_The witches sonne loues Florimell:
2 she flyes, he faines to die.
Satyrane saues the Squire of Dames
4 from Gyants tyrannie._
1 The witch's son loves Florimell:
2 she flies, he fains to die.
flies > flees
fains > rejoices, is glad; _hence:_ wishes
3 Satyrane saves the Squire of Dames
4 from giant's tyranny.
307.1
LIke as an Hynd forth singled from the heard,
2 That hath escaped from a rauenous beast,
Yet flyes away of her owne feet affeard,
4 And euery leafe, that shaketh with the least
Murmure of winde, her terror hath encreast;
6 So fled faire _Florimell_ from her vaine feare,
Long after she from perill was releast:
8 Each shade she saw, and each noyse she did heare,
Did seeme to be the same, which she escapt whyleare.
1 Like a hind forth singled from the herd,
2 That has escaped from a ravenous beast,
3 Yet flies away, of her own feet afeard,
afeard > frightened
4 And every leaf, that shakes with the least
5 Murmur of wind, her terror has increased;
6 So fled fair Florimell from her vain fear,
vain > foolish; empty
7 Long after she from peril was released:
8 Each shade she saw, and each noise she did hear,
shade > shadow
9 Did seem to be the same which she escaped whilere.
whilere > erewhile: a while before
307.2
All that same euening she in flying spent,
2 And all that night her course continewed:
Ne did she let dull sleepe once to relent,
4 Nor wearinesse to slacke her hast, but fled
Euer alike, as if her former dred
6 Were hard behind, her readie to arrest:
And her white Palfrey hauing conquered
8 The maistring raines out of her weary wrest,
Perforce her carried, where euer he thought best.
1 All that same evening she in flying spent,
flying > fleeing
2 And all that night her course continued:
3 Nor did she let dull sleep once to relent,
relent > lessen, abate
4 Nor weariness to slack, her haste, but fled
5 Ever alike, as if her former dread
alike > in the same manner
dread > dread; object of dread
6 Were hard behind, her ready to arrest:
hard > close
arrest > catch, apprehend
7 And her white palfrey, having conquered
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
conquered > won, got possession of
8 The mastering reins out of her weary wrist,
9 Perforce her carried wherever he thought best.
Perforce > Forcibly; perforce
307.3
So long as breath, and hable puissance
2 Did natiue courage vnto him supply,
His pace he freshly forward did aduaunce,
4 And carried her beyond all ieopardy,
But nought that wanteth rest, can long aby.
6 He hauing through incessant trauell spent
His force, at last perforce a downe did ly,
8 Ne foot could further moue: The Lady gent
Thereat was suddein strooke with great astonishment.
1 So long as breath and able puissance
able puissance > sufficient strength
2 Did native courage to him supply,
native > innate, natural
courage > vigour
3 His pace he freshly forward did advance,
4 And carried her beyond all jeopardy;
5 But naught that wants rest can long aby.
aby > abide, endure, remain
6 He, having through incessant travel spent
travel > travel; travail
7 His force, at last perforce adown did lie,
adown > down
8 Nor foot could further move: the lady gent
gent > noble, high-born; graceful, elegant
9 Thereat was sudden struck with great astonishment,
Thereat > As a result of that
astonishment > dismay; bewilderment
307.4
And forst t'alight, on foot mote algates fare,
2 A traueller vnwonted to such way:
Need teacheth her this lesson hard and rare,
4 That fortune all in equall launce doth sway,
And mortall miseries doth make her play.
6 So long she trauelled, till at length she came
To an hilles side, which did to her bewray
8 A little valley, subiect to the same,
All couerd with thick woods, that quite it ouercame.
1 And forced to alight: on foot might algates fare,
might algates fare > [she must proceed; algates = at any rate,
anyhow]
2 A traveller unwonted to such way;
unwonted > unaccustomed
way > manner of travel
3 Need teaches her this lesson hard and rare,
rare > (An intensive, qualifying "hard")
4 That Fortune all in equal launce does sway,
equal > [an] impartial; [the] same
launce > scales, balance (WU)
sway > weigh; press down; sway
5 And mortal miseries does make her play.
play > game, sport; play (i.e. side-to-side motion of the scales)
6 So long she travelled, till at length she came
So > Thus
7 To a hill's side, which did to her bewray
bewray > reveal
8 A little valley, subject to the same,
subject to > under
9 All covered with thick woods, that quite it overcame.
overcame > overran; dominated
307.5
Through +the tops+ of the high trees she did descry
2 A litle smoke, whose vapour thin and light,
Reeking aloft, vprolled to the sky:
4 Which, chearefull signe did send vnto her sight,
That in the same did wonne some liuing wight.
6 Eftsoones her steps she thereunto applyde,
And came at last in weary wretched plight
8 Vnto the place, to which her hope did guyde,
To find some refuge there, and rest her weary syde.
1 the tops > th'tops _1609_
1 Through the tops of the high trees she did descry
2 A little smoke, whose vapour, thin and light,
3 Reeking aloft, uprolled to the sky:
Reeking > Rising (used of smoke, vapour, etc.)
uprolled > rolled up
4 Which cheerful sign did send to her sight
5 That in the same did won some living wight.
That in the same > [The impression that under the smoke]
won > dwell
wight > person
6 Eftsoons her steps she thereto applied,
Eftsoons > Thereupon
thereto applied > directed to that place
7 And came at last in weary wretched plight
8 To the place, to which her hope did guide,
guide > [guide her]
9 To find some refuge there, and rest her weary side.
side > sides, body; _hence:_ self
307.6
There in a gloomy hollow glen she found
2 A little cottage, built of stickes and reedes
In homely wize, and wald with sods around,
4 In which a witch did dwell, in loathly weedes,
And wilfull want, all carelesse of her needes;
6 So choosing solitarie to abide,
Far from all neighbours, that her deuilish deedes
8 And hellish arts from people she might hide,
And hurt far off vnknowne, whom euer she enuide.
1 There in a gloomy hollow glen she found
2 A little cottage, built of sticks and reeds
3 In homely wise, and walled with sods around,
wise > style
4 In which a witch did dwell, in loathly weeds
loathly weeds > loathsome clothing
5 And wilful want, all careless of her needs;
want > penury
6 So choosing solitary to abide,
So > (The sense is primarily "thus"; but the word may also serve
"that" in the next line ["so that her deuilish deedes ..."])
solitary > solitarily
7 Far from all neighbours, that her devilish deeds
8 And hellish arts from people she might hide,
9 And hurt far off, unknown, whomever she envied.
envied > felt a grudge against; disliked, hated
307.7
The Damzell there arriuing entred in;
2 Where sitting on the flore the Hag she found,
Busie (as seem'd) about some wicked gin:
4 Who soone as she beheld that suddein stound,
Lightly vpstarted from the dustie ground,
6 And with fell looke and hollow deadly gaze
Stared on her awhile, as one astound,
8 Ne had one word to speake, for great +amaze,+
But shewd by outward signes, that dread her sence did daze.
8 amaze, > amaze. _1596_
1 The damsel, there arriving, entered in;
2 Where sitting on the floor the hag she found,
3 Busy (as seemed) about some wicked gin:
seemed > [it seemed]
gin > scheme, stratagem; contrivance
4 Who, soon as she beheld that sudden stound,
soon > [as soon]
stound > {Time or peril or alarm; hence: alarming or startling
sight}
5 Lightly upstarted from the dusty ground,
Lightly > Quickly
upstarted > started up
6 And, with fell look and hollow deadly gaze,
fell > fierce, terrible
7 Stared on her awhile, as one astound,
astound > amazed, confounded
8 Nor had one word to speak, for great amaze,
amaze > confusion; amazement
9 But showed, by outward signs, that dread her sense did daze.
307.8
At last turning her feare to foolish wrath,
2 She askt, what deuill had her thither brought,
And who she was, and what vnwonted path
4 Had guided her, vnwelcomed, vnsought?
To which the Damzell full of doubtfull thought,
6 Her mildly answer'd; Beldame be not wroth
With silly Virgin by aduenture brought
8 Vnto your dwelling, ignorant and loth,
That craue but rowme to rest, while tempest ouerblo'th.
