CANTO I
The Patron of true Holinesse,
Foule Errour doth defeate:
Hypocrisie him to +entrape+,
Doth to his home entreate.
3 entrape > entrappe 1590; entrap 1609
1 The patron of true Holiness
patron > protector, defender, champion
2 Foul Error does defeat: 3 Hypocrisy, him to entrap,
Hypocrisy > (Archimago, introduced at 101.29, named at 101.43:6)
4 Does to his home entreat.
entreat > [entreat the patron of true Holiness]
101.1
A Gentle Knight was pricking on the plaine,
2 Y cladd in mightie armes and siluer shielde,
Wherein old dints of deepe wounds did remaine,
4 The cruell markes of many'a bloudy fielde;
Yet armes till that time did he neuer wield:
6 His angry steede did chide his foming bitt,
As much disdayning to the curbe to yield:
8 Full iolly knight he seemd, and faire did sitt,
As one for knightly giusts and fierce encounters fitt.
1 A gentle knight was pricking on the plain,
gentle > generous, courteous (to take the meaning of this word as "noble", "high-born", would be to anticipate the revelation at 110.65 ff.; at I:153 he is described as "clownishe", i.e. rustic, unsophisticated) pricking > spurring his horse, riding
2 Clad in mighty arms and silver shield,
arms > armour (see I:171-3)
3 Wherein old dints of deep wounds did remain,
dints > dents, indentations
4 The cruel marks of many a bloody field;
field > field of battle, battle
5 Yet arms till that time did he never wield.
never wield > (See I:152 ff.: "In the beginning of the feast …")
6 His angry steed did chide his foaming bit, 7 As much disdaining to the curb to yield: 8 Full jolly knight he seemed, and fair did sit,
Full > [A] very jolly > gallant; handsome; fine; also, apparent only on a second reading of Book I, in the rarer pejorative senses: self- confident, arrogant, lustful fair > expertly sit > sit in the saddle; ride
9 As one for knightly jousts and fierce encounters fit.
101.2
+But+ on his brest a bloudie Crosse he bore,
2 The deare remembrance of his dying Lord,
For whose sweete sake that glorious badge he wore,
4 And dead as liuing euer him ador'd:
Vpon his shield the like was also scor'd,
6 For soueraine hope, which in his helpe he had:
Right faithfull true he was in deede and word,
8 But of his cheere did seeme too solemne sad,
Yet nothing did he dread, but euer was ydrad.
1 But > And 1590. 1596 emphasizes his inner conflict and points the way to his downfall and ultimate resurrection)
1 But on his breast a bloody cross he bore,
bloody > blood-red
2 The dear remembrance of his dying Lord,
dear > dear; grievous; brave remembrance > keepsake, token
3 For whose sweet sake that glorious badge he wore, 4 And dead, as living, ever him adored:
dead, as living, ever him adored > (Or: "dead, as living ever, him adored"; see Rev. 1.18)
5 Upon his shield the like was also scored,
scored > inscribed
6 For sovereign hope, which in his help he had:
in his help > [to help him; in his armoury]
7 Right faithful true he was in deed and word,
Right > Very, completely
8 But of his cheer did seem too solemn sad;
of > in cheer > expression, mood sad > grave, sober
9 Yet nothing did he dread, but ever was dreaded.
101.3
Vpon a great aduenture he was bond,
2 That greatest Gloriana to him gaue,
That greatest Glorious Queene of Faerie lond,
4 To winne him worship, and her grace to haue,
Which of all earthly things he most did craue;
6 And euer as he rode, his hart did earne
To proue his puissance in battell braue
8 Vpon his foe, and his new force to learne;
Vpon his foe, a Dragon horrible and stearne.
1 Upon a great adventure he was bound, 2 That greatest Gloriana to him gave 3 (That greatest glorious Queen of Faery Land) 4 To win him worship, and her grace to have,
worship > honour, renown
5 Which of all earthly things he most did crave; 6 And ever as he rode his heart did yearn 7 To prove his puissance in battle brave
prove > test; demonstrate puissance > strength (allied with prowess in arms) brave > brave; splendid
8 Upon his foe, and his new force to learn;
learn > learn; also: teach, hence: impose
9 Upon his foe, a dragon horrible and stern.
stern > fierce; merciless, cruel
101.4
A louely Ladie rode him faire beside,
2 Vpon a lowly Asse more white then snow,
Yet she much whiter, but the same did hide
4 Vnder a vele, that wimpled was full low,
And ouer all a blacke stole she did throw,
6 As one that inly mournd: so was she sad,
And heauie sat vpon her palfrey slow;
8 Seemed in heart some hidden care she had,
And by her in a line a milke white lambe she lad.
