4 That may amongst Alcides' labours stand."
That > [That great labour]
5 Thence back returning to the former land
land > [place]
6 Where late he left the beast he overcame,
late > lately he overcame > [that he had overcome]
7 He found him not; for he had broken his bond, 8 And was returned again to his dame, 9 To tell what tidings of fair Florimell became.
tidings > happenings, occurrences became > had befallen (i.e. the beast has returned to tell the witch what happened to Florimell)
CANTO VIII
The Witch creates a snowy Lady,
2 like to Florimell,
Who wrongd by Carle by Proteus sau'd,
4 is sought by Paridell.
1 The witch creates a snowy lady 2 like to Florimell,
like to > resembling
3 Who, wronged by carl, by Proteus saved,
carl > [a] villain, [a] churl by > [and by] Proteus > (The Old Man of the Sea, a god who can assume any shape or form)
4 is sought by Paridell.
Paridell > (The name is derived from that of Paris: see 309.34:5 ff.)
308.1
SO oft as I this history record,
2 My hart doth melt with meere compassion,
To thinke, how causelesse of her owne accord
4 This gentle Damzell, whom I write vpon,
Should plonged be in such affliction,
6 Without all hope of comfort or reliefe,
That sure I weene, the hardest hart of stone,
8 Would hardly find to aggrauate her griefe;
For misery craues rather mercie, then repriefe.
1 So oft as I this history record,
history > history; story
2 My heart does melt with mere compassion
mere > pure, complete, sheer
3 To think how causeless of her own accord
causeless of her own accord > [through no fault of hers]
4 This gentle damsel, whom I write upon,
gentle > gracious; gentle; noble upon > [about]
5 Should plunged be in such affliction, 6 Without all hope of comfort or relief, 7 That sure, I ween, the hardest heart of stone
That sure > [So that surely] ween > think, believe
8 Would hardly find to aggravate her grief;
find > contrive grief > suffering, pain
9 For misery craves rather mercy than reproof.
reproof > reproof, scorn; shame, disgrace
308.2
But that accursed Hag, her hostesse late,
2 Had so enranckled her malitious hart,
That she desyrd th'abridgement of her fate,
4 Or long enlargement of her painefull smart.
Now when the Beast, which by her wicked art
6 Late forth she sent, she backe returning spyde,
Tyde with her +broken+ girdle, it a part
8 Of her rich spoyles, whom he had earst destroyd,
She weend, and wondrous gladnesse to her hart applyde.
7 broken > golden 1590
1 But that accursed hag, her hostess late,
hostess late > [erstwhile hostess]
2 Had so enrankled her malicious heart
enrankled > embittered (the "en-" prefix denotes "inward" action, and is also an intensive)
3 That she desired the abridgement of her fate,
fate > {Life, term of life allotted by the Fates}
4 Or long enlargement of her painful smart.
smart > anguish, sorrow
5 Now when the beast (which by her wicked art 6 Late forth she sent) she back returning spied,
Late > Recently
7 Tied with her broken girdle, it a part 8 Of her rich spoils (whom he had erst destroyed)
whom > [she whom, i.e. Florimell] erst > recently; first (before apparently making free with "her rich spoils")
9 She weened, and wondrous gladness to her heart applied.
weened > supposed applied > administered [as a remedy]
308.3
And with it running hast'ly to her sonne,
2 Thought with that sight him much to haue +reliued+;
Who thereby deeming sure the thing as donne,
4 His former griefe with furie fresh reuiued,
Much more then earst, and would haue algates riued
6 The hart out of his brest: for sith her ded
He surely dempt, himselfe he thought depriued
8 Quite of all hope, wherewith he long had fed
His foolish maladie, and long time had misled.
2 reliued > relieued 1609
1 And with it running hastily to her son, 2 Thought with that sight him much to have relived;
relived > revived
3 Who, thereby deeming sure the thing as done, 4 His former grief with fury fresh revived, 5 Much more than erst, and would have algates rived
erst > at first, formerly, hence: before algates > altogether, at any rate; hence: surely rived > torn
6 The heart out of his breast: for sith her dead
sith > since
7 He surely deemed, himself he thought deprived 8 Quite of all hope, wherewith he long had fed
wherewith > with which
9 His foolish malady, and long time had misled.
misled > misconducted [himself]
308.4
With thought whereof, exceeding mad he grew,
2 And in his rage his mother would haue slaine,
Had she not fled into a secret mew,
4 Where she was wont her Sprights to entertaine
The +maisters+ of her art: there was she faine
6 To call them all in order to her ayde,
And them coniure vpon eternall paine,
8 To counsell her so carefully dismayd,
How she might heale her sonne, whose senses were decayd.
5 maisters > masters 1609
1 With thought whereof exceeding mad he grew, 2 And in his rage his mother would have slain, 3 Had she not fled into a secret mew,
mew > den, secret place
4 Where she was wont her sprites to entertain,
wont > accustomed entertain > receive
5 The masters of her art: there was she fain
masters > (Cf. Macbeth IV i 63) fain > disposed; obliged
6 To call them all, in order, to her aid,
all, in order, to > (Or: "all, in order to") her aid > [aid her; her assistance]
7 And them conjure upon eternal pain
conjure > adjure, implore
8 To counsel her, so carefully dismayed,
carefully > anxiously
9 How she might heal her son, whose senses were decayed.
decayed > rotted, ruined (cf. 307.20-1, even before he saw the girdle)
308.5
By their +aduise+, and her owne wicked wit,
2 She there deuiz'd a wondrous worke to frame,
Whose like on earth was neuer framed yit,
4 That euen Nature selfe enuide the same,
And grudg'd to see the counterfet should shame
6 The thing it selfe. In hand she boldly tooke
To make another like the former Dame,
8 Another Florimell, in shape and looke
So liuely and so like, that many it mistooke.
