CANTO I_The Faerie Queene — Volume 01

A NOTE ON THIS EDITION

This is an electronic edition of Volume One of Edmund Spenser's

_Faerie Queene_. You are encouraged to use and copy it.

The edition includes the following elements:

- an entirely new composite text, based on the edition of 1596 (the

"Original Text")

- details of departures, or proposed departures, from the copy text

(the "Textual Appendix")

- a modernized version of the Original Text (the "Shadow Text")

- definitions of difficult words and phrases in the Shadow Text (the

"Glossary").

The Original Text was not scanned, but typed, and proofed against the

Scolar Press facsimile (see Bibliography). Editing took place between

November 1989 and July 1992, using EMACS.

Edition 10 (faeri10.txt) was prepared especially for Project Gutenberg

in February 2003.

Thus edition (August 2004) corrects a few errors in the convention for

italic type. A few definitions appearing in the wrong place have also

been fixed, as have anomalous top-bit set characters in the Hales

Biography, which has been reformatted to make it easier to read.

The edition is best viewed with a monospaced font. Plain ASCII

text is used throughout. Accented, etc., characters are indicated by

symbols contained in curly brackets, e.g.:

{e/} = lower-case e + acute accent (pointing up to right)

{e\} = lower-case e + grave accent (pointing up to left)

{o^} = lower-case o + circumflex accent

{o"} = lower-case o + diaeresis mark

{e~} = lower-case e + tilde

{ae} = lower-case ae diphthong

{Ae} = ae diphthong with initial capital

{AE} = fully capitalized ae diphthong

etc.

In this way all the characters of the 1596 edition have been shown

except the long "s", which has been throughout converted to its modern

equivalent. In Roman type, the long "s" most closely resembles a

lower-case "f" lacking part of the crossbar. It is used in the copy-text

in nearly all places where this edition has an ordinary lower-case "s",

except at the ends of words and when preceding the letter "k". Using

the oblique character in place of the long "s", then, the first lines of

the poem read:

Lo I the man, who/e Mu/e whilome did maske,

As time her taught in lowly Shepheards weeds,

Am now enfor/t a far vnfitter taske,

For trumpets /terne to chaunge mine Oaten reeds ...

These rules are on occasion broken, apparently by mistake. The long

"s" does nothing to aid comprehension, and indeed causes problems, noted

in the Textual Appendix: e.g. confusion between "besit" and "befit".

Special characters contained in the list of printers' contractions

are noted in the preamble to that list.

Regions of text printed, or intended to be shown, in italic type are

defined by underscores, thus: the _second_ word is in italics.

Spenser's original text of _The Faerie Queene_ is here described as

"Spenser's Text" and is in the public domain. The biography by

John W. Hales has passed out of copyright and was published by Messrs

Macmillan. Copyright in all other parts of this edition, including

editorial treatment of Spenser's Text, is reserved. You may not sell the

whole or any part of this edition in any form whatsoever, nor may you

supply it as an inducement to any party to purchase any product. Except

for private study, you may not alter the text in any way.

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

jonathan.barnes[at]conexil.co.uk

20 August 2004

Main components:

Editor's Introduction

Abbreviations Used

List of Proper Nouns

Table of Contents of Volume I

Introductory Matter

Books I-III

Printer's Contractions

Bibliography

Biographical Material

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

=> THE FAERIE QUEENE

Editor's Introduction

Acknowledgements

Purpose of the edition

The text of the poem

The form of the poem

The numbering system

How the Glossary works

The Textual Appendix

Suggestions for new readers

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}

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;

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:

<MR> masculine character in history (i.e. a real person)

<FR> feminine character in history

<NR> neuter or animal character in history

<MM> masculine character in mythology

<FM> feminine character in mythology

<NM> neuter or animal character in mythology

<MB> masculine character in Bible

<FB> feminine character in Bible

<MQ> masculine character unique to FQ

<FQ> feminine character unique to FQ

<NQ> neuter or animal character unique to FQ

<PQ> personification in FQ (e.g. Wrath, Despair)

<PX> personification in general use (e.g. Nature, Time)

<LR> real place

<LM> locus in mythology

<LB> locus in Bible

<LQ> locus in FQ

<XP> tribes, nations, peoples, or individuals of these (e.g.

Briton)

<XX> not classified

<M any masculine character

<F any feminine character

<N any neuter or animal character

<L any locus

R> any historical character or real place

M> any character or locus in mythology

B> any character or locus in the Bible

Q> any locus, character, or personification unique to _FQ_

<FQ> Abessa 103.18

<LR> Abus 210.16

<LM> Acheron 105.33

<MM> Achilles I:330, 302.25

<MM> Acontius 207.55

<FQ> Acrasia (Pleasure) 201.51, 301.2

<MQ> Acrates 204.41

<MB> Adam 210.50

<MM> Admetus 311.39

<MM> Adonis 301.34, 306.0

<LR> Adrian Gulf [Adriatic Sea] 207.14

<LR> Aegean 307.26

<FM> Aegeria 210.42

<FM> Aegina 311.35

<MM> Aeneas I:83

<MM> Aeolus (1) 107.9

<MM> Aeolus (2) 311.42

<MM> Aesculapius 105.36

<LR> African Ismael 303.6

<MM> Aganippus 210.29

<MM> Agdistes (Genius) 212.48

<MM> Aidan [Adin] 303.37

<LR> Alba [Alba Longa]

<MM> Albanact 210.14

<LR> Albania 210.29

<LR> Albion (1) 210.6

<MM> Albion (2) 210.11

<MM> Alcides (Hercules) 107.17

<LR> Alcluith 210.63

<FM> Alcmene 311.33

<XX> Aldebaran 103.16

<MR> Alexander 209.45

<MR> Allectus 210.57

<LR> Allen [the Bog of Allen, in Ireland] 209.16

<FQ> Alma (Temperance) 209.0

<XX> Amarant 306.45

<FQ> Amavia 201.0

<LR> Amazon 200.2

<PQ> Ambition 207.46

<MR> Ambrosius 210.67

<PQ> Amendment 110.26

<LR> America 210.72

<MM> Amintas 306.45

<MM> Ammon 105.48

<FQ> Amoret 306.0

<FQ> Amphisa 306.4

<MQ> Anamnestes 209.58

<MM> Anchises 309.41

<MM> Androgeus 210.46

<MQ> angel [watching over Guyon] 208.3

<FM> Angela 303.56

<PQ> Anger 312.25

<XP> Angles 303.56

<PQ> Annoyance 304.55

<MR> Antiochus 105.47

<FM> Antiope 311.35

<XX> Antiquity of Faery Land 209.60

<MR> Antonius 105.49

<MM> Apollo 105.43, 304.41

<PQ> Appetite 209.28

<LR> Arabia 105.4

<FM> Arachne 207.28

<MQ> Archimago (Hypocrisy) 101.43, 304.45

<FQ> Argante 307.47

<XX> Argo 212.44

<MM> Argus 104.17, 309.7

<MQ> armed knight [Sir Ferraugh] 308.15

<LR> Armorica 303.41

<FM> Arne 311.42

<LR> Arras 301.34

<MQ> Artegall 209.6, 302.0

<MM> Arthgallo 210.44

<MM> Arthur 107.0

<MM> Arviragus 210.51

<MM> Asclepiodotus 210.50

<LR> Asia 309.39

<MM> Assaracus 209.56

<FM> Asteria 311.34

<FM> Atalanta 207.54

<FM> Ate 207.55

<LR> Athens 210.25

<MQ> Atin 204.42

<MM> Atlas 207.54

<MR> Augustine 303.35

<MR> Aurelius 210.67

<FM> Aurora 104.16, 310.1

<PQ> Avarice 104.27

<XX> Ave 103.13

<XX> Ave Maria 101.35

<LM> Avernus 105.31

<MM> Aveugle 105.23

<LB> Babel 209.21

<LR> Babylon 105.47

<MQ> Bacchante 301.45

<MM> Bacchus (Lyaeus) 106.15

<LR> Bangor 303.35

<LR> Barry 303.8

<MQ> Basciante 301.45

<LR> Bath (Caer-badus) 111.30

<MQ> beadmen 110.36

<MM> Belinus 210.40

<FQ> Belphoebe 203.0

<FM> Biblis 302.41

<FM> Bisaltis 311.41

<MM> Bladud 303.60

<FR> Boadicea 210.54

<MM> Boreas 102.33

<LQ> Bower of Bliss 201.51

<MQ> Braggadocchio 203.0

<MM> Brennus 210.40

<LR> Britain 110.65

<FQ> Britomart 301.0

<XP> Briton 111.7

<XX> Briton Moniments 209.59

<XP> Britoness 301.58

<MM> Brocmail [Brockwell] 303.35

<MM> Brunchild 210.24

<MM> Brutus 210.9

<MQ> Busirane 311.0

<MR> Cadmus 209.45

<MR> Cador 303.27

<XX> Caduceus 212.41

<MM> Cadwallader 303.40

<MM> Cadwalla [Cadwallin] 303.36

<MM> Cadwan 303.35

<FM> Caecily 210.34

<FQ> Caelia 110.4

<LR> Caer-badus (Bath) 210.26

<LR> Caer-lion 210.25

<LR> Caer-merdin (Maridunum) 303.7

<LR> Caer-verulam [St Albans] 303.52

<MR> Caesar [Gaius Julius Caesar] 105.49

<MQ> Calidore 308.28

<MM> Camber 210.14

<LR> Cambria 210.29

<FM> Camilla 304.2

<LR> Cantium (Canutium, Kent) 210.12

<MM> Canute 210.11

<LR> Canutium (Cantium, Kent)

