CANTO VII
Guyon findes +Mamon+ in a delue,
2 Sunning his threasure hore:
Is by him tempted, and led downe,
4 To see his secret store.
1 Mamon > Mammon 1609
1 Guyon finds Mammon in a delve,
Mammon > "Riches" (Aramaic; wealth regarded as an idol or an evil influence; the God of Money; see Matt. 6.24, Luke 16.9-13; PL 1.678 ff., 2.228 ff.) delve > pit, depression
2 Sunning his treasure hoar:
hoar > {Ancient, venerable with age}
3 Is by him tempted, and led down, 4 To see his secret store.
207.1
AS Pilot well expert in perilous waue,
2 That to a stedfast starre his course hath bent,
When foggy mistes, or cloudy tempests haue
4 The faithfull light of that faire lampe yblent,
And couer'd heauen with hideous dreriment,
6 Vpon his card and compas firmes his eye,
The maisters of his long experiment,
8 And to them does the steddy helme apply,
Bidding his winged vessell fairely forward +fly.+
9 fly. > fly: 1609
1 As pilot well expert in perilous wave,
As > [Like a] wave > water
2 That to a steadfast star his course has bent, 3 When foggy mists, or cloudy tempests have 4 The faithful light of that fair lamp blended,
blended > rendered turbid, obscured
5 And covered heaven with hideous dreariment,
dreariment > gloom
6 Upon his card and compass firms his eye
card > chart firms > fixes
7 (The masters of his long experiment),
masters > teachers, preceptors experiment > experience, practical knowledge
8 And to them does the steady helm apply,
to > [according to] apply > steer
9 Bidding his winged vessel fairly forward fly:
207.2
So Guyon hauing lost his trusty guide,
2 Late left beyond that Ydle lake, proceedes
Yet on his way, of none accompanide;
4 And euermore himselfe with comfort feedes,
Of his owne vertues, and prayse-worthy deedes.
6 +So long+ he yode, yet no aduenture found,
Which fame of her shrill trompet worthy reedes:
8 For still he traueild through wide wastfull ground,
That nought but desert wildernesse shew'd all around.
6 So long > Long so 1590 (corrected in some copies)
1 So Guyon, having lost his trusty guide 2 (Late left beyond that Idle Lake), proceeds
Late > Lately
3 Yet on his way, of none accompanied;
of > by
4 And evermore himself with comfort feeds,
comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort}
5 Of his own virtues, and praiseworthy deeds. 6 So long he yode, yet no adventure found,
yode > went
7 Which fame of her shrill trumpet worthy reads:
reads > considers
8 For still he travelled through wide wasteful ground,
still > continually wasteful > desolate, uncultivated
9 That naught but desert wilderness showed all around.
That > [In that] desert > lonely showed > was visible
207.3
At last he came vnto a gloomy glade,
2 Couer'd with boughes and shrubs from heauens light,
Whereas he sitting found in secret shade
4 An vncouth, saluage, and vnciuile wight,
Of griesly hew, and fowle ill fauour'd sight;
6 His face with smoke was tand, and eyes were bleard,
His head and beard with sout were ill bedight,
8 His cole-blacke hands did seeme to haue beene seard
In smithes fire-+spitting+ forge, and nayles like clawes appeard.
9 spitting > spetting 1609
1 At last he came to a gloomy glade, 2 Covered with boughs and shrubs from heaven's light, 3 Where he sitting found in secret shade
secret > hidden
4 An uncouth, savage, and uncivil wight,
uncouth > strange, clumsy, awkward uncivil > uncivilized, barbaric wight > person, creature
5 Of grisly hue, and foul ill-favoured sight;
grisly > horrible, fearsome hue > colour; appearance (less likely in view of "ill fauour'd sight") ill-favoured sight > ugly appearance
6 His face with smoke was tanned, and eyes were bleared,
bleared > watery, inflamed
7 His head and beard with soot were ill bedight;
ill bedight > ill-adorned; hence: disfigured
8 His coal-black hands did seem to have been seared 9 In smith's fire-spitting forge, and nails like claws appeared.
nails > [his nails]
207.4
His yron coate all ouergrowne with rust,
2 Was vnderneath enueloped with gold,
Whose glistring glosse darkned with filthy dust,
4 Well +yet+ appeared, to haue beene of old
A worke of rich entayle, and curious mould,
6 Wouen with antickes and wild Imagery:
And in his lap a masse of coyne he told,
8 And turned +vpsidowne+, to feede his eye
+And+ couetous desire with his huge threasury.
4 yet > it 1596 etc. 8 vpsidowne > vpside downe 1590 9 And > A 1596
1 His iron coat, all overgrown with rust, 2 Was underneath enveloped with gold,
enveloped > lined (catachr.; cf. 301.59:9)
3 Whose glistering gloss, darkened with filthy dust, 4 Well yet appeared to have been of old 5 A work of rich entail, and curious mould,
entail > ornament; carving; intaglio curious > skilled, elaborate; exquisite mould > form, style
6 Woven with antics and wild imagery:
antics > {Fantastic or grotesque representations of birds, animals, plants} imagery > idolatrous images (cf. 108.36:2, 212.60:5)
7 And in his lap a mass of coin he told
told > counted (cf. 104.27:5)
8 And turned upside-down, to feed his eye 9 And covetous desire with his huge treasury.
treasury > treasure
207.5
And round about him lay on euery side
2 Great heapes of gold, that neuer could be spent:
Of which some were rude owre, not purifide
4 Of +Mulcibers+ deuouring element;
Some others were new driuen, and distent
6 Into great +Ingoes+, and to wedges square;
Some in round plates withouten moniment;
8 But most were stampt, and in their metall bare
The antique shapes of kings and kesars straunge and rare.
4 Mulcibers > Melcibers 1590 6 Ingoes > Ingowes 1590
1 And round about him lay on every side 2 Great heaps of gold, that never could be spent: 3 Of which some were rude ore, not purified 4 Of Mulciber's devouring element;
Of > By
Mulciber > (A surname of Vulcan, god of fire; see PL 1.740 ff.)
5 Some others were new driven, and distent
driven > beaten out distent > extended
6 Into great ingots, and to wedges square;
to > into wedges > ingots
7 Some in round plates without monument;
monument > mark, inscription
8 But most were stamped, and in their metal bare
bare > bore (vb.); or: bare (the vb. "were" being understood)
9 The antique shapes of kings and kaisers strange and rare.
kaisers > emperors, caesars
207.6
Soone as he Guyon saw, in great affright
2 And hast he rose, for to remoue aside
Those pretious hils from straungers enuious sight,
4 And downe them poured through an hole full wide,
Into the hollow earth, them there to hide.
6 But Guyon lightly to him leaping, stayd
His hand, that trembled, as one terrifyde;
8 And though him selfe were at the sight dismayd,
Yet him perforce restraynd, and to him doubtfull sayd.
1 Soon as he Guyon saw, in great affright
Soon > [As soon] affright > terror
2 And haste he rose, to remove aside 3 Those precious hills from stranger's envious sight, 4 And down them poured, through a hole full wide,
full > very, exceedingly
5 Into the hollow earth, them there to hide. 6 But Guyon lightly to him leaping, stayed
lightly > quickly
7 His hand, that trembled, as one terrified; 8 And though himself were at the sight dismayed,
himself were > [he himself was]
9 Yet him perforce restrained, and to him doubtful said:
perforce > by force doubtful > fearful (applies to Mammon, as the tone of Guyon's inquiry makes clear)
207.7
What art thou man, (if man at all thou art)
2 That here in desert hast thine habitaunce,
And these rich +heapes+ of wealth doest hide apart
4 From the worldes eye, and from her right vsaunce?
Thereat with staring eyes fixed askaunce,
6 In great disdaine, he answerd; Hardy Elfe,
That darest vew my direfull countenaunce,
8 I read thee rash, and heedlesse of thy selfe,
To trouble my still seate, and heapes of pretious pelfe.
3 heapes > hils 1590
1 "What are you, man (if man at all you are), 2 That here in desert have your habitance,
desert > [the] wilderness habitance > habitation, dwelling (WU)
3 And these rich heaps of wealth do hide apart 4 From the world's eye, and from its right usance?"
right usance > proper usage (i.e. financial usage; usance also = the practice or fact of lending or borrowing money at interest)
5 Thereat, with staring eyes fixed askance,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that staring > glaring (cf. 204.15:6)
6 In great disdain he answered: "Hardy Elf,
Hardy > Rash, presumptuously audacious
7 That dares view my direful countenance,
direful > terrible, dreadful
8 I read you rash, and heedless of yourself,
read > consider
9 To trouble my still seat, and heaps of precious pelf.
pelf > money, cash, "filthy lucre"
207.8
God of the world and worldlings I me call,
2 Great Mammon, greatest god below the skye,
That of my plenty poure out vnto all,
4 And vnto none my graces do enuye:
Riches, renowme, and principality,
6 Honour, estate, and all this worldes good,
For which men swinck and sweat incessantly,
8 Fro me do flow into an ample flood,
And in the hollow earth haue their eternall brood.
