1 In her left hand a cup of gold she held, 2 And with her right the riper fruit did reach,
riper > riper; too-ripe, over-ripe
3 Whose sappy liquor, that with fullness swelled, 4 Into her cup she scruzed, with dainty breach
scruzed > squeezed dainty > fastidious; pleasing breach > {Breaking, splitting, the act of splitting}
5 Of her fine fingers, without foul impeach,
Of > By, with impeach > injury, damage, detriment; hence: staining [of her fingers], tainting [of the wine]
6 That so fair winepress made the wine more sweet:
so > (Intensifying "fair": "That so-fair winepress")
7 Thereof she used to give to drink to each
each > each person, everyone
8 Whom passing by she happened to meet: 9 It was her guise, all strangers goodly so to greet.
guise > custom goodly > courteously greet > greet; gratify
212.57
So she to Guyon offred it to tast;
2 Who taking it out of her tender hond,
The cup to ground did violently cast,
4 That all in peeces it was broken fond,
And with the liquor stained all the lond:
6 Whereat Excesse exceedingly was wroth,
Yet no'te the same amend, ne yet withstond,
8 But suffered him to passe, all were she loth;
Who +not+ regarding her displeasure forward goth.
9 not > nought 1590
1 So she to Guyon offered it to taste;
So > In that manner
2 Who, taking it out of her tender hand, 3 The cup to ground did violently cast, 4 That all in pieces it was broken found,
That > [So that]
5 And with the liquor stained all the land: 6 Whereat Excess exceedingly was wroth,
Whereat > At which
7 Yet no'te the same amend, nor yet withstand,
no'te > could not
8 But suffered him to pass, all were she loath;
suffered > allowed all were she > [although she was]
9 Who, not regarding her displeasure, forward goes.
212.58
There the most daintie Paradise on ground,
2 It selfe doth offer to his sober eye,
In which all pleasures plenteously abound,
4 And none does others happinesse enuye:
The painted flowres, the trees vpshooting hye,
6 The dales for shade, the hilles for breathing space,
The trembling groues, the Christall running by;
8 And that, which all faire workes doth most aggrace,
The art, which all that wrought, appeared in no place.
1 There the most dainty paradise on ground
dainty > pleasing; choice on ground > in the world
2 Itself does offer to his sober eye, 3 In which all pleasures plenteously abound, 4 And none does other's happiness envy:
envy > begrudge
5 The painted flowers, the trees upshooting high, 6 The dales for shade, the hills for breathing space, 7 The trembling groves, the crystal running by;
crystal > [crystal waters]
8 And that which all fair works does most aggrace
aggrace > grace, add grace to
9 (The art, which all that wrought) appeared in no place.
212.59
One would haue thought, (so cunningly, the rude,
2 And scorned parts were mingled with the fine,)
That nature had for wantonesse ensude
4 Art, and that Art at nature did repine;
So striuing each th'other to vndermine,
6 Each did the others worke more beautifie;
So diff'ring both in willes, agreed in fine:
8 So all agreed through sweete diuersitie,
This Gardin to adorne with all varietie.
1 One would have thought (so cunningly the rude
rude > imperfect, coarse
2 And scorned parts were mingled with the fine) 3 That Nature had for wantonness ensued
wantonness > extravagance ensued > imitated
4 Art, and that Art at Nature did repine;
repine > murmur, fret; complain
5 So striving each the other to undermine,
So > Thus
6 Each did the other's work more beautify; 7 So differing both in wills, agreed in fine:
fine > the end
8 So all agreed, through sweet diversity,
all > both [Art and Nature]
9 This garden to adorn with all variety.
212.60
And in the midst of all, a fountaine stood,
2 Of richest substaunce, that on earth might bee,
So pure and shiny, that the siluer flood
4 Through euery channell running one might see;
Most goodly it with +curious+ imageree
6 Was ouer-wrought, and shapes of naked boyes,
Of which some seemd with liuely iollitee,
8 To fly about, playing their wanton toyes,
Whilest others did them selues embay in liquid ioyes.
5 curious > pure 1609
1 And in the midst of all a fountain stood, 2 Of richest substance that on earth might be, 3 So pure and shiny that the silver flood 4 Through every channel running one might see; 5 Most goodly it with curious imagery
goodly > finely, beautifully; gracefully curious > skilled; elaborate; exquisite imagery > idolatrous images (cf. 108.36:2, 207.5:6)
6 Was overwrought, and shapes of naked boys,
overwrought > {Over-laboured; worked up to too high a pitch}
7 Of which some seemed with lively jollity
lively > life-like jollity > pleasure, lust
8 To fly about, playing their wanton toys,
wanton > unruly, frisky; lewd toys > games, amorous games (cf. e.g. 205.28:8)
9 Whilst others did themselves embay in liquid joys.
embay > bathe
212.61
And ouer all, of purest gold was spred,
2 A trayle of yuie in his natiue hew:
For the rich mettall was so coloured,
4 That wight, who did not well auis'd it vew,
Would surely deeme it to be yuie trew:
6 Low his lasciuious armes adown did creepe,
That themselues dipping in the siluer dew,
8 Their fleecy flowres they +tenderly+ did steepe,
Which drops of Christall seemd for wantones to weepe.
