9 Which he disclosing, read thus, as the paper spoke.
disclosing > opening up, unfolding (also in the fig. sense of revealing to the knowledge of others)
112.26
To thee, most mighty king of Eden faire,
2 Her greeting sends in these sad lines addrest,
The wofull daughter, and forsaken heire
4 Of that great Emperour of all the West;
And bids thee be aduized for the best,
6 Ere thou thy daughter linck in holy band
Of wedlocke to that new vnknowen guest:
8 For he already plighted his right hand
Vnto another loue, and to another land.
1 "To you, most mighty king of Eden fair, 2 Her greeting sends, in these sad lines addressed, 3 The woeful daughter, and forsaken heir 4 Of that great emperor of all the west;
emperor > (See 102.22:7-9)
5 And bids you be advised for the best, 6 Ere you your daughter link in holy bond 7 Of wedlock to that new unknown guest: 8 For he already plighted his right hand
plighted > [has] pledged right hand > allegiance
9 To another love, and to another land.
112.27
To me sad mayd, or rather widow sad,
2 He was affiaunced long time before,
And sacred pledges he both gaue, and had,
4 False erraunt knight, infamous, and forswore:
Witnesse the burning Altars, which he swore,
6 And guiltie heauens of his bold periury,
Which though he hath polluted oft +of+ yore,
8 Yet I to them for iudgement iust do fly,
And them coniure t'auenge this shamefull iniury.
7 of > and 1596, 1609
1 "To me, sad maid, or rather widow sad, 2 He was affianced long time before, 3 And sacred pledges he both gave, and had, 4 False errant knight, infamous, and forsworn:
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the context here also implies the sense of erring, deviating) forsworn > perjurious; in breach of a solemn oath
5 Witness the burning altars, which he swore,
which > [on which, by which]
6 And guilty heavens of his bold perjury,
of > [made guilty by]
7 Which though he has polluted often of yore,
Which > [The heavens] yore > old
8 Yet I to them for judgement just do fly, 9 And them conjure to avenge this shameful injury.
conjure > call upon by oath injury > {Wrongful action; also: intentionally offensive speech or words}
112.28
Therefore +since+ mine he is, or free or bond,
2 Or false or trew, or liuing or else dead,
Withhold, O soueraine Prince, your hasty hond
4 From knitting league with him, I you aread;
Ne weene my right with strength adowne to tread,
6 Through weaknesse of my widowhed, or woe:
For truth is strong, +her+ rightfull cause to plead,
8 And shall find friends, if need requireth soe,
So bids thee well to fare, Thy neither friend, nor foe, Fidessa.
1 since > sith 1609 7 her > his 1596, 1609
1 "Therefore since mine he is, +or+ free or bound,
or > either
2 Or false or true, +or+ living or else dead,
Or > Either or > either
3 Withhold, O sovereign prince, your hasty hand 4 From knitting league with him, I you aread;
aread > counsel
5 Nor ween my right with strength adown to tread,
ween > think, intend adown > down
6 Through weakness of my widowhood, or woe: 7 For truth is strong, her rightful cause to plead, 8 And shall find friends, if need requires so, 9 So bids you well to fare, Your neither friend nor foe, Fidessa."
well to fare > [farewell]
112.29
When he these bitter byting words had red,
2 The tydings straunge did him abashed make,
That still he sate long time astonished
4 As in great muse, ne word to creature spake.
At last his solemne silence thus he brake,
6 With doubtfull eyes fast fixed on his guest;
Redoubted knight, that for mine onely sake
8 Thy life and honour late aduenturest,
Let nought be hid from me, that ought to be exprest.
1 When he these bitter biting words had read, 2 The tidings strange did him abashed make, 3 That still he sat long time astonished,
That > [So that]
4 As in great muse, nor word to creature spoke.
muse > {Abstraction; the action of musing}
5 At last his solemn silence thus he broke, 6 With doubtful eyes fast fixed on his guest:
fast > firmly
7 "Redoubted knight, that for my only sake
Redoubted > Distinguished; feared; dreaded
8 Your life and honour late adventured,
adventured > risked
9 Let naught be hidden from me, that ought to be expressed.
112.30
What meane these bloudy vowes, and idle threats,
2 Throwne out from womanish impatient mind?
What heauens? what altars? what enraged heates
4 Here heaped vp with termes of loue vnkind,
My conscience cleare with guilty bands would bind?
6 High God be witnesse, that I guiltlesse ame.
But if your selfe, Sir knight, ye faultie find,
8 Or wrapped be in loues of former Dame,
With crime do not it couer, but disclose the same.
1 "What mean these bloody vows, and idle threats,
idle > empty
2 Thrown out from womanish impatient mind? 3 What heavens? what altars? what enraged heats,
heats > fits of passion; quarrels
4 Here heaped up with terms of love unkind,
terms > words, language unkind > unnatural; unkind
5 My conscience clear with guilty bonds would bind? 6 High God be witness that I guiltless am. 7 But if yourself, sir knight, you faulty find,
faulty > guilty
8 Or wrapped be in loves of former dame,
dame > lady, woman; mistress
9 With crime do not it cover, but disclose the same."
crime > [false denial]
112.31
To whom the Redcrosse knight this answere sent,
2 My Lord, my King, be nought hereat dismayd,
Till well ye wote by graue intendiment,
4 What woman, and wherefore doth me vpbrayd
With breach of loue, and loyalty betrayd.
