CANTO XI
Britomart chaceth Ollyphant,
2 findes Scudamour distrest:
Assayes the house of Busyrane,
4 where Loues spoyles are exprest.
1 Britomart chases Ollyphant, 2 finds Scudamour distressed: 3 Assays the house of Busirane,
Assays > Assails; essays, attempts; hence: makes an attempt on,
attacks
Busirane > (Named after Busiris, a mythical Egyptian king whose
cruelties included the sacrifice of strangers to Jupiter. See
Ovid, Ars Amatoria 1.643-58)
4 where Love's spoils are expressed.
Love > [Cupid] expressed > portrayed, represented; represented symbolically
311.1
O Hatefull hellish Snake, what furie furst
2 Brought thee from balefull house of Proserpine,
Where in her bosome she thee long had nurst,
4 And fostred vp with bitter milke of tine,
Fowle Gealosie, that turnest loue diuine
6 To ioylesse dread, and mak'st the louing hart
With hatefull thoughts to languish and to pine,
8 And feed it selfe with selfe-consuming smart?
Of all the passions in the mind thou vilest art.
1 O hateful hellish snake, what Fury first
hellish snake > (Addressing Jealousy) Fury > (In most representations, the Furies' hair is entwined with, or consists of, snakes: see e.g. Aen. 7.342-55)
2 Brought you from baleful House of Proserpine,
baleful > [the] deadly, [the] miserable (perhaps also connoting "hell-fire": cf. 101.16:7) House of Proserpine > (Hell; Proserpine is queen of the underworld, the consort of Pluto)
3 Where in her bosom she you long had nursed,
she > (Presumably, Proserpine rather than the Fury)
4 And fostered up with bitter milk of teen?
teen > grief; woe; pain
5 Foul Jealousy, that turn love divine 6 To joyless dread, and make the loving heart 7 With hateful thoughts to languish and to pine,
pine > waste away
8 And feed itself with self-consuming smart:
smart > pain; acute pain
9 Of all the passions in the mind you vilest are.
311.2
O let him far be banished away,
2 And in his stead let Loue for euer dwell,
Sweet Loue, that doth his +golden+ wings embay
4 In blessed Nectar, and pure Pleasures well,
Vntroubled of vile feare, or bitter fell.
6 And ye faire Ladies, that your kingdomes make
In th'harts of men, them gouerne wisely well,
8 And of faire Britomart ensample take,
That was as trew in loue, as Turtle to her make.
3 golden > golding 1590, 1596
1 O let him far be banished away, 2 And in his stead let Love for ever dwell,
stead > place
3 Sweet Love, that does his golden wings embay
embay > bathe
4 In blessed nectar, and pure Pleasure's well,
nectar > {The drink of the gods; cf. 306.18:9}
5 Untroubled of vile fear, or bitter fell.
of > by fell > gall; bitterness, rancour (Latin fel: WUS)
6 And you fair ladies, that your kingdoms make 7 In the hearts of men, them govern wisely well, 8 And of fair Britomart example take, 9 That was as true in love as turtle to her make.
turtle > [the] turtle dove make > mate
311.3
Who with Sir Satyrane, as earst ye red,
2 Forth ryding from Malbeccoes hostlesse hous,
Farr off +aspyde+ a young man, the which fled
4 From an huge Geaunt, that with hideous
And hatefull outrage long him chaced thus;
6 It was that Ollyphant, the brother deare
Of that Argante vile and vitious,
8 From whom the Squire of Dames was reft whylere;
This all as bad as she, and worse, if worse ought were.
3 aspyde > espide 1609
1 Who, with Sir Satyrane (as erst you read)
erst > recently (310.1)
2 Forth riding from Malbecco's hostless house,
hostless > inhospitable
3 Far off espied a young man, who fled
fled > [was fleeing]
4 From a huge giant, that with hideous
hideous > odious; immense
5 And hateful outrage long him chased thus;
outrage > intemperance; passion chased > [had chased]
6 It was that Ollyphant, the brother dear 7 Of that Argante vile and vicious, 8 From whom the Squire of Dames was reft whilere;
reft > taken away; hence: rescued whilere > erewhile: a while ago (307.44)
9 This all as bad as she, and worse, if worse aught were.
This all > [This one was every bit] aught > anything whatever
311.4
For as the sister did in feminine
2 And filthy lust exceede all woman kind,
So he surpassed his sex masculine,
4 In beastly vse +that I did euer+ find;
Whom when as Britomart beheld behind
6 The fearefull boy so greedily pursew,
She was emmoued in her noble mind,
8 T'employ her puissaunce to his reskew,
And pricked fiercely forward, where she +him did+ vew.
4 that I did euer > all, that I euer 1590 9 him did > did him 1590
1 For as the sister did in feminine 2 And filthy lust exceed all womankind, 3 So he surpassed his sex masculine 4 In beastly use that I did ever find;
that > [compared with all whom that: see Textual Appendix]
5 Whom when Britomart beheld behind 6 The fearful boy so greedily pursue,
greedily > eagerly; greedily pursue > [pursuing]
7 She was enmoved in her noble mind
enmoved > moved
8 To employ her puissance to his rescue,
puissance > strength (allied with prowess in arms)
9 And pricked fiercely forward, where she him did view.
pricked > spurred her horse
311.5
Ne was Sir Satyrane her far behinde,
2 But with like fiercenesse did ensew the chace:
Whom when the Gyaunt saw, he soone resinde
4 His former suit, and from them fled apace;
They after both, and boldly bad him bace,
6 And each did striue the other to out-goe,
But he them both outran a wondrous space,
8 For he was long, and swift as any Roe,
And now made better speed, t'escape his feared foe.
1 Nor was Sir Satyrane her far behind, 2 But with like fierceness did ensue the chase:
like > similar ensue the chase > pursue the quarry; follow the chase
3 Whom when the giant saw, he soon resigned 4 His former suit, and from them fled apace;
suit > pursuit, chase apace > quickly
5 They after both, and boldly bade him base,
They after both > [They both went after him] bade him base > challenged (alluding to the game of "prisoner's base")
6 And each did strive the other to outgo,
outgo > {Outdistance; go faster than}
7 But he them both outran a wondrous space,
a > [by a]
8 For he was long, and swift as any roe,
roe > roedeer
9 And now made better speed, to escape his feared foe.
311.6
It was not Satyrane, whom he did feare,
2 But Britomart the flowre of chastity;
For he the powre of chast hands might not beare,
4 But alwayes did their dread encounter fly:
And now so fast his feet he did apply,
6 That he has gotten to a forrest neare,
Where he is shrowded in security.
