CANTO IV

Guyon does Furor bind in chaines,
2 and stops Occasion:
Deliuers +Phedon+, and therefore
4 by +strife+ is rayld vpon.

3 Phedon > Phaon 1590 4 strife > Strife 1609

1 Guyon does Furor bind in chains,

Furor > "Madness" (Latin)

2 and stops Occasion:

Occasion > "Opportunity"

3 Delivers Phedon, and therefore

Phedon > (Meaning and origin uncertain)

4 by Strife is railed upon.

Strife > Atin (named at 204.42:5) railed upon > abused

204.1

IN braue pursuit of honorable deed,
2 There is I know not what great difference
Betweene the vulgar and the noble seed,
4 Which vnto things of valorous pretence
Seemes to be borne by natiue influence;
6 As feates of armes, and loue to entertaine,
But chiefly skill to ride, seemes a science
8 Proper to gentle bloud; some others faine
To menage steeds, as did this vaunter; but in vaine.

1 In brave pursuit of honourable deed,

brave > fine, splendid

2 There is I know not what great difference 3 Between the vulgar and the noble seed,

vulgar > common, ordinary seed > children, offspring (hence "noble seed" = "nobility")

4 Which to things of valorous pretence

Which > (Referring to "the noble seed") pretence > expressed intention, purpose, design

5 Seems to be born by native influence;

native > [virtue of] natal; hence: astrological

6 As feats of arms, and love to entertain,

As > [Such as] entertain > deal with; occupy oneself with; receive, be receptive to; cherish

7 But chiefly skill to ride, seems a science

science > skill, lore

8 Proper to gentle blood; some others feign

Proper > Belonging, peculiar; proper gentle > noble feign > [pretend to be able]

9 To manage steeds, as did this vaunter; but in vain.

vaunter > boaster [Braggadocchio]

204.2

But he the rightfull owner of that steed,
2 Who well could menage and subdew his pride,
The whiles on foot was forced for to yeed,
4 With that blacke Palmer, his most trusty guide;
Who suffred not his wandring feet to slide.
6 But when strong passion, or weake fleshlinesse
Would from the right way seeke to draw him wide,
8 He would through temperance and stedfastnesse,
Teach him the weake to strengthen, and the strong suppresse.

1 But he, the rightful owner of that steed,

he > [Guyon]

2 Who well could manage and subdue his pride,

pride > (Again the horse appears as a symbol of its rider's nature: cf. 102.8, etc.)

3 The whiles on foot was forced to yode,

The whiles > Meanwhile yode > go

4 With that black palmer, his most trusty guide;

black > (Referring to the colour of his clothes; see 201.7:2)

5 Who suffered not his wandering feet to slide.

suffered > allowed slide > [slide into error]

6 But when strong passion, or weak fleshliness, 7 Would from the right way seek to draw him wide, 8 He would, through temperance and steadfastness, 9 Teach him the weak to strengthen, and the strong suppress.

204.3

It fortuned forth faring on his way,
2 He saw from farre, or seemed for to see
Some troublous vprore or contentious fray,
4 Whereto he drew in haste it to agree.
A mad man, or that feigned mad to bee,
6 Drew by the haire along vpon the ground,
A handsome stripling with great crueltee,
8 Whom sore he bett, and gor'd with many a wound,
That cheekes with teares, and sides with bloud did all abound.

1 It fortuned, forth faring on his way, 2 He saw from far, or seemed to see, 3 Some troublous uproar or contentious fray, 4 Whereto he drew in haste it to agree.

agree > settle, reconcile

5 A madman, or that feigned mad to be,

madman > [Furor] that > [one that]

6 Drew by the hair, along upon the ground, 7 A handsome stripling with great cruelty, 8 Whom sore he beat, and gored with many a wound, 9 That cheeks with tears, and sides with blood did all abound.

That > [So that the stripling's]

204.4

And him behind, a wicked Hag did stalke,
2 In ragged robes, and filthy disaray,
Her other leg was lame, that she no'te +walke,+
4 But on a staffe her feeble steps did stay;
Her lockes, that loathly were and hoarie gray,
6 Grew all afore, and +loosely+ hong vnrold,
But all behind was bald, and worne away,
8 That none thereof could euer taken hold,
And eke her face ill fauourd, full of wrinckles old.

3 walke, > walke. 1590, 1596 6 loosely > loosly 1590

1 And him behind a wicked hag did stalk,

a wicked hag > [Occasion]

2 In ragged robes, and filthy disarray,

disarray > {Imperfect or improper attire}

3 Her other leg was lame, that she no'te walk,

that > [so that] no'te > could not

4 But on a staff her feeble steps did stay;

stay > support

5 Her locks, that loathly were and hoary grey,

loathly > loathsome, repulsive

6 Grew all afore, and loosely hung unrolled, 7 But all behind was bald, and worn away, 8 That none thereof could ever take hold,

That > [So that]

9 And eke her face ill-favoured, full of wrinkles old.

eke > also [was] ill-favoured > ugly

204.5

And euer as she went, her tongue did walke
2 In foule reproch, and termes of vile despight,
Prouoking him by her outrageous talke,
4 To heape more vengeance on that wretched wight;
Sometimes she raught him stones, wherwith to smite,
6 Sometimes her staffe, though it her one leg were,
Withouten which she could not go vpright;
8 Ne any euill meanes she did forbeare,
That might him moue to wrath, and indignation reare.

1 And ever as she went her tongue did walk

walk > move, remain in motion

2 In foul reproach, and terms of vile despite,

terms > words, language despite > anger; malice; contempt

3 Provoking him, by her outrageous talk,

him > [Furor] outrageous > outrageous; excessively fierce

4 To heap more vengeance on that wretched wight;

wight > person [Phedon]

5 Sometimes she raught him stones, wherewith to smite,

raught > reached, handed wherewith > with which

6 Sometimes her staff, though it her one leg were, 7 Without which she could not go upright; 8 Neither any evil means she did forbear, 9 That might him move to wrath, and indignation rear.

rear > arouse

204.6

The noble Guyon mou'd with great remorse,
2 Approching, first the Hag did thrust away,
And after adding more impetuous forse,
4 His mightie hands did on the madman lay,
And pluckt him backe; who all on fire streight way,
6 Against him turning all his fell intent,
With beastly brutish rage gan him assay,
8 And smot, and bit, and kickt, and scratcht, and rent,
And did he wist not what in his auengement.