6 It was in my mishaps, as hitherward
I lately traueild, that vnwares I strayd
8 Out of my way, through perils straunge and hard;
That day should faile me, ere I had them all declard.
1 To whom the Redcross Knight this answer sent,
answer > {Rejoinder; reply to an accusation}
2 "My lord, my king, be naught hereat dismayed, 3 Till well you wot by grave intendiment
wot > learn, discover; know grave > careful intendiment > attention; consideration; intendment
4 What woman, and wherefore does me upbraid
wherefore > on which account; in consequence of which does > [she] does
5 With breach of love, and loyalty betrayed. 6 It was in my mishaps, as hitherward 7 I lately travelled, that unwares I strayed
unwares > unwittingly; unexpectedly
8 Out of my way, through perils strange and hard; 9 That day should fail me, ere I had them all declared.
That day should fail me > [It would take a very long time]
112.32
There did I find, or rather I was found
2 Of this false woman, that Fidessa hight,
Fidessa hight the falsest Dame on ground,
4 Most false Duessa, royall richly dight,
That easie was +t'inuegle+ weaker sight:
6 Who by her wicked arts, and wylie skill,
Too false and strong for earthly skill or might,
8 Vnwares me wrought vnto her wicked will,
And to my foe betrayd, when least I feared ill.
5 t'inuegle > to inuegle 1590 etc.: FE
1 "There did I find (or rather I was found 2 Of) this false woman, that Fidessa hight,
Of > By hight > is named
3 Fidessa hight the falsest dame on ground,
dame > lady, woman
4 Most false Duessa, royal richly dight,
royal richly dight > [so] royally [and] richly dressed
5 That easy was to inveigle weaker sight:
That > [That it] inveigle > blind [in mind or judgement]; deceive weaker > too-weak
6 Who by her wicked arts, and wily skill
skill > skill; occult powers
7 (Too false and strong for earthly skill or might), 8 Unwares me worked to her wicked will,
Unwares > Unwittingly
9 And to my foe betrayed, when least I feared ill."
ill > evil
112.33
Then stepped forth the goodly royall Mayd,
2 And on the ground her selfe prostrating low,
With sober countenaunce thus to him sayd;
4 O pardon me, my soueraigne Lord, to show
The secret treasons, which of late I know
6 To haue bene wroght by that false sorceresse.
She onely she it is, that earst did throw
8 This gentle knight into so great distresse,
That death him did awaite in dayly wretchednesse.
1 Then stepped forth the goodly royal maid,
goodly > beautiful; gracious
2 And on the ground herself prostrating low, 3 With sober countenance thus to him said: 4 "O pardon me, my sovereign lord, to show
pardon me > [give me leave]
5 The secret treasons, which of late I know 6 To have been wrought by that false sorceress.
wrought > worked
7 She, only she, it is, that erst did throw
erst > recently; formerly
8 This gentle knight into so great distress,
gentle > noble; gentle so > such
9 That death him did await in daily wretchedness.
That > [Such that] him > him; he
112.34
And now it seemes, that she suborned hath
2 This craftie messenger with letters vaine,
To worke new woe and +improuided+ scath,
4 By breaking of the band betwixt vs twaine;
Wherein she vsed hath the practicke paine
6 Of this false footman, clokt with simplenesse,
Whom if ye please for to discouer plaine,
8 Ye shall him Archimago find, I ghesse,
The falsest man aliue; +who+ tries shall find no lesse.
3 improuided > vnprouided reported by Todd in some 1596 copies 9 who > wo 1590, 1596: FE
1 "And now it seems that she suborned has 2 This crafty messenger with letters vain,
vain > vain, proud; empty, useless; foolish
3 To work new woe and improvided scathe,
improvided > unforeseen (SU) scathe > harm, damage
4 By breaking the bond betwixt us twain;
twain > two
5 Wherein she used has the practic pain
practic > artful, cunning pain > pains, efforts
6 Of this false footman, cloaked with simpleness, 7 Whom if you please to discover plain,
discover > uncover, unmask, reveal
8 You shall him Archimago find, I guess, 9 The falsest man alive; who tries shall find no less."
who > [he who; whoever]
112.35
The king was greatly moued at her speach,
2 And all with suddein indignation fraight,
Bad on that Messenger rude hands to reach.
4 Eftsoones the Gard, which on his state did wait,
Attacht that faitor false, and bound him strait:
6 Who seeming sorely chauffed at his band,
As chained Beare, whom cruell dogs do bait,
8 With idle force did faine them to withstand,
And often semblaunce made to scape out of their hand.
1 The king was greatly moved at her speech, 2 And, all with sudden indignation fraught,
fraught > filled
3 Bade on that messenger rude hands to reach.
rude > rough reach > seize
4 Eftsoons the guard, which on his state did wait,
Eftsoons > Thereupon state > canopied throne; majesty
5 Attached that faitour false, and bound him strait:
Attached > Arrested faitour > impostor, cheat strait > strictly, tightly; straightway
6 Who, seeming sorely chafed at his bond
chafed > angry
7 (As chained bear, whom cruel dogs do bait), 8 With idle force did feign them to withstand,
idle > empty, futile; or: simulated
9 And often semblance made to scape out of their hand.
scape > escape their hand > [the constraint of the bonds; the custody of the guards]
112.36
But they him layd full low in dungeon deepe,
2 And bound him hand and foote with yron chains.
And with continuall watch did warely keepe;
4 Who then would thinke, that by his subtile trains
He could escape fowle death or deadly paines?
