CANTO XII
The maske of Cupid, and th'enchaunted
2 Chamber are displayd,
Whence Britomart redeemes faire
4 Amoret, through charmes decayd.
1 The Masque of Cupid, and the enchanted 2 Chamber are displayed, 3 Whence Britomart redeems fair 4 Amoret, through charms decayed.
charms > magic spells decayed > wasted, debilitated
312.1
THo when as chearlesse Night ycouered had
2 Faire heauen with an vniuersall cloud,
That euery wight dismayd with darknesse sad,
4 In silence and in sleepe themselues did shroud,
She heard a shrilling Trompet sound aloud,
6 Signe of nigh battell, or got victory;
Nought therewith daunted was her courage proud,
8 But rather stird to cruell enmity,
Expecting euer, when some foe she might descry.
1 Tho when cheerless Night covered had
Tho > Then
Night > (Nox; see 304.55 ff.)
2 Fair heaven with a universal cloud, 3 That every wight, dismayed with darkness sad,
That > [So that] every > [all severally: all the wights; cf. 301.58:1] wight > person, creature sad > sad; heavy
4 In silence and in sleep themselves did shroud,
shroud > conceal
5 She heard a shrilling trumpet sound aloud, 6 Sign of nigh battle, or got victory; 7 Naught therewith daunted was her courage proud,
therewith > with that courage > spirit
8 But rather stirred to cruel enmity, 9 Expecting ever when some foe she might descry.
Expecting ever > Waiting continuously when > [for the time when]
312.2
With that, an hideous storme of winde arose,
2 With dreadfull thunder and lightning atwixt,
And an earth-quake, as if it streight would lose
4 The worlds foundations from his centre fixt;
A direfull stench of smoke and sulphure mixt
6 Ensewd, whose noyance fild the fearefull sted,
From the fourth houre of night vntill the sixt;
8 Yet the bold Britonesse was nought ydred,
Though much emmou'd, but stedfast still perseuered.
1 With that, a hideous storm of wind arose,
hideous > terrific; hence: violent (cf. 101.6:6)
2 With dreadful thunder and lightning atwixt,
atwixt > between; hence: also, mixed in
3 And an earthquake, as if it straight would loose
straight > straightway, immediately
4 The world's foundations from its centre fixed;
centre fixed > [fixed centre]
5 A direful stench of smoke and sulphur mixed
direful > terrible, dreadful
6 Ensued, whose noyance fild the fearful stead
noyance > annoyance fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) stead > place
7 From the fourth hour of night until the sixth;
the fourth hour of night > [10 p.m.] sixth > [midnight]
8 Yet the bold Britoness was naught adrad,
adrad > frightened
9 Though much enmoved, but steadfast still persevered.
enmoved > moved persevered > remained [where she was]
312.3
All suddenly a stormy whirlwind blew
2 Throughout the house, that clapped euery dore,
With which that yron wicket open flew,
4 As it with mightie leuers had bene tore:
And forth issewd, as on the ready flore
6 Of some Theatre, a graue personage,
That in his hand a branch of laurell bore,
8 With comely haueour and count'nance sage,
Yclad in costly garments, fit for tragicke Stage.
1 All suddenly a stormy whirlwind blew 2 Throughout the house, that clapped every door,
clapped > slammed
3 With which that iron wicket open flew,
wicket > {Small door or gate made in or placed beside a large one; hence: door: see 311.54:7}
4 As it with mighty levers had been torn:
As > [As if] torn > forced
5 And forth issued, as on the ready floor
ready > prepared [as if for a performance, with an expectant audience]
6 Of some theatre, a grave personage, 7 That in his hand a branch of laurel bore, 8 With comely haviour and countenance sage,
haviour > deportment, bearing
9 Clad in costly garments, fit for tragic stage.
312.4
Proceeding to the midst, he still did stand,
2 As if in mind he somewhat had to say,
And to the vulgar beckning with his hand,
4 In signe of silence, as to heare a play,
By liuely actions he gan bewray
6 Some argument of matter passioned;
Which doen, he backe retyred soft away,
8 And passing by, his name discouered,
Ease, on his robe in golden letters cyphered.
1 Proceeding to the midst, he still did stand, 2 As if in mind he somewhat had to say,
somewhat > something
3 And to the vulgar beckoning with his hand,
vulgar > common people (typically, the groundlings in the pit of the theatre)
4 In sign of silence, as to hear a play, 5 By lively actions he gan bewray
gan bewray > did reveal
6 Some argument of matter passioned;
argument > subject-matter [of the show about to be performed] matter passioned > [the] matter expressed [in the show]
7 Which done, he back retired soft away, 8 And, passing by, his name discovered:
discovered > revealed
9 Ease, on his robe in golden letters ciphered.
ciphered > written
312.5
The noble Mayd, still standing all this vewd,
2 And merueild at his strange intendiment;
With that a ioyous fellowship issewd
4 Of Minstrals, making goodly meriment,
With wanton Bardes, and Rymers impudent,
6 All which together sung full chearefully
A lay of loues delight, with sweet +concent+:
8 After whom marcht a iolly company,
In manner of a maske, enranged orderly.
