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 THE FAERIE 
 
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 LONDON 
 
 PrintcdfcrWiilHaniPonfbnbie.
 
 ► t 
 
 <l.' 
 
 ^♦\ 
 
 TO 
 
 THE MOST HIGH, 
 MIGHTIE 
 
 •^Magnificent 
 empresse renovv- 
 med for pietie, ver- 
 tve, and all gratiovs 
 government elizabeth by 
 the grace of god q^veene 
 of england fravnce and 
 ireland and of virgi- 
 nia, defendovr of the 
 
 FAIT H,&c. HER MOST 
 " HVMBLE S ERVAVNT 
 EDMVND SPENSER 
 DOTH IN ALL HV- 
 MILITIE DEDI- 
 CATE, PRE- 
 SENT 
 AND CONSECRATE THESE 
 HIS LABOVRS TO LIVE 
 WITH THE ETERNIr 
 TIE OF HER 
 FAME. 
 
 » 4 X
 
 
 \ 
 
 THE FIRST 
 
 BOOKE OF THE 
 
 FAERIE OVEENE. 
 
 (^ontajning 
 THE LEGENDEOF THE 
 
 KNIGHT OF THE RED CROSSE, 
 
 OR 
 
 OF HOLINESSE. 
 
 O I the man 3 whofc Mufe whilomc did maskc 
 As time her taught in lowly Shepheards weeds 
 Am now enforft a far vnfitter taskc^ 
 For trumpets fterne to chaunge mine Oaten reeds 
 And fing of Knights and Ladies gentle deeds 5 
 * Whofe prayfes hauing flept in filence long, 
 '^ Me^alltoo meane^thefacredMufeareeds 
 
 To blazon broad emongft her learned throng : 
 Fierce warres and faithful! loues iTiall moralize my (bng, 
 
 Helpc then, 6 holy Virgin chicfe of nine. 
 Thy weaker Nouice to performe thy will^ 
 Lay forth out of thine euerlaftingfcryne 
 The antique rolles , which there lye hidden ftill3 
 
 A 2
 
 ^ THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cdni.r. 
 
 Of Faerie knights and faircft TanaquiUy 
 Whom that mod noble Briton Prince fb long 
 Sought through the world, and fuffercd fb much ill^ 
 That I mufl: rue his vndeferucd wrong : 
 O helpe thou my weake wit, and fharpen my dull tong. 
 
 And thou mod dreaded impe of higheft louCy 
 Faire Verim fonne, that with thy cruell dart 
 At that good knight fb cunningly didft rouc^ 
 That glorious fire it kindled in his hart. 
 Lay now thy deadly Heben bow apart , 
 And with thy mother milde come to mine ayde : 
 Come both, and with you bring triumphant CMarty 
 Inloues^nd gentleiollitics arraydj 
 
 After his murdr'ous fpoiles and bloudy rage allayd. 
 
 And withdicm eke, 6 GoddefTeheauenly bright, 
 Mirrour of grace and Maicftie diuine. 
 Great Lady of the grcateft Ifle, whofe light 
 Like Fhccbm lampe throughout the world doth ftiinc. 
 Shed thy faire bcames into my feeble eync. 
 And raife my thoughts too humble and too vile. 
 To thinke of that tt uc glorious type of thine. 
 The argument of mine afflidcd ftile : 
 
 The which to hcare, vouchfafe, 6 dcarcfl dred a-whilc. 
 
 CANT. 
 
 UIUC .
 
 cm.I. FAERIE QVEENE. 
 
 Qanto /. 
 
 The 'Patroit of true He/wejfe, 
 Foule Srrohr doth defeate: 
 Hjtpocrifte him to enlrape, 
 t^?J Doth to hU home entreate. 
 
 A Gentle Knight was pricking on the plaine 
 Y cladd in mightie armcs and filucr fhiclde 
 Wherein old dints of decpc wounds did remainc 
 The cruell markes of many' a bloiidy ficlde ; 
 Yet armes till that time did he ncuer wield ; 
 His angry fteede did chide his fomingbitr. 
 As much difdayning to the curbe to yield : 
 Full ioUy knight he fecmd^ and faire did fitt. 
 As one for knightly giufts and fierce encounters fitr. 
 
 But on his breft a bloudie Croffe he bore. 
 The deare remembrance of his dying Lord 
 For whofe fweete fake that glorious badge he wore 
 And dead as lining eiier him ador*d ; 
 Vpon his fhield the like was alio fcor'd 
 For foueraine hope, which in his helpe he had; 
 Right faithfuU true he was in deede and word 
 But of his cheere did fecme too folemne fad j 
 
 Yet nothing did he dread, but eucr was ydrai 
 
 Vpon a great aduenture he was bond. 
 That greateft <j/(^r/i(i/;4 to him gaue. 
 That greateft Glorious Qucene offaerielond 
 To winnchim worfiiip, andher grace to hauc^
 
 4 THE I. BOOKE OF THE cmj. 
 
 ^ Vhich of all earthly things he moft did crauci 
 And eiicr as he rode^ his hart did carnc 
 To proue his piiiffancc in battell brauc 
 Vpon his foe^ and his new force to learnc ; 
 Vpon his foe, a Dragon horrible and ftearnc. 
 
 A lonely Ladie rode him faire befidc, 
 
 Vpon a lowly Afle more white then fiiow,, 
 Yetlliemuchwhiterjbuttliefamedidhidc \ 
 Vnder a Ycle, that wimpled was full low^ 
 And oner all a blackc ftole fhe did throw. 
 As one that inly mournd : fo was fhe fad. 
 And heauie (at vpon her palfrey flow ; 
 Seemed in heart fome hidden care iTie had. 
 
 And by her iii aline a milke white lambe fhc lad,. 
 
 So pure an innocent, as that fame lambe. 
 She was in life and euery vertuous lore. 
 And by defcent from Royall lynage came 
 Of ancient Kings and Queenes,.that had of yorcr 
 Their fcepters ftretcht from Eafl to Wefternc (horc^ 
 And all the world in their fubiedion held 5 
 Till that infernall feend with foule vprorc 
 Forwafted all their land, and them expeld: 
 
 Whom to auenge, (he had this Knight from far copcld. 
 
 Behind her farrc away a Dwarfe did lag^ 
 That lafie (cemd in being euer laft. 
 Or wearied with bearing of her bag 
 Of needments at hisbacke • Thus as they paft,. 
 The day with cloudes was fuddeine ouercaft,^ 
 And angry loue an hideous florme of rainc 
 Did poure into his Lemans lap fo faft. 
 That euery wight to ftirowd it did conftrain. 
 
 And this fairc couple ckctoihroud thefclues were fain. 
 
 Enfbrft
 
 Cant.L FAERIE QVEENE 5 
 
 Enfor ft to ftckc Ibmc coucrt nigh at hand, 
 A (hadie grouc not far away they fpide. 
 That promift ayde the tcmpeft to withftand: 
 Whofc lofiic trees yclad with fommers pride 
 Did (pred fo broad, that heauens light did hide 
 Not perceable with power of any ftarre : 
 And all within were paithes and alLcies wide 
 With footing wornc, and leading inward farrc : 
 
 Faire harbour that them feemes 5 fo in they entrcd arrc 
 
 And foorth they paflc, with pleafure forward led 
 loying to heare the birdes fweetc harmony. 
 Which therein ifhrouded from the tempeft drcd 
 Seemd in their fong to fcorne the cruell s\cf. 
 Much can they prayfe the trees fo ftraight and hy 
 The faylingPine^the Cedar proud and taJJ, ^ 
 The vine-prop Elme, the Poplar neuer dryj 
 The builder Oake, fole king of forrefts all. 
 
 The Afpine good for ftaues, the Cyprefic funerall. 
 
 The Laurell, meed of mightie Conquerours 
 AndPoets fagej the Firre that weepcth ftill 
 The Willow worne of forlorne Paramours 
 The Eugh obedient to the benders will. 
 The Birch for fhaftes, the Sallow for the mill. 
 The Mirrhe fweete bleeding in the bitter wound 
 The warlike Beech, the Afh for nothing illj 
 The fruitful! Oliue, and the Platane round 
 The caru<;r Holme, the Maple feeldom inward found- 
 Led with delight, they thus beguile the way, 
 Vntill the bluftring ftorme is ouerblowne ; 
 When weening to returne, whence they did ftray 
 The cannot findc that path, which firft was fliownc 
 
 A4
 
 6 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cant.I. 
 
 But wander too and fro in waycs vnknownc, 
 Furtheft from end then^ when they neereft wccnc. 
 That makes them doiibt^their wits be not their ownc: 
 So many pathcs^fo many turnings fecnc. 
 That which of them to take^ in diuerfe doubt they been. 
 
 At lafl: refoluing forwardftiU to farc^ 
 Till that fome end they finde or in or out. 
 That path they take^that beaten feemd moft barc^ 
 And Uke to lead the labyrinth about ; 
 Which when by traft they hunted had throughout,. 
 At length it brought them to ahoUow caue^ 
 Amid the thickeft woods.The Champion ftout 
 Eftfoones difmountcd from his courfcr braue. 
 
 And to the Dwarfe awhile his needleffc fpere he gauc> 
 
 Be well aware^quoth then that Ladicmilde,. 
 Leaft fuddaincmifchiefe ye too rafh prouoke r 
 The danger hid, the place vnknowne and wildc^ 
 Breedes dreadfuU doubts:Oft fire is without finokc,. 
 And perill without fliowrthercfore your hardy ftrokc 
 Sir knight with-hold^till further trial! made. 
 Ah Ladie(faidhe)fhame were to reuoke 
 The forward footing for an hidden fhade : (wade;. 
 
 Vcrtue giues her felfe light, through darkencfle for to 
 
 Yea but(quoth fhc)the perill of this place 
 I better wot then you, though now too late. 
 To with you backe returne with foule difgrace. 
 Yet wifedome warnes, whileft foot is in the gatc^ 
 To ftay thefteppejere forced to retrate. 
 This is the wandring wood, this Err ours den^ 
 A monfter vile, whom God and man does hate : 
 Therefore I read beware .Fly fly (quoth then 
 
 The fearefuU Dwarfe : ) this is no place for lining men. 
 
 But
 
 CM.ll. FAERIE QVEENE. 
 
 But full of fire and greedy hardimciit^ 
 . The youthfuU knight could not for ought be ftaide 
 But forth vnto the darkfomc hole he went 
 And looked in: his gliftring armor made 
 A litle glooming light, much like a i hade. 
 By which he faw the vgly monfter plaine, 
 Halfe like a ferpent horribly difplaide. 
 But th*other halfe did womans lliape retaine 
 
 Moft lothfom^filthie/oule, and full of vile difdaine- 
 
 And as {he lay vpon the durtie ground^ 
 Her hugelong taile her den all ouerfpred 
 Yet was in knots andmany boughtes vpwound 
 Pointed with mortall fting . Of her there bred 
 A thouland yong ones^which ihe dayly fed 
 Sucking vpon her poifbnous dugs^cachone 
 Of fundry ihapcs, yetall ill fauored : 
 Soone as that vncouth light vpon them (hone. 
 
 Into her mouth they crept^and fuddain all were goneJ 
 
 Their dam vpftart^outof her den efFraide, 
 And ruthed forth jhurling her hideous tailc 
 About her curfed head, whofc folds difplaid 
 Were ftretcht now forth at length without entraikt 
 She lookt about, and feeing one in mayle 
 Armed to point^fought backe to turne againc s 
 For light {he hated as the deadlybale. 
 Ay worit in dcfert darknefle to remaine, 
 
 Whereplaine none might her fee,nor fhe fee anyplainc; 
 
 Which when the valiant Elfc perceiu'ed, helept 
 As Lyon fierce vpon the flying pray. 
 And with his trenchand blade her boldlykept ^ 
 From turning backe^ and forced her to flay:
 
 8 THE I. BOOBE OF THE CMtJ. 
 
 Therewith enrag'd fhe loudly gan to bray. 
 And turning fierce, her fpeckled taile aduaunft, 
 Threatning her angry fting, him to difhiay : 
 Who nought aghaftjhis mightichand enhaunft; 
 The ftroke down ft 5 her head vnto her fhouldcr glaunft. 
 
 Much daunted with that dint, her fence was dazd. 
 Yet kindling rage, her fclfc fhe gathered round. 
 And all attonceher beaftly body raizd 
 With doubled forces high abouc the ground : 
 Tho wrapping vp her wrethed fterne arownd, 
 Lept fierce vpon his fhield, and her huge trainc 
 All fuddenly about his body wound. 
 That hand or foot to ftirre he ftroue in vainc : 
 
 God helpc the man fb wrapit in £rr^/;^rj endleffc tv^inc. 
 
 His Lady fad to fee his fore conftraint, 
 
 Cride out. Now now Sir knight, iTiew what yc bcCj 
 Add faith vnto your force, and be not faint : 
 Strangle her, elfc fhe fure will ftrangle thee. 
 That when he heard, in great perplexitic. 
 His gall did grate for griefe and high difdainc. 
 And knitting all his force goton^ hand free. 
 Wherewith he grypt her gorge with fo great painc. 
 
 That foone to looft her wicked band^s did her conftrainc. 
 
 Therewith fhe (pewd out of her filthy maw 
 A floud of poyfon horrible and blacke, 
 Full of great lumpcs of flefh and gobbets raw. 
 Which ftunck fo vildly, that it forft him flacke 
 His grafping hold, and from her turne him backe: 
 Her vomit hill of bookes and papers was. 
 With loathly frogs and toadcs,which eyes didlackc. 
 And creeping (ought way in the weedy gras ; 
 
 Her filthy parbrcakc all the place defiled hai. 
 
 As
 
 CxntL FAERIE QVEENE. p 
 
 As when old father Nilta gins to fwcll 
 
 With timely pride aboue the AegyptianvoXc^ 
 
 His fattie waues do fertile flimeoutwell. 
 
 And ouerflaw each plainc and lowly dale : 
 
 But when his later ebbe gins to aiiale^ 
 
 Huge heapes of mudd he leaues, wherein there breed 
 
 Ten thoulandkindes of creatures^partly male 
 
 And partly female of his fruitfuU feed 5 
 
 Such vgly monftrous fhapes eliwhere may no man reed. 
 
 The fame fo fore annoyed has the knight^ 
 That welnigh choked with the deadly ftinkc. 
 His forces failcj ne can no longer fight. 
 Whofe corage when die feend perceiu'd to flEirirdcc, 
 She pouredforth out ofherhelhfli finke 
 HerfiruitfuU curfedfpawne oflcrpentsfmall. 
 Deformed monfters^fowle^andblacke as inkc^ 
 Which (warming all about his legs did crall, 
 
 Andhimencombred fore^but couldnothurt atalL 
 
 As gentle Shepheard infweetc cuen-tidc, ^ 
 When ruddy Phccbus gins to welke in weft. 
 High on an hill^ his flocke to vewen wide, 
 Markes which do byte their hafty (upper beft ; 
 A cloud of combrous gnattes do him moleft. 
 All ftriuing to infixe their feeble ftings. 
 That from their noyance he no where can reft. 
 But with his clownifh hands their tender wings 
 
 He br uiheth oft^and oft doth mar their murmurings. 
 
 Thus ill bcftedd, andfeare full more of (hamc. 
 Then of the certainc perill he ftood in, 
 Halfe furious vnto his foe he came, 
 Rcfolv'd in mindc all fuddcnly to win.
 
 j8 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CM.U 
 
 Or foonc to lole, before he once would lin ; 
 And ftrooke at her with more then manly forcc^ 
 That from her body full of filthie fin 
 He raft her hateful! head without rcmorfc , 
 .A ftreame of cole black bloud forth gufhed fro her corfe. 
 
 Her fcattred brood3 fbone as their Parent dearc 
 They faw fb rudely falling to the ground, 
 Groning full deadly^all with troublous fcarc, 
 Gathred thcmfelues about her body round. 
 Weening their wonted entrance to haue found 
 At her wide mouth : but being there withftood 
 They flocked all about her bleeding wound. 
 And fucked vp their dyingmothers blood. 
 
 Making her death their life, and ekcher hurt their good. 
 
 That dctcftablc fight him much amazdc. 
 To fee th'vnkindly Impes of hcaucn accurft^ 
 Deuoure their dam ;on whom while lb he gazd^ 
 Hauing all fatisfide their bloudy thurft. 
 Their bellies fwolne he fawwith fulnefle burftj 
 And bowels giifhing forth ; well worthy end 
 Of fuch as drunke her hfe^ the which them nurd ; 
 Now needeth him no lenger labour (pcnd, (contend. 
 His foes haue flainc thcmfelues^with whom he (hould 
 
 His Ladie feeing all, that chaunft^ from farrc 
 Approcht in hafl: to greet his viftorie, 
 AndfaidjFaire knight^ borne vnder happy ftarrc. 
 Who (ee your vanquifht foes before you lye ; 
 Well worthy be you of that Armorie, 
 Wherein ye haue great glory wonne this day. 
 And proou'dyour ftrcngth on a fl:rong cnimic. 
 Your firft aduenture : many fuch I pray. 
 
 And henceforth euer wifh^ that like fuccccd it may* 
 
 Then
 
 CMnf.I. FAERIE QVEENE. u 
 
 Then mounted he vpon his Steedc againc^ 
 And with the Lady backward fought to wend ; 
 That path he kept, which beaten was moft plainc 
 Ne cuer would to any by-way bend^ 
 But dill did follow one vnto the end. 
 The which at laftout of the wood them brought,. 
 So forward on h is way (with God to frend) 
 He palleth forth , and new aducnture fought; 
 
 Long way he trauelled^bcfore he heard of oughts. 
 
 At length they chaunft to meet vpon the way 
 An aged Sire, in long blacke weedes yclad. 
 His feete all bare, his beard all hoarie gray^ 
 And by his belt his booke he hanging had s 
 Sober he feemde, and very fagely lad. 
 And to the ground his eyes were lowly bent^ 
 Simple in l"hew, and voyde of malice bad. 
 And all the way he prayed, as he went. 
 
 And often knockt his brefl, as one that did repent. 
 
 He fairc the knight faIuted,IoutingIow, 
 
 Who faire him quited, as that courteous was; 
 And after asked him, if he did know 
 Of ftraungc aduentures, which abroad did pas. 
 Ah my deare Sonne(quothhe)howfhould,alas3 
 Silly old man, that lines in hidden cell. 
 Bidding his beades all day for his trefpas, 
 Tydings of warre and worldly trouble tell? 
 
 With holy father fits not with fiich things to mell. 
 
 But if of daunger which hereby doth dwell,. 
 And homebred euill cuillye defire to hearc. 
 Of a ftraungeman I can you tidings tell. 
 That waftcth all this countrey farrc andnearc*.
 
 12 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cd^jf.!.^ 
 
 Of fuch(faid he) Ichicfly doinqucrc. 
 And fhall you well reward to flicw the place. 
 In which that wicked wight his dayes doth wcarc : 
 For to ail knighthood it is foulc difgracc. 
 That fuch a curfed creature Hues fo long a fpace* 
 
 Far hencc(quoth he) in waftfull wilderneflc 
 His dwelling is^ by which no liuing wight 
 May euer pafiTe^but thorough great diftreflc, 
 Now(fayd the Lady)draweth toward night. 
 And well I wote, that of your later fight 
 Ye all for wearied be : for wh at fo ftrong. 
 But wanting reft will alfo want of might? 
 The Sunne that meafures hcauen all day long, 
 
 Atnight doth baite his ftcedes the Ocean waues emong. 
 
 Then with the Sunne take Sir, your timely reft. 
 And with new day new worke at once begin: 
 Vntroubled night they fay giues counfell beft. ^ 
 
 Right well Sir knight ye haueaduiled bin, 
 (CJuoth then that aged man5)the way to win 
 Is wifely to aduife mow day is (pent ; 
 Therefore with me ye may take vp your In 
 For this fame night . The knight was well content : 
 
 So with that godly father to his home theywent. 
 
 A little lowly Hermitage it was, 
 
 Downe in a dale, hard by a forcfts fide, 
 
 Far from refort of people, that did pas '»^' 
 
 In trauell to and froe : a little wyde 
 
 There was an holy Chappelledifydc, ^*- 
 
 Wherein the Hermite dewly wont to fay 
 
 His holy things each morne and euentyde ; 
 
 Thereby a Chriftallftreame did genlty playy 
 
 Which from a facred fountaine welled forth alway. 
 
 Arriucd
 
 €4nU. FAERIE dVEENa T 13 
 
 Arriucd there , the little houfe they fill, 
 
 Ne looke for entertaincment, where none was ; 
 Reft is their feaft, and all things at their will ; 
 The nobleft mind the beft contentment has. 
 With faire difcourfe the cuening fo they pas : 
 For that old man of pleafin g wordes had (lore 
 And well could file his ton gue as fmooth as glas 5 
 He told of Saintes and Popes^and cuemorc 
 
 He ftrowd zn^^ue-Marj^St^i and before* 
 
 The droupingNight thus ereepeth on them faft. 
 And the fad humour loading their eye liddes^ 
 As mcffcnger oiLMorfhem on them caft 
 Sweet flobring deaw^the which to fleepe them biddes, 
 . Vnto their lodgings then his gueftes he riddes: 
 Where when all drownd in deadly fleepe he findes^ 
 He to his ftudy goes^ and there amiddes 
 His Magick bookes and artes of fundry kindes. 
 
 He fcekes out mighty charmes^to troublcfleepy mindes* 
 
 Then choofing out few wordes moft horrible, 
 (Let none them rcad)thereof did verfes framc^ 
 With which and other fpelleslikc terrible. 
 Be bad awake blacke Flutoes griefly Dame, 
 And curfcd heauen, and fpake reprochfullihame 
 Of higheft God, the Lord of life and light ; 
 A bold bad man, that dar'd to call by name 
 Great Gorgon^ Prince of darkne fie and dead nighr^ 
 
 At which Cocytm quakes, and Stjx is put to flight.. 
 
 And forth he cald out of dcepc darknefle drcd 
 Legions of Sprights, the which like little flyes 
 Fluttring about his euer damned hed, 
 A-waitc whereto their feruicc he applyes^
 
 14 THE L BOOKE OF THE CdHt.t, 
 
 To aide his friends, or fray his cnimies : 
 Of thofc he chofe out two, the falfcft twoo^ 
 And fitteft for to forge true-feeming lyes 5 
 The one of them he gauea meflage too. 
 The other by him felfc ftaide other workc to doo. 
 
 He making fpcedy way through fperfed ayre. 
 
 And through the world of waters wide and decpc. 
 To LMorpheus houfe doth haftily repairc, ^ 
 
 Amid the bowels of the earth full fteepe. 
 And I0VV5 where dawning day dothneuer peepc. 
 His dwelling is ; there Tethyshxs wet bed 
 Doth cuer wafh, and Cynthia ftill doth fteepc 
 In filuer deawhis euer-drouping hedj 
 
 Whiles fad Night ouer him her matle black doth ipred. 
 
 W'hofc double gates he findeth locked faft. 
 The one faire fram'd of burnifht Yuory, 
 Theother all with filuer ouerca ft; 
 And wakeful! dogges before them farre do lyc^ 
 Watching to banifh Care their enimy, 
 Who oft is wont to trouble gentle fleepe. 
 By them the Sprite doth pafle in quietly. 
 And vnto LMorfheus comes, whom drowned decpc 
 
 In drowfie fit he findes : of nothing he takes keepe. 
 
 And more, to luUe him in his flumber (oft, 
 
 A trickling ftreame from high rocke tumbling downc 
 
 And euer-drizling raine vpon the loft, 
 
 Mixt with a murmuring win dejmuchlikethe fpwnc 
 
 Offwarming Bees, did caft him in a Iwowne: 
 
 No other noyfe, nor peoples troublous cryes. 
 
 As ftill are wont t'annoy the walled towne. 
 
 Might there be heard : but careleflc Quiet lycs. 
 
 Wrapt in eternall filence farre from enemyes. 
 
 The
 
 antJ. FAERIE QVEENE. ij 
 
 The meflenger approching to him fpakc. 
 But his waft wordcs rcturnd to him in value : 
 So found he flept, that nought mought him awake. 
 Then rudely he him truft, and pufht with painc 
 Whereat he gan to ftretch : but he againc 
 Shooke him fo hard^ that forced him to {peakc. 
 As one then in a dreame, whofe dryer braine 
 Is toft with troubled fights and fancies weakc 
 
 He mumbled foft^ but would not all his filcnce breakc^ 
 
 The Sprite then gan more boldly him to wake, 
 Andthreatned vnto him the dreaded name 
 OiHec/tte : whereat he gan to quake , 
 And lifting vp his lumpifh head, with blame 
 
 Halfe angry asked biiix, for what he came. 
 Hither (quoth he)me ^^rchimago fent^ 
 He that the ftubbornc Sprites can wifely tame. 
 He bids thee to him fend for his intent 
 A fit f^lfe dreame, that can delude the fleepers fent« 
 
 The God obayde, and calling forth ftraight way 
 A diuerfe drcameout of his prifon darke, 
 Deliuered it to him^and downe did lay 
 His heauic head, deuoide of carefull carke 
 Whofe fences all were ftraight benumbd and ftarkc. 
 He backe returnin g by the Yuorie dore. 
 Remounted vp as light as chearefull Larkc, 
 And on his litle winges the dreame he bore 
 
 In haft vnto his Lord, where he him left afore. 
 
 Who all this while with charmes and hidden artes 
 Had made a Lady of that other Spright, 
 Andfram'd of liquid ayre her tender partes 
 So liuely, and fo like in all mens fight, 
 
 B
 
 x6 THE I. BOOKE OF THE cm.h 
 
 That weaker lenceit could liaue rauifht quight: 
 The maker fclfe for all his wondrous witt^ 
 Was nigh beguiled with fb goodly fight t 
 Her all in white he dad, and oucrit 
 Caft a blacke ftole^ moft like to fceme for Vm fit. 
 
 Now when that ydic drcame was to him brought^ 
 
 Vnto that Elfin knight he bad him fly^ ^^k 
 
 Where he flcpt fonndly void of euill thought^ 
 
 And with falie fhewes abufe his fantafy^ 
 
 In fort as he him fchooled ptiuily : 
 
 And that new creature borne without her dew. 
 
 Full of the makers guile^ with vfage fly 
 
 He taught to imitate that Lady trew, 
 
 Whofe femblance fiie did cacric vnder feigned hew.. 
 
 Thus well inftru(5ted^5 to their worke they hafir^ 
 
 And comming where the knight in flombcr layy 
 
 The one vpon his hardy head him plaft. 
 
 And made him dreame of loues and luftfull play^.. 
 
 That nigh his manly hart did mek away^ 
 
 Bathed in wanton blis and wicked ioy: 
 
 Then fcemcd him his Lady by him lay. 
 
 And to him playnd^ how that falfc winged boy, (toy^ 
 Her chaft hart had fubdcwd^to leamc Damcplcafurcs 
 
 And (he her felfe of beautie fbueraignc Quccnc^ 
 Faire /^<fw^ feemde vnto hisbed to bring 
 Her, whom he waking euermorc did weenc. 
 To be the chaileft flowre, that ay did fpring 
 On earthly braunch^ the daughter of a king,. 
 Now a loofe Leman to vile ftr uice bound; 
 And eke the (^r^^j feemcd all to fing. 
 Hymen io Hymen ^A^wx^Qm^'s!^ around;, 
 
 Whilfl: frefheft /'/^r^her Yiiie girlond crownd. 
 
 " '- ■"" " Iri
 
 c^/.A FAERIE QVEENE 17 
 
 III this great paflion of vn wonted luft^ 
 Or wonted feare of doing ought amis. 
 He ftartcd vp, as fceming to miftruft. 
 Some fccret ill, or hidden foe of his : 
 Lo there before his face his Lady is, 
 Vnder blakc ftole hydinghcr baytcd hookc 
 And as halfe blufliing oiFred him to kis. 
 With gentle blandilliment and lonely lookc 
 
 Moft like that virgin tr ue^which for her knight him took- 
 
 All cleanc difmayd to fee fo vncouth fight. 
 And halfe enraged at hexfh.amelefle guile. 
 He thought haue flainehcr in his fierce dclpight : 
 But hafty heat tempring with fuffer ancc wiCcfi 
 He ftayde his hand, and gan himfclfe aduife 
 To proue his (enfe, and tempt her faigned truth. 
 Wringing her hands in wemens pittcous wife, 
 Tho canfne wccpe, to ftirre vp gentle ruth. 
 
 Both for her noble bloud, and for her tender youth. 
 
 And faid. Ah Sir, my liege Lord and my louc. 
 Shall I accufe the hidden cruell fate. 
 And mightie caufcs wrought in hcaucn abou«, 
 Or<he blind God^ that doth me thus amatc. 
 For hoped loue to winne me certainc hatei 
 Yet thus perforce he bids me do, or die. 
 Die is my dew : yet rew my wretched ftate 
 You, whom my hard auenging deftinie 
 
 Hath mad^ iudge of my life or death indifferently^ 
 
 Your ownc deare fake forft me at firft to leaue 
 
 My Fathers kingdomc. There iTie ftopt with tearcsj 
 HerfwoUenhartherfpeachfeemdtobereaue / 
 And then againe begun , My weaker ycare^
 
 ^ 
 
 18 iTHE I. BOOKE OF THE C49fU. 
 
 Captiu*d to fortune and fraylc worldly fcarcs^ 
 Fly to your faith for fuccour and furc aydc : 
 Let me not dye in languor and long tcarcs. 
 Why Dame(qaoth he) what hath ye thus difinayd? 
 What frayes ye^thatwcre wontto coinfort me affrayd? 
 
 Loue of your felfe, fhc faid, and deare conftraint 
 Lets me not fleepe, but waft the wcaric night 
 In fccret anguilli and vnpittied plaint^ 
 Whiles you in careleflc fleepe are drowned quight. . 
 Her doubtfuU words made that redoubted knight 
 Sufped her truth : yet fince no* vntruth he knew^ 
 Her fawning loue with foule difdainefull Ipight 
 He would not iTiend^ but faid, Deare dame I rew^. 
 
 Ihat for my fake vnknowne fuch griefc vnto you grc wj . 
 
 Afllire your felfe^, it fell not all to ground ; 
 For all fo deare as life is to my hart , 
 I dccmc your loue^ and hold me to you bound 5 
 Ne let vaine feares procure your needlefle finarr^ , 
 Where caufe is nonc^but to your reft depart. 
 Not all content^yet feernd fhe to appeale 
 Her mourncfuU plaintes^ beguiled of her art, 
 Andfed with words^that could not chufc but plcafc^. 
 
 So flyding foftly forth, fhe turnd as to her cafe. 
 
 Long after lay he mufing at her mood. 
 
 Much gricu'd to thinkc that gentle Dame folight^ 
 For whofe defence he was to fhed his blood. 
 At laft dull wearincfTe offormerfight 
 Hauingyrockt a fkcpe his irkefomc (pright. 
 That troublous drcamc gan frcfhly toflc his brainc^ 
 With bowrcs, and beds,and Ladies deare delight: 
 But when he (aw his labour all was vaine. 
 
 With that misformed fpright he backc rcturnd againc. 
 
 Q^^^
 
 cmui. faerie qveene. 
 
 C^nK II, 
 
 19 
 
 iK>i 
 
 T he gtttlcfutl great Enc haunter parts 
 The%edcrojfe Kmght from Truth : 
 
 Into whofefteadfatrefaljh§odfteps^ 
 Andworl^s htm w of nil rut h^ 
 
 ^aJ^C^SB^O£Ba>J{KffiB^C^B?cl 
 
 BY this the Northcrnc wagoner had fct 
 His (ciienfold teme behind the ftedfaft ftarrc. 
 That was in Ocean waues yet neucr wet, 
 r.. rBut finne is fixt^and fendeth light from farrc 
 To all, that in the wide deepe wandring arrc : 
 And chearefuU Chaunticlere with his note fhrili 
 Had warned once, that Fhoehtu fiery carrc 
 In haft was chmbing vp the Eafteme hill, 
 Full enuious that night fb long his roomc did fill, 
 
 WTien thofe accurfed mei&ngcrs of hell. 
 
 That feigning dreame, and that faire-forgcd Spright 
 Came to their wicked maifler, and gan tell 
 Their bootelcfle paines, and ill fiiccecding night : 
 Who all in rage to fee his skilfuU might 
 Deluded fbjgan threaten hellifh painc 
 And fad Proferpines wrath, them to affright. 
 But when he faw his threatning was but vainc. 
 
 He caft abou t,and fearcht his balefuU bookes againc, 
 
 Eftfoones he tookc that mifcreated fairc. 
 
 And that faHc other SprightjOn whom he fpred 
 Afeemingbodyofthcfubtile aire. 
 Like a young Squire, in loues and lufty-hcd. 
 
 B 3
 
 10 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cm.U. 
 
 His wanton daycs that eucr loofely Icd^ 
 Without regard of armes and dreaded fight; 
 Thofe two he tookc^ and in a fecret bed^ 
 Coucrcd with darkneflc and mifdecming night3 
 Them both together laid^to ioy in vaine delight. 
 
 Forthwith he runnes with feigned faithful! haft 
 Vnto his gueft, who after troublous fights 
 And drcamcs^gan now to take more found rcpaft^ 
 Whom (uddenly he wakes withfearefiill frights^ 
 As one aghaft with feends or damned fprights^ 
 And to him cals , Rife rife vnhappy Swainc^ 
 That here wex old in fleepc^ whiles wicked wights 
 Haue knit themfelues in ^enm fhamefuU chaine; 
 
 Come lee^whcre your falfe Lady doth her honour ftainc^ 
 
 AH' in amaze he fuddcniy vp ftart 
 
 With f*vord in hand^ and with the old man went; 
 Who (bone him brought into a fecret part. 
 Where that falfe couple were full clofely mcnt ; 
 In wanton luft and lewd embracemenc 
 Which when he faw^ he burnt with gealous fire. 
 The eye of reafc>n was with rage yblent. 
 And would haue flaine them in his furious ire. 
 
 But hardly was reftreined of that aged fire. 
 
 Returning to his bed in torment great, 
 
 Andbitter anguilTi of his guiltie fight. 
 
 He could not reft^butdid his ftout heart cat, 
 . And waft his inward gall with deepc defpight, 
 
 Yrkefbme of life, and too long lingring night. 
 
 At laft faire He [perm in higheft skic 
 
 Had fpent his Iampc,& brought forth dawning light. 
 
 Then vp he rofe, and clad him haftily ; 
 The Dwarfc him brought his ftccdfo both away do fly. 
 ^ Now*
 
 Cant.IL FAERIE QVEENE, 21 
 
 Now when the ro(y-fingred Morning fairc^ 
 Weary of aged Tithones lafFron bed. 
 Had Ipred her purple robe through deawy aire. 
 And the high hils Titan dilcouered. 
 The royall virgin fhooke ofFdrowfy-hed, 
 And rifing forth out of her bafcr bowre, 
 Lookt for her knight, who far away was fled. 
 And for her Dwarfe, that wont to wait each hourc; 
 
 Then gan (lie waile & wcepe , to ice that woefuUftowrc 
 
 And after him fhc rode with (b much ipeedc 
 As her flow beafl could make; but all in vainc: 
 For him lb far had borne his light-foot fteedc. 
 Pricked with wrath and fiery fierce difHainc, 
 That him to follow was but fruitleflc painc s 
 Yet fhe her weary limbes would neucr refl:^ 
 But euery hill and dale, each wood and plainc 
 Did fearchyfbre grieued in her gentle ireft, 
 , He fo yngently left her, whom flic loueft befl. 
 
 But fubtill K^rchimago^ when his guefls 
 He faw diuided into double parts. 
 And r»^ wandring in woods and fbrrcfls;^ 
 Th'end of his drift, he prailcUiis diuelifliafts. 
 That had fuch might ouer true meaning harts; 
 Yet refts not (b, but other meanes doth make. 
 How he may workc vnto her further finarts: -' f 
 
 For her he hated as the hifiiiig fiiakc. 
 
 And in her many troubles did moft plcafurc take. 
 
 He then deuifde himfelfe how to difguife ; 
 Forty his mightie fciencc he could take 
 As many formes and fliapes in feeming wifej 
 As cucr Froum to himfcLfc could make: 
 
 B4
 
 22 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cm.Il. 
 
 Sometime a fowlc, fbmetimc a fiiTi in lake. 
 Now like afbxe5nowIikc a dragon fell^ 
 That of himlelfe he oft for feare would quake. 
 And oft would flie away . O who can tell 
 The hidden power of herbes^and might of Magicke (pell> 
 
 But now fecmdc beft^ die perfon to put on 
 Of that goodknightjhis late beguiled giicft : 
 In mighty armes he was yclad anon : 
 And (iluer iTiield^ vpon his coward breft 
 A bloudy croffe, and on his crauen creft 
 Abounch of haires difcolourd diuerfly : 
 Full iolly knight he ieemde^ and well addreft. 
 And when he fate vpon his courier free^ 
 
 SximGeorge hixnfelf ye would haue deemed him to be» 
 
 But he the knight, whole (cmblaunt he did bearc. 
 The true Saint G forge was wandred far a^ay. 
 Still flying from his thoughts an d gealous feare 5 
 Will was his guide, and griefe led him aftray. 
 At laft him chaunfl: to mcetc vpon the way 
 A faithleffc Sarazin all arm'd to point. 
 In whofe great ihidd was writ with letters gay 
 Smsfoy : full large of limbe and euery ioin t 
 
 He was, and cared not for God or man a point* 
 
 He had a fairecompanion of his way, 
 A goodly Lady clad in fcarlot red. 
 Pur fled with gold and pearlc of rich aflay. 
 And like a Perjian mitre on her hed 
 She wore^ with crownes and owches gamifhcd. 
 The which her lauifli loucrs to her gaucj 
 Her wanton palfrey all was ouerlprcd 
 With tinfell trappings, wouen like a wane, 
 
 Whofe bridle rung with golden bcls and boflcs braue. 
 
 With
 
 cm.lL FAERIE QVEENE. 
 
 With fairc difport and courting dalliaunce 
 She intertainde her louer all the way; 
 But when rtie faw the knight his fpearc aduauncc 
 She foone left ofFher mirth and wanton play. 
 And bad her knight addrcfle him to the fray: 
 His foe was nigh at hand . He prickt with pride 
 And hope to winne his Ladies heart that day. 
 Forth {purred faft : adowne his couriers fide 
 
 The red bloud trickling ftaind the way, as he did ride. 
 
 The knight of the Rederojfe when him he (pidc. 
 Spurring fo hote with rage difpitcous, 
 Gan fairely couch his fpeare, and towards ride : 
 Soone meetc they both, both fell and furious. 
 That daunted with their forces hideous, 
 Their fteeds do ftagger,and amazed ftandj 
 And eke themfelucstoo rudely rigorous, 
 Aftonied with the ftrokc of their ownc hand. 
 
 Do backe rebut^ and each to other yeeldeth land 
 
 As when two rams ftird with ambitious pride. 
 Fight for the rule of the rich fleeced flocke. 
 Their horned fronts fo fierce on either fide 
 Do meete, that with the terrour of the iliocke 
 Aftonied both, ftand fcnccleflc as ablocke, 
 Forgetfull of the hanging viftory ; 
 So flood thcfe twaine, vnmoucd as a rockc. 
 Both flaring fierce, and holding idely. 
 
 The broken rchqucs of their former cruelty. 
 
 The Sarazin fore daunted with the buffc 
 
 Snatcheth his (word, and fiercely to him flies ; 
 Who well it wards, and quy teth cuff with cuff: 
 Each others cquallpuiffauncc enuies.
 
 a4 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CarJt.H. 
 
 And through their iron fides with cruelties 
 Does fccke to pcrce ; repining courage yields 
 No footc to foe . The flafhing fier ?i.i^s 
 As from a forge out of their burning lliicldSj 
 And ftreames ot purple bloiid new dies the vcrdut fields. 
 
 Curfc on that Croflje(quoth then the Sarazm) 
 That keepes thy body from the bitter fit j 
 Dead longygoe I wote thou haddeft bin. 
 Had not that charme from thee forwarned it: 
 But yet I warne thee now affurcd fitt. 
 And hide thy head • Therewith vpon his crcft 
 With rigour fo outrageous he Imitt, 
 That a large fhare it hewd out of the reft, (Weft* 
 
 And glauncing downe his fhield, from blame him fairely 
 
 Who thereat wondrous wroth,the fleeping fpark 
 Of natiuevef tuegan eftfoones reuiue. 
 And at his haughtie helmet making mark. 
 So hugely ftroke, that it the ftcelc did riuc,' 
 And cleft his head . He tumbling downe aliue. 
 With bloudy mouth his mother earth did kis. 
 Greeting his grauc:his grudging ghoft did ftriuc 
 With the frailc flefh ; at laft it 6itted is. 
 
 Whither the foules do fly of men, that liuc amis. 
 
 The Lady when flic faw her champion fall. 
 Like the oldruines of abrokcntowrej 
 Staid not to wailc his woefuU funeral!. 
 But from him fled away with all her powrc 5 
 Who after her as haftily gan fcowrc. 
 Bidding the Dwarfe with him to bring away 
 The Sarazins fliield, figne of the conqueroure. 
 Her ibone he ouertooke^ and bad to ftay, 
 
 Forprefcnt caufe was none of dread her to difmay. 
 
 --'^ : "" ' She
 
 cm.lL FAERIE QVEENE 2 
 
 She turning backc with riicfiiU coiintenauncc^ 
 Cride^Mercy mercy Sir vouchfafc to jfhow 
 On filly Dame, fiibie 61 to hard mifchauncc 
 And to your mighty will . Her humblcflc low 
 In fo ritch weedes andieeming glorious iTiow^ 
 Did much emmoue his ftout heroickc heart 
 And faid, Deare dame, your fuddein ouerthrow 
 Much r ueth me^ but now put fearc apart 
 
 And tell^both who yc be, and who that tookc your part. 
 
 Melting in teares, then gan fhc thus lament; 
 
 Thewretchedwoman,whomvnhappyhowrc 
 Hath now made thrall to your commandement 
 Before that angry heauens lift to lowrc^ 
 And fortune falfe betraide me to your powrc, 
 Wa.s,(0 what now auaileth thati was!) 
 Borne the fble daughter of an Emperour, 
 He that the wide Weft vnder his rule has. 
 And high hath fet his throne^whcre TiberUAoxki pas*. 
 
 He in the firft flowrc of my frefhcft agc^ 
 Betrothed me vnto the onely hairc 
 Of a moft mighty king, moft rich and fage ; 
 Was neuer Prince fo faithful! and lb fairc^ 
 Was neuer Prince fo meeke and debonairc 5 
 But ere my hoped day of Ipoufall flionc. 
 My deareft Lord fell from high honours ftairc,. 
 Into the hands of hisaccurfedfonc. 
 
 And cruelly was flaine, that iTiall I euer monc. 
 
 His blcffed body fpoild of liuely breath,. 
 Was afterward, I know not how, conuaid 
 And fro me hid: of whofe moft innocent death 
 When tidings came to me vnhappy maid.
 
 26 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Ca;;U/. 
 
 O how great (brrow my fad fbiilc aflaid. 
 Then forth I went his woefull corfc to find. 
 And many yearcs throughout the world I ftraid, 
 A virc^in widow^whofc dccpe wounded mind 
 With lotic, longtime didlanguifhas the ftrikcn hind. 
 
 At laft it chaunced this proud Sardzw^ 
 
 To meetc me wandring, who perforce me led 
 With him away, but yet could neucr win 
 The Fortjthat Ladies hold in foueraignc dread. 
 Tliere lies he now with foule diftionour dead. 
 Who whiles he liuMe, was called proud Sansfojy 
 The eldeft of three brethren, all three bred 
 Of one bad fire,whofe youngeft is Sans toy. 
 
 And twixt them both was borne die bloudy bold Sam lay. 
 
 In this fad plight, fr iendlcfle, vnfortunatc. 
 Now miferable I Fide{Ja dwell. 
 Craning of you in pitty of my ftatc. 
 To do none ill, if pleafe ye not do well. 
 He in great paffion all this while did dwell. 
 More bufyine his quicke eycs3her face to view. 
 Then his dulleares, to hcare what fhe did tell'. 
 And faid, faire Lady hart of flint would rew 
 
 The vndefcr lied woes and forrowes,which ye fhew. 
 
 Henceforth in fafe affuraunce may ye reft, 
 Hauing both found a new friend you to aid. 
 And loft an old foe, chat did you molcft : 
 Better new friend then an old foe is faid. 
 With chaunge of chearc the feeming fimple maid 
 Let fall her eyen,as (hamefaft to the earth. 
 And yeelding foft.in that iTie nought gain-faid, 
 Soforchtheyrode,hefciningfcemclymerth, 
 
 And llie GOV lookcs: fo dainty they fay maketh derth. 
 
 Long
 
 Cant. IF. FAERIE QVEENE. ty 
 
 Longtime they thus together traueiled^ 
 Till weary of their way^ they came at laft^ 
 Where grew two goodly trees ^ that faire did /bred 
 Their armes abroad, with gray mofic oner caft 
 And their greene leaiies trembling with eiiery blaft 
 Made acalmc fhadow far in compafle round ; 
 The fearefull Shcpheard often there aghafl: 
 Vnder them neuer fat^ne wont there found 
 
 His mery oaten pipe^ but fhund thVnlucky ground. 
 
 But this good knight foonc as he them can ipie^ 
 
 For the coolc (hade thither haftly got; 
 
 For golden Phcehm now that mounted hie 
 
 From fiery wheeles of his faire chariot 
 
 Hurled his beame fo Icorchin^ cruell hot, 
 
 Thathuing creature mote it not abidej 
 
 And his new Lady it endured not. 
 
 There they alight, in hope themfelues to hide 
 From the fierce hcat^ and reft their weary limbs a tidCi 
 
 Faire (eeniely pleafaunce each to other makes^ 
 
 With goodly purpofes there as they fit ; 
 
 And in his failed fancy he her takes 
 
 To be the faireftwight, thatliuedyit; 
 
 Which to exprefic, he bends his gentle wit^ 
 
 And thinkingof thofe braunches greene to frame 
 
 A girlondfor her dainty forehead fit^ 
 
 He pluckt abough ; out ofwhofe rift there came 
 Small drops of gory bloud^that trickled downc the (amew 
 
 Therewith a piteous yelling voycc was hcard^ 
 Crying, O fparc with guilty hands to tearc 
 My tender fides in this rough rynd embard^ 
 But fly, ah fly far hence away , for fcarc
 
 28 THE I. BOOKE OF THE cm.li^^ 
 
 Lcaft to you hap^ that happened to me hcare. 
 And to thrs wretclicd Lady, my dcare louc, 
 O too dcare loue, lone bought with death too deare, 
 Aftond he flood^and yphis hairc did houc^ 
 And with that lliddein horror could no member mpue. 
 
 At laft whenas the dreadfull paffion 
 
 Was ouerpaft.5 and manhood well awate^ 
 Yet mufing at the ft|-aunge occafion^ 
 And doubting much his ience^he thus befpake s 
 What voyce of damned Choft from Limbo lake. 
 Or guilefull fpright wandring in empty aire. 
 Both which fraile men do oftentimes miftake. 
 Sends to my doubtful! cares thefe (peaches rare. 
 
 And rucfuU plaints, me bidding guitlcfle bloud to ipare? 
 
 Then groning decpe^Nor damned Ghoft/quoth he,) 
 Nor guilefull fprite to thee thefe wordes doth (peake. 
 Put once a man iFr4<?fe^/>, now a tree, 
 Wretched man, wretched tree 5 whofe nature weake, 
 A cruell witch her curfed^ill to wreakc. 
 Hath thus transformd,and plaft in open plaines. 
 Where Boreas doth blow full bitter bleakc. 
 And fcorching Sunne does dry my fecret vaines: 
 
 For though a tree I lceme,yet cold and heat me paines. 
 
 Say on Fraduhio thenj or man, or tree. 
 
 Quoth then the knight,by whofe miichieuous arts 
 
 Alt thou mislliaped thus, as now I lee? 
 
 He oft finds med'cine, who his griefe imparts; 
 
 But double griefs afflid concealing harts. 
 
 As raging flames who ftriueth to fupprelle. 
 
 The authorthen(<aid he)ofaIIfny (marts. 
 
 Is one Vuejpt a falfe (brcerefle. 
 That many errat knights hath brought to wretchcdnedc. 
 
 " la
 
 C^/,//. FAERIE QVEENE. 2^ 
 
 In prime of yoiitlily ycarcs^ when coragc hot 
 
 Tlie fiue of lone and ioy of chcualrec 
 
 Firfl: kindled in my breft, it was my lot 
 
 To loLic this gentle Lady, whom ye fee, 
 
 NownotaLady^biitalecmingtrec; 
 
 With whom as once I rode accompanyde 
 
 Me chaunced of a knight encoiintred bce^ 
 
 That had a like faire Lady by his fyde. 
 Like a faire Lady, but did fowie Dueffa hydc. 
 
 Whofe forged beauty he did take in hand, 
 AH other Dames tahaue exceeded farrc ;• 
 I in defence of mine did likewife ftand. 
 Mine, that did then (liineas the Morninp- ftarre :: 
 So both to battcll fierce arraunged arre. 
 In which his harder fortune was to fall 
 Vnder my fpearc : fuch is the dye of warre: 
 His Lady left as a prifc martiallj, 
 
 Did yield her comely per fbn, to be at my call,. 
 
 So doubly lou'd of Ladi€&.ynlike faire, 
 
 Th'one feem ing fuch, the other fuch indecdc. 
 One day ii>dbubt I caft for to compare , 
 W hether in beauties gtorie did excscde; 
 A Rofy girlond was the vigors meede ; 
 Both fcemde to win, and both fcemde won to bee 
 So hard the difcord was to be agrccde. 
 VralrJJk was as faire, a^ faire mote bee. 
 And euer falfeD/^/Ti fecmdc as faire as llice. 
 
 The wickcdwitch now feeing all this while 
 The doubttuU ballauncc eq ually to f way. 
 What not by Hght, fhe caft to win by guile. 
 And by her hcllifii fcience raifd fbcight way
 
 JO THE. I, BOOKE OF THE CmJt. 
 
 A foggy mift, that oucrc;ift the day. 
 And a dull blaft, that breathing on her facc^ 
 Dimmed her former beauties (hining ray. 
 And with foule vgly forme did her dilgrace; 
 Then was (lie fairc alone jwhen none was faire in place. 
 
 Then cride fhe out^fye^fyc^deformed wight, 
 Whofe borrowed beautie now appcarcth plainc 
 To haue before bewitched all mens fight ; 
 
 leauc her (bone, or let her fbone be flainc. 
 Her loathly vifage viewing with difdaine, 
 Eftfooncs I thought her fuch^ as fhe me told. 
 And wouldhauckildher 5 but withfaignedpainc^ 
 The falfc witch did my wrathful! hand with-holdj 
 
 So left her, where the now is turnd to treen mould, 
 
 Then forth I tooke Vtuffa, for my Dame, 
 
 Andin the witch vnweeningioyd longtime, 
 
 Ne euer wift, but that (be was the fame. 
 
 Till on a day (that day is cuery Prime, 
 
 When Witches wont do penance for their crime) 
 
 1 chaunft to fee her in her proper hew , 
 Bathin g her felfe in ori ganc ^id thyme : 
 A filthy-fouk old woi^an \ did vcw. 
 
 That euer CO haue touchther^ I did deadly rew, 
 
 Herneather partes misshapen, monftruous, 
 Were hiddin water, that I could not fee. 
 But they did fceme more foule and hideous. 
 Then womans fhape man would beleeuc to bee. 
 Then forth from her moft beaftly companic 
 I gan refraine, in minde to flip away, 
 Soone as appeard fafc oportunitie : 
 For danger great, if not afliir'd decay 
 
 I faw before mine eyes^ if I were knowne to ftraVo 
 
 ^ ' The
 
 CahUI. faerie CLVEENE. 3x 
 
 Tlic diuclilli hag by chaungcs of my chcarc 
 
 Pcrceiu'd my thought^ and drownd in flccpic night 
 With wicked hcrbes and ointments did befmcarc 
 My bodie all, through charmcs and magicke might 
 That all my fenfcs were bereaued quight : 
 Then brought fhc me into this defert waftc 
 And by my wretched louers fide me pight. 
 Where now enclofd in wooden wals full fade, 
 
 Banirtit from liuing wights, our wearie dayes wc waftc- 
 
 £ut how long time, (aid then the Elfin knight. 
 Are you in this misformed houfc to dwell > 
 We may not chaunge (quoth he)this cuil plight 
 Till we be bathed in a liuing well ; 
 That is the terme prelcribed by the IpelL 
 O how, faid he, mote I that well out find. 
 That may reftorc you to your wonted well ? 
 Time and fuffifed fates to former kynd 
 
 Shall vs reftorc, none clfe from hence may vs vnbynd. 
 
 The fahc T>uejfa^ now Fidejfa hight. 
 
 Heard how in vaine Fradubh did lament. 
 And knew well all was true. But the good knight 
 Full of fad feare and ghaftly dreriment. 
 When all this fpeech the liuing tree had fpent. 
 The bleeding bough did thruft into the ground. 
 That from the bloud he might be innocent. 
 And with frefli clay did clofe the wooden wound : 
 
 Then turning to his Ladyj dead with feare her founi 
 
 Her fecming dead he found with feigned feare. 
 As all vnweeting of that well fhe knew. 
 And paynd himfelfe with bufie care to rearc 
 Her out of carcleflc fvvowne. Her eylids blew 
 
 C
 
 ,5^ THE 1. BOOKE OF THE CmUII. 
 
 And dimmed fight with pale and deadly hew 
 At laft fhe vp gan lift : with trembling chearc 
 Her vp he tookc, too fimple and too trew. 
 And oft her kift. At length all parted feare. 
 He let her on her fteede^and forward forth did bcarc^ 
 
 Cant. IIL 
 
 Fcrfaken Truth long feekes her loue^ 
 And makes the Lyon mjide 
 
 « 
 
 L^iarres hlindTyetiottons mart , and f ah 
 
 Inhandofleachourzylde, ^^ 
 
 N Ought is there vnder heau'ns wide hollowneflfej 
 That moues more deare compafEon of mind. 
 Then beautie brought t vnworthy wretchedncfic 
 Through enuies fiiares or fortunes freakes vnkind : 
 I3 whether lately through her brightncffc blind. 
 Or through alleagcance and faft f ealtic^ 
 Which I do owe vnto all woman kind, 
 Feele my heart perft with fo great agonic^ 
 When fuch I lee ^ that all for pittic I could die. 
 
 And now it is empaflioned fb dccpc^ 
 For faireft f^/;^/ (ake, of whom I fing. 
 That my fraile eyes thefe lines with tearcs do ftccpc^ 
 To thinke how flie through guilefuU handeling. 
 Though true as touch, though daughter of a longj^ 
 Though faire as euer liuing wight was fairc,. 
 Though nor in word nor deede ill meriting. 
 Is from her knight diuorced in defpaire 
 
 Aiid her due loues dcriu!d to that vile witches fharc. 
 ■ '■ ' ■^■■"-'" '- ' Yet:
 
 CAnUll. FAERIE QVEENE. 33 
 
 Yet flic moft faithfiill Ladic all this whik 
 Forfakcn, wofuU, folitarie mayd 
 Farie from all peoples prcafe^ as in exile. 
 In wilderncfle and waftfull dcfcrts ftrayd. 
 To fecke her knight ; who fubtilly betrayd (wrought^ 
 Through that latevifion^ which th'Enchauntcr 
 Had her abandond. She of nought affrayd. 
 Through woods and vvaftncfle wide him daily fought^ 
 
 Yet wiflied tydings none of him vnto her brought. 
 
 O ne day nigh wcarie of the yrkefbmc way. 
 From her vnhaftie beaft (he did alight, 
 Andonthe graflc herdaintielimbesdid lay 
 In fecret fhadow , farre from all mens fight : 
 From her faire head her fillet fhc vndight. 
 And laid her ftole afide. Her angels face 
 As the great eye of heauen fhyned bright. 
 And made a funfhine in the iTiadie place 5 
 
 Did neuer mortall eye behold liich heauenly grace. 
 
 It fortuned out of the thickeft wood 
 A ramping Lyon ruilied fuddainly. 
 Hunting full greedie after faluage blood 5 
 Soone as the royall virgin he did ipy. 
 With gaping mouth at her ran greedily. 
 To hauc attonce deuour'd her tender corfe : 
 But to the pray when as he drew more ny. 
 His bloudic rageaffwaged withremorfe. 
 
 And with the fight amazd, forgat his furious for(c« 
 
 In ftead thereof he kift her wearie feet. 
 
 And lickt her lilly hands with fawning tong. 
 As he her wronged innocence did weet, 
 O how can bcautic maiftcr the moft ftrong.
 
 34 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CMMt.iii. 
 
 And fimple truth fubduc auenging wrong > 
 VVhofe ycclded pride and proud kibmimonj 
 Still dreading death3 when fhe had markedlong. 
 Her hart gan melt in great compallion, 
 Anddrizlingteares did flied for pure afFcdion,. 
 
 The Lyon Lord of euery bcaft in field 
 
 Quoth fhejhis princely puiflance doth abatc^ 
 And mightie proud to humble vveake docs yield, 
 ForgetfuUof the hungry rage ^ which late 
 Him pr ickt, in pittie of my lad eftate : 
 But he my Lyon^ and my noble Lord 
 How does he find in cruell hart to hate 
 Her that him loud, and cuer moft adord^ 
 
 As the God of my life ? why hath he me abhord? 
 
 Redounding teares did choke tli'end of her plaint^ 
 Which foftly ecchoedfrom the neighbour woodj 
 And fad to fee her forrowfuU conftraint 
 The kingly beaft vpon her gazing fl:ood 3 
 With pittie calmd^ downe fell his angry mood". 
 At laft in clofe hart iliutting vp her paine, 
 Arofe the virgin borne of heaucnly brood. 
 And to her fiiowy Palfrey got againc. 
 
 To feeke her ftrayed Champion, it fhc might attainc*. 
 
 The Lyon would not leauc her defblatc, 
 
 But with her went along, as a ftrong gard 
 
 Of her chaft perfon, and a faithful! mate 
 
 Ofher fad troubles and misfortunes hard : 
 
 Still when fhe flept^hc kept both watch and ward^ 
 
 And when fhe wakt, he waited diligent^ 
 
 With humble feruicc to her will prepard : 
 
 From her fairc eyes he tookc commaundement. 
 
 And cuer by her lookcs conceiued her intent. 
 
 Long-
 
 CifitJll. FAERIE QVEENE 35 
 
 Long ihc thus traueilcd throiigh dcferts wydc, 
 
 By which (licthought her wandring knight flioldpas3 
 
 Yet ncucr fhcyv of liuing wi ght cfpydc ; 
 
 Till that at length fhe found the trodcn gras. 
 
 In which the trad of peoples footing was, 
 
 Vnder the fteepe foot of a mountaine hore 5 
 
 The fame fhe foUowes, till at laft fhe has ^^^ 
 
 A damzell fpyde flow footing her before, 
 
 Tliat on her fno aiders fad a pot of water bore. 
 
 To Whom approchingflie to her gan call. 
 To weet, if dwelling place were nigh at hand; 
 But the rude wench her anfiver'd nought at all. 
 She could not heare,nor fpeake, nor vndcrftands 
 Tillfeeing by her fide the Lyon ftand, - 
 With fuddaine feare her pitcher downc flie threw 
 And fled away: for neucr in that land 
 Face of faire Ladie flie before did vcw. 
 
 And that^ead Lyons looke her cafl in deadly hew. 
 
 FuH faft flie fled, ne euer look behynd. 
 As if her life vpon the wager lay, 
 -And home fhe came , whereas her mother blynd 
 Sate in etemall night ; nought could fhe (ay. 
 But fuddaine catching hold , did her difinay 
 With quaking hands, andother fignes of feare : 
 Who full of ghaftly fright and cold affray, 
 Gan lliut the dore.By this arriued there 
 
 Dame ^m, wearie Dame, and entrance did requcre. 
 
 Which when none yeeldcdj her vnruly Page 
 With his rude clawes the wicket open rent. 
 And let her in ; where of his auell rage 
 Nigh dead with fcare,and faint aftoniflbment, 
 
 C3
 
 ^^ THE I. BROOKE OF THE Ca?ft.n/. 
 
 She found theip both iadarkcfomc corner pent j 
 Whf re that d14 wioinan day and night did pray 
 Vpon her beadesdeuoiitly penitent; 
 Nine hundred PdttriJofiers eucry day. 
 And thrife nine hundred Aues (lie was wont to fay.. 
 
 And to augment her painefull pennancc more^ 
 Thrife euery weeke in afhcs fhe did fit. 
 And next her wrinkled skin rough fackcloth worc^ 
 And thrife three times did faft from any bit : 
 But now for fearc her beads fhe did forget.. 
 Whofe needlefie dread for to remoue away^ 
 Faire f^na, framed words and countenance fit : 
 Which hardly doen ^ at length fhe gan them pray^' 
 
 That in their cotage finally that night fhe.rellher may*l 
 
 The day is Ipcnt^and commeth drowfie niglit^ 
 When euer*y creature fhrowded is in fleepe; j 
 Sad VftA downe her laies in wearie.plighr. 
 And at her feet the Lyon watch doth keepe : 
 In ftead of reft, fhe does lament, and wecpc 
 For the late lofle of her deare loued knight. 
 And fighes, andgroncs.,andeuermorc doesflccpe 
 Her tender brcft in bitter tcares all night. 
 
 All night fhe thinks too long, and often lookcs for light,. 
 
 Now when AldehorM was mounted hie 
 Aboue the fliynie Cafshpeias chaire. 
 And all in deadly fleepc did drowned lie. 
 One knocked at the dore, and in would fare 5 
 He knocked faft, and often curft, and fware^ 
 That readie entrance was not at his call : ' 
 
 For on his backe a hcauy load he bare 
 Of nightly ftelths and pillage feuerall. 
 
 Which he bad got abroad by purchafe criminal!, 
 
 m
 
 antJil. FAERIE QVEENE. 37 
 
 He was to wcctc a ftout and fturcfic thiefe^'^ :)>If tuvCI 
 Wont torobbc Churches oftheir ornamcrft^,'; -^ 
 Andpoorc mens boxes of their due rcliefc^ ^ ;'' 
 Which giuen was to themfor good intents 5 .^5^ f 
 The holy Saints of their rich veftiments '—^^ ^^k'u^A 
 He did difrobe^ when all men careleifcflept, 
 Andfpoild thePriefts of their habiliments^ -''^ '•^5^^^ 
 Whiles none the holy things in fafety kept ; i f 
 
 Tlien he by cunning Heights in at the window crcpc 
 
 And all that he by right or wtong could find, 
 Vnto this houfc he brought , and did beftow 
 Vpon the daughter of this woman blind, 
 i^bejfa daughter oiCorceca flow^ 
 With whom he whore dome vfd^ that few did knovv^ 
 And fed her fat with feaft ofofFerings^ 
 And plentie^ which in all the land did grow ; 
 Ne {pared he to giucher gold and rings :] 
 
 And now he to her brouglit part of his ftolen things^^ 
 
 Thus long the dore with rage and threats he bet. 
 Yet of thoie fearefuU women none durft rize. 
 The Lyon frayed them, him in to let : 
 He would no longer ftay him to aduizc^ 
 But open breakes the dore in furious wizc, * 
 And entring is ; when that difdainfull beaft 
 Encountring fiercc^him fuddaine doth furprizc^ 
 And feizing cruell clawes on trembling breft, 
 
 Vnder his Lordly foot him proudly hath (upprelt 
 
 Him booteth not refift, nor fuccour call. 
 His bleeding hart is in the vengers hand^ 
 Who ftreight him rent in thoufand peeccs finally 
 And quite difmcmbrcd hath : the thirftic land 
 
 • ^ C4 -'^
 
 i8 THE I. BOOKE OF THE drnjlt, 
 
 Drunkc vphis life jhis corfe l^ft on the ftrand. 
 
 HisJearcfuU friends weare out the wbfuUnight, 
 • Nc dare to wecpe , nor leeme to vnderftand 
 
 The heauie hap, which on them is alight, 
 AfFraid, leaft to themfelues the like mifhappcn might,. 
 
 Now when broad day the. world difcouered has^. 
 Vp r/?ii rofc, vp rofe the Lyon eke. 
 And on their former iourney forward pas. 
 In wayes vnknownc, her wandringknight to feeke,. 
 With paines farrc pafling that long wandring Gre^ke^ 
 That for his loue refufed deitie ; 
 Such were the labours of this Lady meekc. 
 Still feeking him, that from her ftill did flie ^ 
 
 Then fur theft from her hope,whcn moft fhe weened nici 
 
 Soone as iTic parted thence, the fearefuU twaine. 
 That blind old woman and her daughter deare 
 Came forth, and finding Kirkntpmc there flaine. 
 For anguifh great they gan to rend their heare. 
 And beat their brefts, and naked flefh to tcare. 
 And when they both had wept and wayld their fill^^ 
 " Then forth they ranne like two amazed deare, 
 Halfe mad through malice, and reucnging will,. 
 
 To follo\ther,thatwasthecaufer of their ill. 
 
 Whom oucrtaking , they gan loudly bray. 
 With hollow howling, and lamenting cry. 
 Shamefully at her rayling all the way. 
 And her accufing of difhonefty, 
 , That was the flowre of faith and chaftity ; 
 And ftill amidft her rayling , (he did pray. 
 That plagues, and mifchiefe, and long mifery 
 Mi ght fall on her, and fellow all the way, 
 
 And that in cndlcfle crroi fhc might cucr ftray. 
 
 BiiX;
 
 Car^UlL FAERIE QVEENE. 35? 
 
 But when fhcfaw her prayers nought preuailc. 
 She backc returned with fome labour loft 5 
 And in the way as fhe did wcepe and wailCj 
 A knight her met in mighty armes emboft. 
 Yet knight was not for all his bragging boft^ 
 But fubtill i^rchmsg , that Ff^a fought 
 By traynes into new troubles to haue toft : 
 Of that old woman tydings he befought. 
 
 If that of fuch a Ladic (he could tellen ought. 
 
 Therewith fhe gan her paffion to renew^ 
 
 And cry, and curfe, anfiTailc, and rend her hearc^ 
 Saying, that harlot fhe too lately knew. 
 That caufd her fhed fo many a bitter tearc. 
 And fo forth told the ftory of her feare : 
 Much feemed he to mone her hapleffe chaunce^ 
 And after for that Ladie did inquire ; 
 Which being taught, he forward gan aduauncc^ 
 
 His faire cnchaunted fteed, and eke his charmed launcci. 
 
 Ere long he came, where P^na traueild flow ^ 
 And that wilde Champion waytingher befydc : 
 Whom feeing fuch , for dread he durft not (how 
 Himfelfe too ni gh at hand, but turned wydc 
 Vnto an hill 5 from whence when line him fpydc. 
 By his like fecmingfhield,her knight byname 
 She weend it was,.and towards him gan rydc: 
 Approching nigh, (he wift it was the fame, , (came. 
 
 And with faire fearefuU humbleflTe towards hin^cc 
 
 And weeping faid. Ah my long lacked Lord, 
 Where haueyebcnc thus long outof my fight? 
 Much feared I to haue bene quite abhord. 
 Or ought haue done^ that ye difpleafcn might. 
 
 /
 
 40 THE I- BOOKE OF THE CantJiL 
 
 That ihould as dc^th vnto my deare hart light : 
 For fiacc mine eye your ioyoiis fight did mis. 
 My chearcfull day is turnd to chearclefle night. 
 And ckc my night of death the rtiadow is ; . 
 But welcome now my lightj and (hining lampc of UiSm 
 
 He thereto meeting faid , My dcareft Dame, | 
 
 Farre be it from your thought, and fro my will, | 
 
 To thinkc that knighthood I fo much fhould fhamc^ 
 As you to leaue,that haue me loucd ftill, 
 And.chofe in Faery court of meere goodwill. 
 Where nobleft knights were to be found on earth; 
 The earth fhall fooner leaue her kindly skill 
 To bring forthfruit, and make eternall derth. 
 
 Then I leaue you,my liefe,ybornc of hcauenly berth. 
 
 And footh to fay, why I left you folong. 
 
 Was for to feeke aduenture in ftrange place, 
 
 "SNhQttArchimago faid a felon ftrong 
 
 To many knights did daily worke difgrace ; 
 
 But knight he now (ball neuer more deface : 
 
 Good caufe of mine excufc % that mote ye pleafc 
 
 Well to accept, and euermore embrace 
 
 My faithfuU feruice , that by land and feas (peafe. 
 Haue vowd you to defend , now then your plaint ap- 
 
 His loucly words her fecmd due rccompcncc 
 
 Of all her paficd paines ; one louing howrc 
 
 Forjnany yeares of forrow can di(pence : 
 
 A dram of fweet is worth a pound of fowre : 
 
 She has forgot, how many a wofuU ftowrc 
 
 For him ihe late endur'd \ fhe fpeakes no more 
 
 Of paft : true is, that true loue hath no powre 
 
 To looken backes his eyes be fixt before. 
 
 Before her Hands her loiight/or whom llic toyld fo fore* 
 - Much
 
 Car^Ull. FAERIE QVEENE. 41 
 
 Much like, as when the beaten marinerc. 
 That long hath wandred in the Ocean wide. 
 Oft fouft in fwcUing Tethys faltifh teare, 
 And long time hauing tand his tawney hide 
 With bliiftring breath of heauen^that none can bide^ 
 And fcorching flames of fierce Oriom hound^ 
 Soone as the port from far re he has efpide. 
 His chearcfuU whiftle merrily doth found, (round. 
 
 And Nercfu crownes with cups 5 his mates him pledg a- 
 
 Such ioy madeV/;4 , when her knight Aic found y 
 And eke th*cnchaunter ioyous feemd no lefTc, 
 Then the glad marchant , that does vew from ground 
 His fhip faf re come from watric wilderneflc. 
 He hurles out vowes, and Nepune oft doth blefle : 
 So forth they part, and all the way they fcent 
 Difcourfing of her drcadfoll late diftrefle, 
 Inwhichhe askt her, what the Lyon ment: 
 
 Who told her allthatfelliniourneyas {he went.. 
 
 They had not ridden farre,when they might fee 
 One pricking towards them with haftie heat. 
 Full ftrongly armd ^ and on a courfer free. 
 That through his fierceneflfe fomed all with fwcar,. 
 And the fharpe yron did for anger cat,^^ 
 When his hot ryder fpurd his chaufFed fide % 
 His looke was fterne, and feemed ftill to threat 
 CrucU rcucnge, which he in hart did hyde. 
 
 And on his (hicld Sam Ioy in bloudie lines was dydc. 
 
 When nigh he drew vnto this gentle payrc 
 
 And faw the Rcd-croffe^which the knight didbcarc^ 
 He burnt in fire, and gan eftfoones prepare 
 Himfelfe to battcU with his couched fpcarc.
 
 .2 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CantJlL 
 
 Lo th was that other, and did faint through fca^ 
 To tafte thVntryed dint of deadly ftccic ; 
 But yet his Lady did fo well him chcare. 
 That hope of new goodhap he gan to feelc 5 
 So bent his (pcare^and (purnd his horfe with yron heclc. 
 
 But that proud Paynin^ forward came (b fierce. 
 And full of wrath, that with his fharp-head Ipearc 
 Through vainely eroded fhield he quite did pierce. 
 And had his daggering fteede not llirunke for feare. 
 Through fhield andbodie eke he fhoiiid him bearc : 
 Yet fo great was the puiffance ofhis pulTi, 
 That from his faddle quite he did him beare : 
 He tombling rudely downe to ground did rufh. 
 
 And from his gored wound a well of bloud did gufh^ 
 
 Difmounting lightly from his lofti^ deed, 
 He to him lept, in mind to rcaue his life. 
 And proudly faid ,Lo there the worthie meed 
 Of him ,that flew Sansfoy with bloudie knife ; . 
 Henceforth his ghoft freed from repining ftrifc. 
 In peace may paflen oucr Lcthc lake. 
 When morning altars purgd with enemies life. 
 The blacke infernall Fur'tes doen aflake : 
 
 Life from Sunsfoy thou tookft, SAtiJloy fhall fro thee take* 
 
 Therewith in hafte his helmet gan vnlace. 
 Till VnA cride, O hold that heauic hand, 
 ' Deare Sir, what euer that thou be in place : 
 Enough is, that thy foe doth vanquilhtftand 
 Now at thy mercy ; Mercic not withfland ; 
 For he is one the trueft knight aliuc. 
 Though conquered now he lie on lowly land. 
 And vvhileft him fortune fauourd, faire did thriuc 
 In bloudie field ; therefore of life him not depriue. 
 
 Her
 
 Car^Llir. FAERIE QVEENE. 4J 
 
 Her piteous words might not abate his ragc^ 
 But rudely rending vp his hehuet^, would 
 Haue flainc him ftraight : but when he fees his agc^ 
 Andhoarie head oiArchimago old^ 
 His haftie hand he doth amazed hold, 
 Andhalfe alTiamed, wondred at the fight : 
 For the old man well knew hc^ though vntold. 
 In charmes and magicke to haue wondrous mighty 
 
 Nc cuer wont in field^ in round hfts to fight. 
 
 Andfaidj Why Archimago^ lucklcfle 1)TC^ 
 What doc I fee ? what hard mifhap is this. 
 That hath thee hither brought to tafte mincyrc I 
 Or thine the fault, or mine t he error is. 
 In (lead of foe to wound my friend amis ? 
 He anfwered nought, but in a traunce ftill lay^ 
 And on thofe guilefull dazed eyes of his 
 The cloud of death did fit. Which doen away3 
 
 Heleft him lying fo^ nc would ao lenger ftay. 
 
 But to the virgin comes, who all this while 
 Amafed ftands, her felfe fo mockt to fee 
 By him, who has the guerdon of his guilc^. 
 For fomisfeigning her true knight to bee: 
 Yet is fhc now in more perplexitic, . ' c> n >• 
 Left in the hand of that fame Paynimbold, 
 From whom her booteth not at all to flic , 
 Who by her cleanly garment catching hold. 
 
 Her from her Palfrey pluckt,her vifage to behold. 
 
 But her fierce fcruant full of kingly awe 
 
 And high difdainc^ whenas his fouerainc Damc 
 So rudely handled by her foe he fawc, 
 With gaping iawes full greedy at him came.
 
 44 THE L BOOKE OF THE Camjll. 
 
 And ramping on his fhicld^did weenc the fame 
 Haiic reft away with his fharpc rending clawes : 
 Put he was ftout^ and lufl: did now inflame 
 His corage more jthat fro his griping pawes (drawcs. 
 He hathhislliicldredeem*d,andfoorthhis (ivcrdhc 
 
 O then too weakc and feeble was the forfc 
 Of faluage beaft^ his puiflance to withftand: 
 For he was ftrong, and of fo mightie corfe^ 
 As euer wielded fpeare in warHke hand, 
 Andfeates of armes did wifely vndcrftand. 
 Eftfoones he perced through his chaufed chefl 
 With thrilling point of deadly yronbrand. 
 And laiincht his Lordly hart; with death oppreft 
 
 He roar*d aloud, whiles life forfookehis ftubborne brcft. 
 
 Who now is left to kcepc the forlorne maid 
 From raging fpoile of lawlefle vidors will ? 
 Her faithfullgard remoud, her hope difmaid^, 
 Her felfe a yeelded pray to faue or Ipill. 
 He now Lord of the ficd^ his pride to fill. 
 With foule reprochcs, and difdainfuU ipight 
 Her vildly entcrtaines, and will or nill, 
 Beares her away vpon his courier light: 
 
 Her prayers noughtprcuailc^ his rage is more of might. 
 
 And all the way , with great lamenting painc. 
 And piteous plaints fhe fiUeth his dull cares. 
 That ilony hart could riuen hauc in twaine. 
 And all the way fhe wets with flowing teares : 
 But he enrag d wifth rancor^ nothing hearcs. 
 Herferuile bead yet would not leaue her fo. 
 But foUowes her farre off, ne ought he feares. 
 To be partaker of her wandring woe. 
 
 More mild in bcaftly kind^ then th^t her beaftly foe. 
 
 CANTo
 
 cmJlU. FAERIE OyEENE. 4j 
 
 Qant, llll 
 
 ^>^ TofmfullhoHfeof Pyide.Dheffk ^'^ 
 
 ^M ^Htdes the faithfHil knight, {^.^ 
 
 ^^>!9 <^(?ri?7 chalenge htm to fight. ^^ 
 
 YOung knightjwhat eiicr that doft armcs profcflc. 
 And through longlabours huntcfl: after famc^ 
 Beware of fraud, beware of ficklenefTcj 
 ' In choice, and change of thy deare loued Dame, 
 Leaft thou of her belceue too h'ghtly blame. 
 And rafh mifwecning doe thy hart remouc: 
 For vnto knight there is no greater fhamc. 
 Then lightneflc and inconftancie in loue ; 
 That doth this Rcdcrojfe knights cnfample plainly prouCo 
 
 Who after that he had faire VnA lornc. 
 Through light mifdeeming of her loialtic. 
 And fdfe DueJfA in her fted had borne. 
 Called Fidefs* , and fo fuppofd to bee^ 
 Long with her traueild, till at laft they fee 
 A goodly building 3 brauely garnillied. 
 The houfe of mightie Prince it fecmd to bee : 
 And towards it abroad high way that led. 
 
 All bare through peoples feet, which thither tcauciled,. 
 
 Great troupes of people traueild thitherward 
 Both day and night, of each degree and place. 
 But few returned, hauing fcapcd hard,. 
 With balefull bcggeric, or foule difgrace j
 
 4^ THE I. BOOKE OF THE cmJIII. 
 
 Which eucr after in mod wretched cafe. 
 Like loathfomc lazars j by the hedges lay. 
 Thither Vuejpt bad him bend his pace ; 
 For fhe is wearie of the toilefome way, 
 "And alfo nigh confunied is the lingring day. 
 
 A (lately Pallace built of fqxiared bricke. 
 Which cunningly was without morter laid, 
 Whofe wals were high^but nothing ftrong,nor thick. 
 And golden foile all ouer them difplaid. 
 That pureft skye with brightneffe they dilhiaid: 
 High lifted vp were many loftie tpwres. 
 And goodly galleries farrc ouer laid. 
 Full of faire windowes, and dehghtfull bowrcss 
 
 And on the top a Diall told the timely howres. 
 
 It was a goodly heape for to behould. 
 
 And fpake the praifes of the workmans wit; 
 But full great pittie, that fo faire a mould 
 Did on fo weake foundation cuer fit : 
 For on a fandie hill , that ftill did Qk^ 
 And fall away, it mounted was full hie. 
 That e uery breath of hcaucn (liakcd it ; 
 And all the hinder parts , that few could fpic. 
 
 Were ruinous and old, but painted cunningly. 
 
 Arriued there they pafled in forth right; 
 For ftill to all the gates flood open wide. 
 Yet charge of them was to aPorter hight 
 Cald Maluem jwho entrance nonedenide: 
 Thence to the hall , which was on cuery fide 
 With rich array and coftly arras dight : 
 Infinite forts of people did abide 
 There waiting lonj, to win the wiflicd fight 
 
 Of her J that was the Lady of chat Pallace bright. 
 
 By
 
 Cdnt.IllI. FAERIE QVEENE. 47 
 
 By them they paffe^all gazing on them round^ 
 And to the Prefence mount ; whofe glorious vcw 
 Their frayle amazed fenfes did confound : 
 In liuing Princes court none cuer knew 
 Suchendlefle richeflcjandfo fumptuous fhcw; 
 Nc Perfu (elfc, the nourfe of pompous pride 
 Like euer faw . And there a noble crew 
 Of Lor des and Ladies flood on cucry fide^ (tiffdc. 
 
 Which with their prefence fairc ^ the place much beau- ' 
 
 High'aboue all a cloth of State was fpred. 
 And a rich throne, as bright as fiinny day. 
 On which there fate mofl: braue embelhfhed 
 Withroyall robes and gorgeous array, 
 A mayden Queene, that fhone as Tkafis ray^ 
 In gliftring gold, andpeerelefle pretious ftone: 
 Yet her bright blazing beautic did allay 
 To dim the brightneflc of her glorious throne. 
 
 As enuying her fclfe^ that too exceeding Ihonc. 
 
 Exceeding fhone, like Vhoelm faireft childc. 
 That did prefume his fathers firie waync. 
 And flaming mouthes of fteedes vnwonted wUdc 
 Through highcft heauen with weaker hand to rayncj 
 Proud of fuch glory and aduancemcnt vaine. 
 While flafhing beames do daze his feeble eyen. 
 He leaues the welkin way moft beaten plainc 
 And rapt with whirling whccles,inflames the skycn. 
 
 With fire not made to burne,but fairely for to fhync. 
 
 So proud fhe fhyned in her Princely ftate. 
 
 Looking to heauen ; for earth fhe did di(claync. 
 And fitting high , for lowly fne did hate ; 
 Lo vaderneath her fcorncfuU feete, was laync 
 
 D
 
 4? THE I. BOOKE OF THE cmjlll. 
 
 A drcadfull Dragon with aahidcous traync. 
 And in her hand fhe hclda mirrhour bright. 
 Wherein her face fhc often vewed faync. 
 And in her felfe-Iou'd fcmblancc tookc deh'ght ; 
 For file was wondrous faire^ as any Huing wight. 
 
 Of griefly ?/«/<? fhe the daughter was. 
 And (ad Proftrpma the Qucene of hell ; 
 Yet did iTie thinke her peareleffe wroth to pas 
 That parentage^ with pride (b did ilie fwell. 
 And thundring louCy that high in heaucn doth dwell. 
 And wield the world, ("he claymed for her fy rc^ 
 Or if that any elfe did Joue exeell ; 
 For to the higheft fhe did ftill afpyrc. 
 
 Or ifoughthigherwerc then thatjdiditdelyrc 
 
 And proud Lucifframcn didhercall^ 
 
 That made her felfe Queene^and crownd to be,. 
 Yet rightful! kingdome fhe had none at all, 
 Ne heritage of natiue foueraintic. 
 But did vfurpe with wrong and tyrannic: 
 Vpon the fcepter, which ftic now did hold: 
 Nc ruld her Realmes with lawes, but pollicic, 
 . And ftrong aduizement of fix wifards old. 
 
 That with their counfels bad her kingdomc did vphold, 
 
 Soone as the Elfing knight in prcfen'cc came. 
 And falfe Dueffk fecming Lady fairc,. 
 A gentle Humer, yamtiehy name 
 Made rowme, and paflage for them did prcpaire: 
 So goodly brought them to the lowefl ftaire 
 Of her-high throne, where they on humble knee 
 Making bbcyflance, did the caufc declare. 
 Why they were come, her royall ftate to fee. 
 
 To proue the wide report of her great Maicfteei
 
 cm.nn. FAERIE QVEENE 49 
 
 With loftic cycs^ halfc loth to lookc fb low 
 She thanked them in her difdaincfull wife, 
 Ne other grace vouchfafcd them to fliow 
 Of PrincefTe worthy, (carfe them bad arife. 
 Her Lordcs and Ladies all this while dcuifc 
 Thcmfeliies to fetten forth to ftraungers fight : 
 Some frounce their curled haire in courtly guifc, 
 Somcprancke their ruffes, and others trimly dight 
 Their gay attire: each others greaterpridc does ipighc 
 
 Goodly they all thatlcnight do cntertainc. 
 
 Right glad with him to haue increaft their crew: 
 But to Duej^' each one himfelfe did painc 
 All kindnefle and faire courtcfie to fhcw ; 
 For in that court whylome her well they knew : 
 Yet the flout Faerie mongfl: the middefl crowd 
 Thought all their gloric vaine in knightly vew 
 And that great Princefic too exceeding prowd 
 
 That to flrange knight; no better countenance allowed 
 
 Suddein vprifcth from her ftately place 
 
 The royall Dame, and for her coche doth call : 
 
 AUhurtlen forth, and llic with Princely pace 
 
 As faire K^tsrora in her purple paH, 
 
 Out of the Eaft the dawning day doth call ; 
 
 So forth fhe comes; her'brightnefle brodedoth blaze > 
 
 The heapes of people thronging in the hall^ 
 
 Do ride each other, vpon her to gaze: 
 
 Her glorious glitter and light doth all mens eyes amaze. 
 
 So forth fhe comes ^ and to her coche does clymc. 
 Adorned all with gold, and girlonds gay, 
 That fcemd as frefn as Flora, in her prime, 
 Andflroue to match, in royall rich array, 
 
 D 2 ♦
 
 50 THE !• BOOKE OF THE Cm. I ill. 
 
 Great lunoes golden chairc , the which they fay 
 The Gods Hand gazing on^ when (he does ride 
 To hues high houfe through heaucns bras-paucd way 
 Drawne pftaire Pecocks, that excell in pric!c3 
 AndfiiIlof'w^rg;r>i eyes their tailes difprcdden wide. 
 
 But this was drawne of fix vnequall bcaftsj 
 On which her fix (age Counfellours did rydc^ 
 Taught toobaytheirbeftiallbeheafts^ 
 With hke conditions to their kinds apply de ; 
 Of which the firft, that all the reft did guydc^ 
 Was fluggifh idlet^ejje the nourfe of fin 5 
 Vpon a flouthfuU Ane he chofe to rydc, 
 Arayd in habit blackc, and amis thin^ 
 
 Like to an holy Monck^ the fcruice to begin.. 
 
 And in his hand his Portefle ftill he bare, 
 That much was worne^but therein little rcd^ 
 For of deuotion he had little care. 
 Still drownd iji fleepe^ and moft of his dayes ded| 
 Scarfc could he once vphold his heauie hedj 
 To looken^ whether it were night or day: 
 May fceme the wayne was very euill led. 
 When fiich an one had guidingof the way, 
 
 Thatkncw not^ whether right he wcnt^or elfc aftray,. 
 
 From worldly cares himfelfe he did cfloync. 
 
 And greatly fhunned manly exercife. 
 
 For euery worke he chalenged eflbyne. 
 
 For contemplation fake ; yet otherwife. 
 
 His life he led in lawlcflc riotife ; 
 
 By which he grew to gricuous malady ; 
 
 For in his luftleflc limbs through cuill guiic 
 
 A fhaking fcuer raignd continually : 
 Such one was ldkm[[c > firft of this company.
 
 cm.int. FAERIE QVEEENE. 51 
 
 And by his fide rode loathfbmc Gluttony^ 
 Deformed creature, on a filthie fwync^ 
 His belly was vp-blowne with luxury. 
 And eke with fatneffe fwollen were his eync 
 And like a Crane his necke was long and fync 
 With which he fvvallowd vp excciliue feafl: 
 For want whereof poore people oft did pyne; 
 And all the way, moft like a br utilli beaft. 
 
 He fpued vp his gorge, that all did him deteaft,^ 
 
 In grecne vine Icaues he was right fitly clad 3 
 For other clothes he could not weare for heat. 
 And on his head an yuie girland had. 
 From vnder which faft trickled downe the IwcatT 
 Still as he rode, he ibmewhat ftill did eat, .L 
 
 And in his hand did beare a bouzingcan^ 
 Of which he fupt fb oft:, that on his feat 
 His dronken corlc he fcarfc vpholden can. 
 
 In fhape and life more likea monfter, then a man. 
 
 Vnfit he was for any worldly thing. 
 And eke vnhable once to ftirre or go^ 
 Not meet to be of counfell to a kingj 
 VVliofe mind in meat and drinke was drowned {o^ _^, 
 Thatfrom his friend he feldome knew his fo : aK 
 
 FuUofdifeafes was his carcas blew, !' 
 
 And a dry dropfie through hisflcfh did flow : 
 Which by mifdiet daily greater grew ; 
 
 *Such one was Gluttony^ the (econd of that crew. 
 
 And next to him rode luftfull Lechery, 
 
 Vpon a bearded Goat, whofc rugged haire. 
 
 And whally eyes(the fignc of gclofy,) 
 
 Was like the perfon fclte, whom he did beare:
 
 j2 THE I. BOOKE OF THE cm.iiih 
 
 Who rough, and blackc3 and filthy did appcarc^ 
 Vnfcemely man to pleafc fairc Ladies Qyc j. 
 Yet he otXadies oft was loucd dcare^ 
 When fairer faces were bid ftatiden by : 
 O who does know the beat of womcns fantafy? 
 
 In a grecne.gownc he clothed was full.faire, 
 Which vnderncath did hide his filthinefle^. 
 And in his hand a burning hart he bare. 
 Full of vaine follies, andnew fanglcnellc; 
 For he was falfe, and fraught with ficklenefle^ 
 And learned had to louc with fecrct lookes. 
 And well could daunce, and fing with ruefulncfTc, ^ 
 And fortunes tell, and read-in louing bookes. 
 
 And thoufand other wayes, tobait his fleftily hookes*; 
 
 Ihconflant man, that loucd all he faw. 
 And lufted after all, that he did loue, . 
 Ne would his loofer life be.tide to law^. 
 But ioyd weake wemens hearts to t^mpt andproue 
 If from their loyall loues he might them moue , 
 Which lewdnefle fild him with rcprochfuU painc 
 Of that fowle euill, which all men reproue. 
 That rots the marrow, and confumes the brainc;^ - 
 ch one was Ucherie^ the third of all this trainc. 
 
 ^^^^ 
 
 And greedy /^&^/^^ jul^m did ride, 
 Vpon a Camell lotj^all with gold ; 
 Two irpn coffers bortg oneitherfide, <^ , . . 
 With precious mettall fiill, as they might hold,^ 
 And in his lap an heape of coine he |i!d 5 
 For of hk wicked pelfs his God heitiadc. 
 And vnto hell him iclfe for money fold 5 
 AccHriedvfuricjyas alibis trade, 
 
 And right and vyrong^lifcc in cquall ballauncc walde. 
 
 Hb
 
 Cm^niL FAERIE QVEfiNE. jj 
 
 His life was nigh vnto deaths doore yplaft^ 
 Andchrcd-barc cocc3aiid cobled ihocs he ware 
 Nc fcaclJc good mor(ell all his life did taft. 
 But both from backc and belly ftill did /pare 
 To fill his bagSj and richefle to compare 5 
 Yetchyldenekinfman liuinghadhe none 
 To leauethem to ; but thorough daily care 
 To get, and nightly feare to lole his ov/ne 
 
 He led a wretched life vnto him felfe vnknomic. 
 
 Moft wretched wight, whom nothing might fuffifc 
 Whofe greedy luft did lacke in greateft ftore 
 Whole need had end, but no end couetifc 
 Whole weakh was want,whofe piety made him pore 
 Who hadenough, yet wiilied cuer more ; * 
 
 A vile difcafe, and eke in foote and hand 
 A grieuous gout tormented him full fore. 
 That well he could not touch, nor go, nor ftand : 
 
 Such one was Juarke^thc fourth ofthis faire band. 
 
 And next to him.malicious E/?u/e rode, 
 Vpon a raucnoiis wolfe, and ftill didchaw 
 Betweenc his cankred teeth a venemous tode. 
 That all the poifon ran about his chaw ; 
 But inwardly he chawed his ownc m aw 
 At neighbours wealth, that made him euer fad; 
 For death it was, when any good he faw. 
 And wept, that caufc of weeping none he'had. 
 
 But when he heard of harmc, he wexed wondrous glad. 
 
 All in akirtle of difcolourd fay 
 
 He clothed was, ypainted full of eyes 5 
 
 And in his bofome (ccretly there lay 
 
 An hateful] Snake, the which his taile vptyes 
 
 D4
 
 54 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CmdllL 
 
 In many folds, and mortall fting implycs. 
 Still as he rode, he gnafht his teeth, to fee 
 Thofc hcapes of gold with griplcCouetj'fe^ 
 And grudged at the great felicitie 
 Of proud Lucifer a^ and his owne companic. 
 
 He hated all good workes and vcrtuous deeds. 
 And him no leflc, that any Hke did vfe. 
 And who with gracious bread the hungry feeds^ 
 His almes for want of faith he doth accufe , 
 So euery good to bad he doth abufe : 
 And eke the verfe of famous Poets witt 
 He does backebite,and fpightfuU poifon fpiics^ 
 From leprous mouth on all, that euer writt : 
 
 Such one vile Ernie was, that firtt in row did fitti 
 
 And him befidc rides fierce xcum^m^VVrath^ 
 Vpon a Lion, loth for to be led y 
 Andin his hand a burning brond he hath3 
 The which he brandifheth about his hed j • 
 His eyes did hurle forth (parkles fiery red^ 
 And flared fternc on all, that him beheld. 
 As aihe$ pale of hew andfeeming ded ;, 
 And on his dagger ftill his hand he held. 
 
 Trembling through hafty rage,whe choler in him fwcldo 
 
 His ruffin raiment all was ftaind with blood , 
 
 Which he had Ipilt, and all to rags yrent. 
 
 Through vnaduizcdrafhncfle woxen wood; 
 
 For of his hands he had no gouernemcnt^. 
 
 Necar'd forbloudinhisauengement: 
 
 But when the furious fit was ouerpaft. 
 
 His crucll fadls he often would repent ; 
 
 Yet wilfull man he neuer would forccaft, 
 Hfow many mifcbicucs (hould cnfuc his hcedlcflc haft.
 
 cm.iiiL FAERIE QVEENE. 5^ 
 
 Full many mifchiefes follow criicll ^Frath'^ 
 Abhorred bloudfhcdjand tumultuous ftrifc^ 
 Vnmanly murder^ and vnthrifty fcath^ 
 Bitter defpight, with rancours rufty knife^ 
 And fretting griefe the enemy of life 5 
 All thefe, and many euils moe haunt irc3 
 The fwelling Splene^and Frenzy raging rife. 
 The fhaking PaKcy, and Saint Frances fire ; 
 
 Such one was Wrath ^ the laft of this vngodly tire. . 
 
 And after all, vpon the wagon beamc 
 
 Rode Sathan^Wixh afinartingwJiipin hand. 
 With which he forward lafht the lacfic temc. 
 So oft as SlowthUdW in the mircdid ftand. 
 Huge routs of people did about them band, 
 Showting for ioy^ and ftill before their way 
 A foggy mifthadcouered all the land ; 
 And vnderneath theix feet, all fcattered lay 
 
 Dead fculs & bones of men,wholc life had gone aftray. 
 
 So forth they marchen in this goodly fbrt^ 
 To take the (blace of the op en aire. 
 And in frefh flowring fields themfelues to (porcj 
 Emongft the reft rode that falfe Lady faire. 
 The fowle Dueffa^ next vnto the chairc 
 Of proud Lucifer A), as one of the trainc ; 
 But that good knight would not fb nigh rcpairc. 
 Him felfe eftraunging from their ioyauncc vainc, 
 
 Whofe fellowfhip fecmd far vnfit for warlike fivaine; . 
 
 So hauing (blaced themfelues a (pace 
 
 With pleafaunce of the breathing fields yfcd. 
 They backe returned to the Princely Place 5 
 Whereas an errant knight in armcs yclcd^
 
 ^6 THE I. BOOKE OF THE cmjiu. 
 
 And hcathnilTi fhicld, wherein with letters red 
 Was writ S^ns ioy^ they new arriiied find ; 
 Enflam'd with fury and Hers hardy-Iied, 
 Hefeenidin hart to harbour thoughts vnkind. 
 And nourifh bloudy vengeaunce in his bitter mind. 
 
 Who when the fhamed fhield of flainc Sansfoj 
 He fpide with that fame Faery champions page. 
 Bewraying him, that did of late deftroy 
 His eldeft brother.^ burning all with rage 
 He to him Icaptj and that fame cnuious gage 
 Of victors glory from him Ihatcht away: 
 But th*EIfin knight, which ought that warlike wage^ 
 Difdaind to loofe the meed he wonne in fray. 
 
 And him reneountring fierce^ reskewd the noble pray. 
 
 Therewith they gantohurtlen greedily. 
 Redoubted b^ttaile ready to darrayne. 
 And clafh their iliields^and fhake their fwords on hy^ 
 That with their fturre they troubled all the trainc 5 
 Till that great Queene vpon eternallpaine 
 Of high difpleafure, that enlewen might, 
 Commaunded them their fury to refraine. 
 And if that either to thatfhield had right. 
 
 In equall lifts they fhould the morrow next it fight* 
 
 Ah deareft Dame;(qtioth i!hen the Paynim bold,) 
 Pardon the errour of enraged wight, 
 Whom great griefe made forget the raines to hold . 
 Of reafbns rule, to fee this recreant knight. 
 No knight, but trcachour fulLoffalfc dcfpight 
 And fhamefull treaibn, who through guile hath flajii 
 The proweft knight, thateuer fielddid fight, 
 Euen flout Sansfoy{0 who can thenxefrayn?) (dayn. 
 
 Whofe fhield he bcarcsrcnucrft^thcmorc to hcape dif^ 
 
 ' And
 
 Cant.Illl. FAERIE QVEENE. 57 
 
 And to augment the glorieofhis guilc^ 
 His deareft loue the faire Fideffa loc 
 Is there poflefled of "the traytour vile. 
 Who reapes the hariicfl: fowcn by his fbc^ 
 Sowen in bloiidy field, and bought with woe : 
 Thatbrothers hand iTiall dearcly well requight 
 So bc^oQuecne ,youcquallfauourfhowe. 
 Him litle anfwerd rh'angry Elfin knight ^ (right. 
 
 He neuer meant with words^butiwords to plead his 
 
 But threw his gauntlet as a facred pledge,. 
 
 His caufe in combat the next day to try ; 
 
 So been they parted both, with harts on edge,. 
 
 To be aucng'd cachon his enimy. 
 
 That night they pas in ioy and iollity, 
 
 Feafting and courting both in bo wrc and hall 5 
 
 For Steward was excefliuc Gluttonte.^ 
 
 That of his plenty pouredforth to all ; (call.. 
 
 Which doen^the Q\i^vck>zt\2xxiSlorc>th did to reft them 
 
 Now whenas darkefome night had all difplayd 
 Her coleblacke curtein ouer brighteft skyc. 
 The warlike youthes on dayntic couches layd^ 
 Did chace awiiy fwcct fleepc from fluggifh eyc^ 
 To mufe on mcanes of hoped vidory. 
 But whenas CMorpheus had with leaden mace 
 Arrefted all that courtly company, 
 Vp-ro{e Dueffa from her refting place, 
 
 And to the Paynims lodging comes with filcntpacCii 
 
 Whom broad awake fhe finds, in troublous fit, 
 Forccafting, how his foe he might annoy. 
 And him amoues with (peaches iceming fit:. 
 Ah deare Sdns ioy^ next deareft to Sampy^
 
 jS THE I. BOOKE OF THE cmjnt: 
 
 Caufe of my new griefe, caufc of new ioy^ 
 loyousjto fee his ymage in mine eye, 
 And greeif d, to thinke how foe did him deftroy, 
 That was the flowre of grace and cheualryc 5 
 Lo his Fideffa to thy fecret faith I flye. 
 
 With gentle wordes he can her fairely greet. 
 And bad fay on the lecret of her hart. 
 Then fighing foft, I learne that Htle (weet 
 Oft tempted is(quoth fhe)with muchell fmart: 
 For fince my breft was launcht with lonely dart 
 Of deare Samfoy^l ncuer ioycd howre^ 
 But in eternall woes my weaker hart 
 Haue wafted^ louing him with all my powrc. 
 
 And for his fake haue felt full many an hcauie flowre. 
 
 At lafl when perils all I weened paft, 
 . ^ * And hop'd to reapc the crop of all my carc^ 
 Into new woes vnweeting I was cafl^ 
 By this falfe faytor^ who vn worthy ware 
 His worthy iliield, whom he with guilefull fiiarc 
 Entrapped flew, and brought to iliamefuU graue- 
 Me filly maid away with him he bare^ 
 And euer fince hath kept in darkibme cauc. 
 For that I would not yeeld^ that to Sam-foy I gauc. 
 
 But fince faire Sunne hath fperft that lowring clowd^ 
 And to my loathed life now (hewes fbme light, 
 Vnder your beames I will me'fafely iTirowd^ 
 From dreaded ftorme of his difdainfuU fpight: 
 To you th'inheritance belongs by right 
 , Of brothers prayfc, to you eke longs his louc. 
 Let not his louc^lct not his reftlelTe fpright 
 Be vnreucng'd, that calles to you abouc f(moue« 
 
 Wxom wandring Stygkn fhores^ whcrjeit doth endleflc 
 
 Thereto
 
 Cafjf.iill. FAERIE QVEENE. j^ 
 
 Thereto faid hc^ faire Dame be nought difmaid 
 For forrowcs paft , their griefe is with them gone: 
 Ne yet of prcfent pcrill be affraid , 
 For ncedleffe feare did neucr vantage none 
 And helplefTe hap it booteth not to monc. 
 Dead is Sans foy, his vitall paines are paft 
 Though greened ghoft for vengeance deepe do gronc: 
 He liuesj that fhall him pay his dewties lafl: 
 
 And guiltie Elfin bloud {liall Sacrifice in haft. 
 
 but I feare the fickle freakcs (quoth fhee) 
 Of fortune falfc, and oddes of amies in field. 
 Why dame(quoth he)what oddes can euer bee 
 Where both do fight ahke^ to win or yield ? 
 Yea but(quoth ilic)he beares a charmed fhield 
 
 - And ckc enchaunted armes^ that noiie can percc 
 Ne none can wound the man^ that does them wicldo. 
 Charmd or enchaunted(anfwerd he then ferce) 
 
 1 no whit reckj ne you the like need to rehcrcc. 
 
 But faire Fideffk^ Athens fortunes guile, 
 
 OrenimiespowrehathnowcaptiuedyoUy . 
 Returne from whence ye came, and reft a while 
 Till morrow next^ that I the Elfc fubde w. 
 And with SanS'foyes dead dowry you cndcw. 
 Ay me^that is a double death (fhe faid) 
 With proud foes fight my forrow to renew: ♦ 
 Where euer yet I be^ my fccret aid 
 
 Sliall follow you . So palling forth (he him obaid. 
 
 Csnt*
 
 fo THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cm.r, 
 
 Cant. F. 
 
 The fait hfull k^'g^f '« equallfieid 
 ffibdewes hi4faithleffefoet 
 
 Whomfalfff Dufffa faueSyatidfor 
 ht6 cure to hell does noe. 
 
 THe noble hart^ that harbours vertuous thought^ 
 And is with child of glorious great intent. 
 Can neuer reft, vntill it forth laaue broiight 
 TKe tcrnajl brood of gloric excellent ; 
 Such rcftlcflcpaflion did all night torment 
 The flaming corage of that Faery knight, 
 Dcuizing, how that doughtie turnament 
 With greatcft honour he atchieuen might; [ 
 
 Still did wake^and ftill did watch for dawning light. 
 
 At laft the golden Orientall gate. 
 Of grcateft heauen gan to open fairc. 
 And /*^<r^^ frelli, as bridegrome to his mate, 
 Camc.dauncing forth, fhaking his dcawie hairc : 
 And hurls his gliftring beames through gloomy aire. 
 *Which when the wakeful Elfe perceiu'd,ftrcight way 
 He ftarted vp, and did himfelfe prepairc. 
 In fuh-bright armes,and battailousarray ^ 
 
 .For with that Pagan proud he combat will that day. 
 
 And forth he comes into the commune hall. 
 Where carely waite him many a gazing eye. 
 To wcet what end to ftraunger knights may fall. 
 There many Minftralcs maken melody.
 
 C4MLV. -FAERIE dVEENE. Ci 
 
 To driiie away the dull melancholy. 
 And many BardeSj that to the trembling chord 
 Can tune their timely voyccs cunningly. 
 And many Chroniclers, that can record 
 
 Old loucs^and warres for Ladies doen by many a Lord, 
 
 Soonc after comes the cruell Sarazin^ 
 In wouen maile all armed warily. 
 And fternly lookes at him, who not a pin 
 Does care for looke of liuing creatures eye. 
 They bring them wines oiGreece and Araby^ 
 And daintie fpices fctcht from furtheft Ttjd, 
 To kindle heat of corage priuily : 
 And in the winea folemne oth they bynd 
 
 Tobfcrue the facred lawcs of armes^.that are aflynd. 
 
 At laft forth comes that far renowmcd Qucenc, 
 
 With royall pomp and Princely maieftiel 
 
 She is ybrought vnto a paled greene^ 
 
 And placed vnder (lately canapee. 
 
 The warlike featcs of both thofe knights to fee, . 
 
 On th'other fide in all mens open vew 
 
 r)«^/7i placed is, and on a tree 
 
 Sdns^foy his fhield is hangd with bloudy hew : 
 Both thofe the lawrell girlonds to the vidor dew. 
 
 A fhrilling trompet fownded from onhyc. 
 And vnto battaill bad diem fellies addrcflc : 
 Their fhining lliieldes aboutthdr wreftes they tyc. 
 And burning blades about their heads do bleffe. 
 The inftrumcnts of wrath and heauincfle : 
 Wkh greedy force each other doth affaylc,. 
 And ftrike fo fiercely, that they do imprefle 
 Deepe dinted furrowes in the battrcd mayle? 
 
 The yron wallcs to ward their biowes are wcake & fraile* .
 
 Ci THE I. BOOKE OF THE cm.V. 
 
 The Sirazin was ftoiit^ and wondrous flrong, 
 And heaped blowes Uke yron hammers great ; 
 For after bloud and vengeance he did long. 
 The knis^ht was hers, and full of youthly heat ; 
 And doubled ftrokes, Uke dreaded thunders threat: 
 For all for prayfe and honour he did fight. 
 Both ftricken Itrike, and beaten both do bcar^ 
 Thatfrom their fhields forth flyeth firie light. 
 And helmets hewen deepe,(hew marks of eithers might. 
 
 So tlVone for wrong, the other ftriucs for right: 
 As when a Gryfon feized of his pray, 
 A Dragon fiers encountreth in his flight. 
 Through wideft ayre making his ydle way. 
 That would his rightfull rauinc rend away: 
 With hideous horrour both together fmight. 
 And fouce fo fore, that they the heauens affray: 
 The wife Southfayer feeing fo fad fight, 
 
 Th'amazed vulgar tels of warrcs and mortall fight. 
 
 So th'onc for wrong, the other ftriues for right. 
 And each to deadly fhame would driue his foe: 
 The cruell ftcele fo greedily doth bight 
 In tender flefli, that llreames of bloud down flow. 
 With which the armes3that earflfo bright did fhow 
 Into a pure vermillion now are dyde: 
 Great ruth in all the gazers harts did grow. 
 Seeing the gored woundes to gape fo wydc. 
 
 That vidory they dare not wiflito either fide. 
 
 At lafl: the Paynim chaunfl: to caft his eye. 
 His fuddein eye, flamingwith wrathfull fyrc, 
 Vpon his brothers lliield, which hong thereby: 
 Therewith redoubled was his raging yrc^ 
 
 And
 
 Canty. FAERIE QVEENE. 6^ 
 
 And faid , Ah wretched Ibnne of wofuU lyre, 
 Docft thou fit wayling by black Stjfgianhkc^ 
 Whileft here thy fhield is hangd for vidors hyrc 
 Andfluggifh gcrman docft thy forces flake 
 To aftcr-fend his foe , that him may ouertakc ? 
 
 Goe caytiucEIfejhim quickly ouertakc. 
 
 And foone redceme from his long wandring woc^ 
 ^?;v Goe guiltie ghoft , to him my meflage make 
 That I his fhield haue quit from dying foe. 
 Therewith vpon his creft he ftrokc him (b. 
 That twife he reeled, readie twife to EJl •, 
 End of the doubtfuU battel! deemed tho 
 The lookers on , and lowd to him gan call 
 
 The falfe Duejja, Thine the fhield, and I, and all. 
 
 Soone as the Faerie heard his Ladie ipeakc, 
 Out of his fwowning dreamc he gan awake. 
 And quickning faith , that earft was woxen weakc. 
 The creeping deadly cold away did fhake : 
 Tho mou'd with wrathjand fhamc, and Ladies fake. 
 Of all attonce he caft auengd to bee. 
 And with fo'exceeding furie at him ftrakc. 
 That forced him to ftoupe vpon his knee ; 
 
 Had he not ftouped fo, he (hould haue cloucn bee. 
 
 And to him faid, Goe now proud Milcreant, 
 Thy fclfe thy, meflage doe to gcrman deare. 
 Alone he wandring thee too long doth want : 
 Goe fay^ his foe thy fhield with bis doth bearc, 
 Therewith his heauic hand he high gan reare. 
 Him to haue flaine; when loe a darkcfome clowd 
 Vpon him fell: he no where doth appeare. 
 But vaniflit is. The Elfe him cals alowd. 
 
 But anfwer none rccciues; the darkncs him docs {hrowd, 
 '■^" E ^ "
 
 e?4 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Canty. 
 
 Ill hafte Duejja from her place arole^ 
 
 And to him running faid, O proweft knight, 
 Thateuer Ladietoherloue didchofe^ 
 Let now ^bate the terroF of your mighty A 
 
 And quench the flame of furious de^ighc^ 
 And bloudie vengeance 5 lo th'infernallpowres 
 Coucring your foe with cloud of deadly nightj 
 Haue borne him hence to /'/^/t?^/ baleful! bowres. 
 
 The conqucftyours^I yours^ the fhield^and glory yours«. 
 
 Not all fo fatisfide , with greedie eye 
 
 He foughtali round about^ his thirftie blade 
 To bath in bloud of faithlefle enemy; 
 Who all that while lay hid in fecre t lliade : 
 He ftandes amazed, how he thence fhouldfadc. 
 At laft the trumpets. Triumph found on hie. 
 And running Heralds humble homage madcj 
 Greeting him goodly with new vidorie, 
 
 And to him brought the £hield3die caufe of cnmitie*. 
 
 Wherewith he gocth to that fbueraine Quecnc, 
 And faUing her before on lowly knee, 
 To her makes prcfent of his feruice (ecnc: 
 Which fhe accepts, with thankcs, and goodly gree^ 
 Greatly aduauncing his gay cheualree. 
 So marcheth home, and by her takes the knight. 
 Whom all the people follow with great glee. 
 Shouting , and clapping all their hands on hight. 
 
 That all. the aire it fils ^and flyes to heauen bright. 
 
 Home is he brought, and laid in fumptuousbcd: 
 Where many skilfuU leaches him abide. 
 To falue his hurts, that yet ftill frefhly bled. 
 In wine andoyle they wafh his woundes wide. 
 
 And
 
 :Cmr. FAERIE QVEENE. ifj 
 
 And {bftly can cmbalme on euefy fide. 
 And alt the while, moil heauenly melody 
 About the bed fiveet muficke did diiiide. 
 Him to beguile of griefe and agony : 
 And all the while DueJJk wept full bitterly. 
 
 As when a w^arie traueller that ftrayes 
 
 By muddy (liore of broad ftuen-mouthedM/^, 
 Vnweeting of the perillous wandring wayes^ 
 Dothmeetacruell craftie Crocodile, 
 Which in falfe griefe hydinghis harmefuU guile^ 
 Doth weepe full fore, and fheddeth tender teares : 
 The foolifh man , that pitties all this while 
 His mournefull plight, is fwallowd vp vnwarcs, 
 
 Forgctfull of his owiie^ that mindes anothers cares. 
 
 So wept Duejfa, vntill euentide. 
 
 That fliyning lampes in loueshi^ houfe were light: 
 Then forth (lie rofe, ne lenger would abide. 
 But comes vnto the place, where th'Hethen knight 
 In flombring {wownd nigh voyd of vitall fpright^ 
 Laycouer'd with inchaunted cloud all day: 
 Whom when fhe found, as fhe him left in plight. 
 To wayle his wocfull cafe fhe would not flay. 
 
 But to the eafternecoaftofheauen makes Ipeedy way. 
 
 Where griefly JV/^^/,with vifage deadly fad. 
 That Phcebu4 chearcfull face durft neuer vew,' 
 And in a foule blackc pitchie mantle clad. 
 She findes forth comnjingfrom her darkefbmc mew. 
 Where fhe all day did hide her hated hew. 
 Before the dore her yron charet flood, 
 Alreadie harnefled for iourney new; 
 And coleblacke fteedes yborne of hcUilTi brood. 
 
 That on their ruftie bits did champ, as they were woo d. 
 
 E 2
 
 ^$ THE I. BOOKE OF THE Can^r. 
 
 Who when flie faw Duf/fa funny bright, 
 
 Adornd with gold and iewels l"hining clcarc^ 
 She greatly grew amazed at the fight. 
 And thVnacquaintcd light began to feare : 
 For neuer did fuch brightnefle there appearc. 
 And would haue backe retyrcd to her caue, 
 Vntill the witches Ipecch fhe gan to hearxr. 
 Saying, yeto thoudrcaded Damc,Icrauc 
 
 Abide, till I haue told the meflagej which I hauc. 
 
 She ftayd, and fborth Dueffk gan procccde, 
 O thou mod auncient Grandmother of all. 
 More old then loue , whom thou at firft didft brcedcy 
 Or that great houfe of Gods caeleftiall. 
 Which waft begot in Dam^gorgoffshzll^ 
 And fawft the fecrets of the world vnmadc^ 
 Why fuffredft thoitthy Nephewes dcare to fall 
 With Elfin fword , moft fhamefully bctrade ? 
 
 Lo where the ftout Sa/^JIo^ doth fleepe in deadly fliade»„ 
 
 And him before , I faw with bitter eyes 
 
 The bold Samfoy llirinke vnderneath his fpcarcj; 
 And now the pray of fowles in field he lyes. 
 Nor wayld of friends, nor laid on groning bcarc^. 
 That whylome was to me too dearely dearc. 
 G what of Gods then boots it to be bornc^ 
 If old Aveugles fonncsfo euill hearc ? 
 Or who fhall not great Night es children fcornc^ 
 
 When two of three her Nephews are lb fowlc forlornc 
 
 y 
 
 Vp then, vp dreary Dalne, of darknefle Quccnc^ 
 Go gather vp the reliques of thy race. 
 Or el(c goe them auenge, and let be leene. 
 That dreaded Night in brighteft day hath place^ • 
 
 And'
 
 Caf$t.r. FAERIE QVEENE. 6^ 
 
 And can the children of faire light deface. 
 Her feeling fpeeches fomc compallion moued 
 In hart^ and chaunge in that great mothers face : 
 Yctpittie in her hart was neuerproued 
 Till then: and euermore the hated^ neucr loued. 
 
 And faid, Dcare daughter rightly may I rcw 
 The fall of famous children borne of mee. 
 And good fuccelles^which their foes enfew : 
 But who can turne the ftreame of deftinec. 
 Or breake the chayne of ftrong neceffiteCj 
 Which fail is tyde to /cues eternall feat ? 
 The fonnes of Day he fauoureth, I fee. 
 And by my ruines thinkes to make them great .• 
 
 To make one great by others loflc, is bad cxcheat. 
 
 Yet fhall they not efcape Co freely all ; 
 
 For fome ihall pay the price of others guilt: 
 And he the man that made Sumfoy to fall. 
 Shall with his owne bloud price that he hath fpilt. 
 But what art thou, that telft of Nephews kilt ? 
 I that do feeme not I, Duejfa, am , 
 (Quoth (lie) how euer now in garments gilt. 
 And gorgeous gold arayd I to thee came ; 
 
 "DueffA I, the daughter of Deceipt arrd Shame, 
 
 Then bowing downe her aged backe, fh.e kift 
 The wicked witch, faying ; In that faire face 
 The faKe refemblance of Deceipt , I wift 
 Did clofely lurke ; yet fo true-feeming grace 
 It carriedjthat I fcarfe in darkefome place 
 Could it difcerne , though I the mother bee 
 Of falfhood, and root oiDueffaes race, 
 O welcome child, whom I hauc longd to fee. 
 
 And now haue fecne vnwarcs. Lo now I go with thcci^ 
 
 E3
 
 ^^8 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cant.K 
 
 Then to her yron wagon fhc betakes^ 
 
 And with her bcares die fowlc welfaiiourd witch : 
 Through mirkcfbme aire her readie way (he makes. 
 Her twyfold Teme, of which two blacke as pitchy 
 And two we re bro wne^ ye t each to each vnlich^ 
 Did foftly fwim away ^ ne eucr ftampe^ 
 VnlefTe fhc chauft their ftiibborne mouths to twitch^ 
 Then fomingtarre, their bridles they would champc^ 
 
 And trampling the fine clement ^ would fiercely rarape.. 
 
 So well they fped^that they be come at length. 
 Vnto the place, whereas the Paynim lay, 
 Deuoid of outward fenfe, and natiue ftrength,^ 
 Couerd with charmed cloud from vew of day. 
 And fight of men, fince his late luckeleile fray. 
 His cruell wounds with cruddy bloud congealed^. 
 They binden vp fo wifely, as they may, 
 Andhandle foftly , till they can be healed : 
 
 So lay him in her charet, dole, in night conce aied. 
 
 And all the while fhc ftood vpon the ground. 
 The wakefuU dogs did neuer ceafe to bay. 
 As giuing warning of thVnwonted found. 
 With which her yron wheelcs did them affray, 
 Andher darke grieflylooke them much difinayi 
 The meflenger of death, the ghaftly Owle 
 With drearie fhriekes did alfo her be wray ; 
 And hungty Wolues continually did howle^' 
 
 At her abhorred facc^fo filthy and fo fowlc. 
 
 Thence turning backe in filence foft they ftole. 
 And brought the heauie corfe with eafie pace 
 To yawning gulfe of deepe Auernus hole. 
 By that fame hole txi entrance darke and bacc 
 
 With.
 
 cm.i'. FAERIE QVEENE. €^ 
 
 With {Inoalcc and fiilphure hiding all the place, 
 Defcends to hell: there creature neuerpaft. 
 That backe returned without heaiienly grace ; 
 But dreadfull Furies , which their chaines haue braft. 
 And damned fprights ient forth to make ill men aghaft. 
 
 By that fame way the direfull dames doe driue 
 Their mourncfuU charet^ fild with rufty blood, 
 Anddowne to W«/<7f / houfe are come biliue: 
 Which pafling through^ on euery fide them flood 
 The trembling ghofts with fad am.azed mood, 
 Chattring their yron teeth^and (taring wide 
 With ftonie eyes; and all the helliiTi brood 
 Of feends infernall flockton euery fide. 
 
 To gaze on earthly wight,that with the Night durft ridc« 
 
 They pas the bitter waues o? Mheron^ 
 Where many fbules fit wailing woefully. 
 And come to fiery flood oiphUgeton^ 
 Whereas the damned ghoftsin torments fry. 
 And witli fharpe fhrillingfnriekes doe bootlcflc cry, 
 Curfinghigh lotie^ the which them thither fent. 
 
 -- The houfc ofendlefle paine is built thereby, 
 In which ten thoufand forts ofpunifhment , 
 
 The curfed creatures doe eternally torment. 
 
 Before the threfhold dreadfull CerhetM 
 His three deformed heads did lay along, 
 Curled with thoufand adders vencmous. 
 And hlled forth his bloudie flaming tong : 
 At them he gan to reare his briftl cs ftrong , 
 And felly gnarrc, vntill dayes enemy 
 Did him appeafe ; then downe his taile he hong 
 And fuffered them to paflcn quietly : 
 
 For flic in hell and hcaueii had power equally^ 
 
 E4
 
 70 THE L BOOKE OF THE cmr. 
 
 There was Ixion turned on a whcele. 
 
 For daring tempt the Qucene of heaucn to fin ; 
 And Sifyfh^ an huge round ftone did reeic 
 Againft an hill,ne might from labour lin ; 
 There thirftie Tantalus hong by the chin s 
 And Tityu4 fed a vulture on his maw ; 
 Tyfhcem ioynts were ftretched on a gin. 
 The fern condemned to endlefle flouth by law^ 
 
 And fifty filters water in Icake veflels draw. ' 
 
 They all beholding worldly wights in place, 
 
 Leaue off their workc, vnmindfuU of their Cnart^ 
 To gaze on them; who forth by them doc pace. 
 Till they be come vnto the furtheft part : 
 Where was a Caue ywrought by wondrous art^ 
 Deepe, darke, vneafie, dolefuU, comfortlefie^ 
 , InwhichfadiE/?«/4[/^/«^farreapart 
 Emprifond was in chaines remedilefle. 
 
 For that Hippolytus rent corfe he did redreflc. 
 
 Hipfolytm a ioUy huntfman was. 
 
 That wont in charet chace the foming Bore 5 
 He all his Peeres in beautic did furpas. 
 But Ladies loue as lofle of time forbore: 
 His wanton ftepdamc loued him the more. 
 But when fhe faw her ofFred fivcets refufed 
 Her loue fhe turnd to hate , and him before 
 H is father fierce of treafon falfe accufed. 
 
 And with her gealous termes his open eares abufed. 
 
 Who all in rage his Seargod fyre befought, 
 Some curfcd vengeance on his (bnne to caft : 
 Fro furging gulf twp monftcrs fl:raight were brought. 
 With dread whereof his chafing ftcedes aghafl:, . 
 
 Both
 
 Ca^f.V. FAERIE QVEENE. 71 
 
 Both charet fwift and huntlman oucrcaft. 
 His goodly corps on ragged clifts yrent, 
 VVas quite difmembred^ and his members chart 
 Scattered on eiiery mountainc, as he went^ 
 That oiHippolytus was left no monimcnt. 
 
 His cruell ftepdame feeing what was donne. 
 Her wicked dayes with wretched knife did end^ 
 In death auowing th'innocenceof herfonnc. 
 Which hearing his rafh Syre^ began to rend 
 His haire^ and haftie tongue , that did offend : 
 Tho gathering vp the relicks of his finart 
 By DUi^es meanes, who was Hipfolyts frend^ 
 Them brought to JEfcuUpe , that by his art 
 
 Did heale them all againc^andioyned euery part. 
 
