CANTO XI
The enimies of Temperaunce
2 besiege her dwelling place:
Prince Arthur them repelles, and fowle
4 Maleger doth deface.
1 The enemies of Temperance
Temperance > [Alma, of the House of Temperance, i.e. the human frame: see 209.0:1]
2 besiege her dwelling-place: 3 Prince Arthur them repels, and foul 4 Maleger does deface.
Maleger > "Sick and Evil" (Latin malus, bad, wicked, villainous, unwell; aeger, sick, unwell, unsound) deface > destroy
211.1
WHat warre so cruell, or what siege so sore,
2 As that, which strong affections do apply
Against the fort of reason euermore
4 To bring the soule into captiuitie:
Their force is fiercer through infirmitie
6 Of the fraile flesh, relenting to their rage,
And exercise most bitter tyranny
8 Vpon the parts, brought into their bondage:
No wretchednesse is like to sinfull vellenage.
1 What war so cruel, or what siege so sore,
sore > grievous
2 As that which strong affections do apply
affections > emotions (esp. strong emotions, as passion, lust, etc.) apply > bring to bear
3 Against the fort of reason evermore 4 To bring the soul into captivity? 5 Their force is fiercer through infirmity 6 Of the frail flesh, relenting to their rage,
frail > frail, weak; morally weak relenting > yielding; softening; melting
7 And exercise most bitter tyranny 8 Upon the parts, brought into their bondage:
parts > abilities, capacities; will, will-power (a sly reference to "private parts" may also be intended: cf. 202.37:5)
9 No wretchedness is like sinful villeinage.
villeinage > servitude, bondage, complete subjection
211.2
But in a body, which doth freely yeeld
2 His partes to reasons rule obedient,
And letteth her that ought the scepter weeld,
4 All happy peace and goodly gouernment
Is setled there in sure establishment;
6 There Alma like a virgin Queene most bright,
Doth florish in all beautie excellent:
8 And to her guestes doth bounteous banket dight,
Attempred goodly well for health and +for+ delight.
9 for > omitted from 1596
1 But in a body which does freely yield 2 Its parts to reason's rule obedient,
parts > (As in preceding stanza)
3 And let her that ought the sceptre wield,
let > [does let]
4 All happy peace and goodly government 5 Is settled there in sure establishment; 6 There Alma, like a virgin queen most bright,
bright > fair
7 Does flourish in all beauty excellent: 8 And to her guests does bounteous banquet dight,
dight > prepare; hence: serve
9 Attempered goodly well for health and for delight.
Attempered > Regulated; tempered, moderated health > {Spiritual and moral as well as physical well-being}
211.3
Early before the Morne with cremosin ray,
2 The windowes of bright heauen opened had,
Through which into the world the dawning day
4 Might looke, that maketh euery creature glad,
Vprose Sir Guyon, in bright armour clad,
6 And to his purposd iourney him prepar'd:
With him the Palmer eke in habit sad,
8 Him selfe addrest to that aduenture hard:
So to the riuers side they both together far'd.
1 Early, before the morn with crimson ray 2 The windows of bright heaven opened had 3 (Through which into the world the dawning day 4 Might look, that makes every creature glad), 5 Uprose Sir Guyon, in bright armour clad, 6 And to his purposed journey him prepared: 7 With him the palmer eke in habit sad,
the palmer > (Guyon's mentor: see 201.7 ff.) eke > also sad > sober, dark-coloured (his clothes are black)
8 Himself addressed to that adventure hard: 9 So to the river's side they both together fared.
211.4
Where them awaited ready at the ford
2 The Ferriman, as Alma had behight,
With his well rigged boate: They go abord,
4 And +he+ eftsoones gan launch his barke forthright.
Ere long they rowed were quite out of sight,
6 And fast the land behind them fled away.
But let them pas, whiles wind and weather right
8 Do serue their turnes: here I a while must stay,
To see a cruell fight doen by the Prince this day.
4 he > omitted from 1596
1 Where them awaited ready at the ford
ford > stream, current
2 The ferryman, as Alma had behight,
behight > promised; (catachr.) ordained
3 With his well rigged boat: they go aboard, 4 And he eftsoons gan launch his bark forthright.
eftsoons > thereupon gan > did bark > vessel
5 Ere long they rowed were quite out of sight, 6 And fast the land behind them fled away. 7 But let them pass, while wind and weather right 8 Do serve their turns: here I awhile must stay, 9 To see a cruel fight done by the prince this day.
211.5
For all so soone, as Guyon thence was gon
2 Vpon his voyage with his trustie guide,
That wicked band of villeins fresh begon
4 That castle to assaile on euery side,
And lay strong siege about it far and wide.
6 So huge and infinite their numbers were,
That all the land they vnder them did hide;
8 So fowle and vgly, that exceeding feare
Their visages imprest, when they approched neare.
1 For all so soon as Guyon thence was gone 2 Upon his voyage with his trusty guide, 3 That wicked band of villeins fresh began
villein > villain; serf (cf. 209.13:2)
4 That castle to assail on every side, 5 And lay strong siege about it far and wide. 6 So huge and infinite their numbers were, 7 That all the land they under them did hide; 8 So foul and ugly, that exceeding fear 9 Their visages impressed, when they approached near.
impressed > [impressed on the mind]
211.6
Them in twelue troupes their Captain did dispart
2 And round about in fittest steades did place,
Where each might best offend his proper part,
4 And his contrary obiect most deface,
As euery one seem'd meetest in that cace.
6 Seuen of the same against the Castle gate,
In strong entrenchments he did closely place,
8 Which with incessaunt force and endlesse hate,
They battred day and night, and entraunce did awate.
1 Them in twelve troops their captain did dispart
dispart > distribute; divide
2 And round about in fittest steads did place,
steads > places, positions
3 Where each might best offend his proper part,
offend > attack, damage; do harm to proper > own, individual, peculiar
4 And his contrary object most deface,
contrary > opposed, opposite; hence: appointed deface > mar, disfigure; lay waste
5 As every one seemed meetest in that case.
meetest > most suitable
6 Seven of the same against the castle gate,
castle gate > [mouth: see 209.23 ff.]
7 In strong entrenchments, he did closely place,
closely > secretly
8 Which with incessant force and endless hate 9 They battered day and night, and entrance did await.
211.7
The other fiue, fiue sundry wayes he set,
2 Against the fiue great Bulwarkes of that +pile,+
And vnto each a Bulwarke did arret,
4 T'assayle with open force or hidden guile,
In hope thereof to win victorious spoile.
6 They all that charge did feruently apply,
With greedie malice and importune toyle,
8 And planted there their huge artillery,
With which they dayly made most dreadfull battery.
2 pile, > pile. 1596
1 The other five, five sundry ways he set,
sundry > different
2 Against the five great bulwarks of that pile,
five great bulwarks > [five senses] pile > {Collection of lofty buildings, large building, castle}
3 And to each a bulwark did arrest,
arrest > ordain, entrust
4 To assail with open force or hidden guile, 5 In hope thereof to win victorious spoil. 6 They all that charge did fervently apply, 7 With greedy malice and importune toil,
greedy > eager, reckless importune > persistent, importunate
8 And planted there their huge artillery, 9 With which they daily made most dreadful battery.
battery > {Assault with many blows or missiles}
211.8
The first troupe was a monstrous rablement
2 Of fowle misshapen wights, of which some were
Headed like Owles, with +beckes+ vncomely bent,
4 Others like Dogs, others like Gryphons dreare,
And some had wings, and some had clawes to teare,
6 And euery one of them had Lynces eyes,
And euery one did bow and arrowes beare:
8 All those were lawlesse lustes, corrupt enuies,
And couetous aspectes, all cruell enimies.
3 beckes > beakes 1609
1 The first troop was a monstrous rabblement
monstrous > unnatural; malformed; monstrous rabblement > rabble
2 Of foul misshapen wights, of which some were
wights > creatures
3 Headed like owls, with becks uncomely bent,
becks > backs; or: beaks
4 Others like dogs, others like griffins drear,
griffin > {Monster with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, believed by the Greeks to guard the Scythian gold; traditionally watchful and perseverant} drear > dreary, dreadful, horrid
5 And some had wings, and some had claws to tear, 6 And every one of them had lynx's eyes,
lynx > (Proverbially keen-sighted)
7 And every one did bow and arrows bear: 8 All those were lawless lusts, corrupt envies, 9 And covetous aspects, all cruel enemies.
aspects > glances, looks, gazes
211.9
Those same against the bulwarke of the Sight
2 Did lay strong siege, and battailous assault,
Ne once did yield it respit day nor night,
4 But soone as Titan gan his head +exault,+
And soone againe as he his light with hault,
6 Their wicked engins they against it bent:
That is each thing, by which the eyes may fault,
8 But two then all more huge and violent,
Beautie, and money, +they that Bulwarke sorely rent+.
4 exault, > exault. 1596 9 they that Bulwarke sorely rent > they against that Bulwarke lent 1590
1 Those same against the bulwark of the sight 2 Did lay strong siege, and battailous assault,
battailous > warlike, ready for battle
3 Nor once did yield it respite day nor night, 4 But soon as Titan gan his head exalt,
soon > [as soon] gan > did; began to exalt > raise [at dawn]
5 And soon again as he his light withheld,
soon > [as soon]
6 Their wicked engines they against it bent:
engines > engines of destruction, missiles; siege-engines; snares, deceptions bent > directed, brought to bear
7 That is, each thing by which the eyes may fault,
fault > err, sin
8 But two than all more huge and violent, 9 Beauty, and money, they that bulwark sorely rent.
rent > tore, broke, burst
211.10
The second Bulwarke was the Hearing sence,
2 Gainst which the second troupe +dessignment+ makes;
Deformed creatures, in straunge difference,
4 Some hauing heads like Harts, some like to Snakes,
Some like wild Bores late rouzd out of the brakes;
6 Slaunderous reproches, and fowle infamies,
Leasings, backbytings, and vaine-glorious crakes,
8 Bad counsels, prayses, and false flatteries.
All those against that fort did bend their batteries.
2 dessignment > assignment 1590
1 The second bulwark was the hearing sense, 2 Against which the second troop designment makes;
designment > design, scheming, contrivance
3 Deformed creatures, in strange difference, 4 Some having heads like harts', some like snakes', 5 Some like wild boars', late roused out of the brakes;
late > lately brakes > bracken, ferns; brushwood
6 Slanderous reproaches, and foul infamies, 7 Leasings, backbitings, and vainglorious crakes,
Leasings > Lies crakes > boasts
8 Bad counsels, praises, and false flatteries: 9 All those against that fort did bend their batteries.
bend > apply, direct batteries > {Assaults, assaults with many blows; artillery}
211.11
Likewise that same third Fort, that is the Smell
2 Of that third troupe was cruelly assayd:
Whose hideous shapes were like to feends of hell,
4 Some like to hounds, some like to +Apes, dismayd+,
Some like to Puttockes, all in plumes arayd:
6 All shap't according their conditions,
For by those vgly formes weren pourtrayd,
8 Foolish delights and fond abusions,
Which do that sence besiege with light illusions.
4 Apes, dismayd > Apes mismayd _(i.e. "mis-made") conj. Jortin. Church suggests that dismayd = "dismayed" and that _Some like to hounds, some like to Apes, _should be read parenthetically, so that dismayd, or mismayd, refers to the feends of hell; cf. 303.50:3_
1 Likewise that same third fort (that is, the smell) 2 Of that third troop was cruelly assayed:
Of > By assayed > assaulted; put to the test; attempted
3 Whose hideous shapes were like to fiends of hell,
were like to > resembled
4 Some like to hounds, some like to apes dismade,
dismade > ?mismade (see Textual Appendix)
5 Some like to puttocks', all in plumes arrayed:
puttock > kite (a carrion-eating bird of prey, Milvus milvus, formerly common in England)
6 All shaped according their conditions,
their conditions > [to their natures (i.e. to their allegorical roles)]
7 For by those ugly forms were portrayed 8 Foolish delights and fond abusions,
fond > foolish abusions > perversions (esp. of the truth)
9 Which do that sense besiege with light illusions.
light > wanton, frivolous
211.12
And that fourth band, which cruell battry bent,
2 Against the fourth Bulwarke, that is the Tast,
Was as the rest, a grysie rablement,
4 Some mouth'd like greedy Oystriges, some +fast+
Like loathly Toades, some fashioned in the wast
6 Like swine; for so deformd is luxury,
+Surfeat+, misdiet, and vnthriftie wast,
8 Vaine feasts, and idle superfluity:
All those this sences Fort assayle incessantly.
4 fast > fac't 1609 7 Surfeat > Surfait 1609
1 And that fourth band, which cruel battery bent
battery > {Assault, assault with many blows; artillery} bent > directed, applied
2 Against the fourth bulwark (that is, the taste), 3 Was as the rest, a grisy rabblement,
grisy > horrible, fearsome; grisly rabblement > rabble
4 Some mouthed like greedy ostriches, some faced
faced > [having faces]
5 Like loathly toads, some fashioned in the waist
loathly > loathsome, disgusting
6 Like swine; for so deformed is luxury,
so > in this manner luxury > excess; dissipation
7 Surfeit, misdiet, and unthrifty waste,
misdiet > improper diet unthrifty > senseless; profligate
8 Vain feasts, and idle superfluity: 9 All those this sense's fort assail incessantly.
211.13
But the fift troupe most horrible of hew,
2 And fierce of force, +was+ dreadfull to report:
For some like Snailes, some did like spyders shew,
4 And some like vgly Vrchins thicke and short:
+Cruelly they+ +assayled+ that fift Fort,
6 Armed with darts of sensuall delight,
With stings of carnall lust, and strong effort
8 Of feeling pleasures, with which day and night
Against that same fift bulwarke they continued fight.
