1 "Like a lion that in drowsy cave 2 Has long time slept, himself so shall he shake, 3 And, coming forth, shall spread his banner brave
brave > splendid; brave
4 Over the troubled south, that it shall make
that > [so that]
5 The warlike Mercians for fear to quake:
Mercians > (Mercia was an ancient kingdom of central southern
England)
6 Thrice shall he fight with them, and twice shall win, 7 But the third time shall fair accordance make:
accordance > harmony; agreement
8 And if he then with victory can lin,
lin > desist [from fighting]
9 He shall his days with peace bring to his earthly inn.
303.31
His sonne, hight Vortipore, shall him succeede
2 In kingdome, but not in felicity;
Yet shall he long time warre with happy speed,
4 And with great honour many battels try:
But at the last to th'importunity
6 Of froward fortune shall be forst to yield.
But his sonne Malgo shall full mightily
8 Auenge his fathers losse, with speare and shield,
And his proud foes discomfit in victorious field.
1 "His son, hight Vortipore, shall him succeed
hight > named
2 In kingdom, but not in felicity;
In kingdom > [As king]
3 Yet shall he long time war with happy speed,
happy > fortunate speed > success, profit
4 And with great honour many battles try:
try > undergo, experience; attempt
5 But at the last to the importunity 6 Of froward fortune shall be forced to yield.
froward > perverse; adverse; evilly disposed
7 But his son Malgo shall full mightily
full > very, exceedingly
8 Avenge his father's loss, with spear and shield, 9 And his proud foes discomfit in victorious field.
field > battle; field of battle
303.32
Behold the man, and tell me Britomart,
2 If ay more goodly creature thou didst see;
How like a Gyaunt in each manly part
4 Beares he himselfe with portly maiestee,
That one of th'old Heroes seemes to bee:
6 He the six Islands, comprouinciall
In auncient times vnto great Britainee,
8 Shall to the same reduce, and to him call
Their sundry kings to do their homage seuerall.
1 "Behold the man, and tell me, Britomart,
the man > [Malgo; Spenser diplomatically ignores his sexual habits]
2 If ay more goodly creature you did see;
ay > ever goodly > handsome
3 How like a giant in each manly part 4 Bears he himself with portly majesty,
portly > stately, magnificent; dignified, imposing
5 That one of the old heroes seems to be:
That > [So that] seems > [he seems]
6 He the Six Islands, comprovincial
the Six Islands > (Ireland, Iceland, Gotland, the Orkneys, Norway, Denmark) comprovincial > {Belonging to the same province}
7 In ancient times to Great Britain, 8 Shall to the same reduce, and to him call
reduce > bring back (Latin reducere)
9 Their sundry kings to do their homage several.
several > [individual, different; variously]
303.33
All which his sonne Careticus awhile
2 Shall well defend, and Saxons powre suppresse,
Vntill a straunger king from +vnknowne+ soyle
4 Arriuing, him with multitude oppresse;
Great Gormond, hauing with huge mightinesse
6 Ireland subdewd, and therein fixt his throne,
Like a swift Otter, fell through emptinesse,
8 Shall ouerswim the sea with many one
Of his Norueyses, to assist the Britons fone.
3 vnknowne > vnkowne 1596
1 "All which his son Careticus awhile 2 Shall well defend, and Saxons' power suppress, 3 Until a stranger king from unknown soil
stranger > foreign
4 Arriving, him with multitude oppress;
multitude > [a multitude] oppress > [shall] take by surprise; [shall] overwhelm
5 Great Gormund, having with huge mightiness 6 Ireland subdued, and therein fixed his throne, 7 Like a swift otter, fell through emptiness,
fell > fierce, terrible emptiness > [hunger]
8 Shall overswim the sea with many 9 Of his Norwegians, to assist the Britons' foes.
303.34
He in his furie all shall ouerrunne,
2 And holy Church with faithlesse hands deface,
That thy sad people vtterly fordonne,
4 Shall to the vtmost mountaines fly apace:
Was neuer so great wast in any place,
6 Nor so fowle +outrage+ doen by liuing men:
For all thy Cities they shall sacke and race,
8 And the greene grasse, that groweth, they shall bren,
That euen the wild beast shall dy in starued den.
6 outrage > autrage 1596
1 "He in his fury all shall overrun, 2 And holy Church with faithless hands deface,
Church > [the institution] deface > destroy; disgrace
3 That your sad people, utterly fordone,
That > [So that] fordone > ruined
4 Shall to the utmost mountains fly apace:
fly apace > flee rapidly
5 Was never so great waste in any place,
waste > [a] devastation, [a] laying to waste
6 Nor so foul outrage done by living men: 7 For all your cities they shall sack and raze, 8 And the green grass that grows they shall burn, 9 That even the wild beast shall die in starved den.
That > [So that]
303.35
Whiles thus +thy+ Britons do in languour pine,
2 Proud Etheldred shall from the North arise,
Seruing th'ambitious will of Augustine,
4 And passing Dee with hardy enterprise,
Shall backe repulse the valiaunt Brockwell twise,
6 And Bangor with massacred Martyrs fill;
But the third time shall rew his foolhardise:
8 For Cadwan pittying his peoples ill,
Shall stoutly him defeat, and thousand Saxons kill.
