Chapter 68

_Prince Arthur heares of Florimell: 2 three fosters Timias wound, Belphebe finds him almost dead, 4 and reareth out of +sownd+._

4 _sownd_ > _swound 1609; _sownd_ is not a misprint, but an alternative spelling of _swowne, swoune_ etc. Cf. 601.34:2_

1 Prince Arthur hears of Florimell: 2 three fosters Timias wound,

fosters > foresters

3 Belphoebe finds him almost dead, 4 and rears out of sound.

sound > swoon

305.1

WOnder it is to see, in diuerse minds, 2 How diuersly loue doth his pageants play, And shewes his powre in variable kinds: 4 The baser wit, whose idle thoughts alway Are wont to cleaue vnto the lowly clay, 6 It stirreth vp to sensuall desire, And in lewd slouth to wast his carelesse day: 8 But in braue sprite it kindles goodly fire, That to all high desert and honour doth aspire.

1 Wonder it is to see, in diverse minds,

Wonder > [A] marvel

2 How diversely love does his pageants play, 3 And shows his power in variable kinds:

variable > differing, diverse kinds > natures; kinds, sorts, fashions

4 The baser wit (whose idle thoughts alway

wit > mind, intelligence alway > always

5 Are wont to cleave to the lowly clay)

wont > accustomed clay > [flesh, after _Gen._ 2.7]

6 It stirs up to sensual desire, 7 And in lewd sloth to waste his careless day: 8 But in brave spirit it kindles goodly fire,

brave > splendid, fine

9 That to all high desert and honour does aspire.

desert > merit, reward

305.2

Ne suffereth it vncomely idlenesse, 2 In his free thought to build her sluggish nest: Ne suffereth it thought of vngentlenesse, 4 Euer to creepe into his noble brest, But to the highest and the worthiest 6 Lifteth it vp, that else would lowly fall: It lets not fall, it lets it not to rest: 8 It lets not scarse this Prince to +breath+ at all, But to his first poursuit him forward still doth call.

8 breath > breathe _1609_

1 Nor suffers it uncomely idleness

suffers it > [does love permit]

2 In his free thought to build her sluggish nest:

his > [the brave spirit's]

3 Nor suffers it thought of ungentleness

ungentleness > discourtesy; ignobility

4 Ever to creep into his noble breast, 5 But to the highest and the worthiest 6 Lifts it up, that else would lowly fall:

it > [his free thought] else > otherwise

7 It lets not fall, it lets it not to rest: 8 It lets not scarce this prince to breathe at all,

scarce this prince > [this prince scarcely]

9 But to his first pursuit him forward still does call.

305.3

Who long time wandred through the forrest wyde, 2 To finde some issue thence, till +that at+ last He met a Dwarfe, that seemed terrifyde 4 With some late perill, which he hardly past, Or other accident, which him aghast; 6 Of whom he asked, whence he lately came, And whither now he trauelled so fast: 8 For sore he swat, and running through that same Thicke forest, was bescratcht, and both his feet nigh lame.

2 that at > at the _1609_

1 Who long time wandered through the forest wide, 2 To find some issue thence, till at last

issue > way out

3 He met a dwarf, that seemed terrified 4 With some late peril which he hardly passed,

With > By late > recent hardly > with difficulty [had]

5 Or other accident which him agast;

accident > event; disaster agast > [had] terrified (esp. with superstitious fear)

6 Of whom he asked, whence he lately came, 7 And whither now he travelled so fast: 8 For sore he sweat, and running through that same

sweat > sweated

9 Thick forest, was bescratched, and both his feet nigh lame.

bescratched > scratched all over (the prefix is also an intensive) nigh > [were nigh]

305.4

Panting for breath, and almost out of hart, 2 The Dwarfe him answerd, Sir, ill mote I stay To tell the same. I lately did depart 4 From Faery court, where I haue many a day Serued a gentle Lady of great sway, 6 And high +accompt+ though out all Elfin land, Who lately left the same, and tooke this way: 8 Her now I seeke, and if ye vnderstand Which way she fared hath, good Sir tell out of hand.

6 accompt > account _1609_

1 Panting for breath, and almost out of heart,

heart > mind; courage

2 The dwarf him answered, "Sir, ill might I stay 3 To tell the same. I lately did depart 4 From Faery court, where I have many a day 5 Served a gentle lady of great sway,

gentle > noble; generous, courteous sway > influence

6 And high account throughout all Elfin land,

account > importance

7 Who lately left the same, and took this way: 8 Her now I seek, and if you understand

understand > know

9 Which way she fared has, good sir, tell out of hand."

out of hand > straight away

305.5

What mister wight (said he) and how arayd? 2 Royally clad (quoth he) in cloth of gold, As meetest may beseeme a noble mayd; 4 Her faire lockes in rich circlet be enrold, +A+ fairer wight did neuer Sunne behold, 6 And on a Palfrey rides more white then snow, Yet she her selfe is whiter manifold: 8 The surest signe, whereby ye may her know, Is, that she is the fairest wight aliue, I trow.

5 A > And _1596, 1609_

1 "What mister wight," said he, "and how arrayed?"

mister wight > sort of person (mister = occupation; hence: class, sort) arrayed > attired

2 "Royally clad," quoth he, "in cloth of gold, 3 As meetest may beseem a noble maid;

meetest > most fittingly beseem > suit

4 Her fair locks in rich circlet be enrolled:

rich > [a rich] circlet > (Two meanings are possible. Either Florimell's hair is coiled in a circle, or she wears a golden or jewelled circlet in which her hair is coiled) be > are

5 A fairer wight did never sun behold,

wight > creature, woman sun > [the sun: indifferently the subject or object of "behold"]

6 And on a palfrey rides more white than snow,

palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies}

7 Yet she herself is whiter manifold:

manifold > many times over

8 The surest sign whereby you may her know 9 Is that she is the fairest wight alive, I trow."

trow > am of the opinion, think, believe (assertively)

305.6

Now certes swaine (said he) such one I weene, 2 Fast flying through this forest from her fo, A foule ill fauoured foster, I haue seene; 4 Her selfe, well as I might, I reskewd tho, But could not stay; so fast she did foregoe, 6 Carried away with wings of speedy feare. Ah dearest God (quoth he) that is great woe, 8 And wondrous ruth to all, that shall it heare. But can ye read Sir, how I may her find, or +where?+

9 where? > where. _1590, 1596_

1 "Now certes, swain," said he, "such one, I ween,

certes > assuredly swain > young man ween > believe, think

2 Fast flying through this forest from her foe

flying > fleeing

3 (A foul ill-favoured foster) I have seen;

ill-favoured foster > ugly forester

4 Herself, well as I might, I rescued tho,

tho > then [when I saw her]

5 But could not stay; so fast she did forego,

stay > detain forego > go before [me]

6 Carried away with wings of speedy fear." 7 "Ah dearest God," quoth he, "that is great woe, 8 And wondrous ruth to all that shall it hear.

ruth > sorrow, calamity; occasion for regret

9 But can you read, sir, how I may her find, or where?"

read > declare

305.7

Perdy me leuer were to weeten that, 2 (Said he) then ransome of the richest knight, Or all the good that euer yet I gat: 4 But froward fortune, and too forward Night Such happinesse did, maulgre, to me spight, 6 And fro me reft both life and light attone. But Dwarfe aread, what is that Lady bright, 8 That through this forest wandreth thus alone; For of her errour straunge I haue great ruth and mone.