8 The wood they enter, and search euery where,
They searched diuersely, so both diuided were.
1 It was not Satyrane whom he did fear, 2 But Britomart, the flower of chastity; 3 For he the power of chaste hands might not bear,
might > could
4 But always did their dread encounter fly:
fly > flee
5 And now so fast his feet he did apply 6 That he has gotten to a forest near, 7 Where he is shrouded in security.
shrouded > hidden; sheltered
8 The wood they enter, and search everywhere; 9 They searched diversely: so both divided were.
311.7
Faire Britomart so long him followed,
2 That she at last came to a fountaine sheare,
By which there lay a knight all wallowed
4 Vpon the grassy ground, and by him neare
His haberieon, his helmet, and his speare;
6 A little off, his shield was rudely throwne,
On which the winged boy in colours cleare
8 Depeincted was, full easie to be knowne,
And he thereby, where euer it in field was showne.
1 Fair Britomart so long him followed 2 That she at last came to a fountain sheer,
sheer > pure, clear, translucent (of water)
3 By which there lay a knight all wallowed
wallowed > prostrated
4 Upon the grassy ground, and by him near 5 His habergeon, his helmet, and his spear;
habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail}
6 A little off his shield was rudely thrown,
off > [way off]
7 On which the winged boy in colours clear
the winged boy > [Cupid, declaring the knight's name: see 306.53:2]
8 Depainted was, full easy to be known,
Depainted > Depicted; painted full > very, exceedingly
9 And he thereby, wherever it in field was shown.
he > [Scudamour] field > battle, field of battle
311.8
His face vpon the ground did groueling ly,
2 As if he had bene slombring in the shade,
That the braue Mayd would not for courtesy,
4 Out of his quiet slomber him abrade,
Nor seeme too suddeinly him to inuade:
6 Still as she stood, she heard with grieuous throb
Him grone, as if his hart were peeces made,
8 And with most painefull pangs to sigh and sob,
That pitty did the Virgins hart of patience rob.
1 His face upon the ground did grovelling lie,
grovelling > face-down
2 As if he had been slumbering in the shade, 3 That the brave maid would not, for courtesy,
That > [So that]
4 Out of his quiet slumber him abraid,
abraid > start; hence: awake
5 Nor seem too suddenly him to invade:
invade > intrude upon
6 Still as she stood, she heard with grievous throb
Still > Motionless; yet throb > quiver; exhibition of emotion
7 Him groan, as if his heart were pieces made,
pieces made > [broken]
8 And with most painful pangs to sigh and sob,
to > [she heard him to]
9 That pity did the virgin's heart of patience rob.
That > [So that]
311.9
At last forth breaking into bitter plaintes
2 He said; {o^} soueraigne Lord that sit'st on hye,
And raignst in blis emongst thy blessed Saintes,
4 How suffrest thou such shamefull cruelty,
So long vnwreaked of thine enimy?
6 Or +hast thou,+ Lord, of good mens cause no heed?
Or doth thy iustice sleepe, and silent ly?
8 What booteth then the good and righteous deed,
If goodnesse find no grace, nor righteousnesse no meed?
6 hast thou, > hast, thou 1590, 1596
1 At last, forth breaking into bitter plaints,
plaint > {Lament; lamentation; statement of grievance made in seeking redress}
2 He said: "O sovereign Lord that sit on high, 3 And reigns in bliss amongst Your blessed saints, 4 How suffer You such shameful cruelty,
suffer You > do You permit
5 So long unwreaked, of Your enemy?
unwreaked > unavenged
6 Or have You, Lord, of good men's cause no heed?
cause > case, suit; cause
7 Or does Your justice sleep, and silent lie? 8 What boots then the good and righteous deed,
boots > avails [one]
9 If goodness find no grace, nor righteousness no meed?
nor > (The double negative is intensive) meed > reward
311.10
If good find grace, and righteousnesse reward,
2 Why then is Amoret in caytiue band,
Sith that more bounteous creature neuer far'd
4 On foot, vpon the face of liuing land?
Or if that heauenly iustice may withstand
6 The wrongfull outrage of vnrighteous men,
Why then is Busirane with wicked hand
8 Suffred, these seuen monethes day in secret den
My Lady and my loue so cruelly to pen?
1 "If good find grace, and righteousness reward, 2 Why then is Amoret in caitiff bond,
caitiff bond > [wretched bonds; the bonds of a slave]
3 Since more bounteous creature never fared
more bounteous > [a] more virtuous
4 On foot upon the face of living land? 5 Or if heavenly justice may withstand 6 The wrongful outrage of unrighteous men, 7 Why then is Busirane with wicked hand 8 Suffered, these seven months' day, in secret den
Suffered > Allowed day > space (of time), period
9 My lady and my love so cruelly to pen?
311.11
My Lady and my loue is +cruelly+ pend
2 In dolefull darkenesse from the vew of day,
Whilest deadly torments do her chast brest rend,
4 And the sharpe steele doth riue her hart in tway,
All for she Scudamore will not denay.
6 Yet thou vile man, vile Scudamore art sound,
Ne canst her ayde, ne canst her foe dismay;
8 Vnworthy wretch to tread vpon the ground,
For whom so faire a Lady feeles so sore a wound.
1 cruelly > cruell' 1609
1 "My lady and my love is cruelly penned 2 In doleful darkness from the view of day,
doleful > grievous, distressing; also: malicious, crafty
3 Whilst deadly torments do her chaste breast rend,
rend > tear
4 And the sharp steel does rive her heart in tway,
rive > split, tear tway > two
5 All for she Scudamour will not deny.
for > because
6 Yet you vile man, vile Scudamour are sound, 7 Nor can her aid, nor can her foe dismay;
dismay > overcome; defeat
8 Unworthy wretch to tread upon the ground, 9 For whom so fair a lady feels so sore a wound."
311.12
There an huge heape of +singults+ did oppresse
2 His strugling soule, and swelling throbs empeach
His foltring toung with pangs of drerinesse,
4 Choking the remnant of his plaintife speach,
As if his dayes were come to their last reach.
