CANTO IIII
To sinfull house of Pride, Duessa
2 guides the faithfull knight,
Where brothers death to wreak Sansioy
4 doth chalenge him to fight.
1 To sinful House of Pride Duessa 2 guides the faithful knight; 3 Where, brother's death to wreak, Sansjoy
wreak > avenge
4 does challenge him to fight.
104.1
YOung knight, what euer that dost armes professe,
2 And through long labours huntest after fame,
Beware of fraud, beware of ficklenesse,
4 In choice, and change of thy deare loued Dame,
Least thou of her beleeue too lightly blame,
6 And rash misweening doe thy hart remoue:
For vnto knight there is no greater shame,
8 Then lightnesse and inconstancie in loue;
That doth this Redcrosse knights ensample plainly proue.
1 Young knight, whatever that do arms profess,
whatever that > whoever [you are] that arms > feats of arms profess > lay claim to, pretend to
2 And through long labours hunt after fame, 3 Beware of fraud, beware of fickleness,
fraud > faithlessness
4 In choice, and change of your dear-loved dame, 5 Lest you of her believe too lightly blame,
blame > accusation, charge; blame
6 And, rash misweening, do your heart remove:
rash misweening > rashly misunderstanding
7 For to knight there is no greater shame 8 Than lightness and inconstancy in love; 9 That does this Redcross Knight's example plainly prove.
104.2
Who after that he had faire Vna lorne,
2 Through light misdeeming of her loialtie,
And false Duessa in her sted had borne,
4 Called Fidess', and so supposd to bee;
Long with her traueild, till at last they see
6 A goodly building, brauely garnished,
The house of mightie Prince it seemd to bee:
8 And towards it a broad high way that led,
All bare through peoples feet, which thither traueiled.
1 Who, after he had fair Una forlorn,
forlorn > lost; left, forsaken (catachr.)
2 Through light misdeeming of her loyalty,
misdeeming > misjudgement
3 And false Duessa in her stead had borne,
borne > taken as a companion
4 Called "Fidessa", and so supposed to be; 5 Long with her travelled, till at last they see 6 A goodly building, bravely garnished,
goodly > fine, beautiful bravely garnished > splendidly adorned
7 The house of mighty prince it seemed to be: 8 And towards it a broad highway that led,
broad highway > (See Matt. 7.13)
9 All bare through people's feet, which thither travelled.
people's feet, which > [the feet of people who]
104.3
Great troupes of people traueild thitherward
2 Both day and night, of each degree and place,
But few returned, hauing scaped hard,
4 With balefull beggerie, or foule disgrace,
Which euer after in most wretched case,
6 Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay.
Thither Duessa bad him bend his pace:
8 For she is wearie of the toilesome way,
And also nigh consumed is the lingring day.
1 Great troops of people travelled thitherward
thitherward > towards there, thither
2 Both day and night, of each degree and place,
place > rank
3 But few returned, having scaped hard,
scaped hard > escaped with difficulty
4 With baleful beggary, or foul disgrace,
baleful > deadly, miserable
5 Which ever after, in most wretched case,
case > plight
6 Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay.
lazars > lepers
7 Thither Duessa bade him bend his pace:
bend > incline; turn, hence: divert (including sense of "diverting from the true path")
8 For she is weary of the toilsome way,
toilsome > wearisome
9 And also nigh consumed is the lingering day.
104.4
A stately Pallace built of squared bricke,
2 Which cunningly was without morter laid,
Whose wals were high, but nothing strong, nor thick,
4 And golden foile all ouer them displaid,
That purest skye with brightnesse they dismaid:
6 High lifted vp were many loftie towres,
And goodly galleries farre ouer laid,
8 Full of faire windowes, and delightfull bowres;
And on the top a Diall told the timely howres.
1 A stately palace built of squared brick, 2 Which cunningly was without mortar laid, 3 Whose walls were high, but nothing strong, nor thick,
nothing > not at all, in no way
4 And golden foil all over them displayed, 5 That purest sky with brightness they dismayed:
That > [So that the]
6 High lifted up were many lofty towers, 7 And goodly galleries far over laid,
goodly > fine, beautiful far over laid > placed high above
8 Full of fair windows, and delightful bowers;
bowers > chambers, rooms
9 And on the top a dial told the timely hours.
104.5
It was a goodly heape for to behould,
2 And spake the praises of the workmans wit;
But full great pittie, that so faire a mould
4 Did on so weake foundation euer sit:
For on a sandie hill, that still did flit,
6 And fall away, it mounted was full hie,
That euery breath of heauen shaked it:
8 And all the hinder parts, that few could spie,
Were ruinous and old, but painted cunningly.
1 It was a goodly heap to behold,
goodly > fine, beautiful heap > pile; hence: large building
2 And spoke the praises of the workman's wit;
wit > skill
3 But full great pity, that so fair a mould
full > very, exceedingly mould > form, structure
4 Did on so weak foundation ever sit:
so > such [a]
5 For on a sandy hill, that still did flit
still > continually flit > yield, crumble (see Matt. 7.26-7)
6 And fall away, it mounted was full high,
full > very, exceedingly
7 That every breath of heaven shook it:
That > [So that]
8 And all the hinder parts, that few could spy, 9 Were ruinous and old, but painted cunningly.
104.6
Arriued there they passed in forth right;
2 For still to all the gates stood open wide,
Yet charge of them was to a Porter hight
4 Cald Maluen{u\}, who entrance none denide:
Thence to the hall, which was on euery side
6 With rich array and costly arras dight:
Infinite sorts of people did abide
8 There waiting long, to win the wished sight
Of her, that was the Lady of that Pallace bright.
1 Arrived there, they passed in forthright;
forthright > straightway; directly forward
2 For still to all the gates stood open wide,
still > ever, continually
3 Yet charge of them was to a porter hight,
hight > committed, entrusted (SUS)
4 Called Malven{u\}, who entrance none denied:
Malven{u\} > "Ill-welcome"; "Welcome to Evil"
5 Thence to the hall, which was on every side 6 With rich array and costly arras dight:
arras > {Tapestry wall-hanging, screen} dight > decked
7 Infinite sorts of people did abide
sorts > kinds; companies
8 There waiting long, to win the wished sight 9 Of her, that was the lady of that palace bright.
104.7
By them they passe, all gazing on them round,
2 And to the Presence mount; whose glorious vew
Their frayle amazed senses did confound:
4 In liuing Princes court none euer knew
Such endlesse richesse, and so sumptuous shew;
6 Ne Persia selfe, the nourse of pompous pride
Like euer saw. And there a noble crew
8 Of Lordes and Ladies stood on euery side,
Which with their presence faire, the place much beautifide.
1 By them they pass, all gazing on them round,
round > from all sides
2 And to the presence mount; whose glorious view
presence > presence-chamber (where a sovereign receives guests) view > appearance
3 Their frail amazed senses did confound:
frail > {Weak; morally weak, unable to resist temptation}
4 In living prince's court none ever knew 5 Such endless richesse, and so sumptuous show;
richesse > opulence so sumptuous > such sumptuous; such a sumptuous; so sumptuous a
6 Nor Persia herself, the nurse of pompous pride, 7 Like ever saw. And there a noble crew 8 Of lords and ladies stood on every side, 9 Who, with their presence fair, the place much beautified.
