booted > availed
9 To think, such hideous puissance on foot to bear.
hideous > terrific; immense; odious puissance > force, power
205.4
But lightly shunned it, and passing by,
2 With his bright blade did smite at him so fell,
That the sharpe steele arriuing forcibly
4 On his +broad+ shield, bit not, but glauncing fell
On his horse necke before the quilted +sell+
6 And from the head the body sundred quight.
So him dismounted low, he did compell
8 On foot with him to matchen equall fight;
The truncked beast fast bleeding, did him fowly dight.
4 broad > braod 1596 5 sell > sell, 1609
1 But lightly shunned it and, passing by,
lightly > easily
2 With his bright blade did smite at him so fell
fell > terribly, fiercely
3 That the sharp steel, arriving forcibly 4 On his broad shield, bit not, but glancing fell 5 On his horse's neck, before the quilted sell,
before > in front of sell > saddle
6 And from the head the body sundered quite. 7 So him dismounted low, he did compel
him > (Probably Pyrochles) he > [Guyon]
8 On foot with him to match equal fight; 9 The trunked beast, fast bleeding, did him foully dight.
trunked > mutilated, cut short (Latin truncus; cf. 108.10:8); hence: decapitated fast > rapidly; also, perhaps: close by, in close proximity [to Guyon] dight > deck, prepare; hence: sully, befoul
205.5
Sore bruzed with the fall, he slow vprose,
2 And all enraged, thus him loudly shent;
Disleall knight, whose coward courage chose
4 To wreake it selfe on beast all innocent,
And shund the marke, at which it should be ment,
6 Thereby thine armes seeme strong, but manhood +fraile;+
So hast thou oft with guile thine honour blent;
8 But litle may such guile thee now +auaile+,
If wonted force and fortune +do not much me faile+.
6 fraile; > frayl: 1590 8 auaile > auayl 1590 9 do not much me faile > doe me not much fayl 1590
1 Sore bruised with the fall, he slow uprose
Sore > Grievously
2 And, all enraged, thus him loudly shent:
shent > reviled
3 "Disleal knight, whose coward courage chose
Disleal > Disloyal, perfidious (Italian disleale: WU) courage > spirit
4 To wreak itself on beast all innocent,
wreak > give expression to
5 And shunned the mark at which it should be meant,
meant > intended
6 Thereby your arms seem strong, but manhood frail;
frail > weak; morally weak
7 So have you oft with guile your honour blended;
blended > blended, mingled, stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, spoiled
8 But little may such guile you now avail, 9 If wonted force and fortune do not much me fail."
wonted > accustomed, customary
205.6
With that he drew his flaming sword, and strooke
2 At him so fiercely, that the vpper marge
Of his seuenfolded shield away it tooke,
4 And glauncing on his helmet, made a large
And open gash therein: were not his targe,
6 That broke the violence of his intent,
The weary soule from thence it would discharge;
8 Nathelesse so sore a buff to him it lent,
That made him reele, and to his brest his beuer bent.
1 With that he drew his flaming sword, and struck 2 At him so fiercely that the upper marge
marge > margin
3 Of his sevenfold shield away it took,
sevenfold > seven-layered (cf. 203.1:9)
4 And, glancing on his helmet, made a large 5 And open gash therein: were not his targe
were > [were it] targe > shield
6 That broke the violence of his intent, 7 The weary soul from thence it would discharge;
it > ["his flaming sword"]
8 Natheless so sore a buff to him it lent,
Natheless > Nevertheless sore > grievous buff > blow, buffet lent > dealt
9 That made him reel, and to his breast his beaver bent.
That > [That it] beaver > {Lower part of face-guard of helmet}
205.7
Exceeding wroth was Guyon at that blow,
2 And much ashamd, that stroke of liuing arme
Should him dismay, and make him stoup so low,
4 Though otherwise it did him litle harme:
Tho hurling high his yron braced arme,
6 He smote so manly on his shoulder plate,
That all his left side it did quite disarme;
8 Yet there the steele stayd not, but inly bate
Deepe in his flesh, and opened wide a red floodgate.
1 Exceeding wroth was Guyon at that blow, 2 And much ashamed that stroke of living arm
stroke > [a stroke]
3 Should him dismay, and make him stoop so low,
dismay > overcome
4 Though otherwise it did him little harm: 5 Tho, hurling high his iron-braced arm,
Tho > Then hurling > whirling; brandishing
6 He smote so manly on his shoulder-plate 7 That all his left side it did quite disarm;
disarm > strip of armour
8 Yet there the steel stayed not, but inly bit
inly > inwardly; thoroughly, extremely
9 Deep in his flesh, and opened wide a red floodgate.
205.8
Deadly dismayd, with horrour of that dint
2 Pyrochles was, and grieued eke entyre;
Yet nathemore did it his fury stint,
4 But added flame vnto his former fire,
That welnigh molt his hart in raging yre;
6 Ne thenceforth his approued skill, to ward,
Or strike, or +hurtle+ round in +warlike+ gyre,
8 Remembred he, ne car'd for his saufgard,
But rudely rag'd, and like a cruell Tygre far'd.