1 thy > the 1596, 1609
1 "While thus your Britons do in languor pine,
languor > sorrow, mental distress
2 Proud Ethelfrid shall from the north arise, 3 Serving the ambitious will of Augustine 4 And, passing Dee with hardy enterprise,
Dee > (The River Dee, in NW England) hardy > audacious, bold; robust
5 Shall back repulse the valiant Brocmail twice, 6 And Bangor with massacred martyrs fill; 7 But the third time shall rue his foolhardice:
foolhardice > foolhardiness
8 For Cadwan, pitying his people's ill,
ill > distress
9 Shall stoutly him defeat, and thousand Saxons kill.
stoutly > bravely
303.36
But after him, Cadwallin mightily
2 On his sonne Edwin all those wrongs shall wreake;
Ne shall auaile the wicked sorcery
4 Of false Pellite, his purposes to breake,
But him shall slay, and on a gallowes bleake
6 Shall giue th'enchaunter his vnhappy +hire;+
Then shall the Britons, late dismayd and weake,
8 From their long vassalage gin to respire,
And on their Paynim foes auenge their ranckled ire.
6 hire; > hire 1596
1 "But after him, Cadwalla mightily 2 On his son Edwin all those wrongs shall wreak;
his > [Ethelfrid's] wreak > avenge
3 Nor shall avail the wicked sorcery 4 Of false Pellitus, his purposes to break, 5 But him shall slay, and on a gallows bleak 6 Shall give the enchanter his unhappy hire;
hire > reward
7 Then shall the Britons, late dismayed and weak,
dismayed > defeated
8 From their long vassalage begin to respire,
respire > take relief; recover [hope, courage]; resurface to breathe
9 And on their paynim foes avenge their rankled ire.
paynim > pagan
303.37
Ne shall he yet his wrath so mitigate,
2 Till both the sonnes of Edwin he haue slaine,
Offricke and Osricke, twinnes vnfortunate,
4 Both slaine in battell vpon Layburne plaine,
Together with the king of Louthiane,
6 Hight Adin, and the king of Orkeny,
Both ioynt partakers of +their+ fatall paine:
8 But Penda, fearefull of like desteny,
Shall yield him selfe his liegeman, and sweare fealty.
7 their > the 1596, 1609
1 "Nor shall he yet his wrath so mitigate, 2 Till both the sons of Edwin he has slain, 3 Offric and Osric, twins unfortunate, 4 Both slain in battle upon Layburn Plain, 5 Together with the king of Lothian,
Lothian > Scotland
6 Hight Aidan, and the king of Orkney,
Hight > Named
7 Both joint partakers of their fatal pain:
partakers > participants; sharers fatal > preordained, fated; fatal
8 But Penda, fearful of like destiny,
like > [a] similar
9 Shall yield himself his liege man, and swear fealty.
liege man > vassal, faithful follower fealty > loyalty (of a vassal to his lord)
303.38
Him shall he make his fatall Instrument,
2 T'afflict the other Saxons vnsubdewd;
He marching forth with fury insolent
4 Against the good king Oswald, who indewd
With heauenly powre, and by Angels reskewd,
6 All holding crosses in their hands on hye,
Shall him defeate withouten bloud imbrewd:
8 Of which, that field for endlesse memory,
Shall Heuenfield be cald to all posterity.
1 "Him shall he make his fatal instrument,
Him > [Penda] fatal > deadly; fated, preordained
2 To afflict the other Saxons unsubdued;
unsubdued > [who are as yet unsubdued]
3 He, marching forth with fury insolent
insolent > immoderate; disdainful, arrogant
4 Against the good King Oswald who (endued 5 With heavenly power, and by angels rescued, 6 All holding crosses in their hands on high) 7 Shall him defeat without blood imbrued:
imbrued > stained, soaked; hence: being spilled
8 Of which that field, for endless memory,
field > field, battlefield memory > memorial
9 Shall Heavenfield be called to all posterity.
303.39
Whereat Cadwallin wroth, shall forth issew,
2 And an huge hoste into Northumber lead,
With which he godly Oswald shall subdew,
4 And crowne with martyrdome his sacred head.
Whose brother Oswin, daunted with like dread,
6 With price of siluer shall his kingdome buy,
And Penda, seeking him adowne to tread,
8 Shall tread adowne, and do him fowly dye,
But shall with gifts his Lord Cadwallin pacify.
1 "Whereat Cadwalla, wroth, shall forth issue,
Whereat > At which
2 And a huge host into Northumber lead,
host > army Northumber > {England north of the River Humber}
3 With which he godly Oswald shall subdue, 4 And crown with martyrdom his sacred head. 5 Whose brother, Oswy, daunted with like dread, 6 With price of silver shall his kingdom buy; 7 And Penda, seeking him adown to tread,
adown > down
8 Shall tread adown, and do him foully die,
Shall tread > [Oswin shall tread Penda] do > cause die > [to die]
9 But shall with gifts his Lord Cadwalla pacify.
303.40
Then shall Cadwallin dye, and then the raine
2 Of Britons eke with him attonce shall dye;
Ne shall the good Cadwallader with paine,
4 Or powre, be hable it to remedy,
When the full time prefixt by destiny,
6 Shalbe expird of Britons regiment.
For heauen it selfe shall their successe enuy,
8 And them with plagues and murrins pestilent
Consume, till all their warlike puissaunce be spent.
