7 And all the floor was underneath their feet 8 Bespread with costly scarlet of great name,
scarlet > {A rich kind of cloth, usually red or orange in colour} name > reputation, value
9 On which they lowly sit, and fitting purpose frame.
purpose > discourse, conversation; questions
112.14
What needs me tell their feast and goodly guize,
2 In which was nothing riotous nor vaine?
What needes of daintie dishes to deuize,
4 Of comely seruices, or courtly trayne?
My narrow leaues cannot in them containe
6 The large discourse of royall Princes state.
Yet was their manner then but bare and plaine:
8 For th'antique world excesse and pride did hate;
Such proud luxurious pompe is swollen vp but late.
1 What needs me tell their feast and goodly guise,
needs me tell > need do I have to describe goodly > gracious, courteous; attractive guise > behaviour, demeanour
2 In which was nothing riotous nor vain?
vain > vain; foolish
3 What needs of dainty dishes to devise,
dainty > choice, delicious devise > talk, recount
4 Of comely services, or courtly train?
services > {The act of waiting at table; the manner in which this is done; also: the courses served}
5 My narrow leaves cannot in them contain 6 The large discourse of royal prince's state.
large discourse of > [necessarily] broad disquisition upon
7 Yet was their manner then but bare and plain: 8 For the antique world excess and pride did hate;
antique > ancient
9 Such proud luxurious pomp is swollen up but late.
luxurious > outrageous, extravagant; lascivious late > recently
112.15
Then when with meates and drinkes of euery kinde
2 Their feruent appetites they quenched had,
That auncient Lord gan fit occasion finde,
4 Of straunge aduentures, and of perils sad,
Which in his trauell him befallen had,
6 For to demaund of his renowmed guest:
Who then with vtt'rance graue, and count'nance sad,
8 From point to point, as is before exprest,
Discourst his voyage long, according his request.
1 Then, when with meats and drinks of every kind 2 Their fervent appetites they quenched had, 3 That ancient lord gan fit occasion find
gan > did
4 Of strange adventures, and of perils sad,
Of > [An account of] sad > grievous
5 Which in his travel him befallen had, 6 To demand of his renowned guest:
demand > request (the modern sense is rather too strong)
7 Who then with utterance grave, and countenance sad,
sad > sober
8 From point to point, as is before expressed, 9 Discoursed his voyage long, according his request.
Discoursed > Told of voyage > journey according > granting
112.16
Great +pleasure+ mixt with pittifull regard,
2 That godly King and Queene did passionate,
Whyles they his pittifull aduentures heard,
4 That oft they did lament his lucklesse state,
And often blame the too importune fate,
6 That heapd on him so many wrathfull wreakes:
For neuer gentle knight, as he of late,
8 So tossed was in fortunes cruell freakes;
And all the while salt teares bedeawd the hearers cheaks.
1 pleasure > pleasures 1596, 1609
1 Great pleasure mixed with pitiful regard 2 That godly king and queen did passionate,
passionate > {Excite or imbue with passion; express with passion}
3 While they his pitiful adventures heard, 4 That oft they did lament his luckless state,
That > [So that]
5 And often blame the too importune fate
blame > reprove importune > grievous
6 That heaped on him so many wrathful wreaks:
wreaks > {Vindictive or vengeful acts (mainly northern dialect)}
7 For never gentle knight, as he of late,
gentle > noble; gentle
8 So tossed was in Fortune's cruel freaks;
in > [by] freaks > whims, vagaries
9 And all the while salt tears bedewed the hearers' cheeks.
112.17
Then said +the+ royall Pere in sober wise;
2 Deare Sonne, great beene the euils, which ye bore
From first to last in your late enterprise,
4 That I note, whether prayse, or pitty more:
For neuer liuing man, I weene, so sore
6 In sea of deadly daungers was distrest;
But +since+ now safe ye seised haue the shore,
8 And well arriued are, (high God be blest)
Let vs deuize of ease and euerlasting rest.
1 the > that 1590 7 since > sith 1609
1 Then said the royal peer in sober wise:
peer > nobleman wise > manner
2 "Dear son, great been the evils which you bore
great been > [so] great were
3 From first to last in your late enterprise,
late > recent
4 That I no'te whether praise or pity more:
no'te > know not praise > [to praise] pity > [to pity you]
5 For never living man, I ween, so sore
ween > think, believe
6 In sea of deadly dangers was distressed; 7 But since now safe you seized have the shore,
seized > reached, gained
8 And well arrived are (high God be blessed), 9 Let us devise of ease and everlasting rest."
devise > talk
112.18
Ah dearest Lord, said then that doughty knight,
2 Of ease or rest I may not yet deuize;
For by the faith, which I to armes haue plight,
4 I bounden am streight after this emprize,
As that your daughter can ye well aduize,
6 Backe to returne to that great Faerie Queene,
And her to serue six yeares in warlike wize,
8 Gainst that proud +Paynim+ king, that workes her teene:
Therefore I ought craue pardon, till I there haue beene.