8 tenderly > fearefully 1590
1 And overall of purest gold was spread
overall > everywhere, in every direction
2 A trail of ivy in his native hue:
trail > trellis ivy > (An emblem of licentiousness: see, for example, 104.22:3, 306.44:5) his > (The unexpected gender emphasizes the symbolism) hue > colour, appearance
3 For the rich metal was so coloured
coloured > coloured; misrepresented, hence: disguised
4 That wight who did not well advised it view,
wight > [a] person, anyone well advised > carefully
5 Would surely deem it to be ivy true: 6 Low his lascivious arms adown did creep,
adown > down
7 That themselves dipping in the silver dew,
That > [So that]
8 Their fleecy flowers they tenderly did steep, 9 Which drops of crystal seemed for wantonness to weep.
wantonness > wantonness or, conceivably: wantons: licentious people
212.62
Infinit streames continually did well
2 Out of this fountaine, sweet and faire to see,
The which into an ample lauer fell,
4 And shortly grew to so great quantitie,
That like a little lake it seemd to bee;
6 Whose depth exceeded not three cubits hight,
That through the waues one might the bottom see,
8 All pau'd beneath with Iaspar shining bright,
That seemd the fountaine in that sea did sayle vpright.
1 Infinite streams continually did well 2 Out of this fountain, sweet and fair to see, 3 Which into an ample laver fell,
laver > [basin of the fountain]
4 And shortly grew to so great quantity
so > such a
5 That like a little lake it seemed to be; 6 Whose depth exceeded not three cubits' height,
three cubits > (Four-and-a-half to five-and-a-half feet (about 1.4 to 1.7 metres); the cubit is an ancient measure based on the length of the forearm, about 18-22 inches)
7 That through the waves one might the bottom see,
That > [So that]
8 All paved beneath with jasper shining bright,
jasper > (Used to describe various precious stones, esp. of a bright green colour)
9 That seemed the fountain in that sea did sail upright.
That > [So that it] sail > sail; sally forth, issue forth, project
212.63
And all the margent round about was set,
2 With shady Laurell trees, thence to defend
The sunny beames, which on the billowes bet,
4 And those which therein bathed, mote offend.
As Guyon hapned by the same to wend,
6 Two naked Damzelles he therein espyde,
Which therein bathing, seemed to contend,
8 And wrestle wantonly, ne car'd to hyde,
Their dainty parts from vew of any, which them eyde.
1 And all the margin round about was set 2 With shady laurel trees, thence to defend
laurel > (Sacred to Apollo, god of the sun; see note at 212.52:5) defend > ward off
3 The sunny beams, which on the billows beat 4 And those which therein bathed might offend.
offend > harm
5 As Guyon happened by the same to wend, 6 Two naked damsels he therein espied, 7 Who, therein bathing, seemed to contend, 8 And wrestle wantonly, nor cared to hide 9 Their dainty parts from view of any who them eyed.
212.64
Sometimes the one would lift the other quight
2 Aboue the waters, and then downe againe
Her plong, as ouer maistered by might,
4 Where both awhile would couered remaine,
And each the other from to rise restraine;
6 The whiles their snowy limbes, as through a vele,
So through the Christall waues appeared plaine:
8 Then suddeinly both would themselues vnhele,
And th'amarous sweet spoiles to greedy eyes reuele.
1 Sometimes the one would lift the other quite 2 Above the waters, and then down again 3 Her plunge, as overmastered by might,
plunge > immerse overmastered > overcome
4 Where both awhile would covered remain, 5 And each the other from to rise restrain;
to rise > rising
6 The whiles their snowy limbs, as through a veil,
The whiles > Meanwhile
7 So through the crystal waves appeared plain: 8 Then suddenly both would themselves unhele,
unhele > uncover
9 And the amorous sweet spoils to greedy eyes reveal.
amorous > {Lovely; pertaining to sexual love} greedy > eager; rapacious
212.65
As that faire Starre, the messenger of morne,
2 His deawy face out of the sea doth reare:
Or as the Cyprian goddesse, newly borne
4 Of th'Oceans fruitfull froth, did first appeare:
Such seemed they, and so their yellow heare
6 Christalline humour dropped downe apace.
Whom such when Guyon saw, he drew him neare,
8 And somewhat gan relent his earnest pace,
His stubborne brest gan secret pleasaunce to embrace.
1 As that fair star, the messenger of morn,
that fair star > (The morning star, Venus, named after the goddess of love)
2 His dewy face out of the sea does rear: 3 Or as the Cyprian goddess, newly born
Cyprian > (Belonging to Cyprus: Cyprus was one of the chief centres of the worship of Aphrodite (Venus); she is also called Cypria. Thus "cyprian" also = "lewd", "licentious")
4 Of the ocean's fruitful froth, did first appear:
froth > (In later accounts, Aphrodite is said to have been born from the sea-foam: hence her name, from the Greek aphros, foam, froth)
5 Such seemed they, and so their yellow hair 6 Crystalline humour dropped down apace.
humour > moisture apace > swiftly
7 Whom such when Guyon saw, he drew near,
Whom such > [Whom]
8 And somewhat gan relent his earnest pace;
gan > did relent > slacken; also: repent of, regret (SUS)
9 His stubborn breast began secret pleasance to embrace.
stubborn > pertinacious, dogged pleasance > delight, joy
212.66
The wanton Maidens him espying, stood
2 Gazing a while at his vnwonted guise;
Then th'one her selfe low ducked in the flood,
4 Abasht, that her a straunger did a vise:
But th'other rather higher did arise,
6 And her two lilly paps aloft displayd,
And all, that might his melting hart entise
8 To her delights, she vnto him bewrayd:
The rest hid vnderneath, him more desirous made.
