were > [were it] accord > reconcile
3 Than with blood-guiltiness to heap offence,
blood-guiltiness > responsibility for bloodshed offence > hurt, harm, damage; injury
4 And mortal vengeance join to crime abhorred? 5 O fly from wrath, fly, O my liefest lord:
liefest > dearest
6 Sad be the sights and bitter fruits of war, 7 And thousand furies wait on wrathful sword;
furies > (Or Furies, traditionally (in later accounts) the three goddesses who guard the gates of hell; in earlier accounts, they are avenging deities, of indeterminate number, sent from hell to punish wrongdoers) wait on > [attend the]
8 Ne aught the praise of prowess more does mar,
Ne aught > Naught; and naught praise > praiseworthiness prowess > valour
9 Than foul revenging rage, and base contentious jar.
jar > discord
202.31
But louely concord, and most sacred peace
2 Doth nourish vertue, and fast friendship breeds;
Weake she makes strong, and strong thing does increace,
4 Till it the pitch of highest prayse exceeds:
Braue be her warres, and honorable deeds,
6 By which she triumphes ouer ire and pride,
And winnes an Oliue girlond for her meeds:
8 Be therefore, O my deare Lords, pacifide,
And this misseeming discord meekely lay aside.
1 "But lovely concord, and most sacred peace,
lovely > loving
2 Does nourish virtue, and fast friendship breeds;
fast > firm
3 Weak she makes strong, and strong thing does increase, 4 Till it the pitch of highest praise exceeds: 5 Brave be her wars, and honourable deeds, 6 By which she triumphs over ire and pride, 7 And wins an olive garland for her meeds:
olive > (The emblem of peace and concord; see Gen. 8.11, Ps. 128.3) meeds > meed, reward
8 Be therefore, O my dear lords, pacified, 9 And this misseeming discord meekly lay aside."
misseeming > unseemly
202.32
Her gracious wordes their rancour did appall,
2 And suncke so deepe into their boyling brests,
That downe they let their cruell weapons fall,
4 And lowly did abase their loftie crests
To her faire presence, and discrete behests.
6 Then she began a treatie to procure,
And stablish termes betwixt both their requests,
8 That as a law for euer should endure;
Which to obserue in word of knights they did assure.
1 Her gracious words their rancour did appal,
appal > {Make pale, flat, or stale, cause to fade; hence: quell}
2 And sank so deep into their boiling breasts 3 That down they let their cruel weapons fall, 4 And lowly did abase their lofty crests
abase > lower (lit. or fig.)
5 To her fair presence and discreet behests.
behests > bidding, injunctions
6 Then she began a treaty to procure,
procure > bring about
7 And establish terms betwixt both their requests,
requests > demands
8 That as a law for ever should endure: 9 Which to observe, in word of knights they did assure.
assure > pledge [each giving his word as a knight]
202.33
Which to confirme, and fast to bind their league,
2 After their wearie sweat and bloudy toile,
She them besought, during their quiet treague,
4 Into her lodging to repaire a while,
To rest themselues, and grace to reconcile.
6 They soone consent: so forth with her they fare,
Where they are well receiu'd, and made to spoile
8 Themselues of soiled armes, and to prepare
Their minds to pleasure, and their mouthes to dainty fare.
1 Which to confirm, and fast to bind their league,
fast > firmly
2 After their weary sweat and bloody toil, 3 She them besought, during their quiet treague,
treague > truce
4 Into her lodging to repair awhile,
repair > go, betake themselves
5 To rest themselves, and grace to reconcile.
grace > in goodwill; gracefully; goodwill reconcile > (Taking the first two senses of "grace" requires this to be reflexive, "themselves" being understood from the previous verb)
6 They soon consent: so forth with her they fare,
soon > immediately
7 Where they are well received, and made to spoil
spoil > divest
8 Themselves of soiled arms, and to prepare
arms > armour
9 Their minds to pleasure, and their mouths to dainty fare.
dainty > pleasing; scarce; choice (esp. of food)
202.34
And those two froward sisters, their faire loues
2 Came with them eke, all were they wondrous loth,
And fained cheare, as for the time behoues,
4 But could not colour yet so well the troth,
But that their natures bad appeard in both:
6 For both did at their second sister grutch,
And inly grieue, as doth an hidden moth
8 The inner garment fret, not th'vtter touch;
One +thought their+ cheare too litle, th'other thought too mutch.
9 thought their > thoug ther _1590: i.e. a misprint of thought her, "which we should perhaps read" (Smith)_
1 And those two froward sisters, their fair loves,
froward > perverse, evilly disposed
2 Came with them eke, all were they wondrous loath,
eke > also all were they > [although they were]
3 And feigned cheer, as for the time behoves, 4 But could not colour yet so well the troth,
colour > [give a colour to; hence: simulate] troth > allegiance, covenant; truth
5 But that their natures bad appeared in both:
both > each
6 For both did at their second sister grutch,
grutch > murmur, grumble
7 And inly grieve, as does a hidden moth
inly > inwardly
8 The inner garment fret, not the utter touch;
fret > gnaw not > [but not] utter > outer; outward
9 One thought her cheer too little, the other thought too much.
202.35
Elissa (so the eldest hight) did deeme
2 Such entertainment base, ne ought would eat,
Ne ought would speake, but euermore did seeme
4 As discontent for want of merth or meat;
No solace could her Paramour intreat
6 Her once to show, ne court, nor dalliance,
But with bent lowring browes, as she would threat,
8 She scould, and frownd with froward countenaunce,
Vnworthy of faire Ladies comely gouernaunce.
