CANTO VIII
Sir Guyon laid in swowne is by
2 Acrates sonnes despoyld,
Whom Arthur soone hath reskewed
4 And Paynim brethren foyld.
1 Sir Guyon, laid in swoon, is by 2 Acrates' sons despoiled:
despoiled > stripped (strictly speaking, only the attempt is made)
3 Whom Arthur soon has rescued
soon > without delay
4 And paynim brethren foiled.
paynim > pagan, heathen foiled > repulsed; defeated; trampled underfoot
208.1
ANd is there care in heauen? and is there loue
2 In heauenly spirits to these creatures bace,
That may compassion of their euils moue?
4 There is: else much more wretched were the cace
Of men, then beasts. But {o^} th'exceeding grace
6 Of highest God, that loues his creatures so,
And all his workes with mercy doth embrace,
8 That blessed Angels, he sends to and fro,
To serue to wicked man, to serue his wicked foe.
1 And is there care in heaven? And is there love 2 In heavenly spirits to these creatures base,
to > for
3 That may compassion of their evils move?
of > for evils > misfortunes
4 There is: else much more wretched were the case
else > otherwise
5 Of men, than beasts'. But O the exceeding grace
exceeding > surpassing
6 Of highest God, that loves His creatures so, 7 And all His works with mercy does embrace, 8 That blessed angels He sends to and fro,
That > [Such that]
9 To serve to wicked Man, to serve His wicked foe.
serve > minister; act as an instrument of God serve > oppose; punish
208.2
How oft do they, their siluer bowers leaue,
2 To come to succour vs, that succour want?
How oft do they with golden pineons, cleaue
4 The flitting skyes, like flying Pursuiuant,
Against foule feends to aide vs millitant?
6 They for vs fight, they watch and dewly ward,
And their bright Squadrons round about vs plant,
8 And all for loue, and nothing for reward:
O why should heauenly God to men haue such regard?
1 How oft do they their silver bowers leave,
bowers > chambers [heaven]
2 To come to succour us, that succour want?
want > need; want
3 How oft do they, with golden pinions, cleave 4 The flitting skies, like flying pursuivant,
flitting > unsubstantial, yielding pursuivant > {Royal messenger with power to execute warrants}
5 Against foul fiends to aid us militant?
militant > {Engaged in warfare; hence: combatively}
6 They for us fight, they watch and duly ward,
ward > keep guard
7 And their bright squadrons round about us plant, 8 And all for love, and nothing for reward: 9 O why should heavenly God to men have such regard?
to > for
208.3
During the while, that Guyon did abide
2 In +Mamons+ house, the Palmer, whom whyleare
That wanton Mayd of passage had denide,
4 By further search had passage found elsewhere,
And being on his way, approched neare,
6 Where Guyon lay in traunce, when suddenly
He heard a voice, that called loud and cleare,
8 +Come hither, come hither+, {o^} come hastily;
That all the fields resounded with the ruefull cry.
2 Mamons > Mammons 1609 8 Come hither, come hither > Come hether, Come hether 1590; Come hither, hither 1609, to preserve the metre
1 During the while that Guyon did abide 2 In Mammon's house, the palmer, whom whilere
palmer > (Guyon's mentor: see 201.7 ff.) whilere > erewhile: lately
3 That wanton maid passage had denied,
That wanton maid > (Phaedria: see 206.19:7-9)
4 By further search had passage found elsewhere 5 And, being on his way, approached near
near > [near to the place]
6 Where Guyon lay in trance, when suddenly 7 He heard a voice that called loud and clear, 8 "Come hither, come hither, O come hastily!" 9 That all the fields resounded with the rueful cry.
That > [So that] resounded > rang; re-echoed
208.4
The Palmer lent his eare vnto the noyce,
2 To weet, who called so importunely:
Againe he heard a more efforced voyce,
4 That bad him come in haste. He by and by
His feeble feet directed to the cry;
6 Which to that shadie delue him brought at last,
Where Mammon earst did sunne his threasury:
8 There the good Guyon he found slumbring fast
In senselesse dreame; which sight at first him sore aghast.
1 The palmer lent his ear to the noise, 2 To weet who called so importunely:
weet > find out importunely > urgently, pressingly
3 Again he heard a more efforced voice,
efforced > {Uttered with effort}
4 That bade him come in haste. He by and by
by and by > straight away
5 His feeble feet directed to the cry, 6 Which to that shady delve him brought at last,
delve > pit, depression
7 Where Mammon erst did sun his treasury:
erst > recently (see 207.3 ff.) treasury > treasure
8 There the good Guyon he found slumbering fast
fast > firmly, deeply
9 In senseless dream; which sight at first him sore agast.
agast > terrified
208.5
Beside his head there sate a faire young man,
2 Of wondrous beautie, and of freshest yeares,
Whose tender bud to blossome new began,
4 And flourish faire aboue his equall peares;
His snowy front curled with golden heares,
6 Like Ph{oe}bus face adornd with sunny rayes,
Diuinely shone, and two sharpe winged sheares,
8 Decked with diuerse plumes, like painted Iayes,
Were fixed at his backe, to cut his ayerie wayes.