1 "Pardie me liefer were to weet that,"

Pardie > Truly; "by God" me liefer > dearer to me weet > know

2 Said he, "than ransom of the richest knight, 3 Or all the good that ever yet I got:

good > property, money

4 But froward fortune, and too forward Night

froward > perverse; adverse; evilly disposed Night > (Nox: see 304.55 ff.)

5 Such happiness did, maugre, to me spite,

maugre > _here, something like:_ worst luck (this word is used by Spenser more or less catachr. as a general imprecation or indication of ill-will) spite > begrudge

6 And from me reft both life and light at one.

reft > took away at one > together (SUS)

7 But, dwarf, aread, what is that lady bright,

aread > declare, make known bright > beautiful

8 That through this forest wanders thus alone; 9 For of her error strange I have great ruth and moan."

error > wandering strange > {Foreign, in unknown regions} ruth > pity, sorrow moan > grief, state of grief

305.8

That Lady is (quoth he) where so she bee, 2 The bountiest virgin, and most debonaire, That euer liuing eye I weene did see; 4 Liues none this day, that may with her compare In stedfast chastitie and vertue rare, 6 The goodly ornaments of beautie bright; And is ycleped _Florimell_ the faire, 8 Faire _Florimell_ belou'd +of many+ a knight, Yet she loues none but one, that _Marinell_ is hight.

8 of many > of a many _1596_

1 "That lady is," quoth he, "whereso she be,

whereso > wherever

2 The bountiest virgin, and most debonair,

bountiest > ?most virtuous, most worthy (this word is not in _OED_) debonair > gentle, meek; gracious; courteous; affable

3 That ever living eye I ween did see;

ween > think

4 Lives none this day that may with her compare 5 In steadfast chastity and virtue rare, 6 The goodly ornaments of beauty bright; 7 And is cleped Florimell the fair,

cleped > called

8 Fair Florimell, beloved of many a knight, 9 Yet she loves none but one, that Marinell is hight.

hight > named

305.9

A Sea-nymphes sonne, that _Marinell_ is hight, 2 Of my deare Dame is loued dearely well; In other none, but him, she sets delight, 4 All her delight is set on _Marinell_; But he sets nought at all by _Florimell_: 6 For Ladies loue his mother long ygoe Did him, they say, forwarne through sacred spell. 8 But fame now flies, that of a forreine foe He is yslaine, which is the ground of all our woe.

1 "A sea-nymph's son, that Marinell is hight,

sea-nymph > (See 304.19:3 ff.) hight > called

2 Of my dear dame is loved dearly well;

Of > By dame > lady

3 In other none, but him she sets delight,

In other none, but him > [In no one else but him]

4 All her delight is set on Marinell; 5 But he sets naught at all by Florimell: 6 For ladies' love his mother long ago 7 Did him, they say, forewarn through sacred spell.

forewarn > ?give warning of (see 304.25-6; this use is not in _OED_) sacred > {Holy by association with a god (i.e. Proteus); also: accursed, after Latin _sacer_} spell > discourse, talk; _hence:_ prophecy

8 But fame now flies that of a foreign foe

fame > report, rumour (Latin _fama_) of > by

9 He is slain, which is the ground of all our woe.

ground > basis, cause

305.10

Fiue dayes there be, since he (they say) was slaine, 2 And foure, since _Florimell_ the Court for-went, And vowed neuer to returne againe, 4 Till him aliue or dead she did inuent. Therefore, faire Sir, for loue of knighthood gent, 6 And honour of trew Ladies, if ye may By your good counsell, or bold hardiment, 8 Or succour her, or me direct the way; Do one, or other good, I you most humbly pray.

1 "Five days there be, since he (they say) was slain, 2 And four, since Florimell the court forwent,

forwent > forsook, left (but cf. 301.15-16, which precedes Marinell's encounter with Britomart; 308.46 agrees with the dwarf's version)

3 And vowed never to return again 4 Till him alive or dead she did invent.

invent > find

5 Therefore, fair sir, for love of knighthood gent,

gent > high-born, noble

6 And honour of true ladies, if you may 7 By your good counsel, or bold hardiment,

hardiment > hardihood, audacity

8 Or succour her, or me direct the way;

Or > Either me > [to me]

9 Do one, or other good, I you most humbly pray.

good > [good deed] pray > implore

305.11

So may +you+ gaine to you full great renowme, 2 Of all good Ladies through the world so wide, And haply in her hart find highest rowme, 4 Of whom ye seeke to be most magnifide: At least eternall meede shall you abide. 6 To whom the Prince; Dwarfe, comfort to thee take, For till thou tidings learne, what her betide, 8 I here auow thee neuer to forsake. Ill weares he armes, that nill them vse for Ladies sake.

1 you > ye _1590_

1 "So may you gain to you full great renown,

So > Thus full > very, exceedingly

2 Of all good ladies through the world so wide, 3 And haply in her heart find highest room,

haply > perhaps room > place

4 Of whom you seek to be most magnified:

Of > By magnified > praised; _hence:_ highly regarded

5 At least eternal meed shall you abide."

eternal > [heavenly] meed > reward abide > await, remain

6 To whom the Prince: "Dwarf, comfort to you take, 7 For till you tidings learn what her betide,

betide > befell

8 I here avow you never to forsake.

avow > take a vow

9 Ill wears he arms, that nill them use for ladies' sake."

Ill > Badly, evilly nill > will not

305.12

So with the Dwarfe he backe return'd againe, 2 To seeke his Lady, where he mote her find; But by the way he greatly gan complaine 4 The want of his good Squire late left behind, For whom he wondrous pensiue grew in mind, 6 For +doubt+ of daunger, which mote him betide; For him he loued aboue all mankind, 8 Hauing him trew and +faithfull+ euer tride, And bold, as euer Squire that waited by knights side.

6 doubt > douht _1596_ 8 faithfull > faithfall _1596_

1 So with the dwarf he back returned again, 2 To seek his lady, where he might her find;

where > wherever

3 But by the way he greatly gan complain

by > on gan complain > did lament

4 The want of his good squire late left behind,

want > lack squire > attendant; knight's attendant late > recently

5 For whom he wondrous pensive grew in mind,

pensive > anxious

6 For doubt of danger which might him betide;

doubt > fear betide > befall

7 For him he loved above all mankind, 8 Having him true and faithful ever tried,

tried > proved

9 And bold, as ever squire that waited by knight's side.

waited > attended; kept watch

305.13

Who all this while full hardly was assayd 2 Of deadly daunger, which to him betid; For whiles his Lord pursewd that noble Mayd, 4 After that foster fowle he fiercely rid, To bene auenged of the shame, he did 6 To that faire Damzell: Him he chaced long Through the thicke woods, wherein he would haue hid 8 His shamefull head from his auengement +strong,+ And oft him threatned death for his outrageous wrong.

8 strong, > strong. _1596_

1 Who all this while full hardly was assayed

full hardly > very severely assayed > assailed

2 Of deadly danger, which to him betide;

Of > By to him betide > befell him

3 For while his lord pursued that noble maid, 4 After that foster foul he fiercely rode, 5 To be avenged of the shame he did

shame > dishonour

6 To that fair damsel: him he chased long 7 Through the thick woods, wherein he would have hidden 8 His shameful head from his avengement strong,

avengement > vengeance

9 And oft him threatened death for his outrageous wrong.

threatened > [threatened with]

305.14

Nathlesse the villen sped himselfe so well, 2 Whether through swiftnesse of his speedy +beast;+ Or knowledge of those woods, where he did dwell, 4 That shortly he from daunger was releast, And out of sight escaped at the least; 6 Yet not escaped from the dew reward Of his bad deeds, which dayly he increast, 8 Ne ceased not, till him oppressed hard The heauy plague, that for such leachours is prepard.

