The Faerie Queene — Volume 01

by Edmund Spenser

CANTO XII

Guyon +by+ Palmers gouernance,
2 +passing through+ perils great,
Doth ouerthrow the Bowre of blisse,
4 and Acrasie defeat.

1 by > through 1590 2 passing through > through passing 1590

1 Guyon, by palmer's governance,

palmer > (Guyon's mentor: see 201.7 ff.) governance > management; guidance (the possible arrangements of the commas in this line alter the meaning, applying the palmer's governance either to the sea-passage through "perils great" or to the overthrow of the Bower of Bliss. The original pointing suggests that the palmer's governance applies to both)

2 passing through perils great, 3 Does overthrow the Bower of Bliss, 4 and Acrasy defeat.

Acrasy > Irregularity; disorder; intemperance, all these being personified by Acrasia

212.1

NOw gins this goodly frame of Temperance
2 Fairely to rise, and her adorned hed
To pricke of highest praise forth to aduance,
4 +Formerly+ grounded, and fast setteled
On firme foundation of true bountihed;
6 And this braue knight, that for +that+ vertue fights,
Now comes to point of that same perilous sted,
8 Where Pleasure dwelles in sensuall delights,
Mongst thousand dangers, and ten thousand magick mights.

4 Formerly > Formally conj. Smith; cf. 212.81:5 6 that > this 1590 etc.: FE, probably referring to this word; FE does not give line-numbers

1 Now begins this goodly frame of Temperance

frame > structure, construction, architectural intent [on the part of Spenser]

2 Fairly to rise, and her adorned head

her adorned head > [Guyon]

3 To prick of highest praise forth to advance,

prick > point; hence: pinnacle

4 Formerly grounded and fast settled

Formerly > First (see also Textual Appendix) fast > firmly

5 On firm foundation of true bountihead;

bountihead > bounteousness; goodness, virtue

6 And this brave knight, that for that virtue fights,

brave > brave; splendid, fine

7 Now comes to point of that same perilous stead,

point > [the point, acme, zenith; hence: centre] stead > place

8 Where Pleasure dwells in sensual delights,

Pleasure > Acrasia (cf. 201.0:4)

9 Amongst thousand dangers, and ten thousand magic mights.

mights > powers

212.2

Two dayes now in that sea he sayled has,
2 Ne euer land beheld, ne liuing wight,
Ne ought saue perill, still as he did pas:
4 Tho when appeared the third Morrow bright,
Vpon the waues to spred her trembling light,
6 An hideous roaring farre away they heard,
That all their senses filled with affright,
8 And streight they saw the raging surges reard
Vp to the skyes, that them of drowning made affeard.

1 Two days now in that sea he sailed has, 2 Nor ever land beheld, nor living wight,

wight > person, creature

3 Nor aught save peril, still as he did pass:

still > continually

4 Tho when appeared the third morrow bright,

Tho > Then bright > bright; beautiful

5 Upon the waves to spread its trembling light, 6 A hideous roaring far away they heard,

hideous > terrific; odious

7 That all their senses filled with affright,

affright > terror

8 And straight they saw the raging surges reared

straight > straightway

9 Up to the skies: that them of drowning made afeard.

afeard > frightened

212.3

Said then the Boteman, Palmer stere aright,
2 And keepe an euen course; for yonder way
We needes must passe (God do vs well acquight,)
4 That is the Gulfe of Greedinesse, they say,
That deepe engorgeth all this worldes pray:
6 Which hauing swallowd vp excessiuely,
He soone in vomit vp againe doth lay,
8 And belcheth forth his superfluity,
That all the seas for feare do seeme away to fly.

1 Said then the boatman, "Palmer, steer aright,

aright > straight; correctly

2 And keep an even course; for yonder way 3 We needs must pass (God do us well acquit):

needs > of necessity do us well acquit > [make us acquit ourselves well; do us well deliver]

4 That is the Gulf of Greediness, they say,

Gulf > {Abyss; whirlpool; yawning chasm}

5 That deep engorges all this world's prey;

engorges > devours

6 Which, having swallowed up excessively,

excessively > excessively; greedily, intemperately

7 It soon in vomit up again does lay,

lay > deposit

8 And belches forth its superfluity,

belches > spews

9 That all the seas for fear do seem away to fly.

That > [So that] fly > flee

212.4

On th'other side an hideous Rocke is pight,
2 Of mightie Magnes stone, whose craggie clift
Depending from on high, dreadfull to sight,
4 Ouer the waues his rugged armes doth lift,
And threatneth downe to throw his ragged rift
6 On who so commeth nigh; yet nigh it drawes
All passengers, that none from it can shift:
8 For whiles they fly that Gulfes deuouring iawes,
They on this rock are rent, and sunck in helplesse wawes.

1 "On the other side a hideous rock is pight,

hideous > immense pight > pitched, placed

2 Of mighty Magnes stone, whose craggy cliff

Magnes stone > loadstone, magnetite (named after Magnes (Magnesia) in Thessaly)

3 Depending from on high, dreadful to sight,

Depending > Suspended sight > see, view; the sight

4 Over the waves its rugged arms does lift, 5 And threatens down to throw its ragged rift

rift > ?rock fragments, ?rubble (cf. 108.22:8, 207.28:3-6)

6 On whoso comes nigh; yet nigh it draws

whoso > whoever draws > (Because Magnes stone was supposed to attract ships by their ironwork)

7 All passengers, that none from it can shift:

passengers > passers-by that > [so that]

8 For while they fly that gulf's devouring jaws,

fly > flee

9 They on this rock are rent, and sunk in helpless waves."

rent > torn, split helpless > {Affording no help}

212.5

Forward they passe, and strongly he them rowes,
2 Vntill they nigh vnto that Gulfe arriue,
Where streame more violent and greedy growes:
4 Then he with all his puissance doth striue
To strike his oares, and mightily doth driue
6 The hollow vessell through the threatfull waue,
Which gaping wide, to swallow them aliue,
8 In th'huge abysse of his engulfing graue,
Doth rore at them in vaine, and with great terror raue.

1 Forward they pass, and strongly he them rows, 2 Until they nigh to that gulf arrive, 3 Where stream more violent and greedy grows:

stream > [the] current

4 Then he with all his puissance does strive

puissance > strength

5 To strike his oars, and mightily does drive

strike > [make strokes with (rather than the usual nautical meaning: cf. 112.42:1)]

6 The hollow vessel through the threatful wave, 7 Which, gaping wide to swallow them alive 8 In the huge abyss of its engulfing grave, 9 Does roar at them in vain, and with great terror rave.

212.6

They passing by, that griesly mouth did see,
2 Sucking the seas into his entralles deepe,
That seem'd more horrible then hell to bee,
4 Or that darke dreadfull hole of Tartare steepe,
Through which the damned ghosts doen often creepe
6 Backe to the world, bad liuers to torment:
But nought that falles into this direfull deepe,
8 Ne that approcheth nigh the wide descent,
May backe returne, but is condemned to be drent.

1 They, passing by, that grisly mouth did see,

grisly > horrible, fearsome

2 Sucking the seas into its entrails deep,

entrails > bowels, inner parts

3 That seemed more horrible than hell to be, 4 Or that dark dreadful hole of Tartarus steep,

that dark dreadful hole > (Lake Avernus, a volcanic lake near Naples; near it was the cave of the Cumaean Sibyl, through which Aeneas descended to the infernal regions) Tartarus > (The underworld of Roman mythology, the infernal regions; the lowest part of these; hell) steep > (Qualifying the hole rather than Tartarus)

5 Through which the damned ghosts do often creep 6 Back to the world, bad livers to torment:

bad livers > [those who live badly]

7 But naught that falls into this direful deep, 8 Nor that approaches nigh the wide descent, 9 May back return, but is condemned to be drenched.

drenched > drowned

212.7

On th'other side, they saw that perilous Rocke,
2 Threatning it selfe on them to ruinate,
On whose sharpe clifts the ribs of vessels broke,
4 And shiuered ships, which had bene wrecked late,
Yet stuck, with carkasses exanimate
6 Of such, as hauing all their substance spent
In wanton ioyes, and lustes intemperate,
8 Did afterwards make shipwracke violent,
Both of their life, and fame for euer fowly blent.

1 On the other side they saw that perilous rock, 2 Threatening itself on them to ruinate,

ruinate > bring destruction

3 On whose sharp cliffs the ribs of vessels broken,

ribs > {Curved frame-timbers, extending from the keel to the top of the hull}

4 And shivered ships, which had been wrecked late,

shivered > split, shattered late > lately

5 Yet stuck, with carcases exanimate

exanimate > inanimate; lacking spirits, lacking souls

6 Of such as, having all their substance spent

such > [such people]

7 In wanton joys and lusts intemperate, 8 Did afterwards make shipwreck violent, 9 Both of their life, and fame for ever foully blended.

blended > stirred up; hence: rendered turbid, spoiled, defiled

212.8

For thy, this hight The Rocke of vile Reproch,
2 A daungerous and detestable place,
To which nor fish nor fowle did once approch,
4 But yelling Meawes, with Seagulles hoarse and bace,
And Cormoyrants, with birds of rauenous race,
6 Which still sate +waiting+ on that wastfull clift,
For spoyle of wretches, whose vnhappie cace,
8 After lost credite and consumed thrift,
At last them driuen hath to this despairefull drift.

6 waiting > weiting 1590; wayting FE

1 For-thy, this hight the Rock of vile Reproach,

For-thy > For this reason hight > is called

2 A dangerous and detestable place, 3 To which +nor+ fish nor fowl did once approach,

nor > neither

4 But yelling mews, with seagulls hoarse and base,

But > Except mew > {The common gull, Larus canus, which has a mewing cry} seagulls > (Probably denoting the larger species, such as herring gull, Larus argentatus, great black-backed gull, L. marinus, etc., which have deeper cries) base > (Because gulls are associated with deception; or: bass, of their voices)

5 And cormorants, with birds of ravenous race,

cormorant > (Phalacrocorax sp., the sea-raven, noted for its greed) ravenous > {Ravenous; given to ravin or robbery; also, perhaps, punningly: raven-like}

6 Which still sat waiting on that wasteful cliff,

still > continuously waiting > keeping watch wasteful > desolate

7 For spoil of wretches, whose unhappy case,

spoil > plunder, booty

8 After lost credit and consumed thrift,

thrift > prosperity; savings

9 At last them driven has to this despairful drift.

drift > {The condition of being driven}

212.9

The Palmer seeing them in safetie past,
2 Thus said; +behold+ th'ensamples in our sights,
Of lustfull luxurie and thriftlesse wast:
4 What now is left of miserable wights,
Which spent their looser daies in lewd delights,
6 But shame and sad reproch, here to be red,
By these rent reliques, speaking their ill plights?
8 Let all that liue, hereby be counselled,
To shunne Rocke of Reproch, and it as death to dred.

2 behold > Behold 1609

1 The palmer, seeing them in safety past,

them > [himself, Guyon, and the ferryman]

2 Thus said: "Behold the examples in our sight 3 Of lustful luxury and thriftless waste:

luxury > surfeit, excess; dissipation thriftless > improvident

4 What now is left of miserable wights

wights > people

5 Who spent their looser days in lewd delights,

looser > too-loose lewd > lewd, wanton; ignorant, good-for-nothing

6 But shame and sad reproach, here to be read

But > Except read > seen

7 By these rent relics, speaking their ill plights?

rent > torn, shattered speaking > bespeaking, giving evidence of; expressive of ill > evil

8 Let all that live, hereby be counselled 9 To shun Rock of Reproach, and it as death to dread."

212.10

So forth they rowed, and that Ferryman
2 With his stiffe oares did brush the sea so strong,
That the hoare waters from his frigot ran,
4 And the light bubbles daunced all along,
Whiles the salt brine out of the billowes sprong.
6 At last farre off they many Islands spy,
On euery side floting the floods emong:
8 Then said the knight, Loe I the land descry,
Therefore old Syre thy course do thereunto apply.

1 So forth they rowed, and that ferryman 2 With his stiff oars did brush the sea so strong

stiff > resolute, steadfast; strong

3 That the hoar waters from his frigate ran,

hoar > grey-white; hence: foamy frigate > (Light and swift boat; cf. 206.7:9)

4 And the light bubbles danced all along, 5 While the salt brine out of the billows sprang. 6 At last, far off, they many islands spy, 7 On every side floating the floods among:

floods > waters; hence: waves

8 Then said the knight, "Lo I the land descry, 9 Therefore, old sire, your course do thereto apply."

sire > {Father; term of respect accorded to an elderly man} apply > steer (as 207.1:8)

212.11

That may not be, said then the Ferryman
2 Least we vnweeting hap to be fordonne:
For those same Islands, seeming now and than,
4 Are not firme lande, nor any certein wonne,
But straggling plots, which to and fro do ronne
6 In the wide waters: therefore are they hight
The wandring Islands. Therefore doe them shonne;
8 For they haue oft drawne many a wandring wight
Into most deadly daunger and distressed plight.

