CANTO IV
Bold Marinell of Britomart,
2 Is throwne on the Rich strond:
Faire Florimell of Arthur is
4 Long followed, but not fond.
1 Bold Marinell of Britomart
Marinell > (A grandson of Nereus, who is father of the fifty nereids or sea-nymphs of the Mediterranean. The name is derived from the Latin marinus, marine) of > by
2 Is thrown on the Rich Strand:
Strand > Shore ("Rich" because its shingle is rich with pearls, jewels, and gold)
3 Fair Florimell of Arthur is
of > by
4 Long followed, but not found.
304.1
WHere is the Antique glory now become,
2 That whilome wont in women to appeare?
Where be the braue atchieuements doen by some?
4 Where be the battels, where the shield and speare,
And all the conquests, which them high did reare,
6 That matter made for famous Poets verse,
And boastfull men so oft +abasht+ to heare?
8 Bene they all dead, and laid in dolefull herse?
Or doen they onely sleepe, and shall againe reuerse?
7 abasht > a basht 1596
1 Where is the antique glory now become,
antique > ancient (esp. relating to the Greeks and Romans) become > gone
2 That whilom wont in women to appear?
whilom wont > used of old
3 Where be the brave achievements done by some?
be > [are] brave > brave; splendid achievements > achievements; feats; victories
4 Where be the battles, where the shield and spear, 5 And all the conquests which them high did rear, 6 That matter made for famous poets' verse,
matter > theme, subject
7 And boastful men so oft abashed to hear? 8 Been they all dead, and laid in doleful hearse;
Been > [Are] hearse > coffin; tomb, grave
9 Or do they only sleep, and shall again reverse?
reverse > return
304.2
If they be dead, then woe is me therefore:
2 But if they sleepe, {o^} let them soone awake:
For all too long I burne with enuy sore,
4 To heare the warlike feates, which Homere spake
Of bold P{ae}nthesilee, which made a lake
6 Of Greekish bloud so oft in Troian plaine;
But when I read, how stout Debora strake
8 Proud Sisera, and how Camill' hath slaine
The huge Orsilochus, I swell with great disdaine.
1 If they be dead, then woe is me therefore:
be > [are]
2 But if they sleep, O let them soon awake:
soon > soon; immediately
3 For all too long I burn with envy sore
envy > desire, enthusiasm
4 To hear the warlike feats which Homer spoke 5 Of bold Penthesilea, which made a lake
Penthesilea > (Daughter of Mars and Otrera, the queen of the Amazons. After Hector's death, she came to the aid of the Trojans, but was finally killed by Achilles (or his son Neoptolemus, according to popular legend). She is not, incidentally, described by Homer, but see Aen. 1.490-3, where she leads the Amazons into battle) which > (Referring to Penthesilea or her feats)
6 Of Greekish blood so oft in Trojan plain;
Greekish > Greek
7 But when I read how stout Deborah struck
stout > bold, brave; proud Deborah > (See Judg. 4.4-21; Sisera was actually dispatched by Jael)
8 Proud Sisera, and how Camilla has slain
Camilla > (The daughter of King Metabus; she slew various Trojans, including two of the tallest, Orsilochus and But{e"}s. See Aen. 11.650 ff.)
9 The huge Orsilochus, I swell with great disdain.
disdain > indignation (occasioned by the modern absence of such feats); or, perhaps: scorn (excited by the suppression by men of such feats performed by modern women)
304.3
Yet these, and all that else had puissaunce,
2 Cannot with noble Britomart compare,
Aswell for glory of great valiaunce,
4 As for pure chastitie and vertue rare,
That all her goodly deeds do well declare.
6 Well worthy stock, from which the branches sprong,
That in late yeares so faire a blossome bare,
8 As thee, {o^} Queene, the matter of my song,
Whose lignage from this Lady I deriue along.
1 Yet these, and all that else had puissance,
that else > who otherwise puissance > power, strength (allied with prowess in arms)
2 Cannot with noble Britomart compare,
with > to
3 As well for glory of great valiance,
well > much valiance > valour, bravery
4 As for pure chastity and virtue rare, 5 That all her goodly deeds do well declare.
declare > make clear; declare
6 Well worthy stock, from which the branches sprang 7 That in late years so fair a blossom bore
late > {Recent; belonging to an advanced stage of development [of the line of descent]}
8 As you, O queen, the matter of my song,
queen > [Elizabeth] matter > subject
9 Whose lineage from this lady I derive along.
along > in full; from end to end, in a linear manner; hence: directly
304.4
Who when through speaches with the Redcrosse knight,
2 She learned had th'estate of Arthegall,
And in each point her selfe informd aright,
4 A friendly league of loue perpetuall
She with him bound, and Cong{e/} tooke withall.
6 Then he forth on his iourney did proceede,
To seeke aduentures, which mote him befall,
8 And win him worship through his warlike deed,
Which alwayes of his paines he made the chiefest meed.
1 Who when through speeches with the Redcross Knight 2 She learned had the estate of Artegall,
estate > state; marital status
3 And in each point herself informed aright, 4 A friendly league of love perpetual 5 She with him bound, and cong{e/} took withal.
cong{e/} > leave withal > therewith, with that
6 Then he forth on his journey did proceed, 7 To seek adventures which might him befall, 8 And win him worship through his warlike deed:
worship > honour, renown (his stated goal at 101.3:4)
9 Which always of his pains he made the chiefest meed.
pains > efforts; pains meed > reward
304.5
But Britomart kept on her former course,
2 Ne euer dofte her armes, but all the way
Grew pensiue through that amorous discourse,
4 By which the Redcrosse knight did earst display
Her louers shape, and cheualrous aray;
6 A thousand thoughts she fashioned in her mind,
And in her feigning fancie did pourtray
8 Him such, as fittest she for loue could find,
Wise, warlike, personable, curteous, and kind.
1 But Britomart kept on her former course, 2 Nor ever doffed her arms, but all the way
arms > armour
3 Grew pensive through that amorous discourse
pensive > anxious; pensive
4 By which the Redcross Knight did erst display
erst > lately display > describe
5 Her lover's shape and chivalrous array;
shape > appearance chivalrous > {Doughty; pertaining to a medieval knight} array > state; or, more likely, in view of "cheualrous", and complementing "shape": outfit, attire, hence: armour
6 A thousand thoughts she fashioned in her mind, 7 And in her feigning fancy did portray 8 Him such as fittest she for love could find:
such > [to be such]
9 Wise, warlike, personable, courteous, and kind.
kind > sympathetic, kind; loving, affectionate; well born
304.6
With such selfe-pleasing thoughts her wound she fed,
2 And thought so to beguile her grieuous smart;
But so her smart was much more grieuous bred,
4 And the deepe wound more deepe engord her hart,
That nought but death her dolour mote depart.
6 So forth she rode without repose or rest,
Searching all lands and each remotest part,
8 Following the guidaunce of her blinded guest,
Till that +to the+ sea-coast at length she +her+ +addrest.+
9 to the > tothe 1596 9 her > had 1609 9 addrest. > addres . 1596
1 With such self-pleasing thoughts her wound she fed, 2 And thought so to beguile her grievous smart;
so > thus beguile > pleasantly divert attention from smart > pain
3 But so her smart was much more grievous bred, 4 And the deep wound more deep engored her heart,
engored > gored, wounded deeply
5 That naught but death her dolour might depart.
dolour > pain; mental suffering might > could depart > sever, break off; (catachr.) remove
6 So forth she rode, without repose or rest, 7 Searching all lands and each remotest part, 8 Following the guidance of her blinded guest,
her blinded guest > [Cupid, who shoots his arrows without caring whom they hit. He is often depicted wearing a blindfold. "Guest" here might = "foe" (from the Latin hostis) or perhaps the modern sense applies, in that he is a guest (albeit uninvited) in her heart]
9 Till to the sea coast at length she her addressed.
her addressed > betook herself
304.7
There she +alighted+ from her light-foot beast,
2 And sitting downe vpon the rocky shore,
Bad her old Squire vnlace her lofty creast;
4 Tho hauing vewd a while the surges hore,
That gainst the craggy clifts did loudly rore,
6 And in their raging surquedry disdaynd,
That the fast earth affronted them so sore,
8 And their +deuouring+ couetize restraynd,
Thereat she sighed deepe, and after thus complaynd.