7 concent > consent 1596
1 The noble maid, still standing, all this viewed, 2 And marvelled at his strange intendiment;
intendiment > intention, purpose
3 With that, a joyous fellowship issued
fellowship > body, company
4 Of minstrels, making goodly merriment,
merriment > entertainment (cf. Midsummer-night's Dream III ii 146)
5 With wanton bards, and rhymers impudent,
wanton > playful; lewd rhymers > versifiers; "Chroniclers" (cf. 105.3) impudent > shameless, indelicate
6 All which together sang full cheerfully
full > very
7 A lay of love's delight, with sweet concent:
lay > song concent > harmony, accord
8 After whom marched a jolly company,
jolly > handsome; fine; jolly
9 In manner of a masque, enranged orderly.
enranged > arranged orderly > in an orderly fashion; in order
312.6
The whiles a most delitious harmony,
2 In full straunge notes was sweetly heard to sound,
That the rare sweetnesse of the melody
4 The feeble senses wholly did confound,
And the fraile soule in deepe delight nigh dround:
6 And when it ceast, shrill trompets loud did bray,
That their report did farre away rebound,
8 And when they ceast, it gan againe to play,
The whiles the maskers marched forth in trim aray.
1 The whiles a most delicious harmony,
The whiles > Meanwhile
2 In full strange notes, was sweetly heard to sound,
full > exceedingly
3 That the rare sweetness of the melody
That > [So that]
4 The feeble senses wholly did confound, 5 And the frail soul in deep delight nigh drowned:
frail > weak; morally weak
6 And when it ceased, shrill trumpets loud did bray,
bray > {Make a loud harsh jarring sound; applied esp. to trumpets}
7 That their report did far away rebound;
That > [So that] report > response; note rebound > re-echo, reverberate
8 And when they ceased, it began again to play, 9 While the maskers marched forth in trim array.
masker > {One who takes part in a masque} trim > good, well-ordered; also, in ironical use: fine, nice, pretty
312.7
The first was Fancy, like a louely boy,
2 Of rare aspect, and beautie without peare;
Matchable +either+ to that ympe of Troy,
4 Whom Ioue did loue, and chose his cup to beare,
Or that same daintie lad, which was so deare
6 To great Alcides, that when as he dyde,
He wailed womanlike with many a teare,
8 And euery wood, and euery valley wyde
He fild with Hylas name; the Nymphes eke Hylas cryde.
3 either > ether 1590
1 The first was Fancy, like a lovely boy, 2 Of rare aspect, and beauty without peer;
aspect > appearance; countenance, expression
3 Matchable either to that imp of Troy,
Matchable > Comparable that imp of Troy > (Ganymede: see 311.34:4-9; imp = child, scion)
4 Whom Jove did love, and chose his cup to bear, 5 Or that same dainty lad, who was so dear
dainty > {Handsome, of delicate beauty} lad > (Hylas, a youth who accompanied Hercules on board the Argo. When Hylas died, the distraught Hercules wandered the shore crying his name)
6 To great Alcides that, when he died, 7 He wailed womanlike with many a tear, 8 And every wood, and every valley wide 9 He filled with Hylas' name; the nymphs eke "Hylas!" cried.
nymphs > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. Here the reference is to the naiads, who carried Hylas off when he went ashore to fetch fresh water) eke > also
312.8
His garment +neither+ was of silke nor say,
2 But painted plumes, in goodly order dight,
Like as the sunburnt Indians do aray
4 Their tawney bodies, in their proudest plight:
As those same plumes, so seemd he vaine and light,
6 That by his gate might easily appeare;
For still he far'd as dauncing in delight,
8 And in his hand a windy fan did beare,
That in the idle aire he mou'd still here and there.
1 neither > nether 1590
1 His garment neither was of silk nor say,
say > {A thin material used for cloaks, etc.}
2 But painted plumes, in goodly order dight,
dight > arranged
3 Like the sunburnt Indians do array
Like > [Like those with which]
Indians > [North American Indians]
4 Their tawny bodies in their proudest plight:
plight > attire, dress
5 As those same plumes, so seemed he vain and light, 6 That by his gate might easily appear;
gate > manner, way of behaving
7 For still he fared as dancing in delight,
still > ever fared > acted; made his way as > [as though]
8 And in his hand a windy fan did bear,
windy > {Producing wind}
9 That in the idle air he moved still here and there.
idle > empty still > continuously
312.9
And him beside marcht amorous Desyre,
2 Who seemd of riper yeares, then th'other Swaine,
Yet was that +other+ swayne this elders syre,
4 And gaue him being, commune to them twaine:
His garment was disguised very vaine,
6 And his embrodered Bonet sat awry;
Twixt both his hands few sparkes he close did straine,
8 Which still he blew, and kindled busily,
That soone they life conceiu'd, and forth in flames did fly.
3 other > others 1590, 1596
1 And him beside marched amorous Desire,
him beside > [beside him]
2 Who seemed of riper years than the other swain,
swain > young man; fellow
3 Yet was that other swain this elder's sire,
sire > father (i.e. Fancy is the father of Desire)
4 And gave him being, common to them twain:
them twain > the two of them
5 His garment was disguised very vain,
disguised > {To "disguise" is to alter the fashion or guise of clothing, and to dress in an unusual, fantastic, ostentatious, or inappropriate manner. Here, "disguised" might be taken to mean "got up"}
6 And his embroidered bonnet sat awry;
bonnet > cap
7 'Twixt both his hands few sparks he close did strain,
few > [a few] close > closely; secretly strain > clasp tightly
8 Which still he blew, and kindled busily,
still > ever, continually
9 That soon they life conceived, and forth in flames did fly.
That > [So that]
312.10
Next after him went Doubt, who was yclad
2 In a discolour'd cote, of straunge disguyse,
That at his backe a brode Capuccio had,
4 And sleeues dependant Albanese-wyse:
He lookt askew with his mistrustfull eyes,
6 And nicely trode, as thornes lay in his way,
Or that the flore to shrinke he did auyse,
8 And on a broken reed he still did stay
His feeble steps, which shrunke, when hard theron he lay.
