revilement > {The action of reviling}
6 But still provoked her son to wreak her wrong;
wrong > evil intent
7 But natheless he did her still torment,
natheless > nevertheless
8 And, catching hold of her ungracious tongue,
ungracious > wicked
9 Thereon an iron lock did fasten firm and strong.
lock > {Any contrivance for fastening; cf. Isa. 37.29}
204.13
Then when as vse of speach was from her reft,
2 With her two crooked handes she signes did make,
And beckned him, the last helpe she had left:
4 But he that last left helpe away did take,
And both her hands fast bound vnto a stake,
6 That she +note+ stirre. Then gan her sonne to flie
Full fast away, and did her quite forsake;
8 But Guyon after him in haste did hie,
And soone him ouertooke in sad perplexitie.
6 note > no'te 1609
1 Then, when use of speech was from her reft,
reft > taken away
2 With her two crooked hands she signs did make, 3 And beckoned him (the last help she had left):
him > [Furor]
4 But he that last left help away did take,
he > [Guyon]
5 And both her hands fast bound to a stake,
fast > firmly
6 That she no'te stir. Then began her son to fly
no'te > could not fly > flee
7 Full fast away, and did her quite forsake;
Full > Very, exceedingly
8 But Guyon after him in haste did hie, 9 And soon him overtook in sad perplexity.
perplexity > distress
204.14
In his strong armes he stiffely him embraste,
2 Who him gainstriuing, nought at all preuaild:
For all his power was vtterly defaste,
4 And furious fits at earst quite weren quaild:
Oft he re'nforst, and oft his forces fayld,
6 Yet yield he would not, nor his rancour slacke.
Then him to ground he cast, and rudely hayld,
8 And both his hands fast bound behind his backe,
And both his feet in fetters to an yron racke.
1 In his strong arms he stiffly him embraced,
stiffly > strongly; tightly
2 Who, him gainstriving, naught at all prevailed:
gainstriving > opposing, striving against
3 For all his power was utterly defaced,
defaced > destroyed
4 And furious fits at erst quite were quailed:
erst > once (catachr.) quailed > overpowered
5 Oft he reinforced, and oft his forces failed,
reinforced > made a fresh effort
6 Yet yield he would not, nor his rancour slack. 7 Then him to ground he cast, and rudely haled,
rudely > roughly, violently haled > hauled, dragged
8 And both his hands fast bound behind his back,
fast > firmly
9 And both his feet in fetters to an iron rack.
rack > {Iron bar to which prisoners were secured}
204.15
With hundred yron chaines he did him bind,
2 And hundred knots that did him sore constraine:
Yet his great yron teeth he still did grind,
4 And grimly gnash, threatning reuenge in vaine:
His burning eyen, whom bloudie strakes did staine,
6 Stared full wide, and threw forth sparkes of fire,
And more for ranck despight, then for great paine,
8 Shakt his long lockes, colourd like copper-wire,
And bit his tawny beard to shew his raging ire.
1 With hundred iron chains he did him bind, 2 And hundred knots that did him sore constrain:
hundred knots > (Cf. Aen. 1.294-6, where Furor is bound with a bronze chain of 100 links)
3 Yet his great iron teeth he still did grind, 4 And grimly gnash, threatening revenge in vain:
grimly > grimly, fiercely; dreadfully
5 His burning eyes, which bloody strakes did stain,
strakes > streaks
6 Stared full wide, and threw forth sparks of fire,
Stared > {Glared; opened wide in madness or fury} full > exceedingly
7 And, more for rank despite than for great pain,
rank > proud, rebellious; violent; excessive; festering; virulent despite > malice, spite; rage
8 Shook his long locks, coloured like copper wire,
Shook > [He shook]
9 And bit his tawny beard to show his raging ire.
204.16
Thus when as Guyon Furor had captiu'd,
2 Turning about he saw that wretched Squire,
Whom that mad man of life nigh late depriu'd,
4 Lying on ground, all soild with bloud and mire:
Whom when as he perceiued to respire,
6 He gan to comfort, and his wounds to dresse.
Being at last recured, he gan inquire,
8 What hard mishap him brought to such distresse,
And made that caitiues thral, the thral of wretchednesse.
1 Thus when Guyon Furor had captived,
captived > made captive
2 Turning about, he saw that wretched squire
squire > {One ranking next to a knight in the feudal system of military service and tenure; also: a gallant, lover}
3 (Whom that madman of life nigh late deprived)
late > lately
4 Lying on ground, all soiled with blood and mire: 5 Whom when he perceived to respire, 6 He began to comfort, and his wounds to dress. 7 Being at last recured, he gan inquire
recured > recovered, restored he gan > [Guyon did]
8 What hard mishap him brought to such distress, 9 And made that caitiff's thrall, the thrall of wretchedness.
caitiff's thrall > wretch's slave
204.17
With hart then throbbing, and with watry eyes,
2 Faire Sir (quoth he) what man can shun the hap,
That hidden lyes vnwares him to +surpryse?+
4 Misfortune waites aduantage to entrap
The man most warie in her whelming lap.
6 So me weake wretch, of many weakest +one+,
Vnweeting, and vnware of such mishap,
8 She brought to mischiefe through +occasion+,
Where this same wicked villein did me +light vpon+.
