CANTO V
The faithfull knight in equall field
2 subdewes his faithlesse foe,
Whom false Duessa saues, and for
4 his cure to hell does goe.
1 The faithful knight in equal field
equal field > impartial battle
2 subdues his faithless foe, 3 Whom false Duessa saves, and for 4 his cure to hell does go.
105.1
THe noble hart, that harbours vertuous thought,
2 And is with child of glorious great intent,
Can neuer rest, vntill it forth haue brought
4 Th'eternall brood of glorie excellent:
Such restlesse passion did all night torment
6 The flaming corage of that Faery knight,
Deuizing, how that doughtie turnament
8 With greatest honour he atchieuen might;
Still did +he+ wake, and still did watch for dawning light.
9 he > omitted from 1596
1 The noble heart, that harbours virtuous thought,
virtuous > potent, powerful, valorous
2 And is with child of glorious great intent,
with child > [pregnant] glorious > {Eager for glory}
3 Can never rest, until it forth has brought 4 The eternal brood of glory excellent:
excellent > excelling; supreme
5 Such restless passion did all night torment 6 The flaming courage of that Faery knight,
courage > heart, mind
7 Devising how that doughty tournament 8 With greatest honour he achieve might;
achieve > [bring to successful conclusion]
9 Still did he wake, and still did watch for dawning light.
Still > Continuously
105.2
At last the golden Orientall +gate,+
2 Of greatest heauen gan to open faire,
And Ph{oe}bus fresh, as bridegrome to his mate,
4 Came dauncing forth, shaking his deawie haire:
And +hurld+ his glistring beames through gloomy aire.
6 Which when the wakeful Elfe perceiu'd, streight way
He started vp, and did him selfe prepaire,
8 In sun-bright armes, and battailous array:
For with that Pagan proud he combat will that day.
1 gate, > gate 1609 5 hurld > hurls 1590, 1596: FE; hurles 1609
1 At last the golden oriental gate
oriental > eastern
2 Of greatest heaven began to open fair, 3 And Phoebus fresh, as bridegroom to his mate,
bridegroom > (See Ps. 19.5)
4 Came dancing forth, shaking his dewy hair: 5 And hurled his glistering beams through gloomy air. 6 Which when the wakeful Elf perceived, straightway 7 He started up, and did himself prepare, 8 In sun-bright arms, and battailous array:
arms > {Arms and armour} battailous > warlike, ready for battle
9 For with that pagan proud he combat will that day.
105.3
And forth he comes into the +commune+ hall,
2 Where earely waite him many a gazing eye,
To weet what end to straunger knights may fall.
4 There many Minstrales maken melody,
To driue away the dull melancholy,
6 And many Bardes, that to the trembling chord
Can tune their timely voyces cunningly,
8 And many Chroniclers, that can record
Old loues, and warres for Ladies doen by many a Lord.
1 commune > common 1609
1 And forth he comes into the common hall, 2 Where early wait him many a gazing eye, 3 To weet what end to stranger knights may fall.
weet > know, find out
4 There many minstrels make melody,
minstrels > musicians
5 To drive away the dull melancholy, 6 And many bards, that to the trembling chord
bards > singers
7 Can tune their timely voices cunningly,
Can > Did; knew how to timely > {Measured; keeping time with the music}
8 And many chroniclers, that can record
chroniclers > writers of epics can > can, knew how to
9 Old loves, and wars for ladies done by many a lord.
105.4
Soone after comes the cruell Sarazin,
2 In wouen maile all armed warily,
And sternly lookes at him, who not a pin
4 Does care for looke of liuing creatures eye.
They bring them wines of Greece and Araby,
6 And daintie spices fetcht from furthest Ynd,
To kindle heat of corage priuily:
8 And in the wine a solemne oth they bynd
T'obserue the sacred lawes of armes, that are assynd.
1 Soon after comes the cruel Saracen,
Saracen > {Arab or Moslem of the time of the Crusades; pagan}
2 In woven mail all armed warily,
mail > chain armour warily > carefully
3 And sternly looks at him, who not a pin
sternly > fiercely
4 Does care for look of living creature's eye. 5 They bring them wines of Greece and Arabia, 6 And dainty spices fetched from furthest Ind,
dainty > precious Ind > India
7 To kindle heat of courage privily:
privily > inwardly
8 And in the wine a solemn oath they bind, 9 To observe the sacred laws of arms, that are assigned.
105.5
At last forth comes that far renowmed Queene,
2 With royall pomp and Princely maiestie;
She is ybrought vnto a paled greene,
4 And placed vnder stately canapee,
The warlike feates of both those knights to see.
6 On th'other side in all mens open vew
Duessa placed is, and on a tree
8 Sans-foy his shield is hangd with bloudy hew:
Both those the lawrell girlonds to the victor dew.
1 At last forth comes that far renowned queen, 2 With royal pomp and princely majesty; 3 She is brought to a paled green,
paled > {Fenced, surrounded with palings}
4 And placed under stately canopy, 5 The warlike feats of both those knights to see. 6 On the other side in all men's open view 7 Duessa placed is, and on a tree 8 Sansfoy his shield is hung with bloody hue:
Sansfoy his > Sansfoy's with bloody hue > [with its bloodstains]
9 Both those the laurel garlands to the victor due.
105.6
A shrilling trompet sownded from on hye,
2 And vnto battaill bad them selues addresse:
Their shining shieldes about their +wrestes+ they tye,
4 And burning blades about their heads do blesse,
The instruments of wrath and heauinesse:
6 With greedy force each other doth assayle,
And strike so fiercely, that they do impresse
8 Deepe dinted furrowes in the battred mayle;
The yron walles to ward their blowes are weake and fraile.
3 wrestes > wrists 1609
1 A shrilling trumpet sounded from on high, 2 And to battle bade themselves address: 3 Their shining shields about their wrists they tie, 4 And burning blades about their heads do bless,
bless > brandish
5 The instruments of wrath and heaviness:
heaviness > anger; grief
6 With greedy force each other does assail,
greedy > eager; insensate, reckless
7 And strike so fiercely, that they do impress 8 Deep dented furrows in the battered mail;
mail > chain armour
9 The iron walls to ward their blows are weak and frail.
iron walls > [of their armour]
105.7
The Sarazin was stout, and wondrous strong,
2 And heaped blowes like yron hammers great:
For after bloud and vengeance he did long.
4 The knight was fiers, and full of youthly heat:
And doubled strokes, like dreaded thunders threat:
6 For all for prayse and honour he did fight.
Both stricken strike, and beaten both do beat,
8 That from their shields forth flyeth firie light,
And +helmets hewen+ deepe, shew marks of eithers might.