1 "Then shall Cadwalla die, and then the reign 2 Of Britons eke with him at once shall die;
eke > also, likewise at once > simultaneously; immediately
3 Nor shall the good Cadwallader, with pain
pain > labour, pains, effort
4 Or power, be able it to remedy, 5 When the full time prefixed by destiny
prefixed > determined beforehand
6 Shall be expired of Britons' regiment.
regiment > rule, government
7 For heaven itself shall their success envy,
envy > begrudge
8 And them with plagues and murrains pestilent
murrains > pestilences
9 Consume, till all their warlike puissance be spent.
puissance > power, strength
303.41
Yet after all these sorrowes, and huge hills
2 Of dying people, during eight yeares space,
Cadwallader not yielding to his ills,
4 From Armoricke, where long in wretched cace
He liu'd, returning to his natiue place,
6 Shalbe by vision staid from his intent:
For th'heauens haue decreed, to displace
8 The Britons, for their sinnes dew punishment,
And to the Saxons ouer-giue their gouernment.
1 "Yet after all these sorrows, and huge hills 2 Of dying people, during eight years' space, 3 Cadwallader, not yielding to his ills,
ills > adversities
4 From Armorica, where long in wretched case
Armorica > Brittany (see 210.64) case > plight
5 He lived, returning to his native place,
returning > [expecting to return]
6 Shall be by vision stayed from his intent:
stayed > held back intent > intention
7 For the heavens have decreed to displace 8 The Britons for their sins' due punishment, 9 And to the Saxons overgive their government.
overgive > hand over
303.42
Then woe, and woe, and euerlasting woe,
2 Be to the Briton babe, that shalbe borne,
To liue in thraldome of his fathers foe;
4 Late King, now captiue, late Lord, now forlorne,
The worlds reproch, the cruell victours scorne,
6 Banisht from Princely bowre to wastfull wood:
O who shall helpe me to lament, and mourne
8 The royall seed, the antique Troian blood,
Whose Empire lenger here, then euer any stood.
1 "Then woe, and woe, and everlasting woe 2 Be to the Briton babe, that shall be born 3 To live in thraldom of his fathers' foe;
thraldom of > slavery to
4 Late king, now captive, late lord, now forlorn, 5 The world's reproach, the cruel victors' scorn, 6 Banished from princely bower to wasteful wood:
bower > chamber wasteful > desolate
7 O who shall help me to lament, and mourn 8 The royal seed, the antique Trojan blood,
seed > offspring antique > ancient
9 Whose empire longer here than ever any stood?"
longer > (From the advent of Brutus to the death of Cadwallader represents a period of some 1,822 years)
303.43
The Damzell was full deepe empassioned,
2 Both for his griefe, and for her peoples sake,
Whose future woes so plaine he fashioned,
4 And sighing sore, at length him thus bespake;
Ah but will heauens fury neuer slake,
6 Nor vengeaunce huge relent it selfe at last?
Will not long misery late mercy make,
8 But shall their name for euer be defast,
And quite from +of the earth+ their memory be rast?
9 of the earth > th'earth 1590 etc.: FE
1 The damsel was full deep empassioned,
full deep empassioned > very deeply moved
2 Both for his grief, and for her people's sake, 3 Whose future woes so plain he fashioned, 4 And, sighing sore, at length him thus bespoke:
sore > grievously bespoke > addressed
5 "Ah, but will heaven's fury never slake,
slake > abate
6 Nor vengeance huge relent itself at last? 7 Will not long misery late mercy make, 8 But shall their name for ever be defaced,
their > [the Britons'] defaced > destroyed; cast in the shade
9 And quite from of the earth their memory be rased?"
from of > from; from off rased > erased, obliterated
303.44
Nay but the terme (said he) is limited,
2 That in this thraldome Britons shall abide,
And the iust reuolution measured,
4 That they as Straungers shalbe notifide.
For twise foure hundredth +yeares+ +shalbe supplide+,
6 Ere they to former rule restor'd +shalbee,+
And their importune fates all satisfide:
8 Yet during this their most obscuritee,
Their beames shall oft breake forth, that men them faire may see.
5 yeares > omitted from 1596 and 1609 5 shalbe supplide > shall be full supplide 1609 6 shalbee, > shalbee. 1596
1 "Nay but the term," said he, "is limited, 2 That in this thraldom Britons shall abide,
thraldom > slavery abide > remain; wait, await the outcome
3 And the just revolution measured,
just > exact; full, complete measured > [is measured]
4 That they as strangers shall be notified.
strangers > foreigners, outsiders [in their own country] notified > denoted, called
5 For twice four hundred years shall be supplied
twice four hundred years > (Virtually the exact interval between the death of Cadwallader in about 690 and the enthronement of Henry VII in 1485)
6 Ere they to former rule restored shall be, 7 And their importune fates all satisfied:
importune > grievous, burdensome
8 Yet during this their most obscurity,
most > greatest
9 Their beams shall oft break forth, that men them fair may see.
that > [so that]
303.45
For Rhodoricke, whose surname shalbe Great,
2 Shall of him selfe a braue ensample shew,
That Saxon kings his friendship shall intreat;
4 And Howell Dha shall goodly well indew
The saluage minds with skill of iust and trew;
6 Then Griffyth Conan also shall vp reare
His dreaded head, and +the old+ sparkes renew
8 Of natiue courage, that his foes shall feare,
Least backe againe the kingdome he from them should beare.
