9 hight > high 1590
1 His bower is in the bottom of the main,
bower > dwelling main > main ocean, high sea; sea
2 Under a mighty rock, gainst which do rave
gainst > against
3 The roaring billows in their proud disdain,
disdain > anger; malice, resentment
4 That with the angry working of the wave
That > [So that]
5 Therein is eaten out a hollow cave,
hollow > hollow; insincere, false, hungry
6 That seems rough mason's hand with engines keen
engines > tools; machines keen > sharp
7 Had long while laboured, it to engrave:
engrave > sculpture; hence: carve out
8 There was his won, nor living wight was seen,
won > dwelling-place wight > creature
9 Save one old nymph, hight Panope, to keep it clean.
nymph > {Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. This one is a nereid, a sea-nymph} hight > named Panope > "All Seeing" (Greek; she sees all the deeds enacted under her master's roof. She reappears at 411.49:8, and see Hesiod, Theogony 250)
308.38
Thither he brought the sory Florimell,
2 And entertained her the best he might
And Panope her entertaind eke well,
4 As an immortall mote a mortall wight,
To winne her liking vnto his delight:
6 With flattering words he sweetly wooed her,
And offered faire gifts t'allure her sight,
8 But she both offers and the offerer
Despysde, and all the fawning of the flatterer.
1 Thither he brought the sorry Florimell,
sorry > {Distressed; full of grief}
2 And entertained her the best he might;
might > could
3 And Panope her entertained eke well,
eke > in addition
4 As an immortal might a mortal wight,
wight > woman
5 To win her liking to his delight:
win > persuade liking > inclination, approval, consent
6 With flattering words he sweetly wooed her, 7 And offered fair gifts to allure her sight, 8 But she both offers and the offerer 9 Despised, and all the fawning of the flatterer.
308.39
Daily he tempted her with this or that,
2 And neuer suffred her to be at rest:
But euermore she him refused flat,
4 And all his fained kindnesse did +detest,+
So firmely she had sealed vp her brest.
6 Sometimes he boasted, that a God he hight:
But she a mortall creature loued best:
8 Then he would make himselfe a mortall wight;
But then she said she lou'd none, but a Faerie knight.
4 detest, > detest. 1596
1 Daily he tempted her with this or that, 2 And never suffered her to be at rest:
suffered > allowed
3 But evermore she him refused flat, 4 And all his feigned kindness did detest,
feigned kindness > feigned kindness; dissimulated love ("kindness" in the sense found at 308.15:1)
5 So firmly she had sealed up her breast. 6 Sometimes he boasted that a god he hight:
hight > was called
7 But she a mortal creature loved best: 8 Then he would make himself a mortal wight;
wight > man
9 But then she said she loved none but a Faery knight.
none > no one
308.40
Then like a Faerie knight himselfe he drest;
2 For euery shape on him he could endew:
Then like a king he was to her exprest,
4 And offred kingdomes vnto her in vew,
To be his Leman and his Ladie trew:
6 But when all this he nothing saw preuaile,
With harder meanes he cast her to subdew,
8 And with sharpe threates her often did assaile,
So thinking for to make her stubborne courage quaile.
1 Then like a Faery knight himself he dressed;
dressed > dressed; arrayed (with armour, etc.)
2 For every shape on him he could endue:
endue > put on (as a garment)
3 Then like a king he was to her expressed,
expressed > portrayed
4 And offered kingdoms to her in view,
in view > in her view; or, lacking the final comma: with the object, hence: to prevail upon her
5 To be his leman and his lady true:
leman > lover, mistress
6 But when all this he nothing saw prevail,
nothing > not in the least prevail > avail; prevail
7 With harder means he cast her to subdue,
cast > resolved
8 And with sharp threats her often did assail,
sharp > sharp (probably with connotation of the meaning at 308.33:4)
9 So thinking to make her stubborn courage quail.
So > In this manner courage > spirit
308.41
To dreadfull shapes he did himselfe transforme,
2 Now like a Gyant, now like to a feend,
Then like a Centaure, then like to a storme,
4 Raging within the waues: thereby he weend
Her will to win vnto his wished +end+.
6 But when with feare, nor fauour, nor with all
He else could doe, he saw himselfe esteemd,
8 Downe in a Dongeon deepe he let her fall,
And threatned there to make her his eternall thrall.
5 end > eend 1590
1 To dreadful shapes he did himself transform, 2 Now like a giant, now like a fiend, 3 Then like a centaur, then like a storm
centaur > {Fabulous creature with the head, arms and trunk of a man and the lower parts of a horse}
4 Raging within the waves: thereby he weened
weened > thought, supposed
5 Her will to win to his wished end.
win > persuade
6 But when with fear, nor favour, nor with all
with fear > [neither with fear]
7 He else could do, he saw himself esteemed,
else > otherwise
8 Down in a dungeon deep he let her fall, 9 And threatened there to make her his eternal thrall.
thrall > slave
308.42
Eternall thraldome was to her more liefe,
2 Then losse of chastitie, or chaunge of loue:
Die had she rather in tormenting griefe,
4 Then any should of falsenesse her reproue,
Or loosenesse, that she lightly did remoue.
