2 Her looser notes with Lydian harmony;
looser > too-loose Lydian > (Describing a mode of Greek music, characteristically soothing and effeminate; see Plato, Republic 3.398)
3 And all the while sweet birds thereto applied
thereto > in addition; to that
4 Their dainty lays and dulcet melody,
dainty lays > delightful songs
5 Ay carolling of love and jollity,
Ay > Ever carolling > {Singing; celebrating in song} jollity > pleasure, revelry (as at 100.3:8)
6 That wonder was to hear their trim consort.
That > [So that] trim > fine, pleasing consort > concert; accord, agreement
7 Which when those knights beheld with scornful eye, 8 They sdeigned such lascivious disport,
sdeigned > disdained disport > diversion; amusement
9 And loathed the loose demeanour of that wanton sort.
demeanour > conduct sort > company
301.41
Thence they were brought to that great Ladies vew,
2 Whom they found sitting on a sumptuous bed,
That glistred all with gold and glorious shew,
4 As the proud Persian Queenes accustomed:
She seemd a woman of great bountihed,
6 And of rare beautie, sauing that askaunce
Her wanton eyes, ill signes of womanhed,
8 Did roll too +lightly+, and too often glaunce,
Without regard of grace, or comely amenaunce.
8 lightly > highly 1590, 1596
1 Thence they were brought to that great lady's view, 2 Whom they found sitting on a sumptuous bed,
bed > couch
3 That glistered all with gold and glorious show, 4 As the proud Persian queens accustomed:
Persian > (Cf. 102.13:4, 104.7:6) accustomed > practised, were accustomed [to sit in this fashion]
5 She seemed a woman of great bountihead,
bountihead > bounteousness
6 And of rare beauty, saving that askance
saving > except
7 Her wanton eyes, ill signs of womanhood,
womanhood > womanliness
8 Did roll too lightly, and too often glance, 9 Without regard of grace or comely amenance.
comely amenance > decorous behaviour
301.42
Long worke it were, and needlesse to deuize
2 Their goodly entertainement and great glee:
She caused them be led in curteous wize
4 Into a bowre, disarmed for to bee,
And cheared well with wine and spiceree:
6 The Redcrosse Knight was soone disarmed there,
But the braue Mayd would not disarmed bee,
8 But onely vented vp her vmbriere,
And so did let her goodly visage to appere.
1 Long work it were, and needless to devise
were > [would be] devise > recount
2 Their goodly entertainment and great glee:
glee > play; also: musical entertainment
3 She caused them be led in courteous wise
be > [to be] wise > fashion
4 Into a bower, disarmed to be,
bower > chamber disarmed > relieved of their armour
5 And cheered well with wine and spicery:
spicery > spices
6 The Redcross Knight was soon disarmed there, 7 But the brave maid would not disarmed be,
brave > brave; splendid
8 But only vented up her umbrere,
vented up her umbrere > raised her visor
9 And so did let her goodly visage to appear.
let > allow goodly > beautiful
301.43
As when faire Cynthia, in darkesome night,
2 Is in a noyous cloud enueloped,
Where she may find the substaunce thin and light,
4 Breakes forth her siluer beames, and her bright hed
Discouers to the world discomfited;
6 Of the poore traueller, that went astray,
With thousand blessings she is heried;
8 Such was the beautie and the shining ray,
With which faire Britomart gaue light vnto the day.
1 As when fair Cynthia, in darksome night, 2 Is in a noyous cloud enveloped,
noyous > vexatious
3 Where she may find the substance thin and light, 4 Breaks forth her silver beams, and her bright head
bright > bright; beautiful
5 Discovers to the world discomfited;
Discovers > Reveals discomfited > perplexed; dejected
6 Of the poor traveller, that went astray,
Of > By
7 With thousand blessings she is heried;
heried > praised, worshipped
8 Such was the beauty and the shining ray, 9 With which fair Britomart gave light to the day.
301.44
And eke those six, which lately with her fought,
2 Now were disarmd, and did them selues present
Vnto her vew, and company vnsoght;
4 For they all seemed curteous and gent,
And all sixe brethren, borne of one parent,
6 Which had them traynd in all ciuilitee,
And goodly taught to tilt and turnament;
8 Now were they liegemen to this Lady free,
And her knights seruice ought, to hold of her in fee.
1 And eke those six, which lately with her fought,
eke > also, moreover
2 Now were disarmed, and did themselves present
disarmed > relieved of their armour
3 To her view and company, unsought;
her > (Self-evidently Britomart's; but if we take this to mean "Malecasta's", lines 7-9 of the stanza contain doubles entendres on "tilt", "free", "seruice", "ought" (in the sense "rendered"), and "hold of her")
4 For they all seemed courteous and gent,
gent > noble
5 And all six brethren, born of one parent, 6 Which had them trained in all civility, 7 And goodly taught to tilt and tournament;
goodly > excellently tilt > {Take part in a tilt, a contest between two mounted knights with lances, who ride on opposite sides of a barrier and score by attaints (touches, strikes, sometimes involving the loser being unhorsed) and by lances broken} tournament > {Take part in a tournament, an exercise in which two groups of mounted knights fight with blunted weapons}
8 Now were they liege men to this lady free,
liege men > vassals, faithful followers (thus pledged at 301.30:5) to > of
9 And her knight's service ought, to hold of her in fee.
ought > owed hold of > be held by fee > absolute possession (a feudal term)
301.45
The first of them by name Gardante hight,
2 A iolly person, and of comely vew;
The second was Parlante, a bold knight,
4 And next to him Iocante did ensew;
Basciante did him selfe most curteous shew;
6 But fierce Bacchante seemd too fell and keene;
And yet in armes Noctante greater grew:
8 All were faire knights, and goodly well beseene,
But to faire Britomart they all but shadowes beene.
