Upon his hands and feet he crept full light,
full light > very quickly
3 And like a goat amongst the goats did rush, 4 That through the help of his fair horns on high,
That > [So that] horns > (His cuckold's horns have become substantial)
5 And misty damp of misconceiving night,
misconceiving > {Giving a false impression}
6 And eke through likeness of his goatish beard,
eke > also likeness > [the] resemblance (i.e. to the goats' beards)
7 He did the better counterfeit aright:
counterfeit > disguise [himself]
8 So home he marched amongst the horned herd, 9 That none of all the satyrs him espied or heard.
That > [So that]
310.48
At night, when all they went to sleepe, he vewd,
2 Whereas his louely wife emongst them lay,
Embraced of a Satyre rough and rude,
4 Who all the night did minde his ioyous play:
Nine times he heard him come aloft ere day,
6 That all his hart with gealosie did swell;
But yet that nights ensample did bewray,
8 That not for nought his wife them loued so well,
When one so +oft+ a night did ring his matins bell.
9 oft > ought 1609
1 At night, when all they went to sleep, he viewed
all they > [they all]
2 Where his lovely wife amongst them lay,
lovely > lovely; loving
3 Embraced of a satyr rough and rude,
of > by
4 Who all the night did mind his joyous play: 5 Nine times he heard him come aloft ere day, 6 That all his heart with jealousy did swell;
That > [So that]
7 But yet that night's example did bewray
bewray > reveal
8 That not for naught his wife them loved so well, 9 When one so oft a night did ring his matins bell.
310.49
So closely as he could, he to them crept,
2 When wearie of their sport to sleepe they fell,
And to his wife, that now full soundly slept,
4 He whispered in her eare, and did her tell,
That it was he, which by her side did dwell,
6 And therefore prayd her wake, to heare him plaine.
As one out of a dreame not waked well,
8 She turned her, and returned backe againe:
Yet her for to awake he did the more constraine.
1 So closely as he could, he to them crept
closely > close, closely; secretly
2 When, weary of their sport, to sleep they fell, 3 And to his wife, that now full soundly slept:
full > very
4 He whispered in her ear, and did her tell 5 That it was he, who by her side did dwell, 6 And therefore prayed her wake, to hear him plain.
prayed her wake > [entreated her to awake] plain > plainly; also: complain, lament
7 As one out of a dream not waked well 8 She turned her, and returned back again:
her > [herself]
9 Yet her to awake he did the more constrain.
310.50
At last with irkesome trouble she abrayd;
2 And then perceiuing, that it was indeed
Her old Malbecco, which did her vpbrayd,
4 With loosenesse of her loue, and loathly deed,
She was astonisht with exceeding dreed,
6 And would haue wakt the Satyre by her syde;
But he her prayd, for mercy, or for meed,
8 To saue his life, ne let him be descryde,
But hearken to his lore, and all his counsell +hyde+.
9 hyde > byde my conjecture: bide = endure, undergo, remain true to
1 At last with irksome trouble she abraid;
irksome > weary abraid > started; hence: awoke
2 And then perceiving that it was indeed 3 Her old Malbecco who did her upbraid, 4 With looseness of her love, and loathly deed,
loathly > loathsome, disgusting
5 She was astonished with exceeding dread,
astonished > stunned; bewildered
6 And would have woken the satyr by her side; 7 But he her prayed, for mercy, or for meed,
prayed > entreated meed > reward (i.e. for his former support)
8 To save his life, nor let him be descried, 9 But hearken to his lore, and all his counsel hide.
lore > advice; orders hide > (See Textual Appendix)
310.51
Tho gan he her perswade, to leaue that lewd
2 And loathsome life, of God and man abhord,
And home returne, where all should be renewd
4 With perfect peace, and bandes of fresh accord,
And she receiu'd againe to bed and bord,
6 As if no trespasse euer had bene donne:
But she it all refused at one word,
8 And by no meanes would to his will be wonne,
But chose emongst the iolly Satyres still to wonne.
1 Tho gan he her persuade to leave that lewd
Tho gan > Then did persuade > counsel strongly
2 And loathsome life, of God and man abhorred,
of > by
3 And home return, where all should be renewed 4 With perfect peace, and bonds of fresh accord, 5 And she received again to bed and board, 6 As if no trespass ever had been done:
trespass > {Commission of sin or transgression}
7 But she it all refused at one word,
at one word > at once; without more ado
8 And by no means would to his will be won,
won > persuaded
9 But chose amongst the jolly satyrs still to won.
jolly > jolly; lustful still > ever, for ever won > live
310.52
He wooed her, till day +spring+ he espyde;
2 But all in vaine: and then turnd to the heard,
Who butted him with hornes on euery syde,
4 And trode downe in the durt, where his hore beard
Was fowly dight, and he of death afeard.
6 Early before the heauens fairest light
Out of the ruddy East was fully reard,
8 The heardes out of their foldes were loosed quight,
And he emongst the rest crept forth in sory plight.
1 spring > springs 1596
1 He wooed her till day-spring he espied,
day-spring > daybreak
2 But all in vain: and then turned to the herd,
turned > returned
3 Who butted him with horns on every side, 4 And trod down in the dirt, where his hoar beard
hoar > grey; ancient
5 Was foully dight, and he of death afeared.
dight > arranged, dressed; hence: befouled afeared > made frightened
6 Early, before the heavens' fairest light 7 Out of the ruddy east was fully reared, 8 The herds out of their folds were loosed quite, 9 And he amongst the rest crept forth in sorry plight.
sorry > sorry; painful, distressing
310.53
So soone as he the Prison dore did pas,
2 He ran as fast, as both his feete could beare,
And neuer looked, who behind him was,
4 Ne scarsely who before: like as a Beare
That creeping close, amongst the hiues to reare
6 An hony combe, the wakefull dogs espy,
And him assayling, sore his carkasse teare,
8 That hardly he with life away does fly,
Ne stayes, till safe himselfe he see from ieopardy.
1 So soon as he the prison door did pass,
prison door > [the point at which he was far enough away to escape detection]
2 He ran as fast as both his feet could bear, 3 And never looked who behind him was,
looked > [looked to see]
4 Nor scarcely who before: like a bear 5 That, creeping close amongst the hives to rear
close > secretly; close rear > gather, collect (usu. said of fines, rents, etc.)
6 A honeycomb, the wakeful dogs espy 7 And, him assailing, sore his carcase tear, 8 That hardly he with life away does fly,
That > [So that] hardly > with difficulty fly > flee
9 Nor stays, till safe himself he sees from jeopardy.
stays > delays
310.54
Ne stayd he, till he came vnto the place,
2 Where late his treasure he entombed had,
Where when he found it not (for Trompart bace
4 Had it purloyned for his maister bad:)
With extreme fury he became quite mad,
6 And ran away, ran with himselfe away:
That who so straungely had him seene bestad,
8 With vpstart haire, and staring eyes dismay,
From Limbo lake him late escaped sure would say.
1 Nor stayed he till he came to the place 2 Where late his treasure he entombed had,
late > recently
3 Where when he found it not (for Trompart base 4 Had it purloined for his master bad); 5 With extreme fury he became quite mad, 6 And ran away, ran with himself away: 7 That who so strangely had him seen bestad,
That who so strangely had him seen bestad > [So that whoever had seen him so strangely beset]
8 With upstart hair, and staring eyes' dismay,
upstart > upstanding
9 From Limbo-lake him late escaped sure would say.
Limbo-lake > (The pit of hell; Limbo is the region at the edge of hell where the unbaptized are confined; "lake" comes to us via Latin from the Greek lakkos, = pit, hollow, hole (filled with water or not))
310.55
High ouer hilles and ouer dales he fled,
2 As if the wind him on his winges had borne,
Ne banck nor bush could stay him, when he sped
4 His nimble feet, as treading still on thorne:
Griefe, and despight, and gealosie, and scorne
6 Did all the way him follow hard behind,
And he himselfe himselfe loath'd so forlorne,
8 So shamefully forlorne of womankind;
That as a Snake, still lurked in his wounded mind.
1 High over hills and over dales he fled, 2 As if the wind him on its wings had borne, 3 Neither bank nor bush could stay him when he sped
stay > hinder
4 His nimble feet, as treading still on thorn:
still > ever
5 Grief, and Despite, and Jealousy, and Scorn
Despite > Rage; Malice (personified, as a fragment of his own disintegrating mind, together with Grief, Jealousy, and Scorn: see Upton (1758))
6 Did all the way him follow hard behind,
hard > closely; fiercely, strenuously; cruelly
7 And he himself himself loathed so forlorn, 8 So shamefully forlorn of womankind:
of > by
9 That, as a snake, still lurked in his wounded mind.
as > like snake > (Traditionally associated with jealousy: see 311.1)
310.56
Still fled he forward, looking backward still,
2 Ne stayd his flight, nor fearefull agony,
Till that he came vnto a rockie hill,
4 Ouer the sea, suspended dreadfully,
That liuing creature it would terrify,
6 To looke adowne, or vpward to the hight:
From thence he threw himselfe dispiteously,
8 All desperate of his fore-damned spright,
That seem'd no helpe for him was left in liuing sight.
1 Still fled he forward, looking backward still,
Still > Still; continuously
2 Nor stayed his flight, nor fearful agony,
stayed > delayed agony > anguish
3 Till he came to a rocky hill 4 Over the sea, suspended dreadfully, 5 That living creature it would terrify
That > [So that; that]
6 To look adown, or upward to the height:
adown > down
7 From thence he threw himself dispiteously,
dispiteously > pitilessly
8 All desperate of his fore-damned spirit,
desperate of > despairing of, without hope for fore-damned > [damned beforehand, by his former conduct]
9 That seemed no help for him was left in living sight.
That > [So that it; such that]
310.57
But through long anguish, and selfe-murdring thought
2 He was so wasted and forpined quight,
That all his substance was consum'd to nought,
4 And nothing left, but like an aery Spright,
That on the rockes he fell so flit and light,
6 That he thereby receiu'd no hurt at all,
But chaunced on a craggy cliff to light;
8 Whence he with crooked clawes so long did crall,
That at the last he found a caue with entrance small.
1 But through long anguish, and self-murdering thought, 2 He was so wasted and forpined quite,
forpined > {Caused to pine, caused to starve}
3 That all his substance was consumed to naught, 4 And nothing left but like an airy sprite,
like > [something resembling]
5 That on the rocks he fell so flit and light,
That > [So that] flit > unsubstantial; or: fleet: evanescent, shifting
6 That he thereby received no hurt at all,
thereby > thereby, as a result; there
7 But chanced on a craggy cliff to light;
light > alight
8 Whence he with crooked claws so long did crawl 9 That at the last he found a cave with entrance small.
310.58
Into the same he creepes, and thenceforth there
2 Resolu'd to build his balefull mansion,
In drery darkenesse, and continuall feare
4 Of that rockes fall, which euer and anon
Threates with huge ruine him to fall vpon,
6 That he dare neuer sleepe, but that one eye
Still ope he keepes for that occasion;
8 Ne euer rests he in tranquillity,
The roring billowes beat his bowre so boystrously.
1 Into the same he creeps, and thenceforth there 2 Resolved to build his baleful mansion,
baleful > miserable, unhappy; deadly mansion > lodging, place of abode
3 In dreary darkness, and continual fear 4 Of that rock's fall, which ever and anon
ever and anon > always and straightway; hence: ever, continuously
5 Threats with huge ruin him to fall upon,
Threats > Threatens ruin > {The act of collapse of a building, etc.}
6 That he dares never sleep, but that one eye
That > [So that] one > [one remaining]
7 Still ope he keeps for that occasion;
Still ope > Ever open
8 Ne ever rests he in tranquillity:
Ne ever > Never, and never
9 The roaring billows beat his bower so boisterously.
bower > dwelling, chamber boisterously > violently, fiercely
310.59
Ne euer is he wont on ought to feed,
2 But toades and frogs, his pasture poysonous,
Which in his cold complexion do breed
4 A filthy bloud, or humour rancorous,
Matter of doubt and dread suspitious,
6 That doth with curelesse care consume the hart,
Corrupts the stomacke with gall vitious,
8 Croscuts the liuer with internall smart,
And doth transfixe the soule with deathes eternall dart.
1 Ne ever is he wont on aught to feed
Ne ever > And never, never wont > accustomed
2 But toads and frogs, his pasture poisonous,
pasture > food, sustenance
3 Which in his cold complexion do breed
complexion > combination of humours ("cold" or "hot", "moist" or "dry". The "humours", in medieval physiology, were the four chief fluids of the body: blood, phlegm, choler and melancholy. A person's temperament was determined by the relative proportions of these four cardinal humours)
4 A filthy blood, or humour rancorous, 5 Matter of doubt and dread suspicious,
doubt > fear
6 That does with cureless care consume the heart, 7 Corrupts the stomach with gall vicious,
stomach > stomach; also: spirit, pride vicious > foul, noxious; impure; morbid, diseased
8 Cross-cuts the liver with internal smart,
liver > {The supposed seat of love and violent passion; also: one who is alive} smart > pain, acute pain
9 And does transfix the soul with death's eternal dart.
310.60
Yet can he neuer dye, but dying liues,
2 And doth himselfe with sorrow new sustaine,
That death and life attonce vnto him giues.
4 And painefull pleasure turnes to pleasing paine.
There dwels he euer, miserable swaine,
6 Hatefull both to him selfe, and euery wight;
Where he through priuy griefe, and horrour vaine,
8 Is woxen so deform'd, that he has quight
Forgot he was a man, and Gealosie is hight.
1 Yet can he never die, but dying lives, 2 And does himself with sorrow new sustain, 3 That death and life at once to him gives:
at once > together
4 And painful pleasure turns to pleasing pain. 5 There dwells he ever, miserable swain,
swain > {Fellow, man of low degree; also: gallant, lover}
6 Hateful both to himself and every wight;
wight > person, creature
7 Where he, through privy grief and horror vain,
privy > secret, hidden vain > futile; empty; foolish
8 Is waxed so deformed, that he has quite
Is waxed > Has become
9 Forgotten he was a man, and Jealousy is hight.
hight > called
Britomart chaceth Ollyphant,
2 findes Scudamour distrest:
Assayes the house of Busyrane,
4 where Loues spoyles are exprest.
1 Britomart chases Ollyphant, 2 finds Scudamour distressed: 3 Assays the house of Busirane,
Assays > Assails; essays, attempts; hence: makes an attempt on,
attacks
Busirane > (Named after Busiris, a mythical Egyptian king whose
cruelties included the sacrifice of strangers to Jupiter. See
Ovid, Ars Amatoria 1.643-58)
4 where Love's spoils are expressed.
Love > [Cupid] expressed > portrayed, represented; represented symbolically
311.1
O Hatefull hellish Snake, what furie furst
2 Brought thee from balefull house of Proserpine,
Where in her bosome she thee long had nurst,
4 And fostred vp with bitter milke of tine,
Fowle Gealosie, that turnest loue diuine
6 To ioylesse dread, and mak'st the louing hart
With hatefull thoughts to languish and to pine,
8 And feed it selfe with selfe-consuming smart?
Of all the passions in the mind thou vilest art.
1 O hateful hellish snake, what Fury first
hellish snake > (Addressing Jealousy) Fury > (In most representations, the Furies' hair is entwined with, or consists of, snakes: see e.g. Aen. 7.342-55)
2 Brought you from baleful House of Proserpine,
baleful > [the] deadly, [the] miserable (perhaps also connoting "hell-fire": cf. 101.16:7) House of Proserpine > (Hell; Proserpine is queen of the underworld, the consort of Pluto)
3 Where in her bosom she you long had nursed,
she > (Presumably, Proserpine rather than the Fury)
4 And fostered up with bitter milk of teen?
teen > grief; woe; pain
5 Foul Jealousy, that turn love divine 6 To joyless dread, and make the loving heart 7 With hateful thoughts to languish and to pine,
pine > waste away
8 And feed itself with self-consuming smart:
smart > pain; acute pain
9 Of all the passions in the mind you vilest are.
311.2
O let him far be banished away,
2 And in his stead let Loue for euer dwell,
Sweet Loue, that doth his +golden+ wings embay
4 In blessed Nectar, and pure Pleasures well,
Vntroubled of vile feare, or bitter fell.
6 And ye faire Ladies, that your kingdomes make
In th'harts of men, them gouerne wisely well,
8 And of faire Britomart ensample take,
That was as trew in loue, as Turtle to her make.
3 golden > golding 1590, 1596
1 O let him far be banished away, 2 And in his stead let Love for ever dwell,
stead > place
3 Sweet Love, that does his golden wings embay
embay > bathe
4 In blessed nectar, and pure Pleasure's well,
nectar > {The drink of the gods; cf. 306.18:9}
5 Untroubled of vile fear, or bitter fell.
of > by fell > gall; bitterness, rancour (Latin fel: WUS)
6 And you fair ladies, that your kingdoms make 7 In the hearts of men, them govern wisely well, 8 And of fair Britomart example take, 9 That was as true in love as turtle to her make.
turtle > [the] turtle dove make > mate
311.3
Who with Sir Satyrane, as earst ye red,
2 Forth ryding from Malbeccoes hostlesse hous,
Farr off +aspyde+ a young man, the which fled
4 From an huge Geaunt, that with hideous
And hatefull outrage long him chaced thus;
6 It was that Ollyphant, the brother deare
Of that Argante vile and vitious,
8 From whom the Squire of Dames was reft whylere;
This all as bad as she, and worse, if worse ought were.
3 aspyde > espide 1609
1 Who, with Sir Satyrane (as erst you read)
erst > recently (310.1)
2 Forth riding from Malbecco's hostless house,
hostless > inhospitable
3 Far off espied a young man, who fled
fled > [was fleeing]
4 From a huge giant, that with hideous
hideous > odious; immense
5 And hateful outrage long him chased thus;
outrage > intemperance; passion chased > [had chased]
6 It was that Ollyphant, the brother dear 7 Of that Argante vile and vicious, 8 From whom the Squire of Dames was reft whilere;
reft > taken away; hence: rescued whilere > erewhile: a while ago (307.44)
9 This all as bad as she, and worse, if worse aught were.
This all > [This one was every bit] aught > anything whatever
311.4
For as the sister did in feminine
2 And filthy lust exceede all woman kind,
So he surpassed his sex masculine,
4 In beastly vse +that I did euer+ find;
Whom when as Britomart beheld behind
6 The fearefull boy so greedily pursew,
She was emmoued in her noble mind,
8 T'employ her puissaunce to his reskew,
And pricked fiercely forward, where she +him did+ vew.
4 that I did euer > all, that I euer 1590 9 him did > did him 1590
1 For as the sister did in feminine 2 And filthy lust exceed all womankind, 3 So he surpassed his sex masculine 4 In beastly use that I did ever find;
that > [compared with all whom that: see Textual Appendix]
5 Whom when Britomart beheld behind 6 The fearful boy so greedily pursue,
greedily > eagerly; greedily pursue > [pursuing]
7 She was enmoved in her noble mind
enmoved > moved
8 To employ her puissance to his rescue,
puissance > strength (allied with prowess in arms)
9 And pricked fiercely forward, where she him did view.
pricked > spurred her horse
311.5
Ne was Sir Satyrane her far behinde,
2 But with like fiercenesse did ensew the chace:
Whom when the Gyaunt saw, he soone resinde
4 His former suit, and from them fled apace;
They after both, and boldly bad him bace,
6 And each did striue the other to out-goe,
But he them both outran a wondrous space,
8 For he was long, and swift as any Roe,
And now made better speed, t'escape his feared foe.
1 Nor was Sir Satyrane her far behind, 2 But with like fierceness did ensue the chase:
like > similar ensue the chase > pursue the quarry; follow the chase
3 Whom when the giant saw, he soon resigned 4 His former suit, and from them fled apace;
suit > pursuit, chase apace > quickly
5 They after both, and boldly bade him base,
They after both > [They both went after him] bade him base > challenged (alluding to the game of "prisoner's base")
6 And each did strive the other to outgo,
outgo > {Outdistance; go faster than}
7 But he them both outran a wondrous space,
a > [by a]
8 For he was long, and swift as any roe,
roe > roedeer
9 And now made better speed, to escape his feared foe.
311.6
It was not Satyrane, whom he did feare,
2 But Britomart the flowre of chastity;
For he the powre of chast hands might not beare,
4 But alwayes did their dread encounter fly:
And now so fast his feet he did apply,
6 That he has gotten to a forrest neare,
Where he is shrowded in security.
8 The wood they enter, and search euery where,
They searched diuersely, so both diuided were.
1 It was not Satyrane whom he did fear, 2 But Britomart, the flower of chastity; 3 For he the power of chaste hands might not bear,
might > could
4 But always did their dread encounter fly:
fly > flee
5 And now so fast his feet he did apply 6 That he has gotten to a forest near, 7 Where he is shrouded in security.
shrouded > hidden; sheltered
8 The wood they enter, and search everywhere; 9 They searched diversely: so both divided were.
311.7
Faire Britomart so long him followed,
2 That she at last came to a fountaine sheare,
By which there lay a knight all wallowed
4 Vpon the grassy ground, and by him neare
His haberieon, his helmet, and his speare;
6 A little off, his shield was rudely throwne,
On which the winged boy in colours cleare
8 Depeincted was, full easie to be knowne,
And he thereby, where euer it in field was showne.
1 Fair Britomart so long him followed 2 That she at last came to a fountain sheer,
sheer > pure, clear, translucent (of water)
3 By which there lay a knight all wallowed
wallowed > prostrated
4 Upon the grassy ground, and by him near 5 His habergeon, his helmet, and his spear;
habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail}
6 A little off his shield was rudely thrown,
off > [way off]
7 On which the winged boy in colours clear
the winged boy > [Cupid, declaring the knight's name: see 306.53:2]
8 Depainted was, full easy to be known,
Depainted > Depicted; painted full > very, exceedingly
9 And he thereby, wherever it in field was shown.
he > [Scudamour] field > battle, field of battle
311.8
His face vpon the ground did groueling ly,
2 As if he had bene slombring in the shade,
That the braue Mayd would not for courtesy,
4 Out of his quiet slomber him abrade,
Nor seeme too suddeinly him to inuade:
6 Still as she stood, she heard with grieuous throb
Him grone, as if his hart were peeces made,
8 And with most painefull pangs to sigh and sob,
That pitty did the Virgins hart of patience rob.
1 His face upon the ground did grovelling lie,
grovelling > face-down
2 As if he had been slumbering in the shade, 3 That the brave maid would not, for courtesy,
That > [So that]
4 Out of his quiet slumber him abraid,
abraid > start; hence: awake
5 Nor seem too suddenly him to invade:
invade > intrude upon
6 Still as she stood, she heard with grievous throb
Still > Motionless; yet throb > quiver; exhibition of emotion
7 Him groan, as if his heart were pieces made,
pieces made > [broken]
8 And with most painful pangs to sigh and sob,
to > [she heard him to]
9 That pity did the virgin's heart of patience rob.
That > [So that]
311.9
At last forth breaking into bitter plaintes
2 He said; {o^} soueraigne Lord that sit'st on hye,
And raignst in blis emongst thy blessed Saintes,
4 How suffrest thou such shamefull cruelty,
So long vnwreaked of thine enimy?
6 Or +hast thou,+ Lord, of good mens cause no heed?
Or doth thy iustice sleepe, and silent ly?
8 What booteth then the good and righteous deed,
If goodnesse find no grace, nor righteousnesse no meed?
6 hast thou, > hast, thou 1590, 1596
1 At last, forth breaking into bitter plaints,
plaint > {Lament; lamentation; statement of grievance made in seeking redress}
2 He said: "O sovereign Lord that sit on high, 3 And reigns in bliss amongst Your blessed saints, 4 How suffer You such shameful cruelty,
suffer You > do You permit
5 So long unwreaked, of Your enemy?
unwreaked > unavenged
6 Or have You, Lord, of good men's cause no heed?
cause > case, suit; cause
7 Or does Your justice sleep, and silent lie? 8 What boots then the good and righteous deed,
boots > avails [one]
9 If goodness find no grace, nor righteousness no meed?
nor > (The double negative is intensive) meed > reward
311.10
If good find grace, and righteousnesse reward,
2 Why then is Amoret in caytiue band,
Sith that more bounteous creature neuer far'd
4 On foot, vpon the face of liuing land?
Or if that heauenly iustice may withstand
6 The wrongfull outrage of vnrighteous men,
Why then is Busirane with wicked hand
8 Suffred, these seuen monethes day in secret den
My Lady and my loue so cruelly to pen?
1 "If good find grace, and righteousness reward, 2 Why then is Amoret in caitiff bond,
caitiff bond > [wretched bonds; the bonds of a slave]
3 Since more bounteous creature never fared
more bounteous > [a] more virtuous
4 On foot upon the face of living land? 5 Or if heavenly justice may withstand 6 The wrongful outrage of unrighteous men, 7 Why then is Busirane with wicked hand 8 Suffered, these seven months' day, in secret den
Suffered > Allowed day > space (of time), period
9 My lady and my love so cruelly to pen?
311.11
My Lady and my loue is +cruelly+ pend
2 In dolefull darkenesse from the vew of day,
Whilest deadly torments do her chast brest rend,
4 And the sharpe steele doth riue her hart in tway,
All for she Scudamore will not denay.
6 Yet thou vile man, vile Scudamore art sound,
Ne canst her ayde, ne canst her foe dismay;
8 Vnworthy wretch to tread vpon the ground,
For whom so faire a Lady feeles so sore a wound.
1 cruelly > cruell' 1609
1 "My lady and my love is cruelly penned 2 In doleful darkness from the view of day,
doleful > grievous, distressing; also: malicious, crafty
3 Whilst deadly torments do her chaste breast rend,
rend > tear
4 And the sharp steel does rive her heart in tway,
rive > split, tear tway > two
5 All for she Scudamour will not deny.
for > because
6 Yet you vile man, vile Scudamour are sound, 7 Nor can her aid, nor can her foe dismay;
dismay > overcome; defeat
8 Unworthy wretch to tread upon the ground, 9 For whom so fair a lady feels so sore a wound."
311.12
There an huge heape of +singults+ did oppresse
2 His strugling soule, and swelling throbs empeach
His foltring toung with pangs of drerinesse,
4 Choking the remnant of his plaintife speach,
As if his dayes were come to their last reach.
6 Which when she heard, and saw the ghastly fit,
Threatning into his life to make a breach,
8 Both with great ruth and terrour she was smit,
Fearing least from her cage the wearie soule would flit.
1 singults > singulfes _1590, 1596; cf. 506.13:9, CC 168, TM 232. In the last two instances, the spelling error was corrected in the 1611 edition_
1 There a huge heap of singults did oppress
singults > sobs
2 His struggling soul, and swelling throbs impeach
throbs > quiverings; hence: tremors impeach > impede
3 His faltering tongue with pangs of dreariness,
dreariness > sorrow; horror
4 Choking the remnant of his plaintive speech,
plaintive > {Plaintive; also: pertaining to a plaintiff}
5 As if his days were come to their last reach.
last reach > utmost extent; hence: end
6 Which when she heard, and saw the ghastly fit
ghastly > terrible
7 Threatening into his life to make a breach, 8 Both with great ruth and terror she was smitten,
ruth > pity
9 Fearing lest from its cage the weary soul would flit.
its cage > [Scudamour's body: cf. Una's "natiue prison" at 107.21:8]
311.13
Tho stooping downe she him amoued light;
2 Who therewith somewhat starting, vp gan looke,
And seeing him behind a straunger knight,
4 Whereas no liuing creature he mistooke,
With great indignaunce he that sight forsooke,
6 And downe againe himselfe disdainefully
+Abiecting,+ th'earth with his faire forhead strooke:
8 Which the bold Virgin seeing, gan apply
Fit medcine to his griefe, and spake thus courtesly.
7 Abiecting, > Abiecting 1596
1 Tho stooping down she him amoved light;
Tho > Then amoved > moved, touched; aroused (last is SUS; cf. Daphn. 545)
2 Who therewith somewhat starting, up gan look,
therewith > with that; thereupon gan > did
3 And seeing him behind a stranger knight
him behind > [behind him] stranger > new-come; foreign; unknown
4 Where no living creature he mistook,
mistook > [had erroneously taken to be; hence: had supposed to be]
5 With great indignance he that sight forsook,
indignance > indignation
6 And down again himself disdainfully 7 Abjecting, the earth with his fair forehead struck;
Abjecting > Casting down ("down" in line 6 is thus tautological and intensive)
8 Which the bold virgin seeing, gan apply
Which the bold virgin seeing, gan > [Which seeing, the bold virgin did]
9 Fit medicine to his grief, and spoke thus courteously:
Fit > Appropriate
311.14
Ah gentle knight, whose deepe +conceiued+ griefe
2 Well seemes t'exceede the powre of patience,
Yet if that heauenly grace some good reliefe
4 You send, submit you to high prouidence,
And euer in your noble hart prepense,
6 That all the sorrow in the world is lesse,
Then vertues might, and values confidence,
8 For who nill bide the burden of distresse,
Must not here thinke to liue: for life is wretchednesse.
1 conceiued > cenceiued 1596
1 "Ah gentle knight, whose deep conceived grief
gentle > noble
2 Well seems to exceed the power of patience; 3 Yet if that heavenly grace some good relief 4 You send, submit you to high providence,
You send > [Should send to you] you > (An intensive: cf. 100.2:9; or: yourself)
5 And ever in your noble heart prepense
prepense > consider beforehand
6 That all the sorrow in the world is less 7 Than virtue's might, and value's confidence,
might > strength value's confidence > [confidence in worthiness or valour]
8 For who nill bide the burden of distress
who nill bide > [he who will not endure]
9 Must not here think to live: for life is wretchedness.
311.15
Therefore, faire Sir, do comfort to you take,
2 And freely read, what wicked felon so
Hath outrag'd you, and thrald your gentle make.
4 Perhaps this hand may helpe to ease your woe,
And wreake your sorrow on your cruell foe,
6 +At+ least it faire endeuour will apply.
Those feeling wordes so neare the quicke did goe,
8 That vp his head he reared easily,
And leaning on his elbow, these few wordes let fly.
6 At > And 1596
1 "Therefore, fair sir, do comfort to you take, 2 And freely read what wicked felon so
read > make known
3 Has outraged you, and thralled your gentle make.
thralled > enslaved, made captive gentle > noble make > companion, lover, consort
4 Perhaps this hand may help to ease your woe, 5 And wreak your sorrow on your cruel foe;
wreak > avenge
6 At least it fair endeavour will apply." 7 Those feeling words so near the quick did go 8 That up his head he reared easily, 9 And, leaning on his elbow, these few words let fly:
311.16
What boots it plaine, that cannot be redrest,
2 And sow vaine sorrow in a +fruitlesse+ eare,
Sith powre of hand, nor skill of learned brest,
4 Ne worldly price cannot redeeme my deare,
Out of her thraldome and continuall feare?
6 For he the tyraunt, which her hath in ward
By strong enchauntments and blacke Magicke leare,
8 Hath in a dungeon deepe her close embard,
And many dreadfull feends hath pointed to her gard.
2 fruitlesse > fruilesse 1596
1 "What boots it plain that cannot be redressed,
boots > avails plain > [to] complain [of]
2 And sow vain sorrow in a fruitless ear,
vain > futile; empty
3 Since power of hand, nor skill of learned breast,
skill > knowledge breast > heart; hence: mind
4 Nor worldly price cannot redeem my dear 5 Out of her thraldom and continual fear?
thraldom > slavery
6 For he, the tyrant, who her has in ward
ward > keeping
7 By strong enchantments and black magic lear,
lear > learning, lore
8 Has in a dungeon deep her close embarred,
close > closely; secretly embarred > imprisoned
9 And many dreadful fiends has pointed to her guard.
pointed > appointed, nominated; directed her guard > her keeping; guard her
311.17
There he tormenteth her most terribly,
2 And day and night afflicts with mortall paine,
Because to yield him loue she doth deny,
4 Once to me yold, not to be yold againe:
But yet by torture he would her constraine
6 Loue to conceiue in her disdainfull +brest,+
Till so she do, she must in doole remaine,
8 Ne may by liuing meanes be thence relest:
What boots it then to plaine, that cannot be redrest?
6 brest, > brest; 1590, 1609
1 "There he torments her most terribly, 2 And day and night afflicts with mortal pain, 3 Because to yield him love she does deny, 4 Once to me yielded, not to be yielded again: 5 But yet by torture he would her constrain 6 Love to conceive in her disdainful breast. 7 Till so she do, she must in dole remain,
dole > grief, sorrow (afflicting Amoret); guile, deceit (on the part of Busirane)
8 Nor may by living means be thence released:
living > {Human, mortal, pertaining to living people}
9 What boots it then to plain that cannot be redressed?"
boots > (Repeating the question posed at 311.16:1)
311.18
With this sad hersall of his heauy stresse,
2 The warlike Damzell was empassiond sore,
And said; Sir knight, your cause is nothing lesse,
4 Then is your sorrow, certes if not more;
For nothing so much pitty doth implore,
6 As gentle Ladies helplesse misery.
But yet, if please ye listen to my lore,
8 I will with proofe of last extremity,
Deliuer her fro thence, or with her for you dy.
1 With this sad hersall of his heavy stress
hersall > rehearsal, account (WUS) stress > affliction, distress
2 The warlike damsel was impassioned sore, 3 And said: "Sir knight, your cause is nothing less
cause > case; cause nothing > not at all less > [less in scale, less worthy]
4 Than is your sorrow, certes if not more;
certes > assuredly
5 For nothing so much pity does implore 6 As gentle ladies' helpless misery.
gentle > noble; gentle; [a] noble; [a] gentle ladies' > ladies'; lady's
7 But yet, if please you listen to my lore,
please you > [it is agreeable to you to] lore > teaching, doctrine
8 I will, with proof of last extremity,
proof > trial, experience last > [the final; she is offering to risk all]
9 Deliver her from thence, or with her for you die."
311.19
Ah gentlest knight aliue, (said Scudamore)
2 What huge heroicke magnanimity
Dwels in thy bounteous brest? what couldst thou more,
4 If she were thine, and thou as now am I?
O spare thy happy dayes, and them apply
6 To better boot, but let me dye, that ought;
More is more losse: one is enough to dy.
8 Life is not lost, (said she) for which is bought
Endlesse renowm, that more then +death+ is to be sought.
