nathemore > never the more swain > youth, young man
7 To her yield passage, gainst his lord to go,
gainst > against
8 But with outrageous strokes did him restrain,
outrageous > violent him > [the beast]
9 And with his body barred the way atwixt them twain.
atwixt them twain > between the two of them
108.14
Then tooke the angrie witch her golden cup,
2 Which she still bore, replete with magick artes;
Death and despeyre did many thereof sup,
4 And secret poyson through their +inner+ parts,
Th'eternall bale of heauie wounded harts;
6 Which after charmes and some enchauntments said,
She lightly sprinkled on his weaker parts;
8 Therewith his sturdie courage soone was quayd,
And all his senses were with suddeine dread dismayd.
4 inner > inward 1609
1 Then took the angry witch her golden cup,
golden cup > (See Rev. 17.4)
2 Which she still bore, replete with magic arts; 3 Death and despair did many thereof sup, 4 And secret poison through their inner parts, 5 The eternal bale of heavy wounded hearts;
bale > torment
6 Which, after charms and some enchantments said, 7 She lightly sprinkled on his weaker parts;
weaker > too-weak parts > abilities, capacities; hence: will, will-power
8 Therewith his sturdy courage soon was quayed,
Therewith > With that sturdy > courageous, ruthless soon > at once quayed > daunted
9 And all his senses were with sudden dread dismayed.
dismayed > overcome; defeated
108.15
So downe he fell before the cruell beast,
2 Who on his necke his bloudie clawes did seize,
That life +nigh+ crusht out of his panting brest:
4 No powre he had to stirre, nor will to rize.
That when the carefull knight gan well auise,
6 He lightly left the foe, with whom he fought,
And to the beast gan turne his enterprise;
8 For wondrous anguish in his hart it wrought,
To see his loued Squire into such thraldome brought.
3 nigh > night 1596
1 So down he fell before the cruel beast, 2 Who on his neck his bloody claws did seize, 3 That life nigh crushed out of his panting breast: 4 No power he had to stir, nor will to rise. 5 That when the careful knight gan well advise,
careful > wary; anxious gan > did advise > notice, perceive
6 He lightly left the foe with whom he fought,
lightly > quickly
7 And to the beast gan turn his enterprise;
gan > did; began to
8 For wondrous anguish in his heart it wrought 9 To see his beloved squire into such thraldom brought.
thraldom > captivity, bondage
108.16
And high aduauncing his bloud-thirstie blade,
2 Stroke one of those deformed heads so sore,
That of his puissance proud ensample made;
4 His monstrous scalpe downe to his teeth it tore,
And that misformed shape mis-shaped more:
6 A sea of bloud gusht from the gaping wound,
That her gay garments staynd with filthy gore,
8 And ouerflowed all the field around;
That ouer shoes in bloud he waded on the ground.
1 And, high advancing his bloodthirsty blade,
advancing > raising
2 Struck one of those deformed heads so sore 3 That of his puissance proud example made;
puissance > power, strength proud > (Refers to both "his puissance" and the "ensample")
4 His monstrous scalp down to his teeth it tore,
scalp > scalp; or: crown of the head, cranium
5 And that misformed shape mis-shaped more:
mis-shaped > made mis-shapen
6 A sea of blood gushed from the gaping wound, 7 That her gay garments stained with filthy gore, 8 And overflowed all the field around; 9 That over shoes in blood he waded on the ground.
That > [So that]
108.17
Thereat he roared for exceeding paine,
2 That to haue heard, great horror would haue bred,
And scourging th'emptie ayre with his long traine,
4 Through great impatience of his grieued hed
His gorgeous ryder from her loftie sted
6 Would haue cast downe, and trod in durtie myre,
Had not the Gyant soone her succoured;
8 Who all enrag'd with smart and franticke yre,
Came hurtling in full fierce, and forst the knight retyre.
1 Thereat he roared for exceeding pain, 2 That, to have heard, great horror would have bred,
bred > engendered
3 And, scourging the empty air with his long train,
train > tail
4 Through great impatience of his grieved head,
impatience > {Intolerance of, inability to endure, pain. Cf. 108.11:2} grieved > wounded
5 His gorgeous rider from her lofty stead
stead > place; hence: seat
6 Would have cast down, and trod in dirty mire, 7 Had not the giant soon her succoured;
soon > immediately
8 Who, all enraged with smart and frantic ire,
smart > acute pain
9 Came hurtling in full fierce, and forced the knight retire.
hurtling > rushing full > exceedingly retire > [to retire]
108.18
The force, which wont in two to be disperst,
2 In one alone left hand he now vnites,
Which is through rage more strong then both were erst;
4 With which his hideous club aloft he dites,
And at his foe with furious rigour smites,
6 That strongest Oake might seeme to ouerthrow:
The stroke vpon his shield so heauie lites,
8 That to the ground it doubleth him full +low+
What mortall wight could euer beare so monstrous blow?
8 low > lowe, 1609
1 The force, which wont in two to be dispersed,
wont > was accustomed, used
2 In one alone left hand he now unites,
left > remaining (cf. 108.10:6)
3 Which is through rage more strong than both were erst;
erst > previously
4 With which his hideous club aloft he dights,
hideous > terrific; immense; odious dights > prepares; hence: raises
5 And at his foe with furious rigour smites,
rigour > violence
6 That strongest oak might seem to overthrow:
strongest > [the strongest]
7 The stroke upon his shield so heavily alights, 8 That to the ground it doubles him full low:
full > very, exceedingly
9 What mortal wight could ever bear so monstrous blow?
wight > being, man so > such [a]
108.19
And in his fall his shield, that couered was,
2 Did loose his vele by chaunce, and open flew:
The light whereof, that heauens light did pas,
4 Such blazing brightnesse through the aier threw,
That eye mote not the same endure to vew.