<MM> Carados 303.55

<MR> Carausius 210.57

<PQ> Care 101.40; ?another? at 312.25

<MM> Careticus 303.33

<LR> Carlisle 210.25

<LR> Caspian 207.14

<MM> Cassibellaun 210.47

<FM> Cassiopeia 103.16

<LQ> Castle Joyeous 301.20

<FM> Celeno 207.23

<LR> Celtic mainland 210.5

<LR> Celtica 210.29

<NM> Centaur 210.29

<MM> Cephissus 302.44

<LR> Cephisus 111.30

<NM> Cerberus 105.34

<FM> Ceres 301.51

<PQ> Change 312.25

<NM> Chanticleer 102.1

<FM> Chaos 306.36

<FQ> Charissa 110.4

<MB> Christ (Saviour, Redeemer) 210.53

<XX> Christianity 210.53

<XX> Christians 108.36

<FQ> Chrysogone 306.4

<XX> Church 303.34

<FQ> Claribella 204.26

<MR> Claudius 210.51

<FR> Cleopatra 105.50

<LQ> Cleopolis 107.46

<FM> Clio 304.4

<FM> Clymene 311.38

<LR> Cnidus 306.29

<LM> Cocytus 101.37

<MM> Coel 210.58

<MM> Coillus 210.53

<LR> Colchester 210.58

<FQ> Columbell 307.51

<PQ> Concoction 209.31

<MR> Constantine (1) 210.60

<MM> Constantine (2) 303.29

<MR> Constantius 210.59

<PQ> Contemplation 110.46

<MQ> Coradin 204.36

<FQ> Corceca (Devotion) 103.18

<FM> Cordelia 210.28

<MM> Corineus 210.10

<LR> Cornewaile (Cornwall) 210.12

<FM> Coronis 311.37

<MM> Coulin 210.11

<PQ> Covetise 105.46

<FM> Creusa 212.45

<MR> Critias 207.52

<MR> Croesus 105.47

<PQ> Cruelty 312.19

<MM> Cunedagius 210.33

<MM> Cupid (Love) 110.30

<FM> Cybele 106.15

<MM> Cymbeline 210.50

<LR> Cymbrian plain 108.11

<MQ> Cymochles 204.41

<FM> Cymodoce 304.19

<FM> Cynthia (Diana, Lucina, Phoebe) 101.39, 107.34, 300.4

<LR> Cynthus 203.31

<MM> Cyparissus 106.17

<FM> Cytherea (Venus, Dame Pleasure) 306.20

<LR> Cytheron 306.29

<FM> Dame Pleasure (Venus, Cytherea) 101.47

<FM> Danae 311.31

<PQ> Danger 312.11

<MM> Danius 210.43

<FM> Daphne 212.52, 311.36

<MM> Day (Phoebus, Light) 302.48

<PQ> Death 206.44

<MM> Debon 210.11

<FB> Deborah 304.2

<PQ> Deceit 105.26

<LR> Dee 303.35

<LR> Dehenbarth (South Wales) 302.18

<LR> Dell 210.24

<LR> Delos 212.13

<MM> Demogorgon 105.22

<LR> Denmark 210.41

<PQ> Desire 312.9

<PQ> Despair 109.0

<FQ> Despite 204.41

<MM> Deucalion 311.42

<LR> Devonshire 210.12

<FQ> Devotion (Corceca) 103.0

<FM> Diana (Cynthia, Lucina, Phoebe) 105.39

<PQ> Diet 209.27

<PQ> Digestion 209.31

<MR> Diocletian 210.8

<PQ> Disdain 207.41

<PQ> Disloyalty 312.25

<PQ> Displeasure 312.18

<PQ> Dissemblance 312.14

<PQ> Doubt 312.10

<NQ> dragon (Satan, Prince of Darkness) 101.3

<PQ> Dread 312.25

<PQ> Dread-of-Heavenly-Vengeance 312.25

<FM> Dryope 106.15

<FQ> Duessa (Fidessa, Falsehood) 102.34, 301.0

<MQ> Dumarin 304.19

<MR> Dunwallo 210.40

<MQ> dwarf [Florimell's; named at 502.3:1] 305.3

<MQ> dwarf [Una's] 101.6

<LR> Dynevor 303.8

<FM> Earth 107.9

<PQ> Ease 312.4

<LR> Easterland [Norway] 210.41

<XP> Easterlings 210.63

<MM> Ebraucus 210.21

<LB> Eden 112.26

<MM> Edwin 303.36

<MQ> Elf 210.71

<MQ> Elfant 210.73

<MQ> Elfar 210.73

<MQ> Elferon 210.75

<MQ> Elficleos 210.75

<MQ> Elfiline 210.72

<MQ> Elfin 210.72

<MQ> Elfinan 210.72

<MQ> Elfinell 210.73

<MQ> Elfinor 210.73

<MM> Elidure 210.44

<FQ> Elissa 202.35

<LR> Elversham 210.24

<XP> Elves 303.26

<FR> Emmilen 303.54

<MM> Enceladus 309.22

<LR> England 110.61

<PQ> Envy 104.30

<MR> Eosa [Oza] 303.52

<MM> Erebus 204.41, 304.55

<FM> Erigone 311.43

<FM> Erinnys 202.29

<FQ> Errant Damsel (Una, Truth) 201.19

<NQ> Error 101.0

<LR> Esquiline 209.32

<LR> Estham Bruges 210.24

<FM> Estrildis 210.17

<MM> Eternity 204.41

<MM> Ethelfrid [Etheldred] 303.35

<LR> Etna (Mongiball) 111.44, 208.20, 302.32

<MM> Euboean young man [Melanion, also called Hippomenes] 207.54

<MQ> Eumnestes 209.58

<LR> Euphrates 107.43

<FM> Europa 311.30

<LR> Eurotas 203.31

<LR> Euxine seas [Euxinus] 212.44

<PQ> Excess 212.57

<XP> Faery 100.2

<FQ> Faery Queen (Gloriana, Queen of Faery, Queen of Faeries)

107.36

<FQ> Falsehood (Duessa, Fidessa) 102.0

<PQ> Fancy 312.7

<FM> Fates 107.22

<MM> Faunus 202.7

<PQ> Fear 207.22

<MM> Ferrex 210.34

<MQ> Ferryman, The 211.4

<FQ> Fidelia 110.4

<FQ> Fidessa (Duessa, Falsehood) 102.26

<MQ> fisher [the fisherman who violates Florimell] 307.27

<FM> Flora 101.48

<FQ> Florimell 301.0

<MQ> foster 301.17

<MQ> Fradubio 102.33

<FQ> Fraelissa 102.37

<LR> France 210.22

<MM> Fulgenius 210.57

<FM> Furies 103.36

<PQ> Furor 204.0

<PQ> Fury 312.17

<MQ> Gardante 301.45

<LQ> Garden of Adonis 210.71, 306.29

<MM> Genius (Agdistes) 212.47

<MQ> Genius [at Garden of Adonis] 306.31

<FM> Genuissa 210.52

<MM> George (Redcross, Georgos) 102.11

<MQ> Georgos (Redcross, George) 110.66

<LR> Germany 210.22

<MM> Giants 309.22

<LB> Gihon 107.43

<LR> Glamorgan 210.33

<FQ> Glauce 302.30

<FQ> Gloriana (Faery Queen, Queen of Faery, Queen of Faeries)

210.0

<PQ> Gluttony 104.21

<XX> God (great King, heaven's King) 101.13

<MM> Godmer 210.11

<MM> Goemagot 210.10

<FM> Goneril 210.28

<MM> Gorboduc 210.34

<MM> Gorbonian 210.44

<MM> Gorgon 101.37

<FM> Gorgons 309.22

<MM> Gorlois 303.27

<MM> Gormund 303.33

<FM> Graces 101.48, 203.25, 208.6, 306.2

<MR> Gratian 210.61

<XX> great King (God, heaven's King) 110.55

<LR> Greece 105.4

<XP> Greeks 103.21, 207.55

<PQ> Grief 310.55

<MR> Griffith ap Cynan 303.45

<MQ> Grill 212.86

<FM> Guendolen 303.54

<MM> Guithelin 210.42

<LQ> Gulf of Greediness 212.3

<MM> Gurgiunt 210.41

<MM> Gurgustius 210.34

<MQ> Guyon 200.5

<LR> Haemus 309.22

<LR> Haina 210.24

<LR> Hainaut 210.21

<MR> Hannibal 105.49

<PQ> Hate 207.22

<XX> heaven's King (God, great King) 110.36

<LM> Heavenfield 303.38

<LR> Hebrus 111.30

<FM> Hecate 101.43

<MM> Hector 209.45

<FM> Helen 207.55

<FM> Helena 210.59

<MM> Heli 210.45

<FM> Heliconian maids (Muse) 100.1

<FM> Helle 311.30

<FQ> Hellenore 309.6

<XP> Henalois 210.24

<MM> Hengist 210.65

<MM> Hercules (Alcides) 207.54

<NM> Hermaphroditus 312.46 (1590)

<XX> Hesperus 102.6, 304.51

<LR> Highgate 309.46

<MM> Hippolytus 105.36

<LR> Hoe 210.10

<XX> Holy Grail 210.53

<MR> Homer 304.2

<PQ> Hope 312.13 (this is not Speranza, q.v.)

