Chapter 51
_Guyon by Archimage abusd, 2 The Redcrosse knight awaytes, Findes Mordant and Amauia slaine 4 With pleasures poisoned baytes._
1 Guyon, by Archimago abused,
Guyon > (The origin of this name is not clear. It may be derived from "Gihon", the river in Eden associated with temperance; from "gyon", meaning "wrestler"; or from "Guy", the name of various romance heroes) abused > deceived; ill-used
2 The Redcross Knight awaits,
awaits > keeps watch for; waylays
3 Finds Mordant and Amavia slain
Mordant > "Biting" (the spelling at 201.49:9 (see Textual Appendix) also signifies "Death-giver") Amavia > "Life-loving"; "The Way of Love" (Latin)
4 With Pleasure's poisoned baits.
Pleasure > (The enchantress, Acrasia, so named at 212.1:8 and 212.48:8)
201.1
THat cunning Architect of cancred guile, 2 Whom Princes late displeasure left in bands, For falsed letters and suborned wile, 4 Soone as the _Redcrosse_ knight he vnderstands, To beene departed out of _Eden_ lands, 6 To serue againe his soueraine Elfin Queene, His artes he moues, and out of +caytiues+ +hands+ 8 Himselfe he frees by secret meanes vnseene; His shackles emptie left, him selfe escaped cleene.
7 caytiues > caytiue _1609: i.e. the adj., caitiff, captive, vile (improving on the sense of 1596, which may well be a misprint)_ 7 hands > bands _conj. some editors, even though this duplicates the rhyme_
1 That cunning architect of cankered guile,
cankered > festering; malignant
2 Whom prince's late displeasure left in bonds
late > recent (see 112.35 ff.)
3 (For falsed letters and suborned wile),
falsed > forged wile > deceit, subtlety
4 Soon as the Redcross Knight he understands
Soon > [As soon]
5 To be departed out of Eden lands, 6 To serve again his sovereign Elfin queen, 7 His arts he moves, and out of caitiffs' hands
moves > puts in motion; _hence:_ employs caitiffs > wretches (?his gaolers: see 112.35:3, and Textual Appendix)
8 Himself he frees by secret means unseen; 9 His shackles empty left, himself escaped clean.
clean > cleanly, entirely
201.2
And forth he fares full of malicious mind, 2 To worken mischiefe and auenging woe, Where euer he that godly knight may find, 4 His onely hart sore, and his onely foe, Sith _Vna_ now he algates must forgoe, 6 Whom his victorious hands did earst restore To +natiue+ crowne and kingdome late ygoe: 8 Where she enioyes sure peace for euermore, As weather-beaten ship arriu'd on happie shore.
7 natiue > natiues _1596, 1609_
1 And forth he fares, full of malicious mind,
mind > intention; memory
2 To work mischief and avenging woe
mischief > injury, disaster; evil
3 Wherever he that godly knight may find, 4 His only heart-sore, and his only foe,
only > pre-eminent [the only one worth considering] heart-sore > cause of grief
5 Sith Una now he algates must forgo,
Sith > Since algates > after all; altogether
6 Whom his victorious hands did erst restore
his > [the Redcross Knight's] erst > lately
7 To native crown and kingdom late ago:
late ago > lately
8 Where she enjoys sure peace for evermore, 9 As weather-beaten ship arrived on happy shore.
201.3
Him therefore now the obiect of his spight 2 And deadly +food+ he makes: him to offend By forged treason, or by open fight 4 He seekes, of all his drift the aymed end: Thereto his subtile engins he does +bend+ 6 His practick wit, and his faire filed tong, With thousand other sleights: for well he kend, 8 His credit now in doubtfull ballaunce hong; For hardly could +be+ hurt, who was already stong.
2 food > feude _1609_ 5 bend > bend, _1609_ 9 be > he _1609_
1 Him therefore now the object of his spite 2 And deadly feud he makes: him to offend
feud > hatred, hostility offend > {Cause to stumble or sin; attack; harm}
3 By forged treason or by open fight
forged > fabricated
4 He seeks, of all his drift the aimed end:
drift > intention; plot
5 Thereto his subtile engines he does bend,
subtile > subtle; sly, crafty engines > wiles
6 His practic wit, and his fair filed tongue,
practic > artful, cunning filed > smooth, polished
7 With thousand other sleights: for well he kenned
kenned > recognized; acknowledged
8 His credit now in doubtful balance hung;
credit > reputation; authority; credibility
9 For hardly could be hurt, who was already stung.
hardly could > with difficulty could [one]
201.4
Still as he went, he craftie stales did +lay,+ 2 With cunning traines him to entrap vnwares, And priuie spials plast in all his way, 4 To weete what course he takes, and how he fares; To ketch him at +a vantage+ in his snares. 6 +But+ now so wise and warie was the knight By triall of his former harmes and cares, 8 That he descride, and shonned still his slight: The fish that once was caught, new bait will hardly bite.
1 lay, > lay. _1590, 1596_ 5 a vantage > avantage _1609_ 6, 7 _Lines 6 and 7 are transposed in 1596 and 1609_
1 Still as he went, he crafty stales did lay,
Still > Continually stales > decoys; lures
2 With cunning trains him to entrap unwares,
trains > tricks, snares unwares > unexpectedly
3 And privy spials placed in all his way,
privy spials > hidden spies
4 To weet what course he takes, and how he fares;
weet > find out
5 To catch him at a vantage in his snares.
vantage > advantage
6 But now so wise and wary was the knight 7 By trial of his former harms and cares, 8 That he descried, and shunned still, his sleight:
still > constantly his sleight > [Archimago's] cunning, trickery
9 The fish that once was caught, new bait will hardly bite.
201.5
Nath'lesse th'Enchaunter would not spare his paine, 2 In hope to win occasion to his will; Which when he long awaited had in vaine, 4 He chaungd his minde from one to other ill: For to all good he enimy was still. 6 Vpon the way him fortuned to meet, Faire marching vnderneath a shady hill, 8 A goodly knight, all armd in harnesse meete, That from his head no place appeared to his feete.
1 Natheless the enchanter would not spare his pain,
Natheless > Nevertheless pain > efforts
2 In hope to win occasion to his will;
win > persuade, subdue, seize; _hence:_ shape occasion > circumstances
3 Which when he long awaited had in vain, 4 He changed his mind from one to other ill:
other > another; the other
5 For to all good he enemy was still.
still > ever, always
6 Upon the way him fortuned to meet,
him > (The same construction is found at 102.12:5-6; Archimago is the object of "meet"; the knight is the subject of "fortuned")
7 Fair marching underneath a shady hill, 8 A goodly knight, all armed in harness meet,
goodly > handsome, well-favoured; courteous, gracious; kindly all > completely harness > {Body-armour; suit of mail; the accoutrements of an armed horseman} meet > close-fitting; appropriate
9 That from his head no place appeared to his feet.
That > [So that]
201.6
His carriage was full comely and vpright, 2 His countenaunce demure and temperate, But yet so sterne and terrible in sight, 4 That cheard his friends, and did his foes amate: He was an Elfin borne of noble state, 6 And mickle worship in his natiue land; Well could he tourney and in lists debate, 8 And knighthood tooke of good Sir _Huons_ hand, When with king _Oberon_ he came to Faerie land.
1 His carriage was full comely and upright,
full > very
2 His countenance demure and temperate,
demure > sober, grave; reserved
3 But yet so stern and terrible in sight
stern > fierce
4 That cheered his friends, and did his foes amate:
That > [That it] amate > daunt
5 He was an Elfin born of noble state,
state > {Condition or state in life}
6 And mickle worship in his native land;
mickle > much worship > honour, renown
7 Well could he tourney and in lists debate,
tourney > joust (esp. with blunt weapons when taking part in a tournament) lists > knightly contests ("lists" were the palisades enclosing the tilting-ground) debate > fight
8 And knighthood took of good Sir Huon's hand,
took of > received from Huon > (Hero of the 13th-century romance, _Huon de Bordeaux_; Oberon's successor)
9 When with King Oberon he came to Faery Land.
Oberon > (King of Faery Land; see 210.75-6)
201.7
Him als accompanyd vpon the way 2 A comely Palmer, clad in blacke attire, Of ripest yeares, and haires all hoarie gray, 4 That with a staffe his feeble steps did stire, Least his long way his aged limbes should tire: 6 And if by lookes one may the mind aread, He seemd to be a sage and sober sire, 8 And euer with slow pace the knight did lead, Who taught his trampling steed with equall steps to tread.
1 Him als accompanied upon the way
als > also
2 A comely palmer, clad in black attire,
comely > decorous, decent, pleasing palmer > {Pilgrim who has returned from the Holy Land, carrying a palm-leaf or palm-branch as a token; also: an itinerant monk}
3 Of ripest years, and hair all hoary grey, 4 That with a staff his feeble steps did steer,
steer > steer; _or, perhaps:_ stir
5 Lest his long way his aged limbs should tire: 6 And if by looks one may the mind aread,
aread > divine
7 He seemed to be a sage and sober sire,
sire > {Aged or elderly man, father}
8 And ever with slow pace the knight did lead, 9 Who taught his trampling steed with equal steps to tread.
equal > equable (the horse again symbolizes its rider, as 102.8, etc.)