7 the old > th'old 1609
1 "For Rhodri, whose surname shall be Great,
Rhodri > (Rhodri the Great of Wales, ruled c. 844)
2 Shall of himself a brave example show,
brave > splendid; brave
3 That Saxon kings his friendship shall entreat;
That > [So that]
4 And Howell Dha shall goodly well endue
Howell Dha > (King of Wales, died 948)
5 The savage minds with skill of just and true;
skill of > [the] knowledge of [the]
6 Then Griffith ap Cynan also shall uprear
Griffith ap Cynan > (King of Wales, died 1136)
7 His dreaded head, and the old sparks renew 8 Of native courage, that his foes shall fear
that > [so that]
9 Lest back again the kingdom he from them should bear.
bear > carry; hence: take
303.46
Ne shall the Saxons selues all peaceably
2 Enioy the crowne, which they from Britons wonne
First ill, and after ruled wickedly:
4 For ere two hundred yeares be full +outronne+,
There shall a Rauen far from rising Sunne,
6 With his wide wings vpon them fiercely fly,
And bid his faithlesse chickens ouerronne
8 The fruitfull plaines, and with fell cruelty,
In their auenge, tread downe the victours surquedry.
4 outronne > ouerrone 1596
1 "Nor shall the Saxons themselves all peaceably 2 Enjoy the crown which they from Britons won 3 First ill, and after ruled wickedly:
ill > wrongly; evilly
4 For ere two hundred years be full outrun, 5 There shall a raven far from rising sun
raven > (The Danish king, on whose bearings a raven was depicted) far from rising sun > [in the far north]
6 With his wide wings upon them fiercely fly, 7 And bid his faithless chickens overrun
faithless > heathen chickens > chicks, brood [his soldiers and mercenaries]
8 The fruitful plains and, with fell cruelty,
fell > terrible; fierce
9 In their avenge tread down the victors' surquidry.
avenge > vengeance surquidry > presumption, arrogance
303.47
Yet shall a third both these, and thine subdew;
2 There shall a Lyon from the sea-bord wood
Of Neustria come roring, with a crew
4 Of hungry whelpes, his battailous bold brood,
Whose clawes were newly dipt in cruddy blood,
6 That from the Daniske Tyrants head shall rend
Th'vsurped crowne, as if that he were wood,
8 And the spoile of the countrey conquered
Emongst his young ones shall diuide with bountyhed.
1 "Yet shall a third both these, and yours subdue; 2 There shall a lion from the seaboard wood
a lion > (Meaning William the Conqueror, ruled 1066-1087) seaboard > {Bordering the sea}
3 Of Neustria come roaring, with a crew
Neustria > (The western kingdom of the Franks, extending from the mouth of the Schelde to the Loire; later developed into the kingdom of France; hence, here, = "France")
4 Of hungry whelps, his battailous bold brood,
battailous > warlike
5 Whose claws were newly dipped in cruddy blood,
cruddy > clotted
6 That from the Danish tyrant's head shall rend 7 The usurped crown, as if he were wood,
wood > mad
8 And the spoil of the country conquered
country conquered > [conquered country]
9 Amongst his young ones shall divide with bountihead.
bountihead > bounteousness, munificence
303.48
Tho when the terme is full accomplishid,
2 There shall a sparke of fire, which hath long-while
Bene in his ashes raked vp, and hid,
4 Be freshly kindled in the fruitfull Ile
Of Mona, where it lurked in exile;
6 Which shall breake forth into bright burning flame,
And reach into the house, that beares the stile
8 Of royall maiesty and soueraigne name;
So shall the Briton bloud their crowne againe reclame.
1 "Tho when the term is full accomplished,
Tho > Then
2 There shall a spark of fire, which has long-while 3 Been in its ashes raked up, and hidden, 4 Be freshly kindled in the fruitful isle 5 Of Mona, where it lurked in exile;
Mona > (Anglesey, the large island off north Wales; although Henry VII, to whom Spenser is almost certainly alluding, was actually born at Pembroke Castle. Henry VII was the first of the Tudor monarchs, the grandfather of Queen Elizabeth)
6 Which shall break forth into bright burning flame, 7 And reach into the House that bears the style
style > title, appellation
8 Of royal majesty and sovereign name:
name > fame, reputation
9 So shall the Briton blood their crown again reclaim.
blood > race, stock
303.49
Thenceforth eternall vnion shall be made
2 Betweene the nations different afore,
And sacred Peace shall louingly perswade
4 The warlike minds, to learne her goodly lore,
And ciuile armes to exercise no more:
6 Then shall a royall virgin raine, which shall
Stretch her white rod ouer the Belgicke shore,
8 And the great Castle smite so sore with all,
That it shall make him shake, and shortly learne to fall.
1 "Thenceforth eternal union shall be made 2 Between the nations different afore,
different afore > previously at variance
3 And sacred Peace shall lovingly persuade 4 The warlike minds to learn her goodly lore,
lore > teaching, doctrine
5 And civil arms to exercise no more:
arms > feats of arms; hence: war
6 Then shall a royal virgin reign, who shall
royal virgin > [Elizabeth]
7 Stretch her white rod over the Belgic shore,
white rod > {Sceptre, symbol of authority (now called a white staff or white wand) carried by certain officials, such as the steward of the sovereign's household. Cf. 101.5:5, 209.27:7} Belgic > {Of the Netherlands, referring to the campaign in the Low Countries. See I:640}
8 And the great castle smite so sore withal,
the great castle > (The Castilian king, Philip II of Spain (cf. 111.7:2-6, 112.18, 510.26). At I:538 Spenser speaks of "those huge Castles of Castilian king", meaning the galleons of the Armada)
9 That it shall make him shake, and shortly learn to fall.
303.50
But yet the end is not. There Merlin stayd,
2 As ouercomen of the spirites powre,
Or other ghastly spectacle dismayd,
4 That secretly he saw, yet note discoure:
Which suddein fit, and halfe extatick stoure
6 When the two fearefull women saw, they grew
Greatly confused in behauioure;
8 At last the fury past, to former hew
+Hee+ turnd againe, and chearefull looks +as earst+ did shew.