6 Which when the Gyaunt spyde with staring eye,
He downe let fall his arme, and soft withdrew
8 His weapon huge, that heaued was on hye
For to haue slaine the man, that on the ground did lye.
1 And in his fall his shield, that covered was, 2 Did lose its veil by chance, and open flew:
veil > covering (see 107.33:1-2)
3 The light whereof, that heaven's light did surpass, 4 Such blazing brightness through the air threw 5 That eye might not the same endure to view. 6 Which when the giant spied with staring eye, 7 He down let fall his arm, and soft withdrew 8 His weapon huge, that heaved was on high 9 To have slain the man, that on the ground did lie.
108.20
And eke the fruitfull-headed beast, amaz'd
2 At flashing beames of that sunshiny shield,
Became starke blind, and all his senses daz'd,
4 That downe he tumbled on the durtie field,
And seem'd himselfe as conquered to yield.
6 Whom when his maistresse proud perceiu'd to fall,
Whiles yet his feeble feet for faintnesse reeld,
8 Vnto the Gyant loudly she gan call,
O helpe Orgoglio, helpe, or else we perish all.
1 And eke the fruitful-headed beast, amazed
eke > moreover fruitful-headed > {Having or producing many heads} amazed > astounded; panic-stricken; ?terrified
2 At flashing beams of that sunshiny shield, 3 Became stark blind, and all his senses dazed, 4 That down he tumbled on the dirty field,
That > [So that]
5 And seemed himself as conquered to yield. 6 Whom when his mistress proud perceived to fall, 7 While yet his feeble feet for faintness reeled, 8 To the giant loudly she gan call:
gan > did
9 "O help, Orgoglio, help, or else we perish all!"
108.21
At her so pitteous cry was much +amoou'd,+
2 Her champion stout, and for to ayde his frend,
Againe his wonted angry weapon proou'd:
4 But all in vaine: for he has read his end
In that bright shield, and all +their+ forces spend
6 Themselues in vaine: for since that glauncing sight,
He hath no powre to hurt, nor to defend;
8 As where th'Almighties lightning brond does light,
It dimmes the dazed eyen, and daunts the senses quight.
1 amoou'd, > amoou'd 1609 5 their > his sugg. Church; "their" may refer to Orgoglio and Duessa
1 At her so piteous cry was much moved 2 Her champion stout, and to aid his friend
stout > bold; fierce; arrogant friend > lover
3 Again his wonted angry weapon proved:
wonted > customary proved > tried
4 But all in vain: for he has read his end
read > seen
5 In that bright shield, and all their forces spend
their > (See Textual Appendix)
6 Themselves in vain: for, since that glancing sight,
glancing > flashing
7 He has no power to hurt, nor to defend; 8 As where the Almighty's lightning brand does alight, 9 It dims the dazed eyes, and daunts the senses quite.
dazed > dazzled
108.22
Whom when the Prince, to battell new addrest,
2 And threatning high his dreadfull stroke did see,
His sparkling blade about his head he blest,
4 And smote off quite his right leg by the knee,
That downe he tombled; as an aged tree,
6 High growing on the top of rocky clift,
Whose hartstrings with keene steele nigh hewen be,
8 The mightie trunck halfe rent, with ragged rift
Doth roll adowne the rocks, and fall with fearefull drift.
1 Whom when the prince, to battle new addressed, 2 And threatening high his dreadful stroke, did see, 3 His sparkling blade about his head he blessed,
blessed > brandished
4 And smote off quite his right leg by the knee, 5 That down he tumbled; as an aged tree,
That > [So that]
6 High growing on the top of rocky cliff, 7 Whose heartstrings with keen steel nigh hewed be,
heartstrings > {Tendons or nerves supporting the heart; hence, here: central fibres of heartwood} keen > sharp
8 The mighty trunk half rent, with ragged rift
rent > split, torn ragged rift > ragged fissure ("ragged" also = "discordant", "harsh" (e.g. at 112.23:4); "rift" may also mean "rubble": cf. this same phrase at 212.4:5)
9 Does roll adown the rocks, and fall with fearful drift.
adown > down drift > motion, momentum (cf. Aen. 2.626-631)
108.23
Or as a Castle reared high and round,
2 By subtile engins and malitious slight
Is vndermined from the lowest ground,
4 And her foundation forst, and feebled quight,
At last downe falles, and with her heaped hight
6 Her hastie ruine does more heauie make,
And yields it selfe vnto the victours might;
8 Such was this Gyaunts fall, that seemd to shake
The stedfast globe of earth, as it for feare did quake.
1 Or as a castle, reared high and round, 2 By subtile engines and malicious sleight
subtile > subtle; sly, cunning (cf. 106.5:2) engines > machines, contrivances; siege-engines sleight > skill; artifice, ruse
3 Is undermined from the lowest ground, 4 And its foundation forced, and enfeebled quite, 5 At last down falls, and with its heaped height 6 Its hasty ruin does more heavy make,
ruin > {The act of collapse of a building, etc.} heavy > heavy; grave; thunderous
7 And yields itself to the victor's might: 8 Such was this giant's fall, that seemed to shake 9 The steadfast globe of earth, as it for fear did quake.
steadfast > (Cf. 108.8:7-9) as > [as if]
108.24
The knight then lightly leaping to the pray,
2 With mortall steele him smot againe so sore,
That headlesse his vnweldy bodie lay,
4 All wallowd in his owne fowle bloudy gore,
Which flowed from his wounds in wondrous +store,+
6 But soone as breath out of his brest did pas,
That huge great body, which the Gyaunt bore,
8 Was vanisht quite, and of that monstrous mas
Was nothing left, but like an emptie bladder was.
