Chapter 56
_Guyon is of immodest +Merth,+ 2 led into loose desire, Fights with Cymochles, whiles his bro- 3 ther burnes in furious fire._
1 _Merth,_ > _Merth 1609_
1 Guyon is of immodest Mirth
of > by immodest > forward, impudent; unchaste (also, the Latin _immodestus_ means "intemperate", "unbridled") Mirth > Phaedria (introduced at 206.3, named at 206.9; an early meaning of "mirth" is "fun", "ridicule")
2 led into loose desire, 3 Fights with Cymochles, while his bro-
Fights > [And fights] his > [Cymochles's (his brother is Pyrochles)]
4 ther burns in furious fire.
206.1
A Harder lesson, to learne Continence 2 In ioyous pleasure, then in grieuous paine: For sweetnesse doth allure the weaker sence 4 So strongly, that vneathes it can refraine From that, which feeble nature couets faine; 6 But griefe and wrath, that be her enemies, And foes of life, she better can +restraine+; 8 Yet vertue vauntes in both +their+ victories, And _Guyon_ in them all shewes goodly maisteries.
7 restraine > abstaine _1590_ 8 their > her _1590_
1 A harder lesson, to learn continence 2 In joyous pleasure than in grievous pain: 3 For sweetness does allure the weaker sense
weaker > too-weak
4 So strongly, that uneath it can refrain
uneath > with difficulty
5 From that which feeble nature covets fain;
fain > eagerly
6 But grief and wrath (that be her enemies,
be > [are]
7 And foes of life) she better can restrain;
better > [more easily]
8 Yet virtue vaunts in both their victories,
vaunts > displays [itself]; advances [itself, its cause; the last only if "vaunts" is taken to be aphetic for "avaunts"] both their victories > [the victories of continence over both sweetness and wrath]
9 And Guyon in them all shows goodly mastery.
all > [both]
206.2
Whom bold _Cymochles_ trauelling to find, 2 With cruell purpose bent to wreake on him The wrath, which _Atin_ kindled in his mind, 4 Came to a riuer, by whose vtmost brim Wayting to passe, he saw whereas did swim 6 A long the shore, as swift as glaunce of eye, A litle Gondelay, bedecked trim 8 With boughes and arbours wouen cunningly, That like a litle forrest seemed outwardly.
1 Whom bold Cymochles travelling to find 2 (With cruel purpose bent to wreak on him 3 The wrath which Atin kindled in his mind), 4 Came to a river, by whose utmost brim,
Came > [Bold Cymochles came; if the words "bold _Cymochles_" are moved here from line 1 the sense is made clearer]
5 Waiting to pass, he saw where did swim
pass > take passage (across the water)
6 Along the shore, as swift as glance of eye, 7 A little gondola, bedecked trim
trim > beautifully, in good order; neatly, trimly
8 With boughs and arbours woven cunningly,
arbours > {Shrubs, etc. trained on trellis-work; hence: vines, creepers}
9 That like a little forest seemed outwardly.
206.3
And therein sate a Ladie fresh and faire, 2 Making sweet solace to her selfe alone; Sometimes she sung, as loud as larke in aire, 4 Sometimes she laught, +that nigh her breth was gone+, Yet was there not with her else any one, 6 That +might to her+ moue cause of meriment: Matter of merth enough, though there were none 8 She could deuise, and thousand waies inuent, To feede her foolish humour, and vaine iolliment.
4 that nigh her breth was gone > as merry as Pope Ione _1590_ 6 might to her > to her might _1590_
1 And therein sat a lady fresh and fair, 2 Making sweet solace to herself alone;
solace > pleasure, amusement; entertainment
3 Sometimes she sang, as loud as lark in air, 4 Sometimes she laughed, that nigh her breath was gone, 5 Yet was there not with her else anyone
else anyone > [anyone else]
6 That might to her move cause of merriment: 7 Matter of mirth enough, though there were none 8 She could devise, and thousand ways invent, 9 To feed her foolish humour, and vain jolliment.
humour > state of mind; _hence:_ tastes jolliment > jollity, mirth
206.4
Which when farre off _Cymochles_ heard, and saw, 2 He loudly cald to such, as were a bord, The little barke vnto the shore to draw, 4 And him to ferrie ouer that deepe ford: The merry marriner vnto his word 6 Soone hearkned, and her painted bote streightway Turnd to the shore, where that same warlike Lord 8 She in receiu'd; but _Atin_ by no way She would admit, albe the knight her much did pray.
1 Which when far off Cymochles heard, and saw,
far off > (Qualifying Cymochles or her merriment)
2 He loudly called, to such as were aboard, 3 The little bark to the shore to draw,
bark > vessel
4 And him to ferry over that deep ford:
ford > stream, current
5 The merry mariner to his word
merry > delightful; mirthful
6 Soon hearkened, and her painted boat straightway 7 Turned to the shore, where that same warlike lord 8 She in received; but Atin by no way 9 She would admit, albe the knight her much did pray.
albe > although pray > beseech
206.5
Eftsoones her shallow ship away did slide, 2 More swift, then swallow sheres the liquid skie, Withouten oare or Pilot it to guide, 4 Or winged canuas with the wind to flie, Only she turn'd a pin, and by and by 6 It cut +away+ vpon the yielding waue, Ne cared she her course for to apply: 8 For it was taught the way, which she would haue, And both from rocks and flats it selfe could wisely saue.
6 away > a way _1611, and independently conj. Smith_
1 Eftsoons her shallow ship away did slide,
Eftsoons > Soon
2 More swift than swallow shears the liquid sky,
swift > swiftly liquid > clear, transparent; bright
3 Without oar or pilot it to guide,
it > (Spenser here subordinates the gender of the boat to clarity; cf. 206.11:5 etc.)
4 Or winged canvas with the wind to fly, 5 Only she turned a pin, and by and by
by and by > straight away
6 It cut away upon the yielding wave,
away > away; a way (see Textual Appendix) wave > water
7 Nor cared she her course to apply:
apply > steer
8 For it was taught the way which she would have, 9 And both from rocks and flats itself could wisely save.
flats > shoals wisely > expertly, skilfully
206.6
And all the way, the wanton Damzell found 2 New merth, her passenger to entertaine: For she in pleasant purpose did abound, 4 And greatly ioyed merry tales to faine, Of which a store-house did with her remaine, 6 Yet seemed, nothing well they her became; For all her words she drownd with laughter vaine, 8 And wanted grace in vtt'ring of the same, That turned all her pleasance to a scoffing game.
1 And all the way, the wanton damsel found
wanton > capricious; wanton, lewd
2 New mirth, her passenger to entertain:
to > [in order to]
3 For she in pleasant purpose did abound,
purpose > conversation, discourse
4 And greatly joyed merry tales to feign,
merry > delightful, charming feign > relate
5 Of which a storehouse did with her remain, 6 Yet seemed nothing well they her became;
seemed > [it seemed] nothing > not at all
7 For all her words she drowned with laughter vain,
vain > foolish
8 And wanted grace in uttering of the same,
wanted > lacked
9 That turned all her pleasance to a scoffing game.
pleasance > pleasant behaviour; capacity for giving pleasure
206.7
And other whiles vaine toyes she would deuize, 2 As her fantasticke wit did most delight, Sometimes her head she fondly would aguize 4 With gaudie girlonds, or fresh flowrets dight About her necke, or rings of rushes plight; 6 Sometimes to doe him laugh, she would assay To laugh at shaking +of+ the leaues light, 8 Or to behold the water worke, and play About her litle frigot, therein making way.