<MM> Horsa 210.65

<XX> House of Agonies 209.52

<LQ> House of Holiness 110.3

<LQ> House of Pride 104.0

<LM> House of Proserpine (Tartarus) 311.1

<LQ> House of Temperance 209.0

<MR> Howell Dha 303.45

<MQ> Huddibras 202.17

<LR> Humber 210.16

<MM> Huon 201.6

<MM> Hyacinth 212.54, 306.45

<NM> Hydra 212.23; see also 107.17

<NQ> hyena [the creature sent after Florimell] 308.44

<MM> Hylas 312.7

<XX> Hymen io Hymen 101.48

<MQ> Hypocrisy (Archimago) 101.0

<FM> Hypsipyle 210.56

<LR> Ida 212.52, 311.54

<LQ> Idle Lake 206.10

<PQ> Idleness (Sloth) 104.18

<MQ> Ignaro 108.31

<LR> Ilium 309.34

<PQ> Impatience 211.23

<PQ> Impotence 211.23

<MM> Inachus 209.56

<LR> Ind 105.4

<LR> India 200.2, 210.72, 303.6

<XP> Indians 312.8

<PQ> Infirmity 312.25

<FM> Inogene 210.13

<FM> Iphimedia 311.42

<PQ> Ire (Wrath) 104.35

<LR> Ireland 209.24, 210.41, 303.33

<FM> Iris 311.47

<FM> Isse 311.39

<LR> Italy 210.13

<MM> Iulus 309.43

<MM> Ixion 105.35

<MB> Jacob 106.35

<MM> Jago 210.34

<PQ> Jar 204.41

<MM> Jason 212.44

<PQ> Jealousy (see also Malbecco) 207.22, 310.55

<LR> Jerusalem 110.57

<XP> Jews 207.62

<MQ> Jocante 201.45

<LR> Jordan 111.30

<MB> Joseph of Arimathea 210.53

<MM> Jove 100.3, 101.6, 104.11, 210.3, 210.70, 211.43, 311.30

<FM> Juno (Lucina) 212.13

<LR> Kent (Canutium, Cantium) 210.12

<MM> Kimarus 210.43

<MM> Kinmarcus 210.34

<MQ> Kirkrapine 103.22

<MQ> Labryde 106.21

<LR> Lacedaemon 309.34

<FQ> Lady of Delight 301.26

<FM> Lady of the Lake 303.10

<NQ> lamb [Una's] 101.4

<MM> Laomedon 211.19

<MM> Latinus 309.42

<LR> Latium 309.42

<FM> Latona 212.13

<LR> Layburn Plain 303.37

<MM> Lear 210.27

<PQ> Lechery 104.24

<FM> Leda 311.32

<MM> Leill 210.25

<XX> Lentulus 105.49

<LM> Lerna 107.17

<LM> Lethe 103.36

<FM> Liagore 304.41

<MM> Light (Phoebus, Day) 105.24

<LM> Limbo-lake 102.32

<LR> Lincoln 309.51

<NQ> lion [Una's champion] 103.5

<MM> Locrin 210.13

<LR> Logris 210.14

<PQ> Loss of Time 312.25

<LR> Lothian 303.37

<MM> Love (Cupid) 109.8

<FQ> Lucifera 104.12

<FM> Lucina (Diana, Cynthia, Phoebe, Juno) 201.53

<MB> Lucius 210.53

<MM> Lud I:304, 210.46

<MM> Lyaeus (Bacchus) 301.51

<MM> Maddan 210.20

<MM> Maglaunus 210.29

<LR> Magnes 212.4

<XX> Mahound (Termagant) 208.23

<XX> Maidenhead [Order of] 107.46

<MQ> Malbecco 309.6

<FQ> Malecasta 301.0

<MQ> Maleger 211.0

<MM> Malgo 303.31

<MQ> Malvenu 104.6

<MM> Mammon (Richesse) 207.0

<MM> Manlius 210.21

<LR> Maridunum (Caer-merdin) 303.7

<MQ> Marinell 304.0

<MR> Marius 105.49

<MM> Mars 100.3, 311.36

<FM> Martia 303.54

<FM> Matilda 303.13

<LR> Matraval 303.13

<MR> Maximian 210.61

<FQ> Mean (Medina) 202.0

<FM> Medea 212.44

<FQ> Medina (Mean) 202.14

<FM> Medusa 311.42

<FM> Memory (Mnemosyne) 303.4

<MM> Mempricius 210.21

<LR> Menevia [St David's] 303.55

<XP> Mercians 303.30

<MM> Mercury 212.41

<PQ> Mercy 110.34

<MM> Merlin 107.36

<MB> Methuselah 209.57

<FM> Minerva 309.22

<FQ> Mirth (Phaedria) 206.0

<PQ> Misfortune 204.17

<PQ> Mnemon 309.47

<FM> Mnemosyne 311.35

<LR> Mona [Anglesey] 303.48

<LR> Mongiball (Etna) 209.29

<MQ> Mordant 201.0

<XX> Morddure 208.21

<MM> Morgan 210.33

<XP> Morini 210.43

<MM> Morpheus (Sleep) 101.36

<MM> Morvidus 210.43

<MM> Mulciber (Vulcan) 207.5

<FM> Muse (Heliconian maids) 100.1, 212.52

<PQ> Music 112.38

<FM> Myrrha 307.26; 101.9

<MM> Narcissus 306.45

<PX> Nature 111.47

<LR> Nausa (Paros) 309.37

<LM> Nausicle 309.37

<LM> Nemea 205.31

<MM> Nennius 210.49

<MM> Neptune 103.32

<MM> Nereus 103.31, 304.19

<MM> Nestor (Pylian) 209.57

<LR> Neustria 303.47

<FM> Night [Nox] 101.39, 105.20, 304.54

<LR> Nile 101.21

<MB> Nimrod 105.48

<MM> Ninus 105.48

<MB> Noah 210.15

<MQ> Noctante 301.45

<LR> Northumber 303.39

<XP> Norwegians 303.33

<MM> Numa 210.39

<PQ> Obedience 110.17

<MM> Oberon 201.6, 210.75

<PQ> Occasion 204.0

<MR> Octa 303.52

<MR> Octavius 210.60

<FM> Oenone 309.36

<MM> Offric 303.37

<MQ> Ollyphant 307.48

<LM> Olympus 307.41

<MM> Orcus (Pluto) 212.41

<MQ> Orgoglio 107.14

<XX> Orion 103.31

<XX> Orion's hound [the star Sirius] 103.31

<LR> Orkney 303.37

<MB> Orsilochus 304.2

<MM> Osric 303.37

<LR> Ossa 210.3

<MM> Oswald 303.38

<MM> Oswy 303.39

<LQ> Overt Gate 309.46

<MM> Paean 304.41

<PQ> Pain 207.21

<FQ> Palladine 307.52

<MQ> palmer 201.7

<MM> Pan 209.40

<FM> Panope 308.37

<LQ> Panthea 110.58

<LR> Panwelt 210.63

<LR> Paphos 306.29

<MQ> Paridas 309.37

<MQ> Paridell 308.0

<MM> Paris 207.55

<MQ> Parius 309.36

<MQ> Parlante 301.45

<LM> Parnassus 212.52

<LR> Paros (Nausa) 309.36

<FM> Pasiphae 302.41

<PQ> Patience 110.23

<MR> Paulinus 210.55

<PQ> Peace 303.49

<NM> Pegasus 109.21, 311.42

<MM> Pellitus 303.36

<PQ> Penance 110.27

<MM> Penda 303.37

<FM> Penthesilea 304.2

<MQ> Peredure 210.44

<FQ> Perissa 202.36

<LR> Persia 102.13

<LR> Peru 200.2

<FQ> Phaedria (Mirth) 206.9

<MQ> Phantastes 209.52

<FQ> Phao 302.20

<MQ> Phedon 204.0

<MQ> Philemon 204.20

<FQ> Philotime 207.49

<FM> Philyra 311.43

<LM> Phlegethon 105.33

<FM> Phoebe (Diana, Cynthia, Lucina) 107.5

<MM> Phoebus (Day, Light) 100.4, 101.23, 102.1, 111.5, 209.48,

211.19, 303.4

<MM> Phoebus' fairest child [Phaethon] 104.9

<FM> Pholoe 106.15

<XP> Picts 210.61

<MB> Pilate 207.62

<LR> Pindus 304.41

<LB> Pishon 107.43

<PQ> Pleasance 312.18

<FQ> Pleasure (Acrasia) 201.0

<PX> Pleasure [Volupia] 306.50

<MM> Pluto (Orcus) 101.37

<MR> Pompey 105.49

<MM> Porrex 210.34

<PQ> Poverty 312.25

<PQ> Praise-desire 209.39

<MR> Praxiteles 300.2

<MM> Priam 203.31

<PQ> Pride 104.0

<MB> Prince of Darkness (Satan, dragon) 308.8

<MM> Prometheus 210.70

<FM> Proserpine (Thracian maid) 102.2

<MM> Proteus 102.10, 304.25

<FQ> Pryene 204.25

<FM> Psyche 306.50

<MR> Ptolemy 302.20

<MM> Pubidius 303.13

<MM> Pylian (Nestor) 209.48

<MQ> Pyrochles 204.41

<MM> Pyrrhus 203.31

<FQ> Queen of Faeries (Faery Queen, Queen of Faery, Gloriana)

109.14

<FQ> Queen of Faery (Faery Queen, Queen of Faeries, Gloriana)

209.4

<PQ> Rancour 204.44

<LR> Rauran 109.4

<PQ> Reason 204.34

<MQ> Redcross (George, Georgos) 101.0, 102.0

<XX> Redeemer (Christ, Saviour) 201.27

<FM> Regan 210.28

<PQ> Remorse 110.27

<PQ> Repentance 110.27

<PQ> Reproach 312.24

<PQ> Revenge 204.44, 207.22

<PQ> Reverence 110.7

<LR> Rhodope 212.52

<MR> Rhodri 303.45

<LQ> Rich Strand 304.0

<MQ> Richesse (Mammon) 207.24

<PQ> Riotise 312.25

<LR> Riphaean hills 308.6

<MM> Rivallo 210.34

<LR> River Dee 109.4

<LQ> Rock of Reproach 212.8

<XP> Romans 210.47

<LR> Rome 210.40

<MM> Romulus 105.49, 309.43

<MM> Ruddoc 210.38

<MQ> Ruddymane 203.2

<XP> Russian 211.26

<MM> Ryence 302.18

<MM> Sabrina 210.19

<XX> Saint Francis' fire 104.35

<XX> Sanglamort 310.32

<MQ> Sansfoy 102.12

<MQ> Sansjoy 102.25

<MQ> Sansloy 102.25

<XP> Saracen 102.12

<MB> Satan (dragon, Prince of Darkness) 104.36

<MM> Saturn 311.43

<MQ> Satyrane 106.28

<MM> satyrs 106.7, 310.0

<XX> Saviour (Christ, Redeemer) 109.19

<XP> Saxon 303.29

<LR> Scaldis 210.24

<LM> Scamander 309.35

<MR> Scipio 105.49

<MQ> Scudamour 306.53

<LR> Selinus 107.32

<FM> Semele 311.33

<FM> Semiramis 105.50, 210.56

<LR> Severn 210.14, 210.19, 210.54

<MR> Severus 210.57

<PQ> Shame 105.26

<PQ> Shamefastness 209.43

<LB> Siloam 111.30

<MM> Silvanus 106.7

<MM> Silvius 309.48

<MB> Sisera 304.2

<MM> Sisilius 210.43

<MM> Sisillius 210.34

<MM> Sisyphus 105.35

<LR> Six Islands 303.32

<MM> Sleep (Morpheus) 101.40, 304.54

<PQ> Sloth (Idleness) 104.36

<NQ> snowy lady [Snowy Florimell] 308.0

<MR> Socrates 207.52

<FQ> Sophy 209.6

<PQ> Sorrow 107.25

<LR> South Wales (Dehenbarth) 302.18

<LR> Spain 210.41

<LR> Spau 111.30

<FQ> Speranza 110.4

<NQ> Spumador 211.19

<MQ> Squire of Dames 307.51

<MM> Stater 210.38

<FM> Sthenoboea 105.50

<LR> Stonehenge 210.66

<LR> Stremona 107.17

<PQ> Strife 204.0

<LM> Styx 101.37, 306.24, 306.46

<MR> Sulla 105.49

<PQ> Suspect 312.14

<FM> Tanaquil 100.2, 210.76

<MM> Tantalus 105.35

<MR> Tarquin 105.49

<XP> Tartar 211.26

<LM> Tartarus (House of Proserpine) 107.44

<LM> Tempe 212.52

<FQ> Temperance (Alma) 211.0

<MM> Tenuantius 210.46

<XX> Termagant (Mahound) 208.30

<MQ> Terwin 109.27

<FM> Tethys 101.39

<LR> Thames 309.45

<LR> Thebes 209.45

<MQ> Therion 106.21

<MM> Theseus 105.35

<FM> Thracian maid (Proserpine) 311.35

<FQ> Thyamis 106.21

<LR> Tiber 102.22

<PX> Time 306.39

<MQ> Timias 301.18 (he first appears at 107.29)