1 Next after him went Doubt, who was clad
Next > Immediately
2 In a discoloured coat of strange disguise,
discoloured > varicoloured disguise > {New or strange, often ostentatious, fashion}
3 That at his back a broad capuccio had,
capuccio > hood (Italian word, used specifically of the cloaks of capuchin monks; named after Capuccio in Florio)
4 And sleeves dependent Albanese-wise:
dependent > hanging down Albanese-wise > (?In the fashion of the Albanians. Hamilton (1980) suggests a possible reference to the garment called an alb, a white tunic reaching to the feet. Roche (1978) interprets "Albanese" as "Scottish" (cf. 210.29:7). The term is puzzling in any case)
5 He looked askew with his mistrustful eyes,
askew > askance, obliquely
6 And nicely trod, as thorns lay in his way,
nicely > delicately, cautiously as > [as though]
7 Or the floor to shrink he did advise,
shrink > collapse, give way advise > perceive
8 And on a broken reed he still did stay
still > ever stay > support
9 His feeble steps, which shrank when hard thereon he laid.
shrank > gave way (referring to the reed) laid > imposed a burden; hence: leaned
312.11
With him went Daunger, +cloth'd+ in ragged weed,
2 Made of Beares skin, that him more dreadfull made,
Yet his owne face was dreadfull, ne did need
4 Straunge horrour, to deforme his griesly shade;
A net in th'one hand, and rustie blade
6 In th'other was, this Mischiefe, that Mishap;
With th'one his foes he threatned to inuade,
8 With th'other he his friends ment to enwrap:
For whom he could not kill, he practizd to entrap.
1 cloth'd > cloth' 1596
1 With him went Danger, clothed in ragged weed
weed > raiment, apparel
2 Made of bearskin, that him more dreadful made, 3 Yet his own face was dreadful, nor did need 4 Strange horror to deform his grisly shade;
Strange > Added, adventitious deform > disfigure grisly shade > fearsome image
5 A net in the one hand, and rusty blade
rusty > blood-stained; dirty; rusty
6 In the other was, this Mischief, that Mishap;
Mischief > Injury (evidently referring to the knife)
7 With the one his foes he threatened to invade,
invade > make an attack upon, assault; hence: stab
8 With the other he his friends meant to enwrap:
meant > intended; also, perhaps, in view of the spelling: ment (ppl. of "meng"): joined, attached, hence: ensnared
9 For whom he could not kill, he practised to entrap.
whom > [he whom] practised > planned, intended; made it his habit
312.12
Next him was Feare, all arm'd from top to toe,
2 Yet thought himselfe not safe enough thereby,
But feard each shadow mouing to +and+ fro,
4 And his owne armes when glittering he did spy,
Or clashing heard, he fast away did fly,
6 As ashes pale of hew, and +wingyheeld;+
And euermore on daunger fixt his eye,
8 Gainst whom he alwaies bent a brasen shield,
Which his right hand vnarmed fearefully did wield.
3 and > or 1590 6 wingyheeld; > winged heeld, 1590
1 Next him was Fear, all armed from top to toe,
Next > Immediately after
2 Yet thought himself not safe enough thereby, 3 But feared each shadow moving to and fro; 4 And his own arms when glittering he did spy,
arms > {Arms and armour. This line becomes clearer if it is recast: "And when his own arms glittering he did spy …"}
5 Or clashing heard, he fast away did fly,
fly > flee
6 As ashes pale of hue, and wingy-heeled;
wingy > {Having wings; here in the manner of Mercury}
7 And evermore on Danger fixed his eye, 8 Gainst whom he always bent a brazen shield,
Gainst > Against bent > directed
9 Which his right hand, unarmed, fearfully did wield.
unarmed > (I.e. he does not carry a sword)
312.13
With him went Hope in rancke, a handsome Mayd,
2 Of chearefull looke and louely to behold;
In silken samite she was light arayd,
4 And her faire lockes were wouen vp in gold;
She alway smyld, and in her hand did hold
6 An holy water Sprinckle, dipt in deowe,
With which she sprinckled fauours manifold,
8 On whom she list, and did great liking sheowe,
Great liking vnto many, but true loue to feowe.
1 With him went Hope in rank, a handsome maid,
in rank > in a row, hence: beside him
2 Of cheerful look and lovely to behold;
cheerful > lively
3 In silken samite she was light arrayed,
samite > {A rich silk fabric worn in the Middle Ages, sometimes interwoven with gold} light > lightly
4 And her fair locks were woven up in gold; 5 She alway smiled, and in her hand did hold
alway > always
6 A holy water sprinkle dipped in dew,
sprinkle > sprinkler (used for sprinkling holy water)
7 With which she sprinkled favours manifold 8 On whom she list, and did great liking show:
list > chose, pleased
9 Great liking to many, but true love to few.
312.14
And after them Dissemblance, and Suspect
2 Marcht in one rancke, yet an vnequall paire:
For she was gentle, and of milde aspect,
4 Courteous to all, and seeming debonaire,
Goodly adorned, and exceeding faire:
6 Yet was that all but painted, and purloynd,
And her bright browes were deckt with borrowed haire:
8 Her deedes were forged, and her words false coynd,
And alwaies in her hand two clewes of silke she twynd.
