302.45
Nought like (quoth she) for that same wretched boy
2 Was of himselfe the idle Paramoure;
Both loue and louer, without hope of ioy,
4 For which he faded to a watry flowre.
But better fortune thine, and better howre,
6 Which lou'st the shadow of a warlike knight;
No shadow, but a bodie hath in powre:
8 That bodie, wheresoeuer that it light,
May learned be by cyphers, or by Magicke might.
1 "Naught like," quoth she, "for that same wretched boy
Naught like > [Not at all is your case like Narcissus's]
2 Was of himself the idle paramour;
idle > weak-headed, futile
3 Both love and lover, without hope of joy, 4 For which he faded to a watery flower.
watery > vapid, wishy-washy; also, said of land or soil: moist and plashy, and so: growing by water (i.e. by the fountain; cf. 306.45:4)
5 But better fortune yours, and better hour,
hour > time
6 Which loves the shadow of a warlike knight;
shadow > shade, spectre
7 No shadow but a body has in power:
No shadow but a body has in power > [There is never a shadow without a physical body in control of it, i.e. casting it]
8 That body, wheresoever it light,
light > occurs, has its particular place
9 May learned be by ciphers, or by magic might.
ciphers > numbers, figures, hence: numerological means; or: deciphering occult writings
302.46
But if thou may with reason yet represse
2 The growing euill, ere it strength haue got,
And thee abandond wholly doe possesse,
4 Against it strongly striue, and yield thee not,
Till thou in open field adowne be smot.
6 But if the passion +mayster+ thy fraile might,
So that needs loue or death must be thy lot,
8 Then I auow to thee, by wrong or right
To compasse thy desire, and find that loued knight.
6 mayster > master 1609
1 "But if you may with reason yet repress 2 The growing evil, ere it strength have got, 3 And you, abandoned, wholly do possess,
do > [it (i.e. love) does]
4 Against it strongly strive, and yield you not,
strive > (Imperative mood) you > (Intensifying the imperative mood)
5 Till you in open field adown be smitten.
field > battle, field of battle (fig.) adown > down
6 But if the passion master your frail might,
might > strength
7 So that needs love or death must be your lot,
needs > of necessity, perforce
8 Then I avow to you, by wrong or right
avow > vow, take a vow
9 To compass your desire, and find that loved knight."
compass > accomplish, attain
302.47
Her chearefull words much cheard the feeble spright
2 Of the sicke virgin, that her downe she layd
In her warme bed to sleepe, if that she might;
4 And the old-woman carefully displayd
The clothes about her round with busie ayd;
6 So that at last a little creeping sleepe
Surprisd her sense: She therewith well apayd,
8 The drunken lampe downe in the oyle did steepe,
And set her by to watch, and set her by to weepe.
1 Her cheerful words much cheered the feeble spirit 2 Of the sick virgin, that her down she laid
that > [so that]
3 In her warm bed to sleep, if that she might;
that > [to sleep]
4 And the old woman carefully displayed
old woman > (A compound sb.; cf. "old man" at 209.55:5) displayed > spread out
5 The clothes about her round with busy aid;
about her round > [round about her; around her] busy > careful, solicitous
6 So that at last a little creeping sleep 7 Surprised her sense: she, therewith well apaid,
Surprised > Took hold of sense > senses; consciousness she > [Glauce] therewith > with that; thereupon apaid > pleased; satisfied
8 The drunken lamp down in the oil did steep,
lamp > [wick]
9 And sat her by to watch, and sat her by to weep.
her by > [by her]
302.48
Earely the morrow next, before that day
2 His ioyous face did to the world reueale,
They both vprose and tooke their readie way
4 Vnto the Church, their prayers to appeale,
With great deuotion, and with litle zeale:
6 For the faire Damzell from the holy herse
Her loue-sicke hart to other thoughts did steale;
8 And that old Dame said many an idle verse,
Out of her daughters hart fond fancies to reuerse.
1 Early the morrow next, before Day 2 His joyous face did to the world reveal, 3 They both uprose and took their ready way
ready > {Straight, direct; lying immediately before them}
4 To the church, their prayers to appeal,
appeal > address to a higher tribunal (i.e. God)
5 With great devotion, and with little zeal: 6 For the fair damsel from the holy hearse
hearse > dead body (i.e. that of Christ, and so the Christian faith); perhaps also: obsequy (cf. SC, "November", 60), and so: ceremony, service
7 Her lovesick heart to other thoughts did steal; 8 And that old dame said many an idle verse,
idle > futile
9 Out of her daughter's heart fond fancies to reverse.
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} fond > foolish reverse > remove; turn away
302.49
Returned home, the royall Infant fell
2 Into her former fit; for why, no powre
Nor guidance of her selfe in her did dwell.
4 But th'aged Nurse her calling to her bowre,
Had gathered Rew, and Sauine, and the flowre
6 Of +Camphora+, and Calamint, and Dill,
All which she in +a+ earthen Pot did poure,
8 And to the brim with Colt wood did it fill,
And many drops of milke and bloud through it did spill.
6 Camphora > Camphara 1596, 1609 7 a > an 1609
1 Returned home, the royal infant fell
infant > princess, infanta (used also of male heirs to the throne, as of Prince Arthur at 208.56:1 etc.)
