CANTO VII
2 The Redcrosse knight is captiue made
By Gyaunt proud opprest,
4 Prince Arthur meets with Vna great-
ly with those newes distrest.
1 The Redcross Knight is captive made
made > [made and]
2 By giant proud oppressed,
proud > [proud is] oppressed > taken by surprise; suppressed, overwhelmed
3 Prince Arthur meets with Una great- 4 ly with this news distressed.
107.1
WHat man so wise, what earthly wit so ware,
2 As to descry the crafty cunning traine,
By which deceipt doth maske in visour faire,
4 And cast her colours dyed deepe in graine,
To seeme like Truth, whose shape she well can faine,
6 And fitting gestures to her purpose +frame;+
The guiltlesse man with guile to entertaine?
8 Great maistresse of her art was that false Dame,
The false Duessa, cloked with Fidessaes name.
6 frame; > frame, 1609
1 What man so wise, what earthly wit so ware,
wit > mind, intelligence ware > vigilant, cautious
2 As to descry the crafty cunning train
train > wile, trick
3 By which Deceit does mask in visor fair,
mask > {Disguise [herself]; take part in a masquerade} visor > outward appearance
4 And cast her colours, died deep in grain,
cast > arrange, dispose (as an artist might when painting)
5 To seem like Truth (whose shape she well can feign), 6 And fitting gestures to her purpose frame, 7 The guiltless man with guile to entertain?
entertain > engage, keep occupied
8 Great mistress of her art was that false dame, 9 The false Duessa, cloaked with Fidessa's name.
107.2
Who when returning from the drery Night,
2 She fownd not in that perilous house of Pryde,
Where she had left, the noble Redcrosse knight,
4 Her hoped pray; she would no lenger bide,
But forth she went, to seeke him far and wide.
6 Ere long she fownd, whereas he wearie sate,
To reste him selfe, foreby a fountaine side,
8 Disarmed all of yron-coted Plate,
And by his side his steed the grassy forage ate.
1 Who, when returning from the dreary Night,
dreary > cruel, dire
2 She found not in that perilous House of Pride 3 (Where she had left the noble Redcross Knight) 4 Her hoped prey, she would no longer bide,
bide > abide, remain, wait; sojourn (chiefly in northern dialect)
5 But forth she went, to seek him far and wide. 6 Ere long she found where he weary sat 7 To rest himself, forby a fountain side,
forby > hard by, near
8 Disarmed all of iron-coated plate,
plate > armour
9 And by his side his steed the grassy forage ate.
107.3
He feedes vpon the cooling shade, and bayes
2 His sweatie forehead in the breathing wind,
Which through the trembling leaues full gently playes
4 Wherein the cherefull birds of sundry kind
Do chaunt sweet musick, to delight his mind:
6 The Witch approching gan him fairely greet,
And with reproch of carelesnesse vnkind
8 Vpbrayd, for leauing her in place vnmeet,
With fowle words tempring faire, soure gall with hony sweet.
1 He feeds upon the cooling shade, and bathes 2 His sweaty forehead in the breathing wind, 3 Which through the trembling leaves full gently plays,
full > entirely, quite
4 Wherein the cheerful birds of sundry kind 5 Do chant sweet music, to delight his mind. 6 The witch, approaching, gan him fairly greet,
gan > did fairly > courteously
7 And, with reproach of carelessness unkind, 8 Upbraid, for leaving her in place unmeet;
Upbraid > [Upbraid him] unmeet > unsuitable, improper, unfitting
9 With foul words tempering fair, sour gall with honey sweet.
107.4
Vnkindnesse past, they gan of solace treat,
2 And bathe in pleasaunce of the ioyous shade,
Which shielded them against the boyling heat,
4 And with greene boughes decking a gloomy glade,
About the fountaine like a girlond made;
6 Whose bubbling waue did euer freshly well,
Ne euer would through feruent sommer fade:
8 The sacred Nymph, which therein wont to dwell,
Was out of Dianes fauour, as it then befell.
1 Unkindness past, they gan of solace treat,
gan > did; began to solace > pleasure, enjoyment treat > to discourse, to deal
2 And bathe in pleasance of the joyous shade,
pleasance > [the pleasure-giving quality]
3 Which shielded them against the boiling heat, 4 And, with green boughs decking a gloomy glade, 5 About the fountain like a garland made; 6 Whose bubbling wave did ever freshly well, 7 Nor ever would through fervent summer fade:
fade > weaken, decline
8 The sacred nymph, who therein wont to dwell,
nymph > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. The nymph referred to here is one of the naiads (see 106.18:3), nymphs of fresh water. Many of these presided over springs which were believed to inspire those who drank the water) wont > was accustomed
9 Was out of Diana's favour, as it then befell.
107.5
The cause was this: one day when Ph{oe}be fayre
2 With all her band was following the chace,
This Nymph, quite tyr'd with heat of scorching ayre
4 Sat downe to rest in middest of the race:
The goddesse wroth gan fowly +her+ disgrace,
6 And bad the waters, which from her did flow,
Be such as she her selfe was then in place.
8 Thenceforth her waters waxed dull and slow,
And all that drunke thereof, +did+ faint and feeble grow.
5 her > he 1596 9 did > do 1590
1 The cause was this: one day, when Phoebe fair
Phoebe > (A name for Diana in her aspect as goddess of the moon)
2 With all her band was following the chase, 3 This nymph, quite tired with heat of scorching air,
heat > [the heat]
4 Sat down to rest in middest of the race;
middest > the middle
5 The goddess, wroth, gan foully her disgrace,
gan > did disgrace > disparage, revile
6 And bade the waters, which from her did flow, 7 Be such as she herself was then in place.
Be > [To be] in place > there
8 Thenceforth her waters waxed dull and slow,
waxed > grew, became
9 And all that drank thereof did faint and feeble grow.
107.6
Hereof this gentle knight vnweeting was,
2 And lying downe vpon the sandie graile,
Drunke of the streame, as cleare as cristall +glas,+
4 Eftsoones his manly forces gan to faile,
And mightie strong was turnd to feeble fraile.
6 His chaunged powres at first them selues not felt,
Till crudled cold his corage can assaile,
8 And chearefull bloud in faintnesse chill did melt,
Which like a feuer fit through all his body swelt.