1 "God of the world and worldlings I me call,
me > myself
2 Great Mammon, greatest god below the sky, 3 That of my plenty pour out to all, 4 And to none my graces do envy:
envy > begrudge
5 Riches, renown, and principality,
principality > {Sovereignty; the authority or dignity of a sovereign or ruler}
6 Honour, estate, and all this world's good,
estate > prosperity; condition, rank, status
7 For which men swink and sweat incessantly,
swink > toil
8 From me do flow into an ample flood, 9 And in the hollow earth have their eternal brood.
brood > breeding, hatching
207.9
Wherefore if me thou deigne to serue and sew,
2 At thy commaund lo all these mountaines bee;
Or if to thy great mind, or greedy vew
4 All these may not suffise, there shall to thee
Ten times so much be numbred francke and free.
6 Mammon (said he) thy godheades vaunt is vaine,
And idle offers of thy golden fee;
8 To them, that couet such eye-glutting gaine,
Proffer thy giftes, and fitter seruaunts entertaine.
1 "Wherefore if me you deign to serve and sue,
Wherefore > On which account; in consequence of which serve and sue > do service and homage (sue = follow as an attendant, take as a model, pattern, or ideal)
2 At your command lo all these mountains be; 3 Or if to your great mind, or greedy view,
greedy > eager; rapacious
4 All these may not suffice, there shall to you 5 Ten times so much be numbered frank and free."
so > as numbered > measured, enumerated frank and free > liberally and freely (another quasi-legal term)
6 "Mammon," said he, "your godhead's vaunt is vain,
vaunt > boast; display vain > unavailing; foolish
7 And idle offers of your golden fee;
idle > empty fee > wage, bribe
8 To them that covet such eye-glutting gain 9 Proffer your gifts, and fitter servants entertain.
fitter > more suitable entertain > engage; maintain
207.10
Me ill +besits+, that in der-doing armes,
2 And honours suit my vowed dayes do spend,
Vnto thy bounteous baytes, and pleasing charmes,
4 With which weake men thou witchest, to attend:
Regard of worldly mucke doth fowly blend,
6 And low abase the high heroicke spright,
That ioyes for crownes and kingdomes to contend;
8 Faire shields, gay steedes, bright armes be my delight:
Those be the riches fit for an aduent'rous knight.
1 besits > befits 1609
1 "Me ill besits (that in der-doing arms
besits > becomes, befits der-doing arms > {Daring feats of arms; "der-doing" is app. derived from "derring-do", and is believed to be a deliberate archaism}
2 And honour's suit my vowed days do spend)
suit > pursuit; wooing
3 To your bounteous baits, and pleasing charms,
baits > temptations (cf. 207.64:2)
4 With which weak men you witch, to attend:
witch > bewitch
5 Regard of worldly muck does foully blend
of > for blend > stir up, render turbid; hence: defile; also: dazzle, blind
6 And low abase the high heroic spirit, 7 That joys for crowns and kingdoms to contend; 8 Fair shields, gay steeds, bright arms be my delight: 9 Those be the riches fit for an adventurous knight."
207.11
Vaine glorious Elfe (said he) doest not thou weet,
2 That money can thy wantes at will supply?
Sheilds, steeds, and armes, and all things for thee meet
4 It can puruay in twinckling of an eye;
And crownes and kingdomes to thee multiply.
6 Do not I kings create, and throw the crowne
Sometimes to him, that low in dust doth ly?
8 And him that raignd, into his rowme thrust downe,
And whom I lust, do heape with glory and renowne?
1 "Vainglorious Elf," said he, "do not you weet
weet > know, understand
2 That money can your wants at will supply? 3 Shields, steeds, and arms, and all things for you meet
meet > appropriate
4 It can purvey in twinkling of an eye;
purvey > provide
5 And crowns and kingdoms to you multiply. 6 Do not I kings create, and throw the crown 7 Sometimes to him that low in dust does lie? 8 And him that reigned, into his room thrust down,
room > place, space
9 And whom I lust, do heap with glory and renown?"
lust > desire, choose (intr.); please, delight (tr.)
207.12
All otherwise (said he) I riches read,
2 And deeme them roote of all disquietnesse;
First got with guile, and then preseru'd with dread,
4 And after spent with pride and lauishnesse,
Leauing behind them griefe and heauinesse.
6 Infinite mischiefes of them do arize,
+Strife,+ and debate, bloudshed, and bitternesse,
8 Outrageous wrong, and hellish couetize,
That noble heart +as+ great dishonour doth despize.
7 Strife, > Strife; 1596 9 as > in 1590
1 "All otherwise," said he, "I riches read,
read > consider
2 And deem them root of all disquietness;
disquietness > trouble, unrest (cf. 1 Tim. 6.10)
3 First got with guile, and then preserved with dread, 4 And after spent with pride and lavishness, 5 Leaving behind them grief and heaviness.
heaviness > anger; sadness
6 Infinite mischiefs of them do arise:
of > from
7 Strife, and debate, bloodshed, and bitterness,
debate > quarrelling; fighting
8 Outrageous wrong, and hellish covetise,
covetise > covetousness, avarice
9 That noble heart as great dishonour does despise.
noble > [the noble]
207.13
Ne thine be kingdomes, ne the scepters thine;
2 But realmes and rulers thou doest both confound,
And loyall truth to treason doest incline;
4 Witnesse the guiltlesse bloud pourd oft on ground,
The crowned often slaine, the slayer cround,
6 The sacred Diademe in peeces rent,
And purple robe gored with many a wound;
8 Castles surprizd, great cities sackt and brent:
So mak'st thou kings, and gaynest wrongfull gouernement.
1 "Nor yours be kingdoms, nor the sceptres yours; 2 But realms and rulers you do both confound,
confound > overthrow, subvert
3 And loyal truth to treason do incline;
incline > dispose, direct; hence: pervert
4 Witness the guiltless blood poured oft on ground, 5 The crowned often slain, the slayer crowned, 6 The sacred diadem in pieces rent,
diadem > crown rent > torn
7 And purple robe gored with many a wound;
purple robe > (Traditionally worn by emperors and kings: Tyrian purple was a dye obtained in the eastern Mediterranean from the whelks Murex trunculus and M. brandaris and processed at the Phoenician city of Tyre, whence it was sold at high price to the Romans. "Purple" also = "blood-red" (cf. e.g. 206.29:9), thus adding more meaning to the phrase)
8 Castles surprised, great cities sacked and burnt:
surprised > {Captured using surprise tactics}
9 So make you kings, and gain wrongful government.
So > Thus, in this manner
207.14
Long were to tell the troublous stormes, that tosse
2 The priuate state, and make the life vnsweet:
Who swelling sayles in Caspian sea doth crosse,
4 And in frayle wood on Adrian gulfe doth fleet,
Doth not, I weene, so many euils meet.
6 Then Mammon wexing wroth, And why then, said,
Are mortall men so fond and vndiscreet,
8 So euill thing to seeke vnto their ayd,
And hauing not complaine, and hauing it vpbraid?
1 "Long were to tell the troublous storms that toss
Long were > [It would take a long time] tell > describe
2 The private state, and make the life unsweet:
private state > private condition, personal life
3 Who swelling sails in Caspian Sea does cross,
Who > [Whoever, he who] cross > hoist, set in position
4 And in frail wood on Adrian Gulf does fleet,
Adrian Gulf > (The Adriatic Sea, which, like the Caspian, was notoriously stormy) fleet > float; sail
5 Does not, I ween, so many evils meet."
ween > think
6 Then Mammon, waxing wroth, "And why then," said,
waxing > growing, becoming
7 "Are mortal men so fond and undiscreet,
fond > foolish undiscreet > lacking in discretion, imprudent
8 So evil thing to seek to their aid,
So > Such [an]
9 And, having not, complain, and having it, upbraid?"
upbraid > reproach [wealth]; or, perhaps: are reproached (for being rich)
207.15
Indeede (quoth he) through fowle intemperaunce,
2 Frayle men are oft captiu'd to couetise:
But would they thinke, with how small allowaunce
4 Vntroubled Nature doth her selfe suffise,
Such superfluities they would despise,
6 Which with sad cares empeach our natiue ioyes:
At the well head the purest streames arise:
8 But mucky filth his braunching armes annoyes,
And with vncomely weedes the gentle waue accloyes.
1 "Indeed," quoth he, "through foul intemperance 2 Frail men are oft captived to covetise:
Frail > Morally weak covetise > avarice, covetousness
3 But would they think with how small allowance
would > [if only]
4 Untroubled Nature does herself suffice, 5 Such superfluities they would despise, 6 Which with sad cares impeach our native joys:
impeach > endamage, impair
7 At the well-head the purest streams arise: 8 But mucky filth its branching arms annoys,
its branching arms > [the stream's various watercourses] annoys > afflicts, vexes
9 And with uncomely weeds the gentle wave accloys.
wave > water accloys > clogs, chokes
207.16
The antique world, in his first flowring youth,
2 Found no defect in his Creatours grace,
But with glad thankes, and vnreproued truth,
4 The gifts of soueraigne bountie did embrace:
Like Angels life was then mens happy cace;
6 But later ages pride, like corn-fed steed,
Abusd her plenty, and fat swolne encreace
8 To all licentious lust, and gan exceed
The measure of her meane, and naturall first need.