201.8
Such whenas _Archimago_ did them view, 2 He weened well to worke some vncouth wile, Eftsoones vntwisting his deceiptfull clew, 4 He gan to weaue a web of wicked guile, And +with faire+ countenance and flattring stile, 6 To them approching, thus the knight bespake: Faire sonne of _Mars_, that seeke with warlike +spoile,+ 8 And great atchieu'ments great your selfe to make, Vouchsafe to stay your steed for humble misers sake.
5 with faire > with a faire _1596_ 7 spoile, > spoile. _1596_
1 Such when Archimago did them view, 2 He weened well to work some uncouth wile:
weened > {Thought it possible or likely} uncouth > strange; bizarre; unseemly
3 Eftsoons untwisting his deceitful clew,
Eftsoons > Thereupon clew > ball of thread
4 He began to weave a web of wicked guile, 5 And, with fair countenance and flattering style, 6 To them approaching, thus the knight bespoke:
bespoke > addressed
7 "Fair son of Mars, that seeks with warlike spoil
spoil > plunder, booty
8 And great achievements great yourself to make, 9 Vouchsafe to stay your steed for humble miser's sake."
stay > detain; halt miser > wretch
201.9
He stayd his steed for humble misers sake, 2 And bad tell on the tenor of his plaint; Who feigning then in euery limbe to quake, 4 Through inward feare, and seeming pale and faint With piteous mone his percing speach gan paint; 6 Deare Lady how shall I declare thy cace, Whom late I left in +langourous+ constraint? 8 Would God thy selfe now present were in place, To tell this ruefull tale; thy sight could win thee grace.
7 langourous > languorous _1590_
1 He stayed his steed for humble miser's sake, 2 And bade tell on the tenor of his plaint;
plaint > {Statement of grievance made in seeking redress}
3 Who, feigning then in every limb to quake, 4 Through inward fear, and seeming pale and faint, 5 With piteous moan his piercing speech gan paint:
gan > did; began to
6 "Dear lady, how shall I declare your case,
case > plight
7 Whom late I left in languorous constraint?
languorous > sorrowful constraint > affliction; restriction of liberty
8 Would God yourself now present were in place,
Would > [Please; I desire of] yourself > [that you yourself - he is still addressing the "Deare Lady"] present > {Being in the place being considered, being there as opposed to here} in place > here
9 To tell this rueful tale; your sight could win you grace.
your sight > [the sight of you]
201.10
Or rather would, O would it so had chaunst, 2 That you, most noble Sir, had present beene, When that lewd ribauld with vile lust aduaunst 4 Layd first his filthy hands on virgin cleene, To spoile her daintie corse so faire and sheene, 6 As on the earth, great mother of vs all, With liuing eye more faire was neuer seene, 8 Of chastitie and honour virginall: Witnesse ye heauens, whom she in vaine to helpe did call.
1 "Or rather would, O would it so had chanced, 2 That you, most noble sir, had present been, 3 When that lewd ribald, with vile lust advanced,
ribald > {Rascal; wicked, blasphemous, dissolute, or licentious fellow} advanced > moved forward; _hence:_ impelled, incited
4 Laid first his filthy hands on virgin clean,
clean > pure, unsullied
5 To spoil her dainty corse (so fair and sheen
spoil > strip (cf. 108.45:9); despoil corse > body sheen > beautiful
6 As on the earth, great mother of us all, 7 With living eye more fair was never seen) 8 Of chastity and honour virginal: 9 Witness you heavens, whom she in vain to help did call."
201.11
How may it be, (said then the knight halfe wroth,) 2 That knight should knighthood euer so haue shent? None but that saw (quoth he) would weene for troth, 4 How shamefully that Maid he did torment. Her looser golden lockes he rudely rent, 6 And drew her on the ground, and his sharpe sword, Against her snowy brest +he+ fiercely bent, 8 And threatned death with many a bloudie word; Toung hates to tell the rest, that eye to see abhord.
7 he > be _1596_
1 "How may it be," said then the knight half wroth, 2 "That knight should knighthood ever so have shent?"
knight > [a knight, any knight] shent > disgraced
3 "None but that saw," quoth he, "would ween for troth
None but that saw > [Nobody except one who saw] ween > believe, imagine troth > truth
4 How shamefully that maid he did torment.
maid > virgin; young woman
5 Her looser golden locks he rudely rent,
looser > too-loose; _hence:_ unfastened, dishevelled rudely > roughly, violently; ignobly rent > tore
6 And drew her on the ground; and his sharp sword 7 Against her snowy breast he fiercely bent, 8 And threatened death with many a bloody word; 9 Tongue hates to tell the rest, that eye to see abhorred."
201.12
Therewith amoued from his sober mood, 2 And liues he yet (said he) that wrought this act, And doen the heauens afford him vitall food? 4 He liues, (quoth he) and boasteth of the fact, Ne yet hath any knight his courage crackt. 6 Where may that treachour then (said he) be found, Or by what meanes may I his footing tract? 8 That shall I shew (said he) as sure, as hound The stricken Deare doth chalenge by the bleeding wound.
1 Therewith amoved from his sober mood,
Therewith > With that; thereupon amoved > stirred
2 "And lives he yet," said he, "that wrought this act,
that > [he who]
3 And do the heavens afford him vital food?" 4 "He lives," quoth he, "and boasts of the fact,
fact > deed, crime
5 Nor yet has any knight his courage cracked." 6 "Where may that treacher then," said he, "be found,
treacher > deceiver; traitor
7 Or by what means may I his footing tract?"
footing tract > trail trace
8 "That shall I show," said he, "as sure as hound 9 The stricken deer does challenge by the bleeding wound."
challenge > {Call to account: a term used in hunting when the hounds first cry at finding the scent}
201.13
He staid not lenger talke, but with fierce ire 2 And zealous hast away is quickly gone To seeke that knight, where him that craftie Squire 4 Supposd to be. They do arriue anone, Where sate a gentle Lady all alone, 6 With garments rent, and haire discheueled, Wringing her hands, and making piteous mone; 8 Her swollen eyes were much disfigured, And her faire face with teares was fowly blubbered.
1 He stayed not longer talk, but with fierce ire
talk > [talking, to talk, for talk]
2 And zealous haste away is quickly gone 3 To seek that knight, where him that crafty squire
squire > (See 201.21:6-9)
4 Supposed to be. They do arrive anon
Supposed > {Stated, asserted as a fact} anon > straightway; (catachr.) soon
5 Where sat a gentle lady all alone,
gentle > noble; gentle
6 With garments rent, and hair dishevelled,
rent > torn
7 Wringing her hands, and making piteous moan;
moan > lamentation
8 Her swollen eyes were much disfigured, 9 And her fair face with tears was foully blubbered.
blubbered > swollen, stained
201.14
The knight approching nigh, thus to her said, 2 Faire Ladie, through foule sorrow ill bedight, Great pittie is to see you thus dismaid, 4 And marre the blossome of your beautie bright: For thy appease your griefe and heauie plight, 6 And tell the cause of your conceiued paine. For if he liue, that hath you doen +despight,+ 8 He shall you doe due recompence againe, Or else his wrong with greater puissance maintaine.
7 despight, > despight; _1596, 1609_
1 The knight, approaching nigh, thus to her said, 2 "Fair lady, through foul sorrow ill-bedight,
ill-bedight > ill-adorned; _hence:_ disfigured
3 Great pity is to see you thus dismayed, 4 And mar the blossom of your beauty bright;
mar > [to see you mar]
5 For-thy appease your grief and heavy plight,
For-thy > For this reason, therefore appease > desist from, check
6 And tell the cause of your conceived pain:
conceived > {Taken or admitted into the mind; also: apparent, hence: self-evident}
7 For if he live, that has you done despite,
live > [lives; the subjunctive here is all but obsolete] despite > outrage
8 He shall you do due recompense again, 9 Or else his wrong with greater puissance maintain."
puissance > strength, force maintain > uphold, defend
201.15
Which when she heard, as in despightfull wise, 2 She wilfully her sorrow did augment, And offred hope of comfort did despise: 4 Her golden lockes most cruelly she rent, And scratcht her face with ghastly dreriment, 6 Ne would she speake, ne see, ne yet be seene, But hid her visage, and her head downe bent, 8 Either for grieuous shame, or for great teene, As if her hart with sorrow had transfixed beene.