2 beast; > beast, _1609_

1 Natheless the villein sped himself so well

Natheless > Nevertheless villein > villain; serf (if the legalistic meaning of "swain" is not intended at 304.49:2)

2 (Whether through swiftness of his speedy beast 3 Or knowledge of those woods where he did dwell) 4 That shortly he from danger was released, 5 And out of sight escaped at the least;

at the least > at any rate, at all events; _some editors gloss this as_ at the last, at last_: cf. 305.37:9, 305.43:8_

6 Yet not escaped from the due reward 7 Of his bad deeds, which daily he increased, 8 Nor ceased not, till him oppressed hard

oppressed > took by surprise; overwhelmed

9 The heavy plague that for such lechers is prepared.

heavy > grievous plague > blow, stroke (see 305.23; also, noted by Hamilton (1980), possibly a reference to venereal disease)

305.15

For soone as he was vanisht out of sight, 2 His coward courage gan emboldned bee, And cast t'auenge him of that fowle despight, 4 Which he had borne of his bold enimee. Tho to his brethren came: for they were three 6 Vngratious children of one gracelesse sire, And vnto them complained, how that he 8 Had vsed bene of that foolehardy Squire; So them with bitter words he stird to bloudy ire.

1 For, soon as he was vanished out of sight,

soon > [as soon]

2 His coward courage began emboldened be,

courage > heart, spirit be > [to be]

3 And cast to avenge him of that foul despite

cast > [he] resolved despite > {Outrage, act of defiance}

4 Which he had borne of his bold enemy.

of > from

5 Tho to his brethren came: for they were three

Tho > Then brethren > brothers

6 Ungracious children of one graceless sire,

Ungracious > {Lacking in heavenly grace; ungracious} sire > father

7 And to them complained how he 8 Had used been of that foolhardy squire;

of > by

9 So them with bitter words he stirred to bloody ire.

305.16

Forthwith themselues with their sad instruments 2 Of spoyle and murder they gan arme byliue, And with him forth into the forest went, 4 To wreake the wrath, which he did earst reuiue In their sterne brests, on him which late did driue 6 Their brother to reproch and shamefull flight: For they had vow'd, that neuer he aliue 8 Out of that forest should escape their might; Vile rancour their rude harts had fild with such despight.

1 Forthwith themselves with their sad instruments

sad > grievous (cf. 105.6:5)

2 Of spoil and murder they gan arm belive,

spoil > plunder, spoliation gan > did belive > eagerly, quickly

3 And with him forth into the forest went, 4 To wreak the wrath which he did erst revive

erst > lately revive > bring into existence; _hence:_ kindle

5 In their stern breasts, on him which late did drive

stern > merciless, cruel; fierce him > [Timias] late > recently

6 Their brother to reproach and shameful flight: 7 For they had vowed that never he alive 8 Out of that forest should escape their might;

might > power

9 Vile rancour their rude hearts had fild with such despite.

rude > uncultivated, violent fild > filled; _or:_ filed, defiled (cf. 105.32:2 etc.) despite > malice; rage

305.17

Within that wood there was a couert glade, 2 Foreby a narrow foord, to them well knowne, Through which it was vneath for wight to wade; 4 And now by fortune it was ouerflowne: By that same way they knew that Squire vnknowne 6 Mote algates passe; for thy themselues they set There in await, with thicke woods ouer growne, 8 And all the while their malice they did whet With cruell threats, his passage through the ford to let.

1 Within that wood there was a covert glade, 2 Forby a narrow ford, to them well known,

Forby > Hard by, near

3 Through which it was uneath for wight to wade;

uneath > difficult wight > person, _hence:_ anyone

4 And now by fortune it was overflowed:

overflowed > flooded

5 By that same way they knew that squire unknown 6 Might algates pass; for-thy themselves they set

Might > Must algates > anyhow, by any means; _hence:_ surely for-thy > therefore

7 There in await, with thick woods overgrown,

await > watchfulness; ambush

8 And all the while their malice they did whet 9 With cruel threats, his passage through the ford to let.

let > obstruct, hinder

305.18

It fortuned, as they deuized had, 2 The gentle Squire came ryding that same way, Vnweeting of their wile and treason bad, 4 And through the ford to passen did assay; But that fierce foster, which late fled away, 6 Stoutly forth stepping on the further shore, Him boldly bad his passage there to stay, 8 Till he had made amends, and full restore For all the damage, which he had him doen afore.

1 It fortuned, as they devised had,

devised > conjectured, surmised

2 The gentle squire came riding that same way,

gentle > noble

3 Unweeting of their wile and treason bad,

Unweeting > Ignorant wile > deceitfulness, cunning

4 And through the ford to pass did essay;

essay > try

5 But that fierce foster, which late fled away,

late > recently

6 Stoutly forth stepping on the further shore,

Stoutly > Boldly; proudly

7 Him boldly bade his passage there to stay

stay > check

8 Till he had made amends and full restore

restore > restoration, restitution

9 For all the damage which he had him done afore.

afore > before

305.19

With that at him a quiu'ring dart he threw, 2 With so fell force and villeinous despighte, That through his haberieon the forkehead flew, 4 And through the linked mayles empierced quite, But had no powre in his soft flesh to bite: 6 That stroke the hardy Squire did sore displease, But more that him he could not come to smite; 8 For by no meanes the high banke he could sease, But labour'd long in that deepe ford with vaine disease.

1 With that at him a quivering dart he threw, 2 With so fell force and villainous despite,

so > such fell > fierce, terrible despite > malice; rage

3 That through his habergeon the forkhead flew,

habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail} forkhead > barbed head

4 And through the linked mail empierced quite,

empierced > pierced, pierced keenly

5 But had no power in his soft flesh to bite: 6 That stroke the hardy squire did sore displease, 7 But more that him he could not come to smite;

more > [it displeased him more]

8 For by no means the high bank he could seize,

seize > reach, arrive at (an obsolete nautical sense)

9 But laboured long in that deep ford with vain disease.

vain > futile disease > "dis-ease", distress, torment

305.20

And still the foster with his long bore-speare 2 Him kept from landing at his wished will; Anone one sent out of the thicket neare 4 A cruell shaft, headed with deadly ill, And fethered with an vnlucky quill; 6 The wicked steele stayd not, till it did light In his left thigh, and deepely did it thrill: 8 Exceeding griefe that wound in him empight, But more that with his foes he could not come to fight.

1 And still the foster with his long boar-spear

still > continually, ever

2 Him kept from landing at his wished will; 3 Anon one sent out of the thicket near

Anon > Soon (catachr.)

4 A cruel shaft, headed with deadly ill,

shaft > arrow ill > evil; _hence:_ poison

5 And feathered with an unlucky quill;

unlucky > {Mischievous, malicious; causing misfortune}

6 The wicked steel stayed not, till it did light

light > strike, alight

7 In his left thigh, and deeply did it thrill:

thrill > pierce

8 Exceeding grief that wound in him empight,

grief > pain, suffering empight > implanted

9 But more that with his foes he could not come to fight.

305.21

At last through wrath and vengeaunce making way, 2 He on the bancke arriu'd with mickle paine, Where the third brother did him sore assay, 4 And droue at him with all his might and maine A forrest bill, which both his hands did straine; 6 But warily he did auoide the blow, And with his speare requited him againe, 8 That both his sides were thrilled with the throw, And a large streame of bloud out of the wound did flow.