<MQ> Timon 109.4

<MM> Titan 102.7, 104.8

<MM> Titans 207.41, 307.47

<MM> Tithonus 102.7

<MM> Tityus 105.35

<FR> Tomyris 210.56

<LR> Tours 301.34

<MR> Trahern 210.60

<PQ> Treason 207.22

<XX> Tree of Life 111.46

<MQ> Trevisan 109.0

<MM> Triton 304.33

<MM> Trojan boy [Ganymede] 311.34

<XP> Trojans 207.55

<MQ> Trompart 203.10

<LR> Troy 203.31

<LM> Troynovant 210.46

<FQ> Truth (Una, Errant Damsel) 102.0

<MM> Tryphon 304.43

<MM> Typhoeus 105.35

<MM> Ulfin 303.55

<MQ> Umilta 110.5

<FQ> Una (Truth, Errant Damsel) 101.45

<PQ> Unthriftihead 212.18

<MM> Uther 210.68, 303.55

<PQ> Vanity 104.13

<FM> Venus (Cytherea, Dame Pleasure) 100.3, 306.2

<MQ> Verdant 212.82

<MR> Vespasian 210.52

<MM> Vigenius 210.44

<LR> Virginia 200.2

<MM> Vortigern 210.64

<MM> Vortimer 210.66

<MM> Vortipore 303.31

<MM> Vulcan (Mulciber) 207.36

<LQ> Wandering Islands 212.11

<LQ> Wandering Wood 101.13

<MM> Wasserman 212.24

<LB> Well of Life 111.29

<LQ> Whirlpool of Decay 212.20

<FM> Widen 210.35

<FQ> witch 307.6

<MQ> witch's son 307.12

<PQ> Woe 304.55

<MR> Worthies [the nine Worthies] 303.4

<PQ> Wrath (Ire) 104.33

<LM> Xanthus 309.35

<MM> Ymner 210.38

<PQ> Zeal 110.6

<MM> Zephyr 205.29

<MR> Zeuxis 300.2

=> CONTENTS

Title page

Dedication

A letter to Sir Walter Raleigh

Commendatory Verses

A Vision vpon this conceipt of the _Faery Queene_

Another of the same (W. R.)

To the learned Shepheard (Hobinoll)

Fayre _Thamis_ streame, that from _Ludds_ stately towne (R. S.)

Graue Muses march in triumph and with prayses (H. B.)

When stout _Achilles_ heard of _Helens_ rape (W. L.)

To looke vpon a work of rare deuise (Ignoto)

Dedicatory Sonnets

Sir Christopher Hatton

William Cecil, Lord Burleigh

Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford

Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland

George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland

Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex

Thomas Butler, Earl of Ormond and Ossory

Charles, Lord Howard of Effingham

Henry Carey, Lord Hunsdon

Arthur, Lord Grey de Wilton

Thomas Sackville, Earl of Dorset and Baron Buckhurst

Sir Francis Walsingham

Sir John Norris

Sir Walter Raleigh

Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke

Lady Elizabeth Spencer Carey

Ladies in the Court

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:

2 THE FAERIE

3 QVEENE.

5 _Disposed into twelue bookes,

6 Fashioning_

7 XII. Morall vertues.

11 LONDON

13 Printed for William Ponsonbie.

15 1596.

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

5 _Disposed into twelve books,

6 fashioning

fashioning > representing, exemplifying

7 twelve moral virtues_

11 LONDON

13 Printed for William Ponsonby

15 1596

20 TO

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.

20 TO

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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._

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

5 Whereat he began to stretch: but he again

6 Shook him so hard, that forced him to speak.

pain > pains, effort

7 As one then in a dream, whose drier brain

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

that > [that it]

8 Is tossed with troubled sights and fancies weak,

9 He mumbled soft, but would not all his silence break.

all > altogether, entirely

101.43

The Sprite then gan more boldly him to wake,

2 And threatned vnto him the dreaded name

Of _Hecate_: whereat he gan to quake,

4 And lifting vp his lumpish head, with blame

Halfe angry asked him, for what he came.

6 Hither (quoth he) me _Archimago_ sent,

He that the stubborne Sprites can wisely tame,

8 He bids thee to him send for his intent

A fit false dreame, that can delude the sleepers sent.

1 The sprite then began more boldly him to wake,

2 And threatened to him the dreaded name

3 Of Hecate: whereat he began to quake,

Hecate > (Three-headed goddess of the underworld, companion of and

attendant upon Proserpine, associated with witchcraft and dreams;

sometimes identified with Proserpine herself. See _Myth._ 3.15,

_Macbeth_ II i 52, III v, IV i 39-43, _King Lear_ I i 109)

whereat > at which

4 And, lifting up his lumpish head, with blame

lumpish > heavy; sluggish

blame > reproach

5 Half angry asked him for what he came.

6 "Hither" quoth he, "me Archimago sent,

Archimago > "Arch Mage", "Arch Magician"

7 He that the stubborn sprites can wisely tame,

can > can; did

wisely > by magic arts

8 He bids you to him send for his intent

intent > purpose, intention

9 A fit false dream, that can delude the sleeper's assent."

assent > opinion, concurrence of the will; _hence:_ will

101.44

The God obayde, and calling forth straight way

2 A diuerse dreame out of his prison darke,

Deliuered it to him, and downe did lay

4 His heauie head, deuoide of carefull carke,

Whose sences all were straight benumbd and starke.

6 He backe returning by the Yuorie dore,

Remounted vp as light as chearefull Larke,

8 And on his litle winges the dreame he bore

In hast vnto his Lord, where he him left afore.

1 The god obeyed, and calling forth straightway

2 A diverse dream out of his prison dark,

diverse > diverting; _also:_ distracting (SUS)

3 Delivered it to him, and down did lay

4 His heavy head, devoid of careful cark,

careful > {Full of cares}

cark > anxiety, responsibility

5 Whose senses all were straight benumbed and stark.

stark > rigid, unfeeling

6 He, back returning by the ivory door,

ivory door > (The one through which false dreams pass)

7 Remounted up as light as cheerful lark,

8 And on his little wings the dream he bore

9 In haste to his lord, where he him left before.

101.45

Who all this while with charmes and hidden artes,

2 Had made a Lady of that other Spright,

And fram'd of liquid ayre her tender partes

4 So liuely, and so like in all mens sight,

That weaker sence it could haue rauisht quight:

6 The maker selfe for all his wondrous witt,

Was nigh beguiled with so goodly sight:

8 Her all in white he clad, and ouer it

Cast a black stole, most like to seeme for _Vna_ fit.

1 Who all this while, with charms and hidden arts,

charms > spells

2 Had made a lady of that other sprite,

3 And framed of liquid air her tender parts,

framed > designed; fashioned

liquid > transparent; ethereal; bright

4 So lively, and so like in all men's sight,

lively > life-like

like > convincing

5 That weaker sense it could have ravished quite:

weaker > [a weaker or: too-weak]

6 The maker himself, for all his wondrous wit,

7 Was nigh beguiled with so goodly sight:

goodly > beautiful [a]

8 Her all in white he clad, and over it

9 Cast a black stole, most like to seem for Una fit.

stole > robe

Una > "One" (Latin; she is the sole Truth)

101.46

Now when that ydle dreame was to him brought,

2 Vnto that Elfin knight he bad him fly,

Where he slept soundly void of euill thought,

4 And with false shewes abuse his fantasy,

In sort as he him schooled priuily:

6 And that new creature borne without her dew,

Full of the makers guile, with +vsage+ sly

8 He taught to imitate that Lady trew,

Whose semblance she did carrie vnder feigned hew.

7 vsage > visage _1609_

1 Now when that idle dream was to him brought,

idle > empty, baseless

2 To that Elfin knight he bade him fly,

Elfin > {Of a race native to Faery Land (see 210.71 ff.)}

3 Where he slept soundly, void of evil thought,

4 And with false shows abuse his fantasy,

shows > appearances

abuse his fantasy > deceive his imagination

5 In sort as he him schooled privily:

In sort as > [As, in the manner in which]

privily > secretly

6 And that new creature, born without her due,

7 Full of the maker's guile, with usage sly

usage > practice, craft [of Archimago]; behaviour, demeanour [of the

sprite]

8 He taught to imitate that lady true,

9 Whose semblance she did carry under feigned hue.

hue > appearance; colours

101.47

Thus well instructed, to their worke they hast,

2 And comming where the knight in slomber lay,

The one vpon his hardy head him plast,

4 And made him dreame of loues and lustfull play,

That nigh his manly hart did melt away,

6 Bathed in wanton blis and wicked ioy:

Then seemed him his Lady by him lay,

8 And to him playnd, how that false winged +boy,+

Her chast hart had subdewd, to learne Dame +Pleasures+ toy.

boy, > boy _1609_

Pleasures > pleasures _1596_

1 Thus well instructed, to their work they hasten,

2 And, coming where the knight in slumber lay,

3 The one upon his hardy head himself placed,

The one > [The sprite who had visited Morpheus]

hardy head > courageous head; _or:_ hardihead: hardihood, boldness,

courage

4 And made him dream of loves and lustful play,

5 That nigh his manly heart did melt away,

6 Bathed in wanton bliss and wicked joy:

7 Then seemed him his lady by him lay,

Then seemed him > [Then it seemed to him that]

8 And to him complained how that false winged boy

that false winged boy > [Cupid]

9 Her chaste heart had subdued, to learn Dame Pleasure's toy.

subdued > led aside, stolen away (Latin _subduco_, cognate with

_seduco_ and hence "seduce")

learn > learn; teach [her]

Dame Pleasure's toy > love-making, lust (Dame Pleasure = Venus;

toy = amorous game)

101.48

And she her selfe of beautie soueraigne Queene,

2 Faire _Venus_ seemde vnto his bed to bring

Her, whom he waking euermore did +weene,+

4 To be the chastest flowre, that ay did spring

On earthly braunch, the daughter of a king,

6 Now a loose Leman to vile seruice bound:

And eke the _Graces_ seemed all to sing,

8 _Hymen i{o~} Hymen_, dauncing all around,

Whilst freshest _Flora_ her +with+ Yuie girlond crownd.