7 hurtle > hurle, 1596; hurlen 1609 7 warlike > warelike 1596
1 Deadly dismayed with horror of that dint
horror > [the horror] dint > blow
2 Pyrochles was, and grieved eke entire;
eke > also entire > unreservedly; inwardly
3 Yet nathemore did it his fury stint,
nathemore > not at all
4 But added flame to his former fire, 5 That well-nigh melted his heart in raging ire;
That > [That; so that] well-nigh > very nearly
6 Neither thenceforth his approved skill (to ward,
approved > proven, tested
7 Or strike, or hurtle round in warlike gyre)
gyre > {A turning round, a whirling}
8 Remembered he, nor cared for his safeguard,
safeguard > protection, security
9 But rudely raged, and like a cruel tiger fared.
rudely > violently fared > acted
205.9
He hewd, and lasht, and foynd, and thundred blowes,
2 And euery way did seeke into his life,
Ne plate, ne male could ward so mighty throwes,
4 But yielded passage to his cruell knife.
But Guyon, in the heat of all his strife,
6 Was warie wise, and closely did awayt
Auauntage, whilest his foe did rage most rife;
8 Sometimes a thwart, sometimes he strooke him strayt,
And falsed oft his blowes, t'illude him with such bayt.
1 He hewed, and lashed, and foined, and thundered blows,
foined > lunged, thrust (with a pointed weapon)
2 And every way did seek into his life;
way > {Means of entry}
3 Neither plate nor mail could ward so mighty throws,
plate > armour plating mail > chain-mail so > such throws > blows
4 But yielded passage to his cruel knife.
But > [But that it would have] knife > sword
5 But Guyon, in the heat of all his strife, 6 Was wary wise, and closely did await
closely > closely; privately, secretly
7 Advantage, whilst his foe did rage most rife;
rife > abundantly, copiously; hence: violently
8 Sometimes athwart, sometimes he struck him straight, 9 And falsed oft his blows, to illude him with such bait.
falsed > feinted, dummied illude > trick, deceive; evade, elude; mock
205.10
Like as a Lyon, whose imperiall powre
2 A prowd rebellious Vnicorne defies,
T'auoide the rash assault and wrathfull stowre
4 Of his fiers foe, him to a tree applies,
And when him running in full course he spies,
6 He slips aside; the whiles that furious beast
His precious horne, sought of his +enimies+
8 Strikes in the stocke, ne thence can be +releast+,
But to the mighty victour yields a bounteous feast.
7 enimies > enimye 1590; enimies, 1609 8 releast > relast 1596
1 Like a lion, whose imperial power 2 A proud rebellious unicorn defies: 3 To avoid the rash assault and wrathful stour
stour > conflict, combat
4 Of his fierce foe, him to a tree applies,
him > [himself, the lion] applies > places in contact; hence: backs up against; also: directs his path, makes his way
5 And when him running in full course he spies,
him > [the unicorn]
6 He slips aside; while that furious beast 7 His precious horn, sought of his enemies,
precious > (Because it was believed to have medicinal or magical properties, esp. as an antidote to or preventive of poison)
8 Strikes in the stock, nor thence can be released,
stock > trunk
9 But to the mighty victor yields a bounteous feast.
205.11
With such faire slight him Guyon often faild,
2 Till at the last all breathlesse, wearie, faint
Him spying, with fresh onset he assaild,
4 And kindling new his courage seeming queint,
Strooke him so hugely, that through great constraint
6 He made him stoup perforce vnto his knee,
And do vnwilling worship to the Saint,
8 That on his shield depainted he did see;
Such homage till that instant neuer learned hee.
1 With such fair sleight him Guyon often failed,
sleight > sleight; dexterity [in handling a weapon]; prudence failed > deceived (cf. 311.46:9); disappointed
2 Till at the last, all breathless, weary, faint 3 Him spying, with fresh onset he assailed,
assailed > (The quasi-intransitive construction is rare. Cf. 106.43:2)
4 And kindling new his courage seeming queint,
courage > courage; spirit queint > extinguished, quenched
5 Struck him so hugely, that through great constraint 6 He made him stoop perforce to his knee,
perforce > by violence; perforce
7 And do unwilling worship to the saint
saint > [Gloriana; see 209.4:1-2]
8 That on his shield depainted he did see;
depainted > depicted
9 Such homage till that instant never learned he.
205.12
Whom Guyon seeing stoup, pursewed fast
2 The present offer of faire victory,
And soone his dreadfull blade about he cast,
4 Wherewith he smote his haughty crest so hye,
That streight on ground made him full low to lye;
6 Then on his brest his victour foote he thrust,
With that he cryde, Mercy, do me not dye,
8 Ne deeme thy force +by+ fortunes doome vniust,
That hath (maugre her spight) thus low me laid in dust.
8 by > but conj. Smith; see Glossary
1 Whom Guyon seeing stoop, pursued fast
Guyon seeing stoop, > [seeing to stoop, Guyon]
2 The present offer of fair victory, 3 And soon his dreadful blade about he cast, 4 Wherewith he smote his haughty crest so high
Wherewith > With which haughty > high; proud high > high [physically]; excessively, hence: forcefully; also: loudly
5 That straight on ground made him full low to lie;
made > [Guyon made; the blow made] full > very, entirely
6 Then on his breast his victor foot he thrust; 7 With that he cried, "Mercy, do me not die,
he > [Pyrochles] die > [to death]
8 Nor deem your force by Fortune's doom unjust,
deem > estimate, judge, form an opinion of by > [by virtue of, according to] doom unjust > unjust judgement
9 That has (maugre her spite!) thus low me laid in dust!"
maugre > a curse upon (SUS) her > [Fortune's]
205.13
Eftsoones his cruell hand Sir Guyon stayd,
2 Tempring the passion with aduizement slow,
And maistring might on enimy dismayd:
4 For th'equall dye of warre he well did know;
Then to him said, Liue and allegaunce owe,
6 To him that giues thee life and libertie,
And henceforth by this dayes ensample trow,
8 That hasty wroth, and heedlesse hazardrie
Do breede repentaunce late, and lasting infamie.
