CANTO IX
Malbecco will no straunge knights host,
2 For peeuish gealosie:
Paridell giusts with Britomart:
4 Both shew their auncestrie.
1 Malbecco will no strange knights host,
strange > foreign; new-come
2 For peevish jealousy:
peevish > senseless, crazy; malicious; perverse; peevish
3 Paridell jousts with Britomart: 4 Both show their ancestry.
show > explain, expound
309.1
REdoubted knights, and honorable Dames,
2 To whom I leuell all my labours end,
Right sore I feare, least with vnworthy blames
4 This odious argument my rimes should shend,
Or ought your goodly patience offend,
6 Whiles of a wanton Lady I do write,
Which with her loose incontinence doth blend
8 The shyning glory of your soueraigne light,
And knighthood fowle defaced by a faithlesse knight.
1 Redoubted knights, and honourable dames,
Redoubted > Distinguished; doughty
2 To whom I level all my labours' end,
level > direct, aim (as in levelling a weapon)
3 Right sore I fear lest with unworthy blames
Right > Very, greatly blames > accusations, imputations
4 This odious argument my rhymes should shend,
argument > subject-matter shend > disgrace ("rimes" is the object)
5 Or aught your goodly patience offend,
goodly > courteous; graceful, fine, elevated
6 While of a wanton lady I do write 7 (Who with her loose incontinence does blend
blend > stir up, render turbid; hence: defile
8 The shining glory of your sovereign light) 9 And knighthood foully defaced by a faithless knight.
knighthood > [while I do write of knighthood]
309.2
But neuer let th'ensample of the bad
2 Offend the good: for good by paragone
Of euill, may more notably be rad,
4 As white seemes fairer, macht with blacke +attone+;
Ne all are shamed by the fault of one:
6 For lo in heauen, whereas all goodnesse is,
Emongst the Angels, a whole legione
8 Of wicked Sprights did fall from happy blis;
What wonder then, if one of women all did mis?
4 attone > attonce 1590
1 But never let the example of the bad 2 Offend the good: for good, by paragon
paragon > comparison
3 Of evil, may more notably be read,
Of > With read > seen; made known
4 As white seems fairer matched with black at one;
at one > together; simultaneously
5 Nor all are shamed by the fault of one:
all are > [are all]
6 For lo in heaven, where all goodness is, 7 Amongst the angels, a whole legion 8 Of wicked sprites did fall from happy bliss; 9 What wonder then, if one of women all did miss?
of women all > [among all women] miss > go astray
309.3
Then listen Lordings, if ye list to weet
2 The cause, why Satyrane and Paridell
Mote not be entertaynd, as seemed meet,
4 Into that Castle (as that Squire does tell.)
Therein a cancred crabbed Carle does dwell,
6 That has no skill of Court nor courtesie,
Ne cares, what men say of him ill or well;
8 For all his dayes he drownes in priuitie,
Yet has full large to liue, and spend at libertie.
1 Then listen, lordings, if you list to weet
lordings > gentlemen; lords list > please, choose weet > learn
2 The cause why Satyrane and Paridell
cause > reason
3 Might not be entertained, as seemed meet,
Might > Could entertained > received meet > fitting, appropriate
4 Into that castle (as that squire does tell).
squire > (The Squire of Dames, continuing from 308.52)
5 "Therein a cankered crabbed carl does dwell,
cankered > malignant, spiteful; ill-tempered crabbed > perverse; churlish carl > churl; villain; niggard
6 That has no skill of court nor courtesy,
skill > knowledge
7 Nor cares what men say of him, ill or well;
ill > evilly
8 For all his days he drowns in privity,
privity > seclusion
9 Yet has full large to live, and spend at liberty.
large > liberality, bounty, largess, money; hence: means
309.4
But all his mind is set on mucky pelfe,
2 To hoord vp heapes of euill gotten masse,
For which he others wrongs, and wreckes himselfe;
4 Yet he is lincked to a louely lasse,
Whose beauty doth +her+ bounty far surpasse,
6 The which to him both far vnequall yeares,
And also far vnlike conditions has;
8 For she does ioy to play emongst her peares,
And to be free from hard restraint and gealous feares.
5 her > his 1609
1 "But all his mind is set on mucky pelf,
pelf > money, cash, "filthy lucre"
2 To hoard up heaps of evil-gotten mass,
mass > ("In mass" is a term used to describe gold or silver in the mass; hence: treasure)
3 For which he others wrongs, and wrecks himself; 4 Yet he is linked to a lovely lass, 5 Whose beauty does her bounty far surpass,
bounty > virtue
6 Who to him both far unequal years
far unequal > (She is much younger)
7 And also far unlike conditions has;
conditions > personal qualities, personality, tastes
8 For she does joy to play amongst her peers,
joy > enjoy, take delight play > (In various senses, including that of sexual diversion: cf. 308.20:3)
9 And to be free from hard restraint and jealous fears.
309.5
But he is old, and withered like hay,
2 Vnfit faire Ladies seruice to supply;
The priuie guilt whereof makes him alway
4 Suspect her truth, and keepe continuall spy
Vpon her with his other blincked eye;
6 Ne suffreth he resort of liuing wight
Approch to her, ne keepe her company,
8 But in close bowre her mewes from all mens sight,
Depriu'd of kindly ioy and naturall delight.
1 "But he is old, and withered like hay, 2 Unfit fair lady's service to supply;
service > sexual gratification
3 The privy guilt whereof makes him alway
privy > private, hidden alway > always
4 Suspect her truth, and keep continual spy
truth > fidelity; virtue, integrity spy > watch
5 Upon her with his other blinked eye;
his other > his remaining (i.e. his one remaining; see 309.27:6) blinked > {Affected with a blink; also: deceived}
6 Nor suffers he resort of living wight
suffers > permits resort > assemblage, company, repair; hence, loosely: [the] presence wight > person [to]
7 Approach to her, nor keep her company, 8 But in close bower her mews from all men's sight,
close bower > [a] secret chamber mews > hides
9 Deprived of kindly joy and natural delight.
kindly > natural
309.6
Malbecco he, and Hellenore she hight,
2 Vnfitly yokt together in one teeme,
That is the cause, why neuer any knight
4 +Is+ suffred here to enter, but he seeme
Such, as no doubt of him he neede misdeeme.
6 Thereat Sir Satyrane gan smile, and say;
Extremely mad the man I surely deeme,
8 That weenes with watch and hard restraint to stay
A womans will, which is disposd to go astray.