1 aduise > deuise 1590
1 By their advice, and her own wicked wit,
wit > intelligence, mental capacity; skill
2 She there devised a wondrous work to frame,
frame > fashion
3 Whose like on earth was never framed yet, 4 That even Nature herself envied the same,
That > [So that] envied > envied; begrudged
5 And grudged to see the counterfeit should shame
the > [that the]
6 The thing itself. In hand she boldly took 7 To make another like the former dame, 8 Another Florimell, in shape and look 9 So lively, and so like, that many it mistook.
lively > life-like (cf. 101.45:4) like > resembling the original (said of a portrait, etc.); convincing mistook > [wrongly took to be Florimell]
308.6
The substance, whereof she the bodie made,
2 Was purest snow in massie mould congeald,
Which she had gathered in a shadie glade
4 Of the Riph{oe}an hils, to her reueald
By errant Sprights, but from all men conceald:
6 The same she tempred with fine Mercury,
And virgin +wex+, that neuer yet was seald,
8 And mingled them with perfect vermily,
That like a liuely sanguine it seem'd to the eye.
7 wex > wax 1609
1 The substance, whereof she the body made, 2 Was purest snow in massy mould congealed,
massy > solid, weighty mould > shape, form congealed > frozen
3 Which she had gathered in a shady glade 4 Of the Riphaean hills, to her revealed
Riphaean hills > {The mountains in Scythia, i.e. northern Europe and
Asiatic Russia}
5 By errant sprites, but from all men concealed:
errant > wandering
6 The same she tempered with fine mercury,
tempered > blended mercury > (Formerly numbered among the five elementary "principles" of which all matter was said to be composed; also called "spirit". According to Paracelsus, mercury is one of three basic components of man. Mercury was also a symbol of sprightliness, volatility, and inconstancy)
7 And virgin wax, that never yet was sealed,
sealed > [used for sealing]
8 And mingled them with perfect vermilion,
vermilion > {Cinnabar, red crystalline mercuric sulphide, used in the manufacture of red sealing-wax: it is the ore from which most of the world's mercury is derived}
9 That like a lively sanguine it seemed to the eye.
That > [So that] lively > living, vital, life-like sanguine > blood-red colour (amorousness is among the attributes associated with the "sanguine" complexion; cf. 306.8:5)
308.7
In stead of eyes two burning lampes she set
2 In siluer sockets, shyning like the skyes,
And a quicke mouing Spirit did arret
4 To stirre and roll them, like +a womans+ eyes;
In stead of yellow lockes she did deuise,
6 With golden wyre to weaue her curled head;
Yet golden wyre was not so yellow thrise
8 As Florimells faire haire: and in the stead
Of life, she put a Spright to rule the carkasse dead.
4 a womans > to womens 1590
1 Instead of eyes two burning lamps she set 2 In silver sockets, shining like the skies, 3 And a quick moving sprite did arrest
quick > living arrest > ordain, entrust
4 To stir and roll them, like a woman's eyes; 5 Instead of yellow locks she did devise 6 With golden wire to weave her curled head; 7 Yet golden wire was not so yellow thrice
thrice > many times over; by a third
8 As Florimell's fair hair: and in the stead
stead > place
9 Of life she put a sprite to rule the carcase dead.
308.8
A wicked Spright yfraught with fawning guile,
2 And faire resemblance aboue all the rest,
Which with the Prince of Darknesse fell +somewhile+,
4 From heauens blisse and euerlasting rest;
Him needed not instruct, which way were best
6 Himselfe to fashion likest Florimell,
Ne how to speake, ne how to vse his gest,
8 For he in counterfeisance did excell,
And all the wyles of wemens wits knew passing well.
3 somewhile > lomewhyle 1590; lomewhile 1596
1 A wicked sprite fraught with fawning guile,
fraught > filled
2 And fair resemblance above all the rest,
resemblance > appearance, show
3 Which with the Prince of Darkness fell somewhile
somewhile > at some time; at some former time
4 From heaven's bliss and everlasting rest; 5 Him needed not instruct which way were best
needed not > [it was not necessary to]
6 Himself to fashion likest Florimell,
likest > most like
7 Nor how to speak, nor how to use his gest,
gest > bearing, mien; gesture, hence: gestures, "body language"
8 For he in counterfeisance did excel,
counterfeisance > imposture
9 And all the wiles of women's wits knew passing well.
wits > minds passing > surpassingly, exceedingly
308.9
Him shaped thus, she deckt in garments gay,
2 Which Florimell had left behind her late,
That who so then her saw, would surely say,
4 It was her selfe, whom it did imitate,
Or fairer then her selfe, if ought algate
6 Might fairer be. And then she forth her brought
Vnto her sonne, that lay in feeble state;
8 Who seeing her gan streight vpstart, and thought
She was the Lady selfe, +whom+ he so long had sought.
