CANTO II
The Redcrosse knight to Britomart
2 describeth Artegall:
The wondrous myrrhour, by which she
4 in loue with him did fall.
1 The Redcross Knight to Britomart 2 describes Artegall:
Artegall > (The hero of Book V. The name "Arthgal" is used by
Geoffrey of Monmouth (HRB 9.12). Artgallo, son of Gorlois, was
the brother of Cador, king of Cornwall, and half-brother of
Arthur; in FQ "Artegall" signifies "Equal to Arthur")
3 The wondrous mirror, by which she
mirror > magic glass, crystal
4 in love with him did fall.
302.1
HEre haue I cause, in men iust blame to find,
2 That in their proper prayse too partiall bee,
And not indifferent to woman kind,
4 To whom no share in armes and cheualrie
They do impart, ne maken memorie
6 Of their braue gestes and prowesse martiall;
Scarse do they spare to one or two or three,
8 Rowme in their writs; yet the same writing small
Does all their deeds deface, and dims their glories +all.+
9 all. > all, 1596
1 Here have I cause in men just blame to find, 2 That in their proper praise too partial be,
proper > own
3 And not indifferent to womankind,
indifferent > fair, impartial
4 To whom no share in arms and chivalry
arms > {Feats of arms}
5 They do impart, nor make memory
memory > memorial; historical record
6 Of their brave gests and prowess martial;
gests > exploits, deeds prowess > valour
7 Scarce do they spare, to one or two or three, 8 Room in their writs; yet the same writing small
writs > writings, books small > {Sparse, inconsiderable; falling short of the usual standard}
9 Does all their deeds deface, and dims their glories all.
deface > disgrace; cast in the shade
302.2
But by record of antique times I find,
2 That women wont in warres to beare most sway,
And to all great exploits them selues inclind:
4 Of which they still the girlond bore away,
Till enuious Men fearing their rules decay,
6 Gan coyne streight lawes to curb their liberty;
Yet sith they warlike armes haue layd +away,+
8 They haue exceld in artes and pollicy,
That now we foolish men that prayse gin eke t'enuy.
7 away, > away: 1596
1 But, by record of antique times, I find
antique > ancient
2 That women wont in wars to bear most sway,
wont > were accustomed sway > influence; momentum, power
3 And to all great exploits themselves inclined: 4 Of which they still the garland bore away,
Of > By; from still > ever, continually
5 Till envious men, fearing their rule's decay, 6 Gan coin strait laws to curb their liberty;
Gan > Did strait > strict
7 Yet sith they warlike arms have laid away,
sith > since
8 They have excelled in arts and policy,
policy > statecraft; sagacity, shrewdness
9 That now we foolish men that praise begin eke to envy.
That > [So that] praise > virtue, merit, praiseworthiness eke > also envy > begrudge, resent
302.3
Of warlike puissaunce in ages spent,
2 Be thou faire Britomart, whose prayse I write,
But of all wisedome be thou precedent,
4 O soueraigne Queene, whose prayse I would endite,
Endite I would as dewtie doth excite;
6 But ah my rimes too rude and rugged arre,
When in so high an obiect they do lite,
8 And striuing, fit to make, I feare do marre:
Thy selfe thy prayses tell, and make them knowen farre.
1 Of warlike puissance in ages spent,
puissance > power, strength spent > passed, gone by
2 Be you, fair Britomart, whose praise I write;
Be > [Are]
3 But of all wisdom be you precedent,
be > [are] precedent > [the] model, exemplar; example (i.e. Britomart is the precedent of ancient puissance and Elizabeth the precedent of all wisdom)
4 O sovereign queen, whose praise I would indite, 5 Indite I would as duty does excite;
excite > incite, stir up; hence: move
6 But ah my rhymes too rude and rugged are,
rude > rough, clumsy, simple; uneducated rugged > coarse, unrefined
7 When in so high an object they do light,
light > shine, give light, hence: have their poetic existence; or: alight, hence: find their place
8 And striving, fit to make, I fear do mar: 9 Yourself your praises tell, and make them known far.
tell > disclose, reveal; hence: make self-evident
302.4
She trauelling with +Guyon+ by the way,
2 Of sundry things faire purpose gan to find,
T'abridg their iourney long, and lingring day;
4 Mongst which it fell into that Faeries mind,
To aske this Briton Mayd, what vncouth wind,
6 Brought her into those parts, and what inquest
Made her dissemble her disguised kind:
8 Faire Lady she him seemed, like Lady drest,
But fairest knight aliue, when armed was her brest.
1 Guyon > Redcrosse sugg. Todd (see 302.16:8). That this character is described at 302.4:4 as having a "Faeries mind" seems to indicate that Spenser really does confuse here the Redcross Knight with the hero of the book just finished. However, it must be said that the Redcross Knight is loosely identified as a Faery throughout Book I
1 She, travelling with Redcross by the way,
Redcross > ("Guyon" is plainly an error: see Textual Appendix)
2 Of sundry things fair purpose began to find,
purpose > discourse, talk
3 To abridge their journey long and lingering day; 4 Amongst which it fell into that Faery's mind 5 To ask this Briton maid what uncouth wind
uncouth > extraordinary, unusual
6 Brought her into those parts, and what inquest
inquest > quest
7 Made her dissemble her disguised kind:
kind > gender, sex
8 Fair lady she him seemed, like lady dressed,
him > [to him]
9 But fairest knight alive, when armed was her breast.
armed > [clad in armour]
302.5
Thereat she sighing softly, had no powre
2 To speake a while, ne ready answere make,
But with hart-thrilling throbs and bitter stowre,
4 As if she had a feuer fit, did quake,
And euery daintie limbe with horrour shake;
6 And euer and anone the rosy red,
Flasht through her face, as it had beene a flake
8 Of lightning, through bright heauen fulmined;
At last the passion past she thus him answered.