7 of > off _1590_
1 And otherwhiles vain toys she would devise,
otherwhiles > at other times vain > foolish toys > amorous games, tricks
2 As her fantastic wit did most delight, 3 Sometimes her head she fondly would aguise
fondly > foolishly aguise > array
4 With gaudy garlands, or fresh flowerets dight
gaudy > fine, gay, showy flowerets > small flowers dight > deck; _hence:_ hang, arrange
5 About her neck, or rings of rushes plighted;
plighted > plaited
6 Sometimes, to do him laugh, she would essay
do > make essay > try, venture
7 To laugh at shaking of the leaves light, 8 Or to behold the water work and play 9 About her little frigate, therein making way.
frigate > {Light and swift boat}
206.8
Her light behauiour, and loose dalliaunce 2 Gaue wondrous great contentment to the knight, That of his way he had no souenaunce, 4 Nor care of vow'd reuenge, and cruell fight, But to weake wench did yeeld his martiall might. 6 So easie was to quench his flamed mind With one sweet drop of sensuall +delight,+ 8 So easie is, t'appease the stormie wind Of malice in the calme of pleasant womankind.
7 delight, > delight. _1590_
1 Her light behaviour and loose dalliance
light > wanton, frivolous dalliance > {Idle and amusing talk}
2 Gave wondrous great contentment to the knight, 3 That of his way he had no sovenance,
That > [So that] sovenance > remembrance, memory
4 Nor care of vowed revenge, and cruel fight,
care of > concern for
5 But to weak wench did yield his martial might. 6 So easy was to quench his flamed mind
flamed > angry; inflamed, burning
7 With one sweet drop of sensual delight, 8 So easy is, to appease the stormy wind
is > [it is]
9 Of malice in the calm of pleasant womankind.
206.9
Diuerse discourses in their way they spent, 2 Mongst which _Cymochles_ of her questioned, Both what she was, and what that vsage ment, 4 Which in her cot she daily practised. Vaine man (said she) that wouldest be reckoned 6 A straunger in thy home, and ignoraunt Of _Ph{ae}dria_ (for so my name is red) 8 Of _Ph{ae}dria_, thine owne fellow seruaunt; For thou to serue _Acrasia_ thy selfe doest vaunt.
1 Diverse discourses in their way they spent,
Diverse > Diverse; _also:_ distracting (SUS)
2 Amongst which Cymochles of her questioned 3 Both what she was, and what that usage meant, 4 Which in her cot she daily practised.
cot > small boat (Irish and Gaelic); cote, small shelter
5 "Vain man," said she, "that would be reckoned
Vain > Foolish
6 A stranger in your home, and ignorant
home > [the Bower of Bliss]
7 Of Phaedria (for so my name is read)
Phaedria > "Beaming", "Radiant", "Jocund", "Cheery" (Greek _phaidros_) read > declared, uttered aloud, made known
8 Of Phaedria, your own fellow servant; 9 For you to serve Acrasia yourself do vaunt.
vaunt > boast
206.10
In this wide Inland sea, that hight by name 2 The _Idle lake_, my wandring ship I row, That knowes her port, and thither sailes by ayme, 4 Ne care, ne feare I, how the wind do blow, Or whether swift I wend, or whether slow: 6 Both slow and swift a like do serue my tourne, Ne swelling _Neptune_, ne loud thundring _Ioue_ 8 Can chaunge my cheare, or make me euer mourne; My litle boat can safely passe this perilous bourne.
1 "In this wide inland sea, that hight by name
sea > (Of which the river (206.2:4) is a tributary) hight > is called
2 The Idle Lake, my wandering ship I row,
wandering > (Cf. 308.31:1)
3 That knows her port, and thither sails by aim, 4 Neither care nor fear I how the wind do blow, 5 Or whether swift I wend, or whether slow: 6 Both slow and swift alike do serve my turn,
turn > purpose
7 Neither swelling Neptune, nor loud thundering Jove
thundering Jove > (In his guise as Jupiter Tonans, lord of the thunderbolt; hence: storms)
8 Can change my cheer, or make me ever mourn;
cheer > expression, mood
9 My little boat can safely pass this perilous bourn.
bourn > boundary (cf. _Winter's Tale_ I ii 134), frontier (esp. of this life: cf. _Hamlet_ III i 79); burn, brook, small river (in which case "pass" should be understood as "pass over"; cf. _King Lear_ III vi 25)
206.11
Whiles thus she talked, and whiles thus she toyd, 2 They were farre past the passage, which he spake, And come vnto an Island, waste and voyd, 4 That floted in the midst of that great lake, There her small Gondelay her port did make, 6 And that gay paire issuing on the shore Disburdned her. Their way they forward take 8 Into the land, that lay them faire before, Whose pleasaunce she him shew'd, and plentifull great store.
1 While thus she talked, and while thus she toyed, 2 They were far past the passage which he spoke,
spoke > [had] described; _hence:_ requested
3 And come to an island, waste and void,
waste > uncultivated void > uninhabited
4 That floated in the midst of that great lake. 5 There her small gondola her port did make, 6 And that gay pair issuing on the shore 7 Disburdened her. Their way they forward take 8 Into the land, that lay them fair before, 9 Whose pleasance she him showed, and plentiful great store.
pleasance > pleasantness; capacity for giving pleasure
206.12
It was a chosen plot of fertile land, 2 Emongst wide waues set, like a litle nest, As if it had by Natures cunning hand, 4 Bene choisely picked out from all the rest, And laid forth for ensample of the best: 6 No daintie flowre or herbe, that growes on ground, No arboret with painted blossomes drest, 8 And smelling sweet, but there it might be found To bud out faire, and +her sweet smels throw+ all around.
9 her sweet smels throw > throwe her sweete smels _1590_
1 It was a chosen plot of fertile land, 2 Amongst wide waves set, like a little nest, 3 As if it had by Nature's cunning hand 4 Been choicely picked out from all the rest, 5 And laid forth for example of the best:
for example > as an example; as a model
6 No dainty flower or herb that grows on ground,
on ground > in the world
7 No arboret with painted blossoms dressed
arboret > little tree, shrub
8 And smelling sweet, but there it might be found 9 To bud out fair, and her sweet smells throw all around.
her > [its; or: Nature's]
206.13
No tree, whose braunches did not brauely spring; 2 No braunch, whereon a fine bird did not sit: No bird, but did her shrill notes sweetly sing; 4 No song but did containe a louely dit: Trees, braunches, birds, and songs were framed fit, 6 For to allure fraile mind to carelesse ease. Carelesse the man soone woxe, and his weake wit 8 Was ouercome of thing, that did him please; So pleased, did his wrathfull purpose faire appease.