3 glas, > glas: 1590; glas; 1609
1 Hereof this gentle knight unweeting was,
Hereof > Of this unweeting > ignorant
2 And, lying down upon the sandy grail,
grail > gravel
3 Drank of the stream, as clear as crystal glass; 4 Eftsoons his manly forces began to fail,
Eftsoons > Thereupon, forthwith manly > {Pertaining to human beings; also: manly, in the modern sense}
5 And mighty strong was turned to feeble frail. 6 His changed powers at first themselves not felt,
not > [were not]
7 Till curdled cold his courage can assail,
can > did
8 And cheerful blood in faintness chill did melt,
cheerful > lively, animating
9 Which like a fever-fit through all his body swelt.
swelt > broiled
107.7
Yet goodly court he made still to his Dame,
2 Pourd out in loosnesse on the grassy grownd,
Both carelesse of his health, and of his fame:
4 Till at the last he heard a dreadfull sownd,
Which through the wood loud bellowing, did rebownd,
6 That all the earth for terrour seemd to shake,
And trees did tremble. Th'Elfe therewith astownd,
8 Vpstarted lightly from his looser make,
And his vnready weapons gan in hand to take.
1 Yet goodly court he made still to his dame, 2 Poured out in looseness on the grassy ground,
looseness > laxity, dissolution
3 Both careless of his health, and of his fame:
Both > [Both he and Duessa; or: He is both]
4 Till at the last he heard a dreadful sound
at the last > finally
5 Which, through the wood loudly bellowing, did rebound, 6 That all the earth for terror seemed to shake,
That > [So that]
7 And trees did tremble. The Elf, therewith astounded,
therewith > with that astounded > amazed, confounded
8 Upstarted lightly from his looser make,
Upstarted > Started up lightly > quickly looser > looser (in the modern moral sense); also: too-loose make > companion, mate
9 And his unready weapons began in hand to take.
107.8
But ere he could his armour on him dight,
2 Or get his shield, his monstrous enimy
With sturdie steps came stalking in his sight,
4 An hideous Geant horrible and hye,
That with his talnesse seemd to threat the skye,
6 The ground eke groned vnder him for dreed;
His liuing like saw neuer liuing eye,
8 Ne durst behold: his stature did exceed
The hight of three the tallest sonnes of mortall seed.
1 But ere he could his armour on him dight,
dight > make ready, array; hence: fasten
2 Or get his shield, his monstrous enemy 3 With sturdy steps came stalking in his sight,
sturdy > stern; surly; reckless stalking > {Advancing with a striding, swaggering gait}
4 A hideous giant, horrible and high, 5 That with his tallness seemed to threaten the sky, 6 The ground eke groaned under him for dread;
eke > moreover, in addition
7 His living like saw never living eye, 8 Nor dared behold: his stature did exceed 9 The height of three the tallest sons of mortal seed.
three > [three of] seed > children, offspring
107.9
The greatest Earth his vncouth mother was,
2 And blustring AEolus his boasted sire,
Who with his breath, which through the world doth pas,
4 Her hollow womb did secretly inspire,
And fild her hidden caues with stormie yre,
6 That she conceiu'd; and trebling the dew time,
In which the wombes of women do expire,
8 Brought forth this monstrous masse of earthly slime,
Puft vp with emptie wind, and fild with sinfull crime.
1 The greatest Earth his uncouth mother was,
uncouth > unknown, uncertainly known; strange, bizarre
2 And blustering Aeolus his boasted sire,
Aeolus > (God of the winds) sire > father
3 Who with his breath, which through the world does pass, 4 Her hollow womb did secretly inspire,
inspire > breathe life into, quicken
5 And filled her hidden caves with stormy ire, 6 That she conceived; and trebling the due time
That > [So that]
7 In which the wombs of women do expire,
expire > become void, come to an end, terminate, so: come to term
8 Brought forth this monstrous mass of earthly slime,
earthly > mortal slime > flesh
9 Puffed up with empty wind, and fild with sinful crime.
fild > filled; or: filed: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc. The same interpretation may apply in line 5)
107.10
So growen great through arrogant delight
2 Of th'high descent, whereof he was yborne,
And through presumption of his matchlesse might,
4 All other powres and knighthood he did scorne.
Such now he marcheth to this man forlorne,
6 And left to losse: his stalking steps are stayde
Vpon a snaggy Oke, which he had torne
8 Out of his mothers bowelles, and it made
His mortall mace, wherewith his foemen he dismayde.
1 So grown great through arrogant delight 2 Of the high descent whereof he was born, 3 And through presumption of his matchless might, 4 All other powers and knighthood he did scorn. 5 Such now he marches to this man forlorn 6 And left to loss: his stalking steps are stayed
stalking > {Advancing with a striding, swaggering gait} stayed > supported
7 Upon a snaggy oak, which he had torn
snaggy > knotty
8 Out of his mother's bowels, and it made 9 His mortal mace, wherewith his foemen he dismayed.
mortal > lethal wherewith > with which foemen > foes dismayed > defeated
107.11
That when the knight he spide, he gan aduance
2 With huge force and insupportable mayne,
And towardes him with dreadfull fury praunce;
4 Who haplesse, and eke +hopelesse,+ all in vaine
Did to him pace, sad battaile to darrayne,
6 Disarmd, disgrast, and inwardly dismayde,
And eke so faint in euery ioynt and vaine,
8 Through that fraile fountaine, which him feeble made,
That scarsely could he weeld his bootlesse single blade.
4 hopelesse, > hopelesse; 1590, 1596
1 When the knight he spied, he gan advance
gan > did; began to
2 With huge force and insupportable main,
insupportable > irresistible main > strength, power
3 And towards him with dreadful fury prance;
prance > swagger
4 Who, hapless, and eke hopeless, all in vain
eke > also
5 Did to him pace, sad battle to deraign,
to > towards sad > grievous deraign > challenge
6 Disarmed, disgraced, and inwardly dismayed, 7 And eke so faint in every joint and vein,
joint > limb
8 Through that frail fountain, which him feeble made,
frail > enfeebling
9 That scarcely could he wield his bootless single blade.
bootless > unavailing single > single, solitary; unaided
107.12
The Geaunt strooke so maynly mercilesse,
2 That could haue ouerthrowne a stony towre,
And were not heauenly grace, that him did blesse,
4 He had beene pouldred all, as thin as flowre:
But he was wary of that deadly stowre,
6 And lightly lept from vnderneath the blow:
Yet so exceeding was the villeins powre,
8 That with the wind it did him ouerthrow,
And all his sences +stound+, that still he lay full low.