9 whom > who 1590, 1596
1 Him shaped thus, she decked in garments gay, 2 Which Florimell had left behind her late,
late > recently
3 That whoso then her saw would surely say
That whoso > [So that whoever] her > (Appropriately confusing the snowy Florimell's gender)
4 It was herself whom it did imitate, 5 Or fairer than herself, if aught algate
algate > anyhow, in any way
6 Might fairer be. And then she forth her brought 7 To her son, that lay in feeble state; 8 Who, seeing her, gan straight upstart, and thought
gan > did straight > straightway; straight, erect upstart > start up (with the double meaning)
9 She was the lady herself, whom he so long had sought.
308.10
Tho fast her clipping twixt his armes twaine,
2 Extremely ioyed in so happie sight,
And soone forgot his former sickly paine;
4 But she, the more to seeme such as she hight,
Coyly rebutted his embracement light;
6 Yet still with gentle +countenaunce+ retained,
Enough to hold a foole in vaine delight:
8 Him long she so with shadowes entertained,
As her Creatresse had in charge to her ordained.
6 countenaunce > countenant 1596
1 Tho, fast her clipping 'twixt his arms twain,
Tho > Then fast > firmly; very closely clipping > clasping, embracing arms twain > two arms
2 Extremely joyed in so happy sight,
Extremely joyed > [He] took pleasure extremely; hence: He took extreme pleasure so > [such a]
3 And soon forgot his former sickly pain; 4 But she, the more to seem such as she hight,
hight > was called
5 Coyly rebutted his embracement light;
rebutted > reproved; repulsed embracement > embraces light > wanton (qualifying "embracement"); quickly, lightly (qualifying "rebutted")
6 Yet still with gentle countenance retained,
retained > [retained his interest]
7 Enough to hold a fool in vain delight:
vain > futile; weak, foolish
8 Him long she so with shadows entertained,
so > thus
9 As her creatress had in charge to her ordained.
308.11
Till on a day, as he disposed was
2 To walke the woods with that his Idole faire,
Her to disport, and idle time to pas,
4 In th'open freshnesse of the gentle aire,
A knight that way there chaunced to repaire;
6 Yet knight +he+ was not, but a boastfull swaine,
That deedes of armes had euer in despaire,
8 Proud Braggadocchio, that in vaunting vaine
His glory did repose, and credit did maintaine.
6 he > omitted from 1596
1 Till on a day, as he disposed was 2 To walk the woods with that his idol fair,
idol > idol; effigy; phantom, idolum
3 Her to disport, and idle time to pass,
disport > divert, entertain
4 In the open freshness of the gentle air, 5 A knight that way there chanced to repair;
repair > go, betake himself
6 Yet knight he was not, but a boastful swain,
swain > fellow
7 That deeds of arms had ever in despair,
ever in despair > [only in the condition of despairing (his despair, Spenser's, or ours)]
8 Proud Braggadocchio, that in vaunting vain
vaunting > boasting vain > foolish; empty, insubstantial
9 His glory did repose, and credit did maintain.
repose > repose; trust credit > reputation; credibility maintain > maintain; defend
308.12
He seeing with that Chorle so faire a wight,
2 Decked with many a costly ornament,
Much merueiled thereat, as well he might,
4 And thought that match a fowle disparagement:
His bloudie speare eftsoones he boldly bent
6 Against the silly clowne, who dead through feare,
Fell streight to ground in great astonishment;
8 Villein (said he) this Ladie is my deare,
Dy, if thou it gainesay: I will away her beare.
1 He, seeing with that churl so fair a wight,
churl > bumpkin, boor, low fellow wight > creature, woman
2 Decked with many a costly ornament, 3 Much marvelled thereat, as well he might,
thereat > at that
4 And thought that match a foul disparagement:
disparagement > {Marriage to one of inferior rank; the disgrace occasioned by this}
5 His bloody spear eftsoons he boldly bent
eftsoons > thereupon bent > brought to bear
6 Against the silly clown, who, dead through fear,
silly > silly; helpless clown > yokel, peasant; clown
7 Fell straight to ground in great astonishment;
straight > straight; straightway astonishment > {Literal loss of sense or wits; loss of courage}
8 "Villein," said he, "this lady is my dear,
Villein > Villain; serf
9 Die, if you it gainsay: I will away her bear."
bear > carry; take [as a travelling companion: cf. 102.45:9]
308.13
The fearefull Chorle durst not gainesay, nor dooe,
2 But trembling stood, and yielded him the pray;
Who finding litle leasure her to wooe,
4 On Tromparts steed her mounted without stay,
And without reskew led her quite away.
6 Proud man himselfe then Braggadocchio deemed,
And next to none, after that happie day,
8 Being possessed of that spoyle, which seemed
The fairest wight on ground, and most of men esteemed.
