CANTO X

Her faithfull knight faire Vna brings
2 to house of Holinesse,
Where he is taught repentance, and
4 the way to heauenly blesse.

1 Her faithful knight fair Una brings 2 to House of Holiness, 3 Where he is taught repentance, and 4 the way to heavenly bliss.

110.1

WHat man is he, that boasts of fleshly might,
2 And vaine assurance of mortality,
Which all so soone, as it doth come to fight,
4 Against spirituall foes, yeelds by and by,
Or from the field most cowardly doth fly?
6 Ne let the man ascribe it to his skill,
That thorough grace hath gained victory.
8 If any strength we haue, it is to ill,
But all the good is Gods, both power and eke will.

1 What man is he, that boasts of fleshly might 2 And vain assurance of mortality, 3 Who, all so soon as it does come to fight

all so > just as

4 Against spiritual foes, yields by and by,

by and by > before long; straightway

5 Or from the field most cowardly does fly?

field > battle; field of battle fly > flee

6 Nor let the man ascribe it to his skill, 7 That through grace has gained victory. 8 If any strength we have, it is to ill,

ill > evil, wickedness; ill purpose, ill result

9 But all the good is God's, both power and eke will.

eke > also

110.2

By that, which lately hapned, Vna saw,
2 That this her knight was feeble, and too faint;
And all his sinews woxen weake and raw,
4 Through long +enprisonment+, and hard constraint,
Which he endured in his late restraint,
6 That yet he was vnfit for bloudie fight:
Therefore to cherish him with diets daint,
8 She cast to bring him, where he chearen might,
Till he recouered had his late decayed plight.

4 enprisonment > imprisonment 1609

1 By that which lately happened, Una saw 2 That this her knight was feeble, and too faint;

faint > sluggish; spiritless, lacking courage

3 And all his sinews waxed weak and raw

waxed > became; hence: had become raw > raw-boned, wasted; or: unready

4 Through long imprisonment and hard constraint,

constraint > restriction of liberty; affliction; oppression

5 Which he endured in his late restraint,

late restraint > recent restriction of liberty

6 That yet he was unfit for bloody fight:

That > [So that]

7 Therefore, to cherish him with diets daint,

daint > dainty, choice, pleasing, delicious

8 She cast to bring him where he cheer might,

cast > decided cheer > take heart

9 Till he recovered had his late decayed plight.

recovered had > had recovered from decayed > wasted, ruined (of health)

110.3

There was an auntient house not farre away,
2 Renowmd throughout the world for sacred lore,
And pure vnspotted life: so well they say
4 It gouernd was, and guided euermore,
Through wisedome of a matrone graue and hore;
6 Whose onely ioy was to relieue the needes
Of wretched soules, and helpe the helpelesse pore:
8 All night she spent in bidding of her bedes,
And all the day in doing good and godly deedes.

1 There was an ancient house not far away,

house > religious house; convent

2 Renowned throughout the world for sacred lore,

lore > teaching, doctrine

3 And pure unspotted life: so well, they say, 4 It governed was, and guided evermore, 5 Through wisdom of a matron grave and hoar;

hoar > {Venerable; grey-haired with age}

6 Whose only joy was to relieve the needs 7 Of wretched souls, and help the helpless poor: 8 All night she spent in bidding of her beads,

bidding of her beads > saying her rosary, saying her prayers

9 And all the day in doing good and godly deeds.

110.4

Dame C{ae}lia men did her call, as thought
2 From heauen to come, or thither to arise,
The mother of three daughters, well vpbrought
4 In goodly thewes, and godly exercise:
The eldest two most sober, chast, and wise,
6 Fidelia and Speranza virgins were,
Though spousd, yet wanting wedlocks solemnize;
8 But faire Charissa to a louely fere
Was lincked, and by him had many pledges dere.

1 Dame Caelia men did her call, as thought

Caelia > "Heavenly" (from the Latin caelum, the heavens)

2 From heaven to come, or thither to arise, 3 The mother of three daughters, well upbrought

upbrought > brought up

4 In goodly thews, and godly exercise:

thews > habits, morals; qualities exercise > worship, rites

5 The eldest two, most sober, chaste, and wise, 6 Fidelia and Speranza, virgins were,

Fidelia > "Faith" (from the Latin fides, faith)
Speranza > "Hope" (from the Latin spes, hope)

7 Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize;

spoused > betrothed solemnize > solemnization; solemnizing

8 But fair Charissa to a lovely fere

Charissa > "Charity" (from the old French charit{e/}, charity) lovely fere > loving husband

9 Was linked, and by him had many pledges dear.

pledges > [children]

110.5

Arriued there, the dore they find fast lockt;
2 For it was warely watched night and day,
For feare of many foes: but when they knockt,
4 The Porter opened vnto them streight way:
He was an aged syre, all hory gray,
6 With lookes full lowly cast, and gate full slow,
Wont on a staffe his feeble steps to stay,
8 Hight Humilt{a/}. They passe in stouping low;
For streight and narrow was the way, which he did show.

1 Arrived there, the door they find fast locked,

fast > firmly

2 For it was warely watched night and day,

warely > vigilantly

3 For fear of many foes: but when they knocked 4 The porter opened to them straightway: 5 He was an aged sire, all hoary grey,

sire > {Aged or elderly man}

6 With looks full lowly cast, and gait full slow

full > very

7 (Wont on a staff his feeble steps to stay),

Wont > Accustomed stay > support

8 Hight Umilt{a\}. They pass in, stooping low:

Hight > Called, named
Umilt{a\} > "Humility" (Italian)

9 For straight and narrow was the way which he did show.

straight and narrow > (See Matt. 7.14; and cf. 104.2:8)

110.6

Each goodly thing is hardest to begin,
2 But entred in a spacious court they see,
Both plaine, and pleasant to be walked in,
4 Where them does meete a francklin faire and free,
And entertaines with comely courteous glee,
6 His name was Zele, that him right well became,
For in his speeches and behauiour hee
8 Did labour liuely to expresse the same,
And gladly did them guide, till to the Hall they came.

1 Each goodly thing is hardest to begin,

goodly > fine

2 But, entered in, a spacious court they see, 3 Both plain, and pleasant to be walked in, 4 Where them does meet a franklin fair and free,

franklin > free man (as opposed to a villein or serf); land-owner (of free but not noble birth)

5 And entertains with comely courteous glee;

glee > joy

6 His name was Zeal, that him right well became,

right > very

7 For in his speeches and behaviour he 8 Did labour lively to express the same, 9 And gladly did them guide, till to the hall they came.

110.7

There fairely them receiues a gentle Squire,
2 Of milde demeanure, and rare courtesie,
Right cleanly clad in comely sad attire;
4 In word and deede that shew'd great modestie,
And knew his good to all of each degree,
6 Hight Reuerence. He them with speeches meet
Does faire entreat; no courting nicetie,
8 But simple true, and eke vnfained sweet,
As might become a Squire so great persons to greet.

