CANTO IX

The house of Temperance, in which
2 doth sober Alma dwell,
Besiegd of many foes, whom straunger
4 knightes to +flight+ compell.

4 flight > fight 1596, 1609

1 The House of Temperance, in which 2 does sober Alma dwell,

Alma > (Introduced at 209.17. Her name has a number of meanings: (1) "Nourishing", "Fair", "Gracious", "Propitious", "Kind" (Latin); (2) "Maiden" (Hebrew); (3) "All Good" (Celtic))

3 Besieged of many foes, whom stranger

of > by stranger > new-come

4 knights to flight compel.

209.1

OF all Gods workes, which do this world adorne,
2 There is no one more faire and excellent,
Then is mans body both for powre and forme,
4 Whiles it is kept in sober gouernment;
But none then it, more fowle and indecent,
6 Distempred through misrule and passions bace:
It growes a Monster, and incontinent
8 Doth loose his dignitie and natiue grace.
Behold, who list, both one and other in this place.

1 Of all God's works, which do this world adorn, 2 There is none more fair and excellent 3 Than is man's body, both for power and form, 4 While it is kept in sober government;

government > control

5 But none than it more foul and indecent,

indecent > uncomely; repulsive

6 Distempered through misrule and passions base:

Distempered > [When] disordered

7 It grows a monster, and incontinent

grows > becomes incontinent > lacking self-restraint (adj.); immediately (adv.)

8 Does loose its dignity and native grace.

loose > lose; loose; loosen, dissolve native > innate, natural

9 Behold, who list, both one and other in this place.

list > chooses, please other > [the other]

209.2

After the Paynim brethren conquer'd were,
2 The Briton Prince recou'ring his stolne sword,
And Guyon his lost shield, they both yfere
4 Forth passed on their way in faire accord,
Till him the Prince with gentle court did bord;
6 Sir knight, mote I of you this curt'sie read,
To weet why on your shield so goodly scord
8 Beare ye the picture of that Ladies head?
Full liuely is the semblaunt, though the substance dead.

1 After the paynim brethren conquered were,

paynim > pagan, heathen

2 The Briton prince recovering his stolen sword, 3 And Guyon his lost shield, they both yfere

yfere > together

4 Forth passed on their way in fair accord, 5 Till him the prince with gentle court did board:

gentle > polite court > {Courteous attention} board > address

6 "Sir knight, might I of you this courtesy read,

read > make known; hence: ask

7 To weet why on your shield so goodly scored

weet > learn, know goodly > beautifully scored > inscribed; hence: carved, depicted

8 Bear you the picture of that lady's head?

that lady > [the Faery Queen; see 107.30:1-5]

9 Full lively is the semblant, though the substance dead."

Full lively > Very life-like semblant > resemblance; image dead > [is dead]

209.3

Faire Sir (said he) if in that picture dead
2 Such life ye read, and vertue in vaine shew,
What mote ye weene, if the trew liuely-head
4 Of that most glorious visage ye did vew?
But if the beautie of her mind ye knew,
6 That is her bountie, and imperiall powre,
Thousand times fairer then her mortall hew,
8 O how great wonder would your thoughts deuoure,
And infinite desire into your spirite poure!

1 "Fair sir," said he, "if in that picture dead 2 Such life you read, and virtue in vain show,

read > discern virtue > virtue; power show > behold; describe

3 What might you ween if the true livelihead

ween > think livelihead > living form; hence: original

4 Of that most glorious visage you did view? 5 But if the beauty of her mind you knew, 6 That is her bounty, and imperial power

bounty > goodness, virtue

7 (Thousand times fairer than her mortal hue),

hue > appearance

8 O how great wonder would your thoughts devour,

how great > [how great a, what great]

9 And infinite desire into your spirit pour!

209.4

She is the mighty Queene of Faerie,
2 Whose faire retrait I in my shield do beare;
She is the flowre of grace and chastitie,
4 Throughout the world renowmed far and neare,
My liefe, my liege, my Soueraigne, my deare,
6 Whose glory shineth as the morning starre,
And with her light the earth enlumines cleare;
8 Far reach her mercies, and her prayses farre,
As well in state of peace, as puissaunce in warre.

1 "She is the mighty Queen of Faery, 2 Whose fair retrait I in my shield do bear;

retrait > portrait in > [on]

3 She is the flower of grace and chastity, 4 Throughout the world renowned far and near, 5 My lief, my liege, my sovereign, my dear,

lief > beloved liege > {Superior to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}

6 Whose glory shines as the morning star,

the morning star > (Another name for the planet Venus; cf. 100.4:2 and SC, gloss to "December": "Venus, the goddesse of beauty or pleasure. Also a signe in heaven, as it is here taken")

7 And with her light the earth enlumines clear;

enlumines > illuminates

8 Far reach her mercies, and her praises far, 9 As well in state of peace, as puissance in war."

well > much puissance > [in] strength

209.5

Thrise happy man, (said then the Briton knight)
2 Whom gracious lot, and thy great valiaunce
Haue made +thee+ souldier of that Princesse bright,
4 Which with her bounty and glad countenance
Doth blesse her seruaunts, and them high aduaunce.
6 How may straunge knight hope euer to aspire,
By faithfull seruice, and meet amenance,
8 Vnto such blisse? sufficient were that hire
For losse of thousand liues, to dye at her desire.