6 Thus when that Princes wrath was pacifide,
He gan renew the late forbidden +banes+,
8 And to the knight his daughter deare he tyde,
With sacred rites and vowes for euer to abyde.
7 banes > bains 1590
1 But they him laid full low in dungeon deep,
full > very, exceedingly
2 And bound him hand and foot with iron chains. 3 And with continual watch did warely keep;
warely keep > vigilantly observe
4 Who then would think, that by his subtile trains
subtile > subtle; sly, crafty trains > tricks, wiles
5 He could escape foul death or deadly pains?
deadly > fatal
6 Thus, when that prince's wrath was pacified, 7 He gan renew the late forbidden banns,
gan > did renew > resume late forbidden > lately challenged
8 And to the knight his daughter dear he tied, 9 With sacred rites and vows for ever to abide.
abide > remain, remain true
112.37
His owne two hands the holy knots did knit,
2 That none but death for euer can deuide;
His owne two hands, for such a turne most fit,
4 The housling fire did kindle and prouide,
And holy water thereon sprinckled wide;
6 At which +the+ bushy Teade a groome did light,
And sacred lampe in secret chamber hide,
8 Where it should not be quenched day nor night,
For feare of euill fates, but burnen euer bright.
6 the > a 1609
1 His own two hands the holy knots did knit, 2 That none but death for ever can divide; 3 His own two hands, for such a turn most fit,
turn > task (mainly northern and Scottish dialect)
4 The houseling fire did kindle and provide,
houseling > sacramental
5 And holy water thereon sprinkled wide; 6 At which the bushy tede a groom did light,
tede > torch (made of pine or other resinous wood); hence: hymeneal torch (cf. Epithalamion 27, Muiopotmos 293)
7 And sacred lamp in secret chamber hide, 8 Where it should not be quenched day nor night, 9 For fear of evil fates, but burn ever bright.
112.38
Then gan they sprinckle all the posts with wine,
2 And made great feast to solemnize that day;
They all perfumde with frankencense diuine,
4 And precious odours fetcht from far away,
That all the house did sweat with great aray:
6 And all the while sweete Musicke did apply
Her curious skill, the warbling notes to play,
8 To driue away the dull Melancholy;
The whiles one sung a song of loue and iollity.
1 Then gan they sprinkle all the posts with wine,
gan > did sprinkle all the posts with wine > (A Roman custom; cf. Epithalamion 253)
2 And made great feast to solemnize that day; 3 They all perfumed with frankincense divine,
all > everything
4 And precious odours fetched from far away,
fetched > [which had been imported]
5 That all the house did sweat with great array:
That > [So that] sweat > {Exude drops of moisture; hence: exhale fragrance} array > {State of special preparation for festivities}
6 And all the while sweet Music did apply
Music > (Music personified; the art of the Muses)
7 Her curious skill, the warbling notes to play,
curious > skilled; elaborate; exquisite
8 To drive away the dull melancholy;
melancholy > (Cf. 105.3:5)
9 The whiles one sang a song of love and jollity.
The whiles > Meanwhile jollity > pleasure, revelry; magnificence
112.39
During the which there was an heauenly noise
2 Heard sound through all the Pallace pleasantly,
Like as it had bene many an Angels voice,
4 Singing before th'eternall maiesty,
In their trinall triplicities on hye;
6 Yet wist no creature, whence that heauenly sweet
Proceeded, yet eachone felt secretly
8 Himselfe thereby reft of his sences meet,
And rauished with rare impression in his +sprite+.
9 sprite > spreete 1611
1 During which there was a heavenly noise
noise > {Melodious sound}
2 Heard sound through all the palace pleasantly,
sound > [to sound; sounding]
3 Like as it had been many an angel's voice,
Like as > As if
4 Singing before the eternal majesty,
before > in front of
5 In their trinal triplicities on high;
trinal > triple triplicities > trios, triads (referring to the nine angelic orders of St Thomas Aquinas and others. The three Hierarchies are each divided into three Orders of Choirs: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones; Dominations, Virtues, Powers; Principalities, Archangels, Angels)
6 Yet wist no creature whence that heavenly sweet
wist > knew sweet > sweetness
7 Proceeded, yet each one felt secretly 8 Himself thereby reft of his senses meet,
reft > deprived, robbed senses meet > proper senses
9 And ravished with rare impression in his spirit.
112.40
Great ioy was made that day of young and old,
2 And solemne feast proclaimd throughout the land,
That their exceeding merth may not be told:
4 Suffice it heare by signes to vnderstand
The vsuall ioyes at knitting of loues band.
6 Thrise happy man the knight himselfe did hold,
Possessed of his Ladies hart and hand,
8 And euer, when his eye did her behold,
+His+ heart did seeme to melt in pleasures manifold.
9 His > Her 1596, 1609
1 Great joy was made that day of young and old,
of > by
2 And solemn feast proclaimed throughout the land,
solemn > {Sacred, having a religious character} feast > festival, festivity, rejoicing
3 That their exceeding mirth may not be told:
That > [Such that]
4 Suffice it here by signs to understand
signs > traces, vestiges; hence: hints
5 The usual joys at knitting of love's bond.
knitting > [the knitting]
6 Thrice happy man the knight himself did hold, 7 Possessed of his lady's heart and hand, 8 And ever, when his eye did her behold, 9 His heart did seem to melt in pleasures manifold.