1 Which when she heard, as in despiteful wise,
despiteful > [a] scornful wise > manner
2 She wilfully her sorrow did augment, 3 And offered hope of comfort did despise: 4 Her golden locks most cruelly she rent,
rent > tore
5 And scratched her face with ghastly dreariment,
dreariment > affliction, melancholy
6 Neither would she speak, nor see, nor yet be seen, 7 But hid her visage, and her head down bent,
down bent > bent down, inclined; _or:_ down-bent (describing her head which she hid)
8 Either for grievous shame, or for great teen,
teen > grief; woe
9 As if her heart with sorrow had transfixed been.
201.16
Till her that Squire bespake, Madame my +liefe+, 2 For Gods deare loue be not so wilfull bent, But doe vouchsafe now to receiue reliefe, 4 The which good fortune doth to you present. For what bootes it to weepe and to wayment, 6 When ill is chaunst, but doth the ill increase, And the weake mind with double woe +torment?+ 8 When she her Squire heard speake, she gan appease Her voluntarie paine, and feele some secret ease.
1 liefe > life _1590; cf. 201.52:5_ 7 torment? > torment{inverse ?} _1596_
1 Till her that squire bespoke: "Madam, my lief,
that squire > [Archimago] bespoke > addressed lief > friend, dear
2 For God's dear love be not so wilful bent,
wilful bent > wilfully inclined
3 But do vouchsafe now to receive relief, 4 Which good fortune does to you present. 5 For what boots it to weep and to wayment
boots > avails wayment > lament; wail
6 When ill is chanced, but does the ill increase,
ill > evil chanced > happened upon; _hence:_ experienced but > [for weeping only]
7 And the weak mind with double woe torment." 8 When she her squire heard speak, she gan appease
gan > did; began to appease > check
9 Her voluntary pain, and feel some secret ease.
voluntary > self-induced, self-inflicted
201.17
Eftsoone she said, Ah gentle trustie Squire, 2 What comfort can I wofull wretch conceaue, Or why should euer I henceforth +desire,+ 4 To see faire heauens face, and life not leaue, Sith that false Traytour did my honour reaue? 6 False traytour certes (said the Faerie knight) I read the man, that euer would deceaue 8 A gentle Ladie, or her wrong through might: Death were too little paine for such a foule despight.
3 desire, > desyre, _1590;_ desire _1609_
1 Eftsoons she said, "Ah, gentle trusty squire,
Eftsoons > Thereupon gentle > noble
2 What comfort can I, woeful wretch, conceive, 3 Or why should ever I henceforth desire 4 To see fair Heaven's face, and life not leave, 5 Sith that false traitor did my honour reave?"
Sith > Since reave > take away; plunder, despoil
6 "False traitor certes," said the Faery knight,
certes > assuredly
7 "I read the man, that ever would deceive
read > consider
8 A gentle lady, or her wrong through might:
gentle > noble; gentle wrong > (Vb.)
9 Death were too little pain for such a foul despite.
despite > outrage
201.18
But now, faire Ladie, comfort to you make, 2 And read, who hath ye wrought this shamefull +plight;+ That short reuenge the man may ouertake, 4 Where so he be, and soone vpon him light. Certes (saide she) I wote not how he hight, 6 But vnder him a gray steede +did he+ wield, Whose sides with dapled circles weren dight; 8 Vpright he rode, and in his siluer shield He bore a bloudie Crosse, that quartred all the field.
2 plight; > plight. _1590, 1596_ 6 did he > he did _1590_
1 "But now, fair lady, comfort to you make, 2 And read who has you wrought this shameful plight;
read > declare
3 That short revenge the man may overtake,
That > [So that] short > quick, speedy; immediate
4 Whereso he be, and soon upon him light."
Whereso > Wherever light > fall
5 "Certes," said she, "I wot not how he hight,
Certes > Assuredly wot > know hight > is named
6 But under him a grey steed did he wield,
wield > manage, control
7 Whose sides with dappled circles were dight;
dight > arranged; _hence:_ marked
8 Upright he rode, and in his silver shield
in > [on]
9 He bore a bloody cross, that quartered all the field."
bloody > blood-red quartered > {Divided into four; a technical term in heraldry} field > {Surface of the shield; another term in heraldry}
201.19
Now by my head (said _Guyon_) much I muse, 2 How that same knight should do so foule amis, Or euer gentle Damzell so abuse: 4 For may I boldly say, he surely is A right good knight, and true of word ywis: 6 I present was, and can it witnesse well, When armes he swore, and streight did enterpris 8 Th'aduenture of the _Errant damozell_, In which he hath great glorie wonne, as I heare tell.
1 "Now by my head," said Guyon, "much I muse
by my head > (An oath) muse > marvel, wonder; am at a loss to understand
2 How that same knight should do so foul amiss,
amiss > [an] evil deed (cf. _Hamlet_ IV v 18)
3 Or ever gentle damsel so abuse:
gentle > noble; gentle abuse > violate, ill-use
4 For, may I boldly say, he surely is 5 A right good knight, and true of word iwis:
right > very iwis > certainly, indeed
6 I present was, and can it witness well, 7 When arms he swore, and straight did enterprise
arms > [the oaths of knighthood] straight > straightway enterprise > undertake
8 The adventure of the Errant Damsel,
Errant Damsel > (Una, who wandered in order to find a knight to free her parents; see Book I)
9 In which he has great glory won, as I hear tell.
201.20
Nathlesse he shortly shall againe be tryde, 2 And fairely quite him of th'imputed blame, Else be ye sure he dearely shall abyde, 4 Or make you good amendment for the same: All wrongs haue mends, but no amends of shame. 6 Now therefore Ladie, rise out of your paine, And see the saluing of your blotted name. 8 Full loth she seemd thereto, but yet did faine; For she was inly glad her purpose so to gaine.
1 "Natheless he shortly shall again be tried,
Natheless > Nevertheless
2 And fairly quit himself of the imputed blame,
quit > absolve, clear blame > charge
3 Else be you sure he dearly shall aby,
Else > Otherwise dearly > sorely; expensively aby > atone, pay the penalty; suffer (cf. 204.40:4)
4 Or make you good amendment for the same: 5 All wrongs have mends, but no amends of shame.
mends > compensations (partly aphetic for "amends") no amends of > [there can be no reparation for]
6 Now, therefore, lady, rise out of your pain, 7 And see the salving of your blotted name."
salving > restoration, making good
8 Full loath she seemed thereto, but yet did feign;
thereto > in that purpose; with that feign > dissimulate (this spelling suggested by 201.21:1); _also:_ fain: become glad
9 For she was inly glad her purpose so to gain.
inly > inwardly
201.21
Her purpose was not such, as she did faine, 2 Ne yet her person such, as it was seene, But vnder simple shew and semblant plaine 4 Lurckt false _Duessa_ secretly vnseene, As a chast Virgin, that had wronged beene: 6 So had false _Archimago_ her disguisd, To cloke her guile with sorrow and sad teene; 8 And eke himselfe had craftily deuisd To be her Squire, and do her seruice well aguisd.
1 Her purpose was not such as she did feign, 2 Nor yet her person such as it was seen, 3 But under simple show and semblant plain
show > appearance (cf. 102.45:7) semblant > outward aspect, semblance
4 Lurked false Duessa, secretly unseen, 5 As a chaste virgin, that had wronged been: 6 So had false Archimago her disguised, 7 To cloak her guile with sorrow and sad teen;
teen > grief; woe
8 And eke himself had craftily devised
eke > also
9 To be her squire, and do her service well aguised.
squire > attendant aguised > arrayed
201.22
Her late forlorne and naked he had found, 2 Where she did wander in waste wildernesse, Lurking in rockes and caues farre vnder ground, 4 And with greene mosse cou'ring her nakednesse, To hide her shame and loathly filthinesse; 6 Sith her Prince _Arthur_ of proud ornaments And borrow'd beautie spoyld. Her nathelesse 8 Th'enchaunter finding fit for his intents, Did thus reuest, and deckt with due habiliments.
1 Her late forlorn and naked he had found,
late > lately
2 Where she did wander in waste wilderness,
waste > desolate, uninhabited (see 108.50:3)
3 Lurking in rocks and caves far underground, 4 And with green moss covering her nakedness, 5 To hide her shame and loathly filthiness;
loathly > loathsome, repulsive, hateful filthiness > obscenity, moral defilement
6 Sith her Prince Arthur of proud ornaments
Sith > Since
7 And borrowed beauty spoiled. Her natheless
spoiled > stripped (with less sense of violence than modern usage implies) natheless > nevertheless
8 The enchanter finding fit for his intents,
intents > purposes
9 Did thus revest, and decked with due habiliments.
revest > reinstate; dress, apparel ("her" being understood from line 7) due habiliments > appropriate attire
201.23
For all he did, was to deceiue good knights, 2 And draw them from pursuit of praise and fame, To slug in slouth and sensuall delights, 4 And end their daies with irrenowmed shame. And now exceeding griefe him ouercame, 6 To see the _Redcrosse_ thus aduaunced hye; Therefore this craftie engine he did frame, 8 Against his praise to stirre vp enmitye Of such, as vertues like mote vnto him allye.