1 The noble Guyon, moved with great remorse,

remorse > pity, compassion

2 Approaching, first the hag did thrust away 3 And, after adding more impetuous force, 4 His mighty hands did on the madman lay, 5 And plucked him back; who, all on fire straightway, 6 Against him turning all his fell intent,

fell > fierce, terrible

7 With beastly brutish rage gan him assay,

gan > did assay > assail

8 And smote, and bit, and kicked, and scratched, and rent,

rent > tore

9 And did he wist not what in his avengement.

wist > knew avengement > vengeance

204.7

And sure he was a man of mickle might,
2 Had he had gouernance, it well to guide:
But when the franticke fit inflamd his spright,
4 His force was vaine, and strooke more often wide,
Then at the aymed marke, which he had eide:
6 And oft himselfe he chaunst to hurt vnwares,
Whilst reason blent through passion, nought descride,
8 But as a blindfold Bull at randon fares,
And where he hits, nought knowes, and whom he hurts, nought cares.

1 And sure he was a man of mickle might,

mickle > much

2 Had he had governance, it well to guide:

governance > management, self-control

3 But when the frantic fit inflamed his spirit 4 His force was vain, and struck more often wide

vain > empty, unavailing

5 Than at the aimed mark, which he had eyed: 6 And oft himself he chanced to hurt unwares,

unwares > unwittingly

7 Whilst reason, blended through passion, naught descried,

blended > blinded; also: stirred up, hence: spoiled, rendered turbid naught > nothing at all

8 But as a blindfolded bull at random fares, 9 And where he hits naught knows, and whom he hurts naught cares.

naught > not at all naught > nothing at all

204.8

His rude assault and rugged handeling
2 Straunge seemed to the knight, that aye with foe
In faire defence and goodly menaging
4 Of armes was wont to fight, yet nathemoe
Was he abashed now not fighting so,
6 But more enfierced through his currish play,
Him sternely grypt, and haling to and fro,
8 To ouerthrow him strongly did assay,
But ouerthrew himselfe vnwares, and lower lay.

1 His rude assault and rugged handling

rude > violent rugged > rough handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct

2 Strange seemed to the knight, that ay with foe

ay > ever, always

3 In fair defence and goodly managing

managing > handling, wielding

4 Of arms was wont to fight, yet nathemore

wont > accustomed nathemore > never the more, not at all

5 Was he abashed now not fighting so, 6 But, more enfierced through his currish play,

enfierced > made fierce currish > cur-like: quarrelsome, snappish

7 Him sternly gripped and, haling to and fro,

sternly > fiercely haling > hauling, dragging

8 To overthrow him strongly did essay,

essay > attempt

9 But overthrew himself unwares, and lower lay.

unwares > unexpectedly

204.9

And being downe the villein sore did beat,
2 And bruze with clownish fistes his manly face:
And eke the Hag with many a bitter threat,
4 Still cald vpon to kill him in the place.
With whose reproch and odious menace
6 The knight emboyling in his haughtie hart,
Knit all his forces, and gan soone vnbrace
8 His grasping hold: so lightly did vpstart,
And drew his deadly weapon, to maintaine his part.

1 And, being down, the villein sore did beat,

villein > villain; serf

2 And bruise with clownish fists his manly face:

clownish > coarse; clumsy

3 And eke the hag, with many a bitter threat,

eke > also

4 Still called upon to kill him in the place.

Still > Continuously upon > [upon Furor] in the place > there; on the spot, right away

5 With whose reproach and odious menace 6 The knight, emboiling in his haughty heart,

emboiling > boiling with rage (SUS)

7 Knit all his forces, and gan soon unbrace

gan soon unbrace > did immediately loosen

8 His grasping hold: so lightly did upstart,

lightly > quickly, lightly upstart > get up

9 And drew his deadly weapon, to maintain his part.

maintain > defend part > {Side in a contest; cause}

204.10

Which when the Palmer saw, he loudly cryde,
2 Not so, {o^} Guyon, neuer thinke that so
That Monster can be maistred or destroyd:
4 He is +not+, ah, he is not such a foe,
As steele can wound, or strength can ouerthroe.
6 That same is Furor, cursed cruell wight,
That vnto knighthood workes much shame and woe;
8 And that same Hag, his aged mother, hight
Occasion, the root of all wrath +and+ despight.

4 not > no 1590 etc.: FE 9 and > aud 1596

1 Which when the palmer saw, he loudly cried, 2 "Not so, O Guyon, never think that so

so > thus

3 That monster can be mastered or destroyed: 4 He is not, ah, he is not such a foe 5 As steel can wound, or strength can overthrow. 6 That same is Furor, cursed cruel wight,

wight > creature, being

7 That to knighthood works much shame and woe; 8 And that same hag, his aged mother, hight

hight > is called

9 Occasion, the root of all wrath and despite.

despite > malice; rage; outrage

204.11

With her, who so will raging Furor tame,
2 Must first begin, and well her amenage:
First her restraine from her reprochfull blame,
4 And euill meanes, with which she doth enrage
Her franticke sonne, and kindles his courage,
6 Then when she is withdrawen, or strong withstood,
It's eath his idle furie to asswage,
8 And calme the tempest of his passion wood;
The bankes are ouerflowen, when stopped is the flood.

1 "With her, whoso will raging Furor tame

whoso > whoever

2 Must first begin, and well her amenage:

amenage > tame, domesticate; control (WU)

3 First her restrain from her reproachful blame

reproachful > shameful, disgraceful blame > {Reproach, the action of censuring, reprehension}

4 And evil means, with which she does enrage 5 Her frantic son, and kindles his courage,

courage > wrath; confidence

6 Then when she is withdrawn, or strong withstood, 7 It's eath his idle fury to assuage,

eath > easy idle > empty; unavailing, futile assuage > abate

8 And calm the tempest of his passion wood;

passion > {Outburst of anger; overpowering access of emotion; affection of the mind; also: suffering, affliction} wood > furious, mad

9 The banks are overflowed, when stopped is the flood."

204.12

Therewith Sir Guyon left his first emprise,
2 And turning to that woman, fast her hent
By the hoare lockes, that hong before her eyes,
4 And to the ground her threw: yet n'ould she stent
Her bitter rayling and foule reuilement,
6 But still prouokt her sonne to wreake her wrong;
But nathelesse he did her still torment,
8 And catching hold of her vngratious +tong+,
Thereon an yron +lock+ did fasten firme and strong.

