wist > knew
4 For harder was from Cerberus' greedy jaw 5 To pluck a bone, than from his cruel claw 6 To reave by strength the gripped gage away:
reave > take gage > battle-token (cf. 104.39:5, where another shield is the gage)
7 Thrice he essayed it from his foot to draw,
essayed > attempted
8 And thrice in vain to draw it did essay; 9 It booted naught to think to rob him of his prey.
booted naught > [availed nothing, was useless]
111.42
Tho when he saw no power might preuaile,
2 His trustie sword he cald to his last aid,
Wherewith he fiercely did his foe assaile,
4 And double blowes about him stoutly laid,
That glauncing fire out of the yron plaid;
6 As sparckles from the Anduile vse to fly,
When heauie hammers on the wedge are swaid;
8 Therewith at last he forst him to vnty
One of his grasping feete, him to defend thereby.
1 Tho, when he saw no power might prevail,
Tho > Then
2 His trusty sword he called to his last aid, 3 Wherewith he fiercely did his foe assail,
Wherewith > With which
4 And double blows about him stoutly laid,
stoutly > boldly, bravely, resolutely
5 That glancing fire out of the iron played,
That > [So that]
6 As sparkles from the anvil use to fly,
use to > observe as a custom; hence: customarily, do
7 When heavy hammers on the wedge are swayed;
wedge > {Blacksmith's tool held in tongs and used on an anvil for cutting red-hot iron; also: ingot of gold or silver} swayed > swung
8 Therewith at last he forced him to untie
Therewith > With that
9 One of his grasping feet, him to defend thereby.
him > [himself, the dragon]
111.43
The other foot, fast fixed on his +shield+
2 Whenas no strength, nor stroks mote him constraine
To loose, ne yet the warlike pledge to yield,
4 He smot thereat with all his might and maine,
That nought so wondrous puissance might sustaine;
6 Vpon the ioynt the lucky steele did light,
And made such way, that hewd it quite in twaine;
8 The paw yet missed not his minisht might,
But hong still on the shield, as it at first was pight.
1 shield > shield, 1609
1 The other foot, fast fixed on his shield,
fast > firmly
2 When no strength, nor strokes, might him constrain 3 To loose, nor yet the warlike pledge to yield,
loose > loosen
4 He smote thereat with all his might and main,
main > force, strength
5 That naught so wondrous puissance might sustain;
so > such puissance > power, strength sustain > endure
6 Upon the joint the lucky steel did light,
light > strike; fall, alight
7 And made such way, that hewed it quite in twain;
that > [that it] twain > two
8 The paw yet missed not his minished might,
his > [the paw's or the dragon's] minished > reduced, diminished
9 But hung still on the shield, as it at first was pight.
as > [just as] pight > pitched, placed; hence: held, held down, held in place
111.44
For griefe thereof, and diuelish despight,
2 From his infernall fournace forth he threw
Huge flames, that dimmed all the heauens light,
4 Enrold in duskish smoke and brimstone blew;
As burning Aetna from his boyling stew
6 Doth belch out flames, and rockes in peeces broke,
And ragged ribs of mountaines molten new,
8 Enwrapt in coleblacke clouds and filthy smoke,
That all the land with stench, and heauen with horror choke.
1 For grief thereof, and devilish despite,
grief > pain despite > spite, malice
2 From his infernal furnace forth he threw 3 Huge flames that dimmed all the heavens' light, 4 Enrolled in duskish smoke and brimstone blue;
blue > {Burning without redness, as a candle is said to do in the presence of ghosts, death, or Satan}
5 As burning Etna from its boiling stew
Etna > (The volcano in Sicily, which was very active in the 16th century; see also Aen. 3.571-7) stew > cauldron
6 Does belch out flames, and rocks in pieces broken, 7 And ragged ribs of mountains molten new, 8 Enwrapped in coal-black clouds and filthy smoke, 9 That all the land with stench, and heaven with horror, choke.
111.45
The heate whereof, and harmefull pestilence
2 So sore him noyd, that forst him to retire
A little backward for his best defence,
4 To saue his bodie from the scorching fire,
Which he from hellish entrailes did expire.
6 It chaunst (eternall God that chaunce did guide)
As he recoyled backward, in the mire
8 His nigh forwearied feeble feet did slide,
And downe he fell, with dread of shame sore terrifide.
1 The heat whereof, and harmful pestilence,
whereof > of which pestilence > noxiousness
2 So sore him noyed, that forced him to retire
noyed > vexed, harassed; injured that > [that it]
3 A little backward for his best defence, 4 To save his body from the scorching fire, 5 Which he from hellish entrails did expire.
he > [the dragon] expire > exhale
6 It chanced (eternal God that chance did guide) 7 As he recoiled backward, in the mire 8 His nigh forwearied feeble feet did slide,
forwearied > exhausted
9 And down he fell, with dread of shame sore terrified.
111.46
There grew a goodly tree him faire beside,
2 Loaden with fruit and apples rosie red,
As they in pure vermilion had beene dide,
4 Whereof great vertues ouer all were red:
For happie life to all, which thereon fed,
6 And life eke euerlasting did befall:
Great God it planted in that blessed sted
8 With his almightie hand, and did it call
+The tree of life+, the crime of our first fathers fall.
