CANTO I
Guyon encountreth Britomart,
2 faire Florimell is chaced:
Duessaes traines and +Malecastaes+
4 champions are defaced.
3 Malecastaes > Materastaes 1590 etc.: FE
1 Guyon encounters Britomart,
Britomart > (Her name probably derives from the "Britomartis" in Virgil (Ciris, 295 ff.), who is associated with Diana; the name also appropriately suggests "Briton" conjoined with "Martial")
2 fair Florimell is chased:
Florimell > "Honey-flower", "Flower-sweetness" (Latin)
3 Duessa's trains and Malecasta's
Duessa > (She does not appear in person in Book III, though it can be said that some of her "traines" are employed by Malecasta) trains > wiles, tricks Malecasta > "Wickedly Chaste" (Latin); "Evil Caster" (referring to her lascivious glances. She is also called the Lady of Delight)
4 champions are defaced.
defaced > disgraced, put in the shade
301.1
THe famous Briton Prince and Faerie knight,
2 After long wayes and perilous paines endured,
Hauing their wearie limbes to perfect plight
4 Restord, and sory wounds right well recured,
Of the faire Alma greatly were procured,
6 To make there lenger soiourne and abode;
But when thereto they might not be allured,
8 From seeking praise, and deeds of armes abrode,
They courteous conge tooke, and forth together yode.
1 The famous Briton prince and Faery knight,
Briton prince > [Arthur]
Faery knight > [Guyon]
2 After long ways and perilous pains endured, 3 Having their weary limbs to perfect plight
plight > condition, state
4 Restored, and sorry wounds right well recured,
sorry > painful, distressing right > very recured > cured, restored
5 Of the fair Alma greatly were procured
Of > By Alma > (Their hostess at the House of Temperance: see 209 ff.) procured > prevailed upon
6 To make there longer sojourn and abode;
abode > temporary stay, visit
7 But when thereto they might not be allured
thereto > for that purpose; hence: in that way
8 From seeking praise, and deeds of arms abroad,
praise > merit; praiseworthy acts
9 They courteous cong{e/} took, and forth together yode.
cong{e/} > leave yode > went
301.2
But the captiu'd Acrasia he sent,
2 Because of trauell long, a nigher way,
With a strong gard, all reskew to preuent,
4 And her to Faerie court safe to conuay,
That her for witnesse of his hard assay,
6 Vnto his Faerie Queene he might present:
But he himselfe betooke another way,
8 To make more triall of his hardiment,
And seeke aduentures, as he with Prince Arthur went.
1 But the captived Acrasia he sent,
captived > {Held captive} he > [Guyon]
2 Because of travel long, a nigher way,
nigher > nearer; hence: shorter
3 With a strong guard, all rescue to prevent, 4 And her to Faery court safe to convey, 5 That her for witness of his hard assay,
That > [So that] witness > knowledge, understanding; testimony assay > trial, tribulation; endeavour
6 To his Faery Queen he might present: 7 But he himself betook another way,
betook > took
8 To make more trial of his hardiment,
hardiment > hardihood, boldness
9 And seek adventures, as he with Prince Arthur went.
301.3
Long so they trauelled through wastefull wayes,
2 Where daungers dwelt, and perils most did wonne,
To hunt for glorie and renowmed praise;
4 Full many Countries they did ouerronne,
From the vprising to the setting Sunne,
6 And many hard aduentures did atchieue;
Of all the which they honour euer wonne,
8 Seeking the weake oppressed to relieue,
And to recouer right for such, as wrong did grieue.
1 Long so they travelled through wasteful ways,
so > thus wasteful > desolate
2 Where dangers dwelt, and perils most did won,
won > dwell
3 To hunt for glory and renowned praise;
praise > merit, virtue; praise
4 Full many countries they did overrun,
Full > Very, exceedingly overrun > pass through
5 From the uprising to the setting sun, 6 And many hard adventures did achieve; 7 Of all which they honour ever won, 8 Seeking the weak oppressed to relieve, 9 And to recover right for such as wrong did grieve.
301.4
At last as through an open plaine they yode,
2 They spide a knight, that towards pricked faire,
And him beside an aged Squire there rode,
4 That seem'd to couch vnder his shield three-square,
As if that age bad him that burden spare,
6 And yield it those, that stouter could it wield:
He them espying, gan himselfe prepare,
8 And on his arme addresse his goodly shield
That bore a Lion passant in a golden field.
1 At last, as through an open plain they yode,
yode > went
2 They spied a knight that towards pricked fair,
towards > [in their direction] pricked > spurred [his horse]; rode
3 And him beside an aged squire there rode, 4 That seemed to couch under his shield three-square,
couch > stoop, cower three-square > equilaterally triangular
5 As if age bade him that burden spare, 6 And yield it those, that stouter could it wield:
those > [to those] stouter > more robustly; more bravely
7 He, them espying, gan himself prepare,
gan > did
8 And on his arm address his goodly shield
address > set, place ready goodly > fine, beautiful
9 That bore a lion passant in a golden field.
passant > (In heraldry, used to describe a beast walking, looking towards the right, with the right fore-paw raised) field > (The surface of a shield or one of its divisions. The heraldic arms described are those of Brutus, first of the kings in the chronicle of 210 and an ancestor of Britomart)
301.5
Which seeing good Sir Guyon, deare besought
2 The Prince of grace, to let him runne that turne.
He graunted: then the Faery quickly raught
4 His poinant speare, and sharpely gan to spurne
His fomy steed, whose fierie feete did burne
6 The verdant grasse, as he thereon did tread;
Ne did the other backe his foot returne,
8 But fiercely forward came withouten dread,
And bent his dreadfull speare against the others head.
1 Which seeing, good Sir Guyon dear besought
besought > asked earnestly
2 The prince of grace to let him run that turn.
of grace > as a favour turn > contest, round in a tournament (at which the jousting knights would converge on horseback, lances advanced, and, having passed one another, turn at the end of the course to repeat the action)
3 He granted: then the Faery quickly raught
raught > reached, took hold of
4 His poignant spear, and sharply began to spur
poignant > sharp-pointed, piercing
5 His foamy steed, whose fiery feet did burn 6 The verdant grass, as he thereon did tread; 7 Nor did the other back his foot return, 8 But fiercely forward came without dread, 9 And bent his dreadful spear against the other's head.
bent > inclined, aimed
301.6
They bene ymet, and both their points arriued,
2 But Guyon droue so furious and fell,
That seem'd both shield and plate it would haue riued;
4 Nathelesse it bore his foe not from his sell,
But made him stagger, as he were not well:
6 But Guyon selfe, ere well he was aware,
Nigh a speares length behind his crouper fell,
8 Yet in his fall so well him selfe he bare,
That mischieuous mischance his life and limbes did spare.
1 They been met, and both their points arrived,
been met > were met, did meet
2 But Guyon drove so furious and fell
fell > fiercely, terribly
3 That seemed both shield and plate it would have rived;
seemed > [it seemed] plate it > [armour Guyon's spear] rived > split, punctured
4 Natheless it bore his foe not from his sell,
Natheless > Nevertheless sell > saddle
5 But made him stagger, as he were not well:
as > [as though]
6 But Guyon himself, ere well he was aware, 7 Nigh a spear's length behind his crupper fell,
crupper > {The strap fastened to the back of the saddle and passed under the horse's tail; the horse's rump}
8 Yet in his fall so well himself he bore 9 That mischievous mischance his life and limbs did spare.
mischievous > {Disastrous, producing harm}
301.7
Great shame and sorrow of that fall he tooke;
2 For neuer yet, +sith+ warlike armes he bore,
And shiuering speare in bloudie field first shooke,
4 He found himselfe dishonored so sore.
Ah gentlest knight, that euer armour bore,
6 Let not thee grieue dismounted to haue beene,
And brought to ground, that neuer wast before;
8 For not thy fault, but secret powre vnseene,
That speare enchaunted was, which layd thee on the greene.
2 sith > since 1609
1 Great shame and sorrow of that fall he took;
of > in, from
2 For never yet, sith warlike arms he bore,
sith > since
3 And shivering spear in bloody field first shook,
shivering > quivering field > field of battle, battle shook > wielded
4 He found himself dishonoured so sore.
He > [Had he]
5 Ah, gentlest knight that ever armour bore,
gentlest > noblest
6 Let not you grieve dismounted to have been, 7 And brought to ground, that never was before; 8 For not your fault, but secret power unseen:
not > [it was not]
9 That spear enchanted was, which laid you on the green!
301.8
But weenedst thou what wight thee ouerthrew,
2 Much greater griefe and shamefuller regret
For thy hard fortune then thou wouldst renew,
4 That of a single damzell thou wert met
On equall plaine, and there so hard beset;
6 Euen the famous Britomart it was,
Whom straunge aduenture did from Britaine fet,
8 To seeke her louer (loue farre sought alas,)
Whose image she had seene in Venus looking glas.
1 But weened you what wight you overthrew,
But weened you > If you did but know wight > person
2 Much greater grief and shamefuller regret
shamefuller > more shameful
3 For your hard fortune then you would renew,
renew > resume; say in resumption; repeat
4 That of a single damsel you were met
of > by single > solitary
5 On equal plain, and there so hard beset;
equal > level (physically); equitable, impartial
6 Even the famous Britomart it was, 7 Whom strange adventure did from Britain fetch,
adventure > fortune, occurrence
8 To seek her lover (love far sought, alas), 9 Whose image she had seen in Venus' looking-glass.
Venus' looking-glass > (The magic globe described at 302.18-21)
301.9
Full of disdainefull wrath, he fierce vprose,
2 For to reuenge that foule reprochfull shame,
And snatching his bright sword began to close
4 With her on foot, and stoutly forward came;
Die rather would he, then endure that same.
