3 Against the fort of reason evermore 4 To bring the soul into captivity? 5 Their force is fiercer through infirmity 6 Of the frail flesh, relenting to their rage,
frail > frail, weak; morally weak relenting > yielding; softening; melting
7 And exercise most bitter tyranny 8 Upon the parts, brought into their bondage:
parts > abilities, capacities; will, will-power (a sly reference to "private parts" may also be intended: cf. 202.37:5)
9 No wretchedness is like sinful villeinage.
villeinage > servitude, bondage, complete subjection
211.2
But in a body, which doth freely yeeld
2 His partes to reasons rule obedient,
And letteth her that ought the scepter weeld,
4 All happy peace and goodly gouernment
Is setled there in sure establishment;
6 There Alma like a virgin Queene most bright,
Doth florish in all beautie excellent:
8 And to her guestes doth bounteous banket dight,
Attempred goodly well for health and +for+ delight.
9 for > omitted from 1596
1 But in a body which does freely yield 2 Its parts to reason's rule obedient,