Chapter 57

_Guyon findes +Mamon+ in a delue, 2 Sunning his threasure hore: Is by him tempted, and led downe, 4 To see his secret store._

1 _Mamon_ > _Mammon 1609_

1 Guyon finds Mammon in a delve,

Mammon > "Riches" (Aramaic; wealth regarded as an idol or an evil influence; the God of Money; see _Matt._ 6.24, _Luke_ 16.9-13; _PL_ 1.678 ff., 2.228 ff.) delve > pit, depression

2 Sunning his treasure hoar:

hoar > {Ancient, venerable with age}

3 Is by him tempted, and led down, 4 To see his secret store.

207.1

AS Pilot well expert in perilous waue, 2 That to a stedfast starre his course hath bent, When foggy mistes, or cloudy tempests haue 4 The faithfull light of that faire lampe yblent, And couer'd heauen with hideous dreriment, 6 Vpon his card and compas firmes his eye, The maisters of his long experiment, 8 And to them does the steddy helme apply, Bidding his winged vessell fairely forward +fly.+

9 fly. > fly: _1609_

1 As pilot well expert in perilous wave,

As > [Like a] wave > water

2 That to a steadfast star his course has bent, 3 When foggy mists, or cloudy tempests have 4 The faithful light of that fair lamp blended,

blended > rendered turbid, obscured

5 And covered heaven with hideous dreariment,

dreariment > gloom

6 Upon his card and compass firms his eye

card > chart firms > fixes

7 (The masters of his long experiment),

masters > teachers, preceptors experiment > experience, practical knowledge

8 And to them does the steady helm apply,

to > [according to] apply > steer

9 Bidding his winged vessel fairly forward fly:

207.2

So _Guyon_ hauing lost his trusty guide, 2 Late left beyond that _Ydle lake_, proceedes Yet on his way, of none accompanide; 4 And euermore himselfe with comfort feedes, Of his owne vertues, and prayse-worthy deedes. 6 +So long+ he yode, yet no aduenture found, Which fame of her shrill trompet worthy reedes: 8 For still he traueild through wide wastfull ground, That nought but desert wildernesse shew'd all around.

6 So long > Long so _1590 (corrected in some copies)_

1 So Guyon, having lost his trusty guide 2 (Late left beyond that Idle Lake), proceeds

Late > Lately

3 Yet on his way, of none accompanied;

of > by

4 And evermore himself with comfort feeds,

comfort > {Renewal of strength; comfort}

5 Of his own virtues, and praiseworthy deeds. 6 So long he yode, yet no adventure found,

yode > went

7 Which fame of her shrill trumpet worthy reads:

reads > considers

8 For still he travelled through wide wasteful ground,

still > continually wasteful > desolate, uncultivated

9 That naught but desert wilderness showed all around.

That > [In that] desert > lonely showed > was visible

207.3

At last he came vnto a gloomy glade, 2 Couer'd with boughes and shrubs from heauens light, Whereas he sitting found in secret shade 4 An vncouth, saluage, and vnciuile wight, Of griesly hew, and fowle ill fauour'd sight; 6 His face with smoke was tand, and eyes were bleard, His head and beard with sout were ill bedight, 8 His cole-blacke hands did seeme to haue beene seard In smithes fire-+spitting+ forge, and nayles like clawes appeard.

9 spitting > spetting _1609_

1 At last he came to a gloomy glade, 2 Covered with boughs and shrubs from heaven's light, 3 Where he sitting found in secret shade

secret > hidden

4 An uncouth, savage, and uncivil wight,

uncouth > strange, clumsy, awkward uncivil > uncivilized, barbaric wight > person, creature

5 Of grisly hue, and foul ill-favoured sight;

grisly > horrible, fearsome hue > colour; appearance (less likely in view of "ill fauour'd sight") ill-favoured sight > ugly appearance

6 His face with smoke was tanned, and eyes were bleared,

bleared > watery, inflamed

7 His head and beard with soot were ill bedight;

ill bedight > ill-adorned; _hence:_ disfigured

8 His coal-black hands did seem to have been seared 9 In smith's fire-spitting forge, and nails like claws appeared.

nails > [his nails]

207.4

His yron coate all ouergrowne with rust, 2 Was vnderneath enueloped with gold, Whose glistring glosse darkned with filthy dust, 4 Well +yet+ appeared, to haue beene of old A worke of rich entayle, and curious mould, 6 Wouen with antickes and wild Imagery: And in his lap a masse of coyne he told, 8 And turned +vpsidowne+, to feede his eye +And+ couetous desire with his huge threasury.

4 yet > it _1596 etc._ 8 vpsidowne > vpside downe _1590_ 9 And > A _1596_

1 His iron coat, all overgrown with rust, 2 Was underneath enveloped with gold,

enveloped > lined (catachr.; cf. 301.59:9)

3 Whose glistering gloss, darkened with filthy dust, 4 Well yet appeared to have been of old 5 A work of rich entail, and curious mould,

entail > ornament; carving; intaglio curious > skilled, elaborate; exquisite mould > form, style

6 Woven with antics and wild imagery:

antics > {Fantastic or grotesque representations of birds, animals, plants} imagery > idolatrous images (cf. 108.36:2, 212.60:5)

7 And in his lap a mass of coin he told

told > counted (cf. 104.27:5)

8 And turned upside-down, to feed his eye 9 And covetous desire with his huge treasury.

treasury > treasure

207.5

And round about him lay on euery side 2 Great heapes of gold, that neuer could be spent: Of which some were rude owre, not purifide 4 Of +_Mulcibers_+ deuouring element; Some others were new driuen, and distent 6 Into great +Ingoes+, and to wedges square; Some in round plates withouten moniment; 8 But most were stampt, and in their metall bare The antique shapes of kings and kesars straunge and rare.

4 _Mulcibers_ > _Melcibers 1590_ 6 Ingoes > Ingowes _1590_

1 And round about him lay on every side 2 Great heaps of gold, that never could be spent: 3 Of which some were rude ore, not purified 4 Of Mulciber's devouring element;

Of > By Mulciber > (A surname of Vulcan, god of fire; see _PL_ 1.740 ff.)

5 Some others were new driven, and distent

driven > beaten out distent > extended

6 Into great ingots, and to wedges square;

to > into wedges > ingots

7 Some in round plates without monument;

monument > mark, inscription

8 But most were stamped, and in their metal bare

bare > bore (vb.); _or:_ bare (the vb. "were" being understood)

9 The antique shapes of kings and kaisers strange and rare.

kaisers > emperors, caesars

207.6

Soone as he _Guyon_ saw, in great affright 2 And hast he rose, for to remoue aside Those pretious hils from straungers enuious sight, 4 And downe them poured through an hole full wide, Into the hollow earth, them there to hide. 6 But _Guyon_ lightly to him leaping, stayd His hand, that trembled, as one terrifyde; 8 And though him selfe were at the sight dismayd, Yet him perforce restraynd, and to him doubtfull sayd.

1 Soon as he Guyon saw, in great affright

Soon > [As soon] affright > terror

2 And haste he rose, to remove aside 3 Those precious hills from stranger's envious sight, 4 And down them poured, through a hole full wide,

full > very, exceedingly

5 Into the hollow earth, them there to hide. 6 But Guyon lightly to him leaping, stayed

lightly > quickly

7 His hand, that trembled, as one terrified; 8 And though himself were at the sight dismayed,

himself were > [he himself was]

9 Yet him perforce restrained, and to him doubtful said:

perforce > by force doubtful > fearful (applies to Mammon, as the tone of Guyon's inquiry makes clear)

207.7

What art thou man, (if man at all thou art) 2 That here in desert hast thine habitaunce, And these rich +heapes+ of wealth doest hide apart 4 From the worldes eye, and from her right vsaunce? Thereat with staring eyes fixed askaunce, 6 In great disdaine, he answerd; Hardy Elfe, That darest vew my direfull countenaunce, 8 I read thee rash, and heedlesse of thy selfe, To trouble my still seate, and heapes of pretious pelfe.

3 heapes > hils _1590_

1 "What are you, man (if man at all you are), 2 That here in desert have your habitance,

desert > [the] wilderness habitance > habitation, dwelling (WU)

3 And these rich heaps of wealth do hide apart 4 From the world's eye, and from its right usance?"

right usance > proper usage (i.e. financial usage; usance also = the practice or fact of lending or borrowing money at interest)

5 Thereat, with staring eyes fixed askance,

Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that staring > glaring (cf. 204.15:6)

6 In great disdain he answered: "Hardy Elf,

Hardy > Rash, presumptuously audacious

7 That dares view my direful countenance,

direful > terrible, dreadful

8 I read you rash, and heedless of yourself,

read > consider

9 To trouble my still seat, and heaps of precious pelf.

pelf > money, cash, "filthy lucre"

207.8

God of the world and worldlings I me call, 2 Great _Mammon_, greatest god below the skye, That of my plenty poure out vnto all, 4 And vnto none my graces do enuye: Riches, renowme, and principality, 6 Honour, estate, and all this worldes good, For which men swinck and sweat incessantly, 8 Fro me do flow into an ample flood, And in the hollow earth haue their eternall brood.