1 The first of them by name Gardante hight,
Gardante > "Looking" hight > was called
2 A jolly person, and of comely view;
jolly > amorous; fine view > appearance
3 The second was Parlante, a bold knight,
Parlante > "Talking"
4 And next to him Jocante did ensue;
next to > immediately after Jocante > "Jesting"
5 Basciante did himself most courteous show;
Basciante > "Kissing"
6 But fierce Bacchante seemed too fell and keen;
Bacchante > "Carousing" fell > terrible, fierce keen > {Bold, daring; piercing, having a sharp point}
7 And yet in arms Noctante greater grew:
in arms > in arms; and also: in a woman's arms Noctante > "Nocturnally Active" (the six names have aptly been called "a ladder of lechery" (Gilbert 1941, quoted by Roche 1978). Compare Lucifera's "six sage Counsellours", 104.18 ff.) grew > (Again with a double entendre)
8 All were fair knights, and goodly well beseen,
goodly > excellently well beseen > good looking
9 But to fair Britomart they all but shadows been.
been > [were]
301.46
For she was full of amiable grace,
2 And manly terrour mixed therewithall,
That as the one stird vp affections bace,
4 So th'other did mens rash desires apall,
And hold them backe, that would in errour fall;
6 As he, that hath espide a vermeill Rose,
To which sharpe thornes and +breres+ the way forstall,
8 Dare not for dread his hardy hand expose,
But wishing it far off, his idle wish doth lose.
7 breres > briers 1609
1 For she was full of amiable grace,
amiable > lovable; pleasing
2 And manly terror mixed therewithal,
terror > {The quality of causing terror} therewithal > therewith, with that
3 That as the one stirred up affections base, 4 So the other did men's rash desires appal,
appal > cause to fade; hence: quell
5 And hold them back, that would in error fall;
them > [those men]
6 As he, that has espied a vermeil rose
vermeil > scarlet
7 To which sharp thorns and briers the way forestall,
forestall > obstruct
8 Dare not for dread his hardy hand expose, 9 But wishing it, far off, his idle wish does lose.
idle > empty, futile
301.47
Whom when the Lady saw so faire a +wight,+
2 All ignoraunt of her contrary sex,
(For she her weend a fresh and lusty knight)
4 She greatly gan enamoured to wex,
And with vaine thoughts her falsed fancy vex:
6 Her fickle hart conceiued hasty fire,
Like sparkes of fire, +which+ fall in +sclender+ flex,
8 That shortly brent into extreme desire,
And ransackt all her veines with passion entire.
1 wight, > wight. 1596 7 which > that 1590 7 sclender > slender 1609
1 Whom, when the lady saw so fair a wight
Whom > [Of whom] wight > person, "man"
2 (All ignorant of her contrary sex:
contrary > different; opposite; untoward, prejudicial
3 For she her weened a fresh and lusty knight),
weened > supposed, imagined [to be]
4 She greatly began enamoured to wax,
wax > grow
5 And with vain thoughts her falsed fancy vex:
falsed > corrupted; failing (cf. 102.30:3) vex > [to vex]
6 Her fickle heart conceived hasty fire, 7 Like sparks of fire which fall in slender flax,
flax > (From the fine or "sclender" fibres of which candle or lamp wicks were once made)
8 That shortly burnt into extreme desire, 9 And ransacked all her veins with passion entire.
entire > complete, total; or: inward (cf. 408.23:9, 408.48:9)
301.48
Eftsoones she grew to great impatience
2 And into termes of open outrage +brust+,
That plaine discouered her incontinence,
4 Ne reckt she, who her meaning did mistrust;
For she was giuen all to fleshly lust,
6 And poured forth in sensuall delight,
That all regard of shame she had discust,
8 And meet respect of honour put to flight:
So shamelesse beauty soone becomes a +loathly+ +sight.+
2 brust > burst 1609 8 loathly > loathy 1596, 1609 8 sight. > sight, 1596
1 Eftsoons she grew to great impatience
Eftsoons > Thereupon; soon
2 And into terms of open outrage burst,
terms > condition, state (the meaning "words", "language" is not supported by 301.50:6-8) outrage > intemperance, passion
3 That plain discovered her incontinence,
discovered > revealed
4 Nor recked she, who her meaning did mistrust;
recked > cared mistrust > suspect
5 For she was given all to fleshly lust, 6 And poured forth in sensual delight,
poured forth > (Cf. 107.7:2)
7 That all regard of shame she had discussed,
That > [So that] discussed > shaken off, dispelled
8 And meet respect of honour put to flight:
meet > fitting
9 So shameless beauty soon becomes a loathly sight.
loathly > loathsome, disgusting
301.49
Faire Ladies, that to loue captiued arre,
2 And chaste desires do nourish in your mind,
Let not her fault your sweet affections marre,
4 Ne blot the bounty of all womankind;
'Mongst thousands good one wanton Dame to find:
6 Emongst the Roses grow some wicked weeds;
For this was not to loue, but lust inclind;
8 For loue does alwayes bring forth bounteous deeds,
And in each gentle hart desire of honour breeds.
