3 "None but that saw," quoth he, "would ween for troth
None but that saw > [Nobody except one who saw] ween > believe, imagine troth > truth
4 How shamefully that maid he did torment.
maid > virgin; young woman
5 Her looser golden locks he rudely rent,
looser > too-loose; hence: unfastened, dishevelled rudely > roughly, violently; ignobly rent > tore
6 And drew her on the ground; and his sharp sword 7 Against her snowy breast he fiercely bent, 8 And threatened death with many a bloody word; 9 Tongue hates to tell the rest, that eye to see abhorred."
201.12
Therewith amoued from his sober mood,
2 And liues he yet (said he) that wrought this act,
And doen the heauens afford him vitall food?
4 He liues, (quoth he) and boasteth of the fact,
Ne yet hath any knight his courage crackt.
6 Where may that treachour then (said he) be found,
Or by what meanes may I his footing tract?
8 That shall I shew (said he) as sure, as hound
The stricken Deare doth chalenge by the bleeding wound.
1 Therewith amoved from his sober mood,
Therewith > With that; thereupon amoved > stirred
2 "And lives he yet," said he, "that wrought this act,
that > [he who]
3 And do the heavens afford him vital food?" 4 "He lives," quoth he, "and boasts of the fact,
fact > deed, crime
5 Nor yet has any knight his courage cracked." 6 "Where may that treacher then," said he, "be found,
treacher > deceiver; traitor
7 Or by what means may I his footing tract?"
footing tract > trail trace
8 "That shall I show," said he, "as sure as hound 9 The stricken deer does challenge by the bleeding wound."
challenge > {Call to account: a term used in hunting when the hounds first cry at finding the scent}
201.13
He staid not lenger talke, but with fierce ire
2 And zealous hast away is quickly gone
To seeke that knight, where him that craftie Squire
4 Supposd to be. They do arriue anone,
Where sate a gentle Lady all alone,
6 With garments rent, and haire discheueled,
Wringing her hands, and making piteous mone;
8 Her swollen eyes were much disfigured,
And her faire face with teares was fowly blubbered.
1 He stayed not longer talk, but with fierce ire
talk > [talking, to talk, for talk]
2 And zealous haste away is quickly gone 3 To seek that knight, where him that crafty squire
squire > (See 201.21:6-9)
4 Supposed to be. They do arrive anon
Supposed > {Stated, asserted as a fact} anon > straightway; (catachr.) soon
5 Where sat a gentle lady all alone,
gentle > noble; gentle
6 With garments rent, and hair dishevelled,
rent > torn
7 Wringing her hands, and making piteous moan;
moan > lamentation
8 Her swollen eyes were much disfigured, 9 And her fair face with tears was foully blubbered.
blubbered > swollen, stained
201.14
The knight approching nigh, thus to her said,
2 Faire Ladie, through foule sorrow ill bedight,
Great pittie is to see you thus dismaid,
4 And marre the blossome of your beautie bright:
For thy appease your griefe and heauie plight,
6 And tell the cause of your conceiued paine.
For if he liue, that hath you doen +despight,+
8 He shall you doe due recompence againe,
Or else his wrong with greater puissance maintaine.
7 despight, > despight; 1596, 1609
1 The knight, approaching nigh, thus to her said, 2 "Fair lady, through foul sorrow ill-bedight,
ill-bedight > ill-adorned; hence: disfigured
3 Great pity is to see you thus dismayed, 4 And mar the blossom of your beauty bright;
mar > [to see you mar]
5 For-thy appease your grief and heavy plight,
For-thy > For this reason, therefore appease > desist from, check
6 And tell the cause of your conceived pain:
conceived > {Taken or admitted into the mind; also: apparent, hence: self-evident}
7 For if he live, that has you done despite,
live > [lives; the subjunctive here is all but obsolete] despite > outrage
8 He shall you do due recompense again, 9 Or else his wrong with greater puissance maintain."
puissance > strength, force maintain > uphold, defend
201.15
Which when she heard, as in despightfull wise,
2 She wilfully her sorrow did augment,
And offred hope of comfort did despise:
4 Her golden lockes most cruelly she rent,
And scratcht her face with ghastly dreriment,
6 Ne would she speake, ne see, ne yet be seene,
But hid her visage, and her head downe bent,
8 Either for grieuous shame, or for great teene,
As if her hart with sorrow had transfixed beene.
1 Which when she heard, as in despiteful wise,
despiteful > [a] scornful wise > manner
2 She wilfully her sorrow did augment, 3 And offered hope of comfort did despise: 4 Her golden locks most cruelly she rent,
rent > tore
5 And scratched her face with ghastly dreariment,
dreariment > affliction, melancholy
6 Neither would she speak, nor see, nor yet be seen, 7 But hid her visage, and her head down bent,
down bent > bent down, inclined; or: down-bent (describing her head which she hid)
8 Either for grievous shame, or for great teen,
teen > grief; woe
9 As if her heart with sorrow had transfixed been.
201.16
Till her that Squire bespake, Madame my +liefe+,
2 For Gods deare loue be not so wilfull bent,
But doe vouchsafe now to receiue reliefe,
4 The which good fortune doth to you present.
For what bootes it to weepe and to wayment,
6 When ill is chaunst, but doth the ill increase,
And the weake mind with double woe +torment?+
8 When she her Squire heard speake, she gan appease
Her voluntarie paine, and feele some secret ease.
1 liefe > life 1590; cf. 201.52:5 7 torment? > torment{inverse ?} 1596
1 Till her that squire bespoke: "Madam, my lief,
that squire > [Archimago] bespoke > addressed lief > friend, dear
2 For God's dear love be not so wilful bent,
wilful bent > wilfully inclined
3 But do vouchsafe now to receive relief, 4 Which good fortune does to you present. 5 For what boots it to weep and to wayment
boots > avails wayment > lament; wail
6 When ill is chanced, but does the ill increase,
ill > evil chanced > happened upon; hence: experienced but > [for weeping only]
7 And the weak mind with double woe torment." 8 When she her squire heard speak, she gan appease
gan > did; began to appease > check
9 Her voluntary pain, and feel some secret ease.
voluntary > self-induced, self-inflicted
201.17
Eftsoone she said, Ah gentle trustie Squire,
2 What comfort can I wofull wretch conceaue,
Or why should euer I henceforth +desire,+
4 To see faire heauens face, and life not leaue,
Sith that false Traytour did my honour reaue?
6 False traytour certes (said the Faerie knight)
I read the man, that euer would deceaue
8 A gentle Ladie, or her wrong through might:
Death were too little paine for such a foule despight.
3 desire, > desyre, 1590; desire 1609
1 Eftsoons she said, "Ah, gentle trusty squire,
Eftsoons > Thereupon gentle > noble
2 What comfort can I, woeful wretch, conceive, 3 Or why should ever I henceforth desire 4 To see fair Heaven's face, and life not leave, 5 Sith that false traitor did my honour reave?"
Sith > Since reave > take away; plunder, despoil
6 "False traitor certes," said the Faery knight,
certes > assuredly
7 "I read the man, that ever would deceive
read > consider
8 A gentle lady, or her wrong through might:
gentle > noble; gentle wrong > (Vb.)
