of > by
5 There also was that mighty monarch laid
monarch > (Alexander the Great, 356-323 BC, king of Macedon; conquered Thebes, Persia, Syria, Phoenicia, Egypt)
6 Low under all, yet above all in pride, 7 That name of native sire did foul upbraid,
native sire > [his] natural father upbraid > censure
8 And would as Ammon's son be magnified,
Ammon > (An Egyptian divinity to whom was dedicated a celebrated temple and oracle at Ammonium (Siwah), in Libya, which was visited by Alexander. Ammon was identified by the Romans with Jupiter)
9 Till, scorned of God and man, a shameful death he died.
of > by
105.49
All these together in one heape were throwne,
2 Like carkases of beasts in butchers stall.
And in another corner wide were strowne
4 The antique ruines of the Romaines fall:
Great Romulus the Grandsyre of them all,
6 Proud Tarquin, and too lordly Lentulus,
Stout Scipio, and stubborne Hanniball,
8 Ambitious Sylla, and sterne Marius,
High C{ae}sar, great Pompey, and fierce Antonius.
1 All these together in one heap were thrown, 2 Like carcases of beasts in butcher's stall. 3 And in another corner wide were strewn 4 The antique ruins of the Romans' fall: 5 Great Romulus, the grandsire of them all,
Romulus > (Founder and first king of Rome, the twin brother of Remus) grandsire > grandfather
6 Proud Tarquin, and too lordly Lentulus,
Tarquin > (Lucius Tarquinius Superbus (died after 496 BC), last king of Rome) Lentulus > (One of the families of the patrician gens Cornelia; it gave rise to the Latin noun Lentulitas, coined by Cicero, meaning "the family pride of the Lentuli")
7 Stout Scipio, and stubborn Hannibal,
Stout > Proud; bold; obstinate Scipio > (Publius Cornelius Scipio (Scipio Africanus Major), c. 232- 183 BC, the general who defeated Hannibal at Zama, 202 BC) Hannibal > (247-183 BC, general of the Carthaginians in the Second Punic War; after his defeat by Scipio he suffered exile and committed suicide with poison)
8 Ambitious Sulla, and stern Marius,
Sulla > (Lucius Cornelius Sulla, 138-78 BC, rival of Marius, who rose from humble origins to become dictator of Rome) Marius > (Gaius Cornelius Marius, c. 155-86 BC, leader of the popular party in Rome, seven times a consul, conqueror of Jugurtha and the Cimbri)
9 High Caesar, great Pompey, and fierce Antonius.
Caesar > (Gaius Julius Caesar, c. 101-44 BC, whose overweening power and ambition led to his assassination) Pompey > (Pompeius Magnus, 106-48 BC, triumvir with Caesar and Crassus; Caesar's great rival) Antonius > (Marcus Antonius, Mark Antony, c. 83-30 BC, triumvir and general; committed suicide after defeat by Octavian)
105.50
Amongst these mighty men were wemen mixt,
2 Proud wemen, vaine, forgetfull of their yoke:
The bold Semiramis, whose sides transfixt
4 With sonnes owne blade, her fowle reproches spoke;
Faire Sthenob{oe}a, that her selfe did choke
6 With wilfull cord, for wanting of her will;
High minded Cleopatra, that with stroke
8 Of Aspes sting her selfe did stoutly kill:
And thousands moe the like, that did that dongeon fill.
1 Amongst these mighty men were women mixed, 2 Proud women, vain, forgetful of their yoke: 3 The bold Semiramis, whose sides transfixed
Semiramis > (Fl. c. 1250 BC, queen of King Ninus of Assyria; seduced her own son, who murdered her)
4 With son's own blade, her foul reproaches spoke; 5 Fair Sthenoboea, that herself did choke
Sthenoboea > (Queen of King Proetus of Argos, rejected lover of his brother Bellerophon; committed suicide on Bellerophon's marriage)
6 With wilful cord, for wanting of her will;
wanting > being deprived
7 High-minded Cleopatra, that with stroke
Cleopatra > (69-30 BC, daughter of Ptolemy XI; queen of Egypt, mistress of Marcus Antonius; killed herself when Antony fell on his sword)
8 Of asp's sting herself did stoutly kill:
stoutly > proudly
9 And thousands more the like, that did that dungeon fill.
105.51
Besides the endlesse routs of wretched thralles,
2 Which thither were assembled day by day,
From all the world after their wofull falles,
4 Through wicked pride, and wasted wealthes decay.
But most of all, which in +that+ Dongeon lay
6 Fell from high Princes courts, or Ladies bowres,
Where they in idle pompe, or wanton play,
8 Consumed had their goods, and thriftlesse howres,
And lastly throwne themselues into these heauy stowres.
5 that > the 1590 etc.: FE
1 Besides the endless routs of wretched thralls
routs > crowds thralls > slaves, prisoners
2 Who thither were assembled day by day 3 From all the world, after their woeful falls, 4 Through wicked pride, and wasted wealth's decay,
decay > downfall, destruction
5 But most of all, who in that dungeon lay,
But > (This does not follow from "Besides" in line 1. The sense seems to be: "Besides the endless routs … decay, were also, most of all, those who in that dungeon lay …")
6 Fallen from high princes' courts, or ladies' bowers,
bowers > bedrooms
7 Where they in idle pomp, or wanton play, 8 Consumed had their goods and thriftless hours, 9 And lastly thrown themselves into these heavy stours.
stours > straits, distressful circumstances
105.52
Whose case when as the carefull Dwarfe had tould,
2 And made ensample of their mournefull sight
Vnto his maister, he no lenger would
4 There dwell in perill of like painefull plight,
But early rose, and ere that dawning light
6 Discouered had the world to heauen wyde,
He by a priuie Posterne tooke his flight,
8 That of no enuious eyes he mote be spyde:
For doubtlesse death ensewd, if any him descryde.