8 Paynim > Pynim 1596
1 "Ah dearest lord," said then that doughty knight, 2 "Of ease or rest I may not yet devise;
devise > talk
3 For by the faith which I to arms have plight,
plight > pledged
4 I bound am straight after this emprise
straight > straight; strictly emprise > enterprise, undertaking
5 (As that your daughter can you well advise), 6 Back to return to that great Faery Queen, 7 And her to serve six years in warlike wise,
wise > manner
8 Against that proud paynim king, that works her teen:
paynim king > heathen king [Philip II of Spain] teen > grief, trouble
9 Therefore I ought crave pardon, till I there have been.
crave > [to crave your]
112.19
Vnhappie falles that hard necessitie,
2 (Quoth he) the troubler of my happie peace,
And vowed foe of my felicitie;
4 Ne I against the same can iustly preace:
But +since+ that band ye cannot now release,
6 Nor doen vndo; (for vowes may not be vaine)
Soone as the terme of those six yeares shall cease,
8 Ye then shall hither backe returne againe,
The marriage to accomplish vowd betwixt you twain.
5 since > sith 1609
1 "Unhappy falls that hard necessity," 2 Quoth he, "the troubler of my happy peace, 3 And vowed foe of my felicity; 4 Nor I against the same can justly press: 5 But since that bond you cannot now release, 6 Nor done, undo (for vows may not be vain);
done > [once done] vain > idle, empty [made vain; made in vain]
7 Soon as the term of those six years shall cease,
Soon > [As soon]
8 You then shall hither back return again, 9 The marriage to accomplish, vowed betwixt you twain.
twain > two
112.20
Which for my part I couet to performe,
2 In sort as through the world I did proclame,
That who so kild that monster most deforme,
4 And him in hardy battaile ouercame,
Should haue mine onely daughter to his Dame,
6 And of my kingdome heire apparaunt bee:
Therefore +since+ now to thee perteines the same,
8 By dew desert of noble cheualree,
Both daughter and eke kingdome, lo I yield to thee.
7 since > sith 1609
1 "Which for my part I covet to perform,
covet > desire, long
2 In sort as through the world I did proclaim
In sort > [Even]
3 That whoso killed that monster most deformed,
whoso > whoever deformed > perverted, morally ugly; deformed
4 And him in hardy battle overcame, 5 Should have my only daughter to his dame,
to his dame > as his wife
6 And of my kingdom heir apparent be: 7 Therefore since now to you pertains the same, 8 By due desert of noble chivalry,
desert > merit
9 Both daughter and eke kingdom, lo I yield to you."
eke > also
112.21
Then forth he called that his daughter faire,
2 The fairest Vn' his onely daughter deare,
His onely daughter, and his onely heyre;
4 Who forth proceeding with sad sober cheare,
As bright as doth the morning starre appeare
6 Out of the East, with flaming lockes bedight,
To tell +that+ dawning day is +drawing+ neare,
8 And to the world does bring long wished light;
So faire and fresh that Lady shewd her selfe in sight.
7 that > the 1596, 1609 7 drawing > dawning 1596, 1609
1 Then forth he called his daughter fair, 2 The fairest Una, his only daughter dear, 3 His only daughter, and his only heir; 4 Who forth proceeding with sad sober cheer,
sad > steadfast; grave cheer > expression, mood
5 As bright as does the morning star appear 6 Out of the east, with flaming locks bedight,
bedight > adorned
7 To tell that dawning day is drawing near, 8 And to the world does bring long-wished light; 9 So fair and fresh that lady showed herself in sight.
So > Thus
112.22
So faire and fresh, as freshest flowre in May;
2 For she had layd her mournefull stole aside,
And widow-like sad wimple throwne away,
4 Wherewith her +heauenly+ beautie she did hide,
Whiles on her wearie iourney she did ride;
6 And on her now a garment she did weare,
All lilly white, withoutten spot, or pride,
8 That seemd like silke and siluer wouen neare,
But neither silke nor siluer therein did appeare.