1 At last, turning her fear to foolish wrath,
2 She asked what devil had her thither brought,
3 And who she was, and what unwonted path
unwonted > unaccustomed
4 Had guided her, unwelcomed, unsought?
5 To which the damsel, full of doubtful thought,
doubtful > fearful
6 Her mildly answered: "Beldam, be not wroth
mildly > graciously; mildly
Beldam > {Respectful form of address to an elderly woman}
7 With silly virgin, by adventure brought
silly > helpless; innocent
adventure > chance; _hence:_ misfortune
8 To your dwelling, ignorant and loath,
9 That crave but room to rest, while tempest overblows."
room > place, space
while > until [the]
overblows > blows over, blows itself out
307.9
With that adowne out of her Christall eyne
2 Few trickling teares she softly forth let fall,
That like +two+ Orient pearles, did purely shyne
4 Vpon her snowy cheeke; and therewithall
She sighed soft, that none so bestiall,
6 Nor saluage hart, but ruth of her sad plight
Would make to melt, or pitteously appall;
8 And that vile Hag, all were her whole delight
In mischiefe, was much moued at so pitteous sight.
3 two > to _conj. Hughes; cf. 106.47:8_
1 With that adown out of her crystal eyes
adown > down
crystal > clear, luminous
2 Few trickling tears she softly forth let fall,
Few > [A few]
3 That, like two orient pearls, did purely shine
two > (See Textual Appendix. If Hughes's conjecture is accepted,
this word should be removed from the Shadow Text)
orient > (Coming from the Orient; best quality, having a special
lustre; brilliant, lustrous, sparkling)
4 Upon her snowy cheek; and therewithal
therewithal > therewith, with that
5 She sighed soft, that none so bestial,
that none > [so that no one]
6 Nor savage heart, but ruth of her sad plight
savage > [a] savage
ruth > pity
sad > sad; grievous
7 Would make to melt, or piteously appal;
piteously > [by means of feeling pity]
appal > quell
8 And that vile hag, all were her whole delight
all > although
9 In mischief, was much moved at so piteous sight.
mischief > misfortune, disaster; evil
at so > by such a
307.10
And gan recomfort her in her rude wyse,
2 With womanish compassion of her plaint,
Wiping the teares from her suffused eyes,
4 And bidding her sit downe, to rest her faint
And wearie limbes a while. She nothing quaint
6 Nor s'deignfull of so homely fashion,
Sith brought she was now to so hard constraint,
8 Sate downe vpon the dusty ground anon,
As glad of that small rest, as Bird of tempest gon.
1 And gan recomfort her in her rude wise,
gan recomfort > did console; began to console
rude wise > clumsy manner
2 With womanish compassion of her plaint,
compassion of > compassion for; fellow-feeling for
plaint > grieving, complaint
3 Wiping the tears from her suffused eyes,
4 And bidding her sit down, to rest her faint
5 And weary limbs awhile. She, nothing quaint,
nothing > not at all, in no way
quaint > fastidious, prim
6 Nor sdeignful of so homely fashion,
sdeignful > disdainful
so > such [a]
fashion > style, manner [of seating]
7 Sith brought she was now to so hard constraint,
Sith > Since
so > such
constraint > affliction, oppression
8 Sat down upon the dusty ground anon,
anon > straightway
9 As glad of that small rest, as bird of tempest gone.
tempest gone > [a (or the) tempest which had just passed]
307.11
Tho gan she gather vp her garments rent,
2 And her loose lockes to dight in order dew,
With golden wreath and gorgeous ornament;
4 Whom such whenas the wicked Hag did vew,
She was astonisht at her heauenly hew,
6 And doubted her to deeme an earthly wight,
But or some Goddesse, or of _Dianes_ crew,
8 And thought her to adore with humble spright;
T'adore thing so diuine as beauty, were but right.
1 Tho gan she gather up her garments rent,
Tho gan she > Then she began to
rent > torn
2 And her loose locks to dight in order due,
dight > arrange
due > fitting, proper
3 With golden wreath and gorgeous ornament;
wreath > circlet; coronet
4 Whom such when the wicked hag did view,
5 She was astonished at her heavenly hue,
at > by
hue > appearance
6 And doubted her to deem an earthly wight,
wight > woman
7 But +or+ some goddess, or of Diana's crew,
or > either
crew > (Of nymphs: cf. 306.17:2)
8 And thought her to adore with humble spirit;
9 To adore thing so divine as beauty, were but right.
307.12
This wicked woman had a wicked sonne,
2 The comfort of her age and weary dayes,
A laesie loord, for nothing good to donne,
4 But stretched forth in idlenesse alwayes,
Ne euer cast his mind to couet prayse,
6 Or ply him selfe to any honest trade,
But all the day before the sunny rayes
8 He vs'd to slug, or sleepe in slothfull shade:
Such laesinesse both lewd and poore attonce him made.
1 This wicked woman had a wicked son,
2 The comfort of her age and weary days,
3 A lazy lourd, for nothing good to do,
lourd > sluggard; lout (formed on French _lourd_, heavy; for another
interpretation, see _SC_, gloss to "Julye". The spelling "loord"
may also be intended to connote "lord")
for nothing good to do > [good for nothing]
4 But stretched forth in idleness always,
5 Ne ever cast his mind to covet praise,
Ne ever > And never
praise > merit; virtue (here esp. that associated with praiseworthy
deeds)
6 Or ply himself to any honest trade,
ply > apply
7 But all the day before the sunny rays
8 He used to slug, or sleep in slothful shade:
slug > act lazily, waste his time
9 Such laziness both lewd and poor at once him made.
lewd > ignorant; good for nothing; unchaste
at once > together, simultaneously
307.13
He comming home at vndertime, there found
2 The fairest creature, that he euer saw,
Sitting beside his mother on the ground;
4 The sight whereof did greatly him adaw,
And his base thought with terrour and with aw
6 So inly smot, that as one, which +had+ gazed
On the bright Sunne vnwares, doth soone withdraw
8 His feeble eyne, with too much brightnesse dazed;
So stared he on her, and stood long while amazed.
6 had > hath _1590_
1 He, coming home at undern-time, there found
undern-time > {The third hour of the day, i.e. about 9 a.m.; noon;
the afternoon or evening. Hamilton (1980) suggests that "noon"
makes good contextual sense, since the witch's son finds
Florimell as dazzling as "the bright Sunne"}
2 The fairest creature that he ever saw,
3 Sitting beside his mother on the ground;
4 The sight whereof did greatly him adaw,
whereof > of whom
adaw > confound, daunt, daze (from OFr _adanter_: cf. _SC_, gloss to
"Februarie"); _also, on a second reading of Cantos vii and viii:_
awaken (cognate with "dawn") _whence:_ arouse (i.e. sexually.
"Daw" (aphetic for "jackdaw") in early Scottish and northern
dialect also means "simpleton" (cf. _Hubberd_ 913); thus Spenser
might have intended that the verb "to adaw" should also connote
"to dumbfound")
5 And his base thought with terror and with awe
6 So inly smote that, as one who had gazed
inly > inwardly
7 On the bright sun unwares does soon withdraw
unwares > unwittingly
8 His feeble eyes, with too much brightness dazed,
9 So stared he on her, and stood long while amazed.
So > (The parenthesis causes a problem, but the meaning is clear)
307.14
Softly at last he gan his mother aske,
2 What mister wight that was, and whence deriued,
That in so straunge disguizement there did maske,
4 And by what accident she there arriued:
But she, as one nigh of her wits depriued,
6 With nought but ghastly lookes him answered,
Like to a ghost, that lately is reuiued
8 From _Stygian_ shores, where late it wandered;
So both at her, and each at other wondered.
1 Softly at last he gan his mother ask
gan > did
2 What mister wight that was, and whence derived,
mister wight > sort of person (mister = occupation; hence: class,
sort)
3 That in so strange disguisement there did mask,
so > such
disguisement > {Disguise; clothing different from that which is
considered customary}
mask > disguise [herself]; masquerade
4 And by what accident she there arrived:
5 But she, as one nigh of her wits deprived,
6 With naught but ghastly looks him answered,
ghastly > frightful, terrible (as if induced by fear of the
supernatural)
7 Like a ghost, that lately is revived
revived > brought back to life
8 From Stygian shores, where late it wandered;
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the
river across which dead souls must pass. See _Aen._ 6.312 ff.}
late > recently
9 So both at her, and each at other wondered.
wondered > marvelled
307.15
But the faire Virgin was so meeke and mild,
2 That she to them vouchsafed to embace
Her goodly port, and to their senses vild,
4 Her gentle speach applide, that in short space
She grew familiare in that desert place.
6 During which time, the Chorle through her so kind
And curteise vse conceiu'd affection bace,
8 And cast to loue her in his brutish mind;
No loue, but brutish lust, that was so beastly tind.
