CANTO III
Vaine Braggadocchio getting Guyons
2 horse is made the scorne
Of knighthood trew, and is of fayre
3 Belph{oe}be fowle forlorne.
1 Vain Braggadocchio, getting Guyon's
Vain > Weak; foolish Braggadocchio > "Braggart", "Boaster" ("brag" + Italian augment- ative. The name gives rise to "braggadocio", a general term either for an idle braggart or for his boasting. Spenser's spelling varies, so "Braggadocchio", the first encountered, is here used as the standard)
2 horse, is made the scorn 3 Of knighthood true, and is of fair
of > by
4 Belphoebe foul forlorn.
Belphoebe > "Beautifully Radiant", "Beautiful and Pure" (Latin and Greek; foster-daughter of Diana or Phoebe, virgin goddess of hunting and the moon (see 306.28:5). For correspondence to Elizabeth, see I:118-24) foul > insultingly forlorn > abandoned, deserted; hence: rejected
203.1
SOone as the morrow faire with purple beames
2 Disperst the shadowes of the mistie night,
And Titan playing on the eastern streames,
4 Gan cleare the deawy ayre with springing light,
Sir Guyon mindfull of his vow yplight,
6 Vprose from drowsie couch, and him addrest
Vnto the iourney which he had behight:
8 His puissaunt armes about his noble brest,
And many-folded shield he bound about his wrest.
1 Soon as the morrow fair with purple beams
Soon > [As soon]
2 Dispersed the shadows of the misty night, 3 And Titan, playing on the eastern streams, 4 Gan clear the dewy air with springing light,
Gan > Did; began to springing > rising, growing; dawning
5 Sir Guyon, mindful of his vow plight,
vow plight > [plighted vow]
6 Uprose from drowsy couch, and himself addressed 7 To the journey which he had behight:
behight > promised (to Gloriana)
8 His puissant arms about his noble breast,
puissant > mighty arms > armour (shares the vb. "bound" with the "shield" in line 9)
9 And many-folded shield he bound about his wrist.
many-folded > (Consisting of many layers, seven in fact: see 205.6:3, 208.32:5. Guyon carries the classical seven-layered shield as borne by Ajax at Iliad 7.220 (imitated by Virgil at Aen. 12.925). In Homer the layers are of bull's-hide)
203.2
Then taking Cong{e/} of that virgin pure,
2 The bloudy-handed babe vnto her truth
Did earnestly commit, and her coniure,
4 In vertuous lore to traine his tender youth,
And all that gentle noriture ensu'th:
6 And that so soone as ryper yeares he raught,
He might for memorie of that dayes ruth,
8 Be called Ruddymane, and thereby taught,
T'auenge his Parents death on them, that had it wrought.
1 Then, taking cong{e/} of that virgin pure,
cong{e/} > leave that virgin pure > [Medina]
2 The bloody-handed babe to her truth
truth > {Virtue, integrity, conduct in accordance with the divine standard; hence: trust, care; also a variant spelling of: troth, good faith}
3 Did earnestly commit, and her conjure
conjure > implore; adjure
4 In virtuous lore to train his tender youth,
lore > doctrine, teaching
5 And all that gentle nouriture ensues:
gentle > noble nouriture > {Nurture, the business of bringing up a child} ensues > follows, conforms to; hence: involves, entails
6 And that (so soon as riper years he raught)
raught > reached
7 He might, for memory of that day's ruth,
ruth > sorrow; calamity; occasion of regret
8 Be called Ruddymane, and thereby taught
Ruddymane > "Bloody-handed"
9 To avenge his parents' death on them that had it wrought.
203.3
So forth he far'd, as now befell, on foot,
2 Sith his good steed is lately from him gone;
Patience perforce; helpelesse what may it boot
4 To fret for anger, or for griefe to mone?
His Palmer now shall foot no more alone:
6 So fortune wrought, as vnder greene woods syde
He lately heard that dying Lady grone,
8 He left his steed without, and speare besyde,
And rushed in on foot to ayd her, ere she dyde.
1 So forth he fared, as now befell, on foot, 2 Sith his good steed is lately from him gone;
Sith > Since
3 Patience perforce; helpless, what may it boot
Patience perforce > (Proverbial: patience upon compulsion, i.e. when there is no other course. Cf. 310.3:1) boot > avail
4 To fret for anger, or for grief to moan?
moan > lament, bewail one's lot
5 His palmer now shall foot no more alone:
foot > walk
6 So Fortune wrought, as under green wood's side
wrought > fashioned [it] green > [a] green
7 He lately heard that dying lady groan: 8 He left his steed without, and spear beside,
without > outside (the thicket)
9 And rushed in on foot to aid her, ere she died.
203.4
The whiles a losell wandring by the way,
2 One that to bountie neuer cast his mind,
Ne thought of honour euer did assay
4 His baser brest, but in his kestrell kind
A pleasing vaine of glory +vaine+ did find,
6 To which his flowing toung, and troublous spright
Gaue him great ayd, and made him more inclind:
8 He that braue steed there finding ready dight,
Purloynd both steed and speare, and ran away full light.
5 vaine > he 1590
1 The whiles a losel wandering by the way
The whiles > Meanwhile losel > scoundrel, ne'er-do-well, ragamuffin (one who is lost, esp. fig.)