2 Into her former fit; for why no power
for why > because
3 Nor guidance of herself in her did dwell. 4 But the aged nurse, her calling to her bower,
bower > room
5 Had gathered rue, and savin, and the flower
rue > (Ruta graveolens, a bitter evergreen shrub, a symbol of sorrow and repentance, called the "herb of grace" after the God- given grace that follows true repentance. It was used in the middle ages as a defence against magic; and was prescribed for a nervous heart, menstrual problems, etc. Rue was specifically not to be taken by pregnant women) savin > (Junipera sabina, a small evergreen shrub, the dried tops of which are abortifacient; cf. 207.52:5)
6 Of camphor, and calamint, and dill,
camphor > (The camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora, which yields a powerful and volatile oil used in many herbal preparations) calamint > (Calamintha spp., aromatic herbs of the thyme family, used, like the closely related mints, for nervousness, insomnia, etc.) dill > (Anetha graveolens, a herb of the parsley family, also used as a calming agent)
7 All which she in an earthen pot did pour, 8 And to the brim with colt wood did it fill,
colt wood > (Not in OED. Two explanations seem possible: (1) green wood ("colt" being an adj. meaning young, immature); or (2) the tough roots of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara, a herb of the dandelion family)
9 And many drops of milk and blood through it did spill.
milk and blood > (Traditionally used to propitiate Hecate, the three-headed goddess of the underworld associated with witchcraft and dreams) spill > disperse
302.50
Then taking thrise three haires from off her head,
2 Them trebly +breaded+ in a threefold lace,
And round about the pots mouth, bound the thread,
4 And after hauing whispered a space
Certaine sad words, with hollow voice and bace,
6 She to the virgin said, thrise said she it;
Come daughter come, come; spit vpon my face,
8 Spit thrise vpon me, thrise vpon me spit;
Th'vneuen number for this businesse is most fit.
2 breaded > braided 1609
1 Then, taking thrice three hairs from off her head, 2 Them trebly braided in a threefold lace,
Them > [She them] lace > thread
3 And round about the pot's mouth bound the thread, 4 And (after having whispered a space 5 Certain sad words, with hollow voice and base)
sad > solemn, heavy hollow voice and base > [a sepulchral and quiet voice]
6 She to the virgin said, thrice said she it: 7 "Come daughter come, come; spit upon my face,
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman}
8 Spit thrice upon me, thrice upon me spit; 9 The uneven number for this business is most fit!"
302.51
That sayd, her round about she from her turnd,
2 She turned her contrarie to the Sunne,
Thrise she her turnd contrary, and returnd,
4 All contrary, for she the right did shunne,
And euer what she did, was streight vndonne.
6 So thought she to vndoe her daughters loue:
But loue, that is in gentle brest begonne,
8 No idle charmes so lightly may remoue,
That well can witnesse, who by triall it does proue.
1 That said, her round about she from her turned, 2 She turned her contrary to the sun, 3 Thrice she her turned contrary, and returned, 4 All contrary, for she the right did shun, 5 And ever what she did was straight undone.
straight > straightway
6 So thought she to undo her daughter's love: 7 But love that is in gentle breast begun,
gentle > noble, high-born
8 No idle charms so lightly may remove,
idle > foolish, weak-headed; empty
9 That well can witness, who by trial it does prove.
well > [one well] prove > experience, confirm by personal experience; test
302.52
Ne ought it mote the noble Mayd auayle,
2 Ne slake the furie of her cruell flame,
But that she still did waste, and still did wayle,
4 That through long +languour+, and hart-burning brame
She shortly like a pyned ghost became,
6 Which long hath waited by the Stygian strond.
That when old Glauce saw, for feare least blame
8 Of her miscarriage should in her be fond,
She wist not how t'amend, nor how it to withstond.
4 languour > laugour 1596
1 Nor aught it might the noble maid avail, 2 Nor slake the fury of her cruel flame, 3 But she still did waste, and still did wail,
still > yet; continually
4 That through long languor and heart-burning brame
That > [So that] languor > languor, lassitude; amorous pining brame > longing (?from the Italian brama; WU)
5 She shortly like a pined ghost became,
pined > wasted, hence: insubstantial; also: mourning
6 Which long has waited by the Stygian strand.
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the river across which dead souls must pass. See Aen. 6.312 ff.} strand > shore
7 That when old Glauce saw, for fear lest blame
blame > blame; [a] charge, accusation
8 Of her miscarriage should in her be found,
miscarriage > mismanagement [of her ward]
9 She wist not how to amend, nor how it to withstand.
wist > knew
CANTO III
Merlin bewrayes to Britomart,
2 the state of +Artegall+.
And shewes the famous Progeny
4 which from them springen shall.
2 Artegall > Arthegall 1590
1 Merlin bewrays to Britomart
bewrays > reveals
2 the state of Artegall,
state > {Condition or state in life; marital status}
3 And shows the famous progeny 4 which from them spring shall.
303.1
+MOst+ sacred fire, that burnest mightily
2 In liuing brests, ykindled first aboue,
Emongst th'eternall spheres and lamping sky,
4 And thence pourd into men, which men call Loue;
Not that same, which doth base affections moue
6 In brutish minds, and filthy lust inflame,
But that sweet fit, that doth true beautie loue,
8 And choseth vertue for his dearest Dame,
Whence spring all noble deeds and neuer dying fame:
1 MOst > OH 1609
1 Most sacred fire, that burn mightily 2 In living breasts, kindled first above, 3 Amongst the eternal spheres and lamping sky,
lamping > flashing; resplendent
4 And thence poured into men, which men call Love; 5 Not that same, which does base affections move
affections > emotions (esp. strong emotions, as passion, lust, etc.) move > actuate, excite
6 In brutish minds, and filthy lust inflame, 7 But that sweet fit that does true beauty love, 8 And chooses virtue for his dearest dame, 9 Whence spring all noble deeds and never-dying fame:
303.2
Well did Antiquitie a God thee deeme,
2 That ouer mortall minds hast so great might,
To order them, as best to thee doth seeme,
4 And all their actions to direct aright;
The fatall purpose of diuine foresight,
6 Thou doest effect in destined descents,
Through deepe impression of thy secret might,
8 And stirredst vp th'Heroes high intents,
Which the late world admyres for wondrous moniments.