1 "God of the world and worldlings I me call,

me > myself

2 Great Mammon, greatest god below the sky, 3 That of my plenty pour out to all, 4 And to none my graces do envy:

envy > begrudge

5 Riches, renown, and principality,

principality > {Sovereignty; the authority or dignity of a sovereign or ruler}

6 Honour, estate, and all this world's good,

estate > prosperity; condition, rank, status

7 For which men swink and sweat incessantly,

swink > toil

8 From me do flow into an ample flood, 9 And in the hollow earth have their eternal brood.

brood > breeding, hatching

207.9

Wherefore if me thou deigne to serue and sew, 2 At thy commaund lo all these mountaines bee; Or if to thy great mind, or greedy vew 4 All these may not suffise, there shall to thee Ten times so much be numbred francke and free. 6 _Mammon_ (said he) thy godheades vaunt is vaine, And idle offers of thy golden fee; 8 To them, that couet such eye-glutting gaine, Proffer thy giftes, and fitter seruaunts entertaine.

1 "Wherefore if me you deign to serve and sue,

Wherefore > On which account; in consequence of which serve and sue > do service and homage (sue = follow as an attendant, take as a model, pattern, or ideal)

2 At your command lo all these mountains be; 3 Or if to your great mind, or greedy view,

greedy > eager; rapacious

4 All these may not suffice, there shall to you 5 Ten times so much be numbered frank and free."

so > as numbered > measured, enumerated frank and free > liberally and freely (another quasi-legal term)

6 "Mammon," said he, "your godhead's vaunt is vain,

vaunt > boast; display vain > unavailing; foolish

7 And idle offers of your golden fee;

idle > empty fee > wage, bribe

8 To them that covet such eye-glutting gain 9 Proffer your gifts, and fitter servants entertain.

fitter > more suitable entertain > engage; maintain

207.10

Me ill +besits+, that in der-doing armes, 2 And honours suit my vowed dayes do spend, Vnto thy bounteous baytes, and pleasing charmes, 4 With which weake men thou witchest, to attend: Regard of worldly mucke doth fowly blend, 6 And low abase the high heroicke spright, That ioyes for crownes and kingdomes to contend; 8 Faire shields, gay steedes, bright armes be my delight: Those be the riches fit for an aduent'rous knight.

1 besits > befits _1609_

1 "Me ill besits (that in der-doing arms

besits > becomes, befits der-doing arms > {Daring feats of arms; "der-doing" is app. derived from "derring-do", and is believed to be a deliberate archaism}

2 And honour's suit my vowed days do spend)

suit > pursuit; wooing

3 To your bounteous baits, and pleasing charms,

baits > temptations (cf. 207.64:2)

4 With which weak men you witch, to attend:

witch > bewitch

5 Regard of worldly muck does foully blend

of > for blend > stir up, render turbid; _hence:_ defile; _also:_ dazzle, blind

6 And low abase the high heroic spirit, 7 That joys for crowns and kingdoms to contend; 8 Fair shields, gay steeds, bright arms be my delight: 9 Those be the riches fit for an adventurous knight."

207.11

Vaine glorious Elfe (said he) doest not thou weet, 2 That money can thy wantes at will supply? Sheilds, steeds, and armes, and all things for thee meet 4 It can puruay in twinckling of an eye; And crownes and kingdomes to thee multiply. 6 Do not I kings create, and throw the crowne Sometimes to him, that low in dust doth ly? 8 And him that raignd, into his rowme thrust downe, And whom I lust, do heape with glory and renowne?

1 "Vainglorious Elf," said he, "do not you weet

weet > know, understand

2 That money can your wants at will supply? 3 Shields, steeds, and arms, and all things for you meet

meet > appropriate

4 It can purvey in twinkling of an eye;

purvey > provide

5 And crowns and kingdoms to you multiply. 6 Do not I kings create, and throw the crown 7 Sometimes to him that low in dust does lie? 8 And him that reigned, into his room thrust down,

room > place, space

9 And whom I lust, do heap with glory and renown?"

lust > desire, choose (intr.); please, delight (tr.)

207.12

All otherwise (said he) I riches read, 2 And deeme them roote of all disquietnesse; First got with guile, and then preseru'd with dread, 4 And after spent with pride and lauishnesse, Leauing behind them griefe and heauinesse. 6 Infinite mischiefes of them do arize, +Strife,+ and debate, bloudshed, and bitternesse, 8 Outrageous wrong, and hellish couetize, That noble heart +as+ great dishonour doth despize.

7 Strife, > Strife; _1596_ 9 as > in _1590_

1 "All otherwise," said he, "I riches read,

read > consider

2 And deem them root of all disquietness;

disquietness > trouble, unrest (cf. _1 Tim._ 6.10)

3 First got with guile, and then preserved with dread, 4 And after spent with pride and lavishness, 5 Leaving behind them grief and heaviness.

heaviness > anger; sadness

6 Infinite mischiefs of them do arise:

of > from

7 Strife, and debate, bloodshed, and bitterness,

debate > quarrelling; fighting

8 Outrageous wrong, and hellish covetise,

covetise > covetousness, avarice

9 That noble heart as great dishonour does despise.

noble > [the noble]

207.13

Ne thine be kingdomes, ne the scepters thine; 2 But realmes and rulers thou doest both confound, And loyall truth to treason doest incline; 4 Witnesse the guiltlesse bloud pourd oft on ground, The crowned often slaine, the slayer cround, 6 The sacred Diademe in peeces rent, And purple robe gored with many a wound; 8 Castles surprizd, great cities sackt and brent: So mak'st thou kings, and gaynest wrongfull gouernement.

1 "Nor yours be kingdoms, nor the sceptres yours; 2 But realms and rulers you do both confound,

confound > overthrow, subvert

3 And loyal truth to treason do incline;

incline > dispose, direct; _hence:_ pervert

4 Witness the guiltless blood poured oft on ground, 5 The crowned often slain, the slayer crowned, 6 The sacred diadem in pieces rent,

diadem > crown rent > torn

7 And purple robe gored with many a wound;

purple robe > (Traditionally worn by emperors and kings: Tyrian purple was a dye obtained in the eastern Mediterranean from the whelks _Murex trunculus_ and _M. brandaris_ and processed at the Phoenician city of Tyre, whence it was sold at high price to the Romans. "Purple" also = "blood-red" (cf. e.g. 206.29:9), thus adding more meaning to the phrase)

8 Castles surprised, great cities sacked and burnt:

surprised > {Captured using surprise tactics}

9 So make you kings, and gain wrongful government.

So > Thus, in this manner

207.14

Long were to tell the troublous stormes, that tosse 2 The priuate state, and make the life vnsweet: Who swelling sayles in Caspian sea doth crosse, 4 And in frayle wood on _Adrian_ gulfe doth fleet, Doth not, I weene, so many euils meet. 6 Then _Mammon_ wexing wroth, And why then, said, Are mortall men so fond and vndiscreet, 8 So euill thing to seeke vnto their ayd, And hauing not complaine, and hauing it vpbraid?

1 "Long were to tell the troublous storms that toss

Long were > [It would take a long time] tell > describe

2 The private state, and make the life unsweet:

private state > private condition, personal life

3 Who swelling sails in Caspian Sea does cross,

Who > [Whoever, he who] cross > hoist, set in position

4 And in frail wood on Adrian Gulf does fleet,

Adrian Gulf > (The Adriatic Sea, which, like the Caspian, was notoriously stormy) fleet > float; sail

5 Does not, I ween, so many evils meet."

ween > think

6 Then Mammon, waxing wroth, "And why then," said,

waxing > growing, becoming

7 "Are mortal men so fond and undiscreet,

fond > foolish undiscreet > lacking in discretion, imprudent

8 So evil thing to seek to their aid,

So > Such [an]

9 And, having not, complain, and having it, upbraid?"

upbraid > reproach [wealth]; _or, perhaps:_ are reproached (for being rich)

207.15

Indeede (quoth he) through fowle intemperaunce, 2 Frayle men are oft captiu'd to couetise: But would they thinke, with how small allowaunce 4 Vntroubled Nature doth her selfe suffise, Such superfluities they would despise, 6 Which with sad cares empeach our natiue ioyes: At the well head the purest streames arise: 8 But mucky filth his braunching armes annoyes, And with vncomely weedes the gentle waue accloyes.

1 "Indeed," quoth he, "through foul intemperance 2 Frail men are oft captived to covetise:

Frail > Morally weak covetise > avarice, covetousness

3 But would they think with how small allowance

would > [if only]

4 Untroubled Nature does herself suffice, 5 Such superfluities they would despise, 6 Which with sad cares impeach our native joys:

impeach > endamage, impair

7 At the well-head the purest streams arise: 8 But mucky filth its branching arms annoys,

its branching arms > [the stream's various watercourses] annoys > afflicts, vexes

9 And with uncomely weeds the gentle wave accloys.

wave > water accloys > clogs, chokes

207.16

The antique world, in his first flowring youth, 2 Found no defect in his Creatours grace, But with glad thankes, and vnreproued truth, 4 The gifts of soueraigne bountie did embrace: Like Angels life was then mens happy cace; 6 But later ages pride, like corn-fed steed, Abusd her plenty, and fat swolne encreace 8 To all licentious lust, and gan exceed The measure of her meane, and naturall first need.

