208.38
With that he strooke, and th'other strooke withall,
2 That nothing seem'd mote beare so monstrous might:
The one vpon his couered shield did fall,
4 And glauncing downe would not his owner byte:
But th'other did vpon his troncheon smyte,
6 Which hewing quite a sunder, further way
It made, and on his hacqueton did lyte,
8 The which diuiding with importune sway,
It seizd in his right side, and there the dint did stay.
1 With that he struck, and the other struck withal,
withal > also, in addition
2 That nothing, seemed, might bear so monstrous might:
That > [So that] seemed > [it seemed] so > such
3 The one upon his covered shield did fall, 4 And, glancing down, would not its owner bite: 5 But the other did upon his truncheon smite,
truncheon > broken lance
6 Which, hewing quite asunder, further way 7 It made, and on his acton did light,
acton > {Stuffed jerkin worn under chain-mail; later, a leather jacket covered with chain-mail} light > strike; fall, alight
8 Which dividing with importune sway,
importune sway > grievous force
9 It seized in his right side, and there the dint did stay.
seized > fastened, fixed itself (SUS) dint > blow, stroke stay > cease, delay; hence: arrest itself
208.39
Wyde was the wound, and a large lukewarme flood,
2 Red as the Rose, thence gushed grieuously;
That when the Paynim spyde the streaming blood,
4 Gaue him great hart, and hope of victory.
On th'other side, in huge perplexity,
6 The Prince now stood, hauing his weapon broke;
Nought could he hurt, but still at ward did ly:
8 Yet with his troncheon he so rudely stroke
Cymochles twise, that twise him forst his foot reuoke.
1 Wide was the wound, and a large lukewarm flood, 2 Red as the rose, thence gushed grievously; 3 That (when the paynim spied the streaming blood),
paynim > pagan, heathen
4 Gave him great heart, and hope of victory. 5 On the other side, in huge perplexity,
perplexity > distress
6 The prince now stood, having his weapon broke; 7 Naught could he hurt, but still at ward did lie:
Naught > Not at all at ward > on guard, on the defensive lie > remain
8 Yet with his truncheon he so rudely struck
truncheon > broken lance rudely > violently
9 Cymochles twice, that twice him forced his foot revoke.
that > [that it, that he] revoke > [to] draw back (cf. 101.12:7)
208.40
Whom when the Palmer saw in such distresse,
2 Sir Guyons sword he lightly to him raught,
And said; +faire+ Son, great God thy right hand blesse,
4 To vse that sword +so wisely as+ it ought.
Glad was the knight, and with fresh courage fraught,
6 When as againe he armed felt his hond;
Then like a Lion, which hath long time saught
8 His robbed whelpes, and at the last them fond
Emongst the shepheard swaynes, then wexeth wood and yond.
3 faire > fayre 1590; Faire 1609 4 so wisely as > so well, as he 1590, i.e. "as well as he who owned it", "ought" being the past tense of "owe" in the sense "owned", "possessed". 1596 means "as wisely as it ought to be used": the change might have been "a correction of the printer, who misunderstood `ought'" (Smith)
1 Whom when the palmer saw in such distress, 2 Sir Guyon's sword he lightly to him raught,
lightly > quickly; easily raught > reached, handed
3 And said: "Fair son, great God your right hand bless, 4 To use that sword so wisely as it ought."
so wisely as it ought > (See Textual Appendix)
5 Glad was the knight, and with fresh courage fraught,
fraught > filled
6 When again he armed felt his hand; 7 Then like a lion, which has long time sought
like > [he was like]
8 His robbed whelps, and at the last them found
robbed > stolen
9 Amongst the shepherd swains, then waxes wood and yond.
swains > young men; rustics waxes > becomes, grows wood > furious yond > mad, furious (cf. 307.26:5); or aphetic for: beyond (i.e. "beyond fury")
208.41
So fierce he laid about him, and dealt blowes
2 On either side, that neither mayle could hold,
Ne shield defend the thunder of his throwes:
4 Now to Pyrochles many strokes he told;
Eft to Cymochles twise so many fold:
6 Then backe againe turning his busie hond,
Them both attonce compeld with courage bold,
8 To yield wide way to his hart-thrilling brond;
And though they both stood stiffe, yet could not both withstond.
1 So fierce he laid about him, and dealt blows
So fierce > Thus fiercely, similarly fiercely
2 On either side, that neither mail could hold,
mail > chain-mail; chain-armour
3 Nor shield defend the thunder of his throws:
throws > blows
4 Now to Pyrochles many strokes he told;
told > counted out (cf. 104.27:5)
5 Eft to Cymochles twice so many fold:
Eft > Again; or: thereupon (aphetic for "eftsoons") so > as fold > [over again]
6 Then back again turning his busy hand, 7 Them both at once compelled with courage bold,
at once > simultaneously
8 To yield wide way to his heart-thrilling brand;
thrilling > piercing brand > sword
9 And though they both stood stiff, yet could not both withstand.
stiff > strong, firm; hence: resolute, resolutely
208.42
As saluage Bull, whom two fierce mastiues bayt,
2 When rancour doth with rage him once engore,
Forgets with warie ward them to awayt,
4 But with his dreadfull hornes them driues afore,
Or flings aloft, or treads downe in the flore,
6 Breathing out wrath, and bellowing disdaine,
That all the forrest quakes to heare him rore:
8 So rag'd Prince Arthur twixt his foemen twaine,
That neither could his mightie puissance sustaine.