1 Well did antiquity a god you deem,
antiquity > ancient times (esp. of the Greeks and Romans); ancient records
2 That over mortal minds have so great might,
so > such
3 To order them as best to you does seem, 4 And all their actions to direct aright; 5 The fatal purpose of divine foresight
fatal > preordained, predestined
6 You do effect in destined descents,
descents > {Lineages, lines of family descent}
7 Through deep impression of your secret might, 8 And stirred up the heroes' high intents,
intents > endeavours
9 Which the late world admires for wondrous monuments.
late > recent [compared with antiquity] and hence: modern monuments > monuments; also: evidence [of Love's paramountcy]
303.3
But thy +dread+ darts in none doe triumph more,
2 Ne brauer proofe in any, of thy powre
Shew'dst thou, then in this royall Maid of yore,
4 Making her seeke an vnknowne Paramoure,
From the worlds end, through many a bitter stowre:
6 From whose two loynes thou afterwards did rayse
Most famous fruits of matrimoniall bowre,
8 Which through the earth haue spred their liuing prayse,
That fame in trompe of gold eternally displayes.
1 dread > dredd 1590; drad 1609
1 But your dread darts in none do triumph more,
darts > [Cupid's arrows]
2 Nor braver proof in any, of your power
braver > more splendid
3 Showed you, than in this royal maid of yore,
yore > old, olden times
4 Making her seek an unknown paramour, 5 From the world's end, through many a bitter stour:
stour > {Peril, conflict, time of turmoil or distress}
6 From whose two loins you afterwards did raise 7 Most famous fruits of matrimonial bower,
bower > bed-chamber
8 Which through the earth have spread their living praise,
praise > praiseworthiness, virtue; hence: qualities, worth
9 That fame in trump of gold eternally displays.
trump > trumpet; trumpet-note displays > describes; makes manifest, makes a show of; spreads out, hence: blazons forth, broadcasts
303.4
Begin then, {o^} my dearest sacred Dame,
2 Daughter of Ph{oe}bus and of Memorie,
+That+ doest ennoble with immortall name
4 The warlike Worthies, from antiquitie,
In thy great volume of Eternitie:
6 Begin, {o^} Clio, and recount from hence
My glorious Soueraines goodly +auncestrie+,
8 Till that by dew degrees and long +protense+,
Thou haue it lastly brought vnto her Excellence.
3 That > Thou 1590 7 auncestrie > auncestie 1596 8 protense > pretence 1596
1 Begin then, O my dearest sacred dame,
my dearest sacred dame > (Clio, the Muse of history; cf. 100.2:1)
2 Daughter of Phoebus and of Memory,
Phoebus > (The god of music and poetry, who is also sometimes described as the leader of the choir of Muses and is thus called "Musagetes". According to Myth. 4.10, the Muses are the children of Apollo rather than of Jupiter)
3 That do ennoble with immortal name 4 The warlike Worthies, from antiquity,
Worthies > (The nine Worthies comprise (to quote Dryden) "three Jews": Joshua, David, and Judas Maccabeus; "three pagans": Hector, Alexander, and Julius Caesar; and "three Christian knights": Arthur, Charlemagne, and Godfrey of Bouillon. Spenser may also be referring to either or both of the two sets of British worthies: nine privy councillors to William III, including Lord Pembroke; or the Nine Worthies of London (see The Seven Champions of Christendom by Richard Johnson, 1592)) antiquity > ancient times
5 In your great volume of Eternity: 6 Begin, O Clio, and recount from hence 7 My glorious sovereign's goodly ancestry,
goodly > fine, elevated
8 Till, by due degrees and long protension,
protension > extent, duration
9 You have it lastly brought to Her Excellence.
lastly > finally Her Excellence > Her Excellency [Queen Elizabeth]
303.5
Full many wayes within her troubled mind,
2 Old Glauce cast, to cure this Ladies griefe:
Full many waies she sought, but none could find,
4 Nor herbes, nor charmes, nor counsell, that is chiefe
And choisest med'cine for sicke harts reliefe:
6 For thy great care she tooke, and greater feare,
Least that it should her turne to foule repriefe,
8 And sore reproch, when so her father deare
Should of his dearest daughters hard misfortune heare.
1 Full many ways within her troubled mind
Full > Very, exceedingly
2 Old Glauce cast to cure this lady's grief:
cast > deliberated, contrived; resolved, planned grief > pain
3 Full many ways she sought, but none could find, 4 Nor herbs, nor charms, nor counsel (that is chief
Nor > Neither
5 And choicest medicine for sick hearts' relief): 6 For-thy great care she took, and greater fear,
For-thy > Therefore, for this reason
7 Lest it should her turn to foul reproof,
reproof > reproof, scorn; shame, disgrace
8 And sore reproach, whenso her father dear
whenso > whenever her father dear > [King Ryence]
9 Should of his dearest daughter's hard misfortune hear.
303.6
At last she her +auisd+, that he, which made
2 That mirrhour, wherein the sicke Damosell
So straungely vewed her straunge louers shade,
4 To weet, the learned Merlin, well could tell,
Vnder what coast of heauen the man did dwell,
6 And by what meanes his loue might best be wrought:
For though beyond the Africk Ismaell,
8 Or th'Indian Peru he were, she thought
Him forth through infinite endeuour to haue sought.