9 death > life conj. Jortin
1 "Ah gentlest knight alive," said Scudamour,
gentlest > noblest (answering the appellation at 311.14:1)
2 "What huge heroic magnanimity
magnanimity > greatness of spirit
3 Dwells in your bounteous breast? What could you more,
could you more > [more could you do, more could you offer]
4 If she were yours, and you as now am I? 5 O spare your happy days, and them apply 6 To better boot, but let me die, that ought;
boot > advantage, profit
7 More is more loss: one is enough to die." 8 "Life is not lost," said she, "for which is bought
Life > [A life, one's life]
9 Endless renown, that more than death is to be sought."
311.20
Thus she at length perswaded him to rise,
2 And with her wend, to see what new successe
Mote him befall vpon new enterprise;
4 His armes, which he had vowed to disprofesse,
She gathered vp and did about him dresse,
6 And his +forwandred+ steed vnto him got:
So forth they both yfere make their progresse,
8 And march not past the mountenaunce of a shot,
Till they arriu'd, whereas their purpose they did plot.
6 forwandred > for wandred 1596
1 Thus she at length persuaded him to rise 2 And with her wend, to see what new success
success > {That which follows, happens in the sequel; termination of affairs; result; also: fortune}
3 Might him befall upon new enterprise; 4 His arms, which he had vowed to disprofess,
arms > {Arms and armour} disprofess > renounce the profession of (cf. 104.1:1)
5 She gathered up and did about him dress,
dress > arrange
6 And his forwandered steed to him got:
forwandered > {Straying, wandered; also: wearied with wandering}
7 So forth they both yfere make their progress,
yfere > together progress > journey
8 And march not past the mountenance of a shot,
mountenance > distance shot > [bow-shot]
9 Till they arrived where their purpose they did plot.
311.21
There they dismounting, drew their weapons bold
2 And stoutly came vnto the Castle gate;
Whereas no gate they found, them to withhold,
4 Nor ward to wait at morne and euening late,
But in the Porch, that did them sore amate,
6 A flaming fire, ymixt with smouldry smoke,
And stinking Sulphure, that with griesly hate
8 And dreadfull horrour did all entraunce choke,
Enforced them their forward footing to reuoke.
1 There they, dismounting, drew their weapons bold 2 And stoutly came to the castle gate:
stoutly > bravely, resolutely
3 Where no gate they found them to withhold, 4 Nor ward to wait at morn and evening late:
ward to wait > [a] sentinel to keep watch
5 But in the porch (that did them sore amate)
amate > daunt (cf. Rinaldo 5.58-61, GL 8.34-5)
6 A flaming fire (mixed with smouldry smoke,
smouldry > {Smothery, tending to smother}
7 And stinking sulphur, that with grisly hate
grisly > horrible, fearsome
8 And dreadful horror did all entrance choke) 9 Enforced them their forward footing to revoke.
footing > step, tread revoke > check; withdraw, draw back (cf. 101.12:7-8)
311.22
Greatly thereat was Britomart dismayd,
2 Ne in that stownd wist, how her selfe to beare;
For daunger vaine it were, to haue assayd
4 That cruell element, which all things feare,
Ne none can suffer to approchen neare:
6 And turning backe to Scudamour, thus sayd;
What monstrous enmity prouoke we heare,
8 Foolhardy as +th'Earthes children, the which+ made
Battell against the Gods? so we a God inuade.
8 th'Earthes children, the which > the Earthes children, which 1590
1 Greatly thereat was Britomart dismayed,
thereat > at that, as a result of that
2 Nor in that stound wist how herself to bear;
stound > {Time of peril of pain: chiefly in northern dialect} wist > knew
3 For danger vain it were to have essayed
vain > foolish; foolishly essayed > attempted, hence: made an attempt on, attacked
4 That cruel element, which all things fear, 5 Nor none can suffer to approach near:
suffer > bear
6 And, turning back to Scudamour, thus said: 7 "What monstrous enmity provoke we here,
provoke > challenge, defy; provoke
8 Foolhardy as the Earth's children, who made
Foolhardy > [As foolhardy] the Earth's children > (The Giants, the vast beings which, sprung from the blood that fell from Uranus on Ge (the Earth), piled Mount Ossa on Mount Pelion in order to launch an unsuccessful attack on Olympus, abode of the gods)
9 Battle against the gods? So we a god invade.
a god > [Vulcan]
311.23
Daunger without discretion to attempt,
2 Inglorious and beastlike is: therefore Sir knight,
Aread what course of you is safest dempt,
4 And how we with our foe may come to fight.
This +is+ (quoth he) the dolorous despight,
6 Which earst to you I playnd: for neither may
This fire be quencht by any wit or might,
8 Ne yet by any meanes remou'd away,
So mighty be th'enchauntments, which the same do stay.
5 is > omitted from 1596
1 "Danger, without discretion, to attempt,
Danger, without discretion, to attempt > [To make an attempt on danger without discretion]
2 Inglorious and beastlike is: therefore, sir knight, 3 Aread what course of you is safest deemed,
Aread > Make known; counsel; decide of > by
4 And how we with our foe may come to fight." 5 "This is," quoth he, "the dolorous despite
despite > outrage
6 Which erst to you I plained: for neither may
erst > lately plained > lamented
7 This fire be quenched by any wit or might,
wit > ingenuity, intelligence might > strength
8 Nor yet by any means removed away, 9 So mighty be the enchantments which the same do stay.
stay > sustain
311.24
What is there else, but cease these fruitlesse paines,
2 And leaue me to my former +languishing?+
Faire Amoret must dwell in wicked chaines,
4 And Scudamore here dye with sorrowing.
Perdy not so; (said she) for shamefull thing
6 It were t'abandon noble cheuisaunce,
For shew of perill, without venturing:
8 Rather let try extremities of chaunce,
Then enterprised prayse for dread to disauaunce.
2 languishing? > languishing; 1596
1 "What is there else but cease these fruitless pains,
else > [to do] otherwise pains > efforts
2 And leave me to my former languishing? 3 Fair Amoret must dwell in wicked chains, 4 And Scudamour here die with sorrowing." 5 "Pardie not so," said she, "for shameful thing
Pardie > By God, certainly
6 It were to abandon noble chevisance
chevisance > enterprise, knightly enterprise (catachr.)
7 For show of peril, without venturing: 8 Rather let try extremities of chance 9 Than enterprised praise for dread to disadvance."
enterprised > [an already] undertaken praise > {Object of praise, praiseworthy deed} for > [through, because of] disadvance > check the advance of; draw back; hence: revoke
311.25
Therewith resolu'd to proue her vtmost might,
2 Her ample shield she threw before her face,
And her swords point directing forward right,
4 Assayld the flame, the which eftsoones gaue place,
And did it selfe diuide with equall space,
6 That through she passed; as a thunder bolt
+Perceth+ the yielding ayre, and doth displace
8 The soring cloudes into sad showres ymolt;
So to her yold the flames, and did their force reuolt.
7 Perceth > Pearceth 1609
1 Therewith resolved to prove her utmost might,
Therewith > With that, thereupon prove > try; demonstrate
2 Her ample shield she threw before her face
ample > broad
3 And, her sword's point directing forward right, 4 Assailed the flame, which eftsoons gave place,
eftsoons > thereupon; forthwith
5 And did itself divide with equal space,
with equal space > [equally]
6 That through she passed; as a thunderbolt
That > [So that]
7 Pierces the yielding air, and does displace 8 The soaring clouds into sad showers melted;
sad > heavy
9 So to her yielded the flames, and did their force revolt.
revolt > turn back (SU)
311.26
Whom whenas Scudamour saw past the fire,
2 Safe and vntoucht, he likewise gan assay,
With greedy will, and enuious desire,
4 And bad the stubborne flames to yield him way:
But cruell Mulciber would not obay
6 His threatfull pride, but did the more augment
His mighty rage, and +with+ imperious sway
8 Him forst (maulgre) his fiercenesse to relent,
And backe retire, all scorcht and pitifully brent.
7 with > omitted from 1596; his 1609
1 Whom when Scudamour saw past the fire, 2 Safe and untouched, he likewise gan essay,
gan essay > did try
3 With greedy will, and envious desire,
greedy > eager; greedy envious > (Possible meanings, in descending order of likelihood, are: (1) odious, invidious (since the flames are allegorically the product of his desires); (2) full of emulation (of Britomart or her success in passing the flames); (3) malicious, generated by ill-will (directed against Busirane); (4) actuated by envy (of Britomart))
4 And bade the stubborn flames to yield him way: 5 But cruel Mulciber would not obey 6 His threatful pride, but did the more augment
threatful > {Full of threats, threatening}
7 His mighty rage, and with imperious sway
sway > power, sweep
8 Him forced (maugre) his fierceness to relent,
maugre > notwithstanding; unfortunately, as luck would have it relent > abate, lessen
9 And back retire, all scorched and pitifully burnt.
311.27
With huge impatience he inly swelt,
2 More for great sorrow, that he could not pas,
Then for the burning torment, which he felt,
4 That with fell woodnesse he effierced was,
And wilfully him throwing on the gras,
6 Did beat and bounse his head and brest full sore;
The whiles the Championesse now entred has
8 The vtmost rowme, and past the +formest+ dore,
The vtmost rowme, abounding with all precious store.
8 formest > formost 1609
1 With huge impatience he inly swelt,
impatience > {Inability to endure suffering} inly swelt > inwardly broiled
2 More for great sorrow, that he could not pass, 3 Than for the burning torment which he felt, 4 That with fell woodness he effierced was,
That > [So that] fell > terrible, fierce woodness > fury, madness effierced > {Rendered fierce: WU}
5 And, wilfully him throwing on the grass,
him > himself
6 Did beat and bounce his head and breast full sore;
bounce > thump full > exceedingly
7 The whiles the championess now entered has
The whiles > Meanwhile
8 The utmost room, and passed the foremost door,
utmost > outermost
9 The utmost room, abounding with all precious store.
311.28
For round about, the wals yclothed were
2 With goodly arras of great maiesty,
Wouen with gold and silke so close and nere,
4 That the rich metall lurked priuily,
As faining to be hid from enuious eye;
6 Yet here, and there, and euery where vnwares
It shewd it selfe, and shone vnwillingly;
8 +Like+ a discolourd Snake, whose hidden snares
Through the greene gras his long bright burnisht backe declares.
8 Like > Like to 1590
1 For round about the walls clothed were 2 With goodly arras of great majesty,
goodly > [a] beautiful; beautiful arras > tapestry; tapestries (named after the town in Pas-de-Calais, France, famous for its rich tapestries, which were often made in the form of wall-hangings) majesty > magnificence
3 Woven with gold and silk so close and near
near > closely, tightly; or: finely (because it had to be held at the near-point of vision in order to be stitched)
4 That the rich metal lurked privily,
privily > inwardly; secretly
5 As faining to be hidden from envious eye;
As faining > [As if anxious]
6 Yet here, and there, and everywhere unwares
unwares > unexpectedly, suddenly; unwittingly
7 It showed itself, and shone unwillingly; 8 Like a discoloured snake, whose hidden snares
discoloured > varicoloured
9 Through the green grass its long bright burnished back declares.
311.29
And in those Tapets weren fashioned
2 Many faire pourtraicts, and many a faire feate,
And all of loue, and all of lusty-hed,
4 As seemed by their semblaunt did entreat;
And eke all Cupids warres they did repeate,
6 And cruell battels, which he whilome fought
Gainst all the Gods, to make his empire great;
8 Besides the huge massacres, which he wrought
On mighty kings and kesars, into thraldome brought.
1 And in those tapets were fashioned
tapet > {Piece of figured fabric used as a hanging, tablecloth, carpet, etc.}
2 Many fair portraits, and many a fair feat, 3 And all of love, and all of lustihead
lustihead > libidinousness, pleasure
4 (As seemed by their semblant) did entreat;
semblant > appearance entreat > treat
5 And eke all Cupid's wars they did repeat,
eke > moreover repeat > relate, recount; celebrate
6 And cruel battles, which he whilom fought
whilom > anciently
7 Gainst all the gods, to make his empire great;
Gainst > Against
8 Besides the huge massacres which he wrought 9 On mighty kings and kaisers, into thraldom brought.
kaisers > caesars, emperors thraldom > slavery
311.30
Therein was writ, how often thundring Ioue
2 Had felt the point of his hart-percing dart,
And leauing heauens kingdome, here did roue
4 In straunge disguize, to slake his scalding smart;
Now like a Ram, faire Helle to peruart,
6 Now like a Bull, Europa to withdraw:
Ah, how the fearefull Ladies tender hart
8 Did liuely seeme to tremble, when she saw
The huge seas vnder her t'obay her seruaunts law.
1 Therein was written how often thundering Jove
written > depicted Jove > (Here in his guise as Jupiter Tonans, lord of the thunderbolt)
2 Had felt the point of his heart-piercing dart,
his > [Cupid's]
3 And, leaving heaven's kingdom, here did rove 4 In strange disguise, to slake his scalding smart;
slake > slake; assuage smart > pain, acute pain
5 Now like a ram, fair Helle to pervert,
Helle > (Daughter of Athamas and Nephele, sister of Phrixus. Because of the intrigues of her stepmother, Ino, she and her brother were to be sacrificed to Jupiter; but Nephele rescued her two children, who rode away through the air on the ram with the golden fleece, a gift from Mercury. Helle fell into the sea, which was called after her the Hellespont. See Ovid, Fasti, 3.851 ff., DGDG 13.68, 4.68) pervert > lead astray (lit. as well as fig.)
6 Now like a bull, Europa to withdraw:
bull > (Taurus (the bull) follows Aries (the ram) in the zodiac) Europa > (Daughter of King Agenor of Phoenicia, or, according to the Iliad, daughter of Phoenix. Jupiter fell in love with her, assumed the form of a bull and mingled with the herd as Europa and her maidens were by the shore. Charmed by the tameness of the beast, Europa climbed on its back, whereupon Jupiter rushed into the sea and swam with her to Crete. The continent of Europe is said to be named after her. See Met. 2.833 ff.) withdraw > take away; hence: abduct
7 Ah, how the fearful lady's tender heart 8 Did lively seem to tremble, when she saw
lively > vividly, in a lifelike manner, convincingly (referring to the tapestry)
9 The huge seas under her obey her servant's law.
servant > paramour
311.31
Soone after that into a golden showre
2 Him selfe he chaung'd faire Dana{e"} to vew,
And through the roofe of her strong brasen towre
4 Did raine into her lap an hony dew,
The whiles her foolish garde, that little knew
6 Of such deceipt, kept th'yron dore fast bard,
And watcht, that none should enter nor issew;
8 Vaine was the watch, and bootlesse all the ward,
Whenas the God to golden hew him selfe transfard.
1 Soon after that into a golden shower
Soon > Immediately after that > [in the next panel]
2 Himself he changed, fair Dana{e"} to view,
Dana{e"} > (Daughter of Acrisius, the king of Argos, who confined her in a brazen tower because an oracle had foretold that she would give birth to a son who would kill his grandfather. Transformed into a golden shower, Jupiter came down through the roof and fathered Perseus, who did indeed eventually kill Acrisius, by means of an accident in the public games at Larissa)
3 And through the roof of her strong brazen tower 4 Did rain into her lap a honey-dew,
honey-dew > {Ideally sweet or luscious substance}
5 While her foolish guard, that little knew 6 Of such deceit, kept the iron door fast barred,
fast > firmly; closely
7 And watched that none should enter nor issue; 8 Vain was the watch, and bootless all the ward,
Vain > Foolish; futile bootless > unavailing ward > keeping; prison
9 When the god to golden hue himself transferred.
hue > appearance, form
311.32
Then was he turnd into a snowy Swan,
2 To win faire Leda to his louely trade:
O wondrous skill, and sweet wit of the man,
4 That her in daffadillies sleeping made,
From scorching heat her daintie limbes to shade:
6 Whiles the proud Bird ruffing his fethers wyde,
And brushing his faire brest, did her inuade;
8 She slept, yet twixt her eyelids closely spyde,
How towards her he rusht, and smiled at his pryde.
1 Then was he turned into a snowy swan, 2 To win fair Leda to his lovely trade:
Leda > (Daughter of Thestius, a king of Sparta. Following Jupiter's seduction she brought forth two eggs, one containing Helen (over whom the Trojan war was fought) and the other Castor and Pollux) lovely trade > amorous dealings
3 O wondrous skill, and sweet wit of the man,
wit > wit; ingenuity
4 That her in daffodils sleeping made, 5 From scorching heat her dainty limbs to shade:
dainty > delightful, comely
6 While the proud bird, ruffing his feathers wide,
ruffing > ruffling (as the male swan does in display) wide > wide; widely
7 And brushing his fair breast, did her invade;
brushing > brushing, rubbing (with his bill: another accurate observation from nature) invade > enter (SUS); hence: possess
8 She slept, yet 'twixt her eyelids closely spied
closely > secretly
9 How towards her he rushed, and smiled at his pride.
pride > stateliness, splendour; sexual excitement
311.33
Then shewd it, how the Thebane Semelee
2 Deceiu'd of gealous Iuno, did require
To see him in his soueraigne maiestee,
4 Armd with his thunderbolts and lightning fire,
Whence dearely she with death bought her desire.
6 But faire Alcmena better match did make,
Ioying his loue in likenesse more entire;
8 Three nights in one, they say, that for her sake
He then did put, +her+ pleasures lenger to partake.
9 her > his 1609
1 Then showed it, how the Theban Semele,
it > [the tapestry] Semele > (Daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia, and the lover of Jupiter. The jealous Juno appeared to her in the form of her aged nurse, and induced her to ask Jupiter to visit her in the same splendour and majesty with which he appeared to Juno. Jupiter warned her of the danger of this request; but, as he had sworn to grant whatever Semele desired, he was obliged to comply, and appeared before her as Jupiter Tonans. Semele was killed by the lightning; but Jupiter saved her child, Bacchus, with whom she was then pregnant)
2 Deceived of jealous Juno, did require
of > by
3 To see him in his sovereign majesty, 4 Armed with his thunderbolts and lightning fire, 5 Whence dearly she with death bought her desire. 6 But fair Alcmene better match did make,
Alcmene > (Or Alcmena, daughter of Electryon, king of Mycenae. She married Amphitryton, but refused to lie with him until he avenged the murder of her brothers. On the eve of Amphitryton's return, Jupiter appeared to Alcmene disguised as Amphitryton and fathered Hercules. See DGDG 6.1, Epithalamion 326-7)
7 Joying his love in likeness more entire;
Joying > Enjoying entire > perfect; wholly devoted
8 Three nights in one, they say, that for her sake 9 He then did put, her pleasures longer to partake.
311.34
Twise was he seene in soaring Eagles shape,
2 And with wide wings to beat the buxome ayre,
Once, when he with Asterie did scape,
4 Againe, when as the Troiane boy so faire
He snatcht from Ida hill, and with him bare:
6 Wondrous delight it was, there to behould,
How the rude Shepheards after him did stare,
8 Trembling through feare, least down he fallen +should+
And often to him calling, to take surer hould.
8 should > should, 1609
1 Twice was he seen in soaring eagle's shape, 2 And with wide wings to beat the buxom air:
buxom > yielding
3 Once, when he with Asteria did scape;
Asteria > (Or Asterie, daughter of Phoebe and the Titan Coeus. In order to escape Jupiter's advances she transformed herself into a quail and threw herself down from heaven; whereupon he trans- formed himself into an eagle. See Met. 6.108; Hesiod, Theogony 404-12; Hyginus, Fabulae 53) scape > escape
4 Again, when the Trojan boy so fair
the Trojan boy > (Ganymede, son of Tros and Callirrho{e"}, most beautiful of all mortals; the details of his abduction vary in different accounts. Spenser follows Met. 10.155 ff., DGDG 9.13)
5 He snatched from Ida hill, and with him bore:
Ida hill > (A mountain range in Mysia, in Asia Minor, celebrated also as the scene of the judgement of Paris; see 207.55)
6 Wondrous delight it was, there to behold 7 How the rude shepherds after him did stare,
rude > simple, uneducated
8 Trembling through fear, lest down he fall should, 9 And often to him calling to take surer hold.
311.35
In Satyres shape Antiopa he snatcht:
2 And like a fire, when he Aegin' assayd:
A shepheard, when Mnemosyne he catcht:
4 And like a Serpent to the Thracian mayd.
Whiles thus on earth great Ioue these pageaunts playd,
6 The winged boy did thrust into his throne,
And scoffing, thus vnto his mother sayd,
8 Lo now the heauens obey to me alone,
And take me for their Ioue, whiles Ioue to earth is gone.
1 In satyr's shape Antiope he snatched:
satyr > (Satyrs are horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat- like below, usually portrayed as more or less lustful. In Roman mythology, Satyr, one of the satyrs, is a companion of Bacchus with long, pointed ears, behind which are the stumps of horns, with the tail of a goat, bristly hair, and a flat nose) Antiope > (Daughter of Nycteus, and mother by Jupiter of Amphion and Zethus)
2 And like a fire, when he Aegina assayed:
Aegina > (Daughter of the river-god Asopus, and mother by Jupiter of Aeacus (Hyginus, Fabulae 52)) assayed > assaulted, assailed
3 A shepherd, when Mnemosyne he caught:
Mnemosyne > (Daughter of Uranus, and mother by Jupiter of the Muses)
4 And like a serpent to the Thracian maid.
the Thracian maid > (Proserpine, daughter of Jupiter and Ceres; later, the wife of Pluto. See Met. 6.110-114, where she is called "Deoida" after Deo (another name for Ceres))
5 While thus on earth great Jove these pageants played,
pageants > tableaux, scenes (cf. 305.1:2)
6 The winged boy did thrust into his throne 7 And, scoffing, thus to his mother said, 8 "Lo now, the heavens obey to me alone,
obey > are obedient
9 And take me for their Jove, while Jove to earth is gone."
311.36
And thou, faire Ph{oe}bus, in thy colours bright
2 Wast there enwouen, and the sad distresse,
In which that boy thee plonged, for despight,
4 That thou bewray'dst his mothers wantonnesse,
When she with Mars was meynt in ioyfulnesse:
6 For thy he thrild thee with a leaden dart,
To loue faire Daphne, which thee loued lesse:
8 Lesse she thee lou'd, then was thy iust desart,
Yet was thy loue her death, and her death was thy smart.
1 And you, fair Phoebus, in your colours bright 2 Were there enwoven, and the sad distress
enwoven > woven
3 In which that boy you plunged for despite,
you plunged > also: plunged you despite > maliciousness
4 That you bewrayed his mother's wantonness,
That > [In that] bewrayed > revealed; betrayed
5 When she with Mars was ment in joyfulness:
ment > united sexually (the adultery of Mars and Venus, Vulcan's wife, was disclosed to Vulcan by Apollo. Vulcan caught the guilty pair in an invisible net, and exposed them to the laughter of the assembled gods)
6 For-thy he thrilled you with a leaden dart,
For-thy > For that reason thrilled > pierced leaden > (Cupid's gold-tipped and lead-tipped arrows bring happy or unhappy love respectively. See Met. 1.466-71)
7 To love fair Daphne, who you loved less:
Daphne > (Apollo's love (see 212.52:5), transformed into a laurel; but according to Met. 4.171 ff. Apollo was punished for his indiscretion by being made to love Leucothea, who was buried alive by her father, whereupon Apollo transformed her into an incense bush) you loved less > loved you too little
8 Less she you loved, than was your just desert,
desert > reward, merit
9 Yet was your love her death, and her death was your smart.
smart > pain, acute pain
311.37
So louedst thou the lusty Hyacinct,
2 So louedst thou the faire Coronis deare:
Yet both are of thy haplesse hand extinct,
4 Yet both in flowres do liue, and loue thee beare,
The one a Paunce, the other a sweet breare:
6 For griefe whereof, ye mote haue liuely seene
The God himselfe rending his golden heare,
8 And breaking quite his +gyrlond+ euer greene,
With other signes of sorrow and impatient teene.
8 gyrlond > garlond 1590
1 So loved you the lusty Hyacinth,
So > Thus lusty > pleasing; lustful; insolent, self-confident
2 So loved you the fair Coronis dear:
Coronis > (Daughter of Phlegyas, and mother by Apollo of Aesculapius; see Met. 2.542-632) dear > dear (qualifying Coronis); dearly
3 Yet both are of your hapless hand extinct,
of > by extinct > dead
4 Yet both in flowers do live, and love you bear, 5 The one a pansy, the other a sweet-brier:
the other a sweet-brier > (This detail is not in Ovid)
6 For grief whereof you might have lively seen
you > [one] lively > vividly, convincingly, in a lifelike manner
7 The god himself rending his golden hair,
rending > tearing
8 And breaking quite his garland ever green, 9 With other signs of sorrow and impatient teen.
impatient > {Unable to bear suffering} teen > grief; woe
311.38
Both for those two, and for his owne deare sonne,
2 The sonne of Climene he did repent,
Who bold to guide the charet of the Sunne,
4 Himselfe in thousand peeces fondly rent,
And all the world with flashing +fier+ brent,
6 So like, that all the walles did seeme to flame.
Yet cruell Cupid, not herewith content,
8 Forst him eftsoones to follow other game,
And loue a Shepheards daughter for his dearest Dame.
5 fier > fire 1590
1 Both for those two, and for his own dear son 2 (The son of Clymene) he did repent,
Clymene > (Mother of Phaethon; see 104.9, Met. 1.750-2.366) repent > grieve, mourn (SU)
3 Who, bold to guide the chariot of the sun, 4 Himself in thousand pieces fondly rent,
fondly rent > foolishly shattered
5 And all the world with flashing fire burnt; 6 So like, that all the walls did seem to flame.
like > lifelike
7 Yet cruel Cupid, not herewith content,
herewith > with this
8 Forced him eftsoons to follow other game,
eftsoons > soon
9 And love a shepherd's daughter for his dearest dame.
311.39
He loued Isse for his dearest Dame,
2 And for her sake her cattell fed a while,
And for her sake a cowheard vile became,
4 The seruant of Admetus cowheard vile,
Whiles that from heauen he suffered exile.
6 Long were to tell +each+ other louely fit,
Now like a Lyon, hunting after spoile,
8 Now like a +Hag+, now like a faulcon flit:
All which in that faire arras was most liuely writ.
6 each > his 1590 8 Hag > Stag _conj. Jortin, in support of whom Upton quotes Myth. 4.10. Smith describes the emendation as "irresistible". Apollo is transformed to a lion and then a hawk in Met. 6.122-3. Some editors retain Hag and feel Spenser may have been referring to a "haggard", an untamed hawk caught in its adult plumage_
1 He loved Isse for his dearest dame,
Isse > (Spenser combines two legends here: Apollo's disguised appearance to Isse, daughter of Macareus (Met. 6.124), and the myth of Admetus, king of Pherae in Thessaly, whom Apollo was obliged to serve as a herdsman for nine years for having slain the Cyclops (see Hyginus, Fabulae 50, DGDG 4.10))
2 And for her sake her cattle fed awhile, 3 And for her sake a cowherd vile became,
vile > lowly
4 The servant of Admetus, cowherd vile,
cowherd > (Roche (1978) suggests a possible pun on "coward")
5 While from heaven he suffered exile. 6 Long were to tell each other lovely fit,
Long were > [It would take a long time] lovely > amorous
7 Now like a lion, hunting after spoil, 8 Now like a hag, now like a falcon flit:
hag > (See Textual Appendix) flit > fleet, swift
9 All which in that fair arras was most lively writ.
arras > tapestry lively > vividly, convincingly writ > depicted; hence: woven
311.40
Next vnto him was Neptune pictured,
2 In his diuine resemblance wondrous lyke:
His face was rugged, and his hoarie hed
4 Dropped with brackish deaw; his three-forkt Pyke
He stearnly shooke, and therewith fierce did stryke
6 The raging billowes, that on euery syde
They trembling stood, and made a long broad dyke,
8 That his swift charet might haue passage wyde,
Which foure great Hippodames did draw in temewise tyde.
1 Next to him was Neptune pictured,
Next to > Immediately after
2 In his divine resemblance wondrous like:
like > lifelike
3 His face was rugged, and his hoary head
rugged > hairy
4 Dropped with brackish dew; his three-forked pike
Dropped > Sprinkled three-forked pike > [trident]
5 He sternly shook, and therewith fierce did strike
sternly > fiercely; grimly therewith > with it
6 The raging billows, that on every side
that > [so that]
7 They trembling stood, and made a long broad dike, 8 That his swift charet might have passage wide,
That > [So that] charet > chariot
9 Which four great hippodames did draw, in teamwise tied.
hippodame > ?hippopotamus (from the medieval spelling "ypotame"; or perhaps this is a new creature, invented by Spenser, half horse and half woman, the female counterpart of the centaur, aquatic rather than terrestrial. The prefix hippo- comes from the Greek word for "horse". "Damaios" is an epithet of Neptune the Tamer, from the Greek damao, to subdue; but "dame" (meaning "wife", "woman") is cognate with the Latin domina (meaning "lady of the house", "mistress"). Maclean (1982) suggests "sea-horse", from 311.41:1, which might however be a figurative term. See also 209.50:8) teamwise > [a team-like manner]
311.41
His sea-horses did seeme to snort amayne,
2 And from their nosethrilles blow the brynie streame,
That made the sparckling waues to smoke agayne,
4 And flame with gold, but the white fomy creame,
Did shine with siluer, and shoot forth his beame.
6 The God himselfe did pensiue seeme and sad,
And hong adowne his head, as he did dreame:
8 For priuy loue his brest empierced had,
Ne ought but deare Bisaltis ay could make him glad.
1 His sea-horses did seem to snort amain,
amain > vehemently
2 And from their nostrils blow the briny stream, 3 That made the sparkling waves to smoke again,
again > again; in return
4 And flame with gold, but the white foamy cream 5 Did shine with silver, and shoot forth its beam. 6 The god himself did pensive seem and sad,
pensive > anxious; sorrowful
7 And hung adown his head, as he did dream:
adown > down as > [as though]
8 For privy love his breast empierced had,
privy > secret breast > heart empierced > transfixed
9 Ne aught but dear Bisaltis ay could make him glad.
Ne aught > Naught, no one at all Bisaltis > (Or Theophane, daughter of Bisaltes, changed by Neptune into a ewe; he changed himself into a ram. See Met. 6.117 and Hyginus, Fabulae 188) ay > ever
311.42
He loued eke Iphimedia deare,
2 And Aeolus faire daughter Arne +hight,+
For whom he turnd him selfe into a Steare,
4 And fed on fodder, to beguile her sight.
Also to win Deucalions daughter bright,
6 +He+ turnd him selfe into a Dolphin fayre;
And like a winged horse he tooke his flight,
8 To +snaky+-locke Medusa to repayre,
On whom he got faire Pegasus, that flitteth in the ayre.
2 hight, > hight. 1596 6 He > Her 1596, 1609 8 snaky > snaly 1596
1 He loved eke Iphimedia dear,
eke > also
Iphimedia > (Wife of Aloeus, the mother by Neptune of Otus and
Ephialtes, the two Aloidae)
2 And Aeolus' fair daughter, Arne hight,
Aeolus > (Son of Hellen and the nymph Orse{i"}s, the ruler of Thessaly. Sisyphus was also among his many children. The god of the winds, also called Aeolus, is the son of Arne and Neptune) hight > named
3 For whom he turned himself into a steer, 4 And fed on fodder, to beguile her sight. 5 Also, to win Deucalion's daughter bright,
Deucalion > (Son of Prometheus and Clymene. Like Noah, he was the floating survivor of a flood sent by the supreme deity to destroy degenerate mankind. See Met. 6.116-20) bright > beautiful
6 He turned himself into a dolphin fair; 7 And like a winged horse he took his flight, 8 To snaky-locked Medusa to repair,
snaky-locked > (She only became thus after she and Neptune had desecrated one of Minerva's temples by this union: see 309.22:8) Medusa > (The only mortal among the three sisters who comprised the Gorgons; before her metamorphosis she was a beautiful maiden) repair > go, betake himself
9 On whom he got fair Pegasus, that flits in the air.
Pegasus > (The winged horse sprang from the blood of Medusa when her head was cut off by Perseus)
311.43
Next Saturne was, (but who would euer weene,
2 That sullein Saturne euer weend to loue?
Yet loue is sullein, and Saturnlike seene,
4 As he did for +Erigone+ it +proue,+)
That to a Centaure did him selfe transmoue.
6 So proou'd it eke that gracious God of wine,
When for to compasse +Philliras+ hard loue,
8 He turnd himselfe into a fruitfull vine,
And into her faire bosome made his grapes decline.
4 Erigone > Philliras sugg. Upton 4 proue, > proue. 1596 7 Philliras > _Erigone sugg. Upton, since the two legends are confused. See Met. 6.125-6 and Hyginus, Fabulae 138_
1 Next Saturn was (but who would ever ween
Next > Immediately after Saturn > (Son of Heaven (Uranus) and Earth (Ge); identified with Cronos of the Greeks: he is hence the father of Jupiter, Neptune, Pluto, Juno, etc. He deprived Uranus of the government of the world, and was in turn dethroned by Jupiter. See Met. 6.126) ween > imagine
2 That sullen Saturn ever weened to love?
weened > thought it possible, supposed, imagined
3 Yet love is sullen, and Saturn-like seen, 4 As he did for Erigone it prove),
Erigone > (See Textual Appendix. Erigone was the daughter of Icarius, in grief for whose death she hanged herself. She was loved by Bacchus, and was placed by him (or by Jupiter) among the stars, becoming the constellation of Virgo; her father became Bo{o"}tes)
5 That to a centaur did himself transmew.
centaur > (Fabulous creature with the head, arms and trunk of a man and the lower parts of a horse) transmew > transmute
6 So proved it eke that gracious god of wine
eke > also god of wine > (Bacchus)
7 When, to compass Philyra's hard love,
Philyra > (See Textual Appendix. Philyra was the daughter of
Oceanus)
8 He turned himself into a fruitful vine, 9 And into her fair bosom made his grapes decline.
311.44
Long were to tell the amorous assayes,
2 And gentle pangues, with which he maked meeke
The mighty Mars, to learne his wanton playes:
4 How oft for Venus, and how often eek
For many other Nymphes he sore did shreek,
6 With womanish teares, and with vnwarlike smarts,
Priuily moystening his horrid cheek.
8 There was he painted full of burning darts,
And many wide woundes launched through his +inner+ +parts.+
9 inner > inward 1609 9 parts. > parts, 1596
1 Long were to tell the amorous assays
Long were > [It would take a long time] assays > assaults; essays: attempts
2 And gentle pangs with which he made meek
he > [Cupid]
3 The mighty Mars, to learn his wanton plays:
learn > learn; teach plays > sports, amorous sports
4 How oft for Venus, and how often eke
eke > also
5 For many other nymphs he sore did shriek,
nymph > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains) he > [Mars]
6 With womanish tears, and with unwarlike smarts,
smarts > pains
7 Privily moistening his horrid cheek.
Privily > Secretly horrid > bristly, shaggy
8 There was he painted full of burning darts,
There > [In the tapestry]
9 And many wide wounds lanced through his inner parts.
311.45
Ne did he spare (so cruell was the Elfe)
2 His owne deare mother, (ah why should he +so?)+
Ne did he spare sometime to pricke himselfe,
4 That he might tast the sweet consuming woe,
Which he had wrought to many others moe.