 Such wondrous fcience in mans wit to rainc 
 VVhen loue auizd ^ that could the dead reuiue^ 
 And fates expired could renew againe. 
 Of endlefle life he might him not depriue^ 
 But vnto hell did thruft him downe aliue^ 
 With flafhing thunderbolt y wounded fore : 
 Where long remaining , he did alwaies flriue 
 Himfelfe with falues to health for to reflorc^ 
 
 And flake the heauenly fire^ that raged euermore. 
 
 There auncientNightarriuing, did alight 
 From her high wearie wainc^ and in her armcs 
 To JEfcuUfius brought the wounded knight : 
 Whomhauinglbftlydifaraydofarmesj 
 Tho f^an to him difcouer all his harmes, 
 Befcechinghim with prayer, and with praifc^ 
 Ifeithcrfalues^oroyles^orherbes^orcharmes 
 ^ fordonne wight from dore of death mote raife. 
 
 He would at her requeft prolong her nephews daics.
 
 72 THE I. BOOKE OF THE o^/.r. 
 
 Ah Dame ( quoth he) thou tempted me in vaine. 
 To dare the thing , which daily yet I rew, 
 And the old caule of my continued painc 
 With like attempt to like end to renew. 
 Is not enough , that thruft from heaucn dew 
 Here endlcfle penance for one fault I pay. 
 But that redoubled crime with vengeance new 
 Thou biddcft me to eeke ? Can Night defray ( day? 
 
 The wrath of thundring loue^ that rules both night and 
 
 Not fo (quoth (he) but fith that heaucns king 
 
 From hope ofheauen hath thee excluded quight. 
 Why feared thou, that canft not hope for things 
 Andfeareftnot, that more thee hurten might. 
 Now in the powre of cuerlafting Night ? 
 Coe to then, 6 thou farre renowmed fonnc 
 Of great K^pollo , ihew thy famous might 
 In medicine, that elfe hath to thee wonne 
 
 Great paines, & greater praife^both neuer to be donne. 
 
 Her words preuaild : And then the learned leach 
 His cunning hand gan to his wounds to lay. 
 And all things elfe, the which his art did teach : 
 Which hauing kznc^ from thence arofc away 
 The mother of dread darkneffe, and let ftay 
 i^ueagles fonne there in the leaches cure. 
 And backe returning tooke her wonted way. 
 To runne her timely race, vMlfiphcebH^ pure 
 
 In wefterofi waues his wearie wagon did rccurc. 
 
 The falfe Vuejpi leaning noyous Night, 
 Retumd to (lately pallace of dame Pride 5 
 Where when fhe came, fhe found the Faery knight 
 Pcparted thence, albe his woundes wide 
 
 Not
 
 cm.f^. FAERIE Q\^EENE. 73 
 
 Notthroiighly healdjvnrcadic were to ride. 
 Goodcaiife he had to haftcn thence away^ 
 For on a day his wary Dwarfc had ipidc^ 
 Where in a dongeon deepe huge numbers lay 
 Of cay tine wretched thrals^ that wayled night and day. 
 
 Aruefullfight^ascouldbe fccnewitheiej 
 Of whom he learned had in fecret wife 
 The hidden caufe of their captiuitie^ 
 How mortgaging their lines to Coaetife^ 
 Through waftfuU Pride, and wanton Riotife3 
 They were by law of that proud Tyrannefle 
 Prouokt with Wrath , and Ernies fallc furmife^ 
 Condemned to that Dongeon mercileffe, 
 
 VVhere they lliould Hue in woe, & die in wretchcdncflc*^ 
 
 There was thatgreat proud'king o^Bahylon^ 
 That would compcU all nations to adore. 
 And him as onely God to call vpon. 
 Till through celeftiall doome thro wne out of dore , 
 Into an Oxe he was transformed of yore : 
 There alfo was king Crafus^ that enhaunft 
 His heart too high through his great riches ftore 5 
 And proud Antlochus , the which aduaunft 
 
 His curfed hand gainft God, and on his altars daunft» 
 
 And them long time before, gxt^tNimrodv/^s^ 
 That firft the world with fword and fire warrayd 5 
 And after him old N$nt^ farre did pas 
 In princely pompe,of all the world obayd; 
 There alfo was that mightie Monarch layd 
 Low vnder all, yet aboue all in pride, 
 That name of natiuc fyre did fowle vpbrayd. 
 And would 2iS Ammons fonnebe magnifide, 
 
 TiU fcornd of God and man a fhamcfull death hcdidc>. ^
 
 74 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cm.F. 
 
 All thefe together in one heape were throwne. 
 Like carkafcs of beafts in butchers ftall. 
 And in another corner wide were ftrownc 
 The antique ruines of the KomeLtnes fall : 
 Great Romulus the Grandfyre of them all. 
 Proud Tarqu'tn^ and too lordly Lentulus^ 
 Stout Self to ^ and ftubborne Hamibali^ 
 Ambitious Sylld , and flerne CMarm^ 
 
 High Cafar^ great Pompey^ and fierce Antonius. 
 
 Amongft thefe mighty men were wemen mixt. 
 Proud vvemen^ vaine^ forge tfull of their yoke : 
 The bold ^^«;/r4«?^^whofe fides transfixt 
 With fonnes owne blade, her fowle reproches (pokcj 
 Faire SthenohosA^ that her (elfe did choke 
 With wilfuU cord , for wanting of her will 5 
 High mindedC/e'^/'<f^r^3 that with flrokc 
 Of Afpes fting her felfe did ftoutly kill ; 
 
 And thoufands moe the like^ that did that don geon fill, 
 
 Befides the endlefle routs of wretched thralles. 
 Which thither were affembled day by day. 
 From all the world after their wofuU falles , 
 Through wicked pride^and wafted wealthes decay. 
 But moft of all, which in the Dongeon lay 
 Fell from high Princes courts, or Ladies bowrcs. 
 Where they \\\ idle pompe, or wanton play, 
 Confumed had their goods,and thriftlefle howrcs. 
 
 And laftly throwne themlelues into thelc heauy ftowres-, 
 
 Whofe cafe when as the carefuU Dwarfe had tould. 
 And made enfample of their mournefuU fight 
 Vnto his maifter, he no lenger would 
 There dwell in peril! of like paincfuU plight. 
 
 But
 
 CaKurt: FAERIE QVEENE. 75 
 
 But early rofe ^and ere that dawning light 
 Pifcouercd had the world to hcaucn wyde, 
 Hebyapriuie Poftcrne tookc his flighty 
 That of no enuious eyes he mote be fpydc : 
 For doubtlcfle death enfcwd^if any him defcrydc. 
 
 Scarfc could he footing find in that fowle way^ 
 For many corfes, like a great Lay-flail 
 Of murdred men which therein ftrowed lay^ 
 Without rcmorfc, or decent funerall : 
 Which all through that great Princefle pride did fall 
 And came to fhamefuU end. And them bcfidc 
 Forth ryding vnderneath the caftell wall^ 
 A donghill of dead carkafes he fpide. 
 
 The dreadfull fpedaclc of that fad houfe of Pride. 
 
 Cant. Vh 
 
 From law lejfe luft l^yvfondroHS grace ^e^/ 
 fayre VnA is releaft : b^wd 
 
 JVhomfaltiage nation does adore, ^^ 
 
 and learnes her -wife heheafl, ® M 
 
 As when a fhip^ that flyes faire vnder failc. 
 An hidden rocke efcaped hath vnwares. 
 That lay in waite her wrack for to bewailc^ , 
 TheMarrineryethalfe amazed flares 
 At perill pafl , and yet it doubt ne dares 
 To ioy at his foole-happie ouerfight : 
 So doubly is diflrefl twixt ioy and cares 
 The dreadlefTe courage of this Elfin knight^ 
 Hauing efcapt fo fad cnfamples in his fight.
 
 j6.^ THE I. .P O.OKE Q f THE C^/s^.r/.. 
 
 Yctfad he vvals thathis too haftiefpccd '., r^ j^^ c^ 
 The fake D/^^/5' had forfthiinleauc behind; ■" ^ 
 And yet more fad j.that K/;;? his deare dreed 
 Her triicKhad ftaind wich^reafon fb vnkindj 
 Yet crime in her coiild nener creature fiad^^ . ', , r.T 
 But for his lone, and for her owne (elfc fake^ 
 She w andred had from one to other Tfid^ 
 Him for to feeke, ne euer would forfake^ 
 
 Till her vnwarcs the fierce Sanjloy did o uertakc. 
 
 Who after Archimagoes fowie defeat^ / / 
 
 Led her away into a forreft wilde. 
 And turning wrathfuil fire to luftfuU heat. 
 With beaftly fin thought her to haue defilde. 
 And made the vaflall of his pleafures vilde. 
 Yet firft he caft by treatiej and by traynes ^ 
 Her to perfwade, that ftubborne fort to yilde : 
 For greater conqueft of hard loue he gaynes. 
 
 That workes it to his will ^ then he that it conftraincs. 
 
 With fawning wordes he courted her a while. 
 And looking louely, and oft fighing fore. 
 Her conftant hart did tempt with diuerft guile : 
 But wordes and lookes, and fighes iTie did abhorc. 
 As rocke of Diamond ftedfaft euermore. 
 Yet for to feed his fyrie luftfulieye. 
 He fnat'cht the velc^that hong her face before ; 
 Then gaii her bcautie (hine, as brighteft skye. 
 
 And burnt his beaftly hart t'efforcc her chaftityc. 
 
 So when he faw his'flatt'ring arts to fayle. 
 And fubtile engines bet from batterec. 
 With greedy force he gan the fort alTaylc, 
 Whereof he weend poflefled foone to bee. 
 
 And
 
 C4nt:FI. FAERIE' QyEjbNE. 77 
 
 And with rich fpoilc ofranfacktchaftetcc. 
 Ah heauens, tliat do this hideous aft behold^ 
 And heauenlyvirgin thus outraged fee. 
 How can yc vengeance iuft fo long withhold, 
 Andhiirienot Hafhing flames vpon that Paynim bold? 
 
 The pitteous maiden carefuUcomfortlefTe, 
 
 Does throw out thrillingYhrickes3& ilirieking cryes^ 
 
 The laft vaine helpe of womensgreat diftrcffe^ 
 
 And with loud plaints importuneth the skycs , 
 
 That molten ftarres do drop like weeping eyes 5 
 
 And Phcebus flying fo moft fhamefull fight. 
 
 His blu(hingfacc in foggy cloud implyes. 
 
 And hides for Ihamc . What wit of mortall wight 
 
 Can now deiiifc to quit a thrall fromfuch apHght? 
 
 Eternallprouidence exceeding thought, 
 
 Where none appeares can make her fclfc away : 
 A wondrous way it for this Lady wrought. 
 From Lyons clawes to pluck the griped^ray. 
 Her flirilloutcryes and iTiriekes fo louddid bray^ 
 That all the woodes and foreftes did rcfownds 
 A troupe oiFauttes and Satyr es far a way 
 Withinthe wood were dauncing m a rownd. 
 
 Whiles old Syluams flept in fhady arbcr fownd. 
 
 Who when th^y heard that pitteous ftraincd voice. 
 In haft forfooke their rurall meriment. 
 And ran towards the fat rebownded noycc. 
 To weet what wight fo loudly did lament. 
 Vnto the place they come incontinent : 
 Whom wlicn the raging Sara2inefpidc, . 
 Arude,mifhapen,monftrous rablemcnt, 
 \Vhofe like he neuer faw, he durft not bide,. 
 
 But got his ready ftecd^ andfaft away gaii ride.
 
 vS THE I. BOOKE OF THE C*»/.r/. 
 
 The wyld woodgods arriued in the placc^ 
 There find the virgin doleful! defolate. 
 With ruffled rayments, and faire blubbred face. 
 As her outrageous foe had left her late. 
 And trembling yet through feare of former hate j 
 All (land amazed at fb vncouth fight. 
 And gin to pittie her vnhappie (late. 
 All (land aftonied at her beautie bright. 
 
 In their rude ^yes vnworthie of (b wofull plight. 
 
 .■- c 
 
 She more amaz'd^ in double dread doth dwell; 
 And euery tender part for feare docs (hake : 
 As when a greedic Wolfe through hunger fell 
 A feely Lambe farrefrom the flocke does take. 
 Of whom he meanes his bloudie fead to make, 
 A Lyon fpyes fad running towards him. 
 The innocent pray in had he does forfake. 
 Which quit from death yet quakes in euery lim 
 
 With chaunge of feare, to ftc;^he Lyon looke (b grim. 
 
 Such fearefuU fit a(raid her trembling hart, 
 Ne word to (peake^ ne ioynt to moue fhe had : 
 The faluage nation feele her fecret (mart. 
 And read her forrow in her count'nance (ad 5 , v 
 Their frowning forheads with rough homes yclad. 
 And rudicke horror all a fide doc lay. 
 And gently grcnning , fhew a (emblance glad 
 To comfort her, and feare to put away. 
 
 Their backward bent knees tcaicbrbef.humbly to obay. 
 
 The doubtfiill Damzell dare not yet commit 
 Her finglc perfon to their barbarous truth. 
 But dill twixt feare and hope amazd doci fit. 
 Late Icarnd what harmc to hadic trud cnfu'th. 
 
 They
 
 Cantyj. FAERIE QVEEENE. 8i 
 
 They in compaffion of her tender youth^ 
 And wonder ofher beautic fbueraine. 
 Arc wonne with pitty and vn won ted r uth ^ 
 And all proftrate vpon the lowly plaine, (fainc. 
 
 Do killc her feete^andfawne on her with coiuit'nancc 
 
 Their harts (he ghefleth by their humble gui(e. 
 And yicldes her to extrcmitie of time; 
 So from the ground fhe fcarelefle doth arifc^ 
 And walketh forth without fufped of crime : 
 They all as glad, as birdcs of ioyous Prime, 
 Thence leadher forth, ahouther dauncinground. 
 Shouting, and finging all a iTiepheards ryme. 
 And with greene braunches ftro wing all the ground. 
 
 Do worlTiip hcr^ as Qucene,with oliue girlond cround. 
 
 And all the way their merry pipes they found. 
 That all the woods with doubled Eccho ring. 
 And with their horned feet do weare the ground 
 Leaping like wanton kids in plealant Spring, 
 So towards old Sylmnm they her brings 
 Who with the noyfc awaked, commeth our 
 To weet the cauft, his weake fteps gouerning 
 And aged limbs on Cypreflc ftadle ftout. 
 
 And with an y uie twyne his waft is girt about. 
 
 Far ofFhe wonders, what them makes fb glad, 
 Oi Bacchus merry fruit they did inuent, 
 OvCyb^lcs franticke rites haue made them mad^ 
 They drawing nigh, vnto their Godprelent 
 That flowre of faith and beautic excellent. 
 The Godhimfelfevcwingthat mirrhourrarc. 
 Stood long amazd, and burnt in his intent 5 
 His ovvne fairc Dryope now he thinkcs not faire. 
 
 And Fholoeiov^lz^ when her to this he doth compairc; 
 
 F ~
 
 »z THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cant.n. 
 
 The woodborne people fall before her flat. 
 And worHiip her as Goddefleof the vv^od ; 
 And old Sylunntis felfe bethiakes not^ what 
 To thinke ofwightfo faire, but gazing flood. 
 In doubt to deeme her borne of earthly brood ; 
 Sometimes Dame Venm felfe he feemcs to fee. 
 But AV;^/^ neuer had fo fobcr mood. 
 Sometimes D/4;;^ he her takes to bee. 
 
 But miffeth bo w^and IhafteSjand buskins to her knee. 
 
 By vcwof her he ginncth to rcuitie 
 
 His ancient Ibue^ and dcareft Cypariffe^ 
 And callcs to mind his pourtraiture aliue^ 
 , How fairc he was^ and yet not faire to this. 
 And how he flew with glauncing dart amiffe 
 A gentle Hynd, the which the louely boy 
 Did loue as life, aboue all worldly bhfle ; 
 For griefe whereof the lad n'ould after ioy. 
 
 But pynd away in anguifli and felfe-wild annoy.. 
 
 The wooddy Nymphes^ faire Ham^dryades 
 Her to behold do thither runne apace,, 
 And all the troupe of light-foot i\r^W(f/, 
 Flockc all about to fee her louely face ; 
 But when they vewed hauc her heauenly gracc^. 
 Theyentiieher in their malitious mind. 
 And fly away for fearc of fowle difgrace : 
 But all the^4/;r^/fcorne their woody kind. 
 
 And henceforth nothing faire,but her on earth they find* 
 
 Glad offuch luckc, thcluckcleffelucky maid,. 
 Did her content to pleafe their feeble eyes,. 
 Andlong time with that faluage people ftaid. 
 To gather breath in many miferies. 
 
 During
 
 CAntri. FAERIE QVEEENE. Jj 
 
 During which time her gentle wit (he plycs. 
 To teach them truth, which vvorfhipt her in vainc 
 And made her th'Image of Idolatryes ; 
 
 But when their bootlefle zeale fhe did rcftraine 
 Fro her own worfhipj they her Aflc would worfliip fayn« 
 
 It fortuned a noble warHke knight 
 By iufl: occafion to that forreft came. 
 To feeke his kindred, and the h'gnage right. 
 From whence he tookc his well deferued name : 
 He had in amies abroad wonne muchell fame. 
 And fild far landes with gloric of his might, 
 Plaine, faithfull, true, and enimy of lliame. 
 And euer lou'd to fight for Ladies right, 
 
 But in vaine glorious frayes he litle did delight, 
 
 A Satyres fbnnc yborne in forreft wyld. 
 
 By ftraunge aduenturc as it did betyde. 
 
 And there begotten of a Lady myld, 
 
 Faire Thyamis the daughter ofLahryde, 
 
 That was in facred bands of wedlockc tydc 
 
 To Theriojj^ a loofe vnrulyiwaync ; 
 
 Who had more ioy to raunge the forreft wydc,^ 
 
 And chafe the fa! uage bcaft with bufie paync. 
 Then ferue his Ladies loue,and waft in pleasures vaync. 
 
 The forlorne mayd did with loues longingburnc. 
 And could not lacke her loucrs company. 
 But to the wood fhe goes^ toferuc her turne. 
 And fecke her fpoufe, that from her ftill does fly. 
 And followes other game and venery : 
 A Satyre chaunft her wandring for to find, 
 Andkindhng coles of luft in brutiih eye. 
 The loyall links of wedlocke did vnbind, 
 
 And made her perfon thrall vnto his bcaftly kind 
 
 F 2
 
 84 THE L BOOKE OF THE C4nt.ri. 
 
 So long in fecret cabin there he held 
 Her captiiie to his fcnfuall defirc. 
 Till that with timely fruit her belly fweld. 
 And bore a boy vnto that faluage fire : 
 Then home he fuffred her for to retire^ 
 For ranfome leaning him the late borne childe ; 
 W horn till to ryper yeares he gan afpire. 
 He nourflcd vp in life and manners wildc, (exilde, 
 
 Emongft wild beafts and woods^ from lawes of men 
 
 For all he taught the tender ymp^ was but 
 To banitli cowardizc and baftard feare , 
 His tremWing hand he would him force to put 
 Vpon the Lyon and the rugged Beare, 
 And from the (lie Beares teats her whelps to tcarc; 
 And eke wyld roring Buls he would him make 
 To tame^ and ryde their backes not made to beare ;, 
 And the Robuckes in flight to oucrtakc^ 
 
 That euery bcaft for feare oThim did fly and quake. 
 
 Thereby fo fearelefle, and fb fell he grew. 
 That his owne fire and maifter of his guifc 
 Did often tremble at his horrid vew. 
 And oft for dread of hurt wouhd him aduife,. 
 The angry beafts not rafhly to defpife. 
 Nor too much to prouoke ; for he would leamc 
 The Lyon ftoup to him in lowly wife, 
 (A leflon hard)and make the Libbard fterne 
 
 Leaue roaringjwhen in rage he fopreuenge did came*. 
 
 And for to make his powre approued more, 
 Wyld beafts in yron yokes he would compel] 5 
 The fpotted Panther, and the tusked Bore, 
 ThcPardalefwift, and the Tigre crucll 5 
 
 The
 
 rnKKi. FAERIE QVEENE. 8y 
 
 The Antclopc^and Wolfe both fierce and fell • 
 And them conftrainc in eqiiall temc to draw. 
 Such ioy he had, their ftubbornc harts to quell 
 And fturdie courage tame with dreadfull aw^ 
 That his beheafttheyfcared^astyranslaw. 
 
 His louing mother came vpon a day 
 Vnto the woodsj to fee her little fonnc ; 
 
 ^'i And chaiinft vnwares to meet liim in the way. 
 After his (portes, and cruell paftime donncj 
 When after him a Lyoneflc did runne. 
 That roaring all with rage, did lowd requerc 
 Her children deare, whom heaway had wonne: 
 The Lyon whelpes ihe faw how he did beare. 
 
 And lull in rugged armcs, withoutenxliildifh fcarCc 
 
 The fcarefull Dame all quaked at the fight. 
 And turning backe, gan faft to fly away, 
 Vntill with loue reuokt from vaine affright, h r. A 
 She hardly yet pcrfwaded was to flay. 
 And then to him thefe womanifh words gan fay; 
 Ah Satyr Afie, my dearling, and my ioy, 
 Tor loue of me leaue off this dreadfull play^ 
 To dally thus with death, is no fit toy, 
 
 Co find Ibme other play-fellowes,mine own fweet boy. 
 
 In thefe and like delights of bloudy game 
 He tr ayned was , till ryper yeares he taught. 
 And there abode, whilft any bcaftofnamc 
 Walkt in that foreft, whom he had not taught 
 To feare his force: and then his courage haught 
 Defird of forreine foemen to be knowne. 
 And far abroad for flraungc aduentures fought:: 
 In which his might was ncucr oucrthrownc, 
 
 15ut through all Faery lond his famous worth was blown, 
 
 F3
 
 8^ THE I. BOOKE OF THE cmrt. 
 
 Yet cucrmorc it was his manner fairc. 
 After long labours and aducntures fpcnt^ 
 Vnto thofc natiuc woods for to repairc. 
 To fee his fire andoffpring auncient. 
 And now he thither came for Hkc intent ; 
 Where he vnwares the faireft f^m found, 
 Straunge Lady, in fo ftraungehabiUment, 
 Teaching the Satyrcs, which her fat around, 
 
 Tre w iacred lore^which from her fweet hps did redound* 
 
 He wondred at her wifedome heauenly rare, 
 VVhofe Uke inTvomens witheneuerknew; 
 Andwhen her curteous deeds he did compare^ 
 Gan her admire, and her fad forrowes rew, 
 Bbming of Fortune, which fuch troubles thrcw^. 
 And ioyd to make proofe of her crueltie 
 On gentle Dame , fb hurtleffe, and fo tre w : 
 Thenceforth he kept her goodly company. 
 
 And learndher difcipUne offaith and veritic. 
 
 But flic:^!! vowd vnto the i^^^^ff^^^ knight. 
 His wandring perill clofely did lament, 
 Nc in this new acquaintaunce could delight. 
 But her deare heart with anguifh did torment. 
 And all her wit in fecret counfels ipcnt. 
 How to efcape . At laft in priuie wife 
 To ^^(yr^^r ihe {hewed her intent ;: 
 Who glad to gain fuch fauour,gan dcuifc. 
 
 How with that penfiuc Maid he beft might thence arifc., 
 
 ■;'■,''■ ' (:■■■■■ ' " ' . " 
 
 So on a day when Satyrcs all wcregonc,. 
 To do their fcruice to Sylmnm old. 
 The gentle virgin left behind alone 
 He led away widicouragc flout and bold. 
 
 Too
 
 Cdnt.VI. FAERIE QVEENE, 87 
 
 . Too late It wasjto Satyrcs to be told^ 
 Or cucr hope rccoucr her againe : 
 In vainc he feckcs that hauing cannot hold. 
 So faft he carried her with carefiiU painc^ 
 That they the woods are paft^ & come now to the plainc^ 
 
 The better part now of the lingring day. 
 
 They traueild had, when as they farrc efpidc 
 A wearie wight forwandring by theway. 
 And towards him they gan in haft to ride 
 To weetof ncwcs, that did abroad betide. 
 Or tydings of her knight of the Redcroffe. 
 But he them fpying, gan to turnc afide. 
 For fearc as feemd, or for (bme feigned lofle ; 
 
 More greedy they of newes, faft towards him do croflc. 
 
 A filly man, in fimple weedes forwornc. 
 And foild with duft of the long dried way 5 
 
 His fandales were with toilcibmetrauelhome 
 And face all tand with (corching funny ray 
 Ashe had traueild many a Ibmmers day. 
 Through boyling fands o( Arabic and Tfidey 
 And in his hand a Jacobs ftaffe, to ftay 
 His wearie limbes vpon ; and eke behind. 
 His fcrip did hang , in which his needments he did bind. 
 
 The knight approching nigh, of him inqucrd 
 Tydings ofwarre,andofaduentures newj 
 But warres, nor new aduentures none he herd, 
 Thenr-^4 gan to aske , if ought he knew. 
 Or heard abroad of that her champion trcw. 
 That in his armour bare a crofle t red . 
 Aye me,Deare dame ( quoth he ) well may I revr 
 To tell the fadiight,which mine eies haiie red : 
 
 Thcfc eyes did fee that knight both lining and eke dcd. 
 
 F4
 
 g8> THE.I. BOOKE OF THE Qm.Vn 
 
 That criicll word her tender hart fothrild, - 
 
 Thatfuddein cold did runnc through ciicry vainq,> 
 And ftonyhorrour all her fences fild '^ 
 
 With dying fit, that downc fhc fell for paine. 
 The knight her lightly reared vp againc. 
 And comforted with ciirteo us kind reliefc ; 
 Then wonne from death, fhe bad him tellcnplainc- 
 The furthc r proceflq of her hidden griefe ; 
 
 The leffer pangs can bearc^who hath eiidur'd the chicfc.. 
 
 Then gan the Pilgrim thus , I chaunft this day^ 
 
 This fatatl day, that fhall I eucr rcw. 
 
 To fee two knights in trauell on my way. 
 
 (A fory fight)arraung*d in battcll new, 
 
 Both breathing vengeaiiioce,both ofwrathfiillhcw:: ' 
 
 My fearefuU flelli did tremble at their ftrife,_ 
 
 To fee their blades fo greedily imbrew, 
 
 That drunke with bloud, yet thrifted afterlife: (knife. 
 What morePthe ^R^/tr^^ knight was flainc with Paynini 
 
 Ah dcareft Lord(quoth fhe)how might that bee. 
 And he the ftouteft knight, that euer wonne? 
 Ah dearcft dame(quoth he>how might I fee 
 The thing, that might not be, andyet was donne? 
 Where is(faid ^4/>'r4»^)that Paynims Ibniie, 
 ' That himof life, and vs of ioy hath reft ? 
 Not far avvay (quoth he)he hence doth wonnc 
 Foreby a fountaine,wherel late him left (were cleft. 
 
 Wafhing his bloudy wounds,that through the flcelc 
 
 Therewith the knight thence marched forth in haflr^ 
 Whiles r;»^ widi huge heauineffeopprcfl^ 
 Could not for fbrrow follow him fo fail ; 
 And fponc he came^ as he the place hadghcfi:, 
 
 ;U;ibVVbc2!easi;
 
 CithrK^ FAERIE QVEENE 8^ 
 
 Whereas that>4jr^^rproud him fclfc did rcft^ 
 III feact fhadow by a fountaine fide : 
 Euen he it was^that carft would liauc fupprcft 
 Faire V^m; whom when SatyranecG^'iic^ 
 With fowle reprochfull words he boldly him dcfidc. 
 
 And faid, Arife thou curfed Mifcreaiint, 
 
 That haft with knightlcfic giiilc and trecherous train 
 
 Fairc knighthood tbwly fhamed^and doeft vaunt 
 
 That good knight of the RedcroJJe to haue flain : 
 
 Arifc^ and with hketrcafon now maintain 
 
 Thy guilty wrongs or clfc thee guilty yield. 
 
 The Sarazin this hearing, rofe amain. 
 
 And catching vp in haft his three fquarc iTiield^ 
 
 And fhimng helmet^foone him buckled to the fields. 
 
 And drawing nigh himfaid^Ah misborne Elfc, 
 
 In euill houre thy foes thee hither fent^ 
 , Anothers wrongs to wreake vpon thy k\k : 
 ' Yet ill thouSlameftmCjforhauing blent 
 My name with guile and traiterous intent 5 
 That22^^fr<?^knight,perdic,Ineuerflcw3 
 But had he beenc^ where carft his atmes were Icnt^ 
 Thenchaunter vaine his errour fhould not rew: 
 But thou his errour iMt^ I hope now prouen trcw. 
 
 Therewith they gan, both furious and fell^ 
 
 To thunder blowcs, and fierfly to aflailc 
 
 Each other bent his cnimy to quelly 
 
 That with their force they per ft both plate and mailc^. 
 
 And made wide furrowcs in their flefhcs frailc, ^ 
 
 That it would pitty any Uuing eic 
 
 Large floods of bloudadowne their fides did railc; 
 
 But floods of Uoud could not them fatisfic : 
 Bocbhungrcd after death : both chofc to win ^or die.
 
 5^3 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cd^t.rt:: 
 
 So long they fight, and fell rcucngc purfue. 
 That fainting each, thcmfclucs to brcathcn let 
 And oft rcfrefhcd, battell oft rcnuc : 
 As when two Bores with rancling malice met 
 Thciv got)' fides frc(h blecding^ficrccly fret, 
 Tillbreathlcflc both them felues afide retire. 
 Where foming wrath, their cruell tuslccs they whet 
 And trample th'earth, the whiles they may rc/pire; 
 
 Then backc to fight againc^ new breathed and entire. 
 
 So fierfly, when thefe knights had breathed once 
 They gan to fight rctiirne, increafing more 
 Their puiflant force, and cruell rage attonce. 
 With heaped ftrokes more hugely, then before. 
 That with their drerie wounds and bloudy gore 
 They both deformed, fcarfcly could be known. 
 By this fad rria fraught with anguifh fore, (thrown: 
 Led with their noife, which through the aire was 
 
 Arriu*d,wherc they in erth their fruitlcs bloudhad ibwn 
 
 Whom all Co foone as that proud Sarazin 
 Efpide, be g^ reuiue the memory 
 Of his lewd lufts, and late attempted fin, 1 
 
 And left the doubtfull battell haftily. 
 To catch hcr^ newly ofFred to his eie : 
 But Satyrafje with ftrokes him turning, ftaid. 
 And fternely bad him other bufineflc plie. 
 Then hunt the fteps of pure vnfpottcd Maid : 
 
 Wherewith he all enrag'd^thcfc bitter Ipeachcs faid, 
 
 O fooli(hfacries fbnne, what furic mad 
 Hath thee incenft, to haft thy doleful! fete? 
 Were it not better, I that Lady had. 
 
 Then that thou hadftrcfentcd ic too late? 
 
 •3ibio,Xi ;biiic Moft;
 
 Cm.ril. FAERIE QVEENE. ji 
 
 Moft fencclcflc man hc^that himfelfc doth hatc^ 
 Toloiic another .Lo then for thine ayd 
 Here take thy loucrs token on thy pate. 
 So they two fight ; the whiles the royallMayd 
 Fled farrc away, of that proud Paynim fore afrayd. 
 
 But that falfe Pilgrim^ which that leafing told^ 
 Being in deed old \^r ch image ^ did ftay 
 In fccret ihadow, all this to behold. 
 And much reioyced \\\ their bloudy fray : 
 But when he faw the DamfcU pafle away 
 He left his ftond,and her purfcwd apace, 
 Iij hope to bring her to her laft decay. 
 Butfor to tell her lamentable cacc. 
 
 And eke this battels end, will need another place*. 
 
 C'int, VII. 
 
 vv 
 
 The %edcroffe k^^tght is cap t we made 
 
 *By qyAunt protidop^refty ^^ 
 
 T^rince Arthur meets with Vnagteat-^ Pi^ 
 
 ly with tho/e newes diflrefi, ^^C* 
 
 'Hat man fo wife, what earthly wit fo ware. 
 As to defery the crafty cunning trainc. 
 By whicbdeceipt doth maske in vifour faire, 
 Andcafther colours dyed decpe in graine. 
 To feeme like Truth, whofe fhapellie well can fainc^ 
 And fitting gefturcs to her purpofe frame 5 
 The guiltleflc man with guile to entertainc? 
 Great maiftrefle of her art was that falie Dame, 
 The falfe V^fa^ cloked with Fide^acs name«
 
 92 THE I. BOOKE OF THE cmwij. 
 
 Who when returning from the drcry Nighty 
 She fownd not in that perilous houfcof/^ry^^. 
 Where fhc hadlcft, the noble Rcdcro(Je]^-\\^t^ 
 Her hoped pray \ ilie would no lengcr bide^ 
 But forth fhe wcnt^ to fccke him far and wide. 
 Ere longllie fownd^ whereas he wcarie (ate^ 
 To reft him Iclfe^forcby a fountaine fide, 
 Difarmed allofyron-coted Plate, 
 
 And by his fide his ftccdthe graffy forage ate. 
 
 He feedes vpon the cooling (hade^and bayes 
 His fweatie forehead \\\ the breathing wind. 
 Which through the trebling leaues full gently playcs 
 Wherein the chercfuUbirds of fundry kind 
 Do chaunt fweet mufick, to dehght his mind : 
 The Witch approching gan him fairely greet. 
 And with reproch of carelefnefle vnkind 
 Vpbrayd, for leauing her in place vnmeet, ((vveet. 
 
 With fowle words tempringfaire/oure gall with hony 
 
 Vnkindneflc paft, they gap of folace treat. 
 And bathe in pleafaunce of the ioyous {hade. 
 Which iTiielded them againft the boyling heat^ 
 V . Atid with greene boughes decking a gloomy glade^ 
 About the fountaine like a girlond made ; 
 Whofe bubbling waue dideucr freflily well,' 
 Ne euer would through feruent Ibmmer fade: 
 The facred Nymph, which therein wont to dwcll^ 
 
 Was out oiDuncs fauour, as it then befell. 
 
 The caufc was this : one day when vhoshc fayrc 
 With all her band was following the chacc, 
 This Nymph,quite tyr'd with heat of fcorcliingayrc 
 :Sat downe to reft in middcft of the race: 
 
 The
 
 CanLFir. FAERIE QVEENE. ^3 
 
 The goddeffe wroth gaii fowly he difgrace^ 
 And bad the waters^ which from her did flow 
 Be fuch as llic her felfe was then in place. 
 Thenceforth her waters waxed dull and flow 
 And all that drunke thereof^ did faint and feeble grow. 
 
 Hereof this gentle knight vnwectingwas_, 
 And lying downe vpon the fandie grailc, 
 Drunke of the ftrcame, as cleare as criftall glas 
 Eftfbones his manly forces gan to faile^ 
 And mightie ftrong was turnd to feeble fraile. "2 
 His chaunged powres at firft them (clues notfelt^' 
 Till cr udled cold h is cor a ge gan affailc^ 
 And chearefuU bloud in faintnefle chill did melt 
 
 Which hke a feuer fit through all his body fwcJt. ^ 
 
 Yet goodly court he made ftill to his Damc^ 
 Pourd out m loofhefle on the grafly grownd. 
 Both careleflfe ofhis healthy and of his fame: >i 
 
 Till at the lafl he heard a dreadfull Ibwnd^ (bownd^ 
 \ATiich through the wood loud bellowing, did re- 
 That all the earth for tcrrour feemd to fliakc. 
 And trees did tremble . Th'Elfe therewith aftownd^ 
 Vpftarted lightly from his loofcr make. 
 
 And his vnready weapons gan in hand to take. 
 
 But ere he could his armour on him dight^ 
 Or get his fhield, his monftrous enimy 
 With fturdie fteps came ftalkingin his fight. 
 An hideous Geant horrible and hye. 
 That with his talncfic feemd to threat the skyc. 
 The ground eke groned vnder him for dreed , 
 
 ' His lining like fawneuerliuingcyc, 
 
 Ne durft behold : his ftature did exceed i 
 
 The hi ght of three the tallcfl: (bnnes of mortall feed,.
 
 j>4 THE 1. BOOKE OF THE cm.VU. 
 
 The grcateflEarth his vncouth mother was. 
 
 And bluftnngo/£^/ft« his boafted fire, (pas, 
 
 VVfto with his breath,which through the world doth 
 Her hollow womb did fecretly infpirc. 
 And fild her hi<lden canes with ftormic yre, 
 That (lie concciii*d , and trebling the dew time. 
 In which the wombcs ofwomen do expire, 
 Bi^ought forth this monftrous maflc of earthly flime, 
 
 Puft vp with emptie wind,and fild with fiiifuU crime. 
 
 So grow^ri great through arrogant deHght 
 Of th'high defcent, whereof he was yborne. 
 And throughprefumptionof his matchlefle might. 
 All other powrjes andknighthood he didfcornc. 
 Such now he marcheth to this man forlorne. 
 And left to loffe : his {talking fteps are ftayde 
 Vpon a fnaggy Oke, which he had torne 
 Out of his mothers bowelles, and it made 
 
 His mortall mace, wherewith his focmen he difinaydc. 
 
 That when the knight he ipide, he gan aduance 
 With huge force and in(upportable maync. 
 And towardes him with dreadful! fury praunce 5 
 Who hapleflc, and eke hopelede ;, all '\\\ vainc 
 Did to him pace^ (ad battailc to dar rayne, 
 Difarmdjdifgraft, and inwardly difmayde. 
 And eke fo faint in euery ioynt and vainc, 
 Through that fraile foutaine,which him feeble made. 
 
 That fcarfely could h^weel4 his bootkfTc fingle blade. 
 
 V.M. 
 
 The C^aiult ftrooke fb maynly mcrcilefle. 
 
 That ^ould haueoucrthrowne a ftony towrc. 
 
 And were not heauenly grace,that him did blefle. 
 
 He had beene pouldrcd all, as thin as flowre : 
 
 ^ /^ ' But
 
 cm.ViL FAERIE QVEENE. pj 
 
 But he was wary of that deadly ftowre^ 
 And lightly lept from vnderneath the blow : 
 Yet fo exceeding was the villeins powre 
 That with the wind it did him ouertbrow^n^ hi ■ 
 And all his fences ftound^ thatftilihc Jay full Jowi 
 
 As when that diuelifhyron Engin wrought 
 In deepeft Hell, and framd by Furies^ViW^ 
 With windy Nitre and quick Sulphur fraught^ 
 And ramd with bullet round^ordaind to kill 
 Conceiueth fire, the heauens it doth fill 
 With thundring noyfe, and all the ayre doth choke 
 That none can breath, nor lee, nor heare at will, 
 ' Through fmouldry cloud of duskifhftincking ffiiokc 
 
 That th'onely breath him daunts, who^hathefcapt the 
 
 - (ilioke. 
 So daunted when the Gcaunt faw theknight^uol io3 
 
 His heauie hand hcheaued vp on hye, 
 . And him todiifl: thought to haue baOTcd ^uight^ 
 Vntill Due ([a loud to him gan crye ; 
 O great Or^<?^//<7, greateft vndcr skye, 
 O hold thy mortall hand for Ladies fake. 
 Hold for my fake, and do him not to dye. 
 But vanquilTit thine etcrnall bondflauc make^ 
 And me thy worthy meed vnto thy Leman take. 
 
 He hearkned,and did ftay from further harmcs. 
 To gayne fb goodly guerdon, as fhe fpake : 
 So willingly fliecame into his armes. 
 Who her as willingly to grace did take. 
 And was poflcfled of his new found make. 
 Then vp he tookc the flombred fencelefle corfe. 
 And ere he could out of his fwowne awake, 
 Himtohis caftle brought withhaftie forfe. 
 
 And in a Dongeon deepe him threw without remorfc.
 
 ^6 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Catttrif. 
 
 From that day forth Due (ft was his dcarc. 
 And highly honoiird in his haughtic eye. 
 He gaiie her gold and purple pall to wcarc^ 
 And triple cro wnc fet on her head full hye^ 
 And her endowd with royall maicftye : 
 Then for to make her dreaded more of men. 
 And peoples harts with awfull terrour rye, 
 A monftrous bead ybred in filthy fen 
 
 He chofe^which he had kept long time in darkfomc den. 
 
 Such one it was^as that renowmed Snake 
 Which great i^kides in Stremona flew^ 
 Long foftred in the filth oiLcrm lake, 
 Whoic many heads out budding euer new. 
 Did breed him endlefle labour to fubdew: 
 But this fame Monfler much more vgly was 5 
 For feuen great heads out of his body grew. 
 An yron brefl, and backe of fcaly bras. 
 
 And all embrcwd in bloud, his eyes did Ihinc as glas. 
 
 His tayle was flrctched out in wondrous length, • 
 That to the houfe of heauenly gods it raught. 
 And with extorted powre, and borrowed flrength. 
 The euer-buminglanips from thence it brought, 
 Andprowdly threw to ground, as things ofnoughtj 
 And vnderneath his filthy feet did tread 
 The facred things,and holy heafls fbretaught, 
 Vpon this dreadfull Bcafl witli feuenfbldhead 
 
 He fet the falfe Due/fa, for more aw and dread. ^ 
 
 The wofull Dwarfcj which faw his maiflcrs fall. 
 Whiles he had keeping of his grafing flecd. 
 And valiant knight become a caytiue thrall. 
 When ail was pafl^ tooke vp his forlornc wced^ 
 
 juvji His
 
 cm.rih FAERIE QVEENE. 5?5 
 
 His mightic armourj miffing moft at need ; 
 His filuer fhicld^ now idle m aider Icflq 
 His poynant (pcarCj that many made to bleed^ 
 The rueful! moniments of hcauinefle3 
 And with them all departes^ to tell his great diftrcfle. 
 
 He had not trauaild long ^ when on the way 
 He wofuU Ladie^ wofuU VnA met^ 
 Faft flying from the Paynims greedy pray, 
 Whileft SatyY<ine\i\m from purfuit did let : 
 . VVho when her eyes fhe on the Dwarfe had (et^ 
 And faw the fignes^that deadly tydings Ipakc^ 
 She fell to ground for forrowfull regret^ 
 And liuely breath her fad breft did forfake , 
 
 Yet might her pittcoushartbcfecnctopant and quake. 
 
 The meflcneer of fo vnhappie ncwes. 
 
 Would faine haue dy de : dead was his hart within^ 
 
 Yet outwardly (bme little comfort fliewesi' ^' ^^''*- 
 
 Atlaftrecoueringhart^he docs begin 
 
 To rub her temples^ and to chaufe her chin. 
 
 And euery tender part does tofle and turne : 
 
 So hardly he the flitted life does win, 
 
 Vnto her natiue prifon to retourne : 
 
 Then gins her grieued ghoftthus to lament and mourne. 
 
 Ye dreary inftrumcnts of dolefull fight. 
 That doe this deadly fpedlacle behold. 
 Why do ye lenger feed on loathed light. 
 Or liking find to gaze on earthly mould, 
 Sith cr uell fates the carefull threeds vnfould, 
 The which my life and loue together tyde ? 
 Now let the ftony dart of fenfclcffc cold 
 Perce to my hart, and pas through eucry fide. 
 
 And let etcrnall night fo fad fight fro me hide. 
 
 G
 
 c^6 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cmyil.^ 
 
 Olightfome day ,t1icIampcof higheft/^^^, 
 
 Firft made by him^ mens wandring wayes to guyde^ 
 When darkenede he in dcepeft dongeon drouc^ 
 Henceforth thy hated face for euer hyde. 
 And fhiit vp hcaiiens windowes fhyning wyde : 
 For earthly fight can nought but forrowbreed^ 
 And late repentance , which fhall long abyde. 
 Mine eyes no more on van i tie fliall feed^ 
 
 But fceled vp with death^ fhall haue their deadly meed. 
 
 Then downe againe fhe fell vnto the ground; 
 But he her quickly reared vp againe : » v; • i • 
 Thrifc did llie finke adowne in deadly fwownd^ 
 And thrife he her reviu'd with bufie paine : 
 Atlaft when life recovier'd had the raincy ' 
 And ouer-wreftled his ftrong enemie^ 
 With foltring tong^and trembling euery vainCj 
 Tell on (quoth fhe) the wofuU Tragedie^ 
 
 The which thcfereliques fad prefcnt vnto mine eie, 
 
 ? ''!' . • 
 
 Tempeftiious fortune hath fpentallher fpight. 
 And thrilling forrow throwne his vtmoft dart ; 
 Thy fad tongue cannot tell more heauy plight^ 
 Then that I feelc3 and harbour in mine hart : 
 Who hath cndur'd the whole, can beare each part. 
 If death it be, it is not the firft wound. 
 That launched hath my breft with bleeding finart. 
 Be gin, and end the bitter baleful! (tound 3 
 
 If leffe, then that I feare more faiipur I haue found. 
 
 Then gafi the Dwarfe the whole difcourfe declare^ 
 The fubtill traines oiArchmago old ^ 
 The wanton loues of falfe Fideffa, faire, 
 Bought with the bloud of vanquilht Paynim bold: 
 
 The
 
 cmirih FAERIE QVEENE; 5^7 
 
 The wretched payrc transform'd to treen mouldj 
 The houfe of Pride^ and perils round about; 
 The combat, which he with Sanftoy did hould ; 
 The lucklefTe conflid with the Gyant ftoiit. 
 Wherein captiu d^of life or death he flood va doubt. 
 
 She heard with patience all vnto the end^ 
 And ftroue to maifter IbrrowfuU aflay, 
 VVhich greater grew, the more fhe did contend^ 
 And almoft rent her tender hart in tway ; 
 And loue frelli coles vnto her fife did lay: 
 For greater loue, the greater is the lode. 
 Was neucr Ladie loued dearer day^ 
 Then fhe did loue the knight of the Redcroffi 5 
 
 For whofc deare fake fo many troubles her did tofTc, 
 
 At lafl: when feruent fbrrow flaked was^ 
 Shevp arofcjiefbluinghimtofind " 
 A liue or dead : and forward forth doth pas^ 
 All as the Dwarfe the way to her aflynd : 
 And euermore in conftant carefull mind 
 She fed her wound with frefh renewed bale; 
 Long toft with ftormes, and bet with bitter wind^ 
 High ouer hils^and low adowne the dale^ 
 
 She wandred many a wood^ and meafurd many a vale. 
 
 At laft fhe chaunced by good hap to meet 
 Agoodlyknight,fairemarchingby the way 
 Together with his Squire, arayed meet : 
 ' His glitterand armour fhined farrc away, 
 Like glauncing light of ph^^hushti^htcd ray; 
 From top to toe no place appeared bare. 
 That deadly dint of ftecle endanger may : 
 Athwart his breft a bauldrick braue he ware, (rare. 
 
 That fhynd^like twinkling ftars,witli ftons moft pretious 
 
 C 2
 
 ^8 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Camyjl: 
 
 And in the n)idft thereof one pretious ftonc 
 
 Ofwondrous worth, and eke of wondrous mights, 
 Shapt hke a Ladies head, exceeding fhone. 
 Like Hefpermtmon^^thc lefler lights. 
 An d ftroue for to amaze the weaker fights; 
 Thereby his mortall blade TuU comely hong 
 
 ^ Li yuory ("heath, ycaru d with curious flights 5 
 Whofe hilts were burnifht gold, and handle ilrong 
 
 Of mother pearle, and buckled with a golden tong, ' 
 
 His haughtie helmet , horrid all with gold. 
 
 Both glorious brightnefic, and great terrour bred 5^ 
 For all the creft a Dragoii did enfold 
 With greedic pawes, and ouer all did fpred 
 His golden wings : his dreadful! hideous hed 
 Clofe couched on the beuer , feem'd to throw 
 From flaming mouth bright fparkles fierie red^ 
 That fuddeine horror to faint harts did fhowj 
 
 And fcaly tayle was ftrctcht adownc his backe full low* 
 
 Vpon the top of all his loftie crefl, 
 
 A bunch of haires difcolourd diuerfly. 
 
 With fprincled pearle, and gold full richly dreft^ 
 
 Did fhake , and feem'd to daunce for ioUity , 
 
 Like to an Almond tree ymounted hyc 
 
 On top of greene Selinis all alone^ 
 
 With blofibmes braue bedecked daintily 5 
 
 Whole tender locks do tremble euery one 
 
 At euery little breath, that vnder heauen is bio wne^ 
 
 His warlike fhield all clofely couer*d was, 
 Ne might of mortall eye be euer feene; 
 Not made of fteelc , nor of enduring bras , 
 S uch earthly mettals foone confumcd bene : 
 
 !:: Bat 
 
 /
 
 Cdnf.rit. FAERIE QYEENE. 99 
 
 But all of Diamond pcrfc6i pure and ciccne 
 It framed wasjonc maffic entire mould, 
 Hewen out of Adamant rocke with cngineskecne. 
 That point of fpeare it ncucr pcrccn could3 
 Nc dint of direfull fword diuidc the fubftance would. 
 
 The fame to wight he neuer wont difclofc. 
 But when as monfters huge he would difinayj' 
 Or daunt vnequall armies of his foes. 
 Or when the flying hcauens he would afFrayj 
 For fo exceeding fiione his gliftring ray^ 
 That Fhcebus golden face it did attaint. 
 As when a cloud his beames doth ouer-Iay *, 
 And filuer Cynthia wexed pale and faint^ 
 
 As when her face is ftaynd with magickc arts conftraint. 
 
 No magicke arts hereofhad any might. 
 
 Nor bloudic wordes ofbold Enchaunters call^ 
 But all that was not fuch^ as feemd in fight. 
 Before that lliicld did fade, and fuddeine fall : 
 And when him lift the raskall routes appall. 
 Men into ftones therewith he could tranlmew. 
 And ftones to duft, and duft to nought at all ; 
 And when him lift the prouder lookes fubdew. 
 
 He would them gazing blind, or turne to other hew. 
 
 Ne let it feeme, that credence this exceedes. 
 
 For he that made the lame, wa^ knownc right well 
 To haue done much more adiijirablc deedes. 
 It t-^^r//» was, which whylome did excell 
 All lining wightes in might of magicke fpell : 
 Both fhield, and (word, and armour all he wrought 
 For this young Prince , when firft to armes he fell ; 
 But when he dydc, the Faerie Queene it brought 
 
 To Faerie lond, where yet it may be fcenc^ if foughr, 
 
 G3
 
 xoo THE I. BOOKE OF THE cm.VlU 
 
 A gentle youth, his dearely loucd Squire 
 His fpcare of hebeii wood behind him barCj 
 W'hofe harnfiefull head, thrice heated in the fire. 
 Had riuen many a bieft with pikehead {quarej 
 A goodly perfon, and could mcnagp fairc,; 
 His ftubborne ftecd with curbed canon bit. 
 Who vnder him did trample as the aire. 
 And chauft, that any on his backe fhould fit 5 
 
 The yron rowels into frothy fome he bit. 
 
 When as this knight nigh to the Ladie drew, 1 
 
 With louely court he gari her entertainer 
 But when he heard her anfweres loth, he knew 
 Some lecret forrpw did her heart diftraine : 
 Which to allay^and calme her ftormingpainCj 
 Faire feeling words he wiftly gan difplay. 
 And for her humour fitting purpofefaine, ' 
 To te mpt the caufe it felfe for to bewray 5 ( fay. 
 
 Wherewith emmou*d , thefe bleeding words {he gan to 
 
 What worlds delight, or ioy of lining (peach 
 Can heart, fo plung'd in fca of fbrrowes deepc. 
 And heaped with fb huge misfortunes,reach? 
 The carefull cold beginneth for to crcepe. 
 And in my heart his yron arrow fteepc, 
 Soone as I thinke vpon my bitter bale : 
 Such helplefle harmes yts better hidden keepe^ 
 Then rip vp griefe, where it may not auaile. 
 
 My laft left comfort is, my woes to weepe and wailc. 
 
 Ah Ladie deare, quoth then the gentle knight. 
 Well may I weene, your griefe is wondrous great 5 
 For wondrous great griete eroneth in my fpright^ 
 Whiles thus I hcare you ofyour forrowes treat.. 
 
 But
 
 CimtriL FAERIE Q^EENE tot 
 
 But wofull Ladic let me you ihtrcte. 
 For to vnfold the anguifhof your hart : 
 Mifhaps arc maiftrcd by aduice difcretc. 
 And counfell mitti gates the greateft fmart; 
 Found neucr helpe ^ who ncuer would his hurts impart, 
 
 O but (quoth (he) great griefe will not be tould. 
 And can more eafily be thought^ then faid. 
 Right fo5 ( quoth he) but he, that neuer would. 
 Could neucr : will to might giues greateft aid. 
 But griefe ( quoth flic) does greater grow difplaid. 
 If then it find not helpe , and brecdes defpaire. 
 Dcfpairc brecdes not (quoth he) where faith is ftaid. 
 No faith fo faft (quoth fhe) but 6cfh does paire. 
 
 Flefh may cmpaire (quoth he ) but reafbn can rcpairc. 
 
 His goodly reafbn, and well guided fpeach 
 So dcepc did fettle in her gratious thought. 
 That her perfwaded to difclofc the breach. 
 Which loue and fortune in her heart had wrought^ 
 And faids faire Sir, I hope good hap hath brought 
 You to inquire the fccrets of my griefe. 
 Or that your wifedomc will dircdl my thought. 
 Or that your pro weflc can me yield relicfe : 
 
 Then hearc the ftoric fad^ which I fhall tell you bricfe* 
 
 The fbrlorne Maiden, whom your eyes hauc fccne 
 The laughing ftockc of fortunes mockeries. 
 Am th'only daughter of a King and Queenc, 
 Whofe parents dearc, whileft equall deftinies 
 Did runne about, and their felicities 
 The fauourablc heaucns did not enuy. 
 Did fpread their rule through all the territories, 
 Which Phifon 2Lnd Euphrates floweth by. 
 
 And Gcbom golden waues doe wafh continually. 
 
 G 4
 
 iia THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cdfft.FIh 
 
 Till that their crucli curfcd enemy. 
 
 An huge great Dragon horrible in fight. 
 
 Bred in the loathly lakes of Tartar/ , 
 
 With murdrous rauine^ and deuouring might 
 
 Their kingdome fpoild, and coimtrey wafted quight : 
 
 Themfcliies, for fcare into his iawes to fall. 
 
 He forft to caftle ftrong to take their flight. 
 
 Where faft embard in mightie brafen wall. 
 
 He has them now foure ycres bcfiegd to make the thrall. 
 
 Full many knights aducnturous and ftout 
 Haue enterprizd that Monfter to fubde w; 
 From euery coaft that heauen walks about, 
 Haue thither come the noble Martiall crew. 
 That famous hard atchieuements ftill purfe w. 
 Yet neuer any could that girlond win^ 
 But all ftill fhronke, and ftill he greater grew : 
 All they for want of faith, or guilt of fin, » 
 
 The pitteous pray of his fierce crueltiehaue bin. 
 
 At laft yledd with farrc reported praifc. 
 
 Which flying fame throughout the world had fpred. 
 Of doughtie knights , whom Faery land did raifc. 
 That noble order hight ofMaidenhed, 
 Forthwith to court oiGUrUne I fped, 
 OiGloriane great Queene pfglory bright^ 
 Whofe kingdomes feat CUopolu is red. 
 There to obtaine fome fuch redoubted knight. 
 
 That Parents dearc from tyrants powre deliucr might. 
 
 It was my chance ( my chance was fairc and good) 
 There for to find a frefh vnproued knight, 
 Whofe manly hands imbrcw'din guiltie blood 
 Had neuer bene . nccuer by his might 
 
 Had
 
 ttdntytl. BAERIE QVEEKE 103 
 
 Had thrownc to ground the vnrcgardcd right: 
 Yet of his proweffc proofe he fincc hath made 
 (I witnefle am) in many a crqcIJ fight ; 
 The eroning ghofts of many one difmaide 
 Haue felt the bitter dint of his auenging blade. 
 
 And ye the forlorne reliqucs of his powrc. 
 His byting fvvord, and his deuouring fpeare. 
 Which haue endured many a dreadfull ftowrc. 
 Can fpeake his prowefle, that did earft you bearc^ 
 And well could rule : now he hath left you hcare, '-n 
 To be the record of his ruefull lolle^ 
 And of my dolefuU difauentiirous deare : 
 O heauic record of the good Redcrojfe^ (toflc ? 
 
 Where haueyou left your Lord^ that could fb well you 
 
 Well hoped I, andfaire beginnings had^ 
 That he mycaptiuelangour fhould redeemc. 
 Till all vnweeting ^ an Enchaunter bad 
 His fence abufd^ and made him to mifdeeme 
 My loyalty, not fuch as it did (eemev 
 That rather death dcfire^ then fuch defpight. 
 Be iudgeye heauensjthat all things right efteemc. 
 How I him lou d, and loue with all my mighty 
 
 So thought I eke of him ^ and thinke I thought aright. 
 
 Thenceforth medefolate he quite forfboke. 
 
 To wander, where wildefortune would me lead,. 
 And other by waies he himfelfe be tooke. 
 Where neuer foot ofliuing wight did trcad^ 
 That brought not backe the balefull body dead 5 
 In which him chaunced falfc Buefja meete. 
 Mine onelyfoe^minepncly deadly dread. 
 Who with her witchcraft and mifleeming iweete, 
 
 Inueigled bim to follow her defires vnmeete.
 
 to4 THE 1. BOOKE OF THE Cmyilh 
 
 At laft by fubtill Heights (he him bctraid 
 Vnto his foc^a Gyant huge and tall. 
 Who him difarmcd, diffolute, difmaid, 
 Vnwares furprifcd , and with mightic mall 
 The monfter mercilefle him made to fall^ 
 Whofe fall did neuer foe before behold ; 
 And now in darkcfomc dungeon , wretched thrall, 
 Remedileflc3 for aic he doth him hold ; 
 
 This^is my caufe of gricfcj more great, then may be told. 
 
 Ere (lie had ended all, fhe gan to faint : 
 But he her comforted and fairc befpakc, 
 Certes, Madame, ye haue great caufe of plaint. 
 That ftouteft heart, I weene , could caufe to quakc^ 
 But be of cheare, and comfort to you take : 
 For till I haue acquit your captiue knight , 
 Affure your felfe, I will you not forfake. 
 His chearefull words reuiu'dhercheareleflc Ipright, 
 
 So forth they went,thc Dwarfe them guiding euer right. 
 
 Cant. V lit 
 
 Mr 
 
 Faire virgin to redeeme her dcare ^^ 
 
 brings Arthur to the fight : ^^ 
 
 JVhoJl^yes that Gyant , wotinds the deafly ^gj 
 
 andflripx Duejfa tjinight. W^ 
 
 Y me, how many perils doc enfold 
 The righteous man, to mak^him daily fall ? 
 Werenot, that heauenly grace doth him vphold^ 
 And ftcdfaft truth acquite him out of all. 
 
 Her 
 
 A
 
 amtiVirf. r^ FA ERIE QVEENE. loj 
 
 Her louc is fenic, hit care continually 
 So oft a^|ie<d>5Q.u^h bis owne foolifli pride. 
 Or weaknefleis jto finftill bands made thrall : 
 Elfe fhould this Kedfiro(fe\si\^\x. in bands haiic dydc. 
 For whole deliucr ace flie this Prince doth thither guide. 
 
 f\Y3^n\\ ff^'H? 
 
 They (adly traueild thus , vntill they came 
 Nigh to a caftlebuilded ftrong and hie : 
 Then cryde the Dwarfc, lo yonder is the fame. 
 In which my Lord my liege doth lucklefTc lie. 
 Thrall to that Gyants hateful] tyrannic; 
 Therefore, deare Sirjyour mightie powrcs aflay* 
 The noble knight alighted by and by 
 From loftie fteede, and bad the La die ftay. 
 
 To fee what end of fight fliouUhia^biefall that day. 
 
 So with the Squire, th'admirer of his might. 
 He marched forth towards that caftle wall ; 
 Whofe gates he found faft fhut,ne lining wight 
 To ward the fame, nor anfwere commers call. 
 Then tooke that Squire an home of bugle fmall. 
 Which hong adownc his fide in twifted gold. 
 And taflcls gay. Wyde wonders ouer all 
 Of that fame homes great vertues were n told, 
 
 WTiich had approued bene in vfes manifold. 
 
 Was ncuer wight, that heard that fhrilling found. 
 But trembling fearedid feele in euery vaine ; 
 Three miles it might be eafie heard around. 
 And Ecchoes three anfwerd it felfe againe : 
 No falle enchauntment,nor decciptfull trainc 
 Might once abide the terror of that blafl:;^ 
 But prefently was voide and wholly vaine : 
 No gate fo ftrong , no locke fo firme and faft^ ; v , ^ 
 
 But witli that percing noife flew open quite^or braft.
 
 10^ THE I. BOOKE OF THE CMrHh 
 
 The fame before the Gcants gate he blcw^ '^^! t'^ 
 That all the cattle quaked from the ground. 
 And eucry dore of freewill open flew. 
 The Gyant fclfe difinaied with that fbwnd. 
 Where he with his Dueffk dalliance fownd. 
 In haft came ruihing forth from inner bowre. 
 With ftaring countenance ftcrnc^ as one aftownd, 
 Andjftaggcring fteps^to wcet^what fuddein ftowrc. 
 
 Had wrought that horror ftrangc^anddafd his dreaded 
 
 (powrc* 
 
 And after him the proud Duejpt came. 
 High mounted on her manyheadedbeaft. 
 And e uery head with fytie tongue did flamc^ 
 And e uery head was crowned on his creaft. 
 And bloudie mouthed with late cruell feaft. 
 That when the knight beheld ^ his miehtie fhild 
 Vpon his manly arme he Ibone addreft, -^ • ■ 
 And at him fiercely flew^ with courage fild^ 
 
 Andjeger grcedineffe through cuery member thrild. 
 
 Therewith the Gyant bilckled him to fight^ 
 
 Inflaiti'd with fcorncfuU wrath and high difdainc. 
 
 And lifting vp his dreadfull club on hight^' 
 
 All arm'd with ragged fnubbes andknottie graine. 
 
 Him thought at firft encounter to haue flaine. 
 
 But wife and warie was that noble Pcre^ 
 
 And lightly leaping from fo monftrous mainc. 
 
 Did faire auoide the violence him nere 5 
 
 It booted nought, to thinke, fuch thunderbolts to bcarc, 
 
 Ne {hame he thought to fhunnc fb hideous might : 
 The idle ftrokc, enforcing furious way, 
 Miffme the marke of his mifaymcd fight 
 Did faS to ground, and with his hcauie fway 
 
 So
 
 Cantril!. FAERIE QYEENE, 107 
 
 So dccpcly dinted in the driuen clay. 
 That three yardes deepe a furrow vp did throw : 
 The fad earth wounded with fb fore affay. 
 Did grone full grieuous vnderneath the blow, (fhow. 
 And trembling with ftrange feare^did like an earthquake 
 
 As when almightie loue in wrathfull mood. 
 To wreake the guilt of mortall fins is bent, 
 Hurles forth his thundring dart with deadly food, 
 Enrold in flames, and fmouldring dreriment. 
 Through riuen cloudes and molten firmament^ 
 The fierce threeforked engin making way. 
 Both loftic towres and higheft trees hath rent. 
 And all that might his angrie paflage fl:ay. 
 
 And fhooting in the earth, cafi:s vp a mount of clay. 
 
 His boyftrous club, fo buried in the ground. 
 He could not rearen vp againe fo light. 
 But that the knight him at auantage found, 
 And whiles he ftrouehis combredclubbe to quight 
 Out of the earth, with blade all burning bright 
 He fmote offhis left arme , which like a blockc 
 Did fall to ground, depriu'd of natiue might ; 
 Large ftreames of bloud out of the truncked fi:ockc 
 
 Forth gufhed,like frefh water ftreame from riuen rockc 
 
 Difmaied with fo defperate deadly wound. 
 And eke impatient of vnwonted paine. 
 He loudly brayd with beaftly yelling found^ 
 That all the fields rebellowed againe ; 
 As great a noyfe,as when in Cymbrian plaine 
 An heard of Bulles, whom kindly rage doth fting. 
 Do for the milkie mothers want complaine. 
 And fill the fields with troublous bellowing. 
 
 The neighbour woods around withbollow murmuring.
 
 io8 THE L BOOKE.OF THE Cm,riII. 
 
 That when his dcarc Vuejfa hcard^aiid faw 
 The euill ftownd, that daungerd her eflatc^ 
 Vnto his aide Hie haftily did draw 
 Her dreadful! beaft^ who fwolne with bloud of late 
 Came ramping forth with proud prefumpteous gate^ 
 And threatned all his heads like flaming brands. 
 But him the Squire made quickly to re tratc^ 
 Encountring fierce with fingle fword in hand^ 
 
 Andtwixthim and his Lord did likcabulwarkeftand. 
 
 The proud Due J] a full of wrathfull fpight. 
 And fierce difdaine^to be affronted fo^ 
 Enforft her purple beaft with all her might 
 That flop out of the way to ouerthroe^ 
 Scorning the let of fo vnequall foe : 
 Butnathemore would that courageous fvvaync 
 To her yeeld paflage^ gainft his Lord to goe^ 
 But with outrageous ftrokes did him reftraine^ 
 
 And with liis bodie bard tbe way atwixt them twainc.v 
 
 Then tooke the angrie witch her golden cup. 
 Which ftill fhe bore, replete with magick artes; 
 Death and defpeyre did many thereof fup. 
 And fecret poyfon through their inner parts, 
 Th'eternall bale of heauie wounded harts , 
 Which after charmes and fome enchauntments faid^ 
 She lightly fprinkled on his weaker parts ^ 
 Therewith his fturdie courage foone was quayd, .\^ 
 
 And all his fenfes were with fuddeine dread difmayd. 
 
 So downe he fell before the crucll beaft. 
 
 Who on his necke his bloudie clawes didfeize. 
 That life night cruftt out of his panting breft; 
 No po wre he had to ilirrc, npr will tori^e. 
 
 ^r.' That
 
 tmriiL FAERIE QVEENE. ^ lo^^ 
 
 That when the carcfiill knight gan well aiiift, ' 
 He lightly left the foe, with whom he fought. 
 And to the beaft gan turne his enterprife , 
 For wondrous anguifh in his hart it wrought, - 
 To fee his.loued Squire into fuch thraldome brought* 
 
 And high aduauncinghis bloud-thirftie blade. 
 Stroke one of thofe deformed heads lb fore^ 
 That of his puiflance proud enfampic made ; 
 His monftrous fcalpe downe to his teeth it tore, 
 And that misformed fhape mif fnaped more : 
 Afcaofbloud gulht from the gaping wound. 
 That her gay garments ftaynd with filthy gore. 
 And ouerflowcd all the field around ; 
 
 Thatouer fhoesinbloudhe wadcdonthe ground. 
 
 Thereat he roared for exceeding painc. 
 
 That to haue heard, great horror would haue bred, 
 Andfcourging th'emptie ayre with his long traine. 
 Through great impatience of hisgrieuedhcd 
 His gorgeous rydcr from her loftie fted 
 W ouldhauccafl: downe , and trod in durtie myrc. 
 Had not the Gyant fbone her fuccourcd s 
 Who all enrag'd with finart and franticke yrc. 
 
 Came hurtling in full fierce, and forft the knight rctyrc. 
 
 The force, which wont in two to be difperfl:. 
 
 In one alone left hand he now vnites, (crft ; 
 
 Which is through rage more flrong then both were 
 
 With which his hideous club aloft he dites. 
 
 And at his foe with furious rigour fmitesj 
 
 That flrongefl: Oake inight fecme to ouertlirowr 
 
 The flroke vpon his Hiield fo heauie lites, 
 
 That to the ground it doubleth him full low (blow? 
 
 Whatmortall wight could eucrbearefo monftrous.
 
 no THE I, BOOKE OF THE C^Htrilt. 
 
 And in his fall his fhield^ that coucrcd was^ 
 Did loofc his vele by chauncc , and open flew : 
 The light whereof^ that hcauens light did pas^ 
 Such blazing brightnefle through the aier threw 
 That eye mote not the fame endure to vew. 
 Which when the Gyaunt fpyde with flaring eye^ 
 He downe let fall his arme, and fbft withdrew 
 His weapon huge ^ that heaued was on hye 
 
 For to haue flaine the man^ that on the ground did Jyc, 
 
 And eke the fruitfull-headed beafl, amaz'd 
 At flafhing beanies of that funlliiny lliield^ 
 Became flarke blind, and all his fenfes da2*dj 
 That downe he tumbled on the durtic field^ 
 And fcem'd himfelfe as conquered to yield. 
 Whom when his maiflrefic proud perceiu'd to fall^ 
 Whiles yet his feeble feet for faintnefle reeld^ 
 Vnto the Gyant loudly fhc gan call, 
 
 O helpe Orgoglio , helpe, or elfc we perifh all. 
 
 At her fo pitteous cry was much amoou'd. 
 Her champion flout, and for to ayde his frend^ 
 Againe his wonted angry weapon proou*d ; 
 But all in vaine : for he has read his end 
 In that bright fhield, and all their forces fpend 
 Themfelues in vaine : for fince that glauncing fight^ 
 He hath no powre to hurt^ nor to defend ; 
 As where th'Ahnighties lightning brond docs light. 
 
 It dimmes the dazed cyen , and daunts the fenfes quight. 
 
 Whom when the Prince, to battell new addrefl. 
 And threatning high his dreadful! flroke didfee^ 
 His fparkling blade about hishead hcblefl, 
 ^- ^^ And fmotc off quite his right leg by the knce^ 
 
 That
 
 Cjmt.rill. FAERIE QVEENE. in 
 
 That downc he tomblcd , as an aged tree. 
 High growing on the top of rocky clift^ 
 Whofc hartftrings with kecnc ftecle nigh hcwen he 
 ' The mightie trunck halfe rent^ with ragged rift 
 Doth roll ado wne the rocks^ and fall with fearcfuU drift. 
 
 Or as a Caftle reared high and round. 
 By fubtile engins and malitious flight 
 Is vndermincd from the loweft ground 
 And her foundation forft^ and feeblcd quight^ 
 At laft downe falles, and with her heaped hight 
 Her haftie ruine does more heauie make. 
 And yields it ielfe vnto the vigours might ; 
 Such was this Gyaunts fall, that Icemd to fliake 
 
 The flcdfaft globcof earthy as it for fearc'clid quake, 
 
 Theknightthen lightly leaping to thepray. 
 With mortall fteele him fmot againe to f brc^ 
 That headlelle his vnweldy bodie lay. 
 All wallowd in his owne fowle bloudy gore. 
 Which flowed from his wounds in wondrous ftorc 
 
 ' But foone as breath out of his breaft did pas 
 That huge great body, which the Gyaunt bore. 
 Was vanifht quite, and of that monflrous mas 
 
 Was nothing Icft^ but like an emptie bladder was. 
 
 Whofe grieuous fall, when falfe Dueffk fpide. 
 Her golden cup flie call vnto the ground. 
 And crowned mitre rudely threw afide 5 
 Such percing griefe her llubborne hart did wound. 
 That ilie could not endure that dolefuU Itound, 
 But leaning all behind her, fled away: 
 The light-foot Squire her quickly turnd around 
 And by hard meanes enforcing her to ftay. 
 
 So brought vnto his Lord, as his defcrued pray. 
 
 H
 
 112 THE I. BOOKE OF THE C^rjtVlII. 
 
 The royall Virgin, which beheld from farre^ 
 In pcnfuic phght, and fad pcrplexitic. 
 The whole atchieiicmcntofthis doubtful] warrCj 
 Came running faft to greet his vidoric. 
 With fobcr gladncffe, and myld modeftie^ 
 And with {wect ioyous cheare him thus befpakc 5 
 Taire braunch of noblefle, flowre of cheualrie^ 
 That with your worth the world amazed makc^ 
 
 How fhalll quite the paines^ yc fuffer for my fake? 
 
 And you frefh bud ofvertue fpringing faft^ 
 
 Whom thefe fad eyes faw nigh vnto deaths dore. 
 What hath poore Virgin for fuch pcrill paft^ 
 Wherewith you to reward ? Accept therefore 
 My fimple feife^ and feruice eucrmore 5 
 And he that high does fit, and all things fee 
 With cquall eyes, their merites to rcftorc^ 
 Behold what ye this day haue done for mee. 
 
 And what I cannot quitc^ requite with vfurcc. 
 
 But fith theheauens, and your faire.handcling 
 Haue made you maifter ofthe field this day. 
 Your fortune maifter eke with gouerning^ 
 And well begun end all fo well, I pray, 
 Ne let that wicked woman fcape away ; 
 Forfheitis^thatdidmyLordbethrall, 
 My dcareft Lord, and deepe in dongeon lay. 
 Where he his better dayes hath wafted all, 
 
 O hearc, howpitcous he to you for ayd does call 
 
 Forthwith he gaue in charge vnto his Squire, 
 That fcarlot whore to keepen carefully j 
 Whiles he himfelfe with greedie great defire 
 Into the Caftlecntrcd forcibly. 
 
 Where
 
 CAKUVllI. FAERIE QVEENE, 113 
 
 Where lining creature none he did cfpye ; 
 Then gan he lowdly through the houfe to call ; 
 But no man car d to anfwere to his cryc. 
 There raignd a fblemne filence oucr all^ (hall. 
 
 Nor voice was heard^nor wight was feene i\\ bowre or 
 
 At laft with creeping crooked pace forth came 
 And old old man, with beard as white as ihow^ 
 That on a ftaffe his feeble ftcps did frame. 
 And guide his wearie gate both too and fro ; 
 For his eye fight him faile(41ong ygo. 
 And on his arme a bounch of keyes he bore3 
 The which vnufcd ruft did ouergrow : 
 Thofe were the keyes of euery inner dore. 
 
 But he could not them vfe^ but kept them dill in ftore. 
 
 But veiy vncouth fight was to behold^ 
 How he did falliion his vntoward pace. 
 For as he forward moou'd his footing old. 
 So backward ftill was turnd his wrincled face^ 
 Vnlike to men, who euer as they trace. 
 Both feet and face one way are wont to lead. 
 This was the auncient keeper of that place^ 
 And fofter father of the Gyant dead ; 
 
 His name Ignaro did his nature right arcad. 
 
 His reucrend haircs and holy granitic 
 
 The knight much honord, as befcemed well. 
 And gently askt, where all the people bee. 
 Which in that (lately building wont to dwell. 
 Who anfwerd him full (oft, he could not tell. 
 Againe he askt, where that fame knight was layd. 
 Whom great Orgoglto with his puiflcuincc fell 
 Had made his caytiue thrall , againe lie (ayde. 
 
 He could not tell : ne e uer other an(vvere made. 
 
 H 2
 
 XI4 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CMt.VllL 
 
 Tlicn asked he, which way he in might pas : 
 He could not tell, againc he aniwercd. 
 Thereat the curteous knight difpleafedwas^ 
 And faid^ Old fire, it ftemes thou haft not red 
 How ill it fits with that fame filuer hed 
 In vaine to mocke _, or mockt in vaine to bee : 
 But if thou be., as thou art pourtrahed 
 With natures pen, in ages grauc degree^ 
 
 Aread in grauer wife^ what I demaund of thcc^ 
 
 His anfwere likewife was, h^ couldnot tell. 
 Whofe fenceleflc Ipeach^and doted ignorance 
 When as the noble Prince hadmarked well. 
 He gheft his nature by his countenance, 
 Andcalmdhis wrath with goodly temperance. 
 Then to him ftepping, from his arme did reach 
 Thofe keyes^ and made himfelfe free enterancc. 
 Each dore he opened without any breach ; 
 
 There was no barrc to ftop, nor foehim to empcach^ 
 
 There all within full rich araydheiound. 
 With royall arras and relplendent gold. 
 And did with ftorc of euery thing abound. 
 That greateft Princes prefencc might behold. 
 But all the floore(too filthy to be told) 
 With bloud of guiltlcfTc babes, and innocents trew^ 
 Which there were flaine, as fheepe out of the fold^ 
 Pefiled was, that dreadfidl was to vew, 
 
 Andfacred afhes oucr it was ftrowednew.. 
 
 Andthere befide of marble ftone was built 
 An Altare, caru'd with cunning imagery. 
 On which true Chriftians bloud was often ipilt^ 
 And holy Martyrs often doen to dye^
 
 Canf.riir. FAERIE QyEEENE xiy 
 
 With criicll malice and ftrong tyranny : 
 Whofe blcffcdfpritcsfrom vnderncath the ftonc 
 To God for vengeance crydc continually. 
 And with great griefe were often heard to gronc. 
 That hardeft heart would blcede^ to hcare their piteous 
 
 (monc. 
 Through cuery rowme he fbught^and eucry bowr^ 
 
 But no where could he find that wofuU thrall ; 
 
 At laft he came vnto an yron doorc. 
 
 That fa ft was lockt^ but key found not at all 
 
 Emongft that bounch^ toopen it withall 5 
 
 But in the fame a little grate was pight. 
 
 Through which he fent his voycc, and lowd did call 
 
 With all his powre^to weet^ifliuing wight 
 
 Were houfed there within^ whom hc'enlargen might. 
 
 Therewith an hoUow^drcary^murmuring voycc 
 Thefe piteous plaints and dolours did relbund j 
 O who is thatj which brings me happy choycc 
 Ofdeathjthat here lye dyingeucry ftound. 
 Yet Hue perforce in balcfull darkcneffe bound? 
 For now three Moones haue chaged thrice their hew 
 And haue bcene thrice hid vnderneath the ground 
 Since I the heauens chearefuU face did vcw, 
 
 welcome thou^that docft of death bring ty dings trew. 
 
 Which when that Champion heardjwith pcrcing point 
 Of pitty deare his hart was thrilled lore. 
 And trembling horrour ran through euery ioynt^ 
 For ruth of gentle knight fo fowle forlore : 
 Which fhaking off^ he rent that yron dorc, 
 With furious force, and indignation fell ; 
 Where entred in^his foot could find no florc. 
 But all a deepe defcentjas darke as hell. 
 
 That breathed cuer fordi a filthie bancfuU fmell.
 
 ii6 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cant.VIlZ 
 
 But neither darkcnclTe fowlcj nor filthy ban ds. 
 Nor noyoiis fmell his purpofe could withhold^ 
 (Entire affedion hateth nicer hands) 
 But that with conftant zcale.and courage boldj 
 After long paines and labours manifold^ 
 He found the meanes that Pnlbner vp to reare 5 
 VVhofe feeble thighes^ vnhable to vphold 
 His pined corfe, him fcarfe to light could beare, 
 
 A r ucfuU fpedaclc of death and ghaftly drere. 
 
 His fad dull eyes deepe funck in hollow pits^ 
 Could not endure tli vnwonted funne to view ; 
 His bare thin cheekes for want of better bits. 
 And empty fides deceiued of their dew , 
 Could make a ftony hart his hap to re w 5 
 His rawbone amies, whofe mighty brawned bowrs 
 Were wont to riue fteele plates, helmets hew. 
 Were cleane confum*d, and all his vitall powres 
 
 Decay d,and all his flefli fnronk vp like withered flowres. 
 
 Whom when his Lady faw, to him fhe ran 
 With hafty ioy : to fee him made her glad. 
 And fad to view his vifagc pale and wan. 
 Who earft in flowres of freflicft youth was clad. 
 Tho when her well of teares fhe wafted had. 
 She faid , Ah dcareft Lord, what euill ftarre 
 On you hath fround,and pourdhis influence bad. 
 That of your felfe yc thus berobbed arrc. 
 
 And this miiTeeming hew your manly looks doth marrc? 
 
 But welcome now my Lord, in wele or woc^ 
 Whofe prefence Ikaue lackt too long a day 5 
 And fie on Fortune mine auowed foe, 
 Whofe wr^^thfuU wreakcs them fchies do now alay. 
 
 ' And
 
 Qm.yin. FAERIE QVEENE tij 
 
 And for thcfc wrongs fhall treble penaunce pay 
 Of treble good: good growes of euils priefe. 
 The chearelcfle man, whom fbrrow did difinay. 
 Had no delight to treaten of his griefe ; 
 His long endured famine needed more reUcfc. 
 
 Faire Lady, then faid that vidorious knight. 
 The thingSjthat grieuous were to do,or bearc 
 Them to renew,! wore, breeds no dehVhtj 
 Beft muficke breeds delight in loathing care : 
 But th'onely goodj that growes ofpaflTcd feare 
 Is ta be wife, and ware of hke asicin. 
 This dayes enfample hath this leflbn dcarc 
 Decpe written in my heart with yron pen. 
 
 That bliffe may not abide in flate of mortal] men. 
 
 Henceforth fir knigRt, take to you wonted ftrength. 
 And maifter thefe mifhaps with patient might ; 
 Loe wlxere your foe lyes ftretcht in monftrous lengthy 
 And loe that wicked woman in your fight. 
 The roote of all your care, and wretched plight^ 
 Now in your powfe, to let her liue, or dye. 
 To do her dye(quoth r/;^) were deipight. 
 And iliame f auense fo wcake an enimy ; 
 
 But (poile her of her Icarlot robe, and let her fly. 
 
 So as fhe bad, that witch they difaraid. 
 And robd of royall robes^andpurplc pall. 
 And ornaments that richly were difplaid ; 
 Ne fparcd they to flrip her naked all. 
 Then when they had dcfpoild her tire and call 
 Such as the was, their eyes might her behold 
 That her mifliaped parts did them appall, 
 A loathly, wrincklcd hag, ill fauoured,old, 
 
 Whofc fccrct filth good manners biddeth not be told. 
 
 H4
 
 ii8 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CmyiU. 
 
 Her craftichead was altogether ba!d^ 
 And as in hate of honorable eld. 
 Was ouergrownc with fciirfe and filthy fcald ; 
 Her teeth out of her rotten gummes were fcldj 
 And her fowrc breath abhominably fincld 5 
 Her dried dugs, hke bladders lacking wind. 
 Hong downe, and filthy matter from them weld; 
 Her wrizlcd skin as rough, as maple rind. 
 
 So fcabby was,that would hauc loathd all womankind 
 
 Her ncather parts, the fhamc of all her kind. 
 My chafter Mufe for fhamc doth blufh to write 
 But at her rompeflic growing had behind 
 A foxes taile, with dong all fowly dight ; 
 And eke her feetc moft monftrous were in fight; 
 For one of them was like an Eagks claw. 
 With griping talaunts armd to greedy fight^ 
 The other like a Bearcs vncuen paw : 
 
 More vgly fhapc yet neuer liuing creature faw. 
 
 Which when the knights beheld, amazd they wcrc^ 
 And wondrcd at fo fowlc deformed wight. 
 Such then(faid VnA)^^ fhe fecmeth here. 
 Such is the face of fallTiood, fi^ich the fight 
 Of fowle l>ue[fA^ whenher borrowed light 
 Is laid away^ and counterfefaunce knowne. 
 Thus when they had the witch difi-obed quight^ 
 And all her filthy feature open fhownc. 
 
 They let her goc at willj and wander waycs vnknownc. 
 
 She flying faft firom hcauens hated face. 
 
 And from the world that her difcouercd widc^ 
 Fled to the waftfuU wilderneffc apace, 
 From liuing eyes her open fhamc to hide. 
 
 And
 
 cm.lJt. FAERIE QVEENE. up 
 
 And lurkct in rocks and caucs long vnefpidc. 
 But that fairc crew of knights, an d r/;j fairc 
 Did in that caftlc afterwards abide, 
 TctrcftthcinfelueSjand weary powrcsrcpairc. 
 Where ftorc they found of all^that dainty was and rare. 
 
 Qant. IX. 
 
 Hi4 lotiss and ligna(ie Arthur tells 
 
 The Rights k^it friendly l^ands: 
 Str Trem fan pies from Defpayre, 
 
 whom Redcrojfe knight vetthfiands. 
 
 O Goodly golden chaine^ wherewith yfcrc 
 The vertues linked are in louely wize : 
 And noble minds of yore allyed were. 
 In braue pourfuit of cheualrous emprizc^ 
 That none did others (afcty defpizc. 
 Nor aid enuy to him, in need that ftands. 
 But friendly each did others prayfe deuizCj 
 How to aduaunce with fauourable hands, (bands. 
 As this good Prince redcemd the Kedcrofji knipht from 
 
 Who when their powresempaird through labour long 
 With dew repaft they had rccured well. 
 And that wcake captiue wight now wexedftrong. 
 Them lift no lenger there at leafure dwell. 
 But forward fare, as tlieir aduentures fcll^ 
 But ere they parted , Vm faire bcfbught 
 That ftraunger knight his name and nation tell ; 
 Lcaft fo great good,as he for her had wrought. 
 
 Should die vnknown^ & buried be in thanklcflc diought.
 
 UP THE I. BOOKE OF THE CsiifJX, 
 
 Faire virgin(faid the Prince)yc me require 
 
 A thing without the compas of my wit : 
 
 For both the henagc and the certain Sire, 
 
 From which I iprong, from me are hidden yit. • 
 
 For all fo foone as life did me admit 
 
 Into this world^ and fhewcd heauens light^ 
 
 From mothers pap I taken was vnfit : 
 
 And ftreight deliuered to a Faery knight^ 
 To be vpbrought in gentle thcwes and martial! might. 4 
 
 Vnto old Timon he me brought byliuc^ 
 
 Old Timon ^ who in youthly yeares hath bcene 
 
 In warlike feates th'experteft man aliue^ 
 
 And is the vviieft now on earth I wcene ; 
 
 His dwelling is low in a valley grcene, 
 
 Ynder the foot oiRmrm mofly horc, 
 
 Fi:om whence the riuer D^^ as filuer cleenc 
 
 His tombling billowes rolls with gentle rore : 
 There all my dayes he traind me vp i\\ vcrtuous lore. 
 
 Thither the great Magicien iMerlin came^ 
 
 As was his vfe^ofttimes to vifit me : 
 
 For he had charge my difciplinc to frame. 
 
 And Tutours nouriture to ouerfec. 
 
 Him oft and oft I askt in priiiitie^ 
 
 Of what loines and what lignagc I did Spring : 
 
 Whole aunlwcre bad me flill affiired bee. 
 
 That I was fonne and heirc vnto a king^ 
 As time in her iuft tcrme the trutli to light fhould bring. 
 
 Well worthy impc, faid then die Lady gent^ 
 And Pupill fit for fuch a Tutours hand. 
 But what aduencure, or what high intent 
 Hath brought you hither into Faery land, 
 
 Arcad
 
 0i»UX^ FAERIE QVEENE. tit 
 
 Arcad Prince Arthur^ crownc of Martiall band? 
 Full hard it is(quothhe)to read aright 
 The coiirfe of heauenly caufe^or vnderftand 
 The fecret meaning of th'cternall might, (wight. 
 That rules mens wayes^and rules the thoughts of liuing 
 
 For whither he through fatall deepe forefight 
 Me hither lent, for caufc to me vngheft. 
 Or that frefh bleeding wound^which day and night 
 Whilome doth rancle in my riuen breft. 
 With forced fury following his beheft. 
 Me hither brought by wayes yet neuer found. 
 You to haue helpt I hold my fclfe yet bleft. 
 Ah curteous knight(quoth Ihe) what fecret wound 
 
 Could euer find^to grieue the gentleft hart on ground? 
 
 Deare Dame(c|uoth he)you fleeping fparkes awake, 
 which troubled once, into huge flames will grow, 
 ,, Ne euer will their feruent fury Hake, 
 Till liuing moyfture into finoke do flow^ 
 And wafted life do lye in aflies low. 
 Yet fithens (ilence ledeneth not my fire. 
 Bun, told It flames, and hidden it does glow, 
 I will reuelc, what ye fb much defire : 
 
 Ah Loue,lay do wne thy bo w,the whiles I m ay refpirc. 
 
 Itwasinfreflieft flovvreofyouthly yeares. 
 
 When courage fir ft does crcepe in. manly chcft, 
 Theiifirft the coalcof kmdly heat appeares 
 To kindle loucin euery liuingbrcft 3 
 But me had warnd old Timons wiic bcheft, 
 Thofe creeping flames by rea(bn to fubdc^. 
 Before their rage grew to lb great vnrcft. 
 As milcrable loucrs vie to' rew. 
 
 Which ftiU wex old in woe^ whiles woe ftill wcxcth ncwii.
 
 122 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CiHtJX. 
 
 That idle name of louc, and loners lifc^ 
 As loffc of time, and venues enimy 
 I cuer (cornd, and ioyd to ftirre vp urifc. 
 In middcft of their mournfiiU Tragedy, 
 Ay wont to laugh , when them I hear d to cry. 
 And blow the fire, which them to ailies brent: 
 Their God himfelfe, grieu'd at my liberties 
 Shot many a dart at me with fiers intent. 
 
 But I them warded all with wary gouernmcnr. 
 
 But all in vaine : no fort can be fo ftrong, 
 Ne flefhly breft can armed be fo found. 
 But will at laft be wonne with battrie long. 
 Or vnwares at difauantage found ; 
 Nothing is fure, that growes on earthly ground f 
 And who moft truftcs in armc of flellily might. 
 And boafts, in beauties chaine not to be bound. 
 Doth fooncft fall in difauentrous fight. 
 
 And yecldes his cay tiue neck to vi£tours moft dcfpight. 
 
 Enfample make of him your hapleflc ioy, 
 Andofmy lelfenowmated,asye (eej 
 VVhofe prouder vaunt that pro ud auenging boy 
 Did foone pluck downe,and curbd my libcrtic. 
 For on a day prickt forth with iollitic 
 Of loofer life, and heat of hardimcnt, 
 Raunging the foreft wide on courier free. 
 The fields^the floods ,the heauens with one confcnt 
 
 Didfcemc to laugh at me, and fauour mine intent. 
 
 For-wearied with my Iports, I did alight 
 
 From loftie ftccd, and downe to flecpc me laydj 
 The verdant gras my couch did goodly dight. 
 And pillow was my helmet lairc difplayd : 
 
 Wliilcs
 
 CanUX. FAERIE QVEENE, 123 
 
 Whiles cucry fence the humour f\veetcmbayd 
 And flombring foft my hart did fteale away^ 
 Me feemed^ by my fide a royallMayd 
 Her daintie limbes full fbftly down did lay : 
 So faire a creature yet faw ncuer funny day. 
 
 Moft goodly glee and louely blandilhment 
 She to me made, and bad me loue her dearc^ 
 For dearely fure her loue was to me bent. 
 As when iuft time expired fhould appeare. 
 But whether dreames delude^ or truck werc^ 
 Was neuer hart fo rauifht with delight, 
 Ne liuing man like words did cuer hearc. 
 As (Tie to me deliuered all that night , 
 
 And at her parting faid^She Quccnc of Faeries hight.. 
 
 When I awoke , and found her place dcuoyd. 
 And nought but prefled gras^whcre fhc had lycn^, 
 I forrowed all fo much, as earft lioyd. 
 And wafned all her place with watry eyen^ 
 From that day forth I lou'd that fece diuine ^ 
 From that day forth I caft in carefull mind. 
 To feeke her out with labour, and long tyne. 
 And neuer vow to reft, till her I find. 
 
 Nine monethes I feeke in vaine yet ni'U that vow vnbind^ 
 
 Thus as he fpake, his vifage wexed pale. 
 
 And chaunge of hew great paffion did bewray; 
 Yet ftill he ftroue to cloke his inward bale. 
 And hide the fmoke, that did his fire dilplay^ 
 Till gentle Vna thus tohim gan fay; 
 O happy Quceneof Faeries^ that haft found 
 Mongft many, one that with his prowcfic may 
 Defend thine honour, and thy foes confound t 
 
 True Loues are oftc fown, but icldom grow on ground;
 
 124 THE L BOOKE OF THE a^iUX., 
 
 Thine, O then, faid the gentle Redcrojfe knight 
 Next to that Ladies lone, fhalbe the place, ^ 
 O fairc{tvirgin,full of heauenly light, 
 W hofe wondrous faith, exceeding earthly race 
 Was finiiefl fixt in mine extreme^ cafe. 
 And you, my Lord, the Patrone of rny hTe, 
 Of that great Qneene may well gaine worthy grace; ' 
 For onely worthy you through prowes pricfe 
 
 Yf lining man mote worthy be, to be her liefe. 
 
 So diuerfly difcourfing of their loues. 
 
 The golden Sunne his gliftring head gan fhew 
 And lad remembraunce now the Prince amoues 
 With frelTi defire his voyage to purfew ; ^ 
 
 Als Vfja earnd her traueill to renew. 
 Then thofe two knights, faft friendfiiipfor to bynd 
 And loue cftabliilT each to other trew, ^ 
 
 Gaue goodly gifts, the fignes of gratefull mynd. 
 
 And eke the pledges firme, right hands together ioynd. 
 
 Prince ^^rthur gaue a boxe of Diamond fure, 
 Embowd with gold and gorgeous ornament. 
 Wherein were clofdfew drops of liquor pure 
 Of wondrous worth, and vertue excellent 
 That any wound could heale incontinent ; 
 Which to requite, the i^^^icr^/^ knight him gaue 
 Abooke, wherein his Saueours teftament 
 Was writ with golden letters rich and braue ; 
 
 A worke of wondrous grace^and ablefoules tofaue. 
 
 Thus beene they parted, Arthur on his way 
 To feeke his loue, and th 'other for to fight 
 With rmes foe, that all her realme did pray. 
 But fhe now weighing the decayed plight^ 
 
 And
 
 CAnt.lX. FAERIE CIVEENE. 125 
 
 And fhrunken fynewes of her cholen knight^ 
 Would not a while her forward courfe purfew 
 Ne bring him forth in face of drcadfull fight^ 
 Till he recoiiered had his former hew ; 
 For him to be yet weake and wearie well flie knew. 
 
 So as they traueild^ lo they gan elpy 
 
 An armed knight towards them gallop faft^ 
 That feemed from fome feared foe to fly^ 
 Or other griefly things that him agaft. 
 Still as he fled^ his eye was backward cafi:. 
 As if his feare ftill followed him behind ; 
 AIs flew his fteed^as he his bands had braft^ 
 And with his winged heeles did tread the wind 
 
 As he had beene a fole oiPegafus his kind. 
 
 Nigh as he drew^ they might perceiue his head 
 To be vnarmd^and curld vncombed heares 
 
 . Vpftaring ftiffe, difmayd with vncouth dread 5 
 Nor drop of bloud in all his face appeares 
 Nor life \\\ limbe ; and to increafc his fearcs^ 
 In fowle reproch of knighthoods faire degree. 
 About his neck an hempen rope he weares. 
 That with his gliftring armcs does ill agree ; 
 
 But he of rope or amies has now no memoree. 
 
 The Reicroffe knight toward him eroded faft^ 
 To weet^ what mifter wight was fo difinayd: 
 There him he finds all Icncelefle and aghait. 
 That of him felfe he (ecmd to be afrayd. 
 Whom hardly he from flying forward ftayd. 
 Till he thefe wordcs to him deliucr might. 
 Sir knightj aread who hath yc thus arayd^ 
 And eke from whom make ye this hafty flight': 
 
 For neuer knight I faw in fuch mifleeming plight.
 
 126 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CaffUX. 
 
 He anfwcrd nought at all^but adding new 
 Feare to his firft amazmcnt^ flaring wide 
 With ftony eyes, and harticflc hollow hew, 
 Aftonifht ftood^ as one that had afpidc 
 Infernall furies^ with their chaines vntidc. 
 Him yet againc, and yet againe beipakc 
 The gentle knight; who nought to him replide. 
 But trembling eucryioynt did inly quake, (fhake^ 
 
 And foltring tongue at laft thefe words leemd forth to 
 
 For Cods deare loue^ Sir knight, do me not flay ; 
 For loehe comes, he comes fall after mee. 
 Eft looking backe would faine haue runne away y 
 But he him forft to flay, and tellen free 
 The fecret caufe of his perplexitie : 
 Yet nathemore by his bold hartie (peach. 
 Could his bloud-frofcn hart emboldned bee. 
 But through his boldnefle rather feare did reach, 
 
 Yet forfl:,at lad he made through filcncc fuddein breach. 
 
 And am I now in fafetie fure (quoth he) 
 
 From him, that would haue forced me to dye? 
 
 And is the point of death now turnd fro mee. 
 
 That I may tell this haplefic hiftory? 
 
 Feare nought:(quoth he)no daunger now is nye? 
 
 Then lliall I you recount a rucfull cace, 
 
 (Said he) the which with this vnlucky eye 
 
 Hate beheld^andhadnot greater grace 
 Me reft from it, had bene partaker of the place. 
 
 1 lately chaunfl( Would I had neuer chaunft) 
 With a faire knight to keepen companee. 
 Sir Terwm hight, that well himfelfe aduaunft 
 In all affaires . and was both bold and free. 
 
 But
 
 Cm.JX. FAERIE QVEENE, 127 
 
 But not fb happic as mote happic bee : 
 He lou'dj as was his lot, a Ladic gcnt^ 
 That him againe lou'd in the leaft degree: 
 For fhe was proud, and of too high intent. 
 And ioyd to fee her loucr languifh and lament. 
 
 From whom returning fad and comfortlefle. 
 As on the way together we did fare. 
 We met that villen (God from him me blefle ) 
 That curfed wight, from whom I fcapt whylearC3 
 A man of hell,that cals himfelfe Dejpaire : 
 Who firft vs greets,and after faire areedes 
 
 " Of tydings ftrangc, and of aduentures rare : 
 So creeping clofe, as Snake in hidden weedes, 
 
 Inquirethof our ftatcs ^andof our knightly deedes. 
 
 Which when he knew, and felt our feeble harts 
 Emboft with bale, and bitter byting griefe^ 
 Whichlouc had launched with his deadly darts. 
 With wounding words and termes of foulc repriefe3 
 He plucktfrom vs all hope of due reliefe^ 
 That earft vs held in loue of lingring life ; 
 Then hopelefle hartlefle^ gan the cunning thiefc 
 Perfwade vs die, to Hint all further ftrife : 
 
 To me he Icntthis rope, to him a ruftie knife, 
 • <- 
 
 With which fad inftrument of haftie death. 
 That wofull loucr , loathing lenger light, 
 A wide way made to let forth huing breath . 
 But I more fearefull, or more luckic wight, 
 Difiiiayd with that deformed difmall fight. 
 Fled faft away, halfc dead with dying feare ; 
 Ne yet afTufdof life by you. Sir knight, 
 
 ., Wlx)(e like infirmitielikc chaimce may bearc : 
 
 But God you neuer lethis charmed fpeeches hearc.
 
 128 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cm.IXl 
 
 How may a man (faid he ) with idle fpeach 
 Be wonnc, to fpoyle the Caftle of his health ? 
 I ^vote (quoth he ) whom triall late did teach. 
 That like would not for all this worldes wealth : 
 His fubtilltongue, like dropping honny, mealtli 
 Into the hart ,and fcarcheth euery vaine^ 
 That ere one be aware, by fccret ftealth 
 His powre is reft, and weakaeflc doth remainc. 
 
 O neuer Sir defire to try his guilefull trainc. 
 
 Certcs (faid he) hence iTiall I neuer reft. 
 
 Till I that treachours art haue heard and tride ; 
 
 And you Sir knight y whofc name mote I requeft^ 
 
 Of grace do me vnto his cabin guide, 
 
 I that hight Tremfm ( quoth he) will ride 
 
 Againft my liking backe, to doe you grace : 
 
 But nor for gold nor glee will I abide ^ 
 
 By you, when yc arriue in that fame place 3 
 
 For Icuer had I die, then fee his deadly face, 
 
 fere long they come ^ where that fame wicked wight , 
 His dwelling has, low in an hollow cauc, , Krl I' 
 Farre vnderncath a craggic clift ypight, 
 Darke, dolefull, drearie, like a greedic grauc. 
 That ftill for carrion carcales doth craue : 
 On top whereof aye dwelt the ghaftly Owlc, 
 Shrieking his balefull note, which cucr drauc y^ ^ ^ / 
 Farre from that haunt all other chearefuU fowlc; 
 
 And all about it wandring ghoftes did wailc andhp^Ic. 
 
 And all about old ftockes and ftubs of trees. 
 Whereon nor fruit , nor leafe was eucr iccnc^ 
 Did hang vpon the ragged rocky knees ; 
 On which had many wretches hanged bccnc.
 
 CmJX. FAERIE QVEENE. 12^ 
 
 Whofccarcafes were fcattercd on the grecnc. 
 And thrownc about the clifts, Arriiied there. 
 That bare-head knight for dread and dolefull tccnc 
 Would faine haue fled^ ne durft approchen ncarc 
 But th'othcr forft him ftay^ and comforted in feare. 
 
 That darkcfbmc cauc they enter^ where they find 
 That curfed man, low fitting on the ground^ 
 Mufing full fadly in his fullein mind , 
 His griefie lockes^long growen, andvnbound, 
 Difordred hong about his iTioulders round. 
 And hid his face ; through which his hollow eync 
 Lookt deadly dull, and flared as aftound ; 
 His raw-bone cheekes through penurie andpinc. 
 
 Where llironke into his iawes^ as he did neuer dine. 
 
 His garment nought but many ragged clouts. 
 With thornes together pind and patched was^ 
 The which his naked fides he wrapt abouts ; 
 And him befidc there lay vpon the gras 
 A drcarie corfc, whofe life away did pas. 
 All wallowd in his owne yet luke-warme bloody 
 That from his wound yet welled frelh alas; 
 In which a ruftie knife faft fixed flood. 
 
 And made an open pafTage for the gufhing flood. 
 
 VVTiich piteous fpeilacle, approuing trew 
 The wofull tale th;^ Treutfkn had told. 
 When as the gentle Redcrojfe knight did vew. 
 With firie zcale he burnt in courage bold. 
 Him to auenge, before his bloud were cold. 
 And to the villein faid, Thou damned wight. 
 The author of this fad, we here behold. 
 What iuflice can but iudge againfl thee right, (fight. 
 
 With thine owne bloud to price his bloud j here fhcd in 
 
 * I 2
 
 ijo THE I. BOOKEOF THE Cam.ix.. 
 
 VVhat frantickc fit (quoth he) hath thus diftraught 
 TheCjfooHfn man, fo rafh a doomc to giue ? 
 What iufticc cucr other iudgcnient taught. 
 But he fhould die, who meritcs not to Hue ? 
 None elfe to death this man deipayring driuc, 
 Buthisowneguiltie minddclcrrting death. 
 Is then vniuft to each his due to giue ? 
 Or let him die, that loatheth Hniug breath ? 
 
 Or let him die at ealc, that liueth here vneath ? 
 
 VVho trauels by the wcaric wandring way. 
 To come vnto his wilTied home in hafte. 
 And meetes a flood, that doth his paflage ftay. 
 Is not great grace to helpe him ouer paft. 
 Or free his feet, that in the myre fticke faft ? 
 Moft enuious man ,that gricues at neighbours good^ 
 And fond, that ioyeft in the woe thou haft, 
 Why wilt not let him pa{Ie,that long hath ftood 
 
 Vpon the banke, yet wiltthy felfe not paflc the flood? 
 
 ' ■ > ' ■ 
 
 He there does now enioy ctcrnall reft 
 
 And happie eafe, which thou doeft want and crauc^ 
 And further from it daily wandereft: 
 What if fbme litle paine the paflage hauc. 
 That makes fraile flefh to fearc the bitter waue > 
 Is not fhort paine well borne, that brings long eafe. 
 And layes the fbule to fleepe in quiet graue ? 
 Sleepe after toyle, port after ftormicleas,. ■ n :?;> i 
 
 Eafe after warre, death after life does greatly pleafc'.. ' 
 
 .»,. I.J. 
 
 The knight much wondred at hisTuddcincwity :ni:.j 
 And laid. The terme of life is limited, f r:A 
 
 Ne may a man prolong, nor fhorten it ; 
 The fouldicr may not moue from watchfull ftdd^
 
 Cm:ix. faerie QVEENE 131 
 
 Nor Icauc hisftand , vntill his Captainc beef. 
 Who life did limit by almightic doomc, 
 (Quoth he) kiiowes bcft the termcs cftablifhed 5 
 And he 3 that points the Centonell his roonie^ 
 Doth licenfe him depart at found of morning droomc. 
 
 Is not his decd^ what euer thing is donne. 
 In heauen and earth ? did not he all create 
 To die againe ? all ends that was begonnc. 
 Their times in his eternall booke of fate 
 Are written fure, and hauc their certaine date. 
 Who then can ftriue with ftrong ncceffitic^ 
 That holds the world in his ftill chaunging ftate^ 
 Or fhunne the death ordaynd by deftinie? (why. 
 
 Whe hourc of death is come^Iet none aske whence^ nor 
 
 The lenger life^ I wote the greater fin , 
 The greater fin , the greater punifhment: 
 All thofe great battelsjwhich thou boafts to win^ 
 Through ftrife^ and bloud-fhed^and auengcnicnt^ 
 Now prayfdjhercafter deare thou fhalt repent : 
 For life muft Ufe^ and bloud muft bloud repay. 
 Is not enough thy euill life forefpent ? 
 For he^ that once hath mifled the right way. 
 
 The further he doth goe^ the further he doth ftray. 
 
 Then do no further goe, no further ftray. 
 But here lie downe^and to thy reft betakc3 
 Th'ill to prcuentjthat life enfewen may. 
 For what hath life^that may it loued make. 
 And giues not rather caufe it toforfake ? 
 Feare/ickncflc, age, lofle, labour, forrowjftrifc, 
 Paine,hunger, cold,that mak^s the hart to quake; 
 And euer fickle fortinie rageth rife, 
 
 AII:which,and thoufands mo do make aloathfomc life. 
 
 13
 
 J32 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CmJX^ 
 
 Thou wretched man, of death haft greateft need. 
 If in true ballancc thou wilt weigh thy ftate: 
 For neucrknight^that dared warUke deede^ 
 More lucklefTe difauentures did amate : , . A 
 
 Witnefle th^ dongcon dcepe, wherein of late ' H 
 Thy hfc iliut vp, for death (b oft did call ; 
 And though good luckeprolonged hath thy date, r.I 
 Yet death then, would the Hke mifhapsforeftaU^ 
 
 Into the which hereafter thou maicft happen fall^ 
 
 Why then doeft thou, 6 man of fin, defirc 
 To draw thy dayes forth to their laft degree ? 
 Is not the mealiire of thy finfuU hire 
 High heaped vp with huge. iniquitie^ -. : ^{uin[\ 3c; 
 Againft the day of wrath, to burden thee? '• ' 
 Is not enough, that to this Ladie milde 
 Thou falfed haft thy faith with periurie^ 
 And fold thy felfe to ferue T>t4ejfa. vilde^ 
 
 With whom in ait^ufp tlK)ii,I^Aft thy felfe defildc? 
 
 I 
 
 f 1 
 
 Is not he iuft, that all this,doth behold 
 
 From higheft heauen, and bearcs an squall eye ? 
 Shall he thy fins vpinhisknowlcdgcfold^ 
 And guiltie be of thine impietic ? . 
 Isnothislaw^Leteueryfinncrdi^: ^T 
 
 Dielliallallflcfh? what then muft needs be donnc^ 
 Is it not better to doe willinglie, T 
 
 Then linger, till the glaffe be all out ronne ? 
 
 Death is the end of woes : die fooDjq^O faeries fbnne. 
 
 - V- n /ii: - yi 
 
 The knight was much cnmoued with his fpeach, /^ 
 
 That as a fwords point through his hart did perigj^ 
 
 KwA in his confcience made a fecret breach^ ; . ; <^ 
 
 Well knowing tr uc all^ that he did rehcrfe^
 
 CihUX. FAERIE QVEENE 133 
 
 And to his frcfh remembrance did rcucrfc 
 The vgly vevv of his deformed crimes^ 
 That all his m anly powres it did dilperlc. 
 As he were charmed with inchaunted rimes^ 
 That oftentimes he quakt ^ and fainted oftentimes. 
 
 In which amazement ^ when the Mifcrean t 
 Percciued him to waucr weake and frailc^ 
 Whiles trembling horror did his confciencc dant^ 
 And hellilli anguifh did his fbulc aflaile. 
 To driue him to defpaire, and quite to cjuailc^ 
 He fhew'd him painted in a table plaine^ 
 The damned ghofts , that doe in torments wailc. 
 And thoiifand feends that doe them endleflc painc 
 
 With fire and brimftonc^which for euer fhall rcmainc. 
 
 The fight whereof fo throughly him difmaid. 
 That nought but death before his eyes he faw^ 
 Andeuer burning wrath before him laid^ 
 By righteous (entcnce of th' Almighties law: . 
 Then gan the villein him to ouercraw^ 
 And brought vnto him fwords^ ropes^ poifbn^ fire. 
 And all that might him to perdition draw ; 
 And bad him choofe, what death he would defire : 
 
 For dcatli was due to him, that had prouokt Gods ire. 
 
 But when as none of them he faw him take, 
 He to him raught a dagger fharpe and keene. 
 And gaue it him in hand : his hand did quake. 
 And tremble likealcafeof Afpin grecne. 
 And troubled bloud through his pale face was fcenc 
 To come, and goe with tydings from the hart. 
 As it a running meflengcr had bcene. 
 At laft refohrd to worke his finall Imart, 
 
 He lifted vp his hand, that backe againe did ftart. 
 
 I 4
 
 134 THE I. BOOK>E OF THE Cai^f.lJCj 
 
 Which when as F/fa faw , through ciiery vaind - ' ' 
 The cradled cold ran to her well of lite. 
 As in a (wowne : but foone rcliu d againc. 
 Out of his hand (be fnateht the curfed knife. 
 And threw it to the ground, enraged rife. 
 And to him faid. Fie, fie, faint harted knight , 
 What meaneft thou by this reprochfull ftrife? 
 Is this the battell, which thou vauntft to fight 
 
 With that fire-mouthed Dragouj horrible and bright? 
 
 ■ 'A 
 
 Come, (:ome away, fraile, feely, fleihly wight,' • 
 Ne let vaine wotds bewitch thy manly hart, 
 Ne diuelirh thoughts difmay thy conftant fpright. 
 In heauenly mercies haft thou not a part > 
 . Why fhouldft thou then de(peire, that chofen art ? 
 
 f Where iuftice growes,there grows eke greater grace^ 
 The which doth quench the brond of hellilTi finart^ 
 And that accurft hand-writing doth deface, 
 
 Arife, Sir knight arife ^ and leauc thiscurfed place. 
 
 So vp he rofe, and thence am^ountcd ftreight. 
 Which when the carle beheld , and faw his gueft 
 Would fafe depart, for all his fubtill fleight^ 
 He chofe an halter from among the reft. 
 And with ithunghimfelfe, vnbidvnbleft. 
 But death he could not worke himfelfe thereby 5, 
 For thoufand times he fo himfelfe had dreft. 
 Yet natheleffe it could not doe him die. 
 
 Till he fhould die his laft, that is eternally,. 
 
 CANT.
 
 CiM,Xi . FA'ERI'E QVEENE. 
 
 Cant. X 
 
 ^35 
 
 
 Herfiitthffi/i k»^ght faire Vna brings W^. 
 
 to houfe of Ho line Iff ^ WJi* 
 
 where he is taught repentance ^ and W^ 
 
 the way to heanenly bleffe. ^M 
 
 WHat man is hc^ that boafts of fleflily might. 
 And vainc afllirancc of mortality. 
 Which all fo foone^as it doth come to fight^ 
 Againft fpirituall foes,yeelds by and by. 
 Or from the field moft cowardly doth fly ? 
 Ne let the man afcribe it to his skill. 
 That thorough grace hath gained vidory. 
 If any ftrcngth we hauc, it is to ill. 
 But all the good is Gods,both power and eke will. 
 
 By that^ which lately hapned, rna faw. 
 
 That this het knight was feeble, and too faint^ 
 And all his fincws woxen wcake and raw. 
 Through long enprifonmentj and hard conflraint^ 
 Which he endured in his late reftraint. 
 That yet he was vnfit for bloudic fight : 
 Therefore to cherifhhim with diets daint. 
 She caft to bring him j where he chcaren mighty 
 
 Till he rccouered had his late decayed plight. 
 
 There was an auntient houfe not farrc away, 
 
 Renowmd tliroughout the world for facred lorc^ 
 And pure vnfpotted life : fo well they fay 
 It gouernd was, and guided euermorej^
 
 1^6 THE I- BOOKE OF THE Cdfgt.X, 
 
 Through wifcdomc of a matrone grauc and horc 5 
 Whofe oncly ioy was to rclicuc the nccdcs 
 Of wretched fbiiles, and heipe the helpeleflc pore : 
 All night fhe fpcnt in bidding of her bedcs. 
 And all the day in doing good and godly decdcs. 
 
 Dame Calia men did her call, as thought 
 From hcauen to comc3 or thither to arifc. 
 The mother of three daughters, well vpbrought 
 In goodly thewes, and godly excrcife : 
 The eldeft two moft fbber, chaft,and wife, 
 Fidelia and 5/^r^^;^<i virgins werCj 
 Though fpoufd, yet wanting wedlocks fblcmnizc 5 
 But faire charijfa to a louely fere 
 
 Was lincked, and by him. had many pledges derc. ^ 
 
 Arriued there, the dore they find faft lockt ; 
 For it was warely watched night and da)'. 
 For feare of many foes : but when they knocktj 
 The Porter opened vnto the m ftreight way : 
 He was an aged fyrc, all hory gray. 
 With lookes full lowly caft , and gate full flowa 
 Wont on a ftaffe his feeble fteps to ftay, 
 Hight Humiltk, They pafle in ftouping low ; 
 
 For ftreight & narrow was the way, which he did iTiow, 
 
 Each goodly thing is hardeft to begin. 
 But entred in a fpacious court they Ice, 
 Both plaine, and plcafant to be walked in. 
 Where tliem does meete a francklin faire and free. 
 And entertaines with comely courteous glee, 
 His name was Zele , that him right well became. 
 For in his Ipccchcs and behauiour hec 
 Did labour liucly to cxpreflc the fame, 
 
 . And gladly did them guide, till to the Hall they canic. 
 
 There
 
 Cant.X. FA'ERIE QVEENE.. 137 
 
 There fairely them rcceiues.a gentle Squire, 
 Of mildc demeaniire, and rare coiirtefie. 
 Right cicanjy clad in cQU^ly fad attire ^ 
 In word and dqqde thatflitevY'd great modefticj 
 And knew his good to all of each degree, 
 Hight Reuerence, He them with ipeeches meet 
 Does faire entreat j no courting nicetie. 
 But fimple truc^ andeke vnfained fweet. 
 
 As might become a Squire fo great perfons to greets 
 
 And afterwards them to his Damehe leades^ 
 That aged Dame^the Ladie of the place : 
 Who ail this while was bufie at her beades : 
 Which doen, ("he vp arpfc withfcemely grace. 
 And toward them fuU matronely didpac^^. 
 Where when that faireft rna flie beheld. 
 Whom well fhe knew to fpring from heaucniy racc^ 
 Her hart with ioy vnwonted inly fweld. 
 
 As feeling won4EQu^ ppipfprt in her weaker eld. 
 
 And her embracing faid , 6 happic earth. 
 Whereon thy innocent feet doe euer tread, 
 Moft vertuous virgin borne of heauenly berth^ 
 That to redceme thy wocfull parents head^ 
 From tyrahs tagc^and eucr-dying dread^ 
 Haft wandred through the world now long a day ; 
 Yet ceafeft not thy wearie. fok^ t^ lead,. 
 What grace hath thee now hithe r brought this way ^ 
 
 Or doen thy feeble feet vnweeting hither ftray ? 
 
 Strange thing it is an errant knight to fee 
 Here inxhis place, or any otlier wight. 
 That hither turnes his fteps. So few there bee, 
 ,LThatA:hofethcn5J:;:ow path^oj: fecke the right :
 
 158 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CAHtX. 
 
 All kcepc the broad high way , and take delight 
 With many rather for to go aftray. 
 And be partakers of their euillplight^ '^ 
 
 Then with a few to walke the rightcft way ; 
 
 O foolifh men^ why hafte ye to your owne decay > 
 
 Thy felfc to fee, and tyred limbs to reft, 
 O matrone fage (quoth Ihe)! hither camCj 
 And this good knightihis way with me addreft^ 
 Led with thy prayfes and broad-blazed fame. 
 That vp to heaucn is blowne. The auncient Dame, 
 Him goodly greeted inhermodeftguife. 
 And entcrtaynd themboth^ as bcft became. 
 With all the court* fies^ thatflie could deuifc^ 
 
 Ne wanted oughtj to (hew her bounteous or wife. 
 
 Thus as they gan of fundry things deuife, 
 Loe two moft goodly virgins canie in place, 
 Ylinked arme in arme in loucly wife^ A 
 
 With countenance demure, and modeft grace. 
 They numbredeucn ftcps andequallpacc : "^i f . ^> 
 Of which the cldcft,- that Fidelia hight. 
 Like funny beames' threw from her Chriftall facc^ 
 That could haue dazdthe rafli beholders fight^a i 
 
 And roundabout her head did fhinelikc heauens light. 
 
 She was af aied all in lilly white^ / - "^'^ ^ 
 And in her right hand bore a cup of gold. 
 With wine a^id water fild Vp to the hight. 
 In which a Serpent did himfclfe enfold, 
 That horrour mada to aUy that'did behold 5 "' 
 
 But (he no whit did chaungehcr coiWlant mood: 
 And in her other hand fhefaft did hold - -'. 1 
 -^ A booke, that was both fignd and fedd with blood. 
 Wherein darke things were writ, hard to be vndcrftood. 
 
 Her
 
 cms. FAERIE ; QVEENE. 1^9 
 
 Her younger fifter, that Speranzx hight; 
 
 Was clad in blew, that her befeemed well ; 
 
 Not all fo chcarefull ftemed fhe of fight. 
 
 As was her fifter \ whether dread did dwell 3 
 
 Or anguifh in her h v^^is hard to tell : 
 
 Vpon her arme a filuer anchor lay, 
 
 VVhereon fhe leaned eiier^ as befell: ' 
 
 And euer vp to heaucn , as fhe didpray. 
 Her ftedfafl eyes were bent^ ne fwarucd other way. 
 
 They (h^ingf^m^ towards her gan wend^ 
 ' \Vho them encounters with like courtefie , 
 
 Many kind fpeeches they betwene them Ipend^ 
 
 And greatly ioy each other well to fee ; 
 , r iThen to the kni ght with fhamefafl modeftie 
 
 They turne themfclues , at P^rtaes meeke requefl. 
 
 And him falute with well befeeming glee ; 
 
 Who faire them quites^as him befcemed befl3 
 And goodly gan difcouric pf uiany a noble gefl:. 
 
 Then Frta thus ; But fhe your fifler deare. 
 The deare C-^4r///i where is fte become ? 
 Or wants fhe hcalth^or bufie is elfewhcre ? 
 Ah no, faid they, but forth Hie may not come ; 
 For fhe of late is ligh^nedof her wombc^ 
 And hath encreafl the world with one fonnc more^ 
 That her to lee fhould be but troublefbmCr 
 Indeede (quoth fhe) that tliould be trouble fbrc^ 
 
 But thankt be God, and her encreafe fo euermorc. 
 
 Then faid the aged Carl/a , Deare dame. 
 
 And you good Sir, I wote that of your toyk, 
 Atid labours long, through which ye hither camc^ 
 Yc both forwearicd be : therefore a whylc 
 
 9rir ^ ~
 
 140 THE I. BOOKE OF THE C4»t.Xl 
 
 I read you reft], and to your bowres rccoylc. 
 Then called fhc a Groomc^ that forth him led 
 Into a goodly lodgc^ and gan defpoilc 
 Of puiflant armcs , an d laid in eafic bed ; 
 His name was meeke Obedicrjce rightfully arcd. 
 
 Now when their wearie limbes with kindly rcft^ 
 And bodies were refrellit with due repaft^ ' '^ ^- ^ ' ^ 
 Fairer>/4gan F/^^Z/ifairerequcft, a 
 
 To haue her knight into her fchoolehoufe plaftc^ 
 That of her heauenly learning he might tafle3 
 And heare the wifcdome of her words diuine. 
 Shegrauntedj and that knight fo much agrafte^ 
 That fhe him taught celeftiall difcipline. 
 
 And opened his dull cyes^that light mote in them fliinCg 
 
 And that her facred Bookc 3 with bloud ywrit , 
 That none could read, except fhe did them tcach^ 
 Shcvntohimdilclofedeuerywhit^ 
 And heauenly documents thereout did preach. 
 That weaker wit of man could neuer reach^ 
 Of God, of gracc^of iuftice, of free will. 
 That wonder was to heare her goodly fpcach : 
 For fhe was able, with her words to kill,' 
 
 And raifc againc to life the hart^ that fhc did thrill. 
 
 And when fhe lift pourc out her larger fpright, 
 She would commaund the haftic Sunne to flay. 
 Or backward turne his coiirfefrom heauens hight;' • * 
 Sometimes great hoftes of men fhc could difmay. 
 And eke huge mountaines from their natiue (eat 
 She would commaund, thcmfelues to bcarc away. 
 And throw in raging fea with roaring threat, (great. 
 
 Almightic God her gauc fuch powrc, and piiillancc
 
 CantX. :I^A;ERIE QVEENE. 141 
 
 The faithfull knight hdw grew in litle fpacc^ 
 By hearing her, and by her fifters lore. 
 To fuch perfedion of all heauenly grace. 
 That wretched world he gan for to abhorc, 
 . And mortall life gan loath, as thing forlorc^ 
 Grecu'd with remembrance of his wicked wayes^ 
 And prickt with angaitli of his finnes fo fore^ 
 That he defirde, to end his wretched dayes : 
 
 So much the dart of finfull guilt the foule difmayes^.f 
 
 But wife SperAnzA gaue him comfort fweet. 
 
 And taught him how to take afTured hold 
 
 Vpon her filuer anchor, as was meet ; 
 
 Elfe had his finnes fo great, and manifold 
 
 Made him forget all that FtdelU told. 
 
 In this diftrefled doubtfuU agonie, 
 
 VV hen him his deareft f'na did behold, 
 
 Difdeininglife, defiring leaue to die. 
 She found her felfe afTayld with great perplexitie. 
 
 And came to C^-Z/'/i to declare her fmart. 
 