1 As savage bull, whom two fierce mastiffs bait,
savage > wild; savage bait > harass, attack; also: worry, torment (a captive or chained animal, for "sport")
2 When rancour does with rage him once engore,
once > [once and for all, finally] engore > gore, wound deeply; hence: infuriate
3 Forgets with wary ward them to await,
ward > guard await > [keep watch for]
4 But with his dreadful horns them drives afore, 5 Or flings aloft, or treads down in the floor,
floor > ground (catachresis prompted by the rhyme)
6 Breathing out wrath, and bellowing disdain,
disdain > wrath
7 That all the forest quakes to hear him roar:
That > [So that]
8 So raged Prince Arthur 'twixt his foemen twain,
foemen > enemies twain > two, double, twofold (emphasizing their unfairness)
9 That neither could his mighty puissance sustain.
That > [So that] puissance > strength, power sustain > endure, withstand
208.43
But euer at Pyrochles when he smit,
2 Who Guyons shield cast euer him before,
Whereon the Faery Queenes pourtract was writ,
4 His hand relented, and the stroke forbore,
And his deare hart the picture gan adore,
6 Which oft the Paynim sau'd from deadly stowre.
But him henceforth the same can saue no more;
8 For now arriued is his fatall howre,
That no'te auoyded be by earthly skill or powre.
1 But ever at Pyrochles when he smote 2 (Who Guyon's shield cast ever him before, 3 Whereon the Faery Queen's portrait was writ),
Whereon > On which writ > drawn, painted
4 His hand relented, and the stroke forbore, 5 And his dear heart the picture gan adore,
dear > loving gan > did
6 Which oft the paynim saved from deadly stour.
paynim > pagan, heathen stour > peril
7 But him henceforth the same can save no more: 8 For now arrived is his fatal hour,
hour > moment
9 That no'te avoided be by earthly skill or power.
no'te > cannot skill > knowledge
208.44
For when Cymochles saw the fowle reproch,
2 Which them appeached, prickt with +guilty+ shame,
And inward griefe, he fiercely gan approch,
4 Resolu'd to put away that loathly blame,
Or dye with honour and desert of fame;
6 And on the hauberk stroke the Prince so sore,
That quite disparted all the linked frame,
8 And pierced to the skin, but bit +no more+,
Yet made him twise to reele, that neuer moou'd afore.
2 guilty > guiltie 1590; gulty 1596 8 no more > not thore 1590 (i.e. "not there")
1 For when Cymochles saw the foul reproach 2 Which them appeached, pricked with guilty shame,
appeached > shamed, dishonoured
3 And inward grief, he fiercely gan approach,
gan > did
4 Resolved to put away that loathly blame,
put away > dispel, put an end to loathly > loathsome, hateful
5 Or die with honour and desert of fame;
desert > merit, reward
6 And on the hauberk struck the prince so sore
hauberk > {Chain-mail tunic; chain-mail covering for neck and shoulders} sore > grievously
7 That quite disparted all the linked frame,
That > [That he] disparted > clove, parted asunder frame > structure; hence: fabric
8 And pierced to the skin, but bit no more,
more > [further]
9 Yet made him twice to reel, that never moved afore.
208.45
Whereat renfierst with wrath and sharpe regret,
2 He stroke so hugely with his borrowd blade,
That it empierst the Pagans burganet,
4 And cleauing the hard steele, did deepe inuade
Into his head, and cruell passage made
6 Quite through his braine. He tombling downe on ground,
Breathd out his ghost, which to th'infernall shade
8 Fast flying, there eternall torment found,
For all the sinnes, wherewith his lewd life did +abound.+
9 abound. > abound, 1596
1 Whereat renfierced with wrath and sharp regret,
Whereat > At which renfierced > rendered fierce; rendered fierce again (re-enfierced, ?with additional connotations of "renforced", "reinforced", "strengthened") regret > pain, distress (cf. 107.20:7)
2 He struck so hugely with his borrowed blade 3 That it empierced the pagan's burgonet,
empierced > transfixed burgonet > {helmet with a visor; steel cap. Cf. Muiopotmos 73, 305.31:9}
4 And, cleaving the hard steel, did deep invade 5 Into his head, and cruel passage made 6 Quite through his brain. He, tumbling down on ground, 7 Breathed out his ghost, which to the infernal shade
ghost > spirit, soul
8 Fast flying, there eternal torment found 9 For all the sins wherewith his lewd life did abound.
wherewith > with which lewd > lewd; ignorant, good-for-nothing
208.46
Which when his german saw, the stony +feare,+
2 Ran to his hart, and all his sence dismayd,
Ne thenceforth life ne courage did appeare,
4 But as a man, whom hellish feends haue frayd,
Long trembling still he stood: at last thus sayd;
6 Traytour what hast thou doen? how euer may
Thy cursed hand so cruelly haue swayd
8 Against that knight: +Harrow+ and +well away,+
After so wicked deed why liu'st thou lenger day?
1 feare, > feare 1609 8 Harrow > Horrow 1590, 1596: FE 8 well away, > weal-away! 1609
1 Which when his german saw, the stony fear
german > brother
2 Ran to his heart, and all his sense dismayed,
dismayed > overcame
3 Neither thenceforth life nor courage did appear, 4 But as a man whom hellish fiends have frayed,
frayed > terrified
5 Long trembling still he stood: at last thus said: 6 "Traitor, what have you done? How ever may 7 Your cursed hand so cruelly have swayed
swayed > swung (a weapon)
8 Against that knight: harrow and wellaway,
harrow > {A cry of distress} wellaway > alas!
