seeing such > [seeing; seeing the lion for what he was]
4 Himself too nigh at hand, but turned wide
wide > aside
5 To a hill; from whence when she him spied, 6 By his like seeming shield, her knight by name
like seeming > similar her knight by name > [her own knight; by name = particular]
7 She weened it was, and towards him gan ride:
weened > supposed, imagined gan > did
8 Approaching nigh, she wist it was the same,
wist > believed
9 And with fair fearful humblesse towards him she came.
humblesse > humility, humbleness
103.27
And weeping said, Ah my long lacked Lord,
2 Where haue ye bene thus long out of my sight?
Much feared I to haue bene quite abhord,
4 Or ought haue done, that ye displeasen might,
That should as death vnto my deare hart light:
6 For since mine eye your ioyous sight did mis,
My chearefull day is turnd to chearelesse night,
8 And eke my night of death the shadow is;
But welcome now my light, and shining lampe of blis.
1 And, weeping, said, "Ah, my long-lacked lord, 2 Where have you been thus long out of my sight? 3 Much feared I to have been quite abhorred, 4 Or aught have done, that you displease might,
aught > anything
5 That should as death to my dear heart light:
dear > fond; grievous, hence: sad light > strike; befall; alight
6 For since my eye your joyous sight did miss, 7 My cheerful day is turned to cheerless night, 8 And eke my night of death the shadow is;
eke > also, moreover, in addition
9 But welcome now, my light, and shining lamp of bliss!"
103.28
He thereto meeting said, My dearest Dame,
2 Farre be it from your thought, and fro my will,
To thinke that knighthood I so much should shame,
4 As you to leaue, that haue me loued still,
And chose in Faery court of meere goodwill,
6 Where noblest knights were to be found on earth:
The earth shall sooner leaue her kindly skill
8 To bring forth fruit, and make eternall derth,
Then I leaue you, my liefe, yborne of heauenly berth.
1 He thereto meeting said, "My dearest dame,
thereto > with that, to that meeting > opposing, dealing; hence: responding
2 Far be it from your thought, and from my will, 3 To think that knighthood I so much should shame 4 As you to leave, that have me loved still,
still > constantly
5 And chose in Faery Court, of mere goodwill,
mere > pure, complete; sheer
6 Where noblest knights were to be found on earth: 7 The earth shall sooner leave her kindly skill
leave > forsake; neglect kindly skill > natural knowledge, innate ability
8 To bring forth fruit, and make eternal dearth,
dearth > famine
9 Than I leave you, my lief, born of heavenly birth.
lief > dear, beloved
103.29
And sooth to say, why I left you so long,
2 Was for to seeke aduenture in strange place,
Where Archimago said a felon strong
4 To many knights did daily worke disgrace;
But knight he now shall neuer more deface:
6 Good cause of mine excuse; that mote ye please
Well to accept, and euermore embrace
8 My faithfull seruice, that by land and seas
Haue vowd you to defend, now then your plaint appease.
1 "And sooth to say, why I left you so long
sooth > truth; truthfully, truly
2 Was to seek adventure in strange place,
strange > foreign, outlying
3 Where, Archimago said, a felon strong
Archimago said > (See 101.31:3)
4 To many knights did daily work disgrace;
disgrace > affront; misfortune
5 But knight he now shall never more deface:
deface > defame; disfigure; destroy
6 Good cause of my excuse; that might you please 7 Well to accept, and evermore embrace 8 My faithful service, that by land and seas
that > [of I that]
9 Have vowed you to defend; now then, your plaint appease."
plaint > complaint, lamentation appease > check, cease
103.30
His louely words her seemd due recompence
2 Of all her passed paines: one louing howre
For many yeares of sorrow can dispence:
4 A dram of sweet is worth a pound of sowre:
She has forgot, how many a wofull stowre
6 For him she late endur'd; she speakes no more
Of past: true is, that true loue hath no powre
8 To looken backe; his eyes be fixt before.
Before her stands her knight, for whom she toyld so sore.
1 His lovely words her seemed due recompense
lovely > loving her seemed > [seemed to her]
2 Of all her passed pains: one loving hour 3 For many years of sorrow can dispense:
dispense > make amends
4 A dram of sweet is worth a pound of sour.
dram > {Drachm, one sixteenth of an ounce avoirdupois}
5 She has forgotten how many a woeful stour
stour > distress, time of distress
6 For him she late endured; she speaks no more
late > lately
7 Of past: true is, that true love has no power 8 To look back; its eyes are fixed before. 9 Before her stands her knight, for whom she toiled so sore.
103.31
Much like, as when the beaten marinere,
2 That long hath wandred in the Ocean wide,
Oft soust in swelling Tethys saltish teare,
4 And long time hauing tand his tawney hide
With blustring breath of heauen, that none can bide,
6 And scorching flames of fierce Orions hound,
Soone as the port from farre he has espide,
8 His chearefull whistle merrily doth sound,
And Nereus crownes with cups; his mates him pledg around.