9 Death were too little pain for such a foul despite.
despite > outrage
201.18
But now, faire Ladie, comfort to you make,
2 And read, who hath ye wrought this shamefull +plight;+
That short reuenge the man may ouertake,
4 Where so he be, and soone vpon him light.
Certes (saide she) I wote not how he hight,
6 But vnder him a gray steede +did he+ wield,
Whose sides with dapled circles weren dight;
8 Vpright he rode, and in his siluer shield
He bore a bloudie Crosse, that quartred all the field.
2 plight; > plight. 1590, 1596 6 did he > he did 1590
1 "But now, fair lady, comfort to you make, 2 And read who has you wrought this shameful plight;
read > declare
3 That short revenge the man may overtake,
That > [So that] short > quick, speedy; immediate
4 Whereso he be, and soon upon him light."
Whereso > Wherever light > fall
5 "Certes," said she, "I wot not how he hight,
Certes > Assuredly wot > know hight > is named
6 But under him a grey steed did he wield,
wield > manage, control
7 Whose sides with dappled circles were dight;
dight > arranged; hence: marked
8 Upright he rode, and in his silver shield
in > [on]
9 He bore a bloody cross, that quartered all the field."
bloody > blood-red quartered > {Divided into four; a technical term in heraldry} field > {Surface of the shield; another term in heraldry}
201.19
Now by my head (said Guyon) much I muse,
2 How that same knight should do so foule amis,
Or euer gentle Damzell so abuse:
4 For may I boldly say, he surely is
A right good knight, and true of word ywis:
6 I present was, and can it witnesse well,
When armes he swore, and streight did enterpris
8 Th'aduenture of the Errant damozell,
In which he hath great glorie wonne, as I heare tell.
1 "Now by my head," said Guyon, "much I muse
by my head > (An oath) muse > marvel, wonder; am at a loss to understand
2 How that same knight should do so foul amiss,
amiss > [an] evil deed (cf. Hamlet IV v 18)
3 Or ever gentle damsel so abuse:
gentle > noble; gentle abuse > violate, ill-use
4 For, may I boldly say, he surely is 5 A right good knight, and true of word iwis:
right > very iwis > certainly, indeed
6 I present was, and can it witness well, 7 When arms he swore, and straight did enterprise
arms > [the oaths of knighthood] straight > straightway enterprise > undertake
8 The adventure of the Errant Damsel,
Errant Damsel > (Una, who wandered in order to find a knight to free her parents; see Book I)
9 In which he has great glory won, as I hear tell.
201.20
Nathlesse he shortly shall againe be tryde,
2 And fairely quite him of th'imputed blame,
Else be ye sure he dearely shall abyde,
4 Or make you good amendment for the same:
All wrongs haue mends, but no amends of shame.
6 Now therefore Ladie, rise out of your paine,
And see the saluing of your blotted name.
8 Full loth she seemd thereto, but yet did faine;
For she was inly glad her purpose so to gaine.
1 "Natheless he shortly shall again be tried,
Natheless > Nevertheless
2 And fairly quit himself of the imputed blame,
quit > absolve, clear blame > charge
3 Else be you sure he dearly shall aby,
Else > Otherwise dearly > sorely; expensively aby > atone, pay the penalty; suffer (cf. 204.40:4)
4 Or make you good amendment for the same: 5 All wrongs have mends, but no amends of shame.
mends > compensations (partly aphetic for "amends") no amends of > [there can be no reparation for]
6 Now, therefore, lady, rise out of your pain, 7 And see the salving of your blotted name."
salving > restoration, making good
8 Full loath she seemed thereto, but yet did feign;
thereto > in that purpose; with that feign > dissimulate (this spelling suggested by 201.21:1); also: fain: become glad
9 For she was inly glad her purpose so to gain.
inly > inwardly
201.21
Her purpose was not such, as she did faine,
2 Ne yet her person such, as it was seene,
But vnder simple shew and semblant plaine
4 Lurckt false Duessa secretly vnseene,
As a chast Virgin, that had wronged beene:
6 So had false Archimago her disguisd,
To cloke her guile with sorrow and sad teene;
8 And eke himselfe had craftily deuisd
To be her Squire, and do her seruice well aguisd.
1 Her purpose was not such as she did feign, 2 Nor yet her person such as it was seen, 3 But under simple show and semblant plain
show > appearance (cf. 102.45:7) semblant > outward aspect, semblance
4 Lurked false Duessa, secretly unseen, 5 As a chaste virgin, that had wronged been: 6 So had false Archimago her disguised, 7 To cloak her guile with sorrow and sad teen;
teen > grief; woe
8 And eke himself had craftily devised
eke > also
9 To be her squire, and do her service well aguised.
squire > attendant aguised > arrayed
201.22
Her late forlorne and naked he had found,
2 Where she did wander in waste wildernesse,
Lurking in rockes and caues farre vnder ground,
4 And with greene mosse cou'ring her nakednesse,
To hide her shame and loathly filthinesse;
6 Sith her Prince Arthur of proud ornaments
And borrow'd beautie spoyld. Her nathelesse
8 Th'enchaunter finding fit for his intents,
Did thus reuest, and deckt with due habiliments.
1 Her late forlorn and naked he had found,
late > lately
2 Where she did wander in waste wilderness,
waste > desolate, uninhabited (see 108.50:3)
3 Lurking in rocks and caves far underground, 4 And with green moss covering her nakedness, 5 To hide her shame and loathly filthiness;
loathly > loathsome, repulsive, hateful filthiness > obscenity, moral defilement
6 Sith her Prince Arthur of proud ornaments
Sith > Since
7 And borrowed beauty spoiled. Her natheless
spoiled > stripped (with less sense of violence than modern usage implies) natheless > nevertheless
8 The enchanter finding fit for his intents,
intents > purposes
9 Did thus revest, and decked with due habiliments.
revest > reinstate; dress, apparel ("her" being understood from line 7) due habiliments > appropriate attire
201.23
For all he did, was to deceiue good knights,
2 And draw them from pursuit of praise and fame,
To slug in slouth and sensuall delights,
4 And end their daies with irrenowmed shame.
And now exceeding griefe him ouercame,
6 To see the Redcrosse thus aduaunced hye;
Therefore this craftie engine he did frame,
8 Against his praise to stirre vp enmitye
Of such, as vertues like mote vnto him allye.
1 For all he did was to deceive good knights, 2 And draw them from pursuit of praise and fame, 3 To slug in sloth and sensual delights,
slug > laze; waste time
4 And end their days with irrenowned shame.
irrenowned > infamous (WU)
5 And now exceeding grief him overcame, 6 To see the Redcross thus advanced high;
advanced > raised; extolled (referring either to the knight or his heraldic bearing, the red cross)
7 Therefore this crafty engine he did frame,
engine > contrivance, snare frame > fashion
8 Against his praise to stir up enmity
praise > praiseworthiness; good reputation
9 Of such as virtues like might to him ally.
such as virtues like > [those people whose similar virtues] ally > [ally themselves]
201.24
So now he Guyon guides an vncouth way
2 Through woods and mountaines, till they came at last
Into a pleasant dale, that lowly lay
4 Betwixt two hils, whose high heads ouerplast,
The valley did with coole shade ouercast;
6 Through midst thereof a little riuer rold,
By which there sate a knight with helme vnlast,
8 Himselfe refreshing with the liquid cold,
After his trauell long, and labours manifold.