1 For all he did was to deceive good knights, 2 And draw them from pursuit of praise and fame, 3 To slug in sloth and sensual delights,
slug > laze; waste time
4 And end their days with irrenowned shame.
irrenowned > infamous (WU)
5 And now exceeding grief him overcame, 6 To see the Redcross thus advanced high;
advanced > raised; extolled (referring either to the knight or his heraldic bearing, the red cross)
7 Therefore this crafty engine he did frame,
engine > contrivance, snare frame > fashion
8 Against his praise to stir up enmity
praise > praiseworthiness; good reputation
9 Of such as virtues like might to him ally.
such as virtues like > [those people whose similar virtues] ally > [ally themselves]
201.24
So now he _Guyon_ guides an vncouth way 2 Through woods and mountaines, till they came at last Into a pleasant dale, that lowly lay 4 Betwixt two hils, whose high heads ouerplast, The valley did with coole shade ouercast; 6 Through midst thereof a little riuer rold, By which there sate a knight with helme vnlast, 8 Himselfe refreshing with the liquid cold, After his trauell long, and labours manifold.
1 So now he Guyon guides an uncouth way
uncouth > unaccustomed; unfrequented; desolate, wild
2 Through woods and mountains, till they came at last 3 Into a pleasant dale, that lowly lay
lowly > {Low in situation}
4 Betwixt two hills, whose high heads overplaced
overplaced > overhanging; looming
5 The valley did with cool shade overcast; 6 Through midst thereof a little river rolled, 7 By which there sat a knight with helm unlaced,
helm > helmet
8 Himself refreshing with the liquid cold, 9 After his travel long, and labours manifold.
201.25
Loe yonder he, cryde _Archimage_ alowd, 2 That wrought the shamefull fact, which I did shew; And now he doth himselfe in secret shrowd, 4 To flie the vengeance for his outrage dew; But vaine: for ye shall dearely do him rew, 6 So God ye speed, and send you good successe; Which we farre off will here abide to vew. 8 So they him left, inflam'd with wrathfulnesse, That streight against that knight his speare he did addresse.
1 "Lo yonder he," cried Archimago aloud, 2 "That wrought the shameful fact which I did show;
fact > deed, crime show > behold; make known, describe
3 And now he does himself in secret shroud,
shroud > hide
4 To fly the vengeance for his outrage due;
fly > flee, avoid for his outrage due > [due to him for his outrage]
5 But vain: for you shall dearly do him rue,
vain > vainly; in vain dearly > sorely; dearly do him > make him, cause him to (cf. "do him die", e.g. 109.54:8)
6 So God you speed, and send you good success;
speed > assist
7 Which we far off will here abide to view."
abide > remain
8 So they him left, inflamed with wrathfulness, 9 That straight against that knight his spear he did address.
That > [So that] straight > immediately, straightway; directly
201.26
Who seeing him from farre so fierce to pricke, 2 His warlike armes about him gan embrace, And in the rest his readie speare did sticke; 4 Tho when as still he saw him towards pace, He gan rencounter him in equall race. 6 They bene ymet, both readie to affrap, When suddenly that warriour gan abace 8 His threatned speare, as if some new mishap Had him +betidde+, or hidden daunger did entrap.
9 betidde > betide _1590_
1 Who, seeing him from far so fierce to prick,
prick > spur [his horse]; ride
2 His warlike arms about him gan embrace,
gan > did embrace > put (usually just a shield) on the arm; _hence:_ put on, take up (shield and lance, etc.)
3 And in the rest his ready spear did stick;
rest > {Socket in the saddle for the heel of the lance}
4 Tho when still he saw him towards pace,
Tho > Then towards > [in his direction]
5 He gan rencounter him in equal race.
gan rencounter > did engage equal race > {The level course along which the two jousting knights in a tourney charge toward one another, here used fig.}
6 They been met, both ready to affrap,
been met > [came together in battle] affrap > strike (WUFQ)
7 When suddenly that warrior gan abase
that warrior > [Guyon, as the next stanza makes clear] gan abase > did lower
8 His threatened spear, as if some new mishap 9 Had him betide, or hidden danger did entrap.
betide > befallen
201.27
And cryde, Mercie Sir knight, and mercie Lord, 2 For mine offence and heedlesse hardiment, That had almost committed crime abhord, 4 And with reprochfull shame mine honour shent, Whiles cursed steele against that badge I bent, 6 The sacred badge of my Redeemers death, Which on your shield is set for ornament: 8 But his fierce foe his steede could stay vneath, Who prickt with courage kene, did cruell battell breath.
1 And cried, "Mercy, sir knight, and mercy Lord, 2 For my offence and heedless hardiment,
offence > {Assault; occasion of doubt, unbelief, or apostasy} hardiment > hardihood, boldness; audacity
3 That had almost committed crime abhorred, 4 And with reproachful shame my honour shent,
shent > disgraced
5 While cursed steel against that badge I bent,
bent > inclined, directed
6 The sacred badge of my Redeemer's death, 7 Which on your shield is set for ornament." 8 But his fierce foe his steed could stay uneath,
uneath > scarcely, with difficulty
9 Who, pricked with courage keen, did cruel battle breathe.
Who > (The knight or his horse; see note at 102.8:4) courage > spirit; courage keen > fierce; brave; savage
201.28
But when he heard him speake, streight way he knew 2 His error, and himselfe inclyning sayd; Ah deare Sir _Guyon_, +well+ becommeth you, 4 But me behoueth rather to vpbrayd, Whose hastie hand so farre from reason strayd, 6 That almost it did haynous violence On that faire image of that heauenly Mayd, 8 That decks and armes your shield with faire defence: Your court'sie takes on you anothers due offence.
3 well > ill _1679_
1 But when he heard him speak, straightway he knew 2 His error and, himself inclining, said:
inclining > [bending the head and body forward; hence: yielding]
3 "Ah, dear Sir Guyon, well becomes you,
becomes > [it becomes]
4 But me behoves rather to upbraid,
me behoves rather to upbraid > [it behoves that I should be upbraided rather than you]
5 Whose hasty hand so far from reason strayed 6 That almost it did heinous violence 7 On that fair image of that heavenly maid,
On > To that heavenly maid > (The Faery Queen: see e.g. 209.4:1-2)
8 That decks and arms your shield with fair defence: 9 Your courtesy takes on you another's due offence."
on you > on yourself; to your own account
201.29
So bene they both +attone+, and doen vpreare 2 Their beuers bright, each other for to greete; Goodly comportance each to other beare, 4 And entertaine themselues with court'sies meet. Then said the _Redcrosse_ knight, Now mote I weet, 6 Sir _Guyon_, why with so fierce saliaunce, And fell intent ye did at earst me meet; 8 For sith I know your goodly gouernaunce, Great cause, I weene, you guided, or some vncouth chaunce.
1 attone > at one _1590_
1 So been they both at one, and do uprear
been > [were] uprear > raise
2 Their beavers bright, each other to greet;
beaver > visor (strictly, the lower part of the face-guard)
3 Goodly comportance each to other bear,
comportance > behaviour; accordance
4 And entertain themselves with courtesies meet.
meet > fitting
5 Then said the Redcross Knight, "Now might I weet,
weet > know
6 Sir Guyon, why with so fierce salience
so > such [a] salience > {Leaping forward, projection from the norm; hence: onslaught}
7 And fell intent you did at erst me meet;
fell > fierce, terrible intent > purpose, intention erst > first
8 For sith I know your goodly governance,
sith > since governance > demeanour, behaviour; self-control
9 Great cause, I ween, you guided, or some uncouth chance."
ween > imagine, think uncouth > strange
201.30
Certes (said he) well mote I shame to tell 2 The fond encheason, that me hither led. A false infamous faitour late befell 4 Me for to meet, that seemed ill bested, And playnd of grieuous outrage, which he red 6 A knight had wrought against a Ladie gent; Which to auenge, he to this place me led, 8 Where you he made the marke of his intent, And now is fled; foule shame him follow, where he went.
1 "Certes," said he, "well might I shame to tell
Certes > Assuredly shame > feel shame, feel ashamed
2 The fond encheason that me hither led.
fond > foolish encheason > cause, reason
3 A false infamous faitour late befell
faitour > impostor, cheat late > recently
4 Me to meet, that seemed ill-bested,
ill-bested > hard-pressed, threatened, in trouble (bested = placed)
5 And plained of grievous outrage, which he read
plained > complained read > [had] observed; declared, made known
6 A knight had wrought against a lady gent;
gent > graceful, elegant; noble
7 Which to avenge, he to this place me led, 8 Where you he made the mark of his intent, 9 And now is fled; foul shame him follow, where he went."
where > wherever
201.31
So can he turne his earnest vnto game, 2 Through goodly +handling+ and wise temperance. By this his aged guide in presence came; 4 Who soone as on that knight his eye did glance, Eft soones of him had perfect cognizance, 6 Sith him in Faerie court he late auizd; And said, +faire+ sonne, God giue you happie chance, 8 And that deare Crosse vpon your shield deuizd, Wherewith aboue all knights ye goodly seeme aguizd.