1 There fairly them receives a gentle squire

fairly > becomingly, courteously gentle squire > noble attendant

2 Of mild demeanour and rare courtesy,

mild > gracious, kindly

3 Right cleanly clad in comely sad attire;

Right > Very sad > sober-coloured

4 In word and deed that showed great modesty, 5 And knew his good to all of each degree,

knew > made known; hence: applied, demonstrated good > grace; virtue, goodness degree > social station

6 Hight Reverence. He them with speeches meet

Hight > Called, named meet > seemly, appropriate

7 Does fair entreat: no courting nicety,

fair entreat > becomingly treat courting nicety > courtly foolishness, artificiality

8 But simple true, and eke unfeigned sweet,

true > truth eke > moreover sweet > {Sweetness; that which is pleasant to the mind}

9 As might become a squire so great persons to greet.

so > such

110.8

And afterwards them to his Dame he leades,
2 That aged Dame, the Ladie of the place:
Who all this while was busie at her beades:
4 Which doen, she vp arose with seemely grace,
And toward them full matronely did pace.
6 Where when that fairest Vna she beheld,
Whom well she knew to spring from heauenly race,
8 Her hart with ioy vnwonted inly sweld,
As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld.

1 And afterwards them to his dame he leads, 2 That aged dame, the lady of the place: 3 Who all this while was busy at her beads:

beads > prayers

4 Which done, she up arose with seemly grace, 5 And toward them full matronly did pace.

full > very, exceedingly

6 Where, when fairest Una she beheld, 7 Whom well she knew to spring from heavenly race, 8 Her heart with joy unwonted inly swelled,

unwonted > unaccustomed inly > inwardly

9 As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld.

comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort} weaker > too-weak eld > age, old age

110.9

And her embracing said, {o^} happie earth,
2 Whereon thy innocent feet doe euer tread,
Most vertuous virgin borne of heauenly berth,
4 That to redeeme thy woefull parents head,
From tyrans rage, and euer-dying dread,
6 Hast wandred through the world now long a day;
Yet ceasest not thy wearie soles to lead,
8 What grace hath thee now hither brought this way?
Or doen thy feeble feet vnweeting hither stray?

1 And, her embracing, said, "O happy earth, 2 Whereon your innocent feet do ever tread,

Whereon > On which

3 Most virtuous virgin, born of heavenly birth, 4 That, to redeem your woeful parents' head

head > position of command, hence: rule

5 From tyrant's rage and ever-dying dread,

ever-dying dread > [continual fear of death; fear of eternal death]

6 Have wandered through the world now long a day;

long a > [for many a long]

7 Yet cease not your weary soles to lead, 8 What grace has you now hither brought this way? 9 Or do your feeble feet unweeting hither stray?

unweeting > unwittingly

110.10

Strange thing it is an errant knight to see
2 Here in this place, or any other wight,
That hither turnes his steps. So few there bee,
4 That +chose+ the narrow path, or seeke the right:
All keepe the broad high way, and take delight
6 With many rather for to go astray,
And be partakers of their euill plight,
8 Then with a few to walke the rightest way;
O foolish men, why haste ye to your owne decay?

4 chose > chuse 1609

1 "Strange thing it is an errant knight to see

errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.)

2 Here in this place, or any other wight,

wight > person, man

3 That hither turns his steps. So few there be 4 That choose the narrow path, or seek the right: 5 All keep the broad highway, and take delight

broad highway > (Cf. 104.2:8, 207.21:3)

6 With many rather to go astray, 7 And be partakers of their evil plight, 8 Than with a few to walk the rightest way; 9 O foolish men, why hasten you to your own decay?"

decay > downfall, destruction

110.11

Thy selfe to see, and tyred limbs to rest,
2 O matrone sage (quoth she) I hither came,
And this good knight his way with me addrest,
4 Led with thy prayses and broad-blazed fame,
That vp to heauen is blowne. The auncient Dame,
6 Him goodly greeted in her modest guise,
And entertaynd them both, as best became,
8 With all the court'sies, that she could deuise,
Ne wanted ought, to shew her bounteous or wise.

1 "Yourself to see, and tired limbs to rest, 2 O matron sage," quoth she, "I hither came, 3 And this good knight his way with me addressed,

addressed > directed; also: set to rights, made straight (for Caelia has just described him as "errant")

4 Led with your praises and broad-blazed fame, 5 That up to heaven is blown." The ancient dame 6 Him goodly greeted in her modest guise,

goodly > courteously guise > manner

7 And entertained them both, as best became,

best became > was most fitting

8 With all the courtesies that she could devise, 9 Nor wanted aught to show her bounteous or wise.

bounteous > {Full of goodness; beneficent}

110.12

Thus as they gan of sundry things deuise,
2 Loe two most goodly virgins came in place,
Ylinked arme in arme in louely wise,
4 With countenance demure, and modest grace,
They numbred euen steps and equall pace:
6 Of which the eldest, that Fidelia hight,
Like sunny beames threw from her Christall face,
8 That could haue dazd the rash beholders sight,
And round about her head did shine like heauens light.

1 Thus as they gan of sundry things devise,

gan > did devise > talk

2 Lo two most goodly virgins came in place,

goodly > beautiful in place > there

3 Linked arm-in-arm in lovely wise,

lovely > [a] loving, lovely wise > manner

6 Of whom the elder, that Fidelia hight,

hight > was named

7 Like sunny beams threw from her crystal face,

Like > [Something resembling] crystal > {Clear, having the qualities of crystal, as purity, luminosity}

8 That could have dazed the rash beholder's sight,

dazed > dazzled

9 And round about her head did shine like heaven's light.

110.13

She was araied all in lilly white,
2 And in her right hand bore a cup of gold,
With wine and water fild vp to the hight,
4 In which a Serpent did himselfe enfold,
That horrour made to all, that did behold;
6 But she no whit did chaunge her constant mood:
And in her other hand she fast did hold
8 A booke, that was both signd and seald with blood,
Wherein darke things were writ, hard to be vnderstood.

1 She was arrayed all in lily white, 2 And in her right hand bore a cup of gold, 3 With wine and water filled up to the height,

height > [brim]

4 In which a serpent did himself enfold, 5 That horror made to all that did behold; 6 But she no whit did change her constant mood: 7 And in her other hand she fast did hold

fast > firmly

8 A book, that was both signed and sealed with blood,

book > (The New Testament)

9 Wherein dark things were written, hard to be understood.

Wherein > In which dark things > (The Revelation)

110.14

Her younger sister, that Speranza hight,
2 Was clad in blew, that her beseemed well;
Not all so chearefull seemed she of sight,
4 As was her sister; whether dread did dwell,
Or anguish in her hart, is hard to tell:
6 Vpon her arme a siluer anchor lay,
Whereon she leaned euer, as befell:
8 And euer vp to heauen, as she did pray,
Her stedfast eyes were bent, ne swarued other way.