9 stound > stoond 1590
1 The giant struck so mainly merciless,
mainly > powerfully, violently
2 That could have overthrown a stony tower,
That > [That he; That the stroke]
3 And, were not heavenly grace that him did bless,
were not > [were it not; had it not been for] him > [the Redcross Knight] bless > guard, protect from evil
4 He had been powdered all as thin as flour:
had > [would have been]
5 But he was wary of that deadly stour,
stour > peril
6 And lightly leapt from underneath the blow:
lightly > quickly, easily
7 Yet so exceeding was the villain's power, 8 That with the wind it did him overthrow 9 And all his senses stun, that still he lay full low.
that > [so that] full > very, exceedingly
107.13
As when that diuelish yron Engin wrought
2 In deepest Hell, and framd by Furies skill,
With windy Nitre and quick Sulphur fraught,
4 And ramd with bullet round, ordaind to kill,
Conceiueth fire, the heauens it doth fill
6 With thundring noyse, and all the ayre doth choke,
That none can breath, nor see, nor heare at will,
8 Through smouldry cloud of duskish stincking smoke,
That th'onely breath him daunts, who hath escapt the stroke.
1 As when that devilish iron engine, wrought 2 In deepest hell, and framed by Furies' skill,
framed > fashioned
3 With windy nitre and quick sulphur fraught,
windy > {Generating wind, gas} nitre > {Saltpetre or potassium nitrate, a component of gunpowder} quick > readily inflammable fraught > filled
4 And rammed with bullet round, ordained to kill,
bullet > cannon-ball
5 Conceives fire, the heavens it does fill
Conceives fire > Detonates
6 With thundering noise, and all the air does choke, 7 That none can breathe, nor see, nor hear at will,
That > [So that]
8 Through smouldry cloud of duskish stinking smoke,
smouldry > {Smothery, tending to smother}
9 That the only breath him daunts, who has escaped the stroke.
That > [?And] only breath > blast alone stroke > [impact of the ball]
107.14
So daunted when the Geaunt saw the +knight+
2 His heauie hand he heaued vp on hye,
And him to dust thought to haue battred quight,
4 Vntill Duessa loud to him gan crye;
O great Orgoglio, greatest vnder skye,
6 O hold thy mortall hand for Ladies sake,
Hold for my sake, and do him not to dye,
8 But vanquisht thine eternall bondslaue make,
And me thy worthy meed vnto thy Leman take.
1 knight > knight, 1590, 1609
1 So daunted, when the giant saw the knight,
So daunted, > [The knight was similarly daunted; and]
2 His heavy hand he heaved up on high, 3 And him to dust thought to have battered quite, 4 Until Duessa loud to him gan cry:
gan > did
5 "O great Orgoglio, greatest under sky,
Orgoglio > "Pride" (Italian)
6 O hold thy mortal hand for lady's sake,
mortal > lethal
7 Hold for my sake, and do him not to die,
him not to die > [not put him to death; cf. 108.45:7]
8 But, vanquished, your eternal bondslave make; 9 And me, your worthy meed, unto your leman take."
meed > reward unto > as (expressing acquisition or addition) leman > lover
107.15
He hearkned, and did stay from further harmes,
2 To gayne so goodly guerdon, as she spake:
So willingly she came into his armes,
4 Who her as willingly to grace did take,
And was possessed of his new found make.
6 Then vp he tooke the slombred sencelesse corse,
And ere he could out of his swowne awake,
8 Him to his castle brought with hastie forse,
And in a Dongeon deepe him threw without remorse.
1 He hearkened, and did stay from further harms,
stay > desist
2 To gain so goodly guerdon as she spoke:
goodly > beautiful [a] guerdon > reward, recompense [for denying himself the pleasure of killing the Redcross Knight] spoke > [spoke of]
3 So willingly she came into his arms, 4 Who her as willingly to grace did take,
to grace > into his favour
5 And was possessed of his newfound make.
was possessed of > was possessed of; was possessed by (in the sexual sense) make > mate
6 Then up he took the slumbered senseless corse,
slumbered > unconscious corse > body
7 And, ere he could out of his swoon awake, 8 Him to his castle brought with hasty force, 9 And in a dungeon deep him threw without remorse.
in > [into]
107.16
From that day forth Duessa was his deare,
2 And highly honourd in his haughtie eye,
He gaue her gold and purple pall to weare,
4 And triple crowne set on her head full hye,
And her endowd with royall maiestye:
6 Then for to make her dreaded more of men,
And peoples harts with awfull terrour tye,
8 A monstrous beast ybred in filthy fen
He chose, which he had kept long time in darksome den.
1 From that day forth Duessa was his dear, 2 And highly honoured in his haughty eye; 3 He gave her gold and purple pall to wear,
pall > robe, cloak (see Rev. 17.4)
4 And triple crown set on her head full high,
triple crown > (The papal tiara) full > very, exceedingly
5 And her endowed with royal majesty: 6 Then, to make her dreaded more of men,
of > by
7 And people's hearts with awful terror tie,
tie > [to] bind, [to] confine
8 A monstrous beast, bred in filthy fen, 9 He chose, which he had kept long time in darksome den.
107.17
Such one it was, as that renowmed Snake
2 Which great Alcides in Stremona slew,
Long fostred in the filth of Lerna lake,
4 Whose many heads out budding euer new,
Did breed him endlesse labour to subdew:
6 But this same Monster much more vgly was;
For seuen great heads out of his body grew,
8 An yron brest, and backe of scaly bras,
And all embrewd in bloud, his eyes did shine as glas.
1 Such one it was, as that renowned snake
snake > (The Hydra, which grew two heads for each one cut off: it lived in the swamps of Lerna Lake in Argos and was killed by Hercules as his second labour; see Met. 9.68-74)
2 Which great Alcides in Stremona slew,
Alcides > (Another name for Hercules, grandson of Alceus)
Stremona > (Perhaps another name for Thrace, of which the River
Strymon forms one boundary. Thrace was noted for its seditions
(Upton); though Lerna was not in Thrace)
3 Long fostered in the filth of Lerna lake, 4 Whose many heads, out-budding ever new, 5 Did breed him endless labour to subdue:
breed > engender
6 But this same monster much more ugly was; 7 For seven great heads out of his body grew,
seven great heads > (Referring to Rev. 13.1, and perhaps also to the seven hills of Rome)
8 An iron breast, and back of scaly brass, 9 And, all imbrued in blood, his eyes did shine as glass.
imbrued > stained, soaked
107.18
His tayle was stretched out in wondrous length,
2 That to the house of heauenly gods it raught,
And with extorted powre, and borrow'd strength,
4 The euer-burning lamps from thence it +brought+,
And prowdly threw to ground, as things of +nought+;
6 And vnderneath his filthy feet did tread
The sacred things, and holy heasts foretaught.
8 Vpon this dreadfull Beast with seuenfold head
He set the false Duessa, for more aw and dread.