1 At last, through wrath and vengeance making way, 2 He on the bank arrived with mickle pain,

mickle > much, great

3 Where the third brother did him sore assay,

assay > assail

4 And drove at him, with all his might and main,

main > strength, power

5 A forest bill, which both his hands did strain;

bill > {Long-bladed implement used for pruning and cutting wood} strain > clasp

6 But warily he did avoid the blow, 7 And with his spear requited him again,

again > in return (pleonastic, and thus intensive)

8 That both his sides were thrilled with the throw,

That > [So that] thrilled > pierced with the throw > by the stroke

9 And a large stream of blood out of the wound did flow.

305.22

He tombling downe, with gnashing teeth did bite 2 The bitter earth, and bad to let him in Into the balefull house of endlesse night, 4 Where wicked ghosts do waile their former sin. Tho gan the battell freshly to begin; 6 For nathemore for that spectacle bad, Did th'other two their cruell vengeaunce blin, 8 But both attonce on both sides him bestad, And load vpon him layd, his life for to haue had.

1 He, tumbling down, with gnashing teeth did bite 2 The bitter earth, and bade to let him in,

to > [it to]

3 Into the baleful house of endless night,

baleful > deadly, miserable (with possible connotation of hell-fire: cf. 101.16:7)

4 Where wicked ghosts do wail their former sin.

wail > mourn

5 Tho began the battle freshly to begin;

Tho > Then

6 For nathemore for that spectacle bad

nathemore > not at all for > [as a result of]

7 Did the other two their cruel vengeance blin,

blin > leave off

8 But both at once on both sides him bestad,

at once > together; simultaneously bestad > beset (this catachr. use is SUFQ)

9 And load upon him laid, his life for to have had.

305.23

Tho when that villain he auiz'd, which late 2 Affrighted had the fairest _Florimell_, Full of fiers fury, and indignant hate, 4 To him he turned, and with rigour fell Smote him so rudely on the Pannikell, 6 That to the chin he cleft his head in twaine: Downe on the ground his carkas groueling fell; 8 His sinfull soule with desperate disdaine, Out of her fleshly ferme fled to the place of paine.

1 Tho when that villain he advised, which late

Tho > Then advised > saw; _hence:_ recognized late > lately

2 Affrighted had the fairest Florimell,

Affrighted > Terrified

3 Full of fierce fury, and indignant hate, 4 To him he turned, and with rigour fell

rigour fell > terrible violence

5 Smote him so rudely on the pannicle

rudely > violently pannicle > brain-pan (catachr.)

6 That to the chin he cleft his head in twain:

cleft > split twain > two

7 Down on the ground his carcase grovelling fell;

grovelling > face-down

8 His sinful soul, with desperate disdain,

disdain > indignation

9 Out of its fleshly farm fled to the place of pain.

farm > (From French _ferme_. A tract of land rented out for cultivation, hence: temporary abode)

305.24

That seeing now the onely last of three, 2 Who with that wicked shaft him wounded had, Trembling with horrour, as that did foresee 4 The fearefull end of his auengement sad, Through which he follow should his brethren bad, 6 His bootelesse bow in feeble hand vpcaught, And therewith shot an arrow at the lad; 8 Which faintly fluttring, scarce his helmet raught, And glauncing fell to ground, but him annoyed naught.

1 That seeing now, the only last of three,

only > one; solitary

2 Who with that wicked shaft him wounded had,

shaft > arrow

3 Trembling with horror (as that did foresee

as > [as one]

4 The fearful end of his avengement sad,

avengement sad > grievous vengeance

5 Through which he follow should his brethren bad),

brethren > brothers

6 His bootless bow in feeble hand upcaught,

bootless > unavailing

7 And therewith shot an arrow at the lad;

therewith > with that; thereupon

8 Which, faintly fluttering, scarce his helmet raught

raught > reached

9 And, glancing, fell to ground, but him annoyed naught.

annoyed > injured; vexed naught > not at all

305.25

With that he would haue fled into the wood; 2 But _Timias_ him lightly ouerhent, Right as he entring was into the flood, 4 And strooke at him with force so violent, That headlesse him into the foord he sent: 6 The carkas with the streame was carried downe, But th'head fell backeward on the Continent. 8 So mischief fel vpon the meaners crowne; They three be dead with shame, the Squire liues with renowne.

1 With that he would have fled into the wood; 2 But Timias him lightly overhent,

lightly overhent > quickly overtook

3 Right as he entering was into the flood,

Right > Just, exactly flood > river; water

4 And struck at him with force so violent, 5 That headless him into the ford he sent: 6 The carcase with the stream was carried down, 7 But the head fell backward on the continent.

continent > {Land, that which contains [the water]; hence: bank, margin}

8 So mischief fell upon the meaners' crown;

mischief > misfortune, disaster meaners' > (Or meaner's: they or he who intended mischief)

9 They three be dead with shame: the squire lives with renown.

be > [are]

305.26

He liues, but takes small ioy of his renowne; 2 For of that cruell wound he bled so sore, That from his steed he fell in deadly swowne; 4 Yet still the bloud forth gusht in so great store, That he lay wallowd all in his owne gore. 6 Now God thee keepe, thou gentlest Squire aliue, Else shall thy louing Lord thee see no more, 8 But both of comfort him thou shalt depriue, And eke thy selfe of honour, which thou didst atchiue.

1 He lives, but takes small joy of his renown; 2 For of that cruel wound he bled so sore 3 That from his steed he fell in deadly swoon;

deadly > death-like; (potentially) fatal

4 Yet still the blood forth gushed, in so great store

so > such

5 That he lay wallowed all in his own gore.

wallowed > prostrate _and hence_ immersed; wallowing

6 Now God you keep, you gentlest squire alive,

keep > preserve gentlest > noblest

7 Else shall your loving lord you see no more,

Else > Otherwise your loving lord > [Arthur]

8 But both of comfort him you shall deprive, 9 And eke yourself of honour, which you did achieve.

eke > also

305.27

Prouidence heauenly passeth liuing thought, 2 And doth for wretched mens reliefe make way; For loe great grace or fortune thither brought 4 Comfort to him, that comfortlesse now lay. In those same woods, ye well remember may, 6 How that a noble hunteresse did wonne, She, that base _Braggadochio_ did affray, 8 And made him fast out of the forrest runne; _Belph{oe}be_ was her name, as faire as _Ph{oe}bus_ sunne.

1 Providence heavenly passes living thought,

Providence heavenly passes > [Heavenly providence surpasses]

2 And does for wretched men's relief make way;

make way > open a passage; remove obstacles

3 For lo great grace, or fortune, thither brought 4 Comfort to him, that comfortless now lay.

comfortless > helpless, desolate

5 In those same woods, you well remember may 6 How a noble huntress did won,

won > dwell

7 She, that base Braggadocchio did affray,

affray > terrify (at 203.34 ff.)

8 And made him fast out of the forest run; 9 Belphoebe was her name, as fair as Phoebus' sun.

305.28

She on a day, as she pursewd the chace 2 Of some wild beast, which with her arrowes keene She wounded had, the same along did trace 4 By tract of bloud, which she had freshly seene, To haue besprinckled all the grassy greene; 6 By the great persue, which she there perceau'd, Well hoped she the beast engor'd had beene, 8 And made more hast, the life to haue bereau'd: But ah, her expectation greatly was deceau'd.