3 surpryse? > surpryse 1590, 1596 6 one > wretch 1590 8 occasion > her guilful trech 1590 9 light vpon > wandring ketch 1590
1 With heart then throbbing, and with watery eyes, 2 "Fair sir," quoth he, "what man can shun the hap
hap > chance, fortune
3 That hidden lies unwares him to surprise?
unwares > unexpectedly; suddenly
4 Misfortune waits advantage to entrap
waits > lies in wait for advantage > [a] time of advantage, chance, opportunity
5 The man most wary in her whelming lap.
whelming > submerging, engulfing; ruinous
6 So me, weak wretch, of many weakest one,
weakest > [the weakest]
7 Unweeting, and unware of such mishap,
Unweeting > Unwitting, unsuspecting unware > unaware; unvigilant
8 She brought to mischief through occasion,
She > [Misfortune] mischief > misfortune, disaster; evil occasion > [an] opportunity
9 Where this same wicked villein did me light upon.
Where > [In which, at which] villein > villain; serf
204.18
It was a faithlesse Squire, that was the sourse
2 Of all my sorrow, and of these sad teares,
With whom from tender dug of commune nourse,
4 Attonce I was vpbrought, and eft when yeares
More rype vs reason lent to +chose+ our Peares,
6 Our selues in league of vowed loue we knit:
In which we long time without gealous feares,
8 +Or+ faultie thoughts continewd, as was fit;
And for my part I vow, dissembled not a whit.
5 chose > chuse 1609 8 Or > Our 1609
1 "It was a faithless squire, that was the source
squire > gallant, lover
2 Of all my sorrow, and of these sad tears, 3 With whom from tender dug of common nurse,
dug > breast; teat
4 At once I was upbrought, and eft, when years
At once > Together, simultaneously upbrought > brought up eft > afterwards
5 More ripe us reason lent to choose our peers,
peers > companions
6 Ourselves in league of vowed love we knit: 7 In which we long time, without jealous fears 8 Or faulty thoughts, continued, as was fit; 9 And, for my part I vow, dissembled not a whit.
204.19
+It+ was my fortune commune to that age,
2 To loue a Ladie faire of great degree,
The which was borne of noble parentage,
4 And set in highest seat of dignitee,
Yet seemd no lesse to loue, then loued to bee:
6 Long I her seru'd, and found her faithfull still,
Ne euer thing could cause vs disagree:
8 Loue that two harts makes +one,+ makes eke one will:
Each stroue to please, and others pleasure to fulfill.
1 It > Is 1596 8 one, > one; 1596
1 "It was my fortune, common to that age,
age > {Time of life}
2 To love a lady fair of great degree,
degree > social station
3 Who was born of noble parentage, 4 And set in highest seat of dignity, 5 Yet seemed no less to love, than loved to be: 6 Long I her served, and found her faithful still,
still > always
7 Ne ever thing could cause us disagree:
Ne ever > Nor ever; never disagree > [to disagree]
8 Love that two hearts makes one, makes eke one will:
eke > also
9 Each strove to please, and other's pleasure to fulfil.
204.20
My friend, hight Philemon, I did +partake,+
2 Of all my loue and all my priuitie;
Who greatly ioyous seemed for my sake,
4 And gratious to that Ladie, as to mee,
Ne euer wight, that mote so welcome bee,
6 As he to her, withouten blot or blame,
Ne euer thing, that she could thinke or see,
8 But vnto him she would impart the same:
O wretched man, that would abuse so gentle Dame.
1 partake, > partake 1609
1 "My friend, hight Philemon, I did partake
hight > named Philemon > "My Friend" (Greek) partake > inform
2 Of all my love and all my privity;
privity > private knowledge, secrets
3 Who greatly joyous seemed for my sake, 4 And gracious to that lady, as to me;
gracious > [as gracious]
5 Ne ever wight that might so welcome be,
Ne ever > Never [a] wight > person
6 As he to her, without blot or blame,
blame > imputation
7 Ne ever thing that she could think or see,
Ne ever > Nor ever; never
8 But to him she would impart the same: 9 O wretched man, that would abuse so gentle dame!
abuse > deceive; take advantage of; violate gentle > gentle; noble [a]
204.21
At last such grace I found, and meanes I wrought,
2 That I that Ladie to my spouse had wonne;
Accord of friends, consent of parents sought,
4 Affiance made, my happinesse begonne,
There wanted nought but few rites to be donne,
6 Which mariage make; that day too farre did seeme:
Most ioyous man, on whom the shining +Sunne,+
8 Did shew his face, my selfe I did esteeme,
And that my falser friend did no lesse ioyous deeme.
7 Sunne, > Sunne 1609
1 "At last such grace I found, and means I wrought,
grace > favour, goodwill
2 That I that lady to my spouse had won;
to > [to become] won > persuaded
3 Accord of friends, consent of parents sought, 4 Affiance made, my happiness begun,
Affiance > Betrothal
5 There wanted naught but few rites to be done, 6 Which marriage make; that day too far did seem: 7 Most joyous man on whom the shining sun 8 Did show his face, myself I did esteem,
esteem > estimate, reckon
9 And that my falser friend did no less joyous deem.
that > [that day] falser > falsest; too false
204.22
But ere that wished day his beame disclosd,
2 He either enuying my toward good,
Or of himselfe to treason ill +disposd+
4 One day vnto me came in friendly mood,
And told for secret how he vnderstood
6 That Ladie whom I had to me assynd,
Had both distaind her honorable blood,
8 And eke the faith, which she to me did bynd;
And therfore wisht me stay, till I more truth should fynd.