 Who well acquaintedwith that commune plight^ 
 VVhich finfull horror workes in woundedhart^ 
 Her wifely comforted all that (he might. 
 With goodly counfcU and aduifement right y 
 And ftreightway fent with carefuU dihgencc. 
 To fetch a Lea^h , the which had great infight 
 In that difeafe of grieued confcience. 
 
 And well could cure the fanie i His name was P4ii(nct^ 
 
 Who comming to that foule-difcafed knight, 
 ^ Could hardly him intreat, to tell his griefe ; 
 
 Which knowne,and all that noyd his heauie fpright, 
 /. VVcUfcardbt^efcfwneshcganap^^^ 
 
 i\l
 
 141 THE I. BOOKE OF tHE cm.3t. 
 
 Of falucs and rticd'cincs^ which had palling pricfej 
 And thercto.addcd words of wondrous might* -^va. 
 By which to cafe he him rccurcd bricfe, ■ * >'r 
 
 And much aflwagd the paflion of his phghc^ • *' 
 That he his painc cndur^d^ as feeming now more light. 
 
 But yet the caufe and root of all his ill. 
 In ward corruption^ and infedc d fin. 
 Not purg'd nor heald, behind remained ftill^ 
 And feftring fore did rankle yet within, 
 Clofe creeping twixt the marrow and the skin. 
 Which to extirpe, he laid him priuily 
 Downe in a darkefome lowly place farre in. 
 Whereas he meant his corrofiues to apply, 
 
 And with ftrcight diet tame his ftubborne malady. 
 
 In afhes and fackcloth he did array 
 
 His daintie corfe, proud humors to abatc^ 
 Anddietedwithfaftingeueryday, >* 
 
 The fwelling of his wounds to mitigate. 
 And made him pray both earely and eke late : 
 And euer as fuperfluous fleili did rot 
 ^wr/;^w^;;/ readie ftill at hand did waytj 
 To pluck it out with pincers firie whot,) '-h, > 
 
 That f bone in him was left no one corrupted iot. 
 
 And bitter ?^/;^//f^ with an yron whip, ^ . u 
 Was wont him once to di(ple euery day : . - . .r nl 
 And fharpe Remorfehis hart did pricke andiifpj) huA 
 That drops of bloud thence like a well did playj 
 And fad Repefitance vfed to e mbay. 
 His bodie in fait water iJnarting fore. 
 The filthy blots of finne to walh away, ^ / 
 
 So iniliortip^cc.they did to health reftorc ■ .- {dbrc. 
 
 The man that would not liue ^ but earfl; lay at deathcs 
 
 In
 
 CdntX. FAERIE QVEENE. 143 
 
 In which his torment often was fb great^ 
 That hke a Lyon he would cry and rore. 
 And rend his flefh, and his ownc (yncwes cat. 
 His owne deare yna hearing ciicrmore 
 His ruefull ftirickcs and gronings, often tore 
 Her guiltlefle garments^ and her golden hearc. 
 For pitty of his paine and anguilh fore 5 
 Yet all with patience wifely (Tie did beare; 
 
 For welllT:ie wift^his crime could ellc be neuer cicarc. 
 
 VVhom thus recouer'd by wife Patience^ 
 And trew Repentance they to Vna brought : 
 Who ioyous of his cured confcience^ 
 Him dearely kift^ and fairely eke befought 
 Himlclfe to chearilTi, arxd confuming thought 
 To put away out of his careful! breft. 
 By this Chariffk^ late in child-bed brought^ 
 Was woxen ftrong, and left her fruitfuU neft ; 
 
 To her faire Fria, brought this vnacquainted gueft. 
 
 She was a woman in her frefheft age , 
 Of wondrous beauty, and of bountic rare. 
 With goodly grace and comely perfonagc. 
 That was on earth not eafie to compare ; 
 Full of great loue^but Cupids wanton fiiarc 
 As hell fhe hated, chaft in worke and will; 
 Her neckc and breafts were euer open bare. 
 That ay thereof her babes might fucke their fill ; j 
 
 The reft was all in yellow robes arayed ftilL 
 
 A multitude of babes about her hong- ^' 
 
 Playing their fports, that ioyd her to behold. 
 Whom ftill fhe fed^whiles they were weake & youngs 
 Biutiiir uft themforxhitiU^s diey vvcxcd old :
 
 144 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CantJC. 
 
 And on her head flie wore a tyre of gold, 
 Adornd with gemmes and owchcs wondrous fairc, 
 VVhofe paffing price vneath was to be told 5 
 And by her fide there fate a gentle pairc 
 Of turtle douesjfhe fitting in anyuorie chairc. 
 
 The knight and l^rjn entring, faire her greet. 
 And bid her ioy of that her happie brood ; 
 Who them requites withcourt'fies feemingmeet^ 
 And entertaines with friendly chearefuU mood. 
 ThenT/^^herbefought^to be fo good. 
 As in her vertuous rules to fchoole her knight^ 
 Now after all his torment well withftood, 
 In that fad houfe olPenamcey where his fpright 
 
 Hadpaft the paines of hcU^ and long enduring night. 
 
 She was right ioyous of her iuft requeftj 
 And taking by the hand that Faeries fbnnc, 
 Gan him inftrud in euery good behcft. 
 Of loue, and righteoufheflc, and well to donnc. 
 And wrath, and hatred warely to ilionne. 
 That drew on men Gods hatred, and his wrath^ 
 And many fbules in dolours had fordonnc : 
 In which when him fhe well inflrufted hath. 
 
 From thence to heauen ftie teacheth him the ready path. 
 
 Wherein his weaker wandring ftcps to guidc3 
 An auncicnt matrone fhe to her does call, 
 Whofe fobcr lookes her wifedome well defcride : 
 Her name was CHercie^ well knownc ouer all. 
 To be both gratious, and eke liberall: 
 To whom the carefull charge of him l"he gauc. 
 To lead aright, that hefhould neuer fall 
 In all his wayes through this wide worldcs wauc. 
 
 That Mercy in the end his righteous foule might fauc.^ 
 
 "^ ^-i
 
 Cdfft:X. FAERIE CLVEENE. 145 
 
 The godly Matronc by the hand him beares 
 Forth from her prcfence, by a narrow way^ 
 Scattred with biifhy thornes^ and ragged breares 
 Which ftill before him (Tie remoird away. 
 That nothing might his ready paffage ftay : 
 And euer when his feet encombred were. 
 Or gan to fhrinke, or from the right to ftray^ 
 She held him faft, and firmely did vpbeare. 
 
 As careful! Nourfe her child from falling oft does rcarc. 
 
 Eftfbones vnto an holy Hofpitall, 
 
 That was fore by the way, (he did him bring. 
 In which feuen Bead-men that had vowed all 
 Their life to feruice of high heauens king 
 Did (pend their dayes in doing godly thing: 
 There gates to all were open euermore ^ 
 That by the wearie way were traueiling. 
 And one fate wayting euer them before. 
 
 To call in-commcrs by^that needy were andpdre* 
 
 The firft of them that eldeft was, and beft. 
 
 Of all the houfe had charge and gouernemcnt. 
 As Guardian and Steward of the reft : 
 His office was to giueentertainement 
 And lodging, vnto all that came, and went: 
 Not vnto fuch, as could him feaft againc. 
 And double quite, for that he on them fpenr^ 
 But fuch, as want of harbour did conftraine ; 
 
 Thofe for Gods fake his dcwty was to cntcrtainc. 
 
 Thefecond was as Almncrofthe place. 
 His office was, thchungry for to feed, 
 And thrifty giue to drinke, a workcof grace ; 
 He fcar4 i^pt.^^c bimfelf c to be in need, ^
 
 1^6 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Ca^t.X. 
 
 Nc car'd to hoord for thofe, whom he did brccde : 
 The grace of God he layd vp ftill in ftorc^ 
 Which as a ftocke he left vnto his fcede ; 
 He had enough^ what need him care for more? 
 And had he lefTe^ yet fomc he would giue to the pore. 
 
 The third had of their wardrobe cuftodic^ 
 
 In which were not rich tyres^ nor garments gay. 
 
 The phimes of pride^ and wings ot vanitic. 
 
 But clothes meet tokeepe keene could away. 
 
 And naked nature feemely to aray 5 
 
 With whichbarc wretched wights hcdaylyclad. 
 
 The images of God in earthly clay ; 
 
 And if thatno fpare cloths to giue he had. 
 
 His owne coate he would cut, and it diftributc glad. 
 
 Thefourth appointed by his office was, 
 
 Poore prilbners to rclieuc with gratious ayd, 
 Andcaptiues to redeeiiic with price of bras. 
 From Turkcs and Sarazins,which them had ftayd. 
 And though they faultie were, yet well he wayd. 
 That God to vs forgiueth euery howrc 
 Much more then that, why they in bands were layd^ 
 And he that harrowd hell with hcauic ftowrc, ' - '' • ^ ■ 
 
 The faultie fbules from thence brought to his heauenly 
 
 (bowrc 
 
 The fift had charge ficke perfbns to attend, 
 
 Andcomfort thofc, in point of death which lay; 
 For them moft ncedeth comfort in the end. 
 When fin,and hell,and death do moft difinay 
 The feeble foule departing hence away. 
 All is but loft, that liuing we beftbw, 
 IfnotwcUendedat our dying day. 
 O man hauc mind of that laft' bitter throw; 
 For as the tree docs fall, fo lyes it eucr low^ 
 
 The
 
 tAn^.X. FAERIE QVEENE 147 
 
 The fixt had charge of them now being dead^ 
 In feemely fort their corfes to cngraiie^ 
 And deck with dainty flowres their bridaJl bed 
 That to their heauenly fpoufe both fwect and brauc 
 They might appearc, when he their foules (hall fauc. 
 The wondrous workemanfhip of Gods owne mould 
 Whofc face he made^ all beafts to fearc^and gauc 
 All in his hand^euen dead we honour fiiould . 
 
 Ah deareft God me graunt^I dead be not defould. 
 
 The feuenth now after death and buriall done. 
 
 Had charge the tender Orphans of the dead 
 
 Andwidowes ayd^leaft they fliouldbe vndonc : 
 
 In face of iudgement he their right would plead^ 
 
 Ne ought the powre of mighty men did dread 
 
 In their defence^ nor would for gold or fee 
 
 Be wonne their rightfuU caufcs downe to tread: 
 
 And when they flood in moft neceffitee^ 
 He did fupply their want^and gauc them cucr free. 
 
 There wtien tJie Elfin knight arriued was^ 
 The firft and chiefeft of the fcuen^ whofc care 
 Was guefls to welcomCjtowardcs him did pas: 
 
 Where feeing c^^rw, that his fleps vp bare^ 
 And alwayes Icd^ to her with reuerence rare 
 He humbly louted in mceke lowlinefle^ 
 And fecmely welcome for her did prepare : 
 For of their order flic was Patroncfle^ 
 Albe Charilfa were their chiefcfl founderefic. 
 
 There fhe awhile him flaycs, him felfe to refl^ 
 That to the refl more able he might bcc : 
 During which time, in euery good bchefl ^ 
 
 And godly workc of Alnies and charitcc 
 
 K3
 
 148 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CmXi 
 
 She him inftruftedwith great indiiftrcc; 
 Shortly therein fo pcrfcia he becamey 
 That from the firft viito the lafl degree. 
 His mortalllife he learned had to frame . IT 
 
 In holy riphtcoufncflcj without rebuke or blamc^^oflT 
 
 Thence forward by that painfull way they pasy ;/ 
 Forthtoanhill^thatwasbothfteepeandhy, i]: 
 On top whereof a-facrcdchappcll was^ ) i oir.^b rlA 
 And eke a litle Hermitage thereby. 
 Wherein an aged holy man did lye^ thnowSi tidT 
 Thatday and night faid his dcuotion^ ' H 
 
 Nc other worldly bufines did apply i /i 
 
 His name was heauenly CojtUmpUthn ;• . 1 10 tjoxa nl 
 
 Of Godand goodncfle was his meditation., X 
 
 Great grace that old man to him giuen had 5 
 
 For God he often faw from heauens hight, „ r^r 
 All were his earthly eyen both blunt and bad,) j^ -. ^ 
 And through great age had loft their kindly fight. 
 Yet wondrous quick and perfant was his^right^ 
 As Eagles eye, that can behold the Sunne : 
 Thathilltheyfcale with all theirpowre and mighty 
 That his frayle thighes nigh wearie and fordonnc / 
 
 Can failc^ but by her helpc the top at laft he wonnc. 
 
 Tliere they do finde that godly aged Sire, 
 
 With fnowy lockes adowne his fhoulders fhcd,^ 
 
 As hoaric froft with fpangles doth attire ^ 
 
 The mofly braunchcs of an Oke halfe ded. 
 
 Each bone might through his body wellbe rcd^ 
 
 And eucry finew feene through his long fad: 
 
 For noughthe car'd his carcaslong vnfed s 
 
 His mind was full of fpirituall repaft. 
 
 And pyn'd his fleflv^:keepe hi6 body low aiid chart. 
 
 Who
 
 Cm.X. : FAERIE QVEENE. 14^ 
 
 Who when thcfc two approching he afpidc. 
 
 At their firft prclencc grew aerieucd fore. 
 
 That forftbimlay his hcaiicnly thoughts afidc j 
 
 And had he not that Dame reipccted more^ 
 
 Whom highly he did reucrence and adore, j 
 
 He would not once haue moued for the knight. 
 
 They him faluted (landing far afore •, 
 
 Who well them greeting, humbly did rcquight 
 And asked^to what end they clomb that tedious height. 
 
 What end(quoth he)nioiiId caufe vs take fuch painc 
 But that fame end, which euery lining wight 
 Should make his marke,high heauen to attainc? 
 Is not from hence the way^that leadeth right 
 
 " To that moft glorious hou(e,thatglifl:reth bright 
 With burning ftarres^and euerliuing fire. 
 Whereof the keyes are to thy hand behight* 
 By wife Fidelia? fhe doth thee require. 
 To fhew it to this knight^ according his defire. 
 
 Thrife happy man, faid then the father grauc, 
 
 Whofe ftaggering fteps thy fteady hand doth lead. 
 And (hewes the way, his finfuU fbule to faue. 
 Who better can the way to heauen aread. 
 Then thou thy felfe,that was both borne and bred 
 In heauenly throne, where thoufand Angels iTiinc? 
 Thou doeft the prayers of the righteous fead 
 Prefent before the maieftie diuine. 
 
 And his auenging wrath to clemencic incline* 
 
 Yet fince thou bidft,thy pleafure fhalbc donnc. 
 Then come thou man of earth, and fee the way,' 
 That neucr yet was feene of Faeries fbnne, y 
 
 That ncuer leads the traueilcr aftray, 
 J :'.'/.: K 4
 
 ijo THE L BOOKE OF THE CmhkX^ 
 
 But after labours long, and fad delay, 
 Bring them to ioyous reft and cndleflc blis. 
 But nrft thou muft a feafon faft and pray. 
 Till from her bands the Ipright aflbiJcd is. 
 And haue her flrength rccur'd from frailc infirmitis. 
 
 That done,he leads him to the highefl: Mount ; 
 Such one^as that fame mighty man of God, 
 That bloud-rcd billovves like a walled front h 
 
 On cither fide difparted with his rod. 
 Till that his army dry-foot through them yod. 
 Dwelt fortic daycs vpon ; where writ in ftonc 
 With bloudy letters by the hand of God, 
 The bitter doome of death and balefuU monc 
 
 He did receiue, whiles flalTiing fire abouthim fhonc. 
 
 Or like thit facrcd hill, whofc head full hi c, 
 Adornd with fruitfuU Oliues all arownd. 
 Is, as it were for endlefle memory 
 Of that deare Lord, who oft thereon was fownd^ 
 For euer with a flowring girlond crownd ; 
 Or like that pleafaunt Mount, that is for ay 
 Through famous Poets vcrfc each where rcnownd^ 
 On which the thrifc three learned Ladies play 
 
 Their heaucnly notes^and make full many a louely lay* 
 
 From thence, far ofFhe vnto him did fliew 
 Alitlepath,that was both fteepe andlong. 
 Which to a goodly Citie led his vcw ; 
 Whofe wals and towres were builded high andftrong 
 Of perle and precious ftone, that earthly tong 
 Cannot defcribe , nor wit of man can tellj 
 Too high a ditty for my fimplc fong; 
 The Citie of the great king hight it well^ 
 
 Wherein etcrnallpeace andhappincflc doth dwell. 
 
 As
 
 CinKX^: FAERIE aVEBNE 151 
 
 As he thereon flood giazing, he might ice 
 The blefled Angels to and fro defechd 
 From higheft hcaucn^in gladfomc compancc. 
 And with great ioy into that Citie wend. 
 As commonly as friend does with his trend. 
 Whereat he wondred much^and gan enauere. 
 What flately building durfl f b high extend 
 Her loftie towres vnto the flarry fphere_, 
 
 And what vnkno wen nation there empeopled were. 
 
 J i\'i ^ '*v >\.yi-^ 
 
 Faire knight(quoth ht)Hierufatem that is. 
 The new Hierufdem^ that God has built 
 For thofe to dwell in, that are chofen his. 
 His chofen people purg'd from finfuU guilt,^ 
 
 . With piteous bloud, which cruelly was Ipilt 
 On curfed tree, of that vnfpottcd lam. 
 That for the finnes of all the world was kilt : 
 Now are they Saints all in that Citie fam. 
 
 More deare vnto their God,then youglings to their dam. 
 
 Till now,faid then the knight,! weened well. 
 That great Cleopolis^ wherd I haue beene. 
 In whith that faircfl P^rr/V Queene doth dwell 
 The fairefl Gitie was, that might be feene 5 
 And that bright towre all built of cbriflall cleenc, 
 Panthedy feemd the brightcfl thing,that was: 
 But now by proofe all otherwifc I weene ^ 
 For this great Citie that does far furpas, (gl^s. 
 
 And this bright Angels towre quite dims that towre of 
 
 Mofl trew, then laid the holy aged man ; 
 Yet is CleopalU for earthly fame. 
 The faire ft peece , that eye beholden can : 
 And well bcfeemcs all knights of noble name.
 
 152 THl; L BOOIDE OT^ THE C4fti.J^^ 
 
 That couct in th'immortall bookc of fame 
 To be ctcrnizcdj that fatiie to haunt^ 
 And docn dicirfcriiiGe to that fbueraignc Dame • i 
 That gloric does to them for guerdon graunt : * 
 For (lie is heauenly bbrne^and hcaucnmay iiiftly vaunt. 
 
 And thou fairc ymp/prong out from EngliHi race 
 How cucr now accompted Elfins fonne^ 
 
 Well worthy docft thy feruice for her grace ' 
 
 To aide a virgin defolate foredonne. 
 B ut when thou famous vidorie haft wonne 
 And high emongft all knights haft hong thy ftiicld. 
 Thenceforth the fuit of earthly conqueftfhonne 
 And wafti thy hands from guilt of bloudy field : • i 
 For bloud can nought but fin^Sc wars but forrowcs yidd. 
 
 Then feekc this path_, that I to thee prefage 
 Which after all to heauen fhall thee lend 5 
 
 . . Then peaceably to thy painefull pilgrimage M>i> o: ! 
 To yonder fame Werufalem do bcnd^ 
 Where is for thee ordaind a blelfed end : 
 For thou emongft thofe Saints^whom thou docft fee ^ 
 Shalt be a Saint, and thine owne nations frer^i 
 And Patrone: thou Szintijeorge flialt called bee, 
 
 S^mtaevrgc of mcry England^the figne of vidoree! 
 
 Vnworthy wretch(quoth he)6f fo great grace, 
 
 , Howdarelthinkefuchglorytoattaine? 
 \ Thcfe that baue it attaiird , were inlike cace 
 (Quoth he)as wretched,and liu^d in hke paine. 
 But deeds of armes muft I at laftbe fainc. 
 And Ladies loue to leaue fo dearely bought? 
 What need of armes^where peacjc dodi ay remaine" 
 (Said he)andbattailes none ai^c t» be fought> . ... 
 
 As for loofc loues are vainc^and vanifl) into nought, 
 
 o
 
 (MtiT. r F A E R)I E / QV E EHE.. C % 55 
 
 O l^t mcnot(qiioth he)thttn tunic againen' 
 Backe to the world^whof c ioycsfb fruitlefic arcj 
 But let me here for aye in pcaccircmaine^ 
 
 ,'ZiQt ftrcight way on that lafl: long voyage fare, 
 ^That nothing may my prcfent bopceiDparc. : 
 That may not be(faid he)ne maift thou yit 
 Forgo that royall maides bequeathed care^ 
 
 ' Who did her caufe into thy hand commit. 
 
 Till from hej: cuxfed foe diouhaue her ftcjely quit. 
 
 Then (hall I fbonCjfquothfhe^fo God me grace 
 Abet that virgins caufe dilconfblate^ 
 
 * And fhortly backe returne vnto this place^ 
 
 To walke this \ya)Mn Pilgrims poQreeilate.;>'^l ^li '. 
 JSut now areadjold father^why of late . : . i . hm cc 
 Didft thou behightme borne of Englifh blood 
 Whom all a Fae ries fonne doen "then riomrnatef • ^ — 
 That word ihall I(faidJie)au6uchertgobd3 *^ » <-T 
 
 Sith to the^iiSiViiknowiie tkc cr^dleofthy broo^i^i ^ /V 
 
 Forwelllwotejthoufpnngftfromancicntrace -^ i 
 Of^'^AT^wkings^thathauc with mightie hand ^ ' ' '•' 
 And many bloudie battailes fought in place 
 High rcard their royall throne in Britaf2ehn&^ 
 AndvanquilTitthcm^vnab^etQ-vyithiland; 
 Fcom thence a Faerie thee vnweeting reft. 
 There as thou flepfl in tender fwadling band. 
 And her bafe Elfin brood there for thee left, (theft. 
 
 Such men do Chaungelings call , fb chaungd by Faeries 
 
 Thence fhe thee brought into this Faerie lond^ 
 And in an heaped furrow did thee hydc. 
 Where thee a Ploughman all vnweeting fbnd^ 
 As hchis toylefbmc-teme that way did guyde^
 
 154 THE L BOOKE OF THE CwiJTi 
 
 And brought thee vp in ploughmans ftate to bydcjl 
 WhcTCof Georges he thcc gauc to name, ( 
 
 Till prickt with courage^ and thy forces prydc. 
 To Faery court thou tiain'fl: to feckc for fame, . (came. 
 And proue thy puiffauiit armcs^as fcemcs thcc bcft be- 
 
 O holy Sirc(q.uoth hG)how (hall I quight 
 The many fauours I with thee haue found. 
 That haft my, name and natioiircd aright, ^ 
 
 And taught the way that does to heauen bound? 
 This faid^adowne he looked to the ground^ 
 To haue returod, but dazed were his eync. 
 Through paflingbrightnefle^which did quite cofound 
 His feeble fence, and too exceeding fhync. 
 
 So darke are earthly things compard to things diuinc. 
 
 At laft vvhenas himfelfe he gan to find. 
 
 To Ffia back he caft him to retire 5 
 
 Who him awaited ftill with penfiuc mind, . - ii2 
 
 Great thankes and goodly meed to that good fyrc. 
 
 He thence departin g saue for his paines hyrc. 
 
 So came tor/;/t, whohimioydto fee. 
 
 And after litle reft, gan him dcfirc. 
 
 Of her aduentuce mindfull for to bee. 
 So leaue they take oiCxtlia^ and her daughters three. 
 
 -JC
 
 CMt.Xl. FAERIE QVEENE. 155 
 
 Cant. XL . 
 
 
 , ^ SJ*.Li~ S*Kt~ S*AtJ~ J^KJL Xi^\ 
 
 The knight With that old Dragon fights ^ 
 
 ^¥^ tvpodayesinceffantly: l^^vc. 
 
 ^O '^hc third him otierthrowss, and aayns ^-^i-i*) 
 
 C3O molt glortopts victory, CIq 
 
 High time now gan it wexfor ^//^i/Jr/r^, 
 To thinke of thole her captiiie Parents deare 
 And their forvvafted kingdomc to repaire : 
 W^hereto whenas they now approched neare^ 
 With hartie words her knight (lie gan to cheare 
 And in her modeft manner thus befpake ; 
 Deare knight^as deare^as euer knight was deare^ 
 That all thele forrowes fuffer for rny fake^ 
 High heauen behold the tedious toylc^ycfor me take. 
 
 Now arc we come vnto my natiue fbylcj 
 
 And to the place^ where all our perils dwell ; 
 Here haunts that feend^ and docs his dayly fpoyle^ 
 Therefore henceforth be at your keeping well^ 
 And euer ready for your foeman fell. 
 The fparkc|of noble courage now awake. 
 And ftriue your excellent (elfe to excell , 
 That fhallyc euermore renowmcd make, 
 
 Aboue all knights on earth^that batteill vndcrtakc. 
 
 And pointing forth, lo yonder is (faid fhe) 
 The brafentowre in which my parents deare 
 For dread of that huge fcend cmprilbnd be 
 Whom I from far^ fee on the walles appease
 
 1^6 THE I, BOOKE OF THE Cd^^tXI.^ 
 
 VVhofc fight my feeble (bule doth greatly chearc ; 
 And on the top of all I do efpyc 
 The watchman waytine tydings glad to hcarc^ 
 That 6 my parents might I happily 
 Vnto you bring, to eafe you of your miicry. 
 
 With that they heard a roaring hideous (bund^ 
 That all the ayre with terrour filled wide^ 
 And feemd vneath to fhake the ftedfaft ground, 
 Eftfoones that dreadfull Dragon they eipidc^ 
 Where ftretch he lay vpon the funny fidc^ 
 Of a great hill^ himfelfe like a great hill. 
 But allfo (bone 5 as he from far dcfcride 
 Thofe gliftring armes^that heauen with light did fill. 
 
 He roufd himfelfe full bli th^ and haftned them vntilj. 
 
 Then bad the knight this Lady yede aloofc. 
 And to an hill her lelfe with draw afide. 
 From whence fhe might behold that battailles proof 
 And eke be fafe from daun ger far defcrydc: 
 She him obayd, and turnd a little wyde . 
 Now O thou lacred Mufe, moft learned Dame^ 
 Fairc ympe oipha^bus^ and his aged bride3 
 The Nourfe of timaC, and eucrlafting fame. 
 
 That warlike hands cnnoblcft with immortall name s 
 
 O gently come into my feeble bred. 
 
 Come gently, but not with that mighty rage. 
 Wherewith the martiall troupes thou doeft infeft. 
 And harts of great Heroes doefl: enrage. 
 That nought their kindled courage may afwagc, 
 Soone as thy dreadfull trompc begins to Ibwndj 
 The God ofwarrevvith his fiers equipage . 
 
 Thoudqefl:.awake,flcepqneuerhe(blbwndj y 
 
 And fear ednations doellwith horrour ftcrne aftownd, 
 
 Fsiirc
 
 Cant.XI. FAERIE QVEENE. 157 
 
 Fairc Goddeffe lay that furious fit afide^ 
 Till lof warres and bloudy CMars do fing. 
 And Briton fields with Sarazin bloud bedydc 
 Tvvixt that great faery Quecne and Paynim king. 
 That with their horrour heauen and earth did ring 
 A worke of labour long^ and endledc prayft; 
 But now a while let downe that haughtie ftring^ 
 And to my tunes thy fecond tenor rayfe. 
 
 That I this man of God his godly armes may blaze. 
 
 By this the dreadfuU Bead drew.nigh to hand^ 
 Halfe flying, and halfe footing in his haft. 
 That with his largenefle meafured much land. 
 And made wide fhadow vnder his huge waft 5 
 As mountaine doth the valley ouercaft. 
 Approchingnighjhe reared high afore 
 Wis body monftrous^horrible^and waft. 
 Which to incrcafe his wondrous greatneflemore 
 
 Was fwolne with wrath;>&poyfon,& with bloudy gore. 
 
 And oucr, all with brafen (cales was armd, * 
 
 Like plated coate of fteele,fb couched neare, (harmd 
 That nought mote perce^ne might his corfe be 
 With dint of fword,nor pufh of pointed fpearc , 
 Which as an Eagle, feeing pray appcare. 
 His aery plumes doth rouze,full rudely dight^ 
 So fhakcd he, that horrour was to heare,. 
 For as the clalliingof an Armour bright. 
 
 Such noyfe his rouzed fcales did fend vnto the knights 
 
 His flaggy wings when forth he did difplay. 
 Were like two fayles,in which the hollow wynd 
 Is gathered full, and worketh fpeedy way ; 
 And ckc the pennes^ that did his pincons bynd
 
 158 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cm.xi. 
 
 Were like mayne-yards^with flying caniias lynd 
 With which whcnas him Hfl: the ayrc to beat 
 And there by force vnwonted pafTage find 
 The cloudes before him fled for terrour great 
 And all the heauens flood ftill amazed with his threat. 
 
 His huge long tayle wound vp in hundred foldes 
 Does ouerlpred his long bras-fcaly backcj 
 Whofe wreathed boughts when euer he vnfoldes 
 And thicke entangled knots adown does flacke, 
 Befpotted all with iliields of red and blackc 
 It fweepcth all the land behind him farre^ 
 And of three furlongs does but litle lacke ; 
 And at the point two flings in-fixed arre^ 
 
 Both deadly fharpe^ that fharpeft ileele exceeden farre. 
 
 But flings and fharpefl fleele did far exceed 
 The n-iarpneffe of his cruell rending clawes 5 
 Dead was it fure ^ as fure as death in deed. 
 What euer thing does touch his rauenous pawcs 
 Or what within his reach he euer drawes. ^ 
 
 But his mofl hideous head my toung to tell 
 Does tremble: for his deepc deuouringiawes 
 Wide gaped, like the griefly mouth of hell. 
 
 Through which into his darke abiflTe all rauin fell. 
 
 And that more wondrous was, in either iaw 
 Three ranckcs ofyron teeth enraunged were 
 In which yet trickling bloud and gobbets rav/ 
 Ot late deuoured bodies did appeare 
 That fight thereof bred cold congealed fcare : 
 Which to increafe, and all atonce to kill, 
 A cloud of fi-noothcring fiiioke and fulphur fearc 
 Out of his flinking gorge forth fteemed flilj. 
 
 That all the ayre about with fmokc and flench did fill. 
 
 His
 
 CdHtXL FAERIE QVEENE. 15^ 
 
 His blazing eyes, like two bright fiiining fhiclds. 
 Did burne with wrath^ and Iparkled li uing fyre ; 
 As two broad Beacons^ {et in open fields^ 
 Send forth their flames farre off to euery lliyrc. 
 And warning giue, that enemies con(pyre. 
 With fire and fvvord the region to inuade ; 
 So flam*d his eyne with rage and rancorous yre : 
 But farre within^as in a hollow glade^ ( fhadc.^ 
 
 Thofc glaring lampcs were let ^ that made a dreadful! 
 
 So dreadfully he towards him did pas^ 
 Forelifting vp aloft his fpeckled breft. 
 And often bounding on the brufcd gras^ 
 As for great ioyance of his newcome gueft. 
 Eftfoones began aduance his haughticcreft^ 
 As chauffed Bore his briftles doth vprearc. 
 And llioke his (cales to battell rcadie dreft ; 
 That made the RedcroJfeVm^t nigh quake fbrfearc. 
 
 As bidding bold defiance to his foeman nearc. 
 
 The knight gan fairely couch his fteadic Ipcarc, 
 And fiercely ran at him with rigorous might ; 
 The pointed fteele arriuing rudely theare^ 
 His harder hide would neither perce,nor bighr^ 
 But glauncing by forth parted forward right 5 
 Yet fore amoued with fo puiflant pufh. 
 The wrathfuU beaft about him turned light^ 
 And him fo rudely paffing by^ did brulTi (rufh. 
 
 With his long taylc ^ that horfe and man to ground did 
 
 Bothhorfe and man vp lightly rofe againc. 
 And frefh encounter towards him addreil : 
 But dVidle ftrokc yet backe recoyld in vaincj 
 And found no place his deadly point to reft.
 
 1^0 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cahlxi,. 
 
 Exceeding rage enflam'd the furious bcaft. 
 To be aucnged of fo great defpight ; 
 For neucrfelt his impcrceable bred 
 So wondrous force , from hand of liuing wight; 
 Yet had he prou'd the powre of many a puiflant knight. 
 
 Then with his wauing wings difplayed wyde^ 
 Himfclfe vp high he hfted from the ground^ 
 And with ftrong flight did forcibly diuidc 
 The yielding aire ^ which nigh too feeble found 
 Her flitting partes, and element vnfound. 
 To beare fo great a weight : he cutting way 
 With his broad fayles, about him Ibared round: 
 At laft low ftouping with vnweldie fway, 
 
 Snatcht vp both horfe & man^to bearc them quite away. 
 
 Long he them bore abouc the fubiedl plainc^ 
 So farrc as Ewghen bow a fliaft may (end. 
 Till ftruggling ftrong didhimatlaftconftraiiiej^, 
 To let them downe before his flightes end : 
 As hagard hauke preluming to contend 
 With hardie fowie, aboue his hable might. 
 His wearic pounces all in vaine doth fpcnd. 
 To trufle the pray tooheauic for his flight ; (fights 
 
 Which comming downe to ground ^ does free it felfe by 
 
 He fo difleized of his gryping groflc. 
 
 The knight his thrillant fpeare againc aflTayd 
 
 In his bras-plated tody to embode. 
 
 And three mens ftrength vnto the ftroke he layd; 
 
 Wherewith the ftiffe beame quaked, as affrayd^ 
 
 And glauncing from his Icaly necke, did glydc 
 
 Clofe vnder his left wing , then broad difplayd. 
 
 The pcrcing ftcelethere wrought a wound full wyde. 
 
 That with the vncouth fmarttheMonftcrWdlycrydc. 
 
 Ha
 
 CMtXl. FAERIE QVEENE. i^i 
 
 He crydCj as raging ftas arc wont to rore^ 
 
 When wintry ftorme his wrathful! wreck docs threat 
 The rolling billowes beat the ragged fliorc^ 
 As they the earth would flioulder from her feat 
 And greedie gulfc does gape ^ as he would cat 
 His neighbour element in his reuenge : 
 Then gin the bluftring brethren boldly threat 
 To moue the world from off his ftedfaft henge. 
 
 And boyftrous battcU makc^ each other to aucnge. 
 
 The ftecly head ftucke faft ftill in his flefh^ 
 
 Till with his crucll clawes he fnatcht the wood^ 
 And quite a funder broke. Forth flowed frefli 
 A guiliing riucr of blacke goarie bloody 
 That drowned all the land, whereon he flood; 
 The flreame thereof would driue a water-mill. 
 Trebly augmented was his furious mood 
 With bitter fenfe of his dcepe rooted ill. 
 
 That flames of fire he threw forth fro hislarge nofethrill. 
 
 His hideous taylc then hurled he about^ 
 And therewith all enwrapt the nimble thycs 
 Of his froth-fomy flecd , whofc courage flout 
 Striuing to loofe the knot, that faflhim tyes, 
 Himfelfe in flreighter bandes too rafh implyes. 
 That to the ground he is perforce conflraynd 
 To throw his rider ; who can quickly ryfc 
 From offthe earth, with durty bloud diflaynd. 
 
 For that rcprochfuU fall right fowly he difdaynd. 
 
 And fiercely tooke his trcnchand blade in hand. 
 With which he flroke fb furious and fb fell. 
 That nothing fecmd the puiflTance could withfland : 
 Vpon his crcfl the hardncd yron fcll^ 
 
 L 2
 
 i62 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cant.X/:. 
 
 But his more hardned crcft was armd Co well. 
 That deeper dint therein it would not make 5 
 Yet fo extremely did the bufFc him qucU^ 
 That from thenceforth he fhund the like to take. 
 But when he faw them come, he did them ftill forfakc. 
 
 The knight was wrath to fee his ftrokc bcguyld^ 
 And fmote againe with more outrageous might; 
 But backe againe the fparckling fteele recoyld^ 
 And left not any marke^ where it did light; 
 As if in Adamant rocke it had bene pight. 
 
 The beaft impatient of his fmarting wound^ 
 And of fb fierce and forcible de^ight^ 
 Thought with his wings to ftye aboue the ground 5 
 
 But his late wounded wing vnferuiceablc found. 
 
 Then full of griefe and anguifh vehement. 
 He lowdly brayd^ that like was neuer heard. 
 And from his wide dcuouring ouen fent 
 A flake of fire, that flafhingin his beard. 
 Him all amazd, and almoft made affeard : 
 The fcorching flame fore fwinged all his face. 
 And through his armour all his bodic fcard. 
 That he could not endure fb cruel! cacc. 
 
 But thought his armes to Icaue, and helmet to vnlacc 
 
 Not that great Champion of the antique world. 
 Whom famous Poetes vcrfc fb much doth daimt^ 
 And hath for twelue huge labours high cxtold. 
 So many furies and iTiarpe fits did haunt. 
 When him the poyfbned garment did cnchaunt 
 With Centaures bloud, and bloudie verfes charm'd. 
 As did this knight twelue thoufand dolours daunt. 
 Whom fyrie fteele now burnt, that eaffl him artli'd. 
 
 That crfl him goodly ^rm'd^no w moft of all him harm'd. 
 
 ' Faint,,
 
 CM.XU FAERIE QVEENE. i6i 
 
 FaititjWcaric^fbrc, cmboylcd, gricucd^brcnt 
 
 With hcatjtoylCj\vounds,armcs/mart3& inward fire 
 That ncucr man (iich mifchicfcs did torment; 
 Death better were, death did he oft defirc , 
 But death will neuer come, when needes require. 
 Whom fo difinayd when that his foe beheld. 
 He caft to fuffer him no more re/pirc^ 
 But ganhis fturdiefterne about to weld. 
 
 And him fo ftron gly ftroke, that to the ground him feld. 
 
 It fortuned (as faire it then befell) 
 
 Behind his backe vnwcetingj where he flood. 
 Of auncient time there was a ipringing well. 
 From which faft trickled forth a filucr flood. 
 Full of great vertues, and for medtine good, 
 Whylome, before that curfed Dragon got 
 That happie land, and all with innocent blood 
 Dcfyld thofc facred wanes, it rightly hot 
 
 the vpcUoflifcy ne yet his vertues had forgot. 
 
 For vnto life the dead it could reftore. 
 
 And guilt of finfull crimes cleane wafh away, 
 Thofc that with fickneflc were infe6led fore. 
 It could recure, and aged long decay 
 Renew, as it were borne that very day. 
 
 Both Silo this J and lordan did excell. 
 
 And th'EnglilTi Bith , and eke the gcrman Spau^ 
 Ne can Cephife^ nor Hehrus match this well : 
 
 Into the fame the knight backe ouerthrowen, fell. 
 
 Now gan the golden pharbM for to ftccpc 
 His ficrie face in billowes of the weft. 
 And his faint ftccdcs watrcd in Ocean dccpc. 
 Whiles from their iournall labours they did rcfl, 
 
 L3
 
 x^4 THE'I. BOOKE OF THE cm.XL 
 
 When thatinfenull Mo^nftcr^hauingfceft 
 His vvcarie foe into that lining well. 
 Can high aduance his broad difcplourcd brcfl: 
 Aboue his wonted pitch, with countenance fell. 
 And clapt his yron wings, as vi(5lor he did dwell. 
 
 \. r 
 
 Which when his pcnfiuc Ladie faw from farrc^ 
 Great woe and ibrrow did her (bule aflay. 
 As weening that the fad end of the warrc. 
 And gan to higheft God entirely pray. 
 That feared chance from her to turnc away; 
 With folded hands and knees full lowly bent 
 All night fhe watcht, ne once adownc would lay 
 Her daintie limbs in her fad dreriment. 
 
 But praying ftill did wakcj and waking did lament,. 
 
 The morrow next gan early to appcarc. 
 That Titan roie to runne his daily race \ 
 But early ere the morrow next gan rearc 
 Out of the (ca faire Tttuns deawy face, 
 Vp rofe the gentle virgin from her place. 
 And looked all about, if fhe might Ipy 
 Her loued knight to mouc his manly pace : 
 For file had great doubt of his (afcty. 
 
 Since late iTie Caw him fall before his enemy. 
 
 At laft file faw, where he vpftarted brauc 
 Out of the well J wherein he drenched lay; 
 As Eagle frefii out of the Ocean waue. 
 Where he hath left his plumes all hoary gray. 
 And deckt himfclfe with feathers youthly gay^ 
 Like Eyas hauke vp mounts vnto the skies. 
 His newly budded pineons to aflay. 
 And marueiles at himlclfe, ftill as he flies: / 
 
 So new this ncw-bornc knight to battcU new did rife. 
 
 Whom
 
 CiM.XL FAERIE QVEENE i6y 
 
 Whom when the damned feend (6 frelTi did fpy. 
 No wonder if he wondrcd at the fight^ 
 And doubtcdj whether his late enemy 
 It were, or other new fupplied knight, 
 Hc,now to prone his late renewed might. 
 High brandilTiing his bright deaw-biirning bladc^ 
 Vpon his crefted fcalpc (b fore did finite^ . 
 That to the fcuU a yawning wound it made : 
 
 The deadly dint his dulled fcnfcs all difinaid. 
 
 I wotc notj whether the rcuenging fteelc 
 Were hardned with that holy water dew, 
 VVTicrein he fell, or fharper edge did ifeelc. 
 Or his baptized hands now greater grew ; 
 Or other fecret vertue did enfcw ; 
 EUe ncuer could the force of flefhly arme, 
 Ne molten mettall in his bloud embrew : 
 For till that ftownd could neuer wight him harmc. 
 
 By fubtilty, nor flighty nor mighty nor mighty charmc. 
 
 The cruell wound enraged him (b fore. 
 That loud he yelded for exceeding paine ; 
 As hundred ramping Lyons feem'd to rorc. 
 Whom rauenous hunger did thereto conftraine : 
 Then gan he tollc aloft his ftretched traine. 
 And therewith fcourge the buxome aire fo fore. 
 That to his force to yeelden it was faine ; 
 Nd ought his fturdie ftrokes might (land afore. 
 
 That high trees ouerthrew, and rocks in peeccs tore. 
 
 The fame adliauncing high aboue his head. 
 With iharpe intended fting fo rude him iinot. 
 That to the earth him droue, as ftrickcn dead, 
 Nc liuing wight would haue him life bchot : 
 
 1 • - ^^ - 
 
 OllJl
 
 i66 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cgnt.xr. 
 
 The mortallflinghis angry needle fliot 
 , Quite through his fhield , and in his fhouldcr fcafd, 
 Where faft it ftucke, nc would there out be got ; 
 The gricfe thereof him wondrous ibre diieafd^ 
 Ne might his ranckling painc with patience be appeafd. 
 
 But yet more mindfull of his honour dearc. 
 
 Then of the grieuous fmart) which him did wring. 
 From loathed fbile he can him lightly reare^ 
 And ftroue to loofc the farre infixed firing ; 
 Which when in vaine he tryde with ftruggeling, 
 Inflam'd with wrath, his raging blade he heft. 
 And ftrooke fo ftrongly, that theknotty fting 
 Of his huge taile he quite a funder cleft, 
 
 Fine ioynts thereof he hewd, and but the ftump him lefta 
 
 Hart cannot thinke,what outrage, and what cryes. 
 With foule cnfouldredfmoake and flafhingfirc,. 
 The hell-bred beaft threw forth vnto the skyes. 
 That all was couered with darknefle dire : 
 Then fraught^ith rancour, and engorged ire. 
 He caft at once him to auenge for all. 
 And gathering vp himfelfe out of the mire. 
 With his vneuen wings did fiercely fall, 
 
 Vpon his funne-bright {liicld,and gript itfaft withair,. 
 
 Much was the man encombred with his holdj » ' 
 In feare to lofc his weapon in his paw, 
 Newiftyet,howhistalantstQvnfold;. . 
 For harder was from Cerberus grecdieiaw 
 To plucke abonc,then from his cruell claw 
 To reaue by ftrcngth, the griped gageaway : 
 Thrifeheaftayditfromhisfbottodraw, . 
 And thrife in vaine to draw it did aflTayiyv rvUijii :^/i 
 
 It booted nought to think€,torobbe him of his pray. 
 
 Tho
 
 CMnt^XI. FA'ERIE QVEENE. i6j 
 
 Tho when he faw no power might prcuaile. 
 His truftic fword he cald to his laft aid. 
 Wherewith he fiercely did his foe aflailc. 
 And double blowes about him ftoutly laid, 
 That glauncing fire out of the yron plaid s 
 As fparckles from the Anduile vfe to fly. 
 When hcauie hammers on the wedge arc (waid ; 
 Therewith at laft he forft him to vnty 
 
 One of his gralpmgfcete^himto defend thereby. 
 
 The other foot, faft fixed on his lliield 
 
 Whenas no ftrength, nor ftroks mote him conftrainc 
 
 To loofc, nc yet the warlike pledge to yield. 
 
 He fmot thereat with all his might and maine. 
 
 That nought fb wondrous puiflance mfght fuftaine* 
 
 Vpon the ioynt the lucky fteele did light. 
 
 And made fuch way, that hewd it quite in twainej 
 
 The paw yet miffed not his minifht might. 
 
 But hong ftill on the Aiield, as it at firft was pight. 
 
 For griefe thereof, anddiuelifli defpight. 
 From his infernall fotirnacc forth he threw 
 Huge flames, that dimmed all the heaucns light, 
 Enrold in duskifti fmoke and brimftone blew 5 
 As burning Aetntk from his boyling ftew • 
 Doth belch out flames, and rockes in peeces broke. 
 And ragged ribs of mountaincs molten new, 
 Enwrapt in colcblacke clouds andfilthy finokc. 
 
 That all the land with ftench, and heaucn with horror 
 
 (choke, 
 
 Theheatc whereof, and harmefull peftilencc 
 So fore him noyd, that forft him to retire 
 A little backward for his beft defence, 
 Tofau'chisbodiefrom the fcorchingfire^
 
 1^8 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CintvXt, 
 
 Which he from hcUifh cntrailes did expire. 
 It chaunft (cternall God thatchaiincc did guide) 
 As he recoyled backward, in the mire 
 His nigh forwearicd feeble feet did flide. 
 And downe he fell^ with dread of fhame fore tcrrifidc. 
 
 There grew a goodly tree him fairc befide, 
 Loadcn with fruit and apples rofie red , 
 As they in pure vermilion had beene didCj 
 Whereof great vertuesouer all were red; 
 For happic life to all, which thereon fed. 
 And life eke euerlafting did befall : 
 Great God it planted in that blefTed fled 
 With his almightie hand, and did it call 
 
 The tree of life, the crime of our firft fathers fall. 
 
 In all the world like was not to be found, 
 
 Saue in that foile , where all good things did grow 
 And freely fprong out of the fruitful! ground. 
 As incorrupted Nature did them (ow^ 
 Till that dread Dragon all did ouerthrow. 
 Another like faire tree eke grew thereby. 
 Whereof who fo did eat, cftfoones did know 
 Both good and ill : O mornefull memory: 
 
 That tree through one mans fault hath doen vs all to dy. 
 
 From that firft tree forth flowd, as from a well, 
 A trickhng ftreame of Balme, moft fouerainc 
 And daintie deare, which on th? ground ftill fell^ 
 
 , Andoucrflowedallthefcrtiliplaine, 
 As it had deawed bene with timely raine ; 
 Life and long health that gratious ointmentgaue. 
 And deadly woundes could heale and reare againc 
 The fenfelcfle corfe appointed for the grauc. 
 
 Into that fame he fell ; which did from death him fauc. 
 
 For
 
 i:4»>hXl FAERIE QVEENE. 169 
 
 For ni'^h thereto the cuer damned bcaft 
 Durft not approch, for he was deadly made, 
 Andallthatlife prcferucd,diddctcft: 
 Yethc it oft aducntur'd to inuadc. 
 By this the droupmg day-Ught gan to fade. 
 And yecld his roomc to fad fuccccding night, 
 Who with her fable mantle gan to fhadc 
 The face of earth, and waycs of lining wight, 
 
 And high her burning torch let vp in hcaucn bright. 
 
 VVhcn gentle r«ifaw the fccond fall 
 
 Of her deare knight, who wcane ot long hght. 
 
 And faint through lofle of bloud, mou d not at all. 
 But lay as in a dreame of deepe delight (might 
 
 Bcfmeard with pretious Balmc , whofe vcrtuous 
 Did healc his wounds, and fcorching heat alay, 
 At'ainc fhe ftricken was with fore affright , 
 Andfoi-hisfafctiegandcuoutlyprayj 
 And watchthe noyous night, and wait forioyous day. 
 
 The ioyous day gan early to appearc, 
 Andfaire /<«r<»r4 from her dcawy bed 
 
 Of aged Tithone gan her felfc to rcarc^ 
 With rofie cheekes, for ftamc as blufhingred j 
 Her golden lockes for hafte were loofely f hed 
 Aijout her eares , when f^na her did marke 
 Clvmbc to her charet, all with flowers (predj 
 Prom heauen high to chafe the chearekne darkc. 
 With merry note her loud falutes the mounting larfce. 
 
 Thenfrefhly vp arofe the doughtie knight 
 M healed of his hurts and woundes wide, 
 And did himfelfc to battell rcadie dight j 
 Whofe early foe awaitinghim befidc
 
 170 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cint.XL 
 
 To hauc dcuourd/o foonc as day he fpydc. 
 When now he faw himfelfc fo frefiily rearc. 
 As if late fight had nought him damnifyde , 
 He woxe difmayd, and gan his fate to feare ; 
 NathlefTc with wonted rage he him aduaunced ncarc 
 
 And in his firft encounter^ g^pi"g wide. 
 
 He thought attonce him to hauc fwallowd quighCj 
 And rufht vpon him with outragious pride 5 
 Who him r*encountring fierce , as hauke in flighty 
 Perforce rebutted backc.Thc weapon bright 
 Taking aduantagc of his open iaw^ 
 Ran through his mouth with fo importune mighty 
 That deepe emperfthis darkfome hollow maw. 
 
 And back retyrd ^ his life blond forth with all did draw. 
 
 So downc he fell, and forth his life did breath. 
 That vanilTi t in to fmoke and cloudes fwift 5 
 So downe he fell, that th'carth him vndemcath 
 Did grone, as feeble fo great load to lift; 
 So downe he fell , as an huge rockie clift, 
 Whofe falfc foundation waues haue wafht away. 
 With dreadfuU poyfe is from the mayneland rift. 
 And rolling downe, great Neptune doth difinay ; 
 
 So downe he fell, and like an heaped mountaine lay. 
 
 The knight himfelfc euen trembled at his fall. 
 So huge and horrible a made it (eem'd; 
 And his dcare Ladic , that beheld it all, 
 Durft not approch for dread, vv'hich fhe mifcleenVd, 
 But yet at lafl, when as the direfuU feend 
 She faw not flirrc, ofF-fhaking vainc affright. 
 She uigher drew, and faw that ioyous end : 
 Then God fhe prayfd j and thankt her faithfull knight. 
 
 That had atchicu'd fo great aconqueft by his might. 
 
 CANT,
 
 CMtXll. FAERIE QVEENE. J71 
 
 Cant,XlL 
 
 Faire Vna to the Redcrojfe k^tghc ^^ 
 
 hetroHthed is With toy : ^^^ 
 
 ThoughfalfeDHejfatttoharrc -^ 
 
 her fill fe Jleights doe imploy, ^^ 
 
 ^gggS^ggiSigSp SHIP 
 
 BEhold I fee the hauen nigh at hand. 
 To which I meane my wcarie courfe to bend; 
 Vere the maine ilietc , and beare vp with the land. 
 The which afore is fairely to be kend^ 
 And feemcth fafc from ftormes,that may offends 
 There this faire virgin wearie of her way 
 Muft landed be, now at her iourneyes end : 
 There eke my feeble barke a while may ftay, 
 . Till merry wind and weather call her thence away. 
 
 Scarfely had Phoebus in the glooming Eaft 
 Yet hameffed his firie-footed teemc, 
 Nc rcard aboue the earth his flaming crcafl:, 
 VVhcn the laft deadly fmoke aloft did fteeme, 
 Thatfigne of laft outbreathed life did fceme^ 
 Vnto the watchman on the caftlc wall ; 
 Who thereby dead that balefull Bcaft did dccmc,. 
 And to his Lord and Ladie lowd gan call. 
 
 To tell, how hehadfcenc the Dragons fatall fall, 
 
 Vprofc with haftieioy, and feeble fpeed 
 ' That aged Sire, the Lord of all that land, 
 
 Andlookcd forth, to weet, if true indeedc 
 .•; Tfhofe tydings were , as he did vnderftaiw,,
 
 172 THE I. BOOKE OF THE cm.XlL 
 
 Which whcnas true by tryall he out found^ 
 He bad to opcnwyde his brazen gate^ 
 Which long time had bene fhut3 and out of hond 
 Proclaymed ioy and peace through all his ftatc; 
 For dead now was their foe^ which them forraycd late. 
 
 Then gan triumphant Trompets found on hic^ 
 
 That fent to heauen the ecchoed report 
 
 Of their new ioy, and happie vidorie 
 
 Gainft him, that had them long oppreft with tort. 
 
 And fafl: imprifbned in ficged fort. 
 
 Then all the people , as in folemne feaft. 
 
 To him aflembled with one full confort, 
 
 Reioycing at the fall of that great beaft. 
 From whofe eternall bondage now they were releaft. 
 
 Forth came that auncient Lord and aged Quccne 
 Arayd in antique robes downe to the ground 
 And fad habiliments right well beleenc 5 
 A noble crew about them waited round 
 Of fage and fober Peres^ all grauely gownd; 
 Whom farre before did march a goodly band 
 Of tall young men, all hable armes to Ibwnd, 
 But now they laurell braunches bore in hand ; 
 
 Clad fignc of vidoric and peace in all their land. 
 
 Vnto that doughtie Conqucrour they came. 
 And him before themfelues proftrating low. 
 Their Lord and Patrone loud did him proclamc. 
 And at his feet their laurell boughes did throw. 
 Soone after them all dauncing on a row 
 The comely virgins came, with girlands dight. 
 As frefh as flowres in medow greene do grow^ 
 When morning deaw vpon their leaues doth light: 
 
 And in their hands fwect Timbrels all vpheld on hight. 
 
 And
 
 EMLXih tEAERIE C^EENE, 173 
 
 And them before^ the fry of children young 
 
 Their wanton fports and childifti mirth did play^ 
 
 And to the Maydens founding tymbrels fung 
 
 In well attuned notes, a ioyous lay. 
 
 And made delightfuU mufickc all the way, 
 
 Vntill they came, where that faire virgin flood ; 
 
 As faire Vum in frelTi fommers day, 
 
 Beholds her Nymphcs, enraung*d in ihadie wood. 
 
 Some wreftle/ome do run/ome bathe in chriflall flood. 
 
 So ftie beheld thofc maydens mcrimcni: 
 
 With chearefuU vew^ who when to her they canic, 
 Themfelues to ground with gratious humbleffe bcnt^. 
 And her ador'd by honorable name. 
 Lifting to heauen her eucrlafting fame : 
 Then on her head they fet a girland greene. 
 And crowned her twixt carneft and twixt game ^ 
 VVho in her felfe-refemblance well befeenc. 
 
 Did fcemc fuch^ as ihe was, a goodly maiden Qucenc. 
 
 And after, all the raskall many ran. 
 Heaped together in rude rablement,. 
 To fee the face of that victorious man: 
 Whom all admircd,,as from heauen fent. 
 And gazd vpon with gaping wonderment. 
 But when they came, where that dead Dragon lay,, 
 Stretcht on the ground in monftrons large extent. 
 The fight with idle feare did them difmay, 
 
 Ne durftapproch him nigh, to t6uch,or onceaflay. 
 
 Some feard, and fled vfome feardand wefl it faynd;. 
 One that would wifer feeme , then all the relt,. . 
 Warnd him not touch, for yet perhaps remayndl 
 Some lingring life within his hollow brcft,,
 
 174 THE I. BOOKE OF THE CMt^xnl 
 
 Or in his wombc might hirkc fomc hidden ncft 
 Of many Dragoncts, his fruitful! feed ; 
 Another faid , that in his eyes did reft 
 Yet fparckhng fire^ and bad thereof take heed; 
 Another faid^ he faw him moue his eyes indeed. 
 
 One mothcr^when as her foolehardie chyld 
 Did come too nearc, and with his talants play, 
 Halfe dead through feare, her litle babe reuyld. 
 And to her goflips gan in counfcll fay \ 
 How can I tell, but that his talents may 
 Yet fcratch my fonnc, or rend his tender hand ? 
 So diuerfly thcmfelues in vaine they fray ; 
 Whiles Ibme more bold , to meafure him nigh ftand. 
 
 To proue how many acres he did Ipread of land. 
 
 Thus flocked all the folke him round about. 
 
 The whiles that hoarie king , with all his traine3 
 
 Being arriued, where that champion ftout 
 
 After his foes defeafance did remaine. 
 
 Him goodly greetes, and faire docs entertained 
 
 With princely gifts of yuoric and gold. 
 
 And thoufand thankes him yeeJ ds tor all his painc* 
 
 Then when his daughter deare he does behold. 
 
 Her dearely doth imbracCjand kifleth manifold. . 
 
 And after to his Pallacc he them brings. 
 
 With ifhaumes , & trompets , & with Clarions fweet; 
 
 And all the way the ioyous people iings. 
 
 And with their garments ftrowes the pauedftreet : 
 
 Whence mounting vp, they find purueyance meet 
 
 Of all, that royall Princes court became. 
 
 And all the floore was vnderneath their feet 
 
 Befpred with coftly fcarlot of great name. 
 
 On which they lowly fit^ and fitting purpofe frame. 
 
 What
 
 CMt.XlL FAERIE QVEENE. 175 
 
 What needs mc tcll their feaft and goodly guize 
 In which was nothing riotous nor vaine? 
 What needs of daintie difhes to deuizc^ 
 Of comely (eruices, or courtly trayne? 
 My narrow Icaues cannot in them containc 
 The large difcourfe of royall Princes ftatc. 
 Yet was their manner then but bare and plainc: ' 
 For th'antique world cxcefle and pride did hate 5 
 
 Such proud luxurious pompe is fwoUen vp but late. 
 
 Then when with meates and drinkes ofeuery kindc 
 Their feruent appetites they quenched had^ 
 That auncient Lord gan fit occafion finde. 
 Of ftraunge aduentures^ and of perils fad. 
 Which in his trauell him befallen had, , 
 For to demaund of his renowmed guefl: 
 Who then with vtt'rance graue^and countenance fad. 
 From point to point, as is before exprefl, 
 
 Dilcourft his voyage long,according his requefl. 
 
 Great pleafurcs mixt with pittifuU regard , 
 That godly King and Queenc did paflionatc. 
 Whiles they his pittifuU aduentures heard. 
 That oft they did lament his lucklefle flate. 
 And often blame the too importune fate. 
 That heapd on him fb many wrathfull wreakes : 
 For neuer gentle knight, as he of late. 
 So tofled was in fortunes cruell freakes ; 
 
 And all the while fait tearcs bedeawd the hearers chcaks. 
 
 Then (aid the royall Pere in fober wife ; 
 
 Deare Sonne, great beenc the euils,which ye bore 
 From firft to laft in your late enterprifcj 
 That I note, whether prayfc, or pitty more;
 
 17^ THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cant.Xlt. 
 
 For neiier lining man, I wecnc, fo fore 
 In fea of deadly daungers was diftreft ; 
 But fince now fafe yc feifcd haue the fliore, 
 And well arriued are^^iigh God be blcft) 
 Let vs dcuizc of cafe and cucrlaftingrcft. 
 
 Ah dearcflLord/aid then that doughty knight^ 
 Of cafe or reft I may not yet dcuizc •, 
 For by the faith , which I to armes hauc plight, 
 1 bounden am ftreight after this cmprizCj 
 As that your daughter can yc well aduize, 
 Backe to rcturnc to that great Faerie Quecne, 
 And her to ferue fix ycares in warlike wize^ 
 Gainft that proud Pynim king, that workes her tcene: 
 
 Therefore I ought craue pardonjtill I there haue beene. 
 
 Vnhappie falles that hard necefsitie, 
 
 (Quoth he)thc troubler of my happic peace. 
 
 And vowed foe of my felicitie ; 
 
 Ne I againft the fame can iuftly preace : 
 
 But fince that band ye cannot now releafc. 
 
 Nor doen vndo , (for vowes may not be vainc) 
 
 Soone as the terme of thofe fix yeares fhall ceafe. 
 
 Ye then (hall hither backe rcturnc againe. 
 
 The marriage to accomplifh vowd betwixt you twain. 
 
 Which for my part I couet to pcrformc. 
 In fort as through the world I did proclame. 
 That who fo kild that monftcr moft deformc. 
 And him in hardy battailc ouercamc. 
 Should haue mine onely daughter to his Dame , 
 And of my kingdome hcire apparaunt bee : 
 Therefore fince now to thee perteincs the fame. 
 By dew defert of noble cheualree. 
 
 Both daughter and ckc kingdome^Io lyicld to thee. 
 
 Then
 
 ant.Xll. FAERIE QVEENE. 177 
 
 Then forth he called that his daughter fairc. 
 The faireft Vri his onely daughter deare. 
 His onely daughter^ and his onely heyrc •, 
 Who forth proceeding with fad fobcr chcarc 
 As bright as doth the morning ftarrc appcarc 
 Out or the Eaft^ with flaming lockes bcdight 
 To tell the dawning day is dawning neare. 
 And to the world does bringlong widicd light; 
 
 So fairc and frcfh that Lady fticwd her felfc in fight. 
 
 So fairc and frefh, as frefhefl flowre in May 5 
 For fhc had layd her mournefull ftole afidc. 
 And widow-like fad wimple throwne away. 
 Wherewith her heaunnly beautie fhe did hide 
 Whiles on her wearie iourney fhe did ride j 
 And on her now a garment fhe did wearc. 
 All lilly whitCjwithoutten fpot^ or pridc^ 
 That fecmd like filke and filuer woucn nearc^ 
 
 But neither filke nor filuer therein did appcarc. 
 
 The blazing brightnefle ofher beauties bcamc. 
 And glorious light ofher funfhyny face 
 To tcUj were as to flriue againfl the flreamc. 
 My ragged rimes are all too rude and bacc. 
 Her hcauenly lineaments for to enchace. 
 Nc wonder ; for her owne dearc loued knight 
 All were fhe dayly with himfclfe in place^ 
 Did wonder much at her celefliall fight : 
 
 Oft had he fecne her faire^ but neucr fb fairc dight. 
 
 So fairely dight, when fhe in prcfencc came. 
 She to her Sire made humble reuerencCj 
 And bowed lowjthat her right well became. 
 And added grace vnto her excellence : 
 
 M 2
 
 ^8 THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cm.XIl^ 
 
 VVho with great wifedome^and graiic eloquence 
 Thus gan to fay . But eare he thus had faid. 
 With flying fpcede^ and feeming great pretence, 
 Came running in, much like a man difmaid, 
 A MefTcnger with letters ^ which his mcfTage faid. 
 
 All in the open hall amazed flood. 
 At fuddeinneffe of that vnwarie fight. 
 And wondred at his breathlefle haftie mood. 
 But he for nought would flay his paffage right, 
 Tillfafl before the king he did alight 5 
 V\%ere falling flat, great humbleffe he did make. 
 And kifl the ground, whereon his foot was pight j 
 Then to his hands that writ he did betake. 
 
 Which he difclofing,red thus,as the paper Ipake, 
 
 To thee, mofl: mighty king of E^^/sr faire. 
 Her greetingfends inthefc fad lines addrefl. 
 The wofull daughter, and forfaken heirc 
 Of that great Emperour of all the Wefl 5 
 And bids thee be aduized for the befl , 
 Ere thou thy daughter linck in holy band 
 Of wedlocke to that new vnknowen guefl : 
 For he already plighted his right hand 
 
 Vnto another loue, and to another land. 
 
 To me fad mayd, or rather widow fad. 
 He was affiaunced long time before. 
 And facred pledges he both gaue^ and had, 
 Falfc erraunt knight, infamous,and forfworc : 
 Witneffe the burning Altars, which he fworc^, 
 And guiltieiieauens ofhis boldperiury. 
 Which though he hath polluted oft and yore. 
 Yet I to them for iudgement iufl do fly. 
 
 And them couiure t'auenge this fhamcfull iniury- 
 
 There-
 
 cm.Xli. FAERIE QVEENE. i^p 
 
 Therefore fince mine he is, or free or bond 
 Or talfe or trcwjOr liuing or elfc dead. 
 
 Withhold, OfouerainePriace^yourhaftyhortd 
 From knitting league with him, I you aread; 
 
 Ne weene my right with ftrength adownc to tread 
 
 Through weakenelle of my widowhed^ or woe : 
 
 For truth is ftrong, his rightfull caufe to plead 
 
 And fhall find friends, if need requireth foe 
 
 So bids thee well to fare ^ Thy neither fricnd,nor foe 
 
 When he thefe bitter byting words had red 
 The tydings ftraunge did him abafhed make 
 That ftill he fate long time aftonifhed 
 As in great mule, ne word to creature Ipake. 
 At laft his folemne filence thus he brake. 
 With doubtfull eyes fail: fixed on his gueft 5 
 Redoubted knight, that for mine onely fake 
 Thy life and honour late aduentureft , 
 
 Let nought be hid from me^that ought to be expreft. 
 
 What meane thefe bloudy vowes^and idle threats 
 Throwne out from womanifh impatient mind? 
 Whatheauens? what altarsPwhatenragedheates 
 Here heaped vp with termes of loue vnkind 
 My confcience clearc with guilty bands would bind? 
 High Godbe witneflc, that I guiltleflfcame. 
 But if your felfc , Sir knight j ye faultie find j 
 Or wrapped be in loues of former Dame, 
 
 With crime do not it couer, but difclofe the fame. 
 
 To whom the Redcrojfe knight this anfwcre fent. 
 My Lord,my King,be nought hereat difiiiayd^ 
 Till welljyc wote by grauc intendiment. 
 What woman^ and wherefore doth me vpbrayd 
 
 M 3
 
 i8o THE I. BOOKE OF THE Cm.Xlh 
 
 With breach onouC5and loyalty bctrayd. 
 It was inmy miflhaps^as hithervvard 
 I lately traueild^ that vnwares I ftrayd 
 Out of my way, through perils ftraunge and hard; 
 That day iliould f aile me^ ere I had them all dcclard. 
 
 There did I find, or rather I was found 
 Of this falfe woman, that F'de[fa hight^ 
 Fideffa hight the falfeft Dame on ground^ 
 Mod falfe Vueffa, royall richly dight, 
 Thatcafie was to in ucglc weaker fight : 
 Who by her wicked arts^ and wyhc skilly 
 Too falfe and ftrong for earthly skill or might , 
 Vnwar-es me wrought vnto her wicked will. 
 
 And to my foe betrayd^ when le aft I feared ill. 
 
 Then ftepped forth the goodly royall Mayd, 
 And on the ground her felfc profti^ting low^ 
 With fobercountenaunce thus to him fayd; , 
 O pardon me^ my fbueraigne Lord^ to fhow 
 The fecret treafbns, which ot late I know 
 To haue bene wroght by that falle forcerefle. 
 She onely (lie it is, that earft did throw 
 This gentle knight into fo great diftrefle^ 
 
 That death him did awaite iw dayly wretchedncflc* 
 
 And now it feemes, that fhe fiibomed hath 
 This craftie mefieneer with letters vainc. 
 To worke new woe and improuided fcath3. 
 By breaking of the band bctwixtvs twaine; 
 Wherein fhe v(cdhath the prafticke paine 
 Of this falfe footman, clokt with fimpleneflt. 
 Whom if ye plcafe for to difcouer plaine^ 
 Ye fhail him Archim<igo find, I ghede. 
 
 The falfeft man aliue, wo tries itiall find no leflc. 
 
 The
 
 {;man FAERIE QVEENE, i8i 
 
 The king was greatly moucd at her fpeach. 
 And all with fuddein indignation fraighr. 
 Bad on that Meflengcr rude hands to reach. 
 Eftfoones the Card, which on his ftate did wait 
 Attacht that faitor falfe, and bound him ftrait: 
 Who feemin g forely chaufFed at his band. 
 As chained Beare, whom cruell dogs do bait 
 With idle force did faine them to withftand 
 
 And often femblaunce made to icape out of their hand. 
 
 But they him layd full low in dungeon decpc. 
 
 And bound him hand and foote with yron chains. 
 And with continuall watch did warely keepe 5 
 Who then would thinke^that by his fubtile trains 
 He could e(cape fowle death or deadly paines? 
 Thus when that Princes wrath was pacifide 
 He gan renew the late forbidden banes. 
 And to the knight his daughter deare he tydc. 
 
 With facred rites and vowes for cucr to abyde. 
 
 His owne two hands the holy knots ^\A. knit 
 That none but death for euer can deuide ; 
 His owne two hands, for fuch a turne moft ffr 
 The houfling fire did kindle and prouide 
 And hbly water thereon fprinckled wide ; 
 At which the bufhy Teade a groome did light 
 And facred lampe in fecretchamber hide 
 Where it fhould not be quenched day nor night 
 
 For feare of euill fates, but burnen euer bright. 
 
 Then gan they fprinckle all the ports with wine 
 Andmadc great feaft to folemnize that day; 
 They all pcrfumde with frankcnccnfe diuine 
 And precious odours fetchtfrom far away, 
 
 M 4
 
 1^2 THE I. BOOKE OF THE C^t.Xll, 
 
 Tliat all the houfe did fwcat with great aray : 
 And all the while fweete Muficke did apply 
 Her curious skill3 the warbling notes to play. 
 To driuc away the dull Melancholy 3 
 The whiles one fung a (bng oflouc and iollity. 
 
 During the which there was an hcauenly noife 
 Heard found through all the Pallace pleafantly^ 
 Like as it had bene many an Angels voice. 
 Singing before th*eternall inaiefty. 
 In their trinall triplicities on hye s 
 Yet wift no creature, whence that heauenly fweet 
 Proceeded, yet eachone felt fecretly 
 Himfelfe thereby reft of his fences meet. 
 
 And rauilhed with rare impreffion in his Ipritc. 
 
 Great loy was made that day of young and old. 
 And folemne feafl: proclaimd throughout the land. 
 That their exceeding merth may not be told : 
 Suffice it heare by fignes to vnderftand 
 The vfuall ioyes at knitting of loues band, 
 Thrife happy man the knight himfelfe did hold, 
 PoiTelTed of his Ladies hart and hand. 
 And euer,when his eye did her behold. 
 
 Her heart did feeme to melt in pleafures manifold. 
 
 Her ioyous presence and fweet company 
 In full content he there did long enioy , 
 Ne wicked enuie, ne vile gealofy 
 His dearc delights were able to annoy : 
 Yet fwimming in that fca of blisfull ioy , 
 He nought forgot _, how he whilomc had f\vomc. 
 In cafe he could that monflrous beafl deflroy, 
 Vnto his Farie Queene backe to returne : 
 
 The which he fliortly did, and Fna left to mournc. 
 
 Now
 
 Cant.Xir. FAERIE QVEENE. 
 
 Now ftrikc your failes yc ioUy Mariners, 
 For we be come vnto a quiet rode. 
 Where we muft land fome of our paflengers. 
 And light this wearie vefTell of her lode. 
 Here iTie awhile may make her fafe abode. 
 Till fhc repaired haue her tackles fpent. 
 And wants fupplide . And then againe abroad 
 On the long voyage whereto fhe is bent : 
 
 Well may fhc fpeede and fairely finifla her intent. 
 
 183 
 
 FINIS LIB. I.
 
 
 ' T J 
 
 THE SECOND 
 
 BOOKE OF THE 
 
 FAERIE OyEENE. 
 Contayning, 
 
 THE LEGEND OF SIR GVYON. 
 
 OR 
 
 Of Tem^eratmce^ 
 
 IghtwcUIwotc moftmighty Soucrairie^ 
 That all this famous antique hiftory. 
 Of fbmc th*aboundancc of an idle brainc 
 Will iudged bc^ and painted forgery. 
 Rather then matter of iuft memory, 
 Sithnone^that breatheth liuing aire^docs know. 
 Where is that happy land of Faery^ 
 Which i fo much do vaunt j yet no where fhow. 
 But vouch antiquities, which no body can kiio w^ 
 
 But let that man with better fence aduizc^ 
 That of the world lead part to vs is red ; 
 And dayly how through hardy enterprizc. 
 Many great Regions are difcoucred. 
 
 /
 
 V 
 
 j8tf THE II, BOOKE OF THE CmU, 
 
 Which to late age were neuer mentioned. 
 Who euer heard of th'Indian Jcru? 
 Or who in venturous vcflell meafurcd 
 The K^mazons huge riuer now found trcw? 
 Or fruitfuUeft Virgima who did euer vew? 
 
 Yet all thefe were, when no man did them know; 
 
 Yet hauc from wifefl ages hidden becne ; 
 
 Andlater times things more vnknowne fhall fhow. 
 
 Why then ("hould witlcfle man fo much mifwecnc 
 
 That nothing is_, but that which he hath feenc? 
 
 What if within the Moones faire (hining fphcarc? 
 
 What if in euery other ftarre vnleene 
 
 Of other worldes he happily fhould heare? 
 He woder would much more : yet fucli to Ibmc appcarc, • 
 
 Of Faerie lond yet if he more inquire^ 
 By certaine fi gnes here fc t in fundry place 
 He may it find ^ ne let him then admire. 
 But yield his fence to be too blunt and bace. 
 That no'te without an hound fine footing trace. 
 And thou,0 faireftPrincefle vnder sky. 
 In this faire mirrhour maid behold thy face. 
 And thine owne realmes in lond of Faery, 
 
 And in this antique Image thy great aunceftry. 
 
 The which O pardon me thus to enfold 
 
 In couert vele, and wrap in fliadowes light^ 
 
 That feeble eyes your glory may behold. 
 
 Which elfc could not endure thofc beames bright^ 
 
 But would be dazled with exceeding light, 
 
 O pardon,.and vouchfafe with patient eare 
 
 The braue aducnturcs of this Faery knight 
 
 The good Sir Guyon gratioufly to heare, (pcarc. 
 
 In whom great rule of Temp'raunce goodly doth ap- 
 
 CMf,
 
 CMt.l. FAERIE QVEEME. 187 
 
 Qant. I, 
 
 
 Gujon by Archiwage ahtifd^ 
 The^Redcrofe k^tght: awaytes^ 
 
 Findes Mordant and Amatnajlatne 
 JVith p/eaf»res potjoned haytes. 
 
 THat cunning Archited of cancred guile^ 
 Whom Princes late dilplealure left in bands^ 
 For falfed letters and fiiborned wile^ 
 Sooneas the /?^^fr^j(7^ knight he vndcrftands^ 
 To becne departed out of £^if» lands J 
 To ferue againe his (bueraine Elfin Queene, 
 His artes he moues, and out of caytiues hands 
 Himfelfe he frees by fecret meancs vnfeene; 
 His (hackles emptie left^him felfe efcaped cleenc. 
 
 And forth he fares full of malicious mind3 
 To worken mifchiefe and auenging woe. 
 Where euer he that godly knight may find^ 
 His oncly hart fore, andhisonelyfoe^ 
 Sith yt9A now he algates muft forgoe, 
 Whom his vidorious hands did earft reftorc 
 Tonatiues crowne and kingdome late ygoe : 
 Where fhc enioycs fure peace for euermore^ 
 
 As weather-beaten fhip arriu d on happie fhorc. 
 
 Him therefore now the obied of his (pight 
 And deadly food he makes : him to offend 
 By forged treafon, or by open fight 
 He fcckes ^ of all his drift the aymed end :
 
 i88 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CM.I^ 
 
 Thereto his fubtilc cngins he does bend 
 His pradick wit, and his faire filed tong. 
 With thoufand other fleights; for well he kend. 
 His credit now in doubtfull ballaunce hong; 
 For hardly could be hurt^ who was already ftong. 
 
 Still as he went, he craftie ftales did lay. 
 
 With cunning traincs him to entrap vnwares^ 
 
 Andpriuieipialsplaftin allhis wayj 
 
 To wcete what courfe he takes^and how he farcsj 
 
 To ketch him atavantageinhisfharcs. 
 
 By triall of his former harmes and cares. 
 
 But now (b wife and warie was the knight 
 
 That he defcride^and iTionned ftill his flight; 
 
 The fidi that once was caught , new bait will hardly bite, 
 
 Nathlefle th'Enchaunter would not fpare his paine 
 In hope to win occafion to his will ; 
 Which when he long awaited had in vainc. 
 He chaungd his minde from one to other ill: 
 For to all good he enimy was ftill. 
 Vpon the way him fortuned to meet, 
 Faire marching vnderneath a fhady hill, 
 A goodly knight, all armd inharnefte meetc. 
 
 That from his head no place appeared to his fectc. 
 
 His carriage was full comely and vpright. 
 His countenauncc demure and temperate. 
 But yet fo fterne and terrible in fight. 
 That cheard his friends,and did his foes amatc : 
 He was an Elfin borne of noble ftate. 
 And mickle woriliip in his natiue land ; 
 Well could he tourney and in lifts debate. 
 And knighthood tooke of good Sir Huons hand^ 
 
 When with king oberon he came to Faerie land. 
 
 Him
 
 ednt.I. FAERIE QVEENE. i8^ 
 
 Him als accompanyd vpon the way 
 A comely Palmer, clad in blackc attire. 
 Of ripcft yeares, and haires all hoarie gray. 
 That with a ftafFe his feeble fteps did ftirc, 
 
 Leaflhislongway his aged limbesfliould tire : 
 And if by lookcs one may the mind arcad. 
 He (eemd to be a fage and fbber fire. 
 And eucr with flow pace the knight did lead, (tread* 
 Who taught his trampling deed with equal! fteps to 
 
 Such whenas Archimago them did view. 
 
 He weened well to worke (bmc vncouth wile, 
 
 Eftfoones vntwifting his decciptfull cle w^ 
 
 He gan to weauc a web of wicked guile. 
 
 And with a faire countenance and flattring ftilc. 
 
 To them approching, thus the knight befpake; 
 
 Faire fonne ofAdars, thatfeeke with warlike fpoile* 
 
 And great atchieu'ments great your fclfe to make, 
 
 Vouchfafc to flay your flccd for humble mifcrs fakc» 
 
 He ftayd his ftecd for humble mifers fake. 
 And bad tell on the tenor of his plaint j 
 Who feigning then in euery limbe to quake. 
 Through inward fearc, and fecming pale and faint 
 With piteous monehispercingfpeach gan paint 5 
 Deare Lady how fhall I declare thy cacc. 
 Whom late I left in langourous conftraint? 
 Would God thy felfe now prefent were in place. 
 
 To tell this ruefull talej thy fight could win thee grace 
 
 Or rather would, O would it (bhadchannft^ 
 That you, moft noble Sir, had prefent beenc^ 
 When that lewd ribauld with vile luftaduaimfl: 
 Layd firft his filthy hands on virgin cleenCj^
 
 1^0 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cs^fi.I. 
 
 To {poilc her daintic corfc fo faire and fhccnc^ 
 As on the earthy great mother of vs all. 
 With liuing eye more faire was neuer fecne. 
 Of chaflitie and honour virginall : 
 VVitnefie ye heaucs , whom fhe in vaine to hclpc did dill. 
 
 How may it be3(faid then the knight halfe wroth,) 
 That knight lliould knighthood eiier fo hauc Hient > 
 None but that f;iw(quoth he) would wcene for troth 
 How iTiamefullythatMaidhe did torment. 
 Her loofer golden lockes he rudely rent. 
 And drew her on the ground^andhis fharpe fword^ 
 Againft her fnowy breft be fiercely bent. 
 And thrcatned death with many a bloudic word ; 
 
 Toung hates to tell the reft^ that eye to fee abhord. 
 
 Therewith amoucd from his Ibber mood. 
 
 And Hues he yct(faid he)that wrought this ad. 
 And doen the heauens afford him vitall food? 
 He liues,(quothhe)and boaflcth of the fact, 
 Ne yet hath any knight his courage crackt. 
 Where may that treachour thcn(faid he)be found. 
 Or by whatmeanes may I his footing trad:? 
 That ("hall I lTiew(faid he)as furc, as hound 
 
 The ftricke Dcare doth chalcnge by the bleeding wound. 
 
 He ftaid not lenger talkc, but with fierce ire 
 And zealous haft away is quickly gone 
 To feeke that knight,where him thatcraftie Squire 
 Suppofd to be . They do arriue anone. 
 Where fate a gentle Lady all alone, 
 With garments rent, and haire difcheueled. 
 Wringing her hands, and making piteous monc; 
 Herfwollen eyes were much disfigured. 
 
 And her faire face with tcares was fo wly blubbered. 
 
 The
 
 CMtJ. FAERIE QVEENE. i^i 
 
 The knight approching nigh, thus to her faid, 
 Fairc Ladic, through foulc forrow ill bedight. 
 Great pittie is to fee you thus difmaid , 
 And marre the bloflbme of your beautie bright: 
 For thy appeafe your griefe and heauie plight. 
 And tell the caufe of your conceiued painc. 
 For if he liuc, that hath you doen defpight; 
 He fliall you doe due recompencc againc. 
 
 Or elfe his wrong with greater puiflancc maintainc. 
 
 Which when the heard , as in defpightfull wifc^, 
 She wilfully her forrow did augment. 
 And offredhope of comfort diddefpife : 
 Her golden lockes moft cruelly fhe rent. 
 And fcratcht her face with ghaftly drerimcnt, 
 Ne would iTie fpeake, ne fee, ne yet be fcene. 
 But hid her vifagej and her head downe bent. 
 Either for grieuous fhame, or for great teene. 
 
 As ifhcr hart with forrow had transfixed becnc. 
 
 Till her that Squire be(pakc, Madame my liefc. 
 For Gods deare loue be not fo wilfull bent. 
 But doe vouchfafe now to receiue reliefc, 
 The which good fortune doth to you prefent. 
 For what bootes it to weepc and to wayment. 
 When ill is chaunft3 but doth the ill increale. 
 And the weake mind with double woe torment i 
 When ilie her Squire heard fpeake , fhe gan appcafe 
 
 Her voluntarie paine, and feele fome fccret cafe. 
 
 Eftfoone fhe faid, Ah gentle truftie Squire, 
 What comfort can I wofuU wretch conceauc. 
 Or why fhould euer I henceforth dcfire. 
 To fee fairc hcauens face , and life not leauc, 
 
 . - N
 
 1^2 THE II. BOOKE OF THE c^/t/./. 
 
 Sith that falfc Traytour did my honour rcauc } 
 Falfc traytour ccrtcs (faid the Faerie knight) 
 I read the man, that euer would deceauc 
 Agentle Ladie, or her wrong through might: 
 Death were too little painc for fuch a foule delpight. 
 
 But now, faire Ladle , comfort to you make. 
 
 And readjwho hath ye wrought this fhamefull plight. 
 That fliort reuenge the man may ouertake. 
 Where fo he be , and fbone vpon him light. 
 Certes ( faid flie) I wote not how he hight. 
 But vnder him a gray fteede did he wield, 
 Whofe fides with dapled circles wcren dight; 
 Vpright he rode, and in his filuer fhield 
 
 He bore a bloudicCroflc, that quartred all the field. 
 
 Now by my head ( faid Guyo» ) much I mufc. 
 How that fame knight fiiould do fo foule amis3 
 Or euer gentle Damzell fo abufe ; 
 For may I boldly fay, he furely is 
 A ri ght good knight, and true of word yWis :;; 
 I prcfent was, and can it witnefle well. 
 When armes he fwore, and flreight did cntcrpris 
 Th'^dutnturco£thtErrafftdawoze//j 
 
 In which he hath great gloric wonne ^ as I hcarc tell. 
 
 Nathleflc he fhortly fhall againc be trydc, 
 : And faircly quite him of th'imputedblamCj 
 Elfc be ye fure he dearcly fhall abyde, 
 Or make you good amendment for the fame : 
 All wrongs haue mends, but no amends of fhamc. 
 Now therefore Ladie , rife out of your paine. 
 And fee the faluing of your blotted name. 
 Full loth ftie feemd thereto, but yet did fainc s 
 ^For fhe was inly glad her purpofe fo to gainc. 
 
 Hcu J 
 
 i
 
 CMfftJ. FAERIE QVEENE. i^j 
 
 Her purpofc was not fuch^as fhc did fainc, 
 Ncycthcrpcrfon fuch^ as it was feene, 
 But vnder fimplc fhc w and fcmblant plaine 
 Lurckt falfc Vuejfa fccretly vnfccnc. 
 As a chad Virgin , that had wronged beenc : 
 So had falle Archimago her difguifd. 
 To clokc her guile with forrow and (ad tccne ; 
 And eke himfelfe had craftily deuifd 
 
 To be her Squire^ and do her Icr uice well aguifd. 
 
 Her late forlorne and naked he had found, 
 VVhere fhe did wander in wafte wildemcflc. 
 Lurking in rockes and cauesfarre vnder ground. 
 And with grcene mode cou'ring her nakedneflc. 
 To hide her fhame and loathly filthincflc ; 
 Sith her Prince Arthur of proud ornaments 
 And borrow'd beautie fpoyld. Her nathcleflc 
 Th'enchaunter finding fit for his intents. 
 
 Did thus rcueft, and deckt with due habiliments. 
 
 For all he didj was to deceiuc good knights. 
 
 And draw them from purfuit of praile and fame, ■ ' 
 To flug in flouth and fenfuall delights. 
 And end their daies with irrenowmed iTiame, 
 And now exceeding griefe him ouercamc. 
 To fee the Redcrojfe thus aduaunced hye j 
 Therefore this craftic engine he did frame, 
 Againft his praife to ftirrc vp enmitye 
 
 Of fuch, as vert ucs. like mote vnto him allye. 
 
 So nowhe Guyor^ guides an vncouth way 
 
 Through woods & mountaines, till they came atlafl: 
 
 Into a pleafant dale, that lowly lay 
 
 Bctvyikc two hik, wliofc high heads oucrplaft.
 
 r^4 THE II. BOOKE OF THE cm.L^ 
 
 The valley did with coolc lliadc oucrcaft ; 
 Through midft thereof a little riuer rold , 
 By which there fate a knight with helmevnlaft, 
 Himfelfe refrefhing with the liquid cold, 
 After his trauclllong , and labours manifold, 
 
 Loc yonder he', cryde Archimdge alowd. 
 
 That wrought the fhamefuB faft , which I did fhewj 
 And now he doth himfelfe in fecret ihrowd^ 
 To flie the vengeance for his outrage dew ; 
 But vaine : for ye fhall dearcly do him rew. 
 So God ye fpeed, and fend you good lucceflc ^ 
 Which we farre off will here abide to vcw. 
 So they him left^ inflamed with wrathfulnefTc^ 
 
 That ftreight againfl that knight his fpcare he did ad- 
 
 (drcffe* 
 
 VVhafccinghimfromfarrcfb fierce toprickc^ 
 His warlike amies about him gan embrace. 
 And in the refl his readie fpeare did flickc 5 
 Tho when as ftill he faw him towards pacc^ 
 He gan rencounter him in equall race. 
 They beneymct ^both readie to affrap. 
 When fuddenly that warrriour gan abace 
 His threatned fpeare, as if fome new milliap 
 
 Had him bctidde^ or hidden daunger did entrap^ 
 
 And cryde^Mercic Sir knight , and mcrcie Lord^ 
 For mine offence and heedleflfe hardiment. 
 That had almoft committed crime abhord. 
 And with reprochfuU ftiame mine honour flient^ 
 Whiles curfcd fleele againfl that badge I bcnt^ 
 The facred badge of my Redeemers death^ 
 Which on your fhield is fct for ornament : 
 But his fierce foe his fteede could flay vneadi. 
 
 Who prickt with courageiccnc,did cruel! battcll breath. 
 
 But
 
 amJ. FAERIE QVEENE. i^y 
 
 But when he heard him fpeake ^ ftreigh t way he knew 
 His error ^ and himfclfc inclyning fayd ; 
 Ahdeare Sir ^«)'(7»3 well becommethyou^ 
 But me bchoiicth rather to vpbrayd, 
 VVhofc haftie hand fo farrc from reafon ftrayd^ 
 That almoft it did haynous-violence 
 On thatfaire image of that heauenlyMayd^ 
 That decks and armes your fhield with faire defence : 
 
 Your court'fie takes on you anothers due offence. 
 
 So bene they both attonc, and doen vpreare 
 Their beuers bright, each other for to greete j 
 Goodly comportance each to other beare3 
 And entertaine themfelues with court'fies meet. 
 Then faid the Redcroffe knight ^ Now mote I weet. 
 Sir Guyon^ why with (b fierce faliauncc^ 
 And fell intent ye did at card me meet ; 
 For fith I know your goodly gouernauncc. 
 
 Great caufe, Iwcenc^you guided ^or fomc vncouth 
 
 (chauncc, 
 
 Certes (faid he) well mote I fhame to tell 
 The fond encheafbn , that me hither led, 
 Afalfc infamous faitour late befell 
 Me for to meet, that feemed ill beftcdj 
 And playnd of grieuous outrage, which he red 
 A knight had vyrought againft a Ladie gent 5 
 Which to auenge, he to this place me led. 
 Where you he made the marke of his intent. 
 
 And now is flcdj foule rtiame him follow,wherc he went. 
 
 So can he tunic his earneft vnto game. 
 
 Through goodlyhanding and wife temperance. 
 By this his aged guide in prefence came, ^ 
 
 Who foone as on that knight his eye did glance^ 
 
 N 3
 
 1^6 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cafft.I. 
 
 Eft fooncs of him had pcrfeft cognizancCj 
 Sithhimin Faerie court he late auizd; 
 Andfaidjfairefbmic, God giiieyou happie chance. 
 And riiat dcare Croflc vpon your fhield deuizd^ 
 Wherewith aboue all knights yc goodly fecmc aguizd. 
 
 loy may you haue, and c ucrlafting fame^ 
 
 Of late moft hard atchieu'ment by you donne^ 
 
 For which enrolled is your glorious name 
 
 In heauenly Regifters aboue the Sunne, 
 
 Where you a Saint with Saints your feat haue wonne? 
 
 But wretched we^ where ye haue leftyour markcj 
 
 Muft now anew begin^ like race to runne ; 
 
 God guide thee, Gup/^^wtH to end thy warkc. 
 
 And to the wifhcd hauen bring thy weary barkc. 
 
 Palmer, (him anfwered the ReJcroJfehilght) 
 
 His be the praife, that this atchieu'ment wrought. 
 Who made my hand the organ of his might 5 
 More then goodwill to me attribute nought: 
 For all I did 5 1 did but as I ought. 
 Butyou^faire Sir^whofe pageant next cnfcwcs. 
 Well mote yee thee, as well can wifh your thought. 
 That home ye may report thefe happionewes ; 
 
 For well ye worthie bene for worth and gentle thcwcs.. 
 
 So courteous conge both did giuc and take, 
 
 VVith right hands plighted , pledges of good will. 
 Then Guy off forward gan his voyage make. 
 With his blacke Palmer, that him guided ftill* 
 Still he him guided ouer dale and hill. 
 And with his ftecdie ftaffe did point his way :. 
 His race with reafbn,and with words-his will^ 
 From foule intemperance he oft did flay. 
 
 And fuifre d not in wrath his haftie fteps to ftray.
 
 C4nU. FAERIE QVEENE. 1^7 
 
 In this fairc wizc they traueild longyfcrc. 
 
 Through many hard affayes^ which did betide ^ 
 
 Of which he honour ftill away did bcarc^ 
 
 And fpred his glorie through all countries wide. 
 
 At laft as chaunft them by a foreft fide 
 
 To pafle, for fuccour from the fcorching ray. 
 
 They heard a rueful! voice^ that dearnly cridc 
 
 With percingfhriekes^ and many a doIefuU lay 5 
 
 Which to attend^ a while their forward ftcps they ftay. 
 
 Butifthatcareleflehcau€ns(quoth fhe) defpife 
 The doome of iuft reucn ge^ and take delight 
 To fee fad pageants of mens miferies. 
 As bound by them to Hue in liues de(pight3 
 Vet can they not warne death from wretched wight. 
 Come then jCome foone^come {weeteft death to mec. 
 And take away this long lent loathed light : 
 Sharpe be thy wounds, but Iweet the medicines bee. 
 
 That long captiucd foulcs from wcarie thraldomc free. 
 
 But thou^fweet Babe, whom frowning froward fate 
 Hath made fad witneflc of thy fathers fall, 
 Sith heauen thee deignes to hold in lining ftatc. 
 Long maift thou liue, and better thriuc withall. 
 Then to thy luckleflc parents did befall : 
 Liue thou, and to thy mother dead attcft. 
 That cleare fhe dide from blemilh criminall; 
 Thy litle hands cmbrewd in blcedingtreft 
 
 Loe I for pledges leaue . So giue me leaue to reft. 
 
 With that a deadly iTiriekc fhe forth did throw. 
 That through the wood rcecchoed againc, 
 And after gaue a grone ib dccpc and low, 
 Thatfeemd her tender heart was rcntintwainc, 
 
 N 4
 
 1^8 THE II. BOOKE OF THE cm.r. 
 
 Or thrild with point of thorough piercing painc ; 
 As gentle Hynd^ whofe fides with crucll fteelc 
 Through launched/orthher blcedinglife docsrainc 
 Whiles theladpangapprochinglhcdoes feele^ 
 Brayes out her lateft breath^and vp her eyes doth/eclc. 
 
 Which when that warriour heard, difiiiounting ftraidl 
 From his tall Heed, he rullit into the thickc. 
 And foone arriued, where that fad pourtraidt 
 Of death and labour lay^halfe dead, halfe quickc. 
 In whofe white alabafter brcft did ftickc 
 A cruel 1 knife, that made a griefly wound. 
 From which forth gulht a ftreme of gorebloud thick. 
 That all her goodly garments ftaind around. 
 
 And into a dcepe fanguine dide the graflie ground. 
 
 PittifuU fpeftacle of deadly fmart, 
 
 Befide a bubbling fountaine low fhc lay. 
 Which fhe increafed with her bleeding hart. 
 And the cleane wanes with purple gold did ray 5 
 Als in her lap a louely babe did play 
 His cruell fport, \n ftead of forrow dew ; . 
 For in her ftreaming blood he did embay 
 His litle hands, and tender ioynts embrew 5 
 
 PitifuU fpedacle, aseuer eye didview. 
 
 Befides them both, vpon the foiled gras 
 
 The dcadcotfe of an armed knight was fpred, 
 Whofe armour all with bloud belprinckled was ; 
 His ruddie lips did fmile, and roly red 
 Did paint his chearefuU checkes, yet being ded^ 
 Seemd tohauebcenea goodly perfonage. 
 Now in his frefheft flowre of luftie hed. 
 Fit to inflame faire Lady with loues rage, 
 
 But that fiers fate did crop the bloflbme of his age. 
 
 Whom
 
 cant. I. FAERIE QVEENE. 199 
 
 Whom when the good Sir Guyon did behold. 
 His hart gan wexe as ftarke, as marble ftone. 
 And his trefhbloud did frieze with fearefullcold. 
 That all his fenfes feemd bereft attone. 
 At laft his mightie ghoft gan deepe to grone. 
 As Lyon grudging in his great difdaine, 
 Mournes inwardly, and makes to himfelfe mone; 
 Till ruth and fraile affedion did conftraine, 
 
 His ftout courage to ftoupe^and (hew his inward paine. 
 
 Out of her gored wound the cruell fteele 
 
 He lightly fiiatchtjand did the floudgate flop 
 With his faire garment : then gan foftly feele 
 Her feeble pulk, to proue if any drop 
 Of liuingblbud yet in her veynes did hops 
 Which when he felt to mouc , he hoped fairc 
 To call backe life toher forfaken fhop y 
 So wellhc didher deadly wounds repaire. 
 
 That at the laft (lie gan to breath out liuing aire. 
 
 Whichheperceiuing greatly gan reioice. 
 And goodly counfcll, that for wounded hart 
 Is meeteftmedcinc, tcmpredwith fwect voice j 
 Ay me, deare Lady, which the im age art 
 Of ruefuUpitie, and impatient fmart^ 
 What direfuU chance, armd with reuenging fate. 
 Or curfed hand hath plaid this cruell part. 
 Thus fowle to haften your vntimely date 5 
 
 Speakc,0 deare Lady fpeakc:help neuer comes too latc- 
 
 Therewith her dtm cie-lids fhc vp gan reare. 
 On which the drcry de ath did lit, as fad 
 As lump of lead,and made darke clouds appcarc; 
 But when as him all in bright armour clad
 
 200 THE II. BOOKE OF THE dntl. 
 
 Before her ftanding Hie cfpied had. 
 As one out of a deadly drcame affright. 
 She weakely ftartcd, yet llie nothing drad : 
 Streight downe againe her fclfe in great defpight. 
 She groueling threw to ground^as hatinglife and light. 
 
 The gentle knight her foone with carcfull painc 
 Vplifted light, and foftly did vphold ; 
 
 /^ Thrife he her reard, and thrife llie funke againe. 
 Till he his amies about her fides gan fold. 
 And to her faid 5 Yet if the ftony cold 
 Hauc not all (eized on your frozen hart, 
 Let one word fall that may your griefe vnfbid. 
 And tell the fecret of your mortall finart 5 
 
 He oft finds prefent helpc, who does his griefe impart. 
 
 Then cafting vp a deadly looke, full low, 
 
 Shee fight from bottome ofhcr wounded breft^ 
 And after, many bitter throbs did throw 
 With lips full pale and foltring tongue oppreft, 
 Thefe words fhe breathed forth from riucn cheft; 
 Leaue, ah leaue off, what euer wight thou bee. 
 To let a wearie wretch from her dew reft. 
 And trouble dying foules tranquilitce. 
 
 Take not away now got,which none would giuc to mc. 
 
 Ah farrc be it (faid he) Deare dame fro mec. 
 To hinder foule from her defired reft, 
 
 tj: Or hold fad life in long captiuitee : 
 For all I feeke,is but to haue rcdreft 
 The bitter pangs , that doth your heart infeft. 
 Tell then, 6 Lady tell , what fatall pricfc 
 Hath with fb huge misfortune you oppreft ? 
 That I may caft to compafTe your reliefe. 
 
 Or die with you in forrowj and partake your griefe. 
 
 With
 
 Cm.L FAERIE QVEENE, 201 
 
 With feeble hands then ftretched forth on hyc. 
 As heaiien accufing guiltic of her death. 
 And with dry drops congealed in her eye. 
 In thefe fad words fhe fpent her vtmoft breath : 
 Hearc then, 6 man,theforrowes thatvncath 
 My tongue can tell^, fo farre all fenfe they pas : 
 Loe this dead corpfcjthat liesherevnderneath. 
 The gentleft knight, that euer on grcene gras (was» 
 
 Cay ftccd with fpurs didpricke,^the good Sir Mortdant 
 
 Was, (ay the while, thai he is not (b now ) 
 
 My Lord my louc \ my dcare Lord, my deare louc,, 
 So long as heauens iuft with equall brow, 
 Vouchfafcd to behold vs from aboue. 
 One day when him high courage did emmouc. 
 As wont ye knights to fceke aduentures wilde. 
 He pricked forth, his puiflant forcetofrouCj, 
 Me then he left enwombed'of this child. 
 
 This luckleflc child^^whom thu$ ye fee with bloud defild^ 
 
 Him fortuned (hard fortune ye may gheffc J 
 To come, where vile Acrdjia does wonne^ 
 JcraJiA a falfi enchauntereflc,. 
 That many errant knights hath foule fordonnc t 
 Within a wandring Ifland, that doth ronnc 
 And ftray in perilous gulfe3her dwelling is, 
 
 . Faire Sir^ if euer there ye traucll, fhonne 
 The curfed land where many wend amis, 
 
 Andknow it by tlicnames it hight the Bomcofblu. 
 
 Her blifle is all in pleafure and delight. 
 
 Wherewith fhe makes her louers drunken mad, . 
 And then with words & wccdes of wondrous mighty 
 On them fhc workcs her will to vfes bad :.
 
 202 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CMtl, 
 
 My lifcft Lord fhc thus beguiled had ; 
 For he was flcfh : ( all flclli doth frailtie breed.) 
 Whom when I heard to beene fo ill bcftad, 
 Weake wretch I wrapt my felfe in Palmers wecd^ 
 
 And cad to feeke him forth through daunger and great 
 
 (dreed. 
 
 Now had faire Cynthia by euen tournes 
 Full meafured three quarters of her yearCj 
 And thrife three times had fild her crooked homes^ 
 Whcnas my wombe her burdein would forbeare^ 
 And bad me call Lucina to me neare. 
 Luc'tm came : a manchild forth I brought : (wcarc. 
 The woodsj the N)^mphes3 my bowresjmy midwiues 
 Hard helpe at need. So dearc thee babe I bought. 
 
 Yet nought too deare I deemd,while fb my dear I fought. 
 
 Him fo I fought, and fo at laft I found. 
 
 Where him that witch had thralled to her will, ' 
 
 In chaines of luft and lewd defires ybound. 
 
 And fo transformed from his former skill. 
 
 That me he knew not , neither his owne ill 5 
 
 Till through wife handling and faire gouernancc, 
 
 I him recured to a better will^ 
 
 Purged from drugs of foule intemperance : 
 
 Then meanes I gan deuife for his dcliuerance. 
 
 Which when the vile Enchaunterefie percciu d. 
 How that my Lord from her I would repriue , 
 With cup thus charmd, him parting flie deceiu'd^ 
 Sad verfty g'me death to him that dcAth doesgme^ 
 And lojfe of loue , to her that loues to liue^ 
 So foone a<s Bacchus with the Nymphe does lincke^ 
 So parted we and on our iourney driuc. 
 Till comming to this well, he ftoupt to drinckc : 
 
 The charme fulfild. dead fuddenly he downc did fincke. 
 
 Which
 
 cm.l. IFAERJE .QVEENE. 203 
 
 Which when I wretch. Not one word more fhc fayd 
 But breaking ofF^ the end for want of breathy 
 And flyding foft3 as downc to fleepe her layd, 
 And ended all her woe in quiet death. 
 That leeing good Sir Guyon^ could vneath 
 From teares abftaine, for griefe his hart did gratCj 
 And from fo heauie fight his head did wreath^ 
 Accufing fortune, and too cruell fate. 
 
 Which plunged had faire Ladie in fo wretched flate* 
 
 Tlicn turning to his Palmer faid. Old fyrc 
 . Behold the image of mortalitie. 
 And feeble nature clothed with flefhly tyrc^ 
 When raging paffion with fierce tyrannic 
 . Robs reafon of her due regalitie , 
 And makes it fcruant to her bafcft part: 
 The ftrong it weakens with infirmitie. 
 And with bold furic armcs the weakefl: hart; 
 
 The ftrong through plcafiire fooncft falles , the wcakc 
 
 (through finart^ 
 
 But temperance (faid he ) with golden fquirc 
 Betwixt them both can meafure out a meanc. 
 Neither to melt in plcafures whot defire. 
 Nor fiy in hartlcflc gricfc and doleful! teene. 
 Thrilc happie man, who fares them both atwecner ^ 
 But fith this wretched woman ouercomc 
 Of anguifii, rather then of crime hath becne, 
 Referue her caufe to her eternall doome. 
 
 And in die meanc vouchfafc her honorable toombe*. 
 
 Palmer (quoth he) death is an eirilldoomc 
 To good and bad, the common Inne of reft;. 
 But after death the try all is to come. 
 When bcft (ball be to them^ that liucd beft ;
 
 204 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CMti] 
 
 But both alike , when death hath both fupprcft^ 
 Religious reuercnce dothburiall teene. 
 Which who fo wants^ wants fo much of his reft : 
 For all fo great fhame after death I wcenc, 
 Asfelfeto dyenbadjVnburiedbadto bccnc. 
 
 So both agree their bodies to engrauc ; 
 
 The great earthes wombe they open to the sky^ 
 
 And with fad Cypreffe feemely it embraue. 
 
 Then couering with a clod their clofed eye^ 
 
 They lay therein thofe corfes tenderly. 
 
 And bid them fleepc in euerlafting peace. 
 
 But ere they did their vtmoft obfcquy. 
 
 Sir Guyon more affeftion to increace, . , / 
 
 Bynempt a facred vow, which none fhould aye rcle'acc* 
 
 The dead knights fwordout of his (heath he drew. 
 With which he cut a locke of all their hcarc. 
 Which medling with their bloud and earth, he threw 
 Into the graue , and gan de uoutly fweare j 
 Such and fuch cuill Godon Guyon reare. 
 And worfe and worfc young Qrphanc be thy painc. 
 If I or thou dew vengeance doc forbeare. 
 Till guiltie bloud her guerdon doe obtaine : ' 
 
 So (bedding many tcarcs, they clofd the earth againc. 
 
 CANT. 
 
 
 :^^
 
 Ctnt.u: FAERIE QVEENE. 205 
 
 Cant. Ih 
 
 «ggw ^nhes hlopidie hands may not he clenfdy gv;^ 
 
 ^{^ thefaceofgQldtnMeane, *^^'^ 
 
 ^^j Her ftfters two Extremities: m0 
 
 ^fe firifiehertobamfhcieane. ^:^ 
 
 THus when Sir GuyonWixh his faithful! guide 
 Had with due rites and dolorous lament 
 The end of their fad Tragedie vptyde^, 
 The litle babe vp in his armes he hent ; 
 Who with fweet pleafance and bold blandilTiment 
 Can fmyle on them , that rather ought to weepe. 
 As careleflfe of his woe, or innocent 
 Of that was doen^that ruth emperced deepc (ftccpe* 
 In that knights heart ^and wordes with bitter teares did 
 
 Ah lucklefTe babe, borne vnder cruell ftarrc. 
 And in dead parents balefull aflies bred. 
 Full litle weeneft thou, what forrowes arc 
 Left thee for portion of thy liuelihed, 
 Poore Orphane in the wide world fcattcred. 
 As buddingbraunch rent from the natiue trcc^ 
 And throwen forth , till it be withered : 
 Such is the ftate of men ; thu^cnter wee 
 
 Into this life with woe, and end with miferec. 
 
 Then foft himfelfe inclyning on his knee 
 
 Downe to that well, did in the water weenc 
 /; VSoloue does loath difdainfull nicitee). .^^^v !a 1 1 
 1 Hisguiltichaiidsfrombloudiegorctocleenc*
 
 io6 THE 11. BOOKE OF THE CmLU. 
 
 He wafiit them oft and oft^ yet nought they bccnc 
 For all his wafhing cleaner. Still he ftroiic^ 
 Yet ftill the litlc hands were bloudie Icenc ; 
 The which hiip into great amaz'ment drouc. 
 And into diucrfe doubt his wauering wonder clouc. 
 
 He wift not whether blot of foule ofFencc 
 
 Might not be purgd with water nor with bath ; 
 
 Or that high God, in lieu of innocence. 
 
 Imprinted had that token of his wrath. 
 
 To Hie w how fore bloudguiltinefic he hat*th ; 
 
 Or that the charme and venim , which they drunckc^ 
 
 Their bloud with fecret filth infedcd hath. 
 
 Being diffufed through the fenfelcfle trunckc, 
 
 That through the great contagion direfull deadly ftunck. 
 
 Whom thus at gaze, the Palmer gan to bord 
 With goodly reaion, and thus faire befpakc 5 
 Ye bene right hard amated, gratious Lord, 
 And of your ignorance great maruell make. 
 Whiles caufe not well concci ued ye miftake. 
 But know, that fecret vertues are infufd 
 In euery fountaine, and in cuery lake. 
 Which who hath skilt them rightly to hauc chufcl. 
 
 To proofe of paffing wonders hath full often vfd. 
 
 Of thofe fbmc were Co from their fourfe indewd 
 By great Dame Nature,from whofe fruitful! pap 
 Their welheads fpriiigjand are with moifturc deawdj 
 Which feedcs each lining plant with liquid fap. 
 And fiUes with flowres faire Floraes paintedlap : 
 But other fome by gift of later grace, 
 Or by good prayers, or by other hap, 
 Had vertue pourd into their waters baee, ( placed 
 
 And thenceforth were rcnowmd j& (ought froni place to 
 
 Such
 
 CAnt.lI. FAERIE QVEENE. 207 
 
 Such is this wcll^ wrought by occafion ftraungc^ 
 Which to her Nymph befell. Vpon a day. 
 As fhe the woods with bow and fbafts did raungc 
 The hartlefleHind and Robucke to difmay^ 
 Van Tmnm chaunft to meet her by the way. 
 And kindling fire at her faire burning eye. 
 Inflamed was to follow beauties chace. 
 And chacedher^ thatfaft from himdid fly; 
 
 As Hind from her,fo fhe fled from her enimy. 
 
 At laft when fayling breath began to faint. 
 And faw no meanes to (cape, of fhame affrayd. 
 She (ct her downc to wecpc for (ore conftraint. 
 And to BtAnA calling lowd for aydc. 
 Her dcare befought, to let her dye a mayd. 
 The goddeflfe heard, and fuddeine where ilie fate. 
 Welling out (Ireames of teares, and quite difmayd 
 With ftony feare of that rude r uftick mate, 
 
 Transformd her to a ftonc from ftedfaft virgins ftatc. 
 
 Lo now fhe is that ftone,from thofc two heads. 
 As from two weeping eyes, frelTi (Ireames do flow 
 Yet cold through feare, and old concciued dreads j 
 And yet the (lone her (emblance (cemes to fhow 
 Shapt like a maid, that fuch ye may her know ; 
 And yet her vertues in her water byde : 
 For it is chaft and pure, as pureft fiiow, 
 Ne lets her waues with any filth he dyde. 
 
 But euer like her (clfc vnftained hath beenc trydc. 
 
 From thence it comes, that this babes bloudy hand 
 May not be clcnfd with water ofthis well ; 
 Ne ccrtes Sir ftriue you it to withftand. 
 But let them ftill be bloudy, as befell, 
 
 O
 
 2o8 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cdnt.Il. 
 
 That they his mothers innocence may tell. 
 As file bcqiieathd in her laft teftament ; 
 That as a facredSymbole it may dwell 
 In her fonnes flefh , to mindc reuengcmcnt. 
 And be for all chaft Dames an cndlcfTc monimcnt. 
 
 He hcarkncd to his reafon, and the childc 
 Vptaking, to the Palmer gaue to bearc ; 
 But his fad fathers armes with blond defildc^ 
 An heauie load himfelfe did lightly rcarc j 
 And turning to that place, in which whylearc 
 He left his loftie fteed with golden fell. 
 And goodly gorgeous barbes, him found not thcarc. 
 By other accident that earft befell. 
 
 He is conuaide^but how or whcre^here fits not tell. 
 
 Which when Sir Cuyon faw, all were he wroth. 
 Yet algates mote he foft himfelfe appeafc , 
 And fairely fare on foot, how euer loth 5 
 His double burden did him fore difeafe. 
 So long they traueiled with litle eafc. 
 Till that at laft they to a Caftle came. 
 Built on a rocke adioyning to the feas. 
 It was an auncient worke of antique fame. 
 
 And wondrous ftrong by naturc,and by skilful! frame. 
 
 Therein three fifters dwelt of fundry fort. 
 The children of one fire by mothers three; 
 Who dying whylome did diuide this fort 
 To them by equall fharcs in equall fee : 
 But ftrifuU minde, and diuerfe qualitec 
 Drew them in parts, and each made others foe : 
 Still did they ftriue, and dayly difagree ; 
 The eldcft did againft the voungeft goc, 
 
 And both asainft dicmiddcUmcantto workcn woe.
 
 CantJl. FAERIE QVEENE. 20^ 
 
 Where when the knight arriu*d3hcwas right well 
 Receiu'dj as knight of fb much worth became^ 
 Of fecond fifter^ who did far excell 
 The other two ; LMedins was her name, 
 A fober fad, and comely curtcous Dame ; 
 Who rich arayd, and yet in modeft guizc. 
 In goodly garments, diat her well became, 
 Faire marchingforth in honorable wize. 
 
 Him at the thrcfhold met, and well did enterprizc. 
 
 She led him vp into a goodly bowre. 
 
 And comely courted with meet modcftic, 
 Ne in her fpeach, ne in her hauiour. 
 Was lightnefTe fecne, or loofer vanide. 
 But gratious womanhood, and grauitie , 
 Aboue the reafbn of her youthly yea res : 
 Her golden lockes fhc roundly did vptyc 
 In bre aded tramels, that no loofer heares 
 
 Did out of order ftray about her daintie earcs. 
 
 Whilell flie her fclfe thus bufily did frame, 
 Se emely to entertaine her new-come gueft, 
 Newes nereof to her other fillers came , 
 Who all this while were at their wanton reft, 
 Accourting each her friend with lauilTi feft : 
 They were two knights of perelefte puiflfancc. 
 And famous far abroad for warlike gefl. 
 Which to thefe Ladies loue did countenaunce. 
 
 And to his miftrefTe each himfelfc ftroue to aduauncc. 
 
 He that made loue vnto the cidcfl: Dame, 
 Washight Sir Huddibras^ an hardy man ; 
 Yet not fo goodof deedcs, as great of namc^ 
 Which he by many ralli aducntures wan^ 
 
 O 2
 
 210 THE II. BOOKE OF THE cm.ll. 
 
 Since errant armes to few he firft began ; 
 More huge in flrength, then wife in workes he was^ 
 And rcafon with foole-hardize oner ran; 
 Sterne melancholy did his courage pas^ 
 And was for terrour more^all armd in iTiyning bras. 
 
 But he that lou'd the youngeft, was Sans-/ojf, 
 He that faire rpja late fowle outraged^ 
 The moft vnruly, and the boldeft boy^ 
 That euer warlike weapons menaged^ 
 And to all lawlefle luft encouraged. 
 Through ftrong opinion of his matchleflc might: 
 Ne ought he car'd, whom he endamaged 
 By tortious wrong, or whom bereau'd of right. 
 
 He now this Ladies champion chofc for louc tafight* 
 
 "^ Thefe two gay knights, vowd to fo diuerfc loues^ 
 Each other does enuie with deadly hate. 
 And dayly warre againfthis foeman moues. 
 In hope to win more fauour with his mate^ 
 And th'othe rs pleafing feruice to abate. 
 To magnific his ownc . But when they heard,. 
 How in that place ftraunge knight arriued late. 
 Both knights and Ladies forth right angry far'd^ 
 And fiercely vnto battell fternc themfelues prepared. 
 
 But ere they could proceede vnto the place. 
 Where he abode, themfelues at difcord fell^, 
 And cruell combat ioynd in middle fpace : 
 With horrible affault, and furie fell. 
 They heapt huge ftrokcs, the fcorned life to quell^ 
 That all on vprore from her fettled feat. 
 The houfe was rayfd, and all that in did dwell ; 
 Seemd that lowde thunder with amazement great 
 
 Bid rend the ratling skyes witia flames of fouldring hear* 
 
 The
 
 .C4/f/.//. FAERIE QVEENE, 2u 
 
 The noyfethcrcof calth forth that ftraungcr knight 
 To wectj what dreadful! thing was there in hand ; 
 Where when as two braue knights in bloiidy fight 
 With deadly rancour he enraunged fond^ 
 His funbroad fliield about his wreft he bond^ 
 And iTiyning blade vnfheathd, with which he ran 
 Vnto that ftead, their ftrife to vnderftond j 
 And at his firft arriuall^ them began 
 
 With goodly meanes to pacifie^ well as he can. 
 
 But they him fpying, both with greedy forfe 
 
 Attonce vpon him ran^ and him befet 
 
 With ftrokes ofmortall ftecle without rcmorfc 
 
 And on his fhield like yron fledges bet : 
 
 As whena Beare and Tygre being met 
 
 In cruell fight on lybicke Ocean wide^ 
 
 Efpye a traueiler with feet furbet^ 
 
 Whom they in equall pray hope to deuidc^ 
 They ftint their ftrife^ and him aflaile on euery fide. 
 
 But he, not like a wearie traueilerc. 
 
 Their (harpe aflault right bloudy did rebut. 
 And {iiffred not their blowes to byte him nerCj 
 But with redoubled buffes them backe did put : 
 Whofe grieued mindes, which choler did engUit, 
 Againft themfelues turning their wrathfull fpight, 
 Gan withnew rage their lliields to hew and cut ; 
 But ftill when Guyon came to part their fight. 
 
 With heauie load on him they frefUy gan to Ciiight. 
 
 As a tall (hip tofled in troublous (cas. 
 
 Whom raging windes threatning to make the pray 
 Of the rough rockes, do diuerfly difeafe, 
 Meetes two^comcary biliowes by (^cway^ 
 
 ^ /«
 
 212 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Csnt.It. 
 
 That her on either fide do fore aflay. 
 And boaft to fwallow her in greedy graue ; (way. 
 She fcoming both their fpights^docs make wide 
 And with her breft breaking the fomy wauc, ^"^^ 
 Does ride on both their backs,& fairc her fclfc doth faiic. 
 
 So boldly he himbeares^and rufhcth forth 
 Bctvveene them both, by condudl of his blade* 
 Wondrous great prowefle and heroick worth 
 He Ihewd that day , and rare enfample made. 
 When two fo mighty warriours he difmade ; 
 Attonce he wards and ftrikes, he takes and payes. 
 Now forft to yield, now forcing to inuadc. 
 Before, behind, and round about him layes : 
 
 So double was his paincs, fo double be his prayfe. 
 
 Straunge fort of fight,three valiaunt knights to fee 
 Three combats ioyne in one, and to darrainc 
 A triple warrc with triple enmitee, 
 All for their Ladies froward loue to gainc. 
 Which gotten was but hate . So lone does rainc 
 In ftouteft minds, and maketh monftrous warrc s 
 He maketh warre, he maketh peace againc, 
 Andyct his peace is but continuall iarre ; 
 
 O miferable men, that to him fubied arrc. 
 
 Whilftthus they mingled were in furiousarmcs. 
 The faire LMedma with her treffes tornc. 
 And nakedbreft, in pitty of their harmes, 
 Emongft them ran, and falling them bcfornc, 
 Bcfought them by the wombjwiiich them had born^. 
 And by the loues,which were to them moft dearc. 
 And by the knighthood,which they furc had-fivjonic. 
 Their deadly cruell difcordito forbcarc, . , : ? :> : : r I - \ 
 
 And to her iuft conditionsof fairc peace to hcarc. 
 
 But
 
 qm.lt. FAERIE QVEENE. 213 
 
 But her two other fiftcrs Handing by^ 
 
 Her lowd gainfaid^and both their champion bad 
 
 Purfew the end of their ftrong enmity^ 
 
 As euer of their loiics they would be glad. 
 
 Yet fhc with pitthy words and counfell fad. 
 
 Still ftroue their ftubborne rages to reuoke. 
 
 That at the laft fuppreiling fury mad3 
 
 They gan abftaine from dint of direful] ftroke 
 
 And hearken to the fober fpeaches^ which ftie ipokc. 
 
 Ah puiflaunt Lords, what curfed euill Sprigh t. 
 Or fell Erinnys in your noble harts. 
 Her hellifh brond hath kindled with defpight. 
 And ftird you vp to worke your wilfull finarts? 
 Is this the ioy of armes ? be theft the parts 
 Of glorious knighthood,after bloud to thruft^ 
 And not regard dew right and iufl defarts ? 
 Vaine is the vaunt, and vidory vniuft. 
 
 That more to mighty hads3the rightful! cauft doth truft. 
 
 And were their rightfall cauft of difference. 
 Yet were not better, faire it to accord. 
 Then with bloud guiltnefft to heape offence. 
 And mortall vengeaunce ioyne to crime abhord? 
 O fly from wrath, fiiy, O my licfeft Lord ; 
 Sad be the fights, and bitter fruits of warre. 
 And thoufand furies wait on wrathfull fword 5 
 Nc ought the prayft of prowefTe more doth marre. 
 
 Then fowle reucnging rage,and baft contentious iarrc. 
 
 But louely concordj'and mofl facred peace 
 
 Doth nourifh vertue,and faft friendfliip breeds ; 
 Weake ilie makes flrog, & flrog thing docs increacCj 
 . ■ .Till it,the pilch of higheil prayft exceeds:
 
 214 THE 11 EOOKE Ot tHE Cm.IA 
 
 Braue be her vr^rrcs, and honorable decds^ '*' 
 
 By which fhe triuinphcs ouer if c and pride. 
 And vvinnes an Oliue girlond for her meeds : 
 Be therefore, O my dcare Lords ^ pacifide. 
 And this mifleeming difcbrd mcekely lay afidc. 
 
 Her gracious wordes their rancour did appall. 
 And funcke fodccpc into their boyling brefts. 
 That dovvne they let their cr uell weapons fall. 
 And lowly did abafe their loftie crefts 
 To her feirc prefencc , and difcrete behefts. 
 Then fhe began a treatie to procure, 
 And ftabliili termes betwixt both their rcqucfts^ 
 That as a law for euer fhouM endure 5 
 
 Which to obfcrue in word of knights they did afliirc, 
 
 VVhich to confirme3 and faft to bind their league. 
 After their wearie fweat andbloudy toilc,. 
 Shcthembefought,duringthcirquiettrcaguc^ 
 Into her lodging to repaire a while. 
 To reft theitifelues, and grace to reconcile- 
 They foone confent: fo forth with her they fare. 
 Where they are well rcceiu'd,and made to fpoilc 
 Themfelues of foiled armes, and to prepare 
 
 Their minds to pleafure^Sc their mouthcs to dainty fare. 
 
 And thofe two froward fifters3their faire loues 
 
 Came with them ekc^all were they wondrous lotb^^, 
 
 Andfained cheare,as for the time beboue^^ 
 
 But could not colour yet fo well the troth. 
 
 But that their natures bad apptaird Aiboth: ' 'fT 
 
 For both did at their fecond fifter grutch, 
 
 And inly grieue,as doth an hidden moth 
 
 The innergarmcnt fret, not thVtter touchf (mutch. 
 