1 So now he Guyon guides an uncouth way
uncouth > unaccustomed; unfrequented; desolate, wild
2 Through woods and mountains, till they came at last 3 Into a pleasant dale, that lowly lay
lowly > {Low in situation}
4 Betwixt two hills, whose high heads overplaced
overplaced > overhanging; looming
5 The valley did with cool shade overcast; 6 Through midst thereof a little river rolled, 7 By which there sat a knight with helm unlaced,
helm > helmet
8 Himself refreshing with the liquid cold, 9 After his travel long, and labours manifold.
201.25
Loe yonder he, cryde Archimage alowd,
2 That wrought the shamefull fact, which I did shew;
And now he doth himselfe in secret shrowd,
4 To flie the vengeance for his outrage dew;
But vaine: for ye shall dearely do him rew,
6 So God ye speed, and send you good successe;
Which we farre off will here abide to vew.
8 So they him left, inflam'd with wrathfulnesse,
That streight against that knight his speare he did addresse.
1 "Lo yonder he," cried Archimago aloud, 2 "That wrought the shameful fact which I did show;
fact > deed, crime show > behold; make known, describe
3 And now he does himself in secret shroud,
shroud > hide
4 To fly the vengeance for his outrage due;
fly > flee, avoid for his outrage due > [due to him for his outrage]
5 But vain: for you shall dearly do him rue,
vain > vainly; in vain dearly > sorely; dearly do him > make him, cause him to (cf. "do him die", e.g. 109.54:8)
6 So God you speed, and send you good success;
speed > assist
7 Which we far off will here abide to view."
abide > remain
8 So they him left, inflamed with wrathfulness, 9 That straight against that knight his spear he did address.
That > [So that] straight > immediately, straightway; directly
201.26
Who seeing him from farre so fierce to pricke,
2 His warlike armes about him gan embrace,
And in the rest his readie speare did sticke;
4 Tho when as still he saw him towards pace,
He gan rencounter him in equall race.
6 They bene ymet, both readie to affrap,
When suddenly that warriour gan abace
8 His threatned speare, as if some new mishap
Had him +betidde+, or hidden daunger did entrap.
9 betidde > betide 1590
1 Who, seeing him from far so fierce to prick,
prick > spur [his horse]; ride
2 His warlike arms about him gan embrace,
gan > did embrace > put (usually just a shield) on the arm; hence: put on, take up (shield and lance, etc.)
3 And in the rest his ready spear did stick;
rest > {Socket in the saddle for the heel of the lance}
4 Tho when still he saw him towards pace,
Tho > Then towards > [in his direction]
5 He gan rencounter him in equal race.
gan rencounter > did engage equal race > {The level course along which the two jousting knights in a tourney charge toward one another, here used fig.}
6 They been met, both ready to affrap,
been met > [came together in battle] affrap > strike (WUFQ)
7 When suddenly that warrior gan abase
that warrior > [Guyon, as the next stanza makes clear] gan abase > did lower
8 His threatened spear, as if some new mishap 9 Had him betide, or hidden danger did entrap.
betide > befallen
201.27
And cryde, Mercie Sir knight, and mercie Lord,
2 For mine offence and heedlesse hardiment,
That had almost committed crime abhord,
4 And with reprochfull shame mine honour shent,
Whiles cursed steele against that badge I bent,
6 The sacred badge of my Redeemers death,
Which on your shield is set for ornament:
8 But his fierce foe his steede could stay vneath,
Who prickt with courage kene, did cruell battell breath.
1 And cried, "Mercy, sir knight, and mercy Lord, 2 For my offence and heedless hardiment,
offence > {Assault; occasion of doubt, unbelief, or apostasy} hardiment > hardihood, boldness; audacity
3 That had almost committed crime abhorred, 4 And with reproachful shame my honour shent,
shent > disgraced
5 While cursed steel against that badge I bent,
bent > inclined, directed
6 The sacred badge of my Redeemer's death, 7 Which on your shield is set for ornament." 8 But his fierce foe his steed could stay uneath,
uneath > scarcely, with difficulty
9 Who, pricked with courage keen, did cruel battle breathe.
Who > (The knight or his horse; see note at 102.8:4) courage > spirit; courage keen > fierce; brave; savage
201.28
But when he heard him speake, streight way he knew
2 His error, and himselfe inclyning sayd;
Ah deare Sir Guyon, +well+ becommeth you,
4 But me behoueth rather to vpbrayd,
Whose hastie hand so farre from reason strayd,
6 That almost it did haynous violence
On that faire image of that heauenly Mayd,
8 That decks and armes your shield with faire defence:
Your court'sie takes on you anothers due offence.
3 well > ill 1679
1 But when he heard him speak, straightway he knew 2 His error and, himself inclining, said:
inclining > [bending the head and body forward; hence: yielding]
3 "Ah, dear Sir Guyon, well becomes you,
becomes > [it becomes]
4 But me behoves rather to upbraid,
me behoves rather to upbraid > [it behoves that I should be upbraided rather than you]
5 Whose hasty hand so far from reason strayed 6 That almost it did heinous violence 7 On that fair image of that heavenly maid,
On > To that heavenly maid > (The Faery Queen: see e.g. 209.4:1-2)
8 That decks and arms your shield with fair defence: 9 Your courtesy takes on you another's due offence."
on you > on yourself; to your own account
201.29
So bene they both +attone+, and doen vpreare
2 Their beuers bright, each other for to greete;
Goodly comportance each to other beare,
4 And entertaine themselues with court'sies meet.
Then said the Redcrosse knight, Now mote I weet,
6 Sir Guyon, why with so fierce saliaunce,
And fell intent ye did at earst me meet;
8 For sith I know your goodly gouernaunce,
Great cause, I weene, you guided, or some vncouth chaunce.
1 attone > at one 1590
1 So been they both at one, and do uprear
been > [were] uprear > raise
2 Their beavers bright, each other to greet;
beaver > visor (strictly, the lower part of the face-guard)
3 Goodly comportance each to other bear,
comportance > behaviour; accordance
4 And entertain themselves with courtesies meet.
meet > fitting
5 Then said the Redcross Knight, "Now might I weet,
weet > know
6 Sir Guyon, why with so fierce salience
so > such [a] salience > {Leaping forward, projection from the norm; hence: onslaught}
7 And fell intent you did at erst me meet;
fell > fierce, terrible intent > purpose, intention erst > first
8 For sith I know your goodly governance,
sith > since governance > demeanour, behaviour; self-control
9 Great cause, I ween, you guided, or some uncouth chance."
ween > imagine, think uncouth > strange
201.30
Certes (said he) well mote I shame to tell
2 The fond encheason, that me hither led.
A false infamous faitour late befell
4 Me for to meet, that seemed ill bested,
And playnd of grieuous outrage, which he red
6 A knight had wrought against a Ladie gent;
Which to auenge, he to this place me led,
8 Where you he made the marke of his intent,
And now is fled; foule shame him follow, where he went.