1 A lovely lady rode him fair beside,
lovely > lovely; loving; lovable [by virtue of her admirable qualities] fair > fittingly, becomingly; skilfully
2 Upon a lowly ass more white than snow, 3 Yet she much whiter; but the same did hide
the same > [her complexion she]
4 Under a veil, that wimpled was full low;
wimpled > {Falling in folds} full > very, exceedingly
5 And over all a black stole she did throw,
stole > robe
6 As one that inly mourned: so was she sad,
inly > inwardly
7 And heavy sat upon her palfrey slow;
heavy > sadly palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
8 Seemed in heart some hidden care she had,
Seemed > [It seemed] in heart > in her heart; inwardly
9 And by her, in a line, a milk-white lamb she led.
in a line > on a lead
101.5
So pure +an innocent+, as that same lambe,
2 She was in life and euery vertuous lore,
And by descent from Royall lynage came
4 Of ancient Kings and Queenes, that had of yore
Their scepters stretcht from East to Westerne shore,
6 And all the world in their subiection held;
Till that infernall feend with foule vprore
8 Forwasted all their land, and them expeld:
Whom to auenge, she had this Knight from far compeld.
1 an innocent > and innocent 1590; an Innocent 1609
1 So pure an innocent as that same lamb 2 She was in life and every virtuous lore;
lore > teaching, doctrine
3 And by descent from royal lineage came 4 Of ancient kings and queens, that had of yore
of yore > of old, in former times
5 Their sceptres stretched from east to western shore, 6 And all the world in their subjection held; 7 Till that infernal fiend with foul uproar
infernal fiend > hellish fiend (the dragon, Satan) uproar > insurrection; tumult
8 Forwasted all their land, and them expelled:
Forwasted > Ravaged, laid to waste
9 Whom to avenge, she had this knight from far compelled.
compelled > commanded; forced to come
101.6
Behind her farre away a Dwarfe did lag,
2 That lasie seemd in being euer last,
Or wearied with bearing of her bag
4 Of needments at his backe. Thus as they past,
The day with cloudes was suddeine ouercast,
6 And angry Ioue an hideous storme of raine
Did poure into his Lemans lap so fast,
8 That euery wight to shrowd it did constrain,
And this faire couple eke to shroud themselues were fain.
1 Behind her far away a dwarf did lag, 2 That lazy seemed, in being ever last, 3 Or wearied with bearing of her bag 4 Of needments at his back. Thus as they passed,
needments > necessaries passed > passed; and perhaps: paced
5 The day with clouds was suddenly overcast, 6 And angry Jove a hideous storm of rain
Jove > [the heavens personified] hideous > terrific; hence: violent, torrential
7 Did pour into his leman's lap so fast
leman > mistress; wife (the Earth portrayed as the lover of Heaven)
8 That every wight to shroud it did constrain;
wight > person, creature, being shroud > take shelter; shelter (sb.)
9 And this fair couple eke to shroud themselves were fain.
eke > likewise fain > obliged; eager
101.7
Enforst to seeke some couert nigh at hand,
2 A shadie groue not far away they spide,
That promist ayde the +tempest+ to withstand:
4 Whose loftie trees yclad with sommers pride,
Did spred so broad, that heauens light did hide,
6 Not perceable with power of any starre:
And all within were pathes and alleies wide,
8 With footing worne, and leading inward farre:
Faire harbour that them seemes; so in they entred arre.
3 tempest > tempests 1609
1 Enforced to seek some covert nigh at hand, 2 A shady grove not far away they spied, 3 That promised aid, the tempest to withstand: 4 Whose lofty trees, clad with summer's pride,
pride > splendour; splendid adornment (with connotations of "pride" (1) in its modern sense, and (2) in the sense "sexual heat", "sexual desire". In combination, these are the undoing of the knight. Cf. "iolly" at 101.1:8)
5 Did spread so broad that heaven's light did hide,
did > [they did]
6 Not pierceable with power of any star:
pierceable > able to be pierced
7 And all within were paths and alleys wide, 8 With footing worn, and leading inward far:
footing > {The passage of feet}
9 Fair harbour that them seems; so in they entered are.
harbour > refuge; also: arbour that them > [that to them]
101.8
And foorth they passe, with pleasure forward led,
2 Ioying to heare the birdes sweete harmony,
Which therein shrouded from the tempest dred,
4 Seemd in their song to scorne the cruell sky.
Much can they prayse the trees so straight and hy,
6 The sayling Pine, the Cedar proud and tall,
The vine-prop Elme, the Poplar neuer dry,
8 The builder Oake, sole king of forrests all,
The Aspine good for staues, the Cypresse funerall.
1 And forth they pass, with pleasure forward led, 2 Joying to hear the birds' sweet harmony, 3 Which, therein shrouded from the tempest dread,
shrouded > sheltered
4 Seemed in their song to scorn the cruel sky. 5 Much can they praise the trees so straight and high,
can > did; can
6 The sailing pine; the cedar proud and tall;
sailing > (Figuratively; also because pine was used to make masts for sailing-ships)
7 The vine-prop elm; the poplar never dry;
never dry > (Because the poplar grows beside water)
8 The builder oak, sole king of forests all; 9 The aspen good for staves; the cypress funeral;
funeral > funereal (because of its association with death and grief)
101.9
The Laurell, meed of mightie Conquerours
2 And Poets sage, the Firre that weepeth still,
The Willow worne of forlorne Paramours,
4 The Eugh obedient to the benders will,
The Birch for shaftes, the Sallow for the mill,
6 The Mirrhe +sweete+ bleeding in the bitter wound,
The warlike Beech, the Ash for nothing ill,
8 The fruitfull Oliue, and the Platane round,
The caruer Holme, the Maple +seeldom+ inward sound.
