Chapter 48
_Her faithfull knight faire Vna brings 2 to house of Holinesse, Where he is taught repentance, and 4 the way to heauenly blesse._
1 Her faithful knight fair Una brings 2 to House of Holiness, 3 Where he is taught repentance, and 4 the way to heavenly bliss.
110.1
WHat man is he, that boasts of fleshly might, 2 And vaine assurance of mortality, Which all so soone, as it doth come to fight, 4 Against spirituall foes, yeelds by and by, Or from the field most cowardly doth fly? 6 Ne let the man ascribe it to his skill, That thorough grace hath gained victory. 8 If any strength we haue, it is to ill, But all the good is Gods, both power and eke will.
1 What man is he, that boasts of fleshly might 2 And vain assurance of mortality, 3 Who, all so soon as it does come to fight
all so > just as
4 Against spiritual foes, yields by and by,
by and by > before long; straightway
5 Or from the field most cowardly does fly?
field > battle; field of battle fly > flee
6 Nor let the man ascribe it to his skill, 7 That through grace has gained victory. 8 If any strength we have, it is to ill,
ill > evil, wickedness; ill purpose, ill result
9 But all the good is God's, both power and eke will.
eke > also
110.2
By that, which lately hapned, _Vna_ saw, 2 That this her knight was feeble, and too faint; And all his sinews woxen weake and raw, 4 Through long +enprisonment+, and hard constraint, Which he endured in his late restraint, 6 That yet he was vnfit for bloudie fight: Therefore to cherish him with diets daint, 8 She cast to bring him, where he chearen might, Till he recouered had his late decayed plight.
4 enprisonment > imprisonment _1609_
1 By that which lately happened, Una saw 2 That this her knight was feeble, and too faint;
faint > sluggish; spiritless, lacking courage
3 And all his sinews waxed weak and raw
waxed > became; _hence:_ had become raw > raw-boned, wasted; _or:_ unready
4 Through long imprisonment and hard constraint,
constraint > restriction of liberty; affliction; oppression
5 Which he endured in his late restraint,
late restraint > recent restriction of liberty
6 That yet he was unfit for bloody fight:
That > [So that]
7 Therefore, to cherish him with diets daint,
daint > dainty, choice, pleasing, delicious
8 She cast to bring him where he cheer might,
cast > decided cheer > take heart
9 Till he recovered had his late decayed plight.
recovered had > had recovered from decayed > wasted, ruined (of health)
110.3
There was an auntient house not farre away, 2 Renowmd throughout the world for sacred lore, And pure vnspotted life: so well they say 4 It gouernd was, and guided euermore, Through wisedome of a matrone graue and hore; 6 Whose onely ioy was to relieue the needes Of wretched soules, and helpe the helpelesse pore: 8 All night she spent in bidding of her bedes, And all the day in doing good and godly deedes.
1 There was an ancient house not far away,
house > religious house; convent
2 Renowned throughout the world for sacred lore,
lore > teaching, doctrine
3 And pure unspotted life: so well, they say, 4 It governed was, and guided evermore, 5 Through wisdom of a matron grave and hoar;
hoar > {Venerable; grey-haired with age}
6 Whose only joy was to relieve the needs 7 Of wretched souls, and help the helpless poor: 8 All night she spent in bidding of her beads,
bidding of her beads > saying her rosary, saying her prayers
9 And all the day in doing good and godly deeds.
110.4
Dame _C{ae}lia_ men did her call, as thought 2 From heauen to come, or thither to arise, The mother of three daughters, well vpbrought 4 In goodly thewes, and godly exercise: The eldest two most sober, chast, and wise, 6 _Fidelia_ and _Speranza_ virgins were, Though spousd, yet wanting wedlocks solemnize; 8 But faire _Charissa_ to a louely fere Was lincked, and by him had many pledges dere.
1 Dame Caelia men did her call, as thought
Caelia > "Heavenly" (from the Latin _caelum_, the heavens)
2 From heaven to come, or thither to arise, 3 The mother of three daughters, well upbrought
upbrought > brought up
4 In goodly thews, and godly exercise:
thews > habits, morals; qualities exercise > worship, rites
5 The eldest two, most sober, chaste, and wise, 6 Fidelia and Speranza, virgins were,
Fidelia > "Faith" (from the Latin _fides_, faith) Speranza > "Hope" (from the Latin _spes_, hope)
7 Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize;
spoused > betrothed solemnize > solemnization; solemnizing
8 But fair Charissa to a lovely fere
Charissa > "Charity" (from the old French _charit{e/}_, charity) lovely fere > loving husband
9 Was linked, and by him had many pledges dear.
pledges > [children]
110.5
Arriued there, the dore they find fast lockt; 2 For it was warely watched night and day, For feare of many foes: but when they knockt, 4 The Porter opened vnto them streight way: He was an aged syre, all hory gray, 6 With lookes full lowly cast, and gate full slow, Wont on a staffe his feeble steps to stay, 8 Hight _Humilt{a/}_. They passe in stouping low; For streight and narrow was the way, which he did show.
1 Arrived there, the door they find fast locked,
fast > firmly
2 For it was warely watched night and day,
warely > vigilantly
3 For fear of many foes: but when they knocked 4 The porter opened to them straightway: 5 He was an aged sire, all hoary grey,
sire > {Aged or elderly man}
6 With looks full lowly cast, and gait full slow
full > very
7 (Wont on a staff his feeble steps to stay),
Wont > Accustomed stay > support
8 Hight Umilt{a\}. They pass in, stooping low:
Hight > Called, named Umilt{a\} > "Humility" (Italian)
9 For straight and narrow was the way which he did show.
straight and narrow > (See _Matt._ 7.14; and cf. 104.2:8)
110.6
Each goodly thing is hardest to begin, 2 But entred in a spacious court they see, Both plaine, and pleasant to be walked in, 4 Where them does meete a francklin faire and free, And entertaines with comely courteous glee, 6 His name was _Zele_, that him right well became, For in his speeches and behauiour hee 8 Did labour liuely to expresse the same, And gladly did them guide, till to the Hall they came.
1 Each goodly thing is hardest to begin,
goodly > fine
2 But, entered in, a spacious court they see, 3 Both plain, and pleasant to be walked in, 4 Where them does meet a franklin fair and free,
franklin > free man (as opposed to a villein or serf); land-owner (of free but not noble birth)
5 And entertains with comely courteous glee;
glee > joy
6 His name was Zeal, that him right well became,
right > very
7 For in his speeches and behaviour he 8 Did labour lively to express the same, 9 And gladly did them guide, till to the hall they came.
110.7
There fairely them receiues a gentle Squire, 2 Of milde demeanure, and rare courtesie, Right cleanly clad in comely sad attire; 4 In word and deede that shew'd great modestie, And knew his good to all of each degree, 6 Hight _Reuerence_. He them with speeches meet Does faire entreat; no courting nicetie, 8 But simple true, and eke vnfained sweet, As might become a Squire so great persons to greet.
1 There fairly them receives a gentle squire
fairly > becomingly, courteously gentle squire > noble attendant
2 Of mild demeanour and rare courtesy,
mild > gracious, kindly
3 Right cleanly clad in comely sad attire;
Right > Very sad > sober-coloured
4 In word and deed that showed great modesty, 5 And knew his good to all of each degree,
knew > made known; _hence:_ applied, demonstrated good > grace; virtue, goodness degree > social station
6 Hight Reverence. He them with speeches meet
Hight > Called, named meet > seemly, appropriate
7 Does fair entreat: no courting nicety,
fair entreat > becomingly treat courting nicety > courtly foolishness, artificiality
8 But simple true, and eke unfeigned sweet,
true > truth eke > moreover sweet > {Sweetness; that which is pleasant to the mind}
9 As might become a squire so great persons to greet.
so > such
110.8
And afterwards them to his Dame he leades, 2 That aged Dame, the Ladie of the place: Who all this while was busie at her beades: 4 Which doen, she vp arose with seemely grace, And toward them full matronely did pace. 6 Where when that fairest _Vna_ she beheld, Whom well she knew to spring from heauenly race, 8 Her hart with ioy vnwonted inly sweld, As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld.
1 And afterwards them to his dame he leads, 2 That aged dame, the lady of the place: 3 Who all this while was busy at her beads:
beads > prayers
4 Which done, she up arose with seemly grace, 5 And toward them full matronly did pace.
full > very, exceedingly
6 Where, when fairest Una she beheld, 7 Whom well she knew to spring from heavenly race, 8 Her heart with joy unwonted inly swelled,
unwonted > unaccustomed inly > inwardly
9 As feeling wondrous comfort in her weaker eld.
comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort} weaker > too-weak eld > age, old age
110.9
And her embracing said, {o^} happie earth, 2 Whereon thy innocent feet doe euer tread, Most vertuous virgin borne of heauenly berth, 4 That to redeeme thy woefull parents head, From tyrans rage, and euer-dying dread, 6 Hast wandred through the world now long a day; Yet ceasest not thy wearie soles to lead, 8 What grace hath thee now hither brought this way? Or doen thy feeble feet vnweeting hither stray?
