109.45
Thou wretched man, of death hast greatest need,
2 If in true ballance thou wilt weigh thy state:
For neuer knight, that dared warlike deede,
4 More lucklesse disauentures did amate:
Witnesse the dongeon deepe, wherein of late
6 Thy life shut vp, for death so oft did call;
And though good lucke prolonged hath thy date,
8 Yet death then, would the like mishaps forestall,
Into the which hereafter thou maiest happen fall.
1 "You, wretched man, of death have greatest need, 2 If in true balance you will weigh your state: 3 For never knight, that dared warlike deed,
dared > dared to undertake [a]
4 More luckless disadventures did amate:
disadventures > misfortunes amate > cast down; also: act as a mate to (his disadventures being personified by Duessa: cf. 101.51:4)
5 Witness the dungeon deep, wherein of late 6 Your life, shut up, for death so oft did call; 7 And though good luck prolonged has your date,
date > span of life
8 Yet death then would the like mishaps forestall,
then > [when in the dungeon] the like > similar
9 Into which hereafter you may happen fall.
happen > [chance to]
109.46
Why then doest thou, {o^} man of sin, desire
2 To draw thy dayes forth to their last degree?
Is not the measure of thy sinfull hire
4 High heaped vp with huge iniquitie,
Against the day of wrath, to burden thee?
6 Is not enough, that to this Ladie milde
Thou falsed hast thy faith with periurie,
8 And sold thy selfe to serue Duessa vilde,
With whom in all abuse thou hast thy selfe defilde?
1 "Why then do you, O man of sin, desire 2 To draw your days forth to their last degree? 3 Is not the measure of your sinful hire
hire > wages
4 High heaped up with huge iniquity, 5 Against the day of wrath, to burden you? 6 Is not enough, that to this lady mild
Is > [Is it]
7 You falsed have your faith with perjury,
falsed have > [have betrayed]
8 And sold yourself to serve Duessa vile, 9 With whom in all abuse you have yourself defiled?
109.47
Is not he iust, that all this doth behold
2 From highest heauen, and beares an equall eye?
Shall he thy sins vp in his knowledge fold,
4 And guiltie be of thine impietie?
Is not his law, Let euery sinner die:
6 Die shall all flesh? what then must needs be donne,
Is it not better to doe willinglie,
8 Then linger, till the glasse be all out ronne?
Death is the end of woes: die soone, O faeries sonne.
1 "Is not He just, that all this does behold 2 From highest heaven, and bears an equal eye?
equal > impartial
3 Shall He your sins up in His knowledge fold, 4 And guilty be of your impiety? 5 Is not His law, Let every sinner die: 6 Die shall all flesh? What then must needs be done,
needs be done > [needs doing]
7 Is it not better to do willingly, 8 Than linger till the glass be all outrun?
glass > {Hourglass, filled with sand}
9 Death is the end of woes: die soon, O Faery's son!"
soon > without delay
109.48
The knight was much enmoued with his speach,
2 That as a swords point through his hart did perse,
And in his conscience made a secret breach,
4 Well knowing true all, that he did reherse,
And to his fresh remembrance did reuerse
6 The vgly vew of his deformed crimes,
That all his manly powres it did disperse,
8 As he were charmed with inchaunted rimes,
That oftentimes he quakt, and fainted oftentimes.
1 The knight was much enmoved with his speech,
enmoved > moved
2 That as a sword's point through his heart did pierce, 3 And in his conscience made a secret breach,
conscience > innermost consciousness
4 Well knowing true all that he did rehearse;
true > [to be true] rehearse > give an account of
5 And to his fresh remembrance did reverse
reverse > recall
6 The ugly view of his deformed crimes,
deformed > perverted, morally repulsive
7 That all his manly powers it did disperse,
That > [So that] manly > {Pertaining to human beings; also: manly, in the modern sense}
8 As he were charmed with enchanted rhymes;
As > [As though]
9 That oftentimes he quaked, and fainted oftentimes.
That > [So that] fainted > lost heart oftentimes > many times, frequently
109.49
In which amazement, when the Miscreant
2 Perceiued him to wauer weake and fraile,
Whiles trembling horror did his conscience dant,
4 And hellish anguish did his soule assaile,
To driue him to despaire, and quite to quaile,
6 He shew'd him painted in a table plaine,
The damned ghosts, that doe in torments waile,
8 And thousand feends that doe them endlesse paine
With fire and brimstone, which for euer shall remaine.
1 In which amazement, when the miscreant
amazement > stupefaction, confusion; amazement miscreant > unbeliever, infidel; wretch, villain
2 Perceived him to waver, weak and frail,
frail > frail; morally weak
3 While trembling horror did his conscience daunt, 4 And hellish anguish did his soul assail, 5 To drive him to despair, and quite to quail, 6 He showed him, painted in a table plain,
table > picture
7 The damned ghosts that do in torments wail, 8 And thousand fiends that do them endless pain
do > cause
9 With fire and brimstone, which for ever shall remain.
109.50
The sight whereof so throughly him dismaid,
2 That nought but death before his eyes he saw,
And euer burning wrath before him laid,
4 By righteous sentence of th'Almighties law:
Then gan the villein him to ouercraw,
6 And brought vnto him swords, ropes, poison, fire,
And all that might him to perdition draw;
8 And bad him choose, what death he would desire:
For death was due to him, that had prouokt Gods ire.