1 alighted > a lighted 1596 8 deuouring > deuoring 1596
1 There she alighted from her lightfoot beast
lightfoot > light-footed
2 And, sitting down upon the rocky shore, 3 Bade her old squire unlace her lofty crest;
squire > attendant [Glauce] crest > helmet
4 Tho, having viewed awhile the surges hoar,
Tho > Then, next hoar > grey-white, hence: foamy (cf. 212.10:3)
5 That gainst the craggy cliffs did loudly roar,
gainst > against
6 And in their raging surquidry disdained
surquidry > arrogance disdained > took offence
7 That the fast earth affronted them so sore
That > [In that] fast > firm, stable, firmly fixed affronted > defied, confronted (with further connotations of the Latin frons, in at least two senses: (1) "forehead" (cf. 102.16:3), and (2) "front line", "military vanguard")
8 And their devouring covetise restrained,
covetise > avarice
9 Thereat she sighed deep, and after thus complained:
Thereat > Thereupon (redundant in view of "Tho" in line 4)
304.8
Huge sea of sorrow, and tempestuous griefe,
2 Wherein my feeble barke is tossed long,
Far from the hoped hauen of reliefe,
4 +Why+ do thy cruell billowes beat so strong,
And thy moyst mountaines each on others throng,
6 Threatning to swallow vp my fearefull life?
O do thy cruell wrath and spightfull wrong
8 At length allay, and stint thy stormy strife,
Which in +these+ troubled bowels raignes, and rageth rife.
4 Why > Who 1596, 1609 9 these > thy 1590
1 "Huge sea of sorrow and tempestuous grief, 2 Wherein my feeble bark is tossed long,
bark > vessel
3 Far from the hoped haven of relief, 4 Why do your cruel billows beat so strong, 5 And your moist mountains each on others throng, 6 Threatening to swallow up my fearful life? 7 O do your cruel wrath and spiteful wrong 8 At length allay, and stint your stormy strife,
stint > cease
9 Which in these troubled bowels reigns, and rages rife.
bowels > {Heart, breast; internal organs generally} rife > abundantly, largely; hence: strongly
304.9
For else my feeble vessell crazd, and crackt
2 Through thy strong buffets and outrageous blowes,
Cannot endure, but needs it must be wrackt
4 On the rough rocks, or on the sandy shallowes,
The whiles that loue it steres, and fortune rowes;
6 Loue my lewd Pilot hath a restlesse mind
And fortune Boteswaine no assuraunce knowes,
8 But saile withouten starres, gainst tide and wind:
How can they other do, sith both are bold and blind?
1 "For else my feeble vessel, crazed and cracked
else > otherwise crazed > damaged [weakened by multiple hairline fissures]
2 Through your strong buffets and outrageous blows,
outrageous > violent; intemperate blows > blows, strokes; blasts of wind
3 Cannot endure, but needs it must be wracked
needs > of necessity, perforce wracked > wrecked, shipwrecked; ruined
4 On the rough rocks, or on the sandy shallows, 5 While Love it steers, and Fortune rows;
Love > [Cupid; on his blindness, see 304.6:8]
6 Love, my lewd pilot, has a restless mind,
lewd > unlearned; bungling; worthless; sorry, poor; lewd, lascivious
7 And Fortune, boatswain, no assurance knows,
assurance > steadiness, intrepidity
8 But sail without stars, gainst tide and wind:
stars > [benefit of navigation by the stars] gainst > against
9 How can they other do, sith both are bold and blind?
sith > since
304.10
Thou God of winds, that raignest in the seas,
2 That raignest also in the Continent,
At last blow vp some gentle gale of ease,
4 The which may bring my ship, ere it be rent,
Vnto the gladsome port of her intent:
6 Then when I shall my selfe in safety see,
A table for eternall moniment
8 Of thy great grace, and my great ieopardee,
Great Neptune, I auow to hallow vnto thee.
1 "You god of winds, that reign in the seas, 2 That reign also in the continent,
continent > land
3 At last blow up some gentle gale of ease, 4 Which may bring my ship, ere she be rent,
rent > shattered
5 To the gladsome port of her intent:
intent > purpose
6 Then when I shall myself in safety see, 7 A table for eternal monument
table > votive tablet
8 Of your great grace, and my great jeopardy, 9 Great Neptune, I avow to hallow to you."
Neptune > ("Thou God of winds" (line 1) is Aeolus, so her principal supplication might be addressed to Neptune as the "sea of sorrow" of 304.8:1) avow > vow
304.11
Then sighing softly sore, and inly deepe,
2 She shut vp all her plaint in priuy griefe;
For her great courage would not let her weepe,
4 Till that old Glauce gan with sharpe repriefe,
Her to restraine, and giue her good reliefe,
6 Through hope of those, which Merlin had her told
Should of her name and nation be chiefe,
8 And fetch their being from the sacred mould
Of her immortall wombe, to be in heauen enrold.
1 Then, sighing softly sore, and inly deep,
sore > perhaps: sorely, grievously, bitterly, or used simply as an intensive inly > inwardly
2 She shut up all her plaint in privy grief;
plaint > complaint, lamentation privy > private, hidden
3 For her great courage would not let her weep,
courage > courage, spirit
4 Till old Glauce began with sharp reproof 5 Her to restrain, and give her good relief, 6 Through hope of those which Merlin had her told
told > (For Merlin's prophecy, see 303.21:6 ff.)
7 Should of her name and nation be chief, 8 And fetch their being from the sacred mould
sacred > royal; sacred (see 303.23:1)
9 Of her immortal womb, to be in heaven enrolled.
304.12
Thus as she her recomforted, she spyde,
2 Where farre away one all in armour bright,
With hastie gallop towards her did ryde;
4 Her dolour soone she ceast, and on her dight
Her Helmet, to her Courser mounting light:
6 Her former sorrow into suddein wrath,
Both coosen passions of distroubled spright,
8 Conuerting, forth she beates the dustie path;
Loue and despight attonce her courage kindled hath.
1 Thus as she her recomforted, she spied
recomforted > consoled; inspired with fresh courage
2 Where far away one all in armour bright, 3 With hasty gallop, towards her did ride; 4 Her dolour soon she ceased, and on her dight
dolour > lamentation; sorrow dight > arranged
5 Her helmet, to her courser mounting light:
light > quickly; easily
6 Her former sorrow into sudden wrath 7 (Both cousin passions of distroubled spirit)
cousin > kinsman; hence: related distroubled > disturbed, greatly disturbed
8 Converting, forth she beats the dusty path; 9 Love and despite at once her courage kindled have.
despite > anger; ill-will, malice [the converse of love] at once > together, simultaneously
304.13
As when a foggy mist hath ouercast
2 The face of heauen, and the cleare aire engrost,
The world in darkenesse dwels, till that at last
4 The watry Southwinde from the seabord cost
Vpblowing, doth disperse the vapour lo'st,
6 And poures it selfe forth in a stormy showre;
So the faire Britomart hauing disclo'st
8 Her clowdy care into a wrathfull stowre,
The mist of griefe dissolu'd, +did+ into vengeance +powre.+
9 did > omitted from 1596 9 powre. > powre, 1596
1 As, when a foggy mist has overcast 2 The face of heaven and the clear air engrossed,
engrossed > {Rendered gross, dense, thick}
3 The world in darkness dwells, till at last 4 The watery south-wind from the seaboard coast,
watery > {Indicative of rain; rain-bearing} seaboard > {Bordering the sea} coast > region, part (used in the modern sense, the word would here be tautological)
5 Upblowing, does disperse the vapour lossed,
lossed > discharged, unloaded [from the mist, from the clouds]
6 And pours itself forth in a stormy shower; 7 So the fair Britomart, having disclosed
disclosed > opened up, unfastened; hence: released
8 Her cloudy care into a wrathful stour,
stour > turmoil; hence: storm
9 The mist of grief, dissolved, did into vengeance pour.
304.14
Eftsoones her goodly shield addressing faire,
2 That mortall speare she in her hand did take,
And vnto battell did her selfe prepaire.
4 The knight approching, sternely her bespake;
Sir knight, that doest thy voyage rashly make
6 By this forbidden way in my despight,
Ne doest by others death ensample take,
8 I read thee soone retyre, whiles thou hast might,
Least afterwards it be too late to take thy flight.
1 Eftsoons her goodly shield addressing fair,
Eftsoons > Thereupon goodly > beautiful addressing > setting straight; hence: presenting fair > expertly
2 That mortal spear she in her hand did take,
That mortal spear > (The magic spear of King Bladud: see 303.60; mortal = lethal)
3 And to battle did herself prepare. 4 The knight, approaching, sternly her bespoke:
sternly > fiercely bespoke > addressed
5 "Sir knight, that do your voyage rashly make
voyage > journey (an appropriate catachresis for the "Sea-nymphes sonne")
6 By this forbidden way in my despite,
my despite > defiance of me
7 Nor do by others' death example take,
example > warning
8 I read you soon retire, while you have might,
read > advise soon > immediately [to] you have might > you have the strength to do so; also: you can
9 Lest afterwards it be too late to take your flight."
304.15
Ythrild with deepe disdaine of his proud threat,
2 She shortly thus; Fly they, that need to fly;
Words fearen babes. I meane not thee entreat
4 To passe; but maugre thee will passe or dy.
Ne lenger stayd for th'other to reply,
6 But with sharpe +speare+ the rest made dearly knowne.
+Strongly+ the straunge knight ran, and sturdily
8 Strooke her full on the brest, that made her downe
Decline her head, and touch her crouper with her crowne.