4 heauenly > heaunnly 1596
1 So fair and fresh, as freshest flower in May; 2 For she had laid her mournful stole aside,
stole > robe (it is black: see 101.4:5)
3 And widow-like sad wimple thrown away,
wimple > {Linen or silk garment enveloping head, chin, and sides of face and neck}
4 Wherewith her heavenly beauty she did hide
Wherewith > With which
5 While on her weary journey she did ride; 6 And on her now a garment she did wear, 7 All lily white, without spot, or pride,
pride > adornment
8 That seemed like silk and silver woven near,
near > closely together
9 But neither silk nor silver therein did appear.
112.23
The blazing brightnesse of her beauties beame,
2 And glorious light of her sunshyny face
To tell, were as to striue against the streame.
4 My ragged rimes are all too rude and bace,
Her heauenly lineaments for to enchace.
6 Ne wonder; for her owne deare loued knight,
All were she dayly with himselfe in place,
8 Did wonder much at her celestiall sight:
Oft had he seene her faire, but neuer so faire dight.
1 The blazing brightness of her beauty's beam, 2 And glorious light of her sunshiny face 3 To tell, were as to strive against the stream. 4 My ragged rhymes are all too rude and base
ragged > harsh, discordant rude > rough, uneducated
5 Her heavenly lineaments to enchase.
enchase > make a setting for (as a jeweller might make a setting for a precious stone)
6 No wonder; for her own dear loved knight, 7 All were she daily with himself in place,
All were she > [Although she had been] in place > there; hence: together, in company
8 Did wonder much at her celestial sight:
wonder > marvel sight > appearance
9 Often had he seen her fair, but never so fairly dight.
fair > beauty dight > arranged, dressed; hence: displayed
112.24
So fairely dight, when she in presence came,
2 She to her Sire made humble reuerence,
And bowed low, that her right well became,
4 And added grace vnto her excellence:
Who with great wisedome, and graue eloquence
6 Thus gan to say. But eare he thus had said,
With flying speede, and seeming great pretence,
8 Came running in, much like a man dismaid,
A Messenger with letters, which his message said.
1 So fairly dight, when she in presence came,
So > Thus presence > presence [of the king]; [the] presence-chamber (where the sovereign receives visitors)
2 She to her sire made humble reverence,
sire > father
3 And bowed low, that her right well became,
right > very became > suited
4 And added grace to her excellence: 5 Who with great wisdom, and grave eloquence 6 Thus began to say … But ere he thus had said, 7 With flying speed, and seeming great pretence,
pretence > intention, importance; show of dignity
8 Came running in, much like a man dismayed, 9 A messenger with letters, which his message said.
112.25
All in the open hall amazed stood,
2 At suddeinnesse of that vnwarie sight,
And wondred at his breathlesse hastie mood.
4 But he for nought would stay his passage right,
Till fast before the king he did alight;
6 Where falling flat, great humblesse he did make,
And kist the ground, whereon his foot was pight;
8 Then to his hands that writ he did betake,
Which he disclosing, red thus, as the paper spake.
1 All in the open hall amazed stood,
hall > {A spacious public room in a castle, palace, etc., used for banquets and receptions} amazed > astounded; confounded
2 At suddenness of that unwary sight,
unwary > unexpected (SU)
3 And wondered at his breathless hasty mood.
wondered > marvelled
4 But he for naught would stay his passage right,
stay > check, delay right > {Straight, direct; leading towards the place he desired to reach}
5 Till fast before the king he did alight;
fast > close; rapidly alight > stop (SU)
6 Where, falling flat, great humblesse he did make,
humblesse > [show of] humbleness, humility
7 And kissed the ground whereon his foot was pight;
pight > placed
8 Then to his hands that writ he did beteach,
writ > document, paper beteach > yield; commit, entrust
9 Which he disclosing, read thus, as the paper spoke.
disclosing > opening up, unfolding (also in the fig. sense of revealing to the knowledge of others)
112.26
To thee, most mighty king of Eden faire,
2 Her greeting sends in these sad lines addrest,
The wofull daughter, and forsaken heire
4 Of that great Emperour of all the West;
And bids thee be aduized for the best,
6 Ere thou thy daughter linck in holy band
Of wedlocke to that new vnknowen guest:
8 For he already plighted his right hand
Vnto another loue, and to another land.
1 "To you, most mighty king of Eden fair, 2 Her greeting sends, in these sad lines addressed, 3 The woeful daughter, and forsaken heir 4 Of that great emperor of all the west;
emperor > (See 102.22:7-9)
5 And bids you be advised for the best, 6 Ere you your daughter link in holy bond 7 Of wedlock to that new unknown guest: 8 For he already plighted his right hand
plighted > [has] pledged right hand > allegiance
9 To another love, and to another land.
112.27
To me sad mayd, or rather widow sad,
2 He was affiaunced long time before,
And sacred pledges he both gaue, and had,
4 False erraunt knight, infamous, and forswore:
Witnesse the burning Altars, which he swore,
6 And guiltie heauens of his bold periury,
Which though he hath polluted oft +of+ yore,
8 Yet I to them for iudgement iust do fly,
And them coniure t'auenge this shamefull iniury.