1 And after them Dissemblance and Suspect
Dissemblance > Dissimulation
Suspect > Suspicion
2 Marched in one rank, yet an unequal pair:
an unequal > [they made] an ill-matched
3 For she was gentle, and of mild aspect,
mild > gracious, kind aspect > appearance; countenance, expression
4 Courteous to all, and seeming debonair,
debonair > affable, gracious
5 Goodly adorned, and exceeding fair:
Goodly > Beautifully
6 Yet was that all but painted, and purloined, 7 And her bright brows were decked with borrowed hair:
bright > beautiful
8 Her deeds were forged, and her words false coined,
false > false (qualifying "words"); falsely (qualifying "coined") coined > devised, produced (usu. in a bad sense)
9 And always in her hand two clews of silk she twined.
clews > balls (of yarn, traditionally used to find one's way out of a maze. Cf. 201.8:3-4)
312.15
But he was foule, ill fauoured, and grim,
2 Vnder his eyebrowes looking still askaunce;
And euer as Dissemblance laught on him,
4 He lowrd on her with daungerous eyeglaunce;
Shewing his nature in his +countenance+;
6 His rolling eyes did neuer rest in place,
But walkt each where, for feare of hid mischaunce,
8 Holding a lattice still before his face,
Through which he still did peepe, as forward he did pace.
5 countenance > countenaunce 1590
1 But he was foul, ill-favoured, and grim,
ill-favoured > ugly
2 Under his eyebrows looking still askance;
still > ever
3 And ever as Dissemblance laughed on him,
laughed on > smiled on, favoured
4 He loured on her with dangerous eye-glance,
dangerous > {Difficult to deal with; not affable}
5 Showing his nature in his countenance; 6 His rolling eyes did never rest in place, 7 But walked each where, for fear of hidden mischance,
walked each where > roved everywhere mischance > disaster; mischance
8 Holding a lattice still before his face,
lattice > {That which is like a lattice; hence: mask} still > ever; motionless
9 Through which he still did peep, as forward he did pace.
312.16
Next him went Griefe, and Fury matched yfere;
2 Griefe all in sable sorrowfully clad,
Downe hanging his dull head, with heauy chere,
4 Yet inly being more, then seeming sad:
A paire of Pincers in his hand he had,
6 With which he pinched people to the hart,
That from thenceforth a wretched life they lad,
8 In wilfull languor and consuming smart,
Dying each day with inward wounds of dolours dart.
1 Next him went Grief and Fury, matched yfere;
Next > Immediately after yfere > together
2 Grief all in sable sorrowfully clad,
sable > black, black clothing (esp. as a symbol of mourning)
3 Down hanging his dull head with heavy cheer,
dull > sluggish, listless heavy > heavy; sad, grievous cheer > expression, countenance; mood
4 Yet inly being more than seeming sad:
inly > inwardly seeming > apparently; [he is] apparently (i.e. inwardly he is not as sad as he seems)
5 A pair of pincers in his hand he had, 6 With which he pinched people to the heart, 7 That from thenceforth a wretched life they led,
That > [So that]
8 In wilful languor and consuming smart,
languor > sorrow; lassitude; illness smart > pain, acute pain
9 Dying each day with inward wounds of dolour's dart.
312.17
But Fury was full ill appareiled
2 In rags, that naked nigh she did appeare,
With ghastly lookes and dreadfull drerihed;
4 For from her backe her garments she did teare,
And from her head oft rent her snarled heare:
6 In her right hand a +firebrand she did tosse+
About her head, still roming here and there;
8 As a dismayed Deare in chace embost,
Forgetfull of his safety, hath his right way lost.
6 firebrand she did tosse > fierbrand she tost conj. Church
1 But Fury was full ill apparelled
full > very, exceedingly ill > badly, poorly; evilly
2 In rags, that naked nigh she did appear,
that naked nigh > [so that almost naked]
3 With ghastly looks and dreadful drearihead:
ghastly > {Frightful, evoking terror of the supernatural} looks > appearance (as in "good looks"); glances drearihead > dreariness, melancholy
4 For from her back her garments she did tear, 5 And from her head oft rent her snarled hair;
rent > tore
6 In her right hand a firebrand she did toss
toss > shake, brandish
7 About her head, still roaming here and there:
still > continually
8 As a dismayed deer, in chase embossed,
dismayed > defeated, overwhelmed; dismayed chase > [the chase] embossed > driven to extremity
9 Forgetful of its safety, has its right way lost.
312.18
After them went Displeasure and Pleasance,
2 He looking lompish and full sullein sad,
And hanging downe his heauy countenance;
4 She chearefull fresh and full of ioyance glad,
As if no sorrow she ne felt ne +drad+;
6 That euill matched paire they seemd to bee:
An angry Waspe th'one in a viall had
8 Th'other in hers an +hony-lady+ Bee;
Thus marched these sixe couples forth in faire degree.