1 Whose case when the careful dwarf had told,
careful > {Full of care, wary}
2 And made example of their mournful sight
example > warning
3 To his master, he no longer would 4 There dwell in peril of like painful plight, 5 But early rose, and, ere that dawning light
ere that > [before the]
6 Discovered had the world to heaven wide,
Discovered > Revealed
7 He by a privy postern took his flight,
privy > secret, hidden postern > {Back door or gate; any door distinct from the main one}
8 That of no envious eyes he might be spied:
That of > [So that by] envious > malevolent
9 For, doubtless, death ensued if any him descried.
ensued > [would have ensued]
105.53
Scarse could he footing find in that fowle way,
2 For many corses, like a great Lay-stall
Of murdred men which therein strowed lay,
4 Without remorse, or decent funerall:
Which all through that great Princesse pride did fall
6 And came to shamefull end. And them beside
Forth ryding vnderneath the castell wall,
8 A donghill of dead carkases he spide,
The dreadfull spectacle of that sad house of Pride.
1 Scarce could he footing find in that foul way, 2 For many corses, like a great laystall
For > [Because of the] corses > bodies laystall > {Place where bodies are laid; dunghill, midden}
3 Of murdered men, who therein strewn lay, 4 Without remorse or decent funeral:
remorse > pity
5 Who all through that great princess Pride did fall 6 And came to shameful end. And them beside, 7 Forth riding underneath the castle wall, 8 A dunghill of dead carcases he spied, 9 The dreadful spectacle of that sad House of Pride.
spectacle > example; model, pattern
CANTO VI
2 From lawlesse lust by wondrous grace
fayre Vna is releast:
4 Whom saluage nation does adore,
and learnes her wise beheast.
1 From lawless lust by wondrous grace 2 fair Una is released: 3 Whom savage nation does adore,
savage > wild, uncivilized
4 and learns her wise behest.
behest > {Bidding; injunction, often of a religious nature; cf. 107.18:7}
106.1
AS when a ship, that flyes faire vnder saile,
2 An hidden rocke escaped hath vnwares,
That lay in waite her wrack for to bewaile,
4 The Marriner yet halfe amazed stares
At perill past, and yet +in+ doubt ne dares
6 To ioy at his foole-happie ouersight:
So doubly is distrest twixt ioy and cares
8 The dreadlesse courage of this Elfin knight,
Hauing escapt so sad ensamples in his sight.
5 in > it 1590 etc.: FE
1 As when a ship, that flies fair under sail, 2 A hidden rock escaped has unwares,
unwares > unwittingly
3 That lay in wait her wreck to bewail,
bewail > ?cause, ?choose, ?mourn (perhaps an error)
4 The mariner yet half amazed stares 5 At peril past, and yet in doubt neither dares
doubt > fear
6 To joy at his fool-happy oversight:
joy > rejoice fool-happy > lucky
7 So doubly is distressed 'twixt joy and cares 8 The dreadless courage of this Elfin knight,
dreadless courage > fearless spirit
9 Having escaped so sad examples in his sight.
so > such
106.2
Yet sad he was that his too hastie speed
2 The faire Duess' had forst him leaue behind;
And yet more sad, that Vna his deare dreed
4 Her truth had staind with treason so vnkind;
Yet crime in her could neuer creature find,
6 But for his loue, and for her owne selfe sake,
She wandred had from one to other Ynd,
8 Him for to seeke, ne euer would forsake,
Till her vnwares the fierce Sansloy did ouertake.
1 Yet sad he was, that his too hasty speed 2 The fair Duessa had forced him leave behind;
leave > [to leave]
3 And yet more sad, that Una, his dear dread,
dread > loved one, object of reverence
4 Her truth had stained with treason so unkind;
unkind > unnatural; and perhaps: against her nature
5 Yet crime in her could never creature find, 6 But for his love, and for her own self sake, 7 She wandered had from one to other Ind
from one to other Ind > (Proverbial: a great distance; from the East to the West Indies. Cf. As You Like It III ii 78)
8 Him to seek, nor ever would forsake,
forsake > [forsake him]
9 Till her unwares the fierce Sansloy did overtake.
unwares > unexpectedly
106.3
Who after Archimagoes fowle defeat,
2 Led her away into a forrest wilde,
And turning wrathfull fire to lustfull heat,
4 With beastly sin thought her to haue defilde,
And made the vassall of his pleasures vilde.
6 Yet first he cast by treatie, and by traynes,
Her to perswade, that stubborne fort to yilde:
8 For greater conquest of hard loue he gaynes,
That workes it to his will, then he that it constraines.
1 Who, after Archimago's foul defeat, 2 Led her away into a forest wild, 3 And, turning wrathful fire to lustful heat, 4 With beastly sin thought her to have defiled, 5 And made the vassal of his pleasures vile.
vassal > slave
6 Yet first he cast by treaty, and by trains,
cast > resolved, designed treaty > entreaty, persuasion trains > trickery
7 Her to persuade that stubborn fort to yield: 8 For greater conquest of hard love he gains, 9 That works it to his will, than he that it constrains.
constrains > forces; achieves by force
106.4
With fawning wordes he courted her a while,
2 And looking louely, and oft sighing sore,
Her constant hart did tempt with diuerse guile:
4 But +wordes+ and lookes, and sighes she did abhore,
As rocke of Diamond stedfast euermore.