 One thought their cheare too litle^ th*other thought too
 
 CMnKtI. TAERIE aVEENE. 215 
 
 £///&(fo the cldcft hight) did decmc 
 
 Such entertainment bafe, ne ought would cat^ 
 
 Nc ought would fpeakcjbut eucrmorcdid fcemc 
 
 As difcontent for want of merth or meat \ 
 
 No folace could her Paramour intrcat 
 
 Her once to fhow^ ne court^ nor dalliance. 
 
 But with bent lowring browes, as fne would threat. 
 
 She fcould^and frownd with froward countenaunce^ 
 
 Vnworthy of faire Ladies comely gouernaunce. 
 
 But young Pefiffi was of other mind. 
 
 Full of difport, ftill laughing, loolely lights 
 And quite contrary to her fifters kind , 
 Nomeafure in her mood, no ruleofright, ^ 
 But poured out in pleaftire and delight ; 
 In wine and meats fhe flowd aboue the bancke^ 
 And in excefle exceeded her owne might ; 
 In fumptuou^ tire fhe ioyd her ielfe to prancke. 
 
 But of her loue too lauifli(litle haue fhe thancke.) 
 
 Brft by her fide did fit the bold Sans-loyy 
 Fit mate for fuch a mincing mineon, 
 Who in her loofeneffe tookc exceeding ioy 5 
 Might not be found a franker franion , 
 Of her lewd parts to make companion ; 
 But Huddihra^t more like a Malecontent, 
 Did fee and grieue at his bold fafhion J 
 Hardly could he endure his hardiment. 
 
 Yet ftill he fat ^ and inly did him felfe torment* 
 
 Betwixt them both the hxxcCHcdim fate 
 With fober grace, and goodly carriagcv * 
 With equall meafurc llic did moderate 
 The ftrongextremiuesoi their outrage y ^ 

 
 Zi& THE II. BOOKE OF THE CMfff.I/^ 
 
 That forward pairc fhc ciicr would aflvvagc^ 
 When they would ftriue dew reafba to exceed; 
 But that fame froward twaine would accouragej 
 And of hcjr pl^^ty adde vnto their need : : 
 So kept fhc them in order^ and her fclfc in heed. 
 
 Thus fairely flic attempered her fcaft. 
 And plcafd them all with meete latietic^ 
 At laft when luft of meat and drinke was ceaft^ 
 She Gftyoff deare befought of curtefie^ 
 To tell from whence he camcthrough ieopardie^ 
 And whither now on new aduenture bound. 
 Who with bold grace, and comely granitic^ , 
 Drawing to him the eyes of all around, , / 
 
 From lofty fiegc began thcfc words aloud to found. , 
 
 This thy demaund, 6 Lady, doth rcuiuc 
 Frerfi memory in me of that great Queenc, 
 Grcjat and moft glorious virgin Qucene aliuc. 
 That with her foueraigne powre, and fceptcr ihenc 
 All Faery lond does peaceable fuftenc. 
 In wideft Ocean flie her throne does rearc. 
 That Quer all the earth it may be fecnc ; 
 As morning Sunne her beamcs dilpreddcn clearc. 
 
 And in her face faire peace, and mercy doth appearc. 
 
 • •■');•:;■;•'■■, • - 
 
 In her the richc fle of all heauenly grace. 
 
 In chiefe degree arc heaped vp on hye: 
 
 And all thajt clfe tjiis worlds enclofure bacc^ ^ j > 
 
 Hath great or glorious in mortall eye. 
 
 Adornes the perfon of her Maieftic , 
 
 That men beholding fo great excellence. 
 
 And rare perfection in mortalitie. 
 
 Do her adore with jacred rcucrcncc. 
 As di'Idolc of her makers great magnificetlcc. 
 
 To
 
 dnull. FAERIE OyEENE. ^17 
 
 To her I homage and my feruicc owe^ 
 
 In number of the nobleft knights on ground, 
 Mongft whom on me fhc deigned to beftowc 
 Order oitMnjAenhed^ the moft renownd. 
 That may this day in all the world be found. 
 An yearcly Iblcmne feaft ihe wontes to make 
 The day that firft doth lead the yeare around 5 
 To which all knights of worth and courage bold 
 
 Refort, to heare of Itraungc aducntures to be told. 
 
 There this old Palmer fnewedhiriifelfe that day. 
 And to that^iighty Princeffe did complainc 
 Of grieuousmifchiefcs.whkha wicked Fay 
 ' Hadwrought,andmany whelmd in deadly painc. 
 Whereof hecrau'd redrefle .My Soueraine, 
 VVTiofe glory is in gracious deeds, and ioyes . 
 Throughout the world her mercy to maintainCj, 
 
 Eftfoones deuifd redreffe for fuch annoyes , 
 Mc aU vnfit for fo great purpofc (he employes. 
 
 Now hath fairc vhaht with her filuer face 
 
 Thrife fccne the iliadowes of the neathcr world^ 
 
 Sith laft I left that honorable place. 
 
 In which her royall prefenccis introld ; 
 
 Ne euer (hall I reft in houfc nor hold. 
 
 Till I that falfe AcrAfi«' haue wonne ^ 
 
 Of whofe fowlc deedes, too hideous to be told 
 
 I witncflc am, and this their wretched fonne, 
 
 Whofe wofuU parents fee hath wickedly fordonnc.. 
 
 Tellon,faircSir,faid{he,thatdolefulltaIc, ^ 
 From which fad ruth docs feeme you to reftrainc^ 
 That we may pitty fuch vnhappy bale. 
 And Icarne from pleafurcs poyfon to abftainci
 
 ii8 THE 11. BOOKE OF THE CMtMl. 
 
 III by cnfamplc good doth often gaync. 
 Then forward he his purpofe gan purfcw 
 And told the ftorie of the mortal! payne 
 Which LMordam and Amauia did icw ; 
 As with lamenting eyes him fclfc did lately vcw. 
 
 Night was far fpent^ and now in Ocean deepc 
 OriofJy flying faftfrom hiffing fnake^ 
 His flaming head did haflen for to lleepc, 
 W' hen of his pitteous tale he end did make ; 
 Whilcft with delight of that he wifely {pake, 
 Thofe giieftes beguiled/lid beguile thgit eyes 
 Ofkindly fleepe^ that did them ouei take. 
 At laft when they had markt the chaunged skycs. 
 
 They wift their houre was Ipetjthe each to reft him hycs. 
 
 Cant. III. 
 
 S|3 Vaifte BraggadccchwgettwgGuyom ^^ 
 
 ^S horfiumadethefiorne %%i 
 
 ^y Ofkrighthoodtrewyafidi4offp.jre 
 
 K^2, Bclphosbefowleforlorne. 
 
 
 SOonc as the morrow faire with purple beames 
 Dilpcrft tlie fhadowes of the miftic ni^ht. 
 And T/fan playing on the eaftern flreamesy 
 Can cleare the deawy ayre with fprin ging light. 
 Sir Guyon mindful! of his vow yplight, 
 Vprofe from drowfie couch, and him addrcft 
 Vnto the iourney which he hadbehight: 
 His puiflaunt armes abouthis noble brcft, 
 And many-folded fhicid he bound about his wrcft. 
 
 Then
 
 CmUII. faerie QVEENE. 21^ 
 
 Then taking Conge of that virgin purc^ 
 The bloudy-handcd babe vnto her truth 
 Did earneftly commitj and her coniurc^ 
 In vcrtiious lore to traine his tender yoiith^ 
 And all that gentle noriturc enfu'th : 
 
 ' And that fo foone as ryper yeares he raught^ 
 He might for memorieof that dayes rutS^ 
 Be called Ruddymane, and thereby taught^ 
 
 Tauenge his Parets death on them^ that had it wrought^ 
 
 So forth he far'd, as nowbefell^ on foot, 
 
 Sith his good fteed is lately from him gone ;* 
 Patience perforce} helpeleflc what may it boot 
 To fret for anger, or for griefe to mone ? 
 His Palmer now iTiall foot no more alone : 
 So fortune wrought, as vnder greene woods fydc 
 He lately heard that dying Lady gronc. 
 He left his fteed without, and (pearc befydc. 
 
 And r ufhed in on foot to ayd her, ere flie dydc. 
 
 The whiles a lofcU wandring by the way. 
 One that to bountic neuer caft his mind, 
 Ne thought of honour euer did aflay 
 His bafer breft, but in his keftrell kind 
 A pleafing vaine of glory vaine did find. 
 To which his flowing toung, and troublous iprighc 
 Caue him great ayd, and made him more inclind: 
 He that braue fteed there finding ready dight, 
 
 Purloynd both fteed and (pearc, and ran away full ligh t> 
 
 Now gan his hart all fwell in iollitie. 
 
 And of him felfe great hope and hefpe concciu*d^ 
 That puffed vp with finoke of vanitie. 
 And with fclfc-loucd perfonagc deceiu'd,^
 
 220 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cant.lU^ 
 
 He gan to hope^ of men to be receiu'd 
 For liich, as he him thought, or fainc would bec : 
 But for in court gay portaunce hcperceiu'd^ 
 And gallant (hew to be in grcatcft grec^ 
 Eftfoones to court he caft t'auauncc his firft degree. 
 
 And by the way he chaunced to efpy 
 One fitting idle on a funny banckc. 
 To whom auaunting in great brauery. 
 As Peacocke, that his painted plumes doth prancke^ 
 He fmote his courfer in the trembling flanckc^ 
 And to him threatned his hart-thrilling ipeare : 
 The (eely man feeing him rydc fo rancke, 
 And ayme at him, fell flat to ground for feare^ 
 
 And crying Mercy lowd^his pitious hands gan rearc^ 
 
 Thereat the Scarcrow wexcd wondrous prowd^ 
 Through fortune of his firft aduenture faire. 
 And with big thundring voyce reuyld him lowd ; 
 Vile Caytiue^vaflall of dread and defpiirc^ 
 Vnworthie of the commune breadied aire^ 
 Why liueft thou^dead dog, a lengcr day. 
 And doeft not vnto death thy (clfe prcpairc. 
 Dye, or thy felfe my captiuc yield for ay ; 
 
 Great fauour I thee graunt,for aunfwcre thus toftay. 
 
 Hold, 6 dearc Lord,hold your dead-doing hand. 
 Then loud he cryde, I am your humble thralL 
 Ah wretch(quothhe)thy deftinics withftand 
 My wrathful! will, and do for mercy call. 
 I giue thee life : therefore proftrated fall, 
 Andkifle my ftirrup ; diat thy homage bee. 
 The Mifer threw him felfe , as an OfFall, 
 Streight at his foot in bafc humilitec. 
 
 And clcepcd him his liege^ to hold of him in fee. 
 
 So
 
 CAnUll. FAERIE QVEENE. m 
 
 So happy peace they made and f aire accord : 
 
 Eftfooncs this liege-man gan to wexe more bold^ 
 And when he felt the folly of his Lord^ 
 In his ovvnc kind he gan Iiim felfe vnfold ; 
 For he was wylie witted^ and growne old 
 In cunning fleights and pradick knauery. 
 For that day forth he caft for to vphold 
 His idle humour with fine flattery^ 
 
 And blow the bellowes to his fwelling vanity, 
 
 Trompzrt fit man for Braggadochh^ 
 
 To ferue at court in view of vaunting eye ; 
 
 Vaine-glorious man, when fluttring wind docs blow 
 
 In his light win gs, is lifted vp to skye : 
 
 The fcorne ofknighthood and trew cheualryc. 
 
 To thinke without dcfcrt of gentle decd^ 
 
 And noble worth to be aduaunced hye ; 
 
 Such prayft is fhamc ; but honour vertues meed 
 
 Doth bcarc the faireft flowre in honorable feed. 
 
 So forth they pas, a wcllconlbrted pairc. 
 Till that at length with Archimage they meet : 
 Who feeing one that fhonc in armour fairc^ 
 On goodly courier thundring with his fcet^ 
 Eftfoonesfuppoledhim aperfbn meet^ 
 Of his reuenge to make the inftrument : 
 For fince the Redcrojfe knight he earft did weet^ 
 To beene with Guy on knit in one confent^ 
 
 The ill^ which earft to him^ he now to Gnpn mcnt. 
 
 And comming clofc to Trompart gan inquere 
 Of him, what mighty warriour that mote bee^ 
 That rode in golden fell with fingle fpere. 
 But wanted fword to wrcakc his enmitcc^
 
 222 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CantJII. 
 
 He is a great adiientiircr5(faidhc) 
 That hath his fword through hard aflay forgone^ 
 And now hath vowd^ till he auenged bce^ 
 Of that dcfpight, nciicr to wcaren none ; 
 That fpearc is him enough to doen a thoufand gronc. 
 
 Th'enchaunter greatly ioyed in the vaunt. 
 And weened well ere long his will to win. 
 And both his foen with equall foyle to daunt, 
 Tho to him louting lowly^did begin 
 To plaine of wrongs, which had committed bin 
 By Gi4yor3y and by that falfe ^^^rr^^<? knight. 
 Which two through treafbn and deceiptfull gin. 
 Had flaine Sir LMordant^ and his Lady bright: 
 
 That mote him honour win,to wreakc fb foule dcfpight. 
 
 Tlierewith all fuddeinly he feemd enraged. 
 
 And threatned death with dreadfull countcnauncc. 
 As if their lines had in his hand beene gaged 5 
 And with ftiffe force fliaking his mortall launcc, 
 
 , Tolethimweet hisdoughtievahaunce. 
 Thus faid ; Old man, great fure fhalbe thy meed. 
 If where thofc knights for fcare of dew vengeaunce 
 Do lurke, thou certainly to me areed. 
 
 That I may wreakc on them their hainous hateful! deed. 
 
 Certes,my Lord,(faid he)that fhall I foone. 
 And giuc you eke good helpe to their decay. 
 But mote I wifely you aduife to doon ; 
 Giue no ods to your foes,but do puruay 
 Your ftlfe of fword befoYe that bloudy day : 
 For they be two the proweft knights on ground. 
 And oft approu*d in many hard aflfay. 
 And eke of fureft ftcele, that maybe found. 
 
 Do arme your felfe againft that day,thcm to confound. 
 
 Dotard
 
 CMfJlL FAERIE QVEENE, 223 
 
 Dotard (faid he ) let be thy deepc aduifc ; 
 
 Seemes that through many yeares thy wits thee failc^ 
 And that weake eld hath left thee nothing wifcj 
 Elfe neuer fhould thy iudgement be fb frailc^ 
 To meafure manhood by the fword or maile. 
 Is not enough foure quarters of a man^ 
 Withouten fword or fhield^ an hoft to quaile ? 
 Thou little woteft^ what this right hand can : (wan. 
 
 Speakc they, which haue beheld the battailes , which it 
 
 The man was much abafiied at his boaft ( 
 Yet well he wift, that who (b would contend 
 With either of thofe knights on euen coaft. 
 Should need of all his armes, him to defend 5 
 Yet feared leafl his boldnefic iTiould offend, 
 VVhen Braggadocchh faid. Once I did fwcare, (end. 
 When with one fword fcuen knights I brought to 
 Thenceforth in battell neuer fword to beare. 
 
 But it were that, which noblefl knight on earth doth 
 
 (wcarc, 
 
 Perdie Sirknight^faidthenth'enchaunterbliuc, 
 That fhall I iTiortly purchafe to your bond : 
 For now the befl and nobleft knight aliuc 
 Prince Arthur is, that wonnes in Faerie lond ; 
 He hath a fword, that flames like burning brond. 
 The fame by my aduife I vndertake 
 Shall by to morrow by thy fide be fond. 
 At which bold word that boafter gan to quake. 
 
 And wondred in his mind,wha t mote that monfler make. 
 
 He flayd not for more bidding , but away * 
 
 Was fuddcin vanilTied out of his fight: 
 The Northerne wind his wings did broad dilplay 
 At his commaund, and reared him vp light 
 
 P
 
 224 THE 11. BOOKE OF THE CmJII. 
 
 From off the earth to take his aerie flight. 
 They lookt about, but no where could efpic 
 Trad of his foot : then dead through great affright 
 They both nigh were, and each bad other flic : 
 Both fled attonce^ ne euer bad<e returned cie. 
 
 Till that they come vnto a forreft greenc. 
 
 In which they fhrowd thelclues from caufeleffc fcarcj 
 Yet feare them followes ftill, where fo they becnc. 
 Each trembling leafe , and whiftling wind they hcarc^ 
 As ghaftly bug their haire on end does rearc : 
 Yet both doe ftriue their fearfulneflTe to faine. 
 At lafl they heard a home, that fhrilled clearc 
 Throughout the wood, that ecchoed againc. 
 
 And made the forreft ring , as it would riue in twainc. 
 
 Eft through the thickc they heard one rudely rufh 5 
 With noyfe whereof he from his loftie fteed 
 Downe fell to ground, and crept into a bufh^ 
 To hide his coward head from dying dreed. 
 ButTr^zw/?4r/ftoutly ftayd to taken heed. 
 Of what might hap. Eftfoone there fteppcdforth 
 A goodly Ladie clad in hunters weed. 
 That feemd to be a woman of great worth. 
 
 And by her ftately portance, borne of heauenly birth. 
 
 Her face fo fairc as flefii it feemed not. 
 
 But heauenly pourtraift of bright Angels he\^r, 
 Cleare as the skie, withouten blame or blot. 
 Through goodly mixture of complexions dew -y 
 And in her cheekes the vermeill red did ihew 
 Like rofcs in a bed of lillies (hed. 
 The which ambrofiall odours from them threw. 
 And ga2.ers fenfe with double pleafure fed^ 
 
 Hablc to healc the ficke; and to reuiuc the dcd. 
 
 In
 
 cmJil. FAERIE QVEENE. 225 
 
 In her fairc eyes two lining lamps did flame. 
 Kindled aboue at th*hcauenly makers light. 
 And darted fyrie beames out of the fame. 
 So paffing pcrfant, and io wondrous bright. 
 That quite bereau d the rafh beholders fight: 
 In them the blinded god his luftfuU fire 
 To kindle oft aflayd, but had no might ; 
 For with dredd Maieftie, and awfull ire. 
 
 She broke his wanton darts, and quenched bafc defirc. 
 
 Her iuorie fbrhcad, full ofbountie braue. 
 Like a broad table did it fclfe difprcd. 
 For Loue his loftic triumphcs to engraue. 
 And write the battels of his great godhed : 
 All good and honour might therein be red : 
 For there their dwelling was. And when (he fpake. 
 Sweet words,likc dropping honny fiie did iTied, 
 And twixt the perles and rubins foftly brake 
 
 A filuer found, that heauenly muficke fcemd to make. 
 
 Vpon her eyelids many Graces fate, 
 Vnder the ihadow of her euen browes. 
 Working belgards , and amorous retrate. 
 And euery one her with a grace endowes : 
 And euery one with meekcneflc to her bowes. 
 So glorious mirrhour of ccleftiall grace, 
 Andfouerainc monimentofmortall vowes , 
 How (hall fraile pen defcriue her heauenly face. 
 
 For fcarc through want of skill her beautie to difgracc ? 
 
 So faire, and thoufand thoufand times more fairc 
 She feemd,when fhc prcfented was to fight. 
 And was yclad, for heat of fcorching aire. 
 All in a fiUcen Camus lylly whight, 
 
 P 2
 
 126 THE IL BOOKE OF THE CmjII. 
 
 Pur fled vpon with many a folded plight^ 
 VVhich all abouc bcfprincklcd was throughout^ 
 With golden aygulcts, that gliftred bright^ 
 Like tvvinckling Ibrres^ and all the skirt about 
 Was hemd with golden fringe 
 
 Below her ham her weed did fomewhat traine, 
 And her ftreight legs moft braucly were cmbayld 
 In gilden buskins of coftlyCordwaine^ ^ 
 
 All bard with golden bendes, which were entayld 
 With curious antickesj and full faire aumayld ; 
 Before they faftned were vnder her knee 
 In a rich lewell y and therein entrayld 
 The ends of all their knots , that none might (cc^ 
 
 How they within their fouldings clofe enwrapped bee. 
 
 Like two faire marble pillours they were feene. 
 Which doc the temple of the Gods fupport. 
 Whom all the people dccke with girlands grcene^ 
 And honour in their feftiuall rcfort ; 
 Thofe fame with ftatcly grace^and princely port 
 She taught to tread, when llie her (clfe would gracc^ 
 But with the wooddie Nymphes when fhe did play^ 
 Or when the flying Libbard fhe did chacc. 
 
 She could them nimbly moue^ and after fly apace. 
 
 And in her hand a iliarpebore-fpearc ilie hcld^ 
 And at her backe a bow and quiucr gay, 
 Stuft with fteele-hcaded darts, wherewith fhe queldf 
 The faluagebeafl:cs in her vidlorious play. 
 Knit with a golden bauldricke,which forelay 
 Athwart her fnowy breft, and did diuidc 
 Her daintie paps ^ which like young fruit in May 
 Now little gan to fwell, and being tide. 
 
 Through her thin weed their places only fignifidc. 
 
 Hci>
 
 CMUUh FAERIE QVEENa 227 
 
 Her yellow lockcs cri(pcd^ like golden wyre. 
 About her fhoulders weren loofely fhcd. 
 And when the winde emongft them did inifpyre. 
 They waned Hke a penon wide diipred. 
 And low behindc her backe were f cattcred : 
 And whether art it were^ or heedlefle hap. 
 As through the flouring forreft rafli flic fled 
 Inherrudehaires fweetflowres themfelues did lap 
 
 And flourifliing frclh leaues and bloflbmes did enwrap. 
 
 Such as Dhm by the (andie fhore 
 
 Offwiftf/ir^/^jOr owCynthus greene,' 
 Where all the Nymphes haue her vnwares forlorc 
 Wandreth alone with bow and arrowes keenc^ 
 To feekc her game ; Or as that famous Quccnc 
 Of Amazom^ whom Fyrrhus did deftroy^ 
 The day that firfl oiPriame fhe was fcene. 
 Did ihcw her felfe in great triumphant ioy^ 
 
 To fuccour the weake ftate of fad afflidcd Trey. 
 
 Such when as hartlefle Trompm her did vew. 
 He was difmayed in his coward mind^ 
 And doubted, whether he himfelfefliouldflicw^ 
 Or fly away, or bide alone behind : 
 Both feare and hope he in her face did find. 
 When rhe at laft him Ipying thus befpake ; 
 Hayle Groome ; didft not thou fee a bleeding Hind, 
 Whofe right haunch carft my ftedfaft arrow ftrake? 
 
 If thou didft, tell me, that I may her ouertake. 
 
 Wherewith reviu'd, this anfivcre forth he threw; 
 O Goddefle, ( for fuch I thee take to bee ) 
 For neither doth thy face terreftriall fhew. 
 Nor voycc found mortall 5 1 auow to thccj 
 
 P3
 
 -128 THE IL BOOKE OF THE CdfrtJir. 
 
 Such wounded bead:, as that, I did not fee, 
 Sith earft into this forrcft wild I came. 
 But mote thy goodlyhed forgiue it mee. 
 To wect, which of the Gods I fhall thee name. 
 That vnto thee due worlliip I may rightly frame. 
 
 To whom fhe thus ; but ere her words enfewed, 
 Vnto the bufh her eye did fuddcin glaunce. 
 In which vaine Braggadocchh was mewed. 
 And faw it ftirre : ihe left her percing launce. 
 And towards gan a deadly fhaft aduaunce. 
 In mind to marke the beaft. At which fad ftowre, 
 Trompm forth ftept, to flay the mortall chaunce. 
 Out crying, 6 what euer hcatienly powre. 
 
 Or earthly wight thou be^withhold this deadly howrc. 
 
 O flay thy hand for yonder is no game 
 For thy fierce arrowes, them to exercize,. 
 But loe my Lord, my liege, whofe warlike name^ 
 Is farre renowmd through many bold emprizej 
 And now in fhade he fhrowded yonder lies. 
 She flaid : with that he crauld out of his nefl. 
 Forth creeping on his caitiue hands and thies. 
 And flanding floutly vp,his loftie crefl 
 
 Did fiercely fhake,and rowze,as comming late from rcfl. 
 
 As fearefull fowle ,that long in fecret cauc 
 For dread of foaring hauke her felfe hath hid,. 
 Not caring how,her filly life to faue. 
 She her gay painted plumes difordcrid. 
 Seeing at lafl her felfe from dauilgerrid, • 
 Peepesfoorth,andfoone rcnewcs her natiuc prides 
 She gins her feathers foule disfigured 
 Proudly to prunc,and fct on euery fide. 
 
 So fhakcs off fhame, ne thinks how crft flic did her hide. 
 
 So
 
 CMt.Iir. FAERIE QVEENE. 219 
 
 So when her goodly vifage he beheld^ 
 
 He gati himfclfe to vaunt ; but when he vewed 
 Thole deadly tooles^ which in her hand iTic held, 
 Soonc into other fits he was tranfinewed. 
 Till fhc tohim her gratious (peach renewed ; 
 All haile^ Sir knight , and well may thee befall. 
 As all the like, which honour hauc purftwcd 
 Through deedes of armcs and proweflc martial] 5 
 
 All vertuc merits praife^but fuch the moft of all. 
 
 To whom he thus ; 6 fairefl: vndcr skic. 
 
 True be thy words, and worthy of thy praife, 
 That warlike feats docft higheft glorifie. 
 Therein hauc I fpent all my youthly daies. 
 And many battailes fought, and many fraies 
 Throughout the world, whcr fo they might be found, 
 Endcuouring my dreaddcd name to railc 
 Abouc the Moonc, that fame may it refound 
 
 In her cternall trompe, with laurell girland cround. 
 
 But what art thou, 6 Ladie, which doeft raungc 
 In this vvilde forrcft, where no pleafure is. 
 And docft not it for ioyous court cxchaungc, 
 Emongft thine equall percs , where happie blis 
 And all delight does raignc,much more tlien this > 
 There thou maift loue, and dearely loucd bee. 
 And fwim in pleafure, which thou here doeft mis ; 
 There maift thou bcft be (cenc, and beft maift fee : 
 
 The wood is fit for beafts, the court is fit for thee. 
 
 Who fb in pompc of proud eftate (quoth fhe) 
 Does fwim, and bathes himfclfe in courtly blis. 
 Does wafte his daycs in darkc oblcuritee. 
 And in obliuion cuer buried is :
 
 230 THE II. BOOKE OF THE cmJll. 
 
 \/Vhcrc ea(c aboiindsjyt's cath to doc amis ; 
 But who his hmbs with labours ^ and his mind 
 Behaucs with cares , cannot fo eafic mis. 
 Abroad in armcs^athomcinftudiouskind 
 Who (eekcs with painfull toile^ fhall honor fooncft find. 
 
 In woods5in waucs^ in warrcs fhc wonts to dwcUj 
 And will be found with pcrill and with painc s 
 Ne can the man^ that moulds in idle cell^ 
 Vnto her happie manfion attaine ; 
 Before her gate high God did Sweat ordairic^ 
 And wakefuU watches euer to abide : 
 But eafie is the way, and paflage plainc 
 To pleafures patiace s it may foone be Ipidc^ 
 
 And day and night her dores to all ftand open wide 
 
 In Princes court. The reft fhe would haiiefaid^ 
 But that the foolifh man, fild with delight 
 Of Her fweet words, tliat all his fence difmaid. 
 And with her wondrous beautic rauifht quight^ 
 Can burne in fildiy luft,and leaping light^ 
 Thought in his baftard armes her to embrace. 
 With that (he fwaruing backe^her lauelin bright 
 Againft him bent, and fiercely did menace: 
 
 So turned her about, and fled away apace. 
 
 Which when the Peafant faw,amazd he flood. 
 And greiued at her flight ; yet durft he not 
 Purfc w her fteps, through wild vnknowen wood; 
 Befides he feard her wrath^and threatncd fhot 
 Whiles in the b ufh he laiyj not yet forgot : 
 Ne card he greatly for her pretence vainej 
 But turning faid to TrompArP^ What foule blot 
 Is this to knight, that Ladie (liould agiiine . 
 
 Depart to woods vntoiicht^ & Icaue fo proud difdaine? 
 
 Pcrdie
 
 cm, in. FAERIE QVEENE. 231 
 
 Pcrdic (faid Trompart) let her pade at will, 
 Leaft by her prqfcncc daungcr rhotc befall. 
 For who can tell ( and fare I feare it ill ) 
 But that fhc is fbme powre celeftiall ? 
 For whiles fhe fpakc^ her great words did apall 
 My feeble courage, and my hart opprefle. 
 That yet I quake and tremble ouer all. 
 And I ((kid Braggadocch/o ) thought no leflc, 
 
 VVhe firft I heard her hornc found with fuch ghaftlincfle. 
 
 For from my mothers wombe this grace Ihauc 
 Me giuen by eternall deftinie. 
 That earthly thing may not my courage brauc 
 Difinay with feare , or caule on foot to flie. 
 But either helUfh feends, or powres on hie r • 
 Which was the caufe , when earfl: that home I heard^ 
 Weening it had beene thunder in the skie, 
 I hid my ftlfe from it, as one affeard s 
 
 But when I other kncw^ my lelfe I boldly reard. 
 
 But now for feare of worfc, that may betide. 
 
 Let vs foone hence depart. They fbone agree j 
 
 So to his fteed he got, and gan to ride. 
 
 As one vnfit therefore, that all might fee 
 
 He had not trayned bene in cheualrec. 
 
 Which well that valiant courfer did difcernc ; 
 
 For he defpyfd to tread in dew degree. 
 
 But chaufd and fom'd,with courage fierce and fternc,, 
 And to be eafd of that bafc burden ftill did erne.
 
 ^32 THE II.BOOKE OF THE CMtJIit^ 
 
 Cant, ill h 
 
 andfiops Occajton : ^'^ 
 
 "Oelluers T^hcdott^ And therefore W"^ 
 
 by jirife U ray id vpoft, ^M 
 
 I 
 
 rr 
 
 N brauc purfuit of honorable dccd^ 
 There is I know not what great difference 
 Betweenc the vulgar and the noble fced^ 
 Which viTto things of valorous pretence 
 Secnics to be borne by natiue influence; 
 As feates of armes, andloue to entertaine. 
 But chiefly skill to ride^ fecmes a fciencc ' i 
 
 Proper.to gentle bloud , fome others fainc 
 To menage fteeds ^ as did this vaunter j but in vainc. 
 
 fiut he the rightfuU owner of that fteedj 
 
 Who well could menage and fubdew his pride. 
 The whiles on foot was forced for to yeed^ 
 With that blacke Palmer^ his mofl: trufly guide ; 
 Whofuffrcd nothis wandring {cct to Aide. 
 But when ftrong paffion^or weake fleflihneflc 
 Would from the right way feeke to draw him wide. 
 He would through temperance and ftedfaftnefic. 
 
 Teach him the weake to ftregthen^&r the flrog fuppreflc. 
 
 It fortuned forth faring on his way. 
 He faw from farre, or feemed for to /cc 
 Some troublous vprore or contentious fray, 
 Wlicrcto he drew in haflc it to agree. 
 
 A mad
 
 cm JUL FAERIE Q\^EENE. 233 
 
 A mad man^or that feigned mad to bce^ 
 Drew by the haire along vpon the ground, 
 A handfomc ftripling with great cr iicltee. 
 Whom fore he bett^and gor'd with many a wound. 
 That checkes with teares^and fides with bloud did alJ a- 
 
 (bound. 
 
 And him behind, a wicked Hag did ftalke. 
 In ragged robes, and filthy difaray, 
 Her other leg was lame , that llie no*te walkc; 
 But on a ftaffe her feeble fteps did ftay \ 
 Her lockes, that loathly were and hoarie gray^ 
 Grew all afore, and loolely hong vnrold. 
 But all behind was baldj and worne away, 
 That none thereof could euer taken hold. 
 
 And eke her face ill fauourd, full of wrincklcs old., 
 
 Andcuer as fhe went, bcr tongue did walkc 
 
 In foule reproch ^ andtermes of vile defpightjiO r^V 
 
 Prouokinghim by her outrageous talke. 
 
 To heape more vengeance on that wretched wight; 
 
 Sometimesihc raught him ftones,wherwith to ftiiitc,. 
 
 Sometimes her ftaftej though it her oiie leg were,/ 
 
 VVithouten which fhe could not go vpright 5 
 
 Ne any euill meanesfhe did forbeare. 
 
 That might him moue to wrath, and indignation rcare. 
 
 Til 3: Vi 
 
 The noble (jflty^/; moud with great remorfc, 
 Approching, firft the Hag did thruft away. 
 And after adding more impetuous forfe. 
 His mightie hands did on the madman lay. 
 And pluckt him backe \ who all on fire ftrcight way, 
 Againft: him turning all his fell intent. 
 With beaftly brutilTi rage gan him aflay, 
 And fmot, and bit,^aad.kickt3 and icratcht,aftd rcnt^ 
 
 And did be will not what in his auengemcnt.
 
 234 THE II.BOOKE OF THE CAuunih 
 
 And fare he was a man of mickle might. 
 Had he had gouernancc, it well to guide: 
 But when the franticke fit inflamd his fpright. 
 His force was vainc^ and ftrooke more often widc^ 
 Then at the aymed marfee , which he had eide : 
 And oft himlelfe he chaunft to hurt vnwares^ 
 Whilftreafon blent through paflion^nought defcridc^ 
 Bi!it as a blindfold Bull at randon fares, (noughtcares. 
 
 And where he hits >, nought knowes ^ & whom he hurts. 
 
 His rude affault and rugged handeling 
 
 Straunge feemed to the knight, that aye with foe 
 
 In faire defence and goodly menaging 
 
 Of arines was wont to fight , yet nathemoc 
 
 Was he abafhed now not fighting (b, . 
 
 But more enfierced through his currifli play. 
 
 Him fternely gryptj and haling to and fro, .i 
 
 Toouerthrawhimftronglydid aflay, , 
 
 But puerthrc w himftlfe vnwares , and lower lay. 
 
 And being downe the villein fore did beat. 
 And bruze with clownifh fiftes his manly face: 
 And eke the Hag with many a bitter threat. 
 Still cald vpon to kill him in the place. 
 With whole reproch and odious menace 
 The knight emboyUng \\\ his haughtie hart. 
 Knit all his forces, and gan fooiie vnbrace 
 His grafping hold : fo hghtly did vpftarr. 
 
 And drew his deadly weapon, to maintainc his part. 
 
 Which when thePalmerfaw , he loudly clyde. 
 Not fo 3 6 Guyon^KKtyyi^i thinkc that fo 
 That Monfter can be maiftrcd or dcftroyd: 
 »He is no. ah, he is not fuch afoc* 
 
 As 
 
 \
 
 C4nt.lili. FAERIE QVEENE. 235 
 
 As ftcclc can wound^ or ftrcngth can oiicrthroc. 
 That fame is Fwr^r, ciirfcd criicll wight_, 
 That vnto knighthood workcs much lliamc and woe 5 
 And that fame Hag, his aged mother^hight 
 Occafton^ the root of all wrath aud defpight. 
 
 With her, who fb will raging Tutor tamc^ 
 Muft firft begin^ and well her amenage : 
 Firft her reftraine from her reprochfull blame^ 
 And eiiill meanes, with which llie doth enrage 
 Her franticke fbnne, and kindles his courage. 
 Then when fhe is withdrawen , or ftrong withftood^ 
 It's each his idle furie to aflwage. 
 And calme the tempeft of his paflion wood ; 
 
 The bankes are ouerflowen, when flopped is the flood. 
 
 Therewith Sir Guyon left his firft emprifc. 
 And turning to that woman, faft her hent 
 By the hoare lockes, that hong before her eyes. 
 And to the ground her threw ; yet n'ould fhe ftent 
 Her bitter rayling and foule reuilement. 
 But ftill prouokt her fbnne to wreake her wrong; 
 But nathelcffc he did her ftill torment. 
 And catching hold of her vngratious tong. 
 
 Thereon an yron lock, did faften firme and ftrong. 
 
 Then when as vfe of fpeach was from her reft, 
 
 W ith her two crooked handes iTie fignes did make^ 
 And beckned him, the laft hclpe fhe had left : 
 But he that laft left helpe away did take. 
 And both her hands faft bound vnto a ftakc. 
 That fhe note ftirre,Then gan her fonne to flic 
 Full faft away, and did her quite forfake y 
 But C?«/^/; after him in haftc did hie. 
 
 And (bone him oucrtooke in fadperpkxitic;
 
 2^6 THE II. BOOKE OFTHE CmUIII. 
 
 In his ftrong armcs he ftifFcIy him cmbraftc. 
 Who him gainftriuingj nought at all prcuaild : 
 For all his power was vttcrly dcfaftcj 
 And furious fits at earft quite wercn quaild: 
 Oft he rc'nforftjand oft his forces fayld^ 
 Yet yield he would not3nor his rancour flackc. 
 Then him to ground he caft _, and rudely hayld. 
 And both his hands faft bound behind his backc. 
 
 And both his feet in fetters to an yron racke. 
 
 With hundred yron chaines he did him bind. 
 And hundred knots that did him fore conftrainc ; 
 Yet his great yron teeth he ftill did grinds 
 And grimly gnafli, threatning reuenge in vaine : 
 His burning eycn, whom bloudic ftrakcs did ftaine. 
 Stared full widc^ and threw forth (parkes of firCj 
 And more for ranck defpight, then for great painCj 
 Shakt his long lockes^ colourd like copper-wire. 
 
 And bit his tawny beard to iliew his raging ire. 
 
 Thus when as Guyon Furor had captlu d. 
 Turning about he faw that wretched Squire, 
 Whom that mad man of life nigh late dcpriu'd. 
 Lying on ground, all foild with bloud and mire : 
 Whom when as he perceiued to refpirc. 
 He gan to comfort , and his wounds to dreflc. 
 Being at laft recured , he gan inquire. 
 What hard mifhap him brought to fuch diftre fic. 
 
 And made that caitiucs thral^thc thral of wrctchedncflc. 
 
 With hart then throbbing, and with watry eyes, 
 Faire Sir (quoth he) what man can (bun the hap. 
 That hidden lyes vnwares him to furpryic 
 Misfortune waitcs aduantagc to entrap 
 
 The
 
 Cm.llll. FAERIE QVEENE. 237 
 
 The manmoftwaricin her whelming lap. 
 So me weake wretch^ of many weakeft one^ 
 Vnwectingj and vnwarc of fuch mifhap^ 
 She brought to mi(chicfc through occafion^ 
 Where this fame wicked villein did me light vpon. 
 
 ^ It was a faithleflc Squire, that was the fburfc 
 Ofallmyfbrrow^andofthcfelad tearcs. 
 With whom from tender dug of commune nourfc, 
 Attonce I was vpbrought, and eft when yeares 
 More rype vs reafon lent to chofc our Peares, 
 Our {elues in league of vowed loue we knit : 
 In which we lone time without gealous feares. 
 Or faultic thoughts continewdjas was fit; 
 
 And for my part I vow , diflfembled not a whit. 
 
 Is was my fortune commune to that age. 
 To loue aLadiefairc of great degree. 
 The which was borne of noble parentage, 
 And fct in higheft feat of dignitee. 
 Yet fcemd no lefle to loue, then loued to bee : 
 Long I her feru*d, and found her faithfullilill^ 
 Neeuer thing could caufevsdifagree r 
 Loue that two harts makes one ; makes eke one will; 
 
 Each flroue to picafe, and others pleafure to fulfill. 
 
 My friend, hight fhilemon^ I didpartakc,. 
 Of all my loueand all my priuitie ; 
 Who greatly ioyousfecmed for my fake,. 
 And gratious to thatLadie,as to mee, 
 Ne euer wight , that mote (b welcome bee,. 
 As he to her, withouten blot or blame, 
 Ne euer thing, that fhecould thinke or fee, 
 But vhtohim fhe would impart the fame: 
 
 O wretched man^ that would abufc fo gentle Darner
 
 238 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CMtJIU. 
 
 At laftfuch grace I found, and mcancs I wroughtj 
 That I that Ladie to my fpoiife had vyonnc ; 
 Accord of fricndsjconfent of parents fought^ 
 Affiance made^ niy happineffe bcgonnc. 
 There wanted nought but few rites to be donnc. 
 Which mariagc^make; that day too farre did feemc : 
 Moft ioyous nian , on whom the fhining Sunnc, 
 Did lliew his face, my felfe I did cfteeme, O 
 
 And that my falfer friend did no lefTc ioyous dcemc, '' 
 
 But ere that wiflied day his bcamc difclofd. 
 He either enuying my toward good. 
 Or of himfelfe to trealbn ill diipofd nl 
 
 One day vnto me came in friendly mood. 
 And told for fecrct how he vnderftood 
 That Ladie whom I had to me aflynd. 
 Had both diftaind her honorable blood. 
 And eke the faith, which the to me did bynd ; 
 
 And the rforc wifht me ftay^till I more truth fhould fynd. 
 
 The gnawing anguifli and fharpc gcloly, 
 VVhichhis fadfpeech infixedin mybreft, 
 Ranckled fo fore , and fcftred inwardly. 
 That my engrceued mind could find no reft. 
 Till that the truth thereof I did outwreft. 
 And him befought by that fame facred band 
 Betwixt vs both , to counlell me the beft. 
 He then with folemne oath and plighted hand 
 
 Affur'd, ere long the truth to let me vnderftand. 
 
 Ere long with like againc he boorded mcc. 
 Saying, he now had boulted all the flourc^ 
 And that it was a groome of bafe degree, 
 
 Which of my loue was partner Paramourci 
 
 ^ ^ Who
 
 anrilll. FAERIE QVEENE. 23^ 
 
 Who vfcd in a darkcfomc inner bowrc 
 Her oft to meet: which better to approuc. 
 He promilcd to bring me at that howrc, 
 VVhen I fhould fce^ that would me nearer mouc. 
 And driue me to withdraw my blind abufcd louc. 
 
 This gracelefTc man for furtherance of his guile. 
 Did court the handmayd of nw Lady deare. 
 Who glad t'embofome his afrcdion vilc^ 
 Did all fhe might, more pleafing to appearc. 
 One day to workc her to his will more ncarCj 
 He woo'd her thus : Pryem{(o (Tie hight) 
 What great defpight doth fortune to thee bearc. 
 Thus lowly to abafe thy beautie bright. 
 
 That it fhould not deface all others leflcr light? 
 
 But if iTie had he r leaft helpc to thee lent, 
 T'adornc thy forme according thy delart. 
 Their blazing pride thou wouldeft foone haue blent. 
 And ftaynd their prayfcs with thy leaft good part 5 
 Ne {hould faire cUribell with all her art. 
 Though fhe thy Lady be, approch thee neare : 
 For proofe thereof, this euening, as thou art, 
 Aray thy felfe in her moft gorgeous gearc. 
 That I may more delight in thy embraccment dcarc. 
 
 The Maide proud through prayfc,and mad through louc 
 Him hearkned to, and foone her felfe arayd. 
 The whiles to me the treachour did remoue 
 His craftie engin, and as he had fayd, 
 Me leadings in a fecret comer layd, 
 The fad (pcdatour of my Tragcdie 5 
 Where left, he went, and his owne falfc part play d 
 Difguifed like that groome of bafe degree. 
 
 Whom he had fcignd th'abufer of my loue to bee.
 
 240 THE il. BOOKE OF THE CmJlU. 
 
 Eufooncs he ciimc vnto th'appointed place. 
 And with him brought Prietiey rich arayd, 
 . Ill cUribelUes clothes ^Her proper face 
 I not defcerned in that darkcfbme fhadc. 
 But vvccnd it was my loijc^with whom he playd, 
 Ah God^ whathorrour and tormenting gricfc 
 My hart, my hands, mine eycs^ an<J all auayd? 
 Me liefer were ten thoufand dcathes priefe, (priefc. 
 
 Then woundof gealous worme^ and flhame of fuch rc- 
 , jL oignricciaaicfii^ifiiufri:; KI 
 
 1 home returning, fraught with fowle defpight, • '^■ 
 And chawing vengeance all the way I went, 
 Soone as my loathed loue appeard in fight^ 
 With wrathfiill hand I flew her innocent; '^ 
 
 That after Iboiic I dearely did lament : • *^j ^-^-^ » - 
 For when the caufe of that outrageous deedc 
 Demaunded, I made plaine and euident. 
 Her faultieHandmayd, which that bale did^brecde^ 
 
 Confcft,howP/&//<^/^hcr "ivtought to chaungc her 
 
 (wccdc. 
 
 Which wheni heard, with horrible affright 
 
 And hellifh fury all enragd, I fought Irf§ur/IT 
 Vpon my felfe that Vttigcable defpightl^ /'coi^? 
 Topunifh ryetit better firft I thought. 
 To wreake my wrath on him, that firft it wrought. 
 To Philemon^ falfe fay tour Fhtlemon 
 
 - l'cafttopay,thatIfodcareIybought; '(i 
 
 Of deadly drugs I gaue him drinke anon. 
 
 And wafht away his guilt with guiltie potion. 
 
 Thus heaping crime on crfffife; ^ftid gricfe on gricfe^. 
 To loflc of loue adioyning lofle of frend, 
 rmcaht to purge both with a third mifchiefc^ 
 And in my woes beginner it to.end : ^ ^ 
 
 o
 
 cm. Ill I. FAERIE QrVvE EN E 24 ^. 
 
 That was Trjene-^ (he did firft oiFcnd^ . 
 She laft ftiould (mart: with which crucll intent. 
 When I at her my murdrous blade did bend^ 
 She fled away with ghaftly drcrimefit^ 
 And Ipurfcwing my fell pLirpofc^iafter went. 
 
 Fcare gaue her wings^and rage enforft my flight 5 
 Through woods and plaines (b long I did her chace 
 Till this mad manjwhomyour viftpnous mightji ^^f 
 Hath now faft bound^mc met in middle fpace, 
 Aslher^fbhcmcpurfcwdapace^ ^ 
 
 Andfhortlyoucrtookcrlb^rcathingyrc, ,-,„,«., :.. 1 
 Sorechauttcd^at mylta.ym-fucha cacc,. A^;,7^^r^vj 
 And with my heat kindled his cruellfyrc; 
 
 Which kindled once , his^ ;Tiq;herdid more rage inlpyre. 
 
 Betwixt them both^ they hai\c medocii to dye^ !^,v /a ^ 
 Through wounds3& fl:rokes3& ftubbornc handelink 
 That death wcrcbetter, then fuch agony. 
 As griefe and furic vnto me did bring 5 
 Of which ]x\ me yet ftickcs the mortalliHng, ^^ ,^i-p 
 That during life wiU ncucr be appeafd. f 
 
 When he thus ended had his forrovying, 
 Said Guyon^ Squire, (ore haue yq bcenc difcafd ; 
 
 But allyoiir hm:ts m^y foonc through t^crancc be cafd. 
 
 Then gaii the Palmer thus, moft wretched man. 
 That to affedions does the bridle lend j ,- ■ 
 
 . In their beginning thr^ arc vveake and won, ^ ^^ " . : 
 But foone through fuff ranee grow tofearefull end; 
 Whiles they arc vrcakc betimes with them contend: 
 For when they once to perfed ftrength do grow. 
 Strong warrcs they ii>ake, and crucll battry bend 
 Gaii;iAfprtofReafon^iUooijcrthro;i>5P, : . •. (low. 
 
 Wi:ath,gclofie,griefc, louc this Squire haue layd thus
 
 242 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CinUllL 
 
 Wrath^gcalofic, gricfc, louc do thus cxpcU : 
 W rarh is a fire, and gcalofic a wccdc , 
 Gricfc is a flood^ and louc a monftcr fell ; 
 The fire of fparkes, the wecdc of little fccdc , 
 The flood of drops, the Monftcr filth did brecdc : A 
 But fparks, feed3drops3 and filth do thus delay; 
 The (parks foone quench, the fpringing feed outwecd 
 The drops dry vp^and filth wipe cleane away: 
 
 So iliall wrath^gealofie^gricfcjloue dye and decay. 
 
 Vnlucky Squire(faid (j/i9'<?;^)fiththouhafl 
 
 Falne vnto niifcbiefe through intemperaimcc , 
 Henceforth t^eheedeof that thou now haflpaf!. 
 And guide thy wayes with waric gouernauncCa 
 Leafl worfe betide thee by fome later chauncc. 
 But read how art thou nairfd, and of what kin. 
 Vhed^n 1 hight(quoth he)and do aduauncc 
 Mine aunceflry from famous Coradw, 
 
 Who firft to rayfe our houfc to honour did begin. 
 
 Thus as he fpake, lo faraway they fpydc 
 A varlct running towards haflily, 
 Whofe flying feet fo feft their way applydc , 
 That round about acloud of duft did fly , 
 Which mingled all with fwcatc/lid dkn his eye. ^^ 
 He foone approched, panting, breathlcffej whot^ 
 And all fo foyld, that none coi^d him defcry ; 
 His counteriauncc was bolid, andbafhed not 
 
 For Guyoni lookcs , but (corncfull cyglauncc at him (hoi. 
 
 i^.U .<„ 
 
 Behind his bacfcc he Bore a Brafen fliidd. 
 On which was drawen faitc,rn colours fit 
 A flaming fire in midft of bloudy field. 
 
 .. r^ 
 
 And round about th^ wreath this word was writi 
 
 Burfft
 
 CmJUT. FAERIE QVEENE ?^j 
 
 Burnt I do bifrW, Ri^t w<ll bcftcmcd it, . ; , ; ^ - 
 To be the fhield of fomc redoubted knight 5 
 Aiid in his hand two darts exceeding flit^ ' . 
 
 And deadly fharpe he hcld^ whofc heads were dight 
 Inpoyfon and iobloud, of malice amddefpight. 
 
 -• ^j 
 
 When he in prefencc came^ to Guy on firft 
 
 He boldly fpake^ Sir knight^if knight thou bee. 
 
 Abandon this foreftallcd place at erft, J 
 
 for feare of further harme^ I counftll thee. 
 
 Or bide the chaunce at thine owne ieoperdie, , i^ 
 
 Theknight at his great boldneflc wondered^ 
 
 And though he fcornd his idle vanitie. 
 
 Yet mildly him to purppfe arifWered 5 
 
 For not to grow of nought he it conieftured, 
 
 Varlet, this place moft dew tomeldecmc^.. 
 
 Yielded by him, that held itforcibly. ?^!i; •■•?<' (fceme 
 But whcce fhoiJd come that harme^ which thou doeft 
 ^ To threat to himjthat minds his chaunce t'abye ? 
 Perdy(faidhe)hcrecomes3andishardby I 
 
 A knight of wondrous powrc, and great aflay^ 
 That neuer yet cncountred enemy. 
 But did him deadly daunt, or fowle difmay ; 
 
 Ne thou for better hope, if thou his prefence ftay. 
 
 How hight he then(laid GHyon)2n6. fromwhence? 
 Pyrrhochles is his name, renowmed farrc 
 
 For his bold feats and hardy confidence. 
 Full oft approu'd in many a crucll warre, 
 Thchtothct ofCymochles, both which arfc-^-^/K 
 The (bnnes of old (^crates and De^/ghy 
 Aerates fonnc oiPhlegeton and Urre ; 
 
 r But rhUgeton is fonne of Herebus and Night \ \ 
 
 But Herchf^ ibnne oi^^eternitie is iiight. 
 
 CL3
 
 i44 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Csnuuu. 
 
 So from imiTK^tbll race he does prioccedciy ' v '\ 
 That mortall hands may not withftand his might, * 
 Drad for his dcrring do, and bloudy deed , 
 For all in bloud and fpoile is his delight. 
 His amI^///i,hisin'wrongand right^- ^^r.' ft! 
 
 That matter make for him to worke vpon. 
 And ftirre him vp to ftrife and criicll fight. 
 Fly therefore, fly this fearefull ftead anon, 
 
 Leaft thy foolharflizc worke thy fad confiifion. 
 
 ■ ji^jlf! •ifniKfri-jrbiiii i . j: ; 
 
 His be that care, whom mofl it doth concerne, 
 (Saidhe)but whither with fuch hafty flight 
 Art thou now bound? for wdtmote f diiccrne 
 Great caufe, that carries thee fo'fvv'ift and light. 
 My Lord(quoth he)me fent, and ftreight bchight 
 To leeke Occafion ; where fo fhe bee : 
 For he is all dilpofd to bloudy fight. A- . 
 
 . Andbreathes outwrath and hainous cruelties 
 
 Hard is his hap, that firft fals in his icopardic. 
 ' . ■}.'? '. ■". 
 
 Mac'man({aid then the Palmcr)that does fcekc 
 Occafion to wrath, and caufe of flrife , 
 She comes vnfbught , and fhonned folio wes eke. 
 Happy, who can abftaine, when Rancour rife 
 Kindles Reuenge, and threats his rufty knife ; 
 Woe neuer wants, where euery caufe is caught. 
 And rafhO^r^/i^iii makes vnqiiicthfe^ [^: -' v/oH 
 Then loe,where bound llie fits,wh6 thou Haft fought, 
 
 (Said Guyon^tt tfiat meffagc to thy Lord be brought. 
 
 That when the virlecheard and'&r, ftreight way : . 
 He wcxed \yondrous wroth ,and faid,ViIe knight. 
 That knights & knighthood doeft with (hame vp- 
 Andn:icwlith*cnfaplcofthychildiflimig})ty , <bmy. 
 
 k
 
 CdiitK FAEttlE QVEENE. 24J, 
 
 With filly wcakc old woman thu^ to fight, /^ 
 
 Great glory and gay fpoilc fiirc haft thou got. 
 And ftoutly prou'd thy puiflaimce here in fight; 
 That ill all Pyrrhochles well requite^ I wot^ 
 And with thy bloud abolifii fo reprochfullblpt* i . . , 
 
 With that one of his thrillant darts he threw^ 
 Headed with ire and vcngeable delpigh t ; 
 . The quiuering ftcele his aymed end vvfell knew^ 
 And to his breft it (elfc intended right ; 
 But he was w arie , and ere it empight 
 In the meant marke, aduaunft his iliield atweene 
 On which it ftizin g^ no way enter mighty 
 Butbackc rebounfii^, left the forckheadkeenc 5 
 
 Eftfoones he fled away^and might no-where befecnc. 
 
 Cant. V. 
 
 pyrrhochles does yptth Gtijf on fight , uX3 
 
 ^»d Furors chayne vnbinds J^^v2 
 
 Of whom fore hurt, far his re^ifi^t. p^>^ 
 
 Attm Qymochfes finds. ' ' ■ *" " * C^f^i 
 
 WHo euer doth to terpperaunce apply 
 His ftcdfaft life, and all his adions framc^ 
 Truft me, (hall find no greater enimy, 
 Thenftubborne perturbation , to the fame ; 
 To which right well the \Vife do giue thatnamc. 
 For it the goodly peace of ftayedmindcs •' ' 
 Does ouertlirow J and troublous warrc proclame: 
 His owne woes authour^who ib bound it findes^ 
 As did Pyrrhochles, and it wilfully vnbindcs.
 
 24^ THE a BOOKE OF THE Cm.r, 
 
 After that varicts fli'glit, it was not long , 
 Ere on the plaine i3ii\. pridcing Guyon fpidc 
 One in bright armcs embattci led full (Iron g, 
 That as the Sunny bcames do glauncc and glide 
 Vpon the trembling wauCjfortiiricd bright^ . i-^:^; 
 And round about him threw forth Iparkling firc^ 
 That fecmd him to enflamcon euery fide : 
 His fteed was bloudy red^ and fomcdire^ 
 
 When with the maiftringlpwr he did him roughly ftirc. 
 
 Approching nigh^ he neuer ftayd to grecfc^ 
 Ne chafFar words^ prowd courage toprouokc^ 
 But prickt fo fi^rs, that vnderneath his feetc 
 The fmoiildring duft did round about him fmokc^ 
 Both hof fe and ifian nigh able for to choke ; 
 And fairly couching his fteele-heade4ipearc3 
 Him firft faluted with a fturdy ftroke 5 
 It booted nought Sir Guyon comming nearc 
 
 To thinice^ fueh hideous piiiflauncc on foot to bcarc* 
 
 But lightly fhunned it^ and paffingby^ 
 
 With his bright blade did fmite at him foiell^ 
 
 That the fharpc fteele arriuing forcibly 
 
 On his braod fhield^bit not^hut glauncing fell 
 
 On his horfe nccke before the qqiltcd (ell 
 
 And from the head the body fundred quight. 
 
 Sohimdifmountedlbw^hedidoMti^eir^nTiT 7^ y 
 
 On foot with him to matchen cquall fight ; 
 The truncked bcaft faft bleeding^did him fowly dight. 
 
 Sore brazed with the fall^ M'flov^ vprofe^ 
 And all enraged, thus hirh loudly Hient ; 
 Difleallknight, whofe coward courage chofc 
 To wreakc it fclfc on beaft allinnoccnt^
 
 (UHf.r. FAERIE QVEENE H7 
 
 And fhund the markc^ at which it iTiould be nientj 
 Thereby thine armes feeme ftrog , but mahood frailej 
 So haft thou oft with guile thine honour blent ; 
 But litle may fuch guile thee now auaile, 
 
 If wonted force and fortune do not much me faile. 
 
 With that he drew his flaming fword ^and ftrookc 
 At him fo fiercely^ that the vpper marge 
 Ofhis feuenfoldcd fhield away it tooke. 
 And glauncing on his helmet^ made a large 
 And open gafh therein : were not his targe. 
 That broke the violence ofhis intent. 
 The weary foule from thence it would difchargc > ■ 
 Nathelefle fo fore abuffto him it lent. 
 
 That made him rccle, and to his breft his beuer bent. 
 
 Exceeding wroth was Guyo» at that blow, 
 And much afhamd, that ftroke ofliuing armc 
 Should him difmay, and make him ftoup fo lo w^ 
 Though otherwife it did him Htle harme : 
 Tho hurlinghighhis yron braced arme , 
 He finote fo manly on his fhoulder platC3 
 That all his left fide it did quite difarme ; 
 Yet there the fteele ftayd not, but inly bate 
 
 Deepe in his ftcfh ^ and opened wide a red floodgate. 
 
 Deadly difmayd, with horrour of that dint 
 Pyrrhochtcs was, and grieued eke entyrc , 
 Yet nathemore did it his fury ftint. 
 But added flame vnto his former fire, , ^ 
 
 That welnigh molt his hart in raging yre, ' ' 
 
 Ne thenceforth his approued skill, to ward^. 
 Or ftrike,or hurle, round in warelike gyre, 
 Renvirotrcdhe^ v^tciid for his faiifgard. 
 
 But rudely rag'd, and like acruell Tygre far'd> 
 
 ,;. /
 
 24» THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cjmt.r. 
 
 He hcwd jand laflu^and foynd ^and thundrcd blowcs. 
 
 And cuery way did fcckc into his life, 
 
 Nc plate, ne male could ward Co mighty chrovvcs. 
 
 But yielded paflagc to his crucll knife. 
 
 But Guyoi7y in the heat of all his ftrife. 
 
 Was warie wife, and clofcly did awayt 
 
 AuauntagCj whileft his foe did rage moft rife ; 
 
 Sometimes a thwart^fbmetimes he flrooke him ftra}t. 
 And falfed oft his blowes^t illudc him with fuch bayt. 
 
 Like as a Lyon, whofc imperiall powre 
 A prowd rebellious Vnicorne defies, 
 Tauoide the rarti a(& ult and wrathfull ftowrc 
 Of his fiers foe, him to a tr:ce applies. 
 And when him running in fullcourfc he fpies^ 
 He flips afide ; the whiles that furious beaft 
 His precious home, fought of his enimics 
 Strikes in the flockc, ne thence can be rclafl. 
 
 But to the mighty vigour yields a bounteous fcafl. 
 
 . With fuch faire flight him Gfiyo;i often faild j jinrl ori f 
 Tillatthelafl:allbreathle(Ic,wearic,fainc . ' [^ 
 Him fpying, withfrefh onfet he afTaild, 
 And kindling new his courage feeming qucint, 
 Strooke himib hugely, that through great conflramt 
 He made him floup perforce vntd his knee. 
 And do vnwilling vvorlliip to the Saint, 
 That on his fhie Id depaintcd he did fee ; , 
 Such homage till that infl:ant ne uer learned hec« ' ' 
 
 Whom Gu)fo» feeing floup, purfcwcd fafl: -^ r r[T 
 
 The prefcnt offer of faire victory, vf 
 
 And foone his dreadful! blade about he cafl. 
 Wherewith he fhiote his haughty crcft fo hyc^ -ofi 
 
 ! That
 
 CMt.K FAERIE QVEENE. 24^ 
 
 That ftrcight on ground made him full low to lye 5 
 Then on his breft his vidour footc he thruft. 
 With that he cryde, Mercy, do me not dye, ' 
 
 Ne deeme thy force by fortunes doome vniuft, - 
 That hath(maugre her fpight)thus low me laidjn duft* 
 
 Eftfoones his crueH hand Sir Gayon ftayd, 
 Tempring the pallion with aduizement flow, 
 Aiid maiftring might on enimy difrnayd : 
 For th'equall dye of warre he well did know 5 
 Then to him laid, Liue and allcgaunce owe, 
 ToJiim that giues thee life and libertic. 
 And henceforth by this dayes cnfample trow^ 
 That hafly wroth, and heedleflTc hazardrie 
 
 Dobreederepentaunce late, andlafting infamie- 
 
 So vp he let him rife, who with grim looke 
 
 And count*naunce fterne vpftanding,gan to grind^ 
 His grated teeth for great difdeigne , and fllooke 
 His fandy lockes, long hanging downe behind. 
 Knotted in bloud and duft, for griefe of mind. 
 That he in ods of armes was conquered'; 
 Yet in himfelfe fome comfort he did find. 
 That him fo noble knight had maiftered, 
 
 Whofe bounty more then might, yet both he wondered. 
 
 Which Guyon markfngfaid , Be nought agrieu*d. 
 Sir-knight, that thus ye now fubdewed arre :. 
 Was neuer man, who mod conqucftes atchicu'd ■ 
 But {bmctimcs had the worfe, and loft by warre. 
 Yet Ihortly gaynd, that loiTc exceeded farrc : 
 Lode is no fhame:,nor to belefle then foe. 
 But to be lefiTcr, then himfelfc, doth marrc 
 Both loofers lor, and vigours prayfe alfbc. 
 
 Vainq others oueitlirowes,who fclfe doth oucrthrowe*.
 
 150 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CM.V^ 
 
 Fly ) O PjrrbochUs^ fly the drcadfull warrc. 
 That in thy fclfc tny leflcr parts do mouc3 
 Outrageous angcr^and woe-working iarre, 
 Dircfull impatience, and hart murdring louc; 
 
 Thofe, thofc thy foes^thofc warriours far rcmoucj 
 Which thee to endleflc bale captiued lead. 
 But fith in might thou didft my mercy prouc^ 
 Of curtefie to me the caufe aread^ 
 That thee againft me drew with fo impetuous dread. 
 
 iil* . J V( !!^i: ^ iij»"' .ly J f 
 
 Dreadle{rc(faid he)that fhall I fbone declare ; 
 It was complaind^that thou hadft done great tort 
 Vnto an aged woman, poore and bare. 
 And thralled her in chaines with ftrong effort, "*' 
 Voide of all fuccour and needful! comfort : 
 . That ill befccmes thee^fuchaslthcefcc. 
 To worke fuch lliame . Therefore I thee exhort. 
 To chaunge thy will, and let Occafion free. 
 
 And to her captiue fonne yield his firft libertec. 
 
 Thereat SkGujon fmilde. And is that all 
 (Saidhe)that thee fo fore difpleafed hath ? 
 Great mercy fure3 for to enlarge a thrall, 
 Whofe frcedome (hall thee turne to greatefl: fcath. 
 Nathlefle now quench thy whot emboyling wrath: 
 Loe there they be 5 to thee I yield them free. 
 Thereat he wondrous glad, out of the path 
 Did lightly leape, where he than bound did (ec. 
 
 And gan to breakc the bands of their captiuitcc. 
 
 Soone as 0^ri/&» felt her fclfe vntyde. 
 Before her fonne could well afloylcd bee. 
 She to her vfc returnd, and ftreight defydc , 
 hoi\iGuyon and PjrrhochUs : th*one(faidhee) 
 
 .. io.iho . ^ Bycauft
 
 CMt.r. FAERIE QVEENE. 251 
 
 Bycaiife he wonnc 5 the other bccaufc hcc 
 Was woniie : So matter did fhe make of nought^ 
 To ftirre vp ftrife, and do them difagrce ; 
 But (bone as Furor was enlared^ fhe fought 
 Tokindle his qucncht firc^and thoufandcaufes wrought. 
 
 It was not long, ere ilic inSam'd him fb. 
 
 That he would algates with Pyrrhochles fight. 
 And his redeemer chalcngd for his foe, 
 Becaule he had not well mainteind his right. 
 But yielded had to that fame ftraunger knight : 
 Now gan PyrrhochlesYfcyLis wood , as hee. 
 And him affronted widi impatient might: 
 So both together fiers engrafped bee. 
 
 Whiles Guyon Handing by,their vncouth ftrifc docs feev 
 
 Him all that while Occafion did proiiokc 
 
 Againfl: PjrrhochleSy and new matter framed 
 Vpon theold,him ftirring tobe wroke 
 Of his late wrongs, in which fhe oft him blamed 
 For fuffering fuch abufc, as knighthood fhamcd^ 
 And him difhabled quite 4 But he was wife 
 Ne would with vaine occafions be inflamed 5 
 Yet others (he more vrgent did de uifc : 
 
 Yet nothingcould him to impatience entifc. ^ 
 
 Their fell contention ftill increaftd morCj 
 And more thereby increafed fmors might. 
 That he his foe has hurt, and wounded fore. 
 And him in bloud and durt deformed quighr*^ 
 His mother eke, more to augment hislpighc^ 
 Nowbrought to him a flaming fire brond. 
 Which (he in Stjgum lake, ay bumin g bright 
 Had kindled : that ihc gaue into his hoiid, 
 
 Ifhatarmdwithfirc^morc hardly he mote him withftod.
 
 J52 THE II. BOOKE OF THE 0;y/.r 
 
 Tho gin4:hatvinein wcx Co ficrs and ftrong-* - 
 That nothing might fuftainc his furious forfc ; 
 He caft him downc to ground^ and all along 
 Drew him through durt and myre without rcmorfc^ 
 And fowly battered his comely corfc,' ; 
 
 That Guyoff much difdeignd fo loathly fight. 
 Atlafthc was compeldtocry perforfc, 
 Helpe^o Sir .(7/^)'^i?,helpemoft noble knight^ i£fi'i 
 
 To rid a wretched man froin hands of hellifh wight. A. 
 
 Theknight was greatly moued at his plaint. 
 And ganlum dight to fuccour his diftrcffc^ 
 Till that tht Palmer, by his graue reftraint, A 
 
 Him ftayd from yielding pitifull redrcfTc ; 
 And faid, Deare fonnc^ thy caufcleflc ruth repreflc^ 
 Ne let thy ftout hart melt in pitty vayne; 
 He that his forrow fought through wHfuInefle, ' " ■ 
 And his foe fettred would releale agaync. 
 
 Defer ues to tafl his follies fruit, repentedpaync, 
 
 
 
 Cujon obayd^ So him away he drew in r^niialiul lol ' 
 From needlefle trouble of renewing figlit :n(rl hr; A 
 Already fought, his voyage to purlew. 
 But rafh P/rrA^?^^/^/ varlet, /^//» hight. 
 When late he faw hisrLord in heaUy plight, 
 Vnder Sir Gujo^js puilTaunt ftroke to fall, 
 Him deeming dead, as then he feemd in fight. 
 Fled fafl away, to tell his funeral! 
 
 Vnto his brother^ whom Cymf chics nieu did (4^* f . 
 
 He was a man of rare redoubted might. 
 
 Famous throughout the world for warlike prayic. 
 And glorious {poiles,purcbaft in perilous fight: ' >' 
 Full many doughticknights he in his dayes . . i ;1 bi.H 
 
 ;l5ionj.:':I.:ihiv/hfrr Had
 
 cm.r. FAERIE QVEENE 253 
 
 Had doen to death J fubdewdc in equall fraycs 
 VVhofe carkafcSj for terrour of his name. 
 Of fowles and bcaftcs he made the piteous pr^es 
 And hong their conquered armes for more defame 
 On gallow trces^ in honour of his dearcft Dame, 
 
 His deareftDame is that Enchauntcrefle^ 
 The vile Acrajia^ that with vaine deh'ghtes 
 And idle plealures in his Bovi>reoiBli(fe^ 
 Does charmc her louers^ and the feebJe (prightes 
 Can call out of the bodies of fraile wightcs : 
 VVhom tlien fhc does transforme to moftrous hcwcs 
 And horribly miffhapes with vgly fighte s^ 
 CaptiiiM eternally in yron mewcs , 
 
 And darkfom dens^ where Titan his face nencr fhewes* 
 
 There Atin found Cymochles fbiourning^ 
 To feruchisLcmans loue.'for he bykindj 
 Was giuen all to luft and loofe liuing. 
 When euer his fiers hands he free mote find r 
 And now he has pourd out his idle mind 
 In daintie delices, andlauilli ioyesj i^^ '. i J :^r. 
 Hauing his warlike weapons cart bebinci. 
 And flowcs in pleafurcs^ and vaine pleafing toycs^ 
 
 Mingled emongftloofe Ladies andlafciiiiou^boyes,^ 
 
 And oucr him, art ftritiing tO'compaire 
 With nature^did an Arber greene difprcd. 
 Framed of wanton Yuie, flouring fairc. 
 Through which the fragrant Eglantine did fprcd 
 His pricking armes, cntrayld with roles red. 
 Which daintie odours round aboutthem thrcw^ 
 And all within with flowres was garnifhed. 
 That when myld Zephyrm cmongfl: them Uew, 
 
 Did'brcathout bounteous fiueIsjL& painted colors flicw.
 
 254^ THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cdnt.y. 
 
 And faft bcfidc, there trickled foftly downc 
 
 A gentle ftrcame, whofe murmuring wauc did play 
 Emon eft the pumy ftones^ andtiiadc a fownc. 
 To lull him foft a fleepe, that by it lay ; 
 The vvearie Trauciler, w^ndring that way. 
 Therein did often quench his thrifty heat. 
 And ^hen by it his wearie limbes dilplay, 
 W hilcs creeping flomber made him to forget 
 
 His former paiiiCjand wypt away his toylfom fwcit. 
 
 And on the other fide a plcalaunt grouc 
 
 Was fhot vp high, full of the ftately tree. 
 
 That dedicated is t'0/ympicke /oue. 
 
 And to his (bnne Alctdesy whcnas hec 
 
 C aynd in Nemea goodly vidlorec ; 
 
 Therein the mery birds of cuery fort 
 
 Chaunted alowd their chearefuU harmonic; 
 
 And made emongft them (clues a fweet confbrt. 
 That quickned the dull ipright with muficall comfort. 
 
 There he him found all carelefly difplayd. 
 In fccret fhadow from the funny ray. 
 On a fweet bed of lillics foftly layd, 
 Amidft a flockc of Damzels frcfh and gay. 
 That round about him diflolute did play 
 Their wanton follies, and light merimcnt ; 
 Euery of which did loofely difaray ' - , 
 
 Her vpper parts of meet habiliments. 
 
 And fhewd them naked,deckt with many ornaments. 
 
 And cuery of them ftrouc, with moft delights. 
 Him to aggratc, and greatcft pleafurcs fhew ; 
 Some framd faire lookcSjglancing like cucning lights 
 Others (wcct words,dropping like honny dewj 
 
 Some
 
 cm:r. FAERIE QVEENE. 155 
 
 Some bathed kiflcs J and did foftcmbrew 
 The fugrc d licour through his melting lips : 
 One boaftes her bcautie^ and does yeeld to vc w 
 Her daintie limbes abouc her -tender hips ; 
 Another her out boaftes^ and all for tryall ftrips. 
 
 He, like an Adder^ lurking in the weeds. 
 
 His wandring thought in deepe defirc docs fleepc^ 
 Andhis fraile ej^c with fpoyle of beautie fecdes ; 
 Sometimes he falfcly faincs himfclfe to fleepe. 
 Whiles through their lids his wanton eics do pecpc^ 
 To fteale a (hatch of amorous conceipt. 
 Whereby cloft fire into his heart docs creepe : 
 Sojhc them deceiues , decciu'd in his deceipt, 
 
 Made drunke with drugs of dcarc voluptuous receipt. 
 
 Afifi arriuing there, when him he ipidc. 
 
 Thus in ftill waues of deepe delight to wade. 
 Fiercely approching , to him lowdly cride, 
 CymochUs 5 oh no, but Cymochles fhade. 
 In which that manly perfbn late did fade. 
 What is become of great K^crates Ibnne ? 
 Or where hath he hong vp his mortall blade. 
 That hath fo many haughtie conquefts wonne > 
 
 Is all his force forlornc, and all his glory donne ? 
 
 Th«n pricking him with his fharpe-pointed dart, 
 Hefaid^vpjVp^thouwomanifhweakeknight, 
 Thathcrc in Ladies lap entombed art, 
 Vnmindfull of thy praifc and proweft mightj 
 And wee tlcfle eke of lately wmught dcfpight, 
 WhUzshAfynhochles lies on fenfcIefTeground, 
 And gronethouthis vtmoft grudging fpright, 
 Through rnany a ftrokc, '& many a ftreaming wound, 
 
 Calling thy helpe in value, that here in ioyes arc dround. 
 
 R
 
 15^ THE II, BOOKE OF THE Cm.FI. 
 
 Suddciiily out of his delightful! drcamc 
 
 The man awoke , and would haue qucftiond morc|' 
 
 But he would not endure that wofull theamc 
 
 For to dilate at large, but vrged fore 
 
 With pcrcing words^ and pittifuU implore, . i\ 
 
 Him haflie to arife. As one affright 
 
 With helHlTi feends, or Furies mad vprorc, ! [ 
 
 He then vproie, inflamed with fell defpight. 
 
 And called for his armes ^ for he would algates fighu^ . 
 
 ■■ (■' 
 
 They bene ybrought s he quickly does him dight. 
 And lightly mounted, pafleth on his way, 
 Ne Ladies loueSjUe fweete entreaties might 
 Appcafe bis heat, or haftie paffage flay ; 
 For he has vowd, to beenc aueng d that day, 
 (That day it Iclfe him feemed all too long ; ) 
 On him. that did Pyrrhochles deare difmay: 
 So proudly prickcth on his courfcr ftrong , i 
 
 And ^tm aic him pricks with fpurs of (hamc & wrong. 
 
 Cant. Vh 
 
 .'/ 
 
 Gujon is of immodefl Aierth^ '^W>. 
 
 ledtnto loofe defirey ^^ 
 
 J! ights with Qm9chfes, whiles his l^rq^ W!^ 
 
 ther hfirnes mf$iriot44fire, Wim' 
 
 ^.@ss?g?f i^?^s B&g^p ^? m m 
 
 • ;;, \-- ■; M..».rdrhi// 
 
 AHairdcr Icflon^tp learnc Cohtincn^^r ^'jv/ f):rA 
 In ioyous pleafure, tlicn in grfeuQu? painic : / / 
 For (weetnefle4och a.llure the weaker Icncc z^ 
 So ftrongly, t;bat\aif i^ifhcs it c^x} refrajnj5 
 . .nii^;Lriir?-3''oirii oior!ir::^5 .'3riij»v'ni:)rji')fl viJ 2'ft^.
 
 antrr. FAERIE QVEENE. ' 257 
 
 From thaCj which feeble nature coiicts fainc ; 
 But griefe and wrath^ that be her enemies. 
 And foes of life, fhe better can reftraine ; 
 Yet vertuevauntes in both their vidories. 
 And Gf^on in them all fhewes goodly maifterics. 
 
 Whom bold Cymochles trauelling to find. 
 With crucU purpofc bent to wreake on him 
 The wrath, which i^tin kindled in his mind. 
 Came to a riuer3by whofc vtmoft brim 
 VVayting to paffc, he faw whereas did fwim 
 A long the fhore, as (wift as glaunce of eye, 
 Alitle Gondelay, bedecked trim 
 With boughcs and arbours wouen cunningly. 
 
 That like a litle forrcft fccmed outwardly. 
 
 And therein (ate a Ladie frcfh and faire, 
 Making,&reet folacc to her felfe alone 5 
 Sometimes ftie fung, as loud as larke in aire. 
 Sometimes fhe laught, that nigh her breth was gone. 
 Yet was there not with her clfe any one. 
 That mighf to her moue caufe of mcriment : 
 Matter of merth cn6ugh,though there were none 
 She could deuife^ and thouland waies inuent. 
 
 To fcedc her foolifli humour, and vainc iollimcnt. 
 
 Which when farre oSCymochlcs heard , and (aw, , 
 He loudly cald to fuch, as were a bord. 
 The littlcbarke vnto the fhore to draw. 
 And him to fcrrie ouer that decpe ford : 
 The merry marrincr vnto his word 
 Sooncheirkncd, and herpainted bote flrcightway 
 Turnd to the lliore, where that fame warlike Lord 
 She iaxeccia'd ; hm4tm\yj no way 
 
 .She would admit, albe the knie;ht her much did pray.
 
 458 THE II. BOOKE OF THE cm.KI, 
 
 Eftfooncs her ihallow fhip away did Aide, 
 
 More fwift, then fwallow fhcrcs the liquid skic, 
 
 Withoutcn oare or Pilot it to guide. 
 
 Or winged canuas with the wind to flic. 
 
 Only fhc turn'd a pin ^ and by and by 
 
 It cut away vpon the yielding waue, 
 
 Ne cared llie her courfe for to apply : 
 
 For it was taught the way ^ which fhe would hauc. 
 
 And both from rocks and flats it felfc could wifely faue. 
 
 And all the way, the wanton Damzell found 
 New merth,her paflcnger to cntertainc : 
 For fhe in plea(ant purpole did abound. 
 And greatly ioyed merry tales to fainc. 
 Of which a ftore-houfe did with her remainc. 
 Yet fee med, nothing well they her became $ 
 For all her words flic dtownd with laughter vainc. 
 And wanted grace in vtt*ringof the fame. 
 
 That turned all her pleafancc to a fcoffing game. 
 
 And other whiles vaine toyes fhe would deuizc^ 
 As her fantafticke wit did moft delight^ 
 Sometimes her head fhq fondly would agnize 
 With gaudic girlonds,or frefli flowrets dight 
 About her necke, or rings of rufhes plight ; 
 Sometimes to doe him laugh, fhe would aflay 
 To laugh at fhaking of the leaues light. 
 Or to behold the water workc, and play 
 
 About her litle frigot, therein making way. 
 
 f* 
 
 Her light behauiour, and loofc daHiatmce 
 
 Gaue wondrous great contentment to the knight^ 
 That of his way he had no foucnauncc, 
 Nor care of vow d rcucngc^and crucU fighty i
 
 But to wcakc wcnctL^dijd)!ceJd>fiis m{krta:aUBki^iij.v ' ! 
 So cafic vYas^to- qufiiicJihis flamcd'iTlihd '" ^ 
 
 With one fWcct drop of icnfiiall delight. 
 So cafic is 5 t'appcaic the Itormie wind . 
 
 Of malice in theGalIJiCiOf^pieafilt^t woinankiiadJ biiA 
 Acn^ no^^v^.'0^3'36A . -. Jiofhoni/^oB ^itn^;h oM 
 
 Diucrlc difcourfes in their way they {pent, 
 
 Mongft which C^/^^cA/rf of her queftioncd, A 
 
 , ..Bothwhatftiewas, and whatthatyfagcincnt^'ud oT 
 Which in her cot ihe daily pradifcd. 
 Vainc inati (feidilie) that' wouldcft be reckoned 
 A ftraungcr in thy home, and igndraunt 
 Of f>Er<frfr/4 (far fomy nameisred), . .,.• . , : ,. .,- . 
 Of /^^^f^r/^j thine owncfelIow:fcruaunt;!rr: vf 
 
 For thou to icrtic^fr^4 thy felfedoclt vaunt. - 
 ...:.:■:.::; , ^ . ,. „,...._,__ 
 
 In this wide Inland fea, that hight by name :u I x^ sifcO 
 The-M<f M^^mywandring iliipl row^rjiio ^£7/ 
 That knowcs htr port, and thither failcs by ayme j^ : . 
 Ne care^ne fearc Ij how the wind do blow. 
 Or whedier Iwift I wend, or whether flow : 
 Both flow andfwift a like do fcrue my tourne^i y'/ 
 Ne fwellingiV^/>/<M;^, neloUd thundring Awrouil 
 Cancliaungc mychearc,or make me cuermourhe; 
 
 My litle boat can iaifely paflc this perilous bourne. 
 
 Whiles thus fhc talkc3yand'\Wiflcs thuk fhcix^di^nl 
 They were farrc paft the palla ^C, which he ipak^/ 
 And come vnto an Ifiand, wafte andvoyd. 
 That floted in the midft of that great lake, 
 Thet^Jhtr fmail:Gond<jlay her port did.makcJ)-o rf^a. 
 And that gay paire iflliing on the (bore 
 DisbiTrdncd her.TIicir way they forward takcoi-r 
 Int^the kndythachy them fairc before; VjivA ^{florc. 
 -iWhofc picafaunce the him lliew'd , andplcntifull great 
 
 R 3
 
 z$o THE II. BOOKE OF THE CUfff.ri. 
 
 It w^ a chofcn piot of fertile land, 
 
 Emongft ividc wanes fetjiikc a litlc neft. 
 
 As if it had by Natures cunning hand. 
 
 Bene choifcly picked out from all the reft. 
 
 And laid forth for cnfample of the beft : 
 
 No daintie flowreor herbe , that growes on ground. 
 
 No arboret with painted bloflbmes dreft^ 
 
 And fniclling (weet, but there it might be found 
 
 To budout faire , and her fweet (inels throw all around, 
 . y.v.dsnqvA'ii o-i3:ifii 
 
 No tree, whofe braunches did not brauely fpring ; 
 No braunch , whereon a fine bird did not fit : ^ 
 No bird, but did her fhrill notes fiyeetly firig 5 
 Nofbngbut didcontainealouely dit:, ; \ t:.^..v\ . -.; 
 Trees^braunches, bJrds^and longs were fi-amcdfit^ T 
 For to allure fraile mind to carelefle eafe. 
 Careleflc the man foone woxe,and his weakc wit 
 Was ouercomeof thing, that did him pleafe ; 
 
 Soplcafcd^ didhis wrathfullpurpofe faire appeale. 
 
 Thus when fhe had his eyes and fenfes fed 
 
 VVithfalfe delights^and fild with pleafures vaine, 
 IntoafhadiedalefhefofDbiraled, }7;i^i4 
 
 And laid him downe vpon a graffie plainer 
 And her fweet felfe without dread, or difdainc. 
 She fetbefide, laying his head difarm'd 
 Inherloo(elap;itfoftlytofuftaine, ', i: '- 
 Where foone he flumbred, fearing not be harm'd. 
 
 The whiles with a loud lay (he thus him fweetly charm'd, 
 
 BchoIdjO man, that toilcfome paincs doeft take 
 The flowres,the fields, and all that pleafant growes. 
 How they themfclues doe thine enfample make^ 
 Whiles pothing.cnuious nature them forth throwes
 
 CM.yi. FAERIE C^VEENE.:mT 2L^x 
 
 Outofhcr fniitfirillapsA^W3BK:)«iahknQMr«fiii ?> • "[[ 
 They fpr ing, they bud ^ they blofl?^circfh anifiifc. 
 And deck the world with their rich pompbus ihowcss 
 Yetnomanforthcmtakcthpainesorcare^ -i :!-=; 
 
 Yet no^an to thcmcan JiisicaiifiUlpiincACc^pircii 
 .hicr >'♦> ryllMrri*^,^ ?Sifig b£) i'rd rhi'// 
 
 The hlly^Ladicofthcflowring field, .. .^{urVd :i.: ;j a 
 The Flowrc-delucc, her lonely Paramoure^ , ; 
 Bid thee to jchem thy fruitlcffe labours jyidd^j mi: cT 
 And (bone leaue off this toylefbme wearie ftourc ; 
 Loc loe hovv briaue flie deckxher bbunteous bourc^ ^ 
 With filkcn curtens and gold couerlcts. 
 Therein to flirowd her fumptuoiisBclaniourc, , i 
 Yet neither (pinnes nor cardcs, ne c^rcs nor frets,; 
 
 But to her mother Nature all her carcibt lets. 
 
 ■.j<j 
 
 VVby then doft thou, 6 man^thatof them.aU 
 
 Art Lbrd^and eke of nature Souerainc?i • -. - Tr V > > r// 
 Wilfully make thy felfe a wretched thrall, r:cM 
 
 And waft thy ioyous houres in needlcflc paine, 
 Seeking for dauneer and aduentures vaine ? 
 What bootes it all tohauc, and hothing,vip^^ i:>H 
 Who fhall him rewjthat fwimmingin the IriainCy 
 Will die for thirft, and water doth refufe ? 
 
 Refufe fuch fruitleflc toilc, and prefcnt pleafures chufc. 
 
 By this {he had him lulled faft a flccpe. 
 That of no worldly thing he care did take; 
 Then ilie with liquors ftrong his eyes did ftcepc. 
 That nothing fhould him haftily awake : 
 So fhe him left, aiid did her felfe betake 
 Vnto her boat againej with which iTie cleft 
 The flouthfiiU wauc of that great griefly lake 5 
 Sooue ihc tliat Ifland farrc behind her left, •, ■, - (weft. 
 
 And now is come to that fame place, where firflfhc 
 
 R4
 
 j^r THEILBOQKE.Or THE CaM.Vr.^ 
 
 By this tvmc was the worthy C?ftf^ lori lo juO 
 
 . Vmo thc'orhcrficJc of that wide iftrohd, ^'ifi) v-^dT 
 VVhcrcftq wasTGwing jand for pafTsrgc fb'urfit^^ 
 Him nccdednotlongcallj fhc foonc-to hond : - j ; 
 Herfqr ty bmaght,' whca;ehimifhti>ydi47g(fon^( -n :J!>Y 
 With his fad guide s himfclfe fiic tookc a boord. 
 But the B/acke Palmer fufFrcd ftill to flondy ^ i / ^ f " ^' * 
 Nc would for pticc'j orprayets once aifoordj 
 
 To ferry tbaro^ man diehhcpitlousfootd, 
 
 toiijofi 'm^y<n ornoblvot ?id?'fto ^ustrl !>r;odl hrrA 
 
 •» 
 
 Ci^yon wa^ loath to leauc his^^uide behind^ 
 Yet being entred, mighfenot backc retyre 5 
 Fortih>effitbal*^;o(t>ayi(igtohei*y^iid^i' .i-jj-jul' 
 F^dflaiiiiGfeGd^MiqldybasfbirG d^<^^^ 
 Nc gaue-him leai^ t^ bid thataged fire 
 Adieu 5 but nimbly ran her wonted courfc 
 Througl^thedldlbflbv^'qs tMcke as troiihlcdmire^ V 
 Whom neiihet'wlnd 6iteof their feat coiiW fbtffi^*^ 
 
 Nor timely tides did driue out of their flug^-i(hfourlc. 
 
 And by the w^y, as was herwonted guize^^^oi g 
 Her nfepryjit A^ ftfeMy gaW to reatCiji-ioocI kH 7/ 
 Aw^did^iciy and iollitfc (teiiize, ffiid i'^if/ oil' '' 
 Her felfeto cherifh, and hergweft to chcarc : 
 The knight w^s cdurtjsons^ and did not forbearc: 
 Her honeft merch and pleafiunce to partake ; 
 But when he faW^^h^f^-^Uy^-ai^d gibc^,' ari<3 gtl^^ ' 
 And pafTe th€ bonds'ofmprfeft nierimake. 
 
 Her dalliance he dcipifci, and follies didforfake. 
 
 a 
 
 'Jr.:. . .... .';!::.. !':!(). ii ^. ;' ., :ii )l 
 
 Yet fhe ftill follAwedh^^t^forflhWfitte^ii-^^-^' - ^ 
 And faid^anddid all thai: mote him delight, 
 Till they arriued in that pleafant lie, 
 
 •-' 'V^hcrc lleepivig late (Jie left her other 'knight. ■ -Z 
 Dnliiiir/irn.v ^o'-'ilq 5:r f'hfirfjOJOiaoD ei vo-i-BAt
 
 Cin$.ri^ FAERIE Q\^EENE. 2^3 
 
 But when as Guyon'olMt land had fight. 
 
 He wifthimfclfe amiffe.and angry faid; 
 
 Ah Dame, pcrdic ye haue not docn mc right, 
 ^ Thus to raiilead mc, whiles I you obaid : 
 Me litle needed from my right vvay to haue flraid. 
 
 Faire Sir (quoth fhc) be not difplcafd at all 5 
 
 Who fares on fea, may not commaund his vvay, 
 Ne wind and weather at his plcafure call : 
 The fea is wide, and cafiefor to ftray^ 
 
 • The wind vnftable, and doth neuer flay. 
 But here a while ye may in fafety reft. 
 Till feafon fcritc new paffage to aflay 5 
 Better fafc pcirt;then be in feas diftreft. 
 
 Therewith il^c laught, and did her earneft end m leit. 
 
 But he halfe difcontent, mote natheleffe 
 
 Himfelfe appeafc, and iffewd forth on i hore : 
 The ioycs whereof, and happie fruitfulnefle. 
 Such as he faw fhc gan him lay before, 
 ' And all though pleafant, yet Ihe made m uch more : 
 The fields didlaugh, the flowrcs did freilily fprmg^. 
 The trees did bud , and earely blofTomes bore. 
 And all the quire of birds didfweetlyfing , 
 And told that gardins pleafurcs in their caroling, 
 
 Andfhe more fweet, then any bird on bough. 
 
 Would oftentimes emongft them bearc a part. 
 
 And ftriue to pafle ( as ("he could well enough ) 
 
 Their natiue muficke by her skilfuU art : 
 
 So did llie all, that might his conftant hart 
 
 Withdrawfrom thought of warlike enterprize, 
 
 Anddrowne in diffolute delights apart, 
 Vyhcreftbyfci)f^rmcs,orvewofmartialiguac 
 
 TMight not rcuiue dcfire of knightly exercize.
 
 2^4 THE II.BOOKE OF THE CM.VU 
 
 But he was wife, and waric of her will, . jn^( 
 
 And eucr held his hand vpon his hare : ' t 
 
 Yet would not fecme fb rude ^ and thewcd ill^ 
 As to defpife (b courteous (ccming part ^ 
 Thar gentle Ladie did to him impart. 
 But fairely tempring fond defire fubde wd^ 
 And euer her defired to depart. 
 She lift nothcare^buther dilportspourfcwd. 
 
 And c uer bad him ftay, till time the tide renewd. 
 
 And now by this, Cymochles howre was Ipent^ 
 That he awoke out of his idle dremCj 
 AndfhakingofFhisdrowzie dreriment, .ijlir 
 Can him auize, how ill did him befecme , 
 Li floutlifuU fleepe his molten hart to ftcme^ 
 And quench the brond of his conceiued ire, 
 
 Thovp he ftartedjftird with lliamc extreme, ^ .;{ 
 Nc ftaied for his Damzell to inquire. 
 But marched to the ftrond^ their paflage to require. 
 
 And in the way he with Sir Guy on met, 
 Accompanyde with Phddria the fairc, 
 Eftfoones he gan to rage, and inly fret. 
 Crying , Let be that Ladie debonaire. 
 Thou recreant knight ^ and foone thy felfc prcpatrc 
 To battcll, if thou meane her loue to gaine : 
 Loe, loe alreadie, how the fowles in aire 
 Doc flockc, awaiting iliortly to obtainc 
 
 Thy carcafle for their pray, the guerdon of thy painc. 
 
 And there withall he fiercely at him flew. 
 And with importance outrage him aflayld ; 
 Who (bone prepard to field, his fword forth drew. 
 And him with equal! value countcruayld : 
 
 Their
 
 Cm.ri. FAERIE QVEENE. i^j 
 
 Their mighticftrokcs their habcricons difmayld^ 
 And naked made each others manly fpalles 5 
 The mortallfteele defpiteoiifly entayld 
 Deepe in their flefh, quite through the yron walles, 
 That a large purple ftremc adown their giambcux fallcs, 
 
 C^moch/es ^th^t had neucr met before. 
 So puiflant foe, with enuious defpight 
 His proud prefumed force incrcafcd more, 
 Difdeigningto be held fo long in fight ; 
 Sir Gujo^f grudging not fo much his might. 
 As thofe vnknightly raylings , whichhc fpokc. 
 With wrathfull fire his courage kindled bright. 
 Thereof deuifing ihortly to be wrokc , 
 
 And doubling all his powres, redoubled euery ftrokc. 
 
 Both of them high attonce their handi enhaimft. 
 
 And both attonce their huge blowes downe did Cwx/i 
 Cymochles fword on Guyam ihield yglaunft. 
 And thereof nigh one quarter fheard away j 
 But Gnyons angry blade fo fierce did play 
 
 On th*othcrs helmet, which as Titan fnonc. 
 That quite it clone his plumed creft in tway. 
 And bared all his head vnto the bone ; 
 
 Wherewith aftoniflit, ftill he flood, as fcnfelefTc ftonc. 
 
 Still ashc ftoo4 faire Thadm^ that beheld 
 
 That deadly daunger, foone atweene them ran 5 
 
 . And at their feet her felfe moft humbly fcld. 
 Crying with pittcous voice, and count'nance wan ; 
 Ah well away, moft noble Lords,.ho w can 
 Your crucll eyes endure fo pitteous fight. 
 To fhed your liue^ on ground ? wo worth the man. 
 That firft did teach the ctirfed fteele to bight 
 
 In his Qwnc flcfh, and make way to the liuing fpnght.
 
 ^66 THE 1I.B00KE OF THE cm.Vh 
 
 If cucrloiicofLadicdid'ciTipicccc . 
 
 Your yron brcftcs J or pittic could fiiid place. 
 Withhold your bloudic hands from battcll fierce 
 And fith for mc yc fight^ to mc this grace 
 Both yeeldj to (lay your deadly ftrifc a (pacp. 
 They ftayd a while : and forth flie gan proceed : 
 Moft wretched womah^ and of wicked racc^ 
 That am the author of this hainous deed, (breed. 
 
 And caufe of death betwcenc two doughtieknightsdoc 
 
 Butif formeyefight, or mewillicruc. 
 
 Not this rude kind of battell, nor thefc armes 
 Are meet, the which doe men ii\ bale to fterue. 
 And dolcfull forrow heape with deadly harmes,; 
 Such cruell game my fcarmoges difarmcs : ' 
 
 Another warre, and other weapons I 
 Doc loue, where loue does giue his fweetalarmes^ , 
 Without bloudlTied, and where the enemy 
 
 Does ye eld vnto his foe a pleafant vidory. 
 
 DebatefuU ftrifc, and cruell enmitie 
 
 The famous name of knighthoodfowly flient^'xij r^O 
 But louely peace, and gentle amitie,, :i 5Jii;p : crli 
 And \\\ Amours the paffing houres to fpcnd. 
 
 The mightic martiall hands doe moft commend ; 
 Of loue they eucr greater glory bore, 
 
 Then of their armes :cJI/4r/i&C»/'/^<i^jfreQd, 
 And is for Venm loues rcnowmcd more, 
 Then all his wars and ipoUcs^the which he did.Qf yqrc. 
 
 ■>:0\' . Mr? 
 
 Therewith fhe fwcctly finyld.They thpngh full b^uc. 
 To proue cxtremiticsofbloudie fight. 
 Yet at her (peach their rages gan relent. 
 And calme the lea of their tempeftuous ipight^
 
 CM.Vt, :• FAERIE QVEENE. ^6^ 
 
 Such powrc hauc pleafing worlds : fuch is tk« ijughx/ 
 Of courteous clcmcncic in gentle hart. \ • '^■ 
 Now after all was ceaft, the Faery knight 
 Befought that Damzell fuffcr him dcparty lii w 3- 
 
 And yield him rcadic paffagc to thatothccpattjbdA 
 
 Shcnolefrcglad,thenhedefirouswas A 
 
 Of his departure thence ; for ot her loy 
 And vaine delight llic faw he light did pas, 
 
 A foe of folly and immodcfttoy. 
 Still folcmne fad, or ftill difdainfull coy. 
 Delighting all in armes and cruell warrc. 
 That herfweet peace andpleafures did annoy. 
 
 Troubled with terrour and vnquiet iarrc, f i - 
 That fticwcUpleafcd was thence toamoucfaimtarrc. 
 
 Thohimflicbroughtabord,andherfwiftbotc A 
 ForthwiAdircaed to that further ftrand; 
 The which on the dull waues did hghtly flotc 
 And fooncarriued on the (hallow fand. 
 Where eladfomc G»;»» falicd forth to land. 
 
 And to that Damzell thankcs gaue for reward. 
 Vponthat{horchefpied^//»ftand, 
 
 Thereby his maifter left ,when latchc tar'd 
 In f*<f<ir/^ flit barkc-ouet that perlous (hard, io -^n 
 
 .TciuiriJivnfia 
 Well could hchimremcmber,fithof late •■- r "^ 
 
 He with PyrrhochUs (liarp debatement made ; 
 Streiehtean he him reuilc, and bitter rate. 
 
 As (hepheards curre ,that in darke euenings iTiadc 
 Hathtraaedforthfomcfaluagcbeaficstrade5-.,-^K 
 Vile Mifcreant (faid he) whither docft thou Hic 
 The (hamc and death , which will thee foone inuadc ? 
 What coward hand iTialldoe thccncxt to die, 
 "ThAt art thus foully Bed ftom famous encmic >
 
 ^6i THE ir. BOOKEIOF THE Cdfff.pr/, 
 
 With th»: he ftiffcly Chooke liis ffcck head dart: . ' 
 But fobcr Gujfoh , hearing him fo railc, » 
 
 Tliough Ibmcwhat moiicd in his mightic hart^ ' 
 Yet with^ftrojig rcafon maiftrcd pafTion fraile, 
 Andpaffcdfaifiely forth. Hdturningtailc, 
 Backc to the ftrond retyrd^ and there ftill ftayd^ 
 Awaiting paflTagc, which him late didfaile; 
 The whiles Cymochles with that wanton mayd 
 
 The haftic heaf of liis aiiowd rcucnec dclayd. • ' '-. 
 
 /(orjiohormni h(rc 
 
 Whyleft thc;re the varlc t ftood^ he faw from farrc 
 An armed knight, that towards him faft ran ^ 
 He r^i onfoob, as iFin lackleflc warrc 
 Hisforlomcfteedfronimm thcviiSourvvan; \ .' 
 He fecnfied brcathlcQe, hartlcfle, faint^ and wah. 
 And all his armour fprinckled was with bloud. 
 And foyld with durtic gore , that ho man can niri . fl 
 Difccrnc'the hew thereof. Heiieucr flood, ■ . [.;7o' " 
 
 But bcnrbis haftic coiirfc toward&thcidle flood^rrr 
 
 The varlctTaw, when to the flood he came. 
 
 How without ftop or ftay he fiercely kpi:, ♦ , .... 
 
 And decpc him fclfc bcdiikcdinf he famc^ -» i-ro^' V 
 
 That in the lake his loftie crcft was ftcept, 
 
 Ne of his fafetie fccrned care he kept. 
 
 But with his raging armcs he rudely flafht. 
 
 The wanes aboui^and all his-armourlwcipt^ , V 
 
 That all thcbloud and filth away was wafht. 
 
 Yet ftill hcbet the water, and the billowes dafl^. ,-. c - 
 ^bL 1 ''^h'--' '^ ^'- ' ::i "lib . :;•'•;:):; <" .i;:;Dii(pii ?A 
 
 At in dfew 'fiigli^^oWcct fcliat it inotebfeef *i;-ii rftnM 
 Foi^^uch heWondredatthatvhcouthfight;^ ' ^ 
 
 ^' t Whom niouldhejbuchisowhe-dearcLordjthcrcfcej 
 
 Hisovmc dcarcLord?>r>if^tfi8i«i!iafadpiight,' / 
 
 "^ :.r::vn:)?riprr!ifirr:o':' Ij!:*! vi'r -'*;^. •
 
 Gi»/.^A FAERIE QVEENE. 2^^ 
 
 Readie to drownchiinfclfe for fell dcfpi^t* eoIidV/ 
 Harrow now outj and well awiy^ he cryde^^rl bxiA 
 What difmall day hath lent this curfcd lights -^iTi 
 To fee my Lordfo deadly .damjiifyde M 05 ^cd 
 
 Tyrrho(ifk.s ^ di';rr*<?^W^:r^ whatis.xhee bctyde a:nrvV 
 ,b-jov/lnriir2ii.';\lboo;[r! i: bnnfi^ni 3r;ibIcM 
 
 I biirne^'I biimc^I bwrne , theii loud he crydc'^ 
 how I burne with implaicable fire, : ^ :> rjii 
 Yet no tight.can quench iW)cipl^ fla^Wglfyidki^j ;iii 
 Nor fea of licour cold^ nor lake of mire, 
 Nothingbmt death can ddeme to i^elpi^^/l v aV. mtl I 
 Ah bcit<faid liG) from fytrhothUs faJ?m;ib:jol b n A 
 After purfewixig death Qn5:e to require^ n •: - P 1^ 
 Or think, tihatjoughtchofe poi.iflanC h^pd? m^yterrc: 
 
 Death is forwr etcb<5 fepmcvudcj: vnba|}pig.ft^licV' / 
 
 Pcrdie, then is;iX;fofcir>n)jc (faiiihe > vA> a\vm^. sjI oT 
 That am^ I wcenM^oft'Wrc:cctH:d:i^nl<kU j:r/ 
 Butinaam^yy<feti^4ah^scanIftCi: •:>:[, critic r.arT 
 And dying daily, daily yet rcuiiie : 
 O ^^/;^3helpcj:p fac laft death to giuei n t^ ,blM i)riA ^ 
 The varlct achispl^iint w^,gj:ici^d fo.ft>Keil i..» : // 
 That his deepe wpjinde^^wtinty^didijiuQ^);:-'! 
 And his oyyu^fhcaUh remcmbring now np more^'^' 
 
 DidfoUowthat; ^Dfa.mple^ which he .bUm'4 afoi:<>ier: r 
 
 Into the lakehoiepf yhisI^Qril tof ^4 riJ xn -; 0:: nuj^b nl 
 (Sq Eojl^ tkeid^ad of d5iunge;:.dmhCfJe/|)ila Jnii 1 1 
 AndQf|ii^t?aJ4ibiJ^ghpW bimftrongly ft j SA 
 
 From drowning. But more happie heathen wile 
 Of that fea^HatUm idi4^>ltbO^#»i%-n£m bohn'j j^rlT 
 The vvaues jh^Sof fp- fl^wArirtiliiiggi^\t<5re,, v»v:i 
 
 EngroftmihmiHdiWhicJ?::(}id,^f;?vf^^e^agy^^ 
 jabought moteeuer finite downc to the botcomc therc^
 
 470 THE ri. BOOKE OF THE Cm.yt. 
 
 Whiles thus they ftnigled in that idle waucy^i?^ 
 And ftrouc in vaine^ the one himfelfc to drownc. 
 The other both from drowning for to fauc, 
 Lo, to that fhorc one in an auncient gownc, 
 Whofc hoaric looks great graiiitie did crownc^' Cs^'v^^ 
 Holding in hand a goodly arming (vvord^ 
 By fortune camelled with the troublous fbwnci' nri r! I 
 Where drenched decpche found in that dull ford 
 
 The careful] (eruant, ftriuing with his raging Lord. 
 
 Him j^//;;(pying5^knevv right well df yore,' ' '^ 
 And loudly caldjHelpc hclpe, 6 Archmage\^^ \ i U: 
 To faue my Lord y in wretched plight forlorn y ■ ^ 
 
 •^ Helpe with thy handjOi: with thy counfelliage: ■■.< / 
 W^akc hiandSjbut counftll is moft ftrong in agc;^ 
 Him when the old man favv^ he wondrcdfbre^ 
 To fee Pyrrhochles xhctcCo riidelyrage; y^^^-^ 
 
 Yet fithcfns hel^eyhe faw^be needed moire .. . i 
 
 Then pittie^heinhaftapprocbedtothC;{horcJ "i iii^' 
 
 AndcaldjP/rrA^fA/r^jWhatisthiSjIice^-'^ •'. ..nVKvT) 
 What h^llifli furie hathaC eapfttljec bent hp.v ^rlT 
 FurioU!^«i*er I thee toe(/irWbeei>'^' sc^Db e'lA jnrlT 
 Yet neuer in this ftraungc aftonilliiiientfcO ^id h:iP\ 
 Thcfe dimes, thcfc flames (he cryde ) do me tormchii. 
 What flames (quoth he) when I theeprelent ice^ 
 In daunger rathett6 b^ dfent , then werit?^ i oib oml 
 Harrow, the fleimcs, which mc cortfumb (faidlice ) 
 
 Ne can be qucncht, within my fecretbowelsibcc. 
 
 That curfed mpj tbit crifelllf^eii^ 5f faell ? ' :^ ^ -^f\0 
 FfsroT'^oh Pi&or hath rhe tbifs benight: -'T 
 
 His deadly wbimds within my liudt^fwell. 
 And his wfK3ic fee httnics in mine sntraijis bright.
 
 CAHtyiT. FAERIE QVEENE. 272 
 
 Kindled through his infernaU brond of fpighr, 
 Sith late with him I batteil vaine would bofte ; 
 That now I weene loues dreaded thunder light 
 Does fcorch not halfc fo lore, nor damned ghoftc 
 
 In flaming /'^/(r^<?/(?/? docs not (b felly rofle, 
 
 VVhich when as ^^rchimago heard^ his gricfe 
 He knew right well^and him attonccdifarmd: 
 Then fcarcht his fecrct wounds, and made a priefc 
 Of euery place ^that was with brufing harmd. 
 Or with the hidden fire too inly warmd. . ^ ^- , , -, a 
 
 VVhich done, he balmes and hcrbes thereto applydc ' 
 And euemore with mighty fpels them charmd^ 
 That in fhort fpacc he has them qualifyde. 
 And him reftor'd to hcakh^that would h^ue algates dydc, 
 
 Qant. VII. 
 
 ^ Gnjon findes ^.iumon m a dclne^ G:>t^ 
 
 i3;(2 Sfi»mnZ ^^ threaf/ire hore : ^^^ 
 
 v^3v53 / • III t » * ^ j 
 
 y%^ Is hy himtem^tedyC^ led dorvne ^ ^^ 
 
 Or^ 'To fcehisfecret flore, 0^^ 
 
 AS Pilot well expert in perilous waue. 
 That to a ftedfaft ftarre his courfe hath bent. 
 When foggy miftes, or cloudy tempcfts ha ue 
 The faithfuU light of that faire lampe yblent. 
 And couer'd heaticn with hideous drcriment, 
 Vpon his card and compas firjncs his eye. 
 The maiftcrs ofhis long experiment. 
 And to them docs the ftcdcfy helrae apply. 
 Bidding his winged veffell fairely forward fly.
 
 272 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CAnt.VU. 
 
 So Gtijon hailing lofl: his trufty guide. 
 Late left beyond that xMe lake, proceedcs 
 Yet on his way^of none accompanidc , 
 And ciicrmorc himfclfe with comfort fccdcs, 
 Of his ovvne vertiieSj and prayfe-worthy dccdes. 
 So long he yode^ yet no aducnturc found. 
 Which fimcof her llirill trompct worthy recdes : 
 For ftill he traucild through wide waftfull ground. 
 
 That nought but dcfert wilderncflc fhevv'd all around. 
 
 At laft he came vnto a gloomy glade, 
 
 Couer'd withboughes &(lirubs from heaucns light^ 
 
 VVhcreas he fitting found in fecrct fhade 
 
 An vncouth,faluage,and vnciuile wight. 
 
 Of griefly hew,and fowlc ill fauour'd fight ; 
 
 His face with fmoke was tand, and eyes were bleard^ 
 
 His head and beard with font were ill bedight. 
 
 His cole-blacke handsdid fee me to hauc becne feard 
 
 In fmitlies fire-fpittingforgc^and nayles like clawes ap- 
 
 (pcard. 
 
 His yron coa te all oucrgrowne with ruft. 
 Was vnderncath enueloped with gold, 
 Whofe gliftring glofle darkned with filthy duft. 
 Well it appeared, to haue beene of old 
 A wprke of rich entayle,and curious mouldy 
 Woucn with antickes and wild Imagery : 
 And in his lap a maflc of coyne he told. 
 And turned vpfidowne , to fcedc h is eye 
 
 A couctous defire with his huge threafury. 
 
 And round about him lay on euery fide 
 
 Great heapes of gold, that neucr couldbc fpent : 
 Of which fome were rude owrc, not purifidc 
 QiiJ^Udcihcrs dcuouring element j 
 
 Some
 
 Ctnt.r^Jl. FAERIE QVEENE. 27.3. 
 
 Some others were new driuerij and diftcnt 
 Into great Ingoes^ and to wedges fquare ; 
 Some in round plates withoutcn moniment; 
 But moft were ftamptjandin their mctall bare 
 The antique Hiapes of kings and kefars ftraunge &rare. 
 
 Soone as he Gujon faw^ in great affright 
 And hafthe rofe^for to rcmoucafide 
 Thofe pretious hils from ftraungers enuious fighty x\ 
 And downe them poured through an hole full wide. 
 Into the hollow earth, them there to hidp. 
 Biit^/^e^ lightly to him l9^ing, ftayd.,;,,od bn A ^ 
 His hand, that trembled^as pnc terrifydej ,,^I^ ^,^^^Y 
 And though himielfe were at the fight difixlayd. 
 
 Yet him perforce reftraynd^and to him doubtful! fayd. 
 
 VVhat^rt thou man3(ifman atall thpuart) 
 
 That here in deferthafl thine habitauncc, '-v 
 
 And theic rich hcapes of wealth doeft hide ap^rt 
 From the worldes eye, arid from her right vfauncc? 
 Thereatwithftaringeye^ fixed askaunjcq. 
 In great difdaine, he anfiverd ; Hardy Elfc^ 
 That darcft ve^v my direfuU coun tenaunce, 
 I read thee raiTi^ and heedlefle of thy fclfc. 
 
 To trouble my ftill fcate^and heapcs of pretious pelfc. 
 
 *?OY'''*.'^'>ri 
 
 God of the world anci worldlmgs I me call 
 Great CMammon, greateft god below the skyc^ 
 Thatofmypl^ptypourcoutvntoallyj., J , - ..r 
 
 Andvntonone my graces do enuyef " ' 
 
 Riches, renowme, and principaHty, ^ 
 
 Honour,eftate,and all this worldes good. 
 For whichincn fwinck and fv/.^at incc0antly, 
 fro me do flow into an ample flood. 
 
 And in the hollow earth haue tlicir eternall brood. 
 
 S 2 ^
 
 274 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cmrii. 
 
 Wherefore if mc thou dcigne to feme and few. 
 
 At thy commaund lo all thefc moiintaincs bee 5 
 
 Or if to thy great mind, or greedy vew 
 
 All tliefe may not fuflfife, there fhall to thee " "- ^ 
 • Ten times fo much be numbrcd francke and free. ^ 
 
 tJ^iammon(S2ik\ hc)thy godheades vaunt is vainc, 
 
 And idle offers of thy golden fee ; 
 
 To them^that couet fudi eyc-glu,tting gaine, 
 Proffcr.thy giftes. aadfittciri^u^iuits cntertainc; . 
 
 Meillbcfits^thatinder-doin^armes, J 
 
 And honours fiiit my vowe3 cfayds do fpeiVd/'^ '^MJl 
 Vnto thy bounteous baj^s^attdpleiiffng (Mrm^lj 
 With which weakc men thou witd'ieftjto attend :' ' 
 Regard of worldly mucke doth fbwly blend^ 
 Andlowabafethetiighheroickcfpright, ^ ^ ^ 
 That ioyes for cfoivncs'ihdkingcldrnt^s to icorrfeiiy^;'' ^ 
 Faire iTiields^gay fteedes^bright arrnes bemy delight : 
 
 Thofe be the riches fit for at) aduent'r6xi,s knight. 
 
 Vaine glorioi|^EHt^ffi^hc)^Mh^^^ 
 
 That money can thy wantes at wi 11 fupply? ' "; ' 
 Sheildsjfteedsjandaritres^&all things for thee meet 
 ItcanpuruayintWincklingofancye^ —-^ 
 
 Anddrow'ncs andkriigdpmicstO thee multiply.' ^'^^^ ^T 
 Do not IkingscreatCj throw the crowne 
 Sometimes tohim^thatlowinduftdothly ? 
 And him that raignd^ into his rowme.rhruft downe^ 
 
 And whom I luftj do heapc with glory and renownc? 
 
 AH otherwire(faid he) I riches read^ 
 
 And deemc them rodtc of all difquietneflc ; 
 
 Firft got with guilCji^iifl then prcferu'd with drcad^ 
 
 And.after (pent with pridcr and lauilTmcffe^ ^ 
 
 Lcauing
 
 Cm.vn. FAERIE QVEENE. 27J 
 
 Lcauing behind them griefe and heauinefle. 
 Infinite mifchiefcs of them do arize. 
 Strife; and debate, bloudfhed, and bitternefic 
 Outrageous wrong, and hellirfi couetize. 
 That noble heart as great dirtionour doth defpizc, 
 
 Ne thine be kingdomes,ne the fccpters thine ; 
 But reahnes and rulers thou doeft both confound . 
 And loyall truth to treafbn doeft incline ; 
 Witneflc the guiltleflc bloud pourd oft on ground 
 The crowned often flaine^ the flayer cround^ 
 The facred Diademe in pceces rent. 
 And purple robe gored with many a wound 5 
 Caftles furprizd,great cities fackt and brent; 
 
 So mak'ft thou kings,& gayneft wrongfull gouerncmcnt. 
 
 Long were to tell the troublous ftormes,that toflc 
 The priuate ftate, and make the life vnfvveet : 
 Who fwelling fayles in Cafpian lea doth croflc. 
 And in frayle wood on i^drian gulfe doth fleet. 
 Doth not, I weene, fo many e uils meet. 
 Then Mammon wexing wroth. And why then faid 
 Are mortallmen fo fondand vndifcreer *- . • 
 So euill thing to feeke vnto their ayd. 
 
 And hauing not complainej and hauing it vpbraid? 
 
 lndcede(quoth hc)through fowle intemperaunce, 
 Frayle men are oft captiu*d to couetife : 
 But would they thinke, with how fiiiall allowa uncc 
 Vntroubled Nature doth her felfe fuffifc. 
 Such fuperfluities they would defpifc^ 
 Which with fad cares empeach our natiue ioyes: 
 At the well head the pureft ftreames arife ; 
 But mucky filth his braunching armcs annoyes. 
 
 And with vncomely wccdes die gentle waue accloycs. 
 
 S3
 
 47^ THE II. BOOKE OF THE CantriL 
 
 The antique worU, in his fir ft flowring youth. 
 Found no dcfe6l in his Crcatours grace, 
 But with glad thankes, and vnreproucd truth, 
 Tnc giftsof foueraignc bountie did embrace: 
 Like Angels Ufe was then mens happy cacc 5 
 But later ages pride, like corn-fed flecd , 
 Abufd her plenty, and fat fwolne cncrcacc 
 To all licentious luft, and gan exceed 
 
 The meaiurc of her meane, and natural! firft need. 
 
 Then gan acurfedhand the quiet wombc 
 
 Of his great Gandmother with fteele to woutxl. 
 
 And the hid treafures in her facred tombe. 
 
 With Sacriledge to dig . Therein he found 
 
 Fountaines of gold and filuer to abound, 
 
 Of which the matter of his huge defirc 
 
 And pompous pride eftfoones he did compound 5 
 
 Then auarice gan through his veines infpire 
 
 His greedy flames,and kindled lifc-deuouring fire, 
 
 SonneCfaid he then)lct be thy bitter fcome. 
 And leaue the r udenefTc of antique aec 
 To them, that liu'd therein in ftate forlorne^ 
 Thou that doeft Hue in later times, muft wage 
 Thy workes for wealth,and life for gold engage. 
 If then thee lift my offred grace to vfe. 
 Take what thou pleafe of all this furplufaget 
 If thee Hft not, leaue haue thou to refufe : 
 
 But thing refufed, do not afterward accufe. 
 
 Me lift not(faid the Elfin knight)receauc 
 Thing offred, tilll know it well be got , 
 Ne wote I, but thou didft thefe goods bercauc 
 From rightful! owner by viirighteous lot. 
 
 Or
 
 €dntyiT. FAERIE C^VEENE. J77 
 
 Or that bloud guiltncflc or guile them blot. 
 Perdy (quoth hc)yct neuer eye did vcw, 
 Nc toung did tcll3nc hand thefc handlednot, 
 But fafe I hauc them kept in (cere t mew. 
 From hcaucns fight^ and powrc of all which the purfov. 
 
 What fecrct place(quoth he)can fafely hold 
 So huge a made, and hide from heaucns eye? 
 Or where haft thou thy wonne3that fo much gold 
 Thou canft preferue from wrong and robbery? 
 Come thou(quoth he)and fee . So by and by 
 Through that thicke couert he him led^and found 
 A darkefome way^ which no man could defcry. 
 That dcepe dclcended through the hollow ground. 
 
 And was with dread andhorrour compaflcd around. 
 
 At length they came into a larger fpacc^ 
 That ftretcht it felfe into an ample plaine^ 
 Through which a beaten broad high way did trace. 
 That ftreight did lead to platoes griefly raine: 
 By that wayes {ide^ there fate infernall Payne, 
 And faft befide him fat tumultuous Strife: 
 The one in hand an yron whip did ftrainc. 
 The other brand ifned a bloudy knife. 
 
 And both did gnadi their teeth, & both did threaten life. 
 
 On thothcr fide in one confbrt there fate, 
 Cruell Reuenge, and rancorous Defpight, 
 Difloyall Treafon , and hart-burnin g Hate, 
 But gnawing Gcalofie out of their light 
 Sitting alone^his bitter lips did bight, 
 And tremblingFearc ftill to and fro did fly. 
 And found no place, where fafe he fliroud him might. 
 Lamenting Sorrow did in darkncfic lye. 
 
 And Shame his vgly face did hide from lining ej'c. 
 
 S4
 
 jyS THE II, BOOKE OF THE e^ntm. 
 
 And oucr them fad horrour with grim hew^ 
 Didalwaycs fore^beating his yron wings 3 
 And after him Owlcs and Night-rauens flew. 
 The hatefull mcflengers of heauy things. 
 Of death and dolour telling fad tidings ; /I 
 
 Whiles fad C(f/^/?^, fitting on a clift^ 
 A fong of bale and bitter forrow fings. 
 That hart of flint a fimder could haue rift ; 
 
 Which hauing cnded^after him (tic flycth fwift. 
 
 AH thcfe before the gates o{ Pluto lay. 
 
 By whom they pafling, fpakc vnto them nought. 
 But th'Elfin knight with wonder all the way 
 Did feed his eyes^ andfild his inner thoughts 
 At laft him to a litle dore he brought. 
 That to the gate of Hell^ which gaped wide. 
 Was next adioyning^ne them parted ought: 
 Betwixt them both was but a litle ftride. 
 
 That did tlie houfe of Richeflc from hell-mouth diuidc. 
 
 Before the dore fat felfe-confuming Care, 
 Day and night keeping wary watch and ward. 
 For fearc leaft Force or Fraud (hould vnaware 
 Brcake in, and fpoile the trcafure there in gard : 
 Nc would he fuffer Sleepc once thither-ward 
 Approch, albe his drowfie den were next \ 
 For next to death is Sleepc to be compard ; 
 Therefore his houfe is vnto his annext \ 
 
 Here Sleep^there Richc{re3& Hel-gatc the both betwcxt. 
 
 So foone as C\Ummoa there arriu'd, the dore 
 Tohim did open^ and affoorded way ; 
 Him followed eke Sir Gujon euermorc , 
 Ne darkeneffe him. ne daunger might difmay, 
 
 Soonc
 
 CMt.VIL P AERIE QVEENE. 27^ 
 
 Soonc as he^ncrcd was^ the dote ftrc Jght way 
 Did fhutj and from behind it forth there Jept 
 An vgly fccnd, morefowlc then difmall day, 
 ' The which with monftroiis ftaike behind him ftept 
 And euer as he wcnt^dew watch vpon him kept. 
 
 Well hoped he, ere long that hardy gueft^ 
 If euer coiietous hand, or luftfull eye. 
 Or lips he layd on thing, that likt him beft. 
 Or euer fleepe his eye-ltrings did vntye, 
 Sliould be his pray . And therefore ftill on hyc 
 He ouer him did hold his cruell dawes, 
 Thrcatning with greedy gripe to do him dye 
 And rend in peeces with his rauenous pawes. 
 
 If euer he tranlgreft the fatall Stygian lawes. 
 
 That houics forme within was rude and ftrong. 
 Like an huge caue, hewne out of rocky clift. 
 From whole rough vaut the ragged breaches hong^ 
 Emboft with mafly' gold of glorious gift^ 
 And with rich metall loaded euery ri tt, 
 That heauy ruine they did leemc to threat 5 
 And ouer them Arachne high did lift 
 Hercunningweb,and(predhcrfubtile ner^ (let. 
 
 Enwrapped in fowie fmoke and clouds more blacke then 
 
 Both roofe,and floore^and wals were all of eold. 
 But ouergrowne with duft and old decay. 
 And hid in darkenefic, that none could behold 
 The hew thereof: for vew of chcarefuU day 
 Did neuer in that Iioufe it fclfe difplay, 
 Butafaintfhadowofvnccrtain light; 
 Such as a lamp^ whofe life docs fade away: 
 Or as the Moonc cloathcd with clowdy night, 
 
 Docs fhcw to him^that walkcs in fearc and iad affright.
 
 iSo THE II. BOOKE OF THE CinUVlh 
 
 In all that rowmc was nothing to be fccnc. 
 But huge great yron chefts and coffers ftrong, 
 All bard with double bends ^that none could wccac 
 Them to efforce by violence or wrong ; 
 On euery fide they placed were along. 
 But all the ground with fculs was fcattered^ 
 And dead mens bones^which round about were flong, 
 W hofe liues^it feemed^whilome there were fhed^ 
 
 And their vile carcafes now left vnburied. 
 