9 After so wicked deed why live you longer day?"
longer > [a longer; cf. 203.7:6]
208.47
With that all desperate as loathing light,
2 And with reuenge desiring soone to dye,
Assembling all his force and vtmost might,
4 With his owne sword he fierce at him did flye,
And strooke, and foynd, and lasht outrageously,
6 Withouten reason or regard. Well knew
The Prince, with patience and sufferaunce sly
8 So hasty heat soone cooled to subdew:
Tho when +this+ breathlesse woxe, that batteil gan renew.
9 this > he 1679
1 With that, all desperate, as loathing light,
as > [as if] light > daylight (i.e. life itself)
2 And with revenge desiring soon to die,
soon > soon; at once
3 Assembling all his force and utmost might, 4 With his own sword he fierce at him did fly,
his > [Arthur's]
5 And struck, and foined, and lashed outrageously,
foined > lunged, thrust (with a pointed weapon) outrageously > violently
6 Without reason or regard. Well knew 7 The prince, with patience and sufferance sly,
sufferance > forbearance sly > skilful, cunning
8 So hasty heat soon cooled to subdue:
So > Such
9 Tho when this breathless waxed, that battle gan renew.
Tho > Then this > [Pyrochles] waxed > grew that > [Arthur] gan > did
208.48
As when a windy tempest bloweth hye,
2 That nothing may withstand his stormy stowre,
The cloudes, as things affrayd, before him flye;
4 But all so soone as his outrageous powre
Is layd, they fiercely then begin to shoure,
6 And as in scorne of his spent stormy spight,
Now all attonce their malice forth do poure;
8 So did +Prince Arthur+ beare himselfe in fight,
And suffred rash Pyrochles wast his idle might.
8 Prince Arthur > Sir Guyon 1590, 1596
1 As when a windy tempest blows high, 2 That nothing may withstand its stormy stour,
That > [So that] stour > tumult
3 The clouds, as things afraid, before it fly;
fly > flee, fly
4 But all so soon as its outrageous power
outrageous > violent
5 Is laid, they fiercely then begin to shower,
laid > caused to subside; calmed
6 And as in scorn of its spent stormy spite, 7 Now all at once their malice forth do pour;
malice > harmfulness
8 So did Prince Arthur bear himself in fight, 9 And suffered rash Pyrochles waste his idle might.
suffered > permitted waste > [to waste] idle > futile
208.49
At last when as the Sarazin perceiu'd,
2 How that straunge sword refusd, to serue his need,
But when he stroke most strong, the dint deceiu'd,
4 He flong it from him, and deuoyd of dreed,
Vpon him lightly leaping without heed,
6 Twixt his two mighty armes engrasped fast,
Thinking to ouerthrow and downe him tred:
8 But him in strength and skill the Prince surpast,
And through his nimble sleight did vnder him down cast.
1 At last when the Saracen perceived 2 How that strange sword refused to serve his need
strange > {Belonging to another; introduced from outside; wonderful}
3 (But when he struck most strong, the dint deceived),
dint > blow, impact
4 He flung it from him and, devoid of dread, 5 Upon him lightly leaping without heed,
lightly > quickly, easily
6 'Twixt his two mighty arms engrasped fast,
engrasped > grasped [him] fast > firmly; very closely
7 Thinking to overthrow and down him tread: 8 But him in strength and skill the prince surpassed, 9 And through his nimble sleight did under him down cast.
sleight > dexterity
208.50
Nought booted it the Paynim then to striue;
2 For as a Bittur in the Eagles claw,
That may not hope by flight to scape aliue,
4 Still waites for death with dread and trembling aw;
So he now subiect to the victours law,
6 Did not once moue, nor vpward cast his eye,
For vile disdaine and rancour, which did gnaw
8 His hart in twaine with sad melancholy,
As one that loathed life, and yet despisd to dye.
1 Naught booted it the paynim then to strive;
booted it > it availed paynim > pagan, heathen
2 For as a bittern in the eagle's claw, 3 That may not hope by flight to scape alive,
scape > escape
4 Still waits for death with dread and trembling awe; 5 So he, now subject to the victor's law,
he, now > (Or: "he now,") law > command
6 Did not once move, nor upward cast his eye, 7 For vile disdain and rancour, which did gnaw
disdain > indignation, anger
8 His heart in twain with sad melancholy,
twain > two sad > heavy; grievous; sad melancholy > irascibility
9 As one that loathed life, and yet despised to die.
208.51
But full of Princely bounty and great mind,
2 The Conquerour nought cared him to slay,
But casting wrongs and all reuenge behind,
4 More glory thought to giue life, then decay,
And said, Paynim, this is thy dismall day;
6 Yet if thou wilt renounce thy miscreaunce,
And my trew liegeman yield thy selfe for ay,
8 Life will I graunt thee for thy valiaunce,
And all thy wrongs will wipe out of my souenaunce.