1 Fair ladies, that to love captived are,
captived > made captive
2 And chaste desires do nourish in your mind, 3 Let not her fault your sweet affections mar,
her > [Malecasta's]
4 Nor blot the bounty of all womankind;
bounty > virtue, goodness
5 Amongst thousands good one wanton dame to find: 6 Amongst the roses grow some wicked weeds; 7 For this was not to love, but lust inclined;
this > [this woman]
8 For love does always bring forth bounteous deeds,
bounteous > {Full of goodness; beneficent}
9 And in each gentle heart desire of honour breeds.
of > for
301.50
Nought so of loue this looser Dame did skill,
2 But as a coale to kindle fleshly flame,
Giuing the bridle to her wanton will,
4 And treading vnder foote her honest name:
Such loue is hate, and such desire is shame.
6 Still did she roue at her with crafty glaunce
Of her false eyes, that at her hart did ayme,
8 And told her meaning in her countenaunce;
But Britomart dissembled it with ignoraunce.
1 Naught so of love this looser dame did skill,
Naught so > Not at all thus looser > too-loose skill > understand; know how to practise
2 But as a coal to kindle fleshly flame, 3 Giving the bridle to her wanton will, 4 And treading underfoot her honest name: 5 Such love is hate, and such desire is shame. 6 Still did she rove at her with crafty glance
Still > Continuously rove > shoot (cf. Cupid's arrow at 100.3:3)
7 Of her false eyes, that at her heart did aim, 8 And told her meaning in her countenance; 9 But Britomart dissembled it with ignorance.
with ignorance > [by not knowing (or, perhaps, pretending not to know) what Malecasta meant]
301.51
Supper was shortly dight and downe they sat,
2 Where they were serued with all sumptuous fare,
Whiles fruitfull Ceres, and Ly{ae}us fat
4 Pourd out their plenty, without spight or spare:
Nought wanted there, that dainty was and rare;
6 And aye the cups their bancks did ouerflow,
And aye betweene the cups, she did prepare
8 Way to her loue, and secret darts did throw;
But Britomart would not such guilfull message know.
1 Supper was shortly dight and down they sat,
dight > prepared
2 Where they were served with all sumptuous fare, 3 While fruitful Ceres and Lyaeus fat
Ceres > (Goddess of agriculture; corn, grain, hence, here: food)
Lyaeus > (Surname of Bacchus, the god of wine, the releaser from
care; hence, here: wine)
fat > {Well supplied with what is needed, abundant}
4 Poured out their plenty without spite or spare:
spite > grudge, meanness spare > restraint, parsimony
5 Naught wanted there, that dainty was and rare;
Naught > Nothing at all [was] dainty > pleasing; scarce; choice; delicious rare > excellent, fine (the same phrase occurs at 108.50:9)
6 And ay the cups their banks did overflow,
ay > ever, always banks > [brims]
7 And ay between the cups she did prepare 8 Way to her love, and secret darts did throw;
darts > [glances]
9 But Britomart would not such guileful message know.
know > know; or, perhaps, considering 301.50:9: acknowledge, recognize (but cf. 301.53:9)
301.52
So when they slaked had the feruent heat
2 Of appetite with meates of euery sort,
The Lady did faire Britomart entreat,
4 Her to disarme, and with delightfull sport
To loose her warlike limbs and strong effort,
6 But when she mote not thereunto be wonne,
(For she her sexe vnder that straunge purport
8 Did vse to hide, and plaine apparaunce shonne:)
In plainer wise to tell her grieuaunce she begonne.
1 So when they slaked had the fervent heat 2 Of appetite with meats of every sort,
meats > foods
3 The lady did fair Britomart entreat 4 Herself to disarm, and with delightful sport
Herself to disarm > [To take off her armour]
5 To loose her warlike limbs and strong effort,
loose > relax (with connotation of sexual looseness) effort > struggle; hence: self-restraint
6 But when she might not thereto be won
thereto > to that [course of action] won > persuaded
7 (For she her sex under that strange purport
purport > outward bearing (SU)
8 Did use to hide, and plain appearance shun), 9 In plainer wise to tell her grievance she began.
wise > manner she > [Malecasta]
301.53
And all attonce discouered her desire
2 With sighes, and sobs, and plaints, and piteous griefe,
The outward sparkes of her in burning fire;
4 Which spent in vaine, at last she told her briefe,
That but if she did lend her short reliefe,
6 And do her comfort, she mote algates dye.
But the chaste damzell, that had neuer priefe
8 Of such malengine and fine forgerie,
Did easily beleeue her strong extremitie.