6 Most vertuous virgin, glory be thy meed,
And crowne of heauenly praise with Saints aboue,
8 Where most sweet hymmes of this thy famous deed
Are still emongst them song, that far my rymes exceed.
1 Eternal thraldom was to her more lief
thraldom > captivity, slavery lief > agreeable, acceptable
2 Than loss of chastity, or change of love: 3 Die had she rather in tormenting grief
Die had she rather > [She would rather have died]
4 Than any should of falseness her reprove,
Than > [Than that] reprove > condemn
5 Or looseness, that she lightly did remove.
that > [in that] remove > [remove her love from Marinell]
6 Most virtuous virgin, glory be your meed,
meed > reward
7 And crown of heavenly praise with saints above, 8 Where most sweet hymns of this your famous deed 9 Are still amongst them sung, that far my rhymes exceed.
exceed > surpass
308.43
Fit song of Angels caroled to bee;
2 But yet what so my feeble Muse can frame,
Shall be t'aduance thy goodly chastitee,
4 And to enroll thy memorable name,
In th'heart of euery honourable Dame,
6 That they thy vertuous deedes may imitate,
And be partakers of thy endlesse fame.
8 It yrkes me, leaue thee in this wofull state,
To tell of Satyrane, where I him left of late.
1 Fit song of angels carolled to be;
of > by carolled > sung
2 But yet whatso my feeble Muse can frame
whatso > whatever frame > give expression to, compose
3 Shall be to advance your goodly chastity
advance > extol
4 And to enrol your memorable name 5 In the heart of every honourable dame, 6 That they your virtuous deeds may imitate,
That > [So that]
7 And be partakers of your endless fame.
partakers of > participants in; sharers of
8 It irks me leave you in this woeful state,
irks > troubles; shames leave > [to leave]
9 To tell of Satyrane, where I him left of late.
308.44
Who hauing ended with that Squire of Dames
2 A long discourse of his aduentures vaine,
The which himselfe, then Ladies more defames,
4 And finding not th'Hyena to be slaine,
With that same Squire, returned backe againe
6 To his first way. And as they forward went,
They spyde a knight faire pricking on the plaine,
8 As if he were on some aduenture bent,
And in his port appeared manly hardiment.
1 Who, having ended with that Squire of Dames 2 A long discourse of his adventures vain,
vain > foolish; futile
3 Which himself, than ladies more defame, 4 And finding not the hyena to be slain,
hyena > (The monster is described only as "likest" to a hyena at 307.22:8)
5 With that same squire returned back again 6 To his first way. And, as they forward went, 7 They spied a knight fair pricking on the plain,
fair > handsome, good-looking (qualifying the knight); expertly, becomingly (qualifying "pricking") pricking > spurring his horse, riding
8 As if he were on some adventure bent,
bent > bound
9 And in his port appeared manly hardiment.
port > deportment, bearing (i.e. hardiment is discernible in his demeanour) hardiment > hardihood; boldness
308.45
Sir Satyrane him towards did addresse,
2 To weet, what wight he was, and what his quest:
And comming nigh, eftsoones he gan to +gesse+
4 Both by the burning hart, which on his brest
He bare, and by the colours in his crest,
6 That Paridell it was. Tho to him yode,
And him saluting, as beseemed best,
8 Gan first inquire of tydings farre abrode;
And afterwardes, on what aduenture now he rode.
3 gesse > ghesse 1609
1 Sir Satyrane him towards did address,
address > betake himself, go
2 To weet what wight he was, and what his quest:
weet > find out wight > man
3 And coming nigh, eftsoons he began to guess,
eftsoons > soon
4 Both by the burning heart (which on his breast 5 He bore) and by the colours in his crest, 6 That Paridell it was. Tho to him yode,
Paridell > (This is his first appearance in the poem; he is known to
Satyrane, but not to us)
Tho > Then
yode > went
7 And him saluting, as beseemed best,
beseemed best > was most fitting
8 Gan first inquire of tidings far abroad;
Gan > Did
9 And afterwards, on what adventure now he rode.
308.46
Who thereto answering, said; The tydings bad,
2 Which now in Faerie court all men do tell,
Which turned hath great mirth, to mourning sad,
4 Is the late ruine of proud Marinell,
And suddein parture of faire Florimell,
6 To find him forth: and after her are gone
All the braue knights, that doen in armes excell,
8 To sauegard her, ywandred all alone;
Emongst the rest my lot (vnworthy) is to be one.
1 Who thereto answering, said: "The tidings bad,
thereto > to that
2 Which now in Faery court all men do tell, 3 Which turned has great mirth to mourning sad,
has > (The singular verb with the plural "tidings" was formerly not unusual)
4 Is the late ruin of proud Marinell,
late ruin > recent downfall
5 And sudden departure of fair Florimell 6 To find him forth: and after her are gone 7 All the brave knights that do in arms excel,
brave > brave; splendid arms > {Deeds of arms}
8 To safeguard her, wandered all alone; 9 Amongst the rest my lot (unworthy) is to be one."
308.47
Ah gentle knight (said then Sir Satyrane)
2 Thy labour all is lost, I greatly dread,
That hast a thanklesse seruice on thee ta'ne,
4 And offrest sacrifice vnto the dead:
For dead, I +surely+ doubt, thou maist aread
6 Henceforth for euer Florimell to be,
That all the noble knights of Maydenhead,
8 Which her ador'd, may sore repent with me,
And all faire Ladies may for euer sory be.
