1 vp him > him vp 1609
1 Tho, up him taking in their tender hands,
Tho > Then
2 They easily to her charet bear:
easily > easily; without hurry charet > chariot bear > [bear Marinell]
3 Her team at her commandment quiet stands,
commandment > command
4 While they the corse into her wagon rear,
corse > body rear > raise, raise up
5 And strew with flowers the lamentable bier:
lamentable > mournful, doleful
6 Then all the rest into their coaches climb, 7 And through the brackish waves their passage shear; 8 Upon great Neptune's neck they softly swim, 9 And to her watery chamber swiftly carry him.
304.43
Deepe in the bottome of the sea, her bowre
2 Is built of hollow billowes heaped hye,
Like to thicke cloudes, that threat a stormy showre,
4 And +vauted+ all within, like to the sky,
In which the Gods do dwell eternally:
6 There they him laid in easie couch well dight;
And sent in haste for Tryphon, to apply
8 Salues to his wounds, and medicines of might:
For Tryphon of sea gods the soueraine leach is hight.
4 vauted > vaulted 1609
1 Deep in the bottom of the sea, her bower
bower > dwelling, abode
2 Is built of hollow billows heaped high, 3 Like thick clouds, that threaten a stormy shower, 4 And vaulted all within, like the sky 5 In which the gods do dwell eternally: 6 There they him laid in easy couch well dight;
couch > bed dight > arranged, prepared
7 And sent in haste for Tryphon, to apply
Tryphon > (Another god of healing. A sea-god and the brother of
Aesculapius, according to DGDG 7.36)
8 Salves to his wounds, and medicines of might:
might > power, efficacy
9 For Tryphon of sea-gods the sovereign leech is hight.
of > of; by leech > doctor hight > called
304.44
The whiles the Nymphes sit all about him round,
2 Lamenting his mishap and heauy plight;
And oft his mother vewing his wide wound,
4 Cursed the hand, that did so deadly smight
Her dearest sonne, her dearest harts delight.
6 But none of all those curses ouertooke
The warlike Maid, th'ensample of that might,
8 But fairely well she thriu'd, and well did brooke
Her noble deeds, ne her right course for ought forsooke.
1 The whiles the nymphs sit all about him round,
The whiles > Meanwhile the nymphs > [the other nereids]
2 Lamenting his mishap and heavy plight;
heavy > sad, distressing; grievous
3 And oft his mother, viewing his wide wound, 4 Cursed the hand that did so deadly smite 5 Her dearest son, her dearest heart's delight. 6 But none of all those curses overtook
none > not one
7 The warlike maid, the example of that might,
example > exemplar; sample, specimen; hence, very loosely: agent, perpetrator that might > (Possibly referring back to 304.27:8)
8 But fairly well she throve, and well did brook
fairly > {In a favourable manner} brook > find agreeable; profit by
9 Her noble deeds, nor her right course for aught forsook.
304.45
Yet did false Archimage her still pursew,
2 To bring to passe his mischieuous intent,
Now that he had her singled from the crew
4 Of courteous knights, the Prince, and Faery gent,
Whom late in chace of beautie excellent
6 She left, pursewing that same foster strong;
Of whose foule outrage they impatient,
8 And full of fiery zeale, him followed long,
To reskew her from shame, and to reuenge her wrong.
1 Yet did false Archimago her still pursue,
Archimago > (He does not appear again, and his appearance here is something of a puzzle. Cf. 301.0:3, in which Duessa is mentioned: yet she does not feature in Book III. Perhaps these are traces of a subsequently revised synopsis) still > yet; continually
2 To bring to pass his mischievous intent,
mischievous > {Producing or intending harm} intent > purpose, intention
3 Now that he had her singled from the crew 4 Of courteous knights, the prince and Faery gent,
gent > noble
5 Whom late in chase of beauty excellent
late > recently (see 301.18-19) chase > pursuit
6 She left, pursuing that same foster strong;
foster > forester
7 Of whose foul outrage they impatient,
impatient > [being] intolerant
8 And full of fiery zeal, him followed long, 9 To rescue her from shame, and to revenge her wrong.
her > [Florimell, "beautie excellent"]
304.46
Through thick and thin, through mountaines and through plains,
2 Those two great champions did attonce pursew
The fearefull damzell, with incessant paines:
4 Who from them fled, as light-foot hare from vew
Of +hunter+ swift, and sent of houndes trew.
6 At last they came vnto a double way,
Where, doubtfull which to take, her to reskew,
8 Themselues they did dispart, each to assay,
Whether more happie were, to win so goodly pray.
5 hunter > hunters 1609
1 Through thick and thin, through mountains and through plains, 2 Those two great champions did at once pursue
at once > together
3 The fearful damsel, with incessant pains:
pains > efforts
4 Who from them fled, as lightfoot hare from view
lightfoot > light-footed (also a quasi-sb. name for the hare)
5 Of hunter swift, and scent of hounds true.
scent of > also, perhaps: sent by
6 At last they came to a double way 7 Where, doubtful which to take, her to rescue, 8 Themselves they did dispart, each to assay
dispart > separate assay > test, put to the proof
9 Whether more happy were, to win so goodly prey.
Whether > Which of the two [champions] happy > fortunate so goodly prey > such beautiful plunder; so beautiful a prey
304.47
But Timias, the Princes gentle Squire,
2 That Ladies loue vnto his Lord forlent,
And with proud enuy, and indignant ire,
4 After that wicked foster fiercely went.
So beene they three three sundry wayes ybent.