1 "The antique world, in its first flowering youth,

antique > ancient

2 Found no defect in its Creator's grace, 3 But with glad thanks, and unreproved truth,

unreproved > blameless; unreproving, uncomplaining truth > {Conduct in accordance with the divine standard; also a variant spelling of "troth", good faith}

4 The gifts of sovereign bounty did embrace: 5 Like angels' life was then men's happy case;

case > state

6 But later ages' pride, like corn-fed steed,

corn-fed > [pampered]

7 Abused her plenty, and fat swollen increase

her > [Nature's, referring to 207.15:4] fat swollen increase > [swollen with fat, increased]

8 To all licentious lust, and gan exceed

gan > did

9 The measure of her mean, and natural first need.

measure of her mean > [limits of natural temperance]

207.17

Then gan a cursed hand the quiet wombe 2 Of his great +Grandmother+ with steele to wound, And the hid treasures in her sacred tombe, 4 With Sacriledge to dig. Therein he found Fountaines of gold and siluer to abound, 6 Of which the matter of his huge desire And pompous pride eftsoones he did compound; 8 Then auarice gan through his veines inspire His greedy flames, and kindled life-deuouring fire.

2 Grandmother > Gandmother _1596_

1 "Then gan a cursed hand the quiet womb

gan > did

2 Of his great grandmother with steel to wound,

his great grandmother > (The earth; cf. 201.10:6) wound > [mine]

3 And the hidden treasures in her sacred tomb 4 With sacrilege to dig. Therein he found 5 Fountains of gold and silver to abound,

Fountains > Founts, sources

6 Of which the matter of his huge desire

matter > substance

7 And pompous pride eftsoons he did compound;

eftsoons > soon compound > {Compose, make up with the combination of elements (i.e. gold and silver)}

8 Then avarice gan through his veins inspire

gan > did inspire > breathe life, quicken

9 His greedy flames, and kindled life-devouring fire."

His > [Those of avarice; or: those of man]

207.18

Sonne (said he then) let be thy bitter scorne, 2 And leaue the rudenesse of +that+ antique age To them, that liu'd therein in state forlorne; 4 Thou that doest liue in later times, must wage Thy workes for wealth, and life for gold engage. 6 If then thee list my offred grace to vse, Take what thou please of all this surplusage; 8 If thee list not, leaue haue thou to refuse: But thing refused, do not afterward accuse.

2 that > _omitted from 1596_

1 "Son," said he then, "let be your bitter scorn,

let be > give over, desist from

2 And leave the rudeness of that antique age

rudeness > barbarism antique > ancient

3 To them that lived therein in state forlorn; 4 You, that do live in later times, must wage

wage > hire out

5 Your works for wealth, and life for gold engage.

engage > pledge, pawn

6 If then you list my offered grace to use,

list > choose

7 Take what you please of all this surplusage;

surplusage > superabundance, excess

8 If you list not, leave have you to refuse: 9 But thing refused, do not afterward accuse."

accuse > blame, find fault with

207.19

Me list not (said the Elfin knight) receaue 2 Thing offred, till I know it well be got, Ne wote I, but thou didst these goods bereaue 4 From rightfull owner by vnrighteous lot, Or that +bloud guiltinesse+ or guile them blot. 6 Perdy (quoth he) yet neuer eye did vew, Ne toung did tell, ne hand these handled not, 8 But safe I haue them kept in secret mew, From heauens sight, and powre of all which them pursew.

5 bloud guiltinesse > bloodguiltnesse _1590;_ bloud guiltnesse _1596: cf. 202.4:5, 202.30:3_

1 "I list not," said the Elfin knight, "receive

list > choose, please receive > [to receive]

2 Thing offered, till I know it well be got, 3 Nor wot I, but you did these goods bereave

wot > know you > [that you] bereave > take away, rob

4 From rightful owner by unrighteous lot,

unrighteous lot > criminal division

5 Or that blood-guiltiness or guile them blot."

blood-guiltiness > responsibility for bloodshed

6 "Pardie," quoth he, "yet never eye did view,

Pardie > Truly; "by God" yet never > [never yet]

7 Nor tongue did tell, nor hand these handled not,

tell > describe not > (The double negative serves as an intensive)

8 But safe I have them kept in secret mew,

mew > place [of confinement]

9 From heaven's sight, and power of all who them pursue."

power > [the power]

207.20

What secret place (quoth he) can safely hold 2 So huge a masse, and hide from heauens eye? Or where hast thou thy wonne, that so much gold 4 Thou canst preserue from wrong and robbery? Come thou (quoth he) and see. So by and by 6 Through that thicke couert he him led, and found A darkesome way, which no man could descry, 8 That deepe descended through the hollow ground, And was with dread and horrour compassed around.

1 "What secret place," quoth he, "can safely hold 2 So huge a mass, and hide from heaven's eye?

hide > [hide it]

3 Or where have you your won, that so much gold

won > dwelling-place

4 You can preserve from wrong and robbery?" 5 "Come you," quoth he, "and see!" So by and by

by and by > straight away

6 Through that thick covert he him led, and found 7 A darksome way, which no man could descry,

descry > make out, see; explore

8 That deep descended through the hollow ground, 9 And was with dread and horror compassed around.

compassed around > encircled, surrounded

207.21

At length they came into a larger space, 2 That stretcht it selfe into an ample plaine, Through which a beaten broad high way did trace, 4 That streight did lead to _Plutoes_ griesly raine: By that wayes side, there sate +infernall+ Payne, 6 And fast beside him sat tumultuous Strife: The one in hand an yron whip did straine, 8 The other brandished a bloudy knife, And both did gnash their teeth, and both did threaten life.

5 infernall > internall _1590;_ eternall _conj. Collier_

1 At length they came into a larger space, 2 That stretched itself into an ample plain, 3 Through which a beaten broad highway did trace,

broad highway > (Cf. 104.2:8, 110.10:5) trace > proceed, pass

4 That straight did lead to Pluto's grisly reign:

grisly > fearsome, horrible reign > kingdom, realm

5 By that way's side there sat infernal Pain,

Pain > Punishment

6 And fast beside him sat tumultuous Strife:

fast > very closely

7 The one in hand an iron whip did strain,

strain > clasp tightly

8 The other brandished a bloody knife, 9 And both did gnash their teeth, and both did threaten life.

207.22

On thother side in one consort there sate, 2 Cruell Reuenge, and rancorous Despight, Disloyall Treason, and hart-burning Hate, 4 But gnawing Gealosie out of their sight Sitting alone, his bitter lips did bight, 6 And trembling Feare still to and fro did fly, And found no place, where safe he shroud him might, 8 Lamenting Sorrow did in darknesse +lye,+ And Shame his vgly face did hide from liuing eye.

8 lye, > lye. _1596_

1 On the other side, in one consort, there sat

consort > company, assembly (cf. _Aen._ 6.273-81)

2 Cruel Revenge, and rancorous Despite,

Despite > Anger; Malice; Outrage

3 Disloyal Treason, and heart-burning Hate, 4 But gnawing Jealousy, out of their sight, 5 Sitting alone, his bitter lips did bite, 6 And trembling Fear still to and fro did fly,

still > continually

7 And found no place, where safe he shroud himself might;

shroud > hide

8 Lamenting Sorrow did in darkness lie, 9 And Shame his ugly face did hide from living eye.

207.23

And ouer them sad +Horrour+ with grim hew, 2 Did alwayes sore, beating his yron wings; And after him Owles and Night-rauens flew, 4 The hatefull messengers of heauy things, Of death and dolour telling sad tidings; 6 Whiles sad _Celeno_, sitting on a clift, A song of bale and bitter sorrow sings, 8 That hart of flint a sunder could haue rift: Which hauing ended, after him she flyeth swift.

1 Horrour > horror _1590;_ horrour _1596_

1 And over them sad Horror, with grim hue,

hue > appearance; colour

2 Did always soar, beating his iron wings;

always > always; _perhaps also:_ all ways [in all directions, round and round] iron wings > (Cf. 111.31:9)

3 And after him owls and night-ravens flew,

owls > (To the Romans, the owl was an omen of death: see _Met._ 10.453; see also 105.30:6, etc.) night-raven > {An unspecified nocturnal bird, perhaps the nightjar or the night-heron. See _SC_, gloss to "June"}

4 The hateful messengers of heavy things,

heavy > distressing, grievous; grave

5 Of death and dolour telling sad tidings;

dolour > dolour; physical suffering; grief

6 While sad Celeno, sitting on a cliff,

Celeno > (One of the harpies, vultures with the head and breasts of a woman; associated with greed. The others were Ocypeta and A{e"}llo. See _Aen._ 3.219 ff.)

7 A song of bale and bitter sorrow sings,

bale > woe, torment

8 That heart of flint asunder could have rived:

rived > torn asunder

9 Which having ended, after him she flies swift.

207.24

All these before the gates of _Pluto_ lay, 2 By whom they passing, spake vnto them nought. But th'Elfin knight with wonder all the way 4 Did feed his eyes, and fild his inner thought. At last him to a litle dore he brought, 6 That to the gate of Hell, which gaped wide, Was next adioyning, ne them parted +ought+: 8 Betwixt them both was but a litle stride, That did the house of Richesse from hell-mouth diuide.

7 ought > nought _1590_

1 All these before the gates of Pluto lay, 2 By whom they passing, spoke to them naught.

naught > nothing at all [Guyon and Mammon said nothing to Pain, Strife, etc. as they passed]

3 But the Elfin knight with wonder all the way 4 Did feed his eyes, and fild his inner thought.

fild > filled; _or:_ defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.)