2 handling > handing _1596_ 7 faire > fayre _1590;_ Faire _1609_
1 So can he turn his earnest to game,
can he > did he; does he know how to
2 Through goodly handling and wise temperance.
handling > treatment, management; _hence:_ conduct
3 By this his aged guide in presence came;
By this > At this; by this time
4 Who, soon as on that knight his eye did glance,
soon > [as soon]
5 Eftsoons of him had perfect cognizance,
Eftsoons > Forthwith cognizance > recognition (SUS)
6 Sith him in Faery court he late advised;
Sith > Since late > recently advised > saw, noticed, observed
7 And said, "Fair son, God give you happy chance,
happy > fortunate; happy
8 And that dear cross upon your shield devised,
devised > contrived, skilfully prepared; _hence:_ painted ("device" (sb.) = "design", and, specifically in heraldry, "emblem")
9 Wherewith above all knights you goodly seem aguised.
Wherewith > With which aguised > arrayed; _hence:_ protected
201.32
Ioy may you haue, and euerlasting fame, 2 Of late most hard atchieu'ment by you donne, For which enrolled is your glorious name 4 In heauenly Registers aboue the Sunne, Where you a Saint with Saints your seat haue wonne: 6 But wretched we, where ye haue left your marke, Must now anew begin, like race to runne; 8 God guide thee, _Guyon_, well to end thy warke, And to the wished hauen bring thy weary barke.
1 "Joy may you have, and everlasting fame, 2 Of late most hard achievement by you done,
late > [the] recent
3 For which enrolled is your glorious name 4 In heavenly registers above the sun,
heavenly registers > (See _Luke_ 10.20; _Rev._ 3.5)
5 Where you a saint with saints your seat have won: 6 But wretched we, where you have left your mark, 7 Must now anew begin, like race to run;
like > [a] similar race > {Journey, voyage; competitive race [against the forces of evil]; course in a tourney (cf. 201.26:5); strong current in the sea or a river (cf. esp. 212); course of events; course of a narrative}
8 God guide you, Guyon, well to end your work, 9 And to the wished haven bring your weary bark."
bark > vessel
201.33
Palmer, (him answered the _Redcrosse_ knight) 2 His be the praise, that this atchieu'ment wrought, Who made my hand the organ of his might; 4 More then goodwill to me attribute nought: For all I did, I did but as I ought. 6 But you, faire Sir, whose pageant next ensewes, Well mote yee thee, as well can wish your thought, 8 That home ye may report +thrise+ happie newes; For well ye worthie bene for worth and gentle thewes.
8 thrise > these _1590 etc.: FE_
1 "Palmer," him answered the Redcross Knight, 2 "His be the praise, that this achievement wrought, 3 Who made my hand the organ of His might;
organ > instrument, agent (cf. 312.40:5); organ
4 More than goodwill to me attribute naught: 5 For all I did, I did but as I ought. 6 But you, fair sir, whose pageant next ensues,
pageant > {Exhibition, show; scene or act of a medieval mystery play; tableau or tableaux from such a play. The same word is used in the dedicatory sonnet to Charles Howard at I:537} next > (See I:183 ff.: "The second day ther came in a Palmer ...")
7 Well might you thee, as well can wish your thought,
thee > thrive; grow your > [your own]
8 That home you may report thrice happy news;
That > [So that] report > carry; send back; report
9 For well you worthy be for worth and gentle thews."
gentle thews > noble qualities
201.34
So courteous conge both did giue and take, 2 With right hands plighted, pledges of good will. Then _Guyon_ forward gan his voyage make, 4 With his blacke Palmer, that him guided still. Still he him guided ouer dale and hill, 6 And with his +steedie+ staffe did point his way: His race with reason, and with words his will, 8 From foule intemperance he oft did stay, And suffred not in wrath his hastie steps to stray.
6 steedie > steedy _1590;_ steadie _1609;_ steady _1590 reported by Grosart_
1 So courteous cong{e/} both did give and take,
cong{e/} > leave, farewell
2 With right hands plighted, pledges of goodwill.
plighted > plaited, knitted; _hence:_ clasped
3 Then Guyon forward gan his voyage make,
gan > did; began to voyage > journey
4 With his black palmer, that him guided still.
black > (Referring to the colour of his clothes: see 201.7:2) still > continually
5 Still he him guided over dale and hill, 6 And with his steady staff did point his way: 7 His race with reason, and with words his will,
race > (Meanings as at 201.32:7)
8 From foul intemperance he oft did stay,
stay > hold back
9 And suffered not in wrath his hasty steps to stray.
suffered > allowed
201.35
In this faire wize they traueild long yfere, 2 Through many hard assayes, which did betide; Of which he honour still away did beare, 4 And spred his glorie through all countries wide. At last as chaunst them by a forest side 6 To passe, for succour from the scorching ray, They heard a ruefull voice, that dearnly cride 8 With percing shriekes, and many a dolefull lay; Which to attend, a while their forward steps they stay.
1 In this fair wise they travelled long yfere,
wise > manner yfere > together
2 Through many hard assays, which did betide;
assays > trials betide > befall
3 Of which he honour still away did bear,
still > always
4 And spread his glory through all countries wide. 5 At last, as chanced them by a forest side 6 To pass, for succour from the scorching ray,
succour > relief; protection, shelter
7 They heard a rueful voice, that dernly cried
dernly > darkly; dismally (SUS)
8 With piercing shrieks, and many a doleful lay;
lay > song, strain; _hence:_ cry, lamentation
9 Which to attend, awhile their forward steps they stay.
attend > listen to stay > check
201.36
But if that carelesse heauens (quoth she) despise 2 The doome of iust reuenge, and take delight To see sad pageants of mens miseries, 4 As bound by them to liue in +liues+ despight, Yet can they not warne death from wretched wight. 6 Come then, come soone, come sweetest death to mee, And take away this long lent loathed light: 8 Sharpe be thy wounds, but sweet the medicines bee, That long captiued soules from wearie thraldome free.
4 liues > lifes _1609_
1 "But if careless heavens," quoth she, "despise
despise > set at naught; treat with contempt
2 The doom of just revenge, and take delight
doom > judgement, sentence; righteousness, equity; power, authority
3 To see sad pageants of men's miseries,
pageants > {Acted scenes on stage}
4 As bound by them to live in life's despite,
bound > fated, compelled [by the heavens] life's despite > [life's malicious circumstances; or, perhaps: scorning, defiant of, life]
5 Yet can they not warn death from wretched wight.
warn death from > refuse death to [a] wight > mortal, woman
6 Come then, come soon, come sweetest death to me, 7 And take away this long lent loathed light: 8 Sharp be your wounds, but sweet the medicines be, 9 That long captived souls from weary thraldom free.
thraldom > captivity, bondage
201.37
But thou, sweet Babe, whom frowning froward fate 2 Hath made sad witnesse of thy fathers fall, Sith heauen thee deignes to hold in liuing state, 4 Long maist thou liue, and better thriue withall, Then to thy lucklesse parents did befall: 6 Liue thou, and to thy mother dead attest, That cleare she dide from blemish criminall; 8 Thy litle hands embrewd in bleeding brest Loe I for pledges leaue. So giue me leaue to rest.
1 "But you, sweet babe, whom frowning froward Fate
froward > perverse; adverse; evilly disposed
2 Has made sad witness of your father's fall, 3 Sith heaven you deigns to hold in living state,
Sith > Since
4 Long may you live, and better thrive withal
withal > with it, in addition
5 Than to your luckless parents did befall: 6 Live you, and to your mother dead attest
mother dead > [dead mother] attest > testify (this obsolete use is indicated by the preceding "to"; though better sense is made if the "to" is omitted, as: "attest that your dead mother died clear from criminal blemish")
7 That clear she died from blemish criminal; 8 Your little hands imbrued in bleeding breast
imbrued > steeped; stained, defiled
9 Lo I for pledges leave. So give me leave to rest."
201.38
With that a deadly shrieke she forth did throw, 2 That through the wood reecchoed againe, And after gaue a grone so deepe and low, 4 That seemd her tender heart was rent in twaine, Or thrild with point of thorough piercing paine; 6 As gentle Hynd, whose sides with cruell steele Through +launched+, forth her bleeding life does raine, 8 Whiles the sad pang approching she does feele, Brayes out her latest breath, and vp her eyes doth seele.