2 was > is 1590 5 Cruelly they > They cruelly 1609 5 assayled > assayed 1590: i.e. attempted, attacked
1 But the fifth troop, most horrible of hue,
hue > appearance; colour
2 And fierce of force, was dreadful to report: 3 For some like snails, some did like spiders show,
show > appear, seem
4 And some like ugly urchins, thick and short:
urchins > hedgehogs
5 Cruelly they assailed that fifth fort, 6 Armed with darts of sensual delight, 7 With stings of carnal lust, and strong effort
effort > power
8 Of feeling pleasures, with which day and night 9 Against that same fifth bulwark they continued fight.
fight > [the fight, fighting]
211.14
Thus these twelue troupes with dreadfull puissance
2 Against that Castle restlesse siege did lay,
And euermore their hideous Ordinance
4 Vpon the Bulwarkes cruelly did play,
That now it gan to threaten neare decay:
6 And euermore their wicked Capitaine
Prouoked them the breaches to assay,
8 Somtimes with threats, somtimes with hope of gaine,
Which by the ransack of that peece they should attaine.
1 Thus these twelve troops with dreadful puissance
puissance > force, power
2 Against that castle restless siege did lay, 3 And evermore their hideous ordinance
hideous > immense, terrific; odious ordinance > battle-array; or, more probably: ordnance, artillery (cf. 211.10:9, 211.12:1)
4 Upon the bulwarks cruelly did play, 5 That now it began to threaten near decay:
That > [So that] decay > downfall, destruction; death
6 And evermore their wicked captain 7 Provoked them the breaches to assay,
assay > assault; attempt
8 Sometimes with threats, sometimes with hope of gain,
hope > promise; expectation
9 Which by the ransack of that piece they should attain.
piece > piece of work, contrivance [the castle]
211.15
On th'other side, th'assieged Castles ward
2 Their stedfast stonds did mightily maintaine,
And many bold repulse, and many hard
4 Atchieuement wrought with perill and with paine,
That goodly frame from ruine to sustaine:
6 And those two brethren Giants did defend
The walles so stoutly with their sturdie maine,
8 That neuer entrance any durst pretend,
But they to direfull death their groning ghosts did send.
1 On the other side, the assieged castle's ward
assieged > besieged ward > guards, garrison
2 Their steadfast stands did mightily maintain,
stands > positions maintain > defend
3 And many bold repulse, and many hard 4 Achievement wrought with peril and with pain, 5 That goodly frame from ruin to sustain:
frame > structure sustain > keep, preserve
6 And those two brethren giants did defend
brethren giants > [hands]
7 The walls so stoutly with their sturdy main,
stoutly > bravely, resolutely sturdy > courageous main > strength, power (with a pun on the French main, "hand")
8 That never entrance any dared pretend,
That > [So that] pretend > presume, intend; attempt
9 But they to direful death their groaning ghosts did send.
their > [of those who dared pretend entrance] ghosts > souls
211.16
The noble virgin, Ladie of +the+ place,
2 Was much dismayed with that dreadfull sight:
For neuer was she in so euill cace,
4 Till that the Prince seeing her wofull plight,
Gan her recomfort from so sad affright,
6 Offring his seruice, and his dearest life
For her defence, against that Carle to fight,
8 Which was their chiefe and th'author of that strife:
She him remercied as the Patrone of her life.
1 the > that 1609
1 The noble virgin, lady of the place,
place > fortress, citadel; place
2 Was much dismayed with that dreadful sight:
with > by
3 For never was she in so evil case;
case > [a] plight
4 Till the prince, seeing her woeful plight, 5 Gan her recomfort from so sad affright,
Gan > Did recomfort > console; inspire with fresh courage so sad affright > such a heavy terror
6 Offering his service, and his dearest life 7 For her defence, against that carl to fight,
carl > villain, churl
8 Who was their chief and the author of that strife: 9 She him remercied as the patron of her life.
remercied > thanked patron > champion, protector
211.17
Eftsoones himselfe in glitterand armes he dight,
2 And his well proued weapons to him hent;
So taking courteous conge he behight,
4 Those gates to be vnbar'd, and forth he went.
Faire mote he thee, the prowest and most gent,
6 That euer brandished bright steele on hye:
Whom soone as that vnruly rablement,
8 With his gay Squire issuing did espy,
They reard a most outrageous dreadfull yelling cry.
1 Eftsoons himself in glittering arms he dight,
Eftsoons > Thereupon arms > {Arms and armour} dight > prepared; hence: clad
2 And his well proved weapons to him hent;
hent > took
3 So, taking courteous cong{e/}, he behight
cong{e/} > leave behight > bade (catachr.)
4 Those gates to be unbarred, and forth he went. 5 Fair might he thee, the prowest, and most gent,
Fair > Fairly, well thee > thrive prowest > bravest gent > noble
6 That ever brandished bright steel on high: 7 Whom soon as that unruly rabblement,
soon > [as soon] rabblement > rabble
8 With his gay squire issuing, did espy,
squire > knight's attendant
9 They reared a most outrageous dreadful yelling cry.
211.18
And therewith all attonce at him let fly
2 Their fluttring arrowes, thicke as flakes of snow,
And round about him flocke impetuously,
4 Like a great water flood, that tombling low
From the high mountaines, threats to ouerflow
6 With suddein fury all the fertile plaine,
And the sad husbandmans long hope doth throw
8 A downe the streame, and all his vowes make vaine,
Nor bounds nor banks his headlong ruine may sustaine.
1 And therewith all at once at him let fly
therewith > with that; thereupon at once > simultaneously; immediately
2 Their fluttering arrows, thick as flakes of snow, 3 And round about him flock impetuously, 4 Like a great water flood that, tumbling low 5 From the high mountains, threats to overflow
threats > threatens
6 With sudden fury all the fertile plain, 7 And the sad husbandman's long hope does throw 8 Adown the stream, and all his vows make vain,
Adown > Down vain > futile
9 Nor bounds nor banks his headlong ruin may sustain.
Nor > Neither his > its (the flood's); his (the husbandman's) ruin > downfall (of the water or the husbandman) sustain > withstand
211.19
Vpon his shield their heaped hayle he bore,
2 And with his sword disperst the raskall flockes,
Which fled a sunder, and him fell before,
4 As withered leaues drop from their dried stockes,
When the wroth Western wind does reaue their locks;
6 And vnder neath him his courageous steed,
The fierce Spumador trode them downe like docks,
8 The fierce Spumador borne of heauenly seed:
Such as Laomedon of Ph{oe}bus race did breed.
1 Upon his shield their heaped hail he bore, 2 And with his sword dispersed the rascal flocks, 3 Which fled asunder, and him fell before, 4 As withered leaves drop from their dried stocks
stocks > stems
5 When the wroth western wind does reave their locks;
reave > ravage; carry off locks > [locks of hair]
6 And underneath him his courageous steed, 7 The fierce Spumador, trod them down like docks,
Spumador > "Foaming One" (Latin spumo, to foam or froth; cf. Aen. 6.881) docks > {Coarse, floppy weeds of rough ground, Rumex spp.}
8 The fierce Spumador, born of heavenly seed:
seed > offspring
9 Such as Laomedon of Phoebus' race did breed.
Laomedon > (King of Troy and, in some accounts, the father of Ganymede, the beautiful youth carried off by Zeus (Jupiter). In compensation Jupiter gave Laomedon a pair of divine horses, such as those which draw Phoebus's fiery chariot across the sky) Phoebus > (Who, incidentally, having displeased Jupiter, was sentenced for a time to watch Laomedon's flocks on Mount Ida)
211.20
Which suddeine horrour and confused cry,
2 When as their Captaine heard, in haste he yode,
The cause to weet, and fault to remedy;
4 Vpon a Tygre swift and fierce he rode,
That as the winde ran vnderneath his lode,
6 Whiles his long legs nigh raught vnto the ground;
Full large he was of limbe, and shoulders brode,
8 But of such subtile substance and vnsound,
That like a ghost he seem'd, whose graue-clothes were vnbound.
1 Which sudden horror and confused cry, 2 When their captain heard, in haste he yode
yode > went
3 The cause to weet, and fault to remedy;
weet > find out
4 Upon a tiger swift and fierce he rode, 5 That as the wind ran underneath his load, 6 While his long legs nigh raught to the ground;
raught > reached
7 Full large he was of limb, and shoulders broad,
Full > Very, exceedingly
8 But of such subtile substance and unsound,
subtile > rarefied, thin; subtle
9 That like a ghost he seemed, whose grave-clothes were unbound.
211.21
And in his hand a bended bow was seene,
2 And many arrowes vnder his right side,
All deadly daungerous, all cruell keene,
4 Headed with flint, and feathers bloudie dide,
Such as the Indians in their quiuers hide;
6 Those could he well direct and streight as line,
And bid them strike the marke, which he had eyde,
8 Ne was +there+ salue, ne was +there+ medicine,
That mote recure their wounds: so inly they did tine.
8 there > their 1590, 1596; cf. 110.36:6, 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 304.41:7, 312.28:1 8 there > their 1590, 1596
1 And in his hand a bent bow was seen, 2 And many arrows under his right side, 3 All deadly dangerous, all cruel keen,
keen > sharp
4 Headed with flint, and feathers bloody dyed, 5 Such as the Indians in their quivers hide; 6 Those could he well direct and straight as line, 7 And bid them strike the mark, which he had eyed, 8 Neither was there salve, nor was there medicine, 9 That might recure their wounds: so inly they did teen.
recure > cure, restore inly > inwardly teen > vex, enrage, give grief
211.22
As pale and wan as ashes was his looke,
2 His bodie leane and meagre as a rake,
And skin all withered like a dryed rooke,
4 Thereto as cold and drery as a Snake,
That seem'd to tremble euermore, and quake:
6 All in a canuas thin he was bedight,
And girded with a belt of twisted brake,
8 Vpon his head he wore an Helmet light,
Made of a dead mans skull, that seem'd a ghastly sight.
1 As pale and wan as ashes was his look, 2 His body lean and meagre as a rake,
meagre > emaciated
3 And skin all withered like a dried rook,
rook > (A sort of crow, Corvus frugilegus, nesting communally around farmsteads; the partly feathered squabs were formerly much taken as food, sometimes being dried and put in store)
4 Thereto as cold and dreary as a snake,
Thereto > Moreover, also dreary > dreadful, grim
5 That seemed to tremble evermore, and quake: 6 All in a canvas thin he was bedight,
bedight > arrayed; hence: clad
7 And girded with a belt of twisted brake;
brake > fern, bracken
8 Upon his head he wore a helmet light, 9 Made of a dead man's skull, that seemed a ghastly sight.
ghastly > {Frightful, causing terror of the supernatural}
211.23
Maleger was his name, and after him,
2 There follow'd fast at hand two wicked Hags,
With hoarie lockes all loose, and visage grim;
4 Their feet vnshod, their bodies wrapt in rags,
And both as swift on foot, as chased Stags;
6 And yet the one her other legge had lame,
Which with a staffe, all full of litle snags
8 She did +support+, and Impotence her name:
But th'other was Impatience, arm'd with raging flame.
8 support > disport 1596, 1609
1 Maleger was his name, and after him 2 There followed fast at hand two wicked hags,
fast > closely; rapidly
3 With hoary locks all loose, and visage grim; 4 Their feet unshod, their bodies wrapped in rags, 5 And both as swift on foot as chased stags; 6 And yet the one her other leg had lame,
other > (Cf. 204.4:3)
7 Which with a staff, all full of little snags, 8 She did support, and Impotence her name:
Impotence > "Lack of Self-restraint"; "Violent Passion" (obsolete meanings of this word) her > [was her]
9 But the other was Impatience, armed with raging flame.
Impatience > "Inability to Endure Suffering" (the primary meaning)
211.24
Soone as the Carle from farre the Prince espyde,
2 Glistring in armes and warlike ornament,
His Beast he felly prickt on either syde,
4 And his mischieuous bow full readie bent,
With which at him a cruell shaft he sent:
6 But he was warie, and it warded well
Vpon his shield, that it no further went,
8 But to the ground the idle quarrell fell:
Then he another and another did expell.
1 Soon as the carl from far the prince espied,
Soon > [As soon] carl > villain, churl
2 Glistering in arms and warlike ornament,
arms > {Arms and armour}
3 His beast he felly pricked on either side,
felly > fiercely, hotly pricked > spurred
4 And his mischievous bow full ready bent,
mischievous > {Producing or intending harm} full > very, quite
5 With which at him a cruel shaft he sent:
shaft > arrow
6 But he was wary, and it warded well
he > [Arthur]
7 Upon his shield, that it no further went,
that > [so that]
8 But to the ground the idle quarrel fell:
idle > vain, futile quarrel > arrow (normally applied to the arrow or bolt for a crossbow, a weapon favoured by the medieval French and greatly disdained by English longbowmen)
9 Then he another and another did expel.
211.25
Which to preuent, the Prince his mortall speare
2 Soone to him raught, and fierce at him did ride,
To be auenged of that shot whyleare:
4 But he was not so hardie to abide
That bitter stownd, but turning quicke aside
6 His light-foot beast, fled fast away for feare:
Whom to pursue, the Infant after hide,
8 So fast as his good Courser could him beare,
But labour lost it was, to weene approch him neare.
1 Which to prevent, the prince his mortal spear
mortal > lethal, deadly
2 Soon to him raught, and fierce at him did ride,
raught > reached
3 To be avenged of that shot whilere:
whilere > erewhile: lately [fired; or quasi-adj.]
4 But he was not so hardy to abide
hardy > foolhardy; robust; bold to abide > [as to await]
5 That bitter stound, but, turning quick aside
stound > peril
6 His lightfoot beast, fled fast away for fear:
lightfoot > light-footed
7 Whom to pursue, the infant after hied,
infant > prince hied > went quickly; hence: raced; also: strove
8 So fast as his good courser could him bear,
fast > fast; closely
9 But labour lost it was, to ween approach him near.
ween > intend, imagine [to]
211.26
For as the winged wind his Tigre fled,
2 That vew of eye could scarse him ouertake,
Ne scarse his feet on ground were seene to tred;
4 Through hils and dales he speedie way did make,
Ne hedge ne ditch his readie passage brake,
6 And in his flight the villein turn'd his face,
(As wonts the Tartar by the Caspian lake,
8 When as the Russian him in fight does chace)
Vnto his Tygres taile, and shot at him apace.
1 For as the winged wind his tiger fled, 2 That view of eye could scarce him overtake,
That > [So that]
3 Nor scarce his feet on ground were seen to tread; 4 Through hills and dales he speedy way did make, 5 Neither hedge nor ditch his ready passage broke,
ready > straight, direct broke > delayed; diverted
6 And in his flight the villein turned his face
villein > villain; serf
7 (As wonts the Tartar by the Caspian Lake,
wonts > is accustomed; hence: does Lake > Sea
8 When the Russian him in fight does chase) 9 To his tiger's tail, and shot at him apace.
To his tiger's tail > [Maleger faced backwards in the manner of the
Parthians, who, like the Tartars, were inhabitants of western
Asia]
apace > quickly; hence: with a quick succession of arrows
211.27
Apace he shot, and yet he fled apace,
2 Still as the greedy knight nigh to him drew,
And oftentimes he would relent his pace,
4 That him his foe more fiercely should pursew:
+Who+ when his vncouth manner he did vew,
6 He gan auize to follow him no more,
But keepe his standing, and his shaftes eschew,
8 Vntill he quite had spent his perlous store,
And then assayle him fresh, ere he could shift for more.
5 Who > But 1590
1 Apace he shot, and yet he fled apace, 2 Still as the greedy knight nigh to him drew,
Still > Continuously; ever greedy > eager; reckless
3 And oftentimes he would relent his pace,
oftentimes > many times, frequently relent > slacken
4 That him his foe more fiercely should pursue:
That > [So that]
5 Who, when his uncouth manner he did view,
uncouth > bizarre; unseemly (i.e. riding backwards and varying his speed)
6 He gan advise to follow him no more,
gan > did advise > bethink, purpose; hence: decide
7 But keep his standing, and his shafts eschew,
keep his standing > [stay where he was; or: hang back] shafts > arrows
8 Until he quite had spent his perilous store, 9 And then assail him fresh, ere he could shift for more.
shift for > make efforts for, contrive to get hold of
211.28
But that lame Hag, still as abroad he strew
2 His wicked arrowes, gathered them againe,
And to him brought, fresh battell to renew:
4 Which he espying, cast her to restraine
From yielding succour to that cursed Swaine,
6 And her attaching, thought her hands to tye;
But soone as him dismounted on the plaine,
8 That other Hag did farre away espy
Binding her sister, she to him ran hastily.
1 But that lame hag, still as abroad he strewed
that lame hag > [Impotence] still > continually
2 His wicked arrows, gathered them again, 3 And to him brought, fresh battle to renew: 4 Which he espying, cast her to restrain
he > [Arthur] cast > resolved
5 From yielding succour to that cursed swain,
swain > youth, young man; with further connotations, as: attendant, serf (of the hags); lover (of the lame hag)
6 And her attaching, thought her hands to tie;
attaching > seizing, arresting (cf. 112.35:5)
7 But soon as him, dismounted on the plain, 8 That other hag did far away espy
That other hag > [Impatience]
9 Binding her sister, she to him ran hastily.
211.29
And catching hold of him, as downe he lent,
2 Him backward ouerthrew, and downe him stayd
With their rude hands and griesly graplement,
4 Till that the villein comming to their +ayd+,
Vpon him fell, and lode vpon him layd;
6 Full litle wanted, but he had him slaine,
And of the battell balefull end had made,
8 Had not his gentle Squire beheld his paine,
And commen to his reskew, ere his bitter bane.
4 ayd > aye 1596
1 And catching hold of him, as down he leaned, 2 Him backward overthrew, and down him stayed
stayed > held, held motionless
3 With their rude hands and grisly grapplement,
rude > rough, clumsy; violent grisly > horrible, fearsome grapplement > grappling; clutch, grasp (WU)
4 Till the villein, coming to their aid,
villein > villain, serf
5 Upon him fell, and load upon him laid; 6 Full little wanted, but he had him slain,
Full little wanted, but he had him slain > [Maleger very nearly killed him; "full" = "very", "wanted" = "lacked">[
7 And of the battle baleful end had made,
baleful > deadly, unhappy
8 Had not his gentle squire beheld his pain,
his > [Arthur's] gentle > noble
9 And come to his rescue, ere his bitter bane.
bane > death, murder
211.30
So greatest and most glorious thing on ground
2 May often need the helpe of weaker hand;
So feeble is mans state, and life vnsound,
4 That in assurance it may neuer stand,
Till it dissolued be from earthly band.
6 Proofe be thou Prince, the prowest man aliue,
And noblest borne of all in Briton land;
8 Yet thee fierce Fortune did so nearely driue,
That had not grace thee blest, thou shouldest not +suruiue+.
9 suruiue > reuiue 1590 etc.: FE
1 So greatest and most glorious thing on ground
So > Thus, in this manner [the] on ground > in the world (cf. 208.11:2, where the same pun is used)
2 May often need the help of weaker hand; 3 So feeble is man's state, and life unsound, 4 That in assurance it may never stand,
assurance > security
5 Till it dissolved be from earthly band.
band > attachment; bonds; also, perhaps: company, hence: society
6 Proof be you, Prince, the prowest man alive,
prowest > bravest
7 And noblest born of all in Briton land; 8 Yet you fierce Fortune did so nearly drive,
nearly > closely; particularly drive > (E.g. a game animal into a net, trap, or other confined space where it can be killed)
9 That had not grace you blessed, you should not survive.
grace > favour, goodwill; God's grace blessed > protected from evil, delivered, spared survive > [have survived]
211.31
The Squire arriuing, fiercely in his armes
2 Snatcht first the one, and then the other Iade,
His chiefest lets and authors of his harmes,
4 And them perforce withheld with threatned blade,
Least that his Lord they should behind inuade;
6 The whiles the Prince prickt with reprochfull shame,
As one awakt out of long slombring shade,
8 Reuiuing thought of glorie and of fame,
Vnited all his powres to purge himselfe from blame.
1 The squire, arriving, fiercely in his arms 2 Snatched first the one and then the other jade,
jade > {A worn-out horse; hence: an opprobrious term for a woman, and often also applied to Fortune, Nature, etc. personified}
3 His chiefest lets and authors of his harms,
lets > hindrances
4 And them perforce withheld with threatened blade,
perforce > forcibly
5 Lest his lord they should behind invade;
behind invade > [attack from behind]
6 The whiles the prince, pricked with reproachful shame,
The whiles > Meanwhile
7 As one awoken out of long slumbering shade,
shade > shadow; darkness, night
8 Reviving thought of glory and of fame, 9 United all his powers to purge himself from blame.
blame > fault
211.32
Like as a fire, the which in hollow caue
2 Hath long bene vnderkept, and downe supprest,
With murmurous disdaine doth inly raue,
4 And grudge, in so streight prison to be prest,
At last breakes forth with furious +vnrest+,
6 And striues to mount vnto his natiue seat;
All that did earst it hinder and molest,
8 It now deuoures with flames and scorching heat,
And carries into smoake with rage and horror great.
5 vnrest > infest 1590
1 Like a fire, which in hollow cave 2 Has long been underkept, and down suppressed, 3 With murmurous disdain does inly rave,
With > [And with] disdain > anger; indignation inly > inwardly
4 And grudge, in so strait prison to be pressed,
grudge > complain so > such [a] strait > strict; narrow, confining
5 At last breaks forth with furious unrest,
At > [And at] unrest > turmoil
6 And strives to mount to his native seat;
native seat > rightful position (of the element Fire, above Earth, Air, and Water)
7 All that did erst it hinder and molest,
erst > formerly
8 It now devours with flames and scorching heat, 9 And carries into smoke with rage and horror great.
211.33
So mightily the Briton Prince him rouzd
2 Out of his hold, and broke his caitiue bands,
And as a Beare whom angry curres haue touzd,
4 Hauing off-shakt them, and escapt their hands,
Becomes more fell, and all that him withstands
6 Treads downe and ouerthrowes. Now had the Carle
Alighted from his Tigre, and his hands
8 Discharged of his bow and deadly quar'le,
To seize vpon his foe flat lying on the marle.
1 So mightily the Briton prince himself roused
So > Thus, similarly
2 Out of his hold, and broke his caitiff bonds,
his > [Maleger's] caitiff > despicable; wretched
3 And, as a bear whom angry curs have toused
toused > harassed, worried (during bear-baiting; cf. 208.42:1)
4 (Having off-shaken them, and escaped their hands)
hands > possession, custody; attentions
5 Becomes more fell, and all that him withstands
fell > fierce, terrible
6 Treads down and overthrows. Now had the carl
Now > (Intensifying the pluperfect) carl > villain, churl
7 Alighted from his tiger, and his hands 8 Discharged of his bow and deadly quarrel,
Discharged > Rid (by throwing aside) quarrel > arrow, arrows
9 To seize upon his foe flat lying on the marl.
marl > soil
211.34
Which now him turnd to disauantage deare;
2 For neither can he fly, nor other harme,
But trust vnto his strength and manhood meare,
4 Sith now he is farre from his monstrous swarme,
And of his weapons did himselfe disarme.
6 The knight yet wrothfull for his late disgrace,
Fiercely aduaunst his valorous right arme,
8 And him so sore smote with his yron mace,
That groueling to the ground he fell, and fild his place.
1 Which now him turned to disadvantage dear;
dear > grievous; costly
2 For neither can he fly, nor other harm,
fly > flee other > otherwise; the other; do other
3 But trust to his strength and manhood mere,
mere > unaided
4 Sith now he is far from his monstrous swarm,
Sith > Since
5 And of his weapons did himself disarm. 6 The knight, yet wrathful for his late disgrace,
late > recent
7 Fiercely advanced his valorous right arm,
advanced > raised
8 And him so sore smote with his iron mace 9 That grovelling to the ground he fell, and fild his place.
grovelling > face-down fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) his > [Arthur's]
211.35
Well weened he, that field was then his owne,
2 And all his labour brought to happie end,
When suddein vp the villein ouerthrowne,
4 Out of his swowne arose, fresh to contend,
And gan himselfe to second battell bend,
6 As hurt he had not bene. Thereby there lay
An huge great stone, which stood vpon one end,
8 And had not bene remoued many a day;
Some land-marke seem'd to be, or signe of sundry way.
1 Well weened he, that field was then his own,
weened > supposed field > [that] battle, field of battle
2 And all his labour brought to happy end, 3 When suddenly up the villein overthrown
villein > villain, serf
4 Out of his swoon arose, fresh to contend, 5 And gan himself to second battle bend,
gan > did bend > direct, apply
6 As hurt he had not been. Thereby there lay
As > [As though]
Thereby > There, nearby
7 A huge great stone, which stood upon one end, 8 And had not been removed many a day;
removed > moved [for]
9 Some landmark seemed to be, or sign of sundry way.
sundry > distinct; other, separate, sundry; hence: some (indifferently, in the sense "some road or other") way > road, track
211.36
The same he snatcht, and with exceeding sway
2 Threw at his foe, who was right well aware
To shunne the engin of his meant decay;
4 It booted not to thinke that throw to beare,
But ground he gaue, and lightly leapt areare:
6 Eft fierce returning, as a Faulcon faire
That once hath failed of her souse full neare,
8 Remounts againe into the open aire,
And vnto better fortune doth her selfe prepaire.
1 The same he snatched, and with exceeding sway
sway > force; momentum
2 Threw at his foe, who was right well aware
right > at once; very aware > watchful
3 To shun the engine of his meant decay;
engine > instrument meant decay > intended death
4 It booted not to think that throw to bear,
booted not to think > [did not bear thinking about: cf. 108.7:9] throw > throw; blow
5 But ground he gave, and lightly leapt arrear:
lightly > lightly; quickly arrear > backwards
6 Eft fierce returning, as a falcon fair,
Eft > Afterwards, then
7 That once has failed of her souse full near,
souse > swoop, stoop (cf. 105.8:7) full near > [very nearly, by very little]
8 Remounts again into the open air, 9 And to better fortune does herself prepare.
211.37
So braue returning, with his brandisht blade,
2 He to the Carle himselfe againe addrest,
And strooke at him so sternely, that he made
4 An open passage through his riuen brest,
That halfe the steele behind his back did rest;
6 Which drawing backe, he looked euermore
When the hart bloud should gush out of his chest,
8 Or his dead corse should fall vpon the flore;
But his dead corse vpon the flore fell nathemore.
1 So brave returning, with his brandished blade, 2 He to the carl himself again addressed,
carl > villain, churl
3 And struck at him so sternly, that he made
sternly > fiercely, mercilessly
4 An open passage through his riven breast,
riven > split, torn open
5 That half the steel behind his back did rest;
That > [So that] rest > remain; hence: protrude
6 Which drawing back, he looked evermore 7 When the heart-blood should gush out of his chest, 8 Or his dead corse should fall upon the floor;
corse > body floor > ground (catachr. prompted by the rhyme, as at 208.42:5)
9 But his dead corse upon the floor fell nathemore.
nathemore > not at all
211.38
Ne drop of bloud appeared shed to bee,
2 All were the wounde so wide and wonderous,
That through his carkasse one might plainely see:
4 Halfe in a maze with horror hideous,
And halfe in rage, to be deluded thus,
6 Againe through both the sides he strooke him quight,
That made his spright to grone full piteous:
8 Yet nathemore forth fled his groning spright,
But freshly as at first, prepard himselfe to fight.
1 Nor drop of blood appeared shed to be, 2 All were the wound so wide and wondrous
All > Although
3 That through his carcase one might plainly see: 4 Half in amaze with horror hideous,
amaze > confusion, amazement hideous > terrific
5 And half in rage, to be deluded thus, 6 Again through both the sides he struck him quite,
quite > thoroughly, entirely
7 That made his spirit groan full piteous:
That > [That thrust; or: so that it] full > exceedingly
8 Yet nathemore forth fled his groaning spirit,
nathemore > not at all
9 But freshly, as at first, prepared himself to fight.
211.39
Thereat he smitten was with great affright,
2 And trembling terror did his hart apall,
Ne wist he, what to thinke of that same sight,
4 Ne what to say, ne what to doe at all;
He doubted, least it were some magicall
6 Illusion, that did beguile his sense,
Or wandring ghost, that wanted funerall,
8 Or aerie spirit vnder false pretence,
Or hellish feend raysd vp through diuelish science.
1 Thereat he smitten was with great affright,
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that affright > terror
2 And trembling terror did his heart appal, 3 Neither wist he what to think of that same sight,
wist > knew, guessed
4 Nor what to say, nor what to do at all; 5 He doubted, lest it were some magical
doubted > was afraid
6 Illusion that did beguile his sense, 7 Or wandering ghost, that wanted funeral,
wanted > lacked [a]
8 Or airy spirit under false pretence,
airy > aerial; composed of air (cf. 101.45:3)
9 Or hellish fiend raised up through devilish science.
science > skill, lore, knowledge
211.40
His wonder farre exceeded reasons reach,
2 That he began to doubt his dazeled sight,
And oft of error did himselfe appeach:
4 Flesh without bloud, a person without spright,
Wounds without hurt, a bodie without might,
6 That could doe harme, yet could not harmed bee,
That could not die, yet seem'd a mortall wight,
8 That was most strong in most infirmitee;
Like did he neuer heare, like did he neuer see.
1 His wonder far exceeded reason's reach, 2 That he began to doubt his dazzled sight,
That > [So that]
3 And oft of error did himself appeach:
appeach > impeach, accuse
4 Flesh without blood, a person without spirit, 5 Wounds without hurt, a body without might,
might > strength
6 That could do harm, yet could not harmed be, 7 That could not die, yet seemed a mortal wight,
wight > man, creature
8 That was most strong in most infirmity;
most > greatest
9 Like did he never hear, like did he never see.
Like > [The like]
211.41
A while he stood in this astonishment,
2 Yet would he not for all his great dismay
Giue ouer to effect his first intent,
4 And th'vtmost meanes of victorie assay,
Or th'vtmost issew of his owne decay.
6 His owne good sword +Mordure+, that neuer fayld
At need, till now, he lightly threw away,
8 And his bright shield, that nought him now auayld,
And with his naked hands him forcibly assayld.
6 Mordure > Morddure 1609
1 A while he stood in this astonishment, 2 Yet would he not for all his great dismay 3 Give over to effect his first intent,
Give over > Desist from [trying]
4 And the utmost means of victory essay,
essay > attempt
5 Or the utmost issue of his own decay.
issue > outcome decay > death
6 His own good sword Morddure, that never failed
Morddure > "Hard-biter" (see 208.20-1)
7 At need, till now, he lightly threw away,
lightly > lightly; quickly
8 And his bright shield, that naught him now availed,
And > [And also] naught > not at all
9 And with his naked hands him forcibly assailed.
211.42
Twixt his two mightie armes him vp he snatcht,
2 And crusht his carkasse so against his brest,
That the disdainfull soule he thence dispatcht,
4 And th'idle breath all vtterly exprest:
Tho when he felt him dead, +a downe+ he kest
6 The lumpish corse vnto the senselesse grownd;
Adowne he kest it with so puissant wrest,
8 That backe againe it did aloft rebownd,
And gaue against his mother earth a gronefull sownd.
5 a downe > adowne 1590
1 'Twixt his two mighty arms him up he snatched, 2 And crushed his carcase so against his breast 3 That the disdainful soul he thence dispatched,
disdainful > angry; indignant
4 And the idle breath all utterly expressed:
idle > empty expressed > squeezed out
5 Tho when he felt him dead, adown he cast
Tho > Then adown > down
6 The lumpish corse to the senseless ground;
lumpish > sluggishly inactive; low-spirited corse > body
7 Adown he cast it with so puissant wrest,
so puissant wrest > such a powerful twist
8 That back again it did aloft rebound, 9 And gave against his mother earth a groanful sound.
groanful > groaning, lugubrious, mournful
211.43
As when Ioues harnesse-bearing Bird from hie
2 Stoupes at a flying heron with proud disdaine,
The stone-dead quarrey fals so forciblie,
4 That it rebounds against the lowly plaine,
A second fall redoubling backe againe.
6 Then thought the Prince all perill sure was past,
And that he victor onely did remaine;
8 No sooner thought, then that the Carle as fast
Gan heap huge strokes on him, as ere he downe was cast.