5 At last him to a little door he brought,

he > [Mammon]

6 That to the gate of hell, which gaped wide, 7 Was next adjoining, ne them parted aught:

ne them parted aught > [nor did anything separate them; there was no space between the two]

8 Betwixt them both was but a little stride, 9 That did the house of Richesse from hell-mouth divide.

Richesse > Wealth

207.25

Before the dore sat selfe-consuming Care, 2 Day and night keeping wary watch and ward, For feare least Force or Fraud should vnaware 4 Breake in, and spoile the treasure there in gard: Ne would he suffer Sleepe once thither-ward 6 Approch, albe his drowsie den were next; For next to death is Sleepe to be compard: 8 Therefore his house is vnto his annext; Here Sleep, there Richesse, and Hel-gate them both betwext.

1 Before the door sat self-consuming Care, 2 Day and night keeping wary watch and ward,

ward > guard ("watch and ward" was formerly a common compound sb.)

3 For fear lest Force or Fraud should unawares 4 Break in, and spoil the treasure there in guard:

spoil > plunder, rob in > [under]

5 Nor would he suffer Sleep once thitherward

suffer > allow thitherward > towards there, in that direction

6 Approach, albe his drowsy den was next;

albe > although next > next adjoining (207.24:7), adjacent

7 For next to death is Sleep to be compared:

next > [most closely; cf. _Aen._ 6.278]

8 Therefore his house is to his annexed; 9 Here Sleep, there Richesse, and hell-gate them both betwixt.

Richesse > Wealth

207.26

So soone as _Mammon_ there arriu'd, the dore 2 To him did open, and affoorded way; Him followed eke Sir _Guyon_ euermore, 4 Ne darkenesse him, ne daunger might dismay. Soone as he entred was, the dore streight way 6 Did shut, and from behind it forth there lept An vgly feend, more fowle then dismall day, 8 The which with monstrous stalke behind him stept, And euer as he went, dew watch vpon him kept.

1 So soon as Mammon there arrived, the door 2 To him did open, and afforded way; 3 Him followed eke Sir Guyon evermore,

eke > also evermore > constantly

4 Neither darkness him, nor danger might dismay. 5 Soon as he entered was, the door straightway

Soon > [As soon]

6 Did shut, and from behind it forth there leapt 7 An ugly fiend, more foul than dismal day,

dismal day > {_Dies mali_, one of the evil or unlucky days of the medieval calendar}

8 Which with monstrous stalk behind him stepped, 9 And ever, as he went, due watch upon him kept.

207.27

Well hoped he, ere long that hardy guest, 2 If euer couetous hand, or lustfull eye, Or lips he layd on thing, that likt him best, 4 Or euer sleepe his eye-strings did vntye, Should be his pray. And therefore still on hye 6 He ouer him did hold his cruell clawes, Threatning with greedy gripe to do him dye 8 And rend in peeces with his rauenous pawes, If euer he transgrest the fatall _Stygian_ lawes.

1 Well hoped he ere long that hardy guest

ere long that > [that before long that] hardy > bold, audacious

2 (If ever covetous hand, or lustful eye, 3 Or lips he laid on thing, that liked him best,

liked > pleased

4 Or ever sleep his eyestrings did untie)

eyestrings > {The tendons, nerves or muscles of the eyes, relaxation of which was supposed to accompany sleep; cf. _Cymbeline_ I iii 17: Shakespeare may have got the word from here. The earliest use quoted by _OED_ is by Ben Jonson in 1601. Cf. also 108.22:7}

5 Should be his prey. And therefore still on high

still > continuously

6 He over him did hold his cruel claws, 7 Threatening with greedy grip to do him die

greedy > eager, rapacious die > [to death]

8 And rend in pieces with his ravenous paws,

rend > [tear him]

9 If ever he transgressed the fatal Stygian laws.

Stygian laws > (Laws of the underworld)

207.28

That houses forme within was rude and strong, 2 Like an huge caue, hewne out of rocky clift, From whose rough vaut the ragged breaches hong, 4 Embost with massy gold of glorious gift, And with rich metall loaded euery rift, 6 That heauy ruine they did seeme to threat; And ouer them _Arachne_ high did lift 8 Her cunning web, and spred her subtile net, Enwrapped in fowle smoke and clouds more blacke then Iet.

1 That house's form within was rude and strong,

rude > rough, crude, clumsy

2 Like a huge cave, hewn out of rocky cliff, 3 From whose rough vault the ragged breaches hung,

breaches > {?Broken sheets of rock}

4 Embossed with massy gold of glorious gift,

Embossed > Encased; richly decorated massy > solid gift > quality

5 And with rich metal loaded every rift, 6 That heavy ruin they did seem to threaten;

That > [So that] heavy > grievous, intense ruin > {The act of collapse, of a building, etc.}

7 And over them Arachne high did lift

Arachne > (Transformed by Minerva into a spider (_Met._ 6.1-145); Ovid's story is retold and embellished in _Muiopotmos_ 257 ff.)

8 Her cunning web, and spread her subtile net,

subtile > delicate; rarefied; crafty

9 Enwrapped in foul smoke and clouds more black than jet.

207.29

Both roofe, and floore, and wals were all of gold, 2 But ouergrowne with dust and old decay, And hid in darkenesse, that none could behold 4 The hew thereof: for vew of chearefull day Did neuer in that house it selfe display, 6 But a faint shadow of vncertain light; Such as a lamp, whose life does fade away: 8 Or as the Moone cloathed with clowdy night, Does shew to him, that walkes in feare and sad affright.

1 Both roof and floor, and walls were all of gold, 2 But overgrown with dust and old decay, 3 And hidden in darkness, that none could behold

that > [so that]

4 The hue thereof: for view of cheerful day

hue > form; colour

5 Did never in that house itself display, 6 But a faint shadow of uncertain light;

But > Except as

7 Such as a lamp, whose life does fade away: 8 Or as the moon, clothed with cloudy night, 9 Does show to him that walks in fear and sad affright.

sad affright > grave terror

207.30

In all that rowme was nothing to be seene, 2 But huge great yron chests and coffers strong, All bard with double bends, that none could weene 4 Them to efforce by violence or wrong; On euery side they placed were along. 6 But all the ground with sculs was scattered, And dead mens bones, which round about were flong, 8 Whose liues, it seemed, whilome there were shed, And their vile carcases now left vnburied.

1 In all that room was nothing to be seen 2 But huge great iron chests and coffers strong, 3 All barred with double bands, that none could ween

that > [so that] ween > imagine; intend

4 Them to efforce by violence or wrong;

efforce > force open (SUFQ)

5 On every side they placed were along. 6 But all the ground with skulls was scattered, 7 And dead men's bones, which round about were flung, 8 Whose lives, it seemed, whilom there were shed,

whilom > formerly, of yore; at some past time

9 And their vile carcases now left unburied.

vile > vile; worthless

207.31

They forward passe, ne _Guyon_ yet spoke word, 2 Till that they came vnto an yron dore, Which to them opened of +his+ owne accord, 4 And shewd of richesse such exceeding store, As eye of man did neuer see before; 6 Ne euer could within one place be found, Though all the wealth, which is, or was of yore, 8 Could gathered be through all the world around, And that aboue were added to that vnder ground.

3 his > it _1609_

1 They forward pass, ne Guyon yet spoke word,

ne Guyon yet spoke word > [and Guyon did not yet speak a word; and still Guyon said nothing]

2 Till they came to an iron door, 3 Which to them opened of its own accord, 4 And showed of richesse such exceeding store

richesse > wealth, opulence

5 As eye of man did never see before; 6 Nor ever could within one place be found, 7 Though all the wealth, which is, or was of yore,

Though > Even if yore > old

8 Could gathered be through all the world around, 9 And that above were added to that under ground.

207.32

The charge thereof vnto a couetous Spright 2 Commaunded was, who thereby did attend, And warily awaited day and night, 4 From other couetous feends it to defend, Who it to rob and ransacke did intend. 6 Then _Mammon_ turning to that warriour, said; Loe here the worldes blis, loe here the end, 8 To which all men do ayme, rich to be made: Such grace now to be happy, is before thee laid.

1 The charge thereof to a covetous sprite

charge > keeping, responsibility

2 Commended was, who thereby did attend,

thereby > near that [store], nearby

3 And warily awaited day and night,

awaited > kept watch

4 From other covetous fiends it to defend, 5 Who it to rob and ransack did intend. 6 Then Mammon, turning to that warrior, said: 7 "Lo, here the world's bliss, lo here the end, 8 To which all men do aim, rich to be made: 9 Such grace now to be happy is before you laid."

grace > favour; bestowal of favour happy > fortunate; happy

207.33

Certes (said he) I n'ill thine offred grace, 2 Ne to be made so happy do intend: Another blis before mine eyes I place, 4 Another happinesse, another end. To them, that list, these base regardes I lend: 6 But I in armes, and in atchieuements braue, Do rather choose my flitting houres to spend, 8 And to be Lord of those, that riches haue, Then them to haue my selfe, and be their seruile +sclaue+.

9 sclaue > slaue _1609_

1 "Certes," said he, "I nill your offered grace,

Certes > Assuredly nill > will not [accept] grace > favour

2 Nor to be made so happy do intend:

so > thus, in this way

3 Another bliss before my eyes I place, 4 Another happiness, another end. 5 To them, that list, these base regards I lend:

list > choose, please regards > concerns

6 But I in arms, and in achievements brave,

achievements > achievements; feats, victories brave > brave; splendid

7 Do rather choose my flitting hours to spend, 8 And to be lord of those that riches have, 9 Than them to have myself, and be their servile slave."

them > [riches]

207.34

Thereat the feend his gnashing teeth did grate, 2 And grieu'd, so long to lacke his greedy pray; For well he weened, that so glorious bayte 4 Would tempt his guest, to take thereof assay: Had he so doen, he had him snatcht away, 6 More light then Culuer in the Faulcons fist. Eternall God thee saue from such decay. 8 But whenas _Mammon_ saw his purpose mist, Him to entrap vnwares another way he wist.

