1 Minerua > Bellona 1590 5 the > her 1590
1 Like Minerva, being late returned
Minerva > (Roman goddess of war; Bellona (see Textual Appendix) is another name for her. Bellona is sometimes represented as the wife of Mars, while Minerva, specifically, is identified with Pallas Athene, the virgin goddess. Cf. 307.52:6, 706.3:7, 706.32:4-8; SC, "October", 114 and gloss) late > lately
2 From slaughter of the Giants conquered
Giants > (The vast beings which, sprung from the blood that fell from Uranus on the earth, piled Mount Ossa on Mount Pelion in order to launch an unsuccessful attack on Olympus, abode of the gods)
3 (Where proud Enceladus, whose wide nostrils burnt
Enceladus > (One of the Giants; traditionally, he was killed by Jupiter and buried under Mount Etna, whence he still breathes fire. In Myth. 6.21 it is Minerva who kills him)
4 With breathed flames, like a furnace red, 5 Transfixed with the spear, down tumbled dead 6 From top of Haemus, by him heaped high),
Haemus > (The Balkan Haemi are a lofty range of mountains separating Thrace and Moesia. Spenser's source for this detail is not known; Jupiter killed Typhoeus on Mount Haemus)
7 Has loosed her helmet from her lofty head,
Has > [Who has, when she has]
8 And her Gorgonian shield begins to untie
Gorgonian shield > (The Gorgons were three terrifying females with serpents for hair, wings, brazen claws, and huge teeth. One of them, Medusa, was a mortal. According to most accounts, Medusa desecrated one of Minerva's temples and the goddess turned her into a Gorgon in punishment. Medusa's visage became so horrible that anyone who saw it was turned to stone. Perseus managed to kill her (using a mirror so that he did not have to look at her directly); and afterwards Minerva placed Medusa's head in the centre of her shield or breastplate. See Met. 4.790-803)
9 From her left arm, to rest in glorious victory.
309.23
Which whenas they beheld, they smitten were
2 With great amazement of so wondrous sight,
And each on other, and they all on her
4 Stood gazing, as if suddein great affright
Had them surprised. At last auizing right,
6 Her goodly personage and glorious hew,
Which they so much mistooke, they tooke delight
8 In their first errour, and yet still anew
With wonder of her beauty fed their hungry vew.
1 Which when they beheld, they smitten were 2 With great amazement of so wondrous sight,
of so > by such a
3 And each on other, and they all on her, 4 Stood gazing, as if sudden great affright
affright > terror
5 Had them surprised. At last, advising right
advising right > perceiving correctly
6 Her goodly personage and glorious hue,
goodly > beautiful personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from the clothing} hue > colour, hence: complexion; also: form, shape, hence: figure
7 Which they so much mistook, they took delight 8 In their first error, and yet still anew 9 With wonder of her beauty fed their hungry view.
309.24
Yet note their hungry vew be satisfide,
2 But seeing still the more desir'd to see,
And euer firmely fixed did abide
4 In contemplation of diuinitie:
But +most+ they meruaild at her cheualree,
6 And noble prowesse, which they had approued,
That much they faynd to know, who she mote bee;
8 Yet none of all them her thereof amoued,
Yet euery one her likte, and euery one her loued.
5 most > omitted from 1596
1 Yet no'te their hungry view be satisfied,
no'te > could not
2 But, seeing, still the more desired to see, 3 And ever firmly fixed did abide
abide > remain
4 In contemplation of divinity: 5 But most they marvelled at her chivalry,
chivalry > knightly conduct
6 And noble prowess, which they had approved,
prowess > valour approved > proved, tested; approved
7 That much they fained to know who she might be;
That > [So that] fained > were eager
8 Yet none of all them her thereof amoved,
thereof amoved > [stirred of that; i.e. no one of the company ventured to disturb her privacy by asking who she was]
9 Yet everyone her liked, and everyone her loved.
309.25
And Paridell though partly discontent
2 With his late fall, and fowle indignity,
Yet was soone wonne his malice to relent,
4 Through gracious regard of her faire eye,
And knightly worth, which he too late did try,
6 Yet tried did adore. Supper was dight;
Then they Malbecco prayd of curtesy,
8 That of his Lady they might haue the sight,
And company at meat, to do them more delight.
1 And Paridell, though partly discontent 2 With his late fall and foul indignity,
late > recent
3 Yet was soon won his malice to relent,
won > persuaded relent > lessen, soften
4 Through gracious regard of her fair eye, 5 And knightly worth, which he too late did try,
late > recently try > test; experience
6 Yet, tried, did adore. Supper was dight;
dight > prepared; hence: served (as 211.2:8)
7 Then they Malbecco prayed of courtesy
prayed > besought of > [in the name of; out of]
8 That of his lady they might have the sight, 9 And company at meat, to do them more delight.
meat > food, dinner; hence: supper do > cause, give
309.26
But he to shift their curious request,
2 Gan causen, why she could not come in place;
Her crased health, her late recourse to rest,
4 And humid euening ill for sicke folkes cace:
But none of those excuses could take place;
6 Ne would they eate, till she in presence came.
She came in presence with right comely grace,
8 And fairely them saluted, as became,
And shewd her selfe in all a gentle curteous Dame.