1 But the fair virgin was so meek and mild
2 That she to them vouchsafed to embase
embase > degrade, humiliate
3 Her goodly port, and to their senses vile
port > rank, social station
4 Her gentle speech applied, that in short space
gentle > gracious, courteous; noble; gentle
applied > directed
that > [so that]
space > time
5 She grew familiar in that desert place.
familiar > {On a family footing}
desert > lonely
6 During which time the churl, through her so kind
churl > rustic, boor
7 And courteous use, conceived affection base,
8 And cast to love her in his brutish mind;
cast > resolved
9 No love, but brutish lust, that was so beastly tinded.
beastly tinded > bestially kindled
307.16
Closely the wicked flame his bowels brent,
2 And shortly grew into outrageous fire;
Yet had he not the hart, nor hardiment,
4 As vnto her to vtter his desire;
His caytiue thought durst not so high aspire,
6 But with soft sighes, and louely semblaunces,
He ween'd that his affection entire
8 She should aread; many resemblaunces
To her he made, and many kind remembraunces.
1 Closely the wicked flame his bowels burnt,
Closely > Secretly; closely
bowels > {Heart, breast; internal organs generally}
2 And shortly grew into outrageous fire;
outrageous > violent; outrageous
3 Yet had he not the heart, nor hardiment,
had he > [he had]
hardiment > boldness
4 As to her to utter his desire;
5 His caitiff thought dared not so high aspire,
caitiff > servile; despicable
6 But with soft sighs, and lovely semblances,
lovely > loving
7 He weened that his affection entire
weened > imagined, supposed
entire > entire; unreserved; inward (cf. e.g. 408.23:9); blameless
8 She should aread; many resemblances
aread > divine
resemblances > shows (of some quality; here, of love)
9 To her he made, and many kind remembrances.
remembrances > mentions, notices (i.e. he also paid her many
compliments)
307.17
Oft from the forrest wildings he did bring,
2 Whose sides empurpled were with smiling red,
And oft young birds, which he had taught to sing
4 His mistresse prayses, sweetly caroled,
Girlonds of flowres sometimes for her faire hed
6 He fine would dight; sometimes the squirell wild
He brought to her in bands, as conquered
8 To be her thrall, his fellow seruant vild;
All which, she of him tooke with countenance meeke and mild.
1 Oft from the forest wildings he did bring,
wildings > wild apples
2 Whose sides empurpled were with smiling red,
empurpled > reddened
3 And oft young birds, which he had taught to sing
4 His mistress' praises, sweetly carolled;
carolled > sung; sang, celebrated [her praises] with song
5 Garlands of flowers sometimes for her fair head
6 He finely would dight; sometimes the squirrel wild
dight > prepare; arrange
7 He brought to her in bonds, as conquered
as > [as though]
8 To be her thrall, his fellow servant vile;
thrall > slave
vile > lowly, wretched
9 All which she of him took with countenance meek and mild.
of > from
mild > mild; gracious, kind (cf. 307.15:1)
307.18
But past awhile, when she fit season saw
2 To leaue that desert mansion, she cast
In secret wize her selfe thence to withdraw,
4 For feare of mischiefe, which she did forecast
Might +by+ the witch or +by+ her sonne compast:
6 Her wearie Palfrey closely, as she might,
Now well recouered after long repast,
8 In his proud furnitures she freshly dight,
His late miswandred wayes now to remeasure right.
5 by > be _1596, 1609_
5 by > that _1596, 1609; in the 1590 reading, "be" must be
understood before _compast
1 But past awhile, when she fit season saw
past awhile > [when some time had passed]
season > occasion; opportunity
2 To leave that desert mansion, she cast
desert > lonely
mansion > lodging, place of abode
cast > resolved
3 In secret wise herself thence to withdraw,
wise > manner
4 For fear of mischief, which she did forecast
mischief > evil
forecast > conjecture
5 Might by the witch or by her son compassed:
compassed > [be] contrived
6 Her weary palfrey, closely as she might
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
closely > [as] secretly
might > could
7 (Now well recovered after long repast),
8 In his proud furnitures she freshly dight,
furnitures > harness, fittings
dight > arranged
9 His late miswandered ways now to remeasure right.
late > recent
miswandered > errant
remeasure > traverse again, retrace
307.19
And earely ere the dawning day appeard,
2 She forth issewed, and on her iourney went;
She went in perill, of each noyse affeard,
4 And of each shade, that did it selfe present;
For still she feared to be ouerhent,
6 Of that vile hag, or +her+ vnciuile sonne:
Who when too late awaking, well they kent,
8 That their faire guest was gone, they both begonne
To make exceeding mone, as they had bene vndonne.
6 her > that _1609_
1 And early, ere the dawning day appeared,
2 She forth issued, and on her journey went;
3 She went in peril, of each noise afeard,
afeard > frightened
4 And of each shade that did itself present;
shade > shadow
5 For still she feared to be overhent
still > continually
overhent > overtaken (cf. 304.49:8)
6 Of that vile hag or her uncivil son:
Of > By
uncivil > uncivilized, barbaric
7 Who, when too late awaking, well they kenned
kenned > discovered
8 That their fair guest was gone, they both began
9 To make exceeding moan, as they had been undone.
moan > lamentation
as > [as if]
307.20
But that lewd louer did the most lament
2 For her depart, that euer man did heare;
He knockt his brest with desperate intent,
4 And scratcht his face, and with his teeth did teare
His rugged flesh, and rent his ragged heare:
6 That his sad mother seeing his sore plight,
Was greatly woe begon, and gan to feare,
8 Least his fraile senses were emperisht quight,
And loue to frenzy turnd, sith loue is franticke hight.
1 But that lewd lover did the most lament
lewd > ignorant; lewd (cf. 307.12:9)
2 For her depart that ever man did hear;
depart > departure
3 He knocked his breast with desperate intent,
intent > frame of mind; purpose
4 And scratched his face, and with his teeth did tear
5 His rugged flesh, and rent his ragged hair:
rent > tore
6 That his sad mother, seeing his sore plight,
That his > [His; so that his]
7 Was greatly woe-begone, and began to fear
8 Lest his frail senses were emperished quite,
emperished > impaired
9 And love to frenzy turned, sith love is frantic hight.
sith > since
hight > called
307.21
All wayes she sought, him to restore to plight,
2 With herbs, with charms, with counsell, and with teares,
But tears, nor charms, nor herbs, nor counsell might
4 Asswage the fury, which his entrails teares:
So strong is passion, that no reason heares.
6 Tho when all other helpes she saw to faile,
She turnd her selfe backe to her wicked leares
8 And by her deuilish arts thought to preuaile,
To bring her backe againe, or worke her finall bale.
1 All ways she sought, him to restore to plight,
plight > health
2 With herbs, with charms, with counsel, and with tears,
charms > spells
3 But tears, nor charms, nor herbs, nor counsel might
might > could
4 Assuage the fury which his entrails tears:
5 So strong is passion, that no reason hears.
6 Tho, when all other helps she saw to fail,
Tho > Then
helps > {Means of assistance}
7 She turned herself back to her wicked lears,
lears > doctrines, lessons
8 And by her devilish arts thought to prevail,
9 To bring her back again, or work her final bale.
work > cause
bale > torment, suffering; infliction of death (final bale = death:
cf. 106.48:7, 109.51:8)
307.22
Eftsoones out of her hidden caue she cald
2 An hideous beast, of horrible aspect,
That could the stoutest courage haue appald;
4 +Monstrous+ mishapt, and his backe was spect
With thousand spots of colours queint elect,
6 Thereto so swift, that it all beasts did pas:
Like neuer yet did liuing eye detect;
8 But likest it to an _Hyena_ was,
That feeds on womens flesh, as others feede on gras.
4 Monstrous > Monstrous, _1590_
1 Eftsoons out of her hidden cave she called
Eftsoons > Thereupon; forthwith; presently
2 A hideous beast, of horrible aspect,
hideous > hideous; odious; _perhaps:_ immense
aspect > appearance; visage
3 That could the stoutest courage have appalled;
stoutest > bravest; boldest
appalled > caused to fade; _hence:_ quelled
4 Monstrous mis-shapen, and his back was specked
mis-shapen > deformed; shaped with evil intent, misformed (as
101.55:9)
5 With thousand spots of colours quaint elect,
quaint > cunningly, ingeniously, strangely; _and adj._
elect > elected: chosen (if "quaint" is adv.); [and] select (if
"quaint" is adj.)
