8 And by her side there sat a gentle pair 9 Of turtle doves, she sitting in an ivory chair.
110.32
The knight and Vna entring, faire her greet,
2 And bid her ioy of that her happie brood;
Who them requites with court'sies seeming meet,
4 And entertaines with friendly chearefull mood.
Then Vna her besought, to be so good,
6 As in her vertuous rules to schoole her knight,
Now after all his torment well withstood,
8 In that sad house of Penaunce, where his spright
Had past the paines of hell, and long enduring night.
1 The knight and Una entering, fair her greet,
fair > courteously
2 And bid her joy of that her happy brood; 3 Who them requites with courtesies seeming meet,
meet > appropriate
4 And entertains with friendly cheerful mood.
entertains > receives; hence: greets
5 Then Una her besought to be so good 6 As in her virtuous rules to school her knight, 7 Now after all his torment well withstood 8 In that sad house of Penance, where his spirit
sad house of Penance > (Cf. 105.53:9; "sad" here = "grave"; also: "steadfast")
9 Had passed the pains of hell, and long-enduring night.
passed > endured
110.33
She was right ioyous of her iust request,
2 And taking by the hand that Faeries sonne,
Gan him instruct in euery good behest,
4 Of loue, and righteousnesse, and well to donne,
And wrath, and hatred warely to shonne,
6 That drew on men Gods hatred, and his wrath,
And many soules in dolours had fordonne:
8 In which when him she well instructed hath,
From thence to heauen she teacheth him the ready path.
1 She was right joyous of her just request,
right joyous of > very delighted by just > righteous; proper
2 And, taking by the hand that Faery's son, 3 Gan him instruct in every good behest
Gan > Did; began to behest > injunction (esp. of a religious nature)
4 Of love and righteousness, and well to do,
well > good
5 And wrath and hatred warely to shun,
warely > vigilantly, cautiously
6 That drew on men God's hatred, and His wrath, 7 And many souls in dolours had fordone:
dolours > sorrows, griefs fordone > utterly ruined
8 In which when him she well instructed has, 9 From thence to heaven she teaches him the ready path.
teaches > shows ready > {Straight, direct; lying immediately before him}
110.34
Wherein his weaker wandring steps to guide,
2 An auncient matrone she to her does call,
Whose sober lookes her wisedome well descride:
4 Her name was Mercie, well knowne ouer all,
To be both gratious, and eke liberall:
6 To whom the carefull charge of him she gaue,
To lead aright, that he should neuer fall
8 In all his wayes through this wide +worldes+ waue,
That Mercy in the end his righteous soule might saue.
8 worldes > worlds 1609
1 Wherein his weaker wandering steps to guide,
Wherein > In which; in respect of which weaker > too-weak
2 An ancient matron she to her does call, 3 Whose sober looks her wisdom well descried:
descried > announced, bespoke
4 Her name was Mercy, well known over all
over all > everywhere
5 To be both gracious and eke liberal:
eke > also
6 To whom the careful charge of him she gave, 7 To lead aright, that he should never fall
that > [so that]
8 In all his ways through this wide world's wave, 9 That Mercy in the end his righteous soul might save.
That > [And that]
110.35
The godly Matrone by the hand him beares
2 Forth from her presence, by a narrow way,
Scattred with bushy thornes, and ragged breares,
4 Which still before him she remou'd away,
That nothing might his ready passage stay:
6 And euer when his feet encombred were,
Or gan to shrinke, or from the right to stray,
8 She held him fast, and firmely did vpbeare,
As carefull Nourse her child from falling oft does reare.
1 The godly matron by the hand him bears 2 Forth from her presence, by a narrow way
her > [Charissa's]
3 Scattered with bushy thorns and ragged briers, 4 Which still before him she removed away,
still > continually
5 That nothing might his ready passage stay:
That > [So that] ready > straight, direct stay > hinder
6 And ever, when his feet encumbered were, 7 Or began to shrink, or from the right to stray, 8 She held him fast, and firmly did upbear,
fast > firmly did > [did him]
9 As careful nurse her child from falling often does rear.
110.36
Eftsoones vnto an holy Hospitall,
2 That was fore by the way, she did him bring,
In which seuen Bead-men that had vowed all
4 Their life to seruice of high heauens king
Did spend their dayes in doing godly thing:
6 +There+ gates to all were open euermore,
That by the wearie way were traueiling,
8 And one sate wayting euer them before,
To call +in commers-by+, that needy were and pore.
6 There > Their 1609; cf. 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 211.21:8, 304.41:7, 312.28:1 9 in commers-by > in-commers by 1590, 1596
1 Eftsoons to a holy hospital,
Eftsoons > Forthwith, soon hospital > {Charitable institution for housing and aiding the needy; place of lodging}
2 That was forby the way, she did him bring;
forby > hard by, near
3 In which seven beadsmen (that had vowed all
beadsmen > holy men; "men of prayer"
4 Their life to service of high heaven's King) 5 Did spend their days in doing godly things: 6 Their gates to all were open evermore
Their > Their; or, conceivably: there (see Textual Appendix; though even among the educated the two spellings were occasionally used indifferently) evermore > constantly
7 That by the weary way were travelling,
travelling > (Here, especially, includes the sense of "travailing", = "toiling")
8 And one sat waiting ever them before,
waiting > keeping watch
9 To call in comers-by that needy were and poor.
comers-by > passers-by
110.37
The first of them that eldest was, and best,
2 Of all the house had charge and gouernement,
As Guardian and Steward of the rest:
4 His office was to giue entertainement
And lodging, vnto all that came, and went:
6 Not vnto such, as could him feast againe,
And double quite, for that he on them spent,
8 But such, as want of harbour did constraine:
Those for Gods sake his dewty was to entertaine.