1 The sight whereof so thoroughly him dismayed,
whereof > of which
2 That naught but death before his eyes he saw, 3 And ever-burning wrath before him laid, 4 By righteous sentence of the Almighty's law: 5 Then began the villain him to overcrow,
overcrow > crow over, exult over
6 And brought to him swords, ropes, poison, fire, 7 And all that might him to perdition draw; 8 And bade him choose what death he would desire: 9 For death was due to him that had provoked God's ire.
109.51
But when as none of them he saw him take,
2 He to him raught a dagger sharpe and keene,
And gaue it him in hand: his hand did quake,
4 And tremble like a leafe of Aspin greene,
And troubled bloud though his pale face was seene
6 To come, and goe with tydings from the hart,
As it a running messenger had beene.
8 At last resolu'd to worke his finall smart,
He lifted vp his hand, that backe againe did start.
1 But, when none of them he saw him take, 2 He to him raught a dagger sharp and keen,
raught > held out, proffered
3 And gave it him in hand: his hand did quake 4 And tremble like a leaf of aspen green, 5 And troubled blood though his pale face was seen 6 To come and go with tidings from the heart, 7 As it a running messenger had been.
As > [As though]
8 At last, resolved to work his final smart,
smart > pain, acute pain; grief; final smart = death
9 He lifted up his hand, that back again did start.
109.52
Which when as Vna +saw+, through euery vaine
2 The crudled cold ran to her well of life,
As in a swowne: but soone +reliu'd+ againe,
4 Out of his hand she snatcht the cursed knife,
And threw it to the ground, enraged rife,
6 And to him said, Fie, fie, faint harted knight,
What meanest thou by this reprochfull strife?
8 Is this the battell, which thou vauntst to fight
With that fire-mouthed Dragon, horrible and bright?
1 saw > heard 1590 3 reliu'd > relieu'd 1609
1 Which when Una saw, through every vein 2 The curdled cold ran to her well of life,
well of life > [heart]
3 As in a swoon: but, soon relived again,
soon > soon; immediately relived > revived, come to life
4 Out of his hand she snatched the cursed knife, 5 And threw it to the ground, enraged rife,
rife > manifoldly; abundantly, hence: greatly
6 And to him said, "Fie, fie, faint-hearted knight! 7 What mean you by this reproachful strife?
reproachful > disgraceful
8 Is this the battle which you vaunt to fight
vaunt > boast
9 With that fire-mouthed dragon, horrible and bright?
109.53
Come, come away, fraile, +feeble+, fleshly wight,
2 Ne let vaine words bewitch thy manly hart,
Ne diuelish thoughts dismay thy constant spright.
4 In heauenly mercies hast thou not a part?
Why shouldst thou then despeire, that chosen art?
6 Where iustice growes, there grows eke greater grace,
The which doth quench the brond of hellish smart,
8 And that accurst hand-writing doth +deface,+
Arise, Sir knight arise, and leaue this cursed place.
1 feeble > seely 1596; silly 1609; cf. 107.6:5, 107.11:8 8 deface, > deface. 1590; deface: 1609
1 "Come, come away, frail, feeble, fleshly wight,
frail > morally weak wight > creature
2 Neither let vain words bewitch your manly heart,
vain > empty; foolish manly > {Pertaining to human beings; also: manly, in the modern sense}
3 Nor devilish thoughts dismay your constant spirit. 4 In heavenly mercies have you not a part? 5 Why should you then despair, that chosen are? 6 Where justice grows, there grows eke greater grace,
eke > in addition, also
7 Which does quench the brand of hellish smart,
smart > pain, grief
8 And that accursed handwriting does deface.
handwriting > (See Col. 2.14)
9 Arise, sir knight; arise, and leave this cursed place!"
109.54
So vp he rose, and thence amounted streight.
2 Which when the carle beheld, and saw his guest
Would safe depart, for all his subtill sleight,
4 He chose an halter from among the rest,
And with it hung himselfe, vnbid vnblest.
6 But death he could not worke himselfe thereby;
For thousand times he so himselfe had drest,
8 Yet nathelesse it could not doe him die,
Till he should die his last, that is eternally.
1 So up he rose, and thence amounted straight.
amounted > mounted, mounted up straight > straightway
2 Which when the carl beheld, and saw his guest
carl > villain, churl
3 Would safe depart, for all his subtle sleight,
for > despite subtle > crafty, sly sleight > trickery; knowledge; nimbleness of mind
4 He chose a halter from among the rest, 5 And with it hanged himself, unbid, unblessed.
unbid > not prayed for (cf. 101.30:7, 110.3:8)
6 But death he could not work himself thereby; 7 For thousand times he so himself had dressed,
dressed > disposed; put in that position; arrayed [with the halter]
8 Yet natheless it could not do him die,
natheless > nevertheless do him die > kill him
9 Till he should die his last, that is, eternally.
CANTO X
Her faithfull knight faire Vna brings
2 to house of Holinesse,
Where he is taught repentance, and
4 the way to heauenly blesse.
1 Her faithful knight fair Una brings 2 to House of Holiness, 3 Where he is taught repentance, and 4 the way to heavenly bliss.
110.1
WHat man is he, that boasts of fleshly might,
2 And vaine assurance of mortality,
Which all so soone, as it doth come to fight,
4 Against spirituall foes, yeelds by and by,
Or from the field most cowardly doth fly?