1 "Certes," said he, "well might I shame to tell
Certes > Assuredly shame > feel shame, feel ashamed
2 The fond encheason that me hither led.
fond > foolish encheason > cause, reason
3 A false infamous faitour late befell
faitour > impostor, cheat late > recently
4 Me to meet, that seemed ill-bested,
ill-bested > hard-pressed, threatened, in trouble (bested = placed)
5 And plained of grievous outrage, which he read
plained > complained read > [had] observed; declared, made known
6 A knight had wrought against a lady gent;
gent > graceful, elegant; noble
7 Which to avenge, he to this place me led, 8 Where you he made the mark of his intent, 9 And now is fled; foul shame him follow, where he went."
where > wherever
201.31
So can he turne his earnest vnto game,
2 Through goodly +handling+ and wise temperance.
By this his aged guide in presence came;
4 Who soone as on that knight his eye did glance,
Eft soones of him had perfect cognizance,
6 Sith him in Faerie court he late auizd;
And said, +faire+ sonne, God giue you happie chance,
8 And that deare Crosse vpon your shield deuizd,
Wherewith aboue all knights ye goodly seeme aguizd.
2 handling > handing 1596 7 faire > fayre 1590; Faire 1609
1 So can he turn his earnest to game,
can he > did he; does he know how to
2 Through goodly handling and wise temperance.
handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct
3 By this his aged guide in presence came;
By this > At this; by this time
4 Who, soon as on that knight his eye did glance,
soon > [as soon]
5 Eftsoons of him had perfect cognizance,
Eftsoons > Forthwith cognizance > recognition (SUS)
6 Sith him in Faery court he late advised;
Sith > Since late > recently advised > saw, noticed, observed
7 And said, "Fair son, God give you happy chance,
happy > fortunate; happy
8 And that dear cross upon your shield devised,
devised > contrived, skilfully prepared; hence: painted ("device" (sb.) = "design", and, specifically in heraldry, "emblem")
9 Wherewith above all knights you goodly seem aguised.
Wherewith > With which aguised > arrayed; hence: protected
201.32
Ioy may you haue, and euerlasting fame,
2 Of late most hard atchieu'ment by you donne,
For which enrolled is your glorious name
4 In heauenly Registers aboue the Sunne,
Where you a Saint with Saints your seat haue wonne:
6 But wretched we, where ye haue left your marke,
Must now anew begin, like race to runne;
8 God guide thee, Guyon, well to end thy warke,
And to the wished hauen bring thy weary barke.
1 "Joy may you have, and everlasting fame, 2 Of late most hard achievement by you done,
late > [the] recent
3 For which enrolled is your glorious name 4 In heavenly registers above the sun,
heavenly registers > (See Luke 10.20; Rev. 3.5)
5 Where you a saint with saints your seat have won: 6 But wretched we, where you have left your mark, 7 Must now anew begin, like race to run;
like > [a] similar race > {Journey, voyage; competitive race [against the forces of evil]; course in a tourney (cf. 201.26:5); strong current in the sea or a river (cf. esp. 212); course of events; course of a narrative}
8 God guide you, Guyon, well to end your work, 9 And to the wished haven bring your weary bark."
bark > vessel
201.33
Palmer, (him answered the Redcrosse knight)
2 His be the praise, that this atchieu'ment wrought,
Who made my hand the organ of his might;
4 More then goodwill to me attribute nought:
For all I did, I did but as I ought.
6 But you, faire Sir, whose pageant next ensewes,
Well mote yee thee, as well can wish your thought,
8 That home ye may report +thrise+ happie newes;
For well ye worthie bene for worth and gentle thewes.
8 thrise > these 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Palmer," him answered the Redcross Knight, 2 "His be the praise, that this achievement wrought, 3 Who made my hand the organ of His might;
organ > instrument, agent (cf. 312.40:5); organ
4 More than goodwill to me attribute naught: 5 For all I did, I did but as I ought. 6 But you, fair sir, whose pageant next ensues,
pageant > {Exhibition, show; scene or act of a medieval mystery play; tableau or tableaux from such a play. The same word is used in the dedicatory sonnet to Charles Howard at I:537} next > (See I:183 ff.: "The second day ther came in a Palmer …")
7 Well might you thee, as well can wish your thought,
thee > thrive; grow your > [your own]
8 That home you may report thrice happy news;
That > [So that] report > carry; send back; report
9 For well you worthy be for worth and gentle thews."
gentle thews > noble qualities
201.34
So courteous conge both did giue and take,
2 With right hands plighted, pledges of good will.
Then Guyon forward gan his voyage make,
4 With his blacke Palmer, that him guided still.
Still he him guided ouer dale and hill,
6 And with his +steedie+ staffe did point his way:
His race with reason, and with words his will,
8 From foule intemperance he oft did stay,
And suffred not in wrath his hastie steps to stray.
6 steedie > steedy 1590; steadie 1609; steady 1590 reported by Grosart
1 So courteous cong{e/} both did give and take,
cong{e/} > leave, farewell
2 With right hands plighted, pledges of goodwill.
plighted > plaited, knitted; hence: clasped
3 Then Guyon forward gan his voyage make,
gan > did; began to voyage > journey
4 With his black palmer, that him guided still.
black > (Referring to the colour of his clothes: see 201.7:2) still > continually
5 Still he him guided over dale and hill, 6 And with his steady staff did point his way: 7 His race with reason, and with words his will,
race > (Meanings as at 201.32:7)
8 From foul intemperance he oft did stay,
stay > hold back
9 And suffered not in wrath his hasty steps to stray.
suffered > allowed
201.35
In this faire wize they traueild long yfere,
2 Through many hard assayes, which did betide;
Of which he honour still away did beare,
4 And spred his glorie through all countries wide.
At last as chaunst them by a forest side
6 To passe, for succour from the scorching ray,
They heard a ruefull voice, that dearnly cride
8 With percing shriekes, and many a dolefull lay;
Which to attend, a while their forward steps they stay.
1 In this fair wise they travelled long yfere,
wise > manner yfere > together
2 Through many hard assays, which did betide;
assays > trials betide > befall
3 Of which he honour still away did bear,
still > always
4 And spread his glory through all countries wide. 5 At last, as chanced them by a forest side 6 To pass, for succour from the scorching ray,
succour > relief; protection, shelter
7 They heard a rueful voice, that dernly cried
dernly > darkly; dismally (SUS)
8 With piercing shrieks, and many a doleful lay;
lay > song, strain; hence: cry, lamentation
9 Which to attend, awhile their forward steps they stay.
attend > listen to stay > check
201.36
But if that carelesse heauens (quoth she) despise
2 The doome of iust reuenge, and take delight
To see sad pageants of mens miseries,
4 As bound by them to liue in +liues+ despight,
Yet can they not warne death from wretched wight.
6 Come then, come soone, come sweetest death to mee,
And take away this long lent loathed light:
8 Sharpe be thy wounds, but sweet the medicines bee,
That long captiued soules from wearie thraldome free.