1 But he, to shift their curious request,
shift > put off, evade curious > solicitous; inquisitive
2 Gan cause why she could not come in place:
Gan > Began to, did cause > explain, give excuses (WU) in place > there
3 Her crazed health, her late recourse to rest,
crazed > shattered, broken down, infirm late > recent
4 And humid evening, ill for sick folk's case;
ill > bad case > plight, state
5 But none of those excuses could take place,
take place > [be accepted]
6 Nor would they eat till she in presence came. 7 She came in presence with right comely grace,
right > very
8 And fairly them saluted, as became,
fairly > courteously saluted > greeted (with words and perhaps also a kiss) became > was fitting
9 And showed herself in all a gentle courteous dame.
gentle > gentle; noble
309.27
They sate to meat, and Satyrane his chaunce
2 Was her before, and Paridell besyde;
But he him selfe sate looking still askaunce,
4 Gainst Britomart, and euer closely eyde
Sir Satyrane, +that+ glaunces might not glyde:
6 But his blind eye, that syded Paridell,
All his +demeasnure+ from his sight did hyde:
8 On her faire face so did he feede his fill,
And sent close messages of loue to her at will.
5 that > with 1590 7 demeasnure > demeanure 1609
1 They sat to meat, and Satyrane his chance
meat > food, dinner; hence: supper Satyrane his > Satyrane's
2 Was her before, and Paridell beside;
her before > [to be seated opposite Hellenore]
3 But he himself sat looking still askance,
he > [Malbecco] still > ever, continually; or perhaps: yet (if suspecting that Britomart might yet be a man)
4 Gainst Britomart, and ever closely eyed
Gainst > Against, facing
5 Sir Satyrane, that glances might not glide:
that > [so that]
6 But his blind eye, that sided Paridell,
sided > [was side by side with; hence: was on the side of]
7 All his demeanour from his sight did hide:
his demeanour > [Paridell's conduct]
8 On her fair face so did he feed his fill,
so > thus he > [Paridell]
9 And sent close messages of love to her at will.
close > secret
309.28
And euer and anone, when none was ware,
2 With speaking lookes, that close embassage bore,
He rou'd at her, and told his secret care:
4 For all that art he learned had of yore.
Ne was she ignoraunt of that lewd lore,
6 But in his eye his meaning wisely red,
And with the like him answerd euermore:
8 She sent at him one firie dart, whose hed
Empoisned was with priuy lust, and gealous dred.
1 And ever and anon, when none was ware,
ever and anon > every now and then none > no one ware > aware; vigilant
2 With speaking looks, that close ambassage bore,
close > secret ambassage > {Properly, a message brought by an ambassador; hence: message}
3 He roved at her, and told his secret care:
roved > fired, shot (used of arrows) care > mental suffering; esteem, love (Latin carus)
4 For all that art he learned had of yore.
yore > old
5 Nor was she ignorant of that lewd lore,
lore > teaching, doctrine
6 But in his eye his meaning wisely read,
wisely > skilfully, expertly
7 And with the like him answered evermore: 8 She sent at him one fiery dart, whose head 9 Empoisoned was with privy lust and jealous dread.
Empoisoned > {Poisoned; dipped in poison (cf. 305.49:3)} privy > secret, hidden
309.29
He from that deadly throw made no defence,
2 But to the wound his weake hart opened wyde;
The wicked engine through false influence,
4 Past through his eyes, and secretly did glyde
Into his hart, which it did sorely gryde.
6 But nothing new to him was that same paine,
Ne paine at all; for he so oft had tryde
8 The powre thereof, and lou'd so oft in vaine,
That thing of course he counted, loue to entertaine.
1 He from that deadly throw made no defence,
from > [against] throw > {Throw, cast, action of hurling a missile}
2 But to the wound his weak heart opened wide; 3 The wicked engine, through false influence,
engine > contrivance; engine of destruction, missile; snare, wile
4 Passed through his eyes, and secretly did glide 5 Into his heart, which it did sorely gride.
gride > wound, pierce, run through
6 But nothing new to him was that same pain, 7 Nor pain at all; for he so oft had tried
tried > undergone; hence: experienced
8 The power thereof, and loved so oft in vain, 9 That thing of course he counted, love to entertain.
thing of course > [a] thing to be expected counted > [it] reckoned; hence: [it] regarded
309.30
Thenceforth to her he sought to intimate
2 His inward griefe, by meanes to him well knowne,
Now Bacchus fruit out of the siluer plate
4 He on the table dasht, as ouerthrowne,
Or of the fruitfull liquor ouerflowne,
6 And by the dauncing bubbles did diuine,
Or therein write to let his loue be showne;
8 Which well she red out of the learned line,
A sacrament prophane in mistery of wine.
1 Thenceforth to her he sought to intimate 2 His inward grief, by means to him well known: 3 Now Bacchus' fruit out of the silver plate
Bacchus' fruit > wine (Bacchus is the god of wine) plate > utensil, drinking-vessel; hence: goblet, wine-cup
4 He on the table dashed, as overthrown,
as overthrown > [as if it had been upset]
5 Or of the fruitful liquor overflowed,
of > by
6 And by the dancing bubbles did divine, 7 Or therein write to let his love be shown;
write > (See Ovid, Heroides 17.75-90)
8 Which well she read out of the learned line, 9 A sacrament profane in mystery of wine.
profane > (Since wine is used in the Eucharist)
309.31
And when so of his hand the pledge she raught,
2 The guilty cup she fained to mistake,
And in her lap did shed her idle draught,
4 Shewing desire her inward flame to slake:
By such close signes they secret way did make
6 Vnto their wils, and one eyes watch escape;
Two eyes him needeth, for to watch and wake,
8 Who louers will deceiue. Thus was the ape,
By their faire handling, put into Malbeccoes cape.