5 store, > store. 1590; store: 1609
1 The knight, then lightly leaping to the prey,
lightly > lightly; quickly
2 With mortal steel him smote again so sore
mortal > lethal
3 That headless his unwieldy body lay, 4 All wallowed in his own foul bloody gore, 5 Which flowed from his wounds in wondrous store. 6 But, soon as breath out of his breast did pass, 7 That huge great body, which the giant bore, 8 Was vanished quite; and of that monstrous mass 9 Was nothing left, but like an empty bladder was.
108.25
Whose grieuous fall, when false Duessa spide,
2 Her golden cup she cast vnto the ground,
And crowned mitre rudely threw aside;
4 Such percing griefe her stubborne hart did wound,
That she could not endure that dolefull stound,
6 But leauing all behind her, fled away:
The light-foot Squire her quickly turnd around,
8 And by hard meanes enforcing her to stay,
So brought vnto his Lord, as his deserued pray.
1 Whose grievous fall when false Duessa spied, 2 Her golden cup she cast to the ground, 3 And crowned mitre rudely threw aside;
mitre > head-dress; sacerdotal head-dress (often associated with episcopal office or dignity) rudely > roughly
4 Such piercing grief her stubborn heart did wound,
stubborn > intractable
5 That she could not endure that doleful stound,
stound > {Period of alarm and tumult; peril (chiefly in northern dialect)}
6 But, leaving all behind her, fled away: 7 The lightfoot squire her quickly turned around,
lightfoot > light-footed
8 And by hard means enforcing her to stay, 9 So brought to his lord, as his deserved prey.
So brought > [Thus brought her]
108.26
The royall Virgin, which beheld from farre,
2 In pensiue plight, and sad perplexitie,
The whole atchieuement of this doubtfull warre,
4 Came running fast to greet his victorie,
With sober gladnesse, and myld modestie,
6 And with sweet ioyous cheare him thus bespake;
Faire braunch of noblesse, flowre of cheualrie,
8 That with your worth the world amazed make,
How shall I quite the paines, ye suffer for my sake?
1 The royal virgin, who beheld from far, 2 In pensive plight and sad perplexity,
pensive > apprehensive, anxious perplexity > distress
3 The whole achievement of this doubtful war,
doubtful > uncertain, unpredictable
4 Came running fast to greet his victory
greet > congratulate him on (SUFQ)
5 With sober gladness and mild modesty,
mild > gracious
6 And with sweet joyous cheer him thus bespoke:
cheer > expression; bearing bespoke > addressed
7 "Fair branch of noblesse, flower of chivalry,
noblesse > nobility
8 That with your worth the world amazed make, 9 How shall I requite the pains you suffer for my sake?
108.27
And you fresh bud of vertue springing fast,
2 Whom these sad eyes saw nigh vnto deaths dore,
What hath poore Virgin for such perill past,
4 Wherewith you to reward? Accept therefore
My simple selfe, and seruice euermore;
6 And he that high does sit, and all things see
With equall +eyes+, their merites to restore,
8 Behold what ye this day haue done for mee,
And what I cannot quite, requite with vsuree.
7 eyes > eye 1590
1 "And you, fresh bud of virtue springing fast,
you > [now addressing the squire] virtue > valour
2 Whom these sad eyes saw nigh to death's door, 3 What has poor virgin for such peril past 4 Wherewith you to reward? Accept therefore
Wherewith > With which
5 My simple self, and service evermore; 6 And He that high does sit, and all things see 7 With equal eyes, their merits to restore, 8 Behold what you this day have done for me,
Behold > [May He behold]
9 And what I cannot requite, +requite+ with usury.
requite > [may He requite] usury > interest
108.28
But sith the heauens, and your faire +handeling+
2 Haue made you maister of the field this day,
Your fortune maister eke with gouerning,
4 And well begun end all so well, I pray,
Ne let that wicked woman scape away;
6 For she it is, that did my Lord bethrall,
My dearest Lord, and deepe in dongeon lay,
8 Where he his better dayes hath wasted all.
O heare, how piteous he to you for ayd does call.
1 handeling > handling 1609
1 "But sith the heavens, and your fair handling,
sith > since handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct
2 Have made you master of the field this day,
field > field of battle; battle
3 Your fortune master eke with governing,
master > (Vb.) eke > likewise
4 And well-begun, end all so well, I pray;
all so > equally
5 Nor let that wicked woman scape away:
scape > escape
6 For she it is that did my lord thrall,
thrall > enslave, take captive
7 My dearest lord, and deep in dungeon laid, 8 Where he his better days has wasted all. 9 O hear, how piteously he to you for aid does call!"
108.29
Forthwith he gaue in charge vnto his Squire,
2 That scarlot whore to keepen carefully;
Whiles he himselfe with greedie great desire
4 Into the Castle entred +forcibly,+
Where liuing creature none he did espye;
6 Then gan he lowdly through the house to call:
But no man car'd to answere to his crye.
8 There raignd a solemne silence ouer all,
Nor voice was heard, nor wight was seene in bowre or hall.