6 But to declare the mournfull Tragedyes,
And spoiles, wherewith he all the ground did strow,
8 More eath to number, with how many eyes
High heauen beholds sad louers nightly theeueryes.
2 so?) > so? 1596
1 Nor did he spare (so cruel was the elf)
elf > mischievous child
2 His own dear mother (ah, why should he so?);
His own dear mother > [Venus]
3 Nor did he spare sometime to prick himself,
sometime > sometimes
4 That he might taste the sweet consuming woe
That > [So that]
5 Which he had wrought to many others more.
to > in
6 But to declare the mournful tragedies, 7 And spoils, wherewith he all the ground did strew:
wherewith > with which ground > surface, background (of the tapestry)
8 More eath to number with how many eyes
More eath > [It would be easier] eyes > [stars]
9 High heaven beholds sad lovers' nightly thieveries.
thieveries > {Thefts; acts of stealth}
311.46
Kings Queenes, Lords Ladies, Knights and Damzels gent
2 Were heap'd together with the vulgar sort,
And mingled with the raskall rablement,
4 Without respect of person or of port,
To shew Dan Cupids powre and great effort:
6 And round about a border was entrayld,
Of broken bowes and arrowes shiuered short,
8 And a long bloudy riuer through them rayld,
So liuely and so like, that liuing sence it fayld.
1 Kings, queens, lords, ladies, knights, and damsels gent
gent > noble, high-born
2 Were heaped together with the vulgar sort,
sort > kind; company
3 And mingled with the rascal rabblement,
rascal rabblement > rabble; wretched rabble
4 Without respect of person or of port,
port > style of life, hence: social station
5 To show Dan Cupid's power and great effort:
Dan > {Title of honour, as "Master", "Sir"} effort > power, powers
6 And round about a border was entrailed,
entrailed > entwined, interlaced, hence: woven
7 Of broken bows and arrows shivered short,
shivered > broken, split
8 And a long bloody river through them railed,
railed > flowed
9 So lively and so like that living sense it failed.
lively > vivid, convincing like > lifelike failed > deceived (Latin fallere: WUFQ)
311.47
And at the vpper end of that faire rowme,
2 There was an Altar built of pretious stone,
Of passing valew, and of great renowme,
4 On which there stood an Image all alone,
Of massy gold, which with his owne light shone;
6 And wings it had with sundry colours dight,
More sundry colours, then the proud Pauone
8 Beares in his boasted fan, or Iris bright,
When her discolourd bow she spreds through +heauen bright+.
9 heauen bright > heuens hight conj. Church (following the 1590 spelling of "heuen")
1 And, at the upper end of that fair room, 2 There was an altar built of precious stone, 3 Of passing value, and of great renown,
passing > surpassing
4 On which there stood an image all alone,
image > effigy, statue, idol
5 Of massy gold, which with its own light shone;
massy > solid
6 And wings it had with sundry colours dight,
dight > arrayed
7 More sundry colours than the proud pavone
pavone > peacock (Italian word)
8 Bears in his boasted fan, or Iris bright,
Iris > (Goddess of the rainbow. See GL 16.24) bright > beautiful (sparing the duplication of the rhyme in line 9)
9 When her discoloured bow she spreads through heaven bright.
discoloured > varicoloured
311.48
Blindfold he was, and in his cruell fist
2 A mortall bow and arrowes keene did hold,
With which he shot at randon, when him list,
4 Some headed with sad lead, some with pure gold;
(Ah man beware, how thou those darts behold)
6 A wounded Dragon vnder him did ly,
Whose hideous tayle his left foot did +enfold+,
8 And with a shaft was shot through either eye,
That no man forth might draw, ne no man remedye.
7 enfold > ensold 1596
1 Blindfold it was, and in its cruel fist
Blindfold > (Cupid is often thus depicted, for he cares not where his arrows strike: cf. 101.51:4, 203.23:6, 302.35:8, 304.6:8)
2 A mortal bow and arrows keen did hold,
mortal > lethal, deadly keen > sharp
3 With which it shot at random, when it list,
list > chose, pleased
4 Some headed with sad lead, some with pure gold
lead > (Cupid's lead-tipped and gold-tipped arrows bring unhappy or happy love respectively. See Met. 1.466-71)
5 (Ah man beware, how you those darts behold); 6 A wounded dragon under it did lie, 7 Whose hideous tail its left foot did enfold,
hideous > immense; hideous
8 And with a shaft was shot through either eye, 9 That no man forth might draw, nor no man remedy.
311.49
And vnderneath his feet was written thus,
2 Vnto the Victor of the Gods this bee:
And all the people in that ample hous
4 Did to that image bow their humble knee,
And oft committed fowle Idolatree.
6 That wondrous sight faire Britomart amazed,
Ne seeing could her wonder satisfie,
8 But +euermore+ and more vpon it gazed,
The whiles the passing brightnes her fraile sences dazed.
8 euermore > euer more 1609
1 And underneath its feet was written thus: 2 To the Victor of the Gods this be; 3 And all the people in that ample house 4 Did to that image bow their humble knee,
image > effigy, statue, idol
5 And oft committed foul idolatry. 6 That wondrous sight fair Britomart amazed,
amazed > astounded; confounded
7 Nor seeing could her wonder satisfy, 8 But evermore and more upon it gazed, 9 While the passing brightness her frail senses dazed.
passing > surpassing
311.50
Tho as she backward cast her busie eye,
2 To search each secret of that goodly +sted+
Ouer the dore thus written she did spye
4 Be bold: she oft and oft it ouer-red,
Yet could not find what sence it figured:
6 But what so were therein or writ or ment,
She was no whit thereby discouraged
8 From prosecuting of her first intent,
But forward with bold steps into the next roome went.
2 sted > sted, 1609
1 Tho as she backward cast her busy eye,
Tho > Then backward > towards the back (i.e. beyond the statue)
2 To search each secret of that goodly stead,
stead > place
3 Over the door thus written she did spy: 4 Be bold; she oft and oft it over-read,
over-read > re-read
5 Yet could not find what sense it figured:
figured > expressed
6 But, whatso were therein +or+ written or meant,
whatso > whatever or > either
7 She was no whit thereby discouraged 8 From prosecuting her first intent, 9 But forward with bold steps into the next room went.
311.51
Much fairer, then the former, was that roome,
2 And richlier by many partes arayd:
For not with arras made in painefull loome,
4 But with pure gold it all was ouerlayd,
Wrought with wilde Antickes, which their follies playd,
6 In the rich metall, as they liuing were:
A thousand monstrous formes therein were made,
8 Such as false loue doth oft vpon him +weare,+
For loue in thousand monstrous formes doth oft appeare.
8 weare, > weare? 1596
1 Much fairer than the former was that room, 2 And richlier by many parts arrayed:
richlier > more richly by many parts > [many times over]
3 For not with arras made in painful loom,
arras > tapestry painful > {Characterized by painstaking}
4 But with pure gold it all was overlaid, 5 Wrought with wild antics, which their follies played
antics > {Fantastic or grotesque representations of birds, animals, plants} follies > lewdnesses, indecencies, wantonnesses; foolishnesses played > acted out
6 In the rich metal, as they living were:
as > [as if]
7 A thousand monstrous forms therein were made, 8 Such as false Love does oft upon him wear,
Love > [Cupid] upon him wear > [assume as disguise]
9 For Love in thousand monstrous forms does oft appear.
311.52
And all about, the glistring walles were hong
2 With warlike spoiles, and with victorious prayes,
Of mighty Conquerours and Captaines strong,
4 Which were whilome captiued in their dayes
To cruell loue, and wrought their owne decayes:
6 Their +swerds+ and speres were broke, and hauberques rent;
And their proud girlonds of tryumphant bayes
8 Troden in dust with fury insolent,
To shew the victors might and mercilesse intent.
6 swerds > swords 1609
1 And all about, the glistering walls were hung 2 With warlike spoils, and with victorious preys,
preys > spoils, plunder
3 Of mighty conquerors and captains strong, 4 Who were whilom captived in their days
whilom captived > anciently made captive
5 To cruel love, and wrought their own decays:
decays > downfalls; deaths
6 Their swords and spears were broken, and hauberks rent;
hauberk > {Chain-mail tunic; chain-mail covering for neck and shoulders} rent > torn
7 And their proud garlands of triumphant bays
bays > {Leaves or sprigs of the laurel, used to make a wreath for conquerors}
8 Trodden in dust with fury insolent,
insolent > immoderate; overbearing; or: exultant (SUS: cf. CC 622)
9 To show the victor's might and merciless intent.
intent > frame of mind; intention
311.53
The warlike Mayde beholding earnestly
2 The goodly ordinance of this rich place,
Did greatly +wonder,+ ne could satisfie
4 Her greedy eyes with gazing a long space,
But more she meruaild that no footings trace,
6 Nor wight appear'd, but wastefull emptinesse,
And solemne silence ouer all that place:
8 Straunge thing it seem'd, that none was to possesse
So rich purueyance, ne them keepe with carefulnesse.
3 wonder, > wonder 1596
1 The warlike maid, beholding earnestly 2 The goodly ordinance of this rich place,
ordinance > provision, furniture; hence: furnishings
3 Did greatly wonder, nor could satisfy
wonder > marvel
4 Her greedy eyes with gazing a long space,
greedy > eager
5 But more she marvelled that no footing's trace,
footing > {The passage of feet; trail} trace > trace; track
6 Nor wight appeared but wasteful emptiness
wight > person, creature but wasteful > except desolate
7 And solemn silence over all that place: 8 Strange thing it seemed, that none was to possess
none was > [there was no one]
9 So rich purveyance, nor them keep with carefulness.
So > Such purveyance > {Provision, those things which are provided; hence: furnishings} keep > guard
311.54
And as she lookt about, she did behold,
2 How ouer that same dore was likewise writ,
Be bold, be bold, and euery where Be bold,
4 That much she muz'd, yet could not construe it
By any ridling skill, or commune wit.
6 At last she spyde at that roomes vpper end,
Another yron dore, on which was writ,
8 Be not too bold; whereto though she did bend
Her earnest mind, yet wist not what it might intend.
1 And, as she looked about, she did behold 2 How over that same door was likewise written: 3 Be bold, be bold, and everywhere Be bold, 4 That much she mused, yet could not construe it
That > [So that] mused > pondered; marvelled
5 By any riddling skill or common wit.
common wit > ordinary intelligence, common sense
6 At last she spied at that room's upper end 7 Another iron door, on which was written: 8 Be not too bold; whereto though she did bend
whereto > to which bend > direct
9 Her earnest mind, yet wist not what it might intend.
wist > [she] knew might intend > could mean
311.55
Thus +she there+ waited vntill euentyde,
2 Yet liuing creature none she saw appeare:
And now sad shadowes gan the world to hyde,
4 From mortall vew, and wrap in darkenesse dreare;
Yet nould she d'off her weary armes, for feare
6 Of secret daunger, ne let sleepe oppresse
Her heauy eyes with natures burdein deare,
8 But drew her selfe aside in sickernesse,
And her welpointed weapons did about her dresse.
1 she there > there she 1609
1 Thus she there waited until eventide, 2 Yet living creature none she saw appear: 3 And now sad shadows began the world to hide 4 From mortal view, and wrap in darkness drear;
drear > dreary
5 Yet nould she doff her weary arms, for fear
nould > would not doff > (Fused form of "do off", as Spenser's apostrophe shows) arms > armour
6 Of secret danger, nor let sleep oppress
oppress > oppress, overwhelm; take by surprise
7 Her heavy eyes with nature's burden dear, 8 But drew herself aside in sickerness,
sickerness > confidence; security
9 And her well pointed weapons did about her dress.
well pointed > sharp; but not, apparently: well appointed, well equipped dress > arrange
The maske of Cupid, and th'enchaunted
2 Chamber are displayd,
Whence Britomart redeemes faire
4 Amoret, through charmes decayd.
1 The Masque of Cupid, and the enchanted 2 Chamber are displayed, 3 Whence Britomart redeems fair 4 Amoret, through charms decayed.
charms > magic spells decayed > wasted, debilitated
312.1
THo when as chearlesse Night ycouered had
2 Faire heauen with an vniuersall cloud,
That euery wight dismayd with darknesse sad,
4 In silence and in sleepe themselues did shroud,
She heard a shrilling Trompet sound aloud,
6 Signe of nigh battell, or got victory;
Nought therewith daunted was her courage proud,
8 But rather stird to cruell enmity,
Expecting euer, when some foe she might descry.
1 Tho when cheerless Night covered had
Tho > Then
Night > (Nox; see 304.55 ff.)
2 Fair heaven with a universal cloud, 3 That every wight, dismayed with darkness sad,
That > [So that] every > [all severally: all the wights; cf. 301.58:1] wight > person, creature sad > sad; heavy
4 In silence and in sleep themselves did shroud,
shroud > conceal
5 She heard a shrilling trumpet sound aloud, 6 Sign of nigh battle, or got victory; 7 Naught therewith daunted was her courage proud,
therewith > with that courage > spirit
8 But rather stirred to cruel enmity, 9 Expecting ever when some foe she might descry.
Expecting ever > Waiting continuously when > [for the time when]
312.2
With that, an hideous storme of winde arose,
2 With dreadfull thunder and lightning atwixt,
And an earth-quake, as if it streight would lose
4 The worlds foundations from his centre fixt;
A direfull stench of smoke and sulphure mixt
6 Ensewd, whose noyance fild the fearefull sted,
From the fourth houre of night vntill the sixt;
8 Yet the bold Britonesse was nought ydred,
Though much emmou'd, but stedfast still perseuered.
1 With that, a hideous storm of wind arose,
hideous > terrific; hence: violent (cf. 101.6:6)
2 With dreadful thunder and lightning atwixt,
atwixt > between; hence: also, mixed in
3 And an earthquake, as if it straight would loose
straight > straightway, immediately
4 The world's foundations from its centre fixed;
centre fixed > [fixed centre]
5 A direful stench of smoke and sulphur mixed
direful > terrible, dreadful
6 Ensued, whose noyance fild the fearful stead
noyance > annoyance fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) stead > place
7 From the fourth hour of night until the sixth;
the fourth hour of night > [10 p.m.] sixth > [midnight]
8 Yet the bold Britoness was naught adrad,
adrad > frightened
9 Though much enmoved, but steadfast still persevered.
enmoved > moved persevered > remained [where she was]
312.3
All suddenly a stormy whirlwind blew
2 Throughout the house, that clapped euery dore,
With which that yron wicket open flew,
4 As it with mightie leuers had bene tore:
And forth issewd, as on the ready flore
6 Of some Theatre, a graue personage,
That in his hand a branch of laurell bore,
8 With comely haueour and count'nance sage,
Yclad in costly garments, fit for tragicke Stage.
1 All suddenly a stormy whirlwind blew 2 Throughout the house, that clapped every door,
clapped > slammed
3 With which that iron wicket open flew,
wicket > {Small door or gate made in or placed beside a large one; hence: door: see 311.54:7}
4 As it with mighty levers had been torn:
As > [As if] torn > forced
5 And forth issued, as on the ready floor
ready > prepared [as if for a performance, with an expectant audience]
6 Of some theatre, a grave personage, 7 That in his hand a branch of laurel bore, 8 With comely haviour and countenance sage,
haviour > deportment, bearing
9 Clad in costly garments, fit for tragic stage.
312.4
Proceeding to the midst, he still did stand,
2 As if in mind he somewhat had to say,
And to the vulgar beckning with his hand,
4 In signe of silence, as to heare a play,
By liuely actions he gan bewray
6 Some argument of matter passioned;
Which doen, he backe retyred soft away,
8 And passing by, his name discouered,
Ease, on his robe in golden letters cyphered.
1 Proceeding to the midst, he still did stand, 2 As if in mind he somewhat had to say,
somewhat > something
3 And to the vulgar beckoning with his hand,
vulgar > common people (typically, the groundlings in the pit of the theatre)
4 In sign of silence, as to hear a play, 5 By lively actions he gan bewray
gan bewray > did reveal
6 Some argument of matter passioned;
argument > subject-matter [of the show about to be performed] matter passioned > [the] matter expressed [in the show]
7 Which done, he back retired soft away, 8 And, passing by, his name discovered:
discovered > revealed
9 Ease, on his robe in golden letters ciphered.
ciphered > written
312.5
The noble Mayd, still standing all this vewd,
2 And merueild at his strange intendiment;
With that a ioyous fellowship issewd
4 Of Minstrals, making goodly meriment,
With wanton Bardes, and Rymers impudent,
6 All which together sung full chearefully
A lay of loues delight, with sweet +concent+:
8 After whom marcht a iolly company,
In manner of a maske, enranged orderly.
7 concent > consent 1596
1 The noble maid, still standing, all this viewed, 2 And marvelled at his strange intendiment;
intendiment > intention, purpose
3 With that, a joyous fellowship issued
fellowship > body, company
4 Of minstrels, making goodly merriment,
merriment > entertainment (cf. Midsummer-night's Dream III ii 146)
5 With wanton bards, and rhymers impudent,
wanton > playful; lewd rhymers > versifiers; "Chroniclers" (cf. 105.3) impudent > shameless, indelicate
6 All which together sang full cheerfully
full > very
7 A lay of love's delight, with sweet concent:
lay > song concent > harmony, accord
8 After whom marched a jolly company,
jolly > handsome; fine; jolly
9 In manner of a masque, enranged orderly.
enranged > arranged orderly > in an orderly fashion; in order
312.6
The whiles a most delitious harmony,
2 In full straunge notes was sweetly heard to sound,
That the rare sweetnesse of the melody
4 The feeble senses wholly did confound,
And the fraile soule in deepe delight nigh dround:
6 And when it ceast, shrill trompets loud did bray,
That their report did farre away rebound,
8 And when they ceast, it gan againe to play,
The whiles the maskers marched forth in trim aray.
1 The whiles a most delicious harmony,
The whiles > Meanwhile
2 In full strange notes, was sweetly heard to sound,
full > exceedingly
3 That the rare sweetness of the melody
That > [So that]
4 The feeble senses wholly did confound, 5 And the frail soul in deep delight nigh drowned:
frail > weak; morally weak
6 And when it ceased, shrill trumpets loud did bray,
bray > {Make a loud harsh jarring sound; applied esp. to trumpets}
7 That their report did far away rebound;
That > [So that] report > response; note rebound > re-echo, reverberate
8 And when they ceased, it began again to play, 9 While the maskers marched forth in trim array.
masker > {One who takes part in a masque} trim > good, well-ordered; also, in ironical use: fine, nice, pretty
312.7
The first was Fancy, like a louely boy,
2 Of rare aspect, and beautie without peare;
Matchable +either+ to that ympe of Troy,
4 Whom Ioue did loue, and chose his cup to beare,
Or that same daintie lad, which was so deare
6 To great Alcides, that when as he dyde,
He wailed womanlike with many a teare,
8 And euery wood, and euery valley wyde
He fild with Hylas name; the Nymphes eke Hylas cryde.
3 either > ether 1590
1 The first was Fancy, like a lovely boy, 2 Of rare aspect, and beauty without peer;
aspect > appearance; countenance, expression
3 Matchable either to that imp of Troy,
Matchable > Comparable that imp of Troy > (Ganymede: see 311.34:4-9; imp = child, scion)
4 Whom Jove did love, and chose his cup to bear, 5 Or that same dainty lad, who was so dear
dainty > {Handsome, of delicate beauty} lad > (Hylas, a youth who accompanied Hercules on board the Argo. When Hylas died, the distraught Hercules wandered the shore crying his name)
6 To great Alcides that, when he died, 7 He wailed womanlike with many a tear, 8 And every wood, and every valley wide 9 He filled with Hylas' name; the nymphs eke "Hylas!" cried.
nymphs > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. Here the reference is to the naiads, who carried Hylas off when he went ashore to fetch fresh water) eke > also
312.8
His garment +neither+ was of silke nor say,
2 But painted plumes, in goodly order dight,
Like as the sunburnt Indians do aray
4 Their tawney bodies, in their proudest plight:
As those same plumes, so seemd he vaine and light,
6 That by his gate might easily appeare;
For still he far'd as dauncing in delight,
8 And in his hand a windy fan did beare,
That in the idle aire he mou'd still here and there.
1 neither > nether 1590
1 His garment neither was of silk nor say,
say > {A thin material used for cloaks, etc.}
2 But painted plumes, in goodly order dight,
dight > arranged
3 Like the sunburnt Indians do array
Like > [Like those with which]
Indians > [North American Indians]
4 Their tawny bodies in their proudest plight:
plight > attire, dress
5 As those same plumes, so seemed he vain and light, 6 That by his gate might easily appear;
gate > manner, way of behaving
7 For still he fared as dancing in delight,
still > ever fared > acted; made his way as > [as though]
8 And in his hand a windy fan did bear,
windy > {Producing wind}
9 That in the idle air he moved still here and there.
idle > empty still > continuously
312.9
And him beside marcht amorous Desyre,
2 Who seemd of riper yeares, then th'other Swaine,
Yet was that +other+ swayne this elders syre,
4 And gaue him being, commune to them twaine:
His garment was disguised very vaine,
6 And his embrodered Bonet sat awry;
Twixt both his hands few sparkes he close did straine,
8 Which still he blew, and kindled busily,
That soone they life conceiu'd, and forth in flames did fly.
3 other > others 1590, 1596
1 And him beside marched amorous Desire,
him beside > [beside him]
2 Who seemed of riper years than the other swain,
swain > young man; fellow
3 Yet was that other swain this elder's sire,
sire > father (i.e. Fancy is the father of Desire)
4 And gave him being, common to them twain:
them twain > the two of them
5 His garment was disguised very vain,
disguised > {To "disguise" is to alter the fashion or guise of clothing, and to dress in an unusual, fantastic, ostentatious, or inappropriate manner. Here, "disguised" might be taken to mean "got up"}
6 And his embroidered bonnet sat awry;
bonnet > cap
7 'Twixt both his hands few sparks he close did strain,
few > [a few] close > closely; secretly strain > clasp tightly
8 Which still he blew, and kindled busily,
still > ever, continually
9 That soon they life conceived, and forth in flames did fly.
That > [So that]
312.10
Next after him went Doubt, who was yclad
2 In a discolour'd cote, of straunge disguyse,
That at his backe a brode Capuccio had,
4 And sleeues dependant Albanese-wyse:
He lookt askew with his mistrustfull eyes,
6 And nicely trode, as thornes lay in his way,
Or that the flore to shrinke he did auyse,
8 And on a broken reed he still did stay
His feeble steps, which shrunke, when hard theron he lay.
1 Next after him went Doubt, who was clad
Next > Immediately
2 In a discoloured coat of strange disguise,
discoloured > varicoloured disguise > {New or strange, often ostentatious, fashion}
3 That at his back a broad capuccio had,
capuccio > hood (Italian word, used specifically of the cloaks of capuchin monks; named after Capuccio in Florio)
4 And sleeves dependent Albanese-wise:
dependent > hanging down Albanese-wise > (?In the fashion of the Albanians. Hamilton (1980) suggests a possible reference to the garment called an alb, a white tunic reaching to the feet. Roche (1978) interprets "Albanese" as "Scottish" (cf. 210.29:7). The term is puzzling in any case)
5 He looked askew with his mistrustful eyes,
askew > askance, obliquely
6 And nicely trod, as thorns lay in his way,
nicely > delicately, cautiously as > [as though]
7 Or the floor to shrink he did advise,
shrink > collapse, give way advise > perceive
8 And on a broken reed he still did stay
still > ever stay > support
9 His feeble steps, which shrank when hard thereon he laid.
shrank > gave way (referring to the reed) laid > imposed a burden; hence: leaned
312.11
With him went Daunger, +cloth'd+ in ragged weed,
2 Made of Beares skin, that him more dreadfull made,
Yet his owne face was dreadfull, ne did need
4 Straunge horrour, to deforme his griesly shade;
A net in th'one hand, and rustie blade
6 In th'other was, this Mischiefe, that Mishap;
With th'one his foes he threatned to inuade,
8 With th'other he his friends ment to enwrap:
For whom he could not kill, he practizd to entrap.
1 cloth'd > cloth' 1596
1 With him went Danger, clothed in ragged weed
weed > raiment, apparel
2 Made of bearskin, that him more dreadful made, 3 Yet his own face was dreadful, nor did need 4 Strange horror to deform his grisly shade;
Strange > Added, adventitious deform > disfigure grisly shade > fearsome image
5 A net in the one hand, and rusty blade
rusty > blood-stained; dirty; rusty
6 In the other was, this Mischief, that Mishap;
Mischief > Injury (evidently referring to the knife)
7 With the one his foes he threatened to invade,
invade > make an attack upon, assault; hence: stab
8 With the other he his friends meant to enwrap:
meant > intended; also, perhaps, in view of the spelling: ment (ppl. of "meng"): joined, attached, hence: ensnared
9 For whom he could not kill, he practised to entrap.
whom > [he whom] practised > planned, intended; made it his habit
312.12
Next him was Feare, all arm'd from top to toe,
2 Yet thought himselfe not safe enough thereby,
But feard each shadow mouing to +and+ fro,
4 And his owne armes when glittering he did spy,
Or clashing heard, he fast away did fly,
6 As ashes pale of hew, and +wingyheeld;+
And euermore on daunger fixt his eye,
8 Gainst whom he alwaies bent a brasen shield,
Which his right hand vnarmed fearefully did wield.
3 and > or 1590 6 wingyheeld; > winged heeld, 1590
1 Next him was Fear, all armed from top to toe,
Next > Immediately after
2 Yet thought himself not safe enough thereby, 3 But feared each shadow moving to and fro; 4 And his own arms when glittering he did spy,
arms > {Arms and armour. This line becomes clearer if it is recast: "And when his own arms glittering he did spy …"}
5 Or clashing heard, he fast away did fly,
fly > flee
6 As ashes pale of hue, and wingy-heeled;
wingy > {Having wings; here in the manner of Mercury}
7 And evermore on Danger fixed his eye, 8 Gainst whom he always bent a brazen shield,
Gainst > Against bent > directed
9 Which his right hand, unarmed, fearfully did wield.
unarmed > (I.e. he does not carry a sword)
312.13
With him went Hope in rancke, a handsome Mayd,
2 Of chearefull looke and louely to behold;
In silken samite she was light arayd,
4 And her faire lockes were wouen vp in gold;
She alway smyld, and in her hand did hold
6 An holy water Sprinckle, dipt in deowe,
With which she sprinckled fauours manifold,
8 On whom she list, and did great liking sheowe,
Great liking vnto many, but true loue to feowe.
1 With him went Hope in rank, a handsome maid,
in rank > in a row, hence: beside him
2 Of cheerful look and lovely to behold;
cheerful > lively
3 In silken samite she was light arrayed,
samite > {A rich silk fabric worn in the Middle Ages, sometimes interwoven with gold} light > lightly
4 And her fair locks were woven up in gold; 5 She alway smiled, and in her hand did hold
alway > always
6 A holy water sprinkle dipped in dew,
sprinkle > sprinkler (used for sprinkling holy water)
7 With which she sprinkled favours manifold 8 On whom she list, and did great liking show:
list > chose, pleased
9 Great liking to many, but true love to few.
312.14
And after them Dissemblance, and Suspect
2 Marcht in one rancke, yet an vnequall paire:
For she was gentle, and of milde aspect,
4 Courteous to all, and seeming debonaire,
Goodly adorned, and exceeding faire:
6 Yet was that all but painted, and purloynd,
And her bright browes were deckt with borrowed haire:
8 Her deedes were forged, and her words false coynd,
And alwaies in her hand two clewes of silke she twynd.
1 And after them Dissemblance and Suspect
Dissemblance > Dissimulation
Suspect > Suspicion
2 Marched in one rank, yet an unequal pair:
an unequal > [they made] an ill-matched
3 For she was gentle, and of mild aspect,
mild > gracious, kind aspect > appearance; countenance, expression
4 Courteous to all, and seeming debonair,
debonair > affable, gracious
5 Goodly adorned, and exceeding fair:
Goodly > Beautifully
6 Yet was that all but painted, and purloined, 7 And her bright brows were decked with borrowed hair:
bright > beautiful
8 Her deeds were forged, and her words false coined,
false > false (qualifying "words"); falsely (qualifying "coined") coined > devised, produced (usu. in a bad sense)
9 And always in her hand two clews of silk she twined.
clews > balls (of yarn, traditionally used to find one's way out of a maze. Cf. 201.8:3-4)
312.15
But he was foule, ill fauoured, and grim,
2 Vnder his eyebrowes looking still askaunce;
And euer as Dissemblance laught on him,
4 He lowrd on her with daungerous eyeglaunce;
Shewing his nature in his +countenance+;
6 His rolling eyes did neuer rest in place,
But walkt each where, for feare of hid mischaunce,
8 Holding a lattice still before his face,
Through which he still did peepe, as forward he did pace.
5 countenance > countenaunce 1590
1 But he was foul, ill-favoured, and grim,
ill-favoured > ugly
2 Under his eyebrows looking still askance;
still > ever
3 And ever as Dissemblance laughed on him,
laughed on > smiled on, favoured
4 He loured on her with dangerous eye-glance,
dangerous > {Difficult to deal with; not affable}
5 Showing his nature in his countenance; 6 His rolling eyes did never rest in place, 7 But walked each where, for fear of hidden mischance,
walked each where > roved everywhere mischance > disaster; mischance
8 Holding a lattice still before his face,
lattice > {That which is like a lattice; hence: mask} still > ever; motionless
9 Through which he still did peep, as forward he did pace.
312.16
Next him went Griefe, and Fury matched yfere;
2 Griefe all in sable sorrowfully clad,
Downe hanging his dull head, with heauy chere,
4 Yet inly being more, then seeming sad:
A paire of Pincers in his hand he had,
6 With which he pinched people to the hart,
That from thenceforth a wretched life they lad,
8 In wilfull languor and consuming smart,
Dying each day with inward wounds of dolours dart.
1 Next him went Grief and Fury, matched yfere;
Next > Immediately after yfere > together
2 Grief all in sable sorrowfully clad,
sable > black, black clothing (esp. as a symbol of mourning)
3 Down hanging his dull head with heavy cheer,
dull > sluggish, listless heavy > heavy; sad, grievous cheer > expression, countenance; mood
4 Yet inly being more than seeming sad:
inly > inwardly seeming > apparently; [he is] apparently (i.e. inwardly he is not as sad as he seems)
5 A pair of pincers in his hand he had, 6 With which he pinched people to the heart, 7 That from thenceforth a wretched life they led,
That > [So that]
8 In wilful languor and consuming smart,
languor > sorrow; lassitude; illness smart > pain, acute pain
9 Dying each day with inward wounds of dolour's dart.
312.17
But Fury was full ill appareiled
2 In rags, that naked nigh she did appeare,
With ghastly lookes and dreadfull drerihed;
4 For from her backe her garments she did teare,
And from her head oft rent her snarled heare:
6 In her right hand a +firebrand she did tosse+
About her head, still roming here and there;
8 As a dismayed Deare in chace embost,
Forgetfull of his safety, hath his right way lost.
6 firebrand she did tosse > fierbrand she tost conj. Church
1 But Fury was full ill apparelled
full > very, exceedingly ill > badly, poorly; evilly
2 In rags, that naked nigh she did appear,
that naked nigh > [so that almost naked]
3 With ghastly looks and dreadful drearihead:
ghastly > {Frightful, evoking terror of the supernatural} looks > appearance (as in "good looks"); glances drearihead > dreariness, melancholy
4 For from her back her garments she did tear, 5 And from her head oft rent her snarled hair;
rent > tore
6 In her right hand a firebrand she did toss
toss > shake, brandish
7 About her head, still roaming here and there:
still > continually
8 As a dismayed deer, in chase embossed,
dismayed > defeated, overwhelmed; dismayed chase > [the chase] embossed > driven to extremity
9 Forgetful of its safety, has its right way lost.
312.18
After them went Displeasure and Pleasance,
2 He looking lompish and full sullein sad,
And hanging downe his heauy countenance;
4 She chearefull fresh and full of ioyance glad,
As if no sorrow she ne felt ne +drad+;
6 That euill matched paire they seemd to bee:
An angry Waspe th'one in a viall had
8 Th'other in hers an +hony-lady+ Bee;
Thus marched these sixe couples forth in faire degree.
5 drad > dread 1590 8 hony-lady > hony-laden sugg. Upton
1 After them went Displeasure and Pleasance,
Pleasance > Pleasure
2 He looking lumpish and full sullen sad,
lumpish > sluggish; low-spirited full > very sullen > baleful, malignant; sullen; and adv.
3 And hanging down his heavy countenance; 4 She cheerful fresh and full of joyance glad,
joyance > merrymaking; delight (this word apparently coined by Spenser)
5 As if no sorrow she neither felt nor dread;
dread > dreaded, feared; dread, fear (object of "felt": in either case the double negative supplied by "no" is intensive)
6 That evil matched pair they seemed to be:
That > [So that an]
7 An angry wasp the one in a vial had, 8 The other in hers a honey-lady bee;
hers > (Presumably, her vial) honey-lady bee > honey-laden bee; or, less likely: lady honeybee, hence: female honeybee, worker bee, queen bee
9 Thus marched these six couples forth in fair degree.
degree > manner; order
312.19
After all these there marcht a most faire Dame,
2 Led of two grysie villeins, th'one Despight,
The other cleped Cruelty by name:
4 She dolefull Lady, like a dreary Spright,
Cald by strong charmes out of eternall night,
6 Had deathes owne image figurd in her face,
Full of sad signes, fearefull to liuing sight;
8 Yet in that horror shewd a seemely grace,
And with her feeble feet did moue a comely pace.
1 After all these there marched a most fair dame, 2 Led of two grisy villeins, the one Despite,
of > by grisy > horrible, grim, grisly villeins > villains; serfs Despite > Malice; Rage
3 The other cleped Cruelty by name:
cleped > called
4 She, doleful lady, like a dreary sprite,
dreary > cruel, horrid; or: doleful, melancholy (see below, under "charms") sprite > sprite; or: spirit (see below, under "charms")
5 Called by strong charms out of eternal night,
charms > spells (perhaps cast by Busirane: the lady is Amoret. This and the preceding line give rise to at least three possible readings. (1) She, doleful lady, (like a cruel sprite Called by strong charms out of eternal night) Had death's own image … (2) She, doleful lady (like a melancholy spirit Called by strong charms out of eternal night), Had death's own image … (3) She, doleful lady (like a melancholy spirit), Called [i.e. summoned by Busirane] by strong charms out of eternal night, Had death's own image …)
6 Had death's own image figured in her face, 7 Full of sad signs, fearful to living sight; 8 Yet in that horror showed a seemly grace, 9 And with her feeble feet did move a comely pace.
comely > pleasing; becoming
312.20
Her brest all naked, as net iuory,
2 Without adorne of gold or siluer bright,
Wherewith the Craftesman wonts it beautify,
4 Of her dew honour was despoyled quight,
And a wide wound therein (O ruefull sight)
6 Entrenched deepe with knife accursed keene,
Yet freshly bleeding forth her fainting spright,
8 (The worke of cruell hand) was to be seene,
That dyde in sanguine red her skin all snowy cleene.
