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Title: The Faerie Queen Volume 1

Author: Edmund Spenser

Release Date: November, 2004  [EBook #6930]
[Posted: February 12, 2003]







                  THE FAERIE QUEEN VOLUME 1 



A NOTE ON THIS EDITION

This is an electronic edition of Volume One of Edmund Spenser's
_Faerie Queene_.  You may copy it freely.

This version was prepared especially for Project Gutenberg in
February, 2003.  It 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.

CHARACTER SET

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.

COPYRIGHT

Spenser's original text of _The Faerie Queene_ is here described as
"Spenser's Text" and is in the public domain.  Copyright in all 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.

WARRANTY

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

conexil@aol.com
12 February 2003



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 Note

The start of each of these is marked with the string "=>"


=>                 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


                     ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


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.


                  PURPOSE OF THE EDITION


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.


                   THE TEXT OF THE POEM


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 FORM OF THE POEM


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


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_.


                   THE NUMBERING SYSTEM


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.


                  HOW THE GLOSSARY WORKS


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.


                   THE TEXTUAL APPENDIX


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.


              SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW READERS


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:

  masculine character in history (i.e. a real person)
  feminine character in history
  neuter or animal character in history

  masculine character in mythology
  feminine character in mythology
  neuter or animal character in mythology

  masculine character in Bible
  feminine character in Bible

  masculine character unique to FQ
  feminine character unique to FQ
  neuter or animal character unique to FQ

  personification in FQ (e.g. Wrath, Despair)
  personification in general use (e.g. Nature, Time)

  real place
  locus in mythology
  locus in Bible
  locus in FQ

  tribes, nations, peoples, or individuals of these (e.g.
      Briton)