3 thee > a 1609

1 "Thrice happy man," said then the Briton knight, 2 "Whom gracious lot and your great valiance

gracious lot > favourable fortune valiance > valour, bravery

3 Have made you soldier of that princess bright,

bright > shining; beautiful

4 Who with her bounty and glad countenance

bounty > goodness, virtue glad > bright, shining; beautiful countenance > countenance; patronage, favour

5 Does bless her servants, and them high advance. 6 How may strange knight hope ever to aspire

strange > [a] foreign

7 (By faithful service and meet amenance)

meet > suitable, seemly amenance > bearing, conduct

8 To such bliss? Sufficient were that hire

hire > reward

9 For loss of thousand lives, to die at her desire."

209.6

Said Guyon, Noble Lord, what meed so great,
2 Or grace of earthly Prince so soueraine,
But by your wondrous worth and warlike feat
4 Ye well may hope, and easely attaine?
But were your will, her sold to entertaine,
6 And numbred be mongst knights of Maydenhed,
Great guerdon, well I wote, should you remaine,
8 And in her fauour high be reckoned,
As Arthegall, and Sophy now beene honored.

1 Said Guyon, "Noble lord, what meed so great,

meed > reward

2 Or grace of earthly prince so sovereign, 3 But by your wondrous worth and warlike feat 4 You well may hope, and easily attain?

hope > hope for

5 But were your will her sold to entertain,

sold > wages entertain > accept

6 And numbered be amongst knights of Maidenhead,

Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order)

7 Great guerdon, well I wot, should you remain,

guerdon > reward, recompense wot > know remain > await

8 And in her favour high be reckoned, 9 As Artegall, and Sophy now been honoured."

Artegall > (Hero of Book V)
Sophy > "Wisdom" (Greek; ?protagonist of an unwritten or unknown
book of FQ)
been > [have been; are being]

209.7

Certes (then said the Prince) I God auow,
2 That sith I armes and knighthood first did plight,
My whole desire has beene, and yet is now,
4 To serue that Queene with all my powre and might.
+Now hath+ the Sunne with his lamp-burning light,
6 +Walkt round+ about the world, and I no lesse,
+Sith+ of that Goddesse I haue sought the sight,
8 Yet no where can her find: such happinesse
Heauen doth to me enuy, and fortune +fauourlesse+.

5 Now hath > Seuen times 1590; cf. 109.15 and 209.38 6 Walkt round > Hath walkte 1590 7 Sith > Since 1609 9 fauourlesse > Perhaps a misprint for fauour lesse_, since spacing is very tight in the quartos. If so,_ fortune should be read as Fortune_. Weight is given to this possibility by the beginning of the next line_

1 "Certes," then said the prince, "I God avow

Certes > Assuredly
God > [before God; to God]

2 That sith I arms and knighthood first did plight,

sith > since arms > {Feats of arms} plight > pledge myself [to]; also: plait, knit, hence: interweave

3 My whole desire has been, and yet is now, 4 To serve that queen with all my power and might. 5 Now has the sun, with his lamp-burning light, 6 Walked round about the world, and I no less, 7 Sith of that goddess I have sought the sight, 8 Yet nowhere can her find: such happiness 9 Heaven does to me envy, and fortune favourless."

envy > begrudge fortune > (Vb.) [I] happen; hence: I proceed through life, I follow my quest (see also Textual Appendix) favourless > lacking favour

209.8

Fortune, the foe of famous cheuisaunce
2 Seldome (said Guyon) yields to vertue aide,
But in her way throwes mischiefe and mischaunce,
4 Whereby her course is stopt, and passage staid.
But +you,+ faire Sir, be not herewith dismaid,
6 But constant keepe the way, in which ye stand;
Which were it not, that I am else delaid
8 With hard aduenture, which I haue in hand,
I labour would to guide you through all Faery land.

5 you, > you 1596

1 "Fortune, the foe of famous chevisance,

chevisance > enterprise, knightly enterprise (catachr.)

2 Seldom," said Guyon, "yields to virtue aid,

to virtue aid > [aid to virtue]

3 But in its way throws mischief and mischance,

mischief > misfortune; evil; disaster

4 Whereby its course is stopped, and passage stayed.

stayed > obstructed; stopped

5 But you, fair sir, be not herewith dismayed,

herewith > with this dismayed > dismayed; defeated (with pun on "dis-made": cf. 108.5:4, 108.11:1, 209.37:5, etc.)

6 But constant keep the way in which you stand;

stand > stand, remain steadfast; also, perhaps, in view of "way": steer, direct your course (usu. applied to ships: OED first records this usage in 1627)

7 Were it not that I am else delayed

else > otherwise

8 With hard adventure, which I have in hand, 9 I labour would to guide you through all Faery Land."

209.9

Gramercy Sir (said he) but mote I +weete+,
2 What straunge aduenture do ye now pursew?
Perhaps my succour, or aduizement meete
4 Mote stead you much your purpose to subdew.
Then gan Sir Guyon all the story shew
6 Of false Acrasia, and her wicked wiles,
Which to auenge, the Palmer him forth drew
8 From Faery court. So talked they, the whiles
They wasted had much way, and measurd many miles.

