that > [so that] can > could
8 Discern the hue thereof. He never stood,
hue > colour; appearance stood > [stopped]
9 But bent his hasty course towards the Idle Flood.
bent > directed Flood > Lake (catachr.)
206.42
The varlet saw, when to the flood he came,
2 How without stop or stay he fiercely lept,
And deepe him selfe +beducked+ in the same,
4 That in the lake his loftie crest was +steept+,
Ne of his safetie seemed care he kept,
6 But with his raging armes he rudely flasht,
The waues about, and all his armour swept,
8 That all the bloud and filth away was washt,
Yet still he bet the water, and the billowes dasht.
3 beducked > beduked 1596 4 steept > stept 1590
1 The varlet saw, when to the flood he came,
varlet > knight's attendant; menial; rogue
2 How without stop or stay he fiercely leapt, 3 And deep himself beducked in the same,
beducked > immersed
4 That in the lake his lofty crest was steeped,
That > [So that]
5 Nor of his safety seemed care he kept,
seemed > [it seemed]
6 But with his raging arms he rudely flashed
rudely > violently, clumsily flashed > splashed
7 The waves about, and all his armour swept, 8 That all the blood and filth away was washed,
That > [So that]
9 Yet still he beat the water, and the billows dashed.
still > still, yet; continually
206.43
Atin drew nigh, to weet what it mote bee;
2 For much he wondred at that vncouth sight;
Whom should he, but his owne deare Lord, there see,
4 His owne deare Lord Pyrochles, in sad plight,
Readie to drowne himselfe for fell despight.
6 Harrow now out, and well away, he cryde,
What dismall day hath lent +this+ cursed light,
8 To see my Lord so deadly +damnifyde?+
Pyrochles, {o^} Pyrochles, what is thee betyde?
7 this > but this his 1590 8 damnifyde? > damnifyde 1590, 1596
1 Atin drew nigh, to weet what it might be;
weet > learn, perceive it > [the matter]
2 For much he wondered at that uncouth sight;
wondered > marvelled uncouth > bizarre, unseemly
3 Whom should he, but his own dear lord, there see, 4 His own dear lord Pyrochles, in sad plight, 5 Ready to drown himself for fell despite.
fell > terrible despite > rage; defiance
6 "Harrow now out, and wellaway!" he cried.
Harrow > {A cry of distress or alarm, or for help} wellaway > alas! he > [Atin]
7 "What dismal day has lent this cursed light, 8 To see my lord so deadly damnified?
deadly > mortally damnified > brought to destruction; injured
9 Pyrochles, O Pyrochles, what is you betide?"
is you betide > has befallen you
206.44
I burne, I burne, I burne, then loud he cryde,
2 O how I burne with implacable fire,
Yet nought can quench mine inly flaming syde,
4 Nor sea of licour cold, nor lake of mire,
Nothing but death can doe me to respire.
6 Ah be it (said he) from Pyrochles farre
After pursewing death once to require,
8 Or think, that ought those puissant hands may marre:
Death is for wretches borne vnder vnhappie starre.
1 "I burn, I burn, I burn," then loud he cried, 2 "O how I burn with implacable fire,
implacable > {That which cannot be assuaged; inexorable}
3 Yet naught can quench my inly flaming side,
inly > inwardly side > {Trunk, torso, body}
4 Nor sea of liquor cold, nor lake of mire,
Nor > Neither liquor > liquid
5 Nothing but death can do me to respire!"
do > cause; hence: permit respire > find relief (cf. 303.36:8)
6 "Ah be it," said he, "from Pyrochles far 7 After pursuing Death once to require,
require > {"Require after" = "seek", "call"}
8 Or think that aught those puissant hands may mar:
aught > anything at all puissant > powerful, warlike mar > damage morally
9 Death is for wretches born under unhappy star."
unhappy > evil, inauspicious
206.45
Perdie, then +is it+ fit for me (said he)
2 That am, I weene, most wretched man aliue,
+Burning+ in flames, yet no flames can I see,
4 And dying daily, daily yet reuiue:
O Atin, helpe to me last death to giue.
6 The varlet at his plaint was grieued so sore,
That his deepe wounded hart in two did riue,
8 And his owne health remembring now no more,
Did follow that ensample, which he blam'd afore.
1 is it > it is 1609 3 Burning > But 1596
1 "Pardie, then is it fit for me," said he,
Pardie > Truly; "by God" is it > [it is: see Textual Appendix]
2 "That am, I ween, most wretched man alive,
ween > know [for a fact]
3 Burning in flames, yet no flames can I see, 4 And dying daily, daily yet revive: 5 O Atin, help to me last death to give."
last > utmost
6 The varlet at his plaint was grieved so sore,
varlet > knight's attendant plaint > complaint, lamentation
7 That his deep wounded heart in two did rive,
rive > split; tear
8 And, his own health remembering now no more,
health > health; safety, welfare
9 Did follow that example which he blamed afore.
blamed afore > reproved previously
206.46
Into the lake he lept, his Lord to ayd,
2 (So Loue the dread of daunger doth despise)
And of him catching hold him strongly stayd
4 From drowning. But more happie he, then wise
Of that seas nature did him not auise.
6 The waues thereof so slow and sluggish were,
Engrost with mud, which did them foule agrise,
8 That euery weightie thing they did vpbeare,
Ne ought mote euer sinke downe to the bottome there.
