103.1
NOught is there vnder heau'ns wide hollownesse,
2 That moues more deare compassion of mind,
Then beautie brought t'vnworthy wretchednesse
4 Through enuies snares or fortunes freakes vnkind:
I, whether lately through her brightnesse blind,
6 Or through alleageance and fast fealtie,
Which I do owe vnto all woman kind,
8 Feele my heart perst with so great agonie,
When such I see, that all for pittie I could die.
1 Naught is there under heaven's wide hollowness 2 That moves more dear compassion of mind 3 Than beauty brought to unworthy wretchedness
unworthy > undeserved
4 Through envy's snares or fortune's freaks unkind:
freaks > whims, caprices
5 I, whether lately through its brightness blind,
its > [beauty's] blind > blinded
6 Or through allegiance, and fast fealty,
fast > firm fealty > obligation of fidelity; loyalty (of a vassal to his lord)
7 Which I do owe to all womankind, 8 Feel my heart pierced with so great agony
so great agony > [such great agony; or: so great an agony]
9 When such I see, that all for pity I could die.
103.2
And now it is empassioned so deepe,
2 For fairest Vnaes sake, of whom I sing,
That my fraile eyes these lines with teares do steepe,
4 To thinke how she through guilefull handeling,
Though true as touch, though daughter of a king,
6 Though faire as euer liuing wight was faire,
Though nor in word nor deede ill meriting,
8 Is from her knight diuorced in despaire
And her due loues deriu'd to that vile witches share.
1 And now it is empassioned so deep,
empassioned > {Moved or touched with deep feeling}
2 For fairest Una's sake (of whom I sing), 3 That my frail eyes these lines with tears do steep, 4 To think how she, through guileful handling,
handling > treatment
5 Though true as touch, though daughter of a king,
touch > [a] touchstone (fine-grained stone used for testing the quality of gold)
6 Though fair as ever living wight was fair,
wight > person, woman
7 Though +nor+ in word nor deed ill meriting,
nor > neither
8 Is from her knight divorced in despair, 9 And her due loves derived to that vile witch's share.
her due loves > [the love due to her] derived > transferred, diverted
103.3
Yet she most faithfull Ladie all this while
2 Forsaken, wofull, solitarie mayd
Farre from all peoples prease, as in exile,
4 In wildernesse and wastfull deserts strayd,
To seeke her knight; who subtilly betrayd
6 Through that late vision, which th'Enchaunter wrought,
Had her abandond. She of nought affrayd,
8 Through woods and wastnesse wide him daily sought;
Yet wished tydings none of him vnto her brought.
1 Yet she, most faithful lady, all this while
while > (Or: while, (if "Forsaken … mayd" is taken to be parenthesized))
2 Forsaken, woeful, solitary maid, 3 Far from all people's press, as in exile,
press > company, throng
4 In wilderness and wasteful deserts strayed
wasteful > desolate
5 To seek her knight; who, subtly betrayed
subtly > ingeniously, cunningly
6 Through that late vision which the enchanter wrought,
Through > By means of late > recent
7 Had her abandoned. She, of naught afraid, 8 Through woods and wasteness wide him daily sought;
wasteness > wilderness
9 Yet wished tidings none of him to her brought.
wished tidings none of him to her brought > [no one brought her longed-for tidings of him: wished = longed-for; none = no one]
103.4
One day nigh wearie of the yrkesome way,
2 From her vnhastie beast she did alight,
And on the grasse her daintie limbes did lay
4 In secret shadow, farre from all mens sight:
From her faire head her fillet she vndight,
6 And laid her stole aside. Her angels face
As the great eye of heauen shyned bright,
8 And made a sunshine in the shadie place;
Did neuer mortall eye behold such heauenly grace.
1 One day, nigh weary of the irksome way, 2 From her unhasty beast she did alight, 3 And on the grass her dainty limbs did lay 4 In secret shadow, far from all men's sight:
secret > secluded, remote
5 From her fair head her fillet she undight,
fillet > {Headband; ribbon used for keeping the head-dress in place: cf. 101.4:4} undight > unfastened
6 And laid her stole aside. Her angel's face,
stole > robe
7 As the great eye of heaven, shone bright, 8 And made a sunshine in the shady place; 9 Did never mortal eye behold such heavenly grace.
Did never > [Never did]
103.5
It fortuned out of the thickest wood
2 A ramping Lyon rushed suddainly,
Hunting full greedie after saluage blood;
4 Soone as the royall virgin he did spy,
With gaping mouth at her ran greedily,
6 To haue attonce deuour'd her tender corse:
But to the pray when as he drew more ny,
8 His bloudie rage asswaged with remorse,
And with the sight amazd, forgat his furious forse.
1 It fortuned, out of the thickest wood 2 A ramping lion rushed suddenly,
ramping > rampant, rearing up
3 Hunting full greedy after savage blood;
full > very, exceedingly greedy > greedily, recklessly savage > [wild animals']
4 Soon as the royal virgin he did spy,
Soon > [As soon]
5 With gaping mouth at her ran greedily,
ran > [he ran]
6 To have at once devoured her tender corse:
corse > body
7 But to the prey when he drew more nigh,
But to the prey when he drew more nigh > [But when he drew more nigh to the prey]
8 His bloody rage assuaged with remorse
assuaged > (Intr.) became less violent, abated; (tr.) [he] assuaged remorse > remorse; compassion, pity
9 And, with the sight amazed, forgot his furious force.
103.6
In stead thereof he kist her wearie feet,
2 And lickt her lilly hands with fawning tong,
As he her wronged innocence did weet.
4 O how can beautie maister the most strong,
And simple truth subdue auenging wrong?
6 Whose yeelded pride and proud submission,
Still dreading death, when she had marked long,
8 Her hart gan melt in great compassion,
And drizling teares did shed for pure affection.
1 Instead thereof he kissed her weary feet, 2 And licked her lily hands with fawning tongue, 3 As he her wronged innocence did weet.