1 weete > wote 1590 etc.; this correction is generally agreed

1 "Gramercy sir," said he, but might I weet

Gramercy > Thank you weet > learn; hence: ask

2 What strange adventure do you now pursue? 3 Perhaps my succour, or advisement meet

advisement > advice meet > seemly, appropriate; hence, perhaps: modest

4 Might stead you much your purpose to subdue."

stead > help subdue > overcome; hence: achieve

5 Then gan Sir Guyon all the story show

gan > did show > make known, tell

6 Of false Acrasia, and her wicked wiles, 7 Which to avenge, the palmer him forth drew 8 From Faery court. So talked they; the whiles

Faery court > (See I:183: "The second day ther came in a Palmer …") the whiles > meanwhile, during which time

9 They wasted had much way, and measured many miles.

209.10

And now faire Ph{oe}bus gan decline in hast
2 His weary wagon to the Westerne vale,
Whenas they spide a goodly castle, plast
4 Foreby a riuer in a pleasaunt dale,
Which choosing for that euenings hospitale,
6 They thither marcht: but when they came in sight,
And from their sweaty Coursers did auale,
8 They found the gates fast barred long ere night,
And euery loup fast lockt, as fearing foes despight.

1 And now fair Phoebus gan decline in haste

Phoebus > (Who each day drives his chariot across the sky) gan > did; began to

2 His weary wagon to the western vale, 3 When they spied a goodly castle, placed

goodly > beautiful, fine

4 Forby a river in a pleasant dale,

Forby > Hard by, near

5 Which choosing for that evening's hospital,

hospital > hospice, lodging-place

6 They thither marched: but when they came in sight, 7 And from their sweaty coursers did avale,

their sweaty coursers > (Perhaps we are to infer that Arthur's squire has lent Guyon his, or a spare, horse) avale > dismount

8 They found the gates fast barred long ere night,

fast > firmly

9 And every loop fast locked, as fearing foes' despite.

loop > loop-hole fearing > [if in fear of] despite > outrage

209.11

Which when they saw, they weened fowle reproch
2 Was to them doen, their entrance to forstall,
Till that the Squire gan nigher to approch;
4 And wind his horne vnder the castle wall,
That with the noise it shooke, as it would fall:
6 Eftsoones forth looked from the highest spire
The watch, and lowd vnto the knights did call,
8 To weete, what they so rudely did require.
Who gently answered, They entrance did desire.

1 Which when they saw, they weened foul reproach

weened > imagined, supposed

2 Was to them done, their entrance to forestall, 3 Till the squire began nigher to approach; 4 And wind his horn under the castle wall,

wind > blow (cf. 108.3-5)

5 That with the noise it shook, as it would fall:

That > [So that] as > [as if]

6 Eftsoons forth looked from the highest spire

Eftsoons > Thereupon; before long

7 The watch, and loud to the knights did call,

watch > sentinel

8 To weet what they so rudely did require.

weet > find out

9 Who gently answered, they entrance did desire.

gently > politely

209.12

Fly, fly, good knights, (said he) fly fast away
2 If that your liues ye loue, as meete ye should;
Fly fast, and saue your selues from neare decay,
4 Here may ye not haue entraunce, though we would:
We would and would againe, if that we could;
6 But thousand enemies about vs raue,
And with long siege vs in this castle hould:
8 Seuen yeares this wize they vs besieged haue,
And many good knights slaine, that haue vs sought to saue.

1 "Fly, fly, good knights," said he, "fly fast away

Fly > Flee

2 If your lives you love, as meet you should;

meet > [it is] fitting [that]

3 Fly fast, and save yourselves from near decay;

near decay > imminent death

4 Here may you not have entrance, though we would:

would > [would be pleased to grant it to you]

5 We would and would again, if that we could; 6 But thousand enemies about us rave,

rave > rage

7 And with long siege us in this castle hold: 8 Seven years this wise they us besieged have,

this wise > in this manner

9 And many good knights slain, that have us sought to save."

209.13

Thus as he +spoke+, loe with outragious cry
2 A thousand villeins round about them swarmd
Out of the rockes and caues adioyning nye,
4 Vile caytiue wretches, ragged, rude, deformd,
All threatning death, all in straunge manner armd,
6 Some with vnweldy clubs, some with long speares,
Some rusty kniues, some staues in fire warmd.
8 Sterne was their looke, like wild amazed steares,
Staring with hollow eyes, and stiffe vpstanding heares.

1 spoke > spake 1609

1 Thus as he spoke, lo with outrageous cry

outrageous cry > intemperate yelling

2 A thousand villeins round about them swarmed

villeins > villains; serfs

3 Out of the rocks and caves adjoining nigh, 4 Vile caitiff wretches, ragged, rude, deformed,

Vile > Despicable caitiff > servile, wretched rude > uncivilized deformed > deformed; perverted; befouled

5 All threatening death, all in strange manner armed, 6 Some with unwieldy clubs, some with long spears, 7 Some rusty knives, some staves in fire warmed.

rusty > rusty; blood-stained knives> knives; swords warmed > part-burnt (in order to harden the points)

8 Stern was their look, like wild amazed steers,

Stern > Fierce amazed > confounded, panic-stricken

9 Staring with hollow eyes and stiff upstanding hair.

Staring > Staring; glaring

209.14

Fiersly at first those knights they did assaile,
2 And droue them to recoile: but when againe
They gaue fresh charge, their forces gan to faile,
4 Vnhable their encounter to sustaine;
For with such puissaunce and impetuous maine
6 Those Champions broke on them, that forst them fly,
Like scattered +Sheepe+, whenas the Shepheards swaine
8 A Lyon and a Tigre doth espye,
With greedy pace forth rushing from the forest nye.