2 (One that to bounty never cast his mind,
bounty > goodness, virtue; generosity; valour
3 Nor thought of honour ever did assay
assay > assail; make a test of
4 His baser breast, but in his kestrel kind
baser > more base; most base kestrel > {A small falcon, Falco tinnunculus, deemed worthless for sport. The Boke of St Albans defines the hawk appropriate to each social station: the eagle for an emperor, the peregrine for an earl, and so down the scale until the kestrel is assigned to a "knave". Hence "kestrel" here = "knavish". The word is also confused with "coistrel" = "groom", "varlet"; cf. Twelfth Night I iii 37} kind > nature; disposition; social class
5 A pleasing vein of glory vain did find,
glory vain > {Vainglory; "glory" on its own = "boastful spirit". See also Textual Appendix}
6 To which his flowing tongue, and troublous spirit 7 Gave him great aid, and made him more inclined): 8 He, that brave steed there finding ready dight,
brave > splendid dight > decked, prepared; hence: caparisoned
9 Purloined both steed and spear, and ran away full light.
full light > very quickly, very easily
203.5
Now gan his hart all swell in iollitie,
2 And of him selfe great hope and helpe conceiu'd,
That puffed vp with smoke of vanitie,
4 And with selfe-loued personage deceiu'd,
He gan to hope, of men to be receiu'd
6 For such, as he him thought, or faine would bee:
But for in court gay portaunce he perceiu'd,
8 And gallant shew to be in greatest gree,
Eftsoones to court he cast t'+auaunce+ his first degree.
9 auaunce > aduaunce 1590
1 Now gan his heart all swell in jollity,
gan > did; began ( … to) jollity > pleasure, revelry; magnificence
2 And of himself great hope and help conceived,
help > relief [of his former poverty]; remedy [for his lowliness]
3 That, puffed up with smoke of vanity,
That > [So that]
4 And with self-loved personage deceived,
personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from clothing; hence: image}
5 He began to hope of men to be received
of > by
6 For such as he himself thought, or fain would be:
For > As fain > gladly
7 But for in court gay portance he perceived,
for > because portance > carriage, demeanour, bearing; conduct
8 And gallant show, to be in greatest gree,
gree > favour; pre-eminence, superiority
9 Eftsoons to court he cast to advance his first degree.
Eftsoons > Thereupon cast > resolved degree > step; rung [stage in ascending the social ladder]
203.6
And by the way he chaunced to espy
2 One sitting idle on a sunny bancke,
To whom auaunting in great brauery,
4 As Peacocke, that his painted plumes doth prancke,
He smote his courser in the trembling flancke,
6 And to him threatned his hart-thrilling speare:
The seely man seeing him ryde so rancke,
8 And ayme at him, fell flat to ground for feare,
And crying Mercy lowd, his pitious hands gan reare.
1 And by the way he chanced to espy 2 One sitting idle on a sunny bank, 3 To whom avaunting in great bravery,
avaunting > advancing; boasting; hence: proudly advancing bravery > bravado; boastful display
4 As peacock, that his painted plumes does prank,
prank > {Make a display of}
5 He smote his courser in the trembling flank, 6 And to him threatened his heart-thrilling spear:
thrilling > piercing
7 The seely man, seeing him ride so rank,
seely > helpless; insignificant; pitiable rank > proudly; swiftly; impetuously
8 And aim at him, fell flat to ground for fear, 9 And crying "Mercy!" loud, his piteous hands gan rear.
gan > did
203.7
Thereat the Scarcrow wexed wondrous prowd,
2 Through fortune of his first aduenture faire,
And with big thundring voyce reuyld him lowd;
4 Vile Caytiue, vassall of dread and despaire,
Vnworthie of the +commune+ breathed aire,
6 Why liuest thou, dead dog, a lenger day,
And doest not vnto death thy selfe prepaire.
8 Dye, or thy selfe my captiue yield for ay;
Great fauour I thee graunt, for aunswere thus to stay.
5 commune > common 1609
1 Thereat the scarecrow waxed wondrous proud
waxed > grew
2 Through fortune of his first adventure fair, 3 And with big thundering voice reviled him loud: 4 "Vile caitiff, vassal of dread and despair,
caitiff > wretch vassal > slave
5 Unworthy of the common breathed air, 6 Why live you, dead dog, a longer day, 7 And do not to death yourself prepare? 8 Die, or yourself my captive yield for ay;
ay > ever
9 Great favour I you grant, for answer thus to stay."
stay > delay, hold back
203.8
Hold, {o^} deare Lord, hold your dead-doing hand,
2 Then loud he cryde, I am your humble thrall.
Ah wretch (quoth he) thy destinies withstand
4 My wrathfull will, and do for mercy call.
I giue thee life: therefore prostrated fall,
6 And kisse my stirrup; that thy homage bee.
The Miser threw him selfe, as an Offall,
8 Streight at his foot in base humilitee,
And cleeped him his liege, to hold of him in fee.
