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