1 Elissa (so the eldest hight) did deem
Elissa > "Too Little" (Greek) hight > was named
2 Such entertainment base, nor aught would eat,
entertainment > hospitality
3 Nor aught would speak, but evermore did seem 4 As discontent for want of mirth or meat;
As discontent > [As though discontented] want > lack mirth > diversion, entertainment meat > food
5 No solace could her paramour entreat
solace > pleasure, enjoyment
6 Her once to show, nor court, nor dalliance,
court > {Courteous or amorous attention} dalliance > {Idle and amusing talk, banter}
7 But with bent louring brows, as she would threat,
as > [as if] threat > threaten
8 She scowled, and frowned with froward countenance,
froward > perverse
9 Unworthy of fair lady's comely governance.
governance > demeanour; behaviour
202.36
But young Perissa was of other mind,
2 Full of disport, still laughing, loosely light,
And quite contrary to her sisters kind;
4 No measure in her mood, no rule of right,
But poured out in pleasure and delight;
6 In wine and meats she flowd aboue the bancke,
And in excesse exceeded her owne might;
8 In sumptuous tire she ioyed her selfe to prancke,
But of her loue too lauish (litle haue she thancke.)
1 But young Perissa was of other mind,
Perissa > "Too Much" (Greek)
2 Full of disport, still laughing, loosely light,
disport > merriment, diversion still > continually
3 And quite contrary to her sister's kind;
sister's > (Clearly meaning Elissa) kind > nature
4 No measure in her mood, no rule of right, 5 But poured out in pleasure and delight; 6 In wine and meats she flowed above the bank,
meats > food, viands
7 And in excess exceeded her own might; 8 In sumptuous tire she joyed herself to prank,
tire > attire prank > {Dress up; dress or deck oneself in a showy manner}
9 But of her love too lavish (little have she thought).
little have she thought > [she has thought of little; she is empty- headed]
202.37
+Fast+ by her side did sit the bold Sans-loy,
2 Fit mate for such a mincing mineon,
Who in her loosenesse tooke exceeding ioy;
4 Might not be found a franker franion,
Of her lewd parts to make companion;
6 But Huddibras, more like a Malecontent,
Did see and grieue at his bold fashion;
8 Hardly could he endure his hardiment,
Yet still he sat, and inly did him selfe torment.
1 Fast > First 1590 etc.: FE
1 Fast by her side did sit the bold Sansloy,
Fast > Very closely
2 Fit mate for such a mincing minion,
mincing > affectedly dainty minion > lady-love, paramour
3 Who in her looseness took exceeding joy; 4 Might not be found a franker franion
Might > [There might] franker > freer, looser; more ingenuous, more outspoken franion > paramour, ladies' man
5 Of her lewd parts to make companion;
parts > capacities, attributes (also "lewd parts" = "private parts")
6 But Huddibras, more like a malcontent, 7 Did see and grieve at his bold fashion; 8 Hardly could he endure his hardiment,
hardiment > boldness
9 Yet still he sat, and inly did himself torment.
inly > inwardly
202.38
Betwixt them both the faire Medina sate
2 With sober grace, and goodly carriage:
With equall measure she did moderate
4 The strong extremities of their outrage;
That +forward+ paire she euer would asswage,
6 When they would striue dew reason to exceed;
But that same froward twaine would accourage,
8 And of her plenty adde vnto their need:
So kept she them in order, and her selfe in heed.
5 forward > froward dub. conj. Morris, in view of line 7
1 Betwixt them both the fair Medina sat 2 With sober grace, and goodly carriage: 3 With equal measure she did moderate
equal > equal; impartial
4 The strong extremities of their outrage;
outrage > intemperance
5 That forward pair she ever would assuage,
That forward pair > [Perissa and Sansloy] assuage > pacify, appease
6 When they would strive due reason to exceed;
due > appropriate, proper
7 But that same froward twain would accourage,
froward > perverse (also, as an adv. or prep., "fromward", and so pointing the contrast with "that forward pair") twain > two, pair (Elissa and Huddibras) accourage > encourage (WUFQ)
8 And of her plenty add to their need: 9 So kept she them in order, and herself in heed.
in heed > heeded, regarded
202.39
Thus fairely she attempered her feast,
2 And pleasd them all with meete satietie,
At last when lust of meat and drinke was ceast,
4 She Guyon deare besought of curtesie,
To tell from whence he came through ieopardie,
6 And whither now on new aduenture bound.
Who with bold grace, and comely grauitie,
8 Drawing to him the eyes of all around,
From lofty siege began these words aloud to sound.
1 Thus fairly she attempered her feast,
fairly > well, expertly attempered > regulated; tempered, moderated
2 And pleased them all with meet satiety;
meet > appropriate satiety > {Sufficiency; the condition of being fully satisfied, without the modern connotation of surfeit}
3 At last when lust of meat and drink was ceased,
lust of meat > desire for food
4 She Guyon dear besought of courtesy
dear > earnestly, heartily of courtesy > by favour, as an indulgence (on Guyon's part)
5 To tell from whence he came through jeopardy, 6 And whither now on new adventure bound. 7 Who with bold grace, and comely gravity, 8 Drawing to him the eyes of all around, 9 From lofty siege began these words aloud to sound.
siege > seat (esp. one used by person of rank or distinction)
202.40
This thy demaund, {o^} Lady, doth reuiue
2 Fresh memory in me of that great Queene,
Great and most glorious virgin Queene aliue,
4 That with her soueraigne powre, and scepter shene
All Faery lond does +peaceably+ sustene.