7 launched > launced _1609_
1 With that a deadly shriek she forth did throw, 2 That through the wood re-echoed again, 3 And after gave a groan so deep and low 4 That seemed her tender heart was rent in twain,
That > [That it] rent > torn twain > two
5 Or thrilled with point of through-piercing pain;
thrilled > pierced
6 As gentle hind, whose sides with cruel steel 7 Through lanced, forth her bleeding life does rain, 8 While the sad pang approaching she does feel,
sad > heavy; solemn; dismal; grievous
9 Brays out her latest breath, and up her eyes does seel.
Brays > Cries latest > last seel > close
201.39
Which when that warriour heard, dismounting straict 2 From his tall steed, he rusht into the thicke, And soone arriued, where that sad pourtraict 4 Of death and +dolour+ lay, halfe dead, halfe quicke, In whose white alabaster brest did sticke 6 A cruell knife, that made a griesly wound, From which forth gusht a streme of gorebloud thick, 8 That all her goodly garments staind around, And into a deep sanguine dide the grassie ground.
4 dolour > labour _1596, 1609_
1 Which when that warrior heard, dismounting straight
straight > straightway, immediately; _hence, perhaps:_ intemperately
2 From his tall steed, he rushed into the thick,
the thick > the thicket, the copse, _with perhaps a sly connotation of:_ the thick of it
3 And soon arrived where that sad portrait 4 Of death and dolour lay, half dead, half quick,
dolour > pain; anguish (see Textual Appendix; I have chosen 1590 as the more obvious reading, though "labour" more graphically describes Amavia's suffering and may also refer to her labour in bearing the child) quick > alive
5 In whose white alabaster breast did stick 6 A cruel knife, that made a grisly wound,
grisly > horrible, fearsome
7 From which forth gushed a stream of goreblood thick,
goreblood > {?Gory blood; ?blood shed by carnage or butchery}
8 That all her goodly garments stained around, 9 And into a deep sanguine dyed the grassy ground.
sanguine > blood-red
201.40
Pittifull spectacle of deadly smart, 2 Beside a bubbling fountaine low she lay, Which she increased with her bleeding hart, 4 And the cleane waues with purple +gore+ did ray; Als in her lap a +louely+ babe did play 6 His cruell sport, in stead of sorrow dew; For in her streaming blood he did embay 8 His litle hands, and tender ioynts embrew; Pitifull spectacle, as euer eye did view.
4 gore > gold _1596, 1609_ 5 louely > little _1609_
1 Pitiful spectacle of deadly smart,
smart > {Grief, sorrow; suffering; sharp or biting pain. Spenser may have known that "smart" is perhaps related to the Latin _mordere_, to bite: see 201.0:3}
2 Beside a bubbling fountain low she lay, 3 Which she increased with her bleeding heart, 4 And the clean waves with purple gore did beray;
purple > red, blood-red beray > defile; asperse, bespatter
5 Als in her lap a lovely babe did play
Als > As; also
6 His cruel sport, instead of sorrow due;
due > fitting, proper; merited
7 For in her streaming blood he did embay
embay > bathe
8 His little hands, and tender joints imbrue;
joints > arms; limbs imbrue > steep; defile
9 Pitiful spectacle as ever eye did view.
Pitiful > [As pitiful a]
201.41
Besides them both, vpon the soiled gras 2 The dead corse of an armed knight was spred, Whose armour all with bloud besprinckled was; 4 His ruddie lips did smile, and rosy red Did paint his chearefull cheekes, yet being +ded,+ 6 Seemd to haue beene a goodly personage, Now in his freshest flowre of lustie hed, 8 Fit to inflame faire Lady with loues rage, But that fiers fate did crop the blossome of his age.
5 ded, > ded: _1609_
1 Beside them both, upon the soiled grass
soiled > stained; sullied; defiled
2 The dead corse of an armed knight was spread,
corse > body
3 Whose armour all with blood besprinkled was;
besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is intensive}
4 His ruddy lips did smile, and rosy red 5 Did paint his cheerful cheeks, yet being dead:
yet > although
6 Seemed to have been a goodly personage,
Seemed > [He seemed] goodly > well-favoured, handsome
7 Now in his freshest flower of lustihead,
lustihead > lustiness, vigour; lustfulness
8 Fit to inflame fair lady with love's rage, 9 But that fierce fate did crop the blossom of his age.
201.42
Whom when the good Sir _Guyon_ did behold, 2 His hart gan wexe as starke, as marble stone, And his fresh bloud did frieze with fearefull cold, 4 That all his senses seemd bereft +attone:+ At last his mightie ghost gan deepe to grone, 6 As Lyon grudging in his great disdaine, Mournes inwardly, and makes to himselfe mone; 8 Till ruth and fraile affection did +constraine,+ His +stout courage+ to stoupe, and shew his inward paine.
4 attone: > attone, _1596_ 8 constraine, > constraine _1609_ 9 stout courage > courage stout _1609_
1 Whom when the good Sir Guyon did behold, 2 His heart gan wax as stark as marble stone,
gan > did; began to wax > grow stark > rigid, incapable of movement
3 And his fresh blood did freeze with fearful cold, 4 That all his senses seemed bereft at one:
That > [So that] at one > at once, simultaneously
5 At last his mighty ghost began deep to groan,
ghost > spirit
6 As lion, grudging in his great disdain,
grudging > murmuring, grumbling; _hence:_ growling disdain > indignation, anger
7 Mourns inwardly, and makes to himself moan; 8 Till ruth and frail affection did constrain
ruth > pity
9 His stout courage to stoop, and show his inward pain.
stout > proud; bold courage > heart, mind, spirit
201.43
Out of her gored wound the cruell steele 2 He lightly snatcht, and did the floudgate stop With his faire garment: then gan softly feele 4 Her feeble pulse, to proue if any drop Of liuing bloud yet in her veynes did hop; 6 Which when he felt to moue, he hoped faire To call backe life to her forsaken shop; 8 So well he did her deadly wounds repaire, That at the last she gan to breath out liuing aire.
1 Out of her gored wound the cruel steel 2 He lightly snatched, and did the floodgate stop
lightly > quickly, lightly
3 With his fair garment: then gan softly feel
gan > did
4 Her feeble pulse, to prove if any drop 5 Of living blood yet in her veins did hop;
hop > hop, _hence:_ beat, pulse
6 Which when he felt to move, he hoped fair 7 To call back life to her forsaken shop;
shop > {Place where something is produced or elaborated, often said of heart, liver, and other internal organs; hence, here: heart}
8 So well he did her deadly wounds repair, 9 That at the last she began to breathe out living air.
201.44
Which he perceiuing greatly gan reioice, 2 And goodly counsell, that for wounded hart Is meetest med'cine, tempred with sweet voice; 4 Ay me, deare Lady, which the image art Of ruefull pitie, and impatient smart, 6 What direfull chance, armd with +reuenging+ fate, Or cursed hand hath plaid this cruell part, 8 Thus fowle to hasten your vntimely date; Speake, O deare Lady speake: help neuer comes too late.
6 reuenging > auenging _1590_
1 Which he perceiving, greatly gan rejoice,
gan > did; began to
2 And goodly counsel (that for wounded heart 3 Is meetest medicine) tempered with sweet voice:
meetest > most suitable tempered > blended; moderated; adapted; kept in check
4 "Ay me, dear lady, who the image are
Ay me > Ah me! Alas! (chiefly in northern dialect) image > emblem; personification
5 Of rueful pity, and impatient smart,
impatient smart > unendurable pain
6 What direful chance, armed with revenging fate,
direful > terrible
7 Or cursed hand has played this cruel part, 8 Thus foul to hasten your untimely date;
date > end
9 Speak, O dear lady, speak: help never comes too late!"
201.45
Therewith her dim eie-lids she vp gan reare, 2 On which the drery death did sit, as sad As lump of lead, and made darke clouds appeare; 4 But when as him all in bright armour clad Before her standing she espied had, 6 As one out of a deadly dreame affright, She weakely started, yet she nothing drad: 8 Streight downe againe her selfe in great despight, She groueling threw to ground, as hating life and light.
1 Therewith her dim eyelids she up gan rear,
Therewith > With that gan > did
2 On which the dreary death did sit, as sad
sad > heavy
3 As lump of lead, and made dark clouds appear; 4 But when him (all in bright armour clad) 5 Before her standing she espied had, 6 As one out of a deadly dream affright
affright > terrified
7 She weakly started, yet she nothing dreaded: 8 Straight down again herself in great despite
despite > defiance; scorn
9 She grovelling threw to ground, as hating life and light.
grovelling threw > threw [herself] face-down as > [as though]
201.46
The gentle knight her soone with carefull paine 2 Vplifted light, and softly did vphold: Thrise he her reard, and thrise she sunke againe, 4 Till he his armes about her sides gan fold, And to her said; Yet if the stony cold 6 Haue not all seized on your frozen hart, Let one word fall that may your griefe vnfold, 8 And tell the secret of your mortall smart; He oft finds present helpe, who does his griefe impart.
