5 heed, > heed 1609
1 Eft through the thick they heard one rudely rush;
Eft > Thereupon (aphetic for "eftsoons") thick > thicket, copse rudely > violently
2 With noise whereof he from his lofty steed
he > [Braggadocchio]
3 Down fell to ground, and crept into a bush, 4 To hide his coward head from dying dread.
dying dread > fear of dying
5 But Trompart stoutly stayed to take heed
stoutly > bravely
6 Of what might hap. Eftsoons there stepped forth
hap > happen, come about by chance Eftsoons > Soon, soon afterwards
7 A goodly lady clad in hunter's weed,
goodly > beautiful; fine weed > garb
8 That seemed to be a woman of great worth,
worth > merit, rank
9 And, by her stately portance, born of heavenly birth.
portance > carriage, demeanour
203.22
Her face so faire as flesh it seemed not,
2 But heauenly pourtraict of bright Angels hew,
Cleare as the skie, withouten blame or blot,
4 Through goodly mixture of complexions dew;
And in her cheekes the vermeill red did shew
6 Like roses in a bed of lillies shed,
The which ambrosiall odours from them threw,
8 And gazers sense with double pleasure fed,
Hable to heale the sicke, and to reuiue the ded.
1 Her face so fair as flesh it seemed not,
so fair as > [was so fair that like]
2 But heavenly portrait of bright angel's hue,
portrait > image hue > appearance, form
3 Clear as the sky, without blame or blot,
Clear > Brightly shining blame > fault
4 Through goodly mixture of complexions due;
complexions due > (Due or proper combination of the four cardinal "humours" of the body whose proportions, in medieval physiology, were supposed to determine one's mental and physical qualities. Cf. 306.38:5, 310.59:3)
5 And in her cheeks the vermeil red did show
vermeil > scarlet
6 Like roses in a bed of lilies shed, 7 Which ambrosial odours from them threw,
ambrosial > divinely fragrant
8 And gazer's sense with double pleasure fed, 9 Able to heal the sick, and to revive the dead.
203.23
In her faire eyes two liuing lamps did flame,
2 Kindled aboue at th'heauenly makers light,
And darted fyrie beames out of the same,
4 So passing +persant+, and so wondrous bright,
That quite bereau'd the rash beholders sight:
6 In them the blinded god his lustfull fire
To kindle oft assayd, but had no might;
8 For with +dredd+ Maiestie, and awfull ire,
She broke his wanton darts, and quenched base desire.
4 persant > pearceant 1609 8 dredd > drad 1609
1 In her fair eyes two living lamps did flame, 2 Kindled above at the heavenly Maker's light, 3 And darted fiery beams out of the same, 4 So passing perceant, and so wondrous bright,
passing > surpassingly perceant > piercing, percipient
5 That quite bereaved the rash beholder's sight:
That > [That they]
6 In them the blinded god his lustful fire
the blinded god > [Cupid, who shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit. He is often depicted wearing a blindfold]
7 To kindle oft essayed, but had no might;
essayed > attempted
8 For with dread majesty, and awful ire, 9 She broke his wanton darts, and quenched base desire.
203.24
Her iuorie forhead, full of bountie braue,
2 Like a broad table did it selfe dispred,
For Loue his loftie triumphes to engraue,
4 And write the battels of his great godhed:
All good and honour might therein be red:
6 For there their dwelling was. And when she spake,
Sweet words, like dropping honny she did shed,
8 And twixt the perles and rubins softly brake
A siluer sound, that heauenly musicke seemd to make.
1 Her ivory forehead, full of bounty brave,
bounty > goodness, virtue brave > splendid, fine
2 Like a broad table did itself dispread,
table > {Surface on which picture is painted; cf. 109.49:6} dispread > spread out, extend
3 For Love his lofty triumphs to engrave, 4 And write the battles of his great godhead: 5 All good and honour might therein be read:
read > seen, discerned
6 For there their dwelling was. And when she spoke, 7 Sweet words, like dropping honey, she did shed, 8 And 'twixt the pearls and rubies softly broke
pearls and rubies > [teeth and lips]
9 A silver sound, that heavenly music seemed to make.
203.25
Vpon her eyelids many Graces sate,
2 Vnder the shadow of her euen browes,
Working belgards, and amorous retrate,
4 And euery one her with a grace endowes:
And euery one with meekenesse to her bowes.
6 So glorious mirrhour of celestiall grace,
And soueraine moniment of mortall vowes,
8 How shall fraile pen descriue her heauenly face,
For feare through want of skill her beautie to disgrace?
1 Upon her eyelids many Graces sat,
Graces > (Aglaia, Thalia, and Euphrosyne, the handmaids of Venus; hence, here: charms, refinements. Cf. SC, gloss to "June")
2 Under the shadow of her even brows, 3 Working belgards, and amorous retrait,
belgards > loving looks (WUS) retrait > portrait; hence: countenance
4 And every one her with a grace endows: 5 And every one with meekness to her bows. 6 So glorious mirror of celestial grace,
So > [Such a] mirror > reflection [of perfection]; hence: paragon of beauty (cf. 106.15:6)
7 And sovereign monument of mortal vows,
sovereign > (A direct reference to Elizabeth)