1 And when so of his hand the pledge she raught,
so > thus raught > reached, took (i.e. she took the cup from him)
2 The guilty cup she fained to mistake,
fained > was eager; or: feigned mistake > mis-take, fumble
3 And in her lap did shed her idle draught,
idle > unavailing
4 Showing desire her inward flame to slake. 5 By such close signs they secret way did make
close > secret
6 To their wills, and one eye's watch escape: 7 Two eyes him needs, to watch and wake,
him needs > [are necessary to him] wake > remain awake, keep guard
8 Who lovers will deceive. Thus was the ape,
ape > fool ("to put an ape in his hood" is to make a fool of some- one: see Chaucer, introduction to The Prioress's Tale, 1630)
9 By their fair handling, put into Malbecco's cape.
handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct cape > {Cloak with a hood}
309.32
Now when of meats and drinks they had their fill,
2 Purpose was moued by that gentle Dame,
Vnto those knights aduenturous, to tell
4 Of deeds of armes, which vnto them became,
And euery one his kindred, and his name.
6 Then Paridell, in whom a kindly pryde
Of gracious speach, and skill his words to frame
8 Abounded, being glad of so fit tyde
Him to commend to her, thus spake, of all well eyde.
1 Now when of meats and drinks they had their fill,
meats > foods, food had > [had had]
2 Purpose was moved by that gentle dame,
Purpose > [A] proposition gentle > noble; gentle
3 To those knights adventurous, to tell 4 Of deeds of arms which to them became,
became > [had] happened
5 And everyone his kindred, and his name. 6 Then Paridell, in whom a kindly pride
kindly > natural, innate pride > {Love of display or ostentation}
7 Of gracious speech, and skill his words to frame 8 Abounded, being glad of so fit tide
so > such [a] tide > occasion, opportunity
9 Him to commend to her, thus spoke, of all well eyed.
of > by
309.33
Troy, that art now nought, but an idle name,
2 And in thine ashes buried low dost lie,
Though whilome far much greater then thy fame,
4 Before that angry Gods, and cruell skye
Vpon thee heapt a direfull destinie,
6 What boots it boast thy glorious descent,
And fetch from heauen thy great Genealogie,
8 Sith all thy worthy prayses being blent,
Their of-spring hath embaste, and later glory shent.
1 "Troy, that are now naught but an idle name,
idle > empty
2 And in your ashes buried low do lie, 3 Though whilom far much greater than your fame,
whilom > in ancient times
4 Before angry gods, and cruel sky, 5 Upon you heaped a direful destiny,
direful > dreadful, terrible
6 What boots it boast your glorious descent,
boots it > does it avail to boast > boast of
7 And fetch from heaven your great genealogy,
heaven > (Olympus, since the founder of Troy, Dardanus, was a son of Jupiter. Furthermore, Aeneas, who ruled Troy after the fall of the house of Priam, was a son of Venus)
8 Sith all your worthy praises, being blended,
Sith > Since blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, obscured, spoiled
9 Their offspring has embased, and later glory shent.
has > (Notice that the number of the vb. agrees with "of-spring", here regarded as a singular sb.) embased > debased, depreciated shent > disgraced
309.34
Most famous Worthy of the world, by whome
2 That warre was kindled, which did Troy inflame,
And stately towres of Ilion whilome
4 Brought vnto balefull ruine, was by name
Sir Paris far renowmd through noble fame,
6 Who through great prowesse and bold hardinesse,
From Laced{ae}mon fetcht the fairest Dame,
8 That euer Greece did boast, or knight possesse,
Whom Venus to him gaue for meed of worthinesse.
1 "Most famous worthy of the world (by whom
Most > [The most] worthy > {Hero of antiquity}
2 That war was kindled, which did Troy inflame 3 And stately towers of Ilium whilom
Ilium > (Another name for Troy) whilom > in ancient times
4 Brought to baleful ruin) was by name
baleful > deadly, miserable
5 Sir Paris, far renowned through noble fame, 6 Who, through great prowess and bold hardiness,
prowess > valour
7 From Lacedaemon fetched the fairest dame
Lacedaemon > (Another name for Sparta: Helen was the consort of
Menelaus, its king)
8 That ever Greece did boast, or knight possess, 9 Whom Venus to him gave for meed of worthiness.
meed > reward (following the dispute on Mount Ida; see 207.55:5)
309.35
Faire Helene, flowre of beautie excellent,
2 And girlond of the mighty Conquerours,
That madest many Ladies deare lament
4 The heauie losse of their braue Paramours,
Which they far off beheld from Troian toures,
6 And saw the fieldes of faire Scamander strowne
With carcases of noble warrioures,
8 Whose fruitlesse liues were vnder furrow sowne,
And Xanthus sandy bankes with bloud all ouerflowne.
1 "Fair Helen, flower of beauty excellent,
excellent > supreme (she was the most beautiful woman in the world)
2 And garland of the mighty conquerors, 3 That made many ladies dear lament 4 The heavy loss of their brave paramours,
heavy > sad, grievous brave > brave; splendid, fine
5 Which they far off beheld from Trojan towers, 6 And saw the fields of fair Scamander strewn
Scamander > (One of the two principal rivers of Troy)
7 With carcases of noble warriors, 8 Whose fruitless lives were under furrow sown, 9 And Xanthus' sandy banks with blood all overflowed.