4 forcibly, > forcibly. 1596
1 Forthwith he gave in charge to his squire 2 That scarlet whore to keep carefully;
scarlet > (The colour of her clothing; and also, of sins: heinous, deep-dyed (Isa. 1.18))
3 While he himself with greedy great desire
greedy > eager
4 Into the castle entered forcibly, 5 Where living creature none he did espy; 6 Then began he loudly through the house to call: 7 But no man cared to answer to his cry. 8 There reigned a solemn silence over all; 9 Nor voice was heard, nor wight was seen in bower or hall.
Nor > Neither [a] wight > creature, being, person bower > room, chamber hall > {A spacious public room in a castle, palace, etc., used for banquets and receptions, much larger than the inner rooms or bowers}
108.30
At last with creeping crooked pace forth came
2 +An+ old old man, with beard as white as snow,
That on a staffe his feeble steps did frame,
4 And guide his wearie gate both too and fro:
For his eye sight him failed long ygo,
6 And on his arme a bounch of keyes he bore,
The which vnused rust did ouergrow:
8 Those were the keyes of euery inner dore,
But he could not them vse, but kept them still in store.
2 An > And 1596
1 At last, with creeping crooked pace, forth came 2 An old old man, with beard as white as snow,
old man > (This compound word can be taken here in its literal sense and as a synonym for unregenerate human nature, as in "Old Adam")
3 That on a staff his feeble steps did frame,
frame > give shape to, direct
4 And guide his weary gait both to and fro: 5 For his eyesight him failed long ago, 6 And on his arm a bunch of keys he bore, 7 Which, unused, rust did overgrow: 8 Those were the keys of every inner door, 9 But he could not them use, but kept them still in store.
still > yet; stationary (i.e. unused, unturned)
108.31
But very vncouth sight was to behold,
2 How he did fashion his vntoward pace,
For as he forward moou'd his footing old,
4 So backward still was turnd his wrincled face,
Vnlike to men, who euer as they trace,
6 Both feet and face one way are wont to lead.
This was the auncient keeper of that place,
8 And foster father of the Gyant dead;
His name Ignaro did his nature right aread.
1 But very uncouth sight was to behold
uncouth > strange, unseemly was > [it was]
2 How he did fashion his untoward pace,
untoward > ungainly; perverse
3 For as he forward moved his footing old, 4 So backward still was turned his wrinkled face,
still > continuously
5 Unlike to men, who ever, as they trace,
to > [the manner of] trace > tread, proceed
6 Both feet and face one way are wont to lead.
wont > accustomed
7 This was the ancient keeper of that place, 8 And foster-father of the giant dead; 9 His name Ignaro did his nature right aread.
Ignaro > "Ignorance" aread > bespeak; make known
108.32
His reuerend haires and holy grauitie
2 The knight much honord, as beseemed well,
And gently askt, where all the people bee,
4 Which in that stately building wont to dwell.
Who answerd him full soft, he could not tell.
6 Againe he askt, where that same knight was layd,
Whom great Orgoglio with his puissaunce fell
8 Had made his caytiue +thrall,+ againe he sayde,
He could not tell: ne euer other answere made.
8 thrall, > thrall: 1590; thrall; 1609
1 His reverend hair and holy gravity 2 The knight much honoured, as beseemed well,
beseemed > seemed fitting, seemed appropriate
3 And gently asked where all the people be,
gently > gently; politely be > [were]
4 Who in that stately building wont to dwell.
wont > were accustomed, used
5 Who answered him full soft, he could not tell.
full > very
6 Again he asked where that same knight was laid, 7 Whom great Orgoglio with his puissance fell
puissance > power, strength fell > fierce, terrible
8 Had made his caitiff thrall; again he said,
caitiff > wretched thrall > slave
9 He could not tell: nor ever other answer made.
108.33
Then asked he, which way he in might pas:
2 He could not tell, againe he answered.
Thereat the curteous knight displeased was,
4 And said, Old sire, it seemes thou hast not red
How ill it +sits+ with that same siluer hed
6 In vaine to mocke, or mockt in vaine to bee:
But if thou be, as thou art pourtrahed
8 With natures pen, in ages graue degree,
Aread in grauer wise, what I demaund of thee.
5 sits > fits 1596, 1609; cf. 101.30:9
1 Then asked he which way he in might pass: 2 He could not tell, again he answered. 3 Thereat the courteous knight displeased was,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
4 And said, "Old sire, it seems you have not read
sire > {Father; form of address to an elderly man; the original form of "sir"} read > discerned; thought; understood
5 How ill it sits with that same silver head
sits with > suits, befits (see Textual Appendix)
6 In vain to mock, or mocked in vain to be: 7 But if you are as you are portrayed 8 With nature's pen, in age's grave degree, 9 Aread in graver wise what I demand of you."
Aread > make known; declare wise > manner demand > ask, inquire (the modern sense is rather too strong)
108.34
His answere likewise was, he could not tell.
2 Whose sencelesse speach, and doted ignorance
When as the noble Prince had marked well,
4 He ghest his nature by his countenance,
And calmd his wrath with goodly temperance.
6 Then to him stepping, from his arme did reach
Those keyes, and made himselfe free enterance.
8 Each dore he opened without any breach;
There was no barre to stop, nor foe him to empeach.