1 And, her embracing, said, "O happy earth, 2 Whereon your innocent feet do ever tread,
Whereon > On which
3 Most virtuous virgin, born of heavenly birth, 4 That, to redeem your woeful parents' head
head > position of command, _hence:_ rule
5 From tyrant's rage and ever-dying dread,
ever-dying dread > [continual fear of death; fear of eternal death]
6 Have wandered through the world now long a day;
long a > [for many a long]
7 Yet cease not your weary soles to lead, 8 What grace has you now hither brought this way? 9 Or do your feeble feet unweeting hither stray?
unweeting > unwittingly
110.10
Strange thing it is an errant knight to see 2 Here in this place, or any other wight, That hither turnes his steps. So few there bee, 4 That +chose+ the narrow path, or seeke the right: All keepe the broad high way, and take delight 6 With many rather for to go astray, And be partakers of their euill plight, 8 Then with a few to walke the rightest way; O foolish men, why haste ye to your owne decay?
4 chose > chuse _1609_
1 "Strange thing it is an errant knight to see
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.)
2 Here in this place, or any other wight,
wight > person, man
3 That hither turns his steps. So few there be 4 That choose the narrow path, or seek the right: 5 All keep the broad highway, and take delight
broad highway > (Cf. 104.2:8, 207.21:3)
6 With many rather to go astray, 7 And be partakers of their evil plight, 8 Than with a few to walk the rightest way; 9 O foolish men, why hasten you to your own decay?"
decay > downfall, destruction
110.11
Thy selfe to see, and tyred limbs to rest, 2 O matrone sage (quoth she) I hither came, And this good knight his way with me addrest, 4 Led with thy prayses and broad-blazed fame, That vp to heauen is blowne. The auncient Dame, 6 Him goodly greeted in her modest guise, And entertaynd them both, as best became, 8 With all the court'sies, that she could deuise, Ne wanted ought, to shew her bounteous or wise.
1 "Yourself to see, and tired limbs to rest, 2 O matron sage," quoth she, "I hither came, 3 And this good knight his way with me addressed,
addressed > directed; _also:_ set to rights, made straight (for Caelia has just described him as "errant")
4 Led with your praises and broad-blazed fame, 5 That up to heaven is blown." The ancient dame 6 Him goodly greeted in her modest guise,
goodly > courteously guise > manner
7 And entertained them both, as best became,
best became > was most fitting
8 With all the courtesies that she could devise, 9 Nor wanted aught to show her bounteous or wise.
bounteous > {Full of goodness; beneficent}
110.12
Thus as they gan of sundry things deuise, 2 Loe two most goodly virgins came in place, Ylinked arme in arme in louely wise, 4 With countenance demure, and modest grace, They numbred euen steps and equall pace: 6 Of which the eldest, that _Fidelia_ hight, Like sunny beames threw from her Christall face, 8 That could haue dazd the rash beholders sight, And round about her head did shine like heauens light.
1 Thus as they gan of sundry things devise,
gan > did devise > talk
2 Lo two most goodly virgins came in place,
goodly > beautiful in place > there
3 Linked arm-in-arm in lovely wise,
lovely > [a] loving, lovely wise > manner
6 Of whom the elder, that Fidelia hight,
hight > was named
7 Like sunny beams threw from her crystal face,
Like > [Something resembling] crystal > {Clear, having the qualities of crystal, as purity, luminosity}
8 That could have dazed the rash beholder's sight,
dazed > dazzled
9 And round about her head did shine like heaven's light.
110.13
She was araied all in lilly white, 2 And in her right hand bore a cup of gold, With wine and water fild vp to the hight, 4 In which a Serpent did himselfe enfold, That horrour made to all, that did behold; 6 But she no whit did chaunge her constant mood: And in her other hand she fast did hold 8 A booke, that was both signd and seald with blood, Wherein darke things were writ, hard to be vnderstood.
1 She was arrayed all in lily white, 2 And in her right hand bore a cup of gold, 3 With wine and water filled up to the height,
height > [brim]
4 In which a serpent did himself enfold, 5 That horror made to all that did behold; 6 But she no whit did change her constant mood: 7 And in her other hand she fast did hold
fast > firmly
8 A book, that was both signed and sealed with blood,
book > (The New Testament)
9 Wherein dark things were written, hard to be understood.
Wherein > In which dark things > (The Revelation)
110.14
Her younger sister, that _Speranza_ hight, 2 Was clad in blew, that her beseemed well; Not all so chearefull seemed she of sight, 4 As was her sister; whether dread did dwell, Or anguish in her hart, is hard to tell: 6 Vpon her arme a siluer anchor lay, Whereon she leaned euer, as befell: 8 And euer vp to heauen, as she did pray, Her stedfast eyes were bent, ne swarued other way.
1 Her younger sister, that Speranza hight,
hight > was named
2 Was clad in blue, that her beseemed well;
blue > (The traditional colour of hope) beseemed > suited
3 Not all so cheerful seemed she of sight,
of sight > in appearance, of aspect
4 As was her sister; whether dread did dwell, 5 Or anguish in her heart, is hard to tell: 6 Upon her arm a silver anchor lay,
anchor > (The symbol of hope: see _Heb._ 6.19)
7 Whereon she leaned ever, as befell:
befell > was fitting; it happened
8 And ever up to heaven, as she did pray, 9 Her steadfast eyes were bent, nor swerved other way.
bent > directed
110.15
They seeing _Vna_, towards her gan wend, 2 Who them encounters with like courtesie; Many kind speeches they betwene them spend, 4 And greatly ioy each other +well+ to see: Then to the knight with shamefast modestie 6 They turne themselues, at _Vnaes_ meeke request, And him salute with well beseeming glee; 8 Who faire them quites, as him beseemed best, And goodly +gan+ discourse of many a noble gest.
4 well > for _1590_ 9 gan > can _1609_
1 They, seeing Una, towards her gan wend,
gan > did
2 Who them encounters with like courtesy;
encounters > addresses; goes forward to meet
3 Many kind speeches they between them spend, 4 And greatly joy each other well to see: 5 Then to the knight with shamefast modesty
shamefast > shy, bashful
6 They turn themselves, at Una's meek request, 7 And him salute with well beseeming glee;
beseeming > suitable glee > joy, delight
8 Who fair them requites, as him beseemed best,
him beseemed best > seemed most fitting to him
9 And goodly gan discourse of many a noble gest.
goodly > courteously; well gan > did gest > exploit, deed
110.16
Then _Vna_ thus; But she your sister deare, 2 The deare _Charissa_ where is she become? Or wants she health, or busie is elsewhere? 4 Ah no, said they, but forth she may not come: For she of late is lightned of her wombe, 6 And hath encreast the world with one sonne more, That her to see should be but troublesome. 8 Indeede (quoth she) that should +her+ trouble sore, But thankt be God, and her encrease so euermore.
8 her > be _1590 etc.: FE_
1 Then Una thus: "But she, your sister dear, 2 The dear Charissa, where is she become?
is she become > [has she gone, is she]
3 Or wants she health, or busy is elsewhere?"
Or > Either; _hence, here:_ perhaps
4 "Ah no," said they, "but forth she may not come: 5 For she of late is lightened of her womb, 6 And has increased the world with one son more, 7 That her to see should be but troublesome."
That > [So that] be > [be for Charissa]
8 "Indeed," quoth she, "that should her trouble sore, 9 But thanked be God, and her increase so evermore!"
increase so > [may He make more fruitful in this way]
110.17
Then said the aged _C{oe}lia_, Deare dame, 2 And you good Sir, I wote that of your toyle, And labours long, through which ye hither came, 4 Ye both forwearied be: therefore a whyle I read you rest, and to your bowres recoyle. 6 Then called she a Groome, that forth him led Into a goodly lodge, and gan despoile 8 Of puissant armes, and laid in easie bed; His name was meeke _Obedience_ rightfully ared.
1 Then said the aged Caelia, "Dear dame, 2 And you, good sir, I wot that of your toil
wot > know
3 And labours long, through which you hither came, 4 You both forwearied be: therefore a while
forwearied > exhausted
5 I read you rest, and to your bowers recoil."
read you > advise you to bowers > rooms recoil > retire
6 Then called she a groom, that forth him led
groom > young man, manservant
7 Into a goodly lodge, and gan despoil
lodge > lodging, temporary abode gan > did despoil > strip
8 Of puissant arms, and laid in easy bed;
puissant > warlike arms > {Weapons, shield and armour}
9 His name was meek Obedience, rightfully aread.
aread > made known, declared
110.18
Now when their wearie limbes with kindly rest, 2 And bodies were refresht with due repast, Faire _Vna_ gan _Fidelia_ faire request, 4 To haue her knight into her schoolehouse plaste, That of her heauenly learning he might taste, 6 And heare the wisedome of her words diuine. She graunted, and that knight so much agraste, 8 That she him taught celestiall discipline, And opened his dull eyes, that light mote in them shine.