1 The fearful churl dared not gainsay, nor do, 2 But trembling stood, and yielded him the prey; 3 Who, finding little leisure her to woo, 4 On Trompart's steed her mounted without stay,
steed > [shoulders: cf. 308.19:3] stay > delay; hesitation; hindrance
5 And without rescue led her quite away. 6 Proud man himself then Braggadocchio deemed, 7 And next to none, after that happy day,
next to none > second to none (next = behind) happy > fortunate; happy
8 Being possessed of that spoil, which seemed 9 The fairest wight on ground, and most of men esteemed.
wight > creature, woman on ground > in the world of > by
308.14
But when he saw himselfe free from poursute,
2 He gan make gentle purpose to his Dame,
With termes of loue and lewdnesse dissolute;
4 For he could well his glozing speaches frame
To such vaine vses, that him best became:
6 But she thereto would lend but light regard,
As seeming sory, that she euer came
8 Into his powre, that vsed her so hard,
To reaue her honor, which she more then life prefard.
1 But when he saw himself free from pursuit 2 He gan make gentle purpose to his dame,
gan > did; began to gentle purpose > courteous conversation
3 With terms of love and lewdness dissolute;
terms > words
4 For he could well his glozing speeches frame
glozing > flattering; coaxing, wheedling
5 To such vain uses, that him best became:
vain > foolish; empty
6 But she thereto would lend but light regard,
thereto > to that, to those
7 As seeming sorry that she ever came 8 Into his power, that used her so hard, 9 To reave her honour, which she more than life preferred.
reave > plunder, despoil
308.15
Thus as they two of kindnesse treated long,
2 There them by chaunce encountred on the way
An armed knight, vpon a courser strong,
4 Whose trampling feet vpon the hollow lay
Seemed to thunder, and did nigh affray
6 That Capons courage: yet he looked grim,
And fain'd to cheare his Ladie in dismay;
8 Who seem'd for feare to quake in euery lim,
And her to saue from outrage, meekely prayed him.
1 Thus as they two of kindness treated long,
kindness > love treated > discoursed, spoke
2 There them by chance encountered on the way 3 An armed knight, upon a courser strong,
An armed knight > (This is Sir Ferraugh; see 402.4:5-7)
4 Whose trampling feet upon the hollow lea
lea > ground
5 Seemed to thunder, and did nigh affray
affray > frighten away
6 That capon's courage: yet he looked grim,
capon > {Castrated cock}
7 And fained to cheer his lady in dismay;
fained > was anxious, tried; feigned
8 Who seemed for fear to quake in every limb, 9 And her to save from outrage, meekly prayed him.
prayed > entreated
308.16
Fiercely that stranger forward came, and nigh
2 Approching, with bold words and bitter threat,
Bad that same boaster, as he mote, on high
4 To leaue to him that Lady for excheat,
Or bide him battell without further treat.
6 That challenge did too peremptory seeme,
And fild his senses with abashment great;
8 Yet seeing nigh him ieopardy extreme,
He it dissembled well, and light seem'd to esteeme.
1 Fiercely that stranger forward came and, nigh 2 Approaching, with bold words and bitter threat 3 Bade that same boaster, as he might, on high,
might > could on high > aloud, hence: loudly; to heaven; from a height
4 To leave to him that lady for escheat,
escheat > {Forced contribution, plunder; property falling by right to the lord, king, or state}
5 Or bide him battle without further treat.
bide > offer treat > discussion
6 That challenge did too peremptory seem, 7 And filled his senses with abashment great;
abashment > confusion
8 Yet seeing nigh him jeopardy extreme, 9 He it dissembled well, and light seemed to esteem.
308.17
Saying, Thou foolish knight, that weenst with words
2 To steale away, that I with blowes haue wonne,
And brought throgh points of many perilous swords:
4 But if thee list to see thy Courser ronne,
Or proue thy selfe, this sad encounter shonne,
6 And seeke else without hazard of thy hed.
At those proud words that other knight begonne
8 To wexe exceeding wroth, and him ared
To turne his steede about, or sure he should be ded.
1 Saying, "You foolish knight, that weens with words
weens > supposes, thinks
2 To steal away that I with blows have won,
that > [that which]
3 And brought through points of many perilous swords: 4 But if you list to see your courser run,
list > please, choose run > [run in a joust; cf. 304.15:7, 307.38:8]
5 Or prove yourself, this sad encounter shun,
sad > grievous
6 And seek else, without hazard of your head."
else > {In another manner, place, or time; by other means; under other circumstances} of > to
7 At those proud words that other knight began 8 To wax exceeding wroth, and him aread
wax > grow aread > instructed
9 To turn his steed about, or sure he should be dead.
308.18
Sith then (said Braggadocchio) needes thou wilt
2 Thy dayes abridge, through proofe of puissance,
Turne we our steedes, that both in equall tilt
4 May meet againe, and each take happie chance.
This said, they both a furlongs mountenance
6 Retyrd their steeds, to ronne in euen race:
But Braggadocchio with his bloudie lance
8 Once hauing turnd, no more returnd his face,
But left his loue to losse, and fled himselfe apace.