1 auisd > aduis'd 1609; cf. 402.22:7
1 At last she her advised that he who made
her advised > bethought herself, reflected, recalled
2 That mirror (wherein the sick damsel
mirror > magic glass, crystal ball
3 So strangely viewed her strange lover's shade),
strange > {Foreign, not of this region} shade > spectre
4 To wit, the learned Merlin, well could tell
tell > [relate]
5 Under what coast of heaven the man did dwell,
coast > tract, region
6 And by what means his love might best be wrought: 7 For though beyond the African Ismael,
African Ismael > (The north African territories of the Arabs or of
Mohameddans generally, who were held to be descendants of
Ishmael)
8 Or the Indian Peru he were, she thought
Indian > (America was thought to be India; like "the Africk
Ismael", it was an outpost of the known world. Cf. 200.2:6)
9 Him forth through infinite endeavour to have sought.
303.7
Forthwith themselues disguising both in straunge
2 And base attyre, that none might them bewray,
To Maridunum, that is now by chaunge
4 Of name Cayr-Merdin cald, they tooke their way:
There the wise Merlin whylome wont (they say)
6 To make his wonne, low vnderneath the ground,
In a deepe delue, farre from the vew of day,
8 That of no liuing wight he mote be found,
When so he counseld with his sprights encompast round.
1 Forthwith, themselves disguising both in strange 2 And base attire, that none might them bewray,
that > [so that] bewray > reveal, make known; betray
3 To Maridunum, that is now by change 4 Of name Caer-merdin called, they took their way:
Caer-merdin > (Carmarthen, in Wales; the traditional birthplace of
Merlin)
5 There the wise Merlin whilom wont (they say)
wise > {Sage; skilled in magic arts} whilom > formerly, of old wont > was accustomed they > (The chroniclers, e.g. Geoffrey of Monmouth in HRB 6.17)
6 To make his wone, low underneath the ground,
wone > abode, dwelling-place
7 In a deep delve, far from the view of day,
delve > pit, depression; ?cave (cf. 303.8:3, 207.0:1, 401.20:4)
8 That of no living wight he might be found,
That > [So that] of > by wight > person, creature
9 Whenso he counselled with his sprites encompassed round.
Whenso > Whenever counselled > deliberated; gave advice, took advice
303.8
And if thou euer happen that same way
2 To trauell, goe to see that dreadfull place:
It is an hideous hollow caue (they say)
4 Vnder a rocke that lyes a litle space
From the swift Barry, tombling downe apace,
6 Emongst the woodie hilles of Dyneuowre:
But dare thou not, I charge, in any cace,
8 To enter into that same balefull Bowre,
For fear the cruell Feends should thee vnwares deuowre.
1 And if you ever happen that same way 2 To travel, go to see that dreadful place: 3 It is a hideous hollow cave (they say)
hideous > huge
4 Under a rock that lies a little space 5 From the swift Barry, tumbling down apace,
apace > rapidly
6 Amongst the woody hills of Dynevor: 7 But dare you not, I charge, in any case, 8 To enter into that same baleful bower,
baleful > deadly, miserable bower > chamber
9 For fear the cruel fiends should you unwares devour.
unwares > suddenly; unexpectedly
303.9
But standing high aloft, low lay thine eare,
2 And there such ghastly noise of yron chaines,
And brasen Caudrons thou shalt rombling heare,
4 Which thousand sprights with long enduring paines
Doe tosse, that it will stonne thy feeble braines,
6 And oftentimes great grones, and grieuous stounds,
When too huge toile and labour them constraines:
8 And oftentimes loud strokes, and ringing sounds
From vnder that deepe Rocke most horribly rebounds.
1 But, standing high aloft, low lay your ear, 2 And there such ghastly noise of iron chains
ghastly > {Frightful, evoking terror of the supernatural}
3 And brazen cauldrons you shall rumbling hear 4 (Which thousand sprites with long enduring pains
thousand > [a thousand]
5 Do toss) that it will stun your feeble brains;
stun > stun; or: stone: petrify
6 And oftentimes great groans, and grievous stounds,
stounds > roars
7 When too huge toil and labour them constrain:
constrain > afflict, distress (with implied restriction of liberty)
8 And oftentimes loud strokes, and ringing sounds
oftentimes > frequently
9 From under that deep rock most horribly rebound.
303.10
The cause some say is this: A litle while
2 Before that Merlin dyde, he did intend,
A brasen wall in compas to compile
4 About Cairmardin, and did it commend
Vnto these Sprights, to bring to perfect end.
6 During which worke the Ladie of the Lake,
Whom long he lou'd, for him in hast did send,
8 Who thereby forst his workemen to forsake,
Them bound till his returne, their labour not to slake.