1 Into the lake he leapt, his lord to aid, 2 (So love the dread of danger does despise)
So > Thus
3 And of him catching hold, him strongly stayed
stayed > stopped; prevented
4 From drowning. But more happy he, than wise:
happy > lucky
5 Of that sea's nature did him not advise.
Of that sea's nature did him not advise > [Atin did not consider the nature of that sea]
6 The waves thereof so slow and sluggish were, 7 Engrossed with mud, which did them foul agrise,
Engrossed > {Rendered gross, dense, thick} them > [Atin and Pyrochles] agrise > horrify
8 That every weighty thing they did upbear,
That > [So that] they > [the waves]
9 Nor aught might ever sink down to the bottom there.
206.47
Whiles thus they strugled in that idle waue,
2 And stroue in vaine, the one himselfe to drowne,
The other both from drowning for to saue,
4 Lo, to that shore one in an auncient gowne,
Whose hoarie locks great grauitie did crowne,
6 Holding in hand a goodly arming sword,
By fortune came, led with the troublous sowne:
8 Where drenched deepe he found in that dull ford
The carefull seruant, striuing with his raging Lord.
1 While thus they struggled in that idle wave,
idle > lazy; hence: sluggish
2 And strove in vain, the one himself to drown, 3 The other both from drowning to save, 4 Lo, to that shore one in an ancient gown 5 (Whose hoary locks great gravity did crown, 6 Holding in hand a goodly arming sword), 7 By fortune came, led with the troublous sound: 8 Where drenched deep he found in that dull ford
drenched > bathed, immersed (cf. 111.34:2) dull > sluggish ford > stream, current
9 The careful servant, striving with his raging lord.
careful > {Anxious, full of care}
206.48
Him Atin spying, knew right well of yore,
2 And loudly cald, Helpe helpe, {o^} Archimage;
To saue my Lord, in wretched plight forlore;
4 Helpe with thy hand, or with thy counsell sage:
Weake hands, but counsell is most strong in age.
6 Him when the old man saw, he wondred sore,
To see Pyrochles there so rudely rage:
8 Yet sithens helpe, he saw, he needed more
Then pittie, he in hast approched to the shore.
1 Him Atin spying, knew right well of yore,
knew right > [Atin knew him very] yore > old
2 And loudly called, "Help, help, O Archimago; 3 To save my lord, in wretched plight forlorn;
forlorn > lost
4 Help with your hand, or with your counsel sage: 5 Weak hands, but counsel is most strong in age!"
hands > [are hands]
6 Him when the old man saw, he wondered sore,
wondered sore > marvelled greatly
7 To see Pyrochles there so rudely rage:
rudely > violently, clumsily
8 Yet sithence help, he saw, he needed more
sithence > since
9 Than pity, he in haste approached the shore.
206.49
And cald, Pyrochles, what is this, I see?
2 What hellish furie hath at earst thee hent?
Furious euer I thee knew to bee,
4 Yet neuer in this straunge astonishment.
These flames, these flames (he cryde) do me torment.
6 What flames (quoth he) when I thee present see,
In daunger rather to be drent, then brent?
8 Harrow, the flames, which me consume (said hee)
Ne can be quencht, within my secret bowels bee.
1 And called, "Pyrochles, what is this I see? 2 What hellish fury has at erst you hent?
fury > frenzy, madness (cf. I:261); or: Fury (one of the avenging deities sent from hell to punish wrongdoers) at erst > lately hent > seized
3 Furious ever I you knew to be, 4 Yet never in this strange astonishment."
strange > extreme; severe; new-come, new-found astonishment > {Loss of sense or wits}
5 "These flames, these flames," he cried, "do me torment." 6 "What flames," quoth he, "when I you present see, 7 In danger rather to be drenched, than burnt?"
drenched > drowned
8 "Harrow, the flames, which me consume," said he,
Harrow > {A cry of distress or alarm}
9 Ne can be quenched, within my secret bowels be.
Ne can > And cannot secret > unseen, invisible bowels > {Internal organs generally} be > [are]
206.50
That cursed man, that cruell feend of hell,
2 Furor, oh Furor hath me thus bedight:
His deadly wounds within my +liuer+ swell,
4 And his whot fire burnes in mine entrails bright,
Kindled through his infernall brond of spight,
6 Sith late with him I batteil vaine would boste;
That now I weene Ioues dreaded thunder light
8 Does scorch not halfe so sore, nor damned ghoste
In flaming Phlegeton does not so felly roste.
3 liuer > liuers 1596
1 "That cursed man, that cruel fiend of hell, 2 Furor, O Furor has me thus bedight:
bedight > arrayed, adorned; hence: treated, maltreated
3 His deadly wounds within my liver swell,
liver > (The supposed seat of love and violent passion)
4 And his hot fire burns in my entrails brightly, 5 Kindled through his infernal brand of spite, 6 Sith late with him I battle vain would boast;
Sith late > Since lately vain > futile; foolish boast > threaten
7 That now I ween Jove's dreaded thunder-light
ween > think, believe thunder-light > lightning
8 Does scorch not half so sore, nor damned ghost 9 In flaming Phlegethon does not so felly roast."
Phlegethon > (The "Stream of Fire": one of the five rivers of hell, through which fire flows instead of water (see 204.41:7)) felly > fiercely, cruelly
206.51
Which when as Archimago heard, his griefe
2 He knew right well, and him attonce disarmd:
Then searcht his secret wounds, and made a priefe
4 Of euery place, that was with brusing harmd,
Or with the hidden +fire too inly+ warmd.