6 Thereto so swift that he all beasts did pass:
Thereto > Moreover
pass > surpass
7 Like never yet did living eye detect;
Like > [The like]
8 But likest he to a hyena was,
likest he to > [he most like]
9 That feeds on women's flesh as others feed on grass.
307.23
It forth she cald, and gaue it streight in charge,
2 Through thicke and thin her to pursew apace,
Ne once to stay to rest, or breath at large,
4 Till her he had attaind, and brought in place,
Or quite deuourd her beauties scornefull grace.
6 The Monster swift as word, that from her went,
Went forth in hast, and did her footing trace
8 So sure and swiftly, through his perfect sent,
And passing speede, that shortly he her ouerhent.
1 It forth she called, and gave it straight in charge
straight > straightway; strait: strictly
2 Through thick and thin her to pursue apace,
apace > swiftly, at speed
3 Nor once to stay to rest, or breathe at large,
stay > halt
at large > at liberty, freely
4 Till her he had attained, and brought in place,
attained > overtaken, caught
in place > there (i.e. back to the witch's cottage)
5 Or quite devoured her beauty's scornful grace.
6 The monster, swift as word that from her went,
7 Went forth in haste, and did her footing trace
footing > trail
8 So sure and swiftly, through his perfect scent,
scent > {Sense of smell}
9 And passing speed, that shortly he her overhent.
passing > surpassing
overhent > overtook
307.24
Whom when the fearefull Damzell nigh espide,
2 No need to bid her fast away to flie;
That vgly shape so sore her terrifide,
4 That it she shund no lesse, then dread to die,
And her flit Palfrey did so well apply
6 His nimble feet to her conceiued feare,
That whilest his breath did strength to him supply,
8 From perill free he her away did beare:
But when his force gan faile, his pace gan wex areare.
1 Whom when the fearful damsel nigh espied,
nigh > close (qualifying the creature)
2 No need to bid her fast away to fly;
fly > flee
3 That ugly shape so sore her terrified
4 That it she shunned no less than dread to die,
dread to die > [the fear of death]
5 And her flit palfrey did so well apply
flit > fleet, swift
apply > adapt, conform
6 His nimble feet to her conceived fear
7 That, whilst his breath did strength to him supply,
8 From peril free he her away did bear:
9 But when his force gan fail, his pace gan wax arear.
gan > began to; did
wax arear > grow rearwards, _hence:_ slacken
307.25
Which whenas she perceiu'd, she was dismayd
2 At that same last extremitie full sore,
And of her safetie greatly grew afrayd;
4 And now she gan approch to the sea shore,
As it befell, that she could flie no more,
6 But yield her selfe to spoile of greedinesse.
Lightly she leaped, as a wight forlore,
8 From her dull horse, in desperate distresse,
And to her feet betooke her doubtfull sickernesse.
1 Which when she perceived, she was dismayed
2 At that same last extremity full sore,
At > By
full sore > very greatly, exceedingly grievously
3 And of her safety greatly grew afraid;
4 And now she gan approach to the sea-shore,
gan > began to
5 As it befell, that she could fly no more,
that > [so that]
fly > flee
6 But yield herself to spoil of greediness.
7 Lightly she leapt, as a wight forlore,
Lightly > Quickly
wight > person, woman
forlore > forsaken
8 From her dull horse, in desperate distress,
dull > slow, sluggish
9 And to her feet betook her doubtful sickerness.
betook > entrusted
sickerness > security
307.26
Not halfe so fast the wicked _Myrrha_ fled
2 From dread of her reuenging fathers hond:
Nor halfe so fast to saue her maidenhed,
4 Fled fearefull _Daphne_ on th'_AEg{ae}an_ strond,
As _Florimell_ fled from that Monster yond,
6 To reach the sea, ere she of him were raught:
For in the sea to drowne her selfe she fond,
8 Rather then of the tyrant to be caught:
Thereto feare gaue her wings, and neede her courage taught.
1 Not half so fast the wicked Myrrha fled
Myrrha > (Whose incestuous desire for her own father led to her
transformation into a tree: see _Met._ 10.312 ff.)
2 From dread of her revenging father's hand:
3 Nor half so fast, to save her maidenhead,
4 Fled fearful Daphne on the Aegean strand,
Aegean > (Daphne was the daughter of the river-god Peneus, in
Thessaly, the largest division of Greece, which is bounded on the
east by the Aegean Sea)
strand > shore
5 As Florimell fled from that monster yond,
yond > mad, furious; _also:_ yonder
6 To reach the sea, ere she of him were raught:
of > by
raught > reached, laid hold of, seized
7 For in the sea to drown herself she fond,
fond > [would] fond: [would] try; _or perhaps a contortion of:_
fained: was eager, desired
8 Rather than of the tyrant to be caught:
of > by
9 Thereto fear gave her wings, and need her courage taught.
Thereto > To that purpose
307.27
It fortuned (high God did so ordaine)
2 As she arriued on the roring shore,
In minde to leape into the mighty maine,
4 A little boate lay houing her before,
In which there slept a fisher old and pore,
6 The whiles his nets were drying on the sand:
Into the same she leapt, and with the ore
8 Did thrust the shallop from the floting strand:
So safetie found at sea, which she found not at land.
1 It fortuned (high God did so ordain)
2 As she arrived on the roaring shore
3 (In mind to leap into the mighty main)
main > main ocean, high sea; sea
4 A little boat lay hoving her before,
hoving > {Lingering; floating; heaving, rising and falling with the
waves}
5 In which there slept a fisher old and poor,
fisher > fisherman
6 The whiles his nets were drying on the sand:
The whiles > While
7 Into the same she leapt, and with the oar
8 Did thrust the shallop from the floating strand:
shallop > dinghy
strand > shore
9 So safety found at sea, which she found not at land.
307.28
The Monster ready on the pray to sease,
2 Was of his forward hope deceiued quight;
Ne durst assay to wade the perlous seas,
4 But greedily long gaping at the sight,
At last in vaine was forst to turne his flight,
6 And tell the idle tidings to his Dame:
Yet to auenge his deuilish despight,
8 He set vpon her Palfrey tired lame,
And slew him cruelly, ere any reskew came.
1 The monster, ready on the prey to seize,
seize > {Fasten his claws: SUS}
2 Was of his forward hope deceived quite;
forward > eager; well advanced; presumptuous, extreme
deceived > deprived
3 Nor dared essay to wade the perilous seas,
essay > try
4 But, greedily long gaping at the sight,
greedily > eagerly
5 At last in vain was forced to turn his flight,
6 And tell the idle tidings to his dame:
idle > empty, futile
7 Yet, to avenge his devilish despite,
despite > rage, malice
8 He set upon her palfrey tired lame,
lame > [and lame]
9 And slew him cruelly, ere any rescue came.
307.29
And after hauing him embowelled,
2 To fill his +hellish+ gorge, it chaunst a knight
To passe that way, as forth he trauelled;
4 It was a goodly Swaine, and of great might,
As euer man that bloudy field did fight;
6 But in vaine sheows, that wont yong knights bewitch,
And courtly seruices tooke no delight,
8 But rather ioyd to be, then seemen sich:
For both to be and seeme to him was labour lich.
2 hellish > bellish _1596_
1 And after having him embowelled,
embowelled > disembowelled
2 To fill his hellish gorge, it chanced a knight
gorge > maw
3 To pass that way, as forth he travelled;
4 He was a goodly swain, and of great might,
goodly > well-favoured; fine
swain > young man; gallant (with connotation of "rustic")
5 As ever man that bloody field did fight;
man > [any man]
field > battle
6 But in vain shows, that wont young knights bewitch,
vain > empty, useless; foolish, proud
shows > {Ostentatious displays, pretensions}
wont > are accustomed
bewitch > [to bewitch]
7 And courtly services took no delight,
courtly > [in courtly]
took > [he took]
8 But rather joyed to _be_, than _seem_ such:
joyed > rejoiced, took pleasure
9 For both to be and seem to him was labour like.
labour like > [the same labour]
307.30
It was to weete the good Sir _Satyrane_,
2 That raungd abroad to seeke aduentures wilde,
As was his wont in forrest, and in plaine;
4 He was all armd in rugged steele vnfilde,
As in the smoky forge it was compilde,
6 And in his Scutchin bore a Satyres hed:
He comming present, where the Monster vilde
8 Vpon that milke-white Palfreyes carkas fed,
Vnto his reskew ran, and greedily him sped.