1 Now when their weary limbs with kindly rest,
kindly > natural
2 And bodies were refreshed with due repast,
refreshed > (Takes both "bodies" and "limbes" as direct objects)
3 Fair Una gan Fidelia fair request
gan > did fair > courteously
4 To have her knight into her schoolhouse placed, 5 That of her heavenly learning he might taste,
That > [So that]
6 And hear the wisdom of her words divine. 7 She granted, and that knight so much aggraced
aggraced > favoured
8 That she him taught celestial discipline,
celestial > heavenly discipline > {Learning; mental and moral training}
9 And opened his dull eyes, that light might in them shine.
that > [so that]
110.19
And that her sacred Booke, with bloud ywrit, 2 That none could read, except she did them teach, She vnto him disclosed euery whit, 4 And heauenly documents thereout did preach, That weaker wit of man could neuer reach, 6 Of God, of grace, of iustice, of free will, That wonder was to heare her goodly speach: 8 For she was able, with her words to kill, And raise againe to life the hart, that she did thrill.
1 And her sacred book, with blood written,
blood > [of Christ]
2 That none could read, except she did them teach,
except > unless
3 She to him disclosed every whit; 4 And heavenly documents thereout did preach,
documents > lessons; proofs thereout > out of that
5 That weaker wit of man could never reach,
weaker > [the] too-weak wit > mind, intelligence, mental faculty
6 Of God, of grace, of justice, of free will, 7 That wonder was to hear her goodly speech:
goodly > fine, beautiful
8 For she was able with her words to kill, 9 And raise again to life, the heart that she did thrill.
thrill > pierce
110.20
And when she list poure out her larger spright, 2 She would commaund the hastie Sunne to stay, Or backward turne his course from heauens hight; 4 Sometimes great hostes of men she could dismay, Dry-shod to passe, she parts the flouds in tway; 6 And eke huge mountaines from their natiue seat She would commaund, themselues to beare away, 8 And throw in raging sea with roaring threat. Almightie God her gaue such powre, and puissance great.
5 _This line was added in 1609._
1 And, when she list pour out her larger spirit,
list > chose to larger spirit > greater power, higher power
2 She would command the hasty sun to stay,
stay > wait (see _Josh._ 10.12)
3 Or backward turn its course from heaven's height;
backward > (See _2 Kings_ 20.10)
4 Sometimes great hosts of men she could dismay;
hosts > armies (see _Judg._ 7.21) dismay > defeat
5 Dry-shod to pass, she parts the floods in tway,
parts > (See _Exod._ 14.21 ff.) tway > two
6 And eke huge mountains from their native seat
eke > moreover mountains > (See _Matt._ 21.21) native seat > natural throne (i.e. foundations)
7 She would command themselves to bear away, 8 And throw in raging sea with roaring threat.
threat > pressure, thrust, _hence:_ force (Latin _trudere_, to press, thrust, urge); _also:_ threat, peril
9 Almighty God her gave such power, and puissance great.
puissance > strength
110.21
The faithfull knight now grew in litle space, 2 By hearing her, and by her sisters lore, To such perfection of all heauenly grace, 4 That wretched world he gan for to abhore, And mortall life gan loath, as thing forlore, 6 Greeu'd with remembrance of his wicked wayes, And prickt with anguish of his sinnes so sore, 8 That he +desirde,+ to end his wretched dayes: So much the dart of sinfull guilt the soule dismayes.
8 desirde, > desirde _1609_
1 The faithful knight now grew in little space, 2 By hearing her, and by her sister's lore,
lore > teaching
3 To such perfection of all heavenly grace 4 That wretched world he began to abhor, 5 And mortal life gan loathe as thing forlorn,
gan > did; began to forlorn > wretched, depraved; morally lost, doomed
6 Grieved with remembrance of his wicked ways, 7 And pricked with anguish of his sins so sore 8 That he desired to end his wretched days: 9 So much the dart of sinful guilt the soul dismays.
110.22
But wise _Speranza_ gaue him comfort sweet, 2 And taught him how to take assured hold Vpon her siluer anchor, as was meet; 4 Else had his sinnes so great, and manifold Made him forget all that _Fidelia_ told. 6 In this distressed doubtfull agonie, When him his dearest _Vna_ did behold, 8 Disdeining life, desiring leaue to die, She found her selfe assayld with great perplexitie.
1 But wise Speranza gave him comfort sweet,
comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort}
2 And taught him how to take assured hold 3 Upon her silver anchor, as was meet;
meet > fitting
4 Else had his sins, so great and manifold,
Else had > [Otherwise would have]
5 Made him forget all that Fidelia told. 6 In this distressed doubtful agony,
doubtful > apprehensive, fearful agony > (In the Middle Ages, this word also applied specifically to Christ's mental anguish in Gethsemane)
7 When him his dearest Una did behold, 8 Disdaining life, desiring leave to die, 9 She found herself assailed with great perplexity,
perplexity > perplexity; distress
110.23
And came to _C{oe}lia_ to declare her smart, 2 Who well acquainted with that commune plight, Which sinfull horror workes in wounded hart, 4 Her wisely comforted all that she might, With goodly counsell and aduisement right; 6 And streightway sent with carefull diligence, To fetch a Leach, the which had great insight 8 In that disease of grieued conscience, And well could cure the same; His name was _Patience_.
1 And came to Caelia to declare her smart.
smart > pain; grief
2 Who, well acquainted with that common plight 3 Which sinful horror works in wounded heart, 4 Her wisely comforted all that she might,
might > could
5 With goodly counsel and advisement right;
advisement > advice
6 And straightway sent with careful diligence 7 To fetch a leech, who had great insight
leech > physician
8 Into that disease of grieved conscience, 9 And well could cure the same; his name was Patience.
110.24
Who comming to that soule-diseased knight, 2 Could hardly him intreat, to tell his griefe: Which knowne, and all that noyd his heauie spright, 4 Well searcht, eftsoones he gan apply +reliefe+ Of salues and med'cines, which had passing priefe, 6 And thereto added words of wondrous might: By which to ease he him recured briefe, 8 And much asswag'd the passion of his plight, That he his paine endur'd, as seeming now more light.
4 reliefe > relief _1590;_ reliefe. _1596_
1 Who, coming to that soul-diseased knight, 2 Could hardly him entreat to tell his grief:
hardly > with difficulty entreat > persuade
3 Which known, and all that noyed his heavy spirit
noyed > troubled, harassed
4 Well searched, eftsoons he gan apply relief
searched > probed, examined eftsoons > forthwith gan > did
5 Of salves and medicines, which had passing proof,
passing > surpassing, excellent proof > proven worth; _hence:_ efficacy
6 And thereto added words of wondrous might:
thereto > moreover, also
7 By which to ease he him recured brief,
ease > (Sb.) recured > cured, restored brief > rapidly; briefly, temporarily
8 And much assuaged the passion of his plight,
passion > suffering
9 That he his pain endured, as seeming now more light.
That > [So that]
110.25
But yet the cause and root of all his ill, 2 Inward corruption, and infected sin, Not purg'd nor heald, behind remained still, 4 And festring sore did rankle yet within, Close creeping twixt the marrow and the skin. 6 Which to extirpe, he laid him priuily Downe in a darkesome lowly place farre in, 8 Whereas he meant his corrosiues to apply, And with +streight+ diet tame his stubborne malady.
9 streight > streict _1609_
1 But yet the cause and root of all his ill
ill > trouble, disorder
2 (Inward corruption and infected sin) 3 Not purged nor healed, behind remained still, 4 And festering sore did rankle yet within, 5 Close creeping 'twixt the marrow and the skin.
marrow > {The vital part or "core" of the body}
6 Which to extirp, he laid him privily
extirp > extirpate privily > secretly; _hence:_ away from view
7 Down in a darksome lowly place far in, 8 Where he meant his corrosives to apply,
corrosives > remedies, caustic drugs
9 And with strait diet tame his stubborn malady.
strait > strict diet > {Way of living or thinking} stubborn > unyielding, intractable (cf. 108.25:4)
110.26
In ashes and sackcloth he did array 2 His daintie corse, proud humors to abate, And dieted with fasting euery day, 4 The swelling of his wounds to mitigate, And made him pray both earely and eke late: 6 And euer as superfluous flesh did rot _Amendment_ readie still at hand did wayt, 8 To pluck it out with pincers firie whot, That soone in him was left no one corrupted iot.