6 speare > speares 1590, 1596 7 Strongly > Srongly 1596
1 Thrilled with deep disdain of his proud threat,
Thrilled > Moved disdain > disdain, contempt; indignation, loathing of > of; by
2 She shortly thus: "Fly they, that need to fly;
shortly > curtly; shortly afterwards (cf. 306.20:2) thus > [spoke] thus Fly > Flee
3 Words fear babes. I mean not you entreat
fear > frighten mean > intend entreat > [to entreat]
4 To pass; but maugre you will pass or die."
maugre > notwithstanding (this word is used by Spenser more or less catachr. as a general imprecation or indication of ill-will: here the sense might be taken as "like it or lump it")
5 Nor longer stayed for the other to reply,
stayed > waited
6 But with sharp spear the rest made dearly known. 7 Strongly the strange knight ran, and sturdily
ran > [galloped towards her with lance extended; cf. 307.38:8] sturdily > courageously; with reckless violence
8 Struck her full on the breast: that made her down 9 Decline her head, and touch her crupper with her crown.
crupper > {The strap fastened to the back of the saddle and passed under the horse's tail; the horse's rump} crown > {Head; top of the head}
304.16
But she againe him in the shield did smite
2 With so fierce furie and great puissaunce,
That through his threesquare scuchin percing quite,
4 And through his mayled hauberque, by mischaunce
The wicked steele through his left side did glaunce;
6 Him so transfixed she before her bore
Beyond his croupe, the length of all her launce,
8 Till sadly soucing on the sandie shore,
He tombled on an heape, and wallowd in his gore.
1 But she again him in the shield did smite
again > in return
2 With so fierce fury and great puissance
so > such puissance > force
3 That through his three-square scutcheon piercing quite,
three-square > equilaterally triangular scutcheon > escutcheon, shield
4 And through his mailed hauberk, by mischance
hauberk > {Military tunic, usu. of chain-mail}
5 The wicked steel through his left side did glance;
glance > dart, shoot (esp. obliquely)
6 Him, so transfixed, she before her bore
so > thus
7 Beyond his croup, the length of all her lance,
croup > {Hinder end of saddle}
8 Till, sadly sousing on the sandy shore,
sadly > heavily; grievously sousing > falling (with weight or force)
9 He tumbled on a heap, and wallowed in his gore.
on > in
304.17
Like as the sacred Oxe, that carelesse stands,
2 With gilden hornes, and flowry girlonds crownd,
Proud of his dying honor and deare bands,
4 Whiles th'altars fume with frankincense arownd,
All suddenly with mortall stroke astownd,
6 Doth groueling fall, and with his streaming gore
Distaines the pillours, and the holy grownd,
8 And the faire flowres, that decked him afore;
So fell proud Marinell vpon the pretious shore.
1 Like the sacred ox, that careless stands,
sacred > sacrificial careless > unconcernedly
2 With gilden horns, and flowery garlands crowned
gilden > gilded; golden
3 (Proud of his dying honour and dear bonds,
dying honour > honour in dying (i.e. in being sacrificed) dear > costly; beloved; grievous
4 While the altars fume with frankincense around), 5 All suddenly, with mortal stroke astound,
All > [And all] mortal > lethal, death-dealing astound > stunned
6 Does grovelling fall, and with his streaming gore
grovelling > prostrate
7 Distains the pillars, and the holy ground,
Distains > Stains, discolours; sullies, defiles pillars > [of the temple]
8 And the fair flowers that decked him afore:
afore > before
9 So fell proud Marinell upon the precious shore.
304.18
The martiall Mayd stayd not him to lament,
2 But forward rode, and kept her readie way
Along the strond, which as she ouer-went,
4 She saw bestrowed all with rich aray
Of pearles and pretious stones of great assay,
6 And all the grauell mixt with golden owre;
Whereat she wondred much, but would not stay
8 For gold, or perles, or pretious stones an howre,
But them despised all; for all was in her powre.
1 The martial maid stayed not him to lament, 2 But forward rode, and kept her ready way
ready > straight, direct
3 Along the strand, which, as she overwent,
strand > shore overwent > passed
4 She saw bestrewn all with rich array
bestrewn > [was] strewn
5 Of pearls and precious stones of great assay,
assay > quality, proven worth, hence: value
6 And all the gravel mixed with golden ore; 7 Whereat she wondered much, but would not stay
Whereat > At which wondered > marvelled
8 For gold, or pearls, or precious stones an hour,
hour > instant
9 But them despised all; for all was in her power.
304.19
Whiles thus he lay in deadly stonishment,
2 Tydings hereof came to his mothers eare;
His mother was the blacke-browd Cymoent,
4 The daughter of great Nereus, which did beare
This warlike sonne vnto an earthly peare,
6 The famous Dumarin; who on a day
Finding the Nymph a sleepe in secret wheare,
8 As he by chaunce did wander that same way,
Was taken with her loue, and by her closely lay.
1 While thus he lay in deadly astonishment,
deadly astonishment > death-like insensibility
2 Tidings hereof came to his mother's ear; 3 His mother was the black-browed Cymodoc{e"},
Cymodoc{e"} > (So named at 411.50:6 ff. The name derives from the Greek kyma, wave. She is one of the nereids, sister of Thetis, the mother of Achilles, whom Cymodoc{e"} comforts in the Iliad 18.39. She also appears, with other sea-deities, at Aen. 5.826)
4 The daughter of great Nereus, who did bear
Nereus > (Son of Pontus and Ge, husband of Doris. He lives at the bottom of the sea, being especially associated with the Aegean; like Proteus, he is said to have the power of prophecy)
5 This warlike son to an earthly peer,
peer > mate; nobleman
6 The famous Dumarin; who on a day
Dumarin > "Of the Sea" (French)
7 Finding the nymph asleep in secret weir,
weir > pool
8 As he by chance did wander that same way, 9 Was taken with her love, and by her closely lay.
her love > [love of her] closely > secretly; closely
304.20
There he this knight of her begot, whom borne
2 She of his father Marinell did name,
And in a rocky caue as wight forlorne,
4 Long time she fostred vp, till he became
A mightie man at armes, and mickle fame
6 Did get through great aduentures by him donne:
For neuer man he suffred by that same
8 Rich strond to trauell, whereas he did wonne,
But that he must do battell with the Sea-nymphes sonne.
1 There he this knight of her begot, whom born
born > [once born]
2 She of his father "Marinell" did name,
of > after
3 And in a rocky cave, as wight forlorn,
wight > person, so: child forlorn > abandoned, deserted
4 Long time she fostered up, till he became
fostered up > brought up [with parental care]
5 A mighty man at arms, and mickle fame
mickle > much
6 Did get through great adventures by him done: 7 For never man he suffered by that same
suffered > permitted
8 Rich Strand to travel, where he did won,
won > dwell
9 But he must do battle with the sea-nymph's son.
304.21
An hundred knights of honorable name
2 He had subdew'd, and them his vassals made,
That through all Farie lond his noble fame
4 Now blazed was, and feare did all inuade,
That none durst passen through that perilous glade.
6 And to aduance his name and glorie more,
Her Sea-god syre she dearely did perswade,
8 T'endow her sonne with threasure and rich store,
Boue all the sonnes, that were of earthly wombes ybore.
1 A hundred knights of honourable name
hundred > large number of name > repute, fame, distinction
2 He had subdued, and them his vassals made,
subdued > overcome (by physical force or violence) vassals > slaves
3 That through all Faery Land his noble fame
That > [So that]
4 Now blazed was, and fear did all invade,
blazed > proclaimed; celebrated invade > enter (SUS); hence: possess, daunt
5 That none dared pass through that perilous glade.
That > [So that] glade > (Possibly, referring to the gold and jewels of the shore, meaning a bright, shining or beautiful place. An obsolete meaning is "clear or bright space in the sky". Hamilton (1980) suggests that the coinage/catachresis might be prompted to remind the reader of Mammon's glade at 207.3:1)
6 And, to advance his name and glory more, 7 Her sea-god sire she dearly did persuade
sire > father [Nereus] dearly > earnestly, heartily persuade > recommend; persuade
8 To endow her son with treasure and rich store, 9 Above all the sons that were of earthly wombs borne.
of earthly wombs borne > of earthly wombs born or: by earthly wombs borne
304.22
The God did graunt his daughters deare demaund,
2 To doen his Nephew in all riches flow;
Eftsoones his heaped waues he did commaund,
4 Out of their hollow bosome forth to throw
All the huge threasure, which the sea below
6 Had in his greedie gulfe deuoured deepe,
And him enriched through the ouerthrow
8 And wreckes of many wretches, which did weepe,
And often waile their wealth, which he from them did keepe.
