II. The Allegory: Holiness, by conquering the devil, frees the whole human race from the tyranny of sin. It is embarrassed by the unexpected appearance of the consequences of its past sins, but makes a manly confession. In spite of hypocritical intrigues (Archimago) and false slanders (Duessa), Holiness is united to Truth, thus forming a perfect character. The champion of the church militant responds cheerfully to the calls of duty and honor.
2. Reformed England, having destroyed the brutal power of Rome, is firmly united to the truth in spite of the intrigues of the Pope to win it back to allegiance. It then goes forth against the King of Spain in obedience to the command of Queen Elizabeth.
[3.] vere the maine shete, shift the mainsail, beare up with the land, direct the ship toward land.
[25.] out of hond, at once.
[43.] Of tall young men. An allusion to Queen Elizabeth's Pensioners, a band of the tallest and handsomest young men, of the best families and fortunes, that could be found (Warton). All hable armes to sownd, all proper to wield armes.
[57.] to the Maydens, to the accompaniment of the maidens' timbrels.
[71.] in her self-resemblance well beseene, looking well in her resemblance to her proper self, i.e. a king's daughter.
[73.] the raskall many, the crowd of common people.
[116.] of great name, of great celebrity, i.e. value.
[117.] fitting purpose frame, held fitting conversation.