CANTO VIII
1 Faire virgin to redeeme her deare 2 brings Arthur to the fight: 3 Who slayes +the Gyant+, wounds the beast, 4 and strips Duessa quight.
3 the Gyant > that Gyaunt 1590 etc.: FE
Fair virgin, to redeem her dear,
2 brings Arthur to the fight:
Who slays the giant, wounds the beast,
4 and strips Duessa quite.
108.1
AY me, how many perils doe enfold
2 The righteous man, to make him daily fall?
Were not, that heauenly grace doth him vphold,
4 And stedfast truth acquite him out of all.
Her loue is firme, her care continuall,
6 So oft as he through his owne foolish pride,
Or weaknesse is to sinfull bands made thrall:
8 Else should this Redcrosse knight in bands haue dyde,
For whose deliuerance she this Prince doth thither guide.
1 Ay me, how many perils do enfold
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect)
2 The righteous man, to make him daily fall? 3 Were not that heavenly grace does him uphold,
not > [it not]
4 And steadfast Truth acquit him out of all.
acquit > deliver
5 Her love is firm, her care continual, 6 So oft as he, through his own foolish pride, 7 Or weakness, is to sinful bonds made thrall:
thrall > slave
8 Else should this Redcross Knight in bonds have died, 9 For whose deliverance she this prince does thither guide.
she > [Una]
108.2
They sadly traueild thus, vntill they came
2 Nigh to a castle builded strong and hie:
Then cryde the Dwarfe, lo yonder is the same,
4 In which my Lord my liege doth lucklesse lie,
Thrall to that Gyants hatefull tyrannie:
6 Therefore, deare Sir, your mightie powres assay.
The noble knight alighted by and by
8 From loftie steede, and bad the Ladie stay,
To see what end of fight should him befall that day.
1 They sadly travelled thus, until they came 2 Nigh to a castle built strong and high: 3 Then cried the dwarf, "Lo yonder is the same 4 In which my lord, my liege, does luckless lie,
liege > {Lord to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}
5 Thrall to that giant's hateful tyranny:
Thrall > Slave
6 Therefore, dear sir, your mighty powers assay."
assay > put to the proof, test
7 The noble knight alighted by and by
by and by > straight away
8 From lofty steed, and bade the lady stay, 9 To see what end of fight should him befall that day.
108.3
So with +the+ Squire, th'admirer of his might,
2 He marched forth towards that castle wall;
Whose gates he found fast shut, ne liuing wight
4 To ward the same, nor answere commers call.
Then tooke that Squire an horne of bugle small,
6 Which hong adowne his side in twisted gold,
And tassels gay. Wyde wonders ouer all
8 Of that same hornes great vertues weren told,
Which had approued bene in vses manifold.
1 the > his 1590
1 So with the squire, the admirer of his might, 2 He marched forth towards that castle wall, 3 Whose gates he found fast shut, no living wight
fast > firmly wight > being
4 To ward the same, nor answer comer's call.
ward > guard
5 Then took that squire a horn of bugle small,
bugle > wild ox
6 Which hung adown his side in twisted gold
adown > down
7 And tassels gay. Wide wonders over all
over all > everywhere
8 Of that same horn's great virtues were told,
virtues > powers
9 Which had approved been in uses manifold.
approved > proved, demonstrated practically
108.4
Was neuer wight, that heard that shrilling sound,
2 But trembling feare did feele in euery vaine;
Three miles it might be easie heard around,
4 And Ecchoes three answerd it selfe againe:
No false enchauntment, nor deceiptfull traine
6 Might once abide the terror of that blast,
But presently was voide and wholly vaine:
8 No gate so strong, no locke so firme and fast,
But with that percing noise flew open quite, or brast.
1 Was never wight, that heard that shrilling sound,
wight > [a] creature, being, person
2 But trembling fear did feel in every vein: 3 Three miles it might be easily heard around, 4 And echoes three answered itself again: 5 No false enchantment nor deceitful train
train > trick
6 Might once abide the terror of that blast, 7 But presently was void and wholly vain:
presently > instantly vain > useless; weak
8 No gate so strong, no lock so firm and fast,
fast > firm
9 But with that piercing noise flew open quite, or burst.
108.5
The same before the Geants gate he blew,
2 That all the castle quaked from the ground,
And euery dore of freewill open flew.
4 The Gyant selfe dismaied with that sownd,
Where he with his Duessa dalliance fownd,
6 In hast came rushing forth from inner bowre,
With staring countenance sterne, as one astownd,
8 And staggering steps, to weet, what suddein +stowre,+
Had wrought that horror strange, and dar'd his dreaded powre.
8 stowre, > stowre 1609
1 The same before the giant's gate he blew, 2 That all the castle quaked from the ground,
That > [So that]
3 And every door of freewill open flew.
of > [of its own]
4 The giant himself, dismayed with that sound
dismayed > dismayed (but also with a pun on "dis-made", here implying "unjoined", "unlinked") with > by
5 Where he with his Duessa dalliance found, 6 In haste came rushing forth from inner bower,
bower > room, chamber
7 With staring countenance stern, as one astounded,
stern > fierce, grim astounded > astounded, panic-stricken
8 And staggering steps, to weet what sudden stour
weet > find out stour > commotion
9 Had wrought that horror strange, and dared his dreaded power.
108.6
And after him the proud Duessa came,
2 High mounted on her manyheaded beast,
And euery head with fyrie tongue did flame,
4 And euery head was crowned on his creast,
And bloudie mouthed with late cruell feast.
6 That when the knight beheld, his mightie shild
Vpon his manly arme he soone addrest,
8 And at him fiercely flew, with courage fild,
And eger greedinesse through euery member thrild.
1 And after him the proud Duessa came, 2 High mounted on her many-headed beast, 3 And every head with fiery tongue did flame, 4 And every head was crowned on its crest,
crowned > (See Rev. 12.3)
5 And bloody-mouthed with late cruel feast. 6 That when the knight beheld, his mighty shield 7 Upon his manly arm he soon addressed,
soon > immediately addressed > put, fixed; hence: donned
8 And at him fiercely flew, with courage filled, 9 And eager greediness through every member thrilled.
greediness > eagerness, zeal member > limb
108.7
Therewith the Gyant buckled him to fight,
2 Inflam'd with scornefull wrath and high disdaine,
And lifting vp his dreadfull club on hight,
4 All arm'd with ragged snubbes and knottie graine,
Him thought at first encounter to haue slaine.
6 But wise and warie was that noble Pere,
And lightly leaping from so monstrous maine,
8 Did faire auoide the violence him nere;
It booted nought, to thinke, such thunderbolts to beare.