1 "The antique world, in its first flowering youth,
antique > ancient
2 Found no defect in its Creator's grace, 3 But with glad thanks, and unreproved truth,
unreproved > blameless; unreproving, uncomplaining truth > {Conduct in accordance with the divine standard; also a variant spelling of "troth", good faith}
4 The gifts of sovereign bounty did embrace: 5 Like angels' life was then men's happy case;
case > state
6 But later ages' pride, like corn-fed steed,
corn-fed > [pampered]
7 Abused her plenty, and fat swollen increase
her > [Nature's, referring to 207.15:4] fat swollen increase > [swollen with fat, increased]
8 To all licentious lust, and gan exceed
gan > did
9 The measure of her mean, and natural first need.
measure of her mean > [limits of natural temperance]
207.17
Then gan a cursed hand the quiet wombe
2 Of his great +Grandmother+ with steele to wound,
And the hid treasures in her sacred tombe,
4 With Sacriledge to dig. Therein he found
Fountaines of gold and siluer to abound,
6 Of which the matter of his huge desire
And pompous pride eftsoones he did compound;
8 Then auarice gan through his veines inspire
His greedy flames, and kindled life-deuouring fire.
2 Grandmother > Gandmother 1596
1 "Then gan a cursed hand the quiet womb
gan > did
2 Of his great grandmother with steel to wound,
his great grandmother > (The earth; cf. 201.10:6) wound > [mine]
3 And the hidden treasures in her sacred tomb 4 With sacrilege to dig. Therein he found 5 Fountains of gold and silver to abound,
Fountains > Founts, sources
6 Of which the matter of his huge desire
matter > substance
7 And pompous pride eftsoons he did compound;
eftsoons > soon compound > {Compose, make up with the combination of elements (i.e. gold and silver)}
8 Then avarice gan through his veins inspire
gan > did inspire > breathe life, quicken
9 His greedy flames, and kindled life-devouring fire."
His > [Those of avarice; or: those of man]
207.18
Sonne (said he then) let be thy bitter scorne,
2 And leaue the rudenesse of +that+ antique age
To them, that liu'd therein in state forlorne;
4 Thou that doest liue in later times, must wage
Thy workes for wealth, and life for gold engage.
6 If then thee list my offred grace to vse,
Take what thou please of all this surplusage;
8 If thee list not, leaue haue thou to refuse:
But thing refused, do not afterward accuse.
2 that > omitted from 1596
1 "Son," said he then, "let be your bitter scorn,
let be > give over, desist from
2 And leave the rudeness of that antique age
rudeness > barbarism antique > ancient
3 To them that lived therein in state forlorn; 4 You, that do live in later times, must wage
wage > hire out
5 Your works for wealth, and life for gold engage.
engage > pledge, pawn
6 If then you list my offered grace to use,
list > choose
7 Take what you please of all this surplusage;
surplusage > superabundance, excess
8 If you list not, leave have you to refuse: 9 But thing refused, do not afterward accuse."
accuse > blame, find fault with
207.19
Me list not (said the Elfin knight) receaue
2 Thing offred, till I know it well be got,
Ne wote I, but thou didst these goods bereaue
4 From rightfull owner by vnrighteous lot,
Or that +bloud guiltinesse+ or guile them blot.
6 Perdy (quoth he) yet neuer eye did vew,
Ne toung did tell, ne hand these handled not,
8 But safe I haue them kept in secret mew,
From heauens sight, and powre of all which them pursew.
5 bloud guiltinesse > bloodguiltnesse 1590; bloud guiltnesse 1596: cf. 202.4:5, 202.30:3
1 "I list not," said the Elfin knight, "receive
list > choose, please receive > [to receive]
2 Thing offered, till I know it well be got, 3 Nor wot I, but you did these goods bereave
wot > know you > [that you] bereave > take away, rob
4 From rightful owner by unrighteous lot,
unrighteous lot > criminal division
5 Or that blood-guiltiness or guile them blot."
blood-guiltiness > responsibility for bloodshed
6 "Pardie," quoth he, "yet never eye did view,
Pardie > Truly; "by God" yet never > [never yet]
7 Nor tongue did tell, nor hand these handled not,
tell > describe not > (The double negative serves as an intensive)
8 But safe I have them kept in secret mew,
mew > place [of confinement]
9 From heaven's sight, and power of all who them pursue."
power > [the power]
207.20
What secret place (quoth he) can safely hold
2 So huge a masse, and hide from heauens eye?
Or where hast thou thy wonne, that so much gold
4 Thou canst preserue from wrong and robbery?
Come thou (quoth he) and see. So by and by
6 Through that thicke couert he him led, and found
A darkesome way, which no man could descry,
8 That deepe descended through the hollow ground,
And was with dread and horrour compassed around.
1 "What secret place," quoth he, "can safely hold 2 So huge a mass, and hide from heaven's eye?
hide > [hide it]
3 Or where have you your won, that so much gold
won > dwelling-place
4 You can preserve from wrong and robbery?" 5 "Come you," quoth he, "and see!" So by and by
by and by > straight away
6 Through that thick covert he him led, and found 7 A darksome way, which no man could descry,
descry > make out, see; explore
8 That deep descended through the hollow ground, 9 And was with dread and horror compassed around.
compassed around > encircled, surrounded
207.21
At length they came into a larger space,
2 That stretcht it selfe into an ample plaine,
Through which a beaten broad high way did trace,
4 That streight did lead to Plutoes griesly raine:
By that wayes side, there sate +infernall+ Payne,
6 And fast beside him sat tumultuous Strife:
The one in hand an yron whip did straine,
8 The other brandished a bloudy knife,
And both did gnash their teeth, and both did threaten life.
5 infernall > internall 1590; eternall conj. Collier
1 At length they came into a larger space, 2 That stretched itself into an ample plain, 3 Through which a beaten broad highway did trace,
broad highway > (Cf. 104.2:8, 110.10:5) trace > proceed, pass
4 That straight did lead to Pluto's grisly reign:
grisly > fearsome, horrible reign > kingdom, realm
5 By that way's side there sat infernal Pain,
Pain > Punishment
6 And fast beside him sat tumultuous Strife:
fast > very closely
7 The one in hand an iron whip did strain,
strain > clasp tightly
8 The other brandished a bloody knife, 9 And both did gnash their teeth, and both did threaten life.
207.22
On thother side in one consort there sate,
2 Cruell Reuenge, and rancorous Despight,
Disloyall Treason, and hart-burning Hate,
4 But gnawing Gealosie out of their sight
Sitting alone, his bitter lips did bight,
6 And trembling Feare still to and fro did fly,
And found no place, where safe he shroud him might,
8 Lamenting Sorrow did in darknesse +lye,+
And Shame his vgly face did hide from liuing eye.
8 lye, > lye. 1596
1 On the other side, in one consort, there sat
consort > company, assembly (cf. Aen. 6.273-81)
2 Cruel Revenge, and rancorous Despite,
Despite > Anger; Malice; Outrage
3 Disloyal Treason, and heart-burning Hate, 4 But gnawing Jealousy, out of their sight, 5 Sitting alone, his bitter lips did bite, 6 And trembling Fear still to and fro did fly,
still > continually
7 And found no place, where safe he shroud himself might;
shroud > hide
8 Lamenting Sorrow did in darkness lie, 9 And Shame his ugly face did hide from living eye.
207.23
And ouer them sad +Horrour+ with grim hew,
2 Did alwayes sore, beating his yron wings;
And after him Owles and Night-rauens flew,
4 The hatefull messengers of heauy things,
Of death and dolour telling sad tidings;
6 Whiles sad Celeno, sitting on a clift,
A song of bale and bitter sorrow sings,
8 That hart of flint a sunder could haue rift:
Which hauing ended, after him she flyeth swift.
1 Horrour > horror 1590; horrour 1596
1 And over them sad Horror, with grim hue,
hue > appearance; colour
2 Did always soar, beating his iron wings;
always > always; perhaps also: all ways [in all directions, round and round] iron wings > (Cf. 111.31:9)
3 And after him owls and night-ravens flew,
owls > (To the Romans, the owl was an omen of death: see Met. 10.453; see also 105.30:6, etc.) night-raven > {An unspecified nocturnal bird, perhaps the nightjar or the night-heron. See SC, gloss to "June"}
4 The hateful messengers of heavy things,
heavy > distressing, grievous; grave
5 Of death and dolour telling sad tidings;
dolour > dolour; physical suffering; grief
6 While sad Celeno, sitting on a cliff,
Celeno > (One of the harpies, vultures with the head and breasts of a woman; associated with greed. The others were Ocypeta and A{e"}llo. See Aen. 3.219 ff.)
7 A song of bale and bitter sorrow sings,
bale > woe, torment
8 That heart of flint asunder could have rived:
rived > torn asunder
9 Which having ended, after him she flies swift.
207.24
All these before the gates of Pluto lay,
2 By whom they passing, spake vnto them nought.
But th'Elfin knight with wonder all the way
4 Did feed his eyes, and fild his inner thought.
At last him to a litle dore he brought,
6 That to the gate of Hell, which gaped wide,
Was next adioyning, ne them parted +ought+:
8 Betwixt them both was but a litle stride,
That did the house of Richesse from hell-mouth diuide.
7 ought > nought 1590
1 All these before the gates of Pluto lay, 2 By whom they passing, spoke to them naught.
naught > nothing at all [Guyon and Mammon said nothing to Pain, Strife, etc. as they passed]
3 But the Elfin knight with wonder all the way 4 Did feed his eyes, and fild his inner thought.
fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.)