6 Yet for to feed his fyrie lustfull eye,
He snatcht the vele, that hong her face before;
8 Then gan her beautie shine, as brightest skye,
And burnt his beastly hart t'efforce her chastitye.
4 wordes > wordes, 1590, 1609
1 With fawning words he courted her awhile, 2 And looking lovely, and oft sighing sore,
lovely > lovingly
3 Her constant heart did tempt with diverse guile:
diverse > {Of different sorts}
4 But words, and looks, and sighs she did abhor, 5 As rock of diamond steadfast evermore. 6 Yet to feed his fiery lustful eye, 7 He snatched the veil that hung her face before; 8 Then gan her beauty shine as brightest sky,
gan > did
9 And burnt his beastly heart to efforce her chastity.
efforce > force, overcome by force (SUS); hence: violate
106.5
So when he saw his flatt'ring arts to fayle,
2 And subtile engines bet from batteree,
With greedy force he gan the fort assayle,
4 Whereof he weend possessed soone to bee,
And +win+ rich spoile of ransackt chastetee.
6 Ah heauens, that do this hideous act behold,
And heauenly virgin thus outraged see,
8 How can ye vengeance iust so long withhold,
And hurle not flashing flames vpon that Paynim bold?
5 win > with 1596, 1609
1 So when he saw his flattering arts fail, 2 And subtile engines beat from battery,
subtile engines > cunning engines of warfare beat from battery > beaten back from the attack
3 With greedy force he gan the fort assail
greedy > eager, reckless gan > did
4 Whereof he weened possessed soon to be,
Whereof > Of which weened > supposed [himself]
5 And win rich spoil of ransacked chastity. 6 Ah heavens, that do this hideous act behold,
hideous > odious
7 And heavenly virgin thus outraged see, 8 How can you vengeance just so long withhold,
vengeance just > [just vengeance]
9 And hurl not flashing flames upon that paynim bold?
paynim > pagan, heathen
106.6
The pitteous maiden carefull comfortlesse,
2 Does throw out thrilling shriekes, and shrieking cryes,
The last vaine helpe of womens great distresse,
4 And with loud plaints importuneth the skyes,
That molten starres do drop like weeping eyes;
6 And Ph{oe}bus flying so most shamefull sight,
His blushing face in foggy cloud implyes,
8 And hides for shame. What wit of mortall wight
Can now deuise to quit a thrall from such a plight?
1 The piteous maiden, careful, comfortless,
careful > {Full of cares, full of grief} comfortless > helpless, desolate
2 Does throw out thrilling shrieks, and shrieking cries
thrilling > piercing
3 (The last vain help of women's great distress), 4 And with loud plaints importunes the skies,
plaints > lamentations
5 That molten stars do drop like weeping eyes;
That > [So that]
6 And Phoebus, flying so most shameful sight,
flying > fleeing, flying from
7 His blushing face in foggy cloud implies,
implies > enfolds; conceals
8 And hides for shame. What wit of mortal wight
wight > man
9 Can now devise to quit a thrall from such a plight?
quit > rescue thrall > captive
106.7
Eternall prouidence exceeding thought,
2 Where none appeares can make her selfe a way:
A wondrous way it for this Lady wrought,
4 From Lyons clawes to pluck the griped pray.
Her shrill outcryes and shriekes so loud did bray,
6 That all the woodes and forestes did resownd;
A troupe of Faunes and Satyres far away
8 Within the wood were dauncing in a rownd,
Whiles old Syluanus slept in shady arber sownd.
1 Eternal providence, exceeding thought,
exceeding thought > [transcending human thought]
2 Where none appears, can make itself a way: 3 A wondrous way it for this lady wrought, 4 From lion's claws to pluck the gripped pray. 5 Her shrill outcries and shrieks so loud did bray,
bray > cry, cry out
6 That all the woods and forests did resound; 7 A troop of fauns and satyrs far away
fauns > (Horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat-like below; comparatively benign) satyrs > (Horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat-like below; usually portrayed as more or less lustful. In Roman mythology, Satyr, one of the satyrs, is a companion of Bacchus with long, pointed ears, behind which are the stumps of horns, with the tail of a goat, bristly hair, and a flat nose)
8 Within the wood were dancing in a round,
round > {Ring; a dance in which the performers move in a ring}
9 While old Silvanus slept in shady arbour sound.
Silvanus > (Roman god of forests and the country; identified with Pan) sound > soundly
106.8
Who when they heard that pitteous strained voice,
2 In haste forsooke their rurall meriment,
And ran towards the far rebownded noyce,
4 To weet, what wight so loudly did lament.
Vnto the place they come incontinent:
6 Whom when the raging Sarazin espide,
A rude, +misshapen+, monstrous rablement,
8 Whose like he neuer saw, he durst not bide,
But got his ready steed, and fast away gan ride.
7 misshapen > mishappen 1590; mishapen 1596
1 Who, when they heard that piteous strained voice, 2 In haste forsook their rural merriment, 3 And ran towards the far rebounded noise,
rebounded > re-echoed, reverberated
4 To weet what wight so loudly did lament.
weet > find out wight > creature, person
5 To the place they come incontinent:
incontinent > immediately, straightway
6 Whom when the raging Saracen espied
Saracen > {Arab or Moslem of the time of the Crusades; pagan}
7 (A rude, misshapen, monstrous rabblement,
rabblement > rabble
8 Whose like he never saw), he dared not abide, 9 But got his ready steed, and fast away gan ride.
ready > ready; willing gan > did
106.9
The wyld woodgods arriued in the place,
2 There find the virgin dolefull desolate,
With ruffled rayments, and faire blubbred face,
4 As her outrageous foe had left her late,
And trembling yet through feare of former hate;
6 All stand amazed at so vncouth sight,
And gin to pittie her vnhappie state,
8 All stand astonied at her beautie bright,
In their rude eyes vnworthie of so wofull plight.