7 of > and 1596, 1609
1 "To me, sad maid, or rather widow sad, 2 He was affianced long time before, 3 And sacred pledges he both gave, and had, 4 False errant knight, infamous, and forsworn:
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the context here also implies the sense of erring, deviating) forsworn > perjurious; in breach of a solemn oath
5 Witness the burning altars, which he swore,
which > [on which, by which]
6 And guilty heavens of his bold perjury,
of > [made guilty by]
7 Which though he has polluted often of yore,
Which > [The heavens] yore > old
8 Yet I to them for judgement just do fly, 9 And them conjure to avenge this shameful injury.
conjure > call upon by oath injury > {Wrongful action; also: intentionally offensive speech or words}
112.28
Therefore +since+ mine he is, or free or bond,
2 Or false or trew, or liuing or else dead,
Withhold, O soueraine Prince, your hasty hond
4 From knitting league with him, I you aread;
Ne weene my right with strength adowne to tread,
6 Through weaknesse of my widowhed, or woe:
For truth is strong, +her+ rightfull cause to plead,
8 And shall find friends, if need requireth soe,
So bids thee well to fare, Thy neither friend, nor foe, Fidessa.
1 since > sith 1609 7 her > his 1596, 1609
1 "Therefore since mine he is, +or+ free or bound,
or > either
2 Or false or true, +or+ living or else dead,
Or > Either or > either
3 Withhold, O sovereign prince, your hasty hand 4 From knitting league with him, I you aread;
aread > counsel
5 Nor ween my right with strength adown to tread,
ween > think, intend adown > down
6 Through weakness of my widowhood, or woe: 7 For truth is strong, her rightful cause to plead, 8 And shall find friends, if need requires so, 9 So bids you well to fare, Your neither friend nor foe, Fidessa."
well to fare > [farewell]
112.29
When he these bitter byting words had red,
2 The tydings straunge did him abashed make,
That still he sate long time astonished
4 As in great muse, ne word to creature spake.
At last his solemne silence thus he brake,
6 With doubtfull eyes fast fixed on his guest;
Redoubted knight, that for mine onely sake
8 Thy life and honour late aduenturest,
Let nought be hid from me, that ought to be exprest.
1 When he these bitter biting words had read, 2 The tidings strange did him abashed make, 3 That still he sat long time astonished,
That > [So that]
4 As in great muse, nor word to creature spoke.
muse > {Abstraction; the action of musing}
5 At last his solemn silence thus he broke, 6 With doubtful eyes fast fixed on his guest:
fast > firmly
7 "Redoubted knight, that for my only sake
Redoubted > Distinguished; feared; dreaded
8 Your life and honour late adventured,
adventured > risked
9 Let naught be hidden from me, that ought to be expressed.
112.30
What meane these bloudy vowes, and idle threats,
2 Throwne out from womanish impatient mind?
What heauens? what altars? what enraged heates
4 Here heaped vp with termes of loue vnkind,
My conscience cleare with guilty bands would bind?
6 High God be witnesse, that I guiltlesse ame.
But if your selfe, Sir knight, ye faultie find,
8 Or wrapped be in loues of former Dame,
With crime do not it couer, but disclose the same.
1 "What mean these bloody vows, and idle threats,
idle > empty
2 Thrown out from womanish impatient mind? 3 What heavens? what altars? what enraged heats,
heats > fits of passion; quarrels
4 Here heaped up with terms of love unkind,
terms > words, language unkind > unnatural; unkind
5 My conscience clear with guilty bonds would bind? 6 High God be witness that I guiltless am. 7 But if yourself, sir knight, you faulty find,
faulty > guilty
8 Or wrapped be in loves of former dame,
dame > lady, woman; mistress
9 With crime do not it cover, but disclose the same."
crime > [false denial]
112.31
To whom the Redcrosse knight this answere sent,
2 My Lord, my King, be nought hereat dismayd,
Till well ye wote by graue intendiment,
4 What woman, and wherefore doth me vpbrayd
With breach of loue, and loyalty betrayd.
6 It was in my mishaps, as hitherward
I lately traueild, that vnwares I strayd
8 Out of my way, through perils straunge and hard;
That day should faile me, ere I had them all declard.