1 Much like when the beaten mariner 2 (That long has wandered in the ocean wide, 3 Oft soused in swelling Tethys' saltish tear,
saltish > salty
4 And long time having tanned his tawny hide 5 With blustering breath of heaven, that none can abide, 6 And scorching flames of fierce Orion's hound),
Orion's hound > (Sirius, in the constellation of Canis Major, one of Orion's two hounds; Orion is the giant hunter battling Taurus: cf. 103.16:1. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, ascendant during the "dog days" of July and August, "at which time the Dogge starre, which is called Syrius, or Canicula, reigneth with immoderate heate, causing pestilence, drougth, and many diseases" (SC, gloss to "Julye"))
7 Soon as the port from far he has spied,
Soon > [As soon]
8 His cheerful whistle merrily does sound, 9 And Nereus crowns with cups; his mates him pledge around.
Nereus > (One of the sea deities, son of Tethys; see 304.19:4, 411.18-19) crowns > [he] crowns, honours; hence: renders thanks to him pledge around > [drink a toast to him]
103.32
Such ioy made Vna, when her knight she found;
2 And eke th'enchaunter ioyous seemd no lesse,
Then the glad marchant, that does vew from ground
4 His ship farre come from watrie wildernesse,
He hurles out vowes, and Neptune oft doth blesse:
6 So forth they past, and all the way they spent
Discoursing of her dreadfull late distresse,
8 In which he askt her, what the Lyon ment:
Who +told+ +her all that+ fell in iourney as she went.
9 told > told, 1609 9 her all that > all that her sugg. Smith
1 Such joy made Una, when her knight she found; 2 And eke the enchanter joyous seemed no less
eke > moreover, also
3 Than the glad merchant, that does view from ground 4 His ship far come from watery wilderness; 5 He hurls out vows, and Neptune oft does bless.
Neptune > (God of the sea)
6 So forth they passed, and all the way they spent 7 Discoursing of her dreadful late distress, 8 In which he asked her what the lion meant: 9 Who told her all that fell, in journey as she went.
her all that fell > [all that befell her]
103.33
They had not ridden farre, when they might see
2 One pricking towards them with hastie heat,
Full strongly armd, and on a courser free,
4 That through his fiercenesse fomed all with sweat,
And the sharpe yron did for anger eat,
6 When his hot ryder spurd his chauffed side;
His looke was sterne, and seemed still to threat
8 Cruell reuenge, which he in hart did hyde,
And on his shield Sans loy in bloudie lines was dyde.
1 They had not ridden far, when they might see
might > could
2 One pricking towards them with hasty heat,
pricking > spurring [his horse], riding heat > (Referring to the "humours" of medieval physiology)
3 Full strongly armed, and on a courser free
Full > Very, exceedingly free > willing, eager (cf. 102.8:4)
4 That through his fierceness foamed all with sweat, 5 And the sharp iron did for anger eat,
sharp > [deliberately] roughened iron > bit
6 When his hot rider spurred his chafed side;
chafed > chafed; heated; angry
7 His look was stern, and seemed still to threaten
stern > fierce, grim still > continually
8 Cruel revenge, which he in heart did hide, 9 And on his shield Sansloy in bloody lines was dyed.
103.34
When nigh he drew vnto this gentle payre
2 And saw the Red-crosse, which the knight did beare,
He burnt in fire, and gan eftsoones prepare
4 Himselfe to battell with his couched speare.
Loth was that other, and did faint through +feare+,
6 To taste th'vntryed dint of deadly steele;
But yet his Lady did so well him cheare,
8 That hope of new good hap he gan to feele;
So bent his speare, and +spurnd+ his horse with yron heele.
5 feare > fe a 1596 9 spurnd > spurd 1590
1 When nigh he drew to this gentle pair
gentle > noble
2 And saw the red cross which the knight did bear, 3 He burnt in fire, and gan eftsoons prepare
gan > did eftsoons > forthwith
4 Himself to battle with his couched spear.
couched > {Placed in its rest and lowered, ready for attack}
5 Loath was that other, and did faint through fear,
other > (Relative to the Redcross Knight as well as Sansloy: i.e. Archimago, that other Knight of the Redcross) faint > lose heart
6 To taste the untried dint of deadly steel;
dint > blow, impact
7 But yet his lady did so well him cheer, 8 That hope of new good hap he began to feel;
hap > fortune
9 So bent his spear, and spurred his horse with iron heel.
bent > inclined, turned
103.35
But that proud Paynim forward came so +fierce+,
2 And full of wrath, that with his sharp-head speare
Through vainely crossed shield he quite did +pierce,+
4 And had his staggering steede not +shrunke+ for feare,
Through shield and bodie eke he should him beare:
6 Yet so great was the puissance of his push,
That from his saddle quite he did him beare:
8 He tombling rudely downe to ground did rush,
And from his gored wound a well of bloud did gush.
1 fierce > ferce 1590 3 pierce, > perce; 1590 4 shrunke > shronke 1590
1 But that proud paynim forward came so fierce
paynim > pagan, heathen
2 And full of wrath, that, with his sharp-head spear, 3 Through vainly crossed shield he quite did pierce;
vainly crossed > (Because its cross is counterfeit)
4 And, had his staggering steed not shrunk for fear, 5 Through shield and body eke he should him bear:
eke > also; hence: both bear > [have] thrust
6 Yet so great was the puissance of his push,
puissance > power
7 That from his saddle quite he did him bear:
bear > carry
8 He tumbling rudely down to ground did rush,
He > (The phrasing of this line is ambiguous: (1) He, tumbling rudely down, to ground did rush; (2) He, tumbling rudely, down to ground did rush) rudely > clumsily, violently
9 And from his gored wound a well of blood did gush.
103.36
Dismounting lightly from his loftie steed,
2 He to him lept, in mind to reaue his life,
And proudly said, Lo there the worthie meed
4 Of him, that slew Sansfoy with bloudie knife;
Henceforth his ghost freed from repining strife,
6 In peace may passen ouer Lethe lake,
When +morning+ altars purgd with enemies life,
8 The blacke infernall Furies doen aslake:
Life from Sansfoy thou tookst, Sansloy shall from thee take.
