Chapter 70
_The witches sonne loues Florimell: 2 she flyes, he faines to die. Satyrane saues the Squire of Dames 4 from Gyants tyrannie._
1 The witch's son loves Florimell: 2 she flies, he fains to die.
flies > flees fains > rejoices, is glad; _hence:_ wishes
3 Satyrane saves the Squire of Dames 4 from giant's tyranny.
307.1
LIke as an Hynd forth singled from the heard, 2 That hath escaped from a rauenous beast, Yet flyes away of her owne feet affeard, 4 And euery leafe, that shaketh with the least Murmure of winde, her terror hath encreast; 6 So fled faire _Florimell_ from her vaine feare, Long after she from perill was releast: 8 Each shade she saw, and each noyse she did heare, Did seeme to be the same, which she escapt whyleare.
1 Like a hind forth singled from the herd, 2 That has escaped from a ravenous beast, 3 Yet flies away, of her own feet afeard,
afeard > frightened
4 And every leaf, that shakes with the least 5 Murmur of wind, her terror has increased; 6 So fled fair Florimell from her vain fear,
vain > foolish; empty
7 Long after she from peril was released: 8 Each shade she saw, and each noise she did hear,
shade > shadow
9 Did seem to be the same which she escaped whilere.
whilere > erewhile: a while before
307.2
All that same euening she in flying spent, 2 And all that night her course continewed: Ne did she let dull sleepe once to relent, 4 Nor wearinesse to slacke her hast, but fled Euer alike, as if her former dred 6 Were hard behind, her readie to arrest: And her white Palfrey hauing conquered 8 The maistring raines out of her weary wrest, Perforce her carried, where euer he thought best.
1 All that same evening she in flying spent,
flying > fleeing
2 And all that night her course continued: 3 Nor did she let dull sleep once to relent,
relent > lessen, abate
4 Nor weariness to slack, her haste, but fled 5 Ever alike, as if her former dread
alike > in the same manner dread > dread; object of dread
6 Were hard behind, her ready to arrest:
hard > close arrest > catch, apprehend
7 And her white palfrey, having conquered
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies} conquered > won, got possession of
8 The mastering reins out of her weary wrist, 9 Perforce her carried wherever he thought best.
Perforce > Forcibly; perforce
307.3
So long as breath, and hable puissance 2 Did natiue courage vnto him supply, His pace he freshly forward did aduaunce, 4 And carried her beyond all ieopardy, But nought that wanteth rest, can long aby. 6 He hauing through incessant trauell spent His force, at last perforce a downe did ly, 8 Ne foot could further moue: The Lady gent Thereat was suddein strooke with great astonishment.
1 So long as breath and able puissance
able puissance > sufficient strength
2 Did native courage to him supply,
native > innate, natural courage > vigour
3 His pace he freshly forward did advance, 4 And carried her beyond all jeopardy; 5 But naught that wants rest can long aby.
aby > abide, endure, remain
6 He, having through incessant travel spent
travel > travel; travail
7 His force, at last perforce adown did lie,
adown > down
8 Nor foot could further move: the lady gent
gent > noble, high-born; graceful, elegant
9 Thereat was sudden struck with great astonishment,
Thereat > As a result of that astonishment > dismay; bewilderment
307.4
And forst t'alight, on foot mote algates fare, 2 A traueller vnwonted to such way: Need teacheth her this lesson hard and rare, 4 That fortune all in equall launce doth sway, And mortall miseries doth make her play. 6 So long she trauelled, till at length she came To an hilles side, which did to her bewray 8 A little valley, subiect to the same, All couerd with thick woods, that quite it ouercame.
1 And forced to alight: on foot might algates fare,
might algates fare > [she must proceed; algates = at any rate, anyhow]
2 A traveller unwonted to such way;
unwonted > unaccustomed way > manner of travel
3 Need teaches her this lesson hard and rare,
rare > (An intensive, qualifying "hard")
4 That Fortune all in equal launce does sway,
equal > [an] impartial; [the] same launce > scales, balance (WU) sway > weigh; press down; sway
5 And mortal miseries does make her play.
play > game, sport; play (i.e. side-to-side motion of the scales)
6 So long she travelled, till at length she came
So > Thus
7 To a hill's side, which did to her bewray
bewray > reveal
8 A little valley, subject to the same,
subject to > under
9 All covered with thick woods, that quite it overcame.
overcame > overran; dominated
307.5
Through +the tops+ of the high trees she did descry 2 A litle smoke, whose vapour thin and light, Reeking aloft, vprolled to the sky: 4 Which, chearefull signe did send vnto her sight, That in the same did wonne some liuing wight. 6 Eftsoones her steps she thereunto applyde, And came at last in weary wretched plight 8 Vnto the place, to which her hope did guyde, To find some refuge there, and rest her weary syde.
1 the tops > th'tops _1609_
1 Through the tops of the high trees she did descry 2 A little smoke, whose vapour, thin and light, 3 Reeking aloft, uprolled to the sky:
Reeking > Rising (used of smoke, vapour, etc.) uprolled > rolled up
4 Which cheerful sign did send to her sight 5 That in the same did won some living wight.
That in the same > [The impression that under the smoke] won > dwell wight > person
6 Eftsoons her steps she thereto applied,
Eftsoons > Thereupon thereto applied > directed to that place
7 And came at last in weary wretched plight 8 To the place, to which her hope did guide,
guide > [guide her]
9 To find some refuge there, and rest her weary side.
side > sides, body; _hence:_ self
307.6
There in a gloomy hollow glen she found 2 A little cottage, built of stickes and reedes In homely wize, and wald with sods around, 4 In which a witch did dwell, in loathly weedes, And wilfull want, all carelesse of her needes; 6 So choosing solitarie to abide, Far from all neighbours, that her deuilish deedes 8 And hellish arts from people she might hide, And hurt far off vnknowne, whom euer she enuide.
1 There in a gloomy hollow glen she found 2 A little cottage, built of sticks and reeds 3 In homely wise, and walled with sods around,
wise > style
4 In which a witch did dwell, in loathly weeds
loathly weeds > loathsome clothing
5 And wilful want, all careless of her needs;
want > penury
6 So choosing solitary to abide,
So > (The sense is primarily "thus"; but the word may also serve "that" in the next line ["so that her deuilish deedes ..."]) solitary > solitarily
7 Far from all neighbours, that her devilish deeds 8 And hellish arts from people she might hide, 9 And hurt far off, unknown, whomever she envied.
envied > felt a grudge against; disliked, hated
307.7
The Damzell there arriuing entred in; 2 Where sitting on the flore the Hag she found, Busie (as seem'd) about some wicked gin: 4 Who soone as she beheld that suddein stound, Lightly vpstarted from the dustie ground, 6 And with fell looke and hollow deadly gaze Stared on her awhile, as one astound, 8 Ne had one word to speake, for great +amaze,+ But shewd by outward signes, that dread her sence did daze.
8 amaze, > amaze. _1596_
1 The damsel, there arriving, entered in; 2 Where sitting on the floor the hag she found, 3 Busy (as seemed) about some wicked gin:
seemed > [it seemed] gin > scheme, stratagem; contrivance
4 Who, soon as she beheld that sudden stound,
soon > [as soon] stound > {Time or peril or alarm; hence: alarming or startling sight}
5 Lightly upstarted from the dusty ground,
Lightly > Quickly upstarted > started up
6 And, with fell look and hollow deadly gaze,
fell > fierce, terrible
7 Stared on her awhile, as one astound,
astound > amazed, confounded
8 Nor had one word to speak, for great amaze,
amaze > confusion; amazement
9 But showed, by outward signs, that dread her sense did daze.
307.8
At last turning her feare to foolish wrath, 2 She askt, what deuill had her thither brought, And who she was, and what vnwonted path 4 Had guided her, vnwelcomed, vnsought? To which the Damzell full of doubtfull thought, 6 Her mildly answer'd; Beldame be not wroth With silly Virgin by aduenture brought 8 Vnto your dwelling, ignorant and loth, That craue but rowme to rest, while tempest ouerblo'th.