5 surely > sorely sugg. Upton; see 308.48:6
1 "Ah, gentle knight," said then Sir Satyrane,
gentle > noble
2 "Your labour all is lost, I greatly dread, 3 That have a thankless service on you taken,
That > [In that you]
4 And offer sacrifice to the dead: 5 For dead, I sorely doubt, you may aread
sorely > (Following Upton's suggestion: see Textual Appendix) doubt > fear aread > adjudge; declare
6 Henceforth for ever Florimell to be, 7 That all the noble knights of Maidenhead,
That > [So that; or: that sad fact] Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order)
8 Which her adored, may sore repent with me,
sore > grievously
9 And all fair ladies may for ever sorry be."
308.48
Which words when Paridell had heard, his hew
2 Gan greatly chaunge, and seem'd dismayd to bee;
Then said, Faire Sir, how may I weene it trew,
4 That ye doe tell in such vncertaintee?
Or speake ye of report, or did ye see
6 Iust cause of dread, that makes ye doubt so sore?
For perdie else how mote it euer bee,
8 That euer hand should dare for to engore
Her noble bloud? the heauens such crueltie abhore.
1 Which words when Paridell had heard, his hue
hue > colour; appearance
2 Gan greatly change, and seemed dismayed to be;
Gan > Did
3 Then said, "Fair sir, how may I ween it true,
ween > believe
4 That you do tell in such uncertainty?
That > [That which]
5 Or speak you of report, or did you see
Or > Either; hence: do report > rumour, [a] rumour
6 Just cause of dread, that makes you doubt so sore?
doubt > fear
7 For pardie else how might it ever be
pardie > truly, "by God" else > otherwise might > could
8 That ever hand should dare to engore
engore > make gory [cause blood to coagulate by shedding it]
9 Her noble blood? The heavens such cruelty abhor."
308.49
These eyes did see, that they will euer rew
2 +T'haue+ seene, (quoth he) when as a monstrous beast
The Palfrey, whereon she did trauell, slew,
4 And of his bowels made +his bloudie+ feast:
Which speaking token sheweth at the least
6 Her certaine losse, if not her sure decay:
Besides, that more suspition encreast,
8 I found her golden girdle cast astray,
Distaynd with durt and bloud, as relique of the pray.
2 T'haue > To haue 1590 4 his bloudie > a bloudy 1609
1 "These eyes did see (that they will ever rue 2 To have seen)," quoth he, "when a monstrous beast 3 The palfrey, whereon she did travel, slew,
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies} whereon > on which
4 And of his bowels made his bloody feast: 5 Which speaking token shows at the least 6 Her certain loss, if not her sure decay:
decay > death
7 Besides, that more suspicion increased,
that more > [and that more greatly my]
8 I found her golden girdle cast astray, 9 Distained with dirt and blood, as relic of the prey."
Distained > Stained, sullied prey > {Act of preying, as 307.36:6}
308.50
Aye me, (said Paridell) the signes be sad,
2 And but God turne the same to good soothsay,
That Ladies safetie is sore to be drad:
4 Yet will I not forsake my forward way,
Till triall doe more certaine truth bewray.
6 Faire Sir (quoth he) well may it you succeed,
Ne long shall Satyrane behind you stay,
8 But to the rest, which in this Quest proceed
My labour adde, and be partaker of their speed.
1 "Ay me," said Paridell, "the signs be sad,
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect) be > [are] sad > ill-omened; grievous
2 And but God turn the same to good soothsay,
but > unless good soothsay > [a] favourable omen
3 That lady's safety is sore to be dreaded: 4 Yet will I not forsake my forward way,
forward > forward (in direction); eager
5 Till trial do more certain truth bewray."
trial > inquiry bewray > reveal
6 "Fair sir," quoth he, "well may it you succeed,
succeed > succeed in; give success to
7 Nor long shall Satyrane behind you stay, 8 But to the rest which in this quest proceed
rest > [of the Faery knights]
9 My labour add, and be partaker of their speed."
add > [I shall add] partaker of > [a] participant in, [a] sharer of speed > success; speed; promptness
308.51
Ye noble knights (said then the Squire of Dames)
2 Well may ye speed in so praiseworthy paine:
But sith the Sunne now ginnes to slake his beames,
4 In deawy vapours of the westerne maine,
And lose the teme out of his weary waine,
6 Mote not mislike you also to abate
Your zealous hast, till morrow next againe
8 Both light of heauen, and strength of men relate:
Which if ye please, to yonder castle turne your gate.