7 morning > mourning 1590, 1609
1 Dismounting lightly from his lofty steed,
lightly > quickly, lightly
2 He to him leapt, in mind to reave his life,
reave > take away
3 And proudly said, "Lo, there the worthy meed
meed > reward
4 Of him that slew Sansfoy with bloody knife;
knife > sword
5 Henceforth his ghost, freed from repining strife,
ghost > spirit, soul repining > fretting, fretful
6 In peace may pass over Lethe Lake,
Lethe > (A river in hell; those who drink from it lose all memory of their former life and become purified; see SC, gloss to "March", Aen. 6.745-51, PL 2.604)
7 When mourning altars, purged with enemy's life,
purged > purified
8 The black infernal Furies do aslake:
Furies > (In later accounts, Tisiphone, Megaera, and Alecto, three goddesses who guard the gates of hell; in earlier accounts, they are avenging deities, of indeterminate number, sent from hell to punish wrongdoers) aslake > assuage; cool
9 Life from Sansfoy you took, Sansloy shall from you take."
Life > [That life which; see 102.15-19]
103.37
Therewith in haste his helmet gan vnlace,
2 Till Vna cride, O hold that heauie hand,
Deare Sir, what euer that thou be in place:
4 Enough is, that thy foe doth vanquisht stand
Now at thy mercy: Mercie not withstand:
6 For he is one the truest knight aliue,
Though conquered now he lie on lowly land,
8 And whilest him fortune fauourd, faire did thriue
In bloudie field: therefore of life him not depriue.
1 Therewith in haste his helmet gan unlace,
Therewith > With that; thereupon gan > [he] began to unlace > remove (prior to decapitating the vanquished)
2 Till Una cried, "O hold that heavy hand, 3 Dear sir, whatever you be in place:
in place > here; in rank, in sort [whatever you be in place = whoever you are]
4 Enough is, that your foe does vanquished stand 5 Now at your mercy. Mercy not withstand:
not withstand > do not stand in the way of, oppose; hence: deny
6 For he is one the truest knight alive,
one the > [the one; the]
7 Though conquered now he lies on lowly land; 8 And, whilst him fortune favoured, fair did thrive 9 In bloody field: therefore, of life him not deprive."
field > field of battle, battle
103.38
Her piteous words might not abate his rage,
2 But rudely rending vp his helmet, would
Haue slaine him straight: but when he sees his age,
4 And hoarie head of Archimago old,
His hastie hand he doth amazed hold,
6 And halfe ashamed, wondred at the sight:
For +the+ old man well knew he, though vntold,
8 In charmes and magicke to haue wondrous might,
Ne euer wont in field, ne in round lists to fight.
7 the > that FE, probably referring to this line rather than line 6
1 Her piteous words might not abate his rage,
might > could
2 But, rudely rending up his helmet, would
rudely > roughly would > [he would]
3 Have slain him straight: but when he sees his age,
straight > straightway, immediately
4 And hoary head of Archimago old, 5 His hasty hand he does amazed hold, 6 And half ashamed, wondered at the sight:
wondered > marvelled
7 For that old man well knew he, though untold,
untold > [without needing to be told]
8 In charms and magic to have wondrous might, 9 Neither ever wont in field, nor in round lists, to fight.
wont > accustomed field > battle round lists > enclosures for tourneys ("lists" were the palisades enclosing the tilting-ground)
103.39
And said, Why Archimago, lucklesse syre,
2 What doe I see? what hard mishap is this,
That hath thee hither brought to taste mine yre?
4 Or thine the fault, or mine the error is,
In stead of foe to wound my friend amis?
6 He answered nought, but in a traunce still lay,
And on those guilefull dazed eyes of his
8 The cloud of death did sit. Which doen away,
He left him lying so, ne would no lenger stay.
1 And said, "Why Archimago, luckless sire,
sire > {Aged or elderly man; father; the original form of "sir"}
2 What do I see? What hard mishap is this, 3 That has you hither brought to taste my ire? 4 Or yours the fault, or mine the error is,
Or > Either
5 Instead of foe to wound my friend amiss?" 6 He answered naught, but in a trance still lay,
still > motionless; yet
7 And on those guileful dazed eyes of his 8 The cloud of death did sit. Which done away,
Which done away > [When the swoon had passed]
9 He left him lying so, nor would no longer stay.
nor would no > [neither would any]
103.40
But to the virgin comes, who all this while
2 Amased stands, her selfe so mockt to see
By him, who has the guerdon of his guile,
4 For so misfeigning her true knight to bee:
Yet is she now in more perplexitie,
6 Left in the hand of that same Paynim bold,
From whom her booteth not at all to flie;
8 Who by her cleanly garment catching hold,
Her from her Palfrey pluckt, her visage to behold.