1 "Hold, O dear lord, hold your dead-doing hand,"
dead-doing > murderous, death-dealing
2 Then loud he cried, "I am your humble thrall!"
thrall > captive; slave
3 "Ah wretch," quoth he, "your destinies withstand 4 My wrathful will, and do for mercy call. 5 I give you life: therefore prostrated fall, 6 And kiss my stirrup; that your homage be."
that > [let that]
7 The miser threw himself, as an offal,
miser > wretch an offal > offal, dross, refuse; carrion, putrid flesh (also used opprobriously of the bodies or limbs of those killed in battle)
8 Straight at his foot in base humility, 9 And cleped him his liege, to hold of him in fee.
cleped > called liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service} of him > [his loyalty] fee > service
203.9
So happy peace they made and faire accord:
2 Eftsoones this liege-man gan to wexe more bold,
And when he felt the folly of his Lord,
4 In his owne kind he gan him selfe vnfold:
For he was wylie witted, and growne old
6 In cunning sleights and practick knauery.
+From+ that day forth he cast for to vphold
8 His idle humour with fine flattery,
And blow the bellowes to his swelling vanity.
7 From > For 1596
1 So happy peace they made and fair accord: 2 Eftsoons this liege man began to wax more bold,
Eftsoons > Soon liege man > {Vassal; faithful follower or subject} wax > grow
3 And, when he felt the folly of his lord, 4 In his own kind he gan himself unfold:
kind > nature (or perhaps this is a misprint for "mind") gan > did unfold > reveal, disclose; make plain
5 For he was wily witted, and grown old 6 In cunning sleights and practic knavery.
practic > artful, cunning
7 From that day forth he cast to uphold
cast > decided
8 His idle humour with fine flattery,
His > [Braggadocchio's] idle > empty; vain, trifling humour > frame of mind
9 And blow the bellows to his swelling vanity.
203.10
Trompart fit man for Braggadochio,
2 To serue at court in view of vaunting eye;
Vaine-glorious man, when fluttring wind does blow
4 In his light wings, is lifted vp to skye:
The scorne of knighthood and trew cheualrye,
6 To thinke without desert of gentle deed,
And noble worth to be aduaunced hye:
8 Such prayse is shame; but honour vertues meed
Doth beare the fairest flowre in honorable seed.
1 Trompart, fit man for Braggadocchio,
Trompart > "Deceiver", "Fraud" (French); "Trumpet" (via French)
2 To serve at court in view of vaunting eye;
vaunting > boasting
3 Vainglorious man, when fluttering wind does blow 4 In his light wings, is lifted up to sky: 5 The scorn of knighthood and true chivalry, 6 To think without desert of gentle deed,
desert > merit gentle > noble
7 And noble worth to be advanced high: 8 Such praise is shame; but honour, virtue's meed,
meed > reward
9 Does bear the fairest flower in honourable seed.
honourable seed > [the nobility; honourable = noble, illustrious; seed = children, offspring]
203.11
So forth they pas, a well consorted paire,
2 Till that at length with Archimage they meet:
Who seeing one that shone in armour faire,
4 On goodly courser thundring with his feet,
Eftsoones supposed him a person meet,
6 Of his reuenge to make the instrument:
For since the Redcrosse knight he earst did weet,
8 To beene with Guyon knit in one consent,
The ill, which earst to him, he now to Guyon ment.
1 So forth they pas, a well consorted pair,
pas > pace; pass consorted > associated; accorded
2 Till at length with Archimago they meet: 3 Who, seeing one that shone in armour fair, 4 On goodly courser thundering with his feet, 5 Eftsoons supposed him a person meet
Eftsoons > Thereupon meet > fit, suitable
6 Of his revenge to make the instrument: 7 For, since the Redcross Knight he erst did weet
erst > lately weet > understand, learn
8 To been with Guyon knit in one consent,
been > [have been; be] consent > accord
9 The ill which erst to him, he now to Guyon meant.
ill > evil erst > earlier; recently him > [the Redcross Knight] meant > intended; or, perhaps ment (ppl. of "meng") joined, attached
203.12
And comming close to Trompart gan inquere
2 Of him, what mighty warriour that mote bee,
That rode in golden sell with single spere,
4 But wanted sword to wreake his enmitee.
He is a great aduenturer, (said he)
6 That hath his sword through hard assay forgone,
And now hath vowd, till he auenged bee,
8 Of that despight, neuer to wearen none;
That speare is him enough to doen a thousand grone.
1 And, coming close to Trompart, gan inquire
gan > did
2 Of him what mighty warrior that might be, 3 That rode in golden sell with single spear,
sell > saddle single > {Solitary; unsupported by a sword}
4 But wanted sword to wreak his enmity.
wanted > lacked [a]
5 "He is a great adventurer," said he, 6 "That has his sword through hard assay forgone,
assay > trial; endeavour; assault forgone > forgone; forsaken (cf. Braggadocchio's own account at 203.17)
7 And now has vowed, till he avenged be 8 Of that despite, never to wear none;
despite > outrage none > (The double negative serves as an intensive)
9 That spear is him enough to do a thousand groan."
him enough > [enough for him] do > cause, produce groan > [groans]
203.13
Th'enchaunter greatly ioyed in the vaunt,
2 And weened well ere long his will to win,
And both his foen with equall foyle to daunt.
4 Tho to him louting lowly, did begin
To plaine of wrongs, which had committed bin
6 By Guyon, and by that false Redcrosse knight,
Which two through treason and deceiptfull gin,
8 Had slaine Sir Mordant, and his Lady bright:
That mote him honour win, to wreake so foule despight.