1 She on a day, as she pursued the chase 2 Of some wild beast, which with her arrows keen

keen > sharp

3 She wounded had, the same along did trace

along > continuously; in a line

4 By tract of blood, which she had freshly seen

tract > track, trace

5 To have besprinkled all the grassy green;

besprinkled > {Sprinkled all over; the prefix is an intensive}

6 By the great persue, which she there perceived,

persue > trail of blood

7 Well hoped she the beast engored had been,

engored > wounded deeply

8 And made more haste, the life to have bereaved:

the life to have bereaved > to have taken the life away [to have dispatched the wounded beast]

9 But ah, her expectation greatly was deceived.

deceived > proved false

305.29

Shortly she came, whereas that woefull Squire 2 With bloud deformed, lay in deadly swownd: In whose faire eyes, like lamps of quenched fire, 4 The Christall humour stood congealed rownd; His locks, like faded leaues fallen to grownd, 6 Knotted with bloud, in bounches rudely ran, And his sweete lips, on which before that stownd 8 The bud of youth to blossome faire began, Spoild of their rosie red, were woxen pale and wan.

1 Shortly she came where that woeful squire, 2 With blood deformed, lay in deadly swoon:

deformed > disfigured (cf. 106.45:6) deadly > death-like; (potentially) fatal

3 In whose fair eyes, like lamps of quenched fire, 4 The crystal humour stood congealed round;

humour > moisture, fluid

5 His locks, like faded leaves fallen to ground, 6 Knotted with blood, in bunches rudely ran,

rudely > roughly, crudely ran > [flowed, were arranged]

7 And his sweet lips, on which before that stound

stound > {Time of trial or pain; chiefly in northern dialect}

8 The bud of youth to blossom fair began,

fair > fairly, becomingly

9 Spoiled of their rosy red, were waxed pale and wan.

Spoiled > Stripped, deprived waxed > grown

305.30

Saw neuer liuing eye more heauy sight, 2 That could haue made a rocke of stone to rew, Or riue in twaine: which when that Lady bright 4 Besides all hope with melting eyes did vew, All suddeinly abasht she chaunged hew, 6 And with sterne horrour backward gan to start: But when she +better+ him beheld, she grew 8 Full of soft passion and vnwonted smart: The point of pitty perced through her tender hart.

7 better > bitter _1590_

1 Saw never living eye more heavy sight,

heavy > distressing; grievous

2 That could have made a rock of stone to rue,

rue > {Regard with pity or compassion}

3 Or rive in twain: which when that lady bright,

rive > split twain > two bright > beautiful

4 Beside all hope, with melting eyes did view,

Beside > Past

5 All suddenly abashed, she changed hue,

hue > colour; _also:_ appearance, _hence:_ expression

6 And with stern horror backwards began to start:

stern > grim

7 But when she better him beheld, she grew 8 Full of soft passion and unwonted smart:

unwonted smart > unaccustomed pain

9 The point of pity pierced through her tender heart.

305.31

Meekely she bowed downe, to weete if life 2 Yet in his frosen members did remaine, And feeling by his pulses beating rife, 4 That the weake soule her seat did yet retaine, She cast to comfort him with busie paine: 6 His double folded necke she reard vpright, And rubd his temples, and each trembling vaine; 8 His mayled haberieon she did vndight, And from his head his heauy burganet did +light.+

9 light. > light, _1596_

1 Meekly she bowed down, to weet if life

weet > find out

2 Yet in his frozen members did remain, 3 And feeling by his pulse's beating rife

rife > manifoldly; copiously; _hence:_ strongly

4 That the weak soul its seat did yet retain, 5 She cast to comfort him with busy pain:

cast > set to, started, decisively started busy pain > solicitous efforts

6 His double folded neck she reared upright, 7 And rubbed his temples, and each trembling vein; 8 His mailed habergeon she did undight,

habergeon > {Sleeveless coat of chain-mail} undight > undress; _hence:_ remove

9 And from his head his heavy burgonet did light.

burgonet > {Helmet with a visor; steep cap. Cf. _Muiopotmos_ 73, 208.45:3} light > unload, relieve of [its] weight; _hence:_ remove

305.32

Into the woods thenceforth in hast she went, 2 To seeke for hearbes, that mote him remedy; For she of hearbes had great intendiment, 4 Taught of the Nymphe, which from her infancy Her +nourced+ had in trew Nobility: 6 There, whether it diuine _Tobacco_ were, Or _Panach{ae}a_, or _Polygony_, 8 She found, and brought it to her patient deare Who al this while lay bleeding out his hart-bloud neare.

5 nourced > nursed _1609_

1 Into the woods thenceforth in haste she went, 2 To seek for herbs that might him remedy;

remedy > heal, cure

3 For she of herbs had great intendment,

intendment > understanding

4 Taught of the nymph which from her infancy

of > by nymph > (Nymphs are the minor female divinities with whom the Greeks peopled all parts of nature: the seas, springs, rivers, grottoes, trees, mountains)

5 Her nursed had in true nobility: 6 There, whether it divine tobacco were,

tobacco > (Introduced to Europe in 1584 by Spenser's friend, Raleigh; "diuine" because it was held to have magical properties)

7 Or panace, or polygony,

panace > (A fabulous herb, said to be a cure-all; Spenser uses an alternative spelling, "panacea", which has a different derivation) polygony > (_Polygonum_ sp., esp. snake-root, _P. bistorta_, whose powdered root, when directly applied to a wound, will stop the bleeding)

8 She found, and brought it to her patient dear,

dear > dear; grievous

9 Who all this while lay bleeding out his heart-blood near.

near > almost (he is all but bleeding to death)

305.33

The soueraigne weede betwixt two marbles plaine 2 She pownded small, and did in peeces bruze, And then atweene her lilly handes twaine, 4 Into his wound the iuyce thereof did scruze, And round about, as she could well it vze, 6 The flesh therewith she suppled and did steepe, T'abate all spasme, and soke the swelling bruze, 8 And after hauing searcht the intuse deepe, She with her scarfe did bind the wound from cold to keepe.

1 The sovereign weed betwixt two marbles plain

sovereign > supremely efficacious marbles plain > [smooth slabs of marble]

2 She pounded small, and did in pieces bruise,

bruise > crush, grind down

3 And then, atween her lily hands twain,

atween > between lily hands > (Cf. Liagore at 304.41:1, who is also versed in "leaches craft") twain > two

4 Into his wound the juice thereof did scruze,

scruze > squeeze

5 And round about, as she could well it use,

as she could well it use > [as well as she could]

6 The flesh therewith she suppled and did steep,

therewith > with that suppled > softened, mollified

7 To abate all spasm, and soak the swelling bruise; 8 And, after having searched the intuse deep,

searched > examined, probed intuse > interior [of the wound: from Latin adv. _intus_, within, into, into the inside]; _or:_ bruise, contusion (from Latin _intundere_, to bruise; this meaning is given in _OED_ and by other editors but makes less contextual sense)

9 She with her scarf did bind the wound from cold to keep.

305.34

By this he had sweet life recur'd againe, 2 And groning inly deepe, at last his eyes, His watry eyes, drizling like deawy raine, 4 He vp gan lift toward the azure skies, From whence descend all hopelesse remedies: 6 Therewith he sigh'd, and turning him aside, The goodly Mayd full of diuinities, 8 And gifts of heauenly grace he by him spide, Her bow and gilden quiuer lying him beside.