1 But to the virgin comes; who all this while 2 Amazed stands, herself so mocked to see
herself so mocked to see > [to see herself so mocked]
3 By him, who has the guerdon of his guile,
guerdon > reward
4 For so misfeigning her true knight to be:
misfeigning > pretending
5 Yet is she now in more perplexity,
perplexity > trouble, distress
6 Left in the hand of that same paynim bold,
paynim > pagan, heathen
7 From whom her boots not at all to fly;
her boots > it avails her fly > flee
8 Who, by her cleanly garment catching hold,
cleanly > {Clean, neat, elegant; morally or spiritually clean}
9 Her from her palfrey plucked, her visage to behold.
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
103.41
But her fierce seruant full of kingly awe
2 And high disdaine, whenas his soueraine Dame
So rudely handled by her foe he sawe,
4 With gaping iawes full greedy at him came,
And ramping on his shield, did weene the same
6 Haue reft away with his sharpe rending clawes:
But he was stout, and lust did now inflame
8 His corage more, that from his griping pawes
He hath his shield redeem'd, and +foorth+ his +swerd+ he drawes.
9 foorth > forth 1590 9 swerd > sword 1609
1 But her fierce servant, full of kingly awe
awe > fierceness, rage; power to inspire fear
2 And high disdain, when his sovereign dame
disdain > indignation
3 So rudely handled by her foe he saw,
rudely > roughly, violently
4 With gaping jaws full greedy at him came,
full greedy > very reckless; very recklessly
5 And, ramping on his shield, did ween the same
ramping > leaping, rearing up ween > mean, intend
6 Have reft away with his sharp rending claws:
Have > [To have] reft > taken, torn
7 But he was stout, and lust did now inflame
he > [Sansloy] stout > bold, brave; resolute; physically robust
8 His courage more, that from his gripping paws
that > [so that]
9 He has his shield redeemed, and forth his sword he draws.
redeemed > recovered, recovered by force
103.42
O then too weake and feeble was the forse
2 Of saluage beast, his puissance to withstand:
For he was strong, and of so mightie corse,
4 As euer wielded speare in warlike hand,
And feates of armes did wisely vnderstand.
6 Eftsoones he perced through his chaufed chest
With thrilling point of deadly yron brand,
8 And launcht his Lordly hart: with death opprest
He roar'd aloud, whiles life forsooke his stubborne brest.
1 O then too weak and feeble was the force 2 Of savage beast, his puissance to withstand:
savage > wild puissance > strength
3 For he was strong, and of so mighty corse,
so mighty > [as mighty a] corse > body; hence: physique
4 As ever wielded spear in warlike hand,
As > [As any who]
5 And feats of arms did wisely understand.
wisely > expertly
6 Eftsoons he pierced through his chafed chest
Eftsoons > Thereupon chafed > angry
7 With thrilling point of deadly iron brand,
thrilling > piercing brand > sword
8 And lanced his lordly heart: with death oppressed 9 He roared aloud, while life forsook his stubborn breast.
103.43
Who now is left to keepe the forlorne maid
2 From raging spoile of lawlesse victors will?
Her faithfull gard remou'd, her hope dismaid,
4 Her selfe a yeelded pray to saue or spill.
He now Lord of the +field+, his pride to fill,
6 With foule reproches, and disdainfull spight
Her vildly entertaines, and will or nill,
8 Beares her away vpon his courser light:
Her prayers nought preuaile, his rage is more of might.
5 field > fied 1596
1 Who now is left to keep the forlorn maid 2 From raging spoil of lawless victor's will?
From > [From becoming the] of > [of the]
3 Her faithful guard removed, her hope dismayed, 4 Herself a yielded prey to save or spill.
spill > destroy
5 He, now lord of the field, his pride to fill,
He, now lord > (Or: He now, lord)
6 With foul reproaches and disdainful spite
disdainful > hateful; angry; contemptuous
7 Her vilely entertains and, will or nill,
entertains > treats will or nill > willy-nilly, will or will not
8 Bears her away upon his courser light:
light > eager, willing (cf. 103.33:3); or: easily, quickly
9 Her prayers naught prevail, his rage is more of might.
more of might > stronger
103.44
And all the way, with great lamenting paine,
2 And piteous plaints she filleth his dull eares,
That stony hart could riuen haue in twaine,
4 And all the way she wets with flowing teares:
But he enrag'd with rancor, nothing heares.
6 Her seruile beast yet would not leaue her so,
But followes her farre off, ne ought he feares,
8 To be partaker of her wandring woe,
More mild in beastly kind, then that her beastly foe.
1 And all the way, with great lamenting pain 2 And piteous plaints she fills his dull ears,
plaints > lamentations dull > deaf
3 That stony heart could rived have in twain,
rived > split
4 And all the way she wets with flowing tears: 5 But he, enraged with rancour, nothing hears. 6 Her servile beast yet would not leave her so,
beast > [horse]
7 But follows her far off (nor aught he fears)
aught > anything at all
8 To be partaker of her wandering woe,
partaker of > [a] participant in
9 More mild, in beastly kind, than her beastly foe.
beastly > animal, beast-like kind > nature beastly > vile, despicable
CANTO IIII
To sinfull house of Pride, Duessa
2 guides the faithfull knight,
Where brothers death to wreak Sansioy
4 doth chalenge him to fight.
1 To sinful House of Pride Duessa 2 guides the faithful knight; 3 Where, brother's death to wreak, Sansjoy
wreak > avenge
4 does challenge him to fight.
104.1
YOung knight, what euer that dost armes professe,
2 And through long labours huntest after fame,
Beware of fraud, beware of ficklenesse,
4 In choice, and change of thy deare loued Dame,
Least thou of her beleeue too lightly blame,
6 And rash misweening doe thy hart remoue:
For vnto knight there is no greater shame,
8 Then lightnesse and inconstancie in loue;
That doth this Redcrosse knights ensample plainly proue.