5 At last him to a little door he brought,
he > [Mammon]
6 That to the gate of hell, which gaped wide, 7 Was next adjoining, ne them parted aught:
ne them parted aught > [nor did anything separate them; there was no space between the two]
8 Betwixt them both was but a little stride, 9 That did the house of Richesse from hell-mouth divide.
Richesse > Wealth
207.25
Before the dore sat selfe-consuming Care,
2 Day and night keeping wary watch and ward,
For feare least Force or Fraud should vnaware
4 Breake in, and spoile the treasure there in gard:
Ne would he suffer Sleepe once thither-ward
6 Approch, albe his drowsie den were next;
For next to death is Sleepe to be compard:
8 Therefore his house is vnto his annext;
Here Sleep, there Richesse, and Hel-gate them both betwext.
1 Before the door sat self-consuming Care, 2 Day and night keeping wary watch and ward,
ward > guard ("watch and ward" was formerly a common compound sb.)
3 For fear lest Force or Fraud should unawares 4 Break in, and spoil the treasure there in guard:
spoil > plunder, rob in > [under]
5 Nor would he suffer Sleep once thitherward
suffer > allow thitherward > towards there, in that direction
6 Approach, albe his drowsy den was next;
albe > although next > next adjoining (207.24:7), adjacent
7 For next to death is Sleep to be compared:
next > [most closely; cf. Aen. 6.278]
8 Therefore his house is to his annexed; 9 Here Sleep, there Richesse, and hell-gate them both betwixt.
Richesse > Wealth
207.26
So soone as Mammon there arriu'd, the dore
2 To him did open, and affoorded way;
Him followed eke Sir Guyon euermore,
4 Ne darkenesse him, ne daunger might dismay.
Soone as he entred was, the dore streight way
6 Did shut, and from behind it forth there lept
An vgly feend, more fowle then dismall day,
8 The which with monstrous stalke behind him stept,
And euer as he went, dew watch vpon him kept.
1 So soon as Mammon there arrived, the door 2 To him did open, and afforded way; 3 Him followed eke Sir Guyon evermore,
eke > also evermore > constantly
4 Neither darkness him, nor danger might dismay. 5 Soon as he entered was, the door straightway
Soon > [As soon]
6 Did shut, and from behind it forth there leapt 7 An ugly fiend, more foul than dismal day,
dismal day > {Dies mali, one of the evil or unlucky days of the medieval calendar}
8 Which with monstrous stalk behind him stepped, 9 And ever, as he went, due watch upon him kept.
207.27
Well hoped he, ere long that hardy guest,
2 If euer couetous hand, or lustfull eye,
Or lips he layd on thing, that likt him best,
4 Or euer sleepe his eye-strings did vntye,
Should be his pray. And therefore still on hye
6 He ouer him did hold his cruell clawes,
Threatning with greedy gripe to do him dye
8 And rend in peeces with his rauenous pawes,
If euer he transgrest the fatall Stygian lawes.
1 Well hoped he ere long that hardy guest
ere long that > [that before long that] hardy > bold, audacious
2 (If ever covetous hand, or lustful eye, 3 Or lips he laid on thing, that liked him best,
liked > pleased
4 Or ever sleep his eyestrings did untie)
eyestrings > {The tendons, nerves or muscles of the eyes, relaxation of which was supposed to accompany sleep; cf. Cymbeline I iii 17: Shakespeare may have got the word from here. The earliest use quoted by OED is by Ben Jonson in 1601. Cf. also 108.22:7}
5 Should be his prey. And therefore still on high
still > continuously
6 He over him did hold his cruel claws, 7 Threatening with greedy grip to do him die
greedy > eager, rapacious die > [to death]
8 And rend in pieces with his ravenous paws,
rend > [tear him]
9 If ever he transgressed the fatal Stygian laws.
Stygian laws > (Laws of the underworld)
207.28
That houses forme within was rude and strong,
2 Like an huge caue, hewne out of rocky clift,
From whose rough vaut the ragged breaches hong,
4 Embost with massy gold of glorious gift,
And with rich metall loaded euery rift,
6 That heauy ruine they did seeme to threat;
And ouer them Arachne high did lift
8 Her cunning web, and spred her subtile net,
Enwrapped in fowle smoke and clouds more blacke then Iet.
1 That house's form within was rude and strong,
rude > rough, crude, clumsy
2 Like a huge cave, hewn out of rocky cliff, 3 From whose rough vault the ragged breaches hung,
breaches > {?Broken sheets of rock}
4 Embossed with massy gold of glorious gift,
Embossed > Encased; richly decorated massy > solid gift > quality
5 And with rich metal loaded every rift, 6 That heavy ruin they did seem to threaten;
That > [So that] heavy > grievous, intense ruin > {The act of collapse, of a building, etc.}
7 And over them Arachne high did lift
Arachne > (Transformed by Minerva into a spider (Met. 6.1-145);
Ovid's story is retold and embellished in Muiopotmos 257 ff.)
8 Her cunning web, and spread her subtile net,
subtile > delicate; rarefied; crafty
9 Enwrapped in foul smoke and clouds more black than jet.
207.29
Both roofe, and floore, and wals were all of gold,
2 But ouergrowne with dust and old decay,
And hid in darkenesse, that none could behold
4 The hew thereof: for vew of chearefull day
Did neuer in that house it selfe display,
6 But a faint shadow of vncertain light;
Such as a lamp, whose life does fade away:
8 Or as the Moone cloathed with clowdy night,
Does shew to him, that walkes in feare and sad affright.
1 Both roof and floor, and walls were all of gold, 2 But overgrown with dust and old decay, 3 And hidden in darkness, that none could behold
that > [so that]
4 The hue thereof: for view of cheerful day
hue > form; colour
5 Did never in that house itself display, 6 But a faint shadow of uncertain light;
But > Except as
7 Such as a lamp, whose life does fade away: 8 Or as the moon, clothed with cloudy night, 9 Does show to him that walks in fear and sad affright.
sad affright > grave terror
207.30
In all that rowme was nothing to be seene,
2 But huge great yron chests and coffers strong,
All bard with double bends, that none could weene
4 Them to efforce by violence or wrong;
On euery side they placed were along.
6 But all the ground with sculs was scattered,
And dead mens bones, which round about were flong,
8 Whose liues, it seemed, whilome there were shed,
And their vile carcases now left vnburied.
1 In all that room was nothing to be seen 2 But huge great iron chests and coffers strong, 3 All barred with double bands, that none could ween
that > [so that] ween > imagine; intend
4 Them to efforce by violence or wrong;
efforce > force open (SUFQ)
5 On every side they placed were along. 6 But all the ground with skulls was scattered, 7 And dead men's bones, which round about were flung, 8 Whose lives, it seemed, whilom there were shed,
whilom > formerly, of yore; at some past time
9 And their vile carcases now left unburied.
vile > vile; worthless
207.31
They forward passe, ne Guyon yet spoke word,
2 Till that they came vnto an yron dore,
Which to them opened of +his+ owne accord,
4 And shewd of richesse such exceeding store,
As eye of man did neuer see before;
6 Ne euer could within one place be found,
Though all the wealth, which is, or was of yore,
8 Could gathered be through all the world around,
And that aboue were added to that vnder ground.
3 his > it 1609
1 They forward pass, ne Guyon yet spoke word,
ne Guyon yet spoke word > [and Guyon did not yet speak a word; and still Guyon said nothing]
2 Till they came to an iron door, 3 Which to them opened of its own accord, 4 And showed of richesse such exceeding store
richesse > wealth, opulence
5 As eye of man did never see before; 6 Nor ever could within one place be found, 7 Though all the wealth, which is, or was of yore,
Though > Even if yore > old
8 Could gathered be through all the world around, 9 And that above were added to that under ground.
207.32
The charge thereof vnto a couetous Spright
2 Commaunded was, who thereby did attend,
And warily awaited day and night,
4 From other couetous feends it to defend,
Who it to rob and ransacke did intend.
6 Then Mammon turning to that warriour, said;
Loe here the worldes blis, loe here the end,
8 To which all men do ayme, rich to be made:
Such grace now to be happy, is before thee laid.
1 The charge thereof to a covetous sprite
charge > keeping, responsibility
2 Commended was, who thereby did attend,
thereby > near that [store], nearby
3 And warily awaited day and night,
awaited > kept watch
4 From other covetous fiends it to defend, 5 Who it to rob and ransack did intend. 6 Then Mammon, turning to that warrior, said: 7 "Lo, here the world's bliss, lo here the end, 8 To which all men do aim, rich to be made: 9 Such grace now to be happy is before you laid."
grace > favour; bestowal of favour happy > fortunate; happy
207.33
Certes (said he) I n'ill thine offred grace,
2 Ne to be made so happy do intend:
Another blis before mine eyes I place,
4 Another happinesse, another end.
To them, that list, these base regardes I lend:
6 But I in armes, and in atchieuements braue,
Do rather choose my flitting houres to spend,
8 And to be Lord of those, that riches haue,
Then them to haue my selfe, and be their seruile +sclaue+.
9 sclaue > slaue 1609
1 "Certes," said he, "I nill your offered grace,
Certes > Assuredly nill > will not [accept] grace > favour
2 Nor to be made so happy do intend:
so > thus, in this way
3 Another bliss before my eyes I place, 4 Another happiness, another end. 5 To them, that list, these base regards I lend:
list > choose, please regards > concerns
6 But I in arms, and in achievements brave,
achievements > achievements; feats, victories brave > brave; splendid
7 Do rather choose my flitting hours to spend, 8 And to be lord of those that riches have, 9 Than them to have myself, and be their servile slave."
them > [riches]
207.34
Thereat the feend his gnashing teeth did grate,
2 And grieu'd, so long to lacke his greedy pray;
For well he weened, that so glorious bayte
4 Would tempt his guest, to take thereof assay:
Had he so doen, he had him snatcht away,
6 More light then Culuer in the Faulcons fist.
Eternall God thee saue from such decay.