3 weene, > weene _1609_

9 with > _omitted from 1596 and 1609_

1 And she herself, of beauty sovereign queen,

she > (Perhaps Una rather than Venus; Spenser's pointing is

ambiguous)

2 Fair Venus, seemed to his bed to bring

3 Her, whom he, waking, evermore did ween

waking > [when awake]

ween > suppose

4 To be the chastest flower that ay did spring

ay > ever

5 On earthly branch, the daughter of a king,

6 Now a loose leman to vile service bound:

leman > slut, loose woman

service > love-making; professed love

7 And eke the Graces seemed all to sing,

eke > moreover

Graces > (Three daughters of Jupiter, often described as the

handmaids of Venus. They are especially associated with poetry.

See 203.25, 610.9, 610.21-4)

8 "Hymen i{o"} Hymen", dancing all around,

Hymen i{o"} Hymen > (From the Roman hymeneal or bridal song. _Hymen_ =

the god of marriage, or the song itself; _i{o"}_ = an interjection,

as "hurrah!")

9 Whilst freshest Flora her with ivy garland crowned.

Flora > ("The Goddesse of flowres, but indede (as saith Tacitus) a

famous harlot, which, with the abuse of her body hauing gotten

great riches, made the people of Rome her heyre": _SC_, gloss to

"March")

her > [the semblance of Una]

ivy > (An emblem of licentiousness; see, for example, 104.22:3,

212.61)

101.49

In this great passion of vnwonted lust,

2 Or wonted feare of doing ought amis,

He +started+ vp, as seeming to +mistrust,+

4 Some secret ill, or hidden foe of his:

Lo there before his face his Lady is,

6 Vnder +blacke+ stole hyding her bayted hooke,

And as halfe blushing offred him to kis,

8 With gentle blandishment and louely looke,

Most like that virgin true, which for her knight him took.

3 started > starteth _1590_

3 mistrust, > mistrust _1609_

6 blacke > blake _1596_

1 In this great passion of unwonted lust,

unwonted > unaccustomed

2 Or wonted fear of doing aught amiss,

3 He started up, as seeming to mistrust

mistrust > suspect

4 Some secret ill, or hidden foe of his:

ill > malady; evil

5 Lo there before his face his lady is,

6 Under black stole hiding her baited hook,

stole > robe

7 And, as half blushing, offered him to kiss,

8 With gentle blandishment and lovely look,

blandishment > cajolery; flattery

lovely > loving

9 Most like that virgin true which for her knight him took.

which for her knight him took > [who chose him as her knight]

101.50

All cleane dismayd to see so vncouth sight,

2 And half enraged at her shamelesse guise,

He thought +haue+ slaine her in his fierce despight:

4 But hasty heat tempring with sufferance wise,

He stayde his hand, and gan himselfe aduise

6 To proue his sense, and tempt her faigned truth.

Wringing her hands in +wemens+ pitteous wise,

8 Tho +can+ she weepe, to stirre vp gentle ruth,

Both for her noble bloud, and for her tender youth.

3 haue > t'haue _1609_

7 wemens > womens _1609_

8 can > gan _1679_

1 All clean dismayed to see so uncouth sight,

clean > entirely

uncouth > unaccustomed, unseemly [a]

2 And half enraged at her shameless guise,

guise > behaviour; appearance

3 He thought have slain her in his fierce despite:

have > [to have]

despite > indignation, rage

4 But hasty heat tempering with sufferance wise,

sufferance > tolerance

5 He stayed his hand, and gan himself advise

gan > did

6 To prove his sense, and tempt her feigned truth.

tempt > test

7 Wringing her hands in women's piteous wise,

wise > manner

8 Tho can she weep, to stir up gentle ruth,

Tho > Then

can > did

ruth > pity

9 Both for her noble blood, and for her tender youth.

101.51

And said, Ah Sir, my liege Lord and my loue,

2 Shall I accuse the hidden cruell fate,

And mightie causes wrought in heauen aboue,

4 Or the blind God, that doth me thus amate,

For hoped loue to winne me certaine hate?

6 Yet thus perforce he bids me do, or die.

Die is my dew: yet rew my wretched state

8 You, whom my hard auenging destinie

Hath made iudge of my life or death indifferently.

1 And said, "Ah sir, my liege lord and my love,

liege lord > {If adj.: faithful lord; if sb.: liege-lord, lord to

whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}

2 Shall I accuse the hidden cruel fate,

3 And mighty causes wrought in heaven above,

4 Or the blind god that does me thus amate,

the blind god > [Cupid, who shoots his arrows without caring whom

they hit; he is often depicted wearing a blindfold. See e.g.

311.48:1]

amate > cast down; act as a mate to (see 101.47:8-9)

5 For hoped love to win me certain hate?

For > [In place of]

6 Yet thus perforce he bids me do, or die.

do > copulate (euphem.)

7 Die is my due: yet rue my wretched state,

Die > [To die]

rue > feel sorry for

8 You, whom my hard avenging destiny

9 Has made judge of my life or death indifferently.

101.52

Your owne deare sake forst me at first to leaue

2 My Fathers kingdome, There she stopt with teares;

Her swollen hart her speach seemd to bereaue,

4 And then againe begun, My weaker yeares

Captiu'd to fortune and frayle worldly feares,

6 Fly to your faith for succour and sure ayde:

Let me not dye in languor and long teares.

8 Why Dame (quoth he) what hath ye thus dismayd?

What frayes ye, that were wont to comfort me affrayd?

1 "Your own dear sake forced me at first to leave

2 My father's kingdom ..." there she stopped with tears;

3 Her swollen heart her speech seemed to bereave,

bereave > take away

4 And then again began: "My weaker years,

weaker > weaker; too-weak

years > age; _hence:_ youth

5 Captived to fortune and frail worldly fears,

Captived > Made captive

6 Fly to your faith for succour and sure aid:

7 Let me not die in languor and long tears."

languor > sorrow

8 "Why, dame," quoth he, "what has you thus dismayed?

9 What frays you, that were wont to comfort me afraid?"

frays > frightens; assails

wont > accustomed (e.g. at 101.19:1-4)

afraid > [when afraid; when I was afraid]

101.53

Loue of your selfe, she said, and deare constraint

2 Lets me not sleepe, but wast the wearie night

In secret anguish and vnpittied plaint,

4 Whiles you in carelesse sleepe are drowned quight.

Her doubtfull words made that redoubted knight

6 Suspect her truth: yet +since no'vntruth+ he knew,

Her fawning loue with foule disdainefull spight

8 He would not shend, but said, Deare dame I rew,

That for my sake vnknowne such griefe vnto you grew.

6 since no'vntruth > sith n'vntruth _1609_

1 "Love of yourself," she said, "and dear constraint

dear > sore, grievous; dear, affectionate

constraint > affliction, distress

2 Let me not sleep, but waste the weary night

3 In secret anguish and unpitied plaint,

plaint > complaint, lamentation

4 While you in careless sleep are drowned quite."

careless > unconscious, free from cares

5 Her doubtful words made that redoubted knight

doubtful > questionable, ambiguous; fearful

6 Suspect her truth: yet since no untruth he knew,

truth > [fidelity; or: the truth of her explanation]

7 Her fawning love with foul disdainful spite

8 He would not shend; but said, "Dear dame, I rue,

shend > reproach, revile; destroy

9 That for my sake unknown such grief to you grew.

unknown > (Because the quality of his character is as yet unknown to

her, has not been fully proven)

101.54

Assure your selfe, it fell not all to ground;

2 For all so deare as life is to my hart,

I deeme your loue, and hold me to you bound;

4 Ne let vaine feares procure your needlesse smart,

Where cause is none, but to your rest depart.

6 Not all content, yet seemd she to appease

Her mournefull plaintes, beguiled of her art,

8 And fed with words, that could not chuse but please,

So slyding softly forth, she turnd as to her ease.

1 "Assure yourself, it fell not all to ground;

2 For all so dear as life is to my heart,

3 I deem your love, and hold me to you bound;

4 Nor let vain fears procure your needless smart,

procure > cause, bring about

smart > pain, acute pain

5 Where cause is none, but to your rest depart."

6 Not all content, yet seemed she to appease

appease > desist from, check

7 Her mournful plaints, beguiled of her art,

plaints > complaints, lamentations

beguiled of her art > [deprived of, disappointed in, her artful

intention]

8 And fed with words that could not choose but please;

9 So, sliding softly forth, turned as to her ease.

turned as to her ease > [departed as though to her night's rest]

101.55

Long after lay he musing at her mood,

2 Much grieu'd to thinke that gentle Dame so light,

For whose defence he was to shed his blood.

4 At last dull wearinesse of former fight

Hauing yrockt a sleepe his irkesome spright,

6 That troublous dreame gan freshly tosse his braine,

With bowres, and beds, and Ladies deare delight:

8 But when he saw his labour all was vaine,

With that misformed spright he backe returnd againe.

1 Long after lay he musing at her mood,

2 Much grieved to think that gentle dame so light,

gentle > high-born

light > wanton, frivolous

3 For whose defence he was to shed his blood.

4 At last, dull weariness of former fight

5 Having rocked asleep his irksome spirit,

irksome > weary; disgusted; _also:_ irksome

6 That troublous dream gan freshly toss his brain

gan > did; began to

7 With bowers, and beds, and ladies' dear delight:

bowers > bedrooms

8 But when he saw his labour all was vain,

he > [the sprite bearing the dream]

9 With that misformed sprite he back returned again.

misformed > {Mis-made; evilly or falsely made. The prefix "mis-"

(from Greek _misos_, hatred, grudge), generally denotes "evilly",

"with bad intention", etc.}

back > [to Archimago]

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

envies > vies with, seeks to rival; begrudges

5 And through their iron sides with cruel spies

cruel > fierce

spies > looks, glances

6 Does seek to pierce: repining courage yields

repining > fretting; discontented

7 No foot to foe. The flashing fire flies,

8 As from a forge, out of their burning shields,

9 And streams of purple blood new dye the verdant fields.

purple > red

102.18

Curse on that Crosse (quoth then the _Sarazin_)

2 That keepes thy body from the bitter fit;

Dead long ygoe I wote thou haddest bin,

4 Had not that charme from thee forwarned it:

But yet I warne thee now assured sitt,

6 And hide thy head. Therewith vpon his crest

With rigour so outrageous he smitt,

8 That a large share it hewd out of the rest,

And glauncing downe his shield, from blame him fairely blest.