9 Hee > She 1590 etc.: FE 9 as earst > omitted from 1590 and 1596
1 "But yet the end is not." There Merlin stayed,
stayed > halted
2 As overcome of the spirit's power,
As > [As if] of > by
3 Or other ghastly spectacle dismayed,
other > [by another] ghastly > ghastly, supernatural
4 That secretly he saw, yet no'te discover:
no'te > could not discover > disclose
5 Which sudden fit, and half ecstatic stour
stour > distress; conflict, turmoil
6 When the two fearful women saw, they grew 7 Greatly confused in behaviour; 8 At last, the fury past, to former hue
fury > inspired frenzy; poetic rage (cf. I:261) hue > appearance; colour
9 He turned again, and cheerful looks as erst did show.
erst > formerly
303.51
Then, when them selues they well instructed had
2 Of all, that needed them to be inquird,
They both conceiuing hope of comfort glad,
4 With lighter hearts vnto their home retird;
Where they in secret counsell close conspird,
6 How to effect so hard an enterprize,
And to possesse the purpose they desird:
8 Now this, now that twixt them they did deuise,
And diuerse plots did frame, to maske in strange +disguise+.
9 disguise > deuise 1596, 1609
1 Then, when themselves they well instructed had 2 Of all that needed them to be inquired,
needed > [was necessary to] inquired > searched into, investigated (trans.)
3 They both, conceiving hope of comfort glad, 4 With lighter hearts to their home retired; 5 Where they in secret counsel close conspired 6 How to effect so hard an enterprise, 7 And to possess the purpose they desired:
possess > win; hence: achieve
8 Now this, now that 'twixt them they did devise, 9 And diverse plots did frame, to mask in strange disguise.
diverse > various mask > disguise [themselves]
303.52
At last the Nourse in her foolhardy wit
2 Conceiu'd a bold deuise, and thus bespake;
Daughter, I deeme that counsell aye most fit,
4 That of the time doth dew aduauntage take;
Ye see that good king Vther now doth make
6 Strong warre vpon the Paynim brethren, hight
Octa and Oza, whom he lately brake
8 Beside Cayr Verolame, in victorious fight,
That now all Britanie doth burne in armes bright.
1 At last the nurse in her foolhardy wit
wit > mind
2 Conceived a bold device, and thus bespoke:
device > stratagem bespoke > spoke
3 "Daughter, I deem that counsel ay most fit
Daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} ay > ever, always fit > fitting, suitable
4 That of the time does due advantage take; 5 You see that good King Uther now does make
King Uther > (See HRB 8.23)
6 Strong war upon the paynim brethren, hight
paynim > pagan hight > named
7 Octa and Eosa, whom he lately broke
Octa and Eosa > (Octa was the son of Hengest (see 210.65:2).
Together with his kinsman Eosa he launched an attack on Uther
Pendragon in c. 475)
broke > overwhelmed, crushed
8 Beside Caer-verulam, in victorious fight,
Caer-verulam > Verulamium (i.e. St Albans, in Hertfordshire)
9 That now all Britain does burn in arms bright.
That > [So that] arms > deeds of arms; hence: war
303.53
That therefore nought our passage may empeach,
2 Let vs in feigned armes our selues disguize,
And our weake hands +(whom need new strength shall teach)+
4 The dreadfull speare and shield to exercize:
Ne certes daughter that same warlike wize
6 I weene, would you misseeme; for ye bene tall,
And large of limbe, t'atchieue an hard emprize,
8 Ne ought ye want, but skill, which practize small
Will bring, and shortly make you a mayd Martiall.
3 (whom need new strength shall teach) > (need makes good schollers) teach 1590; (whom need new strength shall teach _1596, 1609; only the 1590 reading makes sense, though 1596 is clearly an author's correction. The given version is a conjecture of various editors. The closing bracket after teach may have been overlooked because line 3 is too wide to fit the page; the final word has been broken and placed at the end of line 2, separated from it with an opening bracket, thus:_ … selues disguize, (teach
1 "That, therefore, naught our passage may impeach,
That > [So that] impeach > impede
2 Let us in feigned arms ourselves disguise,
feigned > {Feigning; serving as a disguise} arms > armour
3 And our weak hands (whom need new strength shall teach)
teach > (See Textual Appendix)
4 The dreadful spear and shield to exercise: 5 Neither, certes, daughter, that same warlike wise,
certes > assuredly daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} wise > style
6 I ween, would you mis-seem; for you been tall,
ween > think, believe mis-seem > misbecome been > [are]
7 And large of limb, to achieve a hard emprise,
emprise > undertaking, enterprise
8 Nor aught you want but skill, which practice small
want > lack practice small > [a little practice]
9 Will bring, and shortly make you a maid martial.
maid martial > [warlike maiden]
303.54
And sooth, it ought your courage much inflame,
2 To heare so often, in that royall hous,
From whence to none inferiour ye came:
4 Bards tell of many women valorous
Which haue full many feats aduenturous
6 Performd, in paragone of proudest men:
The bold Bunduca, whose victorious
8 Exploits made Rome to quake, stout Guendolen,
Renowmed Martia, and redoubted Emmilen.