1 Eftsoons his cruel hand Sir Guyon stayed,
Eftsoons > Thereupon
2 Tempering the passion with advisement slow,
advisement > consideration; prudence
3 And mastering might on enemy dismayed:
mastering > overcoming [his] on > [over an] dismayed > [who has been defeated]
4 For the equal die of war he well did know;
equal die > impartial hazard
5 Then to him said, "Live, and allegiance owe 6 To him that gives you life and liberty, 7 And henceforth, by this day's example, trow
trow > believe, accept as true
8 That hasty wrath and heedless hazardry
hazardry > {Venturesomeness, the incurring of risk; SU}
9 Do breed repentance late, and lasting infamy."
late > late, tardy; overdue, after the proper time
205.14
So vp he let him rise, who with grim looke
2 And count'naunce sterne vpstanding, gan to grind
His grated teeth for great disdeigne, and shooke
4 His sandy lockes, long hanging downe behind,
Knotted in bloud and dust, for griefe of mind,
6 That he in ods of armes was conquered;
Yet in himselfe some comfort he did find,
8 That him so noble knight had maistered,
Whose bounty more then might, yet both he wondered.
1 So up he let him rise, who, with grim look 2 And countenance stern, upstanding, began to grind
stern > {Austere, gloomy, expressing grave displeasure}
3 His grated teeth for great disdain, and shook
grated > ground together; hence: clenched disdain > anger, indignation
4 His sandy locks, long hanging down behind, 5 Knotted in blood and dust, for grief of mind 6 That he in odds of arms was conquered; 7 Yet in himself some comfort he did find, 8 That him so noble knight had mastered,
knight > [a knight] mastered > overcome
9 Whose bounty more than might, yet both he wondered.
more than > [was greater than his] wondered > marvelled at
205.15
Which Guyon marking said, Be nought agrieu'd,
2 Sir knight, that thus ye now subdewed arre:
Was neuer man, who most conquestes atchieu'd
4 But sometimes had the worse, and lost by warre,
Yet shortly gaynd, that losse exceeded farre:
6 Losse is no shame, nor to be lesse then foe,
But to be lesser, then himselfe, doth marre
8 Both loosers lot, and victours prayse alsoe.
Vaine others ouerthrowes, +who+ selfe doth ouerthrowe.
9 who > whose 1609
1 Which Guyon marking said, "Be naught aggrieved,
Guyon marking > [marking, Guyon]
2 Sir knight, that thus you now subdued are: 3 Was never man who most conquests achieved,
most > most; the greatest
4 But sometimes had the worse, and lost by war, 5 Yet shortly gained that loss exceeded far:
that loss exceeded > [that which exceeded the loss by]
6 Loss is no shame, nor to be less than foe, 7 But to be lesser than himself does mar
lesser > less
8 Both loser's lot and victor's praise also.
praise > praiseworthiness also > (Tautological)
9 Vain others' overthrows, who self does overthrow.
Vain others' overthrows, who self does overthrow > [In vain are the defeats of others, to whomever defeats himself]
205.16
Fly, O Pyrochles, fly the dreadfull warre,
2 That in thy selfe thy lesser parts do moue,
Outrageous anger, and woe-working iarre,
4 Direfull impatience, and hart murdring loue;
Those, those thy foes, those warriours far remoue,
6 Which thee to endlesse bale captiued lead.
But sith in might thou didst my mercy proue,
8 Of curtesie to me the cause +aread+,
That thee against me drew with so impetuous dread.
8 aread > a read 1596
1 "Fly, O Pyrochles, fly the dreadful war, 2 That in yourself your lesser parts do move:
lesser parts > inferior qualities, lesser attributes
3 Outrageous anger, and woe-working jar,
Outrageous > Intemperate; fierce jar > discord (see 204.41:7)
4 Direful impatience, and heart-murdering love;
impatience > impatience; intolerance, inability to endure suffering
5 Those, those your foes, those warriors far remove, 6 Which you to endless bale captived lead.
bale > woe, torment; also, mainly in northern usage: a great consuming fire, pyre (see 204.38:5, note at 204.41:2) captived > held captive
7 But sith in might you did my mercy prove,
sith > since prove > test; demonstrate; confirm by personal experience
8 Of courtesy to me the cause aread
aread > make known, declare
9 That you against me drew with so impetuous dread."
That > [Why] drew > [drew your sword] so > such dread > doubt; risk [of failure, since Guyon was an unknown quantity]; hence: rashness
205.17
Dreadlesse (said he) that shall I soone declare:
2 It was complaind, that thou hadst done great tort
Vnto an aged woman, poore and bare,
4 And thralled her in chaines with strong effort,
Voide of all succour and needfull comfort:
6 That ill beseemes thee, such as I thee see,
To worke such shame. Therefore I thee exhort,
8 To chaunge thy will, and set +Occasion+ free,
And to her captiue sonne yield his first libertee.