9 helmets hewen > hewen helmets 1590
1 The Saracen was stout, and wondrous strong,
stout > robust; proud; bold, brave
2 And heaped blows like iron hammers great: 3 For after blood and vengeance he did long. 4 The knight was fierce, and full of youthly heat: 5 And doubled strokes, like dreaded thunder's threat:
doubled > (Vb.)
6 For all for praise and honour he did fight. 7 Both stricken strike, and beaten both do beat, 8 That from their shields forth flies fiery light,
That > [So that]
9 And helmets hewed deep show marks of either's might.
deep > deeply
105.8
So th'one for wrong, the other striues for right:
2 As when a Gryfon seized of his pray,
A Dragon fiers encountreth in his flight,
4 Through widest ayre making his ydle way,
That would his rightfull rauine rend away:
6 With hideous horrour both together smight,
And souce so sore, that they the heauens affray:
8 The wise Southsayer seeing so sad sight,
Th'amazed vulgar tels of warres and mortall fight.
1 So the one for wrong, the other strives for right: 2 As when a griffin, seized of his prey,
griffin > {Monster with the body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle} seized > in rightful possession
3 A dragon fierce encounters in his flight, 4 Through widest air making his idle way, 5 That would his rightful ravin rend away:
That > [The dragon] ravin > plunder, prey
6 With hideous horror both together smite,
hideous > abominable; terrific; immense
7 And souse so sore that they the heavens affray:
souse > strike heavy blows; perhaps also: swoop (as a hawk on its prey) affray > terrify
8 The wise soothsayer, seeing so sad sight,
sad > calamitous, ominous [a]
9 The amazed vulgar tells of wars and mortal fight.
vulgar > common people mortal > deadly, lethal
105.9
So th'one for wrong, the other striues for right,
2 And each to deadly shame would driue his foe:
The cruell steele so greedily doth bight
4 In tender flesh, that streames of bloud down flow,
With which the armes, that earst so bright did show
6 Into a pure vermillion now are dyde:
Great ruth in all the gazers harts did grow,
8 Seeing the gored woundes to gape so wyde,
That victory they dare not wish to either side.
1 So the one for wrong, the other strives for right, 2 And each to deadly shame would drive his foe: 3 The cruel steel so greedily does bite 4 In tender flesh, that streams of blood down flow, 5 With which the arms, that erst so bright did show,
the arms > [the armour] erst > at first
6 Into a pure vermilion now are dyed: 7 Great ruth in all the gazers' hearts did grow,
ruth > pity
8 Seeing the gored wounds to gape so wide, 9 That victory they dare not wish to either side.
105.10
At last the Paynim chaunst to cast his eye,
2 His suddein eye, flaming with wrathfull fyre,
Vpon his brothers shield, which hong thereby:
4 Therewith redoubled was his raging yre,
And said, Ah wretched sonne of wofull syre,
6 Doest thou sit wayling by black Stygian lake,
Whilest here thy shield is hangd for victors hyre,
8 And sluggish german doest thy forces slake,
To after-send his foe, that him may ouertake?
1 At last the paynim chanced to cast his eye,
paynim > pagan, heathen
2 His sudden eye, flaming with wrathful fire, 3 Upon his brother's shield, which hung thereby:
thereby > near by
4 Therewith redoubled was his raging ire,
Therewith > With that; thereupon
5 And said, "Ah wretched son of woeful sire,
sire > father
6 Do you sit wailing by black Stygian lake,
Stygian lake > (The River Styx, the river across which dead souls must pass)
7 Whilst here your shield is hung for victor's hire?
hire > wages
8 And, sluggish german, do your forces slake,
german > brother (now addressing himself rather than the soul of Sansfoy) slake > abate
9 To after-send his foe, that him may overtake?
105.11
Goe caytiue Elfe, him quickly ouertake,
2 And soone redeeme from his long wandring woe;
Goe guiltie ghost, to him my message make,
4 That I his shield haue quit from dying foe.
Therewith vpon his crest he stroke him so,
6 That twise he reeled, readie twise to fall;
End of the doubtfull battell deemed tho
8 The lookers on, and lowd to him gan call
The false Duessa, Thine the shield, and I, and all.
1 "Go, caitiff Elf, him quickly overtake,
caitiff > despicable, servile
2 And soon redeem from his long wandering woe; 3 Go, guilty ghost, to him my message make,
ghost > soul, spirit make > represent, personify, frame (by virtue of your presence)
4 That I his shield have quit from dying foe."
quit > recovered, freed
5 Therewith upon his crest he struck him so,
Therewith > With that
6 That twice he reeled, ready twice to fall; 7 End of the doubtful battle deemed tho
doubtful > doubtful (of uncertain outcome); also: fearful, awful tho > thereupon, then
8 The lookers on, and loud to him gan call
gan > did
9 The false Duessa, "Yours the shield, and I, and all!"
105.12
Soone as the Faerie heard his Ladie speake,
2 Out of his swowning dreame he gan awake,
And quickning faith, that earst was woxen weake,
4 The creeping deadly cold away did shake:
Tho mou'd with wrath, and shame, and Ladies sake,
6 Of all attonce he cast auengd to bee,
And with so'exceeding furie at him strake,
8 That forced him to +stoupe+ vpon his knee;
Had he not stouped so, he should haue clouen bee.
8 stoupe > stoope 1609
1 Soon as the Faery heard his lady speak, 2 Out of his swooning dream he gan awake,
gan > did
3 And quickening faith, that erst was waxed weak,
quickening > stirring, reviving erst > lately waxed > grown
4 The creeping deadly cold away did shake: 5 Tho moved with wrath, and shame, and lady's sake,
Tho > Then sake > consideration, regard
6 All at once he cast avenged to be,
cast > decided, resolved
7 And with so exceeding fury at him struck,
so > such
8 That forced him to stoop upon his knee;
forced > [it forced; he forced]
9 Had he not stooped so, he should have cloven be.
105.13
And to him said, Goe now proud Miscreant,
2 Thy selfe thy message doe to german deare,
Alone he wandring thee too long doth want:
4 Goe say, his foe thy shield with his doth beare.
Therewith his heauie hand he high gan reare,
6 Him to haue slaine; when loe a darkesome clowd
Vpon him fell: he no where doth appeare,
8 But vanisht is. The Elfe him cals alowd,
But answer none receiues: the darknes him does shrowd.