6 In widest Ocean she her throne does reare,
That ouer all the earth it may be seene;
8 As morning Sunne her beames dispredden cleare,
And in her face faire peace, and mercy doth appeare.
5 peaceably > peaceable 1596, 1609
1 "This, your demand, O lady, does revive
demand > request
2 Fresh memory in me of that great queen,
that great queen > [Gloriana]
3 Great and most glorious virgin queen alive, 4 That with her sovereign power and sceptre sheen
sheen > shining, resplendent
5 All Faery Land does peaceably sustain. 6 In widest ocean she her throne does rear, 7 That over all the earth it may be seen;
That > [So that]
8 As morning sun her beams dispread clear,
dispread > [are] spread out; spread about
9 And in her face fair peace and mercy do appear.
202.41
In her the richesse of all heauenly +grace,+
2 In chiefe degree are heaped vp on hye:
And all that else this worlds enclosure +bace,+
4 Hath great or glorious in mortall +eye,+
Adornes the person of her Maiestie;
6 That men beholding so great excellence,
And rare perfection in mortalitie,
8 Do her adore with sacred reuerence,
As th'Idole of her makers great magnificence.
1 grace, > grace 1609 3 bace, > bace 1609 4 eye, > eye. 1596
1 "In her the richesse of all heavenly grace
richesse > riches
2 In chief degree are heaped up on high: 3 And all that else this world's enclosure base
else > otherwise enclosure base > [earthly confines, lowly confines]
4 Has great or glorious in mortal eye,
Has > [Holds which is]
5 Adorns the person of her majesty; 6 That men, beholding so great excellence,
That > [So that] so > such
7 And rare perfection in mortality,
mortality > mortal form; mortal existence; mortals collectively
8 Do her adore with sacred reverence, 9 As the idol of her Maker's great magnificence.
idol > image
202.42
To her I homage and my seruice owe,
2 In number of the noblest knights on ground,
Mongst whom on me she deigned to bestowe
4 Order of Maydenhead, the most renownd,
That may this day in all the world be +found,+
6 An yearely solemne feast she wontes to +make+
The day that first doth lead the yeare around;
8 To which all knights of worth and courage bold
Resort, to heare of straunge aduentures to be told.
5 found, > found: 1609 6 make > hold conj. various editors
1 "To her I homage and my service owe, 2 In number of the noblest knights on ground,
number > [the company] on ground > in the world
3 Amongst whom on me she deigned to bestow 4 Order of Maidenhead, the most renowned
Order of Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order)
5 That may this day in all the world be found: 6 A yearly solemn feast she wonts to make
yearly > (See I:144-8: "The beginning therefore of my history …") wonts > is accustomed make > [observe, hold: see Textual Appendix]
7 The day that first does lead the year around;
day > (Probably Lady Day, 25 March, the first day of the new year in the Julian calendar; cf. also this passage in the general argument to SC: "For it is wel known, and stoutely mainteyned with strong reasons of the learned, that the yeare beginneth in March")
8 To which all knights of worth and courage bold 9 Resort, to hear of strange adventures to be told.
202.43
There this old Palmer shewed himselfe that day,
2 And to that mighty Princesse did complaine
Of grieuous mischiefes, which a wicked Fay
4 Had wrought, and many whelmd in deadly paine,
Whereof he crau'd redresse. My Soueraine,
6 Whose glory is in gracious deeds, and ioyes
Throughout the world her mercy to maintaine,
8 Eftsoones deuisd redresse for such annoyes;
Me all vnfit for so great purpose she employes.
1 "There this old palmer showed himself that day, 2 And to that mighty princess did complain 3 Of grievous mischiefs, which a wicked fay
mischiefs > wrongs, evil-doing fay > fairy; enchantress [Acrasia; cf. Antony and Cleopatra IV viii 12]
4 Had wrought, and many whelmed in deadly pain,
whelmed > engulfed, buried, covered completely
5 Whereof he craved redress. My sovereign 6 (Whose glory is in gracious deeds, and joys 7 Throughout the world her mercy to maintain) 8 Eftsoons devised redress for such annoys;
Eftsoons > Soon, thereupon annoys > annoyances, vexations, injuries
9 Me, all unfit for so great purpose, she employs.
all > wholly so > [such a]
202.44
Now hath faire Ph{oe}be with her siluer face
2 Thrise seene the shadowes of the neather world,
Sith last I left that honorable place,
4 In which her royall presence is +introld+;
Ne euer shall I rest in house nor hold,
6 Till I that false Acrasia haue wonne;
Of whose fowle deedes, too hideous to be +told,+
8 I witnesse am, and this their wretched sonne,
Whose wofull parents she hath wickedly fordonne.
4 introld > entrold 1590; enrold conj. various editors 7 told, > told 1596
1 "Now has fair Phoebe with her silver face 2 Thrice seen the shadows of the nether world, 3 Sith last I left that honourable place
Sith > Since (i.e. three months have passed)
4 In which her royal presence is introld;
introld > (Meaning uncertain; see Textual Appendix. "Enrolled" = "inscribed", "recorded", and hence "celebrated". Cf. 210.4:8)
5 Nor ever shall I rest in house nor hold,
hold > {Place of refuge or shelter; fort; prison cell}
6 Till I that false Acrasia have won;
won > overcome, defeated
7 Of whose foul deeds, too hideous to be told, 8 I witness am, and this their wretched son,
this their wretched son > ([Likewise] the baby)
9 Whose woeful parents she has wickedly fordone."
fordone > destroyed
202.45
Tell on, faire Sir, said she, that dolefull tale,
2 From which sad ruth does seeme you to restraine,
That we may pitty such vnhappy bale,
4 And learne from pleasures poyson to abstaine:
Ill by ensample good doth often gayne.