1 "And sooth, it ought your courage much inflame,
sooth > in truth
2 To hear so often, in that royal house, 3 From whence to none inferior you came: 4 Bards tell of many women valorous 5 Who have full many feats adventurous
full > very, exceedingly
6 Performed, in paragon of proudest men:
paragon of > competition with; emulation of; also, perhaps: as consorts of
7 The bold Boadicea, whose victorious 8 Exploits made Rome to quake, stout Guendolen,
stout > brave, bold Guendolen > (The daughter of Corineus; see 210.17-20)
9 Renowned Martia, and redoubted Emmilen.
Martia > (Wife of Guithelin; see 210.42) Emmilen > (?The daughter of Charlemagne; "Emiline" is the name of the mother of Sir Tristram at 602.29)
303.55
And that, which more then all the rest may sway,
2 Late dayes ensample, which these eyes beheld,
In the last field before Meneuia
4 Which Vther with those forrein Pagans held,
I saw a Saxon Virgin, the which feld
6 Great Vlfin thrise vpon the bloudy plaine,
And had not Carados her hand withheld
8 From rash reuenge, she had him surely slaine,
Yet Carados himselfe from her escapt with paine.
1 "And that, which more than all the rest may sway,
sway > have influence [with you]
2 Late day's example, which these eyes beheld,
Late > Recent
3 In the last field before Menevia,
field > battle before > [physically, not chronologically] Menevia > (St David's; see HRB 8.16)
4 Which Uther with those foreign pagans held,
those foreign pagans > [the Saxons]
5 I saw a Saxon virgin, who felled 6 Great Ulfin thrice upon the bloody plain,
Ulfin > (Ulfin de Ricaradoch, who advised Uther to consult Merlin in finding a way to lie with Igerna: see HRB 8.19)
7 And had not Carados her hand withheld 8 From rash revenge, she had him surely slain,
rash > hasty had > [would have]
9 Yet Carados himself from her escaped with pain."
pain > troubles, difficulty
303.56
Ah read, (quoth Britomart) how is she hight?
2 Faire Angela (quoth she) men do her call,
No whit lesse faire, then terrible in fight:
4 She hath the leading of a Martiall
And mighty people, dreaded more then all
6 The other Saxons, which do for her sake
And loue, themselues of her name Angles call.
8 Therefore faire Infant her ensample make
Vnto thy selfe, and equall courage to thee take.
1 "Ah read," quoth Britomart, "how is she hight?"
read > declare hight > called
2 "Fair Angela," quoth she, "men do her call, 3 No whit less fair, than terrible in fight: 4 She has the leading of a martial
has the leading > [is the leader]
5 And mighty people, dreaded more than all 6 The other Saxons, which do for her sake 7 And love, themselves of her name Angles call. 8 Therefore, fair infant, her example make
infant > princess, infanta (used also of male heirs to the throne, as of Prince Arthur at 208.56:1 etc.)
9 To yourself, and equal courage to you take."
303.57
Her harty words so deepe into the mynd
2 Of the young Damzell sunke, that great desire
Of warlike armes in her forthwith they tynd,
4 And generous stout courage did inspire,
That she resolu'd, +vnweeting+ to her Sire,
6 Aduent'rous knighthood on her selfe to don,
And counseld with her Nourse, her Maides attire
8 To turne into a massy habergeon,
And bad her all things put in readinesse anon.
5 vnweeting > vnmeeting 1596
1 Her hearty words so deep into the mind
hearty > courageous; hearty
2 Of the young damsel sank, that great desire 3 Of warlike arms in her forthwith they tinded,
arms > {Feats of arms} tinded > inflamed
4 And generous stout courage did inspire,
generous > gallant; high-spirited; noble stout > resolute; brave courage > spirit
5 That she resolved, unweeting to her sire,
That > [And that; So that] unweeting > unknown sire > father
6 Adventurous knighthood on herself to don,
don > (The refl. use is characteristically northern)
7 And counselled with her nurse, her maid's attire 8 To turn into a massy habergeon,
massy > solid, weighty habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail}
9 And bade her all things put in readiness anon.
anon > straightway
303.58
Th'old woman nought, that needed, did omit;
2 But all things did +conueniently+ puruay:
It fortuned (so time their turne did fit)
4 A band of Britons ryding on forray
Few +dayes+ before, had gotten a great pray
6 Of Saxon goods, emongst the which was seene
A goodly Armour, and full rich aray,
8 Which long'd to Angela, the Saxon Queene,
All fretted round with gold, and goodly well beseene.
2 conueniently > conuiently 1596 5 dayes > dryes 1596
1 The old woman naught that needed did omit;
needed > [was needed]
2 But all things did conveniently purvey:
conveniently > befittingly, appropriately; suitably purvey > provide
3 It fortuned (so time their turn did fit)
turn > purpose
4 A band of Britons, riding on foray
A > [That a] foray > [a] raid
5 Few days before, had gotten a great prey
Few > [A few] prey > booty, plunder
6 Of Saxon goods, amongst which was seen 7 A goodly armour, and full rich array,
armour > [suit of armour] full > exceedingly
8 Which belonged to Angela, the Saxon queen, 9 All fretted round with gold, and goodly well beseen.
fretted > adorned well beseen > attractive, beautiful
303.59
The same, with all the other ornaments,
2 King Ryence caused to be hanged hy
In his chiefe Church, for endlesse moniments
4 Of his successe and gladfull victory:
Of which her selfe auising readily,
6 In th'euening late old Glauce thither led
Faire Britomart, and that same Armory
8 Downe taking, her therein appareled,
Well as she might, and with braue bauldrick garnished.