6 But fairest fortune to the Prince befell,
Whose chaunce it was, that soone he did +repent,+
8 To take that way, in which that Damozell
Was fled afore, affraid of him, as feend of hell.
7 repent, > repent 1609
1 But Timias, the prince's gentle squire,
gentle > gentle; noble squire > attendant
2 That lady's love to his lord forlent,
forlent > gave up, relinquished (this form not in OED)
3 And with proud envy, and indignant ire,
envy > enthusiasm, desire
4 After that wicked foster fiercely went.
foster > forester
5 So been they three three sundry ways bent.
been > [were] bent > bound, directed
6 But fairest fortune to the prince befell, 7 Whose chance it was, that soon he did repent,
repent > regret
8 To take that way in which that damsel 9 Was fled afore, afraid of him as fiend of hell.
afore > before, in front [of him] him > (Referring indifferently to the forester and Arthur)
304.48
At last of her farre off he gained vew:
2 Then gan he freshly pricke his fomy steed,
And euer as he nigher to her drew,
4 So euermore he did increase his speed,
And of each turning still kept warie heed:
6 Aloud to her he oftentimes did call,
To doe away vaine doubt, and needlesse dreed:
8 Full myld to her he spake, and oft let fall
Many meeke wordes, to stay and comfort her withall.
1 At last of her far off he gained view: 2 Then gan he freshly prick his foamy steed,
gan > did prick > spur
3 And ever as he nigher to her drew, 4 So evermore he did increase his speed, 5 And of each turning still kept wary heed:
still > continually
6 Aloud to her he oftentimes did call,
oftentimes > many times
7 To do away vain doubt, and needless dread:
do away > banish vain > empty, foolish doubt > fear
8 Full mild to her he spoke, and oft let fall
Full > Very, exceedingly
9 Many meek words, to stay and comfort her withal.
stay > support; detain
304.49
But nothing might relent her hastie flight;
2 So deepe the deadly feare of that foule swaine
Was earst impressed in her gentle spright:
4 Like as a fearefull Doue, which through the raine,
Of the wide aire her way does cut amaine,
6 Hauing farre off espyde a Tassell gent,
Which after her his nimble wings doth straine,
8 Doubleth her haste for feare to be +for-hent+,
And with her pineons cleaues the liquid firmament.
8 for-hent > forhent 1590; fore-hent 1609
1 But nothing might relent her hasty flight;
might relent > could slacken
2 So deep the deadly fear of that foul swain
swain > bumpkin, yokel; the word is also a legal term: freeholder within the forest, hence: forester
3 Was erst impressed in her gentle spirit:
erst > lately, previously; first
4 Like a fearful dove, which through the reign
reign > realm, dominion
5 Of the wide air her way does cut amain
amain > at full speed
6 (Having far off espied a tercel-gentle,
tercel-gentle > male falcon (esp. the peregrine, Falco peregrinus)
7 Which after her his nimble wings does strain), 8 Doubles her haste for fear to be for-hent,
Doubles > [And doubles; the construction is rather awkward without a conjunction here] for-hent > overtaken, seized (the prefix is an intensive and superlative, implying painful effect or overpowering; "hend" = "seize", "lay hold of", "take", "grasp")
9 And with her pinions cleaves the liquid firmament.
liquid > transparent; ethereal; bright
304.50
With no lesse haste, and eke with no lesse dreed,
2 That fearefull Ladie fled from him, that ment
To her no euill thought, nor euill deed;
4 Yet former feare of being fowly shent,
Carried her forward with her first intent:
6 And though oft looking backward, well she vewd,
Her selfe freed from that foster insolent,
8 And that it was a knight, which now her sewd,
Yet she no lesse the knight feard, then that villein rude.
1 With no less haste, and eke with no less dread,
eke > also
2 That fearful lady fled from him, that meant
meant > intended; or, perhaps: ment (ppl. of "meng"), joined, attached (cf. 203.11:9)
3 To her no evil thought, nor evil deed; 4 Yet former fear of being foully shent
shent > disgraced, defiled
5 Carried her forward with her first intent:
intent > intention, purpose
6 And though oft looking backward, well she viewed 7 Herself freed from that foster insolent, 8 And that it was a knight which now her sued,
sued > pursued
9 Yet she no less the knight feared than that villein rude.
villein > villain; serf (if the legalistic meaning of "swain" is not intended at 304.49:2) rude > barbarous; rough, clumsy; violent
304.51
His vncouth shield and straunge armes her dismayd,
2 Whose like in Faery lond were seldome seene,
That fast she from him fled, no lesse affrayd,
4 Then of wild beastes if she had chased beene:
Yet he her followd still with courage keene,
6 So long that now the golden Hesperus
Was mounted high in top of heauen sheene,
8 And warnd his other brethren ioyeous,
To light their blessed lamps in Ioues eternall hous.