1 And to him said, "Go now, proud miscreant,
miscreant > wretch, villain; heretic
2 Yourself your message do to german dear;
do > give, make (as 105.11:3) german > [your] brother dear > dear; also: dire, difficult. (If "german" is read as an adj. and "deare" as a sb. ("pain, nuisance"), then the Redcross Knight is insulting both brothers simultaneously)
3 Alone he, wandering, you too long does want: 4 Go say, his foe your shield with his does bear." 5 Therewith his heavy hand he high gan rear,
Therewith > With that gan > did
6 Him to have slain; when lo a darksome cloud 7 Upon him fell: he nowhere does appear, 8 But vanished is. The Elf him calls aloud, 9 But answer none receives: the darkness him does shroud.
shroud > shroud; shelter
105.14
In haste Duessa from her place arose,
2 And to him running said, O prowest knight,
That euer Ladie to her loue did chose,
4 Let now abate the terror of your might,
And quench the flame of furious despight,
6 And bloudie vengeance; lo th'infernall powres
Couering your foe with cloud of deadly night,
8 Haue borne him hence to Plutoes balefull bowres.
The conquest yours, I yours, the shield, and glory yours.
1 In haste Duessa from her place arose, 2 And to him running said, "O prowest knight
prowest > bravest
3 That ever lady to her love did choose,
to > [as]
4 Let now abate the terror of your might, 5 And quench the flame of furious despite,
despite > rage
6 And bloody vengeance; lo the infernal powers, 7 Covering your foe with cloud of deadly night, 8 Have borne him hence to Pluto's baleful bowers.
Pluto's baleful bowers > hell (Pluto = god of the underworld; baleful = grim; bowers = chambers, rooms)
9 The conquest yours, I yours, the shield, and glory yours."
105.15
Not all so satisfide, with greedie eye
2 He sought all round about, his thirstie blade
To +bathe+ in bloud of faithlesse enemy;
4 Who all that while lay hid in secret shade:
He standes amazed, how he thence should fade.
6 At last the +trumpets+ Triumph sound on hie,
And running Heralds humble homage made,
8 Greeting him goodly with new victorie,
And to him brought the shield, the cause of enmitie.
3 bathe > bath 1596 6 trumpets > trumpets, 1596, 1609
1 Not all so satisfied, with greedy eye
all so > wholly greedy > eager
2 He sought all round about, his thirsty blade 3 To bathe in blood of faithless enemy; 4 Who all that while lay hidden in secret shade.
shade > shadow
5 He stands amazed how he thence should fade.
how > [by the way that] fade > fade, vanish
6 At last the trumpets triumph sound on high,
triumph > [the triumphal fanfare]
7 And running heralds humble homage made, 8 Greeting him goodly with new victory,
Greeting > Congratulating [… on (SUFQ)] goodly > courteously
9 And to him brought the shield, the cause of enmity.
105.16
Wherewith he goeth to that soueraine Queene,
2 And falling her before on lowly knee,
To her makes present of his seruice seene:
4 Which she accepts, with thankes, and goodly gree,
Greatly aduauncing his gay cheualree.
6 So marcheth home, and by her takes the knight,
Whom all the people follow with great glee,
8 Shouting, and clapping all their hands on hight,
That all the aire it fils, and flyes to heauen bright.
1 Wherewith he goes to that sovereign queen
Wherewith > With which
2 And, falling her before on lowly knee,
her before > [before her]
3 To her makes present of his service seen:
seen > shown, proven
4 Which she accepts with thanks and goodly gree,
thanks > goodwill, favour; graciousness goodly gree > gracious goodwill
5 Greatly advancing his gay chivalry.
advancing > extolling
6 So marches home, and by her takes the knight,
by > [beside]
7 Whom all the people follow with great glee, 8 Shouting, and clapping all their hands on high,
on high > on high; aloud
9 That all the air it fills, and flies to heaven bright.
That > [So that]
105.17
Home is he brought, and laid in sumptuous bed:
2 Where many skilfull leaches him abide,
To salue his hurts, that yet still freshly bled.
4 In wine and oyle they wash his woundes wide,
And softly +can+ embalme on euery side.
6 And all the while, most heauenly melody
About the bed sweet musicke did diuide,
8 Him to beguile of griefe and agony:
And all the while Duessa wept full bitterly.
5 can > gan 1590
1 Home is he brought, and laid in sumptuous bed: 2 Where many skilful leeches him abide
leeches > doctors abide > await, attend
3 To salve his hurts, that yet still freshly bled.
salve > anoint
4 In wine and oil they wash his wounds wide, 5 And softly can embalm on every side.
can embalm > did anoint (see Textual Appendix)
6 And all the while most heavenly melody 7 About the bed sweet music did divide,
divide > {Perform with "divisions", descant}
8 Him to beguile of grief and agony:
grief > pain
9 And all the while Duessa wept full bitterly.
full > very
105.18
As when a wearie traueller that strayes
2 By muddy shore of broad seuen-mouthed Nile,
Vnweeting of the perillous wandring wayes,
4 Doth meete a cruell craftie Crocodile,
Which in false griefe hyding his harmefull guile,
6 Doth weepe full sore, and sheddeth tender teares:
The foolish man, that pitties all this while
8 His mournefull plight, is swallowd vp vnwares,
Forgetfull of his owne, that mindes anothers cares.
1 As when a weary traveller, that strays 2 By muddy shore of broad seven-mouthed Nile,
seven-mouthed > (So described by Virgil, Aen. 6.800)
3 Unweeting of the perilous wandering ways,
Unweeting > Ignorant
4 Does meet a cruel crafty crocodile, 5 Which, in false grief hiding its harmful guile, 6 Does weep full sore, and sheds tender tears:
full > very, exceedingly sore > bitterly
7 The foolish man, that pities all this while 8 Its mournful plight, is swallowed up unwares,
unwares > unexpectedly
9 Forgetful of his own, that minds another's cares.
105.19
So wept Duessa vntill euentide,
2 That shyning lampes in Ioues high house were light:
Then forth she rose, ne lenger would abide,
4 But comes vnto the place, where th'Hethen knight
In slombring +swownd+ nigh voyd of vitall spright,
6 Lay couer'd with inchaunted cloud all day:
Whom when she found, as she him left in plight,
8 To wayle his woefull case she would not stay,
But to the easterne coast of heauen makes speedy way.