1 "Curse on that cross," quoth then the Saracen,

2 "That keeps your body from the bitter fit;

the bitter fit > [death]

3 Dead long ago, I wot, you had been,

wot > know

4 Had not that charm from you forwarned it:

charm > talisman (an insult, since the use of magic is forbidden by

the code of chivalry)

forwarned > prohibited; _hence:_ spared

5 But yet I warn you, now assured sit

assured > (Derisively) in safety [in the protection of your cross]

6 And hide your head." Therewith upon his crest

Therewith > With that

7 With rigour so outrageous he smote,

rigour > violence

outrageous > excessively fierce

8 That a large share it hewed out of the rest,

share > portion; piece sheared away

9 And, glancing down his shield, from blame him fairly blessed.

blame > injury

fairly > actually, really [from blame it really did him bless];

completely

blessed > spared, preserved

102.19

Who thereat wondrous wroth, the sleeping spark

2 Of natiue vertue gan eftsoones reuiue,

And at his haughtie helmet making mark,

4 So hugely +stroke+, that it the steele did riue,

And cleft his head. He tumbling downe aliue,

6 With bloudy mouth his mother earth did kis,

Greeting his graue: his grudging ghost did striue

8 With the fraile flesh; at last it flitted is,

Whither the soules do fly of men, that liue amis.

4 stroke > strooke _1609_

1 Who, thereat wondrous wroth, the sleeping spark

2 Of native virtue gan eftsoons revive,

native > innate

virtue > strength, worth; valour

gan > did

eftsoons > thereupon

3 And at his haughty helmet making mark,

haughty > proud; lofty

4 So hugely struck that it the steel did rive,

5 And cleft his head. He, tumbling down alive,

cleft > split

6 With bloody mouth his mother earth did kiss,

7 Greeting his grave: his grudging ghost did strive

grudging > complaining

ghost > spirit

8 With the frail flesh; at last it flitted is,

9 Whither the souls do fly of men that live amiss.

102.20

The Lady when she saw her champion fall,

2 Like the old ruines of a broken towre,

Staid not to waile his woefull funerall,

4 But from him fled away with all her powre;

Who after her as hastily gan scowre,

6 Bidding the Dwarfe with him to bring away

The _Sarazins_ shield, signe of the conqueroure.

8 Her soone he ouertooke, and bad to stay,

For present cause was none of dread her to dismay.

1 The lady, when she saw her champion fall

2 Like the old ruins of a broken tower,

3 Stayed not to wail his woeful funeral,

wail > mourn

funeral > death

4 But from him fled away with all her power,

him > [the Redcross Knight]

5 Who after her as hastily gan scour,

gan > did

scour > run

6 Bidding the dwarf with him to bring away

7 The Saracen's shield, sign of the conqueror.

sign > emblem

8 Her soon he overtook, and bade to stay,

9 For present cause was none of dread to her dismay.

none of dread > [nothing dreadful]

to her dismay > [to dismay her; to "dismay" also = to "defeat",

"ruin"]

102.21

She turning backe with ruefull countenaunce,

2 Cride, Mercy mercy Sir vouchsafe to show

On silly Dame, subiect to hard mischaunce,

4 And to your mighty will. Her humblesse low

In so ritch weedes and seeming glorious show,

6 Did much emmoue his stout hero{i"}cke heart,

And said, Deare dame, your suddein ouerthrow

8 Much rueth me; but now put feare apart,

And tell, both who ye be, and who that tooke your part.

1 She, turning back with rueful countenance,

2 Cried, "Mercy, mercy, sir, vouchsafe to show

3 On silly dame, subject to hard mischance,

silly > innocent, defenceless

4 And to your mighty will." Her humblesse low,

humblesse > humbleness, humility

5 In so rich weeds and seeming glorious show,

so > such

weeds > attire

show > appearance

6 Did much move his stout heroic heart,

7 And said, "Dear dame, your sudden overthrow

said > [he said]

8 Much rues me; but now put fear apart,

rues > affects [with pity or compassion]

apart > aside

9 And tell both who you be, and who that took your part."

102.22

Melting in teares, then gan she thus lament;

2 The wretched woman, whom vnhappy howre

Hath now made thrall to your commandement,

4 Before that angry heauens list to lowre,

And fortune false betraide me to +your+ powre,

6 Was, (O what now auaileth that I +was!+)

Borne the sole daughter of an Emperour,

8 He that the wide West vnder his rule has,

And high hath set his throne, where _Tiberis_ doth pas.

5 your > thy _1590; cf. 101.31:6_

6 was! > was? _1590_

1 Melting in tears, then gan she thus lament:

gan > did

2 "The wretched woman, whom unhappy hour

3 Has now made thrall to your commandment,

thrall > slave

commandment > authority, control

4 Before angry heavens list to lour,

list > chose, pleased

5 And fortune false betrayed me to your power,

6 Was (O what now avails that I was?)

that > [that which, what]

7 Born the sole daughter of an emperor,

8 He that the wide west under his rule has,

9 And high has set his throne where the Tiber does pass.

the Tiber > (The River Tiber: an overt reference to Rome)

102.23

He in the first flowre of my freshest age,

2 Betrothed me vnto the onley haire

Of a most mighty king, most rich and sage;

4 Was neuer Prince so faithfull and so faire,

Was neuer Prince so meeke and debonaire;

6 But ere my hoped day of spousall shone,

My dearest Lord fell from high honours staire,

8 Into the hands of his accursed fone,

And cruelly was slaine, that shall I euer mone.

1 "He, in the first flower of my freshest age,

2 Betrothed me to the only heir

3 Of a most mighty king, most rich and sage;

4 Was never prince so faithful and so fair,

5 Was never prince so meek and debonair;

meek > gentle; courteous, kind; merciful, indulgent

debonair > affable, gracious

6 But ere my hoped day of spousal shone,

day of spousal > wedding day

7 My dearest lord fell from high honour's stair

My dearest lord > [Christ]

stair > {A step or degree in the scale of rank; cf. 207.46:9}

8 Into the hands of his accursed foes,

9 And cruelly was slain; that shall I ever moan.

moan > bewail

102.24

His blessed body spoild of liuely breath,

2 Was afterward, I know not how, conuaid

And fro me hid: of whose most innocent death

4 When tidings came to me vnhappy maid,

O how great sorrow my sad soule assaid.

6 Then forth I went his woefull corse to find,

And many yeares throughout the world I straid,

8 A virgin widow, whose deepe wounded mind

With loue, long time did languish as the striken hind.

1 "His blessed body, spoiled of lively breath,

spoiled of lively > robbed of living

2 Was afterward, I know not how, conveyed

conveyed > removed, removed in an underhand manner

3 And from me hidden: of whose most innocent death

innocent > undeserved; guiltless

4 When tidings came to me, unhappy maid,

unhappy > unfortunate; unhappy

5 Oh! how great sorrow my sad soul assayed.

how great > how greatly; _or:_ such a great

assayed > tested, made trial of; assailed

6 Then forth I went, his woeful corse to find,

corse > body

7 And many years throughout the world I strayed,

8 A virgin widow, whose deep wounded mind

deep > deeply; deep

9 With love long time did languish, as the stricken hind.

the stricken hind > (A simile applied (_Aen._ 4.68-9) to Dido, who

literally burned for the love of Aeneas)

102.25

At last it chaunced this proud +_Sarazin_,+

2 To meete me wandring, who perforce me led

With him away, but yet could neuer win

4 The Fort, that Ladies hold in soueraigne dread.

There lies he now with foule dishonour dead,

6 Who whiles he liu'de, was called proud _Sans foy_,

The eldest of three brethren, all three bred

8 Of one bad sire, whose youngest is _Sans ioy_,

And twixt them both was borne the bloudy bold _Sans loy_.

1 _Sarazin_, > _Sarazin 1609_

1 "At last it chanced this proud Saracen

2 To meet me wandering, who perforce me led

perforce > forcibly

3 With him away, but yet could never win

4 The fort that ladies hold in sovereign dread.

5 There lies he now with foul dishonour dead,

6 Who, while he lived, was called proud Sansfoy,

7 The eldest of three brethren, all three bred

8 Of one bad sire, whose youngest is Sansjoy,

sire > father

Sansjoy > "Without Joy"

9 And 'twixt them both was born the bloody bold Sansloy.

Sansloy > "Without Law"

102.26

In this sad plight, friendlesse, vnfortunate,

2 Now miserable I _Fidessa_ dwell,

Crauing of you in pitty of my state,

4 To do none ill, if please ye not do well.

He in great passion all this while did dwell,

6 More busying his quicke eyes, her face to view,

Then his dull eares, to heare what she did tell;

8 And said, +faire+ Lady hart of flint would rew

The vndeserued woes and sorrowes, which ye shew.

8 faire > Faire _1609_

1 "In this sad plight, friendless, unfortunate,

2 Now miserable I, Fidessa, dwell,

Fidessa > "Faithful" (Latin, _fidelis esse_, to be faithful)

3 Craving of you, in pity of my state,

4 To do no ill, if please you not do well."

ill > evil

if please > [if it pleases]

do > [to do]

5 He in great passion all this while did dwell,

dwell > remain

6 More busying his quick eyes her face to view,

7 Than his dull ears to hear what she did tell;

8 And said, "Fair lady, heart of flint would rue

9 The undeserved woes and sorrows which you show.

show > give an account of

102.27

Henceforth in safe assuraunce may ye rest,

2 Hauing both found a new friend you to aid,

And lost an old foe, that did you molest:

4 Better new friend then an old foe is said.

With chaunge of cheare the seeming simple maid

6 Let fall her eyen, as shamefast to the earth,

And yeelding soft, in that she nought gain-said,

8 So forth they rode, he feining seemely merth,

And she coy lookes: +so dainty+ they say maketh derth.