1 His uncouth shield and strange arms her dismayed,
uncouth > strange
2 Whose like in Faery Land were seldom seen, 3 That fast she from him fled, no less afraid
That > [So that]
4 Than of wild beasts if she had chased been: 5 Yet he her followed still with courage keen,
courage > spirit; vigour; confidence; lustiness
6 So long that now the golden Hesperus
Hesperus > (Name for the planet Venus when it appears as the evening star; Venus is also the morning star. Hesperus is, as here, accorded male gender at 102.6. For a clue to the analogy between Florimell and the Faery Queen, see 107.30:4)
7 Was mounted high in top of heaven sheen,
sheen > shining, resplendent; beautiful (applicable both to "Hesperus" and "heauen")
8 And warned his other brethren joyous
brethren joyous > heavenly brothers
9 To light their blessed lamps in Jove's eternal house.
304.52
All suddenly dim woxe the dampish ayre,
2 And griesly shadowes couered heauen bright,
That now with thousand starres was decked fayre;
4 Which when the Prince beheld, a lothfull sight,
And that perforce, for want of lenger light,
6 He mote surcease his suit, and lose the hope
Of his long labour, he gan fowly wyte
8 His wicked fortune, that had turnd aslope,
And cursed night, that reft from him so goodly scope.
1 All suddenly dim waxed the dampish air,
waxed > grew, became
2 And grisly shadows covered heaven bright,
grisly > grim, fearsome bright > beautiful
3 That now with thousand stars was decked fair; 4 Which when the prince beheld, a loathful sight,
loathful > loathsome
5 And that perforce, for want of longer light,
that > [that when he also beheld that]
6 He might surcease his suit, and lose the hope
might > must surcease > discontinue, desist from; hence: be thwarted in suit > pursuit; wooing
7 Of his long labour, he gan foully wite
gan > did wite > blame
8 His wicked fortune, that had turned aslope,
aslope > slantwise; hence: awry
9 And cursed Night, that reft from him so goodly scope.
Night > (Nox) reft > took away so goodly > such a beautiful scope > aim, end in view; object of desire
304.53
Tho when her wayes he could no more descry,
2 But to and fro at disauenture strayd;
Like as a ship, whose Lodestarre suddenly
4 Couered with cloudes, her Pilot hath dismayd;
His wearisome pursuit perforce he stayd,
6 And from his loftie steed dismounting low,
Did let him forage. Downe himselfe he layd
8 Vpon the grassie ground, to sleepe a throw;
The cold earth was his couch, the hard steele his pillow.
1 Tho, when her ways he could no more descry,
Tho > Then ways > way
2 But to and fro at disadventure strayed
at disadventure > unfortunately, lucklessly; hence: without success ("disadventure" = "misfortune", "mischance")
3 (Like a ship whose lodestar, suddenly 4 Covered with clouds, her pilot has dismayed), 5 His wearisome pursuit perforce he stayed,
stayed > ceased
6 And from his lofty steed dismounting low, 7 Did let him forage. Down himself he laid 8 Upon the grassy ground, to sleep a throw;
throw > turn; hence: spell, while
9 The cold earth was his couch, the hard steel his pillow.
couch > bed
304.54
But gentle Sleepe enuyde him any rest;
2 In stead thereof sad sorrow, and disdaine
Of his hard hap did vexe his noble brest,
4 And thousand fancies bet his idle braine
With their light wings, the sights of semblants vaine:
6 Oft did he wish, that Lady faire mote bee
His Faery Queene, for whom he did complaine:
8 Or that his Faery Queene were such, as shee:
And euer hastie Night he blamed bitterlie.
1 But gentle Sleep envied him any rest;
gentle > gentle; high-born, noble Sleep > (The adjective and the capital letter indicate that Spenser means Somnus, the god of sleep; or perhaps his son, Morpheus (see 101.40:6), so preparing us for the forthcoming theologism) envied > begrudged
2 Instead thereof sad sorrow, and disdain
disdain > indignation, anger [… at]
3 Of his hard hap, did vex his noble breast,
hap > fortune, lot
4 And thousand fancies beat his idle brain
idle > inactive; empty
5 With their light wings, the sights of semblants vain:
sights > appearances, visions semblants > images vain > weak, foolish; unavailing
6 Oft did he wish that lady fair might be
that > [that that]
7 His Faery Queen, for whom he did complain:
complain > suffer, ail; groan, lament
8 Or that his Faery Queen were such as she: 9 And ever hasty Night he blamed bitterly.
ever hasty > (Both alternatives are probably intended: "ever, hasty", and "ever-hasty". Cf. 102.37:9) Night > (Nox is here taken as the antithesis of the effulgent Gloriana) blamed > reproved
304.55
Night thou foule Mother of annoyance sad,
2 Sister of heauie death, and nourse of woe,
Which wast begot in heauen, but for thy bad
4 And brutish shape thrust downe to hell below,
Where by the grim floud of Cocytus slow
6 Thy dwelling is, in Herebus blacke hous,
(Blacke Herebus thy husband is the foe
8 Of all the Gods) where thou vngratious,
Halfe of thy dayes doest lead in horrour hideous.