1 Thereat she, sighing softly, had no power
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
2 To speak awhile, nor ready answer make, 3 But with heart-thrilling throbs and bitter stour,
thrilling > piercing throbs > beats, pulsations [of the heart] stour > turmoil, distress
4 As if she had a fever fit, did quake, 5 And every dainty limb with horror shake;
dainty > delightful, comely
6 And ever and anon the rosy red
ever and anon > every now and then
7 Flashed through her face, as it had been a flake
Flashed > Rushed as > [as if] flake > flash
8 Of lightning, through bright heaven fulmined;
fulmined > sent forth (used of lightning or thunder)
9 At last, the passion past, she thus him answered:
302.6
Faire Sir, I let you weete, that from the howre
2 I taken was from nourses tender pap,
I haue beene trained vp in warlike stowre,
4 To tossen speare and shield, and to affrap
The warlike ryder to his most mishap;
6 Sithence I loathed haue my life to lead,
As Ladies wont, in pleasures wanton lap,
8 To finger the fine needle and nyce thread;
Me leuer were with point of foemans speare be dead.
1 "Fair sir, I let you weet that, from the hour
weet > know
2 I taken was from nurse's tender pap,
pap > nipple, breast (cf. 109.3:7)
3 I have been trained up in warlike stour,
stour > conflict, combat
4 To toss spear and shield, and to affrap
affrap > strike (WUFQ)
5 The warlike rider to his most mishap;
mishap > misfortune
6 Sithens I loathed have my life to lead
Sithens > Since that time
7 (As ladies wont) in Pleasure's wanton lap,
wont > are accustomed, do
8 To finger the fine needle and nice thread;
nice > slender, delicate
9 Me liefer were with point of foeman's spear be dead.
Me liefer were > [I would rather] foeman > enemy, adversary
302.7
All my delight on deedes of armes is set,
2 To hunt out perils and aduentures hard,
By sea, by land, where so they may be met,
4 Onely for honour and for high regard,
Without respect of richesse or reward.
6 For such intent into these parts I came,
Withouten compasse, or withouten card,
8 Far +fro+ my natiue soyle, that is by name
The greater Britaine, here to seeke for prayse and fame.
8 fro > from 1609
1 "All my delight on deeds of arms is set, 2 To hunt out perils and adventures hard, 3 By sea, by land, whereso they may be met,
whereso > wherever
4 Only for honour and for high regard, 5 Without respect of richesse or reward.
respect of > regard for richesse > riches, wealth
6 For such intent into these parts I came,
intent > endeavour; notion; intention
7 Without compass, or without card,
card > chart
8 Far from my native soil, that is by name 9 The greater Britain, here to seek for praise and fame.
The greater Britain > (Britain, meaning here England and Wales, rather than the lesser Britain, Brittany, in France)
302.8
Fame blazed hath, that here in Faery lond
2 Do many famous Knightes and Ladies wonne,
And many straunge aduentures to be fond,
4 Of which great worth and worship may be wonne;
Which +I to proue,+ this voyage haue begonne.
6 But mote I weet of you, right curteous knight,
Tydings of one, that hath vnto me donne
8 Late foule dishonour and reprochfull spight,
The which I seeke to wreake, and Arthegall he hight.
5 I to proue, > to proue, I 1590
1 "Fame blazed has that here in Faery Land
blazed > proclaimed, trumpeted
2 Do many famous knights and ladies won,
won > dwell
3 And many strange adventures to be found,
to > [are to]
4 Of which great worth and worship may be won;
Of > From, by worship > honour, renown
5 Which I, to prove, this voyage have begun.
prove > test, confirm by personal experience voyage > journey
6 But might I weet of you, right courteous knight,
weet > learn right > very
7 Tidings of one that has to me done 8 Late foul dishonour and reproachful spite,
Late > Lately; recent reproachful > shameful, disgraceful spite > outrage, injury
9 Which I seek to wreak, and Artegall he hight."
wreak > avenge hight > is named
302.9
The word gone out, she backe againe would call,
2 As her repenting so to haue missayd,
But that he it vp-taking ere the fall,
4 Her shortly answered; Faire martiall Mayd
Certes ye misauised beene, t'vpbrayd
6 A gentle knight with so vnknightly blame:
For weet ye well of all, that euer playd
8 At tilt or tourney, or like warlike game,
The noble Arthegall hath euer borne the name.
1 The word gone out, she back again would call, 2 As her repenting so to have mis-said;
As her repenting > [As if she repented] mis-said > spoken evilly, slandered
3 But he, it up-taking ere the fall,
ere the fall > (Before the remark had hit the ground, as it were; before she believed it had registered with the Redcross Knight and before she had had a chance to correct herself)
4 Her shortly answered: "Fair martial maid,
shortly > soon afterwards; curtly
5 Certes you misadvised been to upbraid
Certes > Assuredly misadvised been > were injudicious; have been wrongly advised
6 A gentle knight with so unknightly blame:
gentle > noble blame > [a] charge
7 For weet you well, of all that ever played
weet > know, understand
8 At tilt or tourney, or like warlike game,
tilt > {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} tourney > {Exercise in which two groups of mounted knights fight with blunted weapons}
9 The noble Artegall has ever borne the name.
the name > ["noble">[
302.10
For thy great wonder were it, if such shame
2 Should euer enter in his bounteous thought,
Or euer do, that mote deseruen blame:
4 The noble courage neuer weeneth ought,
That may vnworthy of it selfe be thought.
6 Therefore, faire Damzell, be ye well aware,
Least that too farre ye haue your sorrow sought:
8 You and your countrey both I wish welfare,
And honour both; for each of other worthy are.