Xanthus > (Another name for the Scamander)
309.36
From him my linage I deriue aright,
2 Who long before the ten yeares siege of Troy,
Whiles yet on Ida he a shepheard hight,
4 On faire Oenone got a louely boy,
Whom for remembraunce of her passed ioy,
6 She of his Father Parius did name;
Who, after Greekes did Priams realme destroy,
8 Gathred the Troian reliques sau'd from flame,
And with them sayling thence, to th'Isle of Paros came.
1 "From him my lineage I derive aright,
aright > properly, justly; straight, hence: directly
2 Who, long before the ten years' siege of Troy, 3 While yet on Ida he a shepherd hight,
shepherd > (Paris was the second son of King Priam. Before his birth his mother, Hecuba, dreamed she had brought forth a fire- brand which ignited the whole city. Thus as soon as the child was born he was left out on Mount Ida; but he was found and sub- sequently raised by a shepherd, who gave him the name of Paris) hight > was called
4 On fair Oenone got a lovely boy
Oenone > (Daughter of the river god Cebren and wife of Paris)
5 Whom, for remembrance of her passed joy, 6 She of his father `Parius' did name;
of > after
7 Who, after Greeks did Priam's realm destroy, 8 Gathered the Trojan relics saved from flame 9 And, with them sailing thence, to the Isle of Paros came.
Paros > (In the Aegean Sea)
309.37
That was by him cald Paros, which before
2 Hight Nausa, there he many yeares did raine,
And built Nausicle by the Pontick shore,
4 The which he dying left next in remaine
To Paridas his sonne.
6 From whom I Paridell by kin descend;
But for faire Ladies loue, and glories gaine,
8 My natiue soile haue left, my dayes to spend
In +sewing+ deeds of armes, my liues and labours end.
9 sewing > seewing 1590, 1596
1 "That was by him called Paros, which before 2 Hight Nausa: there he many years did reign,
Hight > Was named
3 And built Nausicle by the Pontic shore,
Pontic > [Black Sea]
4 Which he, dying, left next in remain
next in remain > [designating the one remaining immediately after him, his immediate heir]
5 To Paridas his son. 6 From whom I, Paridell, by kin descend; 7 But for fair ladies' love, and glory's gain,
ladies' > (Or, Hellenore might assume, "lady's")
8 My native soil have left, my days to spend 9 In suing deeds of arms, my life's and labours' end."
suing > pursuing
309.38
Whenas the noble Britomart heard tell
2 Of Troian warres, and Priams Citie sackt,
The ruefull story of Sir Paridell,
4 She was empassiond at that piteous act,
With zelous enuy of Greekes cruell fact,
6 Against that nation, from whose race of old
She heard, that she was lineally extract:
8 For noble Britons sprong from Troians bold,
And Troynouant was built of old Troyes ashes cold.
1 When the noble Britomart heard tell 2 Of Trojan wars, and Priam's city sacked 3 (The rueful story of Sir Paridell), 4 She was empassioned at that piteous act,
empassioned at > [moved or touched with deep feeling by]
5 With zealous envy of Greeks' cruel fact
envy > enmity, malice; hence: hatred fact > deed
6 Against that nation from whose race of old, 7 She heard, she was lineally extract:
heard > [had heard] extract > extracted: derived, descended
8 For noble Britons sprang from Trojans bold,
Britons > (See 210.9 ff.)
9 And Troynovant was built of old Troy's ashes cold.
Troynovant > (London. For a note on the etymology, see 210.46:5)
309.39
Then sighing soft awhile, at last she thus:
2 O lamentable fall of famous towne,
Which raignd so many yeares victorious,
4 And of all +Asie+ bore the soueraigne crowne,
In one sad night consumd, and throwen downe:
6 What stony hart, that heares thy haplesse fate,
Is not empierst with deepe compassiowne,
8 And makes ensample of mans wretched state,
That floures so fresh at morne, and fades at euening late?
4 Asie > Asia 1609
1 Then, sighing soft awhile, at last she thus: 2 "O lamentable fall of famous town, 3 Which reigned so many years victorious, 4 And of all Asia bore the sovereign crown,
sovereign > supreme
5 In one sad night consumed, and thrown down: 6 What stony heart, that hears your hapless fate, 7 Is not empierced with deep compassion,
empierced > transfixed
8 And makes example of man's wretched state,
example > [an] example, [a] pattern, hence: a metaphor (cf. Ps. 90.6)
9 That flowers so fresh at morn, and fades at evening late?
309.40
Behold, Sir, how your pitifull complaint
2 Hath found another partner of your payne:
For nothing may impresse so deare constraint,
4 As countries cause, and commune foes disdayne.
But if it should not grieue you, backe agayne
6 To turne your course, I would to heare desyre,
What to Aeneas fell; sith that men sayne
8 He was not in the Cities wofull fyre
Consum'd, but did him selfe to safetie retyre.