  not classified

    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_


  Abessa 103.18
  Abus 210.16
  Acheron 105.33
  Achilles I:330, 302.25
  Acontius 207.55
  Acrasia (Pleasure) 201.51, 301.2
  Acrates 204.41
  Adam 210.50
  Admetus 311.39
  Adonis 301.34, 306.0
  Adrian Gulf [Adriatic Sea] 207.14
  Aegean 307.26
  Aegeria 210.42
  Aegina 311.35
  Aeneas I:83
  Aeolus (1) 107.9
  Aeolus (2) 311.42
  Aesculapius 105.36
  African Ismael 303.6
  Aganippus 210.29
  Agdistes (Genius) 212.48
  Aidan [Adin] 303.37
  Alba [Alba Longa]
  Albanact 210.14
  Albania 210.29
  Albion (1) 210.6
  Albion (2) 210.11
  Alcides (Hercules) 107.17
  Alcluith 210.63
  Alcmene 311.33
  Aldebaran 103.16
  Alexander 209.45
  Allectus 210.57
  Allen [the Bog of Allen, in Ireland] 209.16
  Alma (Temperance) 209.0
  Amarant 306.45
  Amavia 201.0
  Amazon 200.2
  Ambition 207.46
  Ambrosius 210.67
  Amendment 110.26
  America 210.72
  Amintas 306.45
  Ammon 105.48
  Amoret 306.0
  Amphisa 306.4
  Anamnestes 209.58
  Anchises 309.41
  Androgeus 210.46
  angel [watching over Guyon] 208.3
  Angela 303.56
  Anger 312.25
  Angles 303.56
  Annoyance 304.55
  Antiochus 105.47
  Antiope 311.35
  Antiquity of Faery Land 209.60
  Antonius 105.49
  Apollo 105.43, 304.41
  Appetite 209.28
  Arabia 105.4
  Arachne 207.28
  Archimago (Hypocrisy) 101.43, 304.45
  Argante 307.47
  Argo 212.44
  Argus 104.17, 309.7
  armed knight [Sir Ferraugh] 308.15
  Armorica 303.41
  Arne 311.42
  Arras 301.34
  Artegall 209.6, 302.0
  Arthgallo 210.44
  Arthur 107.0
  Arviragus 210.51
  Asclepiodotus 210.50
  Asia 309.39
  Assaracus 209.56
  Asteria 311.34
  Atalanta 207.54
  Ate 207.55
  Athens 210.25
  Atin 204.42
  Atlas 207.54
  Augustine 303.35
  Aurelius 210.67
  Aurora 104.16, 310.1
  Avarice 104.27
  Ave 103.13
  Ave Maria 101.35
  Avernus 105.31
  Aveugle 105.23
  Babel 209.21
  Babylon 105.47
  Bacchante 301.45
  Bacchus (Lyaeus) 106.15
  Bangor 303.35
  Barry 303.8
  Basciante 301.45
  Bath (Caer-badus) 111.30
  beadmen 110.36
  Belinus 210.40
  Belphoebe 203.0
  Biblis 302.41
  Bisaltis 311.41
  Bladud 303.60
  Boadicea 210.54
  Boreas 102.33
  Bower of Bliss 201.51
  Braggadocchio 203.0
  Brennus 210.40
  Britain 110.65
  Britomart 301.0
  Briton 111.7
  Briton Moniments 209.59
  Britoness 301.58
  Brocmail [Brockwell] 303.35
  Brunchild 210.24
  Brutus 210.9
  Busirane 311.0
  Cadmus 209.45
  Cador 303.27
  Caduceus 212.41
  Cadwallader 303.40
  Cadwalla [Cadwallin] 303.36
  Cadwan 303.35
  Caecily 210.34
  Caelia 110.4
  Caer-badus (Bath) 210.26
  Caer-lion 210.25
  Caer-merdin (Maridunum) 303.7
  Caer-verulam [St Albans] 303.52
  Caesar [Gaius Julius Caesar] 105.49
  Calidore 308.28
  Camber 210.14
  Cambria 210.29
  Camilla 304.2
  Cantium (Canutium, Kent) 210.12
  Canute 210.11
  Canutium (Cantium, Kent)
  Carados 303.55
  Carausius 210.57
  Care 101.40; ?another? at 312.25
  Careticus 303.33
  Carlisle 210.25
  Caspian 207.14
  Cassibellaun 210.47
  Cassiopeia 103.16
  Castle Joyeous 301.20
  Celeno 207.23
  Celtic mainland 210.5
  Celtica 210.29
  Centaur 210.29
  Cephissus 302.44
  Cephisus 111.30
  Cerberus 105.34
  Ceres 301.51
  Change 312.25
  Chanticleer 102.1
  Chaos 306.36
  Charissa 110.4
  Christ (Saviour, Redeemer) 210.53
  Christianity 210.53
  Christians 108.36
  Chrysogone 306.4
  Church 303.34
  Claribella 204.26
  Claudius 210.51
  Cleopatra 105.50
  Cleopolis 107.46
  Clio 304.4
  Clymene 311.38
  Cnidus 306.29
  Cocytus 101.37
  Coel 210.58
  Coillus 210.53
  Colchester 210.58
  Columbell 307.51
  Concoction 209.31
  Constantine (1) 210.60
  Constantine (2) 303.29
  Constantius 210.59
  Contemplation 110.46
  Coradin 204.36
  Corceca (Devotion) 103.18
  Cordelia 210.28
  Corineus 210.10
  Cornewaile (Cornwall) 210.12
  Coronis 311.37
  Coulin 210.11
  Covetise 105.46
  Creusa 212.45
  Critias 207.52
  Croesus 105.47
  Cruelty 312.19
  Cunedagius 210.33
  Cupid (Love) 110.30
  Cybele 106.15
  Cymbeline 210.50
  Cymbrian plain 108.11