1 And all at once discovered her desire
discovered > revealed, made known
2 With sighs, and sobs, and plaints, and piteous grief,
plaints > complaints, laments
3 The outward sparks of her in burning fire;
in > inwardly
4 Which spent in vain, at last she told her brief, 5 That but if she did lend her short relief,
but if > unless short > immediate
6 And do her comfort, she might algates die.
do > afford (with implication of sexual service: cf. 101.51:6) algates > altogether, at any rate; hence: surely
7 But the chaste damsel, that had never proof
proof > experience
8 Of such malengin and fine forgery,
malengin > ill intent; deceit, guile fine > consummate, skilful; sheer, unadulterated forgery > fiction, mendacity
9 Did easily believe her strong extremity.
strong > intense extremity > urgency, need
301.54
Full easie was for her to haue beliefe,
2 Who by self-feeling of her feeble sexe,
And by long triall of the inward griefe,
4 Wherewith imperious loue her hart did vexe,
Could iudge what paines do louing harts perplexe.
6 Who meanes no guile, +be guiled+ soonest shall,
And to faire semblaunce doth light faith annexe;
8 The bird, that knowes not the false fowlers call,
Into his hidden net full easily doth fall.
6 be guiled > beguiled 1596; be 'guiled 1609
1 Full easy was for her to have belief,
Full > Very was > [it was]
2 Who, by self-feeling of her feeble sex
self-feeling of > ?fellow-feeling for (this sense not in OED)
3 (And by long trial of the inward grief 4 Wherewith imperious love her heart did vex),
Wherewith > With which
5 Could judge what pains do loving hearts perplex.
perplex > distress
6 Who means no guile, be guiled soonest shall,
Who > [He who] guiled > deceived
7 And to fair semblance does light faith annex;
light > quickly, promptly (adv.); ready; light (adj.) annex > attach
8 The bird that knows not the false fowler's call 9 Into his hidden net full easily does fall.
301.55
For thy she would not in discourteise wise,
2 Scorne the faire offer of good will profest;
For great rebuke it is, loue to despise,
4 Or rudely sdeigne a gentle harts request;
But with faire countenaunce, as beseemed best,
6 Her entertaynd; nath'lesse she inly deemd
Her loue too light, to wooe a wandring guest:
8 Which she misconstruing, thereby esteemd
That from like inward fire that outward smoke had +steemd.+
9 steemd. > steemd, 1596
1 For-thy she would not in discourteous wise
For-thy > For this reason, therefore wise > fashion
2 Scorn the fair offer of goodwill professed; 3 For great rebuke it is, love to despise,
rebuke > shame, disgrace
4 Or rudely sdeign a gentle heart's request;
sdeign > disdain
5 But with fair countenance, as beseemed best,
fair countenance > courteous demeanour beseemed best, > [seemed most fitting, Britomart]
6 Her entertained; natheless she inly deemed
natheless > nevertheless inly > inwardly
7 Her love too light, to woo a wandering guest: 8 Which she misconstruing, thereby esteemed
she > [Malecasta] esteemed > believed
9 That from like inward fire outward smoke had steamed.
like > [a] similar
301.56
Therewith a while she her flit fancy fed,
2 Till she mote winne fit time for her desire,
But yet her wound still inward freshly bled,
4 And through her bones the false instilled fire
Did spred it selfe, and venime close inspire.
6 Tho were the tables taken all away,
And euery knight, and euery gentle Squire
8 Gan choose his dame with +Basciomani+ gay,
With whom he meant to make his sport and courtly play.
8 Basciomani > Bascimano 1590; Bascio mani 1609
1 Therewith awhile she her flit fancy fed,
Therewith > Thereupon; with that [belief] flit > shifting
2 Till she might win fit time for her desire, 3 But yet her wound still inward freshly bled, 4 And through her bones the false instilled fire 5 Did spread itself, and venom close inspire.
close > secret; secretly
6 Tho were the tables taken all away,
Tho > Then
7 And every knight, and every gentle squire
gentle > noble
8 Gan choose his dame with baciamani gay,
Gan > Did baciamani > hand-kissings (Italian word)
9 With whom he meant to make his sport and courtly play.
sport > {Amusement, diversion; amorous dalliance, sexual intercourse}
301.57
Some fell to daunce, some fell to hazardry,
2 Some to make loue, some to make meriment,
As diuerse wits to diuers things apply;
4 And all the while faire Malecasta bent
Her crafty engins to her close intent.
6 By this th'eternall lampes, wherewith high Ioue
Doth light the lower world, were half yspent,
8 And the moist daughters of huge Atlas stroue
Into the Ocean deepe to driue their weary droue.
1 Some fell to dance, some fell to hazardry,
hazardry > gambling
2 Some to make love, some to make merriment, 3 As diverse wits to divers things apply;
divers > sundry
4 And all the while fair Malecasta bent
bent > inclined, directed
5 Her crafty engines to her close intent.
engines > schemes, snares close > secret
6 By this the eternal lamps, wherewith high Jove
By this > By this time lamps > [stars] wherewith > with which
7 Does light the lower world, were half spent,
the lower world > [the world of mortals, compared with the higher world of the gods] spent > burned out
8 And the moist daughters of huge Atlas strove
the moist daughters of huge Atlas > (The Hyades or Rainers, a star- cluster or asterism marking the head of the constellation Taurus. The most prominent of the Hyades is Aldebaran, the eye of the bull. At best, seven of the Hyades are visible to the naked eye. In early legend they were said to be seven nymphs placed by Jupiter in the sky. Later (Myth. 4.7) they became daughters of Atlas (a mythical giant said to support on his shoulders the pillars of the universe), and their number increased to twelve or fifteen. The name is probably derived from the Greek verb hyo, to rain; the V-shaped cluster of the Hyades, when rising simultaneously with the sun, was said to portend wet weather: hence the alternative name, and Spenser's epithet)