1 The god did grant his daughter's dear demand,
dear > earnest; expensive
2 To do his nephew in all riches flow;
do > make nephew > grandson
3 Eftsoons his heaped waves he did command
Eftsoons > Soon; thereupon
4 Out of their hollow bosom forth to throw 5 All the huge treasure, which the sea below 6 Had in its greedy gulf devoured deep,
gulf > abyss
7 And him enriched through the overthrow
him > itself (if referring to the sea); him (if referring to Nereus)
8 And wrecks of many wretches, which did weep, 9 And often wail their wealth, which he from them did keep.
wail > mourn he > it (if referring to the sea); he (if referring to Nereus)
304.23
Shortly vpon that shore there heaped was,
2 Exceeding riches and all pretious things,
The spoyle of all the world, that it did pas
4 The wealth of th'East, and pompe of Persian kings;
Gold, amber, yuorie, perles, owches, rings,
6 And all that else was pretious and deare,
The sea vnto him voluntary brings,
8 That shortly he a great Lord did appeare,
As was in all the lond of Faery, or elsewheare.
1 Shortly upon that shore there heaped was
was > were (the singular form being forced by the rhyme)
2 Exceeding riches and all precious things, 3 The spoil of all the world, that it did pass
spoil > plunder, booty that > [such that] pass > surpass, exceed
4 The wealth of the east, and pomp of Persian kings: 5 Gold, amber, ivory, pearls, ouches, rings,
amber > {Four parts of gold alloyed with one of silver; also: white amber or spermaceti; and: amber (the fossil resin, used for ornaments)} ouches > {Jewels; golden sockets to hold these}
6 And all that else was precious and dear,
else > otherwise dear > costly
7 The sea to him voluntarily brings, 8 That shortly he a great lord did appear
That > [So that] a great > [as great a]
9 As was in all the land of Faery, or elsewhere.
304.24
Thereto he was a doughtie dreaded knight,
2 Tryde often to the +scath+ of many deare,
That none in equall armes him matchen might,
4 The which his mother seeing, gan to feare
Least his too haughtie hardines might reare
6 Some hard mishap, in hazard of his life:
For thy she oft him counseld to forbeare
8 The bloudie battell, and to stirre vp strife,
But after all his warre, to rest his wearie knife.
2 scath > scathe 1609
1 Thereto he was a doughty dreaded knight,
Thereto > Moreover, also
2 Tried often to the scathe of many dear,
Tried > Tested [in his prowess] scathe > harm, damage dear > grievously
3 That none in equal arms him match might,
That > [Such that; so that] equal arms > impartial combat might > could
4 Which, his mother seeing, began to fear
began > [she began]
5 Lest his too haughty hardiness might rear
haughty > high; proud, arrogant rear > arouse, bring into existence
6 Some hard mishap, in hazard of his life: 7 For-thy she oft him counselled to forbear
For-thy > For this reason
8 The bloody battle and to stir up strife,
to stir up > [the stirring up of]
9 But, after all his war, to rest his weary knife.
knife > sword
304.25
And for his more assurance, she inquir'd
2 One day of Proteus by his mightie spell,
(For Proteus was with prophecie inspir'd)
4 Her deare sonnes destinie to her to tell,
And the sad end of her sweet Marinell.
6 Who through foresight of his eternall skill,
Bad her from womankind to keepe him well:
8 For of a woman he should haue much ill,
A virgin strange and stout him should dismay, or kill.
1 And, for his more assurance, she inquired
more > greater assurance > security
2 One day of Proteus, by his mighty spell
Proteus > (The Old Man of the Sea, a god who can foretell the future (see Met. 11.249-56, Odyssey 4)) spell > occult power
3 (For Proteus was with prophecy inspired) 4 Her dear son's destiny to her to tell, 5 And the sad end of her sweet Marinell. 6 Who, through foresight of his eternal skill,
Who > [Proteus] eternal skill > [knowledge of eternity]
7 Bade her from womankind to keep him well: 8 For of a woman he should have much ill,
of > from, by ill > evil, suffering, misfortune
9 A virgin strange and stout him should dismay, or kill.
strange > foreign, new-come stout > bold, brave dismay > overcome
304.26
For thy she gaue him warning euery day,
2 The loue of women not to entertaine;
A lesson too too hard for liuing clay,
4 From loue in course of nature to refraine:
Yet he his mothers lore did well retaine,
6 And euer from faire Ladies loue did fly;
Yet many Ladies faire did oft complaine,
8 That they for loue of him would algates dy:
Dy, who so list for him, he was loues enimy.
1 For-thy she gave him warning every day
For-thy > Therefore, for this reason
2 The love of women not to entertain; 3 A lesson too too hard for living clay,
clay > flesh (after Gen. 2.7)
4 From love in course of nature to refrain: 5 Yet he his mother's lore did well retain,
lore > teaching
6 And ever from fair ladies' love did fly;
fly > flee
7 Yet many ladies fair did oft complain 8 That they for love of him would algates die:
algates > altogether; hence: surely
9 Die, whoso list for him; he was Love's enemy.
whoso > whoever list for > desired; or: list, for ("list" then meaning "pleased", "chose")
304.27
But ah, who can deceiue his destiny,
2 Or weene by warning to auoyd his fate?
That when he sleepes in most security,
4 And safest seemes, him soonest doth amate,
And findeth dew effect or soone or late.
6 So feeble is the powre of fleshly arme.
His mother bad him womens loue to hate,
8 For she of womans force did feare no harme;
So weening to haue arm'd him, she did quite disarme.
1 But ah, who can deceive his destiny,
deceive > prove false to; defraud
2 Or ween by warning to avoid his fate?
ween > intend; suppose, imagine
3 That when he sleeps in most security,
That > [His destiny]
4 And safest seems, him soonest does amate,
amate > daunt, subdue; also: act as a mate to (cf. esp. 109.45:4; Britomart can be said to personify the destiny foretold by Proteus)
5 And finds due effect +or+ soon or late.
effect > accomplishment; reality or > either
6 So feeble is the power of fleshly arm.
So > Thus, to this extent
7 His mother bade him women's love to hate, 8 For she of woman's force did fear no harm;
force > [physical force, violence]
9 So weening to have armed him, she did quite disarm.
weening > supposing, imagining quite > [him quite]
304.28
This was that woman, this that deadly wound,
2 That Proteus prophecide should him dismay,
The which his mother vainely did expound,
4 To be hart-wounding loue, which should assay
To bring her sonne vnto his last decay.
6 So tickle be the termes of mortall state,
And full of subtile sophismes, which do play
8 With double senses, and with false debate,
T'approue the vnknowen purpose of eternall fate.
1 This was that woman, this that deadly wound, 2 That Proteus prophesied should him dismay,
dismay > defeat, overcome
3 Which his mother vainly did expound
vainly > in vain; also: foolishly, hence: erroneously
4 To be heart-wounding love, which should assay
assay > attack; assail [him]; or, more likely, in view of the absence of a comma at the end of the line: essay, attempt
5 To bring her son to his last decay.
decay > downfall, destruction ("last decay" = "death")
6 So tickle be the terms of mortal state,
So > Thus tickle > capricious, fickle; precarious, insecure
7 And full of subtile sophisms, which do play
subtile > subtle; sly
8 With double senses, and with false debate,
debate > dispute, argument
9 To approve the unknown purpose of eternal fate.
approve > prove, demonstrate
304.29
Too true the famous Marinell it fownd,
2 Who through late triall, on that wealthy Strond
Inglorious now lies in senselesse swownd,
4 Through heauy stroke of Britomartis hond.
Which when his mother deare did vnderstond,
6 And heauy tydings heard, whereas she playd
Amongst her watry sisters by a pond,
8 Gathering sweet daffadillyes, to haue made
Gay girlonds, from the Sun their forheads faire to +shade.+
9 shade. > shade; 1609
1 Too true the famous Marinell it found, 2 Who, through late trial, on that wealthy strand
late > recent wealthy > [rich] strand > shore
3 Inglorious now lies in senseless swoon,
senseless > unconscious
4 Through heavy stroke of Britomart's hand.
heavy > grievous; grave
5 Which when his mother dear did understand,
dear > dear (if applied to Cymodoc{e"}); grievously, at great cost (if applied to "understand")
6 And heavy tidings heard (where she played
heavy > distressing; grave, grievous
7 Amongst her watery sisters by a pond,
her watery sisters > [the other nereids]
8 Gathering sweet daffodils, to have made 9 Gay garlands, from the sun their foreheads fair to shade)
304.30
Eftsoones both flowres and girlonds farre away
2 She flong, and her faire deawy lockes yrent,
To sorrow huge she turnd her former play,
4 And +gamesom+ merth to grieuous dreriment:
She threw her selfe downe on the Continent,
6 Ne word did speake, but lay as in a swowne,
Whiles all her sisters did for her lament,
8 With yelling outcries, and with shrieking sowne;
And euery one did teare her girlond from her crowne.