8 tong > tongue 1590; tonge FE 9 lock > lock, 1590, 1596

1 Therewith Sir Guyon left his first emprise

Therewith > With that emprise > undertaking, enterprise

2 And, turning to that woman, fast her hent

fast > firmly hent > seized

3 By the hoar locks that hung before her eyes,

hoar > hoary, grey

4 And to the ground her threw: yet nould she stint

nould > would not stint > desist from

5 Her bitter railing and foul revilement,

revilement > {The action of reviling}

6 But still provoked her son to wreak her wrong;

wrong > evil intent

7 But natheless he did her still torment,

natheless > nevertheless

8 And, catching hold of her ungracious tongue,

ungracious > wicked

9 Thereon an iron lock did fasten firm and strong.

lock > {Any contrivance for fastening; cf. Isa. 37.29}

204.13

Then when as vse of speach was from her reft,
2 With her two crooked handes she signes did make,
And beckned him, the last helpe she had left:
4 But he that last left helpe away did take,
And both her hands fast bound vnto a stake,
6 That she +note+ stirre. Then gan her sonne to flie
Full fast away, and did her quite forsake;
8 But Guyon after him in haste did hie,
And soone him ouertooke in sad perplexitie.

6 note > no'te 1609

1 Then, when use of speech was from her reft,

reft > taken away

2 With her two crooked hands she signs did make, 3 And beckoned him (the last help she had left):

him > [Furor]

4 But he that last left help away did take,

he > [Guyon]

5 And both her hands fast bound to a stake,

fast > firmly

6 That she no'te stir. Then began her son to fly

no'te > could not fly > flee

7 Full fast away, and did her quite forsake;

Full > Very, exceedingly

8 But Guyon after him in haste did hie, 9 And soon him overtook in sad perplexity.

perplexity > distress

204.14

In his strong armes he stiffely him embraste,
2 Who him gainstriuing, nought at all preuaild:
For all his power was vtterly defaste,
4 And furious fits at earst quite weren quaild:
Oft he re'nforst, and oft his forces fayld,
6 Yet yield he would not, nor his rancour slacke.
Then him to ground he cast, and rudely hayld,
8 And both his hands fast bound behind his backe,
And both his feet in fetters to an yron racke.

1 In his strong arms he stiffly him embraced,

stiffly > strongly; tightly

2 Who, him gainstriving, naught at all prevailed:

gainstriving > opposing, striving against

3 For all his power was utterly defaced,

defaced > destroyed

4 And furious fits at erst quite were quailed:

erst > once (catachr.) quailed > overpowered

5 Oft he reinforced, and oft his forces failed,

reinforced > made a fresh effort

6 Yet yield he would not, nor his rancour slack. 7 Then him to ground he cast, and rudely haled,

rudely > roughly, violently haled > hauled, dragged

8 And both his hands fast bound behind his back,

fast > firmly

9 And both his feet in fetters to an iron rack.

rack > {Iron bar to which prisoners were secured}

204.15

With hundred yron chaines he did him bind,
2 And hundred knots that did him sore constraine:
Yet his great yron teeth he still did grind,
4 And grimly gnash, threatning reuenge in vaine:
His burning eyen, whom bloudie strakes did staine,
6 Stared full wide, and threw forth sparkes of fire,
And more for ranck despight, then for great paine,
8 Shakt his long lockes, colourd like copper-wire,
And bit his tawny beard to shew his raging ire.

1 With hundred iron chains he did him bind, 2 And hundred knots that did him sore constrain:

hundred knots > (Cf. Aen. 1.294-6, where Furor is bound with a bronze chain of 100 links)

3 Yet his great iron teeth he still did grind, 4 And grimly gnash, threatening revenge in vain:

grimly > grimly, fiercely; dreadfully

5 His burning eyes, which bloody strakes did stain,

strakes > streaks

6 Stared full wide, and threw forth sparks of fire,

Stared > {Glared; opened wide in madness or fury} full > exceedingly

7 And, more for rank despite than for great pain,

rank > proud, rebellious; violent; excessive; festering; virulent despite > malice, spite; rage

8 Shook his long locks, coloured like copper wire,

Shook > [He shook]

9 And bit his tawny beard to show his raging ire.

204.16

Thus when as Guyon Furor had captiu'd,
2 Turning about he saw that wretched Squire,
Whom that mad man of life nigh late depriu'd,
4 Lying on ground, all soild with bloud and mire:
Whom when as he perceiued to respire,
6 He gan to comfort, and his wounds to dresse.
Being at last recured, he gan inquire,
8 What hard mishap him brought to such distresse,
And made that caitiues thral, the thral of wretchednesse.

1 Thus when Guyon Furor had captived,

captived > made captive

2 Turning about, he saw that wretched squire

squire > {One ranking next to a knight in the feudal system of military service and tenure; also: a gallant, lover}

3 (Whom that madman of life nigh late deprived)

late > lately

4 Lying on ground, all soiled with blood and mire: 5 Whom when he perceived to respire, 6 He began to comfort, and his wounds to dress. 7 Being at last recured, he gan inquire

recured > recovered, restored he gan > [Guyon did]

8 What hard mishap him brought to such distress, 9 And made that caitiff's thrall, the thrall of wretchedness.

caitiff's thrall > wretch's slave

204.17

With hart then throbbing, and with watry eyes,
2 Faire Sir (quoth he) what man can shun the hap,
That hidden lyes vnwares him to +surpryse?+
4 Misfortune waites aduantage to entrap
The man most warie in her whelming lap.
6 So me weake wretch, of many weakest +one+,
Vnweeting, and vnware of such mishap,
8 She brought to mischiefe through +occasion+,
Where this same wicked villein did me +light vpon+.