As > [As if] weet > understand, perceive
4 O how can beauty master the most strong,
can beauty > can beauty; did beauty; does beauty know how to
5 And simple truth subdue avenging wrong? 6 Whose yielded pride and proud submission, 7 Still dreading death, when she had marked long,
marked > [marked his yielded pride and proud submission]
8 Her heart gan melt in great compassion,
gan > did
9 And drizzling tears did shed for pure affection.
drizzling > {Falling in fine drops}
103.7
The Lyon Lord of euerie beast in +field+
2 Quoth she, his princely puissance doth abate,
And mightie proud to humble weake does yield,
4 Forgetfull of the hungry rage, which late
Him prickt, in pittie of my sad estate:
6 But he my Lyon, and my noble +Lord+
How does he find in cruell hart to hate
8 Her that him lou'd, and euer most adord,
As the God of my life? why hath he me abhord?
1 field > field, 1609 6 Lord > Lord, 1609
1 "The lion, lord of every beast in field," 2 Quoth she, "his princely puissance does abate,
puissance > power, strength
3 And mighty proud to humble weak does yield, 4 Forgetful of the hungry rage, which late
late > formerly
5 Him pricked, in pity of my sad estate:
estate > state, condition
6 But he, my lion, and my noble lord, 7 How does he find in cruel heart to hate 8 Her that him loved, and ever most adored, 9 As the god of my life; why has he me abhorred?"
103.8
Redounding teares did choke th'end of her plaint,
2 Which softly ecchoed from the neighbour wood;
And sad to see her sorrowfull constraint
4 The kingly beast vpon her gazing stood;
With pittie calmd, downe fell his angry mood.
6 At last in close hart shutting vp her paine,
Arose the virgin borne of heauenly brood,
8 And to her snowy Palfrey got againe,
To seeke her strayed Champion, if she might attaine.
1 Redounding tears did choke the end of her plaint,
Redounding > Flowing, overflowing plaint > lament
2 Which softly echoed from the neighbouring wood; 3 And, sad to see her sorrowful constraint,
constraint > distress
4 The kingly beast upon her gazing stood; 5 With pity calmed, down fell his angry mood. 6 At last, in close heart shutting up her pain, 7 Arose the virgin, born of heavenly brood,
brood > parentage, lineage (this use is characteristic of Spenser)
8 And to her snowy palfrey got again,
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
9 To seek her strayed champion, if she might attain.
attain > succeed in reaching [him]
103.9
The Lyon would not leaue her desolate,
2 But with her went along, as a strong gard
Of her chast person, and a faithfull mate
4 Of her sad troubles and misfortunes hard:
Still when she slept, he kept both watch and ward,
6 And when she wakt, he waited diligent,
With humble seruice to her will prepard:
8 From her faire eyes he tooke commaundement,
And euer by her lookes conceiued her intent.
1 The lion would not leave her desolate, 2 But with her went along, as a strong guard 3 Of her chaste person, and a faithful mate 4 Of her sad troubles and misfortunes hard: 5 Still when she slept, he kept both watch and ward,
Still > Continually
6 And when she waked, he waited diligent, 7 With humble service to her will prepared: 8 From her fair eyes he took commandment,
commandment > command, orders; also: divine injunction
9 And ever by her looks conceived her intent.
103.10
Long she thus traueiled through deserts wyde,
2 By which she thought her wandring knight shold pas,
Yet neuer shew of liuing wight espyde;
4 Till that at length she found the troden gras,
In which the tract of peoples footing was,
6 Vnder the steepe foot of a mountaine hore;
The same she followes, till at last she has
8 A damzell spyde slow footing her before,
That on her shoulders sad a pot of water bore.
1 Long she thus travelled through deserts wide, 2 By which she thought her wandering knight should pass,
By > Through
3 Yet never show of living wight espied;
show > trace wight > person
4 Till at length she found the trodden grass 5 In which the tract of people's footing was,
tract > track
6 Under the steep foot of a mountain hoar;
hoar > hoary, grey; ancient
7 The same she follows, till at last she has 8 A damsel spied, slow footing her before, 9 That on her shoulders sad a pot of water bore.
sad > heavy, firm; heavily laden; sad
103.11
+To whom+ approching she to her gan call,
2 To weet, if dwelling place were nigh at hand;
But the rude wench her answer'd nought at all,
4 She could not heare, nor speake, nor vnderstand;
Till seeing by her side the Lyon stand,
6 With suddaine feare her pitcher downe she threw,
And fled away: for neuer in that land
8 Face of faire Ladie she before did vew,
And that dread Lyons looke her cast in deadly hew.
1 To whom > Whom 1596
1 To whom approaching, she to her gan call,
gan > did
2 To weet if dwelling place were nigh at hand;
weet > find out
3 But the rude wench her answered naught at all,
rude > simple; uneducated
4 She could not hear, nor speak, nor understand; 5 Till, seeing by her side the lion stand, 6 With sudden fear her pitcher down she threw, 7 And fled away: for never in that land 8 Face of fair lady she before did view, 9 And that dread lion's look her cast in deadly hue.
cast in deadly hue > [made "as white as a sheet"; deadly = deathly]
103.12
Full fast she fled, ne euer lookt behynd,
2 As if her life vpon the wager lay,
And home she came, whereas her mother blynd
4 Sate in eternall night: nought could she say,
But suddaine catching hold, did her dismay
6 With quaking hands, and other signes of feare:
Who full of ghastly fright and cold affray,
8 Gan shut the dore. By this arriued there
Dame Vna, wearie Dame, and entrance did requere.