7 Sheepe > Speepe 1596

1 Fiercely at first those knights they did assail, 2 And drove them to recoil: but when again 3 They gave fresh charge, their forces began to fail, 4 Unable their encounter to sustain; 5 For with such puissance and impetuous main

puissance > power, strength main > force

6 Those champions broke on them, that forced them fly:

that > [that it] fly > [to] flee

7 Like scattered sheep, when the shepherd's swain

swain > boy

8 A lion and a tiger does espy, 9 With greedy pace forth rushing from the forest nigh.

greedy > eager, reckless

209.15

A while they fled, but soone returnd againe
2 With greater fury, then before was found;
And euermore their cruell +Captaine+
4 Sought with his raskall routs t'enclose them round,
And ouerrun to tread them to the ground.
6 But soone the knights with their bright-burning blades
Broke their rude troupes, and orders did confound,
8 Hewing and slashing at their idle shades;
For though they bodies seeme, yet substance from them fades.

3 Captaine > Capitaine 1609

1 Awhile they fled, but soon returned again 2 With greater fury than before was found; 3 And evermore their cruel captain 4 Sought with his rascal routs to enclose them round,

rascal routs > rabble

5 And overrun to tread them to the ground.

overrun > [to overrun them]

6 But soon the knights with their bright-burning blades 7 Broke their rude troops, and orders did confound,

rude > clumsy orders > [their] ranks

8 Hewing and slashing at their idle shades;

idle > empty shades > shadows

9 For though they bodies seem, yet substance from them fades.

fades > vanishes (cf. 105.15:5)

209.16

As when a swarme of Gnats at euentide
2 Out of the fennes of Allan do arise,
Their murmuring small trompets sounden wide,
4 Whiles in the aire their clustring army flies,
That as a cloud doth seeme to dim the skies;
6 Ne man nor beast may rest, or take repast,
For their sharpe wounds, and noyous iniuries,
8 Till the fierce Northerne wind +with+ blustring blast
Doth blow them quite away, and in the Ocean cast.

8 with > omitted from 1596

1 As when a swarm of gnats at eventide 2 Out of the fens of Allen do arise,

Allen > (The Bog of Allen, a 372 square-mile peat morass in NW Ireland; the Lough of Allen is cited as one source of Ireland's principal river, the Shannon)

3 Their murmuring small trumpets sound wide, 4 While in the air their clustering army flies, 5 That, as a cloud, does seem to dim the skies; 6 Neither man nor beast may rest, or take repast, 7 For their sharp wounds, and noyous injuries,

noyous > vexatious injuries > wrongs inflicted; hence: attacks

8 Till the fierce northern wind, with blustering blast, 9 Does blow them quite away, and in the ocean cast.

209.17

Thus when they had that troublous rout disperst,
2 Vnto the castle gate they come againe,
And entraunce crau'd, which was denied erst.
4 Now when report of that their +perilous+ paine,
And combrous +conflict+, which they did sustaine,
6 Came to the Ladies eare, which there did dwell,
She forth issewed with a goodly traine
8 Of Squires and Ladies equipaged well,
And entertained them right fairely, as befell.

4 perilous > perlous 1590 5 conflict > comflict 1596

1 Thus when they had that troublous rout dispersed, 2 To the castle gate they come again, 3 And entrance craved, which was denied erst.

erst > at first; lately

4 Now when report of that their perilous pain, 5 And cumbrous conflict, which they did sustain,

cumbrous > harassing (cf. 101.23)

6 Came to the lady's ear, which there did dwell, 7 She forth issued with a goodly train

goodly > courteous, kindly; comely

8 Of squires and ladies equipaged well,

squires > attendants equipaged > fitted out

9 And entertained them right fairly, as befell.

entertained > received fairly > courteously, well; becomingly befell > was fitting

209.18

Alma she called was, a virgin bright;
2 That had not yet felt Cupides wanton rage,
Yet was she +woo'd+ of many a gentle knight,
4 And many a Lord of noble parentage,
That sought with her to lincke in marriage:
6 For she was faire, as faire mote euer bee,
And in the flowre now of her freshest age;
8 Yet full of grace and goodly modestee,
That euen heauen reioyced her sweete face to see.

3 woo'd > wooed 1590

1 Alma she called was, a virgin bright,

bright > beautiful

2 That had not yet felt Cupid's wanton rage, 3 Yet was she wooed of many a gentle knight,

of > by gentle > noble

4 And many a lord of noble parentage, 5 That sought with her to link in marriage: 6 For she was fair, as fair might ever be, 7 And in the flower now of her freshest age; 8 Yet full of grace and goodly modesty, 9 That even heaven rejoiced her sweet face to see.

That > [So that]

209.19

In robe of lilly white she was arayd,
2 That from her shoulder to her heele downe raught,
The traine whereof loose far behind her strayd,
4 Braunched with gold and pearle, most richly wrought,
And borne of two faire Damsels, which were taught
6 That seruice well. Her yellow golden heare
Was trimly wouen, and in tresses wrought,
8 Ne other tyre she on her head did weare,
But crowned with a garland of sweete Rosiere.

1 In robe of lily white she was arrayed, 2 That from her shoulder to her heel down raught,

raught > reached

3 The train whereof loose far behind her strayed, 4 Branched with gold and pearl, most richly wrought,

Branched > {Embroidered with a branching pattern}

5 And borne of two fair damsels, who were taught

of > by

6 That service well. Her yellow golden hair 7 Was trimly woven, and in tresses wrought, 8 No other tire she on her head did wear,

tire > head-dress; garment

9 But crowned with a garland of sweet rosier.

crowned > [was crowned] rosier > rose-tree, rose-bush; hence: roses

209.20

Goodly she entertaind those noble knights,
2 And brought them vp into her castle hall;
Where gentle court and gracious delight
4 She to them made, with mildnesse virginall,
Shewing her selfe both wise and liberall:
6 +There+ when they rested had a season dew,
They her besought of fauour speciall,
8 Of that faire Castle to affoord them vew;
She graunted, and them leading forth, the same did shew.