6 sweete > sweet, 1609 9 seeldom > sildom 1609 passim
1 The laurel, meed of mighty conquerors
meed > reward (the laurel, sacred to Apollo, was used to make a crown for conquerors or poets)
2 And poets sage; the fir that weeps still;
weeps still > continuously exudes resin
3 The willow, worn of forlorn paramours;
of > by; habitually by
4 The yew, obedient to the bender's will;
bender > [archer: the yew was traditionally used for longbows]
5 The birch for shafts; the sallow for the mill;
mill > ?mill-wheel; ?cogs of the mill (or because the sallow grows by water)
6 The myrrh sweet bleeding in the bitter wound;
myrrh > (The aromatic resin of the gum myrrh tree (Commiphora myrrha) is used herbally as an antiseptic and disinfectant. But the reference also evokes (noted by Bayley (1966) 264-5) the story of Myrrha (Met. 10), whose incestuous desire for her own father led to her transformation into a myrrh tree: in that form she gave agonizing birth to Adonis. In Song Sol. 1.13, myrrh is mentioned in a celebration of sexual congress. The word "myrrh" itself is derived from an Arabic word meaning "bitter". Here in one line is a perfect example of the richness of Spenser's art)
7 The warlike beech; the ash for nothing ill;
warlike > (Because war-chariots in antiquity were reputedly made of beech)
8 The fruitful olive; and the platan round;
platan > plane-tree
9 The carver holm; the maple seldom inward sound.
holm > (Holm oak, Quercus ilex, whose wood is suitable for carving)
101.10
Led with delight, they thus beguile the way,
2 Vntill the blustring storme is ouerblowne;
When weening to returne, whence they did stray,
4 +They+ cannot finde that path, which first was showne,
But wander too and fro in wayes vnknowne,
6 Furthest from end then, when they neerest weene,
That makes them doubt, their wits be not their owne:
8 So many pathes, so many turnings seene,
That which of them to take, in diuerse doubt they been.
4 They > The 1596
1 Led with delight, they thus beguile the way
beguile the way > evade the labour of travel; dawdle
2 Until the blustering storm is overblown; 3 When, weening to return whence they did stray,
weening > expecting
4 They cannot find that path, which first was shown, 5 But wander to and fro in ways unknown, 6 Furthest from end then, when they nearest ween,
ween > suppose, imagine [themselves to be nearest the end of their uncertainty]
7 That makes them doubt their wits be not their own:
doubt > fear
8 So many paths, so many turnings seen, 9 That which of them to take, in diverse doubt they been.
diverse > diverse; also: distracting (SUS) been > [were]
101.11
At last resoluing forward still to fare,
2 Till that some end they finde or in or out,
That path they take, that beaten seemd most bare,
4 And like to lead the labyrinth about;
Which when by tract they hunted had throughout,
6 At length it brought them to a hollow caue,
Amid the thickest woods. The Champion stout
8 Eftsoones dismounted from his courser braue,
And to the Dwarfe a while his needlesse spere he gaue.
1 At last, resolving forward still to fare,
still > continuously, without change; hence: in one direction
2 Till some end they find, +or+ in or out,
or > either
3 That path they take that beaten seemed most bare, 4 And likely to lead the labyrinth about;
the labyrinth about > [out of the labyrinth]
5 Which when by tract they hunted had throughout,
tract > track, trail; tracing
6 At length it brought them to a hollow cave
hollow > insincere, false; also: hungry (these readings might be indicated by the tautology; cf. 109.33:2, 308.37:5, but also 303.8:3)
7 Amid the thickest woods. The champion stout
stout > bold, brave
8 Eftsoons dismounted from his courser brave,
Eftsoons > Thereupon brave > splendid, fine; courageous
9 And to the dwarf awhile his needless spear he gave.
needless > (Because it is wielded only by a mounted knight, the sword being used when he is on foot)
101.12
Be well aware, quoth then that Ladie milde,
2 Least suddaine mischiefe ye too rash prouoke:
The danger hid, the place vnknowne and wilde,
4 Breedes dreadfull doubts: Oft fire is without smoke,
And perill without show: therefore +your stroke+
6 Sir knight with-hold, till further triall made.
Ah Ladie (said he) shame were to reuoke
8 The forward footing for an hidden shade:
Vertue giues her selfe light, through darkenesse for to wade.
5 your stroke > your hardy stroke 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Be well aware," quoth then that lady mild,
aware > watchful, on your guard mild > kind, gracious
2 "Lest sudden mischief you too rash provoke:
mischief > disaster you too rash provoke > [you, too rash, provoke; or: you too rashly provoke]
3 The danger hidden, the place unknown and wild, 4 Breeds dreadful doubts. Oft fire is without smoke, 5 And peril without show: therefore your stroke, 6 Sir knight, withhold, till further trial made."
made > [be made]
7 "Ah lady," said he, "shame were to revoke
shame were > [it would be shameful; it would be a shame] revoke > check; withdraw, draw back
8 The forward footing for a hidden shade:
footing > step, tread for > [for fear of]
9 Virtue gives herself light, through darkness for to wade."
for > in order wade > {Go, proceed; proceed through some medium which offers resistance}
101.13
Yea but (quoth she) the perill of this place
2 I better wot then you, though now too late,
To wish you backe returne with foule disgrace,
4 Yet wisedome warnes, whilest foot is in the gate,
To stay the steppe, ere forced to retrate.