1 Young knight, whatever that do arms profess,
whatever that > whoever [you are] that arms > feats of arms profess > lay claim to, pretend to
2 And through long labours hunt after fame, 3 Beware of fraud, beware of fickleness,
fraud > faithlessness
4 In choice, and change of your dear-loved dame, 5 Lest you of her believe too lightly blame,
blame > accusation, charge; blame
6 And, rash misweening, do your heart remove:
rash misweening > rashly misunderstanding
7 For to knight there is no greater shame 8 Than lightness and inconstancy in love; 9 That does this Redcross Knight's example plainly prove.
104.2
Who after that he had faire Vna lorne,
2 Through light misdeeming of her loialtie,
And false Duessa in her sted had borne,
4 Called Fidess', and so supposd to bee;
Long with her traueild, till at last they see
6 A goodly building, brauely garnished,
The house of mightie Prince it seemd to bee:
8 And towards it a broad high way that led,
All bare through peoples feet, which thither traueiled.
1 Who, after he had fair Una forlorn,
forlorn > lost; left, forsaken (catachr.)
2 Through light misdeeming of her loyalty,
misdeeming > misjudgement
3 And false Duessa in her stead had borne,
borne > taken as a companion
4 Called "Fidessa", and so supposed to be; 5 Long with her travelled, till at last they see 6 A goodly building, bravely garnished,
goodly > fine, beautiful bravely garnished > splendidly adorned
7 The house of mighty prince it seemed to be: 8 And towards it a broad highway that led,
broad highway > (See Matt. 7.13)
9 All bare through people's feet, which thither travelled.
people's feet, which > [the feet of people who]
104.3
Great troupes of people traueild thitherward
2 Both day and night, of each degree and place,
But few returned, hauing scaped hard,
4 With balefull beggerie, or foule disgrace,
Which euer after in most wretched case,
6 Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay.
Thither Duessa bad him bend his pace:
8 For she is wearie of the toilesome way,
And also nigh consumed is the lingring day.
1 Great troops of people travelled thitherward
thitherward > towards there, thither
2 Both day and night, of each degree and place,
place > rank
3 But few returned, having scaped hard,
scaped hard > escaped with difficulty
4 With baleful beggary, or foul disgrace,
baleful > deadly, miserable
5 Which ever after, in most wretched case,
case > plight
6 Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay.
lazars > lepers
7 Thither Duessa bade him bend his pace:
bend > incline; turn, hence: divert (including sense of "diverting from the true path")
8 For she is weary of the toilsome way,
toilsome > wearisome
9 And also nigh consumed is the lingering day.
104.4
A stately Pallace built of squared bricke,
2 Which cunningly was without morter laid,
Whose wals were high, but nothing strong, nor thick,
4 And golden foile all ouer them displaid,
That purest skye with brightnesse they dismaid:
6 High lifted vp were many loftie towres,
And goodly galleries farre ouer laid,
8 Full of faire windowes, and delightfull bowres;
And on the top a Diall told the timely howres.
1 A stately palace built of squared brick, 2 Which cunningly was without mortar laid, 3 Whose walls were high, but nothing strong, nor thick,
nothing > not at all, in no way
4 And golden foil all over them displayed, 5 That purest sky with brightness they dismayed:
That > [So that the]
6 High lifted up were many lofty towers, 7 And goodly galleries far over laid,
goodly > fine, beautiful far over laid > placed high above
8 Full of fair windows, and delightful bowers;
bowers > chambers, rooms
9 And on the top a dial told the timely hours.
104.5
It was a goodly heape for to behould,
2 And spake the praises of the workmans wit;
But full great pittie, that so faire a mould
4 Did on so weake foundation euer sit:
For on a sandie hill, that still did flit,
6 And fall away, it mounted was full hie,
That euery breath of heauen shaked it:
8 And all the hinder parts, that few could spie,
Were ruinous and old, but painted cunningly.
1 It was a goodly heap to behold,
goodly > fine, beautiful heap > pile; hence: large building
2 And spoke the praises of the workman's wit;
wit > skill
3 But full great pity, that so fair a mould
full > very, exceedingly mould > form, structure
4 Did on so weak foundation ever sit:
so > such [a]
5 For on a sandy hill, that still did flit
still > continually flit > yield, crumble (see Matt. 7.26-7)
6 And fall away, it mounted was full high,
full > very, exceedingly
7 That every breath of heaven shook it:
That > [So that]
8 And all the hinder parts, that few could spy, 9 Were ruinous and old, but painted cunningly.
104.6
Arriued there they passed in forth right;
2 For still to all the gates stood open wide,
Yet charge of them was to a Porter hight
4 Cald Maluen{u\}, who entrance none denide:
Thence to the hall, which was on euery side
6 With rich array and costly arras dight:
Infinite sorts of people did abide
8 There waiting long, to win the wished sight
Of her, that was the Lady of that Pallace bright.