  Cymochles 204.41
  Cymodoce 304.19
  Cynthia (Diana, Lucina, Phoebe) 101.39, 107.34, 300.4
  Cynthus 203.31
  Cyparissus 106.17
  Cytherea (Venus, Dame Pleasure) 306.20
  Cytheron 306.29
  Dame Pleasure (Venus, Cytherea) 101.47
  Danae 311.31
  Danger 312.11
  Danius 210.43
  Daphne 212.52, 311.36
  Day (Phoebus, Light) 302.48
  Death 206.44
  Debon 210.11
  Deborah 304.2
  Deceit 105.26
  Dee 303.35
  Dehenbarth (South Wales) 302.18
  Dell 210.24
  Delos 212.13
  Demogorgon 105.22
  Denmark 210.41
  Desire 312.9
  Despair 109.0
  Despite 204.41
  Deucalion 311.42
  Devonshire 210.12
  Devotion (Corceca) 103.0
  Diana (Cynthia, Lucina, Phoebe) 105.39
  Diet 209.27
  Digestion 209.31
  Diocletian 210.8
  Disdain 207.41
  Disloyalty 312.25
  Displeasure 312.18
  Dissemblance 312.14
  Doubt 312.10
  dragon (Satan, Prince of Darkness) 101.3
  Dread 312.25
  Dread-of-Heavenly-Vengeance 312.25
  Dryope 106.15
  Duessa (Fidessa, Falsehood) 102.34, 301.0
  Dumarin 304.19
  Dunwallo 210.40
  dwarf [Florimell's; named at 502.3:1] 305.3
  dwarf [Una's] 101.6
  Dynevor 303.8
  Earth 107.9
  Ease 312.4
  Easterland [Norway] 210.41
  Easterlings 210.63
  Ebraucus 210.21
  Eden 112.26
  Edwin 303.36
  Elf 210.71
  Elfant 210.73
  Elfar 210.73
  Elferon 210.75
  Elficleos 210.75
  Elfiline 210.72
  Elfin 210.72
  Elfinan 210.72
  Elfinell 210.73
  Elfinor 210.73
  Elidure 210.44
  Elissa 202.35
  Elversham 210.24
  Elves 303.26
  Emmilen 303.54
  Enceladus 309.22
  England 110.61
  Envy 104.30
  Eosa [Oza] 303.52
  Erebus 204.41, 304.55
  Erigone 311.43
  Erinnys 202.29
  Errant Damsel (Una, Truth) 201.19
  Error 101.0
  Esquiline 209.32
  Estham Bruges 210.24
  Estrildis 210.17
  Eternity 204.41
  Ethelfrid [Etheldred] 303.35
  Etna (Mongiball) 111.44, 208.20, 302.32
  Euboean young man [Melanion, also called Hippomenes] 207.54
  Eumnestes 209.58
  Euphrates 107.43
  Europa 311.30
  Eurotas 203.31
  Euxine seas [Euxinus] 212.44
  Excess 212.57
  Faery 100.2
  Faery Queen (Gloriana, Queen of Faery, Queen of Faeries)
      107.36
  Falsehood (Duessa, Fidessa) 102.0
  Fancy 312.7
  Fates 107.22
  Faunus 202.7
  Fear 207.22
  Ferrex 210.34
  Ferryman, The 211.4
  Fidelia 110.4
  Fidessa (Duessa, Falsehood) 102.26
  fisher [the fisherman who violates Florimell] 307.27
  Flora 101.48
  Florimell 301.0
  foster 301.17
  Fradubio 102.33
  Fraelissa 102.37
  France 210.22
  Fulgenius 210.57
  Furies 103.36
  Furor 204.0
  Fury 312.17
  Gardante 301.45
  Garden of Adonis 210.71, 306.29
  Genius (Agdistes) 212.47
  Genius [at Garden of Adonis] 306.31
  Genuissa 210.52
  George (Redcross, Georgos) 102.11
  Georgos (Redcross, George) 110.66
  Germany 210.22
  Giants 309.22
  Gihon 107.43
  Glamorgan 210.33
  Glauce 302.30
  Gloriana (Faery Queen, Queen of Faery, Queen of Faeries)
      210.0
  Gluttony 104.21
  God (great King, heaven's King) 101.13
  Godmer 210.11
  Goemagot 210.10
  Goneril 210.28
  Gorboduc 210.34
  Gorbonian 210.44
  Gorgon 101.37
  Gorgons 309.22
  Gorlois 303.27
  Gormund 303.33
  Graces 101.48, 203.25, 208.6, 306.2
  Gratian 210.61
  great King (God, heaven's King) 110.55
  Greece 105.4
  Greeks 103.21, 207.55
  Grief 310.55
  Griffith ap Cynan 303.45
  Grill 212.86
  Guendolen 303.54
  Guithelin 210.42
  Gulf of Greediness 212.3
  Gurgiunt 210.41
  Gurgustius 210.34
  Guyon 200.5
  Haemus 309.22
  Haina 210.24
  Hainaut 210.21
  Hannibal 105.49
  Hate 207.22
  heaven's King (God, great King) 110.36
  Heavenfield 303.38
  Hebrus 111.30
  Hecate 101.43
  Hector 209.45
  Helen 207.55
  Helena 210.59
  Heli 210.45
  Heliconian maids (Muse) 100.1
  Helle 311.30
  Hellenore 309.6
  Henalois 210.24
  Hengist 210.65
  Hercules (Alcides) 207.54
  Hermaphroditus 312.46 (1590)
  Hesperus 102.6, 304.51
  Highgate 309.46
  Hippolytus 105.36
  Hoe 210.10
  Holy Grail 210.53
  Homer 304.2
  Hope 312.13 (this is not Speranza, q.v.)
  Horsa 210.65
  House of Agonies 209.52
  House of Holiness 110.3
  House of Pride 104.0
  House of Proserpine (Tartarus) 311.1