6 There > Then 1590

1 Goodly she entertained those noble knights,

Goodly > Courteously entertained > received

2 And brought them up into her castle hall; 3 Where gentle court and gracious delight

gentle > gentle; noble court > {Courteous attention}

4 She to them made, with mildness virginal,

mildness > kindness, considerateness, graciousness

5 Showing herself both wise and liberal:

liberal > open-hearted

6 There, when they rested had a season due,

a season due > for a fitting period

7 They her besought of favour special,

her besought of favour special > [asked her for special favour, asked her as a special favour]

8 Of that fair castle to afford them view; 9 She granted and, them leading forth, the same did show.

209.21

First she +them+ led vp to the Castle wall,
2 That was so high, as foe might not it clime,
And all so faire, and +fensible+ withall,
4 Not built of bricke, ne yet of stone and lime,
But of thing like to that AEgyptian slime,
6 Whereof king Nine whilome built Babell towre;
But {o^} great pitty, that no lenger time
8 So goodly workemanship should not endure:
Soone it must turne to earth; no earthly thing is sure.

1 them > him 1590 3 fensible > sensible 1596, 1609

1 First she them led up to the castle wall, 2 That was so high as foe might not it climb,

as > [that a]

3 And all so fair, and fencible withal,

all so > all so; also fencible > strong, well-fortified, defensible

4 Not built of brick, nor yet of stone and lime, 5 But of thing like to that Egyptian slime

like to > resembling slime > (See Gen. 2.7)

6 Whereof King Ninus whilom built Babel Tower;

Ninus > (King Ninus of Assyria, fl. c. 1250 BC. The reputed founder
of Nineveh)
whilom > in ancient times
Babel Tower > (The tower of Babylon, built by Nimrod; see Gen. 11)

7 But O great pity that no longer time 8 So goodly workmanship should not endure:

So > Such not > (The double negative serves as an intensive)

9 Soon it must turn to earth; no earthly thing is sure.

209.22

The frame thereof seemd partly circulare,
2 And part triangulare, {o^} worke diuine;
Those two the first and last proportions are,
4 The one imperfect, mortall, f{oe}minine;
Th'other immortall, perfect, masculine,
6 And twixt them both a quadrate was the base,
Proportioned equally by seuen and nine;
8 Nine was the circle set in heauens place,
All which compacted made a goodly +diapase+.

9 diapase > Dyapase 1590 etc.: FE

1 The frame thereof seemed partly circular,

frame > structure; architectural intent (see Hamilton 1980)

2 And part triangular, O work divine; 3 Those two the first and last proportions are, 4 The one imperfect, mortal, feminine; 5 The other immortal, perfect, masculine, 6 And, 'twixt them both, a quadrate was the base,

quadrate > rectangle

7 Proportioned equally by seven and nine; 8 Nine was the circle set in heaven's place, 9 All which, compacted, made a goodly diapason.

compacted > combined goodly > fine, beautiful diapason > harmony, concord

209.23

Therein two gates were placed seemly well:
2 The one before, by which all in did pas,
Did th'other far in workmanship excell;
4 For not of wood, nor of enduring bras,
But of more worthy substance fram'd it was;
6 Doubly disparted, it did locke and close,
That when it locked, none might thorough pas,
8 And when it opened, no man might it close,
Still open to their friends, and closed to their foes.

1 Therein two gates were placed seemly well:

two gates > [the mouth and the anus] seemly > fittingly (i.e. in opposition)

2 The one before, by which all in did pas,

before > in front pas > pass; pace

3 Did the other far in workmanship excel; 4 For not of wood, nor of enduring brass, 5 But of more worthy substance framed it was;

framed > fashioned, made

6 Doubly disparted, it did lock and close,

disparted > divided (i.e. into upper and lower jaws)

7 That when it locked, none might through pas,

That > [So that] pas > (Takes the meaning alternate to that of "pas" in line 2, thus allowing the rhyme)

8 And when it opened, no man might it close, 9 Still open to their friends, and closed to their foes.

Still > Continually

209.24

Of hewen stone the porch was fairely wrought,
2 Stone more of valew, and more smooth and fine,
Then Iet or Marble far from Ireland brought;
4 Ouer the which was cast a wandring vine,
Enchaced with a wanton yuie twine.
6 And ouer it a faire Portcullis hong,
Which to the gate directly did incline,
8 With comely compasse, and compacture strong,
Neither vnseemely short, nor yet exceeding long.

1 Of hewn stone the porch was fairly wrought,

porch > [chin] fairly > expertly; beautifully

2 Stone more of value, and more smooth and fine, 3 Than jet or marble far from Ireland brought; 4 Over which was cast a wandering vine,

vine > [the beard]

5 Enchased with a wanton ivy twine.

Enchased > Adorned wanton > luxuriant, rank twine > [the moustache]

6 And over it a fair portcullis hung,

portcullis > [the nose]

7 Which to the gate directly did incline, 8 With comely compass, and compacture strong,

compass > proportion compacture > {Compact structure; manner of putting closely together}

9 Neither unseemly short, nor yet exceeding long.

209.25

Within the Barbican a Porter sate,
2 Day and night duely keeping watch and ward,
Nor wight, nor word mote passe out of the gate,
4 But in good order, and with dew regard;
Vtterers of secrets he from thence debard,
6 Bablers of folly, and blazers of crime.
His larumbell might lowd and wide be hard,
8 When cause requird, but neuer out of time;
Early and late it rong, at euening and at prime.