1 "Behold, sir, how your pitiful complaint 2 Has found another partner of your pain:
partner of > sharer of, participant in
3 For nothing may impress so dear constraint
so dear constraint > such grievous affliction
4 As country's cause and common foes' disdain. 5 But if it should not grieve you, back again 6 To turn your course, I would to hear desire 7 What to Aeneas fell; sith men say
fell > happened sith > since
8 He was not in the city's woeful fire 9 Consumed, but did himself to safety retire."
309.41
Anchyses sonne begot of Venus faire,
2 (Said he,) out of the flames for safegard fled,
And with a remnant did to sea repaire,
4 Where he through fatall errour long was led
Full many yeares, and weetlesse wandered
6 From shore to shore, emongst the Lybicke sands,
Ere rest he found. Much there he suffered,
8 And many perils past in forreine lands,
To saue his people sad from victours vengefull hands.
1 "Anchises' son, begotten of Venus fair,"
Anchises > (Father of Aeneas)
2 Said he, "out of the flames for safeguard fled,
safeguard > safety, protection
3 And with a remnant did to sea repair,
repair > go, betake himself
4 Where he through fatal error long was led
fatal error > predestined wandering (cf. Aen. 1.2, 210.9:8)
5 Full many years, and weetless wandered
Full > Very weetless > unknowing, in ignorance (WUS)
6 From shore to shore, amongst the Libyan sands,
sands > shores, beaches
7 Ere rest he found. Much there he suffered, 8 And many perils passed in foreign lands,
passed > endured
9 To save his people sad from victors' vengeful hands.
309.42
At last in Latium he did arriue,
2 Where he with cruell warre was entertaind
Of th'inland folke, which sought him backe to driue,
4 Till he with old Latinus was constraind,
To contract wedlock: (so the fates ordaind.)
6 Wedlock contract in bloud, and eke in blood
Accomplished, that many deare complaind:
8 The riuall slaine, the victour through the flood
Escaped hardly, hardly praisd his wedlock good.
1 "At last in Latium he did arrive,
Latium > (A country in Italy, originally between the Rivers Tiber and Numicus. Its people were among the most ancient inhabitants of Italy, and are sometimes called "Aborigines". Their town of Alba Longa boasted a Trojan origin, though the story of Trojan settlement in Italy is probably no more credible than that of Trojan settlement in Britain)
2 Where he with cruel war was entertained
entertained > received
3 Of the inland folk, who sought him back to drive,
Of > By
4 Till he with old Latinus was constrained
Latinus > (King of Latium, son of Faunus and the nymph Marica)
5 To contract wedlock (so the fates ordained).
wedlock > (With Lavinia, daughter of Latinus, promised to Turnus, king of the Rutulians)
6 Wedlock contract in blood, and eke in blood
contract > contracted eke > also
7 Accomplished, that many dear complained:
that > [so that] dear complained > grievously lamented
8 The rival slain, the victor through the flood
rival > [Turnus: see Aen. 12]
9 Escaped hardly, hardly praised his wedlock good.
hardly > with difficulty
309.43
Yet after all, he victour did suruiue,
2 And with Latinus did the kingdome part.
But after, when both nations gan to striue,
4 Into their names the title to conuart,
His sonne I{u"}lus did from thence depart,
6 With all the warlike youth of Troians bloud,
And in long Alba plast his throne apart,
8 Where faire it florished, and long time stoud,
Till Romulus renewing it, to Rome +remoud+.
9 remoud > remou'd 1609
1 "Yet, after all, he victor did survive,
victor > [as victor]
2 And with Latinus did the kingdom part.
part > divide (fulfilling Jupiter's prophecy at Aen. 1.267 ff.)
3 But after, when both nations began to strive 4 Into their names the title to convert, 5 His son Iulus did from thence depart,
Iulus > (By Creusa; his name was Ilus while Troy stood. Also called
Ascanius)
6 With all the warlike youth of Trojans' blood, 7 And in long Alba placed his throne apart,
long Alba > [Alba Longa]
8 Where fair it flourished, and long time stood,
long time > [for a long time: 300 years, in fact]
9 Till Romulus, renewing it, to Rome removed."
Romulus > (A son of Ilia, by Mars. A descendant of Iulus, Romulus was the founder of Rome)
309.44
There there (said Britomart) a fresh appeard
2 The glory of the later world to spring,
And Troy againe out of her dust was reard,
4 To sit in second seat of soueraigne king,
Of all the world vnder her gouerning.
6 But a third kingdome yet is to arise,
Out of the Troians scattered of-spring,
8 That in all glory and great enterprise,
Both first and second Troy shall dare to equalise.
1 "There there," said Britomart, "afresh appeared
"There there," said Britomart, "afresh appeared > ["In Rome," said
Britomart, "there appeared afresh]
2 The glory of the later world to spring, 3 And Troy again out of her dust was reared, 4 To sit in second seat of sovereign king,
sovereign > [a] supreme
5 Of all the world under her governing. 6 But a third kingdom yet is to arise, 7 Out of the Trojans' scattered offspring, 8 That in all glory and great enterprise, 9 Both first and second Troy shall dare to equalize.
equalize > equal, match
309.45
It Troynouant is hight, that with the waues
2 Of wealthy Thamis washed is along,
Vpon whose stubborne neck, whereat he raues
4 With roring rage, and sore him selfe does throng,
That all men feare to tempt his billowes strong,
6 She fastned hath her foot, which standes so hy,
That it a wonder of the world is song
8 In forreine landes, and all which passen by,
Beholding it from far, do thinke it threates the skye.