1 His answer likewise was, he could not tell. 2 Whose senseless speech, and doted ignorance,
doted > deranged, weak-headed
3 When the noble prince had marked well, 4 He guessed his nature by his countenance,
countenance > demeanour
5 And calmed his wrath with goodly temperance. 6 Then, to him stepping, from his arm did reach 7 Those keys, and made himself free entrance. 8 Each door he opened without any breach;
breach > interruption; [need for] breaking [it] down
9 There was no bar to stop, nor foe him to impeach.
impeach > impede
108.35
There all within full rich arayd he found,
2 With royall arras and resplendent gold.
And did with store of euery thing abound,
4 That greatest Princes presence might behold.
But all the floore (too filthy to be told)
6 With bloud of guiltlesse babes, and innocents trew,
Which there were slaine, as sheepe out of the fold,
8 Defiled was, that dreadfull was to vew,
And sacred ashes ouer it was strowed new.
1 There all within full richly arrayed he found,
full > very, exceedingly
2 With royal arras and resplendent gold,
arras > {Tapestry wall-hanging, screen; see 301.34:2}
3 And did with store of everything abound, 4 That greatest princes' presence might behold.
princes' > (Or "prince's", possibly referring directly to Arthur)
5 But all the floor (too filthy to be told) 6 With blood of guiltless babes, and innocents true, 7 Who there were slain, as sheep out of the fold, 8 Defiled was, that dreadful was to view, 9 And sacred ashes over it were strewn new.
sacred > {Sacred, because used to soak up Christians' blood: see 108.36:3; detestable, accursed, consecrated to one of the in- fernal deities, hence: devoted to destruction (Latin sacer)} new > newly, recently
108.36
And there beside of marble stone was built
2 An Altare, caru'd with cunning imagery,
On which true Christians bloud was often spilt,
4 And holy Martyrs often doen to dye,
With cruell malice and strong tyranny:
6 Whose blessed sprites from vnderneath the stone
To God for vengeance cryde continually,
8 And with great griefe were often heard to grone,
That hardest heart would bleede, to heare their piteous mone.
1 And there beside of marble stone was built 2 An altar, carved with cunning imagery,
cunning > occult; deceitful imagery > idolatrous images
3 On which true Christians' blood was often spilt, 4 And holy martyrs often done to die
die > [death]
5 With cruel malice and strong tyranny: 6 Whose blessed spirits, from underneath the stone, 7 To God for vengeance cried continually, 8 And with great grief were often heard to groan, 9 That hardest heart would bleed to hear their piteous moan.
That > [So that the] moan > lamentation, lamentations
108.37
Through euery rowme he sought, and euery bowr,
2 But no where could he find that wofull thrall:
At last he came vnto an yron doore,
4 That fast was lockt, but key found not at all
Emongst that bounch, to open it withall;
6 But in the same a little grate was pight,
Through which he sent his voyce, and lowd did call
8 With all his powre, to weet, if liuing wight
Were housed therewithin, whom he enlargen might.
1 Through every room he sought, and every bower,
bower > inner room, bed-chamber
2 But nowhere could he find that woeful thrall:
thrall > captive
3 At last he came to an iron door 4 That fast was locked, but key found not at all
fast > firmly
5 Amongst that bunch to open it withal;
withal > therewith
6 But in the same a little grate was pight,
grate > grating, grille pight > placed
7 Through which he sent his voice, and loud did call 8 With all his power, to weet if living wight
weet > find out wight > person
9 Were housed therewithin, whom he enlarge might.
enlarge > set free
108.38
Therewith an hollow, dreary, murmuring voyce
2 These piteous plaints and dolours did resound;
O who is that, which brings me happy choyce
4 Of death, that here lye dying euery stound,
Yet liue perforce in balefull darkenesse bound?
6 For now three Moones haue changed thrice their hew,
And haue beene thrice hid vnderneath the ground,
8 Since I the heauens chearefull face did vew,
O welcome thou, that doest of death bring tydings trew.
1 Therewith a hollow, dreary, murmuring voice
Therewith > Thereupon murmuring > murmuring; complaining
2 These piteous plaints and dolours did resound:
plaints > complaints, lamentations dolours > griefs, sorrows
3 "O who is that, who brings me happy choice
choice > alternative [to a living death]
4 Of death, that here lie dying every stound,
stound > moment (of time)
5 Yet live perforce in baleful darkness bound?
baleful > deadly, miserable
6 For now three moons have changed thrice their hue,
hue > appearance
7 And have been thrice hidden underneath the ground, 8 Since I the heavens' cheerful face did view, 9 O welcome you, that do of death bring tidings true!"
108.39
Which when that Champion heard, with percing point
2 Of pitty deare his hart was thrilled sore,
And trembling horrour ran through euery ioynt,
4 For ruth of gentle knight so fowle forlore:
Which shaking off, he rent that yron dore,
6 With furious force, and indignation fell;
Where entred in, his foot could find no flore,
8 But all a deepe descent, as darke as hell,
That breathed euer forth a filthie banefull smell.
1 Which when that champion heard, with piercing point 2 Of pity dear his heart was thrilled sore,
dear > grievous thrilled > pierced
3 And trembling horror ran through every joint,
joint > limb
4 For ruth of gentle knight so foul forlorn:
ruth > pity gentle > noble
5 Which shaking off, he rent that iron door
rent > tore
6 With furious force and indignation fell;
fell > fierce, terrible
7 Where entered in, his foot could find no floor, 8 But all a deep descent, as dark as hell, 9 That breathed ever forth a filthy baneful smell.
baneful > life-destroying, poisonous
108.40
But neither darkenesse fowle, nor filthy bands,
2 Nor noyous smell his purpose could withhold,
(Entire affection hateth nicer hands)
4 But that with constant zeale, and courage bold,
After long paines and labours manifold,
6 He found the meanes that Prisoner vp to reare;
Whose feeble thighes, vnhable to vphold
8 His pined corse, him scarse to light could +beare,+
A ruefull spectacle of death and ghastly drere.