1 The first of them, that eldest was and best,
best > most kind
2 Of all the house had charge and government, 3 As guardian and steward of the rest: 4 His office was to give entertainment
office > duty, function entertainment > hospitality
5 And lodging to all that came and went: 6 Not to such as could him feast again,
again > in return
7 And doubly requite for that he on them spent,
that > [that which]
8 But such as want of harbour did constrain:
harbour > shelter constrain > distress
9 Those for God's sake his duty was to entertain.
110.38
The second was +as+ Almner of the place,
2 His office was, the hungry for to feed,
And thristy giue to drinke, a worke of grace:
4 He feard not once him selfe to be in need,
Ne car'd to hoord for those, whom he did breede:
6 The grace of God he layd vp still in store,
Which as a stocke he left vnto his seede;
8 He had enough, what need him care for more?
And had he lesse, yet some he would giue to the pore.
1 as > an 1609
1 The second was as almoner of the place:
was as almoner > [occupied the position of almoner, = official distributor of alms]
2 His office was the hungry to feed,
office > duty, function
3 And thirsty give to drink, a work of grace. 4 He feared not once himself to be in need, 5 Nor cared to hoard for those whom he did breed:
breed > father [that is, his children]
6 The grace of God he laid up still in store,
still > continuously
7 Which as a stock he left to his seed;
stock > estate, endowment seed > children, heirs
8 He had enough, what need him care for more? 9 And had he less, yet some he would give to the poor.
110.39
The third had of their wardrobe custodie,
2 In which were not rich tyres, nor garments gay,
The plumes of pride, and wings of vanitie,
4 But +clothes+ meet to keepe keene could away,
And naked nature seemely to aray;
6 With which bare wretched wights he dayly clad,
The images of God in earthly clay;
8 And if that no spare +cloths+ to giue he had,
His owne coate he would cut, and it distribute glad.
4 clothes > clothez 1609, emphasizing the disyllable; cf. 200.5:4, 204.28:8, 206.39:5 8 cloths > clothes 1590, 1609
1 The third had of their wardrobe custody, 2 In which were not rich tires, nor garments gay,
tires > articles of clothing (attire); accoutrements
3 The plumes of pride, and wings of vanity,
wings > [plumes and birds' wings as used to adorn clothing]
4 But clothes meet to keep keen cold away,
meet > suitable keen > sharp
5 And naked nature seemly to array;
seemly > suitably, properly
6 With which bare wretched wights he daily clad,
wights > people
7 The images of God in earthly clay; 8 And, if no spare clothes to give he had, 9 His own coat he would cut, and it distribute gladly.
110.40
The fourth appointed by his office was,
2 Poore prisoners to relieue with gratious ayd,
And captiues to redeeme with price of bras,
4 From Turkes and Sarazins, which them had stayd;
And though they faultie were, yet well he wayd,
6 That God to vs forgiueth euery howre
Much more then that, why they in bands were layd,
8 And he that harrowd hell with heauie stowre,
The faultie soules from thence brought to his heauenly bowre.
1 The fourth appointed, by his office was
appointed > fixed by appointment; who had been appointed office > duty, function
2 Poor prisoners to relieve with gracious aid, 3 And captives to redeem with price of brass,
price > payment brass > money
4 From Turks and Saracens, who them had stayed;
Saracens > {Arabs or Moslems of the time of the Crusades; pagans} stayed > detained, taken hostage
5 And though they faulty were, yet well he weighed
they > (The hostages as well as their captors) faulty > guilty; at fault
6 That God to us forgives every hour
hour > hour; moment
7 Much more than that why they in bonds were laid,
why > [for which]
8 And he, that harrowed hell with heavy stour,
he > (Christ: see The Apocryphal New Testament 94-146) harrowed > harried heavy > grievous; intense stour > turmoil, conflict
9 The faulty souls from thence brought to his heavenly bower.
bower > dwelling
110.41
The fift had charge sicke persons to attend,
2 And comfort those, in point of death which lay;
For them most needeth comfort in the end,
4 When sin, and hell, and death do most dismay
The feeble soule departing hence away.
6 All is but lost, that liuing we bestow,
If not well ended at our dying day.
8 O man haue mind of that last bitter throw;
For as the tree does fall, so lyes it euer low.
1 The fifth had charge sick persons to attend, 2 And comfort those in point of death who lay;
in > [at the]
3 For them most need comfort in the end, 4 When sin, and hell, and death, do most dismay 5 The feeble soul departing hence away. 6 All is but lost, that living we bestow,
bestow > stow away, store up
7 If not well ended at our dying day. 8 O Man, have mind of that last bitter throe;
throe > (Equally, "throw", = the fall of a tree when cut down)
9 For as the tree does fall, so lies it ever low.
110.42
The sixt had charge of them now being dead,
2 In seemely sort their corses to engraue,
And deck with dainty flowres their bridall bed,
4 That to their heauenly spouse both sweet and braue
They might appeare, when he their soules shall saue.