1 The wanton maidens, him espying, stood 2 Gazing awhile at his unwonted guise;
unwonted guise > unaccustomed manner; unusual behaviour
3 Then the one herself low ducked in the flood,
flood > water
4 Abashed that her a stranger did advise:
advise > look at; consider
5 But the other rather higher did arise, 6 And her two lily paps aloft displayed,
paps > breasts
7 And all that might his melting heart entice 8 To her delights, she to him bewrayed:
bewrayed > revealed
9 The rest, hidden underneath, him more desirous made.
212.67
With that, the other likewise vp arose,
2 And her faire lockes, which formerly were bownd
Vp in one knot, she low adowne did lose:
4 Which flowing long and thick, her cloth'd arownd,
And th'yuorie in golden mantle gownd:
6 So that faire spectacle from him was reft,
Yet that, which reft it, no lesse faire was fownd:
8 So hid in lockes and waues from lookers theft,
Nought but her louely face she for his looking left.
1 With that, the other likewise up arose, 2 And her fair locks, which formerly were bound 3 Up in one knot, she low adown did loosen:
adown > down
4 Which, flowing long and thick, her clothed around, 5 And the ivory in golden mantle gowned:
ivory > [of her skin]
6 So that fair spectacle from him was reft,
reft > taken away
7 Yet that, which reft it, no less fair was found: 8 So hid in locks and waves from looker's theft, 9 Naught but her lovely face she for his looking left.
212.68
Withall she laughed, and she blusht withall,
2 That blushing to her laughter gaue more grace,
And laughter to her blushing, as did fall:
4 Now when they spide the knight to slacke his pace,
Them to behold, and in his sparkling face
6 The secret signes of kindled lust appeare,
Their wanton meriments they did encreace,
8 And to him beckned, to approch more neare,
And shewd him many sights, that courage cold could reare.
1 Withal she laughed, and she blushed withal:
Withal > With that withal > nevertheless
2 That blushing to her laughter gave more grace, 3 And laughter to her blushing, as did fall;
fall > happen
4 Now when they spied the knight to slack his pace,
to slack > [slackening]
5 Them to behold, and in his sparkling face 6 The secret signs of kindled lust appear,
appear > [appearing]
7 Their wanton merriments they did increase,
wanton > playful; lewd merriment > {Jest; piece of foolery}
8 And to him beckoned, to approach more near, 9 And showed him many sights, that courage cold could rear.
courage > sexual desire rear > excite, arouse
212.69
On which when gazing him the Palmer saw,
2 He much rebukt those wandring eyes of his,
And counseld well, him forward thence did draw.
4 Now are they come nigh to the Bowre of blis
Of her fond fauorites so nam'd amis:
6 When thus the Palmer; Now Sir, well auise;
For here the end of all our trauell is:
8 Here wonnes Acrasia, whom we must surprise,
Else she will slip away, and all our drift despise.
1 On which when gazing him the palmer saw:
gazing > [Guyon was gazing]
2 He much rebuked those wandering eyes of his, 3 And counselled well: him forward thence did draw. 4 Now are they come nigh to the Bower of Bliss 5 Of her fond favourites so named amiss:
her > [Acrasia's; or the Bower's] fond > foolish
6 When thus the palmer: "Now sir, well advise;
advise > consider
7 For here the end of all our travel is:
travel > travel, travail
8 Here wons Acrasia, whom we must surprise,
wons > dwells
9 Else she will slip away, and all our drift despise."
drift > aim, plot despise > set at naught
212.70
Eftsoones they heard a most melodious sound,
2 Of all that mote delight a daintie eare,
Such as attonce might not on liuing ground,
4 Saue in this Paradise, be heard elswhere:
Right hard it was, for wight, which did it heare,
6 To read, what manner musicke that mote bee:
For all that pleasing is to liuing eare,
8 Was there consorted in one harmonee,
Birdes, voyces, instruments, windes, waters, all agree.
1 Eftsoons they heard a most melodious sound,
Eftsoons > Soon; thereupon
2 Of all that might delight a dainty ear,
dainty > fastidious
3 Such as at once might not on living ground,
at once > at one time; one time, hence: ever on living ground > [in the living world, in the present world]
4 Save in this paradise, be heard elsewhere: 5 Right hard it was, for wight which did it hear,
Right > Very wight > person, man, mortal
6 To read what manner music that might be:
read > discern manner > sort [of]
7 For all that pleasing is to living ear 8 Was there consorted in one harmony:
consorted > accorded, joined in accord
9 Birds, voices, instruments, winds, waters, all agree.
212.71
The ioyous birdes shrouded in chearefull shade,
2 Their notes vnto the voyce attempred sweet;
Th'Angelicall soft trembling voyces made
4 To th'instruments diuine respondence meet:
The siluer sounding instruments did meet
6 With the base murmure of the waters fall:
The waters fall with difference discreet,
8 Now soft, now loud, vnto the wind did call:
The gentle warbling wind low answered to all.
1 The joyous birds, shrouded in cheerful shade,
shrouded > sheltered; hidden cheerful > encouraging (hence: conducive to music-making)
2 Their notes to the voice attempered sweet;
voice > ?music attempered > attuned
3 The angelic soft trembling voices made 4 To the instruments divine respondence meet:
respondence > response; concord meet > fitting, suitable
5 The silver-sounding instruments did meet
meet > unite
6 With the bass murmur of the water's fall: 7 The water's fall with difference discreet,
difference > variation discreet > moderate; or: discrete, distinct
8 Now soft, now loud, to the wind did call: 9 The gentle warbling wind low answered to all.
212.72
There, whence that Musick seemed heard to bee,
2 Was the faire Witch her selfe now solacing,
With a new Louer, whom through sorceree
4 And witchcraft, she from farre did thither bring:
There she had him now layd a slombering,
6 In secret shade, after long wanton ioyes:
Whilst round about them pleasauntly did sing
8 Many faire Ladies, and lasciuious boyes,
That euer mixt their song with light licentious toyes.