6 Then forward he his purpose gan pursew,
And told the storie of the mortall payne,
8 Which Mordant and Amauia did rew;
As with lamenting eyes him selfe did lately vew.
1 "Tell on, fair sir," said she, "that doleful tale, 2 From which sad ruth does seem you to restrain,
ruth > pity
3 That we may pity such unhappy bale,
That > [So that] bale > woe, torment
4 And learn from Pleasure's poison to abstain: 5 Ill, by example, good does often gain."
Ill > Evil
6 Then forward he his purpose gan pursue,
purpose > {Discourse; that which forms the subject of discourse} gan > did; began to
7 And told the story of the mortal pain 8 Which Mordant and Amavia did rue; 9 As with lamenting eyes himself did lately view.
As > [Just as] himself > [he himself]
202.46
Night was far spent, and now in Ocean deepe
2 Orion, flying fast from hissing snake,
His flaming head did hasten for to steepe,
4 When of his pitteous tale he end did make;
Whilest with delight of that he wisely spake,
6 Those guestes beguiled, did beguile their eyes
Of kindly sleepe, that did them ouertake.
8 At last when they had markt the chaunged skyes,
They wist their houre was spent; then each to rest him hyes.
1 Night was far spent, and now in ocean deep 2 Orion, flying fast from hissing Snake,
Orion > (The constellation; Orion is also called "The Hunter")
Snake > [Scorpio]
3 His flaming head did hasten to steep, 4 When of his piteous tale he end did make; 5 Whilst with delight of that he wisely spoke,
that > [that of which] wisely > sagely; informatively
6 Those guests beguiled did beguile their eyes
guests beguiled > [beguiled guests]
7 Of kindly sleep, that did them overtake.
kindly > natural; benign
8 At last, when they had marked the changed skies,
marked the changed skies > [noticed the changed relationship between the earth and the constellations]
9 They wist their hour was spent; then each to rest him hies.
wist > knew, realized hies > hastens
CANTO III
Vaine Braggadocchio getting Guyons
2 horse is made the scorne
Of knighthood trew, and is of fayre
3 Belph{oe}be fowle forlorne.
1 Vain Braggadocchio, getting Guyon's
Vain > Weak; foolish Braggadocchio > "Braggart", "Boaster" ("brag" + Italian augment- ative. The name gives rise to "braggadocio", a general term either for an idle braggart or for his boasting. Spenser's spelling varies, so "Braggadocchio", the first encountered, is here used as the standard)
2 horse, is made the scorn 3 Of knighthood true, and is of fair
of > by
4 Belphoebe foul forlorn.
Belphoebe > "Beautifully Radiant", "Beautiful and Pure" (Latin and Greek; foster-daughter of Diana or Phoebe, virgin goddess of hunting and the moon (see 306.28:5). For correspondence to Elizabeth, see I:118-24) foul > insultingly forlorn > abandoned, deserted; hence: rejected
203.1
SOone as the morrow faire with purple beames
2 Disperst the shadowes of the mistie night,
And Titan playing on the eastern streames,
4 Gan cleare the deawy ayre with springing light,
Sir Guyon mindfull of his vow yplight,
6 Vprose from drowsie couch, and him addrest
Vnto the iourney which he had behight:
8 His puissaunt armes about his noble brest,
And many-folded shield he bound about his wrest.
1 Soon as the morrow fair with purple beams
Soon > [As soon]
2 Dispersed the shadows of the misty night, 3 And Titan, playing on the eastern streams, 4 Gan clear the dewy air with springing light,
Gan > Did; began to springing > rising, growing; dawning
5 Sir Guyon, mindful of his vow plight,
vow plight > [plighted vow]
6 Uprose from drowsy couch, and himself addressed 7 To the journey which he had behight:
behight > promised (to Gloriana)
8 His puissant arms about his noble breast,
puissant > mighty arms > armour (shares the vb. "bound" with the "shield" in line 9)
9 And many-folded shield he bound about his wrist.
many-folded > (Consisting of many layers, seven in fact: see 205.6:3, 208.32:5. Guyon carries the classical seven-layered shield as borne by Ajax at Iliad 7.220 (imitated by Virgil at Aen. 12.925). In Homer the layers are of bull's-hide)
203.2
Then taking Cong{e/} of that virgin pure,
2 The bloudy-handed babe vnto her truth
Did earnestly commit, and her coniure,
4 In vertuous lore to traine his tender youth,
And all that gentle noriture ensu'th:
6 And that so soone as ryper yeares he raught,
He might for memorie of that dayes ruth,
8 Be called Ruddymane, and thereby taught,
T'auenge his Parents death on them, that had it wrought.