6 This is the wandring wood, this Errours den,
A monster vile, whom God and man does hate:
8 Therefore I read beware. Fly fly (quoth then
The fearfull Dwarfe:) this is no place for liuing men.
1 "Yes but" quoth she, "the peril of this place 2 I better wot than you: though now too late
wot > know
3 To wish you back return with foul disgrace, 4 Yet wisdom warns, whilst foot is in the gate,
gate > gate; way, path; journey (for this marks the beginning of the knight's spiritual quest)
5 To stay the step, ere forced to retrait.
retrait > retreat, retire
6 This is the Wandering Wood, this Error's den,
Wandering > (The Latin verb errare means not only to "wander", but also "stray", "deviate", "be mistaken")
7 A monster vile, whom God and man does hate: 8 Therefore I read beware." "Fly, fly!" quoth then
read > counsel [you to …] Fly > Flee
9 The fearful dwarf, "this is no place for living men."
101.14
But full of fire and greedy hardiment,
2 The youthfull knight could not for ought be staide,
But forth vnto the darksome hole he went,
4 And looked in: his glistring armor made
A litle glooming light, much like a shade,
6 By which he saw the vgly monster plaine,
Halfe like a serpent horribly displaide,
8 But th'other halfe did womans shape retaine,
Most lothsom, filthie, foule, and full of vile disdaine.
1 But, full of fire and greedy hardiment,
greedy > eager, reckless hardiment > boldness
2 The youthful knight could not for aught be stayed, 3 But forth to the darksome hole he went, 4 And looked in: his glistering armour made 5 A little glooming light, much like a shade,
glooming > gloaming (cognate with "glow")
6 By which he saw the ugly monster plain, 7 Half like a serpent horribly displayed;
displayed > displayed; uncoiled, spread out (but cf. 101.15:3)
8 But the other half did woman's shape retain: 9 Most loathsome, filthy, foul, and full of vile disdain.
disdain > repulsiveness
101.15
And as she lay vpon the durtie ground,
2 Her huge long taile her den all ouerspred,
Yet was in knots and many boughtes vpwound,
4 Pointed with mortall sting. Of her there bred
A thousand yong ones, which she dayly fed,
6 Sucking vpon her +poisonous+ dugs, eachone
Of sundry +shapes,+ yet all ill fauored:
8 Soone as that vncouth light vpon them shone,
Into her mouth they crept, and suddain all were gone.
6 poisonous > poisnous 1590 7 shapes, > shape 1596 (some copies); shape, 1609
1 And as she lay upon the dirty ground, 2 Her huge long tail her den all overspread, 3 Yet was in knots and many boughts upwound,
boughts > coils
4 Pointed with mortal sting. Of her there bred
mortal > lethal
5 A thousand young ones, which she daily fed, 6 Sucking upon her poisonous dugs; each one 7 Of sundry shapes, yet all ill-favoured.
Of sundry shapes > [Each one was different]
8 Soon as that uncouth light upon them shone,
Soon > [As soon] uncouth > unaccustomed
9 Into her mouth they crept, and sudden all were gone.
101.16
Their dam vpstart, out of her den effraide,
2 And rushed forth, hurling her hideous taile
About her cursed head, whose folds displaid
4 Were stretcht now forth at length without entraile.
She lookt about, and seeing one in mayle
6 Armed to point, sought backe to turne againe;
For light she hated as the deadly bale,
8 Ay wont in desert darknesse to remaine,
Where plaine none might her see, nor she see any plaine.
1 Their dam upstart out of her den affrayed,
upstart > started up affrayed > alarmed, startled; frightened, terrified
2 And rushed forth, hurling her hideous tail
hurling > whirling; brandishing hideous > terrific; immense; odious
3 About her cursed head, whose folds displayed
displayed > uncoiled
4 Were stretched now forth at length without entrail.
entrail > [a] coil (SUS)
5 She looked about and, seeing one in mail,
mail > chain armour
6 Armed to point, sought back to turn again;
to point > to the smallest detail, completely
7 For light she hated as the deadly bale,
bale > torment; infliction of death; also, mainly in northern usage: great consuming fire, funeral pyre; hence, perhaps: hell-fire
8 Ay wont in desert darkness to remain,
Ay > Ever, always wont > used, accustomed desert > lonely
9 Where plain none might her see, nor she see any plain.
101.17
Which when the valiant Elfe +perceiu'd+, he lept
2 As Lyon fierce vpon the flying pray,
And with his trenchand blade her boldly kept
4 From turning backe, and forced her to stay:
Therewith enrag'd she loudly gan to bray,
6 And turning fierce, her speckled taile aduaunst,
Threatning her angry sting, him to dismay:
8 Who nought aghast, his mightie hand enhaunst:
The stroke down from her head vnto her shoulder glaunst.