1 Therewith the giant buckled himself to fight,
Therewith > With that, thereupon buckled > prepared
2 Inflamed with scornful wrath and high disdain,
disdain > anger
3 And, lifting up his dreadful club on high 4 (All armed with ragged snubs and knotty grain),
snubs > snags; stubs (cf. 107.10:7)
5 Him thought at first encounter to have slain. 6 But wise and wary was that noble peer,
peer > {One equally matched with another; nobleman}
7 And, lightly leaping from so monstrous main,
lightly > lightly; quickly so > such main > force
8 Did fair avoid the violence him near; 9 It booted naught to think such thunderbolts to bear.
booted naught to think > [did not bear thinking about]
108.8
Ne shame he thought to shunne so hideous might:
2 The idle stroke, enforcing furious way,
Missing the marke of his misaymed sight
4 Did fall to ground, and with his heauie sway
So deepely dinted in the driuen clay,
6 That three yardes deepe a furrow vp did throw:
The sad earth wounded with so sore assay,
8 Did grone full grieuous vnderneath the blow,
And trembling with strange feare, did like an earthquake show.
1 No shame he thought to shun so hideous might:
thought > [thought it] so > such hideous > terrific; immense; odious
2 The idle stroke, enforcing furious way,
idle > futile
3 Missing the mark of his mis-aimed sight, 4 Did fall to ground and with his heavy sway
sway > swing, momentum of swing
5 So deeply dinted in the driven clay
dinted > impacted
6 That three yards deep a furrow up did throw: 7 The sad earth, wounded with so sore assay,
sad > steadfast; stiff, heavy so > such [a] assay > assault
8 Did groan full grievous underneath the blow,
full > very, exceedingly
9 And, trembling with strange fear, did like an earthquake show.
108.9
As when almightie Ioue in wrathfull mood,
2 To wreake the guilt of mortall sins is bent,
Hurles forth his thundring dart with deadly food,
4 Enrold in flames, and smouldring dreriment,
Through riuen cloudes and molten firmament;
6 The fierce threeforked engin making way,
Both loftie towres and highest trees hath rent,
8 And all that might his angrie passage stay,
And shooting in the earth, casts vp a mount of clay.
1 As when almighty Jove, in wrathful mood, 2 To wreak the guilt of mortal sins is bent,
wreak > avenge mortal > {Pertaining to mortals; also: deserving death}
3 Hurls forth his thundering dart with deadly feud,
feud > hatred
4 Enrolled in flames, and smouldering dreariment,
dreariment > gloom
5 Through riven clouds and molten firmament; 6 The fierce three-forked engine, making way,
engine > engine of destruction, missile
7 Both lofty towers and highest trees has rent,
rent > torn, split asunder
8 And all that might its angry passage stay;
stay > hinder
9 And, shooting in the earth, casts up a mount of clay.
mount > hill, hillock; mound
108.10
His boystrous club, so buried in the ground,
2 He could not rearen vp againe so light,
But that the knight him at +auantage+ found,
4 And whiles he stroue his combred clubbe to quight
Out of the earth, with blade all burning bright
6 He smote off his left arme, which like a blocke
Did fall to ground, depriu'd of natiue might;
8 Large streames of bloud out of the truncked stocke
Forth gushed, like fresh water streame from riuen rocke.
3 auantage > aduantage 1590
1 His boisterous club, so buried in the ground,
boisterous > cumbersome
2 He could not rear up again so lightly;
lightly > easily, quickly [as he had buried it]
3 But that the knight himself at advantage found,
But > [So]
4 And, while he strove his encumbered club to quit
quit > free
5 Out of the earth, with blade all burning bright 6 He smote off his left arm, which like a block 7 Did fall to ground, deprived of native might;
native > innate
8 Large streams of blood out of the trunked stock
trunked > truncated (Latin truncus: cf. 205.4:9)
9 Forth gushed, like freshwater stream from riven rock.
108.11
Dismaied with so desperate deadly wound,
2 And eke impatient of vnwonted paine,
He loudly brayd with beastly yelling sound,
4 That all the fields rebellowed againe;
As great a noyse, as when in Cymbrian plaine
6 An heard of Bulles, whom kindly rage doth sting,
Do for the milkie mothers want complaine,
8 And fill the fields with troublous bellowing,
The neighbour woods around with hollow +murmur ring+.
9 murmur ring > murmuring 1590 etc.: FE
1 Dismayed with so desperate deadly wound,
Dismayed with > Dismayed by; dis-made by (again the pun: cf. 108.5:4) so > such [a]
2 And eke impatient of unwonted pain,
eke impatient of unwonted pain > also unable to endure unaccustomed pain
3 He loudly brayed with beastly yelling sound,
brayed > cried out
4 That all the fields rebellowed again;
That > [So that] rebellowed > bellowed in reply; loudly re-echoed
5 As great a noise, as when in Cymbrian plain
Cymbrian > (Various explanations of this word have been put forward: (1) Cumbrian: Cumbria is a region in NW England which Spenser probably knew; (2) Cambrian, meaning Welsh; (3) Cimbrian, after the Cimbrian peninsula in modern Denmark, once noted for the ferocity of its inhabitants; (4) Crimean: relating to the Tauric Chersonese, once inhabited by the Cimmerii)
6 A herd of bulls, whom kindly rage does sting,
kindly rage > lust (kindly = natural; rage = violent passion)
7 Do for the milky mothers' want complain,
want > lack
8 And fill the fields with troublous bellowing; 9 The neighbour woods around with hollow murmur ring.
murmur > grumbling [sound]
108.12
That when his deare Duessa heard, and saw
2 The euill stownd, that daungerd her estate,
Vnto his aide she hastily did draw
4 Her dreadfull beast, who swolne with bloud of late
Came ramping forth with proud +presumpteous+ gate,
6 And threatned all his heads like flaming brands.
But him the Squire made quickly to retrate,
8 Encountring fierce with single sword in hand,
And twixt him and his Lord did like bulwarke stand.
5 presumpteous > presumptuous 1609
1 That when his dear Duessa heard, and saw 2 The evil stound that dangered her estate,
stound > {Time of peril or pain (chiefly in northern dialect)} dangered > endangered estate > prosperity, fortune; condition, rank, status
3 To his aid she hastily did draw 4 Her dreadful beast, who, swollen with blood of late, 5 Came ramping forth with proud presumptuous gait,
ramping > leaping
6 And threatened all his heads like flaming brands. 7 But him the squire made quickly to retrait,
retrait > retreat, retire
8 Encountering fiercely with single sword in hand, 9 And 'twixt him and his lord did like bulwark stand.
lord > [Arthur]
108.13
The proud Duessa full of wrathfull spight,
2 And fierce disdaine, to be affronted so,
Enforst her purple beast with all her might
4 That stop out of the way to ouerthroe,
Scorning the let of so vnequall foe:
6 But nathemore would that courageous swayne
To her yeeld passage, gainst his Lord to goe,
8 But with outrageous strokes did him restraine,
And with his bodie bard the way atwixt them twaine.