4 brought > braught 1590 5 nought > naught 1590
1 His tail was stretched out in wondrous length, 2 That to the house of heavenly gods it raught,
That > [So that] raught > reached
3 And with extorted power, and borrowed strength,
extorted > usurped (i.e. by the Roman Catholic church)
4 The ever-burning lamps from thence it brought,
lamps > [stars; see Dan. 8.10-13, 7.23]
5 And proudly threw to ground, as things of naught; 6 And underneath his filthy feet did tread 7 The sacred things, and holy hests foretaught.
hests > commands, injunctions, behests foretaught > taught of old
8 Upon this dreadful beast with sevenfold head 9 He set the false Duessa, for more awe and dread.
107.19
The wofull Dwarfe, which saw his maisters fall,
2 Whiles he had keeping of his grasing steed,
And valiant knight become a caytiue thrall,
4 When all was past, tooke vp his forlorne weed,
His mightie armour, missing most at need;
6 His siluer shield, now idle maisterlesse;
His poynant speare, that many made to bleed,
8 The rueful moniments of heauinesse,
And with them all departes, to tell his great distresse.
1 The woeful dwarf, who saw his master's fall 2 While he had keeping of his grazing steed, 3 And valiant knight become a caitiff thrall,
And > [And saw a] caitiff thrall > wretched slave
4 When all was past, took up his forlorn weed,
weed > attire
5 His mighty armour, missing most at need;
most > [when most]
6 His silver shield, now idle, masterless; 7 His poignant spear, that many made to bleed,
poignant > sharp-pointed, piercing
8 The rueful monuments of heaviness,
heaviness > grief, sadness
9 And with them all departs, to tell his great distress.
tell > recount
107.20
He had not trauaild long, when on the way
2 He wofull Ladie, wofull Vna met,
Fast flying from +the+ Paynims greedy pray,
4 Whilest Satyrane him from pursuit did let:
Who when her eyes she on the Dwarfe had set,
6 And saw the signes, that deadly tydings spake,
She fell to ground for sorrowfull regret,
8 And liuely breath her sad brest did forsake,
Yet might her pitteous hart be seene to pant and quake.
3 the > that 1590
1 He had not travelled long, when on the way 2 He woeful lady, woeful Una, met,
He > [He the]
3 Fast flying from the paynim's greedy prey,
flying > fleeing paynim > pagan, heathen [Sansloy] greedy prey > eager clutches ("prey" = the action of preying, seizing, or taking by force)
4 Whilst Satyrane him from pursuit did let:
let > hinder
5 Who, when her eyes she on the dwarf had set, 6 And saw the signs that deadly tidings spoke, 7 Fell to ground for sorrowful regret;
regret > {Distress caused by an external event: an obsolete usage}
8 And lively breath her sad breast did forsake,
lively > living, vital
9 Yet might her piteous heart be seen to pant and quake.
might > could piteous > {Pious, godly; compassionate; worthy of or exciting pity}
107.21
The messenger of so vnhappie newes,
2 Would faine haue dyde: dead was his hart within,
Yet outwardly some little comfort shewes:
4 At last recouering hart, he does begin
To rub her temples, and to chaufe her chin,
6 And euery tender part does tosse and turne:
So hardly he the flitted life does win,
8 Vnto her natiue prison to retourne:
Then gins her grieued ghost thus to lament and mourne.
1 The messenger of so unhappy news
so > such
2 Would fain have died: dead was his heart within,
fain > gladly, willingly
3 Yet outwardly some little comfort shows: 4 At last, recovering heart, he does begin 5 To rub her temples, and to chafe her chin,
chafe > {Rub in order to restore circulation and sensation} chin > cheek, lower jaw (from Old Norse kinn)
6 And every tender part does toss and turn: 7 So hardly he the flitted life does win
hardly > with difficulty win > persuade
8 To her native prison to return:
native prison > natural prison [of her soul]; hence: heart, body
9 Then begins her grieved ghost thus to lament and mourn:
ghost > spirit
107.22
Ye dreary instruments of dolefull sight,
2 That doe this deadly spectacle behold,
Why do ye lenger feed on loathed light,
4 Or liking find to gaze on earthly mould,
Sith cruell fates the carefull threeds vnfould,
6 The which my life and loue together tyde?
Now let the stony dart of senselesse cold
8 Perce to my hart, and pas through euery side,
And let eternall night so sad sight fro me hide.
1 "You dreary instruments of doleful sight, 2 That do this deadly spectacle behold, 3 Why do you longer feed on loathed light,
longer > still
4 Or liking find to gaze on earthly mould,
liking > pleasure mould > form, forms
5 Sith cruel Fates the careful threads unfold,
Sith > Since [the] Fates > (The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who spin the thread of human destiny, cutting it with shears whenever they choose; see 402.48) careful > {Full of cares}
6 Which my life and love together tied? 7 Now let the stony dart of senseless cold 8 Pierce to my heart, and pass through every side, 9 And let eternal night so sad sight from me hide.
so > such a
107.23
O lightsome day, the lampe of highest Ioue,
2 First made by him, mens wandring wayes to guyde,
When darknesse he in deepest dongeon droue,
4 Henceforth thy hated face for euer hyde,
And shut vp heauens windowes shyning wyde:
6 For earthly sight can nought but sorrow breed,
And late repentance, which shall long abyde.
8 Mine eyes no more on vanitie shall feed,
But seeled vp with death, shall haue their deadly meed.
1 "O lightsome day, the lamp of highest Jove, 2 First made by him, men's wandering ways to guide, 3 When darkness he in deepest dungeon drove, 4 Henceforth your hated face for ever hide, 5 And shut up heaven's windows, shining wide: 6 For earthly sight can naught but sorrow breed, 7 And late repentance, which shall long abide. 8 My eyes no more on vanity shall feed, 9 But, sealed up with death, shall have their deadly meed."
deadly > [of death] meed > reward
107.24
Then downe againe she fell vnto the ground;
2 But he her quickly reared vp againe:
Thrise did she sinke adowne in deadly swownd,
4 And thrise he her reviu'd with busie paine:
At last when life recouer'd had the raine,
6 And ouer-wrestled his strong enemie,
With foltring tong, and trembling euery vaine,
8 Tell on (quoth she) the wofull Tragedie,
The which these reliques sad present vnto mine eie.