1 Beside his head there sat a fair young man, 2 Of wondrous beauty, and of freshest years, 3 Whose tender bud to blossom new began, 4 And flourish fair above his equal peers;
peers > peers, companions (cf. SC, gloss to "December"); also: nobles [the other angels of his rank]
5 His snowy front, curled with golden hair,
front > forehead
6 Like Phoebus' face adorned with sunny rays, 7 Divinely shone, and two sharp winged shears,
shears > {Wings shaped like blades, for cutting the air: this instance cited by OED}
8 Decked with diverse plumes, like painted jays',
diverse > {Of different sorts}
9 Were fixed at his back, to cut his airy ways.
208.6
Like as Cupido on Id{ae}an hill,
2 When hauing laid his cruell bow away,
And mortall arrowes, wherewith he doth fill
4 The world with murdrous spoiles and bloudie pray,
With his faire mother he him dights to play,
6 And with his goodly sisters, Graces three;
The Goddesse pleased with his wanton play,
8 Suffers her selfe through sleepe beguild to bee,
The whiles the other Ladies mind their merry glee.
1 Like Cupid on Idaean hill,
Idaean hill > (Mount Ida, in Asia Minor, where Paris lived; see 207.55:6, 309.36)
2 When (having laid his cruel bow away, 3 And mortal arrows, wherewith he does fill
mortal > lethal wherewith > with which
4 The world with murderous spoils and bloody prey) 5 With his fair mother he him dights to play,
dights > prepares
6 And with his goodly sisters, Graces three;
goodly > beautiful Graces > (Aglaia, Thalia, and Euphrosyne, customarily described as the handmaids of Venus rather than her daughters; see DGDG 3.22, Myth. 4.13)
7 The goddess, pleased with his wanton play,
wanton > frisky, playful; lewd
8 Suffers herself through sleep beguiled to be,
Suffers > Allows
9 While the other ladies mind their merry glee.
merry > delightful, charming glee > entertainment; joy
208.7
Whom when the Palmer saw, abasht he was
2 Through feare and wonder, that he nought could say,
Till him the childe bespoke, Long lackt, alas,
4 Hath bene thy faithfull aide in hard assay,
Whiles deadly fit thy pupill doth dismay;
6 Behold this heauie sight, thou reuerend Sire,
But dread of death and dolour doe away;
8 For life ere long shall to her home retire,
And he that breathlesse seemes, shal corage bold respire.
1 Whom when the palmer saw, abashed he was 2 Through fear and wonder, that he naught could say,
that > [so that]
3 Till him the child bespoke: "Long lacked, alas,
child > youth of gentle birth (also used as a title, as in "Childe Harold") bespoke > addressed
4 Has been your faithful aid in hard assay,
assay > endeavour; trial, trial by affliction
5 While deadly fit your pupil does dismay;
dismay > overcome
6 Behold this heavy sight, you reverend sire,
heavy > sad sire > {Father; form of address to an elderly or holy man; the original form of "sir"}
7 But dread of death and dolour do away; 8 For life ere long shall to her home retire,
retire > return
9 And he that breathless seems shall courage bold respire.
courage > courage; vigour, spirit, lustiness; wrath respire > breathe again, recover
208.8
The charge, which God doth vnto me arret,
2 Of his deare safetie, I to thee commend;
Yet will I not forgoe, ne yet forget
4 The care thereof my selfe vnto the end,
But euermore him succour, and defend
6 Against his foe and mine: watch thou I pray;
For euill is at hand him to offend.
8 So hauing said, eftsoones he gan display
His painted nimble wings, and vanisht quite away.
1 "The charge which God does to me arrest,
arrest > ordain, entrust
2 Of his dear safety, I to you commend; 3 Yet will I not forgo, nor yet forget 4 The care thereof myself until the end, 5 But evermore him succour, and defend 6 Against his foe and mine: watch you I pray;
you > (Intensifies the imperative mood)
7 For evil is at hand, him to offend."
offend > attack, injure
8 So having said, eftsoons he gan display
So > Thus eftsoons > thereupon gan > did display > extend
9 His painted nimble wings, and vanished quite away.
208.9
The Palmer seeing his left empty place,
2 And his slow eyes beguiled of their sight,
Woxe sore affraid, and standing still a space,
4 Gaz'd after him, as fowle escapt by flight;
At last him turning to his charge behight,
6 With trembling hand his troubled pulse gan try;
Where finding life not yet dislodged quight,
8 He much reioyst, and courd it tenderly,
As chicken newly hatcht, from dreaded destiny.
1 The palmer, seeing his left empty place, 2 And his slow eyes beguiled of their sight, 3 Waxed sore afraid and, standing still a space,
Waxed > Grew
4 Gazed after him, as fowl escaped by flight; 5 At last, him turning to his charge behight,
behight > ordained (catachr.); hence: appointed
6 With trembling hand his troubled pulse gan try;
gan try > did test
7 Where finding life not yet dislodged quite, 8 He much rejoiced, and covered it tenderly,
covered > protected
9 As chicken newly hatched, from dreaded destiny.
208.10
At last he spide, where towards him did pace
2 Two Paynim knights, all armd as bright as skie,
And them beside an aged Sire did trace,
4 And farre before a light-foot Page did flie,
That breathed strife and troublous enmitie;
6 Those were the two sonnes of Acrates old,
Who meeting earst with Archimago slie,
8 Foreby that idle strond, of him were told,
That he, which earst them combatted, was Guyon bold.
