“The knight was ruled, and the Boatman strayt
Held on his course with stayed stedfastnesse.”
(II. xii. 28, 29.)
Again, when Guyon’s senses are “softly tickled” by the rare melody of the mermaids, as it mingled with the strange harmony of the rolling sea, he bids the boatman row easily.
“But him the Palmer from that vanity,
With temperate advice discounselled,
That they it past.”
(II. xii. 34.)
Even when Guyon began to lessen his pace at the sight of the fair maidens sporting in the lake, which kindled signs of lust in his countenance, his reason was able to resist.
“On which when gazing him the Palmer saw,