8 Occasion > occasion 1590; Occasion 1609
1 "Dreadless," said he, "that shall I soon declare:
Dreadless > Without doubt, fear not (a typical word-play on "dread" in the preceding line); also, perhaps: Fearless One (as a term of address) soon > straightway
2 It was complained that you had done great tort
tort > wrong
3 To an aged woman, poor and bare,
bare > defenceless; destitute; simple
4 And thralled her in chains with strong effort,
thralled > {Brought into bondage or captivity, took captive}
5 Void of all succour and needful comfort: 6 That ill beseems you, such as I you see,
beseems > becomes, suits
7 To work such shame. Therefore I you exhort
work > bring about
8 To change your will, and set Occasion free, 9 And to her captive son yield his first liberty."
first > original, former
205.18
Thereat Sir Guyon smilde, And is that all
2 (Said he) that thee so sore displeased hath?
Great mercy sure, for to enlarge a thrall,
4 Whose freedome shall thee turne to greatest scath.
Nath'lesse now quench thy whot emboyling wrath:
6 Loe there they be; to thee I yield them free.
Thereat he wondrous glad, out of the path
8 Did lightly leape, where he them bound did see,
And gan to breake the bands of their captiuitee.
1 Thereat Sir Guyon smiled; "And is that all,"
Thereat > At that
2 Said he, "that you so sore displeased has? 3 Great mercy sure, to enlarge a thrall,
mercy > act of mercy enlarge > set free thrall > captive
4 Whose freedom shall you turn to greatest scathe.
scathe > harm, damage
5 Natheless now quench your hot emboiling wrath:
Natheless > Nevertheless emboiling > {Boiling with rage; SUS}
6 Lo, there they be; to you I yield them free!" 7 Thereat he, wondrous glad, out of the path
Thereat > Thereupon he > [Pyrochles]
8 Did lightly leap, where he them bound did see,
lightly > quickly
9 And began to break the bonds of their captivity.
205.19
Soone as Occasion felt her selfe vntyde,
2 Before her sonne could well assoyled bee,
She to her vse returnd, and streight defyde
4 Both Guyon and Pyrochles: th'one (said +shee+)
Bycause he wonne; the other because hee
6 Was wonne: So matter did she make of nought,
To stirre vp strife, and +do+ them disagree:
8 But soone as Furor was enlargd, she sought
To kindle his quencht fire, and thousand causes wrought.
4 shee > hee 1590, 1596 7 do > garre _1590; "garre" = to make, cause (northern dialect; cf. SC, gloss to "April", and "September", 106. This somewhat provincial word occurs nowhere else in FQ and is a striking example of Spenser's alterations for the 1596 edition)_
1 Soon as Occasion felt herself untied
Soon > [As soon]
2 (Before her son could well assoiled be)
assoiled > set free
3 She to her use returned, and straight defied
use > habit, custom straight > immediately; directly; unreservedly, outspokenly
4 Both Guyon and Pyrochles: the one (said she) 5 Because he won; the other because he 6 Was won: so matter did she make of naught,
won > defeated
7 To stir up strife, and do them disagree:
do > make
8 But soon as Furor was enlarged, she sought
soon > [as soon] enlarged > set free
9 To kindle his quenched fire, and thousand causes wrought.
causes > {Cases, suits, causes for disagreement}
205.20
It was not long, ere she inflam'd him so,
2 That he would algates with Pyrochles fight,
And his redeemer chalengd for his foe,
4 Because he had not well mainteind his right,
But yielded had to that same straunger knight:
6 Now gan Pyrochles wex as wood, as hee,
And him affronted with impatient might:
8 So both together fiers engrasped bee,
Whiles Guyon standing by, their vncouth strife does see.
1 It was not long ere she inflamed him so
so > [so greatly]
2 That he would algates with Pyrochles fight,
algates > anyhow, by any means
3 And his redeemer challenged for his foe,
challenged for > demanded as, laid claim to as
4 Because he had not well maintained his right,
maintained > defended
5 But yielded had to that same stranger knight:
stranger > foreign; new-come
6 Now gan Pyrochles wax as wood as he,
gan > did; began (… to) wax > grow, become wood > furious
7 And him affronted with impatient might:
affronted > confronted; faced in defiance impatient > impatient (from Pyrochles's viewpoint); unendurable, insufferable (from Furor's viewpoint)
8 So both together fierce engrasped be,
engrasped be > [were grasped; grappled]
9 While Guyon, standing by, their uncouth strife does see.
uncouth > bizarre; unseemly
205.21
Him all that while Occasion did prouoke
2 Against Pyrochles, and new matter framed
Vpon the old, him stirring to be wroke
4 Of his late wrongs, in which she oft him blamed
For suffering such abuse, as knighthood shamed,
6 And him dishabled quite. But he was wise
Ne would with vaine +occasions+ be inflamed;
8 Yet others she more vrgent did deuise:
Yet nothing could him to impatience entise.
7 occasions > occasion 1609
1 Him all that while Occasion did provoke 2 Against Pyrochles, and new matter framed 3 Upon the old, him stirring to be wreaked
wreaked > avenged
4 Of his late wrongs, in which she oft him blamed
late > recent
5 For suffering such abuse as knighthood shamed, 6 And him disabled quite. But he was wise
disabled > pronounced as of no force; disparaged
7 Nor would with vain occasions be inflamed;
vain > empty, futile
8 Yet others she more urgent did devise: 9 Yet nothing could him to impatience entice.
entice > provoke
205.22
Their fell contention still increased more,
2 And more thereby increased Furors might,
That he his foe has hurt, and wounded sore,
4 And him in bloud and durt deformed quight.
His mother eke, more to augment his +spight+,
6 Now brought to him a flaming +fire+ brond,
Which she in Stygian lake, ay burning +bright+
8 Had kindled: that she gaue into his hond,
That armd with fire, more hardly he mote him withstond.
