no'te he > he could not
8 But bear the rigour of his bold misprize,
But > [But to] rigour > harshness, rigour; rigorism, puritanic strictness (a development in the characterization of Guyon which becomes increasingly evident as Book II proceeds, reaching its apogee with the destruction of the Bower of Bliss at 212.81-3) misprize > contempt, scorn
9 And thence him forward led, him further to entice.
207.40
He brought him through a darksome narrow strait,
2 To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold:
The gate was open, but therein did wait
4 A sturdy villein, striding stiffe and bold,
As +if+ +that+ highest God defie he would;
6 In his right hand an yron club he held,
+But+ he himselfe was all of +golden+ mould,
8 Yet had both life and sence, and well could weld
That cursed weapon, when his cruell foes he queld.
5 if > omitted from 1596 5 that > the 1590 etc.: FE 7 But > And 1590 7 golden > yron 1590
1 He brought him through a darksome narrow strait, 2 To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold: 3 The gate was open, but therein did wait 4 A sturdy villein, striding stiff and bold,
sturdy > courageous, ruthless (cf. 103.17:1) villein > villain; serf stiff > strongly, violently
5 As if highest God defy he would; 6 In his right hand an iron club he held, 7 But he himself was all of golden mould,