3 surpryse? > surpryse 1590, 1596 6 one > wretch 1590 8 occasion > her guilful trech 1590 9 light vpon > wandring ketch 1590

1 With heart then throbbing, and with watery eyes, 2 "Fair sir," quoth he, "what man can shun the hap

hap > chance, fortune

3 That hidden lies unwares him to surprise?

unwares > unexpectedly; suddenly

4 Misfortune waits advantage to entrap

waits > lies in wait for advantage > [a] time of advantage, chance, opportunity

5 The man most wary in her whelming lap.

whelming > submerging, engulfing; ruinous

6 So me, weak wretch, of many weakest one,

weakest > [the weakest]

7 Unweeting, and unware of such mishap,

Unweeting > Unwitting, unsuspecting unware > unaware; unvigilant

8 She brought to mischief through occasion,

She > [Misfortune] mischief > misfortune, disaster; evil occasion > [an] opportunity

9 Where this same wicked villein did me light upon.

Where > [In which, at which] villein > villain; serf

204.18

It was a faithlesse Squire, that was the sourse
2 Of all my sorrow, and of these sad teares,
With whom from tender dug of commune nourse,
4 Attonce I was vpbrought, and eft when yeares
More rype vs reason lent to +chose+ our Peares,
6 Our selues in league of vowed loue we knit:
In which we long time without gealous feares,
8 +Or+ faultie thoughts continewd, as was fit;
And for my part I vow, dissembled not a whit.

5 chose > chuse 1609 8 Or > Our 1609

1 "It was a faithless squire, that was the source

squire > gallant, lover

2 Of all my sorrow, and of these sad tears, 3 With whom from tender dug of common nurse,

dug > breast; teat

4 At once I was upbrought, and eft, when years

At once > Together, simultaneously upbrought > brought up eft > afterwards

5 More ripe us reason lent to choose our peers,

peers > companions

6 Ourselves in league of vowed love we knit: 7 In which we long time, without jealous fears 8 Or faulty thoughts, continued, as was fit; 9 And, for my part I vow, dissembled not a whit.

204.19

+It+ was my fortune commune to that age,
2 To loue a Ladie faire of great degree,
The which was borne of noble parentage,
4 And set in highest seat of dignitee,
Yet seemd no lesse to loue, then loued to bee:
6 Long I her seru'd, and found her faithfull still,
Ne euer thing could cause vs disagree:
8 Loue that two harts makes +one,+ makes eke one will:
Each stroue to please, and others pleasure to fulfill.

1 It > Is 1596 8 one, > one; 1596

1 "It was my fortune, common to that age,

age > {Time of life}

2 To love a lady fair of great degree,

degree > social station

3 Who was born of noble parentage, 4 And set in highest seat of dignity, 5 Yet seemed no less to love, than loved to be: 6 Long I her served, and found her faithful still,

still > always

7 Ne ever thing could cause us disagree:

Ne ever > Nor ever; never disagree > [to disagree]

8 Love that two hearts makes one, makes eke one will:

eke > also

9 Each strove to please, and other's pleasure to fulfil.

204.20

My friend, hight Philemon, I did +partake,+
2 Of all my loue and all my priuitie;
Who greatly ioyous seemed for my sake,
4 And gratious to that Ladie, as to mee,
Ne euer wight, that mote so welcome bee,
6 As he to her, withouten blot or blame,
Ne euer thing, that she could thinke or see,
8 But vnto him she would impart the same:
O wretched man, that would abuse so gentle Dame.

1 partake, > partake 1609

1 "My friend, hight Philemon, I did partake

hight > named Philemon > "My Friend" (Greek) partake > inform

2 Of all my love and all my privity;

privity > private knowledge, secrets

3 Who greatly joyous seemed for my sake, 4 And gracious to that lady, as to me;

gracious > [as gracious]

5 Ne ever wight that might so welcome be,

Ne ever > Never [a] wight > person

6 As he to her, without blot or blame,

blame > imputation

7 Ne ever thing that she could think or see,

Ne ever > Nor ever; never

8 But to him she would impart the same: 9 O wretched man, that would abuse so gentle dame!

abuse > deceive; take advantage of; violate gentle > gentle; noble [a]

204.21

At last such grace I found, and meanes I wrought,
2 That I that Ladie to my spouse had wonne;
Accord of friends, consent of parents sought,
4 Affiance made, my happinesse begonne,
There wanted nought but few rites to be donne,
6 Which mariage make; that day too farre did seeme:
Most ioyous man, on whom the shining +Sunne,+
8 Did shew his face, my selfe I did esteeme,
And that my falser friend did no lesse ioyous deeme.

7 Sunne, > Sunne 1609

1 "At last such grace I found, and means I wrought,

grace > favour, goodwill

2 That I that lady to my spouse had won;

to > [to become] won > persuaded

3 Accord of friends, consent of parents sought, 4 Affiance made, my happiness begun,

Affiance > Betrothal

5 There wanted naught but few rites to be done, 6 Which marriage make; that day too far did seem: 7 Most joyous man on whom the shining sun 8 Did show his face, myself I did esteem,

esteem > estimate, reckon

9 And that my falser friend did no less joyous deem.

that > [that day] falser > falsest; too false

204.22

But ere that wished day his beame disclosd,
2 He either enuying my toward good,
Or of himselfe to treason ill +disposd+
4 One day vnto me came in friendly mood,
And told for secret how he vnderstood
6 That Ladie whom I had to me assynd,
Had both distaind her honorable blood,
8 And eke the faith, which she to me did bynd;
And therfore wisht me stay, till I more truth should fynd.

3 disposd > disposd, 1609

1 "But ere that wished day its beam disclosed, 2 He, either envying my toward good,

envying > begrudging; envying toward > approaching, impending; propitious

3 Or of himself to treason ill disposed, 4 One day to me came in friendly mood, 5 And told for secret how he understood 6 That lady, whom I had to me assigned,

That > [That that] assigned > allotted; designated (for marriage)

7 Had both distained her honourable blood

distained > sullied

8 And eke the faith which she to me did bind;

eke > also

9 And therefore wished me stay till I more truth should find.

stay > [to] wait

204.23

The gnawing anguish and sharpe gelosy,
2 Which his sad speech infixed in my brest,
Ranckled so sore, and festred inwardly,
4 That my engreeued mind could find no rest,
Till that the truth thereof I did outwrest,
6 And him besought by that same sacred band
Betwixt vs both, to counsell me the best.
8 He then with solemne oath and plighted hand
Assur'd, ere long the truth to let me vnderstand.

1 "The gnawing anguish and sharp jealousy, 2 Which his sad speech infixed in my breast, 3 Rankled so sore, and festered inwardly, 4 That my engrieved mind could find no rest,

engrieved > aggravated; grieved

5 Till the truth thereof I did outwrest,

outwrest > wrest out, extract

6 And him besought, by that same sacred band 7 Betwixt us both, to counsel me the best. 8 He then, with solemn oath and plighted hand, 9 Assured, ere long, the truth to let me understand.