5 spight > spright 1609 6 fire > fyer 1590; fier 1609 7 bright > bright, 1609
1 Their fell contention still increased more,
Their > [Pyrochles's and Furor's] fell > fierce, terrible
2 And more thereby increased Furor's might, 3 That he his foe has hurt, and wounded sore,
That > [So that]
4 And him in blood and dirt deformed quite.
deformed > befouled, defiled, rendered hideous
5 His mother eke, more to augment his spite,
eke > moreover more > [the more]
6 Now brought to him a flaming firebrand, 7 Which she in Stygian lake, ay burning bright,
Stygian lake > (The River Styx, the river of hate, one of the five rivers of hell) ay > ever, always
8 Had kindled: that she gave into his hand, 9 That, armed with fire, more hardly he might him withstand.
That > [So that] hardly > forcibly, violently; hardily
205.23
Tho gan +that+ villein wex so fiers and strong,
2 That nothing might sustaine his furious forse;
He cast him downe to ground, and all along
4 Drew him through durt and myre without remorse,
And fowly battered his comely corse,
6 That Guyon much disdeignd so loathly sight.
At last he was compeld to cry perforse,
8 Helpe, {o^} Sir Guyon, helpe most noble knight,
To rid a wretched man from hands of hellish wight.
1 that > the 1609
1 Tho gan that villein wax so fierce and strong
Tho gan > Then did villein > villain; serf (as he is slave to Occasion) wax > grow, become
2 That nothing might sustain his furious force;
might > could sustain > endure; withstand
3 He cast him down to ground, and all along 4 Drew him through dirt and mire without remorse,
remorse > pity, compassion
5 And foully battered his comely corse,
corse > body
6 That Guyon much disdained so loathly sight.
That > [So that] disdained > [was moved to indignation or scorn by] loathly > loathsome [a]
7 At last he was compelled to cry perforce, 8 "Help, O Sir Guyon, help, most noble knight, 9 To rid a wretched man from hands of hellish wight!"
wight > creature
205.24
The knight was greatly moued at his plaint,
2 And gan him dight to succour his distresse,
Till that the Palmer, by his graue restraint,
4 Him stayd from yielding pitifull redresse;
And said, Deare sonne, thy causelesse ruth represse,
6 Ne let thy stout hart melt in pitty vayne:
He that his sorrow sought through wilfulnesse,
8 And his foe fettred would release +agayne,+
Deserues to tast his follies fruit, repented payne.
agayne, > agayne. 1596
1 The knight was greatly moved at his plaint,
plaint > complaint, lamentation
2 And gan himself dight to succour his distress,
gan > began to; did dight > prepare
3 Till the palmer, by his grave restraint, 4 Him stayed from yielding pitiful redress;
stayed > restrained pitiful > {Prompted by pity} redress > relief, assistance
5 And said, "Dear son, your causeless ruth repress,
ruth > pity; also: trouble
6 Nor let your stout heart melt in pity vain:
stout > brave; proud; resolute vain > empty, futile
7 He that his sorrow sought through wilfulness, 8 And his foe fettered would release again,
foe fettered > [fettered foe]
9 Deserves to taste his follies' fruit, repented pain."
205.25
Guyon obayd; So him away he drew
2 From needlesse trouble of renewing fight
Already fought, his voyage to pursew.
4 But rash Pyrochles varlet, Atin hight,
When late he saw his Lord in heauy plight,
6 Vnder Sir Guyons puissaunt stroke to fall,
Him deeming dead, as then he seemd in sight,
8 Fled fast away, to tell his funerall
Vnto his brother, whom Cymochles men did call.
1 Guyon obeyed; so him away he drew 2 From needless trouble of renewing fight 3 Already fought, his voyage to pursue.
voyage > journey
4 But rash Pyrochles' varlet, Atin hight,
varlet > attendant (esp. of a knight); menial hight > named, by name
5 When late he saw his lord, in heavy plight
late > lately
6 Under Sir Guyon's puissant stroke to fall,
puissant > powerful; warlike
7 Him deeming dead (as then he seemed in sight), 8 Fled fast away, to tell his funeral
tell > report, describe funeral > death
9 To his brother, whom "Cymochles" men did call.
205.26
He was a man of rare redoubted might,
2 Famous throughout the world for warlike prayse,
And glorious spoiles, purchast in perilous fight:
4 Full many doughtie knights he in his dayes
Had doen to death, subdewde in equall frayes,
6 Whose carkases, for terrour of his name,
Of fowles and beastes he made the piteous prayes,
8 And hong their conquered armes for more defame
On gallow trees, in honour of his dearest Dame.
1 He was a man of rare redoubted might, 2 Famous throughout the world for warlike praise,
praise > praiseworthiness; virtue; hence: qualities, worth
3 And glorious spoils, purchased in perilous fight:
purchased > got by conquest
4 Full many doughty knights he in his days
Full > Very
5 Had done to death, subdued in equal frays,
subdued > overcome (by violence) equal > fair, impartial
6 Whose carcases, for terror of his name, 7 Of fowls and beasts he made the piteous prey, 8 And hung their conquered arms, for more defame,
more > greater defame > disgrace, defamation
9 On gallow trees, in honour of his dearest dame.
205.27
His dearest Dame is that Enchaunteresse,
2 The vile Acrasia, that with vaine delightes,
And idle pleasures in +her+ Bowre of Blisse,
4 Doe charme her louers, and the feeble sprightes
Can call out of the bodies of fraile wightes:
6 Whom then she does transforme to monstrous hewes,
And horribly misshapes with vgly sightes,
8 Captiu'd eternally in yron mewes,
And darksom dens, where Titan his face neuer shewes.