1 Full fast she fled, nor ever looked behind,
Full > Very, exceedingly
2 As if her life upon the wager lay,
upon the wager lay > [were at stake]
3 And home she came, where her mother blind 4 Sat in eternal night: naught could she say,
she > [the damsel]
5 But, suddenly catching hold, did her dismay 6 With quaking hands, and other signs of fear: 7 Who, full of ghastly fright and cold affray,
ghastly > frightful, terrible affray > terror
8 Gan shut the door. By this arrived there
Gan > Did
By this > At this; by this time
9 Dame Una, weary Dame, and entrance did require.
require > request
103.13
Which when none yeelded, her vnruly Page
2 With his rude clawes the wicket open rent,
And let her in; where of his cruell rage
4 Nigh dead with feare, and faint astonishment,
She found them both in darkesome corner pent;
6 Where that old woman day and night did pray
Vpon her beades deuoutly penitent;
8 Nine hundred Pater nosters euery day,
And thrise nine hundred Aues she was wont to say.
1 Which when none yielded, her unruly page
none > no one; none was
2 With his rude claws the wicket open rent,
rude > rough, violent wicket > door, small door
3 And let her in; where, of his cruel rage 4 Nigh dead with fear and faint astonishment, 5 She found them both in darksome corner pent; 6 Where that old woman day and night did pray 7 Upon her beads, devoutly penitent;
beads > rosary beads
8 Nine hundred paternosters every day,
paternosters > (The Lord's Prayer, especially in Latin; pater noster = our father)
9 And thrice nine hundred Aves she was wont to say.
Ave > (Ave Maria, Hail Mary) wont > accustomed
103.14
And to augment her painefull pennance more,
2 Thrise euery weeke in ashes she did sit,
And next her wrinkled skin rough sackcloth wore,
4 And thrise three times did fast from any bit:
But now for feare her beads she did forget.
6 Whose needlesse dread for to remoue away,
Faire Vna framed words and count'nance fit:
8 Which hardly doen, at length she gan them pray,
That in their cotage small, that night she rest her may.
1 And to augment her painful penance more, 2 Thrice every week in ashes she did sit, 3 And next her wrinkled skin rough sackcloth wore, 4 And thrice three times did fast from any bit:
bit > morsel [of food]
5 But now for fear her beads she did forget.
beads > prayers; rosary
6 Whose needless dread to remove away, 7 Fair Una framed words and countenance fit: 8 Which, hardly done, at length she gan them pray
hardly > with difficulty; painfully gan > did pray > ask earnestly
9 That in their cottage small, that night she rest her may.
rest her may > [might rest herself]
103.15
The day is spent, and commeth drowsie night,
2 When euery creature shrowded is in sleepe;
Sad Vna downe her laies in wearie plight,
4 And at her feet the Lyon watch doth keepe:
In stead of rest, she does lament, and weepe
6 For the late losse of her deare loued knight,
And sighes, and grones, and euermore does steepe
8 Her tender brest in bitter teares all night,
All night she thinks too long, and often lookes for light.
1 The day is spent, and comes drowsy night, 2 When every creature shrouded is in sleep; 3 Sad Una down herself lays in weary plight, 4 And at her feet the lion watch does keep: 5 Instead of rest, she does lament, and weep
rest > resting
6 For the late loss of her dear loved knight, 7 And sighs, and groans, and evermore does steep 8 Her tender breast in bitter tears all night; 9 All night she thinks too long, and often looks for light.
103.16
Now when Aldeboran was mounted hie
2 Aboue the shynie Cassiopeias chaire,
And all in deadly sleepe did drowned lie,
4 One knocked at the dore, and in would fare;
He knocked fast, and often curst, and sware,
6 That readie entrance was not at his call:
For on his backe a heauy load he bare
8 Of nightly stelths and pillage seuerall,
Which he had got abroad by purchase criminall.
1 Now when Aldebaran was mounted high
Aldebaran > (A red star forming the eye of the bull in the constellation of Taurus; in the northern hemisphere, in this relationship to Cassiopeia the season would be winter, the time of greatest darkness and cold)
2 Above the shiny Cassiopeia's chair,
Cassiopeia > (A W-shaped constellation, hence resembling a chair or throne. Cassiopeia was a proud queen who consented to the sacrifice of her virgin daughter, Andromeda, to a sea-monster. Andromeda, however, was rescued by Perseus, who subsequently married her and was declared the saviour of the royal house; Cassiopeia and her throne were placed among the stars (see Met. 4.663-803, Myth. 8.6). The legend has certain parallels with the story of Una and the Redcross Knight)
3 And all in deadly sleep did drowned lie,
deadly > death-like
4 One knocked at the door, and in would fare; 5 He knocked fast, and often cursed, and swore, 6 That ready entrance was not at his call: 7 For on his back a heavy load he bore 8 Of nightly stealths and pillage several,
stealths > stealing, thefts several > [of various kinds and from various places]
9 Which he had got abroad by purchase criminal.
purchase criminal > theft (purchase = acquisition)
103.17
He was to weete a stout and sturdie thiefe,
2 Wont to robbe Churches of their ornaments,
And poore mens boxes of their due reliefe,
4 Which giuen was to them for good intents;
The holy Saints of their rich vestiments
6 He did disrobe, when all men carelesse slept,
And spoild the Priests of their habiliments,
8 Whiles none the holy things in safety kept;
Then he by cunning sleights in at the window crept.
1 He was, to wit, a stout and sturdy thief,
stout > bold sturdy > courageous, ruthless
2 Wont to rob churches of their ornaments
Wont > Accustomed
3 And poor men's boxes of their due relief,
boxes > [poor-boxes in church, for alms] relief > {Alms, funds administered from parish doles}
4 Which given was to them for good intents;
intents > purposes
5 The holy saints of their rich vestments 6 He did disrobe, when all men careless slept,
careless > unconscious, free from cares; negligently
7 And spoiled the priests of their habiliments,
spoiled > stripped, robbed habiliments > vestments, attire
8 While none the holy things in safety kept; 9 Then he by cunning sleights in at the window crept.
103.18
And all that he by right or wrong could find,
2 Vnto this house he brought, and did bestow
Vpon the daughter of this woman blind,
4 Abessa daughter of Corceca slow,
With whom he whoredome vsd, that few did know,
6 And fed her fat with feast of offerings,
And plentie, which in all the land did grow;
8 Ne spared he to giue her gold and rings:
And now he to her brought part of his stolen things.