1 Her breast (all naked, as net ivory,
net > pure; clear
2 Without adorn of gold or silver bright,
adorn > adornment bright > bright; beautiful
3 Wherewith the craftsman wonts it beautify)
Wherewith > With which wonts it beautify > [is accustomed to beautify it]
4 Of her due honour was despoiled quite,
honour > {Chastity, purity; decoration, adornment; hence: clothing, decoration which preserves decency} despoiled > stripped
5 And a wide wound therein (O rueful sight) 6 Entrenched deep with knife accursed keen,
Entrenched > {Cut, made by cutting} keen > sharp
7 Yet freshly bleeding forth her fainting spirit,
Yet > Still fainting > {Sluggish, becoming faint}
8 (The work of cruel hand) was to be seen, 9 That dyed in sanguine red her skin all snowy clean.
312.21
At that wide orifice her trembling hart
2 Was drawne forth, and in siluer basin layd,
Quite through transfixed with a deadly dart,
4 And in her bloud yet steeming fresh embayd:
And those two villeins, which her steps vpstayd,
6 When her weake feete could scarcely her sustaine,
And +fading+ vitall powers gan to fade,
8 Her forward +still+ with torture did constraine,
And euermore encreased her consuming paine.
7 fading > failing conj. Church 8 still > skill 1590
1 At that wide orifice her trembling heart 2 Was drawn forth, and in silver basin laid, 3 Quite through transfixed with a deadly dart,
dart > arrow
4 And in her blood yet steaming fresh embayed:
embayed > bathed, steeped
5 And those two villeins (who her steps upstayed
villeins > villains; serfs upstayed > supported
6 When her weak feet could scarcely her sustain, 7 And fading vital powers began to fade) 8 Her forward still with torture did constrain, 9 And evermore increased her consuming pain.
312.22
Next after her the winged God himselfe
2 Came riding on a Lion rauenous,
Taught to obay the menage of that Elfe,
4 That man and beast with powre imperious
Subdeweth to his +kingdome+ tyrannous:
6 His blindfold eyes he bad a while vnbind,
That his proud spoyle of that same dolorous
8 Faire Dame he might behold in perfect kind;
Which seene, he much reioyced in his cruell mind.
5 kingdome > knigdome 1596
1 Next after her the winged god himself
Next > Immediately the winged god > [Cupid]
2 Came riding on a lion ravenous,
ravenous > {Ravenous; given to ravin or robbery}
3 Taught to obey the man{e\}ge of that elf,
man{e\}ge > horsemanship elf > mischievous child (cf. 311.45:1)
4 Who man and beast with power imperious 5 Subdues to his kingdom tyrannous: 6 His blindfold eyes he bade a while unbind,
blindfold > blindfolded (cf. 311.48:1)
7 That his proud spoil of that same dolorous
That > [So that] spoil > plunder, spoliation
8 Fair dame he might behold in perfect kind;
kind > manner
9 Which seen, he much rejoiced in his cruel mind.
312.23
Of which full proud, himselfe vp rearing hye,
2 He looked round about with sterne disdaine;
And did suruay his goodly company:
4 And marshalling the euill ordered traine,
With that the darts which his right +hand+ did straine,
6 Full dreadfully he shooke that all did quake,
And clapt on hie his coulourd winges twaine,
8 That all his many it affraide did make:
Tho blinding him againe, his way he forth did take.
5 hand > omitted from 1590, 1596: FE
1 Of which full proud, himself up rearing high,
full > very, exceedingly
2 He looked round about with stern disdain;
stern > stern; merciless
3 And did survey his goodly company: 4 And, marshalling the evil ordered train
train > assembly; entourage
5 With the darts which his right hand did strain,
darts > arrows strain > clasp tightly
6 Full dreadfully he shook (that all did quake)
shook > (This could be glossed as "brandished", taking "the darts" to be its object, and "With that" to mean "Whereupon") that > [so that]
7 And clapped on high his coloured wings twain,
twain > two
8 That all his many it afraid did make:
That > [So that] many > meinie: company
9 Tho blinding him again, his way he forth did take.
Tho blinding > Then blindfolding him > him (if the blindfolding is done by one of the company: cf. 312.22:6); or: himself
312.24
Behinde him was Reproch, Repentance, Shame;
2 Reproch the first, Shame next, Repent behind:
Repentance feeble, sorrowfull, and lame:
4 Reproch despightfull, carelesse, and vnkind;
Shame most ill fauourd, bestiall, and blind:
6 Shame lowrd, +Repentance+ sigh'd, +Reproch+ did scould;
+Reproch+ sharpe stings, +Repentance+ whips entwind,
8 Shame burning brond-yrons in her hand did hold:
All three to each vnlike, yet all made in one mould.
6 Repentance > R_epentance 1596; the printer seems to have run out of italic capital Rs_ 6 Reproch > R_eproch 1596_ 7 Reproch > R_eproch 1596_ 7 Repentance > R_epentance 1596_
1 Behind him were Reproach, Repentance, Shame; 2 Reproach the first, Shame next, Repentance behind: 3 Repentance feeble, sorrowful, and lame: 4 Reproach despiteful, careless, and unkind;
despiteful > contemptuous; spiteful careless > without care, indifferent
5 Shame most ill-favoured, bestial, and blind:
ill-favoured > ugly
6 Shame loured, Repentance sighed, Reproach did scold; 7 Reproach sharp stings, Repentance whips entwined,
stings > (Sb.) whips > (Sb.)
8 Shame burning brandirons in her hand did hold:
brandirons > swords
9 All three to each unlike, yet all made in one mould.
to each unlike > [unlike each other: cf. 105.28:5]
312.25
And after them a rude confused rout
2 Of persons flockt, whose name is hard to read:
Emongst them was sterne Strife, and Anger stout,
4 Vnquiet Care, and fond Vnthriftihead,
Lewd Losse of Time, and Sorrow seeming dead,
6 Inconstant Chaunge, and false Disloyaltie,
Consuming +Riotise+, and guilty Dread
8 Of heauenly vengeance, faint Infirmitie,
Vile Pouertie, and lastly Death with infamie.
7 Riotise > R_iotise 1596_
1 And after them a rude confused rout
rude > rough; uncivilized rout > {Crowd; clamorous or riotous assemblage}
2 Of persons flocked, whose name is hard to read:
read > guess; discern; declare
3 Amongst them was stern Strife, and Anger stout,
stern > merciless, cruel; fierce stout > proud, arrogant; brave; fierce
4 Unquiet Care, and fond Unthriftihead,
fond > foolish Unthriftihead > Extravagance, Dissolution
5 Lewd Loss of Time, and Sorrow seeming dead,
Lewd > Ignorant; good for nothing; wanton
6 Inconstant Change, and false Disloyalty, 7 Consuming Riotise, and guilty Dread-
Riotise > Indulgence, Dissipation
8 Of-Heavenly-Vengeance, faint Infirmity, 9 Vile Poverty, and lastly Death with infamy.
Vile > Wretched, lowly
Death with infamy > (Or Death-with-Infamy)
312.26
There were full many moe like maladies,
2 Whose names and natures I note readen well;
So many moe, as there be phantasies
4 In wauering wemens wit, that none can tell,
Or paines in loue, or punishments in hell;
6 +All+ which disguized marcht in masking wise,
About the chamber +with that+ Damozell,
8 And then returned, hauing marched thrise,
Into the inner roome, from whence they first did rise.
6 All > And 1596, 1609 7 with that > by the 1590, identifying the damsel as Britomart rather than Amoret
1 There were full many more like maladies,
full > very like > similar
2 Whose names and natures I no'te read well;
no'te > cannot read > declare; discern
3 So many more, as there be fantasies
fantasies > phantoms; hallucinations; fantasies
4 In wavering women's wit, that none can tell,
wavering > (Qualifies "wit" or "wemens", or both) wit > mind tell > count; describe
5 Or pains in love, or punishments in hell;
Or > Either
6 All which, disguised, marched in masking wise
masking wise > [the manner of a masque]
7 About the chamber with that damsel, 8 And then returned (having marched thrice) 9 Into the inner room, from whence they first did rise.
rise > appear
312.27
So soone as they were in, the dore streight way
2 Fast locked, driuen with that stormy blast,
Which first it opened; +and bore all away.+
4 Then the braue Maid, which all this while was +plast,+
In secret shade, and saw both first and last,
6 Issewed forth, and went vnto the dore,
To enter in, but found it locked fast:
8 +It+ vaine she thought with rigorous vprore
For to efforce, when charmes had closed it afore.
3 and bore all away. > nothing did remayne. 1590; and bore all away 1596 4 plast, > plast 1609 8 It > In 1611
1 So soon as they were in, the door straightway 2 Fast locked, driven with that stormy blast
Fast > Firmly; closely locked > locked itself
3 Which first it opened; and bore all away.
and bore all away > (1590 makes better sense: see Textual Appendix)
4 Then the brave maid, who all this while was placed
brave > brave; splendid
5 In secret shade, and saw both first and last,
shade > shadow
6 Issued forth, and went to the door, 7 To enter in, but found it locked fast: 8 It vain she thought with rigorous uproar
rigorous > violent
9 To efforce, when charms had closed it afore.
efforce > gain [entrance] by force; force [it] open (both SUS) charms > magic spells
312.28
Where force might not auaile, +there+ sleights and art
2 She cast to vse, both fit for hard emprize;
For thy from that same roome not to depart
4 Till morrow next, she did her selfe auize,
When that same Maske againe should forth arize.
6 The morrow next appeard with ioyous cheare,
Calling men to their daily exercize,
8 Then she, as morrow fresh, her selfe did reare
Out of her secret stand, that day for to out weare.
1 there > their 1590, 1596; cf. 110.36:6, 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 211.21:8, 304.41:7
1 Where force might not avail, there sleights and art
sleights > ruses, stratagems
2 She cast to use, both fit for hard emprise;
cast > decided emprise > enterprise, undertaking
3 For-thy from that same room not to depart
For-thy > For this reason, therefore
4 Till morrow next she did herself advise, 5 When that same masque again should forth arise. 6 The morrow next appeared with joyous cheer,
cheer > countenance
7 Calling men to their daily exercise,
exercise > habitual employment; hence: work
8 Then she, as morrow fresh, herself did rear 9 Out of her secret stand, that day to outwear.
stand > {Position, position in ambush or cover} outwear > pass, spend, wear out (used of time)
312.29
All that day she outwore in +wandering+,
2 And gazing on that Chambers ornament,
Till that againe the second euening
4 Her couered with her sable vestiment,
Wherewith the worlds faire beautie she hath blent:
6 Then when the second watch was almost past,
That brasen dore flew open, and in went
8 Bold Britomart, as she had late forecast,
Neither of idle +shewes+, nor of false charmes aghast.
1 wandering > wondering 1611 9 shewes > showes 1590
1 All that day she outwore in wandering,
outwore > spent
2 And gazing on that chamber's ornament,
ornament > decoration; or: ornament [the statue of Cupid described at 311.47 ff.]
3 Till again the second evening 4 Her covered with her sable vestiment,
her > [Night's: see 304.55 ff.] sable > black (cf. 312.16:2) vestiment > vestment, garment, clothing
5 Wherewith the world's fair beauty she has blended:
Wherewith > With which blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, obscured; spoiled
6 Then, when the second watch was almost past,
Then > (I.e. just before midnight, since the night was divided into four watches of three hours each, starting at 6 p.m.)
7 That brazen door flew open, and in went
brazen > {Strong as brass; hardened: it is described as made of "yron" at 311.54:7 and 312.3:3}
8 Bold Britomart, as she had late forecast,
late > lately forecast > planned
9 Neither of idle shows, nor of false charms agast.
of idle shows > by empty appearances of > of; by charms > spells agast > frightened
312.30
So soone as she was entred, round about
2 She cast her eies, to see what was become
Of all those persons, which she saw without:
4 But lo, they streight were vanisht all and some,
Ne liuing wight she saw in all that roome,
6 Saue that same woefull Ladie, both whose hands
Were bounden fast, that did her ill become,
8 And her small wast girt round with yron bands,
Vnto a brasen pillour, by the which she stands.
1 So soon as she was entered, round about 2 She cast her eyes, to see what was become 3 Of all those persons whom she saw without:
without > outside
4 But lo, they straight were vanished all and some,
straight > {All the way, continuously to the end; right across; hence: completely, altogether} all and some > {In sum total; one and all}
5 Nor living wight she saw in all that room,
wight > creature
6 Save that same woeful lady, both whose hands
Save that same woeful lady > [Except Amoret; but Busirane is visible too: see 312.31:1] both > [both of]
7 Were bound fast, that did her ill become,
fast > firmly; very closely
8 And her small waist girt round with iron bands, 9 To a brazen pillar, by which she stands.
To > [Bound to: the verb is understood from line 7]
312.31
And her before the vile Enchaunter sate,
2 Figuring straunge characters of his art,
With liuing bloud he those characters wrate,
4 Dreadfully dropping from her dying hart,
Seeming transfixed with a cruell dart,
6 And all perforce to make her him to loue.
Ah who can loue the worker of her smart?
8 A thousand charmes he formerly did proue;
Yet thousand charmes could not her stedfast heart remoue.
1 And her before the vile enchanter sat,
her before > [before her]
2 Figuring strange characters of his art:
Figuring > Shaping
3 With living blood he those characters wrote, 4 Dreadfully dropping from her dying heart, 5 Seeming transfixed with a cruel dart,
dart > arrow (as 312.21:3)
6 And all perforce to make her him to love.
perforce > by force
7 Ah who can love the worker of her smart?
smart > pain
8 A thousand charms he formerly did prove;
charms > spells prove > try
9 Yet thousand charms could not her steadfast heart remove.
remove > [turn from Scudamour]
312.32
Soone as that virgin knight he saw in place,
2 His wicked bookes in hast he ouerthrew,
Not caring his long labours to deface,
4 And fiercely ronning to that Lady trew,
A murdrous knife out of his pocket drew,
6 The which he thought, for villeinous despight,
In her tormented bodie to embrew:
8 But the stout Damzell to him leaping light,
His cursed hand withheld, and maistered his might.
1 Soon as that virgin knight he saw in place,
Soon > [As soon] in place > there
2 His wicked books in haste he overthrew, 3 Not caring his long labours to deface,
deface > destroy
4 And, fiercely running to that lady true, 5 A murderous knife out of his pocket drew, 6 Which he thought, for villainous despite,
despite > malice
7 In her tormented body to imbrue:
imbrue > steep; defile; hence: plunge
8 But the stout damsel, to him leaping light,
stout > brave light > quickly
9 His cursed hand withheld, and mastered his might.
312.33
From her, to whom his fury first he ment,
2 The wicked weapon rashly he did wrest,
And turning to +her selfe+ his fell intent,
4 Vnwares it strooke into her snowie chest,
That little drops empurpled her faire brest.
6 Exceeding wroth therewith the virgin grew,
Albe the wound were nothing deepe imprest,
8 And fiercely forth her mortall blade she drew,
To giue him the reward for such vile outrage dew.
3 her selfe > the next 1590
1 From her, to whom his fury first he meant,
meant > intended; or: ment (ppl. of "meng"): joined, attached
2 The wicked weapon rashly he did wrest
rashly > hastily; suddenly wrest > turn
3 And, turning to herself his fell intent,
herself > [Britomart] fell > terrible, fierce
4 Unwares it struck into her snowy chest,
Unwares > Unexpectedly (on the part of Britomart); suddenly
5 That little drops empurpled her fair breast.
That > [So that] empurpled > reddened
6 Exceeding wroth therewith the virgin grew,
therewith > with that; thereupon
7 Albe the wound were nothing deep impressed,
Albe > Although nothing deep > not at all deeply
8 And fiercely forth her mortal blade she drew,
mortal > lethal
9 To give him the reward for such vile outrage due.
312.34
So mightily she smote him, that to ground
2 He fell halfe dead; next stroke him should haue slaine,
Had not the Lady, which by him stood bound,
4 Dernely vnto +her+ called to abstaine,
From doing him to dy. For else her paine
6 Should be remedilesse, sith none but hee,
Which wrought it, could the same recure againe.
8 Therewith she stayd her hand, loth stayd to bee;
For life she him enuyde, and long'd reuenge to see.
4 her > him 1590, 1596; cf. 312.42
1 So mightily she smote him that to ground 2 He fell half dead; next stroke him should have slain,
next > [the next]
3 Had not the lady, which by him stood bound, 4 Dernly to her called to abstain
Dernly > Secretly; also: dismally (SUS)
5 From doing him to die. For else her pain
doing > causing else > otherwise
6 Should be remediless, sith none but he
sith > since
7 Who wrought it could the same recure again.
recure > remedy
8 Therewith she stayed her hand, loath stayed to be;
Therewith > With that; thereupon
9 For life she him envied, and longed revenge to see.
envied > begrudged
312.35
And to him said, Thou wicked man, whose meed
2 For so huge mischiefe, and vile villany
Is death, or if that ought do death exceed,
4 Be sure, that nought may saue thee from to dy,
But if that thou this Dame doe presently
6 Restore vnto her health, and former state;
This doe and liue, else die vndoubtedly.
8 He glad of life, that lookt for death but late,
Did yield himselfe right willing to prolong his date.
1 And to him said, "You wicked man (whose meed
meed > reward
2 For so huge mischief and vile villainy
so > such mischief > evil; injury
3 Is death, or if aught do death exceed),
if aught do death exceed > [that which is worse than death, if such a thing exists]
4 Be sure that naught may save you from to die
to die > [dying, death]
5 But if you this dame do presently
But if > Unless presently > immediately
6 Restore to her health, and former state; 7 This do and live, else die undoubtedly." 8 He, glad of life, that looked for death but late,
looked for > expected but late > only recently
9 Did yield himself right willing to prolong his date.
right > very date > term, span of life
312.36
And rising vp, gan streight to ouerlooke
2 Those cursed leaues, his charmes backe to reuerse;
Full dreadfull things out of that balefull booke
4 He red, and measur'd many a sad verse,
That horror gan the virgins hart to perse,
6 And her faire lockes vp stared stiffe on end,
Hearing him those same bloudy lines reherse;
8 And all the while he red, she did extend
Her sword high ouer him, if ought he did offend.
1 And rising up, began straight to overlook
straight > straightway, immediately overlook > inspect, peruse
2 Those cursed leaves, his charms back to reverse;
leaves > pages; writings charms > spells
3 Full dreadful things out of that baleful book
Full > Exceedingly baleful > deadly, woe-dealing
4 He read, and measured many a sad verse,
measured > traversed, hence: read, read through; also: appraised sad > grievous, calamitous verse > line, versicle; verse
5 That horror began the virgin's heart to pierce,
That > [So that]
6 And her fair locks upstared stiff on end,
upstared > stood erect stiff > stiffly; violently
7 Hearing him those same bloody lines rehearse;
rehearse > read aloud, recite
8 And all the while he read, she did extend 9 Her sword high over him, if aught he did offend.
if aught he did offend > [in case in any respect he should be at fault; in case he did anything wrong]
312.37
Anon she gan perceiue the house to quake,
2 And all the dores to rattle round about;
Yet all that did not her dismaied make,
4 Nor slacke her threatfull hand for daungers dout,
But still with stedfast eye and courage stout
6 Abode, to weet what end would come of all.
At last that mightie chaine, which round about
8 Her tender waste was wound, adowne gan fall,
And that great brasen pillour broke in peeces small.
1 Anon she gan perceive the house to quake,
Anon > Straightway; (catachr.) soon gan > did
2 And all the doors to rattle round about; 3 Yet all that did not her dismayed make, 4 Nor slack her threatful hand for danger's doubt,
slack > [did it make her slacken] threatful > threatening danger's doubt > fear of danger
5 But still with steadfast eye and courage stout
still > ever; motionlessly courage stout > resolute courage; brave spirit
6 Abode, to weet what end would come of all.
Abode > [She] waited, remained weet > learn, find out
7 At last that mighty chain, which round about 8 Her tender waist was wound, adown gan fall,
adown gan fall > did fall down
9 And that great brazen pillar broke in pieces small.
312.38
The cruell steele, which thrild her dying hart,
2 Fell softly forth, as of his owne accord,
And the wyde wound, which lately did dispart
4 Her bleeding brest, and riuen bowels gor'd,
Was closed vp, as it had not bene +bor'd+,
6 And euery part to safety full sound,
As she were neuer hurt, was soone restor'd:
8 Tho when she felt her selfe to be vnbound,
And perfect hole, prostrate she fell vnto the ground.
5 bor'd > sor'd 1590
1 The cruel steel which thrilled her dying heart
thrilled > pierced
2 Fell softly forth, as of its own accord, 3 And the wide wound, which lately did dispart
dispart > divide, cleave asunder
4 Her bleeding breast, and riven bowels gored,
riven > split, torn open bowels > heart, breast gored > wounded, pierced, spiked
5 Was closed up, as it had not been bored,
as > [as if] bored > pierced; hence: made
6 And every part to safety full sound,
full > very
7 As she were never hurt, was soon restored:
As > [As though] soon > straightway
8 Tho when she felt herself to be unbound,
Tho > Then; though
9 And perfect whole, prostrate she fell to the ground.
312.39
Before faire Britomart, she fell prostrate,
2 Saying, Ah noble knight, what worthy meed
Can wretched Lady, quit from wofull state,
4 Yield you in liew of this your gratious deed?
Your vertue selfe her owne reward shall breed,
6 Euen immortall praise, and glory wyde,
Which I your vassall, by your prowesse freed,
8 Shall through the world make to be notifyde,
And goodly well aduance, that goodly well was tryde.
1 Before fair Britomart she fell prostrate, 2 Saying, "Ah noble knight, what worthy meed
meed > reward
3 Can wretched lady, quit from woeful state,
quit > redeemed
4 Yield you in lieu of this your gracious deed?
in lieu of > in place of; hence: as recompense for
5 Your virtue itself its own reward shall breed, 6 Even immortal praise, and glory wide, 7 Which I, your vassal, by your prowess freed,
vassal > slave prowess > valour
8 Shall through the world make to be notified,
notified > proclaimed
9 And goodly well advance that goodly well was tried."
advance > extol that > that which [Britomart's prowess] tried > demonstrated
312.40
But Britomart vprearing her from ground,
2 Said, Gentle Dame, reward enough I weene
For many labours more, then I haue found,
4 This, that in safety now I haue you seene,
And meane of your deliuerance haue beene:
6 Henceforth faire Lady comfort to you take,
And put away remembrance of late teene;
8 In stead thereof know, that your louing Make,
Hath no lesse griefe endured for your gentle sake.
1 But Britomart, uprearing her from ground,
uprearing > raising
2 Said, "Gentle dame, reward enough I ween,
Gentle > Noble ween > expect, anticipate; think likely
3 For many labours more than I have found, 4 This, that in safety now I have you seen,
that > [in that]
5 And mean of your deliverance have been:
mean > instrument, agent
6 Henceforth, fair lady, comfort to you take, 7 And put away remembrance of late teen;
late > recent teen > affliction, woe
8 Instead thereof, know that your loving make
make > companion, lover, consort
9 Has no less grief endured for your gentle sake."
312.41
She was much cheard to heare him mentiond,
2 Whom of all liuing wights she loued best.
Then laid the noble Championesse strong hond
4 Vpon th'enchaunter, which had her distrest
So sore, and with foule outrages opprest:
6 With that great chaine, wherewith not long ygo
He bound that pitteous Lady prisoner, now relest,
8 Himselfe she bound, more worthy to be so,
And captiue with her led to wretchednesse and wo.
1 She was much cheered to hear him mentioned, 2 Whom of all living wights she loved best.
wights > people
3 Then laid the noble championess strong hand 4 Upon the enchanter, who had her distressed 5 So sore, and with foul outrages oppressed: 6 With that great chain, wherewith not long ago
wherewith > with which
7 He bound that piteous lady prisoner, now released, 8 Himself she bound, more worthy to be so, 9 And captive with her led to wretchedness and woe.
312.42
Returning backe, those goodly roomes, which erst
2 +She+ saw so rich and royally arayd,
Now vanisht vtterly, and cleane subuerst
4 +She+ found, and all their glory quite decayd,
That sight of such a chaunge +her+ much dismayd.
6 Thence forth descending to that perlous Porch,
Those dreadfull flames she also found delayd,
8 And quenched quite, like a consumed torch,
That erst all entrers wont so cruelly to scorch.
2 She > He 1590 4 She > He 1590: FE 5 her > him 1590: FE
1 Returning back, those goodly rooms, which erst
goodly > beautiful erst > formerly; lately
2 She saw so rich and royally arrayed, 3 Now vanished utterly, and clean subversed
subversed > subverted, razed to the ground
4 She found, and all their glory quite decayed:
decayed > destroyed
5 That sight of such a change her much dismayed. 6 Thence forth descending to that perilous porch, 7 Those dreadful flames she also found delayed,
delayed > allayed, quelled, abated
8 And quenched quite, like a consumed torch, 9 That erst all enterers wont so cruelly to scorch.
erst > formerly; recently wont > were accustomed
312.43
Stanzas 43-5 were first printed in the 1596 edition, replacing stanzas 43-7 of the 1590 edition, which are shown at the end of this file.
More easie issew now, then entrance late
2 She found: for now that fained dreadfull flame,
Which chokt the porch of that enchaunted gate,
4 And passage bard to all, that thither came,
Was vanisht quite, as it were not the same,
6 And gaue her leaue at pleasure forth to passe.
Th'Enchaunter selfe, which all that fraud did frame,
8 To haue efforst the loue of that faire lasse,
Seeing his worke now wasted deepe engrieued was.
1 More easy issue now, than entrance late
late > recently
2 She found: for now that feigned dreadful flame 3 (Which choked the porch of that enchanted gate, 4 And passage barred to all that thither came) 5 Was vanished quite, as it were not the same,
as > [as though]
6 And gave her leave at pleasure forth to pass. 7 The enchanter himself, who all that fraud did frame,
frame > make, design; hence: bring about
8 To have efforced the love of that fair lass,
efforced > gained by force (SU)
9 Seeing his work now wasted, deep engrieved was.
deep engrieved > deeply grieved
312.44
But when the victoresse arriued there,
2 Where late she left the +pensife+ Scudamore,
With her owne trusty Squire, both full of feare,
4 Neither of them she found where she them lore:
Thereat her noble hart was stonisht sore;
6 But most faire Amoret, whose gentle spright
Now gan to feede on hope, which she before
8 Conceiued had, to see her owne deare knight,
Being thereof beguyld was fild with new affright.
2 pensife > pensiue 1609
1 But when the victoress arrived there, 2 Where late she left the pensive Scudamour,
late > recently pensive > anxious; sorrowful (as 311.41:6)
3 With her own trusty squire, both full of fear,
her own trusty squire > [Glauce, Britomart's nurse: see 303.61]
4 Neither of them she found where she them lore:
lore > forsook, left (catachr.)
5 Thereat her noble heart was stonished sore;
Thereat > As a result of that; thereupon stonished > stunned
6 But most fair Amoret, whose gentle spirit
gentle > noble; gentle
7 Now began to feed on hope, which she before 8 Conceived had, to see her own dear knight, 9 Being thereof beguiled, was fild with new affright.
thereof beguiled > deprived of that; cheated of that fild > filled; defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) affright > terror
312.45
But he sad man, when he had long in drede
2 Awayted there for Britomarts returne,
Yet saw her not nor signe of her good speed,
4 His expectation to despaire did turne,
Misdeeming sure that her those flames did burne;
6 And therefore gan aduize with her old Squire,
Who her deare nourslings losse no lesse did mourne,
8 Thence to depart for further aide t'enquire:
Where let them wend at will, whilest here I doe respire.
1 But he, sad man, when he had long in dread 2 Awaited there for Britomart's return,
Awaited > Waited
3 Yet saw her not, nor sign of her good speed,
good speed > success
4 His expectation to despair did turn, 5 Misdeeming sure that her those flames did burn;
Misdeeming > Supposing erroneously
6 And therefore gan advise with her old squire,
gan advise > did consult
7 Who her dear nursling's loss no less did mourn, 8 Thence to depart, for further aid to inquire: 9 Where let them wend at will, whilst here I do respire.
respire > recover breath
(End of Book III, Canto xii and of Volume I)
312.43 (1590)
At last she came vnto the place, where late
2 She left Sir Scudamour in great distresse,
Twixt dolour and despight halfe desperate,
4 Of his loues succour, of his owne redresse,
And of the hardie Britomarts successe:
6 There on the cold earth him now thrown she found,
In wilfull anguish, and dead heauinesse,
8 And to him cald; whose voices knowen sound
Soone as he heard, himself he reared light from ground.
1 At last she came to the place where late
late > recently
2 She left Sir Scudamour in great distress, 3 'Twixt dolour and despite half desperate,
dolour > dolour; physical suffering; grief despite > rage; malice
4 Of his love's succour, of his own redress,
his love > [Amoret] redress > means of redress; assistance
5 And of the hardy Britomart's success: 6 There on the cold earth him now thrown she found, 7 In wilful anguish, and dead heaviness,
heaviness > grief, sadness; anger
8 And to him called; whose voice's known sound 9 Soon as he heard, himself he reared light from ground.
Soon > [As soon] light > quickly; lightly
312.44 (1590)
There did he see, that most on earth him ioyd,
2 His dearest loue, the comfort of his dayes,
Whose too long absence him had sore annoyd,
4 And wearied his life with dull delayes:
Straight he vpstarted from the loathed layes,
6 And to her ran with hasty egernesse,
Like as a Deare, that greedily embayes
8 In the coole soile, after long thirstinesse,
Which he in chace endured hath, now nigh breathlesse.
that > [that; she whom]
1 There did he see, that most on earth him joyed,
joyed > gladdened, delighted
2 His dearest love, the comfort of his days, 3 Whose too long absence him had sore annoyed,
annoyed > afflicted
4 And wearied his life with dull delays:
dull > {Causing depression; slow}
5 Straight he upstarted from the loathed lea,
Straight > Straightway, immediately upstarted > got up lea > ground; often grassland, hence also: turf, sward
6 And to her ran with hasty eagerness, 7 Like a deer, that greedily embays
greedily > eagerly embays > bathes
8 In the cool soil after long thirstiness,
soil > {Pool or stretch of water used by as a refuge by a hunted deer}
9 Which it in chase endured has, now nigh breathless.
312.45 (1590)
Lightly he clipt her twixt his armes twaine,
2 And streightly did embrace her body bright,
Her body, late the prison of sad paine,
4 Now the sweet lodge of loue and deare delight:
But she faire Lady ouercommen quight
6 Of huge affection, did in pleasure melt,
And in sweete rauishment pourd out her spright:
8 No word they spake, nor earthly thing they felt,
But like two senceles stocks in long embracement dwelt.
1 Lightly he clipped her 'twixt his arms twain,
Lightly > Quickly clipped > embraced twain > two
2 And straitly did embrace her body bright,
straitly > tightly bright > beautiful
3 Her body, late the prison of sad pain,
late > lately sad > heavy, grievous; sad
4 Now the sweet lodge of love and dear delight: 5 But she, fair lady, overcome quite 6 Of huge affection, did in pleasure melt,
Of > By
7 And in sweet ravishment poured out her spirit: 8 No word they spoke, nor earthly thing they felt, 9 But like two senseless stocks in long embracement dwelt.
stocks > {Tree-trunks, taken as the type of what is motionless}
312.46 (1590)
Had ye them seene, ye would haue surely thought,
2 That they had beene that faire Hermaphrodite,
Which that rich Romane of white marble wrought,
4 And in his costly Bath causd to bee site:
So seemd those two, as growne together quite,
6 That Britomart halfe enuying their blesse,
Was much empassiond in her gentle sprite,
8 And to her selfe oft wisht like happinesse,
In vaine she wisht, that fate n'ould let her yet possesse.
1 Had you them seen, you would have surely thought 2 That they had been that fair Hermaphroditus,
had been > [were] Hermaphroditus > (Son of Hermes and Aphrodite (Venus). The nymph of the fountain of Salmacis, near Halicarnassus, fell in love with him but could not win his affections. One day, as he was bathing in the fountain, she embraced him and prayed that she might be united with him for ever. Her prayer was granted, and their bodies became one, while retaining the characteristics of either sex. See Met. 4.285-388. The statue of which Spenser speaks, and its owner, have not been identified)
3 Which that rich Roman of white marble wrought, 4 And in his costly bath caused to be site:
site > placed
5 So seemed those two, as grown together quite, 6 That Britomart, half envying their bliss, 7 Was much empassioned in her gentle spirit,
empassioned > {Moved or touched with deep feeling} gentle > noble; gentle
8 And to herself oft wished like happiness:
like > similar
9 In vain she wished that fate nould let her yet possess.
that > [that which] nould > would not
312.47 (1590)
Thus doe those louers with sweet counteruayle,
2 Each other of loues bitter fruit despoile.
But now my teme begins to faint and fayle,
4 All woxen weary of their iournall toyle:
Therefore I will their sweatie yokes assoyle
6 At this same furrowes end, till a new day:
And ye faire Swayns, after your long turmoyle,
8 Now cease your worke, and at your pleasure play;
Now cease your worke; to morrow is an holy day.
1 Thus do those lovers, with sweet countervail,
countervail > reciprocation
2 Each other of love's bitter fruit despoil. 3 But now my team begins to faint and fail,
team > (Typically, of oxen or horses: here perhaps a reference to the Muses Clio and Calliope) faint > grow weak
4 All waxed weary of their journal toil:
waxed > grown journal > daily; or: viatical (a "journal" was also a day's travel, or any journey; hence "iournall toil" = "travel", "progress")
5 Therefore I will their sweaty yokes assoil
assoil > pardon, absolve; hence: release, do away with
6 At this same furrow's end, till a new day: 7 And you, fair swains, after your long turmoil,
swains > perhaps: young men (addressing the "learned throng" of 100.1:8); or: lovers (meaning Scudamour and Amoret)
8 Now cease your work, and at your pleasure play; 9 Now cease your work; tomorrow is a holy-day.
holy-day > {Day set aside for religious observance; day on which work is suspended; holiday}
=> PRINTER'S CONTRACTIONS
A number of words contain contractions which enabled the printer better to fit the line on the page. Since these are a device of the printer rather than the author, the contractions are given in their expanded form in the text and listed separately here.