1 To whom the Redcross Knight this answer sent,
answer > {Rejoinder; reply to an accusation}
2 "My lord, my king, be naught hereat dismayed, 3 Till well you wot by grave intendiment
wot > learn, discover; know grave > careful intendiment > attention; consideration; intendment
4 What woman, and wherefore does me upbraid
wherefore > on which account; in consequence of which does > [she] does
5 With breach of love, and loyalty betrayed. 6 It was in my mishaps, as hitherward 7 I lately travelled, that unwares I strayed
unwares > unwittingly; unexpectedly
8 Out of my way, through perils strange and hard; 9 That day should fail me, ere I had them all declared.
That day should fail me > [It would take a very long time]
112.32
There did I find, or rather I was found
2 Of this false woman, that Fidessa hight,
Fidessa hight the falsest Dame on ground,
4 Most false Duessa, royall richly dight,
That easie was +t'inuegle+ weaker sight:
6 Who by her wicked arts, and wylie skill,
Too false and strong for earthly skill or might,
8 Vnwares me wrought vnto her wicked will,
And to my foe betrayd, when least I feared ill.
5 t'inuegle > to inuegle 1590 etc.: FE
1 "There did I find (or rather I was found 2 Of) this false woman, that Fidessa hight,
Of > By hight > is named
3 Fidessa hight the falsest dame on ground,
dame > lady, woman
4 Most false Duessa, royal richly dight,
royal richly dight > [so] royally [and] richly dressed
5 That easy was to inveigle weaker sight:
That > [That it] inveigle > blind [in mind or judgement]; deceive weaker > too-weak
6 Who by her wicked arts, and wily skill
skill > skill; occult powers
7 (Too false and strong for earthly skill or might), 8 Unwares me worked to her wicked will,
Unwares > Unwittingly
9 And to my foe betrayed, when least I feared ill."
ill > evil
112.33
Then stepped forth the goodly royall Mayd,
2 And on the ground her selfe prostrating low,
With sober countenaunce thus to him sayd;
4 O pardon me, my soueraigne Lord, to show
The secret treasons, which of late I know
6 To haue bene wroght by that false sorceresse.
She onely she it is, that earst did throw
8 This gentle knight into so great distresse,
That death him did awaite in dayly wretchednesse.
1 Then stepped forth the goodly royal maid,
goodly > beautiful; gracious
2 And on the ground herself prostrating low, 3 With sober countenance thus to him said: 4 "O pardon me, my sovereign lord, to show
pardon me > [give me leave]
5 The secret treasons, which of late I know 6 To have been wrought by that false sorceress.
wrought > worked
7 She, only she, it is, that erst did throw
erst > recently; formerly
8 This gentle knight into so great distress,
gentle > noble; gentle so > such
9 That death him did await in daily wretchedness.
That > [Such that] him > him; he
112.34
And now it seemes, that she suborned hath
2 This craftie messenger with letters vaine,
To worke new woe and +improuided+ scath,
4 By breaking of the band betwixt vs twaine;
Wherein she vsed hath the practicke paine
6 Of this false footman, clokt with simplenesse,
Whom if ye please for to discouer plaine,
8 Ye shall him Archimago find, I ghesse,
The falsest man aliue; +who+ tries shall find no lesse.
3 improuided > vnprouided reported by Todd in some 1596 copies 9 who > wo 1590, 1596: FE
1 "And now it seems that she suborned has 2 This crafty messenger with letters vain,
vain > vain, proud; empty, useless; foolish
3 To work new woe and improvided scathe,
improvided > unforeseen (SU) scathe > harm, damage
4 By breaking the bond betwixt us twain;
twain > two
5 Wherein she used has the practic pain
practic > artful, cunning pain > pains, efforts
6 Of this false footman, cloaked with simpleness, 7 Whom if you please to discover plain,
discover > uncover, unmask, reveal
8 You shall him Archimago find, I guess, 9 The falsest man alive; who tries shall find no less."
who > [he who; whoever]
112.35
The king was greatly moued at her speach,
2 And all with suddein indignation fraight,
Bad on that Messenger rude hands to reach.
4 Eftsoones the Gard, which on his state did wait,
Attacht that faitor false, and bound him strait:
6 Who seeming sorely chauffed at his band,
As chained Beare, whom cruell dogs do bait,
8 With idle force did faine them to withstand,
And often semblaunce made to scape out of their hand.