9 Into the ocean deep to drive their weary drove.
drove > flock, shoal; hence: star-cluster
301.58
High time it seemed then for euery wight
2 Them to betake vnto their kindly rest;
Eftsoones long waxen torches weren light,
4 Vnto their bowres to guiden euery guest:
Tho when the Britonesse saw all the rest
6 Auoided quite, she gan her selfe despoile,
And safe commit to her soft fethered nest,
8 Where through long watch, and late dayes weary toile,
She soundly slept, and carefull thoughts did quite assoile.
1 High time it seemed then for every wight
every > [all severally: all the wights; cf. 312.1:3] wight > person
2 Them to betake to their kindly rest;
kindly > natural
3 Eftsoons long waxen torches were lit,
Eftsoons > Soon; thereupon
4 To their bowers to guide every guest:
bowers > rooms
5 Tho when the Britoness saw all the rest
Tho > Then
6 Avoided quite, she gan herself despoil
Avoided > Retired, retreated gan > did despoil > undress
7 And safe commit to her soft feathered nest, 8 Where, through long watch and late day's weary toil,
long watch > [having been awake for a long time] late > [the late, the preceding]
9 She soundly slept, and careful thoughts did quite assoil.
careful > anxious assoil > pardon, absolve; hence: set free, resolve, do away with
301.59
Now whenas all the world in silence deepe
2 Yshrowded was, and euery mortall wight
Was drowned in the depth of deadly sleepe,
4 Faire Malecasta, whose engrieued spright
Could find no rest in such perplexed plight,
6 Lightly arose out of her wearie bed,
And vnder the blacke vele of guilty Night,
8 Her with a scarlot mantle couered,
That was with gold and Ermines faire enueloped.
1 Now when all the world in silence deep 2 Shrouded was, and every mortal wight
wight > creature, person
3 Was drowned in the depth of deadly sleep,
deadly > death-like
4 Fair Malecasta, whose engrieved spirit
engrieved > aggravated
5 Could find no rest in such perplexed plight,
perplexed > troubled
6 Lightly arose out of her weary bed,
Lightly > Quickly, easily; unchastely
7 And, under the black veil of guilty Night,
Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.)
8 Her with a scarlet mantle covered,
Her > [Herself] scarlet > {A rich kind of cloth, usually red or or orange in colour}
9 That was with gold and ermines fair enveloped.
ermines > (Ermine pelts. The ermine is a traditional emblem of chastity, though "ermine" is also the name for the stoat, an emblem of unchastity, in its winter pelage) fair > beautiful (if applied to the ermines); skilfully (if applied to the verb) enveloped > enveloped making the lining scarlet; or, perhaps, catachr.: lined (cf. 207.4:2)
301.60
Then panting soft, and trembling euery ioynt,
2 Her fearfull feete towards the bowre she moued;
Where she for secret purpose did appoynt
4 To lodge the warlike mayd vnwisely loued,
And to her bed approching, first she prooued,
6 Whether she slept or wakt, with her soft hand
She softly felt, if any member mooued,
8 And lent her +weary+ eare to vnderstand,
If any puffe of breath, or signe of sence she +fond+.
8 weary > wary 1590 9 fond > fand 1609
1 Then panting soft, and trembling every joint,
joint > limb
2 Her fearful feet towards the bower she moved;
bower > chamber, bedroom
3 Where she for secret purpose did appoint 4 To lodge the warlike maid unwisely loved; 5 And to her bed approaching, first she proved
proved > tested
6 Whether she slept or waked: with her soft hand
waked > [was awake]
7 She softly felt if any member moved, 8 And lent her weary ear to understand
weary > ?wary (see Textual Appendix)
9 If any puff of breath, or sign of sense she found.
301.61
Which whenas none she fond, with easie shift,
2 For feare least her vnwares she should abrayd,
Th'embroderd quilt she lightly vp did lift,
4 And by her side her selfe she softly layd,
Of euery finest fingers touch affrayd;
6 Ne any noise she made, ne word she spake,
But inly sigh'd. At last the royall Mayd
8 Out of her quiet slomber did awake,
And chaungd her weary side, the better ease to take.
1 Which when none she found, with easy shift
shift > movement
2 (For fear lest her unwares she should abraid)
unwares > unexpectedly abraid > startle
3 The embroidered quilt she lightly up did lift,
lightly > lightly; unchastely (as at 301.59:6)
4 And by her side herself she softly laid, 5 Of every finest finger's touch afraid; 6 Nor any noise she made, nor word she spoke, 7 But inly sighed. At last the royal maid
inly > inwardly
8 Out of her quiet slumber did awake, 9 And changed her weary side, the better ease to take.
301.62
Where feeling one close couched by her side,
2 She lightly lept out of her filed bed,
And to her weapon ran, in minde to gride
4 The loathed leachour. But the Dame halfe ded
Through suddein feare and ghastly drerihed,
6 Did shrieke alowd, that through the house it rong,
And the whole family therewith adred,
8 Rashly out of their rouzed couches sprong,
And to the troubled chamber all in armes did throng.