Assured > Pledged

204.24

Ere long with like againe he boorded mee,
2 Saying, he now had boulted all the floure,
And that it was a groome of base degree,
4 Which of my loue was partner Paramoure:
Who vsed in a darkesome inner bowre
6 Her oft to meet: which better to approue,
He promised to bring me at that howre,
8 When I should see, that would me nearer moue,
And driue me to withdraw my blind abused loue.

1 "Ere long with like again he boarded me,

boarded > drew near to and addressed, accosted

2 Saying, he now had bolted all the flour,

bolted > sifted; examined by sifting, searched (proverbial)

3 And that it was a groom of base degree,

groom > fellow degree > rank

4 Who of my love was partner paramour:

paramour > (Adv.) in sexual love

5 Who used in a darksome inner bower

used > was accustomed, was in the habit of bower > chamber

6 Her oft to meet: which better to approve,

approve > prove, demonstrate

7 He promised to bring me at that hour 8 When I should see that would me nearer move,

that > [that which] nearer move > affect more deeply

9 And drive me to withdraw my blind abused love.

abused > deceived; abused

204.25

This gracelesse man for furtherance of his guile,
2 Did court the handmayd of my Lady deare,
Who glad t'embosome his affection vile,
4 Did all she might, more pleasing to appeare.
One day to worke her to his will more neare,
6 He woo'd her thus: Pryene (so she hight)
What great despight doth fortune to thee beare,
8 Thus lowly to abase thy beautie bright,
That it should not deface all others lesser light?

1 "This graceless man, for furtherance of his guile, 2 Did court the handmaid of my lady dear, 3 Who, glad to embosom his affection vile,

embosom > embrace (chiefly fig.)

4 Did all she might, more pleasing to appear. 5 One day, to work her to his will more near,

near > closely

6 He wooed her thus: `Pryene,' (so she hight)

Pryene > (The name is possibly derived from pyr, the Greek word for fire (cf. "prytaneum"), in that she is identified as both an incendiary in the story (see 204.29:8) and herself inflamed with love (204.27:1)) hight > is named

7 `What great despite does Fortune to you bear,

despite > ill-will, malice

8 Thus lowly to abase your beauty bright, 9 That it should not deface all others' lesser light?

deface > cast in the shade

204.26

But if she had her least helpe to thee lent,
2 T'adorne thy forme according thy desart,
Their blazing pride thou wouldest soone haue blent,
4 And staynd their prayses with thy least good part;
Ne should faire Claribell with all her art,
6 Though she thy Lady be, approch thee neare:
For proofe thereof, this euening, as thou art,
8 Aray thy selfe in her most gorgeous geare,
That I may more delight in thy embracement deare.

1 "`But if she had her least help to you lent,

she > [Fortune]

2 To adorn your form according your desert,

your desert > [to your merits]

3 Their blazing pride you would soon have blended,

blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, spoiled

4 And stained their praises with your least good part;

stained > {Deprived of colour and lustre} praises > [the praises they receive; cf. 111.7:6] part > quality; accomplishment

5 Neither should fair Claribella, with all her art,

Claribella > "Clear and Beautiful" (Latin. This spelling is adopted in view of 204.28:3, and to differentiate her from the "Claribell" in 612)

6 Though she your lady be, approach you near: 7 For proof thereof, this evening, as you are, 8 Array yourself in her most gorgeous gear,

gear > clothes

9 That I may more delight in your embracement dear.'

That > [So that] embracement > embrace, embraces

204.27

The Maiden proud through prayse, and mad through loue
2 Him hearkned to, and soone her selfe arayd,
The whiles to me the treachour did remoue
4 His craftie engin, and as he had sayd,
Me leading, in a secret corner layd,
6 The sad spectatour of my Tragedie;
Where left, he went, and his owne false part playd,
8 Disguised like that groome of base degree,
Whom he had feignd th'abuser of my loue to bee.

1 "The maiden, proud through praise, and mad through love, 2 Him hearkened to, and soon herself arrayed; 3 The whiles to me the treacher did remove

The whiles > Meanwhile treacher > deceiver; traitor remove > [transfer from Pryene to myself]

4 His crafty engine and, as he had said,

engine > contrivance, scheme

5 Me leading, in a secret corner laid, 6 The sad spectator of my tragedy; 7 Where left, he went, and his own false part played, 8 Disguised like that groom of base degree

groom > fellow degree > rank

9 Whom he had feigned the abuser of my love to be.

204.28

Eftsoones he came vnto th'appointed place,
2 And with him brought +Priene+, rich arayd,
In Claribellaes clothes. Her proper face
4 I not +descerned+ in that darkesome shade,
But weend it was my loue, with whom he playd.
6 Ah God, what horrour and tormenting griefe
My hart, my hands, mine eyes, and all assayd?
8 Me liefer were ten thousand +deathes+ priefe,
Then wound of gealous worme, and shame of such repriefe.

2 Priene > Pryene 1590 4 descerned > discerned 1609 8 deathes > deathez 1609, to emphasize the disyllable; cf. 110.39:4, 200.5:4, 206.39:5

1 "Eftsoons he came to the appointed place,

Eftsoons > Thereupon

2 And with him brought Pryene, rich arrayed, 3 In Claribella's clothes. Her proper face

proper > own; beautiful; excellent, admirable

4 I not discerned in that darksome shade, 5 But weened it was my love with whom he played.

weened > supposed

6 Ah God, what horror and tormenting grief 7 My heart, my hands, my eyes, and all assayed?

assayed > assailed; made trial of

8 Me liefer were ten thousand deaths' proof,

Me liefer > Preferable to me, dearer to me proof > trial, experience

9 Than wound of jealous worm, and shame of such reproof.

worm > snake, serpent [of jealousy]; passion, gnawing torment reproof > shame, disgrace

204.29

I home returning, fraught with fowle despight,
2 And chawing vengeance all the way I went,
Soone as my loathed loue appeard in sight,
4 With wrathfull hand I slew her innocent;
That after soone I dearely did lament:
6 For when the cause of that outrageous deede
Demaunded, I made plaine and euident,
8 Her faultie Handmayd, which that bale did breede,
Confest, how Philemon her wrought to chaunge her weede.