1 "That may not be," said then the ferryman, 2 "Lest we unweeting hap to be fordone:

3 For those same islands, seeming now and then,

seeming > appearing

4 Are not firm land, nor any certain wone,

certain > fixed, definite; established wone > country; dwelling-place

5 But straggling plots, which to and fro do run

straggling > wandering

6 In the wide waters: therefore are they hight

hight > called

7 The Wandering Islands. Therefore do them shun; 8 For they have oft drawn many a wandering wight

wight > person, mortal

9 Into most deadly danger and distressed plight.

212.12

Yet well they seeme to him, that farre doth vew,
2 Both faire and fruitfull, and the ground +dispred+
With grassie greene of delectable hew,
4 And the tall trees with leaues apparelled,
Are deckt with blossomes dyde in white and red,
6 That mote the passengers thereto allure;
But whosoeuer once hath fastened
8 His foot thereon, may neuer it recure,
But wandreth euer more vncertein and vnsure.

2 dispred > disspred 1609

1 "Yet well they seem to him that far does view,

far > [from afar]

2 Both fair and fruitful, and the ground dispread

dispread > spread

3 With grassy green of delectable hue,

hue > colour; appearance

4 And the tall trees, with leaves apparelled, 5 Are decked with blossoms dyed in white and red, 6 That might the passengers thereto allure;

passengers > passers-by

7 But whosoever once has fastened 8 His foot thereon, may never it recure,

recure > recover

9 But wanders, ever more uncertain and unsure.

212.13

As th'Isle of Delos whylome men report
2 Amid th'Aeg{ae}an sea long time did stray,
Ne made for shipping any certaine port,
4 Till that Latona traueiling that way,
Flying from Iunoes wrath and hard assay,
6 Of her faire twins was there deliuered,
Which afterwards did rule the night and day;
8 Thenceforth it firmely was established,
And for Apolloes +honor+ highly herried.

9 honor > temple 1590

1 "As the Isle of Delos whilom, men report,

Delos > (The smallest of the Cyclades, a floating island till Jupiter chained it to the sea-bed so that Latona, pregnant with Apollo and Diana, might have a secure resting-place for the birth: see Met. 6.157-381) whilom > in ancient times

2 Amid the Aegean Sea long time did stray, 3 Nor made for shipping any certain port,

certain > fixed

4 Till Latona, travelling that way

Latona > (Mother of Apollo and Diana, fathered by Jupiter, and thus persecuted by Juno)

5 (Flying from Juno's wrath and hard assay),

Flying > Fleeing Juno > (Wife and sister of Jupiter) assay > trials; assaults

6 Of her fair twins was there delivered, 7 Which afterwards did rule the night and day;

night and day > (Diana is goddess of the moon and Apollo god of the sun)

8 Thenceforth it firmly was established,

it > [Delos]

9 And for Apollo's honour highly heried."

heried > exalted, praised; worshipped

212.14

They to him hearken, as beseemeth meete,
2 And passe on forward: so their way does ly,
That one of those same Islands, which doe fleet
4 In the wide sea, they needes must passen by,
Which seemd so sweet and pleasant to the eye,
6 That it would tempt a man to touchen there:
Vpon the banck they sitting did espy
8 A daintie damzell, dressing of her heare,
By whom a litle skippet floting did appeare.

1 They to him hearken, as beseems meet,

beseems meet > seems fitting

2 And pass on forward: so their way does lie

so > thus

3 That one of those same islands, which do fleet

fleet > float, drift

4 In the wide sea, they needs must pass by,

needs > of necessity

5 Which seemed so sweet and pleasant to the eye 6 That it would tempt a man to touch there:

touch > land, visit

7 Upon the bank they sitting did espy

bank > shore

8 A dainty damsel, dressing her hair, 9 By whom a little skippet floating did appear.

skippet > skiff, small boat (see 206.2-5)

212.15

She them espying, loud to them +can+ call,
2 Bidding them nigher draw vnto the shore;
For she had cause to busie them withall;
4 And therewith loudly laught: But nathemore
Would they once turne, but kept on as afore:
6 Which when she saw, she left her lockes vndight,
And running to her boat withouten ore,
8 From the departing land it launched light,
And after them did driue with all her power and might.

1 can > gan 1609

1 She, them espying, loud to them can call,

can > did

2 Bidding them nigher draw to the shore; 3 For she had cause to busy them withal; 4 And therewith loudly laughed: but nathemore

therewith > with that nathemore > not at all

5 Would they once turn, but kept on as afore:

afore > previously

6 Which when she saw, she left her locks undight,

undight > unprepared; hence: unbrushed, untied (cf. 212.14:8)

7 And running to her boat without oar,

boat without oar > (See 206.5)

8 From the departing land it launched light,

light > quickly

9 And after them did drive with all her power and might.

212.16

Whom ouertaking, she in merry sort
2 Them gan to bord, and purpose diuersly,
Now faining dalliance and wanton sport,
4 Now throwing forth lewd words immodestly;
Till that the Palmer gan full bitterly
6 Her to rebuke, for being loose and light:
Which not abiding, but more scornefully
8 Scoffing at him, that did her iustly wite,
She turnd her bote about, and from them rowed quite.

1 Whom overtaking, she in merry sort

merry > delightful, charming; mirthful sort > manner

2 Them began to board, and purpose diversely,

board > accost, draw near to and address purpose > discourse, talk

3 Now faining dalliance and wanton sport,

faining > rejoicing in; feigning dalliance > {Idle and amusing talk, banter} wanton > playful, frisky; wanton

4 Now throwing forth lewd words immodestly; 5 Till the palmer began full bitterly

full > very

6 Her to rebuke, for being loose and light: 7 Which not abiding, but more scornfully

abiding > tolerating

8 Scoffing at him that did her justly wite,

wite > reproach

9 She turned her boat about, and from them rowed quite.

rowed > (Not literally: her boat is propelled without oars)

212.17

That was the wanton Ph{oe}dria, which late
2 Did ferry him ouer the Idle lake:
Whom nought regarding, they kept on their gate,
4 And all her vaine allurements did forsake,
When them the wary Boateman thus bespake;
6 Here now behoueth vs well to auyse,
And of our safetie good heede to take;
8 For here before a perlous passage lyes,
Where many Mermayds haunt, making false melodies.

1 That was the wanton Phaedria, who late

late > lately

2 Did ferry him over the Idle Lake:

him > [Guyon: see 206.20-3, 206.38]

3 Whom naught regarding, they kept on their gate,

gate > way, manner of going (closely cognate with "gait"); hence: course

4 And all her vain allurements did forsake,

vain > empty, futile; foolish allurements > charms, baits

5 When them the wary boatman thus bespoke:

bespoke > addressed

6 "Here now behoves us well to advise,

behoves > [it behoves] advise > take stock, consider

7 And of our safety good heed to take; 8 For here before a perilous passage lies,

before > ahead

9 Where many mermaids haunt, making false melodies.

haunt > resort, frequent

212.18

But by the way, there is a great Quicksand,
2 And a whirlepoole of hidden ieopardy,
Therefore, Sir Palmer, keepe an euen hand;
4 For twixt them both the narrow way doth ly.
Scarse had he said, when hard at hand they spy
6 That quicksand nigh with water couered;
But by the checked waue they did descry
8 It plaine, and by the sea discoloured:
It called was the quicksand of Vnthriftyhed.

1 "But by the way, there is a great quicksand,

by > beside way > passage, course

2 And a whirlpool of hidden jeopardy; 3 Therefore, sir palmer, keep an even hand:

even > straight, direct (the palmer is steering)

4 For 'twixt them both the narrow way does lie." 5 Scarce had he said, when hard at hand they spy

said > spoken

6 That quicksand nigh with water covered; 7 But by the checked wave they did descry

by > by means of; or perhaps: through checked > chequered, patterned (because of contrary currents and the shallowness of the water)

8 It plain, and by the sea discoloured: 9 It called was the quicksand of Unthriftihead.

Unthriftihead > Extravagance, Dissolution

212.19

They passing by, a goodly Ship did see,
2 Laden from far with precious merchandize,
And brauely furnished, as ship might bee,
4 Which through great disauenture, or +mesprize+,
Her selfe had runne into that hazardize;
6 Whose mariners and merchants with much toyle,
Labour'd in vaine, to haue recur'd their prize,
8 And the rich wares to saue from pitteous spoyle,
But neither toyle nor trauell might her backe recoyle.

4 mesprize > misprize 1609

1 They, passing by, a goodly ship did see,

goodly > fine, beautiful

2 Laden from far with precious merchandise, 3 And bravely furnished as ship might be,

bravely > [as] splendidly, finely furnished > fitted; decorated

4 Which through great disadventure, or misprize,

disadventure > misfortune misprize > error (SUFQ); or: failure to appreciate [the danger of the quicksand]

5 Herself had run into that hazardize;

hazardize > hazard, peril (WU)

6 Whose mariners and merchants, with much toil, 7 Laboured in vain to have recured their prize,

recured > recovered prize > {A ship or property captured at sea; here "captured" by the quicksand}

8 And the rich wares to save from piteous spoil,

spoil > spoliation

9 But neither toil nor travail might her back recoil.

travail > labour, painful labour back recoil > draw back, recover (pleonastic, and thus intensive)

212.20

On th'other side they see that perilous Poole,
2 That called was the Whirlepoole of decay,
In which full many had with haplesse doole
4 Beene suncke, of whom no memorie did stay:
Whose circled waters rapt with whirling sway,
6 Like to a restlesse wheele, still running round,
Did couet, as they passed by that way,
8 To draw +their+ boate within the vtmost bound
Of his wide Labyrinth, and then to haue them dround.

8 their > the 1596, 1609

1 On the other side they see that perilous pool 2 That called was the Whirlpool of Decay, 3 In which full many had with hapless dole

full > very dole > grief, sorrow; deceit, guile

4 Been sunk, of whom no memory did stay:

stay > remain

5 Whose circled waters (rapt with whirling sway,

circled > {Encircled; formed in circular waves} rapt > carried away, enraptured sway > sweep, momentum

6 Like a restless wheel, still running round)

still > continuously

7 Did covet, as they passed by that way,

covet > desire

8 To draw their boat within the utmost bound 9 Of its wide labyrinth, and then to have them drowned.

212.21

But th'+heedfull+ Boateman strongly forth did stretch
2 His brawnie armes, and all his body straine,
That th'vtmost sandy breach they shortly fetch,
4 Whiles the dred daunger does behind remaine.
Suddeine they see from midst of all the Maine,
6 The surging waters like a mountaine rise,
And the great sea puft vp with proud disdaine,
8 To swell aboue the measure of his guise,
As threatning to deuoure all, that his powre despise.

1 heedfull > earnest 1590

1 But the heedful boatman strongly forth did stretch 2 His brawny arms, and all his body strain, 3 That the utmost sandy breach they shortly fetch,

That > [So that] breach > bay, inlet; breaking surf (the intention is unclear; Hamilton (1980) surmises that the "sandy breach" might be the extreme edge of the quicksand, the channel between it and the whirlpool) fetch > reach, attain

4 While the dread danger does behind remain. 5 Sudden they see, from midst of all the main,

main > main ocean, high sea; hence: sea

6 The surging waters like a mountain rise, 7 And the great sea puffed up with proud disdain 8 To swell above the measure of its guise,

guise > usual manner, usual appearance

9 As threatening to devour all that its power despise.

212.22

The waues come rolling, and the billowes rore
2 Outragiously, as they enraged were,
Or wrathfull Neptune did them driue before
4 His whirling charet, for exceeding feare:
For not one puffe of wind there did appeare,
6 That all the three thereat woxe much afrayd,
Vnweeting, what such horrour straunge did reare.
8 Eftsoones they saw an hideous hoast arrayd,
Of huge Sea monsters, such as liuing sence dismayd.

1 The waves come rolling, and the billows roar 2 Outrageously, as they enraged were,

Outrageously > Violently, intemperately as > [either as though]

3 Or wrathful Neptune did them drive before 4 His whirling chariot, for exceeding fear: 5 For not one puff of wind there did appear, 6 That all the three thereat waxed much afraid,

That > [So that] thereat > thereupon; as a result of that waxed > grew

7 Unweeting what such horror strange did rear.

Unweeting > Not knowing horror > horror; roughness (of the water) rear > bring into existence, cause; hence: portend

8 Eftsoons they saw a hideous host arrayed

Eftsoons > Soon, thereupon hideous > immense; odious; hideous host > army

9 Of huge sea-monsters, such as living sense dismayed.

212.23

Most vgly shapes, and horrible aspects,
2 Such as Dame Nature selfe mote feare to see,
Or shame, that euer should so fowle defects
4 From her most cunning hand escaped bee;
All dreadfull pourtraicts of deformitee:
6 Spring-headed Hydraes, and sea-shouldring Whales,
Great whirlpooles, which all fishes make to flee,
8 Bright Scolopendraes, arm'd with siluer scales,
Mighty +Monoceros+, with immeasured tayles.

9 Monoceros > Monoceroses sugg. Jortin, but Smith compares immeasored _with the four-syllabled treasores in "The Visions of Petrarch" 2:6. See also 212.33:4_

1 Most ugly shapes, and horrible aspects,

aspects > appearances; visages, faces

2 Such as Dame Nature herself might fear to see, 3 Or shame, that ever should so foul defects

shame > feel shame so > such

4 From her most cunning hand escaped be;

cunning > clever, skilful

5 All dreadful portraits of deformity: 6 Spring-headed hydras, and sea-shouldering whales; 7 Great whirlpools, which all fishes make to flee;

whirlpool > {Some sort of large baleen-bearing whale, such as the blue whale: "The Whales and Whirlepooles called Balaenae" (Holland's Pliny, quoted in OED)}

8 Bright scolopendras, armed with silver scales;

scolopendra > {A fabulous sea-fish} armed > armoured

9 Mighty monoceroses, with immeasured tails.

monoceros > {Narwhal, sawfish, or swordfish; at any rate, a fish or fish-like creature having a single horn} immeasured > immense, vast

212.24

The dreadfull Fish, that hath deseru'd the name
2 Of Death, and like him lookes in dreadfull hew,
The griesly Wasserman, that makes his game
4 The flying ships with swiftnesse to pursew,
The horrible Sea-satyre, that doth shew
6 His fearefull face in time of greatest storme,
Huge Ziffius, whom Mariners eschew
8 No lesse, then rockes, (as trauellers informe,)
And greedy Rosmarines with visages deforme.