3 disposd > disposd, 1609
1 "But ere that wished day its beam disclosed, 2 He, either envying my toward good,
envying > begrudging; envying toward > approaching, impending; propitious
3 Or of himself to treason ill disposed, 4 One day to me came in friendly mood, 5 And told for secret how he understood 6 That lady, whom I had to me assigned,
That > [That that] assigned > allotted; designated (for marriage)
7 Had both distained her honourable blood
distained > sullied
8 And eke the faith which she to me did bind;
eke > also
9 And therefore wished me stay till I more truth should find.
stay > [to] wait
204.23
The gnawing anguish and sharpe gelosy,
2 Which his sad speech infixed in my brest,
Ranckled so sore, and festred inwardly,
4 That my engreeued mind could find no rest,
Till that the truth thereof I did outwrest,
6 And him besought by that same sacred band
Betwixt vs both, to counsell me the best.
8 He then with solemne oath and plighted hand
Assur'd, ere long the truth to let me vnderstand.
1 "The gnawing anguish and sharp jealousy, 2 Which his sad speech infixed in my breast, 3 Rankled so sore, and festered inwardly, 4 That my engrieved mind could find no rest,
engrieved > aggravated; grieved
5 Till the truth thereof I did outwrest,
outwrest > wrest out, extract
6 And him besought, by that same sacred band 7 Betwixt us both, to counsel me the best. 8 He then, with solemn oath and plighted hand, 9 Assured, ere long, the truth to let me understand.
Assured > Pledged
204.24
Ere long with like againe he boorded mee,
2 Saying, he now had boulted all the floure,
And that it was a groome of base degree,
4 Which of my loue was partner Paramoure:
Who vsed in a darkesome inner bowre
6 Her oft to meet: which better to approue,
He promised to bring me at that howre,
8 When I should see, that would me nearer moue,
And driue me to withdraw my blind abused loue.
1 "Ere long with like again he boarded me,
boarded > drew near to and addressed, accosted
2 Saying, he now had bolted all the flour,
bolted > sifted; examined by sifting, searched (proverbial)
3 And that it was a groom of base degree,
groom > fellow degree > rank
4 Who of my love was partner paramour:
paramour > (Adv.) in sexual love
5 Who used in a darksome inner bower
used > was accustomed, was in the habit of bower > chamber
6 Her oft to meet: which better to approve,
approve > prove, demonstrate
7 He promised to bring me at that hour 8 When I should see that would me nearer move,
that > [that which] nearer move > affect more deeply
9 And drive me to withdraw my blind abused love.
abused > deceived; abused
204.25
This gracelesse man for furtherance of his guile,
2 Did court the handmayd of my Lady deare,
Who glad t'embosome his affection vile,
4 Did all she might, more pleasing to appeare.
One day to worke her to his will more neare,
6 He woo'd her thus: Pryene (so she hight)
What great despight doth fortune to thee beare,
8 Thus lowly to abase thy beautie bright,
That it should not deface all others lesser light?
1 "This graceless man, for furtherance of his guile, 2 Did court the handmaid of my lady dear, 3 Who, glad to embosom his affection vile,
embosom > embrace (chiefly fig.)
4 Did all she might, more pleasing to appear. 5 One day, to work her to his will more near,
near > closely
6 He wooed her thus: `Pryene,' (so she hight)
Pryene > (The name is possibly derived from pyr, the Greek word for fire (cf. "prytaneum"), in that she is identified as both an incendiary in the story (see 204.29:8) and herself inflamed with love (204.27:1)) hight > is named
7 `What great despite does Fortune to you bear,
despite > ill-will, malice
8 Thus lowly to abase your beauty bright, 9 That it should not deface all others' lesser light?
deface > cast in the shade
204.26
But if she had her least helpe to thee lent,
2 T'adorne thy forme according thy desart,
Their blazing pride thou wouldest soone haue blent,
4 And staynd their prayses with thy least good part;
Ne should faire Claribell with all her art,
6 Though she thy Lady be, approch thee neare:
For proofe thereof, this euening, as thou art,
8 Aray thy selfe in her most gorgeous geare,
That I may more delight in thy embracement deare.
1 "`But if she had her least help to you lent,
she > [Fortune]
2 To adorn your form according your desert,
your desert > [to your merits]
3 Their blazing pride you would soon have blended,
blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, spoiled
4 And stained their praises with your least good part;
stained > {Deprived of colour and lustre} praises > [the praises they receive; cf. 111.7:6] part > quality; accomplishment
5 Neither should fair Claribella, with all her art,
Claribella > "Clear and Beautiful" (Latin. This spelling is adopted in view of 204.28:3, and to differentiate her from the "Claribell" in 612)
6 Though she your lady be, approach you near: 7 For proof thereof, this evening, as you are, 8 Array yourself in her most gorgeous gear,
gear > clothes
9 That I may more delight in your embracement dear.'
That > [So that] embracement > embrace, embraces
204.27
The Maiden proud through prayse, and mad through loue
2 Him hearkned to, and soone her selfe arayd,
The whiles to me the treachour did remoue
4 His craftie engin, and as he had sayd,
Me leading, in a secret corner layd,
6 The sad spectatour of my Tragedie;
Where left, he went, and his owne false part playd,
8 Disguised like that groome of base degree,
Whom he had feignd th'abuser of my loue to bee.