1 perceiu'd > perceiu'ed 1596
1 Which when the valiant Elf perceived, he leapt
Elf > {Native of Faery Land (but see 110.64-5)}
2 As lion fierce upon the flying prey, 3 And with his trenchant blade her boldly kept
trenchant > sharp, deeply cutting
4 From turning back, and forced her to stay. 5 Therewith enraged, she loudly began to bray,
Therewith > With that
6 And turning fierce, her speckled tail advanced,
fierce > fierce; fiercely
7 Threatening her angry sting, him to dismay:
dismay > defeat
8 Who, naught aghast, his mighty hand enhanced:
enhanced > raised
9 The stroke down from her head to her shoulder glanced.
101.18
Much daunted with that dint, her sence was dazd,
2 Yet kindling rage, her selfe she gathered round,
And all attonce her beastly body raizd
4 With doubled forces high aboue the ground:
Tho wrapping vp her wrethed sterne arownd,
6 Lept fierce vpon his shield, and her huge traine
All suddenly about his body wound,
8 That hand or foot to stirre he stroue in vaine:
God helpe the man so wrapt in Errours endlesse traine.
1 Much daunted with that dint, her sense was dazed;
dint > stroke
2 Yet, kindling rage, herself she gathered round, 3 And all at once her beastly body raised 4 With doubled forces high above the ground: 5 Tho, wrapping up her wreathed stern around,
Tho > Then
6 Leapt fierce upon his shield, and her huge train
train > tail
7 All suddenly about his body wound, 8 That hand or foot to stir he strove in vain:
That > [So that]
9 God help the man so wrapped in Error's endless train!
train > tail; trickery, deceit; assembly, entourage
101.19
His Lady sad to see his sore constraint,
2 Cride out, Now now Sir knight, shew what +ye+ bee,
Add faith vnto your force, and be not faint:
4 Strangle her, else she sure will strangle thee.
That when he heard, in great perplexitie,
6 His gall did grate for griefe and high disdaine,
And knitting all his force got one hand free,
8 Wherewith he grypt her gorge with so great paine,
That soone to loose her wicked bands did her constraine.
2 ye > you 1609
1 His lady, sad to see his sore constraint,
sore > grievous constraint > restriction of liberty; affliction
2 Cried out, "Now, now, sir knight, show what you be; 3 Add faith to your force, and be not faint: 4 Strangle her, else she sure will strangle you!" 5 That when he heard, in great perplexity, 6 His gall did grate for grief and high disdain;
gall > sense of rancour (said to have its seat in the gall) grate > grind grief > rage
7 And, knitting all his force, got one hand free, 8 Wherewith he gripped her gorge with so great pain,
Wherewith > With which gorge > throat so > such pain > pains, effort, labour; hence: strength
9 That soon to loose her wicked bonds did her constrain.
did > [it did; he did]
101.20
Therewith she spewd out of her filthy maw
2 A floud of poyson horrible and blacke,
Full of great lumpes of flesh and gobbets raw,
4 Which stunck so vildly, that it forst him slacke
His grasping hold, and from her turne him backe:
6 Her vomit full of bookes and papers was,
With loathly frogs and toades, which eyes did lacke,
8 And creeping sought way in the weedy gras:
Her filthy parbreake all the place defiled has.
1 Therewith she spewed out of her filthy maw
Therewith > With that; thereupon maw > stomach
2 A flood of poison horrible and black, 3 Full of great lumps of flesh and gobbets raw,
gobbets > {Lumps of raw or semi-digested flesh or food}
4 Which stunk so vilely, that it forced him slack 5 His grasping hold, and from her turn him back: 6 Her vomit full of books and papers was, 7 With loathly frogs and toads, which eyes did lack,
loathly > loathsome, repulsive, hateful
8 And creeping sought way in the weedy grass: 9 Her filthy parbreak all the place defiled has.
parbreak > vomit
101.21
As when old father Nilus gins to swell
2 With timely pride aboue the Aegyptian vale,
His fattie waues do fertile slime outwell,
4 And ouerflow each plaine and lowly dale:
But when his later +spring+ gins to auale,
6 Huge heapes of mudd he leaues, wherein there breed
Ten thousand kindes of creatures, partly male
8 And partly female of his fruitfull seed;
Such vgly monstrous shapes elswhere may no man reed.
5 spring > ebbe 1590 etc.: FE
1 As when old Father Nile begins to swell 2 With timely pride above the Egyptian vale;
timely > seasonal pride > {The state of being in flood; stateliness, splendour; tumescence, sexual excitement}
3 His fatty waves do fertile slime outwell,
fatty > oleaginous, greasy; hence: mud-laden, rich outwell > pour forth
4 And overflow each plain and lowly dale: 5 But when his latter spring begins to avale,
latter > last, final spring > tide avale > sink down, flow down
6 Huge heaps of mud he leaves, wherein there breed 7 Ten thousand kinds of creatures, partly male
partly > some
8 And partly female, of his fruitful seed;
seed > semen (cf. 304.41:6); progeny
9 Such ugly monstrous shapes elsewhere may no man read.
read > see, observe (SUS)
101.22
The same so sore annoyed has the knight,
2 That welnigh choked with the deadly stinke,
His forces faile, ne can no longer fight.