1 Her younger sister, that Speranza hight,

hight > was named

2 Was clad in blue, that her beseemed well;

blue > (The traditional colour of hope) beseemed > suited

3 Not all so cheerful seemed she of sight,

of sight > in appearance, of aspect

4 As was her sister; whether dread did dwell, 5 Or anguish in her heart, is hard to tell: 6 Upon her arm a silver anchor lay,

anchor > (The symbol of hope: see Heb. 6.19)

7 Whereon she leaned ever, as befell:

befell > was fitting; it happened

8 And ever up to heaven, as she did pray, 9 Her steadfast eyes were bent, nor swerved other way.

bent > directed

110.15

They seeing Vna, towards her gan wend,
2 Who them encounters with like courtesie;
Many kind speeches they betwene them spend,
4 And greatly ioy each other +well+ to see:
Then to the knight with shamefast modestie
6 They turne themselues, at Vnaes meeke request,
And him salute with well beseeming glee;
8 Who faire them quites, as him beseemed best,
And goodly +gan+ discourse of many a noble gest.

4 well > for 1590 9 gan > can 1609

1 They, seeing Una, towards her gan wend,

gan > did

2 Who them encounters with like courtesy;

encounters > addresses; goes forward to meet

3 Many kind speeches they between them spend, 4 And greatly joy each other well to see: 5 Then to the knight with shamefast modesty

shamefast > shy, bashful

6 They turn themselves, at Una's meek request, 7 And him salute with well beseeming glee;

beseeming > suitable glee > joy, delight

8 Who fair them requites, as him beseemed best,

him beseemed best > seemed most fitting to him

9 And goodly gan discourse of many a noble gest.

goodly > courteously; well gan > did gest > exploit, deed

110.16

Then Vna thus; But she your sister deare,
2 The deare Charissa where is she become?
Or wants she health, or busie is elsewhere?
4 Ah no, said they, but forth she may not come:
For she of late is lightned of her wombe,
6 And hath encreast the world with one sonne more,
That her to see should be but troublesome.
8 Indeede (quoth she) that should +her+ trouble sore,
But thankt be God, and her encrease so euermore.

8 her > be 1590 etc.: FE

1 Then Una thus: "But she, your sister dear, 2 The dear Charissa, where is she become?

is she become > [has she gone, is she]

3 Or wants she health, or busy is elsewhere?"

Or > Either; hence, here: perhaps

4 "Ah no," said they, "but forth she may not come: 5 For she of late is lightened of her womb, 6 And has increased the world with one son more, 7 That her to see should be but troublesome."

That > [So that] be > [be for Charissa]

8 "Indeed," quoth she, "that should her trouble sore, 9 But thanked be God, and her increase so evermore!"

increase so > [may He make more fruitful in this way]

110.17

Then said the aged C{oe}lia, Deare dame,
2 And you good Sir, I wote that of your toyle,
And labours long, through which ye hither came,
4 Ye both forwearied be: therefore a whyle
I read you rest, and to your bowres recoyle.
6 Then called she a Groome, that forth him led
Into a goodly lodge, and gan despoile
8 Of puissant armes, and laid in easie bed;
His name was meeke Obedience rightfully ared.

1 Then said the aged Caelia, "Dear dame, 2 And you, good sir, I wot that of your toil

wot > know

3 And labours long, through which you hither came, 4 You both forwearied be: therefore a while

forwearied > exhausted

5 I read you rest, and to your bowers recoil."

read you > advise you to bowers > rooms recoil > retire

6 Then called she a groom, that forth him led

groom > young man, manservant

7 Into a goodly lodge, and gan despoil

lodge > lodging, temporary abode gan > did despoil > strip

8 Of puissant arms, and laid in easy bed;

puissant > warlike arms > {Weapons, shield and armour}

9 His name was meek Obedience, rightfully aread.

aread > made known, declared

110.18

Now when their wearie limbes with kindly rest,
2 And bodies were refresht with due repast,
Faire Vna gan Fidelia faire request,
4 To haue her knight into her schoolehouse plaste,
That of her heauenly learning he might taste,
6 And heare the wisedome of her words diuine.
She graunted, and that knight so much agraste,
8 That she him taught celestiall discipline,
And opened his dull eyes, that light mote in them shine.

1 Now when their weary limbs with kindly rest,

kindly > natural

2 And bodies were refreshed with due repast,

refreshed > (Takes both "bodies" and "limbes" as direct objects)

3 Fair Una gan Fidelia fair request

gan > did fair > courteously

4 To have her knight into her schoolhouse placed, 5 That of her heavenly learning he might taste,

That > [So that]

6 And hear the wisdom of her words divine. 7 She granted, and that knight so much aggraced

aggraced > favoured

8 That she him taught celestial discipline,

celestial > heavenly discipline > {Learning; mental and moral training}

9 And opened his dull eyes, that light might in them shine.

that > [so that]

110.19

And that her sacred Booke, with bloud ywrit,
2 That none could read, except she did them teach,
She vnto him disclosed euery whit,
4 And heauenly documents thereout did preach,
That weaker wit of man could neuer reach,
6 Of God, of grace, of iustice, of free will,
That wonder was to heare her goodly speach:
8 For she was able, with her words to kill,
And raise againe to life the hart, that she did thrill.

1 And her sacred book, with blood written,

blood > [of Christ]

2 That none could read, except she did them teach,

except > unless

3 She to him disclosed every whit; 4 And heavenly documents thereout did preach,

documents > lessons; proofs thereout > out of that

5 That weaker wit of man could never reach,

weaker > [the] too-weak wit > mind, intelligence, mental faculty

6 Of God, of grace, of justice, of free will, 7 That wonder was to hear her goodly speech:

goodly > fine, beautiful

8 For she was able with her words to kill, 9 And raise again to life, the heart that she did thrill.

thrill > pierce

110.20

And when she list poure out her larger spright,
2 She would commaund the hastie Sunne to stay,
Or backward turne his course from heauens hight;
4 Sometimes great hostes of men she could dismay,
Dry-shod to passe, she parts the flouds in tway;
6 And eke huge mountaines from their natiue seat
She would commaund, themselues to beare away,
8 And throw in raging sea with roaring threat.
Almightie God her gaue such powre, and puissance great.