1 "The maiden, proud through praise, and mad through love, 2 Him hearkened to, and soon herself arrayed; 3 The whiles to me the treacher did remove
The whiles > Meanwhile treacher > deceiver; traitor remove > [transfer from Pryene to myself]
4 His crafty engine and, as he had said,
engine > contrivance, scheme
5 Me leading, in a secret corner laid, 6 The sad spectator of my tragedy; 7 Where left, he went, and his own false part played, 8 Disguised like that groom of base degree
groom > fellow degree > rank
9 Whom he had feigned the abuser of my love to be.
204.28
Eftsoones he came vnto th'appointed place,
2 And with him brought +Priene+, rich arayd,
In Claribellaes clothes. Her proper face
4 I not +descerned+ in that darkesome shade,
But weend it was my loue, with whom he playd.
6 Ah God, what horrour and tormenting griefe
My hart, my hands, mine eyes, and all assayd?
8 Me liefer were ten thousand +deathes+ priefe,
Then wound of gealous worme, and shame of such repriefe.
2 Priene > Pryene 1590 4 descerned > discerned 1609 8 deathes > deathez 1609, to emphasize the disyllable; cf. 110.39:4, 200.5:4, 206.39:5
1 "Eftsoons he came to the appointed place,
Eftsoons > Thereupon
2 And with him brought Pryene, rich arrayed, 3 In Claribella's clothes. Her proper face
proper > own; beautiful; excellent, admirable
4 I not discerned in that darksome shade, 5 But weened it was my love with whom he played.
weened > supposed
6 Ah God, what horror and tormenting grief 7 My heart, my hands, my eyes, and all assayed?
assayed > assailed; made trial of
8 Me liefer were ten thousand deaths' proof,
Me liefer > Preferable to me, dearer to me proof > trial, experience
9 Than wound of jealous worm, and shame of such reproof.
worm > snake, serpent [of jealousy]; passion, gnawing torment reproof > shame, disgrace
204.29
I home returning, fraught with fowle despight,
2 And chawing vengeance all the way I went,
Soone as my loathed loue appeard in sight,
4 With wrathfull hand I slew her innocent;
That after soone I dearely did lament:
6 For when the cause of that outrageous deede
Demaunded, I made plaine and euident,
8 Her faultie Handmayd, which that bale did breede,
Confest, how Philemon her wrought to chaunge her weede.
1 "I, home returning (fraught with foul despite,
fraught > filled despite > anger; malice
2 And chawing vengeance all the way I went),
chawing > chewing, champing; fig.: ruminating upon, brooding over
3 Soon as my loathed love appeared in sight,
Soon > [As soon]
4 With wrathful hand I slew her innocent; 5 That after soon I dearly did lament:
That > [That deed] dearly > sorely, grievously
6 For when the cause of that outrageous deed
cause of > [motive for]
7 Demanded (I made plain and evident),
Demanded > [Was demanded] made > [made it]
8 Her faulty handmaid, who that bale did breed,
faulty > guilty bale > torment; infliction of death (and, keeping the meaning of "Pryene" in mind, see 101.16:7)
9 Confessed how Philemon her wrought to change her weed.
weed > clothing
204.30
Which when I heard, with horrible affright
2 And hellish fury all enragd, I sought
Vpon my selfe that vengeable despight
4 To punish: yet it better first I thought,
To wreake my wrath on him, that first it wrought.
6 To Philemon, false faytour Philemon
I cast to pay, that I so dearely bought;
8 Of deadly drugs I gaue him drinke anon,
And washt away his guilt with guiltie potion.
1 "Which when I heard, with horrible affright
affright > terror
2 And hellish fury all enraged, I sought 3 Upon myself that vengeable despite
vengeable > {Characterized by or arising from revenge; cruel, dreadful} despite > outrage; rage; malice
4 To punish: yet it better first, I thought,
punish > inflict [by way of punishment]
5 To wreak my wrath on him that first it wrought. 6 To Philemon, false faitour Philemon,
faitour > impostor
7 I cast to pay that I so dearly bought;
cast > decided, resolved that > [that which] dearly > grievously; expensively
8 Of deadly drugs I gave him drink anon,
drink > [to drink] anon > straightway; (catachr.) soon
9 And washed away his guilt with guilty potion.
204.31
Thus heaping crime on crime, and griefe on griefe,
2 To losse of loue adioyning losse of frend,
I meant to purge both with a third mischiefe,
4 And in my woes beginner it to end:
That was Pryene; she did first offend,
6 She last should smart: with which cruell intent,
When I at her my murdrous blade did bend,
8 She fled away with ghastly dreriment,
And I pursewing my fell purpose, after went.
1 "Thus heaping crime on crime, and grief on grief, 2 To loss of love adjoining loss of friend,
adjoining > uniting
3 I meant to purge both with a third mischief, 4 And in my woes' beginner it to end:
beginner > initiator, author
5 That was Pryene; she did first offend, 6 She last should smart: with which cruel intent,
smart > suffer
7 When I at her my murderous blade did bend,
bend > direct, bring to bear
8 She fled away with ghastly dreariment,
ghastly > frightful, terrible dreariment > horror
9 And I, pursuing my fell purpose, after went.
fell > terrible, dreadful
204.32
Feare gaue her wings, and rage enforst my flight;
2 Through woods and plaines so long I did her chace,
Till this mad man, whom your victorious might
4 Hath now fast bound, me met in middle space,
As I her, so he me pursewd apace,
6 And shortly ouertooke: +I+ breathing yre,
Sore chauffed at my stay in such a cace,
8 And with my heat kindled his cruell fyre;
Which kindled once, his mother did more rage inspyre.