6 Which when his Palmer saw, he gan to feare
His toward perill and vntoward blame,
8 Which by that new rencounter he should reare:
For death sate on the point of that enchaunted speare.
1 Full of disdainful wrath, he fierce uprose
disdainful > angry, indignant
2 To revenge that foul reproachful shame, 3 And, snatching his bright sword, began to close 4 With her on foot, and stoutly forward came;
stoutly > boldly
5 Die rather would he, than endure that same. 6 Which when his palmer saw, he began to fear
palmer > (Guyon's companion and mentor: see 201.7 ff.)
7 His toward peril and untoward blame,
toward > impending untoward > unlucky; unseemly; foolish blame > injury; reprehension; fault
8 Which by that new rencounter he should rear:
rencounter > engagement, conflict rear > bring into being
9 For death sat on the point of that enchanted spear.
301.10
And hasting towards him gan faire perswade,
2 Not to prouoke misfortune, nor to weene
His speares default to mend with cruell blade;
4 For by his mightie Science he had seene
The secret vertue of that weapon keene,
6 That mortall puissance mote not withstond:
Nothing on earth mote alwaies happie beene.
8 Great hazard were it, and aduenture fond,
To loose long gotten honour with one euill hond.
1 And, hasting towards, him gan fair persuade
hasting towards > hastening in his direction gan fair persuade > did courteously advise
2 Not to provoke misfortune, nor to ween
ween > suppose, imagine; intend
3 His spear's default to mend with cruel blade;
default > fault; failure
4 For by his mighty science he had seen
science > learning, knowledge; skill; hence: clairvoyance (cf. 210.25:9)
5 The secret virtue of that weapon keen,
virtue > occult power; virtue (see 405.8) keen > sharp
6 That mortal puissance might not withstand:
puissance > strength, power
7 "Nothing on earth might always happy be."
happy > lucky; happy (the palmer cites a proverb)
8 Great hazard were it, and adventure fond,
adventure fond > foolish risk
9 To lose long gotten honour with one evil hand.
hand > action, stroke
301.11
By such good meanes he him discounselled,
2 From prosecuting his reuenging rage;
And eke the Prince like treaty handeled,
4 His wrathfull will with reason to asswage,
And laid the blame, not to his carriage,
6 But to his starting steed, that swaru'd asyde,
And to the ill purueyance of his page,
8 That had his furnitures not firmely tyde:
So is his angry courage fairely pacifyde.
1 By such good means he him discounselled
discounselled > dissuaded
2 From prosecuting his revenging rage; 3 And eke the prince like treaty handled,
eke > also like > similar treaty > entreaty, persuasion handled > used
4 His wrathful will with reason to assuage, 5 And laid the blame not to his carriage,
to his carriage > on his conduct
6 But to his starting steed, that swerved aside,
to > on
7 And to the ill purveyance of his page,
to > on ill purveyance of > [poor preparations made by]
8 That had his furnitures not firmly tied:
furnitures > harness, fittings (i.e. the straps and buckles of his saddle and bridle. Cf. I:175)
9 So is his angry courage fairly pacified.
courage > spirit fairly > well, expertly; moderately; entirely
301.12
Thus reconcilement was betweene them knit,
2 Through goodly temperance, and affection chaste,
And either vowd with all their power and wit,
4 To let not others honour be defaste,
Of friend or foe, who euer it embaste,
6 Ne armes to beare against the others syde:
In which accord the Prince was also plaste,
8 And with that golden chaine of concord tyde.
So goodly all agreed, they forth yfere did ryde.
1 Thus reconcilement was between them knit,
reconcilement > reconciliation
2 Through goodly temperance, and affection chaste, 3 And either vowed with all their power and wit,
their > [his] wit > mental capacity, imagination; hence: heart
4 To let not other's honour be defaced,
defaced > disgraced
5 Of friend or foe, whoever it embased,
Of > By embased > degraded, humiliated
6 Nor arms to bear against the other's side: 7 In which accord the prince was also placed, 8 And with that golden chain of concord tied.
golden chain > [the golden chain; see 109.1]
9 So goodly all agreed; they forth yfere did ride.
goodly > courteously yfere > together
301.13
O goodly vsage of those antique times,
2 In which the sword was seruant vnto right;
When not for malice and contentious crimes,
4 But all for praise, and proofe of manly might,
The martiall brood accustomed to fight:
6 Then honour was the meed of victorie,
And yet the vanquished had no despight:
8 Let later age that noble vse enuie,
Vile rancour to auoid, and cruell surquedrie.
1 O goodly usage of those antique times,
antique > ancient
2 In which the sword was servant to right; 3 When not for malice and contentious crimes, 4 But all for praise, and proof of manly might,
praise > merit, virtue
5 The martial brood accustomed to fight:
brood > race; offspring accustomed > [was accustomed]
6 Then honour was the meed of victory,
meed > reward
7 And yet the vanquished had no despite:
despite > malice; defiance; anger
8 Let later age that noble use envy,
use > custom envy > wish for itself (without any particular sense of malevolence), hence: emulate
9 Vile rancour to avoid, and cruel surquidry.
surquidry > arrogance
301.14
Long they thus trauelled in friendly wise,
2 Through countries waste, and eke well edifyde,
Seeking aduentures hard, to exercise
4 Their puissance, whylome full dernely tryde:
At length they came into a forrest wyde,
6 Whose hideous horror and sad trembling sound
Full griesly seem'd: Therein they long did ryde,
8 Yet tract of liuing +creatures+ none they found,
Saue Beares, Lions, and Buls, which romed them around.
8 creatures > creature 1590
1 Long they thus travelled in friendly wise,
wise > fashion
2 Through countries waste, and eke well edified,
waste > desolate, uncultivated eke > also [through countries] edified > built up, built over
3 Seeking adventures hard, to exercise 4 Their puissance, whilom full dernly tried:
puissance > power, strength whilom > formerly; recently full dernly tried > very severely put to the test (this use of "dernly" is SUS)
5 At length they came into a forest wide, 6 Whose hideous horror and sad trembling sound 7 Full grisly seemed: therein they long did ride,
Full > Very, exceedingly grisly > horrible, fearsome
8 Yet tract of living creatures none they found,
tract > track, trace
9 Save bears, lions, and bulls, which roamed them around.
301.15
All suddenly out of the thickest brush,
2 Vpon a milke-white Palfrey all alone,
A goodly Ladie did foreby them rush,
4 Whose face did seeme as cleare as Christall stone,
And eke through feare as white as whales bone:
6 Her garments all were wrought of beaten gold,
And all her steed with tinsell trappings shone,
8 Which fled so fast, that nothing mote him hold,
And scarse them leasure gaue, her passing to behold.
1 All suddenly out of the thickest brush, 2 Upon a milk-white palfrey all alone,
palfrey > (Saddle-horse for ladies)
3 A goodly lady did forby them rush,
goodly > beautiful forby > close by; past
4 Whose face did seem as clear as crystal stone,
clear > brightly shining (cf. 203.22:3)
5 And eke through fear as white as whale's bone:
eke > also whale's bone > ivory (distinct from whalebone)
6 Her garments all were wrought of beaten gold, 7 And all her steed with tinsel trappings shone,
tinsel > {Glittering, sparkling with interwoven golden or silver thread}
8 Which fled so fast, that nothing might him hold,
might > could
9 And scarce them leisure gave her passing to behold.
passing > [passing, passage; while passing]
301.16
Still as she fled, her eye she backward threw,
2 As fearing euill, that pursewd her fast;
And her faire yellow locks behind her flew,
4 Loosely disperst with puffe of euery blast:
All as a blazing starre doth farre outcast
6 His hearie beames, and flaming lockes dispred,
At sight whereof the people stand aghast:
8 But the sage wisard telles, as he has red,
That it importunes death and dolefull drerihed.
1 Still as she fled, her eye she backward threw,
Still > Ever, continually
2 As fearing evil, that pursued her fast;
As > [As if] fast > rapidly; very closely
3 And her fair yellow locks behind her flew, 4 Loosely dispersed with puff of every blast: 5 All as a blazing star does far outcast
blazing star > comet outcast > cast out; hence: emit
6 His hairy beams, and flaming locks dispread,
dispread > extend
7 At sight whereof the people stand aghast: 8 But the sage wizard tells, as he has read,
read > foreseen, divined; foretold
9 That it importunes death and doleful drearihead.
importunes > imports, portends (catachr. SU) drearihead > dreariness, grief
301.17
So as they gazed after her a while,
2 Lo where a griesly Foster forth did rush,
Breathing out beastly lust her to defile:
4 His tyreling iade he fiercely forth did push,
Through thicke and thin, both ouer banke and bush
6 In hope her to attaine by hooke or crooke,
That from his gorie sides the bloud did gush:
8 Large were his limbes, and terrible his looke,
And in his clownish hand a sharp bore speare he shooke.