1 "I, home returning (fraught with foul despite,

fraught > filled despite > anger; malice

2 And chawing vengeance all the way I went),

chawing > chewing, champing; fig.: ruminating upon, brooding over

3 Soon as my loathed love appeared in sight,

Soon > [As soon]

4 With wrathful hand I slew her innocent; 5 That after soon I dearly did lament:

That > [That deed] dearly > sorely, grievously

6 For when the cause of that outrageous deed

cause of > [motive for]

7 Demanded (I made plain and evident),

Demanded > [Was demanded] made > [made it]

8 Her faulty handmaid, who that bale did breed,

faulty > guilty bale > torment; infliction of death (and, keeping the meaning of "Pryene" in mind, see 101.16:7)

9 Confessed how Philemon her wrought to change her weed.

weed > clothing

204.30

Which when I heard, with horrible affright
2 And hellish fury all enragd, I sought
Vpon my selfe that vengeable despight
4 To punish: yet it better first I thought,
To wreake my wrath on him, that first it wrought.
6 To Philemon, false faytour Philemon
I cast to pay, that I so dearely bought;
8 Of deadly drugs I gaue him drinke anon,
And washt away his guilt with guiltie potion.

1 "Which when I heard, with horrible affright

affright > terror

2 And hellish fury all enraged, I sought 3 Upon myself that vengeable despite

vengeable > {Characterized by or arising from revenge; cruel, dreadful} despite > outrage; rage; malice

4 To punish: yet it better first, I thought,

punish > inflict [by way of punishment]

5 To wreak my wrath on him that first it wrought. 6 To Philemon, false faitour Philemon,

faitour > impostor

7 I cast to pay that I so dearly bought;

cast > decided, resolved that > [that which] dearly > grievously; expensively

8 Of deadly drugs I gave him drink anon,

drink > [to drink] anon > straightway; (catachr.) soon

9 And washed away his guilt with guilty potion.

204.31

Thus heaping crime on crime, and griefe on griefe,
2 To losse of loue adioyning losse of frend,
I meant to purge both with a third mischiefe,
4 And in my woes beginner it to end:
That was Pryene; she did first offend,
6 She last should smart: with which cruell intent,
When I at her my murdrous blade did bend,
8 She fled away with ghastly dreriment,
And I pursewing my fell purpose, after went.

1 "Thus heaping crime on crime, and grief on grief, 2 To loss of love adjoining loss of friend,

adjoining > uniting

3 I meant to purge both with a third mischief, 4 And in my woes' beginner it to end:

beginner > initiator, author

5 That was Pryene; she did first offend, 6 She last should smart: with which cruel intent,

smart > suffer

7 When I at her my murderous blade did bend,

bend > direct, bring to bear

8 She fled away with ghastly dreariment,

ghastly > frightful, terrible dreariment > horror

9 And I, pursuing my fell purpose, after went.

fell > terrible, dreadful

204.32

Feare gaue her wings, and rage enforst my flight;
2 Through woods and plaines so long I did her chace,
Till this mad man, whom your victorious might
4 Hath now fast bound, me met in middle space,
As I her, so he me pursewd apace,
6 And shortly ouertooke: +I+ breathing yre,
Sore chauffed at my stay in such a cace,
8 And with my heat kindled his cruell fyre;
Which kindled once, his mother did more rage inspyre.

6 I > I, 1609

1 "Fear gave her wings, and rage enforced my flight;

enforced > strengthened, reinforced

2 Through woods and plains so long I did her chase,

so > thus, in that manner

3 Till this madman, whom your victorious might 4 Has now fast bound, me met in middle space,

fast > firmly middle space > (Cf. 202.20:3)

5 As I her, so he me pursued apace,

apace > swiftly

6 And shortly overtook: I, breathing ire, 7 Sore chafed at my stay in such a case,

chafed > fretted stay > detention, hindrance

8 And with my heat kindled his cruel fire; 9 Which, kindled once, his mother did more rage inspire.

inspire > blow upon [his cruel fire, as if with bellows expelling rage]; also: inspire [in him]

204.33

Betwixt them both, they haue me doen to dye,
2 Through wounds, and strokes, and stubborne handeling,
That death were better, then such agony,
4 As griefe and furie vnto me did bring;
Of which in me yet stickes the mortall sting,
6 That during life will neuer be appeasd.
When he thus ended had his sorrowing,
8 Said Guyon, Squire, sore haue ye beene diseasd;
But all your hurts may soone through temperance be easd.

1 "Betwixt them both, they have me done to die,

done > caused, made; tried to make

2 Through wounds, and strokes, and stubborn handling,

stubborn > inflexible, unyielding handling > treatment

3 That death were better than such agony

That > [So that]

4 As grief and fury to me did bring; 5 Of which in me yet sticks the mortal sting, 6 That during life will never be appeased."

appeased > assuaged

7 When he thus ended had his sorrowing, 8 Said Guyon, "Squire, sore have you been diseased;

diseased > troubled, distressed

9 But all your hurts may soon through temperance be eased."

204.34

Then gan the Palmer thus, +most+ wretched man,
2 That to affections does the bridle lend;
In their beginning they are weake and wan,
4 But soone through suff'rance grow to fearefull end;
Whiles they are weake betimes with them contend:
6 For when they once to perfect strength do grow,
Strong warres they make, and cruell battry bend
8 Gainst fort of Reason, it to ouerthrow:
Wrath, gelosie, griefe, loue this Squire haue layd thus low.

1 most > Most 1609

1 Then began the palmer thus, "Most wretched man, 2 That to affections does the bridle lend;

affections > emotions (esp. strong emotions, as passion, lust, etc.)

3 In their beginning they are weak and wan, 4 But soon through sufferance grow to fearful end;

sufferance > acquiescence, non-intervention; toleration

5 While they are weak, betimes with them contend:

betimes > in good time, early

6 For when they once to perfect strength do grow, 7 Strong wars they make, and cruel battery bend

battery > assault with many blows bend > direct, bring to bear

8 Against fort of Reason, it to overthrow: 9 Wrath, jealousy, grief, love, this squire have laid thus low.

204.35

Wrath, gealosie, griefe, loue do thus expell:
2 Wrath is a fire, and gealosie a weede,
Griefe is a flood, and loue a monster fell;
4 The fire of sparkes, the weede of little seede,
The flood of drops, the Monster filth did breede:
6 But sparks, seed, drops, and filth do thus delay;
The sparks soone quench, the springing seed +outweed+
8 The drops dry vp, and filth wipe cleane away:
So shall wrath, gealosie, griefe, loue dye and decay.