9 so dainty > so, Dainty _1609_

1 "Henceforth in safe assurance may you rest,

assurance > security; _also:_ engagement to be married

2 Having both found a new friend you to aid,

friend > friend; lover

3 And lost an old foe that did you molest:

4 Better new friend than an old foe, is said."

is > [it is]

5 With change of cheer the seeming simple maid

cheer > expression; mood

6 Let fall her eyes, as shamefast, to the earth,

as shamefast > [as if bashful]

7 And yielding soft, in that she naught gainsaid.

8 So forth they rode, he feigning seemly mirth,

9 And she coy looks: so, dainty, they say, makes dearth.

dainty, they say, makes dearth > (Dearth makes something dainty.

Applied to food, dearth = scarceness; dainty = choice, delicious.

And, generally: dearth = dearness, rarity; dainty = delightful.

In either event this is a restatement of the Latin proverb,

_quae rara, cara_: what is scarce is esteemed or becomes

estimable. In other words, her very coyness serves to increase

his desire)

102.28

Long time they thus together traueiled,

2 Till weary of their way, they came at last,

Where grew two goodly trees, that faire did spred

4 Their armes abroad, with gray mosse ouercast,

And their greene leaues trembling with euery blast,

6 Made a calme shadow far in compasse round:

The fearefull Shepheard often there aghast

8 Vnder them neuer sat, ne wont there sound

His mery oaten pipe, but shund th'vnlucky ground.

1 Long time they thus together travelled,

2 Till, weary of their way, they came at last

3 Where grew two goodly trees, that fair did spread

goodly > beautiful

4 Their arms abroad, with grey moss overcast,

abroad > widely, over a broad area

overcast > covered, overlaid

5 And their green leaves, trembling with every blast,

blast > gust

6 Made a calm shadow far in compass round:

7 The fearful shepherd, often there aghast,

aghast > frightened (especially with superstitious fear)

8 Under them never sat, nor wont there sound

wont > was accustomed to; would

9 His merry oaten pipe, but shunned the unlucky ground.

merry > delightful, charming

oaten > (Shepherds' pipes were supposedly made of oat stalks)

102.29

But this good knight soone as he them can spie,

2 For the coole +shade him thither+ hastly got:

For golden _Ph{oe}bus_ now +ymounted+ hie,

4 From fiery wheeles of his faire chariot

Hurled his beame so scorching cruell hot,

6 That liuing creature mote it not abide;

And his new Lady it endured not.

8 There they alight, in hope themselues to hide

From the fierce heat, and rest their weary limbs a tide.

2 shade him thither > shade thither _1596;_ shadow thither _1609_

3 ymounted > that mounted _1590 etc.: FE_

1 But this good knight, soon as he them can spy,

soon > [as soon]

can > did

2 For the cool shade him thither hastily got:

3 For golden Phoebus, now mounted high,

4 From fiery wheels of his fair chariot

From > [From the]

5 Hurled his beam so scorching cruel hot,

6 That living creature might it not abide;

7 And his new lady it endured not.

8 There they alight, in hope themselves to hide

9 From the fierce heat, and rest their weary limbs a tide.

tide > while

102.30

Faire seemly pleasaunce each to other makes,

2 With goodly purposes there as they sit:

And in his falsed fancy he her takes

4 To be the fairest wight, that liued yit;

Which to expresse, he bends his gentle wit,

6 And thinking of those braunches greene to frame

A girlond for her dainty forehead fit,

8 He pluckt a bough; out of whose rift there came

Small drops of gory bloud, that trickled downe the same.

1 Fair seemly pleasance each to other makes,

pleasance > courtesy, pleasing behaviour

2 With goodly purposes, there as they sit:

goodly > (Ironic) fine, elevated; courteous

purposes > intentions

3 And in his falsed fancy he her takes

falsed > corrupted; failing

4 To be the fairest wight that lived yet;

wight > person, woman

5 Which to express, he bends his gentle wit,

bends > turns, applies; perverts from its usual trend; _also, from

Old English:_ puts in bonds; _hence:_ constrains, confines

6 And, thinking of those branches green to frame

7 A garland for her dainty forehead fit,

dainty > {Delightful; of delicate beauty}

8 He plucked a bough; out of whose rift there came

rift > fissure

9 Small drops of gory blood, that trickled down the same.

102.31

Therewith a piteous yelling voyce was heard,

2 Crying, O spare with guilty hands to teare

My tender sides in this rough rynd embard,

4 But fly, ah fly far hence away, for feare

Least to you hap, that happened to me heare,

6 And to this wretched Lady, my deare loue,

O too deare loue, loue bought with death too deare.

8 Astond he stood, and vp his haire did houe,

And with that suddein horror could no member moue.

1 Therewith a piteous yelling voice was heard,

Therewith > With that; thereupon

2 Crying, "O spare with guilty hands to tear

guilty > criminal; conscious, cognizant

3 My tender sides, in this rough rind embarred:

embarred > imprisoned

4 But fly, ah! fly far hence away, for fear

fly > flee

5 Lest to you hap that happened to me here,

that > [that which]

6 And to this wretched lady, my dear love;

7 O too dear love, love bought with death too dear!"

dear > grievous, hard

8 Astound he stood, and up his hair did hove,

Astound > Stunned, confounded

hove > rise

9 And with that sudden horror could no member move.

102.32

At last whenas the dreadfull passion

2 Was ouerpast, and manhood well awake,

Yet musing at the straunge occasion,

4 And doubting much his sence, he thus bespake;

What voyce of damned Ghost from _Limbo_ lake,

6 Or guilefull spright wandring in empty aire,

Both which fraile men do oftentimes mistake,

8 Sends to my doubtfull eares these speaches rare,

And ruefull plaints, me bidding +guiltlesse+ bloud to spare?

9 guiltlesse > guitlesse _1596_

1 At last when the dreadful passion

dreadful > [full of dread, full of fear]

2 Was overpassed, and manhood well awake,

overpassed > past

3 Yet musing at the strange occasion,

musing > wondering, marvelling

occasion > {Event, turn of events; also: opportunity (Latin

_occasio_), because this is a chance for him to learn the true

nature of his companion}

4 And doubting much his sense, he thus bespoke:

bespoke > spoke

5 "What voice of damned ghost from Limbo-lake,

Limbo-lake > (The pit of hell; Limbo is the region at the edge of

hell where the unbaptized are confined; "lake" comes to us via

Latin from the Greek _lakkos_, = pit, hollow, hole (filled with

water or not))

6 Or guileful sprite wandering in empty air

7 (Both which frail men do oftentimes mistake),

which > [of which]

oftentimes > frequently, often

mistake > imagine erroneously; _or:_ mislead (so glossed by some

editors, though this sense is not mentioned in _OED_)

8 Sends to my doubtful ears these speeches rare,

doubtful > fearful, apprehensive; doubting

rare > unusual, strange

9 And rueful plaints, me bidding guiltless blood to spare?"

plaints > lamentations

102.33

Then groning deepe, Nor damned Ghost, (quoth he,)

2 Nor guilefull sprite to thee these wordes doth speake,

But once a man _Fradubio_, now a tree,

4 Wretched man, wretched tree; whose nature weake,

A cruell witch her cursed will to wreake,

6 Hath thus transformd, and plast in open plaines,

Where _Boreas_ doth blow full bitter bleake,

8 And scorching Sunne does dry my secret vaines:

For though a tree I seeme, yet cold and heat me paines.

1 Then, groaning deep: "Nor damned ghost," quoth he,

Nor > Neither

2 "Nor guileful sprite to you these words does speak,

3 But once a man, Fradubio, now a tree;

Fradubio > "Brother Doubt" (Italian)

4 Wretched man, wretched tree, whose nature weak

5 A cruel witch, her cursed will to wreak,

6 Has thus transformed, and placed in open plains,

7 Where Boreas does blow full bitter bleak,

Boreas > (The north wind)

full > very, exceedingly

8 And scorching sun does dry my secret veins:

9 For though a tree I seem, yet cold and heat me pains."

102.34

Say on _Fradubio_ then, or man, or tree,

2 Quoth then the knight, by whose mischieuous arts

Art thou misshaped thus, as now I see?

4 He oft finds med'cine, who his griefe imparts;

But double griefs afflict concealing harts,

6 As raging flames who striueth to suppresse.

The author then (said he) of all my smarts,

8 Is one _Duessa_ a false sorceresse,

That many errant knights hath brought to wretchednesse.

1 "Say on, Fradubio, then, +or+ man or tree,"

or > either, whether

2 Quoth then the knight. "By whose mischievous arts

mischievous > harmful; ill-intentioned

3 Are you misshapen thus, as now I see?

4 He oft finds medicine who his grief imparts;

imparts > relates, makes known

5 But double griefs afflict concealing hearts,

6 As raging flames, who strives to suppress."

who > [he who]

suppress > [suppress his grief]

7 "The author then," said he, "of all my smarts

smarts > pains

8 Is one Duessa, a false sorceress,

Duessa > "Duplicity" (Latin, _duo esse_, to be two)

9 That many errant knights has brought to wretchedness.

errant > itinerant (a knight errant roamed in quest of adventure;

the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating,

etc.)

102.35

In prime of youthly yeares, when corage hot

2 The fire of loue and ioy of cheualree

First kindled in my brest, it was my lot

4 To loue this gentle Lady, whom ye see,

Now not a Lady, but a seeming tree;

6 With whom as once I rode accompanyde,

Me chaunced of a knight encountred bee,

8 That had a like faire Lady by his syde,

Like a faire Lady, but did fowle _Duessa_ hyde.

1 "In prime of youthly years, when courage hot

youthly > youthful

courage > heart; spirit; lustiness

2 The fire of love and joy of chivalry

3 First kindled in my breast, it was my lot

4 To love this gentle lady, whom you see

gentle > noble; gentle

5 Now not a lady, but a seeming tree;

6 With whom, as once I rode accompanied,

7 Me chanced of a knight encountered be,

be > [to be]

8 That had a like fair lady by his side,

like > similarly; similar

9 Like a fair lady, but did foul Duessa hide.

102.36

Whose forged beauty he did take in hand,

2 All other Dames to haue exceeded farre;

I in defence of mine did likewise stand,

4 Mine, that did then shine as the Morning starre:

So both to battell fierce arraunged arre,

6 In which his harder fortune was to fall

Vnder my speare: such is the dye of warre:

8 His Lady left as a prise martiall,

Did yield her comely person, to be at my call.