1 In ashes and sackcloth he did array 2 His dainty corse, proud humours to abate,
dainty corse > handsome body proud > proud, arrogant; lascivious; swollen, superfluous humours > {Habits of mind; mental qualities, inclinations; also: the four cardinal "humours" of the body whose proportions, in medieval physiology, were believed to determine one's mental and physical qualities} abate > destroy; abate
3 And dieted with fasting every day, 4 The swelling of his wounds to mitigate, 5 And made him pray both early and eke late:
eke > also
6 And ever, as superfluous flesh did rot, 7 Amendment ready still at hand did wait, 8 To pluck it out with pincers fiery hot, 9 That soon in him was left not one corrupted jot.
That > [So that]
110.27
And bitter _Penance_ with an yron whip, 2 Was wont him once to disple euery day: And sharp _Remorse_ his hart did pricke and nip, 4 That drops of bloud thence like a well did play; And sad _Repentance_ vsed to embay, 6 +His bodie in salt water smarting sore,+ The filthy blots of sinne to wash away. 8 So in short space they did to health restore The man that would not liue, but earst lay at deathes dore.
6 His bodie in salt water smarting sore, > His blamefull body in salt water sore, _1590_
1 And bitter Penance, with an iron whip, 2 Was wont him once to disple every day:
Was wont > Was accustomed; used disple > discipline (esp. as a religious practice)
3 And sharp Remorse his heart did prick and nip, 4 That drops of blood thence like a well did play;
That > [So that]
5 And sad Repentance used to embay
sad > solemn; grievous; sad; heavy embay > bathe, drench
6 His body in salt water smarting sore, 7 The filthy blots of sin to wash away. 8 So in short space they did to health restore 9 The man that would not live, but erst lay at death's door.
erst > lately
110.28
In which his torment often was so great, 2 That like a Lyon he would cry and rore, And rend his flesh, and his owne synewes eat. 4 His owne deare _Vna_ hearing euermore His ruefull shriekes and gronings, often tore 6 Her guiltlesse garments, and her golden heare, For pitty of his paine and anguish sore; 8 Yet all with patience wisely she did beare; For well she wist, his crime could else be neuer cleare.
1 In which his torment often was so great 2 That like a lion he would cry and roar, 3 And rend his flesh, and his own sinews eat.
rend > tear
4 His own dear Una, hearing evermore
evermore > constantly
5 His rueful shrieks and groanings, often tore 6 Her guiltless garments and her golden hair, 7 For pity of his pain and anguish sore; 8 Yet all with patience wisely she did bear; 9 For well she wist his crime could else be never clear.
wist > knew crime > {Wrongdoing, sins taken collectively} else > otherwise clear > clean; cleared, cleansed, purified
110.29
Whom thus recouer'd by wise Patience, 2 And trew _Repentance_ they to _Vna_ brought: Who ioyous of his cured conscience, 4 Him dearely kist, and fairely eke besought Himselfe to chearish, and consuming thought 6 To put away out of his carefull brest. By this _Charissa_, late in child-bed brought, 8 Was woxen strong, and left her fruitfull nest; To her faire _Vna_ brought this vnacquainted guest.
1 Whom, thus recovered by wise Patience 2 And true Repentance, they to Una brought; 3 Who, joyous of his cured conscience, 4 Him dearly kissed, and fairly eke besought
fairly > gently; courteously (when applied to "besought"); becomingly, equitably (when applied to "chearish") eke > also
5 Himself to cherish, and consuming thought
cherish > cheer (see _Ephes._ 5.29); hold dear, cherish consuming > destructive, diseased
6 To put away out of his careful breast.
careful > {Sorrowful, full of cares}
7 By this Charissa, late in childbed brought,
By this > By this time late > lately
8 Was waxed strong, and left her fruitful nest;
Was waxed > Had grown
9 To her fair Una brought this unacquainted guest.
unacquainted > unknown, un-introduced; _or:_ unusual, strange
110.30
She was a woman in her freshest age, 2 Of wondrous beauty, and of bountie rare, With goodly grace and comely personage, 4 That was on earth not easie to compare; Full of great loue, but _Cupids_ wanton snare 6 As hell she hated, chast in worke and will; Her necke and breasts were euer open bare, 8 That ay thereof her babes might sucke their fill; The rest was all in yellow robes arayed still.
1 She was a woman in her freshest age, 2 Of wondrous beauty, and of bounty rare,
bounty > virtue, goodness; kindness, generosity
3 With goodly grace and comely personage,
goodly > attractive, beautiful personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from clothing}
4 That was on earth not easy to compeer;
compeer > equal, rival
5 Full of great love, but Cupid's wanton snare
Cupid > (God of love, the son of Jupiter and Venus)
6 As hell she hated, chaste in work and will; 7 Her neck and breasts were ever open bare, 8 That ay thereof her babes might suck their fill;
ay > ever, always
9 The rest was all in yellow robes arrayed still.
yellow > (The colour of fertility: see _Met._ 10.1) still > ever, always
110.31
A multitude of babes about her hong, 2 Playing their sports, that ioyd her to behold, Whom still she fed, whiles they were weake and young, 4 But thrust them forth still, as they wexed old: And on her head she wore a tyre of gold, 6 Adornd with gemmes and owches wondrous +faire,+ Whose passing price vneath was to be told; 8 And by her side there sate a gentle paire Of turtle doues, she sitting in an yuorie chaire.
6 faire, > faire. _1596_
1 A multitude of babes about her hung, 2 Playing their sports, that joyed her to behold,
sports > games joyed her > made her delighted, gave her joy; _also_ rejoiced her
3 Whom still she fed, while they were weak and young,
still > continually, habitually, invariably
4 But thrust them forth still, as they waxed old:
still > always, invariably waxed > grew
5 And on her head she wore a tire of gold,
tire > head-dress
6 Adorned with gems and ouches wondrous fair,
ouches > {Jewels; golden sockets to hold these}
7 Whose passing price uneath was to be told;
passing > surpassing uneath > scarcely
8 And by her side there sat a gentle pair 9 Of turtle doves, she sitting in an ivory chair.
110.32
The knight and _Vna_ entring, faire her greet, 2 And bid her ioy of that her happie brood; Who them requites with court'sies seeming meet, 4 And entertaines with friendly chearefull mood. Then _Vna_ her besought, to be so good, 6 As in her vertuous rules to schoole her knight, Now after all his torment well withstood, 8 In that sad house of _Penaunce_, where his spright Had past the paines of hell, and long enduring night.
1 The knight and Una entering, fair her greet,
fair > courteously
2 And bid her joy of that her happy brood; 3 Who them requites with courtesies seeming meet,
meet > appropriate
4 And entertains with friendly cheerful mood.
entertains > receives; _hence:_ greets
5 Then Una her besought to be so good 6 As in her virtuous rules to school her knight, 7 Now after all his torment well withstood 8 In that sad house of Penance, where his spirit
sad house of Penance > (Cf. 105.53:9; "sad" here = "grave"; also: "steadfast")
9 Had passed the pains of hell, and long-enduring night.
passed > endured
110.33
She was right ioyous of her iust request, 2 And taking by the hand that Faeries sonne, Gan him instruct in euery good behest, 4 Of loue, and righteousnesse, and well to donne, And wrath, and hatred warely to shonne, 6 That drew on men Gods hatred, and his wrath, And many soules in dolours had fordonne: 8 In which when him she well instructed hath, From thence to heauen she teacheth him the ready path.
1 She was right joyous of her just request,
right joyous of > very delighted by just > righteous; proper
2 And, taking by the hand that Faery's son, 3 Gan him instruct in every good behest
Gan > Did; began to behest > injunction (esp. of a religious nature)
4 Of love and righteousness, and well to do,
well > good
5 And wrath and hatred warely to shun,
warely > vigilantly, cautiously
6 That drew on men God's hatred, and His wrath, 7 And many souls in dolours had fordone:
dolours > sorrows, griefs fordone > utterly ruined
8 In which when him she well instructed has, 9 From thence to heaven she teaches him the ready path.
teaches > shows ready > {Straight, direct; lying immediately before him}
110.34
Wherein his weaker wandring steps to guide, 2 An auncient matrone she to her does call, Whose sober lookes her wisedome well descride: 4 Her name was _Mercie_, well knowne ouer all, To be both gratious, and eke liberall: 6 To whom the carefull charge of him she gaue, To lead aright, that he should neuer fall 8 In all his wayes through this wide +worldes+ waue, That Mercy in the end his righteous soule might saue.
8 worldes > worlds _1609_
1 Wherein his weaker wandering steps to guide,
Wherein > In which; in respect of which weaker > too-weak
2 An ancient matron she to her does call, 3 Whose sober looks her wisdom well descried:
descried > announced, bespoke
4 Her name was Mercy, well known over all
over all > everywhere
5 To be both gracious and eke liberal:
eke > also
6 To whom the careful charge of him she gave, 7 To lead aright, that he should never fall
that > [so that]
8 In all his ways through this wide world's wave, 9 That Mercy in the end his righteous soul might save.
That > [And that]
110.35
The godly Matrone by the hand him beares 2 Forth from her presence, by a narrow way, Scattred with bushy thornes, and ragged breares, 4 Which still before him she remou'd away, That nothing might his ready passage stay: 6 And euer when his feet encombred were, Or gan to shrinke, or from the right to stray, 8 She held him fast, and firmely did vpbeare, As carefull Nourse her child from falling oft does reare.