  House of Temperance 209.0
  Howell Dha 303.45
  Huddibras 202.17
  Humber 210.16
  Huon 201.6
  Hyacinth 212.54, 306.45
  Hydra 212.23; see also 107.17
  hyena [the creature sent after Florimell] 308.44
  Hylas 312.7
  Hymen io Hymen 101.48
  Hypocrisy (Archimago) 101.0
  Hypsipyle 210.56
  Ida 212.52, 311.54
  Idle Lake 206.10
  Idleness (Sloth) 104.18
  Ignaro 108.31
  Ilium 309.34
  Impatience 211.23
  Impotence 211.23
  Inachus 209.56
  Ind 105.4
  India 200.2, 210.72, 303.6
  Indians 312.8
  Infirmity 312.25
  Inogene 210.13
  Iphimedia 311.42
  Ire (Wrath) 104.35
  Ireland 209.24, 210.41, 303.33
  Iris 311.47
  Isse 311.39
  Italy 210.13
  Iulus 309.43
  Ixion 105.35
  Jacob 106.35
  Jago 210.34
  Jar 204.41
  Jason 212.44
  Jealousy (see also Malbecco) 207.22, 310.55
  Jerusalem 110.57
  Jews 207.62
  Jocante 201.45
  Jordan 111.30
  Joseph of Arimathea 210.53
  Jove 100.3, 101.6, 104.11, 210.3, 210.70, 211.43, 311.30
  Juno (Lucina) 212.13
  Kent (Canutium, Cantium) 210.12
  Kimarus 210.43
  Kinmarcus 210.34
  Kirkrapine 103.22
  Labryde 106.21
  Lacedaemon 309.34
  Lady of Delight 301.26
  Lady of the Lake 303.10
  lamb [Una's] 101.4
  Laomedon 211.19
  Latinus 309.42
  Latium 309.42
  Latona 212.13
  Layburn Plain 303.37
  Lear 210.27
  Lechery 104.24
  Leda 311.32
  Leill 210.25
  Lentulus 105.49
  Lerna 107.17
  Lethe 103.36
  Liagore 304.41
  Light (Phoebus, Day) 105.24
  Limbo-lake 102.32
  Lincoln 309.51
  lion [Una's champion] 103.5
  Locrin 210.13
  Logris 210.14
  Loss of Time 312.25
  Lothian 303.37
  Love (Cupid) 109.8
  Lucifera 104.12
  Lucina (Diana, Cynthia, Phoebe, Juno) 201.53
  Lucius 210.53
  Lud I:304, 210.46
  Lyaeus (Bacchus) 301.51
  Maddan 210.20
  Maglaunus 210.29
  Magnes 212.4
  Mahound (Termagant) 208.23
  Maidenhead [Order of] 107.46
  Malbecco 309.6
  Malecasta 301.0
  Maleger 211.0
  Malgo 303.31
  Malvenu 104.6
  Mammon (Richesse) 207.0
  Manlius 210.21
  Maridunum (Caer-merdin) 303.7
  Marinell 304.0
  Marius 105.49
  Mars 100.3, 311.36
  Martia 303.54
  Matilda 303.13
  Matraval 303.13
  Maximian 210.61
  Mean (Medina) 202.0
  Medea 212.44
  Medina (Mean) 202.14
  Medusa 311.42
  Memory (Mnemosyne) 303.4
  Mempricius 210.21
  Menevia [St David's] 303.55
  Mercians 303.30
  Mercury 212.41
  Mercy 110.34
  Merlin 107.36
  Methuselah 209.57
  Minerva 309.22
  Mirth (Phaedria) 206.0
  Misfortune 204.17
  Mnemon 309.47
  Mnemosyne 311.35
  Mona [Anglesey] 303.48
  Mongiball (Etna) 209.29
  Mordant 201.0
  Morddure 208.21
  Morgan 210.33
  Morini 210.43
  Morpheus (Sleep) 101.36
  Morvidus 210.43
  Mulciber (Vulcan) 207.5
  Muse (Heliconian maids) 100.1, 212.52
  Music 112.38
  Myrrha 307.26; 101.9
  Narcissus 306.45
  Nature 111.47
  Nausa (Paros) 309.37
  Nausicle 309.37
  Nemea 205.31
  Nennius 210.49
  Neptune 103.32
  Nereus 103.31, 304.19
  Nestor (Pylian) 209.57
  Neustria 303.47
  Night [Nox] 101.39, 105.20, 304.54
  Nile 101.21
  Nimrod 105.48
  Ninus 105.48
  Noah 210.15
  Noctante 301.45
  Northumber 303.39
  Norwegians 303.33
  Numa 210.39
  Obedience 110.17
  Oberon 201.6, 210.75
  Occasion 204.0
  Octa 303.52
  Octavius 210.60
  Oenone 309.36
  Offric 303.37
  Ollyphant 307.48
  Olympus 307.41
  Orcus (Pluto) 212.41
  Orgoglio 107.14
  Orion 103.31
  Orion's hound [the star Sirius] 103.31
  Orkney 303.37
  Orsilochus 304.2
  Osric 303.37
  Ossa 210.3
  Oswald 303.38
  Oswy 303.39
  Overt Gate 309.46
  Paean 304.41
  Pain 207.21
  Palladine 307.52
  palmer 201.7
  Pan 209.40
  Panope 308.37
  Panthea 110.58
  Panwelt 210.63
  Paphos 306.29
  Paridas 309.37
  Paridell 308.0
  Paris 207.55
  Parius 309.36
  Parlante 301.45
  Parnassus 212.52
  Paros (Nausa) 309.36
  Pasiphae 302.41
  Patience 110.23
  Paulinus 210.55
  Peace 303.49
  Pegasus 109.21, 311.42
  Pellitus 303.36
  Penance 110.27
  Penda 303.37
  Penthesilea 304.2
  Peredure 210.44
  Perissa 202.36
  Persia 102.13
  Peru 200.2
  Phaedria (Mirth) 206.9
  Phantastes 209.52
  Phao 302.20
  Phedon 204.0
  Philemon 204.20