1 At last he spied where towards him did pace 2 Two paynim knights, all armed as bright as sky,
paynim > pagan, heathen
3 And them beside an aged sire did trace,
sire > elderly man trace > walk, proceed (with added connotation of tracking or pursuing)
4 And far before a lightfoot page did fly,
before > in front lightfoot > light-footed
5 That breathed strife and troublous enmity; 6 Those were the two sons of Acrates old, 7 Who, meeting erst with Archimago sly,
erst > recently (see 206.47)
8 Forby that Idle strand, of him were told
Forby > hard by, near strand > shore of > by
9 That he, who erst them combatted, was Guyon bold.
208.11
Which to auenge on him they dearely vowd,
2 Where euer that on ground they mote him fynd;
False Archimage prouokt their courage prowd,
4 And +stryfull+ Atin in their stubborne mynd
Coles of contention and whot vengeance tynd.
6 Now bene they come, whereas the Palmer sate,
Keeping that slombred corse to him assynd;
8 Well knew they both his person, sith of late
With him in bloudie armes they rashly did debate.
4 stryfull > strife-full 1609
1 Which to avenge on him they dearly vowed,
dearly > earnestly
2 Wherever on ground they might him find;
on ground > in the world (though Guyon is of course literally "on ground")
3 False Archimago provoked their courage proud, 4 And strifeful Atin in their stubborn mind
Atin > (See 204.42:5) stubborn > hard, unyielding
5 Coals of contention and hot vengeance tinded.
tinded > inflamed, ignited
6 Now been they come where the palmer sat,
been > [are]
7 Keeping that slumbered corse to him assigned;
Keeping > Guarding slumbered corse > unconscious body
8 Well knew they both his person, sith of late
his > [Guyon's] sith > since
9 With him in bloody arms they rashly did debate.
arms > {Feats of arms, fighting} debate > fight
208.12
Whom when Pyrochles saw, inflam'd with rage,
2 That sire he foule bespake, Thou dotard vile,
That with thy brutenesse shendst thy comely age,
4 Abandone soone, I read, the caitiue spoile
Of that same outcast carkasse, that erewhile
6 Made it selfe famous through false trechery,
And crownd his coward crest with knightly stile;
8 Loe where he now inglorious doth lye,
To proue he liued ill, that did thus foully dye.
1 Whom when Pyrochles saw, inflamed with rage, 2 That sire he foul bespoke: "You dotard vile,
sire > elderly man bespoke > addressed
3 That with your bruteness shends your comely age,
bruteness > stupidity shends > disgraces
4 Abandon soon, I read, the caitiff spoil
soon > immediately read > advise [you] caitiff > despicable; wretched; captive
5 Of that same outcast carcase, that erewhile
erewhile > lately
6 Made itself famous through false treachery, 7 And crowned his coward crest with knightly style; 8 Lo where he now inglorious does lie, 9 To prove he lived ill, that did thus foully die."
ill > evilly
208.13
To whom the Palmer fearelesse answered;
2 Certes, Sir knight, ye bene too much to blame,
Thus for to blot the honour of the dead,
4 And with foule cowardize his carkasse shame,
Whose liuing hands immortalizd his name.
6 Vile is the vengeance on the ashes cold,
And enuie base, to barke at sleeping fame:
8 Was neuer wight, that treason of him told;
Your selfe his prowesse prou'd and found him fiers and bold.
1 To whom the palmer fearless answered: 2 "Certes, sir knight, you been too much to blame,
Certes > Assuredly been > [are]
3 Thus to blot the honour of the dead, 4 And with foul cowardice his carcase shame, 5 Whose living hands immortalized his name. 6 Vile is the vengeance on the ashes cold, 7 And envy base, to bark at sleeping fame:
bark > {Speak angrily or aggressively}
8 Was never wight that treason of him told;
wight > person, anyone
9 Yourself his prowess proved and found him fierce and bold.
prowess > valour proved > tested, tried
208.14
Then said Cymochles; Palmer, thou doest dote,
2 Ne canst of prowesse, ne of knighthood deeme,
Saue as thou seest or hearst. But well I wote,
4 That of his puissance tryall made extreeme;
Yet gold all is not, that doth golden seeme,
6 Ne all good knights, that shake well speare and shield:
The worth of all men by their end esteeme,
8 And then due praise, or due reproch them yield;
Bad therefore I him deeme, that thus lies dead on field.
1 Then said Cymochles: "Palmer, you do dote, 2 Nor can of prowess, nor of knighthood deem,
deem > judge, form an opinion
3 Save as you see or hear. But well I wot,
wot > know
4 That of his puissance, trial made extreme;
puissance > strength, power made > [made it]
5 Yet gold all is not that does golden seem, 6 Nor all good knights, that shake well spear and shield:
shake > wield
7 The worth of all men by their end esteem, 8 And then due praise, or due reproach them yield; 9 Bad therefore I him deem, that thus lies dead on field."
208.15
Good or bad (gan his brother fierce reply)
2 What doe I recke, sith that he dyde entire?
Or what doth his bad death now satisfy
4 The greedy hunger of reuenging ire,
Sith wrathfull hand wrought not her owne desire?
6 Yet since no way is left to wreake my spight,
I will him reaue of armes, the victors hire,
8 And of that shield, more worthy of good knight;
For why should a dead dog be deckt in armour bright?