1 Where feeling one close couched by her side, 2 She lightly leapt out of her filed bed,
lightly > quickly filed > defiled
3 And to her weapon ran, in mind to gride
gride > wound, pierce; hence: run through
4 The loathed lecher. But the dame, half dead 5 Through sudden fear and ghastly drearihead,
ghastly > frightful, terrible (as if induced by fear of the supernatural) drearihead > dreariness, grief; hence: horror
6 Did shriek aloud, that through the house it rang,
that > [so that]
7 And the whole family, therewith adrad,
family > household therewith adrad > frightened by that
8 Rashly out of their roused couches sprang,
Rashly > Hastily; suddenly couches > beds
9 And to the troubled chamber all in arms did throng.
301.63
And those six Knights that Ladies Champions,
2 And eke the Redcrosse knight ran to the stownd,
Halfe armd and halfe vnarmd, with them attons:
4 Where when confusedly they came, they fownd
Their Lady lying on the sencelesse grownd;
6 On th'other side, they saw the warlike Mayd
All in her snow-white smocke, with locks vnbownd,
8 Threatning the point of her auenging blade,
That with so troublous terrour they were all dismayde.
1 And those six knights, that lady's champions, 2 And eke the Redcross Knight ran to the stound,
eke > also stound > [period of] alarm, tumult; or perhaps, with its spelling forced by the rhyme: stand, place, spot
3 Half armed and half unarmed, with them at once:
at once > together, simultaneously
4 Where, when confusedly they came, they found
they > [the six knights]
5 Their lady lying on the senseless ground; 6 On the other side they saw the warlike maid 7 All in her snow-white smock, with locks unbound, 8 Threatening the point of her avenging blade, 9 That with so troublous terror they were all dismayed.
That > [So that] so > such
301.64
About their Lady first they flockt arownd,
2 Whom hauing laid in comfortable couch,
Shortly they reard out of her frosen swownd;
4 And afterwards they gan with fowle reproch
To stirre vp strife, and troublous contecke broch:
6 But by ensample of the last dayes losse,
None of them rashly durst to her approch,
8 Ne in so glorious spoile themselues embosse;
Her succourd eke the Champion of the bloudy Crosse.
1 About their lady first they flocked around, 2 Whom, having laid in comfortable couch,
couch > bed
3 Shortly they reared out of her frozen swoon; 4 And afterwards they began with foul reproach 5 To stir up strife, and troublous conteck broach:
conteck > strife, discord; contumely
6 But by example of the last day's loss, 7 None of them rashly dared to her approach,
rashly > rashly; quickly
8 Nor in so glorious spoil themselves emboss;
so > [such, such a] emboss > encase, enwrap hence: get involved with
9 Her succoured eke the champion of the bloody Cross.
eke > moreover
301.65
But one of those sixe knights, Gardante hight,
2 Drew out a deadly bow and arrow keene,
Which forth he sent with felonous despight,
4 And fell intent against the virgin sheene:
The mortall steele stayd not, till it was seene
6 To gore her side, yet was the wound not deepe,
But lightly rased her soft silken skin,
8 That drops of purple bloud thereout did weepe,
Which did her lilly smock with staines of vermeil steepe.
1 But one of those six knights, Gardante hight,
hight > named, hence: by name
2 Drew out a deadly bow and arrow keen,
keen > sharp
3 Which forth he sent with felonous despite,
felonous > {Cruel, wicked, befitting a felon} despite > malice; anger
4 And fell intent against the virgin sheen:
fell > terrible sheen > shining, resplendent; beautiful
5 The mortal steel stayed not, till it was seen
mortal > lethal
6 To gore her side, yet was the wound not deep, 7 But lightly rased her soft silken skin,
rased > scratched
8 That drops of purple blood thereout did weep,
That > [So that] purple > red, blood-red; purple also signifying royalty thereout > from it [her skin]
9 Which did her lily smock with stains of vermeil steep.
lily > pure white (denoting chastity: cf. 110.13:1 etc.) vermeil > scarlet
301.66
Wherewith enrag'd she fiercely at them flew,
2 And with her flaming sword about her layd,
That none of them foule mischiefe could eschew,
4 But with her dreadfull strokes were all dismayd:
Here, there, and euery where about her swayd
6 Her wrathfull steele, that none mote it abide;
And eke the Redcrosse knight gaue her good aid,
8 Ay ioyning foot to foot, and side to side,
That in short space their foes they haue quite terrifide.
1 Wherewith enraged, she fiercely at them flew,
Wherewith > With which
2 And with her flaming sword about her laid, 3 That none of them foul mischief could eschew,
That > [So that] mischief > injury eschew > escape
4 But with her dreadful strokes were all dismayed:
dismayed > dismayed; defeated
5 Here, there, and everywhere about her swayed
swayed > swung, swept
6 Her wrathful steel, that none might it abide;
that > [so that] abide > endure; face
7 And eke the Redcross Knight gave her good aid,
eke > also
8 Ay joining foot to foot, and side to side,
Ay > Ever
9 That in short space their foes they have quite terrified.
That > [So that] space > time
301.67
Tho whenas all were put to shamefull flight,
2 The noble Britomartis her arayd,
And her bright armes about her body dight:
4 For nothing would she lenger there be stayd,
Where so loose life, and so vngentle trade
6 Was vsd of Knights and Ladies seeming gent:
So earely ere the grosse Earthes gryesy shade,
8 Was all disperst out of the firmament,
They tooke their steeds, and forth vpon their iourney went.