1 At last, turning her fear to foolish wrath, 2 She asked what devil had her thither brought, 3 And who she was, and what unwonted path
unwonted > unaccustomed
4 Had guided her, unwelcomed, unsought? 5 To which the damsel, full of doubtful thought,
doubtful > fearful
6 Her mildly answered: "Beldam, be not wroth
mildly > graciously; mildly Beldam > {Respectful form of address to an elderly woman}
7 With silly virgin, by adventure brought
silly > helpless; innocent adventure > chance; _hence:_ misfortune
8 To your dwelling, ignorant and loath, 9 That crave but room to rest, while tempest overblows."
room > place, space while > until [the] overblows > blows over, blows itself out
307.9
With that adowne out of her Christall eyne 2 Few trickling teares she softly forth let fall, That like +two+ Orient pearles, did purely shyne 4 Vpon her snowy cheeke; and therewithall She sighed soft, that none so bestiall, 6 Nor saluage hart, but ruth of her sad plight Would make to melt, or pitteously appall; 8 And that vile Hag, all were her whole delight In mischiefe, was much moued at so pitteous sight.
3 two > to _conj. Hughes; cf. 106.47:8_
1 With that adown out of her crystal eyes
adown > down crystal > clear, luminous
2 Few trickling tears she softly forth let fall,
Few > [A few]
3 That, like two orient pearls, did purely shine
two > (See Textual Appendix. If Hughes's conjecture is accepted, this word should be removed from the Shadow Text) orient > (Coming from the Orient; best quality, having a special lustre; brilliant, lustrous, sparkling)
4 Upon her snowy cheek; and therewithal
therewithal > therewith, with that
5 She sighed soft, that none so bestial,
that none > [so that no one]
6 Nor savage heart, but ruth of her sad plight
savage > [a] savage ruth > pity sad > sad; grievous
7 Would make to melt, or piteously appal;
piteously > [by means of feeling pity] appal > quell
8 And that vile hag, all were her whole delight
all > although
9 In mischief, was much moved at so piteous sight.
mischief > misfortune, disaster; evil at so > by such a
307.10
And gan recomfort her in her rude wyse, 2 With womanish compassion of her plaint, Wiping the teares from her suffused eyes, 4 And bidding her sit downe, to rest her faint And wearie limbes a while. She nothing quaint 6 Nor s'deignfull of so homely fashion, Sith brought she was now to so hard constraint, 8 Sate downe vpon the dusty ground anon, As glad of that small rest, as Bird of tempest gon.
1 And gan recomfort her in her rude wise,
gan recomfort > did console; began to console rude wise > clumsy manner
2 With womanish compassion of her plaint,
compassion of > compassion for; fellow-feeling for plaint > grieving, complaint
3 Wiping the tears from her suffused eyes, 4 And bidding her sit down, to rest her faint 5 And weary limbs awhile. She, nothing quaint,
nothing > not at all, in no way quaint > fastidious, prim
6 Nor sdeignful of so homely fashion,
sdeignful > disdainful so > such [a] fashion > style, manner [of seating]
7 Sith brought she was now to so hard constraint,
Sith > Since so > such constraint > affliction, oppression
8 Sat down upon the dusty ground anon,
anon > straightway
9 As glad of that small rest, as bird of tempest gone.
tempest gone > [a (or the) tempest which had just passed]
307.11
Tho gan she gather vp her garments rent, 2 And her loose lockes to dight in order dew, With golden wreath and gorgeous ornament; 4 Whom such whenas the wicked Hag did vew, She was astonisht at her heauenly hew, 6 And doubted her to deeme an earthly wight, But or some Goddesse, or of _Dianes_ crew, 8 And thought her to adore with humble spright; T'adore thing so diuine as beauty, were but right.
1 Tho gan she gather up her garments rent,
Tho gan she > Then she began to rent > torn
2 And her loose locks to dight in order due,
dight > arrange due > fitting, proper
3 With golden wreath and gorgeous ornament;
wreath > circlet; coronet
4 Whom such when the wicked hag did view, 5 She was astonished at her heavenly hue,
at > by hue > appearance
6 And doubted her to deem an earthly wight,
wight > woman
7 But +or+ some goddess, or of Diana's crew,
or > either crew > (Of nymphs: cf. 306.17:2)
8 And thought her to adore with humble spirit; 9 To adore thing so divine as beauty, were but right.
307.12
This wicked woman had a wicked sonne, 2 The comfort of her age and weary dayes, A laesie loord, for nothing good to donne, 4 But stretched forth in idlenesse alwayes, Ne euer cast his mind to couet prayse, 6 Or ply him selfe to any honest trade, But all the day before the sunny rayes 8 He vs'd to slug, or sleepe in slothfull shade: Such laesinesse both lewd and poore attonce him made.
1 This wicked woman had a wicked son, 2 The comfort of her age and weary days, 3 A lazy lourd, for nothing good to do,
lourd > sluggard; lout (formed on French _lourd_, heavy; for another interpretation, see _SC_, gloss to "Julye". The spelling "loord" may also be intended to connote "lord") for nothing good to do > [good for nothing]
4 But stretched forth in idleness always, 5 Ne ever cast his mind to covet praise,
Ne ever > And never praise > merit; virtue (here esp. that associated with praiseworthy deeds)
6 Or ply himself to any honest trade,
ply > apply
7 But all the day before the sunny rays 8 He used to slug, or sleep in slothful shade:
slug > act lazily, waste his time
9 Such laziness both lewd and poor at once him made.
lewd > ignorant; good for nothing; unchaste at once > together, simultaneously
307.13
He comming home at vndertime, there found 2 The fairest creature, that he euer saw, Sitting beside his mother on the ground; 4 The sight whereof did greatly him adaw, And his base thought with terrour and with aw 6 So inly smot, that as one, which +had+ gazed On the bright Sunne vnwares, doth soone withdraw 8 His feeble eyne, with too much brightnesse dazed; So stared he on her, and stood long while amazed.
6 had > hath _1590_
1 He, coming home at undern-time, there found
undern-time > {The third hour of the day, i.e. about 9 a.m.; noon; the afternoon or evening. Hamilton (1980) suggests that "noon" makes good contextual sense, since the witch's son finds Florimell as dazzling as "the bright Sunne"}
2 The fairest creature that he ever saw, 3 Sitting beside his mother on the ground; 4 The sight whereof did greatly him adaw,
whereof > of whom adaw > confound, daunt, daze (from OFr _adanter_: cf. _SC_, gloss to "Februarie"); _also, on a second reading of Cantos vii and viii:_ awaken (cognate with "dawn") _whence:_ arouse (i.e. sexually. "Daw" (aphetic for "jackdaw") in early Scottish and northern dialect also means "simpleton" (cf. _Hubberd_ 913); thus Spenser might have intended that the verb "to adaw" should also connote "to dumbfound")
5 And his base thought with terror and with awe 6 So inly smote that, as one who had gazed
inly > inwardly
7 On the bright sun unwares does soon withdraw
unwares > unwittingly
8 His feeble eyes, with too much brightness dazed, 9 So stared he on her, and stood long while amazed.
So > (The parenthesis causes a problem, but the meaning is clear)
307.14
Softly at last he gan his mother aske, 2 What mister wight that was, and whence deriued, That in so straunge disguizement there did maske, 4 And by what accident she there arriued: But she, as one nigh of her wits depriued, 6 With nought but ghastly lookes him answered, Like to a ghost, that lately is reuiued 8 From _Stygian_ shores, where late it wandered; So both at her, and each at other wondered.
1 Softly at last he gan his mother ask
gan > did
2 What mister wight that was, and whence derived,
mister wight > sort of person (mister = occupation; hence: class, sort)
3 That in so strange disguisement there did mask,
so > such disguisement > {Disguise; clothing different from that which is considered customary} mask > disguise [herself]; masquerade
4 And by what accident she there arrived: 5 But she, as one nigh of her wits deprived, 6 With naught but ghastly looks him answered,
ghastly > frightful, terrible (as if induced by fear of the supernatural)
7 Like a ghost, that lately is revived
revived > brought back to life
8 From Stygian shores, where late it wandered;
Stygian > {Of the River Styx, one of the five rivers of hell; the river across which dead souls must pass. See _Aen._ 6.312 ff.} late > recently
9 So both at her, and each at other wondered.
wondered > marvelled
307.15
But the faire Virgin was so meeke and mild, 2 That she to them vouchsafed to embace Her goodly port, and to their senses vild, 4 Her gentle speach applide, that in short space She grew familiare in that desert place. 6 During which time, the Chorle through her so kind And curteise vse conceiu'd affection bace, 8 And cast to loue her in his brutish mind; No loue, but brutish lust, that was so beastly tind.