1 By this he had sweet life recured again,

By this > By this time recured > recovered

2 And groaning inly deep, at last his eyes,

inly > inwardly

3 His watery eyes, drizzling like dewy rain, 4 He up gan lift toward the azure skies,

gan > did

5 From whence descend all hopeless remedies:

hopeless > unexpected; despaired of

6 Therewith he sighed, and turning him aside,

Therewith > With that, thereupon him > [himself]

7 The goodly maid, full of divinities

goodly > beautiful divinities > divine qualities

8 And gifts of heavenly grace, he by him spied, 9 Her bow and gilden quiver lying him beside.

gilden > golden; gilded him beside > [beside him]

305.35

Mercy deare Lord (said he) what grace is this, 2 That thou hast shewed to me sinfull wight, To send thine Angell from her bowre of blis, 4 To comfort me in my distressed plight? Angell, or Goddesse do I call thee right? 6 What seruice may I do vnto thee meete, That hast from darkenesse me returnd to light, 8 And with thy heauenly salues and med'cines sweete, Hast drest my sinfull wounds? I kisse thy blessed feete.

1 "Mercy, dear Lord," said he, "what grace is this 2 That You have showed to me, sinful wight,

wight > creature, man

3 To send Your angel from her bower of bliss,

bower > abode, dwelling (this allusion to the Bower of the Bliss is not accidental: see 305.39-40, and cf. 205.30-1, 212.58 ff.)

4 To comfort me in my distressed plight? 5 Angel, or goddess, do I call you right? 6 What service may I do to you meet,

meet > fitting, suitable; suitably

7 That have from darkness me returned to light, 8 And with your heavenly salves and medicines sweet, 9 Have dressed my sinful wounds? I kiss your blessed feet."

305.36

Thereat she blushing said, Ah gentle Squire, 2 Nor Goddesse I, nor Angell, but the Mayd, And daughter of a woody Nymphe, desire 4 No seruice, but thy safety and ayd; Which if thou gaine, I shalbe well apayd. 6 We mortall wights, whose liues and fortunes bee To commun accidents still open layd, 8 Are bound with commun bond of frailtee, To succour wretched wights, whom we captiued see.

1 Thereat she, blushing, said, "Ah, gentle squire,

Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that gentle > noble

2 Nor goddess, I, nor angel, but the maid

Nor > Neither

3 And daughter of a woody nymph, desire

daughter > girl, _hence:_ ward (her mother is Chrysogone; see 306.4, 306.28) woody > silvan, forest-dwelling (i.e. the nymph is a dryad)

4 No service but your safety and aid; 5 Which if you gain, I shall be well apaid.

apaid > pleased, satisfied; repaid

6 We mortal wights, whose lives and fortunes be

wights > people

7 To common accidents still open laid,

common > ordinary still > ever, continually

8 Are bound with common bond of frailty, 9 To succour wretched wights, whom we captived see.

captived > taken captive (in this case by injury)

305.37

By this her Damzels, which the former chace 2 Had +vndertaken+ after +her,+ arriu'd, As +did+ _Belph{oe}be_, in the bloudy place, 4 And thereby deemd the beast had bene depriu'd Of life, whom late their Ladies arrow ryu'd: 6 For thy the bloudy tract they +followd+ fast, And euery one to runne the swiftest stryu'd; 8 But two of them the rest far ouerpast, And where their Lady was, arriued at the last.

2 vndertaken > vndertaken, _1609_ 2 her, > her _1596, 1609_ 3 did > had _conj. Collier_ 6 followd > follow _1596, 1609_

1 By this her damsels (who the former chase

By this > By this time

2 Had undertaken after her) arrived, 3 As did Belphoebe, in the bloody place, 4 And thereby deemed the beast had been deprived 5 Of life, whom late their lady's arrow rived:

late > lately rived > pierced

6 For-thy the bloody tract they followed fast,

For-thy > For this reason tract > track, trail fast > fast; very closely

7 And everyone to run the swiftest strove; 8 But two of them the rest far overpassed,

overpassed > surpassed

9 And where their lady was, arrived at the last.

at the last > finally

305.38

Where when they saw that goodly boy, with blood 2 Defowled, and their Lady dresse his wownd, They wondred much, and shortly vnderstood, 4 How him in deadly case their Lady fownd, And reskewed out of the heauy stownd. 6 Eftsoones his warlike courser, which was strayd Farre in the woods, whiles that he lay in swownd, 8 She made those Damzels search, which being stayd, They did him set thereon, and +forth with+ them conuayd.

9 forth with > forthwith _1596_

1 Where when they saw that goodly boy with blood

goodly > good-looking

2 Defouled, and their lady dress his wound,

Defouled > Defiled, befouled; defaced

3 They wondered much, and shortly understood

wondered > marvelled

4 How him in deadly case their lady found,

case > condition, plight

5 And rescued out of the heavy stound.

heavy stound > grievous peril

6 Eftsoons his warlike courser, which was strayed

Eftsoons > Presently

7 Far in the woods while he lay in swoon, 8 She made those damsels search; which being stayed,

search > [search for] stayed > detained

9 They did him set thereon, and forth with them conveyed.

305.39

Into that forest farre they thence him led, 2 Where was their dwelling, in a pleasant glade, With mountaines round about enuironed, 4 And mighty woods, which did the valley shade, And like a stately Theatre it made, 6 Spreading it selfe into a spatious plaine. And in the midst a little riuer plaide 8 Emongst the pumy stones, which seemd to plaine With gentle murmure, that his course they did restraine.

1 Into that forest far they thence him led, 2 Where was their dwelling, in a pleasant glade, 3 With mountains round about environed, 4 And mighty woods, which did the valley shade, 5 And like a stately theatre it made, 6 Spreading itself into a spacious plain. 7 And in the midst a little river played 8 Amongst the pumice stones, which seemed to plain,

plain > complain

9 With gentle murmur, that its course they did restrain.

murmur > murmur; grumbling

305.40

Beside the same a dainty place there lay, 2 Planted with mirtle trees and laurels greene, In which the birds song many a louely lay 4 Of gods high prayse, and of their +loues sweet+ teene, As it an earthly Paradize had beene: 6 In whose enclosed shadow there was pight A faire Pauilion, scarcely to be seene, 8 The which was all within most richly dight, That greatest Princes +liuing+ it mote well delight.

4 loues sweet > sweet loues _1590_ 9 liuing > liking _1590_

1 Beside the same a dainty place there lay,

dainty > delightful, pleasing

2 Planted with myrtle trees and laurels green,

myrtle > (The myrtle is held sacred to Venus and was used as an emblem of love; the laurel is sacred to Phoebus Apollo (see 212.52:5): appropriate vegetation for the residence of Belphoebe, on the etymology of whose name see 305.27:9)

3 In which the birds sang many a lovely lay

lay > song

4 Of God's high praise, and of their loves' sweet teen,

praise > praiseworthiness, merit teen > pain

5 As it an earthly paradise had been:

As > [As if]

6 In whose enclosed shadow there was pight

pight > pitched, placed

7 A fair pavilion, scarcely to be seen, 8 Which was all within most richly dight,

dight > arrayed

9 That greatest princes living it might well delight.

That > [So that, such that]

305.41

Thither they brought that wounded Squire, and layd 2 In easie couch his feeble limbes to rest, He rested him a while, and then the Mayd 4 His ready wound with better salues new drest; Dayly she dressed him, and did the best 6 His grieuous hurt to +garish+, that she might, That shortly she his dolour hath redrest, 8 And his foule sore reduced to faire plight: It she reduced, but himselfe destroyed quight.