1 The king was greatly moved at her speech, 2 And, all with sudden indignation fraught,
fraught > filled
3 Bade on that messenger rude hands to reach.
rude > rough reach > seize
4 Eftsoons the guard, which on his state did wait,
Eftsoons > Thereupon state > canopied throne; majesty
5 Attached that faitour false, and bound him strait:
Attached > Arrested faitour > impostor, cheat strait > strictly, tightly; straightway
6 Who, seeming sorely chafed at his bond
chafed > angry
7 (As chained bear, whom cruel dogs do bait), 8 With idle force did feign them to withstand,
idle > empty, futile; or: simulated
9 And often semblance made to scape out of their hand.
scape > escape their hand > [the constraint of the bonds; the custody of the guards]
112.36
But they him layd full low in dungeon deepe,
2 And bound him hand and foote with yron chains.
And with continuall watch did warely keepe;
4 Who then would thinke, that by his subtile trains
He could escape fowle death or deadly paines?
6 Thus when that Princes wrath was pacifide,
He gan renew the late forbidden +banes+,
8 And to the knight his daughter deare he tyde,
With sacred rites and vowes for euer to abyde.
7 banes > bains 1590
1 But they him laid full low in dungeon deep,
full > very, exceedingly
2 And bound him hand and foot with iron chains. 3 And with continual watch did warely keep;
warely keep > vigilantly observe
4 Who then would think, that by his subtile trains
subtile > subtle; sly, crafty trains > tricks, wiles
5 He could escape foul death or deadly pains?
deadly > fatal
6 Thus, when that prince's wrath was pacified, 7 He gan renew the late forbidden banns,
gan > did renew > resume late forbidden > lately challenged
8 And to the knight his daughter dear he tied, 9 With sacred rites and vows for ever to abide.
abide > remain, remain true
112.37
His owne two hands the holy knots did knit,
2 That none but death for euer can deuide;
His owne two hands, for such a turne most fit,
4 The housling fire did kindle and prouide,
And holy water thereon sprinckled wide;
6 At which +the+ bushy Teade a groome did light,
And sacred lampe in secret chamber hide,
8 Where it should not be quenched day nor night,
For feare of euill fates, but burnen euer bright.
6 the > a 1609
1 His own two hands the holy knots did knit, 2 That none but death for ever can divide; 3 His own two hands, for such a turn most fit,
turn > task (mainly northern and Scottish dialect)
4 The houseling fire did kindle and provide,
houseling > sacramental
5 And holy water thereon sprinkled wide; 6 At which the bushy tede a groom did light,
tede > torch (made of pine or other resinous wood); hence: hymeneal torch (cf. Epithalamion 27, Muiopotmos 293)
7 And sacred lamp in secret chamber hide, 8 Where it should not be quenched day nor night, 9 For fear of evil fates, but burn ever bright.
112.38
Then gan they sprinckle all the posts with wine,
2 And made great feast to solemnize that day;
They all perfumde with frankencense diuine,
4 And precious odours fetcht from far away,
That all the house did sweat with great aray:
6 And all the while sweete Musicke did apply
Her curious skill, the warbling notes to play,
8 To driue away the dull Melancholy;
The whiles one sung a song of loue and iollity.
1 Then gan they sprinkle all the posts with wine,
gan > did sprinkle all the posts with wine > (A Roman custom; cf. Epithalamion 253)
2 And made great feast to solemnize that day; 3 They all perfumed with frankincense divine,
all > everything
4 And precious odours fetched from far away,
fetched > [which had been imported]
5 That all the house did sweat with great array:
That > [So that] sweat > {Exude drops of moisture; hence: exhale fragrance} array > {State of special preparation for festivities}
6 And all the while sweet Music did apply
Music > (Music personified; the art of the Muses)
7 Her curious skill, the warbling notes to play,
curious > skilled; elaborate; exquisite
8 To drive away the dull melancholy;
melancholy > (Cf. 105.3:5)
9 The whiles one sang a song of love and jollity.
The whiles > Meanwhile jollity > pleasure, revelry; magnificence
112.39
During the which there was an heauenly noise
2 Heard sound through all the Pallace pleasantly,
Like as it had bene many an Angels voice,
4 Singing before th'eternall maiesty,
In their trinall triplicities on hye;
6 Yet wist no creature, whence that heauenly sweet
Proceeded, yet eachone felt secretly
8 Himselfe thereby reft of his sences meet,
And rauished with rare impression in his +sprite+.