1 Within the barbican a porter sat,

barbican > {Outer defence of a castle, esp. a tower erected over a gate or bridge; hence: the mouth} porter > [the tongue]

2 Day and night duly keeping watch and ward,

ward > guard ("watch and ward" was formerly a common compound sb.)

3 Nor wight nor word might pass out of the gate,

Nor > Neither wight > person, creature

4 But in good order, and with due regard; 5 Utterers of secrets he from thence debarred,

debarred > kept out

6 Babblers of folly, and blazers of crime.

blazers > proclaimers

7 His larumbell might loud and wide be heard,

larumbell > alarm-bell

8 When cause required, but never out of time; 9 Early and late it rang, at evening and at prime.

prime > sunrise; 6 a.m.

209.26

And round about the porch on euery side
2 Twise sixteen warders sat, all armed bright
In glistring steele, and strongly fortifide:
4 Tall yeomen seemed they, and of great might,
And were enraunged ready, still for fight.
6 By them as Alma passed with her guestes,
They did obeysaunce, as beseemed right,
8 And then againe returned to their restes:
The Porter eke to her did lout with humble gestes.

1 And round about the porch on every side 2 Twice sixteen warders sat, all armed bright

warders > [the teeth]

3 In glistering steel, and strongly fortified: 4 Tall yeomen seemed they, and of great might,

Tall > Doughty; comely

5 And were enranged ready, still for fight.

enranged > arranged; ranged [in battle-order] still > continuously

6 By them as Alma passed with her guests, 7 They did obeisance, as beseemed right,

beseemed right > [was rightly fitting]

8 And then again returned to their rests: 9 The porter eke to her did lout with humble gests.

eke > also lout > bow, stoop gests > gestures

209.27

Thence she them brought into a stately Hall,
2 Wherein were many tables faire dispred,
And ready dight with drapets festiuall,
4 Against the viaundes should be ministred.
At th'upper end there sate, yclad in red
6 Downe to the ground, a comely personage,
That in his hand a white rod menaged,
8 He Steward was hight Diet; rype of age,
And in demeanure sober, and in counsell sage.

1 Thence she them brought into a stately hall,

hall > [the pharynx]

2 Wherein were many tables fair dispread,

dispread > spread out

3 And ready dight with drapets festival,

dight > decked; hence: spread drapets > coverings festival > {Befitting a feast}

4 Against the viands should be ministered.

Against > In preparation for [the time when] ministered > served

5 At the upper end there sat, clad in red 6 Down to the ground, a comely personage, 7 That in his hand a white rod managed,

white rod > {Mark of authority, sceptre, mace; allegorically, the uvula} managed > wielded

8 He, steward, was hight Diet; ripe of age,

steward > (The earliest meaning (to 1580) of "spencer") hight > named

9 And in demeanour sober, and in counsel sage.

209.28

And through the Hall there walked to and fro
2 A iolly yeoman, Marshall of the same,
Whose name was Appetite; he did bestow
4 Both guestes and meate, when euer in they came,
And knew them how to order without blame,
6 As him the Steward bad. They both attone
Did dewty to their Lady, as became;
8 Who passing by, forth led her guestes anone
Into the kitchin rowme, ne spard for nicenesse none.

1 And through the hall there walked to and fro 2 A jolly yeoman, marshal of the same,

jolly > fine; gallant; amorous yeoman > servant; assistant [to Diet]

3 Whose name was Appetite; he did bestow

bestow > place, locate

4 Both guests and meat, whenever in they came,

meat > food

5 And knew them how to order without blame,

order > arrange blame > fault

6 As him the steward bade. They both at one

at one > together; in concord

7 Did duty to their lady, as became;

became > was fitting

8 Who, passing by, forth led her guests anon

anon > straightway

9 Into the kitchen room, nor spared for niceness none.

kitchen room > [stomach] niceness > fastidiousness

209.29

It was a vaut ybuilt for great dispence,
2 With many raunges reard along the wall;
And one great chimney, whose long tonnell thence,
4 The smoke forth threw. And in the midst of all
There placed was a caudron wide and tall,
6 Vpon a mighty furnace, burning whot,
More whot, then Aetn', or flaming Mongiball:
8 For day and night it brent, ne ceased not,
So long as any thing it in the caudron got.

1 It was a vault built for great dispense,

dispense > dispensation, management; expenditure

2 With many ranges reared along the wall; 3 And one great chimney, whose long tunnel thence 4 The smoke forth threw. And in the midst of all 5 There placed was a cauldron wide and tall, 6 Upon a mighty furnace, burning hot, 7 More hot than Etna, or flaming Mongiball:

Etna > (The volcano in Sicily, which was unusually active in the
sixteenth century)
Mongiball > (Another name for Mount Etna, from the Italian,
Mongibello)

8 For day and night it burnt, nor ceased not,

not > (The double negative serves as an intensive)

9 So long as anything it in the cauldron got.

209.30

But to delay the heat, least by mischaunce
2 It might breake out, and set the whole on fire,
There added was by goodly ordinaunce,
4 An huge great paire of bellowes, which did styre
Continually, and cooling breath inspyre.
6 About the Caudron many Cookes accoyld,
With hookes and ladles, as need did require;
8 The whiles the viandes in the vessell boyld
They did about their businesse sweat, and sorely toyld.