 They forward pafle5nc Cj/^j^/^yetfpoke word^ 
 Till that they came vnto an yron dorc. 
 Which to them opened of his owne accord^ 
 And fhewd of richefic fuch exceeding (lore. 
 As eye of man did ncuer (ee before ; 
 Ne euer could within one place be found. 
 Though all the wealth, which is, or was of yore. 
 Could gathered be through all the world around. 
 
 And that aboue were added to that vnder ground. 
 
 The charge thereof vnto a couetous Spright 
 Commaunded was,who thereby did attend, _ 
 And warily awaited day and night, 
 From other couetous feends it to defend. 
 Who it to rob and ranfacke did intend. 
 Then tJiiAmmon turning to that warriourjfaid i 
 Loe here the worldes blis, be here the end. 
 To which all men do aymc, rich to be made: 
 Such grace now to be happy,is before thee laid. 
 
 Certes(faid he)I n'lU thine offred grace, 
 Ne to be made fo happy do intend : 
 Another blis before mine eyes I place. 
 Another happinefle, another end. 
 
 To
 
 CMt.VlU FAERIE QVEENE. 281 
 
 To them, that lift, thcfc bafc rcgardcs I lend: 
 But I in armcs^and in atchicucmcnts brauCj 
 Do rather choofc my flitting houres to fpend. 
 And to be Lord of thoft, that riches haue, 
 Tlicn them to hauc my fclfe^and be their fcr uile fclaue* 
 
 Thereat the feend his gnafhing teeth did grate. 
 And grieu'djfb long to lacke his greedy pray. 
 For well he weened, that fb glorious bayte 
 Would tempt his gueft, to take thereof afTay ; 
 Had he fo doen, he had him (hatcht away, 
 More light then Culuer in the Faulcons lift, 
 Eternall God thee faue from fuch decay. 
 But whenas {JMAmmbn faw his purpofe mift, 
 
 Him to entrap vnwares another way he wift. 
 
 Thence forward he him ledjand lliortly brought 
 Vnto another rowme , whofe dore K)rthri2ht, 
 To him did open, as it had beene taught : 
 Therein an hundred raunges weren pight, - 
 And hundred fornaces all burning bright \ 
 By cuery fornace many feends didtide. 
 Deformed creatures, horrible in fight. 
 And eucry feend hi ^ bufie paines applidc. 
 
 To melt the golden metall, ready to be tride. 
 
 One with great bellowes gathered filling aire. 
 And with forft wind the fewell did inflame 5 
 Another did the dying bronds repairc 
 With yron toungs,and fprinckled oft the fame 
 With liquid wanes, fiers yule Am rage to tame. 
 Who maiftring them , rcnewdhis former heat ; 
 Some fcumd the drofle^ that from the metall camcj 
 Some ftird the molten owre with ladles great ; 
 
 And cucry one did fwincke^and eucry one did fivca t»
 
 282 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Csfitrth 
 
 But when as earthly wight they prefcnt faw, 
 Gliftring in amies and battailous aray. 
 From their whot worke they did themfelues withdraw 
 To wonder at the fight : for till that day. 
 They neuer creature faw^ that came that way. 
 Their flaring eyes fparckling with fcruent fire. 
 And vgly Inapes did nigh the man difmay. 
 That were it not for (liamc, he would retire^ 
 
 Till that him thus befpake their fbueraignc Lord & fire. 
 
 Behold, thou Faeries fonnc, with mortall eye. 
 That lining eye before did neuer fee : 
 The thing, that thou didft craue fo earneftly, ^ 
 
 To wee t, whence all the wealth late iliewd by mcc. 
 Proceeded, lo now is rcueald to thee. 
 Here is the fountaine of the worldes good; 
 Now therefore, if thou wilt enriched bee, 
 Auile thee well, and chaunge thy wilfuU mood, 
 
 Leaft thou perhaps hereafter wi(h,and be withftood. 
 
 Suffife it then, thou Money God(quoth hce) 
 
 That all thine idle offers I re fufe. 
 
 All that I need I haue \ what needeth mec I 
 
 To couet more , then I haue caufc to vie? 
 
 With fuch vaine iTiewes thy worldlings vile abufc; 
 
 But giue me leaue tb follow mine emprifc. 
 
 xJvUmmony^^^ much difpleafdjyet no'tchc chufc. 
 
 But bearc the rigour of his bold mcfpife. 
 And thence him forward Ied,him further to entife. 
 
 He brought him through a dfirkfbme narrow ftrait, . 
 To a broad gate, all built of beaten gold ; 
 The gate was open, but therein did wait 
 A flurdy villein, ftriding fliffc and bold^
 
 cmyn: 'FAERIE QVEENE. 283 
 
 As the highcfl: Cod dcfie he would ; 
 In his right hand an yron cUib he held j 
 But he himfelfc was all of .golden mould. 
 Yet had both life and fcnce^ and well could weld 
 That curftd weapon^ when his crucll foes he queld. 
 
 Difdajne he called vvas^ and did difclainc 
 
 To be fo caldj and who fb did him call ; 
 
 Sterne was to looke^ and full of flomacLc vaine ^ 
 
 His portaunce terrible^ and ftature tall. 
 
 Far paflingth'hight of men terreftriall ; 
 ^ '- LikcanhugeGyantoftheT»4«jracc5 
 
 That made him icorne all creatures great and fmall 
 
 And with his pride all others powre deface: (place. 
 More fit amongft blacke ficndes, then men to haue his 
 
 Soone as thofc glitterand amies he did cfpyc, 
 
 That with their brightnefle made that darknefle light. 
 
 His harmcfull club he gan to hurtle hye. 
 
 And threaten battcill to the Faery knight; 
 
 Who likewife gan himfelfe to battcill dight^ 
 
 Till LMammon did his hafty hand withhold. 
 
 And counlcldhim abftaine from perilous fight : 
 
 For nothing might abafh the villein bold, 
 
 Nc mortall ftecle cmpercc his miicreatcd mould. 
 
 So hauing him with reafbn pacifide, 
 
 Andthefiers Carle commaundingtoforbeare. 
 He brought him in , The rowmc was large and widc^ 
 As it fomc Gyeld or fblemne Temple weare : 
 Many great golden pillours did vpbcare 
 The mafTy roofc, and riches huge fuftayne y 
 And cucry fJJllour decked was full dcarc - 
 With'crowhcs and Diademcs,8^ tides vainc, (rayne. 
 
 Which mortall Princes wore^whiles they on earth did
 
 284 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Canty J U 
 
 A route ofpcoplc there aflemblcd were^ 
 
 Of cilery fort and nation vnder skye^ 
 
 Which with great vprore preaced to draw ncrc 
 
 To thVppcr part, where was adiiaunccdhy^ 
 
 A {lately fiege of foiicraigne maicftye ; 
 
 And thereon fat a woman gorgeous gay^ 
 
 And richly clad in robes of royaltyc, 
 
 That neuer earthly Prince in fuch a ray ; / 
 
 His glory did enhauncc^and pompous pride di/play. -: 
 
 ■ ' f 
 
 Her face rit^ht wondrous faire did feemc tobee, 
 
 Thather broad bea^ities beam great brightnes thi^ew 
 
 Through the dim fliadc^ that allmcn might it fee i 
 
 Yet was not that fame her owne natiue hew. 
 
 But wrought by art and counterfettcd fhcw^ \\ 
 
 Thereby more louers vnto her to call 5 
 
 Nathlefle moft heatienly fai're in deed and vew: o-t ^2 
 
 She by creation was, till llie did fall 5 ((all. 
 
 Theceforth iTie fought for belps^ro clokc her cripifc with* 
 
 There_,as in gliftring glory file did fit, ' ^r 
 
 She held a great gold chaine ylincked well, 
 Whofe vpperendto higheftheauen was knit. 
 And lower part did reach to loweft Hell ; 
 And all that prcace did roundabout her Iwell, ' \ 
 To catchen hold of that long chaine, thereby 
 To clime aloft, and others to cxcell : ; > 
 
 That was Ambit hn^ rafh defire to fty. 
 
 And cuery lincke thereof a ftep of dignity, jrj qH 
 
 Some thought to raile thcmlelucs to high degree. 
 By riches and vnrighteous reward, -^ 
 
 Some by clofe fhouldriHg,(bmc by fi^ttcrc^ ;. ■ 
 
 . Others through friciKis, others for baft regard; 
 
 :i :A 
 
 And
 
 CmVll. FAERIE QVEENE. 285 
 
 And all by wrong wayes for themfcliics preparcl. 
 Tho(e that were vp themfclucs^ kept others Jow^ 
 Thofe that were low themfelues^held others hard^ 
 Ne fiiffrcd them to rife or greater grow^ 
 But e uery one did (Iriue his fellow downe to throw. 
 
 WTiich v/nenas6'^^^/;faw3 he gan inquire, 
 
 Whit meant that preace about that Ladies throne^ 
 And what llie was that did fb high afpire. 
 Him iMammon anlwered; That goodly one. 
 Whom all that folkc with flich contention. 
 Do flocke abont^my deare my , daughter is y 
 Honour and dignitie from her alone, 
 Deriued are, and allthis worldes blis 
 
 For which ye men do ftriue : k\v getjbut many mis. 
 
 And faire Philotime fhe rightly hight, 
 
 The faireft wight that wonneth vnder skyc. 
 But that this darkfon-^e neather world her light 
 Doth dim with horrour and deformitic. 
 Worthy of hcauen and hye felicitie. 
 From whence the eods haue her for enuy thruft ; 
 But fith thou haft found fauour in mine eye. 
 Thy fpoufe I will her make, if that thou luft. 
 
 That fhe may thcc aduance for workes and merites iuft» 
 
 Cramercy cJW4«/w<?»(faid the gentle knight) 
 For fb great grace and offred high eft ate ; 
 But I, that am fraile flelTi and earthly wight, 
 Vnworthy match for fuch immortall mate 
 My felfe well wotc, and mine vncquall fate 5 
 And were I not, yet is my rroutli yplight. 
 And loucauowd to other Lady late. 
 That to rcmoue the fame I haue no might : 
 
 Tachaunge louc caulelcfle is reproch co warlike kuigfit >
 
 2^6 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Caffty//. 
 
 CHimmon emmoued was with inward wrath ; 
 Yet forcing it to tainc, him forth thence led 
 Through gricfly Hiadowes by a beaten path^ 
 Into a gardin goodly garnilTicd • 
 Widi hearbs and fruits^ whofe kinds mote not be red: 
 Notfuch^as earth out of her fruitfull woomb 
 Throwcs forth to men/wcet and well fauoiired. 
 But direfull deadly bhcke bothleafc and bloom. 
 
 Tit to adorne the dead^ and decke the drery toombe. 
 
 There moiirnfiill Cyprefe grew in greatcfl: (lore. 
 And trees of bitter Gall, and Heben fad. 
 Dead flceping Poppy ^ and blackc HelleborCy 
 Cold Coloquifitidd^'^nd Tctra mad, 
 Mortall SAmnitUy and CicutA bad. 
 Which with th vniuft Athef?/e^s made to dy 
 Wife Socratesjwho thereofquatfing glad 
 Pourd out his life, andlaftPhilofophy 
 
 To the faire Cr/V/^ his deareft Belamy. 
 
 The Gordh ofProferpha this hight ; 
 And in the midft thereof a filuer ieat. 
 With a thicke Arber goodly ouerdight. 
 In wh ich llie often vfd from open heat 
 Her felfe to fhroud, and plcafures to entreat. 
 Next thereunto did grow a goodly tree. 
 With braunches broad difprcd and body great. 
 Clothed withkaues, that none the wood mote fee 
 
 And loaden all with fruit as thicke as it might bee. 
 
 Their fruit were golden apples gli firing bright. 
 That goodly was their glory to behold^ 
 On earth like neucr grew,ne liuing wight 
 Like cuer faw, but they from hence were fold ; 
 
 Feu:
 
 antrm ' faerie; qveene. zS; 
 
 For thofe , wHidi Hirrr^/^^ with conqucft bold 
 Got from great Atlas daughters^ hence began. 
 And planted there ^ did bring; forth fruit of gold ; 
 And thole with which th'£tf^i<<» young man wan^ 
 Swift :<^r4/i/;//«3wh€athrough crafthchcrout ran. 
 
 Here alfb Iprong that goodly golden fruit. 
 With which ^r^^j//]^ got his louer trewj 
 
 Whomhehadlohgjtimcfbughtwith fruitlefle fuir ? ^ 
 Here eke that famous golden Apple grew. 
 The which eniongft the godifalfe;^/)? threw; 
 For which th'Aifi«/r Ladies difagreed. 
 Till partiall T'^rft^ dempt it Fenus dew. 
 And had of her, fairc Helen for his meed, 
 That many noble Greekes and 7>w4wmade to bleed. 
 
 The warlike Elfc, much wondred at this tree. 
 So faire and great, that fhadowed all the ground. 
 And his broad braunches.laden with rich fee, ':>iva lO 
 Did ftretch themfelues without the vtmoft bound 
 Of this great gardin, compaft with a mound. 
 Which ouer-hanging, they themfelues did ftcepc. 
 In ablacke flood which flow d about it round; 
 Thatis theriuerof C^f)r/^deepe, •. v. . ; .. ; 
 
 In which full many foules do cndlefic wailc'and wecplc. 
 
 Which to behold, he clomb vp to the bankc. 
 And looking downe,faw many damned wights. 
 In thofc fad waues, which direfull deadly ftankc, 
 Plongcd continually of crucll Sprights, 
 That with their pitteous crycsjarid yelling fhrights. 
 They made the further fhore refbundcn wide ; 
 Emongft the reft of thofe fame rucfull fights. 
 One cur(cd crcauirCjhe by chauncc cfpidei, 
 
 That drenched lay full dcepc, vnder the Garden fide, 
 
 T
 
 288 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cm.Vlt^ 
 
 Dccpc was he drenched to the vpmoft chin^ 
 Yet gaped ftill, as coueting to drinkc 
 Of the cold liquor, which he waded in. 
 And ftrctching forth his hand^did often thinkc 
 To reach the fruitjwhich grew vpon the brimrkc: 
 But both the fruit from hand, and floud from mouth 
 Did flic abacke, and made him vaincly fwinke; " ^-rr^K 
 The whiles he ftcru d with hunger and with drouth 
 
 He daily dyde, yethcucr thrioughly dyen couth.iorl // 
 
 The knighthim feeing labour fb in' Vainc, liv/s^rrr 
 Askt who he was, and what he mcnt thereby : 
 Who groning deepc, thus anfwerdhim againc j 
 Moft curfcd of all creatures vvndcr skyc, 
 I^o T4/;/<i//^5lheretorjTientiedJyc: 
 Of whom high loue wont whylomefcaftcd bee, 
 Lo here I now for want of food doe dye: 
 But if that thou be fuch, as I thee fee. 
 
 Of grace I pray thee, giue to eat and drinke to mcc. 
 
 Nay, nay, thou greedie Tdntdus ( quoth he ) 
 
 Abide the fortune of thy prcfent fate. 
 
 And vnto all that line in high degree, 
 
 Enfampic be of mind intemperate , 
 
 To teach them how to vfe their prefcnt ftatc. 
 
 Then gan the curfcd wretch aloud to cry, 
 
 Accunng highcfl: loue and gods ingrate. 
 
 And eke bla(phcmingheauen bitterly. 
 As agthour of vniuftice, there to let him dye. 
 
 He lookt a little further, and efpydc 
 
 Another wretch, whole carkaflfc deepe was drent 
 Within the riuer, which the fame did hydc : 
 But both his hands moft filthy feculent^ ii^ny>
 
 OmtTli. FAERIE dVEENE. 28;^: 
 
 Abouc the water were on high extent. 
 And faynd to waili themftlucs inceflantly ; 
 Yet nothing cleaner were for fuch intent. 
 But rather fowler feemed to the eye ; 
 So loft his labour vainc and idle induftry. 
 
 The knight him calling , asked who he was. 
 
 Who lifting vp his head 5 him aniwerd thus : 
 
 I PiUte am the faUcft ludge^alas. 
 
 And moft vniuft5that by vnrighteous 
 
 And wicked doome, to lewes defpiteous 
 
 Dcliuered vp the Lord of life to die y 
 
 And did acquite a murdrer felonous; 
 
 The whiles my hands I wafht in puritic. 
 The whiles my ibule was foyld with foule iniquitic. 
 
 Infinite moe, tormented in like paine 
 
 He there beheld, too long here to be told : 
 
 Ne Mammon would there let him long remaine. 
 
 For terrour of the tortures manifold. 
 
 In which the damned fbules he did behold. 
 
 But roughly him befpake. Thou fearefullfoole^ 
 
 Why takcft not of that fame fruit of gold, 
 
 Ne fitteft downe on that fame filuer ftoole. 
 
 To reft thy wearie perfon, in the (hadow coole. 
 
 All which he did, to doe him deadly fall 
 
 In frayle intemperance through finfull bayt ; 
 
 To which if he inclined had at all , 
 
 That dreadfull feend, which did behind him wayt. 
 
 Would him haue rent irt tboufandpeeces ftrayt : 
 
 But he was warie wife in all his wayj 
 
 And well perceiued his deceiptfuU fleight^ 
 
 Ne fuffred luft his fafetie to betrays . - it. : 
 
 So goodly did beguile the Guyler of the pray, 
 
 T 2
 
 apo THE'II. BOOKE QFTHE C4;»/.r/i/^ 
 
 And now he has fo long remained there , 
 
 That vitall powrcs gan wcxcboth weake and wan. 
 For want of food, and fleepc, which two vpbearc. 
 Like mightie pillours^this frailelifcofman. 
 That none without the fame enduren can. 
 For now three dayes ofmenwerefulloiitwrought. 
 Since he this hardie cnterprize began : 
 For thy great if^4«iwi>/; fairelyhe befought^ 
 
 Into the world to guide him backc^ as he him brought. 
 
 -i')i;!nvn:. 
 
 The God, though loth, yet was conftraindt'obay. 
 For lender time, then that, no liuing wight 
 Below the earthy might fuffred be to flay : 
 So backe againe,him brought to liuing light. 
 But all Co (bone as his enfeebled fpright 
 Gan fucke this vitall aire into his breft. 
 As ouercome with too exceeding might. 
 The life did flit away out of her nefl. 
 
 And all his fenfcs were with deadly fit opprcil. 
 
 ^crates fonnes dcjpoyldy 
 W-X IVhom Arthur foone hath reskeyped 
 
 AndTapimhrethreJifoyld, ^gg 
 
 Nd is thcfeciarc in b<^a^en ? atid is there louc 
 In heauenlyfpirits to thefe creatures bace. 
 That iiiaycoaipaffion of their euils moue ? 
 There is : elfc n^i^h mlPX^mmM yvcrc the cacc 
 
 Li 
 
 A
 
 Cm.Vllh FAERIE QVEENE. 2^1 
 
 Of mcn^thcn bcafts. But 6 th*cxceeding grace 
 Of highcft God, that loues Ins creatures fb. 
 And all his workes with mercy doth embrace. 
 That bleffed Angels, he fends to and fro, ' 
 
 To feruc to wicked man^ to fcrue his wicked foe. 
 
 :'\\\ ■;■ 
 
 How oft do they, their filuer bowers leaue. 
 To come to fuccour vs, that fuccour want ? 
 How oft do they with golden pineons, cleauc 
 The flitting skyes, like flying Purfuiuant, 
 Againft foule feends to aide vs millitant ? 
 They for vs fight, they watch and de wly ward. 
 And their bright Squadrons round about vs plant. 
 And all for loue , and nothing for reward ; 
 
 O why iliould hcaucniy God to men hauc fuch regard ? 
 
 During the while, that Guyon did abide 
 
 In Mamons houfc, the Palmer , whom whyleare 
 That wanton Mayd of paflagc had denide. 
 By further fearch had paflage found elfewhcre. 
 And being on his way, approchcd neare. 
 Where Gujon lay in trauncc, when fuddenly 
 He heard a voice, that called loud and cleare. 
 Come hither, come hither, 6 come haftily ; 
 
 That all the fields refoundcd with the rucfull cry. 
 
 The Palmer lent his eare vnto the noycc. 
 To weet , who called fo importunely : 
 
 •: : Againe he heard a more efforced voycc. 
 That bad him come in hafte. He by and by 
 His feebjt fectndireftcd to die cry 5 
 Which to that fhadic delue him brought at laft. 
 Where ^MAmmon carft did funnc his threafury : 
 There the goo Ag^/^/i he found flumbring faft 
 
 -IiiScnfelcflc dreame s which fight at firft him fore aghaft. 
 
 T3
 
 jp2 THE II. BOOKE OF THE cmVlU. 
 
 Befide his head there fate a fairc young man. 
 Of wondrous beautic,andoffrcnicilyeareSj 
 Whofc tender bud to blofTome new began. 
 And flourilli faire aboue his equall pearcs ; 
 His fnowy front curled with golden hearcs. 
 Like Phxhus face adornd with funny raycs, 
 Diuinely ilionc, and two iTiarpe winged fhe arcs. 
 Decked with diuerfe plumes, like painted laycs, ^ 
 
 Were fixed at his backe, to cut his ayerie waycs. 
 
 D>!i!/ 
 
 Like as CupUo on id^n hill, 
 
 When hauing laid his cri^ell bow away. 
 
 And mortall arrowes, wherewith he doth fill 
 
 The world with murdrous fpoiles,and bloudic pray. 
 
 With his fairc mother he him dights to play^ 
 
 And with his goodly fillers , Gmces three ; 
 
 The Goddeffe pleafed with his wanpn play, : : . 
 
 Suffers her felfe through fleepe be guild toi)ee. 
 
 The whiles the other Ladies mind their merry glee* > 
 
 Whom when the Palmer faw, abafht he was 
 
 Through fearc and' wpndcr, that he nought couldfay^ 
 Till him the child befpoke, Long lackt, alas^^ '\< 
 Hath bene thy faithfull aide in hard aflay, ! 
 Whiles deadly fit thy pupil! doth difmay;. 
 Behold this heauie fight, thou reuerend Sire, 
 But dread of death and dolour doc away j '{->rx\\^ :<;:IT 
 For life ere longjliall to her home retire, ^ : :■ . 
 
 And he that brcathlcfleieemes,fhal cpxageboldrefpirc. 
 
 The charge, whichGod 'doth.vnto riite aniet. 
 Of his dcarc fafetie, I to thee cominend 5. 
 Yet willl not forgoe,nc yet forget V.J -v. 
 Thccarc thereof my fcIfcYiitothccnd^ t i. ^.^.- 7.
 
 ant.VIir. FAERIE QVEENE. i^^ 
 
 But cucrmore him fiiccour, and defend 
 Againft his foe and mine; watch thou I pray ; 
 For cuill is at hand him to offend. 
 So hauing faid , cftfoones he gan difplay 
 His painted nimble wings, and vaniflit quite away. 
 
 The Palmer feeing his left empty place. 
 And his flow eyes beguiled of their fight, 
 Woxe fore affraid , and ftanding ftill a fpacc, 
 Gaz'd after him, as fowlc efoapt by flighty 
 At laft him turning to his charge behight , 
 With trembling hand his troubled puKc gan try. 
 Where finding life notyetdiflodgedquight, 
 He much reioyft, and courd it tenderly. 
 
 As chicken newly hatch t, from dreaded deftiny. 
 
 At laft he fpide, where towards him did pace 
 
 Two Paynim knights^all armd as bright as skie^ ^ 
 And them befide an aged Sire did trace. 
 And farre before alight-foot Page did flie. 
 That breathed flrife and troublous enmitie 5 
 Thofe were the two fonnes of Aerates old. 
 Who meeting earft with Archimago flie, 
 Foreby that idle fl:rond,of him were told. 
 
 That he, which carfl: them combatted, was Guy on bold. 
 
 Which to auenge on him they dcarely vovvd, 
 
 WTiere euer that on ground they mote him fynd ; 
 Falfe Arch image prouokt their courage prowd, 
 Aad ftryfull Atin in their ftiibborne mynd 
 Coles of contention and whot vengeance tynd. 
 Now beiie they come, whereas the Palmer (ate^ 
 Keeping that floitibrcd corfe to<him aflynd; 
 Well knew tl^xry ^b his.pciJbcr,Tithiof late. ^ 
 
 With him in bloudic armcs they ralTily did debate. 
 
 T4
 
 2^4 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CintVIlI., 
 
 Whom when P^rr/y^JcA/^J law, inflam'd with rage. 
 That fire he foulc befpake^Thoii dotard vile. 
 That with thy brutenciTe ihcndft thy comely age, x 
 Abandone foone, I read^the caitiiiefpoilc 
 Of that fame outcaft carkaflc, that crewhilc 
 Made it felfe famous through falfe trechery. 
 And crownd his coward creft with knightly ftilc j 
 Loe where he now inglorious doth lye^ 
 
 Toprouehe liuedill^thatdid thus foully dye. 
 
 To whom the Palmer fearelefle aniwercd ; 
 
 CerteSjSir knight, ye bene too much to blamc^ 
 Thus for to blot the honour of the dead. 
 And with foule cowardize his carkaffe fhamCj 
 W'hofe lining hands immortaUzdhis name. 
 Vile is the vengeance on the allies cold. 
 And cnuie bale, to barkc at fleepingfamc : 
 Was neiier wight, that trealbn of him told ; 
 
 Your felfe his prowefTe prou*d &found him ficrs & bold. 
 
 Then faid Cymochles ; Palmer , thou doell dote, 
 Ne canft of prowelIe,nc of knighthood deemc^ 
 Sauc as thou feeft or hcarft. But well I wotc. 
 That of his puiflancc tryall made extrcemc ; 
 Yet gold all is not, that doth golden Iceme, 
 Ne all good knights,that iTiake well Ipcare and iTiicId; 
 The worth of all men by their end cfteeme. 
 And then due praifc, or due reproch them yield ; 
 
 Bad therefore I him deeme_, that thus lies dead on field. 
 
 Good or bad (gan his brother fierce reply ) 
 What doc I rcckc, fith that he dydc entire ? 
 Or what doth his bad death now fatisfy 
 • The greedy hunger of reucnging ire, 
 
 StA
 
 cm.VUt. FAERIE QVEENE. 25)5 
 
 Sith wrathfuUhand wrought liot her ownc dcfire ? 
 Yet fince no way is left to wreake my ^ight^ 
 I will him reauc of armes^ the vidors hirc^ 
 And of that lliield^ more worthy of good knight 5 
 For why fhould a dead dogbe dcckt m armour bright ? 
 
 Faire Sir^ faid then the Palmer fuppliaunt^ 
 For knighthoods loue, do not fo foule a deed, 
 Ne blame your honour with fb fhamcfull vaunt 
 Of vile reuenge. To fpoile the dead of weed 
 Is facrilcgc, and doth all finnes exceed 5 
 But leauc thcfe rclicks of his liuing might. 
 To decke his hercc^and trap his tomb-blacke ftecd. 
 What hcrce or fteede ( faid he) fhorld he haue dight^ 
 
 But be entombed in the rauen or the kight ? 
 
 With that, rude hand vpon his fhield he laid. 
 And th'other brother gan his helme vnlacc. 
 Both fiercely bent to haue him difaraid 5 
 Till that they fpide , where towards them did pace 
 An armed knight, of bold and bounteous grace^ 
 Whofc (quire bore after him an hebcn launcc^ -11. 
 And couerd fhield. Well kend him fo farre fpacc 
 Th'enchaunter by his armes and amenaunce. 
 
 When vndcr him he faw his Lybian ftced to prauncc. 
 
 And to thofc brethren faid. Rife rife by liue. 
 And vnto battcU doe your felucs addreflc ; 
 For yonder comes the prowcftknight aliuc. 
 Prince Arthur^ flowre of grace and nobileffc^ 
 That hath to Paynim knights wrought great diftrcfTe, 
 And thou(and Sar'zins foully donne to dye. 
 That word fo deepe did in their harts imprcflc^ 
 That both cftfooacs vpftaried furtou(fy. 
 
 And gan chcmfclues prepare to battcUg|(«cdily»
 
 79^^ THE II.BOOKE OF THE Canty IJL 
 
 But fierce Fyrrbochles^ lacking his owne fword^ ' d 
 The want thereof now greatly gan to plainc^ 
 And Archimage befought, him that afford. 
 Which hzhzAhiou^tioi Braggadocchio vainc. 
 So would I ( faid th endiauntcr ) glad andfainc 
 Betceme to you this fword, you to defend. 
 Or ought that clfc your honour might maintained 
 But that this weapons powrc I well haue kcnd^ 
 
 To be contraric to the woirke ', which yc intend. 
 
 For that fame knights owne fword this is of yorc3 
 Which UHerlm made by his almightic art 
 For that his nourfling , when he kiiighthood fworc^ 
 
 .-^ Therewith to doen hisf3e$etera^Mfinart;ih£rl'/v 
 ThcmetallfirfthemixtwithcJWe'^iei^/rr/, .Arz v ' 
 That no enchauntment from his dint might (aue s 
 Then it in flames of ^^ettta wrought apart, .: 
 And feuen times dipped in the bitter wauc :' ; 
 
 Of hclliih 5(^X3 which hidden vertue to it gauc. 
 
 The yertue is, that neither (leele, nor ftonc . 
 
 The .ftrokc thereof from entrance rriay defend s . 
 
 Neeucrmay be vfed by his fonc, 
 
 Neforfthis rightfull owner tooffend, 
 
 Nceucrwillitbrcake,neeue.rbend. "*'r»fi. 
 
 Wherefore .W^r^^^r^ it rightfully is highr. 
 
 In vainc therefore • ^yrr hoc hies , iliould I lend ' J 
 
 The fame to thee, againft his lord to fight, .{i. 
 
 For furc it would deceiue thy labour^ and thy mighf.' 
 
 f • ■ . .. rr 
 
 rr 
 
 >'^"' • - : --> .^^ t .^^ ^^/i 1^ 
 
 FSoHfh oldman , faid tlocn the Pagan wrotHv i - i T 
 That weeneft words or'charmes may force withft^nd: 
 Soonei-halt thou fee, and thenbelceue for trqcb, ' 
 That Ican.qaruc ikyithjdwsinchaunt^dbrondjc:!!
 
 anLFIIl. FAERIE QVEENE. 2^7 
 
 His Lords owne(lcfh. Therewith oil c of his hond 
 That vertuoiis ftcelc he rudely friatcht away. 
 And Gttyons (\^ic\d about his wrefl he bond > 
 So rcadie dight^ fierce battaile to aflayj 
 
 And match his brother proud in battailous array. 
 
 ;:^djfiih/. 
 
 By this that ftraunger knight in prefcnce came, 
 And goodly falued them ; who nought againc 
 Him anfweredj as courtefie became, . ,.:/. n'li 
 But with fterne lookes,and ftomachous difdainCj 
 Gauc fignes of grudge and difcoiitcntmcnt vainc ;'"' 
 Then turning to the.Palmer, he ganfpy , • 
 
 Where at his feete, with forrowfull demaincDsl jI 
 And deadly hew^an a>*med corfe did dye, ' ::3iV/ ^ /F 
 
 In whofe dead face he red great magifta«imjty^ oroM 
 
 SaidhethcntothcPalmer^Rcucrendfyrej-'bcj 3o'k< 
 What orreat misfonunc hath betidd this koightjh 
 Or did his life hdr fatall date expyrc^: ymm 3 mod W 
 Or did he fall by treafon, or by fight ? 
 How euer^fure Irew his pitteous pfigh^O rriorl.v oT 
 Nor oncjifar pther,<faid thdFalttDcrigf^titer^ u/idT 
 .Hath him befalhc yTi>ut'fcb(i}da5rf'^ca<%3t^i^ 
 Awbilchis heauiieylidscouerfdinauc^li / . i.l^ i:« : 
 
 And all his faifci:drowmcdiad^"(^C:foifelcCfeiwiu<f-^ 
 
 Whicb5tbofcflmefdcs:5;tJia«ftmdhth:cby^irfr.r ,!T 
 Making aduantagc 5 to reuenge:their flight, 
 Would him difarme-an4trcaten.ri:i'ajmefully^: - . 
 Vnworthy vfage of re doubted knight. 
 But you; faireSir^wh6fehon<5f able figlui: * s - '.nl 
 Doth proi-tiife hope of helpc, and timely grace/[ 
 Mote ibefcech to fuccour bis fad phght , 
 And byyodrf owre.|:jrQtc^!cJiri3.fccblc cacc. . ; 
 
 IIFtftpraife of knighthood is/oulc outrage to deface>
 
 2c?8 THE II.BOOKE OF THE Canty UL 
 
 Palmer, (faid he ) no knight fo r^c^ I vvcene^ 
 As to doen outrage to a flccping ghoft ; 
 Nc was there cucr noble courage (cenc. 
 That in aduauntage would his puillancc Soft ; 
 Honour Is leaftj where oddes appeareth moil. i 
 May be, that better rcafon will afiwage , 
 Thcrafhreucngers heat. Words well di(poft 
 Hauc fecret powre, t'appeafe inflamed rage : 
 
 If not, Icaue vnto me thy knights laft patonage, : i 
 
 Tho turning to thofc brethren , thus befpokc. 
 Ye warlike payre, whofe valorous great might 
 It feemes, iuft wrongs to vengeance doe prouoke,' 
 To wreake your wrathon this dead feeming knight^ 
 Mote oughtallay the ftormeof your defpiglit, '^ 
 And fettle patience in fo furious heat ? 
 Not to debate the chalengc of your right. 
 But for this carkafle pardon I entreat, . r>7! • ttr i 
 
 Whom fortune hath alreadiclaidmloiveft feat. ■ 
 
 To whom CymochUs faid^ For what art thou. 
 
 That ipak'ft thy fclfc his. dayes-man, to prolong A 
 Th^V6ngdancepf<:ft?OrwhofhallIetmcnow, ' ^ 
 On this vile bodic from to wrcakc my wrong , 
 And mate his carkaflc as the outcaft dong ? 
 Why lliould not that dead carrion fatisfic 
 Tlie guilt^ivfecbif hseliuedhad thus.ld>ng , 
 His life for due rcucngc fhould deare abie? 
 
 Thetref(ia'(Jcfl:iUdotfciiiic..albc.tbeperfoiidie^ ' 
 
 Indeed (theft faid the Prince) the cuill donne -tva^ 
 Dy^s hot, when breath the bodiefirfl: doth leaue,: 
 But fromthe grandfyre to the Nephewes fonne; 1 
 And allhis feed the curfc dotb often, cleaup>i \yji\
 
 CM.Vin. FAERIE QVEENE. t99 
 
 Till vengeance vttcrly the guilt bcrcaue : 
 So ftrcightly God doth iudgc. But gentle knight, 
 That doth againft the dead his hand vpreare, 
 His honour ftaincs with rancour and defpight. 
 And great difparagment makes to his former might. 
 
 fjrrhoMcs gan reply the fecond time. 
 And to him faid ^Now felon furc I read. 
 How that thou art partaker ofhis crime : 
 Therefore by Termagamt thou fhalt be dead. 
 With that his hand^more fad then lomp of lead, 
 Vpliftinghigh ,he weened with Morddure^ 
 His owne good fword Morddnre^to cleaue his head. 
 The faithfull fteele fuch treafon no'uld endure, 
 
 But fwaruingfrom the marke, his Lords life did affurc. 
 
 Yet was the force fb furious and fo fell. 
 That horfe and man it made to reele afide; 
 Nath'lefle the Prince would not forfake his fell : 
 For well of yore he learned had to ride. 
 But full of anger fiercely to him cridc ; 
 Falfe traitour mifcreant, thou broken haft 
 The law of armes, to ftrikc foe vndefide. 
 But thou thy treafons fruit, I hope, fhalt taftc 
 
 Right fowre, & feele the law, the which thou haft dcfaft. 
 
 W^ith that his balefiiil fpeare, he fiercely bent 
 Againft the Pagans breft, and therewith thought 
 His curfed life out of her lodge haue rent: 
 But ere the point arriued, where it ought. 
 That feuen-fold iTiield, which he fix)m Guyonhvou^t 
 He caft betwcne to ward the bitter ftound: (wrought 
 Through all thofe foldcsthe fteclchead paffage 
 And through his Aioulder pierft -, whcrwith to groud 
 
 Hegroucling fell^ all gored in his gulWngwound.
 
 joo THE II. BOOKE OF THE CmVUi, 
 
 Which when his brother faw, fraught with great gricfc 
 And wrath, he to him leaped furioufly. 
 And fowly faid. By Mahoune^ curfcd thicfc. 
 That direful! ftroke thou dcarely fhalt aby. ^ 
 
 Then hurling vp his harmcfull blade on hyc. 
 Smote him fo hugely on his haughtie crcft, 
 ♦That from his faddle forced him to fly : 
 Elfc mote it needcs downc to his manly brcft 
 
 Haue cleft his head in twaine^andlife thence dilpoilcft. 
 
 Now was the Prince in daungerous diftreflcj 
 
 Wanting his'fword^when he on foot fhould fight : 
 His fingle (peare could doe him fmallredrefle^ 
 Againft two foes of fo exceeding mighty 
 . The leaft of which was match for any knight. 
 And now the other, whom he earft did daunt. 
 Had reard himfclfe againc to cruell fight. 
 Three times more furious, and more puiflTaunt, 
 
 Vnmindfuli of his wound, of his fate ignoraunt. 
 
 So both attonce him charge on either fide. 
 With hideous ftrokes,and importable powrc. 
 That forced him his ground to trauerfc wide. 
 And wifely watch to ward that deadly ftowrc: 
 
 . For in his iliield, as thicke as ftormie (liowrc. 
 Their ftroke s did raine, yet did he neuer quailc, 
 Ne backward iTirinke, but as a ftedfaft towrc. 
 Whom foe with double battry doth ailailc, (uailc. 
 
 Them on her bulwarkc beares, and bids them nought a- 
 
 Softoutlyhe withftood their ftrongaflay. 
 Till that at laft, when he aduantage fpydc. 
 His poinant Ipeare he thr uft with puiflant fway 
 At proud Cymochlcs^ whiles his Ihield was wydc. 
 
 That
 
 Cm.yUL FAERIE QVETiNE. 301 
 
 That through his thigh the mortall ftcclc did grydc ; 
 He fwaruing with the force , within his flefh 
 Did breake the launce, and let the head abyde : 
 Out of the wound the red bloud flowed frefh^ 
 Tliat vnderneath his feet foonc made a purple plefh. 
 
 Horribly then he gan to rage ^ and rayle , 
 
 Curfinghis Gods^and himfelfe damning deepe : 
 AIs when his brother faw the red bloud raylc 
 Adownc (b faft, and all his armour fteepe. 
 For very felneflc lowd he gan to weepe. 
 And faid, Caytiue, curfic on thy cruell bond. 
 That twife hath Iped ; yet iTiall it not thee keepc 
 From the third brunt of this my fatall brond ; (ftond. 
 
 Loc where the drcadfiill Death behind thy backe doth 
 
 ^With that he ftrooke^ and th*other ftrooke withall^ 
 That nothing fcem'd mote beare fo monftrous might: 
 The one vpon his couered lliield did fail, 
 
 . And glauncingdowne would not his owner byte: 
 But th'other did vpon his troncheon finyte. 
 Which hewing quite a funder, further way 
 It made, and on his hacqueton did lyte. 
 The which diuiding with importune fway. 
 
 It feizd inhis right fide, and there the dint did flay. 
 
 Wydc was the wound, and a large lukewarme flood. 
 Red as the Rofe, thence gufhed grieuoufly ; 
 That when the Paynim (pyde the ftreaming blood, 
 Gauehtm great hart, and hope of vidlory. 
 On th*othe r fide, in huge perplexity, 
 The Prince now flood , hauine his weapon broke ^ 
 Nought could he hurt^ but ftiU at ward did ly : 
 Yet with bis troncheon he fb rudely ftroke 
 
 Cjmochlcs twife^ that twifc him forft his foot rcuoke.
 
 302 THE 11 BOOKE OF THE Cdfftn/I. 
 
 Whom whcii the Palmer faw in fuch diftreflc. 
 Sir Gu/offs fword he lightly to him raught. 
 And faid ; faire Son^ great God thy right hand bicflc. 
 To vfe that fword fo vvilely as it ought. 
 Glad was the knight^S*: with frelli courage fraught, 
 VVhen as againe he armed felt his hond ; 
 Then like a Lion, which hath long time faught 
 His robbed whelpes^and at the laft them fond 
 Emongft the (liepheard fwayncs , then wcxeth wood & 
 
 .h .:<r- r: (yond. 
 
 So fierce he laid about him, and dealt blowes 
 On either fide, that neither mayle could hold, 
 Ne fhield defend the thunder of his throwes : 
 Now to Pyrrhochles many ftrokes he told j 
 Eft to. Cymochlcs twife fo many fold ; J 
 
 Thenbacke againe turning his bufie hond. 
 Them both attonce compeld with courage bold. 
 To yield wide way to his hart-thrilling brond; 
 And though they both flood ftiffe, yet could not both 
 
 .;Ifjcvv . (vyithflbnd. 
 
 As faluage Bull, whom two fierce maft iucs bay t, ; . 1 
 When rancour doth with rage him once engorc. 
 Forgets with warie ward them to awayt. 
 But with his dreadfuUhornes them driues afore; 
 Or flings aloft, or treads downe in the florc, . ■ .. ,t^ . ^ 
 Breathing out wrath, and bellowing dildainc. 
 That all the forreft quakesto heare him rore : 
 So rag'd Prince Arthur twixt his foemen twainc, 
 Thatneither could his mightie puiflance fuftainc. 
 
 But eucr at Tyrrhochles when he fmit. 
 Who Gt$yom fhield cafl euer him before. 
 Whereon the Faery Quccnes pourtrad was writ. 
 His hand relented, and the flxokc forbore. 
 
 And
 
 Cmym. iF AERIE QJfEE.Hj^T ^81 
 
 And his dcaK^tl^ppj<3:pi^gaflay](if p jj ^.^ 
 which of tjcnc P,aynim lati d trom acadJ.y;Kow5f.A 
 But him hcncefq^ch the lame can fafic i^rnqrcj;-, ^ 
 Fornowarriuedishisfatallhowje, ' "^', ' n- 1 1 
 
 For ymt\xCympchle5\2s^ the towle rcprocn , . .uc « . fr 
 Which them appeached^ prickt witji gu}ty rtian^c;^ 
 ^ . And inward grj^fe^ hc,%i;cdy^qR^pp?9,ef\,,jjf,, '^^ q^ 
 Refolu'dto put away that loathly blamc^ 
 Or dye with honpnr and defcrtx)f fame ; : „, ,, ^^^^^,^ ^p 
 And on the hauberk ftroke the Prince (6 fore, ' ^ * 
 Thaujuire difpart^d. allthe linkedirame^^, ^j, ^,; ^ 
 Andpierccdto,thpskin..but,bitin9n?pre.', ^ -,.,(- 
 
 Yet made him twile to reclc^ that neueraiiooii'd afore. 
 
 . . - ■>» r . *- (-N -. * Wf f - »^ p^^ ^^ J\ 
 
 Whereat rcnjBcrfl: \yith wrath and {liarpjc.rcgrct^ '^r r 
 He ftroke fo J^Wgply wi;i> Jjjs bwow^^'^j^dc^^^^ ^-^ 
 ThatitcmpicrftthpPagans'biirganetj , -^ 
 And cleaning the hard ftcele, did deepe in uadc 
 Into his head, and cruel! paflage made . (ground . 
 C^uite through h.is jbrain^: . He tombjing dowi)^ oa ^ 
 Breathd ofTt his ghoft^which to qi'infcrnal'l ffiadc « 
 Faft flying, there eternall torment found. 
 
 For all the finnes^ wherewith his lewd life did abouncj, 
 
 Which when his german law, tneftonyfearc^ ;p 
 Ran to his hart, and all his fence difmayd, 
 
 J] Nc thenceforth life ne courage did appcare^^^!, l k. a 
 But as a man, whom hellilli feends haue ffayd, ' 
 Long trembliiiig ftill he ftppd-: at hd !thu5 fayds .^r^ 
 Traytour what haft thou docnPhpw eucr may 
 Thy curfcd hand (o cruelly hauc fwayd - 
 
 Againft that knight : J^orrow and vycll gway -l^-^ 
 
 After fo wicked deed why liu'A thou Icngcr day|
 
 304 THE'ir/B'OOKE'OFTHE ifMhiyjll. 
 
 With that alldcfpcfatcislQathinglr^^^^ 
 ArtSwith rcucngc dcfiring (bone to dye, ' ' 
 Aflfcrrtbling all his force and vtmoft might. 
 With his ownc iwprd he fierce at him did flye. 
 And {ftiokiij&id'fbynd,^^ laHit OHtragcoufly, - - ^ 
 Withouten rcalpn or regard . Wcllkncw 
 The Prince, with patiehce and fufFerauncc fly 
 So hafty heat foone cooled to fubdcw : 
 
 Tho when this btcath&ffc woxc. thit battcil gah r^ncw. 
 
 ,'5: rJdv'pjcO'irfil viiv/j. T'icrff) fij:- i^M • 
 
 As when a vvindy tcmpcfl: b!oweth1iye,*^l ^^ 
 Tharnothtng may withftand his ftormy ftowre. 
 The clouded' as things affrayd^ before him flyc; 
 But aljLfofooliK kshis'diLtti:ageoHs])Owt^ ^y\ f^f^^ 
 is layd,they fiercely thenbegintoOioure, 
 And as in fcorne of his fpcnt ftormy fpight, 
 Now^allatt^bhce their malice forth doppurc ; ; ^'^^' ^^ 
 So MSii^'ayon beare MSbTelfc infight, - '' ^\H 
 
 AndfufiFred taili p^rrfo^^/^J waft hi's^ idle might. J 
 
 AtlaftwhenastheSarazmpcrcciu'd, ^-^^^ 
 
 How that ftraong^ fwordrefufd^to feme his ncc^' 
 But when he ftrbke moft ft ton g, the dinfdccciu'd. 
 He (long it fromhim, and deuoyd of dreed^ 
 ' Vpon him lightly leaping without heed, 
 Twixt his twp mighty armes engrafped faft^ 
 Thinking to ouerthrow arid downehim trcd : 
 But him in ftrength and skill the Prince furpaft. 
 
 And throughhis nimble fleight did vnder him down caft. 
 
 Nought booted itthePayliimtfien to flTfUci 
 For as.a Bittur in the Eagles claw. 
 That maynot hopeby flight to fcape aliuc^ 
 Still waitcs for death with dread aild trembling aw;
 
 CMf,Vin,: ^'FAERIE <^EE}^E. p. X 505 
 
 So he novv.fubica:,lP,^hc vidpurshw,;, ,. ^^.j.^. ^^^^ ^^^^ 
 
 Didnot once moiiCj-norvpwardcaft his eye, ,,. - o 
 
 Forvile difdaine aiid rancour, which dxd^n^w •) 
 
 Hishartintwainewithfadmelancholy^, it 
 
 As one that loathed life, and yet delpilHxo dye. ^^^^^ ^rJi 
 
 ">03 or' fi.'^ r^c 
 But full ofPrinccly bounty and great mind. 
 
 The Conquerour nought cared him to flay, 
 
 But calling wrongsand all reuenge behind^ '^\oi\'// 
 
 More glor)^ thought to giue life, then decay^ ^ 
 
 And faid, Paynim, this is thy difinall day J 
 
 Yet if thou wilt renounce thy mifcrcauncc. 
 
 And my trew liegeman yield thy lelfe for ay. 
 
 Life will fgraunt thee for thy yahauncc, , ^ 
 
 And all thy wrongs will wipe out of my iouenaunoc, r ^ 
 
 Foole(faid the Pagan) I thy gift defye^ 
 
 But vfe thy fortune^ a$ it doth,befall3 ,'/, i;^^Q 
 
 And fay, that I not ouercome'do dye , 
 But in delpightoflife, for death do call. 
 
 Wroth was the Prince, and lory yet withall. 
 That he lb wilfully rcfuled grace ; ' , 
 Yet fith His fate fo cruelly did fall. 
 His Ihining Helmet he gan Ibone vnlacc. 
 And left his headlcfle body bleeding all the place. 
 
 By this Sir CjAJy^^ from his traunce awakt , 
 Life hauin g maiftered her Iciicelcllc foe 5 
 And lookingvp^when ashisfhieldhelakt. 
 And fword faw not, he wexed wondrous woe : 
 But when the Palmer, whom he long ygoc 
 Haft loftj he by him fpidc, right glad lie grew. 
 And faid jDeare fir, whom wandring to and fro 
 I long haue lackt^ I ioy thy face to vow ; 
 
 Firme is thy faith, whom daunger neuer fro me drew, 
 
 V 2 
 
 '.1-rr.
 
 jfeS THE>J1 BOOKE 0)P THE Caffir/If. 
 
 But read what wicked hand hath robbe'd mi^' ^ '• ' -[ '^^'■ 
 
 Of my good fwordandfhiVld?TTie Palmer eliiJ^ * 
 Withfofric-fh hcwvprifihghimtofce. 
 Him anfwcred s fairc ibnnc, be no whit fad 
 For want ($>f vV^^bns^they fHaUToone' be had;''" ^^*^ '^^^ 
 So gan he to.difcourfe the whole debate, 
 W hich that ftraiiilge knight forhim fiiftainedhad. 
 And thofe two^^afazins confounded late, 
 VVTiofe carcaffes c&vground were horribly proftrate. 
 
 Which when he heard^ and faw the tokens tre w. 
 His hart with great affeftion was embayd^ 
 And to the Prince with bowing re ucrence dew^ 
 AstothePatronepfKidifejAusftjHi^'^S^^*^^^^^ ' 
 My Lotd^my' liege jbywhofe moft gratioii's aydf 
 1 liuc this day, and fee my foes fubdewd. 
 What may fuflife^ to be for meede rcpayd 
 Of fo great grace^ja^ ye haucilic^licvrd^ 
 
 Buttobeeuerbound " /!:.>, in, 
 
 To whomthe Infant thus^Faire Sir, what need 
 Good turnes be couhtcd, as a (ermlc bond. 
 To bind their doers, to receiue their meede ? 
 Are not all knights by oath bound ^to withflond 
 Oppredburs powre by-armes and puiffant hond ? 
 Suftife, that I haue done my devy in place. 
 So goodly p^rpofethc^ together fond, -Ji-^ 
 
 Of kindneltc and of curteous aggrace ; 
 
 The whiles falfe Archimage and K^tin fled apace. , 
 
 ■ Tror'vv. •?•:;■: 
 
 'Cdflf* 
 
 !^nm; i nounil
 
 CtntJX. FAERIE QVEENE. 307 
 
 rmt. IX, 
 
 The honfe ofTempcrance^ tn whtch P^^ 
 
 doth fohtrAim^ dwell, ^^[A 
 
 Befiegd of many fees ^vf horn firannger t»H^ 
 
 knight es to fight compel^ OQ 
 
 t Y :f ' r ■••••^ 
 
 OF all Gods workes^ which do this world adornc^ 
 There is no one more fairc and excellent, 
 Then is mans body both for powre and formc^ 
 Whiles it is kept in fobcr gouernment 5 
 Butnone then it, more fowle and indecent^ 
 Diftemprcd through mifrule andpa^Tions bacc : 
 It growes a Monfter^ and incontinent 
 Doth loofe his dignitie and natiue grace. 
 Bchold,who lift, both one and other in this place. 
 
 After thcPaynim brethren conquered were. 
 The 5y/>^/i Prince recoifringhis ftolne (word. 
 And Guyon his loft fhield, they both yferc 
 Forth pafled on their way in faire accord. 
 Till him the Prince with gentle court did bordj 
 Sir knight, mote I of you this curt'fie rea d. 
 To wcet why onyour fliieldib goodly (cord 
 Beare ye the pidure of that Ladies head ? 
 
 Full liuely is the femblaunt,though the fubftancc dead. 
 
 Faire Sir(faid he)if in that pidure dead 
 Siich life ye read, and vertue in vaine fhcw. 
 What mote ye weenc, if the trew liuely-hcad ^ 
 Of that moft glorioiis vifage ye did vew ? 
 
 ' •: - • V 3
 
 3o8 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cdrtt.lX. | 
 
 But if the bcautic of her m ifid yc knew. 
 That is her boimtic, and imperiall powrc, 
 Thonfand times fairer then her mortall hew, 
 O how threat wonder would your thoughts deuourc. 
 And infinite defire into your fpiritc pourc ! 
 
 She is the mighty Queene oi Faerie , 
 
 VVhofe faire retrait I in my (hield do bearc ; 
 She is the flowre of grace and chaftitie,. 
 Throuc^hout the world renowmed far and nearc. 
 My liefc, my liege, my Soueraignc, my dearc^ 
 VVhofe glory fhineth as the morning ftarre. 
 And with her light the earth enlumines clearc 5 
 Far reach her mercies, andher prayfes farre^ 
 
 As well in ftate oifpeacc^ as puiflTauncc in warrc. 
 
 Thrife happy man,(faid then the Briton knight) 
 Whom gracious lot, and thy great valiauncc 
 Haue made thee fouldier of that Princeffc bright, 
 Which with her bounty and glad countenance 
 Dothblefle her feruaunts, and them high aduauncc. 
 How may ftraunge knight hope cucr to alpirc. 
 By faithfuU feruice, and meet amenancc, 
 Vnto fuch blifle ? fufticient were that hire 
 
 For loiTe of thoufand lines, to dye at her defire. 
 
 Said Gujon, Noble Lord, what meed fo great. 
 Or c^ra^ of earthly Prince fo fouerainc. 
 But by your wondrous worth and warlike feat 
 Yewellmayhope^andeafelyattaine? • 
 But were your will, her fold to entertaincy ; ; - 
 Andnumbrcdbe mongftknights of (Ma; Jeff bed ^ 
 Great guerdon, well I wote , fhould you remaine 3 
 And in her fauour high be reckoned. 
 
 As Arthcgall, oxiASophj now bcene honored. 
 
 Ccrtcs
 
 CMfftJX. FAERIE QVEENE 305^ 
 
 Ccrtcs(tbcli faid the Prince) IGod auow. 
 
 That fith I armes and knighthood firft did plight. 
 My whole defirc hath becnc, and yet is now. 
 To feme that Quecnc with all my powre and might. 
 Now hath the Siinnc with his lamp-burninglight, 
 Walkt round about the world^md I no leflc, 
 Sith of that Goddefle I haue fought the fight. 
 Yet no where can her find: fuch happinefic 
 
 Hcaucn doth to me cnuy,and fortune fauourlcfle. 
 
 Fortune, the foe of famous cheuiiauncc 
 Scldomc(faid Guyo») yields to vertuc aide. 
 But in he r way throwes mifchicfe and mifchauncc^; - 
 Whereby her courfe is ftopt, and paflagc ftaid. 
 But you faire Sir, be not herewith difinaid. 
 But conftant keepe the way, in which ye ftand ; 
 Which were it not, that I amelfc dclaid -r 
 
 With hard adiientur? j which I haue in hand, 
 
 I labour would to guide you through all Faery land, 
 
 -Cramc.rcy Sir(1aid he)but mote I wotc. 
 
 What ftraunge aduenture do yc now purfew? 
 Perhaps my liiccourjOr aduizement meetc 
 Mote ftead you much your purpofc tofubdew. 
 Then gan Sir Guyon all the ftory fhew 
 Of falfc K^crafia, and her wicked wiles. 
 Which to aucnge, the Palmer him forth drew 
 From Faery court . So talked they, the whiles 
 
 They wafted had much way,and meafurd many miles. 
 
 And now faire Thahtu gan decline in haft 
 His weary wagon to the Weftcrne vale, 
 Whenas they fpide a goodly caftle, plaft 
 Ford>y a riucr in a pleafaunt dale, 
 
 V 4
 
 310 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cm.tX. 
 
 Which choofing for that ciiening&HofpitalCj 
 They thither marcht: but when they came in fight. 
 And from their fwcaty Courfers did aualc. 
 They found the gates faft barred long ere night, 
 And euery loup faft lockt, as fearing foes deipight. 
 
 Which when they faw, they weened fowlercproch 
 Was to them doen, their entrance to forftall. 
 Till that the Squire gan nighcr to approch 5 - T 
 
 And wind his home vnder the caftle wall , 
 That with the noife it fhooke^ as it wouldfall : 
 Eftfoones fortli looked from the higheft fpirc 
 The watch, and lowd vnto the knights did call^ 
 To weete^what they fo rudely did require. 
 
 Who pearly anfwered ^They entrance did defirc. 
 
 Fly fly ^good knights^{faidbe)fly faft away 
 
 If that your lilies ye louie, as mectfe^c iTiouldV-i *' •' 
 Flv faft, and faue your fclues from nearedecay, ^'^il 
 Here may ye not haue entraunce^though we would: 
 We would and would againe, if that we could ; J > 
 But thoufand enemies about vs ratle , 
 And with long fiege vs in thisxaftle hould : 
 Scuen yeares this wize they vs befieged haue, (faue. 
 
 And many good knights flainc^that haue vs fought to 
 
 Thus as he fpokc, loe with outragious cry 
 
 A thoufand villeins round about themfwarmd 
 Gut of the rockes and caues adioyning nyc. 
 Vile caytiue wretches^ragged^rude^deformd. 
 All threatning death, allin ftraungc manner armd. 
 Some with vnweldy clubs^fome with long fpearcs. 
 Some rufty kniues, fome ftaues in fire warmd. 
 Sterne was their looke, like wild amazed ftcares. 
 
 Staring with hollow eyes,and ftifFc vpftanding heares. 
 
 Ficrfly
 
 
 For withfuch piiiflauncc anclinipctii(!^U$'liiSrht?^ '-^^^A 
 Thofc Champions \>r6kc on them^ th^t forft them fly^ 
 Like fcattered Specpc^whcnas tjii: Shtjjhc;irds ivvaint 
 ALyonandaTigrcdothefpyCj'" " ' 
 With greedy pace fertlirulliing from thcfbrcft nyc/ 
 
 A while they fled, but fbone returnd ^gainie'?*^^' Z' '^^* * 
 With greater fury, then before was found^ - ' 
 And CLiennore their cruell Captainc ' 'i^^^ '^V ' A 
 Sought with his raskall roiits t'cndofc ihimi:6vnidy ^, 
 Andbucrrun to tread them to the gf oiind. '(bladie? 
 But fbone the knights with their bright-burping 
 Broke their rude troupes^and orders did confound,' * 
 .Hiwmeandflafiiin^^^^^ 
 
 For thotign they bodfes feeiiic ^yct'ffiEiftiiicc fro^ 
 
 t^ 
 
 As when a*(\varmc of Gnats at euenti^Jii' 
 
 Out ofthefcnne^V)f Allan do arifc' .'jr^h'.rlT 
 
 Their murmurihgfnrrafl trompct^fbtiiHdcfrt' widc,^ 
 
 Whiles in the aire their cluftringarmy flies, ^'' ' * ' 
 
 That as acloud doth fecme to dim the skies 3 
 
 Ne man nor beafl: may reft, oi; t^kc rcpaft, 
 
 For their fharpe wDiinds, arid noybtjs iniurtcs, ^^^ 
 
 Till the fierce Northerne wind bluftringblaft 
 
 Doth blow them quite away, and in the Oceanc^* 
 
 Thus when they had that troublous radt difpcrft, 
 Vnto the caftle gate they come againe, 
 Aud cntraunce ctau d, which was denied erft. 
 Now when report of that their perilous paine^
 
 ji> THe^il;!} JM)OKE OF THE CjmUX.^ 
 
 And combroijs com Aid, which they did fuflainc^ ^^ j .j 
 Camcxoitliic Ladies parc^whkhthqrp'd^ dwdl^ /\^ 
 Shcforthiftewed wifl^a goodly trainc 
 Of Squires and Ladies cquipagqd well. 
 And ea,t;^t^ii}Cid ;l3qf|>ji:iglu fair ely 3 as bcfclj. ^ 
 
 ^iw^ifhc called wa^, a virgin bright; j^ 
 
 That had not yet idvCupides wanton ragc^ ^ 
 
 Yetff^^s.iJic.jv90*d^ofm^ gentle knight^ _ . - .^• 
 And many a tord of nfoble parentage. 
 That foughiDwiJi her to lincke iamarriagc : 
 For fhc was-faif Cg as faire mote eiier bee. 
 And in the flowre nowpfher frelTieft age j J^j^ i^.p^ 
 
 "yjji^at gi^cn hc^uen rcioyced her fivcete face to ic% ../^ 
 
 Inrobc.pfullyvypitefliewasarayd, . ^v j ^i- ,;:jo>!c -a 
 2 lyhat from Jier LT;ioulde r to h^^^^ 
 
 ,j^ JphVtx^ne wji^r^ faxiiefaind hct^raydj , .. jj^ 
 
 iBrauncned with gold S^rpearle^moftriclily wrought. 
 And borne of twp faire Damlels^whichweirc taught 
 Thatferuice welLHer yellofv goJden,hear^^y ,. ^ ^q 
 Was triiflly wo^en^and in tr;cilcs wrought, - ; ^^r^ 
 Ne other tyre fhe on her head did wearc, -j- 
 
 B ut crowned with a garland of fwecte Rofierc. 
 
 Goodly lhe,entcrtaind thofe noble knights. 
 And brought themvp into her caftfe nail; 
 Where gentle court and gracious dehght t 
 
 She to them made, with mildncfle virginall, 
 Shcwinghcrfc!jfcbothwifeandhberall^p;»f,. 'y 
 
 There when th^ rerted had a feafbn dew. 
 They her be fought of fa uour fpeciall. 
 Of that faire Ca.ftle to aftoord them vcw ; , , , 1 
 
 She graunted,& them leading forth,thc fame cJid fhcw. 
 
 Firft
 
 Cd^ax. FAERIE QVEENE; ^ jij^ 
 
 Firfl flic them Icdvp to the Caftlcwallj'iil:^^'^.': - '' 
 That was fb high, as foe might not it climCj 
 And all fo fairc, and (enfible withallj 
 Not built of bricke , nc yet of ftonc and limc^ ^ . 
 But ofthing like to that ./^Egjj'^f/^*;^ flimc^ "^n / iDrhioH 
 Whereof king Nfffe whilome built Bate// towrc j 
 But 6 great pitty^ that no lengcr time ^ ^--f r n^ii'// 
 So goodly workemanfhip fliould not endure : 
 
 Soonc it miil turne to earthy no earthly thing^i^ furc, 
 
 Anobooj: 
 
 The frame thereof fcemd par tly circularc 3 
 And part triangularc , 6 worke diuine j 
 Thofe two the firjft and laft proportions arc. 
 The one imperfed, mortal!, foemininej 
 Th'other immortally, perfed, mafculine , 
 And twixt them both a quadrate was the bafc ^ 
 Proportioned equally by leuen and ninc5 
 Nine was the circle fet inheauens place. 
 
 All which compared made a goodly Djydpajc. 
 
 ( 1 , ;. : J J .■ - . ■ . t 
 
 Therein two gates were placed feemly well : 
 The one beforeyby which all in did pas. 
 Did th'other far in workmanfiiip excell^ 
 For not of wood, nor of enduring bras. 
 But ofmoreworthyfubftancefraind it was; . : 
 Doubly difparted, it did locke and clofe. 
 That when it lockedjnone might thorough pas. 
 And when it opened, no man might it clofc, 
 
 Still open to their fi:icnds,and clofcd to their foes. 
 
 Ofhewen ftone the porch was fairely wrought. 
 Stone more of valew, and more llnooth and fine, , 
 Then let or Marble far from Ireland brought j i 7 
 Oucr the which was caft a waridring vinei, . i H
 
 31^ THEJl »OpKe,OF THE O/^/./JTv 
 
 Enchaccd with SI wantOnyiiic twine* -J | 
 
 And oucr ita faire Portcullis hong. 
 Which to the gate direftly did incline^ 
 With Gamely compaflTcjand compa^lure ftrong^ 
 Neither vnfc^ojcly Toorta aotyct excecdin g long^ : :. H. 
 
 Within the Barbican a Porter fate. 
 
 Day and night ducly keeping watch and ward, 
 
 ISpk wightj tiormjrd mote paflc out of the gatc^; .oo2 
 
 But in good order, and with dew regard 3 
 
 Vttercrs of fecrcts he from thence dcbard, 
 
 Bablers of folly, and blazers of crime. 
 
 His lariirnbell miglit lowd and wide be hard, 
 
 Whencaufcrequtrdjhiiitneticroiitoftime5 < f -' 
 
 Early and late it rong^ at evening and at prime. 
 
 And round about tfbcporch'oncufcryfidfc .. >a 
 Twife fixtcenvyarders fat, all armed bright '^ 
 
 In gliftring fteele, and ftrongly fortifide ; ''^ 
 
 Tall yeomen (eemcd they, and of great mighty 
 And were enraungcd ready, ftill for fight. .: ."i^i r 
 By them as 4lmkp^ffcd with her gueftes, ' } ::o •( < T 
 They did obeyfaunce, as befecmed right. 
 And then againe returned to their reftes ; 
 
 The Porter eke to her did lout with humble geftes. 
 
 Thence fbc them brought into a (lately Hall, 
 
 Wherein were many tables faire difpred. 
 
 And ready dight with drapetsfeftiuall, ,iii3<i 
 
 Againft the viaundes fhould be miniftred. 
 
 At th'upper end there fate, yclad in red 
 
 Downe to the ground, a comely perfonage. 
 
 That inhis hand a wJiite rod menaged. 
 
 He Steward was hightD/Vr^rypc of age, • 
 
 And in demcanurc Ibber, and in counfellfagc. 
 
 And
 
 CM^.IX. FAERIE QVEENE. 315 
 
 And through the Hall there walked to and fro 
 A iolly ycomaiij Marfhall of the fame. 
 Whole name was ^^ppetite , he did bcftow 
 Both gucftes and mcate^ when eiier in they came. 
 And knew them how to order without blarnc^ 
 As him the Steward bad . They both attone 
 Did dewty to their Lady, as became; 
 W ho pafling by, forth led hqr gueftes anonc 
 
 Into the kitchin rowme^ne fpard for niccnefle none. 
 
 Itwas a vautybuiltfor great difpence. 
 
 With many raunges reard along the wall ; 
 
 And one great chimney, whofe long tonnell thence^ 
 
 The fmoke forth threw. And in the midft of ail 
 
 There placed was a caudron wide and tallj 
 
 Vpon a mighty furnace, burning whot. 
 
 More whot, then Aetfi^ or flaming tjvlongibalti 
 
 For day and night it brent, nc ceafed not^ 
 
 So iongas any thing it in the caudron got. 
 
 ,/ 
 
 But to delay the heat^ lead by mifchauncc 
 
 It might brcake out, and fet the whole on fire. 
 There added was by goodly ordinauncc. 
 An huge great paire of bellowes, which did ftyre 
 Continually, and cooling breath inipyre. 
 About the Caudron many Cookes accoyld. 
 With hookes and ladles, as nttd did require ; 
 The whiles the viandes in the vefTclI boyld 
 
 They did about their bufinefTe fvveat,and forcly toyli 
 
 The maifter Cooke was cald C<?«<:<?^/^^, 
 Acarefull man, andfull of comely guife: 
 Thekitchin Gierke, that hi ghtO/^<f/?/^i», 
 Did order all th'Achates inlcemcly wiie^. 
 .b7i;fnliljii:.
 
 jitf THE II. BOOKE OF THE CMt^I. 
 
 And fet them forth, as well he coul^dcuifc, i 
 
 The reft had feiicrall offices ajrmd, i 
 
 Some to rcmoiic the fciim^as it did rife; 
 Others to bcarc the fame away did mind j 
 And others it to vfe according to his kind. 
 
 But all the liquour, which was fo wle and waft^ 
 Not goodnor {eriiiccable clfe for ought. 
 They in another great round veffcU plaft, I 
 
 Till bya conduit pipe it thence were brought: 
 And all the reft, that noyous was^ and nought. 
 By fccret wayes , that none might it efpy. 
 Was clofe conuaid , and to the back-gate brought^ 
 That cleped was Port Efquiline^ whereby 
 
 It was auoided quite, and thrownc out priuily. 
 
 Which goodly order, and great workmans skill 
 Whenas thofe knights beheld,with rare delight. 
 And gazing wonder they their minds did fill; 
 For neuer had they feene fb ftraunge a fight. 
 Thence backe a gaine faire Alma led them right. 
 And foone into a goodly Parlour brought, j] 
 
 That was with royall arras richly dight. 
 In which was nothing pourtrahed, nor wrougbt. 
 
 Not wrought,nor pourtrahed,but cafie to be thought. 
 
 And in the midft thereof vpon the flourc, 
 
 A lonely bcuy of faire Ladiesfate, 
 
 Courted of many a iolly Paramourc, 
 
 The which them did in modeft wife amatc, 
 
 And eachonc fought his Lady to aggrate : 
 
 Andeke emongft them litlc C/if/^/Wplayd 
 
 His wanton fports, being returned late 
 
 From his fierce warres,and hauing from him layd T 
 His crueil bow,vvhcrcwith he thoulandshathdifmayd. 
 
 Diucifc
 
 CMtlX. FAERIE QVEENE. 317 
 
 Diucrfc delights they ifound them fehies to pleafe ; 
 
 Some fbng in fWce^ confort^ (bmc laught for ioy 
 
 Some plaid with ftrawcs, (bme idly fat at cafe ; 
 
 But other Ibme could not abide to toy^ 
 
 All pleafauncc was to them griefe and annoy ; 
 
 This froundjthat faund^the third for lliamc did blufii 
 
 Anotiier feemed enuious, or coy^ 
 
 Another in her teeth did gnaw a rurti: 
 But at thefe ftraunger s prefencc c uery one did hufli. 
 
 ^n:; 
 
 Soone as the gracious Almtt came in placc^ 
 They all attonce out of their feates arofc3 
 And to her homage made, with humble grace r 
 Whom when the-knights beheld^they gan difpolc 
 Themfelues to court^ and each a Damftll chofc: 
 The Prince by chaunce did on a Lady light. 
 That was rightfaire and frelTi as morning rofe. 
 But fomwhat fad, and fblemne eke in fight. 
 
 As ifibme penfiue thought coftraind her gentle iprighti 
 
 In a long purple pall^ whofc skirt with gold. 
 
 Was fretted all about^ (lie was arayd ; 
 
 And in her hand a Poplar braunch did hold: 
 
 To whom the Prince in curteous manner faid; 
 
 Gentle Madam.e^ whybeeneyethus difmaid, 
 
 Andyour faire beautie do with (adnefle (pill ? 
 
 Lines any, that you hath thus ill apaid*? 
 
 Or doen your louc^or docn you lacke your will 3 
 What cuer be the eaiifc, it fure befcemes you ilL 
 
 Fairc Sir,(faid fhchalfe in difdaincfuirwife,)' 
 How is it, that this w6rd in me ye blame , 
 And in your (clfe <?iO not the fame aduife? 
 Him-ill befcemcsj aaothcrs fault to name^. 
 
 >
 
 3i5J THE ILBOOKE OF THE Ca»$.IX^ 
 
 Thatmay vimares tcbbttpd with thcf?incj, , ;a:):)iU 
 Pcnfiuelyccldlamjandftdinmiiid, .;-' - "> 
 Through great dcfire of glory and of fame 5 
 Ne ought I wecnc arc yc therein behind, (her find. 
 That hauc tweluc moneths fought onc^ye^no yvhcjx; f aii 
 
 The Prince was inly moucd it her {peach, 
 
 Wellweeting trew, what llie had raflilyrold; 
 Yet with faire famblaunt foueht to hidp^fche b reach ^r 
 Which chaunge of colour did perforce vnfold^ 
 Now feeming flatningwhot,nowftony cold, 
 Tho turning foft afide, he did inqiiire, ._ 1; . ,:^,;; . 
 What wight ("he was , that Poplar braunc^ did hold: 
 It anfwered wa.s, her name was Prciyf^d^fir^ ^jrj{;'/^ 
 
 That by well doing fought to honour to afpirc. 
 
 The whiles, the f4<fr/V knight did entertair}c>r .- . 
 
 Another Darafdl of that gOTtIc;cre vy 5*^ V . ^ : j .; ^ ^3; 
 That vvas rightfaire, and modeft of demainc, . ' " : a 
 But that too oft iTiechaung'd her natiue hew: 
 Straungewashcrtyre3andairhergarmentblew,' :, 
 Clofe round abotitthier tuckt with marjy aplight; / 
 Vpon her fift the bird ^ which iTionneth' vew, : 
 Andkecpes in couerts clofe from liuing wight. 
 
 Did iit,as yet afliamd, how rude Pan 616, her dight. 
 
 . odDiieiiriOYbriA 
 SolongasC^^/z^wwithhcrcommoned, rN ^ 
 
 Vnto the ground lliccaft her modeft eye, \^ ^^ 
 And euer and anone with rofie red -^ • ' " " 
 
 The baflifull bloud her fhowy cheekes did dye, 
 Thathcrbecame,aspoliilityudrylj ^i' ]- -p o..:}! 
 Which cunning Craftcfman hand hath ouerlajf^^ t 
 With faire vermilion or pure laftery. - : :^;?A 
 
 Great wonder had the knight, to fee the mayd ,- ; ^ f 
 So ftraungely paffioned, and to her gently fayd, 
 
 Faire
 
 ant.IX. FAERIE QVEENE. 31^ 
 
 Faire DamzcU^ fccmcth, by your troubled chcarc^ 
 That cither mc too bold ye wccnc^ this wife 
 You to moleftj or other ill to fcarc ^ 
 That in the fecret of your hart clofe lyes^ 
 From whence it doth , as cloud from fea arift. 
 If it be I, of pardon I you pray ; 
 But if ought eUc that I mote not deuifc^ 
 I willj if pleafe you it difcure^aflay^ 
 
 To eafe you of that ill^ fb wifely as I may. 
 
 She anfvverd nought, but more abalTit for fhamCj 
 Held downe her head, the whiles her louely face 
 The flalhing bloud with blufhing did inflame. 
 And the ftrong paffion mard her modeft gracc^ 
 That Guyon meruayld at her vncouth cace : 
 Till ^^Imx him bcfpake, why wonder yec 
 Faire Sir at that^ which ye lb much embrace ? 
 She is the fountaine of your modeftee ; 
 
 You fhamcfaft are, but shamefafinejfe it icife is iTiec. 
 
 Thereat the Elfc did blufh in priuitec, 
 
 Andturndhis face away s but iTie the fame 
 Diflcmbled faire, and faynd to oucrfee. 
 Thus they awhile with court and goodly game, 
 Thcmfelucs did fblace each one with his Dame,/ odT 
 Till that great Ladie thence away them fought. 
 To vew hcrcaftlcs other wondrous frame. 
 Vp to a flately Turret fhe them brought, 
 
 Afcending by ten fleps of Alablafler wrought. 
 
 That Turrets frame mofl admirable was. 
 Like highefl: hcauen compaflcd around. 
 And lifted high abouc this eardily mafic. 
 Which itfuruew'd, as hils doen lower ground 5 
 
 X
 
 J20 THE ir. BOOKE OF THE dnUX; 
 
 But not on ground mote like to this be found. 
 Not that^ which antique C^Jw/^^whylomc builc 
 In Thebes^ which Alexander did confound \ 
 Nor that proud towre of Troy^ though richly guilt. 
 From which young He^ors bloud by cruell Grcekcs was 
 
 (fpilt. 
 
 The roofc hereof was arched oucr head. 
 And deckt with flowers and herbars daintily 5 
 Two goodly Beacons^ fct in watches (lead. 
 Therein gauc light, and flanVd continually: 
 For they of lining fire mod fubtilly 
 Were made, and fet in filucr fockets bright, 
 Couer'd with lids deuiz'd of fubftance fly. 
 That readily they fhut and open might, 
 
 O who can tell the prayfes of that makers might ! 
 
 Ne can I tell, ne can I ftay to tell 
 
 This parts great workmanfhip,& wondrous powrCj 
 That all this other worlds worke doth excel!. 
 And likcft is vnto that heauenly towre. 
 That God hath built for his owne bleffcd bowre. 
 Therein were diuerle roomes, and diuerfc ftages, 
 But three the chiefeft, and of greateft powre. 
 In which there dwelt three honorable fages. 
 
 The wifefl men^Iweene^thatliuedin their ages. 
 
 Not he, whom Greece ^iht^ovxk of all good arts. 
 By phcehm doome, the wifefl: thought aliue. 
 Might be compar'd to thefe by many parts : ^^ . 
 
 Nor that fage Pylian ^re , which did furuiuc 
 Three ages, fuch as mortall men contriue. 
 By whole aduife old Priams cittie fell. 
 With thefe in praife of poUicies mote fl:riuc. 
 Thefe three in thefe three roomes did fundry dwell. 
 
 And counfelled faire Alma , how to gouerne well. 
 
 ^ The
 
 Oint.IX. FAERIE QVEENE. 321 
 
 The firft of them could things to come forcfce : 
 The next could of things preftnt beft aduize ; 
 The third things paft could kecpe in mcnioreCj 
 So that no timc^ nor realbn could arizc^ 
 But that the fame could one of thcfc comprize. 
 For thy the firft did in the forepart fit^ 
 That nought mote hinder his quicke preiudizc : 
 He had a fnarpe fbrefight, and working wit , 
 
 That ncucr idle was ^ ne once could reft a whit. 
 
 His chamber was dilpainted all within. 
 
 With fundry colours, in the which were writ 
 
 Infinite fhapes of things difpcrfed thin ; 
 
 Some fuch as in the world were neuer yit^ 
 
 Ne can dcuizcd be of mortall wit 5 
 
 Some daily feene, and knowen by their names^ 
 
 Such as in idle fantafies doe flit : 
 
 Infcmall Hags, Centaurs^ feendcs, Hippodames , 
 
 Apes^ Lions, iEgles, Owlcs^fooics, louers, children, 
 
 "^ (Dames. 
 
 And all the chamber filled was with flycs. 
 
 Which buzzed all about ^ and made fuch (bund. 
 That they encombred all mens earcs and eyes. 
 Like many fwarmes of Bees aflcmblcd round. 
 After their hiues with honny do abound ; 
 All thofe were idle thoughts and fantafies, 
 Deuices, dreamcs, opinions vnfbund, 
 Shewes, vifions^ footh-faycs, and prophcfies ; 
 
 And all thatfaincd is,aslcafings, talcs,and lies. 
 
 Emongft them all fate he, which wonncd there. 
 That hight PhatJtafles by his nature trew ; 
 A man ofycares yet frcfh, as mote apperc^ 
 Of (vvarth complexion, and of crabbed hew, 
 
 X 2
 
 322 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CMt.lx. 
 
 That him full of melancholy did fhc w; 
 Bent hollow beetle browes^fharpe flaring eyes. 
 That mad or foolilli fcemd : one by his vcw 
 Mote dcemc him borne with ill dilpoftd skyes^ 
 When oblique Sdturnc fate in the houic of agonyes. 
 
 Whom ^/w^hauing (lie wed to her guefles^ 
 
 Thence brought the to the Iccond roome^ whofe wals 
 
 Were paintcdfaire with memorable gcfles^ 
 
 Of famous Wifards^ and with pidlurals 
 
 OfMagiftratcsj of courts, of tribunals, 
 
 Ofcommcn wealthes^of ftates. of poUicy, 
 
 Of lawes , of iudgements, and of decretals 'y 
 
 All artes, all fcience, all Philofbphy, ; 
 
 And all that in the world was aye thought wittily. 
 
 Of thofe that roomc was full, and them among 
 There fate a man of ripe and perfed: age. 
 Who did them meditate all his life long. 
 That through continuall pradifc and vfage. 
 He now was growne right wi(e,and wondrous fagc. 
 Great pleafure had thofe ftrangcr knights, to (ec 
 His goodly reafbn, and graue perfbnagc. 
 That his difciples both defii'd to bee; 
 
 But Alma, thence the led to th'hindmoft roome of three* 
 
 That chamber fecmed ruinous and old. 
 And thereforevvas remoucd farre behind. 
 Yet were the wals, that did the fame vphold. 
 Right firme ii ftrong,though fbmewhat they dcclind; 
 And therein fate an old oldman, halfe blind. 
 And all decrepit in his feeble corie. 
 Yet Uucly vigour retted in his mind. 
 And recompenft him with a better (corfc : 
 
 Weake body well is changed for minds redoubled forfc. 
 
 This
 
 Unt.tX. FAERIE QVEENE. 323 
 
 This mail of infinite remembrance was. 
 
 And things foregone through many ages hcld^ 
 
 Which he recorded ftill_, as they did paSj 
 
 Nc fufFred them to peri(h through long eld. 
 
 As all things clfc ;thc which this world doth weld. 
 
 But laid them vp in his immortall ferine. 
 
 Where they for euerincorrupteddweld: 
 
 The warres he well remembred of kingAV/r^, 
 
 Of old AJJkracHS^ and Inachpu diuine. 
 
 The yeares oiNeflor nothing were to his, 
 Ne yet MAthufAlem^ though longed liu'd ; 
 For he remembred both their infancies : 
 Ne wonder then, if that he were depriu'd 
 . Of natiue ftrength now, that he them furuiu'd. 
 His chamber all was hangd about with roUes, 
 And old records from auncient times deriu'd , 
 . Some made in books,fome in long parchmet fcrolles. 
 That were all worme-eaten, and full of canker holes. 
 
 Amidft them all he in a chaire was fet, 
 Tofling and turning them withouten end i 
 But for he was vnhable them to fet, 
 Alitle boy did on him ftill attend. 
 To reach, when euer he for ought did fend; 
 And oft when things were loft, or laid amis. 
 That boy them fought, and vnto him did lend. 
 Therefore he AnAwneftes clepcd is. 
 
 And that old man Eumneftes , by their propertis. 
 
 The knights there entring ^did himrcuerence dew 
 And wondrcd at his endleflfe exercife. 
 Then as they gan his Librarie to vew. 
 And antique Regifters for to auifc, 
 
 X3
 
 3^4 THE II. BOOKE OF THE am.lX, 
 
 There chaunccd to the Princes hand to rizc, 
 An aiincicnt booke, hight Briton monlments^ 
 That of this lands firft conqiieft did dcuize. 
 And old diuifion into Regiments, 
 Till it reduced was to one mans goucrnmcnts. 
 
 Sir (7fl()'^;;chaiinjn:eke on another bookc. 
 That hight Antiquitte of Fdcrie lond. 
 In which when as he greedily did looke ; 
 Th'off-lpring of Elues and Faries there hefbnd^ 
 As it deliuered was from hond to hond : 
 Whereat they burning both withferucnt fire. 
 Their countries aunceftry to vnderftond^ 
 Crau'd leaue of -f^/1^45 and that aged fire. 
 
 To read tbofc bookes 5 who gladly grauntcd their dcfirc. 
 
 CANT,
 
 CMM.X. FAERIE OyEENE. 
 
 VS 
 
 Cant. X' 
 
 yf chronicle $f Briton kj^^gs, 
 from 'Brute to Vthers rayne, 
 
 tAndrolUs of Elfin EmperoHrs, 
 till time of Glortane^ 
 
 
 WHo now fhall giuc vnto mc words and found, 
 Eqiiall vnto this haughtic cnterprife ? 
 Or who flial lend mc wings^with which from 
 My lowly vcrfc may loftily ar ife^ (ground 
 
 And lift it (clfc vnto the higheft skies ? 
 More ample ipirit, then hitherto was wount, ' ;f 
 Here necdes mc^ whiles the famous aunccftrics 
 Of my moft dreaded Soueraigne I recount^ 
 By which all earthly Princes (he doth farre furmount. 
 
 Ne vnder Sunne, that fliines fo Wide and fairc. 
 Whence all that liues, does borrow life and light^ 
 Lines ought, that to her linage may compaire. 
 Which though from earth it be deriued right^ 
 Yet doth it felfe ftretch forth to heaucns hight^ 
 And all the world with wonder ouer(pred ; 
 A labour huge, exceeding farre my might : 
 How fhall fraile pen, with fcare difparaged, 
 
 Conceiue fuch foueraine glory,and great bountihcd ? 
 
 Argument worthy of MceonUn quill. 
 Or rather worthy of great Phahm rote, 
 WTiereon the mines of great Off a hill. 
 And triumphes of fhlegtAxn lone he wrote, 
 
 -»,'j X 4
 
 y4' THE II, BQOKE OF THE C4ffi.X. 
 
 That iill the Gods admird his loftic note. 
 ButifiomerclilTiofthatheaucnlylay 
 His learned daughters would to me report. 
 To decke my fong withall, I would aflay. 
 Thy namcj 6 foueraine Quecnc^ to blazon farrc away. 
 
 Thy name 6 foueraine Queenc^ thy rcalmc and race. 
 From this renowmed Prince deriued arre. 
 Whom mightily vpheld that roy all mace, 
 Which now thou bearft^to thee dcfcended farrc 
 From mightie kings and conquerours in warre. 
 Thy fathers and great Grandfathers of old. 
 Whole noble deedes abouc the Northcrne ftarrc ■■. 
 Immortall fame for eiier hath enrold 3 
 
 As in that old mans booke they were in order told.. 
 
 The landjwhich warlike Britons now poflcffe. 
 And therein hauc their mightie empire rayfd,' 
 In antique times was faluage wilderneffe, 
 ynpeopledjvnmanurd, vnprou*d,vnprayfd, 
 Ne was it Ifland then, ne was it payfd 
 Amid the Oceah waucs, ne was it fought 
 Of marchants farre, for profits therein prayO, 
 But was all defolate^ and of fome thought 
 
 By featohauebencfrothc C^///V^rmayn-landbroueht. 
 
 Ne did it then deferue a name to hauc. 
 Till that the venturous Mariner that way 
 Learning his fhip from thofe white rocks to fauc,. 
 Which all along the Southerne (ca-coafl Jay, 
 Threatning vnheedie wrecke and rafh decay. 
 For fafeties fake that fame his fca-marke made. 
 And namd it ^/^/^». But later day 
 Finding in it fit ports for fifhers triadc^ ' ' ; -'^ * * ' 
 
 Can more the fame firequfentjandfurdiettd'ihuaHe: ^ 
 
 Bu&
 
 C49ftX. FAERIE CIVEENE. 327 
 
 But farrc in land a faluagc nation dwelt, 
 Ofhidcoiis Giants, and halfcbeaftly men, 
 That neuer taftcd grace, nor goodnefle feltj 
 But like wild beafts lurking in loathfomc den. 
 And flying faft as Roebucke through the fen. 
 All naked without fliamc^or care of cold. 
 By hunting and by(poilingliued then; 
 Of ftature huge, and eke of courage bold, 
 
 That fbnnes of men amazd their fternncfle to behold. 
 
 But whence they ^rong, or how they were begot, 
 Vneath is to ad'ure 3 vneath to wene 
 That monftrous error, which doth fomc aflbt. 
 That Dw/<f/Z</r; fiftie daughters fhenc 
 Into this land by chauncc haue driuen bene. 
 Where companing with feends and filthy Sprights, 
 Through vaincillunon of their luftvnclene. 
 They brought forth Giants andfuchdreadfullwightSj^ 
 
 As farre exccededmcn in their immcafurd mights^ 
 
 They held this land, and with their filthineflc 
 Polluted this (ame gentle fbyle long time : 
 That their owne mother loathd their beafHincflcj 
 And gan abhorre her broods vnkindly crime. 
 All were they borne of her owne natiuc flime j 
 Vntillthat5r«//E^ anciently deriu'd 
 From royall ftocke of old Ajfaraos line, 
 Driuen by fatall error, here arriu d. 
 
 And ihem of their vniuft pofTeilion depriu'd. 
 
 But.ere he had cftablillied his throne, 
 
 And fpred his empire to the vtmoft fliore,' 
 He fought great battels with his faluage foncj. 
 In whicn,h^c dxcm defeated ey^rmor^^, .
 
 »28 THE II.BOOKE OF THE flMt.X* 
 
 And many Giants left on groning florc 5 
 That well can witncflc yet vnto this day 
 The wefterne Hogh, befprinclcd with the gore 
 Of mightic Goemot , whom in flout fray 
 Corinem conquered^ and cruelly did flay. 
 
 And eke that ample Pit, yet farrc rcnownd. 
 For the large leape^, which Dehon did compel! 
 cW//i to makCj being eight lugs of grownd) 
 Into the which returning backe^ he fcll^ 
 But thofe three monflrous ftones doe mofl: excel! 
 Which that huge (bnnc of hideous Albion^ 
 Whofe father Hercules in Fraunce did quell^ 
 Great Godmer threw^ in fierce contention^ 
 
 At bold CAnutHS > but of him was flaine anon. 
 
 In meed of thefe great conqucfts by them got^ 
 Corinem had that Prouince vtmoft weft. 
 To h im affigned for his worthy lot. 
 Which of his name and memorable geft 
 He called Cornevc^a'tU ^ yet lb called belt : 
 And Debons lliayre was , that is Deuonshyre : 
 '£t\XiCartute\\2A his portion from the rcftj 
 The which he cald CAnuttum^oi his hyrc 5 
 
 Now Cant mm , which Kent we commenly inquire. 
 
 Thus Brnte this Rcalme vnto his rule fubdcwd. 
 And raigned long in great felicitic, 
 Lou'd of his friends, and of his foes efchcwd. 
 He left three Ibnnes, his famous progeny^ 
 Borne of faire //;<7g-^;;^of //^riyv • • 
 
 Mongft whom he parted his imperiall ftatc^ 
 And Locrine left chiefc Lord ofBnfany. 
 At laft ripe age badhimfurrcnder late 
 
 His life^ and long good fortune vnto finall fate.
 
 ddnt.X. FAERIE QVEENE. 32^ 
 
 Locrine was left the fbiieraine Lord of all 5 
 But Aib^naft had all the Northrene part^ 
 Which of himfelfe Alhini^ he did call s 
 And Camber did poilelTe the VVcfterne quart. 
 Which Seuerne now from Logru doth depart : 
 And each his portion peaceably enioyd, 
 Ne was there outward breach^ nor grudge in hart^ 
 That once their quiet goucrnment annoyd. 
 
 But each his paines to others profit ftill eiiiployd, 
 
 Vntill a nation flraung, with vifage fwart. 
 And courage fierce^ that all men did affray. 
 Which through the world the Ivvarmdincueryparr^ 
 Andouerflow'd all countries farre away. 
 Like Noyes great flood ^with their importune fivay^. 
 This land inuaded with like violence, 
 And did themlelues through all the North dilplay : 
 Vntill that z:,<?fr/<9^forhisRealmes defence. 
 
 Did head againft them make, and ftrong munifiencc* 
 
 He them cncountred,^a' confufed rout, 
 Foreby the Riucr, that whylome was hight 
 The auncient Abf4s^ where with courage ftout 
 He them defeated in vidorious fight. 
 And chafte fo fiercely after fcarefull flight. 
 That forft their Chieftaine, for his fafeties fake^ 
 (Their Chieftainc i/«wfornamed was aright) 
 Vnto the mightie ftreame him to betake. 
 
 Where he an end of battell^ and of life did make. 
 
 The kingrctumcd^roudof vicSorie, 
 
 Andinfolent wox through vnwonted ea(c, 
 Thatlfkortly he forgot the ieopardie. 
 Which in his land he lately did appeafc^
 
 330 THE II.BOOKE OF THE Cdftt.x* 
 
 And fell to vainc voluptuous diftafc ; 
 He lou'd fairc Ladie Ejlnld ^Icvjdly lou'd, 
 Whofe wanton pleaUircs him too much did plcafc 
 That quite his hart from Guendolcne rcmou'd. 
 Fro Guendolene his wifc^ though al waies faithful] prou'd. 
 
 The noble daughter o^Corineus 
 
 Would not endure to be fo vile difdaind, 1 
 
 But gathering force, and courage valorous, 
 
 Encountred him in battcU well ordaind. 
 
 In which him vanquifht ("he to fly conftraind ; 
 
 But (lie fofaftpurfewd, that him fhe tooke. 
 
 And threw in bands, where he till death remaind; 
 
 Als his fliire Leman, flying through a brookc. 
 She oucrhent, nopght moued with her piteous lookc. 
 
 But both her felfe, and eke her daughter dcarc. 
 
 Begotten by her kingly Paramoure, 
 
 The fairc Sahrinx almoft dead with feare. 
 
 She there attached, farre from allfuccoure; 
 
 The one (Tie flew in that impatient ftoure. 
 
 But the fad virgin innocent of all, 
 
 Adowne the rolling riuer llie did poure. 
 
 Which of her name now Seuerne men do call : 
 Such was the end, that to difloyall loue did fall. 
 
 Then for her (bnne, which fhe to Locrin bore, 
 OUadaff was youngs vnmee t the rule of fway. 
 In her owne hand the crowne flie kept in ftorc. 
 Till ryper yeares he raught, and flrongcr ftay : 
 During which time her poy/re fhe did difplay 
 Through all this realme,the glorieofhcrfex. 
 And firft taught men a woman to obay ; 
 But when her (bnne to mans eftate did wex. 
 
 She it furrendred,ne her felfc would lenger vex. 
 
 The
 
 cm.X. FAERIE QVEENE. 331 
 
 Tho MacUfj raigiid^vnworthie of his race : 
 For with all ihame that facred throne he fild : 
 Next Memprife^^s vnworthy of that place. 
 In which be in g confbr te d with OMartHd , 
 For third of fingle kingdomc him he kild. 
 But Ehrarick falucd both their infamies 
 With noble decdes^ and warrcyd on Brumhild 
 In Henadt , where yet of his vi6tories 
 
 Braue moniments remaine, which yet that land enuies. 
 
 An happie man in his firft dayes he was, 
 
 Andhappie father of fairc progeny: 
 
 For all fo many weekes as the yeare has. 
 
 So many children he did multiply ; 
 
 Of which were twentiefbnnes, which did apply. 
 
 Their minds topraifc, and cheualrous defire ; 
 
 Thofe germans did fubdew all Germany , 
 
 Of whom it hight ; but in the end their Sire 
 With fotile repuHe from Fraunce was forced to retire*. 
 
 Wliich blot his fonne fucceeding in his feat. 
 The fecond Bruse ^ihc iccond both in name , 
 And eke in femblance of his puiffance great, 
 Right well recur'd^ and did away that blame 
 With recompencc of euerlafting fame. 
 He with his viftour fvvord firft opened. 
 The bowels of wide Fraunce, a forlorne Dame, 
 And taught her firft how to be conquered ; (kcd» 
 
 Since which, with fundrie Ipoiles ihe hath bccne ranlac- 
 
 Let Scaldli tell^and let tell Hania^ 
 
 And let the marlli of Eflham brumes tell, 
 What colour were their waters that fame day. 
 And all the moore twixt Ehcrsham and VeUy
 
 332 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cdnt.X. 
 
 With bloud of Hendois , which therein fcU. 
 How oft that day did fad Brunchildis (cc 
 The grecnc iTiicld dydc in dolorous vermeil ? 
 That not Sctsith guiridh it mote fccme to bee. 
 But rather y Scmfhgogh^ fignc of fad crucltec. 
 
 His fonnc king Leill by fathers labour long^ 
 
 " Enioyd an heritage of lafting peace. 
 And built G Ah Mil , and built CAtrkon ftrong. 
 Next Huidihras his realme did not cncrcafe. 
 But taught the land from wcarie warres to ccafir. 
 Whofe footfteps BUdttd following, in arts 
 Exceld at ^^thens all the learned preace. 
 From whence he brought them to thefe (aluage partSj 
 
 And with fweetfcience moUifidc their flubborne harts, 
 
 Enfiimple of his wondrous faculty. 
 
 Behold the boyling Bathes at Ca'trhidon^ 
 
 Which iecth with fecret fire eternally. 
 
 And iw their entrails, full of quicke Brimfton, 
 
 Nouriili the flamcs,which they arc warm*d vpon, 
 
 Th^t to her people wealth they forth do well. 
 
 And health to cuery forreine nation : 
 
 Yet he^t laft contending to exccll 
 
 The reach ofmen,through flight into fond mifchicf fell. 
 
 Next him king £^;r in happie peace long raind. 
 But had no ifliie male him to fucceed. 
 But three faire daughters, which were well vptraind. 
 In all that feemed fit for kingly {zzA\ 
 Mongft whom his realme he equally decreed 
 To haue diuided. Tho when feeble age 
 Nigh to his vtmoft date he fawproceed. 
 He cald his daughters \ and with fpeechcs fagc 
 
 Inquyrd, which of them moft did louc her parentage. 
 
 The
 
 dnt.X. FAERIE QVEENE 333 
 
 The cldcft Conor ill gan to proteft. 
 
 That fhc much more then her ownc Hfc him lou'd : 
 And Reg^n greater loue to him profcft^ 
 Then all the world, when eiier it were proou'd 5 
 But Cordeill {aid ilie lou'd him, as behoou*d ; 
 Whofe fimpic anfwere , wanting colours fairc 
 To paint it forth, him to diipleafance moou'd. 
 That in his crowne he counted her no haire, (iTiairc, 
 
 But twixt the other twainc his kingdomc whole did 
 
 So wedded thbne to MaglanVmg of Scots, 
 
 And th*othcr to the king oi Cambria^ 
 
 And twixt them iTiayrd his realme by cquall lots : 
 
 But without dowrc the wife Cordelia^ 
 
 Was fcnt to AgAnip of Celtic a. 
 
 Their aged Syre , thus cafcd of his crowne, 
 
 A priuate life led in Albania , 
 
 With Gonorill^ long had in great rcnowne, (downe. 
 That nought him gricud to bene from rule dcpofcd 
 
 But true it is, that when the oyle is fpent. 
 
 The light goes out, and wecke is thrownc away 5 
 
 Sowhenhehadrefigndhis regimtnt. 
 
 His daughter gan defpife his drouping day, 
 
 And wearic waxe of his continuall ftay. 
 
 Thotohis daughter ^/^4;? he repayrd. 
 
 Who him at firft well vfcd eucry way; 
 
 But when of his departure die defpayrd. 
 Her bountie fhc abated 3 and his cliearc empayrd,. 
 
 The wretched man gan then auife too late. 
 That loue is not, where moft it is profeft. 
 Too truely tryde in his extrcamcll ftatc ; 
 At lafl rcfolud Ukcwife to proue the reft;.
 
 334 THE II. BOOKE OF THE cm.X. 
 
 He to Cor delta him fclfc addrcft. 
 Who with entire affcdion him rcceau'd. 
 As for her Syre and king her fcemcdbeftj 
 And after all an army ftrong fhe lean d. 
 To war on thofe^which him had of his realmc bcrcau*d. 
 
 So to his crownc fhe him reftor'd againe. 
 In which he dyde^ made ripe for death by cld^ 
 And after wild^ it fhould to her remaine : 
 Who peaceably the famclongtime did weld: 
 And all mens harts in dew obedience held : 
 Till that her fifters children^ woxen ftrong 
 Through proud ambition3 againft her rcbeld^ 
 And oucrcommcn kept in prifon long , 
 
 Till wearie of that wretched life^ her fclfc Ihc hong. 
 
 Then gan the bloudic brethren both to rainc : 
 But fierce CmdAh gan lliortly to cnuic 
 His brother Morgan^ prickt with proud difdainCj 
 To haue a pere in part of foueraintie^ 
 And kindling coles of cruell enmitiCj 
 Raifd warre ^ and him in battell ouerthrcw : 
 Whence as he to thofc woodic hils did flic. 
 Which hight of him Glamor gan ^ there him flew ; 
 
 Then did he raigne alone, when he none cquall knew. 
 
 His fonne Riuallo his dead roome did fupply. 
 In whofe fad time bloud did from hcauen rainc : 
 Next great Gurgufim^ then faire C<iicily 
 In conftantpcace their kingdomes did containe. 
 After whom Lago^ and Kinmarke did rainc. 
 And Gorhogui^v^ farre in ycares he grew : 
 Till his ambitious fbnnes vnto them twaine, 
 Arraught the rule, and from their father drew. 
 
 Stout Ferrex and ftcrne Porrex him inprilbn threw. 
 
 But
 
 CdfiLX. FAERIE QVEENR 335 
 
 But 63 the greedy thirft of royalJ cro wne. 
 
 That knowcs no kinrcd^ nor regardcs no right 
 Stird Porrex vp to put his brother downe ; 
 Who vnto him aflcmbling forrcine might'. 
 Made warrc on him^ and fell him fclfe in fight ; 
 Whofe death t'auenge^his mother mcrcilellc 
 Moft mercileflc of women^ Vf^yden hight , 
 Her other fonne faft fleeping did oppreflc 5 
 
 And with moft cruell hand him murdred pittileflc. 
 
 Here ended Brutm facred progenie. 
 
 Which had fcucn hundred yeares this (ccptcr borne 
 With high renowmc, and great felicitie ? 
 The noble braunch from th'antique ftocke was tome 
 Through difcord, and the royall throne forlomc: 
 Thenceforth this Realnie was iwto fadions rcnt^ 
 Whilcft each oi Brutus boafted to be borne^ 
 That in theendwasleftnomoniment 
 
 OiBrutui^ nor of Britons glory auncient. 
 
 Then vp arofe a man of matchleflc might. 
 And wondrous wit to menage high affaires^ 
 Who ftird vp pitty of die ftreflcd plight 
 Of this fad Realme, cut into fundry (naires 
 By fuch^as claymd themfelucs Brutes rightful! haires. 
 Gathered the Princes of the people loofc. 
 To taken couafell of their common cares 5 
 Who with his wifedom won^him ftreight did chooft. 
 
 Their king , and Iworc him fealty to win or loofc. 
 
 TVien made he head againft his enimies. 
 And Tmner flew, or LogrU mifcreate ; 
 Then Ruddoc and proud SUter^ bodi allye^^ 
 This oiAlbiinie newly nominate, 
 
 Y
 
 33^ THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cm.X. 
 
 And that ofCamhry kingeonfirmcd late. 
 He ouerthrcw through his ownc vahaiincc ; 
 W'hofc countrcis he rcdus'd to quiet ftatc. 
 And fhortly brought to ciuill goucrnauncc, 
 
 Now onc^ which carll were niany^madc through vari- 
 
 (auncc. 
 
 Then made he facrcd lawes^whichfome men fay 
 Were vnto him reueald in vifion. 
 By which he freed the Traueilers high way. 
 The Churches part, and Ploughmans portion, 
 Reftrainingftealth^and flrong extortion 5 - 
 The gracious Nur»a of great Brit Ante : 
 For till his dayes, the chiefe dominion 
 By ftrcngth was wielded without poUicie 5 
 
 Tliercfore he firft wore crownc of gold for dignitic. 
 
 Donmllo dyde(for what may Hue for ay?) 
 
 Andlefttwofonnes^ofpearelefTe prowcflc both; 
 
 That facked Rome too dcarely did aflay. 
 
 The recompence of their periured oth, 
 
 Andranfackt ^r<rfr<f well tryde^whe they were wroth; 
 
 Belides fubieftcd Fraunce, and Germany , 
 
 Which yet their prayfes fpeakc, all be they loth. 
 
 And inly tremble at the memory 
 OiUrennm and Bell'tnm^ kings of Britany. 
 
 Next them did Gurgmt, great Bellinu^ fonnc 
 In rule fucceede, and eke in fathers prayfe ; 
 He Eafterland fubde wd^and Danmarke wonne^ 
 And of them both did foy and tribute raife. 
 The which was dew in his dead fathers dayes: 
 He alfo gaue to fugitiues of 5/>4;;^^, 
 Whom,he at fea found wandring from their wayes, 
 A featc in JreUndhkly to remaync. 
 
 Which they Ihouldhold ofhim^as fubicd to BfiUyne. 
 ' " After
 
 cm^X. FAERrE QVEENE,^ 337 
 
 After him raigncd (7«//^r/fji?^ his hayrcj 
 The iufteft man and trewefl; in his daycs. 
 Who had to wife Dame LMertU the fayrc^ 
 A vypman worthy of immortall prayfc. 
 Which for this Rcalm.e found many goodly laycs 
 And wholefome Statutes to her husband brought^ 
 Her many decmd to haue beene of the Fajfes^ 
 As was C/£egeri€, thzt Numa tought ; 
 
 Thofc yet pf her be MertiS, lawes both nam'd & thought. 
 
 Her fonnes Sifillm after her did raync^ 
 
 And then Kmarudy and then Daniu^ ; '- ^ j ; ^ . 
 Next whom CMorindus did jche crownc fuftaine^ 
 WhOjhadhenot with wrath outrageous,,.^ /i^f 
 And cruell rancour dim'd his valorous , ;^ ^ j^ ^w'-v^ ;. 'r 1 1 
 And mightie deeds, fhould matched haue the Bcrf:^ 
 As well in that fame field vii^orioiiSr . ^ .. ,,. • . r.r „. , , 
 Againft the torrcmcc^<?r4;/.j|/'nexxprdf 5' ..' a// 
 'Yet Hues his mempric, though carcas flecpg in i;cfti // 
 
 Fiuc fonne he left be gotten of one wifo^ .[..vvif- vf- \ ; 1 
 All which fuccelfvuely by turnesdid rainciji^ ,. , . > r /^ 
 Firfl:(7<?r^<?w4;iamanofvertuousIife5 j.^..:^ .,-,f - - ^ 
 Next Arch/gald, who for his prpud difdainc, 
 Depofcd yyas from Princcdomc (bueraine^ 
 And pitteous Elidt^re p ut in his fted ; ' ' 
 
 Who fhortly itto him reftord^againc, ;r 
 
 Till by his death he it rccoucrcd ^ j 1^ ^^p,^ 
 
 But. Peridure and yigent him diiihronizcd. ^| j , ; ^^ ^ ,[ y 
 
 Inwretchcdprilonlonghcdidrcmaine, ;.' * - .- 
 Till they outraigned had their vtmoft date, . , 
 And then therein refeized was againe. 
 And ruled lo^g wi;i^ hopprable ftatj?,. , ^^^ ^ 
 
 c:
 
 338 THE II. BOOKE OF THE cm.X. 
 
 Till he furrcndrcdRcalmc and life to fate. 
 Then all the fonncs of thcfc fiuc brethren raynd 
 By dew fuccelTe, and all their Nephe wes Jatc, 
 Eiien thrife eleuen defcents the crowne retaynd. 
 Till aged Hely by dew heritage it gaynd. 
 
 He had two fonnes^whofc cldeft called Lud 
 Left of his life moftfamons memory^ 
 And endleflc moniments of his great good : 
 The ruin'd wals he did rcasdifye 
 Of rr^;»^«4»/, gainft force of cnimy. 
 And built that gate, which of his name is hight^ 
 Bv which he lyes entombed folcrnnly. 
 ^ Helefttwofonnes^tooyonrigtorulearight, 
 Androgen and TettAntim^ pi(5lures ofhis might. 
 
 Whilft they were youngs CaphaUne their Emc 
 
 Was by th^pcoplc chbfen in their ftcd, ^ '^ 
 
 Who on hirri tookc the royall Diadcmc^ 
 
 And goodly well long time it goiierned^ 
 
 Till the prowd^flw^^tf/ him difquicted, - - -. ^. 
 
 And warlike C^y^n tempted with the name" ' ' • "^ • ' '^ 
 
 Of this fweet Iflandjheuer cbnqiicred. 
 
 And enuying theBritohs blazed fame, 
 
 (O hideous hunger of d6it>inion}hither came. 
 
 ; bdl ^if^ ni :Juq *i^v\\5k\\B auoDanq br./\ 
 
 Yet twife they wet^rcptirfc^bad^i^kgaiW^ i'^ 
 And twife renforft^ baeke to their fhips to fly. 
 The whiles withbloudthcy all the fliorc didftaine. 
 And the gray Of (f^ into purple dy : 
 Ne had they footing fbimd'^tlaftperdic,. 
 Had not Androgeus, falfc to natiue foyle, 
 AndenuiousofVnclcsfbtierairiticj •' ^ 
 BetraydhiscQintrcyytitofbtreinefpbylc.*^ - 
 
 Nought clfe.but treafon/rom the firft this lad did foylc. 
 ^ So
 
 Ci/f/.X FAERIE QVEENE. J3^ 
 
 Soby him C^/ir got the vi<S6ry, : .j, -. vlnr . j^y 
 Through great blouflied, and many a (ad aflay. 
 In which him felfe was charged heauily 
 Of hardy NemniuA^ whom he yet did flay. 
 But loft his fwordjyct to Jbefcene this day. 
 Thenceforth this land was tributari e made 
 Tambitious Rome^ and did their rule obay^ 
 Till -^r/A/^r all that reckoning did defray ; 
 
 Yet oft the Briton kings againft them ftrongly fwayA 
 
 Next him Temntm raignd, then Kimbeline^ 
 What time th'eternall Lord in flefhly flimc 
 Enwombed was, from wretched Adams line 
 To purge away the guilt of finfuU crime; 
 O ioyous memorie of happy time, ,,;:;, , 
 That hcauenly grace fo plenteoufly difplayds 
 (O too high clitty for my fimple rime.) 
 Soone after this the Romanes him wrrayd ; 
 
 For that their tribute he refufd to let be payd. 
 
 Good CZ^/^J/^, that next was Emperour, 
 
 An army brought,and with him battell fought, ^ 
 In which the king was by a Treachetour 
 Difguifed flaine, ere any thereof thought : 
 Yet^eafed not the bloudy fightforought j 
 For i^ruirage his brothers place fupplide , 
 Both in armes, and crowne^andby that draught 
 Did driuc the Romanes to the weaker fide. 
 
 That they to peace agreed .So all was pacifidc, ' 
 
 r 
 
 Was neuer king more highly magnifide. 
 Nor eked oiRomaneSythzxi was \^rmrage , 
 For which the Empcrour to him allidc 
 His daughter Genm^in marriage: 
 
 Y.3
 
 J40 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CM.Xi 
 YctftiortlyhcrcnouuftthcvafTalagc c 
 
 OiRome againc^ who hither haftly (cnt 
 re/pa/Ia», that with great fpoilc and rage 
 Forwafted all , till Gem/ fa gent 
 
 Perfwaded liim to ccalTc, and her Lord to relent. 
 
 He dyde s and him fucceedcd J/^r/^ 5 
 Who ioyd his dayes in great tranquillity^ 
 Then Coy/I, and after him good LucfU4, 
 That firft received Chriftianitie , 
 The facred pledge of Chriftes Euangely ; 
 Yet true it is, that long before that day 
 Hither came /ofiph oiArmathy^i \ , > :;v 
 Who brought with him the holy^raylc3(they fay) 
 
 And preacht the truth^but finccit greatly did decay. 
 
 This goodkingfhortly without iflew'dide. 
 Whereof great trouble in thckingdomcgrew. 
 That did her felfe in fundry parts diuidc. 
 And with her powre her owne felfe oucrthrew^ 
 Whileft i?(?w^»^/dayly didthe weakefubdcwr ^ ,, ; 
 Which feeing (tout J?«^/^f 4, vp arofc^ ;>H , 'j, A 
 And taking armesj the Brttons to her drew 5 
 With whom fhe marched ftreight againft her focs^ 
 
 And them vnwares bcfides the Semne did cnclofc. v 
 
 There fhe with them a crudl battell tride, \^ ni rhoa 
 
 Not with fo good fucceffcj as the deferu'dj 
 
 By reafon that the Captaines on her fide, .-a j^d f 
 Corrupted hyFaulinus, from her fweru'd : 
 Yet fuch, as were through former flight pcrferu'd^ . . 
 Gatheringagainrjher Hoft fhe did renew, v^ /; 
 And with frcfhcourageon theyidourferuViiV. v; f 
 But being all defeated, fauc afew^. ::> f .'>;f !;]rKL ;:iH 
 
 Rather then fly^Or be captiu dhcr felfe fhe flew.
 
 CintJk: FAERIE QVEENE. 341 
 
 O famous monimcnt of womcns prayfc, 
 
 Matchablc cither to Semirdmis^ 
 
 Whom antique hiftory fb high doth raifir. 
 
 Or to Hyfiphil* or to ThotnirU : 
 
 Her Hoft two hundred thoufand numbrcd \% ; 
 
 Who whiles good fortune fauoured her mighty 
 
 Triumphed oft againft her enimis ; 
 
 And yet though ouercome in hapleflc fight. 
 She triumphed on death^ in enemies defpight. 
 
 Her reliques Fulgent hauing gathered^ , 
 
 Fought with Seuerus^ and him ouerthrcw 5 
 Yet in the chace was flaine of them, that fled : 
 So made them vidlours, whom he did fiibdew. 
 Then gan C<rr^«y?«^ tirannize anew. 
 And gainft the Romanes bent their proper powrc^ 
 But him Alleliui treacheroufly flew , , ^ . , i ■ ; 
 And tooke on him the robeofEmperoure : 
 
 Nathlcflc the fame enioyed but ftiort happy howrc : 
 
 For Afclepioiate him puercamc. 
 
 And left inglorious on the vanquiftit plaync. 
 Without or robe, or rag, to hide his fliame. 
 Then afterwards he in his ftead did rayne 5 
 But fhortly was by Coyllm battcU flaine : 
 Who after long debate, fince Lucies time. 
 Was of the Britons firftcrownd Soueraine : 
 Then gan this Rcalme renewe her pafled prime : 
 
 He of his name Coylche[lerhui\toi{k.ov\c and lime. 
 
 Which when the Romanes heard, they hither (cnt 
 C^;!y?4/;//«y, a man of miclde might. 
 With whom king C^y'^made an agreement , 
 And to him gauc for wife his daughter bright, 
 
 Y4 

 
 341 THE II. BOOKfi t)F THE csm.X. 
 
 Fairc Helena^ the faircft lining wight ; 
 Who in all 2odly thcwcs ^ and goodly prayfe 
 Did far cxccll, but was moft famous hight 
 For skill m Mufickc of all in her daycs, 
 Afwcll in curious ihftruments^ as cunning layes. 
 
 Of whom he did great Coftflantim beget. 
 Who afterward was Emperour oiRome ; 
 To which whiles abfent he his mind did tct^ 
 O^mmhcit leptinto his roome. 
 And it vfurped by vnrightcous doome: * ■ 
 
 But he his title iuftifide by might , 
 SlayingTr4^/&^r/^>and hauing ouercome 
 The ^r'^;^^^ legion in drcadfullfi|ht^i!3''i3 d^s^c 
 
 So fettled he his kingddmc^ and connrmd his right.. 
 
 But wanting iflcw male, his daughter dcarc^ 
 
 He gau6 in wedlockc tot^Usmiarf^ - - -^ -y-' 
 And him with her made of his kingdome ficyfey ' * '^ 
 Who {bone by meancs thereof the Empire wan^ 
 Till murdred by the friends of(7i'^^/^^ 5 
 Then ganthc Hunncs and Piits inuadc this laiid^- 
 DuringthcraigneoiFU^4Ar/«f/;f/4/?5 "i''--' ' 
 Who dying left none heire them to withftand. 
 
 But that they ouerran all parts with eafie hand. 
 
 The weary Brifons ywhofc war-hable youth 
 Was by iJ^aximian lately led away. 
 With wretched milcrics ^and woefull ruth, - 
 Were to thofe Pagans made an open pray. 
 And daylyfpe(ftaclco^fad decay: (yeares^ 
 
 Whom Romofie warres , which now foure hundred 
 And more had wafted, could no whit difmay s 
 Till by confcnt of Commons and of Pcares^ 
 
 They cro wnd the fecond Conjlmme with ioyous tearcs. 
 
 Who
 
 C4HKX) FAERIE QVEENE. 343 
 
 VVhohauing oft in battcll vahquifhcd ^^i-i 
 
 Thole (poilcfuUPids, and fWamiihg Eafterlfng?''^' 
 Long time in peace his Rcalmc cftablilTicd,^ 
 Yet oft aiinoyd with fundry bordragings • ^\*^-^^^ ^^ 
 Of neighbour ScotSj and fbrrein Scattcrh'ngs^ 
 VVith which the world did in thofc dayes abound; 
 WTiichtooiitbarrCjWithpainefiillpyonings ^ ' ' 
 From fca to fca he heapt a mightic mound^ 
 
 Which from K^klmdioPMwelt did that border bound. 
 
 Three (onnes he dying lef t^ all vnder age ; 
 By meanes whereof^ their vncle Vortigere 
 Vfurpt the crowne, during their pupillage ; 
 
 Which th'Infants tutors gathering to fcatr^- 
 
 Them ctofely into ^^rmorick did bcare : ' ■"- '^'^''- ■' 
 For dread of whom^and for thofe Pidls annoycs^ 
 He (cnt to GermAnky ftraunge aid tareare. 
 From whence eftfbones arriuedhere three hoycs 
 
 Of5iix^;?j^whomhefdrhis fafctieimployes, -'-'^^ 
 
 Two brethren were their Captains, which hight 
 Hengifl and Horfm ^ well approu'd \^ warrc. 
 And both of them men of renowmcd might 5 
 Who making vantage of their ciuill iarre. 
 And ofthofe for reiner S3 which camefrom farre^, 
 Grew great^and got large pprtipns of land. 
 That in the Rcalme ere long they ftroiiger arre^ 
 Then they which fought at hrft their helpinghand^ 
 
 And Vortiger enforft the kingdome to aband. 
 
 But by the helpc of r<9r//Wrf his fbnn<^, ' '^ • ' '■ ': ^'^ *"'- '•^^' ^ 
 
 He i 3 againe vnto his r ule reftord J 
 
 And//^/;^//?feemingfad/or that was donne^. 
 
 Recciued ii^ tagracc and new accord^ ' .. . 
 
 ,oiJLii 3'// i, 003 ■i-:^\i'^ ifcfiYrJU 27 ojlnv y,y.
 
 344 THE 11. BOOKE OF THE Cm.X. 
 
 Through his fairc daughters f^cc^fic flattringword j 
 Soonc after which^ three hundred hordes he flew 
 Of Britifh bloud, all fitting at his bord ; 
 Whofc dolefull monimcnts who lift to rew^ 
 Th'etcrnall markes of trcafon may at Stonheng vcw. 
 
 By this the fbnnes olConftantiney which fled, 
 Amhrifc and father did ripe yeares attainc^ 
 
 l,^Andhere arriuingjftrpngly challenged 
 
 '"'The crowne^ which Fortiger6\d long detaine : 
 Who flying from his guilty by them was flainc, ^ 
 And HertgJfi eke fbone brought to fhamefull death. 
 Thenceforth ^^urclius peaceably did rayncj ;, i^ j ,/ 
 Till thattfirqugh poyfon ftopped was his jbreath j / 
 
 So now etitombcdlycs at Stoncbcngby thchcath. ^ 
 
 After him Vther^ which ftndragon hight, h{ 
 
 SuccedingThcreabruptfyitdid^nd, .-^r . 
 Without full pointy or Dt\ier Ccftire right^ o 
 
 As if thereftlbrhe wicked hand did rend ^ 
 Orth*Authourfelfe could not at Icaft attend 
 To finifh it ; that (b yntimely breach 
 The Prince him iclfe halfe f^emeth to offend. 
 Yet fecret plealiire did offence empeach. 
 
 And wonder of antiquitie long ftopt his fpcach . 
 
 At laft quite rauifht with delight^ to hearc 
 The royall Oflpring of his natiue land , 
 Cry de out, Dearc countrey, 6 how dearely dcarc. 
 Ought thy remembraunce^and perpetuall band 
 Be to thy fofter Childe, that fronvthy hand 
 Did commun breath and nouriturc receauc ? 
 How brutifh is it not to vnderftand , 
 How much to her we owe, that all vs gaue. 
 
 That gaue vnto vs all, whatcucr good wchauc. 
 
 But
 
 GintX. FAERIE' QyEENfi;^^ 345 
 
 But Gujon al! this ivhilc hisilookc did read , 
 Ne yet has ended : for it was a great 
 And ample volume^ that doth far excead 
 My Icafure^fb long leaues here to repeat; 
 It told, how firft /'f tf«;^/^^»j did crcatd 
 A man^of many partes from beads deriued 
 And then ftolefirc from heaiicn, toaniiiiatc 
 His worke, for which he was by /<?»r depriued 
 
 Of life himfelfe^and hart^ftrings ofan yEglcriued 
 
 That man (b made, he called Elfe^ to wcet 
 
 Quick, the firftauthour of all Elfin kind: --i-< i 
 Who wandrfng thn:>ugh the worltf^ith wearitfi^t, 
 Didinthegardirtsof/^^;7^find 'f"^ -•- 
 A goodly creature, whom he dcemd iAlTiinil 
 To be no earthly wight, but cither Spright ^ 
 Or Angell, th'a uthoinraf ail wofilan kindi ' 
 Therefore a F^^he heraccordinghight, "- -'- - 
 
 Of whom all F^^rji^/lpring^and fetch their lignage rights 
 
 Of thcfc a mightic people fhortly grew^ '■■ 
 
 And puiflaimtlangs, which all the world warriyd^ 
 And to them felues all Nations did fubdew : 
 The firft an d eldefl: , which that fccptcr fwayd , 
 Was Elfia J him all IndtA pbayd , ' m oG 
 
 An d all that no w K^mericA men call : 
 Next him was hoWc El'finan^ wholayd^ 
 CUopolii foundationfirft of all : 
 
 But Elfiline enclofii it with a golden wall. ^ ' 
 
 Hisfbnnc was'£i{/{5;f//,wh6oucrcamc : . M 
 
 The wicked CobbeUncs in feloudy field : "^ '*» ^:7 
 
 But Elf Ant was of moftTcnowmed famc^ . 'A 
 
 Who aU'of GhriIfalldid/'4/7/itri.buiidi- ^'jit^rjrlT
 
 5^rf. THEH. BOOKE OF.THE Cs^f^JC^ 
 
 Then Ei^ir who two brethren gyants kild. 
 The one ot which had two heads,th'other three ; ,'i 
 Then Elfinor^ who was in Magick skild^ 
 He built byartvpon the glaffy Sec (bee 
 
 A bridge of bras,^\y^hQfcX9TOd hcaue^.thunder (ccm'd to 
 
 ? . X . ' '^ . , ., , .. 
 