Except for the ampersand, the contractions consist of a letter (a, e, o, or u) with a tilde above it. In this list, "a-tilde" is shown as "{a~}". The long "s" is shown as "/".
The contractions used in the copy text (excluding the introductory material and stanzas 43-7 of Book III in the 1590 edition) are as follows:
Contraction Expands to Occurrences Per cent
{a~} am 1 0.61 {a~} an 10 6.06 {e~} em 9 5.45 {e~} en 24 14.55 {o~} om 14 8.48 {o~} on 13 7.88 {u~} un 7 4.24 & and 87 52.73
101.5:9 Whom to auenge, /he had this Knight from far c{o~}peld. 101.6:9 And this faire couple eke to /hroud th{e~}/elues were fain. 101.17:9 The /troke down fr{o~} her head vnto her /houlder glaun/t. 101.24:9 A /treame of cole black bloud forth gu/hed fr{o~} her cor/e. 101.36:4 Sweet /l{o~}bring deaw, the which to /leepe them biddes. 101.39:9 Whiles /ad Night ouer him her m{a~}tle black doth /pred. 102.6:7 Had /pent his lampe, & brought forth dawning light, 102.7:9 Then gan /he waile & weepe, to /ee that woefull /towre. 102.17:9 And /treames of purple bloud new dies the verd{a~}t fields. 102.34:9 That many err{a~}t knights hath brought to wretchedne//e. 103.36:9 Life from Sansfoy thou took/t, San/loy /hall fr{o~} thee take. 103.41:8 His corage more, that fr{o~} his griping pawes 104.29:4 Who/e wealth was want, who/e pl{e~}ty made him pore, 104.33:9 Trembling through ha/ty rage, wh{e~} choler in him /weld. 104.36:9 Dead /culs & bones of men, who/e life had gone a/tray. 105.6:9 The yron walles to ward their blowes are weake & fraile. 105.28:7 Vnle//e /he cha{u~}/t their /tubborne mouths to twitch; 105.38:3 Fr{o~} /urging gulf two mon/ters /traight were brought, 105.43:9 Great paines, & greater prai/e, both neuer to be donne. 105.46:9 Where they /hould liue in woe, & die in wretchedne//e. 106.6:2 Does throw out thrilling /hriekes, & /hrieking cryes, 106.19:9 Fr{o~} her own wor/hip, they her A//e would wor/hip fayn. 106.33:9 That they the woods are pa/t, & come now to the plaine. 107.3:3 Which through the tr{e~}bling leaues full gently playes 107.11:8 Through that fraile fo{u~}taine, which him feeble made, 107.44.9 He has them now foure yeres be/iegd to make th{e~} thrall. 108.1:9 For who/e deliuer{a~}ce /he this Prince doth thither guide. 108.38:6 For now three Moones haue ch{a~}ged thrice their hew, 109.2:9 Should die vnknown, & buried be in thankle//e thought. 109.16:9 True Loues are oft{e~} /own, but /eldom grow on ground. 109.42:9 Wh{e~} houre of death is come, let none aske whence, nor why. 110.5:9 For /treight & narrow was the way, which he did /how. 110.31:3 Whom /till /he fed, whiles they were weake & young, 110.57:9 More deare vnto their God, then yo{u~}glings to their dam. 110.60:9 For bloud can nought but /in, & wars but /orrowes yield. 110.67:7 Through pa//ing brightne//e, which did quite c{o~}found 111.8:9 Was /wolne with wrath, & poy/on, & with bloudy gore. 111.18:9 Snatcht vp both hor/e & man, to beare them quite away. 111.22:9 That flames of fire he threw forth fr{o~} his large no/ethrill. 111.28:2 With heat, toyle, wounds, armes, /mart, & inward fire 112.13:2 With /haumes, & trompets, & with Clarions /weet; 201.P3:9 He w{o~}der would much more: yet /uch to /ome appeare. 201.10:9 Witne//e ye heau{e~}s, whom /he in vaine to helpe did call. 201.12:9 The /trick{e~} Deare doth chalenge by the bleeding wound. 201.24:2 Through woods & mountaines, till they came at la/t 201.52:3 And then with words & weedes of wondrous might, 202.6:9 And thenceforth were renowmd, & /ought from place to place. 202.24:9 Does ride on both their backs, & faire her /elfe doth /aue. 202.29:9 That more to mighty h{a~}ds, th{e~} rightfull cau/e doth tru/t. 202.31:3 Weake /he makes /tr{o~}g, & /tr{o~}g thing does increace, 202.33:9 Their minds to plea/ure, & their mouthes to dainty fare. 202.46:9 They wi/t their houre was /p{e~}t; th{e~} each to re/t him hyes. 203.2:9 T'auenge his Par{e~}ts death on them, that had it wrought. 203.43:9 Depart to woods vntoucht, & leaue /o proud di/daine? 203.44:9 Wh{e~} fir/t I heard her horne /ound with /uch gha/tline//e. 204.2:9 Teach him the weake to /tr{e~}gthen, & the /tr{o~}g /uppre//e. 204.7:9 And where he hits, nought knowes, & whom he hurts, nought cares. 204.27:1 The Maid{e~} proud through pray/e, and mad through loue 204.33:2 Through wounds, & /trokes, & /tubborne handeling, 204.33:9 But all your hurts may /oone through t{e~}perance be ea/d. 204.40:3 But wh{e~}ce /hould come that harme, which thou doe/t /eeme 204.44:8 Then loe, where bound /he /its, wh{o~} thou ha/t /ought, 204.45:3 That knights & knighthood doe/t with /hame vpbray, 204.45:4 And /hew/t th'en/{a~}ple of thy childi/h might, 205.5:6 Thereby thine armes /eeme /tr{o~}g, but m{a~}hood fraile; 205.22:9 That armd with fire, more hardly he mote him with/t{o~}d. 205.27:6 Whom then /he does transforme to m{o~}/trous hewes, 205.29:9 Did breath out bounteous /mels, & painted colors /hew. 205.36:8 Through many a /troke, & many a /treaming wound, 205.38:9 And Atin aie him pricks with /purs of /hame & wrong. 207.A:3 Is by him tempted, & led downe, 207.3:2 Couer'd with boughes & /hrubs from heauens light, 207.5:9 The antique /hapes of kings and ke/ars /traunge & rare. 207.11:3 Sheilds, /teeds, and armes, & all things for thee meet 207.13:9 So mak'/t thou kings, & gayne/t wrongfull gouernement. 207.19:9 From heauens /ight, and powre of all which th{e~} pur/ew. 207.21:9 And both did gna/h their teeth, & both did threaten life. 207.25:9 Here Sleep, there Riche//e, & Hel-gate th{e~} both betwext. 207.37:9 Till that him thus be/pake their /oueraigne Lord & /ire. 207.43:8 With crownes and Diademes, & titles vaine, 207.45:9 Th{e~}ceforth /he /ought for helps, to cloke her crime withall. 208.13:9 Your /elfe his prowe//e prou'd & found him fiers & bold. 208.31:9 Right /owre, & feele the law, the which thou ha/t defa/t. 208.32:8 And through his /houlder pier/t; wherwith to gro{u~}d 208.40:5 Glad was the knight, & with fre/h courage fraught, 208.40:9 Emong/t the /hepheard /waynes, then wexeth wood & yond. 209.19:4 Braunched with gold & pearle, mo/t richly wrought, 209.20:9 She graunted, & them leading forth, the /ame did /hew. 209.36:9 As if /ome pen/iue thought c{o~}/traind her gentle /pright. 209.47:2 This parts great workman/hip, & wondrous powre, 209.53:2 Thence brought th{e~} to the /econd roome, who/e wals 209.54:9 But Alma thence th{e~} led to th'hindmo/t roome of three. 209.55:4 Right firme & /trong, though /omewhat they declind, 209.57:8 Some made in books, /ome in long parchm{e~}t /crolles, 210.5:9 By /ea to haue bene fr{o~} the Celticke mayn-land brought. 210.15:3 Which through the world th{e~} /warmd in euery part, 210.17:9 Fr{o~} Guendolene his wife, though alwaies faithfull prou'd. 210.40:5 And ran/ackt Greece well tryde, wh{e~} they were wroth; 210.42:9 Tho/e yet of her be Merti{a~} lawes both nam'd & thought. 210.48:9 Nought el/e, but trea/on, from the fir/t this l{a~}d did foyle. 210.66:5 Through his faire daughters face, & flattring word; 210.73:9 A bridge of bras, who/e /ound heau{e~}s thunder /eem'd to bee. 211.19:5 Wh{e~} the wroth We/tern wind does reaue their locks; 211.44:9 From th'earth, & from her wombe new /pirits to reprize. 212.1:9 M{o~}g/t thou/and dangers, & ten thou/and magick mights. 212.32:9 The worlds /weet In, from paine & weari/ome turmoyle. 212.51:9 That /till it breathed forth /weet /pirit & hole/ome /mell. 212.81:9 Tryde all her arts, & all her /leights, thence out to wre/t. 212.82:4 They tooke them both, & both them /trongly bound 301.6:3 That /eem'd both /hield & plate it would haue riued; 301.6:9 That mi/chieuous mi/chance his life & limbes did /pare. 301.14:9 Saue Beares, Lions, & Buls, which romed them around. 301.28:9 Then to the next /he rode, & downe the next did beare. 301.53:2 With /ighes, and /obs, and plaints, & piteous griefe, 301.56:9 With whom he meant to make his /port & courtly play. 301.58:8 Where through long watch, & late dayes weary toile, 301.58:9 She /oundly /lept, & carefull thoughts did quite a//oile. 301.67:9 They tooke their /teeds, & forth vp{o~} their iourney went. 303.2:9 Which the late world admyres for wondrous monim{e~}ts. 303.7:9 When /o he coun/eld with his /prights enc{o~}pa/t round. 303.60:9 Both /peare & /hield of great powre, for her purpo/e fit. 303.61:9 Them/elues they forth conuayd, & pa//ed forward right. 304.8:9 Which in the/e troubled bowels raignes, & rageth rife. 304.15:9 Decline her head, & touch her crouper with her crowne. 304.38:9 To /ee friends graue, th{e~} dead the graue /elfe to engro//e. 304.46:1 Through thick and thin, through mountaines & through plains, 304.46:2 Tho/e two great ch{a~}pions did attonce pur/ew 305.3:9 Thicke fore/t, was be/cratcht, & both his feet nigh lame. 305.33:9 She with her /carfe did bind the wound fr{o~} cold to keepe. 306.4:6 The/e two were twinnes, & twixt them two did /hare 306.29:2 Where mo/t /he wonnes, wh{e~} /he on earth does dwel. 306.43:9 Threw forth mo/t dainty odours, & mo/t /weet delight. 306.44:8 That nether Ph{oe}bus beams could through th{e~} throng, 307.21:2 With herbs, with charms, with co{u~}/ell, & with teares, 309.10:9 And threatned him with force & puni/hment extreme. 309.15:9 Confounds both land & /eas, and skyes doth ouerca/t. 309.16:9 Then drew he his bright /word, & gan about him throw. 309.18:9 Though nought beleu'd, & entra{u~}ce late did not refu/e. 309.48:3 Whom hauing /laine, through luckles arrowes gla{u~}ce 309.48:9 And great adu{e~}tures found, that now were l{o~}g to /ayne. 309.49:9 That fed on liuing fle/h, & druncke mens vitall blood. 311.36:9 Yet was thy loue her death, & her death was thy /mart. 311.46:1 Kings Queenes, Lords Ladies, Knights & Damzels gent 311.51:9 For loue in thou/and m{o~}/trous formes doth oft appeare. 311.52:6 Their /werds & /peres were broke, & hauberques rent; 312.9:9 That /oone they life conceiu'd, & forth in flames did fly.
In five places, the ligatured "ss" is used. This resembles an overlarge
Greek beta, and is shown here as a dollar sign.
104.15:3 But to Due$' each one him/elfe did paine 202.35:1 Eli$a (/o the elde/t hight) did deeme 207.52:1 There mournfull Cypre$e grew in greate/t /tore, 210.47:1 Whil/t they were young, Ca$ibalane their Eme 210.52:4 His daughter Genui$' in marriage:
=> BIBLIOGRAPHY
Colossians
1 Corinthians
Daniel
Deuteronomy
Ecclesiastes
Ephesians
Exodus
Galatians
Genesis
Hebrews
Hosea
Isaiah
Job
Gospel According to John
Joshua
Judges
2 Kings
Luke
Matthew
Psalms
Revelation
Romans
Song of Solomon
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
2. PLAYS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE in Alexander (1951)
Antony and Cleopatra
As You Like It
Cymbeline
Hamlet
Henry VIII
Julius Caesar
King Lear
Macbeth
A Midsummer-night's Dream
Othello
Richard III
Romeo and Juliet
Twelfth Night
Winter's Tale
The Shepheardes Calender
The Faerie Queene
Teares of the Muses
Virgil's Gnat
Mother Hubberds Tale
Ruines of Rome
Muiopotmos
Colin Clouts Come Home Againe
Amoretti
Epithalamion
A Vewe of the present state of Irelande
Quarto of 1590
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Folio of 1679
J. Hughes, 1715
T. Birch, 1751
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R. Morris, 1869, revised 1896
A. B. Grosart, 1882-4
Kate M. Warren, 1897-1900
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85967 239 5 [facsimile of 1596 edition; used as the
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Morris, R. (1976) The Faerie Queene: A Selection, Dent, Dutton,
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Hamilton, A. C. (1977) Spenser: The Faerie Queene, Longman, 0
582 48106 6 [this reprints Smith's scrupulous 1909 text
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Hamilton, A. C. (1980) Spenser: The Faerie Queene, Longman, 0
582 49705 1 [paperback edition, with minor revisions,
of 0 582 48106 6]
Roche, T. P. and C. P. O'Donnell (1981) Spenser: The Faerie
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Jussawalla, M. (1982) Spenser: The Faerie Queene, Book I,
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Brooks-Davies, D. (1987) Spenser: The Faerie Queene, Books I-
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Alexander, P. (1951) (ed.), William Shakespeare: The Complete
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Ariosto, Lodovico (1619) Orlando Furioso: see Ceserani (1962),
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Aristotle: see McKeon (1941)
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Bayley, P. C. (1966) Spenser: The Faerie Queene, Book I.
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Camden, William (1605) Remains Concerning Britain (1674
edition, ed. John Philipot, Library of Old Authors,
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Carey, John, and Alastair Fowler (1968) (ed.), John Milton: The
Complete Poems. London
Ceserani, R. (1962) (ed.), Ariosto: Orlando Furioso. Turin
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shepherd in the "Faerie Queene". New Haven
Clarendon Press (1989) The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd
edition, Oxford
Comes, Natale (1616) Mythologiae, sive explicationis fabularum,
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Giles, J. A. (1891) (ed.), Six Old English Chronicles. London
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=> BIOGRAPHICAL MATERIAL
This comprises (1) a table of important dates in the life of Spenser, and (2) a biography Edmund Spenser taken verbatim from the 1896 Macmillan Globe edition of Spenser's collected works, edited by R. Morris. It is by John W. Hales.
Footnotes are grouped together at the end of the file.
?1552 Born at East Smithfield, London.
1558 (Queen Elizabeth accedes to the throne.)
1561 [Aged about 9] Spenser enters the newly-founded Merchant Taylors' School, headmaster Richard Mulcaster.
1569 [17] Anonymously contributes verse translations of Visions of Petrarch and Visions of Bellay to Van der Noodt's Theatre of Worldlings; enters Pembroke Hall (College), Cambridge.
1570 [18] Made a Fellow of Pembroke Hall.
1573 [21] Bachelor of Arts.
1574 [22] Plague in Cambridge. Spenser temporarily departs.
1576 [24] Master of Arts; leaves Cambridge for the north of England.
?1577 [25] Visits Ireland. Returns to London.
1578 [26] Appointed secretary to John Young, Bishop of Rochester, former Master of Pembroke Hall.
1579 [27] Enters the service of the Earl of Leicester. Composition of The Faerie Queene already under way. 5 December: The Shepheardes Calender entered in Stationers' Register.
1580 [28] ?Marries Machabyas Chylde. Publication of The Shepheardes Calender and of correspondence with Gabriel Harvey. Appointed secretary to Lord Grey, Lord Deputy of Ireland. In ?August, to Dublin with Lord Grey. In November, apparently witnesses the siege and massacre at Smerwick, in Munster.
1581 (Publication of Tasso's Gerusalemme Liberata.)
1582 [30] Lord Grey recalled to London; end of Spenser's employment as his secretary. Spenser leases a house in Dublin, and a country residence: New Abbey at Kilcullen, 25 miles from Dublin. Birth of his son Sylvanus.
1583 [31] Appointed a Commissioner of Musters in County Kildare for a period of two years.
?1584 [32] Becomes deputy to the Clerk of the Council of Munster,
Lodowick Bryskett. ?Birth of daughter Katherine; ?death of
Machabyas Chylde.
1586 [34] Granted 3,028 acres at Kilcolman, 8 miles NNE of the town
of Mallow in County Cork; does not take up residence until 1588
or 1589. (Death of Sir Philip Sidney.)
1587 (Mary, Queen of Scots executed.)
1588 [36] Resigns his clerkship in the Court of Chancery. (Spanish Armada.)
1589 [37] Visited at Kilcolman by Raleigh. October or November: with Raleigh to England. Audience with the Queen. 1 December: the Faerie Queene entered in Stationers' Register.
1590 [38] Publication of the Faerie Queene, Books I-III. Suit against him begun by Lord Roche.
1591 [39] Publication of Complaints, and perhaps also of Daphnaida. Returns to Kilcolman. Composition of Colin Clouts Come Come Again. 25 February: granted annual pension of {pounds}50 by the Queen.
1594 [42] 12 February: loses lawsuit against Lord Roche. 11 June: marries Elizabeth Boyle.
1595 [43] Publication of Colin Clouts Come Home Again, and of Amoretti and Epithalamion in one volume. Birth of his son Peregrine.
1596 [44] In England. Publication of second edition of the Faerie
Queene, Books I-VI, Fowre Hymns, and Prothalamion. 12
November: King James of Scotland claims that the portrayal of
Duessa in the Faerie Queene is a libel on his mother, Mary,
Queen of Scots; outcome of this claim not known. (Essex raids
Cadiz.)
1597 [45] Returns to Ireland. Purchases Renny Castle for his son; also purchases Buttevant Abbey.
1598 [46] 14 April: A Vewe of the Present State of Irelande entered in Stationers' Register but not passed for printing. Spenser recommended for appointment as Sheriff of Cork. October: Tyrone's rebellion in Munster; Spenser's castle at Kilcolman sacked and burnt. In December, Spenser in London.
1599 [47] 13 January: death of Spenser.
1609 Publication of third edition of the Faerie Queene, incorporating Books I-VI and Two Cantos of Mutabilitie.
1611 First publication of the collected works.
1617 Second publication of the collected works.
1620 Memorial to Spenser erected at Westminster Abbey.
1633 Publication of A Vewe of the Present State of Ireland.
(2) A BIOGRAPHY OF EDMUND SPENSER,
BY JOHN W. HALES
Revised 1896
From the Macmillan Globe edition of
THE WORKS OF EDMUND SPENSER
[ Please note: footnotes for each chapter are enclosed in curly brackets, e.g. {1} ]
Ille velut fidis arcana sodalibus olim
Credebat libris; neque, si male cesserat, unquam
Decurrens alio, neque si bene; quo fit ut omnis
Votiva pateat veluti descripta tabella
Vita senis.
Hither, as to their fountain, other stars
Repairing in their urns draw golden light.
The life of Spenser is wrapt in a similar obscurity to that which hides from us his great predecessor Chaucer, and his still greater contemporary Shakspere. As in the case of Chaucer, our principal external authorities are a few meagre entries in certain official documents, and such facts as may be gathered from his works. The birth-year of each poet is determined by inference. The circumstances in which each died are a matter of controversy. What sure information we have of the intervening events of the life of each one is scanty and interrupted. So far as our knowledge goes, it shows some slight positive resemblance between their lives. They were both connected with the highest society of their times; both enjoyed court favour, and enjoyed it in the substantial shape of pensions. They were both men of remarkable learning. They were both natives of London. They both died in the close vicinity of Westminster Abbey, and lie buried near each other in that splendid cemetery. Their geniuses were eminently different: that of Chaucer was the active type, Spenser's of the contemplative; Chaucer was dramatic, Spenser philosophical; Chaucer objective, Spenser subjective; but in the external circumstances, so far as we know them, amidst which these great poets moved, and in the mist which for the most part enfolds those circumstances, there is considerable likeness. Spenser is frequently alluded to by his contemporaries; they most ardently recognised in him, as we shall see, a great poet, and one that might justly be associated with the one supreme poet whom this country had then produced—with Chaucer, and they paid him constant tributes of respect and admiration; but these mentions of him do not generally supply any biographical details. The earliest notice of him that may in any sense be termed biographical occurs in a sort of handbook to the monuments of Westminster Abbey, published by Camden in 1606. Amongst the 'Reges, Regin{ae}, Nobiles, et alij in Ecclesia Collegiata B. Petri Westmonasterii sepulti usque ad annum 1606' is enrolled the name of Spenser, with the following brief obituary: 'Edmundus Spencer Londinensis, Anglicorum Poetarum nostri seculi facile princeps, quod ejus poemata faventibus Musis et victuro genio conscripta comprobant. Obijt immatura morte anno salutis 1598, et prope Galfredum Chaucerum conditur qui felicissime po{e"}sin Anglicis literis primus illustravit. In quem h{ae}c scripta sunt epitaphia:—
Hic prope Chaucerum situs est Spenserius, illi
Proximus ingenio proximus ut tumulo.
Hic prope Chaucerum, Spensere poeta, poetam
Conderis, et versu quam tumulo propior.
Anglica, te vivo, vixit plausitque po{e"}sis;
Nunc moritura timet, te moriente, mori.'
'Edmund Spencer of London, far the first of the English Poets of our age, as his poems prove, written under the smile of the Muses, and with a genius destined to live. He died prematurely in the year of salvation 1598, and is buried near Geoffrey Chaucer, who was the first most happily to set forth poetry in English writing: and on him were written these epitaphs:—
Here nigh to Chaucer Spenser lies; to whom
In genius next he was, as now in tomb.
Here nigh to Chaucer, Spenser, stands thy
hearse,{1}
Still nearer standst thou to him in thy verse.
Whilst thou didst live, lived English poetry;
Now thou art dead, it fears that it shall die.'
The next notice is found in Drummond's account of Ben Jonson's conversations with him in the year 1618: 'Spencer's stanzas pleased him not, nor his matter. The meaning of the allegory of his Fairy Queen he had delivered in writing to Sir Walter Rawleigh, which was, "that by the Bleating Beast he understood the Puritans, and by the false Duessa the Queen of Scots." He told, that Spencer's goods were robbed by the Irish, and his house and a little child burnt, he and his wife escaped, and after died for want of bread in King Street; he refused 20 pieces sent to him by my lord Essex, and said he was sure he had no time to spend them.'{2} The third record occurs in Camden's History of Queen Elizabeth (Annales rerum Anglicarum et Hibernicarum regnante Elizabetha), first published in a complete form in 1628. There the famous antiquary registering what demises marked the year 1598 (our March 25, 1598, to March 24, 1599), adds to his list Edmund Spenser, and thus writes of him: 'Ed. Spenserus, patria Londinensis, Cantabrigienis autem alumnus, Musis adeo arridentibus natus ut omnes Anglicos superioris {ae}vi Poetas, ne Chaucero quidem concive excepto, superaret. Sed peculiari Poetis fato semper cum paupertate conflictatus, etsi Greio Hiberni{ae} proregi fuerit ab epistolis. Vix enim ibi secessum et scribendi otium nactus, quam a rebellibus {e\} laribus ejectus et bonis spoliatus, in Angliam inops reversus statim exspiravit, Westmonasterii prope Chaucerum impensis comitis Essexi{ae} inhumatus, Po{e"}tis funus ducentibus flebilibusque carminibus et calamis in tumulum conjectis.'{3} This is to say: 'Edmund Spenser, a Londoner by birth, and a scholar also of the University of Cambridge, born under so favourable an aspect of the Muses that he surpassed all the English Poets of former times, not excepting Chaucer himself, his fellow-citizen. But by a fate which still follows Poets, he always wrestled with poverty, though he had been secretary to the Lord Grey, Lord Deputy of Ireland. For scarce had he there settled himself into a retired privacy and got leisure to write, when he was by the rebels thrown out of his dwelling, plundered of his goods, and returned to England a poor man, where he shortly after died and was interred at Westminster, near to Chaucer, at the charge of the Earl of Essex, his hearse being attended by poets, and mournful elegies and poems with the pens that wrote them thrown into his tomb.'{4} In 1633, Sir James Ware prefaced his edition of Spenser's prose work on the State of Ireland with these remarks:— 'How far these collections may conduce to the knowledge of the antiquities and state of this land, let the fit reader judge: yet something I may not passe by touching Mr. Edmund Spenser and the worke it selfe, lest I should seeme to offer injury to his worth, by others so much celebrated. Hee was borne in London of an ancient and noble family, and brought up in the Universitie of Cambridge, where (as the fruites of his after labours doe manifest) he mispent not his time. After this he became secretary to Arthur Lord Grey of Wilton, Lord Deputy of Ireland, a valiant and worthy governour, and shortly after, for his services to the Crowne, he had bestowed upon him by Queene Elizabeth, 3,000 acres of land in the countie of Corke. There he finished the latter part of that excellent poem of his "Faery Queene," which was soone after unfortunately lost by the disorder and abuse of his servant, whom he had sent before him into England, being then a rebellibus (as Camden's words are) {e\} laribus ejectus et bonis spoliatus. He deceased at Westminster in the year 1599 (others have it wrongly 1598), soon after his return into England, and was buried according to his own desire in the collegiat church there, neere unto Chaucer whom he worthily imitated (at the costes of Robert Earle of Essex), whereupon this epitaph was framed.' And then are quoted the epigrams already given from Camden. The next passage that can be called an account of Spenser is found in Fuller's Worthies of England, first published in 1662, and runs as follows:— 'Edmond Spencer, born in this city (London), was brought up in Pembroke-hall in Cambridge, where he became an excellent scholar; but especially most happy in English Poetry; as his works do declare, in which the many Chaucerisms used (for I will not say affected by him) are thought by the ignorant to be blemishes, known by the learned to be beauties, to his book; which notwithstanding had been more saleable, if more conformed to our modern language. 'There passeth a story commonly told and believed, that Spencer presenting his poems to queen Elizabeth, she, highly affected therewith, commanded the lord Cecil, her treasurer, to give him an hundred pound; and when the treasurer (a good steward of the queen's money) alledged that the sum was too much; "Then give him," quoth the queen, "What is reason;" to which the lord consented, but was so busied, belike, about matters of higher concernment, that Spencer received no reward, whereupon he presented this petition in a small piece of paper to the queen in her progress:—
I was promis'd on a time,
To have reason for my rhyme;
From that time unto this season,
I receiv'd nor rhyme nor reason.
'Hereupon the queen gave strict order (not without some check to her treasurer), for the present payment of the hundred pounds the first intended unto him. 'He afterwards went over into Ireland, secretary to the lord Gray, lord deputy thereof; and though that his office under his lord was lucrative, yet he got no estate; but saith my author "peculiari poetis fato semper cum paupertate conflictatus est." So that it fared little better with him than with William Xilander the German (a most excellent linguist, antiquary, philosopher and mathematician), who was so poor, that (as Thuanus saith), he was thought "fami non famae scribere." 'Returning into England, he was robb'd by the rebels of what little he had; and dying for grief in great want, anno 1598, was honourably buried nigh Chaucer in Westminster, where this distich concludeth his epitaph on his monument
Anglica, te vivo, vixit plausitque poesis;
Nunc moritura timet, te moriente, mori.'
Whilst thou didst live, liv'd English poetry
Which fears now thou art dead, that she shall die.
'Nor must we forget, that the expence of his funeral and monument was defrayed at the sole charge of Robert, first of that name, earl of Essex.' The next account is given by Edward Phillips in his Theatrum Po{e"}tarum Anglicanorum, first published in 1675. This Phillips was, as is well known, Milton's nephew, and according to Warton, in his edition of Milton's juvenile poems, 'there is good reason to suppose that Milton threw many additions and corrections into the Theatrum Po{e"}tarum.' Phillips' words therefore have an additional interest for us. 'Edmund Spenser,' he writes, 'the first of our English poets that brought heroic poesy to any perfection, his "Fairy Queen" being for great invention and poetic heighth, judg'd little inferior, if not equal to the chief of the ancient Greeks and Latins, or modern Italians; but the first poem that brought him into esteem was his "Shepherd's Calendar," which so endeared him to that noble patron of all vertue and learning Sir Philip Sydney, that he made him known to Queen Elizabeth, and by that means got him preferred to be secretary to his brother{5} Sir Henry Sidney, who was sent deputy into Ireland, where he is said to have written his "Faerie Queen;" but upon the return of Sir Henry, his employment ceasing, he also return'd into England, and having lost his great friend Sir Philip, fell into poverty, yet made his last refuge to the Queen's bounty, and had 500_l_. ordered him for his support, which nevertheless was abridged to 100_l_. by Cecil, who, hearing of it, and owing him a grudge for some reflections in Mother Hubbard's Tale, cry'd out to the queen, What! all this for a song? This he is said to have taken so much to heart, that he contracted a deep melancholy, which soon after brought his life to a period. So apt is an ingenuous spirit to resent a slighting, even from the greatest persons; thus much I must needs say of the merit of so great a poet from so great a monarch, that as it is incident to the best of poets sometimes to flatter some royal or noble patron, never did any do it more to the height, or with greater art or elegance, if the highest of praises attributed to so heroic a princess can justly be termed flattery.'{6} When Spenser's works were reprinted—the first three books of the Faerie Queene for the seventh time—in 1679, there was added an account of his life. In 1687, Winstanley, in his Lives of the most famous English Poets, wrote a formal biography. These are the oldest accounts of Spenser that have been handed down to us. In several of them mythical features and blunders are clearly discernible. Since Winstanley's time, it may be added, Hughes in 1715, Dr. Birch in 1731, Church in 1758, Upton in that same year, Todd in 1805, Aikin in 1806, Robinson in 1825, Mitford in 1839, Prof. Craik in 1845, Prof. Child in 1855, Mr. Collier in 1862, Dr. Grosart in 1884, have re-told what little there is to tell, with various additions and subtractions. Our external sources of information are, then, extremely scanty. Fortunately our internal sources are somewhat less meagre. No poet ever more emphatically lived in his poetry than did Spenser. The Muses were, so to speak, his own bosom friends, to whom he opened all his heart. With them he conversed perpetually on the various events of his life; into their ears he poured forth constantly the tale of his joys and his sorrows, of his hopes, his fears, his distresses. He was not one of those poets who can put off themselves in their works, who can forego their own interests and passions, and live for the time an extraneous life. There is an intense personality about all his writings, as in those of Milton and of Wordsworth. In reading them you can never forget the poet in the poem. They directly and fully reflect the poet's own nature and his circumstances. They are, as it were, fine spiritual diaries, refined self- portraitures. Horace's description of his own famous fore-runner, quoted at the head of this memoir, applies excellently to Spenser. On this account the scantiness of our external means of knowing Spenser is perhaps the less to be regretted. Of him it is eminently true that we may know him from his works. His poems are his best biography. In the sketch of his life to be given here his poems shall be our one great authority.
Footnotes ————-
{1} Compare 'Underneath this sable hearse, &c.' {2} Works of William Drummond of Hawthornden. Edinburgh, 1711, p. 225. {3} Annales, ed. Hearne, iii. 783. {4} History of Elizabeth, Queen of England. Ed. 1688, pp. 564, 565. {5} Father {6} Theatrum Poet. Anglic., ed. Brydges, 1800, pp. 148, 149.
1552-1579.
Edmund Spenser was born in London in the year 1552, or possibly 1551. For both these statements we have directly or indirectly his own authority. In his Prothalamion he sings of certain swans whom in a vision he saw floating down the river 'Themmes,' that
At length they all to mery London came,
To mery London, my most kyndly nurse,
That to me gave this lifes first native sourse,
Though from another place I take my name,
An house of auncient fame.
A MS. note by Oldys the antiquary in Winstanley's Lives of the most famous English Poets, states that the precise locality of his birth was East Smithfield. East Smithfield lies just to the east of the Tower, and in the middle of the sixteenth century, when the Tower was still one of the chief centres of London life and importance, was of course a neighbourhood of far different rank and degree from its present social status. The date of his birth is concluded with sufficient certainty from one of his sonnets, viz. sonnet 60; which it is pretty well ascertained was composed in the year 1593. These sonnets are, as well shall see, of the amorous wooing sort; in the one of them just mentioned, the sighing poet declares that it is but a year since he fell in love, but that the year has seemed to him longer
Then al those fourty which my life out-went.
Hence it is gathered that he was most probably born in 1552. The inscription, then, over his tomb in Westminster Abbey errs in assigning his birth to 1553; though the error is less flagrant than that perpetrated by the inscription that preceded the present one, which set down as his natal year 1510.
Of his parents the only fact secured is that his mother's name was Elizabeth. This appears from sonnet 74, where he apostrophizes those
Most happy letters! fram'd by skilfull trade
With which that happy name was first desynd,
The which three times thrise happy hath me made,
With guifts of body, fortune and of mind.
The first my being to me gave by kind
From mothers womb deriv'd by dew descent.
The second is the Queen, the third 'my love, my lives last ornament.' A careful examination by Mr. Collier and others of what parish registers there are extant in such old churches as stand near East Smithfield—the Great Fire, it will be remembered, broke out some distance west of the Tower, and raged mainly westward— has failed to discover any trace of the infant Spenser or his parents. An 'Edmund Spenser' who is mentioned in the Books of the Treasurer of the Queen's Chamber in 1569, as paid for bearing letters from Sir Henry Norris, her Majesty's ambassador in France, to the Queen,{1} and who with but slight probability has been surmised to be the poet himself, is scarcely more plausibly conjectured by Mr. Collier to be the poet's father. The utter silence about his parents, with the single exception quoted, in the works of one who, as has been said above, made poetry the confidante of all his joys and sorrows, is remarkable.