4 liues > lifes 1609
1 "But if careless heavens," quoth she, "despise
despise > set at naught; treat with contempt
2 The doom of just revenge, and take delight
doom > judgement, sentence; righteousness, equity; power, authority
3 To see sad pageants of men's miseries,
pageants > {Acted scenes on stage}
4 As bound by them to live in life's despite,
bound > fated, compelled [by the heavens] life's despite > [life's malicious circumstances; or, perhaps: scorning, defiant of, life]
5 Yet can they not warn death from wretched wight.
warn death from > refuse death to [a] wight > mortal, woman
6 Come then, come soon, come sweetest death to me, 7 And take away this long lent loathed light: 8 Sharp be your wounds, but sweet the medicines be, 9 That long captived souls from weary thraldom free.
thraldom > captivity, bondage
201.37
But thou, sweet Babe, whom frowning froward fate
2 Hath made sad witnesse of thy fathers fall,
Sith heauen thee deignes to hold in liuing state,
4 Long maist thou liue, and better thriue withall,
Then to thy lucklesse parents did befall:
6 Liue thou, and to thy mother dead attest,
That cleare she dide from blemish criminall;
8 Thy litle hands embrewd in bleeding brest
Loe I for pledges leaue. So giue me leaue to rest.
1 "But you, sweet babe, whom frowning froward Fate
froward > perverse; adverse; evilly disposed
2 Has made sad witness of your father's fall, 3 Sith heaven you deigns to hold in living state,
Sith > Since
4 Long may you live, and better thrive withal
withal > with it, in addition
5 Than to your luckless parents did befall: 6 Live you, and to your mother dead attest
mother dead > [dead mother] attest > testify (this obsolete use is indicated by the preceding "to"; though better sense is made if the "to" is omitted, as: "attest that your dead mother died clear from criminal blemish")
7 That clear she died from blemish criminal; 8 Your little hands imbrued in bleeding breast
imbrued > steeped; stained, defiled
9 Lo I for pledges leave. So give me leave to rest."
201.38
With that a deadly shrieke she forth did throw,
2 That through the wood reecchoed againe,
And after gaue a grone so deepe and low,
4 That seemd her tender heart was rent in twaine,
Or thrild with point of thorough piercing paine;
6 As gentle Hynd, whose sides with cruell steele
Through +launched+, forth her bleeding life does raine,
8 Whiles the sad pang approching she does feele,
Brayes out her latest breath, and vp her eyes doth seele.
7 launched > launced 1609
1 With that a deadly shriek she forth did throw, 2 That through the wood re-echoed again, 3 And after gave a groan so deep and low 4 That seemed her tender heart was rent in twain,
That > [That it] rent > torn twain > two
5 Or thrilled with point of through-piercing pain;
thrilled > pierced
6 As gentle hind, whose sides with cruel steel 7 Through lanced, forth her bleeding life does rain, 8 While the sad pang approaching she does feel,
sad > heavy; solemn; dismal; grievous
9 Brays out her latest breath, and up her eyes does seel.
Brays > Cries latest > last seel > close
201.39
Which when that warriour heard, dismounting straict
2 From his tall steed, he rusht into the thicke,
And soone arriued, where that sad pourtraict
4 Of death and +dolour+ lay, halfe dead, halfe quicke,
In whose white alabaster brest did sticke
6 A cruell knife, that made a griesly wound,
From which forth gusht a streme of gorebloud thick,
8 That all her goodly garments staind around,
And into a deep sanguine dide the grassie ground.
4 dolour > labour 1596, 1609
1 Which when that warrior heard, dismounting straight
straight > straightway, immediately; hence, perhaps: intemperately
2 From his tall steed, he rushed into the thick,
the thick > the thicket, the copse, with perhaps a sly connotation of: the thick of it
3 And soon arrived where that sad portrait 4 Of death and dolour lay, half dead, half quick,
dolour > pain; anguish (see Textual Appendix; I have chosen 1590 as the more obvious reading, though "labour" more graphically describes Amavia's suffering and may also refer to her labour in bearing the child) quick > alive
5 In whose white alabaster breast did stick 6 A cruel knife, that made a grisly wound,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
7 From which forth gushed a stream of goreblood thick,
goreblood > {?Gory blood; ?blood shed by carnage or butchery}
8 That all her goodly garments stained around, 9 And into a deep sanguine dyed the grassy ground.
sanguine > blood-red
201.40
Pittifull spectacle of deadly smart,
2 Beside a bubbling fountaine low she lay,
Which she increased with her bleeding hart,
4 And the cleane waues with purple +gore+ did ray;
Als in her lap a +louely+ babe did play
6 His cruell sport, in stead of sorrow dew;
For in her streaming blood he did embay
8 His litle hands, and tender ioynts embrew;
Pitifull spectacle, as euer eye did view.
4 gore > gold 1596, 1609 5 louely > little 1609
1 Pitiful spectacle of deadly smart,
smart > {Grief, sorrow; suffering; sharp or biting pain. Spenser may have known that "smart" is perhaps related to the Latin mordere, to bite: see 201.0:3}
2 Beside a bubbling fountain low she lay, 3 Which she increased with her bleeding heart, 4 And the clean waves with purple gore did beray;
purple > red, blood-red beray > defile; asperse, bespatter
5 Als in her lap a lovely babe did play
Als > As; also
6 His cruel sport, instead of sorrow due;
due > fitting, proper; merited
7 For in her streaming blood he did embay
embay > bathe
8 His little hands, and tender joints imbrue;
joints > arms; limbs imbrue > steep; defile
9 Pitiful spectacle as ever eye did view.
Pitiful > [As pitiful a]
201.41
Besides them both, vpon the soiled gras
2 The dead corse of an armed knight was spred,
Whose armour all with bloud besprinckled was;
4 His ruddie lips did smile, and rosy red
Did paint his chearefull cheekes, yet being +ded,+
6 Seemd to haue beene a goodly personage,
Now in his freshest flowre of lustie hed,
8 Fit to inflame faire Lady with loues rage,
But that fiers fate did crop the blossome of his age.
5 ded, > ded: 1609
1 Beside them both, upon the soiled grass
soiled > stained; sullied; defiled
2 The dead corse of an armed knight was spread,
corse > body
3 Whose armour all with blood besprinkled was;
besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is intensive}
4 His ruddy lips did smile, and rosy red 5 Did paint his cheerful cheeks, yet being dead:
yet > although
6 Seemed to have been a goodly personage,
Seemed > [He seemed] goodly > well-favoured, handsome
7 Now in his freshest flower of lustihead,
lustihead > lustiness, vigour; lustfulness
8 Fit to inflame fair lady with love's rage, 9 But that fierce fate did crop the blossom of his age.
201.42
Whom when the good Sir Guyon did behold,
2 His hart gan wexe as starke, as marble stone,
And his fresh bloud did frieze with fearefull cold,
4 That all his senses seemd bereft +attone:+
At last his mightie ghost gan deepe to grone,
6 As Lyon grudging in his great disdaine,
Mournes inwardly, and makes to himselfe mone;
8 Till ruth and fraile affection did +constraine,+
His +stout courage+ to stoupe, and shew his inward paine.