1 "You noble knights," said then the Squire of Dames, 2 "Well may you speed in so praiseworthy pain:
speed > succeed, thrive so > [such a] pain > effort
3 But sith the sun now begins to slake his beams
sith > since
4 In dewy vapours of the western main,
main > sea
5 And loosen the team out of his weary wain,
team > [team of horses] wain > chariot (in which Phoebus Apollo makes his daily journey across the sky)
6 Might not mislike you also to abate
not mislike > [it] not displease
7 Your zealous haste, till morrow next again 8 Both light of heaven, and strength of men relates:
relates > brings back, restores (SU)
9 Which if you please, to yonder castle turn your gate."
you please > [this advice you pleases] gate > way, journey (closely cognate with "gait"); hence: course
308.52
That counsell pleased well; so all yfere
2 Forth marched to a Castle them before,
Where soone arriuing, they restrained were
4 Of readie entrance, which ought euermore
To errant knights be +commun+: wondrous sore
6 Thereat displeasd they were, till that young Squire
Gan them informe the cause, why that same dore
8 Was shut to all, which lodging did desire:
The which to let you weet, will further time require.
5 commun > commune 1590
1 That counsel pleased well; so all yfere
yfere > together
2 Forth marched to a castle them before, 3 Where, soon arriving, they restrained were
restrained > deprived
4 Of ready entrance, which ought evermore 5 To errant knights be common: wondrous sore
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating) common > generally accessible; hence: freely available
6 Thereat displeased they were, till that young squire
Thereat > Because of that, at that
7 Gan them inform the cause why that same door
Gan > Did cause > reason
8 Was shut to all which lodging did desire: 9 Which, to let you weet, will further time require.
weet > discover, learn
CANTO IX
Malbecco will no straunge knights host,
2 For peeuish gealosie:
Paridell giusts with Britomart:
4 Both shew their auncestrie.
1 Malbecco will no strange knights host,
strange > foreign; new-come
2 For peevish jealousy:
peevish > senseless, crazy; malicious; perverse; peevish
3 Paridell jousts with Britomart: 4 Both show their ancestry.
show > explain, expound
309.1
REdoubted knights, and honorable Dames,
2 To whom I leuell all my labours end,
Right sore I feare, least with vnworthy blames
4 This odious argument my rimes should shend,
Or ought your goodly patience offend,
6 Whiles of a wanton Lady I do write,
Which with her loose incontinence doth blend
8 The shyning glory of your soueraigne light,
And knighthood fowle defaced by a faithlesse knight.
1 Redoubted knights, and honourable dames,
Redoubted > Distinguished; doughty
2 To whom I level all my labours' end,
level > direct, aim (as in levelling a weapon)
3 Right sore I fear lest with unworthy blames
Right > Very, greatly blames > accusations, imputations
4 This odious argument my rhymes should shend,
argument > subject-matter shend > disgrace ("rimes" is the object)
5 Or aught your goodly patience offend,
goodly > courteous; graceful, fine, elevated
6 While of a wanton lady I do write 7 (Who with her loose incontinence does blend
blend > stir up, render turbid; hence: defile
8 The shining glory of your sovereign light) 9 And knighthood foully defaced by a faithless knight.
knighthood > [while I do write of knighthood]
309.2
But neuer let th'ensample of the bad
2 Offend the good: for good by paragone
Of euill, may more notably be rad,
4 As white seemes fairer, macht with blacke +attone+;
Ne all are shamed by the fault of one:
6 For lo in heauen, whereas all goodnesse is,
Emongst the Angels, a whole legione
8 Of wicked Sprights did fall from happy blis;
What wonder then, if one of women all did mis?
4 attone > attonce 1590
1 But never let the example of the bad 2 Offend the good: for good, by paragon
paragon > comparison
3 Of evil, may more notably be read,
Of > With read > seen; made known
4 As white seems fairer matched with black at one;
at one > together; simultaneously
5 Nor all are shamed by the fault of one:
all are > [are all]
6 For lo in heaven, where all goodness is, 7 Amongst the angels, a whole legion 8 Of wicked sprites did fall from happy bliss; 9 What wonder then, if one of women all did miss?
of women all > [among all women] miss > go astray
309.3
Then listen Lordings, if ye list to weet
2 The cause, why Satyrane and Paridell
Mote not be entertaynd, as seemed meet,
4 Into that Castle (as that Squire does tell.)
Therein a cancred crabbed Carle does dwell,
6 That has no skill of Court nor courtesie,
Ne cares, what men say of him ill or well;
8 For all his dayes he drownes in priuitie,
Yet has full large to liue, and spend at libertie.
1 Then listen, lordings, if you list to weet
lordings > gentlemen; lords list > please, choose weet > learn
2 The cause why Satyrane and Paridell
cause > reason
3 Might not be entertained, as seemed meet,
Might > Could entertained > received meet > fitting, appropriate
4 Into that castle (as that squire does tell).
squire > (The Squire of Dames, continuing from 308.52)
5 "Therein a cankered crabbed carl does dwell,
cankered > malignant, spiteful; ill-tempered crabbed > perverse; churlish carl > churl; villain; niggard
6 That has no skill of court nor courtesy,
skill > knowledge
7 Nor cares what men say of him, ill or well;
ill > evilly
8 For all his days he drowns in privity,
privity > seclusion
9 Yet has full large to live, and spend at liberty.
large > liberality, bounty, largess, money; hence: means
309.4
But all his mind is set on mucky pelfe,
2 To hoord vp heapes of euill gotten masse,
For which he others wrongs, and wreckes himselfe;
4 Yet he is lincked to a louely lasse,
Whose beauty doth +her+ bounty far surpasse,
6 The which to him both far vnequall yeares,
And also far vnlike conditions has;
8 For she does ioy to play emongst her peares,
And to be free from hard restraint and gealous feares.