7 outweed > outweed, 1609

1 "Wrath, jealousy, grief, love do thus expel:

expel > (Imperative mood)

2 Wrath is a fire, and jealousy a weed, 3 Grief is a flood, and love a monster fell;

fell > fierce, terrible

4 The fire of sparks, the weed of little seed, 5 The flood of drops, the monster filth did breed;

filth > (Cf. 101.21, 107.17:3, 311.51:7-9)

6 But sparks, seed, drops, and filth do thus delay:

delay > mitigate; assuage

7 The sparks soon quench, the springing seed outweed,

outweed > (The meaning is not clear. Two possible interpretations are (1) become weeded out, i.e. the springing seed soon gives rise to a plant which dies and is therefore thinned out; (2) germinate, spring out as a weed, with implication of subsequent death and decay. In either event one is in little doubt about the intention)

8 The drops dry up, and filth wipe clean away: 9 So shall wrath, jealousy, grief, love, die and decay."

So > Thus

204.36

Vnlucky Squire (said Guyon) sith thou hast
2 Falne +into+ mischiefe through intemperaunce,
Henceforth take heede of that thou now hast past,
4 And guide thy wayes with warie gouernaunce,
Least worse betide thee by some later chaunce.
6 But read how art thou nam'd, and of what kin.
+Phedon+ I hight (quoth he) and do aduaunce
8 Mine auncestry from famous Coradin,
Who first to rayse our house to honour did begin.

2 into > vnto 1596 7 Phedon > Phaon 1590

1 "Unlucky squire," said Guyon, "sith you have

sith > since

2 Fallen into mischief through intemperance,

mischief > misfortune, disaster; evil

3 Henceforth take heed of that you now have passed,

that > [that which] passed > [in the temporal sense]

4 And guide your ways with wary governance,

governance > management, self-control

5 Lest worse betide you by some later chance.

betide > befall chance > chance, accident (Occasion)

6 But read how are you named, and of what kin."

read > make known, declare

7 "Phedon I hight," quoth he, "and do advance

hight > am called advance > boast of, lay claim to

8 My ancestry from famous Coradin,

Coradin > "Uncontrollable Spirit" (Latin cor, heart; Greek adunateo, to lack strength or spirit)

9 Who first to raise our house to honour did begin."

204.37

Thus as he spake, lo far away they spyde
2 A varlet running towards hastily,
Whose flying feet so fast their way applyde,
4 That round about a cloud of dust did fly,
Which mingled all with sweate, did dim his eye.
6 He soone approched, panting, breathlesse, whot,
And all so soyld, that none could him descry;
8 His countenaunce was bold, and bashed not
For Guyons lookes, but scornefull eyglaunce at him shot.

1 Thus as he spoke, lo far away they spied 2 A varlet running towards hastily,

varlet > knight's attendant; menial; rogue towards > [in their direction]

3 Whose flying feet so fast their way applied

applied > plied, pursued

4 That round about a cloud of dust did fly, 5 Which, mingled all with sweat, did dim his eye. 6 He soon approached, panting, breathless, hot, 7 And all so soiled that none could him descry; 8 His countenance was bold, and bashed not

bashed > was abashed, was disconcerted

9 For Guyon's looks, but scornful eyeglance at him shot.

204.38

Behind his backe he bore a brasen shield,
2 On which was drawen faire, in colours fit,
A flaming fire in midst of bloudy field,
4 And round about the wreath this word was writ,
Burnt I do burne. Right well beseemed it,
6 To be the shield of some redoubted knight;
And in his hand two darts exceeding flit,
8 And deadly sharpe he held, whose heads were dight
In poyson and in bloud, of malice and despight.

1 Behind his back he bore a brazen shield, 2 On which was drawn fair, in colours fit, 3 A flaming fire in midst of bloody field,

bloody > blood-red field > {Surface of the shield; a technical term in heraldry}

4 And round about the wreath this word was written:

wreath > {Representation of a ring or circlet used as a bearing or device; another heraldic term} word > declaration; motto, phrase

5 Burnt I do burn. Right well beseemed it,

beseemed it > [it seemed appropriate]

6 To be the shield of some redoubted knight; 7 And in his hand two darts, exceeding fleet

fleet > swift, fast-flying

8 And deadly sharp, he held, whose heads were dight

dight > decked, prepared; hence: dipped, steeped

9 In poison and in blood, of malice and despite.

despite > rage

204.39

When he in presence came, to Guyon first
2 He boldly spake, Sir knight, if knight thou bee,
Abandon this forestalled place at erst,
4 For feare of further harme, I counsell thee,
Or bide the chaunce at thine owne ieoperdie.
6 The knight at his great boldnesse wondered,
And though he scornd his idle vanitie,
8 Yet mildly him to purpose answered;
For not to grow of nought he it coniectured.

1 When he in presence came, to Guyon first

presence > [their presence]

2 He boldly spoke, "Sir knight, if knight you be, 3 Abandon this forestalled place at erst,

forestalled > {Pre-occupied, taken or spoken for already} erst > once (catachr.)

4 For fear of further harm, I counsel you, 5 Or bide the chance at your own jeopardy."

bide > await chance > outcome

6 The knight at his great boldness wondered,

wondered > marvelled

7 And though he scorned his idle vanity,

idle > empty

8 Yet mildly him to purpose answered;

purpose > the point

9 For not to grow of naught he it conjectured.

it > [the varlet's boldness]

204.40

Varlet, this place most dew to me I deeme,
2 Yielded by him, that held it forcibly.
But whence should come that harme, which thou doest seeme
4 To threat to him, that minds his chaunce t'abye?
Perdy (said he) here comes, and is hard by
6 A knight of wondrous powre, and great assay,
That neuer yet encountred enemy,
8 But did him deadly daunt, or fowle dismay;
Ne thou for better hope, if thou his presence stay.

1 "Varlet, this place most due to me I deem, 2 Yielded by him that held it forcibly.

him > [Furor]

3 But whence should come that harm, which you do seem 4 To threat to him, that minds his chance to aby?"

threat > threaten minds > [is of a mind] chance > fortune, luck (cf. 204.39:5) aby > abide, await, await the issue of

5 "Pardie," said he, "here comes, and is hard by,

Pardie > Truly; "by God"

6 A knight of wondrous power, and great assay,

assay > proven worth; quality

7 That never yet encountered enemy, 8 But did him deadly daunt, or foul dismay;

But > [Except that he] deadly daunt > kill foul dismay > ignominiously defeat

9 Nor you for better hope, if you his presence stay."

hope > (Vb.) stay > await, remain for

204.41

How hight he then (said Guyon) and from whence?
2 +Pyrochles+ is his name, renowmed farre
For his bold feats and hardy confidence,
4 Full oft approu'd in many a cruell warre,
The brother of Cymochles, both which arre
6 The sonnes of old Acrates and Despight,
Acrates sonne of Phlegeton and Iarre;
8 But Phlegeton +is sonne of+ Herebus and Night;
But Herebus sonne of Aeternitie is hight.