1 "Good or bad," gan his brother fierce reply,
gan > did
2 "What do I reck, sith he died entire?
reck > care sith > since entire > entirely, altogether
3 Or what does his bad death now satisfy
what > how, to what extent
4 The greedy hunger of revenging ire, 5 Sith wrathful hand wrought not its own desire? 6 Yet since no way is left to wreak my spite, 7 I will him reave of arms, the victor's hire,
reave > despoil, strip hire > reward, wages
8 And of that shield, more worthy of good knight; 9 For why should a dead dog be decked in armour bright?"
208.16
Faire Sir, said then the Palmer suppliaunt,
2 For knighthoods loue, do not so foule a deed,
Ne blame your honour with so shamefull vaunt
4 Of vile reuenge. To spoile the dead of weed
Is sacrilege, and doth all sinnes exceed;
6 But leaue these relicks of his liuing might,
To decke his herce, and trap his +tomb-blacke+ steed.
8 What herce or steede (said he) should he haue dight,
But be entombed in the rauen or the kight?
7 tomb-blacke > tomblacke 1590
1 "Fair sir," said then the palmer suppliant, 2 "For knighthood's love, do not so foul a deed,
do > commit
3 Nor blame your honour with so shameful vaunt
blame > bring into disrepute so > [such a] vaunt > boast
4 Of vile revenge. To spoil the dead of weed
vile > despicable spoil > strip, plunder weed > clothing
5 Is sacrilege, and does all sins exceed; 6 But leave these relics of his living might, 7 To deck his hearse, and trap his tomb-black steed."
hearse > bier, coffin; tomb; dead body trap > adorn, caparison
8 "What hearse or steed," said he, "should he have dight,
dight > prepared [for him]
9 But be entombed in the raven or the kite?"
be > [to be] kite > (A carrion-eating bird of prey, Milvus milvus, formerly common in England)
208.17
With that, rude hand vpon his shield he laid,
2 And th'other brother gan his helme vnlace,
Both fiercely bent to haue him disaraid;
4 Till that they spide, where towards them did pace
An armed knight, of bold and bounteous grace,
6 Whose squire bore after him an heben launce,
And couerd shield. Well kend him so farre space
8 Th'enchaunter by his armes and amenaunce,
When vnder him he saw his Lybian steed to praunce.
1 With that, rude hand upon his shield he laid,
rude > rough
2 And the other brother gan his helm unlace,
gan > did; began to helm > helmet
3 Both fiercely bent to have him disarrayed;
bent > (Lit. and fig.)
4 Till they spied where towards them did pace 5 An armed knight, of bold and bounteous grace, 6 Whose squire bore after him an ebon lance
squire > attendant (esp. waiting on a knight) ebon > {Ebony, made of ebony, a tree of the family Ebenaceae, esp. Diospyros ebenus, producing hard black wood}
7 And covered shield. Well kenned him so far space
covered > (See 107.33) kenned > recognized so far space > at such a distance
8 The enchanter by his arms and amenance,
The enchanter > [Archimago] arms > {Arms and armour} amenance > bearing
9 When under him he saw his Libyan steed to prance.
208.18
And to those brethren said, Rise rise by liue,
2 And vnto battell doe your selues addresse;
For yonder comes the prowest knight aliue,
4 Prince Arthur, flowre of grace and nobilesse,
That hath to Paynim knights wrought great distresse,
6 And thousand Sar'zins foully donne to dye.
That word so deepe did in their harts impresse,
8 That both eftsoones vpstarted furiously,
And gan themselues prepare to battell greedily.
1 And to those brethren said, "Rise, rise belive,
belive > forthwith
2 And to battle do yourselves address; 3 For yonder comes the prowest knight alive,
prowest > bravest
4 Prince Arthur, flower of grace and noblesse, 5 That has to paynim knights wrought great distress,
paynim > pagan, heathen
6 And thousand Saracens foully done to die."
Saracens > (Arabs or Moslems of the time of Crusades; pagans) die > [death]
7 That word so deep did in their hearts impress,
word > speech, utterance
8 That both eftsoons upstarted furiously,
eftsoons > thereupon upstarted > started up
9 And gan themselves prepare to battle greedily.
gan > did greedily > eagerly
208.19
But fierce Pyrochles, lacking his owne sword,
2 The want thereof now greatly gan to plaine,
And Archimage besought, him that afford,
4 Which he had brought for Braggadocchio vaine.
So would I (said th'enchaunter) glad and faine
6 Beteeme to you +this+ sword, you to defend,
Or ought that else your honour might maintaine,
8 But that this weapons powre I well haue kend,
To be contrarie to the worke, which ye intend.
6 this > his 1609
1 But fierce Pyrochles, lacking his own sword, 2 The want thereof now greatly began to plain,
want > lack plain > lament
3 And Archimago besought him that afford
that > [that sword]
4 Which he had brought for Braggadocchio vain.
vain > foolish
5 "So would I," said the enchanter, "glad and fain
fain > willingly
6 Beteem to you this sword, you to defend,
Beteem > Grant
7 Or aught that else your honour might maintain;
else > otherwise maintain > defend, uphold
8 But that this weapon's power I well have kenned
But > Except kenned > recognized, observed
9 To be contrary to the work which you intend.
208.20
For that same knights owne sword this is of yore,
2 Which Merlin made by his almightie art
For that his noursling, when he knighthood swore,
4 Therewith to doen his foes eternall smart.
The metall first he mixt with Med{ae}wart,
6 That no enchauntment from his dint might saue;
Then it in flames of Aetna wrought apart,
8 And seuen times dipped in the bitter waue
Of hellish Styx, which hidden vertue to it gaue.