8 How shall frail pen describe her heavenly face, 9 For fear, through want of skill, her beauty to disgrace?
disgrace > disfigure; disparage
203.26
So faire, and thousand thousand times more faire
2 She seemd, when she presented was to sight,
And was yclad, for heat of scorching aire,
4 All in a silken Camus lylly whight,
Purfled vpon with many a folded plight,
6 Which all aboue besprinckled was throughout,
With golden aygulets, that glistred bright,
8 Like twinckling starres, and all the skirt about
+Was hemd with golden fringe+
9 Sic, 1590 etc.
1 So fair, and thousand thousand times more fair 2 She seemed, when she presented was to sight, 3 And was clad, for heat of scorching air, 4 All in a silken camis lily white,
camis > {properly, a light loose dress; here, possibly, = "chemise", meaning "body garment", via Spanish or Portuguese camisa}
5 Purfled upon with many a folded pleat,
Purfled upon > {Embroidered; trimmed with metallic lace, pearls, etc.}
6 Which all above besprinkled was throughout
besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is intensive}
7 With golden aglets that glistered bright,
aglets > spangles; tags, pendants
8 Like twinkling stars, and all the skirt about 9 Was hemmed with golden fringe
203.27
Below her ham her weed did somewhat traine,
2 And her streight legs most brauely were embayld
In gilden buskins of costly Cordwaine,
4 All bard with golden bendes, which were entayld
With curious antickes, and full faire aumayld:
6 Before they fastned were vnder her knee
In a rich Iewell, and therein entrayld
8 The ends of all +their+ knots, that none might see,
How they within their fouldings close enwrapped bee.
8 their > the 1590; end 1609
1 Below her ham her weed did somewhat train,
ham > {Back of the knee} weed > garment train > hang down
2 And her straight legs most bravely were embaled
bravely > splendidly embaled > enclosed
3 In gilded buskins of costly cordwain,
buskins > boots, half-boots (not extending to thigh) cordwain > cordovan (leather from the Spanish town of Corduba, much used for shoes, etc. by the wealthy in the Middle Ages)
4 All barred with golden bends, which were entailed
bends > {Flat strips, straps, bands} entailed > carved; ornamented; intaglioed
5 With curious antics, and full fair amelled:
antics > {Fantastic or grotesque representations of birds, animals, plants} full fair amelled > very becomingly enamelled
6 Before they fastened were under her knee
Before > In front
7 In a rich jewel, and therein entrailed
In > [With] entrailed > were intertwined
8 The ends of all their knots, that none might see
that > [so that]
9 How they within their foldings close enwrapped be.
foldings > folds close > (Referring adj. to "foldings", or adv. to "enwrapped")
203.28
Like two faire marble pillours they were seene,
2 Which doe the temple of the Gods support,
Whom all the people decke with girlands greene,
4 And honour in their festiuall resort;
Those same with stately grace, and princely port
6 She taught to tread, when she her selfe would grace,
But with the wooddie Nymphes when she did +play+,
8 Or when the flying Libbard she did chace,
She could them nimbly moue, and after fly apace.
7 play > sport conj. Smith
1 Like two fair marble pillars they were seen, 2 Which do the temple of the gods support, 3 Whom all the people deck with garlands green, 4 And honour in their festival resort;
festival > {Glad, merry; pertaining to a feast or feast-day} resort > assembly, concourse of people
5 Those same with stately grace and princely port
port > deportment, bearing
6 She taught to tread, when she herself would grace;
grace > {Endow with (heavenly) grace; gratify, delight; confer honour or dignity upon}
7 But with the woody nymphs when she did play,
woody > forest-dwelling nymphs > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, mountains. The "wooddie" nymphs referred to here are evidently the dryads and hamadryads, the nymphs associated with trees and woodland)
8 Or when the flying libbard she did chase,
libbard > leopard
9 She could them nimbly move, and after fly apace.
apace > swiftly
203.29
And in her hand a sharpe bore-speare she held,
2 And at her backe a bow and quiuer gay,
Stuft with steele-headed darts, wherewith she queld
4 The saluage beastes in her victorious play,
Knit with a golden bauldricke, which forelay
6 Athwart her snowy brest, and did diuide
Her daintie paps; which like young fruit in May
8 Now little gan to swell, and being tide,
Through her thin weed their places only signifide.
1 And in her hand a sharp boar-spear she held, 2 And at her back a bow and quiver gay 3 (Stuffed with steel-headed darts, wherewith she quelled
darts > arrows wherewith > with which quelled > killed
4 The savage beasts in her victorious play),
savage > wild; savage
5 Knit with a golden baldric, which forelay
Knit > Fastened, held baldric > {Belt worn pendent from the shoulder, here supporting the quiver} forelay > lay before
6 Athwart her snowy breast, and did divide 7 Her dainty paps; which, like young fruit in May,
paps > breasts
8 Now little began to swell and, being tied,
little > [a] little
9 Through her thin weed their places only signified.
weed > garment
203.30
Her yellow lockes crisped, like golden wyre,
2 About her shoulders were loosely shed,
And when the winde emongst them did inspyre,
4 They waued like a penon wide +dispred+,
And low behinde her backe were scattered:
6 And whether art it were, or heedlesse hap,
As through the flouring forrest rash she fled,
8 In her rude haires sweet flowres themselues did lap,
And flourishing fresh leaues and blossomes did enwrap.