8 But whenas Mammon saw his purpose mist,
Him to entrap vnwares another way he wist.
1 Thereat the fiend his gnashing teeth did grate,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
2 And grieved, so long to lack his greedy prey;
his greedy prey > [the prey for which he is eager]
3 For well he weened that so glorious bait
weened > supposed so > such [a]
4 Would tempt his guest, to take thereof assay:
assay > test, trial; hence: a sample
5 Had he so done, he had him snatched away,
he had him snatched > [the fiend would have snatched him]
6 More light than culver in the falcon's fist.
light > quickly; easily culver > dove; wood-pigeon fist > clutch, clutches
7 (Eternal God you save from such decay!)
decay > [a] downfall
8 But when Mammon saw his purpose missed,
purpose > intention; discourse, point
9 Him to entrap unwares another way he wist.
unwares > unexpectedly wist > knew; hence: planned
207.35
Thence forward he him led, and shortly brought
2 Vnto another rowme, whose dore forthright,
To him did open, as it had beene taught:
4 Therein an hundred raunges weren pight,
And hundred fornaces all burning bright;
6 By euery fornace many feends did bide,
Deformed creatures, horrible in sight,
8 And euery feend his busie paines applide,
To melt the golden metall, ready to be tride.
1 Thenceforward he him led, and shortly brought
Thenceforward > From that place, thence
2 To another room, whose door forthright 3 To him did open, as it had been taught:
as > as; as if
4 Therein a hundred ranges were pight,
pight > placed
5 And hundred furnaces all burning bright; 6 By every furnace many fiends did bide,
bide > remain, await; hence: stand
7 Deformed creatures, horrible in sight, 8 And every fiend his busy pains applied,
busy > careful; solicitous pains > efforts, labours
9 To melt the golden metal, ready to be tried.
tried > refined, purified
207.36
One with great bellowes gathered filling aire,
2 And with forst wind the fewell did inflame;
Another did the dying bronds repaire
4 With +yron+ toungs, and sprinckled oft the same
With liquid waues, fiers Vulcans rage to tame,
6 Who maistring them, renewd his former heat;
Some scumd the drosse, that from the metall came;
8 Some stird the molten owre with ladles great;
And euery one did swincke, and euery one did sweat.
4 yron > dying 1590
1 One with great bellows gathered filling air, 2 And with forced wind the fuel did inflame; 3 Another did the dying brands repair
brands > {Burning pieces of wood, hence: embers} repair > renew
4 With iron tongs, and sprinkled oft the same 5 With liquid waves, fierce Vulcan's rage to tame,
liquid waves > [water] Vulcan's rage > [the fire: Vulcan is the god of fire]
6 Who, mastering them, renewed his former heat;
them > [the "waues">[
7 Some scummed the dross that from the metal came;
scummed > skimmed
8 Some stirred the molten ore with ladles great; 9 And every one did swink, and every one did sweat.
swink > toil
207.37
But when +as+ earthly wight they present saw,
2 Glistring in armes and battailous aray,
From their whot worke they did themselues withdraw
4 To wonder at the sight: for till that day,
They neuer creature saw, that came that way.
6 Their staring eyes sparckling with feruent fire,
And vgly shapes did nigh the man dismay,
8 That were it not for shame, he would retire,
Till that him thus bespake their soueraigne Lord and sire.
1 as > an 1590
1 But when an earthly wight they present saw,
wight > person, man
2 Glistering in arms and battailous array,
arms > {Arms and armour} battailous > {Warlike, ready for battle}
3 From their hot work they did themselves withdraw 4 To wonder at the sight: for till that day
wonder > marvel
5 They never creature saw, that came that way. 6 Their staring eyes, sparkling with fervent fire,
staring > glaring
7 And ugly shapes did nigh the man dismay, 8 That were it not for shame, he would retire,
That were it not > [Had it not been] retire > [have retired]
9 Till him thus bespoke their sovereign lord and sire:
bespoke > addressed sire > father; forefather; ruler, master
207.38
Behold, thou Faeries sonne, with mortall eye,
2 That liuing eye before did neuer see:
The thing, that thou didst craue so earnestly,
4 To weet, whence all the wealth late shewd by mee,
Proceeded, lo now is reueald to thee.
6 Here is the fountaine of the worldes good:
Now therefore, if thou wilt enriched bee,
8 Auise thee well, and chaunge thy wilfull mood,
Least thou perhaps hereafter wish, and be withstood.
1 "Behold, you Faery's son, with mortal eye, 2 That living eye before did never see:
That > [That which]
3 The thing that you did crave so earnestly 4 To weet (whence all the wealth late shown by me
weet > learn late > lately
5 Proceeded), lo now is revealed to you. 6 Here is the fountain of the world's good:
fountain > fount, source good > money; property; good
7 Now therefore, if you will enriched be, 8 Advise you well, and change your wilful mood,
Advise > Consider; perceive, notice
9 Lest you perhaps hereafter wish, and be withstood."
withstood > [refused]
207.39
Suffise it then, thou Money God (quoth hee)
2 That all thine idle offers I refuse.
All that I need I haue; what needeth mee
4 To couet more, then I haue cause to vse?
With such vaine shewes thy worldlings vile abuse:
6 But giue me leaue to follow mine emprise.
Mammon was much displeasd, yet no'te he chuse,
8 But beare the rigour of his bold +mesprise+,
And thence him forward led, him further to entise.
8 mesprise > mespise 1596, 1609
1 "Suffice it then, you Money God," quoth he, 2 "That all your idle offers I refuse.
idle > futile
3 All that I need I have; what needs me
needs me > do I need; need do I have
4 To covet more than I have cause to use? 5 With such vain shows your worldlings vile abuse:
vain shows > foolish displays vile > lowly; despicable; also adv., qualifying "abuse" abuse > deceive; abuse
6 But give me leave to follow my emprise."
emprise > enterprise, undertaking
7 Mammon was much displeased, yet no'te he choose
no'te he > he could not
8 But bear the rigour of his bold misprize,
But > [But to] rigour > harshness, rigour; rigorism, puritanic strictness (a development in the characterization of Guyon which becomes increasingly evident as Book II proceeds, reaching its apogee with the destruction of the Bower of Bliss at 212.81-3) misprize > contempt, scorn
9 And thence him forward led, him further to entice.
207.40
He brought him through a darksome narrow strait,
2 To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold:
The gate was open, but therein did wait
4 A sturdy villein, striding stiffe and bold,
As +if+ +that+ highest God defie he would;
6 In his right hand an yron club he held,
+But+ he himselfe was all of +golden+ mould,
8 Yet had both life and sence, and well could weld
That cursed weapon, when his cruell foes he queld.
5 if > omitted from 1596 5 that > the 1590 etc.: FE 7 But > And 1590 7 golden > yron 1590
1 He brought him through a darksome narrow strait, 2 To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold: 3 The gate was open, but therein did wait 4 A sturdy villein, striding stiff and bold,
sturdy > courageous, ruthless (cf. 103.17:1) villein > villain; serf stiff > strongly, violently
5 As if highest God defy he would; 6 In his right hand an iron club he held, 7 But he himself was all of golden mould,
mould > form, structure
8 Yet had both life and sense, and well could wield 9 That cursed weapon, when his cruel foes he quelled.
cruel > cruel; vigorous, savage quelled > subdued; killed (cf. the description of Orgoglio, 107.8-10)
207.41
Disdayne he called was, and did disdaine
2 To be so cald, and who so did him call:
Sterne was +his+ looke, and full of stomacke vaine,
4 His portaunce terrible, and stature tall,
Far passing th'hight of men terrestriall;
6 Like an huge Gyant of the Titans race,
That made him scorne all creatures great and small,
8 And with his pride all others powre deface:
More fit amongst blacke fiendes, then men to haue his place.
3 his > to 1596, 1609
1 "Disdain" he called was, and did disdain 2 To be so called, and whoso did him call:
whoso > whoever
3 Stern was his look, and full of stomach vain,
Stern > Fierce, grim, harsh stomach > haughtiness; ill-will
4 His portance terrible, and stature tall,
portance > demeanour
5 Far passing the height of men terrestrial;
passing > surpassing
6 Like a huge giant of the Titans' race,
Titans > (The firstborn children of Heaven and Earth, as Oceanus,
Rhea, Hyperion, Cronos; see Hesiod, Theogony 132-8)
7 That made him scorn all creatures great and small, 8 And with his pride all others' power deface:
deface > cast in the shade; or: destroy
9 More fit amongst black fiends, than men to have his place.
than > [than among]
207.42
Soone as those glitterand armes he did espye,
2 That with their brightnesse made that darknesse light,
His harmefull club he gan to hurtle hye,
4 And threaten batteill to the Faery knight;
Who likewise gan himselfe to batteill dight,
6 Till Mammon did his hasty hand withhold,
And counseld him abstaine from perilous fight:
8 For nothing might abash the villein bold,
Ne mortall steele emperce his miscreated mould.