1 "For that same knight's own sword this is of yore,
yore > old
2 Which Merlin made by his almighty art 3 For him, his nursling, when he knighthood swore,
his nursling > [Arthur] knighthood swore > took the oaths of knighthood
4 Therewith to do his foes eternal smart.
Therewith > With which (catachr., or misprint for "Wherewith") do > cause, deal smart > suffering, pain; grief
5 The metal first he mixed with meadwort,
meadwort > (Meadow-sweet, Filipendula ulmaria, a herb ruled in astrology by Jupiter and used for various officinal purposes. It is also the plant "that Queen Elizabeth of famous memory did more desire than any sweet herb to strew her chambers"; quoted Genders, 1971)
6 That no enchantment from its dint might save;
That > [So that] its dint > [the sword's impact]
7 Then it in flames of Etna wrought apart,
Etna > (The volcano in Sicily, which was very active in the sixteenth century; its flames were associated with Vulcan, who forged Aeneas's arms)
8 And seven times dipped in the bitter wave
wave > water
9 Of hellish Styx, which hidden virtue to it gave.
Styx > (The river of hate, one of the five rivers of hell, in which Vulcan tempered from white heat the sword made for Daunus, the father of Turnus (Aen. 12.90-1)) virtue > efficacy, occult power
208.21
The vertue is, that neither steele, nor stone
2 The stroke thereof from entrance may defend;
Ne euer may be vsed by his fone,
4 Ne forst his rightfull owner to offend,
Ne euer will it breake, ne euer bend.
6 Wherefore Morddure it rightfully is hight.
In vaine therefore, Pyrochles, should I lend
8 The same to thee, against his lord to fight,
For sure it would deceiue thy labour, and thy might.
1 "The virtue is that neither steel nor stone 2 The stroke thereof from entrance may defend; 3 Nor ever may be used by his foes,
may > [may it]
4 Nor forced its rightful owner to offend,
forced > [be forced] offend > harm, injure
5 Nor ever will it break, nor ever bend. 6 Wherefore Morddure it rightfully is hight.
Wherefore > On which account; in consequence of which Morddure > "Hard-biter" hight > called
7 In vain therefore, Pyrochles, should I lend 8 The same to you, against its lord to fight, 9 For sure it would deceive your labour, and your might."
deceive > betray
208.22
Foolish old man, said then the Pagan wroth,
2 That weenest words or charmes may force withstond:
Soone shalt thou see, and then beleeue for troth,
4 That I can carue with this inchaunted brond
His Lords owne flesh. Therewith out of his hond
6 That vertuous steele he rudely snatcht away,
And Guyons shield about his +wrest+ he bond;
8 So readie dight, fierce battaile to assay,
And match his brother proud in battailous array.
7 wrest > wrist 1609
1 "Foolish old man," said then the pagan wroth, 2 "That weens words or charms may force withstand:
weens > thinks, believes charms > magic spells
3 Soon shall you see, and then believe for truth, 4 That I can carve with this enchanted brand
brand > sword
5 Its lord's own flesh." Therewith out of his hand
Therewith > With that
6 That virtuous steel he rudely snatched away,
virtuous > {Having virtue or occult power} rudely > roughly; impolitely
7 And Guyon's shield about his wrist he bound; 8 So ready dight fierce battle to essay,
ready > readily, promptly dight > prepared [himself] essay > attempt
9 And match his brother proud in battailous array.
battailous > warlike
208.23
By this that straunger knight in presence came,
2 And goodly salued them; who nought againe
Him answered, as courtesie became,
4 But with sterne lookes, and stomachous disdaine,
Gaue signes of grudge and discontentment vaine:
6 Then turning to the Palmer, he gan spy
Where at his feete, with sorrowfull demaine
8 And deadly hew, an armed corse did lye,
In whose dead face he red great magnanimity.
1 By this that stranger knight in presence came,
By this > At this; by this time stranger > new-come; foreign
2 And goodly salued them; who naught again
goodly salued > courteously saluted again > in reply
3 Him answered, as courtesy became, 4 But with stern looks, and stomachous disdain,
stern > fierce, grim stomachous > haughty, irascible, bitter
5 Gave signs of grudge and discontentment vain:
vain > proud
6 Then, turning to the palmer, he gan spy
gan > did
7 Where at his feet, with sorrowful demean
demean > bearing, demeanour
8 And deadly hue, an armed corse did lie,
deadly hue > deathly colour, death-like appearance armed corse > [body clad in armour]
9 In whose dead face he read great magnanimity.
read > discerned magnanimity > greatness of mind (cf. 207.9:3)
208.24
Said he then to the Palmer, Reuerend syre,
2 What great misfortune hath betidd this knight?
Or did his life her fatall date expyre,
4 Or did he fall by treason, or by fight?
How euer, sure I rew his pitteous plight.