1 But the fair virgin was so meek and mild 2 That she to them vouchsafed to embase
embase > degrade, humiliate
3 Her goodly port, and to their senses vile
port > rank, social station
4 Her gentle speech applied, that in short space
gentle > gracious, courteous; noble; gentle applied > directed that > [so that] space > time
5 She grew familiar in that desert place.
familiar > {On a family footing} desert > lonely
6 During which time the churl, through her so kind
churl > rustic, boor
7 And courteous use, conceived affection base, 8 And cast to love her in his brutish mind;
cast > resolved
9 No love, but brutish lust, that was so beastly tinded.
beastly tinded > bestially kindled
307.16
Closely the wicked flame his bowels brent, 2 And shortly grew into outrageous fire; Yet had he not the hart, nor hardiment, 4 As vnto her to vtter his desire; His caytiue thought durst not so high aspire, 6 But with soft sighes, and louely semblaunces, He ween'd that his affection entire 8 She should aread; many resemblaunces To her he made, and many kind remembraunces.
1 Closely the wicked flame his bowels burnt,
Closely > Secretly; closely bowels > {Heart, breast; internal organs generally}
2 And shortly grew into outrageous fire;
outrageous > violent; outrageous
3 Yet had he not the heart, nor hardiment,
had he > [he had] hardiment > boldness
4 As to her to utter his desire; 5 His caitiff thought dared not so high aspire,
caitiff > servile; despicable
6 But with soft sighs, and lovely semblances,
lovely > loving
7 He weened that his affection entire
weened > imagined, supposed entire > entire; unreserved; inward (cf. e.g. 408.23:9); blameless
8 She should aread; many resemblances
aread > divine resemblances > shows (of some quality; here, of love)
9 To her he made, and many kind remembrances.
remembrances > mentions, notices (i.e. he also paid her many compliments)
307.17
Oft from the forrest wildings he did bring, 2 Whose sides empurpled were with smiling red, And oft young birds, which he had taught to sing 4 His mistresse prayses, sweetly caroled, Girlonds of flowres sometimes for her faire hed 6 He fine would dight; sometimes the squirell wild He brought to her in bands, as conquered 8 To be her thrall, his fellow seruant vild; All which, she of him tooke with countenance meeke and mild.
1 Oft from the forest wildings he did bring,
wildings > wild apples
2 Whose sides empurpled were with smiling red,
empurpled > reddened
3 And oft young birds, which he had taught to sing 4 His mistress' praises, sweetly carolled;
carolled > sung; sang, celebrated [her praises] with song
5 Garlands of flowers sometimes for her fair head 6 He finely would dight; sometimes the squirrel wild
dight > prepare; arrange
7 He brought to her in bonds, as conquered
as > [as though]
8 To be her thrall, his fellow servant vile;
thrall > slave vile > lowly, wretched
9 All which she of him took with countenance meek and mild.
of > from mild > mild; gracious, kind (cf. 307.15:1)
307.18
But past awhile, when she fit season saw 2 To leaue that desert mansion, she cast In secret wize her selfe thence to withdraw, 4 For feare of mischiefe, which she did forecast Might +by+ the witch or +by+ her sonne compast: 6 Her wearie Palfrey closely, as she might, Now well recouered after long repast, 8 In his proud furnitures she freshly dight, His late miswandred wayes now to remeasure right.
5 by > be _1596, 1609_ 5 by > that _1596, 1609; in the 1590 reading, "be" must be understood before _compast
1 But past awhile, when she fit season saw
past awhile > [when some time had passed] season > occasion; opportunity
2 To leave that desert mansion, she cast
desert > lonely mansion > lodging, place of abode cast > resolved
3 In secret wise herself thence to withdraw,
wise > manner
4 For fear of mischief, which she did forecast
mischief > evil forecast > conjecture
5 Might by the witch or by her son compassed:
compassed > [be] contrived
6 Her weary palfrey, closely as she might
palfrey > {Saddle-horse for ladies} closely > [as] secretly might > could
7 (Now well recovered after long repast), 8 In his proud furnitures she freshly dight,
furnitures > harness, fittings dight > arranged
9 His late miswandered ways now to remeasure right.
late > recent miswandered > errant remeasure > traverse again, retrace
307.19
And earely ere the dawning day appeard, 2 She forth issewed, and on her iourney went; She went in perill, of each noyse affeard, 4 And of each shade, that did it selfe present; For still she feared to be ouerhent, 6 Of that vile hag, or +her+ vnciuile sonne: Who when too late awaking, well they kent, 8 That their faire guest was gone, they both begonne To make exceeding mone, as they had bene vndonne.
6 her > that _1609_
1 And early, ere the dawning day appeared, 2 She forth issued, and on her journey went; 3 She went in peril, of each noise afeard,
afeard > frightened
4 And of each shade that did itself present;
shade > shadow
5 For still she feared to be overhent
still > continually overhent > overtaken (cf. 304.49:8)
6 Of that vile hag or her uncivil son:
Of > By uncivil > uncivilized, barbaric
7 Who, when too late awaking, well they kenned
kenned > discovered
8 That their fair guest was gone, they both began 9 To make exceeding moan, as they had been undone.
moan > lamentation as > [as if]
307.20
But that lewd louer did the most lament 2 For her depart, that euer man did heare; He knockt his brest with desperate intent, 4 And scratcht his face, and with his teeth did teare His rugged flesh, and rent his ragged heare: 6 That his sad mother seeing his sore plight, Was greatly woe begon, and gan to feare, 8 Least his fraile senses were emperisht quight, And loue to frenzy turnd, sith loue is franticke hight.
1 But that lewd lover did the most lament
lewd > ignorant; lewd (cf. 307.12:9)
2 For her depart that ever man did hear;
depart > departure
3 He knocked his breast with desperate intent,
intent > frame of mind; purpose
4 And scratched his face, and with his teeth did tear 5 His rugged flesh, and rent his ragged hair:
rent > tore
6 That his sad mother, seeing his sore plight,
That his > [His; so that his]
7 Was greatly woe-begone, and began to fear 8 Lest his frail senses were emperished quite,
emperished > impaired
9 And love to frenzy turned, sith love is frantic hight.
sith > since hight > called
307.21
All wayes she sought, him to restore to plight, 2 With herbs, with charms, with counsell, and with teares, But tears, nor charms, nor herbs, nor counsell might 4 Asswage the fury, which his entrails teares: So strong is passion, that no reason heares. 6 Tho when all other helpes she saw to faile, She turnd her selfe backe to her wicked leares 8 And by her deuilish arts thought to preuaile, To bring her backe againe, or worke her finall bale.
1 All ways she sought, him to restore to plight,
plight > health
2 With herbs, with charms, with counsel, and with tears,
charms > spells
3 But tears, nor charms, nor herbs, nor counsel might
might > could
4 Assuage the fury which his entrails tears: 5 So strong is passion, that no reason hears. 6 Tho, when all other helps she saw to fail,
Tho > Then helps > {Means of assistance}
7 She turned herself back to her wicked lears,
lears > doctrines, lessons
8 And by her devilish arts thought to prevail, 9 To bring her back again, or work her final bale.
work > cause bale > torment, suffering; infliction of death (final bale = death: cf. 106.48:7, 109.51:8)
307.22
Eftsoones out of her hidden caue she cald 2 An hideous beast, of horrible aspect, That could the stoutest courage haue appald; 4 +Monstrous+ mishapt, and his backe was spect With thousand spots of colours queint elect, 6 Thereto so swift, that it all beasts did pas: Like neuer yet did liuing eye detect; 8 But likest it to an _Hyena_ was, That feeds on womens flesh, as others feede on gras.
4 Monstrous > Monstrous, _1590_
1 Eftsoons out of her hidden cave she called
Eftsoons > Thereupon; forthwith; presently
2 A hideous beast, of horrible aspect,
hideous > hideous; odious; _perhaps:_ immense aspect > appearance; visage
3 That could the stoutest courage have appalled;
stoutest > bravest; boldest appalled > caused to fade; _hence:_ quelled
4 Monstrous mis-shapen, and his back was specked
mis-shapen > deformed; shaped with evil intent, misformed (as 101.55:9)
5 With thousand spots of colours quaint elect,
quaint > cunningly, ingeniously, strangely; _and adj._ elect > elected: chosen (if "quaint" is adv.); [and] select (if "quaint" is adj.)