1 Then down again she fell to the ground; 2 But he her quickly reared up again: 3 Thrice did she sink adown in deadly swoon,
adown > down
4 And thrice he her revived with busy pain:
busy > careful; solicitous pain > effort, labour
5 At last, when life recovered had the reign,
reign > reign; or, perhaps: rein (cf. 304.35:5)
6 And over-wrestled his strong enemy, 7 With faltering tongue, and trembling every vein, 8 "Tell on," quoth she, "the woeful tragedy, 9 Which these relics sad present to my eye.
these relics > [the arms and armour of the Redcross Knight]
107.25
Tempestuous fortune hath spent all her spight,
2 And thrilling sorrow throwne his vtmost dart;
Thy sad tongue cannot tell more heauy plight,
4 Then that I feele, and harbour in mine hart:
Who hath endur'd the whole, can beare each part.
6 If death it be, it is not the first wound,
That launched hath my brest with bleeding smart.
8 Begin, and end the bitter balefull stound;
If lesse, then that I +feare+ more fauour I haue found.
9 feare > feare, 1590, 1609
1 "Tempestuous Fortune has spent all her spite, 2 And thrilling Sorrow thrown his utmost dart;
thrilling > piercing
3 Your sad tongue cannot tell more heavy plight, 4 Than that I feel, and harbour in my heart:
that > [that which]
5 Who has endured the whole, can bear each part. 6 If death it be, it is not the first wound, 7 That lanced has my breast with bleeding smart.
smart > pain, acute pain; grief, sorrow
8 Begin, and end the bitter baleful stound;
stound > {Time of trial or pain (chiefly in northern dialect)}
9 If less than that I fear, more favour I have found."
that > [that which]
107.26
Then gan the Dwarfe the whole discourse declare,
2 The subtill traines of Archimago old;
The wanton loues of false Fidessa faire,
4 Bought with the bloud of vanquisht Paynim bold:
The wretched payre transform'd to treen mould;
6 The house of Pride, and perils round about;
The combat, which he with Sansioy did hould;
8 The lucklesse conflict with the Gyant stout,
Wherein captiu'd, of life or death he stood in doubt.
1 Then gan the dwarf the whole discourse declare:
gan > did
2 The subtle trains of Archimago old;
trains > wiles, deceits, snares
3 The wanton loves of false Fidessa fair, 4 Bought with the blood of vanquished paynim bold;
paynim > pagan, heathen [Sansfoy]
5 The wretched pair transformed to treen mould;
treen mould > [the shape or form of trees]
6 The House of Pride, and perils round about; 7 The combat which he with Sansjoy did hold; 8 The luckless conflict with the giant stout,
stout > proud, haughty, arrogant; powerful
9 Wherein captived, of life or death he stood in doubt.
captived > taken captive doubt > doubt; fear
107.27
She heard with patience all vnto the end,
2 And stroue to maister sorrowfull assay,
Which greater grew, the more she did contend,
4 And almost rent her tender hart in tway;
And loue fresh coles vnto her fire did lay:
6 For greater loue, the greater is the losse.
Was neuer Ladie loued dearer day,
8 Then she did loue the knight of the Redcrosse;
For whose deare sake so many troubles her did tosse.
1 She heard with patience all to the end, 2 And strove to master sorrowful assay,
assay > trial by affliction
3 Which greater grew, the more she did contend, 4 And almost rent her tender heart in twain;
rent > tore twain > two
5 And love fresh coals unto her fire did lay:
unto > [upon]
6 For greater love, the greater is the loss.
greater > [the greater the]
7 Was never lady loved dearer day,
loved dearer day > [who loved life more dearly]
8 Than she did love the Knight of the Redcross; 9 For whose dear sake so many troubles her did toss.
107.28
At last when feruent sorrow slaked was,
2 She vp arose, resoluing him to find
A liue or dead: and forward forth doth pas,
4 All as the Dwarfe the way to her assynd:
And euermore in constant carefull mind
6 She fed her wound with fresh renewed bale;
Long tost with stormes, and bet with bitter wind,
8 High ouer hils, and low adowne the dale,
She wandred many a wood, and measurd many a vale.
1 At last, when fervent sorrow slaked was, 2 She up arose, resolving him to find 3 Alive or dead: and forward forth does pass, 4 All as the dwarf the way to her assigned:
assigned > pointed out
5 And evermore, in constant careful mind,
careful > {Sorrowful, full of cares}
6 She fed her wound with fresh renewed bale;
bale > torment, woe
7 Long tossed with storms, and beaten with bitter wind, 8 High over hills, and low adown the dale,
adown > down
9 She wandered many a wood, and measured many a vale.
measured > traversed
107.29
At last she chaunced by good hap to meet
2 A goodly knight, faire marching by the way
Together with his Squire, arayed meet:
4 His glitterand armour shined farre away,
Like glauncing light of Ph{oe}bus brightest ray;
6 From top to toe no place appeared bare,
That deadly dint of steele endanger may:
8 Athwart his brest a bauldrick braue he ware,
That shynd, like twinkling stars, with stons most pretious rare.
1 At last she chanced by good hap to meet
hap > fortune
2 A goodly knight, fair marching by the way
goodly > {Well-favoured, of good appearance}
3 Together with his squire, arrayed meet:
squire > attendant meet > suitably
4 His glittering armour shone far away, 5 Like glancing light of Phoebus' brightest ray; 6 From top to toe no place appeared bare, 7 That deadly dint of steel endanger may:
dint > blow, stroke
8 Athwart his breast a baldric brave he wore,
baldric > {Belt worn pendent from the shoulder, often to support a sword} brave > splendid
9 That shone, like twinkling stars, with stones most precious rare.
precious > [precious and]
107.30
And in the midst thereof one pretious stone
2 Of wondrous worth, and eke of wondrous mights,
Shapt like a Ladies head, exceeding shone,
4 Like Hesperus emongst the lesser lights,
And stroue for to amaze the weaker sights;
6 Thereby his mortall blade full comely hong
In yuory sheath, ycaru'd with curious slights;
8 Whose hilts were burnisht gold, and handle strong
Of mother pearle, and buckled with a golden tong.