1 The wild wood-gods, arrived in the place, 2 There find the virgin doleful, desolate, 3 With ruffled raiment, and fair blubbered face,
raiment > clothing blubbered > {Swollen or stained with tears}
4 As her outrageous foe had left her late,
late > lately
5 And trembling yet through fear of former hate;
former hate > [her former hate: the object of her former hatred (Sansloy)]
6 All stand amazed at so uncouth sight,
uncouth > extraordinary [a]
7 And begin to pity her unhappy state; 8 All stand astonied at her beauty bright,
astonied > stunned, astonished; dazed
9 In their rude eyes unworthy of so woeful plight.
rude > uneducated; uncivilized so > [such a]
106.10
She more amaz'd, in double dread doth dwell;
2 And euery tender part for feare does shake:
As when a greedie Wolfe through hunger fell
4 A seely Lambe farre from the flocke does take,
Of whom he meanes his bloudie feast to make,
6 A Lyon spyes fast running towards him,
The innocent pray in hast he does forsake,
8 Which quit from death yet quakes in euery lim
With chaunge of feare, to see the Lyon looke so grim.
1 She, more amazed, in double dread does dwell;
amazed > astounded; panic-stricken
2 And every tender part for fear does shake: 3 As when a greedy wolf, through hunger fell,
fell > fierce, terrible
4 A seely lamb far from the flock does take,
seely > helpless, innocent
5 Of whom he means his bloody feast to make, 6 A lion spies fast running towards him:
A > [And a]
7 The innocent prey in haste he does forsake; 8 Which, quit from death, yet quakes in every limb
quit > released, rescued
9 With change of fear, to see the lion look so grim.
fear > [the source of its fear] grim > fierce
106.11
Such fearefull fit assaid her trembling hart,
2 Ne word to speake, ne ioynt to moue she had:
The saluage nation feele her secret smart,
4 And read her sorrow in her count'nance sad;
Their frowning forheads with rough hornes yclad,
6 And rusticke horror all a side doe lay,
And gently grenning, shew a semblance glad
8 To comfort her, and feare to put away,
Their backward bent knees teach her humbly to obay.
1 Such fearful fit assayed her trembling heart;
Such > [A similarly] assayed > assailed; tested
2 Neither word to speak, nor joint to move, she had:
joint > limb
3 The savage nation feel her secret smart,
nation > clan, tribe smart > pain, suffering
4 And read her sorrow in her countenance sad; 5 Their frowning foreheads, with rough horns clad, 6 And rustic horror, all aside do lay,
horror > roughness
7 And, gently grinning, show a semblance glad 8 To comfort her; and, fear to put away, 9 Their backward bent knees teach her humbly to obey.
Their backward bent knees teach her humbly to obey > [Teach their backward bent knees to obey her humbly; obey = bow, do obeisance; "backward bent" because fauns and satyrs have the legs of a goat]
106.12
The doubtfull Damzell dare not yet commit
2 Her single person to their barbarous truth,
But still twixt feare and hope amazd does sit,
4 Late learnd what harme to hastie trust ensu'th,
They in compassion of her tender youth,
6 And wonder of her beautie soueraine,
Are wonne with pitty and vnwonted ruth,
8 And all prostrate vpon the lowly plaine,
Doe kisse her feete, and fawne on her with count'nance faine.
1 The doubtful damsel dare not yet commit
doubtful > fearful
2 Her single person to their barbarous truth,
single > solitary truth > {Allegiance; conduct in accordance with the divine standard; also: a variant spelling of "troth", good faith}
3 But still 'twixt fear and hope amazed does sit,
amazed > astounded
4 Late learned what harm to hasty trust ensues;
Late > Recently learned > taught; having learned
5 They, in compassion of her tender youth, 6 And wonder of her beauty sovereign,
of > at
7 Are won with pity and unwonted ruth,
won > overcome unwonted ruth > unaccustomed pity
8 And, all prostrate upon the lowly plain, 9 Do kiss her feet, and fawn on her with countenance fain.
fain > glad, eager
106.13
Their harts she ghesseth by their humble guise,
2 And yieldes her to extremitie of time;
So from the ground she fearelesse doth arise,
4 And walketh forth without suspect of crime:
They all as glad, as birdes of ioyous Prime,
6 Thence lead her forth, about her dauncing round,
Shouting, and singing all a shepheards ryme,
8 And with greene braunches strowing all the ground,
Do worship her, as Queene, with oliue girlond cround.
1 Their hearts she guesses by their humble guise,
guesses > judges; esteems, reckons guise > behaviour; demeanour, manner
2 And yields her to extremity of time;
her to extremity of time > [herself to the necessity of the moment]
3 So from the ground she fearless does arise, 4 And walks forth without suspect of crime:
suspect > suspicion
5 They, all as glad as birds of joyous prime,
They, all > (Or: They all,) prime > springtime; sunrise, morning
6 Thence lead her forth, about her dancing round, 7 Shouting, and singing all a shepherd's rhyme, 8 And with green branches strewing all the ground, 9 Do worship her as queen, with olive garland crowned.
106.14
And all the way their merry pipes they sound,
2 That all the woods with +doubled+ Eccho ring,
And with their horned feet do weare the ground,
4 Leaping like wanton kids in pleasant Spring.
So towards old Syluanus they her bring;
6 Who with the noyse awaked, commeth out,
To weet the cause, his weake steps gouerning,
8 And aged limbs on Cypresse stadle stout,
And with an yuie twyne his +wast+ is girt about.