1 "Night, you foul mother of Annoyance sad, 2 Sister of heavy Death, and nurse of Woe; 3 Who was begotten in heaven, but for your bad
begotten > (See 105.22, 204.41) for > because of, for the sake of
4 And brutish shape thrust down to hell below, 5 Where by the grim flood of Cocytus slow
grim > harsh; cruel, formidable flood > river Cocytus > ("The stream of wailing": one of the five rivers of Hell)
6 Your dwelling is, in Erebus' black house, 7 (Black Erebus, your husband, is the foe 8 Of all the gods) where you, ungracious,
ungracious > devoid of spiritual grace, unregenerate; malignant; repulsive, offensive
9 Half of your days do lead in horror hideous.
hideous > odious; immense
304.56
What had th'eternall Maker need of thee,
2 The world in his continuall course to keepe,
That doest all things deface, ne lettest see
4 The beautie of his worke? Indeed in sleepe
The slouthfull bodie, that doth loue to steepe
6 His lustlesse limbes, and drowne his baser mind,
Doth praise thee oft, and oft from Stygian deepe
8 Calles thee, his goddesse in his error blind,
And great Dame Natures handmaide, chearing euery kind.
1 "What had the eternal Maker need of you, 2 The world in its continual course to keep, 3 That do all things deface, nor let see
deface > deface, destroy; cast in the shade
4 The beauty of His work? Indeed in sleep 5 The slothful body, that does love to steep
steep > {Bathe in slumber or rest}
6 His lustless limbs, and drown his baser mind,
lustless > {Listless; joyless, lacking pleasure or delight} baser > too-base; more base; most base
7 Does praise you oft, and oft from Stygian deep
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the river which dead souls must cross}
8 Calls you, his goddess in his error blind, 9 And great Dame Nature's handmaid, cheering every kind.
kind > race, species
304.57
But well I wote, that to an heauy hart
2 Thou art the root and nurse of bitter cares,
Breeder of new, renewer of old smarts:
4 In stead of rest thou lendest rayling teares,
In stead of sleepe thou sendest troublous feares,
6 And dreadfull visions, in the which aliue
The drearie image of sad death appeares:
8 So from the wearie spirit thou doest driue
Desired rest, and men of happinesse depriue.
1 "But well I wot, that to a heavy heart
wot > know
2 You are the root and nurse of bitter cares, 3 Breeder of new, renewer of old smarts:
smarts > pains, sorrows
4 Instead of rest you lend railing tears,
lend > impart, afford railing > flowing; gushing
5 Instead of sleep you send troublous fears, 6 And dreadful visions, in which alive
alive > (An intensive)
7 The dreary image of sad Death appears:
dreary > dreadful, grim
8 So from the weary spirit you do drive 9 Desired rest, and men of happiness deprive.
304.58
Vnder thy mantle blacke there hidden lye,
2 Light-shonning theft, and traiterous intent,
Abhorred bloudshed, and vile felony,
4 Shamefull deceipt, and daunger imminent;
Foule horror, and eke hellish dreriment:
6 All these I wote in thy protection bee,
And light doe shonne, for feare of being shent:
8 For light ylike is loth'd of them and thee,
And all that lewdnesse loue, doe hate the light to see.
1 "Under your mantle black there hidden lie 2 Light-shunning theft, and traitorous intent, 3 Abhorred bloodshed, and vile felony,
felony > wickedness; guile, perfidy
4 Shameful deceit, and danger imminent;
danger > mischief; harm
5 Foul horror, and eke hellish dreariment:
eke > also dreariment > affliction; gloom, melancholy
6 All these I wot in your protection be,
wot > know
7 And light do shun, for fear of being shent:
shent > disgraced
8 For light alike is loathed of them and you,
of > by
9 And all that lewdness love, do hate the light to see.
lewdness > wickedness, evil behaviour; ignorance
304.59
For day discouers all dishonest wayes,
2 And sheweth each thing, as it is indeed:
The prayses of high God he faire displayes,
4 And his large bountie rightly doth areed.
+Dayes dearest children+ be the blessed seed,
6 Which darknesse shall subdew, and heauen win:
Truth is his daughter; he her first did breed,
8 Most sacred virgin, without spot of sin.
Our life is day, but death with darknesse doth begin.
5 Dayes dearest children > The children of day 1590
1 "For Day discovers all dishonest ways, 2 And shows each thing as it is indeed: 3 The praises of high God he fair displays,
fair > becomingly; well, expertly displays > makes manifest; expounds
4 And His large bounty rightly does aread.
aread > declare, make known
5 Day's dearest children be the blessed seed
seed > progeny (see 105.24-5)
6 Which darkness shall subdue, and heaven win:
darkness shall subdue > [shall subdue darkness]
7 Truth is his daughter; he her first did breed, 8 Most sacred virgin, without spot of sin. 9 Our life is day, but death with darkness does begin.
304.60
O when will day then turne to me againe,
2 And bring with him his long expected light?
O Titan, haste to reare thy ioyous waine:
4 Speed thee to spred abroad thy beames +bright,+
And chase away this too long lingring night,
6 Chase her away, from whence she came, to hell.
She, she it is, that hath me done despight:
8 There let her with the damned spirits dwell,
And yeeld her roome to day, that can it gouerne well.
4 bright, > bright? 1590, 1596
1 "O when will Day then turn to me again, 2 And bring with him his long expected light? 3 O Titan, hasten to rear your joyous wain:
joyous > glorious; heavenly; joyous wain > chariot (in which Phoebus Apollo makes his daily journey across the sky)
4 Speed you to spread abroad your beams bright, 5 And chase away this too long lingering Night; 6 Chase her away, from whence she came, to hell. 7 She, she it is, that has me done despite:
despite > [an] outrage, malice
8 There let her with the damned spirits dwell, 9 And yield her room to Day, that can it govern well!"
room > space, place
304.61
Thus did the Prince that wearie night outweare,
2 In restlesse anguish and vnquiet paine:
And earely, ere the morrow did vpreare
4 His deawy head out of the Ocean maine,
He vp arose, as halfe in great disdaine,
6 And clombe vnto his steed. So forth he went,
With heauie looke and lumpish pace, that plaine
8 In him bewraid great grudge and maltalent:
His steed eke seem'd t'apply his steps to his intent.