1 But, full of princely bounty and great mind,
bounty > goodness, virtue; kindness, generosity great mind > magnanimity
2 The conqueror naught cared him to slay, 3 But, casting wrongs and all revenge behind, 4 More glory thought to give life than decay,
thought > [thought it] decay > death
5 And said, "Paynim, this is your dismal day;
Paynim > Pagan, heathen dismal day > {Dies mali, [one of] the evil or unlucky days of the medieval calendar}
6 Yet if you will renounce your miscreance,
miscreance > false belief, false faith
7 And my true liege man yield yourself for ay,
liege man > {Vassal; faithful follower or subject} ay > ever
8 Life will I grant you for your valiance,
valiance > valour, bravery
9 And all your wrongs will wipe out of my sovenance."
sovenance > remembrance, memory
208.52
Foole (said the Pagan) I thy gift defye,
2 But vse thy fortune, as it doth befall,
And say, that I not ouercome do dye,
4 But in despight of life, for death do call.
Wroth was the Prince, and sory yet withall,
6 That he so wilfully refused grace;
Yet sith his fate so cruelly did fall,
8 His shining Helmet he gan soone vnlace,
And left his headlesse body bleeding all the place.
1 "Fool," said the pagan, "I your gift defy, 2 But use your fortune as it does befall, 3 And say, that I not overcome do die, 4 But in despite of life, for death do call."
despite > contempt
5 Wroth was the prince, and sorry yet withal, 6 That he so wilfully refused grace;
grace > mercy
7 Yet sith his fate so cruelly did fall,
sith > since
8 His shining helmet he gan soon unlace,
gan soon > did immediately unlace > [remove, with a stroke of his sword; cf. 208.17:2]
9 And left his headless body bleeding all the place.
bleeding > (This trans. use is rare)
208.53
By this Sir Guyon from his traunce awakt,
2 Life hauing maistered her sencelesse foe;
And looking vp, when as his shield he lakt,
4 And sword saw not, he wexed wondrous woe:
But when the Palmer, whom he long ygoe
6 +Had+ lost, he by him spide, right glad he grew,
And said, Deare sir, whom wandring to and fro
8 I long haue lackt, I ioy thy face to vew;
Firme is thy faith, whom daunger neuer fro me drew.
6 Had > Hast 1596
1 By this Sir Guyon from his trance awaked,
By this > At this; by this time awaked > awoke; had awoken
2 Life having mastered her senseless foe; 3 And, looking up, when his shield he lacked,
lacked > {Missed, perceived the absence of}
4 And sword saw not, he waxed wondrous woe:
waxed > grew, became woe > sad; sorry
5 But when the palmer (whom he long ago 6 Had lost) he by him spied, right glad he grew,
right > very
7 And said, "Dear sir, whom wandering to and fro 8 I long have lacked, I joy your face to view; 9 Firm is your faith, whom danger never from me drew.
208.54
But read what wicked hand hath robbed mee
2 Of my good sword and shield? The Palmer glad,
With so fresh hew vprising him to see,
4 Him answered; +faire+ sonne, be no whit sad
For want of weapons, they shall soone be had.
6 So gan he to discourse the whole debate,
Which that straunge knight for him sustained had,
8 And those two Sarazins confounded late,
Whose carcases on ground were horribly prostrate.
4 faire > fayre 1590; Faire 1609
1 "But read what wicked hand has robbed me
read > make known
2 Of my good sword and shield?" The palmer glad 3 With so fresh hue uprising him to see,
so > such [a] hue > colour; appearance
4 Him answered: "Fair son, be no whit sad
no whit > [not in the least]
5 For want of weapons, they shall soon be had." 6 So began he to discourse the whole debate,
discourse > tell, describe debate > fight
7 Which that strange knight for him sustained had,
strange > new-come; foreign
8 And those two Saracens confounded late,
late > lately
9 Whose carcases on ground were horribly prostrate.
208.55
Which when he heard, and saw the tokens trew,
2 His hart with great affection was embayd,
And to the +Prince bowing+ with reuerence dew,
4 As to the Patrone of his life, thus sayd;
My Lord, my liege, by whose most gratious ayd
6 I liue this day, and see my foes subdewd,
What may suffise, to be for meede repayd
8 Of so great graces, as ye haue me shewd,
+But to be euer bound+
3 Prince bowing > Prince with bowing 1590 etc.: FE 9 Sic, 1590 etc.
1 Which when he heard, and saw the tokens true,
tokens > signs; hence: evidence
2 His heart with great affection was embayed,
affection > emotion (esp. strong emotion) embayed > bathed
3 And, to the prince bowing with reverence due, 4 As to the patron of his life, thus said:
patron > protector, defender; also: exemplar, model
5 "My lord, my liege, by whose most gracious aid
liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}
6 I live this day, and see my foes subdued, 7 What may suffice, to be for meed repaid
meed > reward
8 Of so great graces as you have me shown,
Of so > For such graces > favours
9 But to be ever bound -"
208.56
To whom the Infant thus, Faire Sir, what need
2 Good turnes be counted, as a seruile bond,
To bind their doers, to receiue their meede?
4 Are not all knights by oath bound, to withstond
Oppressours powre by armes and puissant hond?
6 Suffise, that I haue done my dew in place.
So goodly purpose they together fond,
8 Of kindnesse and of curteous aggrace;
The whiles false Archimage and Atin fled apace.
1 To whom the infant thus, "Fair sir, what need
infant > prince (apparently interrupting)
2 Good turns be counted as a servile bond,
be > [to be]
3 To bind their doers to receive their meed?
meed > reward
4 Are not all knights by oath bound to withstand 5 Oppressors' power by arms and puissant hand?
puissant > powerful
6 Suffice that I have done my due in place.
Suffice > [Suffice it; it is enough] due > duty in place > here
7 So goodly purpose they together found,
goodly > courteous purpose > conversation, discourse found > devised
8 Of kindness and of courteous aggrace;
aggrace > favour
9 The whiles false Archimago and Atin fled apace.
The whiles > Meanwhile apace > quickly
CANTO IX
The house of Temperance, in which
2 doth sober Alma dwell,
Besiegd of many foes, whom straunger
4 knightes to +flight+ compell.