6 Which done, he balmes and herbes thereto applyde,
And +euermore+ with mighty spels them charmd,
8 That in short space he has them qualifyde,
And him restor'd to health, that would haue algates dyde.
5 fire too inly > fier inly 1590 7 euermore > euemore 1596
1 Which when Archimago heard, his grief
grief > pain
2 He knew right well, and him at once disarmed:
right > very disarmed > relieved of armour (evidently after getting him out of the water)
3 Then searched his secret wounds, and made a proof
searched > examined, probed secret > hidden; unseen; invisible proof > examination
4 Of every place that was with bruising harmed, 5 Or with the hidden fire too inly warmed.
the hidden fire > [of passion] inly > inwardly
6 Which done, he balms and herbs thereto applied,
thereto > to them; moreover; suitable to them [the wounds]
7 And evermore with mighty spells them charmed,
them > [the balms and herbs; or Pyrochles's wounds]
8 That in short space he has them qualified,
That > [So that] them > [Pyrochles's wounds] qualified > moderated, mitigated
9 And him restored to health, that would have algates died.
algates > altogether, at any rate; hence: surely
CANTO VII
Guyon findes +Mamon+ in a delue,
2 Sunning his threasure hore:
Is by him tempted, and led downe,
4 To see his secret store.
1 Mamon > Mammon 1609
1 Guyon finds Mammon in a delve,
Mammon > "Riches" (Aramaic; wealth regarded as an idol or an evil influence; the God of Money; see Matt. 6.24, Luke 16.9-13; PL 1.678 ff., 2.228 ff.) delve > pit, depression
2 Sunning his treasure hoar:
hoar > {Ancient, venerable with age}
3 Is by him tempted, and led down, 4 To see his secret store.
207.1
AS Pilot well expert in perilous waue,
2 That to a stedfast starre his course hath bent,
When foggy mistes, or cloudy tempests haue
4 The faithfull light of that faire lampe yblent,
And couer'd heauen with hideous dreriment,
6 Vpon his card and compas firmes his eye,
The maisters of his long experiment,
8 And to them does the steddy helme apply,
Bidding his winged vessell fairely forward +fly.+
9 fly. > fly: 1609
1 As pilot well expert in perilous wave,
As > [Like a] wave > water
2 That to a steadfast star his course has bent, 3 When foggy mists, or cloudy tempests have 4 The faithful light of that fair lamp blended,
blended > rendered turbid, obscured
5 And covered heaven with hideous dreariment,
dreariment > gloom
6 Upon his card and compass firms his eye
card > chart firms > fixes
7 (The masters of his long experiment),
masters > teachers, preceptors experiment > experience, practical knowledge
8 And to them does the steady helm apply,
to > [according to] apply > steer
9 Bidding his winged vessel fairly forward fly:
207.2
So Guyon hauing lost his trusty guide,
2 Late left beyond that Ydle lake, proceedes
Yet on his way, of none accompanide;
4 And euermore himselfe with comfort feedes,
Of his owne vertues, and prayse-worthy deedes.
6 +So long+ he yode, yet no aduenture found,
Which fame of her shrill trompet worthy reedes:
8 For still he traueild through wide wastfull ground,
That nought but desert wildernesse shew'd all around.
6 So long > Long so 1590 (corrected in some copies)
1 So Guyon, having lost his trusty guide 2 (Late left beyond that Idle Lake), proceeds
Late > Lately
3 Yet on his way, of none accompanied;
of > by
4 And evermore himself with comfort feeds,
comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort}
5 Of his own virtues, and praiseworthy deeds. 6 So long he yode, yet no adventure found,
yode > went
7 Which fame of her shrill trumpet worthy reads:
reads > considers
8 For still he travelled through wide wasteful ground,
still > continually wasteful > desolate, uncultivated
9 That naught but desert wilderness showed all around.
That > [In that] desert > lonely showed > was visible
207.3
At last he came vnto a gloomy glade,
2 Couer'd with boughes and shrubs from heauens light,
Whereas he sitting found in secret shade
4 An vncouth, saluage, and vnciuile wight,
Of griesly hew, and fowle ill fauour'd sight;
6 His face with smoke was tand, and eyes were bleard,
His head and beard with sout were ill bedight,
8 His cole-blacke hands did seeme to haue beene seard
In smithes fire-+spitting+ forge, and nayles like clawes appeard.
9 spitting > spetting 1609
1 At last he came to a gloomy glade, 2 Covered with boughs and shrubs from heaven's light, 3 Where he sitting found in secret shade
secret > hidden
4 An uncouth, savage, and uncivil wight,
uncouth > strange, clumsy, awkward uncivil > uncivilized, barbaric wight > person, creature
5 Of grisly hue, and foul ill-favoured sight;
grisly > horrible, fearsome hue > colour; appearance (less likely in view of "ill fauour'd sight") ill-favoured sight > ugly appearance
6 His face with smoke was tanned, and eyes were bleared,
bleared > watery, inflamed
7 His head and beard with soot were ill bedight;
ill bedight > ill-adorned; hence: disfigured
8 His coal-black hands did seem to have been seared 9 In smith's fire-spitting forge, and nails like claws appeared.
nails > [his nails]
207.4
His yron coate all ouergrowne with rust,
2 Was vnderneath enueloped with gold,
Whose glistring glosse darkned with filthy dust,
4 Well +yet+ appeared, to haue beene of old
A worke of rich entayle, and curious mould,
6 Wouen with antickes and wild Imagery:
And in his lap a masse of coyne he told,
8 And turned +vpsidowne+, to feede his eye
+And+ couetous desire with his huge threasury.