5 swownd > swoune 1609
1 So wept Duessa until eventide, 2 That shining lamps in Jove's high house were light:
That > To the extent that; hence: until lamps > [stars] light > alight; lit
3 Then forth she rose, nor longer would abide,
abide > remain; await the issue
4 But comes to the place where the heathen knight, 5 In slumbering swoon, nigh void of vital spirit, 6 Lay covered with enchanted cloud all day: 7 Whom when she found, as she him left in plight,
as she him left in plight > [just as she had left him, in the same plight]
8 To wail his woeful case she would not stay,
wail > mourn
9 But to the eastern coast of heaven makes speedy way.
coast > region
105.20
Where griesly Night, with visage deadly sad,
2 That Ph{oe}bus chearefull face durst neuer vew,
And in a foule blacke pitchie mantle clad,
4 She findes forth comming from her darkesome mew,
Where she all day did hide her hated hew.
6 Before the dore her yron charet stood,
Alreadie harnessed for iourney new;
8 And coleblacke steedes yborne of hellish brood,
That on their rustie bits did champ, as they were wood.
1 Where grisly Night (with visage deadly sad,
grisly > horrible, fearsome Night > (The pre-Olympian goddess Nox, progenitress of Aveugle (father of Sansfoy, Sansloy, and Sansjoy); see Myth. 3.12) sad > grave; dark-coloured
2 That Phoebus' cheerful face dared never view,
dared > (The subject is indifferently "visage" or "face")
3 And in a foul black pitchy mantle clad) 4 She finds forth coming from her darksome mew,
forth coming > [coming forth] mew > den, secret place (described as a "caue" at 105.21:6)
5 Where she all day did hide her hated hue.
hue > appearance; colour (cf. 302.28:1)
6 Before the door her iron charet stood,
charet > chariot
7 Already harnessed for journey new,
journey new > (I.e. across the heavens from east to west, the nocturnal counterpart of Phoebus's traverse of the sky. A "journey" originally meant "a day's travel"; cf. 312.47:4 (1590 stanzas))
8 And coal-black steeds born of hellish brood,
brood > parentage, race
9 That on their rusty bits did champ, as they were wood.
rusty > blood-stained; rusty as > [as though] wood > mad
105.21
Who when she saw Duessa sunny bright,
2 Adornd with gold and iewels shining cleare,
She greatly grew amazed at the sight,
4 And th'vnacquainted light began to feare:
For neuer did such brightnesse there appeare,
6 And would haue backe retyred to her caue,
Vntill the witches speech she gan to heare,
8 Saying, yet {o^} thou dreaded Dame, I craue
Abide, till I haue told the message, which I haue.
1 Who, when she saw Duessa sunny-bright,
bright > bright; beautiful
2 Adorned with gold and jewels shining clear,
clear > brightly
3 She greatly grew amazed at the sight,
She > (Redundant)
4 And the unacquainted light began to fear
unacquainted > unfamiliar
5 (For never did such brightness there appear): 6 And would have back retired to her cave, 7 Until the witch's speech she began to hear, 8 Saying, "Yet, O you dreaded dame, I crave
Yet > [For now; for a while] crave > {Entreat, beg; demand as by right}
9 Abide, till I have told the message which I have."
Abide > [You to] wait
105.22
She stayd, and foorth Duessa gan proceede,
2 O thou most auncient Grandmother of all,
More old then Ioue, whom thou at first didst breede,
4 Or that great house of Gods c{ae}lestiall,
Which wast begot in D{ae}mogorgons hall,
6 And sawst the secrets of the world vnmade,
Why suffredst thou thy Nephewes deare to fall
8 With Elfin sword, most shamefully betrade?
Lo where the stout Sansioy doth sleepe in deadly shade.
1 She stayed; and forth Duessa gan proceed:
stayed > remained; desisted [from starting her journey] gan > did
2 "O, you most ancient grandmother of all, 3 More old than Jove, whom you at first did breed, 4 Or that great house of gods celestial,
gods celestial > (The Olympian gods, over whom Jove reigned supreme; see Myth. 3.12)
5 Which was begotten in Demogorgon's hall,
Demogorgon > (A primordial enchanter commanding the underworld (DGDG 1.1); Chaos. Progenitor of all the gods. See also 101.37:8, 402.47:7)
6 And saw the secrets of the world unmade,
unmade > [in its chaotic or primeval state; see PL 2.890-6]
7 Why suffered you your nephews dear to fall
suffered > allowed nephews > grandsons; descendants [Sansfoy and Sansjoy]
8 With Elfin sword, most shamefully betrayed? 9 Lo, where the stout Sansjoy does sleep in deadly shade!
stout > brave; proud; robust
105.23
And him before, I saw with bitter eyes
2 The bold Sansfoy shrinke vnderneath his speare;
And now the pray of fowles in field he lyes,
4 Nor wayld of friends, nor laid on groning beare,
That whylome was to me too dearely deare.
6 O what of Gods then boots it to be borne,
If old Aveugles sonnes so euill heare?
8 Or who shall not great +Nightes+ children scorne,
When two of three her Nephews are so fowle forlorne?
8 Nightes > Nights drad 1609
1 "And him before, I saw with bitter eyes
him before > [before him, i.e. chronologically]
2 The bold Sansfoy shrink underneath his spear;
his > [the Elf's, i.e. the Redcross Knight's]
3 And now the prey of fowls in field he lies, 4 Nor wailed of friends, nor laid on groaning bier,
Nor > Neither wailed of > mourned by groaning > sorrowful [surrounded by mourners]
5 That whilom was to me too dearly dear.
That > [He who] whilom > formerly dearly > dearly (in the modern sense); grievously
6 O what of gods then boots it to be born,
boots > avails
7 If old Aveugle's sons so evil hear?
Aveugle > "Blind", "Blind-man" (French word. He is the son of Nox and the father of Sansfoy, Sansloy, and Sansjoy) so evil hear > such evil is heard [If of old Aveugle's sons such evil is heard, made public: Latin audire male]
8 Or who shall not great Night's children scorn, 9 When two of three her nephews are so foul forlorn?
three her nephews > her three grandsons forlorn > ruined [by the Redcross Knight]; deserted, abandoned [by their grandmother]
105.24
Vp then, vp dreary Dame, of darknesse Queene,
2 Go gather vp the reliques of thy race,
Or else goe them auenge, and let be seene,
4 That dreaded Night in brightest day hath place,
And can the children of faire light deface.
6 Her feeling speeches some compassion moued
In hart, and chaunge in that great mothers face:
8 Yet pittie in her hart was neuer proued
Till then: +for+ euermore she hated, neuer loued.