4 Is > It 1596
1 "Malbecco he, and Hellenore she, hight,
Malbecco > "Evil Goat", "Misguided Cuckold" (Italian: mal, bad, wrong; becco, billy-goat, cuckold) Hellenore > "Beyond Helen" ("ore" is an obsolete spelling of "o'er", "over"; with possible pun on "whore". She is named after Helen of Troy: see 310.13:1) hight > [they] are named
2 Unfitly yoked together in one team,
team > {Pair of animals used for draught; hence: marriage}
3 That is the cause why never any knight 4 Is suffered here to enter, but he seem
suffered > allowed but > unless
5 Such as no doubt of him he need misdeem."
doubt > doubt; fear he > [Malbecco] misdeem > suspect
6 Thereat Sir Satyrane gan smile, and say:
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that gan > did
7 "Extremely mad the man, I surely deem, 8 That weens with watch and hard restraint to stay
weens > imagines, supposes stay > restrain
9 A woman's will, which is disposed to go astray.
309.7
In vaine he feares that, which he cannot shonne:
2 For who wotes not, that womans subtiltyes
Can guilen Argus, when she list +misdonne+?
4 It is not yron bandes, nor hundred eyes,
Nor brasen walls, nor many wakefull spyes,
6 That can withhold her wilfull wandring feet;
But fast good will with gentle curtesyes,
8 And timely seruice to her pleasures meet
May her perhaps containe, that else would algates fleet.
3 misdonne > disdonne 1590
1 "In vain he fears that which he cannot shun: 2 For who wots not, that woman's subtleties
wots > knows
3 Can guile Argus, when she list misdo?
guile > deceive; beguile list > chooses, pleases misdo > [to] do wrong
4 It is not iron bonds, nor hundred eyes, 5 Nor brazen walls, nor many wakeful spies, 6 That can withhold her wilful wandering feet; 7 But fast goodwill with gentle courtesies,
fast > firm, close
8 And timely service to her pleasures meet
meet > appropriate
9 May her perhaps contain, that else would algates fleet."
contain > keep under control that else > who otherwise algates > altogether; after all; hence: surely fleet > waver, fluctuate; slip away, vanish
309.8
Then is he not more mad (said Paridell)
2 That hath himselfe vnto such seruice sold,
In dolefull thraldome all his dayes to dwell?
4 For sure a foole I do him firmely hold,
That loues his fetters, though they were of gold.
6 But why do we deuise of others ill,
Whiles thus we suffer this same dotard old,
8 To keepe vs out, in scorne of his owne will,
And rather do not ransack all, and him selfe kill?
1 "Then is he not more mad," said Paridell, 2 "That has himself to such service sold, 3 In doleful thraldom all his days to dwell?
thraldom > slavery
4 For sure a fool I do him firmly hold, 5 That loves his fetters, though they were of gold. 6 But why do we devise of other's ill,
devise > talk other's ill > [another's plight]
7 While thus we suffer this same dotard old
suffer > allow
8 To keep us out in scorn of his own will,
scorn > [the] contempt
9 And rather do not ransack all, and himself kill?"
309.9
Nay let vs first (said +Satyrane)+ entreat
2 The man by gentle meanes, to let vs in,
And afterwardes affray with cruell threat,
4 Ere that we to efforce it do begin:
Then if all fayle, we will by force it win,
6 And eke reward the wretch for his mesprise,
As may be worthy of his haynous sin.
8 That counsell pleasd: then Paridell did rise,
And to the Castle gate approcht in quiet wise.
1 Satyrane) > Satyrane 1596
1 "Nay, let us first," said Satyrane, "entreat 2 The man, by gentle means, to let us in, 3 And afterwards affray with cruel threat,
affray > terrify [him]
4 Ere we to efforce it do begin:
efforce > force open (SUFQ) it > (Presumably, the castle; or Malbecco's hospitality)
5 Then, if all fails, we will by force it win, 6 And eke reward the wretch for his misprize,
eke > moreover misprize > contempt, scorn; mistake; failure to appreciate [the wrath of his visitors]
7 As may be worthy of his heinous sin." 8 That counsel pleased: then Paridell did rise, 9 And to the castle gate approached in quiet wise.
wise > manner, fashion
309.10
Whereat soft knocking, entrance he desyrd.
2 The good man selfe, which then the Porter playd,
Him answered, that all were now retyrd
4 Vnto their rest, and all the keyes conuayd
Vnto their maister, who in bed was layd,
6 That none him durst awake out of his dreme;
And therefore them of patience gently prayd.
8 Then Paridell began to chaunge his theme,
And threatned him with force and punishment extreme.
1 Whereat soft knocking, entrance he desired.
Whereat > At which
2 The goodman himself, who then the porter played,
goodman > {Male head of a household; host of an inn; keeper of a prison; husband; yeoman} porter > {Door-keeper; one who has charge of a door or gate (from the Latin portarius, etymologically distinct from the "porter" who carries burdens)} played > acted, hence: was pretending to be
3 Him answered that all were now retired 4 To their rest, and all the keys conveyed 5 To their master, who in bed was laid, 6 That none him dared awake out of his dream;
That > [So that]
7 And therefore them of patience gently prayed.
them of patience gently prayed > [politely entreated them to be patient]
8 Then Paridell began to change his theme, 9 And threatened him with force and punishment extreme.
309.11
But all in vaine; for nought mote him relent,
2 And now so long before the wicket fast
They wayted, that the night was forward spent,
4 And the faire welkin fowly ouercast,
Gan blowen vp a bitter stormy blast,
6 With shoure and hayle so horrible and dred,
That this faire many were compeld at last,
8 To fly for succour to a little shed,
The which beside the gate for swine was ordered.
1 But all in vain; for naught might him relent,
might > could relent > cause to relent
2 And now so long before the wicket fast
wicket > {Small door or gate made in or placed beside a large one} fast > (Of a door) bolted, locked
3 They waited that the night was forward spent,
forward spent > [well advanced]
4 And the fair welkin, foully overcast,
welkin > sky
5 Gan blow up a bitter stormy blast,
Gan > Began to, did
6 With shower and hail so horrible and dread,
dread > dreadful, fearsome
7 That this fair many were compelled at last
many > meinie: company
8 To fly for succour to a little shed,
fly > flee succour > shelter
9 Which beside the gate for swine was ordered.
was ordered > was arranged, hence: had been placed
309.12
It fortuned, soone after they were gone,
2 Another knight, whom the tempest thither brought,
Came to that Castle, and with earnest mone,
4 Like as the rest, late entrance deare besought;
But like so as the rest he prayd for nought,
6 For flatly he of entrance was refusd,
Sorely thereat he was displeasd, and thought
8 How to auenge himselfe so sore abusd,
And euermore the Carle of curtesie accusd.
