1 "She is the mighty Queen of Faery, 2 Whose fair retrait I in my shield do bear;
retrait > portrait in > [on]
3 She is the flower of grace and chastity, 4 Throughout the world renowned far and near, 5 My lief, my liege, my sovereign, my dear,
lief > beloved liege > {Superior to whom one owes feudal allegiance and service}
6 Whose glory shines as the morning star,
the morning star > (Another name for the planet Venus; cf. 100.4:2 and SC, gloss to "December": "Venus, the goddesse of beauty or pleasure. Also a signe in heaven, as it is here taken")
7 And with her light the earth enlumines clear;
enlumines > illuminates
8 Far reach her mercies, and her praises far, 9 As well in state of peace, as puissance in war."
well > much puissance > [in] strength