6 I > I, 1609
1 "Fear gave her wings, and rage enforced my flight;
enforced > strengthened, reinforced
2 Through woods and plains so long I did her chase,
so > thus, in that manner
3 Till this madman, whom your victorious might 4 Has now fast bound, me met in middle space,
fast > firmly middle space > (Cf. 202.20:3)
5 As I her, so he me pursued apace,
apace > swiftly
6 And shortly overtook: I, breathing ire, 7 Sore chafed at my stay in such a case,
chafed > fretted stay > detention, hindrance
8 And with my heat kindled his cruel fire; 9 Which, kindled once, his mother did more rage inspire.
inspire > blow upon [his cruel fire, as if with bellows expelling rage]; also: inspire [in him]
204.33
Betwixt them both, they haue me doen to dye,
2 Through wounds, and strokes, and stubborne handeling,
That death were better, then such agony,
4 As griefe and furie vnto me did bring;
Of which in me yet stickes the mortall sting,
6 That during life will neuer be appeasd.
When he thus ended had his sorrowing,
8 Said Guyon, Squire, sore haue ye beene diseasd;
But all your hurts may soone through temperance be easd.
1 "Betwixt them both, they have me done to die,
done > caused, made; tried to make
2 Through wounds, and strokes, and stubborn handling,
stubborn > inflexible, unyielding handling > treatment
3 That death were better than such agony
That > [So that]
4 As grief and fury to me did bring; 5 Of which in me yet sticks the mortal sting, 6 That during life will never be appeased."
appeased > assuaged
7 When he thus ended had his sorrowing, 8 Said Guyon, "Squire, sore have you been diseased;
diseased > troubled, distressed
9 But all your hurts may soon through temperance be eased."
204.34
Then gan the Palmer thus, +most+ wretched man,
2 That to affections does the bridle lend;
In their beginning they are weake and wan,
4 But soone through suff'rance grow to fearefull end;
Whiles they are weake betimes with them contend:
6 For when they once to perfect strength do grow,
Strong warres they make, and cruell battry bend
8 Gainst fort of Reason, it to ouerthrow:
Wrath, gelosie, griefe, loue this Squire haue layd thus low.
1 most > Most 1609
1 Then began the palmer thus, "Most wretched man, 2 That to affections does the bridle lend;
affections > emotions (esp. strong emotions, as passion, lust, etc.)
3 In their beginning they are weak and wan, 4 But soon through sufferance grow to fearful end;
sufferance > acquiescence, non-intervention; toleration
5 While they are weak, betimes with them contend:
betimes > in good time, early
6 For when they once to perfect strength do grow, 7 Strong wars they make, and cruel battery bend
battery > assault with many blows bend > direct, bring to bear
8 Against fort of Reason, it to overthrow: 9 Wrath, jealousy, grief, love, this squire have laid thus low.
204.35
Wrath, gealosie, griefe, loue do thus expell:
2 Wrath is a fire, and gealosie a weede,
Griefe is a flood, and loue a monster fell;
4 The fire of sparkes, the weede of little seede,
The flood of drops, the Monster filth did breede:
6 But sparks, seed, drops, and filth do thus delay;
The sparks soone quench, the springing seed +outweed+
8 The drops dry vp, and filth wipe cleane away:
So shall wrath, gealosie, griefe, loue dye and decay.
7 outweed > outweed, 1609
1 "Wrath, jealousy, grief, love do thus expel:
expel > (Imperative mood)
2 Wrath is a fire, and jealousy a weed, 3 Grief is a flood, and love a monster fell;
fell > fierce, terrible
4 The fire of sparks, the weed of little seed, 5 The flood of drops, the monster filth did breed;
filth > (Cf. 101.21, 107.17:3, 311.51:7-9)
6 But sparks, seed, drops, and filth do thus delay:
delay > mitigate; assuage
7 The sparks soon quench, the springing seed outweed,
outweed > (The meaning is not clear. Two possible interpretations are (1) become weeded out, i.e. the springing seed soon gives rise to a plant which dies and is therefore thinned out; (2) germinate, spring out as a weed, with implication of subsequent death and decay. In either event one is in little doubt about the intention)
8 The drops dry up, and filth wipe clean away: 9 So shall wrath, jealousy, grief, love, die and decay."
So > Thus
204.36
Vnlucky Squire (said Guyon) sith thou hast
2 Falne +into+ mischiefe through intemperaunce,
Henceforth take heede of that thou now hast past,
4 And guide thy wayes with warie gouernaunce,
Least worse betide thee by some later chaunce.
6 But read how art thou nam'd, and of what kin.
+Phedon+ I hight (quoth he) and do aduaunce
8 Mine auncestry from famous Coradin,
Who first to rayse our house to honour did begin.