1 It fortuned, soon after they were gone, 2 Another knight, whom the tempest thither brought,
Another > [That another]
3 Came to that castle and, with earnest moan,
moan > complaint, lamentation; hence: entreaty
4 Like the rest, late entrance dear besought;
dear > earnestly, keenly; also: desirable, precious (qualifying "late entrance")
5 But like the rest he prayed for naught,
prayed > besought
6 For flatly he entrance was refused; 7 Sorely thereat he was displeased, and thought
thereat > at that
8 How to avenge himself so sore abused, 9 And evermore the carl of courtesy accused.
carl > churl; villain; niggard of > [in the name of]
309.13
But to auoyde th'intollerable stowre,
2 He was compeld to seeke some refuge neare,
And to that shed, to shrowd him from the showre,
4 He came, which full of guests he found +whyleare+,
So as he was not let to enter there:
6 Whereat he gan to wex exceeding wroth,
And swore, that he would lodge with them yfere,
8 Or them dislodge, all were they liefe +or loth+;
And +so defide them+ each, and so defide them both.
4 whyleare > why leare 1596 8 or loth > orloth 1596 9 so defide them > defide them 1596; them defied 1609
1 But, to avoid the intolerable stour,
stour > storm, driving storm (Scottish and northern dialect)
2 He was compelled to seek some refuge near, 3 And to that shed, to shroud himself from the shower,
shroud > shelter
4 He came, which full of guests he found whilere,
whilere > erewhile: a while before; hence: already
5 So as he was not let to enter there:
as he was not let > [that he was not allowed]
6 Whereat he began to wax exceeding wroth,
Whereat > At which, whereupon wax > grow
7 And swore that he would lodge with them yfere,
yfere > together
8 Or them dislodge, all were they lief or loath;
all were they lief or loath > [whether they liked it or not]
9 And so defied them each, and so defied them both.
both > (The two knights, Sir Paridell and Sir Satyrane; a squire would not be challenged)
309.14
Both were full loth to leaue that needfull tent,
2 And both full loth in darkenesse to debate;
Yet both full liefe him lodging to haue lent,
4 And both full liefe his boasting to abate;
But chiefly Paridell his hart did grate,
6 To heare him threaten so despightfully,
As if he did a dogge +to+ kenell rate,
8 That durst not barke; and rather had he dy,
Then when he was defide, in coward corner ly.
7 to > in 1590
1 Both were full loath to leave that needful tent,
full > very, exceedingly tent > (Fig., as a shelter used by travellers)
2 And both full loath in darkness to debate;
debate > fight
3 Yet both full lief him lodging to have lent,
full lief > [were] very willing ("lief" used antithetically to "loath", as at 309.13:8)
4 And both full lief his boasting to abate; 5 But chiefly Paridell his heart did grate
Paridell his > Paridell's grate > grind (cf. 101.19:6)
6 To hear him threaten so despitefully,
despitefully > scornfully
7 As if he did a dog to kennel rate,
rate > drive (by scolding)
8 That dared not bark; and rather had he die
rather had he die > [he would rather have died]
9 Than, when he was defied, in coward corner lie.
coward > [a] cowardly
309.15
Tho hastily remounting to his steed,
2 He forth issew'd; like as a boistrous wind,
Which in th'earthes hollow caues hath long bin hid,
4 And shut vp fast within her prisons blind,
Makes the huge element against her kind
6 To moue, and tremble as it were agast,
Vntill that it an issew forth may find;
8 Then forth it breakes, and with his furious blast
Confounds both land and seas, and skyes doth ouercast.
1 Tho hastily remounting his steed,
Tho > Then
2 He forth issued, like a boisterous wind
boisterous > violently fierce
3 Which in the Earth's hollow caves has long been hidden 4 And, shut up fast within her prisons blind,
fast > firmly; closely blind > {Dark, lightless; lacking an opening; secret}
5 Makes the huge element against her kind
huge element > [Earth] kind > nature
6 Move, and tremble as she were aghast,
as > [as though] aghast > terrified
7 Until he an issue forth may find;
issue > outlet
8 Then forth he breaks, and with his furious blast
blast > {Blast; also: blighting wind, breath of a malignant power, as 102.38:6, since it causes the skies to become overcast}
9 Confounds both land and seas, and skies does overcast.
Confounds > Overthrows, lays waste; also, perhaps: throws into confusion, mixes up [the two elements]
309.16
Their steel-hed speares they strongly coucht, and met
2 Together with impetuous rage and forse,
That with the terrour of their fierce affret,
4 They rudely droue to ground both man and horse,
That each awhile lay like a sencelesse corse.
6 But Paridell sore brused with the blow,
Could not arise, the counterchaunge to scorse,
8 Till that young Squire him reared from below;
Then drew he his bright sword, and gan about him throw.
1 Their steel-headed spears they strongly couched, and met
couched > {Placed in their rests and lowered, ready for attack}
2 Together with impetuous rage and force, 3 That with the terror of their fierce affret
That > [So that] affret > encounter, onslaught (WUFQ)
4 They rudely drove to ground both man and horse,
rudely > violently; ignobly
5 That each awhile lay like a senseless corse.
That > [So that] corse > corpse
6 But Paridell, sore bruised with the blow, 7 Could not arise, the counterchange to scorse,
counterchange > exchange; hence: requital scorse > barter, bargain, exchange; hence: deal
8 Till that young squire him reared from below; 9 Then drew he his bright sword, and gan about him throw.
gan > did him > [himself] throw > turn, twist
309.17
But Satyrane forth stepping, did them stay
2 And with faire treatie pacifide their +ire,+
Then when they were accorded from the fray,
4 Against that Castles Lord they gan conspire,
To heape on him dew vengeaunce for his hire.
6 They bene agreed, and to the gates they goe
To burne the same with vnquenchable fire,
8 And that vncurteous Carle their commune foe
To do fowle death to dye, or wrap in grieuous woe.
2 ire, > ire; 1590
1 But Satyrane, forth stepping, did them stay
stay > hold back
2 And with fair treaty pacified their ire;
treaty > speech, negotiation; entreaty, persuasion
3 Then, when they were accorded from the fray,
accorded > reconciled
4 Against that castle's lord they gan conspire,
gan > did
5 To heap on him due vengeance for his hire.
hire > reward
6 They been agreed, and to the gates they go
been > [are]
7 To burn the same with unquenchable fire, 8 And that uncourteous carl, their common foe,
uncourteous > discourteous carl > churl; villain; niggard
9 To do foul death to die, or wrap in grievous woe.
do > make [a]
309.18
Malbecco seeing them resolu'd in deed
2 To flame the gates, and hearing them to call
For fire in earnest, ran with fearefull speed,
4 And to them calling from the castle wall,
Besought them humbly, him to beare with all,
6 As ignoraunt of seruants bad abuse,
And slacke attendaunce vnto straungers call.