1 The cause, some say, is this: a little while 2 Before Merlin died, he did intend 3 A brazen wall in compass to compile
in compass to compile > to build in a circle
4 About Caer-merdin, and did it commend
it > [the project] commend > entrust, commit
5 To these sprites to bring to perfect end. 6 During which work the Lady of the Lake 7 (Whom long he loved) for him in haste did send, 8 Who, thereby forced his workmen to forsake, 9 Them bound, till his return, their labour not to slake.
slake > abate, slacken
303.11
In the meane time through that false Ladies traine,
2 He was surprisd, and buried vnder beare,
Ne euer to his worke returnd againe:
4 Nath'lesse those feends may not their worke forbeare,
So greatly his commaundement they feare,
6 But there doe toyle and trauell day and night,
Vntill that brasen wall they vp doe reare:
8 For Merlin had in Magicke more insight,
Then euer him before or after liuing wight.
1 In the mean time, through that false lady's train,
train > treachery, deceit
2 He was surprised, and buried under bier,
surprised > captured unexpectedly, ensnared under bier > under a bier [underground, in a tomb]; or: in a sepulchre ("bier" sometimes taking this meaning by transference)
3 Nor ever to his work returned again: 4 Natheless those fiends may not their work forbear,
Natheless > Nevertheless
5 So greatly his commandment they fear,
commandment > authority; control
6 But there do toil and travail day and night, 7 Until that brazen wall they up do rear: 8 For Merlin had in magic more insight, 9 Than ever him before or after living wight.
wight > man, person
303.12
For he by words could call out of the sky
2 Both Sunne and Moone, and make them him obay:
The land to sea, and sea to maineland dry,
4 And darkesome night he eke could turne to day:
Huge hostes of men he could alone dismay,
6 And hostes of men of meanest things could frame,
When so him list his enimies to fray:
8 That to this day for terror of his fame,
The feends do quake, when any him to them does name.
1 For he by words could call out of the sky 2 Both sun and moon, and make them him obey: 3 The land to sea, and sea to mainland dry, 4 And darksome night he eke could turn to day:
eke > also
5 Huge hosts of men he could alone dismay,
hosts > armies alone > acting by himself; hence: unaided, single-handedly dismay > defeat
6 And hosts of men of meanest things could frame,
frame > make, fashion
7 Whenso him list his enemies to fray:
Whenso > Whenever him list > it pleased him, he chose fray > frighten; assault, attack
8 That to this day, for terror of his fame,
That > [So that] fame > evil reputation
9 The fiends do quake when any him to them does name.
any > anyone
303.13
And sooth, men say that he was not the sonne
2 Of mortall Syre, or other liuing wight,
But wondrously begotten, and begonne
4 By false illusion of a guilefull Spright,
On a faire Ladie Nonne, that whilome hight
6 Matilda, daughter to Pubidius,
Who was the Lord of Mathrauall by right,
8 And coosen vnto king Ambrosius:
Whence he indued was with skill so maruellous.
1 And sooth, men say that he was not the son
sooth > truly, in truth
2 Of mortal sire, or other living wight,
sire > father wight > creature
3 But wondrously begotten, and begun
begun > brought into being
4 By false illusion of a guileful sprite,
sprite > (See HRB 6.18)
5 On a fair lady nun, that whilom hight
whilom > formerly, of old hight > was named
6 Matilda, daughter to Pubidius,
Matilda > "Might of Battle" (Teutonic); also: "Noble or honourable Lady of Maids" (Camden (1605) noted by Hamilton (1980); this name and that of Pubidius do not occur in HRB)
7 Who was the Lord of Matraval by right,
Matraval > (One of the ancient divisions of Wales)
8 And cousin to King Ambrosius:
cousin > kinsman
9 Whence he endued was with skill so marvellous.
skill > skill; knowledge, science
303.14
They here ariuing, staid a while without,
2 Ne durst aduenture rashly in to wend,
But of their first intent gan make new dout
4 For dread of daunger, which it might portend:
Vntill the hardie Mayd (with loue to frend)
6 First entering, the dreadfull Mage there found
Deepe busied bout worke of wondrous end,
8 And writing strange characters in the ground,
With which the stubborn feends he to his seruice bound.
1 They, here arriving, stayed awhile without,
without > outside
2 Nor dared adventure rashly in to wend,
adventure > [to] venture, take the chance of
3 But of their first intent gan make new doubt
intent > intention, notion gan > did
4 For dread of danger, which it might portend: 5 Until the hardy maid (with love to friend),
to > as a
6 First entering, the dreadful mage there found
mage > magician
7 Deep busied about work of wondrous end,
end > purpose
8 And writing strange characters in the ground, 9 With which the stubborn fiends he to his service bound.
stubborn > intractable
303.15
He nought was moued at their entrance bold:
2 For of their comming well he wist afore,
Yet list them bid their businesse +to+ vnfold,
4 As if ought in this world in secret store
Were from him hidden, or vnknowne of yore.
6 Then Glauce thus, +let+ not it thee offend,
That we thus rashly through thy darkesome dore,
8 Vnwares haue prest: for either fatall end,
Or other mightie cause vs two did hither send.
3 to > omitted from 1609 6 let > Let 1609
1 He naught was moved at their entrance bold: 2 For of their coming well he wist afore,
wist > knew afore > previously
3 Yet list them bid their business to unfold,
list > [he] chose, it pleased [him]
4 As if aught in this world in secret store 5 Were from him hidden, or unknown of yore.
yore > old
6 Then Glauce thus: "Let not it you offend, 7 That we thus rashly through your darksome door
rashly > suddenly; rashly
8 Unwares have pressed: for either fatal end
Unwares > Unexpectedly pressed > {To "press" is to push one's way boldly or impetuously into another's presence, to intrude} fatal > [a] preordained, predestined end > purpose
9 Or other mighty cause us two did hither send."
303.16
He bad tell on; And then she thus began.