1 No tree, whose branches did not bravely spring;
bravely > splendidly
2 No branch, whereon a fine bird did not sit: 3 No bird, but did her shrill notes sweetly sing; 4 No song but did contain a lovely dite:
dite > ditty, _in the sense of:_ theme, burden
5 Trees, branches, birds, and songs were framed fit
framed > made; fashioned
6 To allure frail mind to careless ease.
frail > morally weak
7 Careless the man soon waxed, and his weak wit
Careless > Abandoned, free from cares waxed > grew, became wit > mind
8 Was overcome of thing that did him please;
of > [by the]
9 So pleased, did his wrathful purpose fair appease.
So > Thus did > [it did; he did] purpose > intention [of avenging Pyrochles]
206.14
Thus when she had his eyes and senses fed 2 With false delights, and fild with pleasures vaine, Into a shadie dale she soft him led, 4 And laid him downe vpon a grassie plaine; And her sweet selfe without dread, or disdaine, 6 She set beside, laying his head disarm'd In her loose lap, it softly to sustaine, 8 Where soone he slumbred, fearing not be harm'd, The whiles with a +loud+ lay she thus him sweetly charm'd.
9 loud > loue _1590_
1 Thus when she had his eyes and senses fed 2 With false delights, and fild with pleasures vain,
fild > filled; _also:_ defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) vain > idle, empty; weak, foolish
3 Into a shady dale she soft him led, 4 And laid him down upon a grassy plain; 5 And her sweet self, without dread or disdain, 6 She set beside, laying his head disarmed
disarmed > (The helmet having been removed; "disarmed" = "stripped of armour")
7 In her loose lap, it softly to sustain, 8 Where soon he slumbered, fearing not be harmed,
be > [that he would be]
9 While with a loud lay she thus him sweetly charmed:
loud > (The reading of 1590 is probably to be preferred, but it should be noted that "loud" also has the meaning "flagrant" (usually applied to a lie), and might just be construed here as "scandalous", "suggestive", etc. See also 206.3:3, 212.15:1-4) lay > song
206.15
Behold, {o^} man, that toilesome paines doest +take+ 2 The flowres, the fields, and all that pleasant growes, How they themselues doe thine ensample make, 4 Whiles nothing enuious nature them forth throwes Out of her fruitfull lap; how, no man knowes, 6 They spring, they bud, they blossome fresh and faire, And deck the world with their rich pompous showes; 8 Yet no man for them taketh paines or care, Yet no man to them can his carefull paines compare.
1 take > take, _1609_
1 "Behold, O man, that toilsome pains do take,
pains > effort, labour
2 The flowers, the fields, and all that pleasant grows, 3 How they themselves do your example make,
example > pattern, model (see _Matt._ 6.28 ff.)
4 While, nothing envious, Nature them forth throws
nothing envious > [not at all grudgingly]
5 Out of her fruitful lap; how, no man knows, 6 They spring, they bud, they blossom fresh and fair, 7 And deck the world with their rich pompous shows;
pompous > splendid (derives from Latin _pompa_, a solemn procession, display)
8 Yet no man for them takes pains or care,
for > for; of
9 Yet no man to them can his careful pains compare.
careful > {Careful; full of cares}
206.16
The lilly, Ladie of the flowring field, 2 The Flowre-deluce, her louely Paramoure, Bid thee to them thy fruitlesse labours yield, 4 And soone leaue off this toylesome wearie stoure; Loe loe how braue she decks her bounteous boure, 6 With silken curtens and gold couerlets, Therein to shrowd her sumptuous Belamoure, 8 Yet neither spinnes nor cardes, ne cares nor frets, But to her mother Nature all her care she lets.
1 "The lily, lady of the flowering field,
lady > (The lily is a symbol of the feminine; cf. _Henry VIII_ III i 151-2)
2 The flower deluce, her lovely paramour,
flower deluce > iris, flowering-lily, _fleur-de-lis_ (heraldic ensign of the Bourbons -1594, and as such ambiguously an iris or the head of a sceptre or battle-axe; hence a phallic symbol; see also _Winter's Tale_ IV iv 126-7) lovely > loving
3 Bid you to them your fruitless labours yield, 4 And soon leave off this toilsome weary stour;
stour > distress, unhappy condition; struggle [of everyday life]
5 Lo, lo, how brave she decks her bounteous bower
brave > splendidly bower > chamber
6 With silken curtains and gold coverlets, 7 Therein to shroud her sumptuous belamour,
shroud > shelter; conceal belamour > loved one (French _bel amour_; spelled "bellamoure", this word is also used for an unidentified flower in _Amoretti_ 64:7)
8 Yet neither spins nor cards, neither cares nor frets,
cards > {Prepares wool for spinning}
9 But to her mother, Nature, all her care she lets.
lets > leaves
206.17
Why then dost thou, {o^} man, that of them all 2 Art Lord, and eke of nature Soueraine, Wilfully make thy selfe a wretched thrall, 4 And wast thy ioyous houres in needlesse paine, Seeking for daunger and aduentures vaine? 6 What bootes it all to haue, and nothing vse? Who shall him rew, that swimming in the maine, 8 Will die for thirst, and water doth refuse? Refuse such fruitlesse toile, and present pleasures chuse.
1 "Why then do you, O man, that of them all 2 Are lord, and eke of Nature sovereign,
eke > also
3 Wilfully make yourself a wretched thrall,
thrall > slave
4 And waste your joyous hours in needless pain, 5 Seeking for danger and adventures vain?
vain > futile; foolish
6 What boots it all to have, and nothing use?
boots it > does it avail
7 Who shall him rue that, swimming in the main,
rue > {Regard with pity or compassion} main > {Any broad expanse of water, here plainly fresh rather than salt}
8 Will die for thirst, and water does refuse? 9 Refuse such fruitless toil, and present pleasures choose."
206.18
By this she had him lulled fast a sleepe, 2 That of no worldly thing he care did take; Then she with liquors strong his eyes did steepe, 4 That nothing should him hastily awake: So she him left, and did her selfe betake 6 Vnto her boat againe, with which she cleft The slouthfull +waue+ of that great +griesly+ lake; 8 Soone she that Island farre behind her left, And now is come to that same place, where first she weft.
7 waue > waues _1609_ 7 griesly > griesy _1590_
1 By this she had him lulled fast asleep,
By this > By means of this; by this time
2 That of no worldly thing he care did take;
That > [So that]
3 Then she with liquors strong his eyes did steep, 4 That nothing should him hastily awake:
That > [So that]
5 So she him left, and did herself betake 6 To her boat again, with which she cleft 7 The slothful wave of that great grisly lake;
grisly > fearsome, horrible (if the 1590 spelling is adopted, the meaning is "squalid", "hideous". Cf. 109.35:4 (where 1611 has "griesly"), 211.12:3, 301.67:7, 312.19:2)
8 Soon she that island far behind her left, 9 And now is come to that same place where first she weft.
weft > wove [her web, to ensnare Cymochles]; moved in a devious course; tacked [sailed]; wove her way
206.19
By this time was the worthy _Guyon_ brought 2 Vnto the other side of that wide strond, Where she was rowing, and for passage sought: 4 Him needed not long call, she soone to hond Her ferry brought, where him she byding fond, 6 With his sad guide; himselfe she tooke a boord, But the _Blacke Palmer_ suffred still to stond, 8 Ne would for price, or prayers once affoord, To ferry that old man ouer the perlous foord.