4 flight > fight 1596, 1609
1 The House of Temperance, in which 2 does sober Alma dwell,
Alma > (Introduced at 209.17. Her name has a number of meanings: (1) "Nourishing", "Fair", "Gracious", "Propitious", "Kind" (Latin); (2) "Maiden" (Hebrew); (3) "All Good" (Celtic))
3 Besieged of many foes, whom stranger
of > by stranger > new-come
4 knights to flight compel.
209.1
OF all Gods workes, which do this world adorne,
2 There is no one more faire and excellent,
Then is mans body both for powre and forme,
4 Whiles it is kept in sober gouernment;
But none then it, more fowle and indecent,
6 Distempred through misrule and passions bace:
It growes a Monster, and incontinent
8 Doth loose his dignitie and natiue grace.
Behold, who list, both one and other in this place.
1 Of all God's works, which do this world adorn, 2 There is none more fair and excellent 3 Than is man's body, both for power and form, 4 While it is kept in sober government;
government > control
5 But none than it more foul and indecent,
indecent > uncomely; repulsive
6 Distempered through misrule and passions base:
Distempered > [When] disordered
7 It grows a monster, and incontinent
grows > becomes incontinent > lacking self-restraint (adj.); immediately (adv.)
8 Does loose its dignity and native grace.
loose > lose; loose; loosen, dissolve native > innate, natural
9 Behold, who list, both one and other in this place.
list > chooses, please other > [the other]
209.2
After the Paynim brethren conquer'd were,
2 The Briton Prince recou'ring his stolne sword,
And Guyon his lost shield, they both yfere
4 Forth passed on their way in faire accord,
Till him the Prince with gentle court did bord;
6 Sir knight, mote I of you this curt'sie read,
To weet why on your shield so goodly scord
8 Beare ye the picture of that Ladies head?
Full liuely is the semblaunt, though the substance dead.
1 After the paynim brethren conquered were,
paynim > pagan, heathen
2 The Briton prince recovering his stolen sword, 3 And Guyon his lost shield, they both yfere
yfere > together
4 Forth passed on their way in fair accord, 5 Till him the prince with gentle court did board:
gentle > polite court > {Courteous attention} board > address
6 "Sir knight, might I of you this courtesy read,
read > make known; hence: ask
7 To weet why on your shield so goodly scored
weet > learn, know goodly > beautifully scored > inscribed; hence: carved, depicted
8 Bear you the picture of that lady's head?
that lady > [the Faery Queen; see 107.30:1-5]
9 Full lively is the semblant, though the substance dead."
Full lively > Very life-like semblant > resemblance; image dead > [is dead]
209.3
Faire Sir (said he) if in that picture dead
2 Such life ye read, and vertue in vaine shew,
What mote ye weene, if the trew liuely-head
4 Of that most glorious visage ye did vew?
But if the beautie of her mind ye knew,
6 That is her bountie, and imperiall powre,
Thousand times fairer then her mortall hew,
8 O how great wonder would your thoughts deuoure,
And infinite desire into your spirite poure!
1 "Fair sir," said he, "if in that picture dead 2 Such life you read, and virtue in vain show,
read > discern virtue > virtue; power show > behold; describe
3 What might you ween if the true livelihead
ween > think livelihead > living form; hence: original
4 Of that most glorious visage you did view? 5 But if the beauty of her mind you knew, 6 That is her bounty, and imperial power
bounty > goodness, virtue
7 (Thousand times fairer than her mortal hue),
hue > appearance
8 O how great wonder would your thoughts devour,
how great > [how great a, what great]
9 And infinite desire into your spirit pour!
209.4
She is the mighty Queene of Faerie,
2 Whose faire retrait I in my shield do beare;
She is the flowre of grace and chastitie,
4 Throughout the world renowmed far and neare,
My liefe, my liege, my Soueraigne, my deare,
6 Whose glory shineth as the morning starre,
And with her light the earth enlumines cleare;
8 Far reach her mercies, and her prayses farre,
As well in state of peace, as puissaunce in warre.
1 "She is the mighty Queen of Faery, 2 Whose fair retrait I in my shield do bear;
retrait > portrait in > [on]
3 She is the flower of grace and chastity, 4 Throughout the world renowned far and near, 5 My lief, my liege, my sovereign, my dear,
lief > beloved liege > {Superior to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}
6 Whose glory shines as the morning star,
the morning star > (Another name for the planet Venus; cf. 100.4:2 and SC, gloss to "December": "Venus, the goddesse of beauty or pleasure. Also a signe in heaven, as it is here taken")
7 And with her light the earth enlumines clear;
enlumines > illuminates
8 Far reach her mercies, and her praises far, 9 As well in state of peace, as puissance in war."
well > much puissance > [in] strength
209.5
Thrise happy man, (said then the Briton knight)
2 Whom gracious lot, and thy great valiaunce
Haue made +thee+ souldier of that Princesse bright,
4 Which with her bounty and glad countenance
Doth blesse her seruaunts, and them high aduaunce.
6 How may straunge knight hope euer to aspire,
By faithfull seruice, and meet amenance,
8 Vnto such blisse? sufficient were that hire
For losse of thousand liues, to dye at her desire.