8 The knights were willing all things to excuse,
Though nought beleu'd, and entraunce late did not refuse.
1 Malbecco, seeing them resolved indeed 2 To flame the gates, and hearing them to call 3 For fire in earnest, ran with fearful speed 4 And, to them calling from the castle wall, 5 Besought them humbly him to bear withal,
him to bear withal > [to bear with him]
6 As ignorant of servants' bad abuse, 7 And slack attendance to strangers' call.
attendance > attention; service
8 The knights were willing all things to excuse 9 (Though naught believed), and entrance late did not refuse.
naught believed > [they believed none of it]
309.19
They bene ybrought into a comely bowre,
2 And seru'd of all things that mote needfull bee;
Yet secretly their hoste did on them lowre,
4 And welcomde more for feare, then charitee;
But they dissembled, what they did not see,
6 And welcomed themselues. Each gan vndight
Their garments wet, and weary armour free,
8 To dry them selues by Vulcanes flaming light,
And eke their lately bruzed parts to bring in plight.
1 They been brought into a comely bower,
been > [were] bower > room
2 And served of all things that might needful be;
of > with
3 Yet secretly their host did on them lour, 4 And welcomed more for fear than charity; 5 But they dissembled what they did not see, 6 And welcomed themselves. Each gan undight
Each gan undight > [All] did unfasten
7 Their garments wet, and weary armour free, 8 To dry themselves by Vulcan's flaming light,
Vulcan > (God of fire)
9 And eke their lately bruised parts to bring in plight.
eke > also lately > recently in plight > to health
309.20
And eke that straunger knight emongst the +rest,+
2 Was for like need enforst to disaray:
Tho whenas vailed was her loftie crest,
4 Her golden locks, that were in tramels gay
Vpbounden, did them selues adowne display,
6 And raught vnto her heeles; like sunny beames,
That in a cloud their light did long time stay,
8 Their vapour vaded, shew their golden gleames,
And through the +persant+ aire shoote forth their +azure+ streames.
1 rest, > rest; 1590, 1596 9 persant > persent 1609; present 1611: a striking example of corruption; azure sugg. Collier 9 azure > persant sugg. Collier
1 And eke that stranger knight amongst the rest
eke > also stranger > new-come
2 Was for like need enforced to disarray:
like > [a] similar disarray > disrobe, divest herself [of armour]
3 Tho, when vailed was her lofty crest,
Tho > Then vailed > lowered; doffed crest > helmet
4 Her golden locks, that were in trammels gay
trammels > plaits, braids
5 Upbound, did themselves adown display,
adown > down display > spread, spread out; display
6 And raught to her heels: like sunny beams
raught > reached
7 That in a cloud their light did long time stay,
stay > fix; restrain
8 Their vapour vaded, show their golden gleams,
Their > [The clouds', confusing the number; or, perhaps, a variant spelling of "There">[ vaded > [having been] dimmed, withered, hence: having been dispersed (variant of "faded") their > [the beams']
9 And through the azure air shoot forth their perceant streams.
perceant > piercing (I have changed the word-order to follow Collier's suggestion: see Textual Appendix. The syntax of lines 6-9 is confusing, but the intention is clear)
309.21
She also dofte her heauy haberieon,
2 Which the faire feature of her limbs did hyde,
And her well plighted frock, which she did won
4 To tucke about her short, when she did ryde,
She low let fall, that flowd from her lanck syde
6 Downe to her foot, with carelesse modestee.
Then of them all she plainly was espyde,
8 To be a woman wight, vnwist to bee,
The fairest woman wight, that euer eye did see.
1 She also doffed her heavy habergeon,
habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail}
2 Which the fair feature of her limbs did hide, 3 And her well plighted frock, which she did won
plighted > pleated did won > used, was accustomed
4 To tuck about her short when she did ride, 5 She low let fall; that flowed from her lank side
lank > lean, slender
6 Down to her foot, with careless modesty. 7 Then of them all she plainly was espied,
of > by
8 To be a woman wight, unwist to be,
wight > person (redundant, and thus intensifying "woman") unwist > unknown
9 The fairest woman wight that ever eye did see.
309.22
Like as +Minerua+, being late returnd
2 From slaughter of the Giaunts conquered;
Where proud Encelade, whose wide nosethrils burnd
4 With breathed flames, like to a furnace red,
Transfixed with +the+ speare, downe tombled ded
6 From top of Hemus, by him heaped hye;
Hath loosd her helmet from her lofty hed,
8 And her Gorgonian shield gins to vntye
From her left arme, to rest in glorious victorye.
1 Minerua > Bellona 1590 5 the > her 1590
1 Like Minerva, being late returned
Minerva > (Roman goddess of war; Bellona (see Textual Appendix) is another name for her. Bellona is sometimes represented as the wife of Mars, while Minerva, specifically, is identified with Pallas Athene, the virgin goddess. Cf. 307.52:6, 706.3:7, 706.32:4-8; SC, "October", 114 and gloss) late > lately
2 From slaughter of the Giants conquered
Giants > (The vast beings which, sprung from the blood that fell from Uranus on the earth, piled Mount Ossa on Mount Pelion in order to launch an unsuccessful attack on Olympus, abode of the gods)
3 (Where proud Enceladus, whose wide nostrils burnt
Enceladus > (One of the Giants; traditionally, he was killed by Jupiter and buried under Mount Etna, whence he still breathes fire. In Myth. 6.21 it is Minerva who kills him)
4 With breathed flames, like a furnace red, 5 Transfixed with the spear, down tumbled dead 6 From top of Haemus, by him heaped high),
Haemus > (The Balkan Haemi are a lofty range of mountains separating Thrace and Moesia. Spenser's source for this detail is not known; Jupiter killed Typhoeus on Mount Haemus)
7 Has loosed her helmet from her lofty head,
Has > [Who has, when she has]
8 And her Gorgonian shield begins to untie
Gorgonian shield > (The Gorgons were three terrifying females with serpents for hair, wings, brazen claws, and huge teeth. One of them, Medusa, was a mortal. According to most accounts, Medusa desecrated one of Minerva's temples and the goddess turned her into a Gorgon in punishment. Medusa's visage became so horrible that anyone who saw it was turned to stone. Perseus managed to kill her (using a mirror so that he did not have to look at her directly); and afterwards Minerva placed Medusa's head in the centre of her shield or breastplate. See Met. 4.790-803)
9 From her left arm, to rest in glorious victory.
309.23
Which whenas they beheld, they smitten were
2 With great amazement of so wondrous sight,
And each on other, and they all on her
4 Stood gazing, as if suddein great affright
Had them surprised. At last auizing right,
6 Her goodly personage and glorious hew,
Which they so much mistooke, they tooke delight
8 In their first errour, and yet still anew
With wonder of her beauty fed their hungry vew.