1 And in the midst thereof one precious stone 2 Of wondrous worth, and eke of wondrous mights,
eke > also mights > virtue, efficacy, powers
3 Shaped like a lady's head, exceeding shone,
lady > (Presumably the Faery Queen. In the chronicle of Geoffrey of Monmouth (Historia Regum Britanniae 9.4), Arthur's shield bore an image of the Virgin Mary)
4 Like Hesperus amongst the lesser lights,
Hesperus > (The "Evening Star", i.e. the planet Venus)
5 And strove to amaze the weaker sights;
amaze > overwhelm
6 Thereby his mortal blade full comely hung
mortal > lethal full > very, exceedingly
7 In ivory sheath, carved with curious sleights;
sleights > designs, patterns (SUS)
8 Whose hilts were burnished gold, and handle strong
hilts were > [hilt was: the plural form, which is obsolete, is apparently used here catachr. to denote the guard, "that part of the hilt which protects the hand" (OED)]
9 Of mother pearl, and buckled with a golden tongue.
mother pearl > mother-of-pearl tongue > pin (of buckle)
107.31
His haughtie helmet, horrid all with gold,
2 Both glorious brightnesse, and great terrour bred;
For all the crest a Dragon did enfold
4 With greedie pawes, and ouer all did spred
His golden wings: his dreadfull hideous hed
6 Close couched on the beuer, seem'd to throw
From flaming mouth bright sparkles fierie red,
8 That suddeine horrour to faint harts did show;
And scaly tayle was stretcht adowne his backe full low.
1 His haughty helmet, horrid all with gold,
haughty > high, imposing horrid > bristling, rough
2 Both glorious brightness, and great terror bred;
bred > engendered
3 For all the crest a dragon did enfold
dragon > (Geoffrey of Monmouth (HRB 9.4) says a dragon was engraved on Arthur's helmet; Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon, also wore such a device, and from it derived his name: the Brythonic "pen" = "head")
4 With greedy paws, and over all did spread
greedy > eager; greedy
5 His golden wings: his dreadful hideous head, 6 Close couched on the beaver, seemed to throw
couched > {Lying down, with head raised: a term in heraldry} beaver > visor (strictly, the lower part of face-guard of helmet)
7 From flaming mouth bright sparkles fiery red, 8 That sudden horror to faint hearts did show; 9 And scaly tail was stretched down his back full low.
full > exceedingly, very
107.32
Vpon the top of all his loftie crest,
2 A bunch of haires discolourd diuersly,
With sprincled pearle, and gold fully richly drest,
4 Did shake, and seem'd to daunce for iollity,
Like to an Almond tree ymounted hye
6 On top of greene +Selinis+ all alone,
With blossomes braue bedecked daintily;
8 +Whose+ tender locks do tremble euery one
At euery little breath, that vnder heauen is blowne.
6 Selinis > Selinis 1590, 1609 8 Whose > Her 1590
1 Upon the top of all his lofty crest
crest > {Apex of the helmet}
2 A bunch of hairs discoloured diversely
hairs > plumes, perhaps horsehair plumes discoloured diversely > [rendered (dyed) in various colours]
3 (With sprinkled pearl and gold fully richly dressed), 4 Did shake, and seemed to dance for jollity,
jollity > magnificence
5 Like an almond tree mounted high 6 On top of green Selinus all alone,
Selinus > (A city built on a hill in south-western Sicily. Taken by the Carthaginians in 409, when the greater portion was destroyed, it is now called Selinoto, the "town of palms". Virgil (Aen. 3.705) mentions "Selinus of the Palms". It was a Roman custom to give the victorious gladiator a branch of the palm-tree)
7 With blossoms brave bedecked daintily;
brave > splendid
8 Whose tender locks do tremble every one 9 At every little breath that under heaven is blown.
107.33
His warlike shield all closely couer'd was,
2 Ne might of mortall eye be euer seene;
Not made of steele, nor of enduring bras,
4 Such earthly mettals soone consumed bene:
But all of Diamond perfect pure and cleene
6 It framed was, one massie entire mould,
Hewen out of Adamant rocke with engines keene,
8 That point of speare it neuer percen could,
Ne dint of direfull sword diuide the substance would.
1 His warlike shield all closely covered was, 2 Nor might of mortal eye be ever seen;
Nor might of mortal eye be ever seen > [No mortal eye might ever look upon it]
3 Not made of steel, nor of enduring brass 4 (Such earthly metals soon consumed been):
been > [would have been]
5 But all of diamond perfect pure and clean
clean > unpatterned, unadorned
6 It framed was, one massy entire mould,
framed > fashioned, made massy > solid, weighty entire > [in one piece] mould > shape
7 Hewn out of adamant rock with engines keen,
adamant rock > diamond engines > tools, machines keen > sharp
8 That point of spear it never pierce could,
That > [So that]
9 Nor dint of direful sword divide the substance would.
dint > blow, impact direful > dreadful, terrible
107.34
The same to wight he neuer wont disclose,
2 But when as monsters huge he would dismay,
Or daunt vnequall armies of his foes,
4 Or when the flying heauens he would affray;
For so exceeding shone his glistring ray,
6 That Ph{oe}bus golden face it did attaint,
As when a cloud his beames doth ouer-lay;
8 And siluer Cynthia wexed pale and faint,
As when her face is staynd with magicke arts constraint.
1 The same to wight he never wont disclose,
wight > being, person; hence: anyone wont disclose > was accustomed to reveal
2 But when monsters huge he would dismay,
But > Except dismay > dismay; defeat, overcome
3 Or daunt unequal armies of his foes, 4 Or when the flying heavens he would affray;
affray > terrify (cf. the similar passage describing the powers of Merlin himself at 303.12)
5 For so exceeding shone his glistering ray, 6 That Phoebus' golden face it did attaint,
attaint > dishonour; sully; hence: obscure
7 As when a cloud his beams does overlay; 8 And silver Cynthia waxed pale and faint,
waxed > grew, became
9 As when her face is stained with magic arts' constraint.
constraint > affliction, oppression (cf. 706.16, Met. 7.207-8, PL 2.665)
107.35
No magicke arts hereof had any might,
2 Nor bloudie wordes of bold Enchaunters call,
But all that was not such, as seemd in sight,
4 Before that shield did fade, and suddeine fall:
And when him list the raskall routes appall,
6 Men into stones therewith he could transmew,
And stones to dust, and dust to nought at all;
8 And when him list the prouder lookes subdew,
He would them gazing blind, or turne to other hew.
1 No magic arts hereof had any might,
hereof > [respecting the shield]
2 Nor bloody words of bold enchanter's call; 3 But all that was not such as seemed in sight 4 Before that shield did fade, and sudden fall: 5 And when him list the rascal routs appal,
list > chose, decided, pleased (to …) rascal routs > rabble
6 Men into stones therewith he could transmute,
therewith > with that
7 And stones to dust, and dust to naught at all; 8 And, when him list the prouder looks subdue,
prouder looks > [looks of the too-proud]
9 He would them gazing blind, or turn to other hue.
hue > appearance, form
107.36
Ne let it seeme, that credence this exceedes,
2 For he that made the same, was knowne right well
To haue done much more admirable deedes.