1 "It Troynovant is hight, that with the waves
Troynovant > (London. For a note on the etymology, see 210.46:5) hight > called
2 Of wealthy Thames washed is along,
along > {At full length; in a linear manner}
3 Upon whose stubborn neck (whereat he raves
stubborn > intractable whereat > at which
4 With roaring rage, and sore himself does throng,
throng > press, jostle
5 That all men fear to tempt his billows strong)
That > [So that] tempt > test, try, risk the perils of
6 She fastened has her foot, which stands so high
She > [Troynovant]
7 That it a wonder of the world is sung 8 In foreign lands, and all who pass by, 9 Beholding it from far, do think it threats the sky.
threats > threatens
309.46
The Troian Brute did first that Citie found,
2 And +Hygate+ made the meare thereof by West,
And Ouert gate by North: that is the bound
4 Toward the land; two riuers bound the rest.
So huge a scope at first him seemed best,
6 To be the compasse of his kingdomes seat:
So huge a mind could not in lesser rest,
8 Ne in small meares containe his glory great,
That Albion had conquered first by warlike feat.
2 Hygate > Hygate gate 1596
1 "The Trojan Brutus did first that city found,
Brutus > (See 210.9:6 ff.)
2 And Highgate made the mere thereof by west,
mere > boundary
3 And Overt Gate by north: that is the bound
Overt > Open (unlike Highgate, this gate is not identifiable today) bound > boundary
4 Toward the land; two rivers bound the rest.
two rivers > (One appears to be the Thames; the other is not clearly identifiable)
5 So huge a scope at first him seemed best, 6 To be the compass of his kingdom's seat:
compass > area, extent
7 So huge a mind could not in lesser rest,
lesser > [a lesser compass]
8 Nor in small meres contain his glory great, 9 That Albion had conquered first by warlike feat."
Albion > (England: for a note on the etymology, see 210.6:7)
309.47
Ah fairest Lady knight, (said Paridell)
2 Pardon I pray my heedlesse ouersight,
Who had forgot, that whilome I heard tell
4 From aged Mnemon; for my wits bene light.
Indeed he said (if I remember right,)
6 That of the antique Troian stocke, there grew
Another plant, that raught to wondrous hight,
8 And far abroad his mighty branches threw,
Into the vtmost Angle of the world he knew.
1 "Ah, fairest lady knight," said Paridell, 2 "Pardon I pray my heedless oversight, 3 Who had forgotten, that whilom I heard tell
Who > [Such that I; in that I] that > [that that] whilom > formerly
4 From aged Mnemon; for my wits been light.
Mnemon > "Memory" (Greek) been > [are, were]
5 Indeed, he said (if I remember right) 6 That of the antique Trojan stock there grew
antique > ancient
7 Another plant, that raught to wondrous height,
raught > reached, attained
8 And far abroad his mighty branches threw, 9 Into the utmost angle of the world he knew.
angle > corner
309.48
For that same Brute, whom much he did aduaunce
2 In all his speach, was Syluius his sonne,
Whom hauing slaine, through luckles arrowes glaunce
4 He fled for feare of that he had misdonne,
Or else for shame, so fowle reproch to shonne,
6 And with him led +to sea+ an youthly trayne,
Where wearie wandring they long time did wonne,
8 And many fortunes prou'd in th'Ocean mayne,
And great aduentures found, that now were long to sayne.
6 to sea > to the sea 1596
1 "For that same Brutus, whom much he did advance
he > [Mnemon] advance > praise, extol
2 In all his speech, was Silvius his son,
Silvius his > Silvius's
3 Whom having slain, through luckless arrow's glance
Whom > [Silvius] glance > shot (esp. an oblique shot)
4 He fled for fear of that he had misdone,
that > [that which] misdone > done wrong
5 Or else for shame, so foul reproach to shun,
so > [such a]
6 And with him led to sea a youthly train,
youthly > youthful train > company, retinue
7 Where, weary wandering, they long time did won,
weary > wearily won > dwell
8 And many fortunes proved in the ocean main,
proved > experienced ocean main > {The main or great seas of the world, Oceanus being the sea personified as a god}
9 And great adventures found, that now were long to say.
were long to say > [would take a long time to tell]
309.49
At last by fatall course they driuen were
2 Into an Island spatious and brode,
The furthest North, that did to them appeare:
4 +Which+ after rest they seeking far abrode,
Found it the fittest soyle for their abode,
6 Fruitfull of all things fit for liuing foode,
But wholy wast, and void of peoples trode,
8 Saue an huge nation of the Geaunts broode,
That fed on liuing flesh, and druncke mens vitall blood.
4 Which > And 1609
1 "At last by fatal course they driven were
fatal > preordained (as 210.9:8)
2 Into an island spacious and broad, 3 The furthest north that did to them appear: 4 Which, after rest, they, seeking far abroad,
seeking > investigating; hence: exploring abroad > in different directions
5 Found it the fittest soil for their abode, 6 Fruitful of all things fit for living food,
living food > [providing sustenance, food enabling one to sustain life]
7 But wholly waste, and void of people's trod,
waste > uncultivated, "vnmanurd" (210.5:4) trod > tread, footprint, track
8 Save a huge nation of the giants' brood,
nation > race
9 That fed on living flesh, and drunk men's vital blood.
vital > living (Spenser contradicts his statement that the country was empty of people; then again, perhaps the giants' appetites had left it so)
309.50
Whom he through wearie wars and labours long,
2 Subdewd with losse of many Britons bold:
In which the great Goemagot of strong
4 Corineus, and Coulin of Debon old
Were ouerthrowne, and layd on th'earth full cold,
6 Which quaked vnder their so hideous masse,
A famous history to be enrold
8 In euerlasting moniments of brasse,
That all the antique Worthies merits far did passe.