1 Then, taking cong{e/} of that virgin pure,
cong{e/} > leave that virgin pure > [Medina]
2 The bloody-handed babe to her truth
truth > {Virtue, integrity, conduct in accordance with the divine standard; hence: trust, care; also a variant spelling of: troth, good faith}
3 Did earnestly commit, and her conjure
conjure > implore; adjure
4 In virtuous lore to train his tender youth,
lore > doctrine, teaching
5 And all that gentle nouriture ensues:
gentle > noble nouriture > {Nurture, the business of bringing up a child} ensues > follows, conforms to; hence: involves, entails
6 And that (so soon as riper years he raught)
raught > reached
7 He might, for memory of that day's ruth,
ruth > sorrow; calamity; occasion of regret
8 Be called Ruddymane, and thereby taught
Ruddymane > "Bloody-handed"
9 To avenge his parents' death on them that had it wrought.
203.3
So forth he far'd, as now befell, on foot,
2 Sith his good steed is lately from him gone;
Patience perforce; helpelesse what may it boot
4 To fret for anger, or for griefe to mone?
His Palmer now shall foot no more alone:
6 So fortune wrought, as vnder greene woods syde
He lately heard that dying Lady grone,
8 He left his steed without, and speare besyde,
And rushed in on foot to ayd her, ere she dyde.
1 So forth he fared, as now befell, on foot, 2 Sith his good steed is lately from him gone;
Sith > Since
3 Patience perforce; helpless, what may it boot
Patience perforce > (Proverbial: patience upon compulsion, i.e. when there is no other course. Cf. 310.3:1) boot > avail
4 To fret for anger, or for grief to moan?
moan > lament, bewail one's lot
5 His palmer now shall foot no more alone:
foot > walk
6 So Fortune wrought, as under green wood's side
wrought > fashioned [it] green > [a] green
7 He lately heard that dying lady groan: 8 He left his steed without, and spear beside,
without > outside (the thicket)
9 And rushed in on foot to aid her, ere she died.
203.4
The whiles a losell wandring by the way,
2 One that to bountie neuer cast his mind,
Ne thought of honour euer did assay
4 His baser brest, but in his kestrell kind
A pleasing vaine of glory +vaine+ did find,
6 To which his flowing toung, and troublous spright
Gaue him great ayd, and made him more inclind:
8 He that braue steed there finding ready dight,
Purloynd both steed and speare, and ran away full light.
5 vaine > he 1590
1 The whiles a losel wandering by the way
The whiles > Meanwhile losel > scoundrel, ne'er-do-well, ragamuffin (one who is lost, esp. fig.)
2 (One that to bounty never cast his mind,
bounty > goodness, virtue; generosity; valour
3 Nor thought of honour ever did assay
assay > assail; make a test of
4 His baser breast, but in his kestrel kind
baser > more base; most base kestrel > {A small falcon, Falco tinnunculus, deemed worthless for sport. The Boke of St Albans defines the hawk appropriate to each social station: the eagle for an emperor, the peregrine for an earl, and so down the scale until the kestrel is assigned to a "knave". Hence "kestrel" here = "knavish". The word is also confused with "coistrel" = "groom", "varlet"; cf. Twelfth Night I iii 37} kind > nature; disposition; social class
5 A pleasing vein of glory vain did find,
glory vain > {Vainglory; "glory" on its own = "boastful spirit". See also Textual Appendix}
6 To which his flowing tongue, and troublous spirit 7 Gave him great aid, and made him more inclined): 8 He, that brave steed there finding ready dight,
brave > splendid dight > decked, prepared; hence: caparisoned
9 Purloined both steed and spear, and ran away full light.
full light > very quickly, very easily
203.5
Now gan his hart all swell in iollitie,
2 And of him selfe great hope and helpe conceiu'd,
That puffed vp with smoke of vanitie,
4 And with selfe-loued personage deceiu'd,
He gan to hope, of men to be receiu'd
6 For such, as he him thought, or faine would bee:
But for in court gay portaunce he perceiu'd,
8 And gallant shew to be in greatest gree,
Eftsoones to court he cast t'+auaunce+ his first degree.
9 auaunce > aduaunce 1590
1 Now gan his heart all swell in jollity,
gan > did; began ( … to) jollity > pleasure, revelry; magnificence
2 And of himself great hope and help conceived,
help > relief [of his former poverty]; remedy [for his lowliness]
3 That, puffed up with smoke of vanity,
That > [So that]
4 And with self-loved personage deceived,
personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from clothing; hence: image}
5 He began to hope of men to be received
of > by
6 For such as he himself thought, or fain would be:
For > As fain > gladly
7 But for in court gay portance he perceived,
for > because portance > carriage, demeanour, bearing; conduct
8 And gallant show, to be in greatest gree,
gree > favour; pre-eminence, superiority
9 Eftsoons to court he cast to advance his first degree.
Eftsoons > Thereupon cast > resolved degree > step; rung [stage in ascending the social ladder]
203.6
And by the way he chaunced to espy
2 One sitting idle on a sunny bancke,
To whom auaunting in great brauery,
4 As Peacocke, that his painted plumes doth prancke,
He smote his courser in the trembling flancke,
6 And to him threatned his hart-thrilling speare:
The seely man seeing him ryde so rancke,
8 And ayme at him, fell flat to ground for feare,
And crying Mercy lowd, his pitious hands gan reare.