4 yet > it 1596 etc. 8 vpsidowne > vpside downe 1590 9 And > A 1596
1 His iron coat, all overgrown with rust, 2 Was underneath enveloped with gold,
enveloped > lined (catachr.; cf. 301.59:9)
3 Whose glistering gloss, darkened with filthy dust, 4 Well yet appeared to have been of old 5 A work of rich entail, and curious mould,
entail > ornament; carving; intaglio curious > skilled, elaborate; exquisite mould > form, style
6 Woven with antics and wild imagery:
antics > {Fantastic or grotesque representations of birds, animals, plants} imagery > idolatrous images (cf. 108.36:2, 212.60:5)
7 And in his lap a mass of coin he told
told > counted (cf. 104.27:5)
8 And turned upside-down, to feed his eye 9 And covetous desire with his huge treasury.
treasury > treasure
207.5
And round about him lay on euery side
2 Great heapes of gold, that neuer could be spent:
Of which some were rude owre, not purifide
4 Of +Mulcibers+ deuouring element;
Some others were new driuen, and distent
6 Into great +Ingoes+, and to wedges square;
Some in round plates withouten moniment;
8 But most were stampt, and in their metall bare
The antique shapes of kings and kesars straunge and rare.
4 Mulcibers > Melcibers 1590 6 Ingoes > Ingowes 1590
1 And round about him lay on every side 2 Great heaps of gold, that never could be spent: 3 Of which some were rude ore, not purified 4 Of Mulciber's devouring element;
Of > By
Mulciber > (A surname of Vulcan, god of fire; see PL 1.740 ff.)
5 Some others were new driven, and distent
driven > beaten out distent > extended
6 Into great ingots, and to wedges square;
to > into wedges > ingots
7 Some in round plates without monument;
monument > mark, inscription
8 But most were stamped, and in their metal bare
bare > bore (vb.); or: bare (the vb. "were" being understood)
9 The antique shapes of kings and kaisers strange and rare.
kaisers > emperors, caesars
207.6
Soone as he Guyon saw, in great affright
2 And hast he rose, for to remoue aside
Those pretious hils from straungers enuious sight,
4 And downe them poured through an hole full wide,
Into the hollow earth, them there to hide.
6 But Guyon lightly to him leaping, stayd
His hand, that trembled, as one terrifyde;
8 And though him selfe were at the sight dismayd,
Yet him perforce restraynd, and to him doubtfull sayd.
1 Soon as he Guyon saw, in great affright
Soon > [As soon] affright > terror
2 And haste he rose, to remove aside 3 Those precious hills from stranger's envious sight, 4 And down them poured, through a hole full wide,
full > very, exceedingly
5 Into the hollow earth, them there to hide. 6 But Guyon lightly to him leaping, stayed
lightly > quickly
7 His hand, that trembled, as one terrified; 8 And though himself were at the sight dismayed,
himself were > [he himself was]
9 Yet him perforce restrained, and to him doubtful said:
perforce > by force doubtful > fearful (applies to Mammon, as the tone of Guyon's inquiry makes clear)
207.7
What art thou man, (if man at all thou art)
2 That here in desert hast thine habitaunce,
And these rich +heapes+ of wealth doest hide apart
4 From the worldes eye, and from her right vsaunce?
Thereat with staring eyes fixed askaunce,
6 In great disdaine, he answerd; Hardy Elfe,
That darest vew my direfull countenaunce,
8 I read thee rash, and heedlesse of thy selfe,
To trouble my still seate, and heapes of pretious pelfe.
3 heapes > hils 1590
1 "What are you, man (if man at all you are), 2 That here in desert have your habitance,
desert > [the] wilderness habitance > habitation, dwelling (WU)
3 And these rich heaps of wealth do hide apart 4 From the world's eye, and from its right usance?"
right usance > proper usage (i.e. financial usage; usance also = the practice or fact of lending or borrowing money at interest)
5 Thereat, with staring eyes fixed askance,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that staring > glaring (cf. 204.15:6)
6 In great disdain he answered: "Hardy Elf,
Hardy > Rash, presumptuously audacious
7 That dares view my direful countenance,
direful > terrible, dreadful
8 I read you rash, and heedless of yourself,
read > consider
9 To trouble my still seat, and heaps of precious pelf.
pelf > money, cash, "filthy lucre"
207.8
God of the world and worldlings I me call,
2 Great Mammon, greatest god below the skye,
That of my plenty poure out vnto all,
4 And vnto none my graces do enuye:
Riches, renowme, and principality,
6 Honour, estate, and all this worldes good,
For which men swinck and sweat incessantly,
8 Fro me do flow into an ample flood,
And in the hollow earth haue their eternall brood.
1 "God of the world and worldlings I me call,
me > myself
2 Great Mammon, greatest god below the sky, 3 That of my plenty pour out to all, 4 And to none my graces do envy:
envy > begrudge
5 Riches, renown, and principality,
principality > {Sovereignty; the authority or dignity of a sovereign or ruler}
6 Honour, estate, and all this world's good,
estate > prosperity; condition, rank, status
7 For which men swink and sweat incessantly,
swink > toil
8 From me do flow into an ample flood, 9 And in the hollow earth have their eternal brood.
brood > breeding, hatching
207.9
Wherefore if me thou deigne to serue and sew,
2 At thy commaund lo all these mountaines bee;
Or if to thy great mind, or greedy vew
4 All these may not suffise, there shall to thee
Ten times so much be numbred francke and free.