6 The wondrous workemanship of Gods owne mould,
Whose face he made, all beasts to feare, and gaue
8 All in his hand, euen dead we honour should.
Ah dearest God me graunt, I dead be not defould.
1 The sixth had charge of them now being dead, 2 In seemly sort their corses to ingrave,
sort > manner corses > bodies ingrave > inter
3 And deck with dainty flowers their bridal bed, 4 That to their heavenly spouse both sweet and brave
That > [So that] heavenly spouse > [Christ] brave > finely dressed, splendid
5 They might appear, when he their souls shall save. 6 The wondrous workmanship of God's own mould,
mould > image; shape, form
7 Whose face He made all beasts to fear, and gave 8 All in His hand, even dead we honour should.
dead > [when dead]
9 Ah, dearest God, me grant, I dead be not defouled!
defouled > defiled, befouled; defaced
110.43
The seuenth now after death and buriall done,
2 Had charge the tender Orphans of the dead
And widowes ayd, least they should be vndone:
4 In face of iudgement he their right would plead,
Ne ought the powre of mighty men did dread
6 In their defence, nor would for gold or fee
Be wonne their rightfull causes downe to tread:
8 And when they stood in most necessitee,
He did supply their want, and gaue them euer free.
1 The seventh, now after death and burial done, 2 Had charge the tender orphans of the dead 3 And widows aid, lest they should be undone:
aid > [to aid] undone > ruined, made destitute
4 In face of judgement he their right would plead,
judgement > [legal judgement]
5 Neither aught the power of mighty men did dread
aught > at all
6 In their defence, nor would for gold or fee
fee > bribe; fee
7 Be won their rightful causes down to tread:
won > persuaded
8 And, when they stood in most necessity, 9 He did supply their want, and gave them ever free.
want > need
110.44
There when the Elfin knight arriued was,
2 The first and chiefest of the seuen, whose care
Was guests to welcome, towardes him did pas:
4 Where seeing Mercie, that his steps vp bare,
And alwayes led, to her with reuerence rare
6 He humbly louted in meeke lowlinesse,
And seemely welcome for her did prepare:
8 For of their order she was Patronesse,
Albe Charissa were their chiefest founderesse.
1 There when the Elfin knight arrived was, 2 The first and chiefest of the seven, whose care 3 Was guests to welcome, towards him did pas:
pas > pace; pass
4 Where, seeing Mercy, who his steps upbore,
upbore > did support
5 And always led, to her with reverence rare
rare > excellent, fine
6 He humbly louted in meek lowliness,
louted > bowed, made obeisance
7 And seemly welcome for her did prepare: 8 For of their order she was patroness, 9 Albe Charissa was their chiefest foundress.
Albe > Although foundress > {Female founder}
110.45
There she awhile him stayes, him selfe to rest,
2 That to the rest more able he might bee:
During which time, in euery good behest
4 And godly worke of Almes and charitee
She him instructed with great industree;
6 Shortly therein so perfect he became,
That from the first vnto the last degree,
8 His mortall life he learned had to frame
In holy righteousnesse, without rebuke or blame.
1 There she awhile him stays, himself to rest,
stays > detains
2 That to the rest more able he might be:
That to > [So that to accomplish]
3 During which time, in every good behest
behest > injunction (esp. of a religious nature)
4 And godly work of alms and charity, 5 She him instructed with great industry. 6 Shortly therein so perfect he became 7 That, from the first to the last degree, 8 His mortal life he learned had to frame
frame > give shape to, direct
9 In holy righteousness, without rebuke or blame.
without > beyond the reach of; without blame > accusation, charge; blame
110.46
Thence forward by that painfull way they pas,
2 Forth to an hill, that was both steepe and hy;
On top whereof a sacred chappell was,
4 And eke a litle Hermitage thereby,
Wherein an aged holy man did lye,
6 That day and night said his deuotion,
Ne other worldly busines did apply;
8 His name was heauenly Contemplation;
Of God and goodnesse was his meditation.
1 Thence forward by that painful way they pas,
pas > pass; pace
2 Forth to a hill that was both steep and high; 3 On top whereof a sacred chapel was,
whereof > of which
4 And eke a little hermitage thereby,
eke > in addition (cf. 101.34)
5 Wherein an aged holy man did lie, 6 Who day and night said his devotion, 7 Nor other worldly business did apply;
apply > pursue
8 His name was heavenly Contemplation; 9 Of God and goodness was his meditation.
110.47
Great grace that old man to him giuen had;
2 For God he often saw from heauens hight,
All were his earthly eyen both blunt and bad,
4 And through great age had lost their kindly sight,
Yet wondrous quick and persant was his spright,
6 As Eagles eye, that can behold the Sunne:
That hill they scale with all their powre and might,
8 That his frayle thighes nigh wearie and fordonne
Gan faile, but by her helpe the top at last he wonne.