1 The gentle knight her soon with careful pain
gentle > noble; gentle soon > soon; immediately pain > pains, effort
2 Uplifted light, and softly did uphold: 3 Thrice he her reared, and thrice she sank again, 4 Till he his arms about her sides gan fold,
gan > did
5 And to her said: "Yet if the stony cold 6 Has not all seized on your frozen heart, 7 Let one word fall that may your grief unfold, 8 And tell the secret of your mortal smart;
smart > pain; biting pain
9 He oft finds present help, who does his grief impart."
present > prompt, ready
201.47
Then casting vp a deadly looke, full +low+ 2 Shee +sight+ from bottome of her wounded brest, And after, many bitter throbs did throw 4 With lips full pale and foltring tongue opprest, These words she breathed forth from riuen chest; 6 Leaue, ah leaue off, what euer wight thou bee, To let a wearie wretch from her dew rest, 8 And trouble dying soules tranquilitee. Take not away now got, which none would giue to me.
1 low > low, _1596_ 2 sight > sigh't _1609_
1 Then, casting up a deadly look, full low
full > very, exceedingly
2 She sighed from bottom of her wounded breast, 3 And after, many bitter throbs did throw 4 With lips full pale and faltering tongue oppressed; 5 These words she breathed forth from riven chest:
riven > split, torn asunder
6 "Leave, ah leave off, whatever wight you be,
wight > person, man
7 To let a weary wretch from her due rest,
let > hinder
8 And trouble dying soul's tranquillity. 9 Take not away now got, which none would give to me."
now > [that which I have now]
201.48
Ah farre be it (said he) Deare dame fro mee, 2 To hinder soule from her desired rest, Or hold sad life in long captiuitee: 4 For all I seeke, is but to haue redrest The bitter pangs, that doth your heart infest. 6 Tell then, {o^} Lady tell, what fatall priefe Hath with so huge misfortune you opprest? 8 That I may cast to compasse your reliefe, Or die with you in sorrow, and partake your griefe.
1 "Ah, far be it," said he, "dear dame, from me 2 To hinder soul from its desired rest, 3 Or hold sad life in long captivity: 4 For all I seek is but to have redressed
redressed > remedied; removed
5 The bitter pangs that do your heart infest.
infest > harass, molest; (catachr.) infect
6 Tell then, O lady tell, what fatal proof
proof > experience, trial
7 Has with so huge misfortune you oppressed?
so > such
8 That I may cast to compass your relief,
That > [So that] cast > contrive compass > accomplish
9 Or die with you in sorrow, and partake your grief."
partake > share in (trans.)
201.49
With feeble hands then stretched forth on hye, 2 As heauen accusing guiltie of her death, And with dry drops congealed in her eye, 4 In these sad words she spent her vtmost breath: Heare then, {o^} man, the sorrowes that vneath 6 My tongue can tell, so farre all sense they pas: Loe this dead corpse, that lies here vnderneath, 8 The gentlest knight, that euer on greene gras Gay steed with spurs did pricke, the good Sir +Mortdant+ was.
9 Mortdant > _Mordant 1609_
1 With feeble hands then stretched forth on high 2 (As heaven accusing guilty of her death),
As heaven accusing > [As if accusing heaven of being]
3 And with dry drops congealed in her eye, 4 In these sad words she spent her utmost breath:
utmost > final
5 "Hear then, O man, the sorrows that uneath
uneath > scarcely, with difficulty
6 My tongue can tell, so far all sense they pass:
pass > surpass
7 Lo this dead corpse, that lies here underneath, 8 The gentlest knight, that ever on green grass
gentlest > noblest; gentlest
9 Gay steed with spurs did prick, the good Sir Mordant was.
prick > spur; _hence:_ ride
201.50
Was, (ay the while, that he is not so now) 2 My Lord my loue; my deare Lord, my deare loue, So long as heauens iust with equall +brow,+ 4 Vouchsafed to behold vs from aboue, One day when him high courage did emmoue, 6 As wont ye knights to seeke aduentures wilde, He pricked forth, his puissant force to proue, 8 Me then he left enwombed of this child, This lucklesse child, whom thus ye see with bloud defild.
3 brow, > brow _1609_
1 "Was (ay the while, that he is not so now!)
ay the while > alas the time (expressing grief at the present compared with the past)
2 My lord my love; my dear lord, my dear love,
dear > dear; grievous
3 So long as heavens just with equal brow
heavens just > [the] just heavens equal > impartial brow > countenance
4 Vouchsafed to behold us from above. 5 One day, when him high courage did amove
amove > stir
6 (As wont you knights to seek adventures wild),
wont you knights > you knights are accustomed
7 He pricked forth, his puissant force to prove;
pricked > spurred; _hence:_ rode puissant > mighty (esp. in relation to deeds of arms)
8 Me then he left enwombed of this child,
enwombed of > [holding in the womb, pregnant with]
9 This luckless child, whom thus you see with blood defiled.
201.51
Him fortuned (hard fortune ye may ghesse) 2 To come, where vile _Acrasia_ does wonne, _Acrasia_ a false enchaunteresse, 4 That many errant knights hath foule fordonne: Within a wandring Island, that doth ronne 6 And stray in perilous gulfe, her dwelling is, Faire Sir, if euer there ye trauell, shonne 8 The cursed land where many wend amis, And know it by the name; it hight the _Bowre of blis_.
1 "Him fortuned (hard fortune you may guess)
fortuned > [it fortuned]
2 To come where vile Acrasia does won,
Acrasia > (Medieval Latin word signifying "incontinence", "unchastity", "absence of self restraint") won > dwell
3 Acrasia, a false enchantress 4 That many errant knights has foul fordone:
errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.) fordone > utterly ruined; destroyed
5 Within a wandering island, that does run
run > course, flow
6 And stray in perilous gulf, her dwelling is; 7 Fair sir, if ever there you travel, shun 8 The cursed land where many wend amiss,
wend amiss > go astray
9 And know +it+ by the name: it hight the Bower of Bliss.
it > [its nature] hight > is called Bower > Dwelling, Abode
201.52
Her blisse is all in pleasure and delight, 2 Wherewith she makes her louers drunken mad, And then with words and weedes of wondrous might, 4 On them she workes her will to vses bad: My +lifest+ Lord she thus beguiled had; 6 For he was flesh: (all flesh doth frailtie breed.) Whom when I heard to beene so ill bestad, 8 Weake wretch I wrapt my selfe in Palmers weed, And cast to seeke him forth through danger and great dreed.
5 lifest > liefest _1590; cf. 201.16:1_
1 "Her bliss is all in pleasure and delight, 2 Wherewith she makes her lovers drunken mad,
Wherewith > With which
3 And then, with words and weeds of wondrous might,
weeds > herbs, drugs
4 On them she works her will to uses bad: 5 My liefest lord she thus beguiled had;
liefest > dearest
6 (For he was flesh: all flesh does frailty breed)
frailty > weakness; moral weakness
7 Whom when I heard to been so ill-bestad,
been > [have been] ill-bestad > badly beset, assailed (SUS)
8 Weak wretch, I wrapped myself in palmer's weed,
Weak wretch > (Referring to herself) palmer > {Pilgrim who has returned from the Holy Land, carrying a palm-leaf or palm-branch as a token; also: an itinerant monk} weed > attire, habit
9 And cast to seek him forth through danger and great dread.
cast > resolved
201.53
Now had faire _Cynthia_ by euen tournes 2 Full measured three quarters of her yeare, And thrise three times had fild her crooked hornes, 4 Whenas my wombe her burdein would forbeare, And bad me call _Lucina_ to me neare. 6 _Lucina_ came: a manchild forth I brought: The woods, the Nymphes, my bowres, my midwiues weare, 8 Hard helpe at need. So deare thee babe I bought, Yet nought too deare I deemd, while so my dear I sought.
1 "Now had fair Cynthia by even turns 2 Full measured three-quarters of her year, 3 And thrice three times had filled her crooked horns,
horns > [horns of the crescent moon, filled once a month at the full moon]
4 When my womb its burden would forbear,
forbear > part with
5 And bade me call Lucina to me near.
Lucina > (The goddess of childbirth, sometimes identified, as here, with Diana)
6 Lucina came: a manchild forth I brought: 7 The woods, the nymphs, my bowers, my midwives were,
nymphs > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. The nymphs referred to here are evidently dryads, wood-nymphs) bowers > rooms, _hence:_ shelter [the woods were my shelter, the nymphs my midwives]; _or, just possibly, in view of the spelling and number of_ bowres: muscles [the woods, the nymphs, and my own exertions were my only help in childbirth]
8 Hard help at need. So dear you babe I bought,
need > [a time of need] dear > dearly, grievously
9 Yet naught too dear I deemed, while so my dear I sought.
naught > not at all so my dear > [thus Sir Mordant]
201.54
Him so I sought, and so at last I found, 2 Where him that witch had thralled to her will, In chaines of lust and lewd desires ybound, 4 And so transformed from his former skill, That me he knew not, neither his owne ill; 6 Till through wise handling and faire gouernance, I him recured to a better will, 8 Purged from drugs of foule intemperance: Then meanes I gan deuise for his deliuerance.