3 her > his 1596
1 His dearest dame is that enchantress, 2 The vile Acrasia, that with vain delights
vain > vain; empty
3 And idle pleasures, in her Bower of Bliss, 4 Does charm her lovers, and the feeble spirits 5 Can call out of the bodies of frail wights:
frail > weak, morally weak wights > men; people, mortals
6 Whom then she does transform to monstrous hues,
monstrous hues > [the] forms of monsters
7 And horribly misshapes with ugly sights,
sights > appearances
8 Captived eternally in iron mews,
Captived > Held captive mews > cages
9 And darksome dens, where Titan his face never shows.
205.28
There Atin found Cymochles soiourning,
2 To serue his Lemans loue: for +he+ by kind,
Was giuen all to lust and loose liuing,
4 When euer his fiers hands he free mote find:
And now he has pourd out his idle mind
6 In daintie delices, and lauish ioyes,
Hauing his warlike weapons cast behind,
8 And flowes in pleasures, and vaine pleasing toyes,
Mingled emongst loose Ladies and lasciuious boyes.
2 he > he, 1609
1 There Atin found Cymochles sojourning, 2 To serve his leman's love: for he, by kind,
leman > lover kind > nature
3 Was given all to lust and loose living, 4 Whenever his fierce hands he free might find: 5 And now he has poured out his idle mind
poured out > (Cf. 107.7:2)
6 In dainty delices and lavish joys,
delices > delights, sensual pleasures lavish > licentious
7 Having his warlike weapons cast behind, 8 And flows in pleasures, and vain pleasing toys,
toys > amorous games
9 Mingled amongst loose ladies and lascivious boys.
205.29
And ouer him, art striuing to compaire
2 With nature, did an Arber greene dispred,
Framed of wanton Yuie, flouring faire,
4 Through which the fragrant Eglantine did spred
His +pricking+ armes, entrayld with roses red,
6 Which daintie odours round about them threw,
And all within with flowres was garnished,
8 That when myld Zephyrus emongst them blew,
Did breath out bounteous smels, and painted colors shew.
5 pricking > prickling 1590
1 And over him (Art striving to compare
compare > vie
2 With Nature) did an arbour green dispread,
dispread > spread out
3 Framed of wanton ivy, flowering fair,
Framed > Fashioned wanton > luxuriant, rank; wanton (because ivy is sacred to Bacchus; in FQ it is often an emblem of licentiousness: cf. e.g. 104.22:3, 306.44:5)
4 Through which the fragrant eglantine did spread
eglantine > sweetbrier (Rosa rubiginosa)
5 His pricking arms, entrailed with roses red,
entrailed > entwined, interlaced
6 Which dainty odours round about them threw, 7 And all within with flowers was garnished, 8 That when mild Zephyr amongst them blew,
That > [So that] Zephyr > (The west wind; the west wind personified; the god of the west wind)
9 Did breathe out bounteous smells, and painted colours show.
Did > [The eglantine did]
205.30
And fast beside, there trickled softly downe
2 A gentle streame, whose murmuring waue did play
+Emongst+ the pumy stones, and made a sowne,
4 To lull him soft a sleepe, that by it lay;
The wearie Traueiler, wandring that way,
6 Therein did often quench his thristy heat,
And then by it his wearie limbes display,
8 Whiles creeping slomber made him to forget
His former paine, and wypt away his toylsom sweat.
3 Emongst > Emon gst 1596
1 And, fast beside, there trickled softly down
fast > very closely
2 A gentle stream, whose murmuring wave did play 3 Amongst the pumice stones, and made a sound,
sound > sound, the original spelling also evoking, perhaps: swowne, swoune, swoon; furthermore "the obsolete spelling avoids the harsh dental of `sound'", observes Hamilton (1980)
4 To lull him soft asleep, that by it lay; 5 The weary traveller, wandering that way, 6 Therein did often quench his thirsty heat, 7 And then by it his weary limbs display,
display > extend
8 While creeping slumber made him forget 9 His former pain, and wiped away his toilsome sweat.
205.31
And on the other side a pleasaunt groue
2 Was shot vp high, full of the stately tree,
That dedicated is t'Olympicke Ioue,
4 And to his sonne Alcides, whenas hee
+Gaynd in Nemea+ goodly victoree;
6 Therein the mery birds of euery sort
Chaunted alowd their chearefull harmonie:
8 And made emongst them selues a sweet consort,
That quickned the dull spright with musicall comfort.
5 Gaynd in Nemea > In Netmus gayned 1590; Nemus FE
1 And on the other side a pleasant grove 2 Was shot up high, full of the stately tree 3 That dedicated is to Olympic Jove,
Olympic > (The tree is either the oak, dedicated to Jove (Jupiter), whose abode is Olympus; or it is the poplar, dedicated to Hercules. The latter is more probable in view of "shot vp high" in line 2, which more accurately describes the habit of the poplar)
4 And to his son, Alcides, when he 5 Gained in Nemea goodly victory;
Nemea > (The city of Argolis, near which Hercules killed the Nemean lion and founded the Nemean games)
6 Therein the merry birds of every sort
merry > delightful, charming
7 Chanted aloud their cheerful harmony: 8 And made amongst themselves a sweet consort
consort > concert; also: accord, consent
9 That quickened the dull spirit with musical comfort.
quickened > enlivened
205.32
There he him found all carelesly displayd,
2 In secret shadow from the sunny ray,
On a sweet bed of lillies softly layd,
4 Amidst a flocke of Damzels fresh and gay,
That round about him dissolute did play
6 Their wanton follies, and light meriment;
Euery of which did loosely disaray
8 Her vpper parts of meet habiliments,
And shewd them naked, deckt with many ornaments.