1 Thus did the prince that weary night outwear
outwear > consume; outlive
2 In restless anguish and unquiet pain: 3 And early, ere the morrow did uprear
morrow > dawn uprear > rear (the prefix is an intensive)
4 His dewy head out of the ocean main,
main > {Broad expanse of water}
5 He up arose, as half in great disdain,
as > [as if] disdain > indignation, anger
6 And climbed unto his steed. So forth he went,
unto > upon
7 With heavy look and lumpish pace, that plain
lumpish > sluggish; low-spirited
8 In him bewrayed great grudge and maltalent:
bewrayed > revealed grudge > discontent maltalent > ill-will, malevolence
9 His steed eke seemed to apply his steps to +his+ intent.
eke > moreover apply > adapt, conform his > [Arthur's] intent > frame of mind
CANTO V
Prince Arthur heares of Florimell:
2 three fosters Timias wound,
Belphebe finds him almost dead,
4 and reareth out of +sownd+.
4 sownd > _swound 1609; sownd is not a misprint, but an alternative spelling of swowne, swoune etc. Cf. 601.34:2_
1 Prince Arthur hears of Florimell: 2 three fosters Timias wound,
fosters > foresters
3 Belphoebe finds him almost dead, 4 and rears out of sound.
sound > swoon
305.1
WOnder it is to see, in diuerse minds,
2 How diuersly loue doth his pageants play,
And shewes his powre in variable kinds:
4 The baser wit, whose idle thoughts alway
Are wont to cleaue vnto the lowly clay,
6 It stirreth vp to sensuall desire,
And in lewd slouth to wast his carelesse day:
8 But in braue sprite it kindles goodly fire,
That to all high desert and honour doth aspire.
1 Wonder it is to see, in diverse minds,
Wonder > [A] marvel
2 How diversely love does his pageants play, 3 And shows his power in variable kinds:
variable > differing, diverse kinds > natures; kinds, sorts, fashions
4 The baser wit (whose idle thoughts alway
wit > mind, intelligence alway > always
5 Are wont to cleave to the lowly clay)
wont > accustomed clay > [flesh, after Gen. 2.7]
6 It stirs up to sensual desire, 7 And in lewd sloth to waste his careless day: 8 But in brave spirit it kindles goodly fire,
brave > splendid, fine
9 That to all high desert and honour does aspire.
desert > merit, reward
305.2
Ne suffereth it vncomely idlenesse,
2 In his free thought to build her sluggish nest:
Ne suffereth it thought of vngentlenesse,
4 Euer to creepe into his noble brest,
But to the highest and the worthiest
6 Lifteth it vp, that else would lowly fall:
It lets not fall, it lets it not to rest:
8 It lets not scarse this Prince to +breath+ at all,
But to his first poursuit him forward still doth call.
8 breath > breathe 1609
1 Nor suffers it uncomely idleness
suffers it > [does love permit]
2 In his free thought to build her sluggish nest:
his > [the brave spirit's]
3 Nor suffers it thought of ungentleness
ungentleness > discourtesy; ignobility
4 Ever to creep into his noble breast, 5 But to the highest and the worthiest 6 Lifts it up, that else would lowly fall:
it > [his free thought] else > otherwise
7 It lets not fall, it lets it not to rest: 8 It lets not scarce this prince to breathe at all,
scarce this prince > [this prince scarcely]
9 But to his first pursuit him forward still does call.
305.3
Who long time wandred through the forrest wyde,
2 To finde some issue thence, till +that at+ last
He met a Dwarfe, that seemed terrifyde
4 With some late perill, which he hardly past,
Or other accident, which him aghast;
6 Of whom he asked, whence he lately came,
And whither now he trauelled so fast:
8 For sore he swat, and running through that same
Thicke forest, was bescratcht, and both his feet nigh lame.
2 that at > at the 1609
1 Who long time wandered through the forest wide, 2 To find some issue thence, till at last
issue > way out
3 He met a dwarf, that seemed terrified 4 With some late peril which he hardly passed,
With > By late > recent hardly > with difficulty [had]
5 Or other accident which him agast;
accident > event; disaster agast > [had] terrified (esp. with superstitious fear)
6 Of whom he asked, whence he lately came, 7 And whither now he travelled so fast: 8 For sore he sweat, and running through that same
sweat > sweated
9 Thick forest, was bescratched, and both his feet nigh lame.
bescratched > scratched all over (the prefix is also an intensive) nigh > [were nigh]
305.4
Panting for breath, and almost out of hart,
2 The Dwarfe him answerd, Sir, ill mote I stay
To tell the same. I lately did depart
4 From Faery court, where I haue many a day
Serued a gentle Lady of great sway,
6 And high +accompt+ though out all Elfin land,
Who lately left the same, and tooke this way:
8 Her now I seeke, and if ye vnderstand
Which way she fared hath, good Sir tell out of hand.