1 "For-thy great wonder were it, if such shame
For-thy > Therefore, for this reason were it > [it would be]
2 Should ever enter in his bounteous thought, 3 Or ever do that might deserve blame:
ever > [he should ever] that > [that which] blame > reproof, censure
4 The noble courage never weens aught
courage > heart, mind, spirit weens > imagines, thinks
5 That may unworthy of itself be thought. 6 Therefore, fair damsel, be you well aware,
aware > wary, watchful
7 Lest too far you have your sorrow sought: 8 You and your country both I wish welfare
welfare > good fortune; prosperity; happiness
9 And honour both; for each of other worthy are."
other > [the other] are > (The plural form is forced for the sake of the rhyme)
302.11
The royall Mayd woxe inly wondrous glad,
2 To heare her Loue so highly magnifide,
And ioyd that euer she affixed had,
4 Her hart on knight so goodly glorifide,
How euer finely she it faind to hide:
6 The louing mother, that nine monethes did beare,
In the deare closet of her painefull side,
8 Her tender babe, it seeing safe appeare,
Doth not so much reioyce, as she reioyced theare.
1 The royal maid waxed inly wondrous glad
waxed inly > grew inwardly
2 To hear her love so highly magnified,
magnified > praised
3 And joyed that ever she affixed had
joyed > rejoiced
4 Her heart on knight so goodly glorified,
goodly > courteously; well
5 However finely she it fained to hide:
finely > skilfully fained > was disposed, was anxious; hence: tried; or: feigned
6 The loving mother, that nine months did bear, 7 In the dear closet of her painful side,
dear > dear; grievous side > loins
8 Her tender babe, it seeing safe appear, 9 Does not so much rejoice, as she rejoiced there.
there > then
302.12
But to occasion him to further talke,
2 To feed her humour with his pleasing stile,
Her list in +strifull+ termes with him to balke,
4 And thus replide, How euer, Sir, ye file
Your curteous tongue, his prayses to compile,
6 It ill beseemes a knight of gentle sort,
Such as ye haue him boasted, to beguile
8 A simple mayd, and worke so haynous tort,
In shame of knighthood, as I largely can report.
3 strifull > strife-full 1609
1 But to occasion him to further talk 2 (To feed her humour with his pleasing style),
humour > frame of mind, mood
3 Her list in strifeful terms with him to balk,
Her list > It pleased her; she chose balk > quibble, bandy words
4 And thus replied: "However, sir, you file
file > polish (cf. 101.35:7)
5 Your courteous tongue, his praises to compile,
compile > compose; heap together
6 It ill beseems a knight of gentle sort,
beseems > becomes, suits gentle sort > noble kind
7 Such as you have him boasted, to beguile
boasted > bragged of, claimed to be (trans.)
8 A simple maid, and work so heinous tort,
tort > [a] wrong
9 In shame of knighthood, as I largely can report.
largely > copiously, at length
302.13
Let be therefore my vengeaunce to disswade,
2 And read, where I that faytour false may find.
Ah, but if reason faire might you perswade,
4 To slake your wrath, and mollifie your mind,
(Said he) perhaps ye should it better find:
6 For hardy thing it is, to weene by might,
That man to hard conditions to bind,
8 Or euer hope to match in equall fight,
Whose prowesse paragon saw neuer liuing wight.
1 "Let be, therefore, my vengeance to dissuade,
Let be > Give over [from trying]; hence: do not attempt further dissuade > advise against, dehort me from
2 And read where I that faitour false may find."
read > declare, make known faitour > impostor, cheat
3 "Ah, but if reason fair might you persuade 4 To slake your wrath and mollify your mind," 5 Said he, "perhaps you should it better find: 6 For hardy thing it is, to ween by might
hardy > bold; presumptuous ween > imagine, suppose
7 That man to hard conditions to bind, 8 Or ever hope to match in equal fight,
match > [match him] equal > impartial
9 Whose prowess' paragon saw never living wight.
prowess > valour paragon > match; competitor; also: mate, consort in marriage (a relevant meaning for Britomart) wight > creature, person
302.14
Ne soothlich is it easie for to read,
2 Where now on earth, or how he may be found;
For he ne wonneth in one certaine stead,
4 But restlesse walketh all the world around,
Ay doing things, that to his fame redound,
6 Defending Ladies cause, and Orphans right,
Where so he heares, that any doth confound
8 Them comfortlesse, through tyranny or might;
So is his soueraine honour raisde to heauens hight.
1 "Nor soothly is it easy to read
soothly > truly read > declare
2 Where now on earth, or how he may be found; 3 For he ne wons in one certain stead,
ne wons > does not dwell certain stead > fixed place
4 But restless walks all the world around, 5 Ay doing things that to his fame redound:
Ay > Ever
6 Defending ladies' cause, and orphans' right, 7 Whereso he hears that any does confound
Whereso > Wherever confound > overthrow, discomfit, bring to perdition
8 Them comfortless, through tyranny or might;
comfortless > helpless
9 So is his sovereign honour raised to heaven's height."
sovereign > supreme
302.15
His feeling words her feeble sence much pleased,
2 And softly sunck into her molten hart;
Hart that is inly hurt, is greatly eased
4 With hope of thing, that may +allegge+ his smart;
For pleasing words are like to Magick art,
6 That doth the charmed Snake in slomber lay:
Such secret ease felt gentle Britomart,
8 Yet list the same efforce with faind gainesay;
So dischord oft in Musick makes the sweeter lay.
4 allegge > alledge 1679
1 His feeling words her feeble sense much pleased,
feeling > {Indicating emotion; compassionate, sympathetic} feeble > unresisting
2 And softly sank into her molten heart; 3 Heart that is inly hurt is greatly eased
inly > inwardly
4 With hope of thing that may allege its smart;
allege > allay smart > pain; suffering
5 For pleasing words are like magic art, 6 That does the charmed snake in slumber lay: 7 Such secret ease felt gentle Britomart,
gentle > gentle; noble
8 Yet list the same efforce with feigned gainsay;
list > pleased, chose efforce > [to] suppress; also: overcome by force, violate (SUS: cf. 106.4:9, etc.) gainsay > contradiction
9 So discord oft in music makes the sweeter lay.
lay > song; strain, tune
302.16
And said, Sir knight, these idle termes forbeare,
2 And sith it is vneath to find his haunt,
Tell me some markes, by which he may appeare,
4 If chaunce I him encounter parauaunt;
For perdie one shall other slay, or daunt:
6 What shape, what shield, what armes, what steed, what sted,
And what so else his person most may vaunt?