1 "Sith then," said Braggadocchio, "needs you will
Sith > Since needs you will > you will of necessity
2 Your days abridge, through proof of puissance,
proof > trial, experience puissance > power, strength (allied to prowess in arms)
3 Turn we our steeds, that both in equal tilt
that > [so that] equal > impartial tilt > {Contest between two mounted knights with lances}
4 May meet again, and each take happy chance."
happy > fortunate
5 This said, they both a furlong's mountenance
furlong > {An eighth of a mile, 220 yards, about 201 metres} mountenance > distance
6 Retired their steeds, to run in even race: 7 But Braggadocchio with his bloody lance 8 Once having turned, no more returned his face,
returned > turned back
9 But left his love to loss, and fled himself apace.
apace > swiftly
308.19
The knight him seeing fly, had no regard
2 Him to poursew, but to the Ladie rode,
And hauing her from Trompart lightly reard,
4 Vpon his Courser set the louely lode,
And with her fled away without abode.
6 Well weened he, that fairest Florimell
It was, with whom in company he yode,
8 And so her selfe did alwaies to him tell;
So made him thinke him selfe in heauen, that was in hell.
1 The knight, him seeing fly, had no regard
fly > flee regard > care; interest
2 Him to pursue, but to the lady rode 3 And, having her from Trompart lightly reared,
lightly > easily, quickly
4 Upon his courser set the lovely load, 5 And with her fled away without abode.
abode > {The action of waiting}
6 Well weened he that fairest Florimell
weened > believed
7 It was, with whom in company he yode,
yode > went
8 And so herself did always to him tell;
so herself did always to him tell > [so she did always tell him; i.e. she did not disabuse him]
9 So made him think himself in heaven, that was in hell.
308.20
But Florimell her selfe was farre away,
2 Driuen to great distresse by Fortune straunge,
And taught the carefull Mariner to play,
4 Sith late mischaunce had her compeld to chaunge
The land for sea, at randon there to raunge:
6 Yet there that cruell Queene auengeresse,
Not satisfide so farre her to estraunge
8 From courtly blisse and wonted happinesse,
Did heape on her new waues of weary wretchednesse.
1 But Florimell herself was far away, 2 Driven to great distress by Fortune strange,
strange > extreme, severe
3 And taught the careful mariner to play,
careful > {Anxious, full of care} play > {Act; also: frolic with, have sexual dealings with}
4 Sith late mischance had her compelled to change
Sith > Since late > recent
5 The land for sea, at random there to range: 6 Yet there that cruel queen avengeress,
that cruel queen avengeress > [Fortune, Fortuna; "queen" = "goddess"]
7 Not satisfied so far her to estrange
so > thus (in extent); so (in time)
8 From courtly bliss and wonted happiness,
wonted > customary
9 Did heap on her new waves of weary wretchedness.
308.21
For being fled into the fishers bote,
2 For refuge from the Monsters crueltie,
Long so she on the mightie maine did flote,
4 And with the tide droue forward careleslie;
For th'aire was milde, and cleared was the skie,
6 And all his windes Dan Aeolus did keepe,
From stirring vp their stormy enmitie,
8 As pittying to see her waile and weepe;
But all the while the fisher did securely sleepe.
1 For, being fled into the fisher's boat,
fisher > fisherman
2 For refuge from the monster's cruelty, 3 Long so she on the mighty main did float,
so > thus main > main ocean, high sea; sea
4 And with the tide drove forward carelessly; 5 For the air was mild, and cleared was the sky, 6 And all his winds Dan Aeolus did keep
Dan > {Title of honour, as "Master", "Sir"}
7 From stirring up their stormy enmity, 8 As pitying to see her wail and weep;
As > [As though]
9 But all the while the fisher did securely sleep.
securely > carelessly, free from care; confidently
308.22
At last when droncke with drowsinesse, he woke,
2 And saw his drouer driue along the streame,
He was dismayd, and thrise his breast he stroke,
4 For maruell of that accident extreame;
But when he +saw+ that blazing beauties beame,
6 Which with rare light his bote did beautifie,
He marueild more, and thought he yet did dreame
8 Not well awakt, or that some extasie
Assotted had his sense, or dazed was his eie.
5 saw > saw, 1590, 1596
1 At last, when, drunk with drowsiness, he woke
drunk > [unsteady, intoxicated; or, perhaps: satiated]
2 And saw his drover drive along the stream,
drover > {Boat used for fishing with a drift-net} stream > current
3 He was dismayed, and thrice his breast he struck, 4 For marvel of that accident extreme;
accident > occurrence, happening
5 But when he saw that blazing beauty's beam, 6 Which with rare light his boat did beautify, 7 He marvelled more, and thought he yet did dream, 8 Not well awaked, or that some ecstasy
awaked > awoken, aroused; awake ecstasy > rapture
9 Assotted had his sense, or dazed was his eye.
Assotted > Infatuated; made a fool of, hence: deceived
308.23
But when her well auizing, he perceiued
2 To be no vision, nor fantasticke sight,
Great comfort of her presence he conceiued,
4 And felt in his old courage new delight
To gin awake, and stirre his frozen spright:
6 Tho rudely askt her, how she thither came.
Ah (said she) father, I note read aright,
8 What hard misfortune brought me to +the+ same;
Yet am I glad that here I now in safety +am+.