1 The proud Duessa, full of wrathful spite 2 And fierce disdain, to be affronted so,
disdain > indignation, anger affronted > defied; confronted
3 Enforced her purple beast with all her might
Enforced > Encouraged; constrained
4 That stop out of the way to overthrow,
stop > obstacle [the squire]
5 Scorning the let of so unequal foe:
let > hindrance so > such [an]
6 But nathemore would that courageous swain
nathemore > never the more swain > youth, young man
7 To her yield passage, gainst his lord to go,
gainst > against
8 But with outrageous strokes did him restrain,
outrageous > violent him > [the beast]
9 And with his body barred the way atwixt them twain.
atwixt them twain > between the two of them
108.14
Then tooke the angrie witch her golden cup,
2 Which she still bore, replete with magick artes;
Death and despeyre did many thereof sup,
4 And secret poyson through their +inner+ parts,
Th'eternall bale of heauie wounded harts;
6 Which after charmes and some enchauntments said,
She lightly sprinkled on his weaker parts;
8 Therewith his sturdie courage soone was quayd,
And all his senses were with suddeine dread dismayd.
4 inner > inward 1609
1 Then took the angry witch her golden cup,
golden cup > (See Rev. 17.4)
2 Which she still bore, replete with magic arts; 3 Death and despair did many thereof sup, 4 And secret poison through their inner parts, 5 The eternal bale of heavy wounded hearts;
bale > torment
6 Which, after charms and some enchantments said, 7 She lightly sprinkled on his weaker parts;
weaker > too-weak parts > abilities, capacities; hence: will, will-power
8 Therewith his sturdy courage soon was quayed,
Therewith > With that sturdy > courageous, ruthless soon > at once quayed > daunted
9 And all his senses were with sudden dread dismayed.
dismayed > overcome; defeated
108.15
So downe he fell before the cruell beast,
2 Who on his necke his bloudie clawes did seize,
That life +nigh+ crusht out of his panting brest:
4 No powre he had to stirre, nor will to rize.
That when the carefull knight gan well auise,
6 He lightly left the foe, with whom he fought,
And to the beast gan turne his enterprise;
8 For wondrous anguish in his hart it wrought,
To see his loued Squire into such thraldome brought.
3 nigh > night 1596
1 So down he fell before the cruel beast, 2 Who on his neck his bloody claws did seize, 3 That life nigh crushed out of his panting breast: 4 No power he had to stir, nor will to rise. 5 That when the careful knight gan well advise,
careful > wary; anxious gan > did advise > notice, perceive
6 He lightly left the foe with whom he fought,
lightly > quickly
7 And to the beast gan turn his enterprise;
gan > did; began to
8 For wondrous anguish in his heart it wrought 9 To see his beloved squire into such thraldom brought.
thraldom > captivity, bondage
108.16
And high aduauncing his bloud-thirstie blade,
2 Stroke one of those deformed heads so sore,
That of his puissance proud ensample made;
4 His monstrous scalpe downe to his teeth it tore,
And that misformed shape mis-shaped more:
6 A sea of bloud gusht from the gaping wound,
That her gay garments staynd with filthy gore,
8 And ouerflowed all the field around;
That ouer shoes in bloud he waded on the ground.
1 And, high advancing his bloodthirsty blade,
advancing > raising
2 Struck one of those deformed heads so sore 3 That of his puissance proud example made;
puissance > power, strength proud > (Refers to both "his puissance" and the "ensample")
4 His monstrous scalp down to his teeth it tore,
scalp > scalp; or: crown of the head, cranium
5 And that misformed shape mis-shaped more:
mis-shaped > made mis-shapen
6 A sea of blood gushed from the gaping wound, 7 That her gay garments stained with filthy gore, 8 And overflowed all the field around; 9 That over shoes in blood he waded on the ground.
That > [So that]
108.17
Thereat he roared for exceeding paine,
2 That to haue heard, great horror would haue bred,
And scourging th'emptie ayre with his long traine,
4 Through great impatience of his grieued hed
His gorgeous ryder from her loftie sted
6 Would haue cast downe, and trod in durtie myre,
Had not the Gyant soone her succoured;
8 Who all enrag'd with smart and franticke yre,
Came hurtling in full fierce, and forst the knight retyre.
1 Thereat he roared for exceeding pain, 2 That, to have heard, great horror would have bred,
bred > engendered
3 And, scourging the empty air with his long train,
train > tail
4 Through great impatience of his grieved head,
impatience > {Intolerance of, inability to endure, pain. Cf. 108.11:2} grieved > wounded
5 His gorgeous rider from her lofty stead
stead > place; hence: seat
6 Would have cast down, and trod in dirty mire, 7 Had not the giant soon her succoured;
soon > immediately
8 Who, all enraged with smart and frantic ire,
smart > acute pain
9 Came hurtling in full fierce, and forced the knight retire.
hurtling > rushing full > exceedingly retire > [to retire]
108.18
The force, which wont in two to be disperst,
2 In one alone left hand he now vnites,
Which is through rage more strong then both were erst;
4 With which his hideous club aloft he dites,
And at his foe with furious rigour smites,
6 That strongest Oake might seeme to ouerthrow:
The stroke vpon his shield so heauie lites,
8 That to the ground it doubleth him full +low+
What mortall wight could euer beare so monstrous blow?
8 low > lowe, 1609
1 The force, which wont in two to be dispersed,
wont > was accustomed, used
2 In one alone left hand he now unites,
left > remaining (cf. 108.10:6)
3 Which is through rage more strong than both were erst;
erst > previously
4 With which his hideous club aloft he dights,
hideous > terrific; immense; odious dights > prepares; hence: raises
5 And at his foe with furious rigour smites,
rigour > violence
6 That strongest oak might seem to overthrow:
strongest > [the strongest]
7 The stroke upon his shield so heavily alights, 8 That to the ground it doubles him full low:
full > very, exceedingly
9 What mortal wight could ever bear so monstrous blow?
wight > being, man so > such [a]
108.19
And in his fall his shield, that couered was,
2 Did loose his vele by chaunce, and open flew:
The light whereof, that heauens light did pas,
4 Such blazing brightnesse through the aier threw,
That eye mote not the same endure to vew.
6 Which when the Gyaunt spyde with staring eye,
He downe let fall his arme, and soft withdrew
8 His weapon huge, that heaued was on hye
For to haue slaine the man, that on the ground did lye.