6 garish > guarish _1590_

1 Thither they brought that wounded squire, and laid 2 In easy couch his feeble limbs to rest.

easy couch > [a] comfortable bed

3 He rested him a while, and then the maid

him > [himself]

4 His ready wound with better salves new dressed;

ready > (Possibly in the sense of "lying directly before" one: he is now better placed to be tended) new > (May be intended to qualify "salues" as well as "drest")

5 Daily she dressed him, and did the best, 6 His grievous hurt to guarish, that she might,

hurt > wound guarish > cure, heal

7 That shortly she his dolour has redressed,

That > [So that] dolour > pain; physical suffering redressed > relieved

8 And his foul sore reduced to fair plight:

fair > tolerable

9 It she reduced, but himself destroyed quite.

305.42

O foolish Physick, and vnfruitfull paine, 2 That heales vp one and makes another wound: She his hurt thigh to him recur'd againe, 4 But hurt his hart, the which before was sound, Through an vnwary dart, which did rebound 6 From her faire eyes and gracious countenaunce. What bootes it him from death to be vnbound, 8 To be captiued in endlesse duraunce Of sorrow and despaire without aleggeaunce?

1 O foolish physic, and unfruitful pain,

pain > effort

2 That heals up one and makes another wound: 3 She his hurt thigh to him recured again,

recured > restored

4 But hurt his heart, which before was sound, 5 Through an unwary dart, which did rebound 6 From her fair eyes and gracious countenance. 7 What boots it him from death to be unbound,

boots > avails

8 To be captived in endless durance

captived > made captive

9 Of sorrow and despair without allegeance?

allegeance > alleviation, relief

305.43

Still as his wound did gather, and grow hole, 2 So still his hart woxe sore, and health decayd: Madnesse to saue a part, and lose the whole. 4 Still whenas he beheld the heauenly Mayd, Whiles dayly plaisters to his wound she layd, 6 So still his Malady the more increast, The whiles her matchlesse beautie him dismayd. 8 Ah God, what other could he do at least, But loue so faire a Lady, that his life releast?

1 Still as his wound did gather, and grow whole,

Still > Ever

2 So still his heart waxed sore, and health decayed:

waxed > grew

3 Madness to save a part, and lose the whole. 4 Still when he beheld the heavenly maid,

Still > Ever, continually

5 While daily plasters to his wound she laid,

laid > applied

6 So still his malady the more increased, 7 The whiles her matchless beauty him dismayed.

The whiles > While; meanwhile dismayed > overwhelmed, defeated

8 Ah God, what other could he do at least,

at least > at all events, at any rate

9 But love so fair a lady, that his life released?

released > [had] delivered, liberated; _hence:_ saved

305.44

Long while he stroue in his courageous brest, 2 With reason dew the passion to subdew, And loue for to dislodge out of his nest: 4 Still when her excellencies he did vew, Her soueraigne bounty, and celestiall hew, 6 The same to loue he strongly was constraind: But when his meane estate he did +reuew+, 8 He from such hardy boldnesse was restraind, And of his lucklesse lot and cruell loue thus plaind.

7 reuew > renew _1596, 1609_

1 Long while he strove in his courageous breast, 2 With reason due the passion to subdue,

due > appropriate, fitting

3 And love to dislodge out of its nest: 4 Still when her excellencies he did view,

Still > Ever excellencies > {Surpassing merits}

5 Her sovereign bounty, and celestial hue,

bounty > virtue, goodness hue > appearance

6 The same to love he strongly was constrained:

The same > [Those qualities]

7 But when his mean estate he did review,

mean > lowly estate > rank, status; condition

8 He from such hardy boldness was restrained, 9 And of his luckless lot and cruel love thus plained:

plained > complained

305.45

Vnthankfull wretch (said he) is this the meed, 2 With which her soueraigne mercy thou doest quight? Thy life she saued by her gracious deed, 4 But thou doest weene with villeinous despight, To blot her honour, and her heauenly light. 6 Dye rather, dye, then so disloyally Deeme of her high desert, or seeme so light: 8 Faire death it is to shonne more shame, to dy: Dye rather, dy, then euer loue disloyally.

1 "Unthankful wretch," said he, "is this the meed

meed > reward

2 With which her sovereign mercy you do quit?

quit > requite

3 Your life she saved by her gracious deed, 4 But you do ween with villainous despite

ween > imagine, think it possible despite > outrage

5 To blot her honour, and her heavenly light. 6 Die rather, die, than so disloyally 7 Deem of her high desert, or seem so light:

Deem > [To] think desert > merit

8 Fair death it is to shun more shame, to die:

to shun more shame, to die > [to die in order to shun more shame]

9 Die rather, die, than ever love disloyally!

305.46

But if to loue disloyalty it bee, 2 Shall I then hate her, that from deathes dore Me brought? ah farre be such reproch fro mee. 4 What can I lesse do, then her loue therefore, Sith I her dew reward cannot restore: 6 Dye rather, dye, and dying do her serue, Dying her serue, and liuing her adore; 8 Thy life she gaue, thy life she doth deserue: Dye rather, dye, then euer from her seruice swerue.

1 "But if to love disloyalty it be, 2 Shall I then hate her, that from death's door 3 Me brought? Ah, far be such reproach from me.

reproach > shame

4 What can I less do, than her love therefore, 5 Sith I her due reward cannot restore?

Sith > Since

6 Die rather, die, and dying do her serve, 7 Dying her serve, and living her adore; 8 Your life she gave, your life she does deserve: 9 Die rather, die, than ever from her service swerve.

305.47

But foolish boy, what bootes thy seruice bace 2 To her, to whom the heauens do serue and sew? Thou a meane Squire, of meeke and lowly place, 4 She heauenly borne, and of celestiall hew. How then? of all loue taketh equall vew: 6 And doth not highest God vouchsafe to take The loue and seruice of the basest crew? 8 If she will not, dye meekly for her sake; Dye rather, dye, then euer so faire loue forsake.

1 "But, foolish boy, what boots your service base

boots > avails

2 To her, to whom the heavens do serve and sue?

serve and sue > service and homage (sue = follow as an attendant, take as a model, pattern, or ideal)

3 You a mean squire, of meek and lowly place,

mean > lowly place > rank, status

4 She heavenly born, and of celestial hue.

hue > appearance

5 How then? Of all Love takes equal view: 6 And does not highest God vouchsafe to take 7 The love and service of the basest crew?

crew > mob

8 If she will not, die meekly for her sake; 9 Die rather, die, than ever so fair love forsake."

so > [such a]

305.48

Thus warreid he long time against his will, 2 Till that through weaknesse he was forst at last, To yield himselfe vnto the mighty ill: 4 Which as a victour proud, gan ransack fast His inward parts, and all his entrayles wast, 6 That neither bloud in face, nor life in hart It left, but both did quite drye vp, and blast; 8 As percing leuin, which the inner part Of euery thing consumes, and calcineth by art.

1 Thus warrayed he long time against his will,

warrayed > waged war will > {Inclination, carnal desire, carnal appetite; that which he desired}

2 Till through weakness he was forced at last 3 To yield himself to the mighty ill:

the mighty ill > (Death, decay; ill = evil)

4 Which, as a victor proud, gan ransack fast

gan > did

5 His inward parts, and all his entrails waste,

entrails > bowels, inner parts waste > (Vb.)