1 "Whom he, through weary wars and labours long,
labours long > (See 210.10 ff.)
2 Subdued with loss of many Britons bold: 3 In which the great Go{e"}magot of strong
of > by
4 Corineus, and Coulin of Debon old
of > by
5 Were overthrown, and laid on the earth full cold,
full cold > very cold (i.e. stone dead)
6 Which quaked under their so hideous mass,
hideous > immense
7 A famous history to be enrolled 8 In everlasting monuments of brass, 9 That all the antique worthies' merits far did pass.
antique worthies > (Heroes of antiquity; or the Nine Worthies: see 303.4:4) pass > surpass
309.51
His worke great Troynouant, his worke is eke
2 Faire Lincolne, both renowmed far away,
That who from East to West will endlong seeke,
4 Cannot two fairer Cities find this day,
Except Cleopolis: so heard I say
6 Old Mnemon. Therefore Sir, I greet you well
Your countrey kin, and you entirely pray
8 Of pardon for the strife, which late befell
Betwixt vs both vnknowne. So ended Paridell.
1 "His work great Troynovant, his work is eke
great > [is great] eke > also
2 Fair Lincoln, both renowned far away,
Lincoln > (The authority for this statement is not known)
3 That who from east to west will endlong seek,
That > [So that] who > [whoever, he who] endlong > from end to end
4 Cannot two fairer cities find this day, 5 Except Cleopolis: so heard I say
Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; the seat of Gloriana, hence, elsewhere in the allegory, intended to denote London)
6 Old Mnemon. Therefore, sir, I greet you well,
sir > (Addressing Britomart as a knight)
7 Your country kin, and you entirely pray
Your country kin > [As your fellow countryman] entirely > unreservedly
8 Of pardon for the strife, which late befell
Of > For
9 Betwixt us both unknown." So ended Paridell.
unknown > [when we were unknown to each other]
309.52
But all the while, that he these speaches spent,
2 Vpon his lips hong faire Dame Hellenore,
With vigilant regard, and dew attent,
4 Fashioning worlds of fancies euermore
In her fraile wit, that now her quite forlore:
6 The whiles vnwares away her wondring eye,
And greedy eares her weake hart from her bore:
8 Which he perceiuing, euer priuily
In speaking, many false belgardes at her let fly.
1 But, all the while that he these speeches spent, 2 Upon his lips hung fair Dame Hellenore, 3 With vigilant regard, and due attent,
attent > attention
4 Fashioning worlds of fancies evermore 5 In her frail wit, that now her quite forlore:
frail > weak, morally weak wit > mind forlore > forsook
6 The whiles unwares away her wondering eye
The whiles > Meanwhile unwares > unwittingly wondering > marvelling
7 And greedy ears her weak heart from her bore:
greedy > eager
8 Which he perceiving, ever privily
privily > secretly
9 In speaking, many false belgards at her let fly.
belgards > loving looks (WUS)
309.53
So long these knights discoursed diuersly,
2 Of straunge affaires, and noble hardiment,
Which they had past with mickle ieopardy,
4 That now the humid night was farforth spent,
And heauenly lampes were halfendeale ybrent:
6 Which th'old man seeing well, who too long thought
Euery discourse and euery argument,
8 Which by the houres he measured, besought
Them go to rest. So all vnto their bowres were brought.
1 So long these knights discoursed diversely
So > Thus, in this manner diversely > variously; also: distractingly
2 Of strange affairs, and noble hardiment,
hardiment > hardihood; boldness, audacity
3 Which they had passed with mickle jeopardy,
passed > endured mickle > much
4 That now the humid night was far-forth spent,
That > [So that] far-forth > far
5 And heavenly lamps were halfendeal burnt:
heavenly lamps > [the stars] halfendeal > half
6 Which the old man, seeing well, (who too long thought
thought > [deemed]
7 Every discourse and every argument, 8 Which by the hours he measured) besought 9 Them go to rest. So all to their bowers were brought.
go > [to go] bowers > rooms
CANTO X
Paridell rapeth Hellenore:
2 Malbecco her pursewes:
Findes emongst Satyres, whence with him
4 To turne she doth refuse.
1 Paridell rapes Hellenore:
rapes > carries off; ravishes
2 Malbecco her pursues: 3 Finds amongst satyrs, whence with him
Finds > [And finds] satyrs > (Horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat-like below, usually portrayed as more or less lustful. In Roman mythology, Satyr, one of the satyrs, is a companion of Bacchus with long, pointed ears, behind which are the stumps of horns, with the tail of a goat, bristly hair, and a flat nose. Unlike those at 106.7 ff., the satyrs in this canto conform to the usual literary pattern)
4 To turn she does refuse.
turn > return
310.1
THe morow next, so soone as Ph{oe}bus Lamp
2 Bewrayed had the world with early light,
And fresh Aurora had the shady damp
4 Out of the goodly heauen amoued quight,
Faire Britomart and that same Faerie knight
6 Vprose, forth on their iourney for to wend:
But Paridell complaynd, that his late fight
8 With Britomart, so sore did him offend,
That ryde he could not, till his hurts he did amend.