9 for > and 1596, 1609
1 "Up then, up, dreary dame, of darkness queen!
dreary > dreadful
2 Go gather up the relics of your race, 3 Or else go them avenge, and let be seen 4 That dreaded Night in brightest day has place,
place > rank, status
5 And can the children of fair Light deface."
deface > destroy; cast in the shade
6 Her feeling speeches some compassion moved 7 In heart, and change in that great mother's face: 8 Yet pity in her heart was never proved
proved > felt, experienced
9 Till then: for evermore she hated, never loved.
105.25
And said, Deare daughter rightly may I rew
2 The fall of famous children borne of mee,
And good successes, which their foes ensew:
4 But who can turne the streame of destinee,
Or breake the chayne of strong necessitee,
6 Which fast is tyde to Ioues eternall seat?
The sonnes of Day he fauoureth, I see,
8 And by my ruines thinkes to make them great:
To make one great by others losse, is bad excheat.
1 And said, "Dear daughter, rightly may I rue 2 The fall of famous children borne of me,
of > by (indirectly or metaphorically)
3 And good successes, which their foes ensue:
their foes ensue > follow their foes
4 But who can turn the stream of destiny, 5 Or break the chain of strong necessity,
chain > (The "golden rope" of Zeus (Jove), suspended from heaven to earth, by which he controls all creation. See Iliad 8.18-27; 109.1:1-2, 207.46)
6 Which fast is tied to Jove's eternal seat?
fast > firmly seat > throne
7 The sons of Day he favours, I see, 8 And by my ruins thinks to make them great: 9 To make one great by other's loss is bad escheat.
escheat > {Reversion of property to crown or to feudal lord on intestacy; property so reverting; plunder; forced contribution; here, perhaps, = "exchange", "bargain"}
105.26
Yet shall they not escape so freely all;
2 For some shall pay the price of others guilt:
And he the man that made Sansfoy to fall,
4 Shall with his owne bloud price that he hath spilt.
But what art thou, that telst of Nephews kilt?
6 I that do seeme not I, Duessa +am+,
(Quoth she) how euer now in garments gilt,
8 And gorgeous gold arayd I to thee came;
Duessa I, the daughter of Deceipt and Shame.
6 am > ame 1590
1 "Yet shall they not escape so freely all; 2 For some shall pay the price of others' guilt: 3 And he (the man that made Sansfoy to fall)
made > caused
4 Shall with his own blood price that he has spilt.
price > pay for that > [that which]
5 But what are you, that tell of nephews killed?"
nephews > grandchildren, descendants
6 "I, that do seem not I, Duessa am," 7 Quoth she, "however now in garments gilt
however > by whatever means (i.e. she implies that her apparel is of no consequence) gilt > gilded
8 And gorgeous gold arrayed I to you came; 9 Duessa I, the daughter of Deceit and Shame."
105.27
Then bowing downe her aged backe, she kist
2 The wicked witch, saying; In that faire face
The false resemblance of Deceipt, I wist
4 Did closely lurke; yet so true-seeming grace
It carried, that I scarse in darkesome place
6 Could it discerne, though I the mother bee
Of falshood, and root of Duessaes race.
8 O welcome child, whom I haue longd to see,
And now haue seene vnwares. Lo now I go with thee.
1 Then, bowing down her aged back, she kissed 2 The wicked witch, saying: "In that fair face 3 The false resemblance of Deceit I wist
wist > became aware, recognized; knew
4 Did closely lurk; yet so true-seeming grace
closely > secretly, covertly so > such
5 It carried, that I scarce in darksome place 6 Could it discern, though I the mother be 7 Of falsehood, and root of Duessa's race. 8 O welcome child, whom I have longed to see, 9 And now have seen unwares. Lo, now I go with you."
unwares > unexpectedly
105.28
Then to her yron wagon she betakes,
2 And with her beares the fowle welfauourd witch:
Through mirkesome aire her readie way she makes.
4 Her twyfold Teme, of which two blacke as pitch,
And two were browne, yet each to each vnlich,
6 Did softly swim away, ne euer stampe,
Vnlesse she chaunst their stubborne mouths to twitch;
8 Then foming tarre, their bridles they would champe,
And trampling the fine element, would fiercely rampe.
1 Then to her iron wagon she betakes,
betakes > [betakes herself]
2 And with her bears the foul well-favoured witch:
bears > carries; takes as a companion (cf. 102.45:9) well-favoured > beautiful
3 Through murksome air her ready way she makes.
murksome > dark, obscure (OED cites this as first occurrence) ready > {Lying directly before one; contrasted with the upward path at 110.33:9}
4 Her twofold team, of which two black as pitch, 5 And two were brown, yet each to each unlike,
brown > [merely] dusky, dark
6 Did softly swim away, nor ever stamp, 7 Unless she chanced their stubborn mouths to twitch;
twitch > jerk at; pinch, nip, pain
8 Then, foaming tar, their bridles they would champ, 9 And, trampling the fine element, would fiercely ramp.
fine element > [air] ramp > rear up
105.29
So well they sped, that they be come at length
2 Vnto the place, whereas the Paynim lay,
Deuoid of outward sense, and natiue strength,
4 Couerd with charmed cloud from vew of day,
And sight of men, since his late luckelesse fray.
6 His cruell wounds with cruddy bloud congealed,
They binden vp so wisely, as they may,
8 And handle softly, till they can be healed:
So lay him in her charet, close in night concealed.
1 So well they sped, that they be come at length 2 To the place where the paynim lay,
paynim > pagan, heathen
3 Devoid of outward sense and native strength,
outward sense > [faculty of perceiving the outside world; he is unconscious] native > innate, natural
4 Covered with charmed cloud from view of day 5 And sight of men, since his late luckless fray. 6 His cruel wounds, with cruddy blood congealed,
cruddy > clotted
7 They bind up so wisely as they may,
wisely > skilfully
8 And handle softly, till they can be healed: 9 So lay him in her chariot, close in night concealed.
close > closely; secretly
105.30
And all the while she stood vpon the ground,
2 The wakefull dogs did neuer cease to bay,
As giuing warning of th'vnwonted sound,
4 With which her yron wheeles did them affray,
And her darke griesly looke them much dismay;
6 The messenger of death, the ghastly Owle
With drearie shriekes did also her bewray;
8 And hungry Wolues continually did howle,
At her abhorred face, so filthy and so fowle.