8 All which the Redcrosse knight to point ared,
And him in euery +part+ before her fashioned.
9 part > point 1609
1 And said, "Sir knight, these idle terms forbear,
idle > empty; foolish terms > words
2 And, sith it is uneath to find his haunt,
sith > since uneath > difficult
3 Tell me some marks by which he may appear,
marks > characteristics appear > come into view; hence: be recognized
4 If chance I him encounter paravant;
chance I him encounter > [I chance to encounter him] paravant > from before, in front; hence: before me, face to face
5 For pardie one shall other slay, or daunt:
pardie > truly; "by God" daunt > overcome, subdue
6 What shape, what shield, what arms, what steed, what stead,
stead > mark, imprint; hence: distinguishing features (OED II 4 b)
7 And whatso else his person most may vaunt?"
whatso > whatever vaunt > display, make a show of; boast
8 All which the Redcross Knight to point aread,
to point > to the smallest detail, completely aread > made known
9 And him in every part before her fashioned.
302.17
Yet him in euery part before she knew,
2 How euer list her now her knowledge faine,
Sith him whilome in Britaine she did vew,
4 To her reuealed in a mirrhour plaine,
Whereof did grow her first engraffed paine;
6 Whose root and stalke so bitter yet did tast,
That but the fruit more sweetnesse did containe,
8 Her wretched dayes in dolour she mote wast,
And yield the pray of loue to lothsome death at last.
1 Yet him in every part before she knew, 2 However list her now her knowledge feign,
list > chose, pleased feign > [to] conceal (SUS)
3 Sith him whilom in Britain she did view,
Sith > Since whilom > formerly
4 To her revealed in a mirror plain,
mirror > magic glass, crystal
5 Whereof did grow her first engrafted pain,
engrafted > implanted, firmly inset
6 Whose root and stalk so bitter yet did taste, 7 That the fruit more sweetness did contain; 8 Her wretched days in dolour she might waste, 9 And yield the prey of love to loathsome death at last.
302.18
By strange occasion she did him behold,
2 And much more strangely gan to loue his sight,
As it in bookes hath written bene of old.
4 In Deheubarth that now South-wales is hight,
What time king Ryence raign'd, and dealed right,
6 The great Magitian Merlin had deuiz'd,
By his deepe science, and hell-dreaded might,
8 A looking glasse, right wondrously aguiz'd,
Whose vertues through the wyde world soone were solemniz'd.
1 By strange occasion she did him behold,
occasion > circumstances
2 And much more strangely began to love his sight,
sight > appearance
3 As it in books has written been of old. 4 In Dehenbarth (that now South Wales is hight,
Dehenbarth > (The name given by Holinshed, Chronicles 1.26, for South Wales) hight > called
5 What time King Ryence reigned, and dealed right)
What time > [At the time when] Ryence > (Named in Malory 38-41) dealed > acted, proceeded [in respect of his subjects]
6 The great magician Merlin had devised, 7 By his deep science, and hell-dreaded might,
science > learning, knowledge, skill; hence: magic, occult powers
8 A looking-glass, right wondrously aguised,
looking-glass > mirror; magic crystal right > very aguised > arrayed; hence: equipped, endowed
9 Whose virtues through the wide world soon were solemnized.
virtues > occult powers soon > soon; immediately solemnized > proclaimed; lauded
302.19
It vertue had, to shew in perfect sight,
2 What euer thing was in the world contaynd,
Betwixt the lowest earth and heauens hight,
4 So that it to the looker appertaynd;
What euer foe had wrought, or frend had faynd,
6 Therein discouered was, ne ought mote pas,
Ne ought in secret from the same remaynd;
8 For thy it round and hollow shaped was,
Like to the world it selfe, and seem'd a world of glas.
1 It virtue had to show in perfect sight
virtue > power
2 Whatever thing was in the world contained, 3 Betwixt the lowest earth and heaven's height, 4 So that it to the looker appertained;
So > Provided; to the extent
5 Whatever foe had wrought, or friend had fained,
fained > rejoiced in; or: feigned, concealed
6 Therein discovered was, nor aught might pass,
discovered > revealed pass > have passage, so: escape [notice]
7 Nor aught in secret from the same remained;
the same > [the magic globe]
8 For-thy it round and hollow shaped was,
For-thy > Therefore
9 Like the world itself, and seemed a world of glass.
302.20
Who wonders not, that reades so wonderous worke?
2 But who does wonder, that has red the Towre,
Wherein th'{AE}gyptian Phao long did lurke
4 From all mens vew, that none might her discoure,
Yet she might all men vew out of her bowre?
6 Great Ptolom{ae}e it for his lemans sake
Ybuilded all of glasse, by Magicke powre,
8 And also it impregnable did make;
Yet when his loue was false, he with a peaze it brake.
1 Who wonders not, that reads so wondrous work?
wonders > marvels reads > sees; reads about; considers so > such; such a
2 But who does wonder, that has read the tower 3 Wherein the Egyptian Phao long did lurk
Phao > (Perhaps from Greek phaos, light; the source of this story is not known)
4 From all men's view, that none might her discover,
that > [so that]
5 Yet she might all men view out of her bower?
bower > room, chamber
6 Great Ptolemy it for his leman's sake
Ptolemy > (Ptolemy II, 309-247 BC, king of Egypt 285-246. Founder of the museum and library of Alexandria; completed the Pharos, the lighthouse which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. He was credited with almost magical powers in working with glass) leman > lover
7 Built all of glass, by magic power, 8 And also it impregnable did make; 9 Yet, when his love was false, he with a peise it broke.
peise > blow, heavy blow; or, conceivably, in view of his supernatural powers: pease: pea
302.21
Such was the glassie globe that Merlin made,
2 And gaue vnto king Ryence for his gard,
That neuer foes his kingdome might inuade,
4 But he it knew at home before he hard
Tydings thereof, and so them still debar'd.