1 It was to weet the good Sir Satyrane,
to weet > to wit
2 That ranged abroad to seek adventures wild,
abroad > broadly, widely; in different directions
3 As was his wont in forest, and in plain;
4 He was all armed in rugged steel unfiled,
unfiled > [not smoothed with the file]
5 As in the smoky forge it was compiled,
compiled > constructed, _hence:_ fashioned, hammered out
6 And in his scutcheon bore a satyr's head:
scutcheon > escutcheon, shield
satyr > (Satyrs are horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat-
like below, usually portrayed as more or less lustful. In Roman
mythology, Satyr, one of the satyrs, is a companion of Bacchus
with long, pointed ears, behind which are the stumps of horns,
with the tail of a goat, bristly hair, and a flat nose. See
106.20 ff.)
7 He coming present, where the monster vile
present > there; speedily (said of a remedy); ready with assistance
8 Upon that milk-white palfrey's carcase fed,
9 To his rescue ran, and greedily him sped.
greedily > eagerly, zealously
sped > sent with speed; _hence:_ caused to run away (but see
307.32:4)
307.31
There well perceiu'd he, that it was the horse,
2 Whereon faire _Florimell_ was wont to ride,
That of that feend was rent without remorse:
4 Much feared he, least ought did ill betide
To that faire Mayd, the flowre of womens pride;
6 For her he dearely loued, and in all
His famous conquests highly magnifide:
8 Besides her golden girdle, which did fall
From her in flight, he found, that did him sore apall.
1 There well perceived he that it was the horse
2 Whereon fair Florimell was wont to ride,
wont > accustomed
3 That of that fiend was rent without remorse:
of > by
rent > torn to pieces
remorse > pity, compassion
4 Much feared he, lest aught did ill betide
aught > anything
ill betide > evilly happen
5 To that fair maid, the flower of women's pride;
6 For her he dearly loved, and in all
7 His famous conquests highly magnified:
magnified > glorified
8 Besides her golden girdle, which did fall
Besides > {By the side, nearby}
9 From her in flight, he found, that did him sore appal.
appal > dismay
307.32
Full of sad feare, and doubtfull agony,
2 Fiercely he flew vpon that wicked feend,
And with huge strokes, and cruell battery
4 Him forst to leaue his pray, for to attend
Him selfe from deadly daunger to defend:
6 Full many wounds in his corrupted flesh
He did engraue, and muchell bloud did spend,
8 Yet might not do him dye, but aye more fresh
And fierce he still appeard, the more he did him thresh.
1 Full of sad fear, and doubtful agony,
sad > grievous; heavy; sad
doubtful agony > fearful mental anguish
2 Fiercely he flew upon that wicked fiend,
3 And with huge strokes, and cruel battery
battery > battering; assault with many blows
4 Him forced to leave his prey, to attend
leave his prey > (Apparently contradicting 307.30:9)
attend > turn his energies
5 Himself from deadly danger to defend:
6 Full many wounds in his corrupted flesh
Full > Exceedingly
7 He did engrave, and mickle blood did spend,
engrave > cut, carve
mickle > much
8 Yet might not do him die, but ay more fresh
might not do him die > [could not kill him]
ay > ever
9 And fierce he still appeared, the more he did him thrash.
still > ever, continually
307.33
He wist not, how him to despoile of life,
2 Ne how to win the wished victory,
Sith him he saw still stronger grow through strife,
4 And him selfe weaker through infirmity;
Greatly he grew enrag'd, and furiously
6 Hurling his sword away, he lightly lept
Vpon the beast, that with great cruelty
8 Rored, and raged to be vnder-kept:
Yet he perforce him held, and strokes vpon him hept.
1 He wist not how him to despoil of life,
wist > knew
2 Nor how to win the wished victory,
3 Sith him he saw still stronger grow through strife,
Sith > Since
still > ever; yet
4 And himself weaker through infirmity;
infirmity > weakness; _hence:_ fatigue; _also, in tune with the
allegory:_ weakness of character, moral frailty
5 Greatly he grew enraged, and furiously
6 Hurling his sword away, he lightly leapt
lightly > quickly
7 Upon the beast, that with great cruelty
8 Roared, and raged to be under-kept:
9 Yet he perforce him held, and strokes upon him heaped.
perforce > by force
307.34
As he that striues to stop a suddein flood,
2 And in strong banckes his violence +enclose+,
Forceth it swell aboue his wonted mood,
4 And largely ouerflow the fruitfull plaine,
That all the countrey seemes to be a Maine,
6 And the rich furrowes flote, all quite fordonne:
The wofull husbandman doth lowd complaine,
8 To see his whole yeares labour lost so soone,
For which to God he made so many an idle boone.
2 enclose > containe _sugg. various editors_
1 As he that strives to stop a sudden flood,
2 And in strong banks its violence enclose,
enclose > [does] contain, [to] contain
3 Forces it swell above its wonted mode,
swell > [to swell]
wonted > customary
mode > way of being; _hence:_ level
4 And largely overflow the fruitful plain,
largely > copiously; freely
5 That all the country seems to be a main,
That > [So that]
main > {Broad expanse of water}
6 And the rich furrows float, all quite fordone:
fordone > ruined
7 The woeful husbandman does loud complain,
8 To see his whole year's labour lost so soon,
9 For which to God he made so many an idle boon.
idle boon > useless prayer
307.35
So him he held, and did through might amate:
2 So long he held him, and him bet so long,
That at the last his fiercenesse gan abate,
4 And meekely stoup vnto the victour strong:
Who to auenge the implacable wrong,
6 Which he supposed donne to _Florimell_,
Sought by all meanes his dolour to prolong,
8 Sith dint of steele his carcas could not quell:
His maker with her charmes had framed him so well.
1 So him he held, and did through might amate:
So > Thus, in this manner
might amate > strength subdue
2 So long he held him, and him beat so long,
3 That at the last his fierceness gan abate,
gan > did
4 And meekly stoop to the victor strong:
5 Who, to avenge the implacable wrong
6 Which he supposed done to Florimell,
7 Sought by all means his dolour to prolong,
dolour > pain
8 Sith dint of steel his carcase could not quell:
Sith > Since
dint > dint; blow, impact
carcase > body
quell > destroy; kill
9 His maker with her charms had framed him so well.
charms > spells
framed > made
307.36
The golden ribband, which that virgin wore
2 About her +sclender+ wast, he tooke in hand,
And with it bound the beast, that lowd did rore
4 For great despight of that vnwonted band,
Yet dared not his victour to withstand,
6 But trembled like a lambe, fled from the pray,
And all the way him followd on the strand,
8 As he had long bene learned to obay;
Yet neuer learned he such seruice, till that day.
2 sclender > slender _1609_
1 The golden riband, which that virgin wore
riband > ribbon
2 About her slender waste, he took in hand,
3 And with it bound the beast, that loud did roar
4 For great despite of that unwonted bond,
despite > disdain; defiance
unwonted > unaccustomed
5 Yet dared not his victor to withstand,
6 But trembled like a lamb, fled from the prey,
the prey > [the action of preying; hence: the scene of the attack]
7 And all the way him followed on the strand,
strand > shore
8 As he had long been learned to obey;
As > [As though]
learned > taught
9 Yet never learned he such service, till that day.
307.37
Thus as he led the Beast along the way,
2 He spide far off a mighty Giauntesse,
Fast flying on a Courser dapled gray,
4 From a bold knight, that with great hardinesse
Her hard pursewd, and sought for to suppresse;
6 She bore before her lap a dolefull Squire,
Lying athwart her horse in great distresse,
8 Fast bounden hand and foote with cords of wire,
Whom she did meane to make the thrall of her desire.
1 Thus as he led the beast along the way,
2 He spied far off a mighty giantess,
3 Fast flying, on a courser dappled grey,
flying > fleeing
4 From a bold knight, that with great hardiness
5 Her hard pursued, and sought to suppress;
hard > closely; strenuously
suppress > stop, arrest; vanquish
6 She bore before her lap a doleful squire
squire > knight's attendant
7 (Lying athwart her horse in great distress,
8 Fast bound, hand and foot, with cords of wire),
Fast > Firmly
9 Whom she did mean to make the thrall of her desire.
thrall > slave
307.38
Which whenas _Satyrane_ beheld, in hast
2 He left his captiue Beast at liberty,
And crost the nearest way, by which he cast
4 Her to encounter, ere she passed by:
But she the way shund nathemore for thy,
6 But forward gallopt fast; which when he spyde,
His mighty speare he couched warily,
8 And at her ran: she hauing him descryde,
Her selfe to fight addrest, and threw her lode aside.