6 Ne let the man ascribe it to his skill,
That thorough grace hath gained victory.
8 If any strength we haue, it is to ill,
But all the good is Gods, both power and eke will.
1 What man is he, that boasts of fleshly might 2 And vain assurance of mortality, 3 Who, all so soon as it does come to fight
all so > just as
4 Against spiritual foes, yields by and by,
by and by > before long; straightway
5 Or from the field most cowardly does fly?
field > battle; field of battle fly > flee
6 Nor let the man ascribe it to his skill, 7 That through grace has gained victory. 8 If any strength we have, it is to ill,
ill > evil, wickedness; ill purpose, ill result
9 But all the good is God's, both power and eke will.
eke > also
110.2
By that, which lately hapned, Vna saw,
2 That this her knight was feeble, and too faint;
And all his sinews woxen weake and raw,
4 Through long +enprisonment+, and hard constraint,
Which he endured in his late restraint,
6 That yet he was vnfit for bloudie fight:
Therefore to cherish him with diets daint,
8 She cast to bring him, where he chearen might,
Till he recouered had his late decayed plight.
4 enprisonment > imprisonment 1609
1 By that which lately happened, Una saw 2 That this her knight was feeble, and too faint;
faint > sluggish; spiritless, lacking courage
3 And all his sinews waxed weak and raw
waxed > became; hence: had become raw > raw-boned, wasted; or: unready
4 Through long imprisonment and hard constraint,
constraint > restriction of liberty; affliction; oppression
5 Which he endured in his late restraint,
late restraint > recent restriction of liberty
6 That yet he was unfit for bloody fight:
That > [So that]
7 Therefore, to cherish him with diets daint,
daint > dainty, choice, pleasing, delicious
8 She cast to bring him where he cheer might,
cast > decided cheer > take heart
9 Till he recovered had his late decayed plight.
recovered had > had recovered from decayed > wasted, ruined (of health)
110.3
There was an auntient house not farre away,
2 Renowmd throughout the world for sacred lore,
And pure vnspotted life: so well they say
4 It gouernd was, and guided euermore,
Through wisedome of a matrone graue and hore;
6 Whose onely ioy was to relieue the needes
Of wretched soules, and helpe the helpelesse pore:
8 All night she spent in bidding of her bedes,
And all the day in doing good and godly deedes.
1 There was an ancient house not far away,
house > religious house; convent
2 Renowned throughout the world for sacred lore,
lore > teaching, doctrine
3 And pure unspotted life: so well, they say, 4 It governed was, and guided evermore, 5 Through wisdom of a matron grave and hoar;
hoar > {Venerable; grey-haired with age}
6 Whose only joy was to relieve the needs 7 Of wretched souls, and help the helpless poor: 8 All night she spent in bidding of her beads,
bidding of her beads > saying her rosary, saying her prayers
9 And all the day in doing good and godly deeds.
110.4
Dame C{ae}lia men did her call, as thought
2 From heauen to come, or thither to arise,
The mother of three daughters, well vpbrought
4 In goodly thewes, and godly exercise:
The eldest two most sober, chast, and wise,
6 Fidelia and Speranza virgins were,
Though spousd, yet wanting wedlocks solemnize;
8 But faire Charissa to a louely fere
Was lincked, and by him had many pledges dere.
1 Dame Caelia men did her call, as thought
Caelia > "Heavenly" (from the Latin caelum, the heavens)
2 From heaven to come, or thither to arise, 3 The mother of three daughters, well upbrought
upbrought > brought up
4 In goodly thews, and godly exercise:
thews > habits, morals; qualities exercise > worship, rites
5 The eldest two, most sober, chaste, and wise, 6 Fidelia and Speranza, virgins were,
Fidelia > "Faith" (from the Latin fides, faith)
Speranza > "Hope" (from the Latin spes, hope)
7 Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize;
spoused > betrothed solemnize > solemnization; solemnizing
8 But fair Charissa to a lovely fere
Charissa > "Charity" (from the old French charit{e/}, charity) lovely fere > loving husband
9 Was linked, and by him had many pledges dear.
pledges > [children]
110.5
Arriued there, the dore they find fast lockt;
2 For it was warely watched night and day,
For feare of many foes: but when they knockt,
4 The Porter opened vnto them streight way:
He was an aged syre, all hory gray,
6 With lookes full lowly cast, and gate full slow,
Wont on a staffe his feeble steps to stay,
8 Hight Humilt{a/}. They passe in stouping low;
For streight and narrow was the way, which he did show.
1 Arrived there, the door they find fast locked,
fast > firmly
2 For it was warely watched night and day,
warely > vigilantly
3 For fear of many foes: but when they knocked 4 The porter opened to them straightway: 5 He was an aged sire, all hoary grey,
sire > {Aged or elderly man}
6 With looks full lowly cast, and gait full slow
full > very
7 (Wont on a staff his feeble steps to stay),
Wont > Accustomed stay > support
8 Hight Umilt{a\}. They pass in, stooping low:
Hight > Called, named
Umilt{a\} > "Humility" (Italian)
9 For straight and narrow was the way which he did show.
straight and narrow > (See Matt. 7.14; and cf. 104.2:8)
110.6
Each goodly thing is hardest to begin,
2 But entred in a spacious court they see,
Both plaine, and pleasant to be walked in,
4 Where them does meete a francklin faire and free,
And entertaines with comely courteous glee,
6 His name was Zele, that him right well became,
For in his speeches and behauiour hee
8 Did labour liuely to expresse the same,
And gladly did them guide, till to the Hall they came.