1 But to delay the heat, lest by mischance

delay > mitigate, assuage

2 It might break out, and set the whole on fire, 3 There added was, by goodly ordinance,

goodly > expert ordinance > provision; decree, divine decree

4 A huge great pair of bellows, which did stir

bellows > [the lungs]

5 Continually, and cooling breath inspire.

inspire > inhale

6 About the cauldron many cooks accoiled,

accoiled > collected, assembled (WU)

7 With hooks and ladles, as need did require; 8 While the viands in the vessel boiled 9 They did about their business sweat, and sorely toiled.

209.31

The maister Cooke was cald Concoction,
2 A carefull man, and full of comely guise:
The kitchin Clerke, that hight Digestion,
4 Did order all +th'Achates+ in seemely wise,
And set them forth, as well he could deuise.
6 The rest had seuerall offices assind,
Some to remoue the scum, as it did rise;
8 Others to beare the same away did mind;
And others it to vse according to his kind.

4 th'Achates > the cates 1609

1 The master cook was called Concoction, 2 A careful man, and full of comely guise:

guise > behaviour

3 The kitchen clerk, that hight Digestion,

hight > was called

4 Did order all the achates in seemly wise,

order > arrange achates > {Things purchased; cates, viands, provisions, delicacies} wise > manner

5 And set them forth, as well he could devise.

devise > skilfully contrive

6 The rest had several offices assigned,

several offices > specific duties

7 Some to remove the scum, as it did rise; 8 Others to bear the same away did mind; 9 And others it to use according to his kind.

his > his; its

209.32

But all the liquour, which was fowle and wast,
2 Not good nor seruiceable else for ought,
They in another great round vessell plast,
4 Till by a conduit pipe it thence were brought:
And all the rest, that noyous was, and nought,
6 By secret wayes, that none might it espy,
Was close conuaid, and to the back-gate brought,
8 That cleped was Port Esquiline, whereby
It was auoided quite, and throwne out priuily.

1 But all the liquor, which was foul and waste,

liquor > liquid, fluid

2 Not good nor serviceable else for aught,

else > otherwise

3 They in another great round vessel placed,

vessel > [the bladder]

4 Till by a conduit pipe it thence was brought:

conduit pipe > [the urethra]

5 And all the rest, that noyous was, and naught,

noyous > noisome, obnoxious naught > worthless

6 By secret ways, that none might it espy,

that > [so that]

7 Was close conveyed, and to the back gate brought,

close > secretly conveyed > conveyed; removed in an underhand manner back gate > [the anus]

8 That cleped was Port Esquiline, whereby

cleped > named
Port > Gate
Esquiline > (Esquilina, the Esquiline Gate in ancient Rome, the
outermost gate, named after the largest of the hills on which
Rome was built; it gave access to a common dump)

9 It was avoided quite, and thrown out privily.

avoided > ejected, voided privily > covertly

209.33

Which goodly order, and great workmans skill
2 Whenas those knights beheld, with rare delight,
And gazing wonder they their minds did fill;
4 For neuer had they seene so straunge a sight.
Thence backe againe faire Alma led them right,
6 And soone into a goodly Parlour brought,
That was with royall arras richly dight,
8 In which was nothing pourtrahed, nor wrought,
Not wrought, nor pourtrahed, but easie to be thought.

1 Which goodly order, and great workman's skill, 2 When those knights beheld, with rare delight 3 And gazing wonder they their minds did fill; 4 For never had they seen so strange a sight. 5 Thence back again fair Alma led them right, 6 And soon into a goodly parlour brought,

parlour > [the heart]

7 That was with royal arras richly dight,

arras > {Tapestry wall-hangings} dight > decked; hence: hung

8 In which was nothing portrayed, nor wrought, 9 Not wrought, nor portrayed, but easy to be thought.

but > [but was; except that which was]

209.34

And in the midst thereof vpon the floure,
2 A louely beuy of faire Ladies sate,
Courted of many a iolly Paramoure,
4 The which them did in modest wise amate,
And eachone sought his Lady to aggrate:
6 And eke emongst them litle Cupid playd
His wanton sports, being returned late
8 From his fierce warres, and hauing from him layd
His cruell bow, wherewith he thousands hath dismayd.

1 And in the midst thereof, upon the floor, 2 A lovely bevy of fair ladies sat, 3 Courted of many a jolly paramour,

of > by jolly > amorous; gallant; fine; handsome

4 Who them did in modest wise amate,

wise > manner amate > {Be a mate to, equal; hence: consort with}

5 And each one sought his lady to aggrate:

aggrate > gratify (SUS)

6 And eke amongst them little Cupid played

eke > also

7 His wanton sports, being returned late

wanton > frisky, playful; lewd late > lately

8 From his fierce wars, and having from him laid

from him laid > [laid down]

9 His cruel bow, wherewith he thousands has dismayed.

wherewith > with which dismayed > dismayed; defeated

209.35

Diuerse delights they found them selues to please;
2 Some song in sweet consort, some laught for ioy,
Some plaid with strawes, some +idly+ sat at ease;
4 But other some could not abide to toy,
All pleasaunce was to them griefe and annoy:
6 This fround, that faund, the third for shame did blush,
Another seemed enuious, or coy,
8 Another in her teeth did gnaw a rush:
But at these straungers presence euery one did hush.