6 accompt > account 1609
1 Panting for breath, and almost out of heart,
heart > mind; courage
2 The dwarf him answered, "Sir, ill might I stay 3 To tell the same. I lately did depart 4 From Faery court, where I have many a day 5 Served a gentle lady of great sway,
gentle > noble; generous, courteous sway > influence
6 And high account throughout all Elfin land,
account > importance
7 Who lately left the same, and took this way: 8 Her now I seek, and if you understand
understand > know
9 Which way she fared has, good sir, tell out of hand."
out of hand > straight away
305.5
What mister wight (said he) and how arayd?
2 Royally clad (quoth he) in cloth of gold,
As meetest may beseeme a noble mayd;
4 Her faire lockes in rich circlet be enrold,
+A+ fairer wight did neuer Sunne behold,
6 And on a Palfrey rides more white then snow,
Yet she her selfe is whiter manifold:
8 The surest signe, whereby ye may her know,
Is, that she is the fairest wight aliue, I trow.
5 A > And 1596, 1609
1 "What mister wight," said he, "and how arrayed?"
mister wight > sort of person (mister = occupation; hence: class, sort) arrayed > attired
2 "Royally clad," quoth he, "in cloth of gold, 3 As meetest may beseem a noble maid;
meetest > most fittingly beseem > suit
4 Her fair locks in rich circlet be enrolled:
rich > [a rich] circlet > (Two meanings are possible. Either Florimell's hair is coiled in a circle, or she wears a golden or jewelled circlet in which her hair is coiled) be > are
5 A fairer wight did never sun behold,
wight > creature, woman sun > [the sun: indifferently the subject or object of "behold"]
6 And on a palfrey rides more white than snow,
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
7 Yet she herself is whiter manifold:
manifold > many times over
8 The surest sign whereby you may her know 9 Is that she is the fairest wight alive, I trow."
trow > am of the opinion, think, believe (assertively)
305.6
Now certes swaine (said he) such one I weene,
2 Fast flying through this forest from her fo,
A foule ill fauoured foster, I haue seene;
4 Her selfe, well as I might, I reskewd tho,
But could not stay; so fast she did foregoe,
6 Carried away with wings of speedy feare.
Ah dearest God (quoth he) that is great woe,
8 And wondrous ruth to all, that shall it heare.
But can ye read Sir, how I may her find, or +where?+
9 where? > where. 1590, 1596
1 "Now certes, swain," said he, "such one, I ween,
certes > assuredly swain > young man ween > believe, think
2 Fast flying through this forest from her foe
flying > fleeing
3 (A foul ill-favoured foster) I have seen;
ill-favoured foster > ugly forester
4 Herself, well as I might, I rescued tho,
tho > then [when I saw her]
5 But could not stay; so fast she did forego,
stay > detain forego > go before [me]
6 Carried away with wings of speedy fear." 7 "Ah dearest God," quoth he, "that is great woe, 8 And wondrous ruth to all that shall it hear.
ruth > sorrow, calamity; occasion for regret
9 But can you read, sir, how I may her find, or where?"
read > declare
305.7
Perdy me leuer were to weeten that,
2 (Said he) then ransome of the richest knight,
Or all the good that euer yet I gat:
4 But froward fortune, and too forward Night
Such happinesse did, maulgre, to me spight,
6 And fro me reft both life and light attone.
But Dwarfe aread, what is that Lady bright,
8 That through this forest wandreth thus alone;
For of her errour straunge I haue great ruth and mone.
1 "Pardie me liefer were to weet that,"
Pardie > Truly; "by God" me liefer > dearer to me weet > know
2 Said he, "than ransom of the richest knight, 3 Or all the good that ever yet I got:
good > property, money
4 But froward fortune, and too forward Night
froward > perverse; adverse; evilly disposed Night > (Nox: see 304.55 ff.)
5 Such happiness did, maugre, to me spite,
maugre > here, something like: worst luck (this word is used by Spenser more or less catachr. as a general imprecation or indication of ill-will) spite > begrudge
6 And from me reft both life and light at one.
reft > took away at one > together (SUS)
7 But, dwarf, aread, what is that lady bright,
aread > declare, make known bright > beautiful
8 That through this forest wanders thus alone; 9 For of her error strange I have great ruth and moan."
error > wandering strange > {Foreign, in unknown regions} ruth > pity, sorrow moan > grief, state of grief
305.8
That Lady is (quoth he) where so she bee,
2 The bountiest virgin, and most debonaire,
That euer liuing eye I weene did see;
4 Liues none this day, that may with her compare
In stedfast chastitie and vertue rare,
6 The goodly ornaments of beautie bright;
And is ycleped Florimell the faire,
8 Faire Florimell belou'd +of many+ a knight,
Yet she loues none but one, that Marinell is hight.
8 of many > of a many 1596
1 "That lady is," quoth he, "whereso she be,
whereso > wherever
2 The bountiest virgin, and most debonair,
bountiest > ?most virtuous, most worthy (this word is not in OED) debonair > gentle, meek; gracious; courteous; affable
3 That ever living eye I ween did see;
ween > think
4 Lives none this day that may with her compare 5 In steadfast chastity and virtue rare, 6 The goodly ornaments of beauty bright; 7 And is cleped Florimell the fair,
cleped > called
8 Fair Florimell, beloved of many a knight, 9 Yet she loves none but one, that Marinell is hight.
hight > named
305.9
A Sea-nymphes sonne, that Marinell is hight,
2 Of my deare Dame is loued dearely well;
In other none, but him, she sets delight,
4 All her delight is set on Marinell;
But he sets nought at all by Florimell:
6 For Ladies loue his mother long ygoe
Did him, they say, forwarne through sacred spell.