4 dispred > disspred 1609
1 Her yellow locks crisped, like golden wire,
crisped > (Ppl. adj.) closely curled
2 About her shoulders were loosely shed, 3 And, when the wind amongst them did inspire,
inspire > quicken, breathe
4 They waved like a pennon wide dispread,
dispread > spread out
5 And low behind her back were scattered: 6 And whether art it were, or heedless hap,
hap > chance
7 As through the flowering forest rash she fled,
rash > nimbly, quickly; impetuously, rashly fled > flew (this somewhat catachr. spelling chosen for the sake of the rhyme)
8 In her rude hair sweet flowers themselves did lap,
rude > wild, uncultivated; hence: untrammelled, disordered lap > wrap up, enfold; surround
9 And flourishing fresh leaves and blossoms did enwrap.
enwrap > [enwrap themselves]
203.31
Such as Diana by the sandie shore
2 Of swift Eurotas, or on Cynthus greene,
Where all the Nymphes haue her vnwares forlore,
4 Wandreth alone with bow and arrowes keene,
To seeke her game: Or as that famous Queene
6 Of Amazons, whom Pyrrhus did destroy,
The day that first of Priame she was seene,
8 Did shew her selfe in great triumphant ioy,
To succour the weake state of sad afflicted Troy.
1 Such as Diana by the sandy shore 2 Of swift Eurotas, or on Cynthus green,
Eurotas > (Principal river of Sparta)
Cynthus > (A mountain on the island of Delos, the birthplace of
Apollo and Diana: these deities are thus also called Cynthius and
Cynthia respectively)
3 Where all the nymphs have her unwares forlorn,
unwares > unwittingly; unexpectedly forlorn > forsaken
4 Wanders alone with bow and arrows keen, 5 To seek her game: or as that famous queen
queen > (Penthesilea, an ally of Priam against the Greeks in the Trojan War; killed by Achilles or his son Pyrrhus)
6 Of Amazons, whom Pyrrhus did destroy,
Amazons > (A mythical race of warlike females, said to have come from the Caucasus and to have settled in Asia Minor, where they founded the city of Themiscyra. The Amazons were ruled by a queen, and the female children had their right breasts burned off so that they might better use a bow and arrow. The ninth labour of Hercules was to take the girdle of Hippolyte, an earlier queen of the Amazons)
7 The day that first of Priam she was seen,
of > by Priam > (The last king of Troy)
8 Did show herself in great triumphant joy, 9 To succour the weak state of sad afflicted Troy.
203.32
Such when as hartlesse Trompart her did vew,
2 He was dismayed in his coward mind,
And doubted, whether he himselfe should shew,
4 Or fly away, or bide alone behind:
Both feare and hope he in her face did find,
6 When she at last him spying thus bespake;
Hayle Groome; didst not thou see a bleeding Hind,
8 Whose right haunch earst my stedfast arrow strake?
If thou didst, tell me, that I may her ouertake.
1 Such when heartless Trompart her did view,
heartless > pusillanimous
2 He was dismayed in his coward mind, 3 And doubted whether he himself should show, 4 Or fly away, or bide alone behind:
fly > fly; flee bide > remain
5 Both fear and hope he in her face did find, 6 When she at last, him spying, thus bespoke:
bespoke > spoke
7 "Hail, groom; did not you see a bleeding hind,
Hail, groom > You there! (groom = man, fellow, man-servant) hind > {Adult female deer, esp. Red Deer}
8 Whose right haunch erst my steadfast arrow strake?
erst > lately strake > streaked, marked with a line; hence: wounded; perhaps also: struck
9 If you did, tell me, that I may her overtake."
that > [so that]
203.33
Wherewith reviu'd, this answere forth he threw;
2 O Goddesse, (for such I thee take to bee)
For neither doth thy face terrestriall shew,
4 Nor voyce sound mortall; I auow to thee,
Such wounded beast, as that, I did not see,
6 Sith earst into this forrest wild I came.
But mote thy goodlyhed forgiue it mee,
8 To weet, which of the Gods I shall thee name,
That vnto thee due worship I may rightly frame.
1 Wherewith revived, this answer forth he threw:
Wherewith > With which
2 "O Goddess (for such I you take to be: 3 For neither does your face terrestrial show,
show > seem, appear
4 Nor voice sound mortal), I avow to you, 5 Such wounded beast, as that, I did not see, 6 Sith erst into this forest wild I came.
Sith erst > Since first
7 But might Your Goodlihead forgive it me
Your Goodlihead > Your Goodliness; Your Excellency
8 To weet which of the gods I shall you name,
weet > learn
9 That to you due worship I may rightly frame?"
That > [So that] frame > fashion, give shape to; hence: offer, address
203.34
To whom she thus; but ere her words ensewed,
2 Vnto the bush her eye did suddein glaunce,
In which vaine Braggadocchio was mewed,
4 And saw it stirre: she left her percing launce,
And towards gan a deadly shaft aduaunce,
6 In mind to marke the beast. At which sad stowre,
Trompart forth stept, to stay the mortall chaunce,
8 Out crying, {o^} what euer heauenly powre,
Or earthly wight thou be, withhold this deadly howre.
1 To whom she thus … but ere her words ensued, 2 To the bush her eye did sudden glance, 3 In which vain Braggadocchio was mewed,
vain > weak; foolish mewed > cooped up (of poultry)
4 And saw it stir: she left her piercing lance, 5 And towards gan a deadly shaft advance,
towards > [in the direction of the bush] gan > did; began ( … to) shaft > arrow (most editors gloss "left" in line 4 as "lifted", but 203.35:2 (cf. usage at 106.16:9) and 203.43:4 cast doubt on that meaning. We may be intended to infer that in line 4 she lets go of the spear in order to shoot an arrow. At 203.42:7 she apparently recovers the spear)
6 In mind to mark the beast. At which sad stour
mark > aim at; strike stour > peril
7 Trompart forth stepped, to stay the mortal chance,
stay > hinder; prevent mortal chance > fatal accident
8 Out crying, "O, whatever heavenly power 9 Or earthly wight you be, withhold this deadly hour!
wight > creature, woman hour > time, moment
203.35
O stay thy +hand,+ for yonder is no game
2 For thy fierce arrowes, them to exercize,
But loe my Lord, my liege, whose warlike name,
4 Is farre renowmd through many bold emprize;
And now in shade he shrowded yonder lies.
6 She staid: with that he crauld out of his nest,
Forth creeping on his caitiue hands and thies,
8 And standing stoutly vp, his loftie crest
Did fiercely shake, and rowze, as comming late from rest.
1 hand, > hand 1596; hand: 1609
1 "O stay your hand, for yonder is no game 2 For your fierce arrows, them to exercise,
exercise > employ, put to use
3 But lo my lord, my liege, whose warlike name
liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service} name > name; reputation
4 Is far renowned through many bold emprise;
bold > [a bold] emprise > undertaking, enterprise
5 And now in shade he shrouded yonder lies."
shrouded > hidden
6 She stayed: with that he crawled out of his nest,
stayed > desisted, held back
7 Forth creeping on his caitiff hands and thighs,
caitiff > wretched, despicable; servile
8 And, standing stoutly up, his lofty crest
stoutly > boldly, bravely crest > [plumes on his hat]
9 Did fiercely shake, and rouse, as coming late from rest.
rouse > shake (used of a hawk shaking its feathers); rise (of gamebirds flushed from cover); rouse (in the modern sense) as > [as if]
203.36
As fearefull fowle, that long in secret caue
2 For dread of soaring hauke her selfe hath hid,
Not caring how, her silly life to saue,
4 She her gay painted plumes disorderid,
Seeing at last her selfe from daunger rid,
6 Peepes +foorth+, and soone renewes her natiue pride;
She gins her feathers foule disfigured
8 Proudly to prune, and set on euery side,
So shakes off shame, ne thinks how erst she did her hide.
6 foorth > forth 1590
1 As fearful fowl (that long in secret cave 2 For dread of soaring hawk herself has hidden, 3 Not caring how, her silly life to save,
silly > silly; feeble, frail, insignificant
4 She her gay painted plumes disordered), 5 Seeing at last herself from danger rid,
rid > spared; delivered
6 Peeps forth, and soon renews her native pride;
native > natural, innate pride > magnificence, splendour ("in his pride" is a heraldic term applied to the peacock in splendour)
7 She begins her feathers foul disfigured 8 Proudly to prune, and set on every side,
prune > preen
9 So shakes off shame, nor thinks how erst she did her hide.
erst > previously her > [herself]
203.37
So when her goodly visage he beheld,
2 He gan himselfe to vaunt: but when he vewed
Those deadly tooles, which in her hand she held,
4 Soone into other fits he was transmewed,
Till she to him her gratious speach renewed;
6 All haile, Sir knight, and well may thee befall,
As all the like, which honour haue pursewed
8 Through deedes of armes and prowesse martiall;
All vertue merits praise, but such the most of all.
1 So when her goodly visage he beheld,
goodly > beautiful
2 He began himself to vaunt: but when he viewed
vaunt > display; or perhaps aphetic for: avaunt: advance proudly (cf. 203.6:3)
3 Those deadly tools, which in her hand she held,
tools > weapons
4 Soon into other fits he was transmewed,
fits > moods, humours; hence: a frame of mind transmewed > transmuted
5 Till she to him her gracious speech renewed: 6 "All hail, sir knight, and well may you befall,
well > well-being; hence: good fortune
7 As all the like, who honour have pursued 8 Through deeds of arms and prowess martial;
prowess > valour
9 All virtue merits praise, but such the most of all."
203.38
To whom he thus; {o^} fairest vnder skie,
2 True be thy words, and worthy of thy praise,
That warlike feats doest highest glorifie.
4 Therein +haue I+ spent all my youthly daies,
And many battailes fought, and many fraies
6 Throughout the world, wher so they might be found,
Endeuouring my dreadded name to raise
8 Aboue the Moone, that fame may it resound
In her eternall trompe, with laurell girland cround.
4 haue I > I haue 1590
1 To whom he thus: "O fairest under sky, 2 True be your words, and worthy of your praise, 3 That warlike feats do highest glorify.
That > [You who]
4 Therein have I spent all my youthly days, 5 And many battles fought, and many frays 6 Throughout the world, whereso they might be found,
whereso > wherever
7 Endeavouring my dreaded name to raise 8 Above the moon, that fame may it resound
Above the moon > In heaven, in eternity (Belphoebe's foster-mother,
Diana, is the goddess of the moon, making this choice of phrase
splendidly crass)
that > [so that]
9 In her eternal trump, with laurel garland crowned.
trump > {Trumpet-note; hence: proclamation of fame, glory, etc.} laurel > (Used to make a wreath for conquerors)
203.39
But what art thou, {o^} Ladie, which doest raunge
2 In this wilde forrest, where no pleasure is,
And doest not it for ioyous court exchaunge,
4 Emongst thine equall peres, where happie blis
And all delight does raigne, much more then this?