6 Which when she heard, and saw the ghastly fit,
Threatning into his life to make a breach,
8 Both with great ruth and terrour she was smit,
Fearing least from her cage the wearie soule would flit.
1 singults > singulfes _1590, 1596; cf. 506.13:9, CC 168, TM 232. In the last two instances, the spelling error was corrected in the 1611 edition_
1 There a huge heap of singults did oppress
singults > sobs
2 His struggling soul, and swelling throbs impeach
throbs > quiverings; hence: tremors impeach > impede
3 His faltering tongue with pangs of dreariness,
dreariness > sorrow; horror
4 Choking the remnant of his plaintive speech,
plaintive > {Plaintive; also: pertaining to a plaintiff}
5 As if his days were come to their last reach.
last reach > utmost extent; hence: end
6 Which when she heard, and saw the ghastly fit
ghastly > terrible
7 Threatening into his life to make a breach, 8 Both with great ruth and terror she was smitten,
ruth > pity
9 Fearing lest from its cage the weary soul would flit.
its cage > [Scudamour's body: cf. Una's "natiue prison" at 107.21:8]
311.13
Tho stooping downe she him amoued light;
2 Who therewith somewhat starting, vp gan looke,
And seeing him behind a straunger knight,
4 Whereas no liuing creature he mistooke,
With great indignaunce he that sight forsooke,
6 And downe againe himselfe disdainefully
+Abiecting,+ th'earth with his faire forhead strooke:
8 Which the bold Virgin seeing, gan apply
Fit medcine to his griefe, and spake thus courtesly.
7 Abiecting, > Abiecting 1596
1 Tho stooping down she him amoved light;
Tho > Then amoved > moved, touched; aroused (last is SUS; cf. Daphn. 545)
2 Who therewith somewhat starting, up gan look,
therewith > with that; thereupon gan > did
3 And seeing him behind a stranger knight
him behind > [behind him] stranger > new-come; foreign; unknown
4 Where no living creature he mistook,
mistook > [had erroneously taken to be; hence: had supposed to be]
5 With great indignance he that sight forsook,
indignance > indignation
6 And down again himself disdainfully 7 Abjecting, the earth with his fair forehead struck;
Abjecting > Casting down ("down" in line 6 is thus tautological and intensive)
8 Which the bold virgin seeing, gan apply
Which the bold virgin seeing, gan > [Which seeing, the bold virgin did]
9 Fit medicine to his grief, and spoke thus courteously:
Fit > Appropriate
311.14
Ah gentle knight, whose deepe +conceiued+ griefe
2 Well seemes t'exceede the powre of patience,
Yet if that heauenly grace some good reliefe
4 You send, submit you to high prouidence,
And euer in your noble hart prepense,
6 That all the sorrow in the world is lesse,
Then vertues might, and values confidence,
8 For who nill bide the burden of distresse,
Must not here thinke to liue: for life is wretchednesse.
1 conceiued > cenceiued 1596
1 "Ah gentle knight, whose deep conceived grief
gentle > noble
2 Well seems to exceed the power of patience; 3 Yet if that heavenly grace some good relief 4 You send, submit you to high providence,
You send > [Should send to you] you > (An intensive: cf. 100.2:9; or: yourself)
5 And ever in your noble heart prepense
prepense > consider beforehand
6 That all the sorrow in the world is less 7 Than virtue's might, and value's confidence,
might > strength value's confidence > [confidence in worthiness or valour]
8 For who nill bide the burden of distress
who nill bide > [he who will not endure]
9 Must not here think to live: for life is wretchedness.
311.15
Therefore, faire Sir, do comfort to you take,
2 And freely read, what wicked felon so
Hath outrag'd you, and thrald your gentle make.
4 Perhaps this hand may helpe to ease your woe,
And wreake your sorrow on your cruell foe,
6 +At+ least it faire endeuour will apply.
Those feeling wordes so neare the quicke did goe,
8 That vp his head he reared easily,
And leaning on his elbow, these few wordes let fly.
6 At > And 1596
1 "Therefore, fair sir, do comfort to you take, 2 And freely read what wicked felon so
read > make known
3 Has outraged you, and thralled your gentle make.
thralled > enslaved, made captive gentle > noble make > companion, lover, consort
4 Perhaps this hand may help to ease your woe, 5 And wreak your sorrow on your cruel foe;
wreak > avenge
6 At least it fair endeavour will apply." 7 Those feeling words so near the quick did go 8 That up his head he reared easily, 9 And, leaning on his elbow, these few words let fly:
311.16
What boots it plaine, that cannot be redrest,
2 And sow vaine sorrow in a +fruitlesse+ eare,
Sith powre of hand, nor skill of learned brest,
4 Ne worldly price cannot redeeme my deare,
Out of her thraldome and continuall feare?
6 For he the tyraunt, which her hath in ward
By strong enchauntments and blacke Magicke leare,
8 Hath in a dungeon deepe her close embard,
And many dreadfull feends hath pointed to her gard.
2 fruitlesse > fruilesse 1596
1 "What boots it plain that cannot be redressed,
boots > avails plain > [to] complain [of]
2 And sow vain sorrow in a fruitless ear,
vain > futile; empty
3 Since power of hand, nor skill of learned breast,
skill > knowledge breast > heart; hence: mind
4 Nor worldly price cannot redeem my dear 5 Out of her thraldom and continual fear?
thraldom > slavery
6 For he, the tyrant, who her has in ward
ward > keeping
7 By strong enchantments and black magic lear,
lear > learning, lore
8 Has in a dungeon deep her close embarred,
close > closely; secretly embarred > imprisoned
9 And many dreadful fiends has pointed to her guard.
pointed > appointed, nominated; directed her guard > her keeping; guard her
311.17
There he tormenteth her most terribly,
2 And day and night afflicts with mortall paine,
Because to yield him loue she doth deny,
4 Once to me yold, not to be yold againe:
But yet by torture he would her constraine
6 Loue to conceiue in her disdainfull +brest,+
Till so she do, she must in doole remaine,
8 Ne may by liuing meanes be thence relest:
What boots it then to plaine, that cannot be redrest?