1 And all that he by right or wrong could find 2 To this house he brought, and did bestow 3 Upon the daughter of this woman blind, 4 Abessa (daughter of Corceca slow),
Abessa > "Apart" (Latin, ab esse; i.e. detached from the true
church)
Corceca > "Blind of Heart" (Latin, cor, heart, caecus, blind)
5 With whom he whoredom used, that few did know,
whoredom > (Also figuratively, meaning idolatry or any form of unfaithfulness to the true God) used > practised, engaged in
6 And fed her fat with feast of offerings,
offerings > oblations
7 And plenty, which in all the land did grow; 8 Nor spared he to give her gold and rings: 9 And now he to her brought part of his stolen things.
103.19
Thus long the dore with rage and threats he bet,
2 Yet of those fearefull women none durst rize,
The Lyon frayed them, him in to let:
4 He would no longer stay him to aduize,
But open breakes the dore in furious wize,
6 And entring is; when that disdainfull beast
Encountring fierce, him suddaine doth surprize,
8 And seizing cruell clawes on trembling brest,
Vnder his Lordly foot him proudly hath supprest.
1 Thus, long the door with rage and threats he beat, 2 Yet of those fearful women none dared rise
rise > (Or: "… rize, The Lyon frayed them him in to let")
3 (The lion frayed them) him in to let:
frayed > frightened
4 He would no longer stay him to advise,
stay him > [stay himself, wait] advise > consider, take stock
5 But open breaks the door in furious wise,
wise > manner
6 And entering is; when that disdainful beast,
disdainful > angry, indignant
7 Encountering fierce, him suddenly does surprise,
Encountering > Confronting [him]
8 And, seizing cruel claws on trembling breast, 9 Under his lordly foot him proudly has suppressed.
103.20
Him booteth not resist, nor succour call,
2 His bleeding hart is in the vengers hand,
Who streight him rent in thousand peeces small,
4 And quite dismembred hath: the thirstie land
Drunke vp his life; his corse left on the strand.
6 His fearefull friends weare out the wofull night,
Ne dare to weepe, nor seeme to vnderstand
8 The heauie hap, which on them is alight,
Affraid, least to themselues the like mishappen might.
1 Him boots not resist, nor succour call,
boots > it avails resist > [to resist] succour > [for succour]
2 His bleeding heart is in the avenger's hand, 3 Who straight him rent in thousand pieces small,
straight > straightway rent > tore
4 And quite dismembered has: the thirsty land 5 Drank up his life, his corpse left on the strand.
strand > {?Sandy or earthen ?floor; this meaning not in OED}
6 His fearful friends wear out the woeful night, 7 Nor dare to weep, nor seem to understand 8 The heavy hap which on them is alight,
hap > fortune is alight > [has fallen]
9 Afraid lest to themselves the like mishappen might.
mishappen > happen amiss
103.21
Now when broad day the world discouered has,
2 Vp Vna rose, vp rose the Lyon eke,
And on their former iourney forward pas,
4 In wayes vnknowne, her wandring knight to seeke,
With paines farre passing that long wandring Greeke,
6 That for his loue refused deitie;
Such were the labours of this Lady meeke,
8 Still seeking him, that from her still did flie,
Then furthest from her hope, when most she weened nie.
1 Now when broad day the world discovered has,
discovered > uncovered, revealed
2 Up Una rose, up rose the lion eke,
eke > also
3 And on their former journey forward pass, 4 In ways unknown, her wandering knight to seek, 5 With pains far passing that long wandering Greek,
passing > surpassing [those of] that long wandering Greek > (Odysseus who, for the sake of Penelope, rejected the immortality offered him by Calypso (Odyssey 5))
6 That for his love refused deity; 7 Such were the labours of this lady meek, 8 Still seeking him, that from her still did fly;
fly > flee
9 Then furthest from her hope, when most she weened nigh.
weened > supposed [him]
103.22
Soone as she parted thence, the fearefull twaine,
2 That blind old woman and her daughter deare
Came forth, and finding Kirkrapine there slaine,
4 For anguish great they gan to rend their heare,
And beat their brests, and naked flesh to teare.
6 And when they both had wept and wayld their fill,
Then forth they ranne like two amazed deare,
8 Halfe mad through malice, and reuenging will,
To follow her, that was the causer of their ill.
1 Soon as she parted thence, the fearful twain
Soon > [As soon]
2 (That blind old woman and her daughter dear) 3 Came forth and, finding Kirkrapine there slain,
Kirkrapine > "Church-robber"
4 For anguish great they began to rend their hair
they > (Redundant)
5 And beat their breasts, and naked flesh to tear. 6 And when they both had wept and wailed their fill, 7 Then forth they ran, like two amazed deer,
amazed > panic-stricken
8 Half-mad through malice, and revenging will,
revenging will > [desire for vengeance]
9 To follow her that was the causer of their ill.
ill > misfortune; calamity
103.23
Whom ouertaking, they gan loudly bray,
2 With hollow howling, and lamenting cry,
Shamefully at her rayling all the way,
4 And her accusing of dishonesty,
That was the flowre of faith and chastity;
6 And still amidst her rayling, she did pray,
That plagues, and mischiefs, and long misery
8 Might fall on her, and follow all the way,
And that in endlesse error she might euer stray.