1 And by the way he chanced to espy 2 One sitting idle on a sunny bank, 3 To whom avaunting in great bravery,
avaunting > advancing; boasting; hence: proudly advancing bravery > bravado; boastful display
4 As peacock, that his painted plumes does prank,
prank > {Make a display of}
5 He smote his courser in the trembling flank, 6 And to him threatened his heart-thrilling spear:
thrilling > piercing
7 The seely man, seeing him ride so rank,
seely > helpless; insignificant; pitiable rank > proudly; swiftly; impetuously
8 And aim at him, fell flat to ground for fear, 9 And crying "Mercy!" loud, his piteous hands gan rear.
gan > did
203.7
Thereat the Scarcrow wexed wondrous prowd,
2 Through fortune of his first aduenture faire,
And with big thundring voyce reuyld him lowd;
4 Vile Caytiue, vassall of dread and despaire,
Vnworthie of the +commune+ breathed aire,
6 Why liuest thou, dead dog, a lenger day,
And doest not vnto death thy selfe prepaire.
8 Dye, or thy selfe my captiue yield for ay;
Great fauour I thee graunt, for aunswere thus to stay.
5 commune > common 1609
1 Thereat the scarecrow waxed wondrous proud
waxed > grew
2 Through fortune of his first adventure fair, 3 And with big thundering voice reviled him loud: 4 "Vile caitiff, vassal of dread and despair,
caitiff > wretch vassal > slave
5 Unworthy of the common breathed air, 6 Why live you, dead dog, a longer day, 7 And do not to death yourself prepare? 8 Die, or yourself my captive yield for ay;
ay > ever
9 Great favour I you grant, for answer thus to stay."
stay > delay, hold back
203.8
Hold, {o^} deare Lord, hold your dead-doing hand,
2 Then loud he cryde, I am your humble thrall.
Ah wretch (quoth he) thy destinies withstand
4 My wrathfull will, and do for mercy call.
I giue thee life: therefore prostrated fall,
6 And kisse my stirrup; that thy homage bee.
The Miser threw him selfe, as an Offall,
8 Streight at his foot in base humilitee,
And cleeped him his liege, to hold of him in fee.
1 "Hold, O dear lord, hold your dead-doing hand,"
dead-doing > murderous, death-dealing
2 Then loud he cried, "I am your humble thrall!"
thrall > captive; slave
3 "Ah wretch," quoth he, "your destinies withstand 4 My wrathful will, and do for mercy call. 5 I give you life: therefore prostrated fall, 6 And kiss my stirrup; that your homage be."
that > [let that]
7 The miser threw himself, as an offal,
miser > wretch an offal > offal, dross, refuse; carrion, putrid flesh (also used opprobriously of the bodies or limbs of those killed in battle)
8 Straight at his foot in base humility, 9 And cleped him his liege, to hold of him in fee.
cleped > called liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service} of him > [his loyalty] fee > service
203.9
So happy peace they made and faire accord:
2 Eftsoones this liege-man gan to wexe more bold,
And when he felt the folly of his Lord,
4 In his owne kind he gan him selfe vnfold:
For he was wylie witted, and growne old
6 In cunning sleights and practick knauery.
+From+ that day forth he cast for to vphold
8 His idle humour with fine flattery,
And blow the bellowes to his swelling vanity.
7 From > For 1596
1 So happy peace they made and fair accord: 2 Eftsoons this liege man began to wax more bold,
Eftsoons > Soon liege man > {Vassal; faithful follower or subject} wax > grow
3 And, when he felt the folly of his lord, 4 In his own kind he gan himself unfold:
kind > nature (or perhaps this is a misprint for "mind") gan > did unfold > reveal, disclose; make plain
5 For he was wily witted, and grown old 6 In cunning sleights and practic knavery.
practic > artful, cunning
7 From that day forth he cast to uphold
cast > decided
8 His idle humour with fine flattery,
His > [Braggadocchio's] idle > empty; vain, trifling humour > frame of mind
9 And blow the bellows to his swelling vanity.
203.10
Trompart fit man for Braggadochio,
2 To serue at court in view of vaunting eye;
Vaine-glorious man, when fluttring wind does blow
4 In his light wings, is lifted vp to skye:
The scorne of knighthood and trew cheualrye,
6 To thinke without desert of gentle deed,
And noble worth to be aduaunced hye:
8 Such prayse is shame; but honour vertues meed
Doth beare the fairest flowre in honorable seed.
1 Trompart, fit man for Braggadocchio,
Trompart > "Deceiver", "Fraud" (French); "Trumpet" (via French)
2 To serve at court in view of vaunting eye;
vaunting > boasting
3 Vainglorious man, when fluttering wind does blow 4 In his light wings, is lifted up to sky: 5 The scorn of knighthood and true chivalry, 6 To think without desert of gentle deed,
desert > merit gentle > noble
7 And noble worth to be advanced high: 8 Such praise is shame; but honour, virtue's meed,
meed > reward
9 Does bear the fairest flower in honourable seed.
honourable seed > [the nobility; honourable = noble, illustrious; seed = children, offspring]
203.11
So forth they pas, a well consorted paire,
2 Till that at length with Archimage they meet:
Who seeing one that shone in armour faire,
4 On goodly courser thundring with his feet,
Eftsoones supposed him a person meet,
6 Of his reuenge to make the instrument:
For since the Redcrosse knight he earst did weet,
8 To beene with Guyon knit in one consent,
The ill, which earst to him, he now to Guyon ment.