9 sprite > spreete 1611
1 During which there was a heavenly noise
noise > {Melodious sound}
2 Heard sound through all the palace pleasantly,
sound > [to sound; sounding]
3 Like as it had been many an angel's voice,
Like as > As if
4 Singing before the eternal majesty,
before > in front of
5 In their trinal triplicities on high;
trinal > triple triplicities > trios, triads (referring to the nine angelic orders of St Thomas Aquinas and others. The three Hierarchies are each divided into three Orders of Choirs: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones; Dominations, Virtues, Powers; Principalities, Archangels, Angels)
6 Yet wist no creature whence that heavenly sweet
wist > knew sweet > sweetness
7 Proceeded, yet each one felt secretly 8 Himself thereby reft of his senses meet,
reft > deprived, robbed senses meet > proper senses
9 And ravished with rare impression in his spirit.
112.40
Great ioy was made that day of young and old,
2 And solemne feast proclaimd throughout the land,
That their exceeding merth may not be told:
4 Suffice it heare by signes to vnderstand
The vsuall ioyes at knitting of loues band.
6 Thrise happy man the knight himselfe did hold,
Possessed of his Ladies hart and hand,
8 And euer, when his eye did her behold,
+His+ heart did seeme to melt in pleasures manifold.
9 His > Her 1596, 1609
1 Great joy was made that day of young and old,
of > by
2 And solemn feast proclaimed throughout the land,
solemn > {Sacred, having a religious character} feast > festival, festivity, rejoicing
3 That their exceeding mirth may not be told:
That > [Such that]
4 Suffice it here by signs to understand
signs > traces, vestiges; hence: hints
5 The usual joys at knitting of love's bond.
knitting > [the knitting]
6 Thrice happy man the knight himself did hold, 7 Possessed of his lady's heart and hand, 8 And ever, when his eye did her behold, 9 His heart did seem to melt in pleasures manifold.
112.41
Her ioyous presence and sweet company
2 In full content he there did long enioy,
Ne wicked enuie, +ne+ vile gealosy
4 His deare delights were able to annoy:
Yet swimming in that sea of blisfull ioy,
6 He nought forgot, how he whilome had sworne,
In case he could that monstrous beast destroy,
8 Vnto his Farie Queene backe to returne:
The which he shortly did, and Vna left to mourne.
3 ne > nor 1609
1 Her joyous presence and sweet company 2 In full content he there did long enjoy,
content > pleasure, satisfaction
3 Neither wicked envy, nor vile jealousy 4 His dear delights were able to annoy:
annoy > afflict, vex; hence: spoil
5 Yet, swimming in that sea of blissful joy, 6 He naught forgot, how he whilom had sworn,
whilom > formerly
7 In case he could that monstrous beast destroy, 8 To his Faery Queen back to return: 9 Which he shortly did, and Una left to mourn.
Una left > [left Una]
112.42
Now strike your sailes ye iolly Mariners,
2 For we be come vnto a quiet rode,
Where we must land some of our passengers,
4 And light this wearie vessell of her lode.
Here she a while may make her safe abode,
6 Till she repaired haue her tackles spent,
And wants supplide. And then againe abroad
8 On the long voyage whereto she is bent:
Well may she speede and fairely finish her intent.
1 Now strike your sails, you jolly mariners,
strike > lower jolly > gallant, fine
2 For we be come to a quiet road,
be > [are, have] road > {Sheltered stretch of water near the shore where vessels may safely anchor}
3 Where we must land some of our passengers, 4 And lighten this weary vessel of her load. 5 Here she awhile may make her safe abode, 6 Till she repaired have her tackles spent,
tackles spent > worn-out rigging
7 And wants supplied. And then again abroad 8 On the long voyage whereto she is bent:
bent > inclined, directed
9 Well may she speed, and fairly finish her intent.
FINIS LIB. I
END OF BOOK I
=>
THE SECOND
2 BOOKE OF THE
FAERIE QVEENE.
4 Contayning,
THE LEGEND OF SIR GVYON.
6 OR
Of Temperaunce.
1 THE SECOND 2 BOOK OF THE 3 FAERY QUEEN 4 Containing 5 THE LEGEND OF SIR GUYON 6 or 7 OF TEMPERANCE
200.1
RIght well I wote most mighty Soueraine,
2 That all this famous antique history,
Of some th'aboundance of an idle braine
4 Will iudged be, and painted forgery,
Rather then matter of iust memory,
6 Sith none, that breatheth liuing aire, does know,
Where is that happy land of Faery,
8 Which I so much do vaunt, yet no where show,
But vouch antiquities, which no body can know.