6 brest, > brest; 1590, 1609
1 "There he torments her most terribly, 2 And day and night afflicts with mortal pain, 3 Because to yield him love she does deny, 4 Once to me yielded, not to be yielded again: 5 But yet by torture he would her constrain 6 Love to conceive in her disdainful breast. 7 Till so she do, she must in dole remain,
dole > grief, sorrow (afflicting Amoret); guile, deceit (on the part of Busirane)
8 Nor may by living means be thence released:
living > {Human, mortal, pertaining to living people}
9 What boots it then to plain that cannot be redressed?"
boots > (Repeating the question posed at 311.16:1)
311.18
With this sad hersall of his heauy stresse,
2 The warlike Damzell was empassiond sore,
And said; Sir knight, your cause is nothing lesse,
4 Then is your sorrow, certes if not more;
For nothing so much pitty doth implore,
6 As gentle Ladies helplesse misery.
But yet, if please ye listen to my lore,
8 I will with proofe of last extremity,
Deliuer her fro thence, or with her for you dy.
1 With this sad hersall of his heavy stress
hersall > rehearsal, account (WUS) stress > affliction, distress
2 The warlike damsel was impassioned sore, 3 And said: "Sir knight, your cause is nothing less
cause > case; cause nothing > not at all less > [less in scale, less worthy]
4 Than is your sorrow, certes if not more;
certes > assuredly
5 For nothing so much pity does implore 6 As gentle ladies' helpless misery.
gentle > noble; gentle; [a] noble; [a] gentle ladies' > ladies'; lady's
7 But yet, if please you listen to my lore,
please you > [it is agreeable to you to] lore > teaching, doctrine
8 I will, with proof of last extremity,
proof > trial, experience last > [the final; she is offering to risk all]
9 Deliver her from thence, or with her for you die."
311.19
Ah gentlest knight aliue, (said Scudamore)
2 What huge heroicke magnanimity
Dwels in thy bounteous brest? what couldst thou more,
4 If she were thine, and thou as now am I?
O spare thy happy dayes, and them apply
6 To better boot, but let me dye, that ought;
More is more losse: one is enough to dy.
8 Life is not lost, (said she) for which is bought
Endlesse renowm, that more then +death+ is to be sought.
9 death > life conj. Jortin
1 "Ah gentlest knight alive," said Scudamour,
gentlest > noblest (answering the appellation at 311.14:1)
2 "What huge heroic magnanimity
magnanimity > greatness of spirit
3 Dwells in your bounteous breast? What could you more,
could you more > [more could you do, more could you offer]
4 If she were yours, and you as now am I? 5 O spare your happy days, and them apply 6 To better boot, but let me die, that ought;
boot > advantage, profit
7 More is more loss: one is enough to die." 8 "Life is not lost," said she, "for which is bought
Life > [A life, one's life]
9 Endless renown, that more than death is to be sought."
311.20
Thus she at length perswaded him to rise,
2 And with her wend, to see what new successe
Mote him befall vpon new enterprise;
4 His armes, which he had vowed to disprofesse,
She gathered vp and did about him dresse,
6 And his +forwandred+ steed vnto him got:
So forth they both yfere make their progresse,
8 And march not past the mountenaunce of a shot,
Till they arriu'd, whereas their purpose they did plot.
6 forwandred > for wandred 1596
1 Thus she at length persuaded him to rise 2 And with her wend, to see what new success
success > {That which follows, happens in the sequel; termination of affairs; result; also: fortune}
3 Might him befall upon new enterprise; 4 His arms, which he had vowed to disprofess,
arms > {Arms and armour} disprofess > renounce the profession of (cf. 104.1:1)
5 She gathered up and did about him dress,
dress > arrange
6 And his forwandered steed to him got:
forwandered > {Straying, wandered; also: wearied with wandering}
7 So forth they both yfere make their progress,
yfere > together progress > journey
8 And march not past the mountenance of a shot,
mountenance > distance shot > [bow-shot]
9 Till they arrived where their purpose they did plot.
311.21
There they dismounting, drew their weapons bold
2 And stoutly came vnto the Castle gate;
Whereas no gate they found, them to withhold,
4 Nor ward to wait at morne and euening late,
But in the Porch, that did them sore amate,
6 A flaming fire, ymixt with smouldry smoke,
And stinking Sulphure, that with griesly hate
8 And dreadfull horrour did all entraunce choke,
Enforced them their forward footing to reuoke.
1 There they, dismounting, drew their weapons bold 2 And stoutly came to the castle gate:
stoutly > bravely, resolutely
3 Where no gate they found them to withhold, 4 Nor ward to wait at morn and evening late:
ward to wait > [a] sentinel to keep watch
5 But in the porch (that did them sore amate)
amate > daunt (cf. Rinaldo 5.58-61, GL 8.34-5)
6 A flaming fire (mixed with smouldry smoke,
smouldry > {Smothery, tending to smother}
7 And stinking sulphur, that with grisly hate
grisly > horrible, fearsome
8 And dreadful horror did all entrance choke) 9 Enforced them their forward footing to revoke.
footing > step, tread revoke > check; withdraw, draw back (cf. 101.12:7-8)
311.22
Greatly thereat was Britomart dismayd,
2 Ne in that stownd wist, how her selfe to beare;
For daunger vaine it were, to haue assayd
4 That cruell element, which all things feare,
Ne none can suffer to approchen neare:
6 And turning backe to Scudamour, thus sayd;
What monstrous enmity prouoke we heare,
8 Foolhardy as +th'Earthes children, the which+ made
Battell against the Gods? so we a God inuade.
8 th'Earthes children, the which > the Earthes children, which 1590
1 Greatly thereat was Britomart dismayed,
thereat > at that, as a result of that
2 Nor in that stound wist how herself to bear;
stound > {Time of peril of pain: chiefly in northern dialect} wist > knew
3 For danger vain it were to have essayed
vain > foolish; foolishly essayed > attempted, hence: made an attempt on, attacked
4 That cruel element, which all things fear, 5 Nor none can suffer to approach near:
suffer > bear
6 And, turning back to Scudamour, thus said: 7 "What monstrous enmity provoke we here,
provoke > challenge, defy; provoke
8 Foolhardy as the Earth's children, who made
Foolhardy > [As foolhardy] the Earth's children > (The Giants, the vast beings which, sprung from the blood that fell from Uranus on Ge (the Earth), piled Mount Ossa on Mount Pelion in order to launch an unsuccessful attack on Olympus, abode of the gods)
9 Battle against the gods? So we a god invade.
a god > [Vulcan]
311.23
Daunger without discretion to attempt,
2 Inglorious and beastlike is: therefore Sir knight,
Aread what course of you is safest dempt,
4 And how we with our foe may come to fight.
This +is+ (quoth he) the dolorous despight,
6 Which earst to you I playnd: for neither may
This fire be quencht by any wit or might,
8 Ne yet by any meanes remou'd away,
So mighty be th'enchauntments, which the same do stay.