4 attone: > attone, 1596 8 constraine, > constraine 1609 9 stout courage > courage stout 1609
1 Whom when the good Sir Guyon did behold, 2 His heart gan wax as stark as marble stone,
gan > did; began to wax > grow stark > rigid, incapable of movement
3 And his fresh blood did freeze with fearful cold, 4 That all his senses seemed bereft at one:
That > [So that] at one > at once, simultaneously
5 At last his mighty ghost began deep to groan,
ghost > spirit
6 As lion, grudging in his great disdain,
grudging > murmuring, grumbling; hence: growling disdain > indignation, anger
7 Mourns inwardly, and makes to himself moan; 8 Till ruth and frail affection did constrain
ruth > pity
9 His stout courage to stoop, and show his inward pain.
stout > proud; bold courage > heart, mind, spirit
201.43
Out of her gored wound the cruell steele
2 He lightly snatcht, and did the floudgate stop
With his faire garment: then gan softly feele
4 Her feeble pulse, to proue if any drop
Of liuing bloud yet in her veynes did hop;
6 Which when he felt to moue, he hoped faire
To call backe life to her forsaken shop;
8 So well he did her deadly wounds repaire,
That at the last she gan to breath out liuing aire.
1 Out of her gored wound the cruel steel 2 He lightly snatched, and did the floodgate stop
lightly > quickly, lightly
3 With his fair garment: then gan softly feel
gan > did
4 Her feeble pulse, to prove if any drop 5 Of living blood yet in her veins did hop;
hop > hop, hence: beat, pulse
6 Which when he felt to move, he hoped fair 7 To call back life to her forsaken shop;
shop > {Place where something is produced or elaborated, often said of heart, liver, and other internal organs; hence, here: heart}
8 So well he did her deadly wounds repair, 9 That at the last she began to breathe out living air.
201.44
Which he perceiuing greatly gan reioice,
2 And goodly counsell, that for wounded hart
Is meetest med'cine, tempred with sweet voice;
4 Ay me, deare Lady, which the image art
Of ruefull pitie, and impatient smart,
6 What direfull chance, armd with +reuenging+ fate,
Or cursed hand hath plaid this cruell part,
8 Thus fowle to hasten your vntimely date;
Speake, O deare Lady speake: help neuer comes too late.
6 reuenging > auenging 1590
1 Which he perceiving, greatly gan rejoice,
gan > did; began to
2 And goodly counsel (that for wounded heart 3 Is meetest medicine) tempered with sweet voice:
meetest > most suitable tempered > blended; moderated; adapted; kept in check
4 "Ay me, dear lady, who the image are
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect) image > emblem; personification
5 Of rueful pity, and impatient smart,
impatient smart > unendurable pain
6 What direful chance, armed with revenging fate,
direful > terrible
7 Or cursed hand has played this cruel part, 8 Thus foul to hasten your untimely date;
date > end
9 Speak, O dear lady, speak: help never comes too late!"
201.45
Therewith her dim eie-lids she vp gan reare,
2 On which the drery death did sit, as sad
As lump of lead, and made darke clouds appeare;
4 But when as him all in bright armour clad
Before her standing she espied had,
6 As one out of a deadly dreame affright,
She weakely started, yet she nothing drad:
8 Streight downe againe her selfe in great despight,
She groueling threw to ground, as hating life and light.
1 Therewith her dim eyelids she up gan rear,
Therewith > With that gan > did
2 On which the dreary death did sit, as sad
sad > heavy
3 As lump of lead, and made dark clouds appear; 4 But when him (all in bright armour clad) 5 Before her standing she espied had, 6 As one out of a deadly dream affright
affright > terrified
7 She weakly started, yet she nothing dreaded: 8 Straight down again herself in great despite
despite > defiance; scorn
9 She grovelling threw to ground, as hating life and light.
grovelling threw > threw [herself] face-down as > [as though]
201.46
The gentle knight her soone with carefull paine
2 Vplifted light, and softly did vphold:
Thrise he her reard, and thrise she sunke againe,
4 Till he his armes about her sides gan fold,
And to her said; Yet if the stony cold
6 Haue not all seized on your frozen hart,
Let one word fall that may your griefe vnfold,
8 And tell the secret of your mortall smart;
He oft finds present helpe, who does his griefe impart.
1 The gentle knight her soon with careful pain
gentle > noble; gentle soon > soon; immediately pain > pains, effort
2 Uplifted light, and softly did uphold: 3 Thrice he her reared, and thrice she sank again, 4 Till he his arms about her sides gan fold,
gan > did
5 And to her said: "Yet if the stony cold 6 Has not all seized on your frozen heart, 7 Let one word fall that may your grief unfold, 8 And tell the secret of your mortal smart;
smart > pain; biting pain
9 He oft finds present help, who does his grief impart."
present > prompt, ready
201.47
Then casting vp a deadly looke, full +low+
2 Shee +sight+ from bottome of her wounded brest,
And after, many bitter throbs did throw
4 With lips full pale and foltring tongue opprest,
These words she breathed forth from riuen chest;
6 Leaue, ah leaue off, what euer wight thou bee,
To let a wearie wretch from her dew rest,
8 And trouble dying soules tranquilitee.
Take not away now got, which none would giue to me.
1 low > low, 1596 2 sight > sigh't 1609
1 Then, casting up a deadly look, full low
full > very, exceedingly
2 She sighed from bottom of her wounded breast, 3 And after, many bitter throbs did throw 4 With lips full pale and faltering tongue oppressed; 5 These words she breathed forth from riven chest:
riven > split, torn asunder
6 "Leave, ah leave off, whatever wight you be,
wight > person, man
7 To let a weary wretch from her due rest,
let > hinder
8 And trouble dying soul's tranquillity. 9 Take not away now got, which none would give to me."
now > [that which I have now]
201.48
Ah farre be it (said he) Deare dame fro mee,
2 To hinder soule from her desired rest,
Or hold sad life in long captiuitee:
4 For all I seeke, is but to haue redrest
The bitter pangs, that doth your heart infest.
6 Tell then, {o^} Lady tell, what fatall priefe
Hath with so huge misfortune you opprest?
8 That I may cast to compasse your reliefe,
Or die with you in sorrow, and partake your griefe.
1 "Ah, far be it," said he, "dear dame, from me 2 To hinder soul from its desired rest, 3 Or hold sad life in long captivity: 4 For all I seek is but to have redressed
redressed > remedied; removed
5 The bitter pangs that do your heart infest.
infest > harass, molest; (catachr.) infect
6 Tell then, O lady tell, what fatal proof
proof > experience, trial
7 Has with so huge misfortune you oppressed?
so > such
8 That I may cast to compass your relief,
That > [So that] cast > contrive compass > accomplish
9 Or die with you in sorrow, and partake your grief."
partake > share in (trans.)
201.49
With feeble hands then stretched forth on hye,
2 As heauen accusing guiltie of her death,
And with dry drops congealed in her eye,
4 In these sad words she spent her vtmost breath:
Heare then, {o^} man, the sorrowes that vneath
6 My tongue can tell, so farre all sense they pas:
Loe this dead corpse, that lies here vnderneath,
8 The gentlest knight, that euer on greene gras
Gay steed with spurs did pricke, the good Sir +Mortdant+ was.