1 Arrived there, they passed in forthright;
forthright > straightway; directly forward
2 For still to all the gates stood open wide,
still > ever, continually
3 Yet charge of them was to a porter hight,
hight > committed, entrusted (SUS)
4 Called Malven{u\}, who entrance none denied:
Malven{u\} > "Ill-welcome"; "Welcome to Evil"
5 Thence to the hall, which was on every side 6 With rich array and costly arras dight:
arras > {Tapestry wall-hanging, screen} dight > decked
7 Infinite sorts of people did abide
sorts > kinds; companies
8 There waiting long, to win the wished sight 9 Of her, that was the lady of that palace bright.
104.7
By them they passe, all gazing on them round,
2 And to the Presence mount; whose glorious vew
Their frayle amazed senses did confound:
4 In liuing Princes court none euer knew
Such endlesse richesse, and so sumptuous shew;
6 Ne Persia selfe, the nourse of pompous pride
Like euer saw. And there a noble crew
8 Of Lordes and Ladies stood on euery side,
Which with their presence faire, the place much beautifide.
1 By them they pass, all gazing on them round,
round > from all sides
2 And to the presence mount; whose glorious view
presence > presence-chamber (where a sovereign receives guests) view > appearance
3 Their frail amazed senses did confound:
frail > {Weak; morally weak, unable to resist temptation}
4 In living prince's court none ever knew 5 Such endless richesse, and so sumptuous show;
richesse > opulence so sumptuous > such sumptuous; such a sumptuous; so sumptuous a
6 Nor Persia herself, the nurse of pompous pride, 7 Like ever saw. And there a noble crew 8 Of lords and ladies stood on every side, 9 Who, with their presence fair, the place much beautified.
104.8
High aboue all a cloth of State was spred,
2 And a rich throne, as bright as sunny day,
On which there sate most braue embellished
4 With royall robes and gorgeous array,
A mayden Queene, that shone as Titans ray,
6 In glistring gold, and peerelesse pretious stone:
Yet her bright blazing beautie did assay
8 To dim the brightnesse of her glorious throne,
As enuying her selfe, that too exceeding shone.
1 High above all a cloth of state was spread,
cloth of state > {Baldachin, canopy suspended on pillars above throne}
2 And a rich throne, as bright as sunny day, 3 On which there sat, most brave embellished
brave > splendidly
4 With royal robes and gorgeous array, 5 A maiden queen, that shone as Titan's ray,
that > who (if the pronoun refers to Lucifera rather than the throne; the intention is not entirely clear) Titan > (The sun personified. In this context the name also brings to mind the Titans, who sought to dethrone Zeus (Jove); they are synonymous with rebellion and the overthrow of order. And the phrase "Titans ray" prepares the reader for a description of Phaethon in the next stanza)
6 In glistering gold and peerless precious stone: 7 Yet her bright blazing beauty did essay
essay > attempt
8 To dim the brightness of her glorious throne, 9 As envying herself, that too exceeding shone.
104.9
Exceeding shone, like Ph{oe}bus fairest childe,
2 That did presume his fathers firie wayne,
And flaming mouthes of steedes vnwonted wilde
4 Through highest heauen with weaker hand to rayne;
Proud of such glory and aduancement vaine,
6 While flashing beames do daze his feeble eyen,
He leaues the welkin way most beaten plaine,
8 And rapt with whirling wheeles, inflames the skyen,
With fire not made to burne, but fairely for to shyne.
1 Exceeding shone, like Phoebus' fairest child,
Phoebus' fairest child > (Phaethon, son of Phoebus Apollo [Titan], who took his father's chariot and set the world on fire: killed by Jupiter with a thunderbolt. See 311.38, Met. 2.1 ff.)
2 That did presume his father's fiery wain
presume > usurp wain > chariot
3 And flaming mouths of steeds, unwonted wild
mouths > [control] unwonted > unaccustomedly, unusually (referring to Phaethon's handling of the reins)
4 Through highest heaven with weaker hand to rein;
weaker > too-weak; or: weaker (than his father's hand) rein > (Or reign; a typically Spenserian pun)
5 Proud of such glory and advancement vain, 6 While flashing beams do daze his feeble eyes, 7 He leaves the welkin way most beaten plain,
welkin > {Sky, skyey, heavenly; welkin way: the sun's path through the sky}
8 And, rapt with whirling wheels, inflames the skies
rapt > carried away, enraptured
9 With fire not made to burn, but fairly to shine.
fairly > gently, entirely, properly
104.10
So proud she shyned in her Princely state,
2 Looking to heauen; for earth she did disdayne,
And sitting high; for lowly she did hate:
4 Lo vnderneath her scornefull feete, was layne
A dreadfull Dragon with an hideous trayne,
6 And in her hand she held a mirrhour bright,
Wherein her face she often vewed fayne,
8 And in her selfe-lou'd semblance tooke delight;
For she was wondrous faire, as any liuing wight.
1 So proud she shone in her princely state,
state > canopied throne; rank, condition
2 Looking to heaven; for earth she did disdain, 3 And sitting high (for lowly she did hate),
lowly > {Lowliness, humbleness; that which is, or they who are, lowly}
4 Lo underneath her scornful feet was lain 5 A dreadful dragon with a hideous train;
hideous > immense train > tail
6 And in her hand she held a mirror bright, 7 Wherein her face she often viewed fain,
fain > gladly, eagerly
8 And in her self-loved semblance took delight; 9 For she was wondrous fair, as any living wight.
wight > person, woman
104.11
Of griesly Pluto she the daughter was,
2 And sad Proserpina the Queene of hell;
Yet did she thinke her pearelesse +worth+ to pas
4 That parentage, with pride so did she swell,
And thundring Ioue, that high in heauen doth dwell,
6 And wield the world, she claymed for her syre,
Or if that any else did Ioue excell:
8 For to the highest she did still aspyre,
Or if ought higher were then that, did it desyre.