1 So as they gazed after her a while, 2 Lo where a grisly foster forth did rush,
grisly > horrible, fearsome foster > forester
3 Breathing out beastly lust, her to defile:
defile > debauch, violate
4 His tireling jade he fiercely forth did push,
tireling > {A tired animal} jade > nag, hack (cf. 211.31:2)
5 Through thick and thin, both over bank and bush 6 In hope her to attain by hook or crook, 7 That from its gory sides the blood did gush:
That > [So that] blood > (Raised by the foster's spurs)
8 Large were his limbs, and terrible his look, 9 And in his clownish hand a sharp boar-spear he shook.
clownish > clumsy, peasant's shook > wielded
301.18
Which outrage when those gentle knights did see,
2 Full of great enuie and fell gealosy,
They stayd not to auise, who first should bee,
4 But all spurd after fast, as they mote fly,
To reskew her from shamefull villany.
6 The Prince and Guyon equally byliue
Her selfe pursewd, in hope to win thereby
8 Most goodly meede, the fairest Dame aliue:
But after the foule foster Timias did striue.
1 Which outrage when those gentle knights did see,
gentle > noble; courteous
2 Full of great envy and fell jealousy,
envy > enthusiasm; or, perhaps: malice [directed at the foster] fell > terrible, fierce jealousy > eagerness to serve; anger, indignation
3 They stayed not to advise who first should be,
advise > consider (a key word in Book II)
4 But all spurred after, fast as they might fly,
might > could
5 To rescue her from shameful villainy.
villainy > ill-usage, indignity, insult
6 The prince and Guyon equally belive
belive > quickly; eagerly
7 Herself pursued, in hope to win thereby 8 Most goodly meed, the fairest dame alive:
meed > reward
9 But after the foul foster Timias did strive.
foster > forester Timias > "Honoured", "Esteemed" (Greek; Arthur's squire is named at last)
301.19
The whiles faire Britomart, whose constant mind,
2 Would not so lightly follow beauties chace,
Ne reckt of Ladies Loue, did stay behind,
4 And them awayted there a certaine space,
To weet if they would turne backe to that place:
6 But when she saw them gone, she forward went,
As lay her iourney, through that perlous Pace,
8 With stedfast courage and stout hardiment;
Ne euill thing she fear'd, ne euill thing she ment.
1 The whiles fair Britomart (whose constant mind
The whiles > Meanwhile
2 Would not so lightly follow beauty's chase, 3 Nor recked of ladies' love) did stay behind,
recked of > cared about, took account of
4 And them awaited there a certain space,
space > time
5 To weet if they would turn back to that place:
weet > discover, learn, hence: see
6 But when she saw them gone, she forward went, 7 As lay her journey, through that perilous pace,
pace > {Tract, region through which one passes; strait, narrow passage}
8 With steadfast courage and stout hardiment;
stout > robust; brave hardiment > hardihood, boldness
9 No evil thing she feared, nor evil thing she ment.
ment > meant, intended; or: disturbed, stirred up; and, more particularly: united with, hence: allowed to attach itself to her
301.20
At last as nigh out of the wood she came,
2 A stately Castle farre away she spyde,
To which her steps directly she did frame.
4 That Castle was most goodly edifyde,
And plaste for pleasure nigh that forrest syde:
6 But faire before the gate a spatious plaine,
Mantled with greene, it selfe did spredden wyde,
8 On which she saw sixe knights, that did darraine
Fierce battell against one, with cruell might and maine.
1 At last as nigh out of the wood she came, 2 A stately castle far away she spied, 3 To which her steps directly she did frame.
frame > shape, direct
4 That castle was most goodly edified,
goodly > beautifully, excellently edified > built
5 And placed for pleasure nigh that forest side: 6 But fair before the gate a spacious plain, 7 Mantled with green, itself did spread wide, 8 On which she saw six knights, that did deraign
deraign > {Challenge; fight in order to settle a dispute}
9 Fierce battle against one, with cruel might and main.
cruel > savage; cruel main > force, strength
301.21
Mainly they all attonce vpon him laid,
2 And sore beset on euery side around,
That nigh he breathlesse grew, yet nought dismaid,
4 Ne euer to them yielded foot of ground
All had he lost much bloud through many a wound,
6 But stoutly dealt his blowes, and euery way
To which he turned in his wrathfull stound,
8 Made them recoile, and fly from dred decay,
That none of all the sixe before, him durst assay.
1 Mainly they all at once upon him laid,
Mainly > Powerfully
2 And sore beset on every side around, 3 That nigh he breathless grew, yet naught dismayed,
That > [So that] dismayed > overcome, defeated; dismayed
4 Nor ever to them yielded foot of ground 5 All had he lost much blood through many a wound,
All > Although
6 But stoutly dealt his blows, and every way
stoutly > bravely, robustly
7 To which he turned in his wrathful stound
stound > peril, time of peril; fierce attack; also (mainly northern usage): roaring, violent noise; so: uproar
8 Made them recoil, and fly from dread decay,
fly > flee decay > death
9 That none, of all the six before, him dared assay.
That > [So that] before > [before him, in front of him] assay > assail; test, put to proof
301.22
Like dastard Curres, that hauing at a bay
2 The saluage beast embost in wearie chace,
Dare not aduenture on the stubborne pray,
4 Ne byte before, but rome from place to place,
To get a snatch, when turned is his face.
6 In such distresse and doubtfull ieopardy,
When Britomart him saw, she ran a pace
8 Vnto his reskew, and with earnest cry,
Bad those same sixe forbeare that single enimy.
1 Like dastard curs, that (having at abay
at abay > barking, baying; at bay
2 The savage beast embossed in weary chase)
savage > wild embossed > driven to extremity
3 Dare not adventure on the stubborn prey,
adventure > venture, make an attempt stubborn > dogged, unyielding
4 Nor bite before, but roam from place to place
before > in front
5 To get a snatch when turned is his face. 6 In such distress and doubtful jeopardy,
doubtful > apprehensive, fearful; undecided
7 When Britomart him saw, she ran apace
apace > quickly
8 To his rescue, and with earnest cry
earnest > ardent; warlike
9 Bade those same six forbear that single enemy.
forbear > spare, desist from single > solitary
301.23
But to her cry they list not lenden eare,
2 Ne ought the more their mightie strokes surceasse,
But gathering him round about more neare,
4 Their direfull rancour rather did encreasse;
Till that she rushing through the thickest preasse,
6 Perforce disparted their compacted gyre,
And soone compeld to hearken vnto peace:
8 Tho gan she myldly of them to inquyre
The cause of their dissention and outrageous yre.
1 But to her cry they list not lend ear,
list > chose, pleased lend > [to lend an]
2 Nor aught the more their mighty strokes surcease,
aught > in any way surcease > [to] leave off, [to] stop
3 But, gathering him round about more near, 4 Their direful rancour rather did increase; 5 Till she, rushing through the thickest press,
press > throng
6 Perforce disparted their compacted gyre,
Perforce > Forcibly disparted > clove, parted gyre > ring, circle; vortex
7 And soon compelled to hearken to peace:
soon > immediately; soon compelled > [compelled them]
8 Tho began she mildly of them to inquire
Tho > Then mildly > graciously; mildly
9 The cause of their dissention and outrageous ire.
outrageous > violent; intemperate; excessively fierce
301.24
Whereto that single knight did answere frame;
2 These sixe would me enforce by oddes of might,
To chaunge my liefe, and loue another Dame,
4 That death me liefer were, then such despight,
So vnto wrong to yield my wrested right:
6 For I loue one, the truest one on ground,
Ne list me chaunge; she th'Errant Damzell hight,
8 For whose deare sake full many a bitter stownd,
I haue endur'd, and tasted many a bloudy wound.
1 Whereto that single knight did answer frame:
Whereto > To which single > solitary frame > fashion, direct
2 "These six would me enforce by odds of might
odds > inequalities
3 To change my lief, and love another dame;
lief > beloved, hence: true-love, lady
4 That death me liefer were than such despite,
liefer > dearer; preferable despite > [an] outrage
5 So to wrong to yield my wrested right:
So > Thus wrested > {?Won with effort}
6 For I love one, the truest one on ground,
on ground > in the world
7 Nor list me change; she the Errant Damsel hight,
list me > do I desire; do I please to, do I choose to Errant Damsel > (The Wandering Damsel, Una; she is so named at 201.19:8) hight > is called
8 For whose dear sake full many a bitter stound
dear > loving, dear; difficult, grievous (for the truth is not always easy) full > very stound > peril, time of peril
9 I have endured, and tasted many a bloody wound."
301.25
Certes (said she) then bene ye sixe to blame,
2 To weene your wrong by force to iustifie:
For knight to leaue his Ladie were great shame,
4 That faithfull is, and better were to die.
All losse is lesse, and lesse the infamie,
6 Then losse of loue to him, that loues but one;
Ne may loue be compeld by maisterie;
8 For soone as maisterie comes, sweete loue anone
Taketh his nimble wings, and soone away is gone.
1 "Certes," said she, "then been you six to blame,
Certes > Assuredly been > [are]
2 To ween your wrong by force to justify:
ween > imagine, suppose
3 For knight to leave his lady were great shame, 4 That faithful is, and better were to die. 5 All loss is less, and less the infamy, 6 Than loss of love to him that loves but one; 7 Nor may love be compelled by mastery;
compelled > constrained, overpowered mastery > superior force
8 For soon as mastery comes, sweet Love anon
Love > [Cupid] anon > straightway; (catachr.) soon
9 Takes his nimble wings, and soon away is gone.
soon > straightway; soon
301.26
Then spake one of those sixe, There dwelleth here
2 Within this castle wall a Ladie faire,
Whose soueraine beautie hath no liuing pere,
4 Thereto so bounteous and so debonaire,
That neuer any mote with her compaire.
6 She hath ordaind this law, which we approue,
That euery knight, which doth this way repaire,
8 In case he haue no Ladie, nor no loue,
Shall doe vnto her seruice neuer to remoue.