1 And in his fall his shield, that covered was, 2 Did lose its veil by chance, and open flew:
veil > covering (see 107.33:1-2)
3 The light whereof, that heaven's light did surpass, 4 Such blazing brightness through the air threw 5 That eye might not the same endure to view. 6 Which when the giant spied with staring eye, 7 He down let fall his arm, and soft withdrew 8 His weapon huge, that heaved was on high 9 To have slain the man, that on the ground did lie.
108.20
And eke the fruitfull-headed beast, amaz'd
2 At flashing beames of that sunshiny shield,
Became starke blind, and all his senses daz'd,
4 That downe he tumbled on the durtie field,
And seem'd himselfe as conquered to yield.
6 Whom when his maistresse proud perceiu'd to fall,
Whiles yet his feeble feet for faintnesse reeld,
8 Vnto the Gyant loudly she gan call,
O helpe Orgoglio, helpe, or else we perish all.
1 And eke the fruitful-headed beast, amazed
eke > moreover fruitful-headed > {Having or producing many heads} amazed > astounded; panic-stricken; ?terrified
2 At flashing beams of that sunshiny shield, 3 Became stark blind, and all his senses dazed, 4 That down he tumbled on the dirty field,
That > [So that]
5 And seemed himself as conquered to yield. 6 Whom when his mistress proud perceived to fall, 7 While yet his feeble feet for faintness reeled, 8 To the giant loudly she gan call:
gan > did
9 "O help, Orgoglio, help, or else we perish all!"
108.21
At her so pitteous cry was much +amoou'd,+
2 Her champion stout, and for to ayde his frend,
Againe his wonted angry weapon proou'd:
4 But all in vaine: for he has read his end
In that bright shield, and all +their+ forces spend
6 Themselues in vaine: for since that glauncing sight,
He hath no powre to hurt, nor to defend;
8 As where th'Almighties lightning brond does light,
It dimmes the dazed eyen, and daunts the senses quight.
1 amoou'd, > amoou'd 1609 5 their > his sugg. Church; "their" may refer to Orgoglio and Duessa
1 At her so piteous cry was much moved 2 Her champion stout, and to aid his friend
stout > bold; fierce; arrogant friend > lover
3 Again his wonted angry weapon proved:
wonted > customary proved > tried
4 But all in vain: for he has read his end
read > seen
5 In that bright shield, and all their forces spend
their > (See Textual Appendix)
6 Themselves in vain: for, since that glancing sight,
glancing > flashing
7 He has no power to hurt, nor to defend; 8 As where the Almighty's lightning brand does alight, 9 It dims the dazed eyes, and daunts the senses quite.
dazed > dazzled
108.22
Whom when the Prince, to battell new addrest,
2 And threatning high his dreadfull stroke did see,
His sparkling blade about his head he blest,
4 And smote off quite his right leg by the knee,
That downe he tombled; as an aged tree,
6 High growing on the top of rocky clift,
Whose hartstrings with keene steele nigh hewen be,
8 The mightie trunck halfe rent, with ragged rift
Doth roll adowne the rocks, and fall with fearefull drift.
1 Whom when the prince, to battle new addressed, 2 And threatening high his dreadful stroke, did see, 3 His sparkling blade about his head he blessed,
blessed > brandished
4 And smote off quite his right leg by the knee, 5 That down he tumbled; as an aged tree,
That > [So that]
6 High growing on the top of rocky cliff, 7 Whose heartstrings with keen steel nigh hewed be,
heartstrings > {Tendons or nerves supporting the heart; hence, here: central fibres of heartwood} keen > sharp
8 The mighty trunk half rent, with ragged rift
rent > split, torn ragged rift > ragged fissure ("ragged" also = "discordant", "harsh" (e.g. at 112.23:4); "rift" may also mean "rubble": cf. this same phrase at 212.4:5)
9 Does roll adown the rocks, and fall with fearful drift.
adown > down drift > motion, momentum (cf. Aen. 2.626-631)
108.23
Or as a Castle reared high and round,
2 By subtile engins and malitious slight
Is vndermined from the lowest ground,
4 And her foundation forst, and feebled quight,
At last downe falles, and with her heaped hight
6 Her hastie ruine does more heauie make,
And yields it selfe vnto the victours might;
8 Such was this Gyaunts fall, that seemd to shake
The stedfast globe of earth, as it for feare did quake.
1 Or as a castle, reared high and round, 2 By subtile engines and malicious sleight
subtile > subtle; sly, cunning (cf. 106.5:2) engines > machines, contrivances; siege-engines sleight > skill; artifice, ruse
3 Is undermined from the lowest ground, 4 And its foundation forced, and enfeebled quite, 5 At last down falls, and with its heaped height 6 Its hasty ruin does more heavy make,
ruin > {The act of collapse of a building, etc.} heavy > heavy; grave; thunderous
7 And yields itself to the victor's might: 8 Such was this giant's fall, that seemed to shake 9 The steadfast globe of earth, as it for fear did quake.
steadfast > (Cf. 108.8:7-9) as > [as if]
108.24
The knight then lightly leaping to the pray,
2 With mortall steele him smot againe so sore,
That headlesse his vnweldy bodie lay,
4 All wallowd in his owne fowle bloudy gore,
Which flowed from his wounds in wondrous +store,+
6 But soone as breath out of his brest did pas,
That huge great body, which the Gyaunt bore,
8 Was vanisht quite, and of that monstrous mas
Was nothing left, but like an emptie bladder was.
5 store, > store. 1590; store: 1609
1 The knight, then lightly leaping to the prey,
lightly > lightly; quickly
2 With mortal steel him smote again so sore
mortal > lethal
3 That headless his unwieldy body lay, 4 All wallowed in his own foul bloody gore, 5 Which flowed from his wounds in wondrous store. 6 But, soon as breath out of his breast did pass, 7 That huge great body, which the giant bore, 8 Was vanished quite; and of that monstrous mass 9 Was nothing left, but like an empty bladder was.
108.25
Whose grieuous fall, when false Duessa spide,
2 Her golden cup she cast vnto the ground,
And crowned mitre rudely threw aside;
4 Such percing griefe her stubborne hart did wound,
That she could not endure that dolefull stound,
6 But leauing all behind her, fled away:
The light-foot Squire her quickly turnd around,
8 And by hard meanes enforcing her to stay,
So brought vnto his Lord, as his deserued pray.