  Philotime 207.49
  Philyra 311.43
  Phlegethon 105.33
  Phoebe (Diana, Cynthia, Lucina) 107.5
  Phoebus (Day, Light) 100.4, 101.23, 102.1, 111.5, 209.48,
      211.19, 303.4
  Phoebus' fairest child [Phaethon] 104.9
  Pholoe 106.15
  Picts 210.61
  Pilate 207.62
  Pindus 304.41
  Pishon 107.43
  Pleasance 312.18
  Pleasure (Acrasia) 201.0
  Pleasure [Volupia] 306.50
  Pluto (Orcus) 101.37
  Pompey 105.49
  Porrex 210.34
  Poverty 312.25
  Praise-desire 209.39
  Praxiteles 300.2
  Priam 203.31
  Pride 104.0
  Prince of Darkness (Satan, dragon) 308.8
  Prometheus 210.70
  Proserpine (Thracian maid) 102.2
  Proteus 102.10, 304.25
  Pryene 204.25
  Psyche 306.50
  Ptolemy 302.20
  Pubidius 303.13
  Pylian (Nestor) 209.48
  Pyrochles 204.41
  Pyrrhus 203.31
  Queen of Faeries (Faery Queen, Queen of Faery, Gloriana)
      109.14
  Queen of Faery (Faery Queen, Queen of Faeries, Gloriana)
      209.4
  Rancour 204.44
  Rauran 109.4
  Reason 204.34
  Redcross (George, Georgos) 101.0, 102.0
  Redeemer (Christ, Saviour) 201.27
  Regan 210.28
  Remorse 110.27
  Repentance 110.27
  Reproach 312.24
  Revenge 204.44, 207.22
  Reverence 110.7
  Rhodope 212.52
  Rhodri 303.45
  Rich Strand 304.0
  Richesse (Mammon) 207.24
  Riotise 312.25
  Riphaean hills 308.6
  Rivallo 210.34
  River Dee 109.4
  Rock of Reproach 212.8
  Romans 210.47
  Rome 210.40
  Romulus 105.49, 309.43
  Ruddoc 210.38
  Ruddymane 203.2
  Russian 211.26
  Ryence 302.18
  Sabrina 210.19
  Saint Francis' fire 104.35
  Sanglamort 310.32
  Sansfoy 102.12
  Sansjoy 102.25
  Sansloy 102.25
  Saracen 102.12
  Satan (dragon, Prince of Darkness) 104.36
  Saturn 311.43
  Satyrane 106.28
  satyrs 106.7, 310.0
  Saviour (Christ, Redeemer) 109.19
  Saxon 303.29
  Scaldis 210.24
  Scamander 309.35
  Scipio 105.49
  Scudamour 306.53
  Selinus 107.32
  Semele 311.33
  Semiramis 105.50, 210.56
  Severn 210.14, 210.19, 210.54
  Severus 210.57
  Shame 105.26
  Shamefastness 209.43
  Siloam 111.30
  Silvanus 106.7
  Silvius 309.48
  Sisera 304.2
  Sisilius 210.43
  Sisillius 210.34
  Sisyphus 105.35
  Six Islands 303.32
  Sleep (Morpheus) 101.40, 304.54
  Sloth (Idleness) 104.36
  snowy lady [Snowy Florimell] 308.0
  Socrates 207.52
  Sophy 209.6
  Sorrow 107.25
  South Wales (Dehenbarth) 302.18
  Spain 210.41
  Spau 111.30
  Speranza 110.4
  Spumador 211.19
  Squire of Dames 307.51
  Stater 210.38
  Sthenoboea 105.50
  Stonehenge 210.66
  Stremona 107.17
  Strife 204.0
  Styx 101.37, 306.24, 306.46
  Sulla 105.49
  Suspect 312.14
  Tanaquil 100.2, 210.76
  Tantalus 105.35
  Tarquin 105.49
  Tartar 211.26
  Tartarus (House of Proserpine) 107.44
  Tempe 212.52
  Temperance (Alma) 211.0
  Tenuantius 210.46
  Termagant (Mahound) 208.30
  Terwin 109.27
  Tethys 101.39
  Thames 309.45
  Thebes 209.45
  Therion 106.21
  Theseus 105.35
  Thracian maid (Proserpine) 311.35
  Thyamis 106.21
  Tiber 102.22
  Time 306.39
  Timias 301.18 (he first appears at 107.29)
  Timon 109.4
  Titan 102.7, 104.8
  Titans 207.41, 307.47
  Tithonus 102.7
  Tityus 105.35
  Tomyris 210.56
  Tours 301.34
  Trahern 210.60
  Treason 207.22
  Tree of Life 111.46
  Trevisan 109.0
  Triton 304.33
  Trojan boy [Ganymede] 311.34
  Trojans 207.55
  Trompart 203.10
  Troy 203.31
  Troynovant 210.46
  Truth (Una, Errant Damsel) 102.0
  Tryphon 304.43
  Typhoeus 105.35
  Ulfin 303.55
  Umilta 110.5
  Una (Truth, Errant Damsel) 101.45
  Unthriftihead 212.18
  Uther 210.68, 303.55
  Vanity 104.13
  Venus (Cytherea, Dame Pleasure) 100.3, 306.2
  Verdant 212.82
  Vespasian 210.52
  Vigenius 210.44
  Virginia 200.2
  Vortigern 210.64
  Vortimer 210.66
  Vortipore 303.31
  Vulcan (Mulciber) 207.36
  Wandering Islands 212.11
  Wandering Wood 101.13
  Wasserman 212.24
  Well of Life 111.29
  Whirlpool of Decay 212.20
  Widen 210.35
  witch 307.6
  witch's son 307.12
  Woe 304.55
  Worthies [the nine Worthies] 303.4
  Wrath (Ire) 104.33
  Xanthus 309.35
  Ymner 210.38
  Zeal 110.6
  Zephyr 205.29
  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