1 There, whence that music seemed heard to be, 2 Was the fair witch herself now solacing
solacing > {Taking comfort, recreation, or enjoyment}
3 With a new lover, whom through sorcery 4 And witchcraft she from far did thither bring: 5 There she had him now laid a-slumbering, 6 In secret shade, after long wanton joys:
secret > hidden
7 Whilst round about them pleasantly did sing 8 Many fair ladies, and lascivious boys, 9 That ever mixed their song with light licentious toys.
toys > amorous games; antics, whims (perhaps of a musical nature)
212.73
And all +that+ while, right ouer him she hong,
2 With her false eyes fast fixed in his sight,
As seeking medicine, whence she was stong,
4 Or greedily depasturing delight:
And oft inclining downe with kisses light,
6 For feare of waking him, his lips bedewd,
And through his humid eyes did sucke his spright,
8 Quite molten into lust and pleasure lewd;
Wherewith she sighed soft, as if his case she rewd.
1 that > the 1609
1 And all that while, right over him she hung,
right > (Here, an intensive: a very archaic usage)
2 With her false eyes fast fixed in his sight,
false > deceitful; or: forged (i.e. painted, or perhaps having had their pupils dilated with belladonna) fast > firmly; very closely
3 As seeking medicine, whence she was stung,
As > [As though] medicine > [a] cure; or: philtre, love-potion (i.e. she desires more of the same) was > [had been]
4 Or greedily depasturing delight:
depasturing > feeding upon, consuming (the literal meaning, "grazing", "stripping a pasture", becomes relevant when we learn that her lover's name is Verdant: see 212.82:8)
5 And oft, inclining down with kisses light, 6 For fear of waking him, his lips bedewed,
bedewed > [she bedewed]
7 And through his humid eyes did suck his spirit, 8 Quite molten into lust and pleasure lewd; 9 Wherewith she sighed soft, as if his case she rued.
Wherewith > With which rued > pitied
212.74
The whiles some one did chaunt this louely lay;
2 Ah see, who so faire thing doest faine to see,
In springing flowre the image of thy day;
4 Ah see the Virgin Rose, how sweetly shee
Doth first peepe forth with bashfull modestee,
6 That fairer seemes, the lesse ye see her may;
Lo see soone after, how more bold and free
8 Her bared bosome she doth broad display;
Loe see soone after, how she fades, and falles away.
1 The whiles someone did chant this lovely lay:
The whiles > Meanwhile lovely lay > love-song; lovely song
2 "Ah see, whoso fair thing does fain to see,
whoso > whoever fain > enjoy; make glad
3 In springing flower the image of your day; 4 Ah see the virgin rose, how sweetly she 5 Does first peep forth with bashful modesty, 6 That fairer seems, the less you see her may; 7 Lo see soon after, how more bold and free 8 Her bared bosom she does broad display;
9 Lo see soon after, how she fades, and falls away.
display > display; spread
212.75
So passeth, in the passing of a day,
2 Of mortall life the leafe, the bud, the flowre,
Ne more doth flourish after first decay,
4 That earst was sought to decke both bed and bowre,
Of many a Ladie, and many a Paramowre:
6 Gather therefore the Rose, whilest yet is prime,
For soone comes age, that will her pride deflowre:
8 Gather the Rose of loue, whilest yet is time,
Whilest louing thou mayst loued be with equall crime.
1 "So passes, in the passing of a day, 2 Of mortal life the leaf, the bud, the flower, 3 No more does flourish after first decay, 4 That erst was sought to deck both bed and bower
erst > lately; formerly bower > chamber, bedroom
5 Of many a lady, and many a paramour: 6 Gather therefore the rose, whilst yet is prime,
is > [it is; in its] prime > prime; springtime (sb.); prime, early, young (adj.)
7 For soon comes age, that will her pride deflower:
pride > prime, most flourishing state, magnificence; sexual desire
8 Gather the rose of love, whilst yet is time,
is > [there is]
9 Whilst loving you may loved be with equal crime."
with equal crime > ?with equal sin ("equal" can also have the meaning "impartial"; and "crime" can mean "accusation". If these are adopted, the phrase might mean "without unfair judgement", or something similar. Hamilton (1980) cites Cheney (1966), and suggests that the phrase "conveys the sense less of `mutual enjoyment (and hence no crime at all)' than that of `a reprobate guilt to be shared by all'")
212.76
He ceast, and then gan all the quire of birdes
2 Their diuerse notes t'attune vnto his lay,
As in approuance of his pleasing words.
4 The constant paire heard all, that he did say,
Yet swarued not, but kept their forward way,
6 Through many couert groues, and thickets close,
In which they creeping did at last display
8 That wanton Ladie, with her louer lose,
Whose sleepie head she in her lap did soft dispose.