1 The enchanter greatly joyed in the vaunt,
joyed > took pleasure; rejoiced vaunt > boast
2 And weened well ere long his will to win,
weened > imagined, supposed win > achieve
3 And both his foes with equal foil to daunt.
equal > {Equal, adequate to the task of defeating them; or: similar, identical} foil > defeat, throw; or: sword, weapon daunt > overcome, subdue
4 Tho to him louting lowly, did begin
Tho > Then louting > bowing, making obeisance
5 To plain of wrongs which had committed been
plain > complain
6 By Guyon and by that false Redcross Knight, 7 Which two, through treason and deceitful gin,
gin > craftiness; [a] scheme, trick
8 Had slain Sir Mordant and his lady bright:
bright > beautiful
9 That might him honour win, to wreak so foul despite.
him > [Braggadocchio] wreak > avenge so > [such a] despite > outrage
203.14
Therewith all suddeinly he seemd enraged,
2 And threatned death with dreadfull countenaunce,
As if their liues had in his hand beene gaged;
4 And with stiffe force shaking his mortall launce,
To let him weet his doughtie valiaunce,
6 Thus said; Old man, great sure shalbe thy meed,
If where those knights for feare of dew vengeaunce
8 Do lurke, thou certainly to me areed,
That I may wreake on them their hainous hatefull deed.
1 Therewith all suddenly he seemed enraged,
Therewith > With that; thereupon he > [Braggadocchio]
2 And threatened death with dreadful countenance, 3 As if their lives had in his hand been gaged;
gaged > pledged; left in pledge
4 And with stiff force shaking his mortal lance
stiff > violent mortal > deadly
5 (To let him weet his doughty valiance),
weet > know, perceive valiance > valour, bravery
6 Thus said: "Old man, great sure shall be your meed,
meed > reward
7 If where those knights (for fear of due vengeance) 8 Do lurk, you certainly to me aread,
certainly > reliably, with certainty aread > make known
9 That I may wreak on them their heinous hateful deed."
That > [So that] wreak > visit [visit on them the equivalent of their misdeed]
203.15
Certes, my Lord, (said he) that shall I soone,
2 And giue you eke good helpe to their decay,
But mote I wisely you aduise to doon;
4 Giue no ods to your foes, but do puruay
Your selfe of sword before that bloudy day:
6 For they be two the prowest knights on ground,
And oft approu'd in many hard assay,
8 And eke of surest steele, that may be found,
Do arme your selfe against that day, them to confound.
1 "Certes, my lord," said he, "that shall I soon,
Certes > Assuredly that > [aread where those knights do lurk]
2 And give you eke good help to their decay,
eke > moreover to > [in bringing about] decay > destruction, death
3 But might I wisely you advise to do:
do > [do the following]
4 Give no odds to your foes, but do purvey
purvey > provide
5 Yourself of sword before that bloody day:
of > [with a]
6 For they be two the prowest knights on ground,
be > [are] the prowest > [of] the bravest on ground > in the world
7 And oft approved in many hard assay,
approved > proved, tested assay > assaults; trials
8 And eke of surest steel that may be found
eke of > [moreover, with the]
9 Do arm yourself against that day, them to confound."
203.16
Dotard (said he) let be thy deepe aduise;
2 Seemes that through many yeares thy wits thee faile,
And that weake eld hath left thee nothing wise,
4 Else neuer should thy iudgement be so fraile,
To measure manhood by the sword or maile.
6 Is not enough foure quarters of a man,
Withouten sword or shield, an host to quaile?
8 Thou little wotest, what this right hand can:
Speake they, which haue beheld the battailes, which it wan.
1 "Dotard," said he, "let be your deep advice;
deep > solemn; profound
2 Seems that through many years your wits you fail,
Seems > [It seems] through > [as a result of your]
3 And that weak eld has left you nothing wise,
eld > old age nothing > not at all
4 Else never should your judgement be so frail 5 To measure manhood by the sword or mail.
To > [As to] mail > chain-mail; chain-armour
6 Is not enough four quarters of a man, 7 Without sword or shield, a host to quail?
host > army quail > daunt
8 You little wot what this right hand can:
wot > know can > [can do; is capable of]
9 Speak they, who have beheld the battles which it won!"
203.17
The man was much abashed at his boast;
2 Yet well he wist, that who so would contend
With either of those knights on euen coast,
4 Should need of all his armes, him to defend;
Yet feared least his boldnesse should offend,
6 When Braggadocchio said, Once I did sweare,
When with one sword seuen knights I brought to end,
8 Thence forth in battell neuer sword to beare,
But it were that, which noblest knight on earth doth weare.
1 The man was much abashed at his boast; 2 Yet well he wist that whoso would contend
wist > knew whoso > whosoever
3 With either of those knights on even coast
even coast > even ground; or: equal cost, equal terms (cf. 403.24:8)
4 Should need of all his arms, himself to defend;
need > [have need]
5 Yet feared lest his boldness should offend, 6 When Braggadocchio said, "Once I did swear,
Once > Once; once and for all; to sum up, in a word
7 When with one sword seven knights I brought to end, 8 Thenceforth in battle never sword to bear, 9 But it were that which noblest knight on earth does wear."
But it > [Unless the sword]
203.18
Perdie Sir knight, said then th'enchaunter bliue,
2 That shall I shortly purchase to your hond:
For now the best and noblest knight aliue
4 Prince Arthur is, that wonnes in Faerie lond;
He hath a sword, that flames like burning brond.