1 Then spoke one of those six, "There dwells here 2 Within this castle wall a lady fair, 3 Whose sovereign beauty has no living peer, 4 Thereto so bounteous and so debonair,
Thereto > Moreover debonair > affable, gracious
5 That never any might with her compare. 6 She has ordained this law, which we approve,
approve > confirm, make proof of; hence: uphold
7 That every knight which does this way repair,
repair > come, make his way
8 In case he have no lady, nor no love, 9 Shall do to her service, never to remove.
service > {Service; sexual gratification; also: a lover's devotion, professed love}
301.27
But if he haue a Ladie or a Loue,
2 Then must he her forgoe with foule defame,
Or else with vs by dint of sword approue,
4 That she is fairer, then our fairest Dame,
As did this knight, before ye hither came.
6 Perdie (said Britomart) the choise is hard:
But what reward had he, that ouercame?
8 He should aduaunced be to high regard,
(Said they) and haue our Ladies loue for his reward.
1 "But if he have a lady or a love, 2 Then must he her forgo with foul defame,
defame > disgrace, dishonour
3 Or else with us by dint of sword approve
approve > demonstrate; prove
4 That she is fairer than our fairest dame, 5 As did this knight, before you hither came." 6 "Pardie," said Britomart, "the choice is hard:
Pardie > Truly; "by God"
7 But what reward had he that overcame?"
had he > [would he have]
8 "He should advanced be to high regard," 9 Said they, "and have our lady's love for his reward.
301.28
Therefore a read Sir, if thou haue a loue.
2 Loue haue I sure, (quoth she) but Lady none;
Yet will I not fro mine owne loue remoue,
4 Ne to your Lady will I seruice done,
But wreake your wrongs wrought to this knight alone,
6 And proue his cause. With that her mortall speare
She mightily auentred towards one,
8 And downe him smot, ere well aware he weare,
Then to the next she rode, and downe the next did beare.
1 "Therefore aread sir, if you have a love."
aread > declare
2 "Love have I sure," quoth she, "but lady none; 3 Yet will I not from my own love remove, 4 Neither to your lady will I service do, 5 But wreak your wrongs wrought to this knight alone,
wreak > avenge alone > acting by himself; hence: unaided
6 And prove his cause." With that her mortal spear
cause > case, suit mortal > lethal
7 She mightily aventred towards one,
aventred > (Meaning uncertain: perhaps "thrust". This word also occurs at 403.9:1 and 406.11:3)
8 And down him smote, ere well aware he were,
aware > on his guard
9 Then to the next she rode, and down the next did bear.
301.29
Ne did she stay, till three on ground she layd,
2 That none of them himselfe could reare againe;
The fourth was by that other knight dismayd,
4 All were he wearie of his former paine,
That now there do but two of six remaine;
6 Which two did yield, before she did them smight.
Ah (said she then) now may ye all see plaine,
8 That truth is strong, and trew loue most of might,
That for his trusty seruaunts doth so strongly fight.
1 Nor did she stay, till three on ground she laid,
stay > pause, cease
2 That none of them himself could rear again;
That > [So that] rear > get up
3 The fourth was by that other knight dismayed,
dismayed > defeated
4 All were he weary of his former pain,
All were he > Although he [that other knight] was pain > pain; pains, efforts
5 That now there do but two of six remain;
That > [So that]
6 Which two did yield, before she did them smite. 7 "Ah!" said she then, "now may you all see plain, 8 That truth is strong, and true Love most of might,
Love > [Cupid] most of might > strongest (cf. 103.43:9)
9 That for his trusty servants does so strongly fight."
301.30
Too well we see, (said they) and proue too well
2 Our faulty weaknesse, and your matchlesse might:
For thy faire Sir, yours be the Damozell,
4 Which by her owne law to your lot doth light,
And we your liege men faith vnto you plight.
6 So vnderneath her feet their swords they +mard+,
And after her besought, well as they might,
8 To enter in, and reape the dew reward:
She graunted, and then in they all together far'd.
6 mard > shard 1590 etc.: FE
1 "Too well we see," said they, "and prove too well
prove > demonstrate; learn, experience
2 Our faulty weakness, and your matchless might:
faulty > blameworthy; guilty
3 For-thy, fair sir, yours be the damsel,
For-thy > Therefore
4 Who by her own law to your lot does light,
law > command; law light > fall
5 And we your liege men faith to you plight."
liege men > vassals, faithful followers
6 So underneath her feet their swords they marred,
marred > spoiled (i.e. broke or damaged as a sign of submission, if "swords" is taken literally); or: disgraced, debased (if "swords" is taken to mean their collective valour, which is debased by the act of laying their weapons at the victor's feet - particularly as they later break their word. In either case the use is forced)
7 And after her besought, well as they might,
besought > pleaded
8 To enter in, and reap the due reward: 9 She granted, and then in they all together fared.
301.31
Long were it to describe the goodly frame,
2 And stately port of Castle Ioyeous,
(For so that Castle hight by commune name)
4 Where they were entertaind with curteous
And comely glee of many gracious
6 Faire Ladies, +and many+ a gentle knight,
Who through a Chamber long and spacious,
8 Eftsoones them brought vnto their Ladies +sight,+
That of them cleeped was the Lady of delight.
6 and many > and of many 1590 8 sight, > sight. 1596
1 Long were it to describe the goodly frame
Long were it > [It would take a long time] goodly > excellent, beautiful frame > structure, design
2 And stately port of Castle Joyous,
port > gate, gateway; also, perhaps: style of life (led by the inhabitants)
3 (For so that castle hight by common name)
hight > was called common > {Generally known}
4 Where they were entertained with courteous
entertained > received
5 And comely glee of many gracious
comely glee of > decorous rejoicing by
6 Fair ladies, and many a gentle knight,
gentle > noble
7 Who through a chamber long and spacious 8 Eftsoons them brought to their lady's sight,
Eftsoons > Presently
9 That of them cleped was the Lady of Delight.
of > by cleped > called
301.32
But for to tell the sumptuous aray
2 Of that great chamber, should be labour lost:
For liuing wit, I weene, cannot display
4 The royall riches and exceeding cost,
Of euery pillour and of euery post;
6 Which all of purest bullion framed were,
And with great pearles and pretious stones embost,
8 That the bright glister of their beames cleare
Did sparckle forth great light, and glorious did appeare.
1 But to tell the sumptuous array
tell > describe
2 Of that great chamber should be labour lost: 3 For living wit, I ween, cannot display
wit > mind, intelligence ween > think display > set forth, describe
4 The royal riches and exceeding cost 5 Of every pillar and of every post; 6 Which all of purest bullion framed were,
bullion > {Solid gold or silver} framed > fashioned
7 And with great pearls and precious stones embossed,
embossed > [were] adorned, [were] ornamented (as with bosses); [were] sumptuously decorated
8 That the bright glister of their beams clear
That > [So that] bright > bright; beautiful clear > brightly shining
9 Did sparkle forth great light, and glorious did appear.
301.33
These straunger knights through passing, forth were led
2 Into an inner rowme, whose royaltee
And rich purueyance might vneath be red;
4 Mote Princes place +beseeme+ so deckt to bee.
Which stately manner when as they did see,
6 The image of superfluous riotize,
Exceeding much the state of meane degree,
8 They greatly wondred, whence so sumptuous guize
Might be maintaynd, and each gan diuersely deuize.
4 beseeme > be seeme 1596
1 These stranger knights, through passing, forth were led
stranger > foreign; new-come
2 Into an inner room, whose royalty
royalty > magnificence, pomp
3 And rich purveyance might uneath be read;
purveyance > preparation, preparations, provision, provision of victuals might uneath be read > could hardly be described
4 Might princes' place beseem so decked to be.
Might > Would that beseem > seem
5 Which stately manner when they did see, 6 The image of superfluous riotise,
superfluous > extravagant riotise > indulgence, dissipation
7 Exceeding much the state of mean degree,
mean > medium; temperate degree > rank, social station
8 They greatly wondered whence so sumptuous guise
guise > appearance; mode of life
9 Might be maintained, and each gan diversely devise.
gan > did devise > conjecture, speculate
301.34
The wals were round about apparelled
2 With costly clothes of Arras and of Toure,
In which with cunning hand was pourtrahed
4 The loue of Venus and her Paramoure
The faire Adonis, turned to a flowre,
6 A work of rare deuice, and wondrous wit.
First did it shew the bitter balefull stowre,
8 Which her assayd with many a feruent fit,
When first her tender hart was with his beautie smit.
1 The walls were round about apparelled 2 With costly cloths of Arras and of Tours,
Arras > (A town in Pas-de-Calais, France, famous for its rich tapestries, which were often made in the form of wall-hangings) Tours > (A town in Indre-et-Loire, France, likewise famous for its tapestries)
3 In which with cunning hand was portrayed
cunning > skilful
4 The love of Venus and her paramour 5 The fair Adonis, turned to a flower,
Adonis > (Son of Cintyras by his daughter Myrrha (see note at 101.9:6). Venus loved him, but while hunting he was wounded by a boar and died. The anemone sprang from his blood. Venus's grief was such that the gods of the lower world allowed him to spend six months of each year with her on earth. See Met. 10.519-559, 10.708-739; Myth. 5.16; and Shakespeare's poem, Venus and Adonis)
6 A work of rare device, and wondrous wit.
device > ingenuity wit > intelligence, skill
7 First did it show the bitter baleful stour
stour > tumult; distress
8 Which her assayed with many a fervent fit,
assayed > assailed; put to the test
9 When first her tender heart was with his beauty smitten.
301.35
Then with what sleights and sweet allurements she
2 Entyst the Boy, as well that art she knew,
And wooed him her Paramoure to be;
4 Now making girlonds of each flowre that grew,
To crowne his golden lockes with honour dew;
6 Now leading him into a secret shade
From his Beauperes, and from bright heauens vew,
8 Where him to sleepe she gently would perswade,
Or bathe him in a fountaine by some couert glade.