1 He ceased, and then began all the choir of birds 2 Their diverse notes to attune to his lay,
diverse > various; also: distracting (SUS) lay > song
3 As in approvance of his pleasing words.
As > [As if] approvance > approval
4 The constant pair heard all that he did say, 5 Yet swerved not, but kept their forward way, 6 Through many covert groves, and thickets close,
close > close; secret
7 In which they creeping did at last display
display > open up to view, make manifest (perhaps by parting the branches)
8 That wanton lady, with her lover loose, 9 Whose sleepy head she in her lap did soft dispose.
212.77
Vpon a bed of Roses she was layd,
2 As faint through heat, or dight to pleasant sin,
And was arayd, or rather disarayd,
4 All in a vele of silke and siluer thin,
That hid no whit her alablaster skin,
6 But rather shewd more white, if more might bee:
More subtile web Arachne can not spin,
8 Nor the fine nets, which oft we wouen see
Of scorched deaw, do not in th'aire more lightly flee.
1 Upon a bed of roses she was laid, 2 As faint through heat, or dight to pleasant sin,
As > [As though] dight to > prepared for, arranged for
3 And was arrayed, or rather disarrayed, 4 All in a veil of silk and silver thin,
silver > [silver thread]
5 That hid no whit her alabaster skin, 6 But rather showed more white, if more might be: 7 More subtile web Arachne cannot spin,
subtile > rarefied, thin; subtle
8 Nor the fine nets, which oft we woven see 9 Of scorched dew, do not in the air more lightly flee.
scorched dew > [gossamer] not > (Pleonastic, and thus intensive) flee > fly; hence: drift
212.78
Her snowy brest was bare to readie spoyle
2 Of hungry eies, which n'ote therewith be fild,
And yet through languour of her late sweet toyle,
4 Few drops, more cleare then Nectar, forth distild,
That like pure Orient perles adowne it trild,
6 And her faire eyes sweet smyling in delight,
Moystened their fierie beames, with which she thrild
8 Fraile harts, yet quenched not; like starry light
Which sparckling on the silent waues, does seeme more bright.
1 Her snowy breast was bare to ready spoil
spoil > spoliation
2 Of hungry eyes, which no'te therewith be filled,
no'te > could not, might not therewith > with that
3 And yet, through languor of her late sweet toil,
yet > still, even now of > [resulting from] late > recent
4 Few drops, more clear than nectar, forth distilled,
Few > [A few] distilled > exuded
5 That like pure orient pearls adown it trilled,
orient > {Coming from the Orient; best quality, having a special lustre; brilliant, lustrous, sparkling} adown > down trilled > trickled
6 And her fair eyes, sweet smiling in delight, 7 Moistened their fiery beams, with which she thrilled
thrilled > pierced
8 Frail hearts, yet quenched not; like starry light
Frail > {Frail; morally weak, unable to resist temptation; tender (last is SUS)} quenched > destroyed, killed
9 Which, sparkling on the silent waves, does seem more bright.
bright > bright; beautiful
212.79
The young man sleeping by her, seemd to bee
2 Some goodly swayne of honorable place,
That certes it great pittie was to see
4 Him his nobilitie so foule deface;
A sweet regard, and amiable grace,
6 Mixed with manly sternnesse did appeare
Yet sleeping, in his well proportiond face,
8 And on his tender lips the downy heare
Did now but freshly spring, and silken blossomes beare.
1 The young man sleeping by her seemed to be 2 Some goodly swain of honourable place,
goodly > well-favoured; fine swain > youth; lover place > social station
3 That certes it great pity was to see
certes > assuredly
4 Him his nobility so foully deface;
deface > cast in the shade; disgrace; destroy
5 A sweet regard, and amiable grace,
regard > expression, aspect
6 Mixed with manly sternness did appear, 7 Yet sleeping, in his well proportioned face,
Yet sleeping > [Even as he slept]
8 And on his tender lips the downy hair 9 Did now but freshly spring, and silken blossoms bear.
212.80
His warlike armes, the idle instruments
2 Of sleeping praise, were hong vpon a tree,
And his braue shield, full of old moniments,
4 Was fowly ra'st, that none the signes might see;
Ne for them, ne for honour cared hee,
6 Ne ought, that did to his aduauncement tend,
But in lewd loues, and wastfull luxuree,
8 His dayes, his goods, his bodie he did spend:
O horrible enchantment, that him so did blend.
1 His warlike arms, the idle instruments
arms > {Arms and armour}
2 Of sleeping praise, were hung upon a tree,
praise > praiseworthiness; virtue
3 And his brave shield, full of old monuments,
brave > splendid, showy; brave monuments > {Painted records of battle, insignia; relics (i.e. dents and other marks of battle)}
4 Was foully rased, that none the signs might see;
rased > scratched (i.e. the paint had been scratched off) that > [so that]
5 Neither for them, nor for honour cared he, 6 Nor aught that did to his advancement tend, 7 But in lewd loves, and wasteful luxury,
luxury > {Lasciviousness; dissipation; refined and intense enjoyment}
8 His days, his goods, his body he did spend: 9 O horrible enchantment, that him so did blend.
blend > blind, dazzle; also: stir up, hence: render turbid, spoil
212.81
The noble Elfe, and carefull Palmer drew
2 So nigh them, minding nought, but lustfull game,
That suddein forth they on them rusht, and threw
4 A subtile net, which onely for the same
The skilfull Palmer formally did frame.
6 So held them vnder fast, the whiles the rest
Fled all away for feare of fowler shame.
8 The faire Enchauntresse, so vnwares opprest,
Tryde all her arts, and all her sleights, thence out to wrest.