9 Mortdant > Mordant 1609
1 With feeble hands then stretched forth on high 2 (As heaven accusing guilty of her death),
As heaven accusing > [As if accusing heaven of being]
3 And with dry drops congealed in her eye, 4 In these sad words she spent her utmost breath:
utmost > final
5 "Hear then, O man, the sorrows that uneath
uneath > scarcely, with difficulty
6 My tongue can tell, so far all sense they pass:
pass > surpass
7 Lo this dead corpse, that lies here underneath, 8 The gentlest knight, that ever on green grass
gentlest > noblest; gentlest
9 Gay steed with spurs did prick, the good Sir Mordant was.
prick > spur; hence: ride
201.50
Was, (ay the while, that he is not so now)
2 My Lord my loue; my deare Lord, my deare loue,
So long as heauens iust with equall +brow,+
4 Vouchsafed to behold vs from aboue,
One day when him high courage did emmoue,
6 As wont ye knights to seeke aduentures wilde,
He pricked forth, his puissant force to proue,
8 Me then he left enwombed of this child,
This lucklesse child, whom thus ye see with bloud defild.
3 brow, > brow 1609
1 "Was (ay the while, that he is not so now!)
ay the while > alas the time (expressing grief at the present compared with the past)
2 My lord my love; my dear lord, my dear love,
dear > dear; grievous
3 So long as heavens just with equal brow
heavens just > [the] just heavens equal > impartial brow > countenance
4 Vouchsafed to behold us from above. 5 One day, when him high courage did amove
amove > stir
6 (As wont you knights to seek adventures wild),
wont you knights > you knights are accustomed
7 He pricked forth, his puissant force to prove;
pricked > spurred; hence: rode puissant > mighty (esp. in relation to deeds of arms)
8 Me then he left enwombed of this child,
enwombed of > [holding in the womb, pregnant with]
9 This luckless child, whom thus you see with blood defiled.
201.51
Him fortuned (hard fortune ye may ghesse)
2 To come, where vile Acrasia does wonne,
Acrasia a false enchaunteresse,
4 That many errant knights hath foule fordonne:
Within a wandring Island, that doth ronne
6 And stray in perilous gulfe, her dwelling is,
Faire Sir, if euer there ye trauell, shonne
8 The cursed land where many wend amis,
And know it by the name; it hight the Bowre of blis.
1 "Him fortuned (hard fortune you may guess)
fortuned > [it fortuned]
2 To come where vile Acrasia does won,
Acrasia > (Medieval Latin word signifying "incontinence", "unchastity", "absence of self restraint") won > dwell
3 Acrasia, a false enchantress 4 That many errant knights has foul fordone:
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.) fordone > utterly ruined; destroyed
5 Within a wandering island, that does run
run > course, flow
6 And stray in perilous gulf, her dwelling is; 7 Fair sir, if ever there you travel, shun 8 The cursed land where many wend amiss,
wend amiss > go astray
9 And know +it+ by the name: it hight the Bower of Bliss.
it > [its nature] hight > is called Bower > Dwelling, Abode
201.52
Her blisse is all in pleasure and delight,
2 Wherewith she makes her louers drunken mad,
And then with words and weedes of wondrous might,
4 On them she workes her will to vses bad:
My +lifest+ Lord she thus beguiled had;
6 For he was flesh: (all flesh doth frailtie breed.)
Whom when I heard to beene so ill bestad,
8 Weake wretch I wrapt my selfe in Palmers weed,
And cast to seeke him forth through danger and great dreed.
5 lifest > liefest 1590; cf. 201.16:1
1 "Her bliss is all in pleasure and delight, 2 Wherewith she makes her lovers drunken mad,
Wherewith > With which
3 And then, with words and weeds of wondrous might,
weeds > herbs, drugs
4 On them she works her will to uses bad: 5 My liefest lord she thus beguiled had;
liefest > dearest
6 (For he was flesh: all flesh does frailty breed)
frailty > weakness; moral weakness
7 Whom when I heard to been so ill-bestad,
been > [have been] ill-bestad > badly beset, assailed (SUS)
8 Weak wretch, I wrapped myself in palmer's weed,
Weak wretch > (Referring to herself) palmer > {Pilgrim who has returned from the Holy Land, carrying a palm-leaf or palm-branch as a token; also: an itinerant monk} weed > attire, habit
9 And cast to seek him forth through danger and great dread.
cast > resolved
201.53
Now had faire Cynthia by euen tournes
2 Full measured three quarters of her yeare,
And thrise three times had fild her crooked hornes,
4 Whenas my wombe her burdein would forbeare,
And bad me call Lucina to me neare.
6 Lucina came: a manchild forth I brought:
The woods, the Nymphes, my bowres, my midwiues weare,
8 Hard helpe at need. So deare thee babe I bought,
Yet nought too deare I deemd, while so my dear I sought.
1 "Now had fair Cynthia by even turns 2 Full measured three-quarters of her year, 3 And thrice three times had filled her crooked horns,
horns > [horns of the crescent moon, filled once a month at the full moon]
4 When my womb its burden would forbear,
forbear > part with
5 And bade me call Lucina to me near.
Lucina > (The goddess of childbirth, sometimes identified, as here, with Diana)
6 Lucina came: a manchild forth I brought: 7 The woods, the nymphs, my bowers, my midwives were,
nymphs > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. The nymphs referred to here are evidently dryads, wood-nymphs) bowers > rooms, hence: shelter [the woods were my shelter, the nymphs my midwives]; or, just possibly, in view of the spelling and number of bowres: muscles [the woods, the nymphs, and my own exertions were my only help in childbirth]
8 Hard help at need. So dear you babe I bought,
need > 9 Yet naught too dear I deemed, while so my dear I sought.
naught > not at all so my dear > [thus Sir Mordant]
201.54
Him so I sought, and so at last I found,
2 Where him that witch had thralled to her will,
In chaines of lust and lewd desires ybound,
4 And so transformed from his former skill,
That me he knew not, neither his owne ill;
6 Till through wise handling and faire gouernance,
I him recured to a better will,
8 Purged from drugs of foule intemperance:
Then meanes I gan deuise for his deliuerance.
1 "Him so I sought, and so at last I found,
so > thus
2 Where him that witch had thralled to her will,
thralled > enslaved, made a captive
3 In chains of lust and lewd desires bound, 4 And so transformed from his former skill
skill > reason, power of discrimination; knowledge
5 That me he knew not, neither his own ill;
neither > [neither did he know] ill > distress; wickedness
6 Till, through wise handling and fair governance,
handling > treatment governance > governing, management; self-control
7 I him recured to a better will,
recured > restored
8 Purged from drugs of foul intemperance: 9 Then means I gan devise for his deliverance.
gan > did; began to
201.55
Which when the vile Enchaunteresse perceiu'd,
2 How that my Lord from her I would repriue,
With cup thus charmd, him parting she deceiu'd;
4 Sad verse, giue death to him that death does giue,
And losse of loue, to her that loues to liue,
6 So soone as Bacchus with the Nymphe does +lincke,+
So parted we and on our iourney driue,
8 Till comming to this well, he stoupt to drincke:
The charme fulfild, dead suddenly he downe did sincke.
6 lincke, > lincke: 1609
1 "Which when the vile enchantress perceived, 2 How my lord from her I would reprieve,
reprieve > reprieve; rescue
3 With cup thus charmed, him parting she deceived:
charmed > enchanted parting > [in parting, while parting]
4 `Sad verse, give death to him that death does give,
Sad > Heavy; ill-omened verse > charm, spell (cf. 312.36:4) death does give > (See note on "Mordant" at 201.0:3)
5 And loss of love, to her that loves to live,
loves to live > (See note on "Amavia" at 201.0:3)
6 So soon as Bacchus with the nymph does link';
Bacchus > (The god of wine; wine itself) nymph > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. The nymph figuratively referred to here is a naiad, a nymph of fresh water; hence, fresh water itself)
7 So parted we and on our journey drove, 8 Till, coming to this well, he stooped to drink: 9 The charm fulfilled, dead suddenly he down did sink.