1 Soon as those glittering arms he did espy,
Soon > [As soon] arms > {Arms and armour}
2 That with their brightness made that darkness light,
brightness > (Cf. 101.14:4-5)
3 His harmful club he began to hurtle high,
hurtle > brandish (catachr.)
4 And threaten battle to the Faery knight; 5 Who likewise gan himself to battle dight,
gan > did dight > prepare
6 Till Mammon did his hasty hand withhold, 7 And counselled him abstain from perilous fight:
abstain > [to abstain]
8 For nothing might abash the villein bold,
villein > villain; serf
9 Nor mortal steel empierce his miscreated mould.
mortal > {Mortal, pertaining to living men; lethal} empierce > transfix; penetrate miscreated > {Created unnaturally or with evil intention: cf. 102.3:1} mould > shape, form; hence: body
207.43
So hauing him with reason pacifide,
2 And the fiers Carle commaunding to forbeare,
He brought him in. The rowme was large and wide,
4 As it some Gyeld or solemne Temple weare:
Many great golden pillours did vpbeare
6 The massy roofe, and riches huge sustayne,
And euery pillour decked was full deare
8 With crownes and Diademes, and titles vaine,
Which mortall Princes wore, whiles they on earth did rayne.
1 So having him with reason pacified, 2 And the fierce carl commanding to forbear,
carl > villain, churl
3 He brought him in. The room was large and wide, 4 As it some gyeld or solemn temple were:
As > [As if] gyeld > {Guild, guildhall, the building where a guild met or in which a religious guild or fraternity lived} solemn > grand, imposing
5 Many great golden pillars did upbear 6 The massy roof, and riches huge sustain,
massy > solid, massive
7 And every pillar decked was full dear
full > very, exceedingly dear > richly
8 With crowns and diadems, and titles vain,
diadems > crowns (here somewhat pleonastic)
9 Which mortal princes wore, while they on earth did reign.
207.44
A route of people there assembled were,
2 Of euery sort and nation vnder skye,
Which with great vprore preaced to draw nere
4 To th'vpper part, where was aduaunced hye
A stately siege of soueraigne maiestye;
6 And thereon sat a woman gorgeous gay,
And richly clad in robes of royaltye,
8 That neuer earthly Prince in such aray
His glory did enhaunce, and pompous pride display.
1 A rout of people there assembled were,
rout > {Crowd; clamorous or riotous assemblage}
2 Of every sort and nation under sky, 3 Who with great uproar pressed to draw near
pressed > strove
4 To the upper part, where was advanced high
advanced > raised
5 A stately siege of sovereign majesty;
siege > seat (esp. one used by person of rank or distinction); hence: throne
6 And thereon sat a woman gorgeous gay, 7 And richly clad in robes of royalty, 8 That never earthly prince in such array
That > [Such that]
9 His glory did enhance, and pompous pride display.
enhance > exalt pompous > splendid; pompous
207.45
Her face right wondrous faire did seeme to bee,
2 That her broad beauties beam great brightnes threw
Through the dim shade, that all men might it see:
4 Yet was not that same her owne natiue hew,
But wrought by art and counterfetted shew,
6 Thereby more louers vnto her to call;
Nath'lesse most heauenly faire in deed and vew
8 She by creation was, till she did fall;
Thenceforth she sought for helps, to cloke her crime withall.
1 Her face right wondrous fair did seem to be,
right > very
2 That her broad beauty's beam great brightness threw
That > [So that; such that]
3 Through the dim shade, that all men might it see:
that > [so that]
4 Yet was not that same her own native hue,
native hue > natural appearance
5 But wrought by art and counterfeited show, 6 Thereby more lovers to her to call; 7 Natheless most heavenly fair in deed and view
Natheless > Nevertheless view > appearance
8 She by creation was, till she did fall; 9 Thenceforth she sought for helps, to cloak her crime withal.
helps > remedies; hence: artificial aids crime > {Wrong-doing, sins taken collectively}
207.46
There, as in glistring glory she did sit,
2 She held a great gold chaine ylincked well,
Whose vpper end to highest heauen was knit,
4 And lower part did reach to lowest Hell;
And all that preace did round about her swell,
6 To catchen hold of that long chaine, thereby
To clime aloft, and others to excell:
8 That was Ambition, rash desire to sty,
And euery lincke thereof a step of dignity.
1 There, as in glistering glory she did sit, 2 She held a great gold chain linked well,
gold chain > (Cf.109.1:1)
3 Whose upper end to highest heaven was knit, 4 And lower part did reach to lowest hell; 5 And all that press did round about her swell,
press > crowd, throng
6 To catch hold of that long chain, thereby 7 To climb aloft, and others to excel: 8 That was Ambition, rash desire to sty,
sty > rise, ascend, mount
9 And every link thereof a step of dignity.
dignity > rank
207.47
Some thought to raise themselues to high degree,
2 By riches and vnrighteous reward,
Some by close shouldring, some by flatteree;
4 Others through friends, others for base regard;
And all by wrong wayes for themselues prepard.
6 Those that were vp themselues, kept others low,
Those that were low themselues, held others hard,
8 Ne suffred them to rise or greater grow,
But euery one did striue his fellow downe to throw.
1 Some thought to raise themselves to high degree
degree > social station
2 By riches and unrighteous reward, 3 Some by close shouldering, some by flattery;
close shouldering > [secretly shouldering other people aside]
4 Others through friends, others for base regard;
regard > motive; hence: bribery
5 And all by wrong ways for themselves prepared. 6 Those that were up themselves kept others low; 7 Those that were low themselves held others hard; 8 Nor suffered them to rise or greater grow:
suffered > permitted
9 But every one did strive his fellow down to throw.
207.48
Which whenas Guyon saw, he gan inquire,
2 What meant that preace about that Ladies throne,
And what she was that did so high aspire.
4 Him Mammon answered; That goodly one,
Whom all that folke with such contention,
6 Do flocke about, my +deare, my+ daughter is;
Honour and dignitie from her alone
8 Deriued are, and all this worldes blis
For which ye men do striue: few get, but many mis.
6 deare, my > deare my, 1596
1 Which when Guyon saw, he gan inquire
gan > did
2 What meant that press about that lady's throne,
meant > was the import of; intended press > crowd, throng
3 And what she was that did so high aspire. 4 Him Mammon answered: "That goodly one,
goodly > beautiful
5 Whom all that folk with such contention
folk > {Aggregation of people in relation to a superior, e.g. a monarch; mass}
6 Do flock about, my dear, my daughter is; 7 Honour and dignity from her alone
dignity > rank
8 Derived are, and all this world's bliss 9 For which you men do strive: few get, but many miss.
miss > lack; fail to achieve; go wrong, go astray
207.49
And faire Philotime she rightly hight,
2 The fairest wight that wonneth vnder skye,
But that this darksome neather world her light
4 Doth dim with horrour and deformitie,
Worthy of heauen and hye felicitie,
6 From whence the gods haue her for enuy thrust:
But sith thou hast found fauour in mine eye,
8 Thy spouse I will her make, if that thou lust,
That she may thee aduance for workes and merites iust.
1 "And fair Philotime she rightly hight,
Philotime > "Love of Honour" (Greek) hight > is called
2 The fairest wight that wons under sky
wight > person, woman wons > dwells
3 (But that this darksome nether world her light
But > Except
4 Does dim with horror and deformity),
deformity > perversion, moral repulsiveness
5 Worthy of heaven and high felicity, 6 From whence the gods have her for envy thrust: 7 But, sith you have found favour in my eye,
sith > since
8 Your spouse I will her make, if that you lust,
lust > pleases, delights; also, intr.: please, choose; desire (esp. sexually)
9 That she may you advance for works and merits just."
That > [So that] merits > {That which is deserved, reward, whether secular or specifically from God}
207.50
Gramercy Mammon (said the gentle knight)
2 For so great grace and offred high estate;
But I, that am fraile flesh and earthly wight,
4 Vnworthy match for such immortall mate
My selfe well wote, and mine vnequall fate;
6 And were I not, yet is my trouth yplight,
And loue auowd to other Lady late,
8 That to remoue the same I haue no might:
To chaunge loue causelesse is reproch to warlike knight.
1 "Gramercy, Mammon," said the gentle knight,
Gramercy > Thank you gentle > noble
2 "For so great grace and offered high estate;
so > such grace > favour
3 But I, that am frail flesh and earthly wight,
wight > person, man
4 Unworthy match for such immortal mate 5 Myself well wot, and my unequal fate;
wot > [I] know [to be] unequal > {Socially ill-matched}
6 And were I not, yet is my troth plighted, 7 And love avowed to other lady late,
late > lately
8 That to remove the same I have no might:
That > [So that] remove > [annul]
9 To change love causeless is reproach to warlike knight."
causeless > without [good] cause
207.51
Mammon emmoued was with inward wrath;
2 Yet forcing it to faine, him forth thence led
Through griesly shadowes by a beaten path,
4 Into a gardin goodly garnished
With hearbs and fruits, whose kinds mote not be red:
6 Not such, as earth out of her fruitfull woomb
Throwes forth to men, sweet and well sauoured,
8 But direfull deadly blacke both leafe and bloom,
Fit to adorne the dead, and decke the drery toombe.