5 is > omitted from 1596
1 "Danger, without discretion, to attempt,
Danger, without discretion, to attempt > [To make an attempt on danger without discretion]
2 Inglorious and beastlike is: therefore, sir knight, 3 Aread what course of you is safest deemed,
Aread > Make known; counsel; decide of > by
4 And how we with our foe may come to fight." 5 "This is," quoth he, "the dolorous despite
despite > outrage
6 Which erst to you I plained: for neither may
erst > lately plained > lamented
7 This fire be quenched by any wit or might,
wit > ingenuity, intelligence might > strength
8 Nor yet by any means removed away, 9 So mighty be the enchantments which the same do stay.
stay > sustain
311.24
What is there else, but cease these fruitlesse paines,
2 And leaue me to my former +languishing?+
Faire Amoret must dwell in wicked chaines,
4 And Scudamore here dye with sorrowing.
Perdy not so; (said she) for shamefull thing
6 It were t'abandon noble cheuisaunce,
For shew of perill, without venturing:
8 Rather let try extremities of chaunce,
Then enterprised prayse for dread to disauaunce.
2 languishing? > languishing; 1596
1 "What is there else but cease these fruitless pains,
else > [to do] otherwise pains > efforts
2 And leave me to my former languishing? 3 Fair Amoret must dwell in wicked chains, 4 And Scudamour here die with sorrowing." 5 "Pardie not so," said she, "for shameful thing
Pardie > By God, certainly
6 It were to abandon noble chevisance
chevisance > enterprise, knightly enterprise (catachr.)
7 For show of peril, without venturing: 8 Rather let try extremities of chance 9 Than enterprised praise for dread to disadvance."
enterprised > [an already] undertaken praise > {Object of praise, praiseworthy deed} for > [through, because of] disadvance > check the advance of; draw back; hence: revoke
311.25
Therewith resolu'd to proue her vtmost might,
2 Her ample shield she threw before her face,
And her swords point directing forward right,
4 Assayld the flame, the which eftsoones gaue place,
And did it selfe diuide with equall space,
6 That through she passed; as a thunder bolt
+Perceth+ the yielding ayre, and doth displace
8 The soring cloudes into sad showres ymolt;
So to her yold the flames, and did their force reuolt.
7 Perceth > Pearceth 1609
1 Therewith resolved to prove her utmost might,
Therewith > With that, thereupon prove > try; demonstrate
2 Her ample shield she threw before her face
ample > broad
3 And, her sword's point directing forward right, 4 Assailed the flame, which eftsoons gave place,
eftsoons > thereupon; forthwith
5 And did itself divide with equal space,
with equal space > [equally]
6 That through she passed; as a thunderbolt
That > [So that]
7 Pierces the yielding air, and does displace 8 The soaring clouds into sad showers melted;
sad > heavy
9 So to her yielded the flames, and did their force revolt.
revolt > turn back (SU)
311.26
Whom whenas Scudamour saw past the fire,
2 Safe and vntoucht, he likewise gan assay,
With greedy will, and enuious desire,
4 And bad the stubborne flames to yield him way:
But cruell Mulciber would not obay
6 His threatfull pride, but did the more augment
His mighty rage, and +with+ imperious sway
8 Him forst (maulgre) his fiercenesse to relent,
And backe retire, all scorcht and pitifully brent.
7 with > omitted from 1596; his 1609
1 Whom when Scudamour saw past the fire, 2 Safe and untouched, he likewise gan essay,
gan essay > did try
3 With greedy will, and envious desire,
greedy > eager; greedy envious > (Possible meanings, in descending order of likelihood, are: (1) odious, invidious (since the flames are allegorically the product of his desires); (2) full of emulation (of Britomart or her success in passing the flames); (3) malicious, generated by ill-will (directed against Busirane); (4) actuated by envy (of Britomart))
4 And bade the stubborn flames to yield him way: 5 But cruel Mulciber would not obey 6 His threatful pride, but did the more augment
threatful > {Full of threats, threatening}
7 His mighty rage, and with imperious sway
sway > power, sweep
8 Him forced (maugre) his fierceness to relent,
maugre > notwithstanding; unfortunately, as luck would have it relent > abate, lessen
9 And back retire, all scorched and pitifully burnt.
311.27
With huge impatience he inly swelt,
2 More for great sorrow, that he could not pas,
Then for the burning torment, which he felt,
4 That with fell woodnesse he effierced was,
And wilfully him throwing on the gras,
6 Did beat and bounse his head and brest full sore;
The whiles the Championesse now entred has
8 The vtmost rowme, and past the +formest+ dore,
The vtmost rowme, abounding with all precious store.
8 formest > formost 1609
1 With huge impatience he inly swelt,
impatience > {Inability to endure suffering} inly swelt > inwardly broiled
2 More for great sorrow, that he could not pass, 3 Than for the burning torment which he felt, 4 That with fell woodness he effierced was,
That > [So that] fell > terrible, fierce woodness > fury, madness effierced > {Rendered fierce: WU}
5 And, wilfully him throwing on the grass,
him > himself
6 Did beat and bounce his head and breast full sore;
bounce > thump full > exceedingly
7 The whiles the championess now entered has
The whiles > Meanwhile
8 The utmost room, and passed the foremost door,
utmost > outermost
9 The utmost room, abounding with all precious store.
311.28
For round about, the wals yclothed were
2 With goodly arras of great maiesty,
Wouen with gold and silke so close and nere,
4 That the rich metall lurked priuily,
As faining to be hid from enuious eye;
6 Yet here, and there, and euery where vnwares
It shewd it selfe, and shone vnwillingly;
8 +Like+ a discolourd Snake, whose hidden snares
Through the greene gras his long bright burnisht backe declares.