8 beare, > beare. 1596
1 But neither darkness foul, nor filthy bonds, 2 Nor noyous smell his purpose could withhold
noyous > noisome
3 (Entire affection hates nicer hands),
Entire > Perfect, wholly devoted, unreserved nicer > too-fastidious
4 But with constant zeal and courage bold, 5 After long pains and labours manifold,
pains > efforts
6 He found the means that prisoner up to rear; 7 Whose feeble thighs, unable to uphold 8 His pined corse, him scarce to light could bear,
pined corse > wasted body
9 A rueful spectacle of death and ghastly drear.
drear > sorrow, grief
108.41
His sad dull eyes deepe sunck in hollow pits,
2 Could not endure th'vnwonted sunne to view;
His bare thin cheekes for want of better bits,
4 And empty sides deceiued of their dew,
Could make a stony hart his hap to rew;
6 His rawbone armes, whose mighty brawned bowrs
Were wont to riue steele plates, +and+ helmets hew,
8 Were cleane consum'd, and all his vitall powres
Decayd, and all his flesh shronk vp like withered flowres.
7 and > omitted from 1596
1 His sad dull eyes, deep sunk in hollow pits, 2 Could not endure the unwonted sun to view;
unwonted > unaccustomed
3 His bare, thin cheeks, for want of better bits,
bits > [of food]
4 And empty sides deceived of their due,
deceived > deprived, cheated
5 Could make a stony heart his hap to rue;
hap > lot, fortune
6 His raw-boned arms, whose mighty brawned bowers
raw-boned > {Gaunt; having projecting bones} brawned bowers > brawny muscles
7 Were wont to rive steel plates, and helmets hew,
wont > accustomed
8 Were clean consumed, and all his vital powers 9 Decayed, and all his flesh shrunk up like withered flowers.
108.42
Whom when his Lady saw, to him she ran
2 With hasty ioy: to see him made her glad,
And sad to view his visage pale and wan,
4 Who earst in flowres of freshest youth was clad.
Tho when her well of teares she wasted had,
6 She said, Ah dearest Lord, what euill starre
On you hath fround, and pourd his influence bad,
8 That of your selfe ye thus berobbed arre,
And this misseeming hew your manly looks doth marre?
1 Whom when his lady saw, to him she ran 2 With hasty joy: to see him made her glad, 3 And sad to view his visage pale and wan, 4 Who erst in flowers of freshest youth was clad.
erst > once, previously
5 Tho, when her well of tears she wasted had,
Tho > Then
6 She said, "Ah, dearest lord, what evil star 7 On you has frowned, and poured his influence bad, 8 That of yourself you thus berobbed are,
berobbed > robbed (the prefix is intensive)
9 And this misseeming hue your manly looks does mar?
misseeming hue > unseemly appearance manly > {Pertaining to human beings; also: manly, in the modern sense}
108.43
But welcome now my Lord, in wele or woe,
2 Whose presence I +haue+ lackt too long a day;
And +fie+ on Fortune mine auowed foe,
4 Whose wrathfull wreakes them selues do now alay.
And for these wrongs shall treble penaunce pay
6 Of treble good: good growes of euils priefe.
The chearelesse man, whom sorrow did dismay,
8 Had no delight to treaten of his griefe;
His long endured famine needed more reliefe.
2 haue > kaue 1596 3 fie > sie 1590; fye FE
1 "But welcome now my lord, in weal or woe,
weal > happiness, prosperity
2 Whose presence I have lacked too long a day; 3 And fie on Fortune, my avowed foe, 4 Whose wrathful wreaks themselves do now allay;
wreaks > {Vindictive or vengeful acts (mainly northern dialect)}
5 And for these wrongs shall treble penance pay 6 Of treble good: good grows of evil's proof."
proof > trial, experience
7 The cheerless man, whom sorrow did dismay, 8 Had no delight to treat of his grief;
treat > talk
9 His long endured famine needed more relief.
108.44
Faire Lady, then said that victorious knight,
2 The things, that grieuous were to do, or beare,
Them to renew, I wote, breeds no delight;
4 Best musicke breeds +delight+ in loathing eare:
But th'onely good, that growes of passed feare,
6 Is to be wise, and ware of like agein.
This dayes ensample hath this lesson deare
8 Deepe written in my heart with yron pen,
That blisse may not abide in state of mortall men.
4 delight > dislike _conj. Jortin; despight conj. various editors_
1 "Fair lady," then said that victorious knight, 2 "The things that grievous were to do, or bear, 3 Them to renew, I wot, breeds no delight;
renew > go over again wot > know
4 Best music breeds delight in loathing ear:
delight > (See Textual Appendix; if the reading is good, the intention might perhaps be: "Best music, rather than going over old ground, breeds delight …")
5 But the only good that grows of passed fear 6 Is to be wise, and ware of like again.
ware > wary, cautious in avoiding
7 This day's example has this lesson dear
dear > hard, grievous; dire, difficult; costly
8 Deep written in my heart with iron pen,
iron pen > (See Job 19.24)
9 That bliss may not abide in state of mortal men.
state > [the state]
108.45
Henceforth sir knight, take to you wonted strength,
2 And maister these mishaps with patient might;
Loe where your foe lyes stretcht in monstrous length,
4 And loe that wicked woman in your sight,
The roote of all your care, and wretched plight,
6 Now in your powre, to let her liue, or dye.
To do her dye (quoth Vna) were despight,
8 And shame t'auenge so weake an enimy;
But spoile her of her scarlot robe, and let her fly.