1 By this time was the worthy Guyon brought 2 To the other side of that wide strand,
other side > (Because Guyon is travelling towards the Bower of Bliss and Cymochles has travelled from it) strand > {Land bordering a body of water; shore}
3 Where she was rowing, and for passage sought; 4 Him needed not long call: she soon to hand
call > [to call]
5 Her ferry brought, where him she biding found,
biding > waiting
6 With his sad guide; himself she took aboard,
sad > grave, serious; sober
7 But the black palmer suffered still to stand,
black > (Referring to the colour of his clothes; see 201.7:2) suffered > allowed; let alone
8 Neither would for price, nor prayers once afford
afford > {Agree; give of what one has}
9 To ferry that old man over the perilous ford.
ford > stream, current
206.20
_Guyon_ was loath to leaue his guide behind, 2 Yet being entred, might not backe retyre; For the flit barke, obaying to her mind, 4 Forth launched quickly, as she did desire, Ne gaue him leaue to bid that aged sire 6 Adieu, but nimbly ran her wonted course Through the dull billowes thicke as troubled mire, 8 Whom neither wind out of their seat could forse, Nor timely tides did driue out of their sluggish sourse.
1 Guyon was loath to leave his guide behind, 2 Yet, being entered, might not back retire;
might > could
3 For the fleet bark, obeying to her mind,
fleet > swift, fast-flying bark > vessel obeying > obedient (see 206.5:5)
4 Forth launched quickly, as she did desire, 5 Nor gave him leave to bid that aged sire
sire > father; elderly man
6 Adieu, but nimbly ran her wonted course
nimbly > swiftly; lightly; cleverly wonted > accustomed
7 Through the dull billows, thick as troubled mire,
dull > sluggish
8 Which neither wind out of their seat could force, 9 Nor timely tides did drive out of their sluggish source.
timely > regular; keeping time
206.21
And by the way, as was her wonted guize, 2 Her merry fit she freshly gan to reare, And did of ioy and iollitie deuize, 4 Her selfe to cherish, and her guest to cheare: The knight was courteous, and did not forbeare 6 Her honest merth and pleasaunce to partake; But when he saw her toy, and gibe, and geare, 8 And passe the +bonds+ of modest merimake, Her dalliance he despisd, and follies did forsake.
8 bonds > bounds _1609_
1 And by the way, as was her wonted guise,
by the way > in the course of the voyage wonted guise > custom, customary manner
2 Her merry fit she freshly began to rear,
merry > amusing, delightful, charming fit > mood, humour rear > {Bring into existence; resume}
3 And did of joy and jollity devise,
jollity > pleasure; lust devise > talk
4 Herself to cherish, and her guest to cheer:
cherish > entertain; cheer
5 The knight was courteous, and did not forbear 6 Her honest mirth and pleasance to partake;
pleasance > pleasing behaviour partake > share, share in
7 But when he saw her toy, and gibe, and jeer, 8 And pass the bounds of modest merrimake,
merrimake > merry-making
9 Her dalliance he despised, and follies did forsake.
dalliance > {Idle and amusing talk} follies > foolishnesses; lewdnesses, wantonnesses forsake > refuse, decline
206.22
Yet she still followed her former stile, 2 And said, and did all that mote him delight, Till they arriued in that pleasant Ile, 4 Where sleeping late she left her other knight. But when as _Guyon_ of that land had sight, 6 He wist himselfe amisse, and angry said; Ah Dame, perdie ye haue not doen me right, 8 Thus to mislead me, whiles I you obaid: Me litle needed from my right way to haue straid.
1 Yet she still followed her former style, 2 And said and did all that might him delight, 3 Till they arrived in that pleasant isle,
in > [at]
4 Where, sleeping late, she left her other knight.
late > lately
5 But when Guyon of that land had sight, 6 He wist himself amiss, and angry said:
wist > knew, believed amiss > [to be] away from the mark, lost
7 "Ah dame, pardie you have not done me right,
pardie > truly; "by God" done > served, treated
8 Thus to mislead me, while I you obeyed: 9 Me little needed from my right way to have strayed."
206.23
Faire Sir (quoth she) be not displeasd at all; 2 Who fares on sea, may not commaund his way, Ne wind and weather at his pleasure call: 4 The sea is wide, and easie for to stray; The wind vnstable, and doth neuer stay. 6 But here a while ye may in safety rest, Till season serue new passage to assay; 8 Better safe port, then be in seas distrest. Therewith she laught, and did her earnest end in iest.
1 "Fair sir," quoth she, "be not displeased at all; 2 Who fares on sea may not command his way,
Who > [Whoever]
3 Nor wind and weather at his pleasure call: 4 The sea is wide, and easy to stray;
easy > [it is easy]
5 The wind unstable, and does never stay.
stay > cease
6 But here awhile you may in safety rest, 7 Till season serve new passage to essay;
essay > attempt
8 Better safe port, than be in seas distressed."
distressed > [in distress, when distressed]
9 Therewith she laughed, and did her earnest end in jest.
Therewith > With that; thereupon earnest > seriousness
206.24
But he halfe discontent, mote nathelesse 2 Himselfe appease, and issewd forth on shore: The ioyes whereof, and happie fruitfulnesse, 4 Such as he +saw,+ she gan him lay before, And all though pleasant, yet she made much more: 6 The fields did laugh, the flowres did freshly spring, The trees did bud, and earely blossomes bore, 8 And all the quire of birds did sweetly sing, And told that gardins pleasures in their caroling.
4 saw, > saw _1596, 1609_
1 But he, half discontent, might natheless
might > could, was able to natheless > nevertheless
2 Himself appease, and issued forth on shore:
appease > calm
3 The joys whereof, and happy fruitfulness, 4 Such as he saw, she gan him lay before,
gan > did; began to lay before > show; submit to the consideration of
5 And all though pleasant, yet she made much more:
all though > although; _or:_ all, though more > [more pleasant, more of]
6 The fields did laugh, the flowers did freshly spring,
field > {Open ground as opposed to woodland; plain. This rather than the modern meaning is to be taken, since at 206.11:3 we are told that the island is "waste"}
7 The trees did bud, and early blossoms bore, 8 And all the choir of birds did sweetly sing, 9 And told that garden's pleasures in their carolling.
carolling > {Singing a lively or joyous song}
206.25
And she more sweet, then any bird on bough, 2 Would oftentimes emongst them beare a part, And striue to passe (as she could well enough) 4 Their natiue musicke by her skilfull art: So did she all, that might his constant hart 6 Withdraw from thought of warlike enterprize, And drowne in dissolute delights apart, 8 Where noyse of armes, or vew of martiall guize Might not reuiue desire of knightly exercize.
1 And she, more sweet than any bird on bough, 2 Would oftentimes amongst them bear a part,
oftentimes > often bear > carry, sustain; _hence:_ take
3 And strive to pass (as she could well enough)
pass > surpass
4 Their native music by her skilful art:
native > natural; innate
5 So did she all that might his constant heart 6 Withdraw from thought of warlike enterprise, 7 And drown in dissolute delights apart, 8 Where noise of arms, or view of martial guise
arms > {Deeds of arms} martial guise > martial behaviour; martial attire, _hence:_ armour, weapons
9 Might not revive desire of knightly exercise.
206.26
But he was wise, and warie of her will, 2 And euer held his hand vpon his hart: Yet would not seeme so rude, and thewed ill, 4 As to despise so courteous seeming part, That gentle Ladie did to him impart, 6 But fairely tempring fond desire subdewd, And euer her desired to depart. 8 She list not heare, but her disports poursewd, And euer bad him stay, till time the tide renewd.