8 the > this 1590 9 am > ame 1590
1 But when her, well advising, he perceived
advising > observing, regarding
2 To be no vision, nor fantastic sight,
sight > vision
3 Great comfort of her presence he conceived,
comfort > renewal of strength of > of, from
4 And felt in his old courage new delight
courage > spirit; sexual desire
5 To gin awake, and stir his frozen spirit:
gin > begin to
6 Tho rudely asked her how she thither came.
Tho > Then rudely > roughly; rudely
7 "Ah," said she, "father, I no'te read aright
no'te read aright > cannot properly tell
8 What hard misfortune brought me to the same; 9 Yet am I glad that here I now in safety am.
308.24
But thou good man, sith farre in sea we bee,
2 And the great waters gin apace to swell,
That now no more we can the maine-land see,
4 Haue care, I pray, to guide the cock-bote well,
Least worse on sea then vs on land befell.
6 Thereat th'old man did nought but fondly grin,
And said, his boat the way could wisely tell:
8 But his deceiptfull eyes did neuer lin,
To looke on her faire face, and marke her snowy skin.
1 "But you, good man, sith far in sea we be,
sith > since
2 And the great waters begin apace to swell,
apace > quickly
3 That now no more we can the mainland see,
That > [So that]
4 Have care, I pray, to guide the cock-boat well,
cock-boat > {Small ship's boat; with the double meaning}
5 Lest worse on sea than us on land befell." 6 Thereat the old man did naught but fondly grin,
Thereat > At that; as a result of that fondly > foolishly; eagerly
7 And said his boat the way could wisely tell:
wisely > expertly
8 But his deceitful eyes did never lin
lin > cease
9 To look on her fair face, and mark her snowy skin.
mark > notice, observe (here also connoting "besmirch", "defile")
308.25
The sight whereof in his congealed flesh,
2 Infixt such secret sting of greedy lust,
That the drie withered stocke it gan refresh,
4 And kindled heat, that soone in flame forth brust:
The driest wood is soonest burnt to dust.
6 Rudely to her he lept, and his rough +hand+
Where ill became him, rashly would haue thrust,
8 But she with angry scorne him did withstond,
And shamefully +reproued+ for his rudenesse fond.
6 hand > hond sugg. Morris 9 reproued > reprou'd 1590
1 The sight whereof in his congealed flesh
whereof > of which congealed > frozen
2 Infixed such secret sting of greedy lust 3 That the dry withered stock it gan refresh,
gan > did
4 And kindled heat that soon in flame forth burst: 5 The driest wood is soonest burnt to dust. 6 Rudely to her he leapt, and his rough hand,
Rudely > Roughly; violently; ignobly
7 Where ill became him, rashly would have thrust,
ill > [it ill]
8 But she with angry scorn him did withstand, 9 And shamefully reproved for his rudeness fond.
rudeness > roughness; barbarism fond > foolish; idiotic
308.26
But he, that neuer good nor maners knew,
2 Her sharpe rebuke full litle did esteeme;
Hard is to teach an old horse amble trew.
4 The inward smoke, that did before but steeme,
Broke into open fire and rage extreme,
6 And now he strength gan adde vnto his will,
Forcing to doe, that did him fowle misseeme:
8 Beastly he threw her downe, ne car'd to spill
Her garments gay with scales of fish, that all did fill.
1 But he, that never good nor manners knew, 2 Her sharp rebuke full little did esteem;
full > very, exceedingly
3 Hard is to teach an old horse amble true.
amble true > [to] amble properly
4 The inward smoke, that did before but steam, 5 Broke into open fire and rage extreme,
rage > violent desire; sexual passion
6 And now he strength gan add to his will,
gan > did
7 Forcing to do that did him foul misseem:
Forcing > Using force that > [that which] foul misseem > foully misbecome
8 Beastly he threw her down, nor cared to spill
Beastly > Brutally to spill > [whether he spoiled]
9 Her garments gay with scales of fish, that all did fill.
all > [all the boat]
308.27
The silly virgin stroue him to withstand,
2 All that she might, and him in vaine reuild:
She struggled strongly both with foot and hand,
4 To saue her honor from that villaine vild,
And cride to heauen, from humane helpe exild.
6 O ye braue knights, that boast this Ladies loue,
Where be ye now, when she is nigh defild
8 Of filthy wretch? well may shee you reproue
Of falshood or of slouth, when most it may behoue.
1 The silly virgin strove him to withstand
silly > helpless; innocent
2 All that she might, and him in vain reviled:
might > could
3 She struggled strongly both with foot and hand, 4 To save her honour from that villain vile, 5 And cried to heaven, from human help exiled. 6 O you brave knights, that boast this lady's love,
boast > brag of; extol
7 Where be you now, when she is nigh defiled 8 Of filthy wretch? Well may she you reprove
Of > By [a]
9 Of falsehood or of sloth, when most it may behove.
may behove > [behoves you to come to her aid]
308.28
But if that thou, Sir Satyran, didst weete,
2 Or thou, Sir Peridure, her sorie state,
How soone would yee assemble many a fleete,
4 To fetch from sea, that ye at land lost late;
Towres, Cities, Kingdomes ye would ruinate,
6 In your auengement and dispiteous rage,
Ne ought your burning fury mote abate;
8 But if Sir Calidore could it presage,
No liuing creature could his cruelty asswage.