Whoever they were, he was well connected on his father's side at least. 'The nobility of the Spensers,' writes Gibbon, 'has been illustrated and enriched by the trophies of Marlborough; but I exhort them to consider the "Faerie Queen" as the most precious jewel of their coronet.' Spenser was connected with the then not ennobled, but highly influential family of the Spencers of Althorpe, Northamptonshire. Theirs was the 'house of auncient fame,' or perhaps we should rather say they too belonged to the 'house of auncient fame' alluded to in the quotation made above from the Prothalamion. He dedicates various poems to the daughters of Sir John Spencer, who was the head of that family during the poet's youth and earlier manhood down to 1580, and in other places mentions these ladies with many expressions of regard and references to his affinity. 'Most faire and vertuous Ladie,' he writes to the 'Ladie Compton and Mountegle,' the fifth daughter, in his dedication to her of his Mother Hubberds Tale, 'having often sought opportunitie by some good meanes to make knowen to your Ladiship the humble affection and faithfull duetie, which I have alwaies professed and am bound to beare to that house, from whence yee spring, I have at length found occasion to remember the same by making a simple present to you of these my idle labours, &c.' To another daughter, 'the right worthy and vertuous ladie the Ladie Carey,' he dedicates his Muiopotmos; to another, 'the right honorable the Ladie Strange,' his Teares of the Muses. In the latter dedication he speaks of 'your particular bounties, and also some private bands of affinitie, which it hath pleased your Ladiship to acknowledge.' It was for this lady Strange, who became subsequently the wife of Sir Thomas Egerton, that one who came after Spenser—Milton—wrote the Arcades. Of these three kinswomen, under the names of Phyllis, Charillis, and sweet Amaryllis, Spenser speaks once more in his Colin Clouts Come Home Again; he speaks of them as
The honour of the noble familie
Of which I meanest boast myself to be.
For the particular branch of the Spencer or Spenser family—one branch wrote the name with s, another with c—to which the poet belonged, it has been well suggested that it was that settled in East Lancashire in the neighbourhood of Pendle Forest. It is known on the authority of his friend Kirke, whom we shall mention again presently, that Spenser retired to the North after leaving Cambridge; traces of a Northern dialect appear in the Shepheardes Calendar; the Christian name Edmund is shown by the parish registers to have been a favourite with one part of the Lancashire branch—with that located near Filley Close, three miles north of Hurstwood, near Burnley.
Spenser then was born in London, probably in East Smithfield, about a year before those hideous Marian fires began to blaze in West Smithfield. He had at least one sister, and probably at least one brother. His memory would begin to be retentive about the time of Queen Elizabeth's accession. Of his great contemporaries, with most of whom he was to be brought eventually into contact, Raleigh was born at Hayes in Devonshire in the same year with him, Camden in Old Bailey in 1551, Hooker near Exeter in or about 1553, Sidney at Penshurst in 1554, Bacon at York House in the West Strand, 1561, Shakspere at Stratford-on-Avon in 1564, Robert Devereux, afterwards second earl of Essex, in 1567.
The next assured fact concerning Spenser is that he was educated at the Merchant Taylors' School, then just founded. This we learn from an entry in 'The Spending of the Money of Robert Nowell, Esq.,' of Reade Hall, Lancashire, brother of Alexander Nowell, Dean of St. Paul's. In an accompt of sums 'geven to poor schollers of dyvers gramare scholles' we find Xs. given, April 28, 1569, to 'Edmond Spensore Scholler of the Merchante Tayler Scholl;' and the identification is established by the occasion being described as 'his gowinge to Penbrocke Hall in Chambridge,' for we know that the future poet was admitted a Sizar of Pembroke College, then styled Hall, Cambridge, in 1569. Thus we may fairly conclude that Spenser was not only London born but London bred, though he may have from time to time sojourned with relatives and connections in Lancashire{2} before his undergraduateship, as well as after. Thus a conjecture of Mr. Collier's may confidently be discarded, who in the muster-book of a hundred in Warwickshire has noted the record of one Edmund Spenser as living in 1569 at Kingsbury, and conjectures that this was the poet's father, and that perhaps the poet spent his youth in the same county with Shakspere. It may be much doubted whether it is a just assumption that every Edmund Spenser that is in any way or anywhere mentioned in the Elizabethan era was either the poet or his father. Nor, should it be allowed that the Spenser of Kingsbury was indeed the poet's father, could we reasonably indulge in any pretty picture of a fine friendship between the future authors of Hamlet and of the Faerie Queene. Shakspere was a mere child, not yet passed into the second of his Seven Ages, when Spenser, being then about seventeen years old, went up to the University. However, this matter need not be further considered, as there is no evidence whatever to connect Spenser with Warwickshire.
But in picturing to ourselves Spenser's youth we must not think of London as it now is, or of East Smithfield as now cut off from the country by innumerable acres of bricks and mortar. The green fields at that time were not far away from Spenser's birthplace. And thus, not without knowledge and symnpathy, but with appreciative variations, Spenser could re-echo Marot's 'Eglogue au Roy sous les noms de Pan et Robin,' and its descriptions of a boy's rural wanderings and delights. See his Shepheardes Calendar, December:—
Whilome in youth when flowrd my joyfull spring,
Like swallow swift I wandred here and there;
For heate of heedlesse lust me did so sting,
That I oft doubted daunger had no feare:
I went the wastefull woodes and forrest wide
Withouten dread of wolves to bene espide.
I wont to raunge amid the mazie thicket
And gather nuttes to make my Christmas game,
And joyed oft to chace the trembling pricket,
Or hunt the hartlesse hare till she were tame.
What wreaked I of wintrie ages waste?
Tho deemed I my spring would ever last.
How often have I scaled the craggie oke
All to dislodge the raven of her nest?
How have I wearied, with many a stroke,
The stately walnut-tree, the while the rest,
Under the tree fell all for nuttes at strife?
For like to me was libertie and life.
To be sure he is here paraphrasing, and also is writing in the language of pastoral poetry, that is, the language of this passage is metaphorical; but it is equally clear that the writer was intimately and thoroughly acquainted with that life from which the metaphors of his original are drawn. He describes a life he had lived.
It seems probable that he was already an author in some sort when he went up to Cambridge. In the same year in which he became an undergraduate there appeared a work entitled, 'A Theatre wherein be represented as well the Miseries and Calamities that follow the Voluptuous Worldlings as also the greate Joyes and Pleasures which the Faithful do enjoy. An Argument both Profitable and Delectable to all that sincerely loue the Word of God. Deuised by S. John Vander Noodt.' Vander Noodt was a native of Brabant who had sought refuge in England, 'as well for that I would not beholde the abominations of the Romyshe Antechrist as to escape the handes of the bloudthirsty.' 'In the meane space,' he continues, 'for the avoyding of idlenesse (the very mother and nourice of all vices) I have among other my travayles bene occupied aboute thys little Treatyse, wherein is sette forth the vilenesse and basenesse of worldely things whiche commonly withdrawe us from heavenly and spirituall matters.' This work opens with six pieces in the form of sonnets styled epigrams, which are in fact identical with the first six of the Visions of Petrarch subsequently published among Spenser's works, in which publication they are said to have been 'formerly translated'. After these so-called epigrams come fifteen Sonnets, eleven of which are easily recognisable amongst the Visions of Bellay, published along with the Visions of Petrarch. There is indeed as little difference between the two sets of poems as is compatible with the fact that the old series is written in blank verse, the latter in rhyme. The sonnets which appear for the first time in the Visions are those describing the Wolf, the River, the Vessel, the City. There are four pieces of the older series which are not reproduced in the later. It would seem probable that they too may have been written by Spenser in the days of his youth, though at a later period of his life he cancelled and superseded them. They are therefore reprinted in this volume. (See pp. 699-701.)
Vander Noodt, it must be said, makes no mention of Spenser in his volume. It would seem that he did not know English, and that he wrote his Declaration—a sort of commentary in prose on the Visions—in French. At least we are told that this Declaration is translated out of French into English by Theodore Roest. All that is stated of the origin of his Visions is: 'The learned poete M. Francisce Petrarche, gentleman of Florence, did invent and write in Tuscan the six firste . . . . which because they serve wel to our purpose, I have out of the Brabants speache turned them into the English tongue;' and 'The other ten visions next ensuing ar described of one Ioachim du Bellay, gentleman of France, the whiche also, because they serve to our purpose I have translated them out of Dutch into English.' The fact of the Visions being subsequently ascribed to Spenser would not by itself carry much weight. But, as Prof. Craik pertinently asks, 'if this English version was not the work of Spenser, where did Ponsonby [the printer who issued that subsequent publication which has been mentioned] procure the corrections which are not mere typographical errata, and the additions and other variations{3} that are found in his edition?'
In a work called Tragical Tales, published in 1587, there is a letter in verse, dated 1569, addressed to 'Spencer' by George Turberville, then resident in Russia as secretary to the English ambassador, Sir Thomas Randolph. Anthony {a\} Wood says this Spencer was the poet; but it can scarcely have been so. 'Turberville himself,' remarks Prof. Craik, 'is supposed to have been at this time in his twenty-ninth or thirtieth year, which is not the age at which men choose boys of sixteen for their friends. Besides, the verses seem to imply a friendship of some standing, and also in the person addressed the habits and social position of manhood. . . . It has not been commonly noticed that this epistle from Russia is not Turberville's only poetical address to his friend Spencer. Among his "Epitaphs and Sonnets" are two other pieces of verse addressed to the same person.'
To the year 1569 belongs that mention referred to above of payment made one 'Edmund Spenser' for bearing letters from France. As has been already remarked, it is scarcely probable that this can have been the poet, then a youth of some seventeen years on the verge of his undergraduateship.
The one certain event of Spenser's life in the year 1569 is that he was then entered as a sizar at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge. He 'proceeded B.A.' in 1573, and 'commenced M.A.' in 1576. There is some reason for believing that his college life was troubled in much the same way as was that of Milton some sixty years later—that there prevailed some misunderstanding between him and the scholastic authorities. He mentions his university with respect in the Faerie Queene, in book iv. canto xi. where, setting forth what various rivers gathered happily together to celebrate the marriage of the Thames and the Medway, he tells how
… the plenteous Ouse came far from land
By many a city and by many a towne,
And many rivers taking under hand
Into his waters, as he passeth downe,
The Cle, the Were, the Grant, the Sture, the Rowne.
Thence doth by Huntingdon and Cambridge flit,
My mother Cambridge, whom as with a Crowne
He doth adorne, and is adorn'd of it
With many a gentle Muse, and many a learned wit.
But he makes no mention of his college. The notorious Gabriel Harvey, an intimate friend of Spenser, who was elected a Fellow of Pembroke Hall the year after the future poet was admitted as a sizar, in a letter written in 1580, asks: 'And wil you needes have my testimoniall of youre old Controllers new behaviour?' and then proceeds to heap abusive words on some person not mentioned by name but evidently only too well known to both the sender and the receiver of the epistle. Having compiled a list of scurrilities worthy of Falstaff, and attacked another matter which was an abomination to him, Harvey vents his wrath in sundry Latin charges, one of which runs: 'C{ae}tera fer{e\}, ut olim: Bellum inter capita et membra continuatum.' 'Other matters are much as they were: war kept up between the heads [the dons] and the members [the men].' Spenser was not elected to a fellowship; he quitted his college, with all its miserable bickerings, after he had taken his master's degree. There can be little doubt, however, that he was most diligent and earnest student during his residence at Cambridge; during that period, for example, he must have gained that knowledge of Plato's works which so distinctly marks his poems, and found in that immortal writer a spirit most truly congenial. But it is conceivable that he pursued his studies after his own manner, and probably enough excited by his independence the strong disapprobation of the master and tutor of the college of his day.
Among his contemporaries in his own college were Lancelot Andrews, afterwards Master, and eventually Bishop of Winchester, the famous preacher; Gabriel Harvey, mentioned above, with whom he formed a fast friendship, and Edward Kirke, the 'E.K.' who, as will be seen, introduced to the world Spenser's first work of any pretence. Amongst his contemporaries in the university were Preston, author of Cambyses, and Still, author of Gammer Gurtons Needle, with each of whom he was acquainted. The friend who would seem to have exercised the most influence over him was Gabriel Harvey; but this influence, at least in literary matters, was by no means for the best. Harvey was some three or four years the senior, and of some academic distinction. Probably he may be taken as something more than a fair specimen of the average scholarship and culture given by the universities at that time. He was an extreme classicist; all his admiration was for classical models and works that savoured of them; he it was who headed the attempt made in England to force upon a modern language the metrical system of the Greeks and Latins. What baneful influence he exercised over Spenser in this last respect will be shown presently. Kirke was Spenser's other close friend; he was one year junior academically to the poet. He too, as we shall see, was a profound admirer of Harvey.
After leaving the university in 1576, Spenser, then, about twenty-four years of age, returned to his own people in the North. This fact is learnt from his friend 'E.K.'s' glosses to certain lines in the sixth book of the Shepheardes Calendar. E.K. speaks 'of the North countrye where he dwelt,' and 'of his removing out of the North parts and coming into the South.' As E.K. writes in the spring of 1579, and as his writing is evidently some little time subsequent to the migration he speaks of, it may be believed that Spenser quitted his Northern home in 1577, and, as we shall see, there is other evidence for this supposition. About a year then was passed in the North after he left the University.
These years were not spent idly. The poetical fruits of them shall be mentioned presently. What made it otherwise a memorable year to the poet was his falling deeply in love with some fair Northern neighbour. Who she was is not known. He who adored her names her Rosalind, 'a feigned name,' notes E.K., 'which being well ordered will bewray the very name of hys love and mistresse, whom by that name he coloureth.' Many solutions of this anagram have been essayed, mostly on the supposition that the lady lived in Kent; but Professor Craik is certainly right in insisting that she was of the North. Dr. Grosart and Mr. Fleay, both authorities of importance, agree in discovering the name Rose Dinle or Dinley; but of a person so Christian-named no record has yet been found, though the surname Dyneley or Dinley occurs in the Whalley registers and elsewhere. In the Eclogue of the Shepheardes Calendar, to which this note is appended, Colin Clout—so the poet designates himself—complains to Hobbinol—that is, Harvey—of the ill success of his passion. Harvey, we may suppose, is paying him a visit in the North; or perhaps the pastoral is merely a versifying of what passed between them in letters. However this may be, Colin is bewailing his hapless fate. His friend, in reply, advises him to
Forsake the soyle that so doth thee bewitch, &c.
Surely E.K.'s gloss is scarcely necessary to tell us what these words mean. 'Come down,' they say, 'from your bleak North country hills where she dwells who binds you with her spell, and be at peace far away from her in the genial South land.' In another Eclogue (April) the subduing beauty is described as 'the Widdowes daughter of the Glen,' surely a Northern address. On these words the well-informed E.K. remarks: 'He calleth Rosalind the Widowes daughter of the glenne, that is, of a country hamlet or borough, which I thinke is rather sayde to coloure and concele the person, than simply spoken. For it is well known, even in spighte of Colin and Hobbinol, that she is a gentlewoman of no meane house, nor endowed with anye vulgare and common gifts, both of nature and manners: but suche indeede, as neede neither Colin be ashamed to have her made known by his verses, nor Hobbinol be greved that so she should be commended to immortalitie for her rare and singular virtues.' Whoever this charming lady was, and whatever glen she made bright with her presence, it appears that she did not reciprocate the devoted affection of the studious young Cambridge graduate who, with probably no apparent occupation, was loitering for a while in her vicinity. It was some other—he is called Menalacas in one of his rival's pastorals—who found favour in her eyes. The poet could only wail and beat his breast. Eclogues I. and VI. are all sighs and tears. Perhaps in the course of time a copy of the Faerie Queene might reach the region where Menalcas and Rosalind were growing old together; and she, with a certain ruth perhaps mixed with her anger, might recognise in Mirabella an image of her fair young disdainful self{4}. The poet's attachment was no transient flame that flashed and was gone. When at the instance of his friend he travelled southward away from the scene of his discomfiture, he went weeping and inconsolable. In the Fourth Eclogue Hobbinol is discovered by Thenot deeply mourning, and, asked the reason, replies that his grief is because
. . . the ladde whome long I loved so deare
Nowe loves a lasse that all his love doth scorne;
He plongd in payne, his tressed locks dooth teare.
Shepheards delights he dooth them all forsweare;
Hys pleasant pipe, whych made us meriment,
He wylfully hath broke, and doth forbeare
His wonted songs, wherein he all outwent.
. . . . .
Colin thou kenst, the Southerne shepheardes boye;
Him Love hath wounded with a deadly darte. &c.
The memory of Rosalind, in spite of her unkindness, seems to have been fondly cherished by the poet, and yielded to no rival vision—though there may have been fleeting fits of passion—till some fourteen years after he and she had parted—till the year 1592, when, as we shall see, Spenser, then living in the south of Ireland, met that Elizabeth who is mentioned in the sonnet quoted above, and who some year and a half after that meeting became his wife. On the strength of an entry found in the register of St. Clement Danes Church in the Strand—'26 Aug. [1587] Florenc Spenser, the daughter of Edmond'—it has been conjectured that the poet was married before 1587. This conjecture seems entirely unacceptable. There is nothing to justify the theory that the Edmund Spenser of the register was the poet. It is simply incredible that Spenser, one who, as has been said, poured out all his soul in his poems, should have wooed and won some fair lady to his wife, without ever a poetical allusion to his courtship and his triumph. It is not at all likely, as far as one can judge from their titles, that any one of his lost works was devoted to the celebration of any such successful passion. Lastly, besides this important negative evidence, there is distinct positive testimony that long after 1587 the image of Rosalind had not been displaced in his fancy by any other loveliness. In Colin Clouts Come Home Again, written, as will be seen, in 1591, though not published until 1595, after the poet has 'full deeply divined of love and beauty,' one Melissa in admiration avers that all true lovers are greatly bound to him—most especially women. The faithful Hobbinol says that women have but ill requited their poet:—
'He is repayd with scorne and foule despite,
That yrkes each gentle heart which it doth heare.'
'Indeed,' says Lucid, 'I have often heard
Faire Rosalind of divers fowly blamed
For being to that swaine too cruell hard.
Lucid however would defend her on the ground that love may not be compelled:—
'Beware therefore, ye groomes, I read betimes
How rashly blame of Rosalind ye raise.'
This caution Colin eagerly and ardently reinforces, and with additions. His heart was still all tender towards her, and he would not have one harsh word thrown at her:—
Ah! Shepheards, then said Colin, ye ne weet
How great a guilt upon your heads ye draw
To make so bold a doome, with words unmeet,
Of thing celestiall which ye never saw.
For she is not like as the other crew
Of shepheards daughters which emongst you bee,
But of divine regard and heavenly hew,
Excelling all that ever ye did see;
Not then to her that scorned thing so base,
But to myselfe the blame that lookt so hie,
So hie her thoughts as she herselfe have place
And loath each lowly thing with lofty eie;
Yet so much grace let her vouchsafe to grant
To simple swaine, sith her I may not love,
Yet that I may her honour paravant
And praise her worth, though far my wit above.
Such grace shall be some guerdon for the griefe
And long affliction which I have endured;
Such grace sometimes shall give me some reliefe
And ease of paine which cannot be recured.
And ye my fellow shepheards, which do see
And heare the languors of my too long dying,
Unto the world for ever witnesse bee
That hers I die, nought to the world denying
This simple trophe of her great conquest.
This residence of Spenser in the North, which corresponds with that period of Milton's life spent at his father's house at Horton in Buckinghamshire, ended, as there has been occasion to state, in the year 1577. What was the precise cause of Spenser's coming South, is not known for certain. 'E.K.' says in one of his glosses, already quoted in part, that the poet 'for speciall occasion of private affayres (as I have bene partly of himselfe informed) and for his more preferment, removing out of the North parts, came into the South, as Hobbinoll indeede advised him privately.' It is clear from his being admitted at his college as a sizar, that his private means were not good. Perhaps during his residence in the North he may have been dependent on the bounty of his friends. It was then in the hope of some advancement of his fortunes that, bearing with him no doubt in manuscript certain results of all his life's previous labour, he turned away from his cold love and her glen, and all her country, and set his face Town-ward.
It is said that his friend Harvey introduced him to that famous accomplished gentleman—that mirror of true knighthood—Sir Philip Sidney, and it would seem that Penshurst became for some time his home. There has already been quoted a line describing Spenser as 'the southern shepheardes boye.' This southern shepherd is probably Sidney. Sidney, it would seem, introduced him to his father and to his uncle, the Earl of Leicester. If we are to take Iren{ae}us' words literally—and there seems no reason why we should not—Spenser was for a time at least in Ireland, when Sidney's father was Lord Deputy. Iren{ae}us, in A View of the Present State of Ireland, certainly represents Spenser himself; and he speaks of what he said at the execution of a notable traitor at Limerick, called Murrogh O'Brien; see p. 636 of this volume. However, he was certainly back in England and in London in 1579, residing at the Earl of Leicester's house in the Strand, where Essex Street now stands. He dates one of his letters to Harvey, 'Leycester House, this 5 October, 1579.' Perhaps at this time he commenced, or renewed, or continued his acquaintance with his distinguished relatives at Althorpe. During the time he spent now at Penshurst and in London, he mixed probably with the most brilliant intellectual society of his time. Sidney was himself endowed with no mean genius. He, Lord Leicester, Lord Strange, and others, with whom Spenser was certainly, or in all probability, acquainted, were all eminent patrons and protectors of genius.
This passage of Spenser's life is of high interest, because in the course of it that splendid era of our literature commonly called the Elizabethan Period may be said to have begun. Spenser is the foremost chronologically of those great spirits who towards the close of the sixteenth century lifted up their immortal voices, and spoke words to be heard for all time. In the course of this present passage of his life, he published his first important work—a work which secured him at once the hearty recognition of his contemporaries as a true poet risen up amongst them. This work was the Shepheardes Calendar, to which so many references have already been made.
It consists of twelve eclogues, one for each month of the year. Of these, three (i., vi., and xii.), as we have seen, treat specially of his own disappointment in love. Three (ii., viii., and x.) are of a more general character, having old age, a poetry combat, 'the perfect pattern of a poet' for their subjects. One other (iii.) deals with love-matters. One (iv.) celebrates the Queen, three (v., vii, and ix.) discuss 'Protestant and Catholic,' Anglican and Puritan questions. One (xi.) is an elegy upon 'the death of some maiden of great blood, whom he calleth Dido.' These poems were ushered into the world by Spenser's college friend Edward Kirke, for such no doubt is the true interpretation of the initials E.K. This gentleman performed his duty in a somewhat copious manner. He addressed 'to the most excellent and learned both orator and poet Mayster Gabriell Harvey' a letter warmly commending 'the new poet' to his patronage, and defending the antique verbiage of the eclogues; he prefixed to the whole work a general argument, a particular one to each part; he appended to every poem a 'glosse' explaining words and allusions. The work is dedicated to Sir Philip Sidney. It was published in the winter of 1579-80.
More than once in the course of it, Spenser refers to Tityrus as his great master. The twelfth eclogue opens thus:
The gentle shepheard sat beside a springe
All in the shadow of a bushye brere,
That Colin height, which well could pype and singe,
For hee of Tityrus his songs did lere.
Tityrus, on E.K.'s authority, was Chaucer. It is evident from the language—both the words and verbal forms—used in this poem that Spenser had zealously studied Chaucer, whose greatest work had appeared just about two centuries before Spenser's first important publication. The work, however, in which he imitates Chaucer's manner is not the Shepheardes Calendar, but his Prosopopoia or Mother Hubberds Tale, which he says, writing in a later year, he had 'long sithens composed in the raw conceipt of my youth.' The form and manner of the Shepheardes Calendar reflected not Chaucer's influence upon the writer, but the influence of a vast event which had changed the face of literature since the out-coming of the Canterbury Tales—of the revival of learning. That event had put fresh models before men, had greatly modified old literary forms, had originated new. The classical influence impressed upon Europe was by no means an unmixed good; in some respects it retarded the natural development of the modern mind by overpowering it with its prestige and stupefying it with a sense of inferiority; while it raised the ideal of perfection, it tended to give rise to mere imitations and affectations. Amongst these new forms was the Pastoral. When Virgil, Theocritus, 'Daphnis and Chloe,' and other writers and works of the ancient pastoral literature once more gained the ascendancy, then a modern pastoral poetry began to be. This poetry flourished greatly in Italy in the sixteenth century. It had been cultivated by Sannazaro, Guarini, Tasso. Arcadia had been adopted by the poets for their country. In England numerous Eclogues made their appearance. Amongst the earliest and the best of these were Spenser's. It would perhaps be unjust to treat this modern pastoral literature as altogether an affectation. However unreal, the pastoral world had its charms—a pleasant feeling imparted of emancipation, a deep quietude, a sweet tranquillity. If vulgar men discovered their new worlds, and trafficked and bustled there, why should not the poet discover his Arcadia, and repose at his ease in it, secure from the noises of feet coming and going over the roads of the earth?
That fine melodiousness, which is one of Spenser's signal characteristics, may be perceived in his Eclogues, as also a native gracefulness of style, which is another distinguishing mark of him. Perceivable, too, are his great, perilous fluency of language and his immense fecundity of mind. The work at once secured him a front place in the poetical ranks of the day. Sidney mentions it in his Apologie for Poetrie;{5} Abraham Fraunce draws illustrations from it in his Lawyers Logicke, which appeared in 1588; Meres praises it; 'Maister Edmund Spenser,' says Drayton, 'has done enough for the immortality, had he only given us his Shepheardes Calendar, a masterpiece, if any.' It is easy to discern in Lycidas signs of Milton's study of it.
During Spenser's sojourn in the society of the Sidneys and the Dudleys, letters passed between him and Harvey, some of which are extant. From these, and from the editorial notes of Kirke, we hear of other works written by Spenser, ready to be given to the light. The works thus heard of are Dreames, Legends, Court of Cupide, The English Poet, The Dying Pelican, Stemmata Dudleiana, Slomber, Nine English Comedies, The Epithalamion Thamesis, and also The Faerie Queene commenced. Of these works perhaps the Legends, Court of Cupide, and Epithalamion Thamesis were subsequently with modifications incorporated in the Faerie Queene; the Stemmata Dudleiana, Nine English Comedies, Dying Pelican, are altogether lost. The Faerie Queene had been begun. So far as written, it had been submitted to the criticism of Harvey. On April 10, 1580, Spenser writes to Harvey, wishing him to return it with his 'long expected judgment' upon it. Harvey had already pronounced sentence in a letter dated April 7, and this is the sentence: 'In good faith I had once again nigh forgotten your Faerie Queene; howbeit, by good chaunce I have nowe sent hir home at the laste, neither in a better nor worse case than I founde hir. And must you of necessitie have my judgement of hir indeede? To be plaine, I am voyde of al judgement, if your nine Com{oe}dies, whereunto, in imitation of Herodotus, you give the names of the Nine Muses, and (in one man's fansie not unworthily), come not neerer Ariostoes Com{oe}dies, eyther for the finenesse of plausible elocution, or the rareness of poetical invention, than that Elvish queene doth to his Orlando Furioso, which notwithstanding, you will needes seem to emulate, and hope to overgo, as you flatly professed yourself in one of your last letters. Besides that, you know it hath bene the usual practise of the most exquisite and odde wittes in all nations, and especially in Italie, rather to shewe and advaunce themselves that way than any other; as namely, those three notorious dyscoursing heads Bibiena, Machiavel, and Aretine did (to let Bembo and Ariosto passe), with the great admiration and wonderment of the whole countrey; being indeede reputed matchable in all points, both for conceyt of witte, and eloquent decyphering of matters, either with Aristophanes and Menander in Greek, or with Plautus and Terence in Latin, or with any other in any other tong. But I will not stand greatly with you in your owne matters. If so be the Faery Queen be fairer in your eie than the Nine Muses, and Hobgoblin runne away with the garland from Apollo; marke what I saye, and yet I will not say that I thought; but there is an end for this once, and fare you well, till God or some good Aungell putte you in a better minde.'
Clearly the Faerie Queene was but little to Harvey's taste. It was too alien from the cherished exemplars of his heart. Happily Spenser was true to himself, and went on with his darling work in spite of the strictures of pedantry. This is not the only instance in which the dubious character of Harvey's influence is noticeable. The letters, from one of which the above doom is quoted, enlighten us also as to a grand scheme entertained at this time for forcing the English tongue to conform to the metrical rules of the classical languages. Already in a certain circle rime was discredited as being, to use Milton's words nearly a century afterwards, 'no necessary adjunct or true ornament of poem or good verse, in longer works especially, but the invention of a barbarous age to set off wretched matter and lame metre.' A similar attempt was made in the course of the sixteenth century in other parts of Europe, and with the same final issue. Gabriel Harvey was an active leader in this deluded movement. When Sidney too, and Dyer, another poet of the time, proclaimed a 'general surceasing and silence of bald rhymes, and also of the very best too, instead whereof they have by authority of their whole senate, prescribed certain laws and rules of quantity of English syllables for English verse, having had already thereof great practice,' Spenser was drawn 'to their faction.'
'I am of late,' he writes to Harvey, 'more in love wyth my Englishe versifying than with ryming; whyche I should have done long since if I would then have followed your councell.' In allying himself with these Latin prosody bigots Spenser sinned grievously against his better taste. 'I like your late Englishe hexameters so exceedingly well,' he writes to Harvey, 'that I also enure my pen sometime in that kinde, whyche I find in deed, as I have heard you often defende in word, neither so harde nor so harsh [but] that it will easily and fairly yield itself to our mother tongue. For the onely or chiefest hardnesse whyche seemeth is in the accente; whyche sometimes gapeth and as it were yawneth il-favouredly, comming shorte of that it should, and sometimes exceeding the measure of the number; as in carpenter the middle sillable being used short in speache, when it shall be read long in verse, seemeth like a lame gosling that draweth one legge after hir. And heaven being used shorte as one syllable, when it is in verse stretched with a Diastole is like a lame dogge, that holdes up one legge.'{6} His ear was far too fine and sensitive to endure the fearful sounds uttered by the poets of this Procrust{ae}an creed. The language seemed to groan and shriek at the agonies and contortions to which it was subjected; and Spenser could not but hear its outcries. But he made himself as deaf as might be. 'It is to be wonne with custom,' he proceeds, in the letter just quoted from, 'and rough words must be studied with use. For why, a God's name, may not we, as the Greekes, have the kingdom of oure owne language, and measure our accentes by the sounde, reserving the quantitie to the verse? . . . I would hartily wish you would either send me the rules or precepts of arte which you observe in quantities; or else follow mine that Mr. Philip Sidney gave me, being the very same which Mr. Drant devised, but enlarged with Mr. Sidney's own judgement, and augmented with my observations, that we might both accorde and agree in one, leaste we overthrowe one another and be overthrown of the rest.' He himself produced the following lines in accordance, as he fondly hoped, with the instructions of the new school:—
Unhappie verse! the witnesse of my unhappie state,
[as indeed it was in a sense not meant]
Make thy selfe fluttring winge of thy fast flying
thought,
And fly forth unto my love whersoever she be.
Whether lying reastlesse in heavy bedde, or else
Sitting so cheerelesse at the cheerefull boorde, or
else
Playing alone carelesse on hir heavenlie virginals.
If in bed, tell hir that my eyes can take no reste;
If at boorde, tell hir that my mouth can eat no
meete;
If at hir virginals, tell her I can beare no mirth.
Asked why? Waking love suffereth no sleepe;
Say that raging love doth appall the weake stomacke,
Say that lamenting love marreth the musicall.
Tell hir that hir pleasures were wonte to lull me
asleepe,
Tell her that hir beauty was wonte to feede mine
eyes,
Tell hir that hir sweete tongue was wonte to make me
mirth.
Now doe I nightly waste, wanting my kindlie rest,
Now doe I dayly starve, wanting my daily food,
Now doe I always dye wanting my timely mirth.
And if I waste who will bewaile my heavy chance?
And if I starve, who will record my cursed end?
And if I dye, who will saye, This was Immerito?
Spenser of the sensitive ear wrote these lines. When the pedantic phantasy which had for a while seduced and corrupted him had gone from him, with what remorse he must have remembered these strange monsters of his creation! Let us conclude our glance at this sad fall from harmony by quoting the excellent words of one who was a bitter opponent of Harvey in this as in other matters. 'The hexameter verse,' says Nash in his Fowre Letters Confuted, 1592, 'I graunt to be a gentleman of an auncient house (so is many an English beggar), yet this clyme of ours hee cannot thrive in; our speech is too craggy for him to set his plough in; hee goes twitching and hopping in our language like a man running upon quagmiers up the hill in one syllable and down the dale in another; retaining no part of that stately smooth gate, which he vaunts himselfe with amongst the Greeks and Latins.'
Some three years were spent by Spenser in the enjoyment of Sidney's friendship and the patronage of Sidney's father and uncle. During this time he would seem to have been constantly hoping for some preferment. According to a tradition, first recorded by Fuller, the obstructor of the success of his suit was the Treasurer, Lord Burghley. It is clear that he had enemies at Court—at least at a later time. In 1591, in his dedication of Colin Clouts Come Home Again, he entreats Raleigh, to 'with your good countenance protest against the malice of evil mouthes, which are always wide open to carpe at and misconstrue my simple meaning.' A passage in the Ruines of Time (see the lines beginning 'O grief of griefs! O full of all good hearts!') points to the same conclusion; and so the concluding lines of the Sixth Book of the Faerie Queene, when, having told how the Blatant Beast (not killed as Lord Macaulay says in his essay on Bunyan, but 'supprest and tamed' for a while by Sir Calidore) at last broke his iron chain and ranged again through the world, and raged sore in each degree and state, he adds:—
Ne may this homely verse, of many meanest,
Hope to escape his venemous despite,
More then my former writs, all were they clearest
From blamefull blot, and from all that wite,
With which some wicked tongues did it backebite,
And bring into a mighty Peres displeasure,
That never so deserved to endite.
Therfore do you my rimes keep better measure,
And seek to please, that now is counted wisemens
threasure.
In the Tears of the Muses Calliope says of certain persons of eminent rank:—
Their great revenues all in sumptuous pride
They spend that nought to learning they may spare;
And the rich fee which Poets wont divide
Now Parasites and Sycophants do share.
Several causes have been suggested to account for this disfavour. The popular tradition was pleased to explain it by making Burghley the ideal dullard who has no soul for poetry—to whom one copy of verses is very much as good as another, and no copy good for anything. It delighted to bring this commonplace gross-minded person into opposition with one of the most spiritual of geniuses. In this myth Spenser represents mind, Burghley matter. But there is no justification in facts for this tradition. It may be that the Lord Treasurer was not endowed with a high intellectual nature; but he was far too wise in his generation not to pretend a virtue if he had it not, when circumstances called for anything of the sort. When the Queen patronized literature, we may be sure Lord Burghley was too discreet to disparage and oppress it. Another solution refers to Burghley's Puritanism as the cause of the misunderstanding; but, as Spenser too inclined that way, this is inadequate. Probably, as Todd and others have thought, what alienated his Lordship at first was Spenser's connection with Leicester; what subsequently aggravated the estrangement was his friendship with Essex.