1 The dreadful fish that has deserved the name 2 Of Death, and like him looks in dreadful hue;

Death > (The morse or walrus, named from the Lapp word morsa, and not from the Latin mors (death), as the bestiarists believed) hue > appearance; colour

3 The grisly Wasserman, that makes his game

grisly > horrible, fearsome Wasserman > merman (German word, from Gesner's Historia Animalium)

4 The flying ships with swiftness to pursue;

flying > {Fleeing; sailing before the wind}

5 The horrible sea-satyr, that does show

sea-satyr > (Satyrus marinus, satyr of the sea: each creature or monster of the land was believed to have its counterpart in the sea)

6 His fearful face in time of greatest storm; 7 Huge xiphias, whom mariners eschew

xiphias > swordfish (Greek)

8 No less than rocks, (as travellers inform), 9 And greedy rosmarines with visages deform.

rosmarine > {Walrus, Trichechus rosmarus, also called the "sea- horse"} deform > deformed, hideous

212.25

All these, and thousand thousands many more,
2 And more deformed Monsters thousand fold,
With dreadfull noise, and hollow rombling rore,
4 Came rushing in the fomy waues enrold,
Which seem'd to fly for feare, them to behold:
6 Ne wonder, if these did the knight appall;
For all that here on earth we dreadfull hold,
8 Be but as bugs to fearen babes withall,
Compared to the creatures in the seas entrall.

1 All these, and thousand thousands many more, 2 And more deformed monsters thousand-fold, 3 With dreadful noise, and hollow rumbling roar, 4 Came rushing, in the foamy waves enrolled

enrolled > wrapped, wrapped up

5 (Which seemed to fly for fear, them to behold):

Which > [The waves] fly > flee

6 No wonder, if these did the knight appal; 7 For all that here on earth we dreadful hold 8 Be but as bugs to fear babes withal,

bugs > bugbears, bogies fear > frighten withal > with

9 Compared to the creatures in the sea's entrail.

to > with entrail > bowels, inner parts; hence: depths

212.26

Feare nought, (then said the Palmer well auiz'd;)
2 For these same Monsters are not these in deed,
But are into these fearefull shapes disguiz'd
4 By that same wicked witch, to worke vs dreed,
And draw from on this iourney to proceede.
6 Tho lifting vp his vertuous staffe on hye,
He smote the sea, which calmed was with speed,
8 And all that dreadfull Armie fast gan flye
Into great Tethys bosome, where they hidden lye.

1 "Fear naught," then said the palmer well advised,

well advised > well informed; having carefully reflected; carefully

2 "For these same monsters are not these indeed, 3 But are into these fearful shapes disguised

disguised > transformed

4 By that same wicked witch, to work us dread,

that same wicked witch > [Acrasia] work > cause

5 And draw from on this journey to proceed."

draw > [make us] shrink

6 Tho, lifting up his virtuous staff on high,

Tho > Then virtuous > potent; magical (see 212.40:3, and cf. Ubaldo's wand at GL 14.73)

7 He smote the sea, which calmed was with speed, 8 And all that dreadful army fast gan fly

gan fly > did flee

9 Into great Tethys' bosom, where they hidden lie.

212.27

Quit from that daunger, forth their course they kept,
2 And as they went, they heard a ruefull cry
Of one, that wayld and +pittifully+ wept,
4 That through the sea +the+ resounding plaints did fly:
At last they in an Island did espy
6 A seemely Maiden, sitting by the shore,
That with great sorrow and sad agony,
8 Seemed some great +misfortune+ to deplore,
And lowd to them for succour called euermore.

3 pittifully > pittifull 1596 4 the > omitted from 1609 8 misfortune > misfortnne 1596

1 Quit from that danger, forth their course they kept,

Quit > Rescued, released

2 And as they went, they heard a rueful cry 3 Of one that wailed and pitifully wept, 4 That through the sea the resounding plaints did fly:

That through > [So that from one side to the other of] plaints > lamentations

5 At last they in an island did espy

in > [on]

6 A seemly maiden, sitting by the shore,

seemly > fair, pleasing

7 That with great sorrow and sad agony

agony > mental anguish

8 Seemed some great misfortune to deplore,

deplore > lament, grieve over

9 And loud to them for succour called evermore.

evermore > ever, constantly

212.28

Which Guyon hearing, streight his Palmer bad,
2 To stere the boate towards that dolefull Mayd,
That he might know, and ease her sorrow sad:
4 Who him auizing better, to him sayd;
Faire Sir, be not displeasd, if disobayd:
6 For ill it were to hearken to her cry;
For she is inly nothing ill apayd,
8 But onely womanish fine forgery,
Your stubborne hart t'affect with fraile infirmity.

1 Which Guyon hearing, straight his palmer bade

straight > straightway; directly

2 To steer the boat towards that doleful maid, 3 That he might know, and ease, her sorrow sad:

That > [So that] know > understand, know the nature of

4 Who him advising better, to him said: 5 "Fair sir, be not displeased if disobeyed: 6 For ill it were to hearken to her cry;

ill > wrong, evil; hence: ill advised, foolhardy, dangerous were > [would be]

7 For she is inly nothing ill apaid,

inly nothing ill apaid > inwardly not in the least badly satisfied

8 But only womanish fine forgery,

only > [her laments are only an example of] fine > sheer, unadulterated; consummate, skilful

9 Your stubborn heart to affect with frail infirmity.

stubborn > pertinacious, dogged frail > morally weak; tender (last is SUS)

212.29

To which when she your courage hath inclind
2 Through foolish pitty, then her guilefull bayt
She will embosome deeper in your mind,
4 And for your ruine at the last awayt.
The knight was ruled, and the Boateman strayt
6 Held on his course with stayed stedfastnesse,
Ne euer shruncke, ne euer sought to bayt
8 His tyred armes for toylesome wearinesse,
But with his oares did sweepe the watry wildernesse.

1 "To which when she your courage has inclined

courage > spirit, heart; sexual desire

2 Through foolish pity, then her guileful bait

bait > temptation

3 She will embosom deeper in your mind,

embosom > enclose; implant

4 And for your ruin at the last await."

await > {Watch for a chance of contriving}

5 The knight was ruled, and the boatman strait

strait > strictly (if referring to the action); strict (if referring to the boatman)

6 Held on his course with staid steadfastness,

staid > fixed, unchanging; sober

7 Nor ever shrank, nor ever sought to bait

shrank > [shrank with fear] bait > rest, refresh

8 His tired arms for toilsome weariness, 9 But with his oars did sweep the watery wilderness.

212.30

And now they nigh approched to the sted,
2 Where as those Mermayds dwelt: it was a still
And calmy bay, on th'one side sheltered
4 With the brode shadow of an hoarie hill,
On th'other side an high rocke toured still,
6 That twixt them both a +pleasaunt+ port they made,
And did like an halfe Theatre fulfill:
8 There those fiue sisters had continuall trade,
And vsd to +bath+ themselues in that +deceiptfull+ shade.

6 pleasaunt > peasaunt 1596 9 bath > bathe 1609 9 deceiptfull > deceitfull 1609

1 And now they nigh approached to the stead

stead > place

2 Where those mermaids dwelt: it was a still 3 And calmy bay, on the one side sheltered

calmy > calm

4 With the broad shadow of a hoary hill;

hoary > ancient; hoary, grey

5 On the other side a high rock towered still,

still > ever, always

6 That 'twixt them both a pleasant port they made,

That > [So that]

7 And did like a half theatre fulfil:

fulfil > make, form

8 There those five sisters had continual trade,

trade > {Occupation, habitual course of action}

9 And used to bathe themselves in that deceitful shade.

shade > shadow (cast by the hill)

212.31

They were faire Ladies, till they fondly striu'd
2 With th'Heliconian maides for maistery;
Of whom they ouer-comen, were depriu'd
4 Of their proud beautie, and th'one moyity
Transform'd to fish, for their bold surquedry,
6 But th'vpper halfe their hew retained still,
And their sweet skill in wonted melody;
8 Which euer after they abusd to ill,
T'allure weake trauellers, whom gotten they did kill.

1 They were fair ladies, till they fondly strove

were > [had been] fondly > foolishly

2 With the Heliconian maids for mastery;

the Heliconian maids > (The Muses, who live on Mount Helicon; see notes at 212.52:8)

3 Of whom they, overcome, were deprived

Of > By

4 Of their proud beauty, and the one moiety

moiety > half

5 Transformed to fish, for their bold surquidry;

surquidry > presumption, arrogance

6 But the upper half their hue retained still,

hue > appearance, form

7 And their sweet skill in wonted melody;

wonted > [their] habitual, accustomed

8 Which ever after they abused to ill,

ill > ill purpose, evil

9 To allure weak travellers, whom gotten they did kill.

gotten > [once got]

212.32

So now to Guyon, as he passed by,
2 Their pleasaunt tunes they sweetly thus applide;
O thou faire sonne of gentle Faery,
4 +That+ art in mighty armes most magnifide
Aboue all knights, that euer battell tride,
6 O turne thy rudder hither-ward a while:
Here may thy storme-bet vessell safely ride;
8 This is the Port of rest from troublous toyle,
The worlds sweet In, from paine and wearisome turmoyle.

4 That > Thou 1596

1 So now to Guyon, as he passed by, 2 Their pleasant tunes they sweetly thus applied:

applied > directed, addressed

3 "O you fair son of gentle Faery,

gentle > noble

4 That are in mighty arms most magnified

arms > {Feats of arms} magnified > lauded

5 Above all knights that ever battle tried, 6 O turn your rudder hitherward awhile:

hitherward > this way

7 Here may your storm-beaten vessel safely ride; 8 This is the port of rest from troublous toil, 9 The world's sweet inn, from pain and wearisome turmoil."

turmoil > harassing labour, toil

212.33

With that the rolling sea resounding soft,
2 In his big base them fitly answered,
And on the rocke the waues breaking aloft,
4 A solemne Meane vnto them measured,
The whiles sweet Zephirus lowd whisteled
6 His treble, a straunge kinde of harmony;
Which Guyons senses softly tickeled,
8 That he the boateman bad row easily,
And let him heare some part of their rare melody.

1 With that the rolling sea, resounding soft 2 In its big base, them fitly answered;

big > deep; loud; powerful base > base; bass

3 And on the rock the waves, breaking aloft, 4 A solemn mean to them measured;

mean > middle part, baritone, tenor measured > apportioned, meted out

5 The whiles sweet Zephyr loud whistled

The whiles > Meanwhile loud > loudly (if applied to his whistling); loud (if applied to Zephyr)

6 His treble, a strange kind of harmony; 7 Which Guyon's senses softly tickled, 8 That he the boatman bade row easily,

That > [So that] easily > without hurry

9 And let him hear some part of their rare melody.

rare > unusual, strange

212.34

But him +the+ Palmer from that vanity,
2 With temperate aduice discounselled,
That they it past, and shortly gan descry
4 The land, to which their course they leueled;
When suddeinly a grosse fog ouer spred
6 With his dull vapour all that desert has,
And heauens chearefull face enueloped,
8 That all things one, and one as nothing was,
And this great Vniuerse seemd one confusd mas.

1 the > that 1609

1 But him the palmer from that vanity 2 With temperate advice discounselled,

discounselled > dissuaded

3 That they it passed, and shortly gan descry

That > [So that] it > [the place; the vanity] gan > did

4 The land, to which their course they levelled;

to > at levelled > directed

5 When suddenly a gross fog overspread

gross > thick

6 With its dull vapour all that desert has,

dull > obscuring, gloomy; sluggish (cf. 102.38:5, 104.36:7) desert > wilderness, lonely place has > (Modifying "ouerspred" in the previous line)

7 And heaven's cheerful face enveloped, 8 That all things one, and one as nothing was,

That > [So that] one > [were one]

9 And this great universe seemed one confused mass.

212.35

Thereat they greatly were dismayd, ne wist
2 How to direct their way in darkenesse wide,
But feard to wander in that wastfull mist,
4 For tombling into mischiefe vnespide.
Worse is the daunger hidden, then descride.
6 Suddeinly an innumerable flight
Of harmefull fowles about them fluttering, cride,
8 And with their wicked wings them oft did smight,
And sore annoyed, groping in that griesly night.