 He left three fonnes^the which in order raynd. 
 And all tlieir Qfrpring, in tlicir dew defcents^ 
 Euenfcuc;>hiin4Kd Princes^ which maintaynd: 3 
 With migh'tie dcedcs their fundry goiiernmcnts ," 
 That were too long their infinite contents * j 
 
 Here tore^ord, ne much material]; 
 Yct:(l)ouldth^lhemoftfamQusmoniments,r;H'/^^ 
 And braue enfamplc, both of martially 
 
 And ciuill rule to kings and ftatcs imperialL 
 
 After all tht^zElficlecrdiA raync, ,, x/Hj ^IIj- :,-:i. -. ;• 
 
 The wife £/)fr/f win great MaiefticV-' ' :" '^ 
 
 Who mightily that fcepter did fuftaync , 
 
 And with rich Ipoiles and famous vi6i:oric , 
 
 Did high aduauncc the crownc of ^^rry; r n x sbinlO^ 
 
 He left twbifonnes^ of whidhfaire £^p« r j r 1 'T b 
 
 The eldeft brother did vntimdydy; 
 
 ^ Whofe emptie place the mightie Obcron 
 
 Doubly fupplidcj in fpouM^ and dominion* , 2ii V/ 
 : 1{i;d nofifi vnv. ^ori:«rl: ik bf lA 
 
 Creatwas hispowerahd gloricouer all, /rr;"H3>: 
 Which him before^ that lacred fcatc did fill,' 
 Thatyet remaiineshis wide memoriaU^xU vv ^ . id jua 
 He dying left the faircft TanaquiU^ 
 Him to fucccedc therein^ by his'Iaft will r 
 Fairer and nobler liueth none this howrc , 
 Ne like in grace^ ne like in learned skill ; 
 Therefore thcyC/Arwfi call thabglorious flowrC', 
 
 Long mayft thou GhrUn liue^in glory and great powrc. 
 
 Beguild
 
 ant.Xl. FAERIE QVEENE. 347 
 
 Bcguild thus with delight of noueltics^ 
 
 And naturall defirc of countreys ftatc. 
 
 So long they red in thofc antiquities^ 
 
 That how the time was fled/hcy quite forg^c. 
 
 Till gentle AlmA (ccing it fo late. 
 
 Perforce their ftudies broke3and them befbught 
 
 To thinke^how fupper did them long awaite. 
 
 So halfe vnwilling from their bookes them brought^ 
 And fairely feafted^ as fb nobles knights fbe ought. 
 
 Qant. XI. 
 
 Xhe enimies ofXemperaPtncc 
 bejiege her dwelling fUte : 
 
 Prtnce Arthur them repelles^andfowle 
 AdaUger doth deface. 
 
 'Hat warre (o cruelly or what fiegc (b fore. 
 As that, which ftrongaffedions do apply 
 Againfl the fort of reafon euermorc 
 To bring the fbule into captiuitie : 
 Their force is fiercer through infirmitic 
 Of the fraile flefh, relenting to their ragc,^ 
 Andexercift moft bitter tyranny 
 Vpon thepartSjbroughtinto their bondage: 
 No wretchcdneffc is like to finfull vellenage. 
 
 But in a body , which doth freely yeeid 
 His partes to reafbns rule obedient , 
 Andlcttcth her that ought the fcepter weeld^ 
 All happypeacc and goodly goucrnment 
 
 fxi: A
 
 348 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CMt.xn 
 
 Is fctlcd there in fiirc cftablilTimcnts 
 There Alma like a virgin Quecnc moft bright 
 Doth floriili in all beautie excellent ; 
 And.to her gueftcs doth bounteous banket dight 
 Attcmpred goodly wellforhealthanddelight. ^ ' 
 
 Early before tlie Mornc with cremofin ray, 
 Th€ windowes of bright heauen opened had. 
 Through which into the world the dawning day 'A 
 Might looke, that maketh cucry creature glad 
 Vprofc Sir Guyon^ in bright armour clad^ 
 And to his purpofd iourney him prepaid ; 
 With him the Palmer eke inhabit fad. 
 Him felfe addreft to that aducnture hard ; 
 
 So to the riuers fide they both together far'd. 
 
 Where them awaited ready at the ford - .: .''■ 
 
 The FerrintAn, as /^/w^ had bchight. 
 With his well rigged boate : They go abord 
 And eftfoones gan launch his barke forthricrht. 
 Ere long they rowed were quite out of fight. 
 And faft the land behind them fled away. 
 But let them pas, whiles wind and weather right 
 Do ferue their turnes ; here I a while muft ftay 
 
 To fee a cruell fight doen by the Prince this day. 
 
 For all (b (bone, as Guyon thence was gon 
 Vpon his voyage with his truftie guide. 
 That wicked band of villeins fredi begoii 
 That caftle to afiaile on euery fide. 
 And lay flrong fiege about it far and wide. ■ 
 
 So huge and infinite their numbers were , 
 That all the land they vnder them did hide ; 
 So fowle and ygly, that exccedingfc^e 
 
 Their vifages impreft, when they approchcd ncarc. 
 
 Them
 
 Cdtft.xr. FAERIE QVEENE. 34^ 
 
 Them in tweliic troupes their Captain did difpart 
 And round about in fitted ftcades did place, 
 Where each might bcft ofFc nd his proper part^ 
 And his contrary obied mod deface^ 
 As euery one feem'd mcetcfl in that cacc. 
 Seuen of the fame againfl: the Caftle gatc^ 
 In ftrong entrenchments he did clofcly place. 
 Which with inceflaunt force and cndleflc hate. 
 
 They battred day and nighty and entraunce did awatc. 
 
 The other fine, fine fundry wayes he fct, 
 
 Againft the fiuc great Bulwarkcs of that pile. 
 And vnto each a Bulwarke did arret , 
 TafTayle with open force or hidden gnilc. 
 In hope thereof to win victorious fpoile. 
 They all that charge did feruently apply. 
 With greedie malice and importune toylc. 
 And planted there their huge artillery. 
 
 With which they dayly made mofl dreadfull battery. 
 
 The firft troupe was amonftrous rablement 
 
 Offowle miflliapen wights, of which fomc were 
 Headedlikc Owles, with beckes vncomely bent^ 
 Others like Dogs, others like Gryphons drearc. 
 And fome had wings, and fome had clawes to tearc. 
 And euery one of them had Lynces eyes ^ 
 And euery one did bow and arrowes beare ; 
 All thofe were lawlcfle luftes, corrupt cnuies. 
 
 And couctous afpedcs, all cruell cnimics. 
 
 Thofc fame againft the bulwarke of the Sigh 
 Did lay ftrong fiege, and battailous aflault^ 
 Ne once did yield it reipit day nor night, 
 B ut fbone as T/tan gan his head cxault.
 
 350 THE II. BOOKE OF THE C4i$t.ir. 
 
 And (bone againc as he his hghtwith hault^ 
 Their wicked cngins they againft it bent ; 
 That is each things by wliich the eyes may fault. 
 But two then all more huge and violent, 
 Bcautie, and money, they that Bulwarkc forely rent. 
 
 The fecond Bulwarkc was the Hearhg (cncc, 
 
 Gainft which the Iccond troupe dcilignment makes; 
 Deformed creatures^ in ftraunge difference, 
 • Some hauing heads like Harts^fbme like to Snakes 
 Some like wild Bores late rouzd out of the brakes s 
 Slaunderous reproches^and fowle infamies , 
 
 Leafings, backbytings, and vaine-glorious crakcsj 
 Badcounfels3prayfes3and falfe flatteries. 
 
 All thofe a gainft that fort did bend theii batteries, 
 
 Likewife that fame third Fort^that is the Sme/l 
 Of that third troupe was cruelly aflayd : 
 Whofe hideous fliapes were like to fcends of hell 
 Some like to hounds^ fbme like to Apes^difinayd, 
 Some like to Puttockes, all in plumes arayd : 
 All fhap't according their conditions , 
 
 For by tho(evgly formes wer en pourtrayd, 
 Foolilli delights and fond abufions. 
 Which do that (encc befiege with light illufions. 
 
 And that fourth bandjwhich crucll battry bent, 
 Againft the fourth Bulwarke^ that is the Tafl^ 
 Was as the. reft, a gryfie rablement. 
 Some mouth'd like greedy Oyftrigcs, (bme faft 
 Like loathly Toadcs, fome fafliioncd in the waft 
 Like fwine 5 for fo deformd is luxury, 
 Surfeat, mifdict, and vnthriftie waft, 
 Vaine fcafts , and idle fuperfluity : 
 
 All thofe this fences Fort aftaylc inccflantly. 
 
 But
 
 Cant.xr. FAERIE QVEENEHT 351 
 
 But the fift troupe moft horrible of hew. 
 And fierce of force, was drcadfuU to report: 
 For fomc Uke Snailes, fbme did Hkc fpydcrs iTiew, 
 And fome like vgly Vrchins thicke and lliort : 
 Cruelly they affayled that fift Fort, 
 Armed with darts of fenfuall delight. 
 With flings of carnall luft, and ftrong eflfbrt 
 Of feeling pleafures, with which day and night 
 
 Againft that fame fift bulwarke they continued fight.' 
 
 Thus thcfc twelue troupes with dreadfull puiflancc 
 
 Againft that Caftle reftleflc fiege did lay. 
 
 And euermore their hideous Ordinance 
 
 Vpon the Bulwarkes cruelly did play. 
 
 That now it gan to threaten neare decay :. ; 
 
 And euermore their wicked Capitaine 
 
 Prouoked them the breaches to aflay, 
 
 Somtimes with threats ,fbmtimes withhope of gaine. 
 Which by the ranfack of that peece they fliould attainc. 
 
 On th*other fide , th*aflieged Caftlcs ward 
 
 Their ftedfaftftonds did mightily maintaine, / 
 And many bold rcpulfe, and many hard \ 
 
 Atchicuement wrought with perill and with paine^ 
 
 i*^^ That goodly frame from ruinc t6 fuftaine : 
 And thofe two brethren Giants did defend 
 The walles lb Cloudy with thdr ft urdie rriaine. 
 That neuer entrance any durft pretend. 
 
 But they to direfuU death their groning ghofts did fend. 
 
 !The4ibble 'viFgitf, L^ ic of the pla'cfey ' r • 
 
 Was much difm^ycd'with that dreadfull fight : 
 
 For neuer was the in fo cuill cace, 
 
 Till tha^ the Prince {ccingherwofuUplight^
 
 f 
 
 ^. 
 
 351 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cam,X/^ 
 
 Gan her rccomfort from fo fad affright, 
 Offringhis fermcc^andhis dcarcftlifc 
 For her defence, againft that Carle to fight^ 
 Which was their chiefc and th'author of that ftrifc : 
 She him rcmercicd as the Patrone of lier life. 
 
 Eftfoones himfclfc in glitterand armcs he dight. 
 And his well proued weapons to him hent ; 
 So taking courteous conge he behight, 
 Thblc gates to be vnbar'd^ and forth he went, 
 Faire iriOtehcthce jtheproweft andmoftgent. 
 That euer brandillied bright ftcele on hyc : , 
 Whom (bone as thatvnrulyrablement^ 
 
 With his gay Squire iiTuing did e{py,.:v 
 They reard a mofl: outrageous dreadfull yelling cry. 
 
 And therewith all attonce at him let fly 
 
 Their fluttringarrovvcs5.thicke as flakes of fnow^ 
 And round about him flockc impetuoufly. 
 Like a great water flood^ that tombling low 
 From the high mountaines^ threats to oucrflow 
 With fuddein fury all the fertile plainc^ 
 And the fad husbandmans long hope doth throv/ 
 A downc the ftrcamc, and all his vowcsjnakc vainc. 
 
 Nor bounds nor banks his headlong ruinc may fuftainc. 
 
 Vpon hfs fliicld their heaped hayle he bore,. 
 And with his (word difpcrft the raskaU flockcs^ 
 Which fled a funder, and him fell before. 
 As withered leaues drop from their dried ftockes, 
 Whe the wroth Weftern wind does reade theirlock^ 
 And vnderneath him his courageous fteed^ 
 The fierce Spumador tvodc them downclike docks. 
 The fierce Spuwador bonic of heauenly feed : 
 
 Such as Ls.omcdof9 of PhxbM race did breed 
 
 Which 
 
 "^^i
 
 CMtXi. FAERIE QVEENE. 3jj 
 
 VVhich fuddcinc horrour and confuftd cry, ' ^^ ^ /^ 
 When as their Captaine heard , in hafte he yodc, 
 The caiilc to wcet, and fault to remedy ; 
 Vpon a Tygrc (vvift and fierce he rode. 
 That as the windc ran vnderneath his lode, ( I 
 
 Whiles his long legs nigh raught vnto the grount^ 
 Full large he was of limbe, and fhouldcrs brode. 
 But of fuch fubtile fubftance and vnfound. 
 
 That like a ghoft he f cein d, whofe grauc-clotbes were 
 vn:KJ:ji; .: .1] (vnbound* 
 
 And in his hand a bended bow was fccne, 
 And many arrowes vnder his right fide. 
 All deadly daungerous, all cruell kecne, 
 Headed with flint, and feathers bloudic didc. 
 Such as the Indians in their quiuers hide 5 
 Thofc could he well dircd and flrcight as line,' 
 And bid them rtrike the marke, which he hadeydc, 
 Npwas their falue^nc was their medicine, r--. ' 
 
 That mote rccurc their wounds : fbinly they did tine* 
 
 As pale and wan as afhes was his looke. 
 His bodie Icane and meagre as a rake. 
 And skin all withered like a drycd rooke. 
 Thereto as cold and drery as a Sn ake, 
 Thatfeem'dtotrembleeuermore, and quake: . 
 All in a canuas thin he was bcdight, 
 And girded with a belt of twifted brake, 
 Vpon his head he wore an Helmet light. 
 
 Made of a dead mans skull, thatfeenVd a ghaftly fight. 
 
 UUa/eger wjis his name, and after him. 
 
 There followed fafl: at hand two wicked Hags, 
 With hoarie lockes all loofe , and vifage grim ; 
 Their feet vnfliod, their bodies, wrapt in rags.
 
 354 THE II. BQOKEOFTHE CM.Xl^ 
 
 And both ^jfwift: on&xk^ as chafed Stagis* ' '^' • ?' // 
 Ajidyctthcbnelicr'OtlTeHcggchadlamCj ' 
 VVliich widi a ftaffc, all full of litlc fiiags 
 She did difport ^2in.i Impotence her name : 
 But th other was ImpAtience;^^vm!d with raging flame, 
 
 Soone as tlic Carle from fane the Prince cfpydc, 
 Gliftring in amies and warlike ornament^ 
 His Beatt he felly pricktion either fydc, 
 
 •I And his mifchieuous bow full readie bent^ 
 With which at him a crnell ihaft he fent : 
 But he was.warie 5 and it warded well 
 Vpon his lliieW ythat it no further wentj 
 But to the ground thcidle quarrcU fell : 
 
 Then he another and another did expelL 
 
 Which to prcucnt, thePrincchis mortallipcarc 
 Soone tohim raught ,' and fierce at him did ride,. 
 Tobeauengedofthatfliotwhyleare: >-., .- - .^ 'T 
 But he was not lb hardie to abide 
 That bitter ftownd^ but turning quickc afidc A 
 
 His light-foot bea% fled faft away for f<iarc: i' t 
 VVbom to purfue^thb Infant after hide, (^i) 
 So faft as his good Courfcr could him bearc. 
 
 But labour loft it was^ to weenc approch him ncarc* 
 
 For as the winged wind his Tigre fled. 
 
 That vew of eye could Icarlc him ouertake, 
 Ne fcarfc his feet on ground were feene to tred 5 
 Through hils and dales he fpeedie way did makcj,. 
 Ne hedge ne ditch his readie paflage brake, '- - -fi| 
 And in his flight the villein turn'd his face, 
 ( As wonts the Tartar by the Gajpian lake. 
 When as the Rnfsian him in fight does chace) 
 
 Vnto his Tygres taile^ andihot at him apace. 
 
 Apaco
 
 Cm.xr. FAERIE QVEENE. jyy 
 
 Apace he (hot, and yet he fled apace, ' - ^ 
 Still as the greedy knight nigh to him drew. 
 And oftentimes he would relent his pace. 
 That him his foe more fiercely (hould purftw : 
 Who when his vncouth manner he did vcw. 
 He can auize to follow him no more. 
 But kecpe his ftanding ^ and his fhaftes efchevr , 
 Vntill he quite had fpent his pcrlous ftorc. 
 
 And then aflayle him frefli^ ere he could fhift for more. 
 
 But that lame Hag,ftillas abroad he drew 
 His wicked arrowes, gathered them againc. 
 And to him brought^ frefti battel! to renew : 
 Which he cfpying , caft her to reftrainc 
 From yielding fuccour to that curled Swaine, 
 And her attaching, thought her hands to tye 5 
 But foone as him difmountcd on the plainc. 
 That other Hag did farrc away e(py 
 
 Binding her fiftcr^ (he to him ran haftily. 
 
 Andcatchingholdof him,as downe he lent. 
 Him backward oucrthrew,and downe him ftayd 
 With their rude hands and griefly graplement^ 
 Till that the villein comming to their aye, 
 Vpon him fell, and lode vpon him layd ; 
 Full litle wantcd,but he had him flainc. 
 And of the battell balefuU end had made. 
 Had not his gentle Squire beheld his painc, 
 
 Andcommen to his reskew, ere his bitter bane* 
 
 So greateft and moft glorious thing on ground 
 May often need the helpe of w eaker hand j 
 So feeble is mans ftatc, and life vnfound. 
 That in aflurance it may ncucr ftand, 
 
 Z3
 
 35^ THE Il.BQOKE OF. THE CxnhXl. 
 
 Tillitdiflblucdbcfromc^rthlyband..: . 
 Proofe be thou Prince, the proweftmanaliuc, 
 An d aobjeft borne of all in Br'ttgn Und ; 
 Yet thee fierce Fortune did fo ncarcly driue. 
 That hadnot grace thcc blcftijthou niouldcllnotrciuuc. 
 
 t:i ■ • :• 'T.- 
 
 The Squire arriuing, fiercely in his armcs 
 Siiatcht firft the one, and then the other ladc^ 
 His chicfeftlets and author^ ef his harmes. 
 And them perforce withheld with threatned blade 
 Lcaft that his Lord they rhould behind inuade ; 
 The whiles the Prince prickt with reprochfuU iTiamc 
 As one awaktout of longflombringfiiade> 
 Reuiuing thought of glorie and of fame^ 
 
 Vnitedallhis powres to purge himfelfc from blame. 
 
 Like as a fire, the which in hollow cauc 
 
 'J 'I 
 
 Hath long bene vnderkept, and downc fupprcft^ 
 With murmurous difdaine doth inly rauc. 
 And grudge, in fb ftreight prifon to be preft^ 
 At lad breakek forth with furious vnreft^ 
 Andftriucs to mount vnto his natiucfcat j 
 All that did earft it hinder and moleft. 
 It now deuoures with flames and fcorching hear. 
 And carries into fmoake with rage and horror great, 
 
 So mightily the BritonVivact him rouzd'^* 
 Out of his hold, and broke his caitiue bands^ 
 And as a Beare whom angry curres hauc touzd, 
 Hauing off-fhakt them, and efcapt their hands. 
 Becomes more fel!^ and all that him withftands 
 Treads downe andouerthrowes. Now had the Carle 
 Alighted from his Tigre, and his hands 
 Difcharged of his bow and deadly quarle> 
 
 To feize vpon his foe flat lying on the marlc. 
 
 Which
 
 C4f^t.X!. FAERIE Qyfifi>JE. 357 
 
 Which now him tumd to diftiiantagc dcarei^Ii r^ iiM - 
 For neither can he fly, nor other harmc, i ^^'/ ' 
 
 But triift vnto his ftrength and manhood mcarc^ 
 Sith now he is farre from his monftrous fwarmc^ ^ • ' 
 And of his weapons did himfelfe difarmc/>i.5b m 3!i- 
 The knight yet wrothfuU for his late dirgracC3 
 Fiercely adiiaunft his valorous right arme, ^^ 
 
 And him fo fore fmotc with'his yron mace. 
 
 That groueling to the grxDrund he fcll^and fild his place. 
 
 Well weened he , that -field Was then his owric, - '/^ 
 
 .And all his labour brought to happic end, ^' 
 
 When fuddein;vp the villein ouerthtowiie, . - - - • 
 Out ctf his iwowncarofe^ frclTitoitmtciidjjrn 3^ / 
 And gati bimfelfe'to fecbnd batteU^bcnd, x -; fi:^"?^ ^i'S 
 As hurt he had not bene. Thereby there lay 
 Anhuge great ftone, which flood vpon one cnd^isr 11 
 And had notbci^c rcmouedraany:'a)dayv-''^^''' bf-A 
 
 Some land-marke fecm'd to be, or figne of fundry way. 
 
 i\ '^i ' Oil ,,yu.oj Ki iw .; - 
 
 The fame he fnatcht, and with exceeding fway 
 Threw at his foe^ who wais right well >ajwarc 
 Tofhunnethe enginofhis meant dcc^jbfii\ni> 
 Itbootednottothinkc that throw to bcarc. 
 But ground he gaue^ and lightly leapt areare : i ^ 
 
 Eft fierce returning , as a Faulcon faire 
 That once hath failed bf her foufefullTiearc;." - iH 
 Remounts againc into the open aircv i 
 
 And vnto better fortunedoth her fclfijprcpairc. 
 
 So brauc returning, with'his braodithtbladei,. r; ( ' 
 He to the Carle himftlfe againc addfcft. 
 And ftrooke at him fo ftcmely , thachc made 
 An openpsiTagc throueh his^riucn breft,'i>'.^ ^a 
 
 ,yi\ i^u^ii >fl bi^ v31 ^u: il lyaw ;^ii bib o.si J
 
 3,8 THEU BOOKEOFTHE dm.Xl. 
 
 That halfc the ftccic behind his back did reft ; 
 Which drawing backc, he looked cucrmorc 
 When the hart bloud ihould gufh out of his cheft. 
 Or his dcadcorfe fhould fall vpon the flore; 
 But his dead corfe vpon the flore fell nathemorc. 
 
 Nc drop of bloud appeared fhed to bee. 
 
 All were the woundefo wide and wonderous. 
 
 That through his carkaflc one might plaincly (ce : 
 
 Halfe in a maze with horror hideous. 
 
 And halfc in rage^to be deluded thus, 
 
 Againe thrdugh both the fides he ftrooke him quighr. 
 
 That made his fpright togrone full piteous: 
 
 Yet nathcmore forth fled his gconing Iprieht, 
 
 But freihly as at firft 1, prepardhimfclfe to fight,^ 
 
 Thereat hcfmitten was with great affright. 
 And trembling terror did his hart apall, 
 Ne wift he, what to thinkeof that famcfight^. ^ 
 
 Ne what to fay, ne what to doc at all; 
 He doubted , leaft it were fomc magicall 
 Iliufion, thatidid beguile his fenfe, 
 Or wandring ghoft , tliat wanted funerall. 
 Or aerie fpirit vnder fallc pretence, 
 
 OrhellilTi fecnd rayfd vp through diuelifli fciencCi 
 
 His wonder farrii cxcccdecl rcafons reach, 
 
 Tliat he began to doubt his dazclcd fight. 
 
 And oft of error did himfclfcappeach: '\ 
 
 Flefh without bloud, a perfon without fright,. 
 
 Wounds without hurt, a bodic without might. 
 
 That could doe harme,yetcduldnot hamied bcc. 
 
 That couldnot die, yet feem^d a mortall wight. 
 
 That was mjoff ftrong in moft infirmitcc; 
 
 Like did he ncuer hearc, like didhc neuer fee. 
 
 A while
 
 CM.Xt. FAERIE QVEENE. 35^ 
 
 A while he ftood in this aftonifhmcnt, 
 Yet would he not for all his great difmay 
 Giuc ouer to effeft his firft intent. 
 And th'vtmoft meancs of vidoric affay. 
 Or thVtmoft iflcw of his owne decay. 
 His owne good (word /W^r^r^, that neuerfayld 
 At need, till now , he lightly threw away. 
 And his bright fhield, that nought him now auayld. 
 
 And with his naked hands him forcibly aflayld. 
 
 Twixt his two mightie armes him vp he fnatcht. 
 And cruflit his carkaflc fo againft his breft, 
 Tlut the difdainfuU foule he thence difpatcht^ 
 And th'idlc breath all vtterly expreft: 
 Tho when he felt him dead, adowne he keft 
 The lumpifh cor(e vnto the fcnfcleffe grown d 5 
 Adowne he keft it with fo puiflant wreft. 
 That backe againe it did aloft rebownd. 
 
 And gaue againu his mother earth a gronefull (bwnd.. 
 
 As when /^^f/harneffe-bearing Bird from hie 
 Stoupes at a flying heron with proud difdaine^ 
 The ftone-dead quarrey fals fo torciblic. 
 That it rebounds againft the lowly plainc, 
 A fccond fall redoublingbackc againc, 
 Then thought the Prince all periUfure was paft^, 
 And that he vidor onely did remaine ; 
 No fooner thought, then diat the Carle as faft 
 
 Gan hcaphuge ftrokes on him,as ere he downc was caft. 
 
 Nighhis witscnd then woxe th'amazed knight. 
 And thought his labour loft and trauell vainc^ 
 Againft this lifeleffe fliadow fo to fight : 
 Yet life he faw^andfclt his mightie maine^
 
 ^6o THE II.BOOKE OF THE CMHt.XJ^ 
 
 That whiles he marueild ftill^did ftillhimprainc: .\ 
 For thy he gan (bine other waycs aduizc. 
 How to take life from that dead-liuing fvvainc 
 VV'hom ftillhe marked frefhly to arize 
 From th'carth^& from her wombc new fpirits to reprize. 
 
 He then remembrcd well^thathad bene fayd^ 
 
 How th'Earth his mother was^and firft him bore; 
 
 She eke fo oftcn^as his life decayd^ 
 
 Did life with vfury to him reftore^ 
 
 And rayfd him vp much ftronger then before^ 
 
 So (bone as he vnto her wombe did fall; 
 
 Thereforeto ground he would him caftnomorc * 
 
 Ne him commit to graueterreftriall^ 
 Bat beare him farre from hope of fuccour vfualL 
 
 Tho vp he caught him twixt his puiflant Hands^ ' 
 Andhauing fcruzd out of his carrion corfc 
 The lothfuU life, nowloofd from finfull bands^ : -. 
 Vponhis iTioulders carried him perforfe 
 Aboue three furlongs, taking his full courfe^ \ 
 
 Vncill he came vnto a ftanding lake ; ^ 
 Him thereinto he threw without remorfc^ 
 Neftird, till hope oflife did him forfake; (rnako* 
 
 So end of that Carles dayes, and his owne paines did 
 
 VVhich when thole wicked Hags from farre did ipy. 
 Like two mad dogs they-ran about the lands. 
 And th'one of them with drcadfuU yelling cry. 
 Throwing away her broken chaines .ind bands, 
 Andhauing quencht her burning fier brands, 
 Hedlong her fclfe did caft into that lake ; 
 But Impotence with her owne wilful! hands. 
 One of^^/(f^mcnrled darts did take, , " 
 
 So riu'd her trembling hart^ and wicked end did make. 
 
 Thus
 
 C*nt.Xi. FAERIE Q^'EENE, 
 
 l6i 
 
 Thus now alone he conquerour rcmaincs •, 
 
 Tho comming tohis Squire^ that kept his ftccd. 
 Thought to hauc mounted^ but his feeble vaines 
 Him faild thereto^ and ferued not his need, (bleed. 
 Through lofle of bloud , which from his wounds did 
 That he began to faint, and life decay : 
 But his good Squire him helping vp with fpeed. 
 With ftedfaft hand vpon his horfe did (lay. 
 
 And led him to the CafUe by the beaten way. 
 
 Where matiy Groomcs and Squiers readic were. 
 To take him from his fteed full tenderly. 
 And eke the faireft Almit met him there 
 With balme and wine and coftly fpiccry. 
 To comfort him in his infirmity j 
 Eftfoonei fhe caufd him vp to be conuayd. 
 And of his amies defpoyled eafily , 
 In fumptuous bed fhe made him to be layd. 
 
 And all the while his wounds were drcfling,by him ftayd.
 
 5^i THE II.BOOKE OF THE C4»i.Xll 1 
 
 Cant. XI I. 
 
 Guy on hj *Talmers gotiemance^ 
 
 p^lpfi^ thi'otigh perils great y 
 Doth OHcrthroyv the Bowre of IfJiJfe^ 
 
 d»d Acrafie defeat, acoBk 
 
 ^^^^^gsppgg^g i?a§|If Eg gill 
 
 NOw gins this goodly frame of Temperance 
 Faircly to rile, and her adorned hcd 
 To pricke of highcft praife forth to aduancc 
 Formerly grounded, and faft fettcled 
 On firmc foundation of true bountihed ; 
 And this braue knight^that for this vertue fights. 
 Now comes to point of that fame perilous fted. 
 Where Pleafure dwelles infenfuall delights, 
 Mogft thoufand dangers,&ten thoufand magick mights. 
 
 Two daycs now in that fca he (aylcd has, 
 Ne eucr land beheld, nc liuing wight^ 
 Ne oueht faue perill, ftill as he did pas : 
 Tho when appeared the third Morrow bright, 
 Vpon the wanes to fprcd her trembling light. 
 An hideous roaring farre away they heard. 
 That all their (cnfes filled with affright , 
 And ftreight they faw the raging furges reard 
 
 Vp to the skyes, that them of drowning made affcard. 
 
 Said then the Boteman, Palmer fterc aright. 
 And keepe an euen courfc 5 for yonder way 
 We necdes muft paffe ( God do vs well acquight^ 
 That is the GulfcofGrcedineffe^ they fay. 
 
 That
 
 ant.XIh FAERIE QVEENE. ^6^ 
 
 That dccpc cngorgcth all this worldcs pray: ■ *"' 
 
 Which hailing fvvallowd vp exccfliucly. 
 He foonc in vomit vp againe doth lay. 
 And belchcth forth his fuperfluitj'^ 
 Tliat all the fcas for fearc do fccme away to fly. 
 
 On th'other fide an hideous Rocke is pight. 
 Of mightic M Agnes ftone, whofe craggie clift 
 Depending from on high^dreadfiillto fight, 
 Ouer the waues liis rugged armes doth lift. 
 And threatneth downe to throw his ragged rift 
 On who (b commeth nigh 5 yet nigh it drawcs 
 AH paflcngers, that none from it can fhift : 
 For whiles they fly that Gulfes deuouring iawes, 
 
 They on this rock are rent, and funck in hclplefle wavves. 
 
 Forward they pafic, and ftrongly he them rowes, 
 Vntill they nigh vnto that Gulfe arriuc, 
 Where ftreame more violent and greedy growcs : 
 Then he with all his puiflance doth flriue 
 To ftrike his oares, and mightily doth driuc^ 
 The hollow veflcll through the threatfull wauc 
 Which gaping wide, to fwallow them aliuc. 
 In thhuge abyfleof his engulfin g graue. 
 
 Doth rorc at them in vainc, and withgrcat terror rauc,. 
 
 They paffing by, that griefly mouth did fce^ 
 Sucking the feas into his entrallesdeepe. 
 That feem*d more horrible then hellto bee^, 
 Or that darke dreadfull hole of Tart Are fteepc. 
 Through which the damned ghofts doen often crcepiB 
 Backe to the world, bad liners to.tormentr^ •>• a. «^ 
 But nought that falles into this direfull deepe, 
 Ne that approcheth nigh the wide de(cent, 
 
 'May backe rcturne^ but is condemned to be drcnt,.
 
 3^4 TH6 II. BOOKE OF THE cm.XU. 
 
 On th'othcr fidc^ they faw that perilous Rockc, 
 Thrcatning it (clfc on them to ruinate. 
 On whofc iliarpe clifts the ribs of veflcls broke. 
 And fhiucredllaips, which had bene wrecked late. 
 Yet ftuck, with carkaflcs exanimate 
 Of fuch, as hauing all their fubftance (pent 
 In wanton ioyes, and luftcs intemperate. 
 Did afterwards make fhipwracke violent. 
 
 Both of their life, and fame for eucr fowly blent. 
 
 For thy jthis high t The Rocke of vile Reproch , 
 AdaungeroLis and detcftablc place. 
 To which nor fiili nor fowle did once approch, 
 Butyelling Meav^cs ^with Scagulles hoarfe andbace. 
 And Cormoyrants, with bird^^of rauenous race, 
 Which ftill fate waiting on that waftfull clift. 
 For (poylc of wretches, whole vnhappie cace, 
 After loft crcdite and confumcd thrift. 
 
 At laft them driucn hath to this defpaircfuU drift. 
 
 • ._.■-( 
 
 The Palmer feeing them in fafetie paft. 
 
 Thus faid ; behold th*en(amplcs in our fights. 
 Of luftfullluxurie and thrifclefTc wafl : 
 What now is left of mifcrablc wights. 
 Which (pent their loofer daies in lewd delights. 
 But fhame and fad reproch, here to be red. 
 By thcfc rent rcliqiies ,fpcaking their ill plights? 
 Let all that line, hereby be counfellcd. 
 
 To fhunne Rockc of Reproch ^ and it as death to dred. 
 
 :So forth they rowed, ahd tb2tFerryMa;f 
 
 With his ftiffe oares did brufh the fea Co ftrong, • 
 That the hoare waters from his frigot ran, 
 And the light bubbles daunced all al^^ng, 
 
 '^;r:-|r-"- Whiles
 
 am.xn. FAERIE QVEENE. je^j 
 
 Whiles the fait brine out of the billowcs fprong. 
 At laftfarrc off they many Iflands fpy. 
 On ciiery fide floting the floods cmong : 
 Then faid the knight, Loc I the land dcfcry. 
 Therefore old Syre thy courfe do thereunto apply. 
 
 That may not be, (aid then the Ferryman 
 Lead we vnweeting hap to be fordonne: 
 For thofe fame Iflands, feeming now and than. 
 Are not firme lande,nor any certein wonnc. 
 But ftraggIingplotS5.which to and fro do ronnc 
 In the wide waters .-therefore are they hight 
 The wiiffdrifj^ Ijlands. Therefore doe them fhonnc; 
 For they haue oft drawne many a wandring wight 
 
 Into moft deadly daunger and diftreffed plight. 
 
 Yet well they feeme to him 5 that farre doth vew, _ 
 Both fairc and fruitfull, and the ground difpred 
 With graffie grcene of delegable hew, n,.. 
 
 And the tall trees with leaues apparelled. 
 Are deckt with bloflbmes dyde in white and red^^ 
 That mote the paflfcngcrs thereto alli:re 5. 
 But whofoeuer once hath fattened 
 His foot thereon , may ne ucr it rccure^ 
 
 But wandreth cuer more vncertcin and vnfurc,.- 
 
 As thlfle of D^/<?/whylome men report 
 Amid i\iL Aegean fealong time did ftray, 
 Ne made for lliipping any ccrtaine port^ 
 Till that L^/tf/;^ traueiling that way^ 
 Flying from /«^<?« wrath and hard aday. 
 Of her faire twins was there deHuered, 
 Which afterwards did rule the night andday ^• 
 Thenceforth it firmely was eftabli(hcd,. 
 
 Andfor ApoHoes honor highly hcrricd,.
 
 l66 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cm.Xlh 
 
 They to him hearken^ as bcfecmeth mcctc, ••'?.'" 
 And pade on forward : fb their way docs Jy^ 
 That one of thofc fame Iflands ^ which doc fleet 
 In the wide fca, they needes miiftpafTcn by. 
 Which fccmd fo fwce t and pleafanc to the eye. 
 That it would tempt a man to touchen there : 
 Vpon the banck they fitting did e(py 
 A daintie damzell, dreffing of her hearc. 
 
 By whom a litle skippet floting did appearc. 
 
 She them efpying , loud to them can call. 
 Bidding them nigher draw vnto the lliore ; 
 For fhe had caufe to bufie them withall ; 
 Aud therewith loudly laught : But nathemorc 
 Would they once turne, but kept on as afore ; 
 Which when flie faw, (he left her lockes vndight. 
 And running to her boat withouten ore^ 
 From the departingland it launched lipht^' 
 
 And after them did driue with all her power and might. 
 
 Whom ouertaking , Hie in merry fort 
 
 Them gan to bord^ and purpofe diuerfly^Oiu k • F 
 Now faining dalliance and wanton fport, 
 
 -* Now throwing forth lewd words immodeftly; 
 Till that the Palmer gan full bitterly 
 Her to rebuke , for being loofeandhght: 
 Which not abiding ^ but more fcorncfully 'A 
 
 Scpffing at him, that did her iuftly wire, 
 
 She turnd her bote about^ and froai them rowed qiiitc. 
 
 * . *_-. •' * < 
 
 liJ U- 1 
 
 That was the^wantoA •T'^WrAi , whidi late "fl " " '- • '^ 
 Did ferry him ouer the idle lake : 
 Whom nought regarding , they kept on their gaie^ 
 And all he^^ vainc dlurcilients did forfake^ -: : T 
 
 .knii^d/ -vVVhcn
 
 CMt.XIL FAERIE QVEENE ^S-j 
 
 ' When them the wary Boateman thus befpakc •, 
 
 Here now behoueth vs well to auyfc. 
 
 And of our fafctie good heede to take 5 
 
 For here before aperlous paflagelyes. 
 Where many Mcrmayds haunt^ making falft melodies. 
 
 But by the way, there is a great Quickfand^ 
 And a whirlepoole of hidden ieopardy , 
 Therefore, Sir Pahiier, keepc an euen hand 5 
 For twixt them both the narrow way doth ly. 
 Scurfe had he faid, when hard at hand they (py 
 That quickfand nigh with water couercd ; 
 But by the checked waue they did defcry 
 It plaine, and by the fca difcoloured : 
 
 It called was the quickfand oiVnthriftyhed. 
 
 They pacing by, a goodly Ship did fee. 
 Laden from far with precious merchandi2C3 
 And brauely furnifhed, as fhip might bee. 
 Which through great dilauenture, or mefprizc 
 Hcrfelfchad runne into that hazardize ; 
 Whofe mariners and merchants with much toylc^ 
 Labour'd in vaine, to hauc recur d their prize, 
 And the rich wares to faue from pitteous fpoylc. 
 
 But neither toyle nor trauell might her backe recoylc. 
 
 On th'other fide they fee that perilous Poole, 
 That called was the f^Fhirlepoole of decay , 
 In which full many had with haplefle doolc 
 Beene funcke, of whom no mcmorie did ftay : 
 Whofe circled waters rapt with whirling fway^ 
 Like to a reftlcffe whcele, ftill running round ^ 
 Did couet, as they pafled by that way. 
 To draw the boatc within the vtmoft bound 
 
 i)f his wide LahyrMh ^znd then to haue them dround, 
 
 Aa
 
 3^8 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cant. XII. 
 
 But th'hccdfiiH Boatcman ftrongly forth did ftrctch 
 His brawnic armcs^ and all his body ftrainc^ 
 That thvtmoftfandy breach thcyfhortlyfctch^ 
 Whiles the dred daiing^r docs behind remaine. 
 Suddcine they fee from midft of all the Mainc^ 
 The furging waters like a mountainc rife. 
 And the great fea piiftvp with proud difdaine^ 
 To fwell aboiie the meafure of his guife. 
 
 As thrcatning to dcuourcall^tliat his powre dc/pife. 
 
 The waucs come rolling^and the billowcs rorc 
 Outragioiifly^ as they enraged werc^ 
 Or wrathful! Neptune did them driue before 
 His whirling charet^ for exceeding fcare : 
 For not one pufFe of wind there did appcarc. 
 That all the three thereat woxe much afrayd^ 
 Vnweeting, what fuch horrour ftraunge did rcarif ^ -'i. 
 Eftfoones they faw an hideous hoaft arrayd, ''■■^■'■ 
 
 Of huge Sea itionfter^^fuch^s liuing fence difmayd. 
 
 Moftvgly fhapcs^and horrible afpefts^ 
 
 Such as Diime Nature felfe mote fearc to fee. 
 Or fhame^that eucrfhould fdfowie defeds 
 
 • From her moft cunning hand elcaped bee j 
 Alldreadfull pourtraifts of deformitec ; 
 Spring-headed Hydraes, and fea-lTiouldring Whales, 
 Great whirlpooles^ which all fifhes make to flee^ 
 Bright Scolopendraes^arm'd with filuer fcalcs. 
 
 Mighty CMomceros , with immeafured tayles. ^ 
 
 The dreadfuU FiiTi, that hath deferu'd the name 
 Of Death, andhke him lookes in dreadful! hew. 
 The griefly Wafferman, that makes his game 
 The flying ftiips with fwiftncffe to purfew^ 
 1 -The
 
 Cm.XJI. FAERIE QVEENE. ^6^ 
 
 The horrible Sca-fatyrc^ that doth fhe w 
 His fearcfull face in time of grcatcft ftormc. 
 Huge Zfffit^y whom Mariners efchew 
 No leflc, then lockes^ (as trauellcrs informed 
 And greedy Rofmarifies with vifages deforme. 
 
 All thefe, and thoufand thoufands many morc> 
 And more deformed Monftersthoufaud fold. 
 With dreadfull noifc, and hollow rombling rorc. 
 Came rufhing in the fomy wanes cnrold. 
 Which feem'd to fly for feare, them to behold : 
 Ne wonder J if thefc did the knight appall ; 
 For all that here on earth we dre adfull hold. 
 Be but as bugs to fearcn babes withall. 
 
 Compared to the creatures in the feas entrall. 
 
 Fearcnought/then faid the Palmer well auiz'd^ 
 For thefe fame Monfters are not thefein deed. 
 But are into thefe fearefuU fhapes difguiz'd 
 By that fame wicked witch, to worke vs dreed. 
 And draw from on this iourney to proceedc. 
 Tho lifting vp his vertuous ftafte on hyc. 
 He fmote the fea, which calmed was with fpeed. 
 And all that dreadfull Armie faft gan flye 
 
 Into great Tcthjs bofome, where they hidden lye. 
 
 Quit from that daunger/orth their courfe they kept. 
 And as they went, they heard a ruefull cry 
 Of one,that wayld and pittifuU wept. 
 That through the fea the refoiinding plaints did fly: 
 At laft they in an Ifland did efpy 
 Afeemely Maiden, fitting by the fhorc, 
 That with great ibrrow and fad agony. 
 Seemed fome great misfortune to deplore, 
 
 And lowd to them for fuccour called euermore. 
 
 Aa 2
 
 370 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cm.XU. 
 
 Which Guy on hearing, ftrcight his Pahncr bad. 
 
 To ftcrc the boatc towards that dolefull Mayd, 
 
 That he might know , and eafc her for row fad : 
 
 "Who him aiiizingbettcr^to him fayd ; 
 
 Fairc Sir, be not difpleafd, if difbbayd : 
 
 For ill it were to hearken to her cry \ 
 
 For fhe is inly nothing ill apayd , 
 
 Butonely womanifh fine forgery , 
 Your ftubborne hart t'affed with frailc infirmity* 
 
 To which when iTie your courage hath inclind 
 Through foolilTi pitty, then her guileful] ba}t 
 She will embofbme deeper in your mind. 
 And for your ruinc at thelaft awayt. 
 The knight was ruled, and the Boateman flrayc 
 Held on his courfe with flayed fledfaflnefic, 
 Ne euer fhruncke, ne euer fought to bayt 
 His tyred armesfor toylefbme wearineflc. 
 
 But with his oares did fweepe the watry wilderneflc. 
 
 And now they nigh approched to the fted. 
 Where as thofe Mermayds dwelt ; it was a flill 
 And cilmy bay, on th'onc fide fheltered 
 With the brode fhadow of anhoarie hill. 
 On th'other fide an high rockc toured flill. 
 That twixt them both a peafaunt port they madc^ 
 And did like an halfe Theatre fulfill : 
 There thofe fine fiflers had continuall trade. 
 
 And vfd to bath themfelues in that decciptfuU Ihadc. 
 
 They were faire Ladies , till they fondly flriu'd 
 With th'HeUconkn maides for maiftery ; 
 Of whom they ouer-comen, were depriu'd 
 Of their prouS beautie^ andth'onc moyity 
 
 Traiisform'kl
 
 (fint.XlU FAERIE QVEENE. 371 
 
 Transform'd to filTi, for their bold furqucdtyi - ^^^^^^ 
 But th Vppcr halfc their hew retained ftill;:, o? wo H 
 And their (weet skill in wonted melody 5 
 Which cucr after they abufH to ill^ 
 
 T'allurc wcake traucllcrs, whom gotten they did kill . 
 
 So now to Guyon, as he paflcd by. 
 
 Their pleafaunt tunes they fwee tly thus applide s 
 O thou faire fonne of gentle Faery, 
 
 Thou art in mighty armes moftmagnffidc 
 Aboue all knights, that euer battell tride, 
 O turne thy rudder hither-ward a while ; 
 Here may thy ftorme-bet veflcU fafely ride ; 
 This is the Port of reft from troublous toyle. 
 The worlds fwect In, from painc & wearifome turmoylc. 
 
 With that the rolling fea refounding fbft, 
 Inhisbigbafe them fitly anfvvcred ^ y-M^ 
 And on the rocke the wa ues breaking aloft, 
 Alblemne Mcane vnto them meafured. 
 The whiles (vvcet Zephirm lowd whiftcfed 
 His treble, a ftraungekindcofharmpi>yi 
 Which (>«rtf/wfcnftsfoftly,tickclcdi -. i l 
 
 That he the boateman bad row cafily. 
 
 And let himhcarc fome part of their rare melody. 
 
 .WOfl)vln£i:lrM 
 
 But him thePalmer from that vanity, j 
 
 With temperate aduice dilcoufift lied, . 
 That they it paft, and fhor tly gan defcry . 
 The land, to which their courfc they leuelcd ; 
 When fuddeinly a grofft fog oMcr fprcd 
 With his dull vapour all that dcfcrtbas. 
 And heauens thearefuU face enuclqpcd. 
 That all things, one, and oac^ilipthjing was^ . 
 
 And this great Vniucrfc (cemd one confufcd mas, 
 
 Aa 3
 
 372 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cant.XtK 
 
 Thereat tjicy greatly- were difmayd, nc wift 
 
 How to ddtHi^thclr Wiy in datkcncfli Wide, : 
 
 But fcard to wander in that waftfull mift , 
 
 For tombling into mifchicfe ynefpide. 
 
 Worfci^ltliedaimgcrhiddcti^thendelcride. ' .'T 
 
 Siiddcinly an innumerable flight 
 
 Of harmcfuU fowlesabout them fluttcring^cride, 
 
 Atld with thtir wicked Wings them oft did fmight^ 
 
 And fore annoyed^groping in d?at gricflynight. ^ • , 
 
 Eucn all the rtation of vnfort unatc ; 
 
 And fatall birds about them flocked were, -O 
 
 Such as by nature men abborrc and hate , '. 'n m jH 
 The ill-a.fte OWlc jdeiths dr^dfulhtKficf1^gcrt^ilT 
 
 ••3 ' The hoars Night-fiucWy tt ump ofdokfuUdrcrc, 
 Thelcther-winged Bat^dayes enimy , 
 The rueful! Strich, ftiU waiting on the berc, li u b i // 
 The Whiftlcr {hr^lifhatAyb^fob<iar«3Hotht^/ 1 
 
 The helUrn riirf^tes'yp t(i>pfaets of fild cJcftinyi, 
 
 ■ 1 li. 
 
 AH thofe.alid all that elft dc^hofrourbrccd^' 
 About thcfrfflcw^ahd filet their faylci' with fcare :• '''- 
 Yet ftayd they not), but fotwa^rddid proceed, ^ ' ' 
 Whiles th'one di<trow^ and thbther ftiflylicurc^ 
 Till-that at laft the weather gaatodcarc^j i : 1 1! *il !: v.k 
 And the faire land it fclfe did plainly fhow. 
 Said then the Palmeryiio whercfdoes appcarc 
 The faaed fbile^ where all ourperils growy 
 
 Thcreforc^Sirknight jour ready armcs about you throw, 
 
 He hearknedjkHdhi^'armpslaSbut hidtooKc;^ n-dW 
 The whiles the hiflbblcboatcfo well her fpcd, ' ^ 
 That with her looked kecle the land (he ftrookc, 
 ThenfortHihe ftobfe^fsjy^iK^ fallicdy ,. ■' -. j ih. ■s^^.i 
 
 - i.'
 
 C^rXJl FAERIE QVEENE^iHi 3fJ 
 
 And his fagcPaln^r, that him goucrncd; ^^^ * pp 
 But th'otlicr by his boatc behind did ftay. "'^ 
 
 They marched fairly forth, of nought ydrcd. 
 Both firmely^rmd for euery hard affay. 
 With conftancy and carc^gaii^ftdaungcr and'^iij^^ay,] 
 
 Ere long they heard an hideous bcllomng ' 
 
 Of many bcafts, that roard outragcouflyj 
 As if that hwngcrs point, or rr^Mf fling 
 Had them enraged with fell fu rqucdry . 
 Yet nought they feard, but paft on hardily, 
 Vntill they came in vew of thofc wild bcafts i 
 Who all attonce, gaping foll^^^^ 
 And rearing ficrcely.thcir vpltarting crcj^s. 
 
 Ran towards, to dcuoure thofc vnexpcdcd guefls. 
 
 iiii.:;i-i 
 
 ^:K' 
 
 But fbone as they approcht with deadly thi'cat, 
 T^I^Imcr pucr them his ftaffe vphcld, , ;^ ^ . 
 His mighty ftafte, that co^ild all charmes defeat : 
 Eftfooncs their ftubbornc courages were queld. 
 And high aduaunced crefts downc meekely fpld 
 In fteadof fraying, they them felue;s did fearc, ^Jy 
 And trembled, as them paiftiag they beheld; /*. 
 Such wondrous powrc did in that ftafFe appearc. 
 
 All monftcrs to fubdew to him, that did it bcarc. 
 
 Of that fame wood it fram'd was curirangty, > 
 Of which CiLduceut whilome was madc^ 
 CAductuixhzioAoitMercury^ ^. 
 
 With which he wonts the StygUn realmcs inuadc. 
 Through ghaftly horrour, and etcrnall lliadci 
 Th'infemall feends with it he can allvvage, 
 And Orcus tame, whom nothing can perfwadc. 
 And rule the Tarjes^ when they moft do rage : 
 
 Such vcrtuc in his ttaffc had eke this Palmer (age. 
 
 Aa 4
 
 3^v: THE ll. BOOXE OF THE Cint.XlK^ 
 
 Thence pa(rmgforth;,aieyf^^^ 
 
 VVhcrcas rhe Bo wre oft//^ was fituatc 5 • ^ 
 
 A place pick out by choice of beft aline , 
 
 Tliat natures worke by ;an can imitate : 
 
 In which what euer in tfiis worldly ftatc • '^^ ^^^ • "' 
 
 Is fweet^and plcafing vnto lining fenfc^ 
 
 Or that may dayntieft fantafie aggratc^ 
 
 Was poured forth with plentifull di/pcncc. 
 And made there to abouhH with lauirti aifluencc. 
 
 Goodly it was cnclofed round about, 
 
 Alwell their entred gueftes to keepc within^ 
 
 As thofe vnruly beaft$ to hol^vvithout'; - • 
 
 Yet was the fence thereof but Wealcc and' thin ;' ''"^ 
 
 Nought feard their force, that fortilagc to win. 
 
 But wifcdomes powrc, and temperaunces mighty 
 
 By which the mighticftthings cfForccd bin t - :^' l.-*;'^ 
 
 And eke the gate was wrought QffubftaurfQclighft^ 
 
 Rather for pleafurc, thcnfor battery or fight. 
 
 Yt framed was of precious yupry 5 ■''-' • 
 
 Thatfcenldavvbrl^ebf^dmirablcwit^ '-;' "^ 
 
 And therein all the'famous hiftoiy 
 OiUfoH and 0W^^^4 Was ywrit ; 
 Her mighty charmcSjhefrfiirlousioiirng fir. 
 His goodly conqneft of the golden fleece , 
 His falfed faith, and Ioitc too lightly flit. 
 The wondred Argo^ which in venturous pcccc 
 
 Fkft through the £/^Ar//;^(ea$ bore all the flowr oiGreect. 
 
 t 
 
 Ye might haue feenc the frothy billovves fry 
 Vndcr the fhip, as thorough them ihe went^ 
 That feemd the waues were into y uory, 
 Oryu6ryintothewaucs.w;c'rc;(cnt3' lu.ti. .
 
 CahuXU. faerie QVEENE, 375 
 
 And other where the fiiowy fubftaunce fprcnt 
 With vermeil^ hkc die boycs bloud therein llicd, 
 A piteous (pci^aclc did reprefent^ 
 And otherwhiles with gold bcfprinkeled ; 
 Yt feemdth'cnchaunted flame^which did Creufa wed. 
 
 All this^ and more might in that goodly gate 
 Be red 5 that euer open ftood to all 5 
 Which thither came : but 'v:\ the Porch there fate 
 Acomely perlbnageof ftature tall^ 
 And femblaunce pleafing, more then ruturall^^ 
 That trauellers to him feemd toentize \ 
 His loofer garment to the ground did fall. 
 And flew about his hecles in wanton wizc^ 
 
 Not fit for fpeedy pace^ or manly exercize* 
 
 They in that place him Genim did call: 
 
 Not that celeftiall powre^ to whom the care 
 Of life, and generation of all 
 ThatliueSjpertaines in charge particulare. 
 Who wondrous things concerning our welfare,, 
 And ftraungc phantomesdoth let vs oft forfce. 
 And oft of fccret ill bids vs beware : 
 That is our Sclfe^ whom though we do not fee. 
 
 Yet each doth in him felfc it well perceiue tobce* 
 
 Therefore a God him fage Antiquity 
 
 Did wifely make, and good C/igdiftes call : 
 Jlfiutthis fame was to that quite contrary. 
 
 The foe of life, that good enuyes to all , 
 
 That fecretly doth vs procure to fall^ 
 
 Through guilefuUfcmblaunts, which he makes vs fee* 
 
 He of this Cardin had the goucrnall. 
 
 And Pleafures porterwas deuizd to bee. 
 Holding a ftaffc in hand for more formalitcc.
 
 ^y6 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CMt.XIl. 
 
 With diucrfc flowrcs he daintily was dcclct, • A 
 
 And ftrowcd round about, and by his fide 
 
 A mighty Mazer bowk of wine was fet^ 
 
 As if ithadtohimbenefacrifide j 
 
 Wherewith all new-come euefts he gratifide : :^ 
 
 So did he eke SiiGuyon palling by: 
 
 But he his idle curtefie defide. 
 
 And oucrthrew his bowle difdainfully ; (fly. 
 
 And broke his ftaffe^ with which be charmed fcmblauts 
 
 Thus being entred^ they behold around 
 A large and fpacious plaine, on euery fide 
 Strowed with plcafauns^ whofe faire grafly ground 
 Mantled with grenec^ and goodly beautifidc 
 With all the ornaments oiploraes pride. 
 Wherewith her mother Art^ as halfe in (cornc 
 Of niggard Nature, like a pompous bride il 
 
 Did decke her, and too lauiiWy adorne, (momc. 
 
 When forth from virgin bowre fhe comes in th'carly 
 
 Thereto the Heauens alwayes louiall. 
 
 Look on them louely, ftill in ftedfaft ftatc, 
 Ne fuffred ftorme nor frofton them to fall^ 
 Their tender buds or leaues to violate 3 
 Nor fcorching heat, nor cold intemperate 
 Tafflift the crearurcs, which therein did dwell, 
 Butthe milde aire withfeafon moderate 
 Gently attempted^ and difpofd fb well, 
 
 That ftill it breathed forth fweet fpirit & holefome fhiell, 
 
 Morelweet and holefome, then the pleafaiinthill 
 OiRhodope^ on which the Nimphe, that bore 
 A gyaunt babe ,her (elfefor griefe did kill 5 
 Or the Theflalian Tr^w/'^, where of yore
 
 CMf.XU. FAERIE QVEENE. 577 
 
 Fairc Daphne Phcebfis hart with loiic did gore ; 
 Or Ida, where the Gods loud to rcpaire , 
 When ciier they their heauenly bovvrcs forlorc 5 
 Or fwee t Parnajfe^ the ha unt of Mufcs fairc 5 
 OlEdcffj if ought with EdcM mote compairc. 
 
 r 
 
 Much wondred Gayc;^ at the faire afped 
 Of that fweet placc^ yet fuffrcd no delight 
 To fincke into his fence, nor mind affeftj 
 But palled forth^ and lookt ftill forward right. 
 Bridling his will, and maiftering his might : 
 Till that he came vnto another gate. 
 No gate, but like one, being goodly dight 
 With boughcs and braunches,which did broad dilate 
 
 Their clalping armes, in wanton wreathings intricate. 
 
 So fafhioned a Porch with rare deuice, 
 Archt ouer head with an embracing vine, 
 
 Whofe bounches hanging downe,(cemed to entice 
 All pafTers by, to taft the ir lufhious wine. 
 And did tlicmfelues into their hands inclincj 
 As freely offering to be gatliered ; 
 Some deepe empurpled as xhcHjaeinty 
 Some as the Rubine, laughing fwcetly red. 
 Some like faire Emeraudes^not yet well ripened 
 
 And them amongft, fbmc were of bumifht gold. 
 So made by art, to beautifie the reft, 
 -Which did themfelues emongft the leaucs enfold. 
 As lurking from the vew of couetous gueft, 
 Thatthe weake bowes, with fb rich load oppreft^ 
 Didbow adownc,as ouer-burdened. 
 Vndcr that Porch a comely dame did reft. 
 Clad in fairc wcedes, butfowlc difordered, 
 
 •ifeid garments Ioofe,that fcemdvnmeet for womanhcd
 
 378 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CdnKXIf. 
 
 In her left hand a Cup of gold llic held. 
 And with her right the riper fruit did reach, 
 Whofe fappy liquor, that with fulneflc (weld. 
 Into her cup l"he fcruzd^with daintic breach 
 
 4 Ofher fine fingers, without fowleempcach, 
 
 Thatfo fairewinc-preffc made the wine more fvvcct: 
 Thereof ("he vfd to giue to drinke to each^ 
 Whom paJlingby llie happened to meet : 
 
 It was her guifc, all Straungers goodly fo to greet. 
 
 So fhe to Guy on offrcd it to taft ; 
 
 Who taking it out ofher tender hond. 
 The cup to ground did violently caft, 
 
 M That all in peeces it was broken fond , 
 And with the liquor ftained all the lond : 
 Whereat Exce^e exceedingly was wroth. 
 Yet note the fame amend, iieyet withftond , 
 But fuffered him to paflc, all were ftie loth 5 
 
 Who not regarding her di(pleafure forward goth. 
 
 There the qioft daintie Paradifc on ground. 
 It felfe doth offer to his fober eye. 
 In which all pleafures plenteoufly aboundj 
 And none does others happineflfe enuyc : 
 The painted flowrcs ^ the trees vpl"hooting hyc. 
 The dales for fhade, the hilles for breathing Ipacc, 
 The trembling groues, the Chriftall running by $ 
 And that, which all faire workes doth moftaggracc^ 
 
 The art, which all that wrought,appeared in no place. 
 
 One would hauc thought, (fb cunningly, the rude. 
 And fcorned parts were mingled with thcfinCj) 
 That nature had for wantoneflc enfudc 
 Art, and that Art at nature did rcpirw >
 
 CAnt.XII. FAERIE QVEENE, 37^ 
 
 So ftriuing each th'othcr to vndcrminc. 
 Each did the others worke more bcaiitifie ; 
 So difFring both in willes^ agreed in fine : 
 So all agreed through IWeete diucrfitie^ 
 This Gardin to adorne with all varictic. 
 
 And in the midft of all^a fountaine floods 
 
 Of richcft fubftaunce^ that on earth might bee. 
 So pure and fliiny^ that the filuer flood 
 Through euery channell running one might fee 5 
 Mod goodly it with curious imageree 
 Was ouer-wroughtj and fnapes of naked boyes^ 
 Of which fbme (cemd with huely ioUitec^ 
 To fly about^ playing their wanton toyes^ 
 
 Whileft others did them felues embay in liquid ioyes. 
 
 And ouer all, of pureft gold was fpred, 
 A trayle of yuie in his natiue hew : 
 For the rich mettall was fb coloured , 
 That wight, who did nof well auis'd it vew. 
 Would furely deeme it to be yuie t re w ; 
 Low his lalciuious armes adown did creepe. 
 That themfelues dipping in the filuer dew. 
 Their fleecy flowres they tenderly did fteepe, 
 
 WTiich drops of Chriftall feemd for wantones to wcepc» 
 
 Infinit flrcames continually did well 
 
 Out of this fountaine, fweet and faire to fee. 
 
 The which into an ample lauer fell. 
 
 And fhortly grew to fb great quantitie. 
 
 That like a little lake it feemd to bee j 
 
 Whofe depth exceeded not three cubits hight. 
 
 That through the wanes one might the bortomfcC;^ 
 
 All pau*d beneath with lafpar lliining bright, -^^ 
 
 That feemd the fountaine in that fca did faylc vpright.
 
 jSo THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cm.XIl. 
 
 And all the margcnt round about was ftt. 
 With iliady Laurell trccs^ thence to defend 
 The funny beamcs, which on the billowes bet. 
 And thofc which therein bathed^ mote offend. 
 ,As Guyon hapncd by the fame to wend^ 
 Two nakcdDamzelles he therein efj^ydc^ 
 Which therein bathing^feemed to contend. 
 And wre file wantonly 5 ne car'd to hyde. 
 
 Their dainty parts from vcw of any^which them cydc. 
 
 Sometimes the one would lift the other quight 
 Abouc the waters^ and then downe againc 
 Her plong, as ouer maiftered by might. 
 Where both awhile would couered rcmaine. 
 And each the other from to rife reftraine , 
 The whiles their fiiowy limbes^as through a vele. 
 So through the Chriftall waues appeared plainer 
 Then fuddeinly both would themfeUies vnhele. 
 
 And th'amarous fwcet fpoiles to greedy eyes rcuclc. 
 
 As that fairc Starre^thc meflenger of mornc. 
 His deawy face out of the (ea doth rearc : 
 Or as the Cyfrhn goddefle^ newly borne 
 of tlvOceans fruitfull froth, did firft appearc : 
 Such fecmed they^ and fo their yellow hcarc 
 Chriftalline humour dropped downe apace. 
 Whom fuch when Guyon faw, he drew him nearc. 
 And (bniewhatgan relent his earned pace. 
 
 His ftubborne brcft gan fccrct plcafaunce to embrace. 
 
 -•i,j'. 
 
 The wanton Maidens him cfp'ying, flood 
 Gazing a while at his vnwonted guifc ; 
 Then th'one her felfc low ducked in the flood, 
 Abaiht, that her a ftraungerdid a vifc : 
 
 But
 
 CAnt.Xll. FAERIE QVEENE 381 
 
 But th 'other rather higher did arifc. 
 And her two lilly paps aloft dilplayd^ 
 And all, that might his melting hart cntifc 
 To her delights, Ihe vnto him bevvrayd : 
 The reft hid vndef neath, him more defirous made. 
 
 With that, the other likewifc vp arofc. 
 
 And her fairc lockcs, which formerly were bownd 
 Vp in on€ knot, fhe low adownc did lofc ; 
 Which flowing long and thick,her cloth'd arownd 
 And th'yuorie in golden mantle gownd : 
 So that faire fpeftacle from him was reft , 
 Yet that, which reft it,no lefTe faire was fownd : 
 So hid in lockes and waues from lookers theft. 
 
 Nought but her louely face fhe for his looking left. 
 
 Withall fhe laughed, and fhe blufht withall. 
 That blufhing to her laughter gauc more grace ^ 
 And laughter to her blufhing, as did fall : 
 Now when they fpide the knight to flacke his pacc^ 
 Them to behold, and in his fparkhng face 
 The fecrct fignes ofkindledluflappearc. 
 Their wanton meriments they did encreacc. 
 And to him beckned,to approch more ncarc, (rearc. 
 
 And fhcwd him many fights, that courage cold could 
 
 On which when gazing him the Palmer faw. 
 He much rebukt thofe wandring eyes of his. 
 And counfcld well, him forward thence did draw. 
 Now arc they come nigh to the Bovpte ofblU 
 Of her fond fauorites fb nam'd amis : 
 When thus the Palmer ; Now Sir, well auife 5 
 For here the end ofall our trauell is : 
 Here wonnes L^cr^/Jj, whom we mufl: furprifc^ 
 
 Elfc fhe will flip away ^ and all our drift delpifc.
 
 382 THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cdfft.XU. 
 
 Efcfooncs they heard a moft melodious found. 
 Of all that mote delight a daintic care, ^ 
 Such as attoncc might not on lining ground, 
 Saue in this Paradife, be heard elfwhere ; 
 Right hard it was, for wight, which did it heare. 
 To read, what manner muficke that mote bee: 
 Tor all that pleafing is to liuing eare. 
 Was there conforted in one harmonec, 
 
 Birdcs,voyces,inftruments,windes, waters,all agree. 
 
 The ioyous birdcs fhrouded in chearefull fhade. 
 Their notes vnto the voyce attempted fwect ; 
 TIV Angelicall foft trembling voyccs made 
 TotlVinftrumcnts diuinerelpondencc meet: 
 The filucr founding inftrumcnts did meet 
 With the bale murmure of the waters fall : 
 The waters fall with difference difcreet. 
 Now foft, now loud, vnto the wind did call : 
 
 The gentle warbling wind low anfwered to all, 
 
 Tlicrc, whence that Mufick feemed heard to bee. 
 Was the faire Witch her felfe nowfolacing. 
 With a new Louer, whom through forcerec 
 And witchcraft,fhc from farre did thither bring: 
 There (he had him now layda flombering, 
 In fecret fliadc, after long wanton ioycs : 
 Whilft round about them pleafauntly did fing 
 Many faire Ladies, and lafciuious boyes. 
 
 That euer mixt their fong with light licentious toyes. 
 
 Andall that while, right oucr him fhehong. 
 With her falfe eyes faft fixed in his fight. 
 As (ecking medicine, whence fhc was ftong, 
 Or greedily dcpafturing delight : , 
 
 And
 
 CMtXH. FAERIE QVEENE. 38J 
 
 And oft inclining downc with kiflcs light^ ^•'f^' " r r \^ 
 For fcarc of waking hinijhis lips bcdcwd^ 
 And through his humid eyes did fucke his ipright^ 
 Quite molten into luft and pleafure lewd ; 
 Wherewith ("hefighed Ibft^ as if his cafe (he rewd. 
 
 The whiles (bme one 3idchaunt this louely lay ; 
 Ah (ccj who lb faire thing doeft fainc to fee^ 
 In ipringing flowrc the image of thy day ; 
 Ah ice the Virgin Rofe ^ how fweetly lliee 
 Doth firft pccpe forth with bailifull modeftce. 
 That fairer fcemes^ the lefTc ye lee her may; 
 Lo fee (bone aftcr^ how more bold and free 
 Her bared bofome ilie doth broad difplay ; 
 
 Loe fee foone after ^ how {he fades^ andfallcs away. 
 
 So pallcthj in the paffin g of a day. 
 
 Of mortall life the leafc5the bud, the flowrCj 
 Ne more doth flourifh after firlt decay. 
 That earft was fought to decke both bed and bowrc^ 
 OfmanyaLadic, and many a Paramo wre: 
 Gather therefore the Ro(e, whileft yet is prime. 
 For (bone comes age,that will her pride dcflowre : 
 Gather the Rofe of loue, whileft yet is time, 
 
 Whileft louing thou mayft loued be with equall crime. 
 
 He ceaft, and then gan all the quire of birdcs 
 Their diuerfe notes t'attune vnto his lay. 
 As in approuance of his plea(ing words. 
 The conftant paire heard all^ that he did (ay. 
 Yet (warned not, biit kept their forward way. 
 Through many couert groues, and thickets clofe, 
 , In which they creeping did at laft difplay 
 That wanton Ladie, with her loucr lo(c, 
 
 'Whofc fleepie head (he in her lap did (oft di(po(e. 
 
 Bb
 
 384 THp n. BOOKE OF THE Qm.XlI^ 
 
 Vponabcdpniofes!(]ii=>aslayd^ .?>ob-. 
 
 As faint through heat , or dight to plcafant finj -t. ^ 
 
 Aild was arayd^or rather difarayd, 
 
 All in a vclc of filkc and filucr thin, . 
 
 That hid.no whit her alablaftcrskiny 7 
 
 But rather Hicwd more white, if more might bee: 
 
 'More fiibtilc web Arachne can not Ipin, 
 
 Nor the fine nets, which oft we wouen (cc 
 Of fcorched dcaw^ do not in th'aii^e more lightly flee* 
 
 U^lH'. ?. I' 
 
 Her fnowy brcft was bare to readic fpoylc 
 
 Of hungry eics, which n'otc therewith be fild. 
 And yet through languour of her late Ivveet toylc. 
 Few drops^more cleare then Nctftar, forth diftild. 
 That like pure Orient perles adownc it trild^ 
 And her faire eyes fweet fniyling in dehght, 
 Moyftencd their fierie beanies , with which fhe thrill 
 Fraile harts^yet quenched not ^Ukeftarry light > 
 Which fparckling on the filentwaues^dbes feemc more 
 
 (bright. 
 The young man flecping by hcr/eemd tobec 
 Some goodly fwayne of honorable place. 
 That certes it great pittie was to fee 
 Him his nobilitie lb foule deface ; 
 A fweet regard^ and amiable grace. 
 Mixed with manly flernnefle did appeare 
 Yetfleepingjiiihis well proportion d face. 
 And on his tender lips the downy hearc 
 Did now but frclhly Ipring, and filken blpflbm^St bcare. 
 
 H '4 ys 
 
 HiswarlikcarmeSjtheidleinftruments - •' 
 
 Of fleeping praifc, were hong vpon a tree. 
 And his braue iTiicld, full of old moniments. 
 Was fowly raTi^ that none the figncs might fee 5 • 
 
 c:5d5icL;DliDloxiHc
 
 Csnt.XlL FAERIE QVEENE. 385 
 
 Nc for them, nc for honour cared hcc;^ '; -^ r^ t ' - ^ r . ^'- 
 Nc ought, that did to his aduaunccmcnt tend, 
 But in lewd loues ^ and waftfull luxurcc. 
 His daycs, his goods^ his bodic he did (pcnd : 
 horrible enchantment^ that him fo did bknd. 
 
 The noble Elfe, and carefull Palmer drew 
 ' So nigh them, minding nought^ but luftfull game. 
 That fuddein forth they on them r ullit, and threw 
 A fubtile net, which onely for the lame 
 The skilfull Palmer formally did frame. 
 So held them vnder faft^ the whiles the reft 
 Fled all away forfoare of fovylerfnamc', (; w v 
 The faircEnchauntrelTc^fo vnwares opprcft, -'^ 1 
 
 Tryde all her arts, & all her fleights, thence out to wreft. 
 
 And eke her louer ftroue : but all in vaine ; 
 
 For that fame net fo cunningly was wound^ '.! 
 
 That neither guile, nor force might it diftrainc. 
 They tooke them both, & both them ftrongly bound 
 In captiuc bandes, whicliriiere they rcadie found : 
 But her in chainc s of adamant he tydc|\^ . : i • ' 
 For nothing eHc 'might kccpe her fafe and found ; 
 But Ferdant (fo he hight) he foone vntydc. 
 
 And counfell fage in ftced thereof to him applydc. 
 
 But all thofe pleallnilbbWresiand Paltacc fcrduc^ 
 Gt4yon broke dcbwne, with rigour pittilefTe ; 
 Ne ought their goodly work manrtiip might (auc 
 Them from the tempcft of Iiis wrathfulnenc. 
 But that their bliilc he tum'd to balefulneflc : 
 Their groues he feld , their gardins did deface. 
 Their arbersfpoyld, their Cabinets fuppreffe, 
 Their banket houfesburnc, their buildings racc^. 
 
 ■And of the faireft late, now made the fowlcft place, 
 
 Bb %
 
 38tf THE II. BOOKE OF THE Cm.Xlh 
 
 Thcnlcdthcyhcra!w^y,andckcthatlcnight ' •' ' '■'^' 
 They with them led, both forrowfuU and itad ; 
 Tl^e way they came,thc fame rctourn'd they right^ 
 Till they arriucd, where they lately had 
 Charai'dthpfc wild-bcafe, that rag'd with furie madjf 
 Which now awaking, fierce at them gan fly. 
 As in their iixiftrcfTe reskew^ whom they lad ; 
 But them the Palmer foonc did pacify. (did ly. 
 
 Then jC?/if/^/? askt^ what meant tbofc bcaftes^ which there 
 :^i •. , ,.' 1 * rbidi ybno nbi ( 'vl i idii \ x\ 
 
 SaidhCjthcfe fcemingbeafts arc men indeed. 
 
 Whom this Enchauntrefle hath transformed thus^ 
 Whylomc her louers, whichher hifts did fced^ 
 Now turned into figures hideous, 
 Accordin g to their mindcs like monftruous* 
 Sad end ( quoth he) of life intemperate. 
 And mournefuil meed of ioyes delicious : , 
 ButPalnkr^if itmotetheefoaggrate, - 
 
 Let them rcturncdi^c vnto their former ftatc* 
 
 '. )-<»•♦«•' x 
 
 Streigbt way he with his vertuous ftaffc them ftrookc^ 
 And ftrcight of beafts they comely men bccamcj \ 
 Yet beiiig men they did vnrnanly lookcj : :ki> o n -i o i 
 And ftared ghaftly , (bme for inward fliame^ 
 And fomc for wrath, to fee their captiue Dame : 
 B ut one aboue the reft in Ipeciall, 
 That had an hog becnelate, hight <7r///p by namc^ , ' ■ 
 Repined greatly, and did him mifcall, 
 
 That had from hoggifh forme him brought to naturalL 
 
 Said Guym] See the mindbf feeaftfy linan^ b mli 
 
 That hath fofbone forgot the excellence »• -IT 
 Of his creation , when he life began. 
 That now he choofcth^with vile diffcicncca ! t
 
 Unuxn. FAERIE QVEENE. 387 
 
 To be a bcaftj and lackc intelligence. 
 To whom the Palmer thus^ The donghill kind 
 Delights in filth and foule incontinence : 
 Let Grillhz Grill ^ and haue his hoggifh mind. 
 But let vs hence depart ^ whileft wether fcrucs and wind. 
 
 Bb 3
 
 .^:uw-.A A?.,i 
 
 . \ ■■:■ '7 *'>:<"• ■ 
 
 i ibliiiw^ r:i;c.vbx
 
 THE THIRD 
 
 BQ,;QKE,Q,F hXJ;JE 
 
 FAERIE QJEENE. 
 
 Contayning^ , 
 
 ■ '- r 
 
 THE LEGENI>OF BRITOMARTIS. 
 
 OR 
 
 OfChaJlit'te. 
 
 ,1 i-lZ,^-^ 
 
 T fallcs mc heijc to iwritc of Ghaftity^ 
 
 ^ Thatfaireft '^tile i, farrc aboiie the reft ; 
 _ ^ for which what needs mc fetch from Fxery 
 Forreinc enfamplcSj itto haue exprefl: ? 
 Sith it is flirincdin my Soueraincs brcft^;! ^ j'lnil vM 
 And form'd fo liiicly in each pcrfed part. 
 That to all Ladies, which haue it profeft^ 
 Need but behold the pourtraid of her hart. 
 If pourtrayd it rnight be by any lining art. 
 
 But lining art may notlcfiftjpahcxpfcflc, • 
 Nor life-i'<jiemblingpcncill it can paint, 
 AllwereitZ<?«>'iror/?r/?^//^//j*:.,i'' ': .. 
 
 His diedale hand wc^iild feilc^ahiijgrcatlyj&iftt^o
 
 3?o THE III.BOOKE OF THE CMt.r. 
 
 And her pcrfcdions with his error taint : 
 Ne Poets wit, thatpaflcth Painter farrc 
 In pidburing the parts of beautie daint. 
 So hard a workmanfhipaducnture darrc, 
 Rfr fear through witit (rfvvords her eXcdlcncc to marrci 
 
 How then fhall I , Apprentice of the skilly 
 That whylornc in dipincft wits did raine, 
 Prcfiimc To hfgh to '^ftretch mine humble quill ? 
 Yet now hiy luckleflclot doth tnt COnftrainc 
 Hereto perforce. But 6 dred Soueraine 
 Th us farrc forth pardon ^ fith that choiceft wic 
 Cannot your glorious pourtrai'61 figure plainc 
 That I in colourd fhowes may fhadow it3 
 
 And antique praifcs vnto prcfentperfbns fit. 
 
 But ifinliuingcolours^and right hew^ 
 Your felfe you couet to {c^pidlured. 
 Who can it doe more liuely^or more trcw. 
 Then that fweet ver(e , with Nectar fprinckeled, 
 InwhiGhagifa^ibmicroadtpidurcd • - 
 
 His Cjnttiit ^\\\^ hcaxKTns faircft light ? _ 
 That with his melting (wee tneflc rauifhed. 
 And with the wonder of her bcamcs bright. 
 
 My fcnfes lulled ire in flomber of delight. 
 
 But let that fame delitious Poet lend 
 
 A little Icaue vnto a rufticke Mufe 
 
 To fine his miftreffc prayfe, and let him mcnd^ 
 
 If ought amis her liking may abufe ; 
 
 NelethisfaircftCywrA/iirefufc^ ' -\{yv 
 
 In mirrours more then one her feffc tb lee. 
 
 But either GlorUff4\ct her chufe. 
 
 Or in Belphii^behfbkmzA to^Dceii. ., „-: .,j ^jrl 
 In th'onc her rule , ^ th'othcr her rare chaftitcc. 
 
 CANT.
 
 C4^,I. P AERIE QVEENE. 3^1 
 
 Cant. L 
 
 Gftyoff encountreth Brttomart^ j^,»jvi 
 
 fuire Florimell is chaced : ^y^: 
 
 Dneffaes tratncs and CMaterafiaes \^(^ 
 
 champions are defaced. '^'p^ 
 
 T He famous Briton Prince and Faerie knight. 
 After long wayes and perilous paines endured^ 
 Hauing their wearie limbes to perfeft plight 
 Reftord, and fory wounds right well recuredj 
 Of the fairc AlmA greatly were procured. 
 To make there Icnger foiourne and abode ; 
 But when thereto they might not be allured. 
 From feekingpraife^and deeds of armes abrodc. 
 They courteous conge tooke^ and forth together yodc. 
 
 But the captiu'd Acrafidht fent, 
 
 Becaufe of trauell long , a nigher way. 
 With a ftrong gard, all reskew to preuent^ 
 And her to Faerie court fafe to conuay, * 
 That her for witnefle of his hard aflay, 
 Vntohis F^wVQuccnehe mightprefent: 
 But he himfelfe betooke another way. 
 To make more triall of his hardimcnt, 
 
 Andfcekc aduentures,as he with Prince Arthur \y cm. 
 
 Long fo they trauelled through waftefull wayes, 
 VVhere daungcrs dwelt, and perils moft did wonnc^ 
 To hunt for gloric and renowmed praifc ; 
 '• ■ Full many Countries they did oucrronnc.
 
 392 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cuntl. 
 
 From the vprifing to the fetting Siinnc, 
 And many hard adiicnturcs did atchicuc; 
 Of all tl)c which they honour cuer wonnCj 
 Seeking the wcakc opprcfled to relieue. 
 And to rccoiier right for fuch ^ as wrong did gricuc, 
 
 Atlaftas through an open plaine theyyode. 
 They fpide a kniglit^ that towards pricked fairc^ 
 And him befidc an aged Squire there rode. 
 That lecm'd to couch vnder his fliield threc-fquarc. 
 As if that age bad him that burden fpare^ 
 And yield it thofe^ that (louter could it wield: 
 , He them cfpying , gan himfelfe prepare^ 
 And on his arme addreffe his goodly fliield 
 
 That bore a Lion paflant in a golden field. 
 
 Which feeing good Sir CF/^/^^^^deare bcfbught 
 The Prince of grace , to let him runne that turnc. 
 He graunted : then the Faery quickly raught 
 His poinant (peare^ and iliarpely gan to Ipurnc 
 Hisfomyftcedjwhofc fieriefeete didburne 
 The verdant grailc ^ as he thcreoa did tread; '^rh ?r 'T 
 Ne did the other backe his foot returncj 
 But fiercely forward came withouten driead, 
 
 And bent his dreadfull fpeare again ft the others head. 
 
 They bene ymct, an d both their points arriucd^ 
 But Guj'on drouc fo furious and fell. 
 That feem'd both fhield & plate it wouldhauc riiied; 
 Nathclefle it bore his foe not from his. i"c]l;;.ic... \)nl\ 
 But made him ftagger^ as he were not well: 
 'KniSnyopi felfe^ere well he was aware, ■- -• 
 Nighafpeares length behind his crouperf^ll, , ^ 
 Yet inliis follfo well him felfe he bare, -n ,:| ^T 
 
 That mifchieuousmifchaace his life Sclimbcs did,4>arc. 
 
 Great
 
 ant. I. FAERIE QVEENE, 3^3 
 
 Great fliame and forrow of that fall he tookc ; 
 For ncucr yet, fith warlike armes he bore. 
 And fhiuering fpeare in bloudie field firfl:(hookc3 
 He found himlclfc dillionored fo fore. 
 Ah gentleft knight, that euer armour bore. 
 Let not thee gricue difinounted to haue beenc. 
 And brought to ground, that ncuer waft before s 
 For not thy fault ^but fecret powre vnfcenc, (greene. 
 
 That fpeare enchauntcd was ^ which laydthee on the 
 
 But wecncdft thou what wight thee oucrthrew. 
 Much greater griefe and fhamefuUer regret 
 For thy hard fortune then thou wouldft renew^ 
 That of a fingle damzell thou wert met 
 On equall plaine, and there lb hard befet ; 
 Euen the famous ^r/Vo/^^r^ it was. 
 Whom ftraunge aduenturc did from Brit^neicty 
 To feeke her louer ( loue farre fought alas,) 
 
 Vv'hofe image fne had fcene iwP^ems looking glas. 
 
 Full of difdainefuU wrath,he fierce vprofe, 
 For to reuengc that foule reprochfull lliamC3 
 Andfiiatchinghisbright fwordbcgan toclofc 
 With her on foot, and ftoutly forward came; 
 Die rather would he, then endure that fame. 
 Which when his Palmer faw . he gan to fearc 
 His toward perill and vntoward blame. 
 Which by that new rencounter he fhould rcarc; 
 
 For death fate on the point of that enchaunted fpeare. 
 
 And hafting:towardshim gan faire perfwadc, 
 Notto prouoke misfortune, nor to weenc 
 His fpeares default to mend with cruell blade ;, 
 For by his mightic Science he hadfcenc
 
 3^4 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CmU. 
 
 The fecrct vertuc of that weapon kecnc, j 
 
 That aiortall puiflance mote not withftond; ' 
 
 Nothing on earth mote alwaics happie bcenc. 
 Great hazard were it, and aduenturc fond, 
 To loofc long gotten honour with one eiiill hond. 
 
 By fuch good mcancs he him difcoiinfellcdj 
 
 From profecuting his rcuenging rage 5 
 
 And eke the Prince like treaty handeled, 
 . His wrathfull will with reafon to aflTwagc^ 
 
 And laid the biamc, not to his carriage. 
 
 But to his darting ftced, that fwaru'd afydc, 
 
 Andto the ill purueyance of his page. 
 
 That had his furnitures not firmely tydc : 
 So is his angry courage fkircly pacifydc. 
 
 Thus reconcilement was betwecne them knit. 
 Through goodly temperance,and afFcdion chaftc. 
 And either vowd with all their power and wit. 
 To let not others honour bs dcfafte. 
 Of friend or foe, who euer it emballc, 
 Ne armestobearc againfl: the others fyde; 
 In which accord the Prince was alfb plaftc, 
 And with that golden chaiiic of concord tydc. 
 
 So goodly all agreed,they forth yferc did ryde. 
 
 O goodly vlage of thofe antique times, 
 
 h\ which the (word was fcruant vnto right; 
 
 When not for malice and contentious crimes. 
 
 But all for praifc, and proofe of manly might. 
 
 The martiall brood accuftomed tofight: 
 
 Then honour was the mecdof vi6loric. 
 
 And yet the vanquilTied had no dc(pight : 
 
 Let later age that noble vfc ehuie. 
 Vile rancour to auoid^ and crucll f urqucdric^ 
 
 Long
 
 cm.l. FAERIE QVEENE. 3^5 
 
 Long they thus traiicllcd in friendly wife. 
 
 Through countries waftc^ and eke well cdifydc, 
 Seeking aducntures hard^to exercife 
 Their puifFance^ whylomc full dernely trydc : 
 At length they came into a forrcft wyde,. 
 Whofe hideous horror and (ad trembling found 
 Full griefly (cem'd ; Therein they long did ryde^ 
 Yet trad ofUuing creatures none they fourid, 
 
 SaueBcares^Lions^ & Buls, which rome^ them around. 
 
 All fuddenly out of the thickeft brulli, 
 Vpon a niilke-white Palfrey all alone, 
 A goodly Ladie did forcby them rulTi, 
 Whofe face did feeme as cleare as Chriftall flonc. 
 And eke through fcare as white as whales bone : 
 Her garments all were wrought of beaten gold^ 
 And all her fteed with tinfell trappings fhone. 
 Which fled fb faft, that nothing mote him hold. 
 
 And (carle them Icafurc gauc^ her pa(fing to behold. 
 
 Still as file fled, her eye (he backward threw^ 
 As fearing euill, that purfewd her faft y 
 And her faire yellow locks behind her flew, 
 Loo(cly difperft with puffe of eue ry blaft ; 
 All as a blazing ftarre doth farre outcaft 
 His hearie beames^and flaming lockes di(pred^ 
 At fight whereof the people (land aghaft : 
 But the fage wifard telles , as he has red. 
 
 That it importunes death and dolefull drerihcd.^ 
 
 So as they gazed after her a while, 
 
 Lo where a griefly Porter forth did rufh. 
 Breathing out beafllyluft her to defile: 
 His tyreling iadc he fiercely fordi did pufh^
 
 ^^6 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Coftt. /. 
 
 Through thickc and thin^both oucrbankc and bu(h 
 In hope her to attainc by hookc or crookc. 
 That from his goric fides the blond did gufh: 
 Large were his Hmbes, and terrible his lookc. 
 And in his clownifli hand a fharp bore (pearc he fliookc. 
 
 Which outrage when thofe gentle knights did fee. 
 
 Full of great enuie and fell gcalofy ,■ 
 . They ftayd not to auife, who firft lliould bee. 
 
 But all fpurd after faft, as they mote fly. 
 
 To reskew her from (hamefull villany. 
 
 The Prince and Guj/o;^ equally byliuc 
 
 Her felfepurfcwd jinhopeto win thereby 
 , Moft goodly meede, the faireft Dame aliue : 
 Bi5t after the foule fofter Timias did ftriue. 
 
 The whiles fairc Britotnart , whofc conftant mind, 
 Wouldnot fa hghtly follow beauties chace, 
 Ne rcckt of Ladies Loue, did (lay behind. 
 And them awayted there a certaine fpace. 
 To wcet if they would turne backe to that place : 
 But when fhe ^w them gone, flle/orward went, ' 
 As lay her iourncy, through that perlous Pace, 
 With ftedfaft courage and ftout hardiment; 
 
 Ne euiU thing ilie fear'd^ ne euill thing (he mcnt. • 
 
 Atlaft as nigh outofthe woodfhccame, 
 A (lately Caftle farre away flie (pyde. 
 To which her fteps direftly ilie did frame. 
 That Caftle was moft goodly edifyde. 
 And plafte for pleafure nigh that forrcft fyde: 
 But faire before the gate a fpatious plaine. 
 Mantled with greene, it felfe did fprcdden wydc. 
 On which fhe faw fixe knights, that did darraiiiC. 
 
 Fierce battcll againft one , with cruell might and maine. 
 
 Maincly
 
 dntJ. FAERIE QVEENE. 35^7 
 
 Mainly they all attoncc vpon him laid^ 
 And fore bcfct on cuery fide around. 
 That nigh he breathlcfle grew, yet nought difmaid, 
 Ne cuer to them yielded toot of ground 
 All had he loft much bloud through many a wound. 
 But ftoutly dealt his blowes , and eucry way 
 To which he turned in his wrathfull ftound^ 
 Made them recoilc , and fly from drcd decayj 
 
 That none of all the fixe before ,him durft aflay^. 
 
 Like daftard Currcs^thathauing at a bay 
 The faluage beaftemboftin wearicchace. 
 Dare not aduentureon the ftubborne pray, 
 Nc byte before, b u t rome from place to place^ 
 To get a fnatch , when turned is his face. 
 In fuch diftrefle and doubtful! ieopardy. 
 When Britomart him faw , llie ran a pace 
 Vntohis reskcw, and with earneft cry. 
 
 Bad thofc fame fixe forbcarc that finglc enimy. 
 
 But to her cry they lift not lenden earc, 
 
 Ne ought the more their mightic ftrokes furceaflc^ 
 But gathering him round about more nearc^ 
 Their direful! rancour rather did encreafic ; 
 Till that fhc rufhing through the thickeft prcafTc, 
 Perforce difpartcd their compared gyrCj 
 And foone compeld to hearkeji vnto peace : 
 Tho gan fhc myldly of them to inquyrc 
 
 The caule of their diflcntion and outrageous yrc. 
 
 VVTiereto that finglcknight did anfwerc frame; 
 Thefe fixe would me enforce by oddcs of might. 
 To chaunge my liefc, and loue another Dame, 
 That death me licfcr were, thenfuch dcfpight.
 
 3?8 THE III. BOOKE OF THE dntl 
 
 So vnto wrong to yield my wrcftcd right : 
 For I louc one, the true ft one on ground, 
 Ne lift me chaunge ; fhe i\i*ErrAf7t Dumzellhi^t^ 
 For who(c dcare fake full many a bitter ftownd, 
 I hauc cndur'd, and taftcd many a bloudy wound, 
 
 Certes (faid iTic) then bene ye fixe to blame. 
 To weene your wrong by force to iuftifie : 
 For knight to leauc his Ladie were great fliamc. 
 That faithful! is, and better were to die. 
 All lofle is Icfte , and leflc the infamie. 
 Then lofIeoflouetohim,thatloues but one; 
 Ne may loue be compeld by maifteric; 
 Forfoone as maifterie comes, fweet loue anone 
 
 Taketh his nimble wings, and foone away is gone. 
 
 Thei^ fpake one of thofc fixe. There dwelleth here 
 Within this caftle wall a Ladie faire. 
 Whole fouerainebeautie hathno lining perc. 
 Thereto (b bounteous and lb debonaire. 
 That ncuer any mote with her compaire. 
 She hath ordaind this law, which we approue. 
 That euery knight, which doth this way repairc^ 
 In cafe he haue no Ladie, nor no loue. 
 
 Shall doe vnto herlcruiceneuertoremouc. 
 
 But if he hauc a LadW or a Loue, 
 
 Then muft he her forgoe with foule defame. 
 Or el(c with vs by dint of fword approue. 
 That fhe is fairer, then our faireft Dame, 
 As did this knight, before ye hither came, 
 Perdie (faid BritomArf) the choife is hard : 
 But what reward had he, that ouercame ? 
 He rtiould aduaunccd be to high regard, 
 
 (Said they) and hauc our Ladies loue for his reward, 
 
 Thc^c-
 
 Cmil.) FAERIE QVEENE. jp^ 
 
 Therefore a read Sir, ifthou haue a lone. 
 
 Loue haue I fure/quoth llic)but Lady none ; 
 
 Yet will I not fro mine ownc loue renioue 
 
 Nc to your Lady will I (cruicc done, (lone 
 
 But wreake your wrongs wrought to this knight a- 
 
 And prouc his caufe . With that her mortall fpearc 
 
 She mightily auentred towards one. 
 
 And downe him fmot, ere well aware he wearc. 
 
 Then to the next fhe rode,& downe the next did beare, 
 
 Nc did file ftay^till three on ground ("he layd, 
 That none of them himfelfe could reare againej 
 The fourth was by that other knight difinayd^ 
 All were he wearie of his former paine. 
 That now there dobut two of fix remaine 5 
 Which two did yield, before fhe did them finight, 
 Ah(faid fhe then)now may ye all fee plaine. 
 That truth is flrong. and trc w loue mofl of mighty 
 
 That for his trufty ferua unts doth fo ftrongly fight. 
 
 Too well we fee,(faid they) and proue too well 
 Our faulty weaknefiejand your matchleflc might : 
 For thy faire Sir, yours be the Damozell, 
 Which by her owne law to your lot dothlighr^ 
 And we your liege men faith vnto you plight. 
 So vnderneath her feet their fwords they iliard. 
 And after her befought, well as they might. 
 To enter in, and reape the dew reward ; 
 
 Shegraunted, and then in they all togetlier far*d. 
 
 Long were it to defcribe the goodly frame. 
 And (lately port oiCajfleloyeou^i , 
 (For fo that Caftle hight by commune name) 
 Where they were entertaind with curtcous 
 
 Cc
 
 400 THE II. BOOKE OF THE CM/tt.L 
 
 And comely glee of many gracious 
 Faire Ladies,and many a gentle knight. 
 Who through a Chamber long and fpacious, 
 Eftfboncs them broughtvnto their Ladies fight. 
 That of them cleeped was the Lady of delight. 
 
 But for to tell the fumptuous aray 
 
 Of that i^reat chamber^ lliould be labour loft : 
 
 For lining wit J wcene, cannot difplay 
 
 The royall riches and exceeding coftj 
 
 Of euery pillour and of euery poft ; 
 
 Which all of pureft bullion framed were, 
 
 And with great pcarles and prctious ftones cmboftj 
 
 That the bright glifter of their beames clearc 
 Did fparcklc forth great light^ and glorious did appcarc. 
 
 Thefe ftraunger knights through paffing/orth were led 
 Into an inner rovvmc^ whofe royaltec 
 And rich purueyance mightvneathbcredj 
 Mote Princes place be feeme fo dcckt to bee. 
 Which ftately manner when as they did fcc^ 
 The image of fiiperfluous riotize. 
 Exceeding much the ftate of meane degree. 
 They greatly won dred^whcncefo fumptuous guizc 
 
 Might be maintayndj and each gan diucrfely dcuizc. 
 
 The wals were round about apparelled 
 
 With coftly clothes ofo/rr^ andof 7lp//r^, 
 In which with cunning hand wa^ pourtrahcd 
 The loue of r^;?/^ and her Paramourc. 
 The faire K^donis^ turned to a flowre^ 
 A worke of rare dcuicc, and wondrous wit. 
 Firft did it lliew the bitter balefull ftowrc. 
 Which her affayd with many a fcruent fir. 
 
 When firft her tcndcrbar t was with his bcautic fmit. 
 
 Then
 
 CdnU. FAERIE QVEENE 40X 
 
 Then with what flcights and fwcct allurements flic 
 Entyft the Boy, as well that art (he knew. 
 And wooed him her Paramoure to be ; 
 Now making girlonds of each flowrc that grew ^ 
 7*0 crowne his golden lockcs with honour dewj 
 Now leading him into a fecret l"hade 
 From his Bcauperes, and from bright hcaucnsvew. 
 Where him to flecpe fhe gently would perfwade. 
 
 Or bathe him in a fountaine by fome couert glade. 
 
 And whilft he flcpt ^ fhe ouer him would (prcd 
 Her mantle, colour*d like the ftarry skycs. 
 And her foft arme lay vndcrneath his hed_, 
 And with ambrofiall kifles bathe his eyes 3 
 And whileft he bath'd, with her two crafty ipyes. 
 She fecretly would fearch each daintie lim. 
 And throw into the well fwee t Rofemaryes , 
 And fragrant violets, and Panccs trim , 
 
 And cuer with fweet Nedar iTie did (prinklc him. 
 
 So did fhe ftcale hishecdelefle hart away. 
 And ioyd his loue in fecret vnefpydc. 
 But forfhefawhimbenttocrucllplay. 
 To hunt the Jaluage bead in forreft wyde, 
 DreadfuUofdaungcr, that mote him betydc. 
 She oft and oft aduiz d him to refrainc 
 From chafe of greater beafts^whofc brutifh prydc 
 Mote breede him fcath vnwares :but all in vaine ; 
 
 For who can (hun thcchaunce,that deft ny doth ordainc? 
 
 Lo, where beyond he lycthlanguifliing,' 
 Deadly engored of a great wild Bore, 
 And by his fide the Goddeffe groueling 
 Makes for him endleffe mone, and c uermorc 
 
 Cc 2
 
 p2 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C49$t.i. 
 
 With her foft garment wipes away the gorCj 
 Which dailies his Inowy skin with hateful! hew : 
 But when flie (Iiw no helpe might him refl:orc3 
 Him to a dainty flowre (lie did tranfmew ^ 
 Which in that cloth was wrought^as ifit huely gr<;w. 
 
 So was that diamber chd in goodly wizc. 
 And round about it many beds were dight. 
 As whilome was the antique worldes guize^ ' 
 
 Some forvntimelyeafe^fome for dchght^ 
 As pleated them to vfe^ that vfc it might r 
 And all was full of Damzels, and of Scjuircs, 
 Dauncing andreuclingboth day andnight. 
 And (wimming dcepc in fenfuall defircs, 
 
 AndCup^d ftill cmongft them kindled luftfuU fires. 
 
 And all the while fweet Mufickc did diiiidc 
 
 Her loofer notes with Z,)'^M» harmony 5 
 
 And all the while fweet birdcs thereto applidc 
 
 Their daintie layes and dulcet melody ^ 
 
 Ay caroling of loue and iollity. 
 
 That won3er was to heare their trim confort. (cye^ 
 
 Which when thofe knights behcl^ with fcorncfull 
 
 They fdcigncd fuch lafciuious diiport^, 
 And loath'd the loofc demeanure of that wanton fort* 
 
 Thence they were brought to that great Ladies ve w. 
 Whom they found fitting on a fiimptuous bed^ 
 That gliftred all with gold and glorious ftcw^ 
 As the proud Per/iarf C^iccnes accufiomed : 
 She (cemd a woman ofgrcatBountibed _, ■ '^ T 
 
 And of rare bcautie, fauing that askauncc 
 Her wanton eyes, ill fignes ofwor^ianhed^ 
 Did roll too highly^a^nd too often glaunce. 
 
 Without regard of grace^or comely amenauncc. 
 
 , Long
 
 dntJ. FAERIE QVEENE, 403 
 
 Long workc it wcrc^and nctdlcfic to dcuizc 
 Their goodly cntcrtaincmcnt and great glee ; 
 She caufed them be led in curteous wizc 
 Into a bowrCj difarrned for to bee. 
 And cheated well y/ithwincandfpiccrcc; 
 The Redcrojp Knight was fbbne difarmed therc^"' ^"^^^ 
 But the braue Mayd would not difarmcd bec^. 
 But onely vented vp her vmbriere , 
 
 And fo did let her goodly vifage to apperc. 
 
 As when faire Cynthia, in darkefome nighty 
 
 Is in anoyous cloudenuelopedj 
 
 Where fhe may find the fubilaunce thin and light^ 
 
 Breakes forth her filuer beames,and her bright hcd 
 
 Difcouers to the world diicomfited; 
 
 Of thepoore traueller, that went aftrayj 
 
 With thoufand bleffings ftic is hericd 5 
 
 Such was the beautie and the fhining ray^ 
 With which faire Britomart gaue light vnto the day^ ^ 
 
 And eke thofe fix, which lately with her fought. 
 Now were difarmd^ and did them fclues prefenc 
 Vnto her vew, and company vnfoght ; 
 For they all fecmed curteous and gent , 
 And all fixe brethren^ borne of one parent^ 
 Which had them traynd in all ciuilitee 3 
 And goodly taughtto tilt and turhament 5 
 Now were they liegemen to this Lady free. 
 
 And her knights feruicc ought^ to holdpf her in fee, 
 
 The firft of them byname Gardante hight^ 
 A ioUy perfonj and of comely ve w ; 
 The fccood was PdrUnte, a bold knight^ 
 And neiitjto him locantp did cnfc w j ^
 
 404 THE WLBOOKE OF THE Ci/^A/.- 
 
 Bafciam<iiMn\ IclFe mblt'curf cbiis (lie w^;' -4 
 
 But RziccBacchme fccmd too fell and kcenc ; 
 And yet in armcs NoBAnte greater grew : 
 All were faire knigbtSp^n^^^ty wellbefeenc^ • • - 
 But to fairc ^ftmdrt tficy ill But^ fHadovvcs bccftd ' ' ^ 
 
 if 
 
 Por llie w^^fuU of amiable grace. 
 
 And manly terrourtrlixcd therewithall^ ^no^ihi 
 
 That as theoneiftird Vp^ffeftion's bace, ' - 
 
 * Soth'othcrdidmensrafhdefires^pall^ 
 
 And hold them backc^th^t would in errour fall; 
 
 As he, that hath efpide a vermeill Rofe, ■ '''^^'IfJ^ 
 
 ^o wbrcH ffiarpe thorrie^ a^ 
 
 bare nb't fot dreHAh?^ WtrcJy hai^'d txp6fk:i ' - • " "^ 
 But wifhineitfaroff.his idle winidothlofc. ' ri;^ 
 
 Whom when tei<lj:i24^f^^^e^%H«^ ^f^i 
 AlHgnoraiffit6f her torn^ty^^'^'^ -^ ^^^^ 
 
 (For lliehcrwccnd afrefh'andlutly-knighty •*• ^- 
 
 She greatly gan enamoured to wcx, , ^ 
 
 And t^ithX^airi(^xhouaits;^het^faired fancyi^exi^-^ ^^-''i 
 
 Hel^ Raic hart ^brtceniedhURy fe"^^^^^^ 
 
 Like Iparkes offirc^which fall infclcridfjr fltex. 
 
 That iTiortly brent into extreme dcfire, ^ V^]^,^'^ ~^^'} 
 
 And ranlackt all her yeines withpaffioh cntirei;^* bn^^; 
 
 Eftfboncs rticgrfewto ^cat imp^flcn^^ '}^^ > l^f^ A 
 And into tcrmes of open outrage bnift;^ 
 Tbatplainedifcoucredherincontinci^tc, .^^u .-. 
 Ne reckt fhe, who her,meaning did miftruft; 
 For Oie was giuen'afl to ^cilily Um ^ '?' - ^ J ' ^^^ 
 And pouredforth in fenfuall delight, I V}oiA 
 That all regardofa)ame/lli(^haddifcufty<>^:>^^riT 
 And meet rcfpcd of honbbFj5tittd Wght^^':>*^i b"A 
 
 So ftiameleffc beauty fooiic becomes aloathyfightj ^
 
 CmhU. faerie OyEENE. ^- 405. 
 
 FaircLadies^thattolouccaptiuedarrCj . y ; 
 And chaftcj dcfircs do nouril]i iayour jjUiiK^V '! ' .r 
 Let not her fault your fwect afFeifiions marrc,/ 
 Ne blot the bounty of all womankind; ' ^ 
 
 *Mongft thoufands good one wanton Damcto fijicj; 
 EmongfttheRofesgrowlbitiewicIcecl'weeds; '"* • ^ 
 For this was not to loue^but luft f nclind; ^ 
 For loue docs alwayes bring forth bounteous deeds. 
 
 And in each gentle hart defirc pf honour brjqe^s. 
 
 Nought 10 oflouc this loolcr Daraciqiclslcfl^ , .^ ^^ j-p 
 Butasaeo;ilctokindleflelhlyflamc^, * ' ' "' V 
 GiuingthebridletoherwantonwilJ, -...;. . ,f ' ', 
 And treadin g ynder foote her hone fi %9^p • "3 jI^-^q 
 Such loue is hke;,ai'idfuch,deiIrcis^iBJii^^^^ ' , ^t 
 Still did (he roue at her with crafty glauncc ' ^^ ' ' 
 Of her falfe eyes^ that at her hart didaymc. 
 And told her mcaningin hqr CQUfitjC^aLioccj 
 
 But Britomart ^^^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 Supper was fhortly dight and downe they {at,^ 'y\_. 
 Where they were fenced with all fprnpiuQus fare, '. 
 VVhllcS:fr^;^f!J|Lc^rrf,4tljdZ^^^ Wi) oik^ oj br A 
 Pourd out their plenty^witfiout Ipight or Iparc i r, 
 Nought wantedthcrcjth^tijainty was andrarcVi ^ y 
 And aye the cups their bancks did ouerflow, 
 Andaye bet^srcenc Uic<:^p$5,l^^^ , 
 
 Way to ter IquCjaod fe.cref4aj;ts dj^d th^^^^ 
 Buti?r//(?w4r/ wcH^dRa^uch^u'^^ 
 
 So whpfttjfefey ted^^id tHc^^^ ; .^j -r^^^ 
 
 OfappetitcwiTKw^.W.<3^fiicryjQ^^ ,^^^ ., ^^^,^ 
 
 The J:-My did ftirf 5r//fl/«w;,cntroat4 
 y :Hcr cp!^im^^t»p4^™ .^.!^%W"^ fP^^^, i iDir 17/ 
 btri o.locfii bifiv/juu V^ib S^^^mn oXil mo-?, k:]T
 
 4oif theTivbooke of the CMt.r. 
 
 To loor9 her warlike limbs and ftt'ong cfForr, 
 B lit when fhc mote hot thereunto be wonnc^ • 
 
 (For llieherfexevnder that ftraunge purport 
 Did vfc to hide, and phine apparaunce fhonne;) 
 In plainer wife tp tell her gricuaunce (he begonne. 
 
 ^ - - ^ - ri 
 
 And all attoncc'difcoucred her defire ^' '- 
 
 With fighcsjand fobs^and plaintS3& piteous griefc. 
 The outward fparkes of her in burning fire 5 
 Which fppn^t in vaine^ at laft fhe told her bricfc. 
 That but if rile did lend her fliort reliefe. 
 And do her comfort, fhe mote algates dye. 
 But the chaftc damzcll, that hadneuer priefc 
 Of fuch malcngine and fine forgcrie. 
 
 Did eafily belccue hct ftrong extrcmitie. 
 
 Full eafic was for her to haue beliefc. 
 Who by felf-feeling of her feeble fcxc. 
 And by lon^g tnill of the inward griefe^ 
 Wherewith imperious loue her hart did vexc. 
 Could iudge what paines do louing harts perplcxc» ^- 
 Who meanes no guile^ beguiled fboneft lliall. 
 And to fa^rc feiiibl^uricc ddth light JFaith annexe ; 
 Thd Eir^tKat icndives not the falfc fowlers call. 
 
 Into his hiddctinct fgllcafilVdoth fall. 
 
 For thy (Tie? VvautiitiotTn'dH&Orteife wife,- - - a bnA 
 Scorne 'the'fkireofF<;r of good will profcftj * - 
 Foi- great rebuke it is, loue to dcfpilc, *N*4u.v:u.a^ui< 
 Or rudely fdeigne a gentle harts requeft ; 
 But with fairedountenanricCjasbefcemediit^ - - ,'^ 
 Her cntertaynd 5 nathfcflcfhe inly deemd • '^^"^ ' > 
 Herloue tooHght^toyvooeawandringgucft: -' 
 Which fliemifcohftruingjthcrebyeftecmd (ftccmd. 
 
 That from like inwird: fire that outwardCuokc had ! 
 
 There*
 
 CMt.I. FAERIE QVEENE. 407 
 
 Therewith a while fhe her flit fancy fed^ 
 Till fl:ic mote winiie fit time for her defirc. 
 But yet her wound ftill inward frcfhly bled. 
 And through her bones the falfc inftillcd fire 
 Did (pred it fclfe, and venime clofe inipire. 
 Tho were the tables taken all away. 
 And euery knight, and eucry gentle Squire 
 Can choofc his dame with BAfihmam gay. 
 
 With whom he meant to make his (port & courtly play. 
 
 Some fell to dauncc, fbme fell to hazardry. 
 Some to make loue,{bme to make merimcnt 
 As diuerfc wits todiucrs things apply; 
 And all the while faire LMalecafia bent 
 Her crafty engins to her clofe intent. 
 By this th'eternall lampes, wherewith high lone 
 Doth light the lower world, were halfe yfpent^ 
 And the moift daughters of huge -^//^^ ftroue 
 
 Into the OceAn deepc to driue their weary drouc. 
 
 High time it (ccmcd then for euery wight 
 Them to betake vnto their kindly reft 5 
 Eftfoones long waxen torches weren light, 
 Vnto their bowrcs to guiden euery gueft: 
 Tho when the Britoneflc faw all the reft 
 Auoided quite, fhe gan her (elfe defpoilc. 
 And fafe commit to her fbft fetheredncft, 
 >ATierc through long watch, & late dayes weary toilc. 
 
 She foundlyflept,&carefull thoughts did quite aflbile. 
 
 Now when as all the world in filence dccpe 
 Yfhrowdcd was^ and euery mortal] wight 
 Was drowned in the depth of deadly (Tccpe, 
 Faire LMalccafid, whofc cngricucd ipright
 
 4o8 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CdHt.I. 
 
 Could find no reft in fuch perplexed plight3 
 Lightly arofc out of her wcarie bed ^ 
 And vndcr the blacke vele of guilty Night, 
 Hcrwith afcarlot mantle couered, 
 Tliat was with gold and Ermines fairc enuclopcd. 
 
 Then panting foft^and trembling cuery ioynt. 
 Her fearfuU feete towards the bowre iTie mouedj 
 Where (he for fccret purpofe did appoynt 
 To lodge the warlike mayd vnwifcly loued. 
 And to her bed apptoching^ firft flie prdoued, ">, 
 
 Whether flie (lept or wakt^ with her fbfthand 
 She foftly felt, if any member mooned. 
 And lent her weary eare to vndcrftand. 
 
 If any puffe of breath, or figne offence fne fond. 
 
 Which whenas none fhe fond^with eafie fnift, ^ 
 For fcare leaft her vnwares flie fliould abrayd, 
 TlVembroderd quilt fhe lightly vp did lift, '^ 
 
 And by her fide her fclfe fhe foftly layd. 
 Of euery fineft fingers touch affrayd v 
 Ne any noife fhe made, ne word ilbc fpake. 
 But inly figh*d. At lafl the royall Mayd - 
 Out of her quiet flomber did awake. 
 
 And chaungd her weary fide,thc better eafe to take. 
 
 Where feeling one clofc couched by her fidc^ 
 She hghtly Icpt out of her filed bed^ 
 And to her weapon ran, in mindc to gride 
 The loathed leachour .But the Dame halfe ded 
 Through fuddein feareiiind ghaftly drprihcd, •;; v.rj^ 
 Did fhrieke alowd, that through the houfeit rongj 
 And the whole family therewith adred, 
 Raflily out of their rouzed cpijche^lfprong^ , -yy^^i 
 
 And to the troubled chamber all in armcs did &rong. 
 
 And
 
 CMt.l. FAERIE QVEENE. 40^ 
 
 Andthofc fix Knights that Ladies Champions, 
 And eke the ^^^irr^jj/^ knight ran to the ftownd, 
 Halfc armd and halFe vnarmd, with them attons: 
 Where when confiifcdiy they cam^e^they fownd 
 Their Lady lying on the (encclefic grownd; 
 On th 'other iidc, they faw the warlike Mayd 
 All in her fhow-vvhitc firjockejwith locks vnbownd 
 Threatningthc point ofhcrauenging blade. 
 
 That with fo troublous terrour they were all difiiiaydc. 
 
 About their Lady firfl: they flockt arownd. 
 Whom hauinglaidin comfortable couch. 
 Shortly they reard out of her frofen fwownd ; 
 And afterwards they gan with fowle reproch 
 
 ^ To ftirrevp ftrifc,and troublous contcckc broch: 
 But by enfample of the laft dayes lofTe, 
 None of them raflily durft to her approch, 
 Ne in fo glorious (poile them-felucs embofle ; 
 
 Her fuccourd eke the Champion ofthcbloudy Croflc. 
 
 But oi?e of thofe fixe km^xs^Gardnnte hight^ 
 ,DrCw outa deadly bow and arrow keenc , 
 'Which forth he lent with felonous dcfpight^ 
 And fell intent againft the virgin fliecne: 
 The mortall fteelc ftayd not^ tillic was /cenc 
 To gore her fide, yet was the wound not dcepe^^ 
 Butlightly rafcd her fbftfilkcn skin. 
 That drops of purple bloud thereout did weepc. 
 
 Which did her lilly finock with ftaincs of vermeil ftccpc. 
 
 Wherewith enrag'd ilic fiercely at them fiew, 
 Andwith her flaming fword about her layd. 
 That none ofthemfoulcmifchicfe could efchewy' 
 But with her drcadfiill ftrokcs were all difmayd: ^ ' 
 
 .. i:;;nj:2 'i.^ii\ t.^.^ u-ii. :i;;^iwi) 4Jw:;i; ii..i lj ik ^:j^^-l
 
 410 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C4PitJh 
 
 HcrCjthcrCjand cucry where about her fwayd 
 Her wrathtliU ftccle, that none mote it abide ; 
 And eke the Rcdcroffe knight gaiie her good aid. 
 Ay ioyning foot to foot^ and fide to fide. 
 That in iliort (pace their foes they haiie quite terrifidc, 
 
 Tho whenas all were put to fhamefull flight. 
 The noble BritomdrtU her arayd. 
 And her bright armes about her body dight : 
 For nothing would fhelcngcr there be (layd , 
 Where fo loofe life, and fo vngentle trade 
 Was vfd of Knights and Ladies fceming gent: 
 So earely ere the groffe Earthes grycfy fhadc. 
 Was all difperft out of the firmament. 
 
 They tooke their ftceds , & forth vpo their iourney went. 
 
 Qant. II. 
 
 fiit^ *i^fi^*^ef^ Artegall : ^ ^| 
 
 p^j^ Ths wondroHs mjrrhourj hy which fhe §5 J 
 
 QAO in lone with htm did fall, r 
 
 HEre hauc Icaufc, in men iufl: blame to find. 
 That in their proper prayfe too partiall bee. 
 And not indifferent to woman kind. 
 To whom no fliare in armes andchcualric 
 They do impart, ne maken memorie 
 Of their braue gcftes and proweffe martial! j 
 Scarfc do they (pare to one or two or three, 
 ' Rowme in their writs ; yet the fame writing fixiall 
 Does all their deeds dcface^and dims their glories all. 
 
 But
 
 tmUL FAEKIE QVEEKE/^'^ 41J 
 
 But by record of antique times I findj 
 
 That women wont in warres to bcarc moll: (Ivay 
 And to all great exploits them felues inclind : ' 
 Of which they (till the girlond bore away^ 
 Tillcnuious Men fearing their rules decay^ . 'A 
 
 Can coyne ftreight lawes to curb their liberty; 
 Yet fith they warlike armes haue layd away: 
 They haue exceld in artes and pollicy , 
 
 That now we fooliili men that prayfe gin eke t'enuy^ 
 
 Of warlike puidauncc in ages Ipent^ 
 
 Be thou fairc Br/Umarf^yvhoCc prayfe I write. 
 
 But of all wifcdome be thou precedent^ 
 
 O foueraigne Queene^whofe prayfe I would enditc^ 
 
 Endite I would as dewtie doth excite*. 
 
 But ah my rinies too rude and rugged arrc ^ 
 
 When in fo high an obied they do lite, 
 
 Andftriuingjfittomake, Ifeare do marre: 
 
 Tliy fclfe thy prayfes tell,and make them knowcn farrc. 
 
 She trauelling with C7/^;j by (ft^tvay. 
 
 Of fundry things faire purpofc gan to find, ' 
 T'abridg their iourney long, and lingring days 
 Mongfl which it fell into that Faeries mind, 
 ^; To aske this Briton Mayd, what vncouth wind, 
 '* Brought her into thofc parts, and what inqueft 
 
 Made her diffcmble her difguifid kind: -^ 
 
 4 Faire Lady fhe him feemd, like Lady drefl, 
 feut fairellkn;ght aliuc^when armed washer brcil. 
 
 Thcreatfte fighirigfbfiIy,hadtidpowrc *'^^ ^ nDiri // 
 To fpeake a while^nc ready anlwcre make. 
 But widi hart-thrilling throbs and bitter ftowrc^. * 
 As if flie liad afc uer fit;, d id cjuakc, • ^ ' '^y^ 
 
 : T
 
 4xa THFTH. BOOKE OF THE dwUi. 
 
 And cuery daintic limbc with horrour fhakc ^ 
 Ami cuer and anoilc the rofy red, 
 
 Fhfht through her facc^ as it had becnc a flake I 
 
 Oflightningjthrough bright hcaucnfulminedi \ 
 
 At laft the paflion pa-ft (he thus him anfwcred, 
 
 Fuirc Sir^I Ictyou vvccte, that from the howrc 
 
 I taken was from nourfcs tender pap, 
 
 I haue beene trained vp in warhke flowre^ 
 
 To toflen fpearc and lliield, and to affrap 
 
 The warhke rydcr to his moft miiliap 5 
 
 Sithcnce I loathed haue my hfe to leid. 
 
 As Ladies wont^ in pleafurcs wanton lap. 
 
 To finger the fine needle and nyce thread ; 
 Me leuer were with point offocmans ipeare be dead. 
 
 All my delight on dcedes of armes is {^t^ 
 
 To hunt out perils and aduentures hard^ 
 
 By fea_,by land, where fo they may be met^ 
 
 Onely for honour and for high regard. 
 
 Without refped of richelle or reward. 
 
 For fuch intent into thefe parts I cam6, 
 
 WitlK)Utcn compaffcjor withoutcn card y 
 
 Far fro my natiue foylc, that is by name 
 The greater Bnfahejticvc to feekc for prayfc and fame. 
 
 » 
 Fame blazed hath, that here ih Faery lond 
 
 Do many famous Knightes and Ladies wonnc. 
 
 And many ftraunge aduentures to be fond. 
 
 Of which great worth and worlliip maybe wonncj 
 
 Which I to prouc,this voyage hauebegonnc. 
 
 But mote I weet of you, right curtcous knight^ 
 
 Tydings of one, that hath vntome donne 
 
 Late foule difhonour and reprochfuU (pight^ 
 The which I fcckc to wrc'ake^ and Arihegallh^ hight. 
 
 The
 
 Cint.ir. FAERIE QVEENE^^IIT ^^y 
 
 The word gone out^ fhc backc againc wouIdcaJ^ ' f ' * 
 As her repenting fb to haiicmiflayd, . ' ' 
 Butthatheitvp-takingcrethefall, — 
 Her (hortly anfwcrcd ; Faire martiall Mayd^ 
 Ccrtcsyc mifauifcd bcene^tVpbrayd ^ 
 A gentle knight with fo vnknightly blame : 
 For weet ye well of all, that euer playd 
 At tilt or tourney, or like warlike game. 
 
 The noble Arthegallh'^xh euer borne the name.] 
 
 For thy great wonder were it, if fuch fhamc 
 Should euer enter in his bounteous thought, 
 Or euer do, that mote dcleruen blame : 
 The noble courage ncuer wcencth ought. 
 That may vnworthy of it felfc be thought. 
 Therefore, faire Damzcll, be ye well aware. 
 Lead that too f iirre ye hauc your fbrrow fought : 
 You and your countrey both I wilh welfare. 
 
 And honour both ^for each of other worthy arc«- 
 
 The royall Mayd woxe inly wondrous^glad,. 
 
 ToheareherLouefo highly magnifidc. 
 
 And iovd that euer ilic affixed had;. 
 
 Her hart on knight fo goodly glorifidc. 
 
 How euer finely (lie it faind to hide : 
 
 The louing mother, that nine monethes did bearc,, 
 
 In the deare clofct of her painefull fide. 
 
 Her tender babe, it feeing fafe appearc. 
 Doth not fo much reioycc, as fhexcioyccd thearc. 
 
 But to occafion him to further talkc , 
 
 To fcQcJiier humour with his plcafing ftile. 
 
 Her lift in ftrifull termes with him t-o balkc,. 
 Aud thus replide ^ How euer, Sir,ye file:
 
 4H THE.III. BOOKE OF THE Cd^KlI. 
 
 Your jiiirtWus tongue j W^ prhyfcs to compile^ 
 Itillbclccmcs a knight of gentle fort. 
 Such as ye hauchimboaftcdjto beguile 
 A fimpk mayd^and worke fb haynous tort. 
 In {hamc of knighthood^as I largely cm report. 
 
 Letbe therefore my vcngcaunce to diflwadc. 
 And read, where I that faytour falfe may find. 
 Ah, but ifrcafon faire might you perfwadc, 
 To flake your wrath, and mollifie your mind, 
 (Said he)perhaps ye fhould it better find : 
 For hardy thing it is, to weenc by might. 
 That man to hard conditions to bind. 
 Or euer hope to match in equall fight, 
 
 VVhofc prowcllc paragonfaw neuerliuing wight. 
 
 Nefoothlichisiteafiefortoread, . 
 
 VVhereinOwonearth,orhowhemaybefound5 
 For he ne wonneth in one certaine ftead. 
 But reftleffe walketh all the world around. 
 Ay doing tjiings, that to his fame redound. 
 Defending JLadie^ caufe, and Orphans right. 
 Where fb he heares, that any doth confound 
 Them comfortleflcjthrough tyranny or might ; 
 
 So is his fouerainc honour raifde to heauens hight. 
 