2 doubled > double 1609 9 wast > waste 1590, 1609
1 And all the way their merry pipes they sound,
merry > merry; delightful
2 That all the woods with doubled echo ring,
That > [So that] echo > (Echo is also the name of a mountain-nymph; see Romeo and Juliet II ii 161)
3 And with their horned feet do wear the ground, 4 Leaping like wanton kids in pleasant spring. 5 So towards old Silvanus they her bring; 6 Who, with the noise awoken, comes out 7 To weet the cause, his weak steps governing
weet > discover governing > supporting, guiding (refers both to his "weak steps" and his "aged limbs")
8 And aged limbs on cypress staddle stout,
staddle > tree-trunk, prop, support; hence: staff (it is a cypress staddle because of his love for Cyparissus (cf. 106.17; DGDG 13.17; Myth. 5.10))
9 And with an ivy twine his waist is girt about.
ivy > (Sacred to Bacchus)
106.15
Far off he wonders, what them makes so glad,
2 +Or+ Bacchus merry fruit they did inuent,
Or Cybeles franticke rites haue made them mad;
4 They drawing nigh, vnto their God present
That flowre of faith and beautie excellent.
6 The God himselfe vewing that mirrhour rare,
Stood long amazd, and burnt in his intent;
8 His owne faire Dryope now he thinkes not faire,
And Pholoe fowle, when her to this he doth compaire.
2 Or > Of 1596, 1609; If conj. Hughes
1 Far off, he wonders what them makes so glad, 2 Or Bacchus' merry fruit they did invent,
Or > Whether Bacchus > (The god of wine, son of Jupiter and Semele) merry > {Delightful, characterized by festivity. Until about 1575, "merry" also meant, as again it does now, "tipsy"} invent > discover
3 Or Cybele's frantic rites have made them mad;
Cybele > (Or Rhea, wife of Saturn and mother of Jupiter, a goddess worshipped by the Corybants with frenetic music and dancing. Cybele's priests practised self-castration, which may account for the reference to her here: cf. the libidinous satyrs at 310.44 ff.)
4 They, drawing nigh, to their god present 5 That flower of faith and beauty excellent.
excellent > supreme
6 The god himself, viewing that mirror rare,
mirror > reflection [of perfection]; hence: paragon of beauty
7 Stood long amazed, and burnt in his intent;
intent > attention; mental activity; hence: gaze
8 His own fair Dryope now he thinks not fair,
Dryope > (A wood-nymph, the wife of Faunus, who, like Silvanus, is identified with the Greek deity Pan: see Aen. 10.551)
9 And Pholoe foul, when her to this he does compare.
Pholoe > (A beautiful wood-nymph, loved by Pan)
106.16
The woodborne people fall before her flat,
2 And worship her as Goddesse of the wood;
And old Syluanus selfe bethinkes not, what
4 To thinke of wight so faire, but gazing stood,
In doubt to deeme her borne of earthly brood;
6 Sometimes Dame Venus selfe he seemes to see,
But Venus neuer had so sober mood;
8 Sometimes Diana he her takes to bee,
But misseth bow, and shaftes, and buskins to her knee.
1 The wood-born people fall before her flat, 2 And worship her as Goddess of the Wood; 3 And old Silvanus himself bethinks not what
bethinks not > does not know, cannot decide
4 To think of wight so fair, but gazing stood,
wight > creature, person, woman
5 In doubt to deem her born of earthly brood;
brood > parentage, race
6 Sometimes Dame Venus herself he seems to see, 7 But Venus never had so sober mood;
so > [such a]
8 Sometimes Diana he her takes to be, 9 But misses bow, and shafts, and buskins to her knee.
shafts > arrows buskins > boots, half-boots (not extending to thigh)
106.17
By vew of her he ginneth to reuiue
2 His ancient loue, and dearest Cyparisse,
And calles to mind his pourtraiture aliue,
4 How faire he was, and yet not faire to this,
And how he slew with glauncing dart amisse
6 A gentle Hynd, the which the louely boy
Did loue as life, aboue all worldly blisse;
8 For griefe whereof the lad n'ould after ioy,
But pynd away in anguish and selfe-wild annoy.
1 By view of her he begins to revive 2 His ancient love, and dearest Cyparissus,
and > (Redundant) Cyparissus > (A youth loved by Silvanus, transformed into a cypress by Apollo: DGDG 13.17, Myth. 5.10; Met. 10.106-42)
3 And calls to mind his portrait alive,
portrait alive > living likeness
4 How fair he was, and yet not fair to this,
to > compared with
5 And how he slew with glancing dart amiss
he > (Either Silvanus (following Myth.), or Cyparissus (following Met.))
6 A gentle hind, which the lovely boy 7 Did love as life, above all worldly bliss; 8 For grief whereof the lad nould after joy,
nould > would not (past tense of "nill", derived from "ne will", hence Spenser's apostrophe; cf. 310.35:9) joy > rejoice
9 But pined away in anguish and self-willed annoy.
self-willed annoy > [wilful or self-imposed grief]
106.18
The wooddy Nymphes, faire Hamadryades
2 Her to behold do thither runne apace,
And all the troupe of light-foot Naiades,
4 Flocke all about to see her louely face:
But when they vewed haue her heauenly grace,
6 They enuie her in their malitious mind,
And fly away for feare of fowle disgrace:
8 But all the Satyres scorne their woody kind,
And henceforth nothing faire, but her on earth they find.