1 The morrow next, so soon as Phoebus' lamp 2 Bewrayed had the world with early light,
Bewrayed > Revealed; betrayed; also: berayed, aspersed; and: be-rayed, covered with rays
3 And fresh Aurora had the shady damp
Aurora > (We may be intended to infer here a correspondence between Tithonus and Malbecco; at 102.7:2 Aurora is described as "weary of aged Tithones saffron bed") damp > mist
4 Out of the goodly heaven amoved quite,
goodly > beautiful amoved > removed; hence: dispersed
5 Fair Britomart and that same Faery knight
that same Faery knight > [Satyrane]
6 Uprose, forth on their journey to wend: 7 But Paridell complained that his late fight
late > recent
8 With Britomart so sore did him offend
offend > pain
9 That ride he could not, till his hurts he did amend.
hurts > injuries amend > heal, put right
310.2
So forth they far'd, but he behind them stayd,
2 Maulgre his host, who grudged grieuously,
To house a guest, that would be needes obayd,
4 And of his owne him left not liberty:
Might wanting measure moueth surquedry.
6 Two things he feared, but the third was death;
That fierce youngmans vnruly maistery;
8 His money, which he lou'd as liuing breath;
And his faire wife, whom honest long he kept vneath.
1 So forth they fared, but he behind them stayed, 2 Maugre his host, who grudged grievously
Maugre > in spite of, notwithstanding grudged > grumbled
3 To house a guest that would be needs obeyed,
needs > of necessity
4 And of his own him left not liberty:
his own > [his own household] liberty > [the liberty]
5 Might wanting measure moves surquidry.
Might wanting measure moves surquidry > Power lacking restraint leads to arrogance (measure = temperance, moderation; surquidry = arrogance, presumption)
6 Two things he feared, but the third was death; 7 That fierce young man's unruly mastery;
young man > (A compound sb., like "old man" (108.30:2, etc.) or "old woman" (302.47:4))
8 His money, which he loved as living breath; 9 And his fair wife, whom honest long he kept uneath.
honest > virtuous, chaste uneath > with difficulty
310.3
But patience perforce he must abie,
2 What fortune and his fate on him will lay,
Fond is the feare, that findes no remedie;
4 Yet warily he watcheth euery way,
By which he feareth euill happen may:
6 So th'euill thinkes by watching to preuent;
Ne doth he suffer her, nor night, nor day,
8 Out of his sight her selfe once to absent.
So doth he punish her and eke himselfe torment.
1 But patience perforce he must aby
patience perforce > (Proverbial: patience upon compulsion, like it or not. Cf. 203.3:3) aby > suffer, endure
2 What Fortune and his fate on him will lay, 3 Fond is the fear that finds no remedy;
Fond > Foolish
4 Yet warily he watches every way 5 By which he fears evil happen may: 6 So the evil thinks by watching to prevent; 7 Nor does he suffer her, +nor+ night nor day,
suffer > allow nor > neither
8 Out of his sight herself once to absent. 9 So does he punish her, and eke himself torment.
eke > also
310.4
But Paridell kept better watch, then hee,
2 A fit occasion for his turne to find:
False loue, why do men say, thou canst not see,
4 And in their foolish fancie feigne thee blind,
That with thy charmes the sharpest sight doest bind,
6 And to thy will abuse? Thou walkest free,
And seest euery secret of the mind;
8 Thou seest all, yet none at all sees thee;
All that is by the working of thy Deitee.
1 But Paridell kept better watch than he, 2 A fit occasion for his turn to find:
turn > purpose
3 False Love, why do men say you cannot see,
Love > [Cupid, who is often depicted wearing a blindfold: he shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit]
4 And in their foolish fancy feign you blind,
feign > fashion, form; hence: depict blind > [as blind]
5 That with your charms the sharpest sight does bind,
charms > spells bind > enwreath, encircle, tie up
6 And to your will abuse? You walk free, 7 And see every secret of the mind; 8 You see all, yet none at all sees you; 9 All that is by the working of your deity.
deity > godhead
310.5
So perfect in that art was Paridell,
2 That he +Melbeccoes+ halfen eye did wyle,
His halfen eye he wiled wondrous well,
4 And Hellenors both eyes did eke beguyle,
Both eyes and hart attonce, during the whyle
6 That he there soiourned his wounds to heale;
That Cupid selfe it seeing, close did smyle,
8 To weet how he her loue away did steale,
And bad, that none their ioyous treason should reueale.
1 Melbeccoes > Malbeccoes 1590, 1609
1 So perfect in that art was Paridell 2 That he Malbecco's halfen eye did wile,
halfen > half (WUS; perhaps derived from "halfendeal". "Halfen eye" = halved eyesight, for he is blind in one eye: see 309.27:6) wile > deceive
3 His halfen eye he wiled wondrous well, 4 And Hellenore's both eyes did eke beguile,
eke > also
5 Both eyes and heart at once, during the while
at once > together
6 That he there sojourned, his wounds to heal; 7 That Cupid himself, it seeing, close did smile,
That > [So that] close > secretly
8 To weet how he her love away did steal,
weet > see, perceive
9 And bade that none their joyous treason should reveal.
310.6
The learned louer lost no time nor tyde,
2 That least auantage mote to him afford,
Yet bore so faire a saile, that none espyde
4 His secret drift, till he her layd abord.
When so in open place, and commune bord,
6 He fortun'd her to meet, with commune speach
Her courted her, yet bayted euery word,
8 That his vngentle hoste n'ote him appeach
Of vile vngentlenesse, or hospitages breach.