1 Which when Satyrane beheld, in haste
2 He left his captive beast at liberty,
3 And crossed the nearest way, by which he cast
cast > contrived; resolved
4 Her to encounter, ere she passed by:
encounter > go to meet; face as an adversary
5 But she the way shunned nathemore for-thy,
But > (Pleonastic)
nathemore for-thy > not at all for that reason (i.e. she did not
alter her course because of that)
6 But forward galloped fast; which when he spied,
7 His mighty spear he couched warily,
couched warily > {Carefully lowered and placed in its rest, ready
for attack}
8 And at her ran: she, having him descried,
9 Herself to fight addressed, and threw her load aside.
addressed > prepared
307.39
Like as a Goshauke, that in foote doth beare
2 A trembling Culuer, hauing spied on hight
An Egle, that with plumy wings doth sheare
4 The subtile ayre, stouping with all his might,
The quarrey throwes to ground with fell despight,
6 And to the battell doth her selfe prepare:
So ran the Geauntesse vnto the fight;
8 Her firie eyes with furious sparkes did stare,
And with blasphemous bannes high God in peeces tare.
1 Like a goshawk, that in foot does bear
2 A trembling culver, having spied on high
culver > dove; woodpigeon
3 An eagle (that with plumy wings does shear
4 The subtile air, stooping with all his might),
subtile > rarefied
stooping > swooping; descending from a height; descending on his
prey
5 The quarry throws to ground with fell despite,
The quarry > [Her prey]
fell > fierce, terrible
despite > rage; defiance
6 And to the battle does herself prepare:
7 So ran the giantess to the fight;
8 Her fiery eyes with furious sparks did stare,
stare > glare
9 And with blasphemous bans high God in pieces tore.
bans > curses, imprecations
307.40
She caught in hand an huge great yron mace,
2 Wherewith she many had of life depriued,
But ere the stroke could seize his aymed place,
4 His speare amids her sun-broad shield arriued;
Yet nathemore the steele a sunder riued,
6 All were the beame in bignesse like a mast,
Ne her out of the stedfast sadle driued,
8 But glauncing on the tempred mettall, brast
In thousand shiuers, and so forth beside her past.
1 She caught in hand a huge great iron mace,
2 Wherewith she many had of life deprived,
Wherewith > With which
3 But, ere the stroke could seize its aimed place,
seize > take possession of; fasten upon (latter is SUS)
4 His spear amidst her sun-broad shield arrived:
amidst > in the middle of
5 Yet nathemore the steel asunder rived,
nathemore > not at all
rived > split; tore
6 All were the beam in bigness like a mast;
All > Although
7 Nor her out of the steadfast saddle drove,
8 But, glancing on the tempered metal, burst
9 In thousand shivers, and so forth beside her passed.
307.41
Her Steed did stagger with that puissaunt strooke;
2 But she no more was moued with that might,
Then it had lighted on an aged Oke;
4 Or on the marble Pillour, that is pight
Vpon the top of Mount _Olympus_ hight,
6 For the braue youthly Champions to assay,
With burning charet wheeles it nigh to smite:
8 But who that smites it, mars his ioyous play,
And is the spectacle of ruinous decay.
1 Her steed did stagger with that puissant stroke;
puissant > powerful
2 But she no more was moved with that might
might > force
3 Than it had lighted on an aged oak;
it had > [had it]
lighted on > alighted on, struck
4 Or on the marble pillar that is pight
pight > placed
5 Upon the top of Mount Olympus' height,
height > summit ("The assumption that Mount Olympus was the site of
the Olympic Games appears also in Sidney's _Apology for Poetry_;
but Spenser may have been misled by the obscure language of the
_Mythologiae_ of Natales Comes (5.1)": Maclean (1982) 286)
6 For the brave youthly champions to essay,
essay > attempt
7 With burning charet wheels, it nigh to smite:
charet > chariot
8 But who that smites it mars his joyous play,
who that > [whoever]
9 And is the spectacle of ruinous decay.
spectacle > example; model, pattern
decay > downfall, destruction
307.42
Yet therewith sore enrag'd, with sterne regard
2 Her dreadfull weapon she to him addrest,
Which on his helmet martelled so hard,
4 That made him low incline his lofty crest,
And bowd his battred visour to his brest:
6 Wherewith he was so stund, that he n'ote ryde,
But reeled to and fro from East to West:
8 Which when his cruell enimy espyde,
She lightly vnto him adioyned side to syde;
1 Yet therewith sore enraged, with stern regard
therewith > with that ["with that puissaunt strooke"]
stern > fierce, merciless
regard > aspect; look, gaze; care, attention
2 Her dreadful weapon she to him addressed,
to > at
addressed > directed
3 Which on his helmet martelled so hard
martelled > hammered (esp. as with an iron war-hammer; SU)
4 That made him low incline his lofty crest,
That > [That it]
5 And bowed his battered visor to his breast:
6 Wherewith he was so stunned that he no'te ride,
Wherewith > With which
no'te > could not
7 But reeled to and fro from east to west:
8 Which when his cruel enemy espied,
9 She lightly to him adjoined side to side;
lightly > quickly
to him adjoined side to side > [came alongside him]
307.43
And on his collar laying puissant hand,
2 Out of his wauering seat him pluckt perforse,
Perforse him pluckt, vnable to withstand,
4 Or helpe himselfe, and laying thwart her horse,
In loathly wise like to a carion corse,
6 She bore him fast away. Which when the knight,
That her pursewed, +saw+ with great +remorse,+
8 He neare was touched in his noble spright,
And gan encrease his speed, as she encreast her flight.
7 saw > saw, _1609_
7 remorse, > remorse _1609_
1 And, on his collar laying puissant hand,
puissant > powerful
2 Out of his wavering seat him plucked perforce,
perforce > by force
3 Perforce him plucked, unable to withstand,
4 Or help himself, and laying thwart her horse,
laying > [laying him]
thwart > athwart, across
5 In loathly wise, like a carrion corse,
loathly wise > [a] loathsome manner
carrion corse > dead body
6 She bore him fast away. Which when the knight
7 That her pursued saw, with great remorse
remorse > compassion
8 He near was touched in his noble spirit,
near > closely; _hence:_ deeply
9 And gan increase his speed, as she increased her flight.
gan > did
307.44
Whom when as nigh approching she espyde,
2 She threw away her burden angrily;
For she list not the battell to abide,
4 But made her selfe more light, away to fly:
Yet her the hardy knight pursewd so nye,
6 That almost in the backe he oft her strake:
But still when him at hand she did espy,
8 She turnd, and semblaunce of faire fight did make;
But when he stayd, to flight againe she did her take.
1 Whom when nigh approaching she espied,
2 She threw away her burden angrily;
3 For she list not the battle to abide,
list > chose
abide > await, attend, await the issue of; face, endure
4 But made herself more light, away to fly:
fly > flee
5 Yet her the hardy knight pursued so nigh
6 That almost in the back he oft her struck:
7 But still, when him at hand she did espy,
still > ever, continually
8 She turned, and semblance of fair fight did make;
9 But when he stayed, to flight again she did herself take.
307.45
By this +the+ good Sir _Satyrane_ gan +wake+
2 Out of his dreame, that did him long entraunce,
And seeing none in place, he gan to make
4 Exceeding mone, and curst that cruell chaunce,
Which reft +from him+ so faire a cheuisaunce:
6 At length he spide, whereas that wofull Squire,
Whom he had reskewed from captiuaunce
8 Of his strong foe, lay tombled in the myre,
Vnable to arise, or foot or hand to styre.
1 the > _omitted from 1596 and 1609_
1 wake > awake _1609_
5 from him > him from _1609_
1 By this the good Sir Satyrane gan wake
By this > By this time
gan > did; began to
2 Out of his dream, that did him long entrance,
3 And, seeing none in place, he began to make
none in place > no one there
4 Exceeding moan, and cursed that cruel chance
moan > lamentation
5 Which reft from him so fair a chevisance:
reft > took
chevisance > enterprise, knightly enterprise (catachr.)
6 At length he spied where that woeful squire,
7 Whom he had rescued from captivance
captivance > captivity (WUS)
8 Of his strong foe, lay tumbled in the mire,
9 Unable to arise, +or+ foot or hand to stir.
or > either
307.46
To whom approching, well he mote perceiue
2 In that foule plight a comely personage,
And louely face, made fit for to deceiue
4 Fraile Ladies hart with loues consuming rage,
Now in the blossome of his freshest age:
6 He reard him vp, and loosd his yron bands,
And after gan inquire his parentage,
8 And how he fell into +that+ Gyaunts hands,
And who that was, which chaced her along the lands.