1 The noble Elf and careful palmer drew 2 So nigh them, minding naught but lustful game, 3 That sudden forth they on them rushed, and threw 4 A subtile net, which only for the same
subtile > thin, fine-textured net > (Cf. the net with which Vulcan traps his wife, Venus, and her lover, Mars, at Met. 4.169 ff.) the same > [that purpose]
5 The skilful palmer formally did frame.
formally > expressly; in good form; perhaps: formerly (see Textual Appendix at 212.1:4) frame > fashion, make
6 So held them under fast, while the rest
fast > firmly
7 Fled all away for fear of fouller shame. 8 The fair enchantress, so unwares oppressed,
unwares > unexpectedly oppressed > taken by surprise
9 Tried all her arts, and all her sleights, thence out to wrest.
wrest > force a way, twist, struggle, find egress; hence: escape
212.82
And eke her louer stroue: but all in vaine;
2 For that same net so cunningly was wound,
That neither guile, nor force might it distraine.
4 They tooke them both, and both them strongly bound
In captiue bandes, which there they readie found:
6 But her in chaines of adamant he tyde;
For nothing else might keepe her safe and sound;
8 But Verdant (so he hight) he soone vntyde,
And counsell sage in steed thereof to him applyde.
1 And eke her lover strove: but all in vain;
eke > in addition; likewise
2 For that same net so cunningly was wound
cunningly > skilfully, cleverly wound > woven
3 That neither guile nor force might it distrain.
distrain > rend asunder
4 They took them both, and both them strongly bound 5 In captive bonds, which there they ready found: 6 But her in chains of adamant he tied;
adamant > {Hardest metal, perhaps with magnetic properties (probably steel, from Greek adamas); also: a very hard rock of legendary hardness, as diamond or sapphire}
7 For nothing else might keep her safe and sound; 8 But Verdant (so he hight) he soon untied,
Verdant > "Green"; "Inexperienced"; "Green-giver", "Life-giver" hight > was named
9 And counsel sage instead thereof to him applied.
applied > applied; addressed
212.83
But all those pleasant bowres and Pallace braue,
2 Guyon broke downe, with rigour pittilesse;
Ne ought their goodly workmanship might saue
4 Them from the tempest of his wrathfulnesse,
But that their blisse he turn'd to balefulnesse:
6 Their groues he feld, their gardins did deface,
Their arbers +spoyle+, their Cabinets suppresse,
8 Their banket houses burne, their buildings race,
And of the fairest late, now made the fowlest place.
7 spoyle > spoyld 1596, 1609
1 But all those pleasant bowers and palace brave
bowers > arbours, shady recesses; rooms, chambers brave > splendid, fine
2 Guyon broke down with rigour pitiless;
rigour > violence
3 Ne aught their goodly workmanship might save
Ne aught > Naught, not at all
4 Them from the tempest of his wrathfulness, 5 But their bliss he turned to balefulness:
balefulness > sorrow, unhappiness, painfulness
6 Their groves he felled, their gardens did deface,
deface > destroy
7 Their arbours spoil, their cabinets suppress,
cabinet > little cabin, rustic cottage, summerhouse suppress > press down; hence: break down
8 Their banquet houses burn, their buildings raze, 9 And of the fairest late, now made the foullest place.
late > lately
212.84
Then led they her away, and eke that knight
2 They with them led, both sorrowfull and sad:
The way they came, the same retourn'd they right,
4 Till they arriued, where they lately had
Charm'd those wild-beasts, that rag'd with furie mad.
6 Which now awaking, fierce at them gan fly,
As in their mistresse reskew, whom they lad;
8 But them the Palmer soone did pacify.
Then Guyon askt, what meant those beastes, which there did ly.
1 Then led they her away, and eke that knight
eke > also
2 They with them led, both sorrowful and sad: 3 The way they came, the same returned they right,
right > directly
4 Till they arrived where they lately had 5 Charmed those wild beasts that raged with fury mad. 6 Which now awaking, fierce at them gan fly,
gan > did
7 As in their mistress' rescue, whom they led;
they led > [Guyon and the palmer were leading - literally]
8 But them the palmer soon did pacify. 9 Then Guyon asked what meant those beasts, which there did lie.
meant > was the meaning of; intended, had in mind
212.85
Said he, +these+ seeming beasts are men indeed,
2 Whom this Enchauntresse hath transformed thus,
Whylome her louers, which her lusts did feed,
4 Now turned into figures hideous,
According to their mindes like monstruous.
6 Sad end (quoth he) of life intemperate,
And mournefull meed of ioyes delicious:
8 But Palmer, if it mote thee so aggrate,
Let them returned be vnto their former state.
1 these > These 1609
1 Said he, "These seeming beasts are men indeed, 2 Whom this enchantress has transformed thus, 3 Whilom her lovers, which her lusts did feed,
Whilom > Formerly
4 Now turned into figures hideous,
hideous > hideous; immense; odious
5 According to their minds like monstrous."
like > similarly (cf. 104.18:4, Odyssey 10.238-41 and Myth. 6.6)
6 "Sad end," quoth he, "of life intemperate,
he > [Guyon]
7 And mournful meed of joys delicious:
meed > reward delicious > voluptuous
8 But palmer, if it might you so aggrate,
aggrate > please
9 Let them returned be to their former state."
212.86
Streight way he with his vertuous staffe them strooke,
2 And streight of beasts they comely men became;
Yet being men they did vnmanly looke,
4 And stared ghastly, some for inward shame,
And some for wrath, to see their captiue Dame:
6 But one aboue the rest in speciall,
That had an hog beene late, hight Grille by name,
8 Repined greatly, and did him miscall,
That had from hoggish forme him brought to naturall.