1 Thereat they greatly were dismayed, nor wist

Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that wist > knew

2 How to direct their way in darkness wide, 3 But feared to wander in that wasteful mist,

wasteful > desolate

4 For tumbling into mischief unespied.

For > [For fear of] mischief unespied > unseen mischief; mischief unobserved (by anyone who might be able to rescue them; "mischief" = misfortune, disaster, evil)

5 Worse is the danger hidden, than descried.

descried > [the danger descried]

6 Suddenly an innumerable flight 7 Of harmful fowls, about them fluttering, cried, 8 And with their wicked wings them oft did smite, 9 And sore annoyed, groping in that grisly night.

annoyed > vexed, harassed, discommoded grisly > horrible, fearsome

212.36

Euen all the nation of vnfortunate
2 And fatall birds about them flocked were,
Such as by nature men abhorre and hate,
4 The ill-faste Owle, deaths dreadfull messengere,
The hoars Night-rauen, trump of dolefull drere,
6 The lether-winged Bat, dayes enimy,
The ruefull Strich, still waiting on the bere,
8 The Whistler shrill, that who so heares, doth dy,
The hellish Harpies, prophets of sad destiny.

1 Even all the nation of unfortunate

nation > class, race unfortunate > inauspicious, ominous

2 And fatal birds about them flocked were,

fatal > fateful, ominous; destructive, ruinous; gravely mischievous

3 Such as by nature men abhor and hate: 4 The ill-faced owl, death's dreadful messenger;

ill > evil owl > (To the Romans, an omen of death: see Met. 10.453; see also 105.30:6-7, etc.)

5 The hoarse night-raven, trump of doleful drear;

night-raven > (An unspecified nocturnal bird, perhaps the nightjar or the night-heron. See SC, "June", 23 and gloss) trump > proclaimer, herald drear > sorrow, grief

6 The leather-winged bat, day's enemy; 7 The rueful strich, still waiting on the bier;

strich > screech-owl (see Isa. 34.15; this bird is usually identified as either the tawny owl, Strix aluco, or the barn owl, Tyto alba) still > continually; yet waiting on > attending; waiting [sitting] on

8 The whistler shrill, that whoso hears does die;

whistler > (Probably the whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus, whose cry, consisting nominally of seven notes, was said to portend the hearer's death) whoso > whoever

9 The hellish harpies, prophets of sad destiny.

harpies > (Vultures with the head and breasts of a woman; associated with greed. See 207.23:7, Aen. 3.219 ff.) prophets > (Celeno, leader of the harpies, prophesies a grim future to Aeneas at Aen. 3.225-62)

212.37

All those, and all that else does horrour breed,
2 About them flew, and fild their sayles with feare:
Yet stayd they not, but forward did proceed,
4 Whiles th'one did row, and th'other stifly steare;
Till that at last the weather gan to cleare,
6 And the faire land it selfe did plainly show.
Said then the Palmer, Lo where does appeare
8 The sacred soile, where all our perils grow;
Therefore, Sir knight, your ready armes about you throw.

1 All those, and all that else does horror breed,

else > otherwise

2 About them flew, and fild their sails with fear:

fild > filled; or: defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.)

3 Yet stayed they not, but forward did proceed, 4 While the one did row, and the other stiffly steer;

stiffly > resolutely, steadfastly; strongly

5 Till at last the weather began to clear, 6 And the fair land itself did plainly show. 7 Said then the palmer, "Lo where does appear 8 The sacred soil where all our perils grow;

sacred > accursed, detestable; also: dedicated [to pleasure]

9 Therefore, sir knight, your ready arms about you throw!"

arms > {Arms and armour}

212.38

He hearkned, and his armes about him tooke,
2 The whiles the nimble boate so well her sped,
That with her crooked keele the land she strooke,
4 Then forth the noble Guyon sallied,
And his sage Palmer, that him gouerned;
6 But th'other by his boate behind did stay.
They marched fairly forth, of nought ydred,
8 Both firmely armd for euery hard assay,
With constancy and care, gainst daunger and dismay.

1 He hearkened, and his arms about him took; 2 The whiles the nimble boat so well herself sped

The whiles > Meanwhile nimble > swift, light (cf. 206.20:6)

3 That with her crooked keel the land she struck:

crooked > curved

4 Then forth the noble Guyon sallied,

sallied > went forth; or: leapt (via French saillir, as at 206.38:5)

5 And his sage palmer, that him governed;

governed > guided, controlled

6 But the other by his boat behind did stay. 7 They marched fairly forth, of naught adrad,

adrad > frightened

8 Both firmly armed for every hard assay,

assay > trial; endeavour; assault

9 With constancy and care, gainst danger and dismay.

gainst > against dismay > dismay; defeat

212.39

Ere long they heard an hideous bellowing
2 Of many beasts, that roard outrageously,
As if that hungers point, or Venus sting
4 Had them enraged with fell surquedry;
Yet nought they feard, but past on hardily,
6 Vntill they came in vew of those wild beasts:
Who all attonce, gaping full greedily,
8 And rearing fiercely their +vpstarting+ crests,
Ran towards, to deuoure those vnexpected guests.

8 vpstarting > vpstaring 1590; cf. 109.22:3, 611.27:4

1 Ere long they heard a hideous bellowing

hideous > terrific; odious

2 Of many beasts, that roared outrageously,

outrageously > violently, intemperately

3 As if hunger's point, or Venus' sting 4 Had them enraged with fell surquidry;

fell > fierce, terrible surquidry > presumption, arrogance

5 Yet naught they feared, but passed on hardily, 6 Until they came in view of those wild beasts: 7 Who all at once, gaping full greedily,

at once > at once; together full > very

8 And rearing fiercely their upstarting crests, 9 Ran towards, to devour those unexpected guests.

towards > [towards them]

212.40

But soone as they +approcht+ with deadly +threat,+
2 The Palmer ouer them his staffe vpheld,
His mighty staffe, that could all charmes defeat:
4 Eftsoones their stubborne courages were queld,
And high aduaunced crests downe meekely feld,
6 In stead of fraying, they them selues did feare,
And trembled, as them passing they beheld:
8 Such wondrous powre did in that staffe appeare,
All monsters to subdew to him, that did it beare.

1 approcht > approch't, 1609 1 threat, > threat 1609

1 But soon as they approached with deadly threat,

soon > [as soon]

2 The palmer over them his staff upheld, 3 His mighty staff, that could all charms defeat:

charms > spells

4 Eftsoons their stubborn courages were quelled,

Eftsoons > Thereupon stubborn courages > intractable spirits

5 And high advanced crests down meekly felled,

advanced > raised down > [were down]

6 Instead of fraying, they themselves did fear,

fraying > causing fear, frightening

7 And trembled, as them passing they beheld: 8 Such wondrous power did in that staff appear, 9 All monsters to subdue to him that did it bear.

212.41

Of that same wood it fram'd was cunningly,
2 Of which Caduceus whilome was made,
Caduceus the rod of Mercury,
4 With which he wonts the Stygian realmes inuade,
Through ghastly horrour, and eternall shade;
6 Th'infernall feends with it he can asswage,
And Orcus tame, whom nothing can perswade,
8 And rule the Furyes, when they most do rage:
Such vertue in his staffe had eke this Palmer sage.

1 Of that same wood it framed was cunningly,

framed > fashioned, made cunningly > skilfully; with occult knowledge

2 Of which Caduceus whilom was made,

whilom > in ancient times (see Aen. 4.242-6)

3 Caduceus the rod of Mercury,

rod > wand Mercury > (Representing, and often synonymous with, Hermes, the envoy of the gods; employed by them to conduct the souls of the dead from the upper into the lower world. According to Virgil, his wand also allows him to summon these souls back from hell. Mercury is identified as the god of reason and wisdom)

4 With which he wonts the Stygian realms invade,

wonts > is accustomed to Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; hence: infernal} invade > enter (SUS); hence: explore

5 Through ghastly horror, and eternal shade;

ghastly > {Evoking fear of the supernatural}

6 The infernal fiends with it he can assuage,

assuage > pacify, appease

7 And Orcus tame, whom nothing can persuade,

Orcus > (Another name for Pluto, god of the underworld)

8 And rule the Furies, when they most do rage: 9 Such virtue in his staff had eke this palmer sage.

virtue > power, efficacy, occult power eke > also, likewise

212.42

Thence passing forth, they shortly do arriue,
2 Whereas the Bowre of Blisse was situate;
A place pickt out by choice of best aliue,
4 That natures worke by art can imitate:
In which what euer in this worldly state
6 Is sweet, and pleasing vnto liuing sense,
Or that may +dayntiest+ fantasie aggrate,
8 Was poured forth with plentifull dispence,
And made there to abound with lauish affluence.

7 dayntiest > dayntest 1590

1 Thence passing forth, they shortly do arrive 2 Where the Bower of Bliss was situate;

situate > situated

3 A place picked out by choice of best alive

best > [the best artisans]

4 That Nature's work by Art can imitate: 5 In which whatever in this worldly state 6 Is sweet and pleasing to living sense, 7 Or that may daintiest fantasy aggrate,

that > [that which] daintiest > [the] most fastidious; [the] choicest aggrate > gratify (SUS)

8 Was poured forth with plentiful dispense,

dispense > dispensation; liberality

9 And made there to abound with lavish affluence.

212.43

Goodly it was enclosed round about,
2 Aswell their entred guestes to keepe within,
As those vnruly beasts to hold without;
4 Yet was the fence thereof but weake and thin;
Nought feard +their+ force, that fortilage to win,
6 But wisedomes powre, and temperaunces might,
By which the +mightiest+ things efforced bin:
8 And eke the gate was wrought of substaunce light,
Rather for pleasure, then for battery or fight.

5 their > they conj. Church, i.e. "They had no fear of force", otherwise feard means "frightened" and their refers to those vnruly beasts 7 mightiest > mightest 1590

1 Goodly it was enclosed round about,

Goodly > Beautifully

2 As well their entered guests to keep within,

well > much

3 As those unruly beasts to hold without; 4 Yet was the fence thereof but weak and thin; 5 Naught feared their force, that fortalice to win,

Naught feared their force > [The beasts' physical force was not at all feared] fortalice > small fort

6 But wisdom's power, and temperance's might,

But > [Instead; but rather]

7 By which the mightiest things efforced been:

efforced been > are forced, are overcome by force

8 And eke the gate was wrought of substance light,

eke > moreover, also

9 Rather for pleasure than for battery or fight.

for > [to withstand] battery > {The action of battery, of being struck with a battering- ram}

212.44

Yt framed was of precious yuory,
2 That seemd a worke of admirable wit;
And therein all the famous history
4 Of Iason and Med{ae}a was ywrit;
Her mighty charmes, her furious louing fit,
6 His goodly conquest of the golden fleece,
His falsed faith, and loue too lightly flit,
8 The wondred Argo, which in venturous peece
First through the Euxine seas bore all the flowr of Greece.

1 It framed was of precious ivory,

framed > made, fashioned ivory > (Cf. 101.40:1)

2 That seemed a work of admirable wit;

admirable wit > wonderful skill

3 And therein all the famous history 4 Of Jason and Medea was written;

Jason and Medea > (Medea was the daughter of King Ae{e"}tes, king of Colchis, and possessed magic powers. When Jason, in the Argo, came to Colchis in quest of the golden fleece, Medea fell in love with him, helped him take it, and fled, pursued by her father. To delay her father and prevent him from overtaking the Argo, she murdered her young brother and strewed pieces of his body in the sea; these Ae{e"}tes stopped to gather. Medea was later abandoned by Jason for Cre{u"}sa, daughter of King Creon of Corinth. Medea took revenge by sending the new wife an enchanted robe, which burnt her to death when she put it on) written > scored, drawn

5 Her mighty charms, her furious loving fit,

charms > spells fit > fit; paroxysm of lunacy

6 His goodly conquest of the golden fleece,

conquest > {Booty; that which is obtained by force of arms} golden fleece > (Which was suspended in an oak tree in the Grove of Mars at Colchis, in Asia Minor, and guarded day and night by a dragon. Jason was persuaded to go on this quest by Pelias, king of Iolcus in Thessaly)

7 His falsed faith, and love too lightly flit,

falsed > counterfeited; proved false flit > shifted, altered; hence: transferred

8 The wondered Argo, which in venturous piece

wondered > marvelled at Argo > (A ship of 50 oars, commissioned by Jason for his quest and named after its builder, Argus) venturous > [that] bold; [that] adventurous piece > piece of work, masterpiece; hence: daring exploit

9 First through the Euxine seas bore all the flower of Greece.

Euxine seas > Euxinus, Black Sea the flower of Greece > (Jason was accompanied by more than 50 of the greatest heroes of Greece: Hercules, Theseus, Castor and Pollux, etc.)

212.45

Ye might haue seene the frothy billowes fry
2 Vnder the ship, as thorough them she went,
That seemd the waues were into yuory,
4 Or yuory into the waues were sent;
And other where the snowy substaunce sprent
6 With vermell, like the boyes bloud therein shed,
A piteous spectacle did represent,
8 And otherwhiles with gold besprinkeled;
Yt seemd th'enchaunted flame, which did Cre{u"}sa wed.

1 You might have seen the frothy billows fry

fry > seethe, foam

2 Under the ship, as through them she went, 3 That seemed the waves were into ivory,

That > [So that it]

4 Or ivory into the waves were sent;

sent > sent, hence: transmuted; also: sended (used of a ship pitching deeply with head or stern in the trough of a wave)

5 And otherwhere the snowy substance sprent

otherwhere > elsewhere sprent > sprinkled (pa. ppl. of "sprenge")

6 With vermeil, like the boy's blood therein shed,

vermeil > scarlet the boy > (See note on Jason and Medea at 212.44:4)

7 A piteous spectacle did represent,

represent > bring to mind; make manifest; symbolize

8 And otherwhiles with gold besprinkled:

otherwhiles > at other times; now and then (the original pointing also suggests: "And otherwhiles, with gold besprinkled, It seemed the enchanted flame …") besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is intensive}

9 It seemed the enchanted flame which did Cre{u"}sa wed.

seemed > [seemed to be]

212.46

All this, and more might in that goodly gate
2 Be red; that euer open stood to all,
Which thither came: but in the Porch there sate
4 A comely personage of stature tall,
And semblaunce pleasing, more then naturall,
6 That trauellers to him seemd to entize;
His looser garment to the ground did fall,
8 And flew about his heeles in wanton wize,
Not fit for speedy pace, or manly exercize.