6 Thereto so swift that he all beasts did pass:
Thereto > Moreover pass > surpass
7 Like never yet did living eye detect;
Like > [The like]
8 But likest he to a hyena was,
likest he to > [he most like]
9 That feeds on women's flesh as others feed on grass.
307.23
It forth she cald, and gaue it streight in charge, 2 Through thicke and thin her to pursew apace, Ne once to stay to rest, or breath at large, 4 Till her he had attaind, and brought in place, Or quite deuourd her beauties scornefull grace. 6 The Monster swift as word, that from her went, Went forth in hast, and did her footing trace 8 So sure and swiftly, through his perfect sent, And passing speede, that shortly he her ouerhent.
1 It forth she called, and gave it straight in charge
straight > straightway; strait: strictly
2 Through thick and thin her to pursue apace,
apace > swiftly, at speed
3 Nor once to stay to rest, or breathe at large,
stay > halt at large > at liberty, freely
4 Till her he had attained, and brought in place,
attained > overtaken, caught in place > there (i.e. back to the witch's cottage)
5 Or quite devoured her beauty's scornful grace. 6 The monster, swift as word that from her went, 7 Went forth in haste, and did her footing trace
footing > trail
8 So sure and swiftly, through his perfect scent,
scent > {Sense of smell}
9 And passing speed, that shortly he her overhent.
passing > surpassing overhent > overtook
307.24
Whom when the fearefull Damzell nigh espide, 2 No need to bid her fast away to flie; That vgly shape so sore her terrifide, 4 That it she shund no lesse, then dread to die, And her flit Palfrey did so well apply 6 His nimble feet to her conceiued feare, That whilest his breath did strength to him supply, 8 From perill free he her away did beare: But when his force gan faile, his pace gan wex areare.
1 Whom when the fearful damsel nigh espied,
nigh > close (qualifying the creature)
2 No need to bid her fast away to fly;
fly > flee
3 That ugly shape so sore her terrified 4 That it she shunned no less than dread to die,
dread to die > [the fear of death]
5 And her flit palfrey did so well apply
flit > fleet, swift apply > adapt, conform
6 His nimble feet to her conceived fear 7 That, whilst his breath did strength to him supply, 8 From peril free he her away did bear: 9 But when his force gan fail, his pace gan wax arear.
gan > began to; did wax arear > grow rearwards, _hence:_ slacken
307.25
Which whenas she perceiu'd, she was dismayd 2 At that same last extremitie full sore, And of her safetie greatly grew afrayd; 4 And now she gan approch to the sea shore, As it befell, that she could flie no more, 6 But yield her selfe to spoile of greedinesse. Lightly she leaped, as a wight forlore, 8 From her dull horse, in desperate distresse, And to her feet betooke her doubtfull sickernesse.
1 Which when she perceived, she was dismayed 2 At that same last extremity full sore,
At > By full sore > very greatly, exceedingly grievously
3 And of her safety greatly grew afraid; 4 And now she gan approach to the sea-shore,
gan > began to
5 As it befell, that she could fly no more,
that > [so that] fly > flee
6 But yield herself to spoil of greediness. 7 Lightly she leapt, as a wight forlore,
Lightly > Quickly wight > person, woman forlore > forsaken
8 From her dull horse, in desperate distress,
dull > slow, sluggish
9 And to her feet betook her doubtful sickerness.
betook > entrusted sickerness > security
307.26
Not halfe so fast the wicked _Myrrha_ fled 2 From dread of her reuenging fathers hond: Nor halfe so fast to saue her maidenhed, 4 Fled fearefull _Daphne_ on th'_AEg{ae}an_ strond, As _Florimell_ fled from that Monster yond, 6 To reach the sea, ere she of him were raught: For in the sea to drowne her selfe she fond, 8 Rather then of the tyrant to be caught: Thereto feare gaue her wings, and neede her courage taught.
1 Not half so fast the wicked Myrrha fled
Myrrha > (Whose incestuous desire for her own father led to her transformation into a tree: see _Met._ 10.312 ff.)
2 From dread of her revenging father's hand: 3 Nor half so fast, to save her maidenhead, 4 Fled fearful Daphne on the Aegean strand,
Aegean > (Daphne was the daughter of the river-god Peneus, in Thessaly, the largest division of Greece, which is bounded on the east by the Aegean Sea) strand > shore
5 As Florimell fled from that monster yond,
yond > mad, furious; _also:_ yonder
6 To reach the sea, ere she of him were raught:
of > by raught > reached, laid hold of, seized
7 For in the sea to drown herself she fond,
fond > [would] fond: [would] try; _or perhaps a contortion of:_ fained: was eager, desired
8 Rather than of the tyrant to be caught:
of > by
9 Thereto fear gave her wings, and need her courage taught.
Thereto > To that purpose
307.27
It fortuned (high God did so ordaine) 2 As she arriued on the roring shore, In minde to leape into the mighty maine, 4 A little boate lay houing her before, In which there slept a fisher old and pore, 6 The whiles his nets were drying on the sand: Into the same she leapt, and with the ore 8 Did thrust the shallop from the floting strand: So safetie found at sea, which she found not at land.
1 It fortuned (high God did so ordain) 2 As she arrived on the roaring shore 3 (In mind to leap into the mighty main)
main > main ocean, high sea; sea
4 A little boat lay hoving her before,
hoving > {Lingering; floating; heaving, rising and falling with the waves}
5 In which there slept a fisher old and poor,
fisher > fisherman
6 The whiles his nets were drying on the sand:
The whiles > While
7 Into the same she leapt, and with the oar 8 Did thrust the shallop from the floating strand:
shallop > dinghy strand > shore
9 So safety found at sea, which she found not at land.
307.28
The Monster ready on the pray to sease, 2 Was of his forward hope deceiued quight; Ne durst assay to wade the perlous seas, 4 But greedily long gaping at the sight, At last in vaine was forst to turne his flight, 6 And tell the idle tidings to his Dame: Yet to auenge his deuilish despight, 8 He set vpon her Palfrey tired lame, And slew him cruelly, ere any reskew came.
1 The monster, ready on the prey to seize,
seize > {Fasten his claws: SUS}
2 Was of his forward hope deceived quite;
forward > eager; well advanced; presumptuous, extreme deceived > deprived
3 Nor dared essay to wade the perilous seas,
essay > try
4 But, greedily long gaping at the sight,
greedily > eagerly
5 At last in vain was forced to turn his flight, 6 And tell the idle tidings to his dame:
idle > empty, futile
7 Yet, to avenge his devilish despite,
despite > rage, malice
8 He set upon her palfrey tired lame,
lame > [and lame]
9 And slew him cruelly, ere any rescue came.
307.29
And after hauing him embowelled, 2 To fill his +hellish+ gorge, it chaunst a knight To passe that way, as forth he trauelled; 4 It was a goodly Swaine, and of great might, As euer man that bloudy field did fight; 6 But in vaine sheows, that wont yong knights bewitch, And courtly seruices tooke no delight, 8 But rather ioyd to be, then seemen sich: For both to be and seeme to him was labour lich.
2 hellish > bellish _1596_
1 And after having him embowelled,
embowelled > disembowelled
2 To fill his hellish gorge, it chanced a knight
gorge > maw
3 To pass that way, as forth he travelled; 4 He was a goodly swain, and of great might,
goodly > well-favoured; fine swain > young man; gallant (with connotation of "rustic")
5 As ever man that bloody field did fight;
man > [any man] field > battle
6 But in vain shows, that wont young knights bewitch,
vain > empty, useless; foolish, proud shows > {Ostentatious displays, pretensions} wont > are accustomed bewitch > [to bewitch]
7 And courtly services took no delight,
courtly > [in courtly] took > [he took]
8 But rather joyed to _be_, than _seem_ such:
joyed > rejoiced, took pleasure
9 For both to be and seem to him was labour like.
labour like > [the same labour]
307.30
It was to weete the good Sir _Satyrane_, 2 That raungd abroad to seeke aduentures wilde, As was his wont in forrest, and in plaine; 4 He was all armd in rugged steele vnfilde, As in the smoky forge it was compilde, 6 And in his Scutchin bore a Satyres hed: He comming present, where the Monster vilde 8 Vpon that milke-white Palfreyes carkas fed, Vnto his reskew ran, and greedily him sped.