3 thee > a 1609
1 "Thrice happy man," said then the Briton knight, 2 "Whom gracious lot and your great valiance
gracious lot > favourable fortune valiance > valour, bravery
3 Have made you soldier of that princess bright,
bright > shining; beautiful
4 Who with her bounty and glad countenance
bounty > goodness, virtue glad > bright, shining; beautiful countenance > countenance; patronage, favour
5 Does bless her servants, and them high advance. 6 How may strange knight hope ever to aspire
strange > [a] foreign
7 (By faithful service and meet amenance)
meet > suitable, seemly amenance > bearing, conduct
8 To such bliss? Sufficient were that hire
hire > reward
9 For loss of thousand lives, to die at her desire."
209.6
Said Guyon, Noble Lord, what meed so great,
2 Or grace of earthly Prince so soueraine,
But by your wondrous worth and warlike feat
4 Ye well may hope, and easely attaine?
But were your will, her sold to entertaine,
6 And numbred be mongst knights of Maydenhed,
Great guerdon, well I wote, should you remaine,
8 And in her fauour high be reckoned,
As Arthegall, and Sophy now beene honored.
1 Said Guyon, "Noble lord, what meed so great,
meed > reward
2 Or grace of earthly prince so sovereign, 3 But by your wondrous worth and warlike feat 4 You well may hope, and easily attain?
hope > hope for
5 But were your will her sold to entertain,
sold > wages entertain > accept
6 And numbered be amongst knights of Maidenhead,
Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order)
7 Great guerdon, well I wot, should you remain,
guerdon > reward, recompense wot > know remain > await
8 And in her favour high be reckoned, 9 As Artegall, and Sophy now been honoured."
Artegall > (Hero of Book V)
Sophy > "Wisdom" (Greek; ?protagonist of an unwritten or unknown
book of FQ)
been > [have been; are being]
209.7
Certes (then said the Prince) I God auow,
2 That sith I armes and knighthood first did plight,
My whole desire has beene, and yet is now,
4 To serue that Queene with all my powre and might.
+Now hath+ the Sunne with his lamp-burning light,
6 +Walkt round+ about the world, and I no lesse,
+Sith+ of that Goddesse I haue sought the sight,
8 Yet no where can her find: such happinesse
Heauen doth to me enuy, and fortune +fauourlesse+.
5 Now hath > Seuen times 1590; cf. 109.15 and 209.38 6 Walkt round > Hath walkte 1590 7 Sith > Since 1609 9 fauourlesse > Perhaps a misprint for fauour lesse_, since spacing is very tight in the quartos. If so,_ fortune should be read as Fortune_. Weight is given to this possibility by the beginning of the next line_
1 "Certes," then said the prince, "I God avow
Certes > Assuredly
God > [before God; to God]
2 That sith I arms and knighthood first did plight,
sith > since arms > {Feats of arms} plight > pledge myself [to]; also: plait, knit, hence: interweave
3 My whole desire has been, and yet is now, 4 To serve that queen with all my power and might. 5 Now has the sun, with his lamp-burning light, 6 Walked round about the world, and I no less, 7 Sith of that goddess I have sought the sight, 8 Yet nowhere can her find: such happiness 9 Heaven does to me envy, and fortune favourless."
envy > begrudge fortune > (Vb.) [I] happen; hence: I proceed through life, I follow my quest (see also Textual Appendix) favourless > lacking favour
209.8
Fortune, the foe of famous cheuisaunce
2 Seldome (said Guyon) yields to vertue aide,
But in her way throwes mischiefe and mischaunce,
4 Whereby her course is stopt, and passage staid.
But +you,+ faire Sir, be not herewith dismaid,
6 But constant keepe the way, in which ye stand;
Which were it not, that I am else delaid
8 With hard aduenture, which I haue in hand,
I labour would to guide you through all Faery land.
5 you, > you 1596
1 "Fortune, the foe of famous chevisance,
chevisance > enterprise, knightly enterprise (catachr.)
2 Seldom," said Guyon, "yields to virtue aid,
to virtue aid > [aid to virtue]
3 But in its way throws mischief and mischance,
mischief > misfortune; evil; disaster
4 Whereby its course is stopped, and passage stayed.
stayed > obstructed; stopped
5 But you, fair sir, be not herewith dismayed,
herewith > with this dismayed > dismayed; defeated (with pun on "dis-made": cf. 108.5:4, 108.11:1, 209.37:5, etc.)
6 But constant keep the way in which you stand;
stand > stand, remain steadfast; also, perhaps, in view of "way": steer, direct your course (usu. applied to ships: OED first records this usage in 1627)
7 Were it not that I am else delayed
else > otherwise
8 With hard adventure, which I have in hand, 9 I labour would to guide you through all Faery Land."
209.9
Gramercy Sir (said he) but mote I +weete+,
2 What straunge aduenture do ye now pursew?
Perhaps my succour, or aduizement meete
4 Mote stead you much your purpose to subdew.
Then gan Sir Guyon all the story shew
6 Of false Acrasia, and her wicked wiles,
Which to auenge, the Palmer him forth drew
8 From Faery court. So talked they, the whiles
They wasted had much way, and measurd many miles.