3 worth > wroth 1596
1 Of grisly Pluto she the daughter was,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
2 And sad Proserpine, the queen of hell; 3 Yet did she think her peerless worth to pass
pass > excel, surpass
4 That parentage, with pride so did she swell; 5 And thundering Jove, that high in heaven does dwell
Jove > (Here, "Jupiter Tonans", lord of the thunderbolt; he killed
Phaethon with a bolt of lightning)
6 And wield the world, she claimed for her sire,
wield > rule, reign over sire > father
7 Or if that any else did Jove excel:
that any else > any else [that]
8 For to the highest she did still aspire, 9 Or, if aught higher were than that, did it desire.
104.12
And proud Lucifera men did her call,
2 That made her selfe +a+ Queene, and crownd to be,
Yet rightfull kingdome she had none at all,
4 Ne heritage of natiue soueraintie,
But did vsurpe with wrong and tyrannie
6 Vpon the scepter, which she now did hold:
Ne ruld her +Realmes+ with lawes, but pollicie,
8 And strong aduizement of six wisards old,
That with their counsels bad her kingdome did vphold.
2 a > omitted from 1596 7 Realmes > Realme 1590
1 And proud Lucifera men did her call,
Lucifera > (Derived from "Lucifer", meaning "Light-bringer": a name for Satan, and for Venus as the morning star)
2 Who made herself a queen, and crowned to be; 3 Yet rightful kingdom she had none at all, 4 Nor heritage of native sovereignty,
native > {Rightful, by right of birth}
5 But did usurp with wrong and tyranny 6 Upon the sceptre which she now did hold:
Upon the > [The]
7 Nor ruled her realms with laws, but policy,
policy > political cunning, artfulness
8 And strong advisement of six wizards old,
advisement > advice six wizards > (Wizard = sage, here used derisively. The six are Sloth, Gluttony, Lechery, Avarice, Envy and Wrath, described in 104.18-35. Together with Lucifera herself, Pride, they comprise the Seven Deadly Sins)
9 That, with their counsels bad, her kingdom did uphold.
104.13
Soone as the +Elfin+ knight in presence came,
2 And false Duessa seeming Lady faire,
A gentle Husher, Vanitie by name
4 Made rowme, and passage for them did prepaire:
So goodly brought them to the lowest staire
6 Of her high throne, where they on humble knee
Making +obeyssance+, did the cause declare,
8 Why they were come, her royall state to see,
To proue the wide report of her great Maiestee.
1 Elfin > Elfing 1596 7 obeyssance > obeisance 1609
1 Soon as the Elfin knight in presence came
Soon > [As soon] presence > presence-chamber (where a sovereign receives visitors)
2 (And false Duessa, seeming lady fair), 3 A gentle usher, Vanity by name,
gentle > gentle; noble (used ironically)
4 Made room, and passage for them did prepare: 5 So goodly brought them to the lowest stair
goodly > courteously
6 Of her high throne, where they, on humble knee 7 Making obeisance, did the cause declare
declare > declare, make clear; relate
8 Why they were come, her royal state to see,
state > throne; majesty, pomp
9 To prove the wide report of her great majesty.
prove > confirm by personal experience
104.14
With loftie eyes, halfe loth to looke so low,
2 She thanked them in her disdainefull wise,
Ne other grace vouchsafed them to show
4 Of Princesse worthy, scarse them bad arise.
Her Lordes and Ladies all this while deuise
6 Themselues to setten forth to straungers sight:
Some frounce their curled haire in courtly guise,
8 Some prancke their ruffes, and others trimly dight
Their gay attire: each others greater pride does spight.
1 With lofty eyes, half loath to look so low, 2 She thanked them in her disdainful wise,
wise > manner
3 No other grace vouchsafed them to show
No > [But no]
4 Of princess worthy; scarce them bade arise. 5 Her lords and ladies all this while devise
devise > skilfully prepare, contrive; scheme
6 Themselves to set forth to strangers' sight:
set forth > exhibit, show off
7 Some frounce their curled hair in courtly guise;
frounce > twist into folds, plait guise > manner
8 Some prank their ruffs; and others trimly dight
prank > adjust; pleat dight > arrange
9 Their gay attire: each other's greater pride does spite.
spite > begrudge, envy
104.15
Goodly they all that knight do entertaine,
2 Right glad with him to haue increast their crew:
But to Duess' each one himselfe did paine
4 All kindnesse and faire courtesie to shew;
For in that court whylome her well they knew:
6 Yet the stout Faerie mongst the middest crowd
Thought all their glorie vaine in knightly vew,
8 And that great Princesse too exceeding prowd,
That to strange knight no better countenance allowd.
1 Goodly they all that knight do entertain,
Goodly > Courteously entertain > receive
2 Right glad with him to have increased their crew:
Right > Very
3 But to Duessa each one himself did pain 4 All kindness and fair courtesy to show; 5 For in that court whilom her well they knew:
whilom > of old, formerly
6 Yet the stout Faery amongst the middest crowd
stout > unyielding; proud; brave, bold middest > midmost
7 Thought all their glory vain in knightly view,
vain > foolish; empty
8 And that great princess too exceeding proud, 9 That to strange knight no better countenance allowed.
strange > foreign; new-come countenance > demeanour
104.16
Suddein vpriseth from her stately place
2 The royall Dame, and for her coche doth call:
All +hurtlen+ forth, and she with Princely pace,
4 As faire Aurora in her purple pall,
Out of the East the dawning day doth call:
6 So forth she comes: her brightnesse brode doth blaze;
The heapes of people thronging in the hall,
8 Do ride each other, vpon her to gaze:
Her glorious +glitterand+ light doth all mens eyes amaze.