1 It was to weet the good Sir Satyrane,
to weet > to wit
2 That ranged abroad to seek adventures wild,
abroad > broadly, widely; in different directions
3 As was his wont in forest, and in plain; 4 He was all armed in rugged steel unfiled,
unfiled > [not smoothed with the file]
5 As in the smoky forge it was compiled,
compiled > constructed, _hence:_ fashioned, hammered out
6 And in his scutcheon bore a satyr's head:
scutcheon > escutcheon, shield satyr > (Satyrs are horned forest spirits, man-like above and goat- like below, usually portrayed as more or less lustful. In Roman mythology, Satyr, one of the satyrs, is a companion of Bacchus with long, pointed ears, behind which are the stumps of horns, with the tail of a goat, bristly hair, and a flat nose. See 106.20 ff.)
7 He coming present, where the monster vile
present > there; speedily (said of a remedy); ready with assistance
8 Upon that milk-white palfrey's carcase fed, 9 To his rescue ran, and greedily him sped.
greedily > eagerly, zealously sped > sent with speed; _hence:_ caused to run away (but see 307.32:4)
307.31
There well perceiu'd he, that it was the horse, 2 Whereon faire _Florimell_ was wont to ride, That of that feend was rent without remorse: 4 Much feared he, least ought did ill betide To that faire Mayd, the flowre of womens pride; 6 For her he dearely loued, and in all His famous conquests highly magnifide: 8 Besides her golden girdle, which did fall From her in flight, he found, that did him sore apall.
1 There well perceived he that it was the horse 2 Whereon fair Florimell was wont to ride,
wont > accustomed
3 That of that fiend was rent without remorse:
of > by rent > torn to pieces remorse > pity, compassion
4 Much feared he, lest aught did ill betide
aught > anything ill betide > evilly happen
5 To that fair maid, the flower of women's pride; 6 For her he dearly loved, and in all 7 His famous conquests highly magnified:
magnified > glorified
8 Besides her golden girdle, which did fall
Besides > {By the side, nearby}
9 From her in flight, he found, that did him sore appal.
appal > dismay
307.32
Full of sad feare, and doubtfull agony, 2 Fiercely he flew vpon that wicked feend, And with huge strokes, and cruell battery 4 Him forst to leaue his pray, for to attend Him selfe from deadly daunger to defend: 6 Full many wounds in his corrupted flesh He did engraue, and muchell bloud did spend, 8 Yet might not do him dye, but aye more fresh And fierce he still appeard, the more he did him thresh.
1 Full of sad fear, and doubtful agony,
sad > grievous; heavy; sad doubtful agony > fearful mental anguish
2 Fiercely he flew upon that wicked fiend, 3 And with huge strokes, and cruel battery
battery > battering; assault with many blows
4 Him forced to leave his prey, to attend
leave his prey > (Apparently contradicting 307.30:9) attend > turn his energies
5 Himself from deadly danger to defend: 6 Full many wounds in his corrupted flesh
Full > Exceedingly
7 He did engrave, and mickle blood did spend,
engrave > cut, carve mickle > much
8 Yet might not do him die, but ay more fresh
might not do him die > [could not kill him] ay > ever
9 And fierce he still appeared, the more he did him thrash.
still > ever, continually
307.33
He wist not, how him to despoile of life, 2 Ne how to win the wished victory, Sith him he saw still stronger grow through strife, 4 And him selfe weaker through infirmity; Greatly he grew enrag'd, and furiously 6 Hurling his sword away, he lightly lept Vpon the beast, that with great cruelty 8 Rored, and raged to be vnder-kept: Yet he perforce him held, and strokes vpon him hept.
1 He wist not how him to despoil of life,
wist > knew
2 Nor how to win the wished victory, 3 Sith him he saw still stronger grow through strife,
Sith > Since still > ever; yet
4 And himself weaker through infirmity;
infirmity > weakness; _hence:_ fatigue; _also, in tune with the allegory:_ weakness of character, moral frailty
5 Greatly he grew enraged, and furiously 6 Hurling his sword away, he lightly leapt
lightly > quickly
7 Upon the beast, that with great cruelty 8 Roared, and raged to be under-kept: 9 Yet he perforce him held, and strokes upon him heaped.
perforce > by force
307.34
As he that striues to stop a suddein flood, 2 And in strong banckes his violence +enclose+, Forceth it swell aboue his wonted mood, 4 And largely ouerflow the fruitfull plaine, That all the countrey seemes to be a Maine, 6 And the rich furrowes flote, all quite fordonne: The wofull husbandman doth lowd complaine, 8 To see his whole yeares labour lost so soone, For which to God he made so many an idle boone.
2 enclose > containe _sugg. various editors_
1 As he that strives to stop a sudden flood, 2 And in strong banks its violence enclose,
enclose > [does] contain, [to] contain
3 Forces it swell above its wonted mode,
swell > [to swell] wonted > customary mode > way of being; _hence:_ level
4 And largely overflow the fruitful plain,
largely > copiously; freely
5 That all the country seems to be a main,
That > [So that] main > {Broad expanse of water}
6 And the rich furrows float, all quite fordone:
fordone > ruined
7 The woeful husbandman does loud complain, 8 To see his whole year's labour lost so soon, 9 For which to God he made so many an idle boon.
idle boon > useless prayer
307.35
So him he held, and did through might amate: 2 So long he held him, and him bet so long, That at the last his fiercenesse gan abate, 4 And meekely stoup vnto the victour strong: Who to auenge the implacable wrong, 6 Which he supposed donne to _Florimell_, Sought by all meanes his dolour to prolong, 8 Sith dint of steele his carcas could not quell: His maker with her charmes had framed him so well.
1 So him he held, and did through might amate:
So > Thus, in this manner might amate > strength subdue
2 So long he held him, and him beat so long, 3 That at the last his fierceness gan abate,
gan > did
4 And meekly stoop to the victor strong: 5 Who, to avenge the implacable wrong 6 Which he supposed done to Florimell, 7 Sought by all means his dolour to prolong,
dolour > pain
8 Sith dint of steel his carcase could not quell:
Sith > Since dint > dint; blow, impact carcase > body quell > destroy; kill
9 His maker with her charms had framed him so well.
charms > spells framed > made
307.36
The golden ribband, which that virgin wore 2 About her +sclender+ wast, he tooke in hand, And with it bound the beast, that lowd did rore 4 For great despight of that vnwonted band, Yet dared not his victour to withstand, 6 But trembled like a lambe, fled from the pray, And all the way him followd on the strand, 8 As he had long bene learned to obay; Yet neuer learned he such seruice, till that day.
2 sclender > slender _1609_
1 The golden riband, which that virgin wore
riband > ribbon
2 About her slender waste, he took in hand, 3 And with it bound the beast, that loud did roar 4 For great despite of that unwonted bond,
despite > disdain; defiance unwonted > unaccustomed
5 Yet dared not his victor to withstand, 6 But trembled like a lamb, fled from the prey,
the prey > [the action of preying; hence: the scene of the attack]
7 And all the way him followed on the strand,
strand > shore
8 As he had long been learned to obey;
As > [As though] learned > taught
9 Yet never learned he such service, till that day.
307.37
Thus as he led the Beast along the way, 2 He spide far off a mighty Giauntesse, Fast flying on a Courser dapled gray, 4 From a bold knight, that with great hardinesse Her hard pursewd, and sought for to suppresse; 6 She bore before her lap a dolefull Squire, Lying athwart her horse in great distresse, 8 Fast bounden hand and foote with cords of wire, Whom she did meane to make the thrall of her desire.
1 Thus as he led the beast along the way, 2 He spied far off a mighty giantess, 3 Fast flying, on a courser dappled grey,
flying > fleeing
4 From a bold knight, that with great hardiness 5 Her hard pursued, and sought to suppress;
hard > closely; strenuously suppress > stop, arrest; vanquish
6 She bore before her lap a doleful squire
squire > knight's attendant
7 (Lying athwart her horse in great distress, 8 Fast bound, hand and foot, with cords of wire),
Fast > Firmly
9 Whom she did mean to make the thrall of her desire.
thrall > slave
307.38
Which whenas _Satyrane_ beheld, in hast 2 He left his captiue Beast at liberty, And crost the nearest way, by which he cast 4 Her to encounter, ere she passed by: But she the way shund nathemore for thy, 6 But forward gallopt fast; which when he spyde, His mighty speare he couched warily, 8 And at her ran: she hauing him descryde, Her selfe to fight addrest, and threw her lode aside.