8 Like > Like to 1590
1 For round about the walls clothed were 2 With goodly arras of great majesty,
goodly > [a] beautiful; beautiful arras > tapestry; tapestries (named after the town in Pas-de-Calais, France, famous for its rich tapestries, which were often made in the form of wall-hangings) majesty > magnificence
3 Woven with gold and silk so close and near
near > closely, tightly; or: finely (because it had to be held at the near-point of vision in order to be stitched)
4 That the rich metal lurked privily,
privily > inwardly; secretly
5 As faining to be hidden from envious eye;
As faining > [As if anxious]
6 Yet here, and there, and everywhere unwares
unwares > unexpectedly, suddenly; unwittingly
7 It showed itself, and shone unwillingly; 8 Like a discoloured snake, whose hidden snares
discoloured > varicoloured
9 Through the green grass its long bright burnished back declares.
311.29
And in those Tapets weren fashioned
2 Many faire pourtraicts, and many a faire feate,
And all of loue, and all of lusty-hed,
4 As seemed by their semblaunt did entreat;
And eke all Cupids warres they did repeate,
6 And cruell battels, which he whilome fought
Gainst all the Gods, to make his empire great;
8 Besides the huge massacres, which he wrought
On mighty kings and kesars, into thraldome brought.
1 And in those tapets were fashioned
tapet > {Piece of figured fabric used as a hanging, tablecloth, carpet, etc.}
2 Many fair portraits, and many a fair feat, 3 And all of love, and all of lustihead
lustihead > libidinousness, pleasure
4 (As seemed by their semblant) did entreat;
semblant > appearance entreat > treat
5 And eke all Cupid's wars they did repeat,
eke > moreover repeat > relate, recount; celebrate
6 And cruel battles, which he whilom fought
whilom > anciently
7 Gainst all the gods, to make his empire great;
Gainst > Against
8 Besides the huge massacres which he wrought 9 On mighty kings and kaisers, into thraldom brought.
kaisers > caesars, emperors thraldom > slavery
311.30
Therein was writ, how often thundring Ioue
2 Had felt the point of his hart-percing dart,
And leauing heauens kingdome, here did roue
4 In straunge disguize, to slake his scalding smart;
Now like a Ram, faire Helle to peruart,
6 Now like a Bull, Europa to withdraw:
Ah, how the fearefull Ladies tender hart
8 Did liuely seeme to tremble, when she saw
The huge seas vnder her t'obay her seruaunts law.
1 Therein was written how often thundering Jove
written > depicted Jove > (Here in his guise as Jupiter Tonans, lord of the thunderbolt)
2 Had felt the point of his heart-piercing dart,
his > [Cupid's]
3 And, leaving heaven's kingdom, here did rove 4 In strange disguise, to slake his scalding smart;
slake > slake; assuage smart > pain, acute pain
5 Now like a ram, fair Helle to pervert,
Helle > (Daughter of Athamas and Nephele, sister of Phrixus. Because of the intrigues of her stepmother, Ino, she and her brother were to be sacrificed to Jupiter; but Nephele rescued her two children, who rode away through the air on the ram with the golden fleece, a gift from Mercury. Helle fell into the sea, which was called after her the Hellespont. See Ovid, Fasti, 3.851 ff., DGDG 13.68, 4.68) pervert > lead astray (lit. as well as fig.)
6 Now like a bull, Europa to withdraw:
bull > (Taurus (the bull) follows Aries (the ram) in the zodiac) Europa > (Daughter of King Agenor of Phoenicia, or, according to the Iliad, daughter of Phoenix. Jupiter fell in love with her, assumed the form of a bull and mingled with the herd as Europa and her maidens were by the shore. Charmed by the tameness of the beast, Europa climbed on its back, whereupon Jupiter rushed into the sea and swam with her to Crete. The continent of Europe is said to be named after her. See Met. 2.833 ff.) withdraw > take away; hence: abduct
7 Ah, how the fearful lady's tender heart 8 Did lively seem to tremble, when she saw
lively > vividly, in a lifelike manner, convincingly (referring to the tapestry)
9 The huge seas under her obey her servant's law.
servant > paramour
311.31
Soone after that into a golden showre
2 Him selfe he chaung'd faire Dana{e"} to vew,
And through the roofe of her strong brasen towre
4 Did raine into her lap an hony dew,
The whiles her foolish garde, that little knew
6 Of such deceipt, kept th'yron dore fast bard,
And watcht, that none should enter nor issew;
8 Vaine was the watch, and bootlesse all the ward,
Whenas the God to golden hew him selfe transfard.
1 Soon after that into a golden shower
Soon > Immediately after that > [in the next panel]
2 Himself he changed, fair Dana{e"} to view,
Dana{e"} > (Daughter of Acrisius, the king of Argos, who confined her in a brazen tower because an oracle had foretold that she would give birth to a son who would kill his grandfather. Transformed into a golden shower, Jupiter came down through the roof and fathered Perseus, who did indeed eventually kill Acrisius, by means of an accident in the public games at Larissa)
3 And through the roof of her strong brazen tower 4 Did rain into her lap a honey-dew,
honey-dew > {Ideally sweet or luscious substance}
5 While her foolish guard, that little knew 6 Of such deceit, kept the iron door fast barred,
fast > firmly; closely
7 And watched that none should enter nor issue; 8 Vain was the watch, and bootless all the ward,
Vain > Foolish; futile bootless > unavailing ward > keeping; prison
9 When the god to golden hue himself transferred.
hue > appearance, form
311.32
Then was he turnd into a snowy Swan,
2 To win faire Leda to his louely trade:
O wondrous skill, and sweet wit of the man,
4 That her in daffadillies sleeping made,
From scorching heat her daintie limbes to shade:
6 Whiles the proud Bird ruffing his fethers wyde,
And brushing his faire brest, did her inuade;
8 She slept, yet twixt her eyelids closely spyde,
How towards her he rusht, and smiled at his pryde.
