Chapter 61
Haina > (The River Haina)
2 And let the marsh of Estham Bruges tell,
Estham Bruges > (Bruges; Brutus's camp)
3 What colour were their waters that same day, 4 And all the moor 'twixt Elversham and Dell,
moor > marsh; flood-plain; heath Elversham and Dell > (Not identifiable)
5 With blood of Henalois which therein fell.
Henalois > (The men of Hainaut)
6 How oft that day did sad Brunchildis see 7 The green shield dyed in dolorous vermilion?
in > [with]
8 That not _Scuith guiridh_ it might seem to be,
That > [So that] Scuith guiridh > Green Shield (Welsh, referring to his surname: cf. 210.23:2)
9 But rather _y Scuith gogh_, sign of sad cruelty.
y Scuith gogh > Red Shield (Welsh) sign > emblem; banner, standard sad > sad; heavy, grievous
210.25
His sonne king _Leill_ by fathers labour long, 2 Enioyd an heritage of lasting peace, And built _Cairleill_, and built _Cairleon_ strong. 4 Next _Huddibras_ his realme did not encrease, But taught the land from wearie warres to cease. 6 Whose footsteps _Bladud_ following, in arts Exceld at _Athens_ all the learned preace, 8 From whence he brought them to these saluage parts, And with sweet science mollifide their stubborne harts.
1 His son, King Leill (by father's labour long),
by > [by virtue of, as a result of]
2 Enjoyed a heritage of lasting peace, 3 And built Carlisle, and built Caer-lion strong.
Caer-lion > Caerleon-upon-Usk strong > (Adj. or adv.)
4 Next Huddibras his realm did not increase, 5 But taught the land from weary wars to cease. 6 Whose footsteps Bladud following, in arts 7 Excelled at Athens all the learned press,
Excelled > Surpassed press > company, throng
8 From whence he brought them to these savage parts,
them > [the "arts"] savage > wild; savage
9 And with sweet science mollified their stubborn hearts.
science > learning, knowledge; skill; _hence:_ magic, occult powers their > [the Britons']
210.26
Ensample of his wondrous faculty, 2 Behold the boyling Bathes at _Cairbadon_, Which seeth with secret fire eternally, 4 And in their entrails, full of quicke Brimston, Nourish the flames, which they are warm'd vpon, 6 That to +their+ people wealth they forth do well, And health to euery forreine nation: 8 Yet he at last contending to excell The reach of men, through flight into fond mischief fell.
6 their > her _1590 etc.: FE_
1 Example of his wondrous faculty,
Example > [As an example of] faculty > [occult powers]
2 Behold the boiling baths at Caer-badus,
Caer-badus > (Bath, in the present county of Avon)
3 Which seethe with secret fire eternally,
secret > hidden
4 And in their entrails, full of quick brimstone,
entrails > inner parts quick > burning, burning strongly; living
5 Nourish the flames which they are warmed upon, 6 That to their people wealth they forth do well,
That > [So that] wealth > well-being
7 And health to every foreign nation: 8 Yet he at last, contending to excel
contending > striving
9 The reach of men, through flight into fond mischief fell.
reach > natural capacities flight > (At Trinovantum, with artificial wings; Bladud's magic was not quite up to this and he crashed into the temple of Apollo, with terminal results) fond > foolish mischief > disaster
210.27
Next him king _Leyr_ in happie peace long raind, 2 But had no issue male him to succeed, But three faire daughters, which were well vptraind, 4 In all that seemed fit for kingly seed: Mongst whom his realme he equally decreed 6 To haue diuided. Tho when feeble age Nigh to his vtmost date he saw proceed, 8 He cald his daughters; and with speeches sage Inquyrd, which of them most did loue her parentage.
1 Next him King Lear in happy peace long reigned,
Next > After, immediately after Lear > (Also known as Leir or Leyr. The son of Bladud, builder of Caer-leir (i.e. Learchester, the modern Leicester; see note on Colchester at 210.58:9). The story of Lear and his daughters is a Buddhist parable of great antiquity) happy > happy; fortunate
2 But had no issue male him to succeed,
issue male > [sons]
3 But three fair daughters, who were well uptrained
uptrained > trained, inculcated
4 In all that seemed fit for kingly seed:
seed > children, offspring
5 Amongst whom his realm he equally decreed 6 To have divided. Tho when feeble age
Tho > Then
7 Nigh to his utmost date he saw proceed,
date > term, span of life
8 He called his daughters; and with speeches sage 9 Inquired which of them most did love her parentage.
parentage > parents; _hence:_ father
210.28
The eldest +_Gonorill_+ gan to protest, 2 That she much more then her owne life him lou'd: And _Regan_ greater loue to him profest, 4 Then all the world, when euer it were proou'd; But _Cordeill_ said she lou'd him, as behoou'd: 6 Whose simple answere, wanting colours faire To paint it forth, him to displeasance moou'd, 8 That in his crowne he counted her no haire, But twixt the other twaine his kingdome whole did shaire.
1 _Gonorill_ > _Gonerill 1590_
1 The eldest, Goneril, began to protest 2 That she much more than her own life him loved: 3 And Regan greater love to him professed 4 Than all the world, whenever it were proved;
it were proved > [her love should be put to the test]
5 But Cordelia said she loved him, as behoved:
as behoved > as was fitting (that is, filially)
6 Whose simple answer, wanting colours fair 7 To paint it forth, him to displeasance moved,
displeasance > displeasure, annoyance
8 That in his crown he counted her no heir,
That > [So that]
9 But 'twixt the other twain his kingdom whole did share.
twain > two
210.29
So wedded th'one to _Maglan_ king of Scots, 2 And th'other to the king of _Cambria_, And twixt them shayrd his realme by equall lots: 4 But without dowre the wise +_Cordelia_,+ Was sent to _Aganip_ of _Celtica_. 6 Their aged Syre, thus eased of his crowne, A priuate life led in _Albania_, 8 With _Gonorill_, long had in great renowne, That nought him grieu'd to bene from rule deposed downe.
4 _Cordelia_, > _Cordelia 1609_
1 So wedded the one to Maglaunus, king of Scots,
the one > [Goneril]
2 And the other to the king of Cambria,
the other > [Regan] Cambria > Wales (Cornwall, according to _HRB_ 2.12)
3 And 'twixt them shared his realm by equal lots: 4 But, without dower, the wise Cordelia 5 Was sent to Aganippus of Celtica.
Celtica > (The central division of Transalpine Gaul; i.e. France)
6 Their aged sire, thus eased of his crown,
sire > father eased > relieved
7 A private life led in Albania,
Albania > Scotland
8 With Goneril, long had in great renown,
long had > (That is, the crown)
9 That naught him grieved to been from rule deposed down.
That naught > [So that not at all] been > [have been; be]
210.30
But true it is, that when the oyle is spent, 2 The light goes out, and +weeke+ is throwne away; So when he had resignd his regiment, 4 His daughter gan despise his drouping day, And wearie +waxe+ of his continuall stay. 6 Tho to his daughter +_Rigan_+ he repayrd, Who him at first well vsed euery way; 8 But when of his departure she despayrd, Her bountie she abated, and his cheare empayrd.
2 weeke > wike _1609_ 5 waxe > wox _1609_ 6 _Rigan_ > _Regan 1590_
1 But true it is that when the oil is spent 2 The light goes out, and wick is thrown away; 3 So when he had resigned his regiment,
regiment > rule, royal authority; kingdom
4 His daughter gan despise his drooping day,
gan > did; began to drooping > declining, fading
5 And weary wax of his continual stay.
wax > grow, become
6 Tho to his daughter Regan he repaired,
Tho > Then repaired > went
7 Who him at first well used every way; 8 But when of his departure she despaired, 9 Her bounty she abated, and his cheer impaired.
cheer > mood, gladness; countenance, expression; _also:_ hospitable reception; _also:_ viands, food (a fine example of Spenser's talent for finding _le mot juste_)
210.31
The wretched man gan then auise too late, 2 That loue is not, where most it is profest, Too truely tryde in his extreamest state; 4 At last resolu'd likewise to proue the rest, He to _Cordelia_ him selfe addrest, 6 Who with entire affection him receau'd, As for her Syre and king her seemed best; 8 And after all an army strong she leau'd, To war on those, which him had of his realme bereau'd.