1 Right well I wot, most mighty sovereign,
wot > know
2 That all this famous antique history
antique > ancient; old-fashioned; also: antic: grotesque, bizarre
3 Of some the abundance of an idle brain
Of > By abundance > superfluity
4 Will judged be, and painted forgery,
painted > {Ornamented; given a false colouring}
5 Rather than matter of just memory,
just > true, correct memory > recollection; historical record
6 Sith none, that breathes living air, does know
Sith > Since living > refreshing; vital, giving life
7 Where is that happy land of Faery, 8 Which I so much do vaunt, yet nowhere show,
vaunt > reveal, display, make a show of; praise
9 But vouch antiquities, which nobody can know.
vouch > cite; affirm as true, certify antiquities > ancient records (cf. 100.2:4)
200.2
But let that man with better sence aduize,
2 That of the world least part to vs is red:
And dayly how through hardy enterprize,
4 Many great Regions are discouered,
Which to late age were neuer mentioned.
6 Who euer heard of th'Indian Peru?
Or who in venturous vessell measured
8 The +Amazons+ huge riuer now found trew?
Or fruitfullest Virginia who did euer vew?
8 Amazons > Amarons 1590; Amazon FE
1 But let that man with better sense advise
advise > consider
2 That of the world least part to us is read:
least > [the least] read > discerned; known
3 And daily how through hardy enterprise 4 Many great regions are discovered, 5 Which to late age were never mentioned.
to late age > [to those living in recent times]
6 Who ever heard of the Indian Peru?
Indian > (America was thought to be India)
7 Or who in venturous vessel measured
venturous > bold, daring; adventurous measured > measured; traversed
8 The Amazon's huge river, now found true? 9 Or fruitfullest Virginia who did ever view?
200.3
Yet all these were, when no man did them know;
2 Yet haue from wisest ages hidden beene:
And later times things more vnknowne shall show.
4 Why then should witlesse man so much misweene
That nothing is, but that which he hath seene?
6 What if within the Moones faire shining spheare?
What if in euery other starre vnseene
8 Of other worldes he happily should heare?
He wonder would much more: yet such to some appeare.
1 Yet all these were, when no man did them know; 2 Yet have from wisest ages hidden been: 3 And later times things more unknown shall show. 4 Why then should witless man so much misween
misween > hold the wrong opinion
5 That nothing is, but that which he has seen? 6 What if within the moon's fair shining sphere; 7 What if in every other star unseen 8 Of other worlds he happily should hear?
happily > perhaps; by chance; by good fortune; with mental pleasure
9 He wonder would much more: yet such to some appear.
more > [further]
200.4
Of Faerie lond yet if he more inquire,
2 By certaine signes here set in sundry place
He may it find; ne let him then admire,
4 But yield his sence to be too blunt and bace,
That no'te without an hound fine footing trace.
6 And +thou+, O fairest Princesse vnder sky,
In this faire mirrhour maist behold thy face,
8 And thine owne realmes in lond of Faery,
And in this antique Image thy great auncestry.
6 thou > then 1590
1 Of Faery Land yet if he more inquire,
inquire > seek
2 By certain signs here set in sundry place
sundry place > [various places]
3 He may it find; neither let him then admire,
admire > {Feel or express astonishment}
4 But yield his sense to be too blunt and base,
yield > concede, admit
5 That no'te without a hound fine footing trace.
no'te > cannot fine footing trace > trace faint tracks
6 And you, O fairest princess under sky,
you > [Elizabeth]
7 In this fair mirror may behold your face,
this fair mirror > [the poem; Gloriana; "mirror" also = "paragon of beauty", cf. 106.15:6]
8 And your own realms in land of Faery, 9 And in this antique image your great ancestry.
antique > ancient; old-fashioned; also: antic: grotesque, bizarre
200.5
The which O pardon me thus to enfold
2 In couert vele, and wrap in shadowes light,
That feeble eyes your glory may behold,
4 Which else could not endure those +beames+ bright,
But would be dazled with exceeding light.
6 O pardon, and vouchsafe with patient eare
The braue aduentures of this Faery knight
8 The good Sir Guyon gratiously to heare,
In whom great rule of Temp'raunce goodly doth appeare.
4 beames > beamez 1609, emphasizing the disyllable; cf. 110.39:4, 204.28:8, 206.39:5
1 Which O pardon me thus to enfold
pardon > {Make courteous allowance for}
2 In covert veil, and wrap in shadows light, 3 That feeble eyes your glory may behold,
That > [So that]
4 Which else could not endure those beams bright,
else > otherwise
5 But would be dazzled with exceeding light. 6 O pardon, and vouchsafe with patient ear 7 The brave adventures of this Faery knight
brave > brave; splendid
8 (The good Sir Guyon) graciously to hear,
9 In whom great rule of Temperance goodly does appear.
goodly > gracefully; excellently