1 The same, with all the other ornaments, 2 King Ryence caused to be hung high 3 In his chief church, for endless monuments
monuments > memorials
4 Of his success and gladful victory:
gladful > {Full of gladness}
5 Of which herself advising readily,
herself advising > bethinking herself
6 In the evening, late, old Glauce thither led 7 Fair Britomart, and that same armoury
armoury > armour
8 Down taking, her therein apparelled, 9 Well as she might, and with brave baldric garnished.
Well > [As well] brave > [a] splendid baldric > (Belt worn pendent from the shoulder, often to support a sword) garnished > embellished [Britomart]
303.60
Beside those armes there stood a mighty speare,
2 Which Bladud made by Magick art of yore,
And vsd the same in battell aye to beare;
4 Sith which it had bin here preseru'd in store,
For his great vertues proued long afore:
6 For neuer wight so fast in sell could sit,
But him perforce vnto the ground it bore:
8 Both speare she tooke, and shield, which hong by it:
Both speare and shield of great powre, for her purpose +fit.+
9 fit. > fit 1596
1 Beside those arms there stood a mighty spear,
arms > {Arms and armour}
2 Which Bladud made by magic art of yore,
Bladud > (A British king with magic powers; see 210.25:6 ff.) yore > old
3 And used the same in battle ay to bear;
ay > always
4 Sith which it had been here preserved in store,
Sith which > [Since which time]
5 For his great virtues proved long afore:
For > [For the sake of] virtues > occult powers proved > proved, established; also: tested, hence: demonstrated afore > beforehand
6 For never wight so fast in sell could sit,
wight > [a] man fast > firmly sell > [the] saddle
7 But him perforce to the ground it bore:
perforce > by violence, forcibly
8 Both spear she took, and shield, which hung by it: 9 Both spear and shield of great power, for her purpose fit.
303.61
Thus when she had the virgin all arayd,
2 Another harnesse, which did hang thereby,
About her selfe she dight, that the young Mayd
4 She might in equall armes accompany,
And as her Squire attend her carefully:
6 Tho to their ready Steeds they clombe full light,
And through back wayes, that none might them espy,
8 Couered with secret cloud of silent night,
Themselues they forth conuayd, and passed forward right.
1 Thus when she had the virgin all arrayed, 2 Another harness, which did hang thereby,
harness > suit of mail thereby > there, adjacent [to Angela's]
3 About herself she dight, that the young maid
dight > decked; hence: hung that > [so that]
4 She might in equal arms accompany, 5 And as her squire attend her carefully:
squire > knight's attendant carefully > solicitously; with care
6 Tho to their ready steeds they climbed full light,
Tho > Then full light > very easily; very quickly
7 And through back ways, that none might them espy,
that > [so that]
8 Covered with secret cloud of silent night, 9 Themselves they forth conveyed, and passed forward right.
right > (An intensive: here = "straight", "dead straight")
303.62
Ne rested they, till that to Faery lond
2 They came, as Merlin them directed late:
Where meeting with this Redcrosse knight, she fond
4 Of diuerse things discourses to dilate,
But most of Arthegall, and his estate.
6 At last their wayes so fell, that they mote +part:+
Then each to other well affectionate,
8 Friendship professed with vnfained hart,
The Redcrosse knight diuerst, but forth rode Britomart.
6 part: > part 1596
1 Nor rested they, till to Faery Land 2 They came, as Merlin them directed late:
late > lately
3 Where, meeting with this Redcross Knight, she found 4 Of diverse things discourses to dilate,
dilate > {Relate at length; expatiate upon}
5 But most of Artegall, and his estate.
most > mostly estate > condition, state
6 At last their ways so fell, that they might part:
might > should, must
7 Then each to other, well affectionate,
affectionate > disposed
8 Friendship professed with unfeigned heart; 9 The Redcross Knight diversed, but forth rode Britomart.
diversed > turned aside
CANTO IV
Bold Marinell of Britomart,
2 Is throwne on the Rich strond:
Faire Florimell of Arthur is
4 Long followed, but not fond.
1 Bold Marinell of Britomart
Marinell > (A grandson of Nereus, who is father of the fifty nereids or sea-nymphs of the Mediterranean. The name is derived from the Latin marinus, marine) of > by
2 Is thrown on the Rich Strand:
Strand > Shore ("Rich" because its shingle is rich with pearls, jewels, and gold)
3 Fair Florimell of Arthur is
of > by
4 Long followed, but not found.
304.1
WHere is the Antique glory now become,
2 That whilome wont in women to appeare?
Where be the braue atchieuements doen by some?
4 Where be the battels, where the shield and speare,
And all the conquests, which them high did reare,
6 That matter made for famous Poets verse,
And boastfull men so oft +abasht+ to heare?
8 Bene they all dead, and laid in dolefull herse?
Or doen they onely sleepe, and shall againe reuerse?