2 into > vnto 1596 7 Phedon > Phaon 1590
1 "Unlucky squire," said Guyon, "sith you have
sith > since
2 Fallen into mischief through intemperance,
mischief > misfortune, disaster; evil
3 Henceforth take heed of that you now have passed,
that > [that which] passed > [in the temporal sense]
4 And guide your ways with wary governance,
governance > management, self-control
5 Lest worse betide you by some later chance.
betide > befall chance > chance, accident (Occasion)
6 But read how are you named, and of what kin."
read > make known, declare
7 "Phedon I hight," quoth he, "and do advance
hight > am called advance > boast of, lay claim to
8 My ancestry from famous Coradin,
Coradin > "Uncontrollable Spirit" (Latin cor, heart; Greek adunateo, to lack strength or spirit)
9 Who first to raise our house to honour did begin."
204.37
Thus as he spake, lo far away they spyde
2 A varlet running towards hastily,
Whose flying feet so fast their way applyde,
4 That round about a cloud of dust did fly,
Which mingled all with sweate, did dim his eye.
6 He soone approched, panting, breathlesse, whot,
And all so soyld, that none could him descry;
8 His countenaunce was bold, and bashed not
For Guyons lookes, but scornefull eyglaunce at him shot.
1 Thus as he spoke, lo far away they spied 2 A varlet running towards hastily,
varlet > knight's attendant; menial; rogue towards > [in their direction]
3 Whose flying feet so fast their way applied
applied > plied, pursued
4 That round about a cloud of dust did fly, 5 Which, mingled all with sweat, did dim his eye. 6 He soon approached, panting, breathless, hot, 7 And all so soiled that none could him descry; 8 His countenance was bold, and bashed not
bashed > was abashed, was disconcerted
9 For Guyon's looks, but scornful eyeglance at him shot.
204.38
Behind his backe he bore a brasen shield,
2 On which was drawen faire, in colours fit,
A flaming fire in midst of bloudy field,
4 And round about the wreath this word was writ,
Burnt I do burne. Right well beseemed it,
6 To be the shield of some redoubted knight;
And in his hand two darts exceeding flit,
8 And deadly sharpe he held, whose heads were dight
In poyson and in bloud, of malice and despight.
1 Behind his back he bore a brazen shield, 2 On which was drawn fair, in colours fit, 3 A flaming fire in midst of bloody field,
bloody > blood-red field > {Surface of the shield; a technical term in heraldry}
4 And round about the wreath this word was written:
wreath > {Representation of a ring or circlet used as a bearing or device; another heraldic term} word > declaration; motto, phrase
5 Burnt I do burn. Right well beseemed it,
beseemed it > [it seemed appropriate]
6 To be the shield of some redoubted knight; 7 And in his hand two darts, exceeding fleet
fleet > swift, fast-flying
8 And deadly sharp, he held, whose heads were dight
dight > decked, prepared; hence: dipped, steeped
9 In poison and in blood, of malice and despite.
despite > rage
204.39
When he in presence came, to Guyon first
2 He boldly spake, Sir knight, if knight thou bee,
Abandon this forestalled place at erst,
4 For feare of further harme, I counsell thee,
Or bide the chaunce at thine owne ieoperdie.
6 The knight at his great boldnesse wondered,
And though he scornd his idle vanitie,
8 Yet mildly him to purpose answered;
For not to grow of nought he it coniectured.
1 When he in presence came, to Guyon first
presence > [their presence]
2 He boldly spoke, "Sir knight, if knight you be, 3 Abandon this forestalled place at erst,
forestalled > {Pre-occupied, taken or spoken for already} erst > once (catachr.)
4 For fear of further harm, I counsel you, 5 Or bide the chance at your own jeopardy."
bide > await chance > outcome
6 The knight at his great boldness wondered,
wondered > marvelled
7 And though he scorned his idle vanity,
idle > empty
8 Yet mildly him to purpose answered;
purpose > the point
9 For not to grow of naught he it conjectured.
it > [the varlet's boldness]
204.40
Varlet, this place most dew to me I deeme,
2 Yielded by him, that held it forcibly.
But whence should come that harme, which thou doest seeme
4 To threat to him, that minds his chaunce t'abye?
Perdy (said he) here comes, and is hard by
6 A knight of wondrous powre, and great assay,
That neuer yet encountred enemy,
8 But did him deadly daunt, or fowle dismay;
Ne thou for better hope, if thou his presence stay.
1 "Varlet, this place most due to me I deem, 2 Yielded by him that held it forcibly.
him > [Furor]
3 But whence should come that harm, which you do seem 4 To threat to him, that minds his chance to aby?"
threat > threaten minds > [is of a mind] chance > fortune, luck (cf. 204.39:5) aby > abide, await, await the issue of
5 "Pardie," said he, "here comes, and is hard by,
Pardie > Truly; "by God"
6 A knight of wondrous power, and great assay,
assay > proven worth; quality
7 That never yet encountered enemy, 8 But did him deadly daunt, or foul dismay;
But > [Except that he] deadly daunt > kill foul dismay > ignominiously defeat
9 Nor you for better hope, if you his presence stay."
hope > (Vb.) stay > await, remain for
204.41
How hight he then (said Guyon) and from whence?
2 +Pyrochles+ is his name, renowmed farre
For his bold feats and hardy confidence,
4 Full oft approu'd in many a cruell warre,
The brother of Cymochles, both which arre
6 The sonnes of old Acrates and Despight,
Acrates sonne of Phlegeton and Iarre;
8 But Phlegeton +is sonne of+ Herebus and Night;
But Herebus sonne of Aeternitie is hight.