1 The wretched man gan then advise, too late,
gan > did advise > perceive; reflect
2 That love is not where most it is professed: 3 Too truly tried in his extremest state;
tried > proved, demonstrated
4 At last, resolved likewise to prove the rest,
prove > try; test rest > remainder (i.e. his remaining daughter)
5 He to Cordelia himself addressed,
himself addressed > betook himself, went
6 Who with entire affection him received,
entire > unreserved, wholly devoted
7 As for her sire and king her seemed best;
As > [In the manner that] sire > father her > [to her]
8 And after all an army strong she leaved,
after all > afterwards; next; later leaved > levied, mustered (via French _lever_: WU)
9 To war on those who him had of his realm bereaved.
bereaved > robbed
210.32
So to his crowne she him restor'd againe, 2 In which he dyde, made ripe for death by eld, And after wild, it should to her remaine: 4 Who peaceably the same long time did weld: And all mens harts in dew obedience held: 6 Till that her sisters children, woxen strong Through proud ambition, against her rebeld, 8 And ouercommen kept in prison long, Till wearie of that wretched life, her selfe she hong.
1 So to his crown she him restored again,
crown > rule, kingdom again > (Pleonastic)
2 In which he died, made ripe for death by eld,
eld > old age
3 And after willed it should to her remain:
it > [that the crown] remain > continue to belong
4 Who peaceably the same long time did wield:
wield > command, govern
5 And all men's hearts in due obedience held:
due > fitting
6 Till her sisters' children, waxed strong
waxed > grown
7 Through proud ambition, against her rebelled, 8 And overcome kept in prison long,
overcome > [Cordelia, overcome,]
9 Till, weary of that wretched life, herself she hanged.
210.33
Then gan the bloudie brethren both to raine: 2 But fierce _Cundah_ gan shortly to enuie His brother _Morgan_, prickt with proud disdaine, 4 To haue a pere in part of soueraintie, And kindling coles of cruell enmitie, 6 Raisd warre, and him in battell ouerthrew: Whence as he to those woodie hils did flie, 8 Which hight of him _Glamorgan_, there him slew: Then did he raigne alone, when he none equall knew.
1 Then began the bloody brethren both to reign: 2 But fierce Cunedagius began shortly to envy
Cunedagius > (Son of Regan) envy > resent
3 His brother Morgan, pricked with proud disdain,
brother > cousin, kinsman Morgan > (Son of Goneril) disdain > indignation
4 To have a peer in part of sovereignty,
peer > rival part > [the] function, office, business; _hence:_ discharge sovereignty > royal authority
5 And, kindling coals of cruel enmity, 6 Raised war, and him in battle overthrew: 7 Whence, as he to those woody hills did fly
fly > flee
8 (Which hight of him Glamorgan), there him slew:
hight of > were named after Glamorgan > [Glen of Morgan]
9 Then did he reign alone, when he none equal knew.
equal > [equal to him]
210.34
His sonne +_Riuallo_+ his dead roome did supply, 2 In whose sad time bloud did from heauen raine: Next great _Gurgustus_, then faire _C{ae}cily_ 4 In constant peace their kingdomes did containe, After whom _Lago_, and _Kinmarke_ did raine, 6 And _Gorbogud_, till farre in yeares he grew: +Till+ his ambitious sonnes vnto them twaine, 8 Arraught the rule, and from their father drew, Stout _Ferrex_ and sterne _Porrex_ him in prison threw.
1 _Riuallo_ > _Riuall' 1590; Rivall' 1609_ 7 Till > Then _1590;_ When _1609_
1 His son Rivallo his dead room did supply,
dead room > [place created by his death (cf. 207.11:8)] supply > fill
2 In whose sad time blood did from heaven rain: 3 Next great Gurgustius, then fair Sisillius 4 In constant peace their kingdoms did contain,
contain > hold; control
5 After whom Jago, and Kinmarcus did reign, 6 And Gorboduc, till far in years he grew:
Gorboduc > (The story of Gorboduc and his sons is the subject of the first English tragedy, _Gorboduc_, acted in 1561, and printed in 1565 by Thomas Norton and Thomas Sackville, i.e. Lord Buckhurst, to whom one of Spenser's dedicatory sonnets is addressed: see I:588 ff.)
7 Till his ambitious sons to them twain
them twain > the two of them
8 Arraught the rule, and from their father drew:
Arraught > Arreached, obtained, got into possession of from > [it from] drew > withdrew
9 Stout Ferrex and stern Porrex him in prison threw.
Stout > Bold; arrogant; fierce stern > fierce, merciless
210.35
But {o^}, the greedy thirst of royall crowne, 2 That knowes no kinred, nor regardes no right, Stird _Porrex_ vp to put his brother downe; 4 Who vnto him assembling forreine might, Made warre on him, and fell him selfe in fight: 6 Whose death t'auenge, his mother mercilesse, Most mercilesse of women, _Wyden_ hight, 8 Her other sonne fast sleeping did oppresse, And with most cruell hand him murdred pittilesse.
1 But O the greedy thirst of royal crown
of > for
2 (That knows no kindred, nor regards no right), 3 Stirred Porrex up to put his brother down; 4 Who, to him assembling foreign might, 5 Made war on him, and fell himself in fight: 6 Whose death to avenge, his mother merciless, 7 Most merciless of women, Widen hight,
hight > named, called
8 Her other son fast sleeping did oppress,
oppress > take by surprise (cf. 107.0:2)
9 And with most cruel hand him murdered pitiless.
210.36
Here ended _Brutus_ sacred progenie, 2 Which had seuen hundred yeares this scepter borne, With high renowme, and great +felicitie;+ 4 The noble braunch from th'antique stocke was torne Through discord, and the royall throne forlorne: 6 Thenceforth this Realme was into factions rent, Whilest each of _Brutus_ boasted to be borne, 8 That in the end was left no moniment Of _Brutus_, nor of Britons glory auncient.
3 felicitie; > felicitie? _1596_
1 Here ended Brutus' sacred progeny,
sacred > {An epithet of royalty; also, here, specifically because Brutus's lineage could be traced back to Aeneas (whose father, Anchises, was a mortal, and whose mother, Venus, was a goddess)}
2 Which had seven hundred years this sceptre borne, 3 With high renown, and great felicity; 4 The noble branch from the antique stock was torn
antique stock > ancient trunk (with the pun on "stock")
5 Through discord, and the royal throne forlorn:
forlorn > abandoned, forsaken; lost
6 Thenceforth this realm was into factions rent,
rent > torn
7 While each of Brutus boasted to be born,
each of Brutus boasted to be born > [each pretender to the throne claimed to be descended from Brutus]
8 That in the end was left no monument
That > [So that] monument > monument; _also:_ evidence, _hence:_ trace
9 Of Brutus, nor of Britons' glory ancient.
glory ancient > [ancient glory]
210.37
Then vp arose a man of matchlesse might, 2 And wondrous wit to menage high affaires, Who stird +with+ pitty of the stressed plight 4 Of this sad Realme, cut into sundry shaires By such, as claymd themselues _Brutes_ rightfull haires, 6 Gathered the Princes of the people loose, To taken counsell of their common cares; 8 Who with his wisedom won, him streight did choose, Their king, and swore him fealty to win or loose.
3 with > vp _1596_
1 Then up arose a man of matchless might,
a man > (Dunwallo Molmutius, also called Dynval Moelmud)
2 And wondrous wit to manage high affairs,
wit > mental capacity, intelligence
3 Who (stirred with pity of the stressed plight
stressed > afflicted, oppressed
4 Of this sad realm, cut into sundry shares
cut > [which had been divided]
5 By such as claimed themselves Brutus' rightful heirs) 6 Gathered the princes of the people loose,
loose > disunited
7 To take counsel of their common cares; 8 Who, with his wisdom won, him straight did choose
won > persuaded, won over straight > straightway; directly; unreservedly
9 Their king, and swore him fealty to win or lose.
to win or lose > [for better or worse, in good times or bad]
210.38
Then made he head against his enimies, 2 And _Ymner_ slew, +of+ _Logris_ miscreate; Then _Ruddoc_ and proud _Stater_, both allyes, 4 This of _Albanie_ newly nominate, And that of _Cambry_ king confirmed late, 6 He ouerthrew through his owne valiaunce; Whose countreis he redus'd to quiet state, 8 And shortly brought to ciuill gouernaunce, Now one, which earst were many, made through variaunce.