    Book I
    THE LEGEND OF THE KNIGHT OF THE RED CROSSE, _OR_ OF HOLINESSE
        Proem
                [4]
        Canto i
            The Patron of true Holinesse,
              Foule Errour doth defeate:
            Hypocrisie him to entrape,
              Doth to his home entreate.
                [55]
        Canto ii
            The guilefull great Enchaunter parts
              The Redcrosse Knight from Truth:
            Into whose stead faire falshood steps,
              And workes him wofull ruth.
                [45]
        Canto iii
            Forsaken Truth long seekes her loue,
              And makes the Lyon mylde,
            Marres blind Deuotions mart, and fals
              In hand of leachour vylde.
                [44]
        Canto iv
            To sinfull house of Pride, Duessa
              guides the faithfull knight,
            Where brothers death to wreak Sansioy
              doth chalenge him to fight.
                [51]
        Canto v
            The faithfull knight in equall field
              subdewes his faithlesse foe,
            Whom false Duessa saues, and for
              his cure to hell does goe.
                [53]
        Canto vi
            From lawlesse lust by wondrous grace
              fayre Vna is releast:
            Whom saluage nation does adore,
              and learnes her wise beheast.
                [48]
        Canto vii
            The Redcrosse knight is captiue made
              By Gyaunt proud opprest,
            Prince Arthur meets with Vna great-
              ly with those newes distrest.
                [52]
        Canto viii
            Faire virgin to redeeme her deare
              brings Arthur to the fight:
            Who slayes the Gyant, wounds the beast,
              and strips Duessa quight.
                [50]
        Canto ix
            His loues and lignage Arthur tells:
              The knights knit friendly bands:
            Sir Treuisan flies from Despayre,
              Whom Redcrosse knight withstands.
                [54]
        Canto x
            Her faithfull knight faire Vna brings
              to house of Holinesse,
            Where he is taught repentance, and
              the way to heauenly blesse.
                [68]
        Canto xi
            The knight with that old Dragon fights
              two dayes incessantly:
            The third him ouerthrowes, and gayns
              most glorious victory.
                [55]
        Canto xii
            Faire Vna to the Redcrosse knight
              betrouthed is with ioy:
            Though false Duessa it to barre
              her false sleights doe imploy.
                [42]