1 Then with what sleights and sweet allurements she 2 Enticed the boy, as well that art she knew, 3 And wooed him her paramour to be; 4 Now making garlands of each flower that grew, 5 To crown his golden locks with honour due; 6 Now leading him into a secret shade
secret > hidden (cf. e.g. 212.72:6)
7 From his beauperes', and from bright heaven's view,
beauperes > companions, peers
8 Where him to sleep she gently would persuade, 9 Or bathe him in a fountain by some covert glade.
301.36
And whilst he slept, she ouer him would spred
2 Her mantle, colour'd like the starry skyes,
And her soft arme lay vnderneath his hed,
4 And with ambrosiall kisses bathe his eyes;
And whilest he bath'd, with her two crafty spyes,
6 She secretly would search each daintie lim,
And throw into the well sweet Rosemaryes,
8 And fragrant violets, and Pances trim,
And euer with sweet Nectar she did sprinkle him.
1 And whilst he slept, she over him would spread 2 Her mantle, coloured like the starry skies, 3 And her soft arm lay underneath his head, 4 And with ambrosial kisses bathe his eyes;
ambrosial > {Belonging to or worthy of the gods: ambrosia is the food of the gods. See 306.18:9}
5 And whilst he bathed, with her two crafty spies
spies > [eyes]
6 She secretly would search each dainty limb,
dainty > {Handsome, of delicate beauty; pleasing}
7 And throw into the well sweet rosemaries, 8 And fragrant violets, and pansies trim, 9 And ever with sweet nectar she did sprinkle him.
nectar > {The drink of the gods}
301.37
So did she steale his heedelesse hart away,
2 And ioyd his loue in secret vnespyde.
But for she saw him bent to cruell play,
4 To hunt the saluage beast in forrest wyde,
Dreadfull of daunger, that mote him betyde,
6 She oft and oft aduiz'd him to refraine
From chase of greater beasts, whose brutish pryde
8 Mote breede him +scath+ vnwares: but all in vaine;
For who can shun the chaunce, that dest'ny doth ordaine?
8 scath > scathe 1609
1 So did she steal his heedless heart away, 2 And joyed his love in secret unespied.
joyed > enjoyed; took delight in
3 But for she saw him bent to cruel play
for > when; because, in that bent > inclined, of a mind
4 (To hunt the savage beast in forest wide),
savage > wild; savage
5 Dreadful of danger that might him betide,
Dreadful > Fearful betide > befall
6 She oft and oft advised him to refrain 7 From chase of greater beasts, whose brutish pride
greater > too great, too powerful pride > spirit, mettle; also: state of physical perfection, hence: strength
8 Might breed him scathe unwares: but all in vain:
breed > engender scathe > harm; matter for regret unwares > unexpectedly
9 For who can shun the chance that destiny does ordain?
shun > evade
301.38
Lo, where beyond he lyeth languishing,
2 Deadly engored of a great wild Bore,
And by his side the Goddesse groueling
4 Makes for him endlesse mone, and euermore
With her soft garment wipes away the gore,
6 Which staines his snowy skin with hatefull hew:
But when she saw no helpe might him restore,
8 Him to a dainty flowre she did transmew,
Which in that cloth was wrought, as if it liuely grew.
1 Lo, where beyond he lies languishing,
beyond > [in the next tapestry along]
2 Deadly engored of a great wild bore,
Deadly engored of > Mortally gored by
3 And by his side the goddess, grovelling,
grovelling > prostrate
4 Makes for him endless moan, and evermore
moan > lamentation
5 With her soft garment wipes away the gore 6 Which stains his snowy skin with hateful hue: 7 But when she saw no help might him restore, 8 Him to a dainty flower she did transmew,
dainty > delightful, pleasing transmew > transmute
9 Which in that cloth was wrought, as if it lively grew.
that cloth > [the tapestry] lively > living; in a lifelike manner
301.39
So was that chamber clad in goodly wize,
2 And round about it many beds were dight,
As whilome was the antique worldes guize,
4 Some for vntimely ease, some for delight,
As pleased them to vse, that vse it might:
6 And all was full of Damzels, and of Squires,
Dauncing and reueling both day and night,
8 And swimming deepe in sensuall desires,
And Cupid still emongst them kindled lustfull fires.
1 So was that chamber clad in goodly wise,
clad > arrayed, decked goodly wise > [a] fine fashion
2 And round about it many beds were dight,
beds > couches dight > prepared, arranged
3 As whilom was the antique world's guise,
whilom > formerly, in ancient times antique > ancient (esp. applied to Greece and Rome) guise > manner, custom
4 Some for untimely ease, some for delight,
untimely > inopportune (i.e. during the day)
5 As pleased them to use, that use it might: 6 And all was full of damsels, and of squires, 7 Dancing and revelling both day and night, 8 And swimming deep in sensual desires, 9 And Cupid still amongst them kindled lustful fires.
still > continually
301.40
And all the while sweet Musicke did diuide
2 Her looser notes with Lydian harmony;
And all the while sweet birdes thereto applide
4 Their daintie layes and dulcet melody,
Ay caroling of loue and iollity,
6 That wonder was to heare their trim consort.
Which when those knights beheld, with scornefull eye,
8 They sdeigned such lasciuious disport,
And loath'd the loose demeanure of that wanton sort.
1 And all the while sweet Music did divide
divide > descant
2 Her looser notes with Lydian harmony;
looser > too-loose Lydian > (Describing a mode of Greek music, characteristically soothing and effeminate; see Plato, Republic 3.398)
3 And all the while sweet birds thereto applied
thereto > in addition; to that
4 Their dainty lays and dulcet melody,
dainty lays > delightful songs
5 Ay carolling of love and jollity,
Ay > Ever carolling > {Singing; celebrating in song} jollity > pleasure, revelry (as at 100.3:8)
6 That wonder was to hear their trim consort.
That > [So that] trim > fine, pleasing consort > concert; accord, agreement
7 Which when those knights beheld with scornful eye, 8 They sdeigned such lascivious disport,
sdeigned > disdained disport > diversion; amusement
9 And loathed the loose demeanour of that wanton sort.
demeanour > conduct sort > company
301.41
Thence they were brought to that great Ladies vew,
2 Whom they found sitting on a sumptuous bed,
That glistred all with gold and glorious shew,
4 As the proud Persian Queenes accustomed:
She seemd a woman of great bountihed,
6 And of rare beautie, sauing that askaunce
Her wanton eyes, ill signes of womanhed,
8 Did roll too +lightly+, and too often glaunce,
Without regard of grace, or comely amenaunce.
8 lightly > highly 1590, 1596
1 Thence they were brought to that great lady's view, 2 Whom they found sitting on a sumptuous bed,
bed > couch
3 That glistered all with gold and glorious show, 4 As the proud Persian queens accustomed:
Persian > (Cf. 102.13:4, 104.7:6) accustomed > practised, were accustomed [to sit in this fashion]
5 She seemed a woman of great bountihead,
bountihead > bounteousness
6 And of rare beauty, saving that askance
saving > except
7 Her wanton eyes, ill signs of womanhood,
womanhood > womanliness
8 Did roll too lightly, and too often glance, 9 Without regard of grace or comely amenance.
comely amenance > decorous behaviour
301.42
Long worke it were, and needlesse to deuize
2 Their goodly entertainement and great glee:
She caused them be led in curteous wize
4 Into a bowre, disarmed for to bee,
And cheared well with wine and spiceree:
6 The Redcrosse Knight was soone disarmed there,
But the braue Mayd would not disarmed bee,
8 But onely vented vp her vmbriere,
And so did let her goodly visage to appere.
1 Long work it were, and needless to devise
were > [would be] devise > recount
2 Their goodly entertainment and great glee:
glee > play; also: musical entertainment
3 She caused them be led in courteous wise
be > [to be] wise > fashion
4 Into a bower, disarmed to be,
bower > chamber disarmed > relieved of their armour
5 And cheered well with wine and spicery:
spicery > spices
6 The Redcross Knight was soon disarmed there, 7 But the brave maid would not disarmed be,
brave > brave; splendid
8 But only vented up her umbrere,
vented up her umbrere > raised her visor
9 And so did let her goodly visage to appear.
let > allow goodly > beautiful
301.43
As when faire Cynthia, in darkesome night,
2 Is in a noyous cloud enueloped,
Where she may find the substaunce thin and light,
4 Breakes forth her siluer beames, and her bright hed
Discouers to the world discomfited;
6 Of the poore traueller, that went astray,
With thousand blessings she is heried;
8 Such was the beautie and the shining ray,
With which faire Britomart gaue light vnto the day.