1 But if you, Sir Satyrane, did weet
weet > know; discover
2 (Or you, Sir Peridure) her sorry state,
Peridure > (The spelling indicates a meaning like "Endurance" or "He
Who Persists". Possibly the intended hero of an unknown book of
FQ)
sorry > painful, distressing
3 How soon would you assemble many a fleet, 4 To fetch from sea that you at land lost late;
that > [she whom] late > lately
5 Towers, cities, kingdoms, you would ruinate
ruinate > demolish; lay waste; overthrow
6 In your avengement and dispiteous rage,
avengement > vengeance dispiteous > pitiless
7 Nor aught your burning fury might abate;
might > could
8 But if Sir Calidore could it presage,
Calidore > "Beautiful Gift" (Greek); "Clever", "Skilful" (Latin callidus); "Hot", "Fiery", "Passionate" (Latin calidus. The latter meanings are the most appropriate here. Sir Calidore is the hero of Book VI) presage > {Have a presentiment of; hence: know of, hear about}
9 No living creature could his cruelty assuage.
308.29
But sith that none of all her knights is nye,
2 See how the heauens of voluntary grace,
And soueraine fauour towards chastity,
4 Doe succour send to her distressed cace:
So much high God doth innocence embrace.
6 It fortuned, whilest thus she stifly stroue,
And the wide sea importuned long space
8 With shrilling shriekes, Proteus abrode did roue,
Along the fomy waues driuing his finny droue.
1 But sith none of all her knights is nigh,
sith > since none > not one
2 See how the heavens, of voluntary grace
of > from, by
3 And sovereign favour towards chastity,
sovereign > supreme
4 Do succour send to her distressed case:
case > state; plight
5 So much high God does innocence embrace.
embrace > take in hand, include; hence: protect
6 It fortuned, whilst thus she stiffly strove,
stiffly > strongly, violently; resolutely
7 And the wide sea importuned long space
long space > [for a] long time
8 With shrilling shrieks, Proteus abroad did rove, 9 Along the foamy waves driving his finny drove.
drove > {A number of beasts driven in a body, usually sheep, oxen, etc., but here, seals}
308.30
Proteus is Shepheard of the seas of yore,
2 And hath the charge of Neptunes mightie heard;
An aged sire with head all +frory+ hore,
4 And sprinckled frost vpon his deawy beard:
Who when those pittifull outcries he heard,
6 Through all the seas so ruefully resound,
His charet swift in haste he thither steard,
8 Which with a teeme of scaly Phocas bound
Was drawne vpon the waues, that fomed him around.
3 frory > frowy 1590, 1596; cf. 308.35:2
1 Proteus is shepherd of the seas of yore,
yore > old
2 And has the charge of Neptune's mighty herd; 3 An aged sire, with head all frory hoar,
sire > {Father, elderly man} frory > foamy (with connotation of the primary sense, "frosty") hoar > {Venerable with age; ancient; silver-grey like hoar-frost}
4 And sprinkled frost upon his dewy beard:
frost > {The colour of frost: silver, silver-grey}
5 Who when those pitiful outcries he heard
outcries > {Cryings out}
6 Through all the seas so ruefully resound,
ruefully > pitiably
7 His charet swift in haste he thither steered,
charet > chariot
8 Which with a team of scaly phocas bound
phocas bound > harnessed seals ("bound" may also indicate metaphorical bonds, as of duty and obligation)
9 Was drawn upon the waves that foamed him around.
him around > [around him]
308.31
And comming to that Fishers wandring bote,
2 That went at will, withouten carde or sayle,
He therein saw that yrkesome sight, which smote
4 Deepe indignation and compassion frayle
Into his hart attonce: streight did he hayle
6 The greedy villein from his hoped pray,
Of which he now did very litle fayle,
8 And with his staffe, that driues his Heard astray,
Him bet so sore, that life and sense did much dismay.
1 And coming to that fisher's wandering boat,
fisher > fisherman wandering > (Includes the sense "errant", "deviating from the true course": cf. 206.10:2)
2 That went at will, without card or sail,
card > chart
3 He therein saw that irksome sight, which smote
irksome > distressing; loathsome
4 Deep indignation and compassion frail
frail > tender (SUS)
5 Into his heart at once: straight did he hale
at once > simultaneously; at once straight > straightway, unreservedly; strait: strictly hale > drag
6 The greedy villein from his hoped prey,
villein > villain; serf hoped > [hoped-for]
7 Of which he now did very little fail,
fail > lack (fail of = miss)
8 And with his staff, that drives his herd astray,
astray > [when they are astray; hence: when they stray from their proper course]
9 Him beat so sore that life and sense did much dismay.
sore > grievously; sore life > [he his] life dismay > {Overcome, defeat by sudden onslaught}
308.32
The whiles the pitteous Ladie vp did ryse,
2 Ruffled and fowly raid with filthy soyle,
And blubbred face with teares of her faire eyes:
4 Her heart nigh broken was with weary toyle,
To saue her selfe from that outrageous spoyle,
6 But when she looked vp, to weet, what wight
+Had her from so infamous fact assoyld,+
8 For shame, but more for feare of his grim sight,
Downe in her lap she hid her face, and loudly shright.