1 Tho, when all were put to shameful flight,
Tho > Then
2 The noble Britomart herself arrayed, 3 And her bright arms about her body dight:
arms > armour dight > arrayed, put on
4 For nothing would she longer there be stayed,
stayed > detained
5 Where so loose life, and so ungentle trade
so loose > such promiscuous ungentle trade > ignoble conduct
6 Was used of knights and ladies seeming gent:
used of > practised by gent > high-born, noble
7 So early, ere the gross Earth's griesy shade
gross > massive; dense, thick griesy > grim
8 Was all dispersed out of the firmament, 9 They took their steeds, and forth upon their journey went.
They > [Britomart, her "aged Squire" (301.4:3), and the Redcross
Knight]
CANTO II
The Redcrosse knight to Britomart
2 describeth Artegall:
The wondrous myrrhour, by which she
4 in loue with him did fall.
1 The Redcross Knight to Britomart 2 describes Artegall:
Artegall > (The hero of Book V. The name "Arthgal" is used by
Geoffrey of Monmouth (HRB 9.12). Artgallo, son of Gorlois, was
the brother of Cador, king of Cornwall, and half-brother of
Arthur; in FQ "Artegall" signifies "Equal to Arthur")
3 The wondrous mirror, by which she
mirror > magic glass, crystal
4 in love with him did fall.
302.1
HEre haue I cause, in men iust blame to find,
2 That in their proper prayse too partiall bee,
And not indifferent to woman kind,
4 To whom no share in armes and cheualrie
They do impart, ne maken memorie
6 Of their braue gestes and prowesse martiall;
Scarse do they spare to one or two or three,
8 Rowme in their writs; yet the same writing small
Does all their deeds deface, and dims their glories +all.+
9 all. > all, 1596
1 Here have I cause in men just blame to find, 2 That in their proper praise too partial be,
proper > own
3 And not indifferent to womankind,
indifferent > fair, impartial
4 To whom no share in arms and chivalry
arms > {Feats of arms}
5 They do impart, nor make memory
memory > memorial; historical record
6 Of their brave gests and prowess martial;
gests > exploits, deeds prowess > valour
7 Scarce do they spare, to one or two or three, 8 Room in their writs; yet the same writing small
writs > writings, books small > {Sparse, inconsiderable; falling short of the usual standard}
9 Does all their deeds deface, and dims their glories all.
deface > disgrace; cast in the shade
302.2
But by record of antique times I find,
2 That women wont in warres to beare most sway,
And to all great exploits them selues inclind:
4 Of which they still the girlond bore away,
Till enuious Men fearing their rules decay,
6 Gan coyne streight lawes to curb their liberty;
Yet sith they warlike armes haue layd +away,+
8 They haue exceld in artes and pollicy,
That now we foolish men that prayse gin eke t'enuy.
7 away, > away: 1596
1 But, by record of antique times, I find
antique > ancient
2 That women wont in wars to bear most sway,
wont > were accustomed sway > influence; momentum, power
3 And to all great exploits themselves inclined: 4 Of which they still the garland bore away,
Of > By; from still > ever, continually
5 Till envious men, fearing their rule's decay, 6 Gan coin strait laws to curb their liberty;
Gan > Did strait > strict
7 Yet sith they warlike arms have laid away,
sith > since
8 They have excelled in arts and policy,
policy > statecraft; sagacity, shrewdness
9 That now we foolish men that praise begin eke to envy.
That > [So that] praise > virtue, merit, praiseworthiness eke > also envy > begrudge, resent
302.3
Of warlike puissaunce in ages spent,
2 Be thou faire Britomart, whose prayse I write,
But of all wisedome be thou precedent,
4 O soueraigne Queene, whose prayse I would endite,
Endite I would as dewtie doth excite;
6 But ah my rimes too rude and rugged arre,
When in so high an obiect they do lite,
8 And striuing, fit to make, I feare do marre:
Thy selfe thy prayses tell, and make them knowen farre.
1 Of warlike puissance in ages spent,
puissance > power, strength spent > passed, gone by
2 Be you, fair Britomart, whose praise I write;
Be > [Are]
3 But of all wisdom be you precedent,
be > [are] precedent > [the] model, exemplar; example (i.e. Britomart is the precedent of ancient puissance and Elizabeth the precedent of all wisdom)
4 O sovereign queen, whose praise I would indite, 5 Indite I would as duty does excite;
excite > incite, stir up; hence: move
6 But ah my rhymes too rude and rugged are,
rude > rough, clumsy, simple; uneducated rugged > coarse, unrefined
7 When in so high an object they do light,
light > shine, give light, hence: have their poetic existence; or: alight, hence: find their place
8 And striving, fit to make, I fear do mar: 9 Yourself your praises tell, and make them known far.
tell > disclose, reveal; hence: make self-evident
302.4
She trauelling with +Guyon+ by the way,
2 Of sundry things faire purpose gan to find,
T'abridg their iourney long, and lingring day;
4 Mongst which it fell into that Faeries mind,
To aske this Briton Mayd, what vncouth wind,
6 Brought her into those parts, and what inquest
Made her dissemble her disguised kind:
8 Faire Lady she him seemed, like Lady drest,
But fairest knight aliue, when armed was her brest.