1 And all the while she stood upon the ground, 2 The wakeful dogs did never cease to bay,
wakeful dogs > (See Aen. 6.257)
3 As giving warning of the unwonted sound
As > [As though] unwonted > unaccustomed
4 With which her iron wheels did them affray,
affray > terrify
5 And her dark grisly look them much dismay;
grisly > horrible, fearsome
6 The messenger of death, the ghastly owl,
ghastly > terrible, causing terror (from same root as "ghost") owl > (To the Romans, an omen of death: see Met. 10.453; see also 109.33:6, etc.)
7 With dreary shrieks did also her bewray;
dreary > dreadful bewray > betray, reveal
8 And hungry wolves continually did howl 9 At her abhorred face, so filthy and so foul.
105.31
Thence turning backe in silence soft they stole,
2 And brought the heauie corse with easie pace
To yawning gulfe of deepe Auernus hole.
4 By that same hole an entrance darke and bace
With smoake and sulphure hiding all the place,
6 Descends to hell: there creature neuer past,
That backe returned without heauenly grace;
8 But dreadfull Furies, which their chaines haue brast,
And damned sprights sent forth to make ill men aghast.
1 Thence turning back in silence soft they stole, 2 And brought the heavy corse with easy pace
corse > body
3 To yawning gulf of deep Avernus' hole.
gulf > abyss Avernus > (Lake Avernus, a volcanic lake near Naples, still called Lago d'Averno. Near it was the cave of the Cumaean Sibyl, through which Aeneas descended to the infernal regions: see Aen. 6.237 ff.)
4 By that same hole an entrance, dark and base,
By > [By means of, through] base > low
5 With smoke and sulphur hiding all the place, 6 Descends to hell: there creature never passed, 7 That back returned without heavenly grace; 8 But dreadful Furies who their chains have burst,
But > [Except]
9 And damned sprites sent forth to make ill men aghast.
ill > evil aghast > frightened (esp. with terror of the supernatural)
105.32
By that same way the direfull dames doe driue
2 Their mournefull charet, fild with rusty blood,
And downe to Plutoes house are come biliue:
4 Which passing through, on euery side them stood
The trembling ghosts with sad amazed mood,
6 Chattring their yron teeth, and staring wide
With stonie eyes; and all the hellish brood
8 Of feends infernall flockt on euery side,
To gaze on earthly wight, that with the Night durst ride.
1 By that same way the direful dames do drive 2 Their mournful chariot, fild with rusty blood,
fild > defiled; or: filled (cf. 107.9:9, etc.) rusty > rust-coloured; morally foul, corrupted
3 And down to Pluto's house are come belive:
belive > forthwith, without delay
4 Which passing through, on every side them stood
them > [of them]
5 The trembling ghosts with sad amazed mood,
sad > grave mood > mind, feeling, spirit
6 Chattering their iron teeth, and staring wide 7 With stony eyes; and all the hellish brood
stony > rigid, fixed brood > race
8 Of fiends infernal flocked on every side, 9 To gaze on earthly wight, that with the Night dared ride.
wight > creature, person, woman
105.33
They pas the bitter waues of Acheron,
2 Where many soules sit wailing woefully,
And come to fiery flood of Phlegeton,
4 Whereas the damned ghosts in torments fry,
And with sharp shrilling shriekes doe bootlesse cry,
6 Cursing high Ioue, the which them thither sent.
The house of endlesse paine is built thereby,
8 In which ten thousand sorts of punishment
The cursed creatures doe eternally torment.
1 They pass the bitter waves of Acheron,
Acheron > (The "Stream of Woe": one of the five rivers of hell.
The others are Cocytus, Phlegethon, Lethe, and Styx)
2 Where many souls sit wailing woefully, 3 And come to fiery flood of Phlegethon,
Phlegethon > (The "Stream of Fire": one of the five rivers of hell, through which fire flows instead of water (see Aen. 6.551))
4 Where the damned ghosts in torments fry, 5 And with sharp shrilling shrieks do bootless cry,
bootless > hopelessly, without remedy
6 Cursing high Jove, who them thither sent. 7 The house of endless pain is built thereby,
thereby > there; next to it [Phlegethon]
8 In which ten thousand sorts of punishment 9 The cursed creatures do eternally torment.
105.34
Before the threshold dreadfull Cerberus
2 His three deformed heads did lay along,
Curled with thousand adders venemous,
4 And lilled forth his bloudie flaming tong:
At them he gan to reare his bristles strong,
6 And felly gnarre, vntill dayes enemy
Did him appease; then downe his taile he hong
8 And suffered them to passen quietly:
For she in hell and heauen had power equally.
1 Before the threshold dreadful Cerberus
Cerberus > (The three-headed hound guarding the gates of hell. See Aen. 6.417 ff., Virgil's Gnat 345-52)
2 His three deformed heads did lay along,
along > at full length
3 Curled with thousand adders venomous, 4 And lilled forth his bloody flaming tongue:
lilled > lolled
5 At them he began to rear his bristles strong,
bristles > hackles
6 And felly gnarr, until day's enemy
felly > fiercely gnarr > growl, snarl
7 Did him appease; then down his tail he hung 8 And suffered them to pass quietly:
suffered > allowed
9 For she in hell and heaven had power equally.
105.35
There was Ixion turned on a wheele,
2 For daring tempt the Queene of heauen to sin;
And Sisyphus an huge round stone did reele
4 Against an hill, ne might from labour lin;
There thirstie Tantalus hong by the chin;
6 And Tityus fed a vulture on his maw;
Typh{oe}us ioynts were stretched on a gin,
8 Theseus condemned to endlesse slouth by law,
And fifty sisters water in leake vessels draw.