1 But he was wise, and wary of her will, 2 And ever held his hand upon his heart: 3 Yet would not seem so rude, and thewed ill,
thewed ill > badly brought-up
4 As to despise so courteous-seeming part
part > [a] concern
5 That gentle lady did to him impart,
gentle > [a] noble
6 But fairly tempering fond desire subdued,
fond > foolish
7 And ever her desired to depart.
desired to depart > asked that they might depart
8 She list not hear, but her disports pursued,
list not > chose not [to] disport > merriment; diversion (including the sense of "diverting from the true path"); wanton entertainment
9 And ever bade him stay, till time the tide renewed.
tide > (There are no tides on the Idle Lake (see 206.20:9), so she wants him never to leave)
206.27
And now by this, _Cymochles_ howre was spent, 2 That he awoke out of his idle dreme, And shaking off his drowzie dreriment, 4 Gan him auize, how ill did him beseeme, In slouthfull sleepe his molten hart to steme, 6 And quench the brond of his conceiued ire. Tho vp he started, stird with shame extreme, 8 Ne staied for his Damzell to inquire, But marched to the strond, +there+ passage to require.
9 there > their _1590, 1596; cf. 110.36:6, 202.30:1, 211.21:8, 304.41:7, 312.28:1_
1 And now by this Cymochles' hour was spent,
by this > by this time hour > time; hour
2 That he awoke out of his idle dream,
That > [So that] idle > idle; empty, unavailing; weak-headed
3 And, shaking off his drowsy dreariment,
dreariment > melancholy
4 Gan him advise how ill did him beseem
Gan > Did; began to him advise > reflect did him beseem > [it became him]
5 In slothful sleep his molten heart to steam,
steam > soften [as if by cooking]
6 And quench the brand of his conceived ire. 7 Tho up he started, stirred with shame extreme,
Tho > Then
8 Nor stayed for his damsel to inquire,
stayed > waited
9 But marched to the strand, there passage to require.
strand > shore
206.28
And in the way he with Sir _Guyon_ met, 2 Accompanyde with _Ph{ae}dria_ the faire, Eftsoones he gan to rage, and inly fret, 4 Crying, Let be that Ladie debonaire, Thou recreant knight, and soone thy selfe prepaire 6 To battell, if thou meane her loue to gaine: Loe, loe alreadie, how the fowles in aire 8 Doe flocke, awaiting shortly to obtaine Thy carcasse for their pray, the guerdon of thy paine.
1 And in the way he with Sir Guyon met, 2 Accompanied with Phaedria the fair:
with > by
3 Eftsoons he began to rage, and inly fret,
Eftsoons > Thereupon inly > inwardly fret > fret; gnaw upon himself
4 Crying, "Let be that lady debonair,
debonair > gracious; meek, gentle
5 You recreant knight, and soon yourself prepare
recreant > cowardly, apostate (cf. 104.41:4) soon > without delay
6 To battle, if you mean her love to gain:
mean > intend
7 Lo, lo already, how the fowls in air 8 Do flock, awaiting shortly to obtain 9 Your carcase for their prey, the guerdon of your pain.
guerdon > reward pain > effort, trouble
206.29
And therewithall he fiercely at him flew, 2 And with +importune+ outrage him assayld; Who soone prepard to field, his sword forth drew, 4 And him with equall value counteruayld: Their mightie strokes their haberieons dismayld, 6 And naked made each others manly spalles; The mortall steele despiteously entayld 8 Deepe in their flesh, quite through the yron walles, That a large purple streme +adown+ their giambeux falles.
2 importune > importance _1596;_ important _1609_ 9 adown > a down _1596_
1 And therewithal he fiercely at him flew,
therewithal > therewith, with that; forthwith
2 And with importune outrage him assailed;
importune > grievous outrage > intemperance; fury
3 Who, soon prepared to field, his sword forth drew,
field > {Defend the field of battle}
4 And him with equal value countervailed:
value > valour; worth countervailed > vied with; resisted
5 Their mighty strokes their habergeons dismailed,
habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail} dismailed > stripped of mail
6 And naked made each other's manly spalls;
spalls > shoulders
7 The mortal steel dispiteously entailed
mortal > lethal dispiteously > pitilessly entailed > incised
8 Deep in their flesh, quite through the iron walls, 9 That a large purple stream adown their jambeaux falls.
That > [So that] purple > red, blood-red adown > down jambeaux > leg-armour, greaves; _or:_ leggings (perhaps of mail)
206.30
_Cymochles_, that had neuer met +before,+ 2 So puissant foe, with enuious despight His proud presumed force increased more, 4 Disdeigning to be held so long in fight; Sir _Guyon_ grudging not so much his might, 6 As those vnknightly raylings, which he spoke, With wrathfull fire his courage kindled bright, 8 Thereof deuising shortly to be wroke, And doubling all his powres, redoubled euery stroke.
1 before, > before _1609_
1 Cymochles, that had never met before
met > encountered in battle
2 So puissant foe, with envious despite
puissant > powerful [a] envious > malevolent despite > rage
3 His proud presumed force increased more,
presumed force > [the force that Cymochles presumes he has]
4 Disdaining to be held so long in fight; 5 Sir Guyon (grudging not so much his might
grudging > being mentally troubled with; _hence:_ resenting
6 As those unknightly railings which he spoke) 7 With wrathful fire his courage kindled bright, 8 Thereof devising shortly to be wreaked,
devising > skilfully preparing; contriving wreaked > avenged
9 And, doubling all his powers, redoubled every stroke.
206.31
Both of them high attonce their hands enhaunst, 2 And both attonce their huge blowes downe did sway; _Cymochles_ sword on _Guyons_ shield yglaunst, 4 And thereof nigh one quarter sheard away; But _Guyons_ angry blade so fierce did play 6 On th'others helmet, which as _Titan_ shone, That quite it cloue his plumed crest in tway, 8 And bared all his head vnto the bone; Wherewith astonisht, still he stood, as senselesse stone.
1 Both of them high at once their hands enhanced,
at once > simultaneously enhanced > raised
2 And both at once their huge blows down did sway;
sway > swing
3 Cymochles' sword on Guyon's shield glanced, 4 And thereof nigh one quarter sheared away; 5 But Guyon's angry blade so fierce did play 6 On the other's helmet (which as Titan shone),
as Titan shone > [shone like the sun]
7 That quite it clove his plumed crest in tway,
clove > cleft, divided plumed > [bearing a plume] tway > two
8 And bared all his head to the bone; 9 Wherewith astonished, still he stood, as senseless stone.
Wherewith > With which astonished > stunned; bewildered
206.32
Still as he stood, faire _Ph{ae}dria_, that beheld 2 That deadly daunger, soone atweene them ran; And at their feet her selfe most humbly feld, 4 Crying with pitteous voice, and count'nance wan; Ah well away, most noble Lords, how can 6 Your cruell eyes endure so pitteous sight, To shed your liues on ground? wo worth the man, 8 That first did teach the cursed steele to bight In his owne flesh, and make way to the liuing spright.
1 Still as he stood, fair Phaedria, that beheld 2 That deadly danger, soon atween them ran;
atween > between
3 And at their feet herself most humbly felled, 4 Crying with piteous voice, and countenance wan: 5 "Ah wellaway, most noble lords, how can
wellaway > alas!