1 As when fair Cynthia, in darksome night, 2 Is in a noyous cloud enveloped,
noyous > vexatious
3 Where she may find the substance thin and light, 4 Breaks forth her silver beams, and her bright head
bright > bright; beautiful
5 Discovers to the world discomfited;
Discovers > Reveals discomfited > perplexed; dejected
6 Of the poor traveller, that went astray,
Of > By
7 With thousand blessings she is heried;
heried > praised, worshipped
8 Such was the beauty and the shining ray, 9 With which fair Britomart gave light to the day.
301.44
And eke those six, which lately with her fought,
2 Now were disarmd, and did them selues present
Vnto her vew, and company vnsoght;
4 For they all seemed curteous and gent,
And all sixe brethren, borne of one parent,
6 Which had them traynd in all ciuilitee,
And goodly taught to tilt and turnament;
8 Now were they liegemen to this Lady free,
And her knights seruice ought, to hold of her in fee.
1 And eke those six, which lately with her fought,
eke > also, moreover
2 Now were disarmed, and did themselves present
disarmed > relieved of their armour
3 To her view and company, unsought;
her > (Self-evidently Britomart's; but if we take this to mean "Malecasta's", lines 7-9 of the stanza contain doubles entendres on "tilt", "free", "seruice", "ought" (in the sense "rendered"), and "hold of her")
4 For they all seemed courteous and gent,
gent > noble
5 And all six brethren, born of one parent, 6 Which had them trained in all civility, 7 And goodly taught to tilt and tournament;
goodly > excellently tilt > {Take part in a tilt, a contest between two mounted knights with lances, who ride on opposite sides of a barrier and score by attaints (touches, strikes, sometimes involving the loser being unhorsed) and by lances broken} tournament > {Take part in a tournament, an exercise in which two groups of mounted knights fight with blunted weapons}
8 Now were they liege men to this lady free,
liege men > vassals, faithful followers (thus pledged at 301.30:5) to > of
9 And her knight's service ought, to hold of her in fee.
ought > owed hold of > be held by fee > absolute possession (a feudal term)
301.45
The first of them by name Gardante hight,
2 A iolly person, and of comely vew;
The second was Parlante, a bold knight,
4 And next to him Iocante did ensew;
Basciante did him selfe most curteous shew;
6 But fierce Bacchante seemd too fell and keene;
And yet in armes Noctante greater grew:
8 All were faire knights, and goodly well beseene,
But to faire Britomart they all but shadowes beene.
1 The first of them by name Gardante hight,
Gardante > "Looking" hight > was called
2 A jolly person, and of comely view;
jolly > amorous; fine view > appearance
3 The second was Parlante, a bold knight,
Parlante > "Talking"
4 And next to him Jocante did ensue;
next to > immediately after Jocante > "Jesting"
5 Basciante did himself most courteous show;
Basciante > "Kissing"
6 But fierce Bacchante seemed too fell and keen;
Bacchante > "Carousing" fell > terrible, fierce keen > {Bold, daring; piercing, having a sharp point}
7 And yet in arms Noctante greater grew:
in arms > in arms; and also: in a woman's arms Noctante > "Nocturnally Active" (the six names have aptly been called "a ladder of lechery" (Gilbert 1941, quoted by Roche 1978). Compare Lucifera's "six sage Counsellours", 104.18 ff.) grew > (Again with a double entendre)
8 All were fair knights, and goodly well beseen,
goodly > excellently well beseen > good looking
9 But to fair Britomart they all but shadows been.
been > [were]
301.46
For she was full of amiable grace,
2 And manly terrour mixed therewithall,
That as the one stird vp affections bace,
4 So th'other did mens rash desires apall,
And hold them backe, that would in errour fall;
6 As he, that hath espide a vermeill Rose,
To which sharpe thornes and +breres+ the way forstall,
8 Dare not for dread his hardy hand expose,
But wishing it far off, his idle wish doth lose.
7 breres > briers 1609
1 For she was full of amiable grace,
amiable > lovable; pleasing
2 And manly terror mixed therewithal,
terror > {The quality of causing terror} therewithal > therewith, with that
3 That as the one stirred up affections base, 4 So the other did men's rash desires appal,
appal > cause to fade; hence: quell
5 And hold them back, that would in error fall;
them > [those men]
6 As he, that has espied a vermeil rose
vermeil > scarlet
7 To which sharp thorns and briers the way forestall,
forestall > obstruct
8 Dare not for dread his hardy hand expose, 9 But wishing it, far off, his idle wish does lose.
idle > empty, futile
301.47
Whom when the Lady saw so faire a +wight,+
2 All ignoraunt of her contrary sex,
(For she her weend a fresh and lusty knight)
4 She greatly gan enamoured to wex,
And with vaine thoughts her falsed fancy vex:
6 Her fickle hart conceiued hasty fire,
Like sparkes of fire, +which+ fall in +sclender+ flex,
8 That shortly brent into extreme desire,
And ransackt all her veines with passion entire.
1 wight, > wight. 1596 7 which > that 1590 7 sclender > slender 1609
1 Whom, when the lady saw so fair a wight
Whom > [Of whom] wight > person, "man"
2 (All ignorant of her contrary sex:
contrary > different; opposite; untoward, prejudicial
3 For she her weened a fresh and lusty knight),
weened > supposed, imagined [to be]
4 She greatly began enamoured to wax,
wax > grow
5 And with vain thoughts her falsed fancy vex:
falsed > corrupted; failing (cf. 102.30:3) vex > [to vex]
6 Her fickle heart conceived hasty fire, 7 Like sparks of fire which fall in slender flax,
flax > (From the fine or "sclender" fibres of which candle or lamp wicks were once made)
8 That shortly burnt into extreme desire, 9 And ransacked all her veins with passion entire.
entire > complete, total; or: inward (cf. 408.23:9, 408.48:9)
301.48
Eftsoones she grew to great impatience
2 And into termes of open outrage +brust+,
That plaine discouered her incontinence,
4 Ne reckt she, who her meaning did mistrust;
For she was giuen all to fleshly lust,
6 And poured forth in sensuall delight,
That all regard of shame she had discust,
8 And meet respect of honour put to flight:
So shamelesse beauty soone becomes a +loathly+ +sight.+
2 brust > burst 1609 8 loathly > loathy 1596, 1609 8 sight. > sight, 1596
1 Eftsoons she grew to great impatience
Eftsoons > Thereupon; soon
2 And into terms of open outrage burst,
terms > condition, state (the meaning "words", "language" is not supported by 301.50:6-8) outrage > intemperance, passion
3 That plain discovered her incontinence,
discovered > revealed
4 Nor recked she, who her meaning did mistrust;
recked > cared mistrust > suspect
5 For she was given all to fleshly lust, 6 And poured forth in sensual delight,
poured forth > (Cf. 107.7:2)
7 That all regard of shame she had discussed,
That > [So that] discussed > shaken off, dispelled
8 And meet respect of honour put to flight:
meet > fitting
9 So shameless beauty soon becomes a loathly sight.
loathly > loathsome, disgusting
301.49
Faire Ladies, that to loue captiued arre,
2 And chaste desires do nourish in your mind,
Let not her fault your sweet affections marre,
4 Ne blot the bounty of all womankind;
'Mongst thousands good one wanton Dame to find:
6 Emongst the Roses grow some wicked weeds;
For this was not to loue, but lust inclind;
8 For loue does alwayes bring forth bounteous deeds,
And in each gentle hart desire of honour breeds.
1 Fair ladies, that to love captived are,
captived > made captive
2 And chaste desires do nourish in your mind, 3 Let not her fault your sweet affections mar,
her > [Malecasta's]
4 Nor blot the bounty of all womankind;
bounty > virtue, goodness
5 Amongst thousands good one wanton dame to find: 6 Amongst the roses grow some wicked weeds; 7 For this was not to love, but lust inclined;
this > [this woman]
8 For love does always bring forth bounteous deeds,
bounteous > {Full of goodness; beneficent}
9 And in each gentle heart desire of honour breeds.
of > for
301.50
Nought so of loue this looser Dame did skill,
2 But as a coale to kindle fleshly flame,
Giuing the bridle to her wanton will,
4 And treading vnder foote her honest name:
Such loue is hate, and such desire is shame.
6 Still did she roue at her with crafty glaunce
Of her false eyes, that at her hart did ayme,
8 And told her meaning in her countenaunce;
But Britomart dissembled it with ignoraunce.
1 Naught so of love this looser dame did skill,
Naught so > Not at all thus looser > too-loose skill > understand; know how to practise
2 But as a coal to kindle fleshly flame, 3 Giving the bridle to her wanton will, 4 And treading underfoot her honest name: 5 Such love is hate, and such desire is shame. 6 Still did she rove at her with crafty glance
Still > Continuously rove > shoot (cf. Cupid's arrow at 100.3:3)
7 Of her false eyes, that at her heart did aim, 8 And told her meaning in her countenance; 9 But Britomart dissembled it with ignorance.
with ignorance > [by not knowing (or, perhaps, pretending not to know) what Malecasta meant]
301.51
Supper was shortly dight and downe they sat,
2 Where they were serued with all sumptuous fare,
Whiles fruitfull Ceres, and Ly{ae}us fat
4 Pourd out their plenty, without spight or spare:
Nought wanted there, that dainty was and rare;
6 And aye the cups their bancks did ouerflow,
And aye betweene the cups, she did prepare
8 Way to her loue, and secret darts did throw;
But Britomart would not such guilfull message know.