4 It Merlin was, which whylome did excell
All liuing wightes in might of magicke spell:
6 Both shield, and sword, and armour all he wrought
For this young Prince, when first to armes he fell;
8 But when he dyde, the Faerie Queene it brought
To Faerie lond, where yet it may be seene, if sought.
1 Nor let it seem that credence this exceeds, 2 For he that made the same was known right well
right > very
3 To have done much more admirable deeds.
admirable > wonderful
4 It Merlin was, who whilom did excel
Merlin > (The great soothsayer and magician of the Arthurian cycle) whilom > of old
5 All living wights in might of magic spell:
wights > men, people
6 Both shield and sword, and armour all he wrought 7 For this young prince, when first to arms he fell;
fell > came [came to arms as a duty or as his destiny]
8 But, when he died, the Faery Queen it brought
it > [Arthur's arms and armour; (metaphorically) his virtue]
9 To Faery Land, where yet it may be seen, if sought.
107.37
A gentle youth, his dearely loued Squire
2 His speare of heben wood behind him bare,
Whose harmefull head, thrice heated in the fire,
4 Had riuen many a brest with pikehead square;
A goodly person, and could menage +faire,+
6 His stubborne steed with curbed canon bit,
Who vnder him did +trample+ as the aire,
8 And chauft, that any on his backe should sit;
The yron rowels into frothy fome he bit.
5 faire, > faire 1609 7 trample > amble 1590
1 A gentle youth, his dearly loved squire,
gentle > noble squire > attendant (this is Timias: he is not named till 301.18:9)
2 His spear of ebon wood behind him bore,
ebon > {Ebony, made of ebony, a tree of the family Ebenaceae, esp. Diospyros ebenus, producing hard black wood}
3 Whose harmful head, thrice heated in the fire, 4 Had rived many a breast with pikehead square;
rived > split pikehead > [the point of the spear] square > [Perhaps meaning square in cross-section; also: direct, straight, just, honourable; and adv. senses]
5 A goodly person, and could manege fair
goodly > {Well-favoured, of good appearance} manege > manage, control (a term in horsemanship)
6 His stubborn steed with curbed canon bit,
curbed > {Having a chain or strap passing under the lower jaw, fastened to the upper ends of the branches of the bit: used for controlling an unruly horse} canon bit > {A mild, uncruel bit}
7 Who under him did trample as the air, 8 And chafed that any on his back should sit; 9 The iron rowels into frothy foam he bit.
rowels > {Knobs on the bit}
107.38
When as this knight nigh to the Ladie drew,
2 With louely court he gan her entertaine;
But when he heard her answeres loth, he knew
4 Some secret sorrow did her heart distraine:
Which to allay, and calme her storming paine,
6 Faire feeling words he wisely gan display,
And for her humour fitting purpose faine,
8 To tempt the cause it selfe for to bewray;
Wherewith +emmou'd+, these bleeding words she gan to say.
9 emmou'd > enmoud 1590
1 When this knight nigh to the lady drew, 2 With lovely court he gan her entertain;
lovely > affectionate, well intentioned gan > did; began to entertain > encounter; receive as a guest, hence: greet
3 But, when he heard her answers loath, he knew 4 Some secret sorrow did her heart distrain:
distrain > afflict, rend
5 Which to allay, and calm her storming pain, 6 Fair feeling words he wisely gan display,
gan > did display > expound
7 And for her humour fitting purpose feign,
humour > frame of mind purpose > conversation, discourse
8 To tempt the cause itself to bewray;
bewray > betray, reveal
9 Wherewith enmoved, these bleeding words she began to say:
Wherewith enmoved > Moved with which
107.39
What worlds delight, or ioy of liuing speach
2 Can heart, so plung'd in sea of sorrowes deepe,
And heaped with so huge misfortunes, reach?
4 The carefull cold beginneth for to creepe,
And in my heart his yron arrow steepe,
6 Soone as I thinke vpon my bitter bale:
Such helplesse harmes yts better hidden keepe,
8 Then rip vp griefe, where it may not auaile,
My last left comfort is, my woes to weepe and waile.
1 "What world's delight, or joy of living speech, 2 Can heart, so plunged in sea of sorrows deep, 3 And heaped with so huge misfortunes, reach?
so > such
4 The careful cold begins to creep,
careful > sorrowful
5 And in my heart his iron arrow steep, 6 Soon as I think upon my bitter bale:
bale > woe
7 Such helpless harms it's better hidden keep,
helpless > {Beyond remedy} hidden keep > [to keep hidden]
8 Than rip up grief, where it may not avail, 9 My last left comfort is my woes to weep and wail."
left > remaining weep and wail > {Trans.: weep over and bewail}
107.40
Ah Ladie deare, quoth then the gentle knight,
2 Well may I weene, your griefe is wondrous great;
For wondrous great griefe groneth in my spright,
4 Whiles thus I heare you of your sorrowes treat.
But wofull Ladie let me you intrete,
6 For to vnfold the anguish of your hart:
Mishaps are maistred by aduice discrete,
8 And counsell mittigates the greatest smart;
Found neuer helpe, who neuer would his hurts impart.
1 "Ah lady dear," quoth then the gentle knight,
gentle > noble
2 "Well may I ween, your grief is wondrous great;
ween > imagine
3 For wondrous great grief groans in my spirit, 4 While thus I hear you of your sorrows treat.
treat > discourse
5 But, woeful lady, let me you entreat 6 To unfold the anguish of your heart: 7 Mishaps are mastered by advice discreet,
discreet > judicious
8 And counsel mitigates the greatest smart;
smart > anguish; pain
9 Found never help, who never would his hurts impart."
107.41
O but (quoth she) great griefe will not be tould,
2 And can more easily be thought, then said.
Right so; (quoth he) but he, that neuer would,
4 Could neuer: will to might giues greatest aid.
But griefe (quoth she) does greater grow displaid,
6 If then it find not helpe, and breedes despaire.
Despaire breedes not (quoth he) where faith is staid.
8 No faith so fast (quoth she) but flesh does paire.
Flesh may empaire (quoth he) but reason can repaire.
1 "O but," quoth she, "great grief will not be told, 2 And can more easily be thought than said." 3 "Right so," quoth he, "but he that never would 4 Could never: will to might gives greatest aid." 5 "But grief," quoth she, "does greater grow displayed,
displayed > [when] exhibited, made known (literally: unfolded)
6 If then it finds not help, and breeds despair." 7 "Despair breeds not," quoth he, "where faith is staid."
staid > constant
8 "No faith so fast," quoth she, "but flesh does impair."
fast > firm, steadfast impair > weaken
9 "Flesh may impair," quoth he, "but reason can repair."