1 There was Ixion, turned on a wheel
Ixion > (King of the Lapithae in Thessaly; for attempting to seduce Juno he was sent to hell and bound to a perpetually revolving wheel)
2 For daring tempt the queen of heaven to sin;
the queen of heaven > (Juno, sister and wife of Jove)
3 And Sisyphus a huge round stone did reel
Sisyphus > (In later accounts, a corrupt king of Corinth, the father of Ulysses. For his wickedness he was condemned to push uphill a great marble boulder which constantly rolled down again. See Virgil's Gnat 389-92) reel > roll
4 Against a hill, nor might from labour lin;
lin > cease, leave off
5 There thirsty Tantalus hung by the chin;
Tantalus > (An evil king, variously said to be of Lydia, Phrygia, Argos, or Corinth. According to the account preferred, his fatal crime was (1) to have divulged secrets entrusted to him by Jupiter, (2) to have offered his son Pelops, in cooked pieces, as food for the gods, (3) to have stolen ambrosia and nectar from the table of the gods, or (4) to have feloniously received a golden dog, the property of the goddess Rhea. He was punished by being placed within reach of food and water which drew back whenever he tried to eat or drink; moreover, a giant rock was suspended over his head, perpetually threatening to fall and crush him. See Odyssey 11.582-92, Virgil's Gnat 385-8)
6 And Tityus fed a vulture on his maw;
Tityus > (A giant who attempted to rape the goddess Latona (Diana, in some accounts): he was killed, stretched out on a rack, and condemned to having his liver perpetually eaten by two vultures. See Virgil's Gnat 377) maw > stomach
7 Typhoeus' joints were stretched on a gin;
Typhoeus > (Another name for Typhon, a fearsome giant who contended with the gods) gin > engine [of torture], rack (a long table with a roller at each end to which the ankles and wrists were attached by ropes)
8 Theseus, condemned to endless sloth by law;
Theseus > (Condemned for helping Pirithous in his attempt to abduct Proserpine; he was bound to the Chair of Forgetfulness, but was eventually rescued by Hercules. See Aen. 6.617-8)
9 And fifty sisters water in leaky vessels draw.
fifty sisters > (The Belides or Dana{i"}des, daughters of Dana{u"}s, condemned endlessly to draw water in sieves. They killed their bridegrooms, the fifty sons of Aegyptus; strictly, only forty- nine sisters were thus condemned, since one of their number, Hypermnestra, spared her husband. In the interests of scansion, Spenser wisely overlooks this detail. See Virgil's Gnat 393-6)
105.36
They all beholding worldly wights in place,
2 Leaue off their worke, vnmindfull of their smart,
To gaze on them; who forth by them doe pace,
4 Till they be come vnto the furthest part:
Where was a Caue ywrought by wondrous art,
6 Deepe, darke, vneasie, dolefull, comfortlesse,
In which sad {AE}sculapius farre +a part+
8 Emprisond was in chaines remedilesse,
For that Hippolytus rent corse he did redresse.
7 a part > apart 1590, 1609
1 They all, beholding worldly wights in place,
worldly > mortal wights > creatures, people in place > there
2 Leave off their work, unmindful of their smart,
smart > suffering; sorrow; pain
3 To gaze on them; who forth by them do pace, 4 Till they be come to the furthest part: 5 Where was a cave wrought by wondrous art, 6 Deep, dark, uneasy, doleful, comfortless,
uneasy > disagreeable; without ease
7 In which sad Aesculapius, far apart,
Aesculapius > (God of medicine and healing, son of Apollo and
Coronis)
8 Imprisoned was in chains remediless,
remediless > without hope of rescue
9 For that Hippolytus' rent corse he did redress.
For that > Because Hippolytus > (Son of Theseus and Hippolyte (or her sister Antiope): see Met. 15.497 ff., Aen. 7.761 ff., DGDG 10.50) rent corse > torn body redress > restore, revivify
105.37
Hippolytus a iolly huntsman was,
2 That wont in charet chace the foming Bore;
He all his Peeres in beautie did surpas,
4 But Ladies loue as losse of time forbore:
His wanton stepdame loued him the more,
6 But when she saw her offred sweets refused
Her loue she turnd to hate, and him before
8 His father fierce of treason false accused,
And with her gealous termes his open eares abused.
1 Hippolytus a jolly huntsman was,
jolly > gallant; handsome
2 That wont in chariot chase the foaming boar;
wont > was accustomed chase > [to chase]
3 He all his peers in beauty did surpass, 4 But ladies' love as loss of time forbore: 5 His wanton stepdame loved him the more,
stepdame > stepmother (Phaedra, wife of Theseus and daughter of Minos, King of Crete. See Aen. 7.761-82, Met. 15.497 ff.)
6 But, when she saw her offered sweets refused, 7 Her love she turned to hate, and him before 8 His father fierce of treason false accused,
fierce > fiercely; fierce
9 And with her jealous terms his open ears abused.
jealous > [arousing jealousy; she accused Hippolytus of making advances to her] terms > words, language open > receptive abused > deceived
105.38
Who all in rage his Sea-god syre besought,
2 Some cursed vengeance on his sonne to cast:
From surging gulf two monsters straight were brought,
4 With dread whereof his chasing steedes aghast,
Both charet swift and huntsman ouercast.
6 His goodly corps on ragged +cliffs+ yrent,
Was quite dismembred, and his members chast
8 Scattered on euery mountaine, as he went,
That of Hippolytus was left no moniment.
6 cliffs > clifts 1590 etc.: FE
1 Who, all in rage, his sea-god sire besought
sea-god sire > (Neptune; though the father of Theseus was Aegeus, King of Athens)
2 Some cursed vengeance on his son to cast: 3 From surging gulf two monsters straight were brought,
straight > straightway, at once
4 With dread whereof his chasing steeds, aghast, 5 Both chariot swift and huntsman overcast. 6 His goodly corpse, on ragged cliffs rent,
goodly > fine, handsome rent > torn
7 Was quite dismembered, and his members chaste
members > limbs; organs, parts of his body
8 Scattered on every mountain as he went, 9 That of Hippolytus was left no monument.
That > [So that] monument > evidence; hence: trace
105.39
His cruell stepdame seeing what was donne,
2 Her wicked dayes with wretched knife did end,
In death auowing th'innocence of her sonne.
4 Which hearing his rash Syre, began to rend
His haire, and hastie tongue, that did offend:
6 Tho gathering vp the +relicks+ of his smart
By Dianes meanes, who was Hippolyts frend,
8 Them brought to {AE}sculape, that by his art
Did heale them all againe, and ioyned euery part.
6 relicks > reliques 1609
1 His cruel stepdame, seeing what was done, 2 Her wicked days with wretched knife did end, 3 In death avowing the innocence of her son. 4 Which hearing, his rash sire began to rend
sire > father
5 His hair, and hasty tongue that did offend: 6 Tho, gathering up the relics of his smart,
Tho > Then the relics of his smart > [Hippolytus's remains, which give Theseus mental pain]
7 By Diana's means, who was Hippolytus' friend,
Diana > (Virgin goddess of hunting and the moon; daughter of Jupiter and Latona; sister of Apollo) means > mediation, intervention, hence: assistance
8 Them brought to Aesculapius, who by his art 9 Did heal them all again, and joined every part.
105.40
Such wondrous science in mans wit to raine
2 When Ioue auizd, that could the dead reuiue,
And fates expired could renew againe,
4 Of endlesse life he might him not depriue,
But vnto hell did thrust him downe aliue,
6 With flashing thunderbolt ywounded sore:
Where long remaining, he did alwaies striue
8 Himselfe with salues to health for to restore,
And slake the heauenly fire, that raged euermore.