5 her > his 1609
1 "But all his mind is set on mucky pelf,
pelf > money, cash, "filthy lucre"
2 To hoard up heaps of evil-gotten mass,
mass > ("In mass" is a term used to describe gold or silver in the mass; hence: treasure)
3 For which he others wrongs, and wrecks himself; 4 Yet he is linked to a lovely lass, 5 Whose beauty does her bounty far surpass,
bounty > virtue
6 Who to him both far unequal years
far unequal > (She is much younger)
7 And also far unlike conditions has;
conditions > personal qualities, personality, tastes
8 For she does joy to play amongst her peers,
joy > enjoy, take delight play > (In various senses, including that of sexual diversion: cf. 308.20:3)
9 And to be free from hard restraint and jealous fears.
309.5
But he is old, and withered like hay,
2 Vnfit faire Ladies seruice to supply;
The priuie guilt whereof makes him alway
4 Suspect her truth, and keepe continuall spy
Vpon her with his other blincked eye;
6 Ne suffreth he resort of liuing wight
Approch to her, ne keepe her company,
8 But in close bowre her mewes from all mens sight,
Depriu'd of kindly ioy and naturall delight.
1 "But he is old, and withered like hay, 2 Unfit fair lady's service to supply;
service > sexual gratification
3 The privy guilt whereof makes him alway
privy > private, hidden alway > always
4 Suspect her truth, and keep continual spy
truth > fidelity; virtue, integrity spy > watch
5 Upon her with his other blinked eye;
his other > his remaining (i.e. his one remaining; see 309.27:6) blinked > {Affected with a blink; also: deceived}
6 Nor suffers he resort of living wight
suffers > permits resort > assemblage, company, repair; hence, loosely: [the] presence wight > person [to]
7 Approach to her, nor keep her company, 8 But in close bower her mews from all men's sight,
close bower > [a] secret chamber mews > hides
9 Deprived of kindly joy and natural delight.
kindly > natural
309.6
Malbecco he, and Hellenore she hight,
2 Vnfitly yokt together in one teeme,
That is the cause, why neuer any knight
4 +Is+ suffred here to enter, but he seeme
Such, as no doubt of him he neede misdeeme.
6 Thereat Sir Satyrane gan smile, and say;
Extremely mad the man I surely deeme,
8 That weenes with watch and hard restraint to stay
A womans will, which is disposd to go astray.
4 Is > It 1596
1 "Malbecco he, and Hellenore she, hight,
Malbecco > "Evil Goat", "Misguided Cuckold" (Italian: mal, bad, wrong; becco, billy-goat, cuckold) Hellenore > "Beyond Helen" ("ore" is an obsolete spelling of "o'er", "over"; with possible pun on "whore". She is named after Helen of Troy: see 310.13:1) hight > [they] are named
2 Unfitly yoked together in one team,
team > {Pair of animals used for draught; hence: marriage}
3 That is the cause why never any knight 4 Is suffered here to enter, but he seem
suffered > allowed but > unless
5 Such as no doubt of him he need misdeem."
doubt > doubt; fear he > [Malbecco] misdeem > suspect
6 Thereat Sir Satyrane gan smile, and say:
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that gan > did
7 "Extremely mad the man, I surely deem, 8 That weens with watch and hard restraint to stay
weens > imagines, supposes stay > restrain
9 A woman's will, which is disposed to go astray.
309.7
In vaine he feares that, which he cannot shonne:
2 For who wotes not, that womans subtiltyes
Can guilen Argus, when she list +misdonne+?
4 It is not yron bandes, nor hundred eyes,
Nor brasen walls, nor many wakefull spyes,
6 That can withhold her wilfull wandring feet;
But fast good will with gentle curtesyes,
8 And timely seruice to her pleasures meet
May her perhaps containe, that else would algates fleet.
3 misdonne > disdonne 1590
1 "In vain he fears that which he cannot shun: 2 For who wots not, that woman's subtleties
wots > knows
3 Can guile Argus, when she list misdo?
guile > deceive; beguile list > chooses, pleases misdo > [to] do wrong
4 It is not iron bonds, nor hundred eyes, 5 Nor brazen walls, nor many wakeful spies, 6 That can withhold her wilful wandering feet; 7 But fast goodwill with gentle courtesies,
fast > firm, close
8 And timely service to her pleasures meet
meet > appropriate
9 May her perhaps contain, that else would algates fleet."
contain > keep under control that else > who otherwise algates > altogether; after all; hence: surely fleet > waver, fluctuate; slip away, vanish
309.8
Then is he not more mad (said Paridell)
2 That hath himselfe vnto such seruice sold,
In dolefull thraldome all his dayes to dwell?
4 For sure a foole I do him firmely hold,
That loues his fetters, though they were of gold.
6 But why do we deuise of others ill,
Whiles thus we suffer this same dotard old,
8 To keepe vs out, in scorne of his owne will,
And rather do not ransack all, and him selfe kill?