1 Whom overtaking, they gan loudly bray
gan > did; began to bray > cry out
2 With hollow howling and lamenting cry,
hollow > insincere
3 Shamefully at her railing all the way, 4 And her accusing of dishonesty,
dishonesty > unchastity, lewdness
5 That was the flower of faith and chastity; 6 And still, amidst her railing, she did pray
still > continually she > [Corceca; Abessa cannot talk - see 103.11:4]
7 That plagues, and mischiefs, and long misery,
mischiefs > misfortunes
8 Might fall on her, and follow all the way, 9 And that in endless error she might ever stray.
error > wandering; error
103.24
But when she saw her prayers nought preuaile,
2 She backe returned with some labour lost;
And in the way as she did weepe and waile,
4 A knight her met in mighty armes embost,
Yet knight was not for all his bragging bost,
6 But subtill Archimag, that Vna sought
By traynes into new troubles to haue tost:
8 Of that old woman tydings he besought,
If that of such a Ladie she could tellen ought.
1 But when she saw her prayers naught prevail, 2 She back returned with some labour lost; 3 And in the way, as she did weep and wail, 4 A knight her met in mighty arms embossed:
arms > armour embossed > encased
5 Yet knight was not, for all his bragging boast,
boast > pomp, vainglory
6 But subtle Archimago, that Una sought
subtle > wily Una sought > [sought Una]
7 By trains into new troubles to have tossed.
trains > tricks, snares
8 Of that old woman tidings he besought,
besought > asked earnestly
9 If of such a lady she could tell aught.
103.25
Therewith she gan her passion to renew,
2 And cry, and curse, and raile, and rend her heare,
Saying, that harlot she too lately knew,
4 That causd her shed so many a bitter teare,
And so forth told the story of her feare:
6 Much seemed he to mone her haplesse chaunce,
And after for that Ladie did +inquire+;
8 Which being taught, he forward gan aduaunce
His faire enchaunted steed, and eke his charmed launce.
7 inquire > inquere 1590, 1609
1 Therewith she began her passion to renew,
Therewith > With that; thereupon
2 And cry, and curse, and rail, and rend her hair,
rend > tear
3 Saying, that harlot she too lately knew,
too > [only too]
4 That caused her shed so many a bitter tear,
shed > [to shed]
5 And so forth told the story of her fear: 6 Much seemed he to moan her hapless chance,
moan > bewail, commiserate with
7 And after that lady did inquire; 8 Which being taught, he forward gan advance
gan > did
9 His fair enchanted steed, and eke his charmed lance.
eke > also
103.26
Ere long he came, where Vna traueild slow,
2 And that wilde Champion wayting her besyde:
Whom seeing such, for dread he durst not show
4 Himselfe too nigh at hand, but turned wyde
Vnto an hill; from whence when she him spyde,
6 By his like seeming shield, her knight by name
She weend it was, and towards him gan ryde:
8 Approching nigh, she wist it was the same,
And with faire fearefull humblesse towards him shee came.
1 Ere long he came where Una travelled slow 2 And that wild champion waiting her beside:
waiting her beside > [was] attending on her, keeping watch beside her
3 Whom seeing such, for dread he dared not show
seeing such > [seeing; seeing the lion for what he was]
4 Himself too nigh at hand, but turned wide
wide > aside
5 To a hill; from whence when she him spied, 6 By his like seeming shield, her knight by name
like seeming > similar her knight by name > [her own knight; by name = particular]
7 She weened it was, and towards him gan ride:
weened > supposed, imagined gan > did
8 Approaching nigh, she wist it was the same,
wist > believed
9 And with fair fearful humblesse towards him she came.
humblesse > humility, humbleness
103.27
And weeping said, Ah my long lacked Lord,
2 Where haue ye bene thus long out of my sight?
Much feared I to haue bene quite abhord,
4 Or ought haue done, that ye displeasen might,
That should as death vnto my deare hart light:
6 For since mine eye your ioyous sight did mis,
My chearefull day is turnd to chearelesse night,
8 And eke my night of death the shadow is;
But welcome now my light, and shining lampe of blis.
1 And, weeping, said, "Ah, my long-lacked lord, 2 Where have you been thus long out of my sight? 3 Much feared I to have been quite abhorred, 4 Or aught have done, that you displease might,
aught > anything
5 That should as death to my dear heart light:
dear > fond; grievous, hence: sad light > strike; befall; alight
6 For since my eye your joyous sight did miss, 7 My cheerful day is turned to cheerless night, 8 And eke my night of death the shadow is;
eke > also, moreover, in addition
9 But welcome now, my light, and shining lamp of bliss!"
103.28
He thereto meeting said, My dearest Dame,
2 Farre be it from your thought, and fro my will,
To thinke that knighthood I so much should shame,
4 As you to leaue, that haue me loued still,
And chose in Faery court of meere goodwill,
6 Where noblest knights were to be found on earth:
The earth shall sooner leaue her kindly skill
8 To bring forth fruit, and make eternall derth,
Then I leaue you, my liefe, yborne of heauenly berth.
1 He thereto meeting said, "My dearest dame,
thereto > with that, to that meeting > opposing, dealing; hence: responding
2 Far be it from your thought, and from my will, 3 To think that knighthood I so much should shame 4 As you to leave, that have me loved still,
still > constantly
5 And chose in Faery Court, of mere goodwill,
mere > pure, complete; sheer
6 Where noblest knights were to be found on earth: 7 The earth shall sooner leave her kindly skill
leave > forsake; neglect kindly skill > natural knowledge, innate ability
8 To bring forth fruit, and make eternal dearth,
dearth > famine
9 Than I leave you, my lief, born of heavenly birth.
lief > dear, beloved
103.29
And sooth to say, why I left you so long,
2 Was for to seeke aduenture in strange place,
Where Archimago said a felon strong
4 To many knights did daily worke disgrace;
But knight he now shall neuer more deface:
6 Good cause of mine excuse; that mote ye please
Well to accept, and euermore embrace
8 My faithfull seruice, that by land and seas
Haue vowd you to defend, now then your plaint appease.