1 Each goodly thing is hardest to begin,
goodly > fine
2 But, entered in, a spacious court they see, 3 Both plain, and pleasant to be walked in, 4 Where them does meet a franklin fair and free,
franklin > free man (as opposed to a villein or serf); land-owner (of free but not noble birth)
5 And entertains with comely courteous glee;
glee > joy
6 His name was Zeal, that him right well became,
right > very
7 For in his speeches and behaviour he 8 Did labour lively to express the same, 9 And gladly did them guide, till to the hall they came.
110.7
There fairely them receiues a gentle Squire,
2 Of milde demeanure, and rare courtesie,
Right cleanly clad in comely sad attire;
4 In word and deede that shew'd great modestie,
And knew his good to all of each degree,
6 Hight Reuerence. He them with speeches meet
Does faire entreat; no courting nicetie,
8 But simple true, and eke vnfained sweet,
As might become a Squire so great persons to greet.
1 There fairly them receives a gentle squire
fairly > becomingly, courteously gentle squire > noble attendant
2 Of mild demeanour and rare courtesy,
mild > gracious, kindly
3 Right cleanly clad in comely sad attire;
Right > Very sad > sober-coloured
4 In word and deed that showed great modesty, 5 And knew his good to all of each degree,
knew > made known; hence: applied, demonstrated good > grace; virtue, goodness degree > social station
6 Hight Reverence. He them with speeches meet
Hight > Called, named meet > seemly, appropriate
7 Does fair entreat: no courting nicety,
fair entreat > becomingly treat courting nicety > courtly foolishness, artificiality
8 But simple true, and eke unfeigned sweet,
true > truth eke > moreover sweet > {Sweetness; that which is pleasant to the mind}
9 As might become a squire so great persons to greet.
so > such
110.8
And afterwards them to his Dame he leades,
2 That aged Dame, the Ladie of the place:
Who all this while was busie at her beades:
4 Which doen, she vp arose with seemely grace,
And toward them full matronely did pace.
6 Where when that fairest Vna she beheld,
Whom well she knew to spring from heauenly race,
8 Her hart with ioy vnwonted inly sweld,
As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld.
1 And afterwards them to his dame he leads, 2 That aged dame, the lady of the place: 3 Who all this while was busy at her beads:
beads > prayers
4 Which done, she up arose with seemly grace, 5 And toward them full matronly did pace.
full > very, exceedingly
6 Where, when fairest Una she beheld, 7 Whom well she knew to spring from heavenly race, 8 Her heart with joy unwonted inly swelled,
unwonted > unaccustomed inly > inwardly
9 As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld.
comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort} weaker > too-weak eld > age, old age
110.9
And her embracing said, {o^} happie earth,
2 Whereon thy innocent feet doe euer tread,
Most vertuous virgin borne of heauenly berth,
4 That to redeeme thy woefull parents head,
From tyrans rage, and euer-dying dread,
6 Hast wandred through the world now long a day;
Yet ceasest not thy wearie soles to lead,
8 What grace hath thee now hither brought this way?
Or doen thy feeble feet vnweeting hither stray?
1 And, her embracing, said, "O happy earth, 2 Whereon your innocent feet do ever tread,
Whereon > On which
3 Most virtuous virgin, born of heavenly birth, 4 That, to redeem your woeful parents' head
head > position of command, hence: rule
5 From tyrant's rage and ever-dying dread,
ever-dying dread > [continual fear of death; fear of eternal death]
6 Have wandered through the world now long a day;
long a > [for many a long]
7 Yet cease not your weary soles to lead, 8 What grace has you now hither brought this way? 9 Or do your feeble feet unweeting hither stray?
unweeting > unwittingly
110.10
Strange thing it is an errant knight to see
2 Here in this place, or any other wight,
That hither turnes his steps. So few there bee,
4 That +chose+ the narrow path, or seeke the right:
All keepe the broad high way, and take delight
6 With many rather for to go astray,
And be partakers of their euill plight,
8 Then with a few to walke the rightest way;
O foolish men, why haste ye to your owne decay?
4 chose > chuse 1609
1 "Strange thing it is an errant knight to see
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.)
2 Here in this place, or any other wight,
wight > person, man
3 That hither turns his steps. So few there be 4 That choose the narrow path, or seek the right: 5 All keep the broad highway, and take delight
broad highway > (Cf. 104.2:8, 207.21:3)
6 With many rather to go astray, 7 And be partakers of their evil plight, 8 Than with a few to walk the rightest way; 9 O foolish men, why hasten you to your own decay?"
decay > downfall, destruction
110.11
Thy selfe to see, and tyred limbs to rest,
2 O matrone sage (quoth she) I hither came,
And this good knight his way with me addrest,
4 Led with thy prayses and broad-blazed fame,
That vp to heauen is blowne. The auncient Dame,
6 Him goodly greeted in her modest guise,
And entertaynd them both, as best became,
8 With all the court'sies, that she could deuise,
Ne wanted ought, to shew her bounteous or wise.