 His feeling words her feeble fence much pleafed. 
 And fbttly funck into her molten hart; 
 Hart that is inly hurt, is greatly eafcd 
 With hope of thing, that may allcgge his fhiart; 
 For pleafing words are like to Magick art. 
 That doth the charmed Snake in llomber liy^ 
 Such fecretcafc felt o^cntlc Br itc wart, '- ^^^^ 
 Yet lift the lame cfforce with faind gainefay;; 
 
 So difchordoft in Mufick makes the fwccter lay. 
 
 And
 
 CMtJl. FAERIE QVEENE. 4x5 
 
 And faid. Sir knight, thcfc idle tcrmcs forbcatc. 
 And fith it is vncath to find his haunt. 
 Tell me fome markcs, by which he may appearc 
 If chaiincc I him encounter parauaunt ; 
 For perdie one iliall other flay, or daunt : (what fled 
 What fhape, what fliield, what armes, what ftccd^ 
 And what fo elic his pcrfon moft may vaunt ? 
 All which the Redcrojfe knight to point arcd. 
 
 And him in euery part before her fafhioned. 
 
 Yet him in cucry part before (he knew, > 
 
 How euer lift her now her knowledge fafnc, 
 Sithhim whilome in Britainei\\c didvew. 
 To her rcuealed in a mirrhour plainc. 
 Whereof did grow her firft engrafted paine i 
 W hofc root and ftalkc lb bitter yet did taft, 
 Thatbut the fruit more fweetncfle did containc. 
 Her wretched davcs in dolour ihe mote waft. 
 
 And yield the pray of loue to lothfome death at laft. 
 
 By ftrangc occafion fhc did him behold. 
 
 And much more ftrangcly gan to loue his fight. 
 As it in bookes hath written bene of old. 
 InDeheuharth that now South-wales is hight. 
 What time king Ry^^fce raign'd, and dealed right. 
 The great Magitian {JHcrlin had deuiz'd. 
 By his deepe fcience, and hell-dreaded might, 
 A looking glaflc, right wondroufly aguiz'd, 
 
 Whofe vertues through the wyde world Ibone were fb- 
 
 (lemniz'd. 
 
 It vcrtue had, to fhew in perfe(5l fight. 
 
 What euer thing was in the world contaynd, 
 Betwixt the loweft earth and hcauens hight. 
 So that it to the looker appertaynd ; 
 
 Dd
 
 41^ THE in. BOOKE OF THE Cm.it. 
 
 VVhat cuct foe had wrought, or frcnd had faynd. 
 Therein difcoucrcdwas, ne ought mote pas, 
 Nc ought in fecret from the fame remaynd; 
 For thy it round and hollow iTiapcd was, 
 Like to the world it Iclfe^ and feciti'd a world of glas. 
 
 Who wonders not^ that readcs fb wondcrous workc } 
 But who does wonder, that has red the Towrc^ 
 Wherein th'^Egyptian f ^4<j long did lurkc 
 From all mens vew, that none might her difcourc, 
 . Yet {lie might all men vew out 6f her bowre ? 
 Great Ptolom^e it for his Icmans fake 
 Ybuilded all of glaffe, by Magickcpowrc^ 
 And alfo it impregnable did make 5 ; 
 
 Yet when his louc was falfe, be with a pcaze it brake 
 
 Such was the glaflie globe that Merlitt made^ 
 And gaue vnto king RycKce for his gard. 
 That ncuer foes his kingdome might inuadc^ 
 Buthe it knew at home before he hard 
 Tydings thereof, and fo them ftill debated* 
 It was a famous Prefent for a Prince^ 
 And worthy worke of infinite reward , 
 That treafons could bewray, and foes conuince^ 
 
 Happie this Rcalme, had it remained euer fincc. 
 
 One day it fortuned, fairc Brit om Art 
 Into her fathers clofet to repayrc; 
 For nothing he from her reierud apart,, 
 Beinghis onely daughter andhis hayre : 
 Where when fhe hadefpyd^ that mirrh6ur fayrc^ ; 
 Her felfe a while therein ilie vewd in vaine 5 
 Tho her auizing of the vertues rarc^ 
 Which thereof fpoken were, fhe gan agatnc 
 
 Her to bcthinke of^ that mote to her Iclfc pertainc* 
 
 But
 
 CM.!!. FAERIE QVEENE. 417 
 
 But as it fallcth J in the gcntlcft harts : . 
 Imperious Louc hath highcfl: fct his throne. 
 And tyrannizcth in the bitter fmarts 
 Of them^that to him buxomc are and prone: 
 -So thought this Mayd ( as maydens vfe to done) 
 Whom Fortune for her husband would allot. 
 Not that fhe lufted after any one ; 
 For {he was pure from blame of finfuU blotj 
 
 Yet wift her hfe at laft muft linckc in that fame knot* 
 
 Eftfboncs there was prcfented to her eye 
 A comely knight, all arm'd in complet wize^ 
 Through whofc bright vcntaylc lifted vp on hyc 
 His manly facc^ that did his foes agrize. 
 And friends to termes of gentle truce entizc, 
 Lookt foorth, as Phcehm face out of the eaft. 
 Betwixt two fhadie mountaines doth arize; 
 Portly his pcrfbn was^ and much increaft 
 
 Through his Hcroiclce grace^ and honorable geft. 
 
 His crefl: was couered with a couchant Hound , 
 And all bis armour (ecm'd of antique mould. 
 But wondrous maffie and afliired found. 
 And round about yfrettcd all with gold, 
 In which there written was with cyphers old, 
 K^chilles Atmes^hich Anhegdll did rein. 
 Andonhislliicld enueloped feuenfold 
 He bore a crowned litle Ermilin, 
 
 That deckt the azure field with her faire pouldred skin. 
 
 The Damzell well did vewhis perfbnage, 
 And liked well,ne further faftned not^j 
 But went her ways ue her vnguilty age 
 Did wecnc, vnwares, that her vnl ucky lot 
 
 Dd a
 
 4i8 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Om.u. 
 
 Lay hidden in the bottpjn^ of the poU^. :' ; •/ ' 
 Of hurcvnvvift irioft daiingcr dothrcdoiind: 
 Butthcfalfe Archer , which that arrow {hot 
 So flyly, that flic did not fcclc the wound^ 
 Did fiuyle full fmootUy at h^r wcj^dciTc.vvQfulJ ftound, 
 
 fir!*!*^'; ■'■} Df'L'l 
 
 Thenceforth the feather in her loftie crcft. 
 Ruffed of loue, gan lowly to auailc. 
 And her proud portancc , and her princely geft^ 
 With which Iheearft tryumphcd^now didquailc; 
 Sad, folemncj fowrCjand full of fancies frailc 
 She woxe \ yet wift fhe neither how^nor why^ 
 She wift notj filly Mayd^ what llie did aile^ 
 Yctwift^fhe wasnotwellateafcperdy, . - c j .! 
 
 Yet thought it was not louc^but fomc melancholy. ' 
 
 So foone as Night had with her pallid hew 
 Dcfaft the bcautie of the i^hining sky 5 
 And reft from men the worlds dcfired vcw. 
 She with her Nourfe adowne to fleepe did lye ; 
 But flecpe full farrc a way from her did fly : 
 In ftead thereof fad fighcs , and forrowcs deepe 
 Kept watch and ward aboiithcr w^rilyt^c , >, 
 That nought ilic did but wayle^and often ftecpc 
 
 Her daintie couch with tearcs ^ which clofely (Tie did 
 
 Andifthatanydropofdombring-reft:; li-if' I 
 Did chaunce to ftill into her wcaric (pright^ 
 , When feeble nature felt her fclfe opprcft, 
 Streight way with drcamcs, and with fantafticke fight 
 Of dreadfull things the fame was pUt to flighty • ; : 
 That oft out of her bed fne did aftart^ 
 As one with vcw of ghaftly fecnds affright : 
 Tho gan llie to renew herformer fmart. 
 
 And thmke of that faixe vi(age^ written in her hart. 
 
 One. 
 
 I
 
 cunt. 1 1. FAERIE QVEENE. 415^ 
 
 One nightjwhcn fhc was toft with fuch vnrcft^ 
 Her aged Niirfcj whofe name was Glaucc hight. 
 Feeling her Icape out of her loathed neft. 
 Betwixt her feeble armes her quickly kcight. 
 And downc againc in her warmc bed her digh t ; 
 Ah my dcarc daughter^ ah my deareft dread^ 
 What vncouth fit (faid fhc) what euill plight 
 Hath thee oppreft, and with fad drearyhead 
 
 Chaunged thy liuely chearc^and lining made thee dead ? 
 
 For not of nought theft fuddeinc ghaftly feares 
 All night afflid thy naturall repofe^ 
 And all the day, when as thine equallpearcs 
 Their fit difports with fairc dehght doe cho(c3 
 Thou in dull corners doeft thy felfe inclofc, 
 Ne tafteft Princes pleafures, ne doeft fpred 
 Abroad thy frefh youthcs faireft flowrc^ but lofc 
 Both leafe and fruit , both too vntimely fhcd^ 
 
 As one in wilfuU bale for e uer buried. 
 
 The timc^ that mortall men their weary cares 
 Do lay away^ and all wilde beaftes do reft, 
 Andeucry riuer eke his courfc forbeares 
 Then doth this wicked euill thee infeft, 
 Andriue with thoufand throbs thy thrilled breft 5 
 Like an huge Aetn* of deepe engulfed griefe. 
 Sorrow is heaped in thy hollow chcft. 
 Whence forth it breakes in fighes and anguifh rife. 
 
 As fmokc and fulphure mingled with confufed ftrifc. 
 
 Aye me5howmuch Ifeare^Ieaftloue itbee; 
 But if that loue it be, as fure I read 
 By knowen figncs and paflions, which I (cc^ 
 Be it worthy of thy race and roy aJ fead,
 
 420 THE IIIBOOKE OF THE Cm.iu 
 
 Then I auowbytbismoft facredhcad 
 Of my dcarc foftcr child , to cafe thy gricfc^ 
 And win thy will ; Therefoi;c away doc dread \ 
 For death nor daunger from thy dew rcliefe 
 Shall me debarre^ tell mc therefore my liefcft liefe. 
 
 So hailing faid^hcr twixt he r armes twainc 
 She ftraightly ftraynd ^ ancj colled tenderly. 
 And euery trpmbiing ioynt, and eucry vainc \s\u^^) 
 She foftly felt, and rubbed bufily. 
 To doe the^ frofen cold away to fly; 
 And her faire deawy eies with kiflcs dearc 
 She oft did bath , and oft againe did dry ; 
 And eiicr her importund3 not to fearc 
 
 To let the fccrct of her hart to her appeare.' 
 
 The Damzell pauzd , and then thus fearefully ; , : 
 AhNiirfcjwhat needcth thee toekc my paii]C?,^, 
 Is not enough, that I alone doe dye, .; . r- 
 
 But it muft doubled be with death of twaine ? 
 Fornoughtfor me but death there doth remainc, • i' 
 O daughtecdeare (faid fhe) defpaire no whit \ 
 For ncuer fore, but might a ialue obtaine : 
 That blinded God, which hath ye blindly fitiit^ 
 
 Another arrow hath your loners hart to hit. 
 
 But mine is not ( quoth fhc) like others woundj 
 For which no reafon can find remedy. 
 Was ncuer fuch, but mote the like be found, 
 (Said line) and though no reafon may apply 
 Salue to your fore, yet lone can lijgher ftye, / 
 
 Thenreafons reach, and oft hatli wonders donnc* * 
 5ut neither God of loue, nor Gbd of sky 
 Can doe ( faid fhe) that , which cannot be donne* 
 
 Things oft impoffible (cjuoth ihe) feeme^crc begonne* 
 
 Thcle
 
 Cdnt.II. FAERIE QVEENE. 421 
 
 Thcfe idle words (faid fhc) doc nought aflvvage 
 My ftubbornc fmart^but more annoyance brecd^ 
 For no no vfuall fire 5 no vfuall rage 
 It is J 6 Nurfc^ which on my life doth feed. 
 And fuckcs the blondjwhich from my hart doth bleed. 
 But fincc thy faithfuJl zeale lets mc not hydc 
 My crime, (if crime it be) I will it reed. 
 Nor Prince, nor perc it is^ whofe loue hath grydc 
 
 My feeble breft of late^ and launchcdthis wound wydc* 
 : r::. .j>i>iv/b.>i7!>lofnuqii:>njo:jbf;A 
 
 Nor man it is, nor other lining wight ; 
 
 For then fome hope I might vnto me draw^ 
 But th'only fhadc and femblan t of a knight^ 
 Whofe Hiapc or perfon yet I ncuer faw. 
 Hath me fubieded to loucs cruell law : 
 The fame one day , as me misfortune led^ 
 I in my fathers wondrous mirrhour faw. 
 And pleafcd with that Iceming goodly-hed, 
 
 Vnwares the hidden hoolcc with baitc I fwallowcd. 
 
 Sithens it hath infixed fafter hold 
 
 Within my bleeding bowels, and fb fore 
 
 Now rancklcth in this fame fraile flefiily mouldy 
 
 That all mine entrailcs flow with poylhous gorc^ 
 
 And thVlcer groweth daily more and more 5 
 
 Ne can my running fore find remedie. 
 
 Other then my hard fortune to deplore, "i . 
 
 And languiiTi as the leafe falne from the tree. 
 
 Till death make one end of my dayes and mifcric. 
 
 1 ■• -I 
 
 Daughter (faid fhe)what'nccd ye be difmayd,' 
 Or why piake ye fuch Monftcr of your mind ? 
 Of much more vncouth thing I was affrayd 5 
 Of.filthy lufl. contrarie vnto kind : > bno 3^v >£l?.
 
 422 THE III. BOOKE OF THE cm. 11,, 
 
 But thlsaffcaion nothing ftraunge I find; 
 Tor who with reafoncan youaycrcproiic^ 
 To louc the fcmblantplcafingmoftyoiir mind3 
 And yield your heart, whence ye cannot remouc ? 
 No guilt in you, but in the tyranny of louc. 
 
 Not fo x!viArAh'tAn iJHyrr he did fct her mind ; 
 Not fo did Bit/u fpend her pining hart. 
 But Iou*d their natiue flclTi againit all kind. 
 And to their purpofe vftd wicked art ; 
 
 ^ YctplaydP4/^/'4i?amoremoftrouspart, 
 That lou d a Bull, and leamd a bcaft to bee s 
 Such lliamefuU lufts who loaths not, which depart 
 From courfc of nature and of modcftie ? 
 Sweet loucfuch lewdnes bands from his fairccompanic 
 
 But thine my Dcarc ( welfare thy heart my dearc) 
 Though ftrange beginning had, yet fixed is 
 On one. that worthy may perhaps appeare s 
 Andcertes fcemes beftowednot amis : 
 loy thereof hauc thou and eternal! Wis. 
 With that vpleaning on her elbow weakc. 
 Her alablaftcd breft iTie foft did kis, 
 Which all that while iTic felt to pant and quake. 
 
 As it an Earth-quake wcrcs at laft (he thus befpakc. 
 
 : ii i.T: bf iri oiC'x ji riirifiL'i '/n ; 
 
 Beldame , your words doc workc mcjftlc cafe ; ) 
 
 For though my loue be not fo lewdly bent_, 
 As thofc ye blame , yet may it nought appeafc 
 My raging finart, ne ought my flame relent. 
 But ratbfer.d6.thmyhelpelc(regriefe augments- -'^ 
 For they, how eucr fhamefuU an d vnkind. 
 Yet did pofleffc their horrible intent: 
 Short end of forrowcs they thereby did finds (n^itid* 
 
 So was their fortune good . though wicked were their 
 
 But
 
 <^^/.//i FAERIE QVEENE. 42 j 
 
 But wicked fortune mine^ though mind be goo^d. 
 Can hauc no cnd^ nor hope of rny def irc^ 
 Butfcedonfhadovvcs jwhilcsldicforfoodi'i ;,,ji , 
 And like a fhadow wexc, whiles with entire,'' '" 
 Affedion^ I doe languiili and expire. -j y^i ; ^ . ^ A 
 
 I fonder, then Cefhiftu fooliili child, 
 W ho hauing vewed in afovintaine ilierc 
 His face, was with the lone thereof beguild; 
 
 Ifonderloue alTiade^thcbodiefarrccxild. , li 
 
 ,-* -Orr'^o^nV 
 
 Nought like (quoth ilic) for that fame wretched boy ' 
 Was of himfclfe the idle Paramoure ; 
 Both loue and louer, without hope of ioy^ 
 For which he faded to a watry flowre* ^ br A 
 
 But better fortune thine, and better ho wre, "'VjjuO 
 Which lou ft the fliadow of a warlike knight j 
 Nofhadow,butabodiehathinpowre; . ii. 
 That bodic,wherefoeucr that it Hght, •• ''^' - -., 
 May learned be by cyphers,or by Magicke might. 
 
 But if thou may with reafbn yet reprefTc 
 The growing euill, ere it ftrcngth hauc got^ 
 And thee abandond wholly doe poflefle, 
 Againft it ftrongly ftriue, andyield thee not^ 
 
 . Till thou in open field adowne be finor. 
 But if the palTion mayfter thy fraile might. 
 So that needs loue of deathrhuftb'e thy lot^ -T 
 
 Then I auow to thee, by wrong or right 
 
 To compafle thy defire, and find that loucd knight. 
 
 Her chcarefuU words much cheard the feeble fpright 
 Of the ficke virgin, that her downefhclayd 
 Iuherwarmebedtofleepe,if that (lie might;. 
 And the old-woman carefully dilplayd
 
 A 
 
 ^14 THE III. BOOKE OF THE dfftJt. 
 
 The clothes about her round with bufic ayd 5 
 So that at lafl: a little creeping flcepc 
 Surprifd her fenfc : She therewith well apayd^ 
 The drunken Inmpe dovrnc in the oyle did ftcepCj 
 And let her by tow^ajtd^^^ and fet her by tjo vvcepc. 
 
 Earely the morrow ncxt^-bcforc that day 
 His ioyousface)didt'(5the world reiiealc. 
 They both.vpr^fe'iwid tookc theirreadie way > ncS 1 
 Vnto the Church^their prayers to appealc^ 
 Wldh gr^attdeuotion 3 and with litle zcale : 
 For the fairc Ebmzcll from the holy herfe 
 Her loue-fickc hart to other thoughts did fteale 5 
 And that old Dame faid many an idle verfe, .. 
 
 Out of her daughters hart fond fancies to reuerfe. 
 
 Returned home^ the royall Infant fell 
 Into her former fit yfor why, no jpowre 
 Nor guidance' of hcrfSlfcinher did dwell. 
 But th'aged Nurfe her calling to her bowre. 
 Had gatheredRew^and Sauine^ andthc flowrc 
 Of Camphifix^ and Cataminty and Dill, 
 All whichxffie in a earbhin Pot 'did pourc, . : : A 
 And to the brim with Colt wood did it fill. 
 
 And many drops of milkc and bloud through it did ipill, 
 rn3lii.'r{n3 -inoil 
 
 Then taking thrife tHr^c haires from off her head^ 
 Them trebly breaded in a threefold lace, 
 And round about the pots mouth, bound the thread. 
 And after hauin^ whifpered a fpace 
 Certaine fad words ;jWithKollow voice 'ahd^bacc. 
 She to the virgin faid 3 thrife faid llic it ; 
 Come daughter come, come 5 fpit vpon my fiice^I 
 Spit thrife vporl me,thrifc vpon me Ipit ;.. •■ ' ; : ( ■/i 
 
 ThVneucn number for this bufinefle is moft fit. 
 
 That
 
 C4ntJ!I. :[H FAERIE QJEENEi: 425 
 
 That fayd, her round abdwfcrhc from her turnd^j ^^:/.. 
 She turned her contrarietio the Sunne, :i r! n! 
 Thrifc {he her turnd contrary, and rccumd ., 
 All contrary, for iTic the right did fhunoc, ... 
 And euer whatilie did, was flreight .vndor|n^,n2ri'y / , 
 
 ' So thought ilie to vndoe her daughters loue : 
 ButlouCjthatis in gentle breft be gonnc. 
 No idle charmes fo lightly may remoue, .- j r 
 
 That well can witnefTe, who by triall it does pirouc^T 
 
 Ne ought it mote tlic noble Mayd auayle^ '^ . * r 
 Ne (lake the furie of her cruell flame, .. u a 
 
 But that ihe ftill did wafte, and ftill did wayksr. *T 
 That through long laugour, and hart-burning bramc 
 
 She fhortly like a pyncd ghoft became^ 
 Which long hath waited by the Stygian ftrond. 
 That when oldGZi/^fif favv,for fearc leaft blaroc 
 Of her mifcarriage fhonldin herbe fond^ .'ricJsM 
 She vvift not how t amcnd^nor how it to withftonde 
 
 Cant, llh 
 
 ♦:a^ theftate of Artegall J^";^/ " 
 
 ^■^' whichrfrom themJprwgeyt'jh.tH, eIW'^ 
 
 Mod facred fire . th^p-bf rrqeCl u-^ghtil/ -. „,jj ^ j 
 Inliuingbrcfts^yldndledfififlabouc^ ^ ,t 
 Emongft th'ctcrnall fphcres an;d lampingsj;:y^ 
 And tlicnce pourd jr^o Jiienjwly(^vn^icn callLouc; 
 
 .0vn:?!bDx3 i:>d oinv ^H^uo-id ^likl n :fiiL : //' -A
 
 42^ THE III. BOOKE OF THE dnt.nh 
 
 Not diat fame, which dorii'bafcafFedions mouc ^^ 
 In briitilli minds, and filthy Iiift inflame, 
 B lit that fwcct fit, that doth true beautie loue^ 
 Andchofcth vertiie for his deareflDame, 'l 
 
 Whence fpring all noble deeds and ncucr dying fame ; 
 
 Well did A^itiquitic a God thee decmc. 
 
 That oner mortall minds haft {o great might, 
 Toordetthem^as-bcfttotheqdothfccme, * 
 
 And all their adions to dired aright; 
 The fatall purpofe of diiiine forefight. 
 Thou doeft effed in deftined defcents. 
 Through deepc impreflion of thy fecret mighty -. 
 ^- - Aiid ftirrcdft vp th'Hcroes high intents, : : ' i '' 
 Which the late world admyres for wondrous monimets. 
 
 But thy dr^ad darts in none doe triumph more^ 
 Nebrauerproofeinany,of thypowre "jHiU 
 Shew'dft thou, then in this royall Maid of yore. 
 Making her feeke an vnknowneParamourc, 
 From the worlds, cnd,through many a bitter ftowrc: 
 From whofe two loynes thou afterwards did rayfe 
 Moft famous fruits of matrimoniallbowre, (prayfc. 
 Which through the earth hauefpred their liuing 
 
 That fame in trompe of gold eternally difplayes. 
 
 Begiffthen,6 my deareft facredDamey 
 Daughter of Phtehm and of Memorie^ 
 That doeft ennoble with immortall name 
 The warlike VVorthies/romantiquitie^ . 
 Inthygreatvolumepf Etcrnitfe: ^-^^^ ^ 
 
 Begin, 6 C//<7, and recount from hence 
 My glorious Soueraines goodly aunceftie, 
 'Till that by dew degrees and long pretence, 
 . Thouhauc itlaftly brought vnto her Excellence. 
 
 Full
 
 C4»t,ll7. FAERIE aVEENE.^ 427 
 
 Full many waycs within her trQubIc,d,aiifid, i 
 
 Old Glance caft, to cure this Ladies griefc : [ 
 
 Full many waies fhe fought, but none could findv^ 
 Nor herbcs^nor charmes^nor counfcll^that i$ chicfc 
 
 / . And choi(cft med'cine for ficke harts nejicfct ;r: r! -cri 
 For thy great care llie tooke^and greater fearc, 
 Leaft that it fhonld her turne to foule rcpriclc, ' 
 And fore rcproch, when fo her father deare 
 
 Should of his dearefl daughters hard misfortune heate* 
 
 At laft fhe her auifd, that he 5 which made 
 That mirrhour^wherein the ficke Damofell 
 , So ftraungely vewed her ftraurige louers fhade. 
 To weet, the learned Merlin , well could tell, 
 Vnder what coaftof heauen the man did dwell, i 
 And by what mcanes his loue might bell be wrought: 
 For though beyond the Afrtck Ifmaell ^ '■ '^ ' J i* 
 
 Or th'Indian P^f/^he were, llie thought 
 
 Him forth through infinite cndcuour to hauc fought. 
 
 Forthwith themfclues difguifing both in fl:raungc 
 And bafe attyre^that none might thtm bewray^ 
 To Mdridu9ium^ that is now by ch^urigc ; nofi'>' / 
 Of name CAjr-Merdin cald, they tooke their way : 
 There the wife Merlm whylome wont (they fay), - . ; \ 
 To make his wonne, low vndcrneath the ground, 
 Inadeepe deluCyfarrefromtheyewofday, nl 
 
 That ofno lining wight hemotebefound. 
 
 When fo he counlSid with hisfprightscncopafl: rp^d. 
 
 And if thou euer happen that fame wa.)^r! vf ); . 
 To trauell^ goe to 'foe that drcadfull plslce : , » V^ 
 It is an hideous hollow caue (they fay) ' 1 .. 
 Vnder a rockc that lyes a litle IpajC^jir* ts\\i%\: . ,; /-I
 
 428 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CMi.tit. 
 
 From the fwift Barry , tomblihg downc apace, 
 Einongft the woodic hillcs of Dyneuoxore : 
 But dare thou not, I charge, in any cacc, 
 - To enter into that <ame balefiJl Bowrc, 
 For fc ar the crucll Fcends fhoirld thee vnwarcs dcuowrc. 
 
 But {landing high aloft, low lay thine earc, 
 
 And there ftich ghaftly noifc of yron chaincs^' • '■ A 
 . And brafen Caudrons thou fhalt ronibling hearc, ' ^^ - 
 Which thoufand fprights with long enduring paines 
 Doe toflc, that it will 'ftonnc thy feeble braincs, A 
 And oftentimes great' grones j and grieuous ftounds. 
 When too huge tqileand labour them conftraines : 
 And oftentibies loudftrok^',and ringing fbimds * ' 
 
 From viider that dccpe Rockc moft horribly rcboiinds, 
 
 Tliecaufc fome fayis this : Alitle while 
 
 Before that Merlin dyde,he did intend, ■ 
 
 A bjeafcn wall in cotnpas to compild ;: : 
 About Cairmardin^ and did it commend 
 Vntq tliefc Sprights, to bring to perfedl end. 
 Du wftg which wdrke the Ladieot'the Lake, 
 Whom lortg'hc ioVrdvfo^ biiti in haft did fcndy 
 Who thereby foirft his workemen to forfake. 
 
 Them btiutid till his returne, their labour not to flake. 
 
 In the meane^thtie tJir^frgh that falfe Ladies trainc. 
 He was furprifd, and buried vndcr beare, 
 Necuertohisworkereturndagaine: - 
 Nath'lefle thofe feends may not their worke fbrbcare^ 
 So greatly his commaundemcnt they fearCj^'j v. Lj^A 
 But there doe toyle and traucll day and nighty 1 
 Vntili that brafen wall they vp doc reare : 
 For Merlin had in Magicke more infight. 
 
 Then cuer him before or after liuing wight. 
 
 For
 
 Cxnt.llT. FAERIE QVEENE 42^ 
 
 For he by words could call out of the sky v/ 
 
 Both Sunne and Moone^ and make them him obay : 
 The land to fca, and fca to mainelarid dry. 
 And darkcfome night he eke could turnc to day : 
 Huge boftcsof men he could alone difhiay^ .O 
 Andhoftes of men of meaneft things couldframe^ 
 
 . VVhenfo him lift his enimies to fray; [-( 
 
 That to this day for terror of his fame. 
 
 The feends daquakc ^ when any him to them does name. 
 
 ■ ^^i^],kJ]. iV ■ , Ji.iiJ J w' 
 
 And footh, men fay that hM^vaslnot'tnc foAnc 
 
 Of mortall Syre^orother lining wight, 1^ j 
 
 But wondroufly begotten, and bcgonnc .. -li . . lO 
 Byfalfeillufionof aguilefulISprtght,^ --!- 7'' 
 On afaire Ladie Nonnc, that whilomc bight 
 tJUntflda^ daughter to PuBtdius^ 
 Who was the Lord of Mathramll by rights 
 And coofen vntp king Ambfofim : m >n 1 1 
 
 Whence he indued was with skill fb maruellous^ 
 
 They here ariuing , ftaid a while without, 
 Nedurft aduenturc rallily in to wend. 
 But of their firft intent gan niake;iew dout 
 For dread of daunger^ which it might portend : 
 Vntill the bardie Mayd ( with.loue tofrqnd) 
 Firft entering , the dreadfullMage there found 
 Deepebufiedboutworkcof wondrqM/cnd, ; 
 And writing ftrange chara6lers iri the groimd. 
 
 With which the ftubbornfccnds he t^ bis fcruice bound. 
 
 He nought lyas moucd at their ctxtratipe bold : 
 For of their comming well he wift afore,. 
 Yet lift them bid their bufineflc to vnfold,. \ 
 As if ought in this world in fccretftorc. ; 
 
 -:Ubob'it). ;j.:f!yii' .iiifj i*iO
 
 430 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CMUIh 
 
 WVrcfromhii^hiddcnfjOf'vnknowncof yore. ' 
 : Then (j/^^r^ thus, let not itthccofFcnd, ^ 
 That we thus ralTily through thy darkcfomc dorc^ 
 Vnwarcs hauc prcft : for cither fatall end ^ 
 Or other- mightie caufe vs two did hither fend. 
 
 He bad tell on ; And then flhe thus began, ('ight^ 
 
 Now hauc three Mooncs with borrowed brothers 
 
 *2;'Thrice fhincd fairer, and thrice (cern*d dim andwan^' 
 Sith a lore cuill^ which this virgin bright 
 Tormcnteth^ and doth plonge in dolefull phght^ 
 Firfl: rooting tooke ^ but what thing it mote bee^ 
 Or whence it (prong y I cannot read aright : 
 But this I read, that but if remedec. 
 
 Thou hei? kfford^ full fhortly I her dead lliall fee. 
 
 Therewith th'Enchaunter foftly gan to fmylc 
 
 At her (mooth (pceches, weetmg inly well, . :/' 
 That llie to him diflembled womanilli guyJc, 
 And to her faid. Beldame, by that ye tellj 
 More need of Icach-craft hath your Damozcll, 
 Then of my ikill ; who h^Ipe may hauc cKewherc^ 
 la vain^ l^ckes- wonders out of Magickc (pell, 
 Th'old woman woxhalf blanck, thole words tohearej 
 
 And yet was loth to let her purpo(e plaine appeare. 
 
 And to him ikid,' If ^tiylcachcs s;Mll5 
 
 Or other learned meanes could hauc redreft 
 This^my dearc daughters decpe engraffed ill^ 
 Certes I fhould be loth thee to moled : 
 But thi-S'fad cuill , which doth her infeft. 
 Doth coutfc of naturall caulc farre exceed. 
 And houfcd is within her hollow bre(t. 
 That either (ccmcsfome cur(ed witches deed, 
 ' Or cuill (pright, that in her doth fuch torment breed. 
 
 The 

 
 CdvhUL -FAERIE QVEENE. 43, 
 
 The wifard could no Idngcr bcarc her bord 
 But brufting forth in laughter, to her fayd; 
 GUfice, what needs this colourable word 
 To cloke the caufe^ that hath it fclfc bewrayd ? 
 ' Nc ye faire Bnfomartuxhus.2t^ydy 
 More hidden arc^then Sunnc in cloudy vcic; 
 Whom thy good fortune, hauing fate obayd 
 Hath hither brought, for fuccour to appclc : 
 The which thepowrcs to thee arc picafed to rcucle. 
 
 The doubtful! Mayd, feeing her fclfe dcfcryde^ 
 Was all abafht, and her pure y uory 
 Into a clcarc Carnation fiiddcii:c dyde ; 
 As faire v^ttrtfr^rifing haftily, 
 Doth by her blufhing tell, that fhe did lyc 
 All night in old Tithonm frofcn bed, 
 Whereofllie fcemcs afhamcd inwardly. 
 But heroldNourfc was nought difhartcncd, 
 
 Butvauntage made of that, which c^^/-///ihadarcd. 
 
 And fayd,Sith then thou knowcftallour griefc, 
 (For what doeft not thou knovv?)of grace I pray 
 Pitty our plaint, and yield vs meet relicfe. 
 With that the Prophet ftill awhile did ftay. 
 And then his fpirite thus gan forth difplay 5 
 Moft noble Virgin, that by fatall lore 
 Haft leanVd to loue,let no whit thee difinay 
 The hard begin, that meets thee in the dorc. 
 
 And with ftiarpc fits thy tender hart opprcfledi fore. 
 
 For (b muft all things excellent begin. 
 
 And eke enrooted deepe muft be that Tree, 
 
 < Whofc big embodied braunchcs fhall not lin. 
 Till they to hcaucns hight forth ftretchcd bee. 
 
 Ec
 
 431 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cm.llt. 
 
 For from thy w^mbe a foitious Progenia ' 
 Shall fpringjout of tltc iauncicnt Tyoian bloody 
 Which iliall rcuiuc the flccping mcmoric 
 Of thofe fame antique Peres^the heaucns brood, 
 W'hich Greece and ^«r/*i?iiicr$ ftaincd widi their blood. 
 
 Rcnowmcd kings^and facrcd Emperoiirs, 
 
 Thy fniitfuli Oflpi ing^lliall from thee defcend ; 
 Braue Captaines^andmdl mighty warriours , 
 That fhall their conqiiefts through all lands extend^ 
 And their decayed kingdomes fhall amend : 
 The feeble Britons, broken with long warrc. 
 They fliallvprcarCjlndmightily defend: ij i . 
 Againft their forrein foe, that comes from fatrcy 
 
 Till vniucrlall peace compound all ciuill iarrc. 
 
 It was not ^Brhomarty thy wandringcye, 
 
 Glauncing vnwares in charmedtookingglas^. 
 But the ftreight courfe of heauenly defliny^ 
 Led with eternallprouidencc, that has 
 Guided thy glaunce, to bring his will to pas« 
 Ne is thy fate, ne is thy fortune ill. 
 To loue the proweft knight, that cucr was.. 
 Therefore fubmit thy wayes vnto his will^ 
 
 And do by aU dew meanes thy dcftiny fulfill. 
 
 But rcad(faid Glauce ) thou Ma gi tian 
 
 What meanes fhall llie out feekc,or what wayes take? 
 How fhall fhe know,how fnaU (he find the man? 
 Or what needs her to toyle, fith fates can make 
 Way for themfclues,their purpofc to partake? 
 Then Ovterlin thus 5 Indeed the fates are firme. 
 And may not fhrinck, though all the world do fhakc : 
 Yet ought mens good endcuours them confirme,, 
 
 And guide the heauenly caufcs to their conftant termc. 
 
 The
 
 CMJlh FAERIE QVEENE 433 
 
 The man whom hcaucns hauc ordaynd to bcc 
 The (poufc oiUritomart^ is K^rthegaUi 
 He wonneth in the land o^Fgyeree, 
 Yet is no Fary borne, ne fib at all 
 To Elfes, but fprong of feed tcrrcftrfall , 
 And whilome by falft Furxes ftolne away 
 Whiles yet in infant cradle he did crall ; 
 Ne other to himfelfe is knowne this day. 
 
 But that he by an Elfe was gotten of a Fdy. 
 
 But footh he is the {bnne o^GorloU^ 
 And brother vnto CaAot Cornifh king. 
 And for his warlike fcates renowmed is. 
 From where the day out of the fea doth ipring 
 Vntill the clofure of the Eucning, 
 From thencc,him firmely bound with faithful! band 
 To this his natiue foyle thou backe fhalt bring, 
 Strongly to aide his countrcy,to withftand 
 
 The powre of forrein Paynims,which inuade thy land. 
 
 Great aid thereto his mighty puifTauncc, 
 And dre aded name fhall giue in that fad day: 
 Where alfo proofe of thy prow valiauncc 
 Thou then (halt make, t'increafc thy louers pray. 
 Long time ye both in armes iTiall bcarc great fWay, 
 Till thy wombes burden thee from them do call , 
 And his laft fate him from thee take away. 
 Too rathe cut off by pradtifc criminall 
 
 Of fccret focs,that him fhall make in mifchicfc fall. 
 
 Where thee yet fhaU he leaue for memory 
 Of his late puillaunce, his Image dead. 
 That lining him in all aftiuity 
 To thcc fhall rcprcfcn t . He from the head 
 
 £c 2
 
 434 THEilXBOOKE OF THE amtitlh^ 
 
 Of his coofitiCW;»/?^/W without drcddnr \ • rrrrrr r. T 
 Shall take the crowric^that wUs his fatftcrs righty : i i' 
 And therewith crowne himfclfe in th'othcrs ftcadi I 
 Then H^allhe iflew forth with drcadfull mighty; • .\'' 
 
 Againft his Saxonfocs in bloady field tp^fighc. iiiHof 
 
 rA't^'i i\\i] yd Sfncfldw b" ."-.. 
 
 Like as a Lyon, that in drowfic cauc 
 
 Hath long time flept^himfelfc fo iTiall he ftakc, 
 Andcommingforthjlliallfpredhis banner braue"iiH 
 Oner the troubled South, that itlliall make 
 The warlike CMertiam for fearc to quake : 
 Thrife iTiall he fight with them^and twife fhall win. 
 But the third time fliall faire accordauncc make : 
 And if he then with viiloric can lin. 
 
 He (ball his dayes with peace bring to his earthly la 
 
 His fonnc^hight Vortifore, (ball him fuccccdc 
 Inkingdomejbut not in felicity; 
 Yet fhall he long time warrc with happy Q>ccd^ . . '/ 
 And with great honour many battels try : 
 But at the laft to th'importunity 
 Offroward fortune (liall be forft to yield. - 
 But his fonne (JW^^^lballfuU mightily •! i. 
 Auengc his fathers lofle, with fpcarc and (hield^ 
 
 And his proud foes di(comfitin vi£i:orious field. 
 
 Behold the man, and tell mc ^//<?;»i>f. 
 If ay more goodly creature thou did(t (cc ^ 
 How like a Gyaunt in each manly part 
 Beares he himfclfe with portly maieftec. 
 That one of th'old Heroes fccmcs to bee : ^/ 
 
 He the fix Iflands, comprouinciall 
 In auncicnt times vnto great Britatncc, 
 Shall to the fame reduce, and to him call 
 
 Their fundry liigs to do their homage fcucrall.
 
 Cdni.IlI. FAERIE QVEENE. 435 
 
 All which his fbnncC^r^r/f/^ awhile 
 
 Shall well dcfendj and Saxons powrc fupprcflc 
 ^ Vntill a ftraungcr king from vnkownc fbylc 
 Arriuingjbim with multitude opprcfTej 
 Great Gormottd^ hauing with huge mightincflc 
 Ireland fubdewd^ and therein fixthis throne 
 Like a fwift Otter^ fell through emptinefle^ 
 Shall ouerfwim the fca with many one 
 
 Of his Noruey fes^ to affift the Britons fone. 
 
 He in his furie all fliall ouerrunne^ 
 
 And holy Church with faithleile hands deface 
 
 That thy fad people vtterly fordonnej 
 
 Shall to the vtmoft mountaines fly apace ; 
 
 Was neuerfb great waft in anyplace. 
 
 Nor fo fowle autrage doen by lining men: 
 
 For all thy Cities they fhall facke and race. 
 
 And the greene graftc^that growcth ^they fhall bren 
 
 That cuen the wild beaft fhall dy in ftarued den, ^ 
 
 Whiles thus the Britons do in languour pine. 
 Proud Etheldred fhall from the North arifc 
 Scruing th'ambitious will oiAugufttne^ 
 And palling D<rr with hardy enterprife. 
 Shall backe repulfe the valiaunt £r(?c/t)r^^twifc 
 And Bangor with maflacred Martyrs fill 5 
 But the third time fhall re w his foolhardifc ; 
 For Cddwan pittying his peoples ill. 
 
 Shall floutly him defeat, and thoufand Saxons kill. 
 
 But after hm^Cadwallin mightily 
 
 On his fonne Edwin all thofc wrongs fhall wreakc > 
 Ne fhall auaile the wicked forcery 
 of falfc Pellite, his purpoics to brcakc, 
 . . Ec 3.
 
 43^ THE III, BOOKE OF THE Cm.Ill., 
 
 BiithiiB (ballflay. andona gallowcs bicakc 
 Shall giiic tlVcnchauntcr his vnhappy hire 
 Then (hall the Britons^late difinayd and wcakc. 
 From tlicir long vafiTalage gin to refpire^ 
 And on dicir Paynini foes aiicnge their ranckled ire. 
 
 Nc iliall he yet his wrath fo mitigate. 
 
 Till both the (bnncs oiEdvpin he haue flaine, 
 Offrkke and Ofricke, twinnes vnfbrtunate, ' 
 Both flaine in battell vpon Layburne plainc. 
 Together with the king ofiLouthUne^ 
 Hight K^iin, and the king oiOrkeny , 
 Bot1i ioy nt partakers of the fa tall paine : 
 But Pe^i^a, fearcfuU of like dcfteny , 
 
 Shall yield him felfe his liegeman ^and fwearc fealty. 
 
 Him lliall he make his fatall Inftrument, -y ;. 
 
 Tafflidl the other Saxons ynfiibdewd; 
 He marching forth with fury infoleht 
 Againft the good king Ofwald^ who indewd 
 With heauenly powre^ and by Angels reskewd^ 
 All holding croAes in their hands on hyc. 
 Shall him defeate withouten bloud imbrewd: 
 Of which^that field for endlefle memory^ 
 
 Shall Heuenfield be cald to all pofterity. 
 
 Whereat C/t^w^^/K/^wroth, fliall forth iflcw. 
 And an huge hofte into Northumber lead^ 
 With which he godly Ofvpaldi\\A\ fubdew^ 
 And crowne with martyrdome his facred head. 
 Whole brother Ofmfj, daunted with like dread. 
 With price of filuer iTiall his kingdome buy^ 
 And Fenda, fccking him adownc to tread^ 
 Shall tread adowne^ and do him fowly dye. 
 
 But flail with gifts his Lor dC^^^ji^^/^/A; pacify. 
 
 Then
 
 CitttllL FAERIE Q\^EENE. 437 
 
 Then fhall Cadwallin dye^ and then the rainc 
 OiBritons eke with him attonce Hiail dye; 
 Nc lliall tlie good Cadwa/Udfr with painc 
 Or powre^behablc it to remedy, 
 VVhen the full time prcfixt by deftiny, 
 Shalbe expird of 5r/r<?/;; regiment. 
 For heauen it felfe lliall their fiiccefle cniiy 
 And them with plagues and murrins peftilent 
 
 Confiime^till all their warlike puiflauncc be ipent, 
 
 Ycc after all thele (brrowcs^and huge hills 
 
 Of dying people, during eight yeares ipacc^ 
 
 CadwalUder not yielding to his ills, 
 . From y^^7;;^;7V^'^,where long in wretched cacc 
 
 He liu'd, returning to his natiue place, 
 
 Shalbe by vifion ftaidfrom his intent ; 
 
 For th'heauens haue decreed, to difplacc 
 
 The Britons^ for their finncs dew punilTiment , 
 And to the Saxons ouer-giue their gouernment. 
 
 Then woe, and woe, and euerlafting woe. 
 Be to the Briton babe, that ftialbe borne. 
 To Hue in thraldome of his fathers foe ; 
 LateKing,now captiue,lateLord,now forlornc, 
 The worlds reproch,the cruell vigours fcorne, 
 Banidit from Princely bowre to waftfull wood: 
 
 O who fhall helpe me to lament,and mourrie 
 The royall feed, the antique Tro/a» blood, 
 Whofe Empire Icnger here^ theneucr any flood. 
 
 The Damzell was full decpe empfifiTioned, 
 Both for his gricfe^and for her peoples fakc^ ' 
 Whofe future woes fo plaine he falliioned, 
 Andfighing fore^ at length him thus bclpake; 
 
 Ec 4
 
 438 THE III- BOOKE OF THE Cm.llf. 
 
 Ah but willhcaucns fury ncucr flake, 
 Nor vcngcauncc huge relent it fclfe atlaft? 
 Will not long mifcry late mercy make. 
 But iliall their name for euer be defaft. 
 And quite from th earth their memory be raft? 
 
 Nay butthc terme(faid he)is limited. 
 
 That in this thraldome Britons iTiall abide. 
 
 And the iuft reuolution meafured. 
 
 That they as Straungers (lialbe notifidc. 
 
 For twife foure hundreth fhilbe fupplidc. 
 
 Ere they to former rule refl:or'd ilialbec. 
 
 And their importune fates all fatisfide : 
 
 Yet during this their moft obfcuritec, (may fee. 
 
 Their beames fliall oft breake forth^that men them fairc 
 
 For Rhodoricke, whofe furname fhalbe Creat^ 
 Shall of him felfe a braue enfample fliew. 
 That Saxon kings his friendlTiip lliall intreat 5 
 And Howell Dha fhall goodly vvell indew 
 The faluage minds with skill of iuft and trcw ; 
 Then Grijfyth Comn alfo fhall vp reare 
 His dreaded headland the. old (parkes renew 
 Of natiue courage ^that his foes fhall fearc, (bcarc. 
 
 Leaft backe againe the kingdome he from them iliould 
 
 Ne (lull the Saxons felues all peaceably 
 
 Enioy the crowne^which they from Britons wonnc 
 Firft ill^ and after ruled wickedly : 
 For crc two hundred yeares be full oucrronne^ 
 There fhall aRaucnfatfrom rifing Sunne, 
 With his wide wings vpon them fiercely fly. 
 And bid his fa ithleflc chickens ouerronnc 
 The fruitfull plaines,and with fcUcruelty, 
 
 In their auenge.tread dawne the vi6lours furquedry. 
 
 Yet
 
 CMt.lII. FAERIE QVEENE; 45^ 
 
 Yet fhall a third both thefc^ and thine fiibdcw \ 
 There iliall a Lyon from the fea-bord wood 
 OiNeuflria come roring , with a crew 
 Of hungry whclpes, his battailous bold brood, 
 W'hofe clawes were newly dipt in cruddy bloody ^ 
 Tliat from the Daniske Tyrants head iliall rend 
 Th Vfurped crownc^as if that he were wood. 
 And the fpoile of the conn trey conquered 
 
 Emongfl: his young ones fhall diuide with bountyhed^ 
 
 Tho when the termc is full accomplifhid. 
 
 There fhall a Iparke of firc,which hath long-while 
 
 Bene in his allies raked vp, and hid. 
 
 Be frclTily kindled in the fruitful! He 
 
 Of c>Kt7/;4, where it lurked in exile ; 
 
 Which fhall breake forth into bright burning flamc^ 
 
 And reach into the houfe, that beares the ftilc 
 
 Of royall maiefty and foucraigne name ; 
 
 So (hall the Briton bloud their crowne againc reclame. 
 
 Thenceforth etcrnall vnion fhall be made 
 Betwcene the nations diflfcrent afore, 
 And facred Peace lliall louingly perfwade 
 The warlike minds, to learne her goodly lore. 
 And ciuile armes to cxercife no more : 
 Then fhall a royall virgin raine^ which fhall 
 Stretch her white rod ouer the Belgicke fhorc, 
 ■ And the great Caftle imittffo fore with all, 
 
 That itfhall make him fhake,and rtiortly learne to fall. 
 
 But yet the end is not . There ^ierlin fta^d. 
 As oucrcomen of the fpirites powre. 
 Or other ghaftly (pelade difmayd. 
 That fecrctly he faw, yet note difcourc :
 
 440 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cm.JU. 
 
 Which fuddciil fit^atidhalfe c.xtatick ftoiirc 
 When the two fearefuli women iaw^thcy grew 
 Greatly confuicd in behauiourcj . 
 At laft the fury pad, to former hew 
 She tiitnd againejaud chearefull looks did-flicw. 
 
 Then ^when them fclues tliey well inftruiSled had 
 Ofall^that needed them to be inqnirdj 
 
 They both conceiiiing hope of comfort pladj . . 
 With lighter hearts vnto their home retird; 
 VVherctheyinfecfctcounfclIcloreconfpird^ 
 How to effed: fo hard an enterprize^ 
 And to pofTeffe thcipurpofe they defird; 
 Now this^now that twixt them tfjey did dcui/c. 
 And diuerfe plots did frame^to maske in ftrangc deuifc. 
 
 At laft theNpurfe in her foolhardy wit 
 
 Conceiu'dabolddeuiiCj and thus be/pakc; 
 
 Daughter J I dceme that counfell aye moft fir^ 
 
 That of the time doth dew aduauntage take j 
 
 Ye fee that gpod kitig Vihxr now doth make J}o::r:3 ' ; 
 
 Strong warrevpon the P4ynimbrethrcn^highc 1 
 
 OUa and Oxa^ whom he lately brake 
 
 Bcfidc Cayr VeroUme, in vidorious fighr^ 
 
 That now all Britanie doth burne in amies bright, 
 
 ;iiiiyoij; . 
 
 That therefore nought our paflagemay empcach^ 
 Let vs in feigned armesourfelues difguizc, (teach 
 And our weake hands (whom need nevy ftrcngth ftiajl 
 The dreadfuU fpeare and Hiield to exercize,: 
 Necertes daughter that fame warlike wize: • 
 I wecncjwould you mifl<:emc ; for ye bene tall. 
 And large of limbe, t'atchieue an hard emprizc, 
 Ne ought ye \yant3b11t skilly which pracSazcfoalJ > 
 
 Will bringj and iliortly make yoiia mayd Martial!. 
 
 And
 
 cm.ilh FAERIE QVEENE. 441 
 
 And Tooth, It ought your courage much inflamcj ^ 
 To hears fb ofteiijin that royall houSj' 
 From whence to none infcriour yc came : 
 Bards tell of many women valorous 
 Which haue full many feats aducnturous^ti ^^^ hru 
 Performd, in para gone ofprou deft men: 
 The bold ^»W^^4,whofe victorious 
 Exploits made Rome to quake, ftout Guendokrij 
 
 Rcnowmcd (Mart/a^ and redoubted Emmilen, 
 
 su. • i^o^iIliQV1^fJ adiobm/. 
 
 And that, which more then all ffic r'efl: may fvvay^ 
 Late dayes enfample, which thelc eyes beheld^ 
 In the laft field before t^Meneuin 
 Which Vther with thofe forrein Pagans hcld^ 
 Haw a ^rfA-f?/? Virgin, the which feld 
 Great Vlfi?} thrifc vpon the bloudy plainCj 
 And had not C^r^^ic^i her hand withheld 
 From rafh rcuenge, fhe.had him furely flainc, . 
 
 Yet Cay Ados himlclfe from her efcapt with painc. 
 
 Ah read,(quoth Britomart)h.OYf is Hie hight? 
 Fairc o/^^<r/^(quoth fhe)men do her call, . 
 No whit leflcfairc, then terrible in fight: 
 She hath the leading of a Martial] 
 And mighty people, dreaded more then ail 
 The other Saxom^ which do for her fake 
 And loue, themfelues of her name Ai7glesc2X[^ ^ i 
 Therefore fairc Infant her enfample mal<c // 
 
 Vnto thy fclfej and e quail courage to thee take. 
 
 Her harty words (b deepe into the mynd 
 
 Of the young Damzell funke, that great dcfirc 
 Of warlike amies in her forthwith they tynd^ 
 And generous flout courage did inipirc> • 
 .il'ioi^^^-vtoqi;;:' .;idi>l! .
 
 442 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CArjtm, 
 
 That llic rcfolu d, vnmccting to her Sirc^ ^ 
 
 Adiiciit'rous kndghthood on her fclfc to don^ 
 And counfeld with her Noiirfc^her Maides attire 
 To turne into a maiTy habergeon^ 
 And badhcr alhhingspiitinreadincflcanon. 
 
 Th'old woman nought^ that nccded^did omit 5 
 But all things did connicntly puruay : 
 It fortuncd{.fo time their turne did fit) 
 A band of Britons ryding on for ray 
 Few dryes beforCj had'gotten a great pray 
 Of Saxon goods, cmongf I the which was fcenc 
 A goodly Armour^andfull rich aray, 
 V\ hich'longdto Angek,x\\t Saxon Qiieen^^ 
 
 All fretted round with gold^and goodly well befcenc. 
 
 The fame, with all the other ornaments, 
 
 Y>k\2^Rjens€ catilcd to be hanged hy 
 
 In his chiefe Church /or endlefle monimcnts? ■ '^ ' '' 
 
 Of his fuccefle and gladfuU vidory ; 
 
 Ofvvhichher felfe auifing readily. 
 
 In th'euening late oiAcUuce thither led 
 
 Faire Britamarty and that fame Armory 
 
 Downc talcing, her therein appareled. 
 Well as l*he might, and with braue bauldriclc garnifhed. 
 
 Befide thoie armes there ftood'a^iiighty {pea re. 
 Which Bladudm^dc by Magick art of yore. 
 And vfd the fame in battell aye to bcarc 5 
 Sith which it had bin here prefer ud in ftorc. 
 For his great vertucs proued Jong afore : 
 For ncuer wight fb fafl in fell could fit. 
 But him perforce vnto the ground it bore : 
 Both fpeare fhe tookejand fhieldjwhich hong by it: - 
 
 Both fpeare & iTiieldof great powre /or her purpofe fit 
 
 Thus
 
 CMUtl. FAERIE QVEENE. 443 
 
 Thus when (he had the virgin all aravd , 
 
 Another harnciic, which did hang thereby. 
 About her felfe fhe dight^ thatthc youngMayd 
 She might in cquall armcs accompany. 
 And as her Squire attend her carefully : 
 Tho to their ready Steeds they clombe full h'ght^ 
 And through back waycs^that none might them cipy^ 
 Couercd with fecret cloud of filent night, 
 Thcmfelues they forth conuayd^&paffcd forward right. 
 
 Nc rcfted they, till that to "Faery lond 
 
 They came, as UHerlm them direftcd late : 
 
 Where meeting with this Redcroffi knight^fhe fond 
 
 Of diuerfe things difcourfcs to dilate^ 
 
 But moft oiK^rthegall^ and his eftatc. 
 
 At laft their wayes fb fell, that they motepart 
 
 Then each to other well affedionate, 
 
 Fricndfhip profeflcd with vnfaincd hart. 
 
 The Redcrojfe knight diucrft^ but forth rode Britomm. 
 
 * Canu 

 
 444 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CmdUU 
 
 Qmt IIIL ^ 
 
 3old MariwliofBritomart , 
 // throwne on the %ichftronci: 
 )5^1 Taire Tlortmell of Arthur is 
 i^^ Long followed^ hut not fond. 
 
 WHcrc IS the Antique glory nowbcconic^ 
 That whilomc wont in women to appcarc ? 
 Where be the braueatchieuements doen byibmc? 
 Where be the battels, where the fhield andfpearc, 
 Andallthe conqucfts^which them high did rearc. 
 That matter made for famous Poets verfe, ^ 
 And boaftfuU men fo oft abaflit to heare? 
 Bene they all dead, and laid in dolcfullhcrfc? \vi 
 Or docn they onely Qcepe^and (hall againe reucrfc? 
 
 If they be dead^thcn woe is me ther?Ibre : 
 But if they fleepe 5 6 let them foone awake: 
 For all too long I burne with cnuy fore. 
 To heare the warlike feates^which Homer e ipakc 
 Of bold PMthefilee^ which made a lake 
 OiGreekish bloud fo oft in Troidfi plainc 5 
 But when I read, how ftout D^W^ ftrakc 
 VtowASiferay and how C^wZ/'hath flainc 
 
 The huge Orfilochtu^ I fwcU with great difdainc. 
 
 Yet thefe, and all that clfc hadpuiflauncc, , 
 Cannot with noble Britomart compare 3 
 Afwell for glory of great valiaunce, 
 As for pure chaftitic and vcrtuc ^arc. 
 
 That
 
 CmUIU. faerie aVEENE. 445 
 
 That all her goodly deeds do well declare. 
 Well worthy (lock, froni which the branches fprong, 
 That in late yeares fb faire a bloflbme bare. 
 As thee ,6 Qucene, the matter of my fbng^ 
 VVhofe lignagc from this Lady I deriiie along.,.^; 
 
 Who when through (peaches with the RedcroJJe knight. 
 She learned had th'eftate oiArthegall^ 
 And in each point her felfe informd aright^ 
 A friendly league of loue pcjpetuall 
 ~ She with him bound^ and Congito^^z withall. 
 Then he forth on hisiourney did proceede. 
 To feeke aducntures, which mote him befall. 
 And win him worfhip through his warlike dced^ 
 
 Which alwayes of his paines he made the cliicfcft meed. 
 
 But 5r/f^«;^r/ kept on her former courfcy 
 Ne cuer dofte her armes, butall the way 
 Crew penfiue through that amorous difcourfc^ 
 By which the Redcroffe knight did earft di/play 
 Her louers fhape^and cheualrous aray ; 
 A thoufand thoughts (hefafbioned in her mind^ 
 And in her feigning fancie didpourtray 
 Him fuch^as fitteft l"hc for loue could find, 
 
 Wife^warlike^perfonable^curteouSj and kind.. 
 
 With fuch fclfe-plcafing thoughts her wound fhe fed. 
 And thought fo to beguile her gricuous finart. 
 But fohcrfmart was much more grieuous bred. 
 And the deepe wound more dccpeengord her hart^ 
 That nought but death her dolour mote depart. <■ ; 
 So forth file rode without repofe or reft. 
 Searching all lands and each remotcft part,. 
 Following the guidauncc of her blinded guefl-,. 
 
 Tillthat tothc fea-coaft at length Hie her addrer.
 
 44^ THE III. BOOKE OF THE CmJUh 
 
 There flic alighted from her light-fbbt bcaft^ 
 And fitting downe vpoathc rocky fhorc. 
 Bad her old Squire vnlacc her lofty creaft ; 
 Tho hauing vewd a while the furgcs horc. 
 That gainft the craggy clifts did loudly rprc. 
 And in their raginglurquedry difHaynd^ 
 That the faft earth affronted them fo (ore. 
 And their deuoring couetize reftraynd. 
 
 Thereat ibe fighcd dcepe^ and after thus complaynd,^ 
 
 Huge fea of Ibrrovv, and tempeftuous gricfe^ 
 Wherein my feeble barkc is toffcd long. 
 Far from the hdpcd hauen of reliefe. 
 Who do thy cruell billowes beat fo ftrong. 
 And thy moyft mountaines each on others throng, 
 Thrcatning to fwallow vp my fearefull life? 
 O do thy cruell wrath and fpightfuU wrong 
 At length allay^ and ftint thy ftormy ftrifc. 
 
 Which in thefc troubled bowels raignes,& rageth rifcj 
 
 For clfc my feeble veflcll crazd, and crackt 
 
 Through thy ftrong buffets and outrageous blowes^ 
 Cannot endure, but needs it muft be wirackt 
 On the rough rocks, or on the fandy flialloweSj 
 The whiles that loue it fteres_, and fortune rowes 5 
 Louc my lewd Pilot hath a reftlcffe mind 
 And fortune Botefwainc no afliirauncc knowes. 
 But faile withouten flarres, gainft tide and wind: 
 
 How iCan they other do,fith both arc bold and blind? 
 
 Thou God of winds, that raigneft in the leas. 
 That raigneft alfo in the Continent, 
 At laft blowvp fome gentle gale of cafe. 
 The which may bring my (hip, ere it be rent, 
 
 Vnto
 
 Or»f.///A '^FAERIE QVEENE. 447 
 
 Vnto the gkdfomc pbfrt 6f her int^ht : '^^^ ?:>ric(;L j 
 Then when I (hall my fclfc in (afety fee, ^'"^'^'^ ^^^'"^ > 
 A table for eternall moniment 
 Of thy great grace, and my great ieopardee. 
 Great A^<y/«w, I audw to hallow vnto theCi ' <i 
 
 Then fighing (bftly fore , and inly decpe. 
 She fhiit vp all her plaint in priuy griefe ; 
 For her grrat courage would nor let her weepe^ 
 Till that old G/auce gan with fharpe rcpriefe^ 
 Her to reftraine .and giue her good rclicfe. 
 Through hope of thofc, which UUerlm had her told 
 Should of her name and nation be chicfe. 
 And fetchthcir being from the facrcd mould 
 
 Of her immortall wombe, to be in heauen enrold. 
 
 Thus as file her recomforted, fhe (pydc. 
 Where fatre away one all in armour bright^ 
 
 •^ ^/V' ith haftie gallop towards her did ryde ; 
 Her dolour (bone fhe ceaft^ and on her dight 
 Her Helmet, to her Courfermountinghght: 
 Her former fbrrow into fuddcin wrath. 
 Both coofcn paflions of diftroubled fpright, 
 Conuerting , forth fhe beates the dufticpath 5 
 
 Louc and dcfpight attonce her courage kindled hath. 
 
 As when a fogey mifl: hath ouercaft 
 
 The face ot heauen, and the clearc aire engroftj 
 The world in darkenefledwcls, till that at laft 
 The watry Southwinde from the fcabordcoft 
 Vpblowing , doth difperfc the vapour lo*ft, 
 And poures it (clfc forth in a (lormy fhowre ; 
 So the fairc Britomart haulng difclo'ft 
 He r clo wdy care in to a wrathfull ftowrc. 
 
 The mift of griefe difIblu*d,into vengeance powre.
 
 448 THE III. BaOJCE'QF'THE C^UJU. 
 
 Eftfooncs her gpOfdl)| (hiciy^^cJdrdCng fti% -rJt oinV 
 That mortal^fpqaf ^/hC'iivI)(^r)?aii3'qltci t^ 
 Andvntobattclldidhcrfclfeprcpairp, ^ ' 
 The knight approching , {Icrnclyjicr bc/pakc ; 
 Sirknight^thatdpcftthj^ypyag^^railily^i^ ..ir.-^iO 
 By this forbidden way in my defpight,' 
 Nc doeft by others death cnfamplc takc^ 
 I read thee foone retyre, whiles thou haft mighty 
 
 Leaft afterwards it be too late to take thy flight, 
 
 Ythrild with decpc difdaineof his proud threat. 
 She iTiortly thus ; Fly they, that need to fly ; 
 VVoirds fearen babes. I meane not thee entreat 
 To paiTe, but maugrc tjocp will pajj^cpr dyr^. .^ , : 
 Ne lenger ftayd for th'other to reply. 
 But with fharpeipeares the reft made dearly knownc, 
 Srongly theftraungeknightran^andfturdily - 7 
 
 Strooke her full on the brcfl:_, tli^atmadc her downc 
 
 Decline her head, &toucbhjerci;oMber with her crownc. 
 
 But fhe againe him in the (hicld did finite 
 With fo fierce furie and great puiflabqcc, , 
 That through his thrcf/quare jfoijchin pcrcing quite. 
 And through his mayled hauhc;rque ,by mifchauncc 
 The wicked fteele through his left fide did glaunces 
 Him fb transfixed (lie before her bore 
 Beyond his croupe, the length of all her launcc, 
 Tillfadly foucingon thcfandie iTiorc, 
 
 He tomblcd on an heape^ and wallowd in his gore. 
 
 Like as the facrcdOxe, that careleffe ftands. 
 
 With gilden homes, and flowry girlonds crownd. 
 Proud of his dying honor and dearc bands. 
 Whiles tlValtars fume with frankinccnfc arownd^ 
 
 All
 
 C^>.///7^ :^tAgRIE QVEENE. ^ 44<; 
 
 All fuddciily with morfell ftrok'e aftbvvhdy 
 Doth groircHrtgfalljand with his ftreaming gore 
 Diftaines the pillours^and the holy grownd^ 
 And the fairc flowres, that decked him afore; 
 So fell proud Mar well ypoii the prctious Ihore. 
 
 The martiall Mayd ftayd not him to lament. 
 But forward rode, and kept her rcadie way 
 Along the ftrond , which as iTie ouer-went/^ I?'^ t i;c 2 
 She faw beftrowcd all with rich aray 
 Of pearles and pretious ftones of great aflay. 
 And all the grauell mixt with golden owre ; 
 Whereat (he wondrcd much, but would not flay 
 For gold, or pcrles^or pretious ftones an howre. 
 
 But them dcfpifed all; for all was in her powre, 
 
 Whiles thu^ he lay in deadly ftoiliflirricht; \ 
 
 Tydihgshereof camie tohis mothers cat'e; - -A 
 ' His mother was the blacte-browd Cymoent'p^ - ^ " '^' 
 The daughter of great Nereus^ which did bcarc 
 This warlike fonncvhtoan earthly pcarc^ >(j v';!nc>ri<:' 
 The famous 'bunnttltis^^^^ 6na day im\i..^^.vR 
 Findingth^ Hymph iaflcepein (ccretwhearc. 
 As he by chaunce did wander that fame way. 
 
 Was takeft with her loue, and by her clofcly layv : 
 
 The re he this knight tif her begot, whorh borne 
 She of his father MarinelldxA name^ v ' J i'^'^ i ^u^ •■ 
 And in a rocky caue as wight forlophc^h * 
 Longtime fhe foftrcdvp, till he became 
 A mightic rftart at armes, and mickle fame ' ^ - 
 Did get through great aduentures by him donnc : 
 For neuer man he luftVed by that fame 
 Rich[lrondio traucll^whcteas^hcdid woone^, -vXl 
 
 But that he muft do battell with the Sea-nymphcs fonnc. 
 
 Ff 2
 
 450 THE IJI, BOOKE OF THE C^^tAUJ^ 
 
 An hundred knights QfJhon(!«:;*Wcnan?C/ v;.r:';)iil {]A 
 He had fubdcwd, and thenn his vafl^Is madc^ ' ' ' 
 That through all Farie lond his noble fame 
 Now blazed was^andfearc did all inuadc. 
 That none durft pafli^ni through ti\;^;pcril<pu5 ^U^p^g 
 And to aduancc his name and glorie more. 
 Her Sea-god fyrefhc dearcly did perfwade, 
 T'endovvherfonn^ with thrcafurc and rich ftorc, 
 
 Boue all thcfonn<?s;,:th.^dwx?f0'9f Pai^ ybore. 
 
 Vtu; HjIi \\vrv Hi; h5v/o-;ft'.vJ 
 
 The Cod did graunt his daughtersdeare demaund. 
 To doen his Nephew in all riches flow ; 
 EftfooncsMs heaped w^ucs he did comms^und^. 
 Out of th^ir hP-lloiv bpfprnerferth; fo throw 
 All the huge threafure, which the fea below 
 Had in his grcedie gulfe deuoured deepc. 
 And him enriched through the oucrthrow \ / 
 
 And wreckes of many wrptcl:>c.s^whichdiid w^cpjtj, 
 
 And often wailc their. weaUh ywhich he f^m Acm did 
 -''•.>,■ '; i-i' ,»M'>- '■ ' 1..- ■ .'i' • <^o;;» t." ' (kccpe. 
 
 Shortly vpoji that iliore there heaped was. 
 
 Exceeding ricfi<Ss atld -all^prc^WM^^hings^u;! fvil 
 
 Thefpoyle of alLthe worlds that it did pds . 
 
 The wealth of th-Eaft, an^dpomp^pf /'^fr/^^kings; 
 
 Gold, amber, yuQrie, pfi^les, pwchcs^rings. 
 
 And all that elfe was prctious and deare,^ 
 
 The fea vntb hini voluntary brings, ; 1 1>| ? j - "j - H 3^ ..r\T 
 
 That fhortly he a great Lord did appcatc^ ' ' ■' ' 
 
 As was in all thclond of Faery, or clfewhcare,.,! -^^^ix 
 
 Thereto he wa^ a'doughtie drcadcid.lcnigbt>.'i/l;jun h 
 Tryde^bften to the fcath of many deare, \ " f; ;^'" 
 That none in equall armcs him matchen niightj 
 The vYhiehhis.iiiaiihcxifociwgii'-gainito fc^a/v^ i r ;^.
 
 ant. II n. FAERIE QVEENE. 4J1 
 
 Lcaft his too haiightic hardirics mighrrcarc 
 Some hard mifhap ^ in hazard of his hfe : 
 For thy fhc oft him counfeld to forbcarc 
 The bloudic battell, and to ftirre vp ftrife,^ 
 But after all his warrc ^ to reft his wearie knife. 
 
 And ft)r his more aflurancc ^ fhe inquir'd 
 One day of fyotcm by his mightie fpell^ 
 (For Proteds was with prophecic infpir'd ) 
 Her deare fbnncs dcftinie to her to tell^ 
 And the fad end of her fweet Marinell. 
 VVho through forefight of his eternal] skillj 
 Bad her from womankind to keepe him well : 
 For of a woman he fhoiild haue much ill^ 
 
 A virgin ftrange and ftout him fhould dxfmay^or kill. 
 
 For thy (lie gaue him warning euery day, 
 Theloue of women not to entertainer 
 A lefTon too too hard for liuing day. 
 From loue in courfe of nature to refraine : 
 Yet he his mothers lore did well retainc. 
 And euer from faire Ladies loue did fly; 
 Yet many Ladies faire did oft complainc. 
 That they for loue of him would algates dy : 
 
 Dy^ who fo lift for him, he was loues cnimy. 
 
 But ah, who can dcceiue his deftiny. 
 Or weenc by warning to auoyd his fate ? 
 That when he fleepes in moft fccurity. 
 And fafcft feemes, him fooncft doth amate. 
 And findeth dew effeft or (bone or late. 
 So feeble is the powre of flefhly arme. 
 His mother bad him womens loue to hate. 
 For fhe of womans force did feare no harme ; 
 
 So weening to haue arm'd him j (he did quite difarmc. 
 
 Ff3
 
 452 THE IIIBOOKE OF THE C4HUIIh 
 
 This was th;it woman, this that deadly wound. 
 That Vrottm prophccidc (hould him difinay, 
 The which his mother vainely did expound. 
 To be hart-wounding loue, which fhould affay 
 To bring her fonne vnto his laft decay. 
 So tickle be the termes of mortall ftatc. 
 And fullof iiibtile fophifines^ which do play 
 With double fcnfts^and with falfe debate^ 
 
 Tapprouc the vnknowcn purpofe of eternal] fate. 
 
 Too true the famous Mmnell it fownd. 
 
 Who through late triall, on that wealthy Strond* 
 Inglorious now lies in fenfclefic fwownd. 
 Through heauy ftroke of Britomartii bond. 
 Which when his mother dearc did vnderftond. 
 And heauy tydings heard, whereas fheplayd 
 Amongft her watry fiftcrs by a pond. 
 Gathering fwcet daffadillyes, to hauc made 
 
 Gay girlonds/rom the Sun their forheads fairc to ftadc,. 
 
 Eftfoones both flowrcs and girlonds farrc away 
 She flong,andhcrfairedeawylockes yrent^ 
 To forrow huge fhe t umd her former play^ 
 And gamefbn merth to grieuous dreriment: 
 She threw her fclfe downe on the Continent^ 
 Ne word did Ipeake, but lay as in a fwowne. 
 Whiles allherfifters did for her lament. 
 With yelling outcries, and with rtiriekingfownc; 
 
 And cuery one did teare her girlond from her crownc. 
 
 Soonc as fhc vp out of her deadly fit 
 
 Arofe, fhe bad her charet to be brought. 
 And all her fiftcrs, that with her did fit. 
 Bad ckc attonce their charets to be fought ^ 
 
 Tho
 
 anf.lin. FAERIE QVEENE 453 
 
 Tho full of bitter gricfc and pcnfiuc thought^ 
 She to:hcr wagon clombc;clombc all the reft. 
 And forth together wcnt^ with fbrrow fraught. 
 The waues obedient to their beheaft. 
 
 Them y iclde4 readie paffagc ^ and their rage furccaft, 
 
 '"iiZ- . :!oq-! '\'r:: ■(:♦-) t'.-jH. rr'r^ 
 
 Great Neptune flood amazed attheir fight, ' 
 Whiles on his broad round backe they Ibfily Aid 
 And eke himielfe mournd at their mournful! plightj 
 Yet wiftnotwhattheirwailing ment^yct did 
 For great compaffion of their forrow^ bid 
 His mightie waters to them buxome bee ; 
 Eftfoones the roaring billowes ftill abid^ 
 And all the gricfly Monfters of the Sec 
 
 Stood gaping at their gate, and wondred them to fee, 
 
 A teme of Dolphins raunged in aray. 
 Drew the fmooth charet of fad Cyntoent ; 
 They were all taught by Tr/><?;!f 3 to obay 
 To the long traines^ at her commaundcmcnt: 
 As fwift as fwallowes^ on the waues they went. 
 That their broad flaggie fihnes no fomc did rearc^ 
 Ne bubbling roundell they behind tliemfcnt; 
 The reft of other fifhes drawen weare. 
 
 Which with their finny oars t'lc fwclling lea did fhearc, 
 
 Soonc as they bene arriu'd vpon the brim ihi^Ki 
 
 Ofthc Richflrond. their charcts they forlorc^ ' ^ 
 And let their temed fifties Ibftly fwim 
 Along the margentof the fomy fhorc, 
 Leaft they their finnes fhould bruzc^and furbatc fore 
 Their tender fett vpon the ftony ground : 
 And comming to the plact, where all in gore 
 And cruddy bloud enwallowed they found 
 
 The lucklcfTc Mmnell^ lying in deadly fwound 5 
 
 Ff 4
 
 454 THE III.BOOKE OF THE CshUIIL 
 
 His mother (wo wned thrifc, and the third time 
 Could fcarcc recoiicred be out of her painc ; 
 Had fhe not bene deuoyd of mortall flimc. 
 She Oiould not then haue bene rcliu'd againc^ 
 But foone as life recouercd had the raine^ 
 She made fo piteous mone and deare wayment. 
 That the hard rocks could fcarfe from teares refrainc^ 
 And all her fifter Nymphes with one confcnt 
 
 Supplidc her fobbing breaches with fad complement. 
 
 Deare image of my fclfc (fhe faid) thatis. 
 
 The wretched fonne of wretched mother bornc> 
 Is this thine high aduaunccment, 6 is this 
 Th'immortall name, with which thee yctvnbornc 
 Thy Granfirc Nerem promifl to adorne ? 
 Now lyeft thou of life and honor reft ; 
 Now lyeft thou a lumpe of earth forlornc, 
 Ne of thy late life memory is left, 
 
 Ne can thy irreuocable-dcftiny be weft ? 
 
 Fond Proteus^ fatherof falfc prophccis^ 
 
 And they more fond, that credit to thee giuc. 
 
 Not this the workc of womans hand ywis, (driuc. 
 
 Thatfb deepe wound through thefc deare members 
 
 I feared loue; but they that loue do liue. 
 
 But they that die, doe neither loue nor hate. 
 
 Nath'lefTe to thee thy folly I forgiuc. 
 
 And to my fclfe , and to accurfed fate 
 
 The guilt I doe afcribe; deare wifedomc bought too late. 
 
 O whata^uailes itof immortall feed 
 
 To becnc ybrcd and neuer bome*o die ? 
 Farrc better I it deeme to die with fpeed. 
 Then wafte in woe and wailefull mifcric. 
 
 Who
 
 CdnKllih FAERIE QVEENE. 455 
 
 ^'ho dyes the vtmoft dolour doth abyc. 
 But who that liucs^ is left to vvailc his loflc : 
 So Hfc is loflc, and death felicitic. 
 Sad hfc worfc then glad death ; and greater crofle 
 To fee friends grauc^the dead the graue fclfe to engrofle. 
 
 But if thcheaucnsdidhisdaycsenuie. 
 
 And my fhort bhflc malignc, yet mote they well 
 
 Thus much afford me^ ere that he did die 
 
 That the dim eyes of my deare Mmnell 
 
 I mote haue clofed, and him bed farewell^ 
 
 Sith other offices for mother meet 
 
 They would not graunt. 
 
 Yet maulgre them farewell, my fwecteftfweet; 
 
 Farewell my fweetcft fonne , fith wc no more lliall meet. 
 
 Thus when they all had Ibrrowe d their fill. 
 They foftly gan to fearch his griefly wound : 
 And that they might him handle more at will. 
 They him difarm*d,andfpreddingon the ground 
 Their watchet mantles frindgd with filuer round. 
 They (bftly wipt away the gelly blood 
 From th'orificc ; which hauing well vpbound. 
 They pourd in foueraine balmc, and Nedar good. 
 
 Good both for earthly mcd'cine, and for heauenly food. 
 
 Tho when the lilly handed Lugore^ 
 
 (This Lidgpre whylome had learned skill 
 In leaches craft, by great Affolloes lore, 
 Sith her whylome vpon high Pindm hill. 
 He loucd, and at laft her wombe did fill 
 Withheauenly feed, whereof wife F^on iprong) 
 Did feele his puirc,flic knew their ftaied ftill 
 Some litlc life his feeble fprites cmong ; 
 
 Which to his mother told ^dc(peirc fhc from her flong»
 
 45^ THE III. BOOKE OF THE amJIlh 
 
 Tho vp him taking in their tender hands^ 
 They cafily vnto her charct bearc : 
 Her temc at her commaundement quiet ftands. 
 Whiles they the corfc into her wagon reare. 
 And ftrow with flowrcs the lamentable bearc; 
 Then all the reft into their coches clim^ 
 And through the brackifh waues their paflage fliearej 
 Vpon great Neptunes necke they (bftly fwim^ 
 
 And to her watry chamber fwiftly carry him. 
 
 Dccpc in the bottomc of the fea , her bowrc 
 Is built ofhoUow billowes heaped hyc^ 
 Like to thicke cloudcSj that threat a ftormy fhowrc3 
 And vauted all within, like to the sky. 
 In which the Gods do dwell eternally : 
 There they him laid in cafie couch well dightj 
 And fcnt in haftc for Tryfhon , to apply 
 Salucs to his wounds^and medicines of might: 
 
 For Tryphon of fea gods the foueraine leach is highn 
 
 The whiles the Nymphes fit all about him round^ 
 Lamentinghis mifhap and hcauy plight ; 
 And oft his mother vcwing his wide wound^ 
 Curfed the hand , that did fo deadly fmight 
 Her dearcft fbnnc, her deareft harts delight. 
 But none of all thoic curfes ouertookc 
 The warlike Maid, th'enfamplc of that might. 
 But faircly well fhc thriu'd^and well did brookc 
 
 Her noble deeds, ne her right courfc for ought forfbokc. 
 
 Yet did falfc i^rchimage her ftill purfew. 
 To bring to pafTehis mifchieuous intent. 
 Now that he had her fingled from the crew 
 Of courteous knights, the Prince^and Facry gent, 
 
 i^irio Whpm
 
 CunUlliU FAERIE QVEENE. 457 
 
 Whom late ill chacc of bcautic excellent 
 She left^purfewing that fame foftcr llrongj 
 Ofwhofe foule outrage they impatient. 
 And full of fiery zeale^him followed long , 
 To reskew her from fhame^and to rcuenge her wrong. 
 
 Through thidc and thin,through mountaines & through 
 Thofe two great chapions did attonce purfew (plains^ 
 The fearefull damzell, with inceflant paines : 
 Who from them fled, as light-foot hare from vew 
 Of hunter fwift, and fent of houndes trew. 
 At laft they came vnto a double way. 
 Where 3 doubtful! which to take, her to reskew, 
 Themfelues they did difpart, each toaflay. 
 
 Whether more happie were, to win fo goodly pray* 
 
 But T/wW ,the Princes gentle Squire, 
 That Ladies loue vnto his Lord forlent^ 
 And with proud enuy,and indignant ire. 
 After that wicked fofter fiercely went. 
 So beene they three three fundry wayes ybent. 
 But faireft fortune to the Prince befell, 
 Whofc chaunce it was, that foone he did repent^ 
 To take that way, in which that Damozell 
 
 Was fled afore, affraid of him, as feend of hell. 
 
 At laft of her farre off he gained vew r 
 
 Then gan he frefhly pricke his fomy fteed. 
 
 And cuer as he nigher to her drew. 
 
 So euermore he did increafe his fpeed. 
 
 And of each turning ftillkept waric heed: 
 
 Aloud to her he oftaitimes did call. 
 
 To doe away vaine doubt, and necdleflc dreed r 
 
 Pull myld to her he fpakc , and oft let fall 
 
 : Many mcckc wordcs, to ftay and comfort her withaH^
 
 458 THE III. BOOKE OF THE dnUllh 
 
 But nothing might relent her haftic flight 5 
 So deepc the deadly fcare of that foule (wainc 
 Was card imprcfled in her gentle Ipright : 
 Like as a fearefiill Done, which through the rainc 
 Of the wide aire her way does cut amainc^ 
 Hauing farre off efpydc a TafTell gent. 
 Which after her his nimble wings doth ftrainc 
 Doubleth her hafte for feare to be for-hent^ 
 
 And with her pincons cle-^ues the liquid firmament. 
 
 With no Icflc haftc^ and eke with no leflc dreed. 
 That fearefull Ladie fled from him, that ment 
 To her no euill thought, nor euill deed ; 
 Yet former feare of being fowly fhenr. 
 Carried her forward with her firfl intent : 
 And though oft looking backward, well fhc vc wd^ 
 Her felfe freed from that fofter infblent. 
 And chat it was a knight^ which now her fcwd. 
 
 Yet (lie no leflTc the knight feard, then that villein rude. 
 
 His vncouth (hield and ftraunge amies her difinayd^ 
 Whofc like in Faery lond were (eldomc fcene. 
 That faft (lie from him fled, no lelTe aflrayd. 
 Then of wilde beaftes if fhc had chafed beenc : 
 Yet he her foUowd flill with courage keenc. 
 So long that now the golden Hefpcrtis 
 Was mounted high in top of heauen fheenc. 
 And warnd his other brethren ioyeous. 
 
 To light their blcdcd lamps in loucs cternall hous. 
 
 All fuddenly dim woxe the dampiiTi ayrc, 
 
 And griefly lliadowes couered heauen bright, ' 
 That now with thoufand flarres was decked fayrc 5 
 Which when the Prince beheld, a lothfuU fight. 
 
 And
 
 CtnUlIh FAERIE QVEENE. 45^ 
 
 And that perforce ^ for want of Icngcr light. 
 He mote furccafc his fiiit 3 and lofc the hope 
 Of his long labour, he gan fowly wy tc 
 Hiswickcdfortune^thathadtiirndaflopCj 
 And curfed^night, that reft from him fo goodly fcopc. 
 
 Tho when her wayes he could no more defer}'. 
 But to and fro at difauenture ftrayd ; 
 Like as a fhip, whofe Lodeftarre fuddenly 
 Couercd with cloudcs^her Pilot hath difiiiayd; 
 His wearifome purfuit perforce he ftayd. 
 And from his loftie fteed difmounting low. 
 Did letiaim forage. Downe himfelfe he layd 
 Vpon the graifie ground,to flecpe a throw; 
 
 The cold earth was his couch , the hard ftcelehispillpw, 
 
 But gentle Sleepe cnuyde him any reft ; 
 
 III ftcad thereof fad forrow^^and difdaine . ? 
 
 Of his hard hap did vexe his noble breft. 
 
 And thoufand fancies bet his idle braine 
 
 W' ith their light wings ,the fights of femblants vainet 
 
 Oft didrhe yvi(h, that Lady faire mote bee 
 
 His Faery Queene/or whom he did complaine : 
 
 Or that his Faery Quecnc were fuch, as iTiee : 
 
 And euer haftie Night he Warned bitterlie. 
 
 Night thou foiile Mother of annoyance fad. 
 Sifter of heauie death , and nourfeof woe. 
 Which waft begot in heauen, but for thy bad 
 And bnitifh (hape thruft downe to hell below. 
 Where by the grim floud oiCocytus flow 
 Thy dwelling is, in HerthtuhhcVc hous, 
 (Blackc HerehH4 thy husband is the foe 
 Of all the Gqd^ where thouvngratious,. 
 
 : Jlolfc of thy dayes doeftlcadm horrour hideous.
 
 4^0 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CmJlIL 
 
 What had tlVctcrriall Malccr nccdof thcc, ^ '^''' A 
 The world in his continuall courfc to IcccpCj f' -^ 
 That doeft all things deface, nc letteft fee 
 The be an tie of his worke ? Indeed in fleepc 
 The flouthfull bodie, that doth lone to ftcepc 
 His liiftlefic limbes , and drowne his bafcr mind. 
 Doth praife thee oft^and oft from Stygian dcepc 
 Calles thee, his goddeffe in his error blind, (kind. 
 
 And great Dame Natures handmaidc, chearing eucry 
 
 But well I wote, that to an heauy hart 
 
 Thou art the root and nurfe of bitter cares^ 
 Breeder of new, renewer of old (marts : • 
 In-ftead of reft thou lendeft rayling teares. 
 In ftcad of flecpe thou fendeft troublous fearcs^ 
 And dreadful! vifions, in the which aliuc 
 The drcarie image of fad death appeares : 
 So from the wearie (pirit thou doeft driuc 
 
 Dcfired rcft^ and men of faappincfle dcpriuc, 
 
 Vnder thy mantle blacke there hidden lyc, 
 
 Light-lTionning theft, and traiterous intent^ ^-^ 
 Abhorred bloudfhed , and vile felony. 
 Shameful! deceipt, and dauhger imminent 5 
 Foule horror, and ekehellifh dreriment : 
 All thefe I wote in thy protedlion bee, 
 
 Andlightdoe iliohnejfor'fcare of being fhehtf ' 
 For light y!ike is loth'd of them and thee. 
 And al! that lewdneffe lone, doe hate the light to (cc. 
 
 For day di(couers all difhoneft wayes. 
 And fheweth each thing, as it is indeed : 
 The prayfes of high God he faire dilplaycs. 
 And his large bountic rightly doth arced. 
 
 Daycs
 
 CanU^l. FAERIE CLVEENE. 4^1 
 
 Daycs dcarcft children be the blcfTcd feed^ 
 Which darkneflc lljall fubdew, and hcaiien win : 
 Truth is his daughter ^ he her firfl: did breeds 
 Moftfacred virgin, without fpot of fin. 
 Our life i^ day, but.dcath with darkneflc doth begin, 
 
 O when will day then turne to me againc. 
 And bring with him his long cxpeftcd light ? 
 O Taa^yh^idc to rcare thy ioyous waine : 
 Speed thee to fpred abroad thy beames bright ? 
 And chafe away this too long lingring night. 
 Chafe her away, from whence fhe came, to hell. 
 ShiC, fhe it is^ that hath me donedefpight : 
 • There let her with the damned fpirits dwell. 
 And yeeld her roome to day, that can it gouerne welL 
 
 Thus did the Prince that wearie night outwearc^ 
 In reftleflc anguilh and vnquiet paine : 
 And earely, ere the morrow did vpreare 
 His deawy head out of the Oceaff mainc. 
 He vp arofe, as halfc in great difdainc. 
 And clombe vnto his fteed. So forth he went. 
 With heauic looke and lumpifh pace , that plainc 
 In him bewraid great grudge and maltalent : 
 
 His fteed eke fecm'd t'apply his fteps to his intent.
 
 4^2 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C-w/.r. 
 
 Cant. V^ 
 
 ^^ T'y/wrjf Arthur hearts of Flortmell : 
 
 JM<^. 'Belphebe finds him almoft dead^ 
 
 W^ . atidrearethoutoffiwnd, ^"^ 
 
 WOndcr it is to (cc^ in diucrfc minds. 
 How diucrfly louc doth his pageants play. 
 And fhewes his powre in variable kinds ; 
 The bafer wit, whofc idle thoughts alway 
 Arc wont to cleaue vnto the lowly clay. 
 It ftirrcth vp to fenfiialldefirc. 
 And in lewd floiith to waft his carelefli day ; 
 But in brauc (prite it kindles goodly fire. 
 That to all high deCrrt and honour doth afpirc. 
 
 Nc fufFercth it vncomely idlenefle. 
 
 In his free thought to build her fluggiflh ncft : 
 
 Nc fufi^ereth it thought of vngcntlcneflc^ 
 
 Eucr to creepc into his noble breft. 
 
 But to the higheft and the worthieft 
 
 Lifteth it vp,that elfe would lowly fall : 
 
 It lets not fall, it lets it not to reft : 
 
 It lets not fcarfe this Prince to breath at all. 
 
 But to his firft pourfuit him forward ftill doth call. 
 
 Who long time wandred through the forreft wydc. 
 To finde fome ifllie thence, till that at laft 
 He met a Dwarfe, that fcemed terrifydc 
 With fome late pcrill,which he hardly paft. 
 
 Or
 
 CdB^r.y FAERIE QYEENE. 4^3 
 
 Or other accident, which him aghaftj ,. 
 Of whom he asked, whence he lately came. 
 And whither now he trauelled fb faft : 
 For foreiie fwat, and running through that fame 
 Thicke forcft^was bcfcra tcht,&: both his fee t nigh lame. 
 
 Panting for breath, and almoft out ofhart. 
 The Dwarfe him anf werd^Sir^ill mote I ftay 
 ,To tell the fame • I lately did depart 
 From Faery court, where I haue many a day 
 Serued a gentle Lady of great (way^ 
 "And high accompt through out all Elfin land. 
 Who lately left the fame, and tookc this way ; 
 Her now Ilcekc,andifyevndcrftand 
 
 W'hich way fhe fared hath,good Sir tell out of hand. 
 
 What miftcr wight(raid he)and how arayd? 
 Royally clad(quoth hc)in cloth of gold. 
 As meetett may bcfceme a noble mayd ; 
 Herfaire lockes in rich circlet be cnrold. 
 And fairer wight did neucr Sunne behold. 
 And on a Palfrey rides more white then fnow^ 
 Yet fhe her fclff is whiter manifold : 
 The fureft figne, whereby ye may her know. 
 
 Is, that ihe is the faireft wight aliuc, I trow. 
 
 Now certes lwaine(raid he)fuch one I wcenc, 
 Faft flying through this foreft from her fo, 
 Afoule illfauouredfofter,Ihauefeene; 
 HerfelfejWellasImightjIrcskewdtho, ' , 
 
 But could not ftay j fo taft llie did foregoc. 
 Carried away with wings of (peedy fcare. 
 Ah deareft Cod(quoth he)thatis great woe. 
 And wondrous rqth to all, that iTiall it hearc. 
 
 But can yc read Sir, how I may her find, or where. 
 
 y
 
 4^4 THE IIL BOOKE OF tUE Ckntr^ 
 
 Pcrdy mc Icucr were to vt'ccten thiit • oi^i -'>*; ir>f i lo : (> 
 (Said he)thcn ranfomc of the ricncft Icnight^ ' 
 Or all the good that e'licr yet I gat : 
 Biitfrowardfortiine, and too forward Niglit i 
 Such happineflc did^ maulgrcyto mcipighr^ - - - ^ ^rTT 
 And fro me reft both life and light attone. 
 But Dwarfe aread, what is that Lady bright,- 7 
 
 Thatthrough this foreft wandreth thus alone; i 
 
 For of her crrour ftraiingc I haue great ruth and iriont. 
 
 That Lady is(quoth he) where fb fhe bee. 
 The bounticfl: virgin^ and moft debonairc. 
 That eucr liuing eye I weene did fee ; 
 Liues none this day^ that may with her compare 
 In ftedfaft chaftitie and vcrtue rare. 
 The goodly ornaments of bcautic bright; 
 Andisycleped'F/<?//wr/ythefairc3 ,« 
 
 ' FaireF/i?r/w<f//bcIou'dofa many a knight, 
 Yet fhe loucs none but one, that LMarinell is highti 
 
 ASca-nymphesfonnc,thatc>I/rff/;?^/?ishight^ .... , 
 Of my dcarc Dame is loiicd dcar^ly vvell i v.o bnA 
 In other nonc^biit hihfj llic fets deljght^ 
 All her delight is f et on iJf^Urmeth^ 
 But he fcts nought at all by F/dr/«?<fi^M J -^ I >^ 
 For Ladies loue^his mother long ygoc 
 
 .. Did him^tKeyfay/orwarne through facredipell. 
 
 Bur fame trow flies j that of a forreinc foe '■ . , , 
 THc is yflainc,which is the ground of all our woe. 
 
 Fine dayes there be^firtcehe*(^tiieyfi5^)w!as flame, ifjZ-I 
 And fourc,fince f /ww^// the Court for-wear^'J> 
 
 And vowedneuer to returne againCj ; . .. j \i\ 
 
 Tillhim aliuc ordcadihc did imicnt, :jow hvi\
 
 CifihV. FAERIE QyEENE. 4^5 
 
 Therefore jfaiirc Sir/or louc of knighthood gent^ 
 And honour of trcw Ladies, if ye may 
 By your good counfelljOr bold hardimcnt^ 
 Or fuccour her, or me direft the way 5 
 Do one^ or other good^I ypu moll humbly pray. 
 
 So may vou gaine to you full great rcnowmc^ 
 Of all good Ladies through the world fo wide. 
 And haply in her hart find higheft rowme^ 
 Ofvvhomyefccketobemoftmagaifide: • 
 At leaft ctcrnall mecde (liall you abide. 
 To whom the Prince ; Dwarfe^comfort to thee take. 
 For till thou tidings learne, what her betide, 
 I here aiiow thee ne uer to forfake . 
 
 Ill wearcs he armes^that nill them vfe for Ladies lake. 
 
 So with the Dwarfe he backe return'cf againe. 
 To feeke his Lady^ where he mote her find 5 
 But by the way he greatly gan complainc 
 The want of his good Squire late leftbehind^ 
 For whom he wondrous penfiue grew in mind. 
 For douht of daunger, which mote him betide 5 
 For him he loucd aboue all mankind, 
 Hauinghim trew and faithfall euer tride. 
 
 And bold, as euer Squire that waited by knights fide. 
 
 Who all this while full hardly was afTayd 
 Of deadly daunger, which to him betid ; 
 For whiles his Lord purfewd that noble Maydj 
 After that fofter fowle he fiercely rid. 
 To bene aucnged of the lliame J he did 
 To that faire Damzell : Himhe chaced long (hid 
 Throuc^hthe thicke woods, wherein he would hauc 
 His ihamefuU head from his auengement ftrong. 
 
 And oft him threatned death for his outrageous wrong. 
 
 Cg 2
 
 ^66 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cd^t.F. 
 
 Na thlclTc the villcn fpcd himfelfc fo well. 
 
 Whether through iWiftneflc of his fpcedy bcafl:5 
 
 Or knowledge oFthofe woods, where he did dwell. 
 
 That iTiortly he from daunger was releaft , 
 
 And out of fight efcaped at the leaft •, 
 
 Yet not efcaped from the dew reward 
 
 Of his bad deeds, which dayly he increaft, 
 
 Nc ceafed not, till him oppreflTed hard 
 The hcauy plague^thac for fucli Icachours is prepard. 
 
 For foone as he was vanilTit out oFfTght, 
 
 His CO ward courage gan emboldned bcc^ 
 
 And caft t auenge him of that fowle defpight^ 
 
 Which he liad borne ofhis bold cnimec. 
 
 Tho to his brethren came: for they were three 
 
 Vngratious children of one gracclefTefirc^ 
 
 And vnto them complained, how that he 
 
 Had vfed bene of that foolehardy Squire ; 
 So them with bitter words he ftird to bloudy ire. 
 
 Forthwith themfelues with their fad inftrumcnts 
 Of fpoyleand murderthcy ganarmebyliuc. 
 And with him forth into the foreft went. 
 To wreake the wrath, which he did earft reuiue | 
 
 In their fterne brefl:s,on him which late did driuc 
 Their brother to reproch and ihamcfull flight : 
 For they had vow'd, thatneuer he aliuc 
 Out of that foreft fhould efcape their might ; 
 
 Vile rancour their rude harts had fild with liich defpight. 
 
 Within that wood there was a couert glade, 
 Forcby a narrow foord, to them well knowne, 
 Throi]gh which it was vneath for wight to wade 5 
 And now by fortune it was ouerflownc :
 
 CMf.K FAERIE QVEENE. 4^7 
 
 By thatfamc way they knew that Squire vnknownc 
 Mote algatcs paffc; for thy themfcliics they fee 
 There in await^ with thicke woods oner grownc 
 And all the while their malice they did whet 
 With cruell threats^his pafTage through, the ford tojpt. 
 
 It fortuned^as they deuizedhad^ "^ 
 
 The gentle Squire came ryding that fame way 
 Vnweeting of their wile and treafbn bad^ 
 And through the ford to paflcn did aflay ; 
 But that fierce fofter^ which late fledaway. 
 Stoutly forth fteppin g on the further fhorc. 
 Him boldly bad his paflage there to flay. 
 Till he had made amends^ and full reftorc 
 
 For all the damage^ which he had him doen afore. 
 
 VVith that at him a quiu'ring dart he threw. 
 With fa fell force andvilleinousdelpightc. 
 That through his habcrieon the forkehead flew. 
 And through the linked mayles empierced quite. 
 But had no powre in his foft flelTi to bite : 
 That ftroke the hardy Squire did fore difplcafe. 
 But more that him he could not come to finite; 
 For by no meanes the high banke he could feafc. 
 
 But labour'd longin that deepc ford with vaine difeafc. 
 
 And flill the fofter with his longbdre-fpearc 
 Him kept from landing at his wifhed will ; 
 Anone one fent out of the thicket ncare 
 AcrucU iliaftjheaded with deadly ill , 
 And fcthered with an vnlucky quill ; 
 The wicked fleele flayd not, till it did light 
 In his left thigh, and dccpcly did it thrill ; \ 
 
 Exceeding gricfc that wound in him cmpight , 
 
 But morfC that with his foes he could not come to fight. 
 
 Cg 5
 
 478 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C^tr: 
 
 At laft rhroiigh V/rath and vcngcaunce making way. 
 
 He on the bafitkc arriu'id with mfcklc painc , > 
 
 \A^here the third brother him did fore aflay, J 
 
 And droiicat him with all his might and maine I 
 
 • A forreft biU^which both his hands did ftrainci ■ 
 
 But warily he didaiioide the blow^ 
 And with his fpcare requited him againc. 
 That both his fides were thrilled with the throw. 
 
 And a larce ftrcame of bloud out of the wound did flow. 
 
 He tombling downc, with gnafliing teeth did bite 
 The bitter carth^and bad to let him in 
 Into the balefull houfe of endleflc night. 
 Where wicked ghofts do wailc thcirformcr fin. 
 Tho gdn the battell frcfhiy to begin; 
 For nathemore for that fpedaclcbad. 
 Did th'other two their cruellvengcauncc blin^ 
 But both attoncc on'both fides him beftad^ ' ' ' , 
 
 And load vpon him layd, his life for to haue had. 
 
 Tho when that villain he auiz'd, which late 
 
 Affrighted had the faireft Flormell^ 
 
 Full of fiers fury , and indignant hairc. 
 
 To him he turned, and with rigour fell 
 
 Smote himfo rudely on the Pannikell, 
 
 That to the chin he cleft his head in twaine: 
 
 Downe on the ground his carkas grouelingfell; 
 
 His finfuUfbule with dcfperate difdaine, 
 .Out of her flellily fcrme fled to the place of painc 
 
 That fccingnow the oticly Fad pfthrc^. 
 
 Who with that wicked fhaft him wounded had, 
 Tremblingwrthhorrourjasthatdidforefec t . 
 Thefcarcfullaidofhisaucngemcntfad^ ^ 
 
 \ jj u£iioo 30C1 biijco : -, cjcA < ui iuxw : , . IhrougS fl 
 
 I
 
 Cm.V^, FAERIE QVEENE. 4^^ 
 
 Through which hcfollovv fhouldhi;? brethren bad 
 His bootelcflc bow in feeble hand vpcaught^ 
 And therewith fliot an arrow at the lad j 
 Which faintly fluttring^ (carce his helmet raught. 
 And glaiincingfcll to ground ^but him annoyed naught. 
 
 With that he would haue fled into the wood 5 
 But Timias him lightly oucrhent , 
 Right as he entring was into the flood^, 
 And ftrookc at him with force fb violent, 
 That hcadleflc him into the foord he fent : 
 The carkas with the ftreame was carried downc^ 
 But th'head fell backeward on the Continent. 
 So mifchieffel vpon the meaners crownc; (rcnowwc. 
 
 They three be dead with iTiame^ the Squire liues with 
 
 He liues3but takes fmall ioy of his renowne; 
 For of that cruell wound he bled fo fore ^ 
 That from his fteedhc fell in deadly fwowncj 
 Yet ftill the bloud forth gufht in fo great ftorc. 
 That he lay wallowd all in llis owne gore. 
 Now God thee keepe, thou gentleft Squire aliuCj 
 Elfc fnall thy louing Lord thee fee no more. 
 But both of comfort him thou fhalt dcpriue. 
 
 And eke thy felfe of honour^which thou didft atchiue* 
 
 Prouidence heaucnly paflcth lining thought. 
 And doth for wretched mens reliefe make way j 
 For loe great grace or fortune thither brought 
 Comfort to him^that comfortleflcnow lay. 
 In thofe fame woods^ ye well remember may. 
 Flow that a noble huntcrcfTc did wonnc, 
 She^ thatbafe Brdggadochto did affray, 
 And madehimfaft out of theforreft runnc ; 
 
 Belfhcebe\^^s her name^as faire as ?h(shm funnc. 
 
 Gg 4
 
 470 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C^r^/.r. 
 
 She on a day^asfhcpnrfcwd the chacc 
 
 Oflbmc wild bcaft^which with her arrowcskcenc 
 She wounded had^ the fame along did trace 
 By trad of bloud^ which iTie had frefhiy fccnc, 
 
 • Tohauebefprinckledallthegraflygrcene; 
 By the great perfue, which Cnc there pcrceau'd^ 
 Well hopedlfhe the beaft engor'd had beenc^ 
 And made more haftj the life to haue bereau'd : 
 
 But ah^her expcftation grcatl^j' was dcceau'd. 
 
 Shortly fhe came, whereas that woeful! Squire 
 With bloud deformedjlay in deadly (wownd : 
 In whofe faire eyes, like lamps of quenched fire. 
 The Chriftall humour flood congealed rownd 5 
 His lockSjlike faded leaues fallen to grownd. 
 Knotted with bloud, in bounches rudely ran. 
 And his fweete lips ^on which before that flownd 
 The bud of youth to bloffome faire began, 
 
 Spoild of their rofie red,wcre woxen pale and wan. 
 
 Saw neuer liuing eye inorc heauy fight. 
 
 That could haue made a rocke of flone to rew. 
 Or riue in twaine :'which when that Lady bright 
 Befides all hope with melting eyes did vew. 
 All fuddeinly abalTit iTie chaungcd hew, , 
 And with flerne horrour backward gan to flart : 
 But when fhe better him beheld^fhe grew 
 Full of foft paffion and vnwonted fmart: 
 
 The point of pitty perced through her tender hart. 
 
 Meekely fhe bowed downe, to weete if life 
 Yet in his frofen members did rcmainc. 
 And feeling by his pulfes beating rife, 
 That the weake foule her feat did yet rctainc^
 
 C4;i/.r. FAERIE QVEENE. 471 
 
 She caft to comfort him with biific painc : 
 His double folded ncckcfhcrcardvpright. 
 And rubd his temples ^ and each trembling vaine^ 
 His mayledhabcricon fliedidvndight, 
 And from his head his heauy burganct did light. 
 
 Into the woods thenceforth in haft fhc wenr^ 
 To feeke for hearbes^ that mote him remedy 5 
 For fhe of hcarbes had great intendiment. 
 Taught of the Nymphe, which from her infancy 
 ^Her nourccd had in trew Nobility : 
 There, whether it diuine tobacco werc^ 
 Or Pamchdea, or Polygony^ 
 She found, and brought it to her patient dearc 
 
 Who al this while lay bleeding out his hart-bloud nearc. 
 
 The foueraignc weedc betwixt two marbles plainc 
 She pownded fmall, and did in peeces bruzc ^ 
 And then atwecnc her lilly handes twaine. 
 Into his wound the iuyce thereof did fcruzc^ 
 And round about, as ilic could well it vzc. 
 The flefh therewith fhe fuppled and did fteepe, 
 Tabate all (pafmejand foke the fwelling bruze. 
 And after hauing fearcht the intufe deepe. 
 
 She with her Icarfe did bind the wound fro cold to keepc. 
 
 By this he had fweet life recur'd againc. 
 And groning inly deepe,at laft his eyes. 
 His watry eyes, drizlinglikc deawy rainc,, 
 He vp gan lift toward the azure skies. 
 From whence defccnd all hopeleffe remedies : 
 Therewith he figh'd, and turning him afidc. 
 The goodly Mayd full of diuinities. 
 And gifts ofheauenly grace he by him (pidc^ 
 
 Her bow and gildcn quiucr lying him bcfidc.
 
 472 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cdnt.r. 
 
 Mercy dcare Lord(faid he) what grace is this^ 
 That thou haft llie wed to mc finfull wight. 
 To fend thine Angcll from her bowrc of blis^ 
 To comfort mc in my diftrclTcd ph'ght > 
 AngcUjOr Goddcflc do I call thee right ? 
 What leruice may I do vnto thee mecrc. 
 That haft from darkencflc me rcturnd to light. 
 And with thy heauenly falues and med'cincs (vvcetc^ 
 
 Haftdrcft my finfull wounds ? Ikifle thy bleflcdfeetej 
 
 Thereat flic blufhing faid, Ah gentle Squire, 
 Nor Goddcflc I, nor Angell^but the Mayd, 
 And daughter of a woody Nymphejdefirc 
 No fcruice, but thy fafety and ayd j 
 W hich if thou gaine, I fhalbe well apayd. 
 We mort all wights, whofe liues and fortunes bee 
 To commun accidents ftillopcn layd. 
 Are bound with commun bond of fbiltec. 
 
 To fuccour wretched wights,whom we captiued fee. 
 
 By this her Damzels, which the former chacc 
 Had vndertakcn after her arriu d. 
 As did Belphcehe^ in the bloudy place, 
 And thereby deemd the beaft had bene depriu'd 
 Oflife, whom late their Ladies arrow ryud: 
 For thy the bloudy trad they follow faft. 
 And euery one to r unne the fwif teft ftryu'd ; 
 But two of them the reft far ouerpaft. 
 
 And where their Lady was,arriued at the laft. 
 
 Where when they faw that goodly boy jwith blood 
 Defowled,and their Lady dreflc his wownd. 
 They wondred much, and fhortly vnderftood. 
 How him in deadly cafe their Lady fownd. 
 
 And 
 
 "1
 
 CMt.r. FAERIE QVEENE 473 
 
 And rcskc wed out of the heauy ftownd. 
 Eftfooncshis warlike courier^ which was ftrayd 
 Farre in the woods^whilcs that he lay in fwownd 
 She made thofe Damzels fearch^which being ftayd. 
 They didhimfet thercon^and forthwith them conuayd. 
 
 Into that forefl: farre they thence him led. 
 
 Where was thcirdweUing^inaplcafantgladc, 
 With mountainesround about cnuironed. 
 And mighty woods^which did the valley fliadc^ 
 And like a ftately Theatre it made. 
 Spreading it felfe into a fpatious plaine. 
 And in the midft a little riiier plaide 
 Emongft the pumy ftones^which feemd to plainc 
 
 With gentle murmure^that his couifc they did rcftrainc, 
 
 Befidc the fame a dainty place there lay. 
 
 Planted with mirtlc trees and laurels greenc^ 
 
 In which the birds fbng many a loucly lay 
 
 Of gods high prayfe^and of their loucs fwcct teene^ 
 
 As it an earthly Paradizc had beenc r 
 
 In whofc enclofcd ftadow there was pight 
 
 A faire Pauilion^fcarccly to be (cene. 
 
 The which was all within moft richly dight. 
 
 That greateft Princes liuing it mote well delight. 
 
 Thither they brought that wounded Squire, and layd 
 In eafie couch his feeble limbes to reft. 
 He refted him a while, and then the Mayd 
 His ready wound with better falues new drcft^. 
 Dayly i"he dreflfcd him, and Aid the beft 
 Hisgrieuoushurttogarifh,thatrnemightj 
 That fhortly fhc his dolour hath redrcft, 
 Andhis foule fore reduced tofarre plight:: 
 
 Itfhc rcduccd^but himfclfe deftroyed cLuight..
 
 474 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cdfit.V. 
 
 O foolifli Phyfickj and vnfruitfuU painc. 
 
 That healcs vp one and makes another wound: 
 She his hurt thigh to him recur*^ againc , 
 But hurt his hart^ the which before wasfbundj 
 Through an vnwary dart, which did rebound 
 From her fairc eyes and gracious countcnauncc. 
 What bootes it him from death to be vnbound^ 
 To be captiucd in endlefle durauncc 
 
 Of forrow and de fpaire without aleggeaunce? 
 
 Still as his wound did gather, and grow hole , 
 
 So ftill his hart woxc (ore, and health decayd: ^ 
 Madnedc to faue a part, and lofc the whole. 
 Still whenas he beheld the heauenlyMayd, 
 Whiles dayly plaifters to his wound fhe layd^ 
 So ftill his Malady the more increaft. 
 The whiles her matchleflc beautic himdifmayd. 
 Ah God, what other could he do at leaft. 
 
 But louc fo faire a Lady, that his life rcleaft? 
 
 Long while he ftrouc in his courageous breft^, 
 VVith reafon dew the paiTion to fubdcw, 
 And loue for to diflodge out of his neft : 
 Still when her excellencies he didvcw. 
 Her foueraigne bounty, and celeftiall hew. 
 The fame to loue he ftrongly was conftraind : 
 But when his mcane cftate he did renew. 
 He from llich hardy boldnefic was reftraind. 
 
 And of his lucklcflc lot and cruell loue thus plaind. 
 
 VnthankfuU wretch(faid he)is this the meed. 
 
 With which her foueraigne mercy thou doeft quight? 
 
 Thy life fhefaued by her gracious deed. 
 
 But thou doeft wecne with villeinous de(pight. 
 
 To
 
 CmtK FAERIE QVEENR 475 
 
 To blot her honour*, and her hc;aiicnly light. 
 Dye rather jjdyc, then lo difloyally 
 
 Deeme of her high dcfert^or Iceme (b hght : 
 Faire death it is to fhonne more fhamc^to dy; 
 Dyerathcr^^y^thencuerlouedifloyallvw - 
 
 But if to louc difloyaky it bce^ 
 
 Shall I then hate her, that from deathes dorc 
 
 Me brought? ah farre be {iich reproch fro mee. 
 
 What can I Iclle do^then her loue therefore, 
 
 Sith I her dew reward cannot reftore : 
 
 Dye rather^dye^and dying do her femCj 
 
 Dying her ferue, and lining her adore i 
 
 Thy life fhe gauc, thy life iTie doth defcrue: 
 Dye rather^dye^thcn eucr from her Icruicc fvver uc. 
 
 But foolifli boy^what bootcs thy fcruice bacc 
 To her, to whcim the hcauens do ferue andfew ? 
 Thou a meane Squire^of meekc and lowly ^hice^ - ^^^ 
 She hcauenlybornc^andof celeftiall hew. 
 How then? of all louc taketh equall vew ; 
 And doth not higheft Godvouchfafe to take 
 Theloue and fcruiceofthebafeft crew ><^h^? 3- 
 If (lie will not, dye meekly for her fake ; 
 
 Dye rathcr^dye, then euer fo faire loue forfakc. 
 
 Thus warreid belong time againft his will. 
 
 Till that through weakncfle he was forft at laft^ 
 To yield himfclfe vnto the mighty ill ; 
 Which as a vidiour proud, ganranfack fail 
 His inward parts, andallhis cntrayles waft. 
 That neither bloud in face^nor life in hart 
 It left, but both did quite drye vp5and blaft 5, 
 As percinglcuin, which the inner part 
 
 ©f cuery thing confumcs^ and calcincth by art»
 
 : * c 
 
 47^, THEiULBOOKB OFTHE Cm.n 
 
 Which fe^ingftirc BflpMe, gan to fcarc, <:. ! o' .J ox 
 Lcaftthathis woundw(^rcinIywcJlnothcafccI^ T 
 Or that the wicked ftcclc empoyfiicd were : 
 Litle flic wecnd, that lone he clofcconccaledj 
 Yet ftill he waftcd'jasthefnow congealed,, dn. 
 When the bright flinnc his beams thereon doth bcaQ 
 Yetneucrhehisharttoherreiicaled, ''-^ • ■ r ^ * 
 
 But raihcr choiq io dye for {brrow grca t. 
 Then wi;hr4iftpnprabie tcrniics her to entreat. 
 
 She gracious Lady, yet no paines did fparc, . i '^i?. 
 
 To do him eafe, or do him remedy : 
 
 Many Reftoratiues ofvcrtues rare, 
 
 AndcoftlyCordiallcslTiedidappIyi, iolri>(fiT 
 
 To niitigat^ h^s ftubboi:ne mallady)?] ;/j , ^^-Torhu 3^^^ 
 
 But that fwcet Cordially which can reftorc 
 
 Aloue-fickhart^iTiedidtohimeniiy; ' 
 
 Tohim,: a,nd to all th vnworthy world forl^orc 
 She did.eji uyftbat foueraign^ falue^in fti:ret ftf>f c. \ , 
 
 That dainty Rofe, the daughter of her Mornc, 
 More deare then life fhe tendcred^whofe .flovyr^ 
 The girlond ofhet honour didadorhe;nw duo! ^r^'C 
 Ne fuffted i}i€ the Middayes fcorchingpO'wrc, 
 Ne the iTiarp Northerne wind thereon tofhovvrc. 
 But lapped vp her filken Icaues moft chaire. 
 When fo the frpwaf d skyc began to Ipwre :iii:w ?iif\T 4 
 But foone as calmed was the Chriftall aire, ' ^'T 
 
 She did it faire difpred^ and let to florifti fairc. \ 
 
 Etcrnall GdUin his almighty powrc , 
 To makerenfample of his heauenly grace. 
 In Paradize whilome did plant this fiowte •, 
 Whence hcitfctcht out of hernatiue placc^ 
 
 J . ' t -r And
 
 CmJ^^ FAERIE /Q^VEEMEdHl 47;^ 
 
 And did in ftockc^f earthly ^lli cnracc. 
 That mortall men her glory fnbiild admire 
 Irt gentle tadie^treft;^^n ' •''^ 
 
 Of wi2>niian kind it fokeft -flowre do^ ipire,-. , 
 And bearcth fruit of lidMur and alkhaft dcfiire, b- i> 
 
 FalreympcsofbcautiCjVvhofe bright miningbeaniei 
 Adorne ^ ..world'witb jj^^c. fp, h.caue;ily light^ 
 
 With thisfarre flpwrc^otH'goodly .girlondis dtghr, 
 
 Ofchaftityandv^rtucvirgiiipsillji ' . - : i' 
 That iTialleiTibcIIifhjTiorc ydiK.beauticbbriglitj ,_ . 
 And crowne your headcs-^vith licaiicrtly coronsall^ 
 Such as the Angcfew^^J^-^sbofbrc Godstribur^iLll^, ,^, 
 
 To your faire fellies a faireenfample frame; , ;- 
 
 Of this faire virgin^ this Bel^hcebe faire, j:^ r A 
 
 To whom in perfed loiie^, and fpotlefic fame ■> 
 
 Of chaftitic^none liuing may compaire : 
 Ne poyfhous Enuy iuftlycan empaire 
 The praylc of her freih flowring Maidenhead ^^ 
 For thy ihc ftandcth on the highefl: ftaire 
 Of th'honorable ftageof vyomanhead 3;; 
 
 That Ladies allmay foljowhei: (^ifamplc dead.,, ;$, ■ 
 
 In (b greatprayfeof {ledfaft^ha;ftity^' -. {(,*-»-'•? 
 Nathlcffc fhe was fo curt^ous; and kind^ . . 
 Temprcd with gcaee, sind goodly iiipdcfty, , 
 That feemed'thofc two vertues ftroue to find 
 The higliet place in her Hcroickmind ? ; v r h--:! 7-H 
 So ftriuipgiCach did other mo^e augment , 
 And bothenia-eaft the pr^yfe of wpman kind,; 
 And bofei>€nGr<^(t Jiqr bcautie cxcellci>t jj^^;^ ;jr ^ 
 
 ; So. all did make in her a perfcd complement ^
 
 473> THE.ni. BOOKE OF THE CMhVt, 
 
 Thehinhcffaire'lkiphoe(feand_ 
 ^ t^ Of Amoretistold, 
 
 ?^^ ThegardinsofAdont^frattght r ^^ 
 
 C^r) Wtthfleafuresmeimfold, HI 
 
 .... .^ 
 
 WEII may I wccnc^ fairc Ladies , all this while 
 Yc wonder, how this noble Damozell 
 So great pcrfcftions 'did in her compile, *^^-^ -**" ^ 
 Skhthat in faliiage forefts (he did dwell," '^ 
 So farre from court and royall Gitadell, 
 The great fchoolmiftreflc of all curtefy : 
 Seemeth that fuch wild woods fhoiild far cxpell 
 AH ciuill vfage and gentility. 
 And gentle fpritc deforme with rude rufticity. 
 
 But to this faireiJ^/}^^^^^ in her berth 
 The heauens fb fauourable were and free, 
 Lookin g with my Id alped vpon the earth. 
 In th*//<?r^/c^/^^of her natiuitec. 
 That all the gifts of grace andchaftitec 
 On her they poured forth ofplenteous home 5 
 /(7«^ laught on r^/;^ from his foueraigne fee. 
 And Phcebui with faire beames did her adorne. 
 
 And all the Cnce^ rockt her cradle being borne, 
 
 -■-♦•■ 
 
 Her berth wa$ of the wombc of Morning dew. 
 And her conception of the ioyous Prime, 
 And all her whole creation did her fhew 
 Pure and vn&otted from allloathly crime.
 
 CM.VL FAERIE CLVEENE. 475? 
 
 That is ingcncratc in flcHily (lime. 
 So was this virgin bomc^fb was (he bred. 
 So was (he trayncd vp from time to time. 
 In all chaft vcrtuc^ and true bounti-hcd 
 Till to.hcr dew perfcftion iTic was ripened. 
 
 Her mother was the faire Chrjfogonee^ 
 
 The daughter of Amfhipi^ who by race 
 
 A Faerie was^yborne of high degree. 
 
 She bore Belph^be^ fhe bore in like cacc 
 
 Faire AmortttA in the (econd place ; 
 
 Thcfc two were twinnes^S^ twix t them two did fharc 
 
 The heritage of all celeftiall grace. 
 
 That all the reft it feem*d they robbed bare 
 Of bountie^ and of bcautie, and all vertues rare. 
 
 It were a goodly florie, to declare. 
 
 By what ftriunge accident faire chryfogone 
 Coriceiu'd thefc infants, and how them fhe bare. 
 In this wild forreft wandring all alone. 
 After fhe had nine moneths fulfild and gone : 
 For not as other wemens commune brood. 
 They were enwombed in the facred throne 
 Of her chafte bodie, nor with comm une food. 
 
 As other wemens babes, they fucked vitall blood. 
 
 But wondroufly they were begot^ and bred 
 Through influence of th'heauens fruitful! ray. 
 As it in antique bookes is mentioned. 
 It was vpon a Sommers fhynie day. 
 When TiUn faire his beames did difplay. 
 In a frert) fountaine , farre from all mens vc w, 
 Shebath'dher breft^the boylingheatt*allay ; 
 She bathy with roles rcdj and violets blew, 
 
 Afid all the fwecteft flowrcs, that in the forreft grew. 
 
 Hh
 
 480 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CMit^yf, 
 
 Till faint through irkcfomc wcarincfic, adownc . i. 
 Vpon the giaflie ground her fclfc (he layd uK 
 
 To flecpe, the whiles a gentle flombringfwownc '^ 
 Vpon her fell all naked bare difplayd 5 
 The funncTbcames bright vpon her body playd, i r 
 BeingthroughformcrbathingmoUifidCj 
 And pierft into her wombe^whcrc they cmbayd 
 With fo fweet fence and fecrct power vnfpidcj 
 
 That in her pregnant flefh they (hortlyfruftifidc. 
 
 Miraculous may fecmc to him, thlt rcadcs 
 So ftraungc enfdmple of conception \ 
 But rcafon teacheth that the fruitfull fcades 
 Of all things lining , through impreflion 
 Of the funbcames in moyfl: complexion. 
 Doc life concciuc and quickned arc by kynd : 
 So after Ntlm invndation^ • ' 
 
 Infinite fhapes of creature men dofynd. 
 
 Informed in the miud^on which the Suniic hath ftiynd. 
 
 Great father he of gcncratiba' 
 
 Is rightly cald^th'authot of life and lights, :- Tf 
 And his faire fifter for creation 
 Miniftrcth matter fit, which tcmprcd right 
 With heate and humour,brccdes the liuing wight,. 
 So iprong theft twinnes in wombc oichrjfogone^ 
 Yet wift (he nought thercof^but foric affright^ 
 Wondred to fee her belly fo vpblonc. 
 
 Which ftill incrcaft 5 tiUihc her tcrmc. had fulloutgonc*. 
 
 Whercofconceiuingfhamcandfoulcdifgrace, ' 
 Albc her guiltleflEc confcience her cleard. 
 She fled into the wildernefle alpacc. 
 Till thatvnwceldy burden flichadrcard, 
 
 . iDrLlUAttd
 
 edfff.rr. faerie qveene. 481 
 
 And lliund dilTionorjWhich as death flic fcard : 
 Where wcarie of long traucll, downc to reft 
 Her felfe flie fc t^ and comfortably chcard 5 
 There a fad cloud of fleepe her oucrkeft. 
 And fcizcd cucry fenfc with forrow fore oppreft. 
 
 It fortuned, faire re?iud hauing loft 
 
 Her little fonne, the winged god of loue. 
 
 Who for fome light difplcafurc , which him croft^ 
 
 Was from her fled, as flit as aycrie Douc, 
 
 And left her blisfuU bowre of ioy abouc, 
 
 (So from her often he had fltd away. 
 
 When flie for ought him lliarpely did reprouc^ 
 
 And wandred in the world in ftrange aray, 
 
 Difguiz'd in thoufand ftiapes^ that none might him bc- 
 
 (wray. 
 