4 gamesom > gameson 1590, 1596
1 Eftsoons both flowers and garlands far away
Eftsoons > Forthwith
2 She flung, and her fair dewy locks rent.
rent > tore
3 To sorrow huge she turned her former play, 4 And gamesome mirth to grievous dreariment:
dreariment > affliction, melancholy
5 She threw herself down on the continent,
continent > land, earth; hence: ground
6 Nor word did speak, but lay as in a swoon, 7 While all her sisters did for her lament, 8 With yelling outcries, and with shrieking sound; 9 And every one did tear her garland from her crown.
crown > head
304.31
Soone as she vp out of her deadly fit
2 Arose, she bad her charet to be brought,
And all her sisters, that with her did sit,
4 Bad eke attonce their charets to be sought;
Tho full of bitter griefe and pensiue thought,
6 She to her wagon clombe; clombe all the rest,
And forth together went, with sorrow fraught.
8 The waues obedient to their beheast,
Them yielded readie passage, and their rage surceast.
1 Soon as she up out of her deadly fit
Soon > [As soon; or: Soon,] deadly > death-like
2 Arose, she bade her charet to be brought,
bade > ordered charet > chariot
3 And all her sisters, that with her did sit, 4 Bade eke at once their charets to be sought;
eke > also at once > immediately; together, simultaneously
5 Tho, full of bitter grief and pensive thought,
Tho > Then pensive > anxious; sorrowful
6 She to her wagon climbed; climbed all the rest, 7 And forth together went, with sorrow fraught.
fraught > filled
8 The waves, obedient to their behest, 9 Them yielded ready passage, and their rage surceased.
ready > ready, willing; direct surceased > ceased, gave over
304.32
Great Neptune stood amazed at their sight,
2 Whiles on his broad round backe they softly slid
And eke himselfe mournd at their mournfull plight,
4 Yet wist not what their wailing ment, yet did
For great compassion of their sorrow, bid
6 His mightie waters to them buxome bee:
Eftsoones the roaring billowes still abid,
8 And all the griesly Monsters of the See
Stood gaping at their gate, and wondred them to see.
1 Great Neptune stood amazed at their sight,
their sight > [the sight of them]
2 While on his broad round back they softly slid 3 And eke himself mourned at their mournful plight,
eke > moreover [he]
4 Yet wist not what their wailing meant, yet did,
wist > knew
5 For great compassion of their sorrow, bid 6 His mighty waters to them buxom be:
buxom > yielding
7 Eftsoons the roaring billows still abode,
Eftsoons > Thereupon still > still, motionless abode > remained, waited
8 And all the grisly monsters of the sea
grisly > fearsome, horrible
9 Stood gaping at their gate, and wondered them to see.
gate > manner of going wondered > marvelled
304.33
A teme of Dolphins raunged in +aray+,
2 Drew the smooth charet of sad Cymoent;
They were all taught by Triton, to obay
4 To the long +raynes+, at her commaundement:
As swift as swallowes, on the waues they went,
6 That their broad flaggie finnes no fome did reare,
Ne bubbling roundell they behind them sent;
8 The rest of other fishes drawen weare,
Which with their finny oars the swelling sea did sheare.
1 aray > a ray (my conjecture); "ray" is aphetic for "array", and spacing between words in the early editions is often very tight. Cf. 209.7:9 4 raynes > traines 1596, 1609
1 A team of dolphins, ranged in array,
array > [a] rank (see also Textual Appendix)
2 Drew the smooth charet of sad Cymodoc{e"};
charet > chariot
3 They were all taught by Triton to obey
Triton > (Son of Neptune and Amphitrite, and thus a nephew of Cymodoc{e"}; his chief characteristic is his shell-trumpet, which he blows to quieten the waves; for his command over dolphins, see Myth. 8.3) obey > be obedient; submit
4 To the long reins, at her commandment:
commandment > command
5 As swift as swallows, on the waves they went,
swallows > (Which, besides having a fast and liquid flight, will skim the surface of fresh water in order to drink)
6 That their broad flaggy fins no foam did rear,
That > [So that] flaggy > drooping (Spenser's knowledge of dolphin anatomy seems to have been gained from woodcuts in medieval bestiaries and the like) rear > raise
7 Nor bubbling roundel they behind them sent;
roundel > circle [of ripples]
8 The rest of other fishes drawn were,
rest > [other nereids' chariots] of > by fish > (So the dolphin was believed to be)
9 Which with their finny oars the swelling sea did shear.
304.34
Soone as they bene arriu'd vpon the brim
2 Of the Rich strond, their charets they forlore,
And let their temed fishes softly swim
4 Along the margent of the fomy shore,
Least they their finnes should bruze, and surbate sore
6 Their tender feet vpon the stony ground:
And comming to the place, where all in gore
8 And cruddy bloud enwallowed they found
The lucklesse Marinell, lying in deadly swound;
1 Soon as they been arrived upon the brim
Soon > [As soon] been > [were, had] brim > margin, edge
2 Of the Rich Strand, their charets they forlore,
Strand > Shore charets > chariots forlore > left
3 And let their teamed fishes softly swim 4 Along the margent of the foamy shore,
margent > margin
5 Lest they their fins should bruise, and surbate sore
surbate > bruise, make sore
6 Their tender feet upon the stony ground: 7 And, coming to the place where all in gore 8 And cruddy blood enwallowed they found
cruddy > clotted enwallowed > wallowed (the prefix is an intensive)
9 The luckless Marinell, lying in deadly swoon,
deadly > death-like
304.35
His mother swowned thrise, and the third time
2 Could scarce recouered be out of her paine;
Had she not bene deuoyd of mortall slime,
4 She should not then haue bene reliu'd againe,
But soone as life recouered had the raine,
6 She made so piteous mone and deare wayment,
That the hard rocks could scarse from teares refraine,
8 And all her sister Nymphes with one consent
Supplide her sobbing breaches with sad complement.
1 His mother swooned thrice, and the third time 2 Could scarcely recovered be out of her pain; 3 Had she not been devoid of mortal slime,
slime > flesh (for the nereids are goddesses)
4 She should not then have been relived again,
relived > revived
5 But soon as life recovered had the reign,
soon > [as soon] reign > reign; or, perhaps: rein (cf. 107.24:5)
6 She made so piteous moan and dear wayment
so > such moan > moaning dear > grievous wayment > waymenting: lamenting, sorrowing
7 That the hard rocks could scarcely from tears refrain, 8 And all her sister nymphs with one concent
concent > harmony, accord
9 Supplied her sobbing breaches with sad complement.
her sobbing breaches > [intervals between her sobs]
304.36
Deare image of my selfe (she said) that is,
2 The wretched sonne of wretched mother borne,
Is this thine high aduauncement, {o^} is this
4 Th'immortall name, with which thee yet vnborne
Thy Gransire Nereus promist to adorne?
6 Now lyest thou of life and honor reft;
Now lyest thou a lumpe of earth forlorne,
8 Ne of thy late life memory is left,
Ne can thy irreuocable destiny be weft?
1 "Dear image of myself," she said, "that is 2 The wretched son of wretched mother born, 3 Is this your high advancement, O is this 4 The immortal name with which you, yet unborn, 5 Your grandsire Nereus promised to adorn?
grandsire > grandfather
6 Now lie you of life and honour reft;
reft > robbed, bereft
7 Now lie you a lump of earth forlorn, 8 Ne of your late life memory is left,
Ne > Not, neither hence: and nothing, and nothing whatever (not exactly translatable: a conjunctional intensification of "no") late > recent, late memory > memorial; memento; memory
9 Ne can your irrevocable destiny be weft?
Ne > And neither weft > avoided
304.37
Fond Proteus, father of false prophecis,
2 And they more fond, that credit to thee giue,
Not this the worke of womans hand ywis,
4 That so deepe wound through these deare members driue.
I feared loue: but they that loue do liue,
6 But they that die, doe neither loue nor hate.
Nath'lesse to thee thy folly I forgiue,
8 And to my selfe, and to accursed fate
The guilt I doe ascribe: deare wisedome bought too late.
1 "Fond Proteus, father of false prophecies,
Fond > Foolish, imbecile; credulous
2 And they more fond, that credit to you give,
they > [those people] you > (Addressing Proteus)
3 Not this the work of woman's hand iwis,
iwis > certainly, indeed; (catachr.) I know, hence: I certainly know (contemptuous of Proteus's "false prophecis")
4 That so deep wound through these dear members drive.
so > such [a] members > limbs; organs drive > could drive; drove; has driven
5 I feared love: but they that love do live, 6 But they that die do neither love nor hate. 7 Natheless to you your folly I forgive,
Natheless > Nevertheless forgive > grant; pardon
8 And to myself, and to accursed Fate 9 The guilt I do ascribe: dear wisdom bought too late.
dear > precious; costly; grievous
304.38
O what auailes it of immortall seed
2 To beene ybred and neuer borne to die?
Farre better I it deeme to die with speed,
4 Then waste in woe and wailefull miserie.
Who dyes the vtmost dolour doth abye,
6 But who that liues, is left to waile his losse:
So life is losse, and death felicitie.
8 Sad life worse then glad death: and greater crosse
To see friends graue, then dead the graue selfe to engrosse.