7 Had her from so infamous fact assoyld, > Did her from so infamous fact assoyle, conj. Church
1 The whiles the piteous lady up did rise,
The whiles > Meanwhile piteous > {Worthy of or exciting pity}
2 Ruffled and foully berayed with filthy soil,
berayed > defiled; bespattered soil > earth, soil, hence: muck
3 And blubbered face with tears of her fair eyes:
blubbered > {Swollen or stained with tears}
4 Her heart nigh broken was with weary toil, 5 To save herself from that outrageous spoil,
outrageous > outrageous; violent spoil > {Pillage, rapine; act of spoiling or damaging}
6 But when she looked up, to weet what wight
weet > discover, learn wight > person, creature
7 Had her from so infamous fact assoiled,
so > [such an] fact > deed, crime assoiled > set free, rescued (catachr.)
8 For shame, but more for fear of his grim sight,
grim sight > formidable appearance
9 Down in her lap she hid her face, and loudly shright.
shright > shrieked
308.33
Her selfe not saued yet from daunger dred
2 She thought, but chaung'd from one to other feare;
Like as a fearefull Partridge, that is fled
4 From the sharpe Hauke, which her attached neare,
And fals to ground, to seeke for succour theare,
6 Whereas the hungry Spaniels she does spy,
With greedy iawes her readie for to teare;
8 In such distresse and sad perplexity
Was Florimell, when Proteus she did see +thereby+.
9 thereby > her by 1590
1 Herself not saved yet from danger dread
danger dread > [dreadful danger]
2 She thought, but changed from one to other fear;
fear > [source of fear: cf. 106.10:9]
3 Like a fearful partridge that is fled 4 From the sharp hawk, which her attached near,
sharp > hungry, eager for prey attached near > nearly seized
5 And falls to ground, to seek succour there, 6 Where the hungry spaniels she does spy,
spaniel > (This breed is used for starting and retrieving small game)
7 With greedy jaws her ready to tear;
greedy > eager
8 In such distress and sad perplexity
sad > grievous; sad perplexity > perplexity; distress
9 Was Florimell, when Proteus she did see thereby.
thereby > there, adjacent; hence: beside her
308.34
But he endeuoured with speeches milde
2 Her to recomfort, and accourage bold,
Bidding her feare no more her foeman vilde,
4 Nor doubt himselfe; and who he was, her told.
Yet all that could not from affright her hold,
6 Ne to recomfort her at all preuayld;
For her faint heart was with the frozen cold
8 Benumbd so inly, that her wits nigh fayld,
And all her senses with abashment quite were quayld.
1 But he endeavoured with speeches mild
mild > mild, kind; gracious
2 Her to recomfort, and accourage bold,
recomfort > console; inspire with fresh courage accourage > encourage (WUFQ)
3 Bidding her fear no more her foeman vile,
foeman > enemy
4 Nor doubt himself; and who he was her told.
doubt > fear; doubt
5 Yet all that could not from affright her hold,
affright > terror hold > preserve
6 Nor to recomfort her at all prevailed; 7 For her faint heart was with the frozen cold 8 Benumbed so inly that her wits nigh failed,
inly > inwardly
9 And all her senses with abashment quite were quailed.
abashment > confusion quailed > broken down; spoiled, impaired
308.35
Her vp betwixt his rugged hands he reard,
2 And with his frory lips full softly kist,
Whiles the cold ysickles from his rough beard,
4 Dropped adowne vpon her yuorie brest:
Yet he himselfe so busily addrest,
6 That her out of astonishment he wrought,
And out of that same fishers filthy nest
8 Remouing her, into his charet brought,
And there with many gentle termes her faire besought.
1 Her up betwixt his rugged hands he reared,
rugged > coarse, rough, unrefined; hairy
2 And with his frory lips full softly kissed,
frory > foamy (with connotation of the primary sense, "frosty") full > very kissed > [kissed her]
3 While the cold icicles from his rough beard 4 Dropped adown upon her ivory breast:
adown > down
5 Yet he himself so busily addressed
addressed > applied
6 That her out of astonishment he wrought,
astonishment > {Loss of sense or wits} wrought > worked; hence: brought
7 And out of that same fisher's filthy nest 8 Removing her, into his charet brought,
charet > chariot
9 And there with many gentle terms her fair besought.
terms > words
308.36
But that old leachour, which with bold assault
2 That beautie durst presume to violate,
He cast to punish for his hainous fault;
4 Then tooke he him yet trembling sith of late,
And tyde behind his charet, to aggrate
6 The virgin, whom he had abusde so sore:
So drag'd him through the waues in scornefull state,
8 And after cast him vp, vpon the shore;
But Florimell with him vnto his bowre he bore.
1 But that old lecher, who with bold assault 2 That beauty dared presume to violate, 3 He cast to punish for his heinous fault;
cast > decided fault > offence, transgression
4 Then took he him, yet trembling sith of late,
yet > still sith of late > since recently (i.e. since his drubbing)
5 And tied behind his charet, to aggrate
charet > chariot aggrate > gratify (SUS)
6 The virgin, whom he had abused so sore: 7 So dragged him through the waves in scornful state, 8 And after cast him up upon the shore; 9 But Florimell with him to his bower he bore.
bower > dwelling
308.37
His bowre is in the bottome of the maine,
2 Vnder a mightie rocke, gainst which do raue
The roaring billowes in their proud disdaine,
4 That with the angry working of the waue,
Therein is eaten out an hollow caue,
6 That seemes rough Masons hand with engines keene
Had long while laboured it to engraue:
8 There was his wonne, ne liuing wight was seene,
Saue one old Nymph, +hight+ Panope to keepe it cleane.