6 There thou maist loue, and dearely loued bee,
And swim in pleasure, which thou here doest mis;
8 There maist thou best be seene, and best maist see:
The wood is fit for beasts, the court is fit for thee.
1 "But what are you, O lady, who do range 2 In this wild forest, where no pleasure is, 3 And do not it for joyous court exchange, 4 Amongst your equal peers, where happy bliss
peers > nobles; peers (those equally matched with her)
5 And all delight do reign, much more than this? 6 There you may love, and dearly loved be, 7 And swim in pleasure, which you here do miss;
do miss > lack, want; do without
8 There may you best be seen, and best may see: 9 The wood is fit for beasts, the court is fit for you."
203.40
Who so in pompe of proud estate (quoth she)
2 Does swim, and bathes himselfe in courtly blis,
Does waste his dayes in darke obscuritee,
4 And in obliuion euer buried is:
Where ease abounds, yt's eath to doe amis;
6 But who his limbs with labours, and his mind
Behaues with cares, cannot so easie mis.
8 Abroad in armes, at home in studious kind
Who seekes with painfull toile, shall honor soonest find.
1 "Whoso in pomp of proud estate," quoth she,
Whoso > Whosoever estate > rank, status; condition
2 "Does swim, and bathes himself in courtly bliss, 3 Does waste his days in dark obscurity, 4 And in oblivion ever buried is: 5 Where ease abounds, it's eath to do amiss;
eath > easy amiss > evil; [an] evil deed (cf. Hamlet IV v 18)
6 But who his limbs with labours, and his mind
who > [he who]
7 Behaves with cares, cannot so easy miss.
Behaves > Conducts, regulates cares > concern; thought, study miss > go wrong
8 Abroad in arms, at home in studious kind,
arms > deeds of arms kind > station in life, place; manner, way
9 Who seeks with painful toil, shall Honour soonest find.
Who > [He who]
203.41
In woods, in waues, in warres she wonts to dwell,
2 And will be found with perill and with paine;
Ne can the man, that moulds in idle cell,
4 Vnto her happie mansion attaine:
Before her gate high God did Sweat ordaine,
6 And wakefull watches euer to abide:
But easie is the way, and passage plaine
8 To pleasures pallace; it may soone be spide,
And day and night her dores to all stand open wide.
1 "In woods, in waves, in wars she wonts to dwell,
she > [Honour] wonts > is accustomed
2 And will be found with peril and with pain; 3 Nor can the man, that moulds in idle cell,
moulds > moulders, decays cell > {Dwelling consisting of a single chamber, occupied by a hermit; small room with single occupant, as in a monastery, prison, etc.}
4 To her happy mansion attain:
mansion > (In the modern sense: a large and stately residence, to contrast with the "cell' in line 3)
5 Before her gate high God did sweat ordain,
sweat > exertion, toil; pains, trouble
6 And wakeful watches ever to abide:
watches > sentinels abide > remain
7 But easy is the way, and passage plain
plain > clear; open; public (cf. 104.2:8)
8 To Pleasure's palace; it may soon be spied,
Pleasure > (The enchantress, Acrasia (so named at 212.1:8 and 212.48:8))
9 And day and night her doors to all stand open wide.
203.42
In Princes court, The rest she would haue said,
2 But that the foolish man, fild with delight
Of her sweet words, that all his sence dismaid,
4 And with her wondrous beautie rauisht quight,
Gan burne in filthy lust, and leaping light,
6 Thought in his bastard armes her to embrace.
With that she swaruing backe, her Iauelin bright
8 Against him bent, and fiercely did menace:
So turned her about, and fled away apace.
1 "In prince's court …" The rest she would have said, 2 But that the foolish man (filled with delight
But > Except
3 Of her sweet words, that all his sense dismayed,
dismayed > overcame
4 And with her wondrous beauty ravished quite), 5 Gan burn in filthy lust, and leaping light,
Gan > Did; began to light > quickly
6 Thought in his bastard arms her to embrace.
bastard > base, lowly
7 With that she, swerving back, her javelin bright
swerving > shrinking; swerving
8 Against him bent, and fiercely did menace:
bent > directed, brought to bear
9 So turned her about, and fled away apace.
her > [herself] apace > swiftly
203.43
Which when the Peasant saw, amazd he stood,
2 And +grieued+ at her flight; yet durst he not
Pursew her steps, through wild vnknowen wood;
4 Besides he feard her wrath, and threatned shot
Whiles in the bush he lay, not yet forgot:
6 Ne car'd he greatly for her presence vaine,
But turning said to Trompart, What foule blot
8 Is this to knight, that Ladie should againe
Depart to woods vntoucht, and leaue so proud disdaine?
2 grieued > greiued 1596
1 Which when the peasant saw, amazed he stood,
peasant > boor, clown, lout
2 And grieved at her flight; yet dared he not
at > by
3 Pursue her steps, through wild unknown wood; 4 Besides, he feared her wrath, and threatened shot 5 While in the bush he lay, not yet forgotten: 6 Nor cared he greatly for her presence vain,
vain > vain, proud; useless (because she is inexplicably resistant to his charms)
7 But, turning, said to Trompart, "What foul blot 8 Is this to knight, that lady should again 9 Depart to woods untouched, and leave so proud disdain?"
untouched > (Sexually: cf. 102.40:9) leave so > [leave such; leave in such] disdain > indignation, anger; dudgeon
203.44
Perdie (said Trompart) let her passe at will,
2 Least by her presence daunger mote befall.
For who can tell (and sure I feare it ill)
4 But that she is some powre celestiall?
For whiles she spake, her great words did apall
6 My feeble courage, and my hart oppresse,
That yet I quake and tremble ouer all.