107.42
His goodly reason, and well guided speach
2 So deepe did settle in her gratious thought,
That her perswaded to disclose the breach,
4 Which loue and fortune in her heart had wrought,
And said; +faire+ Sir, I hope good hap hath brought
6 You to inquire the secrets of my griefe,
Or that your wisedome will direct my thought,
8 Or that your prowesse can me yield reliefe:
Then heare the storie sad, which I shall tell you briefe.
5 faire > Faire 1609
1 His goodly reason, and well guided speech, 2 So deep did settle in her gracious thought, 3 That her persuaded to disclose the breach
her > [they her]
4 Which love and fortune in her heart had wrought, 5 And said: "Fair sir, I hope good hap has brought
hap > fortune
6 You to inquire the secrets of my grief, 7 Or that your wisdom will direct my thought,
Or > Either
8 Or that your prowess can me yield relief:
prowess > valour
9 Then hear the story sad, which I shall tell you brief.
107.43
The forlorne Maiden, whom your eyes haue seene
2 The laughing stocke of fortunes mockeries,
Am th'only daughter of a King and Queene,
4 Whose parents deare, whilest equall destinies
Did runne about, and their felicities
6 The fauourable heauens did not enuy,
Did spread their rule through all the territories,
8 Which Phison and Euphrates floweth by,
And +Gehons+ golden waues doe wash continually.
9 Gehons > Gebons 1596, 1609
1 "The forlorn maiden, whom your eyes have seen 2 The laughing-stock of fortune's mockeries, 3 Am the only daughter of a king and queen,
king and queen > [Adam and Eve; see 112.26]
4 Whose parents dear (whilst equal destinies
equal > impartial
5 Did run about, and their felicities
run about > revolve; run their course
6 The favourable heavens did not envy),
envy > begrudge
7 Did spread their rule through all the territories
the territories > [the Garden of Eden, Paradise; or: the entire known world]
8 Which Pishon and Euphrates flow by,
Pishon > (The first of the four rivers flowing out of Eden (Gen.
2.11))
Euphrates > (The fourth of the four rivers flowing out of Eden
(Gen. 2.14))
9 And Gihon's golden waves do wash continually,
Gihon > (The second of the four rivers flowing out of Eden (Gen. 2.13))
107.44
Till that their cruell cursed enemy,
2 An huge great Dragon horrible in sight,
Bred in the loathly lakes of Tartary,
4 With murdrous rauine, and deuouring might
Their kingdome spoild, and countrey wasted quight:
6 Themselues, for feare into his iawes to fall,
He forst to castle strong to take their flight,
8 Where fast embard in mightie brasen wall,
He has them now foure yeres besiegd to make them thrall.
1 "Till their cruel cursed enemy 2 (A huge great dragon, horrible in sight,
dragon > [Satan]
3 Bred in the loathly lakes of Tartarus)
Tartarus > (The underworld of Roman mythology; hell)
4 With murderous ravin, and devouring might,
ravin > rapine, pillage
5 Their kingdom spoiled, and country wasted quite: 6 Themselves, for fear into his jaws to fall,
for fear into his jaws to fall > [for fear of falling into his jaws]
7 He forced to castle strong to take their flight, 8 Where, fast embarred in mighty brazen wall,
fast > firmly
9 He has them now four years besieged to make them thrall.
four years > (Rev. 12.6 states that the nourishment in heaven of "the woman clothed with the sun" lasted 1,260 days; at 12.14, having been cast down again, she flees from Satan to the wilderness and spends there "a time, and times, and half a time", possibly a reference to three and a half years; Hamilton (1980) suggests that "four years" might also represent 4,000 years, the period, in round terms, which, according to the Geneva Bible, elapsed between the Creation and the birth of Christ) thrall > captive, enslaved
107.45
Full many knights aduenturous and stout
2 Haue enterprizd that Monster to subdew;
From euery coast that heauen walks about,
4 Haue thither come the noble Martiall crew,
That famous hard atchieuements still pursew,
6 Yet neuer any could that girlond win,
But all still shronke, and still he greater grew:
8 All they for want of faith, or guilt of sin,
The pitteous pray of his fierce crueltie haue bin.
1 "Full many knights, adventurous and stout,
Full > Very, exceedingly stout > valiant, fierce
2 Have enterprised that monster to subdue;
enterprised > undertaken
3 From every coast that heaven walks about,
coast > region walks about > walks around, revolves about
4 Have thither come the noble martial crew, 5 That famous hard achievements still pursue, 6 Yet never any could that garland win, 7 But all still shrank, and still he greater grew:
shrank > [shrank back]
8 All they, for want of faith, or guilt of sin, 9 The piteous prey of his fierce cruelty have been.
107.46
At last yledd with farre reported praise,
2 Which flying fame throughout the world had spred,
Of doughtie knights, whom Faery land did raise,
4 That noble order hight of Maidenhed,
Forthwith to court of Gloriane I sped,
6 Of Gloriane great Queene of glory bright,
Whose kingdomes seat Cleopolis is red,
8 There to obtaine some such redoubted knight,
That Parents deare from tyrants powre deliuer might.
1 "At last, led with far reported praise, 2 Which flying fame throughout the world had spread, 3 Of doughty knights, whom Faery Land did raise 4 (That noble order, hight of Maidenhead),
hight > called, named Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order. Its emblems include the Red Cross and St George slaying the dragon)
5 Forthwith to court of Gloriana I sped, 6 Of Gloriana, great queen of glory bright,
bright > bright; beautiful (referring both to the queen and her glory)
7 Whose kingdom's seat Cleopolis is read,
seat > throne Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; allegorically: London) read > named
8 There to obtain some such redoubted knight,
redoubted > doughty, valiant, redoubtable
9 That parents dear from tyrant's power deliver might.
107.47
It was my chance (my chance was faire and good)
2 There for to find a fresh vnproued knight,
Whose manly hands imbrew'd in guiltie blood
4 Had neuer bene, ne euer by his might
Had throwne to ground the vnregarded right:
6 Yet of his prowesse proofe he since hath made
(I witnesse am) in many a cruell fight;
8 The groning ghosts of many one dismaide
Haue felt the bitter dint of his auenging blade.
1 "It was my chance (my chance was fair and good)
chance > lot, luck
2 There to find a fresh unproved knight,
unproved > [in battle]
3 Whose manly hands imbrued in guilty blood
imbrued > stained, steeped
4 Had never been, nor ever by his might 5 Had thrown to ground the unregarded right: 6 Yet of his prowess proof he since has made
prowess > valour
7 (I witness am) in many a cruel fight; 8 The groaning ghosts of many one dismayed