6 Your cruel eyes endure so piteous sight,
sight > [a sight]
7 To shed your lives on ground? Woe worth the man
worth > betide
8 That first did teach the cursed steel to bite 9 In his own flesh, and make way to the living spirit.
his own > [human]
206.33
If euer loue of Ladie did empierce 2 Your yron brestes, or pittie could find place, Withhold your bloudie hands from battell fierce, 4 And sith for me ye fight, to me this grace Both yeeld, to stay your deadly strife a space. 6 They stayd a while: and forth she gan proceed: Most wretched woman, and of wicked race, 8 That am the author of this hainous deed, And cause of death betweene two doughtie knights doe breed.
1 "If ever love of lady did empierce
empierce > penetrate
2 Your iron breasts, or pity could find place, 3 Withhold your bloody hands from battle fierce, 4 And sith for me you fight, to me this grace
sith > since grace > favour
5 Both yield, to stay your deadly strife a space."
stay > delay, hold back
6 They stayed a while: and forth she gan proceed:
gan > did; began to
7 "Most wretched woman, and of wicked race, 8 That am the author of this heinous deed, 9 And cause of death between two doughty knights do breed.
206.34
But if for me ye fight, or me will serue, 2 Not this rude kind of battell, nor these armes Are meet, the which doe men in bale to sterue, 4 And dolefull sorrow heape with deadly harmes: Such cruell game my scarmoges disarmes: 6 Another warre, and other weapons I Doe loue, where loue does giue his sweet alarmes, 8 Without bloudshed, and where the enemy Does yeeld vnto his foe a pleasant victory.
1 "But if for me you fight, or me will serve, 2 Not this rude kind of battle, nor these arms
rude > rough; uncivilized
3 Are meet, which do men in bale to starve,
meet > suitable, seemly do > cause bale > woe, torment starve > die
4 And doleful sorrow heap with deadly harms: 5 Such cruel game my scarmoges disarm:
scarmoges > skirmishes
6 Another war, and other weapons I 7 Do love, where Love does give his sweet alarms,
Love > Cupid alarms > sudden attacks, surprises; alarms
8 Without bloodshed, and where the enemy 9 Does yield to his foe a pleasant victory.
206.35
Debatefull strife, and cruell enmitie 2 The famous name of knighthood fowly +shend+; But louely peace, and gentle amitie, 4 And in Amours the passing houres to spend, The mightie martiall hands doe most commend; 6 Of loue they euer greater glory bore, Then of their armes: _Mars_ is _Cupidoes_ frend, 8 And is for _Venus_ loues renowmed more, Then all his wars and spoiles, the which he did of yore.
2 shend > shent _1596_
1 "Debateful strife and cruel enmity
Debateful > Contentious
2 The famous name of knighthood foully shend;
shend > disgrace
3 But lovely peace, and gentle amity,
lovely > loving
4 And in amours the passing hours to spend,
amours > love-making
5 The mighty martial hands do most commend; 6 Of love they ever greater glory bore, 7 Than of their arms: Mars is Cupid's friend,
Mars > (The adulterous lover of Venus)
8 And is for Venus' loves renowned more 9 Than all his wars and spoils, which he did of yore."
spoil > {Pillage, rapine; also: the act of spoiling or damaging} of yore > of old, formerly
206.36
Therewith she sweetly smyld. They though full +bent,+ 2 To proue extremities of bloudie fight, Yet at her speach their rages gan relent, 4 And calme the sea of their tempestuous spight, Such powre haue pleasing words: such is the might 6 Of courteous clemencie in gentle hart. Now after all was ceast, the Faery knight 8 Besought that Damzell suffer him depart, And yield him readie passage to that other part.
1 bent, > bent _1609_
1 Therewith she sweetly smiled. They, though full bent
Therewith > With that; thereupon full bent > exceedingly inclined
2 To prove extremities of bloody fight,
prove extremities > experience [the] extremities (i.e. they are determined to fight to the death)
3 At her speech their rages gan relent,
gan > did; began to
4 And calm the sea of their tempestuous spite: 5 Such power have pleasing words; such is the might 6 Of courteous clemency in gentle heart.
gentle > noble
7 Now after all was ceased, the Faery knight 8 Besought that damsel suffer him depart,
suffer him depart > to allow him to depart; to grant him departure
9 And yield him ready passage to that other part.
ready > prompt; direct that other part > [the mainland]
206.37
She no lesse glad, then he desirous was 2 Of his departure thence; for of her ioy And vaine delight she saw he light did pas, 4 A foe of folly and immodest toy, Still solemne sad, or still disdainfull coy, 6 Delighting all in armes and cruell warre, That her sweet peace and pleasures did annoy, 8 Troubled with terrour and vnquiet iarre, That she well pleased was thence to amoue him farre.
1 She no less glad, than he desirous was
no > [was no]
2 Of his departure thence; for of her joy 3 And vain delight she saw he light did pass,
vain > empty; foolish light > (Adj., applied to her "vaine delight", or adv., qualifying "pas") pass > regard
4 A foe of folly and immodest toy,
folly > lewdness toy > amorous game, trick; _hence:_ flirtatiousness
5 Still solemn sad, or still disdainful coy,
Still > Ever coy > aloof, distant
6 Delighting all in arms and cruel war, 7 That her sweet peace and pleasures did annoy,
annoy > afflict, vex; _hence:_ spoil
8 Troubled with terror and unquiet jar,
jar > discord
9 That she well pleased was thence to amove him far.
That > [So that] amove > remove
206.38
Tho him she brought abord, and her swift bote 2 Forthwith directed to that further strand; The which on the dull waues did lightly flote 4 And soone arriued on the shallow sand, Where gladsome _Guyon_ +salied+ forth to land, 6 And to that Damzell thankes gaue for reward. Vpon that shore he spied _Atin_ stand, 8 +There by+ his maister left, when late he far'd In _Ph{ae}drias_ +flit+ barke ouer that perlous shard.
5 salied > sailed _1609_ 8 There by > Thereby _1590, 1596_ 9 flit > fleet _1609_
1 Tho him she brought aboard, and her swift boat
Tho > Then
2 Forthwith directed to that further strand;
strand > shore
3 Which on the dull waves did lightly float,
dull > sluggish
4 And soon arrived on the shallow sand, 5 Where gladsome Guyon sallied forth to land,
gladsome > gladsome; gladsomely; with alacrity sallied > leapt (from French _saillir_)
6 And to that damsel thanks gave for reward. 7 Upon that shore he spied Atin stand, 8 There by his master left, when late he fared
late > lately
9 In Phaedria's fleet bark over that perilous shard.
fleet > swift bark > vessel shard > dividing water; _also:_ dung; _hence, perhaps:_ quagmire, filth
206.39
Well could he him remember, sith of late 2 He with _Pyrochles_ sharp debatement made; Streight gan he him reuile, and bitter rate, 4 As shepheards curre, that in darke euenings shade Hath tracted forth some saluage +beastes+ trade; 6 Vile Miscreant (said he) whither doest thou flie The shame and death, which will thee soone inuade? 8 What coward hand shall doe thee next to die, That art thus foully fled from famous enemie?