5 This line was added in 1609.

1 And, when she list pour out her larger spirit,

list > chose to larger spirit > greater power, higher power

2 She would command the hasty sun to stay,

stay > wait (see Josh. 10.12)

3 Or backward turn its course from heaven's height;

backward > (See 2 Kings 20.10)

4 Sometimes great hosts of men she could dismay;

hosts > armies (see Judg. 7.21) dismay > defeat

5 Dry-shod to pass, she parts the floods in tway,

parts > (See Exod. 14.21 ff.) tway > two

6 And eke huge mountains from their native seat

eke > moreover mountains > (See Matt. 21.21) native seat > natural throne (i.e. foundations)

7 She would command themselves to bear away, 8 And throw in raging sea with roaring threat.

threat > pressure, thrust, hence: force (Latin trudere, to press, thrust, urge); also: threat, peril

9 Almighty God her gave such power, and puissance great.

puissance > strength

110.21

The faithfull knight now grew in litle space,
2 By hearing her, and by her sisters lore,
To such perfection of all heauenly grace,
4 That wretched world he gan for to abhore,
And mortall life gan loath, as thing forlore,
6 Greeu'd with remembrance of his wicked wayes,
And prickt with anguish of his sinnes so sore,
8 That he +desirde,+ to end his wretched dayes:
So much the dart of sinfull guilt the soule dismayes.

8 desirde, > desirde 1609

1 The faithful knight now grew in little space, 2 By hearing her, and by her sister's lore,

lore > teaching

3 To such perfection of all heavenly grace 4 That wretched world he began to abhor, 5 And mortal life gan loathe as thing forlorn,

gan > did; began to forlorn > wretched, depraved; morally lost, doomed

6 Grieved with remembrance of his wicked ways, 7 And pricked with anguish of his sins so sore 8 That he desired to end his wretched days: 9 So much the dart of sinful guilt the soul dismays.

110.22

But wise Speranza gaue him comfort sweet,
2 And taught him how to take assured hold
Vpon her siluer anchor, as was meet;
4 Else had his sinnes so great, and manifold
Made him forget all that Fidelia told.
6 In this distressed doubtfull agonie,
When him his dearest Vna did behold,
8 Disdeining life, desiring leaue to die,
She found her selfe assayld with great perplexitie.

1 But wise Speranza gave him comfort sweet,

comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort}

2 And taught him how to take assured hold 3 Upon her silver anchor, as was meet;

meet > fitting

4 Else had his sins, so great and manifold,

Else had > [Otherwise would have]

5 Made him forget all that Fidelia told. 6 In this distressed doubtful agony,

doubtful > apprehensive, fearful agony > (In the Middle Ages, this word also applied specifically to Christ's mental anguish in Gethsemane)

7 When him his dearest Una did behold, 8 Disdaining life, desiring leave to die, 9 She found herself assailed with great perplexity,

perplexity > perplexity; distress

110.23

And came to C{oe}lia to declare her smart,
2 Who well acquainted with that commune plight,
Which sinfull horror workes in wounded hart,
4 Her wisely comforted all that she might,
With goodly counsell and aduisement right;
6 And streightway sent with carefull diligence,
To fetch a Leach, the which had great insight
8 In that disease of grieued conscience,
And well could cure the same; His name was Patience.

1 And came to Caelia to declare her smart.

smart > pain; grief

2 Who, well acquainted with that common plight 3 Which sinful horror works in wounded heart, 4 Her wisely comforted all that she might,

might > could

5 With goodly counsel and advisement right;

advisement > advice

6 And straightway sent with careful diligence 7 To fetch a leech, who had great insight

leech > physician

8 Into that disease of grieved conscience, 9 And well could cure the same; his name was Patience.

110.24

Who comming to that soule-diseased knight,
2 Could hardly him intreat, to tell his griefe:
Which knowne, and all that noyd his heauie spright,
4 Well searcht, eftsoones he gan apply +reliefe+
Of salues and med'cines, which had passing priefe,
6 And thereto added words of wondrous might:
By which to ease he him recured briefe,
8 And much asswag'd the passion of his plight,
That he his paine endur'd, as seeming now more light.

4 reliefe > relief 1590; reliefe. 1596

1 Who, coming to that soul-diseased knight, 2 Could hardly him entreat to tell his grief:

hardly > with difficulty entreat > persuade

3 Which known, and all that noyed his heavy spirit

noyed > troubled, harassed

4 Well searched, eftsoons he gan apply relief

searched > probed, examined eftsoons > forthwith gan > did

5 Of salves and medicines, which had passing proof,

passing > surpassing, excellent proof > proven worth; hence: efficacy

6 And thereto added words of wondrous might:

thereto > moreover, also

7 By which to ease he him recured brief,

ease > (Sb.) recured > cured, restored brief > rapidly; briefly, temporarily

8 And much assuaged the passion of his plight,

passion > suffering

9 That he his pain endured, as seeming now more light.

That > [So that]

110.25

But yet the cause and root of all his ill,
2 Inward corruption, and infected sin,
Not purg'd nor heald, behind remained still,
4 And festring sore did rankle yet within,
Close creeping twixt the marrow and the skin.
6 Which to extirpe, he laid him priuily
Downe in a darkesome lowly place farre in,
8 Whereas he meant his corrosiues to apply,
And with +streight+ diet tame his stubborne malady.

9 streight > streict 1609

1 But yet the cause and root of all his ill

ill > trouble, disorder

2 (Inward corruption and infected sin) 3 Not purged nor healed, behind remained still, 4 And festering sore did rankle yet within, 5 Close creeping 'twixt the marrow and the skin.

marrow > {The vital part or "core" of the body}

6 Which to extirp, he laid him privily

extirp > extirpate privily > secretly; hence: away from view

7 Down in a darksome lowly place far in, 8 Where he meant his corrosives to apply,

corrosives > remedies, caustic drugs

9 And with strait diet tame his stubborn malady.

strait > strict diet > {Way of living or thinking} stubborn > unyielding, intractable (cf. 108.25:4)

110.26

In ashes and sackcloth he did array
2 His daintie corse, proud humors to abate,
And dieted with fasting euery day,
4 The swelling of his wounds to mitigate,
And made him pray both earely and eke late:
6 And euer as superfluous flesh did rot
Amendment readie still at hand did wayt,
8 To pluck it out with pincers firie whot,
That soone in him was left no one corrupted iot.

1 In ashes and sackcloth he did array 2 His dainty corse, proud humours to abate,

dainty corse > handsome body proud > proud, arrogant; lascivious; swollen, superfluous humours > {Habits of mind; mental qualities, inclinations; also: the four cardinal "humours" of the body whose proportions, in medieval physiology, were believed to determine one's mental and physical qualities} abate > destroy; abate

3 And dieted with fasting every day, 4 The swelling of his wounds to mitigate, 5 And made him pray both early and eke late:

eke > also

6 And ever, as superfluous flesh did rot, 7 Amendment ready still at hand did wait, 8 To pluck it out with pincers fiery hot, 9 That soon in him was left not one corrupted jot.

That > [So that]

110.27

And bitter Penance with an yron whip,
2 Was wont him once to disple euery day:
And sharp Remorse his hart did pricke and nip,
4 That drops of bloud thence like a well did play;
And sad Repentance vsed to embay,
6 +His bodie in salt water smarting sore,+
The filthy blots of sinne to wash away.
8 So in short space they did to health restore
The man that would not liue, but earst lay at deathes dore.

6 His bodie in salt water smarting sore, > His blamefull body in salt water sore, 1590

1 And bitter Penance, with an iron whip, 2 Was wont him once to disple every day:

Was wont > Was accustomed; used disple > discipline (esp. as a religious practice)

3 And sharp Remorse his heart did prick and nip, 4 That drops of blood thence like a well did play;

That > [So that]

5 And sad Repentance used to embay

sad > solemn; grievous; sad; heavy embay > bathe, drench

6 His body in salt water smarting sore, 7 The filthy blots of sin to wash away. 8 So in short space they did to health restore 9 The man that would not live, but erst lay at death's door.

erst > lately

110.28

In which his torment often was so great,
2 That like a Lyon he would cry and rore,
And rend his flesh, and his owne synewes eat.
4 His owne deare Vna hearing euermore
His ruefull shriekes and gronings, often tore
6 Her guiltlesse garments, and her golden heare,
For pitty of his paine and anguish sore;
8 Yet all with patience wisely she did beare;
For well she wist, his crime could else be neuer cleare.

1 In which his torment often was so great 2 That like a lion he would cry and roar, 3 And rend his flesh, and his own sinews eat.

rend > tear

4 His own dear Una, hearing evermore

evermore > constantly

5 His rueful shrieks and groanings, often tore 6 Her guiltless garments and her golden hair, 7 For pity of his pain and anguish sore; 8 Yet all with patience wisely she did bear; 9 For well she wist his crime could else be never clear.

wist > knew crime > {Wrongdoing, sins taken collectively} else > otherwise clear > clean; cleared, cleansed, purified

110.29

Whom thus recouer'd by wise Patience,
2 And trew Repentance they to Vna brought:
Who ioyous of his cured conscience,
4 Him dearely kist, and fairely eke besought
Himselfe to chearish, and consuming thought
6 To put away out of his carefull brest.
By this Charissa, late in child-bed brought,
8 Was woxen strong, and left her fruitfull nest;
To her faire Vna brought this vnacquainted guest.

1 Whom, thus recovered by wise Patience 2 And true Repentance, they to Una brought; 3 Who, joyous of his cured conscience, 4 Him dearly kissed, and fairly eke besought

fairly > gently; courteously (when applied to "besought"); becomingly, equitably (when applied to "chearish") eke > also

5 Himself to cherish, and consuming thought

cherish > cheer (see Ephes. 5.29); hold dear, cherish consuming > destructive, diseased

6 To put away out of his careful breast.

careful > {Sorrowful, full of cares}

7 By this Charissa, late in childbed brought,

By this > By this time late > lately

8 Was waxed strong, and left her fruitful nest;

Was waxed > Had grown

9 To her fair Una brought this unacquainted guest.

unacquainted > unknown, un-introduced; or: unusual, strange

110.30

She was a woman in her freshest age,
2 Of wondrous beauty, and of bountie rare,
With goodly grace and comely personage,
4 That was on earth not easie to compare;
Full of great loue, but Cupids wanton snare
6 As hell she hated, chast in worke and will;
Her necke and breasts were euer open bare,
8 That ay thereof her babes might sucke their fill;
The rest was all in yellow robes arayed still.

1 She was a woman in her freshest age, 2 Of wondrous beauty, and of bounty rare,

bounty > virtue, goodness; kindness, generosity

3 With goodly grace and comely personage,

goodly > attractive, beautiful personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from clothing}

4 That was on earth not easy to compeer;

compeer > equal, rival

5 Full of great love, but Cupid's wanton snare

Cupid > (God of love, the son of Jupiter and Venus)

6 As hell she hated, chaste in work and will; 7 Her neck and breasts were ever open bare, 8 That ay thereof her babes might suck their fill;

ay > ever, always

9 The rest was all in yellow robes arrayed still.

yellow > (The colour of fertility: see Met. 10.1) still > ever, always

110.31

A multitude of babes about her hong,
2 Playing their sports, that ioyd her to behold,
Whom still she fed, whiles they were weake and young,
4 But thrust them forth still, as they wexed old:
And on her head she wore a tyre of gold,
6 Adornd with gemmes and owches wondrous +faire,+
Whose passing price vneath was to be told;
8 And by her side there sate a gentle paire
Of turtle doues, she sitting in an yuorie chaire.

6 faire, > faire. 1596

1 A multitude of babes about her hung, 2 Playing their sports, that joyed her to behold,

sports > games joyed her > made her delighted, gave her joy; also rejoiced her

3 Whom still she fed, while they were weak and young,

still > continually, habitually, invariably

4 But thrust them forth still, as they waxed old:

still > always, invariably waxed > grew

5 And on her head she wore a tire of gold,

tire > head-dress

6 Adorned with gems and ouches wondrous fair,

ouches > {Jewels; golden sockets to hold these}

7 Whose passing price uneath was to be told;

passing > surpassing uneath > scarcely

8 And by her side there sat a gentle pair 9 Of turtle doves, she sitting in an ivory chair.

110.32

The knight and Vna entring, faire her greet,
2 And bid her ioy of that her happie brood;
Who them requites with court'sies seeming meet,
4 And entertaines with friendly chearefull mood.
Then Vna her besought, to be so good,
6 As in her vertuous rules to schoole her knight,
Now after all his torment well withstood,
8 In that sad house of Penaunce, where his spright
Had past the paines of hell, and long enduring night.

1 The knight and Una entering, fair her greet,

fair > courteously

2 And bid her joy of that her happy brood; 3 Who them requites with courtesies seeming meet,

meet > appropriate

4 And entertains with friendly cheerful mood.

entertains > receives; hence: greets

5 Then Una her besought to be so good 6 As in her virtuous rules to school her knight, 7 Now after all his torment well withstood 8 In that sad house of Penance, where his spirit

sad house of Penance > (Cf. 105.53:9; "sad" here = "grave"; also: "steadfast")

9 Had passed the pains of hell, and long-enduring night.

passed > endured

110.33

She was right ioyous of her iust request,
2 And taking by the hand that Faeries sonne,
Gan him instruct in euery good behest,
4 Of loue, and righteousnesse, and well to donne,
And wrath, and hatred warely to shonne,
6 That drew on men Gods hatred, and his wrath,
And many soules in dolours had fordonne:
8 In which when him she well instructed hath,
From thence to heauen she teacheth him the ready path.