2 Pyrochles > Pyrrochles passim 1590 etc.: FE 8 is sonne of > of dub. conj. Smith, since the line is hypermetrical
1 "How hight he then," said Guyon, "and from whence?"
hight > is he named
2 "Pyrochles is his name, renowned far
Pyrochles > "Fiery Troublemaker" (Greek pyr, fire, ochleo, to disturb, cause trouble)
3 For his bold feats and hardy confidence,
confidence > hardihood
4 Full oft approved in many a cruel war,
Full > Exceedingly approved > tested
5 The brother of Cymochles, both which are
Cymochles > "Wavering Troublemaker" (Greek kyma, wave, ochleo, to disturb, cause trouble) which > of whom
6 The sons of old Acrates and Despite,
Acrates > "Without Control", "Intemperate" (Greek; cf. "Acrasia",
201.51:2)
Despite > Rage
7 Acrates, son of Phlegethon and Jar;
Phlegethon > (The "Stream of Fire": one of the five rivers of hell, though which fire flows instead of water) Jar > Discord
8 But Phlegethon is son of Erebus and Night;
Erebus > Darkness (son of Chaos, brother and husband of Nox.
Personified in Hesiod, Theogony 125)
Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.)
9 But Erebus son of Eternity is hight.
hight > called
204.42
So from immortall race he does proceede,
2 That mortall hands may not withstand his might,
Drad for his derring do, and bloudy deed;
4 For all in bloud and spoile is his delight.
His am I Atin, his in wrong and right,
6 That matter make for him to worke vpon,
And stirre him vp to strife and cruell fight.
8 Fly therefore, fly this fearefull stead anon,
Least thy foolhardize worke thy sad confusion.
1 "So from immortal race he does proceed,
So > Thus proceed > spring from
2 That mortal hands may not withstand his might,
That > [So that]
3 Dreaded for his derring do and bloody deed;
derring do > {Daring feats; desperate courage (catachr.; cf. Troilus and Criseyde 5.837)}
4 For all in blood and spoil is his delight.
spoil > plunder, booty
5 His am I, Atin, his in wrong and right,
Atin > "Strife" (Greek; cf. Ate, the goddess of discord, at 207.55:5)
6 That matter make for him to work upon, 7 And stir him up to strife and cruel fight. 8 Fly therefore, fly this fearful stead anon,
Fly > Flee stead > place anon > immediately
9 Lest your foolhardice work your sad confusion."
foolhardice > foolhardiness work > bring about sad confusion > calamitous ruin
204.43
His be that care, whom most it doth concerne,
2 (Said he) but whither with such hasty flight
Art thou now bound? for well mote I discerne
4 Great cause, that carries thee so swift and light.
My Lord (quoth he) me sent, and streight behight
6 To seeke +Occasion;+ where so she bee:
For he is all disposd to bloudy fight,
8 And breathes out wrath and hainous crueltie;
Hard is his hap, that first fals in his ieopardie.
6 Occasion; > Occasion, 1609
1 "His be that care, whom most it does concern," 2 Said he, "but whither with such hasty flight 3 Are you now bound? For well might I discern 4 Great cause, that carries you so swift and light."
light > quickly
5 "My lord," quoth he, "me sent, and straight behight
straight > directly; or: straict: strict, strictly behight > ordained (catachr.); hence: appointed
6 To seek Occasion whereso she be:
whereso > wherever
7 For he is all disposed to bloody fight, 8 And breathes out wrath and heinous cruelty;
heinous > heinous; grievous; full of hate
9 Hard is his hap, that first falls in his jeopardy."
hap > fortune in his jeopardy > [in Pyrochles's way; "jeopardy" has its modern meaning here]
204.44
Madman (said then the Palmer) that does seeke
2 Occasion to wrath, and cause of strife;
She comes vnsought, and shonned followes eke.
4 Happy, who can abstaine, when Rancour rife
Kindles Reuenge, and threats his rusty knife;
6 Woe neuer wants, where euery cause is caught,
And rash Occasion makes vnquiet life.
8 Then loe, where bound she +sits+, whom thou hast sought,
(Said Guyon,) let that message to thy Lord be brought.
8 sits > fits 1596
1 "Madman," said then the palmer, "that does seek
seek > {Pursue, harass; try to effect or bring about; in the passive voice, "seek" is also used of a woman being courted or wooed}
2 Occasion to wrath, and cause of strife; 3 She comes unsought, and shunned follows eke.
eke > also, moreover
4 Happy who can abstain when Rancour rife
Happy > [He is happy]
5 Kindles Revenge, and threats his rusty knife;
threats > threatens, brandishes rusty > blood-stained; dirty; rusty
6 Woe never wants, where every cause is caught, 7 And rash Occasion makes unquiet life." 8 "Then lo, where bound she sits, whom you have sought," 9 Said Guyon, "let that message to your lord be brought!"
204.45
That when the varlet heard and saw, streight way
2 He wexed wondrous wroth, and said, Vile knight,
That knights and knighthood doest with shame vpbray,
4 And shewst th'ensample of thy childish +might+,
With silly weake old woman +thus to+ fight.
6 Great glory and gay spoile sure hast thou got,
And stoutly prou'd thy puissaunce here in sight;
8 That shall Pyrochles well requite, I wot,
And with thy bloud abolish so reprochfull blot.