8 that > the _1590_
1 To whom approaching, well he might perceive
might > could
2 In that foul plight a comely personage,
foul plight > [befouled state, i.e. the squire is covered in mud]
personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from the clothing}
3 And lovely face, made fit to deceive
lovely > loving, kind; lovable
deceive > betray, prove false to
4 Frail ladies' heart with love's consuming rage,
Frail > weak; morally weak
5 Now in the blossom of his freshest age:
6 He reared him up, and loosed his iron bonds,
iron > [wire: see 307.37:8]
7 And after gan inquire his parentage,
gan inquire > did ask about
8 And how he fell into that giant's hands,
9 And who that was, who chased her along the lands.
lands > land, landscape (contrived for the rhyme)
307.47
Then trembling yet through feare, the Squire bespake,
2 That Geauntesse _Argante_ is behight,
A daughter of the _Titans_ which did make
4 Warre against heauen, and heaped hils on hight,
To scale the skyes, and put _Ioue_ from his right:
6 Her sire _Typh{oe}us_ was, who mad through merth,
And drunke with bloud of men, slaine by his might,
8 Through incest, her of his owne mother Earth
Whilome begot, being but halfe twin of that berth.
1 Then, trembling yet through fear, the squire bespoke,
bespoke > said
2 "That giantess Argante is behight,
Argante > "Shining", "Glistening" (i.e. with lust); "Swift-footed"
(_argos_, shining, glistening, is also applied in classical Greek
to the legs of running dogs, as rapid motion is said to cause a
flickering light. Argante is described as "fast flying" at
307.37:3, and has a "sun-broad shield" (307.40:4). Alter-
natively, the name might be derived from that of Arges, one of
the Titans)
behight > named (catachr.)
3 A daughter of the Titans which did make
Titans > (A slip for the Giants, who piled Mount Ossa on Mount
Pelion in order to scale Mount Olympus and dethrone Jupiter
(_Met._ 1.151 ff.))
4 War against heaven, and heaped hills on high,
5 To scale the skies, and put Jove from his right:
6 Her sire Typhoeus was, who, mad through mirth,
sire > father
7 And drunk with blood of men slain by his might,
8 Through incest, her of his own mother, Earth,
of > by
Earth > (Typhoeus was the youngest son of Ge (Earth) and Tartarus,
who was in turn the son of Ge and Aether (Sky))
9 Whilom begot, being but half twin of that birth.
Whilom > Anciently
307.48
For at that berth another Babe she bore,
2 To weet the mighty _Ollyphant_, that wrought
Great wreake to many errant knights of yore,
4 +And many hath to foule+ confusion brought.
These twinnes, men say, (a thing far passing thought)
6 Whiles in their mothers wombe enclosd they were,
Ere they into the lightsome world were brought,
8 In fleshly lust were mingled both yfere,
And in that monstrous wise did to the world appere.
4 And many hath to foule > Till him Chylde _Thopas_ to _1590. The
change distances Ollyphant from Chaucer's tale (see Glossary),
which actually breaks off before Olifaunt is killed; and Spenser
recalls that his Ollyphant features later in the story (311.3
ff.)_
1 "For at that birth another babe she bore,
2 To weet the mighty Ollyphant, that wrought
To weet > To wit
Ollyphant > "Elephant" (based on "Olifaunt", a character in Chaucer's
_Tale of Sir Thopas_ 7.807-9)
3 Great wreak to many errant knights of yore,
wreak > harm, injury, damage
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure;
the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating,
etc.)
yore > old
4 And many has to foul confusion brought.
many > a great number (singular)
confusion > discomfiture, ruin
5 These twins, men say (a thing far passing thought),
passing > surpassing
6 While in their mother's womb enclosed they were,
7 Ere they into the lightsome world were brought,
lightsome > bright, luminous
8 In fleshly lust were mingled both yfere,
yfere > together
9 And in that monstrous wise did to the world appear.
wise > fashion
307.49
So liu'd they euer after in like sin,
2 Gainst natures law, and good behauioure:
But greatest shame was to that maiden twin,
4 Who not content so fowly to deuoure
Her natiue flesh, and +staine+ her brothers bowre,
6 Did wallow in all other fleshly myre,
And suffred beasts her body to deflowre:
8 So whot she burned in that lustfull fyre,
Yet all that might not slake her sensuall desyre.
5 staine > straine _1596, 1609_
1 "So lived they ever after in like sin,
like > similar
2 Gainst Nature's law, and good behaviour:
Gainst > Against
3 But greatest shame was to that maiden twin,
4 Who, not content so foully to devour
devour > {Consume destructively; cf. _Luke_ 15.30}
5 Her native flesh, and stain her brother's bower,
bower > bedroom; _hence:_ bed
6 Did wallow in all other fleshly mire,
7 And suffered beasts her body to deflower,
suffered > allowed
8 So hot she burnt in that lustful fire;
9 Yet all that might not slake her sensual desire.
all that > [all that perversion]
might > could
307.50
But ouer all the countrey she did raunge,
2 To seeke young men, to quench her flaming +thurst+,
And feed her fancy with delightfull chaunge:
4 Whom so she fittest finds to serue her lust,
Through her maine strength, in which she most doth trust,
6 She with her brings into a secret Ile,
Where in eternall bondage dye he must,
8 Or be the vassall of her pleasures vile,
And in all shamefull sort him selfe with her defile.
2 thurst > thrust _1590_
1 "But over all the country she did range,
2 To seek young men, to quench her flaming thirst,
3 And feed her fancy with delightful change:
4 Whomso she fittest finds to serve her lust,
Whomso > Whomever
5 Through her main strength, in which she most does trust,
main > mighty; very great; remarkable
6 She with her brings into a secret isle,
7 Where in eternal bondage die he must,
8 Or be the vassal of her pleasures vile,
vassal > slave
9 And in all shameful sort himself with her defile.
sort > manner, method; company
307.51
Me seely wretch she so at vauntage caught,
2 After she long in waite for me did lye,
And meant vnto her prison to haue brought,
4 Her lothsome pleasure there to satisfye;
That thousand deathes me leuer were to dye,
6 Then breake the vow, that to faire _Columbell_
I plighted haue, and yet keepe stedfastly:
8 As for my name, it mistreth not to tell;
Call me the _Squyre of Dames_ that me beseemeth well.
1 "Me, seely wretch, she so at vantage caught,
seely > helpless, innocent; pitiable
so > thus, in that manner
vantage > advantage (i.e. to Argante)
2 After she long in wait for me did lie,
3 And meant to her prison to have brought,
meant > intended
4 Her loathsome pleasure there to satisfy;
5 That thousand deaths me liefer were to die,
That > [So that]
me liefer were to > [I would rather]
6 Than break the vow that to fair Columbell
Columbell > "Little Dove"; "Pretty Dove"
7 I plighted have, and yet keep steadfastly:
plighted have > have pledged
8 As for my name, it misters not to tell;
misters not > is not necessary
9 Call me the Squire of Dames: that me beseems well.
beseems > suits
307.52
But that bold knight, whom ye pursuing saw
2 That Geauntesse, is not such, as she seemed,
But a faire virgin, that in martiall law,
4 And deedes of armes aboue all Dames is deemed,
And aboue many knights is eke esteemed,
6 For her great worth; She _Palladine_ is hight:
She you from death, you me from dread redeemed.
8 Ne any may that Monster match in fight,
But she, or such as she, that is so chaste a wight.
1 "But that bold knight, whom you pursuing saw
2 That giantess, is not such as she seemed,
3 But a fair virgin, that in martial law
law > ways; manner of life
4 And deeds of arms above all dames is deemed,
5 And above many knights is eke esteemed,
eke > also
6 For her great worth; she Palladine is hight:
Palladine > (The name seems to be formed on that of Pallas Athene,
the Greek goddess of wisdom, Minerva in Roman mythology. She is
represented as a virgin divinity, immune to sexual love)
hight > named
7 She you from death, you me from dread redeemed.
8 Nor any may that monster match in fight,
9 But she, or such as she, that is so chaste a wight."
wight > person
307.53
Her well beseemes that Quest (quoth _Satyrane_)
2 But read, thou _Squyre of Dames_, what vow is this,
Which thou vpon thy selfe hast lately ta'ne?
4 That shall I you recount (quoth he) ywis,
So be ye pleasd to pardon all amis.