6 The same by my +deuice+ I vndertake
Shall by to morrow by thy side be fond.
8 At which bold word that boaster gan to quake,
And wondred in his mind, what mote that monster make.
6 deuice > aduise 1596, 1609
1 "Pardie, sir knight," said then the enchanter belive,
Pardie > Truly; "by God" belive > without delay
2 "That shall I shortly purchase to your hand:
purchase > procure; hence: deliver
3 For now the best and noblest knight alive 4 Prince Arthur is, that wons in Faery Land;
wons > dwells
5 He has a sword that flames like burning brand. 6 The same, by my device, I undertake
device > ingenuity
7 Shall by tomorrow by your side be found." 8 At which bold word that boaster began to quake, 9 And wondered in his mind what might that monster make.
what might that monster make > [how that marvel might be achieved; monster = marvel]
203.19
He stayd not for more bidding, but away
2 Was suddein vanished out of his sight:
The Northerne wind his wings did broad display
4 At his commaund, and reared him vp light
From off the earth to take his aerie flight.
6 They lookt about, but no where could espie
Tract of his foot: then dead through great affright
8 They both nigh were, and each bad other flie:
Both fled attonce, ne euer backe returned eie.
1 He stayed not for more bidding, but away
He > [Archimago] bidding > entreaty
2 Was sudden vanished out of his sight: 3 The northern wind his wings did broad display
display > extend, spread out; display
4 At his command, and reared him up light
light > lightly; quickly, easily
5 From off the earth, to take his airy flight. 6 They looked about, but nowhere could espy 7 Tract of his foot: then dead through great affright
Tract > Trace affright > terror
8 They both nigh were, and each bade other fly:
other fly > [the other to flee]
9 Both fled at once, nor ever back returned eye.
at once > immediately; together
203.20
Till that they come vnto a forrest greene,
2 In which they shrowd themselues from causelesse feare;
Yet feare them followes still, where so they beene,
4 Each trembling leafe, and whistling wind they heare,
As ghastly bug +their haire on end does reare+:
6 Yet both doe striue their fearfulnesse to faine.
At last they heard a horne, that shrilled cleare
8 Throughout the wood, that ecchoed againe,
And made the forrest ring, as it would riue in twaine.
5 their haire on end does reare > does vnto them affeare 1590; does greatly them affeare _FE; perhaps the 1590 reading is a mis- print of appeare, with Spenser subsequently forgetting this, or changing his mind, when compiling FE and again when revising the text of 1590 for the 1596 edition (Smith)_
1 Till they come to a forest green, 2 In which they shroud themselves from causeless fear;
shroud > shelter; conceal
3 Yet fear them follows still, whereso they be,
still > continually whereso > wherever
4 Each trembling leaf and whistling wind they hear 5 As ghastly bug their hair on end does rear:
As > [Like a] ghastly > {Ghostly; causing terror of the supernatural} bug > {Bugbear, bogy, object of needless dread}
6 Yet both do strive their fearfulness to feign.
feign > conceal (SUS; cf. 112.10:1)
7 At last they heard a horn, that shrilled clear 8 Throughout the wood, that echoed again, 9 And made the forest ring, as it would rive in twain.
it would rive > [if it would split it] twain > two
203.21
Eft through the thicke they heard one rudely rush;
2 With noyse whereof he from his loftie steed
Downe fell to ground, and crept into a bush,
4 To hide his coward head from dying dreed.
But Trompart stoutly stayd to taken +heed,+
6 Of what might hap. Eftsoone there stepped forth
A goodly Ladie clad in hunters weed,
8 That seemd to be a woman of great worth,
And by her stately portance, borne of heauenly birth.
5 heed, > heed 1609
1 Eft through the thick they heard one rudely rush;
Eft > Thereupon (aphetic for "eftsoons") thick > thicket, copse rudely > violently
2 With noise whereof he from his lofty steed
he > [Braggadocchio]
3 Down fell to ground, and crept into a bush, 4 To hide his coward head from dying dread.
dying dread > fear of dying
5 But Trompart stoutly stayed to take heed
stoutly > bravely
6 Of what might hap. Eftsoons there stepped forth
hap > happen, come about by chance Eftsoons > Soon, soon afterwards
7 A goodly lady clad in hunter's weed,
goodly > beautiful; fine weed > garb
8 That seemed to be a woman of great worth,
worth > merit, rank
9 And, by her stately portance, born of heavenly birth.
portance > carriage, demeanour
203.22
Her face so faire as flesh it seemed not,
2 But heauenly pourtraict of bright Angels hew,
Cleare as the skie, withouten blame or blot,
4 Through goodly mixture of complexions dew;
And in her cheekes the vermeill red did shew
6 Like roses in a bed of lillies shed,
The which ambrosiall odours from them threw,
8 And gazers sense with double pleasure fed,
Hable to heale the sicke, and to reuiue the ded.