1 "Yourself to see, and tired limbs to rest, 2 O matron sage," quoth she, "I hither came, 3 And this good knight his way with me addressed,
addressed > directed; also: set to rights, made straight (for Caelia has just described him as "errant")
4 Led with your praises and broad-blazed fame, 5 That up to heaven is blown." The ancient dame 6 Him goodly greeted in her modest guise,
goodly > courteously guise > manner
7 And entertained them both, as best became,
best became > was most fitting
8 With all the courtesies that she could devise, 9 Nor wanted aught to show her bounteous or wise.
bounteous > {Full of goodness; beneficent}
110.12
Thus as they gan of sundry things deuise,
2 Loe two most goodly virgins came in place,
Ylinked arme in arme in louely wise,
4 With countenance demure, and modest grace,
They numbred euen steps and equall pace:
6 Of which the eldest, that Fidelia hight,
Like sunny beames threw from her Christall face,
8 That could haue dazd the rash beholders sight,
And round about her head did shine like heauens light.
1 Thus as they gan of sundry things devise,
gan > did devise > talk
2 Lo two most goodly virgins came in place,
goodly > beautiful in place > there
3 Linked arm-in-arm in lovely wise,
lovely > [a] loving, lovely wise > manner
6 Of whom the elder, that Fidelia hight,
hight > was named
7 Like sunny beams threw from her crystal face,
Like > [Something resembling] crystal > {Clear, having the qualities of crystal, as purity, luminosity}
8 That could have dazed the rash beholder's sight,
dazed > dazzled
9 And round about her head did shine like heaven's light.
110.13
She was araied all in lilly white,
2 And in her right hand bore a cup of gold,
With wine and water fild vp to the hight,
4 In which a Serpent did himselfe enfold,
That horrour made to all, that did behold;
6 But she no whit did chaunge her constant mood:
And in her other hand she fast did hold
8 A booke, that was both signd and seald with blood,
Wherein darke things were writ, hard to be vnderstood.
1 She was arrayed all in lily white, 2 And in her right hand bore a cup of gold, 3 With wine and water filled up to the height,
height > [brim]
4 In which a serpent did himself enfold, 5 That horror made to all that did behold; 6 But she no whit did change her constant mood: 7 And in her other hand she fast did hold
fast > firmly
8 A book, that was both signed and sealed with blood,
book > (The New Testament)
9 Wherein dark things were written, hard to be understood.
Wherein > In which dark things > (The Revelation)
110.14
Her younger sister, that Speranza hight,
2 Was clad in blew, that her beseemed well;
Not all so chearefull seemed she of sight,
4 As was her sister; whether dread did dwell,
Or anguish in her hart, is hard to tell:
6 Vpon her arme a siluer anchor lay,
Whereon she leaned euer, as befell:
8 And euer vp to heauen, as she did pray,
Her stedfast eyes were bent, ne swarued other way.
1 Her younger sister, that Speranza hight,
hight > was named
2 Was clad in blue, that her beseemed well;
blue > (The traditional colour of hope) beseemed > suited
3 Not all so cheerful seemed she of sight,
of sight > in appearance, of aspect
4 As was her sister; whether dread did dwell, 5 Or anguish in her heart, is hard to tell: 6 Upon her arm a silver anchor lay,
anchor > (The symbol of hope: see Heb. 6.19)
7 Whereon she leaned ever, as befell:
befell > was fitting; it happened
8 And ever up to heaven, as she did pray, 9 Her steadfast eyes were bent, nor swerved other way.
bent > directed
110.15
They seeing Vna, towards her gan wend,
2 Who them encounters with like courtesie;
Many kind speeches they betwene them spend,
4 And greatly ioy each other +well+ to see:
Then to the knight with shamefast modestie
6 They turne themselues, at Vnaes meeke request,
And him salute with well beseeming glee;
8 Who faire them quites, as him beseemed best,
And goodly +gan+ discourse of many a noble gest.
4 well > for 1590 9 gan > can 1609
1 They, seeing Una, towards her gan wend,
gan > did
2 Who them encounters with like courtesy;
encounters > addresses; goes forward to meet
3 Many kind speeches they between them spend, 4 And greatly joy each other well to see: 5 Then to the knight with shamefast modesty
shamefast > shy, bashful
6 They turn themselves, at Una's meek request, 7 And him salute with well beseeming glee;
beseeming > suitable glee > joy, delight
8 Who fair them requites, as him beseemed best,
him beseemed best > seemed most fitting to him
9 And goodly gan discourse of many a noble gest.
goodly > courteously; well gan > did gest > exploit, deed
110.16
Then Vna thus; But she your sister deare,
2 The deare Charissa where is she become?
Or wants she health, or busie is elsewhere?
4 Ah no, said they, but forth she may not come:
For she of late is lightned of her wombe,
6 And hath encreast the world with one sonne more,
That her to see should be but troublesome.
8 Indeede (quoth she) that should +her+ trouble sore,
But thankt be God, and her encrease so euermore.
8 her > be 1590 etc.: FE
1 Then Una thus: "But she, your sister dear, 2 The dear Charissa, where is she become?
is she become > [has she gone, is she]
3 Or wants she health, or busy is elsewhere?"
Or > Either; hence, here: perhaps
4 "Ah no," said they, "but forth she may not come: 5 For she of late is lightened of her womb, 6 And has increased the world with one son more, 7 That her to see should be but troublesome."