1 Which when Satyrane beheld, in haste 2 He left his captive beast at liberty, 3 And crossed the nearest way, by which he cast
cast > contrived; resolved
4 Her to encounter, ere she passed by:
encounter > go to meet; face as an adversary
5 But she the way shunned nathemore for-thy,
But > (Pleonastic) nathemore for-thy > not at all for that reason (i.e. she did not alter her course because of that)
6 But forward galloped fast; which when he spied, 7 His mighty spear he couched warily,
couched warily > {Carefully lowered and placed in its rest, ready for attack}
8 And at her ran: she, having him descried, 9 Herself to fight addressed, and threw her load aside.
addressed > prepared
307.39
Like as a Goshauke, that in foote doth beare 2 A trembling Culuer, hauing spied on hight An Egle, that with plumy wings doth sheare 4 The subtile ayre, stouping with all his might, The quarrey throwes to ground with fell despight, 6 And to the battell doth her selfe prepare: So ran the Geauntesse vnto the fight; 8 Her firie eyes with furious sparkes did stare, And with blasphemous bannes high God in peeces tare.
1 Like a goshawk, that in foot does bear 2 A trembling culver, having spied on high
culver > dove; woodpigeon
3 An eagle (that with plumy wings does shear 4 The subtile air, stooping with all his might),
subtile > rarefied stooping > swooping; descending from a height; descending on his prey
5 The quarry throws to ground with fell despite,
The quarry > [Her prey] fell > fierce, terrible despite > rage; defiance
6 And to the battle does herself prepare: 7 So ran the giantess to the fight; 8 Her fiery eyes with furious sparks did stare,
stare > glare
9 And with blasphemous bans high God in pieces tore.
bans > curses, imprecations
307.40
She caught in hand an huge great yron mace, 2 Wherewith she many had of life depriued, But ere the stroke could seize his aymed place, 4 His speare amids her sun-broad shield arriued; Yet nathemore the steele a sunder riued, 6 All were the beame in bignesse like a mast, Ne her out of the stedfast sadle driued, 8 But glauncing on the tempred mettall, brast In thousand shiuers, and so forth beside her past.
1 She caught in hand a huge great iron mace, 2 Wherewith she many had of life deprived,
Wherewith > With which
3 But, ere the stroke could seize its aimed place,
seize > take possession of; fasten upon (latter is SUS)
4 His spear amidst her sun-broad shield arrived:
amidst > in the middle of
5 Yet nathemore the steel asunder rived,
nathemore > not at all rived > split; tore
6 All were the beam in bigness like a mast;
All > Although
7 Nor her out of the steadfast saddle drove, 8 But, glancing on the tempered metal, burst 9 In thousand shivers, and so forth beside her passed.
307.41
Her Steed did stagger with that puissaunt strooke; 2 But she no more was moued with that might, Then it had lighted on an aged Oke; 4 Or on the marble Pillour, that is pight Vpon the top of Mount _Olympus_ hight, 6 For the braue youthly Champions to assay, With burning charet wheeles it nigh to smite: 8 But who that smites it, mars his ioyous play, And is the spectacle of ruinous decay.
1 Her steed did stagger with that puissant stroke;
puissant > powerful
2 But she no more was moved with that might
might > force
3 Than it had lighted on an aged oak;
it had > [had it] lighted on > alighted on, struck
4 Or on the marble pillar that is pight
pight > placed
5 Upon the top of Mount Olympus' height,
height > summit ("The assumption that Mount Olympus was the site of the Olympic Games appears also in Sidney's _Apology for Poetry_; but Spenser may have been misled by the obscure language of the _Mythologiae_ of Natales Comes (5.1)": Maclean (1982) 286)
6 For the brave youthly champions to essay,
essay > attempt
7 With burning charet wheels, it nigh to smite:
charet > chariot
8 But who that smites it mars his joyous play,
who that > [whoever]
9 And is the spectacle of ruinous decay.
spectacle > example; model, pattern decay > downfall, destruction
307.42
Yet therewith sore enrag'd, with sterne regard 2 Her dreadfull weapon she to him addrest, Which on his helmet martelled so hard, 4 That made him low incline his lofty crest, And bowd his battred visour to his brest: 6 Wherewith he was so stund, that he n'ote ryde, But reeled to and fro from East to West: 8 Which when his cruell enimy espyde, She lightly vnto him adioyned side to syde;
1 Yet therewith sore enraged, with stern regard
therewith > with that ["with that puissaunt strooke"] stern > fierce, merciless regard > aspect; look, gaze; care, attention
2 Her dreadful weapon she to him addressed,
to > at addressed > directed
3 Which on his helmet martelled so hard
martelled > hammered (esp. as with an iron war-hammer; SU)
4 That made him low incline his lofty crest,
That > [That it]
5 And bowed his battered visor to his breast: 6 Wherewith he was so stunned that he no'te ride,
Wherewith > With which no'te > could not
7 But reeled to and fro from east to west: 8 Which when his cruel enemy espied, 9 She lightly to him adjoined side to side;
lightly > quickly to him adjoined side to side > [came alongside him]
307.43
And on his collar laying puissant hand, 2 Out of his wauering seat him pluckt perforse, Perforse him pluckt, vnable to withstand, 4 Or helpe himselfe, and laying thwart her horse, In loathly wise like to a carion corse, 6 She bore him fast away. Which when the knight, That her pursewed, +saw+ with great +remorse,+ 8 He neare was touched in his noble spright, And gan encrease his speed, as she encreast her flight.
7 saw > saw, _1609_ 7 remorse, > remorse _1609_
1 And, on his collar laying puissant hand,
puissant > powerful
2 Out of his wavering seat him plucked perforce,
perforce > by force
3 Perforce him plucked, unable to withstand, 4 Or help himself, and laying thwart her horse,
laying > [laying him] thwart > athwart, across
5 In loathly wise, like a carrion corse,
loathly wise > [a] loathsome manner carrion corse > dead body
6 She bore him fast away. Which when the knight 7 That her pursued saw, with great remorse
remorse > compassion
8 He near was touched in his noble spirit,
near > closely; _hence:_ deeply
9 And gan increase his speed, as she increased her flight.
gan > did
307.44
Whom when as nigh approching she espyde, 2 She threw away her burden angrily; For she list not the battell to abide, 4 But made her selfe more light, away to fly: Yet her the hardy knight pursewd so nye, 6 That almost in the backe he oft her strake: But still when him at hand she did espy, 8 She turnd, and semblaunce of faire fight did make; But when he stayd, to flight againe she did her take.
1 Whom when nigh approaching she espied, 2 She threw away her burden angrily; 3 For she list not the battle to abide,
list > chose abide > await, attend, await the issue of; face, endure
4 But made herself more light, away to fly:
fly > flee
5 Yet her the hardy knight pursued so nigh 6 That almost in the back he oft her struck: 7 But still, when him at hand she did espy,
still > ever, continually
8 She turned, and semblance of fair fight did make; 9 But when he stayed, to flight again she did herself take.
307.45
By this +the+ good Sir _Satyrane_ gan +wake+ 2 Out of his dreame, that did him long entraunce, And seeing none in place, he gan to make 4 Exceeding mone, and curst that cruell chaunce, Which reft +from him+ so faire a cheuisaunce: 6 At length he spide, whereas that wofull Squire, Whom he had reskewed from captiuaunce 8 Of his strong foe, lay tombled in the myre, Vnable to arise, or foot or hand to styre.
1 the > _omitted from 1596 and 1609_ 1 wake > awake _1609_ 5 from him > him from _1609_
1 By this the good Sir Satyrane gan wake
By this > By this time gan > did; began to
2 Out of his dream, that did him long entrance, 3 And, seeing none in place, he began to make
none in place > no one there
4 Exceeding moan, and cursed that cruel chance
moan > lamentation
5 Which reft from him so fair a chevisance:
reft > took chevisance > enterprise, knightly enterprise (catachr.)
6 At length he spied where that woeful squire, 7 Whom he had rescued from captivance
captivance > captivity (WUS)
8 Of his strong foe, lay tumbled in the mire, 9 Unable to arise, +or+ foot or hand to stir.
or > either
307.46
To whom approching, well he mote perceiue 2 In that foule plight a comely personage, And louely face, made fit for to deceiue 4 Fraile Ladies hart with loues consuming rage, Now in the blossome of his freshest age: 6 He reard him vp, and loosd his yron bands, And after gan inquire his parentage, 8 And how he fell into +that+ Gyaunts hands, And who that was, which chaced her along the lands.