1 Whose grievous fall when false Duessa spied, 2 Her golden cup she cast to the ground, 3 And crowned mitre rudely threw aside;
mitre > head-dress; sacerdotal head-dress (often associated with episcopal office or dignity) rudely > roughly
4 Such piercing grief her stubborn heart did wound,
stubborn > intractable
5 That she could not endure that doleful stound,
stound > {Period of alarm and tumult; peril (chiefly in northern dialect)}
6 But, leaving all behind her, fled away: 7 The lightfoot squire her quickly turned around,
lightfoot > light-footed
8 And by hard means enforcing her to stay, 9 So brought to his lord, as his deserved prey.
So brought > [Thus brought her]
108.26
The royall Virgin, which beheld from farre,
2 In pensiue plight, and sad perplexitie,
The whole atchieuement of this doubtfull warre,
4 Came running fast to greet his victorie,
With sober gladnesse, and myld modestie,
6 And with sweet ioyous cheare him thus bespake;
Faire braunch of noblesse, flowre of cheualrie,
8 That with your worth the world amazed make,
How shall I quite the paines, ye suffer for my sake?
1 The royal virgin, who beheld from far, 2 In pensive plight and sad perplexity,
pensive > apprehensive, anxious perplexity > distress
3 The whole achievement of this doubtful war,
doubtful > uncertain, unpredictable
4 Came running fast to greet his victory
greet > congratulate him on (SUFQ)
5 With sober gladness and mild modesty,
mild > gracious
6 And with sweet joyous cheer him thus bespoke:
cheer > expression; bearing bespoke > addressed
7 "Fair branch of noblesse, flower of chivalry,
noblesse > nobility
8 That with your worth the world amazed make, 9 How shall I requite the pains you suffer for my sake?
108.27
And you fresh bud of vertue springing fast,
2 Whom these sad eyes saw nigh vnto deaths dore,
What hath poore Virgin for such perill past,
4 Wherewith you to reward? Accept therefore
My simple selfe, and seruice euermore;
6 And he that high does sit, and all things see
With equall +eyes+, their merites to restore,
8 Behold what ye this day haue done for mee,
And what I cannot quite, requite with vsuree.
7 eyes > eye 1590
1 "And you, fresh bud of virtue springing fast,
you > [now addressing the squire] virtue > valour
2 Whom these sad eyes saw nigh to death's door, 3 What has poor virgin for such peril past 4 Wherewith you to reward? Accept therefore
Wherewith > With which
5 My simple self, and service evermore; 6 And He that high does sit, and all things see 7 With equal eyes, their merits to restore, 8 Behold what you this day have done for me,
Behold > [May He behold]
9 And what I cannot requite, +requite+ with usury.
requite > [may He requite] usury > interest
108.28
But sith the heauens, and your faire +handeling+
2 Haue made you maister of the field this day,
Your fortune maister eke with gouerning,
4 And well begun end all so well, I pray,
Ne let that wicked woman scape away;
6 For she it is, that did my Lord bethrall,
My dearest Lord, and deepe in dongeon lay,
8 Where he his better dayes hath wasted all.
O heare, how piteous he to you for ayd does call.
1 handeling > handling 1609
1 "But sith the heavens, and your fair handling,
sith > since handling > treatment, management; hence: conduct
2 Have made you master of the field this day,
field > field of battle; battle
3 Your fortune master eke with governing,
master > (Vb.) eke > likewise
4 And well-begun, end all so well, I pray;
all so > equally
5 Nor let that wicked woman scape away:
scape > escape
6 For she it is that did my lord thrall,
thrall > enslave, take captive
7 My dearest lord, and deep in dungeon laid, 8 Where he his better days has wasted all. 9 O hear, how piteously he to you for aid does call!"
108.29
Forthwith he gaue in charge vnto his Squire,
2 That scarlot whore to keepen carefully;
Whiles he himselfe with greedie great desire
4 Into the Castle entred +forcibly,+
Where liuing creature none he did espye;
6 Then gan he lowdly through the house to call:
But no man car'd to answere to his crye.
8 There raignd a solemne silence ouer all,
Nor voice was heard, nor wight was seene in bowre or hall.
4 forcibly, > forcibly. 1596
1 Forthwith he gave in charge to his squire 2 That scarlet whore to keep carefully;
scarlet > (The colour of her clothing; and also, of sins: heinous, deep-dyed (Isa. 1.18))
3 While he himself with greedy great desire
greedy > eager
4 Into the castle entered forcibly, 5 Where living creature none he did espy; 6 Then began he loudly through the house to call: 7 But no man cared to answer to his cry. 8 There reigned a solemn silence over all; 9 Nor voice was heard, nor wight was seen in bower or hall.
Nor > Neither [a] wight > creature, being, person bower > room, chamber hall > {A spacious public room in a castle, palace, etc., used for banquets and receptions, much larger than the inner rooms or bowers}
108.30
At last with creeping crooked pace forth came
2 +An+ old old man, with beard as white as snow,
That on a staffe his feeble steps did frame,
4 And guide his wearie gate both too and fro:
For his eye sight him failed long ygo,
6 And on his arme a bounch of keyes he bore,
The which vnused rust did ouergrow:
8 Those were the keyes of euery inner dore,
But he could not them vse, but kept them still in store.
2 An > And 1596
1 At last, with creeping crooked pace, forth came 2 An old old man, with beard as white as snow,
old man > (This compound word can be taken here in its literal sense and as a synonym for unregenerate human nature, as in "Old Adam")
3 That on a staff his feeble steps did frame,
frame > give shape to, direct
4 And guide his weary gait both to and fro: 5 For his eyesight him failed long ago, 6 And on his arm a bunch of keys he bore, 7 Which, unused, rust did overgrow: 8 Those were the keys of every inner door, 9 But he could not them use, but kept them still in store.
still > yet; stationary (i.e. unused, unturned)
108.31
But very vncouth sight was to behold,
2 How he did fashion his vntoward pace,
For as he forward moou'd his footing old,
4 So backward still was turnd his wrincled face,
Vnlike to men, who euer as they trace,
6 Both feet and face one way are wont to lead.
This was the auncient keeper of that place,
8 And foster father of the Gyant dead;
His name Ignaro did his nature right aread.
1 But very uncouth sight was to behold
uncouth > strange, unseemly was > [it was]
2 How he did fashion his untoward pace,
untoward > ungainly; perverse
3 For as he forward moved his footing old, 4 So backward still was turned his wrinkled face,
still > continuously
5 Unlike to men, who ever, as they trace,
to > [the manner of] trace > tread, proceed
6 Both feet and face one way are wont to lead.
wont > accustomed
7 This was the ancient keeper of that place, 8 And foster-father of the giant dead; 9 His name Ignaro did his nature right aread.
Ignaro > "Ignorance" aread > bespeak; make known
108.32
His reuerend haires and holy grauitie
2 The knight much honord, as beseemed well,
And gently askt, where all the people bee,
4 Which in that stately building wont to dwell.
Who answerd him full soft, he could not tell.