1 Her face so fair as flesh it seemed not,
so fair as > [was so fair that like]
2 But heavenly portrait of bright angel's hue,
portrait > image hue > appearance, form
3 Clear as the sky, without blame or blot,
Clear > Brightly shining blame > fault
4 Through goodly mixture of complexions due;
complexions due > (Due or proper combination of the four cardinal "humours" of the body whose proportions, in medieval physiology, were supposed to determine one's mental and physical qualities. Cf. 306.38:5, 310.59:3)
5 And in her cheeks the vermeil red did show
vermeil > scarlet
6 Like roses in a bed of lilies shed, 7 Which ambrosial odours from them threw,
ambrosial > divinely fragrant
8 And gazer's sense with double pleasure fed, 9 Able to heal the sick, and to revive the dead.
203.23
In her faire eyes two liuing lamps did flame,
2 Kindled aboue at th'heauenly makers light,
And darted fyrie beames out of the same,
4 So passing +persant+, and so wondrous bright,
That quite bereau'd the rash beholders sight:
6 In them the blinded god his lustfull fire
To kindle oft assayd, but had no might;
8 For with +dredd+ Maiestie, and awfull ire,
She broke his wanton darts, and quenched base desire.
4 persant > pearceant 1609 8 dredd > drad 1609
1 In her fair eyes two living lamps did flame, 2 Kindled above at the heavenly Maker's light, 3 And darted fiery beams out of the same, 4 So passing perceant, and so wondrous bright,
passing > surpassingly perceant > piercing, percipient
5 That quite bereaved the rash beholder's sight:
That > [That they]
6 In them the blinded god his lustful fire
the blinded god > [Cupid, who shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit. He is often depicted wearing a blindfold]
7 To kindle oft essayed, but had no might;
essayed > attempted
8 For with dread majesty, and awful ire, 9 She broke his wanton darts, and quenched base desire.
203.24
Her iuorie forhead, full of bountie braue,
2 Like a broad table did it selfe dispred,
For Loue his loftie triumphes to engraue,
4 And write the battels of his great godhed:
All good and honour might therein be red:
6 For there their dwelling was. And when she spake,
Sweet words, like dropping honny she did shed,
8 And twixt the perles and rubins softly brake
A siluer sound, that heauenly musicke seemd to make.
1 Her ivory forehead, full of bounty brave,
bounty > goodness, virtue brave > splendid, fine
2 Like a broad table did itself dispread,
table > {Surface on which picture is painted; cf. 109.49:6} dispread > spread out, extend
3 For Love his lofty triumphs to engrave, 4 And write the battles of his great godhead: 5 All good and honour might therein be read:
read > seen, discerned
6 For there their dwelling was. And when she spoke, 7 Sweet words, like dropping honey, she did shed, 8 And 'twixt the pearls and rubies softly broke
pearls and rubies > [teeth and lips]
9 A silver sound, that heavenly music seemed to make.
203.25
Vpon her eyelids many Graces sate,
2 Vnder the shadow of her euen browes,
Working belgards, and amorous retrate,
4 And euery one her with a grace endowes:
And euery one with meekenesse to her bowes.
6 So glorious mirrhour of celestiall grace,
And soueraine moniment of mortall vowes,
8 How shall fraile pen descriue her heauenly face,
For feare through want of skill her beautie to disgrace?
1 Upon her eyelids many Graces sat,
Graces > (Aglaia, Thalia, and Euphrosyne, the handmaids of Venus; hence, here: charms, refinements. Cf. SC, gloss to "June")
2 Under the shadow of her even brows, 3 Working belgards, and amorous retrait,
belgards > loving looks (WUS) retrait > portrait; hence: countenance
4 And every one her with a grace endows: 5 And every one with meekness to her bows. 6 So glorious mirror of celestial grace,
So > [Such a] mirror > reflection [of perfection]; hence: paragon of beauty (cf. 106.15:6)
7 And sovereign monument of mortal vows,
sovereign > (A direct reference to Elizabeth)
8 How shall frail pen describe her heavenly face, 9 For fear, through want of skill, her beauty to disgrace?
disgrace > disfigure; disparage
203.26
So faire, and thousand thousand times more faire
2 She seemd, when she presented was to sight,
And was yclad, for heat of scorching aire,
4 All in a silken Camus lylly whight,
Purfled vpon with many a folded plight,
6 Which all aboue besprinckled was throughout,
With golden aygulets, that glistred bright,
8 Like twinckling starres, and all the skirt about
+Was hemd with golden fringe+
9 Sic, 1590 etc.
1 So fair, and thousand thousand times more fair 2 She seemed, when she presented was to sight, 3 And was clad, for heat of scorching air, 4 All in a silken camis lily white,
camis > {properly, a light loose dress; here, possibly, = "chemise", meaning "body garment", via Spanish or Portuguese camisa}
5 Purfled upon with many a folded pleat,
Purfled upon > {Embroidered; trimmed with metallic lace, pearls, etc.}
6 Which all above besprinkled was throughout
besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is intensive}
7 With golden aglets that glistered bright,
aglets > spangles; tags, pendants
8 Like twinkling stars, and all the skirt about 9 Was hemmed with golden fringe
203.27
Below her ham her weed did somewhat traine,
2 And her streight legs most brauely were embayld
In gilden buskins of costly Cordwaine,
4 All bard with golden bendes, which were entayld
With curious antickes, and full faire aumayld:
6 Before they fastned were vnder her knee
In a rich Iewell, and therein entrayld
8 The ends of all +their+ knots, that none might see,
How they within their fouldings close enwrapped bee.