9 The tree of life > The tree of life 1609; cf. 111.29:9
1 There grew a goodly tree him fair beside,
goodly > fine, beautiful (cf. Gen. 2.9, Rev. 2.7) fair > becomingly; favourably, luckily; plainly to be seen
2 Loaded with fruit and apples rosy red, 3 As they in pure vermilion had been dyed,
As > [As though] vermilion > {Scarlet-giving pigment, esp. cinnabar or red crystalline mercuric sulphide, used as a dye}
4 Whereof great virtues over all were read:
Whereof > Of which virtues > powers over all > everywhere read > discerned; made known
5 For happy life to all who thereon fed,
happy > fortunate; happy
6 And life eke everlasting, did befall:
eke > also, moreover
7 Great God it planted in that blessed stead
stead > place
8 With His almighty hand, and did it call 9 "The Tree of Life", the crime of our first father's fall.
crime > cause of accusation (in Gen. 3.22-4, Adam, having disobediently eaten (3.6-7) from the tree of knowledge, was banished by God from the Garden of Eden for fear that he would also taste the fruit of the tree of life. Adam thus laid himself open to the accusation of his descendants that he had denied them the opportunity to dwell in the Garden of Eden)
111.47
In all the world like was not to be found,
2 Saue in that soile, where all good things did grow,
And freely sprong out of the fruitfull ground,
4 As incorrupted Nature did them sow,
Till that dread Dragon all did ouerthrow.
6 Another like faire tree eke grew thereby,
Whereof who so did eat, eftsoones did know
8 Both good and ill: O mornefull memory:
That tree through one mans fault hath doen vs all to dy.
1 In all the world like was not to be found,
like > [the like]
2 Save in that soil, where all good things did grow, 3 And freely sprung out of the fruitful ground, 4 As incorrupted Nature did them sow,
incorrupted > pure, sound, uncorrupted
5 Till that dread dragon all did overthrow. 6 Another like fair tree eke grew thereby,
Another > (The tree of the knowledge of good and evil: see Gen. 2.9-17) like > similar, similarly eke > also
7 Whereof whosoever did eat, eftsoons did know
Whereof > Of which eftsoons > forthwith
8 Both good and ill: O mournful memory:
memory > recollection, remembrance; written memorial record (that is, these lines of FQ)
9 That tree through one man's fault has done us all to die.
done > caused
111.48
From that first tree forth flowd, as from a well,
2 A trickling streame of Balme, most soueraine
And daintie deare, which on the ground still fell,
4 And ouerflowed all the fertill plaine,
As it had deawed bene with timely raine:
6 Life and long health that gratious ointment gaue,
And deadly woundes could +heale+ and reare againe
8 The senselesse corse appointed for the graue.
Into that same he fell: which did from death him saue.
7 heale > heale, 1590, 1609
1 From that first tree forth flowed, as from a well,
well > {Spring, spring with supernatural powers}
2 A trickling stream of balm, most sovereign
sovereign > supremely efficacious
3 And dainty dear, which on the ground still fell,
dainty dear > preciously rare still > continually
4 And overflowed all the fertile plain, 5 As it had dewed been with timely rain:
As > [As though] timely > seasonal; seasonable, opportune
6 Life and long health that gracious ointment gave,
gracious > [imbued with heavenly grace]
7 And deadly wounds could heal, and rear again 8 The senseless corse appointed for the grave.
corse > body appointed > made ready
9 Into that same he fell: which did from death him save.
111.49
For nigh thereto the euer damned beast
2 Durst not approch, for he was deadly made,
And all that life preserued, did detest:
4 Yet he it oft aduentur'd to inuade.
By this the drouping day-light gan to fade,
6 And yeeld his roome to sad succeeding night,
Who with her sable mantle gan to shade
8 The face of earth, and wayes of liuing wight,
And high her burning torch set vp in heauen bright.
1 For nigh thereto the ever-damned beast
thereto > to that
2 Dared not approach, for he was deadly made,
deadly > [of death]
3 And all that life preserved did detest: 4 Yet he it often adventured to invade.
adventured > ventured invade > enter (SUS)
5 By this the drooping daylight began to fade,
By this > By this time
6 And yield its room to sad succeeding Night,
room > place, space sad > dark, dismal Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.)
7 Who with her sable mantle began to shade 8 The face of earth, and ways of living wight,
wight > creature, being, person
9 And high her burning torch set up in heaven bright.
her burning torch > [the moon]
111.50
When gentle Vna saw the second fall
2 Of her deare knight, who wearie of long fight,
And faint through losse of bloud, mou'd not at all,
4 But lay as in a dreame of deepe delight,
Besmeard with pretious Balme, whose vertuous might
6 Did heale his wounds, and scorching heat alay,
Againe she stricken was with sore affright,
8 And for his safetie gan deuoutly pray;
And watch the noyous night, and wait for ioyous day.
1 When gentle Una saw the second fall
gentle > noble; gentle
2 Of her dear knight (who, weary of long fight, 3 And faint through loss of blood, moved not at all, 4 But lay as in a dream of deep delight, 5 Besmeared with precious balm, whose virtuous might
virtuous > {Having "virtue" or healing power}
6 Did heal his wounds, and scorching heat allay), 7 Again she stricken was with sore fright, 8 And for his safety gan devoutly pray;
gan > did; began to
9 And watch the noyous night, and wait for joyous day.
watch > [keep watch on] noyous > irksome, vexatious
111.51
The ioyous day gan early to appeare,
2 And faire Aurora from +the+ deawy bed
Of aged Tithone gan her selfe to reare,
4 With rosie cheekes, for shame as blushing red;
Her golden lockes for haste were loosely shed
6 About her eares, when Vna her did marke
Clymbe to her charet, all with flowers +spred;+
8 From heauen high to chase the chearelesse +darke,+
With merry note her loud salutes the mounting larke.