1 Great grace that old man to him given had; 2 For God he often saw from heaven's height, 3 All were his earthly eyes both blunt and bad,
All > Even; hence: even though, although
4 And through great age had lost their kindly sight,
kindly > native, natural
5 Yet wondrous quick and perceant was his spirit,
perceant > piercing, percipient
6 As eagle's eye, that can behold the sun:
behold the sun > (Cf. Parliament of Fowls 330-1)
7 That hill they scale with all their power and might, 8 That his frail thighs, nigh weary and fordone,
That > [So that] fordone > ruined; exhausted
9 Gan fail; but by her help the top at last he won.
Gan > Did; began to won > reached, attained
110.48
There they do finde that godly aged Sire,
2 With snowy lockes adowne his shoulders shed,
As hoarie frost with spangles doth attire
4 The mossy braunches of an Oke halfe ded.
Each bone might through his body well be red,
6 And euery sinew seene through his long fast:
For nought he car'd his carcas long vnfed;
8 His mind was full of spirituall repast,
And pyn'd his flesh, to keepe his body low and chast.
1 There they do find that godly aged sire,
sire > father; elderly man
2 With snowy locks adown his shoulders shed,
adown > down
3 As hoary frost with spangles does attire 4 The mossy branches of an oak half dead. 5 Each bone might through his body well be read,
read > seen
6 And every sinew seen, through his long fast:
through > as a result of
7 For naught he cared his carcase long unfed;
naught > not at all, nothing at all cared > [cared about; cared for]
8 His mind was full of spiritual repast, 9 And pined his flesh to keep his body low and chaste.
pined > starved low > weak, lacking vigour
110.49
Who when these two approching he aspide,
2 At their first presence grew agrieued sore,
That forst him lay his heauenly thoughts aside;
4 And had he not that Dame respected more,
Whom highly he did reuerence and adore,
6 He would not once haue moued for the knight.
They him saluted standing far afore;
8 Who well them greeting, humbly did requight,
And asked, to what end they clomb that tedious height.
1 Who, when these two approaching he espied, 2 At their first presence grew aggrieved sore, 3 That forced him lay his heavenly thoughts aside;
That > [In that their presence] lay > [to lay]
4 And had he not that dame respected more 5 (Whom highly he did reverence and adore), 6 He would not once have moved for the knight. 7 They him saluted, standing far afore;
afore > in front [of him]
8 Who, well them greeting, humbly did requite,
requite > [them requite, return the compliment]
9 And asked to what end they climbed that tedious height.
climbed > [had climbed]
110.50
What end (quoth +she+) should cause vs take such paine,
2 But that same end, which euery liuing wight
Should make his marke, high heauen to attaine?
4 Is not from hence the way, that leadeth right
To that most glorious house, that glistreth bright
6 With burning starres, and euerliuing fire,
Whereof the keyes are to thy hand behight
8 By wise Fidelia? she doth thee require,
To shew it to this knight, according his desire.
1 she > he 1596
1 "What end," quoth she, "should cause us take such pain,
take > [to take]
2 But that same end, which every living wight
wight > mortal, person
3 Should make his mark, high heaven to attain? 4 Is not from hence the way, that leads right 5 To that most glorious house, that glisters bright 6 With burning stars and ever-living fire, 7 Whereof the keys are to your hand behight
Whereof > Of which behight > delivered, granted (catachr.); promised
8 By wise Fidelia? She does you require
require > request
9 To show it to this knight, according his desire."
according > agreeing to grant; hence: granting
110.51
Thrise happy man, said then the father graue,
2 Whose staggering steps thy steady hand doth lead,
And shewes the way, his sinfull soule to saue.
4 Who better can the way to heauen aread,
Then thou thy selfe, that was both borne and bred
6 In heauenly throne, where thousand Angels shine?
Thou doest the prayers of the righteous sead
8 Present before the maiestie diuine,
And his auenging wrath to clemencie incline.
1 "Thrice happy man," said then the father grave,
happy > blessed, beatified; fortunate; happy grave > important, influential; grave; gravely
2 "Whose staggering steps your steady hand does lead, 3 And shows the way his sinful soul to save! 4 Who better can the way to heaven aread
aread > make known; declare
5 Than you yourself, that was both born and bred 6 In heavenly throne, where thousand angels shine? 7 You do the prayers of the righteous seed
righteous seed > sinless children [the redeemed]
8 Present before the majesty divine, 9 And His avenging wrath to clemency incline.
110.52
Yet +since+ thou bidst, thy pleasure shalbe donne.
2 Then come thou man of earth, and see the way,
That neuer yet was seene of Faeries sonne,
4 That neuer leads the traueiler astray,
But after labours long, and sad delay,
6 +Brings+ +them+ to ioyous rest and endlesse blis.
But first thou must a season fast and pray,
8 Till from her bands the spright assoiled is,
And haue her strength recur'd from fraile infirmitis.
1 since > sith 1609 6 Brings > Bring 1590, 1596 6 them > him conj. Morris, who also sugg. the alternative of "traueilers" in line 4
1 "Yet, since you bid, your pleasure shall be done. 2 Then come, you man of earth, and see the way
man of earth > (See 110.66)
3 That never yet was seen by Faery's son; 4 That never leads the traveller astray, 5 But after labours long, and sad delay,
sad > grievous; sorrowful
6 Brings them to joyous rest and endless bliss. 7 But first you must a season fast and pray,
a season > for a while
8 Till from its bonds the spirit assoiled is,
assoiled > absolved; set free
9 And has its strength recured from frail infirmities."
recured from > recovered from; cured of frail > weak, morally weak
110.53
That done, he leads him to the highest Mount;
2 Such one, as that same mighty man of God,
That bloud-red billowes like a walled front
4 On either side disparted with his rod,
Till that his army dry-foot through them yod,
6 Dwelt fortie dayes vpon; where writ in stone
With bloudy letters by the hand of God,
8 The bitter doome of death and balefull mone
He did receiue, whiles flashing fire about him shone.