7 abasht > a basht 1596
1 Where is the antique glory now become,
antique > ancient (esp. relating to the Greeks and Romans) become > gone
2 That whilom wont in women to appear?
whilom wont > used of old
3 Where be the brave achievements done by some?
be > [are] brave > brave; splendid achievements > achievements; feats; victories
4 Where be the battles, where the shield and spear, 5 And all the conquests which them high did rear, 6 That matter made for famous poets' verse,
matter > theme, subject
7 And boastful men so oft abashed to hear? 8 Been they all dead, and laid in doleful hearse;
Been > [Are] hearse > coffin; tomb, grave
9 Or do they only sleep, and shall again reverse?
reverse > return
304.2
If they be dead, then woe is me therefore:
2 But if they sleepe, {o^} let them soone awake:
For all too long I burne with enuy sore,
4 To heare the warlike feates, which Homere spake
Of bold P{ae}nthesilee, which made a lake
6 Of Greekish bloud so oft in Troian plaine;
But when I read, how stout Debora strake
8 Proud Sisera, and how Camill' hath slaine
The huge Orsilochus, I swell with great disdaine.
1 If they be dead, then woe is me therefore:
be > [are]
2 But if they sleep, O let them soon awake:
soon > soon; immediately
3 For all too long I burn with envy sore
envy > desire, enthusiasm
4 To hear the warlike feats which Homer spoke 5 Of bold Penthesilea, which made a lake
Penthesilea > (Daughter of Mars and Otrera, the queen of the Amazons. After Hector's death, she came to the aid of the Trojans, but was finally killed by Achilles (or his son Neoptolemus, according to popular legend). She is not, incidentally, described by Homer, but see Aen. 1.490-3, where she leads the Amazons into battle) which > (Referring to Penthesilea or her feats)
6 Of Greekish blood so oft in Trojan plain;
Greekish > Greek
7 But when I read how stout Deborah struck
stout > bold, brave; proud Deborah > (See Judg. 4.4-21; Sisera was actually dispatched by Jael)
8 Proud Sisera, and how Camilla has slain
Camilla > (The daughter of King Metabus; she slew various Trojans, including two of the tallest, Orsilochus and But{e"}s. See Aen. 11.650 ff.)
9 The huge Orsilochus, I swell with great disdain.
disdain > indignation (occasioned by the modern absence of such feats); or, perhaps: scorn (excited by the suppression by men of such feats performed by modern women)
304.3
Yet these, and all that else had puissaunce,
2 Cannot with noble Britomart compare,
Aswell for glory of great valiaunce,
4 As for pure chastitie and vertue rare,
That all her goodly deeds do well declare.
6 Well worthy stock, from which the branches sprong,
That in late yeares so faire a blossome bare,
8 As thee, {o^} Queene, the matter of my song,
Whose lignage from this Lady I deriue along.
1 Yet these, and all that else had puissance,
that else > who otherwise puissance > power, strength (allied with prowess in arms)
2 Cannot with noble Britomart compare,
with > to
3 As well for glory of great valiance,
well > much valiance > valour, bravery
4 As for pure chastity and virtue rare, 5 That all her goodly deeds do well declare.
declare > make clear; declare
6 Well worthy stock, from which the branches sprang 7 That in late years so fair a blossom bore
late > {Recent; belonging to an advanced stage of development [of the line of descent]}
8 As you, O queen, the matter of my song,
queen > [Elizabeth] matter > subject
9 Whose lineage from this lady I derive along.
along > in full; from end to end, in a linear manner; hence: directly
304.4
Who when through speaches with the Redcrosse knight,
2 She learned had th'estate of Arthegall,
And in each point her selfe informd aright,
4 A friendly league of loue perpetuall
She with him bound, and Cong{e/} tooke withall.
6 Then he forth on his iourney did proceede,
To seeke aduentures, which mote him befall,
8 And win him worship through his warlike deed,
Which alwayes of his paines he made the chiefest meed.
1 Who when through speeches with the Redcross Knight 2 She learned had the estate of Artegall,
estate > state; marital status
3 And in each point herself informed aright, 4 A friendly league of love perpetual 5 She with him bound, and cong{e/} took withal.
cong{e/} > leave withal > therewith, with that
6 Then he forth on his journey did proceed, 7 To seek adventures which might him befall, 8 And win him worship through his warlike deed:
worship > honour, renown (his stated goal at 101.3:4)
9 Which always of his pains he made the chiefest meed.
pains > efforts; pains meed > reward
304.5
But Britomart kept on her former course,
2 Ne euer dofte her armes, but all the way
Grew pensiue through that amorous discourse,
4 By which the Redcrosse knight did earst display
Her louers shape, and cheualrous aray;
6 A thousand thoughts she fashioned in her mind,
And in her feigning fancie did pourtray
8 Him such, as fittest she for loue could find,
Wise, warlike, personable, curteous, and kind.
1 But Britomart kept on her former course, 2 Nor ever doffed her arms, but all the way
arms > armour
3 Grew pensive through that amorous discourse
pensive > anxious; pensive
4 By which the Redcross Knight did erst display
erst > lately display > describe
5 Her lover's shape and chivalrous array;
shape > appearance chivalrous > {Doughty; pertaining to a medieval knight} array > state; or, more likely, in view of "cheualrous", and complementing "shape": outfit, attire, hence: armour
6 A thousand thoughts she fashioned in her mind, 7 And in her feigning fancy did portray 8 Him such as fittest she for love could find: