CANTO X
A chronicle of Briton kings,
2 from Brute to Vthers rayne.
And rolles of Elfin Emperours,
4 till time of Gloriane.
1 A chronicle of Briton kings
chronicle > (Spenser derives his chronicle from standard chronicles, principally the twelfth-century Historia Regum Britanniae (HRB) by Geoffrey of Monmouth, and Elizabethan sources such as Holinshed's Chronicles. A full account is in Harper (1910), abstracted in Var. 301-34, 449-53; Hamilton (1980) provides further comment)
2 from Brutus to Uther's reign.
Brutus > (The mythical first king of Britain, great-grandson of
Aeneas)
Uther > (Uther Pendragon, father of Arthur; see 210.68:1-2)
3 And rolls of Elfin emperors
rolls > registers, lists
4 till time of Gloriana.
Gloriana > (The Faery Queen; Elizabeth)
210.1
WHo now shall giue vnto me words and sound,
2 Equall vnto this haughtie enterprise?
Or who shal lend me wings, with which from ground
4 My lowly verse may loftily arise,
And lift it selfe vnto the highest skies?
6 More ample spirit, then hitherto was wount,
Here needes me, whiles the famous auncestries
8 Of my most dreaded Soueraigne I recount,
By which all earthly Princes she doth farre surmount.
1 Who now shall give to me words and sound 2 Equal to this haughty enterprise?
haughty > lofty, noble
3 Or who shall lend me wings, with which from ground 4 My lowly verse may loftily arise, 5 And lift itself to the highest skies? 6 More ample spirit than hitherto was wont
wont > accustomed
7 Here needs me, while the famous ancestries
needs me > I need
8 Of my most dreaded sovereign I recount,
dreaded > revered
9 By which all earthly princes she does far surmount.
By > [By virtue of] surmount > surpass
210.2
Ne vnder Sunne, that shines so wide and faire,
2 Whence all that liues, does borrow life and light,
Liues ought, that to her linage may compaire,
4 Which though from earth it be deriued right,
Yet doth it selfe stretch forth to heauens hight,
6 And all the world with wonder ouerspred;
A labour huge, exceeding farre my might:
8 How shall fraile pen, with feare disparaged,
Conceiue such soueraine glory, and great bountihed?
1 Not under sun, that shines so wide and fair, 2 Whence all that lives does borrow life and light, 3 Lives aught that to her lineage may compare,
aught > anything at all
4 Which though from earth it be derived right, 5 Yet does itself stretch forth to heaven's height, 6 And all the world with wonder overspread; 7 A labour huge, exceeding far my might: 8 How shall frail pen, with fear disparaged,
disparaged > cast down
9 Conceive such sovereign glory, and great bountihead?
bountihead > bounteousness
210.3
Argument worthy of M{oe}onian quill,
2 Or rather worthy of great Ph{oe}bus rote,
Whereon the ruines of great Ossa hill,
4 And triumphes of Phlegr{ae}an Ioue he wrote,
That all the Gods admird his loftie note.
6 But if some relish of that heauenly lay
His learned daughters would to me report,
8 To decke my song withall, I would assay,
Thy name, {o^} soueraine Queene, to blazon farre away.
1 Argument worthy of Maeonian quill,
Argument > Subject-matter Maeonian > (Homer is said to have come from Maeonia, part of Lydia, and is also known as "Maeonides") quill > pen
2 Or rather worthy of great Phoebus' rote,
rote > {A medieval musical instrument, probably resembling the violin; hence: lyre, phorminx}
3 Whereon the ruins of great Ossa hill,
Ossa > (A mountain (elev. c. 6400 feet) in northern Thessaly (now Kisavo); the Giants, in attempting to scale Mount Olympus, piled it on the neighbouring Mount Pelion (Virgil, Georgics 1.281))
4 And triumphs of Phlegrean Jove he wrote,
Phlegrean > (It was at Phlegra (or Pallene), in Macedonia, that the
Giants attacked the gods; see 507.10:5)
Jove > (Who defeated the Giants with thunderbolts fashioned by
Vulcan and his Cyclopes)
wrote > set to music
5 That all the gods admired his lofty note.
That > [So that] admired > {Admired; heard with wonder or surprise}
6 But if some relish of that heavenly lay
relish > flavour; trace lay > song
7 His learned daughters would to me report,
His learned daughters > (The nine Muses. "His" may equally refer to Apollo, for in later accounts he is the leader of the choir of Muses, and receives the name of Musagetes as a result. According to Myth. 4.10, the Muses are the children of Apollo rather than of Jupiter) report > send back
8 To deck my song withal, I would essay
withal > notwithstanding essay > attempt
9 Your name, O sovereign queen, to blazon far away.
blazon > proclaim (cf. 100 for various resemblances to the four opening stanzas of 210, which themselves comprise a sort of proem)
210.4
Thy name {o^} soueraine Queene, thy realme and race,
2 From this renowmed Prince deriued arre,
+Who+ mightily vpheld that royall mace,
4 Which now thou bear'st, to thee descended farre
From mightie kings and conquerours in warre,
6 Thy fathers and great Grandfathers of old,
Whose noble deedes aboue the Northerne starre
8 Immortall fame for euer hath enrold;
As in that old mans booke they were in order told.
3 Who > Whom 1590, 1596: FE
1 Your name, O sovereign queen, your realm and race, 2 From this renowned prince derived are,
prince > [Arthur]
3 Who mightily upheld that royal mace
mace > sceptre
4 Which now you bear, to you descended far 5 From mighty kings and conquerors in war, 6 Your fathers and great grandfathers of old,
grandfathers > ancestors
7 Whose noble deeds above the northern star 8 Immortal fame for ever has enrolled;
enrolled > recorded
9 As in that old man's book they were in order told.
that old man > [Eumnestes]
210.5
The land, which warlike Britons now possesse,
2 And therein haue their mightie empire raysd,
In antique times was saluage wildernesse,
4 Vnpeopled, vnmanurd, vnprou'd, vnpraysd,
Ne was it Island then, ne was it paysd
6 Amid the Ocean waues, ne was it sought
Of marchants farre, for profits therein praysd,
8 But all was desolate, and of some thought
By sea to haue bene from the Celticke mayn-land brought.
1 The land which warlike Britons now possess,
possess > inhabit; own
2 And therein have their mighty empire raised, 3 In antique times was savage wilderness,
antique > ancient
4 Unpeopled, unmanured, unproved, unpraised,
unmanured > unploughed, uncultivated
5 Nor was it island then, nor was it peised
peised > balanced; weighed down; weighed upon
6 Amid the ocean waves, nor was it sought 7 Of merchants far, for profits therein praised,
Of > By praised > valued, esteemed
8 But all was desolate, and of some thought
of > by some > [some of the chroniclers whom Spenser consulted]
9 By sea to have been from the Celtic mainland brought.
Celtic mainland > (Normandy and Brittany)
210.6
Ne did it then deserue a name to haue,
2 Till that the venturous Mariner that way
Learning his ship from those white rocks to saue,
4 Which all along the Southerne sea-coast lay,
Threatning vnheedie wrecke and rash decay,
6 For +safeties sake+ that same his sea-marke made,
And namd it Albion. But later day
8 Finding in it fit ports for fishers trade,
Gan more the same frequent, and further to inuade.
6 safeties sake > safety 1590 (trisyllabic)
1 Nor did it then deserve a name to have, 2 Till the venturous mariner that way, 3 Learning his ship from those white rocks to save,
white rocks > (Chalk cliffs, esp. in Dorset, Sussex and Kent)
4 Which all along the southern sea-coast lay, 5 Threatening unheedy wreck and rash decay,
unheedy > incautious, heedless decay > downfall, death
6 For safety's sake that same his sea-mark made, 7 And named it Albion. But later day
Albion > (England. The origin of the name is obscure. The idea that it derives from the Latin albus, white, and was given to England by Julius Caesar in allusion to the cliffs, is refuted by mention of "Albion" in De Mundo, a Greek treatise formerly attributed to Aristotle, written three hundred years before Caesar's invasion. The name is certainly very old) day > age; hence: people
8 Finding in it fit ports for fishers' trade, 9 Gan more the same frequent, and further to invade.
Gan > Did; began to invade > enter (SUS); hence: explore
210.7
But farre in land a saluage nation dwelt,
2 Of hideous Giants, and halfe beastly men,
That neuer tasted grace, nor goodnesse felt,
4 But like wild beasts lurking in loathsome den,
And flying fast as Roebucke through the fen,
6 All naked without shame, or care of cold,
By hunting and by spoiling liued then;
8 Of stature huge, and eke of courage bold,
That sonnes of men amazd their sternnesse to behold.
1 But far inland a savage nation dwelt, 2 Of hideous giants and half beastly men,
hideous > immense; odious; terrific
3 That never tasted grace, nor goodness felt, 4 But like wild beasts, lurking in loathsome den, 5 And flying fast as roebuck through the fen, 6 All naked without shame, or care of cold, 7 By hunting and by spoiling lived then;
spoiling > pillaging
8 Of stature huge, and eke of courage bold,
eke > moreover
9 That sons of men amazed, their sternness to behold.
amazed > confounded, astounded sternness > ferocity
210.8
But whence they sprong, or how they were begot,
2 Vneath is to assure; vneath to wene
That monstrous error, which doth some assot,
4 That Dioclesians fiftie daughters shene
Into this land by chaunce haue driuen bene,
6 Where companing with feends and filthy Sprights,
Through vaine illusion of their lust vnclene,
8 They brought forth Giants and such dreadfull wights,
As farre exceeded men in their immeasurd mights.
1 But whence they sprang, or how they were begotten, 2 Uneath is to assure; uneath to ween
Uneath > Difficult assure > establish; state positively; venture ween > believe, accept
3 That monstrous error, which does some assot,
assot > make a fool of; hence: deceive
4 That Diocletian's fifty daughters sheen
Diocletian > (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus, 245-313, Roman emperor 284-305; noted for his persecution of Christians. His thirty-three daughters, like the fifty daughters of Danaus, are said to have murdered their bridegrooms; except for Albine, from whom Albion derived. See also 105.35:9) sheen > beautiful
5 Into this land by chance have driven been, 6 Where, companying with fiends and filthy sprites,
companying > keeping company
7 Through vain illusion of their lust unclean,
Through vain illusion of > [Deluded by]
8 They brought forth giants, and such dreadful wights
wights > creatures
9 As far exceeded men in their immeasured mights.
immeasured > immense, vast mights > strengths, capacities
210.9
They held this land, and with their filthinesse
2 Polluted this same gentle soyle long time:
That their owne mother loathd their beastlinesse,
4 And gan abhorre her broods vnkindly crime,
All were they borne of her owne natiue slime;
6 Vntill that Brutus anciently deriu'd
From royall stocke of old +Assaracs+ line,
8 Driuen by fatall error, here arriu'd,
And them of their vniust possession depriu'd.
7 Assaracs > Assaraos 1596
1 They held this land, and with their filthiness
filthiness > obscenity, moral defilement
2 Polluted this same gentle soil long time:
gentle > noble
3 That their own mother loathed their beastliness,
That > [So that] their own mother > [the soil of Albion]
4 And gan abhor her brood's unkindly crime,
gan > began to; did unkindly > unnatural crime > sins (collectively)
5 All were they born of her own native slime;
All were they > [Although they were] slime > slime, soil; flesh (cf. 209.21)
6 Until Brutus (anciently derived 7 From royal stock of old Assaracus' line), 8 Driven by fatal error, here arrived,
fatal > predestined; fatal error > wandering (see Aen. 1.2, HRB 1.3-15, 309.48); error (in that he killed his father in a hunting accident and was subsequently banished from Italy: see HRB 1.3)
9 And them of their unjust possession deprived.
210.10
But ere he had established his throne,
2 And spred his empire to the vtmost shore,
He fought great battels with his saluage fone;
4 In which he them defeated euermore,
And many Giants left on groning flore;
6 That well can witnesse yet vnto this day
The westerne Hogh, besprincled with the gore
8 Of mightie Go{e"}mot, whom in stout fray
Corineus conquered, and cruelly did slay.
1 But ere he had established his throne, 2 And spread his empire to the utmost shore, 3 He fought great battles with his savage foes; 4 In which he them defeated evermore, 5 And many giants left on groaning floor; 6 That well can witness yet to this day 7 The western Hoe, besprinkled with the gore
Hoe > (Plymouth Hoe, in Devon)
8 Of mighty Go{e"}magot, whom in stout fray
Go{e"}magot > (One of the giants who held sway over Cornwall) stout > brave, robust
9 Corineus conquered, and cruelly did slay.
Corineus > (Former commander of the Trojan remnants who had accompanied Antenor (Aen. 1.241); joined company with Brutus in Etruria)
210.11
And eke that ample Pit, yet farre renownd,
2 For the large leape, which Debon did compell
Coulin to make, being eight lugs of grownd;
4 Into the which returning backe, he fell,
But those three monstrous stones doe most excell
6 Which that huge sonne of hideous Albion,
Whose father Hercules in Fraunce did quell,
8 Great Godmer threw, in fierce contention,
At bold Canutus; but of him was slaine anon.
1 And eke that ample pit, yet far renowned
eke > also yet > still, even now
2 For the large leap which Debon did compel
Debon > (Another of Brutus's heroes)
3 Coulin to make, being eight lugs of ground:
Coulin > (One of the giants) lug > {Pole: a measure of distance, 16 feet 6 inches, about 5 metres}
4 Into which, returning back, he fell; 5 But those, three monstrous stones do most excel,
But those > [But those two examples (i.e. the defeats of Go{e"}magot and Coulin)] most excel > [far surpass (as an example of notable defeat)]
6 Which that huge son of hideous Albion,
hideous > immense, terrific; odious Albion > (A giant slain by Hercules; distinct from "Albion" as a name for England)
7 (Whose father Hercules in France did quell)
quell > kill
8 Great Godmer, threw, in fierce contention,
Godmer > (Son of Albion)
9 At bold Canute; but of him was slain anon.
Canute > (Another of Brutus's champions) of > by anon > straightway
210.12
In meed of these great conquests by them got,
2 Corineus had +that+ Prouince vtmost west,
To him assigned for his worthy lot,
4 Which of his name and memorable gest
He called Cornewaile, yet so called best:
6 And Debons shayre was, that is Deuonshyre:
But Canute had his portion from the rest,
8 The which he cald Canutium, for his hyre;
Now Cantium, which Kent we commenly inquire.
2 that > the 1609
1 In meed of these great conquests by them got,
In meed of > As reward for
2 Corineus had that province utmost west 3 To him assigned for his worthy lot, 4 Which of his name and memorable gest
of > after, by virtue of gest > exploit
5 He called Cornewaile, yet so called best:
Cornewaile > Cornwall yet > still, even today called > pronounced
6 And Debon's share was that is Devonshire:
that > [that which]
7 But Canute had his portion from the rest,
from > apart from, away from (geographically, Kent lies in the SE corner of England); out of (since Cornwall and Devon form the SW peninsula of England)
8 Which he called Canutium, for his hire;
hire > reward
9 Now Cantium, which Kent we commonly inquire.
inquire > call (catachr.)
210.13
Thus Brute this Realme vnto his rule subdewd,
2 And raigned long in great felicitie,
Lou'd of his friends, and of his foes eschewd,
4 He left three sonnes, his famous progeny,
Borne of faire Inogene of Italy;
6 Mongst whom he parted his imperiall state,
And Locrine left chiefe Lord of Britany.
8 At last ripe age bad him surrender late
His life, and long good fortune vnto finall fate.
1 Thus Brutus this realm to his rule subdued, 2 And reigned long in great felicity, 3 Loved of his friends, and of his foes eschewed:
of > by
4 He left three sons, his famous progeny, 5 Borne of fair Inogene of Italy;
Inogene > (Or Ignoge; a native of Greece according to the sources)
6 Amongst whom he parted his imperial state,
parted > divided
7 And Locrin left chief lord of Britain.
Locrin > (Brutus's eldest son, also called Logris, king of Loegres,
Loegria or Logris, roughly corresponding to modern England)
8 At last ripe age bade him surrender late 9 His life and long good fortune to final fate.
210.14
Locrine was left the soueraine Lord of all;
2 But Albanact had all the Northrene part,
Which of himselfe Albania he did call;
4 And Camber did possesse the Westerne quart,
Which Seuerne now from Logris doth depart:
6 And each his portion peaceably enioyd,
Ne was there outward breach, nor grudge in hart,
8 That once their quiet gouernment annoyd,
But each his paines to others profit still employd.
1 Locrin was left the sovereign lord of all; 2 But Albanact had all the northern part,
all the northern part > [Scotland]
3 Which of himself Albania he did call;
of > after
4 And Camber did possess the western quart,
western quart > [Wales; quart = quarter, region: SU]
5 Which Severn now from Logris does depart:
Severn > (The River Severn, which rises in Montgomery and flows 158 miles to the sea, disemboguing into the Bristol Channel) Logris > England depart > divide, separate
6 And each his portion peaceably enjoyed, 7 Nor was there outward breach, nor grudge in heart, 8 That once their quiet government annoyed, 9 But each his pains to others' profit still employed.
pains > efforts still > ever, continuously
210.15
Vntill a nation straung, with visage swart,
2 And courage fierce, that all men did affray,
Which through the world then swarmd in euery part,
4 And ouerflow'd all countries farre away,
Like Noyes great flood, with their importune sway,
6 This land inuaded with like violence,
And did themselues through all the North display:
8 Vntill that Locrine for his Realmes defence,
Did head against them make, and strong +munifience+.
9 munifience > munificence 1590, 1609
1 Until a nation strange, with visage swart,
strange > foreign (they are the Huns) swart > swarthy
2 And courage fierce, that all men did affray,
affray > terrify
3 Which through the world then swarmed in every part, 4 And overflowed all countries far away, 5 Like Noah's great flood, with their importune sway,
importune > heavy, exacting, grievous sway > force
6 This land invaded with like violence,
like > similar
7 And did themselves through all the north display:
display > spread out
8 Until Locrin, for his realm's defence, 9 Did head against them make, and strong munifience.
head > headway; advance munifience > fortification, defence (WU)
210.16
He them encountred, a confused rout,
2 Foreby the Riuer, that whylome was hight
The auncient Abus, where with courage stout
4 He them defeated in victorious fight,
And chaste so fiercely after fearefull flight,
6 That forst their Chieftaine, for his safeties sake,
(Their Chieftaine Humber named was aright)
8 Vnto the mightie streame him to betake,
Where he an end of battell, and of life did make.
1 He them encountered, a confused rout, 2 Forby the river that whilom was hight
Forby > Hard by, near whilom > formerly hight > called (it is now called the River Humber)
3 The ancient Abus, where with courage stout
stout > bold, brave
4 He them defeated in victorious fight, 5 And chased so fiercely after fearful flight, 6 That forced their chieftain, for his safety's sake,
That > [That he (i.e. Locrin)]
7 (Their chieftain Humber named was aright) 8 To the mighty stream him to betake, 9 Where he an end of battle, and of life did make.
210.17
The king returned proud of victorie,
2 And insolent wox through vnwonted ease,
That shortly he forgot the ieopardie,
4 Which in his land he lately did appease,
And fell to vaine voluptuous disease:
6 He lou'd faire Ladie Estrild, lewdly lou'd,
Whose wanton pleasures him too much did please,
8 That quite his hart from Guendolene remou'd,
From Guendolene his wife, though alwaies faithfull prou'd.
1 The king returned proud of victory, 2 And insolent waxed through unwonted ease,
insolent waxed > grew arrogant unwonted > unaccustomed
3 That shortly he forgot the jeopardy
That > [So that]
4 Which in his land he lately did appease,
appease > check; assuage
5 And fell to vain voluptuous disease:
vain > foolish; idle; weak disease > dis-ease: trouble, strife
6 He loved fair Lady Estrildis, lewdly loved, 7 Whose wanton pleasures him too much did please, 8 That quite his heart from Guendolen removed,
That > [So that] removed > removed itself (refl.)
9 From Guendolen his wife, though always faithful proved.
210.18
The noble daughter of Corineus
2 Would not endure to be so vile disdaind,
But gathering force, and courage valorous,
4 Encountred him in battell well ordaind,
In which him vanquisht she to fly constraind:
6 But she so fast pursewd, that him she tooke,
And threw in bands, where he till death remaind;
8 Als his faire Leman, flying through a brooke,
She ouerhent, nought moued with her piteous looke.
1 The noble daughter of Corineus
The noble daughter of Corineus > [Guendolen]
2 Would not endure to be so vile disdained,
vile > vilely; despicably
3 But gathering force, and courage valorous, 4 Encountered him in battle well ordained,
ordained > drawn up
5 In which him, vanquished, she to fly constrained:
fly > flee constrained > compelled
6 But she so fast pursued, that him she took, 7 And threw in bonds, where he till death remained; 8 Als his fair leman, flying through a brook,
Als > Also; as, in the same way leman > lover [Estrildis]
9 She overhent, naught moved with her piteous look.
overhent > overtook; seized
210.19
But both her selfe, and eke her daughter deare,
2 Begotten by her kingly Paramoure,
The faire Sabrina almost dead with feare,
4 She there attached, farre from all succoure;
The one she slew +in that impatient stoure+,
6 But the sad virgin innocent of all,
Adowne the rolling riuer she did poure,
8 Which of her name now Seuerne men do call:
Such was the end, that to disloyall loue did fall.
5 in that impatient stoure > vpon the present floure 1590; i.e. without further ado: present = immediate; floure = floor
1 But both herself, and eke her daughter dear,
eke > also
2 Begotten by her kingly paramour, 3 The fair Sabrina, almost dead with fear,
Sabrina > (Or Sabre; she ultimately became the nymph of the Severn. See Drayton's Polyolbion and Fletcher's Faithful Shepherdess; and Comus 824 ff.)
4 She there attached, far from all succour;
attached > seized, laid hold of
5 The one she slew in that impatient stour,
stour > conflict, turmoil
6 But the sad virgin, innocent of all, 7 Adown the rolling river she did pour,
Adown > Down
8 Which of her name now Severn men do call:
of > by virtue of, in remembrance of Severn > (Via Sabrina, Savarina, Severn)
9 Such was the end that to disloyal love did fall.
disloyal > disloyal, faithless; also: illegal, ex-marital
210.20
Then for her sonne, which she to Locrin bore,
2 Madan was young, vnmeet the rule +to+ sway,
In her owne hand the crowne she kept in store,
4 Till ryper yeares he raught, and stronger stay:
During which time her powre she did display
6 Through all this realme, the glorie of her sex,
And first taught men a woman to obay:
8 But when her sonne to mans estate did wex,
She it surrendred, ne her selfe would lenger vex.
2 to > of 1596, 1609
1 Then for her son (whom she to Locrin bore),
for > because
2 Maddan, was young, unmeet the rule to sway,
unmeet > unfitted rule > dominion sway > govern
3 In her own hand the crown she kept in store, 4 Till riper years he raught, and stronger stay:
raught > reached, attained stay > staying power; self-control
5 During which time her power she did display
display > spread
6 Through all this realm, the glory of her sex, 7 And first taught men a woman to obey: 8 But when her son to man's estate did wax,
wax > grow
9 She it surrendered, nor herself would longer vex.
210.21
Tho Madan raignd, vnworthie of his race:
2 For with all shame that sacred throne he fild:
Next Memprise, as vnworthy of that place,
4 In which being consorted with Manild,
For thirst of single kingdome him he kild.
6 But Ebranck salued both their infamies
With noble deedes, and warreyd on Brunchild
8 In Henault, where yet of his victories
Braue moniments remaine, which yet that land enuies.
1 Tho Maddan reigned, unworthy of his race:
Tho > Then
2 For with all shame that sacred throne he fild:
fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.)
3 Next Mempricius, as unworthy of that place,
as > equally
4 In which being consorted with Manlius,
Manlius > (Or Malim, brother of Mempricius, son of Maddan)
5 For thirst of single kingdom him he killed.
single > [an undivided]
6 But Ebraucus salved both their infamies
Ebraucus > (Son of Mempricius) salved > remedied, made up for
7 With noble deeds, and warrayed on Brunchildis
warrayed > waged war Brunchildis > (Prince of Hainaut)
8 In Hainaut, where yet of his victories
Hainaut > (A province of Belgium) yet > still, even today
9 Brave monuments remain, which yet that land envies.
envies > {Feels a grudge against, resents}
210.22
An happie man in his first dayes he was,
2 And happie father of faire progeny:
For all so many weekes as the yeare has,
4 So many children he did multiply;
Of which were twentie sonnes, which did +apply,+
6 Their minds to praise, and cheualrous desire:
Those germans did subdew all Germany,
8 Of whom it hight; but in the end their Sire
With foule repulse from Fraunce was forced to retire.
5 apply, > apply 1609
1 A happy man in his first days he was,
happy > happy; fortunate
2 And happy father of fair progeny: 3 For all so many weeks as the year has,
all so > just as
4 So many children he did multiply; 5 Of which were twenty sons, which did apply 6 Their minds to praise, and chivalrous desire:
praise > virtue; praiseworthy acts
7 Those germans did subdue all Germany,
germans > brothers
8 Of whom it hight; but in the end their sire
Of > After hight > is called sire > father
9 With foul repulse from France was forced to retire.
210.23
Which blot his sonne succeeding in his seat,
2 The second Brute, the second both in name,
And eke in semblance of his puissance great,
4 Right well recur'd, and did away that blame
With recompence of euerlasting fame.
6 He with his victour sword first +opened,+
The bowels of wide Fraunce, a forlorne Dame,
8 And taught her first how to be conquered;
Since which, with sundrie spoiles she hath beene ransacked.
6 opened, > opened 1609
1 Which blot his son (succeeding in his seat, 2 The second Brutus, the second both in name
Brutus > (Surnamed "Greenshield")
3 And eke in semblance of his puissance great)
eke > also puissance > power, strength
4 Right well recured, and did away that blame
Right well > Very well, thoroughly recured > remedied
5 With recompense of everlasting fame. 6 He with his victor sword first opened 7 The bowels of wide France, a forlorn dame, 8 And taught her first how to be conquered; 9 Since which, with sundry spoils she has been ransacked.
spoils > {Acts of pillage}
210.24
Let Scaldis tell, and let tell Hania,
2 And let the marsh of Estham bruges tell,
What colour were their waters that same day,
4 And all the moore twixt Eluersham and Dell,
With bloud of Henalois, which therein fell.
6 How oft that day did sad Brunchildis see
The greene shield dyde in dolorous vermell?
8 That not +Scuith guiridh+ +it+ mote seeme to +bee,+
But +rather y Scuith gogh, signe of sad crueltee+.
8 Scuith guiridh > omitted from 1590 8 it > he 1590 8 bee, > bee. 1596 9 rather y Scuith gogh, signe of sad crueltee > omitted from 1590; But Seuith Scuith FE
1 Let Scaldis tell, and let tell Haina,
Scaldis > (The River Schelde, which rises in NE France, crosses
Belgium, and in the Netherlands flows into the North Sea; length
c. 270 miles)
Haina > (The River Haina)
2 And let the marsh of Estham Bruges tell,
Estham Bruges > (Bruges; Brutus's camp)
3 What colour were their waters that same day, 4 And all the moor 'twixt Elversham and Dell,
moor > marsh; flood-plain; heath Elversham and Dell > (Not identifiable)
5 With blood of Henalois which therein fell.
Henalois > (The men of Hainaut)
6 How oft that day did sad Brunchildis see 7 The green shield dyed in dolorous vermilion?
in > [with]
8 That not Scuith guiridh it might seem to be,
That > [So that] Scuith guiridh > Green Shield (Welsh, referring to his surname: cf. 210.23:2)
9 But rather y Scuith gogh, sign of sad cruelty.
y Scuith gogh > Red Shield (Welsh) sign > emblem; banner, standard sad > sad; heavy, grievous
210.25
His sonne king Leill by fathers labour long,
2 Enioyd an heritage of lasting peace,
And built Cairleill, and built Cairleon strong.
4 Next Huddibras his realme did not encrease,
But taught the land from wearie warres to cease.
6 Whose footsteps Bladud following, in arts
Exceld at Athens all the learned preace,
8 From whence he brought them to these saluage parts,
And with sweet science mollifide their stubborne harts.
1 His son, King Leill (by father's labour long),
by > [by virtue of, as a result of]
2 Enjoyed a heritage of lasting peace, 3 And built Carlisle, and built Caer-lion strong.
Caer-lion > Caerleon-upon-Usk strong > (Adj. or adv.)
4 Next Huddibras his realm did not increase, 5 But taught the land from weary wars to cease. 6 Whose footsteps Bladud following, in arts 7 Excelled at Athens all the learned press,
Excelled > Surpassed press > company, throng
8 From whence he brought them to these savage parts,
them > [the "arts">[ savage > wild; savage
9 And with sweet science mollified their stubborn hearts.
science > learning, knowledge; skill; hence: magic, occult powers their > [the Britons']
210.26
Ensample of his wondrous faculty,
2 Behold the boyling Bathes at Cairbadon,
Which seeth with secret fire eternally,
4 And in their entrails, full of quicke Brimston,
Nourish the flames, which they are warm'd vpon,
6 That to +their+ people wealth they forth do well,
And health to euery forreine nation:
8 Yet he at last contending to excell
The reach of men, through flight into fond mischief fell.
6 their > her 1590 etc.: FE
1 Example of his wondrous faculty,
Example > [As an example of] faculty > [occult powers]
2 Behold the boiling baths at Caer-badus,
Caer-badus > (Bath, in the present county of Avon)
3 Which seethe with secret fire eternally,
secret > hidden
4 And in their entrails, full of quick brimstone,
entrails > inner parts quick > burning, burning strongly; living
5 Nourish the flames which they are warmed upon, 6 That to their people wealth they forth do well,
That > [So that] wealth > well-being
7 And health to every foreign nation: 8 Yet he at last, contending to excel
contending > striving
9 The reach of men, through flight into fond mischief fell.
reach > natural capacities flight > (At Trinovantum, with artificial wings; Bladud's magic was not quite up to this and he crashed into the temple of Apollo, with terminal results) fond > foolish mischief > disaster
210.27
Next him king Leyr in happie peace long raind,
2 But had no issue male him to succeed,
But three faire daughters, which were well vptraind,
4 In all that seemed fit for kingly seed:
Mongst whom his realme he equally decreed
6 To haue diuided. Tho when feeble age
Nigh to his vtmost date he saw proceed,
8 He cald his daughters; and with speeches sage
Inquyrd, which of them most did loue her parentage.
1 Next him King Lear in happy peace long reigned,
Next > After, immediately after Lear > (Also known as Leir or Leyr. The son of Bladud, builder of Caer-leir (i.e. Learchester, the modern Leicester; see note on Colchester at 210.58:9). The story of Lear and his daughters is a Buddhist parable of great antiquity) happy > happy; fortunate
2 But had no issue male him to succeed,
issue male > [sons]
3 But three fair daughters, who were well uptrained
uptrained > trained, inculcated
4 In all that seemed fit for kingly seed:
seed > children, offspring
5 Amongst whom his realm he equally decreed 6 To have divided. Tho when feeble age
Tho > Then
7 Nigh to his utmost date he saw proceed,
date > term, span of life
8 He called his daughters; and with speeches sage 9 Inquired which of them most did love her parentage.
parentage > parents; hence: father
210.28
The eldest +Gonorill+ gan to protest,
2 That she much more then her owne life him lou'd:
And Regan greater loue to him profest,
4 Then all the world, when euer it were proou'd;
But Cordeill said she lou'd him, as behoou'd:
6 Whose simple answere, wanting colours faire
To paint it forth, him to displeasance moou'd,
8 That in his crowne he counted her no haire,
But twixt the other twaine his kingdome whole did shaire.
1 Gonorill > Gonerill 1590
1 The eldest, Goneril, began to protest 2 That she much more than her own life him loved: 3 And Regan greater love to him professed 4 Than all the world, whenever it were proved;
it were proved > [her love should be put to the test]
5 But Cordelia said she loved him, as behoved:
as behoved > as was fitting (that is, filially)
6 Whose simple answer, wanting colours fair 7 To paint it forth, him to displeasance moved,
displeasance > displeasure, annoyance
8 That in his crown he counted her no heir,
That > [So that]
9 But 'twixt the other twain his kingdom whole did share.
twain > two
210.29
So wedded th'one to Maglan king of Scots,
2 And th'other to the king of Cambria,
And twixt them shayrd his realme by equall lots:
4 But without dowre the wise +Cordelia,+
Was sent to Aganip of Celtica.
6 Their aged Syre, thus eased of his crowne,
A priuate life led in Albania,
8 With Gonorill, long had in great renowne,
That nought him grieu'd to bene from rule deposed downe.
4 Cordelia, > Cordelia 1609
1 So wedded the one to Maglaunus, king of Scots,
the one > [Goneril]
2 And the other to the king of Cambria,
the other > [Regan] Cambria > Wales (Cornwall, according to HRB 2.12)
3 And 'twixt them shared his realm by equal lots: 4 But, without dower, the wise Cordelia 5 Was sent to Aganippus of Celtica.
Celtica > (The central division of Transalpine Gaul; i.e. France)
6 Their aged sire, thus eased of his crown,
sire > father eased > relieved
7 A private life led in Albania,
Albania > Scotland
8 With Goneril, long had in great renown,
long had > (That is, the crown)
9 That naught him grieved to been from rule deposed down.
That naught > [So that not at all] been > [have been; be]
210.30
But true it is, that when the oyle is spent,
2 The light goes out, and +weeke+ is throwne away;
So when he had resignd his regiment,
4 His daughter gan despise his drouping day,
And wearie +waxe+ of his continuall stay.
6 Tho to his daughter +Rigan+ he repayrd,
Who him at first well vsed euery way;
8 But when of his departure she despayrd,
Her bountie she abated, and his cheare empayrd.
2 weeke > wike 1609 5 waxe > wox 1609 6 Rigan > Regan 1590
1 But true it is that when the oil is spent 2 The light goes out, and wick is thrown away; 3 So when he had resigned his regiment,
regiment > rule, royal authority; kingdom
4 His daughter gan despise his drooping day,
gan > did; began to drooping > declining, fading
5 And weary wax of his continual stay.
wax > grow, become
6 Tho to his daughter Regan he repaired,
Tho > Then repaired > went
7 Who him at first well used every way; 8 But when of his departure she despaired, 9 Her bounty she abated, and his cheer impaired.
cheer > mood, gladness; countenance, expression; also: hospitable reception; also: viands, food (a fine example of Spenser's talent for finding le mot juste)
210.31
The wretched man gan then auise too late,
2 That loue is not, where most it is profest,
Too truely tryde in his extreamest state;
4 At last resolu'd likewise to proue the rest,
He to Cordelia him selfe addrest,
6 Who with entire affection him receau'd,
As for her Syre and king her seemed best;
8 And after all an army strong she leau'd,
To war on those, which him had of his realme bereau'd.
1 The wretched man gan then advise, too late,
gan > did advise > perceive; reflect
2 That love is not where most it is professed: 3 Too truly tried in his extremest state;
tried > proved, demonstrated
4 At last, resolved likewise to prove the rest,
prove > try; test rest > remainder (i.e. his remaining daughter)
5 He to Cordelia himself addressed,
himself addressed > betook himself, went
6 Who with entire affection him received,
entire > unreserved, wholly devoted
7 As for her sire and king her seemed best;
As > [In the manner that] sire > father her > [to her]
8 And after all an army strong she leaved,
after all > afterwards; next; later leaved > levied, mustered (via French lever: WU)
9 To war on those who him had of his realm bereaved.
bereaved > robbed
210.32
So to his crowne she him restor'd againe,
2 In which he dyde, made ripe for death by eld,
And after wild, it should to her remaine:
4 Who peaceably the same long time did weld:
And all mens harts in dew obedience held:
6 Till that her sisters children, woxen strong
Through proud ambition, against her rebeld,
8 And ouercommen kept in prison long,
Till wearie of that wretched life, her selfe she hong.
1 So to his crown she him restored again,
crown > rule, kingdom again > (Pleonastic)
2 In which he died, made ripe for death by eld,
eld > old age
3 And after willed it should to her remain:
it > [that the crown] remain > continue to belong
4 Who peaceably the same long time did wield:
wield > command, govern
5 And all men's hearts in due obedience held:
due > fitting
6 Till her sisters' children, waxed strong
waxed > grown
7 Through proud ambition, against her rebelled, 8 And overcome kept in prison long,
overcome > [Cordelia, overcome,]
9 Till, weary of that wretched life, herself she hanged.
210.33
Then gan the bloudie brethren both to raine:
2 But fierce Cundah gan shortly to enuie
His brother Morgan, prickt with proud disdaine,
4 To haue a pere in part of soueraintie,
And kindling coles of cruell enmitie,
6 Raisd warre, and him in battell ouerthrew:
Whence as he to those woodie hils did flie,
8 Which hight of him Glamorgan, there him slew:
Then did he raigne alone, when he none equall knew.
1 Then began the bloody brethren both to reign: 2 But fierce Cunedagius began shortly to envy
Cunedagius > (Son of Regan) envy > resent
3 His brother Morgan, pricked with proud disdain,
brother > cousin, kinsman Morgan > (Son of Goneril) disdain > indignation
4 To have a peer in part of sovereignty,
peer > rival part > [the] function, office, business; hence: discharge sovereignty > royal authority
5 And, kindling coals of cruel enmity, 6 Raised war, and him in battle overthrew: 7 Whence, as he to those woody hills did fly
fly > flee
8 (Which hight of him Glamorgan), there him slew:
hight of > were named after Glamorgan > [Glen of Morgan]
9 Then did he reign alone, when he none equal knew.
equal > [equal to him]
210.34
His sonne +Riuallo+ his dead roome did supply,
2 In whose sad time bloud did from heauen raine:
Next great Gurgustus, then faire C{ae}cily
4 In constant peace their kingdomes did containe,
After whom Lago, and Kinmarke did raine,
6 And Gorbogud, till farre in yeares he grew:
+Till+ his ambitious sonnes vnto them twaine,
8 Arraught the rule, and from their father drew,
Stout Ferrex and sterne Porrex him in prison threw.
1 Riuallo > Riuall' 1590; Rivall' 1609 7 Till > Then 1590; When 1609
1 His son Rivallo his dead room did supply,
dead room > [place created by his death (cf. 207.11:8)] supply > fill
2 In whose sad time blood did from heaven rain: 3 Next great Gurgustius, then fair Sisillius 4 In constant peace their kingdoms did contain,
contain > hold; control
5 After whom Jago, and Kinmarcus did reign, 6 And Gorboduc, till far in years he grew:
Gorboduc > (The story of Gorboduc and his sons is the subject of the first English tragedy, Gorboduc, acted in 1561, and printed in 1565 by Thomas Norton and Thomas Sackville, i.e. Lord Buckhurst, to whom one of Spenser's dedicatory sonnets is addressed: see I:588 ff.)
7 Till his ambitious sons to them twain
them twain > the two of them
8 Arraught the rule, and from their father drew:
Arraught > Arreached, obtained, got into possession of from > [it from] drew > withdrew
9 Stout Ferrex and stern Porrex him in prison threw.
Stout > Bold; arrogant; fierce stern > fierce, merciless
210.35
But {o^}, the greedy thirst of royall crowne,
2 That knowes no kinred, nor regardes no right,
Stird Porrex vp to put his brother downe;
4 Who vnto him assembling forreine might,
Made warre on him, and fell him selfe in fight:
6 Whose death t'auenge, his mother mercilesse,
Most mercilesse of women, Wyden hight,
8 Her other sonne fast sleeping did oppresse,
And with most cruell hand him murdred pittilesse.
1 But O the greedy thirst of royal crown
of > for
2 (That knows no kindred, nor regards no right), 3 Stirred Porrex up to put his brother down; 4 Who, to him assembling foreign might, 5 Made war on him, and fell himself in fight: 6 Whose death to avenge, his mother merciless, 7 Most merciless of women, Widen hight,
hight > named, called
8 Her other son fast sleeping did oppress,
oppress > take by surprise (cf. 107.0:2)
9 And with most cruel hand him murdered pitiless.
210.36
Here ended Brutus sacred progenie,
2 Which had seuen hundred yeares this scepter borne,
With high renowme, and great +felicitie;+
4 The noble braunch from th'antique stocke was torne
Through discord, and the royall throne forlorne:
6 Thenceforth this Realme was into factions rent,
Whilest each of Brutus boasted to be borne,
8 That in the end was left no moniment
Of Brutus, nor of Britons glory auncient.
3 felicitie; > felicitie? 1596
1 Here ended Brutus' sacred progeny,
sacred > {An epithet of royalty; also, here, specifically because Brutus's lineage could be traced back to Aeneas (whose father, Anchises, was a mortal, and whose mother, Venus, was a goddess)}
2 Which had seven hundred years this sceptre borne, 3 With high renown, and great felicity; 4 The noble branch from the antique stock was torn
antique stock > ancient trunk (with the pun on "stock")
5 Through discord, and the royal throne forlorn:
forlorn > abandoned, forsaken; lost
6 Thenceforth this realm was into factions rent,
rent > torn
7 While each of Brutus boasted to be born,
each of Brutus boasted to be born > [each pretender to the throne claimed to be descended from Brutus]
8 That in the end was left no monument
That > [So that] monument > monument; also: evidence, hence: trace
9 Of Brutus, nor of Britons' glory ancient.
glory ancient > [ancient glory]
210.37
Then vp arose a man of matchlesse might,
2 And wondrous wit to menage high affaires,
Who stird +with+ pitty of the stressed plight
4 Of this sad Realme, cut into sundry shaires
By such, as claymd themselues Brutes rightfull haires,
6 Gathered the Princes of the people loose,
To taken counsell of their common cares;
8 Who with his wisedom won, him streight did choose,
Their king, and swore him fealty to win or loose.
3 with > vp 1596
1 Then up arose a man of matchless might,
a man > (Dunwallo Molmutius, also called Dynval Moelmud)
2 And wondrous wit to manage high affairs,
wit > mental capacity, intelligence
3 Who (stirred with pity of the stressed plight
stressed > afflicted, oppressed
4 Of this sad realm, cut into sundry shares
cut > [which had been divided]
5 By such as claimed themselves Brutus' rightful heirs) 6 Gathered the princes of the people loose,
loose > disunited
7 To take counsel of their common cares; 8 Who, with his wisdom won, him straight did choose
won > persuaded, won over straight > straightway; directly; unreservedly
9 Their king, and swore him fealty to win or lose.
to win or lose > [for better or worse, in good times or bad]
210.38
Then made he head against his enimies,
2 And Ymner slew, +of+ Logris miscreate;
Then Ruddoc and proud Stater, both allyes,
4 This of Albanie newly nominate,
And that of Cambry king confirmed late,
6 He ouerthrew through his owne valiaunce;
Whose countreis he redus'd to quiet state,
8 And shortly brought to ciuill gouernaunce,
Now one, which earst were many, made through variaunce.
2 of > or 1596, 1609
1 Then made he head against his enemies,
head > headway; [an] advance
2 And Ymner slew, of Logris miscreate;
of > [king of] Logris > England miscreate > wrongly created
3 Then Ruddoc and proud Stater, both allies 4 (This of Albania newly nominate,
This > [Ruddoc] Albania > Scotland nominate > appointed to office; hence: installed [as king]
5 And that of Cambria king confirmed late),
that > [Stater] Cambria > Wales late > lately, recently
6 He overthrew through his own valiance; 7 Whose countries he reduced to quiet state, 8 And shortly brought to civil governance,
governance > control
9 Now one, which erst were many, made through variance.
one > [united] erst > once; at first variance > discord, quarrelling
210.39
Then made he sacred lawes, which some men say
2 Were vnto him reueald in vision,
By which he freed the Traueilers high way,
4 The Churches part, and Ploughmans portion,
Restraining stealth, and strong extortion;
6 The gracious Numa of great Britanie:
For till his dayes, the chiefe dominion
8 By strength was wielded without pollicie;
Therefore he first wore crowne of gold for dignitie.
1 Then made he sacred laws, which some men say 2 Were to him revealed in vision, 3 By which he freed the travellers' highway, 4 The church's part, and ploughman's portion,
ploughman > [the ploughman]
5 Restraining stealth and strong extortion;
stealth > thievery
6 The gracious Numa of great Britain:
Numa > (Numa Pompilius, the mythical second king of Rome, a law- giver who reigned peacefully for 39 (or 43) years and was revered for his wisdom and piety)
7 For, till his days, the chief dominion 8 By strength was wielded, without policy;
policy > statecraft (referring to the Molmutine Laws; cf. the pejorative use at 104.12:7)
9 Therefore he first wore crown of gold for dignity.
210.40
Donwallo dyde (for what may liue for ay?)
2 And left two sonnes, of pearelesse prowesse both;
That sacked Rome too dearely did assay,
4 The recompence of their periured oth,
And ransackt Greece well tryde, when they were wroth;
6 Besides subiected Fraunce, and Germany,
Which yet their prayses speake, all be they loth,
8 And inly tremble at the memory
Of Brennus and Bellinus, kings of Britany.
1 Dunwallo died (for what may live for ay?)
ay > ever
2 And left two sons, of peerless prowess both;
prowess > valour
3 That sacked Rome too dearly did assay,
That > [Their valour] sacked > (Pa. ppl. adj.) assay > put to the proof; hence: learn, experience
4 The recompense of their perjured oath,
recompense > reward, requital of > [for] oath > [peace treaty: see HRB 3.9]
5 And ransacked Greece well tried, when they were wroth;
ransacked > (Pa. ppl. adj., as "sacked" in line 3) tried > tested (as "assay" in line 3)
6 Besides subjected France and Germany, 7 Which yet their praises speak, all be they loath,
yet > still, even now all be they > [although they are]
8 And inly tremble at the memory
inly > inwardly
9 Of Brennus and Belinus, kings of Britain.
210.41
Next them did +Gurgunt+, great Bellinus sonne
2 In rule succeede, and eke in fathers prayse;
He Easterland subdewd, and +Danmarke+ wonne,
4 And of them both did foy and tribute raise,
The which was dew in his dead fathers dayes:
6 He also gaue to fugitiues of Spayne,
Whom he at sea found wandring from their wayes,
8 A seate in Ireland safely to remayne,
Which they should hold of him, as subiect to Britayne.
1 Gurgunt > Gurgiunt 1590 3 Danmarke > Denmarke 1590
1 Next them did Gurgiunt, great Belinus' son
Next > After, immediately after
Gurgiunt > (Gurgiunt Brabtruc)
2 In rule succeed, and eke in father's praise;
eke > also praise > praiseworthiness, virtue; hence: qualities, worth
3 He Easterland subdued, and Denmark won,
Easterland > (This must refer to Norway, since Denmark is mentioned separately; cf. 210.63)
4 And of them both did foy and tribute raise,
of > from foy > allegiance, fealty tribute > imposts, taxes
5 Which was due in his dead father's days: 6 He also gave to fugitives of Spain 7 (Whom he at sea found wandering from their ways) 8 A seat in Ireland safely to remain,
remain > dwell in
9 Which they should hold of him, as subject to Britain.
210.42
After him raigned Guitheline his hayre,
2 The iustest man and trewest in his dayes,
Who had to wife Dame Mertia the fayre,
4 A woman worthy of immortall prayse,
Which for this Realme found many goodly layes,
6 And wholesome Statutes to her husband brought;
Her many deemd to haue beene of the Fayes,
8 As was Aegerie, that Numa tought;
Those yet of her be Mertian lawes both nam'd and thought.
1 After him reigned Guithelin his heir, 2 The justest man and truest in his days, 3 Who had to wife Dame Martia the fair,
had to > took as
4 A woman worthy of immortal praise, 5 Which for this realm found many goodly lays,
found > founded, established lay > {Law, esp. a religious law}
6 And wholesome statutes to her husband brought; 7 Her many deemed to have been of the fays,
many > [many people] fays > fairies
8 As was Aegeria, who Numa taught;
Aegeria > (One of the Camenae (the prophetic nymphs of early Roman mythology, identified with the Greek Muses), from whom Numa received instruction)
9 Those yet of her be Martian laws both named and thought.
of > after
210.43
Her +sonne+ +Sisillus+ after her did rayne,
2 And then Kimarus, and then Danius;
Next whom Morindus did the crowne sustaine,
4 Who, had he not with wrath outrageous,
And cruell rancour dim'd his valorous
6 And mightie deeds, should matched haue the best:
As well in that same field victorious
8 Against the forreine Morands he exprest;
Yet liues his memorie, though carcas sleepe in rest.
1 sonne > sonnes 1596, 1609 1 Sisillus > Sifillus 1590 etc.
1 Her son Sisilius after her did reign, 2 And then Kimarus, and then Danius; 3 Next whom Morvidus did the crown sustain,
Next > Immediately after
4 Who (had he not with wrath outrageous,
outrageous > violent; intemperate
5 And cruel rancour dimmed his valorous 6 And mighty deeds) should matched have the best: 7 As well in that same field victorious
well > (Adv., applicable to "exprest" in next line) field > battlefield; battle (in Northumberland, to repel the invading Morini)
8 Against the foreign Morini he expressed;
Morini > (A tribe in Belgic Gaul, living near present-day Boulogne) expressed > revealed [his cruelty]
9 Yet lives his memory, though carcase sleep in rest.
Yet > Still, even today carcase > [his carcase]
210.44
Fiue +sonnes+ he left begotten of one wife,
2 All which successiuely by turnes did raine;
First Gorboman a man of vertuous life;
4 Next Archigald, who for his proud disdaine,
Deposed was from Princedome soueraine,
6 And pitteous Elidure put in his sted;
Who shortly it to him restord againe,
8 Till by his death he it recouered;
But Peridure and Vigent him disthronized.
1 sonnes > sonne 1596
1 Five sons he left begotten of one wife,
Five sons > (Gorbonian, Arthgallo, Elidure, Peredure, Vigenius)
2 All which successively by turns did reign; 3 First Gorbonian, a man of virtuous life; 4 Next Arthgallo who, for his proud disdain,
disdain > loathsomeness
5 Deposed was from princedom sovereign, 6 And piteous Elidure put in his stead;
piteous > godly, devout stead > place
7 Who shortly it to him restored again, 8 Till by his death he it recovered; 9 But Peredure and Vigenius him disthronized.
disthronized > dethroned
210.45
In wretched prison long he did remaine,
2 Till they outraigned had their vtmost date,
And then therein reseized was againe,
4 And ruled long with honorable state,
Till he surrendred Realme and life to fate.
6 Then all the sonnes of these fiue brethren raynd
By dew successe, and all their Nephewes late,
8 Euen thrise eleuen descents the crowne retaynd,
Till aged Hely by dew heritage it gaynd.
1 In wretched prison long he did remain, 2 Till they outreigned had their utmost date,
outreigned had > [had reigned to the end of] date > term, span of life
3 And then therein reseised was again,
therein reseised > [restored to legal possession of the crown]
4 And ruled long with honourable state, 5 Till he surrendered realm and life to fate. 6 Then all the sons of these five brethren reigned 7 By due success, and all their nephews late,
due success > proper succession nephews > grandsons; descendants late > later, afterwards
8 Even thrice eleven descents the crown retained, 9 Till aged Heli by due heritage it gained.
210.46
He had two sonnes, whose eldest called Lud
2 Left of his life most famous memory,
And endlesse moniments of his great good:
4 The ruin'd wals he did re{ae}difye
Of Troynouant, gainst force of enimy,
6 And built that gate, which of his name is hight,
By which he lyes entombed solemnly.
8 He left two sonnes, too young to rule aright,
Androgeus and Tenantius, pictures of his might.
1 He had two sons, whose eldest (called Lud)
two > (Three, according to HRB 3.20: Lud, Cassibellaun, Nennius) Lud > (Also called Lludd; apparently the same Lludd of Brythonic legend)
2 Left of his life most famous memory, 3 And endless monuments of his great good:
monuments > monuments; records
4 The ruined walls he did re-edify 5 Of Troynovant, gainst force of enemy,
Troynovant > (New Troy, i.e. London. Brewer (1894) states that the word derives from the old British "Tri-nouhant", meaning "inhabitants of the new town". In Layamon's Brut the name is spelled "Trinovant" and derives from the Trinovantes; but their principal town was not London, but Colchester, in Essex) gainst > against
6 And built that gate which of his name is hight,
that gate > [Ludgate] of > after, from hight > called
7 By which he lies entombed solemnly.
solemnly > grandiosely, magnificently
8 He left two sons, too young to rule aright,
aright > properly; justly
9 Androgeus and Tenuantius, pictures of his might.
210.47
Whilst they were young, Cassibalane their Eme
2 Was by the people chosen in their sted,
Who on him tooke the royall Diademe,
4 And goodly well long time it gouerned,
Till the prowd Romanes him disquieted,
6 And warlike C{ae}sar, tempted with the name
Of this sweet Island, neuer conquered,
8 And enuying the Britons blazed fame,
(O hideous hunger of dominion) hither came.
1 While they were young, Cassibellaun, their eme,
Cassibellaun > (Or Caswallon, called Cassivelaunus by the Romans) eme > uncle
2 Was by the people chosen in their stead,
stead > place
3 Who on him took the royal diadem,
diadem > crown, rule
4 And goodly well long time it governed, 5 Till the proud Romans him disquieted, 6 And warlike Caesar, tempted with the name
Caesar > (Gaius Julius Caesar, c. 101-44 BC)
7 Of this sweet island, never conquered, 8 And envying the Britons' blazed fame,
envying > envying; begrudging blazed > celebrated
9 (O hideous hunger of dominion) hither came.
hideous > immense; odious of > for
210.48
Yet twise they were repulsed backe againe,
2 And twise renforst, backe to their ships to fly,
The whiles with bloud they all the shore did +staine,+
4 And the gray Ocean into purple dy:
Ne had they footing found at last perdie,
6 Had not Androgeus, false to natiue soyle,
And enuious of Vncles soueraintie,
8 Betrayd his contrey vnto forreine spoyle:
Nought else, but treason, from the first this land did foyle.
3 staine, > staine. 1596
1 Yet twice they were repulsed back again,
back > (Pleonastic and thus intensive)
2 And twice renforced back to their ships to fly,
renforced > compelled (SU) fly > flee
3 While with blood they all the shore did stain, 4 And the grey ocean into purple dye:
purple > red, blood-red
5 Neither had they footing found at last pardie,
had they > [would they have] pardie > certainly, truly, "by God"
6 Had not Androgeus, false to native soil, 7 And envious of uncle's sovereignty,
sovereignty > royal authority
8 Betrayed his country to foreign spoil:
spoil > {Act of pillage}
9 Naught else but treason from the first this land did foil.
foil > defeat; trample underfoot; befoul, defile; violate
210.49
So by him C{ae}sar got the victory,
2 Through great bloudshed, and many a sad assay,
In which him selfe was charged heauily
4 Of hardy Nennius, whom he yet did slay,
But lost his sword, yet to be seene this day.
6 Thenceforth this land was tributarie made
T'ambitious Rome, and did their rule obay,
8 Till Arthur all that reckoning +defrayd+;
Yet oft the Briton kings against them strongly swayd.
8 defrayd > did defray 1596, 1609
1 So by him Caesar got the victory, 2 Through great bloodshed, and many a sad assay,
sad > heavy assay > assault
3 In which himself was charged heavily 4 Of hardy Nennius, whom he yet did slay,
Of > By yet > nonetheless
5 But lost his sword, yet to be seen this day.
to be seen > (HRB 4.4 records that Caesar's sword was buried with Nennius)
6 Thenceforth this land was tributary made
tributary > {Subject to imposts, paying tribute}
7 To ambitious Rome, and did their rule obey, 8 Till Arthur all that reckoning defrayed; 9 Yet oft the Briton kings against them strongly swayed.
210.50
Next him Tenantius raigned, then Kimbeline,
2 What time th'eternall Lord in fleshly slime
Enwombed was, from wretched Adams line
4 To purge away the guilt of sinfull crime:
O ioyous memorie of happy time,
6 That heauenly grace so plenteously displayd;
(O too high ditty for my simple rime.)
8 Soone after this the Romanes him +warrayd+;
For that their tribute he refusd to let be payd.
8 warrayd > wrrayd 1596
1 Next him Tenuantius reigned, then Cymbeline,
Next > After, immediately after
2 What time the eternal Lord in fleshly slime
What time > At the time when the eternal Lord > [Christ] fleshly slime > [human form; cf. e.g. 209.21:5]
3 Enwombed was, from wretched Adam's line
Enwombed > Placed in a womb; hence: conceived (somewhat catachr.; the use at 306.5:7 is more orthodox. See also 201.50:8) wretched Adam's line > (See note at 111.46:9)
4 To purge away the guilt of sinful crime:
crime > {Wrongdoing, sins taken collectively}
5 O joyous memory of happy time, 6 That heavenly grace so plenteously displayed;
displayed > was spread; did spread itself out
7 (O too high ditty for my simple rhyme).
ditty > subject, theme (cf. 110.55:7)
8 Soon after this the Romans him warrayed;
warrayed > waged war upon
9 For that their tribute he refused to let be paid.
For that > Because tribute > taxes
210.51
Good Claudius, that next was Emperour,
2 An army brought, and with him battell fought,
In which the king was by a Treachetour
4 Disguised slaine, ere any thereof thought:
Yet ceased not the bloudy fight for ought;
6 For Aruirage his brothers place supplide,
+Both in his armes, and+ crowne, and by that draught
8 Did driue the Romanes to the weaker side,
That they to peace agreed. So all was pacifide.
7 Both in his armes, and > Both in armes, and 1596; In armes, and eke in 1609
1 Good Claudius, that next was emperor,
Claudius > (Claudius I, 10 BC-54 AD, reigned 41-54 and visited
Britain in 43)
2 An army brought, and with him battle fought,
him > (Guiderus, son of Cymbeline)
3 In which the king was by a treacher
the king > [Guiderius] treacher > traitor (Hamo: see HRB 4.13)
4 Disguised slain, ere any thereof thought:
thought > realized [that the king was in danger and would be slain]
5 Yet ceased not the bloody fight for aught; 6 For Arviragus his brother's place supplied,
supplied > filled
7 Both in his arms, and crown, and by that draught
draught > {Plot, scheme; the drawing out of something to a greater length; a move at chess}
8 Did drive the Romans to the weaker side, 9 That they to peace agreed. So all was pacified.
That > [So that]
210.52
Was neuer king more highly magnifide,
2 Nor dred of Romanes, then was Aruirage,
For which the Emperour to him allide
4 His daughter Genuiss' in marriage:
Yet shortly he renounst the vassalage
6 Of Rome againe, who hither hastly sent
Vespasian, that with great spoile and rage
8 Forwasted all, till Genuissa gent
Perswaded him to ceasse, and her Lord to relent.
1 Was never king more highly magnified,
magnified > lauded
2 Nor dread of Romans, than was Arviragus,
dread of > [dreaded by the]
3 For which the emperor to him allied 4 His daughter Genuissa in marriage: 5 Yet shortly he renounced the vassalage
vassalage > subservience, subjection
6 Of Rome again, who hither hastily sent
Of > To
7 Vespasian, that with great spoil and rage
Vespasian > (Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasian, 9-79: he subsequently became emperor himself and ruled from 69 until his death. During this period, Agricola (37-93) achieved his military victories in Britain) spoil > plunder; acts of pillage
8 Forwasted all, till Genuissa gent
Forwasted > Ravaged, devastated gent > noble; gentle
9 Persuaded him to cease, and her lord to relent.
210.53
He dyde; and him succeeded Marius,
2 Who ioyd his dayes +in+ great tranquillity,
Then Coyll, and after him good Lucius,
4 That first receiued Christianitie,
The sacred pledge of Christes Euangely:
6 Yet true it is, that long before that day
Hither came Ioseph of Arimathy,
8 Who brought with him the holy grayle, (they say)
And preacht the truth, but since it greatly did decay.
2 in > with 1609
1 He died; and him succeeded Marius, 2 Who joyed his days in great tranquillity,
joyed > [had the benefit of; felt the joy of]
3 Then Coillus, and after him good Lucius,
Lucius > (Or Pudens, "The Modest": see 2 Tim. 4.21)
4 That first received Christianity, 5 The sacred pledge of Christ's evangely;
sacred pledge > [baptism] evangely > evangile, evangel: gospel
6 Yet true it is, that long before that day 7 Hither came Joseph of Arimathea,
Joseph of Arimathea > (Mentioned in all the gospels: e.g. Matt. 27.57-60)
8 Who brought with him the Holy Grail, (they say)
Holy Grail > (The Sangreal, the platter used at the last supper, in which Joseph is said to have received Christ's blood at the cross. A persistent medieval legend has Joseph bringing the Sangreal, and with it Christianity, to Glastonbury in western England)
9 And preached the truth; but since it greatly did decay.
since > subsequently
210.54
This good king shortly without issew dide,
2 Whereof great trouble in the kingdome grew,
That did her selfe in sundry parts diuide,
4 And with her powre her owne selfe ouerthrew,
Whilest Romanes dayly did the weake subdew:
6 Which seeing stout Bunduca, vp arose,
And taking armes, the Britons to her drew;
8 With whom she marched streight against her foes,
And them vnwares besides the Seuerne did enclose.
1 This good king shortly without issue died, 2 Whereof great trouble in the kingdom grew, 3 That did itself in sundry parts divide,
sundry > various
4 And with its power its own self overthrew, 5 While Romans daily did the weak subdue: 6 Which seeing, stout Boadicea up arose,
stout > brave; proud Boadicea > (Or Boudicca, widow of the British king, Cunobelinus. As a result of atrocities committed by the Romans against the Iceni tribe in East Anglia, in 61 AD she led an army of 80,000 Britons into battle against Suetonius's 14th and 20th Legions; the field, near the present site of Daventry, in Northamptonshire, saw the death of 400 Romans and some 70,000 Britons. However, final subjugation by Rome was not achieved until 83 AD)
7 And, taking arms, the Britons to her drew; 8 With whom she marched straight against her foes,
straight > directly; immediately
9 And them unwares beside the Severn did enclose.
unwares > unexpectedly; suddenly Severn > (The River Severn) enclose > hem in (said of an army)
210.55
There she with them a cruell battell tride,
2 Not with so good successe, as she deseru'd;
By reason that the Captaines on her side,
4 Corrupted by Paulinus, from her sweru'd:
Yet such, as were through former flight +preseru'd+,
6 Gathering againe, her Host she did renew,
And with fresh courage on the victour seru'd:
8 But being all defeated, saue a few,
Rather then fly, or be captiu'd her selfe she slew.
5 preseru'd > perseru'd 1596
1 There she with them a cruel battle tried,
tried > attempted; tested
2 Not with so good success as she deserved;
so > such
3 By reason that the captains on her side,
By reason that > Because
4 Corrupted by Paulinus, from her swerved:
Paulinus > (Paulinus Suetonius, Roman consul and general, fl. 59-66) swerved > [deserted]
5 Yet such as were through former flight preserved,
such > [such forces]
6 Gathering again, her host she did renew,
host > army
7 And with fresh courage on the victor served:
served > attended; hence: renewed her onslaught
8 But being all defeated, save a few, 9 Rather than fly or be captived, herself she slew.
fly > flee captived > taken captive
210.56
O famous moniment of womens prayse,
2 Matchable either to Semiramis,
Whom antique history so high doth raise,
4 Or to Hypsiphil' or to Thomiris:
Her Host two hundred thousand numbred is;
6 Who whiles good fortune fauoured her might,
Triumphed oft against her enimis;
8 And yet though ouercome in haplesse fight,
She triumphed on death, in enemies despight.
1 O famous monument of women's praise,
monument of > record of, testament to praise > praiseworthiness, virtue; hence: qualities, worth
2 Matchable either to Semiramis',
Matchable > Comparable Semiramis > (The legendary queen of King Ninus of Assyria, who was her second husband. Before she acceded to the throne she successfully led the daring siege of Bactra; five days after her accession she had Ninus murdered. She went on to conquer many nations in Asia, subdued Egypt and much of Ethiopia besides. Some of her exploits are the same as those attributed to the goddess Ishtar; Semiramis herself was said to be a daughter of the Syrian goddess Dekarat. Her name derives from the Syrian Sammu-ramat. See also 105.50:3-4)
3 Whom antique history so high does raise,
antique > ancient
4 Or to Hypsipyle's, or to Tomyris':
Hypsipyle > (Daughter of Thoas, king of Lemnos; she concealed and thus saved her father when the Lemnian women killed all the men in the island) Tomyris > (Queen of the Massagetes, a Scythian people on the east coast of the Caspian Sea. In a battle in 529 BC she decapitated Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, and threw his head into a bag of human blood, so that, as she said, he might finally satiate himself with it. (This follows Herodotus rather than Xenophon))
5 Her host two hundred thousand numbered is;
host > army
6 Who, while good fortune favoured her might, 7 Triumphed oft against her enemies; 8 And yet though overcome in hapless fight, 9 She triumphed on death, in enemies' despite.
in enemies' despite > [scorning her enemies]
210.57
Her reliques Fulgent hauing gathered,
2 Fought with Seuerus, and him ouerthrew;
Yet in the chace was slaine of them, that fled:
4 So made them victours, whom he did subdew.
Then gan Carausius tirannize anew,
6 And gainst the Romanes bent their proper powre,
But him Allectus treacherously slew,
8 And tooke on him the robe of Emperoure:
Nath'lesse the same enioyed but short happy howre:
1 Her relics Fulgenius having gathered,
relics > (Of her army)
2 Fought with Severus, and him overthrew;
Severus > (Lucius Septimus Severus, 146-211; Roman emperor 193-211.
Spent the last three years of his life in Britain, and died at
Eboracum (York))
3 Yet in the chase was slain of them that fled:
of > by
4 So made them victors, whom he did subdue. 5 Then gan Carausius tyrannize anew,
gan > did; began to Carausius > (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Carausius, c. 250-293. He seized control of Britain and proclaimed himself emperor, between 290-2 even receiving a modicum of acceptance from Rome) tyrannize > tyrannize; rule
6 And gainst the Romans bent their proper power,
gainst > against bent > turned, directed proper > own
7 But him Allectus treacherously slew,
Allectus > (C. 250-296, prime minister to Carausius, whom he murdered in 293, taking the robe for himself. Three years later he was killed near London by Roman soldiers)
8 And took on him the robe of emperor: 9 Natheless the same enjoyed but short happy hour:
Natheless > Nevertheless hour > time, period
210.58
For Asclepiodate him ouercame,
2 And left inglorious on the vanquisht playne,
Without or robe, or rag, to hide his shame.
4 Then afterwards he in his stead did rayne;
But shortly was by Coyll in battell slaine:
6 Who after long debate, since Lucies time,
Was of the Britons first crownd Soueraine:
8 Then gan this Realme renewe her passed prime:
He of his name Coylchester built of stone and lime.
1 For Asclepiodotus him overcame,
Asclepiodotus > (Praefectus praetorio under Constantius Chlorus (?250-306), who was the general who really recovered Britain from Allectus)
2 And left inglorious on the vanquished plain, 3 Without or robe, or rag, to hide his shame.
or > either
4 Then afterwards he in his stead did reign;
stead > place
5 But shortly was by Coel in battle slain:
Coel > (Or Cole. The nursery rhyme about the "merry old soul" was popular in the 18th century)
6 Who after long debate, since Lucius' time,
debate > fight
7 Was of the Britons first crowned sovereign: 8 Then gan this realm renew her passed prime:
gan > did
9 He of his name Colchester built of stone and lime.
of > after Colchester > (In Essex; the Romans called it Camulodunum. It was the first Roman city in Britain to be given the rank of a colonia. The suffix "chester" derives from the Latin castra, applied to a walled town, especially one that had been a Roman station in Britain; Colchester was originally called "Colnecaster", after its river, the Colne)
210.59
Which when the Romanes heard, they hither sent
2 Constantius, a man of mickle might,
With whom king Coyll made an agreement,
4 And to him gaue for wife his daughter bright,
Faire Helena, the fairest liuing wight;
6 Who in all godly thewes, and goodly prayse
Did far excell, but was most famous hight
8 For skill in Musicke of all in her dayes,
Aswell in curious instruments, as cunning layes.
1 Which when the Romans heard, they hither sent 2 Constantius, a man of mickle might,
Constantius > (Flavius Valerius Constantius, c. 250-306; died at Eboracum (York) fighting the Picts) mickle > much
3 With whom King Coel made an agreement, 4 And to him gave for wife his daughter bright,
for > as bright > beautiful
5 Fair Helena, the fairest living wight;
Helena > (C. 248-328. Constantius, on his elevation to the dignity of Caesar in 292, divorced her in order to marry Theodora, the stepdaughter of Maximian. On the elevation of her son, Constantine, however, Helena received the title of Augusta. She made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in about 325, and built there the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Nativity; she was subsequently made a saint) wight > girl, woman, person
6 Who in all godly thews, and goodly praise
thews > manners, qualities praise > virtue
7 Did far excel, but was most famous hight
most famous hight > most famously called; hence: best known
8 For skill in music of all in her days, 9 As well in curious instruments, as cunning lays.
well > much curious > {Requiring musical virtuosity} as > [as in] cunning > clever, skilled lays > songs
210.60
Of whom he did great Constantine beget,
2 Who afterward was Emperour of Rome;
To which whiles absent he his mind did set,
4 Octauius here lept into his roome,
And it vsurped by vnrighteous doome:
6 But he his title iustifide by might,
Slaying Traherne, and hauing ouercome
8 The Romane legion in dreadfull fight:
So settled he his kingdome, and confirmd his right.
1 Of whom he did great Constantine beget,
Constantine > (Constantine I, "The Great", 274-337, emperor of Rome 306-37. Eldest son of Constantius I by Helena)
2 Who afterward was emperor of Rome; 3 To which, while absent, he his mind did set;
which > [Rome] absent > [absent in Rome] set > [devote]
4 Octavius here leapt into his room,
Octavius > (Duke of the Wisseans) here > at this point; here [in Britain] room > place
5 And it usurped by unrighteous doom:
doom > statute, ordinance; power
6 But he his title justified by might, 7 Slaying Trahern, and having overcome
Trahern > (Uncle of Helena, brother of Coel)
8 The Roman legion in dreadful fight: 9 So settled he his kingdom, and confirmed his right.
210.61
But wanting issew male, his daughter +deare,+
2 He gaue in wedlocke to Maximian,
And him with her made of his kingdome heyre,
4 Who soone by meanes thereof the Empire wan,
Till murdred by the friends of Gratian;
6 Then gan the Hunnes and Picts inuade this land,
During the raigne of Maximinian;
8 Who dying left none heire them to withstand,
But that they ouerran all parts with easie hand.
1 deare, > deare 1609
1 But, wanting issue male, his daughter dear
wanting > lacking issue male > [sons]
2 He gave in wedlock to Maximian,
Maximian > (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus, surnamed Herculius.
Roman emperor 286-305 and 306-308; died 310)
3 And him with her made of his kingdom heir, 4 Who soon by means thereof the empire won, 5 Till murdered by the friends of Gratian;
Gratian > (Flavius Gratianus, 359-383, Roman emperor 367-383; killed by Maximian)
6 Then gan the Huns and Picts invade this land,
gan > did Picts > (Inhabitants of northern Scotland and northern Ireland who probably arrived from mainland Europe c. 1000 BC. Fought against the Romans in Britain in the 4th century AD. They are said to have received their name (Latin, Picti) from their custom of ornamenting their bodies with tattoos; they are also known for cannibalism and the fact that Pictish women fought alongside the men in battle)
7 During the reign of Maximian; 8 Who, dying, left none heir, them to withstand,
none > [no one as]
9 But that they overran all parts with easy hand.
But > So
210.62
The weary Britons, whose war-hable youth
2 Was by Maximian lately led away,
With wretched miseries, and woefull ruth,
4 Were to those Pagans made an open pray,
And dayly spectacle of sad decay:
6 Whom Romane warres, which now foure hundred yeares,
And more had wasted, could no whit dismay;
8 Till by consent of Commons and of Peares,
They crownd the second Constantine with ioyous teares,
1 The weary Britons, whose war-able youth
war-able > {Suited to warfare}
2 Was by Maximian lately led away, 3 With wretched miseries, and woeful ruth,
ruth > calamity; sorrow
4 Were to those pagans made an open prey,
to > [of] open > defenceless
5 And daily spectacle of sad decay:
decay > downfall; destruction; death
6 Whom Roman wars (which now four hundred years 7 And more had wasted) could no whit dismay;
dismay > dismay; defeat
8 Till, by consent of commons and of peers,
commons > [the commonalty, the common people] peers > [the aristocracy]
9 They crowned the second Constantine with joyous tears,
Constantine > (Constantine II, 317-340, second son of Constantine I, emperor 337-340)
210.63
Who hauing oft in battell vanquished
2 Those spoilefull Picts, and swarming Easterlings,
Long time in peace his Realme established,
4 Yet oft annoyd with sundry bordragings
Of neighbour Scots, and forrein Scatterlings,
6 With which the world did in those dayes abound:
Which to outbarre, with painefull pyonings
8 From sea to sea he heapt a mightie mound,
Which from Alcluid to Panwelt did that border bound.
1 Who having oft in battle vanquished 2 Those spoilful Picts, and swarming Easterlings,
spoilful > plundering, spoliatory Easterlings > (Presumably, Norwegians: cf. 210.41:3)
3 Long time in peace his realm established, 4 Yet oft annoyed with sundry bodragings
bodragings > hostile incursions, border-raids
5 Of neighbour Scots, and foreign scatterlings,
scatterlings > vagrants
6 With which the world did in those days abound: 7 Which to outbar, with painful pionings
outbar > keep out painful > arduous, toilsome pionings > excavations (to "pion" is to do the work of a pioneer in its original sense, i.e. digging trenches, preparing the way for the main army)
8 From sea to sea he heaped a mighty mound,
mound > embankment; hence: wall (see 411.36)
9 Which from Alcluith to Panwelt did that border bound.
Alcluith > (Possibly the modern Dumbarton)
Panwelt > (Not identifiable)
210.64
Three sonnes he dying left, all vnder age;
2 By meanes whereof, their vncle Vortigere
Vsurpt the crowne, during their pupillage;
4 Which th'Infants tutors gathering to feare,
Them closely into Armorick did beare:
6 For dread of whom, and for those Picts annoyes,
He sent to Germanie, straunge aid to reare,
8 From whence eftsoones arriued here three hoyes
Of Saxons, whom he for his safetie imployes.
1 Three sons he, dying, left, all under age;
Three sons > (Constans, Aurelius Ambrosius, Uther Pendragon)
2 By means whereof, their uncle Vortigern
Vortigern > (Fl. c. 450; we have it on the authority of Bede that he enlisted the aid of the Jutes, under Hengest and Horsa, in the fight of the Britons against the Picts and the Scots. However, the name "Vortigern" may well refer to more than one historical character, and may have been a mere title)
3 Usurped the crown during their pupillage; 4 Which the infants' tutors, gathering to fear,
Which > [Which action] infants' > princes'; children's (the children are Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, Constans having been murdered by order of Vortigern)
5 Them closely into Armorica did bear:
closely > secretly
Armorica > (Also called Aremorica: in ancient times the NW part of
France, between the mouths of the Seine and Loire. Later this
name became more or less synonymous with that of Brittany)
6 For dread of whom, and for those Picts' annoys,
for > [for dread of] annoys > molestations
7 He sent to Germany, strange aid to rear,
He > [Vortigern] strange > foreign
8 From whence eftsoons arrived here three hoys
eftsoons > soon afterwards hoys > small ships (esp. for carrying passengers. They are described as "large ships", and "brigandines, or long galleys, full of armed men" at HRB 8.10. The landing is generally believed to have been in the year 449. The main force of Saxons arrived later)
9 Of Saxons, whom he for his safety employs.
Saxons > (First mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, these were originally inhabitants of the lower Elbe Valley. They were a warlike people who spread mainly to the south and west; they landed in Britain in 449. By the end of the sixth century they had conquered most of NW Europe. With the Angles and the Jutes they established the beginnings of Anglo-Saxon culture in England) safety > security [he employed them as guards]
210.65
Two brethren were their +Capitains+, which hight
2 Hengist and Horsus, well approu'd in warre,
And both of them men of renowmed might;
4 Who making vantage of their ciuill iarre,
And of those forreiners, which came from farre,
6 Grew great, and got large portions of land,
That in the Realme ere long they stronger arre,
8 Then they which sought at first their helping hand,
And Vortiger +enforst+ the kingdome to aband.
1 Capitains > Capitayns 1590; Captains 1596 9 enforst > haue forst 1590
1 Two brethren were their captains, which hight
hight > were named
2 Hengest and Horsa, well approved in war,
Hengest > (Chief of the Jutes, joint founder with his brother of the kingdom of Kent. Died 488) Horsa > (Hengest's brother, killed at the Battle of Aylesford in 455) approved > proved, tried
3 And both of them men of renowned might; 4 Who, making vantage of their civil jar,
vantage > advantage their > [the Britons'] jar > discord
5 And of those foreigners, which came from far,
those foreigners > [the Saxons]
6 Grew great, and got large portions of land, 7 That in the realm ere long they stronger are
That > [So that]
8 Than they who sought at first their helping hand, 9 And Vortigern enforced the kingdom to aband.
enforced > compelled aband > forsake, abandon
210.66
But by the helpe of Vortimere his sonne,
2 He is againe vnto his rule restord,
And Hengist seeming sad, for that was donne,
4 Receiued is to grace and new accord,
Through his faire daughters face, and flattring word;
6 Soone after which, three hundred Lordes he slew
Of British bloud, all sitting at his bord;
8 Whose dolefull moniments who list to rew,
Th'eternall markes of treason may at Stonheng vew.
1 But by the help of Vortimer, his son, 2 He is again to his rule restored, 3 And Hengest, seeming sad for that was done,
that > [that which]
4 Received is to grace and new accord, 5 Through his fair daughter's face, and flattering word;
his fair daughter > (Rowena, whom Vortigern married)
6 Soon after which, three hundred lords he slew 7 Of British blood, all sitting at his board;
board > table; council-meeting
8 Whose doleful monuments, who list to rue,
who > [whoever] list > chooses, pleases
9 The eternal marks of treason may at Stonehenge view.
marks > marks; also: memorial-stones Stonehenge > (The standing stones of which were supposed to have represented the murdered men)
210.67
By this the sonnes of Constantine, which fled,
2 +Ambrose+ and Vther did ripe yeares attaine,
And here arriuing, strongly challenged
4 The crowne, which Vortiger did long detaine:
Who flying from his guilt, by them was +slaine,+
6 And Hengist eke soone brought to shamefull death.
Thenceforth Aurelius peaceably did rayne,
8 Till that through poyson stopped was his breath;
So now entombed lyes at Stoneheng by the heath.
2 Ambrose > Ambrise 1596, 1609 5 slaine, > slaine. 1596
1 By this the sons of Constantine, who fled,
By this > By this time
2 (Ambrosius and Uther) did ripe years attain,
Ambrosius > (Ambrosius Aurelius, fl. c. 440 AD, Roman emperor of Britain, Gaul and Spain under Honorius. He led the Britons against the Saxon invasion. Poisoned at Winchester by a Saxon)
3 And here arriving, strongly challenged
challenged > laid claim to
4 The crown, which Vortigern did long detain:
detain > hold
5 Who, flying from his guilt, by them was slain,
flying > fleeing
6 And Hengest eke soon brought to shameful death.
eke > also
7 Thenceforth Aurelius peaceably did reign, 8 Till through poison stopped was his breath; 9 So now entombed lies at Stonehenge by the heath.
the heath > (Salisbury Plain, in Wiltshire)
210.68
After him Vther, which Pendragon hight,
2 Succeding There abruptly it did end,
Without full point, or other Cesure right,
4 As if the rest some wicked hand did rend,
Or th'Authour selfe could not at least attend
6 To finish it: that so vntimely breach
The Prince him selfe halfe +seemeth+ to offend,
8 Yet secret pleasure did offence empeach,
And wonder of antiquitie long stopt his speach.
7 seemeth > seemed 1590
1 After him Uther, who Pendragon hight,
Uther > (The father of Arthur; hence the abrupt end of the chronicle) Pendragon > ("Dragon-head", perhaps so called from the dragon surmounting his helmet: "pen" = "head" in the Brythonic language. HRB 8.17 records that Uther caused golden dragons to be made in commemoration of Merlin's prophecy that a comet with a dragon- shaped effulgence portended his accession. One of these dragons he carried with him in his wars) hight > was named
2 Succeeding … There abruptly it did end, 3 Without full point, or other caesura right,
full point > full stop, period caesura > formal stop right > proper, appropriate
4 As if the rest some wicked hand did rend,
did rend > [had torn out]
5 Or the author himself could not at least attend
least > any rate attend > [turn his mind, turn his energies]
6 To finish it: that so untimely breach
breach > fracture, breaking-off
7 The prince himself half seems to offend, 8 Yet secret pleasure did offence impeach,
impeach > impede; prevent
9 And wonder of antiquity long stopped his speech.
of antiquity > at ancient times; at ancient records
210.69
At last quite rauisht with delight, to heare
2 The royall Ofspring of his natiue land,
Cryde out, Deare countrey, {o^} how dearely deare
4 Ought thy remembraunce, and perpetuall band
Be to thy foster Childe, that from thy hand
6 Did commun breath and nouriture receaue?
How brutish is it not to vnderstand,
8 How much to her we owe, that all vs gaue,
That gaue vnto vs all, what euer good we haue.
1 At last, quite ravished with delight to hear
hear > learn
2 The royal offspring of his native land,
offspring > ancestry
3 Cried out, "Dear country, O how dearly dear
Cried > [Arthur cried]
4 Ought your remembrance, and perpetual band
band > [binding quality or power]
5 Be to your foster child, that from your hand
Be > [To be] foster child > (As opposed to the original giants, who were sons of the land)
6 Did common breath and nouriture receive?
nouriture > nurture
7 How brutish is it not to understand 8 How much to her we owe, that all us gave,
her > [Britain]
9 That gave to us all, whatever good we have!"
210.70
But Guyon all this while his booke did read,
2 Ne yet has ended: for it was a great
And ample volume, that doth far excead
4 My leasure, so long leaues here to repeat:
It told, how first Prometheus did create
6 A man, of many partes from beasts deriued
And then stole fire from heauen, to animate
8 His worke, for which he was by Ioue depriued
Of life him selfe, and hart-strings of an {AE}gle riued.
1 But Guyon all this while his book did read, 2 Nor yet has ended: for it was a great 3 And ample volume, that does far exceed 4 My leisure, so long leaves here to repeat:
so > such leaves > pages repeat > reproduce
5 It told, how first Prometheus did create
Prometheus > (Whose name means "Forethought": he stole fire from heaven in a hollow tube, and taught mortals how to use it. In one legend, he is said to have created man out of earth and water, and to have bestowed on him a portion of the characteristics possessed by all the other animals. See Odes I 16.13-16, Met. 1.82)
6 A man, of many parts from beasts derived, 7 And then stole fire from heaven, to animate 8 His work, for which he was by Jove deprived 9 Of life himself, and heartstrings of an eagle rived.
heartstrings > {Tendons or nerves supporting the heart; in citing the heart rather than the liver, Spenser follows Cooper (1565)} of > by rived > torn (perpetually: as part of his punishment, Prometheus was chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus, where each day an eagle consumed his liver, which was then restored overnight. The eagle was eventually killed, and Prometheus rescued, by Hercules)
210.71
That man so made, he called Elfe, to weet
2 Quick, the first authour of all Elfin kind:
Who wandring through the world with wearie feet,
4 Did in the gardins of Adonis find
A goodly creature, whom he deemd in mind
6 To be no earthly wight, but either Spright,
Or Angell, th'authour of all woman kind;
8 Therefore a Fay he her according hight,
Of whom all Faeryes spring, and fetch their lignage right.
1 That man so made, he called Elf, to wit 2 Quick, the first author of all Elfin kind:
Quick > Alive (the derivation is the poet's) author > ancestor, forefather
3 Who, wandering through the world with weary feet, 4 Did in the Gardens of Adonis find
Gardens of Adonis > (See 306.29 ff.)
5 A goodly creature, whom he deemed in mind
goodly > beautiful
6 To be no earthly wight, but either sprite
wight > mortal, woman
7 Or angel, the author of all womankind; 8 Therefore a fay he her according hight,
fay > fairy according hight > accordingly called
9 Of whom all Faeries spring, and fetch their lineage right.
Of > From fetch > derive right > directly; in a straight line; correctly
210.72
Of these a mightie people shortly grew,
2 And puissaunt kings, which all the world warrayd,
And to them selues all Nations did subdew:
4 The first and eldest, which that scepter swayd,
Was Elfin; him all India obayd,
6 And all that now America men call:
Next him was noble Elfinan, who layd
8 Cleopolis foundation first of all:
But Elfiline enclosd it with a golden wall.
1 Of these a mighty people shortly grew,
Of > From
2 And puissant kings, which all the world warrayed,
puissant > powerful warrayed > ravaged by war
3 And to themselves all nations did subdue: 4 The first and eldest which that sceptre swayed
eldest > earliest, most ancient swayed > wielded; brandished
5 Was Elfin; him all India obeyed, 6 And all that now America men call: 7 Next him was noble Elfinan, who laid
Next > After, immediately after (chronologically or in importance)
8 Cleopolis' foundation first of all:
Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; allegorically, London)
9 But Elfiline enclosed it with a golden wall.
210.73
His sonne was Elfinell, who ouercame
2 The wicked Gobbelines in bloudy field:
But Elfant was of most renowmed fame,
4 Who all of Christall did Panthea build:
Then Elfar, who two brethren gyants kild,
6 The one of which had two heads, th'other three:
Then Elfinor, who was in Magick skild;
8 He built by art vpon the glassy See
A bridge of bras, whose sound heauens thunder seem'd to +bee.+
9 bee. > bee 1596
1 His son was Elfinell, who overcame 2 The wicked Gobbelines in bloody field:
Gobbelines > (See SC, gloss to "June") field > battle, field of battle
3 But Elfant was of most renowned fame, 4 Who all of crystal did Panthea build:
Panthea > "All Sights", "Totality of Visions" (Greek, meaning
"Nonesuch", "Nonpareil". Possibly identifiable as Westminster
Abbey or the Queen's Palace of Richmond)
5 Then Elfar, who two brethren giants killed, 6 One of which had two heads, the other three: 7 Then Elfinor, who was in magic skilled; 8 He built by art upon the glassy sea
glassy sea > [River Thames]
9 A bridge of brass, whose sound heaven's thunder seemed to be.
whose sound > (?The sound of the river; or: ?the sound of hoofs passing over the bridge. The allegory is unclear)
210.74
He left three sonnes, the which in order raynd,
2 And all their Ofspring, in their dew descents,
Euen seuen hundred Princes, which maintaynd
4 With mightie deedes their sundry gouernments;
That were too long their infinite contents
6 Here to record, ne much materiall:
Yet should they be most famous moniments,
8 And braue ensample, both of martiall,
And ciuill rule to kings and states imperiall.
1 He left three sons, who in order reigned, 2 And all their offspring, in their due descents, 3 Even seven hundred princes, who maintained
maintained > defended, upheld
4 With mighty deeds their sundry governments;
sundry > various
5 That were too long, their infinite contents 6 Here to record, nor much material:
material > of consequence, important
7 Yet should they be most famous monuments 8 And brave example, both of martial
brave > splendid example > example; model
9 And civil rule, to kings and states imperial.
210.75
After all these Elficleos did rayne,
2 The wise Elficleos in great Maiestie,
Who mightily that scepter did sustayne,
4 And with rich spoiles and famous victorie,
Did high aduaunce the crowne of Faery:
6 He left two sonnes, of which faire Elferon
The eldest brother did vntimely dy;
8 Whose emptie place the mightie Oberon
Doubly supplide, in spousall, and dominion.
1 After all these Elficleos did reign, 2 The wise Elficleos in great majesty, 3 Who mightily that sceptre did sustain, 4 And with rich spoils and famous victory, 5 Did high advance the crown of Faery:
crown > rule
6 He left two sons, of which fair Elferon 7 (The elder brother) did untimely die; 8 Whose empty place the mighty Oberon
Oberon > (He first appears in the 13th-century romance Huon de Bordeaux, and later in A Midsummer-night's Dream. As the reputed son of Julius Caesar and Morgan le Fay, King Oberon provides the link between the classical world and Arthur's line. Elizabeth's conflation with Gloriana is thus rendered complete)
9 Doubly supplied, in spousal and dominion.
supplied > filled spousal > espousal, wedlock
210.76
Great was his power and glorie ouer all,
2 Which him before, that sacred seate did fill,
That yet remaines his wide memoriall:
4 He dying left the fairest Tanaquill,
Him to succeede therein, by his last will:
6 Fairer and nobler liueth none this howre,
Ne like in grace, ne like in learned skill;
8 Therefore they Glorian call that glorious flowre,
Long mayst thou Glorian liue, in glory and great powre.
1 Great was his power and glory over all
over > [compared with; superior to]
2 Who him before that sacred seat did fill,
him before > [before him] sacred > {An epithet of royalty; also, here, specifically because Oberon's lineage could be traced back to a supernatural being; cf. 210.36:1}
3 That yet remains his wide memorial: 4 He, dying, left the fairest Tanaquil
Tanaquil > (Historically, Caia Tanaquil, wife of Tarquinius Priscus, 5th King of Rome (- 577 BC); an exemplary queen, taken as the type for Gloriana as the Faery Queen. Hence, allegorically: Elizabeth, so that Oberon becomes identifiable with Henry VIII and Elficleos with Henry VII)
5 Him to succeed therein, by his last will: 6 Fairer and nobler lives none this hour, 7 Neither like in grace, nor like in learned skill;
like > comparable
8 Therefore they Gloriana call that glorious flower, 9 Long may you, Gloriana, live, in glory and great power.
210.77
Beguild thus with delight of nouelties,
2 And naturall desire of countreys state,
So long they red in those antiquities,
4 That how the time was fled, they quite forgate,
Till +gentle+ Alma seeing it so late,
6 Perforce their studies broke, and them besought
To thinke, how supper did them long awaite.
8 So halfe vnwilling from their bookes them brought,
And fairely feasted, as so +noble+ knights she ought.
5 gentle > geutle 1596 9 noble > nobles 1596
1 Beguiled thus with delight of novelties, 2 And natural desire of countries' state,
desire of > ?desire to learn of; ?interest in
3 So long they read in those antiquities,
antiquities > ancient records
4 That how the time was fled, they quite forgot, 5 Till gentle Alma, seeing it so late,
gentle > noble; gentle
6 Perforce their studies broke, and them besought
Perforce > Forcibly
7 To think how supper did them long await. 8 So, half unwilling, from their books them brought,
them > [she them]
9 And fairly feasted, as so noble knights she ought.
fairly > courteously; well, becomingly so > such ought > ought [to have done]; owed