1 She was right joyous of her just request,

right joyous of > very delighted by just > righteous; proper

2 And, taking by the hand that Faery's son, 3 Gan him instruct in every good behest

Gan > Did; began to behest > injunction (esp. of a religious nature)

4 Of love and righteousness, and well to do,

well > good

5 And wrath and hatred warely to shun,

warely > vigilantly, cautiously

6 That drew on men God's hatred, and His wrath, 7 And many souls in dolours had fordone:

dolours > sorrows, griefs fordone > utterly ruined

8 In which when him she well instructed has, 9 From thence to heaven she teaches him the ready path.

teaches > shows ready > {Straight, direct; lying immediately before him}

110.34

Wherein his weaker wandring steps to guide,
2 An auncient matrone she to her does call,
Whose sober lookes her wisedome well descride:
4 Her name was Mercie, well knowne ouer all,
To be both gratious, and eke liberall:
6 To whom the carefull charge of him she gaue,
To lead aright, that he should neuer fall
8 In all his wayes through this wide +worldes+ waue,
That Mercy in the end his righteous soule might saue.

8 worldes > worlds 1609

1 Wherein his weaker wandering steps to guide,

Wherein > In which; in respect of which weaker > too-weak

2 An ancient matron she to her does call, 3 Whose sober looks her wisdom well descried:

descried > announced, bespoke

4 Her name was Mercy, well known over all

over all > everywhere

5 To be both gracious and eke liberal:

eke > also

6 To whom the careful charge of him she gave, 7 To lead aright, that he should never fall

that > [so that]

8 In all his ways through this wide world's wave, 9 That Mercy in the end his righteous soul might save.

That > [And that]

110.35

The godly Matrone by the hand him beares
2 Forth from her presence, by a narrow way,
Scattred with bushy thornes, and ragged breares,
4 Which still before him she remou'd away,
That nothing might his ready passage stay:
6 And euer when his feet encombred were,
Or gan to shrinke, or from the right to stray,
8 She held him fast, and firmely did vpbeare,
As carefull Nourse her child from falling oft does reare.

1 The godly matron by the hand him bears 2 Forth from her presence, by a narrow way

her > [Charissa's]

3 Scattered with bushy thorns and ragged briers, 4 Which still before him she removed away,

still > continually

5 That nothing might his ready passage stay:

That > [So that] ready > straight, direct stay > hinder

6 And ever, when his feet encumbered were, 7 Or began to shrink, or from the right to stray, 8 She held him fast, and firmly did upbear,

fast > firmly did > [did him]

9 As careful nurse her child from falling often does rear.

110.36

Eftsoones vnto an holy Hospitall,
2 That was fore by the way, she did him bring,
In which seuen Bead-men that had vowed all
4 Their life to seruice of high heauens king
Did spend their dayes in doing godly thing:
6 +There+ gates to all were open euermore,
That by the wearie way were traueiling,
8 And one sate wayting euer them before,
To call +in commers-by+, that needy were and pore.

6 There > Their 1609; cf. 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 211.21:8, 304.41:7, 312.28:1 9 in commers-by > in-commers by 1590, 1596

1 Eftsoons to a holy hospital,

Eftsoons > Forthwith, soon hospital > {Charitable institution for housing and aiding the needy; place of lodging}

2 That was forby the way, she did him bring;

forby > hard by, near

3 In which seven beadsmen (that had vowed all

beadsmen > holy men; "men of prayer"

4 Their life to service of high heaven's King) 5 Did spend their days in doing godly things: 6 Their gates to all were open evermore

Their > Their; or, conceivably: there (see Textual Appendix; though even among the educated the two spellings were occasionally used indifferently) evermore > constantly

7 That by the weary way were travelling,

travelling > (Here, especially, includes the sense of "travailing", = "toiling")

8 And one sat waiting ever them before,

waiting > keeping watch

9 To call in comers-by that needy were and poor.

comers-by > passers-by

110.37

The first of them that eldest was, and best,
2 Of all the house had charge and gouernement,
As Guardian and Steward of the rest:
4 His office was to giue entertainement
And lodging, vnto all that came, and went:
6 Not vnto such, as could him feast againe,
And double quite, for that he on them spent,
8 But such, as want of harbour did constraine:
Those for Gods sake his dewty was to entertaine.

1 The first of them, that eldest was and best,

best > most kind

2 Of all the house had charge and government, 3 As guardian and steward of the rest: 4 His office was to give entertainment

office > duty, function entertainment > hospitality

5 And lodging to all that came and went: 6 Not to such as could him feast again,

again > in return

7 And doubly requite for that he on them spent,

that > [that which]

8 But such as want of harbour did constrain:

harbour > shelter constrain > distress

9 Those for God's sake his duty was to entertain.

110.38

The second was +as+ Almner of the place,
2 His office was, the hungry for to feed,
And thristy giue to drinke, a worke of grace:
4 He feard not once him selfe to be in need,
Ne car'd to hoord for those, whom he did breede:
6 The grace of God he layd vp still in store,
Which as a stocke he left vnto his seede;
8 He had enough, what need him care for more?
And had he lesse, yet some he would giue to the pore.

1 as > an 1609

1 The second was as almoner of the place:

was as almoner > [occupied the position of almoner, = official distributor of alms]

2 His office was the hungry to feed,

office > duty, function

3 And thirsty give to drink, a work of grace. 4 He feared not once himself to be in need, 5 Nor cared to hoard for those whom he did breed:

breed > father [that is, his children]

6 The grace of God he laid up still in store,

still > continuously

7 Which as a stock he left to his seed;

stock > estate, endowment seed > children, heirs

8 He had enough, what need him care for more? 9 And had he less, yet some he would give to the poor.

110.39

The third had of their wardrobe custodie,
2 In which were not rich tyres, nor garments gay,
The plumes of pride, and wings of vanitie,
4 But +clothes+ meet to keepe keene could away,
And naked nature seemely to aray;
6 With which bare wretched wights he dayly clad,
The images of God in earthly clay;
8 And if that no spare +cloths+ to giue he had,
His owne coate he would cut, and it distribute glad.

4 clothes > clothez 1609, emphasizing the disyllable; cf. 200.5:4, 204.28:8, 206.39:5 8 cloths > clothes 1590, 1609

1 The third had of their wardrobe custody, 2 In which were not rich tires, nor garments gay,

tires > articles of clothing (attire); accoutrements

3 The plumes of pride, and wings of vanity,

wings > [plumes and birds' wings as used to adorn clothing]

4 But clothes meet to keep keen cold away,

meet > suitable keen > sharp

5 And naked nature seemly to array;

seemly > suitably, properly

6 With which bare wretched wights he daily clad,

wights > people

7 The images of God in earthly clay; 8 And, if no spare clothes to give he had, 9 His own coat he would cut, and it distribute gladly.

110.40

The fourth appointed by his office was,
2 Poore prisoners to relieue with gratious ayd,
And captiues to redeeme with price of bras,
4 From Turkes and Sarazins, which them had stayd;
And though they faultie were, yet well he wayd,
6 That God to vs forgiueth euery howre
Much more then that, why they in bands were layd,
8 And he that harrowd hell with heauie stowre,
The faultie soules from thence brought to his heauenly bowre.