6 Not one, nor other, (said the Palmer graue)
Hath him befalne, but cloudes of deadly night
8 A while his heauie eylids couer'd haue,
And all his senses drowned in deepe senselesse waue.
1 Said he then to the palmer, "Reverend sire,
sire > {Father; form of address to an elderly or holy man; the original form of "sir"}
2 What great misfortune has betide this knight?
betide > befallen
3 Or did his life its fatal date expire,
Or > Either (pleonastic, and thus intensive) fatal date > preordained term expire > terminate, use up
4 Or did he fall by treason, or by fight? 5 However, sure I rue his piteous plight."
However > In any case, in either event rue > {Regard with pity or compassion}
6 "Not one, nor other," said the palmer grave, 7 "Has him befallen, but clouds of deadly night 8 Awhile his heavy eyelids covered have, 9 And all his senses drowned in deep senseless wave.
wave > water (metaphorical)
208.25
+Which, those his cruell foes, that stand hereby+,
2 Making aduantage, to reuenge their spight,
Would him disarme, and treaten shamefully,
4 Vnworthy vsage of redoubted knight.
But you, faire Sir, whose honorable sight
6 Doth promise hope of helpe, and timely grace,
Mote I beseech to succour his sad plight,
8 And by your powre protect his feeble cace.
First praise of knighthood is, foule outrage to deface.
1 Which, those his cruell foes, that stand hereby > Which, those same foes, that stand hereby 1590, 1596: FE; Which those same foes, that doen awaite hereby 1609
1 "Which, those his cruel foes, that stand hereby, 2 Making advantage to revenge their spite,
Making > [Turning to] spite > outrage, outrageous conduct (i.e. they have nothing to revenge)
3 Would him disarm, and treat shamefully: 4 Unworthy usage of redoubted knight. 5 But you, fair sir, whose honourable sight
sight > appearance
6 Does promise hope of help, and timely grace, 7 Might I beseech to succour his sad plight, 8 And by your power protect his feeble case. 9 First praise of knighthood is foul outrage to deface."
praise > merit, virtue deface > destroy
208.26
Palmer, (said he) no knight so rude, I weene,
2 As to doen outrage to a sleeping ghost:
Ne was there euer noble courage seene,
4 That in aduauntage would his puissance bost:
Honour is least, where oddes appeareth most.
6 May be, that better reason will +asswage,+
The rash reuengers heat. Words well dispost
8 Haue secret powre, t'appease inflamed rage:
If not, leaue vnto me thy knights last +patronage+.
6 asswage, > asswage 1609 9 patronage > patonage 1596
1 "Palmer," said he, "no knight so rude, I ween,
rude > barbarous ween > imagine, believe
2 As to do outrage to a sleeping ghost:
ghost > soul
3 Nor was there ever noble courage seen, 4 That in advantage would its puissance boast:
puissance > power boast > threaten; vaunt; display
5 Honour is least where odds appear most.
most > [most favourable]
6 May be that better reason will assuage
May > [It may]
7 The rash revengers' heat. Words well disposed
heat > fit of passion (also a reference to the "humours" of medieval physiology: and see the etymology of "Pyrochles" at 204.41:2)
8 Have secret power to appease inflamed rage: 9 If not, leave to me your knight's last patronage."
patronage > protection, defence
208.27
Tho turning to those brethren, thus bespoke,
2 Ye warlike payre, whose valorous great might
It seemes, iust wrongs to vengeance +doe+ prouoke,
4 To wreake your wrath on this dead seeming knight,
Mote ought allay the storme of your despight,
6 And settle patience in so furious heat?
Not to debate the chalenge of your right,
8 But for this carkasse pardon I entreat,
Whom fortune hath alreadie laid in lowest seat.
3 doe > doth 1609
1 Tho turning to those brethren, thus bespoke:
Tho > Then bespoke > said; addressed [them]
2 "You warlike pair, whose valorous great might, 3 It seems, just wrongs to vengeance do provoke 4 (To wreak your wrath on this dead-seeming knight), 5 Might aught allay the storm of your despite,
aught > anything at all despite > anger; malice
6 And settle patience in so furious heat?
so > such [a]
7 Not to debate the challenge of your right,
debate > dispute, with implied threat of physical following verbal contention challenge of > claim to
8 But for this carcase pardon I entreat, 9 Whom fortune has already laid in lowest seat."
208.28
To whom Cymochles said; For what art thou,
2 That mak'st thy selfe his dayes-man, to prolong
The vengeance prest? Or who shall let me now,
4 On this vile bodie from to wreake my wrong,
And make his carkasse as the outcast dong?
6 Why should not that dead carrion satisfie
The guilt, which if he liued had thus long,
8 His life for due reuenge should deare abie?
The trespasse still doth liue, albe the person die.
1 To whom Cymochles said: "For what are you, 2 That make yourself his daysman, to prolong
daysman > arbitrator prolong > postpone
3 The vengeance prest? Or who shall let me now,
prest > at hand let > hinder, prevent
4 On this vile body from to wreak my wrong,
vile > despicable, worthless to wreak > revenging
5 And make his carcase as the outcast dung? 6 Why should not that dead carrion satisfy 7 The guilt which, if he lived had thus long, 8 His life for due revenge should dear aby?
dear aby > dearly atone
9 The trespass still does live, albe the person die."
trespass > offence, sin albe > although, albeit die > [dies, has died]
208.29
Indeed (then said the Prince) the euill donne
2 Dyes not, when breath the bodie first doth leaue,
But from the grandsyre to the Nephewes sonne,
4 And all his seed the curse doth often cleaue,
Till vengeance vtterly the guilt bereaue:
6 So streightly God doth iudge. But gentle knight,
That doth against the dead his hand +vpreare+,
8 His honour staines with rancour and despight,
And great disparagment makes to his former might.