6 It was a famous Present for a Prince,
And worthy worke of infinite reward,
8 That treasons could bewray, and foes conuince;
Happie this Realme, had it remained euer since.
1 Such was the glassy globe that Merlin made, 2 And gave to King Ryence for his guard,
guard > protection, defence
3 That never foes his kingdom might invade,
That > [So that]
4 But he it knew at home before he heard
But > [But that]
5 Tidings thereof, and so them still debarred.
still > continually debarred > kept out, thwarted
6 It was a famous present for a prince, 7 And worthy work of infinite reward,
reward > regard, heed; hence: merit
8 That treasons could bewray, and foes convince;
bewray > betray, reveal convince > overcome, vanquish; convict
9 Happy this realm, had it remained ever since.
Happy > Fortunate; happy
302.22
One day it fortuned, faire Britomart
2 Into her fathers closet to repayre;
For nothing he from her reseru'd apart,
4 Being his onely daughter and his hayre:
Where when she had espyde that mirrhour fayre,
6 Her selfe a while therein she vewd in vaine;
Tho her auizing of the vertues rare,
8 Which thereof spoken were, she gan againe
Her to bethinke of, that mote to her selfe pertaine.
1 One day it fortuned fair Britomart 2 Into her father's closet to repair;
closet > private apartment [of a monarch] repair > go
3 For nothing he from her reserved apart, 4 Being his only daughter and his heir: 5 Where, when she had espied that mirror fair,
mirror > magic glass, crystal ball
6 Herself awhile therein she viewed in vain;
in vain > fruitlessly, pointlessly; vainly (a charming pun)
7 Tho her advising of the virtues rare
Tho > Then her advising > considering; hence: thinking (quasi-refl.) virtues > powers, occult powers
8 Which thereof spoken were, she gan again
gan > did
9 Her to bethink of that might to herself pertain.
Her to bethink of > [Think about, reflect on] that > [that which]
302.23
But as it falleth, in the gentlest harts
2 Imperious Loue hath highest set his throne,
And tyrannizeth in the bitter smarts
4 Of them, that to him buxome are and prone:
So thought this Mayd (as maydens vse to done)
6 Whom fortune for her husband would allot,
Not that she lusted after any one;
8 For she was pure from blame of sinfull blot,
Yet wist her life at last must lincke in that same knot.
1 But, as it falls, in the gentlest hearts
gentlest > gentlest; noblest; most courteous
2 Imperious Love has highest set his throne,
Love > [Cupid]
3 And tyrannizes in the bitter smarts
smarts > pains
4 Of them, that to him buxom are and prone:
buxom > yielding prone > ready [in mind], eager; given, inclined
5 So thought this maid (as maidens use to do)
thought > considered (esp. in connexion with marriage) use > are accustomed
6 Whom Fortune for her husband would allot,
Whom > [He whom]
7 Not that she lusted after anyone; 8 For she was pure from blame of sinful blot,
blame > fault; charge, accusation
9 Yet wist her life at last must link in that same knot.
wist > knew
302.24
Eftsoones there was presented to her eye
2 A comely knight, all arm'd in +complete+ wize,
Through whose bright ventayle lifted vp on hye
4 His manly face, that did his foes agrize,
And friends to termes of gentle truce entize,
6 Lookt foorth, as Ph{oe}bus face out of the east,
Betwixt two shadie mountaines doth arize;
8 Portly his person was, and much increast
Through his Heroicke grace, and honorable gest.
2 complete > complet 1596, 1609
1 Eftsoons there was presented to her eye
Eftsoons > Thereupon
2 A comely knight, all armed in complete wise,
armed > [with arms and armour both] wise > manner, fashion (i.e. he is "armed to point": cf. 102.12:6)
3 Through whose bright ventail, lifted up on high,
ventail > {Visor, movable part of helmet}
4 His manly face (that did his foes agrise,
agrise > terrify
5 And friends to terms of gentle truce entice) 6 Looked forth, as Phoebus' face out of the east 7 Betwixt two shady mountains does arise; 8 Portly his person was, and much increased
Portly > Magnificent; stately, dignified, imposing increased > made more powerful; hence: enhanced
9 Through his heroic grace, and honourable gest.
gest > bearing, mien
302.25
His crest was couered with a couchant Hound,
2 And all his armour seem'd of antique mould,
But wondrous massie and assured sound,
4 And round about yfretted all with gold,
In which there written was with cyphers old,
6 Achilles armes, which Arthegall did win.
And on his shield enueloped seuenfold
8 He bore a crowned litle Ermilin,
That deckt the azure field with her faire pouldred skin.
1 His crest was covered with a couchant hound,
couchant > (A term in heraldry, used to describe an animal "lying on his belly, but with his head lifted up")
2 And all his armour seemed of antique mould,
mould > style, design
3 But wondrous massy and assured sound,
massy > solid, weighty (cf. Arthur's shield at 107.33:6)
4 And round about fretted all with gold,
fretted > interlaced (another heraldic term); adorned
5 In which there written was, with ciphers old,
ciphers > figures, lettering
6 Achilles' arms, which Artegall did win.
Achilles > (The great hero of the Iliad, so linking Artegall with
Troy and hence Brutus: see 210.9:6 ff., 309.38:8 ff.)