3 idly > idle 1609

1 Diverse delights they found themselves to please;

Diverse > Diverse; also: distracting (SUS)

2 Some sang in sweet consort, some laughed for joy,

consort > concert; accord, consent

3 Some played with straws, some idly sat at ease;

with straws > ?on pipes (cf. 100.1:4, 102.28:9)

4 But other some could not abide to toy:

other some > some others toy > play

5 All pleasance was to them grief and annoy:

pleasance > joy, pleasing behaviour annoy > annoyance

6 This frowned, that fawned, the third for shame did blush,

fawned > {Cringed, assumed a servile manner; courted favour by affecting an abject demeanour}

7 Another seemed envious, or coy,

envious > malevolent coy > aloof, distant

8 Another in her teeth did gnaw a rush:

gnaw a rush > (Indicating indifference. Before the invention of carpets, rushes were strewn on the floor. Favoured guests were given clean rushes, but other visitors had to make do with used rushes, or none at all. Hence the phrase "not worth a rush")

9 But at these strangers' presence every one did hush.

209.36

Soone as the gracious Alma came in place,
2 They all attonce out of their seates arose,
And to her homage made, with humble grace:
4 Whom when the knights beheld, they gan dispose
Themselues to court, and each a Damsell chose:
6 The Prince by chaunce did on a Lady light,
That was right faire and fresh as morning rose,
8 But somwhat sad, and solemne eke in sight,
As if some pensiue thought constraind her gentle spright.

1 Soon as the gracious Alma came in place,

Soon > [As soon] in place > there

2 They all at once out of their seats arose,

at once > together, simultaneously

3 And to her homage made, with humble grace: 4 Whom when the knights beheld, they gan dispose

gan > did

5 Themselves to court, and each a damsel chose: 6 The prince by chance did on a lady light,

light > alight, chance

7 That was right fair and fresh as morning rose,

right > very

8 But somewhat sad, and solemn eke in sight,

eke > also sight > appearance

9 As if some pensive thought constrained her gentle spirit.

pensive > anxious constrained > afflicted, distressed gentle > noble; gentle

209.37

In a long purple pall, whose skirt with +gold,+
2 Was fretted all about, she was arayd;
And in her hand a Poplar braunch did hold:
4 To whom the Prince in curteous manner said;
Gentle Madame, why beene ye thus dismaid,
6 And your faire beautie do with sadnesse spill?
Liues any, that you hath thus ill apaid?
8 Or doen +you+ loue, or doen you lacke your will?
What euer be the cause, it sure beseemes you ill.

1 gold, > gold 1609 8 you > your 1590, 1596: FE

1 In a long purple pall, whose skirt with gold

pall > robe, cloak

2 Was fretted all about, she was arrayed;

fretted > {Adorned with interlaced work}

3 And in her hand a poplar branch did hold:

poplar > (Sacred to Hercules, so associating her with the quest for glory; she is named "Praise-desire")

4 To whom the prince in courteous manner said: 5 "Gentle madam, why been you thus dismayed,

Gentle > Noble; gentle been > [are] dismayed > (The pun, "dis-maid", rather resembles the one at 202.8:7; see also 203.42:3)

6 And your fair beauty do with sadness spill?

spill > mar

7 Lives any, that you has thus ill apaid?

apaid > pleased; repaid

8 Or do you love, or do you lack your will?

Or > Either (somewhat pleonastic, and thus intensive) lack > want, feel the need of

9 Whatever be the cause, it sure beseems you ill."

beseems > suits

209.38

Faire Sir, (said she halfe in disdainefull wise,)
2 How is it, that this +word+ in me ye blame,
And in your selfe do not the same aduise?
4 Him ill beseemes, anothers fault to name,
That may vnwares be blotted with the same:
6 Pensiue I yeeld I am, and sad in mind,
Through great desire of glory and of fame;
8 Ne ought I weene are ye therein behind,
That haue +twelue moneths+ sought one, yet no where can her find.

2 word > mood corr. Drayton, whose copy of 1611 was acquired by Collier; cf. 202.7:7 9 twelue moneths > three years 1590. The change agrees with 109.15; see also 209.7

1 "Fair sir," said she, half in disdainful wise,

wise > manner

2 "How is it that this word in me you blame,

word > (A colloquialism: the thing spoken of, the subject in hand; hence, here: mien, mood (see Textual Appendix)) blame > reprove

3 And in yourself do not the same advise?

advise > perceive

4 Him ill beseems, another's fault to name,

beseems > suits, becomes

5 That may unwares be blotted with the same:

unwares > unwittingly

6 Pensive I yield I am, and sad in mind,

Pensive > Anxious; thoughtful

7 Through great desire of glory and of fame; 8 Neither aught I ween are you therein behind,

aught > in any way ween > think

9 That have twelve months sought one, yet nowhere can her find."

one > [the Faery Queen]

209.39

The Prince was inly moued at her speach,
2 Well weeting trew, what she had rashly told;
Yet with faire +semblaunt+ sought to hide the breach,
4 Which chaunge of colour did perforce vnfold,
Now seeming flaming whot, now stony cold.
6 Tho turning soft aside, he did inquire,
What wight she was, that Poplar braunch did hold:
8 It answered was, her name was Prays-desire,
That by well doing sought to honour to aspire.

3 semblaunt > samblaunt 1596

1 The prince was inly moved at her speech,

inly > inwardly

2 Well weeting true, what she had rashly told;

weeting > knowing [to be]

3 Yet with fair semblant sought to hide the breach

semblant > expression; demeanour, outward show; pretence breach > {Broken or injured spot; hence: raw nerve}

4 Which change of colour did perforce unfold,

unfold > reveal, make plain

5 Now seeming flaming hot, now stony cold. 6 Tho turning soft aside, he did inquire

Tho > Then

7 What wight she was, that poplar branch did hold: