104.8
High aboue all a cloth of State was spred,
2 And a rich throne, as bright as sunny day,
On which there sate most braue embellished
4 With royall robes and gorgeous array,
A mayden Queene, that shone as Titans ray,
6 In glistring gold, and peerelesse pretious stone:
Yet her bright blazing beautie did assay
8 To dim the brightnesse of her glorious throne,
As enuying her selfe, that too exceeding shone.
1 High above all a cloth of state was spread,
cloth of state > {Baldachin, canopy suspended on pillars above throne}
2 And a rich throne, as bright as sunny day, 3 On which there sat, most brave embellished
brave > splendidly
4 With royal robes and gorgeous array, 5 A maiden queen, that shone as Titan's ray,
that > who (if the pronoun refers to Lucifera rather than the throne; the intention is not entirely clear) Titan > (The sun personified. In this context the name also brings to mind the Titans, who sought to dethrone Zeus (Jove); they are synonymous with rebellion and the overthrow of order. And the phrase "Titans ray" prepares the reader for a description of Phaethon in the next stanza)
6 In glistering gold and peerless precious stone: 7 Yet her bright blazing beauty did essay
essay > attempt