2 of > or _1596, 1609_
1 Then made he head against his enemies,
head > headway; [an] advance
2 And Ymner slew, of Logris miscreate;
of > [king of] Logris > England miscreate > wrongly created
3 Then Ruddoc and proud Stater, both allies 4 (This of Albania newly nominate,
This > [Ruddoc] Albania > Scotland nominate > appointed to office; _hence:_ installed [as king]
5 And that of Cambria king confirmed late),
that > [Stater] Cambria > Wales late > lately, recently
6 He overthrew through his own valiance; 7 Whose countries he reduced to quiet state, 8 And shortly brought to civil governance,
governance > control
9 Now one, which erst were many, made through variance.
one > [united] erst > once; at first variance > discord, quarrelling
210.39
Then made he sacred lawes, which some men say 2 Were vnto him reueald in vision, By which he freed the Traueilers high way, 4 The Churches part, and Ploughmans portion, Restraining stealth, and strong extortion; 6 The gracious _Numa_ of great _Britanie_: For till his dayes, the chiefe dominion 8 By strength was wielded without pollicie; Therefore he first wore crowne of gold for dignitie.
1 Then made he sacred laws, which some men say 2 Were to him revealed in vision, 3 By which he freed the travellers' highway, 4 The church's part, and ploughman's portion,
ploughman > [the ploughman]
5 Restraining stealth and strong extortion;
stealth > thievery
6 The gracious Numa of great Britain:
Numa > (Numa Pompilius, the mythical second king of Rome, a law- giver who reigned peacefully for 39 (or 43) years and was revered for his wisdom and piety)
7 For, till his days, the chief dominion 8 By strength was wielded, without policy;
policy > statecraft (referring to the Molmutine Laws; cf. the pejorative use at 104.12:7)
9 Therefore he first wore crown of gold for dignity.
210.40
_Donwallo_ dyde (for what may liue for ay?) 2 And left two sonnes, of pearelesse prowesse both; That sacked _Rome_ too dearely did assay, 4 The recompence of their periured oth, And ransackt _Greece_ well tryde, when they were wroth; 6 Besides subiected _Fraunce_, and _Germany_, Which yet their prayses speake, all be they loth, 8 And inly tremble at the memory Of _Brennus_ and _Bellinus_, kings of Britany.
1 Dunwallo died (for what may live for ay?)
ay > ever
2 And left two sons, of peerless prowess both;
prowess > valour
3 That sacked Rome too dearly did assay,
That > [Their valour] sacked > (Pa. ppl. adj.) assay > put to the proof; _hence:_ learn, experience
4 The recompense of their perjured oath,
recompense > reward, requital of > [for] oath > [peace treaty: see _HRB_ 3.9]
5 And ransacked Greece well tried, when they were wroth;
ransacked > (Pa. ppl. adj., as "sacked" in line 3) tried > tested (as "assay" in line 3)
6 Besides subjected France and Germany, 7 Which yet their praises speak, all be they loath,
yet > still, even now all be they > [although they are]
8 And inly tremble at the memory
inly > inwardly
9 Of Brennus and Belinus, kings of Britain.
210.41
Next them did +_Gurgunt_+, great _Bellinus_ sonne 2 In rule succeede, and eke in fathers prayse; He Easterland subdewd, and +Danmarke+ wonne, 4 And of them both did foy and tribute raise, The which was dew in his dead fathers dayes: 6 He also gaue to fugitiues of _Spayne_, Whom he at sea found wandring from their wayes, 8 A seate in _Ireland_ safely to remayne, Which they should hold of him, as subiect to _Britayne_.
1 _Gurgunt_ > _Gurgiunt 1590_ 3 Danmarke > Denmarke _1590_
1 Next them did Gurgiunt, great Belinus' son
Next > After, immediately after Gurgiunt > (Gurgiunt Brabtruc)
2 In rule succeed, and eke in father's praise;
eke > also praise > praiseworthiness, virtue; _hence:_ qualities, worth
3 He Easterland subdued, and Denmark won,
Easterland > (This must refer to Norway, since Denmark is mentioned separately; cf. 210.63)
4 And of them both did foy and tribute raise,
of > from foy > allegiance, fealty tribute > imposts, taxes
5 Which was due in his dead father's days: 6 He also gave to fugitives of Spain 7 (Whom he at sea found wandering from their ways) 8 A seat in Ireland safely to remain,
remain > dwell in
9 Which they should hold of him, as subject to Britain.
210.42
After him raigned _Guitheline_ his hayre, 2 The iustest man and trewest in his dayes, Who had to wife Dame _Mertia_ the fayre, 4 A woman worthy of immortall prayse, Which for this Realme found many goodly layes, 6 And wholesome Statutes to her husband brought; Her many deemd to haue beene of the _Fayes_, 8 As was _Aegerie_, that _Numa_ tought; Those yet of her be _Mertian_ lawes both nam'd and thought.
1 After him reigned Guithelin his heir, 2 The justest man and truest in his days, 3 Who had to wife Dame Martia the fair,
had to > took as
4 A woman worthy of immortal praise, 5 Which for this realm found many goodly lays,
found > founded, established lay > {Law, esp. a religious law}
6 And wholesome statutes to her husband brought; 7 Her many deemed to have been of the fays,
many > [many people] fays > fairies
8 As was Aegeria, who Numa taught;
Aegeria > (One of the Camenae (the prophetic nymphs of early Roman mythology, identified with the Greek Muses), from whom Numa received instruction)
9 Those yet of her be Martian laws both named and thought.
of > after
210.43
Her +sonne+ +_Sisillus_+ after her did rayne, 2 And then _Kimarus_, and then _Danius_; Next whom _Morindus_ did the crowne sustaine, 4 Who, had he not with wrath outrageous, And cruell rancour dim'd his valorous 6 And mightie deeds, should matched haue the best: As well in that same field victorious 8 Against the forreine _Morands_ he exprest; Yet liues his memorie, though carcas sleepe in rest.
1 sonne > sonnes _1596, 1609_ 1 _Sisillus_ > _Sifillus 1590 etc._
1 Her son Sisilius after her did reign, 2 And then Kimarus, and then Danius; 3 Next whom Morvidus did the crown sustain,
Next > Immediately after
4 Who (had he not with wrath outrageous,
outrageous > violent; intemperate
5 And cruel rancour dimmed his valorous 6 And mighty deeds) should matched have the best: 7 As well in that same field victorious
well > (Adv., applicable to "exprest" in next line) field > battlefield; battle (in Northumberland, to repel the invading Morini)
8 Against the foreign Morini he expressed;
Morini > (A tribe in Belgic Gaul, living near present-day Boulogne) expressed > revealed [his cruelty]
9 Yet lives his memory, though carcase sleep in rest.
Yet > Still, even today carcase > [his carcase]
210.44
Fiue +sonnes+ he left begotten of one wife, 2 All which successiuely by turnes did raine; First _Gorboman_ a man of vertuous life; 4 Next _Archigald_, who for his proud disdaine, Deposed was from Princedome soueraine, 6 And pitteous _Elidure_ put in his sted; Who shortly it to him restord againe, 8 Till by his death he it recouered; But _Peridure_ and _Vigent_ him disthronized.
1 sonnes > sonne _1596_
1 Five sons he left begotten of one wife,
Five sons > (Gorbonian, Arthgallo, Elidure, Peredure, Vigenius)
2 All which successively by turns did reign; 3 First Gorbonian, a man of virtuous life; 4 Next Arthgallo who, for his proud disdain,
disdain > loathsomeness
5 Deposed was from princedom sovereign, 6 And piteous Elidure put in his stead;
piteous > godly, devout stead > place
7 Who shortly it to him restored again, 8 Till by his death he it recovered; 9 But Peredure and Vigenius him disthronized.
disthronized > dethroned
210.45
In wretched prison long he did remaine, 2 Till they outraigned had their vtmost date, And then therein reseized was againe, 4 And ruled long with honorable state, Till he surrendred Realme and life to fate. 6 Then all the sonnes of these fiue brethren raynd By dew successe, and all their Nephewes late, 8 Euen thrise eleuen descents the crowne retaynd, Till aged _Hely_ by dew heritage it gaynd.