7 vpreare > vpheaue conj. various editors
1 "Indeed," then said the prince, "the evil done 2 Dies not, when breath the body first does leave, 3 But from the grandsire to the nephew's son
grandsire > grandfather nephew > grandson
4 And all his seed the curse does often cleave,
seed > children cleave > adhere to
5 Till vengeance utterly the guilt bereave:
bereave > take away; hence: expiate
6 So straitly God does judge. But gentle knight,
straitly > strictly (see Exod. 20.5) gentle > [a] noble
7 That does against the dead his hand uprear,
uprear > raise, raise up (see Textual Appendix)
8 His honour stains with rancour and despite,
despite > outrage; malice
9 And great disparagement makes to his former might."
disparagement > indignity; vilification
208.30
Pyrochles gan reply the second time,
2 And to him said, Now felon sure I read,
How that thou art partaker of his crime:
4 Therefore by Termagaunt thou shalt be dead.
With that his hand, more sad then lomp of lead,
6 Vplifting high, he weened with Morddure,
His owne good sword Morddure, to cleaue his head.
8 The faithfull steele such treason no'uld endure,
But swaruing from the marke, his Lords life did assure.
1 Pyrochles gan reply the second time,
gan > did
2 And to him said, "Now felon sure I read,
felon > [you are a felon, you are a villain] read > observe; realize; declare
3 How that you are partaker of his crime:
How > [In] partaker of > [a] participant in
4 Therefore, by Termagant, you shall be dead!"
Termagant > {Conflated with Mohammed as a Saracen god, or reckoned to be his partner, by the Crusaders: the name may derive from the Persian tir-magian, meaning a magian lord or deity; or from "Tervagan", a proper name in Chanson de Roland. See OF 12.59}
5 With that his hand, more sad then lump of lead,
sad > heavy, heavily
6 Uplifting high, he weened with Morddure,
Uplifting > Raising weened > thought, intended, meant
7 His own good sword Morddure, to cleave his head.
His > [Arthur's]
8 The faithful steel such treason nould endure,
nould > would not (cf. 106.17:8)
9 But, swerving from the mark, his lord's life did assure.
assure > protect, render safe
208.31
Yet was the force so furious and so fell,
2 That horse and man it made to reele aside;
Nath'lesse the Prince would not forsake his sell:
4 For well of yore he learned had to ride,
But full of anger fiercely to him cride;
6 False traitour miscreant, thou broken hast
The law of armes, to strike foe vndefide.
8 But thou thy treasons fruit, I hope, shalt taste
Right sowre, and feele the law, the which thou hast defast.
1 Yet was the force so furious and so fell,
fell > fierce, terrible
2 That horse and man it made to reel aside; 3 Natheless the prince would not forsake his sell:
Natheless > Nevertheless sell > saddle
4 For well of yore he learned had to ride,
yore > old
5 But, full of anger, fiercely to him cried: 6 "False traitor miscreant, you broken have
miscreant > unbeliever, infidel; villain; wretch
7 The law of arms, to strike foe undefied! 8 But you your treason's fruit, I hope, shall taste 9 Right sour, and feel the law which you have defaced."
Right > Very defaced > defamed; hence: brought ignominy upon
208.32
With that his balefull +speare,+ he fiercely bent
2 Against the Pagans brest, and therewith thought
His cursed life out of her lodge haue rent:
4 But ere the point arriued, where it ought,
That seuen-fold shield, which he from Guyon brought
6 He cast betwene to ward the bitter stound:
Through all those foldes the steelehead passage wrought
8 And through his shoulder pierst; wherwith to ground
He groueling fell, all gored in his gushing wound.
1 speare, > speare 1609
1 With that his baleful spear he fiercely bent
baleful > deadly, woe-dealing bent > brought to bear
2 Against the pagan's breast, and therewith thought
therewith > with that
3 His cursed life out of its lodge have rent:
have rent > [to] have torn
4 But ere the point arrived where it ought, 5 That sevenfold shield, which he from Guyon brought,
sevenfold > seven-layered (see note at 203.1:9)
6 He cast between to ward the bitter stound:
ward > avert stound > {Time of trial, time of pain (chiefly in northern dialect)}
7 Through all those folds the steelhead passage wrought
steelhead > [steel tang]
8 And through his shoulder pierced; wherewith to ground
wherewith > with which
9 He grovelling fell, all gored in his gushing wound.
grovelling > face-down
208.33
Which when his brother saw, fraught with great griefe
2 And wrath, he to him leaped furiously,
And fowly said, By Mahoune, cursed thiefe,
4 That direfull stroke thou dearely shalt aby.
Then hurling vp his harmefull blade on hye,
6 Smote him so hugely on his haughtie crest,
That from his saddle forced him to fly:
8 Else mote it needes downe to his manly brest
Haue cleft his head in twaine, and life thence dispossest.