5 drad > dread 1590 8 hony-lady > hony-laden sugg. Upton
1 After them went Displeasure and Pleasance,
Pleasance > Pleasure
2 He looking lumpish and full sullen sad,
lumpish > sluggish; low-spirited full > very sullen > baleful, malignant; sullen; and adv.
3 And hanging down his heavy countenance; 4 She cheerful fresh and full of joyance glad,
joyance > merrymaking; delight (this word apparently coined by Spenser)
5 As if no sorrow she neither felt nor dread;
dread > dreaded, feared; dread, fear (object of "felt": in either case the double negative supplied by "no" is intensive)
6 That evil matched pair they seemed to be:
That > [So that an]
7 An angry wasp the one in a vial had, 8 The other in hers a honey-lady bee;
hers > (Presumably, her vial) honey-lady bee > honey-laden bee; or, less likely: lady honeybee, hence: female honeybee, worker bee, queen bee
9 Thus marched these six couples forth in fair degree.
degree > manner; order
312.19
After all these there marcht a most faire Dame,
2 Led of two grysie villeins, th'one Despight,
The other cleped Cruelty by name:
4 She dolefull Lady, like a dreary Spright,
Cald by strong charmes out of eternall night,
6 Had deathes owne image figurd in her face,
Full of sad signes, fearefull to liuing sight;
8 Yet in that horror shewd a seemely grace,
And with her feeble feet did moue a comely pace.
1 After all these there marched a most fair dame, 2 Led of two grisy villeins, the one Despite,
of > by grisy > horrible, grim, grisly villeins > villains; serfs Despite > Malice; Rage
3 The other cleped Cruelty by name:
cleped > called
4 She, doleful lady, like a dreary sprite,
dreary > cruel, horrid; or: doleful, melancholy (see below, under "charms") sprite > sprite; or: spirit (see below, under "charms")
5 Called by strong charms out of eternal night,
charms > spells (perhaps cast by Busirane: the lady is Amoret. This and the preceding line give rise to at least three possible readings. (1) She, doleful lady, (like a cruel sprite Called by strong charms out of eternal night) Had death's own image … (2) She, doleful lady (like a melancholy spirit Called by strong charms out of eternal night), Had death's own image … (3) She, doleful lady (like a melancholy spirit), Called [i.e. summoned by Busirane] by strong charms out of eternal night, Had death's own image …)
6 Had death's own image figured in her face, 7 Full of sad signs, fearful to living sight; 8 Yet in that horror showed a seemly grace, 9 And with her feeble feet did move a comely pace.
comely > pleasing; becoming
312.20
Her brest all naked, as net iuory,
2 Without adorne of gold or siluer bright,
Wherewith the Craftesman wonts it beautify,
4 Of her dew honour was despoyled quight,
And a wide wound therein (O ruefull sight)
6 Entrenched deepe with knife accursed keene,
Yet freshly bleeding forth her fainting spright,
8 (The worke of cruell hand) was to be seene,
That dyde in sanguine red her skin all snowy cleene.
1 Her breast (all naked, as net ivory,
net > pure; clear
2 Without adorn of gold or silver bright,
adorn > adornment bright > bright; beautiful
3 Wherewith the craftsman wonts it beautify)
Wherewith > With which wonts it beautify > [is accustomed to beautify it]
4 Of her due honour was despoiled quite,
honour > {Chastity, purity; decoration, adornment; hence: clothing, decoration which preserves decency} despoiled > stripped
5 And a wide wound therein (O rueful sight) 6 Entrenched deep with knife accursed keen,
Entrenched > {Cut, made by cutting} keen > sharp
7 Yet freshly bleeding forth her fainting spirit,
Yet > Still fainting > {Sluggish, becoming faint}
8 (The work of cruel hand) was to be seen, 9 That dyed in sanguine red her skin all snowy clean.
312.21
At that wide orifice her trembling hart
2 Was drawne forth, and in siluer basin layd,
Quite through transfixed with a deadly dart,
4 And in her bloud yet steeming fresh embayd:
And those two villeins, which her steps vpstayd,
6 When her weake feete could scarcely her sustaine,
And +fading+ vitall powers gan to fade,
8 Her forward +still+ with torture did constraine,
And euermore encreased her consuming paine.
7 fading > failing conj. Church 8 still > skill 1590
1 At that wide orifice her trembling heart 2 Was drawn forth, and in silver basin laid, 3 Quite through transfixed with a deadly dart,
dart > arrow
4 And in her blood yet steaming fresh embayed:
embayed > bathed, steeped
5 And those two villeins (who her steps upstayed
villeins > villains; serfs upstayed > supported
6 When her weak feet could scarcely her sustain, 7 And fading vital powers began to fade) 8 Her forward still with torture did constrain, 9 And evermore increased her consuming pain.
312.22
Next after her the winged God himselfe
2 Came riding on a Lion rauenous,
Taught to obay the menage of that Elfe,
4 That man and beast with powre imperious
Subdeweth to his +kingdome+ tyrannous:
6 His blindfold eyes he bad a while vnbind,
That his proud spoyle of that same dolorous
8 Faire Dame he might behold in perfect kind;
Which seene, he much reioyced in his cruell mind.