1 In wretched prison long he did remain, 2 Till they outreigned had their utmost date,
outreigned had > [had reigned to the end of] date > term, span of life
3 And then therein reseised was again,
therein reseised > [restored to legal possession of the crown]
4 And ruled long with honourable state, 5 Till he surrendered realm and life to fate. 6 Then all the sons of these five brethren reigned 7 By due success, and all their nephews late,
due success > proper succession nephews > grandsons; descendants late > later, afterwards
8 Even thrice eleven descents the crown retained, 9 Till aged Heli by due heritage it gained.
210.46
He had two sonnes, whose eldest called _Lud_ 2 Left of his life most famous memory, And endlesse moniments of his great good: 4 The ruin'd wals he did re{ae}difye Of _Troynouant_, gainst force of enimy, 6 And built that gate, which of his name is hight, By which he lyes entombed solemnly. 8 He left two sonnes, too young to rule aright, _Androgeus_ and _Tenantius_, pictures of his might.
1 He had two sons, whose eldest (called Lud)
two > (Three, according to _HRB_ 3.20: Lud, Cassibellaun, Nennius) Lud > (Also called Lludd; apparently the same Lludd of Brythonic legend)
2 Left of his life most famous memory, 3 And endless monuments of his great good:
monuments > monuments; records
4 The ruined walls he did re-edify 5 Of Troynovant, gainst force of enemy,
Troynovant > (New Troy, i.e. London. Brewer (1894) states that the word derives from the old British "Tri-nouhant", meaning "inhabitants of the new town". In Layamon's _Brut_ the name is spelled "Trinovant" and derives from the Trinovantes; but their principal town was not London, but Colchester, in Essex) gainst > against
6 And built that gate which of his name is hight,
that gate > [Ludgate] of > after, from hight > called
7 By which he lies entombed solemnly.
solemnly > grandiosely, magnificently
8 He left two sons, too young to rule aright,
aright > properly; justly
9 Androgeus and Tenuantius, pictures of his might.
210.47
Whilst they were young, _Cassibalane_ their Eme 2 Was by the people chosen in their sted, Who on him tooke the royall Diademe, 4 And goodly well long time it gouerned, Till the prowd _Romanes_ him disquieted, 6 And warlike _C{ae}sar_, tempted with the name Of this sweet Island, neuer conquered, 8 And enuying the Britons blazed fame, (O hideous hunger of dominion) hither came.
1 While they were young, Cassibellaun, their eme,
Cassibellaun > (Or Caswallon, called Cassivelaunus by the Romans) eme > uncle
2 Was by the people chosen in their stead,
stead > place
3 Who on him took the royal diadem,
diadem > crown, rule
4 And goodly well long time it governed, 5 Till the proud Romans him disquieted, 6 And warlike Caesar, tempted with the name
Caesar > (Gaius Julius Caesar, c. 101-44 BC)
7 Of this sweet island, never conquered, 8 And envying the Britons' blazed fame,
envying > envying; begrudging blazed > celebrated
9 (O hideous hunger of dominion) hither came.
hideous > immense; odious of > for
210.48
Yet twise they were repulsed backe againe, 2 And twise renforst, backe to their ships to fly, The whiles with bloud they all the shore did +staine,+ 4 And the gray _Ocean_ into purple dy: Ne had they footing found at last perdie, 6 Had not _Androgeus_, false to natiue soyle, And enuious of Vncles soueraintie, 8 Betrayd his contrey vnto forreine spoyle: Nought else, but treason, from the first this land did foyle.
3 staine, > staine. _1596_
1 Yet twice they were repulsed back again,
back > (Pleonastic and thus intensive)
2 And twice renforced back to their ships to fly,
renforced > compelled (SU) fly > flee
3 While with blood they all the shore did stain, 4 And the grey ocean into purple dye:
purple > red, blood-red
5 Neither had they footing found at last pardie,
had they > [would they have] pardie > certainly, truly, "by God"
6 Had not Androgeus, false to native soil, 7 And envious of uncle's sovereignty,
sovereignty > royal authority
8 Betrayed his country to foreign spoil:
spoil > {Act of pillage}
9 Naught else but treason from the first this land did foil.
foil > defeat; trample underfoot; befoul, defile; violate
210.49
So by him _C{ae}sar_ got the victory, 2 Through great bloudshed, and many a sad assay, In which him selfe was charged heauily 4 Of hardy _Nennius_, whom he yet did slay, But lost his sword, yet to be seene this day. 6 Thenceforth this land was tributarie made T'ambitious _Rome_, and did their rule obay, 8 Till _Arthur_ all that reckoning +defrayd+; Yet oft the Briton kings against them strongly swayd.
8 defrayd > did defray _1596, 1609_
1 So by him Caesar got the victory, 2 Through great bloodshed, and many a sad assay,
sad > heavy assay > assault
3 In which himself was charged heavily 4 Of hardy Nennius, whom he yet did slay,
Of > By yet > nonetheless
5 But lost his sword, yet to be seen this day.
to be seen > (_HRB_ 4.4 records that Caesar's sword was buried with Nennius)
6 Thenceforth this land was tributary made
tributary > {Subject to imposts, paying tribute}
7 To ambitious Rome, and did their rule obey, 8 Till Arthur all that reckoning defrayed; 9 Yet oft the Briton kings against them strongly swayed.
210.50
Next him _Tenantius_ raigned, then _Kimbeline_, 2 What time th'eternall Lord in fleshly slime Enwombed was, from wretched _Adams_ line 4 To purge away the guilt of sinfull crime: O ioyous memorie of happy time, 6 That heauenly grace so plenteously displayd; (O too high ditty for my simple rime.) 8 Soone after this the _Romanes_ him +warrayd+; For that their tribute he refusd to let be payd.
8 warrayd > wrrayd _1596_
1 Next him Tenuantius reigned, then Cymbeline,
Next > After, immediately after
2 What time the eternal Lord in fleshly slime
What time > At the time when the eternal Lord > [Christ] fleshly slime > [human form; cf. e.g. 209.21:5]
3 Enwombed was, from wretched Adam's line
Enwombed > Placed in a womb; _hence:_ conceived (somewhat catachr.; the use at 306.5:7 is more orthodox. See also 201.50:8) wretched Adam's line > (See note at 111.46:9)
4 To purge away the guilt of sinful crime:
crime > {Wrongdoing, sins taken collectively}
5 O joyous memory of happy time, 6 That heavenly grace so plenteously displayed;
displayed > was spread; did spread itself out
7 (O too high ditty for my simple rhyme).
ditty > subject, theme (cf. 110.55:7)
8 Soon after this the Romans him warrayed;
warrayed > waged war upon
9 For that their tribute he refused to let be paid.
For that > Because tribute > taxes
210.51
Good _Claudius_, that next was Emperour, 2 An army brought, and with him battell fought, In which the king was by a Treachetour 4 Disguised slaine, ere any thereof thought: Yet ceased not the bloudy fight for ought; 6 For _Aruirage_ his brothers place supplide, +Both in his armes, and+ crowne, and by that draught 8 Did driue the _Romanes_ to the weaker side, That they to peace agreed. So all was pacifide.
7 Both in his armes, and > Both in armes, and _1596;_ In armes, and eke in _1609_
1 Good Claudius, that next was emperor,
Claudius > (Claudius I, 10 BC-54 AD, reigned 41-54 and visited Britain in 43)
2 An army brought, and with him battle fought,
him > (Guiderus, son of Cymbeline)
3 In which the king was by a treacher
the king > [Guiderius] treacher > traitor (Hamo: see _HRB_ 4.13)
4 Disguised slain, ere any thereof thought:
thought > realized [that the king was in danger and would be slain]
5 Yet ceased not the bloody fight for aught; 6 For Arviragus his brother's place supplied,
supplied > filled
7 Both in his arms, and crown, and by that draught
draught > {Plot, scheme; the drawing out of something to a greater length; a move at chess}
8 Did drive the Romans to the weaker side, 9 That they to peace agreed. So all was pacified.
That > [So that]
210.52
Was neuer king more highly magnifide, 2 Nor dred of _Romanes_, then was _Aruirage_, For which the Emperour to him allide 4 His daughter _Genuiss_' in marriage: Yet shortly he renounst the vassalage 6 Of _Rome_ againe, who hither hastly sent _Vespasian_, that with great spoile and rage 8 Forwasted all, till _Genuissa_ gent Perswaded him to ceasse, and her Lord to relent.