1 Which when his brother saw, fraught with great grief
fraught > filled
2 And wrath, he to him leapt furiously, 3 And foully said, "By Mahound, cursed thief,
Mahound > Mohammed (see note at 208.30:4) thief > villain, scoundrel
4 That direful stroke you dearly shall aby!"
aby > pay for, pay the penalty for
5 Then, hurling up his harmful blade on high,
hurling > whirling; brandishing
6 Smote him so hugely on his haughty crest
Smote > [He] smote, hit haughty > high, imposing (cf. 107.31:1)
7 That from his saddle forced him to fly:
forced > [Cymochles forced]
8 Else might it needs down to his manly breast
Else might it > [Otherwise it might] needs > of necessity; hence: perforce
9 Have cleft his head in twain, and life thence dispossessed.
cleft > split twain > two
208.34
Now was the Prince in daungerous distresse,
2 Wanting his sword, when he on foot should fight:
His single speare could doe him small redresse,
4 Against two foes of so exceeding might,
The least of which was match for any knight.
6 And now the other, whom he earst did daunt,
Had reard himselfe againe to cruell fight,
8 Three times more furious, and more puissaunt,
Vnmindfull of his wound, of his fate ignoraunt.
1 Now was the prince in dangerous distress, 2 Wanting his sword, when he on foot should fight:
Wanting > Lacking
3 His single spear could do him small redress
single > {Solitary, unsupported by a sword; cf. 203.12:3} do > render redress > assistance
4 Against two foes of so exceeding might,
so > such
5 The least of which was match for any knight.
least > lesser
6 And now the other, whom he erst did daunt,
erst > not long ago; first daunt > overcome, subdue
7 Had reared himself again to cruel fight, 8 Three times more furious, and more puissant,
puissant > powerful
9 Unmindful of his wound, of his fate ignorant.
ignorant > unconscious; hence: heedless
208.35
So both attonce him charge on either side,
2 With hideous strokes, and importable powre,
That forced him his ground to trauerse wide,
4 And wisely watch to ward that deadly stowre:
For +in+ his shield, as thicke as stormie showre,
6 Their strokes did raine, yet did he neuer quaile,
Ne backward shrinke, but as a stedfast towre,
8 Whom foe with double battry doth assaile,
Them on her bulwarke beares, and bids them nought auaile.
5 in > on 1609
1 So both at once him charge on either side, 2 With hideous strokes and importable power,
hideous > terrific; immense; odious importable > unbearable
3 That forced him his ground to traverse wide, 4 And wisely watch to ward that deadly stour:
ward > guard against; avert stour > peril; conflict
5 For in his shield, as thick as stormy shower,
in > [on]
6 Their strokes did rain, yet did he never quail, 7 Nor backward shrink, but as a steadfast tower,
as > [he was] like
8 Which foe with double battery does assail;
battery > {Battering; assault with many blows or missiles}
9 Them on its bulwark bears, and bids them naught avail.
bulwark > rampart, ramparts bids > ?proclaims to, ?tells (assuming that "naught avail" is intended to be read in quotation marks, i.e. as a retort: "Naught avail!", "Do your worst!")
208.36
So stoutly he withstood their strong assay,
2 Till that at last, when he aduantage spyde,
His poinant speare he thrust with puissant sway
4 At proud Cymochles, whiles his shield was wyde,
That through his thigh the mortall steele did gryde:
6 He swaruing with the force, within his flesh
Did breake the launce, and let the head abyde:
8 Out of the wound the red bloud flowed fresh,
That vnderneath his feet soone made a purple plesh.
1 So stoutly he withstood their strong assay,
So > Thus, in that manner stoutly > bravely, unyieldingly assay > assault
2 Till at last, when he advantage spied, 3 His poignant spear he thrust with puissant sway
poignant > sharp-pointed, piercing puissant sway > powerful force
4 At proud Cymochles, while his shield was wide,
wide > [held aside, held in such a way that he was unprotected]
5 That through his thigh the mortal steel did gride:
That > [So that] mortal > deadly gride > pierce
6 He, swerving with the force, within his flesh 7 Did break the lance, and let the head abide:
abide > remain
8 Out of the wound the red blood flowed fresh, 9 That underneath his feet soon made a purple plash.
purple > red, blood-red plash > puddle, pool
208.37
Horribly then he gan to rage, and rayle,
2 Cursing his Gods, and himselfe damning deepe:
Als when his brother saw the red bloud +rayle+
4 Adowne so fast, and all his armour steepe,
For very felnesse lowd he gan to weepe,
6 And said, Caytiue, cursse on thy cruell hond,
That twise hath sped; yet shall it not thee keepe
8 From the third brunt of this my fatall brond:
Loe where the dreadfull Death behind thy backe doth stond.
3 rayle > traile 1609, perhaps in defiance of the convention allowing a duplicate rhyme when the meaning of the second word differs from that of the first
1 Horribly then he began to rage, and rail,
rail > {Use abusive language}
2 Cursing his gods, and himself damning deep: 3 Als when his brother saw the red blood rail
Als > Also rail > gush, flow
4 Adown so fast, and all his armour steep,
Adown > Down
5 For very fellness loud he began to weep,
fellness > fierceness
6 And said, "Caitiff, curse on your cruel hand,