1 The godly matron by the hand him bears 2 Forth from her presence, by a narrow way
her > [Charissa's]
3 Scattered with bushy thorns and ragged briers, 4 Which still before him she removed away,
still > continually
5 That nothing might his ready passage stay:
That > [So that] ready > straight, direct stay > hinder
6 And ever, when his feet encumbered were, 7 Or began to shrink, or from the right to stray, 8 She held him fast, and firmly did upbear,
fast > firmly did > [did him]
9 As careful nurse her child from falling often does rear.
110.36
Eftsoones vnto an holy Hospitall, 2 That was fore by the way, she did him bring, In which seuen Bead-men that had vowed all 4 Their life to seruice of high heauens king Did spend their dayes in doing godly thing: 6 +There+ gates to all were open euermore, That by the wearie way were traueiling, 8 And one sate wayting euer them before, To call +in commers-by+, that needy were and pore.
6 There > Their _1609; cf. 202.30:1, 206.27:9, 211.21:8, 304.41:7, 312.28:1_ 9 in commers-by > in-commers by _1590, 1596_
1 Eftsoons to a holy hospital,
Eftsoons > Forthwith, soon hospital > {Charitable institution for housing and aiding the needy; place of lodging}
2 That was forby the way, she did him bring;
forby > hard by, near
3 In which seven beadsmen (that had vowed all
beadsmen > holy men; "men of prayer"
4 Their life to service of high heaven's King) 5 Did spend their days in doing godly things: 6 Their gates to all were open evermore
Their > Their; _or, conceivably:_ there (see Textual Appendix; though even among the educated the two spellings were occasionally used indifferently) evermore > constantly
7 That by the weary way were travelling,
travelling > (Here, especially, includes the sense of "travailing", = "toiling")
8 And one sat waiting ever them before,
waiting > keeping watch
9 To call in comers-by that needy were and poor.
comers-by > passers-by
110.37
The first of them that eldest was, and best, 2 Of all the house had charge and gouernement, As Guardian and Steward of the rest: 4 His office was to giue entertainement And lodging, vnto all that came, and went: 6 Not vnto such, as could him feast againe, And double quite, for that he on them spent, 8 But such, as want of harbour did constraine: Those for Gods sake his dewty was to entertaine.
1 The first of them, that eldest was and best,
best > most kind
2 Of all the house had charge and government, 3 As guardian and steward of the rest: 4 His office was to give entertainment
office > duty, function entertainment > hospitality
5 And lodging to all that came and went: 6 Not to such as could him feast again,
again > in return
7 And doubly requite for that he on them spent,
that > [that which]
8 But such as want of harbour did constrain:
harbour > shelter constrain > distress
9 Those for God's sake his duty was to entertain.
110.38
The second was +as+ Almner of the place, 2 His office was, the hungry for to feed, And thristy giue to drinke, a worke of grace: 4 He feard not once him selfe to be in need, Ne car'd to hoord for those, whom he did breede: 6 The grace of God he layd vp still in store, Which as a stocke he left vnto his seede; 8 He had enough, what need him care for more? And had he lesse, yet some he would giue to the pore.
1 as > an _1609_
1 The second was as almoner of the place:
was as almoner > [occupied the position of almoner, = official distributor of alms]
2 His office was the hungry to feed,
office > duty, function
3 And thirsty give to drink, a work of grace. 4 He feared not once himself to be in need, 5 Nor cared to hoard for those whom he did breed:
breed > father [that is, his children]
6 The grace of God he laid up still in store,
still > continuously
7 Which as a stock he left to his seed;
stock > estate, endowment seed > children, heirs
8 He had enough, what need him care for more? 9 And had he less, yet some he would give to the poor.
110.39
The third had of their wardrobe custodie, 2 In which were not rich tyres, nor garments gay, The plumes of pride, and wings of vanitie, 4 But +clothes+ meet to keepe keene could away, And naked nature seemely to aray; 6 With which bare wretched wights he dayly clad, The images of God in earthly clay; 8 And if that no spare +cloths+ to giue he had, His owne coate he would cut, and it distribute glad.
4 clothes > clothez _1609, emphasizing the disyllable; cf. 200.5:4, 204.28:8, 206.39:5_ 8 cloths > clothes _1590, 1609_
1 The third had of their wardrobe custody, 2 In which were not rich tires, nor garments gay,
tires > articles of clothing (attire); accoutrements
3 The plumes of pride, and wings of vanity,
wings > [plumes and birds' wings as used to adorn clothing]
4 But clothes meet to keep keen cold away,
meet > suitable keen > sharp
5 And naked nature seemly to array;
seemly > suitably, properly
6 With which bare wretched wights he daily clad,
wights > people
7 The images of God in earthly clay; 8 And, if no spare clothes to give he had, 9 His own coat he would cut, and it distribute gladly.
110.40
The fourth appointed by his office was, 2 Poore prisoners to relieue with gratious ayd, And captiues to redeeme with price of bras, 4 From Turkes and Sarazins, which them had stayd; And though they faultie were, yet well he wayd, 6 That God to vs forgiueth euery howre Much more then that, why they in bands were layd, 8 And he that harrowd hell with heauie stowre, The faultie soules from thence brought to his heauenly bowre.
1 The fourth appointed, by his office was
appointed > fixed by appointment; who had been appointed office > duty, function
2 Poor prisoners to relieve with gracious aid, 3 And captives to redeem with price of brass,
price > payment brass > money
4 From Turks and Saracens, who them had stayed;
Saracens > {Arabs or Moslems of the time of the Crusades; pagans} stayed > detained, taken hostage
5 And though they faulty were, yet well he weighed
they > (The hostages as well as their captors) faulty > guilty; at fault
6 That God to us forgives every hour
hour > hour; moment
7 Much more than that why they in bonds were laid,
why > [for which]
8 And he, that harrowed hell with heavy stour,
he > (Christ: see _The Apocryphal New Testament_ 94-146) harrowed > harried heavy > grievous; intense stour > turmoil, conflict
9 The faulty souls from thence brought to his heavenly bower.
bower > dwelling
110.41
The fift had charge sicke persons to attend, 2 And comfort those, in point of death which lay; For them most needeth comfort in the end, 4 When sin, and hell, and death do most dismay The feeble soule departing hence away. 6 All is but lost, that liuing we bestow, If not well ended at our dying day. 8 O man haue mind of that last bitter throw; For as the tree does fall, so lyes it euer low.
1 The fifth had charge sick persons to attend, 2 And comfort those in point of death who lay;
in > [at the]
3 For them most need comfort in the end, 4 When sin, and hell, and death, do most dismay 5 The feeble soul departing hence away. 6 All is but lost, that living we bestow,
bestow > stow away, store up
7 If not well ended at our dying day. 8 O Man, have mind of that last bitter throe;
throe > (Equally, "throw", = the fall of a tree when cut down)
9 For as the tree does fall, so lies it ever low.
110.42
The sixt had charge of them now being dead, 2 In seemely sort their corses to engraue, And deck with dainty flowres their bridall bed, 4 That to their heauenly spouse both sweet and braue They might appeare, when he their soules shall saue. 6 The wondrous workemanship of Gods owne mould, Whose face he made, all beasts to feare, and gaue 8 All in his hand, euen dead we honour should. Ah dearest God me graunt, I dead be not defould.
1 The sixth had charge of them now being dead, 2 In seemly sort their corses to ingrave,
sort > manner corses > bodies ingrave > inter
3 And deck with dainty flowers their bridal bed, 4 That to their heavenly spouse both sweet and brave
That > [So that] heavenly spouse > [Christ] brave > finely dressed, splendid
5 They might appear, when he their souls shall save. 6 The wondrous workmanship of God's own mould,
mould > image; shape, form
7 Whose face He made all beasts to fear, and gave 8 All in His hand, even dead we honour should.
dead > [when dead]
9 Ah, dearest God, me grant, I dead be not defouled!
defouled > defiled, befouled; defaced
110.43
The seuenth now after death and buriall done, 2 Had charge the tender Orphans of the dead And widowes ayd, least they should be vndone: 4 In face of iudgement he their right would plead, Ne ought the powre of mighty men did dread 6 In their defence, nor would for gold or fee Be wonne their rightfull causes downe to tread: 8 And when they stood in most necessitee, He did supply their want, and gaue them euer free.