2 Pyrochles > Pyrrochles passim 1590 etc.: FE 8 is sonne of > of dub. conj. Smith, since the line is hypermetrical

1 "How hight he then," said Guyon, "and from whence?"

hight > is he named

2 "Pyrochles is his name, renowned far

Pyrochles > "Fiery Troublemaker" (Greek pyr, fire, ochleo, to disturb, cause trouble)

3 For his bold feats and hardy confidence,

confidence > hardihood

4 Full oft approved in many a cruel war,

Full > Exceedingly approved > tested

5 The brother of Cymochles, both which are

Cymochles > "Wavering Troublemaker" (Greek kyma, wave, ochleo, to disturb, cause trouble) which > of whom

6 The sons of old Acrates and Despite,

Acrates > "Without Control", "Intemperate" (Greek; cf. "Acrasia",
201.51:2)
Despite > Rage

7 Acrates, son of Phlegethon and Jar;

Phlegethon > (The "Stream of Fire": one of the five rivers of hell, though which fire flows instead of water) Jar > Discord

8 But Phlegethon is son of Erebus and Night;

Erebus > Darkness (son of Chaos, brother and husband of Nox.
Personified in Hesiod, Theogony 125)
Night > (Nox; see 105.20 ff.)

9 But Erebus son of Eternity is hight.

hight > called

204.42

So from immortall race he does proceede,
2 That mortall hands may not withstand his might,
Drad for his derring do, and bloudy deed;
4 For all in bloud and spoile is his delight.
His am I Atin, his in wrong and right,
6 That matter make for him to worke vpon,
And stirre him vp to strife and cruell fight.
8 Fly therefore, fly this fearefull stead anon,
Least thy foolhardize worke thy sad confusion.

1 "So from immortal race he does proceed,

So > Thus proceed > spring from

2 That mortal hands may not withstand his might,

That > [So that]

3 Dreaded for his derring do and bloody deed;

derring do > {Daring feats; desperate courage (catachr.; cf. Troilus and Criseyde 5.837)}

4 For all in blood and spoil is his delight.

spoil > plunder, booty

5 His am I, Atin, his in wrong and right,

Atin > "Strife" (Greek; cf. Ate, the goddess of discord, at 207.55:5)

6 That matter make for him to work upon, 7 And stir him up to strife and cruel fight. 8 Fly therefore, fly this fearful stead anon,

Fly > Flee stead > place anon > immediately

9 Lest your foolhardice work your sad confusion."

foolhardice > foolhardiness work > bring about sad confusion > calamitous ruin

204.43

His be that care, whom most it doth concerne,
2 (Said he) but whither with such hasty flight
Art thou now bound? for well mote I discerne
4 Great cause, that carries thee so swift and light.
My Lord (quoth he) me sent, and streight behight
6 To seeke +Occasion;+ where so she bee:
For he is all disposd to bloudy fight,
8 And breathes out wrath and hainous crueltie;
Hard is his hap, that first fals in his ieopardie.

6 Occasion; > Occasion, 1609

1 "His be that care, whom most it does concern," 2 Said he, "but whither with such hasty flight 3 Are you now bound? For well might I discern 4 Great cause, that carries you so swift and light."

light > quickly

5 "My lord," quoth he, "me sent, and straight behight

straight > directly; or: straict: strict, strictly behight > ordained (catachr.); hence: appointed

6 To seek Occasion whereso she be:

whereso > wherever

7 For he is all disposed to bloody fight, 8 And breathes out wrath and heinous cruelty;

heinous > heinous; grievous; full of hate

9 Hard is his hap, that first falls in his jeopardy."

hap > fortune in his jeopardy > [in Pyrochles's way; "jeopardy" has its modern meaning here]

204.44

Madman (said then the Palmer) that does seeke
2 Occasion to wrath, and cause of strife;
She comes vnsought, and shonned followes eke.
4 Happy, who can abstaine, when Rancour rife
Kindles Reuenge, and threats his rusty knife;
6 Woe neuer wants, where euery cause is caught,
And rash Occasion makes vnquiet life.
8 Then loe, where bound she +sits+, whom thou hast sought,
(Said Guyon,) let that message to thy Lord be brought.

8 sits > fits 1596

1 "Madman," said then the palmer, "that does seek

seek > {Pursue, harass; try to effect or bring about; in the passive voice, "seek" is also used of a woman being courted or wooed}

2 Occasion to wrath, and cause of strife; 3 She comes unsought, and shunned follows eke.

eke > also, moreover

4 Happy who can abstain when Rancour rife

Happy > [He is happy]

5 Kindles Revenge, and threats his rusty knife;

threats > threatens, brandishes rusty > blood-stained; dirty; rusty

6 Woe never wants, where every cause is caught, 7 And rash Occasion makes unquiet life." 8 "Then lo, where bound she sits, whom you have sought," 9 Said Guyon, "let that message to your lord be brought!"

204.45

That when the varlet heard and saw, streight way
2 He wexed wondrous wroth, and said, Vile knight,
That knights and knighthood doest with shame vpbray,
4 And shewst th'ensample of thy childish +might+,
With silly weake old woman +thus to+ fight.
6 Great glory and gay spoile sure hast thou got,
And stoutly prou'd thy puissaunce here in sight;
8 That shall Pyrochles well requite, I wot,
And with thy bloud abolish so reprochfull blot.

4 might > migbt 1596 5 thus to > that did 1590

1 That when the varlet heard and saw, straightway 2 He waxed wondrous wroth, and said, "Vile knight,

waxed > grew

3 That knights and knighthood do with shame upbraid,

upbraid > reprove

4 And show the example of your childish might,

example > pattern

5 With silly weak old woman thus to fight.

silly > helpless; innocent

6 Great glory and gay spoil sure have you got,

spoil > plunder

7 And stoutly proved your puissance here in sight;