1 "O what avails it of immortal seed
seed > offspring
2 To been bred and never born to die?
been > [be; have been]
3 Far better I it deem to die with speed 4 Than waste in woe and wailful misery.
wailful > lamentable
5 Who dies the utmost dolour does aby,
Who > [He who] dolour > dolour; physical suffering; grief aby > suffer
6 But who that lives is left to wail his loss:
wail > mourn
7 So life is loss, and death felicity. 8 Sad life worse than glad death: and greater cross 9 To see friend's grave than, dead, the grave self to engross.
dead > [being dead] self > oneself engross > occupy wholly, hence: fill (somewhat catachr.)
304.39
But if the heauens did his dayes enuie,
2 And my short blisse maligne, yet mote they well
Thus much afford me, ere that he did die
4 That the dim eyes of my deare Marinell
I mote haue closed, and him +bed+ farewell,
6 Sith other offices for mother meet
They would not graunt.
8 Yet maulgre them farewell, my sweetest sweet;
Farewell my sweetest sonne, +sith we no more shall+ meet.
5 bed > bid 1609 9 sith we no more shall > till we againe may 1590
1 "But if the heavens did his days envy,
envy > begrudge; regard with malevolence
2 And my short bliss malign, yet might they well
malign > regard with hatred; resent; begrudge
3 Thus much afford me, ere he did die, 4 That the dim eyes of my dear Marinell 5 I might have closed, and him bade farewell, 6 Sith other offices for mother meet
Sith > Since meet > fitting, suitable (referring to the "offices")
7 They would not grant. 8 Yet maugre them farewell, my sweetest sweet;
maugre > despite, in spite of
9 Farewell my sweetest son, sith we no more shall meet."
304.40
Thus when they all had sorrowed their fill,
2 They softly gan to search his griesly wound:
And that they might him handle more at will,
4 They him disarm'd, and spredding on the ground
Their watchet mantles frindgd with siluer round,
6 They softly wipt away the +gelly blood+
From th'orifice; which hauing well vpbound,
8 They pourd in soueraine balme, and Nectar good,
Good both for earthly med'cine, and for heauenly food.
6 gelly blood > gelly-blood 1590; ielly'd blood 1609
1 Thus, when they all had sorrowed their fill, 2 They softly began to search his grisly wound:
search > probe; examine grisly > fearsome
3 And that they might him handle more at will,
that > [so that]
4 They him disarmed, and spreading on the ground
disarmed > relieved of armour
5 Their watchet mantles fringed with silver round,
watchet > {Light blue, sky-blue; cloth of this colour}
6 They softly wiped away the jelly-blood 7 From the orifice; which having well upbound, 8 They poured in sovereign balm, and nectar good,
sovereign > supremely efficacious
9 Good both for earthly medicine, and for heavenly food.
heavenly food > (Because nectar is the drink of the gods)
304.41
Tho when the lilly handed Liagore,
2 (This Liagore whylome had learned skill
In leaches craft, by great Appolloes lore,
4 Sith her whylome vpon the high Pindus hill,
He loued, and at last her wombe did fill
6 With heauenly seed, whereof wise P{ae}on sprong)
Did feele his pulse, she knew +there+ staied still
8 Some litle life his feeble sprites emong;
Which to his mother told, despeire she from her flong.
7 there > their 1590, 1596; cf. 110.36:6, 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 211.21:8, 312.28:1
1 Tho when the lily-handed Liagore
Tho > Then
Liagore > "White-armed" (Greek. She is one of the nereids. See
Hesiod, Theogony 257)
2 (This Liagore whilom had learned skill
whilom > in ancient times; at some past time
3 In leech's craft, by great Apollo's lore,
leech > doctor Apollo > (The god who affords help and wards off evils, father of Aesculapius, the god of healing; associated with Paean, though the details of Paean's conception are apparently invented by Spenser) lore > teaching, doctrine
4 Sith her whilom upon the high Pindus hill,
Sith > Since
Pindus > (A range of high mountains in northern Greece; the name of
"Pindus" was confined to that part which separates Thessaly and
Epirus)
5 He loved, and at last her womb did fill 6 With heavenly seed, whereof wise Paean sprang)
seed > semen; progeny wise > expert, skilful; wise Paean > (The god of healing in Homer: see Iliad 5.388-402, 5.899- 901)
7 Did feel his pulse, she knew there stayed still
stayed > remained
8 Some little life his feeble spirits among; 9 Which, to his mother told, despair she from her flung.
told > [being told, having been told]
304.42
Tho +vp him+ taking in their tender hands,
2 They easily vnto her charet beare:
Her teme at her commaundement quiet stands,
4 Whiles they the corse into her wagon reare,
And strow with flowres the lamentable beare:
6 Then all the rest into their coches clim,
And through the brackish waues their passage sheare;
8 Vpon great Neptunes necke they softly swim,
And to her watry chamber swiftly carry him.
1 vp him > him vp 1609
1 Tho, up him taking in their tender hands,
Tho > Then
2 They easily to her charet bear:
easily > easily; without hurry charet > chariot bear > [bear Marinell]
3 Her team at her commandment quiet stands,
commandment > command
4 While they the corse into her wagon rear,
corse > body rear > raise, raise up
5 And strew with flowers the lamentable bier:
lamentable > mournful, doleful
6 Then all the rest into their coaches climb, 7 And through the brackish waves their passage shear; 8 Upon great Neptune's neck they softly swim, 9 And to her watery chamber swiftly carry him.
304.43
Deepe in the bottome of the sea, her bowre
2 Is built of hollow billowes heaped hye,
Like to thicke cloudes, that threat a stormy showre,
4 And +vauted+ all within, like to the sky,
In which the Gods do dwell eternally:
6 There they him laid in easie couch well dight;
And sent in haste for Tryphon, to apply
8 Salues to his wounds, and medicines of might:
For Tryphon of sea gods the soueraine leach is hight.
4 vauted > vaulted 1609
1 Deep in the bottom of the sea, her bower
bower > dwelling, abode
2 Is built of hollow billows heaped high, 3 Like thick clouds, that threaten a stormy shower, 4 And vaulted all within, like the sky 5 In which the gods do dwell eternally: 6 There they him laid in easy couch well dight;
couch > bed dight > arranged, prepared
7 And sent in haste for Tryphon, to apply
Tryphon > (Another god of healing. A sea-god and the brother of
Aesculapius, according to DGDG 7.36)
8 Salves to his wounds, and medicines of might:
might > power, efficacy
9 For Tryphon of sea-gods the sovereign leech is hight.
of > of; by leech > doctor hight > called
304.44
The whiles the Nymphes sit all about him round,
2 Lamenting his mishap and heauy plight;
And oft his mother vewing his wide wound,
4 Cursed the hand, that did so deadly smight
Her dearest sonne, her dearest harts delight.
6 But none of all those curses ouertooke
The warlike Maid, th'ensample of that might,
8 But fairely well she thriu'd, and well did brooke
Her noble deeds, ne her right course for ought forsooke.
1 The whiles the nymphs sit all about him round,
The whiles > Meanwhile the nymphs > [the other nereids]
2 Lamenting his mishap and heavy plight;
heavy > sad, distressing; grievous
3 And oft his mother, viewing his wide wound, 4 Cursed the hand that did so deadly smite 5 Her dearest son, her dearest heart's delight. 6 But none of all those curses overtook
none > not one
7 The warlike maid, the example of that might,
example > exemplar; sample, specimen; hence, very loosely: agent, perpetrator that might > (Possibly referring back to 304.27:8)
8 But fairly well she throve, and well did brook
fairly > {In a favourable manner} brook > find agreeable; profit by
9 Her noble deeds, nor her right course for aught forsook.
304.45
Yet did false Archimage her still pursew,
2 To bring to passe his mischieuous intent,
Now that he had her singled from the crew
4 Of courteous knights, the Prince, and Faery gent,
Whom late in chace of beautie excellent
6 She left, pursewing that same foster strong;
Of whose foule outrage they impatient,
8 And full of fiery zeale, him followed long,
To reskew her from shame, and to reuenge her wrong.
1 Yet did false Archimago her still pursue,
Archimago > (He does not appear again, and his appearance here is something of a puzzle. Cf. 301.0:3, in which Duessa is mentioned: yet she does not feature in Book III. Perhaps these are traces of a subsequently revised synopsis) still > yet; continually
2 To bring to pass his mischievous intent,
mischievous > {Producing or intending harm} intent > purpose, intention
3 Now that he had her singled from the crew 4 Of courteous knights, the prince and Faery gent,
gent > noble
5 Whom late in chase of beauty excellent
late > recently (see 301.18-19) chase > pursuit
6 She left, pursuing that same foster strong;
foster > forester
7 Of whose foul outrage they impatient,
impatient > [being] intolerant
8 And full of fiery zeal, him followed long, 9 To rescue her from shame, and to revenge her wrong.
her > [Florimell, "beautie excellent">[
304.46
Through thick and thin, through mountaines and through plains,
2 Those two great champions did attonce pursew
The fearefull damzell, with incessant paines:
4 Who from them fled, as light-foot hare from vew
Of +hunter+ swift, and sent of houndes trew.