1 Was never king more highly magnified,
magnified > lauded
2 Nor dread of Romans, than was Arviragus,
dread of > [dreaded by the]
3 For which the emperor to him allied 4 His daughter Genuissa in marriage: 5 Yet shortly he renounced the vassalage
vassalage > subservience, subjection
6 Of Rome again, who hither hastily sent
Of > To
7 Vespasian, that with great spoil and rage
Vespasian > (Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasian, 9-79: he subsequently became emperor himself and ruled from 69 until his death. During this period, Agricola (37-93) achieved his military victories in Britain) spoil > plunder; acts of pillage
8 Forwasted all, till Genuissa gent
Forwasted > Ravaged, devastated gent > noble; gentle
9 Persuaded him to cease, and her lord to relent.
210.53
He dyde; and him succeeded _Marius_, 2 Who ioyd his dayes +in+ great tranquillity, Then _Coyll_, and after him good _Lucius_, 4 That first receiued Christianitie, The sacred pledge of Christes Euangely: 6 Yet true it is, that long before that day Hither came _Ioseph_ of _Arimathy_, 8 Who brought with him the holy grayle, (they say) And preacht the truth, but since it greatly did decay.
2 in > with _1609_
1 He died; and him succeeded Marius, 2 Who joyed his days in great tranquillity,
joyed > [had the benefit of; felt the joy of]
3 Then Coillus, and after him good Lucius,
Lucius > (Or Pudens, "The Modest": see _2 Tim._ 4.21)
4 That first received Christianity, 5 The sacred pledge of Christ's evangely;
sacred pledge > [baptism] evangely > evangile, evangel: gospel
6 Yet true it is, that long before that day 7 Hither came Joseph of Arimathea,
Joseph of Arimathea > (Mentioned in all the gospels: e.g. _Matt._ 27.57-60)
8 Who brought with him the Holy Grail, (they say)
Holy Grail > (The Sangreal, the platter used at the last supper, in which Joseph is said to have received Christ's blood at the cross. A persistent medieval legend has Joseph bringing the Sangreal, and with it Christianity, to Glastonbury in western England)
9 And preached the truth; but since it greatly did decay.
since > subsequently
210.54
This good king shortly without issew dide, 2 Whereof great trouble in the kingdome grew, That did her selfe in sundry parts diuide, 4 And with her powre her owne selfe ouerthrew, Whilest _Romanes_ dayly did the weake subdew: 6 Which seeing stout _Bunduca_, vp arose, And taking armes, the _Britons_ to her drew; 8 With whom she marched streight against her foes, And them vnwares besides the _Seuerne_ did enclose.
1 This good king shortly without issue died, 2 Whereof great trouble in the kingdom grew, 3 That did itself in sundry parts divide,
sundry > various
4 And with its power its own self overthrew, 5 While Romans daily did the weak subdue: 6 Which seeing, stout Boadicea up arose,
stout > brave; proud Boadicea > (Or Boudicca, widow of the British king, Cunobelinus. As a result of atrocities committed by the Romans against the Iceni tribe in East Anglia, in 61 AD she led an army of 80,000 Britons into battle against Suetonius's 14th and 20th Legions; the field, near the present site of Daventry, in Northamptonshire, saw the death of 400 Romans and some 70,000 Britons. However, final subjugation by Rome was not achieved until 83 AD)
7 And, taking arms, the Britons to her drew; 8 With whom she marched straight against her foes,
straight > directly; immediately
9 And them unwares beside the Severn did enclose.
unwares > unexpectedly; suddenly Severn > (The River Severn) enclose > hem in (said of an army)
210.55
There she with them a cruell battell tride, 2 Not with so good successe, as she deseru'd; By reason that the Captaines on her side, 4 Corrupted by _Paulinus_, from her sweru'd: Yet such, as were through former flight +preseru'd+, 6 Gathering againe, her Host she did renew, And with fresh courage on the victour seru'd: 8 But being all defeated, saue a few, Rather then fly, or be captiu'd her selfe she slew.
5 preseru'd > perseru'd _1596_
1 There she with them a cruel battle tried,
tried > attempted; tested
2 Not with so good success as she deserved;
so > such
3 By reason that the captains on her side,
By reason that > Because
4 Corrupted by Paulinus, from her swerved:
Paulinus > (Paulinus Suetonius, Roman consul and general, fl. 59-66) swerved > [deserted]
5 Yet such as were through former flight preserved,
such > [such forces]
6 Gathering again, her host she did renew,
host > army
7 And with fresh courage on the victor served:
served > attended; _hence:_ renewed her onslaught
8 But being all defeated, save a few, 9 Rather than fly or be captived, herself she slew.
fly > flee captived > taken captive
210.56
O famous moniment of womens prayse, 2 Matchable either to _Semiramis_, Whom antique history so high doth raise, 4 Or to _Hypsiphil_' or to _Thomiris_: Her Host two hundred thousand numbred is; 6 Who whiles good fortune fauoured her might, Triumphed oft against her enimis; 8 And yet though ouercome in haplesse fight, She triumphed on death, in enemies despight.
1 O famous monument of women's praise,
monument of > record of, testament to praise > praiseworthiness, virtue; _hence:_ qualities, worth
2 Matchable either to Semiramis',
Matchable > Comparable Semiramis > (The legendary queen of King Ninus of Assyria, who was her second husband. Before she acceded to the throne she successfully led the daring siege of Bactra; five days after her accession she had Ninus murdered. She went on to conquer many nations in Asia, subdued Egypt and much of Ethiopia besides. Some of her exploits are the same as those attributed to the goddess Ishtar; Semiramis herself was said to be a daughter of the Syrian goddess Dekarat. Her name derives from the Syrian _Sammu-ramat_. See also 105.50:3-4)
3 Whom antique history so high does raise,
antique > ancient
4 Or to Hypsipyle's, or to Tomyris':
Hypsipyle > (Daughter of Thoas, king of Lemnos; she concealed and thus saved her father when the Lemnian women killed all the men in the island) Tomyris > (Queen of the Massagetes, a Scythian people on the east coast of the Caspian Sea. In a battle in 529 BC she decapitated Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, and threw his head into a bag of human blood, so that, as she said, he might finally satiate himself with it. (This follows Herodotus rather than Xenophon))
5 Her host two hundred thousand numbered is;
host > army
6 Who, while good fortune favoured her might, 7 Triumphed oft against her enemies; 8 And yet though overcome in hapless fight, 9 She triumphed on death, in enemies' despite.
in enemies' despite > [scorning her enemies]
210.57
Her reliques _Fulgent_ hauing gathered, 2 Fought with _Seuerus_, and him ouerthrew; Yet in the chace was slaine of them, that fled: 4 So made them victours, whom he did subdew. Then gan _Carausius_ tirannize anew, 6 And gainst the _Romanes_ bent their proper powre, But him _Allectus_ treacherously slew, 8 And tooke on him the robe of Emperoure: Nath'lesse the same enioyed but short happy howre:
1 Her relics Fulgenius having gathered,
relics > (Of her army)
2 Fought with Severus, and him overthrew;
Severus > (Lucius Septimus Severus, 146-211; Roman emperor 193-211. Spent the last three years of his life in Britain, and died at Eboracum (York))
3 Yet in the chase was slain of them that fled:
of > by
4 So made them victors, whom he did subdue. 5 Then gan Carausius tyrannize anew,
gan > did; began to Carausius > (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Carausius, c. 250-293. He seized control of Britain and proclaimed himself emperor, between 290-2 even receiving a modicum of acceptance from Rome) tyrannize > tyrannize; rule
6 And gainst the Romans bent their proper power,
gainst > against bent > turned, directed proper > own
7 But him Allectus treacherously slew,
Allectus > (C. 250-296, prime minister to Carausius, whom he murdered in 293, taking the robe for himself. Three years later he was killed near London by Roman soldiers)
8 And took on him the robe of emperor: 9 Natheless the same enjoyed but short happy hour:
Natheless > Nevertheless hour > time, period
210.58
For _Asclepiodate_ him ouercame, 2 And left inglorious on the vanquisht playne, Without or robe, or rag, to hide his shame. 4 Then afterwards he in his stead did rayne; But shortly was by _Coyll_ in battell slaine: 6 Who after long debate, since _Lucies_ time, Was of the _Britons_ first crownd Soueraine: 8 Then gan this Realme renewe her passed prime: He of his name _Coylchester_ built of stone and lime.