5 beastes > beastez _1609, to emphasize the disyllable; cf. 110.39:4, 200.5:4, 204.28:8_
1 Well could he him remember, sith of late
sith > since
2 He with Pyrochles sharp debatement made;
debatement > strife, contention
3 Straight gan he him revile, and bitterly rate,
Straight > Straightway, immediately gan > did
4 As shepherd's cur, that in dark evening's shade 5 Has tracted forth some savage beast's trade:
tracted > traced, tracked savage > wild _but not necessarily_ savage trade > track, trail
6 "Vile miscreant," said he, "whither do you fly
miscreant > wretch, villain; heretic fly > flee
7 The shame and death which will you soon invade?
invade > intrude upon, attack
8 What coward hand shall do you next to die,
do > cause
9 That are thus foully fled from famous enemy?"
206.40
With that he stiffely shooke his steelehead dart: 2 But sober _Guyon_, hearing him so raile, Though somewhat moued in his mightie hart, 4 Yet with strong reason maistred passion fraile, And passed fairely forth. He turning taile, 6 Backe to the strond retyrd, and there still stayd, Awaiting passage, which him late did faile; 8 The whiles _Cymochles_ with that wanton mayd The hastie heat of his auowd reuenge delayd.
1 With that he stiffly shook his steelhead dart:
stiffly > violently
2 But sober Guyon, hearing him so rail,
so > thus
3 Though somewhat moved in his mighty heart, 4 With strong reason mastered passion frail,
frail > weak (esp. morally)
5 And passed fairly forth. He, turning tail,
fairly > gently, moderately
6 Back to the strand retired, and there still stayed,
strand > shore
7 Awaiting passage, which him late did fail;
which him late did fail > which lately disappointed him; _hence:_ of which he was lately disappointed
8 The whiles Cymochles with that wanton maid
The whiles > Meanwhile
9 The hasty heat of his avowed revenge delayed.
delayed > allayed, assuaged; deferred
206.41
+Whylest+ there the varlet stood, he saw from farre 2 An armed knight, that towards him fast ran, He ran on foot, as if in lucklesse warre 4 His forlorne steed from him the victour wan; He seemed breathlesse, hartlesse, faint, and wan, 6 And all his armour sprinckled was with bloud, And soyld with durtie gore, that no man can 8 Discerne the hew thereof. He neuer stood, But bent his hastie course towards the idle flood.
1 Whylest > Whiles _1609_
1 Whilst there the varlet stood, he saw from far
varlet > knight's attendant; menial
2 An armed knight, that towards him fast ran: 3 He ran on foot, as if in luckless war 4 His forlorn steed from him the victor won;
forlorn > lost; _hence:_ missing won > [had won]
5 He seemed breathless, heartless, faint, and wan, 6 And all his armour sprinkled was with blood, 7 And soiled with dirty gore, that no man can
that > [so that] can > could
8 Discern the hue thereof. He never stood,
hue > colour; appearance stood > [stopped]
9 But bent his hasty course towards the Idle Flood.
bent > directed Flood > Lake (catachr.)
206.42
The varlet saw, when to the flood he came, 2 How without stop or stay he fiercely lept, And deepe him selfe +beducked+ in the same, 4 That in the lake his loftie crest was +steept+, Ne of his safetie seemed care he kept, 6 But with his raging armes he rudely flasht, The waues about, and all his armour swept, 8 That all the bloud and filth away was washt, Yet still he bet the water, and the billowes dasht.
3 beducked > beduked _1596_ 4 steept > stept _1590_
1 The varlet saw, when to the flood he came,
varlet > knight's attendant; menial; rogue
2 How without stop or stay he fiercely leapt, 3 And deep himself beducked in the same,
beducked > immersed
4 That in the lake his lofty crest was steeped,
That > [So that]
5 Nor of his safety seemed care he kept,
seemed > [it seemed]
6 But with his raging arms he rudely flashed
rudely > violently, clumsily flashed > splashed
7 The waves about, and all his armour swept, 8 That all the blood and filth away was washed,
That > [So that]
9 Yet still he beat the water, and the billows dashed.
still > still, yet; continually
206.43
_Atin_ drew nigh, to weet what it mote bee; 2 For much he wondred at that vncouth sight; Whom should he, but his owne deare Lord, there see, 4 His owne deare Lord _Pyrochles_, in sad plight, Readie to drowne himselfe for fell despight. 6 Harrow now out, and well away, he cryde, What dismall day hath lent +this+ cursed light, 8 To see my Lord so deadly +damnifyde?+ _Pyrochles_, {o^} _Pyrochles_, what is thee betyde?
7 this > but this his _1590_ 8 damnifyde? > damnifyde _1590, 1596_
1 Atin drew nigh, to weet what it might be;
weet > learn, perceive it > [the matter]
2 For much he wondered at that uncouth sight;
wondered > marvelled uncouth > bizarre, unseemly
3 Whom should he, but his own dear lord, there see, 4 His own dear lord Pyrochles, in sad plight, 5 Ready to drown himself for fell despite.
fell > terrible despite > rage; defiance
6 "Harrow now out, and wellaway!" he cried.
Harrow > {A cry of distress or alarm, or for help} wellaway > alas! he > [Atin]
7 "What dismal day has lent this cursed light, 8 To see my lord so deadly damnified?
deadly > mortally damnified > brought to destruction; injured
9 Pyrochles, O Pyrochles, what is you betide?"
is you betide > has befallen you
206.44
I burne, I burne, I burne, then loud he cryde, 2 O how I burne with implacable fire, Yet nought can quench mine inly flaming syde, 4 Nor sea of licour cold, nor lake of mire, Nothing but death can doe me to respire. 6 Ah be it (said he) from _Pyrochles_ farre After pursewing death once to require, 8 Or think, that ought those puissant hands may marre: Death is for wretches borne vnder vnhappie starre.
1 "I burn, I burn, I burn," then loud he cried, 2 "O how I burn with implacable fire,
implacable > {That which cannot be assuaged; inexorable}
3 Yet naught can quench my inly flaming side,
inly > inwardly side > {Trunk, torso, body}
4 Nor sea of liquor cold, nor lake of mire,
Nor > Neither liquor > liquid
5 Nothing but death can do me to respire!"
do > cause; _hence:_ permit respire > find relief (cf. 303.36:8)
6 "Ah be it," said he, "from Pyrochles far 7 After pursuing Death once to require,
require > {"Require after" = "seek", "call"}
8 Or think that aught those puissant hands may mar:
aught > anything at all puissant > powerful, warlike mar > damage morally
9 Death is for wretches born under unhappy star."
unhappy > evil, inauspicious
206.45
Perdie, then +is it+ fit for me (said he) 2 That am, I weene, most wretched man aliue, +Burning+ in flames, yet no flames can I see, 4 And dying daily, daily yet reuiue: O _Atin_, helpe to me last death to giue. 6 The varlet at his plaint was grieued so sore, That his deepe wounded hart in two did riue, 8 And his owne health remembring now no more, Did follow that ensample, which he blam'd afore.