1 The woody nymphs, fair hamadryads,
woody > silvan, forest-dwelling hamadryads > (Or dryads: spirits of the trees; the Greek word drys means a timber-tree, and specifically the oak, sacred to Zeus (Jove))
2 Her to behold do thither run apace, 3 And all the troop of lightfoot naiads
lightfoot > light-footed naiads > (Or naiades: nymphs of fresh water)
4 Flock all about to see her lovely face: 5 But, when they viewed have her heavenly grace, 6 They envy her in their malicious mind, 7 And fly away for fear of foul disgrace: 8 But all the satyrs scorn their woody kind,
kind > race, sort
9 And henceforth nothing fair but her on earth they find.
106.19
Glad of such lucke, the luckelesse lucky maid,
2 Did her content to please their feeble eyes,
And long time with that saluage people staid,
4 To gather breath in many miseries.
During which time her gentle wit she plyes,
6 To teach them truth, which worshipt her in vaine,
And made her th'Image of Idolatryes;
8 But when their bootlesse zeale she did restraine
From her own worship, they her Asse would worship fayn.
1 Glad of such luck, the luckless lucky maid 2 Did her content to please their feeble eyes,
her content > [content herself]
3 And long time with that savage people stayed,
savage > wild, uncivilized
4 To gather breath in many miseries. 5 During which time her gentle wit she plies,
gentle > gentle; courteous; noble
6 To teach them truth, who worshipped her in vain,
in vain > without understanding, profanely
7 And made her the image of idolatries; 8 But when their bootless zeal she did restrain
bootless > unavailing, futile
9 From her own worship, they her ass would worship fain.
fain > gladly [instead of Una herself]
106.20
It fortuned a noble warlike knight
2 By iust occasion to that forrest came,
To seeke his kindred, and the lignage right,
4 From whence he tooke his well deserued name:
He had in armes abroad wonne muchell fame,
6 And fild far landes with glorie of his might,
Plaine, faithfull, true, and enimy of shame,
8 And euer lou'd to fight for Ladies right,
But in vaine glorious frayes he litle did delight.
1 It fortuned, a noble warlike knight 2 By just occasion to that forest came, 3 To seek his kindred, and the lineage right,
right > true
4 From whence he took his well deserved name:
name > (Sir Satyrane; he is not named until 106.28:6)
5 He had in arms abroad won mickle fame,
arms > feats of arms mickle > much
6 And filled far lands with glory of his might; 7 Plain, faithful, true, and enemy of shame, 8 And ever loved to fight for ladies' right, 9 But in vainglorious frays he little did delight.
106.21
A Satyres sonne yborne in forrest wyld,
2 By straunge aduenture as it did betyde,
And there begotten of a Lady myld,
4 Faire Thyamis the daughter of Labryde,
That was in sacred bands of wedlocke tyde
6 To Therion, a loose vnruly swayne;
Who had more ioy to raunge the forrest wyde,
8 And chase the saluage beast with busie payne,
Then serue his Ladies loue, and wast in pleasures vayne.
1 A satyr's son, born in forest wild, 2 By strange adventure as it did betide,
adventure > chance betide > happen, befall
3 And there begotten of a lady mild,
mild > gracious, kind
4 Fair Thyamis, the daughter of Labryde,
Thyamis > "Passion"
Labryde > "Turbulent, Greedy"
5 That was in sacred bonds of wedlock tied 6 To Therion, a loose, unruly swain;
Therion > "Wild Beast" swain > youth, young man
7 Who had more joy to range the forest wide, 8 And chase the savage beast with busy pain,
savage > wild, but not necessarily savage busy pain > careful labour
9 Than serve his lady's love, and waste in pleasures vain.
waste > idle time away vain > foolish, empty
106.22
The forlorne mayd did with loues longing burne,
2 And could not lacke her louers company,
But to the wood she goes, to serue her turne,
4 And seeke her spouse, that from her still does fly,
And followes other game and venery:
6 A Satyre chaunst her wandring for to find,
And kindling coles of lust in brutish eye,
8 The loyall links of wedlocke did vnbind,
And made her person thrall vnto his beastly kind.
1 The forlorn maid did with love's longing burn, 2 And could not lack her lover's company,
lack > do without
3 But to the wood she goes, to serve her turn,
serve her turn > answer her need
4 And seek her spouse, that from her still does fly,
still > continually fly > flee
5 And follows other game and venery.
venery > hunting; sexual pleasure
6 A satyr chanced her wandering to find, 7 And, kindling coals of lust in brutish eye, 8 The loyal links of wedlock did unbind, 9 And made her person thrall to his beastly kind.
thrall > slave kind > nature
106.23
So long in secret cabin there he held
2 Her captiue to his sensuall desire,
Till that with timely fruit her belly sweld,
4 And bore a boy vnto that saluage sire:
Then home he suffred her for to retire,
6 For ransome leauing him the late borne childe;
Whom till to ryper yeares he gan aspire,
8 He +noursled+ vp in life and manners wilde,
Emongst wild beasts and woods, from lawes of men exilde.
8 noursled > nousled 1590 ( = nuzzled; cf. 411.32:8)
1 So long in secret cabin there he held
So long > [Thus for a long time] cabin > den; cave
2 Her captive to his sensual desire, 3 Till with timely fruit her belly swelled, 4 And bore a boy to that savage sire:
savage > wild, uncivilized sire > father
5 Then home he suffered her to retire,
suffered > allowed retire > return
6 For ransom leaving him the late-born child; 7 Whom, till to riper years he gan aspire,
gan aspire > did reach; grew
8 He noursled up in life and manners wild,
noursled up > brought up, reared
9 Amongst wild beasts and woods, from laws of men exiled.
106.24
For all he taught the tender ymp, was but
2 To banish cowardize and bastard feare;
His trembling hand he would him force to put
4 Vpon the Lyon and the rugged Beare,
And from the she Beares teats her whelps to teare;
6 And eke wyld roring Buls he would him make
To tame, and ryde their backes not made to beare;
8 And the Robuckes in flight to ouertake,
That euery beast for feare of him did fly and quake.