4 Whose corage when the feend perceiu'd to shrinke,
She poured forth out of her hellish sinke
6 Her fruitfull cursed spawne of serpents small,
Deformed monsters, fowle, and black as inke,
8 Which swarming all about his legs did crall,
And him encombred sore, but could not hurt at all.
1 The same so sore annoyed has the knight,
annoyed > afflicted, discommoded
2 That, well-nigh choked with the deadly stink, 3 His forces fail, nor can no longer fight: 4 Whose courage when the fiend perceived to shrink, 5 She poured forth out of her hellish sink
sink > {Intestines, organs of excretion; rectum}
6 Her fruitful cursed spawn of serpents small: 7 Deformed monsters, foul, and black as ink, 8 Which swarming all about his legs did crawl, 9 And him encumbered sore, but could not hurt at all.
101.23
As gentle Shepheard in sweete euen-tide,
2 When ruddy Ph{oe}bus gins to welke in west,
High on an hill, his flocke to vewen wide,
4 Markes which do byte their hasty supper best;
A cloud of +combrous+ gnattes do him molest,
6 All striuing to infixe their feeble stings,
That from their noyance he no where can rest,
8 But with his clownish hands their tender wings
He brusheth +oft+, and oft doth mar their murmurings.
5 combrous > cumbrous 1590 9 oft > off conj. Collier
1 As gentle shepherd in sweet eventide 2 (When ruddy Phoebus begins to welk in west),
welk > fade, wane
3 High on a hill, his flock to view wide, 4 Marks which do bite their hasty supper best, 5 A cloud of cumbrous gnats do him molest,
A > [And a] cumbrous > harassing
6 All striving to infix their feeble stings, 7 That from their annoyance he nowhere can rest,
That > [So that]
8 But with his clownish hands their tender wings
clownish > rude, rustic
9 He brushes oft, and oft does mar their murmurings.
101.24
Thus ill bestedd, and fearefull more of shame,
2 Then of the certaine perill he stood in,
Halfe furious vnto his foe he came,
4 Resolv'd in minde all suddenly to win,
Or soone to lose, before he once would lin;
6 And +strooke+ at her with more then manly force,
That from her body full of filthie sin
8 He +raft+ her hatefull head without remorse;
A streame of cole black bloud forth gushed from her corse.
6 strooke > stroke 1590 8 raft > reft 1609
1 Thus ill-bested, and fearful more of shame
ill-bested > hard-pressed, threatened (bested = placed); or: ill- bestad: badly beset, badly hemmed in (SUS)
2 Than of the certain peril he stood in, 3 Half furious to his foe he came, 4 Resolved in mind all suddenly to win, 5 Or soon to lose, before he once would lin;
lin > desist, cease
6 And struck at her with more than manly force,
manly > human
7 That from her body, full of filthy sin,
That > [So that]
8 He reft her hateful head without remorse:
reft > severed (catachr.); took away remorse > compunction; pity
9 A stream of coal-black blood forth gushed from her corse.
corse > body
101.25
Her scattred brood, soone as their Parent deare
2 They saw so rudely falling to the ground,
Groning full deadly, all with troublous feare,
4 Gathred themselues about her body round,
Weening their wonted entrance to haue found
6 At her wide mouth: but being there withstood
They flocked all about her bleeding +wound,+
8 And sucked vp their dying mothers blood,
Making her death their life, and eke her hurt their good.
wound, > wound. 1596
1 Her scattered brood, soon as their parent dear
soon > [as soon]
2 They saw so rudely falling to the ground,
rudely > violently; clumsily
3 Groaning full deadly, all with troublous fear,
full > very, exceedingly
4 Gathered themselves about her body round, 5 Weening their wonted entrance to have found
Weening > Supposing wonted > customary, usual
6 At her wide mouth; but being there withstood, 7 They flocked all about her bleeding wound, 8 And sucked up their dying mother's blood, 9 Making her death their life, and eke her hurt their good.
eke > also, moreover
101.26
That detestable sight him much amazde,
2 To see th'vnkindly Impes of heauen accurst,
Deuoure their dam; on whom while so he gazd,
4 Hauing all satisfide their bloudy thurst,
Their bellies swolne he saw with fulnesse burst,
6 And bowels gushing forth: well worthy end
Of such as drunke her life, the which them nurst;
8 Now needeth him no +lenger+ labour spend,
His foes haue slaine themselues, with whom he should contend.
8 lenger > longer 1609
1 That detestable sight him much amazed,
amazed > astounded, stunned
2 To see the unkindly imps, of heaven accursed,
unkindly > unnatural imps > offspring, progeny
3 Devour their dam; on whom while so he gazed, 4 Having all satisfied their bloody thirst, 5 Their bellies swollen he saw with fullness burst, 6 And bowels gushing forth: well worthy end 7 Of such as drunk her life, who them nursed; 8 Now needs him no longer labour spend, 9 His foes have slain themselves, with whom he should contend.
should contend > [would have contended]
101.27
His Ladie seeing all, that chaunst, from farre
2 Approcht in hast to greet his victorie,
And said, Faire knight, borne vnder happy starre,
4 Who see your vanquisht foes before you lye:
Well worthy be you of that Armorie,
6 Wherein ye haue great glory wonne this day,
And proou'd your strength on a strong enimie,
8 Your first aduenture: many such I pray,
And henceforth euer wish, that like succeed it may.