1 "Henceforth, sir knight, take to you wonted strength,
wonted > [your] accustomed
2 And master these mishaps with patient might; 3 Lo where your foe lies stretched in monstrous length,
in > [at; he refers to the empty skin (see 108.24:9)]
4 And lo that wicked woman in your sight, 5 The root of all your care and wretched plight,
care > sorrow
6 Now in your power, to let her live, or die." 7 "To do her die," quoth Una, "were despite,
do her die > put her to death were > [would be] despite > [an act of] spite, malice
8 And shame to avenge so weak an enemy;
avenge > punish, take vengeance upon
9 But spoil her of her scarlet robe, and let her fly."
spoil > strip (with less sense of violence than modern usage implies) scarlet > (Also the colour of her sins: heinous, deep-dyed (Isa. 1.18)) fly > flee
108.46
So as she bad, that witch they disaraid,
2 And robd of royall robes, and purple pall,
And ornaments that richly were displaid;
4 Ne spared they to strip her naked all.
Then when they had despoild her tire and call,
6 Such as she was, their eyes might her behold,
That her +misshaped+ parts did them appall,
8 A loathly, wrinckled hag, ill fauoured, old,
Whose secret filth good manners biddeth not be told.
7 misshaped > mishaped 1596
1 So, as she bade, that witch they disarrayed,
disarrayed > unclothed
2 And robbed of royal robes, and purple pall,
pall > robe, cloak (esp. of rich material; and see Rev. 17.4)
3 And ornaments that richly were displayed; 4 Nor spared they to strip her naked all. 5 Then, when they had despoiled her tire and caul,
despoiled > stripped tire > head-dress caul > {Netted cap worn by women; here ?supporting a wig?}
6 Such as she was, their eyes might her behold, 7 That her misshapen parts did them appal:
That > [So that]
8 A loathly, wrinkled hag, ill-favoured, old,
loathly > loathsome, repulsive ill-favoured > ugly
9 Whose secret filth good manners bids not be told.
be > [to be]
108.47
Her craftie head was altogether bald,
2 And as in hate of honorable eld,
Was ouergrowne with scurfe and filthy scald;
4 Her teeth out of her rotten gummes were feld,
And her sowre breath abhominably smeld;
6 Her dried dugs, like bladders lacking wind,
Hong downe, and filthy matter from them weld;
8 Her wrizled skin as rough, as maple rind,
So scabby was, that would haue loathd all womankind.
1 Her crafty head was altogether bald, 2 And, as in hate of honourable eld,
eld > age, old age
3 Was overgrown with scurf and filthy scall;
scall > {A scabby disease of the skin, esp. of the scalp}
4 Her teeth out of her rotten gums were felled,
felled > fallen
5 And her sour breath abominably smelled; 6 Her dried dugs, like bladders lacking wind,
dugs > breasts
7 Hung down, and filthy matter from them welled; 8 Her wrizzled skin, as rough as maple rind,
wrizzled > wrinkled, shrivelled
9 So scabby was that would have loathed all womankind.
would have loathed > [it would have excited loathing in]
108.48
Her neather parts, the shame of all her kind,
2 My chaster Muse for shame doth blush to +write+
But at her rompe she growing had behind
4 A foxes taile, with dong all fowly dight;
And eke her feete most monstrous were in sight;
6 For one of them was like an Eagles claw,
With griping talaunts armd to greedy fight,
8 The other like a Beares vneuen paw:
More vgly shape yet neuer liuing creature saw.
2 write > write; 1590, 1609
1 Her nether parts, the shame of all her kind, 2 My chaster Muse for shame does blush to write;
chaster > too-chaste write > write of, describe
3 But at her rump she growing had behind 4 A fox's tail, with dung all foully dight;
dight > dressed, fitted; hence: encrusted, smeared
5 And eke her feet most monstrous were in sight;
eke > moreover
6 For one of them was like an eagle's claw, 7 With gripping talons armed to greedy fight,
greedy > eager, rapacious
8 The other like a bear's uneven paw:
uneven > irregular; rugged (see Rev. 13.2)
9 More ugly shape yet never living creature saw.
108.49
Which when the knights beheld, amazd they were,
2 And wondred at so fowle deformed wight.
Such then (said Vna) as she seemeth here,
4 Such is the face of falshood, such the sight
Of fowle Duessa, when her borrowed light
6 Is laid away, and counterfesaunce knowne.
Thus when they had the witch disrobed quight,
8 And all her filthy feature open showne,
They let her goe at will, and wander wayes vnknowne.
1 Which when the knights beheld, amazed they were, 2 And wondered at so foul deformed wight.
wondered > marvelled so > such [a] wight > creature
3 "Such then," said Una, "as she seems here, 4 Such is the face of falsehood: such the sight 5 Of foul Duessa, when her borrowed light 6 Is laid away, and counterfeisance known."
counterfeisance > imposture
7 Thus when they had the witch disrobed quite, 8 And all her filthy feature open shown,
feature > {Form, proportions; bodily shape or build}
9 They let her go at will, and wander ways unknown.
108.50
She flying fast from heauens hated face,
2 And from the world that her discouered wide,
Fled to the wastfull wildernesse apace,
4 From liuing eyes her open shame to hide,
And +lurkt+ in rocks and caues long vnespide.