1 Thereat the fiend his gnashing teeth did grate,

Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that

2 And grieved, so long to lack his greedy prey;

his greedy prey > [the prey for which he is eager]

3 For well he weened that so glorious bait

weened > supposed so > such [a]

4 Would tempt his guest, to take thereof assay:

assay > test, trial; _hence:_ a sample

5 Had he so done, he had him snatched away,

he had him snatched > [the fiend would have snatched him]

6 More light than culver in the falcon's fist.

light > quickly; easily culver > dove; wood-pigeon fist > clutch, clutches

7 (Eternal God you save from such decay!)

decay > [a] downfall

8 But when Mammon saw his purpose missed,

purpose > intention; discourse, point

9 Him to entrap unwares another way he wist.

unwares > unexpectedly wist > knew; _hence:_ planned

207.35

Thence forward he him led, and shortly brought 2 Vnto another rowme, whose dore forthright, To him did open, as it had beene taught: 4 Therein an hundred raunges weren pight, And hundred fornaces all burning bright; 6 By euery fornace many feends did bide, Deformed creatures, horrible in sight, 8 And euery feend his busie paines applide, To melt the golden metall, ready to be tride.

1 Thenceforward he him led, and shortly brought

Thenceforward > From that place, thence

2 To another room, whose door forthright 3 To him did open, as it had been taught:

as > as; as if

4 Therein a hundred ranges were pight,

pight > placed

5 And hundred furnaces all burning bright; 6 By every furnace many fiends did bide,

bide > remain, await; _hence:_ stand

7 Deformed creatures, horrible in sight, 8 And every fiend his busy pains applied,

busy > careful; solicitous pains > efforts, labours

9 To melt the golden metal, ready to be tried.

tried > refined, purified

207.36

One with great bellowes gathered filling aire, 2 And with forst wind the fewell did inflame; Another did the dying bronds repaire 4 With +yron+ toungs, and sprinckled oft the same With liquid waues, fiers _Vulcans_ rage to tame, 6 Who maistring them, renewd his former heat; Some scumd the drosse, that from the metall came; 8 Some stird the molten owre with ladles great; And euery one did swincke, and euery one did sweat.

4 yron > dying _1590_

1 One with great bellows gathered filling air, 2 And with forced wind the fuel did inflame; 3 Another did the dying brands repair

brands > {Burning pieces of wood, hence: embers} repair > renew

4 With iron tongs, and sprinkled oft the same 5 With liquid waves, fierce Vulcan's rage to tame,

liquid waves > [water] Vulcan's rage > [the fire: Vulcan is the god of fire]

6 Who, mastering them, renewed his former heat;

them > [the "waues"]

7 Some scummed the dross that from the metal came;

scummed > skimmed

8 Some stirred the molten ore with ladles great; 9 And every one did swink, and every one did sweat.

swink > toil

207.37

But when +as+ earthly wight they present saw, 2 Glistring in armes and battailous aray, From their whot worke they did themselues withdraw 4 To wonder at the sight: for till that day, They neuer creature saw, that came that way. 6 Their staring eyes sparckling with feruent fire, And vgly shapes did nigh the man dismay, 8 That were it not for shame, he would retire, Till that him thus bespake their soueraigne Lord and sire.

1 as > an _1590_

1 But when an earthly wight they present saw,

wight > person, man

2 Glistering in arms and battailous array,

arms > {Arms and armour} battailous > {Warlike, ready for battle}

3 From their hot work they did themselves withdraw 4 To wonder at the sight: for till that day

wonder > marvel

5 They never creature saw, that came that way. 6 Their staring eyes, sparkling with fervent fire,

staring > glaring

7 And ugly shapes did nigh the man dismay, 8 That were it not for shame, he would retire,

That were it not > [Had it not been] retire > [have retired]

9 Till him thus bespoke their sovereign lord and sire:

bespoke > addressed sire > father; forefather; ruler, master

207.38

Behold, thou Faeries sonne, with mortall eye, 2 That liuing eye before did neuer see: The thing, that thou didst craue so earnestly, 4 To weet, whence all the wealth late shewd by mee, Proceeded, lo now is reueald to thee. 6 Here is the fountaine of the worldes good: Now therefore, if thou wilt enriched bee, 8 Auise thee well, and chaunge thy wilfull mood, Least thou perhaps hereafter wish, and be withstood.

1 "Behold, you Faery's son, with mortal eye, 2 That living eye before did never see:

That > [That which]

3 The thing that you did crave so earnestly 4 To weet (whence all the wealth late shown by me

weet > learn late > lately

5 Proceeded), lo now is revealed to you. 6 Here is the fountain of the world's good:

fountain > fount, source good > money; property; good

7 Now therefore, if you will enriched be, 8 Advise you well, and change your wilful mood,

Advise > Consider; perceive, notice

9 Lest you perhaps hereafter wish, and be withstood."

withstood > [refused]

207.39

Suffise it then, thou Money God (quoth hee) 2 That all thine idle offers I refuse. All that I need I haue; what needeth mee 4 To couet more, then I haue cause to vse? With such vaine shewes thy worldlings vile abuse: 6 But giue me leaue to follow mine emprise. _Mammon_ was much displeasd, yet no'te he chuse, 8 But beare the rigour of his bold +mesprise+, And thence him forward led, him further to entise.

8 mesprise > mespise _1596, 1609_

1 "Suffice it then, you Money God," quoth he, 2 "That all your idle offers I refuse.

idle > futile

3 All that I need I have; what needs me

needs me > do I need; need do I have

4 To covet more than I have cause to use? 5 With such vain shows your worldlings vile abuse:

vain shows > foolish displays vile > lowly; despicable; _also adv., qualifying "abuse"_ abuse > deceive; abuse

6 But give me leave to follow my emprise."

emprise > enterprise, undertaking

7 Mammon was much displeased, yet no'te he choose

no'te he > he could not

8 But bear the rigour of his bold misprize,

But > [But to] rigour > harshness, rigour; rigorism, puritanic strictness (a development in the characterization of Guyon which becomes increasingly evident as Book II proceeds, reaching its apogee with the destruction of the Bower of Bliss at 212.81-3) misprize > contempt, scorn

9 And thence him forward led, him further to entice.

207.40

He brought him through a darksome narrow strait, 2 To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold: The gate was open, but therein did wait 4 A sturdy villein, striding stiffe and bold, As +if+ +that+ highest God defie he would; 6 In his right hand an yron club he held, +But+ he himselfe was all of +golden+ mould, 8 Yet had both life and sence, and well could weld That cursed weapon, when his cruell foes he queld.

5 if > _omitted from 1596_ 5 that > the _1590 etc.: FE_ 7 But > And _1590_ 7 golden > yron _1590_

1 He brought him through a darksome narrow strait, 2 To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold: 3 The gate was open, but therein did wait 4 A sturdy villein, striding stiff and bold,

sturdy > courageous, ruthless (cf. 103.17:1) villein > villain; serf stiff > strongly, violently

5 As if highest God defy he would; 6 In his right hand an iron club he held, 7 But he himself was all of golden mould,

mould > form, structure

8 Yet had both life and sense, and well could wield 9 That cursed weapon, when his cruel foes he quelled.

cruel > cruel; vigorous, savage quelled > subdued; killed (cf. the description of Orgoglio, 107.8-10)

207.41

_Disdayne_ he called was, and did disdaine 2 To be so cald, and who so did him call: Sterne was +his+ looke, and full of stomacke vaine, 4 His portaunce terrible, and stature tall, Far passing th'hight of men terrestriall; 6 Like an huge Gyant of the _Titans_ race, That made him scorne all creatures great and small, 8 And with his pride all others powre deface: More fit amongst blacke fiendes, then men to haue his place.

3 his > to _1596, 1609_

1 "Disdain" he called was, and did disdain 2 To be so called, and whoso did him call:

whoso > whoever

3 Stern was his look, and full of stomach vain,

Stern > Fierce, grim, harsh stomach > haughtiness; ill-will

4 His portance terrible, and stature tall,

portance > demeanour

5 Far passing the height of men terrestrial;

passing > surpassing

6 Like a huge giant of the Titans' race,

Titans > (The firstborn children of Heaven and Earth, as Oceanus, Rhea, Hyperion, Cronos; see Hesiod, _Theogony_ 132-8)

7 That made him scorn all creatures great and small, 8 And with his pride all others' power deface:

deface > cast in the shade; _or:_ destroy

9 More fit amongst black fiends, than men to have his place.

than > [than among]

207.42

Soone as those glitterand armes he did espye, 2 That with their brightnesse made that darknesse light, His harmefull club he gan to hurtle hye, 4 And threaten batteill to the Faery knight; Who likewise gan himselfe to batteill dight, 6 Till _Mammon_ did his hasty hand withhold, And counseld him abstaine from perilous fight: 8 For nothing might abash the villein bold, Ne mortall steele emperce his miscreated mould.