1 All this and more might in that goodly gate

might > could goodly > beautiful

2 Be read; that ever open stood to all

read > discerned

3 Who thither came: but in the porch there sat 4 A comely personage, of stature tall 5 And semblance pleasing, more than natural, 6 That travellers to him seemed to entice; 7 His looser garment to the ground did fall,

looser > too-loose

8 And flew about his heels in wanton wise,

wise > fashion, manner

9 Not fit for speedy pace, or manly exercise.

pace > movement, motion

212.47

They in that place him Genius did call:
2 Not that celestiall powre, to whom the care
Of life, and generation of all
4 That liues, pertaines in charge particulare,
Who wondrous things concerning our welfare,
6 And straunge phantomes doth let vs oft +forsee+,
And oft of secret ill bids vs beware:
8 That is our Selfe, whom though we do not see,
Yet each doth in him selfe it well perceiue to bee.

6 forsee > foresee 1609

1 They in that place him Genius did call

Genius > "Guardian Spirit" (Latin; cf. 306.31:8-9)

2 (Not that celestial power, to whom the care

that celestial power > (The Greeks thought that each man had a demon assigned to him at the moment of his birth; the demon accompanied him throughout his life and after death conducted his soul to Hades. The Romans held a similar belief: the genius (the name shares the same root as "geno", "gigno", to beget or bring forth) was worshipped as the god of generation. Each place also had its own genius or guardian spirit. Spenser is saying that the porter here is not that celestial power, and I have shown the parenthesis recommended by Warton (1762))

3 Of life, and generation of all 4 That lives, pertains in charge particular, 5 Who wondrous things concerning our welfare, 6 And strange phantoms does let us oft foresee, 7 And oft of secret ill bids us beware:

ill > evil

8 That is our Self, whom though we do not see, 9 Yet each does in himself it well perceive to be.

212.48

Therefore a God him sage Antiquity
2 Did wisely make, and good Agdistes call:
But this same was to that quite contrary,
4 The foe of life, that good enuyes to all,
That secretly doth vs procure to fall,
6 Through guilefull semblaunts, which he makes vs see.
He of this Gardin had the gouernall,
8 And Pleasures porter was deuizd to bee,
Holding a staffe in hand for more formalitee.

1 Therefore a god him sage antiquity

antiquity > ancient times (esp. of the Greeks and Romans); ancient records

2 Did wisely make, and good Agdistes call):

Agdistes > (So called in Myth. 4.3)

3 But this same was to that quite contrary,

that > [Agdistes]

4 The foe of life, that good envies to all,

envies > begrudges

5 That secretly does us procure to fall,

procure > cause

6 Through guileful semblants, which he makes us see.

semblants > outward aspects, semblances

7 He of this garden had the governail,

governail > management

8 And Pleasure's porter was devised to be,

Pleasure > [Acrasia; cf. 201.0:4] devised > assigned, directed; conjectured, considered; artfully contrived, feigned; bequeathed

9 Holding a staff in hand for more formality.

212.49

With diuerse flowres he daintily was deckt,
2 And strowed round about, and by his side
A mighty Mazer bowle of wine was set,
4 As if it had to him bene sacrifide;
Wherewith all new-come guests he gratifide:
6 So did he eke Sir Guyon passing by:
But he his idle curtesie defide,
8 And ouerthrew his bowle disdainfully;
And broke his staffe, with which he charmed semblants sly.

1 With diverse flowers he daintily was decked,

diverse > {Of different sorts}

2 And strewn round about, and by his side 3 A mighty mazer bowl of wine was set,

mazer > {Some hard wood, usually maple, used for carving bowls and cups}

4 As if it had to him been sacrified;

sacrified > offered as a sacrifice

5 Wherewith all new-come guests he gratified:

Wherewith > With which

6 So did he eke Sir Guyon passing by:

eke > likewise

7 But he his idle courtesy defied,

idle > unavailing, empty

8 And overthrew his bowl disdainfully; 9 And broke his staff, with which he charmed semblants sly.

charmed semblants > conjured up visions sly > clever, mischievous, adept; or: slyly, cleverly

212.50

Thus being entred, they behold around
2 A large and spacious plaine, on euery side
Strowed with pleasauns, whose faire grassy ground
4 Mantled with +greene+, and goodly beautifide
With all the ornaments of Floraes pride,
6 Wherewith her mother Art, as halfe in scorne
Of niggard Nature, like a pompous bride
8 Did decke her, and too lauishly adorne,
When forth from virgin bowre she comes in th'early morne.

4 greene > grenee 1596

1 Thus being entered, they behold around 2 A large and spacious plain, on every side 3 Strewn with pleasances, whose fair grassy ground

Strewn > Spread, covered pleasances > pleasure-grounds, ornamental gardens

4 Mantled with green, and goodly beautified

Mantled > [Was mantled]

5 With all the ornaments of Flora's pride, 6 Wherewith her mother, Art, as half in scorn

Wherewith > With which as > [as though]

7 Of niggard Nature, like a pompous bride

niggard > mean, parsimonious pompous > splendid (derives from Latin pompa, a solemn procession, display)

8 Did deck her, and too lavishly adorn, 9 When forth from virgin bower she comes in the early morn.

bower > bedroom

212.51

+Thereto+ the Heauens alwayes Iouiall,
2 Lookt on them louely, still in stedfast state,
Ne suffred storme nor frost on them to fall,
4 Their tender buds or leaues to violate,
Nor scorching heat, nor cold intemperate
6 T'afflict the creatures, which therein did dwell,
But the milde aire with season moderate
8 Gently attempred, and disposd so well,
That still it breathed forth sweet spirit and holesome smell.

1 Thereto > Therewith 1590

1 Thereto the heavens, always jovial,

Thereto > Moreover, also jovial > {Azure (heraldic term); under the influence of Jove, joyful, happy}

2 Looked on them lovely, still in steadfast state,

lovely > lovingly still > ever, always; motionless in steadfast state > [unchanging; there are no seasons here]

3 Nor suffered storm nor frost on them to fall,

suffered > permitted

4 Their tender buds or leaves to violate,

violate > spoil, corrupt

5 Nor scorching heat, nor cold intemperate 6 To afflict the creatures which therein did dwell, 7 But the mild air with season moderate 8 Gently attempered, and disposed so well,

attempered > regulated; tempered, moderated disposed > regulated

9 That still it breathed forth sweet spirit and wholesome smell.

still > ever spirit > {The breath of life, animating breath} smell > aroma, perfume

212.52

More sweet and holesome, then the pleasaunt hill
2 Of Rhodope, on which the Nimphe, that bore
A gyaunt babe, her selfe for griefe did kill;
4 Or the Thessalian Tempe, where of yore
Faire Daphne Ph{oe}bus hart with loue did gore;
6 Or Ida, where the Gods lou'd to repaire,
When euer they their heauenly bowres forlore;
8 Or sweet Parnasse, the haunt of Muses faire;
+Or Eden selfe, if ought+ with Eden mote compaire.

9 Or Eden selfe, if ought > Of Eden, if ought 1596; Or Eden, if that ought 1609

1 More sweet and wholesome than the pleasant hill 2 Of Rhodope, on which the nymph that bore

Rhodope > (One of the highest mountain-ranges in Thrace, sacred to
Bacchus and named after the nymph Rhodope, who bore Neptune a
giant child (Met. 10.86 ff.). In Met. 6.87-9 Jupiter turns
Rhodope into a mountain as punishment for her excessive pride)

3 A giant babe herself for grief did kill; 4 Or the Thessalian Temp{e/}, where of yore

Temp{e/} > (A beautiful valley in northern Thessaly, between Mt Ossa and Mt Olympus; through it the River Peneus flows into the sea. One of the favourite haunts of Apollo) yore > old

5 Fair Daphne Phoebus' heart with love did gore;

Daphne > (Daughter of the river-god Peneus. Pursued by Apollo, she was on the point of being overtaken when she prayed for release and was metamorphosed into a laurel-tree. See Met. 1.452-567)

6 Or Ida, where the gods loved to repair

Ida > (A mountain-range in Asia Minor, scene of the rape of Ganymede and the judgement of Paris (see note at 207.55:5). In Homer, the summit of Ida is the vantage of the gods when they watch the battles in the plain of Troy) repair > go, betake themselves

7 Whenever they their heavenly bowers forlore;

bowers > chambers forlore > forsook, left

8 Or sweet Parnassus, the haunt of Muses fair;

Parnassus > (A mountain-range extending SE through Doris and Phocis, celebrated as one of the chief haunts of Apollo and the Muses; "sweet" because it was so well wooded) Muses > (In later accounts their leader is Apollo, who receives the name Musagetes as a result. See e.g. Myth. 4.10)

9 Or Eden itself, if aught with Eden might compare.

212.53

Much wondred Guyon at the faire aspect
2 Of that sweet place, yet suffred no delight
To sincke into his sence, nor mind affect,
4 But passed forth, and lookt still forward right,
Bridling his will, and maistering his might:
6 Till that he came vnto another gate,
No gate, but like one, being goodly dight
8 With boughes and braunches, which did broad dilate
Their clasping armes, in wanton wreathings intricate.

1 Much wondered Guyon at the fair aspect

wondered > marvelled

2 Of that sweet place, yet suffered no delight

suffered > allowed

3 To sink into his sense, nor mind affect, 4 But passed forth, and looked still forward right,

still > constantly forward right > straight ahead

5 Bridling his will, and mastering his might: 6 Till he came to another gate: 7 No gate, but like one, being goodly dight

goodly > beautifully dight > decked

8 With boughs and branches, which did broad dilate

dilate > spread

9 Their clasping arms, in wanton wreathings intricate.

212.54

So fashioned a Porch with rare deuice,
2 Archt ouer head with an embracing vine,
Whose bounches hanging downe, seemed to entice
4 All passers by, to tast their lushious wine,
And did themselues into their hands incline,
6 As freely offering to be gathered:
Some deepe empurpled as the +Hyacint+,
8 Some as the Rubine, laughing sweetly red,
Some like faire Emeraudes, not yet well ripened.

7 Hyacint > Hyacine 1611

1 So fashioned a porch with rare device,

So > Thus [was] device > ingenuity

2 Arched overhead with an embracing vine, 3 Whose bunches, hanging down, seemed to entice

bunches > [bunches of grapes]

4 All passers-by to taste their luscious wine, 5 And did themselves into their hands incline, 6 As freely offering to be gathered: 7 Some deep empurpled as the hyacinth,

empurpled > {Made purple; reddened} hyacinth > (A blue precious stone, the sapphire, but here, in view of the italicization of the original, also making reference to the lily, described by Ovid as deep red or purple, which sprang from the blood of the beautiful youth Hyacinth. Hyacinth received the amorous attentions of Apollo and Zephyr (god of the west wind), but Zephyr's interest was not reciprocated. One day, when Apollo and Hyacinth were playing at quoits, the jealous Zephyr caused one of Apollo's quoits to drift in flight and strike Hyacinth on the head, killing him instantly. See Met. 10.162-219)

8 Some as the rubine, laughing sweetly red,

rubine > ruby

9 Some like fair emeralds, not yet well ripened.

212.55

And them amongst, some were of burnisht gold,
2 So made by art, to beautifie the rest,
Which did themselues emongst the leaues enfold,
4 As lurking from the vew of couetous guest,
That the weake bowes, with so rich load opprest,
6 Did bow adowne, as ouer-burdened.
Vnder that Porch a comely dame did rest,
8 Clad in faire weedes, but fowle disordered,
And garments loose, that seemd vnmeet for womanhed.

1 And them amongst, some were of burnished gold,

some > [some of the grapes]

2 So made by art, to beautify the rest, 3 Which did themselves amongst the leaves enfold, 4 As lurking from the view of covetous guest,

As > [As though]

5 That the weak boughs, with so rich load oppressed,

That > [So that] so > such a

6 Did bow adown, as over-burdened.

adown > down

7 Under that porch a comely dame did rest, 8 Clad in fair weeds, but foul disordered,

weeds > clothes

9 And garments loose, that seemed unmeet for womanhood.

unmeet > unsuitable

212.56

In her left hand a Cup of gold she held,
2 And with her right the riper fruit did reach,
Whose sappy liquor, that with fulnesse sweld,
4 Into her cup she scruzd, with daintie breach
Of her fine fingers, without fowle empeach,
6 That so faire wine-presse made the wine more sweet:
Thereof she vsd to giue to drinke to each,
8 Whom passing by she happened to meet:
It was her guise, all Straungers goodly so to greet.