6 At last they came vnto a double way,
Where, doubtfull which to take, her to reskew,
8 Themselues they did dispart, each to assay,
Whether more happie were, to win so goodly pray.
5 hunter > hunters 1609
1 Through thick and thin, through mountains and through plains, 2 Those two great champions did at once pursue
at once > together
3 The fearful damsel, with incessant pains:
pains > efforts
4 Who from them fled, as lightfoot hare from view
lightfoot > light-footed (also a quasi-sb. name for the hare)
5 Of hunter swift, and scent of hounds true.
scent of > also, perhaps: sent by
6 At last they came to a double way 7 Where, doubtful which to take, her to rescue, 8 Themselves they did dispart, each to assay
dispart > separate assay > test, put to the proof
9 Whether more happy were, to win so goodly prey.
Whether > Which of the two [champions] happy > fortunate so goodly prey > such beautiful plunder; so beautiful a prey
304.47
But Timias, the Princes gentle Squire,
2 That Ladies loue vnto his Lord forlent,
And with proud enuy, and indignant ire,
4 After that wicked foster fiercely went.
So beene they three three sundry wayes ybent.
6 But fairest fortune to the Prince befell,
Whose chaunce it was, that soone he did +repent,+
8 To take that way, in which that Damozell
Was fled afore, affraid of him, as feend of hell.
7 repent, > repent 1609
1 But Timias, the prince's gentle squire,
gentle > gentle; noble squire > attendant
2 That lady's love to his lord forlent,
forlent > gave up, relinquished (this form not in OED)
3 And with proud envy, and indignant ire,
envy > enthusiasm, desire
4 After that wicked foster fiercely went.
foster > forester
5 So been they three three sundry ways bent.
been > [were] bent > bound, directed
6 But fairest fortune to the prince befell, 7 Whose chance it was, that soon he did repent,
repent > regret
8 To take that way in which that damsel 9 Was fled afore, afraid of him as fiend of hell.
afore > before, in front [of him] him > (Referring indifferently to the forester and Arthur)
304.48
At last of her farre off he gained vew:
2 Then gan he freshly pricke his fomy steed,
And euer as he nigher to her drew,
4 So euermore he did increase his speed,
And of each turning still kept warie heed:
6 Aloud to her he oftentimes did call,
To doe away vaine doubt, and needlesse dreed:
8 Full myld to her he spake, and oft let fall
Many meeke wordes, to stay and comfort her withall.
1 At last of her far off he gained view: 2 Then gan he freshly prick his foamy steed,
gan > did prick > spur
3 And ever as he nigher to her drew, 4 So evermore he did increase his speed, 5 And of each turning still kept wary heed:
still > continually
6 Aloud to her he oftentimes did call,
oftentimes > many times
7 To do away vain doubt, and needless dread:
do away > banish vain > empty, foolish doubt > fear
8 Full mild to her he spoke, and oft let fall
Full > Very, exceedingly
9 Many meek words, to stay and comfort her withal.
stay > support; detain
304.49
But nothing might relent her hastie flight;
2 So deepe the deadly feare of that foule swaine
Was earst impressed in her gentle spright:
4 Like as a fearefull Doue, which through the raine,
Of the wide aire her way does cut amaine,
6 Hauing farre off espyde a Tassell gent,
Which after her his nimble wings doth straine,
8 Doubleth her haste for feare to be +for-hent+,
And with her pineons cleaues the liquid firmament.
8 for-hent > forhent 1590; fore-hent 1609
1 But nothing might relent her hasty flight;
might relent > could slacken
2 So deep the deadly fear of that foul swain
swain > bumpkin, yokel; the word is also a legal term: freeholder within the forest, hence: forester
3 Was erst impressed in her gentle spirit:
erst > lately, previously; first
4 Like a fearful dove, which through the reign
reign > realm, dominion
5 Of the wide air her way does cut amain
amain > at full speed
6 (Having far off espied a tercel-gentle,
tercel-gentle > male falcon (esp. the peregrine, Falco peregrinus)
7 Which after her his nimble wings does strain), 8 Doubles her haste for fear to be for-hent,
Doubles > [And doubles; the construction is rather awkward without a conjunction here] for-hent > overtaken, seized (the prefix is an intensive and superlative, implying painful effect or overpowering; "hend" = "seize", "lay hold of", "take", "grasp")
9 And with her pinions cleaves the liquid firmament.
liquid > transparent; ethereal; bright
304.50
With no lesse haste, and eke with no lesse dreed,
2 That fearefull Ladie fled from him, that ment
To her no euill thought, nor euill deed;
4 Yet former feare of being fowly shent,
Carried her forward with her first intent:
6 And though oft looking backward, well she vewd,
Her selfe freed from that foster insolent,
8 And that it was a knight, which now her sewd,
Yet she no lesse the knight feard, then that villein rude.
1 With no less haste, and eke with no less dread,
eke > also
2 That fearful lady fled from him, that meant
meant > intended; or, perhaps: ment (ppl. of "meng"), joined, attached (cf. 203.11:9)
3 To her no evil thought, nor evil deed; 4 Yet former fear of being foully shent
shent > disgraced, defiled
5 Carried her forward with her first intent:
intent > intention, purpose
6 And though oft looking backward, well she viewed 7 Herself freed from that foster insolent, 8 And that it was a knight which now her sued,
sued > pursued
9 Yet she no less the knight feared than that villein rude.
villein > villain; serf (if the legalistic meaning of "swain" is not intended at 304.49:2) rude > barbarous; rough, clumsy; violent
304.51
His vncouth shield and straunge armes her dismayd,
2 Whose like in Faery lond were seldome seene,
That fast she from him fled, no lesse affrayd,
4 Then of wild beastes if she had chased beene:
Yet he her followd still with courage keene,
6 So long that now the golden Hesperus
Was mounted high in top of heauen sheene,
8 And warnd his other brethren ioyeous,
To light their blessed lamps in Ioues eternall hous.
1 His uncouth shield and strange arms her dismayed,
uncouth > strange
2 Whose like in Faery Land were seldom seen, 3 That fast she from him fled, no less afraid
That > [So that]
4 Than of wild beasts if she had chased been: 5 Yet he her followed still with courage keen,
courage > spirit; vigour; confidence; lustiness
6 So long that now the golden Hesperus
Hesperus > (Name for the planet Venus when it appears as the evening star; Venus is also the morning star. Hesperus is, as here, accorded male gender at 102.6. For a clue to the analogy between Florimell and the Faery Queen, see 107.30:4)
7 Was mounted high in top of heaven sheen,
sheen > shining, resplendent; beautiful (applicable both to "Hesperus" and "heauen")
8 And warned his other brethren joyous
brethren joyous > heavenly brothers
9 To light their blessed lamps in Jove's eternal house.
304.52
All suddenly dim woxe the dampish ayre,
2 And griesly shadowes couered heauen bright,
That now with thousand starres was decked fayre;
4 Which when the Prince beheld, a lothfull sight,
And that perforce, for want of lenger light,
6 He mote surcease his suit, and lose the hope
Of his long labour, he gan fowly wyte
8 His wicked fortune, that had turnd aslope,
And cursed night, that reft from him so goodly scope.
1 All suddenly dim waxed the dampish air,
waxed > grew, became
2 And grisly shadows covered heaven bright,
grisly > grim, fearsome bright > beautiful
3 That now with thousand stars was decked fair; 4 Which when the prince beheld, a loathful sight,
loathful > loathsome
5 And that perforce, for want of longer light,
that > [that when he also beheld that]
6 He might surcease his suit, and lose the hope
might > must surcease > discontinue, desist from; hence: be thwarted in suit > pursuit; wooing
7 Of his long labour, he gan foully wite
gan > did wite > blame
8 His wicked fortune, that had turned aslope,
aslope > slantwise; hence: awry
9 And cursed Night, that reft from him so goodly scope.
Night > (Nox) reft > took away so goodly > such a beautiful scope > aim, end in view; object of desire
304.53
Tho when her wayes he could no more descry,
2 But to and fro at disauenture strayd;
Like as a ship, whose Lodestarre suddenly
4 Couered with cloudes, her Pilot hath dismayd;
His wearisome pursuit perforce he stayd,
6 And from his loftie steed dismounting low,
Did let him forage. Downe himselfe he layd
8 Vpon the grassie ground, to sleepe a throw;
The cold earth was his couch, the hard steele his pillow.
1 Tho, when her ways he could no more descry,
Tho > Then ways > way
2 But to and fro at disadventure strayed
at disadventure > unfortunately, lucklessly; hence: without success ("disadventure" = "misfortune", "mischance")
3 (Like a ship whose lodestar, suddenly 4 Covered with clouds, her pilot has dismayed), 5 His wearisome pursuit perforce he stayed,
stayed > ceased
6 And from his lofty steed dismounting low, 7 Did let him forage. Down himself he laid 8 Upon the grassy ground, to sleep a throw;
throw > turn; hence: spell, while
9 The cold earth was his couch, the hard steel his pillow.
couch > bed
304.54
But gentle Sleepe enuyde him any rest;
2 In stead thereof sad sorrow, and disdaine
Of his hard hap did vexe his noble brest,
4 And thousand fancies bet his idle braine
With their light wings, the sights of semblants vaine:
6 Oft did he wish, that Lady faire mote bee
His Faery Queene, for whom he did complaine:
8 Or that his Faery Queene were such, as shee:
And euer hastie Night he blamed bitterlie.