1 Which when they beheld, they smitten were 2 With great amazement of so wondrous sight,
of so > by such a
3 And each on other, and they all on her, 4 Stood gazing, as if sudden great affright
affright > terror
5 Had them surprised. At last, advising right
advising right > perceiving correctly
6 Her goodly personage and glorious hue,
goodly > beautiful personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from the clothing} hue > colour, hence: complexion; also: form, shape, hence: figure
7 Which they so much mistook, they took delight 8 In their first error, and yet still anew 9 With wonder of her beauty fed their hungry view.
309.24
Yet note their hungry vew be satisfide,
2 But seeing still the more desir'd to see,
And euer firmely fixed did abide
4 In contemplation of diuinitie:
But +most+ they meruaild at her cheualree,
6 And noble prowesse, which they had approued,
That much they faynd to know, who she mote bee;
8 Yet none of all them her thereof amoued,
Yet euery one her likte, and euery one her loued.
5 most > omitted from 1596
1 Yet no'te their hungry view be satisfied,
no'te > could not
2 But, seeing, still the more desired to see, 3 And ever firmly fixed did abide
abide > remain
4 In contemplation of divinity: 5 But most they marvelled at her chivalry,
chivalry > knightly conduct
6 And noble prowess, which they had approved,
prowess > valour approved > proved, tested; approved
7 That much they fained to know who she might be;
That > [So that] fained > were eager
8 Yet none of all them her thereof amoved,
thereof amoved > [stirred of that; i.e. no one of the company ventured to disturb her privacy by asking who she was]
9 Yet everyone her liked, and everyone her loved.
309.25
And Paridell though partly discontent
2 With his late fall, and fowle indignity,
Yet was soone wonne his malice to relent,
4 Through gracious regard of her faire eye,
And knightly worth, which he too late did try,
6 Yet tried did adore. Supper was dight;
Then they Malbecco prayd of curtesy,
8 That of his Lady they might haue the sight,
And company at meat, to do them more delight.
1 And Paridell, though partly discontent 2 With his late fall and foul indignity,
late > recent
3 Yet was soon won his malice to relent,
won > persuaded relent > lessen, soften
4 Through gracious regard of her fair eye, 5 And knightly worth, which he too late did try,
late > recently try > test; experience
6 Yet, tried, did adore. Supper was dight;
dight > prepared; hence: served (as 211.2:8)
7 Then they Malbecco prayed of courtesy
prayed > besought of > [in the name of; out of]
8 That of his lady they might have the sight, 9 And company at meat, to do them more delight.
meat > food, dinner; hence: supper do > cause, give
309.26
But he to shift their curious request,
2 Gan causen, why she could not come in place;
Her crased health, her late recourse to rest,
4 And humid euening ill for sicke folkes cace:
But none of those excuses could take place;
6 Ne would they eate, till she in presence came.
She came in presence with right comely grace,
8 And fairely them saluted, as became,
And shewd her selfe in all a gentle curteous Dame.
1 But he, to shift their curious request,
shift > put off, evade curious > solicitous; inquisitive
2 Gan cause why she could not come in place:
Gan > Began to, did cause > explain, give excuses (WU) in place > there
3 Her crazed health, her late recourse to rest,
crazed > shattered, broken down, infirm late > recent
4 And humid evening, ill for sick folk's case;
ill > bad case > plight, state
5 But none of those excuses could take place,
take place > [be accepted]
6 Nor would they eat till she in presence came. 7 She came in presence with right comely grace,
right > very
8 And fairly them saluted, as became,
fairly > courteously saluted > greeted (with words and perhaps also a kiss) became > was fitting
9 And showed herself in all a gentle courteous dame.
gentle > gentle; noble
309.27
They sate to meat, and Satyrane his chaunce
2 Was her before, and Paridell besyde;
But he him selfe sate looking still askaunce,
4 Gainst Britomart, and euer closely eyde
Sir Satyrane, +that+ glaunces might not glyde:
6 But his blind eye, that syded Paridell,
All his +demeasnure+ from his sight did hyde:
8 On her faire face so did he feede his fill,
And sent close messages of loue to her at will.
5 that > with 1590 7 demeasnure > demeanure 1609
1 They sat to meat, and Satyrane his chance
meat > food, dinner; hence: supper Satyrane his > Satyrane's
2 Was her before, and Paridell beside;
her before > [to be seated opposite Hellenore]
3 But he himself sat looking still askance,
he > [Malbecco] still > ever, continually; or perhaps: yet (if suspecting that Britomart might yet be a man)
4 Gainst Britomart, and ever closely eyed
Gainst > Against, facing
5 Sir Satyrane, that glances might not glide:
that > [so that]
6 But his blind eye, that sided Paridell,
sided > [was side by side with; hence: was on the side of]
7 All his demeanour from his sight did hide:
his demeanour > [Paridell's conduct]
8 On her fair face so did he feed his fill,
so > thus he > [Paridell]
9 And sent close messages of love to her at will.
close > secret
309.28
And euer and anone, when none was ware,
2 With speaking lookes, that close embassage bore,
He rou'd at her, and told his secret care:
4 For all that art he learned had of yore.
Ne was she ignoraunt of that lewd lore,
6 But in his eye his meaning wisely red,
And with the like him answerd euermore:
8 She sent at him one firie dart, whose hed
Empoisned was with priuy lust, and gealous dred.
1 And ever and anon, when none was ware,
ever and anon > every now and then none > no one ware > aware; vigilant
2 With speaking looks, that close ambassage bore,
close > secret ambassage > {Properly, a message brought by an ambassador; hence: message}
3 He roved at her, and told his secret care:
roved > fired, shot (used of arrows) care > mental suffering; esteem, love (Latin carus)
4 For all that art he learned had of yore.
yore > old
5 Nor was she ignorant of that lewd lore,
lore > teaching, doctrine
6 But in his eye his meaning wisely read,
wisely > skilfully, expertly
7 And with the like him answered evermore: 8 She sent at him one fiery dart, whose head 9 Empoisoned was with privy lust and jealous dread.
Empoisoned > {Poisoned; dipped in poison (cf. 305.49:3)} privy > secret, hidden
309.29
He from that deadly throw made no defence,
2 But to the wound his weake hart opened wyde;
The wicked engine through false influence,
4 Past through his eyes, and secretly did glyde
Into his hart, which it did sorely gryde.