1 As when Jove's harness-bearing bird from high
harness > {Military equipment or accoutrements} bird > (The eagle, which carries his thunderbolts)
2 Stoops at a flying heron with proud disdain,
Stoops > Swoops disdain > indignation; anger
3 The stone-dead quarry falls so forcibly 4 That it rebounds against the lowly plain, 5 A second fall redoubling back again. 6 Then, thought the prince, all peril sure was past, 7 And that he victor only did remain;
victor > [as victor; victorious] only > solely
8 No sooner thought, than the carl as fast
carl > villain, churl
9 Gan heap huge strokes on him, as ere he down was cast.
Gan > Did; began to
211.44
Nigh his wits end then woxe th'amazed knight,
2 And thought his labour lost and trauell vaine,
Against this lifelesse shadow so to fight:
4 Yet life he saw, and felt his mightie maine,
That whiles he marueild still, did still him paine:
6 For thy he gan some other wayes aduize,
How to take life from that dead-liuing swaine,
8 Whom still he marked freshly to arize
From th'earth, and from her wombe new spirits to reprize.
1 Nigh his wits' end then waxed the amazed knight,
waxed > grew, became amazed > astounded; confounded
2 And thought his labour lost and travail vain,
travail > toil
3 Against this lifeless shadow so to fight: 4 Yet life he saw, and felt his mighty main,
main > strength, power
5 That while he marvelled still, did still him pain: 6 For-thy he gan some other ways advise
For-thy > For this reason, therefore gan > did advise > consider
7 How to take life from that dead-living swain,
swain > youth, young man; with further connotations, as: attendant, serf (of the hags); lover (of the lame hag)
8 Whom still he marked freshly to arise
still > continually, ever marked > observed
9 From the earth, and from her womb new spirits to reprise.
reprise > take anew (SUFQ)
211.45
He then remembred well, that had bene sayd,
2 How th'Earth his mother was, and first him bore;
She eke so often, as his life decayd,
4 Did life with vsury to him restore,
And raysd him vp much stronger then before,
6 So soone as he vnto her wombe did fall;
Therefore to ground he would him cast no more,
8 Ne him commit to graue terrestriall,
But beare him farre from hope of succour vsuall.
1 He then remembered well, that had been said,
that had been said > (A reference to the slaying of Antaeus by Hercules. Antaeus was a huge giant, the son of Neptune and Earth, and was invincible as long as he remained in contact with his mother element. In order to crush and kill him, Hercules had to lift him into the air first)
2 How the Earth his mother was, and first him bore; 3 She eke so often, as his life decayed,
eke > also decayed > declined
4 Did life with usury to him restore,
usury > interest
5 And raised him up much stronger than before, 6 So soon as he to her womb did fall; 7 Therefore to ground he would him cast no more, 8 Nor him commit to grave terrestrial, 9 But bear him far from hope of succour usual.
211.46
Tho vp he caught him twixt his puissant hands,
2 And hauing scruzd out of his carrion corse
The lothfull life, now loosd from sinfull bands,
4 Vpon his shoulders carried him perforse
Aboue three furlongs, taking his full course,
6 Vntill he came vnto a standing lake;
Him thereinto he threw without remorse,
8 Ne stird, till hope of life did him forsake;
So end of that Carles dayes, and his owne paines did make.
1 Tho up he caught him 'twixt his puissant hands,
Tho > Then puissant > powerful
2 And having scruzed out of his carrion corse
scruzed > squeezed corse > body
3 The loathful life, now loosed from sinful bonds,
loathful > loathsome; reluctant
4 Upon his shoulders carried him perforce
perforce > forcibly
5 Above three furlongs, taking his full course,
Above > More than furlong > {An eighth of a mile, 220 yards, about 201 metres; cf. 111.11:7}
6 Until he came to a standing lake;
standing > tideless
7 Him thereinto he threw without remorse,
remorse > pity, compunction
8 Nor stirred, till hope of life did him forsake; 9 So end of that carl's days, and his own pains, did make.
carl > villain, churl pains > efforts; pains
211.47
Which when those wicked Hags from farre did spy,
2 Like two mad dogs they ran about the lands,
And th'one of them with dreadfull yelling cry,
4 Throwing away her broken chaines and bands,
And hauing quencht her burning fier brands,
6 Hedlong her selfe did cast into that lake;
But Impotence with her owne wilfull hands,
8 One of Malegers cursed darts did take,
So riu'd her trembling hart, and wicked end did make.
1 Which when those wicked hags from far did spy, 2 Like two mad dogs they ran about the lands, 3 And one of them with dreadful yelling cry,
one of them > (Impatience - see line 7)
4 Throwing away her broken chains and bonds,
her broken chains > (Apparently an error: it was Impotence whom Arthur bound, or tried to bind, at 211.28:6)
5 And having quenched her burning fire brands, 6 Headlong herself did cast into that lake; 7 But Impotence with her own wilful hands 8 One of Maleger's cursed darts did take, 9 So rived her trembling heart, and wicked end did make.
rived > split, tore
211.48
Thus now alone he conquerour remaines;
2 Tho comming to his Squire, that kept his steed,
Thought to haue mounted, but his feeble vaines
4 Him faild thereto, and serued not his need,
Through losse of bloud, which from his wounds did bleed,
6 That he began to faint, and life decay:
But his good Squire him helping vp with speed,
8 With stedfast hand vpon his horse did stay,
And led him to the Castle by the beaten way.
1 Thus now alone he conqueror remains; 2 Tho coming to his squire, that kept his steed,
Tho > Then squire > knight's attendant
3 Thought to have mounted, but his feeble veins 4 Him failed thereto, and served not his need,
thereto > in that purpose
5 Through loss of blood, which from his wounds did bleed, 6 That he began to faint, and life decay:
That > [So that] decay > [began to] decline
7 But his good squire, him helping up with speed, 8 With steadfast hand upon his horse did stay,
upon > [Arthur upon] stay > support
9 And led him to the castle by the beaten way.
211.49
Where many Groomes and Squiers readie were,
2 To take him from his steed full tenderly,
And eke the fairest Alma met him there
4 With balme and wine and costly spicery,
To comfort him in his infirmity;
6 Eftsoones she causd him vp to be conuayd,
And of his armes despoyled easily,
8 In sumptuous bed she made him to be layd,
And all the while his wounds were dressing, by him stayd.
1 Where many grooms and squires ready were
grooms > servants squires > attendants
2 To take him from his steed full tenderly,
full > very
3 And eke the fairest Alma met him there
eke > also, moreover
4 With balm and wine and costly spicery,
spicery > spices
5 To comfort him in his infirmity; 6 Eftsoons she caused him up to be conveyed,
Eftsoons > Soon, thereupon
7 And of his arms despoiled easily,
arms > armour despoiled > stripped
8 In sumptuous bed she made him to be laid, 9 And, all the while his wounds were dressing, by him stayed.
dressing > [being treated]