1 But gentle Sleep envied him any rest;
gentle > gentle; high-born, noble Sleep > (The adjective and the capital letter indicate that Spenser means Somnus, the god of sleep; or perhaps his son, Morpheus (see 101.40:6), so preparing us for the forthcoming theologism) envied > begrudged
2 Instead thereof sad sorrow, and disdain
disdain > indignation, anger [… at]
3 Of his hard hap, did vex his noble breast,
hap > fortune, lot
4 And thousand fancies beat his idle brain
idle > inactive; empty
5 With their light wings, the sights of semblants vain:
sights > appearances, visions semblants > images vain > weak, foolish; unavailing
6 Oft did he wish that lady fair might be
that > [that that]
7 His Faery Queen, for whom he did complain:
complain > suffer, ail; groan, lament
8 Or that his Faery Queen were such as she: 9 And ever hasty Night he blamed bitterly.
ever hasty > (Both alternatives are probably intended: "ever, hasty", and "ever-hasty". Cf. 102.37:9) Night > (Nox is here taken as the antithesis of the effulgent Gloriana) blamed > reproved
304.55
Night thou foule Mother of annoyance sad,
2 Sister of heauie death, and nourse of woe,
Which wast begot in heauen, but for thy bad
4 And brutish shape thrust downe to hell below,
Where by the grim floud of Cocytus slow
6 Thy dwelling is, in Herebus blacke hous,
(Blacke Herebus thy husband is the foe
8 Of all the Gods) where thou vngratious,
Halfe of thy dayes doest lead in horrour hideous.
1 "Night, you foul mother of Annoyance sad, 2 Sister of heavy Death, and nurse of Woe; 3 Who was begotten in heaven, but for your bad
begotten > (See 105.22, 204.41) for > because of, for the sake of
4 And brutish shape thrust down to hell below, 5 Where by the grim flood of Cocytus slow
grim > harsh; cruel, formidable flood > river Cocytus > ("The stream of wailing": one of the five rivers of Hell)
6 Your dwelling is, in Erebus' black house, 7 (Black Erebus, your husband, is the foe 8 Of all the gods) where you, ungracious,
ungracious > devoid of spiritual grace, unregenerate; malignant; repulsive, offensive
9 Half of your days do lead in horror hideous.
hideous > odious; immense
304.56
What had th'eternall Maker need of thee,
2 The world in his continuall course to keepe,
That doest all things deface, ne lettest see
4 The beautie of his worke? Indeed in sleepe
The slouthfull bodie, that doth loue to steepe
6 His lustlesse limbes, and drowne his baser mind,
Doth praise thee oft, and oft from Stygian deepe
8 Calles thee, his goddesse in his error blind,
And great Dame Natures handmaide, chearing euery kind.
1 "What had the eternal Maker need of you, 2 The world in its continual course to keep, 3 That do all things deface, nor let see
deface > deface, destroy; cast in the shade
4 The beauty of His work? Indeed in sleep 5 The slothful body, that does love to steep
steep > {Bathe in slumber or rest}
6 His lustless limbs, and drown his baser mind,
lustless > {Listless; joyless, lacking pleasure or delight} baser > too-base; more base; most base
7 Does praise you oft, and oft from Stygian deep
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the river which dead souls must cross}
8 Calls you, his goddess in his error blind, 9 And great Dame Nature's handmaid, cheering every kind.
kind > race, species
304.57
But well I wote, that to an heauy hart
2 Thou art the root and nurse of bitter cares,
Breeder of new, renewer of old smarts:
4 In stead of rest thou lendest rayling teares,
In stead of sleepe thou sendest troublous feares,
6 And dreadfull visions, in the which aliue
The drearie image of sad death appeares:
8 So from the wearie spirit thou doest driue
Desired rest, and men of happinesse depriue.
1 "But well I wot, that to a heavy heart
wot > know
2 You are the root and nurse of bitter cares, 3 Breeder of new, renewer of old smarts:
smarts > pains, sorrows
4 Instead of rest you lend railing tears,
lend > impart, afford railing > flowing; gushing
5 Instead of sleep you send troublous fears, 6 And dreadful visions, in which alive
alive > (An intensive)
7 The dreary image of sad Death appears:
dreary > dreadful, grim
8 So from the weary spirit you do drive 9 Desired rest, and men of happiness deprive.
304.58
Vnder thy mantle blacke there hidden lye,
2 Light-shonning theft, and traiterous intent,
Abhorred bloudshed, and vile felony,
4 Shamefull deceipt, and daunger imminent;
Foule horror, and eke hellish dreriment:
6 All these I wote in thy protection bee,
And light doe shonne, for feare of being shent:
8 For light ylike is loth'd of them and thee,
And all that lewdnesse loue, doe hate the light to see.
1 "Under your mantle black there hidden lie 2 Light-shunning theft, and traitorous intent, 3 Abhorred bloodshed, and vile felony,
felony > wickedness; guile, perfidy
4 Shameful deceit, and danger imminent;
danger > mischief; harm
5 Foul horror, and eke hellish dreariment:
eke > also dreariment > affliction; gloom, melancholy
6 All these I wot in your protection be,
wot > know
7 And light do shun, for fear of being shent:
shent > disgraced
8 For light alike is loathed of them and you,
of > by
9 And all that lewdness love, do hate the light to see.
lewdness > wickedness, evil behaviour; ignorance
304.59
For day discouers all dishonest wayes,
2 And sheweth each thing, as it is indeed:
The prayses of high God he faire displayes,
4 And his large bountie rightly doth areed.
+Dayes dearest children+ be the blessed seed,
6 Which darknesse shall subdew, and heauen win:
Truth is his daughter; he her first did breed,
8 Most sacred virgin, without spot of sin.
Our life is day, but death with darknesse doth begin.
5 Dayes dearest children > The children of day 1590
1 "For Day discovers all dishonest ways, 2 And shows each thing as it is indeed: 3 The praises of high God he fair displays,
fair > becomingly; well, expertly displays > makes manifest; expounds
4 And His large bounty rightly does aread.
aread > declare, make known
5 Day's dearest children be the blessed seed
seed > progeny (see 105.24-5)
6 Which darkness shall subdue, and heaven win:
darkness shall subdue > [shall subdue darkness]
7 Truth is his daughter; he her first did breed, 8 Most sacred virgin, without spot of sin. 9 Our life is day, but death with darkness does begin.
304.60
O when will day then turne to me againe,
2 And bring with him his long expected light?
O Titan, haste to reare thy ioyous waine:
4 Speed thee to spred abroad thy beames +bright,+
And chase away this too long lingring night,
6 Chase her away, from whence she came, to hell.
She, she it is, that hath me done despight:
8 There let her with the damned spirits dwell,
And yeeld her roome to day, that can it gouerne well.
4 bright, > bright? 1590, 1596
1 "O when will Day then turn to me again, 2 And bring with him his long expected light? 3 O Titan, hasten to rear your joyous wain:
joyous > glorious; heavenly; joyous wain > chariot (in which Phoebus Apollo makes his daily journey across the sky)
4 Speed you to spread abroad your beams bright, 5 And chase away this too long lingering Night; 6 Chase her away, from whence she came, to hell. 7 She, she it is, that has me done despite:
despite > [an] outrage, malice
8 There let her with the damned spirits dwell, 9 And yield her room to Day, that can it govern well!"
room > space, place
304.61
Thus did the Prince that wearie night outweare,
2 In restlesse anguish and vnquiet paine:
And earely, ere the morrow did vpreare
4 His deawy head out of the Ocean maine,
He vp arose, as halfe in great disdaine,
6 And clombe vnto his steed. So forth he went,
With heauie looke and lumpish pace, that plaine
8 In him bewraid great grudge and maltalent:
His steed eke seem'd t'apply his steps to his intent.
1 Thus did the prince that weary night outwear
outwear > consume; outlive
2 In restless anguish and unquiet pain: 3 And early, ere the morrow did uprear
morrow > dawn uprear > rear (the prefix is an intensive)
4 His dewy head out of the ocean main,
main > {Broad expanse of water}
5 He up arose, as half in great disdain,
as > [as if] disdain > indignation, anger
6 And climbed unto his steed. So forth he went,
unto > upon
7 With heavy look and lumpish pace, that plain
lumpish > sluggish; low-spirited
8 In him bewrayed great grudge and maltalent:
bewrayed > revealed grudge > discontent maltalent > ill-will, malevolence
9 His steed eke seemed to apply his steps to +his+ intent.
eke > moreover apply > adapt, conform his > [Arthur's] intent > frame of mind