1 So forth they pas, a well consorted pair,
pas > pace; pass consorted > associated; accorded
2 Till at length with Archimago they meet: 3 Who, seeing one that shone in armour fair, 4 On goodly courser thundering with his feet, 5 Eftsoons supposed him a person meet
Eftsoons > Thereupon meet > fit, suitable
6 Of his revenge to make the instrument: 7 For, since the Redcross Knight he erst did weet
erst > lately weet > understand, learn
8 To been with Guyon knit in one consent,
been > [have been; be] consent > accord
9 The ill which erst to him, he now to Guyon meant.
ill > evil erst > earlier; recently him > [the Redcross Knight] meant > intended; or, perhaps ment (ppl. of "meng") joined, attached
203.12
And comming close to Trompart gan inquere
2 Of him, what mighty warriour that mote bee,
That rode in golden sell with single spere,
4 But wanted sword to wreake his enmitee.
He is a great aduenturer, (said he)
6 That hath his sword through hard assay forgone,
And now hath vowd, till he auenged bee,
8 Of that despight, neuer to wearen none;
That speare is him enough to doen a thousand grone.
1 And, coming close to Trompart, gan inquire
gan > did
2 Of him what mighty warrior that might be, 3 That rode in golden sell with single spear,
sell > saddle single > {Solitary; unsupported by a sword}
4 But wanted sword to wreak his enmity.
wanted > lacked [a]
5 "He is a great adventurer," said he, 6 "That has his sword through hard assay forgone,
assay > trial; endeavour; assault forgone > forgone; forsaken (cf. Braggadocchio's own account at 203.17)
7 And now has vowed, till he avenged be 8 Of that despite, never to wear none;
despite > outrage none > (The double negative serves as an intensive)
9 That spear is him enough to do a thousand groan."
him enough > [enough for him] do > cause, produce groan > [groans]
203.13
Th'enchaunter greatly ioyed in the vaunt,
2 And weened well ere long his will to win,
And both his foen with equall foyle to daunt.
4 Tho to him louting lowly, did begin
To plaine of wrongs, which had committed bin
6 By Guyon, and by that false Redcrosse knight,
Which two through treason and deceiptfull gin,
8 Had slaine Sir Mordant, and his Lady bright:
That mote him honour win, to wreake so foule despight.
1 The enchanter greatly joyed in the vaunt,
joyed > took pleasure; rejoiced vaunt > boast
2 And weened well ere long his will to win,
weened > imagined, supposed win > achieve
3 And both his foes with equal foil to daunt.
equal > {Equal, adequate to the task of defeating them; or: similar, identical} foil > defeat, throw; or: sword, weapon daunt > overcome, subdue
4 Tho to him louting lowly, did begin
Tho > Then louting > bowing, making obeisance
5 To plain of wrongs which had committed been
plain > complain
6 By Guyon and by that false Redcross Knight, 7 Which two, through treason and deceitful gin,
gin > craftiness; [a] scheme, trick
8 Had slain Sir Mordant and his lady bright:
bright > beautiful
9 That might him honour win, to wreak so foul despite.
him > [Braggadocchio] wreak > avenge so > [such a] despite > outrage
203.14
Therewith all suddeinly he seemd enraged,
2 And threatned death with dreadfull countenaunce,
As if their liues had in his hand beene gaged;
4 And with stiffe force shaking his mortall launce,
To let him weet his doughtie valiaunce,
6 Thus said; Old man, great sure shalbe thy meed,
If where those knights for feare of dew vengeaunce
8 Do lurke, thou certainly to me areed,
That I may wreake on them their hainous hatefull deed.
1 Therewith all suddenly he seemed enraged,
Therewith > With that; thereupon he > [Braggadocchio]
2 And threatened death with dreadful countenance, 3 As if their lives had in his hand been gaged;
gaged > pledged; left in pledge
4 And with stiff force shaking his mortal lance
stiff > violent mortal > deadly
5 (To let him weet his doughty valiance),
weet > know, perceive valiance > valour, bravery
6 Thus said: "Old man, great sure shall be your meed,
meed > reward
7 If where those knights (for fear of due vengeance) 8 Do lurk, you certainly to me aread,
certainly > reliably, with certainty aread > make known
9 That I may wreak on them their heinous hateful deed."
That > [So that] wreak > visit [visit on them the equivalent of their misdeed]
203.15
Certes, my Lord, (said he) that shall I soone,
2 And giue you eke good helpe to their decay,
But mote I wisely you aduise to doon;
4 Giue no ods to your foes, but do puruay
Your selfe of sword before that bloudy day:
6 For they be two the prowest knights on ground,
And oft approu'd in many hard assay,
8 And eke of surest steele, that may be found,
Do arme your selfe against that day, them to confound.
1 "Certes, my lord," said he, "that shall I soon,
Certes > Assuredly that > [aread where those knights do lurk]
2 And give you eke good help to their decay,
eke > moreover to > [in bringing about] decay > destruction, death
3 But might I wisely you advise to do:
do > [do the following]
4 Give no odds to your foes, but do purvey
purvey > provide
5 Yourself of sword before that bloody day:
of > [with a]
6 For they be two the prowest knights on ground,
be > [are] the prowest > [of] the bravest on ground > in the world
7 And oft approved in many hard assay,
approved > proved, tested assay > assaults; trials
8 And eke of surest steel that may be found
eke of > [moreover, with the]
9 Do arm yourself against that day, them to confound."
203.16
Dotard (said he) let be thy deepe aduise;
2 Seemes that through many yeares thy wits thee faile,
And that weake eld hath left thee nothing wise,
4 Else neuer should thy iudgement be so fraile,
To measure manhood by the sword or maile.
6 Is not enough foure quarters of a man,
Withouten sword or shield, an host to quaile?
8 Thou little wotest, what this right hand can:
Speake they, which haue beheld the battailes, which it wan.