8 their > the 1590; end 1609
1 Below her ham her weed did somewhat train,
ham > {Back of the knee} weed > garment train > hang down
2 And her straight legs most bravely were embaled
bravely > splendidly embaled > enclosed
3 In gilded buskins of costly cordwain,
buskins > boots, half-boots (not extending to thigh) cordwain > cordovan (leather from the Spanish town of Corduba, much used for shoes, etc. by the wealthy in the Middle Ages)
4 All barred with golden bends, which were entailed
bends > {Flat strips, straps, bands} entailed > carved; ornamented; intaglioed
5 With curious antics, and full fair amelled:
antics > {Fantastic or grotesque representations of birds, animals, plants} full fair amelled > very becomingly enamelled
6 Before they fastened were under her knee
Before > In front
7 In a rich jewel, and therein entrailed
In > [With] entrailed > were intertwined
8 The ends of all their knots, that none might see
that > [so that]
9 How they within their foldings close enwrapped be.
foldings > folds close > (Referring adj. to "foldings", or adv. to "enwrapped")
203.28
Like two faire marble pillours they were seene,
2 Which doe the temple of the Gods support,
Whom all the people decke with girlands greene,
4 And honour in their festiuall resort;
Those same with stately grace, and princely port
6 She taught to tread, when she her selfe would grace,
But with the wooddie Nymphes when she did +play+,
8 Or when the flying Libbard she did chace,
She could them nimbly moue, and after fly apace.
7 play > sport conj. Smith
1 Like two fair marble pillars they were seen, 2 Which do the temple of the gods support, 3 Whom all the people deck with garlands green, 4 And honour in their festival resort;
festival > {Glad, merry; pertaining to a feast or feast-day} resort > assembly, concourse of people
5 Those same with stately grace and princely port
port > deportment, bearing
6 She taught to tread, when she herself would grace;
grace > {Endow with (heavenly) grace; gratify, delight; confer honour or dignity upon}
7 But with the woody nymphs when she did play,
woody > forest-dwelling nymphs > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, mountains. The "wooddie" nymphs referred to here are evidently the dryads and hamadryads, the nymphs associated with trees and woodland)
8 Or when the flying libbard she did chase,
libbard > leopard
9 She could them nimbly move, and after fly apace.
apace > swiftly
203.29
And in her hand a sharpe bore-speare she held,
2 And at her backe a bow and quiuer gay,
Stuft with steele-headed darts, wherewith she queld
4 The saluage beastes in her victorious play,
Knit with a golden bauldricke, which forelay
6 Athwart her snowy brest, and did diuide
Her daintie paps; which like young fruit in May
8 Now little gan to swell, and being tide,
Through her thin weed their places only signifide.
1 And in her hand a sharp boar-spear she held, 2 And at her back a bow and quiver gay 3 (Stuffed with steel-headed darts, wherewith she quelled
darts > arrows wherewith > with which quelled > killed
4 The savage beasts in her victorious play),
savage > wild; savage
5 Knit with a golden baldric, which forelay
Knit > Fastened, held baldric > {Belt worn pendent from the shoulder, here supporting the quiver} forelay > lay before
6 Athwart her snowy breast, and did divide 7 Her dainty paps; which, like young fruit in May,
paps > breasts
8 Now little began to swell and, being tied,
little > [a] little
9 Through her thin weed their places only signified.
weed > garment
203.30
Her yellow lockes crisped, like golden wyre,
2 About her shoulders were loosely shed,
And when the winde emongst them did inspyre,
4 They waued like a penon wide +dispred+,
And low behinde her backe were scattered:
6 And whether art it were, or heedlesse hap,
As through the flouring forrest rash she fled,
8 In her rude haires sweet flowres themselues did lap,
And flourishing fresh leaues and blossomes did enwrap.
4 dispred > disspred 1609
1 Her yellow locks crisped, like golden wire,
crisped > (Ppl. adj.) closely curled
2 About her shoulders were loosely shed, 3 And, when the wind amongst them did inspire,
inspire > quicken, breathe
4 They waved like a pennon wide dispread,
dispread > spread out
5 And low behind her back were scattered: 6 And whether art it were, or heedless hap,
hap > chance
7 As through the flowering forest rash she fled,
rash > nimbly, quickly; impetuously, rashly fled > flew (this somewhat catachr. spelling chosen for the sake of the rhyme)
8 In her rude hair sweet flowers themselves did lap,
rude > wild, uncultivated; hence: untrammelled, disordered lap > wrap up, enfold; surround
9 And flourishing fresh leaves and blossoms did enwrap.
enwrap > [enwrap themselves]
203.31
Such as Diana by the sandie shore
2 Of swift Eurotas, or on Cynthus greene,
Where all the Nymphes haue her vnwares forlore,
4 Wandreth alone with bow and arrowes keene,
To seeke her game: Or as that famous Queene
6 Of Amazons, whom Pyrrhus did destroy,
The day that first of Priame she was seene,
8 Did shew her selfe in great triumphant ioy,
To succour the weake state of sad afflicted Troy.