1 For Asclepiodotus him overcame,
Asclepiodotus > (Praefectus praetorio under Constantius Chlorus (?250-306), who was the general who really recovered Britain from Allectus)
2 And left inglorious on the vanquished plain, 3 Without or robe, or rag, to hide his shame.
or > either
4 Then afterwards he in his stead did reign;
stead > place
5 But shortly was by Coel in battle slain:
Coel > (Or Cole. The nursery rhyme about the "merry old soul" was popular in the 18th century)
6 Who after long debate, since Lucius' time,
debate > fight
7 Was of the Britons first crowned sovereign: 8 Then gan this realm renew her passed prime:
gan > did
9 He of his name Colchester built of stone and lime.
of > after Colchester > (In Essex; the Romans called it _Camulodunum_. It was the first Roman city in Britain to be given the rank of a colonia. The suffix "chester" derives from the Latin _castra_, applied to a walled town, especially one that had been a Roman station in Britain; Colchester was originally called "Colnecaster", after its river, the Colne)
210.59
Which when the _Romanes_ heard, they hither sent 2 _Constantius_, a man of mickle might, With whom king _Coyll_ made an agreement, 4 And to him gaue for wife his daughter bright, Faire _Helena_, the fairest liuing wight; 6 Who in all godly thewes, and goodly prayse Did far excell, but was most famous hight 8 For skill in Musicke of all in her dayes, Aswell in curious instruments, as cunning layes.
1 Which when the Romans heard, they hither sent 2 Constantius, a man of mickle might,
Constantius > (Flavius Valerius Constantius, c. 250-306; died at Eboracum (York) fighting the Picts) mickle > much
3 With whom King Coel made an agreement, 4 And to him gave for wife his daughter bright,
for > as bright > beautiful
5 Fair Helena, the fairest living wight;
Helena > (C. 248-328. Constantius, on his elevation to the dignity of Caesar in 292, divorced her in order to marry Theodora, the stepdaughter of Maximian. On the elevation of her son, Constantine, however, Helena received the title of Augusta. She made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in about 325, and built there the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Nativity; she was subsequently made a saint) wight > girl, woman, person
6 Who in all godly thews, and goodly praise
thews > manners, qualities praise > virtue
7 Did far excel, but was most famous hight
most famous hight > most famously called; _hence:_ best known
8 For skill in music of all in her days, 9 As well in curious instruments, as cunning lays.
well > much curious > {Requiring musical virtuosity} as > [as in] cunning > clever, skilled lays > songs
210.60
Of whom he did great _Constantine_ beget, 2 Who afterward was Emperour of _Rome_; To which whiles absent he his mind did set, 4 _Octauius_ here lept into his roome, And it vsurped by vnrighteous doome: 6 But he his title iustifide by might, Slaying _Traherne_, and hauing ouercome 8 The _Romane_ legion in dreadfull fight: So settled he his kingdome, and confirmd his right.
1 Of whom he did great Constantine beget,
Constantine > (Constantine I, "The Great", 274-337, emperor of Rome 306-37. Eldest son of Constantius I by Helena)
2 Who afterward was emperor of Rome; 3 To which, while absent, he his mind did set;
which > [Rome] absent > [absent in Rome] set > [devote]
4 Octavius here leapt into his room,
Octavius > (Duke of the Wisseans) here > at this point; here [in Britain] room > place
5 And it usurped by unrighteous doom:
doom > statute, ordinance; power
6 But he his title justified by might, 7 Slaying Trahern, and having overcome
Trahern > (Uncle of Helena, brother of Coel)
8 The Roman legion in dreadful fight: 9 So settled he his kingdom, and confirmed his right.
210.61
But wanting issew male, his daughter +deare,+ 2 He gaue in wedlocke to _Maximian_, And him with her made of his kingdome heyre, 4 Who soone by meanes thereof the Empire wan, Till murdred by the friends of _Gratian_; 6 Then gan the Hunnes and Picts inuade this land, During the raigne of _Maximinian_; 8 Who dying left none heire them to withstand, But that they ouerran all parts with easie hand.
1 deare, > deare _1609_
1 But, wanting issue male, his daughter dear
wanting > lacking issue male > [sons]
2 He gave in wedlock to Maximian,
Maximian > (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus, surnamed Herculius. Roman emperor 286-305 and 306-308; died 310)
3 And him with her made of his kingdom heir, 4 Who soon by means thereof the empire won, 5 Till murdered by the friends of Gratian;
Gratian > (Flavius Gratianus, 359-383, Roman emperor 367-383; killed by Maximian)
6 Then gan the Huns and Picts invade this land,
gan > did Picts > (Inhabitants of northern Scotland and northern Ireland who probably arrived from mainland Europe c. 1000 BC. Fought against the Romans in Britain in the 4th century AD. They are said to have received their name (Latin, _Picti_) from their custom of ornamenting their bodies with tattoos; they are also known for cannibalism and the fact that Pictish women fought alongside the men in battle)
7 During the reign of Maximian; 8 Who, dying, left none heir, them to withstand,
none > [no one as]
9 But that they overran all parts with easy hand.
But > So
210.62
The weary _Britons_, whose war-hable youth 2 Was by _Maximian_ lately led away, With wretched miseries, and woefull ruth, 4 Were to those Pagans made an open pray, And dayly spectacle of sad decay: 6 Whom _Romane_ warres, which now foure hundred yeares, And more had wasted, could no whit dismay; 8 Till by consent of Commons and of Peares, They crownd the second _Constantine_ with ioyous teares,
1 The weary Britons, whose war-able youth
war-able > {Suited to warfare}
2 Was by Maximian lately led away, 3 With wretched miseries, and woeful ruth,
ruth > calamity; sorrow
4 Were to those pagans made an open prey,
to > [of] open > defenceless
5 And daily spectacle of sad decay:
decay > downfall; destruction; death
6 Whom Roman wars (which now four hundred years 7 And more had wasted) could no whit dismay;
dismay > dismay; defeat
8 Till, by consent of commons and of peers,
commons > [the commonalty, the common people] peers > [the aristocracy]
9 They crowned the second Constantine with joyous tears,
Constantine > (Constantine II, 317-340, second son of Constantine I, emperor 337-340)
210.63
Who hauing oft in battell vanquished 2 Those spoilefull Picts, and swarming Easterlings, Long time in peace his Realme established, 4 Yet oft annoyd with sundry bordragings Of neighbour Scots, and forrein Scatterlings, 6 With which the world did in those dayes abound: Which to outbarre, with painefull pyonings 8 From sea to sea he heapt a mightie mound, Which from _Alcluid_ to _Panwelt_ did that border bound.
1 Who having oft in battle vanquished 2 Those spoilful Picts, and swarming Easterlings,
spoilful > plundering, spoliatory Easterlings > (Presumably, Norwegians: cf. 210.41:3)
3 Long time in peace his realm established, 4 Yet oft annoyed with sundry bodragings
bodragings > hostile incursions, border-raids
5 Of neighbour Scots, and foreign scatterlings,
scatterlings > vagrants
6 With which the world did in those days abound: 7 Which to outbar, with painful pionings
outbar > keep out painful > arduous, toilsome pionings > excavations (to "pion" is to do the work of a pioneer in its original sense, i.e. digging trenches, preparing the way for the main army)
8 From sea to sea he heaped a mighty mound,
mound > embankment; _hence:_ wall (see 411.36)
9 Which from Alcluith to Panwelt did that border bound.
Alcluith > (Possibly the modern Dumbarton) Panwelt > (Not identifiable)
210.64
Three sonnes he dying left, all vnder age; 2 By meanes whereof, their vncle _Vortigere_ Vsurpt the crowne, during their pupillage; 4 Which th'Infants tutors gathering to feare, Them closely into _Armorick_ did beare: 6 For dread of whom, and for those Picts annoyes, He sent to _Germanie_, straunge aid to reare, 8 From whence eftsoones arriued here three hoyes Of _Saxons_, whom he for his safetie imployes.