4 might > migbt 1596 5 thus to > that did 1590
1 That when the varlet heard and saw, straightway 2 He waxed wondrous wroth, and said, "Vile knight,
waxed > grew
3 That knights and knighthood do with shame upbraid,
upbraid > reprove
4 And show the example of your childish might,
example > pattern
5 With silly weak old woman thus to fight.
silly > helpless; innocent
6 Great glory and gay spoil sure have you got,
spoil > plunder
7 And stoutly proved your puissance here in sight;
stoutly > bravely puissance > power, strength (allied to prowess in arms)
8 That shall Pyrochles well requite, I wot,
wot > know, know for a fact
9 And with your blood abolish so reproachful blot."
blot > [a blot, disgrace]
204.46
With that one of his thrillant darts he threw,
2 Headed with ire and vengeable despight;
The quiuering steele his aymed end well knew,
4 And to his brest it selfe intended right:
But he was warie, and ere it empight
6 In the meant marke, aduaunst his shield atweene,
On which it seizing, no way enter might,
8 But backe rebounding, left the forckhead keene;
Eftsoones he fled away, and might no where be seene.
1 With that one of his thrillant darts he threw,
thrillant > thrilling, piercing
2 Headed with ire and vengeable despite;
vengeable > {Characterized by or arising from revenge; cruel, dreadful} despite > outrage; rage; malice
3 The quivering steel its aimed end well knew, 4 And to his breast itself intended right:
intended > directed
5 But he was wary, and ere it empight
empight > implanted itself
6 In the meant mark, advanced his shield atween,
atween > between
7 On which it seizing, no way enter might,
seizing > fastening, fixing itself (SUS)
8 But, back rebounding, left the forkhead keen;
forkhead > barbed head keen > sharp
9 Eftsoons he fled away, and might nowhere be seen.
Eftsoons > Thereupon
CANTO V
Pyrochles does with Guyon fight,
2 And Furors chayne +vnbinds+
Of whom sore hurt, for his reuenge
4 Atin Cymochles finds.
2 vnbinds > vntyes, 1590; vnbinds: 1609 3 Of whom sore hurt, for his reuenge > Who him sore wounds: whiles Atin to 1590 4 Atin Cymochles finds. > Gymochles for ayd flyes. 1590; Attin Gymochles finds. 1596
1 Pyrochles does with Guyon fight, 2 And Furor's chain unbinds; 3 Of whom sore hurt, for his revenge
Of > By for his revenge > [to avenge Pyrochles]
4 Atin Cymochles finds.
205.1
WHo euer doth to temperaunce apply
2 His stedfast life, and all his actions frame,
Trust me, shall find no greater enimy,
4 Then stubborne perturbation, to the same;
To which right well the wise do giue that name,
6 For it the goodly peace of stayed mindes
Does ouerthrow, and troublous warre proclame:
8 His owne woes authour, who so bound it findes,
As did Pyrochles, and it wilfully vnbindes.
1 Whoever does to temperance apply 2 His steadfast life, and all his actions frame,
frame > direct
3 Trust me, shall find no greater enemy 4 Than stubborn perturbation, to the same;
stubborn > hard; unyielding
5 To which right well the wise do give that name,
right well > very well; hence: most appropriately that name > (I.e. "perturbation", derived from the Latin perturbationem: disorder, disquiet, confusion, passion, emotion, derangement)
6 For it the goodly peace of staid minds
staid > steady, sober, well regulated (without the pejorative modern sense)
7 Does overthrow, and troublous war proclaim: 8 His own woes' author, whoso bound it finds,
His > [He is his] whoso > whoever it > [perturbation, personified by Furor]
9 As did Pyrochles, and it wilfully unbinds.
205.2
After that varlets flight, it was not long,
2 Ere on the plaine fast pricking Guyon spide
One in bright armes embatteiled full strong,
4 That as the Sunny beames do glaunce and glide
Vpon the trembling waue, so shined bright,
6 And round about him threw forth sparkling fire,
That seemd him to enflame on euery side:
8 His steed was bloudy red, and fomed ire,
When with the maistring spur he did him roughly stire.
1 After that varlet's flight, it was not long
varlet > attendant (esp. of a knight); menial [Atin]
2 Ere on the plain, fast pricking, Guyon spied
pricking > spurring his horse, riding
3 One in bright arms embattled full strong,
arms > {Arms and armour} embattled > armed for battle (SUFQ) full > very, exceedingly
4 That, as the sunny beams do glance and glide 5 Upon the trembling wave, so shone bright,
shone > [he shone; they shone]
6 And round about him threw forth sparkling fire, 7 That seemed him to inflame on every side:
inflame > {Light up or redden as if with flame; envelop in flame}
8 His steed was bloody red, and foamed ire, 9 When with the mastering spur he did him roughly stir.
205.3
Approching nigh, he neuer stayd to greete,
2 Ne +chaffar+ words, prowd courage to prouoke,
But prickt so fiers, that vnderneath his feete
4 The smouldring dust did round about him smoke,
Both horse and man nigh able for to choke;
6 And fairly couching his steele-headed speare,
Him first saluted with a sturdy stroke;
8 It booted nought Sir Guyon comming neare
To thinke, such hideous puissaunce on foot to beare.
2 chaffar > chaffer 1609
1 Approaching nigh, he never stayed to greet, 2 Nor chaffer words, proud courage to provoke,
chaffer > barter, exchange
3 But pricked so fierce that underneath his feet
pricked > spurred, rode
4 The smouldering dust did round about him smoke,
smouldering > smothering, choking
5 Both horse and man nigh able to choke;
able > liable
6 And fairly couching his steel-headed spear,
fairly > expertly couching > {Lowering and placing in its rest}
7 Him first saluted with a sturdy stroke;
sturdy > recklessly violent
8 It booted naught, Sir Guyon coming near,