That > [So that] be > [be for Charissa]
8 "Indeed," quoth she, "that should her trouble sore, 9 But thanked be God, and her increase so evermore!"
increase so > [may He make more fruitful in this way]
110.17
Then said the aged C{oe}lia, Deare dame,
2 And you good Sir, I wote that of your toyle,
And labours long, through which ye hither came,
4 Ye both forwearied be: therefore a whyle
I read you rest, and to your bowres recoyle.
6 Then called she a Groome, that forth him led
Into a goodly lodge, and gan despoile
8 Of puissant armes, and laid in easie bed;
His name was meeke Obedience rightfully ared.
1 Then said the aged Caelia, "Dear dame, 2 And you, good sir, I wot that of your toil
wot > know
3 And labours long, through which you hither came, 4 You both forwearied be: therefore a while
forwearied > exhausted
5 I read you rest, and to your bowers recoil."
read you > advise you to bowers > rooms recoil > retire
6 Then called she a groom, that forth him led
groom > young man, manservant
7 Into a goodly lodge, and gan despoil
lodge > lodging, temporary abode gan > did despoil > strip
8 Of puissant arms, and laid in easy bed;
puissant > warlike arms > {Weapons, shield and armour}
9 His name was meek Obedience, rightfully aread.
aread > made known, declared
110.18
Now when their wearie limbes with kindly rest,
2 And bodies were refresht with due repast,
Faire Vna gan Fidelia faire request,
4 To haue her knight into her schoolehouse plaste,
That of her heauenly learning he might taste,
6 And heare the wisedome of her words diuine.
She graunted, and that knight so much agraste,
8 That she him taught celestiall discipline,
And opened his dull eyes, that light mote in them shine.
1 Now when their weary limbs with kindly rest,
kindly > natural
2 And bodies were refreshed with due repast,
refreshed > (Takes both "bodies" and "limbes" as direct objects)
3 Fair Una gan Fidelia fair request
gan > did fair > courteously
4 To have her knight into her schoolhouse placed, 5 That of her heavenly learning he might taste,
That > [So that]
6 And hear the wisdom of her words divine. 7 She granted, and that knight so much aggraced
aggraced > favoured
8 That she him taught celestial discipline,
celestial > heavenly discipline > {Learning; mental and moral training}
9 And opened his dull eyes, that light might in them shine.
that > [so that]
110.19
And that her sacred Booke, with bloud ywrit,
2 That none could read, except she did them teach,
She vnto him disclosed euery whit,
4 And heauenly documents thereout did preach,
That weaker wit of man could neuer reach,
6 Of God, of grace, of iustice, of free will,
That wonder was to heare her goodly speach:
8 For she was able, with her words to kill,
And raise againe to life the hart, that she did thrill.
1 And her sacred book, with blood written,
blood > [of Christ]
2 That none could read, except she did them teach,
except > unless
3 She to him disclosed every whit; 4 And heavenly documents thereout did preach,
documents > lessons; proofs thereout > out of that
5 That weaker wit of man could never reach,
weaker > [the] too-weak wit > mind, intelligence, mental faculty
6 Of God, of grace, of justice, of free will, 7 That wonder was to hear her goodly speech:
goodly > fine, beautiful
8 For she was able with her words to kill, 9 And raise again to life, the heart that she did thrill.
thrill > pierce
110.20
And when she list poure out her larger spright,
2 She would commaund the hastie Sunne to stay,
Or backward turne his course from heauens hight;
4 Sometimes great hostes of men she could dismay,
Dry-shod to passe, she parts the flouds in tway;
6 And eke huge mountaines from their natiue seat
She would commaund, themselues to beare away,
8 And throw in raging sea with roaring threat.
Almightie God her gaue such powre, and puissance great.
5 This line was added in 1609.
1 And, when she list pour out her larger spirit,
list > chose to larger spirit > greater power, higher power
2 She would command the hasty sun to stay,
stay > wait (see Josh. 10.12)
3 Or backward turn its course from heaven's height;
backward > (See 2 Kings 20.10)
4 Sometimes great hosts of men she could dismay;
hosts > armies (see Judg. 7.21) dismay > defeat
5 Dry-shod to pass, she parts the floods in tway,
parts > (See Exod. 14.21 ff.) tway > two
6 And eke huge mountains from their native seat
eke > moreover mountains > (See Matt. 21.21) native seat > natural throne (i.e. foundations)
7 She would command themselves to bear away, 8 And throw in raging sea with roaring threat.
threat > pressure, thrust, hence: force (Latin trudere, to press, thrust, urge); also: threat, peril
9 Almighty God her gave such power, and puissance great.
puissance > strength
110.21
The faithfull knight now grew in litle space,
2 By hearing her, and by her sisters lore,
To such perfection of all heauenly grace,
4 That wretched world he gan for to abhore,
And mortall life gan loath, as thing forlore,
6 Greeu'd with remembrance of his wicked wayes,
And prickt with anguish of his sinnes so sore,
8 That he +desirde,+ to end his wretched dayes:
So much the dart of sinfull guilt the soule dismayes.
8 desirde, > desirde 1609
1 The faithful knight now grew in little space, 2 By hearing her, and by her sister's lore,
lore > teaching
3 To such perfection of all heavenly grace 4 That wretched world he began to abhor, 5 And mortal life gan loathe as thing forlorn,
gan > did; began to forlorn > wretched, depraved; morally lost, doomed
6 Grieved with remembrance of his wicked ways, 7 And pricked with anguish of his sins so sore 8 That he desired to end his wretched days: 9 So much the dart of sinful guilt the soul dismays.
110.22
But wise Speranza gaue him comfort sweet,
2 And taught him how to take assured hold
Vpon her siluer anchor, as was meet;
4 Else had his sinnes so great, and manifold
Made him forget all that Fidelia told.
6 In this distressed doubtfull agonie,
When him his dearest Vna did behold,
8 Disdeining life, desiring leaue to die,
She found her selfe assayld with great perplexitie.
1 But wise Speranza gave him comfort sweet,
comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort}
2 And taught him how to take assured hold 3 Upon her silver anchor, as was meet;
meet > fitting
4 Else had his sins, so great and manifold,
Else had > [Otherwise would have]
5 Made him forget all that Fidelia told. 6 In this distressed doubtful agony,
doubtful > apprehensive, fearful agony > (In the Middle Ages, this word also applied specifically to Christ's mental anguish in Gethsemane)
7 When him his dearest Una did behold, 8 Disdaining life, desiring leave to die, 9 She found herself assailed with great perplexity,
perplexity > perplexity; distress
110.23
And came to C{oe}lia to declare her smart,
2 Who well acquainted with that commune plight,
Which sinfull horror workes in wounded hart,
4 Her wisely comforted all that she might,
With goodly counsell and aduisement right;
6 And streightway sent with carefull diligence,
To fetch a Leach, the which had great insight
8 In that disease of grieued conscience,
And well could cure the same; His name was Patience.
1 And came to Caelia to declare her smart.
smart > pain; grief
2 Who, well acquainted with that common plight 3 Which sinful horror works in wounded heart, 4 Her wisely comforted all that she might,
might > could
5 With goodly counsel and advisement right;
advisement > advice
6 And straightway sent with careful diligence 7 To fetch a leech, who had great insight
leech > physician
8 Into that disease of grieved conscience, 9 And well could cure the same; his name was Patience.
110.24
Who comming to that soule-diseased knight,
2 Could hardly him intreat, to tell his griefe:
Which knowne, and all that noyd his heauie spright,
4 Well searcht, eftsoones he gan apply +reliefe+
Of salues and med'cines, which had passing priefe,
6 And thereto added words of wondrous might:
By which to ease he him recured briefe,
8 And much asswag'd the passion of his plight,
That he his paine endur'd, as seeming now more light.
4 reliefe > relief 1590; reliefe. 1596
1 Who, coming to that soul-diseased knight, 2 Could hardly him entreat to tell his grief:
hardly > with difficulty entreat > persuade
3 Which known, and all that noyed his heavy spirit
noyed > troubled, harassed
4 Well searched, eftsoons he gan apply relief
searched > probed, examined eftsoons > forthwith gan > did
5 Of salves and medicines, which had passing proof,
passing > surpassing, excellent proof > proven worth; hence: efficacy
6 And thereto added words of wondrous might:
thereto > moreover, also
7 By which to ease he him recured brief,
ease > (Sb.) recured > cured, restored brief > rapidly; briefly, temporarily
8 And much assuaged the passion of his plight,
passion > suffering
9 That he his pain endured, as seeming now more light.
That > [So that]
110.25
But yet the cause and root of all his ill,
2 Inward corruption, and infected sin,
Not purg'd nor heald, behind remained still,
4 And festring sore did rankle yet within,
Close creeping twixt the marrow and the skin.
6 Which to extirpe, he laid him priuily
Downe in a darkesome lowly place farre in,
8 Whereas he meant his corrosiues to apply,
And with +streight+ diet tame his stubborne malady.
9 streight > streict 1609
1 But yet the cause and root of all his ill
ill > trouble, disorder
2 (Inward corruption and infected sin) 3 Not purged nor healed, behind remained still, 4 And festering sore did rankle yet within, 5 Close creeping 'twixt the marrow and the skin.
marrow > {The vital part or "core" of the body}
6 Which to extirp, he laid him privily
extirp > extirpate privily > secretly; hence: away from view
7 Down in a darksome lowly place far in, 8 Where he meant his corrosives to apply,
corrosives > remedies, caustic drugs
9 And with strait diet tame his stubborn malady.
strait > strict diet > {Way of living or thinking} stubborn > unyielding, intractable (cf. 108.25:4)
110.26
In ashes and sackcloth he did array
2 His daintie corse, proud humors to abate,
And dieted with fasting euery day,
4 The swelling of his wounds to mitigate,
And made him pray both earely and eke late:
6 And euer as superfluous flesh did rot
Amendment readie still at hand did wayt,
8 To pluck it out with pincers firie whot,
That soone in him was left no one corrupted iot.
1 In ashes and sackcloth he did array 2 His dainty corse, proud humours to abate,
dainty corse > handsome body proud > proud, arrogant; lascivious; swollen, superfluous humours > {Habits of mind; mental qualities, inclinations; also: the four cardinal "humours" of the body whose proportions, in medieval physiology, were believed to determine one's mental and physical qualities} abate > destroy; abate
3 And dieted with fasting every day, 4 The swelling of his wounds to mitigate, 5 And made him pray both early and eke late:
eke > also
6 And ever, as superfluous flesh did rot, 7 Amendment ready still at hand did wait, 8 To pluck it out with pincers fiery hot, 9 That soon in him was left not one corrupted jot.