6 Mammon (said he) thy godheades vaunt is vaine,
And idle offers of thy golden fee;
8 To them, that couet such eye-glutting gaine,
Proffer thy giftes, and fitter seruaunts entertaine.
1 "Wherefore if me you deign to serve and sue,
Wherefore > On which account; in consequence of which serve and sue > do service and homage (sue = follow as an attendant, take as a model, pattern, or ideal)
2 At your command lo all these mountains be; 3 Or if to your great mind, or greedy view,
greedy > eager; rapacious
4 All these may not suffice, there shall to you 5 Ten times so much be numbered frank and free."
so > as numbered > measured, enumerated frank and free > liberally and freely (another quasi-legal term)
6 "Mammon," said he, "your godhead's vaunt is vain,
vaunt > boast; display vain > unavailing; foolish
7 And idle offers of your golden fee;
idle > empty fee > wage, bribe
8 To them that covet such eye-glutting gain 9 Proffer your gifts, and fitter servants entertain.
fitter > more suitable entertain > engage; maintain
207.10
Me ill +besits+, that in der-doing armes,
2 And honours suit my vowed dayes do spend,
Vnto thy bounteous baytes, and pleasing charmes,
4 With which weake men thou witchest, to attend:
Regard of worldly mucke doth fowly blend,
6 And low abase the high heroicke spright,
That ioyes for crownes and kingdomes to contend;
8 Faire shields, gay steedes, bright armes be my delight:
Those be the riches fit for an aduent'rous knight.
1 besits > befits 1609
1 "Me ill besits (that in der-doing arms
besits > becomes, befits der-doing arms > {Daring feats of arms; "der-doing" is app. derived from "derring-do", and is believed to be a deliberate archaism}
2 And honour's suit my vowed days do spend)
suit > pursuit; wooing
3 To your bounteous baits, and pleasing charms,
baits > temptations (cf. 207.64:2)
4 With which weak men you witch, to attend:
witch > bewitch
5 Regard of worldly muck does foully blend
of > for blend > stir up, render turbid; hence: defile; also: dazzle, blind
6 And low abase the high heroic spirit, 7 That joys for crowns and kingdoms to contend; 8 Fair shields, gay steeds, bright arms be my delight: 9 Those be the riches fit for an adventurous knight."
207.11
Vaine glorious Elfe (said he) doest not thou weet,
2 That money can thy wantes at will supply?
Sheilds, steeds, and armes, and all things for thee meet
4 It can puruay in twinckling of an eye;
And crownes and kingdomes to thee multiply.
6 Do not I kings create, and throw the crowne
Sometimes to him, that low in dust doth ly?
8 And him that raignd, into his rowme thrust downe,
And whom I lust, do heape with glory and renowne?
1 "Vainglorious Elf," said he, "do not you weet
weet > know, understand
2 That money can your wants at will supply? 3 Shields, steeds, and arms, and all things for you meet
meet > appropriate
4 It can purvey in twinkling of an eye;
purvey > provide
5 And crowns and kingdoms to you multiply. 6 Do not I kings create, and throw the crown 7 Sometimes to him that low in dust does lie? 8 And him that reigned, into his room thrust down,
room > place, space
9 And whom I lust, do heap with glory and renown?"
lust > desire, choose (intr.); please, delight (tr.)
207.12
All otherwise (said he) I riches read,
2 And deeme them roote of all disquietnesse;
First got with guile, and then preseru'd with dread,
4 And after spent with pride and lauishnesse,
Leauing behind them griefe and heauinesse.
6 Infinite mischiefes of them do arize,
+Strife,+ and debate, bloudshed, and bitternesse,
8 Outrageous wrong, and hellish couetize,
That noble heart +as+ great dishonour doth despize.
7 Strife, > Strife; 1596 9 as > in 1590
1 "All otherwise," said he, "I riches read,
read > consider
2 And deem them root of all disquietness;
disquietness > trouble, unrest (cf. 1 Tim. 6.10)
3 First got with guile, and then preserved with dread, 4 And after spent with pride and lavishness, 5 Leaving behind them grief and heaviness.
heaviness > anger; sadness
6 Infinite mischiefs of them do arise:
of > from
7 Strife, and debate, bloodshed, and bitterness,
debate > quarrelling; fighting
8 Outrageous wrong, and hellish covetise,
covetise > covetousness, avarice
9 That noble heart as great dishonour does despise.
noble > [the noble]
207.13
Ne thine be kingdomes, ne the scepters thine;
2 But realmes and rulers thou doest both confound,
And loyall truth to treason doest incline;
4 Witnesse the guiltlesse bloud pourd oft on ground,
The crowned often slaine, the slayer cround,
6 The sacred Diademe in peeces rent,
And purple robe gored with many a wound;
8 Castles surprizd, great cities sackt and brent:
So mak'st thou kings, and gaynest wrongfull gouernement.