1 Soon as those glittering arms he did espy,

Soon > [As soon] arms > {Arms and armour}

2 That with their brightness made that darkness light,

brightness > (Cf. 101.14:4-5)

3 His harmful club he began to hurtle high,

hurtle > brandish (catachr.)

4 And threaten battle to the Faery knight; 5 Who likewise gan himself to battle dight,

gan > did dight > prepare

6 Till Mammon did his hasty hand withhold, 7 And counselled him abstain from perilous fight:

abstain > [to abstain]

8 For nothing might abash the villein bold,

villein > villain; serf

9 Nor mortal steel empierce his miscreated mould.

mortal > {Mortal, pertaining to living men; lethal} empierce > transfix; penetrate miscreated > {Created unnaturally or with evil intention: cf. 102.3:1} mould > shape, form; _hence:_ body

207.43

So hauing him with reason pacifide, 2 And the fiers Carle commaunding to forbeare, He brought him in. The rowme was large and wide, 4 As it some Gyeld or solemne Temple weare: Many great golden pillours did vpbeare 6 The massy roofe, and riches huge sustayne, And euery pillour decked was full deare 8 With crownes and Diademes, and titles vaine, Which mortall Princes wore, whiles they on earth did rayne.

1 So having him with reason pacified, 2 And the fierce carl commanding to forbear,

carl > villain, churl

3 He brought him in. The room was large and wide, 4 As it some gyeld or solemn temple were:

As > [As if] gyeld > {Guild, guildhall, the building where a guild met or in which a religious guild or fraternity lived} solemn > grand, imposing

5 Many great golden pillars did upbear 6 The massy roof, and riches huge sustain,

massy > solid, massive

7 And every pillar decked was full dear

full > very, exceedingly dear > richly

8 With crowns and diadems, and titles vain,

diadems > crowns (here somewhat pleonastic)

9 Which mortal princes wore, while they on earth did reign.

207.44

A route of people there assembled were, 2 Of euery sort and nation vnder skye, Which with great vprore preaced to draw nere 4 To th'vpper part, where was aduaunced hye A stately siege of soueraigne maiestye; 6 And thereon sat a woman gorgeous gay, And richly clad in robes of royaltye, 8 That neuer earthly Prince in such aray His glory did enhaunce, and pompous pride display.

1 A rout of people there assembled were,

rout > {Crowd; clamorous or riotous assemblage}

2 Of every sort and nation under sky, 3 Who with great uproar pressed to draw near

pressed > strove

4 To the upper part, where was advanced high

advanced > raised

5 A stately siege of sovereign majesty;

siege > seat (esp. one used by person of rank or distinction); _hence:_ throne

6 And thereon sat a woman gorgeous gay, 7 And richly clad in robes of royalty, 8 That never earthly prince in such array

That > [Such that]

9 His glory did enhance, and pompous pride display.

enhance > exalt pompous > splendid; pompous

207.45

Her face right wondrous faire did seeme to bee, 2 That her broad beauties beam great brightnes threw Through the dim shade, that all men might it see: 4 Yet was not that same her owne natiue hew, But wrought by art and counterfetted shew, 6 Thereby more louers vnto her to call; Nath'lesse most heauenly faire in deed and vew 8 She by creation was, till she did fall; Thenceforth she sought for helps, to cloke her crime withall.

1 Her face right wondrous fair did seem to be,

right > very

2 That her broad beauty's beam great brightness threw

That > [So that; such that]

3 Through the dim shade, that all men might it see:

that > [so that]

4 Yet was not that same her own native hue,

native hue > natural appearance

5 But wrought by art and counterfeited show, 6 Thereby more lovers to her to call; 7 Natheless most heavenly fair in deed and view

Natheless > Nevertheless view > appearance

8 She by creation was, till she did fall; 9 Thenceforth she sought for helps, to cloak her crime withal.

helps > remedies; _hence:_ artificial aids crime > {Wrong-doing, sins taken collectively}

207.46

There, as in glistring glory she did sit, 2 She held a great gold chaine ylincked well, Whose vpper end to highest heauen was knit, 4 And lower part did reach to lowest Hell; And all that preace did round about her swell, 6 To catchen hold of that long chaine, thereby To clime aloft, and others to excell: 8 That was _Ambition_, rash desire to sty, And euery lincke thereof a step of dignity.

1 There, as in glistering glory she did sit, 2 She held a great gold chain linked well,

gold chain > (Cf.109.1:1)

3 Whose upper end to highest heaven was knit, 4 And lower part did reach to lowest hell; 5 And all that press did round about her swell,

press > crowd, throng

6 To catch hold of that long chain, thereby 7 To climb aloft, and others to excel: 8 That was Ambition, rash desire to sty,

sty > rise, ascend, mount

9 And every link thereof a step of dignity.

dignity > rank

207.47

Some thought to raise themselues to high degree, 2 By riches and vnrighteous reward, Some by close shouldring, some by flatteree; 4 Others through friends, others for base regard; And all by wrong wayes for themselues prepard. 6 Those that were vp themselues, kept others low, Those that were low themselues, held others hard, 8 Ne suffred them to rise or greater grow, But euery one did striue his fellow downe to throw.

1 Some thought to raise themselves to high degree

degree > social station

2 By riches and unrighteous reward, 3 Some by close shouldering, some by flattery;

close shouldering > [secretly shouldering other people aside]

4 Others through friends, others for base regard;

regard > motive; _hence:_ bribery

5 And all by wrong ways for themselves prepared. 6 Those that were up themselves kept others low; 7 Those that were low themselves held others hard; 8 Nor suffered them to rise or greater grow:

suffered > permitted

9 But every one did strive his fellow down to throw.

207.48

Which whenas _Guyon_ saw, he gan inquire, 2 What meant that preace about that Ladies throne, And what she was that did so high aspire. 4 Him _Mammon_ answered; That goodly one, Whom all that folke with such contention, 6 Do flocke about, my +deare, my+ daughter is; Honour and dignitie from her alone 8 Deriued are, and all this worldes blis For which ye men do striue: few get, but many mis.

6 deare, my > deare my, _1596_

1 Which when Guyon saw, he gan inquire

gan > did

2 What meant that press about that lady's throne,

meant > was the import of; intended press > crowd, throng

3 And what she was that did so high aspire. 4 Him Mammon answered: "That goodly one,

goodly > beautiful

5 Whom all that folk with such contention

folk > {Aggregation of people in relation to a superior, e.g. a monarch; mass}

6 Do flock about, my dear, my daughter is; 7 Honour and dignity from her alone

dignity > rank

8 Derived are, and all this world's bliss 9 For which you men do strive: few get, but many miss.

miss > lack; fail to achieve; go wrong, go astray

207.49

And faire _Philotime_ she rightly hight, 2 The fairest wight that wonneth vnder skye, But that this darksome neather world her light 4 Doth dim with horrour and deformitie, Worthy of heauen and hye felicitie, 6 From whence the gods haue her for enuy thrust: But sith thou hast found fauour in mine eye, 8 Thy spouse I will her make, if that thou lust, That she may thee aduance for workes and merites iust.

1 "And fair Philotime she rightly hight,

Philotime > "Love of Honour" (Greek) hight > is called

2 The fairest wight that wons under sky

wight > person, woman wons > dwells

3 (But that this darksome nether world her light

But > Except

4 Does dim with horror and deformity),

deformity > perversion, moral repulsiveness

5 Worthy of heaven and high felicity, 6 From whence the gods have her for envy thrust: 7 But, sith you have found favour in my eye,

sith > since

8 Your spouse I will her make, if that you lust,

lust > pleases, delights; _also, intr.:_ please, choose; desire (esp. sexually)

9 That she may you advance for works and merits just."

That > [So that] merits > {That which is deserved, reward, whether secular or specifically from God}

207.50

Gramercy _Mammon_ (said the gentle knight) 2 For so great grace and offred high estate; But I, that am fraile flesh and earthly wight, 4 Vnworthy match for such immortall mate My selfe well wote, and mine vnequall fate; 6 And were I not, yet is my trouth yplight, And loue auowd to other Lady late, 8 That to remoue the same I haue no might: To chaunge loue causelesse is reproch to warlike knight.

1 "Gramercy, Mammon," said the gentle knight,

Gramercy > Thank you gentle > noble

2 "For so great grace and offered high estate;

so > such grace > favour

3 But I, that am frail flesh and earthly wight,

wight > person, man

4 Unworthy match for such immortal mate 5 Myself well wot, and my unequal fate;

wot > [I] know [to be] unequal > {Socially ill-matched}

6 And were I not, yet is my troth plighted, 7 And love avowed to other lady late,

late > lately

8 That to remove the same I have no might:

That > [So that] remove > [annul]

9 To change love causeless is reproach to warlike knight."

causeless > without [good] cause

207.51

_Mammon_ emmoued was with inward wrath; 2 Yet forcing it to faine, him forth thence led Through griesly shadowes by a beaten path, 4 Into a gardin goodly garnished With hearbs and fruits, whose kinds mote not be red: 6 Not such, as earth out of her fruitfull woomb Throwes forth to men, sweet and well sauoured, 8 But direfull deadly blacke both leafe and bloom, Fit to adorne the dead, and decke the drery toombe.