1 Such wondrous science in man's wit to reign,
science > knowledge, skill wit > mind, intelligence, mental capacity
2 When Jove advised, that could the dead revive
advised > perceived
3 And fates expired could renew again,
fate > {Life, term of life allotted by the Fates}
4 Of endless life he might him not deprive,
not > (Because Aesculapius is a god and thus immortal)
5 But to hell did thrust him down alive, 6 With flashing thunderbolt wounded sore: 7 Where, long remaining, he did always strive 8 Himself with salves to health to restore, 9 And slake the heavenly fire that raged evermore.
105.41
There auncient Night arriuing, did alight
2 From her +nigh+ wearie waine, and in her armes
To {AE}sculapius brought the wounded knight:
4 Whom hauing softly disarayd of armes,
Tho gan to him discouer all his harmes,
6 Beseeching him with prayer, and with praise,
If either salues, or oyles, or herbes, or charmes
8 A fordonne wight from dore of death mote raise,
He would at her request prolong her nephews daies.
2 nigh > high 1596, 1609
1 There ancient Night, arriving, did alight 2 From her nigh weary wain, and in her arms
wain > chariot
3 To Aesculapius brought the wounded knight: 4 Whom having softly disarrayed of arms,
disarrayed of arms > relieved of armour
5 Tho gan to him discover all his harms,
Tho gan to him discover all his harms > [Then did show Aesculapius all Sansjoy's wounds]
6 Beseeching him with prayer, and with praise, 7 If either salves, or oils, or herbs, or charms,
charms > spells
8 A fordone wight from door of death might raise,
fordone > utterly ruined, undone wight > mortal
9 He would at her request prolong her nephew's days.
nephew > grandson
105.42
Ah Dame (quoth he) thou temptest me in vaine,
2 To dare the thing, which daily yet I rew,
And the old cause of my continued paine
4 With like attempt to like end to renew.
Is not enough, that thrust from heauen dew
6 Here endlesse penance for one fault I pay,
But that redoubled crime with vengeance new
8 Thou biddest me to eeke? Can Night defray
The wrath of thundring Ioue, that rules both night and day?
1 "Ah Dame," quoth he, "you tempt me in vain, 2 To dare the thing which daily yet I rue, 3 And the old cause of my continued pain 4 With like attempt to like end to renew. 5 Is not enough that, thrust from heaven due,
Is > [Is it] heaven due > [my heavenly due]
6 Here endless penance for one fault I pay, 7 But that redoubled crime with vengeance new 8 You bid me to eke? Can Night defray
eke > increase (referring to "crime" or "vengeance", or both) defray > discharge, settle; appease
9 The wrath of thundering Jove, that rules both night and day?"
105.43
Not so (quoth she) but sith that heauens king
2 From hope of heauen hath thee excluded quight,
Why fearest thou, that canst not hope for thing,
4 And fearest not, that more thee hurten might,
Now in the powre of euerlasting Night?
6 Goe to then, {o^} thou farre renowmed sonne
Of great Apollo, shew thy famous might
8 In medicine, that else hath to thee wonne
Great paines, and greater praise, both neuer to be donne.
1 "Not so," quoth she, "but, sith that heaven's king
sith that > since
2 From hope of heaven has you excluded quite, 3 Why fear you, that cannot hope for thing,
thing > [anything]
4 And fear not, that more you hurt might,
more you hurt might > [anything more might hurt you]
5 Now in the power of everlasting Night? 6 Go to then, O you far renowned son 7 Of great Apollo; show your famous might
Apollo > (Phoebus Apollo, god of the sun, music, prophecy, etc.; in later legend he is identified with Paean, Homer's god of healing)
8 In medicine, that else has to you won
else > in another place; at another time
9 Great pains, and greater praise, both never to be done."
done > outdone; ended
105.44
Her words preuaild: And then the learned leach
2 His cunning hand gan to his wounds to lay,
And all things else, the which his art did teach:
4 Which hauing seene, from thence arose away
The mother of dread darknesse, and let stay
6 Aueugles sonne there in the leaches cure,
And backe returning tooke her wonted way,
8 To runne her timely race, whilst Ph{oe}bus pure
In westerne waues his wearie wagon did recure.
1 Her words prevailed: and then the learned leech
leech > doctor
2 His cunning hand began to his wounds to lay,
cunning > skilful, clever
3 And all things else, which his art did teach: 4 Which having seen, from thence arose away 5 The mother of dread darkness, and let stay 6 Aveugle's son there in the leech's cure;
cure > care, charge
7 And, back returning, took her wonted way,
wonted > accustomed
8 To run her timely race, whilst Phoebus pure
timely > {Measured; keeping time} Phoebus > (Who each day drives his chariot across the sky)
9 In western waves his weary wagon did recure.
recure > restore, refresh
105.45
The false Duessa leauing noyous Night,
2 Returnd to stately pallace of dame Pride;
Where when she came, she found the Faery knight
4 Departed thence, albe his woundes wide
Not throughly heald, vnreadie were to ride.
6 Good cause he had to hasten thence away;
For on a day his wary Dwarfe had spide,
8 Where in a +dongeon+ deepe huge numbers lay
Of caytiue wretched thrals, that wayled night and day.
8 dongeon > dungeon 1590, 1609
1 The false Duessa, leaving noyous Night,
noyous > injurious, vexatious
2 Returned to stately palace of Dame Pride; 3 Where, when she came, she found the Faery knight 4 Departed thence, albe his wounds wide,
albe > albeit, although
5 Not thoroughly healed, unready were to ride.
ride > [be ridden with]
6 Good cause he had to hasten thence away; 7 For on a day his wary dwarf had spied 8 Where in a dungeon deep huge numbers lay 9 Of caitiff wretched thralls, that wailed night and day.
caitiff > captive, wretched thralls > slaves
105.46
A ruefull sight, as could be seene with eie;
2 Of whom he learned had in secret wise
The hidden cause of their captiuitie,
4 How mortgaging their liues to Couetise,
Through wastfull Pride, and wanton Riotise,
6 They were by law of that proud Tyrannesse
Prouokt with Wrath, and Enuies false surmise,
8 Condemned to that Dongeon mercilesse,
Where they should liue in woe, and die in wretchednesse.
1 A rueful sight as could be seen with eye;
A rueful > [As rueful a]
2 Of whom he learned had in secret wise