6 Againe he askt, where that same knight was layd,
Whom great Orgoglio with his puissaunce fell
8 Had made his caytiue +thrall,+ againe he sayde,
He could not tell: ne euer other answere made.
8 thrall, > thrall: 1590; thrall; 1609
1 His reverend hair and holy gravity 2 The knight much honoured, as beseemed well,
beseemed > seemed fitting, seemed appropriate
3 And gently asked where all the people be,
gently > gently; politely be > [were]
4 Who in that stately building wont to dwell.
wont > were accustomed, used
5 Who answered him full soft, he could not tell.
full > very
6 Again he asked where that same knight was laid, 7 Whom great Orgoglio with his puissance fell
puissance > power, strength fell > fierce, terrible
8 Had made his caitiff thrall; again he said,
caitiff > wretched thrall > slave
9 He could not tell: nor ever other answer made.
108.33
Then asked he, which way he in might pas:
2 He could not tell, againe he answered.
Thereat the curteous knight displeased was,
4 And said, Old sire, it seemes thou hast not red
How ill it +sits+ with that same siluer hed
6 In vaine to mocke, or mockt in vaine to bee:
But if thou be, as thou art pourtrahed
8 With natures pen, in ages graue degree,
Aread in grauer wise, what I demaund of thee.
5 sits > fits 1596, 1609; cf. 101.30:9
1 Then asked he which way he in might pass: 2 He could not tell, again he answered. 3 Thereat the courteous knight displeased was,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that
4 And said, "Old sire, it seems you have not read
sire > {Father; form of address to an elderly man; the original form of "sir"} read > discerned; thought; understood
5 How ill it sits with that same silver head
sits with > suits, befits (see Textual Appendix)
6 In vain to mock, or mocked in vain to be: 7 But if you are as you are portrayed 8 With nature's pen, in age's grave degree, 9 Aread in graver wise what I demand of you."
Aread > make known; declare wise > manner demand > ask, inquire (the modern sense is rather too strong)
108.34
His answere likewise was, he could not tell.
2 Whose sencelesse speach, and doted ignorance
When as the noble Prince had marked well,
4 He ghest his nature by his countenance,
And calmd his wrath with goodly temperance.
6 Then to him stepping, from his arme did reach
Those keyes, and made himselfe free enterance.
8 Each dore he opened without any breach;
There was no barre to stop, nor foe him to empeach.
1 His answer likewise was, he could not tell. 2 Whose senseless speech, and doted ignorance,
doted > deranged, weak-headed
3 When the noble prince had marked well, 4 He guessed his nature by his countenance,
countenance > demeanour
5 And calmed his wrath with goodly temperance. 6 Then, to him stepping, from his arm did reach 7 Those keys, and made himself free entrance. 8 Each door he opened without any breach;
breach > interruption; [need for] breaking [it] down
9 There was no bar to stop, nor foe him to impeach.
impeach > impede
108.35
There all within full rich arayd he found,
2 With royall arras and resplendent gold.
And did with store of euery thing abound,
4 That greatest Princes presence might behold.
But all the floore (too filthy to be told)
6 With bloud of guiltlesse babes, and innocents trew,
Which there were slaine, as sheepe out of the fold,
8 Defiled was, that dreadfull was to vew,
And sacred ashes ouer it was strowed new.
1 There all within full richly arrayed he found,
full > very, exceedingly
2 With royal arras and resplendent gold,
arras > {Tapestry wall-hanging, screen; see 301.34:2}
3 And did with store of everything abound, 4 That greatest princes' presence might behold.
princes' > (Or "prince's", possibly referring directly to Arthur)
5 But all the floor (too filthy to be told) 6 With blood of guiltless babes, and innocents true, 7 Who there were slain, as sheep out of the fold, 8 Defiled was, that dreadful was to view, 9 And sacred ashes over it were strewn new.
sacred > {Sacred, because used to soak up Christians' blood: see 108.36:3; detestable, accursed, consecrated to one of the in- fernal deities, hence: devoted to destruction (Latin sacer)} new > newly, recently
108.36
And there beside of marble stone was built
2 An Altare, caru'd with cunning imagery,
On which true Christians bloud was often spilt,
4 And holy Martyrs often doen to dye,
With cruell malice and strong tyranny:
6 Whose blessed sprites from vnderneath the stone
To God for vengeance cryde continually,
8 And with great griefe were often heard to grone,
That hardest heart would bleede, to heare their piteous mone.
1 And there beside of marble stone was built 2 An altar, carved with cunning imagery,
cunning > occult; deceitful imagery > idolatrous images
3 On which true Christians' blood was often spilt, 4 And holy martyrs often done to die
die > [death]
5 With cruel malice and strong tyranny: 6 Whose blessed spirits, from underneath the stone, 7 To God for vengeance cried continually, 8 And with great grief were often heard to groan, 9 That hardest heart would bleed to hear their piteous moan.
That > [So that the] moan > lamentation, lamentations
108.37
Through euery rowme he sought, and euery bowr,
2 But no where could he find that wofull thrall:
At last he came vnto an yron doore,
4 That fast was lockt, but key found not at all
Emongst that bounch, to open it withall;
6 But in the same a little grate was pight,
Through which he sent his voyce, and lowd did call
8 With all his powre, to weet, if liuing wight
Were housed therewithin, whom he enlargen might.
1 Through every room he sought, and every bower,
bower > inner room, bed-chamber
2 But nowhere could he find that woeful thrall:
thrall > captive
3 At last he came to an iron door 4 That fast was locked, but key found not at all
fast > firmly
5 Amongst that bunch to open it withal;
withal > therewith
6 But in the same a little grate was pight,
grate > grating, grille pight > placed
7 Through which he sent his voice, and loud did call 8 With all his power, to weet if living wight
weet > find out wight > person
9 Were housed therewithin, whom he enlarge might.
enlarge > set free
108.38
Therewith an hollow, dreary, murmuring voyce
2 These piteous plaints and dolours did resound;
O who is that, which brings me happy choyce
4 Of death, that here lye dying euery stound,
Yet liue perforce in balefull darkenesse bound?
6 For now three Moones haue changed thrice their hew,
And haue beene thrice hid vnderneath the ground,
8 Since I the heauens chearefull face did vew,
O welcome thou, that doest of death bring tydings trew.