1 The seventh, now after death and burial done, 2 Had charge the tender orphans of the dead 3 And widows aid, lest they should be undone:
aid > [to aid] undone > ruined, made destitute
4 In face of judgement he their right would plead,
judgement > [legal judgement]
5 Neither aught the power of mighty men did dread
aught > at all
6 In their defence, nor would for gold or fee
fee > bribe; fee
7 Be won their rightful causes down to tread:
won > persuaded
8 And, when they stood in most necessity, 9 He did supply their want, and gave them ever free.
want > need
110.44
There when the Elfin knight arriued was, 2 The first and chiefest of the seuen, whose care Was guests to welcome, towardes him did pas: 4 Where seeing _Mercie_, that his steps vp bare, And alwayes led, to her with reuerence rare 6 He humbly louted in meeke lowlinesse, And seemely welcome for her did prepare: 8 For of their order she was Patronesse, Albe _Charissa_ were their chiefest founderesse.
1 There when the Elfin knight arrived was, 2 The first and chiefest of the seven, whose care 3 Was guests to welcome, towards him did pas:
pas > pace; pass
4 Where, seeing Mercy, who his steps upbore,
upbore > did support
5 And always led, to her with reverence rare
rare > excellent, fine
6 He humbly louted in meek lowliness,
louted > bowed, made obeisance
7 And seemly welcome for her did prepare: 8 For of their order she was patroness, 9 Albe Charissa was their chiefest foundress.
Albe > Although foundress > {Female founder}
110.45
There she awhile him stayes, him selfe to rest, 2 That to the rest more able he might bee: During which time, in euery good behest 4 And godly worke of Almes and charitee She him instructed with great industree; 6 Shortly therein so perfect he became, That from the first vnto the last degree, 8 His mortall life he learned had to frame In holy righteousnesse, without rebuke or blame.
1 There she awhile him stays, himself to rest,
stays > detains
2 That to the rest more able he might be:
That to > [So that to accomplish]
3 During which time, in every good behest
behest > injunction (esp. of a religious nature)
4 And godly work of alms and charity, 5 She him instructed with great industry. 6 Shortly therein so perfect he became 7 That, from the first to the last degree, 8 His mortal life he learned had to frame
frame > give shape to, direct
9 In holy righteousness, without rebuke or blame.
without > beyond the reach of; without blame > accusation, charge; blame
110.46
Thence forward by that painfull way they pas, 2 Forth to an hill, that was both steepe and hy; On top whereof a sacred chappell was, 4 And eke a litle Hermitage thereby, Wherein an aged holy man did lye, 6 That day and night said his deuotion, Ne other worldly busines did apply; 8 His name was heauenly _Contemplation_; Of God and goodnesse was his meditation.
1 Thence forward by that painful way they pas,
pas > pass; pace
2 Forth to a hill that was both steep and high; 3 On top whereof a sacred chapel was,
whereof > of which
4 And eke a little hermitage thereby,
eke > in addition (cf. 101.34)
5 Wherein an aged holy man did lie, 6 Who day and night said his devotion, 7 Nor other worldly business did apply;
apply > pursue
8 His name was heavenly Contemplation; 9 Of God and goodness was his meditation.
110.47
Great grace that old man to him giuen had; 2 For God he often saw from heauens hight, All were his earthly eyen both blunt and bad, 4 And through great age had lost their kindly sight, Yet wondrous quick and persant was his spright, 6 As Eagles eye, that can behold the Sunne: That hill they scale with all their powre and might, 8 That his frayle thighes nigh wearie and fordonne Gan faile, but by her helpe the top at last he wonne.
1 Great grace that old man to him given had; 2 For God he often saw from heaven's height, 3 All were his earthly eyes both blunt and bad,
All > Even; _hence:_ even though, although
4 And through great age had lost their kindly sight,
kindly > native, natural
5 Yet wondrous quick and perceant was his spirit,
perceant > piercing, percipient
6 As eagle's eye, that can behold the sun:
behold the sun > (Cf. _Parliament of Fowls_ 330-1)
7 That hill they scale with all their power and might, 8 That his frail thighs, nigh weary and fordone,
That > [So that] fordone > ruined; exhausted
9 Gan fail; but by her help the top at last he won.
Gan > Did; began to won > reached, attained
110.48
There they do finde that godly aged Sire, 2 With snowy lockes adowne his shoulders shed, As hoarie frost with spangles doth attire 4 The mossy braunches of an Oke halfe ded. Each bone might through his body well be red, 6 And euery sinew seene through his long fast: For nought he car'd his carcas long vnfed; 8 His mind was full of spirituall repast, And pyn'd his flesh, to keepe his body low and chast.
1 There they do find that godly aged sire,
sire > father; elderly man
2 With snowy locks adown his shoulders shed,
adown > down
3 As hoary frost with spangles does attire 4 The mossy branches of an oak half dead. 5 Each bone might through his body well be read,
read > seen
6 And every sinew seen, through his long fast:
through > as a result of
7 For naught he cared his carcase long unfed;
naught > not at all, nothing at all cared > [cared about; cared for]
8 His mind was full of spiritual repast, 9 And pined his flesh to keep his body low and chaste.
pined > starved low > weak, lacking vigour
110.49
Who when these two approching he aspide, 2 At their first presence grew agrieued sore, That forst him lay his heauenly thoughts aside; 4 And had he not that Dame respected more, Whom highly he did reuerence and adore, 6 He would not once haue moued for the knight. They him saluted standing far afore; 8 Who well them greeting, humbly did requight, And asked, to what end they clomb that tedious height.
1 Who, when these two approaching he espied, 2 At their first presence grew aggrieved sore, 3 That forced him lay his heavenly thoughts aside;
That > [In that their presence] lay > [to lay]
4 And had he not that dame respected more 5 (Whom highly he did reverence and adore), 6 He would not once have moved for the knight. 7 They him saluted, standing far afore;
afore > in front [of him]
8 Who, well them greeting, humbly did requite,
requite > [them requite, return the compliment]
9 And asked to what end they climbed that tedious height.
climbed > [had climbed]
110.50
What end (quoth +she+) should cause vs take such paine, 2 But that same end, which euery liuing wight Should make his marke, high heauen to attaine? 4 Is not from hence the way, that leadeth right To that most glorious house, that glistreth bright 6 With burning starres, and euerliuing fire, Whereof the keyes are to thy hand behight 8 By wise _Fidelia_? she doth thee require, To shew it to this knight, according his desire.
1 she > he _1596_
1 "What end," quoth she, "should cause us take such pain,
take > [to take]
2 But that same end, which every living wight
wight > mortal, person
3 Should make his mark, high heaven to attain? 4 Is not from hence the way, that leads right 5 To that most glorious house, that glisters bright 6 With burning stars and ever-living fire, 7 Whereof the keys are to your hand behight
Whereof > Of which behight > delivered, granted (catachr.); promised
8 By wise Fidelia? She does you require
require > request
9 To show it to this knight, according his desire."
according > agreeing to grant; _hence:_ granting
110.51
Thrise happy man, said then the father graue, 2 Whose staggering steps thy steady hand doth lead, And shewes the way, his sinfull soule to saue. 4 Who better can the way to heauen aread, Then thou thy selfe, that was both borne and bred 6 In heauenly throne, where thousand Angels shine? Thou doest the prayers of the righteous sead 8 Present before the maiestie diuine, And his auenging wrath to clemencie incline.
1 "Thrice happy man," said then the father grave,
happy > blessed, beatified; fortunate; happy grave > important, influential; grave; gravely
2 "Whose staggering steps your steady hand does lead, 3 And shows the way his sinful soul to save! 4 Who better can the way to heaven aread
aread > make known; declare
5 Than you yourself, that was both born and bred 6 In heavenly throne, where thousand angels shine? 7 You do the prayers of the righteous seed
righteous seed > sinless children [the redeemed]
8 Present before the majesty divine, 9 And His avenging wrath to clemency incline.
110.52
Yet +since+ thou bidst, thy pleasure shalbe donne. 2 Then come thou man of earth, and see the way, That neuer yet was seene of Faeries sonne, 4 That neuer leads the traueiler astray, But after labours long, and sad delay, 6 +Brings+ +them+ to ioyous rest and endlesse blis. But first thou must a season fast and pray, 8 Till from her bands the spright assoiled is, And haue her strength recur'd from fraile infirmitis.
1 since > sith _1609_ 6 Brings > Bring _1590, 1596_ 6 them > him _conj. Morris, who also sugg. the alternative of "traueilers" in line 4_
1 "Yet, since you bid, your pleasure shall be done. 2 Then come, you man of earth, and see the way
man of earth > (See 110.66)
3 That never yet was seen by Faery's son; 4 That never leads the traveller astray, 5 But after labours long, and sad delay,
sad > grievous; sorrowful
6 Brings them to joyous rest and endless bliss. 7 But first you must a season fast and pray,
a season > for a while
8 Till from its bonds the spirit assoiled is,
assoiled > absolved; set free
9 And has its strength recured from frail infirmities."
recured from > recovered from; cured of frail > weak, morally weak
110.53
That done, he leads him to the highest Mount; 2 Such one, as that same mighty man of God, That bloud-red billowes like a walled front 4 On either side disparted with his rod, Till that his army dry-foot through them yod, 6 Dwelt fortie dayes vpon; where writ in stone With bloudy letters by the hand of God, 8 The bitter doome of death and balefull mone He did receiue, whiles flashing fire about him shone.
1 That done, he leads him to the highest mount; 2 Such one as that same mighty man of God
one > [a one] man of God > (Moses, on Mount Sinai: see _Deut._ 33.1, _Exod._ 24.18)
3 (That blood-red billows, like a walled front, 4 On either side disparted with his rod,
disparted > clove, parted asunder (see _Exod._ 14.21-2)
5 Till his army dry-foot through them yode)
yode > went
6 Dwelt forty days upon; where, written in stone 7 With bloody letters by the hand of God, 8 The bitter doom of death and baleful moan
doom > judgement, sentence baleful > deadly, miserable moan > {State of grief or lamentation}
9 He did receive, while flashing fire about him shone.
fire > (See _Deut._ 4.11)
110.54
Or like that sacred hill, whose head full hie, 2 Adornd with fruitfull Oliues all arownd, Is, as it were for endlesse memory 4 Of that deare Lord, who oft thereon was fownd, For euer with a flowring girlond crownd: 6 Or like that pleasaunt Mount, that is for ay Through famous Poets verse each where renownd, 8 On which the thrise three learned Ladies play Their heauenly notes, and make full many a louely lay.
1 Or like that sacred hill, whose head full high
sacred hill > (The Mount of Olives; see e.g. _Luke_ 22.39 ff.) full > exceedingly, very
2 (Adorned with fruitful olives all around)
olives > [olive-trees]
3 Is, as it were, for endless memory
memory > memorial
4 Of that dear Lord, who often thereon was found, 5 For ever with a flowering garland crowned: 6 Or like that pleasant mount, that is for ay
mount > (Mount Parnassus, in Phocis, sacred to Apollo and the nine Muses) ay > ever, always
7 Through famous poets' verse each where renowned,
each where > everywhere
8 On which the thrice three learned ladies play 9 Their heavenly notes, and make full many a lovely lay.
full many a lovely lay > [very many lovely songs]
110.55
From thence, far off he vnto him did shew 2 A litle path, that was both steepe and long, Which to a goodly Citie led his vew; 4 Whose wals and towres were builded high and strong Of perle and precious stone, that earthly tong 6 Cannot describe, nor wit of man can tell; Too high a ditty for my simple song; 8 The Citie of the great king hight it well, Wherein eternall peace and happinesse doth dwell.
1 From thence, far off he to him did show 2 A little path, that was both steep and long, 3 Which to a goodly city led his view;
goodly > beautiful city > (See _Rev._ 21.10-21)
4 Whose walls and towers were built high and strong 5 Of pearl and precious stone, that earthly tongue 6 Cannot describe, nor wit of man can tell;
wit > skill, mental capacity
7 Too high a ditty for my simple song;
ditty > subject, theme
8 The city of the great King hight it well,
hight > was named
9 Wherein eternal peace and happiness do dwell.
110.56
As he thereon stood gazing, he might see 2 The blessed Angels to and fro descend From highest heauen, in gladsome companee, 4 And with great ioy into that Citie wend, As commonly as friend does with his frend. 6 Whereat he wondred much, and gan enquere, What stately building durst so high extend 8 Her loftie towres vnto the starry sphere, And what vnknowen nation there empeopled were.
1 As he thereon stood gazing, he might see
might > could (see _Gen._ 28.12)
2 The blessed angels to and fro descend 3 From highest heaven, in gladsome company, 4 And with great joy into that city wend, 5 As commonly as friend does with his friend.
commonly > familiarly
6 Whereat he wondered much, and gan inquire
Whereat > At which wondered > marvelled gan > did
7 What stately building dared so high extend 8 Its lofty towers to the starry sphere, 9 And what unknown nation there empeopled were.
empeopled > established [as the population: SUS]
110.57
Faire knight (quoth he) _Hierusalem_ that is, 2 The new _Hierusalem_, that God has built For those to dwell in, that are chosen his, 4 His chosen people purg'd from sinfull guilt, With +pretious+ bloud, which cruelly was spilt 6 On cursed tree, of that vnspotted lam, That for the sinnes of all the world was kilt: 8 Now are they Saints all in that Citie sam, More deare vnto their God, then younglings to their dam.
5 pretious > piteous _1590 etc.: FE_
1 "Fair knight," quoth he, "Jerusalem that is, 2 The new Jerusalem, that God has built 3 For those to dwell in that are chosen his, 4 His chosen people, purged from sinful guilt 5 With precious blood, which cruelly was spilt 6 On cursed tree, of that unspotted lamb
cursed tree > [the cross: see _Gal._ 3.13] of > of; by unspotted > blameless, innocent lamb > [Christ]
7 That for the sins of all the world was killed: 8 Now are they saints all in that city sam,
sam > together, mutually
9 More dear to their God than younglings to their dam."
younglings > young ones dam > mother
110.58
Till now, said then the knight, I weened well, 2 That great _Cleopolis_, where I haue beene, In which that fairest _Faerie Queene_ doth dwell 4 The fairest Citie was, that might be seene; And that bright towre all built of christall cleene, 6 _Panthea_, seemd the brightest thing, that was: But now by proofe all otherwise I weene; 8 For this great Citie that does far surpas, And this bright Angels towre quite dims that towre of glas.
1 "Till now," said then the knight, "I weened well
weened > supposed, imagined
2 That great Cleopolis, where I have been
Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; allegorically: London)
3 (In which that fairest Faery Queen does dwell), 4 The fairest city was that might be seen;
might > could
5 And that bright tower, all built of crystal clean,
bright > bright; beautiful clean > {Clear, transparent; free from moral or spiritual pollution; pure and uncluttered in style}
6 Panthea, seemed the brightest thing that was:
Panthea > "All Sights", "Totality of Visions" (Greek, meaning "Nonesuch", "Nonpareil", etc. Possibly identifiable as Westminster Abbey or the Queen's Palace of Richmond)
7 But now by proof all otherwise I ween;
ween > think
8 For this great city that does far surpass, 9 And this bright angels' tower quite dims that tower of glass."
110.59
Most trew, then said the holy aged man; 2 Yet is _Cleopolis_ for earthly +frame+, The fairest peece, that eye beholden can: 4 And well beseemes all knights of noble name, That couet in th'immortall booke of fame 6 To be eternized, that same to haunt, And doen their seruice to that soueraigne Dame, 8 That glorie does to them for guerdon graunt: For she is heauenly borne, and heauen may iustly vaunt.
2 frame > fame _1590 etc.: FE_
1 "Most true," then said the holy aged man; 2 "Yet is Cleopolis, for earthly frame,
frame > structure, building
3 The fairest piece that eye behold can:
piece > piece of work
4 And well beseems all knights of noble name
beseems > suits, becomes name > repute, distinction; name
5 (That covet in the immortal book of fame
covet > wish, desire
6 To be eternized) that same to haunt,
eternized > eternalized, immortalized haunt > frequent
7 And do their service to that sovereign dame,
that sovereign dame > [the Faery Queen]
8 That glory does to them for guerdon grant:
guerdon > reward
9 For she is heavenly born, and heaven may justly vaunt.
vaunt > boast of [as her origin]
110.60
And thou faire ymp, sprong out from English race, 2 How euer now +accompted+ Elfins sonne, Well worthy doest thy seruice for her grace, 4 To aide a virgin desolate foredonne. But when thou famous victorie hast wonne, 6 And high emongst all knights hast hong thy shield, Thenceforth the suit of earthly conquest shonne, 8 And wash thy hands from guilt of bloudy field: For bloud can nought but sin, and wars but sorrowes yield.
2 accompted > accounted _1609_
1 "And you, fair imp, sprung out from English race,
imp > child
2 However now accounted Elfin's son, 3 Well worthily do your service for her grace,
grace > favour, goodwill
4 To aid a virgin desolate, fordone.
fordone > ruined, undone
5 But when you famous victory have won, 6 And high amongst all knights have hung your shield, 7 Thenceforth the suit of earthly conquest shun,
suit > pursuit
8 And wash your hands from guilt of bloody field:
field > battle; field of battle
9 For blood can naught but sin, and wars but sorrows yield.
110.61
Then seeke this path, that I to thee presage, 2 Which after all to heauen shall thee send; Then +peaceably thy+ painefull pilgrimage 4 To yonder same _Hierusalem_ do bend, Where is for thee ordaind a blessed end: 6 For thou emongst those Saints, whom thou doest see, Shalt be a Saint, and thine owne nations frend 8 And Patrone: thou Saint _George_ shalt called bee, Saint _George_ of mery England, the signe of victoree.