1 "And sooth to say, why I left you so long
sooth > truth; truthfully, truly
2 Was to seek adventure in strange place,
strange > foreign, outlying
3 Where, Archimago said, a felon strong
Archimago said > (See 101.31:3)
4 To many knights did daily work disgrace;
disgrace > affront; misfortune
5 But knight he now shall never more deface:
deface > defame; disfigure; destroy
6 Good cause of my excuse; that might you please 7 Well to accept, and evermore embrace 8 My faithful service, that by land and seas
that > [of I that]
9 Have vowed you to defend; now then, your plaint appease."
plaint > complaint, lamentation appease > check, cease
103.30
His louely words her seemd due recompence
2 Of all her passed paines: one louing howre
For many yeares of sorrow can dispence:
4 A dram of sweet is worth a pound of sowre:
She has forgot, how many a wofull stowre
6 For him she late endur'd; she speakes no more
Of past: true is, that true loue hath no powre
8 To looken backe; his eyes be fixt before.
Before her stands her knight, for whom she toyld so sore.
1 His lovely words her seemed due recompense
lovely > loving her seemed > [seemed to her]
2 Of all her passed pains: one loving hour 3 For many years of sorrow can dispense:
dispense > make amends
4 A dram of sweet is worth a pound of sour.
dram > {Drachm, one sixteenth of an ounce avoirdupois}
5 She has forgotten how many a woeful stour
stour > distress, time of distress
6 For him she late endured; she speaks no more
late > lately
7 Of past: true is, that true love has no power 8 To look back; its eyes are fixed before. 9 Before her stands her knight, for whom she toiled so sore.
103.31
Much like, as when the beaten marinere,
2 That long hath wandred in the Ocean wide,
Oft soust in swelling Tethys saltish teare,
4 And long time hauing tand his tawney hide
With blustring breath of heauen, that none can bide,
6 And scorching flames of fierce Orions hound,
Soone as the port from farre he has espide,
8 His chearefull whistle merrily doth sound,
And Nereus crownes with cups; his mates him pledg around.
1 Much like when the beaten mariner 2 (That long has wandered in the ocean wide, 3 Oft soused in swelling Tethys' saltish tear,
saltish > salty
4 And long time having tanned his tawny hide 5 With blustering breath of heaven, that none can abide, 6 And scorching flames of fierce Orion's hound),
Orion's hound > (Sirius, in the constellation of Canis Major, one of Orion's two hounds; Orion is the giant hunter battling Taurus: cf. 103.16:1. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, ascendant during the "dog days" of July and August, "at which time the Dogge starre, which is called Syrius, or Canicula, reigneth with immoderate heate, causing pestilence, drougth, and many diseases" (SC, gloss to "Julye"))
7 Soon as the port from far he has spied,
Soon > [As soon]
8 His cheerful whistle merrily does sound, 9 And Nereus crowns with cups; his mates him pledge around.
Nereus > (One of the sea deities, son of Tethys; see 304.19:4, 411.18-19) crowns > [he] crowns, honours; hence: renders thanks to him pledge around > [drink a toast to him]
103.32
Such ioy made Vna, when her knight she found;
2 And eke th'enchaunter ioyous seemd no lesse,
Then the glad marchant, that does vew from ground
4 His ship farre come from watrie wildernesse,
He hurles out vowes, and Neptune oft doth blesse:
6 So forth they past, and all the way they spent
Discoursing of her dreadfull late distresse,
8 In which he askt her, what the Lyon ment:
Who +told+ +her all that+ fell in iourney as she went.
9 told > told, 1609 9 her all that > all that her sugg. Smith
1 Such joy made Una, when her knight she found; 2 And eke the enchanter joyous seemed no less
eke > moreover, also
3 Than the glad merchant, that does view from ground 4 His ship far come from watery wilderness; 5 He hurls out vows, and Neptune oft does bless.
Neptune > (God of the sea)
6 So forth they passed, and all the way they spent 7 Discoursing of her dreadful late distress, 8 In which he asked her what the lion meant: 9 Who told her all that fell, in journey as she went.
her all that fell > [all that befell her]
103.33
They had not ridden farre, when they might see
2 One pricking towards them with hastie heat,
Full strongly armd, and on a courser free,
4 That through his fiercenesse fomed all with sweat,
And the sharpe yron did for anger eat,
6 When his hot ryder spurd his chauffed side;
His looke was sterne, and seemed still to threat
8 Cruell reuenge, which he in hart did hyde,
And on his shield Sans loy in bloudie lines was dyde.
1 They had not ridden far, when they might see
might > could
2 One pricking towards them with hasty heat,
pricking > spurring [his horse], riding heat > (Referring to the "humours" of medieval physiology)
3 Full strongly armed, and on a courser free
Full > Very, exceedingly free > willing, eager (cf. 102.8:4)
4 That through his fierceness foamed all with sweat, 5 And the sharp iron did for anger eat,
sharp > [deliberately] roughened iron > bit
6 When his hot rider spurred his chafed side;
chafed > chafed; heated; angry
7 His look was stern, and seemed still to threaten
stern > fierce, grim still > continually
8 Cruel revenge, which he in heart did hide, 9 And on his shield Sansloy in bloody lines was dyed.
103.34
When nigh he drew vnto this gentle payre
2 And saw the Red-crosse, which the knight did beare,
He burnt in fire, and gan eftsoones prepare
4 Himselfe to battell with his couched speare.
Loth was that other, and did faint through +feare+,
6 To taste th'vntryed dint of deadly steele;
But yet his Lady did so well him cheare,
8 That hope of new good hap he gan to feele;
So bent his speare, and +spurnd+ his horse with yron heele.