    Book II
    THE LEGEND OF SIR GVYON, _OR_ OF TEMPERAVNCE
        Proem
                [5]
        Canto i
            Guyon by Archimage abusd,
              The Redcrosse knight awaytes,
            Findes Mordant and Amauia slaine
              With pleasures poisoned baytes.
                [61]
        Canto ii
            Babes bloudie hands may not be clensd,
              the face of golden Meane.
            Her sisters two Extremities:
              striue her to banish cleane.
                [46]
        Canto iii
            Vaine Braggadocchio getting Guyons
              horse is made the scorne
            Of knighthood trew, and is of fayre
              Belphoebe fowle forlorne.
                [46]
        Canto iv
            Guyon does Furor bind in chaines,
              and stops Occasion:
            Deliuers Phedon, and therefore
              by strife is rayld vpon.
                [46]
        Canto v
            Pyrochles does with Guyon fight,
              And Furors chayne vnbinds
            Of whom sore hurt, for his reuenge
              Atin Cymochles finds.
                [38]
        Canto vi
            Guyon is of immodest Merth,
              led into loose desire,
            Fights with Cymochles, whiles his bro-
              ther burnes in furious fire.
                [51]
        Canto vii
            Guyon findes Mamon in a delue,
              Sunning his threasure hore:
            Is by him tempted, and led downe,
              To see his secret store.
                [66]
        Canto viii
            Sir Guyon laid in swowne is by
              Acrates sonnes despoyld,
            Whom Arthur soone hath reskewed
              And Paynim brethren foyld.
                [56]
        Canto ix
            The house of Temperance, in which
              doth sober Alma dwell,
            Besiegd of many foes, whom straunger
              knightes to flight compell.
                [60]
        Canto x
            A chronicle of Briton kings,
              from Brute to Vthers rayne.
            And rolles of Elfin Emperours,
              till time of Gloriane.
                [77]
        Canto xi
            The enimies of Temperaunce
              besiege her dwelling place:
            Prince Arthur them repelles, and fowle
              Maleger doth deface.
                [49]
        Canto xii
            Guyon by Palmers gouernance,
              passing through perils great,
            Doth ouerthrow the Bowre of blisse,
              and Acrasie defeat.
                [87]