Footnotes
————-
{1} See Peter Cunningham's Introduction to Extracts
from Accounts of the Revels at Court. (Shakspeare
Society.)
{2} It may be suggested that what are called the
archaisms of Spenser's style may be in part due
to the author's long residence in the country with
one of the older forms of the language spoken all
round him and spoken by him, in fact his
vernacular. I say in part, because of course his
much study of Chaucer must be taken into account.
But, as Mr. Richard Morris has remarked to me, he
could not have drawn from Chaucer those forms and
words of a northern dialect which appear in the
Calendar.
{3} These are given in the Appendix to the present
work.
{4} This supposed description of his first love was
written probably during the courtship, which ended,
as we shall see, in his marriage. The First Love
is said to be portrayed in cant. vii., the Last in
cant. x. of book vi. of the Faerie Queene. But
this identification of Rosalind and Mirabilla is,
after all, but a conjecture, and is not be accepted
as gospel.
{5} See this work amongst Mr. Arber's excellent
English Reprints.
{6} Ancient Critical Essays, ed. Hazlewood, 1815, pp.
259, 260.
1580-1589.
In the year 1580 Spenser was removed from the society and circumstances in which, except for his probable visit to Ireland, he had lived and moved as we have seen, for some three years. From that year to near the close of his life his home was to be in Ireland. He paid at least two visits to London and its environs in the course of these eighteen years; but it seems clear that his home was in Ireland. Perhaps his biographers have hitherto not truly appreciated this residence in Ireland. We shall see that a liberal grant of land was presently bestowed upon him in the county of Cork; and they have reckoned him a successful man, and wondered at the querulousness that occasionally makes itself heard in his works. Towards the very end of this life, Spenser speaks of himself as one
Whom sullein care
Through discontent of my long fruitlesse stay
In princes court and expectation vayne
Of idle hopes, which still doe fly away
Like empty shaddowes, did afflict my brayne.
Those who marvel at such language perhaps forget what a dreary exile the poet's life in Ireland must in fact have been. It is true that it was relieved by several journeys to England, by his receiving at least one visit from an English friend, by his finding, during at any rate the earlier part of his absence, some congenial English friends residing in the country, by his meeting at length with that Elizabeth whose excelling beauty he has sung so sweetly, and whom he married; it is also true that there was in him—as in Milton and in Wordsworth—a certain great self- containedness,{1} that he carried his world with him wherever he went, that he had great allies and high company in the very air that flowed around him, whatever land he inhabited; all this is true, but yet to be cut off from the fellowship which, however self- sufficing, he so dearly loved—to look no longer on the face of Sidney his hero, his ideal embodied, his living Arthur, to hear but as it were an echo of the splendid triumphs won by his and our England in those glorious days, to know of his own high fame but by report, to be parted from the friendship of Shakspere—surely this was exile. To live in the Elizabethan age, and to be severed from those brilliant spirits to which the fame of that age is due! Further, the grievously unsettled, insurgent state of Ireland at this time—as at many a time before and since—must be borne in mind. Living there was living on the side of a volcanic mountain. That the perils of so living were not merely imaginary, we shall presently see. He did not shed tears and strike his bosom, like the miserable Ovid at Tomi; he 'wore rather in his bonds a cheerful brow, lived, and took comfort,' finding his pleasure in that high spiritual communion we have spoken of, playing pleasantly, like some happy father, with the children of his brain, joying in their caprices, their noblenesses, their sweet adolescence; but still it was exile, and this fact may explain that tone of discontent which here and there is perceptible in his writings.{2}
When in 1580 Arthur, Lord Grey of Wilton, was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland, he—perhaps through Lord Leicester's influence, perhaps on account of Spenser's already knowing something of the country— made Spenser his Private Secretary. There can be no doubt that Spenser proceeded with him to Dublin. It was in Ireland, probably about this time, that he made or renewed his acquaintance with Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1581 he was appointed Clerk of Degrees and Recognizances in the Irish Court of Chancery, a post which he held for seven years, at the end of which time he received the appointment of Clerk to the Council of Munster. In the same year in which he was assigned the former clerkship, he received also a lease of the lands and Abbey of Enniscorthy in Wexford county. It is to be hoped that his Chancery Court duties permitted him to reside for a while on that estate. 'Enniscorthy,' says the Guide to Ireland published by Mr. Murray, 'is one of the prettiest little towns in the Kingdom, the largest portion of it being on a steep hill on the right bank of the Slaney, which here becomes a deep and navigable stream, and is crossed by a bridge of six arches.' There still stands there 'a single tower of the old Franciscan monastery.' But Spenser soon parted with this charming spot, perhaps because of its inconvenient distance from the scene of his official work. In December of the year in which the lease was given, he transferred it to one Richard Synot. In the following year Lord Grey was recalled. 'The Lord Deputy,' says Holinshed, 'after long suit for his revocation, received Her Majesty's letters for the same.' His rule had been marked by some extreme, perhaps necessary, severities, and was probably somewhat curtly concluded on account of loud complaints made against him on this score. Spenser would seem to have admired and applauded him, both as a ruler and as a patron and friend. He mentions him with much respect in his View of the Present State of Ireland. One of the sonnets prefixed to the Faerie Queene is addressed 'to the most renowmed and valiant lord the lord Grey of Wilton,' and speaks of him with profound gratitude:—
Most noble lord the pillor of my life,
And patrone of my Muses pupillage,
Through whose large bountie poured on me rife,
In the first season of my feeble age,
I now doe live, bound yours by vassalage:
Sith nothing ever may redeeme, nor reave
Out of your endlesse debt so sure a gage,
Vouchsafe in worth this small guift to receave,
Which in your noble hands for pledge I leave,
Of all the rest, that I am tyde t' account.
Lord Grey died in 1593. Spenser may have renewed his friendship with him in 1589, when, as we shall see, he visited England. For the present their connection was broken. It may be considered as fairly certain that when his lordship returned to England in 1582, Spenser did not return with him, but abode still in Ireland.
There is, indeed, a 'Maister Spenser' mentioned in a letter written by James VI. of Scotland from St. Andrews in 1583 to Queen Elizabeth: 'I have staied Maister Spenser upon the letter quhilk is written with my auin hand quhilk sall be readie within tua daies.' It may be presumed that this gentleman is the same with him of whose postal services mention is found, as we have seen, in 1569. At any rate there is nothing whatever to justify his identification with the poet. On the other hand, there are several circumstances which seem to indicate that Spenser was in Ireland continuously from the year of his going there with Lord Grey to the year of his visiting England with Raleigh in 1589, when he presented to her Majesty and published the first three books of the Faerie Queene. Whatever certain glimpses we can catch of Spenser during these ten years, he is in Ireland.
We have seen that he was holding one clerkship or another in Ireland during all this time. In the next place, we find him mentioned as forming one of a company described as gathered together at a cottage near Dublin in a work by his friend Lodovick{3} Bryskett, written, as may be inferred with considerable certainty, some time in or about the year 1582, though not published till 1606. This work, entitled A Discourse of Civill Life; containing the Ethike part of Morall Philosophie, 'written to the right honorable Arthur, late Lord Grey of Wilton'—written before his recall in 1582—describes in the introduction a party met together at the author's cottage near Dublin, consisting of 'Dr. Long, Primate of Ardmagh; Sir Robert Dillon, knight; M. Dormer, the Queene's sollicitor; Capt. Christopher Carleil; Capt. Thomas Norreis; Capt. Warham St. Leger; Capt. Nicholas Dawtrey; and M. Edmond Spenser, late your lordship's secretary; and Th. Smith, apothecary.' In the course of conversation Bryskett envies 'the happinesse of the Italians who have in their mother-tongue late writers that have with a singular easie method taught all that which Plato or Aristotle have confusedly or obscurely left written.' The 'late writers' who have performed this highly remarkable service of clarifying and making intelligible Plato and Aristotle—perhaps the 'confusion' and 'obscurity' Bryskett speaks of mean merely the difficulties of a foreign language for one imperfectly acquainted with it—are Alexander Piccolomini, Gio. Baptista Giraldi, and Guazzo, 'all three having written upon the Ethick part of Morall Philosopie [sic] both exactly and perspicuously.' Bryskett then earnestly wishes—and here perhaps, in spite of those queer words about Plato and Aristotle, we may sympathise with him—that some of our countrymen would promote by English treatises the study of Moral Philosophy in English.
'In the meane while I must struggle with those bookes which I vnderstand and content myselfe to plod upon them, in hope that God (who knoweth the sincerenesse of my desire) will be pleased to open my vnderstanding, so as I may reape that profit of my reading, which I trauell for. Yet is there a gentleman in this company, whom I have had often a purpose to intreate, that as his leisure might serue him, he would vouchsafe to spend some time with me to instruct me in some hard points which I cannot of myselfe understand; knowing him to be not onely perfect in the Greek tongue, but also very well read in Philosophie, both morall and naturall. Neuertheless such is my bashfulnes, as I neuer yet durst open my mouth to disclose this my desire unto him, though I have not wanted some hartning thereunto from himselfe. For of loue and kindnes to me, he encouraged me long sithens to follow the reading of the Greeke tongue, and offered me his helpe to make me vnderstand it. But now that so good an oportunitie is offered vnto me, to satisfie in some sort my desire; I thinke I should commit a great fault, not to myselfe alone, but to all this company, if I should not enter my request thus farre, as to moue him to spend this time which we have now destined to familiar discourse and conuersation, in declaring unto us the great benefits which men obtaine by knowledge of Morall Philosophie, and in making us to know what the same is, what be the parts thereof, whereby vertues are to be distinguished from vices; and finally that he will be pleased to run ouer in such order as he shall thinke good, such and so many principles and rules thereof, as shall serue not only for my better instruction, but also for the contentment and satisfaction of you al. For I nothing doubt, but that euery one of you will be glad to heare so profitable a discourse and thinke the time very wel spent wherin so excellent a knowledge shal be reuealed unto you, from which euery one may be assured to gather some fruit as wel as myselfe. Therefore (said I) turning myselfe to M. Spenser, It is you, sir, to whom it pertaineth to shew yourselfe courteous now unto us all and to make vs all beholding unto you for the pleasure and profit which we shall gather from your speeches, if you shall vouchsafe to open unto vs the goodly cabinet, in which this excellent treasure of vertues lieth locked up from the vulgar sort. And thereof in the behalfe of all as for myselfe, I do most earnestly intreate you not to say vs nay. Vnto which wordes of mine euery man applauding most with like words of request and the rest with gesture and countenances expressing as much, M. Spenser answered in this maner: Though it may seeme hard for me, to refuse the request made by you all, whom euery one alone, I should for many respects be willing to gratifie; yet as the case standeth, I doubt not but with the consent of the most part of you, I shall be excused at this time of this taske which would be laid vpon me, for sure I am, that it is not vnknowne unto you, that I haue already vndertaken a work tending to the same effect, which is in heroical verse under the title of a Faerie Queene to represent all the moral vertues, assigning to every vertue a Knight to be the patron and defender of the same, in whose actions and feates of arms and chiualry the operations of that vertue, whereof he is the protector, are to be expressed, and the vices and unruly appetites that oppose themselves against the same, to be beaten down and overcome. Which work, as I haue already well entred into, if God shall please to spare me life that I may finish it according to my mind, your wish (M. Bryskett) will be in some sort accomplished, though perhaps not so effectually as you could desire. And the may very well serue for my excuse, if at this time I craue to be forborne in this your request, since any discourse, that I might make thus on the sudden in such a subject would be but simple, and little to your satisfactions. For it would require good aduisement and premeditation for any man to vndertake the declaration of these points that you have proposed, containing in effect the Ethicke part of Morall Philosophie. Whereof since I haue taken in hand to discourse at large in my poeme before spoken, I hope the expectation of that work may serue to free me at this time from speaking in that matter, notwithstanding your motion and all your intreaties. But I will tell you how I thinke by himselfe he may very well excuse my speech, and yet satisfie all you in this matter. I haue seene (as he knoweth) a translation made by himselfe out of the Italian tongue of a dialogue comprehending all the Ethick part of Moral Philosophy, written by one of those three he formerly mentioned, and that is by Giraldi under the title of a dialogue of ciuil life. If it please him to bring us forth that translation to be here read among vs, or otherwise to deliuer to us, as his memory may serue him, the contents of the same; he shal (I warrant you) satisfie you all at the ful, and himselfe wil haue no cause but to thinke the time well spent in reuiewing his labors, especially in the company of so many his friends, who may thereby reape much profit and the translation happily fare the better by some mending it may receiue in the perusing, as all writings else may do by the often examination of the same. Neither let it trouble him that I so turne ouer to him againe the taske he wold have put me to; for it falleth out fit for him to verifie the principall of all this Apologie, euen now made for himselfe; because thereby it will appeare that he hath not withdrawne himselfe from seruice of the state to live idle or wholly priuate to himselfe, but hath spent some time in doing that which may greatly benefit others and hath serued not a little to the bettering of his owne mind, and increasing of his knowledge, though he for modesty pretend much ignorance, and pleade want in wealth, much like some rich beggars, who either of custom, or for couetousnes, go to begge of others those things whereof they haue no want at home. With this answer of M. Spensers it seemed that all the company were wel satisfied, for after some few speeches whereby they had shewed an extreme longing after his worke of the Faerie Queene, whereof some parcels had been by some of them seene, they all began to presse me to produce my translation mentioned by M. Spenser that it might be perused among them; or else that I should (as near as I could) deliuer unto them the contents of the same, supposing that my memory would not much faile me in a thing so studied and advisedly set downe in writing as a translation must be.'
Bryskett at length assents to Spenser's proposal, and proceeds to read his translation of Giraldi, which is in some sort criticised as he reads, Spenser proposing one or two questions 'arising principally,' as Todd says, 'from the discussion of the doctrines of Plato and Aristotle.' This invaluable picture of a scene in Spenser's Irish life shows manifestly in what high estimation his learning and genius were already held, and how, in spite of Harvey's sinister criticisms, he had resumed his great work. It tells us too that he found in Ireland a warmly appreciative friend, if indeed he had not known Bryskett before their going to Ireland. Bryskett too, perhaps, was acquainted with Sir Philip Sidney; for two of the elegies written on that famous knight's death and printed along with Astrophel in the elegiac collection made by Spenser were probably of Bryskett's composition, viz., The Mourning Muse of Thestylis, where 'Liffey's tumbling stream' is mentioned, and the one entitled A Pastoral Eclogue, where Lycon offers to 'second' Colin's lament for Phillisides.
What is said of the Faerie Queene in the above quotation may be illustrated from the sonnet already quoted from, addressed to Lord Grey—one of the sonnets that in our modern editions are prefixed to the great poem. It speaks of the great poem as
Rude rymes, the which a rustick Muse did weave
In savadge soyle, far from Parnasso mount.
See also the sonnet addressed to the Right Honourable the Earl of Ormond and Ossory.
A sonnet addressed to Harvey, is dated 'Dublin this xviij of July, 1586.' Again, in the course of the decad now under consideration, Spenser received a grant of land in Cork—of 3,028 acres, out of the forefeited estates of the Earl of Desmond.
All these circumstances put together make it probable, and more than probable, that Spenser remained in Ireland after Lord Grey's recall. How thorough his familiarity with the country grew to be, appears from the work concerning it which he at last produced.
The years 1586-7-8 were eventful both for England and for Spenser. In the first Sidney expired of wounds received at Zutphen; in the second, Mary Queen of Scots was executed; in the third, God blew and scattered the Armada, and also Leicester died. Spenser weeps over Sidney—there was never, perhaps, more weeping, poetical and other, over any death than over that of Sidney—in his Astrophel, the poem above mentioned. This poem is scarcely worthy of the sad occasion—the flower of knighthood cut down ere its prime, not yet
In flushing
When blighting was nearest.
Certainly it in no way expresses what Spenser undoubtedly felt when the woeful news came across the Channel to him in his Irish home. Probably his grief was 'too deep for tears.' It was probably one of those 'huge cares' which, in Seneca's phrase, not 'loquuntur,' but 'stupent.' He would fain have been dumb and opened not his mouth; but the fashion of the time called upon him to speak. He was expected to bring his immortelle, so to say, and lay it on his hero's tomb, though his limbs would scarcely support him, and his hand, quivering with the agony of his heart, could with difficulty either weave it or carry it. All the six years they had been parted, the image of that chivalrous form had never been forgotten. It had served for the one model of all that was highest and noblest in his eyes. It had represented for him all true knighthood. Nor all the years that he lived after Sidney's death was it forgotten. It is often before him, as he writes his later poetry, and is greeted always with undying love and sorrow. Thus in the Ruines of Time, he breaks out in a sweet fervour of unextinguished affection:
Most gentle spirite breathed from above,
Out of the bosom of the Makers blis,
In whom all bountie and all vertuous love
Appeared in their native propertis
And did enrich that noble breast of his
With treasure passing all this worldes worth.
Worthie of heaven itselfe, which brought it forth.
His blessed spirite, full of power divine
And influence of all celestiall grace,
Loathing this sinfull earth and earthlie slime,
Fled backe too soone unto his native place;
Too soone for all that did his love embrace,
Too soone for all this wretched world, whom he
Robd of all right and true nobilitie.
Yet ere this happie soule to heaven went
Out of this fleshie gaole, he did devise
Unto his heavenlie Maker to present
His bodie as a spotles sacrifise,
And chose, that guiltie hands of enemies
Should powre forth th' offring of his guiltles blood,
So life exchanging for his countries good.
O noble spirite, live there ever blessed,
The world's late wonder, and the heaven's new ioy.
Live ever there, and leave me here distressed
With mortall cares and cumbrous worlds anoy;
But where thou dost that happiness enioy,
Bid me, O bid me quicklie come to thee,
That happie there I maie thee alwaies see.
Yet whilest the Fates affoord me vitell breath,
I will it spend in speaking of thy praise,
And sing to thee untill that timelie death
By Heaven's doome doe ende my earthlie daies:
Thereto doo thou my humble spirite raise,
And into me that sacred breath inspire
Which thou there breathest perfect and entire.
It is not quite certain in what part of Ireland the poet was living when the news that Sidney was not reached him. Was he still residing at Dublin, or had he transferred his home to that southern region which is so intimately associated with his name? The sonnet to Harvey mentioned above shows that he was at Dublin in July of the year of his friend's death. It has been said already that he did not resign his Chancery clerkship until 1588. We know that he was settled in Cork county, at Kilcolman castle, in 1589, because Raleigh visited him there that year. He may then have left Dublin in 1588 or 1589. According to Dr. Birch's Life of Spenser, prefixed to the edition of the Faerie Queene in 1751,{4} and the Biographia Britannica, the grant of land made him in Cork is dated June 27, 1586. But the grant, which is extant, is dated October 26, 1591. Yet certainly, as Dr. Grosart points out, in the 'Articles' for the 'Undertakers,' which received the royal assent on June 27, 1586, Spenser is set down for 3,028 acres; and that he was at Kilcolman before 1591 seems certain. As he resigned his clerkship in the Court of Chancery in 1588, and was then appointed, as we have seen, clerk of the Council of Munster, he probably went to live somewhere in the province of Munster that same year. He may have lived at Kilcolman before it and the surrounding grounds were secured to him; he may have entered upon possession on the strength of a promise of them, before the formal grant was issued. He has mentioned the scenery which environed his castle twice in his great poem; but it is worth noticing that both mentions occur, not in the books published, as we shall now very soon see, in 1590, but in the books published six years afterwards. In the famous passage already referred to in the eleventh canto of the fourth book, describing the nuptials of the Thames and the Medway, he recounts in stanzas xl.-xliv. the Irish rivers who were present at that great river-gathering, and amongst them
Swift Awniduff which of the English man
Is cal'de Blacke water, and the Liffar deep,
Sad Trowis, that once his people ouerran,
Strong Allo tombling from Slewlogher steep,
And Mulla mine, whose waues I whilom taught to weep.
The other mention occurs in the former of the two cantos Of Mutability. There the poet sings that the place appointed for the trial of the titles and best rights of both 'heavenly powers' and 'earthly wights' was
. . . vpon the highest hights
Of Arlo-hill (Who knowes not Arlo-hill?)
That is the highest head (in all mens sights)
Of my old father Mole, whom Shepheards quill
Renowmed hath with hymnes fit for a rurall skill.
His poem called Colin Clouts Come Home Again, written in 1591, and dedicated to Sir W. Raleigh 'from my house at Kilcolman the 27 of December, 1591'{5}— written therefore after a lengthy absence in England— exhibits a full familiarity with the country round about Kilcolman. On the whole then we may suppose that his residence at Kilcolman began not later than 1588. It was to be roughly and and terribly ended ten years after.
We may suppose he was living there in peace and quiet, not perhaps undisturbed by growing murmurs of discontent, by signs of unrepressed and irrepressible hostility towards his nation, by ill-concealed sympathies with the Spanish invaders amongst the native population, when the Armada came and went. The old castle in which he had lived had been one of the residences of the Earls of Desmond. It stood some two miles from Doneraile, on the north side of a lake which was fed by the river Awbeg or Mulla, as the poet christened it.
'Two miles north-west of Doneraile,' writes Charles Smith in his Natural and Civil History of the County and City of Cork, 1774, (i. 340, 341)—'is Kilcoleman, a ruined castle of the Earls of Desmond, but more celebrated for being the residence of the immortal Spenser, when he composed his divine poem The Faerie Queene. The castle is now almost level with the ground, and was situated on the north side of a fine lake, in the midst of a vast plain, terminated to the east by the county of Waterford mountains; Bally- howra hills to the north, or, as Spenser terms them, the mountains of Mole, Nagle mountains to the south, and the mountains of Kerry to the west. It commanded a view of above half the breadth of Ireland; and must have been, when the adjacent uplands were wooded, a most pleasant and romantic situation; from whence, no doubt, Spenser drew several parts of the scenery of his poem.'
Here, then, as in some cool sequestered vale of life, for some ten years, his visits to England excepted, lived Spenser still singing sweetly, still, as he might say, piping, with the woods answering him and his echo ringing. Sitting in the shade he would play many a 'pleasant fit;' he would sing
Some hymne or morall laie,
Or carol made to praise his loved lasse;
he would see in the rivers that flowed around his tower beings who lived and loved, and would sing of their mutual passions. It must have sounded strangely to hear the notes of his sweet voice welling forth from his old ruin—to hear music so subtle and refined issuing from that scarred and broken relic of past turbulencies —
The shepheard swaines that did about him play
. . . with greedie listfull eares
Did stand astonisht at his curious skill
Like hartlesse deare, dismayed with thunders sound.
He presents a picture such as would have delighted his own fancy, though perhaps the actual experience may not have been unalloyed with pain. It is a picture which in many ways resembles that presented by one of kindred type of genius, who has already been mentioned as of affinity with him—by Wordsworth. Wordsworth too sang in a certain sense from the shade, far away from the vanity of courts, and the uproar of cities; sang 'from a still place, remote from men;' sang, like his own Highland girl, all alone with the 'vale profound' 'overflowing with the sound;' finding, too, objects of friendship and love in the forms of nature which surrounded his tranquil home.
Of these two poets in their various lonelinesses one may perhaps quote those exquisite lines written by one of them of a somewhat differently caused isolation: each one of them too lacked
Not friends for simple glee
Nor yet for higher sympathy.
To his side the fallow-deer
Came and rested without fear;
The eagle, lord of land and sea,
Stooped down to pay him fealty.
. . . . .
He knew the rocks which angels haunt
Upon the mountains visitant;
He hath kenned them taking wing;
And into caves where Faeries sing
He hath entered; and been told
By voices how men lived of old.
Here now and then he was visited, it may be supposed, by old friends. Perhaps that distinguished son of the University of Cambridge, Gabriel Harvey, may for a while have been his guest; he is introduced under his pastoral name of Hobbinol, as present at the poet's house on his return to Ireland. The most memorable of these visits was that already alluded to—that paid to him in 1589 by Sir Walter Raleigh, with whom it will be remembered he had become acquainted some nine years before. Raleigh, too, had received a grant from the same huge forfeited estate, a fragment of which had been given to Spenser. The granting of these, and other shares of the Desmond estates, formed part of a policy then vigorously entertained by the English Government—the colonising of the so lately disordered and still restless districts of Southern Ireland. The recipients were termed 'undertakers;' it was one of their duties to repair the ravages inflicted during the recent tumults and bring the lands committed to them into some state of cultivation and order.
The wars had been followed by a famine. 'Even in the history of Ireland,' writes a recent biographer of Sir Walter Raleigh, 'there are not many scenes more full of horror that those which the historians of that period rapidly sketch when showing us the condition of almost the whole province of Munster in the year 1584, and the years immediately succeeding.'{6}
The claims of his duties as an 'undertaker,' in addition perhaps to certain troubles at court, where his rival Essex was at this time somewhat superseding him in the royal favour,{7} and making a temporary absence not undesirable, brought Raleigh into Cork County in 1589. A full account of this visit and its important results is given us in Colin Clouts Come Home Again, which gives us at the same time a charming picture of the poet's life at Kilcolman. Colin himself, lately returned home from England, tells his brother shepherds, at their urgent request, of his 'passed fortunes.' He begins with Raleigh's visit. One day, he tells them, as he sat
Under the foote of Mole, that mountaine hore,
Keeping my sheepe amongst the cooly shade
Of the greene alders by the Mullaes shore,
a strange shepherd, who styled himself the Shepherd of the Ocean —
Whether allured with my pipes delight,
Whose pleasing sound yshrilled far about,
Or thither led by chaunce, I know not right —
found him out, and
Provoked me to plaie some pleasant fit.
He sang, he tells us, a song of Mulla old father Mole's daughter, and of another river called Bregog who loved her. Then his guest sang in turn:—
His song was all a lamentable lay
Of great unkindnesse and of usage hard,
Of Cynthia the ladie of the sea,
Which from her presence faultlesse him debard,
And ever and anon, with singults rife,
He cryed out, to make his undersong:
Ah! my loves queene and goddesse of my life,
Who shall me pittie when thou doest me wrong?
After they had made an end of singing, the shepherd of the ocean
Gan to cast great lyking to my lore,
And great dislyking to my lucklesse lot
That banisht had my selfe, like wight forlore,
Into that waste where I was quite forgot,
and presently persuaded him to accompany him 'his Cinthia to see.'
It has been seen from one of Harvey's letters that the Faerie Queene was already begun in 1580; and from what Bryskett says, and what Spenser says himself in his sonnets to Lord Grey, and to Lord Ormond, that it was proceeded with after the poet had passed over to Ireland. By the close of the year 1589 at least three books were completely finished. Probably enough parts of other books had been written; but only three were entirely ready for publication. No doubt part of the conversation that passed between Spenser and Raleigh related to Spenser's work. It may be believed that what was finished was submitted to Raleigh's judgment, and certainly concluded that it elicited his warmest approval.{8} One great object that Spenser proposed to himself when he assented to Raleigh's persuasion to visit England, was the publication of the first three books of his Faerie Queene.
Footnotes ————-
{1} One might quote of these poets, and those of a like spirit, Wordsworth's lines on 'the Characteristics of a Child three years old,' for in the respect therein mentioned, as in others, these poets are 'as little children:'
As a faggot sparkles on the hearth,
Not less if unattended and alone,
Than when both young and old sit gathered round,
And take delight in its activity;
Even so this happy creature of herself
Is all-sufficient; Solitude to her
Is blithe society, who fills the air
With gladness and involuntary songs.
{2} See Colin Clouts Come Home Again, vv. 180-184,
quoted below.
{3} This is the 'Lodovick' mentioned in Sonnet 33,
quoted below. It was from him a little later, in
1588, that Spenser obtained by 'purchase' the
succession to the office of the Clerk of the
Government Council of Munster. See Dr. Grosart's
vol. i. p. 151.
{4} Dr. Birch refers in his note to The Ancient and
Present State of the County and City of Cork, by
Charles Smith, vol. i. book i. c. i. p. 58-63.
Edit. Dublin 1750, 8vo. And Fiennes Moryson's
Itinerary, part ii. p. 4.
{5} Todd proposes to regard this date as a printer's
error for 1595, quite unnecessarily.
{6} Mr. Edward Edwards, 1868, I. c. vi.; see also
Colin Clouts Come Home Again, vv. 312-319.
{7} 'My lord of Essex hath chased Mr. Raleigh from the
court and confined him in Ireland.'—Letter, dated
August 17, 1589, from Captain Francis Allen to
Antony Bacon, Esq.—Quoted by Todd from Dr. Birch's
Memoirs of Queen Elizabeth.—See Mr. Edwards's
Life of Raleigh, I. c. viii.
{8} See Raleigh's lines entitled 'A Vision upon this
Conceipt of the Faery Queene,' prefixed to the
Faerie Queene.
1590.
Thus after an absence of about nine years, Spenser returned for a time to England; he returned 'bringing his sheaves with him.' Whatever shadow of misunderstanding had previously come between his introducer—or perhaps re-introducer—and her Majesty seems to have been speedily dissipated. Raleigh presented him to the Queen, who, it would appear, quickly recognised his merits. 'That goddess'
To mine oaten pipe enclin'd her eare
That she thenceforth therein gan take delight,
And it desir'd at timely houres to heare
Al were my notes but rude and roughly dight.
In the Registers of the Stationers' Company for 1589 occurs to following entry, quoted here from Mr. Arber's invaluable edition of them:—
Primo Die Decembris.—Master Ponsonbye. Entered for his Copye a book intituled the fayre Queene, dyposed into xii bookes &c. Aucthorysed vnder thandes of the Archb. of Canterbery & bothe the Wardens, vjd.
The letter of the author's prefixed to his poem 'expounding his whole intention in the course of this worke, which for that it giveth great light to the reader, for the better understanding is hereunto annexed,' addressed to 'Sir Walter Raleigh, Knight, Lord Wardein of the Stanneryes and her Maiesties lieftenaunt in the county of Cornewayll,' is dated January 23, 1589—that is, 1590, according to the New Style. Shortly afterwards, in 1590, according to both Old and New Styles, was published by William Ponsonby 'THE FAERIE QUEENE, Disposed into twelve books, Fashioning XII Morall vertues.' That day, which we spoke of as beginning to arise in 1579, now fully dawned. The silence of well nigh two centuries was now broken, not again to prevail, by mighty voices. During Spenser's absence in Ireland, William Shakspere had come up from the country to London. The exact date of his advent it seems impossible to ascertain. Probably enough it was 1585; but it may have been a little later. We may, however, be fairly sure that by the time of Spenser's arrival in London in 1589, Shakspere was already occupying a notable position in his profession as an actor; and what is more important, there can be little doubt he was already known not only as an actor, but as a play-writer. What he had already written was not comparable with what he was to write subsequently; but even those early dramas gave promise of splendid fruits to be thereafter yielded. In 1593 appeared Venus and Adonis; in the following year Lucrece; in 1595, Spenser's Epithalamion; in 1596, the second three books of the Faerie Queene; in 1597 Romeo and Juliet, King Richard the Second, and King Richard the Third were printed, and also Bacon's Essays and the first part of Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity. During all these years various plays, of increasing power and beauty, were proceeding from Shakspere's hands; by 1598 about half of his extant plays had certainly been composed. Early in 1599, he, who may be said to have ushered in this illustrious period, he whose radiance first dispersed the darkness and made the day begin to be, our poet Spenser, died. But the day did not die with him; it was then but approaching its noon, when he, one of its brightest suns, set. This day may be said to have fully broken in the year 1590, when the first instalment of the great work of Spenser's life made its appearance.
The three books were dedicated to the Queen. They were followed in the original edition—are preceded in later editions—first, by the letter to Raleigh above mentioned; then by six poetical pieces of a commendatory sort, written by friends of the poet—by Raleigh who writes two of the pieces, by Harvey who now praises and well-wishes the poem he had discountenanced some years before, by 'R.S.,' by 'H.B.,' by 'W.L.;' lastly, by seventeen sonnets addressed by the poet to various illustrious personages; to Sir Christopher Hatton, to Lord Burghley, to the Earl of Essex, Lord Charles Howard, Lord Grey of Wilton, Lord Buckhurst, Sir Francis Walsingham, Sir John Norris, Knight, lord president of Munster, Sir Walter Raleigh, the Countess of Pembroke, and others. The excellence of the poem was at once generally perceived and acknowledged. Spenser had already, as we have seen, gained great applause by his Shepheardes Calendar, published some ten years before the coming out of his greater work. During these ten years he had resided out of England, as has been seen; but it is not likely his reputation had been languishing during his absence. Webbe in his Discourse of English Poetrie, 1586, had contended 'that Spenser may well wear the garlande, and step before the best of all English poets.' The Shepheardes Calendar had been reprinted in 1581 and in 1586; probably enough, other works of his had been circulating in manuscript; the hopes of the country had been directed towards him; he was known to be engaged in the composition of a great poem. No doubt he found himself famous when he reached England on the visit suggested by Raleigh; he found a most eager expectant audience; and when at last his Faerie Queene appeared, it was received with the utmost delight and admiration. He was spoken of in the same year with its appearance as the new laureate.{1} In the spring of the following year he received a pension from the crown of 50_l_. per annum. Probably, however, then, as in later days, the most ardent appreciators of of Spenser were the men of the same craft with himself—the men who too, though in a different degree, or in a different kind, possessed the 'vision and the faculty divine.'
This great estimation of the Faerie Queene was due not only to the intrinsic charms of the poem—to its exquisitely sweet melody, its intense pervading sense of beauty, its abundant fancifulness, its subtle spirituality—but also to the time of its appearance. For then nearly two centuries no great poem had been written in the English tongue. Chaucer had died heirless. Occleve's lament over that great spirit's decease had not been made without occasion:—
Alas my worthie maister honorable
This londis verray tresour and richesse
Deth by thy dethe hathe harm irreperable
Unto us done; hir vengeable duresse
Dispoiled hathe this londe of swetnesse
Of Rethoryk fro us; to Tullius
Was never man so like amonges us.{2}
And the doleful confession this orphaned rhymer makes for himself, might have been well made by all the men of his age in England:—
My dere mayster, God his soule quite,
And fader Chaucer fayne would have me taught,
But I was dull, and learned lyte or naught.