8 And I (said Braggadocchio) thought no lesse,
When first I heard her horne sound with such ghastlinesse.
1 "Pardie," said Trompart, "let her pass at will,
Pardie > truly; "by God"
2 Lest by her presence danger might befall. 3 For who can tell (and sure I fear it ill) 4 But that she is some power celestial? 5 For while she spoke, her great words did appal 6 My feeble courage, and my heart oppress,
courage > spirit
7 That yet I quake and tremble over all."
That > [So that] over all > everywhere (in all parts of my body)
8 "And I," said Braggadocchio, "thought no less, 9 When first I heard her horn sound with such ghastliness.
ghastliness > {Ghostliness; that which induces terror of the supernatural}
203.45
For from my mothers wombe this grace I haue
2 Me giuen by eternall destinie,
That earthly thing may not my courage braue
4 Dismay with feare, or cause +on+ foot to flie,
But either hellish feends, or powres on hie:
6 Which was the cause, when earst that horne I heard,
Weening it had beene thunder in the skie,
8 I hid my selfe from it, as one affeard;
But when I other knew, my selfe I boldly reard.
4 on > one 1609
1 "For from my mother's womb this grace I have 2 Me given by eternal destiny,
Me given > [Given to me]
3 That earthly thing may not my courage brave
brave > splendid, fine; brave
4 Dismay with fear, or cause on foot to fly,
on > (See Textual Appendix) fly > flee
5 But either hellish fiends, or powers on high:
But > Unless [it be]
6 Which was the cause, when erst that horn I heard,
erst > first
7 Weening it had been thunder in the sky,
Weening > Supposing, believing
8 I hid myself from it, as one afeard;
afeard > frightened
9 But when I other knew, myself I boldly reared.
other > otherwise
203.46
But now for feare of worse, that may betide,
2 Let vs soone hence depart. They soone agree;
So to his steed he got, and gan to ride,
4 As one vnfit therefore, that all might see
He had not trayned bene in cheualree.
6 Which well that valiant courser did discerne;
For he despysd to tread in dew degree,
8 But chaufd and fom'd, with courage fierce and sterne,
And to be easd of that base burden still did +erne+.
9 erne > yerne 1609
1 "But now, for fear of worse that may betide,
betide > happen, befall
2 Let us soon hence depart." They soon agree;
soon > at once
3 So to his steed he got, and began to ride, 4 As one unfit therefor, that all might see
therefor > for that [for riding such a steed]
5 He had not trained been in chivalry.
chivalry > cavalry, horsemanship; knightly conduct
6 Which well that valiant courser did discern; 7 For he despised to tread in due degree,
in due degree > carefully, slowly
8 But chafed and foamed with courage fierce and stern,
stern > stern; terrible
9 And to be eased of that base burden still did yearn.
still > ever
CANTO IV
Guyon does Furor bind in chaines,
2 and stops Occasion:
Deliuers +Phedon+, and therefore
4 by +strife+ is rayld vpon.
3 Phedon > Phaon 1590 4 strife > Strife 1609
1 Guyon does Furor bind in chains,
Furor > "Madness" (Latin)
2 and stops Occasion:
Occasion > "Opportunity"
3 Delivers Phedon, and therefore
Phedon > (Meaning and origin uncertain)
4 by Strife is railed upon.
Strife > Atin (named at 204.42:5) railed upon > abused
204.1
IN braue pursuit of honorable deed,
2 There is I know not what great difference
Betweene the vulgar and the noble seed,
4 Which vnto things of valorous pretence
Seemes to be borne by natiue influence;
6 As feates of armes, and loue to entertaine,
But chiefly skill to ride, seemes a science
8 Proper to gentle bloud; some others faine
To menage steeds, as did this vaunter; but in vaine.
1 In brave pursuit of honourable deed,
brave > fine, splendid
2 There is I know not what great difference 3 Between the vulgar and the noble seed,
vulgar > common, ordinary seed > children, offspring (hence "noble seed" = "nobility")
4 Which to things of valorous pretence
Which > (Referring to "the noble seed") pretence > expressed intention, purpose, design
5 Seems to be born by native influence;
native > [virtue of] natal; hence: astrological
6 As feats of arms, and love to entertain,
As > [Such as] entertain > deal with; occupy oneself with; receive, be receptive to; cherish
7 But chiefly skill to ride, seems a science
science > skill, lore
8 Proper to gentle blood; some others feign
Proper > Belonging, peculiar; proper gentle > noble feign > [pretend to be able]
9 To manage steeds, as did this vaunter; but in vain.
vaunter > boaster [Braggadocchio]
204.2
But he the rightfull owner of that steed,
2 Who well could menage and subdew his pride,
The whiles on foot was forced for to yeed,
4 With that blacke Palmer, his most trusty guide;
Who suffred not his wandring feet to slide.
6 But when strong passion, or weake fleshlinesse
Would from the right way seeke to draw him wide,
8 He would through temperance and stedfastnesse,
Teach him the weake to strengthen, and the strong suppresse.
1 But he, the rightful owner of that steed,
he > [Guyon]
2 Who well could manage and subdue his pride,
pride > (Again the horse appears as a symbol of its rider's nature: cf. 102.8, etc.)