5 kingdome > knigdome 1596
1 Next after her the winged god himself
Next > Immediately the winged god > [Cupid]
2 Came riding on a lion ravenous,
ravenous > {Ravenous; given to ravin or robbery}
3 Taught to obey the man{e\}ge of that elf,
man{e\}ge > horsemanship elf > mischievous child (cf. 311.45:1)
4 Who man and beast with power imperious 5 Subdues to his kingdom tyrannous: 6 His blindfold eyes he bade a while unbind,
blindfold > blindfolded (cf. 311.48:1)
7 That his proud spoil of that same dolorous
That > [So that] spoil > plunder, spoliation
8 Fair dame he might behold in perfect kind;
kind > manner
9 Which seen, he much rejoiced in his cruel mind.
312.23
Of which full proud, himselfe vp rearing hye,
2 He looked round about with sterne disdaine;
And did suruay his goodly company:
4 And marshalling the euill ordered traine,
With that the darts which his right +hand+ did straine,
6 Full dreadfully he shooke that all did quake,
And clapt on hie his coulourd winges twaine,
8 That all his many it affraide did make:
Tho blinding him againe, his way he forth did take.
5 hand > omitted from 1590, 1596: FE
1 Of which full proud, himself up rearing high,
full > very, exceedingly
2 He looked round about with stern disdain;
stern > stern; merciless
3 And did survey his goodly company: 4 And, marshalling the evil ordered train
train > assembly; entourage
5 With the darts which his right hand did strain,
darts > arrows strain > clasp tightly
6 Full dreadfully he shook (that all did quake)
shook > (This could be glossed as "brandished", taking "the darts" to be its object, and "With that" to mean "Whereupon") that > [so that]
7 And clapped on high his coloured wings twain,
twain > two
8 That all his many it afraid did make:
That > [So that] many > meinie: company
9 Tho blinding him again, his way he forth did take.
Tho blinding > Then blindfolding him > him (if the blindfolding is done by one of the company: cf. 312.22:6); or: himself
312.24
Behinde him was Reproch, Repentance, Shame;
2 Reproch the first, Shame next, Repent behind:
Repentance feeble, sorrowfull, and lame:
4 Reproch despightfull, carelesse, and vnkind;
Shame most ill fauourd, bestiall, and blind:
6 Shame lowrd, +Repentance+ sigh'd, +Reproch+ did scould;
+Reproch+ sharpe stings, +Repentance+ whips entwind,
8 Shame burning brond-yrons in her hand did hold:
All three to each vnlike, yet all made in one mould.
6 Repentance > R_epentance 1596; the printer seems to have run out of italic capital Rs_ 6 Reproch > R_eproch 1596_ 7 Reproch > R_eproch 1596_ 7 Repentance > R_epentance 1596_
1 Behind him were Reproach, Repentance, Shame; 2 Reproach the first, Shame next, Repentance behind: 3 Repentance feeble, sorrowful, and lame: 4 Reproach despiteful, careless, and unkind;
despiteful > contemptuous; spiteful careless > without care, indifferent
5 Shame most ill-favoured, bestial, and blind:
ill-favoured > ugly
6 Shame loured, Repentance sighed, Reproach did scold; 7 Reproach sharp stings, Repentance whips entwined,
stings > (Sb.) whips > (Sb.)
8 Shame burning brandirons in her hand did hold:
brandirons > swords
9 All three to each unlike, yet all made in one mould.
to each unlike > [unlike each other: cf. 105.28:5]
312.25
And after them a rude confused rout
2 Of persons flockt, whose name is hard to read:
Emongst them was sterne Strife, and Anger stout,
4 Vnquiet Care, and fond Vnthriftihead,
Lewd Losse of Time, and Sorrow seeming dead,
6 Inconstant Chaunge, and false Disloyaltie,
Consuming +Riotise+, and guilty Dread
8 Of heauenly vengeance, faint Infirmitie,
Vile Pouertie, and lastly Death with infamie.
7 Riotise > R_iotise 1596_
1 And after them a rude confused rout
rude > rough; uncivilized rout > {Crowd; clamorous or riotous assemblage}
2 Of persons flocked, whose name is hard to read:
read > guess; discern; declare
3 Amongst them was stern Strife, and Anger stout,
stern > merciless, cruel; fierce stout > proud, arrogant; brave; fierce
4 Unquiet Care, and fond Unthriftihead,
fond > foolish Unthriftihead > Extravagance, Dissolution
5 Lewd Loss of Time, and Sorrow seeming dead,
Lewd > Ignorant; good for nothing; wanton
6 Inconstant Change, and false Disloyalty, 7 Consuming Riotise, and guilty Dread-
Riotise > Indulgence, Dissipation
8 Of-Heavenly-Vengeance, faint Infirmity, 9 Vile Poverty, and lastly Death with infamy.
Vile > Wretched, lowly
Death with infamy > (Or Death-with-Infamy)
312.26
There were full many moe like maladies,
2 Whose names and natures I note readen well;
So many moe, as there be phantasies
4 In wauering wemens wit, that none can tell,
Or paines in loue, or punishments in hell;
6 +All+ which disguized marcht in masking wise,
About the chamber +with that+ Damozell,
8 And then returned, hauing marched thrise,
Into the inner roome, from whence they first did rise.