112.41
Her ioyous presence and sweet company
2 In full content he there did long enioy,
Ne wicked enuie, +ne+ vile gealosy
4 His deare delights were able to annoy:
Yet swimming in that sea of blisfull ioy,
6 He nought forgot, how he whilome had sworne,
In case he could that monstrous beast destroy,
8 Vnto his Farie Queene backe to returne:
The which he shortly did, and Vna left to mourne.
3 ne > nor 1609
1 Her joyous presence and sweet company 2 In full content he there did long enjoy,
content > pleasure, satisfaction
3 Neither wicked envy, nor vile jealousy 4 His dear delights were able to annoy:
annoy > afflict, vex; hence: spoil
5 Yet, swimming in that sea of blissful joy, 6 He naught forgot, how he whilom had sworn,
whilom > formerly
7 In case he could that monstrous beast destroy, 8 To his Faery Queen back to return: 9 Which he shortly did, and Una left to mourn.
Una left > [left Una]
112.42
Now strike your sailes ye iolly Mariners,
2 For we be come vnto a quiet rode,
Where we must land some of our passengers,
4 And light this wearie vessell of her lode.
Here she a while may make her safe abode,
6 Till she repaired haue her tackles spent,
And wants supplide. And then againe abroad
8 On the long voyage whereto she is bent:
Well may she speede and fairely finish her intent.
1 Now strike your sails, you jolly mariners,
strike > lower jolly > gallant, fine
2 For we be come to a quiet road,
be > [are, have] road > {Sheltered stretch of water near the shore where vessels may safely anchor}
3 Where we must land some of our passengers, 4 And lighten this weary vessel of her load. 5 Here she awhile may make her safe abode, 6 Till she repaired have her tackles spent,
tackles spent > worn-out rigging
7 And wants supplied. And then again abroad 8 On the long voyage whereto she is bent:
bent > inclined, directed
9 Well may she speed, and fairly finish her intent.
FINIS LIB. I
END OF BOOK I
=>
THE SECOND
2 BOOKE OF THE
FAERIE QVEENE.
4 Contayning,
THE LEGEND OF SIR GVYON.
6 OR
Of Temperaunce.
1 THE SECOND 2 BOOK OF THE 3 FAERY QUEEN 4 Containing 5 THE LEGEND OF SIR GUYON 6 or 7 OF TEMPERANCE
200.1
RIght well I wote most mighty Soueraine,
2 That all this famous antique history,
Of some th'aboundance of an idle braine
4 Will iudged be, and painted forgery,
Rather then matter of iust memory,
6 Sith none, that breatheth liuing aire, does know,
Where is that happy land of Faery,
8 Which I so much do vaunt, yet no where show,
But vouch antiquities, which no body can know.
1 Right well I wot, most mighty sovereign,
wot > know
2 That all this famous antique history
antique > ancient; old-fashioned; also: antic: grotesque, bizarre
3 Of some the abundance of an idle brain
Of > By abundance > superfluity
4 Will judged be, and painted forgery,
painted > {Ornamented; given a false colouring}
5 Rather than matter of just memory,
just > true, correct memory > recollection; historical record
6 Sith none, that breathes living air, does know
Sith > Since living > refreshing; vital, giving life
7 Where is that happy land of Faery, 8 Which I so much do vaunt, yet nowhere show,
vaunt > reveal, display, make a show of; praise
9 But vouch antiquities, which nobody can know.
vouch > cite; affirm as true, certify antiquities > ancient records (cf. 100.2:4)
200.2
But let that man with better sence aduize,
2 That of the world least part to vs is red:
And dayly how through hardy enterprize,
4 Many great Regions are discouered,
Which to late age were neuer mentioned.
6 Who euer heard of th'Indian Peru?
Or who in venturous vessell measured
8 The +Amazons+ huge riuer now found trew?
Or fruitfullest Virginia who did euer vew?
8 Amazons > Amarons 1590; Amazon FE
1 But let that man with better sense advise
advise > consider
2 That of the world least part to us is read:
least > [the least] read > discerned; known
3 And daily how through hardy enterprise 4 Many great regions are discovered, 5 Which to late age were never mentioned.
to late age > [to those living in recent times]
6 Who ever heard of the Indian Peru?
Indian > (America was thought to be India)
7 Or who in venturous vessel measured
venturous > bold, daring; adventurous measured > measured; traversed
8 The Amazon's huge river, now found true? 9 Or fruitfullest Virginia who did ever view?
200.3
Yet all these were, when no man did them know;
2 Yet haue from wisest ages hidden beene:
And later times things more vnknowne shall show.
4 Why then should witlesse man so much misweene
That nothing is, but that which he hath seene?
6 What if within the Moones faire shining spheare?
What if in euery other starre vnseene
8 Of other worldes he happily should heare?
He wonder would much more: yet such to some appeare.