2 the > her 1596, 1609 7 spred; > spred, conj. Smith 8 darke, > darke; conj. Smith
1 The joyous day began early to appear, 2 And fair Aurora from the dewy bed
Aurora > (Cf. 102.7: the two dawns mark the essential beginning and end of the knight's spiritual journey)
3 Of aged Tithonus began herself to rear, 4 With rosy cheeks, for shame as blushing red;
for shame as > [as though for shame]
5 Her golden locks for haste were loosely shed 6 About her ears, when Una her did mark
her > [Aurora] mark > see, notice
7 Climb to her chariot, all with flowers spread,
chariot > (Conflating Aurora with Phoebus Apollo, god of the sun, who each day drives his chariot across the sky)
8 From heaven high to chase the cheerless dark; 9 With merry note her loud salutes the mounting lark.
merry > delightful, charming
111.52
Then freshly vp arose the doughtie knight,
2 All healed of his hurts and woundes wide,
And did himselfe to battell readie dight;
4 Whose early foe awaiting him beside
To haue deuourd, so soone as day he spyde,
6 When now he saw himselfe so freshly reare,
As if late fight had nought him damnifyde,
8 He woxe dismayd, and gan his fate to feare;
Nathlesse with wonted rage he him aduaunced neare.
1 Then freshly up arose the doughty knight, 2 All healed of his hurts and wounds wide, 3 And did himself to battle ready dight;
dight > prepare, arrange
4 Whose early foe (awaiting him beside
awaiting > keeping watch
5 To have devoured so soon as day he spied),
To > [In order to] so > [him as] day > [daylight] he > [the dragon]
6 When now he saw himself so freshly rear,
he > [the dragon] himself > [the knight]
7 As if late fight had naught him damnified,
late > [the] recent naught > not at all damnified > injured
8 He waxed dismayed, and began his fate to fear;
He waxed > [The dragon] grew
9 Natheless with wonted rage he him advanced near.
Natheless > Nevertheless wonted > customary
111.53
And in his first encounter, gaping wide,
2 He thought attonce him to haue swallowd quight,
And rusht vpon him with outragious pride;
4 Who him r'encountring fierce, as hauke in flight,
Perforce rebutted backe. The weapon bright
6 Taking aduantage of his open iaw,
Ran through his mouth with so importune might,
8 That deepe emperst his darksome hollow maw,
And back retyrd, his life bloud forth with all did draw.
1 And in his first encounter, gaping wide, 2 He thought at once him to have swallowed quite,
at once > at once; at one time; hence: in one mouthful
3 And rushed upon him with outrageous pride;
outrageous > intemperate, excessively fierce
4 Who, him rencountering fierce, as hawk in flight,
rencountering > colliding with; coming into hostile contact with
5 Perforce rebutted back. The weapon bright,
Perforce > By force
6 Taking advantage of his open jaw, 7 Ran through his mouth with so importune might
so importune > such grievous
8 That deep empierced his darksome hollow maw,
That > [That it] empierced > transfixed
9 And, back retired, his life-blood forth withal did draw.
withal > with that, hence: with the sword
111.54
So downe he fell, and forth his life did breath,
2 That vanisht into smoke and cloudes swift;
So downe he fell, that th'earth him vnderneath
4 Did grone, as feeble so great load to lift;
So downe he fell, as an huge rockie clift,
6 Whose false foundation waues haue washt away,
With dreadfull +poyse+ is from the mayneland rift,
8 And rolling downe, great Neptune doth dismay;
So downe he fell, and like an heaped mountaine lay.
7 poyse > noyse conj. Morris
1 So down he fell, and forth his life did breathe, 2 That vanished into smoke and clouds swift; 3 So down he fell, that the earth him underneath
that > [so that]
4 Did groan, as feeble, so great load to lift;
so > [such a]
5 So down he fell, as a huge rocky cliff, 6 Whose false foundation waves have washed away,
false > (Required by the allegory: cf. 104.5:4, 108.23:4)
7 With dreadful poise is from the mainland rived,
poise > weight, gravity
8 And, rolling down, great Neptune does dismay;
Neptune > (See Rev. 21.1)
9 So down he fell, and like a heaped mountain lay.
111.55
The knight himselfe euen trembled at his fall,
2 So huge and horrible a masse it seem'd;
And his deare Ladie, that beheld it all,
4 Durst not approch for dread, which she misdeem'd,
But yet at last, when as the direfull feend
6 She saw not stirre, off-shaking vaine affright,
She nigher drew, and saw that ioyous end:
8 Then God she praysd, and thankt her faithfull knight,
That had atchieu'd so great a conquest by his might.
1 The knight himself even trembled at his fall, 2 So huge and horrible a mass it seemed; 3 And his dear lady, that beheld it all, 4 Dared not approach for dread, which she misdeemed,
misdeemed > [had conceived through misjudgement]
5 But yet at last, when the direful fiend
direful > terrible, dreadful
6 She saw not stir, off-shaking vain affright,
off-shaking > shaking off vain > frail, weak; futile; foolish affright > terror
7 She nigher drew, and saw that joyous end: 8 Then God she praised, and thanked her faithful knight, 9 That had achieved so great a conquest by his might.
his > his; His (see 201.33:2-3)
CANTO XII
Faire Vna to the Redcrosse knight
2 betrouthed is with ioy:
Though false Duessa it to barre
4 her false sleights doe imploy.