8 that > the _1590_
1 To whom approaching, well he might perceive
might > could
2 In that foul plight a comely personage,
foul plight > [befouled state, i.e. the squire is covered in mud] personage > {The body and appearance as distinct from the clothing}
3 And lovely face, made fit to deceive
lovely > loving, kind; lovable deceive > betray, prove false to
4 Frail ladies' heart with love's consuming rage,
Frail > weak; morally weak
5 Now in the blossom of his freshest age: 6 He reared him up, and loosed his iron bonds,
iron > [wire: see 307.37:8]
7 And after gan inquire his parentage,
gan inquire > did ask about
8 And how he fell into that giant's hands, 9 And who that was, who chased her along the lands.
lands > land, landscape (contrived for the rhyme)
307.47
Then trembling yet through feare, the Squire bespake, 2 That Geauntesse _Argante_ is behight, A daughter of the _Titans_ which did make 4 Warre against heauen, and heaped hils on hight, To scale the skyes, and put _Ioue_ from his right: 6 Her sire _Typh{oe}us_ was, who mad through merth, And drunke with bloud of men, slaine by his might, 8 Through incest, her of his owne mother Earth Whilome begot, being but halfe twin of that berth.
1 Then, trembling yet through fear, the squire bespoke,
bespoke > said
2 "That giantess Argante is behight,
Argante > "Shining", "Glistening" (i.e. with lust); "Swift-footed" (_argos_, shining, glistening, is also applied in classical Greek to the legs of running dogs, as rapid motion is said to cause a flickering light. Argante is described as "fast flying" at 307.37:3, and has a "sun-broad shield" (307.40:4). Alter- natively, the name might be derived from that of Arges, one of the Titans) behight > named (catachr.)
3 A daughter of the Titans which did make
Titans > (A slip for the Giants, who piled Mount Ossa on Mount Pelion in order to scale Mount Olympus and dethrone Jupiter (_Met._ 1.151 ff.))
4 War against heaven, and heaped hills on high, 5 To scale the skies, and put Jove from his right: 6 Her sire Typhoeus was, who, mad through mirth,
sire > father
7 And drunk with blood of men slain by his might, 8 Through incest, her of his own mother, Earth,
of > by Earth > (Typhoeus was the youngest son of Ge (Earth) and Tartarus, who was in turn the son of Ge and Aether (Sky))
9 Whilom begot, being but half twin of that birth.
Whilom > Anciently
307.48
For at that berth another Babe she bore, 2 To weet the mighty _Ollyphant_, that wrought Great wreake to many errant knights of yore, 4 +And many hath to foule+ confusion brought. These twinnes, men say, (a thing far passing thought) 6 Whiles in their mothers wombe enclosd they were, Ere they into the lightsome world were brought, 8 In fleshly lust were mingled both yfere, And in that monstrous wise did to the world appere.
4 And many hath to foule > Till him Chylde _Thopas_ to _1590. The change distances Ollyphant from Chaucer's tale (see Glossary), which actually breaks off before Olifaunt is killed; and Spenser recalls that his Ollyphant features later in the story (311.3 ff.)_
1 "For at that birth another babe she bore, 2 To weet the mighty Ollyphant, that wrought
To weet > To wit Ollyphant > "Elephant" (based on "Olifaunt", a character in Chaucer's _Tale of Sir Thopas_ 7.807-9)
3 Great wreak to many errant knights of yore,
wreak > harm, injury, damage errant > itinerant (a "knight errant" roamed in quest of adventure; the word-order here also implies the sense of erring, deviating, etc.) yore > old
4 And many has to foul confusion brought.
many > a great number (singular) confusion > discomfiture, ruin
5 These twins, men say (a thing far passing thought),
passing > surpassing
6 While in their mother's womb enclosed they were, 7 Ere they into the lightsome world were brought,
lightsome > bright, luminous
8 In fleshly lust were mingled both yfere,
yfere > together
9 And in that monstrous wise did to the world appear.
wise > fashion
307.49
So liu'd they euer after in like sin, 2 Gainst natures law, and good behauioure: But greatest shame was to that maiden twin, 4 Who not content so fowly to deuoure Her natiue flesh, and +staine+ her brothers bowre, 6 Did wallow in all other fleshly myre, And suffred beasts her body to deflowre: 8 So whot she burned in that lustfull fyre, Yet all that might not slake her sensuall desyre.
5 staine > straine _1596, 1609_
1 "So lived they ever after in like sin,
like > similar
2 Gainst Nature's law, and good behaviour:
Gainst > Against
3 But greatest shame was to that maiden twin, 4 Who, not content so foully to devour
devour > {Consume destructively; cf. _Luke_ 15.30}
5 Her native flesh, and stain her brother's bower,
bower > bedroom; _hence:_ bed
6 Did wallow in all other fleshly mire, 7 And suffered beasts her body to deflower,
suffered > allowed
8 So hot she burnt in that lustful fire; 9 Yet all that might not slake her sensual desire.
all that > [all that perversion] might > could
307.50
But ouer all the countrey she did raunge, 2 To seeke young men, to quench her flaming +thurst+, And feed her fancy with delightfull chaunge: 4 Whom so she fittest finds to serue her lust, Through her maine strength, in which she most doth trust, 6 She with her brings into a secret Ile, Where in eternall bondage dye he must, 8 Or be the vassall of her pleasures vile, And in all shamefull sort him selfe with her defile.
2 thurst > thrust _1590_
1 "But over all the country she did range, 2 To seek young men, to quench her flaming thirst, 3 And feed her fancy with delightful change: 4 Whomso she fittest finds to serve her lust,
Whomso > Whomever
5 Through her main strength, in which she most does trust,
main > mighty; very great; remarkable
6 She with her brings into a secret isle, 7 Where in eternal bondage die he must, 8 Or be the vassal of her pleasures vile,
vassal > slave
9 And in all shameful sort himself with her defile.
sort > manner, method; company
307.51
Me seely wretch she so at vauntage caught, 2 After she long in waite for me did lye, And meant vnto her prison to haue brought, 4 Her lothsome pleasure there to satisfye; That thousand deathes me leuer were to dye, 6 Then breake the vow, that to faire _Columbell_ I plighted haue, and yet keepe stedfastly: 8 As for my name, it mistreth not to tell; Call me the _Squyre of Dames_ that me beseemeth well.
1 "Me, seely wretch, she so at vantage caught,
seely > helpless, innocent; pitiable so > thus, in that manner vantage > advantage (i.e. to Argante)
2 After she long in wait for me did lie, 3 And meant to her prison to have brought,
meant > intended
4 Her loathsome pleasure there to satisfy; 5 That thousand deaths me liefer were to die,
That > [So that] me liefer were to > [I would rather]
6 Than break the vow that to fair Columbell
Columbell > "Little Dove"; "Pretty Dove"
7 I plighted have, and yet keep steadfastly:
plighted have > have pledged
8 As for my name, it misters not to tell;
misters not > is not necessary
9 Call me the Squire of Dames: that me beseems well.
beseems > suits
307.52
But that bold knight, whom ye pursuing saw 2 That Geauntesse, is not such, as she seemed, But a faire virgin, that in martiall law, 4 And deedes of armes aboue all Dames is deemed, And aboue many knights is eke esteemed, 6 For her great worth; She _Palladine_ is hight: She you from death, you me from dread redeemed. 8 Ne any may that Monster match in fight, But she, or such as she, that is so chaste a wight.
1 "But that bold knight, whom you pursuing saw 2 That giantess, is not such as she seemed, 3 But a fair virgin, that in martial law
law > ways; manner of life
4 And deeds of arms above all dames is deemed, 5 And above many knights is eke esteemed,
eke > also
6 For her great worth; she Palladine is hight:
Palladine > (The name seems to be formed on that of Pallas Athene, the Greek goddess of wisdom, Minerva in Roman mythology. She is represented as a virgin divinity, immune to sexual love) hight > named
7 She you from death, you me from dread redeemed. 8 Nor any may that monster match in fight, 9 But she, or such as she, that is so chaste a wight."
wight > person
307.53
Her well beseemes that Quest (quoth _Satyrane_) 2 But read, thou _Squyre of Dames_, what vow is this, Which thou vpon thy selfe hast lately ta'ne? 4 That shall I you recount (quoth he) ywis, So be ye pleasd to pardon all amis. 6 That gentle Lady, whom I loue and serue, After long suit and weary seruicis, 8 Did aske me, how I could her loue deserue, And how she might be sure, that I would neuer swerue.