1 Yet all these were, when no man did them know; 2 Yet have from wisest ages hidden been: 3 And later times things more unknown shall show. 4 Why then should witless man so much misween
misween > hold the wrong opinion
5 That nothing is, but that which he has seen? 6 What if within the moon's fair shining sphere; 7 What if in every other star unseen 8 Of other worlds he happily should hear?
happily > perhaps; by chance; by good fortune; with mental pleasure
9 He wonder would much more: yet such to some appear.
more > [further]
200.4
Of Faerie lond yet if he more inquire,
2 By certaine signes here set in sundry place
He may it find; ne let him then admire,
4 But yield his sence to be too blunt and bace,
That no'te without an hound fine footing trace.
6 And +thou+, O fairest Princesse vnder sky,
In this faire mirrhour maist behold thy face,
8 And thine owne realmes in lond of Faery,
And in this antique Image thy great auncestry.
6 thou > then 1590
1 Of Faery Land yet if he more inquire,
inquire > seek
2 By certain signs here set in sundry place
sundry place > [various places]
3 He may it find; neither let him then admire,
admire > {Feel or express astonishment}
4 But yield his sense to be too blunt and base,
yield > concede, admit
5 That no'te without a hound fine footing trace.
no'te > cannot fine footing trace > trace faint tracks
6 And you, O fairest princess under sky,
you > [Elizabeth]
7 In this fair mirror may behold your face,
this fair mirror > [the poem; Gloriana; "mirror" also = "paragon of beauty", cf. 106.15:6]
8 And your own realms in land of Faery, 9 And in this antique image your great ancestry.
antique > ancient; old-fashioned; also: antic: grotesque, bizarre
200.5
The which O pardon me thus to enfold
2 In couert vele, and wrap in shadowes light,
That feeble eyes your glory may behold,
4 Which else could not endure those +beames+ bright,
But would be dazled with exceeding light.
6 O pardon, and vouchsafe with patient eare
The braue aduentures of this Faery knight
8 The good Sir Guyon gratiously to heare,
In whom great rule of Temp'raunce goodly doth appeare.
4 beames > beamez 1609, emphasizing the disyllable; cf. 110.39:4, 204.28:8, 206.39:5
1 Which O pardon me thus to enfold
pardon > {Make courteous allowance for}
2 In covert veil, and wrap in shadows light, 3 That feeble eyes your glory may behold,
That > [So that]
4 Which else could not endure those beams bright,
else > otherwise
5 But would be dazzled with exceeding light. 6 O pardon, and vouchsafe with patient ear 7 The brave adventures of this Faery knight
brave > brave; splendid
8 (The good Sir Guyon) graciously to hear,
9 In whom great rule of Temperance goodly does appear.
goodly > gracefully; excellently
CANTO I
Guyon by Archimage abusd,
2 The Redcrosse knight awaytes,
Findes Mordant and Amauia slaine
4 With pleasures poisoned baytes.
1 Guyon, by Archimago abused,
Guyon > (The origin of this name is not clear. It may be derived from "Gihon", the river in Eden associated with temperance; from "gyon", meaning "wrestler"; or from "Guy", the name of various romance heroes) abused > deceived; ill-used
2 The Redcross Knight awaits,
awaits > keeps watch for; waylays
3 Finds Mordant and Amavia slain
Mordant > "Biting" (the spelling at 201.49:9 (see Textual Appendix) also signifies "Death-giver") Amavia > "Life-loving"; "The Way of Love" (Latin)
4 With Pleasure's poisoned baits.
Pleasure > (The enchantress, Acrasia, so named at 212.1:8 and 212.48:8)
201.1
THat cunning Architect of cancred guile,
2 Whom Princes late displeasure left in bands,
For falsed letters and suborned wile,
4 Soone as the Redcrosse knight he vnderstands,
To beene departed out of Eden lands,
6 To serue againe his soueraine Elfin Queene,
His artes he moues, and out of +caytiues+ +hands+
8 Himselfe he frees by secret meanes vnseene;
His shackles emptie left, him selfe escaped cleene.
7 caytiues > caytiue 1609: i.e. the adj., caitiff, captive, vile (improving on the sense of 1596, which may well be a misprint) 7 hands > bands conj. some editors, even though this duplicates the rhyme
1 That cunning architect of cankered guile,
cankered > festering; malignant
2 Whom prince's late displeasure left in bonds
late > recent (see 112.35 ff.)
3 (For falsed letters and suborned wile),
falsed > forged wile > deceit, subtlety
4 Soon as the Redcross Knight he understands
Soon > [As soon]
5 To be departed out of Eden lands, 6 To serve again his sovereign Elfin queen, 7 His arts he moves, and out of caitiffs' hands
moves > puts in motion; hence: employs caitiffs > wretches (?his gaolers: see 112.35:3, and Textual Appendix)
8 Himself he frees by secret means unseen; 9 His shackles empty left, himself escaped clean.
clean > cleanly, entirely
201.2
And forth he fares full of malicious mind,
2 To worken mischiefe and auenging woe,
Where euer he that godly knight may find,
4 His onely hart sore, and his onely foe,
Sith Vna now he algates must forgoe,
6 Whom his victorious hands did earst restore
To +natiue+ crowne and kingdome late ygoe:
8 Where she enioyes sure peace for euermore,
As weather-beaten ship arriu'd on happie shore.