6 That gentle Lady, whom I loue and serue,
After long suit and weary seruicis,
8 Did aske me, how I could her loue deserue,
And how she might be sure, that I would neuer swerue.
1 "Her well beseems that quest," quoth Satyrane,
beseems > suits
2 "But read, you Squire of Dames, what vow is this,
read > declare
3 Which you upon yourself have lately taken?"
4 "That shall I you recount," quoth he, "iwis,
you > [to you]
iwis > certainly, indeed, assuredly
5 So be you pleased to pardon all amiss.
So be you > [If you will be]
all amiss > [all in it that is objectionable]
6 That gentle lady, whom I love and serve,
gentle > noble; gracious
7 After long suit and weary services,
8 Did ask me how I could her love deserve,
9 And how she might be sure that I would never swerve.
307.54
I glad by any meanes her grace to gaine,
2 Bad her commaund my life to saue, or spill.
Eftsoones she bad me, with incessaunt paine
4 To wander through the world abroad at will,
And euery where, where with my power or skill
6 I might do seruice vnto gentle Dames,
That I the same should faithfully fulfill,
8 And at the twelue monethes end should bring their names
And pledges; as the spoiles of my victorious games.
1 "I, glad by any means her grace to gain,
2 Bade her command my life to save, or spill.
spill > destroy
3 Eftsoons she bade me with incessant pain
Eftsoons > Thereupon; presently
pain > effort; pain
4 To wander through the world abroad at will,
5 And everywhere, where with my power or skill
skill > knowledge; skill
6 I might do service to gentle dames;
do service to > profess love to; supply the sexual needs of,
copulate with
gentle > gentle; gracious
7 That I the same should faithfully fulfil,
8 And, at the twelve months' end, should bring their names
9 And pledges as the spoils of my victorious games.
307.55
So well I to faire Ladies seruice did,
2 And found such fauour in their louing hartes,
That ere the yeare his course had compassid,
4 Three hundred pledges for my good desartes,
And thrise three hundred thanks for my good partes
6 I with me brought, and did to her present:
Which when she saw, more bent to eke my smartes,
8 Then to reward my trusty true intent,
She gan for me deuise a grieuous punishment.
1 "So well I to fair ladies service did,
2 And found such favour in their loving hearts,
3 That, ere the year its course had compassed,
compassed > accomplished; encircled
4 Three hundred pledges for my good deserts,
deserts > deeds, merits
5 And thrice three hundred thanks for my good parts
parts > acts; qualities, capacities; _also, perhaps:_ private parts
(as 202.37:5)
6 I with me brought, and did to her present:
7 Which when she saw, more bent to eke my smarts
eke > augment
smarts > pains
8 Than to reward my trusty true intent,
9 She gan for me devise a grievous punishment.
gan > did
307.56
To weet, that I my trauell should resume,
2 And with like labour walke the world around,
Ne euer to her presence should presume,
4 Till I so many other Dames had found,
The which, for all the suit I could propound,
6 Would me refuse their pledges to afford,
But did abide for euer chast and sound.
8 Ah gentle Squire (quoth he) tell at one word,
How many foundst thou such to put in thy record?
1 "To weet, that I my travel should resume,
To weet > To wit
travel > travel; travail
2 And with like labour walk the world around,
like > similar
3 Ne ever to her presence should presume
Ne ever > And never
4 Till I so many other dames had found,
so many > [the same number of]
5 Who, for all the suit I could propound,
6 Would me refuse their pledges to afford,
7 But did abide for ever chaste and sound."
abide > remain
8 "Ah, gentle squire," quoth he, "tell, at one word,
gentle > noble; gentle
9 How many found you such to put in your record?"
307.57
In deed Sir knight (said he) one word may tell
2 All, that I euer found so wisely stayd;
For onely three they were disposd so well,
4 And yet three yeares I now abroad haue strayd,
To find them out. Mote I (then laughing sayd
6 The knight) inquire of thee, what were those three,
The which thy proffred curtesie denayd?
8 Or ill they seemed sure auizd to bee,
Or brutishly brought vp, that neu'r did fashions see.
1 "Indeed, sir knight," said he, "one word may tell
2 All, that I ever found so wisely staid;
staid > faithful; staid
3 For only three they were disposed so well,
4 And yet three years I now abroad have strayed,
5 To find them out." "Might I" (then, laughing, said
6 The knight) "inquire of you, what were those three,
7 Which your proffered courtesy denied?
denied > refused
8 Or ill they seemed sure advised to be,
Or > Either
ill > badly, poorly
9 Or brutishly brought up, that never did fashions see."
307.58
The first which then refused me (said hee)
2 Certes was but a common Courtisane,
Yet flat refusd to haue a do with mee,
4 Because I could not giue her many a Iane.
(Thereat full hartely laughed _Satyrane_)
6 The second was an holy Nunne to chose,
Which would not let me be her Chappellane,
8 Because she knew, she said, I would disclose
Her counsell, if she should her trust in me repose.
1 "The first which then refused me," said he,
2 "Certes was but a common courtesan,
Certes > Assuredly
3 Yet flat refused to have a do with me,
a do > ado; a do (in the sexual sense; cf. 101.51:6)
4 Because I could not give her many a jane."
jane > {A small silver Genoese coin}
5 (Thereat full heartily laughed Satyrane.)
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
full > very
6 "The second was a holy nun to choose,
to choose > by choice
7 Who would not let me be her chaplain,
8 Because she knew, she said, I would disclose
9 Her counsel, if she should her trust in me repose.
counsel > confidences, secrets
307.59
The third a Damzell was of low degree,
2 Whom I in countrey cottage found by chaunce;
Full little weened I, that chastitee
4 Had lodging in so meane a maintenaunce,
Yet was she faire, and in her +countenance+
6 Dwelt simple truth in seemely fashion.
Long thus I woo'd her with dew obseruance,
8 In hope vnto my pleasure to haue won;
But was as farre at last, as when I first begon.
5 countenance > countenaunce _1590_
1 "The third a damsel was of low degree,
degree > rank, social station
2 Whom I in country cottage found by chance;
3 Full little weened I that chastity
Full > Very
weened > imagined
4 Had lodging in so mean a maintenance,
maintenance > livelihood, means of subsistence; _hence:_ condition,
way of life
5 Yet was she fair, and in her countenance
6 Dwelt simple truth in seemly fashion.
7 Long thus I wooed her with due observance,
8 In hope +to+ my pleasure to have won;
to > [her to]
9 But was as far at last, as when I first began.
307.60
Safe her, I neuer any woman found,
2 That chastity did for it selfe embrace,
But were for other causes firme and sound;
4 Either for want of handsome time and place,
Or else for feare of shame and fowle disgrace.
6 Thus am I hopelesse euer to attaine
My Ladies loue, in such a desperate case,
8 But all my dayes am like to wast in vaine,
Seeking to match the chaste with th'vnchaste Ladies traine.
1 "Save her, I never any woman found
2 That chastity did for itself embrace,
3 But were for other causes firm and sound;
4 Either for want of handsome time and place,
handsome > suitable
5 Or else for fear of shame and foul disgrace.
6 Thus am I hopeless ever to attain
7 My lady's love, in such a desperate case,
8 But all my days am like to waste in vain,
like > likely
9 Seeking to match the chaste with the unchaste ladies' train."
train > company, assembly; _hence:_ number
307.61
Perdy, (said _Satyrane_) thou _Squire of Dames_,
2 Great labour fondly hast thou hent in hand,
To get small thankes, and therewith many blames,
4 That may +emongst+ _Alcides_ labours stand.
Thence backe returning to the former land,
6 Where late he left the Beast, he ouercame,
He found him not; for he had broke his band,
8 And was return'd againe vnto his Dame,
To tell what tydings of faire _Florimell_ became.
4 emongst > among _1609_
1 "Pardie," said Satyrane, "you Squire of Dames,
Pardie > Truly; "by God"
2 Great labour fondly have you hent in hand,
fondly > foolishly
hent > taken
3 To get small thanks, and therewith many blames:
therewith > with that
blames > reproofs
4 That may amongst Alcides' labours stand."
That > [That great labour]
5 Thence back returning to the former land
land > [place]
6 Where late he left the beast he overcame,
late > lately
he overcame > [that he had overcome]
7 He found him not; for he had broken his bond,
8 And was returned again to his dame,
9 To tell what tidings of fair Florimell became.
tidings > happenings, occurrences
became > had befallen (i.e. the beast has returned to tell the witch
what happened to Florimell)