1 Fair Una to the Redcross Knight 2 betrothed is with joy: 3 Though false Duessa, it to bar,
bar > debar, prevent
4 her false sleights does employ.
sleights > ruses, stratagems
112.1
BEhold I see the hauen nigh at hand,
2 To which I meane my wearie course to bend;
Vere the maine shete, and beare vp with the land,
4 The which afore is fairely to be kend,
And seemeth safe from stormes, that may offend;
6 There this faire virgin wearie of her way
Must landed be, now at her iourneyes end:
8 There eke my feeble barke a while may stay,
Till merry wind and weather call her thence away.
1 Behold, I see the haven nigh at hand, 2 To which I mean my weary course to bend; 3 Veer the main sheet, and bear up with the land,
Veer > Let out main sheet > {Mainsail; rope or chain attached to this and used for adjusting its inclination or volume} bear up with > [allowing the ship to run before the wind, steer towards]
4 Which afore is fairly to be kenned,
afore > in front; hence: ahead fairly > well; beautifully; actually, really kenned > seen, descried
5 And seems safe from storms that may offend;
offend > attack, harm, do damage
6 There this fair virgin, weary of her way, 7 Must landed be, now at her journey's end: 8 There eke my feeble bark awhile may stay,
eke > also bark > vessel
9 Till merry wind and weather call her thence away.
merry > pleasant
112.2
Scarsely had Ph{oe}bus in the glooming East
2 Yet harnessed his firie-footed teeme,
Ne reard aboue the earth his flaming creast,
4 When the last deadly smoke aloft did steeme,
That signe of last outbreathed life did seeme,
6 Vnto the watchman on the castle wall;
Who thereby dead that balefull Beast did deeme,
8 And to his Lord and Ladie lowd gan call,
To tell, how he had seene the Dragons fatall +fall.+
9 fall. > fall, 1590, 1596
1 Scarcely had Phoebus in the glooming east
glooming > gloaming, becoming light; louring; scowling
2 Yet harnessed his fiery-footed team,
team > (Of horses pulling his chariot across the sky)
3 Nor reared above the earth his flaming crest, 4 When the last deadly smoke aloft did steam, 5 That sign of last outbreathed life did seem
sign > [a sign, the sign]
6 To the watchman on the castle wall; 7 Who thereby dead that baleful beast did deem, 8 And to his lord and lady loud gan call,
gan > did
9 To tell how he had seen the dragon's fatal fall.
fatal > fatal; also: destined, ordained by fate
112.3
Vprose with hastie ioy, and feeble speed
2 That aged Sire, the Lord of all that land,
And looked forth, to weet, if true indeede
4 Those tydings were, as he did vnderstand,
Which whenas true by tryall he out +found+,
6 He bad to open wyde his brazen gate,
Which long time had bene shut, and out of hond
8 Proclaymed ioy and peace through all his state;
For dead now was their foe, which them forrayed late.
5 found > fond 1590
1 Uprose with hasty joy, and feeble speed 2 That aged sire, the lord of all that land,
sire > elderly man, father
3 And looked forth, to weet if true indeed
weet > find out
4 Those tidings were, as he did understand: 5 Which when true by trial he out found,
trial > inquiry, ascertaining the facts; seeing [for himself]
6 He bade to open wide his brazen gate, 7 Which long time had been shut, and out of hand
out of hand > straight away
8 Proclaimed joy and peace through all his state; 9 For dead now was their foe, which them forayed late.
forayed late > [had] recently pillaged
112.4
Then gan triumphant Trompets sound on hie,
2 That sent to heauen the ecchoed report
Of their new ioy, and happie victorie
4 Gainst him, that had them long opprest with tort,
And fast imprisoned in sieged fort.
6 Then all the people, as in solemne feast,
To him assembled with one full consort,
8 Reioycing at the fall of that great beast,
From whose eternall bondage now they were releast.
1 Then gan triumphant trumpets sound on high,
gan > did
2 That sent to heaven the echoed report 3 Of their new joy, and happy victory 4 Against him, that had them long oppressed with tort,
tort > wrong; injury
5 And fast imprisoned in besieged fort.
fast > securely
6 Then all the people, as in solemn feast,
solemn > {Sacred, having a religious character} feast > festival, festivity, rejoicing
7 To him assembled with one full consort,
consort > consent, accord; company, assembly
8 Rejoicing at the fall of that great beast, 9 From whose eternal bondage now they were released.
112.5
Forth came that auncient Lord and aged Queene,
2 Arayd in antique robes downe to the ground,
And sad habiliments right well beseene;
4 A noble crew about them waited round
Of sage and sober Peres, all grauely gownd;
6 Whom farre before did march a goodly band
Of tall young men, all hable armes to sownd,
8 But now they laurell braunches bore in hand;
Glad signe of victorie and peace in all their land.