1 Then was he turned into a snowy swan, 2 To win fair Leda to his lovely trade:
Leda > (Daughter of Thestius, a king of Sparta. Following Jupiter's seduction she brought forth two eggs, one containing Helen (over whom the Trojan war was fought) and the other Castor and Pollux) lovely trade > amorous dealings
3 O wondrous skill, and sweet wit of the man,
wit > wit; ingenuity
4 That her in daffodils sleeping made, 5 From scorching heat her dainty limbs to shade:
dainty > delightful, comely
6 While the proud bird, ruffing his feathers wide,
ruffing > ruffling (as the male swan does in display) wide > wide; widely
7 And brushing his fair breast, did her invade;
brushing > brushing, rubbing (with his bill: another accurate observation from nature) invade > enter (SUS); hence: possess
8 She slept, yet 'twixt her eyelids closely spied
closely > secretly
9 How towards her he rushed, and smiled at his pride.
pride > stateliness, splendour; sexual excitement
311.33
Then shewd it, how the Thebane Semelee
2 Deceiu'd of gealous Iuno, did require
To see him in his soueraigne maiestee,
4 Armd with his thunderbolts and lightning fire,
Whence dearely she with death bought her desire.
6 But faire Alcmena better match did make,
Ioying his loue in likenesse more entire;
8 Three nights in one, they say, that for her sake
He then did put, +her+ pleasures lenger to partake.
9 her > his 1609
1 Then showed it, how the Theban Semele,
it > [the tapestry] Semele > (Daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia, and the lover of Jupiter. The jealous Juno appeared to her in the form of her aged nurse, and induced her to ask Jupiter to visit her in the same splendour and majesty with which he appeared to Juno. Jupiter warned her of the danger of this request; but, as he had sworn to grant whatever Semele desired, he was obliged to comply, and appeared before her as Jupiter Tonans. Semele was killed by the lightning; but Jupiter saved her child, Bacchus, with whom she was then pregnant)
2 Deceived of jealous Juno, did require
of > by
3 To see him in his sovereign majesty, 4 Armed with his thunderbolts and lightning fire, 5 Whence dearly she with death bought her desire. 6 But fair Alcmene better match did make,
Alcmene > (Or Alcmena, daughter of Electryon, king of Mycenae. She married Amphitryton, but refused to lie with him until he avenged the murder of her brothers. On the eve of Amphitryton's return, Jupiter appeared to Alcmene disguised as Amphitryton and fathered Hercules. See DGDG 6.1, Epithalamion 326-7)
7 Joying his love in likeness more entire;
Joying > Enjoying entire > perfect; wholly devoted
8 Three nights in one, they say, that for her sake 9 He then did put, her pleasures longer to partake.
311.34
Twise was he seene in soaring Eagles shape,
2 And with wide wings to beat the buxome ayre,
Once, when he with Asterie did scape,
4 Againe, when as the Troiane boy so faire
He snatcht from Ida hill, and with him bare:
6 Wondrous delight it was, there to behould,
How the rude Shepheards after him did stare,
8 Trembling through feare, least down he fallen +should+
And often to him calling, to take surer hould.
8 should > should, 1609
1 Twice was he seen in soaring eagle's shape, 2 And with wide wings to beat the buxom air:
buxom > yielding
3 Once, when he with Asteria did scape;
Asteria > (Or Asterie, daughter of Phoebe and the Titan Coeus. In order to escape Jupiter's advances she transformed herself into a quail and threw herself down from heaven; whereupon he trans- formed himself into an eagle. See Met. 6.108; Hesiod, Theogony 404-12; Hyginus, Fabulae 53) scape > escape
4 Again, when the Trojan boy so fair
the Trojan boy > (Ganymede, son of Tros and Callirrho{e"}, most beautiful of all mortals; the details of his abduction vary in different accounts. Spenser follows Met. 10.155 ff., DGDG 9.13)
5 He snatched from Ida hill, and with him bore:
Ida hill > (A mountain range in Mysia, in Asia Minor, celebrated also as the scene of the judgement of Paris; see 207.55)
6 Wondrous delight it was, there to behold 7 How the rude shepherds after him did stare,
rude > simple, uneducated
8 Trembling through fear, lest down he fall should, 9 And often to him calling to take surer hold.
311.35
In Satyres shape Antiopa he snatcht:
2 And like a fire, when he Aegin' assayd:
A shepheard, when Mnemosyne he catcht:
4 And like a Serpent to the Thracian mayd.
Whiles thus on earth great Ioue these pageaunts playd,
6 The winged boy did thrust into his throne,
And scoffing, thus vnto his mother sayd,
8 Lo now the heauens obey to me alone,
And take me for their Ioue, whiles Ioue to earth is gone.
1 In satyr's shape Antiope he snatched:
satyr > (Satyrs are horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat- like below, usually portrayed as more or less lustful. In Roman mythology, Satyr, one of the satyrs, is a companion of Bacchus with long, pointed ears, behind which are the stumps of horns, with the tail of a goat, bristly hair, and a flat nose) Antiope > (Daughter of Nycteus, and mother by Jupiter of Amphion and Zethus)
2 And like a fire, when he Aegina assayed:
Aegina > (Daughter of the river-god Asopus, and mother by Jupiter of Aeacus (Hyginus, Fabulae 52)) assayed > assaulted, assailed
3 A shepherd, when Mnemosyne he caught:
Mnemosyne > (Daughter of Uranus, and mother by Jupiter of the Muses)
4 And like a serpent to the Thracian maid.
the Thracian maid > (Proserpine, daughter of Jupiter and Ceres; later, the wife of Pluto. See Met. 6.110-114, where she is called "Deoida" after Deo (another name for Ceres))
5 While thus on earth great Jove these pageants played,
pageants > tableaux, scenes (cf. 305.1:2)
6 The winged boy did thrust into his throne 7 And, scoffing, thus to his mother said, 8 "Lo now, the heavens obey to me alone,
obey > are obedient
9 And take me for their Jove, while Jove to earth is gone."
311.36
And thou, faire Ph{oe}bus, in thy colours bright
2 Wast there enwouen, and the sad distresse,
In which that boy thee plonged, for despight,
4 That thou bewray'dst his mothers wantonnesse,
When she with Mars was meynt in ioyfulnesse:
6 For thy he thrild thee with a leaden dart,
To loue faire Daphne, which thee loued lesse:
8 Lesse she thee lou'd, then was thy iust desart,
Yet was thy loue her death, and her death was thy smart.