6 All > And 1596, 1609 7 with that > by the 1590, identifying the damsel as Britomart rather than Amoret
1 There were full many more like maladies,
full > very like > similar
2 Whose names and natures I no'te read well;
no'te > cannot read > declare; discern
3 So many more, as there be fantasies
fantasies > phantoms; hallucinations; fantasies
4 In wavering women's wit, that none can tell,
wavering > (Qualifies "wit" or "wemens", or both) wit > mind tell > count; describe
5 Or pains in love, or punishments in hell;
Or > Either
6 All which, disguised, marched in masking wise
masking wise > [the manner of a masque]
7 About the chamber with that damsel, 8 And then returned (having marched thrice) 9 Into the inner room, from whence they first did rise.
rise > appear
312.27
So soone as they were in, the dore streight way
2 Fast locked, driuen with that stormy blast,
Which first it opened; +and bore all away.+
4 Then the braue Maid, which all this while was +plast,+
In secret shade, and saw both first and last,
6 Issewed forth, and went vnto the dore,
To enter in, but found it locked fast:
8 +It+ vaine she thought with rigorous vprore
For to efforce, when charmes had closed it afore.
3 and bore all away. > nothing did remayne. 1590; and bore all away 1596 4 plast, > plast 1609 8 It > In 1611
1 So soon as they were in, the door straightway 2 Fast locked, driven with that stormy blast
Fast > Firmly; closely locked > locked itself
3 Which first it opened; and bore all away.
and bore all away > (1590 makes better sense: see Textual Appendix)
4 Then the brave maid, who all this while was placed
brave > brave; splendid
5 In secret shade, and saw both first and last,
shade > shadow
6 Issued forth, and went to the door, 7 To enter in, but found it locked fast: 8 It vain she thought with rigorous uproar
rigorous > violent
9 To efforce, when charms had closed it afore.
efforce > gain [entrance] by force; force [it] open (both SUS) charms > magic spells
312.28
Where force might not auaile, +there+ sleights and art
2 She cast to vse, both fit for hard emprize;
For thy from that same roome not to depart
4 Till morrow next, she did her selfe auize,
When that same Maske againe should forth arize.
6 The morrow next appeard with ioyous cheare,
Calling men to their daily exercize,
8 Then she, as morrow fresh, her selfe did reare
Out of her secret stand, that day for to out weare.
1 there > their 1590, 1596; cf. 110.36:6, 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 211.21:8, 304.41:7
1 Where force might not avail, there sleights and art
sleights > ruses, stratagems
2 She cast to use, both fit for hard emprise;
cast > decided emprise > enterprise, undertaking
3 For-thy from that same room not to depart
For-thy > For this reason, therefore
4 Till morrow next she did herself advise, 5 When that same masque again should forth arise. 6 The morrow next appeared with joyous cheer,
cheer > countenance
7 Calling men to their daily exercise,
exercise > habitual employment; hence: work
8 Then she, as morrow fresh, herself did rear 9 Out of her secret stand, that day to outwear.
stand > {Position, position in ambush or cover} outwear > pass, spend, wear out (used of time)
312.29
All that day she outwore in +wandering+,
2 And gazing on that Chambers ornament,
Till that againe the second euening
4 Her couered with her sable vestiment,
Wherewith the worlds faire beautie she hath blent:
6 Then when the second watch was almost past,
That brasen dore flew open, and in went
8 Bold Britomart, as she had late forecast,
Neither of idle +shewes+, nor of false charmes aghast.
1 wandering > wondering 1611 9 shewes > showes 1590
1 All that day she outwore in wandering,
outwore > spent
2 And gazing on that chamber's ornament,
ornament > decoration; or: ornament [the statue of Cupid described at 311.47 ff.]
3 Till again the second evening 4 Her covered with her sable vestiment,
her > [Night's: see 304.55 ff.] sable > black (cf. 312.16:2) vestiment > vestment, garment, clothing
5 Wherewith the world's fair beauty she has blended:
Wherewith > With which blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, obscured; spoiled
6 Then, when the second watch was almost past,
Then > (I.e. just before midnight, since the night was divided into four watches of three hours each, starting at 6 p.m.)
7 That brazen door flew open, and in went
brazen > {Strong as brass; hardened: it is described as made of "yron" at 311.54:7 and 312.3:3}
8 Bold Britomart, as she had late forecast,
late > lately forecast > planned
9 Neither of idle shows, nor of false charms agast.
of idle shows > by empty appearances of > of; by charms > spells agast > frightened
312.30
So soone as she was entred, round about
2 She cast her eies, to see what was become
Of all those persons, which she saw without:
4 But lo, they streight were vanisht all and some,
Ne liuing wight she saw in all that roome,
6 Saue that same woefull Ladie, both whose hands
Were bounden fast, that did her ill become,
8 And her small wast girt round with yron bands,
Vnto a brasen pillour, by the which she stands.
1 So soon as she was entered, round about 2 She cast her eyes, to see what was become 3 Of all those persons whom she saw without:
without > outside
4 But lo, they straight were vanished all and some,
straight > {All the way, continuously to the end; right across; hence: completely, altogether} all and some > {In sum total; one and all}
5 Nor living wight she saw in all that room,
wight > creature
6 Save that same woeful lady, both whose hands
Save that same woeful lady > [Except Amoret; but Busirane is visible too: see 312.31:1] both > [both of]
7 Were bound fast, that did her ill become,
fast > firmly; very closely
8 And her small waist girt round with iron bands, 9 To a brazen pillar, by which she stands.
To > [Bound to: the verb is understood from line 7]
312.31
And her before the vile Enchaunter sate,
2 Figuring straunge characters of his art,
With liuing bloud he those characters wrate,
4 Dreadfully dropping from her dying hart,
Seeming transfixed with a cruell dart,
6 And all perforce to make her him to loue.
Ah who can loue the worker of her smart?