    Book III
    THE LEGEND OF BRITOMARTIS, _OR_ OF CHASTITIE
        Proem
                [5]
        Canto i
            Guyon encountreth Britomart,
              faire Florimell is chaced:
            Duessaes traines and Malecastaes
              champions are defaced.
                [67]
        Canto ii
            The Redcrosse knight to Britomart
              describeth Artegall:
            The wondrous myrrhour, by which she
              in loue with him did fall.
                [52]
        Canto iii
            Merlin bewrayes to Britomart,
              the state of Artegall.
            And shewes the famous Progeny
              which from them springen shall.
                [62]
        Canto iv
            Bold Marinell of Britomart,
              Is throwne on the Rich strond:
            Faire Florimell of Arthur is
              Long followed, but not fond.
                [61]
        Canto v
            Prince Arthur heares of Florimell:
              three fosters Timias wound,
            Belphebe finds him almost dead,
              and reareth out of sownd.
                [55]
        Canto vi
            The birth of faire Belphoebe and
              Of Amoret is told.
            The Gardins of Adonis fraught
              With pleasures manifold.
                [54]
        Canto vii
            The witches sonne loues Florimell:
              she flyes, he faines to die.
            Satyrane saues the Squire of Dames
              from Gyants tyrannie.
                [61]
        Canto viii
            The Witch creates a snowy Lady,
              like to Florimell,
            Who wrongd by Carle by Proteus sau'd,
              is sought by Paridell.
                [52]
        Canto ix
            Malbecco will no straunge knights host,
              For peeuish gealosie:
            Paridell giusts with Britomart:
              Both shew their auncestrie.
                [53]
        Canto x
            Paridell rapeth Hellenore:
              Malbecco her pursewes:
            Findes emongst Satyres, whence with him
              To turne she doth refuse.
                [60]
        Canto xi
            Britomart chaceth Ollyphant,
              findes Scudamour distrest:
            Assayes the house of Busyrane,
              where Loues spoyles are exprest.
                [55]
        Canto xii
            The maske of Cupid, and th'enchaunted
              Chamber are displayd,
            Whence Britomart redeemes faire
              Amoret, through charmes decayd.
                [45]

        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

314                           _R. S._

     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

357                           _W. L._

     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}


CANTO I


   _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
pain > pains, effort

5     Whereat he began to stretch: but he again
6     Shook him so hard, that forced him to speak.

that > [that it]

7     As one then in a dream, whose drier brain

drier > {Too-dry: subject to uneasy dreams}

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]



CANTO II


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

5    And through their iron sides with cruel spies

envies > vies with, seeks to rival; begrudges
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,


2    "Are you in this misformed house to dwell?"

time > [a time]
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]



CANTO III


   _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



CANTO IIII


   _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.



CANTO V


   _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



CANTO VI


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