1 Three sons he, dying, left, all under age;
Three sons > (Constans, Aurelius Ambrosius, Uther Pendragon)
2 By means whereof, their uncle Vortigern
Vortigern > (Fl. c. 450; we have it on the authority of Bede that he enlisted the aid of the Jutes, under Hengest and Horsa, in the fight of the Britons against the Picts and the Scots. However, the name "Vortigern" may well refer to more than one historical character, and may have been a mere title)
3 Usurped the crown during their pupillage; 4 Which the infants' tutors, gathering to fear,
Which > [Which action] infants' > princes'; children's (the children are Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, Constans having been murdered by order of Vortigern)
5 Them closely into Armorica did bear:
closely > secretly Armorica > (Also called Aremorica: in ancient times the NW part of France, between the mouths of the Seine and Loire. Later this name became more or less synonymous with that of Brittany)
6 For dread of whom, and for those Picts' annoys,
for > [for dread of] annoys > molestations
7 He sent to Germany, strange aid to rear,
He > [Vortigern] strange > foreign
8 From whence eftsoons arrived here three hoys
eftsoons > soon afterwards hoys > small ships (esp. for carrying passengers. They are described as "large ships", and "brigandines, or long galleys, full of armed men" at _HRB_ 8.10. The landing is generally believed to have been in the year 449. The main force of Saxons arrived later)
9 Of Saxons, whom he for his safety employs.
Saxons > (First mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, these were originally inhabitants of the lower Elbe Valley. They were a warlike people who spread mainly to the south and west; they landed in Britain in 449. By the end of the sixth century they had conquered most of NW Europe. With the Angles and the Jutes they established the beginnings of Anglo-Saxon culture in England) safety > security [he employed them as guards]
210.65
Two brethren were their +Capitains+, which hight 2 _Hengist_ and _Horsus_, well approu'd in warre, And both of them men of renowmed might; 4 Who making vantage of their ciuill iarre, And of those forreiners, which came from farre, 6 Grew great, and got large portions of land, That in the Realme ere long they stronger arre, 8 Then they which sought at first their helping hand, And _Vortiger_ +enforst+ the kingdome to aband.
1 Capitains > Capitayns _1590;_ Captains _1596_ 9 enforst > haue forst _1590_
1 Two brethren were their captains, which hight
hight > were named
2 Hengest and Horsa, well approved in war,
Hengest > (Chief of the Jutes, joint founder with his brother of the kingdom of Kent. Died 488) Horsa > (Hengest's brother, killed at the Battle of Aylesford in 455) approved > proved, tried
3 And both of them men of renowned might; 4 Who, making vantage of their civil jar,
vantage > advantage their > [the Britons'] jar > discord
5 And of those foreigners, which came from far,
those foreigners > [the Saxons]
6 Grew great, and got large portions of land, 7 That in the realm ere long they stronger are
That > [So that]
8 Than they who sought at first their helping hand, 9 And Vortigern enforced the kingdom to aband.
enforced > compelled aband > forsake, abandon
210.66
But by the helpe of _Vortimere_ his sonne, 2 He is againe vnto his rule restord, And _Hengist_ seeming sad, for that was donne, 4 Receiued is to grace and new accord, Through his faire daughters face, and flattring word; 6 Soone after which, three hundred Lordes he slew Of British bloud, all sitting at his bord; 8 Whose dolefull moniments who list to rew, Th'eternall markes of treason may at _Stonheng_ vew.
1 But by the help of Vortimer, his son, 2 He is again to his rule restored, 3 And Hengest, seeming sad for that was done,
that > [that which]
4 Received is to grace and new accord, 5 Through his fair daughter's face, and flattering word;
his fair daughter > (Rowena, whom Vortigern married)
6 Soon after which, three hundred lords he slew 7 Of British blood, all sitting at his board;
board > table; council-meeting
8 Whose doleful monuments, who list to rue,
who > [whoever] list > chooses, pleases
9 The eternal marks of treason may at Stonehenge view.
marks > marks; _also:_ memorial-stones Stonehenge > (The standing stones of which were supposed to have represented the murdered men)
210.67
By this the sonnes of _Constantine_, which fled, 2 +_Ambrose_+ and _Vther_ did ripe yeares attaine, And here arriuing, strongly challenged 4 The crowne, which _Vortiger_ did long detaine: Who flying from his guilt, by them was +slaine,+ 6 And _Hengist_ eke soone brought to shamefull death. Thenceforth _Aurelius_ peaceably did rayne, 8 Till that through poyson stopped was his breath; So now entombed lyes at Stoneheng by the heath.
2 _Ambrose_ > _Ambrise 1596, 1609_ 5 slaine, > slaine. _1596_
1 By this the sons of Constantine, who fled,
By this > By this time
2 (Ambrosius and Uther) did ripe years attain,
Ambrosius > (Ambrosius Aurelius, fl. c. 440 AD, Roman emperor of Britain, Gaul and Spain under Honorius. He led the Britons against the Saxon invasion. Poisoned at Winchester by a Saxon)
3 And here arriving, strongly challenged
challenged > laid claim to
4 The crown, which Vortigern did long detain:
detain > hold
5 Who, flying from his guilt, by them was slain,
flying > fleeing
6 And Hengest eke soon brought to shameful death.
eke > also
7 Thenceforth Aurelius peaceably did reign, 8 Till through poison stopped was his breath; 9 So now entombed lies at Stonehenge by the heath.
the heath > (Salisbury Plain, in Wiltshire)
210.68
After him _Vther_, which _Pendragon_ hight, 2 Succeding There abruptly it did end, Without full point, or other Cesure right, 4 As if the rest some wicked hand did rend, Or th'Authour selfe could not at least attend 6 To finish it: that so vntimely breach The Prince him selfe halfe +seemeth+ to offend, 8 Yet secret pleasure did offence empeach, And wonder of antiquitie long stopt his speach.
7 seemeth > seemed _1590_
1 After him Uther, who Pendragon hight,
Uther > (The father of Arthur; hence the abrupt end of the chronicle) Pendragon > ("Dragon-head", perhaps so called from the dragon surmounting his helmet: "pen" = "head" in the Brythonic language. _HRB_ 8.17 records that Uther caused golden dragons to be made in commemoration of Merlin's prophecy that a comet with a dragon- shaped effulgence portended his accession. One of these dragons he carried with him in his wars) hight > was named
2 Succeeding ... There abruptly it did end, 3 Without full point, or other caesura right,
full point > full stop, period caesura > formal stop right > proper, appropriate
4 As if the rest some wicked hand did rend,
did rend > [had torn out]
5 Or the author himself could not at least attend
least > any rate attend > [turn his mind, turn his energies]
6 To finish it: that so untimely breach
breach > fracture, breaking-off
7 The prince himself half seems to offend, 8 Yet secret pleasure did offence impeach,
impeach > impede; prevent
9 And wonder of antiquity long stopped his speech.
of antiquity > at ancient times; at ancient records
210.69
At last quite rauisht with delight, to heare 2 The royall Ofspring of his natiue land, Cryde out, Deare countrey, {o^} how dearely deare 4 Ought thy remembraunce, and perpetuall band Be to thy foster Childe, that from thy hand 6 Did commun breath and nouriture receaue? How brutish is it not to vnderstand, 8 How much to her we owe, that all vs gaue, That gaue vnto vs all, what euer good we haue.
1 At last, quite ravished with delight to hear
hear > learn
2 The royal offspring of his native land,
offspring > ancestry
3 Cried out, "Dear country, O how dearly dear
Cried > [Arthur cried]
4 Ought your remembrance, and perpetual band
band > [binding quality or power]
5 Be to your foster child, that from your hand
Be > [To be] foster child > (As opposed to the original giants, who were sons of the land)
6 Did common breath and nouriture receive?
nouriture > nurture
7 How brutish is it not to understand 8 How much to her we owe, that all us gave,
her > [Britain]
9 That gave to us all, whatever good we have!"
210.70
But _Guyon_ all this while his booke did read, 2 Ne yet has ended: for it was a great And ample volume, that doth far excead 4 My leasure, so long leaues here to repeat: It told, how first _Prometheus_ did create 6 A man, of many partes from beasts deriued And then stole fire from heauen, to animate 8 His worke, for which he was by _Ioue_ depriued Of life him selfe, and hart-strings of an {AE}gle riued.