8 A thousand charmes he formerly did proue;
Yet thousand charmes could not her stedfast heart remoue.
1 And her before the vile enchanter sat,
her before > [before her]
2 Figuring strange characters of his art:
Figuring > Shaping
3 With living blood he those characters wrote, 4 Dreadfully dropping from her dying heart, 5 Seeming transfixed with a cruel dart,
dart > arrow (as 312.21:3)
6 And all perforce to make her him to love.
perforce > by force
7 Ah who can love the worker of her smart?
smart > pain
8 A thousand charms he formerly did prove;
charms > spells prove > try
9 Yet thousand charms could not her steadfast heart remove.
remove > [turn from Scudamour]
312.32
Soone as that virgin knight he saw in place,
2 His wicked bookes in hast he ouerthrew,
Not caring his long labours to deface,
4 And fiercely ronning to that Lady trew,
A murdrous knife out of his pocket drew,
6 The which he thought, for villeinous despight,
In her tormented bodie to embrew:
8 But the stout Damzell to him leaping light,
His cursed hand withheld, and maistered his might.
1 Soon as that virgin knight he saw in place,
Soon > [As soon] in place > there
2 His wicked books in haste he overthrew, 3 Not caring his long labours to deface,
deface > destroy
4 And, fiercely running to that lady true, 5 A murderous knife out of his pocket drew, 6 Which he thought, for villainous despite,
despite > malice
7 In her tormented body to imbrue:
imbrue > steep; defile; hence: plunge
8 But the stout damsel, to him leaping light,
stout > brave light > quickly
9 His cursed hand withheld, and mastered his might.
312.33
From her, to whom his fury first he ment,
2 The wicked weapon rashly he did wrest,
And turning to +her selfe+ his fell intent,
4 Vnwares it strooke into her snowie chest,
That little drops empurpled her faire brest.
6 Exceeding wroth therewith the virgin grew,
Albe the wound were nothing deepe imprest,
8 And fiercely forth her mortall blade she drew,
To giue him the reward for such vile outrage dew.
3 her selfe > the next 1590
1 From her, to whom his fury first he meant,
meant > intended; or: ment (ppl. of "meng"): joined, attached
2 The wicked weapon rashly he did wrest
rashly > hastily; suddenly wrest > turn
3 And, turning to herself his fell intent,
herself > [Britomart] fell > terrible, fierce
4 Unwares it struck into her snowy chest,
Unwares > Unexpectedly (on the part of Britomart); suddenly
5 That little drops empurpled her fair breast.
That > [So that] empurpled > reddened
6 Exceeding wroth therewith the virgin grew,
therewith > with that; thereupon
7 Albe the wound were nothing deep impressed,
Albe > Although nothing deep > not at all deeply
8 And fiercely forth her mortal blade she drew,
mortal > lethal
9 To give him the reward for such vile outrage due.
312.34
So mightily she smote him, that to ground
2 He fell halfe dead; next stroke him should haue slaine,
Had not the Lady, which by him stood bound,
4 Dernely vnto +her+ called to abstaine,
From doing him to dy. For else her paine
6 Should be remedilesse, sith none but hee,
Which wrought it, could the same recure againe.
8 Therewith she stayd her hand, loth stayd to bee;
For life she him enuyde, and long'd reuenge to see.
4 her > him 1590, 1596; cf. 312.42
1 So mightily she smote him that to ground 2 He fell half dead; next stroke him should have slain,
next > [the next]
3 Had not the lady, which by him stood bound, 4 Dernly to her called to abstain
Dernly > Secretly; also: dismally (SUS)
5 From doing him to die. For else her pain
doing > causing else > otherwise
6 Should be remediless, sith none but he
sith > since
7 Who wrought it could the same recure again.
recure > remedy
8 Therewith she stayed her hand, loath stayed to be;
Therewith > With that; thereupon
9 For life she him envied, and longed revenge to see.
envied > begrudged
312.35
And to him said, Thou wicked man, whose meed
2 For so huge mischiefe, and vile villany
Is death, or if that ought do death exceed,
4 Be sure, that nought may saue thee from to dy,
But if that thou this Dame doe presently
6 Restore vnto her health, and former state;
This doe and liue, else die vndoubtedly.
8 He glad of life, that lookt for death but late,
Did yield himselfe right willing to prolong his date.
1 And to him said, "You wicked man (whose meed
meed > reward
2 For so huge mischief and vile villainy
so > such mischief > evil; injury
3 Is death, or if aught do death exceed),
if aught do death exceed > [that which is worse than death, if such a thing exists]
4 Be sure that naught may save you from to die
to die > [dying, death]
5 But if you this dame do presently
But if > Unless presently > immediately
6 Restore to her health, and former state; 7 This do and live, else die undoubtedly." 8 He, glad of life, that looked for death but late,
looked for > expected but late > only recently
9 Did yield himself right willing to prolong his date.
right > very date > term, span of life
312.36