1 Forth came that ancient lord and aged queen,
lord > [Adam] queen > [Eve]
2 Arrayed in antique robes down to the ground, 3 And sad habiliments right well beseen;
sad habiliments > sober-coloured clothing right > very well beseen > good-looking, attractive
4 A noble crew about them waited round 5 Of sage and sober peers, all gravely gowned;
peers > nobles gravely > [in a grave and dignified manner]
6 Whom far before did march a goodly band
goodly > well-favoured; courteous
7 Of tall young men, all able arms to sound,
tall > tall; handsome; valiant, doughty arms > arms, weapons; or perhaps, though less likely in view of "But now" at line 8: feats of arms sound > clash, wield in battle; or perhaps, though less likely in view of "But now" at line 8: celebrate, proclaim, make known
8 But now they laurel branches bore in hand;
laurel > (Used to make a wreath for conquerors)
9 Glad sign of victory and peace in all their land.
sign > emblem
112.6
Vnto that doughtie Conquerour they came,
2 And him before themselues prostrating low,
Their Lord and Patrone loud did him proclame,
4 And at his feet their laurell boughes did throw.
Soone after them all dauncing on a row
6 The comely virgins came, with girlands dight,
As fresh as flowres in medow greene do grow,
8 When morning deaw vpon their leaues doth light:
And in their hands sweet Timbrels all vpheld on hight.
1 To that doughty conqueror they came, 2 And him before themselves prostrating low, 3 Their lord and patron loud did him proclaim,
patron > champion, protector; patron saint
4 And at his feet their laurel boughs did throw. 5 Soon after them, all dancing on a row,
on > in
6 The comely virgins came, with garlands dight,
dight > arranged, dressed; hence: hung, decked
7 As fresh as flowers in meadow green do grow, 8 When morning dew upon their leaves does light:
light > alight; give light, twinkle
9 And in their hands sweet timbrels all upheld on high.
timbrel > tambourine (or similar percussion instrument)
112.7
And them before, the fry of children young
2 Their wanton sports and childish mirth did play,
And to the Maydens sounding +tymbrels+ +sung+
4 In well attuned notes, a ioyous lay,
And made delightfull musicke all the way,
6 Vntill they came, where that faire virgin stood;
As faire Diana in fresh sommers +day,+
8 Beholdes her Nymphes, enraung'd in shadie wood,
Some wrestle, some do run, some bathe in christall flood.
3 tymbrels > tymbrel 1590 3 sung > song 1590 7 day, > day 1609
1 And them before, the fry of children young 2 Their wanton sports and childish mirth did play,
wanton sports > frisky games mirth > sport; diversion, entertainment
3 And to the maidens sounding timbrels sang,
timbrel > tambourine (or similar percussion instrument)
4 In well attuned notes, a joyous lay,
lay > song
5 And made delightful music all the way, 6 Until they came where that fair virgin stood; 7 As fair Diana in fresh summer's day 8 Beholds her nymphs, enranged in shady wood:
enranged > ranging
9 Some wrestle, some do run, some bathe in crystal flood.
flood > river, stream
112.8
So she beheld those maydens meriment
2 With chearefull vew; who when to her they came,
Themselues to ground with gratious humblesse bent,
4 And her ador'd by honorable name,
Lifting to heauen her euerlasting fame:
6 Then on her head they set a girland greene,
And crowned her twixt earnest and twixt game;
8 Who in her selfe-resemblance and well beseene,
Did seeme such, as she was, a goodly maiden Queene.
1 So she beheld those maidens' merriment 2 With cheerful view; who when to her they came, 3 Themselves to ground with gracious humblesse bent,
humblesse > humbleness, humility
4 And her adored by honourable name,
by honourable name > by giving her honourable titles; by name (her name being honourable)
5 Lifting to heaven her everlasting fame: 6 Then on her head they set a garland green, 7 And crowned her 'twixt earnest and 'twixt game; 8 Who, in her self resemblance and well beseen,
self resemblance > trueness to herself well beseen > beauty (beseen = arranged; well beseen = good-looking: cf. 112.5:3)
9 Did seem such as she was: a goodly maiden queen.
goodly > beautiful; gracious
112.9
And +after,+ all the raskall many ran,
2 Heaped together in rude rablement,
To see the face of that victorious man:
4 Whom all admired, as from heauen sent,
And gazd vpon with gaping wonderment.
6 But when they came, where that dead Dragon lay,
Stretcht on the ground in +monstrous+ large extent,
8 The sight with idle feare did them dismay,
Ne durst approch him nigh, to touch, or once assay.
1 after, > after 1590 7 monstrous > monstrons 1596
1 And after, all the rascal many ran,
rascal > rabble (adj.) many > [many people; hence: multitude]
2 Heaped together in rude rabblement,
rude > [a] rough, clumsy; simple, uneducated rabblement > tumult
3 To see the face of that victorious man: 4 Whom all admired, as from heaven sent,
admired > [viewed with wonder or surprise; admired]
5 And gazed upon with gaping wonderment. 6 But when they came where that dead dragon lay, 7 Stretched on the ground in monstrous large extent, 8 The sight with idle fear did them dismay:
idle > empty, baseless; weak-headed
9 None dared approach him nigh, to touch, or once assay.
assay > test; hence: find out whether the dragon was still alive
112.10
Some feard, and fled; some feard and well it faynd;
2 One that would wiser seeme, then all the rest,
Warnd him not touch, for yet perhaps remaynd
4 Some lingring life within his hollow brest,
Or in his wombe might lurke some hidden nest
6 Of many Dragonets, his fruitfull seed;
Another said, that in his eyes did rest
8 Yet sparckling fire, and bad thereof take heed;
Another said, he saw him moue his eyes indeed.
1 Some feared, and fled; some feared and well it feigned;
feigned > concealed (SUS)
2 One, that would wiser seem than all the rest, 3 Warned him not touch, for yet perhaps remained
touch > [to touch]
4 Some lingering life within his hollow breast, 5 Or in his womb might lurk some hidden nest 6 Of many dragonets, his fruitful seed;
fruitful seed > abundant offspring
7 Another said that in his eyes did rest 8 Yet sparkling fire, and bade thereof take heed; 9 Another said, he saw him move his eyes indeed.
112.11
One mother, when as her foolehardie chyld
2 Did come too neare, and with his talants play,
Halfe dead through feare, her litle babe reuyld,
4 And to her +gossips+ gan in counsell say;
How can I tell, but that his +talants+ may
6 Yet scratch my sonne, or rend his tender hand?
So diuersly themselues in vaine they fray;
8 Whiles some more bold, to measure him nigh stand,
To proue how many acres he did spread of land.
4 gossips > gossibs 1590 5 talants > talents 1590 etc.: FE
1 One mother, when her foolhardy child 2 Did come too near, and with his talons play, 3 Half dead through fear, her little babe reviled, 4 And to her gossips gan in counsel say:
gossips > friends, woman-friends gan > did in counsel > in private, in confidence
5 "How can I tell, but that his talons may 6 Yet scratch my son, or rend his tender hand?" 7 So diversely themselves in vain they fray;
diversely > variously; also: distractingly (SUS) in vain > in vain; foolishly; profanely, without understanding (cf. 106.19:6) fray > frighten
8 While some, more bold, to measure him nigh stand, 9 To prove how many acres he did spread of land.
112.12
Thus flocked all the folke him round about,
2 The whiles that hoarie king, with all his traine,
Being arriued, where that champion stout
4 After his foes defeasance did remaine,
Him goodly greetes, and faire does entertaine,
6 With princely gifts of yuorie and gold,
And thousand thankes him yeelds for all his paine.
8 Then when his daughter deare he does behold,
Her dearely doth imbrace, and kisseth manifold.
1 Thus flocked all the folk him round about, 2 The whiles that hoary king, with all his train
The whiles > Meanwhile hoary > {Grey-haired with age; ancient}
3 (Being arrived where that champion stout
stout > bold, brave
4 After his foe's defeasance did remain),
defeasance > undoing, ruin; also: rendering null and void (of a condition, right, etc.: a legal term)
5 Him goodly greets, and fair does entertain,
goodly greets > courteously congratulates, courteously greets fair > fittingly entertain > receive; hence: greet
6 With princely gifts of ivory and gold, 7 And thousand thanks him yields for all his pain.
pain > effort, pains; pain
8 Then when his daughter dear he does behold, 9 Her dearly does embrace, and kisses manifold.
manifold > many times; in many ways
112.13
And after to his Pallace he them brings,
2 With shaumes, and trompets, and with Clarions sweet;
And all the way the ioyous people sings,
4 And with their garments strowes the paued street:
Whence mounting vp, they find purueyance meet
6 Of all, that royall Princes court became,
And all the floore was vnderneath their feet
8 Bespred with costly scarlot of great name,
On which they lowly sit, and fitting purpose frame.
1 And after to his palace he them brings, 2 With shawms, and trumpets, and with clarions sweet;
shawm > {Ancient instrument rather like an oboe} clarion > {Shrill trumpet with a narrow tube}
3 And all the way the joyous people sings, 4 And with their garments strews the paved street: 5 Whence, mounting up, they find purveyance meet
purveyance > victuals, provisions meet > fitting, suitable
6 Of all that royal prince's court became,
Of all > [Of all things, of all provisions] royal > [a royal] became > suited, was appropriate to
7 And all the floor was underneath their feet 8 Bespread with costly scarlet of great name,
scarlet > {A rich kind of cloth, usually red or orange in colour} name > reputation, value
9 On which they lowly sit, and fitting purpose frame.
purpose > discourse, conversation; questions
112.14
What needs me tell their feast and goodly guize,
2 In which was nothing riotous nor vaine?
What needes of daintie dishes to deuize,
4 Of comely seruices, or courtly trayne?
My narrow leaues cannot in them containe
6 The large discourse of royall Princes state.
Yet was their manner then but bare and plaine:
8 For th'antique world excesse and pride did hate;
Such proud luxurious pompe is swollen vp but late.
1 What needs me tell their feast and goodly guise,
needs me tell > need do I have to describe goodly > gracious, courteous; attractive guise > behaviour, demeanour
2 In which was nothing riotous nor vain?
vain > vain; foolish
3 What needs of dainty dishes to devise,
dainty > choice, delicious devise > talk, recount
4 Of comely services, or courtly train?
services > {The act of waiting at table; the manner in which this is done; also: the courses served}
5 My narrow leaves cannot in them contain 6 The large discourse of royal prince's state.
large discourse of > [necessarily] broad disquisition upon
7 Yet was their manner then but bare and plain: 8 For the antique world excess and pride did hate;
antique > ancient
9 Such proud luxurious pomp is swollen up but late.
luxurious > outrageous, extravagant; lascivious late > recently
112.15
Then when with meates and drinkes of euery kinde
2 Their feruent appetites they quenched had,
That auncient Lord gan fit occasion finde,
4 Of straunge aduentures, and of perils sad,
Which in his trauell him befallen had,
6 For to demaund of his renowmed guest:
Who then with vtt'rance graue, and count'nance sad,
8 From point to point, as is before exprest,
Discourst his voyage long, according his request.
1 Then, when with meats and drinks of every kind 2 Their fervent appetites they quenched had, 3 That ancient lord gan fit occasion find
gan > did
4 Of strange adventures, and of perils sad,
Of > [An account of] sad > grievous
5 Which in his travel him befallen had, 6 To demand of his renowned guest:
demand > request (the modern sense is rather too strong)
7 Who then with utterance grave, and countenance sad,
sad > sober
8 From point to point, as is before expressed, 9 Discoursed his voyage long, according his request.
Discoursed > Told of voyage > journey according > granting
112.16
Great +pleasure+ mixt with pittifull regard,
2 That godly King and Queene did passionate,
Whyles they his pittifull aduentures heard,
4 That oft they did lament his lucklesse state,
And often blame the too importune fate,
6 That heapd on him so many wrathfull wreakes:
For neuer gentle knight, as he of late,
8 So tossed was in fortunes cruell freakes;
And all the while salt teares bedeawd the hearers cheaks.
1 pleasure > pleasures 1596, 1609
1 Great pleasure mixed with pitiful regard 2 That godly king and queen did passionate,
passionate > {Excite or imbue with passion; express with passion}
3 While they his pitiful adventures heard, 4 That oft they did lament his luckless state,
That > [So that]
5 And often blame the too importune fate
blame > reprove importune > grievous
6 That heaped on him so many wrathful wreaks:
wreaks > {Vindictive or vengeful acts (mainly northern dialect)}
7 For never gentle knight, as he of late,
gentle > noble; gentle
8 So tossed was in Fortune's cruel freaks;
in > [by] freaks > whims, vagaries
9 And all the while salt tears bedewed the hearers' cheeks.
112.17
Then said +the+ royall Pere in sober wise;
2 Deare Sonne, great beene the euils, which ye bore
From first to last in your late enterprise,
4 That I note, whether prayse, or pitty more:
For neuer liuing man, I weene, so sore
6 In sea of deadly daungers was distrest;
But +since+ now safe ye seised haue the shore,
8 And well arriued are, (high God be blest)
Let vs deuize of ease and euerlasting rest.
1 the > that 1590 7 since > sith 1609
1 Then said the royal peer in sober wise:
peer > nobleman wise > manner
2 "Dear son, great been the evils which you bore
great been > [so] great were
3 From first to last in your late enterprise,
late > recent
4 That I no'te whether praise or pity more:
no'te > know not praise > [to praise] pity > [to pity you]
5 For never living man, I ween, so sore
ween > think, believe
6 In sea of deadly dangers was distressed; 7 But since now safe you seized have the shore,
seized > reached, gained
8 And well arrived are (high God be blessed), 9 Let us devise of ease and everlasting rest."
devise > talk
112.18
Ah dearest Lord, said then that doughty knight,
2 Of ease or rest I may not yet deuize;
For by the faith, which I to armes haue plight,
4 I bounden am streight after this emprize,
As that your daughter can ye well aduize,
6 Backe to returne to that great Faerie Queene,
And her to serue six yeares in warlike wize,
8 Gainst that proud +Paynim+ king, that workes her teene:
Therefore I ought craue pardon, till I there haue beene.
8 Paynim > Pynim 1596
1 "Ah dearest lord," said then that doughty knight, 2 "Of ease or rest I may not yet devise;
devise > talk
3 For by the faith which I to arms have plight,
plight > pledged
4 I bound am straight after this emprise
straight > straight; strictly emprise > enterprise, undertaking
5 (As that your daughter can you well advise), 6 Back to return to that great Faery Queen, 7 And her to serve six years in warlike wise,
wise > manner
8 Against that proud paynim king, that works her teen:
paynim king > heathen king [Philip II of Spain] teen > grief, trouble
9 Therefore I ought crave pardon, till I there have been.
crave > [to crave your]
112.19
Vnhappie falles that hard necessitie,
2 (Quoth he) the troubler of my happie peace,
And vowed foe of my felicitie;
4 Ne I against the same can iustly preace:
But +since+ that band ye cannot now release,
6 Nor doen vndo; (for vowes may not be vaine)
Soone as the terme of those six yeares shall cease,
8 Ye then shall hither backe returne againe,
The marriage to accomplish vowd betwixt you twain.
5 since > sith 1609
1 "Unhappy falls that hard necessity," 2 Quoth he, "the troubler of my happy peace, 3 And vowed foe of my felicity; 4 Nor I against the same can justly press: 5 But since that bond you cannot now release, 6 Nor done, undo (for vows may not be vain);
done > [once done] vain > idle, empty [made vain; made in vain]
7 Soon as the term of those six years shall cease,
Soon > [As soon]
8 You then shall hither back return again, 9 The marriage to accomplish, vowed betwixt you twain.
twain > two
112.20
Which for my part I couet to performe,
2 In sort as through the world I did proclame,
That who so kild that monster most deforme,
4 And him in hardy battaile ouercame,
Should haue mine onely daughter to his Dame,
6 And of my kingdome heire apparaunt bee:
Therefore +since+ now to thee perteines the same,
8 By dew desert of noble cheualree,
Both daughter and eke kingdome, lo I yield to thee.
7 since > sith 1609
1 "Which for my part I covet to perform,
covet > desire, long
2 In sort as through the world I did proclaim
In sort > [Even]
3 That whoso killed that monster most deformed,
whoso > whoever deformed > perverted, morally ugly; deformed
4 And him in hardy battle overcame, 5 Should have my only daughter to his dame,
to his dame > as his wife
6 And of my kingdom heir apparent be: 7 Therefore since now to you pertains the same, 8 By due desert of noble chivalry,
desert > merit
9 Both daughter and eke kingdom, lo I yield to you."
eke > also
112.21
Then forth he called that his daughter faire,
2 The fairest Vn' his onely daughter deare,
His onely daughter, and his onely heyre;
4 Who forth proceeding with sad sober cheare,
As bright as doth the morning starre appeare
6 Out of the East, with flaming lockes bedight,
To tell +that+ dawning day is +drawing+ neare,
8 And to the world does bring long wished light;
So faire and fresh that Lady shewd her selfe in sight.
7 that > the 1596, 1609 7 drawing > dawning 1596, 1609
1 Then forth he called his daughter fair, 2 The fairest Una, his only daughter dear, 3 His only daughter, and his only heir; 4 Who forth proceeding with sad sober cheer,
sad > steadfast; grave cheer > expression, mood
5 As bright as does the morning star appear 6 Out of the east, with flaming locks bedight,
bedight > adorned
7 To tell that dawning day is drawing near, 8 And to the world does bring long-wished light; 9 So fair and fresh that lady showed herself in sight.
So > Thus
112.22
So faire and fresh, as freshest flowre in May;
2 For she had layd her mournefull stole aside,
And widow-like sad wimple throwne away,
4 Wherewith her +heauenly+ beautie she did hide,
Whiles on her wearie iourney she did ride;
6 And on her now a garment she did weare,
All lilly white, withoutten spot, or pride,
8 That seemd like silke and siluer wouen neare,
But neither silke nor siluer therein did appeare.
4 heauenly > heaunnly 1596
1 So fair and fresh, as freshest flower in May; 2 For she had laid her mournful stole aside,
stole > robe (it is black: see 101.4:5)
3 And widow-like sad wimple thrown away,
wimple > {Linen or silk garment enveloping head, chin, and sides of face and neck}
4 Wherewith her heavenly beauty she did hide
Wherewith > With which
5 While on her weary journey she did ride; 6 And on her now a garment she did wear, 7 All lily white, without spot, or pride,
pride > adornment
8 That seemed like silk and silver woven near,
near > closely together
9 But neither silk nor silver therein did appear.
112.23
The blazing brightnesse of her beauties beame,
2 And glorious light of her sunshyny face
To tell, were as to striue against the streame.
4 My ragged rimes are all too rude and bace,
Her heauenly lineaments for to enchace.
6 Ne wonder; for her owne deare loued knight,
All were she dayly with himselfe in place,
8 Did wonder much at her celestiall sight:
Oft had he seene her faire, but neuer so faire dight.
1 The blazing brightness of her beauty's beam, 2 And glorious light of her sunshiny face 3 To tell, were as to strive against the stream. 4 My ragged rhymes are all too rude and base
ragged > harsh, discordant rude > rough, uneducated
5 Her heavenly lineaments to enchase.
enchase > make a setting for (as a jeweller might make a setting for a precious stone)
6 No wonder; for her own dear loved knight, 7 All were she daily with himself in place,
All were she > [Although she had been] in place > there; hence: together, in company
8 Did wonder much at her celestial sight:
wonder > marvel sight > appearance
9 Often had he seen her fair, but never so fairly dight.
fair > beauty dight > arranged, dressed; hence: displayed
112.24
So fairely dight, when she in presence came,
2 She to her Sire made humble reuerence,
And bowed low, that her right well became,
4 And added grace vnto her excellence:
Who with great wisedome, and graue eloquence
6 Thus gan to say. But eare he thus had said,
With flying speede, and seeming great pretence,
8 Came running in, much like a man dismaid,
A Messenger with letters, which his message said.
1 So fairly dight, when she in presence came,
So > Thus presence > presence [of the king]; [the] presence-chamber (where the sovereign receives visitors)
2 She to her sire made humble reverence,
sire > father
3 And bowed low, that her right well became,
right > very became > suited
4 And added grace to her excellence: 5 Who with great wisdom, and grave eloquence 6 Thus began to say … But ere he thus had said, 7 With flying speed, and seeming great pretence,
pretence > intention, importance; show of dignity
8 Came running in, much like a man dismayed, 9 A messenger with letters, which his message said.
112.25
All in the open hall amazed stood,
2 At suddeinnesse of that vnwarie sight,
And wondred at his breathlesse hastie mood.
4 But he for nought would stay his passage right,
Till fast before the king he did alight;
6 Where falling flat, great humblesse he did make,
And kist the ground, whereon his foot was pight;
8 Then to his hands that writ he did betake,
Which he disclosing, red thus, as the paper spake.
1 All in the open hall amazed stood,
hall > {A spacious public room in a castle, palace, etc., used for banquets and receptions} amazed > astounded; confounded
2 At suddenness of that unwary sight,
unwary > unexpected (SU)
3 And wondered at his breathless hasty mood.
wondered > marvelled
4 But he for naught would stay his passage right,
stay > check, delay right > {Straight, direct; leading towards the place he desired to reach}
5 Till fast before the king he did alight;
fast > close; rapidly alight > stop (SU)
6 Where, falling flat, great humblesse he did make,
humblesse > [show of] humbleness, humility
7 And kissed the ground whereon his foot was pight;
pight > placed
8 Then to his hands that writ he did beteach,
writ > document, paper beteach > yield; commit, entrust