1 "Then is he not more mad," said Paridell, 2 "That has himself to such service sold, 3 In doleful thraldom all his days to dwell?
thraldom > slavery
4 For sure a fool I do him firmly hold, 5 That loves his fetters, though they were of gold. 6 But why do we devise of other's ill,
devise > talk other's ill > [another's plight]
7 While thus we suffer this same dotard old
suffer > allow
8 To keep us out in scorn of his own will,
scorn > [the] contempt
9 And rather do not ransack all, and himself kill?"
309.9
Nay let vs first (said +Satyrane)+ entreat
2 The man by gentle meanes, to let vs in,
And afterwardes affray with cruell threat,
4 Ere that we to efforce it do begin:
Then if all fayle, we will by force it win,
6 And eke reward the wretch for his mesprise,
As may be worthy of his haynous sin.
8 That counsell pleasd: then Paridell did rise,
And to the Castle gate approcht in quiet wise.
1 Satyrane) > Satyrane 1596
1 "Nay, let us first," said Satyrane, "entreat 2 The man, by gentle means, to let us in, 3 And afterwards affray with cruel threat,
affray > terrify [him]
4 Ere we to efforce it do begin:
efforce > force open (SUFQ) it > (Presumably, the castle; or Malbecco's hospitality)
5 Then, if all fails, we will by force it win, 6 And eke reward the wretch for his misprize,
eke > moreover misprize > contempt, scorn; mistake; failure to appreciate [the wrath of his visitors]
7 As may be worthy of his heinous sin." 8 That counsel pleased: then Paridell did rise, 9 And to the castle gate approached in quiet wise.
wise > manner, fashion
309.10
Whereat soft knocking, entrance he desyrd.
2 The good man selfe, which then the Porter playd,
Him answered, that all were now retyrd
4 Vnto their rest, and all the keyes conuayd
Vnto their maister, who in bed was layd,
6 That none him durst awake out of his dreme;
And therefore them of patience gently prayd.
8 Then Paridell began to chaunge his theme,
And threatned him with force and punishment extreme.
1 Whereat soft knocking, entrance he desired.
Whereat > At which
2 The goodman himself, who then the porter played,
goodman > {Male head of a household; host of an inn; keeper of a prison; husband; yeoman} porter > {Door-keeper; one who has charge of a door or gate (from the Latin portarius, etymologically distinct from the "porter" who carries burdens)} played > acted, hence: was pretending to be
3 Him answered that all were now retired 4 To their rest, and all the keys conveyed 5 To their master, who in bed was laid, 6 That none him dared awake out of his dream;
That > [So that]
7 And therefore them of patience gently prayed.
them of patience gently prayed > [politely entreated them to be patient]
8 Then Paridell began to change his theme, 9 And threatened him with force and punishment extreme.
309.11
But all in vaine; for nought mote him relent,
2 And now so long before the wicket fast
They wayted, that the night was forward spent,
4 And the faire welkin fowly ouercast,
Gan blowen vp a bitter stormy blast,
6 With shoure and hayle so horrible and dred,
That this faire many were compeld at last,
8 To fly for succour to a little shed,
The which beside the gate for swine was ordered.
1 But all in vain; for naught might him relent,
might > could relent > cause to relent
2 And now so long before the wicket fast
wicket > {Small door or gate made in or placed beside a large one} fast > (Of a door) bolted, locked
3 They waited that the night was forward spent,
forward spent > [well advanced]
4 And the fair welkin, foully overcast,
welkin > sky
5 Gan blow up a bitter stormy blast,
Gan > Began to, did
6 With shower and hail so horrible and dread,
dread > dreadful, fearsome
7 That this fair many were compelled at last
many > meinie: company
8 To fly for succour to a little shed,
fly > flee succour > shelter
9 Which beside the gate for swine was ordered.
was ordered > was arranged, hence: had been placed
309.12
It fortuned, soone after they were gone,
2 Another knight, whom the tempest thither brought,
Came to that Castle, and with earnest mone,
4 Like as the rest, late entrance deare besought;
But like so as the rest he prayd for nought,
6 For flatly he of entrance was refusd,
Sorely thereat he was displeasd, and thought
8 How to auenge himselfe so sore abusd,
And euermore the Carle of curtesie accusd.
1 It fortuned, soon after they were gone, 2 Another knight, whom the tempest thither brought,
Another > [That another]
3 Came to that castle and, with earnest moan,
moan > complaint, lamentation; hence: entreaty
4 Like the rest, late entrance dear besought;
dear > earnestly, keenly; also: desirable, precious (qualifying "late entrance")
5 But like the rest he prayed for naught,
prayed > besought
6 For flatly he entrance was refused; 7 Sorely thereat he was displeased, and thought
thereat > at that
8 How to avenge himself so sore abused, 9 And evermore the carl of courtesy accused.
carl > churl; villain; niggard of > [in the name of]
309.13
But to auoyde th'intollerable stowre,
2 He was compeld to seeke some refuge neare,
And to that shed, to shrowd him from the showre,
4 He came, which full of guests he found +whyleare+,
So as he was not let to enter there:
6 Whereat he gan to wex exceeding wroth,
And swore, that he would lodge with them yfere,
8 Or them dislodge, all were they liefe +or loth+;
And +so defide them+ each, and so defide them both.