1 That done, he leads him to the highest mount; 2 Such one as that same mighty man of God
one > [a one] man of God > (Moses, on Mount Sinai: see Deut. 33.1, Exod. 24.18)
3 (That blood-red billows, like a walled front, 4 On either side disparted with his rod,
disparted > clove, parted asunder (see Exod. 14.21-2)
5 Till his army dry-foot through them yode)
yode > went
6 Dwelt forty days upon; where, written in stone 7 With bloody letters by the hand of God, 8 The bitter doom of death and baleful moan
doom > judgement, sentence baleful > deadly, miserable moan > {State of grief or lamentation}
9 He did receive, while flashing fire about him shone.
fire > (See Deut. 4.11)
110.54
Or like that sacred hill, whose head full hie,
2 Adornd with fruitfull Oliues all arownd,
Is, as it were for endlesse memory
4 Of that deare Lord, who oft thereon was fownd,
For euer with a flowring girlond crownd:
6 Or like that pleasaunt Mount, that is for ay
Through famous Poets verse each where renownd,
8 On which the thrise three learned Ladies play
Their heauenly notes, and make full many a louely lay.
1 Or like that sacred hill, whose head full high
sacred hill > (The Mount of Olives; see e.g. Luke 22.39 ff.) full > exceedingly, very
2 (Adorned with fruitful olives all around)
olives > [olive-trees]
3 Is, as it were, for endless memory
memory > memorial
4 Of that dear Lord, who often thereon was found, 5 For ever with a flowering garland crowned: 6 Or like that pleasant mount, that is for ay
mount > (Mount Parnassus, in Phocis, sacred to Apollo and the nine Muses) ay > ever, always
7 Through famous poets' verse each where renowned,
each where > everywhere
8 On which the thrice three learned ladies play 9 Their heavenly notes, and make full many a lovely lay.
full many a lovely lay > [very many lovely songs]
110.55
From thence, far off he vnto him did shew
2 A litle path, that was both steepe and long,
Which to a goodly Citie led his vew;
4 Whose wals and towres were builded high and strong
Of perle and precious stone, that earthly tong
6 Cannot describe, nor wit of man can tell;
Too high a ditty for my simple song;
8 The Citie of the great king hight it well,
Wherein eternall peace and happinesse doth dwell.
1 From thence, far off he to him did show 2 A little path, that was both steep and long, 3 Which to a goodly city led his view;
goodly > beautiful city > (See Rev. 21.10-21)
4 Whose walls and towers were built high and strong 5 Of pearl and precious stone, that earthly tongue 6 Cannot describe, nor wit of man can tell;
wit > skill, mental capacity
7 Too high a ditty for my simple song;
ditty > subject, theme
8 The city of the great King hight it well,
hight > was named
9 Wherein eternal peace and happiness do dwell.
110.56
As he thereon stood gazing, he might see
2 The blessed Angels to and fro descend
From highest heauen, in gladsome companee,
4 And with great ioy into that Citie wend,
As commonly as friend does with his frend.
6 Whereat he wondred much, and gan enquere,
What stately building durst so high extend
8 Her loftie towres vnto the starry sphere,
And what vnknowen nation there empeopled were.
1 As he thereon stood gazing, he might see
might > could (see Gen. 28.12)
2 The blessed angels to and fro descend 3 From highest heaven, in gladsome company, 4 And with great joy into that city wend, 5 As commonly as friend does with his friend.
commonly > familiarly
6 Whereat he wondered much, and gan inquire
Whereat > At which wondered > marvelled gan > did
7 What stately building dared so high extend 8 Its lofty towers to the starry sphere, 9 And what unknown nation there empeopled were.
empeopled > established [as the population: SUS]
110.57
Faire knight (quoth he) Hierusalem that is,
2 The new Hierusalem, that God has built
For those to dwell in, that are chosen his,
4 His chosen people purg'd from sinfull guilt,
With +pretious+ bloud, which cruelly was spilt
6 On cursed tree, of that vnspotted lam,
That for the sinnes of all the world was kilt:
8 Now are they Saints all in that Citie sam,
More deare vnto their God, then younglings to their dam.
5 pretious > piteous 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Fair knight," quoth he, "Jerusalem that is, 2 The new Jerusalem, that God has built 3 For those to dwell in that are chosen his, 4 His chosen people, purged from sinful guilt 5 With precious blood, which cruelly was spilt 6 On cursed tree, of that unspotted lamb
cursed tree > [the cross: see Gal. 3.13] of > of; by unspotted > blameless, innocent lamb > [Christ]
7 That for the sins of all the world was killed: 8 Now are they saints all in that city sam,
sam > together, mutually
9 More dear to their God than younglings to their dam."
younglings > young ones dam > mother
110.58
Till now, said then the knight, I weened well,
2 That great Cleopolis, where I haue beene,
In which that fairest Faerie Queene doth dwell
4 The fairest Citie was, that might be seene;
And that bright towre all built of christall cleene,
6 Panthea, seemd the brightest thing, that was:
But now by proofe all otherwise I weene;
8 For this great Citie that does far surpas,
And this bright Angels towre quite dims that towre of glas.