3 The whiles on foot was forced to yode,
The whiles > Meanwhile yode > go
4 With that black palmer, his most trusty guide;
black > (Referring to the colour of his clothes; see 201.7:2)
5 Who suffered not his wandering feet to slide.
suffered > allowed slide > [slide into error]
6 But when strong passion, or weak fleshliness, 7 Would from the right way seek to draw him wide, 8 He would, through temperance and steadfastness, 9 Teach him the weak to strengthen, and the strong suppress.
204.3
It fortuned forth faring on his way,
2 He saw from farre, or seemed for to see
Some troublous vprore or contentious fray,
4 Whereto he drew in haste it to agree.
A mad man, or that feigned mad to bee,
6 Drew by the haire along vpon the ground,
A handsome stripling with great crueltee,
8 Whom sore he bett, and gor'd with many a wound,
That cheekes with teares, and sides with bloud did all abound.
1 It fortuned, forth faring on his way, 2 He saw from far, or seemed to see, 3 Some troublous uproar or contentious fray, 4 Whereto he drew in haste it to agree.
agree > settle, reconcile
5 A madman, or that feigned mad to be,
madman > [Furor] that > [one that]
6 Drew by the hair, along upon the ground, 7 A handsome stripling with great cruelty, 8 Whom sore he beat, and gored with many a wound, 9 That cheeks with tears, and sides with blood did all abound.
That > [So that the stripling's]
204.4
And him behind, a wicked Hag did stalke,
2 In ragged robes, and filthy disaray,
Her other leg was lame, that she no'te +walke,+
4 But on a staffe her feeble steps did stay;
Her lockes, that loathly were and hoarie gray,
6 Grew all afore, and +loosely+ hong vnrold,
But all behind was bald, and worne away,
8 That none thereof could euer taken hold,
And eke her face ill fauourd, full of wrinckles old.
3 walke, > walke. 1590, 1596 6 loosely > loosly 1590
1 And him behind a wicked hag did stalk,
a wicked hag > [Occasion]
2 In ragged robes, and filthy disarray,
disarray > {Imperfect or improper attire}
3 Her other leg was lame, that she no'te walk,
that > [so that] no'te > could not
4 But on a staff her feeble steps did stay;
stay > support
5 Her locks, that loathly were and hoary grey,
loathly > loathsome, repulsive
6 Grew all afore, and loosely hung unrolled, 7 But all behind was bald, and worn away, 8 That none thereof could ever take hold,
That > [So that]
9 And eke her face ill-favoured, full of wrinkles old.
eke > also [was] ill-favoured > ugly
204.5
And euer as she went, her tongue did walke
2 In foule reproch, and termes of vile despight,
Prouoking him by her outrageous talke,
4 To heape more vengeance on that wretched wight;
Sometimes she raught him stones, wherwith to smite,
6 Sometimes her staffe, though it her one leg were,
Withouten which she could not go vpright;
8 Ne any euill meanes she did forbeare,
That might him moue to wrath, and indignation reare.
1 And ever as she went her tongue did walk
walk > move, remain in motion
2 In foul reproach, and terms of vile despite,
terms > words, language despite > anger; malice; contempt
3 Provoking him, by her outrageous talk,
him > [Furor] outrageous > outrageous; excessively fierce
4 To heap more vengeance on that wretched wight;
wight > person [Phedon]
5 Sometimes she raught him stones, wherewith to smite,
raught > reached, handed wherewith > with which
6 Sometimes her staff, though it her one leg were, 7 Without which she could not go upright; 8 Neither any evil means she did forbear, 9 That might him move to wrath, and indignation rear.
rear > arouse
204.6
The noble Guyon mou'd with great remorse,
2 Approching, first the Hag did thrust away,
And after adding more impetuous forse,
4 His mightie hands did on the madman lay,
And pluckt him backe; who all on fire streight way,
6 Against him turning all his fell intent,
With beastly brutish rage gan him assay,
8 And smot, and bit, and kickt, and scratcht, and rent,
And did he wist not what in his auengement.
1 The noble Guyon, moved with great remorse,
remorse > pity, compassion
2 Approaching, first the hag did thrust away 3 And, after adding more impetuous force, 4 His mighty hands did on the madman lay, 5 And plucked him back; who, all on fire straightway, 6 Against him turning all his fell intent,
fell > fierce, terrible
7 With beastly brutish rage gan him assay,
gan > did assay > assail
8 And smote, and bit, and kicked, and scratched, and rent,
rent > tore
9 And did he wist not what in his avengement.
wist > knew avengement > vengeance
204.7
And sure he was a man of mickle might,
2 Had he had gouernance, it well to guide:
But when the franticke fit inflamd his spright,
4 His force was vaine, and strooke more often wide,
Then at the aymed marke, which he had eide:
6 And oft himselfe he chaunst to hurt vnwares,
Whilst reason blent through passion, nought descride,
8 But as a blindfold Bull at randon fares,
And where he hits, nought knowes, and whom he hurts, nought cares.