201.56
Which when I wretch, Not one word more she sayd
2 But breaking +off+ the end for want of breath,
And slyding soft, as downe to sleepe her layd,
4 And ended all her woe in quiet death.
That seeing good Sir Guyon, could vneath
6 From teares abstaine, for griefe his hart did grate,
And from so heauie sight his head did wreath,
8 Accusing fortune, and too cruell fate,
Which plunged had faire Ladie in so wretched state.
2 off > of, 1590; off, 1596
1 "Which when I wretch …" Not one word more she said, 2 But, breaking off the end for want of breath, 3 And sliding soft, as down to sleep her laid, 4 And ended all her woe in quiet death. 5 That seeing, good Sir Guyon could uneath
uneath > scarcely
6 From tears abstain: for grief his heart did grate,
grate > grind (cf. 101.19:6)
7 And from so heavy sight his head did wreathe,
so heavy > [such a sad] wreathe > turn
8 Accusing Fortune, and too cruel Fate, 9 Which plunged had fair lady in so wretched state.
so > [such a]
201.57
Then turning to +his+ Palmer said, Old syre
2 Behold the image of mortalitie,
And feeble nature cloth'd with fleshly tyre,
4 When raging passion with fierce tyrannie
Robs reason of her due regalitie,
6 And makes it seruant to her basest part:
The strong it weakens with infirmitie,
8 And with bold furie armes the weakest hart; [smart.
The strong through pleasure soonest falles, the weake through
1 his > the 1609
1 Then, turning to his palmer, said, "Old sire,
sire > {Father; form of address to a holy or elderly man}
2 Behold the image of mortality,
image > emblem; personification
3 And feeble nature clothed with fleshly tire,
tire > dress, attire
4 When raging passion with fierce tyranny 5 Robs reason of its due regality, 6 And makes it servant to its basest part: 7 The strong it weakens with infirmity, 8 And with bold fury arms the weakest heart; 9 The strong through pleasure soonest falls, the weak through smart."
smart > pain; acute pain
201.58
But temperance (said he) with golden squire
2 Betwixt them both can measure out a meane,
Neither to melt in pleasures whot desire,
4 Nor +fry+ in hartlesse griefe and dolefull teene.
Thrise happie man, who fares them both atweene:
6 But sith this wretched woman ouercome
Of anguish, rather then of crime hath beene,
8 Reserue her cause to her eternall doome,
And in the meane vouchsafe her honorable toombe.
4 fry > frye 1590; fryze _sugg. Smith, from Church's conj. of frieze or frize (i.e. "freeze") cf. 201.42:3, 610.33:9; 201.46:6_
1 "But temperance," said he, "with golden square
square > {Carpenter's square, for measuring right-angles, a traditional symbol of temperance; also: rule, precept, model, pattern}
2 Betwixt them both can measure out a mean, 3 Neither to melt in pleasure's hot desire,
pleasure > (Or: Pleasure; see note at 201.0:4)
4 Nor freeze in heartless grief and doleful teen.
freeze > (See Textual Appendix) heartless > [lacking courage] teen > affliction, woe
5 Thrice happy man, who fares them both atween:
atween > between
6 But sith this wretched woman overcome
sith > since
7 Of anguish, rather than of crime has been,
Of > By of crime > by sin
8 Reserve her cause to her eternal doom,
cause > case, suit doom > heavenly judgement
9 And in the mean vouchsafe her honourable tomb."
mean > [mean time] honourable > [an honourable]
201.59
Palmer (quoth he) death is an +equall+ doome
2 To good and bad, the common Inne of rest;
But after death the tryall is to come,
4 When best shall be to them, that liued best:
But both alike, when death hath both supprest,
6 Religious reuerence doth buriall teene,
Which who so wants, wants so much of his rest:
8 For all so great shame after death I weene,
As selfe to dyen bad, vnburied bad to beene.
1 equall > euill 1596, 1609
1 "Palmer," quoth he, "death is an equal doom 2 To good and bad, the common inn of rest; 3 But after death the trial is to come, 4 When best shall be to them that lived best: 5 But both alike, when death has both suppressed,
both > [?to both: see next line] suppressed > pressed down; hence: laid low
6 Religious reverence does burial teem,
does burial > [burial does] teem > produce, bear (as offspring); hence: ?yield (this assumes that the spelling has been forced by the rhyme. Another interpretation, suggested by Roche (1978), retains the given spelling, but assumes that "buriall teene" is a misprint for "bury all teene" (teen = grief, woe))
7 Which whoso wants, wants so much of his rest:
whoso > whosoever wants > lacks
8 For all so great shame after death, I ween,
all so > [it is an] equally ween > think
9 As self to die bad, unburied bidden to been."
As self to die bad, unburied bidden to been > [To have died badly as to be left unburied; "bide" (pa. ppl. "bidden") = "to remain in some state or condition">[
201.60
So both agree their bodies to engraue;
2 The great earthes wombe they open to the sky,
And with sad Cypresse seemely it embraue,
4 Then couering with a clod their closed eye,
They lay therein those corses tenderly,
6 And bid them sleepe in euerlasting peace.
But ere they did their vtmost obsequy,
8 Sir Guyon more affection to increace,
Bynempt a sacred vow, which none should aye releace.
1 So both agree their bodies to ingrave;
ingrave > inter
2 The great earth's womb they open to the sky, 3 And with sad cypress seemly it embrave,
seemly > fitting (if referring to the cypress branches); fittingly, becomingly (if referring to the action) embrave > adorn
4 Then, covering with a clod their closed eye, 5 They lay therein those corses tenderly,
corses > bodies
6 And bid them sleep in everlasting peace. 7 But, ere they did their utmost obsequy,
utmost obsequy > final obsequies
8 Sir Guyon, more affection to increase, 9 Benamed a sacred vow, which none should ay release.
Benamed > Declared solemnly ay release > ever cancel
201.61
The dead knights sword out of his sheath he drew,
2 With which he cut a locke of all their heare,
Which medling with their bloud and earth, he threw
4 Into the graue, and gan deuoutly sweare;
Such and such euill God on Guyon reare,
6 And worse and worse young Orphane be thy paine,
If I or thou dew vengeance doe forbeare,
8 Till guiltie bloud her guerdon doe obtaine:
So shedding many teares, they closd the earth againe.
1 The dead knight's sword out of his sheath he drew, 2 With which he cut a lock of all their hair,
all > (It is not clear whether Guyon and the palmer are included)
3 Which, meddling with their blood and earth, he threw
meddling > mixing
4 Into the grave, and gan devoutly swear:
gan > did
5 "Such-and-such evil God on Guyon rear,
on Guyon rear > [rear up against Guyon]
6 And worse and worse, young orphan, be your pain, 7 If I or you due vengeance do forbear, 8 Till guilty blood her guerdon do obtain!"
guerdon > recompense
9 So, shedding many tears, they closed the earth again.