3 Amongst whom on me she deigned to bestow 4 Order of Maidenhead, the most renowned
Order of Maidenhead > (A reference to the Order of the Garter, the highest chivalric order of English knighthood, instituted c. 1344; the sovereign (i.e. Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen) is head of the order)
5 That may this day in all the world be found: 6 A yearly solemn feast she wonts to make
yearly > (See I:144-8: "The beginning therefore of my history …") wonts > is accustomed make > [observe, hold: see Textual Appendix]
7 The day that first does lead the year around;
day > (Probably Lady Day, 25 March, the first day of the new year in the Julian calendar; cf. also this passage in the general argument to SC: "For it is wel known, and stoutely mainteyned with strong reasons of the learned, that the yeare beginneth in March")
8 To which all knights of worth and courage bold 9 Resort, to hear of strange adventures to be told.
202.43
There this old Palmer shewed himselfe that day,
2 And to that mighty Princesse did complaine
Of grieuous mischiefes, which a wicked Fay
4 Had wrought, and many whelmd in deadly paine,
Whereof he crau'd redresse. My Soueraine,
6 Whose glory is in gracious deeds, and ioyes
Throughout the world her mercy to maintaine,
8 Eftsoones deuisd redresse for such annoyes;
Me all vnfit for so great purpose she employes.
1 "There this old palmer showed himself that day, 2 And to that mighty princess did complain 3 Of grievous mischiefs, which a wicked fay