1 And you, fair Phoebus, in your colours bright 2 Were there enwoven, and the sad distress
enwoven > woven
3 In which that boy you plunged for despite,
you plunged > also: plunged you despite > maliciousness
4 That you bewrayed his mother's wantonness,
That > [In that] bewrayed > revealed; betrayed
5 When she with Mars was ment in joyfulness:
ment > united sexually (the adultery of Mars and Venus, Vulcan's wife, was disclosed to Vulcan by Apollo. Vulcan caught the guilty pair in an invisible net, and exposed them to the laughter of the assembled gods)
6 For-thy he thrilled you with a leaden dart,
For-thy > For that reason thrilled > pierced leaden > (Cupid's gold-tipped and lead-tipped arrows bring happy or unhappy love respectively. See Met. 1.466-71)
7 To love fair Daphne, who you loved less:
Daphne > (Apollo's love (see 212.52:5), transformed into a laurel; but according to Met. 4.171 ff. Apollo was punished for his indiscretion by being made to love Leucothea, who was buried alive by her father, whereupon Apollo transformed her into an incense bush) you loved less > loved you too little
8 Less she you loved, than was your just desert,
desert > reward, merit
9 Yet was your love her death, and her death was your smart.
smart > pain, acute pain
311.37
So louedst thou the lusty Hyacinct,
2 So louedst thou the faire Coronis deare:
Yet both are of thy haplesse hand extinct,
4 Yet both in flowres do liue, and loue thee beare,
The one a Paunce, the other a sweet breare:
6 For griefe whereof, ye mote haue liuely seene
The God himselfe rending his golden heare,
8 And breaking quite his +gyrlond+ euer greene,
With other signes of sorrow and impatient teene.
8 gyrlond > garlond 1590
1 So loved you the lusty Hyacinth,
So > Thus lusty > pleasing; lustful; insolent, self-confident
2 So loved you the fair Coronis dear:
Coronis > (Daughter of Phlegyas, and mother by Apollo of Aesculapius; see Met. 2.542-632) dear > dear (qualifying Coronis); dearly
3 Yet both are of your hapless hand extinct,
of > by extinct > dead
4 Yet both in flowers do live, and love you bear, 5 The one a pansy, the other a sweet-brier:
the other a sweet-brier > (This detail is not in Ovid)
6 For grief whereof you might have lively seen
you > [one] lively > vividly, convincingly, in a lifelike manner
7 The god himself rending his golden hair,
rending > tearing
8 And breaking quite his garland ever green, 9 With other signs of sorrow and impatient teen.
impatient > {Unable to bear suffering} teen > grief; woe
311.38
Both for those two, and for his owne deare sonne,
2 The sonne of Climene he did repent,
Who bold to guide the charet of the Sunne,
4 Himselfe in thousand peeces fondly rent,
And all the world with flashing +fier+ brent,
6 So like, that all the walles did seeme to flame.
Yet cruell Cupid, not herewith content,
8 Forst him eftsoones to follow other game,
And loue a Shepheards daughter for his dearest Dame.
5 fier > fire 1590
1 Both for those two, and for his own dear son 2 (The son of Clymene) he did repent,
Clymene > (Mother of Phaethon; see 104.9, Met. 1.750-2.366) repent > grieve, mourn (SU)
3 Who, bold to guide the chariot of the sun, 4 Himself in thousand pieces fondly rent,
fondly rent > foolishly shattered
5 And all the world with flashing fire burnt; 6 So like, that all the walls did seem to flame.
like > lifelike
7 Yet cruel Cupid, not herewith content,
herewith > with this
8 Forced him eftsoons to follow other game,
eftsoons > soon
9 And love a shepherd's daughter for his dearest dame.
311.39
He loued Isse for his dearest Dame,
2 And for her sake her cattell fed a while,
And for her sake a cowheard vile became,
4 The seruant of Admetus cowheard vile,
Whiles that from heauen he suffered exile.
6 Long were to tell +each+ other louely fit,
Now like a Lyon, hunting after spoile,
8 Now like a +Hag+, now like a faulcon flit:
All which in that faire arras was most liuely writ.
6 each > his 1590 8 Hag > Stag _conj. Jortin, in support of whom Upton quotes Myth. 4.10. Smith describes the emendation as "irresistible". Apollo is transformed to a lion and then a hawk in Met. 6.122-3. Some editors retain Hag and feel Spenser may have been referring to a "haggard", an untamed hawk caught in its adult plumage_
1 He loved Isse for his dearest dame,
Isse > (Spenser combines two legends here: Apollo's disguised appearance to Isse, daughter of Macareus (Met. 6.124), and the myth of Admetus, king of Pherae in Thessaly, whom Apollo was obliged to serve as a herdsman for nine years for having slain the Cyclops (see Hyginus, Fabulae 50, DGDG 4.10))
2 And for her sake her cattle fed awhile, 3 And for her sake a cowherd vile became,
vile > lowly
4 The servant of Admetus, cowherd vile,
cowherd > (Roche (1978) suggests a possible pun on "coward")
5 While from heaven he suffered exile. 6 Long were to tell each other lovely fit,
Long were > [It would take a long time] lovely > amorous
7 Now like a lion, hunting after spoil, 8 Now like a hag, now like a falcon flit:
hag > (See Textual Appendix) flit > fleet, swift
9 All which in that fair arras was most lively writ.
arras > tapestry lively > vividly, convincingly writ > depicted; hence: woven
311.40
Next vnto him was Neptune pictured,
2 In his diuine resemblance wondrous lyke:
His face was rugged, and his hoarie hed
4 Dropped with brackish deaw; his three-forkt Pyke
He stearnly shooke, and therewith fierce did stryke
6 The raging billowes, that on euery syde
They trembling stood, and made a long broad dyke,
8 That his swift charet might haue passage wyde,
Which foure great Hippodames did draw in temewise tyde.
1 Next to him was Neptune pictured,
Next to > Immediately after
2 In his divine resemblance wondrous like:
like > lifelike
3 His face was rugged, and his hoary head
rugged > hairy
4 Dropped with brackish dew; his three-forked pike
Dropped > Sprinkled three-forked pike > [trident]
5 He sternly shook, and therewith fierce did strike
sternly > fiercely; grimly therewith > with it
6 The raging billows, that on every side
that > [so that]
7 They trembling stood, and made a long broad dike, 8 That his swift charet might have passage wide,
That > [So that] charet > chariot
9 Which four great hippodames did draw, in teamwise tied.