1 And sure he was a man of mickle might,
mickle > much
2 Had he had governance, it well to guide:
governance > management, self-control
3 But when the frantic fit inflamed his spirit 4 His force was vain, and struck more often wide
vain > empty, unavailing
5 Than at the aimed mark, which he had eyed: 6 And oft himself he chanced to hurt unwares,
unwares > unwittingly
7 Whilst reason, blended through passion, naught descried,
blended > blinded; also: stirred up, hence: spoiled, rendered turbid naught > nothing at all
8 But as a blindfolded bull at random fares, 9 And where he hits naught knows, and whom he hurts naught cares.
naught > not at all naught > nothing at all
204.8
His rude assault and rugged handeling
2 Straunge seemed to the knight, that aye with foe
In faire defence and goodly menaging
4 Of armes was wont to fight, yet nathemoe
Was he abashed now not fighting so,
6 But more enfierced through his currish play,
Him sternely grypt, and haling to and fro,
8 To ouerthrow him strongly did assay,
But ouerthrew himselfe vnwares, and lower lay.
1 His rude assault and rugged handling
rude > violent rugged > rough handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct
2 Strange seemed to the knight, that ay with foe
ay > ever, always
3 In fair defence and goodly managing
managing > handling, wielding
4 Of arms was wont to fight, yet nathemore
wont > accustomed nathemore > never the more, not at all
5 Was he abashed now not fighting so, 6 But, more enfierced through his currish play,
enfierced > made fierce currish > cur-like: quarrelsome, snappish
7 Him sternly gripped and, haling to and fro,
sternly > fiercely haling > hauling, dragging
8 To overthrow him strongly did essay,
essay > attempt
9 But overthrew himself unwares, and lower lay.
unwares > unexpectedly
204.9
And being downe the villein sore did beat,
2 And bruze with clownish fistes his manly face:
And eke the Hag with many a bitter threat,
4 Still cald vpon to kill him in the place.
With whose reproch and odious menace
6 The knight emboyling in his haughtie hart,
Knit all his forces, and gan soone vnbrace
8 His grasping hold: so lightly did vpstart,
And drew his deadly weapon, to maintaine his part.
1 And, being down, the villein sore did beat,
villein > villain; serf
2 And bruise with clownish fists his manly face:
clownish > coarse; clumsy
3 And eke the hag, with many a bitter threat,
eke > also
4 Still called upon to kill him in the place.
Still > Continuously upon > [upon Furor] in the place > there; on the spot, right away
5 With whose reproach and odious menace 6 The knight, emboiling in his haughty heart,
emboiling > boiling with rage (SUS)
7 Knit all his forces, and gan soon unbrace
gan soon unbrace > did immediately loosen
8 His grasping hold: so lightly did upstart,
lightly > quickly, lightly upstart > get up
9 And drew his deadly weapon, to maintain his part.
maintain > defend part > {Side in a contest; cause}
204.10
Which when the Palmer saw, he loudly cryde,
2 Not so, {o^} Guyon, neuer thinke that so
That Monster can be maistred or destroyd:
4 He is +not+, ah, he is not such a foe,
As steele can wound, or strength can ouerthroe.
6 That same is Furor, cursed cruell wight,
That vnto knighthood workes much shame and woe;
8 And that same Hag, his aged mother, hight
Occasion, the root of all wrath +and+ despight.
4 not > no 1590 etc.: FE 9 and > aud 1596
1 Which when the palmer saw, he loudly cried, 2 "Not so, O Guyon, never think that so
so > thus
3 That monster can be mastered or destroyed: 4 He is not, ah, he is not such a foe 5 As steel can wound, or strength can overthrow. 6 That same is Furor, cursed cruel wight,
wight > creature, being
7 That to knighthood works much shame and woe; 8 And that same hag, his aged mother, hight
hight > is called
9 Occasion, the root of all wrath and despite.
despite > malice; rage; outrage
204.11
With her, who so will raging Furor tame,
2 Must first begin, and well her amenage:
First her restraine from her reprochfull blame,
4 And euill meanes, with which she doth enrage
Her franticke sonne, and kindles his courage,
6 Then when she is withdrawen, or strong withstood,
It's eath his idle furie to asswage,
8 And calme the tempest of his passion wood;
The bankes are ouerflowen, when stopped is the flood.
1 "With her, whoso will raging Furor tame
whoso > whoever
2 Must first begin, and well her amenage:
amenage > tame, domesticate; control (WU)
3 First her restrain from her reproachful blame
reproachful > shameful, disgraceful blame > {Reproach, the action of censuring, reprehension}
4 And evil means, with which she does enrage 5 Her frantic son, and kindles his courage,
courage > wrath; confidence
6 Then when she is withdrawn, or strong withstood, 7 It's eath his idle fury to assuage,
eath > easy idle > empty; unavailing, futile assuage > abate
8 And calm the tempest of his passion wood;
passion > {Outburst of anger; overpowering access of emotion; affection of the mind; also: suffering, affliction} wood > furious, mad
9 The banks are overflowed, when stopped is the flood."
204.12
Therewith Sir Guyon left his first emprise,
2 And turning to that woman, fast her hent
By the hoare lockes, that hong before her eyes,
4 And to the ground her threw: yet n'ould she stent
Her bitter rayling and foule reuilement,
6 But still prouokt her sonne to wreake her wrong;
But nathelesse he did her still torment,
8 And catching hold of her vngratious +tong+,
Thereon an yron +lock+ did fasten firme and strong.
8 tong > tongue 1590; tonge FE 9 lock > lock, 1590, 1596
1 Therewith Sir Guyon left his first emprise
Therewith > With that emprise > undertaking, enterprise
2 And, turning to that woman, fast her hent
fast > firmly hent > seized
3 By the hoar locks that hung before her eyes,
hoar > hoary, grey
4 And to the ground her threw: yet nould she stint
nould > would not stint > desist from
5 Her bitter railing and foul revilement,