1 Mammon enmoved was with inward wrath;

enmoved > moved

2 Yet forcing it to feign, him forth thence led

forcing > [forcing himself] feign > dissimulate, conceal (SUS)

3 Through grisly shadows by a beaten path,

grisly > horrible, fearsome

4 Into a garden goodly garnished

goodly > well, beautifully garnished > beautifed, decorated

5 With herbs and fruits, whose kinds might not be read:

read > seen, discerned, made known; _hence:_ described

6 Not such as earth out of her fruitful womb 7 Throws forth to men, sweet and well savoured, 8 But direful deadly black both leaf and bloom,

direful > terrible, dreadful

9 Fit to adorn the dead, and deck the dreary tomb.

207.52

There mournfull _Cypresse_ grew in greatest store, 2 And trees of bitter _Gall_, and _Heben_ sad, Dead sleeping _Poppy_, and blacke _Hellebore_, 4 Cold _Coloquintida_, and _Tetra_ mad, Mortall _Samnitis_, and _Cicuta_ bad, 6 +Which with+ +th'vniust+ _Atheniens_ made to dy Wise _Socrates_, who thereof quaffing glad 8 Pourd out his life, and last Philosophy To the faire _Critias_ his dearest Belamy.

6 Which with > Which-with _1609;_ With which _sugg. most editors_ 6 th'vniust > th vniust _1596_

1 There mournful cypress grew in greatest store,

cypress > (_Cupressus_ spp., _C. sempervirens_ in classical mythology, trees associated with death and grief. Cf. 201.60:3, 106.17:2)

2 And trees of bitter gall, and ebon sad,

gall > (Gall is another name for bile, the intensely bitter secretion of the liver: by transference applied to any poison or venom; the gall-nut or oak-apple is an excrescence caused on oak trees by insects of the family _Cynipidae_. Hence "trees of bitter _Gall_" might be intended to mean "oaks") ebon > {Ebony, made of ebony, a tree of the family _Ebenaceae_, esp. _Diospyros ebenus_, producing hard black wood}

3 Dead sleeping poppy, and black hellebore,

sleeping > (Because it produces opium) black hellebore > (Probably _Helleborus foetidus_ (colloquially called the stinking hellebore) rather than the green hellebore _H. viridis_. Both are highly poisonous plants found growing in England, and were formerly used officinally as violent cathartics and emetics, though they are so dangerous that their use was abandoned)

4 Cold coloquintida, and tetra mad,

coloquintida > (The colocynth or bitter-apple, _Citrullus colocynthis_, a plant of the gourd family. The fruit has a very bitter pulp, producing a purgative drug. The colocynth is the gourd referred to in _2 Kings_ 4.38-41; see also _Othello_ I iii 345) tetra > (The deadly nightshade, _Atropa bella-donna_)

5 Mortal samnitis, and cicuta bad,

Mortal > Lethal samnitis > (Conjectured by Upton to be the savin, _Junipera sabina_, the dried tops of which are abortifacient: hence "Mortall". Cf. 302.49:5) cicuta > hemlock (_Conium maculatum_, a deadly poison)

6 With which the unjust Athenians made to die 7 Wise Socrates who, thereof quaffing glad,

Socrates > (The Greek philosopher, c. 470-399, who was obliged to drink hemlock)

8 Poured out his life and last philosophy 9 To the fair Critias, his dearest belamy.

Critias > (Socrates's former pupil and enemy, one of the Thirty Tyrants. Perhaps an error for "Crito" on Spenser's part) belamy > fair friend, bosom-friend

207.53

The +_Gardin_+ of _Proserpina_ this hight; 2 And in the midst thereof a siluer seat, With a thicke Arber goodly ouer dight, 4 In which she often vsd from open heat Her selfe to shroud, and pleasures to entreat. 6 Next thereunto did grow a goodly tree, With braunches broad dispred and body great, 8 Clothed with leaues, that none the wood mote see And loaden all with fruit as thicke as it might bee.

1 _Gardin_ > _Gordin 1596_

1 The Garden of Proserpine this hight;

hight > was called; is called

2 And in the midst thereof a silver seat,

a > [was a]

3 With a thick arbour goodly over dight,

goodly > gracefully over dight > [trained to overhang; "dight" = "prepared"]

4 In which she often used from open heat 5 Herself to shroud, and pleasures to entreat.

shroud > shelter entreat > occupy herself in (this instance cited by _OED_)

6 Next thereto did grow a goodly tree,

goodly > beautiful

7 With branches broad dispread and body great,

dispread > extended

8 Clothed with leaves, that none the wood might see,

that > [so that] wood > [trunk, boughs]

9 And loaded all with fruit as thick as it might be.

207.54

Their fruit were golden apples glistring bright, 2 That goodly was their glory to behold, On earth like neuer grew, ne liuing wight 4 Like euer saw, but they from hence were sold; For those, which _Hercules_ with conquest bold 6 Got from great _Atlas_ daughters, hence began, And planted there, did bring forth fruit of gold: 8 And those with which th'_Eub{ae}an_ young man wan Swift _Atalanta_, when through craft he her out ran.

1 Their fruit were golden apples glistering bright,

Their > [The branches'] golden apples > (Symbols of avarice and discord: cf. _Myth._ 7.7; cf. also _Aen._ 6.136-43)

2 That goodly was their glory to behold,

That > [So that; or: so] goodly > beautiful

3 On earth like never grew, nor living wight

like > [the like] wight > person, creature

4 Like ever saw, but they from hence were sold;

but > unless sold > given, handed over

5 For those which Hercules, with conquest bold,

Hercules > (His eleventh and most difficult labour required him to get possession of the apples in the garden of the three Hesperides, the daughters of Hesperus. In _Comus_ 402-6, the Hesperides are made the nieces of Atlas)

6 Got from great Atlas' daughters hence began,

Atlas > (A semi-divine giant said to support on his shoulders the pillars of the universe; Hercules took over this burden while Atlas went to fetch the golden apples on his behalf) hence began > [originated from here]

7 And planted there, did bring forth fruit of gold:

there > [in the garden of the Hesperides]

8 And those with which the Euboean young man won

the Euboean young man > (Melanion; in Ovid and subsequent accounts he is called Hippomenes)

9 Swift Atalanta, when through craft he her outran.

Atalanta > (A beautiful maiden whose suitors had to race her for her hand in marriage. Those who lost the race were condemned to death; Hippomenes only succeeded because Venus gave him three golden apples which he threw on the ground, making Atalanta delay to stop and pick them up. See _Met._ 10.560-704, _Amoretti_ 77)

207.55

Here also sprong that goodly golden fruit, 2 With which _Acontius_ got his louer trew, Whom he had long time sought with fruitlesse suit: 4 Here eke that famous golden Apple grew, The which emongst the gods false _Ate_ threw; 6 For which th'_Id{ae}an_ Ladies disagreed, Till partiall _Paris_ dempt it _Venus_ dew, 8 And had of her, faire _Helen_ for his meed, That many noble _Greekes_ and _Troians_ made to bleed.

1 Here also sprang that goodly golden fruit

goodly > beautiful

2 With which Acontius got his lover true,

Acontius > (Who won Cydippe by means of a golden fruit: see Ovid, _Heroides_ 20-1)

3 Whom he had long time sought with fruitless suit:

fruitless > (Even after four centuries this pun still raises a groan of protest)

4 Here eke that famous golden apple grew,

eke > also

5 Which amongst the gods false Ate threw;

Ate > (Goddess of discord, also called Eris. She threw a golden apple inscribed "To the fairest" among the guests at the wedding of Thetis and Peleus. A contest, held on Mount Ida, ensued between Minerva, Juno and Venus; Paris awarded the apple to Venus, who gave him Helen, and this led to the Trojan War. See Hyginus, _Fabulae_ 42)

6 For which the Idaean ladies disagreed,

disagreed > quarrelled (cf. _PL_ 2.497)

7 Till partial Paris deemed it Venus' due, 8 And had of her fair Helen for his meed,

of > from meed > reward

9 That many noble Greeks and Trojans made to bleed.

207.56

The warlike +Elfe+ much wondred at this tree, 2 So faire and great, that shadowed all the ground, And his broad braunches, laden with rich fee, 4 Did stretch themselues without the vtmost bound Of this great gardin, compast with a mound, 6 Which ouer-hanging, they themselues did steepe, In a blacke flood which flow'd about it round; 8 That is the riuer of _Cocytus_ deepe, In which full many soules do endlesse waile and weepe.

1 Elfe > Elfe, _1596_

1 The warlike Elf much wondered at this tree,

wondered > marvelled

2 So fair and great, that shadowed all the ground, 3 And its broad branches, laden with rich fee,

fee > wealth

4 Did stretch themselves without the utmost bound

without > outside, beyond

5 Of this great garden, compassed with a mound,

compassed with > enclosed with; encircled by mound > embankment

6 Which overhanging, they themselves did steep 7 In a black flood which flowed about it round;

flood > river

8 That is the river of Cocytus deep,

Cocytus > (The "stream of wailing": one of the five rivers of hell: the others are Acheron, Phlegethon, Lethe, and Styx)

9 In which full many souls do endless wail and weep.

full > very, exceedingly

207.57

Which to behold, he clomb vp to the banke, 2 And looking downe, saw many damned wights, In those sad waues, which direfull deadly stanke, 4 Plonged continually of cruell Sprights, That with their pitteous cryes, and yelling shrights, 6 They made the further shore resounden wide: Emongst the rest of those same ruefull sights, 8 One cursed +creature+ he by chaunce espide, That drenched lay full deepe, vnder the Garden side.

