[232.] the which them nurst. The antecedent of which is her. In the sixteenth century the was frequently placed before which, which was also the equivalent of who. Cf. the Lord's Prayer.
[234.] he should contend, he should have had to contend.
[237.] borne under happy starre. Belief in astrology was once common, and Spenser being a Pythagorean would hold the doctrine of the influence of the stars on human destiny.
[239.] that Armorie, the armor of the Christian warrior. Ephesians, vi, 13.
[243.] that like succeed it may, that like successful adventures may succeed it. The word order is inverted for the sake of the rhyme.
[250.] to frend, as his friend.
[254.] An aged Sire, the false enchanter, Archimago, or Hypocrisy, who is supposed to represent Pope Sixtus V or King Philip II of Spain. In general he stands for false religion or the Church of Rome. The character and adventure are taken from Orlando Furioso, ii, 12, in which there is a hypocritical hermit. The Knight at first takes Archimago to be a palmer, and inquires for the foreign news.
[295.] take up your In, take lodging.
[301.] a little wyde, a little way off.
[315.] an Ave-Mary, Hail Mary, a prayer to the Virgin. Cf. Luke, i, 28.