No worthy scholar had succeeded the great master. The fifteenth century in England had abounded in movements of profound social and political interest—in movements which eventually fertilised and enriched and ripened the mind of the nation; but, not unnaturally, the immediate literary results had been of no great value. In the reign of Henry VIII, the condition of literature, for various reasons, had greatly improved. Surrey and Wyatt had heralded the advent of a brighter era. From their time the poetical succession had never failed altogether. The most memorable name in our literature between their time and the Faerie Queene is that of Sackville, Lord Buckhurst—a name of note in the history of both our dramatic and non-dramatic poetry. Sackville was capable of something more than lyrical essays. He it was who designed the Mirror for Magistrates. To that poem, important as compared with the poetry of its day, for its more pretentious conception, he himself contributed the two best pieces that form part of it—the Induction and the Complaint of Buckingham. These pieces are marked by some beauties of the same sort as those which especially characterise Spenser; but they are but fragments; and in spirit they belong to an age which happily passed away shortly after the accession of Queen Elizabeth—they are penetrated by that despondent tone which is so strikingly audible in our literature in the middle years of the sixteeth century, not surprisingly, if the general history of the time be considered. Meanwhile, our language had changed much, and Chaucer had grown almost unintelligible to the ordinary reader. Therefore, about the year 1590, the nation was practically without a great poem. At the same time, it then, if ever, truly needed one. Its power of appreciation had been quickened and refined by the study of the poetries of other countries; it had translated and perused the classical writers with enthusiasm; it had ardently pored over the poetical literature of Italy. Then its life had lately been ennobled by deeds of splendid courage crowned with as splendid success. In the year 1590, if ever, this country, in respect of its literary condition and in respect of its general high and noble excitement, was ready for the reception of a great poem.
Such a poem undoubtedly was the Faerie Queene, although it may perhaps be admitted that it was a work likely to win favour with the refined and cultured sections of the community rather than with the community at large. Strongly impressed on it as were the instant influences of the day, yet in many ways it was marked by a certain archaic character. It depicted a world—the world of chivalry and romance—which was departed; it drew its images, its forms of life, its scenery, its very language, from the past. Then the genius of our literature in the latter part of Queen Elizabeth's reign was emphatically dramatic; in the intense life of these years men longed for reality. Now the Faerie Queene is one long idealizing. These circumstances are to accounted for partly by the character of Spenser's genius, partly by the fact already stated that chronologically Spenser is the earliest of the great spirits of his day. In truth he stands between two worlds: he belongs partly to the new time, partly to the old; he is the last of one age, he is the first of another; he stretches out one hand into the past to Chaucer, the other rests upon the shoulder of Milton.
Footnotes
————-
{1} Nash's Supplication of Pierce Pennilesse, 1592. {2} Skeat's Specimens of English Literature, p. 14.
1591-1599.
It is easy to imagine how intensely Spenser enjoyed his visit to London. It is uncertain to what extent that visit was prolonged. He dates the dedication of his Colin Clouts Come Home Again 'from my house at Kilcolman, the 27 of December, 1591.' On the other hand, the dedication of his Daphnaida is dated 'London this first of Januarie 1591,' that is 1592 according to our new style. Evidently there is some mistake here. Prof. Craik 'suspects' that in the latter instance 'the date January 1591' is used in the modern meaning; he quotes nothing to justify such a suspicion; but it would seem to be correct. Todd and others have proposed to alter the '1591' in the former instance to 1595, the year in which Colin Clouts Come Home Again was published, and with which the allusions made in the poem to contemporary writers agree; but this proposal is, as we shall see, scarcely tenable. The manner in which the publisher of the Complaints, 1591, of which publication we shall speak presently, introduces that work to the 'gentle reader,' seems to show that the poet was not at the time of the publishing easily accessible. He speaks of having endeavoured 'by all good meanes (for the better encrease and accomplishment of your delights) to get into my hands such small poems of the same authors, as I heard were disperst abroad in sundrie hands, and not easie to bee come by by himselfe; some of them having been diverslie imbeziled and purloyned from him since his departure ouer sea.' He says he understands Spenser 'wrote sundrie others' besides those now collected, 'besides some other Pamphlets looselie scattered abroad . . . which when I can either by himselfe or otherwise attaine too I meane likewise for your fauour sake to set foorth.' It may be supposed with much probability that Spenser returned to his Irish castle some time in 1591, in all likelihood after February, in which month he received the pension mentioned above, and on the other hand so as to have time to write the original draught of Colin Clouts Come Home Again before the close of December.
The reception of the Faerie Queene had been so favourable that in 1591—it would seem, as has been shown, after Spenser's departure—the publisher of that poem determined to put forth what other poems by the same hand he could gather together. The result was a volume entitled 'Complaints, containing sundrie small Poemes of the Worlds Vanitie, whereof the next page maketh mention. By Ed. Sp.' 'The next page' contains 'a note of the Sundrie Poemes contained in this volume:'
1. The Ruines of Time. 2. The Teares of the Muses. 3. Virgils Gnat. 4. Prosopopoia or Mother Hubbards Tale. 5. The Ruines of Rome, by Bellay. 6. Muiopotmos or The Tale of the Butterflie. 7. Visions of the Worlds Vanitie. 8. Bellayes Visions. 9. Petrarches Visions.
In a short notice addressed to the Gentle Reader which follows—the notice just referred to—the publisher of the volume mentions other works by Spenser, and promises to publish them too 'when he can attain to' them. These works are Ecclesiastes, The Seven Psalms, and Canticum Canticorum—these three no doubt translations of parts of the Old Testament—A Sennight Slumber, The State of Lovers, the Dying Pelican—doubtless the work mentioned, as has been seen, in one of Spenser's letters to Harvey—The Howers of the Lord, and The Sacrifice of a Sinner. Many of these works had probably been passing from hand to hand in manuscript for many years. That old method of circulation survived the invention of the printing press for many generations. The perils of it may be illustrated from the fate of the works just mentioned. It would seem that the publisher never did attain to them; and they have all perished. With regard to the works which were printed and preserved, the Ruines of Time, as the Dedication shows, was written during Spenser's memorable visit of 1589-91 to England. It is in fact an elegy dedicated to the Countess of Pembroke, on the death of Sir Philip Sidney, 'that most brave Knight, your most noble brother deceased.' 'Sithens my late cumming into England,' the poet writes in the Epistle Dedicatorie, 'some friends of mine (which might much prevaile with me and indeede commaund me) knowing with howe straight bandes of duetie I was tied to him; as also bound unto that noble house (of which the chiefe hope then rested in him) have sought to revive them by upbraiding me; for that I have not shewed anie thankefull remembrance towards him or any of them; but suffer their names to sleepe in silence and forgetfulnesse. Whome chieflie to satisfie, or els to avoide that fowle blot of unthankefulnesse, I have conceived this small Poeme, intituled by a generall name of the Worlds Ruines: yet speciallie intended to the renowming of that noble race from which both you and he sprong, and to the eternizing of some of the chiefe of them late deceased.' This poem is written in a tone that had been extremely frequent during Spenser's youth. Its text is that ancient one 'Vanity of Vanities; all is Vanity'—a very obvious text in all ages, but perhaps especially so, as has been hinted, in the sixteenth century, and one very frequently adopted at that time. This text is treated in a manner characteristic of the age. It is exemplified by a series of visions. The poet represents himself as seeing at Verulam an apparition of a woman weeping over the decay of that ancient town. This woman stands for the town itself. Of its whilome glories, she says, after a vain recounting of them,
They all are gone and with them is gone,
Ne ought to me remaines, but to lament
My long decay.
No one, she continues, weeps with her, no one remembers her,
Save one that maugre fortunes injurie
And times decay, and enuies cruell tort
Hath writ my record in true seeming sort.
Cambden the nourice of antiquitie,
And lanterne unto late succeeding age,
To see the light of simple veritie
Buried in ruines, through the great outrage
Of her owne people, led with warlike rage,
Cambden, though time all moniments obscure,
Yet thy just labours ever shall endure.
Then she rebukes herself for these selfish moanings by calling to mind how far from solitary she is in her desolation. She recalls to mind the great ones of the land who have lately fallen—Leicester, and Warwick, and Sidney—and wonders no longer at her own ruin. Is not Transit Gloria the lesson taught everywhere? Then other visions and emblems of instability are seen, some of them not darkly suggesting that what passes away from earth and apparently ends may perhaps be glorified elsewhere. The second of these collected poems—The Teares of the Muses—dedicated, as we have seen, to one of the poet's fair cousins, the Lady Strange, deplores the general intellectual condition of the time. It is doubtful whether Spenser fully conceived what a brilliant literary age was beginning about the year 1590. Perhaps his long absence in Ireland, the death of Sidney who was the great hope of England Spenser knew, the ecclesiastical controversies raging when he revisited England, may partly account for his despondent tone with reference to literature. He introduces each Muse weeping for the neglect and contempt suffered by her respective province. He who describes these tears was himself destined to dry them; and Shakspere, who, if anyone, was to make the faces of the Muses blithe and bright, was now rapidly approaching his prime. There can be little doubt that at a later time Spenser was acquainted with Shakspere; for Spenser was an intimate friend of the Earl of Essex; Shakspere was an intimate friend of the Earl of Southampton, who was one of the most attached friends of that Earl of Essex. And a personal acquaintance with Shakspere may have been one of the most memorable events of Spenser's visit to London in 1589. We would gladly think that Thalia in the Teares of the Muses refers in the following passage to Shakspere: the comic stage, she says, is degraded,
And he the man whom Nature selfe had made
To mock herselfe and Truth to imitate,
With kindly counter under Mimick shade,
Our pleasant Willy, ah! is dead of late;
With whom all joy and jolly meriment
Is also deaded and in dolour drent.
The context shows that by 'dead' is not meant physical death, but that
That same gentle spirit, from whose pen
Large streames of honnie and sweete nectar flowe,
produces nothing, sits idle-handed and silent, rather than pander to the grosser tastes of the day. But this view, attractive as it is, can perhaps hardly be maintained. Though the Teares of the Muses was not published, as we have seen, till 1591, it was probably written some years earlier, and so before the star of Shakspere had arisen. Possibly by Willy is meant Sir Philip Sidney, a favourite haunt of whose was his sister's house at Wilton on the river Wiley or Willey, and who had exhibited some comic power in his masque, The Lady of May, acted before the Queen in 1578. Some scholars, however, take 'Willy' to denote John Lily. Thus the passage at present remains dark. If written in 1590, it certainly cannot mean Sidney, who had been dead some years; just possibly, but not probably, it might in that case mean Shakspere.
Of the remaining works published in his Complaints, the only other one of recent composition is Muiopotmos, which, as Prof. Craik suggests, would seem to be an allegorical narrative of some matter recently transpired. It is dated 1590, but nothing is known of any earlier edition than that which appears in the Complaints. Of the other pieces by far the most interesting is Prosopopoia, or Mother Hubbards Tale, not only because it is in it, as has been said, Spenser most carefully, though far from successfully, imitates his great master Chaucer, but for its intrinsic merit— for its easy style, its various incidents, its social pictures. In the dedication he speaks of it as 'These my idle labours; which having long sithens composed in the raw conceipt of my youth, I lately amongst other papers lighted upon, and was by others, which liked the same, mooved to set them foorth.' However long before its publication the poem in the main was written, possibly some additions were made to it in or about the year 1590; as for instance, the well-known passage describing 'a suitor's state,' which reflects too clearly a bitter personal experience to have been composed before Spenser had grown so familiar with the Court as he became during his visit to England under Raleigh's patronage. But it is conceivable that his experiences in 1578 and 1579 inspired the lines in question.
The remaining pieces in the Complaints consist of translations or imitations, composed probably some years before, though probably in some cases, as has been shown, revised or altogether recast.
Probably in the same year with the Complaints— that is in 1591—was published Daphnaida,{1} 'an Elegie upon the death of the noble and vertuous Douglas Howard, daughter and heire of Henry Lord Howard, Viscount Byndon, and wife of Arthur Georges, Esquire.' This elegy was no doubt written before Spenser returned to Ireland. It is marked by his characteristic diffuseness, abundance, melody.
Certainly before the close of the year 1591 Spenser found himself once more in his old castle of Kilcolman. A life at Court could never have suited him, however irksome at times his isolation in Ireland may have seemed. When his friends wondered at his returning unto
This barrein soyle,
Where cold and care and penury do dwell,
Here to keep sheepe with hunger and with toyle,
he made the answer that he,
Whose former dayes
Had in rude fields bene altogether spent,
Durst not adventure such unknowen wayes,
Nor trust the guile of fortunes blandishment;
But rather chose back to my sheepe to tourne,
Whose utmost hardnesse I before had tryde,
Then, having learnd repentance late, to mourne
Emongst those wretches which I there descryde.
That life, with all its intrigues and self-seekings and scandals, had no charms for him. Once more settled in his home, he wrote an account of his recent absence from it, which he entitled Colin Clouts Come Home Again. This poem was not published till 1595; but, whatever additions were subsequently made to it, there can be no doubt it was originally written immediately after his return to Ireland. Sitting in the quiet to which he was but now restored, he reviewed the splendid scenes he had lately witnessed; he recounted the famous wits he had met, and the fair ladies he had seen in the great London world; and dedicated this exquisite diary to the friend who had introduced him into that brilliant circle. It would seem that Raleigh had accused him of indolence. That ever-restless schemer could not appreciate the poet's dreaminess. 'That you may see,' writes Spenser, 'that I am not alwaies ydle as yee think, though not greatly well occupied, nor altogither undutifull, though not precisely officious, I make you present of this simple pastorall, unworthie of your higher conceipt for the meanesse of the stile, but agreeing with the truth in circumstance and matter. The which I humbly beseech you to accept in part of paiment of the infinite debt in which I acknowledge myselfe bounden unto you for your singular favours and sundrie good turnes shewed to me at my late being in England, &c.'
The conclusion of this poem commemorates, as we have seen, Spenser's enduring affection for that Rosalind who so many years before had turned away her ears from his suit. It must have been some twelve months after those lines were penned, that the writer conceived an ardent attachment for one Elizabeth. The active research of Dr. Grosart has discovered that this lady belonged to the Boyle family—a family already of importance and destined to be famous. The family seat was at Kilcoran, near Youghal, and so we understand Spenser's singing of 'The sea that neighbours to her near.' Thus she lived in the same county with her poet. The whole course of the wooing and the winning is portrayed in the Amoretti or Sonnets and the Epithalamium. It may be gathered from these biographically and otherwise interesting pieces, that it was at the close of the year 1592 that the poet was made a captive of that beauty he so fondly describes. The first three sonnets would seem to have been written in that year. The fourth celebrates the beginning of the year 1593—the beginning according to our modern way of reckoning. All through that year 1593 the lover sighed, beseeched, adored, despaired, prayed again. Fifty-eight sonnets chronicle the various hopes and fears of that year. The object of his passion remained as steel and flint, while he wept and wailed and pleaded. His life was a long torment.
In vaine I seeke and sew to her for grace
And doe myne humbled hart before her poure;
The whiles her foot she in my necke doth place
And tread my life downe in the lowly floure.
In Lent she is his 'sweet saynt,' and he vows to find some fit service for her.
Her temple fayre is built within my mind
In which her glorious image placed is.
But all his devotion profited nothing, and he thinks it were better 'at once to die.' He marvels at her cruelty. He cannot address himself to further composition of his great poem. The accomplishment of that great work were
Sufficient werke for one man's simple head,
All were it, as the rest, but rudely writ.
How then should I, without another wit,
Thinck ever to endure so tedious toyle?
Sith that this one is tost with troublous fit
Of a proud love that doth my spirit spoyle.
He falls ill in his body too. When the anniversary of his being carried into captivity comes round, he declares, as has already been quoted, that the year just elapsed has appeared longer than all the forty years of his life that had preceded it (sonnet 60). In the beginning of the year 1594,
After long stormes and tempests sad assay
Which hardly I endured hertofore
In dread of death and daungerous dismay
With which my silly bark was tossed sore,
he did 'at length descry the happy shore.' The heart of his mistress softened towards him. The last twenty- five sonnets are for the most part the songs of a lover accepted and happy. It would seem that by this time he had completed three more books of the Faerie Queene, and he asks leave in sonnet 70,
In pleasant mew
To sport my Muse and sing my loves sweet praise,
The contemplation of whose heavenly hew
My spirit to an higher pitch doth raise.
Probably the Sixth Book was concluded in the first part of the year 1594, just after his long wooing had been crowned with success. In the tenth canto of that book he introduces the lady of his love, and himself 'piping' unto her. In a rarely pleasant place on a fair wooded hill-top Calidore sees the Graces dancing, and Colin Clout piping merrily. With these goddesses is a fourth maid; it is to her alone that Colin pipes:—
Pype, jolly shepheard, pype thou now apace
Unto thy love that made thee low to lout;
Thy love is present there with thee in place;
Thy love is there advaunst to be another Grace.
Of this fourth maid the poet, after sweetly praising the daughters of sky-ruling Jove, sings in this wise:—
Who can aread what creature mote she bee;
Whether a creature or a goddesse graced
With heavenly gifts from heven first enraced?
But what so sure she was, she worthy was
To be the fourth with those three other placed,
Yet she was certes but a countrey lasse;
Yet she all other countrey lasses farre did passe.
So farre, as doth the daughter of the day
All other lesser lights in light excell;
So farre doth she in beautyfull array
Above all other lasses beare the bell;
Ne lesse in vertue that beseems her well
Doth she exceede the rest of all her race.
The phrase 'country lass' in this rapturous passage has been taken to signify that she to whom it applied was of mean origin; but it scarcely bears this construction. Probably all that is meant is that her family was not connected with the Court or the Court circle. She was not high-born; but she was not low- born. The final sonnets refer to some malicious reports circulating about him, and to some local separation between the sonneteer and his mistress. This separation was certainly ended in the June following his acceptance—that is, the June of 1594; for in that month, on St. Barnabas' day, that is, on the 11th, Spenser was married. This event Spenser celebrates in the finest, the most perfect of all his poems, in the most beautiful of all bridal songs—in his Epithalamion. He had many a time sung for others; he now bade the Muses crown their heads with garlands and help him his own love's praises to resound:—
So I unto my selfe alone will sing,
The woods shall to me answer, and my echo ring.
Then, with the sweetest melody and a refinement and grace incomparable, he sings with a most happy heart of various matters of the marriage day—of his love's waking, of the merry music of the minstrels, of her coming forth in all the pride of her visible loveliness, of that 'inward beauty of her lively spright' which no eyes can see, of her standing before the altar, her sad eyes still fastened on the ground, of the bringing her home, of the rising of the evening star, and the fair face of the moon looking down on his bliss not unfavourably, as he would hope. The Amoretti and Epithalamion were registered at the Stationers' Hall on the 19th of November following the marriage. They were published in 1595, Spenser—as appears from the 'Dedication' of them to Sir Robert Needham, written by the printer Ponsonby—being still absent from England.
Meanwhile the poet had been vexed by other troubles besides those of a slowly requited passion. Mr. Hardiman,{2} in his Irish Minstrelsy, has published three petitions presented in 1593 to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland by Maurice, Lord Roche, Viscount Fermoy, two against 'one Edmond Spenser, gentleman', one against one Joan Ny Callaghan—who is said to act 'by supportation and maintenance of Edmond Spenser, gentleman, a heavy adversary to your suppliant.' 'Where,' runs the first petition, 'one Edmond Spenser, gentleman, hath lately exhibited suit against your suppliant for three ploughlands, parcels of Shanballymore (your suppliant's inheritance) before the Vice-President and Council of Munster, which land hath been heretofore decreed for your suppliant against the said Spenser and others under whom he conveyed; and nevertheless for that the said Spenser, being Clerk of the Council in the said province, and did assign his office unto one Nicholas Curteys among other agreements with covenant that during his life he should be free in the said office for his causes, by occasion of which immunity he doth multiply suits against your suppliant in the said province upon pretended title of others &c.' The third petition averred that 'Edmond Spenser of Kilcolman, gentleman, hath entered into three ploughlands, parcel of Ballingerath, and disseised your suppliant thereof, and continueth by countenance and greatness the possession thereof, and maketh great waste of the wood of the said land, and converteth a great deal of corn growing thereupon to his proper use, to the damage of the complainant of two hundred pounds sterling. Whereunto,' continues the document, which is preserved in the Original Rolls Office, 'the said Edmond Spenser appearing in person had several days prefixed unto him peremptorily to answer, which he neglected to do.' Therefore 'after a day of grace given,' on the 12th of February, 1594, Lord Roche was decreed the possession. Perhaps the absence from his lady love referred to in the concluding sonnets was occasioned by this litigation. Perhaps also the 'false forged lyes'—the malicious reports circulated about him—referred to in Sonnet 85, may have been connected with these appeals against him. It is clear that all his dreams of Faerie did not make him neglectful of his earthly estate. Like Shakspere, like Scott, Spenser did not cease to be a man of the world—we use the phrase in no unkindly sense—because he was a poet. He was no mere visionary, helpless in the ordinary affairs of life. In the present case it would appear that he was even too keen in looking after his own interests. Professor Craik charitably suggests that his poverty 'rather than rapacity may be supposed to have urged whatever of hardness there was in his proceedings.' It is credible enough that these proceedings made him highly unpopular with the native inhabitants of the district, and that they were not forgotten when the day of reckoning came. 'His name,' says Mr. Hardiman, on the authority of Trotter's Walks in Ireland,{3} 'is still remembered in the vicinity of Kilcolman; but the people entertain no sentiments of respect or affection for his memory.'
In the same year with the Amoretti was published Colin Clouts Come Home Again, several additions having been made to the original version.
Probably at the close of this year 1595 Spenser a second time crossed to England, accompanied, it may be supposed, by his wife, carrying with him in manuscript the second three books of his Faerie Queene, which, as we have seen, were completed before his marriage, and also a prose work, A View of the Present State of Ireland. Mr. Collier quotes the following entry from the Stationers' Register:—
20 die Januarii [1595].—Mr. Ponsonby. Entred &c. The Second Part of the Faerie Queene, cont. the 4, 5, and 6 bookes, vj_d_.
This second instalment—which was to be the last—of his great poem was duly published in that year. The View of the Present State of Ireland was not registered till April 1598, and then only conditionally. It was not actually printed till 1633. During his stay in England he wrote the Hymns to Heavenly Love and Heavenly Beauty, and the Prothalamion, which were to be his last works.
More than four years had elapsed since Spenser had last visited London. During that period certain memorable works had been produced; the intellectual power of that day had expressed itself in no mean manner. When he arrived in London towards the close of the year 1595, he would find Shakspere splendidly fulfilling the promise of his earlier days; he would find Ben Jonson just becoming known to fame; he would find Bacon already drawing to him the eyes of his time. Spenser probably spent the whole of the year 1596, and part of 1597, in England. In 1597 appeared, as has already been said, the first part of Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity, and Bacon's Essays, and also Jonson's Every Man in His Own Humour.
The reigning favourite at this time was the Earl of Essex. In 1596 his successful descent upon Cadiz raised him to the zenith of his fame. With this nobleman Spenser was on terms of intimacy. At his London house in the Strand—a house which had previously been inhabited by Spenser's earlier patron, the Earl of Leicester—it stood where Essex Street now is, and is still represented by the two pillars which stand at the bottom of that street—Spenser no doubt renewed his friendship with Shakspere. This intimacy with Essex, with whatever intellectual advantages it may have been attended, with whatever bright spirits it may have brought Spenser acquainted, probably impeded his prospects of preferment. There can be no doubt that one of the motives that brought him to England was a desire to advance his fortunes. Camden describes him as always poor. His distaste for his residence in Ireland could not but have been aggravated by his recent legal defeat. But he looked in vain for further preferment. He had fame, and to spare, and this was to suffice. It was during this sojourn in England that he spoke of himself, as we have seen, as one
Whom sullein care
Through discontent of my long fruitlesse stay
In Princes court and expectation vayne
Of idle hopes which still doe fly away
Like empty shaddows, did afflict my brayne.
The publication of the second three books of the Faerie Queene, with a re-impression of the first three books, placed him on the highest pinnacle of fame. Its plentiful references to passing events—its adumbrations of the history of the time—however it might damage the permanent value of the work from an artistic point of view, increased its immediate popularity. How keenly these references were appreciated appears from the anxiety of the Scotch King to have the poet prosecuted for his picture of Duessa, in whom Mary Queen of Scots was generally recognised. 'Robert Bowes, the English ambassador in Scotland, writing to Lord Burghley from Edinburgh 12th November, 1596, states that great offence was conceived by the King against Edmund Spenser for publishing in print, in the second part of the Faery Queen, ch. 9, some dishonourable effects, as the King deemed, against himself and his mother deceased. Mr. Bowes states that he had satisfied the King as to the privilege under which the book was published, yet he still desired that Edmund Spenser for this fault might be tried and punished. It further appears, from a letter from George Nicolson to Sir Robert Cecil, dated Edinburgh, 25 February, 1597-8, that Walter Quin, an Irishman, was answering Spenser's book, whereat the King was offended.'{4}
The View of the Present State of Ireland, written dialogue-wise between Eudoxus and Iren{ae}us, though not printed, as has been said, till 1633, seems to have enjoyed a considerable circulation in a manuscript form. There are manuscript copies of this tractate at Cambridge, at Dublin, at Lambeth, and in the British Museum. It is partly antiquarian, partly descriptive, partly political. It exhibits a profound sense of the unsatisfactory state of the country—a sense which was presently to be justified in a frightful manner. Spenser had not been deaf to the ever-growing murmurs of discontent by which he and his countrymen had been surrounded. He was not in advance of his time in the policy he advocates for the administration of Ireland. He was far from anticipating that policy of conciliation whose triumphant application it may perhaps be the signal honour of our own day to achieve. The measures he proposes are all of a vigorously repressive kind; they are such measures as belong to a military occupancy, not to a statesmanly administration. He urges the stationing numerous garrisons; he is for the abolishing native customs. Such proposals won a not unfavourable hearing at that time. They have been admired many a time since.
It is to this work of Spenser's that Protector Cromwell alludes in a letter to his council in Ireland, in favour of William Spenser, grandson of Edmund Spenser, from whom an estate of lands in the barony of Fermoy, in the county of Cork, descended on him. 'His grandfather,' he writes, 'was that Spenser who, by his writings touching the reduction of the Irish to civility, brought on him the odium of that nation; and for those works and his other good services Queen Elizabeth conferred on him that estate which the said William Spenser now claims.'{5} This latter statement is evidently inaccurate. Spenser, as we have seen, had already held his estate for some years when he brought his View to England.
Spenser dates the dedication of his Hymns from Greenwich, September 1, 1596. Of these four hymns, two had been in circulation for some years, though now for the first time printed; the other two now first appeared. 'Having in the greener times of my youth,' he writes, 'composed these former two hymnes in the praise of love and beautie, and finding that the same too much pleased those of like age and disposition, which being too vehemently caried with that kind of affection, do rather sucke out poyson to their strong passion than hony to their honest delight, I was moved by one of you two most excellent ladies [the ladies Margaret, Countess of Cumberland, Mary, Countess of Warwick] to call in the same; but unable so to doe, by reason that many copies thereof were formerly scattered abroad, I resolved at least to amend, and by way of retraction to reforme them, making (instead of those two hymnes of earthly or naturall love and beautie) two others of heavenly and celestiall.' This passage is interesting for the illustration it provides of Spenser's popularity. It is also highly interesting, if the poems themselves be read in the light of it, as showing the sensitive purity of the poet's nature. It is difficult to conceive how those 'former hymns' should in any moral respect need amending. The moralising and corrective purpose with which the two latter were written perhaps diminished their poetical beauty; but the themes they celebrate are such as Spenser could not but ever descant upon with delight; they were such as were entirely congenial to his spirit. He here set forth special teachings of his great master Plato, and abandoned himself to the high spiritual contemplations he loved. But perhaps the finest of these four hymns is the second—that in honour of Beauty. Beauty was indeed the one worship of Spenser's life—not mere material beauty—not 'the goodly hew of white and red with which the cheekes are sprinkled,' or 'the sweete rosy leaves so fairly spred upon the lips,' or 'that golden wyre,' or 'those sparckling stars so bright,' but that inner spiritual beauty, of which fair hair and bright eyes are but external expressions.
So every spirit, as it is most pure
And hath in it the more of heavenly light,
So it the fairer bodie doth procure
To habit in, and it more fairely dight
With chearfull grace and amiable sight;
For of the soule the bodie forme doth take,
For soule is forme and doth the bodie make.
This hymn is one of high refined rapture.
Before the close of the year 1596 Spenser wrote and published the Prothalamion or 'A spousall verse made in honour of the double marriage of the two honourable and vertuous ladies, the ladie Elizabeth, and the ladie Katherine Somerset, daughters to the right honourable the Earle of Worcester, and espoused to the two worthie gentlemen, M. Henry Gilford and M. William Peter Esquyers.' It was composed after the return of Essex from Spain, for he is introduced in the poem as then residing at his house in the Strand. It is a poem full of grace and beauty, and of matchless melodiousness.
This is the last complete poem Spenser wrote. No doubt he entertained the idea of completing his Faerie Queene; and perhaps it was after 1596 that he composed the two additional cantos, which are all, so far as is known, that he actually wrote. But the last poem completed and published in his lifetime was the Prothalamion.
This second visit to England at last came to an end. It was probably in 1597 that he returned once more to Kilcolman. In the following year he was recommended by her Majesty for Sheriff of Cork. But his residence in Ireland was now to be rudely terminated.
The Irishry had, ever since the suppression of Desmond's rebellion in 1582, been but waiting for another opportunity to rise, that suppression not having brought pacification in its train. In the autumn of 1598 broke out another of these fearful insurrections, of which the history of English rule in Ireland is mainly composed.
In the September of that year Spenser was at the zenith of his prosperity. In that month arrived the letter recommending his appointment to be Sheriff of Cork. It seems legitimate to connect this mark of royal favour with the fact that at the beginning of the preceding month Lord Burghley had deceased. The great obstructor of the Queen's bounty was removed, and Spenser might hope that now, at last, the hour of his prosperity was come. So far as is known, his domestic life was serene and happy. The joys of the husband had been crowned with those of the father. Two sons, as may be gathered from the names given to them—they were christened Sylvanus and Peregrine—had been by this time born to him; according to Sir William Betham, who drew up a pedigree of Spenser's family, another son and a daughter had been born between the birth of Sylvanus and that of Peregrine. Then he was at this time the recognised prince of living poets. The early autumn of 1598 saw him in the culminating enjoyment of all these happinesses.
In October the insurgents burst roughly in upon his peace. No doubt his occupation of the old castle of Desmond had ever been regarded with fierce jealousy. While he had dreamed his dreams and sung his songs in the valley, there had been curses muttered against him from the hills around. At last the day of vengeance came. The outraged natives rushed down upon Kilcolman; the poet and his family barely made their escape; his home was plundered and burned. According to Ben Jonson, in the conversation with Drummond, quoted above, not all his family escaped; one little child, new born, perished in the flames. But, indeed, the fearfulness of this event needs no exaggeration. In profound distress Spenser arrived once more in London, bearing a despatch from Sir Thomas Norreys, President of Munster, to the Secretary of State, and of course himself full of direct and precise information as to the Irish tumult, having also drawn up an address to the Queen on the subject. Probably, the hardships and horrors he had undergone completely prostrated him. On January 16, 1599, he died in Westminster. As to the exact place, a manuscript note found by Brand, the well-known antiquary, on the title-page of a copy of the second edition of the Faerie Queene, though not of indisputable value, may probably enough be accepted, and it names King Street. Ben Jonson says, 'he died for lack of bread;' but this must certainly be an exaggeration. No doubt he returned to England 'inops'—in a state of poverty—as Camden says; but it is impossible to believe that he died of starvation. His friend Essex and many another were ready to minister to his necessities if he needed their ministry. Jonson's story is that he 'refused twenty pieces sent him by my lord Essex, and said he was sure he had no time to spend them.' This story, if it is anything more than a mere vulgar rumour, so far as it shows anything, shows that he was in no such very extreme need of succour. Had his destitution been so complete, he would have accepted the pieces for his family, even though 'he had no time to spend them himself.' It must be remembered that he was still in receipt of a pension from the crown; a pension of no very considerable amount, perhaps, but still large enough to satisfy the pangs of hunger. But numerous passages might be quoted to show that he died in somewhat straitened circumstances.
It was said, some thirty-four years after Spenser's death, that in his hurried flight from Ireland the remaining six books of the Faerie Queene were lost. But it is very unlikely that those books were ever completed.{6} Perhaps some fragments of them may have perished in the flames at Kilcolman—certainly only two cantos have reached us. These were first printed in 1611, when the first six books were republished. The general testimony of his contemporaries is that his song was broken off in the midst. Says Browne in his Britannia's Pastorals (Book ii. s. 1):—
But ere he ended his melodious song,
An host of angels flew the cloud among,
And rapt this swan from his attentive mates
To make him one of their associates
In heaven's faire choir.
One S. A. Cokain writes:—
If, honour'd Colin, thou hadst lived so long
As to have finished thy Fairy song,
Not only mine but all tongues would confess,
Thou hadst exceeded old M{ae}onides.
He was buried near Chaucer—by his own wish, it is said—in Westminster Abbey, 'poetis funus ducentibus,' with poets following him to the grave—bearing the pall, as we might say—the Earl of Essex furnishing the funeral expenses, according to Camden. It would seem from a passage in Browne's Britannia's Pastorals 'that the Queen ordered a monument to be erected over him, but that the money was otherwise appropriated by one of her agents.' The present monument, restored in 1778, was erected by Anne, Countess of Dorset, in 1620.
His widow married again before 1603, as we learn from a petition presented to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland in that year, in which Sylvanus sues to recover from her and her husband Roger Seckerstone certain documents relating to the paternal estate. She was again a widow in 1606. Till a very recent time there were descendants of Spenser living in the south of Ireland.
1869 JOHN W. HALES.
Revised 1896.
Footnotes
————-
{1} This poem is in this volume reprinted from the
edition of 1591. Mr. Morris thinks that Todd was
not aware of this edition. Mr. Collier reprinted
from the 2nd edition—that of 1593.
{2} Irish Minstrelsy; or, Bardic Remains of Ireland,
by J. Hardiman. London, 1831.
{3} 'The name and occupation of Spenser is handed down
traditionally among them (the Irish); but they seem
to entertain no sentiments of respect or affection
for his memory; the bard came in rather ungracious
times, and the keen recollections of this untutored
people are wonderful.'—Trotter's Walks through
Ireland in the Years 1812, 1814, and 1817.
London, 1819, p. 302.
{4} Cooper's Athen. Cantab.
{5} See Mr. Edwards's Life of Raleigh, vol. i. p.
128.
{6} No doubt he intended to complete his work. See
book vi. canto v. st. 2:
'When time shall be to tell the same;'
but this time never was.
End of Project Gutenberg's The Faerie Queene Volume 1, by Edmund Spenser