8 creature > creature, _1596_

1 Which to behold, he climbed up to the bank, 2 And, looking down, saw many damned wights

wights > people

3 In those sad waves, which direful deadly stank,

sad > {Sorrowful, causing sorrow; dark; deep} direful > dreadfully

4 Plunged continually of cruel sprites,

Plunged > Immersed, pushed under of > by

5 That with their piteous cries and yelling shrikes

That > [So that, in such a way that] their > [the "damned wights"'] shrikes > shrieks

6 They made the farther shore resound wide:

resound > echo, re-echo; ring

7 Amongst the rest of those same rueful sights, 8 One cursed creature he by chance espied, 9 That drenched lay full deep, under the garden side.

drenched > immersed full > very, exceedingly

207.58

Deepe was he drenched to the vpmost chin, 2 Yet gaped still, as coueting to drinke Of the cold liquor, which he waded in, 4 And stretching forth his hand, did often thinke To reach the fruit, which grew vpon the brincke: 6 But both the fruit from hand, and floud from mouth Did flie abacke, and made him vainely swinke: 8 The whiles he steru'd with hunger and with drouth He daily dyde, yet neuer throughly dyen couth.

1 Deep was he drenched to the upmost chin,

upmost > uppermost

2 Yet gaped still, as coveting to drink

still > continuously

3 Of the cold liquor which he waded in,

Of > From; some of liquor > liquid

4 And, stretching forth his hand, did often think 5 To reach the fruit which grew upon the brink: 6 But both the fruit from hand, and flood from mouth 7 Did fly aback, and made him vainly swink:

swink > toil

8 The whiles he starved with hunger and with drought;

The whiles > Meanwhile starved > perished drought > thirst

9 He daily died, yet never thoroughly die could.

207.59

The knight him seeing labour so in vaine, 2 Askt who he was, and what he ment thereby: Who groning deepe, thus answerd him againe; 4 Most cursed of all creatures vnder skye, Lo _Tantalus_, I here tormented lye: 6 Of whom high _Ioue_ wont whylome feasted bee, Lo here I now for want of food doe dye: 8 But if that thou be such, as I thee see, Of grace I pray thee, giue to eat and drinke to mee.

1 The knight, him seeing labour so in vain, 2 Asked who he was, and what he meant thereby;

meant thereby > intended by that; _hence:_ was doing

3 Who, groaning deep, thus answered him again:

again > in return

4 "Most cursed of all creatures under sky, 5 Lo Tantalus, I here tormented lie: 6 Of whom high Jove wont whilom feasted be,

Of > By wont whilom > formerly was accustomed be > [to be]

7 Lo here I now for want of food do die: 8 But if you be such, as I you see, 9 Of grace I pray you, give to eat and drink to me!"

207.60

Nay, nay, thou greedie _Tantalus_ (quoth he) 2 Abide the fortune of thy present fate, And vnto all that liue in high degree, 4 Ensample be of mind +intemperate+, To teach them how to vse their present state. 6 Then gan the cursed wretch aloud to cry, Accusing highest _Ioue_ and gods ingrate, 8 And eke blaspheming heauen bitterly, As authour of vniustice, there to let him dye.

4 intemperate > more temperate _1590_

1 "Nay, nay, you greedy Tantalus," quoth he, 2 "Abide the fortune of your present fate,

Abide > Endure; await the issue of

3 And, to all that live in high degree,

degree > social station

4 Example be of mind intemperate, 5 To teach them how to use their present state." 6 Then began the cursed wretch aloud to cry, 7 Accusing highest Jove and gods ingrate,

ingrate > unfriendly; unpleasant

8 And eke blaspheming heaven bitterly,

eke > also

9 As author of injustice, there to let him die.

207.61

He lookt a little further, and espyde 2 Another wretch, whose carkasse deepe was drent Within the riuer, which the same did hyde: 4 But both his hands most filthy feculent, Aboue the water were on high extent, 6 And faynd to wash themselues incessantly; Yet nothing cleaner were for such intent, 8 But rather fowler seemed to the eye; So lost his labour vaine and idle industry.

1 He looked a little further, and espied 2 Another wretch, whose carcase deep was drenched

drenched > immersed

3 Within the river, which the same did hide: 4 But both his hands, most filthy feculent,

feculent > {Covered with faecal matter: SU}

5 Above the water were on high extent,

extent > extended

6 And fained to wash themselves incessantly;

fained > were anxious, _hence:_ tried; _or:_ feigned

7 Yet nothing cleaner were for such intent,

nothing > not at all

8 But rather fouller seemed to the eye; 9 So lost his labour vain and idle industry.

vain > futile idle > unavailing, empty

207.62

The knight him calling, asked who he was, 2 Who lifting vp his head, him answerd thus: I _Pilate_ am the falsest Iudge, alas, 4 And most vniust, that by vnrighteous And wicked doome, to Iewes despiteous 6 Deliuered vp the Lord of life to die, And did acquite a murdrer felonous; 8 The whiles my hands I washt in puritie, The whiles my soule was soyld with foule iniquitie.

1 The knight, him calling, asked who he was, 2 Who, lifting up his head, him answered thus: 3 "I Pilate am, the falsest judge, alas,

Pilate > (See _Matt._ 27.11-24)

4 And most unjust, that by unrighteous 5 And wicked doom, to Jews dispiteous

doom > judgement dispiteous > pitiless

6 Delivered up the Lord of life to die, 7 And did acquit a murderer felonous:

felonous > {Cruel, wicked, having the nature of a felon}

8 The whiles my hands I washed in purity;

The whiles > Meanwhile

9 The whiles my soul was soiled with foul iniquity."

207.63

Infinite moe, tormented in like paine 2 He there beheld, too long here to be told: Ne _Mammon_ would there let him long remaine, 4 For terrour of the tortures manifold, In which the damned soules he did behold, 6 But roughly him bespake. Thou fearefull foole, Why takest not of that same fruit of gold, 8 Ne sittest downe on that same siluer stoole, To rest thy wearie person, in the shadow coole.

1 Infinite more, tormented in like pain

like > similar

2 He there beheld, too long here to be told: 3 Nor Mammon would there let him long remain, 4 For terror of the tortures manifold 5 In which the damned souls he did behold, 6 But roughly him bespoke. "You fearful fool,

bespoke > addressed

7 Why take not of that same fruit of gold,

of > [some of]

8 Ne sit down on that same silver stool,

Ne > [Or why not, And why not] silver stool > (See 207.53:2)

9 To rest your weary person in the shadow cool?"

207.64

All which he did, to doe him deadly fall 2 In frayle intemperance through sinfull bayt; To which if he inclined had at all, 4 That dreadfull feend, which did behind him wayt, Would him haue rent in thousand peeces strayt: 6 But he was warie wise in all his way, And well perceiued his deceiptfull sleight, 8 Ne suffred lust his safetie to betray; So goodly did beguile the Guyler of +the+ pray.

9 the > his _1590_

1 All which he did to do him deadly fall

do him deadly fall > [cause him fatal destruction; make him fatally succumb]

2 In frail intemperance through sinful bait;

frail > {Morally weak, unable to resist temptation} bait > harassment; temptation, bait; refreshment, rest

3 To which if he inclined had at all, 4 That dreadful fiend, which did behind him wait, 5 Would him have rent in thousand pieces straight:

rent > torn straight > straightway, immediately

6 But he was wary wise in all his way, 7 And well perceived his deceitful sleight,

his > [Mammon's] sleight > trickery, stratagem

8 Nor suffered lust his safety to betray;

suffered > permitted

9 So goodly did beguile the guiler of the prey.

goodly > easily; gracefully; excellently beguile > deprive guiler > beguiler, deceiver

207.65

And now he has so long remained there, 2 That vitall powres gan wexe both weake and wan, For want of food, and sleepe, which two vpbeare, 4 Like mightie pillours, this fraile life of man, That none without the same enduren can. 6 For now three dayes of men were full outwrought, Since he this hardie enterprize began: 8 For thy great _Mammon_ fairely he besought, Into the world to guide him backe, as he him brought.

1 And now he has so long remained there 2 That vital powers gan wax both weak and wan,

gan > did; began to wax > grow, become

3 For want of food, and sleep (which two upbear,

upbear > support

4 Like mighty pillars, this frail life of man), 5 That none without the same endure can. 6 For now three days of men were full outwrought,

outwrought > worked out, completed

7 Since he this hardy enterprise began:

hardy > audacious

8 For-thy great Mammon fairly he besought

For-thy > Therefore, for this reason fairly > courteously

9 Into the world to guide him back, as he him brought.

brought > [had brought]

207.66

The God, though loth, yet was constraind t'obay, 2 For lenger time, then that, no liuing wight Below the earth, might suffred be to stay: 4 So backe againe, him brought to liuing light. But all so soone as his enfeebled spright 6 Gan sucke this vitall aire into his brest, As ouercome with too exceeding might, 8 The life did flit away out of her nest, And all his senses were with deadly fit opprest.

1 The god, though loath, yet was constrained to obey,

yet > (Pleonastic)

2 For longer time than that no living wight

that > ["three dayes of men"] wight > creature, person, man

3 Below the earth might suffered be to stay:

suffered > allowed (cf. _Matt._ 12.40)

4 So back again him brought to living light. 5 But all so soon as his enfeebled spirit 6 Gan suck this vital air into his breast,

Gan > Did

7 As overcome with too exceeding might

As > [As though]

8 The life did flit away out of her nest, 9 And all his senses were with deadly fit oppressed.

deadly > death-like oppressed > overwhelmed; taken by surprise