1 "Nor yours be kingdoms, nor the sceptres yours; 2 But realms and rulers you do both confound,
confound > overthrow, subvert
3 And loyal truth to treason do incline;
incline > dispose, direct; hence: pervert
4 Witness the guiltless blood poured oft on ground, 5 The crowned often slain, the slayer crowned, 6 The sacred diadem in pieces rent,
diadem > crown rent > torn
7 And purple robe gored with many a wound;
purple robe > (Traditionally worn by emperors and kings: Tyrian purple was a dye obtained in the eastern Mediterranean from the whelks Murex trunculus and M. brandaris and processed at the Phoenician city of Tyre, whence it was sold at high price to the Romans. "Purple" also = "blood-red" (cf. e.g. 206.29:9), thus adding more meaning to the phrase)
8 Castles surprised, great cities sacked and burnt:
surprised > {Captured using surprise tactics}
9 So make you kings, and gain wrongful government.
So > Thus, in this manner
207.14
Long were to tell the troublous stormes, that tosse
2 The priuate state, and make the life vnsweet:
Who swelling sayles in Caspian sea doth crosse,
4 And in frayle wood on Adrian gulfe doth fleet,
Doth not, I weene, so many euils meet.
6 Then Mammon wexing wroth, And why then, said,
Are mortall men so fond and vndiscreet,
8 So euill thing to seeke vnto their ayd,
And hauing not complaine, and hauing it vpbraid?
1 "Long were to tell the troublous storms that toss
Long were > [It would take a long time] tell > describe
2 The private state, and make the life unsweet:
private state > private condition, personal life
3 Who swelling sails in Caspian Sea does cross,
Who > [Whoever, he who] cross > hoist, set in position
4 And in frail wood on Adrian Gulf does fleet,
Adrian Gulf > (The Adriatic Sea, which, like the Caspian, was notoriously stormy) fleet > float; sail
5 Does not, I ween, so many evils meet."
ween > think
6 Then Mammon, waxing wroth, "And why then," said,
waxing > growing, becoming
7 "Are mortal men so fond and undiscreet,
fond > foolish undiscreet > lacking in discretion, imprudent
8 So evil thing to seek to their aid,
So > Such [an]
9 And, having not, complain, and having it, upbraid?"
upbraid > reproach [wealth]; or, perhaps: are reproached (for being rich)
207.15
Indeede (quoth he) through fowle intemperaunce,
2 Frayle men are oft captiu'd to couetise:
But would they thinke, with how small allowaunce
4 Vntroubled Nature doth her selfe suffise,
Such superfluities they would despise,
6 Which with sad cares empeach our natiue ioyes:
At the well head the purest streames arise:
8 But mucky filth his braunching armes annoyes,
And with vncomely weedes the gentle waue accloyes.
1 "Indeed," quoth he, "through foul intemperance 2 Frail men are oft captived to covetise:
Frail > Morally weak covetise > avarice, covetousness
3 But would they think with how small allowance
would > [if only]
4 Untroubled Nature does herself suffice, 5 Such superfluities they would despise, 6 Which with sad cares impeach our native joys:
impeach > endamage, impair
7 At the well-head the purest streams arise: 8 But mucky filth its branching arms annoys,
its branching arms > [the stream's various watercourses] annoys > afflicts, vexes
9 And with uncomely weeds the gentle wave accloys.
wave > water accloys > clogs, chokes
207.16
The antique world, in his first flowring youth,
2 Found no defect in his Creatours grace,
But with glad thankes, and vnreproued truth,
4 The gifts of soueraigne bountie did embrace:
Like Angels life was then mens happy cace;
6 But later ages pride, like corn-fed steed,
Abusd her plenty, and fat swolne encreace
8 To all licentious lust, and gan exceed
The measure of her meane, and naturall first need.
1 "The antique world, in its first flowering youth,
antique > ancient
2 Found no defect in its Creator's grace, 3 But with glad thanks, and unreproved truth,
unreproved > blameless; unreproving, uncomplaining truth > {Conduct in accordance with the divine standard; also a variant spelling of "troth", good faith}
4 The gifts of sovereign bounty did embrace: 5 Like angels' life was then men's happy case;
case > state
6 But later ages' pride, like corn-fed steed,
corn-fed > [pampered]
7 Abused her plenty, and fat swollen increase
her > [Nature's, referring to 207.15:4] fat swollen increase > [swollen with fat, increased]
8 To all licentious lust, and gan exceed
gan > did
9 The measure of her mean, and natural first need.
measure of her mean > [limits of natural temperance]
207.17
Then gan a cursed hand the quiet wombe
2 Of his great +Grandmother+ with steele to wound,
And the hid treasures in her sacred tombe,
4 With Sacriledge to dig. Therein he found
Fountaines of gold and siluer to abound,
6 Of which the matter of his huge desire
And pompous pride eftsoones he did compound;
8 Then auarice gan through his veines inspire
His greedy flames, and kindled life-deuouring fire.
2 Grandmother > Gandmother 1596
1 "Then gan a cursed hand the quiet womb
gan > did
2 Of his great grandmother with steel to wound,
his great grandmother > (The earth; cf. 201.10:6) wound > [mine]
3 And the hidden treasures in her sacred tomb 4 With sacrilege to dig. Therein he found 5 Fountains of gold and silver to abound,
Fountains > Founts, sources
6 Of which the matter of his huge desire
matter > substance
7 And pompous pride eftsoons he did compound;
eftsoons > soon compound > {Compose, make up with the combination of elements (i.e. gold and silver)}
8 Then avarice gan through his veins inspire
gan > did inspire > breathe life, quicken
9 His greedy flames, and kindled life-devouring fire."
His > [Those of avarice; or: those of man]
207.18
Sonne (said he then) let be thy bitter scorne,
2 And leaue the rudenesse of +that+ antique age
To them, that liu'd therein in state forlorne;
4 Thou that doest liue in later times, must wage
Thy workes for wealth, and life for gold engage.