1 In her left hand a cup of gold she held, 2 And with her right the riper fruit did reach,

riper > riper; too-ripe, over-ripe

3 Whose sappy liquor, that with fullness swelled, 4 Into her cup she scruzed, with dainty breach

scruzed > squeezed dainty > fastidious; pleasing breach > {Breaking, splitting, the act of splitting}

5 Of her fine fingers, without foul impeach,

Of > By, with impeach > injury, damage, detriment; hence: staining [of her fingers], tainting [of the wine]

6 That so fair winepress made the wine more sweet:

so > (Intensifying "fair": "That so-fair winepress")

7 Thereof she used to give to drink to each

each > each person, everyone

8 Whom passing by she happened to meet: 9 It was her guise, all strangers goodly so to greet.

guise > custom goodly > courteously greet > greet; gratify

212.57

So she to Guyon offred it to tast;
2 Who taking it out of her tender hond,
The cup to ground did violently cast,
4 That all in peeces it was broken fond,
And with the liquor stained all the lond:
6 Whereat Excesse exceedingly was wroth,
Yet no'te the same amend, ne yet withstond,
8 But suffered him to passe, all were she loth;
Who +not+ regarding her displeasure forward goth.

9 not > nought 1590

1 So she to Guyon offered it to taste;

So > In that manner

2 Who, taking it out of her tender hand, 3 The cup to ground did violently cast, 4 That all in pieces it was broken found,

That > [So that]

5 And with the liquor stained all the land: 6 Whereat Excess exceedingly was wroth,

Whereat > At which

7 Yet no'te the same amend, nor yet withstand,

no'te > could not

8 But suffered him to pass, all were she loath;

suffered > allowed all were she > [although she was]

9 Who, not regarding her displeasure, forward goes.

212.58

There the most daintie Paradise on ground,
2 It selfe doth offer to his sober eye,
In which all pleasures plenteously abound,
4 And none does others happinesse enuye:
The painted flowres, the trees vpshooting hye,
6 The dales for shade, the hilles for breathing space,
The trembling groues, the Christall running by;
8 And that, which all faire workes doth most aggrace,
The art, which all that wrought, appeared in no place.

1 There the most dainty paradise on ground

dainty > pleasing; choice on ground > in the world

2 Itself does offer to his sober eye, 3 In which all pleasures plenteously abound, 4 And none does other's happiness envy:

envy > begrudge

5 The painted flowers, the trees upshooting high, 6 The dales for shade, the hills for breathing space, 7 The trembling groves, the crystal running by;

crystal > [crystal waters]

8 And that which all fair works does most aggrace

aggrace > grace, add grace to

9 (The art, which all that wrought) appeared in no place.

212.59

One would haue thought, (so cunningly, the rude,
2 And scorned parts were mingled with the fine,)
That nature had for wantonesse ensude
4 Art, and that Art at nature did repine;
So striuing each th'other to vndermine,
6 Each did the others worke more beautifie;
So diff'ring both in willes, agreed in fine:
8 So all agreed through sweete diuersitie,
This Gardin to adorne with all varietie.

1 One would have thought (so cunningly the rude

rude > imperfect, coarse

2 And scorned parts were mingled with the fine) 3 That Nature had for wantonness ensued

wantonness > extravagance ensued > imitated

4 Art, and that Art at Nature did repine;

repine > murmur, fret; complain

5 So striving each the other to undermine,

So > Thus

6 Each did the other's work more beautify; 7 So differing both in wills, agreed in fine:

fine > the end

8 So all agreed, through sweet diversity,

all > both [Art and Nature]

9 This garden to adorn with all variety.

212.60

And in the midst of all, a fountaine stood,
2 Of richest substaunce, that on earth might bee,
So pure and shiny, that the siluer flood
4 Through euery channell running one might see;
Most goodly it with +curious+ imageree
6 Was ouer-wrought, and shapes of naked boyes,
Of which some seemd with liuely iollitee,
8 To fly about, playing their wanton toyes,
Whilest others did them selues embay in liquid ioyes.

5 curious > pure 1609

1 And in the midst of all a fountain stood, 2 Of richest substance that on earth might be, 3 So pure and shiny that the silver flood 4 Through every channel running one might see; 5 Most goodly it with curious imagery

goodly > finely, beautifully; gracefully curious > skilled; elaborate; exquisite imagery > idolatrous images (cf. 108.36:2, 207.5:6)

6 Was overwrought, and shapes of naked boys,

overwrought > {Over-laboured; worked up to too high a pitch}

7 Of which some seemed with lively jollity

lively > life-like jollity > pleasure, lust

8 To fly about, playing their wanton toys,

wanton > unruly, frisky; lewd toys > games, amorous games (cf. e.g. 205.28:8)

9 Whilst others did themselves embay in liquid joys.

embay > bathe

212.61

And ouer all, of purest gold was spred,
2 A trayle of yuie in his natiue hew:
For the rich mettall was so coloured,
4 That wight, who did not well auis'd it vew,
Would surely deeme it to be yuie trew:
6 Low his lasciuious armes adown did creepe,
That themselues dipping in the siluer dew,
8 Their fleecy flowres they +tenderly+ did steepe,
Which drops of Christall seemd for wantones to weepe.

8 tenderly > fearefully 1590

1 And overall of purest gold was spread

overall > everywhere, in every direction

2 A trail of ivy in his native hue:

trail > trellis ivy > (An emblem of licentiousness: see, for example, 104.22:3, 306.44:5) his > (The unexpected gender emphasizes the symbolism) hue > colour, appearance

3 For the rich metal was so coloured

coloured > coloured; misrepresented, hence: disguised

4 That wight who did not well advised it view,

wight > [a] person, anyone well advised > carefully

5 Would surely deem it to be ivy true: 6 Low his lascivious arms adown did creep,

adown > down

7 That themselves dipping in the silver dew,

That > [So that]

8 Their fleecy flowers they tenderly did steep, 9 Which drops of crystal seemed for wantonness to weep.

wantonness > wantonness or, conceivably: wantons: licentious people

212.62

Infinit streames continually did well
2 Out of this fountaine, sweet and faire to see,
The which into an ample lauer fell,
4 And shortly grew to so great quantitie,
That like a little lake it seemd to bee;
6 Whose depth exceeded not three cubits hight,
That through the waues one might the bottom see,
8 All pau'd beneath with Iaspar shining bright,
That seemd the fountaine in that sea did sayle vpright.

1 Infinite streams continually did well 2 Out of this fountain, sweet and fair to see, 3 Which into an ample laver fell,

laver > [basin of the fountain]

4 And shortly grew to so great quantity

so > such a

5 That like a little lake it seemed to be; 6 Whose depth exceeded not three cubits' height,

three cubits > (Four-and-a-half to five-and-a-half feet (about 1.4 to 1.7 metres); the cubit is an ancient measure based on the length of the forearm, about 18-22 inches)

7 That through the waves one might the bottom see,

That > [So that]

8 All paved beneath with jasper shining bright,

jasper > (Used to describe various precious stones, esp. of a bright green colour)

9 That seemed the fountain in that sea did sail upright.

That > [So that it] sail > sail; sally forth, issue forth, project

212.63

And all the margent round about was set,
2 With shady Laurell trees, thence to defend
The sunny beames, which on the billowes bet,
4 And those which therein bathed, mote offend.
As Guyon hapned by the same to wend,
6 Two naked Damzelles he therein espyde,
Which therein bathing, seemed to contend,
8 And wrestle wantonly, ne car'd to hyde,
Their dainty parts from vew of any, which them eyde.

1 And all the margin round about was set 2 With shady laurel trees, thence to defend

laurel > (Sacred to Apollo, god of the sun; see note at 212.52:5) defend > ward off

3 The sunny beams, which on the billows beat 4 And those which therein bathed might offend.

offend > harm

5 As Guyon happened by the same to wend, 6 Two naked damsels he therein espied, 7 Who, therein bathing, seemed to contend, 8 And wrestle wantonly, nor cared to hide 9 Their dainty parts from view of any who them eyed.

212.64

Sometimes the one would lift the other quight
2 Aboue the waters, and then downe againe
Her plong, as ouer maistered by might,
4 Where both awhile would couered remaine,
And each the other from to rise restraine;
6 The whiles their snowy limbes, as through a vele,
So through the Christall waues appeared plaine:
8 Then suddeinly both would themselues vnhele,
And th'amarous sweet spoiles to greedy eyes reuele.

1 Sometimes the one would lift the other quite 2 Above the waters, and then down again 3 Her plunge, as overmastered by might,

plunge > immerse overmastered > overcome

4 Where both awhile would covered remain, 5 And each the other from to rise restrain;

to rise > rising

6 The whiles their snowy limbs, as through a veil,

The whiles > Meanwhile

7 So through the crystal waves appeared plain: 8 Then suddenly both would themselves unhele,

unhele > uncover

9 And the amorous sweet spoils to greedy eyes reveal.

amorous > {Lovely; pertaining to sexual love} greedy > eager; rapacious

212.65

As that faire Starre, the messenger of morne,
2 His deawy face out of the sea doth reare:
Or as the Cyprian goddesse, newly borne
4 Of th'Oceans fruitfull froth, did first appeare:
Such seemed they, and so their yellow heare
6 Christalline humour dropped downe apace.
Whom such when Guyon saw, he drew him neare,
8 And somewhat gan relent his earnest pace,
His stubborne brest gan secret pleasaunce to embrace.

1 As that fair star, the messenger of morn,

that fair star > (The morning star, Venus, named after the goddess of love)

2 His dewy face out of the sea does rear: 3 Or as the Cyprian goddess, newly born

Cyprian > (Belonging to Cyprus: Cyprus was one of the chief centres of the worship of Aphrodite (Venus); she is also called Cypria. Thus "cyprian" also = "lewd", "licentious")

4 Of the ocean's fruitful froth, did first appear:

froth > (In later accounts, Aphrodite is said to have been born from the sea-foam: hence her name, from the Greek aphros, foam, froth)

5 Such seemed they, and so their yellow hair 6 Crystalline humour dropped down apace.

humour > moisture apace > swiftly

7 Whom such when Guyon saw, he drew near,

Whom such > [Whom]

8 And somewhat gan relent his earnest pace;

gan > did relent > slacken; also: repent of, regret (SUS)

9 His stubborn breast began secret pleasance to embrace.

stubborn > pertinacious, dogged pleasance > delight, joy

212.66

The wanton Maidens him espying, stood
2 Gazing a while at his vnwonted guise;
Then th'one her selfe low ducked in the flood,
4 Abasht, that her a straunger did a vise:
But th'other rather higher did arise,
6 And her two lilly paps aloft displayd,
And all, that might his melting hart entise
8 To her delights, she vnto him bewrayd:
The rest hid vnderneath, him more desirous made.

1 The wanton maidens, him espying, stood 2 Gazing awhile at his unwonted guise;

unwonted guise > unaccustomed manner; unusual behaviour

3 Then the one herself low ducked in the flood,

flood > water

4 Abashed that her a stranger did advise:

advise > look at; consider

5 But the other rather higher did arise, 6 And her two lily paps aloft displayed,

paps > breasts

7 And all that might his melting heart entice 8 To her delights, she to him bewrayed:

bewrayed > revealed

9 The rest, hidden underneath, him more desirous made.

212.67

With that, the other likewise vp arose,
2 And her faire lockes, which formerly were bownd
Vp in one knot, she low adowne did lose:
4 Which flowing long and thick, her cloth'd arownd,
And th'yuorie in golden mantle gownd:
6 So that faire spectacle from him was reft,
Yet that, which reft it, no lesse faire was fownd:
8 So hid in lockes and waues from lookers theft,
Nought but her louely face she for his looking left.

1 With that, the other likewise up arose, 2 And her fair locks, which formerly were bound 3 Up in one knot, she low adown did loosen:

adown > down

4 Which, flowing long and thick, her clothed around, 5 And the ivory in golden mantle gowned:

ivory > [of her skin]

6 So that fair spectacle from him was reft,

reft > taken away

7 Yet that, which reft it, no less fair was found: 8 So hid in locks and waves from looker's theft, 9 Naught but her lovely face she for his looking left.

212.68

Withall she laughed, and she blusht withall,
2 That blushing to her laughter gaue more grace,
And laughter to her blushing, as did fall:
4 Now when they spide the knight to slacke his pace,
Them to behold, and in his sparkling face
6 The secret signes of kindled lust appeare,
Their wanton meriments they did encreace,
8 And to him beckned, to approch more neare,
And shewd him many sights, that courage cold could reare.

1 Withal she laughed, and she blushed withal:

Withal > With that withal > nevertheless

2 That blushing to her laughter gave more grace, 3 And laughter to her blushing, as did fall;

fall > happen

4 Now when they spied the knight to slack his pace,

to slack > [slackening]

5 Them to behold, and in his sparkling face 6 The secret signs of kindled lust appear,

appear > [appearing]

7 Their wanton merriments they did increase,

wanton > playful; lewd merriment > {Jest; piece of foolery}

8 And to him beckoned, to approach more near, 9 And showed him many sights, that courage cold could rear.

courage > sexual desire rear > excite, arouse

212.69

On which when gazing him the Palmer saw,
2 He much rebukt those wandring eyes of his,
And counseld well, him forward thence did draw.
4 Now are they come nigh to the Bowre of blis
Of her fond fauorites so nam'd amis:
6 When thus the Palmer; Now Sir, well auise;
For here the end of all our trauell is:
8 Here wonnes Acrasia, whom we must surprise,
Else she will slip away, and all our drift despise.