6 But nothing new to him was that same paine,
Ne paine at all; for he so oft had tryde
8 The powre thereof, and lou'd so oft in vaine,
That thing of course he counted, loue to entertaine.
1 He from that deadly throw made no defence,
from > [against] throw > {Throw, cast, action of hurling a missile}
2 But to the wound his weak heart opened wide; 3 The wicked engine, through false influence,
engine > contrivance; engine of destruction, missile; snare, wile
4 Passed through his eyes, and secretly did glide 5 Into his heart, which it did sorely gride.
gride > wound, pierce, run through
6 But nothing new to him was that same pain, 7 Nor pain at all; for he so oft had tried
tried > undergone; hence: experienced
8 The power thereof, and loved so oft in vain, 9 That thing of course he counted, love to entertain.
thing of course > [a] thing to be expected counted > [it] reckoned; hence: [it] regarded
309.30
Thenceforth to her he sought to intimate
2 His inward griefe, by meanes to him well knowne,
Now Bacchus fruit out of the siluer plate
4 He on the table dasht, as ouerthrowne,
Or of the fruitfull liquor ouerflowne,
6 And by the dauncing bubbles did diuine,
Or therein write to let his loue be showne;
8 Which well she red out of the learned line,
A sacrament prophane in mistery of wine.
1 Thenceforth to her he sought to intimate 2 His inward grief, by means to him well known: 3 Now Bacchus' fruit out of the silver plate
Bacchus' fruit > wine (Bacchus is the god of wine) plate > utensil, drinking-vessel; hence: goblet, wine-cup
4 He on the table dashed, as overthrown,
as overthrown > [as if it had been upset]
5 Or of the fruitful liquor overflowed,
of > by
6 And by the dancing bubbles did divine, 7 Or therein write to let his love be shown;
write > (See Ovid, Heroides 17.75-90)
8 Which well she read out of the learned line, 9 A sacrament profane in mystery of wine.
profane > (Since wine is used in the Eucharist)
309.31
And when so of his hand the pledge she raught,
2 The guilty cup she fained to mistake,
And in her lap did shed her idle draught,
4 Shewing desire her inward flame to slake:
By such close signes they secret way did make
6 Vnto their wils, and one eyes watch escape;
Two eyes him needeth, for to watch and wake,
8 Who louers will deceiue. Thus was the ape,
By their faire handling, put into Malbeccoes cape.
1 And when so of his hand the pledge she raught,
so > thus raught > reached, took (i.e. she took the cup from him)
2 The guilty cup she fained to mistake,
fained > was eager; or: feigned mistake > mis-take, fumble
3 And in her lap did shed her idle draught,
idle > unavailing
4 Showing desire her inward flame to slake. 5 By such close signs they secret way did make
close > secret
6 To their wills, and one eye's watch escape: 7 Two eyes him needs, to watch and wake,
him needs > [are necessary to him] wake > remain awake, keep guard
8 Who lovers will deceive. Thus was the ape,
ape > fool ("to put an ape in his hood" is to make a fool of some- one: see Chaucer, introduction to The Prioress's Tale, 1630)
9 By their fair handling, put into Malbecco's cape.
handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct cape > {Cloak with a hood}
309.32
Now when of meats and drinks they had their fill,
2 Purpose was moued by that gentle Dame,
Vnto those knights aduenturous, to tell
4 Of deeds of armes, which vnto them became,
And euery one his kindred, and his name.
6 Then Paridell, in whom a kindly pryde
Of gracious speach, and skill his words to frame
8 Abounded, being glad of so fit tyde
Him to commend to her, thus spake, of all well eyde.
1 Now when of meats and drinks they had their fill,
meats > foods, food had > [had had]
2 Purpose was moved by that gentle dame,
Purpose > [A] proposition gentle > noble; gentle
3 To those knights adventurous, to tell 4 Of deeds of arms which to them became,
became > [had] happened
5 And everyone his kindred, and his name. 6 Then Paridell, in whom a kindly pride
kindly > natural, innate pride > {Love of display or ostentation}
7 Of gracious speech, and skill his words to frame 8 Abounded, being glad of so fit tide
so > such [a] tide > occasion, opportunity
9 Him to commend to her, thus spoke, of all well eyed.
of > by
309.33
Troy, that art now nought, but an idle name,
2 And in thine ashes buried low dost lie,
Though whilome far much greater then thy fame,
4 Before that angry Gods, and cruell skye
Vpon thee heapt a direfull destinie,
6 What boots it boast thy glorious descent,
And fetch from heauen thy great Genealogie,
8 Sith all thy worthy prayses being blent,
Their of-spring hath embaste, and later glory shent.
1 "Troy, that are now naught but an idle name,
idle > empty
2 And in your ashes buried low do lie, 3 Though whilom far much greater than your fame,
whilom > in ancient times
4 Before angry gods, and cruel sky, 5 Upon you heaped a direful destiny,
direful > dreadful, terrible
6 What boots it boast your glorious descent,
boots it > does it avail to boast > boast of
7 And fetch from heaven your great genealogy,
heaven > (Olympus, since the founder of Troy, Dardanus, was a son of Jupiter. Furthermore, Aeneas, who ruled Troy after the fall of the house of Priam, was a son of Venus)
8 Sith all your worthy praises, being blended,
Sith > Since blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, obscured, spoiled
9 Their offspring has embased, and later glory shent.
has > (Notice that the number of the vb. agrees with "of-spring", here regarded as a singular sb.) embased > debased, depreciated shent > disgraced
309.34
Most famous Worthy of the world, by whome
2 That warre was kindled, which did Troy inflame,
And stately towres of Ilion whilome
4 Brought vnto balefull ruine, was by name
Sir Paris far renowmd through noble fame,
6 Who through great prowesse and bold hardinesse,
From Laced{ae}mon fetcht the fairest Dame,
8 That euer Greece did boast, or knight possesse,
Whom Venus to him gaue for meed of worthinesse.