1 The fourth appointed, by his office was

appointed > fixed by appointment; who had been appointed office > duty, function

2 Poor prisoners to relieve with gracious aid, 3 And captives to redeem with price of brass,

price > payment brass > money

4 From Turks and Saracens, who them had stayed;

Saracens > {Arabs or Moslems of the time of the Crusades; pagans} stayed > detained, taken hostage

5 And though they faulty were, yet well he weighed

they > (The hostages as well as their captors) faulty > guilty; at fault

6 That God to us forgives every hour

hour > hour; moment

7 Much more than that why they in bonds were laid,

why > [for which]

8 And he, that harrowed hell with heavy stour,

he > (Christ: see The Apocryphal New Testament 94-146) harrowed > harried heavy > grievous; intense stour > turmoil, conflict

9 The faulty souls from thence brought to his heavenly bower.

bower > dwelling

110.41

The fift had charge sicke persons to attend,
2 And comfort those, in point of death which lay;
For them most needeth comfort in the end,
4 When sin, and hell, and death do most dismay
The feeble soule departing hence away.
6 All is but lost, that liuing we bestow,
If not well ended at our dying day.
8 O man haue mind of that last bitter throw;
For as the tree does fall, so lyes it euer low.

1 The fifth had charge sick persons to attend, 2 And comfort those in point of death who lay;

in > [at the]

3 For them most need comfort in the end, 4 When sin, and hell, and death, do most dismay 5 The feeble soul departing hence away. 6 All is but lost, that living we bestow,

bestow > stow away, store up

7 If not well ended at our dying day. 8 O Man, have mind of that last bitter throe;

throe > (Equally, "throw", = the fall of a tree when cut down)

9 For as the tree does fall, so lies it ever low.

110.42

The sixt had charge of them now being dead,
2 In seemely sort their corses to engraue,
And deck with dainty flowres their bridall bed,
4 That to their heauenly spouse both sweet and braue
They might appeare, when he their soules shall saue.
6 The wondrous workemanship of Gods owne mould,
Whose face he made, all beasts to feare, and gaue
8 All in his hand, euen dead we honour should.
Ah dearest God me graunt, I dead be not defould.

1 The sixth had charge of them now being dead, 2 In seemly sort their corses to ingrave,

sort > manner corses > bodies ingrave > inter

3 And deck with dainty flowers their bridal bed, 4 That to their heavenly spouse both sweet and brave

That > [So that] heavenly spouse > [Christ] brave > finely dressed, splendid

5 They might appear, when he their souls shall save. 6 The wondrous workmanship of God's own mould,

mould > image; shape, form

7 Whose face He made all beasts to fear, and gave 8 All in His hand, even dead we honour should.

dead > [when dead]

9 Ah, dearest God, me grant, I dead be not defouled!

defouled > defiled, befouled; defaced

110.43

The seuenth now after death and buriall done,
2 Had charge the tender Orphans of the dead
And widowes ayd, least they should be vndone:
4 In face of iudgement he their right would plead,
Ne ought the powre of mighty men did dread
6 In their defence, nor would for gold or fee
Be wonne their rightfull causes downe to tread:
8 And when they stood in most necessitee,
He did supply their want, and gaue them euer free.

1 The seventh, now after death and burial done, 2 Had charge the tender orphans of the dead 3 And widows aid, lest they should be undone:

aid > [to aid] undone > ruined, made destitute

4 In face of judgement he their right would plead,

judgement > [legal judgement]

5 Neither aught the power of mighty men did dread

aught > at all

6 In their defence, nor would for gold or fee

fee > bribe; fee

7 Be won their rightful causes down to tread:

won > persuaded

8 And, when they stood in most necessity, 9 He did supply their want, and gave them ever free.

want > need

110.44

There when the Elfin knight arriued was,
2 The first and chiefest of the seuen, whose care
Was guests to welcome, towardes him did pas:
4 Where seeing Mercie, that his steps vp bare,
And alwayes led, to her with reuerence rare
6 He humbly louted in meeke lowlinesse,
And seemely welcome for her did prepare:
8 For of their order she was Patronesse,
Albe Charissa were their chiefest founderesse.

1 There when the Elfin knight arrived was, 2 The first and chiefest of the seven, whose care 3 Was guests to welcome, towards him did pas:

pas > pace; pass

4 Where, seeing Mercy, who his steps upbore,

upbore > did support

5 And always led, to her with reverence rare

rare > excellent, fine

6 He humbly louted in meek lowliness,

louted > bowed, made obeisance

7 And seemly welcome for her did prepare: 8 For of their order she was patroness, 9 Albe Charissa was their chiefest foundress.

Albe > Although foundress > {Female founder}

110.45

There she awhile him stayes, him selfe to rest,
2 That to the rest more able he might bee:
During which time, in euery good behest
4 And godly worke of Almes and charitee
She him instructed with great industree;
6 Shortly therein so perfect he became,
That from the first vnto the last degree,
8 His mortall life he learned had to frame
In holy righteousnesse, without rebuke or blame.

1 There she awhile him stays, himself to rest,

stays > detains

2 That to the rest more able he might be:

That to > [So that to accomplish]

3 During which time, in every good behest

behest > injunction (esp. of a religious nature)

4 And godly work of alms and charity, 5 She him instructed with great industry. 6 Shortly therein so perfect he became 7 That, from the first to the last degree, 8 His mortal life he learned had to frame

frame > give shape to, direct

9 In holy righteousness, without rebuke or blame.

without > beyond the reach of; without blame > accusation, charge; blame

110.46

Thence forward by that painfull way they pas,
2 Forth to an hill, that was both steepe and hy;
On top whereof a sacred chappell was,
4 And eke a litle Hermitage thereby,
Wherein an aged holy man did lye,
6 That day and night said his deuotion,
Ne other worldly busines did apply;
8 His name was heauenly Contemplation;
Of God and goodnesse was his meditation.

1 Thence forward by that painful way they pas,

pas > pass; pace

2 Forth to a hill that was both steep and high; 3 On top whereof a sacred chapel was,

whereof > of which

4 And eke a little hermitage thereby,

eke > in addition (cf. 101.34)

5 Wherein an aged holy man did lie, 6 Who day and night said his devotion, 7 Nor other worldly business did apply;

apply > pursue

8 His name was heavenly Contemplation; 9 Of God and goodness was his meditation.

110.47

Great grace that old man to him giuen had;
2 For God he often saw from heauens hight,
All were his earthly eyen both blunt and bad,
4 And through great age had lost their kindly sight,
Yet wondrous quick and persant was his spright,
6 As Eagles eye, that can behold the Sunne:
That hill they scale with all their powre and might,
8 That his frayle thighes nigh wearie and fordonne
Gan faile, but by her helpe the top at last he wonne.