8 But fame now flies, that of a forreine foe
He is yslaine, which is the ground of all our woe.
1 "A sea-nymph's son, that Marinell is hight,
sea-nymph > (See 304.19:3 ff.) hight > called
2 Of my dear dame is loved dearly well;
Of > By dame > lady
3 In other none, but him she sets delight,
In other none, but him > [In no one else but him]
4 All her delight is set on Marinell; 5 But he sets naught at all by Florimell: 6 For ladies' love his mother long ago 7 Did him, they say, forewarn through sacred spell.
forewarn > ?give warning of (see 304.25-6; this use is not in OED) sacred > {Holy by association with a god (i.e. Proteus); also: accursed, after Latin sacer} spell > discourse, talk; hence: prophecy
8 But fame now flies that of a foreign foe
fame > report, rumour (Latin fama) of > by
9 He is slain, which is the ground of all our woe.
ground > basis, cause
305.10
Fiue dayes there be, since he (they say) was slaine,
2 And foure, since Florimell the Court for-went,
And vowed neuer to returne againe,
4 Till him aliue or dead she did inuent.
Therefore, faire Sir, for loue of knighthood gent,
6 And honour of trew Ladies, if ye may
By your good counsell, or bold hardiment,
8 Or succour her, or me direct the way;
Do one, or other good, I you most humbly pray.
1 "Five days there be, since he (they say) was slain, 2 And four, since Florimell the court forwent,
forwent > forsook, left (but cf. 301.15-16, which precedes Marinell's encounter with Britomart; 308.46 agrees with the dwarf's version)
3 And vowed never to return again 4 Till him alive or dead she did invent.
invent > find
5 Therefore, fair sir, for love of knighthood gent,
gent > high-born, noble
6 And honour of true ladies, if you may 7 By your good counsel, or bold hardiment,
hardiment > hardihood, audacity
8 Or succour her, or me direct the way;
Or > Either me > [to me]
9 Do one, or other good, I you most humbly pray.
good > [good deed] pray > implore
305.11
So may +you+ gaine to you full great renowme,
2 Of all good Ladies through the world so wide,
And haply in her hart find highest rowme,
4 Of whom ye seeke to be most magnifide:
At least eternall meede shall you abide.
6 To whom the Prince; Dwarfe, comfort to thee take,
For till thou tidings learne, what her betide,
8 I here auow thee neuer to forsake.
Ill weares he armes, that nill them vse for Ladies sake.
1 you > ye 1590
1 "So may you gain to you full great renown,
So > Thus full > very, exceedingly
2 Of all good ladies through the world so wide, 3 And haply in her heart find highest room,
haply > perhaps room > place
4 Of whom you seek to be most magnified:
Of > By magnified > praised; hence: highly regarded
5 At least eternal meed shall you abide."
eternal > [heavenly] meed > reward abide > await, remain
6 To whom the Prince: "Dwarf, comfort to you take, 7 For till you tidings learn what her betide,
betide > befell
8 I here avow you never to forsake.
avow > take a vow
9 Ill wears he arms, that nill them use for ladies' sake."
Ill > Badly, evilly nill > will not
305.12
So with the Dwarfe he backe return'd againe,
2 To seeke his Lady, where he mote her find;
But by the way he greatly gan complaine
4 The want of his good Squire late left behind,
For whom he wondrous pensiue grew in mind,
6 For +doubt+ of daunger, which mote him betide;
For him he loued aboue all mankind,
8 Hauing him trew and +faithfull+ euer tride,
And bold, as euer Squire that waited by knights side.
6 doubt > douht 1596 8 faithfull > faithfall 1596
1 So with the dwarf he back returned again, 2 To seek his lady, where he might her find;
where > wherever
3 But by the way he greatly gan complain
by > on gan complain > did lament
4 The want of his good squire late left behind,
want > lack squire > attendant; knight's attendant late > recently
5 For whom he wondrous pensive grew in mind,
pensive > anxious
6 For doubt of danger which might him betide;
doubt > fear betide > befall
7 For him he loved above all mankind, 8 Having him true and faithful ever tried,
tried > proved
9 And bold, as ever squire that waited by knight's side.
waited > attended; kept watch
305.13
Who all this while full hardly was assayd
2 Of deadly daunger, which to him betid;
For whiles his Lord pursewd that noble Mayd,
4 After that foster fowle he fiercely rid,
To bene auenged of the shame, he did
6 To that faire Damzell: Him he chaced long
Through the thicke woods, wherein he would haue hid
8 His shamefull head from his auengement +strong,+
And oft him threatned death for his outrageous wrong.
8 strong, > strong. 1596
1 Who all this while full hardly was assayed
full hardly > very severely assayed > assailed
2 Of deadly danger, which to him betide;
Of > By to him betide > befell him
3 For while his lord pursued that noble maid, 4 After that foster foul he fiercely rode, 5 To be avenged of the shame he did
shame > dishonour
6 To that fair damsel: him he chased long 7 Through the thick woods, wherein he would have hidden 8 His shameful head from his avengement strong,
avengement > vengeance
9 And oft him threatened death for his outrageous wrong.
threatened > [threatened with]
305.14
Nathlesse the villen sped himselfe so well,
2 Whether through swiftnesse of his speedy +beast;+
Or knowledge of those woods, where he did dwell,
4 That shortly he from daunger was releast,
And out of sight escaped at the least;
6 Yet not escaped from the dew reward
Of his bad deeds, which dayly he increast,
8 Ne ceased not, till him oppressed hard
The heauy plague, that for such leachours is prepard.