That > [So that]
110.27
And bitter Penance with an yron whip,
2 Was wont him once to disple euery day:
And sharp Remorse his hart did pricke and nip,
4 That drops of bloud thence like a well did play;
And sad Repentance vsed to embay,
6 +His bodie in salt water smarting sore,+
The filthy blots of sinne to wash away.
8 So in short space they did to health restore
The man that would not liue, but earst lay at deathes dore.
6 His bodie in salt water smarting sore, > His blamefull body in salt water sore, 1590
1 And bitter Penance, with an iron whip, 2 Was wont him once to disple every day:
Was wont > Was accustomed; used disple > discipline (esp. as a religious practice)
3 And sharp Remorse his heart did prick and nip, 4 That drops of blood thence like a well did play;
That > [So that]
5 And sad Repentance used to embay
sad > solemn; grievous; sad; heavy embay > bathe, drench
6 His body in salt water smarting sore, 7 The filthy blots of sin to wash away. 8 So in short space they did to health restore 9 The man that would not live, but erst lay at death's door.
erst > lately
110.28
In which his torment often was so great,
2 That like a Lyon he would cry and rore,
And rend his flesh, and his owne synewes eat.
4 His owne deare Vna hearing euermore
His ruefull shriekes and gronings, often tore
6 Her guiltlesse garments, and her golden heare,
For pitty of his paine and anguish sore;
8 Yet all with patience wisely she did beare;
For well she wist, his crime could else be neuer cleare.
1 In which his torment often was so great 2 That like a lion he would cry and roar, 3 And rend his flesh, and his own sinews eat.
rend > tear
4 His own dear Una, hearing evermore
evermore > constantly
5 His rueful shrieks and groanings, often tore 6 Her guiltless garments and her golden hair, 7 For pity of his pain and anguish sore; 8 Yet all with patience wisely she did bear; 9 For well she wist his crime could else be never clear.
wist > knew crime > {Wrongdoing, sins taken collectively} else > otherwise clear > clean; cleared, cleansed, purified
110.29
Whom thus recouer'd by wise Patience,
2 And trew Repentance they to Vna brought:
Who ioyous of his cured conscience,
4 Him dearely kist, and fairely eke besought
Himselfe to chearish, and consuming thought
6 To put away out of his carefull brest.
By this Charissa, late in child-bed brought,
8 Was woxen strong, and left her fruitfull nest;
To her faire Vna brought this vnacquainted guest.
1 Whom, thus recovered by wise Patience 2 And true Repentance, they to Una brought; 3 Who, joyous of his cured conscience, 4 Him dearly kissed, and fairly eke besought
fairly > gently; courteously (when applied to "besought"); becomingly, equitably (when applied to "chearish") eke > also
5 Himself to cherish, and consuming thought
cherish > cheer (see Ephes. 5.29); hold dear, cherish consuming > destructive, diseased
6 To put away out of his careful breast.
careful > {Sorrowful, full of cares}
7 By this Charissa, late in childbed brought,
By this > By this time late > lately
8 Was waxed strong, and left her fruitful nest;
Was waxed > Had grown
9 To her fair Una brought this unacquainted guest.
unacquainted > unknown, un-introduced; or: unusual, strange
110.30
She was a woman in her freshest age,
2 Of wondrous beauty, and of bountie rare,
With goodly grace and comely personage,
4 That was on earth not easie to compare;
Full of great loue, but Cupids wanton snare
6 As hell she hated, chast in worke and will;
Her necke and breasts were euer open bare,
8 That ay thereof her babes might sucke their fill;
The rest was all in yellow robes arayed still.
1 She was a woman in her freshest age, 2 Of wondrous beauty, and of bounty rare,
bounty > virtue, goodness; kindness, generosity
3 With goodly grace and comely personage,
goodly > attractive, beautiful personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from clothing}
4 That was on earth not easy to compeer;
compeer > equal, rival
5 Full of great love, but Cupid's wanton snare
Cupid > (God of love, the son of Jupiter and Venus)
6 As hell she hated, chaste in work and will; 7 Her neck and breasts were ever open bare, 8 That ay thereof her babes might suck their fill;
ay > ever, always
9 The rest was all in yellow robes arrayed still.
yellow > (The colour of fertility: see Met. 10.1) still > ever, always
110.31
A multitude of babes about her hong,
2 Playing their sports, that ioyd her to behold,
Whom still she fed, whiles they were weake and young,
4 But thrust them forth still, as they wexed old:
And on her head she wore a tyre of gold,
6 Adornd with gemmes and owches wondrous +faire,+
Whose passing price vneath was to be told;
8 And by her side there sate a gentle paire
Of turtle doues, she sitting in an yuorie chaire.
6 faire, > faire. 1596
1 A multitude of babes about her hung, 2 Playing their sports, that joyed her to behold,
sports > games joyed her > made her delighted, gave her joy; also rejoiced her
3 Whom still she fed, while they were weak and young,
still > continually, habitually, invariably
4 But thrust them forth still, as they waxed old:
still > always, invariably waxed > grew
5 And on her head she wore a tire of gold,
tire > head-dress
6 Adorned with gems and ouches wondrous fair,
ouches > {Jewels; golden sockets to hold these}
7 Whose passing price uneath was to be told;
passing > surpassing uneath > scarcely