6 If then thee list my offred grace to vse,
Take what thou please of all this surplusage;
8 If thee list not, leaue haue thou to refuse:
But thing refused, do not afterward accuse.
2 that > omitted from 1596
1 "Son," said he then, "let be your bitter scorn,
let be > give over, desist from
2 And leave the rudeness of that antique age
rudeness > barbarism antique > ancient
3 To them that lived therein in state forlorn; 4 You, that do live in later times, must wage
wage > hire out
5 Your works for wealth, and life for gold engage.
engage > pledge, pawn
6 If then you list my offered grace to use,
list > choose
7 Take what you please of all this surplusage;
surplusage > superabundance, excess
8 If you list not, leave have you to refuse: 9 But thing refused, do not afterward accuse."
accuse > blame, find fault with
207.19
Me list not (said the Elfin knight) receaue
2 Thing offred, till I know it well be got,
Ne wote I, but thou didst these goods bereaue
4 From rightfull owner by vnrighteous lot,
Or that +bloud guiltinesse+ or guile them blot.
6 Perdy (quoth he) yet neuer eye did vew,
Ne toung did tell, ne hand these handled not,
8 But safe I haue them kept in secret mew,
From heauens sight, and powre of all which them pursew.
5 bloud guiltinesse > bloodguiltnesse 1590; bloud guiltnesse 1596: cf. 202.4:5, 202.30:3
1 "I list not," said the Elfin knight, "receive
list > choose, please receive > [to receive]
2 Thing offered, till I know it well be got, 3 Nor wot I, but you did these goods bereave
wot > know you > [that you] bereave > take away, rob
4 From rightful owner by unrighteous lot,
unrighteous lot > criminal division
5 Or that blood-guiltiness or guile them blot."
blood-guiltiness > responsibility for bloodshed
6 "Pardie," quoth he, "yet never eye did view,
Pardie > Truly; "by God" yet never > [never yet]
7 Nor tongue did tell, nor hand these handled not,
tell > describe not > (The double negative serves as an intensive)
8 But safe I have them kept in secret mew,
mew > place [of confinement]
9 From heaven's sight, and power of all who them pursue."
power > [the power]
207.20
What secret place (quoth he) can safely hold
2 So huge a masse, and hide from heauens eye?
Or where hast thou thy wonne, that so much gold
4 Thou canst preserue from wrong and robbery?
Come thou (quoth he) and see. So by and by
6 Through that thicke couert he him led, and found
A darkesome way, which no man could descry,
8 That deepe descended through the hollow ground,
And was with dread and horrour compassed around.
1 "What secret place," quoth he, "can safely hold 2 So huge a mass, and hide from heaven's eye?
hide > [hide it]
3 Or where have you your won, that so much gold
won > dwelling-place
4 You can preserve from wrong and robbery?" 5 "Come you," quoth he, "and see!" So by and by
by and by > straight away
6 Through that thick covert he him led, and found 7 A darksome way, which no man could descry,
descry > make out, see; explore
8 That deep descended through the hollow ground, 9 And was with dread and horror compassed around.
compassed around > encircled, surrounded
207.21
At length they came into a larger space,
2 That stretcht it selfe into an ample plaine,
Through which a beaten broad high way did trace,
4 That streight did lead to Plutoes griesly raine:
By that wayes side, there sate +infernall+ Payne,
6 And fast beside him sat tumultuous Strife:
The one in hand an yron whip did straine,
8 The other brandished a bloudy knife,
And both did gnash their teeth, and both did threaten life.
5 infernall > internall 1590; eternall conj. Collier
1 At length they came into a larger space, 2 That stretched itself into an ample plain, 3 Through which a beaten broad highway did trace,
broad highway > (Cf. 104.2:8, 110.10:5) trace > proceed, pass
4 That straight did lead to Pluto's grisly reign:
grisly > fearsome, horrible reign > kingdom, realm
5 By that way's side there sat infernal Pain,
Pain > Punishment
6 And fast beside him sat tumultuous Strife:
fast > very closely
7 The one in hand an iron whip did strain,
strain > clasp tightly
8 The other brandished a bloody knife, 9 And both did gnash their teeth, and both did threaten life.
207.22
On thother side in one consort there sate,
2 Cruell Reuenge, and rancorous Despight,
Disloyall Treason, and hart-burning Hate,
4 But gnawing Gealosie out of their sight
Sitting alone, his bitter lips did bight,
6 And trembling Feare still to and fro did fly,
And found no place, where safe he shroud him might,
8 Lamenting Sorrow did in darknesse +lye,+
And Shame his vgly face did hide from liuing eye.
8 lye, > lye. 1596
1 On the other side, in one consort, there sat
consort > company, assembly (cf. Aen. 6.273-81)
2 Cruel Revenge, and rancorous Despite,
Despite > Anger; Malice; Outrage
3 Disloyal Treason, and heart-burning Hate, 4 But gnawing Jealousy, out of their sight, 5 Sitting alone, his bitter lips did bite, 6 And trembling Fear still to and fro did fly,
still > continually
7 And found no place, where safe he shroud himself might;
shroud > hide
8 Lamenting Sorrow did in darkness lie, 9 And Shame his ugly face did hide from living eye.
207.23
And ouer them sad +Horrour+ with grim hew,
2 Did alwayes sore, beating his yron wings;
And after him Owles and Night-rauens flew,
4 The hatefull messengers of heauy things,
Of death and dolour telling sad tidings;
6 Whiles sad Celeno, sitting on a clift,
A song of bale and bitter sorrow sings,
8 That hart of flint a sunder could haue rift:
Which hauing ended, after him she flyeth swift.