1 Mammon enmoved was with inward wrath;
enmoved > moved
2 Yet forcing it to feign, him forth thence led
forcing > [forcing himself] feign > dissimulate, conceal (SUS)
3 Through grisly shadows by a beaten path,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
4 Into a garden goodly garnished
goodly > well, beautifully garnished > beautifed, decorated
5 With herbs and fruits, whose kinds might not be read:
read > seen, discerned, made known; hence: described
6 Not such as earth out of her fruitful womb 7 Throws forth to men, sweet and well savoured, 8 But direful deadly black both leaf and bloom,
direful > terrible, dreadful
9 Fit to adorn the dead, and deck the dreary tomb.
207.52
There mournfull Cypresse grew in greatest store,
2 And trees of bitter Gall, and Heben sad,
Dead sleeping Poppy, and blacke Hellebore,
4 Cold Coloquintida, and Tetra mad,
Mortall Samnitis, and Cicuta bad,
6 +Which with+ +th'vniust+ Atheniens made to dy
Wise Socrates, who thereof quaffing glad
8 Pourd out his life, and last Philosophy
To the faire Critias his dearest Belamy.
6 Which with > Which-with 1609; With which sugg. most editors 6 th'vniust > th vniust 1596
1 There mournful cypress grew in greatest store,
cypress > (Cupressus spp., C. sempervirens in classical mythology, trees associated with death and grief. Cf. 201.60:3, 106.17:2)
2 And trees of bitter gall, and ebon sad,
gall > (Gall is another name for bile, the intensely bitter secretion of the liver: by transference applied to any poison or venom; the gall-nut or oak-apple is an excrescence caused on oak trees by insects of the family Cynipidae. Hence "trees of bitter Gall" might be intended to mean "oaks") ebon > {Ebony, made of ebony, a tree of the family Ebenaceae, esp. Diospyros ebenus, producing hard black wood}
3 Dead sleeping poppy, and black hellebore,
sleeping > (Because it produces opium) black hellebore > (Probably Helleborus foetidus (colloquially called the stinking hellebore) rather than the green hellebore H. viridis. Both are highly poisonous plants found growing in England, and were formerly used officinally as violent cathartics and emetics, though they are so dangerous that their use was abandoned)
4 Cold coloquintida, and tetra mad,
coloquintida > (The colocynth or bitter-apple, Citrullus colocynthis, a plant of the gourd family. The fruit has a very bitter pulp, producing a purgative drug. The colocynth is the gourd referred to in 2 Kings 4.38-41; see also Othello I iii 345) tetra > (The deadly nightshade, Atropa bella-donna)
5 Mortal samnitis, and cicuta bad,
Mortal > Lethal samnitis > (Conjectured by Upton to be the savin, Junipera sabina, the dried tops of which are abortifacient: hence "Mortall". Cf. 302.49:5) cicuta > hemlock (Conium maculatum, a deadly poison)
6 With which the unjust Athenians made to die 7 Wise Socrates who, thereof quaffing glad,
Socrates > (The Greek philosopher, c. 470-399, who was obliged to drink hemlock)
8 Poured out his life and last philosophy 9 To the fair Critias, his dearest belamy.
Critias > (Socrates's former pupil and enemy, one of the Thirty Tyrants. Perhaps an error for "Crito" on Spenser's part) belamy > fair friend, bosom-friend
207.53
The +Gardin+ of Proserpina this hight;
2 And in the midst thereof a siluer seat,
With a thicke Arber goodly ouer dight,
4 In which she often vsd from open heat
Her selfe to shroud, and pleasures to entreat.
6 Next thereunto did grow a goodly tree,
With braunches broad dispred and body great,
8 Clothed with leaues, that none the wood mote see
And loaden all with fruit as thicke as it might bee.
1 Gardin > Gordin 1596
1 The Garden of Proserpine this hight;
hight > was called; is called
2 And in the midst thereof a silver seat,
a > [was a]
3 With a thick arbour goodly over dight,
goodly > gracefully over dight > [trained to overhang; "dight" = "prepared">[
4 In which she often used from open heat 5 Herself to shroud, and pleasures to entreat.
shroud > shelter entreat > occupy herself in (this instance cited by OED)
6 Next thereto did grow a goodly tree,
goodly > beautiful
7 With branches broad dispread and body great,
dispread > extended
8 Clothed with leaves, that none the wood might see,
that > [so that] wood > [trunk, boughs]
9 And loaded all with fruit as thick as it might be.
207.54
Their fruit were golden apples glistring bright,
2 That goodly was their glory to behold,
On earth like neuer grew, ne liuing wight
4 Like euer saw, but they from hence were sold;
For those, which Hercules with conquest bold
6 Got from great Atlas daughters, hence began,
And planted there, did bring forth fruit of gold:
8 And those with which th'Eub{ae}an young man wan
Swift Atalanta, when through craft he her out ran.
1 Their fruit were golden apples glistering bright,
Their > [The branches'] golden apples > (Symbols of avarice and discord: cf. Myth. 7.7; cf. also Aen. 6.136-43)
2 That goodly was their glory to behold,
That > [So that; or: so] goodly > beautiful
3 On earth like never grew, nor living wight
like > [the like] wight > person, creature
4 Like ever saw, but they from hence were sold;
but > unless sold > given, handed over
5 For those which Hercules, with conquest bold,
Hercules > (His eleventh and most difficult labour required him to
get possession of the apples in the garden of the three
Hesperides, the daughters of Hesperus. In Comus 402-6, the
Hesperides are made the nieces of Atlas)
6 Got from great Atlas' daughters hence began,
Atlas > (A semi-divine giant said to support on his shoulders the pillars of the universe; Hercules took over this burden while Atlas went to fetch the golden apples on his behalf) hence began > [originated from here]
7 And planted there, did bring forth fruit of gold:
there > [in the garden of the Hesperides]
8 And those with which the Euboean young man won
the Euboean young man > (Melanion; in Ovid and subsequent accounts he is called Hippomenes)
9 Swift Atalanta, when through craft he her outran.
Atalanta > (A beautiful maiden whose suitors had to race her for her hand in marriage. Those who lost the race were condemned to death; Hippomenes only succeeded because Venus gave him three golden apples which he threw on the ground, making Atalanta delay to stop and pick them up. See Met. 10.560-704, Amoretti 77)
207.55
Here also sprong that goodly golden fruit,
2 With which Acontius got his louer trew,
Whom he had long time sought with fruitlesse suit:
4 Here eke that famous golden Apple grew,
The which emongst the gods false Ate threw;
6 For which th'Id{ae}an Ladies disagreed,
Till partiall Paris dempt it Venus dew,
8 And had of her, faire Helen for his meed,
That many noble Greekes and Troians made to bleed.
1 Here also sprang that goodly golden fruit
goodly > beautiful
2 With which Acontius got his lover true,
Acontius > (Who won Cydippe by means of a golden fruit: see Ovid, Heroides 20-1)
3 Whom he had long time sought with fruitless suit:
fruitless > (Even after four centuries this pun still raises a groan of protest)
4 Here eke that famous golden apple grew,
eke > also
5 Which amongst the gods false Ate threw;
Ate > (Goddess of discord, also called Eris. She threw a golden apple inscribed "To the fairest" among the guests at the wedding of Thetis and Peleus. A contest, held on Mount Ida, ensued between Minerva, Juno and Venus; Paris awarded the apple to Venus, who gave him Helen, and this led to the Trojan War. See Hyginus, Fabulae 42)
6 For which the Idaean ladies disagreed,
disagreed > quarrelled (cf. PL 2.497)
7 Till partial Paris deemed it Venus' due, 8 And had of her fair Helen for his meed,
of > from meed > reward
9 That many noble Greeks and Trojans made to bleed.
207.56
The warlike +Elfe+ much wondred at this tree,
2 So faire and great, that shadowed all the ground,
And his broad braunches, laden with rich fee,
4 Did stretch themselues without the vtmost bound
Of this great gardin, compast with a mound,
6 Which ouer-hanging, they themselues did steepe,
In a blacke flood which flow'd about it round;
8 That is the riuer of Cocytus deepe,
In which full many soules do endlesse waile and weepe.
1 Elfe > Elfe, 1596
1 The warlike Elf much wondered at this tree,
wondered > marvelled
2 So fair and great, that shadowed all the ground, 3 And its broad branches, laden with rich fee,
fee > wealth
4 Did stretch themselves without the utmost bound
without > outside, beyond
5 Of this great garden, compassed with a mound,
compassed with > enclosed with; encircled by mound > embankment
6 Which overhanging, they themselves did steep 7 In a black flood which flowed about it round;
flood > river
8 That is the river of Cocytus deep,
Cocytus > (The "stream of wailing": one of the five rivers of hell: the others are Acheron, Phlegethon, Lethe, and Styx)
9 In which full many souls do endless wail and weep.
full > very, exceedingly
207.57
Which to behold, he clomb vp to the banke,
2 And looking downe, saw many damned wights,
In those sad waues, which direfull deadly stanke,
4 Plonged continually of cruell Sprights,
That with their pitteous cryes, and yelling shrights,
6 They made the further shore resounden wide:
Emongst the rest of those same ruefull sights,
8 One cursed +creature+ he by chaunce espide,
That drenched lay full deepe, vnder the Garden side.