1 His lady, seeing all that chanced from far, 2 Approached in haste to greet his victory;
greet > congratulate him on (SUFQ)
3 And said, "Fair knight, born under happy star,
born > born; borne, sustained, moved onward happy > fortunate, auspicious
4 Who see your vanquished foes before you lie, 5 Well worthy be you of that armoury
armoury > armour; armory: armorial bearings [the Red Cross]
6 Wherein you have great glory won this day, 7 And proved your strength on a strong enemy, 8 Your first adventure: many such I pray, 9 And henceforth ever wish, that like succeed it may."
like > the like; hence: similar success
101.28
Then mounted he vpon his Steede againe,
2 And with the Lady backward sought to wend;
That path he kept, which beaten was most plaine,
4 Ne euer would to any by-way bend,
But still did follow one vnto the end,
6 The which at last out of the wood them brought.
So forward on his way (with God to frend)
8 He +passed+ forth, and new aduenture sought;
Long way he trauelled, before he heard of ought.
8 passed > passeth 1596, 1609
1 Then mounted he upon his steed again, 2 And with the lady backward sought to wend. 3 That path he kept which beaten was most plain, 4 Nor ever would to any byway bend,
bend > incline; turn, hence: divert their course
5 But still did follow one to the end,
still > continuously, without change; hence: in one direction
6 Which at last out of the wood them brought. 7 So forward on his way (with God to friend)
to > as a
8 He passed forth, and new adventure sought; 9 Long way he travelled, before he heard of aught.
101.29
At length they chaunst to meet vpon the way
2 An aged Sire, in long blacke weedes yclad,
His feete all bare, his beard all hoarie gray,
4 And by his belt his booke he hanging had;
Sober he seemde, and very sagely sad,
6 And to the ground his eyes were lowly bent,
Simple in shew, and voyde of malice bad,
8 And all the way he prayed, as he went,
And often knockt his brest, as one that did repent.
1 At length they chanced to meet upon the way 2 An aged sire, in long black weeds clad,
sire > elderly man, father weeds > garments
3 His feet all bare, his beard all hoary grey, 4 And by his belt his book he hanging had; 5 Sober he seemed, and very sagely sad,
sad > grave
6 And to the ground his eyes were lowly bent, 7 Simple in show, and void of malice bad,
show > appearance
8 And all the way he prayed as he went, 9 And often knocked his breast, as one that did repent.
101.30
He faire the knight saluted, louting low,
2 Who faire him quited, as that courteous was:
And after asked him, if he did know
4 Of straunge aduentures, which abroad did pas.
Ah my deare Sonne (quoth he) how should, alas,
6 Silly old man, that liues in hidden cell,
Bidding his beades all day for his trespas,
8 Tydings of warre and worldly trouble tell?
With holy father +sits+ not with such things to mell.
9 sits > fits 1609; cf. 108.33:5, 202.11:9
1 He fair the knight saluted, louting low,
fair > courteously louting > bowing, making obeisance ("Lowted, did honour and reuerence": SC, gloss to "Julye")
2 Who fair him requited, as courteous was:
fair > equitably; courteously
3 And after asked him if he did know 4 Of strange adventures, which abroad did pass. 5 "Ah, my dear son," quoth he, "how should, alas, 6 Silly old man, that lives in hidden cell,
Silly > Simple, innocent cell > {Dwelling consisting of a single chamber, occupied by a hermit}
7 Bidding his beads all day for his trespass,
Bidding his beads > Saying his rosary, saying his prayers trespass > sin, sins
8 Tidings of war and worldly trouble tell? 9 With holy father sits not with such things to mell.
sits not > it is not fitting, it does not behove mell > meddle (see SC, gloss to "Julye")
101.31
But if of daunger which hereby doth dwell,
2 And +homebred euill ye+ desire to heare,
Of a straunge man I can you tidings tell,
4 That wasteth all this countrey farre and neare.
Of such (said he) I chiefly do inquere,
6 And shall +you+ well reward to shew the place,
In which that wicked wight his dayes doth weare:
8 For to all knighthood it is foule disgrace,
That such a cursed creature liues so long a space.
2 homebred euill ye > homebred euill euill ye 1596 6 you > thee 1590; "you" is the more courteous form; cf. 102.22:5, but also 107.48:9
1 "But if of danger, which hereby does dwell, 2 And homebred evil you desire to hear, 3 Of a strange man I can you tidings tell, 4 That wastes all this country, far and near." 5 "Of such," said he, "I chiefly do inquire, 6 And shall you well reward to show the place 7 In which that wicked wight his days does wear:
wight > being, person wear > spend
8 For to all knighthood it is foul disgrace 9 That such a cursed creature lives so long a space."
101.32
Far hence (quoth he) in wastfull wildernesse
2 His dwelling is, by which no liuing wight
May euer passe, but thorough great distresse.
4 Now (sayd the Lady) draweth toward night,
And well I wote, that of your later fight
6 Ye all +for wearied+ be: for what so strong,
But wanting rest will also want of might?