1 Straightway he with his virtuous staff them struck,
virtuous > {Possessing occult power; cf. 212.26:6, 212.40:8}
2 And straight of beasts they comely men became;
straight > straightway, immediately of > [from the form of]
3 Yet being men they did unmanly look,
unmanly > not human
4 And stared ghastly: some for inward shame,
ghastly > {Ghastlily, horribly; in a ghost-like manner; as if terrified by the supernatural}
5 And some for wrath, to see their captive dame; 6 But one above the rest in special,
in special > especially, particularly
7 That had a hog been late, hight Grill by name,
late > lately hight > called Grill > "Pig" (Greek; one of Circe's former lovers (Odyssey 10.238-41): the character figures in Plutarch's dialogue, Whether the Beasts have the Use of Reason)
8 Repined greatly, and did him miscall,
Repined > Fretted, complained miscall > revile
9 That had from hoggish form him brought to natural.
212.87
Said Guyon, See the mind of beastly man,
2 That hath so soone forgot the excellence
Of his creation, when he life began,
4 That now he chooseth, with vile difference,
To be a beast, and lacke intelligence.
6 To whom the Palmer thus, The donghill kind
Delights in filth and foule incontinence:
8 Let Grill be Grill, and haue his hoggish mind,
But let vs hence depart, whilest wether serues and wind.
1 Said Guyon, "See the mind of beastly man, 2 That has so soon forgotten the excellence 3 Of his creation, when he life began, 4 That now he chooses, with vile difference,
difference > discrimination; argument, disagreement
5 To be a beast, and lack intelligence." 6 To whom the palmer thus: "The dunghill kind 7 Delights in filth and foul incontinence: 8 Let Grill be Grill, and have his hoggish mind, 9 But let us hence depart, whilst weather serves and wind."
=>
THE THIRD
2 BOOKE OF THE
FAERIE QVEENE.
4 Contayning,
THE LEGEND OF BRITOMARTIS.
6 OR
Of Chastitie.
1 THE THIRD 2 BOOK OF THE 3 FAERY QUEEN 4 Containing 5 THE LEGEND OF BRITOMART 6 OR 7 of Chastity
300.1
IT falles me here to write of Chastity,
2 +That+ fairest vertue, farre aboue the rest;
For which what needs me fetch from Faery
4 Forreine ensamples, it to haue exprest?
Sith it is shrined in my Soueraines brest,
6 And form'd so liuely in each perfect part,
That to all Ladies, which haue it profest,
8 Need but behold the pourtraict of her hart,
If pourtrayd it might be by any liuing art.
1 That > The 1590
1 It falls me here to write of chastity,
falls > befalls
2 That fairest virtue, far above the rest; 3 For which what needs me fetch from Faery
needs me > do I need to; need do I have to
4 Foreign examples, it to have expressed?
expressed > portrayed, represented; represented symbolically
5 Sith it is shrined in my sovereign's breast,
Sith > Since shrined > enclosed, enshrined
6 And formed so lively in each perfect part,
lively > {Livelily, in a lifelike manner}
7 That to all ladies, which have it professed,
to > (?? One possible reading moves this word to the next line: "Need but to behold …" Alternatively the "Ladies" may share with "pourtraict" the verb "pourtrayd") professed > pretended, laid claim to
8 Need but behold the portrait of her heart,
portrait > image
9 If portrayed it might be by any living art.
300.2
But liuing art may not least part expresse,
2 Nor life-resembling pencill it can paint,
All were it Zeuxis or Praxiteles:
4 His d{ae}dale hand would faile, and greatly faint,
And her perfections with his error taint:
6 Ne Poets wit, that passeth Painter farre
In picturing the parts of beautie daint,
8 So hard a workmanship aduenture darre,
For fear through want of words her excellence to marre.
1 But living art may not least part express,
least > [the least] express > represent
2 Nor life-resembling pencil it can paint,
resembling > depicting pencil > artist's brush
3 All were it Zeuxis' or Praxiteles':
All > Even
Zeuxis > (Greek painter, c. 455-396 BC)
Praxiteles > (Greek sculptor, c. 400-320 BC)
4 His daedal hand would fail, and greatly faint,
daedal > cunning, inventive (derived from the name of Daedalus, the Artist, of Knossos) faint > grow weak
5 And her perfections with his error taint: 6 Nor poet's wit (that passes painter's far
wit > skill; mental capacity passes > surpasses [the]
7 In picturing the parts of beauty dainty)
parts > qualities dainty > delightful, delicate
8 So hard a workmanship adventure dares,
adventure > [to] venture, [to] hazard
9 For fear, through want of words, her excellence to mar.
300.3
How then shall I, Apprentice of the skill,
2 That whylome in diuinest wits did raine,
Presume so high to stretch mine humble quill?
4 Yet now my lucklesse lot doth me constraine
Hereto perforce. But {o^} dred Soueraine
6 Thus farre forth pardon, sith that choicest wit
Cannot your glorious pourtraict figure plaine
8 That I in colourd showes may shadow it,
And antique praises vnto present persons fit.