1 Horrour > horror 1590; horrour 1596
1 And over them sad Horror, with grim hue,
hue > appearance; colour
2 Did always soar, beating his iron wings;
always > always; perhaps also: all ways [in all directions, round and round] iron wings > (Cf. 111.31:9)
3 And after him owls and night-ravens flew,
owls > (To the Romans, the owl was an omen of death: see Met. 10.453; see also 105.30:6, etc.) night-raven > {An unspecified nocturnal bird, perhaps the nightjar or the night-heron. See SC, gloss to "June"}
4 The hateful messengers of heavy things,
heavy > distressing, grievous; grave
5 Of death and dolour telling sad tidings;
dolour > dolour; physical suffering; grief
6 While sad Celeno, sitting on a cliff,
Celeno > (One of the harpies, vultures with the head and breasts of a woman; associated with greed. The others were Ocypeta and A{e"}llo. See Aen. 3.219 ff.)
7 A song of bale and bitter sorrow sings,
bale > woe, torment
8 That heart of flint asunder could have rived:
rived > torn asunder
9 Which having ended, after him she flies swift.
207.24
All these before the gates of Pluto lay,
2 By whom they passing, spake vnto them nought.
But th'Elfin knight with wonder all the way
4 Did feed his eyes, and fild his inner thought.
At last him to a litle dore he brought,
6 That to the gate of Hell, which gaped wide,
Was next adioyning, ne them parted +ought+:
8 Betwixt them both was but a litle stride,
That did the house of Richesse from hell-mouth diuide.
7 ought > nought 1590
1 All these before the gates of Pluto lay, 2 By whom they passing, spoke to them naught.
naught > nothing at all [Guyon and Mammon said nothing to Pain, Strife, etc. as they passed]
3 But the Elfin knight with wonder all the way 4 Did feed his eyes, and fild his inner thought.
fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.)
5 At last him to a little door he brought,
he > [Mammon]
6 That to the gate of hell, which gaped wide, 7 Was next adjoining, ne them parted aught:
ne them parted aught > [nor did anything separate them; there was no space between the two]
8 Betwixt them both was but a little stride, 9 That did the house of Richesse from hell-mouth divide.
Richesse > Wealth
207.25
Before the dore sat selfe-consuming Care,
2 Day and night keeping wary watch and ward,
For feare least Force or Fraud should vnaware
4 Breake in, and spoile the treasure there in gard:
Ne would he suffer Sleepe once thither-ward
6 Approch, albe his drowsie den were next;
For next to death is Sleepe to be compard:
8 Therefore his house is vnto his annext;
Here Sleep, there Richesse, and Hel-gate them both betwext.
1 Before the door sat self-consuming Care, 2 Day and night keeping wary watch and ward,
ward > guard ("watch and ward" was formerly a common compound sb.)
3 For fear lest Force or Fraud should unawares 4 Break in, and spoil the treasure there in guard:
spoil > plunder, rob in > [under]
5 Nor would he suffer Sleep once thitherward
suffer > allow thitherward > towards there, in that direction
6 Approach, albe his drowsy den was next;
albe > although next > next adjoining (207.24:7), adjacent
7 For next to death is Sleep to be compared:
next > [most closely; cf. Aen. 6.278]
8 Therefore his house is to his annexed; 9 Here Sleep, there Richesse, and hell-gate them both betwixt.
Richesse > Wealth
207.26
So soone as Mammon there arriu'd, the dore
2 To him did open, and affoorded way;
Him followed eke Sir Guyon euermore,
4 Ne darkenesse him, ne daunger might dismay.
Soone as he entred was, the dore streight way
6 Did shut, and from behind it forth there lept
An vgly feend, more fowle then dismall day,
8 The which with monstrous stalke behind him stept,
And euer as he went, dew watch vpon him kept.
1 So soon as Mammon there arrived, the door 2 To him did open, and afforded way; 3 Him followed eke Sir Guyon evermore,
eke > also evermore > constantly
4 Neither darkness him, nor danger might dismay. 5 Soon as he entered was, the door straightway
Soon > [As soon]
6 Did shut, and from behind it forth there leapt 7 An ugly fiend, more foul than dismal day,
dismal day > {Dies mali, one of the evil or unlucky days of the medieval calendar}
8 Which with monstrous stalk behind him stepped, 9 And ever, as he went, due watch upon him kept.
207.27
Well hoped he, ere long that hardy guest,
2 If euer couetous hand, or lustfull eye,
Or lips he layd on thing, that likt him best,
4 Or euer sleepe his eye-strings did vntye,
Should be his pray. And therefore still on hye
6 He ouer him did hold his cruell clawes,
Threatning with greedy gripe to do him dye
8 And rend in peeces with his rauenous pawes,
If euer he transgrest the fatall Stygian lawes.
1 Well hoped he ere long that hardy guest
ere long that > [that before long that] hardy > bold, audacious
2 (If ever covetous hand, or lustful eye, 3 Or lips he laid on thing, that liked him best,
liked > pleased
4 Or ever sleep his eyestrings did untie)
eyestrings > {The tendons, nerves or muscles of the eyes, relaxation of which was supposed to accompany sleep; cf. Cymbeline I iii 17: Shakespeare may have got the word from here. The earliest use quoted by OED is by Ben Jonson in 1601. Cf. also 108.22:7}
5 Should be his prey. And therefore still on high
still > continuously