7 And on his shield, enveloped sevenfold,
enveloped sevenfold > [covered with seven layers; cf. Guyon's shield at 205.6:3, 208.32:5]
8 He bore a crowned little ermelin,
ermelin > ermine [the animal]
9 That decked the azure field with her fair powdered skin.
decked > adorned, beautified azure field > (Another heraldic term. Azure = sky-blue, field = the surface of the shield or one of its divisions) powdered > {Decorated with small spots. In heraldry, ermine is a fur, white marked with triangular black spots. It is a traditional symbol of royalty and chastity}
302.26
The Damzell well did vew his personage,
2 And liked well, ne further fastned not,
But went her way; ne her vnguilty age
4 Did weene, vnwares, that her vnlucky lot
Lay hidden in the bottome of the pot;
6 Of hurt vnwist most daunger doth redound:
But the false Archer, which that arrow shot
8 So slyly, that she did not feele the wound,
Did smyle full smoothly at her weetlesse wofull stound.
1 The damsel well did view his personage,
personage > image, representation
2 And liked well, ne further fastened not,
ne further fastened not > [but did not fix her mind on him further, i.e. she went no further than mere approval]
3 But went her way; nor her unguilty age
unguilty age > [innocence of youth]
4 Did ween, unwares, that her unlucky lot
ween > suppose, imagine unwares > unwittingly, unexpectedly; also: suddenly, hence: right away
5 Lay hidden in the bottom of the pot; 6 Of hurt unwist most danger does redound:
unwist > unknown, unsuspected
7 But the false archer, who that arrow shot
the false archer > [Cupid]
8 So slyly that she did not feel the wound, 9 Did smile full smoothly at her weetless woeful stound.
full > very smoothly > affably weetless > unknowing, unconscious (WUS) stound > {Time of trial or pain; chiefly in northern dialect}
302.27
Thenceforth the feather in her loftie crest,
2 Ruffed of loue, gan lowly to auaile,
And her proud portance, and her princely gest,
4 With which she earst tryumphed, now did quaile:
Sad, solemne, sowre, and full of fancies fraile
6 She woxe; yet wist she neither how, nor why,
She wist not, silly Mayd, what she did aile,
8 Yet wist, she was not well at ease perdy,
Yet thought it was not loue, but some melancholy.
1 Thenceforth the feather in her lofty crest, 2 Ruffed of love, began lowly to avale,
Ruffed of > Ruffled by avale > droop
3 And her proud portance, and her princely gest,
portance > demeanour; behaviour gest > bearing, mien
4 With which she erst triumphed, now did quail:
erst > not long ago; formerly; at first quail > decline, fail
5 Sad, solemn, sour, and full of fancies frail 6 She waxed; yet wist she neither how, nor why;
waxed > grew, became wist > knew, understood
7 She wist not, silly maid, what she did ail,
silly > innocent; helpless she did ail > [ailed her]
8 Yet wist she was not well at ease pardie,
pardie > truly; "by God"
9 Yet thought it was not love, but some melancholy.
302.28
So soone as Night had with her pallid hew
2 Defast the beautie of the shining sky,
And reft from men the worlds desired vew,
4 She with her Nourse adowne to sleepe did lye;
But sleepe full farre away from her did fly:
6 In stead thereof sad sighes, and sorrowes deepe
Kept watch and ward about her warily,
8 That nought she did but wayle, and often steepe
Her daintie couch with teares, which closely she did weepe.
1 So soon as Night had with her pallid hue
Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.) pallid > colourless [lacking colour, i.e. black] hue > appearance, form; hue
2 Defaced the beauty of the shining sky,
Defaced > Cast in the shade; destroyed; defaced
3 And reft from men the world's desired view,
reft > taken, stolen view > appearance
4 She with her nurse adown to sleep did lie;
adown > down
5 But sleep full far away from her did fly:
full > very
6 Instead thereof sad sighs, and sorrows deep 7 Kept watch and ward about her warily,
ward > guard ("watch and ward" was formerly a common compound sb.) warily > watchfully; carefully
8 That naught she did but wail, and often steep
That > [So that]
9 Her dainty couch with tears, which closely she did weep.
dainty > choice, delightful; hence: fine, elegant couch > bed closely > secretly
302.29
And if that any drop of slombring rest
2 Did chaunce to still into her wearie spright,
When feeble nature felt her selfe opprest,
4 Streight way with dreames, and with fantasticke sight
Of dreadfull things the same was put to flight,
6 That oft out of her bed she did astart,
As one with vew of ghastly feends affright:
8 Tho gan she to renew her former smart,
And thinke of that faire visage, written in her hart.
1 And if any drop of slumbering rest 2 Did chance to still into her weary spirit,
still > instil, infuse
3 When feeble Nature felt herself oppressed,
oppressed > overwhelmed
4 Straightway with dreams, and with fantastic sight 5 Of dreadful things, the same was put to flight, 6 That oft out of her bed she did astart,
That > [So that] astart > start up
7 As one with view of ghastly fiends affright:
ghastly > {Frightful, causing terror (esp. of the supernatural)} affright > terrified
8 Tho began she to renew her former smart,
Tho > Then renew > go over again; resume smart > pain, suffering
9 And think of that fair visage written in her heart.
302.30
One night, when she was tost with such vnrest,
2 Her aged Nurse, whose name was Glauce hight,
Feeling her leape out of her loathed nest,
4 Betwixt her feeble armes her quickly keight,
And downe againe +in her warme bed her+ dight;
6 Ah my deare daughter, ah my dearest dread,
What vncouth fit (said she) what euill plight
8 Hath thee opprest, and with sad drearyhead
Chaunged thy liuely cheare, and liuing made thee dead?