5 feare > fe a 1596 9 spurnd > spurd 1590
1 When nigh he drew to this gentle pair
gentle > noble
2 And saw the red cross which the knight did bear, 3 He burnt in fire, and gan eftsoons prepare
gan > did eftsoons > forthwith
4 Himself to battle with his couched spear.
couched > {Placed in its rest and lowered, ready for attack}
5 Loath was that other, and did faint through fear,
other > (Relative to the Redcross Knight as well as Sansloy: i.e. Archimago, that other Knight of the Redcross) faint > lose heart
6 To taste the untried dint of deadly steel;
dint > blow, impact
7 But yet his lady did so well him cheer, 8 That hope of new good hap he began to feel;
hap > fortune
9 So bent his spear, and spurred his horse with iron heel.
bent > inclined, turned
103.35
But that proud Paynim forward came so +fierce+,
2 And full of wrath, that with his sharp-head speare
Through vainely crossed shield he quite did +pierce,+
4 And had his staggering steede not +shrunke+ for feare,
Through shield and bodie eke he should him beare:
6 Yet so great was the puissance of his push,
That from his saddle quite he did him beare:
8 He tombling rudely downe to ground did rush,
And from his gored wound a well of bloud did gush.
1 fierce > ferce 1590 3 pierce, > perce; 1590 4 shrunke > shronke 1590
1 But that proud paynim forward came so fierce
paynim > pagan, heathen
2 And full of wrath, that, with his sharp-head spear, 3 Through vainly crossed shield he quite did pierce;
vainly crossed > (Because its cross is counterfeit)
4 And, had his staggering steed not shrunk for fear, 5 Through shield and body eke he should him bear:
eke > also; hence: both bear > [have] thrust
6 Yet so great was the puissance of his push,
puissance > power
7 That from his saddle quite he did him bear:
bear > carry
8 He tumbling rudely down to ground did rush,
He > (The phrasing of this line is ambiguous: (1) He, tumbling rudely down, to ground did rush; (2) He, tumbling rudely, down to ground did rush) rudely > clumsily, violently
9 And from his gored wound a well of blood did gush.
103.36
Dismounting lightly from his loftie steed,
2 He to him lept, in mind to reaue his life,
And proudly said, Lo there the worthie meed
4 Of him, that slew Sansfoy with bloudie knife;
Henceforth his ghost freed from repining strife,
6 In peace may passen ouer Lethe lake,
When +morning+ altars purgd with enemies life,
8 The blacke infernall Furies doen aslake:
Life from Sansfoy thou tookst, Sansloy shall from thee take.
7 morning > mourning 1590, 1609
1 Dismounting lightly from his lofty steed,
lightly > quickly, lightly
2 He to him leapt, in mind to reave his life,
reave > take away
3 And proudly said, "Lo, there the worthy meed
meed > reward
4 Of him that slew Sansfoy with bloody knife;
knife > sword
5 Henceforth his ghost, freed from repining strife,
ghost > spirit, soul repining > fretting, fretful
6 In peace may pass over Lethe Lake,
Lethe > (A river in hell; those who drink from it lose all memory of their former life and become purified; see SC, gloss to "March", Aen. 6.745-51, PL 2.604)
7 When mourning altars, purged with enemy's life,
purged > purified
8 The black infernal Furies do aslake:
Furies > (In later accounts, Tisiphone, Megaera, and Alecto, three goddesses who guard the gates of hell; in earlier accounts, they are avenging deities, of indeterminate number, sent from hell to punish wrongdoers) aslake > assuage; cool
9 Life from Sansfoy you took, Sansloy shall from you take."
Life > [That life which; see 102.15-19]
103.37
Therewith in haste his helmet gan vnlace,
2 Till Vna cride, O hold that heauie hand,
Deare Sir, what euer that thou be in place:
4 Enough is, that thy foe doth vanquisht stand
Now at thy mercy: Mercie not withstand:
6 For he is one the truest knight aliue,
Though conquered now he lie on lowly land,
8 And whilest him fortune fauourd, faire did thriue
In bloudie field: therefore of life him not depriue.
1 Therewith in haste his helmet gan unlace,
Therewith > With that; thereupon gan > [he] began to unlace > remove (prior to decapitating the vanquished)
2 Till Una cried, "O hold that heavy hand, 3 Dear sir, whatever you be in place:
in place > here; in rank, in sort [whatever you be in place = whoever you are]
4 Enough is, that your foe does vanquished stand 5 Now at your mercy. Mercy not withstand:
not withstand > do not stand in the way of, oppose; hence: deny
6 For he is one the truest knight alive,
one the > [the one; the]
7 Though conquered now he lies on lowly land; 8 And, whilst him fortune favoured, fair did thrive 9 In bloody field: therefore, of life him not deprive."
field > field of battle, battle
103.38
Her piteous words might not abate his rage,
2 But rudely rending vp his helmet, would
Haue slaine him straight: but when he sees his age,
4 And hoarie head of Archimago old,
His hastie hand he doth amazed hold,
6 And halfe ashamed, wondred at the sight:
For +the+ old man well knew he, though vntold,
8 In charmes and magicke to haue wondrous might,
Ne euer wont in field, ne in round lists to fight.
7 the > that FE, probably referring to this line rather than line 6
1 Her piteous words might not abate his rage,
might > could
2 But, rudely rending up his helmet, would
rudely > roughly would > [he would]
3 Have slain him straight: but when he sees his age,
straight > straightway, immediately
4 And hoary head of Archimago old, 5 His hasty hand he does amazed hold, 6 And half ashamed, wondered at the sight:
wondered > marvelled
7 For that old man well knew he, though untold,
untold > [without needing to be told]
8 In charms and magic to have wondrous might, 9 Neither ever wont in field, nor in round lists, to fight.
wont > accustomed field > battle round lists > enclosures for tourneys ("lists" were the palisades enclosing the tilting-ground)
103.39
And said, Why Archimago, lucklesse syre,
2 What doe I see? what hard mishap is this,
That hath thee hither brought to taste mine yre?
4 Or thine the fault, or mine the error is,
In stead of foe to wound my friend amis?
6 He answered nought, but in a traunce still lay,
And on those guilefull dazed eyes of his
8 The cloud of death did sit. Which doen away,
He left him lying so, ne would no lenger stay.