2 beast; > beast, 1609
1 Natheless the villein sped himself so well
Natheless > Nevertheless villein > villain; serf (if the legalistic meaning of "swain" is not intended at 304.49:2)
2 (Whether through swiftness of his speedy beast 3 Or knowledge of those woods where he did dwell) 4 That shortly he from danger was released, 5 And out of sight escaped at the least;
at the least > at any rate, at all events; some editors gloss this as at the last, at last_: cf. 305.37:9, 305.43:8_
6 Yet not escaped from the due reward 7 Of his bad deeds, which daily he increased, 8 Nor ceased not, till him oppressed hard
oppressed > took by surprise; overwhelmed
9 The heavy plague that for such lechers is prepared.
heavy > grievous plague > blow, stroke (see 305.23; also, noted by Hamilton (1980), possibly a reference to venereal disease)
305.15
For soone as he was vanisht out of sight,
2 His coward courage gan emboldned bee,
And cast t'auenge him of that fowle despight,
4 Which he had borne of his bold enimee.
Tho to his brethren came: for they were three
6 Vngratious children of one gracelesse sire,
And vnto them complained, how that he
8 Had vsed bene of that foolehardy Squire;
So them with bitter words he stird to bloudy ire.
1 For, soon as he was vanished out of sight,
soon > [as soon]
2 His coward courage began emboldened be,
courage > heart, spirit be > [to be]
3 And cast to avenge him of that foul despite
cast > [he] resolved despite > {Outrage, act of defiance}
4 Which he had borne of his bold enemy.
of > from
5 Tho to his brethren came: for they were three
Tho > Then brethren > brothers
6 Ungracious children of one graceless sire,
Ungracious > {Lacking in heavenly grace; ungracious} sire > father
7 And to them complained how he 8 Had used been of that foolhardy squire;
of > by
9 So them with bitter words he stirred to bloody ire.
305.16
Forthwith themselues with their sad instruments
2 Of spoyle and murder they gan arme byliue,
And with him forth into the forest went,
4 To wreake the wrath, which he did earst reuiue
In their sterne brests, on him which late did driue
6 Their brother to reproch and shamefull flight:
For they had vow'd, that neuer he aliue
8 Out of that forest should escape their might;
Vile rancour their rude harts had fild with such despight.
1 Forthwith themselves with their sad instruments
sad > grievous (cf. 105.6:5)
2 Of spoil and murder they gan arm belive,
spoil > plunder, spoliation gan > did belive > eagerly, quickly
3 And with him forth into the forest went, 4 To wreak the wrath which he did erst revive
erst > lately revive > bring into existence; hence: kindle
5 In their stern breasts, on him which late did drive
stern > merciless, cruel; fierce him > [Timias] late > recently
6 Their brother to reproach and shameful flight: 7 For they had vowed that never he alive 8 Out of that forest should escape their might;
might > power
9 Vile rancour their rude hearts had fild with such despite.
rude > uncultivated, violent fild > filled; or: filed, defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) despite > malice; rage
305.17
Within that wood there was a couert glade,
2 Foreby a narrow foord, to them well knowne,
Through which it was vneath for wight to wade;
4 And now by fortune it was ouerflowne:
By that same way they knew that Squire vnknowne
6 Mote algates passe; for thy themselues they set
There in await, with thicke woods ouer growne,
8 And all the while their malice they did whet
With cruell threats, his passage through the ford to let.
1 Within that wood there was a covert glade, 2 Forby a narrow ford, to them well known,
Forby > Hard by, near
3 Through which it was uneath for wight to wade;
uneath > difficult wight > person, hence: anyone
4 And now by fortune it was overflowed:
overflowed > flooded
5 By that same way they knew that squire unknown 6 Might algates pass; for-thy themselves they set
Might > Must algates > anyhow, by any means; hence: surely for-thy > therefore
7 There in await, with thick woods overgrown,
await > watchfulness; ambush
8 And all the while their malice they did whet 9 With cruel threats, his passage through the ford to let.
let > obstruct, hinder
305.18
It fortuned, as they deuized had,
2 The gentle Squire came ryding that same way,
Vnweeting of their wile and treason bad,
4 And through the ford to passen did assay;
But that fierce foster, which late fled away,
6 Stoutly forth stepping on the further shore,
Him boldly bad his passage there to stay,
8 Till he had made amends, and full restore
For all the damage, which he had him doen afore.
1 It fortuned, as they devised had,
devised > conjectured, surmised
2 The gentle squire came riding that same way,
gentle > noble
3 Unweeting of their wile and treason bad,
Unweeting > Ignorant wile > deceitfulness, cunning
4 And through the ford to pass did essay;
essay > try
5 But that fierce foster, which late fled away,
late > recently
6 Stoutly forth stepping on the further shore,
Stoutly > Boldly; proudly
7 Him boldly bade his passage there to stay
stay > check
8 Till he had made amends and full restore