1 "Most famous worthy of the world (by whom
Most > [The most] worthy > {Hero of antiquity}
2 That war was kindled, which did Troy inflame 3 And stately towers of Ilium whilom
Ilium > (Another name for Troy) whilom > in ancient times
4 Brought to baleful ruin) was by name
baleful > deadly, miserable
5 Sir Paris, far renowned through noble fame, 6 Who, through great prowess and bold hardiness,
prowess > valour
7 From Lacedaemon fetched the fairest dame
Lacedaemon > (Another name for Sparta: Helen was the consort of
Menelaus, its king)
8 That ever Greece did boast, or knight possess, 9 Whom Venus to him gave for meed of worthiness.
meed > reward (following the dispute on Mount Ida; see 207.55:5)
309.35
Faire Helene, flowre of beautie excellent,
2 And girlond of the mighty Conquerours,
That madest many Ladies deare lament
4 The heauie losse of their braue Paramours,
Which they far off beheld from Troian toures,
6 And saw the fieldes of faire Scamander strowne
With carcases of noble warrioures,
8 Whose fruitlesse liues were vnder furrow sowne,
And Xanthus sandy bankes with bloud all ouerflowne.
1 "Fair Helen, flower of beauty excellent,
excellent > supreme (she was the most beautiful woman in the world)
2 And garland of the mighty conquerors, 3 That made many ladies dear lament 4 The heavy loss of their brave paramours,
heavy > sad, grievous brave > brave; splendid, fine
5 Which they far off beheld from Trojan towers, 6 And saw the fields of fair Scamander strewn
Scamander > (One of the two principal rivers of Troy)
7 With carcases of noble warriors, 8 Whose fruitless lives were under furrow sown, 9 And Xanthus' sandy banks with blood all overflowed.
Xanthus > (Another name for the Scamander)
309.36
From him my linage I deriue aright,
2 Who long before the ten yeares siege of Troy,
Whiles yet on Ida he a shepheard hight,
4 On faire Oenone got a louely boy,
Whom for remembraunce of her passed ioy,
6 She of his Father Parius did name;
Who, after Greekes did Priams realme destroy,
8 Gathred the Troian reliques sau'd from flame,
And with them sayling thence, to th'Isle of Paros came.
1 "From him my lineage I derive aright,
aright > properly, justly; straight, hence: directly
2 Who, long before the ten years' siege of Troy, 3 While yet on Ida he a shepherd hight,
shepherd > (Paris was the second son of King Priam. Before his birth his mother, Hecuba, dreamed she had brought forth a fire- brand which ignited the whole city. Thus as soon as the child was born he was left out on Mount Ida; but he was found and sub- sequently raised by a shepherd, who gave him the name of Paris) hight > was called
4 On fair Oenone got a lovely boy
Oenone > (Daughter of the river god Cebren and wife of Paris)
5 Whom, for remembrance of her passed joy, 6 She of his father `Parius' did name;
of > after
7 Who, after Greeks did Priam's realm destroy, 8 Gathered the Trojan relics saved from flame 9 And, with them sailing thence, to the Isle of Paros came.
Paros > (In the Aegean Sea)
309.37
That was by him cald Paros, which before
2 Hight Nausa, there he many yeares did raine,
And built Nausicle by the Pontick shore,
4 The which he dying left next in remaine
To Paridas his sonne.
6 From whom I Paridell by kin descend;
But for faire Ladies loue, and glories gaine,
8 My natiue soile haue left, my dayes to spend
In +sewing+ deeds of armes, my liues and labours end.
9 sewing > seewing 1590, 1596
1 "That was by him called Paros, which before 2 Hight Nausa: there he many years did reign,
Hight > Was named
3 And built Nausicle by the Pontic shore,
Pontic > [Black Sea]
4 Which he, dying, left next in remain
next in remain > [designating the one remaining immediately after him, his immediate heir]
5 To Paridas his son. 6 From whom I, Paridell, by kin descend; 7 But for fair ladies' love, and glory's gain,
ladies' > (Or, Hellenore might assume, "lady's")
8 My native soil have left, my days to spend 9 In suing deeds of arms, my life's and labours' end."
suing > pursuing
309.38
Whenas the noble Britomart heard tell
2 Of Troian warres, and Priams Citie sackt,
The ruefull story of Sir Paridell,
4 She was empassiond at that piteous act,
With zelous enuy of Greekes cruell fact,
6 Against that nation, from whose race of old
She heard, that she was lineally extract:
8 For noble Britons sprong from Troians bold,
And Troynouant was built of old Troyes ashes cold.
1 When the noble Britomart heard tell 2 Of Trojan wars, and Priam's city sacked 3 (The rueful story of Sir Paridell), 4 She was empassioned at that piteous act,
empassioned at > [moved or touched with deep feeling by]
5 With zealous envy of Greeks' cruel fact
envy > enmity, malice; hence: hatred fact > deed
6 Against that nation from whose race of old, 7 She heard, she was lineally extract:
heard > [had heard] extract > extracted: derived, descended
8 For noble Britons sprang from Trojans bold,
Britons > (See 210.9 ff.)
9 And Troynovant was built of old Troy's ashes cold.
Troynovant > (London. For a note on the etymology, see 210.46:5)
309.39
Then sighing soft awhile, at last she thus:
2 O lamentable fall of famous towne,
Which raignd so many yeares victorious,
4 And of all +Asie+ bore the soueraigne crowne,
In one sad night consumd, and throwen downe:
6 What stony hart, that heares thy haplesse fate,
Is not empierst with deepe compassiowne,
8 And makes ensample of mans wretched state,
That floures so fresh at morne, and fades at euening late?
4 Asie > Asia 1609
1 Then, sighing soft awhile, at last she thus: 2 "O lamentable fall of famous town, 3 Which reigned so many years victorious, 4 And of all Asia bore the sovereign crown,
sovereign > supreme
5 In one sad night consumed, and thrown down: 6 What stony heart, that hears your hapless fate, 7 Is not empierced with deep compassion,
empierced > transfixed
8 And makes example of man's wretched state,
example > [an] example, [a] pattern, hence: a metaphor (cf. Ps. 90.6)
9 That flowers so fresh at morn, and fades at evening late?
309.40
Behold, Sir, how your pitifull complaint
2 Hath found another partner of your payne:
For nothing may impresse so deare constraint,
4 As countries cause, and commune foes disdayne.
But if it should not grieue you, backe agayne
6 To turne your course, I would to heare desyre,
What to Aeneas fell; sith that men sayne
8 He was not in the Cities wofull fyre
Consum'd, but did him selfe to safetie retyre.
1 "Behold, sir, how your pitiful complaint 2 Has found another partner of your pain:
partner of > sharer of, participant in
3 For nothing may impress so dear constraint
so dear constraint > such grievous affliction
4 As country's cause and common foes' disdain. 5 But if it should not grieve you, back again 6 To turn your course, I would to hear desire 7 What to Aeneas fell; sith men say
fell > happened sith > since
8 He was not in the city's woeful fire 9 Consumed, but did himself to safety retire."
309.41
Anchyses sonne begot of Venus faire,
2 (Said he,) out of the flames for safegard fled,
And with a remnant did to sea repaire,
4 Where he through fatall errour long was led
Full many yeares, and weetlesse wandered
6 From shore to shore, emongst the Lybicke sands,
Ere rest he found. Much there he suffered,
8 And many perils past in forreine lands,
To saue his people sad from victours vengefull hands.