104.8
High aboue all a cloth of State was spred,
2 And a rich throne, as bright as sunny day,
On which there sate most braue embellished
4 With royall robes and gorgeous array,
A mayden Queene, that shone as Titans ray,
6 In glistring gold, and peerelesse pretious stone:
Yet her bright blazing beautie did assay
8 To dim the brightnesse of her glorious throne,
As enuying her selfe, that too exceeding shone.
1 High above all a cloth of state was spread,
cloth of state > {Baldachin, canopy suspended on pillars above throne}
2 And a rich throne, as bright as sunny day, 3 On which there sat, most brave embellished
brave > splendidly
4 With royal robes and gorgeous array, 5 A maiden queen, that shone as Titan's ray,
that > who (if the pronoun refers to Lucifera rather than the throne; the intention is not entirely clear) Titan > (The sun personified. In this context the name also brings to mind the Titans, who sought to dethrone Zeus (Jove); they are synonymous with rebellion and the overthrow of order. And the phrase "Titans ray" prepares the reader for a description of Phaethon in the next stanza)
6 In glistering gold and peerless precious stone: 7 Yet her bright blazing beauty did essay
essay > attempt
8 To dim the brightness of her glorious throne, 9 As envying herself, that too exceeding shone.
104.9
Exceeding shone, like Ph{oe}bus fairest childe,
2 That did presume his fathers firie wayne,
And flaming mouthes of steedes vnwonted wilde
4 Through highest heauen with weaker hand to rayne;
Proud of such glory and aduancement vaine,
6 While flashing beames do daze his feeble eyen,
He leaues the welkin way most beaten plaine,
8 And rapt with whirling wheeles, inflames the skyen,
With fire not made to burne, but fairely for to shyne.
1 Exceeding shone, like Phoebus' fairest child,
Phoebus' fairest child > (Phaethon, son of Phoebus Apollo [Titan], who took his father's chariot and set the world on fire: killed by Jupiter with a thunderbolt. See 311.38, Met. 2.1 ff.)
2 That did presume his father's fiery wain
presume > usurp wain > chariot
3 And flaming mouths of steeds, unwonted wild
mouths > [control] unwonted > unaccustomedly, unusually (referring to Phaethon's handling of the reins)
4 Through highest heaven with weaker hand to rein;
weaker > too-weak; or: weaker (than his father's hand) rein > (Or reign; a typically Spenserian pun)
5 Proud of such glory and advancement vain, 6 While flashing beams do daze his feeble eyes, 7 He leaves the welkin way most beaten plain,
welkin > {Sky, skyey, heavenly; welkin way: the sun's path through the sky}
8 And, rapt with whirling wheels, inflames the skies
rapt > carried away, enraptured
9 With fire not made to burn, but fairly to shine.
fairly > gently, entirely, properly
104.10
So proud she shyned in her Princely state,
2 Looking to heauen; for earth she did disdayne,
And sitting high; for lowly she did hate:
4 Lo vnderneath her scornefull feete, was layne
A dreadfull Dragon with an hideous trayne,
6 And in her hand she held a mirrhour bright,
Wherein her face she often vewed fayne,
8 And in her selfe-lou'd semblance tooke delight;
For she was wondrous faire, as any liuing wight.
1 So proud she shone in her princely state,
state > canopied throne; rank, condition
2 Looking to heaven; for earth she did disdain, 3 And sitting high (for lowly she did hate),
lowly > {Lowliness, humbleness; that which is, or they who are, lowly}
4 Lo underneath her scornful feet was lain 5 A dreadful dragon with a hideous train;
hideous > immense train > tail
6 And in her hand she held a mirror bright, 7 Wherein her face she often viewed fain,
fain > gladly, eagerly
8 And in her self-loved semblance took delight; 9 For she was wondrous fair, as any living wight.
wight > person, woman
104.11
Of griesly Pluto she the daughter was,
2 And sad Proserpina the Queene of hell;
Yet did she thinke her pearelesse +worth+ to pas
4 That parentage, with pride so did she swell,
And thundring Ioue, that high in heauen doth dwell,
6 And wield the world, she claymed for her syre,
Or if that any else did Ioue excell:
8 For to the highest she did still aspyre,
Or if ought higher were then that, did it desyre.
3 worth > wroth 1596
1 Of grisly Pluto she the daughter was,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
2 And sad Proserpine, the queen of hell; 3 Yet did she think her peerless worth to pass
pass > excel, surpass
4 That parentage, with pride so did she swell; 5 And thundering Jove, that high in heaven does dwell
Jove > (Here, "Jupiter Tonans", lord of the thunderbolt; he killed
Phaethon with a bolt of lightning)
6 And wield the world, she claimed for her sire,
wield > rule, reign over sire > father
7 Or if that any else did Jove excel:
that any else > any else [that]
8 For to the highest she did still aspire, 9 Or, if aught higher were than that, did it desire.
104.12
And proud Lucifera men did her call,
2 That made her selfe +a+ Queene, and crownd to be,
Yet rightfull kingdome she had none at all,
4 Ne heritage of natiue soueraintie,
But did vsurpe with wrong and tyrannie
6 Vpon the scepter, which she now did hold:
Ne ruld her +Realmes+ with lawes, but pollicie,
8 And strong aduizement of six wisards old,
That with their counsels bad her kingdome did vphold.
2 a > omitted from 1596 7 Realmes > Realme 1590
1 And proud Lucifera men did her call,
Lucifera > (Derived from "Lucifer", meaning "Light-bringer": a name for Satan, and for Venus as the morning star)
2 Who made herself a queen, and crowned to be; 3 Yet rightful kingdom she had none at all, 4 Nor heritage of native sovereignty,
native > {Rightful, by right of birth}
5 But did usurp with wrong and tyranny 6 Upon the sceptre which she now did hold:
Upon the > [The]
7 Nor ruled her realms with laws, but policy,
policy > political cunning, artfulness
8 And strong advisement of six wizards old,
advisement > advice six wizards > (Wizard = sage, here used derisively. The six are Sloth, Gluttony, Lechery, Avarice, Envy and Wrath, described in 104.18-35. Together with Lucifera herself, Pride, they comprise the Seven Deadly Sins)
9 That, with their counsels bad, her kingdom did uphold.
104.13
Soone as the +Elfin+ knight in presence came,
2 And false Duessa seeming Lady faire,
A gentle Husher, Vanitie by name
4 Made rowme, and passage for them did prepaire:
So goodly brought them to the lowest staire
6 Of her high throne, where they on humble knee
Making +obeyssance+, did the cause declare,
8 Why they were come, her royall state to see,
To proue the wide report of her great Maiestee.
1 Elfin > Elfing 1596 7 obeyssance > obeisance 1609
1 Soon as the Elfin knight in presence came
Soon > [As soon] presence > presence-chamber (where a sovereign receives visitors)
2 (And false Duessa, seeming lady fair), 3 A gentle usher, Vanity by name,
gentle > gentle; noble (used ironically)
4 Made room, and passage for them did prepare: 5 So goodly brought them to the lowest stair
goodly > courteously
6 Of her high throne, where they, on humble knee 7 Making obeisance, did the cause declare
declare > declare, make clear; relate
8 Why they were come, her royal state to see,
state > throne; majesty, pomp
9 To prove the wide report of her great majesty.
prove > confirm by personal experience
104.14
With loftie eyes, halfe loth to looke so low,
2 She thanked them in her disdainefull wise,
Ne other grace vouchsafed them to show
4 Of Princesse worthy, scarse them bad arise.
Her Lordes and Ladies all this while deuise
6 Themselues to setten forth to straungers sight:
Some frounce their curled haire in courtly guise,
8 Some prancke their ruffes, and others trimly dight
Their gay attire: each others greater pride does spight.
1 With lofty eyes, half loath to look so low, 2 She thanked them in her disdainful wise,
wise > manner
3 No other grace vouchsafed them to show
No > [But no]
4 Of princess worthy; scarce them bade arise. 5 Her lords and ladies all this while devise
devise > skilfully prepare, contrive; scheme
6 Themselves to set forth to strangers' sight:
set forth > exhibit, show off
7 Some frounce their curled hair in courtly guise;
frounce > twist into folds, plait guise > manner
8 Some prank their ruffs; and others trimly dight
prank > adjust; pleat dight > arrange
9 Their gay attire: each other's greater pride does spite.
spite > begrudge, envy
104.15
Goodly they all that knight do entertaine,
2 Right glad with him to haue increast their crew:
But to Duess' each one himselfe did paine
4 All kindnesse and faire courtesie to shew;
For in that court whylome her well they knew:
6 Yet the stout Faerie mongst the middest crowd
Thought all their glorie vaine in knightly vew,
8 And that great Princesse too exceeding prowd,
That to strange knight no better countenance allowd.
1 Goodly they all that knight do entertain,
Goodly > Courteously entertain > receive
2 Right glad with him to have increased their crew:
Right > Very
3 But to Duessa each one himself did pain 4 All kindness and fair courtesy to show; 5 For in that court whilom her well they knew:
whilom > of old, formerly
6 Yet the stout Faery amongst the middest crowd
stout > unyielding; proud; brave, bold middest > midmost
7 Thought all their glory vain in knightly view,
vain > foolish; empty
8 And that great princess too exceeding proud, 9 That to strange knight no better countenance allowed.
strange > foreign; new-come countenance > demeanour
104.16
Suddein vpriseth from her stately place
2 The royall Dame, and for her coche doth call:
All +hurtlen+ forth, and she with Princely pace,
4 As faire Aurora in her purple pall,
Out of the East the dawning day doth call:
6 So forth she comes: her brightnesse brode doth blaze;
The heapes of people thronging in the hall,
8 Do ride each other, vpon her to gaze:
Her glorious +glitterand+ light doth all mens eyes amaze.
3 hurtlen > hurlen 1609; cf. 104.40:1, 111.23:1, 205.8:7, 207.42:3 9 glitterand > glitter and 1596, 1609
1 Sudden uprises from her stately place 2 The royal dame, and for her coach does call: 3 All hurtle forth, and she with princely pace
hurtle > rush, dash pace > movement, motion; step
4 (As fair Aurora, in her purple pall,
Aurora > (Goddess of the dawn; "Lucifer" means "Light-bringer", and is one name for the morning star) pall > cloak (esp. of rich material)
5 Out of the east the dawning day does call): 6 So forth she comes; her brightness broad does blaze;
broad > abroad; broadly
7 The heaps of people thronging in the hall 8 Do ride each other, upon her to gaze: 9 Her glorious glittering light does all men's eyes amaze.
104.17
So forth she comes, and to her coche does clyme,
2 Adorned all with gold, and girlonds gay,
That seemd as fresh as Flora in her prime,
4 And stroue to match, in royall rich array,
Great Iunoes golden chaire, the which they say
6 The Gods stand gazing on, when she does ride
To Ioues high house through heauens bras-paued way
8 Drawne of faire Pecocks, that excell in pride,
And full of Argus eyes their tailes dispredden wide.
1 So forth she comes, and to her coach does climb, 2 Adorned all with gold, and garlands gay, 3 That seemed as fresh as Flora in her prime, 4 And strove to match, in royal rich array, 5 Great Juno's golden chair; which, they say,
chair > chariot (see Iliad 5.727. Juno is the queen of the gods, sister and wife of Jupiter)
6 The gods stand gazing on, when she does ride 7 To Jove's high house through heaven's brass-paved way,
To Jove's high house > (See Met. 2.533 ff.) heaven's brass-paved way > (See Iliad 14.173)
8 Drawn of fair peacocks, that excel in pride,
of > by excel > surpass [all] others
9 And full of Argus eyes their tails dispread wide.
Argus > (Argus Panoptes, watchman with a hundred eyes, set by Juno to watch Io and killed by Mercury; Juno placed his eyes in the tail of the peacock. See Met. 1.622-723; SC, gloss to "Julye" and to "October") dispread > spread out
104.18
But this was drawne of six vnequall beasts,
2 On which her six sage Counsellours did ryde,
Taught to obay their bestiall beheasts,
4 With like conditions to their kinds applyde:
Of which the first, that all the rest did guyde,
6 Was sluggish Idlenesse the nourse of sin;
Vpon a slouthfull Asse he chose to ryde,
8 Arayd in habit blacke, and amis thin,
Like to an holy Monck, the seruice to begin.
1 But this was drawn of six unequal beasts,
of > by unequal > different, ill-matched
2 On which her six sage counsellors did ride, 3 Taught to obey their bestial behests, 4 With like conditions to their kinds applied:
With like conditions to their kinds applied > (Literally, "With similar qualities to their natures employed"; each beast was appropriate to its rider)
5 Of which the first, that all the rest did guide, 6 Was sluggish Idleness, the nurse of sin;
Idleness > [Sloth]
7 Upon a slothful ass he chose to ride, 8 Arrayed in a habit black, and amice thin,
amice > cap, hood, cape (of some religious order)
9 Like a holy monk, the service to begin.
104.19
And in his hand his Portesse still he bare,
2 That much was worne, but therein little red,
For of deuotion he had little care,
4 Still drownd in sleepe, and most of his dayes ded;
Scarse could he once vphold his heauie hed,
6 To looken, whether it were night or day:
May seeme the wayne was very euill led,
8 When such an one had guiding of the way,
That knew not, whether right he went, or else astray.
1 And in his hand his portas still he bore,
portas > {Portable breviary, Roman Catholic prayer-book containing the Divine Office for each day} still > ever, continually
2 That much was worn, but therein little read,
therein little > [little]
3 For of devotion he had little care, 4 Still drowned in sleep, and most of his days dead;
Still > Ever
5 Scarce could he once uphold his heavy head, 6 To look whether it were night or day: 7 May seem the wain was very evil led,
May > [It may] wain > carriage, wagon; hence: coach
8 When such a one had guiding of the way, 9 That knew not whether right he went, or else astray.
104.20
From worldly cares himselfe he did esloyne,
2 And greatly shunned manly exercise,
+From+ euery worke he chalenged essoyne,
4 For contemplation sake: yet otherwise,
His life he led in lawlesse riotise;
6 By which he grew to grieuous malady;
For in his lustlesse limbs through euill guise
8 A shaking feuer raignd continually:
Such one was Idlenesse, first of this company.
3 From > For 1596, 1609
1 From worldly cares himself he did eloin,
eloin > remove, withdraw (as if from legal jurisdiction)
2 And greatly shunned manly exercise, 3 From every work he challenged essoin,
challenged essoin > claimed exemption (another legal term)
4 For contemplation's sake: yet otherwise 5 His life he led in lawless riotise,
riotise > indulgence, dissipation
6 By which he grew to grievous malady; 7 For in his lustless limbs, through evil guise,
lustless > {Listless; joyless, lacking pleasure or delight} guise > mode of life
8 A shaking fever reigned continually: 9 Such one was Idleness, first of this company.
104.21
And by his side rode loathsome Gluttony,
2 Deformed creature, on a filthie swyne,
His belly was vp-blowne with luxury,
4 And eke with fatnesse swollen were his eyne,
And like a Crane his necke was long and fyne,
6 With which he swallowd vp excessiue feast,
For want whereof poore people oft did pyne;
8 And all the way, most like a brutish beast,
He spued vp his gorge, that all did him deteast.
1 And by his side rode loathsome Gluttony, 2 Deformed creature, on a filthy swine; 3 His belly was up-blown with luxury,
up-blown > swollen luxury > surfeit, excess; dissipation
4 And eke with fatness swollen were his eyes;
eke > moreover
5 And, like a crane's, his neck was long and fine,
fine > thin, scrawny
6 With which he swallowed up excessive feast,
excessive > greedy, excessive; intemperate
7 For want whereof poor people oft did pine;
pine > waste away
8 And all the way, most like a brutish beast, 9 He spewed up his gorge, that all did him detest.
gorge > {Contents of stomach} that > [so that]
104.22
In greene vine leaues he was right fitly clad;
2 For other clothes he could not weare for heat,
And on his head an yuie girland had,
4 From vnder which fast trickled downe the sweat:
Still as he rode, he somewhat still did eat,
6 And in his hand did beare a bouzing can,
Of which he supt so oft, that on his seat
8 His dronken corse he scarse vpholden can,
In shape and life more like a monster, then a man.
1 In green vine-leaves he was right fitly clad:
fitly > (Spenser's Gluttony recalls Silenus (Met. 4.26-7, 11.89- 99); Silenus was the foster-father of Bacchus, god of wine)
2 For other clothes he could not wear for heat, 3 And on his head an ivy garland had,
ivy > (Sacred to Bacchus)
4 From under which fast trickled down the sweat. 5 Still as he rode he somewhat still did eat,
Still > Continually somewhat > a little, something
6 And in his hand did bear a boozing can,
boozing > drinking
7 Of which he supped so oft, that on his seat 8 His drunken corse he scarce uphold can,
corse > body
9 In shape and life more like a monster than a man.
104.23
Vnfit he was for any worldly thing,
2 And eke +vnhable+ once to stirre or go,
Not meet to be of counsell to a king,
4 Whose mind in meat and drinke was drowned so,
That from his friend he +seldome+ knew his fo:
6 Full of diseases was his carcas blew,
And a +dry dropsie+ through his flesh did flow:
8 Which by misdiet daily greater grew:
Such one was Gluttony, the second of that crew.
2 vnhable > vnable 1609 5 seldome > seeldome 1590; sildom 1609 7 dry dropsie > drydropsie 1590; dire dropsie _conj. Upton after Horace's dirus hydrops; _hydropsy sugg. Collier
1 Unfit he was for any worldly thing, 2 And eke unable once to stir or go;
eke > also once > ever, at all go > walk
3 Not meet to be of counsel to a king,
meet > fit king > [sovereign, i.e. Lucifera]
4 Whose mind in meat and drink was drowned so, 5 That from his friend he seldom knew his foe: 6 Full of diseases was his carcase blue,
blue > (The colour of putrid flesh)
7 And a dry dropsy through his flesh did flow,
dry dropsy > ?swelling, corpulence (a "wet" dropsy is a disease in which watery fluid collects in the tissues and body cavities. See also Textual Appendix)
8 Which by misdiet daily greater grew:
misdiet > improper diet
9 Such one was Gluttony, the second of that crew.
104.24
And next to him rode lustfull Lechery,
2 Vpon a bearded Goat, whose rugged haire,
And whally eyes (the signe of gelosy,)
4 Was like the person selfe, whom he did beare:
Who rough, and blacke, and filthy did appeare,
6 Vnseemely man to please faire Ladies eye;
Yet he of Ladies oft was loued deare,
8 When fairer faces were bid standen by:
O who does know the bent of womens fantasy?
1 And next to him rode lustful Lechery,
next to > immediately after; _the arrangement is:
FRONT Sloth Gluttony
Avarice Lechery
Envy Wrath
Satan
BACK Lucifera_
2 Upon a bearded goat, whose rugged hair
rugged > shaggy
3 And wall eyes (the sign of jealousy),
wall > whitely opaque; glaring
4 Was like the person himself whom it did bear:
Was like > [Resembled those of]
5 Who, rough and black, and filthy, did appear
appear > (Or "appear:", meaning "seem", "present himself to view")
6 Unseemly man to please fair ladies' eye; 7 Yet he of ladies oft was loved dear,
of > by
8 When fairer faces were bid to stand by: 9 O who does know the bent of women's fantasy?
104.25
In a greene gowne he clothed was full faire,
2 Which vnderneath did hide his filthinesse,
And in his hand a burning hart he bare,
4 Full of vaine follies, and new fanglenesse:
For he was false, and fraught with ficklenesse,
6 And learned had to loue with secret lookes,
And well could daunce, and sing with ruefulnesse,
8 And fortunes tell, and read in louing bookes,
And thousand other wayes, to bait his fleshly hookes.
1 In a green gown he clothed was full fair,
full > very, exceedingly
2 Which underneath did hide his filthiness,
filthiness > obscenity, moral defilement
3 And in his hand a burning heart he bore, 4 Full of vain follies and new-fangleness: 5 For he was false, and fraught with fickleness,
fraught > filled
6 And learned had to love with secret looks, 7 And well could dance, and sing with ruefulness, 8 And fortunes tell, and read in loving books,
loving books > erotica
9 And thousand other ways to bait his fleshly hooks.
fleshly > lustful
104.26
Inconstant man, that loued all he saw,
2 And lusted after all, that he did loue,
Ne would his looser life be tide to law,
4 But ioyd weake wemens hearts to +tempt+ and proue
If from their loyall loues he might them moue;
6 Which lewdnesse fild him with reprochfull paine
Of that fowle euill, which all men reproue,
8 That rots the marrow, and consumes the braine:
Such one was Lecherie, the third of all this traine.
4 tempt > tempt, 1590
1 Inconstant man, that loved all he saw, 2 And lusted after all that he did love, 3 Nor would his looser life be tied to law,
looser > too-loose
4 But joyed weak women's hearts to tempt, and prove
prove > test, try
5 If from their loyal loves he might them move; 6 Which lewdness filled him with reproachful pain
reproachful > {Worthy of reproach or censure}
7 Of that foul evil, which all men reprove,
that foul evil > [syphilis; or perhaps leprosy, noted by Hamilton (1980)]
8 That rots the marrow, and consumes the brain: 9 Such one was Lechery, the third of all this train.
104.27
And greedy Auarice by him did ride,
2 Vpon a Camell loaden all with gold;
Two iron +coffers+ hong on either side,
4 With precious mettall full, as they might hold,
And in his lap an heape of coine he told;
6 For of his wicked pelfe his God he made,
And vnto hell him selfe for money sold;
8 Accursed vsurie was all his trade,
And right and wrong ylike in equall ballaunce waide.
3 coffers > coffets 1590
1 And greedy Avarice by him did ride, 2 Upon a camel laden all with gold: 3 Two iron coffers hung on either side, 4 With precious metal full as they might hold,
might > could
5 And in his lap a heap of coin he told;
told > counted
6 For of his wicked pelf his god he made,
pelf > money, cash, "filthy lucre"
7 And to hell himself for money sold; 8 Accursed usury was all his trade, 9 And right and wrong alike in equal balance weighed.
104.28
His life was nigh vnto deaths doore yplast,
2 And thred-bare cote, and cobled shoes he ware,
Ne scarse good morsell all his life did tast,
4 But both from backe and belly still did spare,
To fill his bags, and richesse to compare;
6 Yet chylde ne kinsman liuing had he none
To leaue them to; but thorough daily care
8 To get, and nightly feare to lose his owne,
He led a wretched life vnto him selfe vnknowne.
1 His life was nigh to death's door placed, 2 And threadbare coat, and cobbled shoes, he wore;
cobbled > mended (usually repeatedly)
3 Nor scarce good morsel all his life did taste, 4 But both from back and belly still did spare,
still > always, continually
5 To fill his bags, and richesse to compare;
richesse > wealth compare > acquire, get
6 Yet child nor kinsman living had he none 7 To leave them to; but through daily care 8 To get, and nightly fear to lose, his own, 9 He led a wretched life, to himself unknown.
life, to himself unknown > [existence, not even realizing it; or, with a change in punctuation: life to himself, unknown (he was a solitary miser). Spenser may have intended both senses]
104.29
Most wretched wight, whom nothing might suffise,
2 Whose greedy lust did lacke in greatest store,
Whose need had end, but no end couetise,
4 Whose wealth was want, whose plenty made him pore,
Who had enough, yet wished +euer more+;
6 A vile disease, and eke in foote and hand
A grieuous gout tormented him full sore,
8 That well he could not touch, nor go, nor stand:
Such one was Auarice, the +fourth+ of this faire band.
5 euer more > euermore 1609 9 fourth > forth 1590
1 Most wretched wight, whom nothing might suffice,
wight > creature
2 Whose greedy lust did lack in greatest store,
lust > desire lack in greatest store > (A proverb: He who desires the most lacks the most; lack = want, store = measure)
3 Whose need had end, but no end covetise,
no end covetise > [whose covetousness had no end]
4 Whose wealth was want, whose plenty made him poor, 5 Who had enough, yet wished ever more;
wished ever > [ever wished]
6 A vile disease, and eke in foot and hand
eke > moreover, in addition
7 A grievous gout tormented him full sore,
full > exceedingly
8 That well he could not touch, nor go, nor stand:
That > [So that] go > walk
9 Such one was Avarice, the fourth of this fair band.
104.30
And next to him malicious Enuie rode,
2 Vpon a rauenous wolfe, and still did chaw
Betweene his cankred teeth a venemous tode,
4 That all the poison ran about his +chaw+;
But inwardly he chawed his owne maw
6 At neighbours wealth, that made him euer sad;
For death it was, when any good he saw,
8 And wept, that cause of weeping none he had,
But when he heard of harme, he wexed wondrous glad.
4 chaw > jaw 1609
1 And next to him malicious Envy rode
next to > immediately after
2 Upon a ravenous wolf, and still did chaw
still > ever, continually chaw > chew, champ upon; fig.: ruminate, brood upon
3 Between his cankered teeth a venomous toad,
cankered > ulcerated
4 That all the poison ran about his chaw;
That > [So that] chaw > jaw, jaws
5 But inwardly he chawed his own maw
maw > stomach
6 At neighbour's wealth, that made him ever sad;
neighbour > [specifically, perhaps, Avarice] wealth > wealth; or: well-being
7 For death it was, when any good he saw, 8 And wept, that cause of weeping none he had, 9 But when he heard of harm he waxed wondrous glad.
waxed > grew
104.31
All in a kirtle of discolourd say
2 He clothed was, ypainted full of eyes;
And in his bosome secretly there lay
4 An hatefull Snake, the which his taile vptyes
In many folds, and mortall sting implyes.
6 Still as he rode, he gnasht his teeth, to see
Those heapes of gold with griple Couetyse,
8 And grudged at the great felicitie
Of proud Lucifera, and his owne companie.
1 All in a kirtle of discoloured say
kirtle > coat (reaching to knees or beyond) discoloured > varicoloured say > {A thin material used for cloaks, etc.}
2 He clothed was, painted full of eyes; 3 And in his bosom secretly there lay 4 A hateful snake, which its tail upties 5 In many folds, and mortal sting implies.
mortal > lethal implies > (Literally) enfolds; conceals
6 Still as he rode, he gnashed his teeth to see
Still > Continually
7 Those heaps of gold with gripple covetise,
gripple > griping, niggardly covetise > covetousness, avarice
8 And grudged at the great felicity
grudged at > begrudged, envied
9 Of proud Lucifera, and his own company.
104.32
He hated all good workes and vertuous deeds,
2 And him no lesse, that any like did vse,
And who with gracious bread the hungry feeds,
4 His almes for want of faith he doth accuse;
So euery good to bad he doth abuse:
6 And eke the verse of famous Poets witt
He does backebite, and spightfull poison spues
8 From leprous mouth on all, that euer writt:
Such one vile Enuie was, that +fifte+ in row did sitt.
9 fifte > first 1590 etc.: FE
1 He hated all good works and virtuous deeds, 2 And him no less, that any like did use;
like > of the sort use > undertake, perform, practise
3 And who with gracious bread the hungry feeds,
who > [whoever]
4 His alms for want of faith he does accuse;
alms > charitable actions
5 So every good to bad he does abuse:
So every good to bad he does abuse > [He imputes his own values to everyone else; "abuse" here = "misrepresent">[
6 And eke the verse of famous poets' wit
eke > also
7 He does backbite, and spiteful poison spews 8 From leprous mouth on all that ever writ:
writ > was written; or: wrote
9 Such one vile Envy was, that fifth in row did sit.
104.33
And him beside rides fierce reuenging Wrath,
2 Vpon a Lion, loth for to be led;
And in his hand a burning brond he hath,
4 The which he brandisheth about his hed;
His eyes did hurle forth sparkles fiery red,
6 And stared sterne on all, that him beheld,
As ashes pale of hew and seeming ded;
8 And on his dagger still his hand he held,
Trembling through hasty rage, when choler in him sweld.
1 And him beside rides fierce revenging Wrath, 2 Upon a lion, loath to be led; 3 And in his hand a burning brand he has,
brand > brand; or, perhaps: sword
4 Which he brandishes about his head; 5 His eyes did hurl forth sparkles fiery red, 6 And stared stern on all that him beheld,
stern > fiercely, mercilessly
7 As ashes pale of hue, and seeming dead;
hue > colour [his complexion was as pale as ashes]
8 And on his dagger still his hand he held,
still > continuously
9 Trembling through hasty rage, when choler in him swelled.
choler > (One of the four principal humours of the body, which, according to medieval belief, determine one's mental and physical attributes: phlegm, blood, black bile, and choler. Choler was associated with rage)
104.34
His ruffin raiment all was staind with blood,
2 Which he had spilt, and all to rags yrent,
Through vnaduized rashnesse woxen wood;
4 For of his hands he had no gouernement,
Ne car'd for bloud in his auengement:
6 But when the furious fit was ouerpast,
His cruell facts he often would repent;
8 Yet wilfull man he neuer would forecast,
How many mischieues should ensue his heedlesse hast.
1 His ruffin raiment all was stained with blood
ruffin > ruffian, ruffianly (also the name of a fiend, and a cant- word for the Devil) raiment > clothing
2 Which he had spilt, and all to rags rent,
rent > torn
3 Through unadvised rashness waxed wood;
unadvised > ill-considered waxed > grown, become wood > furious, mad [When through ill-considered rashness he had become furious]
4 For of his hands he had no government,
government > control
5 Nor cared for blood in his avengement:
cared for > cared about, shrank from [shedding] avengement > vengeance
6 But, when the furious fit was overpassed,
overpassed > over, at an end
7 His cruel facts he often would repent;
facts > deeds
8 Yet, wilful man, he never would forecast
forecast > [consider beforehand]
9 How many mischiefs should ensue his heedless haste.
mischiefs > evils, misfortunes ensue > follow
104.35
Full many mischiefes follow cruell Wrath;
2 Abhorred bloudshed, and tumultuous strife,
Vnmanly murder, and vnthrifty scath,
4 Bitter despight, with rancours rusty knife,
And fretting griefe the enemy of life;
6 All these, and many euils moe haunt ire,
The swelling Splene, and Frenzy raging rife,
8 The shaking Palsey, and Saint Fraunces fire:
Such one was Wrath, the last of this vngodly tire.
1 Full many mischiefs follow cruel Wrath:
Full > Very, exceedingly mischiefs > evils, misfortunes
2 Abhorred bloodshed, and tumultuous strife, 3 Unmanly murder, and unthrifty scathe,
Unmanly > {Dishonourable to, degrading to, unbefitting a man} unthrifty > unfortunate; prodigal, profligate scathe > damage, harm
4 Bitter despite, with rancour's rusty knife,
despite > rage; malice rusty > blood-stained; dirty; rusty
5 And fretting grief, the enemy of life;
fretting > devouring; gnawing (cf. 106.44:5)
6 All these, and many evils more, haunt Ire,
Ire > [Wrath]
7 The swelling spleen, and frenzy raging rife,
spleen > {Spite; the organ itself, with which anger and spite were associated}
8 The shaking palsy, and Saint Francis' fire:
Saint Francis' fire > {Erysipelas, a skin disease characterized by a deep red colour}
9 Such one was Wrath, the last of this ungodly tire.
tire > accoutrement, equipment; ornament, embellishment [of Lucifera] or: ?team (from the Common Romanic tirare, to draw, pull)
104.36
And after all, vpon the wagon beame
2 Rode +Sathan+, with a smarting whip in hand,
With which he forward lasht the laesie teme,
4 So oft as Slowth still in the mire did stand.
Huge routs of people did about them band,
6 Showting for ioy, and still before their way
A foggy mist had couered all the land;
8 And vnderneath their feet, all scattered lay
Dead sculs and bones of men, whose life had gone astray.
2 Sathan > Satan 1609
1 And, after all, upon the wagon beam 2 Rode Satan, with a smarting whip in hand, 3 With which he forward lashed the lazy team, 4 So oft as Sloth still in the mire did stand.
still > motionless; yet
5 Huge routs of people did about them band,
routs > {Crowds, clamorous or riotous assemblages}
6 Shouting for joy; and still before their way 7 A foggy mist had covered all the land;
mist > (Symbol of deception: cf. 102.38:5, 212.34:5)
8 And, underneath their feet, all scattered lay 9 Dead skulls and bones of men whose life had gone astray.
104.37
So forth they marchen in this goodly sort,
2 To take the solace of the open aire,
And in fresh flowring fields themselues to sport;
4 Emongst the rest rode that false Lady faire,
The fowle Duessa, next vnto the chaire
6 Of proud +Lucifera+, as one of the traine:
But that good knight would not so nigh repaire,
8 Him selfe estraunging from their ioyaunce vaine,
Whose fellowship seemd far vnfit for warlike swaine.
6 Lucifera > Lucifer' 1590
1 So forth they march in this goodly sort,
goodly > fine; courteous sort > company, band
2 To take the solace of the open air,
solace > pleasure, comfort (implying relief)
3 And in fresh flowering fields themselves to sport; 4 Amongst the rest rode that false lady fair, 5 The foul Duessa, next to the chair
chair > chariot, car; hence: coach
6 Of proud Lucifera, as one of the train: 7 But that good knight would not so nigh repair,
repair > go, betake himself
8 Himself estranging from their joyance vain,
estranging > distancing joyance > merrymaking; delight (this word apparently coined by Spenser) vain > vain; foolish, empty
9 Whose fellowship seemed far unfit for warlike swain.
swain > youth, young man
104.38
So hauing solaced themselues a space
2 With pleasaunce of the breathing fields yfed,
They backe returned to the Princely Place;
4 Whereas an errant knight in armes ycled,
And heathnish shield, wherein with letters red
6 Was writ Sans ioy, they new arriued find:
Enflam'd with fury and fiers hardy-hed,
8 He seemd in hart to harbour thoughts vnkind,
And nourish bloudy vengeaunce in his bitter mind.
1 So, having solaced themselves a space, 2 With pleasance of the breathing fields fed,
breathing > airy
3 They back returned to the princely place; 4 Where an errant knight in arms clad,
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.)
5 And heathenish shield, wherein with letters red 6 Was written Sansjoy, they new arrived find:
new > newly
7 Inflamed with fury and fierce hardihood,
hardihood > audacity, boldness; hardness
8 He seemed in heart to harbour thoughts unkind, 9 And nourish bloody vengeance in his bitter mind.
104.39
Who when the shamed shield of slaine Sans foy
2 He spide with that same Faery champions page,
Bewraying him, that did of late destroy
4 His eldest brother, burning all with rage
He to him leapt, and that same enuious gage
6 Of victors glory from him snatcht away:
But th'Elfin knight, which ought that warlike wage,
8 Disdaind to +loose+ the meed he wonne in fray,
And him +rencountring+ fierce, reskewd the noble pray.
8 loose > lose 1609 9 rencountring > re'ncountring 1609
1 Who, when the shamed shield of slain Sansfoy
shamed > (Because it is placed upside-down: see 104.41:9)
2 He spied with that same Faery champion's page
page > [the dwarf]
3 (Bewraying him that did of late destroy
Bewraying > Revealing, betraying
4 His eldest brother), burning all with rage 5 He to him leapt, and that same envious gage
envious > enviable; also: odious gage > pledge
6 Of victor's glory from him snatched away: 7 But the Elfin knight, which ought that warlike wage,
ought > owned wage > spoil of war
8 Disdained to loose the meed he won in fray;
loose > release meed > reward; hence: prize
9 And, him rencountering fierce, rescued the noble prey.
rencountering > engaging (in battle) prey > plunder, spoil
104.40
Therewith they gan to +hurtlen+ greedily,
2 Redoubted battaile ready to darrayne,
And clash their shields, and shake their +swords+ on hy,
4 That with their sturre they troubled all the traine;
Till that great Queene vpon eternall paine
6 Of high displeasure, that ensewen might,
Commaunded them their fury to refraine,
8 And if that either to that shield had right,
In equall lists they should the morrow next it fight.
1 hurtlen > hurlen 1609 3 swords > swerds 1590
1 Therewith they began to hurtle greedily,
Therewith > With that; thereupon hurtle > brandish arms (catachr.); clash, rush together greedily > recklessly, eagerly
2 Redoubted battle ready to deraign,
Redoubted > Doughty, valiant, redoubtable deraign > {Challenge; fight a contest in order to settle a dispute}
3 And clash their shields, and shake their swords on high, 4 That with their stir they troubled all the train;
That > [So that] train > retinue
5 Till that great queen, upon eternal pain 6 Of high displeasure that ensue might,
ensue might > [might ensue]
7 Commanded them their fury to refrain, 8 And, if either to that shield had right, 9 In equal lists they should the morrow next it fight.
equal lists > impartial knightly contest ("lists" were the palisades enclosing the tilting-ground) it fight > [contest the right to the shield]
104.41
Ah dearest Dame, (quoth then the Paynim bold,)
2 Pardon the errour of enraged wight,
Whom great griefe made forget the raines to hold
4 Of reasons rule, to see this recreant knight,
No knight, but treachour full of false despight
6 And shamefull treason, who through guile hath slayn
The prowest knight, that euer field did fight,
8 Euen stout Sans foy (O who can then refrayn?)
Whose shield he beares +renuerst+, the more to heape disdayn.
9 renuerst > re'nverst 1609
1 "Ah, dearest dame," quoth then the paynim bold,
paynim > pagan, heathen
2 "Pardon the error of enraged wight,
wight > person
3 Whom great grief made forget the reins to hold 4 Of reason's rule, to see this recreant knight
recreant > cowardly; apostate
5 (No knight, but treacher full of false despite
treacher > cheat, deceiver despite > malice
6 And shameful treason) who through guile has slain 7 The prowest knight that ever field did fight,
prowest > bravest field > [a] battle; [in the] field of battle
8 Even stout Sansfoy (O who can then refrain?),
Even > To wit; that is; no less than refrain > restrain oneself [from anger, desire for revenge]
9 Whose shield he bears reversed, the more to heap disdain.
reversed > upside-down (symbolizing ignominious defeat)
104.42
And to augment the glorie of his guile,
2 His dearest loue the faire Fidessa loe
Is there possessed of the traytour vile,
4 Who reapes the haruest sowen by his foe,
Sowen in bloudy field, and bought with woe:
6 That brothers hand shall dearely well requight
So be, {o^} Queene, you equall fauour showe.
8 Him litle answerd th'angry Elfin knight;
He neuer meant with words, but swords to plead his right.
1 "And, to augment the glory of his guile,
glory > [boastful spirit]
2 His dearest love, the fair Fidessa, lo 3 Is there possessed of the traitor vile,
of > by
4 Who reaps the harvest sown by his foe, 5 Sown in bloody field, and bought with woe: 6 That brother's hand shall dearly well requite,
That > [That deed his]
7 So be, O Queen, you equal favour show!"
So be > If equal > impartial
8 Him little answered the angry Elfin knight; 9 He never meant with words, but swords, to plead his right.
104.43
But threw his gauntlet as a sacred +pledge+,
2 His cause in combat the next day to try:
So been they parted both, with harts on +edge+,
4 To be aueng'd each on his enimy.
That night they pas in ioy and iollity,
6 Feasting and courting both in bowre and hall;
For Steward was excessiue Gluttonie,
8 That of his plenty poured forth to all;
Which doen, the Chamberlain Slowth did to rest them call.
1 pledge > pledg 1590 3 edge > edg 1590
1 But threw his gauntlet as a sacred pledge, 2 His cause in combat the next day to try: 3 So been they parted both, with hearts on edge
been > [were]
4 To be avenged each on his enemy. 5 That night they pass in joy and jollity,
jollity > revelry
6 Feasting and courting both in bower and hall; 7 For steward was excessive Gluttony, 8 That of his plenty poured forth to all; 9 Which done, the chamberlain, Sloth, did to rest them call.
104.44
Now whenas darkesome night had all displayd
2 Her coleblacke curtein ouer brightest skye,
The warlike youthes on dayntie couches layd,
4 Did chace away sweet sleepe from sluggish eye,
To muse on meanes of hoped victory.
6 But whenas Morpheus had with leaden mace
Arrested all that courtly company,
8 Vp-rose Duessa from her resting place,
And to the Paynims lodging comes with silent pace.
1 Now when darksome Night had all displayed
Night > (See 105.20 ff.) displayed > spread, spread out
2 Her coal-black curtain over brightest sky, 3 The warlike youths, on dainty couches laid, 4 Did chase away sweet sleep from sluggish eye, 5 To muse on means of hoped victory. 6 But when Morpheus had with leaden mace
Morpheus > (The god of dreams: one of the sons of Somnus, the god of sleep)
7 Arrested all that courtly company, 8 Uprose Duessa from her resting place, 9 And to the paynim's lodging comes with silent pace.
paynim > pagan, heathen pace > movement, step
104.45
Whom broad awake she finds, in troublous fit,
2 Forecasting, how his foe he might annoy,
And him amoues with speaches seeming fit:
4 Ah deare Sans ioy, next dearest to Sans foy,
Cause of my new griefe, cause of +my+ new ioy,
6 Ioyous, to see his ymage in mine eye,
And greeu'd, to thinke how foe did him destroy,
8 That was the flowre of grace and cheualrye;
Lo his Fidessa to thy secret faith I flye.
5 my > omitted from 1590 and 1596: FE
1 Whom broad awake she finds, in troublous fit,
fit > condition, mood
2 Forecasting how his foe he might annoy,
Forecasting > Planning annoy > injure
3 And him amoves with speeches seeming fit:
amoves > stirs fit > fit, appropriate
4 "Ah, dear Sansjoy, next dearest to Sansfoy, 5 Cause of my new grief, cause of my new joy; 6 Joyous, to see his image in my eye, 7 And grieved, to think how foe did him destroy, 8 That was the flower of grace and chivalry; 9 Lo his Fidessa, to your secret faith I fly."
104.46
With gentle wordes he can her fairely greet,
2 And bad say on the secret of her hart.
Then sighing soft, I learne that litle sweet
4 Oft tempred is (quoth she) with muchell smart:
For since my brest was launcht with louely dart
6 Of deare Sansfoy, I neuer ioyed howre,
But in eternall woes my weaker hart
8 Haue wasted, louing him with all my powre,
And for his sake haue felt full many an heauie stowre.
1 With gentle words he can her fairly greet,
gentle > generous; courteous can > did fairly > courteously
2 And bade say on the secret of her heart.
say on > tell
3 Then, sighing soft, "I learn that little sweet 4 Oft tempered is," quoth she, "with mickle smart:
mickle > much
5 For since my breast was lanced with lovely dart
lovely > amorous
6 Of dear Sansfoy, I never joyed hour,
joyed > [enjoyed an]
7 But in eternal woes my weaker heart
weaker > too-weak
8 Have wasted, loving him with all my power, 9 And for his sake have felt full many a heavy stour.
full > very stour > [time of] turmoil or distress
104.47
At last when perils all I weened past,
2 And hop'd to reape the crop of all my care,
Into new woes vnweeting I was cast,
4 By this false faytor, who vnworthy ware
His worthy shield, whom he with guilefull snare
6 Entrapped slew, and brought to shamefull graue.
Me silly maid away with him he bare,
8 And euer since hath kept in darksome caue,
For that I would not yeeld, that to Sans-foy I gaue.
1 "At last, when perils all I weened past,
weened > supposed
2 And hoped to reap the crop of all my care, 3 Into new woes unweeting I was cast
unweeting > ignorant, unwitting
4 By this false faitour, who unworthy wears
faitour > impostor, cheat wears > bears, carries
5 His worthy shield, whom he, with guileful snare,
His > [Sansfoy's] he > [the Redcross Knight]
6 Entrapped slew, and brought to shameful grave.
Entrapped slew > [Killed while trapped]
7 Me, silly maid, away with him he bore,
silly > defenceless; innocent
8 And ever since has kept in darksome cave, 9 For that I would not yield that to Sansfoy I gave.
For that > Because that > [that which]
104.48
But since faire Sunne hath sperst that lowring clowd,
2 And to my loathed life now shewes some light,
Vnder your beames I will me safely shrowd,
4 From dreaded storme of his disdainfull spight:
To you th'inheritance belongs by right
6 Of brothers prayse, to you eke longs his loue.
Let not his loue, let not his restlesse spright
8 Be vnreueng'd, that calles to you aboue
From wandring Stygian shores, where it doth endlesse moue.
1 "But since fair sun has spersed that louring cloud,
spersed > dispersed
2 And to my loathed life now shows some light, 3 Under your beams I will me safely shroud
shroud > take shelter
4 From dreaded storm of his disdainful spite:
disdainful > angry
5 To you the inheritance belongs by right 6 Of brother's praise, to you eke belongs his love.
praise > praiseworthiness; merit, virtue eke > also
7 Let not his love, let not his restless spirit, 8 Be unrevenged, that calls to you above 9 From wandering Stygian shores, where it does endless move."
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the river across which dead souls must pass. See Aen., 6.312 ff.} endless > eternally
104.49
Thereto said he, faire Dame, be nought dismaid
2 For sorrowes past; their griefe is with them gone:
Ne yet of present perill be affraid;
4 For needlesse feare did neuer vantage none,
And helplesse hap it booteth not to mone.
6 Dead is Sans-foy, his vitall paines are past,
Though greeued ghost for vengeance deepe do grone:
8 He liues, that shall him pay his dewties last,
And guiltie Elfin bloud shall sacrifice in hast.
1 Thereto said he, "Fair dame, be naught dismayed
Thereto > To that
2 For sorrows past; their grief is with them gone: 3 Nor yet of present peril be afraid; 4 For needless fear did never vantage none,
vantage > profit, benefit none > anyone
5 And helpless hap it boots not to moan.
helpless hap it boots not to moan > [it is of no avail to bemoan an unavoidable occurrence]
6 Dead is Sansfoy, his vital pains are past,
vital > [of life, worldly]
7 Though grieved ghost for vengeance deep do groan:
grieved > [his] injured
8 He lives, that shall him pay his duties last,
He > [The Redcross Knight] duties > debts
9 And guilty Elfin blood shall sacrifice in haste."
104.50
O but I feare the fickle freakes (quoth shee)
2 Of fortune +false+, and oddes of armes in field.
Why dame (quoth he) what oddes can euer bee,
4 Where both do fight alike, to win or yield?
Yea but (quoth she) he beares a charmed shield,
6 And eke enchaunted armes, that none can perce,
Ne none can wound the man, that does them wield.
8 Charmd or enchaunted (answerd he then ferce)
I no whit reck, ne you the like need to reherce.
2 false > salse 1596
1 "O but I fear the fickle freaks," quoth she,
freaks > whims
2 "Of Fortune false, and odds of arms in field."
odds > differences, inequalities field > battle, the field of battle
3 "Why, dame," quoth he, "what odds can ever be, 4 Where both do fight alike, to win or yield?"
alike > [in equal lists: see 104.40:9]
5 "Yes, but," quoth she, "he bears a charmed shield, 6 And eke enchanted arms, that none can pierce,
eke > moreover
7 Nor none can wound the man that does them wield."
none can > can anyone
8 "Charmed or enchanted," answered he then fierce, 9 "I no whit reck; nor you the like need to rehearse.
reck > care about, take account of rehearse > give an account of
104.51
But faire Fidessa, sithens fortunes guile,
2 Or enimies powre hath now captiued you,
Returne from whence ye came, and rest a while
4 Till morrow next, that I the Elfe subdew,
And with Sans-foyes dead dowry you endew.
6 Ay me, that is a double death (she said)
With proud foes sight my sorrow to renew:
8 Where euer yet I be, my secret aid
Shall follow you. So passing forth she him obaid.
1 "But, fair Fidessa, sithens Fortune's guile
sithens > since
2 Or enemy's power has now captived you,
captived you > taken you captive
3 Return from whence you came, and rest awhile, 4 Till morrow next, that I the Elf subdue,
that > when
5 And with Sansfoy's dead dowry you endew."
Sansfoy's dead > [dead Sansfoy's] endew > endow; or: endue
6 "Ay me! That is a double death," she said, 7 "With proud foe's sight my sorrow to renew: 8 Wherever yet I be, my secret aid 9 Shall follow you." So, passing forth, she him obeyed.