8 creature > creature, 1596
1 Which to behold, he climbed up to the bank, 2 And, looking down, saw many damned wights
wights > people
3 In those sad waves, which direful deadly stank,
sad > {Sorrowful, causing sorrow; dark; deep} direful > dreadfully
4 Plunged continually of cruel sprites,
Plunged > Immersed, pushed under of > by
5 That with their piteous cries and yelling shrikes
That > [So that, in such a way that] their > [the "damned wights"'] shrikes > shrieks
6 They made the farther shore resound wide:
resound > echo, re-echo; ring
7 Amongst the rest of those same rueful sights, 8 One cursed creature he by chance espied, 9 That drenched lay full deep, under the garden side.
drenched > immersed full > very, exceedingly
207.58
Deepe was he drenched to the vpmost chin,
2 Yet gaped still, as coueting to drinke
Of the cold liquor, which he waded in,
4 And stretching forth his hand, did often thinke
To reach the fruit, which grew vpon the brincke:
6 But both the fruit from hand, and floud from mouth
Did flie abacke, and made him vainely swinke:
8 The whiles he steru'd with hunger and with drouth
He daily dyde, yet neuer throughly dyen couth.
1 Deep was he drenched to the upmost chin,
upmost > uppermost
2 Yet gaped still, as coveting to drink
still > continuously
3 Of the cold liquor which he waded in,
Of > From; some of liquor > liquid
4 And, stretching forth his hand, did often think 5 To reach the fruit which grew upon the brink: 6 But both the fruit from hand, and flood from mouth 7 Did fly aback, and made him vainly swink:
swink > toil
8 The whiles he starved with hunger and with drought;
The whiles > Meanwhile starved > perished drought > thirst
9 He daily died, yet never thoroughly die could.
207.59
The knight him seeing labour so in vaine,
2 Askt who he was, and what he ment thereby:
Who groning deepe, thus answerd him againe;
4 Most cursed of all creatures vnder skye,
Lo Tantalus, I here tormented lye:
6 Of whom high Ioue wont whylome feasted bee,
Lo here I now for want of food doe dye:
8 But if that thou be such, as I thee see,
Of grace I pray thee, giue to eat and drinke to mee.
1 The knight, him seeing labour so in vain, 2 Asked who he was, and what he meant thereby;
meant thereby > intended by that; hence: was doing
3 Who, groaning deep, thus answered him again:
again > in return
4 "Most cursed of all creatures under sky, 5 Lo Tantalus, I here tormented lie: 6 Of whom high Jove wont whilom feasted be,
Of > By wont whilom > formerly was accustomed be > [to be]
7 Lo here I now for want of food do die: 8 But if you be such, as I you see, 9 Of grace I pray you, give to eat and drink to me!"
207.60
Nay, nay, thou greedie Tantalus (quoth he)
2 Abide the fortune of thy present fate,
And vnto all that liue in high degree,
4 Ensample be of mind +intemperate+,
To teach them how to vse their present state.
6 Then gan the cursed wretch aloud to cry,
Accusing highest Ioue and gods ingrate,
8 And eke blaspheming heauen bitterly,
As authour of vniustice, there to let him dye.
4 intemperate > more temperate 1590
1 "Nay, nay, you greedy Tantalus," quoth he, 2 "Abide the fortune of your present fate,
Abide > Endure; await the issue of
3 And, to all that live in high degree,
degree > social station
4 Example be of mind intemperate, 5 To teach them how to use their present state." 6 Then began the cursed wretch aloud to cry, 7 Accusing highest Jove and gods ingrate,
ingrate > unfriendly; unpleasant
8 And eke blaspheming heaven bitterly,
eke > also
9 As author of injustice, there to let him die.
207.61
He lookt a little further, and espyde
2 Another wretch, whose carkasse deepe was drent
Within the riuer, which the same did hyde:
4 But both his hands most filthy feculent,
Aboue the water were on high extent,
6 And faynd to wash themselues incessantly;
Yet nothing cleaner were for such intent,
8 But rather fowler seemed to the eye;
So lost his labour vaine and idle industry.
1 He looked a little further, and espied 2 Another wretch, whose carcase deep was drenched
drenched > immersed
3 Within the river, which the same did hide: 4 But both his hands, most filthy feculent,
feculent > {Covered with faecal matter: SU}
5 Above the water were on high extent,
extent > extended
6 And fained to wash themselves incessantly;
fained > were anxious, hence: tried; or: feigned
7 Yet nothing cleaner were for such intent,
nothing > not at all
8 But rather fouller seemed to the eye; 9 So lost his labour vain and idle industry.
vain > futile idle > unavailing, empty
207.62
The knight him calling, asked who he was,
2 Who lifting vp his head, him answerd thus:
I Pilate am the falsest Iudge, alas,
4 And most vniust, that by vnrighteous
And wicked doome, to Iewes despiteous
6 Deliuered vp the Lord of life to die,
And did acquite a murdrer felonous;
8 The whiles my hands I washt in puritie,
The whiles my soule was soyld with foule iniquitie.
1 The knight, him calling, asked who he was, 2 Who, lifting up his head, him answered thus: 3 "I Pilate am, the falsest judge, alas,
Pilate > (See Matt. 27.11-24)
4 And most unjust, that by unrighteous 5 And wicked doom, to Jews dispiteous
doom > judgement dispiteous > pitiless
6 Delivered up the Lord of life to die, 7 And did acquit a murderer felonous:
felonous > {Cruel, wicked, having the nature of a felon}
8 The whiles my hands I washed in purity;
The whiles > Meanwhile
9 The whiles my soul was soiled with foul iniquity."
207.63
Infinite moe, tormented in like paine
2 He there beheld, too long here to be told:
Ne Mammon would there let him long remaine,
4 For terrour of the tortures manifold,
In which the damned soules he did behold,
6 But roughly him bespake. Thou fearefull foole,
Why takest not of that same fruit of gold,
8 Ne sittest downe on that same siluer stoole,
To rest thy wearie person, in the shadow coole.
1 Infinite more, tormented in like pain
like > similar
2 He there beheld, too long here to be told: 3 Nor Mammon would there let him long remain, 4 For terror of the tortures manifold 5 In which the damned souls he did behold, 6 But roughly him bespoke. "You fearful fool,
bespoke > addressed
7 Why take not of that same fruit of gold,
of > [some of]
8 Ne sit down on that same silver stool,
Ne > [Or why not, And why not] silver stool > (See 207.53:2)
9 To rest your weary person in the shadow cool?"
207.64
All which he did, to doe him deadly fall
2 In frayle intemperance through sinfull bayt;
To which if he inclined had at all,
4 That dreadfull feend, which did behind him wayt,
Would him haue rent in thousand peeces strayt:
6 But he was warie wise in all his way,
And well perceiued his deceiptfull sleight,
8 Ne suffred lust his safetie to betray;
So goodly did beguile the Guyler of +the+ pray.
9 the > his 1590
1 All which he did to do him deadly fall
do him deadly fall > [cause him fatal destruction; make him fatally succumb]
2 In frail intemperance through sinful bait;
frail > {Morally weak, unable to resist temptation} bait > harassment; temptation, bait; refreshment, rest
3 To which if he inclined had at all, 4 That dreadful fiend, which did behind him wait, 5 Would him have rent in thousand pieces straight:
rent > torn straight > straightway, immediately
6 But he was wary wise in all his way, 7 And well perceived his deceitful sleight,
his > [Mammon's] sleight > trickery, stratagem
8 Nor suffered lust his safety to betray;
suffered > permitted
9 So goodly did beguile the guiler of the prey.
goodly > easily; gracefully; excellently beguile > deprive guiler > beguiler, deceiver
207.65
And now he has so long remained there,
2 That vitall powres gan wexe both weake and wan,
For want of food, and sleepe, which two vpbeare,
4 Like mightie pillours, this fraile life of man,
That none without the same enduren can.
6 For now three dayes of men were full outwrought,
Since he this hardie enterprize began:
8 For thy great Mammon fairely he besought,
Into the world to guide him backe, as he him brought.
1 And now he has so long remained there 2 That vital powers gan wax both weak and wan,
gan > did; began to wax > grow, become
3 For want of food, and sleep (which two upbear,
upbear > support
4 Like mighty pillars, this frail life of man), 5 That none without the same endure can. 6 For now three days of men were full outwrought,
outwrought > worked out, completed
7 Since he this hardy enterprise began:
hardy > audacious
8 For-thy great Mammon fairly he besought
For-thy > Therefore, for this reason fairly > courteously
9 Into the world to guide him back, as he him brought.
brought > [had brought]
207.66
The God, though loth, yet was constraind t'obay,
2 For lenger time, then that, no liuing wight
Below the earth, might suffred be to stay:
4 So backe againe, him brought to liuing light.
But all so soone as his enfeebled spright
6 Gan sucke this vitall aire into his brest,
As ouercome with too exceeding might,
8 The life did flit away out of her nest,
And all his senses were with deadly fit opprest.
1 The god, though loath, yet was constrained to obey,
yet > (Pleonastic)
2 For longer time than that no living wight
that > ["three dayes of men">[ wight > creature, person, man
3 Below the earth might suffered be to stay:
suffered > allowed (cf. Matt. 12.40)
4 So back again him brought to living light. 5 But all so soon as his enfeebled spirit 6 Gan suck this vital air into his breast,
Gan > Did
7 As overcome with too exceeding might
As > [As though]
8 The life did flit away out of her nest, 9 And all his senses were with deadly fit oppressed.
deadly > death-like oppressed > overwhelmed; taken by surprise