1 weete > wote 1590 etc.; this correction is generally agreed
1 "Gramercy sir," said he, but might I weet
Gramercy > Thank you weet > learn; hence: ask
2 What strange adventure do you now pursue? 3 Perhaps my succour, or advisement meet
advisement > advice meet > seemly, appropriate; hence, perhaps: modest
4 Might stead you much your purpose to subdue."
stead > help subdue > overcome; hence: achieve
5 Then gan Sir Guyon all the story show
gan > did show > make known, tell
6 Of false Acrasia, and her wicked wiles, 7 Which to avenge, the palmer him forth drew 8 From Faery court. So talked they; the whiles
Faery court > (See I:183: "The second day ther came in a Palmer …") the whiles > meanwhile, during which time
9 They wasted had much way, and measured many miles.
209.10
And now faire Ph{oe}bus gan decline in hast
2 His weary wagon to the Westerne vale,
Whenas they spide a goodly castle, plast
4 Foreby a riuer in a pleasaunt dale,
Which choosing for that euenings hospitale,
6 They thither marcht: but when they came in sight,
And from their sweaty Coursers did auale,
8 They found the gates fast barred long ere night,
And euery loup fast lockt, as fearing foes despight.
1 And now fair Phoebus gan decline in haste
Phoebus > (Who each day drives his chariot across the sky) gan > did; began to
2 His weary wagon to the western vale, 3 When they spied a goodly castle, placed
goodly > beautiful, fine
4 Forby a river in a pleasant dale,
Forby > Hard by, near
5 Which choosing for that evening's hospital,
hospital > hospice, lodging-place
6 They thither marched: but when they came in sight, 7 And from their sweaty coursers did avale,
their sweaty coursers > (Perhaps we are to infer that Arthur's squire has lent Guyon his, or a spare, horse) avale > dismount
8 They found the gates fast barred long ere night,
fast > firmly
9 And every loop fast locked, as fearing foes' despite.
loop > loop-hole fearing > [if in fear of] despite > outrage
209.11
Which when they saw, they weened fowle reproch
2 Was to them doen, their entrance to forstall,
Till that the Squire gan nigher to approch;
4 And wind his horne vnder the castle wall,
That with the noise it shooke, as it would fall:
6 Eftsoones forth looked from the highest spire
The watch, and lowd vnto the knights did call,
8 To weete, what they so rudely did require.
Who gently answered, They entrance did desire.
1 Which when they saw, they weened foul reproach
weened > imagined, supposed
2 Was to them done, their entrance to forestall, 3 Till the squire began nigher to approach; 4 And wind his horn under the castle wall,
wind > blow (cf. 108.3-5)
5 That with the noise it shook, as it would fall:
That > [So that] as > [as if]
6 Eftsoons forth looked from the highest spire
Eftsoons > Thereupon; before long
7 The watch, and loud to the knights did call,
watch > sentinel
8 To weet what they so rudely did require.
weet > find out
9 Who gently answered, they entrance did desire.
gently > politely
209.12
Fly, fly, good knights, (said he) fly fast away
2 If that your liues ye loue, as meete ye should;
Fly fast, and saue your selues from neare decay,
4 Here may ye not haue entraunce, though we would:
We would and would againe, if that we could;
6 But thousand enemies about vs raue,
And with long siege vs in this castle hould:
8 Seuen yeares this wize they vs besieged haue,
And many good knights slaine, that haue vs sought to saue.
1 "Fly, fly, good knights," said he, "fly fast away
Fly > Flee
2 If your lives you love, as meet you should;
meet > [it is] fitting [that]
3 Fly fast, and save yourselves from near decay;
near decay > imminent death
4 Here may you not have entrance, though we would:
would > [would be pleased to grant it to you]
5 We would and would again, if that we could; 6 But thousand enemies about us rave,
rave > rage
7 And with long siege us in this castle hold: 8 Seven years this wise they us besieged have,
this wise > in this manner
9 And many good knights slain, that have us sought to save."
209.13
Thus as he +spoke+, loe with outragious cry
2 A thousand villeins round about them swarmd
Out of the rockes and caues adioyning nye,
4 Vile caytiue wretches, ragged, rude, deformd,
All threatning death, all in straunge manner armd,
6 Some with vnweldy clubs, some with long speares,
Some rusty kniues, some staues in fire warmd.
8 Sterne was their looke, like wild amazed steares,
Staring with hollow eyes, and stiffe vpstanding heares.
1 spoke > spake 1609
1 Thus as he spoke, lo with outrageous cry
outrageous cry > intemperate yelling
2 A thousand villeins round about them swarmed
villeins > villains; serfs
3 Out of the rocks and caves adjoining nigh, 4 Vile caitiff wretches, ragged, rude, deformed,
Vile > Despicable caitiff > servile, wretched rude > uncivilized deformed > deformed; perverted; befouled
5 All threatening death, all in strange manner armed, 6 Some with unwieldy clubs, some with long spears, 7 Some rusty knives, some staves in fire warmed.
rusty > rusty; blood-stained knives> knives; swords warmed > part-burnt (in order to harden the points)
8 Stern was their look, like wild amazed steers,
Stern > Fierce amazed > confounded, panic-stricken
9 Staring with hollow eyes and stiff upstanding hair.
Staring > Staring; glaring
209.14
Fiersly at first those knights they did assaile,
2 And droue them to recoile: but when againe
They gaue fresh charge, their forces gan to faile,
4 Vnhable their encounter to sustaine;
For with such puissaunce and impetuous maine
6 Those Champions broke on them, that forst them fly,
Like scattered +Sheepe+, whenas the Shepheards swaine
8 A Lyon and a Tigre doth espye,
With greedy pace forth rushing from the forest nye.