1 And said, "Why Archimago, luckless sire,
sire > {Aged or elderly man; father; the original form of "sir"}
2 What do I see? What hard mishap is this, 3 That has you hither brought to taste my ire? 4 Or yours the fault, or mine the error is,
Or > Either
5 Instead of foe to wound my friend amiss?" 6 He answered naught, but in a trance still lay,
still > motionless; yet
7 And on those guileful dazed eyes of his 8 The cloud of death did sit. Which done away,
Which done away > [When the swoon had passed]
9 He left him lying so, nor would no longer stay.
nor would no > [neither would any]
103.40
But to the virgin comes, who all this while
2 Amased stands, her selfe so mockt to see
By him, who has the guerdon of his guile,
4 For so misfeigning her true knight to bee:
Yet is she now in more perplexitie,
6 Left in the hand of that same Paynim bold,
From whom her booteth not at all to flie;
8 Who by her cleanly garment catching hold,
Her from her Palfrey pluckt, her visage to behold.
1 But to the virgin comes; who all this while 2 Amazed stands, herself so mocked to see
herself so mocked to see > [to see herself so mocked]
3 By him, who has the guerdon of his guile,
guerdon > reward
4 For so misfeigning her true knight to be:
misfeigning > pretending
5 Yet is she now in more perplexity,
perplexity > trouble, distress
6 Left in the hand of that same paynim bold,
paynim > pagan, heathen
7 From whom her boots not at all to fly;
her boots > it avails her fly > flee
8 Who, by her cleanly garment catching hold,
cleanly > {Clean, neat, elegant; morally or spiritually clean}
9 Her from her palfrey plucked, her visage to behold.
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}
103.41
But her fierce seruant full of kingly awe
2 And high disdaine, whenas his soueraine Dame
So rudely handled by her foe he sawe,
4 With gaping iawes full greedy at him came,
And ramping on his shield, did weene the same
6 Haue reft away with his sharpe rending clawes:
But he was stout, and lust did now inflame
8 His corage more, that from his griping pawes
He hath his shield redeem'd, and +foorth+ his +swerd+ he drawes.
9 foorth > forth 1590 9 swerd > sword 1609
1 But her fierce servant, full of kingly awe
awe > fierceness, rage; power to inspire fear
2 And high disdain, when his sovereign dame
disdain > indignation
3 So rudely handled by her foe he saw,
rudely > roughly, violently
4 With gaping jaws full greedy at him came,
full greedy > very reckless; very recklessly
5 And, ramping on his shield, did ween the same
ramping > leaping, rearing up ween > mean, intend
6 Have reft away with his sharp rending claws:
Have > [To have] reft > taken, torn
7 But he was stout, and lust did now inflame
he > [Sansloy] stout > bold, brave; resolute; physically robust
8 His courage more, that from his gripping paws
that > [so that]
9 He has his shield redeemed, and forth his sword he draws.
redeemed > recovered, recovered by force
103.42
O then too weake and feeble was the forse
2 Of saluage beast, his puissance to withstand:
For he was strong, and of so mightie corse,
4 As euer wielded speare in warlike hand,
And feates of armes did wisely vnderstand.
6 Eftsoones he perced through his chaufed chest
With thrilling point of deadly yron brand,
8 And launcht his Lordly hart: with death opprest
He roar'd aloud, whiles life forsooke his stubborne brest.
1 O then too weak and feeble was the force 2 Of savage beast, his puissance to withstand:
savage > wild puissance > strength
3 For he was strong, and of so mighty corse,
so mighty > [as mighty a] corse > body; hence: physique
4 As ever wielded spear in warlike hand,
As > [As any who]
5 And feats of arms did wisely understand.
wisely > expertly
6 Eftsoons he pierced through his chafed chest
Eftsoons > Thereupon chafed > angry
7 With thrilling point of deadly iron brand,
thrilling > piercing brand > sword
8 And lanced his lordly heart: with death oppressed 9 He roared aloud, while life forsook his stubborn breast.
103.43
Who now is left to keepe the forlorne maid
2 From raging spoile of lawlesse victors will?
Her faithfull gard remou'd, her hope dismaid,
4 Her selfe a yeelded pray to saue or spill.
He now Lord of the +field+, his pride to fill,
6 With foule reproches, and disdainfull spight
Her vildly entertaines, and will or nill,
8 Beares her away vpon his courser light:
Her prayers nought preuaile, his rage is more of might.
5 field > fied 1596
1 Who now is left to keep the forlorn maid 2 From raging spoil of lawless victor's will?
From > [From becoming the] of > [of the]
3 Her faithful guard removed, her hope dismayed, 4 Herself a yielded prey to save or spill.
spill > destroy
5 He, now lord of the field, his pride to fill,
He, now lord > (Or: He now, lord)
6 With foul reproaches and disdainful spite
disdainful > hateful; angry; contemptuous
7 Her vilely entertains and, will or nill,
entertains > treats will or nill > willy-nilly, will or will not
8 Bears her away upon his courser light:
light > eager, willing (cf. 103.33:3); or: easily, quickly
9 Her prayers naught prevail, his rage is more of might.
more of might > stronger
103.44
And all the way, with great lamenting paine,
2 And piteous plaints she filleth his dull eares,
That stony hart could riuen haue in twaine,
4 And all the way she wets with flowing teares:
But he enrag'd with rancor, nothing heares.
6 Her seruile beast yet would not leaue her so,
But followes her farre off, ne ought he feares,
8 To be partaker of her wandring woe,
More mild in beastly kind, then that her beastly foe.
1 And all the way, with great lamenting pain 2 And piteous plaints she fills his dull ears,
plaints > lamentations dull > deaf
3 That stony heart could rived have in twain,
rived > split
4 And all the way she wets with flowing tears: 5 But he, enraged with rancour, nothing hears. 6 Her servile beast yet would not leave her so,
beast > [horse]
7 But follows her far off (nor aught he fears)
aught > anything at all
8 To be partaker of her wandering woe,
partaker of > [a] participant in
9 More mild, in beastly kind, than her beastly foe.
beastly > animal, beast-like kind > nature beastly > vile, despicable