4 whyleare > why leare 1596 8 or loth > orloth 1596 9 so defide them > defide them 1596; them defied 1609
1 But, to avoid the intolerable stour,
stour > storm, driving storm (Scottish and northern dialect)
2 He was compelled to seek some refuge near, 3 And to that shed, to shroud himself from the shower,
shroud > shelter
4 He came, which full of guests he found whilere,
whilere > erewhile: a while before; hence: already
5 So as he was not let to enter there:
as he was not let > [that he was not allowed]
6 Whereat he began to wax exceeding wroth,
Whereat > At which, whereupon wax > grow
7 And swore that he would lodge with them yfere,
yfere > together
8 Or them dislodge, all were they lief or loath;
all were they lief or loath > [whether they liked it or not]
9 And so defied them each, and so defied them both.
both > (The two knights, Sir Paridell and Sir Satyrane; a squire would not be challenged)
309.14
Both were full loth to leaue that needfull tent,
2 And both full loth in darkenesse to debate;
Yet both full liefe him lodging to haue lent,
4 And both full liefe his boasting to abate;
But chiefly Paridell his hart did grate,
6 To heare him threaten so despightfully,
As if he did a dogge +to+ kenell rate,
8 That durst not barke; and rather had he dy,
Then when he was defide, in coward corner ly.
7 to > in 1590
1 Both were full loath to leave that needful tent,
full > very, exceedingly tent > (Fig., as a shelter used by travellers)
2 And both full loath in darkness to debate;
debate > fight
3 Yet both full lief him lodging to have lent,
full lief > [were] very willing ("lief" used antithetically to "loath", as at 309.13:8)
4 And both full lief his boasting to abate; 5 But chiefly Paridell his heart did grate
Paridell his > Paridell's grate > grind (cf. 101.19:6)
6 To hear him threaten so despitefully,
despitefully > scornfully
7 As if he did a dog to kennel rate,
rate > drive (by scolding)
8 That dared not bark; and rather had he die
rather had he die > [he would rather have died]
9 Than, when he was defied, in coward corner lie.
coward > [a] cowardly
309.15
Tho hastily remounting to his steed,
2 He forth issew'd; like as a boistrous wind,
Which in th'earthes hollow caues hath long bin hid,
4 And shut vp fast within her prisons blind,
Makes the huge element against her kind
6 To moue, and tremble as it were agast,
Vntill that it an issew forth may find;
8 Then forth it breakes, and with his furious blast
Confounds both land and seas, and skyes doth ouercast.
1 Tho hastily remounting his steed,
Tho > Then
2 He forth issued, like a boisterous wind
boisterous > violently fierce
3 Which in the Earth's hollow caves has long been hidden 4 And, shut up fast within her prisons blind,
fast > firmly; closely blind > {Dark, lightless; lacking an opening; secret}
5 Makes the huge element against her kind
huge element > [Earth] kind > nature
6 Move, and tremble as she were aghast,
as > [as though] aghast > terrified
7 Until he an issue forth may find;
issue > outlet
8 Then forth he breaks, and with his furious blast
blast > {Blast; also: blighting wind, breath of a malignant power, as 102.38:6, since it causes the skies to become overcast}
9 Confounds both land and seas, and skies does overcast.
Confounds > Overthrows, lays waste; also, perhaps: throws into confusion, mixes up [the two elements]
309.16
Their steel-hed speares they strongly coucht, and met
2 Together with impetuous rage and forse,
That with the terrour of their fierce affret,
4 They rudely droue to ground both man and horse,
That each awhile lay like a sencelesse corse.
6 But Paridell sore brused with the blow,
Could not arise, the counterchaunge to scorse,
8 Till that young Squire him reared from below;
Then drew he his bright sword, and gan about him throw.
1 Their steel-headed spears they strongly couched, and met
couched > {Placed in their rests and lowered, ready for attack}
2 Together with impetuous rage and force, 3 That with the terror of their fierce affret
That > [So that] affret > encounter, onslaught (WUFQ)
4 They rudely drove to ground both man and horse,
rudely > violently; ignobly
5 That each awhile lay like a senseless corse.
That > [So that] corse > corpse
6 But Paridell, sore bruised with the blow, 7 Could not arise, the counterchange to scorse,
counterchange > exchange; hence: requital scorse > barter, bargain, exchange; hence: deal
8 Till that young squire him reared from below; 9 Then drew he his bright sword, and gan about him throw.
gan > did him > [himself] throw > turn, twist
309.17
But Satyrane forth stepping, did them stay
2 And with faire treatie pacifide their +ire,+
Then when they were accorded from the fray,
4 Against that Castles Lord they gan conspire,
To heape on him dew vengeaunce for his hire.
6 They bene agreed, and to the gates they goe
To burne the same with vnquenchable fire,
8 And that vncurteous Carle their commune foe
To do fowle death to dye, or wrap in grieuous woe.