3 hurtlen > hurlen 1609; cf. 104.40:1, 111.23:1, 205.8:7, 207.42:3 9 glitterand > glitter and 1596, 1609
1 Sudden uprises from her stately place 2 The royal dame, and for her coach does call: 3 All hurtle forth, and she with princely pace
hurtle > rush, dash pace > movement, motion; step
4 (As fair Aurora, in her purple pall,
Aurora > (Goddess of the dawn; "Lucifer" means "Light-bringer", and is one name for the morning star) pall > cloak (esp. of rich material)
5 Out of the east the dawning day does call): 6 So forth she comes; her brightness broad does blaze;
broad > abroad; broadly
7 The heaps of people thronging in the hall 8 Do ride each other, upon her to gaze: 9 Her glorious glittering light does all men's eyes amaze.
104.17
So forth she comes, and to her coche does clyme,
2 Adorned all with gold, and girlonds gay,
That seemd as fresh as Flora in her prime,
4 And stroue to match, in royall rich array,
Great Iunoes golden chaire, the which they say
6 The Gods stand gazing on, when she does ride
To Ioues high house through heauens bras-paued way
8 Drawne of faire Pecocks, that excell in pride,
And full of Argus eyes their tailes dispredden wide.
1 So forth she comes, and to her coach does climb, 2 Adorned all with gold, and garlands gay, 3 That seemed as fresh as Flora in her prime, 4 And strove to match, in royal rich array, 5 Great Juno's golden chair; which, they say,
chair > chariot (see Iliad 5.727. Juno is the queen of the gods, sister and wife of Jupiter)
6 The gods stand gazing on, when she does ride 7 To Jove's high house through heaven's brass-paved way,
To Jove's high house > (See Met. 2.533 ff.) heaven's brass-paved way > (See Iliad 14.173)
8 Drawn of fair peacocks, that excel in pride,
of > by excel > surpass [all] others
9 And full of Argus eyes their tails dispread wide.
Argus > (Argus Panoptes, watchman with a hundred eyes, set by Juno to watch Io and killed by Mercury; Juno placed his eyes in the tail of the peacock. See Met. 1.622-723; SC, gloss to "Julye" and to "October") dispread > spread out
104.18
But this was drawne of six vnequall beasts,
2 On which her six sage Counsellours did ryde,
Taught to obay their bestiall beheasts,
4 With like conditions to their kinds applyde:
Of which the first, that all the rest did guyde,
6 Was sluggish Idlenesse the nourse of sin;
Vpon a slouthfull Asse he chose to ryde,
8 Arayd in habit blacke, and amis thin,
Like to an holy Monck, the seruice to begin.
1 But this was drawn of six unequal beasts,
of > by unequal > different, ill-matched
2 On which her six sage counsellors did ride, 3 Taught to obey their bestial behests, 4 With like conditions to their kinds applied:
With like conditions to their kinds applied > (Literally, "With similar qualities to their natures employed"; each beast was appropriate to its rider)
5 Of which the first, that all the rest did guide, 6 Was sluggish Idleness, the nurse of sin;
Idleness > [Sloth]
7 Upon a slothful ass he chose to ride, 8 Arrayed in a habit black, and amice thin,
amice > cap, hood, cape (of some religious order)
9 Like a holy monk, the service to begin.
104.19
And in his hand his Portesse still he bare,
2 That much was worne, but therein little red,
For of deuotion he had little care,
4 Still drownd in sleepe, and most of his dayes ded;
Scarse could he once vphold his heauie hed,
6 To looken, whether it were night or day:
May seeme the wayne was very euill led,
8 When such an one had guiding of the way,
That knew not, whether right he went, or else astray.
1 And in his hand his portas still he bore,
portas > {Portable breviary, Roman Catholic prayer-book containing the Divine Office for each day} still > ever, continually
2 That much was worn, but therein little read,
therein little > [little]
3 For of devotion he had little care, 4 Still drowned in sleep, and most of his days dead;
Still > Ever
5 Scarce could he once uphold his heavy head, 6 To look whether it were night or day: 7 May seem the wain was very evil led,
May > [It may] wain > carriage, wagon; hence: coach
8 When such a one had guiding of the way, 9 That knew not whether right he went, or else astray.
104.20
From worldly cares himselfe he did esloyne,
2 And greatly shunned manly exercise,
+From+ euery worke he chalenged essoyne,
4 For contemplation sake: yet otherwise,
His life he led in lawlesse riotise;
6 By which he grew to grieuous malady;
For in his lustlesse limbs through euill guise
8 A shaking feuer raignd continually:
Such one was Idlenesse, first of this company.
3 From > For 1596, 1609
1 From worldly cares himself he did eloin,
eloin > remove, withdraw (as if from legal jurisdiction)
2 And greatly shunned manly exercise, 3 From every work he challenged essoin,
challenged essoin > claimed exemption (another legal term)
4 For contemplation's sake: yet otherwise 5 His life he led in lawless riotise,
riotise > indulgence, dissipation