1 Therewith a hollow, dreary, murmuring voice
Therewith > Thereupon murmuring > murmuring; complaining
2 These piteous plaints and dolours did resound:
plaints > complaints, lamentations dolours > griefs, sorrows
3 "O who is that, who brings me happy choice
choice > alternative [to a living death]
4 Of death, that here lie dying every stound,
stound > moment (of time)
5 Yet live perforce in baleful darkness bound?
baleful > deadly, miserable
6 For now three moons have changed thrice their hue,
hue > appearance
7 And have been thrice hidden underneath the ground, 8 Since I the heavens' cheerful face did view, 9 O welcome you, that do of death bring tidings true!"
108.39
Which when that Champion heard, with percing point
2 Of pitty deare his hart was thrilled sore,
And trembling horrour ran through euery ioynt,
4 For ruth of gentle knight so fowle forlore:
Which shaking off, he rent that yron dore,
6 With furious force, and indignation fell;
Where entred in, his foot could find no flore,
8 But all a deepe descent, as darke as hell,
That breathed euer forth a filthie banefull smell.
1 Which when that champion heard, with piercing point 2 Of pity dear his heart was thrilled sore,
dear > grievous thrilled > pierced
3 And trembling horror ran through every joint,
joint > limb
4 For ruth of gentle knight so foul forlorn:
ruth > pity gentle > noble
5 Which shaking off, he rent that iron door
rent > tore
6 With furious force and indignation fell;
fell > fierce, terrible
7 Where entered in, his foot could find no floor, 8 But all a deep descent, as dark as hell, 9 That breathed ever forth a filthy baneful smell.
baneful > life-destroying, poisonous
108.40
But neither darkenesse fowle, nor filthy bands,
2 Nor noyous smell his purpose could withhold,
(Entire affection hateth nicer hands)
4 But that with constant zeale, and courage bold,
After long paines and labours manifold,
6 He found the meanes that Prisoner vp to reare;
Whose feeble thighes, vnhable to vphold
8 His pined corse, him scarse to light could +beare,+
A ruefull spectacle of death and ghastly drere.
8 beare, > beare. 1596
1 But neither darkness foul, nor filthy bonds, 2 Nor noyous smell his purpose could withhold
noyous > noisome
3 (Entire affection hates nicer hands),
Entire > Perfect, wholly devoted, unreserved nicer > too-fastidious
4 But with constant zeal and courage bold, 5 After long pains and labours manifold,
pains > efforts
6 He found the means that prisoner up to rear; 7 Whose feeble thighs, unable to uphold 8 His pined corse, him scarce to light could bear,
pined corse > wasted body
9 A rueful spectacle of death and ghastly drear.
drear > sorrow, grief
108.41
His sad dull eyes deepe sunck in hollow pits,
2 Could not endure th'vnwonted sunne to view;
His bare thin cheekes for want of better bits,
4 And empty sides deceiued of their dew,
Could make a stony hart his hap to rew;
6 His rawbone armes, whose mighty brawned bowrs
Were wont to riue steele plates, +and+ helmets hew,
8 Were cleane consum'd, and all his vitall powres
Decayd, and all his flesh shronk vp like withered flowres.
7 and > omitted from 1596
1 His sad dull eyes, deep sunk in hollow pits, 2 Could not endure the unwonted sun to view;
unwonted > unaccustomed
3 His bare, thin cheeks, for want of better bits,
bits > [of food]
4 And empty sides deceived of their due,
deceived > deprived, cheated
5 Could make a stony heart his hap to rue;
hap > lot, fortune
6 His raw-boned arms, whose mighty brawned bowers
raw-boned > {Gaunt; having projecting bones} brawned bowers > brawny muscles
7 Were wont to rive steel plates, and helmets hew,
wont > accustomed
8 Were clean consumed, and all his vital powers 9 Decayed, and all his flesh shrunk up like withered flowers.
108.42
Whom when his Lady saw, to him she ran
2 With hasty ioy: to see him made her glad,
And sad to view his visage pale and wan,
4 Who earst in flowres of freshest youth was clad.
Tho when her well of teares she wasted had,
6 She said, Ah dearest Lord, what euill starre
On you hath fround, and pourd his influence bad,
8 That of your selfe ye thus berobbed arre,
And this misseeming hew your manly looks doth marre?
1 Whom when his lady saw, to him she ran 2 With hasty joy: to see him made her glad, 3 And sad to view his visage pale and wan, 4 Who erst in flowers of freshest youth was clad.
erst > once, previously
5 Tho, when her well of tears she wasted had,
Tho > Then
6 She said, "Ah, dearest lord, what evil star 7 On you has frowned, and poured his influence bad, 8 That of yourself you thus berobbed are,
berobbed > robbed (the prefix is intensive)
9 And this misseeming hue your manly looks does mar?
misseeming hue > unseemly appearance manly > {Pertaining to human beings; also: manly, in the modern sense}
108.43
But welcome now my Lord, in wele or woe,
2 Whose presence I +haue+ lackt too long a day;
And +fie+ on Fortune mine auowed foe,
4 Whose wrathfull wreakes them selues do now alay.
And for these wrongs shall treble penaunce pay
6 Of treble good: good growes of euils priefe.
The chearelesse man, whom sorrow did dismay,
8 Had no delight to treaten of his griefe;
His long endured famine needed more reliefe.
2 haue > kaue 1596 3 fie > sie 1590; fye FE
1 "But welcome now my lord, in weal or woe,
weal > happiness, prosperity
2 Whose presence I have lacked too long a day; 3 And fie on Fortune, my avowed foe, 4 Whose wrathful wreaks themselves do now allay;
wreaks > {Vindictive or vengeful acts (mainly northern dialect)}
5 And for these wrongs shall treble penance pay 6 Of treble good: good grows of evil's proof."
proof > trial, experience
7 The cheerless man, whom sorrow did dismay, 8 Had no delight to treat of his grief;
treat > talk
9 His long endured famine needed more relief.
108.44
Faire Lady, then said that victorious knight,
2 The things, that grieuous were to do, or beare,
Them to renew, I wote, breeds no delight;
4 Best musicke breeds +delight+ in loathing eare:
But th'onely good, that growes of passed feare,
6 Is to be wise, and ware of like agein.
This dayes ensample hath this lesson deare
8 Deepe written in my heart with yron pen,
That blisse may not abide in state of mortall men.