1 "Dotard," said he, "let be your deep advice;
deep > solemn; profound
2 Seems that through many years your wits you fail,
Seems > [It seems] through > [as a result of your]
3 And that weak eld has left you nothing wise,
eld > old age nothing > not at all
4 Else never should your judgement be so frail 5 To measure manhood by the sword or mail.
To > [As to] mail > chain-mail; chain-armour
6 Is not enough four quarters of a man, 7 Without sword or shield, a host to quail?
host > army quail > daunt
8 You little wot what this right hand can:
wot > know can > [can do; is capable of]
9 Speak they, who have beheld the battles which it won!"
203.17
The man was much abashed at his boast;
2 Yet well he wist, that who so would contend
With either of those knights on euen coast,
4 Should need of all his armes, him to defend;
Yet feared least his boldnesse should offend,
6 When Braggadocchio said, Once I did sweare,
When with one sword seuen knights I brought to end,
8 Thence forth in battell neuer sword to beare,
But it were that, which noblest knight on earth doth weare.
1 The man was much abashed at his boast; 2 Yet well he wist that whoso would contend
wist > knew whoso > whosoever
3 With either of those knights on even coast
even coast > even ground; or: equal cost, equal terms (cf. 403.24:8)
4 Should need of all his arms, himself to defend;
need > [have need]
5 Yet feared lest his boldness should offend, 6 When Braggadocchio said, "Once I did swear,
Once > Once; once and for all; to sum up, in a word
7 When with one sword seven knights I brought to end, 8 Thenceforth in battle never sword to bear, 9 But it were that which noblest knight on earth does wear."
But it > [Unless the sword]
203.18
Perdie Sir knight, said then th'enchaunter bliue,
2 That shall I shortly purchase to your hond:
For now the best and noblest knight aliue
4 Prince Arthur is, that wonnes in Faerie lond;
He hath a sword, that flames like burning brond.
6 The same by my +deuice+ I vndertake
Shall by to morrow by thy side be fond.
8 At which bold word that boaster gan to quake,
And wondred in his mind, what mote that monster make.
6 deuice > aduise 1596, 1609
1 "Pardie, sir knight," said then the enchanter belive,
Pardie > Truly; "by God" belive > without delay
2 "That shall I shortly purchase to your hand:
purchase > procure; hence: deliver
3 For now the best and noblest knight alive 4 Prince Arthur is, that wons in Faery Land;
wons > dwells
5 He has a sword that flames like burning brand. 6 The same, by my device, I undertake
device > ingenuity
7 Shall by tomorrow by your side be found." 8 At which bold word that boaster began to quake, 9 And wondered in his mind what might that monster make.
what might that monster make > [how that marvel might be achieved; monster = marvel]
203.19
He stayd not for more bidding, but away
2 Was suddein vanished out of his sight:
The Northerne wind his wings did broad display
4 At his commaund, and reared him vp light
From off the earth to take his aerie flight.
6 They lookt about, but no where could espie
Tract of his foot: then dead through great affright
8 They both nigh were, and each bad other flie:
Both fled attonce, ne euer backe returned eie.
1 He stayed not for more bidding, but away
He > [Archimago] bidding > entreaty
2 Was sudden vanished out of his sight: 3 The northern wind his wings did broad display
display > extend, spread out; display
4 At his command, and reared him up light
light > lightly; quickly, easily
5 From off the earth, to take his airy flight. 6 They looked about, but nowhere could espy 7 Tract of his foot: then dead through great affright
Tract > Trace affright > terror
8 They both nigh were, and each bade other fly:
other fly > [the other to flee]
9 Both fled at once, nor ever back returned eye.
at once > immediately; together
203.20
Till that they come vnto a forrest greene,
2 In which they shrowd themselues from causelesse feare;
Yet feare them followes still, where so they beene,
4 Each trembling leafe, and whistling wind they heare,
As ghastly bug +their haire on end does reare+:
6 Yet both doe striue their fearfulnesse to faine.
At last they heard a horne, that shrilled cleare
8 Throughout the wood, that ecchoed againe,
And made the forrest ring, as it would riue in twaine.
5 their haire on end does reare > does vnto them affeare 1590; does greatly them affeare _FE; perhaps the 1590 reading is a mis- print of appeare, with Spenser subsequently forgetting this, or changing his mind, when compiling FE and again when revising the text of 1590 for the 1596 edition (Smith)_
1 Till they come to a forest green, 2 In which they shroud themselves from causeless fear;
shroud > shelter; conceal
3 Yet fear them follows still, whereso they be,
still > continually whereso > wherever
4 Each trembling leaf and whistling wind they hear 5 As ghastly bug their hair on end does rear:
As > [Like a] ghastly > {Ghostly; causing terror of the supernatural} bug > {Bugbear, bogy, object of needless dread}
6 Yet both do strive their fearfulness to feign.
feign > conceal (SUS; cf. 112.10:1)
7 At last they heard a horn, that shrilled clear 8 Throughout the wood, that echoed again, 9 And made the forest ring, as it would rive in twain.
it would rive > [if it would split it] twain > two
203.21
Eft through the thicke they heard one rudely rush;
2 With noyse whereof he from his loftie steed
Downe fell to ground, and crept into a bush,
4 To hide his coward head from dying dreed.
But Trompart stoutly stayd to taken +heed,+
6 Of what might hap. Eftsoone there stepped forth
A goodly Ladie clad in hunters weed,
8 That seemd to be a woman of great worth,
And by her stately portance, borne of heauenly birth.