1 is it > it is _1609_ 3 Burning > But _1596_
1 "Pardie, then is it fit for me," said he,
Pardie > Truly; "by God" is it > [it is: see Textual Appendix]
2 "That am, I ween, most wretched man alive,
ween > know [for a fact]
3 Burning in flames, yet no flames can I see, 4 And dying daily, daily yet revive: 5 O Atin, help to me last death to give."
last > utmost
6 The varlet at his plaint was grieved so sore,
varlet > knight's attendant plaint > complaint, lamentation
7 That his deep wounded heart in two did rive,
rive > split; tear
8 And, his own health remembering now no more,
health > health; safety, welfare
9 Did follow that example which he blamed afore.
blamed afore > reproved previously
206.46
Into the lake he lept, his Lord to ayd, 2 (So Loue the dread of daunger doth despise) And of him catching hold him strongly stayd 4 From drowning. But more happie he, then wise Of that seas nature did him not auise. 6 The waues thereof so slow and sluggish were, Engrost with mud, which did them foule agrise, 8 That euery weightie thing they did vpbeare, Ne ought mote euer sinke downe to the bottome there.
1 Into the lake he leapt, his lord to aid, 2 (So love the dread of danger does despise)
So > Thus
3 And of him catching hold, him strongly stayed
stayed > stopped; prevented
4 From drowning. But more happy he, than wise:
happy > lucky
5 Of that sea's nature did him not advise.
Of that sea's nature did him not advise > [Atin did not consider the nature of that sea]
6 The waves thereof so slow and sluggish were, 7 Engrossed with mud, which did them foul agrise,
Engrossed > {Rendered gross, dense, thick} them > [Atin and Pyrochles] agrise > horrify
8 That every weighty thing they did upbear,
That > [So that] they > [the waves]
9 Nor aught might ever sink down to the bottom there.
206.47
Whiles thus they strugled in that idle waue, 2 And stroue in vaine, the one himselfe to drowne, The other both from drowning for to saue, 4 Lo, to that shore one in an auncient gowne, Whose hoarie locks great grauitie did crowne, 6 Holding in hand a goodly arming sword, By fortune came, led with the troublous sowne: 8 Where drenched deepe he found in that dull ford The carefull seruant, striuing with his raging Lord.
1 While thus they struggled in that idle wave,
idle > lazy; _hence:_ sluggish
2 And strove in vain, the one himself to drown, 3 The other both from drowning to save, 4 Lo, to that shore one in an ancient gown 5 (Whose hoary locks great gravity did crown, 6 Holding in hand a goodly arming sword), 7 By fortune came, led with the troublous sound: 8 Where drenched deep he found in that dull ford
drenched > bathed, immersed (cf. 111.34:2) dull > sluggish ford > stream, current
9 The careful servant, striving with his raging lord.
careful > {Anxious, full of care}
206.48
Him _Atin_ spying, knew right well of yore, 2 And loudly cald, Helpe helpe, {o^} _Archimage_; To saue my Lord, in wretched plight forlore; 4 Helpe with thy hand, or with thy counsell sage: Weake hands, but counsell is most strong in age. 6 Him when the old man saw, he wondred sore, To see _Pyrochles_ there so rudely rage: 8 Yet sithens helpe, he saw, he needed more Then pittie, he in hast approched to the shore.
1 Him Atin spying, knew right well of yore,
knew right > [Atin knew him very] yore > old
2 And loudly called, "Help, help, O Archimago; 3 To save my lord, in wretched plight forlorn;
forlorn > lost
4 Help with your hand, or with your counsel sage: 5 Weak hands, but counsel is most strong in age!"
hands > [are hands]
6 Him when the old man saw, he wondered sore,
wondered sore > marvelled greatly
7 To see Pyrochles there so rudely rage:
rudely > violently, clumsily
8 Yet sithence help, he saw, he needed more
sithence > since
9 Than pity, he in haste approached the shore.
206.49
And cald, _Pyrochles_, what is this, I see? 2 What hellish furie hath at earst thee hent? Furious euer I thee knew to bee, 4 Yet neuer in this straunge astonishment. These flames, these flames (he cryde) do me torment. 6 What flames (quoth he) when I thee present see, In daunger rather to be drent, then brent? 8 Harrow, the flames, which me consume (said hee) Ne can be quencht, within my secret bowels bee.
1 And called, "Pyrochles, what is this I see? 2 What hellish fury has at erst you hent?
fury > frenzy, madness (cf. I:261); _or:_ Fury (one of the avenging deities sent from hell to punish wrongdoers) at erst > lately hent > seized
3 Furious ever I you knew to be, 4 Yet never in this strange astonishment."
strange > extreme; severe; new-come, new-found astonishment > {Loss of sense or wits}
5 "These flames, these flames," he cried, "do me torment." 6 "What flames," quoth he, "when I you present see, 7 In danger rather to be drenched, than burnt?"
drenched > drowned
8 "Harrow, the flames, which me consume," said he,
Harrow > {A cry of distress or alarm}
9 Ne can be quenched, within my secret bowels be.
Ne can > And cannot secret > unseen, invisible bowels > {Internal organs generally} be > [are]
206.50
That cursed man, that cruell feend of hell, 2 _Furor_, oh _Furor_ hath me thus bedight: His deadly wounds within my +liuer+ swell, 4 And his whot fire burnes in mine entrails bright, Kindled through his infernall brond of spight, 6 Sith late with him I batteil vaine would boste; That now I weene _Ioues_ dreaded thunder light 8 Does scorch not halfe so sore, nor damned ghoste In flaming _Phlegeton_ does not so felly roste.
3 liuer > liuers _1596_
1 "That cursed man, that cruel fiend of hell, 2 Furor, O Furor has me thus bedight:
bedight > arrayed, adorned; _hence:_ treated, maltreated
3 His deadly wounds within my liver swell,
liver > (The supposed seat of love and violent passion)
4 And his hot fire burns in my entrails brightly, 5 Kindled through his infernal brand of spite, 6 Sith late with him I battle vain would boast;
Sith late > Since lately vain > futile; foolish boast > threaten
7 That now I ween Jove's dreaded thunder-light
ween > think, believe thunder-light > lightning
8 Does scorch not half so sore, nor damned ghost 9 In flaming Phlegethon does not so felly roast."
Phlegethon > (The "Stream of Fire": one of the five rivers of hell, through which fire flows instead of water (see 204.41:7)) felly > fiercely, cruelly
206.51
Which when as _Archimago_ heard, his griefe 2 He knew right well, and him attonce disarmd: Then searcht his secret wounds, and made a priefe 4 Of euery place, that was with brusing harmd, Or with the hidden +fire too inly+ warmd. 6 Which done, he balmes and herbes thereto applyde, And +euermore+ with mighty spels them charmd, 8 That in short space he has them qualifyde, And him restor'd to health, that would haue algates dyde.
5 fire too inly > fier inly _1590_ 7 euermore > euemore _1596_
1 Which when Archimago heard, his grief
grief > pain
2 He knew right well, and him at once disarmed:
right > very disarmed > relieved of armour (evidently after getting him out of the water)
3 Then searched his secret wounds, and made a proof
searched > examined, probed secret > hidden; unseen; invisible proof > examination
4 Of every place that was with bruising harmed, 5 Or with the hidden fire too inly warmed.
the hidden fire > [of passion] inly > inwardly
6 Which done, he balms and herbs thereto applied,
thereto > to them; moreover; suitable to them [the wounds]
7 And evermore with mighty spells them charmed,
them > [the balms and herbs; or Pyrochles's wounds]
8 That in short space he has them qualified,
That > [So that] them > [Pyrochles's wounds] qualified > moderated, mitigated
9 And him restored to health, that would have algates died.
algates > altogether, at any rate; _hence:_ surely