1 For all he taught the tender imp was but
imp > child
2 To banish cowardice and bastard fear;
bastard > base
3 His trembling hand he would him force to put 4 Upon the lion and the rugged bear, 5 And from the she bear's teats her whelps to tear; 6 And eke wild roaring bulls he would him make
eke > also
7 To tame, and ride their backs, not made to bear; 8 And the roebucks in flight to overtake, 9 That every beast for fear of him did fly and quake.
That > [So that]
106.25
Thereby so fearelesse, and so fell he grew,
2 That his owne sire and maister of his guise
Did often tremble at his horrid vew,
4 And oft for dread of hurt would him aduise,
The angry beasts not rashly to despise,
6 Nor too much to prouoke; for he would learne
The Lyon stoup to him in lowly wise,
8 (A lesson hard) and make the Libbard sterne
Leaue roaring, when in rage he for reuenge did earne.
1 Thereby so fearless and so fell he grew
fell > fierce, terrible
2 That his own sire and master of his guise
sire > father master > teacher, tutor guise > behaviour, demeanour, appearance; mode of life
3 Did often tremble at his horrid view,
horrid > rough, frightful view > appearance
4 And oft, for dread of hurt, would him advise 5 The angry beasts not rashly to despise,
despise > treat with contempt
6 Nor too much to provoke; for he would learn
learn > teach
7 The lion stoop to him in lowly wise,
stoop > [to stoop] wise > manner
8 (A lesson hard) and make the libbard stern
libbard > leopard stern > fierce
9 Leave roaring, when in rage he for revenge did yearn.
Leave > Leave off, desist from he > [either the leopard or, perhaps, Satyrane himself]
106.26
And for to make his powre approued more,
2 Wyld beasts in yron yokes he would compell;
The spotted Panther, and the tusked Bore,
4 The Pardale swift, and the Tigre cruell;
The Antelope, and Wolfe both +fierce and fell+;
6 And them constraine in equall teme to draw.
Such ioy he had, their stubborne harts to quell,
8 And sturdie courage tame with dreadfull aw,
That his beheast they feared, as +a+ tyrans law.
5 fierce and fell > swifte and cruell 1590: FE 9 a > omitted from 1596; proud 1609
1 And to make his power approved more,
approved > put to the proof, demonstrated
2 Wild beasts in iron yokes he would compel;
compel > bring together; overpower, constrain
3 The spotted panther, and the tusked boar, 4 The pardal swift, and the tiger cruel;
pardal > panther; leopard
5 The antelope, and wolf both fierce and fell;
antelope > (Not the modern antelope, but the Greek antholops, a fierce horned beast) fell > terrible; merciless, cruel
6 And them constrain in equal team to draw.
in equal team > in pairs [in their "yron yokes"]
7 Such joy he had their stubborn hearts to quell, 8 And sturdy courage tame with dreadful awe,
sturdy > reckless, recklessly violent
9 That his behest they feared as a tyrant's law.
behest > bidding
106.27
His louing mother came vpon a day
2 Vnto the woods, to see her little sonne;
And chaunst vnwares to meet him in the way,
4 After his sportes, and cruell pastime donne,
When after him a Lyonesse did runne,
6 That roaring all with rage, did lowd requere
Her children deare, whom he away had wonne:
8 The Lyon whelpes she saw how he did beare,
And lull in rugged armes, withouten childish feare.
1 His loving mother came upon a day 2 To the woods, to see her little son, 3 And chanced unwares to meet him in the way,
unwares > unexpectedly
4 After his sports and cruel pastime done;
done > [were done]
5 When after him a lioness did run, 6 That, roaring all with rage, did loud require
require > demand
7 Her children dear, whom he away had won: 8 The lion whelps she saw how he did bear, 9 And lull in rugged arms without childish fear.
rugged > rough; hairy
106.28
The fearefull Dame all quaked at the sight,
2 And turning backe, gan fast to fly away,
Vntill with loue reuokt from vaine affright,
4 She hardly yet perswaded was to stay,
And then to him these womanish words gan say;
6 Ah Satyrane, my dearling, and my ioy,
For loue of me leaue off this dreadfull play;
8 To dally thus with death, is no fit toy,
Go find some other play-fellowes, mine own sweet boy.
1 The fearful dame all quaked at the sight, 2 And, turning back, began fast to fly away, 3 Until, with love revoked from vain affright,
revoked > restrained; called back vain > frail, weak; foolish affright > terror
4 She hardly yet persuaded was to stay,
hardly > with difficulty
5 And then to him these womanish words gan say:
gan > did
6 "Ah Satyrane, my darling, and my joy, 7 For love of me leave off this dreadful play; 8 To dally thus with death is no fit toy,
toy > game
9 Go find some other play-fellows, my own sweet boy."
106.29
In these and like delights of bloudy game
2 He trayned was, till ryper yeares he raught,
And there abode, whilst any beast of name
4 Walkt in that forest, whom he had not taught
To feare his force: and then his courage haught
6 Desird of forreine foemen to be knowne,
And far abroad for straunge aduentures sought:
8 In which his might was neuer ouerthrowne,
But through all Faery lond his famous worth was blown.