1 On which when gazing him the palmer saw:

gazing > [Guyon was gazing]

2 He much rebuked those wandering eyes of his, 3 And counselled well: him forward thence did draw. 4 Now are they come nigh to the Bower of Bliss 5 Of her fond favourites so named amiss:

her > [Acrasia's; or the Bower's] fond > foolish

6 When thus the palmer: "Now sir, well advise;

advise > consider

7 For here the end of all our travel is:

travel > travel, travail

8 Here wons Acrasia, whom we must surprise,

wons > dwells

9 Else she will slip away, and all our drift despise."

drift > aim, plot despise > set at naught

212.70

Eftsoones they heard a most melodious sound,
2 Of all that mote delight a daintie eare,
Such as attonce might not on liuing ground,
4 Saue in this Paradise, be heard elswhere:
Right hard it was, for wight, which did it heare,
6 To read, what manner musicke that mote bee:
For all that pleasing is to liuing eare,
8 Was there consorted in one harmonee,
Birdes, voyces, instruments, windes, waters, all agree.

1 Eftsoons they heard a most melodious sound,

Eftsoons > Soon; thereupon

2 Of all that might delight a dainty ear,

dainty > fastidious

3 Such as at once might not on living ground,

at once > at one time; one time, hence: ever on living ground > [in the living world, in the present world]

4 Save in this paradise, be heard elsewhere: 5 Right hard it was, for wight which did it hear,

Right > Very wight > person, man, mortal

6 To read what manner music that might be:

read > discern manner > sort [of]

7 For all that pleasing is to living ear 8 Was there consorted in one harmony:

consorted > accorded, joined in accord

9 Birds, voices, instruments, winds, waters, all agree.

212.71

The ioyous birdes shrouded in chearefull shade,
2 Their notes vnto the voyce attempred sweet;
Th'Angelicall soft trembling voyces made
4 To th'instruments diuine respondence meet:
The siluer sounding instruments did meet
6 With the base murmure of the waters fall:
The waters fall with difference discreet,
8 Now soft, now loud, vnto the wind did call:
The gentle warbling wind low answered to all.

1 The joyous birds, shrouded in cheerful shade,

shrouded > sheltered; hidden cheerful > encouraging (hence: conducive to music-making)

2 Their notes to the voice attempered sweet;

voice > ?music attempered > attuned

3 The angelic soft trembling voices made 4 To the instruments divine respondence meet:

respondence > response; concord meet > fitting, suitable

5 The silver-sounding instruments did meet

meet > unite

6 With the bass murmur of the water's fall: 7 The water's fall with difference discreet,

difference > variation discreet > moderate; or: discrete, distinct

8 Now soft, now loud, to the wind did call: 9 The gentle warbling wind low answered to all.

212.72

There, whence that Musick seemed heard to bee,
2 Was the faire Witch her selfe now solacing,
With a new Louer, whom through sorceree
4 And witchcraft, she from farre did thither bring:
There she had him now layd a slombering,
6 In secret shade, after long wanton ioyes:
Whilst round about them pleasauntly did sing
8 Many faire Ladies, and lasciuious boyes,
That euer mixt their song with light licentious toyes.

1 There, whence that music seemed heard to be, 2 Was the fair witch herself now solacing

solacing > {Taking comfort, recreation, or enjoyment}

3 With a new lover, whom through sorcery 4 And witchcraft she from far did thither bring: 5 There she had him now laid a-slumbering, 6 In secret shade, after long wanton joys:

secret > hidden

7 Whilst round about them pleasantly did sing 8 Many fair ladies, and lascivious boys, 9 That ever mixed their song with light licentious toys.

toys > amorous games; antics, whims (perhaps of a musical nature)

212.73

And all +that+ while, right ouer him she hong,
2 With her false eyes fast fixed in his sight,
As seeking medicine, whence she was stong,
4 Or greedily depasturing delight:
And oft inclining downe with kisses light,
6 For feare of waking him, his lips bedewd,
And through his humid eyes did sucke his spright,
8 Quite molten into lust and pleasure lewd;
Wherewith she sighed soft, as if his case she rewd.

1 that > the 1609

1 And all that while, right over him she hung,

right > (Here, an intensive: a very archaic usage)

2 With her false eyes fast fixed in his sight,

false > deceitful; or: forged (i.e. painted, or perhaps having had their pupils dilated with belladonna) fast > firmly; very closely

3 As seeking medicine, whence she was stung,

As > [As though] medicine > [a] cure; or: philtre, love-potion (i.e. she desires more of the same) was > [had been]

4 Or greedily depasturing delight:

depasturing > feeding upon, consuming (the literal meaning, "grazing", "stripping a pasture", becomes relevant when we learn that her lover's name is Verdant: see 212.82:8)

5 And oft, inclining down with kisses light, 6 For fear of waking him, his lips bedewed,

bedewed > [she bedewed]

7 And through his humid eyes did suck his spirit, 8 Quite molten into lust and pleasure lewd; 9 Wherewith she sighed soft, as if his case she rued.

Wherewith > With which rued > pitied

212.74

The whiles some one did chaunt this louely lay;
2 Ah see, who so faire thing doest faine to see,
In springing flowre the image of thy day;
4 Ah see the Virgin Rose, how sweetly shee
Doth first peepe forth with bashfull modestee,
6 That fairer seemes, the lesse ye see her may;
Lo see soone after, how more bold and free
8 Her bared bosome she doth broad display;
Loe see soone after, how she fades, and falles away.

1 The whiles someone did chant this lovely lay:

The whiles > Meanwhile lovely lay > love-song; lovely song

2 "Ah see, whoso fair thing does fain to see,

whoso > whoever fain > enjoy; make glad

3 In springing flower the image of your day; 4 Ah see the virgin rose, how sweetly she 5 Does first peep forth with bashful modesty, 6 That fairer seems, the less you see her may; 7 Lo see soon after, how more bold and free 8 Her bared bosom she does broad display;

9 Lo see soon after, how she fades, and falls away.

display > display; spread

212.75

So passeth, in the passing of a day,
2 Of mortall life the leafe, the bud, the flowre,
Ne more doth flourish after first decay,
4 That earst was sought to decke both bed and bowre,
Of many a Ladie, and many a Paramowre:
6 Gather therefore the Rose, whilest yet is prime,
For soone comes age, that will her pride deflowre:
8 Gather the Rose of loue, whilest yet is time,
Whilest louing thou mayst loued be with equall crime.

1 "So passes, in the passing of a day, 2 Of mortal life the leaf, the bud, the flower, 3 No more does flourish after first decay, 4 That erst was sought to deck both bed and bower

erst > lately; formerly bower > chamber, bedroom

5 Of many a lady, and many a paramour: 6 Gather therefore the rose, whilst yet is prime,

is > [it is; in its] prime > prime; springtime (sb.); prime, early, young (adj.)

7 For soon comes age, that will her pride deflower:

pride > prime, most flourishing state, magnificence; sexual desire

8 Gather the rose of love, whilst yet is time,

is > [there is]

9 Whilst loving you may loved be with equal crime."

with equal crime > ?with equal sin ("equal" can also have the meaning "impartial"; and "crime" can mean "accusation". If these are adopted, the phrase might mean "without unfair judgement", or something similar. Hamilton (1980) cites Cheney (1966), and suggests that the phrase "conveys the sense less of `mutual enjoyment (and hence no crime at all)' than that of `a reprobate guilt to be shared by all'")

212.76

He ceast, and then gan all the quire of birdes
2 Their diuerse notes t'attune vnto his lay,
As in approuance of his pleasing words.
4 The constant paire heard all, that he did say,
Yet swarued not, but kept their forward way,
6 Through many couert groues, and thickets close,
In which they creeping did at last display
8 That wanton Ladie, with her louer lose,
Whose sleepie head she in her lap did soft dispose.

1 He ceased, and then began all the choir of birds 2 Their diverse notes to attune to his lay,

diverse > various; also: distracting (SUS) lay > song

3 As in approvance of his pleasing words.

As > [As if] approvance > approval

4 The constant pair heard all that he did say, 5 Yet swerved not, but kept their forward way, 6 Through many covert groves, and thickets close,

close > close; secret

7 In which they creeping did at last display

display > open up to view, make manifest (perhaps by parting the branches)

8 That wanton lady, with her lover loose, 9 Whose sleepy head she in her lap did soft dispose.

212.77

Vpon a bed of Roses she was layd,
2 As faint through heat, or dight to pleasant sin,
And was arayd, or rather disarayd,
4 All in a vele of silke and siluer thin,
That hid no whit her alablaster skin,
6 But rather shewd more white, if more might bee:
More subtile web Arachne can not spin,
8 Nor the fine nets, which oft we wouen see
Of scorched deaw, do not in th'aire more lightly flee.

1 Upon a bed of roses she was laid, 2 As faint through heat, or dight to pleasant sin,

As > [As though] dight to > prepared for, arranged for

3 And was arrayed, or rather disarrayed, 4 All in a veil of silk and silver thin,

silver > [silver thread]

5 That hid no whit her alabaster skin, 6 But rather showed more white, if more might be: 7 More subtile web Arachne cannot spin,

subtile > rarefied, thin; subtle

8 Nor the fine nets, which oft we woven see 9 Of scorched dew, do not in the air more lightly flee.

scorched dew > [gossamer] not > (Pleonastic, and thus intensive) flee > fly; hence: drift

212.78

Her snowy brest was bare to readie spoyle
2 Of hungry eies, which n'ote therewith be fild,
And yet through languour of her late sweet toyle,
4 Few drops, more cleare then Nectar, forth distild,
That like pure Orient perles adowne it trild,
6 And her faire eyes sweet smyling in delight,
Moystened their fierie beames, with which she thrild
8 Fraile harts, yet quenched not; like starry light
Which sparckling on the silent waues, does seeme more bright.

1 Her snowy breast was bare to ready spoil

spoil > spoliation

2 Of hungry eyes, which no'te therewith be filled,

no'te > could not, might not therewith > with that

3 And yet, through languor of her late sweet toil,

yet > still, even now of > [resulting from] late > recent

4 Few drops, more clear than nectar, forth distilled,

Few > [A few] distilled > exuded

5 That like pure orient pearls adown it trilled,

orient > {Coming from the Orient; best quality, having a special lustre; brilliant, lustrous, sparkling} adown > down trilled > trickled

6 And her fair eyes, sweet smiling in delight, 7 Moistened their fiery beams, with which she thrilled

thrilled > pierced

8 Frail hearts, yet quenched not; like starry light

Frail > {Frail; morally weak, unable to resist temptation; tender (last is SUS)} quenched > destroyed, killed

9 Which, sparkling on the silent waves, does seem more bright.

bright > bright; beautiful

212.79

The young man sleeping by her, seemd to bee
2 Some goodly swayne of honorable place,
That certes it great pittie was to see
4 Him his nobilitie so foule deface;
A sweet regard, and amiable grace,
6 Mixed with manly sternnesse did appeare
Yet sleeping, in his well proportiond face,
8 And on his tender lips the downy heare
Did now but freshly spring, and silken blossomes beare.

1 The young man sleeping by her seemed to be 2 Some goodly swain of honourable place,

goodly > well-favoured; fine swain > youth; lover place > social station

3 That certes it great pity was to see

certes > assuredly

4 Him his nobility so foully deface;

deface > cast in the shade; disgrace; destroy

5 A sweet regard, and amiable grace,

regard > expression, aspect

6 Mixed with manly sternness did appear, 7 Yet sleeping, in his well proportioned face,

Yet sleeping > [Even as he slept]

8 And on his tender lips the downy hair 9 Did now but freshly spring, and silken blossoms bear.

212.80

His warlike armes, the idle instruments
2 Of sleeping praise, were hong vpon a tree,
And his braue shield, full of old moniments,
4 Was fowly ra'st, that none the signes might see;
Ne for them, ne for honour cared hee,
6 Ne ought, that did to his aduauncement tend,
But in lewd loues, and wastfull luxuree,
8 His dayes, his goods, his bodie he did spend:
O horrible enchantment, that him so did blend.

1 His warlike arms, the idle instruments

arms > {Arms and armour}

2 Of sleeping praise, were hung upon a tree,

praise > praiseworthiness; virtue

3 And his brave shield, full of old monuments,

brave > splendid, showy; brave monuments > {Painted records of battle, insignia; relics (i.e. dents and other marks of battle)}

4 Was foully rased, that none the signs might see;

rased > scratched (i.e. the paint had been scratched off) that > [so that]

5 Neither for them, nor for honour cared he, 6 Nor aught that did to his advancement tend, 7 But in lewd loves, and wasteful luxury,

luxury > {Lasciviousness; dissipation; refined and intense enjoyment}

8 His days, his goods, his body he did spend: 9 O horrible enchantment, that him so did blend.

blend > blind, dazzle; also: stir up, hence: render turbid, spoil

212.81

The noble Elfe, and carefull Palmer drew
2 So nigh them, minding nought, but lustfull game,
That suddein forth they on them rusht, and threw
4 A subtile net, which onely for the same
The skilfull Palmer formally did frame.
6 So held them vnder fast, the whiles the rest
Fled all away for feare of fowler shame.
8 The faire Enchauntresse, so vnwares opprest,
Tryde all her arts, and all her sleights, thence out to wrest.