1 Great grace that old man to him given had; 2 For God he often saw from heaven's height, 3 All were his earthly eyes both blunt and bad,

All > Even; hence: even though, although

4 And through great age had lost their kindly sight,

kindly > native, natural

5 Yet wondrous quick and perceant was his spirit,

perceant > piercing, percipient

6 As eagle's eye, that can behold the sun:

behold the sun > (Cf. Parliament of Fowls 330-1)

7 That hill they scale with all their power and might, 8 That his frail thighs, nigh weary and fordone,

That > [So that] fordone > ruined; exhausted

9 Gan fail; but by her help the top at last he won.

Gan > Did; began to won > reached, attained

110.48

There they do finde that godly aged Sire,
2 With snowy lockes adowne his shoulders shed,
As hoarie frost with spangles doth attire
4 The mossy braunches of an Oke halfe ded.
Each bone might through his body well be red,
6 And euery sinew seene through his long fast:
For nought he car'd his carcas long vnfed;
8 His mind was full of spirituall repast,
And pyn'd his flesh, to keepe his body low and chast.

1 There they do find that godly aged sire,

sire > father; elderly man

2 With snowy locks adown his shoulders shed,

adown > down

3 As hoary frost with spangles does attire 4 The mossy branches of an oak half dead. 5 Each bone might through his body well be read,

read > seen

6 And every sinew seen, through his long fast:

through > as a result of

7 For naught he cared his carcase long unfed;

naught > not at all, nothing at all cared > [cared about; cared for]

8 His mind was full of spiritual repast, 9 And pined his flesh to keep his body low and chaste.

pined > starved low > weak, lacking vigour

110.49

Who when these two approching he aspide,
2 At their first presence grew agrieued sore,
That forst him lay his heauenly thoughts aside;
4 And had he not that Dame respected more,
Whom highly he did reuerence and adore,
6 He would not once haue moued for the knight.
They him saluted standing far afore;
8 Who well them greeting, humbly did requight,
And asked, to what end they clomb that tedious height.

1 Who, when these two approaching he espied, 2 At their first presence grew aggrieved sore, 3 That forced him lay his heavenly thoughts aside;

That > [In that their presence] lay > [to lay]

4 And had he not that dame respected more 5 (Whom highly he did reverence and adore), 6 He would not once have moved for the knight. 7 They him saluted, standing far afore;

afore > in front [of him]

8 Who, well them greeting, humbly did requite,

requite > [them requite, return the compliment]

9 And asked to what end they climbed that tedious height.

climbed > [had climbed]

110.50

What end (quoth +she+) should cause vs take such paine,
2 But that same end, which euery liuing wight
Should make his marke, high heauen to attaine?
4 Is not from hence the way, that leadeth right
To that most glorious house, that glistreth bright
6 With burning starres, and euerliuing fire,
Whereof the keyes are to thy hand behight
8 By wise Fidelia? she doth thee require,
To shew it to this knight, according his desire.

1 she > he 1596

1 "What end," quoth she, "should cause us take such pain,

take > [to take]

2 But that same end, which every living wight

wight > mortal, person

3 Should make his mark, high heaven to attain? 4 Is not from hence the way, that leads right 5 To that most glorious house, that glisters bright 6 With burning stars and ever-living fire, 7 Whereof the keys are to your hand behight

Whereof > Of which behight > delivered, granted (catachr.); promised

8 By wise Fidelia? She does you require

require > request

9 To show it to this knight, according his desire."

according > agreeing to grant; hence: granting

110.51

Thrise happy man, said then the father graue,
2 Whose staggering steps thy steady hand doth lead,
And shewes the way, his sinfull soule to saue.
4 Who better can the way to heauen aread,
Then thou thy selfe, that was both borne and bred
6 In heauenly throne, where thousand Angels shine?
Thou doest the prayers of the righteous sead
8 Present before the maiestie diuine,
And his auenging wrath to clemencie incline.

1 "Thrice happy man," said then the father grave,

happy > blessed, beatified; fortunate; happy grave > important, influential; grave; gravely

2 "Whose staggering steps your steady hand does lead, 3 And shows the way his sinful soul to save! 4 Who better can the way to heaven aread

aread > make known; declare

5 Than you yourself, that was both born and bred 6 In heavenly throne, where thousand angels shine? 7 You do the prayers of the righteous seed

righteous seed > sinless children [the redeemed]

8 Present before the majesty divine, 9 And His avenging wrath to clemency incline.

110.52

Yet +since+ thou bidst, thy pleasure shalbe donne.
2 Then come thou man of earth, and see the way,
That neuer yet was seene of Faeries sonne,
4 That neuer leads the traueiler astray,
But after labours long, and sad delay,
6 +Brings+ +them+ to ioyous rest and endlesse blis.
But first thou must a season fast and pray,
8 Till from her bands the spright assoiled is,
And haue her strength recur'd from fraile infirmitis.

1 since > sith 1609 6 Brings > Bring 1590, 1596 6 them > him conj. Morris, who also sugg. the alternative of "traueilers" in line 4

1 "Yet, since you bid, your pleasure shall be done. 2 Then come, you man of earth, and see the way

man of earth > (See 110.66)

3 That never yet was seen by Faery's son; 4 That never leads the traveller astray, 5 But after labours long, and sad delay,

sad > grievous; sorrowful

6 Brings them to joyous rest and endless bliss. 7 But first you must a season fast and pray,

a season > for a while

8 Till from its bonds the spirit assoiled is,

assoiled > absolved; set free

9 And has its strength recured from frail infirmities."

recured from > recovered from; cured of frail > weak, morally weak

110.53

That done, he leads him to the highest Mount;
2 Such one, as that same mighty man of God,
That bloud-red billowes like a walled front
4 On either side disparted with his rod,
Till that his army dry-foot through them yod,
6 Dwelt fortie dayes vpon; where writ in stone
With bloudy letters by the hand of God,
8 The bitter doome of death and balefull mone
He did receiue, whiles flashing fire about him shone.

1 That done, he leads him to the highest mount; 2 Such one as that same mighty man of God

one > Deut. 33.1, Exod. 24.18)

3 (That blood-red billows, like a walled front, 4 On either side disparted with his rod,

disparted > clove, parted asunder (see Exod. 14.21-2)

5 Till his army dry-foot through them yode)

yode > went

6 Dwelt forty days upon; where, written in stone 7 With bloody letters by the hand of God, 8 The bitter doom of death and baleful moan

doom > judgement, sentence baleful > deadly, miserable moan > {State of grief or lamentation}

9 He did receive, while flashing fire about him shone.

fire > (See Deut. 4.11)

110.54

Or like that sacred hill, whose head full hie,
2 Adornd with fruitfull Oliues all arownd,
Is, as it were for endlesse memory
4 Of that deare Lord, who oft thereon was fownd,
For euer with a flowring girlond crownd:
6 Or like that pleasaunt Mount, that is for ay
Through famous Poets verse each where renownd,
8 On which the thrise three learned Ladies play
Their heauenly notes, and make full many a louely lay.