5 in her warme bed her > her in her warme bed 1590
1 One night, when she was tossed with such unrest, 2 Her aged nurse, whose name was Glauce hight,
Glauce > (Perhaps from the Greek glaukos, "grey": though this usually applies to glaucous greys, as of the olive, willow, or vine, or to blue-greys, as of the eyes, and is in Greek mythology a name of one of the nereids, a personification of the colour of the sea. Or perhaps a reference is intended to the Greek glaux (feminine form glauxe), the owl, the traditional companion of Minerva, with whom Britomart is associated. In Cicero (De Natura Deorum 3.58), Glauce is the mother of Diana, with whom Britomart is also associated) hight > called (pleonastically); or: ordained; or, possibly: assuredly (i.e. "her name really is `Glauce' rather than the one you think I mean", in which case Spenser may be playing here some sophisticated game with meaning for those of his readers able to discern real people represented in FQ)
3 Feeling her leap out of her loathed nest, 4 Betwixt her feeble arms her quickly caught, 5 And down again in her warm bed her dight;
dight > put in order; hence: placed
6 "Ah my dear daughter, ah my dearest dread,
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} dread > loved one, object of reverence
7 What uncouth fit," said she, "what evil plight
uncouth > strange, unaccustomed; unseemly
8 Has you oppressed, and with sad drearihead
oppressed > overwhelmed; taken by surprise sad > heavy drearihead > sorrow, melancholy
9 Changed your lively cheer, and living made you dead?
lively > living, vital cheer > demeanour; expression; mood
302.31
For not of nought these suddeine ghastly feares
2 All night afflict thy naturall repose,
And all the day, when as thine equall peares
4 Their fit disports with faire delight doe chose,
Thou in dull corners doest thy selfe inclose,
6 Ne tastest Princes pleasures, ne doest spred
Abroad thy fresh youthes fairest flowre, but lose
8 Both leafe and fruit, both too vntimely shed,
As one in wilfull bale for euer buried.
1 "For not of naught these sudden ghastly fears
of > for ghastly > {Frightful, terrible, evoking fear of the supernatural}
2 All night afflict your natural repose, 3 And all the day, when your equal peers
peers > peers; companions
4 Their fit disports with fair delight do chose,
disports > entertainments, diversions
5 You in dull corners do yourself enclose, 6 Ne taste princes' pleasures, nor do spread
Ne > [Nor do you]
7 Abroad your fresh youth's fairest flower, but lose 8 Both leaf and fruit, both too untimely shed, 9 As one in wilful bale for ever buried.
bale > torment, suffering
302.32
The time, that mortall men their weary cares
2 Do lay away, and all wilde beastes do rest,
And euery riuer eke his course +forbeares,+
4 Then doth this wicked euill thee infest,
And riue with thousand throbs thy thrilled brest;
6 Like an huge Aetn' of deepe engulfed griefe,
Sorrow is heaped in thy hollow chest,
8 Whence forth it breakes in sighes and anguish rife,
As smoke and sulphure mingled with confused strife.
3 forbeares, > forbeares 1596
1 "The time that mortal men their weary cares
that > [when]
2 Do lay away, and all wild beasts do rest, 3 And every river eke his course forbears,
eke > moreover
4 Then does this wicked evil you infest,
infest > harass, molest
5 And rive with thousand throbs your thrilled breast;
rive > tear asunder thrilled > pierced
6 Like a huge Etna of deep engulfed grief,
Etna > (The volcano in Sicily, which was very active in the 16th century; its flames were associated with Vulcan's forge. Perhaps, here, this association alludes to the royal line to be established by the marriage of Britomart and Artegall) engulfed > buried
7 Sorrow is heaped in your hollow chest,
hollow > ?vacant (thus being, like Etna, more resonant, and so amplifying her sighs; intention otherwise unclear. Cf. 303.18:7)
8 Whence forth it breaks in sighs and anguish rife, 9 As smoke and sulphur mingled with confused strife.
strife > {The act of striving; strong effort}
302.33
Aye me, how much I feare, least loue it bee;
2 But if that loue it be, as sure I read
By knowen signes and passions, which I see,
4 Be it worthy of thy race and royall sead,
Then I auow by this most sacred head
6 Of my deare foster child, to ease thy griefe,
And win thy will: Therefore away doe dread;
8 For death nor daunger from thy dew reliefe
Shall me debarre, tell me therefore my liefest liefe.
1 "Ay me, how much I fear lest love it be;
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect)
2 But if love it be (as sure I read
read > observe
3 By known signs and passions which I see)
passions > {Afflictions; overpowering fits of emotion}
4 Be it worthy of your race and royal seed,
Be it > [Let your love be] seed > children [as yet unborn]
5 Then I avow, by this most sacred head
avow > take a vow by this most sacred head > [by your most royal head; "by my head" is an oath: cf. 201.19:1]
6 Of my dear foster child, to ease your grief,
grief > pain
7 And win your will: therefore away do dread:
win > gain, achieve will > [that which you desire] away do > do away with
8 For death nor danger from your due relief
death > [neither death] due > fitting; merited
9 Shall me debar. Tell me, therefore, my liefest lief."
liefest lief > dearest dear
302.34
So hauing said, her twixt her armes twaine
2 She straightly straynd, and colled tenderly,
And euery trembling ioynt, and euery vaine
4 She softly felt, and rubbed busily,
To doe the frosen cold away to fly;
6 And her faire deawy eies with kisses deare
She oft did bath, and oft againe did dry;
8 And euer her importund, not to feare
To let the secret of her hart to her appeare.
1 So having said, her 'twixt her arms twain
So > Thus said > spoken twain > two
2 She straightly strained, and colled tenderly,
straightly > straightway; or, pleonastically: straitly: tightly strained > clasped tightly colled > embraced
3 And every trembling joint, and every vein
joint > limb
4 She softly felt, and rubbed busily,
busily > solicitously
5 To do the frozen cold away to fly;
do > cause
6 And her fair dewy eyes with kisses dear 7 She oft did bathe, and oft again did dry; 8 And ever her importuned not to fear 9 To let the secret of her heart to her appear.