3 peaceably thy > peaceably to thy _1596_
1 "Then seek this path, that I to you presage,
presage > prophesy; _also:_ make known (SUS)
2 Which after all to heaven shall you send; 3 Then peaceably your painful pilgrimage 4 To yonder same Jerusalem do bend,
bend > incline, direct
5 Where is for you ordained a blessed end: 6 For you (amongst those saints whom you do see) 7 Shall be a saint, and your own nation's friend 8 And patron: you Saint George shall called be,
patron > champion; patron saint
9 Saint George of merry England, the sign of victory."
merry > pleasant sign > emblem
110.62
Vnworthy wretch (quoth he) of so great grace, 2 How dare I thinke such glory to attaine? These that haue it attaind, were in like cace 4 +(Quoth he) as wretched, and liu'd in like paine.+ But deeds of armes must I at last be faine, 6 And Ladies loue to leaue so dearely bought? What need of armes, where peace doth ay remaine, 8 (Said he) and +battailes none are to be+ fought? As for loose loues +are+ vaine, and vanish into nought.
4 (Quoth he) as wretched, and liu'd in like paine. > As wretched men, and liued in like paine. _1590_ 8 battailes none are to be > bitter battailes all are _1590_ 9 are > they'are _1590; but cf. 503.22:5_
1 "Unworthy wretch," quoth he, "of so great grace,
of > (Dependent upon "Vnworthy": "I, wretch, unworthy of so great grace") so > such
2 How dare I think such glory to attain?" 3 "These, that have it attained, were in like case,"
like case > [a] similar plight
4 Quoth he, "as wretched, and lived in like pain." 5 "But deeds of arms must I at last be fain
fain > obliged
6 And ladies' love, to leave, so dearly bought?" 7 "What need of arms, where peace does ay remain,"
ay > ever, always
8 Said he, "and battles none are to be fought? 9 As for loose loves, they are vain, and vanish into naught."
110.63
O let me not (quoth he) +then turne+ againe 2 Backe to the world, whose ioyes so fruitlesse are; But let me here for aye in peace remaine, 4 Or streight way on that last long voyage fare, That nothing may my present hope empare. 6 That may not be (said he) ne maist thou yit Forgo that royall maides bequeathed care, 8 Who did her cause into thy hand commit, Till from her cursed foe thou haue her freely quit.
1 then turne > returne _1609_
1 "O let me not," quoth he, "then turn again 2 Back to the world, whose joys so fruitless are; 3 But let me here for ay in peace remain,
ay > ever, always
4 Or straightway on that last long voyage fare,
voyage > journey
5 That nothing may my present hope impair."
That > [So that] impair > weaken, lessen; impair
6 "That may not be," said he, "nor may you yet 7 Forgo that royal maid's bequeathed care,
bequeathed > committed, assigned (the adventure was assigned to him by the Faery Queen; see I:152-81)
8 Who did her cause into your hand commit, 9 Till from her cursed foe you have her freely quit."
quit > rescued
110.64
Then shall I soone, (quoth he) so God me grace, 2 Abet that virgins cause disconsolate, And shortly backe returne vnto this place, 4 To walke this way in Pilgrims poore estate. But now aread, old father, why of late 6 Didst thou behight me borne of English blood, Whom all a Faeries sonne +doen nominate+? 8 That word shall I (said he) auouchen good, Sith to thee is vnknowne the cradle of thy brood.
7 doen nominate > doen then nominate _1596_
1 "Then shall I soon," quoth he, "so God me grace,
grace > show favour to, countenance
2 Abet that virgin's cause disconsolate,
Abet > Uphold
3 And shortly back return to this place, 4 To walk this way in pilgrim's poor estate. 5 But now aread, old father, why of late
aread > make known, declare of late > just now
6 Did you behight me born of English blood,
behight > call
7 Whom all a Faery's son do nominate?"
nominate > call [by the name of: see e.g. 105.11:1]
8 "That word shall I," said he, "avouch good, 9 Sith to you is unknown the cradle of your brood.
Sith > Since brood > parentage, race (this use is characteristic of Spenser)
110.65
For well I wote, thou springst from ancient race 2 Of _Saxon_ kings, that haue with mightie hand And many bloudie battailes fought in +place+ 4 High reard their royall throne in +_Britans_+ land, And vanquisht them, vnable to withstand: 6 From thence a Faerie thee vnweeting reft, There as thou slepst in tender swadling band, 8 And her base Elfin brood there for thee left. Such men do Chaungelings call, so chaungd by Faeries theft.
3 place > face _1590_ 4 _Britans_ > _Britane 1596, 1609_
1 "For well I wot, you spring from ancient race
wot > know
2 Of Saxon kings, that have, with mighty hand 3 And many bloody battles fought in place,
in place > there
4 High reared their royal throne in Britain land, 5 And vanquished them unable to withstand:
vanquished > {Subdued by physical or spiritual power} them > [those who were]: apparently meaning the native Britons, a statement at odds with the succeeding account (e.g. in 210) of English genealogy
6 From thence a Faery you unweeting reft,
unweeting > unsuspecting [not knowing the identity of the child; perhaps also referring to "you"] reft > took away
7 There as you slept in tender swaddling-bands,
tender > infantile; youthly swaddling-bands > swaddling-clothes [strips of cloth in which infants were wrapped]
8 And her base Elfin brood there for you left:
Elfin brood > Faery offspring for > in place of, instead of
9 Such, men do changelings call, so changed by Faery's theft.
changed > exchanged
110.66
Thence she thee brought into this Faerie lond, 2 And in an heaped furrow did thee hyde, Where thee a Ploughman all vnweeting fond, 4 As he his toylesome teme that way did guyde, And brought thee vp in ploughmans state to byde, 6 Whereof _Georgos_ he thee gaue to name; Till prickt with courage, and thy forces pryde, 8 To Faery court thou cam'st to seeke for fame, And proue thy puissaunt armes, as seemes thee best became.
1 "Thence she you brought into this Faery land, 2 And in a heaped furrow did you hide, 3 Where you a ploughman all unweeting found,
unweeting > unsuspecting, unwitting (or adv.: referring to the ploughman or to "you", as at 110.65:6)
4 As he his toilsome team that way did guide,
team > (Of plough-beasts, oxen or horses)
5 And brought you up in ploughman's state to bide,
state > {Condition or state in life} bide > remain; await [this revelation]
6 Whereof Georgos he you gave to name;
Whereof > By reason of which Georgos > "Man of the Earth" (Greek) to > as a
7 Till pricked with courage, and your forces' pride,
pricked > spurred (and the double meaning would have been understood in 1590) courage > courage; lustiness pride > {State of physical perfection; elation; sexual desire}
8 To Faery court you came to seek for fame, 9 And prove your puissant arms, as seems you best became."
puissant arms > powerful deeds of arms seems > [it seems] became > suited
110.67
O holy Sire (quoth he) how shall I quight 2 The many fauours I with thee haue found, That hast my name and nation red aright, 4 And taught the way that does to heauen bound? This said, adowne he looked to the ground, 6 To haue returnd, but dazed were his eyne, Through passing brightnesse, which did quite confound 8 His feeble sence, and too exceeding shyne. So darke are earthly things compard to things diuine.
1 "O holy sire," quoth he, "how shall I requite
sire > father
2 The many favours I with you have found, 3 That have my name and nation read aright,
nation > country; nationality read > expounded; discerned
4 And taught the way that does to heaven boun?"
boun > go, set out; _hence:_ lead
5 This said, adown he looked to the ground,
adown > down
6 To have returned; but dazed were his eyes 7 Through passing brightness (which did quite confound
passing > surpassing
8 His feeble sense) and too exceeding shine.
shine > brilliance
9 So dark are earthly things compared to things divine.
to > with
110.68
At last whenas himselfe he gan to find, 2 To _Vna_ back he cast him to retire; Who him awaited still with pensiue mind. 4 Great thankes and goodly meed to that good syre, He thence departing gaue for his paines hyre. 6 So came to _Vna_, who him ioyd to see, And after litle rest, gan him desire, 8 Of her aduenture mindfull for to bee. So leaue they take of _C{oe}lia_, and her daughters three.
1 At last, when himself he began to find,
find > [recover]
2 To Una back he cast himself to retire;
cast > resolved, decided
3 Who him awaited still with pensive mind.
pensive > apprehensive, anxious
4 Great thanks, and goodly meed, to that good sire
goodly meed > courteous reward; _hence:_ praise, thanks sire > father, elderly man
5 He thence departing gave for his pains' hire.
for his pains' hire > as reward for his efforts
6 So came to Una, who him joyed to see, 7 And, after little rest, gan him desire
gan > did
8 Of her adventure mindful to be. 9 So leave they take of Caelia, and her daughters three.