1 "Anchises' son, begotten of Venus fair,"
Anchises > (Father of Aeneas)
2 Said he, "out of the flames for safeguard fled,
safeguard > safety, protection
3 And with a remnant did to sea repair,
repair > go, betake himself
4 Where he through fatal error long was led
fatal error > predestined wandering (cf. Aen. 1.2, 210.9:8)
5 Full many years, and weetless wandered
Full > Very weetless > unknowing, in ignorance (WUS)
6 From shore to shore, amongst the Libyan sands,
sands > shores, beaches
7 Ere rest he found. Much there he suffered, 8 And many perils passed in foreign lands,
passed > endured
9 To save his people sad from victors' vengeful hands.
309.42
At last in Latium he did arriue,
2 Where he with cruell warre was entertaind
Of th'inland folke, which sought him backe to driue,
4 Till he with old Latinus was constraind,
To contract wedlock: (so the fates ordaind.)
6 Wedlock contract in bloud, and eke in blood
Accomplished, that many deare complaind:
8 The riuall slaine, the victour through the flood
Escaped hardly, hardly praisd his wedlock good.
1 "At last in Latium he did arrive,
Latium > (A country in Italy, originally between the Rivers Tiber and Numicus. Its people were among the most ancient inhabitants of Italy, and are sometimes called "Aborigines". Their town of Alba Longa boasted a Trojan origin, though the story of Trojan settlement in Italy is probably no more credible than that of Trojan settlement in Britain)
2 Where he with cruel war was entertained
entertained > received
3 Of the inland folk, who sought him back to drive,
Of > By
4 Till he with old Latinus was constrained
Latinus > (King of Latium, son of Faunus and the nymph Marica)
5 To contract wedlock (so the fates ordained).
wedlock > (With Lavinia, daughter of Latinus, promised to Turnus, king of the Rutulians)
6 Wedlock contract in blood, and eke in blood
contract > contracted eke > also
7 Accomplished, that many dear complained:
that > [so that] dear complained > grievously lamented
8 The rival slain, the victor through the flood
rival > [Turnus: see Aen. 12]
9 Escaped hardly, hardly praised his wedlock good.
hardly > with difficulty
309.43
Yet after all, he victour did suruiue,
2 And with Latinus did the kingdome part.
But after, when both nations gan to striue,
4 Into their names the title to conuart,
His sonne I{u"}lus did from thence depart,
6 With all the warlike youth of Troians bloud,
And in long Alba plast his throne apart,
8 Where faire it florished, and long time stoud,
Till Romulus renewing it, to Rome +remoud+.
9 remoud > remou'd 1609
1 "Yet, after all, he victor did survive,
victor > [as victor]
2 And with Latinus did the kingdom part.
part > divide (fulfilling Jupiter's prophecy at Aen. 1.267 ff.)
3 But after, when both nations began to strive 4 Into their names the title to convert, 5 His son Iulus did from thence depart,
Iulus > (By Creusa; his name was Ilus while Troy stood. Also called
Ascanius)
6 With all the warlike youth of Trojans' blood, 7 And in long Alba placed his throne apart,
long Alba > [Alba Longa]
8 Where fair it flourished, and long time stood,
long time > [for a long time: 300 years, in fact]
9 Till Romulus, renewing it, to Rome removed."
Romulus > (A son of Ilia, by Mars. A descendant of Iulus, Romulus was the founder of Rome)
309.44
There there (said Britomart) a fresh appeard
2 The glory of the later world to spring,
And Troy againe out of her dust was reard,
4 To sit in second seat of soueraigne king,
Of all the world vnder her gouerning.
6 But a third kingdome yet is to arise,
Out of the Troians scattered of-spring,
8 That in all glory and great enterprise,
Both first and second Troy shall dare to equalise.
1 "There there," said Britomart, "afresh appeared
"There there," said Britomart, "afresh appeared > ["In Rome," said
Britomart, "there appeared afresh]
2 The glory of the later world to spring, 3 And Troy again out of her dust was reared, 4 To sit in second seat of sovereign king,
sovereign > [a] supreme
5 Of all the world under her governing. 6 But a third kingdom yet is to arise, 7 Out of the Trojans' scattered offspring, 8 That in all glory and great enterprise, 9 Both first and second Troy shall dare to equalize.
equalize > equal, match
309.45
It Troynouant is hight, that with the waues
2 Of wealthy Thamis washed is along,
Vpon whose stubborne neck, whereat he raues
4 With roring rage, and sore him selfe does throng,
That all men feare to tempt his billowes strong,
6 She fastned hath her foot, which standes so hy,
That it a wonder of the world is song
8 In forreine landes, and all which passen by,
Beholding it from far, do thinke it threates the skye.
1 "It Troynovant is hight, that with the waves
Troynovant > (London. For a note on the etymology, see 210.46:5) hight > called
2 Of wealthy Thames washed is along,
along > {At full length; in a linear manner}
3 Upon whose stubborn neck (whereat he raves
stubborn > intractable whereat > at which
4 With roaring rage, and sore himself does throng,
throng > press, jostle
5 That all men fear to tempt his billows strong)
That > [So that] tempt > test, try, risk the perils of
6 She fastened has her foot, which stands so high
She > [Troynovant]
7 That it a wonder of the world is sung 8 In foreign lands, and all who pass by, 9 Beholding it from far, do think it threats the sky.
threats > threatens
309.46
The Troian Brute did first that Citie found,
2 And +Hygate+ made the meare thereof by West,
And Ouert gate by North: that is the bound
4 Toward the land; two riuers bound the rest.
So huge a scope at first him seemed best,
6 To be the compasse of his kingdomes seat:
So huge a mind could not in lesser rest,
8 Ne in small meares containe his glory great,
That Albion had conquered first by warlike feat.
2 Hygate > Hygate gate 1596
1 "The Trojan Brutus did first that city found,
Brutus > (See 210.9:6 ff.)
2 And Highgate made the mere thereof by west,
mere > boundary
3 And Overt Gate by north: that is the bound
Overt > Open (unlike Highgate, this gate is not identifiable today) bound > boundary
4 Toward the land; two rivers bound the rest.
two rivers > (One appears to be the Thames; the other is not clearly identifiable)
5 So huge a scope at first him seemed best, 6 To be the compass of his kingdom's seat:
compass > area, extent
7 So huge a mind could not in lesser rest,