7 natiue > natiues 1596, 1609
1 And forth he fares, full of malicious mind,
mind > intention; memory
2 To work mischief and avenging woe
mischief > injury, disaster; evil
3 Wherever he that godly knight may find, 4 His only heart-sore, and his only foe,
only > pre-eminent [the only one worth considering] heart-sore > cause of grief
5 Sith Una now he algates must forgo,
Sith > Since algates > after all; altogether
6 Whom his victorious hands did erst restore
his > [the Redcross Knight's] erst > lately
7 To native crown and kingdom late ago:
late ago > lately
8 Where she enjoys sure peace for evermore, 9 As weather-beaten ship arrived on happy shore.
201.3
Him therefore now the obiect of his spight
2 And deadly +food+ he makes: him to offend
By forged treason, or by open fight
4 He seekes, of all his drift the aymed end:
Thereto his subtile engins he does +bend+
6 His practick wit, and his faire filed tong,
With thousand other sleights: for well he kend,
8 His credit now in doubtfull ballaunce hong;
For hardly could +be+ hurt, who was already stong.
2 food > feude 1609 5 bend > bend, 1609 9 be > he 1609
1 Him therefore now the object of his spite 2 And deadly feud he makes: him to offend
feud > hatred, hostility offend > {Cause to stumble or sin; attack; harm}
3 By forged treason or by open fight
forged > fabricated
4 He seeks, of all his drift the aimed end:
drift > intention; plot
5 Thereto his subtile engines he does bend,
subtile > subtle; sly, crafty engines > wiles
6 His practic wit, and his fair filed tongue,
practic > artful, cunning filed > smooth, polished
7 With thousand other sleights: for well he kenned
kenned > recognized; acknowledged
8 His credit now in doubtful balance hung;
credit > reputation; authority; credibility
9 For hardly could be hurt, who was already stung.
hardly could > with difficulty could [one]
201.4
Still as he went, he craftie stales did +lay,+
2 With cunning traines him to entrap vnwares,
And priuie spials plast in all his way,
4 To weete what course he takes, and how he fares;
To ketch him at +a vantage+ in his snares.
6 +But+ now so wise and warie was the knight
By triall of his former harmes and cares,
8 That he descride, and shonned still his slight:
The fish that once was caught, new bait will hardly bite.
1 lay, > lay. 1590, 1596 5 a vantage > avantage 1609 6, 7 Lines 6 and 7 are transposed in 1596 and 1609
1 Still as he went, he crafty stales did lay,
Still > Continually stales > decoys; lures
2 With cunning trains him to entrap unwares,
trains > tricks, snares unwares > unexpectedly
3 And privy spials placed in all his way,
privy spials > hidden spies
4 To weet what course he takes, and how he fares;
weet > find out
5 To catch him at a vantage in his snares.
vantage > advantage
6 But now so wise and wary was the knight 7 By trial of his former harms and cares, 8 That he descried, and shunned still, his sleight:
still > constantly his sleight > [Archimago's] cunning, trickery
9 The fish that once was caught, new bait will hardly bite.
201.5
Nath'lesse th'Enchaunter would not spare his paine,
2 In hope to win occasion to his will;
Which when he long awaited had in vaine,
4 He chaungd his minde from one to other ill:
For to all good he enimy was still.
6 Vpon the way him fortuned to meet,
Faire marching vnderneath a shady hill,
8 A goodly knight, all armd in harnesse meete,
That from his head no place appeared to his feete.
1 Natheless the enchanter would not spare his pain,
Natheless > Nevertheless pain > efforts
2 In hope to win occasion to his will;
win > persuade, subdue, seize; hence: shape occasion > circumstances
3 Which when he long awaited had in vain, 4 He changed his mind from one to other ill:
other > another; the other
5 For to all good he enemy was still.
still > ever, always
6 Upon the way him fortuned to meet,
him > (The same construction is found at 102.12:5-6; Archimago is the object of "meet"; the knight is the subject of "fortuned")
7 Fair marching underneath a shady hill, 8 A goodly knight, all armed in harness meet,
goodly > handsome, well-favoured; courteous, gracious; kindly all > completely harness > {Body-armour; suit of mail; the accoutrements of an armed horseman} meet > close-fitting; appropriate
9 That from his head no place appeared to his feet.
That > [So that]
201.6
His carriage was full comely and vpright,
2 His countenaunce demure and temperate,
But yet so sterne and terrible in sight,
4 That cheard his friends, and did his foes amate:
He was an Elfin borne of noble state,
6 And mickle worship in his natiue land;
Well could he tourney and in lists debate,
8 And knighthood tooke of good Sir Huons hand,
When with king Oberon he came to Faerie land.
1 His carriage was full comely and upright,
full > very
2 His countenance demure and temperate,
demure > sober, grave; reserved
3 But yet so stern and terrible in sight
stern > fierce
4 That cheered his friends, and did his foes amate:
That > [That it] amate > daunt
5 He was an Elfin born of noble state,
state > {Condition or state in life}
6 And mickle worship in his native land;
mickle > much worship > honour, renown
7 Well could he tourney and in lists debate,
tourney > joust (esp. with blunt weapons when taking part in a tournament) lists > knightly contests ("lists" were the palisades enclosing the tilting-ground) debate > fight
8 And knighthood took of good Sir Huon's hand,
took of > received from Huon > (Hero of the 13th-century romance, Huon de Bordeaux; Oberon's successor)
9 When with King Oberon he came to Faery Land.
Oberon > (King of Faery Land; see 210.75-6)
201.7
Him als accompanyd vpon the way
2 A comely Palmer, clad in blacke attire,
Of ripest yeares, and haires all hoarie gray,
4 That with a staffe his feeble steps did stire,
Least his long way his aged limbes should tire:
6 And if by lookes one may the mind aread,
He seemd to be a sage and sober sire,
8 And euer with slow pace the knight did lead,
Who taught his trampling steed with equall steps to tread.
1 Him als accompanied upon the way
als > also
2 A comely palmer, clad in black attire,
comely > decorous, decent, pleasing palmer > {Pilgrim who has returned from the Holy Land, carrying a palm-leaf or palm-branch as a token; also: an itinerant monk}
3 Of ripest years, and hair all hoary grey, 4 That with a staff his feeble steps did steer,
steer > steer; or, perhaps: stir
5 Lest his long way his aged limbs should tire: 6 And if by looks one may the mind aread,
aread > divine
7 He seemed to be a sage and sober sire,
sire > {Aged or elderly man, father}
8 And ever with slow pace the knight did lead, 9 Who taught his trampling steed with equal steps to tread.
equal > equable (the horse again symbolizes its rider, as 102.8, etc.)
201.8
Such whenas Archimago did them view,
2 He weened well to worke some vncouth wile,
Eftsoones vntwisting his deceiptfull clew,
4 He gan to weaue a web of wicked guile,
And +with faire+ countenance and flattring stile,
6 To them approching, thus the knight bespake:
Faire sonne of Mars, that seeke with warlike +spoile,+
8 And great atchieu'ments great your selfe to make,
Vouchsafe to stay your steed for humble misers sake.
5 with faire > with a faire 1596 7 spoile, > spoile. 1596
1 Such when Archimago did them view, 2 He weened well to work some uncouth wile:
weened > {Thought it possible or likely} uncouth > strange; bizarre; unseemly
3 Eftsoons untwisting his deceitful clew,
Eftsoons > Thereupon clew > ball of thread
4 He began to weave a web of wicked guile, 5 And, with fair countenance and flattering style, 6 To them approaching, thus the knight bespoke:
bespoke > addressed
7 "Fair son of Mars, that seeks with warlike spoil
spoil > plunder, booty
8 And great achievements great yourself to make, 9 Vouchsafe to stay your steed for humble miser's sake."
stay > detain; halt miser > wretch
201.9
He stayd his steed for humble misers sake,
2 And bad tell on the tenor of his plaint;
Who feigning then in euery limbe to quake,
4 Through inward feare, and seeming pale and faint
With piteous mone his percing speach gan paint;
6 Deare Lady how shall I declare thy cace,
Whom late I left in +langourous+ constraint?
8 Would God thy selfe now present were in place,
To tell this ruefull tale; thy sight could win thee grace.
7 langourous > languorous 1590
1 He stayed his steed for humble miser's sake, 2 And bade tell on the tenor of his plaint;
plaint > {Statement of grievance made in seeking redress}
3 Who, feigning then in every limb to quake, 4 Through inward fear, and seeming pale and faint, 5 With piteous moan his piercing speech gan paint:
gan > did; began to
6 "Dear lady, how shall I declare your case,
case > plight
7 Whom late I left in languorous constraint?
languorous > sorrowful constraint > affliction; restriction of liberty
8 Would God yourself now present were in place,
Would > [Please; I desire of] yourself > [that you yourself - he is still addressing the "Deare Lady"] present > {Being in the place being considered, being there as opposed to here} in place > here
9 To tell this rueful tale; your sight could win you grace.
your sight > [the sight of you]
201.10
Or rather would, O would it so had chaunst,
2 That you, most noble Sir, had present beene,
When that lewd ribauld with vile lust aduaunst
4 Layd first his filthy hands on virgin cleene,
To spoile her daintie corse so faire and sheene,
6 As on the earth, great mother of vs all,
With liuing eye more faire was neuer seene,
8 Of chastitie and honour virginall:
Witnesse ye heauens, whom she in vaine to helpe did call.
1 "Or rather would, O would it so had chanced, 2 That you, most noble sir, had present been, 3 When that lewd ribald, with vile lust advanced,
ribald > {Rascal; wicked, blasphemous, dissolute, or licentious fellow} advanced > moved forward; hence: impelled, incited
4 Laid first his filthy hands on virgin clean,
clean > pure, unsullied
5 To spoil her dainty corse (so fair and sheen
spoil > strip (cf. 108.45:9); despoil corse > body sheen > beautiful
6 As on the earth, great mother of us all, 7 With living eye more fair was never seen) 8 Of chastity and honour virginal: 9 Witness you heavens, whom she in vain to help did call."
201.11
How may it be, (said then the knight halfe wroth,)
2 That knight should knighthood euer so haue shent?
None but that saw (quoth he) would weene for troth,
4 How shamefully that Maid he did torment.
Her looser golden lockes he rudely rent,
6 And drew her on the ground, and his sharpe sword,
Against her snowy brest +he+ fiercely bent,
8 And threatned death with many a bloudie word;
Toung hates to tell the rest, that eye to see abhord.
7 he > be 1596
1 "How may it be," said then the knight half wroth, 2 "That knight should knighthood ever so have shent?"
knight > [a knight, any knight] shent > disgraced
3 "None but that saw," quoth he, "would ween for troth
None but that saw > [Nobody except one who saw] ween > believe, imagine troth > truth
4 How shamefully that maid he did torment.
maid > virgin; young woman
5 Her looser golden locks he rudely rent,
looser > too-loose; hence: unfastened, dishevelled rudely > roughly, violently; ignobly rent > tore
6 And drew her on the ground; and his sharp sword 7 Against her snowy breast he fiercely bent, 8 And threatened death with many a bloody word; 9 Tongue hates to tell the rest, that eye to see abhorred."
201.12
Therewith amoued from his sober mood,
2 And liues he yet (said he) that wrought this act,
And doen the heauens afford him vitall food?
4 He liues, (quoth he) and boasteth of the fact,
Ne yet hath any knight his courage crackt.
6 Where may that treachour then (said he) be found,
Or by what meanes may I his footing tract?
8 That shall I shew (said he) as sure, as hound
The stricken Deare doth chalenge by the bleeding wound.
1 Therewith amoved from his sober mood,
Therewith > With that; thereupon amoved > stirred
2 "And lives he yet," said he, "that wrought this act,
that > [he who]
3 And do the heavens afford him vital food?" 4 "He lives," quoth he, "and boasts of the fact,
fact > deed, crime
5 Nor yet has any knight his courage cracked." 6 "Where may that treacher then," said he, "be found,
treacher > deceiver; traitor
7 Or by what means may I his footing tract?"
footing tract > trail trace
8 "That shall I show," said he, "as sure as hound 9 The stricken deer does challenge by the bleeding wound."
challenge > {Call to account: a term used in hunting when the hounds first cry at finding the scent}
201.13
He staid not lenger talke, but with fierce ire
2 And zealous hast away is quickly gone
To seeke that knight, where him that craftie Squire
4 Supposd to be. They do arriue anone,
Where sate a gentle Lady all alone,
6 With garments rent, and haire discheueled,
Wringing her hands, and making piteous mone;
8 Her swollen eyes were much disfigured,
And her faire face with teares was fowly blubbered.
1 He stayed not longer talk, but with fierce ire
talk > [talking, to talk, for talk]
2 And zealous haste away is quickly gone 3 To seek that knight, where him that crafty squire
squire > (See 201.21:6-9)
4 Supposed to be. They do arrive anon
Supposed > {Stated, asserted as a fact} anon > straightway; (catachr.) soon
5 Where sat a gentle lady all alone,
gentle > noble; gentle
6 With garments rent, and hair dishevelled,
rent > torn
7 Wringing her hands, and making piteous moan;
moan > lamentation
8 Her swollen eyes were much disfigured, 9 And her fair face with tears was foully blubbered.
blubbered > swollen, stained
201.14
The knight approching nigh, thus to her said,
2 Faire Ladie, through foule sorrow ill bedight,
Great pittie is to see you thus dismaid,
4 And marre the blossome of your beautie bright:
For thy appease your griefe and heauie plight,
6 And tell the cause of your conceiued paine.
For if he liue, that hath you doen +despight,+
8 He shall you doe due recompence againe,
Or else his wrong with greater puissance maintaine.
7 despight, > despight; 1596, 1609
1 The knight, approaching nigh, thus to her said, 2 "Fair lady, through foul sorrow ill-bedight,
ill-bedight > ill-adorned; hence: disfigured
3 Great pity is to see you thus dismayed, 4 And mar the blossom of your beauty bright;
mar > [to see you mar]
5 For-thy appease your grief and heavy plight,
For-thy > For this reason, therefore appease > desist from, check
6 And tell the cause of your conceived pain:
conceived > {Taken or admitted into the mind; also: apparent, hence: self-evident}
7 For if he live, that has you done despite,
live > [lives; the subjunctive here is all but obsolete] despite > outrage
8 He shall you do due recompense again, 9 Or else his wrong with greater puissance maintain."
puissance > strength, force maintain > uphold, defend
201.15
Which when she heard, as in despightfull wise,
2 She wilfully her sorrow did augment,
And offred hope of comfort did despise:
4 Her golden lockes most cruelly she rent,
And scratcht her face with ghastly dreriment,
6 Ne would she speake, ne see, ne yet be seene,
But hid her visage, and her head downe bent,
8 Either for grieuous shame, or for great teene,
As if her hart with sorrow had transfixed beene.
1 Which when she heard, as in despiteful wise,
despiteful > [a] scornful wise > manner
2 She wilfully her sorrow did augment, 3 And offered hope of comfort did despise: 4 Her golden locks most cruelly she rent,
rent > tore
5 And scratched her face with ghastly dreariment,
dreariment > affliction, melancholy
6 Neither would she speak, nor see, nor yet be seen, 7 But hid her visage, and her head down bent,
down bent > bent down, inclined; or: down-bent (describing her head which she hid)
8 Either for grievous shame, or for great teen,
teen > grief; woe
9 As if her heart with sorrow had transfixed been.
201.16
Till her that Squire bespake, Madame my +liefe+,
2 For Gods deare loue be not so wilfull bent,
But doe vouchsafe now to receiue reliefe,
4 The which good fortune doth to you present.
For what bootes it to weepe and to wayment,
6 When ill is chaunst, but doth the ill increase,
And the weake mind with double woe +torment?+
8 When she her Squire heard speake, she gan appease
Her voluntarie paine, and feele some secret ease.
1 liefe > life 1590; cf. 201.52:5 7 torment? > torment{inverse ?} 1596
1 Till her that squire bespoke: "Madam, my lief,