1 "Till now," said then the knight, "I weened well
weened > supposed, imagined
2 That great Cleopolis, where I have been
Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; allegorically: London)
3 (In which that fairest Faery Queen does dwell), 4 The fairest city was that might be seen;
might > could
5 And that bright tower, all built of crystal clean,
bright > bright; beautiful clean > {Clear, transparent; free from moral or spiritual pollution; pure and uncluttered in style}
6 Panthea, seemed the brightest thing that was:
Panthea > "All Sights", "Totality of Visions" (Greek, meaning
"Nonesuch", "Nonpareil", etc. Possibly identifiable as
Westminster Abbey or the Queen's Palace of Richmond)
7 But now by proof all otherwise I ween;
ween > think
8 For this great city that does far surpass, 9 And this bright angels' tower quite dims that tower of glass."
110.59
Most trew, then said the holy aged man;
2 Yet is Cleopolis for earthly +frame+,
The fairest peece, that eye beholden can:
4 And well beseemes all knights of noble name,
That couet in th'immortall booke of fame
6 To be eternized, that same to haunt,
And doen their seruice to that soueraigne Dame,
8 That glorie does to them for guerdon graunt:
For she is heauenly borne, and heauen may iustly vaunt.
2 frame > fame 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Most true," then said the holy aged man; 2 "Yet is Cleopolis, for earthly frame,
frame > structure, building
3 The fairest piece that eye behold can:
piece > piece of work
4 And well beseems all knights of noble name
beseems > suits, becomes name > repute, distinction; name
5 (That covet in the immortal book of fame
covet > wish, desire
6 To be eternized) that same to haunt,
eternized > eternalized, immortalized haunt > frequent
7 And do their service to that sovereign dame,
that sovereign dame > [the Faery Queen]
8 That glory does to them for guerdon grant:
guerdon > reward
9 For she is heavenly born, and heaven may justly vaunt.
vaunt > boast of [as her origin]
110.60
And thou faire ymp, sprong out from English race,
2 How euer now +accompted+ Elfins sonne,
Well worthy doest thy seruice for her grace,
4 To aide a virgin desolate foredonne.
But when thou famous victorie hast wonne,
6 And high emongst all knights hast hong thy shield,
Thenceforth the suit of earthly conquest shonne,
8 And wash thy hands from guilt of bloudy field:
For bloud can nought but sin, and wars but sorrowes yield.
2 accompted > accounted 1609
1 "And you, fair imp, sprung out from English race,
imp > child
2 However now accounted Elfin's son, 3 Well worthily do your service for her grace,
grace > favour, goodwill
4 To aid a virgin desolate, fordone.
fordone > ruined, undone
5 But when you famous victory have won, 6 And high amongst all knights have hung your shield, 7 Thenceforth the suit of earthly conquest shun,
suit > pursuit
8 And wash your hands from guilt of bloody field:
field > battle; field of battle
9 For blood can naught but sin, and wars but sorrows yield.
110.61
Then seeke this path, that I to thee presage,
2 Which after all to heauen shall thee send;
Then +peaceably thy+ painefull pilgrimage
4 To yonder same Hierusalem do bend,
Where is for thee ordaind a blessed end:
6 For thou emongst those Saints, whom thou doest see,
Shalt be a Saint, and thine owne nations frend
8 And Patrone: thou Saint George shalt called bee,
Saint George of mery England, the signe of victoree.
3 peaceably thy > peaceably to thy 1596
1 "Then seek this path, that I to you presage,
presage > prophesy; also: make known (SUS)
2 Which after all to heaven shall you send; 3 Then peaceably your painful pilgrimage 4 To yonder same Jerusalem do bend,
bend > incline, direct
5 Where is for you ordained a blessed end: 6 For you (amongst those saints whom you do see) 7 Shall be a saint, and your own nation's friend 8 And patron: you Saint George shall called be,
patron > champion; patron saint
9 Saint George of merry England, the sign of victory."
merry > pleasant sign > emblem
110.62
Vnworthy wretch (quoth he) of so great grace,
2 How dare I thinke such glory to attaine?
These that haue it attaind, were in like cace
4 +(Quoth he) as wretched, and liu'd in like paine.+
But deeds of armes must I at last be faine,
6 And Ladies loue to leaue so dearely bought?
What need of armes, where peace doth ay remaine,
8 (Said he) and +battailes none are to be+ fought?
As for loose loues +are+ vaine, and vanish into nought.
4 (Quoth he) as wretched, and liu'd in like paine. > As wretched men, and liued in like paine. 1590 8 battailes none are to be > bitter battailes all are 1590 9 are > they'are 1590; but cf. 503.22:5
1 "Unworthy wretch," quoth he, "of so great grace,
of > (Dependent upon "Vnworthy": "I, wretch, unworthy of so great grace") so > such
2 How dare I think such glory to attain?" 3 "These, that have it attained, were in like case,"
like case > [a] similar plight
4 Quoth he, "as wretched, and lived in like pain." 5 "But deeds of arms must I at last be fain
fain > obliged
6 And ladies' love, to leave, so dearly bought?" 7 "What need of arms, where peace does ay remain,"
ay > ever, always
8 Said he, "and battles none are to be fought? 9 As for loose loves, they are vain, and vanish into naught."
110.63
O let me not (quoth he) +then turne+ againe
2 Backe to the world, whose ioyes so fruitlesse are;
But let me here for aye in peace remaine,
4 Or streight way on that last long voyage fare,
That nothing may my present hope empare.