1 "Him so I sought, and so at last I found,
so > thus
2 Where him that witch had thralled to her will,
thralled > enslaved, made a captive
3 In chains of lust and lewd desires bound, 4 And so transformed from his former skill
skill > reason, power of discrimination; knowledge
5 That me he knew not, neither his own ill;
neither > [neither did he know] ill > distress; wickedness
6 Till, through wise handling and fair governance,
handling > treatment governance > governing, management; self-control
7 I him recured to a better will,
recured > restored
8 Purged from drugs of foul intemperance: 9 Then means I gan devise for his deliverance.
gan > did; began to
201.55
Which when the vile Enchaunteresse perceiu'd, 2 How that my Lord from her I would repriue, With cup thus charmd, him parting she deceiu'd; 4 _Sad verse, giue death to him that death does giue, And losse of loue, to her that loues to liue, 6 So soone as Bacchus with the Nymphe does +lincke,+_ So parted we and on our iourney driue, 8 Till comming to this well, he stoupt to drincke: The charme fulfild, dead suddenly he downe did sincke.
6 _lincke,_ > _lincke: 1609_
1 "Which when the vile enchantress perceived, 2 How my lord from her I would reprieve,
reprieve > reprieve; rescue
3 With cup thus charmed, him parting she deceived:
charmed > enchanted parting > [in parting, while parting]
4 `Sad verse, give death to him that death does give,
Sad > Heavy; ill-omened verse > charm, spell (cf. 312.36:4) death does give > (See note on "Mordant" at 201.0:3)
5 And loss of love, to her that loves to live,
loves to live > (See note on "Amavia" at 201.0:3)
6 So soon as Bacchus with the nymph does link';
Bacchus > (The god of wine; wine itself) nymph > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains. The nymph figuratively referred to here is a naiad, a nymph of fresh water; hence, fresh water itself)
7 So parted we and on our journey drove, 8 Till, coming to this well, he stooped to drink: 9 The charm fulfilled, dead suddenly he down did sink.
201.56
Which when I wretch, Not one word more she sayd 2 But breaking +off+ the end for want of breath, And slyding soft, as downe to sleepe her layd, 4 And ended all her woe in quiet death. That seeing good Sir _Guyon_, could vneath 6 From teares abstaine, for griefe his hart did grate, And from so heauie sight his head did wreath, 8 Accusing fortune, and too cruell fate, Which plunged had faire Ladie in so wretched state.
2 off > of, _1590;_ off, _1596_
1 "Which when I wretch ..." Not one word more she said, 2 But, breaking off the end for want of breath, 3 And sliding soft, as down to sleep her laid, 4 And ended all her woe in quiet death. 5 That seeing, good Sir Guyon could uneath
uneath > scarcely
6 From tears abstain: for grief his heart did grate,
grate > grind (cf. 101.19:6)
7 And from so heavy sight his head did wreathe,
so heavy > [such a sad] wreathe > turn
8 Accusing Fortune, and too cruel Fate, 9 Which plunged had fair lady in so wretched state.
so > [such a]
201.57
Then turning to +his+ Palmer said, Old syre 2 Behold the image of mortalitie, And feeble nature cloth'd with fleshly tyre, 4 When raging passion with fierce tyrannie Robs reason of her due regalitie, 6 And makes it seruant to her basest part: The strong it weakens with infirmitie, 8 And with bold furie armes the weakest hart; [smart. The strong through pleasure soonest falles, the weake through
1 his > the _1609_
1 Then, turning to his palmer, said, "Old sire,
sire > {Father; form of address to a holy or elderly man}
2 Behold the image of mortality,
image > emblem; personification
3 And feeble nature clothed with fleshly tire,
tire > dress, attire
4 When raging passion with fierce tyranny 5 Robs reason of its due regality, 6 And makes it servant to its basest part: 7 The strong it weakens with infirmity, 8 And with bold fury arms the weakest heart; 9 The strong through pleasure soonest falls, the weak through smart."
smart > pain; acute pain
201.58
But temperance (said he) with golden squire 2 Betwixt them both can measure out a meane, Neither to melt in pleasures whot desire, 4 Nor +fry+ in hartlesse griefe and dolefull teene. Thrise happie man, who fares them both atweene: 6 But sith this wretched woman ouercome Of anguish, rather then of crime hath beene, 8 Reserue her cause to her eternall doome, And in the meane vouchsafe her honorable toombe.
4 fry > frye _1590;_ fryze _sugg. Smith, from Church's conj. of _frieze_ or _frize_ (i.e. "freeze") cf. 201.42:3, 610.33:9; 201.46:6_
1 "But temperance," said he, "with golden square
square > {Carpenter's square, for measuring right-angles, a traditional symbol of temperance; also: rule, precept, model, pattern}
2 Betwixt them both can measure out a mean, 3 Neither to melt in pleasure's hot desire,
pleasure > (Or: Pleasure; see note at 201.0:4)
4 Nor freeze in heartless grief and doleful teen.
freeze > (See Textual Appendix) heartless > [lacking courage] teen > affliction, woe
5 Thrice happy man, who fares them both atween:
atween > between
6 But sith this wretched woman overcome
sith > since
7 Of anguish, rather than of crime has been,
Of > By of crime > by sin
8 Reserve her cause to her eternal doom,
cause > case, suit doom > heavenly judgement
9 And in the mean vouchsafe her honourable tomb."
mean > [mean time] honourable > [an honourable]
201.59
Palmer (quoth he) death is an +equall+ doome 2 To good and bad, the common Inne of rest; But after death the tryall is to come, 4 When best shall be to them, that liued best: But both alike, when death hath both supprest, 6 Religious reuerence doth buriall teene, Which who so wants, wants so much of his rest: 8 For all so great shame after death I weene, As selfe to dyen bad, vnburied bad to beene.
1 equall > euill _1596, 1609_
1 "Palmer," quoth he, "death is an equal doom 2 To good and bad, the common inn of rest; 3 But after death the trial is to come, 4 When best shall be to them that lived best: 5 But both alike, when death has both suppressed,
both > [?to both: see next line] suppressed > pressed down; _hence:_ laid low
6 Religious reverence does burial teem,
does burial > [burial does] teem > produce, bear (as offspring); _hence:_ ?yield (this assumes that the spelling has been forced by the rhyme. Another interpretation, suggested by Roche (1978), retains the given spelling, but assumes that "buriall teene" is a misprint for "bury all teene" (teen = grief, woe))
7 Which whoso wants, wants so much of his rest:
whoso > whosoever wants > lacks
8 For all so great shame after death, I ween,
all so > [it is an] equally ween > think
9 As self to die bad, unburied bidden to been."
As self to die bad, unburied bidden to been > [To have died badly as to be left unburied; "bide" (pa. ppl. "bidden") = "to remain in some state or condition"]
201.60
So both agree their bodies to engraue; 2 The great earthes wombe they open to the sky, And with sad Cypresse seemely it embraue, 4 Then couering with a clod their closed eye, They lay therein those corses tenderly, 6 And bid them sleepe in euerlasting peace. But ere they did their vtmost obsequy, 8 Sir _Guyon_ more affection to increace, Bynempt a sacred vow, which none should aye releace.
1 So both agree their bodies to ingrave;
ingrave > inter
2 The great earth's womb they open to the sky, 3 And with sad cypress seemly it embrave,
seemly > fitting (if referring to the cypress branches); fittingly, becomingly (if referring to the action) embrave > adorn
4 Then, covering with a clod their closed eye, 5 They lay therein those corses tenderly,
corses > bodies
6 And bid them sleep in everlasting peace. 7 But, ere they did their utmost obsequy,
utmost obsequy > final obsequies
8 Sir Guyon, more affection to increase, 9 Benamed a sacred vow, which none should ay release.
Benamed > Declared solemnly ay release > ever cancel
201.61
The dead knights sword out of his sheath he drew, 2 With which he cut a locke of all their heare, Which medling with their bloud and earth, he threw 4 Into the graue, and gan deuoutly sweare; Such and such euill God on _Guyon_ reare, 6 And worse and worse young Orphane be thy paine, If I or thou dew vengeance doe forbeare, 8 Till guiltie bloud her guerdon doe obtaine: So shedding many teares, they closd the earth againe.
1 The dead knight's sword out of his sheath he drew, 2 With which he cut a lock of all their hair,
all > (It is not clear whether Guyon and the palmer are included)
3 Which, meddling with their blood and earth, he threw
meddling > mixing
4 Into the grave, and gan devoutly swear:
gan > did
5 "Such-and-such evil God on Guyon rear,
on Guyon rear > [rear up against Guyon]
6 And worse and worse, young orphan, be your pain, 7 If I or you due vengeance do forbear, 8 Till guilty blood her guerdon do obtain!"
guerdon > recompense
9 So, shedding many tears, they closed the earth again.