1 "Whose forged beauty he did take in hand

take in hand > maintain, assert (by force of arms if necessary)

2 All other dames to have exceeded far;

All > [That of all]

3 I in defence of mine did likewise stand,

4 Mine, that did then shine as the morning star:

5 So both to battle fierce arranged are,

6 In which his harder fortune was to fall

7 Under my spear: such is the die of war.

die > hazard, chance

8 His lady, left as a prize martial,

prize martial > spoil of war

9 Did yield her comely person to be at my call.

102.37

So doubly lou'd of Ladies vnlike faire,

2 Th'one seeming such, the other such indeede,

One day in doubt I cast for to compare,

4 Whether in beauties glorie did exceede;

A Rosy girlond was the victors meede:

6 Both seemde to win, and both seemde won to bee,

So hard the discord was to be agreede.

8 _Fr{ae}lissa_ was as faire, as faire mote bee,

And euer false _Duessa_ seemde as faire as shee.

1 "So doubly loved of ladies, unlike fair,

unlike > differently [each is fair in her own way]

2 The one seeming such, the other such indeed,

3 One day in doubt I cast to compare

cast > decided, resolved

4 Whether in beauty's glory did exceed;

Whether > Which of the two

5 A rosy garland was the victor's meed:

meed > reward

6 Both seemed to win, and both seemed won to be,

won > defeated

7 So hard the discord was to be agreed.

8 Fraelissa was as fair as fair might be,

Fraelissa > "Frailty" (Italian)

9 And ever false Duessa seemed as fair as she.

ever false > (The pointing might be "ever, false" or "ever-false";

both meanings are probably intended. Cf. 304.54:9)

102.38

The wicked witch now seeing all this while

2 The doubtfull ballaunce equally to sway,

What not by right, she cast to win by guile,

4 And by her hellish science raisd streight way

A foggy mist, that ouercast the day,

6 And a dull blast, that breathing on her face,

Dimmed her former beauties shining ray,

8 And with foule vgly forme did her disgrace:

Then was she faire alone, when none was faire in place.

1 "The wicked witch, now seeing all this while

2 The doubtful balance equally to sway,

doubtful > uncertain; _also:_ fearful; to be feared

3 What not by right, she cast to win by guile,

cast > resolved

4 And by her hellish science raised straightway

science > knowledge, lore

5 A foggy mist that overcast the day,

6 And a dull blast that, breathing on her face,

dull > obscuring, gloomy

blast > {Wind, blighting wind, breath of a malignant power}

her > [Fraelissa's]

7 Dimmed her former beauty's shining ray,

8 And with foul ugly form did her disgrace:

disgrace > disfigure, disgrace

9 Then was she fair alone, when none was fair in place.

she > [Duessa]

in place > in her place; _or:_ there (thus casting doubt on the

reality of her beauty)

102.39

Then cride she out, +fye+, fye, deformed wight,

2 Whose borrowed beautie now appeareth plaine

To haue before bewitched all mens sight;

4 O leaue her soone, or let her soone be slaine.

Her loathly visage viewing with disdaine,

6 Eftsoones I thought her such, as she me told,

And would haue kild her; but with faigned paine,

8 The false witch did my wrathfull hand with-hold;

So left her, where she now is turnd to treen mould.

1 fye > Fye _1609_

1 "Then cried she out, `Fie, fie, deformed wight,

Fie > (Addressing Fraelissa)

wight > creature

2 Whose borrowed beauty now appears plain

3 To have before bewitched all men's sight;

4 O leave her soon, or let her soon be slain.'

O > (Addressing Fradubio)

soon > immediately

5 Her loathly visage viewing with disdain,

loathly > loathsome, disgusting

6 Eftsoons I thought her such as she me told,

Eftsoons > Forthwith

such > [to be such]

she me told > [Duessa had informed me]

7 And would have killed her; but with feigned pain

pain > pains; effort

8 The false witch did my wrathful hand withhold;

9 So left her, where she now is turned to treen mould.

treen > (Here pronounced as two syllables: made of "tree", tree-

like)

mould > shape, form

102.40

+Thens+ forth I tooke _Duessa_ for my Dame,

2 And in the witch vnweeting ioyd long time,

Ne euer wist, but that she was the same,

4 Till on a day (that day is euery Prime,

When Witches wont do penance for their crime)

6 I chaunst to see her in her proper hew,

Bathing her selfe in origane and thyme:

8 A filthy foule old woman I did vew,

That euer to haue toucht her, I did deadly rew.

1 Thens > Then _1590, 1596: FE_

1 "Thenceforth I took Duessa for my dame,

2 And in the witch unweeting joyed long time,

unweeting > unwittingly

3 Nor ever wist that she was the same,

wist > knew, guessed

the same > [a witch]

4 Till on a day (that day is every prime,

prime > {First day of the new moon; or, perhaps: springtime}

5 When witches wont do penance for their crime)

wont > are accustomed to

crime > wrongdoing, sins

6 I chanced to see her in her proper hue,

hue > appearance

7 Bathing herself in origan and thyme:

origan > (_Origanum_ sp., esp. _O. vulgare_, wild marjoram)

thyme > (This and origan were used to treat scabs: see 108.47:3;

thyme was also used to treat syphilis)

8 A filthy foul old woman I did view,

9 That ever to have touched her I did deadly rue.

That > [So that]

touched > had sexual contact with

102.41

Her neather partes misshapen, monstruous,

2 Were hidd in water, that I could not see,

But they did seeme more foule and hideous,

4 Then womans shape man would beleeue to bee.

+Thens+ forth from her most beastly companie

6 I gan refraine, in minde to slip away,

Soon as appeard safe +opportunitie+:

8 For danger great, if not assur'd decay

I saw before mine eyes, if I were knowne to stray.

5 Thens > Then _1590, 1596: FE_

7 opportunitie > oportunitie _1596_

1 "Her nether parts, misshapen, monstrous,

2 Were hidden in water, that I could not see,

that > [so that]

3 But they did seem more foul and hideous

4 Than woman's shape man would believe to be.

5 Thenceforth from her most beastly company

company > society; sexual company

6 I gan refrain, in mind to slip away

gan > did; began to

7 Soon as appeared safe opportunity:

Soon > [As soon]

safe > [a safe]

8 For danger great, if not assured decay,

decay > destruction, death

9 I saw before my eyes, if I were known to stray.

102.42

The diuelish hag by chaunges of my cheare

2 Perceiu'd my thought, and drownd in sleepie night,

With wicked herbes and ointments did besmeare

4 My bodie all, through charmes and magicke might,

That all my senses were bereaued quight:

6 Then brought she me into this desert waste,

And by my wretched louers side me pight,

8 Where now enclosd in wooden wals full faste,

Banisht from liuing wights, our wearie dayes we waste.

1 "The devilish hag, by changes of my cheer,

cheer > expression, mood

2 Perceived my thought; and, drowned in sleepy night,

3 With wicked herbs and ointments did besmear

4 My body all, through charms and magic might,

5 That all my senses were bereaved quite:

That > [So that]

bereaved > taken away

6 Then brought she me into this desert waste,

desert > lonely

7 And by my wretched lover's side me pight,

pight > pitched, placed; planted

8 Where now, enclosed in wooden walls full fast,

full fast > entirely secure

9 Banished from living wights, our weary days we waste."

wights > people

102.43

But how long time, said then the Elfin knight,

2 Are you in this misformed house to dwell?

We may not chaunge (quoth he) this euil plight,

4 Till we be bathed in a liuing well;

That is the terme prescribed by the spell.

6 O how, said he, mote I that well out find,

That may restore you to your wonted well?

8 Time and suffised fates to former kynd

Shall vs restore, none else from hence may vs vnbynd.

1 "But how long time," said then the Elfin knight,

time > [a time]

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

misformed > evilly made

3 "We may not change," quoth he, "this evil plight,

may not > cannot

4 Till we be bathed in a living well;

living well > (The well of everlasting life (_John_ 4.14, _Rev._

21.6); the grace of God)

5 That is the term prescribed by the spell."

6 "O how," said he, "might I that well out find,

out find > discover

7 That may restore you to your wonted well?"

wonted > accustomed

well > well-being

8 "Time and sufficed fates to former kind

sufficed > satisfied

former kind > [our former state; kind = nature, race, station in

life]

9 Shall us restore; none else from hence may us unbind."

none > no one; nothing

102.44

The false _Duessa_, now _Fidessa_ hight,

2 Heard how in vaine _Fradubio_ did lament,

And knew well all was true. But the good knight

4 Full of sad feare and ghastly dreriment,

When all this speech the liuing tree had spent,

6 The bleeding bough did thrust into the ground,

That from the bloud he might be innocent,

8 And with fresh clay did close the wooden wound:

Then turning to his Lady, dead with feare her found.

1 The false Duessa, now Fidessa hight,

hight > called, named

2 Heard how in vain Fradubio did lament,

3 And knew well all was true. But the good knight,

4 Full of sad fear and ghastly dreariment,

ghastly > frightful (from the same root as "ghost")

dreariment > horror

5 When all this speech the living tree had spent,

6 The bleeding bough did thrust into the ground,

7 That from the blood he might be innocent,

That > [So that]

8 And with fresh clay did close the wooden wound:

9 Then, turning to his lady, dead with fear her found.

102.45

Her seeming dead he found with feigned feare,

2 As all vnweeting of that well she knew,

And paynd himselfe with busie care to reare

4 Her out of carelesse swowne. Her eylids blew

And dimmed sight with pale and deadly hew

6 At last she vp gan lift: with trembling cheare

Her vp he tooke, too simple and too trew,

8 And oft her kist. At length all passed feare,

He set her on her steede, and forward forth did beare.

1 Her seeming dead he found with feigned fear,

2 As all unweeting of that well she knew;

unweeting > ignorant

that > [that which]

3 And pained himself with busy care to rear

busy > solicitous

4 Her out of careless swoon. Her eyelids blue

careless > abandoned, not caring; artless; unconscious, free from

care

blue > {Livid; low-spirited, affected with fear}

5 And dimmed sight, with pale and deadly hue,

deadly hue > deathly appearance

6 At last she up gan lift: with trembling cheer

gan > did

cheer > expression, countenance

7 Her up he took, too simple and too true,

simple > (The knight and Duessa both; simple also has the meaning

"free from duplicity"; she is then _too_ simple and _too_ true)

8 And oft her kissed. At length, all passed fear,

passed fear > [fear passed]

9 He set her on her steed, and forward forth did bear.

bear > travel, maintain his course; _also:_ take [her as a

companion]

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.