6 That neither blood in face, nor life in heart

That > [So that]

7 It left, but both did quite dry up, and blast;

blast > wither

8 As piercing levin, which the inner part

levin > lightning

9 Of everything consumes, and calcines by art.

by art > (Precise meaning unclear)

305.49

Which seeing faire _Belph{oe}be_, gan to feare, 2 Least that his wound were inly well not healed, Or that the wicked steele empoysned were: 4 Litle she weend, that loue he close concealed; Yet still he wasted, as the snow congealed, 6 When the bright sunne his beams thereon doth beat; Yet neuer he his hart to her reuealed, 8 But rather chose to dye for sorrow great, Then with dishonorable termes her to entreat.

1 Which seeing, fair Belphoebe began to fear 2 Lest his wound were inly well not healed,

inly > inwardly

3 Or the wicked steel empoisoned were:

the wicked steel > (The foster's arrowhead) empoisoned were > had been dipped in poison

4 Little she weened that love he close concealed;

weened > imagined close > secretly

5 Yet still he wasted, as the snow congealed,

as > like snow congealed > frozen snow

6 When the bright sun his beams thereon does beat; 7 Yet never he his heart to her revealed, 8 But rather chose to die for sorrow great 9 Than with dishonourable terms her to entreat.

terms > words, language

305.50

She gracious Lady, yet no paines did spare, 2 To do him ease, or do him remedy: Many Restoratiues of vertues rare, 4 And costly Cordialles she did apply, To mitigate his stubborne mallady: 6 But that sweet Cordiall, which can restore A loue-sick hart, she did to him enuy; 8 To +him, and to+ all th'vnworthy world forlore She did enuy that soueraigne salue, in secret store.

8 him, and to > him and _1609_

1 She, gracious lady, yet no pains did spare

pains > efforts

2 To do him ease, or do him remedy:

do > cause; _hence:_ give

3 Many restoratives of virtues rare,

virtues > powers; occult powers rare > excellent, fine; unusual

4 And costly cordials she did apply, 5 To mitigate his stubborn malady: 6 But that sweet cordial, which can restore

cordial > (The word is derived ultimately from the Latin _cor_, heart)

7 A love-sick heart, she did to him envy;

to him envy > begrudge him; _hence:_ deny him, withhold

8 To him, and to all the unworthy world forlorn, 9 She did envy that sovereign salve, in secret store.

305.51

That dainty Rose, the daughter of her Morne, 2 More deare then life she tendered, whose flowre The girlond of her honour did adorne: 4 Ne suffred she the Middayes scorching powre, Ne the sharp Northerne wind thereon to showre, 6 But lapped vp her silken leaues most chaire, When so the froward skye began to lowre: 8 But soone as calmed was the Christall aire, She did it faire dispred, and let +to+ florish faire.

9 to > it _1611_

1 That dainty rose, the daughter of her morn, 2 More dear than life she tendered, whose flower

tendered > {Regarded or treated with tenderness; treated with proper regard}

3 The garland of her honour did adorn: 4 Neither suffered she the midday's scorching power,

suffered > permitted

5 Nor the sharp northern wind thereon to shower, 6 But lapped up her silken leaves most chare,

lapped > folded; wrapped chare > carefully

7 Whenso the froward sky began to lour:

Whenso > Whenever froward > adverse, perverse; evilly disposed

8 But soon as calmed was the crystal air,

soon > [as soon]

9 She did it fair dispread, and let to flourish fair.

dispread > spread out let to > [allowed it to]

305.52

Eternall God in his almighty powre, 2 To make ensample of his heauenly grace, In Paradize whilome did plant this flowre, 4 Whence he it fetcht out of her natiue place, And did in stocke of earthly flesh enrace, 6 That mortall men her glory should +admire:+ In gentle Ladies brest, and bounteous race 8 Of woman kind it fairest flowre doth spire, And beareth fruit of honour and all chast desire.

6 admire: > admire _1590, 1596_

1 Eternal God in His almighty power, 2 To make example of His heavenly grace, 3 In paradise whilom did plant this flower,

whilom > formerly; at some past time; in ancient times

4 Whence He it fetched out of its native place, 5 And did in stock of earthly flesh enrace,

enrace > introduce; implant

6 That mortal men its glory should admire:

That > [So that]

7 In gentle ladies' breast, and bounteous race

gentle > noble; gentle bounteous > {Full of goodness, virtuous; beneficent}

8 Of womankind it fairest flower does spire,

spire > germinate; sprout; _also:_ shoot up (as a stem); soar aloft

9 And bears fruit of honour and all chaste desire.

305.53

Faire ympes of beautie, whose bright shining beames 2 Adorne the world with like to heauenly light, And to your willes both royalties and +Realmes+ 4 Subdew, through conquest of your wondrous might, With this faire flowre your goodly girlonds dight, 6 Of chastity and vertue virginall, That shall embellish more your beautie bright, 8 And crowne your heades with heauenly coronall, Such as the Angels +weare+ before Gods tribunall.

3 Realmes > Reames _1590, and so pronounced. The earliest form in England,_ reaume_, became reduced to_ reame, reme, reume_; the present spelling became the standard form about 1600. Cf. 507.23:6-9_ 9 weare > were _1590_

1 Fair imps of beauty, whose bright shining beams

imps > scions bright > bright; beautiful

2 Adorn the world with like to heavenly light,

like to > [something resembling]

3 And to your wills both royalties and realms

royalties > royal persons, sovereigns

4 Subdue, through conquest of your wondrous might,

might > power

5 With this fair flower your goodly garlands dight,

goodly > beautiful; fine dight > deck (imperative mood)

6 Of chastity and virtue virginal, 7 That shall embellish more your beauty bright,

more > [the more]

8 And crown your heads with heavenly coronal,

coronal > {Wreath for the head; circlet; coronet}

9 Such as the angels wear before God's tribunal.

tribunal > {Raised throne, chair of state; judgement seat}

305.54

To your faire selues a faire ensample frame, 2 Of this faire virgin, this _Belph{oe}be_ faire, To whom in perfect loue, and spotlesse fame 4 Of chastitie, none liuing may compaire: Ne poysnous Enuy iustly can empaire 6 The prayse of her fresh flowring Maidenhead; For thy she standeth on the highest staire 8 Of th'honorable stage of womanhead, That Ladies all may follow her ensample dead.

1 To your fair selves a fair example frame,

frame > {Form in the mind; enclose as in a picture-frame}

2 Of this fair virgin, this Belphoebe fair, 3 To whom in perfect love, and spotless fame

fame > reputation

4 Of chastity, none living may compare: 5 Nor poisonous Envy justly can impair 6 The praise of her fresh flowering maidenhead;

praise > virtue

7 For-thy she stands on the highest stair

For-thy > For this reason; therefore stair > {Step or degree in the scale of rank}

8 Of the honourable stage of womanhood, 9 That ladies all may follow her example dead.

That > [So that] dead > [when she is dead; now that she is dead]

305.55

In so great prayse of stedfast chastity, 2 Nathlesse she was so curteous and kind, Tempred with grace, and goodly modesty, 4 That seemed those two vertues stroue to find The higher place in her Heroick mind: 6 So striuing each did other more augment, And both encreast the prayse of woman kind, 8 And both encreast her beautie excellent; So all did make in her a perfect complement.

1 In so great praise of steadfast chastity,

so > such praise > virtue; praiseworthiness

2 Natheless she was so courteous and kind,

Natheless > Nevertheless

3 Tempered with grace, and goodly modesty, 4 That seemed those two virtues strove to find

That > [That it]

5 The higher place in her heroic mind: 6 So striving each did other more augment,

other > [the other]

7 And both increased the praise of womankind,

praise > virtue; praiseworthiness

8 And both increased her beauty excellent;

excellent > supreme

9 So all did make in her a perfect complement.

complement > consummation, completeness