2 ire, > ire; 1590
1 But Satyrane, forth stepping, did them stay
stay > hold back
2 And with fair treaty pacified their ire;
treaty > speech, negotiation; entreaty, persuasion
3 Then, when they were accorded from the fray,
accorded > reconciled
4 Against that castle's lord they gan conspire,
gan > did
5 To heap on him due vengeance for his hire.
hire > reward
6 They been agreed, and to the gates they go
been > [are]
7 To burn the same with unquenchable fire, 8 And that uncourteous carl, their common foe,
uncourteous > discourteous carl > churl; villain; niggard
9 To do foul death to die, or wrap in grievous woe.
do > make [a]
309.18
Malbecco seeing them resolu'd in deed
2 To flame the gates, and hearing them to call
For fire in earnest, ran with fearefull speed,
4 And to them calling from the castle wall,
Besought them humbly, him to beare with all,
6 As ignoraunt of seruants bad abuse,
And slacke attendaunce vnto straungers call.
8 The knights were willing all things to excuse,
Though nought beleu'd, and entraunce late did not refuse.
1 Malbecco, seeing them resolved indeed 2 To flame the gates, and hearing them to call 3 For fire in earnest, ran with fearful speed 4 And, to them calling from the castle wall, 5 Besought them humbly him to bear withal,
him to bear withal > [to bear with him]
6 As ignorant of servants' bad abuse, 7 And slack attendance to strangers' call.
attendance > attention; service
8 The knights were willing all things to excuse 9 (Though naught believed), and entrance late did not refuse.
naught believed > [they believed none of it]
309.19
They bene ybrought into a comely bowre,
2 And seru'd of all things that mote needfull bee;
Yet secretly their hoste did on them lowre,
4 And welcomde more for feare, then charitee;
But they dissembled, what they did not see,
6 And welcomed themselues. Each gan vndight
Their garments wet, and weary armour free,
8 To dry them selues by Vulcanes flaming light,
And eke their lately bruzed parts to bring in plight.
1 They been brought into a comely bower,
been > [were] bower > room
2 And served of all things that might needful be;
of > with
3 Yet secretly their host did on them lour, 4 And welcomed more for fear than charity; 5 But they dissembled what they did not see, 6 And welcomed themselves. Each gan undight
Each gan undight > [All] did unfasten
7 Their garments wet, and weary armour free, 8 To dry themselves by Vulcan's flaming light,
Vulcan > (God of fire)
9 And eke their lately bruised parts to bring in plight.
eke > also lately > recently in plight > to health
309.20
And eke that straunger knight emongst the +rest,+
2 Was for like need enforst to disaray:
Tho whenas vailed was her loftie crest,
4 Her golden locks, that were in tramels gay
Vpbounden, did them selues adowne display,
6 And raught vnto her heeles; like sunny beames,
That in a cloud their light did long time stay,
8 Their vapour vaded, shew their golden gleames,
And through the +persant+ aire shoote forth their +azure+ streames.
1 rest, > rest; 1590, 1596 9 persant > persent 1609; present 1611: a striking example of corruption; azure sugg. Collier 9 azure > persant sugg. Collier
1 And eke that stranger knight amongst the rest
eke > also stranger > new-come
2 Was for like need enforced to disarray:
like > [a] similar disarray > disrobe, divest herself [of armour]
3 Tho, when vailed was her lofty crest,
Tho > Then vailed > lowered; doffed crest > helmet
4 Her golden locks, that were in trammels gay
trammels > plaits, braids
5 Upbound, did themselves adown display,
adown > down display > spread, spread out; display
6 And raught to her heels: like sunny beams
raught > reached
7 That in a cloud their light did long time stay,
stay > fix; restrain
8 Their vapour vaded, show their golden gleams,
Their > [The clouds', confusing the number; or, perhaps, a variant spelling of "There"] vaded > [having been] dimmed, withered, hence: having been dispersed (variant of "faded") their > [the beams']
9 And through the azure air shoot forth their perceant streams.
perceant > piercing (I have changed the word-order to follow Collier's suggestion: see Textual Appendix. The syntax of lines 6-9 is confusing, but the intention is clear)
309.21
She also dofte her heauy haberieon,
2 Which the faire feature of her limbs did hyde,
And her well plighted frock, which she did won
4 To tucke about her short, when she did ryde,
She low let fall, that flowd from her lanck syde
6 Downe to her foot, with carelesse modestee.
Then of them all she plainly was espyde,
8 To be a woman wight, vnwist to bee,
The fairest woman wight, that euer eye did see.
1 She also doffed her heavy habergeon,
habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail}
2 Which the fair feature of her limbs did hide, 3 And her well plighted frock, which she did won
plighted > pleated did won > used, was accustomed
4 To tuck about her short when she did ride, 5 She low let fall; that flowed from her lank side
lank > lean, slender
6 Down to her foot, with careless modesty. 7 Then of them all she plainly was espied,
of > by
8 To be a woman wight, unwist to be,
wight > person (redundant, and thus intensifying "woman") unwist > unknown
9 The fairest woman wight that ever eye did see.
309.22
Like as +Minerua+, being late returnd
2 From slaughter of the Giaunts conquered;
Where proud Encelade, whose wide nosethrils burnd
4 With breathed flames, like to a furnace red,
Transfixed with +the+ speare, downe tombled ded
6 From top of Hemus, by him heaped hye;
Hath loosd her helmet from her lofty hed,
8 And her Gorgonian shield gins to vntye
From her left arme, to rest in glorious victorye.