1 Supper was shortly dight and down they sat,
dight > prepared
2 Where they were served with all sumptuous fare, 3 While fruitful Ceres and Lyaeus fat
Ceres > (Goddess of agriculture; corn, grain, hence, here: food)
Lyaeus > (Surname of Bacchus, the god of wine, the releaser from
care; hence, here: wine)
fat > {Well supplied with what is needed, abundant}
4 Poured out their plenty without spite or spare:
spite > grudge, meanness spare > restraint, parsimony
5 Naught wanted there, that dainty was and rare;
Naught > Nothing at all [was] dainty > pleasing; scarce; choice; delicious rare > excellent, fine (the same phrase occurs at 108.50:9)
6 And ay the cups their banks did overflow,
ay > ever, always banks > [brims]
7 And ay between the cups she did prepare 8 Way to her love, and secret darts did throw;
darts > [glances]
9 But Britomart would not such guileful message know.
know > know; or, perhaps, considering 301.50:9: acknowledge, recognize (but cf. 301.53:9)
301.52
So when they slaked had the feruent heat
2 Of appetite with meates of euery sort,
The Lady did faire Britomart entreat,
4 Her to disarme, and with delightfull sport
To loose her warlike limbs and strong effort,
6 But when she mote not thereunto be wonne,
(For she her sexe vnder that straunge purport
8 Did vse to hide, and plaine apparaunce shonne:)
In plainer wise to tell her grieuaunce she begonne.
1 So when they slaked had the fervent heat 2 Of appetite with meats of every sort,
meats > foods
3 The lady did fair Britomart entreat 4 Herself to disarm, and with delightful sport
Herself to disarm > [To take off her armour]
5 To loose her warlike limbs and strong effort,
loose > relax (with connotation of sexual looseness) effort > struggle; hence: self-restraint
6 But when she might not thereto be won
thereto > to that [course of action] won > persuaded
7 (For she her sex under that strange purport
purport > outward bearing (SU)
8 Did use to hide, and plain appearance shun), 9 In plainer wise to tell her grievance she began.
wise > manner she > [Malecasta]
301.53
And all attonce discouered her desire
2 With sighes, and sobs, and plaints, and piteous griefe,
The outward sparkes of her in burning fire;
4 Which spent in vaine, at last she told her briefe,
That but if she did lend her short reliefe,
6 And do her comfort, she mote algates dye.
But the chaste damzell, that had neuer priefe
8 Of such malengine and fine forgerie,
Did easily beleeue her strong extremitie.
1 And all at once discovered her desire
discovered > revealed, made known
2 With sighs, and sobs, and plaints, and piteous grief,
plaints > complaints, laments
3 The outward sparks of her in burning fire;
in > inwardly
4 Which spent in vain, at last she told her brief, 5 That but if she did lend her short relief,
but if > unless short > immediate
6 And do her comfort, she might algates die.
do > afford (with implication of sexual service: cf. 101.51:6) algates > altogether, at any rate; hence: surely
7 But the chaste damsel, that had never proof
proof > experience
8 Of such malengin and fine forgery,
malengin > ill intent; deceit, guile fine > consummate, skilful; sheer, unadulterated forgery > fiction, mendacity
9 Did easily believe her strong extremity.
strong > intense extremity > urgency, need
301.54
Full easie was for her to haue beliefe,
2 Who by self-feeling of her feeble sexe,
And by long triall of the inward griefe,
4 Wherewith imperious loue her hart did vexe,
Could iudge what paines do louing harts perplexe.
6 Who meanes no guile, +be guiled+ soonest shall,
And to faire semblaunce doth light faith annexe;
8 The bird, that knowes not the false fowlers call,
Into his hidden net full easily doth fall.
6 be guiled > beguiled 1596; be 'guiled 1609
1 Full easy was for her to have belief,
Full > Very was > [it was]
2 Who, by self-feeling of her feeble sex
self-feeling of > ?fellow-feeling for (this sense not in OED)
3 (And by long trial of the inward grief 4 Wherewith imperious love her heart did vex),
Wherewith > With which
5 Could judge what pains do loving hearts perplex.
perplex > distress
6 Who means no guile, be guiled soonest shall,
Who > [He who] guiled > deceived
7 And to fair semblance does light faith annex;
light > quickly, promptly (adv.); ready; light (adj.) annex > attach
8 The bird that knows not the false fowler's call 9 Into his hidden net full easily does fall.
301.55
For thy she would not in discourteise wise,
2 Scorne the faire offer of good will profest;
For great rebuke it is, loue to despise,
4 Or rudely sdeigne a gentle harts request;
But with faire countenaunce, as beseemed best,
6 Her entertaynd; nath'lesse she inly deemd
Her loue too light, to wooe a wandring guest:
8 Which she misconstruing, thereby esteemd
That from like inward fire that outward smoke had +steemd.+
9 steemd. > steemd, 1596
1 For-thy she would not in discourteous wise
For-thy > For this reason, therefore wise > fashion
2 Scorn the fair offer of goodwill professed; 3 For great rebuke it is, love to despise,
rebuke > shame, disgrace
4 Or rudely sdeign a gentle heart's request;
sdeign > disdain
5 But with fair countenance, as beseemed best,
fair countenance > courteous demeanour beseemed best, > [seemed most fitting, Britomart]
6 Her entertained; natheless she inly deemed
natheless > nevertheless inly > inwardly
7 Her love too light, to woo a wandering guest: 8 Which she misconstruing, thereby esteemed
she > [Malecasta] esteemed > believed
9 That from like inward fire outward smoke had steamed.
like > [a] similar
301.56
Therewith a while she her flit fancy fed,
2 Till she mote winne fit time for her desire,
But yet her wound still inward freshly bled,
4 And through her bones the false instilled fire
Did spred it selfe, and venime close inspire.
6 Tho were the tables taken all away,
And euery knight, and euery gentle Squire
8 Gan choose his dame with +Basciomani+ gay,
With whom he meant to make his sport and courtly play.
8 Basciomani > Bascimano 1590; Bascio mani 1609
1 Therewith awhile she her flit fancy fed,
Therewith > Thereupon; with that [belief] flit > shifting
2 Till she might win fit time for her desire, 3 But yet her wound still inward freshly bled, 4 And through her bones the false instilled fire 5 Did spread itself, and venom close inspire.
close > secret; secretly
6 Tho were the tables taken all away,
Tho > Then
7 And every knight, and every gentle squire
gentle > noble
8 Gan choose his dame with baciamani gay,
Gan > Did baciamani > hand-kissings (Italian word)
9 With whom he meant to make his sport and courtly play.
sport > {Amusement, diversion; amorous dalliance, sexual intercourse}
301.57
Some fell to daunce, some fell to hazardry,
2 Some to make loue, some to make meriment,
As diuerse wits to diuers things apply;
4 And all the while faire Malecasta bent
Her crafty engins to her close intent.
6 By this th'eternall lampes, wherewith high Ioue
Doth light the lower world, were half yspent,
8 And the moist daughters of huge Atlas stroue
Into the Ocean deepe to driue their weary droue.
1 Some fell to dance, some fell to hazardry,
hazardry > gambling
2 Some to make love, some to make merriment, 3 As diverse wits to divers things apply;
divers > sundry
4 And all the while fair Malecasta bent
bent > inclined, directed
5 Her crafty engines to her close intent.
engines > schemes, snares close > secret
6 By this the eternal lamps, wherewith high Jove
By this > By this time lamps > [stars] wherewith > with which
7 Does light the lower world, were half spent,
the lower world > [the world of mortals, compared with the higher world of the gods] spent > burned out
8 And the moist daughters of huge Atlas strove
the moist daughters of huge Atlas > (The Hyades or Rainers, a star- cluster or asterism marking the head of the constellation Taurus. The most prominent of the Hyades is Aldebaran, the eye of the bull. At best, seven of the Hyades are visible to the naked eye. In early legend they were said to be seven nymphs placed by Jupiter in the sky. Later (Myth. 4.7) they became daughters of Atlas (a mythical giant said to support on his shoulders the pillars of the universe), and their number increased to twelve or fifteen. The name is probably derived from the Greek verb hyo, to rain; the V-shaped cluster of the Hyades, when rising simultaneously with the sun, was said to portend wet weather: hence the alternative name, and Spenser's epithet)
9 Into the ocean deep to drive their weary drove.
drove > flock, shoal; hence: star-cluster
301.58
High time it seemed then for euery wight
2 Them to betake vnto their kindly rest;
Eftsoones long waxen torches weren light,
4 Vnto their bowres to guiden euery guest:
Tho when the Britonesse saw all the rest
6 Auoided quite, she gan her selfe despoile,
And safe commit to her soft fethered nest,
8 Where through long watch, and late dayes weary toile,
She soundly slept, and carefull thoughts did quite assoile.
1 High time it seemed then for every wight
every > [all severally: all the wights; cf. 312.1:3] wight > person
2 Them to betake to their kindly rest;
kindly > natural
3 Eftsoons long waxen torches were lit,
Eftsoons > Soon; thereupon
4 To their bowers to guide every guest:
bowers > rooms
5 Tho when the Britoness saw all the rest
Tho > Then
6 Avoided quite, she gan herself despoil
Avoided > Retired, retreated gan > did despoil > undress
7 And safe commit to her soft feathered nest, 8 Where, through long watch and late day's weary toil,
long watch > [having been awake for a long time] late > [the late, the preceding]
9 She soundly slept, and careful thoughts did quite assoil.
careful > anxious assoil > pardon, absolve; hence: set free, resolve, do away with
301.59
Now whenas all the world in silence deepe
2 Yshrowded was, and euery mortall wight
Was drowned in the depth of deadly sleepe,
4 Faire Malecasta, whose engrieued spright
Could find no rest in such perplexed plight,
6 Lightly arose out of her wearie bed,
And vnder the blacke vele of guilty Night,
8 Her with a scarlot mantle couered,
That was with gold and Ermines faire enueloped.