1 Such as Diana by the sandy shore 2 Of swift Eurotas, or on Cynthus green,
Eurotas > (Principal river of Sparta)
Cynthus > (A mountain on the island of Delos, the birthplace of
Apollo and Diana: these deities are thus also called Cynthius and
Cynthia respectively)
3 Where all the nymphs have her unwares forlorn,
unwares > unwittingly; unexpectedly forlorn > forsaken
4 Wanders alone with bow and arrows keen, 5 To seek her game: or as that famous queen
queen > (Penthesilea, an ally of Priam against the Greeks in the Trojan War; killed by Achilles or his son Pyrrhus)
6 Of Amazons, whom Pyrrhus did destroy,
Amazons > (A mythical race of warlike females, said to have come from the Caucasus and to have settled in Asia Minor, where they founded the city of Themiscyra. The Amazons were ruled by a queen, and the female children had their right breasts burned off so that they might better use a bow and arrow. The ninth labour of Hercules was to take the girdle of Hippolyte, an earlier queen of the Amazons)
7 The day that first of Priam she was seen,
of > by Priam > (The last king of Troy)
8 Did show herself in great triumphant joy, 9 To succour the weak state of sad afflicted Troy.
203.32
Such when as hartlesse Trompart her did vew,
2 He was dismayed in his coward mind,
And doubted, whether he himselfe should shew,
4 Or fly away, or bide alone behind:
Both feare and hope he in her face did find,
6 When she at last him spying thus bespake;
Hayle Groome; didst not thou see a bleeding Hind,
8 Whose right haunch earst my stedfast arrow strake?
If thou didst, tell me, that I may her ouertake.
1 Such when heartless Trompart her did view,
heartless > pusillanimous
2 He was dismayed in his coward mind, 3 And doubted whether he himself should show, 4 Or fly away, or bide alone behind:
fly > fly; flee bide > remain
5 Both fear and hope he in her face did find, 6 When she at last, him spying, thus bespoke:
bespoke > spoke
7 "Hail, groom; did not you see a bleeding hind,
Hail, groom > You there! (groom = man, fellow, man-servant) hind > {Adult female deer, esp. Red Deer}
8 Whose right haunch erst my steadfast arrow strake?
erst > lately strake > streaked, marked with a line; hence: wounded; perhaps also: struck
9 If you did, tell me, that I may her overtake."
that > [so that]
203.33
Wherewith reviu'd, this answere forth he threw;
2 O Goddesse, (for such I thee take to bee)
For neither doth thy face terrestriall shew,
4 Nor voyce sound mortall; I auow to thee,
Such wounded beast, as that, I did not see,
6 Sith earst into this forrest wild I came.
But mote thy goodlyhed forgiue it mee,
8 To weet, which of the Gods I shall thee name,
That vnto thee due worship I may rightly frame.
1 Wherewith revived, this answer forth he threw:
Wherewith > With which
2 "O Goddess (for such I you take to be: 3 For neither does your face terrestrial show,
show > seem, appear
4 Nor voice sound mortal), I avow to you, 5 Such wounded beast, as that, I did not see, 6 Sith erst into this forest wild I came.
Sith erst > Since first
7 But might Your Goodlihead forgive it me
Your Goodlihead > Your Goodliness; Your Excellency
8 To weet which of the gods I shall you name,
weet > learn
9 That to you due worship I may rightly frame?"
That > [So that] frame > fashion, give shape to; hence: offer, address
203.34
To whom she thus; but ere her words ensewed,
2 Vnto the bush her eye did suddein glaunce,
In which vaine Braggadocchio was mewed,
4 And saw it stirre: she left her percing launce,
And towards gan a deadly shaft aduaunce,
6 In mind to marke the beast. At which sad stowre,
Trompart forth stept, to stay the mortall chaunce,
8 Out crying, {o^} what euer heauenly powre,
Or earthly wight thou be, withhold this deadly howre.
1 To whom she thus … but ere her words ensued, 2 To the bush her eye did sudden glance, 3 In which vain Braggadocchio was mewed,
vain > weak; foolish mewed > cooped up (of poultry)
4 And saw it stir: she left her piercing lance, 5 And towards gan a deadly shaft advance,
towards > [in the direction of the bush] gan > did; began ( … to) shaft > arrow (most editors gloss "left" in line 4 as "lifted", but 203.35:2 (cf. usage at 106.16:9) and 203.43:4 cast doubt on that meaning. We may be intended to infer that in line 4 she lets go of the spear in order to shoot an arrow. At 203.42:7 she apparently recovers the spear)
6 In mind to mark the beast. At which sad stour
mark > aim at; strike stour > peril
7 Trompart forth stepped, to stay the mortal chance,
stay > hinder; prevent mortal chance > fatal accident
8 Out crying, "O, whatever heavenly power 9 Or earthly wight you be, withhold this deadly hour!
wight > creature, woman hour > time, moment
203.35
O stay thy +hand,+ for yonder is no game
2 For thy fierce arrowes, them to exercize,
But loe my Lord, my liege, whose warlike name,
4 Is farre renowmd through many bold emprize;
And now in shade he shrowded yonder lies.
6 She staid: with that he crauld out of his nest,
Forth creeping on his caitiue hands and thies,
8 And standing stoutly vp, his loftie crest
Did fiercely shake, and rowze, as comming late from rest.
1 hand, > hand 1596; hand: 1609
1 "O stay your hand, for yonder is no game 2 For your fierce arrows, them to exercise,
exercise > employ, put to use
3 But lo my lord, my liege, whose warlike name
liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service} name > name; reputation
4 Is far renowned through many bold emprise;