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 pa