2 Now haue three Moones with borrow'd brothers light,
Thrice shined faire, and thrice seem'd dim and wan,
4 Sith a sore euill, which this virgin bright
Tormenteth, and doth plonge in dolefull plight,
6 First rooting tooke; but what thing it mote bee,
Or whence it sprong, I cannot read aright:
8 But this I read, that but if remedee,
Thou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.
1 He bade tell on; and then she thus began: 2 "Now have three moons with borrowed brother's light
brother > [the sun]
3 Thrice shined fair, and thrice seemed dim and wan, 4 Sith a sore evil, which this virgin bright
Sith > Since sore > grievous (adj.); sore (sb.: see 302.39:6) evil > malady, misfortune (sb.); or, if "sore" is taken as a sb.: evil (adj.) bright > beautiful
5 Torments, and does plunge in doleful plight, 6 First rooting took; but what thing it might be, 7 Or whence it sprang, I cannot read aright:
read > declare
8 But this I read, that but if remedy
but if > [if no, unless]
9 You her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see."
full > very
303.17
Therewith th'Enchaunter softly gan to smyle
2 At her smooth speeches, weeting inly well,
That she to him dissembled womanish guyle,
4 And to her said, Beldame, by that ye tell,
More need of leach-craft hath your Damozell,
6 Then of my skill: who helpe may haue elsewhere,
In vaine seekes wonders out of Magicke spell.
8 Th'old woman wox half blanck, those words to heare;
And yet was loth to let her purpose plaine appeare.
1 Therewith the enchanter softly began to smile
Therewith > With that; thereupon
2 At her smooth speeches, weeting inly well
weeting > knowing, understanding inly > inwardly
3 That she to him dissembled womanish guile, 4 And to her said, "Beldam, by that you tell,
Beldam > (Respectful form of address to an elderly woman) that > [that which]
5 More need of leechcraft has your damsel
leechcraft > medicine, medical science
6 Than of my skill: who help may have elsewhere,
skill > skill; knowledge, science, occult powers who > [he who, whoever]
7 In vain seeks wonders out of magic spell." 8 The old woman waxed half blank, those words to hear;
waxed > grew blank > nonplussed; white, pale
9 And yet was loath to let her purpose plain appear.
303.18
And to him said, If any leaches skill,
2 Or other learned meanes could haue redrest
This my deare daughters deepe engraffed ill,
4 Certes I should be loth thee to molest:
But this sad euill, which doth her infest,
6 Doth course of naturall cause farre exceed,
And housed is within her hollow brest,
8 That either seemes some cursed witches deed,
Or euill spright, that in her doth such torment breed.
1 And to him said, "If any leech's skill
leech's > doctor's skill > skill; knowledge, science
2 Or other learned means could have redressed
redressed > remedied
3 This my dear daughter's deep engrafted ill,
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} engrafted > implanted, firmly inset (as 302.17:5) ill > malady
4 Certes I should be loath you to molest:
Certes > Assuredly molest > annoy; put to inconvenience
5 But this sad evil, which does her infest,
sad > heavy; sad; grievous evil > malady, misfortune
6 Does course of natural cause far exceed, 7 And housed is within her hollow breast,
hollow > ?vacant (cf. 302.32:7)
8 That either seems some cursed witch's deed, 9 Or evil sprite, that in her does such torment breed."
303.19
The wisard could no +lenger+ beare her bord,
2 But brusting forth in laughter, to her sayd;
Glauce, what needs this colourable word,
4 To cloke the cause, that hath it selfe bewrayd?
Ne ye faire Britomartis, thus arayd,
6 More hidden are, then Sunne in cloudy vele;
Whom thy good fortune, hauing fate obayd,
8 Hath hither brought, for succour to appele:
The which the powres to thee are pleased to reuele.
1 lenger > longer 1609
1 The wizard could no longer bear her board,
board > speech, address (from the vb. "to board", to accost, assail, make advances to)
2 But, bursting forth in laughter, to her said: 3 "Glauce, what needs this colourable word,
needs > [need is there of] colourable > specious word > speech
4 To cloak the cause that has itself bewrayed?
bewrayed > revealed, betrayed
5 Nor you, fair Britomart, thus arrayed, 6 More hidden are, than sun in cloudy veil; 7 Whom your good fortune, having fate obeyed, 8 Has hither brought, for succour to appeal: 9 Which the powers to you are pleased to reveal."
303.20
The doubtfull Mayd, seeing her selfe descryde,
2 Was all abasht, and her pure yuory
Into a cleare Carnation suddeine dyde;
4 As faire Aurora rising hastily,
Doth by her blushing tell, that she did lye
6 All night in old Tithonus frosen bed,
Whereof she seemes ashamed inwardly.
8 But her old Nourse was nought dishartened,
But vauntage made of that, which Merlin had ared.
1 The doubtful maid, seeing herself descried,
doubtful > fearful, apprehensive descried > made known, revealed, discovered; seen through
2 Was all abashed, and her pure ivory 3 Into a clear carnation sudden dyed; 4 As fair Aurora, rising hastily, 5 Does by her blushing tell that she did lie 6 All night in old Tithonus' frozen bed, 7 Whereof she seems ashamed inwardly. 8 But her old nurse was naught disheartened, 9 But vantage made of that which Merlin had aread.
vantage > advantage aread > divined; declared
303.21
And sayd, Sith then thou knowest all our griefe,
2 (For what doest not thou know?) of grace I pray,
Pitty our plaint, and yield vs meet reliefe.