1 There he him found all carelessly displayed,
he > [Atin] him > [Cymochles] displayed > spread out
2 In secret shadow from the sunny ray,
secret shadow > shade secret (secret = secluded, retired)
3 On a sweet bed of lilies softly laid, 4 Amidst a flock of damsels fresh and gay, 5 That round about him dissolute did play 6 Their wanton follies and light merriment;
follies > indecencies light > wanton, frivolous
7 Every of whom did loosely disarray
of > [one of]
8 Her upper parts of meet habiliments,
meet > fitting, suitable habiliments > clothing
9 And showed them naked, decked with many ornaments.
205.33
And euery of them stroue, with most delights,
2 Him to aggrate, and greatest pleasures shew;
Some framd faire lookes, glancing like euening +lights,+
4 Others sweet words, dropping like honny dew;
Some bathed kisses, and did soft embrew
6 The sugred licour through his melting lips:
One boastes her beautie, and does yeeld to vew
8 Her daintie limbes aboue her tender hips;
Another her out boastes, and all for tryall strips.
3 lights, > lights 1596
1 And every of them strove with most delights
of > [one of]
2 Him to aggrate, and greatest pleasures show;
aggrate > gratify (SUS) show > proffer, put forth
3 Some framed fair looks, glancing like evening lights; 4 Others sweet words, dropping like honey dew; 5 Some bathed kisses, and did soft imbrue
imbrue > pour, infuse (SU)
6 The sugared liquor through his melting lips: 7 One boasts her beauty, and does yield to view 8 Her dainty limbs above her tender hips; 9 Another her out-boasts, and all for trial strips.
trial > examination; hence: scrutiny
205.34
He, like an Adder, lurking in the weeds,
2 His wandring thought in deepe desire does steepe,
And his fraile eye with spoyle of beautie feedes;
4 Sometimes he falsely faines himselfe to sleepe,
Whiles through their lids his wanton eies do peepe,
6 To steale a snatch of amorous +conceipt+,
Whereby close fire into his heart does creepe:
8 So, +he+ them deceiues, deceiu'd in his deceipt,
Made drunke with drugs of deare voluptuous receipt.
6 conceipt > conceit 1609 8 he > omitted from 1609, perhaps solely for the sake of the metre
1 He, like an adder lurking in the weeds, 2 His wandering thought in deep desire does steep, 3 And his frail eye with spoil of beauty feeds;
frail > {Morally weak, unable to resist temptation; tender: last is SUS} spoil > plunder, booty; spoliation ("beautie" being abstract); or: divestment ("beautie" referring to the scantily clad "Damzels" of the preceding stanzas)
4 Sometimes he falsely feigns himself to sleep, 5 While through their lids his wanton eyes do peep, 6 To steal a snatch of amorous conceit,
conceit > conception, idea; scheme
7 Whereby close fire into his heart does creep:
close > secret
8 So he them deceives, deceived in his deceit,
So > ?Thus (see Textual Appendix and original pointing)
9 Made drunk with drugs of dear voluptuous receipt.
dear > costly (esp. in fig. senses); grievous receipt > {Formula, recipe; also: that which is received, i.e. his view of the damsels}
205.35
Atin arriuing there, when him he spide,
2 Thus in still waues of deepe delight to wade,
Fiercely approching, to him lowdly cride,
4 Cymochles; oh no, but Cymochles shade,
In which that manly person late did fade,
6 What is become of great Acrates sonne?
Or where hath he hong vp his mortall blade,
8 That hath so many haughtie conquests wonne?
Is all his force forlorne, and all his glory donne?
1 Atin, arriving there, when him he spied 2 Thus in still waves of deep delight to wade,
still > constant; continuous; perhaps also with the paradoxical but sensual meaning: still, motionless
3 Fiercely approaching, to him loudly cried, 4 "Cymochles! … O no, but Cymochles' shade,
shade > ghost, spectre
5 In which that manly person late did fade;
manly > manly; human, mortal fade > weaken, decline; become dry (in further allusion to his name: cf. 107.4:7); vanish (cf. 105.15:5)
6 What is become of great Acrates' son? 7 Or where has he hung up his mortal blade,
mortal > lethal
8 That has so many haughty conquests won?
haughty > exalted, of exalted courage; proud
9 Is all his force forlorn, and all his glory done?"
forlorn > lost, perished; forsaken
205.36
Then pricking him with his sharpe-pointed dart,
2 He said; +vp+, vp, thou womanish weake knight,
That here in Ladies lap entombed art,
4 Vnmindfull of thy praise and prowest might,
And weetlesse eke of lately wrought despight,
6 Whiles sad Pyrochles lies on senselesse ground,
And groneth out his vtmost grudging spright,
8 Through many a stroke, and many a streaming wound,
Calling thy helpe in vaine, that here in ioyes art dround.