1 The noble Elf and careful palmer drew 2 So nigh them, minding naught but lustful game, 3 That sudden forth they on them rushed, and threw 4 A subtile net, which only for the same

subtile > thin, fine-textured net > (Cf. the net with which Vulcan traps his wife, Venus, and her lover, Mars, at Met. 4.169 ff.) the same > [that purpose]

5 The skilful palmer formally did frame.

formally > expressly; in good form; perhaps: formerly (see Textual Appendix at 212.1:4) frame > fashion, make

6 So held them under fast, while the rest

fast > firmly

7 Fled all away for fear of fouller shame. 8 The fair enchantress, so unwares oppressed,

unwares > unexpectedly oppressed > taken by surprise

9 Tried all her arts, and all her sleights, thence out to wrest.

wrest > force a way, twist, struggle, find egress; hence: escape

212.82

And eke her louer stroue: but all in vaine;
2 For that same net so cunningly was wound,
That neither guile, nor force might it distraine.
4 They tooke them both, and both them strongly bound
In captiue bandes, which there they readie found:
6 But her in chaines of adamant he tyde;
For nothing else might keepe her safe and sound;
8 But Verdant (so he hight) he soone vntyde,
And counsell sage in steed thereof to him applyde.

1 And eke her lover strove: but all in vain;

eke > in addition; likewise

2 For that same net so cunningly was wound

cunningly > skilfully, cleverly wound > woven

3 That neither guile nor force might it distrain.

distrain > rend asunder

4 They took them both, and both them strongly bound 5 In captive bonds, which there they ready found: 6 But her in chains of adamant he tied;

adamant > {Hardest metal, perhaps with magnetic properties (probably steel, from Greek adamas); also: a very hard rock of legendary hardness, as diamond or sapphire}

7 For nothing else might keep her safe and sound; 8 But Verdant (so he hight) he soon untied,

Verdant > "Green"; "Inexperienced"; "Green-giver", "Life-giver" hight > was named

9 And counsel sage instead thereof to him applied.

applied > applied; addressed

212.83

But all those pleasant bowres and Pallace braue,
2 Guyon broke downe, with rigour pittilesse;
Ne ought their goodly workmanship might saue
4 Them from the tempest of his wrathfulnesse,
But that their blisse he turn'd to balefulnesse:
6 Their groues he feld, their gardins did deface,
Their arbers +spoyle+, their Cabinets suppresse,
8 Their banket houses burne, their buildings race,
And of the fairest late, now made the fowlest place.

7 spoyle > spoyld 1596, 1609

1 But all those pleasant bowers and palace brave

bowers > arbours, shady recesses; rooms, chambers brave > splendid, fine

2 Guyon broke down with rigour pitiless;

rigour > violence

3 Ne aught their goodly workmanship might save

Ne aught > Naught, not at all

4 Them from the tempest of his wrathfulness, 5 But their bliss he turned to balefulness:

balefulness > sorrow, unhappiness, painfulness

6 Their groves he felled, their gardens did deface,

deface > destroy

7 Their arbours spoil, their cabinets suppress,

cabinet > little cabin, rustic cottage, summerhouse suppress > press down; hence: break down

8 Their banquet houses burn, their buildings raze, 9 And of the fairest late, now made the foullest place.

late > lately

212.84

Then led they her away, and eke that knight
2 They with them led, both sorrowfull and sad:
The way they came, the same retourn'd they right,
4 Till they arriued, where they lately had
Charm'd those wild-beasts, that rag'd with furie mad.
6 Which now awaking, fierce at them gan fly,
As in their mistresse reskew, whom they lad;
8 But them the Palmer soone did pacify.
Then Guyon askt, what meant those beastes, which there did ly.

1 Then led they her away, and eke that knight

eke > also

2 They with them led, both sorrowful and sad: 3 The way they came, the same returned they right,

right > directly

4 Till they arrived where they lately had 5 Charmed those wild beasts that raged with fury mad. 6 Which now awaking, fierce at them gan fly,

gan > did

7 As in their mistress' rescue, whom they led;

they led > [Guyon and the palmer were leading - literally]

8 But them the palmer soon did pacify. 9 Then Guyon asked what meant those beasts, which there did lie.

meant > was the meaning of; intended, had in mind

212.85

Said he, +these+ seeming beasts are men indeed,
2 Whom this Enchauntresse hath transformed thus,
Whylome her louers, which her lusts did feed,
4 Now turned into figures hideous,
According to their mindes like monstruous.
6 Sad end (quoth he) of life intemperate,
And mournefull meed of ioyes delicious:
8 But Palmer, if it mote thee so aggrate,
Let them returned be vnto their former state.

1 these > These 1609

1 Said he, "These seeming beasts are men indeed, 2 Whom this enchantress has transformed thus, 3 Whilom her lovers, which her lusts did feed,

Whilom > Formerly

4 Now turned into figures hideous,

hideous > hideous; immense; odious

5 According to their minds like monstrous."

like > similarly (cf. 104.18:4, Odyssey 10.238-41 and Myth. 6.6)

6 "Sad end," quoth he, "of life intemperate,

he > [Guyon]

7 And mournful meed of joys delicious:

meed > reward delicious > voluptuous

8 But palmer, if it might you so aggrate,

aggrate > please

9 Let them returned be to their former state."

212.86

Streight way he with his vertuous staffe them strooke,
2 And streight of beasts they comely men became;
Yet being men they did vnmanly looke,
4 And stared ghastly, some for inward shame,
And some for wrath, to see their captiue Dame:
6 But one aboue the rest in speciall,
That had an hog beene late, hight Grille by name,
8 Repined greatly, and did him miscall,
That had from hoggish forme him brought to naturall.

1 Straightway he with his virtuous staff them struck,

virtuous > {Possessing occult power; cf. 212.26:6, 212.40:8}

2 And straight of beasts they comely men became;

straight > straightway, immediately of > [from the form of]

3 Yet being men they did unmanly look,

unmanly > not human

4 And stared ghastly: some for inward shame,

ghastly > {Ghastlily, horribly; in a ghost-like manner; as if terrified by the supernatural}

5 And some for wrath, to see their captive dame; 6 But one above the rest in special,

in special > especially, particularly

7 That had a hog been late, hight Grill by name,

late > lately hight > called Grill > "Pig" (Greek; one of Circe's former lovers (Odyssey 10.238-41): the character figures in Plutarch's dialogue, Whether the Beasts have the Use of Reason)

8 Repined greatly, and did him miscall,

Repined > Fretted, complained miscall > revile

9 That had from hoggish form him brought to natural.

212.87

Said Guyon, See the mind of beastly man,
2 That hath so soone forgot the excellence
Of his creation, when he life began,
4 That now he chooseth, with vile difference,
To be a beast, and lacke intelligence.
6 To whom the Palmer thus, The donghill kind
Delights in filth and foule incontinence:
8 Let Grill be Grill, and haue his hoggish mind,
But let vs hence depart, whilest wether serues and wind.

1 Said Guyon, "See the mind of beastly man, 2 That has so soon forgotten the excellence 3 Of his creation, when he life began, 4 That now he chooses, with vile difference,

difference > discrimination; argument, disagreement

5 To be a beast, and lack intelligence." 6 To whom the palmer thus: "The dunghill kind 7 Delights in filth and foul incontinence: 8 Let Grill be Grill, and have his hoggish mind, 9 But let us hence depart, whilst weather serves and wind."

=>
THE THIRD
2 BOOKE OF THE
FAERIE QVEENE.
4 Contayning,
THE LEGEND OF BRITOMARTIS.
6 OR
Of Chastitie.

1 THE THIRD 2 BOOK OF THE 3 FAERY QUEEN 4 Containing 5 THE LEGEND OF BRITOMART 6 OR 7 of Chastity

300.1

IT falles me here to write of Chastity,
2 +That+ fairest vertue, farre aboue the rest;
For which what needs me fetch from Faery
4 Forreine ensamples, it to haue exprest?
Sith it is shrined in my Soueraines brest,
6 And form'd so liuely in each perfect part,
That to all Ladies, which haue it profest,
8 Need but behold the pourtraict of her hart,
If pourtrayd it might be by any liuing art.

1 That > The 1590

1 It falls me here to write of chastity,

falls > befalls

2 That fairest virtue, far above the rest; 3 For which what needs me fetch from Faery

needs me > do I need to; need do I have to

4 Foreign examples, it to have expressed?

expressed > portrayed, represented; represented symbolically

5 Sith it is shrined in my sovereign's breast,

Sith > Since shrined > enclosed, enshrined

6 And formed so lively in each perfect part,

lively > {Livelily, in a lifelike manner}

7 That to all ladies, which have it professed,

to > (?? One possible reading moves this word to the next line: "Need but to behold …" Alternatively the "Ladies" may share with "pourtraict" the verb "pourtrayd") professed > pretended, laid claim to

8 Need but behold the portrait of her heart,

portrait > image

9 If portrayed it might be by any living art.

300.2

But liuing art may not least part expresse,
2 Nor life-resembling pencill it can paint,
All were it Zeuxis or Praxiteles:
4 His d{ae}dale hand would faile, and greatly faint,
And her perfections with his error taint:
6 Ne Poets wit, that passeth Painter farre
In picturing the parts of beautie daint,
8 So hard a workmanship aduenture darre,
For fear through want of words her excellence to marre.

1 But living art may not least part express,

least > [the least] express > represent

2 Nor life-resembling pencil it can paint,

resembling > depicting pencil > artist's brush

3 All were it Zeuxis' or Praxiteles':

All > Even
Zeuxis > (Greek painter, c. 455-396 BC)
Praxiteles > (Greek sculptor, c. 400-320 BC)

4 His daedal hand would fail, and greatly faint,

daedal > cunning, inventive (derived from the name of Daedalus, the Artist, of Knossos) faint > grow weak

5 And her perfections with his error taint: 6 Nor poet's wit (that passes painter's far

wit > skill; mental capacity passes > surpasses [the]

7 In picturing the parts of beauty dainty)

parts > qualities dainty > delightful, delicate

8 So hard a workmanship adventure dares,

adventure > [to] venture, [to] hazard

9 For fear, through want of words, her excellence to mar.

300.3

How then shall I, Apprentice of the skill,
2 That whylome in diuinest wits did raine,
Presume so high to stretch mine humble quill?
4 Yet now my lucklesse lot doth me constraine
Hereto perforce. But {o^} dred Soueraine
6 Thus farre forth pardon, sith that choicest wit
Cannot your glorious pourtraict figure plaine
8 That I in colourd showes may shadow it,
And antique praises vnto present persons fit.

1 How then shall I, apprentice of the skill 2 That whilom in divinest wits did reign,

whilom > of old wits > minds

3 Presume so high to stretch my humble quill?

quill > pen

4 Yet now my luckless lot does me constrain 5 Hereto perforce. But O dread Sovereign

Hereto > To this, to this matter dread > dreaded; revered

6 Thus far forth pardon, sith choicest wit

pardon > {Make courteous allowance} sith > since wit > skill

7 Cannot your glorious portrait figure plain,

figure > represent

8 That I in coloured shows may shadow it,

coloured > disguised shadow > {Render a poor likeness of; portray}

9 And antique praises to present persons fit.

antique > ancient

300.4

But if in liuing colours, and right hew,
2 +Your+ selfe +you+ couet to see pictured,
Who can it doe more liuely, or more trew,
4 Then that sweet verse, with Nectar sprinckeled,
In which a gracious seruant pictured
6 His Cynthia, his heauens fairest light?
That with his melting sweetnesse rauished,
8 And with the wonder of her beames bright,
My senses lulled are in slomber of delight.

2 Your > Thy 1590 2 you > thou 1590

1 But if in living colours and right hue

hue > appearance

2 Yourself you covet to see pictured, 3 What can it do more lively, or more true,

lively > {Livelily; in a lifelike manner} true > accurately

4 Than that sweet verse, with nectar sprinkled, 5 In which a gracious servant pictured

a gracious servant > (Sir Walter Raleigh, 1552-1618, poet, soldier, explorer, scholar, statesman, and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth. He had a huge estate near Spenser's in southern Ireland, and under his auspices the FQ was published and dedicated to the sovereign)

6 His Cynthia, his heaven's fairest light?

Cynthia > (Raleigh's poem in praise of Queen Elizabeth is called The Ocean's Love to Cynthia; of this, only one book has survived. See I:118-24)

7 That with his melting sweetness ravished,

That > [So that]

8 And with the wonder of her beams bright,

her beams > (Cynthia is an aspect of Diana, goddess of the moon) bright > bright; beautiful

9 My senses lulled are in slumber of delight.

300.5

But let that same delitious Poet lend
2 A little leaue vnto a rusticke Muse
To sing his mistresse prayse, and let him mend,
4 If ought amis her liking may abuse:
Ne let his fairest Cynthia refuse,
6 In mirrours more then one her selfe to see,
But either Gloriana let her chuse,
8 Or in Belph{oe}be fashioned to bee:
In th'one her rule, in th'other her rare chastitee.

1 But let that same delicious poet lend 2 A little leave to a rustic Muse

Muse > (Here the word is used metonymically to mean "poet")

3 To sing his mistress' praise, and let him mend,

mend > [mend my verses]

4 If aught amiss her liking may abuse:

abuse > violate; hence: offend

5 Nor let his fairest Cynthia refuse 6 In mirrors more than one herself to see,

mirror > mirror; also: reflection [of perfection] and hence paragon of beauty

7 But either Gloriana let her choose,

Gloriana > (The Faery Queen)

8 Or in Belphoebe fashioned to be: 9 In the one her rule, in the other her rare chastity.