6 That may not be (said he) ne maist thou yit
Forgo that royall maides bequeathed care,
8 Who did her cause into thy hand commit,
Till from her cursed foe thou haue her freely quit.
1 then turne > returne 1609
1 "O let me not," quoth he, "then turn again 2 Back to the world, whose joys so fruitless are; 3 But let me here for ay in peace remain,
ay > ever, always
4 Or straightway on that last long voyage fare,
voyage > journey
5 That nothing may my present hope impair."
That > [So that] impair > weaken, lessen; impair
6 "That may not be," said he, "nor may you yet 7 Forgo that royal maid's bequeathed care,
bequeathed > committed, assigned (the adventure was assigned to him by the Faery Queen; see I:152-81)
8 Who did her cause into your hand commit, 9 Till from her cursed foe you have her freely quit."
quit > rescued
110.64
Then shall I soone, (quoth he) so God me grace,
2 Abet that virgins cause disconsolate,
And shortly backe returne vnto this place,
4 To walke this way in Pilgrims poore estate.
But now aread, old father, why of late
6 Didst thou behight me borne of English blood,
Whom all a Faeries sonne +doen nominate+?
8 That word shall I (said he) auouchen good,
Sith to thee is vnknowne the cradle of thy brood.
7 doen nominate > doen then nominate 1596
1 "Then shall I soon," quoth he, "so God me grace,
grace > show favour to, countenance
2 Abet that virgin's cause disconsolate,
Abet > Uphold
3 And shortly back return to this place, 4 To walk this way in pilgrim's poor estate. 5 But now aread, old father, why of late
aread > make known, declare of late > just now
6 Did you behight me born of English blood,
behight > call
7 Whom all a Faery's son do nominate?"
nominate > call [by the name of: see e.g. 105.11:1]
8 "That word shall I," said he, "avouch good, 9 Sith to you is unknown the cradle of your brood.
Sith > Since brood > parentage, race (this use is characteristic of Spenser)
110.65
For well I wote, thou springst from ancient race
2 Of Saxon kings, that haue with mightie hand
And many bloudie battailes fought in +place+
4 High reard their royall throne in +Britans+ land,
And vanquisht them, vnable to withstand:
6 From thence a Faerie thee vnweeting reft,
There as thou slepst in tender swadling band,
8 And her base Elfin brood there for thee left.
Such men do Chaungelings call, so chaungd by Faeries theft.
3 place > face 1590 4 Britans > Britane 1596, 1609
1 "For well I wot, you spring from ancient race
wot > know
2 Of Saxon kings, that have, with mighty hand 3 And many bloody battles fought in place,
in place > there
4 High reared their royal throne in Britain land, 5 And vanquished them unable to withstand:
vanquished > {Subdued by physical or spiritual power} them > [those who were]: apparently meaning the native Britons, a statement at odds with the succeeding account (e.g. in 210) of English genealogy
6 From thence a Faery you unweeting reft,
unweeting > unsuspecting [not knowing the identity of the child; perhaps also referring to "you"] reft > took away
7 There as you slept in tender swaddling-bands,
tender > infantile; youthly swaddling-bands > swaddling-clothes [strips of cloth in which infants were wrapped]
8 And her base Elfin brood there for you left:
Elfin brood > Faery offspring for > in place of, instead of
9 Such, men do changelings call, so changed by Faery's theft.
changed > exchanged
110.66
Thence she thee brought into this Faerie lond,
2 And in an heaped furrow did thee hyde,
Where thee a Ploughman all vnweeting fond,
4 As he his toylesome teme that way did guyde,
And brought thee vp in ploughmans state to byde,
6 Whereof Georgos he thee gaue to name;
Till prickt with courage, and thy forces pryde,
8 To Faery court thou cam'st to seeke for fame,
And proue thy puissaunt armes, as seemes thee best became.
1 "Thence she you brought into this Faery land, 2 And in a heaped furrow did you hide, 3 Where you a ploughman all unweeting found,
unweeting > unsuspecting, unwitting (or adv.: referring to the ploughman or to "you", as at 110.65:6)
4 As he his toilsome team that way did guide,
team > (Of plough-beasts, oxen or horses)
5 And brought you up in ploughman's state to bide,
state > {Condition or state in life} bide > remain; await [this revelation]
6 Whereof Georgos he you gave to name;
Whereof > By reason of which Georgos > "Man of the Earth" (Greek) to > as a
7 Till pricked with courage, and your forces' pride,
pricked > spurred (and the double meaning would have been understood in 1590) courage > courage; lustiness pride > {State of physical perfection; elation; sexual desire}
8 To Faery court you came to seek for fame, 9 And prove your puissant arms, as seems you best became."
puissant arms > powerful deeds of arms seems > [it seems] became > suited
110.67
O holy Sire (quoth he) how shall I quight
2 The many fauours I with thee haue found,
That hast my name and nation red aright,
4 And taught the way that does to heauen bound?
This said, adowne he looked to the ground,
6 To haue returnd, but dazed were his eyne,
Through passing brightnesse, which did quite confound
8 His feeble sence, and too exceeding shyne.
So darke are earthly things compard to things diuine.