2 vp > Vp 1609
1 Then, pricking him with his sharp-pointed dart, 2 He said: "Up, up, you womanish weak knight, 3 That here in ladies' lap entombed are, 4 Unmindful of your praise and prowest might,
praise > praiseworthiness; virtue; hence: qualities, worth prowest > bravest
5 And weetless eke of lately wrought despite,
weetless > unknowing, unconscious (WUS) eke > also despite > outrage
6 While sad Pyrochles lies on senseless ground, 7 And groans out his utmost grudging spirit,
grudging > complaining, repining
8 Through many a stroke, and many a streaming wound, 9 Calling your help in vain, that here in joys are drowned!"
Calling > [Calling for]
205.37
Suddeinly out of his delightfull dreame
2 The man awoke, and would haue questiond more;
But he would not endure that wofull theame
4 For to dilate at large, but vrged sore
With percing words, and pittifull implore,
6 Him hastie to arise. As one affright
With hellish feends, or Furies mad vprore,
8 He then vprose, inflam'd with fell despight,
And called for his armes; for he would algates fight.
1 Suddenly out of his delightful dream 2 The man awoke, and would have questioned more; 3 But he would not endure that woeful theme
he > [Atin] endure > permit
4 For to dilate at large, but urged sore
For to dilate > [To be dilated upon] at large > at greater liberty; hence: further sore > deeply, with great distress, but here, mainly a simple intensive
5 With piercing words, and pitiful implore,
implore > entreaty
6 Him hastily to arise. As one affright
affright > terrified
7 With hellish fiends or Furies' mad uproar, 8 He then uprose, inflamed with fell despite,
inflamed > (Because he has been pricked (205.36:1) by one of Atin's darts: see 204.38:7-9) fell > terrible despite > rage
9 And called for his arms; for he would algates fight.
arms > {Weapons, shield and armour} algates > anyhow, by any means
205.38
They bene ybrought; he quickly does him dight,
2 And lightly mounted, passeth on his way,
Ne Ladies loues, ne sweete entreaties might
4 Appease his heat, or hastie passage stay;
For he has vowd, to beene aueng'd that day,
6 (That day it selfe him seemed all too long:)
On him, that did Pyrochles deare dismay:
8 So proudly pricketh on his courser strong,
And Atin aie him pricks with spurs of shame and wrong.
1 They been brought; he quickly does himself dight,
been > [were] dight > prepare, clad
2 And, lightly mounted, passes on his way;
lightly > quickly; easily
3 Neither ladies' loves, nor sweet entreaties might
might > could
4 Appease his heat, or hasty passage stay;
Appease > Assuage heat > fit of passion
5 For he has vowed to be avenged that day 6 (That day itself him seemed all too long)
him seemed > [seemed to him]
7 On him that did Pyrochles dear dismay:
dear > grievously (adv.); dear, beloved (adj.) dismay > defeat, overcome
8 So proudly pricks on his courser strong,
pricks on > spurs on
9 And Atin ay him pricks with spurs of shame and wrong.
ay > ever
CANTO VI
Guyon is of immodest +Merth,+
2 led into loose desire,
Fights with Cymochles, whiles his bro-
3 ther burnes in furious fire.
1 Merth, > Merth 1609
1 Guyon is of immodest Mirth
of > by immodest > forward, impudent; unchaste (also, the Latin immodestus means "intemperate", "unbridled") Mirth > Phaedria (introduced at 206.3, named at 206.9; an early meaning of "mirth" is "fun", "ridicule")
2 led into loose desire, 3 Fights with Cymochles, while his bro-
Fights > [And fights] his > [Cymochles's (his brother is Pyrochles)]
4 ther burns in furious fire.
206.1
A Harder lesson, to learne Continence
2 In ioyous pleasure, then in grieuous paine:
For sweetnesse doth allure the weaker sence
4 So strongly, that vneathes it can refraine
From that, which feeble nature couets faine;
6 But griefe and wrath, that be her enemies,
And foes of life, she better can +restraine+;
8 Yet vertue vauntes in both +their+ victories,
And Guyon in them all shewes goodly maisteries.
7 restraine > abstaine 1590 8 their > her 1590
1 A harder lesson, to learn continence 2 In joyous pleasure than in grievous pain: 3 For sweetness does allure the weaker sense
weaker > too-weak
4 So strongly, that uneath it can refrain
uneath > with difficulty
5 From that which feeble nature covets fain;
fain > eagerly
6 But grief and wrath (that be her enemies,
be > [are]
7 And foes of life) she better can restrain;
better > [more easily]
8 Yet virtue vaunts in both their victories,
vaunts > displays [itself]; advances [itself, its cause; the last only if "vaunts" is taken to be aphetic for "avaunts"] both their victories > [the victories of continence over both sweetness and wrath]
9 And Guyon in them all shows goodly mastery.
all > [both]
206.2
Whom bold Cymochles trauelling to find,
2 With cruell purpose bent to wreake on him
The wrath, which Atin kindled in his mind,
4 Came to a riuer, by whose vtmost brim
Wayting to passe, he saw whereas did swim
6 A long the shore, as swift as glaunce of eye,
A litle Gondelay, bedecked trim
8 With boughes and arbours wouen cunningly,
That like a litle forrest seemed outwardly.
1 Whom bold Cymochles travelling to find 2 (With cruel purpose bent to wreak on him 3 The wrath which Atin kindled in his mind), 4 Came to a river, by whose utmost brim,
Came > [Bold Cymochles came; if the words "bold Cymochles" are moved here from line 1 the sense is made clearer]
5 Waiting to pass, he saw where did swim
pass > take passage (across the water)
6 Along the shore, as swift as glance of eye, 7 A little gondola, bedecked trim
trim > beautifully, in good order; neatly, trimly
8 With boughs and arbours woven cunningly,
arbours > {Shrubs, etc. trained on trellis-work; hence: vines, creepers}
9 That like a little forest seemed outwardly.