1 Guyon > Redcrosse sugg. Todd (see 302.16:8). That this character is described at 302.4:4 as having a "Faeries mind" seems to indicate that Spenser really does confuse here the Redcross Knight with the hero of the book just finished. However, it must be said that the Redcross Knight is loosely identified as a Faery throughout Book I
1 She, travelling with Redcross by the way,
Redcross > ("Guyon" is plainly an error: see Textual Appendix)
2 Of sundry things fair purpose began to find,
purpose > discourse, talk
3 To abridge their journey long and lingering day; 4 Amongst which it fell into that Faery's mind 5 To ask this Briton maid what uncouth wind
uncouth > extraordinary, unusual
6 Brought her into those parts, and what inquest
inquest > quest
7 Made her dissemble her disguised kind:
kind > gender, sex
8 Fair lady she him seemed, like lady dressed,
him > [to him]
9 But fairest knight alive, when armed was her breast.
armed > [clad in armour]
302.5
Thereat she sighing softly, had no powre
2 To speake a while, ne ready answere make,
But with hart-thrilling throbs and bitter stowre,
4 As if she had a feuer fit, did quake,
And euery daintie limbe with horrour shake;
6 And euer and anone the rosy red,
Flasht through her face, as it had beene a flake
8 Of lightning, through bright heauen fulmined;
At last the passion past she thus him answered.
1 Thereat she, sighing softly, had no power
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
2 To speak awhile, nor ready answer make, 3 But with heart-thrilling throbs and bitter stour,
thrilling > piercing throbs > beats, pulsations [of the heart] stour > turmoil, distress
4 As if she had a fever fit, did quake, 5 And every dainty limb with horror shake;
dainty > delightful, comely
6 And ever and anon the rosy red
ever and anon > every now and then
7 Flashed through her face, as it had been a flake
Flashed > Rushed as > [as if] flake > flash
8 Of lightning, through bright heaven fulmined;
fulmined > sent forth (used of lightning or thunder)
9 At last, the passion past, she thus him answered:
302.6
Faire Sir, I let you weete, that from the howre
2 I taken was from nourses tender pap,
I haue beene trained vp in warlike stowre,
4 To tossen speare and shield, and to affrap
The warlike ryder to his most mishap;
6 Sithence I loathed haue my life to lead,
As Ladies wont, in pleasures wanton lap,
8 To finger the fine needle and nyce thread;
Me leuer were with point of foemans speare be dead.
1 "Fair sir, I let you weet that, from the hour
weet > know
2 I taken was from nurse's tender pap,
pap > nipple, breast (cf. 109.3:7)
3 I have been trained up in warlike stour,
stour > conflict, combat
4 To toss spear and shield, and to affrap
affrap > strike (WUFQ)
5 The warlike rider to his most mishap;
mishap > misfortune
6 Sithens I loathed have my life to lead
Sithens > Since that time
7 (As ladies wont) in Pleasure's wanton lap,
wont > are accustomed, do
8 To finger the fine needle and nice thread;
nice > slender, delicate
9 Me liefer were with point of foeman's spear be dead.
Me liefer were > [I would rather] foeman > enemy, adversary
302.7
All my delight on deedes of armes is set,
2 To hunt out perils and aduentures hard,
By sea, by land, where so they may be met,
4 Onely for honour and for high regard,
Without respect of richesse or reward.
6 For such intent into these parts I came,
Withouten compasse, or withouten card,
8 Far +fro+ my natiue soyle, that is by name
The greater Britaine, here to seeke for prayse and fame.
8 fro > from 1609
1 "All my delight on deeds of arms is set, 2 To hunt out perils and adventures hard, 3 By sea, by land, whereso they may be met,
whereso > wherever
4 Only for honour and for high regard, 5 Without respect of richesse or reward.
respect of > regard for richesse > riches, wealth
6 For such intent into these parts I came,
intent > endeavour; notion; intention
7 Without compass, or without card,
card > chart
8 Far from my native soil, that is by name 9 The greater Britain, here to seek for praise and fame.
The greater Britain > (Britain, meaning here England and Wales, rather than the lesser Britain, Brittany, in France)
302.8
Fame blazed hath, that here in Faery lond
2 Do many famous Knightes and Ladies wonne,
And many straunge aduentures to be fond,
4 Of which great worth and worship may be wonne;
Which +I to proue,+ this voyage haue begonne.
6 But mote I weet of you, right curteous knight,
Tydings of one, that hath vnto me donne
8 Late foule dishonour and reprochfull spight,
The which I seeke to wreake, and Arthegall he hight.
5 I to proue, > to proue, I 1590
1 "Fame blazed has that here in Faery Land
blazed > proclaimed, trumpeted
2 Do many famous knights and ladies won,
won > dwell
3 And many strange adventures to be found,
to > [are to]
4 Of which great worth and worship may be won;
Of > From, by worship > honour, renown
5 Which I, to prove, this voyage have begun.
prove > test, confirm by personal experience voyage > journey
6 But might I weet of you, right courteous knight,