1 But Guyon all this while his book did read, 2 Nor yet has ended: for it was a great 3 And ample volume, that does far exceed 4 My leisure, so long leaves here to repeat:
so > such leaves > pages repeat > reproduce
5 It told, how first Prometheus did create
Prometheus > (Whose name means "Forethought": he stole fire from heaven in a hollow tube, and taught mortals how to use it. In one legend, he is said to have created man out of earth and water, and to have bestowed on him a portion of the characteristics possessed by all the other animals. See _Odes_ I 16.13-16, _Met._ 1.82)
6 A man, of many parts from beasts derived, 7 And then stole fire from heaven, to animate 8 His work, for which he was by Jove deprived 9 Of life himself, and heartstrings of an eagle rived.
heartstrings > {Tendons or nerves supporting the heart; in citing the heart rather than the liver, Spenser follows Cooper (1565)} of > by rived > torn (perpetually: as part of his punishment, Prometheus was chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus, where each day an eagle consumed his liver, which was then restored overnight. The eagle was eventually killed, and Prometheus rescued, by Hercules)
210.71
That man so made, he called _Elfe_, to weet 2 Quick, the first authour of all Elfin kind: Who wandring through the world with wearie feet, 4 Did in the gardins of _Adonis_ find A goodly creature, whom he deemd in mind 6 To be no earthly wight, but either Spright, Or Angell, th'authour of all woman kind; 8 Therefore a _Fay_ he her according hight, Of whom all _Faeryes_ spring, and fetch their lignage right.
1 That man so made, he called Elf, to wit 2 Quick, the first author of all Elfin kind:
Quick > Alive (the derivation is the poet's) author > ancestor, forefather
3 Who, wandering through the world with weary feet, 4 Did in the Gardens of Adonis find
Gardens of Adonis > (See 306.29 ff.)
5 A goodly creature, whom he deemed in mind
goodly > beautiful
6 To be no earthly wight, but either sprite
wight > mortal, woman
7 Or angel, the author of all womankind; 8 Therefore a fay he her according hight,
fay > fairy according hight > accordingly called
9 Of whom all Faeries spring, and fetch their lineage right.
Of > From fetch > derive right > directly; in a straight line; correctly
210.72
Of these a mightie people shortly grew, 2 And puissaunt kings, which all the world warrayd, And to them selues all Nations did subdew: 4 The first and eldest, which that scepter swayd, Was _Elfin_; him all _India_ obayd, 6 And all that now _America_ men call: Next him was noble _Elfinan_, who layd 8 _Cleopolis_ foundation first of all: But _Elfiline_ enclosd it with a golden wall.
1 Of these a mighty people shortly grew,
Of > From
2 And puissant kings, which all the world warrayed,
puissant > powerful warrayed > ravaged by war
3 And to themselves all nations did subdue: 4 The first and eldest which that sceptre swayed
eldest > earliest, most ancient swayed > wielded; brandished
5 Was Elfin; him all India obeyed, 6 And all that now America men call: 7 Next him was noble Elfinan, who laid
Next > After, immediately after (chronologically or in importance)
8 Cleopolis' foundation first of all:
Cleopolis > "City of Glorious Fame" (Greek; allegorically, London)
9 But Elfiline enclosed it with a golden wall.
210.73
His sonne was _Elfinell_, who ouercame 2 The wicked _Gobbelines_ in bloudy field: But _Elfant_ was of most renowmed fame, 4 Who all of Christall did _Panthea_ build: Then _Elfar_, who two brethren gyants kild, 6 The one of which had two heads, th'other three: Then _Elfinor_, who was in Magick skild; 8 He built by art vpon the glassy See A bridge of bras, whose sound heauens thunder seem'd to +bee.+
9 bee. > bee _1596_
1 His son was Elfinell, who overcame 2 The wicked Gobbelines in bloody field:
Gobbelines > (See _SC_, gloss to "June") field > battle, field of battle
3 But Elfant was of most renowned fame, 4 Who all of crystal did Panthea build:
Panthea > "All Sights", "Totality of Visions" (Greek, meaning "Nonesuch", "Nonpareil". Possibly identifiable as Westminster Abbey or the Queen's Palace of Richmond)
5 Then Elfar, who two brethren giants killed, 6 One of which had two heads, the other three: 7 Then Elfinor, who was in magic skilled; 8 He built by art upon the glassy sea
glassy sea > [River Thames]
9 A bridge of brass, whose sound heaven's thunder seemed to be.
whose sound > (?The sound of the river; or: ?the sound of hoofs passing over the bridge. The allegory is unclear)
210.74
He left three sonnes, the which in order raynd, 2 And all their Ofspring, in their dew descents, Euen seuen hundred Princes, which maintaynd 4 With mightie deedes their sundry gouernments; That were too long their infinite contents 6 Here to record, ne much materiall: Yet should they be most famous moniments, 8 And braue ensample, both of martiall, And ciuill rule to kings and states imperiall.
1 He left three sons, who in order reigned, 2 And all their offspring, in their due descents, 3 Even seven hundred princes, who maintained
maintained > defended, upheld
4 With mighty deeds their sundry governments;
sundry > various
5 That were too long, their infinite contents 6 Here to record, nor much material:
material > of consequence, important
7 Yet should they be most famous monuments 8 And brave example, both of martial
brave > splendid example > example; model
9 And civil rule, to kings and states imperial.
210.75
After all these _Elficleos_ did rayne, 2 The wise _Elficleos_ in great Maiestie, Who mightily that scepter did sustayne, 4 And with rich spoiles and famous victorie, Did high aduaunce the crowne of _Faery_: 6 He left two sonnes, of which faire _Elferon_ The eldest brother did vntimely dy; 8 Whose emptie place the mightie _Oberon_ Doubly supplide, in spousall, and dominion.
1 After all these Elficleos did reign, 2 The wise Elficleos in great majesty, 3 Who mightily that sceptre did sustain, 4 And with rich spoils and famous victory, 5 Did high advance the crown of Faery:
crown > rule
6 He left two sons, of which fair Elferon 7 (The elder brother) did untimely die; 8 Whose empty place the mighty Oberon
Oberon > (He first appears in the 13th-century romance _Huon de Bordeaux_, and later in _A Midsummer-night's Dream_. As the reputed son of Julius Caesar and Morgan le Fay, King Oberon provides the link between the classical world and Arthur's line. Elizabeth's conflation with Gloriana is thus rendered complete)
9 Doubly supplied, in spousal and dominion.
supplied > filled spousal > espousal, wedlock
210.76
Great was his power and glorie ouer all, 2 Which him before, that sacred seate did fill, That yet remaines his wide memoriall: 4 He dying left the fairest _Tanaquill_, Him to succeede therein, by his last will: 6 Fairer and nobler liueth none this howre, Ne like in grace, ne like in learned skill; 8 Therefore they _Glorian_ call that glorious flowre, Long mayst thou _Glorian_ liue, in glory and great powre.
1 Great was his power and glory over all
over > [compared with; superior to]
2 Who him before that sacred seat did fill,
him before > [before him] sacred > {An epithet of royalty; also, here, specifically because Oberon's lineage could be traced back to a supernatural being; cf. 210.36:1}
3 That yet remains his wide memorial: 4 He, dying, left the fairest Tanaquil
Tanaquil > (Historically, Caia Tanaquil, wife of Tarquinius Priscus, 5th King of Rome (- 577 BC); an exemplary queen, taken as the type for Gloriana as the Faery Queen. Hence, allegorically: Elizabeth, so that Oberon becomes identifiable with Henry VIII and Elficleos with Henry VII)
5 Him to succeed therein, by his last will: 6 Fairer and nobler lives none this hour, 7 Neither like in grace, nor like in learned skill;
like > comparable
8 Therefore they Gloriana call that glorious flower, 9 Long may you, Gloriana, live, in glory and great power.
210.77
Beguild thus with delight of nouelties, 2 And naturall desire of countreys state, So long they red in those antiquities, 4 That how the time was fled, they quite forgate, Till +gentle+ _Alma_ seeing it so late, 6 Perforce their studies broke, and them besought To thinke, how supper did them long awaite. 8 So halfe vnwilling from their bookes them brought, And fairely feasted, as so +noble+ knights she ought.
5 gentle > geutle _1596_ 9 noble > nobles _1596_
1 Beguiled thus with delight of novelties, 2 And natural desire of countries' state,
desire of > ?desire to learn of; ?interest in
3 So long they read in those antiquities,
antiquities > ancient records
4 That how the time was fled, they quite forgot, 5 Till gentle Alma, seeing it so late,
gentle > noble; gentle
6 Perforce their studies broke, and them besought
Perforce > Forcibly
7 To think how supper did them long await. 8 So, half unwilling, from their books them brought,
them > [she them]
9 And fairly feasted, as so noble knights she ought.
fairly > courteously; well, becomingly so > such ought > ought [to have done]; owed