6 But that faire crew of knights, and Vna faire
Did in that castle afterwards abide,
8 To rest them selues, and weary powres repaire,
Where store they found of all, that dainty was and rare.
5 lurkt > lurket 1596
1 She, flying fast from heaven's hated face,
flying > fleeing
2 And from the world that her discovered wide,
discovered > exposed to view
3 Fled to the wasteful wilderness apace,
wasteful > uninhabited, desolate apace > rapidly
4 From living eyes her open shame to hide, 5 And lurked in rocks and caves, long unespied.
unespied > unseen
6 But that fair crew of knights, and Una fair, 7 Did in that castle afterwards abide, 8 To rest themselves, and weary powers repair, 9 Where store they found of all that dainty was and rare.
dainty > pleasing; scarce; choice, delicious rare > excellent, fine
CANTO IX
His loues and lignage Arthur +tells:+
2 The knights knit friendly +bands+:
Sir Treuisan flies from Despayre,
4 Whom Redcrosse knight withstands.
1 tells: > tells 1596 2 bands > hands 1590: FE
1 His loves and lineage Arthur tells: 2 The knights knit friendly bands:
bands > bonds (esp. of unity); uniting influences. (See also Textual Appendix: 1590 is supported by 109.1:8, 109.18:9)
3 Sir Trevisan flies from Despair, 4 Whom Redcross Knight withstands.
109.1
O Goodly golden chaine, wherewith yfere
2 The vertues linked are in louely wize:
And noble minds of yore allyed were,
4 In braue poursuit of cheualrous emprize,
That none did others safety despize,
6 Nor aid enuy to him, in need that stands,
But friendly each did others prayse +deuize,+
8 How to aduaunce with fauourable hands,
As this good Prince redeemd the Redcrosse knight from bands.
7 deuize, > deuize 1609
1 O goodly golden chain, wherewith yfere
golden chain > (Of Zeus (Jupiter): see Iliad 8.18-27; see also Knight's Tale, 2990 and Troilus and Criseyde 3.1746-9; and cf. 105.25, 207.46) wherewith yfere > with which together
2 The virtues linked are in lovely wise,
wise > manner, fashion
3 And noble minds of yore allied were
of yore > of old, formerly
4 In brave pursuit of chivalrous emprise:
emprise > undertaking, enterprise
5 That none did other's safety despise,
That > [So that] other's > (Or: "others'") despise > treat as valueless
6 Nor aid envy to him, in need that stands,
envy to > begrudge
7 But friendly each did other's praise devise
praise > praiseworthiness; virtue devise > contrive, scheme
8 How to advance with favourable hands, 9 As this good prince redeemed the Redcross Knight from bonds.
As > [Just as]
109.2
Who when their +powres+ empaird through labour long,
2 With dew repast they had recured well,
And that weake captiue wight now wexed strong,
4 Them list no lenger there at leasure dwell,
But forward fare, as their aduentures fell,
6 But ere they parted, Vna faire besought
That straunger knight his name and nation tell;
8 Least so great good, as he for her had wrought,
Should die vnknown, and buried be in thanklesse thought.
1 powres > powres, 1609
1 Who, when their powers, impaired through labour long, 2 With due repast they had recured well,
recured > recovered
3 And that weak captive wight now waxed strong,
wight > man, person waxed > [had] grown
4 Them list no longer there at leisure dwell,
Them list > It pleased them dwell > [to dwell]
5 But forward fare, as their adventures fell;
fell > befell, should befall
6 But, ere they parted, Una fair besought
Una fair > fair Una; Una fairly (fairly = becomingly, in a fair manner)
7 That stranger knight his name and nation tell:
stranger > foreign; new-come nation > family; country; nationality
8 Lest so great good, as he for her had wrought, 9 Should die unknown, and buried be in thankless thought.
109.3
Faire virgin (said the Prince) ye me require
2 A thing without the compas of my wit:
For both the lignage and the certain Sire,
4 From which I sprong, from me are hidden yit.
For all so soone as life did me admit
6 Into this world, and shewed heauens light,
From mothers pap I taken was vnfit:
8 And streight deliuered to a Faery knight,
To be vpbrought in gentle thewes and martiall might.
1 "Fair virgin," said the prince, "you me require
require > ask
2 A thing without the compass of my wit:
without > outside, beyond
3 For both the lineage and the certain sire
sire > father
4 From which I sprang from me are hidden yet. 5 For, all so soon as life did me admit
all so > just as
6 Into this world, and showed heaven's light, 7 From mother's pap I taken was unfit:
pap > teat
8 And straight delivered to a Faery knight, 9 To be upbrought in gentle thews and martial might.
upbrought > brought up gentle > noble thews > manners, qualities
109.4
Vnto old Timon he me brought byliue,
2 Old Timon, who in youthly yeares hath beene
In warlike feates th'expertest man aliue,
4 And is the wisest now on earth I weene;
His dwelling is low in a valley greene,
6 Vnder the foot of Rauran mossy hore,
From whence the riuer Dee as siluer cleene
8 His tombling billowes rolls with gentle rore:
There all my dayes he traind me vp in vertuous lore.
1 "To old Timon he me brought belive,
Timon > (The Faery knight of 109.3:8. "Timon" is a Greek personal name meaning "he who is honoured", "he who is held in respect". Plainly Arthur is referring here to Sir Ector, to whom (in Malory) his upbringing was entrusted by Merlin) he > [Merlin] belive > without delay
2 Old Timon, who in youthly years has been 3 In warlike feats the expertest man alive, 4 And is the wisest now on earth, I ween;
ween > believe