1 "Her well beseems that quest," quoth Satyrane,
beseems > suits
2 "But read, you Squire of Dames, what vow is this,
read > declare
3 Which you upon yourself have lately taken?" 4 "That shall I you recount," quoth he, "iwis,
you > [to you] iwis > certainly, indeed, assuredly
5 So be you pleased to pardon all amiss.
So be you > [If you will be] all amiss > [all in it that is objectionable]
6 That gentle lady, whom I love and serve,
gentle > noble; gracious
7 After long suit and weary services, 8 Did ask me how I could her love deserve, 9 And how she might be sure that I would never swerve.
307.54
I glad by any meanes her grace to gaine, 2 Bad her commaund my life to saue, or spill. Eftsoones she bad me, with incessaunt paine 4 To wander through the world abroad at will, And euery where, where with my power or skill 6 I might do seruice vnto gentle Dames, That I the same should faithfully fulfill, 8 And at the twelue monethes end should bring their names And pledges; as the spoiles of my victorious games.
1 "I, glad by any means her grace to gain, 2 Bade her command my life to save, or spill.
spill > destroy
3 Eftsoons she bade me with incessant pain
Eftsoons > Thereupon; presently pain > effort; pain
4 To wander through the world abroad at will, 5 And everywhere, where with my power or skill
skill > knowledge; skill
6 I might do service to gentle dames;
do service to > profess love to; supply the sexual needs of, copulate with gentle > gentle; gracious
7 That I the same should faithfully fulfil, 8 And, at the twelve months' end, should bring their names 9 And pledges as the spoils of my victorious games.
307.55
So well I to faire Ladies seruice did, 2 And found such fauour in their louing hartes, That ere the yeare his course had compassid, 4 Three hundred pledges for my good desartes, And thrise three hundred thanks for my good partes 6 I with me brought, and did to her present: Which when she saw, more bent to eke my smartes, 8 Then to reward my trusty true intent, She gan for me deuise a grieuous punishment.
1 "So well I to fair ladies service did, 2 And found such favour in their loving hearts, 3 That, ere the year its course had compassed,
compassed > accomplished; encircled
4 Three hundred pledges for my good deserts,
deserts > deeds, merits
5 And thrice three hundred thanks for my good parts
parts > acts; qualities, capacities; _also, perhaps:_ private parts (as 202.37:5)
6 I with me brought, and did to her present: 7 Which when she saw, more bent to eke my smarts
eke > augment smarts > pains
8 Than to reward my trusty true intent, 9 She gan for me devise a grievous punishment.
gan > did
307.56
To weet, that I my trauell should resume, 2 And with like labour walke the world around, Ne euer to her presence should presume, 4 Till I so many other Dames had found, The which, for all the suit I could propound, 6 Would me refuse their pledges to afford, But did abide for euer chast and sound. 8 Ah gentle Squire (quoth he) tell at one word, How many foundst thou such to put in thy record?
1 "To weet, that I my travel should resume,
To weet > To wit travel > travel; travail
2 And with like labour walk the world around,
like > similar
3 Ne ever to her presence should presume
Ne ever > And never
4 Till I so many other dames had found,
so many > [the same number of]
5 Who, for all the suit I could propound, 6 Would me refuse their pledges to afford, 7 But did abide for ever chaste and sound."
abide > remain
8 "Ah, gentle squire," quoth he, "tell, at one word,
gentle > noble; gentle
9 How many found you such to put in your record?"
307.57
In deed Sir knight (said he) one word may tell 2 All, that I euer found so wisely stayd; For onely three they were disposd so well, 4 And yet three yeares I now abroad haue strayd, To find them out. Mote I (then laughing sayd 6 The knight) inquire of thee, what were those three, The which thy proffred curtesie denayd? 8 Or ill they seemed sure auizd to bee, Or brutishly brought vp, that neu'r did fashions see.
1 "Indeed, sir knight," said he, "one word may tell 2 All, that I ever found so wisely staid;
staid > faithful; staid
3 For only three they were disposed so well, 4 And yet three years I now abroad have strayed, 5 To find them out." "Might I" (then, laughing, said 6 The knight) "inquire of you, what were those three, 7 Which your proffered courtesy denied?
denied > refused
8 Or ill they seemed sure advised to be,
Or > Either ill > badly, poorly
9 Or brutishly brought up, that never did fashions see."
307.58
The first which then refused me (said hee) 2 Certes was but a common Courtisane, Yet flat refusd to haue a do with mee, 4 Because I could not giue her many a Iane. (Thereat full hartely laughed _Satyrane_) 6 The second was an holy Nunne to chose, Which would not let me be her Chappellane, 8 Because she knew, she said, I would disclose Her counsell, if she should her trust in me repose.
1 "The first which then refused me," said he, 2 "Certes was but a common courtesan,
Certes > Assuredly
3 Yet flat refused to have a do with me,
a do > ado; a do (in the sexual sense; cf. 101.51:6)
4 Because I could not give her many a jane."
jane > {A small silver Genoese coin}
5 (Thereat full heartily laughed Satyrane.)
Thereat > Thereupon; as a result of that full > very
6 "The second was a holy nun to choose,
to choose > by choice
7 Who would not let me be her chaplain, 8 Because she knew, she said, I would disclose 9 Her counsel, if she should her trust in me repose.
counsel > confidences, secrets
307.59
The third a Damzell was of low degree, 2 Whom I in countrey cottage found by chaunce; Full little weened I, that chastitee 4 Had lodging in so meane a maintenaunce, Yet was she faire, and in her +countenance+ 6 Dwelt simple truth in seemely fashion. Long thus I woo'd her with dew obseruance, 8 In hope vnto my pleasure to haue won; But was as farre at last, as when I first begon.
5 countenance > countenaunce _1590_
1 "The third a damsel was of low degree,
degree > rank, social station
2 Whom I in country cottage found by chance; 3 Full little weened I that chastity
Full > Very weened > imagined
4 Had lodging in so mean a maintenance,
maintenance > livelihood, means of subsistence; _hence:_ condition, way of life
5 Yet was she fair, and in her countenance 6 Dwelt simple truth in seemly fashion. 7 Long thus I wooed her with due observance, 8 In hope +to+ my pleasure to have won;
to > [her to]
9 But was as far at last, as when I first began.
307.60
Safe her, I neuer any woman found, 2 That chastity did for it selfe embrace, But were for other causes firme and sound; 4 Either for want of handsome time and place, Or else for feare of shame and fowle disgrace. 6 Thus am I hopelesse euer to attaine My Ladies loue, in such a desperate case, 8 But all my dayes am like to wast in vaine, Seeking to match the chaste with th'vnchaste Ladies traine.
1 "Save her, I never any woman found 2 That chastity did for itself embrace, 3 But were for other causes firm and sound; 4 Either for want of handsome time and place,
handsome > suitable
5 Or else for fear of shame and foul disgrace. 6 Thus am I hopeless ever to attain 7 My lady's love, in such a desperate case, 8 But all my days am like to waste in vain,
like > likely
9 Seeking to match the chaste with the unchaste ladies' train."
train > company, assembly; _hence:_ number
307.61
Perdy, (said _Satyrane_) thou _Squire of Dames_, 2 Great labour fondly hast thou hent in hand, To get small thankes, and therewith many blames, 4 That may +emongst+ _Alcides_ labours stand. Thence backe returning to the former land, 6 Where late he left the Beast, he ouercame, He found him not; for he had broke his band, 8 And was return'd againe vnto his Dame, To tell what tydings of faire _Florimell_ became.
4 emongst > among _1609_
1 "Pardie," said Satyrane, "you Squire of Dames,
Pardie > Truly; "by God"
2 Great labour fondly have you hent in hand,
fondly > foolishly hent > taken
3 To get small thanks, and therewith many blames:
therewith > with that blames > reproofs
4 That may amongst Alcides' labours stand."
That > [That great labour]
5 Thence back returning to the former land
land > [place]
6 Where late he left the beast he overcame,
late > lately he overcame > [that he had overcome]
7 He found him not; for he had broken his bond, 8 And was returned again to his dame, 9 To tell what tidings of fair Florimell became.
tidings > happenings, occurrences became > had befallen (i.e. the beast has returned to tell the witch what happened to Florimell)