7 Sheepe > Speepe 1596
1 Fiercely at first those knights they did assail, 2 And drove them to recoil: but when again 3 They gave fresh charge, their forces began to fail, 4 Unable their encounter to sustain; 5 For with such puissance and impetuous main
puissance > power, strength main > force
6 Those champions broke on them, that forced them fly:
that > [that it] fly > [to] flee
7 Like scattered sheep, when the shepherd's swain
swain > boy
8 A lion and a tiger does espy, 9 With greedy pace forth rushing from the forest nigh.
greedy > eager, reckless
209.15
A while they fled, but soone returnd againe
2 With greater fury, then before was found;
And euermore their cruell +Captaine+
4 Sought with his raskall routs t'enclose them round,
And ouerrun to tread them to the ground.
6 But soone the knights with their bright-burning blades
Broke their rude troupes, and orders did confound,
8 Hewing and slashing at their idle shades;
For though they bodies seeme, yet substance from them fades.
3 Captaine > Capitaine 1609
1 Awhile they fled, but soon returned again 2 With greater fury than before was found; 3 And evermore their cruel captain 4 Sought with his rascal routs to enclose them round,
rascal routs > rabble
5 And overrun to tread them to the ground.
overrun > [to overrun them]
6 But soon the knights with their bright-burning blades 7 Broke their rude troops, and orders did confound,
rude > clumsy orders > [their] ranks
8 Hewing and slashing at their idle shades;
idle > empty shades > shadows
9 For though they bodies seem, yet substance from them fades.
fades > vanishes (cf. 105.15:5)
209.16
As when a swarme of Gnats at euentide
2 Out of the fennes of Allan do arise,
Their murmuring small trompets sounden wide,
4 Whiles in the aire their clustring army flies,
That as a cloud doth seeme to dim the skies;
6 Ne man nor beast may rest, or take repast,
For their sharpe wounds, and noyous iniuries,
8 Till the fierce Northerne wind +with+ blustring blast
Doth blow them quite away, and in the Ocean cast.
8 with > omitted from 1596
1 As when a swarm of gnats at eventide 2 Out of the fens of Allen do arise,
Allen > (The Bog of Allen, a 372 square-mile peat morass in NW Ireland; the Lough of Allen is cited as one source of Ireland's principal river, the Shannon)
3 Their murmuring small trumpets sound wide, 4 While in the air their clustering army flies, 5 That, as a cloud, does seem to dim the skies; 6 Neither man nor beast may rest, or take repast, 7 For their sharp wounds, and noyous injuries,
noyous > vexatious injuries > wrongs inflicted; hence: attacks
8 Till the fierce northern wind, with blustering blast, 9 Does blow them quite away, and in the ocean cast.
209.17
Thus when they had that troublous rout disperst,
2 Vnto the castle gate they come againe,
And entraunce crau'd, which was denied erst.
4 Now when report of that their +perilous+ paine,
And combrous +conflict+, which they did sustaine,
6 Came to the Ladies eare, which there did dwell,
She forth issewed with a goodly traine
8 Of Squires and Ladies equipaged well,
And entertained them right fairely, as befell.
4 perilous > perlous 1590 5 conflict > comflict 1596
1 Thus when they had that troublous rout dispersed, 2 To the castle gate they come again, 3 And entrance craved, which was denied erst.
erst > at first; lately
4 Now when report of that their perilous pain, 5 And cumbrous conflict, which they did sustain,
cumbrous > harassing (cf. 101.23)
6 Came to the lady's ear, which there did dwell, 7 She forth issued with a goodly train
goodly > courteous, kindly; comely
8 Of squires and ladies equipaged well,
squires > attendants equipaged > fitted out
9 And entertained them right fairly, as befell.
entertained > received fairly > courteously, well; becomingly befell > was fitting
209.18
Alma she called was, a virgin bright;
2 That had not yet felt Cupides wanton rage,
Yet was she +woo'd+ of many a gentle knight,
4 And many a Lord of noble parentage,
That sought with her to lincke in marriage:
6 For she was faire, as faire mote euer bee,
And in the flowre now of her freshest age;
8 Yet full of grace and goodly modestee,
That euen heauen reioyced her sweete face to see.
3 woo'd > wooed 1590
1 Alma she called was, a virgin bright,
bright > beautiful
2 That had not yet felt Cupid's wanton rage, 3 Yet was she wooed of many a gentle knight,
of > by gentle > noble
4 And many a lord of noble parentage, 5 That sought with her to link in marriage: 6 For she was fair, as fair might ever be, 7 And in the flower now of her freshest age; 8 Yet full of grace and goodly modesty, 9 That even heaven rejoiced her sweet face to see.
That > [So that]
209.19
In robe of lilly white she was arayd,
2 That from her shoulder to her heele downe raught,
The traine whereof loose far behind her strayd,
4 Braunched with gold and pearle, most richly wrought,
And borne of two faire Damsels, which were taught
6 That seruice well. Her yellow golden heare
Was trimly wouen, and in tresses wrought,
8 Ne other tyre she on her head did weare,
But crowned with a garland of sweete Rosiere.
1 In robe of lily white she was arrayed, 2 That from her shoulder to her heel down raught,
raught > reached
3 The train whereof loose far behind her strayed, 4 Branched with gold and pearl, most richly wrought,
Branched > {Embroidered with a branching pattern}
5 And borne of two fair damsels, who were taught
of > by
6 That service well. Her yellow golden hair 7 Was trimly woven, and in tresses wrought, 8 No other tire she on her head did wear,
tire > head-dress; garment
9 But crowned with a garland of sweet rosier.