8 The Sunne that measures heauen all day long,
At night doth baite his steedes the Ocean waues emong.
6 for wearied > forwearied 1590, 1609
1 "Far hence" quoth he, "in wasteful wilderness
wasteful > desolate
2 His dwelling is, by which no living wight
wight > person
3 May ever pass, but through great distress." 4 "Now" said the lady, "draws toward night, 5 And well I wot, that of your later fight
wot > know later > late, recent
6 You all forwearied be: for what so strong,
all forwearied be > [are worn out]
7 But, wanting rest, will also want of might?
wanting > lacking
8 The sun, that measures heaven all day long, 9 At night does bait his steeds the ocean waves among.
bait > {Rest, allow to rest; allow to feed on a journey} steeds > (Drawing Phoebus's "fiery carre": see 102.1:7)
101.33
Then with the Sunne take Sir, your timely rest,
2 And with new day new worke at once begin:
Vntroubled night they say giues counsell best.
4 Right well Sir knight ye haue aduised bin,
(Quoth then that aged man;) the way to win
6 Is wisely to aduise: now day is spent;
Therefore with me ye may take vp your In
8 For this same night. The knight was well content:
So with that godly father to his home they went.
1 "Then with the sun take, sir, your timely rest, 2 And with new day new work at once begin: 3 Untroubled night, they say, gives counsel best." 4 "Right well, sir knight, you have advised been," 5 Quoth then that aged man; "the way to win 6 Is wisely to advise; now day is spent:
advise > consider, take stock; advise
7 Therefore with me you may take up your inn
inn > lodging
8 For this same night." The knight was well content: 9 So with that godly father to his home they went.
101.34
A little lowly Hermitage it was,
2 Downe in a dale, hard by a forests side,
Far from resort of people, that did pas
4 In trauell to and froe: a little wyde
There was an holy Chappell edifyde,
6 Wherein the Hermite dewly wont to say
His holy things each morne and euentyde:
8 Thereby a Christall streame did +gently+ play,
Which from a sacred fountaine welled forth alway.
8 gently > genlty 1596
1 A little lowly hermitage it was, 2 Down in a dale, hard by a forest's side, 3 Far from resort of people that did pass 4 In travel to and fro: a little wide
wide > apart
5 There was a holy chapel edified,
edified > built
6 Wherein the hermit duly wont to say
wont > was accustomed
7 His holy things each morn and eventide: 8 Thereby a crystal stream did gently play, 9 Which from a sacred fountain welled forth alway.
alway > always
101.35
Arriued there, the little house they fill,
2 Ne looke for entertainement, where none was:
Rest is their feast, and all things at their will;
4 The noblest mind the best contentment has.
With faire discourse the euening so they pas:
6 For that old man of pleasing wordes had store,
And well could file his tongue as smooth as glas;
8 He told of Saintes and Popes, and +euermore+
He strowd an Aue-Mary after and before.
8 euermore > euemore 1596
1 Arrived there, the little house they fill, 2 Nor look for entertainment, where none was:
entertainment > lavish hospitality
3 Rest is their feast, and all things at their will;
at their will > (Because they desire nothing)
4 The noblest mind the best contentment has. 5 With fair discourse the evening so they pass: 6 For that old man of pleasing words had store, 7 And well could file his tongue as smooth as glass;
file > shape, polish
8 He told of saints and popes, and evermore 9 He strewed an Ave Maria after and before.
Ave Maria > Hail Mary
101.36
The drouping Night thus creepeth on them fast,
2 And the sad humour loading their eye liddes,
As messenger of Morpheus on them cast
4 Sweet slombring deaw, the which to sleepe them biddes.
Vnto their lodgings then his guestes he riddes:
6 Where when all drownd in deadly sleepe he findes,
He to his study goes, and there amiddes
8 His Magick bookes and artes of sundry kindes,
He seekes out mighty charmes, to trouble sleepy mindes.
1 The drooping night thus creeps on them fast, 2 And the sad humour loading their eyelids,
sad humour > heavy moisture (see line 4)
3 As messenger of Morpheus, on them cast
As > [Like a] Morpheus > (The god of dreams: one of the sons of Somnus, the god of sleep. His name signifies "Fashioner", "Moulder", because he shapes the sleeper's dreams)
4 Sweet slumbering dew, which to sleep them bids.
dew > (The dew of sleep. Cf. PL 4.614, Richard III IV i 84, Julius Caesar II i 230)
5 To their lodgings then his guests he rids:
rids > dispatches
6 Where, when all drowned in deadly sleep he finds,
deadly > death-like
7 He to his study goes, and there amidst 8 His magic books, and arts of sundry kinds, 9 He seeks out mighty charms to trouble sleepy minds.
sleepy > sleeping
101.37
Then choosing out few wordes most horrible,
2 (Let none them read) thereof did verses frame,
With which and other spelles like terrible,
4 He bad awake blacke Plutoes griesly Dame,
And cursed heauen, and spake reprochfull shame
6 Of highest God, the Lord of life and light;
A bold bad man, that dar'd to call by name
8 Great Gorgon, Prince of darknesse and dead night,
At which Cocytus quakes, and Styx is put to flight.
1 Then, choosing out few words most horrible