4 delight > dislike _conj. Jortin; despight conj. various editors_
1 "Fair lady," then said that victorious knight, 2 "The things that grievous were to do, or bear, 3 Them to renew, I wot, breeds no delight;
renew > go over again wot > know
4 Best music breeds delight in loathing ear:
delight > (See Textual Appendix; if the reading is good, the intention might perhaps be: "Best music, rather than going over old ground, breeds delight …")
5 But the only good that grows of passed fear 6 Is to be wise, and ware of like again.
ware > wary, cautious in avoiding
7 This day's example has this lesson dear
dear > hard, grievous; dire, difficult; costly
8 Deep written in my heart with iron pen,
iron pen > (See Job 19.24)
9 That bliss may not abide in state of mortal men.
state > [the state]
108.45
Henceforth sir knight, take to you wonted strength,
2 And maister these mishaps with patient might;
Loe where your foe lyes stretcht in monstrous length,
4 And loe that wicked woman in your sight,
The roote of all your care, and wretched plight,
6 Now in your powre, to let her liue, or dye.
To do her dye (quoth Vna) were despight,
8 And shame t'auenge so weake an enimy;
But spoile her of her scarlot robe, and let her fly.
1 "Henceforth, sir knight, take to you wonted strength,
wonted > [your] accustomed
2 And master these mishaps with patient might; 3 Lo where your foe lies stretched in monstrous length,
in > [at; he refers to the empty skin (see 108.24:9)]
4 And lo that wicked woman in your sight, 5 The root of all your care and wretched plight,
care > sorrow
6 Now in your power, to let her live, or die." 7 "To do her die," quoth Una, "were despite,
do her die > put her to death were > [would be] despite > [an act of] spite, malice
8 And shame to avenge so weak an enemy;
avenge > punish, take vengeance upon
9 But spoil her of her scarlet robe, and let her fly."
spoil > strip (with less sense of violence than modern usage implies) scarlet > (Also the colour of her sins: heinous, deep-dyed (Isa. 1.18)) fly > flee
108.46
So as she bad, that witch they disaraid,
2 And robd of royall robes, and purple pall,
And ornaments that richly were displaid;
4 Ne spared they to strip her naked all.
Then when they had despoild her tire and call,
6 Such as she was, their eyes might her behold,
That her +misshaped+ parts did them appall,
8 A loathly, wrinckled hag, ill fauoured, old,
Whose secret filth good manners biddeth not be told.
7 misshaped > mishaped 1596
1 So, as she bade, that witch they disarrayed,
disarrayed > unclothed
2 And robbed of royal robes, and purple pall,
pall > robe, cloak (esp. of rich material; and see Rev. 17.4)
3 And ornaments that richly were displayed; 4 Nor spared they to strip her naked all. 5 Then, when they had despoiled her tire and caul,
despoiled > stripped tire > head-dress caul > {Netted cap worn by women; here ?supporting a wig?}
6 Such as she was, their eyes might her behold, 7 That her misshapen parts did them appal:
That > [So that]
8 A loathly, wrinkled hag, ill-favoured, old,
loathly > loathsome, repulsive ill-favoured > ugly
9 Whose secret filth good manners bids not be told.
be > [to be]
108.47
Her craftie head was altogether bald,
2 And as in hate of honorable eld,
Was ouergrowne with scurfe and filthy scald;
4 Her teeth out of her rotten gummes were feld,
And her sowre breath abhominably smeld;
6 Her dried dugs, like bladders lacking wind,
Hong downe, and filthy matter from them weld;
8 Her wrizled skin as rough, as maple rind,
So scabby was, that would haue loathd all womankind.
1 Her crafty head was altogether bald, 2 And, as in hate of honourable eld,
eld > age, old age
3 Was overgrown with scurf and filthy scall;
scall > {A scabby disease of the skin, esp. of the scalp}
4 Her teeth out of her rotten gums were felled,
felled > fallen
5 And her sour breath abominably smelled; 6 Her dried dugs, like bladders lacking wind,
dugs > breasts
7 Hung down, and filthy matter from them welled; 8 Her wrizzled skin, as rough as maple rind,
wrizzled > wrinkled, shrivelled
9 So scabby was that would have loathed all womankind.
would have loathed > [it would have excited loathing in]
108.48
Her neather parts, the shame of all her kind,
2 My chaster Muse for shame doth blush to +write+
But at her rompe she growing had behind
4 A foxes taile, with dong all fowly dight;
And eke her feete most monstrous were in sight;
6 For one of them was like an Eagles claw,
With griping talaunts armd to greedy fight,
8 The other like a Beares vneuen paw:
More vgly shape yet neuer liuing creature saw.
2 write > write; 1590, 1609
1 Her nether parts, the shame of all her kind, 2 My chaster Muse for shame does blush to write;
chaster > too-chaste write > write of, describe
3 But at her rump she growing had behind 4 A fox's tail, with dung all foully dight;
dight > dressed, fitted; hence: encrusted, smeared
5 And eke her feet most monstrous were in sight;
eke > moreover
6 For one of them was like an eagle's claw, 7 With gripping talons armed to greedy fight,
greedy > eager, rapacious
8 The other like a bear's uneven paw:
uneven > irregular; rugged (see Rev. 13.2)
9 More ugly shape yet never living creature saw.
108.49
Which when the knights beheld, amazd they were,
2 And wondred at so fowle deformed wight.
Such then (said Vna) as she seemeth here,
4 Such is the face of falshood, such the sight
Of fowle Duessa, when her borrowed light
6 Is laid away, and counterfesaunce knowne.
Thus when they had the witch disrobed quight,
8 And all her filthy feature open showne,
They let her goe at will, and wander wayes vnknowne.
1 Which when the knights beheld, amazed they were, 2 And wondered at so foul deformed wight.
wondered > marvelled so > such [a] wight > creature
3 "Such then," said Una, "as she seems here, 4 Such is the face of falsehood: such the sight 5 Of foul Duessa, when her borrowed light 6 Is laid away, and counterfeisance known."
counterfeisance > imposture
7 Thus when they had the witch disrobed quite, 8 And all her filthy feature open shown,
feature > {Form, proportions; bodily shape or build}
9 They let her go at will, and wander ways unknown.
108.50
She flying fast from heauens hated face,
2 And from the world that her discouered wide,
Fled to the wastfull wildernesse apace,
4 From liuing eyes her open shame to hide,
And +lurkt+ in rocks and caues long vnespide.
6 But that faire crew of knights, and Vna faire
Did in that castle afterwards abide,
8 To rest them selues, and weary powres repaire,
Where store they found of all, that dainty was and rare.
5 lurkt > lurket 1596
1 She, flying fast from heaven's hated face,
flying > fleeing
2 And from the world that her discovered wide,
discovered > exposed to view
3 Fled to the wasteful wilderness apace,
wasteful > uninhabited, desolate apace > rapidly
4 From living eyes her open shame to hide, 5 And lurked in rocks and caves, long unespied.
unespied > unseen
6 But that fair crew of knights, and Una fair, 7 Did in that castle afterwards abide, 8 To rest themselves, and weary powers repair, 9 Where store they found of all that dainty was and rare.
dainty > pleasing; scarce; choice, delicious rare > excellent, fine