1 "O holy sire," quoth he, "how shall I requite
sire > father
2 The many favours I with you have found, 3 That have my name and nation read aright,
nation > country; nationality read > expounded; discerned
4 And taught the way that does to heaven boun?"
boun > go, set out; hence: lead
5 This said, adown he looked to the ground,
adown > down
6 To have returned; but dazed were his eyes 7 Through passing brightness (which did quite confound
passing > surpassing
8 His feeble sense) and too exceeding shine.
shine > brilliance
9 So dark are earthly things compared to things divine.
to > with
110.68
At last whenas himselfe he gan to find,
2 To Vna back he cast him to retire;
Who him awaited still with pensiue mind.
4 Great thankes and goodly meed to that good syre,
He thence departing gaue for his paines hyre.
6 So came to Vna, who him ioyd to see,
And after litle rest, gan him desire,
8 Of her aduenture mindfull for to bee.
So leaue they take of C{oe}lia, and her daughters three.
1 At last, when himself he began to find,
find > [recover]
2 To Una back he cast himself to retire;
cast > resolved, decided
3 Who him awaited still with pensive mind.
pensive > apprehensive, anxious
4 Great thanks, and goodly meed, to that good sire
goodly meed > courteous reward; hence: praise, thanks sire > father, elderly man
5 He thence departing gave for his pains' hire.
for his pains' hire > as reward for his efforts
6 So came to Una, who him joyed to see, 7 And, after little rest, gan him desire
gan > did
8 Of her adventure mindful to be. 9 So leave they take of Caelia, and her daughters three.
CANTO XI
The knight with that old Dragon fights
2 two dayes incessantly:
The third him ouerthrowes, and gayns
4 most glorious victory.
1 The knight with that old dragon fights
that old dragon > (Cf. Rev. 20.2)
2 two days incessantly: 3 The third him overthrows, and gains 4 most glorious victory.
111.1
HIgh time now gan it wex for Vna faire,
2 To thinke of those her captiue Parents deare,
And their forwasted kingdome to repaire:
4 Whereto whenas they now approched neare,
With hartie words her knight she gan to cheare,
6 And in her modest manner thus bespake;
Deare knight, as deare, as euer knight was deare,
8 That all these sorrowes suffer for my sake,
High heauen behold the tedious toyle, ye for me take.
1 High time now gan it wax for Una fair
gan > did wax > grow
2 To think of those her captive parents dear, 3 And their forwasted kingdom to repair:
forwasted > ravaged, laid to waste repair > restore, re-establish
4 Whereto when they now approached near,
Whereto > To which
5 With hearty words her knight she began to cheer,
hearty > sincere; cordial; encouraging
6 And in her modest manner thus bespoke:
bespoke > spoke
7 "Dear knight, as dear as ever knight was dear, 8 That all these sorrows suffer for my sake, 9 High heaven behold the tedious toil you for me take!
111.2
Now are we come vnto my natiue soyle,
2 And to the place, where all our perils dwell;
Here haunts that feend, and does his dayly spoyle,
4 Therefore henceforth be at your keeping well,
And euer ready for your foeman fell.
6 The sparke of noble courage now awake,
And striue your excellent selfe to excell;
8 That shall ye euermore renowmed make,
Aboue all knights on earth, that batteill vndertake.
1 "Now are we come to my native soil, 2 And to the place where all our perils dwell; 3 Here haunts that fiend, and does his daily spoil,
spoil > damage, spoliation
4 Therefore henceforth be at your keeping well,
at your keeping > on your guard
5 And ever ready for your foeman fell.
foeman > foe, enemy, enemy in war fell > fierce, terrible
6 The spark of noble courage now awake, 7 And strive your excellent self to excel; 8 That shall you evermore renowned make 9 Above all knights on earth, that battle undertake."
111.3
+And+ pointing forth, lo yonder is (said she)
2 The brasen towre in which my parents deare
For dread of that huge feend emprisond +be+
4 Whom I from +far,+ see on the walles +appeare+
Whose sight my feeble soule doth greatly cheare:
6 And on the top of all I do espye
The watchman wayting tydings glad to heare,
8 That {o^} my parents might I happily
Vnto you bring, to ease you of your misery.
This stanza was added in 1596 3 be > be, 1609 4 far, > far 1609 4 appeare > appeare, 1609
1 And pointing forth, "Lo yonder is," said she, 2 "The brazen tower in which my parents dear 3 For dread of that huge fiend imprisoned be,
be > [are]
4 Whom I from far see on the walls appear, 5 Whose sight my feeble soul does greatly cheer:
Whose sight > The sight of whom
6 And on the top of all I do espy 7 The watchman waiting tidings glad to hear, 8 That, O my parents, might I happily 9 To you bring, to ease you of your misery!"
111.4
With that they heard a roaring hideous sound,
2 That all the ayre with terrour filled wide,
And seemd vneath to shake the stedfast ground.
4 Eftsoones that dreadfull Dragon they espide,
Where +stretcht+ he lay vpon the sunny +side,+
6 Of a great hill, himselfe like a great hill.
But all so soone, as he from far descride
8 Those glistring armes, that heauen with light did fill,
He rousd himselfe full blith, and hastned them vntill.
5 stretcht > stretch 1596 5 side, > side 1609
1 With that they heard a roaring hideous sound,
hideous > terrific; odious; immense; hence: loud, horrible
2 That all the air with terror filled wide, 3 And seemed uneath to shake the steadfast ground.