4 With that the Prophet still awhile did stay,
And then his spirite thus gan forth display;
6 Most noble Virgin, that by fatall lore
Hast learn'd to loue, let no whit thee dismay
8 The hard begin, that meets thee in the +dore,+
And with sharpe fits thy tender hart oppresseth sore.
8 dore, > dore. 1596
1 And said, "Sith then you know all our grief
Sith > Since grief > suffering, pain
2 (For what do not you know?), of grace I pray,
of grace > as a favour
3 Pity our plaint, and yield us meet relief."
plaint > {Lamentation, complaint; statement of grievance made in seeking redress} meet > fitting
4 With that the prophet still awhile did stay,
still awhile did stay > (Two interpretations are possible: (1) "motionless (or quiet) awhile did remain"; (2) "yet awhile did hold back" [delay putting them out of their misery])
5 And then his spirit thus gan forth display:
gan > did display > unfold, expound [a tale]
6 "Most noble virgin, that by fatal lore
fatal lore > predestined command; preordained doctrine
7 Has learned to love, let no whit you dismay 8 The hard beginning that meets you in the door,
in the door > [at the outset]
9 And with sharp fits your tender heart oppresses sore.
303.22
For so must all things excellent begin,
2 And eke enrooted deepe must be that Tree,
Whose big embodied braunches shall not lin,
4 Till they to heauens hight forth stretched bee.
For from thy wombe a famous Progenie
6 Shall spring, out of the auncient Troian blood,
Which shall reuiue the sleeping memorie
8 Of those same antique Peres, the heauens brood,
Which +Greeke+ and Asian riuers stained with their blood.
9 Greeke > Greece 1596, 1609
1 "For so must all things excellent begin, 2 And eke enrooted deep must be that tree
eke > also, moreover
3 Whose big embodied branches shall not lin
embodied > {Consisting of human bodies; it is the family tree whose scion will be Elizabeth} lin > cease, desist (see 210.2:5)
4 Till they to heaven's height forth stretched be. 5 For from your womb a famous progeny 6 Shall spring, out of the ancient Trojan blood,
Trojan > (See 210.9:6 ff., 309.38 ff.)
7 Which shall revive the sleeping memory 8 Of those same antique peers, the heavens' brood,
antique > ancient peers > nobles brood > offspring; race
9 Which Greek and Asian rivers stained with their blood.
303.23
Renowmed kings, and sacred Emperours,
2 Thy fruitfull Ofspring, shall from thee descend;
Braue Captaines, and most mighty warriours,
4 That shall their conquests through all lands extend,
And their decayed kingdomes shall amend:
6 The feeble Britons, broken with long warre,
They shall vpreare, and mightily defend
8 Against their forrein foe, that comes from farre,
Till vniuersall peace compound all ciuill iarre.
1 "Renowned kings, and sacred emperors,
sacred > {Commonly used (-1590) as an epithet of royalty; also, here, specifically because Britomart's lineage can be traced back to Aeneas, whose father, Anchises, was a mortal, and whose mother, Venus, was a goddess}
2 Your fruitful offspring, shall from you descend; 3 Brave captains, and most mighty warriors, 4 That shall their conquests through all lands extend 5 And their decayed kingdoms shall amend:
amend > repair, restore
6 The feeble Britons, broken with long war, 7 They shall uprear, and mightily defend 8 Against their foreign foe, that comes from far,
their foreign foe > [the Spanish; or Roman Catholics in general]
9 Till universal peace compound all civil jar.
compound > settle jar > discord
303.24
It was not, Britomart, thy wandring eye,
2 Glauncing vnwares in charmed looking glas,
But the streight course of heauenly destiny,
4 Led with eternall prouidence, that has
Guided thy glaunce, to bring his will to pas:
6 Ne is thy fate, ne is thy fortune ill,
To loue the prowest knight, that euer was.
8 Therefore submit thy wayes vnto his will,
And do by all dew meanes thy destiny fulfill.
1 "It was not, Britomart, your wandering eye, 2 Glancing unwares in charmed looking-glass,
unwares > unwittingly looking-glass > magic glass, crystal ball
3 But the straight course of heavenly destiny,
straight > straight; or: strait: strict, narrow, confining
4 Led with eternal providence, that has 5 Guided your glance, to bring His will to pass: 6 Nor is your fate, nor is your fortune ill,
ill > bad, evil
7 To love the prowest knight that ever was.
prowest > bravest
8 Therefore submit your ways to His will,
His > (Or: his, meaning Artegall's)
9 And do by all due means your destiny fulfil."
303.25
But read (said Glauce) thou Magitian
2 What meanes shall she out seeke, or what wayes take?
How shall she know, how shall she find the man?
4 Or what needs her to toyle, sith fates can make
Way for themselues, their purpose to partake?
6 Then Merlin thus; Indeed the fates are firme,
And may not shrinck, though all the world do shake:
8 Yet ought mens good endeuours them confirme,
And guide the heauenly causes to their constant terme.