1 Now when all the world in silence deep 2 Shrouded was, and every mortal wight
wight > creature, person
3 Was drowned in the depth of deadly sleep,
deadly > death-like
4 Fair Malecasta, whose engrieved spirit
engrieved > aggravated
5 Could find no rest in such perplexed plight,
perplexed > troubled
6 Lightly arose out of her weary bed,
Lightly > Quickly, easily; unchastely
7 And, under the black veil of guilty Night,
Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.)
8 Her with a scarlet mantle covered,
Her > [Herself] scarlet > {A rich kind of cloth, usually red or or orange in colour}
9 That was with gold and ermines fair enveloped.
ermines > (Ermine pelts. The ermine is a traditional emblem of chastity, though "ermine" is also the name for the stoat, an emblem of unchastity, in its winter pelage) fair > beautiful (if applied to the ermines); skilfully (if applied to the verb) enveloped > enveloped making the lining scarlet; or, perhaps, catachr.: lined (cf. 207.4:2)
301.60
Then panting soft, and trembling euery ioynt,
2 Her fearfull feete towards the bowre she moued;
Where she for secret purpose did appoynt
4 To lodge the warlike mayd vnwisely loued,
And to her bed approching, first she prooued,
6 Whether she slept or wakt, with her soft hand
She softly felt, if any member mooued,
8 And lent her +weary+ eare to vnderstand,
If any puffe of breath, or signe of sence she +fond+.
8 weary > wary 1590 9 fond > fand 1609
1 Then panting soft, and trembling every joint,
joint > limb
2 Her fearful feet towards the bower she moved;
bower > chamber, bedroom
3 Where she for secret purpose did appoint 4 To lodge the warlike maid unwisely loved; 5 And to her bed approaching, first she proved
proved > tested
6 Whether she slept or waked: with her soft hand
waked > [was awake]
7 She softly felt if any member moved, 8 And lent her weary ear to understand
weary > ?wary (see Textual Appendix)
9 If any puff of breath, or sign of sense she found.
301.61
Which whenas none she fond, with easie shift,
2 For feare least her vnwares she should abrayd,
Th'embroderd quilt she lightly vp did lift,
4 And by her side her selfe she softly layd,
Of euery finest fingers touch affrayd;
6 Ne any noise she made, ne word she spake,
But inly sigh'd. At last the royall Mayd
8 Out of her quiet slomber did awake,
And chaungd her weary side, the better ease to take.
1 Which when none she found, with easy shift
shift > movement
2 (For fear lest her unwares she should abraid)
unwares > unexpectedly abraid > startle
3 The embroidered quilt she lightly up did lift,
lightly > lightly; unchastely (as at 301.59:6)
4 And by her side herself she softly laid, 5 Of every finest finger's touch afraid; 6 Nor any noise she made, nor word she spoke, 7 But inly sighed. At last the royal maid
inly > inwardly
8 Out of her quiet slumber did awake, 9 And changed her weary side, the better ease to take.
301.62
Where feeling one close couched by her side,
2 She lightly lept out of her filed bed,
And to her weapon ran, in minde to gride
4 The loathed leachour. But the Dame halfe ded
Through suddein feare and ghastly drerihed,
6 Did shrieke alowd, that through the house it rong,
And the whole family therewith adred,
8 Rashly out of their rouzed couches sprong,
And to the troubled chamber all in armes did throng.
1 Where feeling one close couched by her side, 2 She lightly leapt out of her filed bed,
lightly > quickly filed > defiled
3 And to her weapon ran, in mind to gride
gride > wound, pierce; hence: run through
4 The loathed lecher. But the dame, half dead 5 Through sudden fear and ghastly drearihead,
ghastly > frightful, terrible (as if induced by fear of the supernatural) drearihead > dreariness, grief; hence: horror
6 Did shriek aloud, that through the house it rang,
that > [so that]
7 And the whole family, therewith adrad,
family > household therewith adrad > frightened by that
8 Rashly out of their roused couches sprang,
Rashly > Hastily; suddenly couches > beds
9 And to the troubled chamber all in arms did throng.
301.63
And those six Knights that Ladies Champions,
2 And eke the Redcrosse knight ran to the stownd,
Halfe armd and halfe vnarmd, with them attons:
4 Where when confusedly they came, they fownd
Their Lady lying on the sencelesse grownd;
6 On th'other side, they saw the warlike Mayd
All in her snow-white smocke, with locks vnbownd,
8 Threatning the point of her auenging blade,
That with so troublous terrour they were all dismayde.
1 And those six knights, that lady's champions, 2 And eke the Redcross Knight ran to the stound,
eke > also stound > [period of] alarm, tumult; or perhaps, with its spelling forced by the rhyme: stand, place, spot
3 Half armed and half unarmed, with them at once:
at once > together, simultaneously
4 Where, when confusedly they came, they found
they > [the six knights]
5 Their lady lying on the senseless ground; 6 On the other side they saw the warlike maid 7 All in her snow-white smock, with locks unbound, 8 Threatening the point of her avenging blade, 9 That with so troublous terror they were all dismayed.
That > [So that] so > such
301.64
About their Lady first they flockt arownd,
2 Whom hauing laid in comfortable couch,
Shortly they reard out of her frosen swownd;
4 And afterwards they gan with fowle reproch
To stirre vp strife, and troublous contecke broch:
6 But by ensample of the last dayes losse,
None of them rashly durst to her approch,
8 Ne in so glorious spoile themselues embosse;
Her succourd eke the Champion of the bloudy Crosse.
1 About their lady first they flocked around, 2 Whom, having laid in comfortable couch,
couch > bed
3 Shortly they reared out of her frozen swoon; 4 And afterwards they began with foul reproach 5 To stir up strife, and troublous conteck broach:
conteck > strife, discord; contumely
6 But by example of the last day's loss, 7 None of them rashly dared to her approach,
rashly > rashly; quickly
8 Nor in so glorious spoil themselves emboss;
so > [such, such a] emboss > encase, enwrap hence: get involved with
9 Her succoured eke the champion of the bloody Cross.
eke > moreover
301.65
But one of those sixe knights, Gardante hight,
2 Drew out a deadly bow and arrow keene,
Which forth he sent with felonous despight,
4 And fell intent against the virgin sheene:
The mortall steele stayd not, till it was seene
6 To gore her side, yet was the wound not deepe,
But lightly rased her soft silken skin,
8 That drops of purple bloud thereout did weepe,
Which did her lilly smock with staines of vermeil steepe.
1 But one of those six knights, Gardante hight,
hight > named, hence: by name
2 Drew out a deadly bow and arrow keen,
keen > sharp
3 Which forth he sent with felonous despite,
felonous > {Cruel, wicked, befitting a felon} despite > malice; anger
4 And fell intent against the virgin sheen:
fell > terrible sheen > shining, resplendent; beautiful
5 The mortal steel stayed not, till it was seen
mortal > lethal
6 To gore her side, yet was the wound not deep, 7 But lightly rased her soft silken skin,
rased > scratched
8 That drops of purple blood thereout did weep,
That > [So that] purple > red, blood-red; purple also signifying royalty thereout > from it [her skin]
9 Which did her lily smock with stains of vermeil steep.
lily > pure white (denoting chastity: cf. 110.13:1 etc.) vermeil > scarlet
301.66
Wherewith enrag'd she fiercely at them flew,
2 And with her flaming sword about her layd,
That none of them foule mischiefe could eschew,
4 But with her dreadfull strokes were all dismayd:
Here, there, and euery where about her swayd
6 Her wrathfull steele, that none mote it abide;
And eke the Redcrosse knight gaue her good aid,
8 Ay ioyning foot to foot, and side to side,
That in short space their foes they haue quite terrifide.
1 Wherewith enraged, she fiercely at them flew,
Wherewith > With which
2 And with her flaming sword about her laid, 3 That none of them foul mischief could eschew,
That > [So that] mischief > injury eschew > escape
4 But with her dreadful strokes were all dismayed:
dismayed > dismayed; defeated
5 Here, there, and everywhere about her swayed
swayed > swung, swept
6 Her wrathful steel, that none might it abide;
that > [so that] abide > endure; face
7 And eke the Redcross Knight gave her good aid,
eke > also
8 Ay joining foot to foot, and side to side,
Ay > Ever
9 That in short space their foes they have quite terrified.
That > [So that] space > time
301.67
Tho whenas all were put to shamefull flight,
2 The noble Britomartis her arayd,
And her bright armes about her body dight:
4 For nothing would she lenger there be stayd,
Where so loose life, and so vngentle trade
6 Was vsd of Knights and Ladies seeming gent:
So earely ere the grosse Earthes gryesy shade,
8 Was all disperst out of the firmament,
They tooke their steeds, and forth vpon their iourney went.
1 Tho, when all were put to shameful flight,
Tho > Then
2 The noble Britomart herself arrayed, 3 And her bright arms about her body dight:
arms > armour dight > arrayed, put on
4 For nothing would she longer there be stayed,
stayed > detained
5 Where so loose life, and so ungentle trade
so loose > such promiscuous ungentle trade > ignoble conduct
6 Was used of knights and ladies seeming gent:
used of > practised by gent > high-born, noble
7 So early, ere the gross Earth's griesy shade
gross > massive; dense, thick griesy > grim
8 Was all dispersed out of the firmament, 9 They took their steeds, and forth upon their journey went.
They > [Britomart, her "aged Squire" (301.4:3), and the Redcross
Knight]