1 In these and like delights of bloody game
game > sport; sport derived from hunting
2 He trained was, till riper years he raught,
raught > reached, attained
3 And there abode, whilst any beast of name
abode > dwelt name > note
4 Walked in that forest, whom he had not taught 5 To fear his force: and then his courage haught
haught > high, noble
6 Desired of foreign foemen to be known,
foemen > foes, adversaries
7 And far abroad for strange adventures sought: 8 In which his might was never overthrown, 9 But through all Faery Land his famous worth was blown.
106.30
Yet euermore it was his manner faire,
2 After long labours and aduentures spent,
Vnto those natiue woods for to repaire,
4 To see his sire and ofspring auncient.
And now he thither came for like intent;
6 Where he vnwares the fairest Vna found,
Straunge Lady, in so straunge habiliment,
8 Teaching the Satyres, which her sat around,
Trew sacred lore, which from her sweet lips did redound.
1 Yet evermore it was his manner fair, 2 After long labours and adventures spent, 3 To those native woods to repair,
repair > go, betake himself; return
4 To see his sire and offspring ancient.
sire and offspring > father and origin
5 And now he thither came for like intent; 6 Where he unwares the fairest Una found,
unwares > unexpectedly
7 Strange lady, in so strange habiliment,
Strange > Foreign; new-come so > such habiliment > clothing, attire; or: ?surroundings
8 Teaching the satyrs, who her sat around, 9 True sacred lore, which from her sweet lips did redound.
redound > flow, proceed
106.31
He wondred at her wisedome heauenly rare,
2 Whose like in womens wit he neuer knew;
And when her curteous deeds he did compare,
4 Gan her admire, and her sad sorrowes rew,
Blaming of Fortune, which such troubles threw,
6 And ioyd to make proofe of her crueltie
On gentle Dame, so hurtlesse, and so trew:
8 Thenceforth he kept her goodly company,
And learnd her discipline of faith and veritie.
1 He wondered at her wisdom heavenly rare,
wondered > marvelled
2 Whose like in women's wit he never knew;
wit > mind
3 And, when her courteous deeds he did compare,
compare > (A difficult word. If the modern meaning is taken, Satyrane might be comparing her courteous deeds with those of other women, or he might be admiring the capacity for courtesy shown by one in Una's present plight. Alternatively, the meaning might be "acquire" (cf. 104.28:5), in the sense that he acquires knowledge or experience of her courteous deeds. In any case, the word can probably be approximately glossed as "come to appreciate".)
4 Gan her admire, and her sad sorrows rue,
Gan > did
5 Blaming Fortune, which such troubles threw,
threw > prepared, threw [in Una's way]
6 And joyed to make proof of its cruelty
joyed > rejoiced, took pleasure
7 On gentle dame, so hurtless, and so true:
gentle > gentle; noble hurtless > harmless
8 Thenceforth he kept her goodly company,
kept her goodly company > [courteously kept her company; or: remained in her courteous company]
9 And learned her discipline of faith and verity.
discipline > teaching (from same word as "disciple")
106.32
But she all vowd vnto the Redcrosse knight,
2 His wandring perill closely did lament,
Ne in this new acquaintaunce could delight,
4 But her deare heart with anguish did torment,
And all her wit in secret counsels spent,
6 How to escape. At last in priuie wise
To Satyrane she shewed her intent;
8 Who glad to gain such fauour, gan deuise,
How with that pensiue Maid he best might thence arise.
1 But she, all vowed to the Redcross Knight,
all vowed > altogether betrothed
2 His wandering peril closely did lament,
wandering > (Lit. and fig.) closely > secretly
3 Nor in this new acquaintance could delight, 4 But her dear heart with anguish did torment,
dear > sore, grieved
5 And all her wit in secret counsels spent,
wit > ingenuity
6 How to escape. At last in privy wise
in privy wise > in a secret manner, secretly
7 To Satyrane she showed her intent; 8 Who, glad to gain such favour, gan devise
gan devise > did plan
9 How with that pensive maid he best might thence arise.
pensive > anxious arise > depart
106.33
So on a day when Satyres all were gone,
2 To do their seruice to Syluanus old,
The gentle virgin left behind alone
4 He led away with courage stout and bold.
Too late it was, to Satyres to be told,
6 Or euer hope recouer her againe:
In vaine he seekes that hauing cannot hold.
8 So fast he carried her with carefull paine,
That they the woods are past, and come now to the plaine.
1 So on a day when satyrs all were gone 2 To do their service to Silvanus old, 3 The gentle virgin, left behind alone,
gentle > noble; gentle
4 He led away with courage stout and bold.
stout > brave
5 Too late it was, to satyrs to be told, 6 Or ever hope recover her again:
recover > [to recover]
7 In vain he seeks, that having cannot hold. 8 So fast he carried her with careful pains,
pain > anxiety; trouble (taken in accomplishing something)
9 That they the woods are past, and come now to the plain.
106.34
The better part now of the lingring day,
2 They traueild had, when as they farre espide
A wearie wight forwandring by the way,
4 And towards him they gan in hast to ride,
To weet of newes, that did abroad betide,
6 Or tydings of her knight of the Redcrosse.
But he them spying, gan to turne aside,
8 For feare as seemd, or for some feigned losse;
More greedy they of newes, fast towards him do crosse.
1 The better part now of the lingering day 2 They travelled had, when they far espied 3 A weary wight forwandering by the way,
wight > person, figure forwandering > wandering; wearying himself by wandering
4 And towards him they began in haste to ride, 5 To weet of news, that did abroad betide,
weet > learn betide > happen