1 "But read," said Glauce, "you magician,
read > make known, declare
2 What means shall she out seek, or what ways take?
out seek > [seek out]
3 How shall she know, how shall she find the man? 4 Or what needs her to toil, sith fates can make
what needs > [why is it necessary for] sith > since
5 Way for themselves, their purpose to partake?"
partake > ?accomplish (this sense not in OED)
6 Then Merlin thus: "Indeed the fates are firm, 7 And may not shrink, though all the world do shake:
shrink > {Shrink back with fear; cf. 107.45:7, 212.29:7}
8 Yet ought men's good endeavours them confirm, 9 And guide the heavenly causes to their constant term.
constant > fixed term > object, end
303.26
The man whom heauens haue ordaynd to bee
2 The spouse of Britomart, is Arthegall:
He wonneth in the land of Fayeree,
4 Yet is no Fary borne, ne sib at all
To Elfes, but sprong of seed terrestriall,
6 And whilome by false Faries stolne away,
Whiles yet in infant cradle he did crall;
8 Ne other to himselfe is knowne this day,
But that he by an Elfe was gotten of a Fay.
1 "The man whom heavens have ordained to be
heavens > [the heavens]
2 The spouse of Britomart is Artegall: 3 He wons in the land of Faery,
wons > lives
4 Yet is no Faery born, nor sib at all
sib > kinsman
5 To Elves, but sprung of seed terrestrial,
seed terrestrial > earthly offspring, mortals
6 And whilom by false Faeries stolen away,
whilom > formerly, of old
7 While yet in infant cradle he did crawl; 8 Ne other to himself is known this day,
Ne other > (Nor any other [version of events]; cf. 110.65-6)
9 But that he by an Elf was gotten of a fay.
gotten > begotten fay > fairy, Faery
303.27
But sooth he is the sonne of Gorlois,
2 And brother vnto Cador Cornish king,
And for his warlike feates renowmed is,
4 From where the day out of the sea doth spring,
Vntill the closure of the Euening.
6 From thence, him firmely bound with faithfull band,
To this his natiue soyle thou backe shalt bring,
8 Strongly to aide his countrey, to withstand
The powre of forrein Paynims, which inuade thy land.
1 "But sooth he is the son of Gorlois,
sooth > in truth
Gorlois > (Duke of Tintagel, in Cornwall; husband of the Lady Igerna
who, after his death, married Uther Pendragon, the father of
Arthur)
2 And brother to Cador, Cornish king,
Cador > (According to HRB (9.1, 9.5), Cador helped Arthur in defeating the Saxons)
3 And for his warlike feats renowned is, 4 From where the day out of the sea does spring, 5 Until the closure of the evening.
closure > conclusion (i.e. he is renowned from east to west)
6 From thence, him firmly bound with faithful bond,
thence > [Faery Land] faithful bond > [a bond of faith]
7 To this his native soil you back shall bring, 8 Strongly to aid his country, to withstand 9 The power of foreign paynims, which invade your land.
paynims > pagans, heathens
303.28
Great aid thereto his mighty puissaunce,
2 And dreaded name shall giue in that sad day:
Where also proofe of thy prow valiaunce
4 Thou then shalt make, t'increase thy louers pray.
Long time ye both in armes shall beare great sway,
6 Till thy wombes burden thee from them do call,
And his last fate him from thee take away,
8 Too rathe cut off by practise criminall
Of secret foes, that him shall make in mischiefe fall.
1 "Great aid thereto his mighty puissance
thereto > in that purpose puissance > power, strength
2 And dreaded name shall give in that sad day: 3 Where also proof of your prow valiance
prow > doughty
4 You then shall make, to increase your lover's prey.
prey > plunder, spoils
5 Long time you both in arms shall bear great sway,
arms > {Feats of arms}
6 Till your womb's burden you from them do call,
them > ["armes"]
7 And his last fate him from you take away,
last fate > [death]
8 Too rathe cut off by practice criminal
Too rathe > Too soon, before his natural time practice > conspiracy, collusion; treachery
9 Of secret foes, that him shall make in mischief fall.
mischief > disaster; evil
303.29
+With+ thee yet shall he leaue for memory
2 Of his late puissaunce, his Image dead,
That liuing him in all actiuity
4 To thee shall represent. He from the head
Of his coosin Constantius without dread
6 Shall take the crowne, that was his fathers right,
And therewith crowne himselfe in th'others stead:
8 Then shall he issew forth with dreadfull might,
Against his Saxon foes in bloudy field to fight.
1 With > Where 1596, 1609
1 "With you yet shall he leave, for memory
for memory > as a memorial
2 Of his late puissance, his image dead,
puissance > power, strength his image dead > [the image of his dead self]
3 That, living, him in all activity 4 To you shall represent. He from the head
represent > bring clearly to mind; re-present, present again He > (Presumably, Aurelius Conan)
5 Of his cousin Constantine without dread
cousin > relative; hence: uncle Constantine > (Cador's son; he succeeded Arthur, but was soon killed by his nephew, Aurelius Conan. See HRB 11.2, 11.4)
6 Shall take the crown that was his father's right, 7 And therewith crown himself in the other's stead:
therewith > with that stead > place
8 Then shall he issue forth with dreadful might, 9 Against his Saxon foes in bloody field to fight.
Saxon > (First mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, the Saxons were originally inhabitants of the lower Elbe Valley. They were a warlike people who spread mainly to the south and west; they landed in Britain in 449. By the end of the sixth century they had conquered most of NW Europe. With the Angles and the Jutes they established the beginnings of Anglo-Saxon culture in England) field > battle; field of battle
303.30
Like as a Lyon, that in drowsie caue
2 Hath long time slept, himselfe so shall he shake,
And comming forth, shall spred his banner braue
4 Ouer the troubled South, that it shall make
The warlike Mertians for feare to quake:
6 Thrise shall he fight with them, and twise shall win,
But the third time shall faire accordaunce make:
8 And if he then with victorie can lin,
He shall his dayes with peace bring to his earthly In.