302.35
The Damzell pauzd, and then thus fearefully;
2 Ah Nurse, what needeth thee to eke my paine?
Is not enough, that I alone doe dye,
4 But it must doubled be with death of twaine?
For nought for me but death there doth remaine.
6 O daughter deare (said she) despaire no whit;
For neuer sore, but might a salue obtaine:
8 That blinded God, which hath ye blindly smit,
Another arrow hath your louers hart to hit.
1 The damsel paused, and then thus fearfully: 2 "Ah nurse, what needs you to eke my pain?
needs you > need do you have eke > augment
3 Is not enough that I alone do die,
not > [it not]
4 But it must doubled be with death of twain?
twain > two
5 For naught for me but death there does remain."
For > Because
6 "O daughter dear," said she, "despair no whit;
daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman}
7 For never sore, but might a salve obtain:
never > [there was never a]
8 That blinded god, who has you blindly smitten,
That blinded god > [Cupid, who shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit; he is sometimes depicted wearing a blindfold]
9 Another arrow has, your lover's heart to hit."
302.36
But mine is not (quoth she) like +others+ wound;
2 For which no reason can find remedy.
Was neuer such, but mote the like be found,
4 (Said she) and though no reason may apply
Salue to your sore, yet loue can higher stye,
6 Then reasons reach, and oft hath wonders donne.
But neither God of loue, nor God of sky
8 Can doe (said she) that, which cannot be donne.
Things oft impossible (quoth she) seeme, ere begonne.
1 others > other 1590
1 "But mine is not," quoth she, "like others' wound; 2 For which no reason can find remedy."
which > [my wound]
3 "Was never such, but might the like be found," 4 Said she, "and though no reason may apply 5 Salve to your sore, yet love can higher sty
sty > rise, soar
6 Than reason's reach, and oft has wonders done." 7 "But neither god of love, nor god of sky
god of sky > (Jupiter - likelier in view of "God of loue", i.e. Cupid; or: God)
8 Can do," said she, "that which cannot be done." 9 "Things oft impossible," quoth she, "seem, ere begun."
ere > [before they are]
302.37
These idle words (said she) doe nought asswage
2 My stubborne smart, but more annoyance breed,
For no no vsuall fire, no vsuall rage
4 It is, {o^} Nurse, which on my life doth feed,
And suckes the bloud, which from my hart doth bleed.
6 But since thy faithfull zeale lets me not hyde
My crime, (if crime it be) I will it reed.
8 Nor Prince, nor pere it is, whose loue hath gryde
My feeble brest of late, and +launched+ this wound wyde.
9 launched > launced 1609
1 "These idle words," said she, "do naught assuage
idle > futile, empty; weak-headed naught > not at all
2 My stubborn smart, but more annoyance breed,
stubborn > intractable smart > pain, suffering annoyance > affliction
3 For +no+ no usual fire, no usual rage
no > (Perhaps an intensive form: cf. 304.26:3; Upton (1758) suggests "know")
4 It is, O nurse, which on my life does feed, 5 And sucks the blood which from my heart does bleed. 6 But since your faithful zeal lets me not hide 7 My crime (if crime it be), I will it read.
read > make known
8 Nor prince, nor peer it is, whose love has gride
Nor > Neither peer > nobleman gride > pierced
9 My feeble breast of late, and lanced this wound wide.
302.38
Nor man it is, nor other liuing wight;
2 For then some hope I might vnto me draw,
But th'only shade and semblant of a knight,
4 Whose shape or person yet I neuer saw,
Hath me subiected to loues cruell law:
6 The same one day, as me misfortune led,
I in my fathers wondrous mirrhour saw,
8 And pleased with that seeming goodly-hed,
Vnwares the hidden hooke with baite I swallowed.
1 "Nor man it is, nor other living wight;
Nor > Neither wight > creature, person
2 For then some hope I might to me draw, 3 But the only shade and semblant of a knight
the only > [only the] shade > spectre semblant > image, semblance
4 (Whose shape or person yet I never saw) 5 Has me subjected to love's cruel law: 6 The same one day (as me Misfortune led) 7 I in my father's wondrous mirror saw,
mirror > magic glass, crystal ball
8 And, pleased with that seeming goodlihead,
goodlihead > excellence, goodness; comeliness
9 Unwares the hidden hook with bait I swallowed.
Unwares > Unwittingly
302.39
Sithens it hath infixed faster hold
2 Within my bleeding bowels, and so sore
Now ranckleth in this same fraile fleshly mould,
4 That all mine entrailes flow with poysnous gore,
And th'vlcer groweth daily more and more;
6 Ne can my running sore find remedie,
Other then my hard fortune to deplore,
8 And languish as the leafe falne from the tree,
Till death make one end of my dayes and miserie.
1 "Sithens it has infixed faster hold
Sithens > Since then faster > firmer
2 Within my bleeding bowels, and so sore
bowels > {Heart, breast; internal organs generally}
3 Now rankles in this same frail fleshly mould,
fleshly mould > [human form]
4 That all my entrails flow with poisonous gore, 5 And the ulcer grows daily more and more; 6 Nor can my running sore find remedy, 7 Other than my hard fortune to deplore, 8 And languish as the leaf fallen from the tree, 9 Till death make one end of my days and misery."
one > joint, simultaneous
302.40
Daughter (said she) what need ye be dismayd,
2 Or why make ye such Monster of your mind?
Of much more vncouth thing I was affrayd;
4 Of filthy lust, contrarie vnto kind:
But this affection nothing straunge I find;
6 For who with reason can you aye reproue,
To loue the semblant pleasing most your mind,
8 And yield your heart, whence ye cannot remoue?
No guilt in you, but in the tyranny of loue.
1 "Daughter," said she, "what need you be dismayed,
Daughter > {Girl, maiden; also a term of affectionate address used by any older person to a girl or young woman} need you > [need do you have to]
2 Or why make you such monster of your mind?