1 How then shall I, apprentice of the skill 2 That whilom in divinest wits did reign,
whilom > of old wits > minds
3 Presume so high to stretch my humble quill?
quill > pen
4 Yet now my luckless lot does me constrain 5 Hereto perforce. But O dread Sovereign
Hereto > To this, to this matter dread > dreaded; revered
6 Thus far forth pardon, sith choicest wit
pardon > {Make courteous allowance} sith > since wit > skill
7 Cannot your glorious portrait figure plain,
figure > represent
8 That I in coloured shows may shadow it,
coloured > disguised shadow > {Render a poor likeness of; portray}
9 And antique praises to present persons fit.
antique > ancient
300.4
But if in liuing colours, and right hew,
2 +Your+ selfe +you+ couet to see pictured,
Who can it doe more liuely, or more trew,
4 Then that sweet verse, with Nectar sprinckeled,
In which a gracious seruant pictured
6 His Cynthia, his heauens fairest light?
That with his melting sweetnesse rauished,
8 And with the wonder of her beames bright,
My senses lulled are in slomber of delight.
2 Your > Thy 1590 2 you > thou 1590
1 But if in living colours and right hue
hue > appearance
2 Yourself you covet to see pictured, 3 What can it do more lively, or more true,
lively > {Livelily; in a lifelike manner} true > accurately
4 Than that sweet verse, with nectar sprinkled, 5 In which a gracious servant pictured
a gracious servant > (Sir Walter Raleigh, 1552-1618, poet, soldier, explorer, scholar, statesman, and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth. He had a huge estate near Spenser's in southern Ireland, and under his auspices the FQ was published and dedicated to the sovereign)
6 His Cynthia, his heaven's fairest light?
Cynthia > (Raleigh's poem in praise of Queen Elizabeth is called The Ocean's Love to Cynthia; of this, only one book has survived. See I:118-24)
7 That with his melting sweetness ravished,
That > [So that]
8 And with the wonder of her beams bright,
her beams > (Cynthia is an aspect of Diana, goddess of the moon) bright > bright; beautiful
9 My senses lulled are in slumber of delight.
300.5
But let that same delitious Poet lend
2 A little leaue vnto a rusticke Muse
To sing his mistresse prayse, and let him mend,
4 If ought amis her liking may abuse:
Ne let his fairest Cynthia refuse,
6 In mirrours more then one her selfe to see,
But either Gloriana let her chuse,
8 Or in Belph{oe}be fashioned to bee:
In th'one her rule, in th'other her rare chastitee.
1 But let that same delicious poet lend 2 A little leave to a rustic Muse
Muse > (Here the word is used metonymically to mean "poet")
3 To sing his mistress' praise, and let him mend,
mend > [mend my verses]
4 If aught amiss her liking may abuse:
abuse > violate; hence: offend
5 Nor let his fairest Cynthia refuse 6 In mirrors more than one herself to see,
mirror > mirror; also: reflection [of perfection] and hence paragon of beauty
7 But either Gloriana let her choose,
Gloriana > (The Faery Queen)
8 Or in Belphoebe fashioned to be: 9 In the one her rule, in the other her rare chastity.
CANTO I
Guyon encountreth Britomart,
2 faire Florimell is chaced:
Duessaes traines and +Malecastaes+
4 champions are defaced.
3 Malecastaes > Materastaes 1590 etc.: FE
1 Guyon encounters Britomart,
Britomart > (Her name probably derives from the "Britomartis" in Virgil (Ciris, 295 ff.), who is associated with Diana; the name also appropriately suggests "Briton" conjoined with "Martial")
2 fair Florimell is chased:
Florimell > "Honey-flower", "Flower-sweetness" (Latin)
3 Duessa's trains and Malecasta's
Duessa > (She does not appear in person in Book III, though it can be said that some of her "traines" are employed by Malecasta) trains > wiles, tricks Malecasta > "Wickedly Chaste" (Latin); "Evil Caster" (referring to her lascivious glances. She is also called the Lady of Delight)
4 champions are defaced.
defaced > disgraced, put in the shade
301.1
THe famous Briton Prince and Faerie knight,
2 After long wayes and perilous paines endured,
Hauing their wearie limbes to perfect plight
4 Restord, and sory wounds right well recured,
Of the faire Alma greatly were procured,
6 To make there lenger soiourne and abode;
But when thereto they might not be allured,
8 From seeking praise, and deeds of armes abrode,
They courteous conge tooke, and forth together yode.
1 The famous Briton prince and Faery knight,
Briton prince > [Arthur]
Faery knight > [Guyon]
2 After long ways and perilous pains endured, 3 Having their weary limbs to perfect plight
plight > condition, state
4 Restored, and sorry wounds right well recured,
sorry > painful, distressing right > very recured > cured, restored
5 Of the fair Alma greatly were procured
Of > By Alma > (Their hostess at the House of Temperance: see 209 ff.) procured > prevailed upon
6 To make there longer sojourn and abode;
abode > temporary stay, visit
7 But when thereto they might not be allured
thereto > for that purpose; hence: in that way
8 From seeking praise, and deeds of arms abroad,
praise > merit; praiseworthy acts
9 They courteous cong{e/} took, and forth together yode.
cong{e/} > leave yode > went
301.2
But the captiu'd Acrasia he sent,
2 Because of trauell long, a nigher way,
With a strong gard, all reskew to preuent,
4 And her to Faerie court safe to conuay,
That her for witnesse of his hard assay,
6 Vnto his Faerie Queene he might present:
But he himselfe betooke another way,
8 To make more triall of his hardiment,
And seeke aduentures, as he with Prince Arthur went.
1 But the captived Acrasia he sent,
captived > {Held captive} he > [Guyon]