 Him for to fcekc , flie left her heauenly hous. 
 The houfc of goodly formes and faire afpeds^ 
 . Whence all the world deriucs the glorious 
 Features of beauties, and all fliapcs fclcdl, 
 With which high God his workmanfhip hath deckQ 
 And fearched cuery way, through which his wings 
 Had borne him, or his trad flic mote dcted ; 
 She promift kiffes (weet, and fwecter things 
 
 Vnto the man, that of him tydings to her brings, 
 
 Firft flic him fought in Court, where moft he vfed 
 Whylomc to haunt, but there flie found him not j 
 But many there flie found, which fore accufcd 
 His falfehood, and with foule infamous blot 
 His crucll dcedcs and wicked wyles did fpot : 
 Ladies and Lords fliceucry where mote hcarc 
 Complayning , how with his empoyfned fliot 
 Their wofuU harts he wounded had whylcarc. 
 
 And fo had left the m Ian guifliing twixt hope and fcarc. 
 
 Hh 2
 
 482 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C4W.r/:> 
 
 She then the Citticsfoughtfrom gate to gatc^ . ? A 
 And cuery one did aske, did he him fee ; 
 Andeiicry one her anfwerdj that too late i vM 
 He had him fecne^and felt the crueltic 
 Of his l"harpe darts and who t artilleries . j ii jo-^j^dil „ 
 And eucry one threw forth rcproches rife 
 Of his mifchieuoiisdecdes,and(aid5Thathec t ii- 
 Was the difturber of all ciiiill life. 
 
 The cnimy of peace^ and author of aEftrifc. 
 
 Then injthe coimtrey fhc abroad him fought^ 
 And in the rurall cottages inquired. 
 Where alfo many plaints to her were brought. 
 How he their heedleflfe harts^vith loue had fyred, ' 
 And his falfevenim through their vcincs infpyred;- 
 And eke the gentle fliepheard fwaynes,which fat 
 Keeping their fleecic flockes, as they were hyrcd. 
 She {weetly heard complaine , both how and what 
 
 Her fonnc had to them doen ; yet flie did finilc thereat* 
 
 But when in none of all thcfc fhe him got, . . v 
 
 She gan auize, where elfe he mote him hydc : • ^- ■ *" 
 At laft fhe her bethought , that fhc had not 
 Yet fought the faluage woods and forrcfts wydc^ 
 In which full many louely Nymphes abydc, . \V 
 
 Mongfl: whom might be, that he did clofely lye. 
 Or that the loue of fomc of thern tiim tydc : fhi7 
 For thy ilie thither caft her coiirfe t'apply. 
 
 To fearch the fecret haunts o^Dranes company* 
 
 Shortly vnto the waftefiill woods fhe came. 
 
 Whereas (he found the Goddcffc with her crew,.. . 
 After late chacc of their embrcwed game, 
 Sitting befide a foimtaine in arcw^ 
 
 Soxdt
 
 Cm:vr. FAERIE QVEENE/ 4S3 
 
 Some of them wafhiig with theiiquid dew li^DfonT 
 From ofFtheir dainty limbcs the dufticfwcati/i 10 
 And foyle which did deformc their liuely hcwj;. J 
 Others lay fliaded from the fcorching heat; ■) 
 
 The reft vpon her.pcrlon gaue attendance great, 
 : • . . .• n:. '• }.:. : . ■•■■ . /" ' ; ■ 
 
 She hailing hong vpon a bough on high 
 Her bow and painted quiuer^ had vnlaftc 
 Her filuer buskins from hcrnimble thigh. 
 And her lancke loynes vngirt^ and brefts vnbraftc. 
 After her heat the breathing cold to tafte 5 
 Her golden lockes 3 that late in treflcs bright 
 Embreadedwcreforhindringofherhafte, 
 Now lobfe about her flioiilders hong vndight^d al 
 
 And were with fweet Amhrojia all befprinckled light* 
 
 Soone as flie /^<r;;/;^ faw behind her backc,. 
 
 She was arham'd to be fo loofe fiirprized .^ ? > :> » ot £\ 
 And woxe halfe wroth againft herdamz^Is flackc^ ^ 
 That had nother thereof before auized. 
 But fuffred her fo cardefly difguized 
 Beoucitaken. Soohe her gatmcnts loofc ^' 
 
 Vpgath*ring , in hei* bolbme lire comprized. 
 Well as fhe might, and to the Goddeflc rofe. 
 
 Whiles all her Nymphes did like a glrlond her enclofc. 
 
 Goodly (lie- ganfai re Cythereag^ttt^ 
 
 And fhortly asked her, what caufe her brought 
 Into that wilderneffe for her vnmeet, ( fraught : 
 
 From her fwcete bowres, and beds with plcafures 
 That fuddcin change fhe ftrangc adnenture thought. 
 To whom halfe weeping , fhe thus anfwered. 
 That fhe her deareft fbnne Cuptdo fought. 
 Who in his frowardncffe from her was fled ; 
 -That fhe repented fore,to haue him angered. 
 
 Hh3
 
 4^4 THE1II.BO0KE OFTHE CMnf.rh 
 
 Thereat DUnx gan to fiiiilc, in fcome 
 
 Of he r vainc plaint, and to her fcoffing fayd 5 
 Great pittie furc, that ye be lb forlomc 
 Of your gay fonne, that giucs ye fb good ayd 
 To your dilports ; ill mote yc bene apayd. 
 But (lie was more cngricued^ and replidc; 
 Faire fifter, illbefeemes it to vpbrayd 
 . A doleful! heart with fo difdainfull pride 5 
 
 The like that mine, may be your painc another tide* 
 
 As you in woods and wanton wilderncflc 
 Your glory fe t, to chace the faluage beafls. 
 So my delight is all in ioyfulneflc^ 
 la beds , in bowres, in banckets, and in feafts : 
 And ill becomes you with your loftic creafts. 
 To fcorne the ioy, that loue is glad to feekc ; 
 We both are bound to follow heauens behcafts^ 
 And f^nd our charges with obeifancc mceke ; 
 
 Spare, gentle filler, with reproch my painc to cekc» 
 
 And tell me, if that yc my (bnnc haue heard. 
 
 To lurkc cmongft your Nymphcs in fecret wizcj'* 
 Or kecpc their cabins : much I am alFcard, 
 Leaft he like one of them him fclfe difguizc^ 
 And turnc his arrowes to their exercize : 
 So may he long himfelfc full cafic hide : 
 For he is faire andfrelli in face arid giu'zc, 
 Asany Nymph ( let not it been uyde.) 
 
 So faying euery Nymph full narrowly flic cydc. 
 
 But /'Aa'^^ therewith lore was angered, :;;; 1 
 And fharply faid ^ Goe Dame, goe feekc your b<5y^ 
 Where you him lately left, in Marshis bed 5 
 He comes not here, wc fcorne his foolifh ioy^ 
 
 . :r...^ • ' . Nc
 
 Cifif.ri. FAERIE QVEENE. 485 
 
 Ne lend wc Icifarc to his idle toy : 
 
 But if I catch him in this company. 
 
 By StygUn lake I vow , whofc fad annoy 
 
 The Gods doe dread, he dcarely fhall abyc : 
 He clip his wanton wings^ thathc no more fball fly, 
 
 VVhom whcnasTifii^/s^fawfofbrc difpleaftd. 
 She inly fory was , and gan relent. 
 What fhe had laid : fo her fhe fooiic appealed, I . 
 With fugrcd words and gentle blandifhment. 
 From which a fountaihe from her fvvect lips went. 
 And welled goodly forth, that in fhort Ipacc 
 She was well pleafd,and forth her damzdls knt.^ 
 Through all thel woods, to'learchfrom place to placc^ 
 
 If any trad of him or ty dings they mote trace* 
 
 To fearch the God of loue , her Nymphes fhe lent 
 Throughout the wandring forreft euery where : ^ 
 And after them her fclfe eke with her went 
 To fceke the fugitiue, both farre and nerc. 
 So long they fought, till they arriued were 
 In that fame fhadic couert, whereas lay 
 Faire Cryfogonc in flombry traunce whilere : 
 Who in her fleepe ( a wondrous thing to fay ) 
 
 Vnwares had borne two babes , as faire as fpringing day. 
 . i3v< 3i':>^-:o7v;2aoJ[ .psbni/l '\v^i\i cr, Tifiib'i G!»d/\ 
 
 Vnwares fhe them conceiu'd',vnwafcs fhe bore : 
 She bore withouten paine,that flie conceiucd 
 Withouten pleafurc: ne her need implore 
 Lucitjaes aide : which when they both perceiucd. 
 They were through wonder nigh of lenft bcrcaued. 
 And gazing each on other , nought bcfpake : 
 At laft they both agreed, her Iceming grieued 
 Out of her heauy fwowno not to awake. 
 
 But from her louing fide the tender babes to take. 
 
 Hh4
 
 48^ THE III;B00KE'0F THE Cstff.ri, 
 
 Vp they them tookc^'cachoncababc yptookc^)' •/.''' 
 And with them carried,' to be foflcrcd; >-■ ' 
 Dame /^/>.c^r to a Nymph her babe bctooke^ 
 To be vpbroughtinperfedMaydenhcdj .. .- 1 
 Atixlofhcirfeitcheriiatiici^/^A^^^red:.; '-^iriqib hVl 
 ButPe/JUj hers hence farre away conuayd^ 
 To be vpI^roLight in goodly womanhcd^ . — i v-r r^'fT 
 And in her Htle loiics ftead, which was ftrayd^ 
 
 Hery^/^^^r/^Jcald^tDconnfortherdifiiiayd. : 
 
 , "n :: - ■ 1 tibnrjcl 3li'!r>.!;i hnc <:Lib'// boip^jl ffti'TV 
 
 She brought her to her ioyoiis Paradizc, 
 
 Wheremoft ("he wonncijwheihe on earth docs dwcL 
 So faire^a place, as Nature ciaii denize : : 
 Whether in •i?4;>i&^i,ort//';^fr(whi^^^^ 1 :' iiiuidi 
 OritiniG/;//fejbe3lwotenotwell; 'll 
 
 But well I wote by tryall, that this fame 
 All other plca&nt places doth c'xccll, 
 AndcaHedisbyherloftloiicrsnamc; _j!j'>. .i 
 
 ( \' 
 
 ' » •* ■ 
 
 In that fame Gardin all the goodly flowrcs^ 
 Wherewith dame Mature dfoth her beautific^, 
 And decks the girbnds of her paramoures^ 
 Are fetcht : there i5 the firftfcminaric 
 
 . Of allthings^thatarcboriietoliueanddic. 
 According to their kindes. Long worke it vvere^ 
 Here to account the cndlcUc progeniel 5 r3i 1 i i:)U.nii'}' 
 Of all the wecdcs, that bud and bloflbmc there 5 • 
 
 But fo much as doth need, aiwft needs be counted here. 
 
 It frted: was Hl-fr ti?tfuH foyfe-of oldj : ^ 
 
 And girt in with two walles on either fide ; 
 
 The 011c of yron^theotherof bright gold. 
 
 That nonemight thorough brcakc-^nor ouer-ftride : 
 
 .'yl;:7 0j c :-!: :!-^-';r-K orbr^'^nniii ' 'And
 
 CAtft.ri: FAERIE QVEENE. 487 
 
 And double gates it had, which opened widCj 
 By which both in and out men moten pas 5 
 Th'one faire and frefh, the other old and dridc : 
 Old Gemu4 the porter of them was. 
 Old Genius ^ the which a double nature has. 
 
 He letteth in, he lettcth out to wend, 
 AU that to come into the world defire ; 
 A thoufand thoufand naked babes attend 
 About him day and night, which doe require, 
 That he with fledily weedes would them attire : 
 Such as him lift, fuch as cternall fate 
 Ordained hath, he clothes with finfull mire, 
 And fendcth forth to liue in mortall ftatc. 
 
 Till they againe returnc backe by the hinder gate. 
 
 After that they againe returned beenc, 
 They in that Gardin planted be againe 5 
 And grow afrelli,as they had neuer feenc 
 Flefhly corruption, nor mortall painc. 
 Some tlioufandyeares fo doen they there remairc ^ 
 And then of him arc clad with other hew. 
 Or fent into the chaungefull world againe. 
 Till thither they returne, where firft they grew : 
 
 So like a wheelc around they runne from old to new,. 
 
 Ne needs there Gardiner to fct,or fbw. 
 
 To plant of prune: for of their owne accord 
 All things , as they created were, doc grow^ 
 And yet remember well the mi^htic word, 
 W hich firft was fpoken by th'Almightie lord^ 
 That bad them to increafe and multiply: 
 Nc doctheynced with water of the ford. 
 Or of the clouds to moyften their roots dry^ 
 
 For in thcmfelucs cternall moifture they impfy^
 
 ^88 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Csntrr. 
 
 Infinite fiiapes of creatures there arc bred. 
 
 And vncouth formes^ which none yet eucr knc w^ 
 
 And euery fort is in a fundry bed 
 
 Set by it fclfc, and ranckt in comely rew : 
 
 Some fit for reafonable foules t'indcw^ 
 
 Some made for bcafts , fomc made for birds to wcare;. 
 
 And all the fruitfull (pavvne of fiilies hew 
 
 Inendltflc rancks along enraungedwerc, 
 
 Thatfeem'd the Ocr^// could not containe them there. 
 
 Daily they grow, and daily forth are ftnc 
 
 Into the world, it to repleniili more ; 
 
 Yet is the ftocke not leflcncd, nor fpent^ 
 
 Butftillrcmaincsin euerlafting ftore. 
 
 As it at firft created was of yore. 
 
 For in the wide wombe of the world there 'ycs^ 
 
 In hate full darkcnefic and iw deepe horrore^ 
 
 An huge eteniall Chios ^ which liipplyes 
 The fubftanccs of natures fruitfull progenycs. 
 
 All things from thence doc their firft being fetch. 
 And borrow matter, whereof they arc made. 
 Which when as forme and feature it does kctch^' 
 Becomes a bodie, and doth then inuade 
 The ftate of life, out of the griefly fhade. 
 That fubftance is eternCj and bideth fb, 
 Ne when the life decayes, and forme does fadc^ 
 Doth it confume, and into nothing go. 
 
 But chaunged is, and often altred to and fro. 
 
 The fubftanceisnotchaunged,noraItcred, 
 But th'only forme and outward fafhion ; 
 For euery fubftance is conditioned 
 To change her hew, and fundry formes to.don, 
 
 - -: Meet
 
 CM.VL FAERIE CLVEENE. 4?^^ 
 
 Meet for her temper and complexion : 
 For formes are variable and decay^ 
 By courfe of kind, and by occafion 3 
 And that faire flowre ot beautic fades away^ 
 As doth the lilly frclli before the funny ray. 
 
 Great enimy to it^and to all the reft. 
 That in the Gardift of Adonis fprings. 
 Is wicked Time^ who with his icy th addreft. 
 Does mow the flowring herbes and goodly things. 
 And all their glory to the ground downe flings. 
 Where they doe wither , and are fowly mard : 
 He flyes about, and with his flaggy wings 
 Beatcs downe both leaucs and buds without regard^ 
 
 Nc cucr pittic may relent his malice hard. 
 
 Yet pittic often did the gods relent, 
 
 ^ To fee fo faire things mard, and fpoylcd quight x 
 And their great mother J^enu4 did lament 
 The loffe of her dcare brood, her deare delight; 
 Her hart was pierft with pittie at the fight. 
 When walking through the Gardin , them (he fpy dc> 
 Yet no'tc flie find redrefle for fuch defpight. 
 For all that Hues, is fubieii to that law : 
 
 All things decay in time^ and to their end do drawe 
 
 But were it not, that Tme their trmiblcr is. 
 All that in this delightful! Gardin growes. 
 Should happie be, and haue immortall blis : 
 For here all plentie,and allpleafureflowes. 
 And fweet loue gentle fits emongft them throwes^ 
 Without fell rancor, or fond gcalofie ; 
 Franckly each paramour his leman knowcs. 
 Each bird his matej ne any does cnuic 
 
 -^cir goodly merimeat, and gay fclicitic*
 
 490 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CatttrL 
 
 There is continuallfpring^iindhanicft there 
 Continiiall, both meeting at one time ; 
 For both the boughes doe laughing bloflbmcs bcarc. 
 And with frefh colours decke the wanton Primc^ 
 And eke attoncc the heauy trees they clime. 
 Which feeme to labour vnder their fruits lode ; 
 The whiles the ioyous birdes make their paftimc 
 Emongft the fliadic leaues, their fweet abode. 
 
 And their true loues without fufpition tell abrode. 
 
 Right in the middefl: of that Paradifc, 
 
 There (lood a (lately Mount^on vvhofc round top 
 
 A gloomy grouc of mirtle trees did rife, 
 
 VVhofe fhadie boughes fharpc fleele didneucr lop^ 
 
 Nor wicked beads their tender buds did crop. 
 
 But like a girlond compaflcd the highr. 
 
 And from their fruitfull fides fweet gum did drop^ 
 
 That all the ground with precious deaw bedigln. 
 
 Threw forth moft dainty odours, & moft fweet delight. 
 
 And in the thickcft couert of that fhade. 
 There was a pleafant arbour, not by art^ 
 But of the trees ownc inclination madc_, 
 W hich knitting their rancke braunches part to part. 
 With wanton yuie twyne entrayld athwart. 
 And Eglantine, and Caprifole emong, 
 Fafhiond aboue within their inmoft part^ 
 That nether Phtebm beams could through the throng, 
 
 Nor Aeolt^ tliarp blaft could worke them any wrong. 
 
 And all about grew euery fort of flowre, '} 
 
 To which fad louers were transfqrmd ofyore; 
 FreiTi Hyaciftthus^ Phcehus paramourc^ 
 Foolilli Narcijfe , that likes the watry fhorc. 
 
 Sad
 
 cm.ri. FAERIE .CLVEENE.ii 4^1 
 
 Sad AmiYAnthus^ niadc d flowrc but Jatci^r I v^or i tiiv^ 
 Sad ^w^r^/^/Z'/^jinwhofc purple gore '/ 
 
 Mefccmcslfcc-r^w/?/^ wrctchcdfatcy ..x-ji^/- / 
 To whom fwcct Poets vcrft hath giucn cndlefic date.' 
 
 Thcrewontfaircr<f/?iafi^;ofteritoerii6y ' ' -^ H 
 Herdeare-^i^^/;^ioyous company^ . ■. .O 
 And reape (vv^cct plcafure of the wanton boy; . T 
 There yet^fomcfayjinfecrct he docs 1)% : • ' "A 
 Lapped in flowres and pretious fpycery, 
 By her hid from the world, and frorii the skill ht\A 
 Of^'/^^/^^Gods^whichdochcrloueenuy; ^: r^v^-p^ 
 But fhe her (clfe^when euer that fhe will, A 
 
 Poflcfleth him^andof his fwcetnefle takes her filL ' ' 
 
 r 
 
 And fboth it feemcs they fay : for he may not 
 
 For euer die^and euer buried bee jiwt^uo 
 
 In balefuU night, where all things ate forgatjv; ' ; 
 All be he fubieft to mortalities . b pi h^-i v. 
 
 Yet is eternc in mutabilitic^ 
 And by fucceffion made pcrpctuall, 
 Transformedoft,andchaungcddiuerflici ,^: i 
 For him the Father of all formes they call ; '■ ':v ^ ^ A 
 
 Therefore needs mote he liue^ that lining giucs to olTi 
 
 There nowhe liueth in eternall bliis, _ 
 
 loyinghis goddeflcjand of her enioydr^ inr^ n-^H F 
 Ne fearcth he henceforth that foe of his,- 
 Which with his cruclltuske him dea!dlycloydk !:; .il 
 For that wilde Bore^ the which him once annoyd,. 
 She firmclyhath emprilbhcd for ay, j • for'v; ifLirlw ul 
 That her fweet louc his malice mord iuoyd^. "^n lO 
 In a flrong rocky Cauc, which is they fay, ■ i(Trf^, 
 
 Hewen vndcrne^h dbat Mciunt ^ thatponichiiii Jofea
 
 4P2 THE III. BOOKE OF THE (UHt.ri. 
 
 There now he Hues in cue rlaftirig loy. 
 With many of the Gods in company. 
 Which thither haunt, and with the winged boy 
 Sporting himfclfe in fafe felicity: 
 Who when he hath with Ipoiles and cruelty 
 Ranfackt the world, and in the wofiiU harts 
 Of many wretches fc t his triumphes hyc^ 
 Thither rcforts, and laying his lad darts 
 
 Afide, with faire Adonis^hycs his wanton parts. 
 
 And his true loue faire Ffyche with him playcs^ 
 Faire Pfyche to hirh lately reconcyld. 
 After longxroubles and vnmeet vpbraycs. 
 With which his mother /V/z/st^herreuyld^ 
 And eke himfclfe her cruelly exyld ; 
 But now in ftedfaft loue and happy ftatc 
 She with him Hues, and hath him borne a chyl J^ 
 VlcAftm^ that doth both gods and men aggratc^ 
 
 f/^4/&r^j the daughter of C^//W and P^r^datc. 
 
 Hither great Ventti brought this infant faire. 
 
 The younger daughter oichryfogmeej 
 
 And vnto ffyche with great truft and care 
 
 Committed her, yfoftered to bee, - - 
 
 And trained vp in true feminitee : 
 
 Who no leflc carefully her tendered^ 
 
 Then her ownc daughter ? lea fur e^ to whom fticc 
 
 Made her companion, and her Icflbned 
 In all the lore of loue, and goodly womanhead. 
 
 In which when fhc to peffeA npcntfTc grt#. 
 Of grace and bcautie noble Paragonc, 
 She brought her forth into the worldes vcw. 
 To be ch'cnfample of true loue alone, 
 
 ^ And
 
 ant.VI. FAERIE QyEENE;riT 4^5 
 
 And Lodeftarrc pf all f haftc afFcdionc, 
 To all fairc Ladies, that do^ liuc on ground. 
 To Faery court fhc camc^whcrc many one 
 Admyrd her goodly haueour, andfound 
 His feeble hart wide launched with loues cruell wound. 
 
 But ilic to none of them her louc did caft,., 
 Sauc to the noble knight Sir ScudamorCy 
 To whomher louinghart flielinkedfaft 
 In fathfull I0UC3 t'abide for eucrmorc^ 
 And for his deareft fake endured fore, 
 
 ■ Sore trouble of an hainousenimy; 
 
 VVho her would forced haue to haue fodorc 
 Her former loue, and ftcdfaft loialty. 
 
 As ye may clfc wlicre read that ruefull hiftory. 
 
 But well I wccnc, yc firft defirc to learnc. 
 What end vn to that fearefull Damozell, 
 VVhich fledfo faft from that fame fofter ftcarnc, 
 VVhom with his br^hrcn Tmias flew^befcUt tjiU 
 That was to weet, the goodly Tlorimelh 
 Who wandringforto fcekeher loucr dearc^ 
 Her louerdcare, her deareft Mar'melly 
 Into misfortune fell, as ye did hearc. 
 
 And from Prince ^r//w fled with wings of idle fcarc. 
 
 
 . ». i- >-- W 
 
 ' . " ■ 
 
 ■57/ 
 
 . .. _ . 
 
 ■ f'rtA 
 
 • in^f' 
 
 
 . ilvvj.:. 
 
 
 
 
 -tj :it>xli>5nii.j!>i 
 
 3fj'i
 
 45>,4 THE IIKBOOKE'OFTHE CMttt.ytL 
 
 ,3,-:oif'r3^n;fh-:rb'!,. 
 
 .!'! Cant* 
 
 iii Si ^^'^ witches fome hues Florimell : 
 
 JS^ Z&tf ^7^/ , ^r fames to dte» 
 
 1^.? ^t-X Satyr atte faues the Squire of Barnes 
 
 m^. from Cjyants tyranme, „. 
 
 Like as an Hynd forth finglcd from the heard, 
 Thai hath cfe^pcd from a raucnousbca% ol[ . v 
 Yet flycs awa^yof hcroivne feet aifirard, 6i t^H 
 And ciicry Icafe, that fliakcth with thcleaft 
 Murmurc of windc, her terror hath encreaft j 
 So fled fairc Florimell from hfer vaine fearc ■.:.:... 
 Long after flic frp^pcrillwatsceleaft;. \^-, j.Mf/y 
 E^chihade flic fawjandeach noyfe (he didihcare/ 
 Did feemc to be the famc^ which flic efcapt whylcark 
 
 All that famcevicnirig fhc. iia flying fpcnr,Sni;v/ orl// 
 And all that ,Aight her courfe con tine Wed : c [ id W 
 Nc did fhe let; dull flccpc once to relent. 
 Nor wearincfic to flackeher haft, but fled 
 Euer alike J as if her former dred 
 Were hard behind, hfcrreadie to arreft; 
 And her white Palfrey hauing conquered 
 The maiftring raines out of her weary wreft. 
 
 Perforce her carried, where euer he thought beft. 
 
 So long as breath, and hable puifTancc 
 Did natiuc courage vnto him fupply. 
 His pace he frcfhly forward did aduauncc^ 
 And carried her beyond all icopardy. 
 
 But
 
 C4nt.ril. FAERIE QVEEN-E: 4^5 
 
 But nought that wantcth rcft^can Jong aby. 
 Heh^uing'throiigh iticcflant trauell /pent 
 His forcCjatlaft perforce adowne did ly, 
 Ne foot could further moue; The Lady gent 
 Thereat was fuddcin ftrooke with greataftoniflimcnt. 
 
 And forft t'alightjon foot mote aJgates fare, 
 A traueller vnwonted to fiich way: 
 
 Need teacheth her this leffon hard and rare 
 That fortune all in cquall launce doth fvvayj 
 And mort all mifcries doth make her play. 
 So long (he trauelled, till at length Hie came 
 To an hilles fide, which did to her bewray 
 Alittlevalley^fubicdtothefame^ . ,( 
 
 All cpu'crd with thick woods^that quite it 6uircsmc.' 
 
 Throu gh the tops of the high trees fiie did deicry . . ' // 
 AHtle fmoke^whofe vapour thin andlight^ .- r :-•/ 
 
 r iRcekingaloft, vpiplled to the sky ; 
 
 Which, chearefuU figne did fend vnto her fight^' 
 That in the fame did wonne fome liuing wight. 
 Eftfoones her fteps fhe thereunto apply de. 
 And came at lafl: in weary wretched plight 
 Vnto the place, to which her hope did guydc, 
 
 To find fome refuge there, and reft her weary fyde. 
 
 There in a gloomy hollow glen fhe found 
 A little cottage, built of ftickes and reedes 
 . In homely wize, and wald withfods around. 
 In which a witch did dwell, in loathly wcedes, 
 And wilfuU w^n t, all carclefle of her ncedesj 
 So choofing folitarie to abide , 
 Far from all neighbours,that her deuilidi deedes 
 * And hcllifli arts from people (lie might hide, 
 And hurt far offvnknownc, whom cucr flie cnuide. 
 
 11
 
 49tf THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cm.VlU 
 
 The Damzcll there arriuing cntrcdin ; 
 
 Where fitting on the flore the Hag iTie found, 
 
 Biific(as fcenVd)aboiit (bme wicked gin ; 
 
 Who foonc as fhe beheld that fuddcin ftound. 
 
 Lightly vpftarted from the duftie ground^ 
 
 And with fclllooke and hollow deadly gaze 
 
 Starcdon her awhile, as one aftoLindj •: 
 
 Ne had one word to fpeake/or great amaze. (daze. 
 
 But Ihcwdby outward figncs^ that dread her fence did 
 
 At laft turninghcrfearc to foolifh wrath. 
 
 She askt, what dcuill had her thither brought^ 
 And who fhe was^and what vnwonted path 
 Had guided her, vnwelcomedjvnfbught? 
 To which the Damzell full of doiibtfull thought^ 
 Her mildly anfwcrdj Beldame be not wroth 
 With fiUy Virgin by aduenturc brought 
 Vnto your dwelling, ignorant and loth. 
 
 That craue but rownic to reft, while tcmpeftoucrblo'th. 
 
 With that adownc out ofher Chriftall cync 
 Few trickling teares fhe foftly forth let fall^ 
 That like two Orientpcarles, did purely iTiync 
 Vpon her fnowy cheeke ; andtherewithall 
 She fighed foft, that none fo beftiall. 
 Nor faluage hart, but ruth ofher fad plight 
 Would make to melt, or pittcoufly appall; -; ■■; 
 
 And that vile Hag, all were her whole delight 
 
 111 mifchiefc, was much moued at fopitteous fight. 
 
 And gan rccoraforther in her rude wy/cj;.' [ • t/i! 
 With womanifh compafTion ofher plaint^ . 
 Wiping the tcarcs from her fuffufed eyes. 
 And bidding her fit downe^ toxcfthcr faint 
 
 i k
 
 CmtJ'lh FAERIE dVEENE.: j 5^7 
 
 And wearic limbs a while . She nothing quaint 
 Nor s'deignfuU offo homely fafhion , 
 Sith brought (he was now to fo hard conftraint. 
 Sate downc vpon tlie dufty ground anon. 
 As glad of that finall reft, as Bird of tcmpefl: gon. 
 
 Tho gan (he gather vp her garments rent. 
 And her loofe lockcs to dightin order dcw^ 
 With golden wreath and gorgeous ornament ; 
 Whom fuch whcnas the wicked Hag did vew^ 
 She was aftonifht at her heauenly hew. 
 And doubted her to dceme an earthly wight. 
 But or (bme Goddcflc, or oiD'unes crew. 
 And thought her to adore with humble fprightj 
 
 Tadore thing (b diuine as beauty,were but right. 
 
 This wicked woman had a wicked fbnnc. 
 The comfort of her 3ge and weary dayes, 
 A laefic loord, for nothing good to donnc. 
 But ftretched forth in idleneflcalwayes^ 
 Ne euer cafthis mindtocouetprayfe. 
 Or ply him fclfc to any honeft trade , 
 But all the day before the funny rayes 
 He vs'dto Aug, or fleepe in flothfull fhadc: 
 
 Such laefincflc both lewd and poore attonce him made. 
 
 He comminghome at vndertime,there found 
 The faireft creature, that he euer faw, 
 Sitting befide his mother on the ground ; 
 The fight whereof did greatly him adaw^ 
 And his bafe thought with terrour and with aw 
 So inly fmot, that as one, which had gazed 
 On the bright Sunnc vnwarcs,doth foone withdraw 
 His feeble eync jwith too much brightnefTc dazed; 
 
 So ftared he on her, and flood long while amazed. 
 
 li 2
 
 4^8 THElIt BiOOKE OF THE C4niyit, 
 
 Softly at laft he gan his mother aslcc, 
 
 What mifter wight.that was^and whence deriued, i 
 
 That in fo ftraungc difguizemcnt there did maske. 
 And by what accident (he there arriued : 
 But fhc^ as one nigh of her wits dcprincd^ 
 With nought but gl^aftly lookes him anfwcrcd. 
 Like to a ghoft, that lately is reuiued ''" "^ 
 From Stygian {hores,whcre late it wandered ; 
 
 So both at hcr^ and each at other wondered. 
 
 But the faire Virgin was fo mceke and mild. 
 
 That the to them vouchfafed to embacc 
 
 Her goodly port ^ and to their fenfes vild. 
 
 Her gentle fpeach applide^ that in fhort fpacc 
 
 She grew familiare in that defcrt place. 
 
 During which time^the Chorlc through her fokind 
 
 And curteifc vfc conceiu'd affedion bacc^ 
 
 And cafl to loue her in his brutifh mind ; 
 No louc^but br utifti luft^diat was fo beaftly tind. 
 
 Clofely the wicked flame his bowels brent. 
 
 And iTiortly grew into outrageous fire; 
 
 Yet had he not the hart, nor hardiment. 
 
 As vnto her to vtter his defire ; 
 
 His caytiuc thought durft not fo high alpirc. 
 
 But with foft fighcs 5 and loucly femblaunces. 
 
 He wecn*d that his affedion entire 
 
 She fliould aread ; many refcmblaunccs 
 To her he madc^^and many kind re membraunces. 
 
 Oft from the forreft wildings he did bring, 
 
 Whofe fides empurpled were with fmiling red. 
 And oft young birds, which he had taught to fing 
 His miftrcflc prayfcsj fweetly caroled^ 
 
 Girlonds
 
 cm.rir. FAERIE QVEEhlE j^^^ 
 
 Girlondsof flowrcs fbmctimcs for her fairc hcd 
 He fine would dight 5 fbmctimcs the fquircll wild 
 He brought to her in bandsj as conquered 
 To be her thrall^ his fellow feruant vild ; (mild. 
 
 All which^lTie of him tooke with countenance meeke and 
 
 But pafl awhile, when fhe fit fcafon faw 
 To Icauc that defcrt manfion, fhe caft 
 In fccrct wize her felfe thence to withdraw 
 For feare of mifchiefe, which iTie did forccafl 
 Might be the witch or that her ibnne com pafl: 
 Her wearie Palfrey clofcly, as fhe might. 
 Now well recouered after long repaft. 
 In his proud furnitures fhe frcfhly dight. 
 
 His late mifwandred wayes now to remeafure right. 
 
 And earely ere the dawning day appeard. 
 She forth iflewed, and on her ioumey went j 
 She went in perill, of each noyfc affeard. 
 And of each fhade, that did it felfe prefcnt j 
 For flill fhe feared to be ouerhcnt. 
 Of that vile hag, or her vnciuilc fbnne: 
 Who when too late awaking,wcll they kcnt. 
 That their faire guefl was gonCathey both begonne 
 
 To make exceeding monc^as they had bene vndonnc. 
 
 But that lewd loucr did the mofl lament 
 For her depart, that eucr man did hearc 5 
 He knockt his brefl with defperate intent. 
 And fcratcht his face, and with his teeth did tcarc 
 His rugged flelTi, and renthis raggedheare : 
 That his fad mother fceinghis fore plight, . 
 Was greatly woe begon, and gan to feare, 
 Lcafl his frailc fenfcs were empcrifht quigh t, 
 
 Andloue to frenzy turnd,fith louc is frantickc hight. 
 
 li 3
 
 500 THE IIL BOOKE OF THE Cmrit. 
 
 All waycs fhc fought, him to rcftorc to ph'ght. 
 
 With hcrbsjwith charms,with coufcll,& with tcarcs, 
 But tcars^nor charms^nor hcrbs^ nor counfell might 
 AflTwagc the fury, which his entrails tearcs : 
 Softrong is paffionjthatnorcafonhcarcs. 
 Tho when all other helpcs fhc faw to failc. 
 She turnd her fclfe backe to her wicked learcs 
 And by her deuilifh arts thought to preuailc. 
 
 To bring her backe againe^ or workc her finall balc» 
 
 Eftfooncs out of her hidden cauc fhe cald 
 An hideous bead, of horrible afped. 
 That could the ftouteft coura ge haue appald 5 
 Monftrous mifhaptjand all his backe was fpcd 
 With thoufand (pots of colours queint eled^ 
 Thereto fo fwifr, that it all beafts did pas : 
 Like neuer yet did liuing eye detcdi; 
 But likeft it to an //^^i»j was. 
 
 That feeds on womens flefli^as others fcedc on gras. 
 
 It forth (he cald, and ga uc it ftrcigh t in charge. 
 Through thicke and thin her to purfew apace, 
 Ne once to (lay to reft, or breath at large, 
 Tillherhehadattaind , and brought in place. 
 Or quite deuourd her beauties fcornefuU grace. 
 The Monfter fwift as word, that from her went. 
 Went forth in haft, and did her footing trace 
 So fure and fwiftly, through his perfed fctit. 
 
 And pafTmg fpecde, that fhortly heher ouerhcnt 
 
 Whom when the fcarcfull Damzell nigKefpide, 
 No need to bid her fa ft away to flie 5 
 That vgly fliapc fo fore her terrifide. 
 That it fhe ftiund no Icflfc^ then drca d to die, 
 
 And
 
 €4fH.rn. FAERIE QVEENE. 501 
 
 And her flit Palfrey did fo well apply 
 His nimble {ttt to her conceiucd tcarc. 
 That whileft his breath did ftrcngth to him fupply, 
 From perill free he her away did bcare : 
 But when his force gan faile3his pace gan wex arearc. 
 
 Which whenas (he perceiu'd^ iTie was difinayd 
 At that fame laft cxtremitie full fore. 
 And of her fafctie greatly grew afrayd'; 
 And now iTie gan approch to the fca fhorc^ 
 As it befcllj that fhe could flie no more. 
 But yield her fclfe to fpoile of greedineflc. 
 Lightly fhe leaped^as a wight forlore. 
 From her dull horfe^in defperate diftreflc. 
 
 And to her feet bctooke her doubtful! fickcrncfle, 
 
 Nothalfc fo faft the wicked iMyrrha fled 
 From dread of her rcucnging fathers hond; 
 Nor halfe fo faft to faue her maidenhcd. 
 Fled fearefuU Daphne on t\\'^^Eg^an ftrond^ 
 As Flormell fled from that Monftcr yond. 
 To reach the fca, ere fhe of him were raught : 
 For in the (ca to drowne her felfe fhe fond. 
 Rather then of the tyrant to be caught : (taught. 
 
 Thereto feare gaue her wings, and necde her courage 
 
 c 
 
 It fortuned (high God did fo ordainc) 
 As fhe arriued on the roring fl-iorc. 
 In minde to leape into the mighty mainc, 
 A little boate lay houing her before. 
 In which there flept a fillier old and pore, 
 The whiles his nets were drying on the fand : 
 Into the fame flic leapt, and with the ore 
 Did thruft the (hallop from the floting ftrand : 
 
 So fafctie found at fca, which (he found not at land 
 
 li 4
 
 ^ 
 
 502 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C4nt.Klt. 1 
 
 The Monftcr ready on the pray to feafc, '*" ' ^ 
 
 Was of his forward hope dcceiucd quight 5 
 
 Nc dur ft afTay to wade the perlous feas ^ 
 
 But greedily long gaping at the fight. 
 
 At laft in vaine was forft to turne his flighty 
 
 And tell the idle tidings to his Dame : 
 
 Yet to auenge his deuilifh dcfpight , 
 
 He fetvpon her Palfrey tired lame. 
 And flew him cruelly, ere any reske w came. 
 
 And after hailing him cmbowelled. 
 
 To fill his belEfh gorge, it chaunft a knight 
 
 To pafle that way, as forth he trauellcd ; 
 
 It was a goodly Swaine, and of great mighty 
 
 As euer man that bloudy field did fight 5 
 
 But in vaine flieows, that wont yong knights bewitch^ 
 
 And courtly fcruices tooke no delight. 
 
 But rather ioyd to be, then feemenfich : 
 For both to be and fecmc to him was labour lich. 
 
 It was to wcete the good Sir Satyr dne^ 
 
 That raiingd abroad to feeke aduenturcs wildc^ 
 As was his wont in forreft, and in plainc \ 
 He was all armd in rugged fteele vnfildc. 
 As in the fmoky forge it was compildc. 
 And in his Scutchin bore a Satyrcs hed : 
 He comming prefent, where the Monftcr vildc 
 Vpon that milkc-whitc Palfreyes carkas fed, 
 
 Vnto his rcskcw ran, and greedily him (pcd* 
 
 There well perce i u*d he,that It was the horfc 3 
 Whereon faire Florimelivf^s wont to ride. 
 That of that feend was rent without remorfc : 
 Much feared he, leaft ought did ill betide 
 
 To
 
 Cdnt.riL FAERIE QVEENE. 503 
 
 To that fairc Mayd^ the flowrc of womcns pride 3 
 For her he dcarcly loucd^ and in a!J 
 His famous conqucfts highly magnifide : 
 Befidf shcr golden girdle, which did fall 
 Fromher in flight^hcfound^thatdidhimfbreapall. 
 
 Full of (ad feare, and doubtfull agony. 
 Fiercely he flew vpon that wicked feendj 
 And with huge ftrokes, and cruell battery 
 Him fc5rft to leaue his pray, for to attend 
 Him felfc from deadly daunger to defend : 
 Full many wounds in his corrupted flclTi 
 He did engraue,and muchell bloud didfpend^ 
 Yet might not do him dye, but aye more frefh 
 
 And fierce he ftill appeard, the more he did him threfh. 
 
 He wift not, how him to defpoile of lifc^ 
 
 Nc how to win the wiflicd vidory, 
 
 Sith him he faw fWLl ftronger grow through ftrifc^ 
 
 And him (clfc weaker through infirmity j 
 
 Greatly he grew enrag'd, and furioufly 
 
 Hurling his fvvord away, he lightly lept 
 
 Vpon the beaft, that with great cruelty 
 
 Rored, and raged to be vnder-kept : 
 Yet he perforce him held,and flrokcs vponhim hept. 
 
 As he that ftriues to flop a fuddein flood. 
 And in ftrongbanckes his violence encloft, 
 Forceth it Iwell aboue his wonted mood. 
 And largely ouerflow the fruitfuUplainc, 
 That all the countrey (cemcs to be a Maine, 
 And the rich furrowes flote, all quite fordonnc : 
 The wofull husbandman doth lowd complainc. 
 To (ee his whole yeares labour loft fo fbonc , 
 
 For which to Cod he made fo many an idle boonc.
 
 504 THE III. BOOKE OF THE dmt.VU. 
 
 So him he held, and did through might amatc : 
 So long he held him^ md him bet fo long^ 
 That at the laft his ficrccncflc gan abate. 
 And meekely ftoup vnto the vidour ftrong : 
 Who to auengc the implacable wrongs 
 Which he fiippofcd donnc to Flortmell^ 
 Sought by all mcanes his dolour to prolong, 
 Sith dint of fteelehis carcas could not quell: 
 
 His maker with her charmes had framed him fo well. 
 
 i«"^jt 
 
 The golden ribband, which that virgin wore 
 About her fclender waft, he tooke in hand. 
 And with it bound the beaft , that lowd did rorc 
 For great defpight of that vnwonted band. 
 Yet dared not his vi6iour to withftand. 
 But trembled like a lambe, fled from the pray, 
 And all the way him foUowd on the ftrand. 
 As he had long bene learned to obay ; 
 
 Yet neucr learned he fuch fcruice, till that day. 
 
 Thus as he led the Beaft along the way. 
 He fpide far ofFa mighty Giauntefle, 
 Faft flying on a Courfcr dapled gray. 
 From a bold knight, that with great hardineffc 
 Her hard purfewd, and fought tor to fupprefle 5 
 She bore before her lap a doIefuU Squire, 
 Lying athwart her horfe in great diftrcflc, 
 Faft bounden hand andfoote with cords of wire. 
 
 Whom (he did meane to make the thrall of her dcfirc. 
 
 Which whcnas 5i€/rriw beheld , in haft 
 He left his captiue Beaft atliberty. 
 And croft the neareft way, by which he caft 
 Her to encounter, ere fhe paflcd by: 
 
 Bdt
 
 aaitril. FAERIE QVEENE. 505 
 
 But fhc the way (bund nathcmorc for thy. 
 But forward gallopt faft j which when he fpydc, 
 His mighty (pcarc he couched warily. 
 And at her ran : fhc hauing him defcrydc. 
 Her fclfe to fight addrcft, and threw her lode afidc. 
 
 Like as a Gofhaulcc, that in footc doth bcarc 
 A trembling Culuer,hauing(pide on hight 
 AnEgle, that with plumy wings doth (liearc 
 The fubtile ayre, ftouping with all his might. 
 The (juarrey throwes to ground with fell defpight. 
 And to the battell doth her (elfe prepare : 
 So ran the Geaunteflc vnto the fight ; 
 Her firie eyes with furious fparkcs did ftarc. 
 
 And with blalphcmous banncs high God in pecccs tare* 
 
 She caught in hand an huge great yron mace. 
 Wherewith fhe many hadof lire depriued-. 
 But ere the ftrokc could fcize his aymcd place. 
 His Ipeare amids her fun-broad iTiield arriucd j 
 Yet nathcmore the fteelc a (imder riucd. 
 All were the beame in bignefic like a mail^ 
 Ne herout of the ftcdfaft fadlc driucd, 
 But glaitncing on the tempted mettall, braft 
 
 In thouland ihiuers^and fo forth bcfide her paft, 
 
 
 Her Steed did ftagger with that puiffaunt ftrootc j 
 
 But iTie no more was moued with that mighty 
 
 Then it bad lighted on an aged Oke,; 
 
 Or on the marble Pillour, that is pight 
 
 Vponxhe top of Mount Olympm hight, 
 
 Forthebrauc youthly Champions taaffay. 
 
 With burning charct wheeles it nigh to fmkc ? 
 
 But who that fmites it, mars his ioyousplay^ 
 AndiS'thelpeitaclc of ruinous decay.
 
 ^o6 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CdiirrJl. 
 
 Yet therewith fore cnrag'd^ with ftcrnc regard ' 
 
 Her dreadfuil weapon ihe to him addreft^ 
 Which on his helmet martelledfo hard. 
 That made him low indinc his lofty creft^ 
 And bowd his battred vifbur to his breft; 
 Wherewith he was fo ftund, that he n'ote ryde. 
 But reeled to and fro from Eaft to Weft : 
 Which when his criiell enimy efpydcj 
 
 She lightly vnto him adioyned fide to lydc ; 
 
 And on his collar laying puifTant hand. 
 
 Out of his wauering feat him pluckt perforfcj 
 
 Pcrforfc him pUickt^ vnablc to withftand. 
 
 Or helpe himfelfe, ^nd laying thwart her horfe> 
 
 In loathly wife like to a carion corfe. 
 
 She bore him faft away . Which when the knight. 
 
 That her purfewcd J faw with great rcmorfc. 
 
 He neare was touched in his noble ipright. 
 
 And gan cncreafc his fpeed, as (he encreaft her flight. 
 
 Whom when as nigh approching flic efpydc. 
 She threw away her burden angrily ; 
 For flie lift not the battell to abide , 
 But made her felfe more light , away to fly : 
 Yet her the hardy knight purfewd fonyc. 
 That almoft in the backe he oft her ftrake : Q 
 
 But ftill when him at hand flie did cfpy. 
 She turnd, and femblaunce of fairc fight did makes 
 
 But when he ftayd,to flight againc fhc did her t;akc. 
 
 By this good Sir Sdtyrane gan wake 
 
 Out of his dreame^that did him longentrauncc^ 
 And feeing none in placejhc gan to make 
 Exceeding mone, and curft that cruel! chaunce , 
 
 VVhich
 
 C4»f.riL a FAERIE QVEEKE 507 
 
 Which reft from hirrj-ib fairfea chcui/atmccti ^ f •'i^ii c2 
 At length he fpidc, whereas that wofull Squire,' ' ^ ^ 
 Whom he had reskewcd from captiuauncc 
 Of his ftrong foe, lay tomblcd in the rnyrc^ 
 Vnablcto arifc^ or foot or hand to ftyrc. H :>f iiti,Tnt^H 
 
 To whom approching,wcll he more pcrcciuc 
 In that foiile plight a comely perfonagc^ 
 And louely face, made fit for to dccciuc >^l 
 
 Frailc Ladies hart with loues confuming ragc^ 
 Now in the bloflbmc of his freilicft age : 
 He reard him vp, and loofd his yron bands. 
 And after gan inquire his parentage. 
 And how he' fell into that Gyaunts hands. 
 
 And who thatwas,which chacedher along the lands. 
 
 Then trcmbliiig yet through fearCjthc Squire bclpakc^ 
 That Geauntcfic Lyfrga»te is behight, 
 A daughter of the T/fam which did make 
 
 . Warre againft heauen, and heaped hils on hfght. 
 To fcale the skycs,and put /oue from his right ; 
 Her fire Typhcem was, who mad through mcrth. 
 And drunke withbloud ofmen^flaine by his might,, 
 Through inceft, her or his owne mother Earth 
 
 Whilome begot,bekig but halfe twin of that berth. 
 
 For at that berth anodier Babe iTie bore, ''-^ 
 To wcet the mighty Ollyphant, that wrought 
 Great wrcakc to many errant knights of yore,. 
 And many hath to foulc confufion brought. 
 Thefe twinnes^men fay,(a diing far paffing thought) s 
 Whiles in their mothers wombe enclofd they were. 
 Ere they into the lightfome world vverc brought, 
 111 flclTily luft were jninglcd both yfcrc ^ ;:;;j haiu 
 
 Andin that monftrous wife did to the world appcrc/
 
 5o8 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CdfitrU:^ 
 
 So liii*d they cucr after irrlike fin, 
 
 Gainft natures law, and good bchiuiourc; 
 
 But grcateft (hamc was to that maiden twin^ 
 
 Who not content fo fowly to deuourc 
 
 Her natiue flefh, and ftraine her brothers bowrc. 
 
 Did wallow inall other flcfijy myre. 
 
 And I'ufFfcdbeafts her body to deflowre : 
 
 So whot Che burned in that luftfull fyre. 
 
 Yet ail that might not flake her fenfuall delyrc, / V 
 
 But oucr all the countrey fhe did raungc. 
 
 To feeke young men^to quench her flaming thurft 
 And feed her fancy with delightfuU chaunge; 
 Whom fb (he fittcll finds to feruc her luft_, 
 Through her maine ftrength^in which fhc mofl: doth 
 She with her brings into a (ccie t He, (truft 
 
 Where in eternall bondage dye he muft. 
 Or be the vaflall of her pleafures vile. 
 
 And in all fhamefull fort hiai felfe with her defile. 
 
 Me fcely wretch flic fb at vauntagc caught. 
 After (ht long in waite for me did lye. 
 And meant vnto her prifon to haue brought. 
 Her lothfbme pleafure there to fatiffye ; 
 That thoufand deathes me leuer were to dye. 
 Then breakc the vow, that to faire Columhell 
 I plighted haucj and yet keepe ftcdfaftly : 
 As for my name, it miftreth not to tell ; 
 
 Call me the Squyrc of Dames that me befccmcth wcU« 
 
 But that bold knight, whom ye purfuingfaw 
 That Geauntefi[c, is not fuch, as ("he fcemed. 
 But a faire virgin, that in martiall law, 
 Aad decdcs of armcs abouc all Dames is deemed. 
 
 And
 
 CM.riL FAERIE QVEEhPEM?^ ^ 
 
 Andabouc manyfenightsis dcc«ftcerncitjp^!)^"v:j ,7 c i 
 For hcrgrcat worth \ She Pa/iadineis higbt: hn A 
 She you from death^ you me from dread rcdccm<*cli 
 Ne any may that Monftef match in fight, - . 
 
 But (he, or fucli.as (bc^ that is foxhaftc a^vvigbii •'' sn f 
 
 Her well befccmes that Qiieft(quoth;S'^r4;y^) ^u^ 
 But read^ thou Squyre of Dames, what vow is thi%** 
 Which thou vpon thy felfe haft lately ta'ne? woFi 
 That fliall I you recount(quoth hc)yvvis^ 
 So be ye pleafd to pardon all ami^. 
 That gentle Lady, whom I loue and feruc. 
 After long fait and weary feruicis^ 
 Didaske me, how I could her loue defcruc, . ; • 
 
 And how ftic might be fure^ that I would neucr fwcrnc, 
 
 IgladbyanymeaneshcrgracctogainCj. ... i 
 
 Badher commaundtny life toiiuc^orfpilKl" ^'^ '^ 
 Eftfooncs fhe bad me, with inceflaunt p^inc 
 To wander through the world abroad at will^ 
 And euery where, where with my power or skill 
 I might daferuice vnto gentle Dames, 
 That I the fame iTiould faithfully fulfill,. (names 
 
 And atthctwelue monethesend fhould bring their 
 
 And jAedges , as the Ipoiles of my vidorious games;./ 
 
 . Aj'Ai ■. 
 
 So wellltofairc Ladies feruicc diB-, i.^ li' 
 And found fuch fauourin their louingliattcs,. 
 That ere the ycarc hircourfe had compaffid. 
 Three hundred pledges for my good defartcs^ 
 And thrifc thrcehundred thanks for my goodpartcsT' 
 I with me brought, and did to her prefcnt : 
 Which when flie faw,morc bent to eke my fiiiartcs^ 
 Then to reward my trufty true intent, , 
 
 She ganfor mc dcuife a gricuous punilnmcnt.^
 
 ^oa TH^'-riT/BOOKEfOF THE Cmnn 
 
 To wcct^thatflmy itr^ueU fhpiild ifcf^^ 
 
 And wi^U likclaboxu: vt^alkc the v^orld a tomi^ii ivi 
 Jslc^ucrtphcrprcfcncclhouldprcfumc^ ' '-■!?. 
 Tiii I fo many other Dames had found, 'A 
 
 The whi<t:h9ior^ll tf^c.fuit Icoqld ptopoundy Ml iuil 
 Would mc rcfufe their pledges to afford^ 
 But did abide for euerChaft and found. : -icH 
 
 Ahgfcptle Squirc(quothhe)tellatone word^r^t luH 
 How many founp thoufuch to put in phy record? '/ 
 ^2i7r{( 5fl djoupjiriuo:>oi jov 1 Ikffi ilAT 
 In deed Sir knight({aid hc)one word may tdl y{ »d< 2 
 Altj that I euer found fo wifely ftayd •, ■ .- "F 
 
 Tor onely three they were difpofdfowcll^:^.: ij;;A 
 Andyeptbtefc ycarei Iiadvi^abrdad-haueftrayd, iCI 
 Tp%d them out. Mote I(tbcnlaughingfayd ' :A. 
 The knight) inquire of thec^what were thofe three. 
 The which thy .profFredcurtcfiedenayd> ^r /;.:.. ' T 
 Or ill they fccmediiirc auizd to bee, rt^ -^ 73d hi\ 
 Or brutifhiy brought vp/hat neu'r did fafhionsicic^ ^f 
 
 The firft which then refufed me (faid hee) • 
 
 Ccrtes wasbutaxommon Courtilanci^ib :fii;2irM I 
 
 Yet flat rcfufil tbhaue a dawitb mee, 
 
 Becaufc Icould hot giue her many a lane. 
 
 (Thereat fuUhartely laughed Sutynne) 
 
 The fccond was an holy Nunne to chofe^ 
 
 Which would noilct me be her Chippellanej ^ 
 
 Becaulc fhekncw^fliefard,! would difclofe 
 
 Her counfcUjif fhe fliould her truft in mc repofc. 
 
 The diird a^Pamzell was of low degree, 
 
 Wliom Tin countrey cottage found by chaunccj 
 
 Full little weened I ^that chafticec 
 
 Had lodging in fo meanc a-maintenauncc, 
 
 w:;:;rul. :!iq^:joii:)v ; Yet
 
 CMt.Vlh FAERIE QVEENE. 511 
 
 - Yet was fhc fairc , and in her countenance 
 Dwelt fimple truth in (ccmcly fafhion. 
 Long thus I woo'd her with dew obfcruancc,' 
 In hope vnto my pleafure to haue won 5 
 But was as farre at laft, as when I firft begon. 
 
 Safe hdr^ I neuer any woman found. 
 That chaftity did for it fclfe embrace^ 
 But were for other caufes firmeand (bund; 
 Either for want of handfome time and place. 
 Or elfe for feare of fhame and fowle difgracc. 
 Thus am Ihopeleflceucr to attaine 
 My Ladies loue, in fuch a delperatc cafe. 
 But all my dayes am like to waft in vainc, (trainc. 
 
 Seeking to match the chaftc with th'vnchafte Ladies 
 
 Pcrdy 3 ( faid Satyr ane) thou Squire of Dames ^ 
 Great labour fondly haft thou hent in hand. 
 To get fmall thankcs, and therewith many blames^ 
 That may emongft Alcidcs labours ftand. 
 Thence backe returning to the former land^ 
 Where late he left the Beaft, he ouercamc. 
 He found him not ; for he had broke his band^ 
 And was returned againc vnto his Dame, 
 
 To tell what tydings of /aire Florimell bee amc, 
 
 Kk
 
 512 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cmrill. 
 
 Cant. V ILL 
 
 The PP'itch creates a fhowj Lady\ 
 
 ItketoFlorimell y 
 who -wrongdyy Carle by TrotevkJaHciy 
 
 is. fought by PartdelL p§| 
 
 ^i 
 
 mmm&^^m^^&^UE^ 
 
 O oft as Wiishiftory rcc^^^^^ 
 My hart doth melt with mGcre compaffion. 
 To thinkc,3 how caufclcfle of her ovyne accord 
 ' This gentle pamzellj, whom Lwritevpon^ 
 Shoiild plongedbc in fiich afflidtion^ 
 Without all hope of comfort or relicfcy 
 That fare I wecnc, the hardcfl hart of ftonc^ 
 Would hardly find to aggrauate her griefc ; 
 For miferycraues rather mercie^ then repriefc* 
 
 But that accurfcdHagjher hoftefle late. 
 Had fo eiiranckled her malitious hart. 
 That fhe defyrd th'abridgement of her fate. 
 Or long enlargement of her painefull fmart.. 
 Now when the Be aft, which by her wicked art 
 Late forth Hie fen t^ fhe backe returning fpydc, 
 Tydc with her broken girdle^it a part 
 ' Of her rich fpoylcs^ whom he had earft deftroyd. 
 She weend^ aiid wondrous gladncflc to her hart applydc. 
 
 And with it running haftly to hcf fonnc, 
 
 Thoii.fjht with that fi2;hthim much to hauc reliuedj 
 Who thereby dcemiin^ fure the thing as donne^ 
 His former griefc with furic frcfti rcuiucd^' 
 
 Much
 
 cm.Vin. FAERIE QVEENE. 513 
 
 Much more then earft^ and woiildhaue Agates riucd ^ 
 The hart out of his bred : for fith her dcd 
 Hcfurely dcmpt^himfelfe he thought dcpriucd 
 Quite of all hopc^whcrewith he Jong had fed 
 His foolilh maladic^ and long time had mifled. 
 
 With thought whereof, exceeding mad he grewr^ ^ 
 And in his rage his mother would haue flaine^ 
 Hadflie not fled into a fecret mevv^ 
 Where fhe was wont her Sprights to entertainc 
 The maiftersof her art: there was rhcfaine 
 To call them all in order to her aydc^ 
 And them coniure vpon eternall painc^ 
 To counfell her fo carefully difmayd, (cavd. 
 
 How {he might heale her fbnnc ^ whofc fcnfcs were de- 
 
 By their aduiftj and her owne wicked wit, 
 
 She there dcuiz*d a wondrous worke to framCj 
 Whofc like on earth was neuer framed yit^ 
 That euen Nature felfe enuide the fame. 
 And grudg'd to fee the counterfet fhould iTiame 
 The thing it felfe. In hand iTie boldly tookc 
 To make another like the former Dame^ 
 Another Florimeli^'m fhape andlookc 
 So liuely and fb like, that many it miftookc. 
 
 The fubftance, whereof fhe the bodie made, 
 Waspureft fnowin mafTie mould congeald. 
 Which fhe had gathered in a fhadic glade 
 Of the BJfheedn hils, to her reueald 
 By errantSprightSjbut from all men conceald : 
 The fame fhe tempted with fine Mercury, 
 Andvirginwex, that neuer yet was feald, v../ . 
 And mingled them with perfe6): vermily, '^ "' "' 
 
 That like a liuely fanguine it feem'd to the eye. 
 
 Kk 2
 
 514 THE IIL BOOKE OF THE CmVUh 
 
 In ftcad of eyes two burning lampes llic (ct \ 
 
 In filiier fockcts, Ihyning like the skyes, ^ 
 
 And a quickc moiling Spirit did arret 
 To ftirrc and roll thcnij like a womans eyes ; 
 In ftcad of yellow lockes fhe did deuifc. 
 With golden wyre to weaiie her curled head ; 
 Yet golden wyre was not fo yellow thrifc 
 As Florimells faire haire : and in the ftead 
 
 Of life, fhe put a Spright to rule the carkafic dead, 
 
 A wicked Spright y fraught with fawning guilc^ 
 
 And faire relemblance aboue all the reft. 
 
 Which with the Prince of Darknefle fell lomewhilc^ 
 
 From heauens bliffe and euerlafting reft ; 
 
 Him needed hot inftrud^which way were beft 
 
 Himfelfe to fafhion likeft Florimell^ 
 
 Ne how to fpeake, ne how to vie his geft j 
 
 For he in counterfeifance did excell. 
 And all the wyles of wemens wits knew pafling wcll^ 
 
 Him fhaped thus, flie dcckt in garments gay. 
 Which Florimell had left behind her late. 
 That who fb then her faw , would furely fay. 
 It was her felfe, whom it did imitate. 
 Or fairer then her felfc, if ought algatc 
 Might fairer be. And then fne forth her brought 
 Vnto her fonne, that lay in feeble ftate 5 
 Who feeing her g^n ftrcight vpftart, and thought 
 
 She was the Lady fclfe, who he fo long had fought. 
 
 Tho faft her clipping twixt his armcs'twainc. 
 Extremely ioyed in fo happie fight. 
 And foone forgot his former fickly paine ; 
 But ("he J the more to feeme fucbia^il^c hight^ . 
 
 ' •'^ . Coyly
 
 antVin. FAERIE QVEENE. 515 
 
 Coyly rebutted his embraccment light ; 
 Yet ftill with gentle countenant retained^ 
 Enough to hold a foole in vaine delight : 
 Him long fhc (o with lliadowes entertainedj 
 As her Creatrcfle had in charge to her ordained. 
 
 Till on a day ^ as he difpofcd was 
 
 To walke the woods with that his Idole fairCj 
 Her to difport, and idle time to pas-j 
 In th'open frefhneflc of the gentle aire, 
 A knight that way there chaunced to repaire; 
 Yet knight was not ^ but a boaftfuU fwaine. 
 That dcedes of armes had euer in defpaire, 
 ViiOuiBraggiidocchio^xhztin vaunting vainc 
 
 His glory did repofe^ and credit did maintains 
 
 He feeing with that Chorlc(o fairc a wight. 
 Decked with many a coftly ornament. 
 Much mcruciled thereat, as well he might. 
 And thought that match a fowle difparagement : 
 His bloudie (peare eftfboncs he boldly bent 
 Againfl: the filly clowne, who dead through fearc. 
 Fell ftreight to ground in great aftonifhment 5 
 Villein (faid he) this Ladie is my deare, 
 
 Dy, if thou it gainefay ; I will away her bearc. 
 
 The fearefuU Chorle durft not gainefay, nor dooc. 
 But trembling fl:ood,and yielded him the pray 5 
 Who finding litle leafure her to wooc, 
 On Tromparts fteed her mounted without ftay, 
 And without rcskew led her quite away. 
 Proud man himfelfe then Braggadocchio deemed^ 
 And next to none , after that happic day, 
 Being poflefled of that fpoylc, which fccmcd 
 
 The faircft wight on ground,and moft of men eftecmed. 
 
 Kk 3 
 
 ^
 
 51^ THE IILBOOKE OF THE Cant.rili. 
 
 But when he faw himfclfe free from pourfutc. 
 He gan make gentle piirpofc to his Dame, 
 With termes of lone and Icwdnefic difToIute ; 
 For he could well his globing fpeaches frame 
 To fuchvainevfes, that him beft became: - ^_ 
 
 But fhe thereto would lend but light regard. 
 As feeming fory, that fhe euer came 
 Into his powre, that vfed her fo hard. 
 
 To reaue her honor^whkh flic more then life prcfard. 
 
 Thus as they two of kindnefle treated long. 
 There them by chaunce encountre d on the way 
 An armed knight, vpon a courferflrong, 
 Whofe trampling feet vpon the hollow lay 
 Seemed to thunder, and did nigh affray 
 That Capons courage : yet he looked grim. 
 And fain'd to chcarc his Ladic in difmay ; 
 Who feem'd for feare to quake in cuery lim. 
 
 And her to faue from outrage, meekely prayed him^ 
 
 Fiercely that ftrangcr forward came ,andnigh 
 Approching, with bold words and bitter threat. 
 Bad that fame boafter, as he mote,onhigh 
 To Icauc to him that Lady for excheat,. 
 Or bide him battell without further treat* 
 That challenge did too peremptory feeme. 
 And fild his fcnfes with abailimcnt great ^ 
 Yet feeing nigh him ieopardy extreme. 
 
 He it diflembled well, and light feem'd to efteemc. 
 
 Saying, Thou foolifh knight, that weenft with words 
 To lie ale away, that I with blowes haue wonnc. 
 And brought throgh points of many perilous fwcwrds: 
 But if thee lift to fee thy Courfcr ronue. 
 
 Or
 
 CMt.Vin. FAERIE QVEENE. 517 
 
 Or prouc thy fclfc, this fad encounter fhonnc, 
 Andfcekeelic without hazard of thyhcd. 
 At thofc proud words that other knight begonnc 
 To wexe exceeding wroth, and him ared 
 To turnc his ftccdc about^ or furc he fhould be ded, 
 
 Sith then (faid Brag^aiocchh) needes thou wilt 
 Thy dayes abridge, through proofc of puifTancc^ 
 Turnc we our HccAcs^ that both in equall tilt 
 May meet againe, and each take happie chance. 
 This faid, they both a furlongs mountenancc 
 Rctyrd their ftccds , to ronnc in euen race : 
 But Brdggadocchh with his bloudie lance 
 Once hauing turnd, no more returnd his face. 
 
 But left his loue to loflc, and fled himfelfe apace. 
 
 The knight him feeing fly, had no regard 
 Him to pourfew, but to the Ladie rode. 
 And hauing her from Trompart lightly reard^ 
 Vpon his Courier let the loucly lode. 
 And with her fled away without ab ode. 
 Well weened he, that fairefl Florimell 
 It was, with whom in company he yode^ 
 And (b her felfe did alwaies to him tell ; 
 
 So made him thinke him felfe in hcaucn ^ that was in hcU. 
 
 But Florimell her felfe was farre away, 
 
 Driuen to great diftreffc by Fortune ftraungc^ 
 
 And taught the carefull Mariner to play, 
 
 Sith late mifchaunce had her compeld to chaungc 
 
 The land for fea, at randon there to raunge: 
 
 Yet there that crucll Qiiccne aucngerefic, 
 
 Not fatisfide fo farre her to eftrai'ngc 
 
 From courtly bliffc and wonted happineflc, 
 
 Did hcape on her new waues of weary wre tchcdncflc. 
 
 Kk 4
 
 5i8 THE III.BOOKE OF THE CMt.VIlh 
 
 For being fled into the filliers bote, 
 
 ^ For refuge from the Monftcrs crucltic, 
 Long fo Ihe on the mightie maine did flotc. 
 And with the tide droue forward careleflie; 
 For dVairc was mildc^and cleared was the skic. 
 And all his windes BiLti Aeolus didkeepc. 
 From llirringvp their ftormyenmitic. 
 As pittying to fee her waile and weepe ; 
 
 But all the while the fiilier did fecurely flcepe. 
 
 Atlafl: when droncke with drowfineffe^hc woke. 
 And faw his drouer driue alone the ftreamc. 
 He was dilinayd^and thrifc his bread he ftrokc. 
 For maruell of that accident extreame ; 
 But when he faw^ that blazing beauties beamc,* 
 Which with rare light his bote did beautific. 
 He marueild more ^ and thought he yet did drcamc 
 Not well awakt, or that fome extafic 
 
 AfTotted had his fcnfe^ or dazed was his cic. 
 
 But when her well auizing^he percciued 
 To be no vifion, nor fantafticke fight, 
 Great comfort of her prefcncc he conceiucd. 
 And felt in his old courage new delight 
 To gin awake, and ftirrc his frozen fpright : 
 Tho rudely askt hcr^how fhe thither came. 
 Ah ( faid fhe) father, I note read aright. 
 What hard misfortune brought me to the fame; 
 
 Yet am I glad that here I now in fafety am. 
 
 ]But thou good man, fith farrc in fea we bee. 
 And the great waters gin apace to fwell. 
 That now no more we can the maine -land fee, 
 Haue care^ I pray; to guide the cock-botc well, • 
 
 Lead 
 
 I
 
 cm.Flll. FAERIE QVEENE. 51^ 
 
 Lcafl: worfe on (c a then ys on land befell. 
 Thereat th'old man did nought but fondly grin. 
 And faid, hii boat the way could wifely tell ; 
 But his dcceiptfuU eyes did ne uer lin. 
 To lookc on hcrf^irc fece, and markc her fiiowy skin. 
 
 The fight whereof in his congealed flefh, 
 Infixtfuch fecret ftingof greedy luft. 
 That the drie withered ftocke it gan refrefh^ 
 And kindled heat^ that foone in flame forth bruft ; 
 The driefl: wood is fooneft burnt to duft. 
 Rudely to her he lept ^and his rough hand 
 Where ill became him , rafhly would haue thruft^ 
 But fhe with angry fcorne him did withftond. 
 
 And fhamefuUy reproued for his r udcnefic fond. 
 
 But he, that neuer good nor maners knew. 
 Her fharpe rebuke full litlc did efteeme ; 
 Hard is to teach an old horfc amble trew. 
 The inward finoke , that did before but fteemc. 
 Broke into open fire and rage extreme. 
 And now he ftrength gan adde vnto his will. 
 Forcing to doe, that did him fowie mifleeme : 
 Beaftly he threw her downe,ne car'd tofpill 
 
 Her garments gay with foales of fifh, that all did fill* 
 
 The filly virgin ftrouc him to withftand. 
 All that me might,and him in vaine reuild : 
 She ftruggled ftrongly both with foot and hand. 
 To faue her honor from that villaine vild, 
 Andcride to hcaucn,from humane helpe exild. 
 O ye braue knights, that boaft this Ladies louc. 
 Where be ye now, when llie is nigh dcfild 
 Of filthy wretch ? well may fiiec you reprouc 
 
 Of falfhood or of flouth^ when moft it may behouc*
 
 520 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CintVlll 
 
 Butifthatthoii^Sir5'4f>ri;?5didftwcctC3 i 
 
 Or thoiijSir ? endure^ her foric ftatc^ ^ 
 
 How fbonc would ycc aflemblc many a flectc^ 
 To fetch from (ea, rhatyc at land loft late ; 
 TowrcSjCitieSj Kingdomes yc would rumatCj 
 In your auengcment and difpitcous ragc^ 
 Nc ought your burning fury mote abate ; 
 But if Sir C4//^(:7r^ could itprelagc. 
 
 No lining creature could his cruelty aflvvagc. 
 
 But fith that none of all her knights is nyc3 
 See how the heaucns of voluntary gracc^ 
 And fouerainc fiuour towards chaftity^ 
 Doe fuccour ftnd ta her diftrcfled cacc : 
 So much high God doth innocence embrace. 
 It fortuned, whileft thus fhe ftifly ftrouc. 
 And the wide fca importuned long {pace 
 With fhrilling fhriekes. Trot em abrodc did ^CASk'^ 
 
 Along the fomy waues driuing his finny droue. ' I 
 
 fyotetu IS Shepheard of the feas of yore. 
 
 And hath the charge of Neftunes mightie heard^ 
 An aged fire with head all fro wy hore. 
 And fprinckled froft vpon his deawy beard : 
 Who when thofe pittifuU outcries he heard. 
 Through all the feas fb ruefully refound. 
 His charet fivlft in hafte he thither ftcard. 
 Which with a teemeoffcalyp/?^^/^ bound 
 
 Was drawne vpon the waues, that fomed him around. 
 
 Andcommingtb that Fiilicrs wandtingbotc. 
 That went at will, withduten carde or faylc. 
 He therein faw that yrkefbme figh t, which fmotc 
 Deepc indignation and compaffion fraylc • • if S - O 
 
 Kufiorrn: :ji-of:^oicl -rflL Into 
 
 i
 
 CimuVUI. FAERIE QyEENE. 521 
 
 Into his hart attoncc : ftrcight did he haylc 
 The greedy villein from his hoped pray. 
 Of vvhich he now did very litle fayle. 
 And with his ftaffe , that driues his Heard aftray. 
 Him bet ib forc^ that life and fcnfe did much difmay. 
 
 The whiles the pitteoiis Ladie vp did ryfe. 
 Ruffled and fowly raid with filthy foyle. 
 And blubbred face with teares of her faire eyes : 
 Her heart nigh broken was with weary toyle. 
 To faue her felfe from that outrageous fpoylc. 
 But when fhe looked vp, to weet, what wight 
 Had her from fo infamous fad aflbyld. 
 For ibame, but more for feare of his grim fight, 
 
 Downe in her lap llic hid her face, and loudly (bright. 
 
 Her felfe not faued yet from daunger dred 
 
 She thought, but chaung d from one to other feare 5 
 
 Like as a fearefuU Partridge, that is fled 
 
 From the fharpe Haukc, which her.attached neare^ 
 
 And fals to ground,to feeke for fuccour theare. 
 
 Whereas the hungry Spaniels flic does fpy. 
 
 With greedy iawes her readie for to tcare ^ 
 
 In fuch diftrefle and fad perplexity 
 
 Was Fhrimell^ when Froteus (lie did fee thereby,^ 
 
 But he endeuoured with fpeeches mildc 
 
 Her to recomfort^and accourage bold. 
 
 Bidding her feare no more her foeraanvilde,. 
 
 Nor doubt himfelfe •, and who he was^hcr told. 
 
 Yetallthat couldnotfrom affiight her hold ^. 
 
 Nc to recomfort her at all preuayld ; 
 
 For her faint heart was with the frozen cold 
 
 Benumbdfo inly, that her wits niglitayld,. 
 And allher fcnfes with abalbment c^uite \^'cre quayldl
 
 522 THE III, BOOKE OF THE CMtrm. 
 
 Her vp betwixt his rugged hands he rcard^ 
 And with his frory lips full foftly kift, 
 Whiles the cold yfickles from his rough beard. 
 Dropped adowne vpon her yuorie breft : 
 Yet he himfclfc fo bufily addreft^ { 
 
 That her out of aftonilliment he wrought^ 
 And out of that fame fillicrs filthy neft 
 Remouing her J into his charet brought^ 
 
 And there with many gentle termes her faire befbught. 
 
 But that old leachour^ which with bold aflault 
 That bcautie durft prefume to violate. 
 He cad to puniflh for his hainous fault 5 .1 
 
 Then tooke he him yet trembling fith of latc^ ^ 
 And tyde behind his charet, fo aggratc 
 The virgin, whom he had abufde fo fore : 
 So drag'd him through the wanes in icorncfull ftatcj 1 
 And after caft him vp , vpon the rhore ; 
 
 But FlormcU with him vnto his bowre he bore. 
 • 
 
 His bowre is in the bottome of the mainc, 
 Vnder a mightie rockc, gainfl: which do rauc 
 The roaring billowes in their proud difdaine. 
 That with the angry working of the wauc^ 
 Therein is eaten out an hollow cauc, 
 Thatfeemes rough Mafons hand with engines kecnc 
 Had long while laboured it to engraue ; 
 There was his wonne, ne li uing wight was (cene, 
 
 Saue one old Nymph ^ hight Panope to kecpe it clcane. 
 
 Thither he brought the fory Florimell^ 
 And entertained her the beft he might 
 And PAHope her entertaind eke well^ 
 As an immortall mote a mortal! wight. 
 
 To
 
 Cm.VIIL FAERIE QVEENE. 523 
 
 To winnc her liking vnto his delight : 
 With flattering words he fvveetly wooed her, 
 Andoftcredfai re gifts t'alUire her fight. 
 But fhc both offers and the offerer % 
 
 Dcfpyfde, and all the fawning of the flatterer. 
 
 Daily he tempted her with this or that ^ 
 
 And neuer fiiffred her to be at reft ; 
 
 But euermore fhe him refufcd flat. 
 
 And all his fained kindnefle did deteft. 
 
 So firmely llie had fealcd vp her breft. 
 
 Sometimes he boafted , that a God hehight: 
 
 But flie a mortall creature loued beft : 
 
 Then he would make himfclfe a mortall wight ; 
 But then (lie faid fhclou d none, but a Faerie knight* 
 
 Then like a Faerie knight himfclfe he drcft 5 
 For euery iTiape on him he could endcw : 
 Then like a king he was to her expreft, 
 And offrcd kingdomes vnto her in vew. 
 To be his Leman and his Ladie trew: 
 But when all this he nothing faw prcuailc. 
 With harder meanes he caft her to fubdew, 
 And with fharpe threates her often did aflaile. 
 
 So thinking for to make her ftubbornc courage quaile. ' 
 
 To dreadfuU iTiapes he did himfelfe transformc^ 
 Now like a Gyant^now like to a feend. 
 Then like a Centaure, then like to a ftorme^ 
 Raging within the wanes : thereby he wecnd 
 Her will to win vnto his wifiiedend. 
 But when with feare ,nor fauour, nor with all 
 He elfc could doe, he faw himfclfe efteemd, 
 Downe in a Dongeon deepe he let her fall, 
 
 And thrcatncd there to make her his ctcrnall thrall.
 
 524 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Ctmt.VilU 
 
 ■i 
 
 Eternall thraldomc was to her more licfc. 
 Then lode of chaflitie , or chaunge of loue ; 
 Die had flic rather in tormenting griefe, 
 Th(^ any flioiild of falfeneilc her reproue. 
 Or loofcnefTe^ that flie lightly did remouc. 
 Moft vertuous virgin^ glory be thy mecdj 
 And crownc of hcauenly prailc with Saints aboiic 
 Where moft fwect hymmcs of this thy famous deed 
 
 Arc ftili emongft them fong ^ that far my rymes exceed. 
 
 Fit fong of Angels caroled to bee ; 
 
 But yet what fb my feeble Mufe can frame^ 
 
 Shall be t'aduance thy goodly chaftitee 
 
 And to enroll thy memorable name^ 
 
 In th'heart of euery honourable Damc^ 
 
 That they thy vertuous deedes may imitate^ 
 
 And be partakers of thy endleffc fame. 
 
 It yrkes me^ leaue thee in this wofuU ftatc^ 
 To tell oiSatyrane^ where I bim left of late. 
 
 Who hauing ended with that Sqtsire of Dames 
 A long difcouric of his aduentures vainc^ 
 The which himfelfe^ then Ladies more defames 
 And finding not th'Hyem to be flaine, ^ 
 
 With that fame Squ/re^ returned backe againe 
 To his firft way. And as they forward wen t^ 
 They fpydc a knight fairc pricking on the plainc^ 
 As if he were on fomeaducntuVebentj 
 
 And in his port appeared manly hardiment. 
 
 Sir Satyrane him towards did addreflfc. 
 
 To weetjwhat wight he was^ and what bis queft: 
 And comming nigh^ eftfoones he gan to geflc 
 Both by the burning hart^ which on his breft 
 
 He
 
 cm.vnu FAERIE QVEENE. 525 
 
 He barCj and by the colours in his crcft. 
 That Paridell it was. Tho to him yodc. 
 And him fainting ^ as bciccmed bcft, 
 Gan firft inquire of tydings farre abrodc ; 
 And aftcrwardeSjOa what aducnturc now he rode. 
 
 Who thereto anfwering, faid , The tydings bad. 
 
 Which now in Faerie court all men do tell. 
 
 Which turned hath great mirth^ to mourning fad, 
 
 is the late ruine of proud tjMarwell ^ 
 
 And fuddein parturc of faire Flor'tmell^ 
 
 To find him forth : and after her are gone 
 
 All the braue knights 3 that doen in armes excel!. 
 
 To fauegard her, ywandred all alone ; 
 Emongft the reft my lot ( vnworthy ) is to be one. 
 
 Ah gentle knight (faid then Sir Satyr ane ) 
 
 Thy labour all is loft, I greatly dread. 
 
 That haft a thanklefic f eruice on thee ta'nc, Q 
 
 And offreft facrifice vnto the dead ; 
 
 For dead, I furely doubt , thou maift aread 
 
 Henceforth for e ue r Florimell to be , 
 
 That all the noble knights of Maydenhead^ 
 
 Which her ador'd,may (ore repent with me. 
 Aid all faire Ladies may for cuer fory be. 
 
 Which words when Paride/lh;xd heard, his hew 
 Gan greatly chaunge, and (eem'd difiiiayd to bee 5 
 Then faid , Faire Sir, how may I weenc it trew. 
 That ye doe tell in fuch vncertaintee ? 
 Or fpeake ye of report, or did ye fee 
 luft caufe of dread, that makes ye doubt fo fore ? 
 For pcrdie elfc how mote it euer bee. 
 That cuer hand fliould dare for to engorc 
 
 Her noble bloud ? the hcauens fuch crucltic abhorc-
 
 52^ THE III. BOOKE OF THE CMt.yill. 
 
 Thcfccyes did fee, that they will ciicr re w 
 
 T hauc fccnc^ ( quoth he) when as a monftrous bcafl: 
 
 The Palfrey^ whereon fhe did trauell, flew^ 
 
 And of his bowels made his bloudie feaft : 
 
 Which fpcaking token fheweth at the leafl: 
 
 Her certaine loflCjifnot her fiirc decay : 
 
 Befides, that more fufpition encreaft^ 
 
 I found her golden girdle caft aftray, 
 
 Diftaynd with durt and bloudj as relique of the pray. 
 
 Aye me, (faid Paridell) the fignes be fad. 
 
 And but God turne the fame to good Ibothfiy, 
 That Ladies fafetie is fore to be drad : 
 Yet will I not forfake my forward way. 
 Till triall doe more certaine truth bewray, 
 Fairc Sir (quoth he ) well may it you fucceed^ 
 Nc long (Thall Satyrane behind you ftay. 
 But to the reft , which in this Queft proceed 
 
 My labour addc, and be partaker of their Ipccd. 
 
 Ye noble knights ( (aid then the Squire of Dames) 
 Well may ye fpeed in fo praifc worthy paine : 
 But fith the Sunne now ginnes to flake his beamcs. 
 In dcawy vapours of the wefterne mainc. 
 And lofe the tcme out of his weary wainc. 
 Mote not miflike you alfb to abate 
 Your zealous haft , till morrow next againc 
 Bothhght of heaiien, and ftrength of men relate: 
 
 Which if ye pleafe, to yonder caftle turne your gate. 
 
 That counfell pleafcd well ; (b all yferc 
 Forth marched to a Caftle them before. 
 Where foonc arriuing , they reftrained were 
 Of rcadie entrance^ which ought cuermorc 
 
 To I
 
 CMf.iX. FAERIE dVEENE. 7 527 
 
 To errant knights tc commun : wondrous fore 
 Thereat difplcafd they were, till that young Squire 
 Gan them informe the caufe^why that fame dorc 
 Was (hut to all, which lodging did.defirc : 
 The which to let you wee t^will further ti^ic tcc^m^ 
 
 Cant. IX, 
 
 ,t''. ., -..^jr 
 
 'Hi 
 
 LMalhecco willnoflraungekniihts hofly 
 For peeuifh gealojie : 
 
 'Partdellgmftsmth'Bntomart : 
 
 'Both Shew their HHnccfiric, C ^ 
 
 REdoubtcd knights, and honorable Dames^ 
 To whom I IcucU all my labours end. 
 Right fbrelfearc,leaft with vnworthy blames 
 This odious argument my rimes Hiould fhend 
 Or oughtyour goodly patience offend^ 
 Whiles of* a wanton Lady I do write. 
 Which with her loofe incontinence doth blend 
 The fhyning glory of your fbueraigne light. 
 And knighthood fowle defaced by a faithleffc knight. 
 
 But neuer let th'enfample of the bad 
 Offend the good : for good by paragonc 
 Of euill, may more notably be rad. 
 As white feemes fairer, macht with blacke attonc ; 
 Ne all are fhamed by the fa ult of one ; 
 For lo in heauen, whereas all goodneflc is^ 
 Emongft the Angels, a whole legione 
 Of wicked Sprights did fall from happy blis ; 
 
 What wonder then^if one of women sJldidmis? 
 
 Li
 
 oS THE III. BOOKE OF THE C-mt/./JT. 
 
 * > » . 
 
 Then liftcn Lordings, if yc lift to wcct 
 
 f he c^iifcj why Satyr (tne^nA ParideS 
 
 Mote not be cntertaynd, as (ecmed meet. 
 
 Into that Caftlc(as that Squire docs tell.) 
 
 Therein a cancrcd crabbed Carle docs dwell. 
 
 That has no skill of Court nor courteficj 
 
 Ne carcsj what men fay oQiim ill or wcllj 
 
 For all his daycs he drownes in priuitie. 
 Yet has full large toliue^and (pcnd atlibcrtic. 
 
 i 
 
 But all his mind is fet oh mucky pelfc, 
 tTo hoord vp hcapes of cuill gotten made. 
 For which he others wrongs ^and wrcckcs himfelfcj 
 Yet is he lincked to a louely lallc^ 
 \\' hofe be auty doth her bounty far furpaflc. 
 The which to him both far vnequall ycarcs. 
 And alio far vnlite conditions has ; 
 For fhc does ioy to play cmongft her pearcs. 
 
 And to be free from hard rcftraint and gealous fcarcs. 
 
 But he is old, and withered like hay, 
 
 Vnfit faire Ladies feruicc to liipply ; 
 
 The priuie guilt whereof makes him alway 
 
 Sufpeft her truth, andkccpe continuallfpy 
 
 Vpon her with his other blinckcd eye 5 
 
 Ne fuffreth he refort of liuing wight 
 
 Approch to her, ne kcepe her company. 
 
 But in clofc bowre her mewes from all mens fight, 
 Depriu d of kindly ioy and naturall delight. 
 
 Oidallfeceohc^mdHellefUfrefhchight^ 
 Vnfitly yokt together in one tecmc. 
 That is the caufe, why neuer any knight 
 Itfufiredherctocntcr^buthcfccmc 
 
 Such
 
 e^nUX: FAERIE QVEENa 52? 
 
 Such, as no doubt of him he nccde mifflccmc. 
 Thereat Sir ^4/;r4»^ gan finilc, and lay ; 
 Extremely mad the man I furely deemc. 
 That wecnes with watch and hard re ftraint to (lay 
 A womans will, which is dif pofd to go aftray. 
 
 In vainc he feares that, which he cannot fhonne: 
 For who wotes not, that womans fubtiltyes 
 Can guilen Argt^ , when (he lift mifdonnc ? 
 It is not yron bandes, nor hundred eyes. 
 Nor brafen walls, nor many wakefullipyes. 
 That can withhold her wilful! wandring feetj 
 Butfaft good will with gentle curtelyes, . 
 And timely feruice to her pleafures meet . 
 
 May her perhaps container that elfc vyould algates flcpt. 
 
 Then is he not more mad(faid Faridell) ' ■ ■■. 
 That hath himfelfe vnto fuch feruice fold. 
 In dolefull thraldome all his dayes to dwell ? 
 For fure afoolc I do him firmely hold. 
 
 That loues his fetters, though they were of gold. 
 But why do we deuifc of others ill. 
 
 Whiles thus we fuffer this fame dotard old. 
 
 To keepe vs out, in fcorne of his owne will. 
 
 And rather do not r anfack all , and him fclfe kill ? 
 
 Nay let vs firft(faid .JiZ/fi/y^ entreat 
 
 The man by gentle meanes, to let vs in. 
 
 And aftenrardes affray with cruell threat. 
 
 Ere that we to efforce it do begin : 
 
 Then if all fayle, we will by force it win, 
 
 And eke reward the wretch for his mefprifc. 
 
 As may be worthy of his haynous fin. 
 
 That counfell pleafd : then Pandclldii rife. 
 And to the CafUe gate approcht in quiet wife, 
 
 LI 2
 
 % 
 
 550 THE 111. B 6 OKE OF THE C^^/./jf. 
 
 Whereat foft knocking, entrance he defyrd. 
 
 The good imri felfc^which then the Porter playd^ 
 Him anfwcrcd, that all were now retyrd 
 Vnto their rcft^and all the keyes conqayd 
 Vnto their maifter, who in bed was layd. 
 That none him durft awal^e out of his dreme; 
 And therefore them of patience gently prayd. 
 Then rarM/bcp.n to chaunge his theme. 
 
 And thrcatnedhim with force &puniilimcnt extreme. 
 
 Mil'i r. :■ 
 
 But all in vainc 5 for nought mote him relent, 
 And now fo long before the wicket faft 
 They wayted^that the night v^as forward Ipcnt^ 
 And the faire welkin fowly ouercaft, 
 -Gan blowen vp a bitter ftbrmy blaft^ 
 With fhoure and hayle fo horrible and dred^ , 
 That this t>irc many were compeld at laft. 
 To fly for fuccour to a little flicd. 
 
 The which befidc the gate for fwine was ordered. 
 
 It forruncd^foonc afterthey were jKOtici, '^^^ ^' . 
 Another knigh t J whom tempeft thither brought^ 
 Came to that Caftle, and with carncft monc. 
 Like as the reft, late entrance deare befbught ^ 
 But like fo as the reflhe praydfor nought. 
 For flatly he of entrance was refufd , 
 Sorely thereat he was difpleafd, and thought 
 How to aucnge himfelfe (b fore abufd. 
 
 And euermorc the Carle of curtefie accufd. 
 
 But to auoydeth*intollerable fliowrc. 
 
 He was compeld to feeke fome refuge neare. 
 And to that llied, to fhrowd him from the ftowre^ 
 He caincj which full of guelb he foun^ why learc.
 
 CMf.IX. FAERIE QVEENE. 531 
 
 So as he was not let to enter there: ; .,:- ^ 
 W hereat he gan to vvex exceeding wroth^ 
 And fwore^that he would lodge with them yfcrc 
 Or them diflodgc^all were they liefe orloth 5 
 And dcfidc them cach^ and fo defide them both. 
 
 Both were full loth to leaue that needfull tent^ 
 And both full loth in darkeneflc to debate^ 
 
 Yet both full liefe him lodging to hauc lent 
 And both full liefe his boafting to abate 5 
 But chiefly Pmdellhis hart did grate^ 
 To heare him threaten fb defpightfuUy^ 
 As if he did a dogge to kenell rate ^ 
 That durft not barke; and rather had he dy^ 
 " Then when he was defide^ in coward corncr'ly, 
 
 Tho haftily remounting to his ftced. 
 
 He forth iilew'd 5 like as a boiftrous wind^ 
 'Which in th'earthes hollow caucs hath long bin hid. 
 And fhut vp faft within her prifbns blind. 
 Makes the huge element againft l\cr kind 
 To moue, and tremble as it were agaft j :*' 
 
 Vntill that it an iflcw forth may find ; 
 Then forth it breakes^ and with his furious blaft 
 
 Confounds both land & feas^and skycs doth ouercaft. 
 
 Their fteel-hed fpeares they ftrongly coucht^and met 
 Together with impetuous rage and forfc. 
 That with the terrour of their fierce affretj .^ '^nU 
 They rudely droue to ground both man and horfc," 
 That each awhile lay like a fcncelcfle corfe. 
 But Paridell^oxt brulcd with the blow. 
 Could not arife_, the countetchaungc to /corfe, 
 TillthatyourigSqiiirehim rcaredfrom below; 
 
 Then drew he his bright fword,& gan about him throw. 
 
 LI3
 
 532 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cm.lX. 
 
 'ButSAtyraneior^n ftcpping, did tlicm ftay 
 And with faire treatie pacifide their ire , 
 Then wlien they were accorded from the fray, 
 Ai^aiaft that Caftles Lord they gan coiifpire^ 
 To hcape on him dew vengcaunce for his hire. 
 They bene agrecdjand to the gates they goc 
 To biirnc the fame with vnquenchable firc^ 
 And that vncurtcoiis Carle their commune foe 
 
 To do fowle death to dye^ or wrap in gricuous woe. 
 
 OHalbecco feeing them refolu'd m deed 
 
 To flame the gates , and hearing them to call 
 For fire in earned^ ran with fearefuU (pccd^ 
 And to them calling from the caftle wall, 
 Befoiightthem humbly, him to bearc with all. 
 As ignoraunt of feruants bad abufc. 
 And (lackeattendaimcevntoftraungers call, • 
 Thcknights were willing all things to excufej ' 
 
 Though nought bcleu'd,& cntrailcc late did not rcfiifc.. 
 
 They bene ybrought into a comely bowrc. 
 
 And lerifd of all things that mote needfuU bce; 
 Yet fecrctly their hofte did on them lowre. 
 And welcomde more for feare, then charitee; 
 But they difTcmbled^ what they did not fce^ 
 And welcomed themfelues .Each gan vndight 
 Their garments wet, and weary armour free. 
 To drv them felues by Vulcanes flaming light. 
 
 And eke their lately bruzed parts to bring in plight. 
 
 And eke th^ltr'^ungcr knight emon^ 
 Was for like need enforft to difaray : 
 Tho whenas vailed was her loftie creft. 
 Her golden locks, that were in tramcls gay 
 
 ^ '^ Ypbouadcn^.
 
 Csnt.lX. FAERIE QVEENE. 533 
 
 Vpbounderij did them felues adowne difplay^ 
 And raught vnto her hccles 5 like funny beamcs 
 That in a cloud their light did long time ftay^ 
 Their vapour vaded, fTiew their golden glcamcs^ 
 And through the perfant aire fhootc forth their azure 
 
 (ftrcames. 
 
 She alfo dofte her heauy haberieon , 
 
 Which the faire feature of her limbs did hydc. 
 And her well plighted frock, which llie did won 
 To tucke about her rtiort, when fhe did rydc/ 
 She low let fall, that flowd from her lanck fy do 
 Downe to her foot, with carelefle modeftcc. 
 Then of them all fhe plainly was efpyde. 
 To be a woman wigh t j vnwift to bee. 
 
 The faired woman wight, that eucr eye did fee. 
 
 Like as LMhertSit^ being late returnd 
 
 From (laughter of the Giaunts conquered ; 
 Where proud EnceUde^ whofc wide nolcthrils burnd 
 With breathed flames, like to a furnace red , 
 Transfixed with the fpeare,downe tombled ded 
 From top oiHemus^ by him heaped hye ; 
 Hath loofd her helmet from her lofty hed. 
 And her CorgonUn (hield gins to vntyc 
 
 From her left arme, to reft in glorious vidoryc. 
 
 Which whenas they beheld, they finittcn were 
 With great amazement of fo wondrous fight. 
 And each on other, and they all on her 
 Stood gazing^ as iffuddein great affright 
 Had them fi^fprifed . At laftauizing right. 
 Her goodly perfonage and glorious hew. 
 Which they fo much miftooke,they tooke delight 
 In the ir firft errour, and yet ftill anew 
 
 With wonder of her beauty fed their hungry vew. 
 
 LI 4
 
 534 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C4fiUX. 
 
 Yet note their hungry vew be fatisfidc, 
 
 But feeing ftill the more defir'd to fee. 
 
 And eucr firmely fixed did abide 
 
 In contemplation of diuinitie ; 
 
 But they mcruaild at her cheuulrcc, 
 • And noble prowefTe, which they had approued^ 
 
 That much they faynd to know^who ("he mote bee \ 
 
 Yet none of all them her thereof amoued. 
 Ye t euery one her liktc^ and euery one her loucd. 
 
 ../,i. 
 
 And Paridelh\\o\}^ partly difcontent 
 With his late fall, and fowle indignity. 
 Yet was foone wonne his malice to relent ^ 
 Through gracious regard of her fairc eye. 
 And knightly worth, which he too late did try^ 
 Yet tried did adore . Supper was dight ; 
 Then they L7*iMecco prayd of curteiy. 
 That of his Lady they might hauc the fight. 
 
 And company at meat^ to do them more delight. 
 
 But he to fhift their curious rcqqcft^ 
 
 Gan caulen, why fhe could not comcin place ; 
 Her crafed health, her late recourfe to refl. 
 And humid euening ill for ficke folkes cacc r 
 But none of thofe excufcs could take place 5 
 Ne would they eate, till fhe inprefcnce came. 
 She came in prcfcncc with right comely grace. 
 And fairely them falutcd,as became. 
 
 And {he wd her felfe in all a gentle curtcous Dame 
 
 They fate to meat, ^LniSatyrMihls chaffiicc 
 Was her before, and P4r/^<?//bcfydc; 
 But he him felfe fate lookin g ftill askauncc, 
 Gainft Britomarty and eucr clofely eydc 
 
 Sic
 
 antJX. FAERIE QVEENE. 535 
 
 Sir Satyr ane, that glaunccs might not glydc : 
 But his blind cyc^ that fydcd Paride/l^ 
 All his dcmcafnure from his fight did hydc : 
 On her faire face fo did he feede his fill^ 
 And lent clofc meflkges of loue to her at wilL 
 
 And cuer and anonc^ when none waswarc^ 
 
 With (peaking lookes^ that clofe cmbafTage borc^ 
 
 He rou d at her, and told his Iccrct care : 
 
 For all that art he learned had ofyore^ 
 
 Ne was (lie ignoraunt of that lewd lore. 
 
 But in his eye his meaning wifely red. 
 
 And with the like him anlwerd euermorc : 
 
 She (cnt at him onefirie dart, whofe hed 
 
 Empoifncd was with priuy luft^and gealous dred 
 
 He from that deadly throw made no defence. 
 But to the wound his weakc hart opened wydc j 
 The wicked engine through falfe influence, 
 Paft through his eyes^and fecrctly did glydc 
 Into his hart, which it did fbrely grydc. 
 But nothing new to him was that (ame painc, 
 Nc paine at all 5 for he fo oft had trydc 
 The powre thereof, and lou'd fo oft in vainc. 
 
 That thing of courfe he counted,loue to entcrtainc. 
 
 Thenceforth to her he fought to intimate 
 
 His inward griefe, by mcanes to him well knowne. 
 
 Now Bacchtu fruit out of the filuer plate 
 
 He on the table dafhr, as ouerthrownc. 
 
 Or ofthc fruitfull liquor ouerflowne. 
 
 And by the dauncing bubbles diddiuine. 
 
 Or therein write to let his loue be (Tiownej: 
 
 Which well fhe red out ofthc learned line, 
 
 Afacrament prophanc in raillery of wine.
 
 53^ THE III. BOOKE OF THE CmUX. 
 
 And when fo of his hand the pledge fhc raiight. 
 The guilty cup (Tic fained to miftakc^ 
 And in her lap did lliedher idle draught. 
 Shewing dcfire her inward flame to flake ; 
 By fuch clofe fignes they Iccrct way did make 
 Vnto their wils, and one eyes watch efcape ; 
 Two eyes him needeth^for to watch and wake. 
 Who louers will dcceiue . Thus was the ape. 
 
 By their faire handling, put into iMdbeccocs cape, 
 
 ■'k\ ail. Jii. ! . 
 
 Now when of meats and drinks they had their fill, 
 Purpofe was moucd by that gentle Dame, 
 Vnto thofeknightsaduenturous, to tell 
 Of deeds of armes, which vnto them became^ 
 Andeueryonehis kindred, and his name. 
 Then Far'tdell , in whom a kindly prydc 
 Of gracious fpeach, and skill his words to frame 
 Abounded, being glad offo fit tydc 
 
 Him to commend to her^thus fpake^of all well eydc. 
 
 Troy, that art now nought, but an idle name. 
 And in thine allies buried low doft lie. 
 Though whilome far much greater then thy fame. 
 Before that angry Gods, and cruell skyc 
 Vpon thee heapt a direfull deftinie. 
 What boots it boaft thy glorious dcfcent. 
 And fetch from heauen thy great Gcncalogie, 
 Sith all thy worthy prayfe s being blent. 
 
 The ir of-fpring hath cmbaftc^and later glory ihent. 
 
 Mofl: famous Worthy of the world,by whome 
 That warre was kindled, which did 7>^;' inflame^ 
 And {lately towres oUHon whilome 
 Brought vnto baleful! ruinc, was by name 
 
 Sir
 
 CMt.IX. FAERIE dVEENE, 537 
 
 Sir Taris far rcnowmd through noble famc^ 
 Who through great proweflc and bold hardincffe^ 
 From LiLced^mon fctcht the faircft Dame, 
 That euer Greece didboaft^or knight poitcirc, 
 \S\iovi\Venm to him gaue for meed of worthincflc. 
 
 Fairc Uelene^ flowrc of bcautic excellent. 
 And girlond of the mighty Conquerours-^ 
 That madeft many Ladies dcarc lament 
 The heauie loflc of their braue Paramours, 
 Which they far offbeheld from Trot An toures. 
 And faw the ficldes of fairc Scama^ider flrownc 
 With carcafes of noble warrioures, 
 Whofc fruitlefic liues were vnder furrow fbwnc^ 
 
 And XAnthtu fandy bankcs with bloud all oucrflownc^ 
 
 From him my linage I deriuc aright. 
 
 Who long before the ten yeares ficgc oiTroy^ 
 
 Whiles yet on Ida he a iliepheard hight^ 
 
 On faire Oenone got a loucly boy, 
 
 Whom for remembrauncc of her pafled ioy. 
 
 She of his Father Partus did name ; 
 
 Who, after Greekes did Prhms rcalmc deftroy^ 
 
 Gathred the Trokn reliques fau'd from flame. 
 
 And with them faylmg thence, to thlflc ofParos came> 
 
 That was by him cald Paros, which before 
 Hight Naufa, there he many yeares did raine^ 
 And built Nmftcle by the Pontick fliorc. 
 The which he dying left next in remaine 
 To PArid^s his fonnc. 
 From v/hom I ParMlhy kin defcend ; 
 ButforfaireLadiesloue,and glories gainc^. 
 My natiuefoile haue left, my dayes to fpcnd 
 
 111 fecwing deeds of armcs^my liucs and labours cndi.
 
 538 THE III. BOOKE OFTHE CufiUX. 
 
 Whcnas the noble Br/Uwdrthc^vd tell 
 
 OiTroUn warres, and Fr/ams Citie fackt^ 
 
 The ruefiill ftory of Sir Paridclly 
 
 She was empaffiond at that piteous ad. 
 
 With zelous enuy of Greekcs cruell fad, 
 
 Againft that nation^ from whole race of old 
 
 She heard, that iTie was lineally extracS ; 
 
 For noble Britons fpron g froin TroUns bold. 
 And TYojnoumt was built of old Troyes allies cold. 
 
 Then fighingfoft awhile, at laft fhe thus : 
 O lamentable fall of famous towne. 
 Which raignd fo many yeares vidorious. 
 And of all Z^fte bore the Ibueraigne crownc. 
 In one fad night confumd,and throwen downc : 
 Whatftony hart, that heares thy hapleffe fate. 
 Is not empierfl: with deepe compalliowne. 
 And makes endmiple of mans wretched ftate. 
 
 That floures fo frcfli at morne, and fades at euening late? 
 
 Behold',Sir,how your pitifull complaint 
 Hath found another partner of your payne : 
 For nothing may imprefle lb deare conftrainr. 
 As countries caufe, and commune foes difdaync. 
 But ifitfhouldnotgrieueyou,backe agaync 
 To turne your courle, I would to he a re delyrCj 
 What to AeneM fell ; fith that men faync 
 He was not in the Cities wofull fyre 
 
 Confum'd, but did him felfe to fafetie retyre, 
 
 Anchjfes (bnne begot of ^r/;^ fairc, 
 
 (Said he,)outofthe flames forfafegard fled. 
 And with a remnant did to fearepairc, j 
 
 Where he through fatallerrour long was led \ 
 
 ^ Full I 
 
 I
 
 CsntilX. FAERIE QVEENE. 539 
 
 Full many ycarcs , and wcctlcflc wandered 
 From iTiore to fhore, cmongft the Lybickc fands 
 Ere reft he found . Much there he fuffercd^ 
 And many perils paft in forreine lands. 
 To la uc his people fad from vigours vengeful! hands. 
 
 At laft in Latmm he did arriuc , 
 
 Where he with cruell warre was cntcrtaind 
 Of th'inland folke^which fought him backe to driuc. 
 Till he with old Latintu was conftraind. 
 To contrad wedlock;(fo the fates ordaind.) 
 Wedlock contraft in bloud, and eke in blood 
 Accomphfhedj that many dearctomplaind : 
 The riuall flaine, the vigour through the flood 
 
 Efcaped hardly^ hardly praild his wedlock good* 
 
 Yet after all, he vigour did furuiue. 
 
 And with Litinw did the kingdome parr* 
 But after, when both nations gan to ftriuc^ 
 Into their names the title to conuart. 
 His fbnne lulus did from thence depart. 
 With all the warlike youth oiTroians bloud^ 
 And in long K^lhx plaft his throne apart. 
 Where faire it florifhed, and long time ftoud;. 
 
 Till Romtdtu renewing it, to Rome remoud. 
 
 There there(faid Brltomarf)7L frcfh appcarrf 
 
 The glory of the later world to Spring, 
 
 And Troy againe out of her duft was r^ard^ 
 
 To fit in fccond feat of (bucraignc king. 
 
 Of all the world vnder her goueniing. 
 
 But a third kingdome yet is toarife'^ 
 
 Out of the Troians fcattered of-fpring. 
 
 That in all glory and great enterprifc, 
 Bdth firft and fccond Troy fhall dare to ccjualiic^
 
 540 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CifiUX. 
 
 It Troynousntis hight, that with the waucs 
 Of wealthy Thamu wafhcd is along, 
 Vpon whofe ftubborne neck 3 whereat he raues 
 With roring rage, and fore him felfe does throng. 
 That all menfeare to tempt his billowes ftrong 
 Sliefaftned hath her foot, which ftandes (b hy, 
 That it a wonder of the world is (bng 
 In forreine landes, and all which paflen by. 
 
 Beholding it from far, do thinkc it threates the skyc. 
 
 The Troian Brute did firfl: that Citic found. 
 
 And Hygate gate made the meare thereof by Weft, 
 And Ouert gate by North : that is the bound 
 Toward the land 5 two riuers bound the reft. 
 So huge a fcope at firft him fcemed beft. 
 To be the compafle of his kingdomes feat: 
 So huge a mind could not in leflcr reft, 
 Nc in Imall meares containe his glory great. 
 
 That /i/t/on had conquered firftby warlike feat. 
 
 Ah faircft Lady knight,(faid Par/Je//) 
 Pardon I pray my heedleffeouerfight, ' 
 Who had forgot, that whilome I heard tell 
 From aged LMnemon ; for my wits bene light. 
 Indeed he laid(ifl remember right,) 
 That of the antique Tw4/f ftocke, there grew 
 Another plant, that ra ught to wondrous hight, 
 And far abroad his mighty branches threw. 
 
 Into the vtmoft Angle of the world he knew^ 
 
 F(y that fame Brute , whom much he did aduauncc 
 In all his fpeach, was Sylum his fonnc. 
 Whom hauing flainc,through luckles arrowcs glaiicc 
 He fled for fcarc of that he had mifdonne. 
 
 Or
 
 CMtJX. FAERIE QVEENE. 541 
 
 Or clfc for fhamCjfo fowlc rcproch to iTionnc, 
 And with him led to the fca an youthly traync^ 
 Where wcarie wandring they long time did wonnc. 
 And many fortunes prou'd in ih'Ocean mayne3 
 And great aduetiircs found^that now wcxe log to laync. 
 
 At laft by fatal! courft they driucn were 
 Into an Ifland fpatious and brodc. 
 The furtheft North^ that did to them appcare r 
 Which after reft they feekingfar abrodc^ 
 Found it the fittcft Ibyle for their abode, 
 Fruitfull of all things fit for liuing foode^ 
 But wholy waftj and void of peoples trodc, 
 Saue an hugcnation of die Geaunts broodc. 
 
 That fed on liuing flcfh^& dr unckc mens vitall blood. 
 
 Whom he through wcarie wars and labours Ibng^ 
 
 Subde wd with loflc of many Britvns bold: 
 
 In which the great Goemagot of ftrong 
 
 CormeM^inA Coulin olDebon old 
 
 Were oucrthrownc, and layd on th'earth full cold^ 
 
 Which quaked vnder their fo hideous maflc^ 
 
 A famous hiftory to be cnrold 
 
 In euerlafting moniments of braflc^ 
 That all the antique Worthies merits far did palle. 
 
 His worte great Troynouanty his worke is eke 
 Fairc Lincolne , both renowmed far away. 
 That who from Eaft to Weft will endlong feeke. 
 Cannot two fairer Cities find this day. 
 Except Cleopalis • fo heard I fay 
 OlALMfJcmoft , Therefore Sir, I greet you welt 
 Your countrey kin, and you entirely pray 
 Of pardon for the ftrife, which late befell 
 
 Betwixt vs both vnknownc • So ended FarideU.
 
 542 THE IIL BOOKE OF THE CMi.X. 
 
 But all the whilcjthat he thcfe fpcachcs (pent, 
 Vpon his lips hong fairc Dame HeUcnore , 
 With vigilant rcgard^and dew attcnt^ 
 Fafhioning worlds of fancies cuermorc 
 In her frailc wit^ that now her quite forlorc: 
 The whiles vnwares away her wondring eyc^ 
 And greedy eares her weake hart from her bore : 
 Which he perceiuing, cuer priuily 
 
 In fpeaking^many falfe belgardes at her let fly. 
 
 So long thefe knights difcourfed diiierfly. 
 Of ftraunge affaires^and noble hardiment^ . 
 Which they had part with mickle ieopardy. 
 That now the humid night was farforth fpent. 
 And heauenly lampes were halfendeale ybrent : 
 Which th'old man feeing well^ who too long thought 
 Eucrydifcourfcandeueryargumentj ^ 
 Which by the houres he mcafured^ bcfbught 
 
 Them go to reft. So all vnto their bowres were brought. 
 
 Qant, X. 
 
 T^andellrapeth HeUcnore: , 
 Uldiilbecco her puyf^vpes : 
 Pi^ Findes emongfl SatyreSyW hence with htm 
 i^Q Totfirnefhedothreftife, 
 
 THe morow next, (b fbone as Phcebu4 Lamp 
 Bewrayed had the world with early light. 
 And frefh K^urordhzd. the fhady damp 
 Out of the goodly hcauen amoued quight, 
 
 Fairc
 
 cm.X. FAERIE QVEENE. 543 
 
 Fairc Britomart and that fame Faer/e knight 
 Vprofej forth on their ioumcy for to wend : 
 But P^r/W^iifcomplayndjthat his late fight 
 With Britomart^^o fore did him offend. 
 That ryde he could not^ till his hurts he did amend. 
 
 So forth they far'd, b ut he behind them flayd, 
 Maulgre his hofl , who grudged grieuoufly. 
 To houfe a gueft, that would be needcs obayd^ 
 And of his owne him left not liberty r 
 Might wanting meafure moueth furquedry. 
 Two things he feared, but the third was death; 
 That fierce youngmansvnrulymaiflery; 
 His moneyj which he lou'd as liuing breath s 
 
 And his faire wife, whom honeft long he kept vneath. 
 
 But patience perforce he miifl abic. 
 
 What fortune and his fate on him will lay. 
 Fond is the fcare , that findes no remedies 
 Yet warily he watcheth euery way. 
 By which he feareth euill happen may ; 
 So th'euill thinkes by watching to preuent 5 
 Ne doth he fuftcr her, nor night, nor day. 
 Out of his fight her felfe once to abfcnt. 
 
 So dothhepunifhher and ekchimfelfe torment. 
 
 But Paridell kept better watch,then hce, 
 A fit occafion for his tume to find : 
 Falfc loue, why do men fay,thou canft not fee. 
 And in their foolifh fancie feigne thee blind. 
 That with thy charmes the fharpefl fight doefl birtd^ 
 And to thy will abufc > Thou walkeft free. 
 And feefl euery fccret of the mind ; 
 Thou fcefl all ,yet none at all fees thee ; 
 
 AUthaus by the working of thy Deitec. 
 
 M m
 
 544 THE III, BOOKE OF THE Cm,X. 
 
 Sopcrfcd in that art was ParfdeO^ 
 
 That he MclheccoesXi^Mcn eye did wylc. 
 
 His halfcn eye he wiled wondrous wcH^ 
 
 And Helienors both eyes did eke bcguylc. 
 
 Both eyes and hart attonce j during the whylc 
 
 That he there Ibiourned his wounds to heale ; 
 
 That Cup/dk\(c it feeing , clofc did fmylc. 
 
 To weet how he her loue away did flealc. 
 And b ad^ that none their ioyous treafbn lliould reucalc. _ 
 
 The learned louer lofl: no time nor tydc, 
 
 Thatleaftauantagemotetohimaftbrd, 
 
 Yet bore fofaire a faile, that none efpydc 
 
 His fccret drift, till he her laydabord. 
 
 When fo in open place, and commune bord. 
 
 He fortiin'd her to meet, with commune fpeach 
 
 He courted her, yet bayted euery word. 
 
 That his vngentle hofte n'ote him appeach 
 Of vile vngentlcnefic, or hofpitages breach. 
 
 But when apart (if euer her apart) 
 
 He found, then his falfe engins fafthcplydc. 
 And all the fleights vnbofomd in his hart ; 
 He figh'd,hc fobd, he fwownd, he perdy dydc. 
 And caft himfclfe on ground her faft bciyde : 
 Tho when againe he him bethought to liuc. 
 He wept, and wayld, and fallc laments belydc^ 
 Saying, but if fheMercie would him giuc 
 
 That he mote algatcs dye, yet did his death forgiuc* 
 
 And othcrwhilcs with amorous delights,. 
 Andpleafing toycs he would her entertainc. 
 Now finging fweetly , to furprife her fprights. 
 Now making laycs of loue and loucrs painc^ ; 
 
 .V.:.:. )iu '(d Bianflics
 
 cm.X. FAERIE QVEENE. 545 
 
 BranflcSjBalladSjvircIaycs, and vcrfes vainc; 
 Oft purpolcs^ oft riddles he deuyfd. 
 And thoufands Iike_, which flowed in his brainc^ 
 With which he fed her fancic, and entyfH 
 To take to his new loue, and leaue her old dcfpyfd. 
 
 And cuery where he might, and euery while" 
 He did her feruice dewtifuU, and (cwed 
 At hand with humble pride, andpleafing guile. 
 So clofely yet, that none but fhe it vcwed. 
 Who well perceiued all , and all inde wed. 
 Thus finely did he his fal(c nets difpred. 
 With which he many weake harts hadfubdewed 
 Of yore, and many had ylike miflcd : 
 
 What wonder then, if fhe were likewfle carried ? 
 
 No fort fb fenfible, no wals fb ftrong , 
 But that continuall battery will riue. 
 Or daily fiege through difpuruayance long ^ 
 And lacke of reskewes will to parley driue ; 
 And Peace, that vnto parley eare will giuc. 
 Will fhortly yeeld it (elfe, and will be made 
 The vaflall of the viftors will byliue : 
 That ftratageme had oftentimes aflayd 
 
 This crafty Paramoure J and now itplainc dilplayd. 
 
 For through his traines he her intrappcd hath. 
 That fhe her loue and hart hath wholy fold 
 To him, without regard of gaine,or(cath. 
 Or care of creditc, or of husband old. 
 Whom (lie hath vow'd to dub a faire Cucquold. 
 Nought wants but time and place, which fliortly (lice 
 Denized hath, and to her loucr told. 
 Itpleafedwell.So well they both agree; 
 
 So rcadie rypc to ill , ill wemens counfels bee. 
 
 Mm 2
 
 54^ THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cm.X. 
 
 Darke was the Eucning , fit for loners ftealth. 
 When chaiinft Melbeccohutic beelfcwhcrc^ 
 She to his clofet went, where all his wealth 
 Lay hid: thereof fhc countleflcfummes did rearc. 
 The which iTie meant away with her to beare ; 
 The reft fhe fyr'd for fport, or for dcfpight ; 
 As Hellene yvAizw (he faw aloft appcarc 
 The TroUne flames, and reach to heauens hight 
 
 Did clap her hands, and ioycd at that doleful! fight. 
 
 This fccond Hellene , faire Dame Hellenore^ 
 . The whiles her husband ranne with fory haftCj 
 To quench the flames which fhe had tyn'd before, 
 Laught at his foolifh labour fpent in wafte ; 
 And ranne into her loucrs armes right faft ; 
 Where ftreight embraced^llie to him didcry, 
 ' And call aloud for helpe , ere helpe were paft 5 
 For loe that Gueft would beare her forcibly. 
 And meant to rauilli her ^ that rather had to dy. 
 
 The wretched man hearing her call for ayd. 
 And readie feeing him with her to fly, 
 In his difquiet mind was much difmayd : 
 But when againc he backward caft his eye. 
 And faw the wicked fire {o furioufly 
 Confume his hart, and fcorch his Idoles face. 
 He was therewith diftreffed diuerfly, 
 Ne wift he how to turne, nor to what place ; 
 
 Was neuer wretched man in fuch a wofuUcacc. 
 
 Ay when to him flie cryde, to her he turnd. 
 And left the fire ; loue money ouercame : 
 But when he marked, how his money burnd. 
 He left his wife \ money did iouc difclame : 
 
 Both
 
 Cifit.X. FAERIE dVEENE. 547 
 
 Both was he loth to loofc his loued Dame, 
 And loth to leauc his licfcft pclfe behind. 
 Yet fith he n'ote faiic both , he fau*d that fame. 
 Which was the deareft to his donghill mind, 
 . ThcGodofhisdcfirc^the ioy of mifcrs blind. 
 
 Thus whileft all things in troublous vprc^fe were. 
 And all men bufie to fuppreflc the Pame, 
 • The louing couple need no reikew fcarc. 
 But leafurc had, and libertie to frame 
 Their purport flight, free from all mens reclame ; 
 And Night, the patroneffe of loue-ftealth faire, 
 Gaue them fafe condu61:,till to end they came; 
 So bene they gone yfeare, a wanton pairc 
 
 Of louers loofely knit , where lift them to repairc, 
 
 Soone as the cruell flames yflaked were, 
 Mdlbecco feeing , how his loflc did lye. 
 Out of the flames,which he had quench twhylerc 
 . Into huge wanes of griefe and gealolyc 
 Full deepe emplonged was, and drowned nyc, 
 Twixc inward doole and felonous defpight 5 
 He rau'd, he wept, he ftampt, he lowd did cry. 
 And all the paflions, that in man may hght. 
 
 Did him attonce oppreflc, and vex his caytiue (pright. 
 
 Long thus he chawd the cud of inward griefe. 
 And did confume his gall with anguifh (ore. 
 Still when he mufed on his late milchiefe. 
 Then ftill the fiiiart thereof increafcd more, 
 Andfecm'd more grieuous, then it was before: 
 At lad when (brrow he faw booted nought, 
 Ne griefe might not his loue to him reftore. 
 He gan deuife,how her he reskew mought. 
 
 Ten thoufand wayes he caft in his confufed thought. 
 
 Mm 3
 
 548 THE III.BOOKE OF THE Cm.X.^ 
 
 At laft rcfoliiing Jlkc a pilgrim pore. 
 
 To (each her forth^ where fo (he might be fond, .-. 
 Andbcaring wich him trcafurc in clofe ftorc, ^-^^^ 
 The reft he leaiies in ground : So takes in hond ' 
 To fceke her endlong , both by fea and lond. 
 Long he her fought, he fought her f arre and nere^ 
 And euery vjierc that he mote vndcrflond. 
 Of knights and ladies any meetings were. 
 
 And of eachone he met, he ty dings did inquere, 
 
 ]But all iavaine ^his woman was too wifc^ 
 
 Euer to come into his clouch againe^ 
 
 And he too fimple euer to furprife 
 
 The iolly Paridell^iox all his paine. 
 
 One day, as he forpafled by the plaine 
 
 With weary pace , he farre away elpidc 
 
 Acouplejfeemingwelltobehistv^ainc, . 
 
 Which houed clofe vndcr a forreft fide, : 
 Asif theylay inwait^orclfe themfelues didhidc.^ O 
 
 Well weened he, that thofe the fame motebee. 
 And as he better didtheir fnapc auize^u.v/nj 
 Him fecmed more their manner did agree j 
 For th*one was armed all in warlike wize3 
 Whom , to be Paridell he did denize;. 
 And th'other all yclad in garments light^ 
 Difcolour'd like to womanifh difguift^ 
 He did refemble to his Ladie bright ; . 
 
 And euer his faint hart much earned at the fight. 
 
 And euer faine he towards them would goe-j 
 Butyetdurftnotfor dread approchen nic^ 
 But ftood aloofe, vnweeting what to doe ; 
 Till that prickt forth with loues extremitie, 
 
 ^ That:
 
 CntX. FAERIE QVEENE. 54^ 
 
 That is the father of foule gcalof)^. 
 He clofely nearer crept, the truth to wcct : 
 But, as he nighcr drew, he eafily 
 Might fccrne, that it was not his fweetcft fwcet, 
 Nc yet her Bclamour, the partner of his fhcet. 
 
 But it was koxntiuViBra^^adocchio , 
 
 That with his fcriiant TV^w/^^r/houerd there, 
 
 Sith late he fled from his too earned f6e : , ,. > 
 
 Whom fuch when as Mxlbecco fpyed clerc. 
 
 He turned backe, and wouldhauc fled arere,; 
 
 Till Trompxrt ronning haftilyjhim didftay. 
 
 And bad before his foueraine Lord apperc : 
 
 That was him loth ^yct durft he not gainefay. 
 
 And comminghimbeibrc^lowloutcd on the lay. 
 
 The Boafl:er at him fternely bent his bro we. 
 As if he CO uld haue kild him with his lookc. 
 That to the ground him mcekely made to bowc^ 
 And awfull terror deepe into him ftrooke. 
 That euery member of his bodie quooke. 
 Said he, thou man of nought, what doeft thouherc, 
 Vnfitly furniiht with thy bag and bookc. 
 Where I expeded one with iTiield and fpcrc. 
 
 To proue fome dcedes of amies vpon an equall perc. 
 
 The wretched man at his imperious (peach, 
 VVas all abafht , and low proftrating , faid ; 
 Good Sir, let not my r udedeffe be no breach 
 Vnto your patience, ne be ill ypaid ; 
 For I vnwares this way by fortune ftraid^ 
 A filly Pilgrim driucn to diftreflc. 
 That fecke a Lady, There he fuddcin jftaid^ j, 5 
 And did the reft witb,grieuous fighes fuppreflc, 
 
 While tearesftood in his eies , few drops of bittcrncfTc. 
 
 M m 4
 
 550 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C4»t.X. 
 
 What Ladic, man ? ( faid Trompart ) take good hart. 
 And tell thy griefe^ if any hidden lye; 
 Was ncticr better time to llievv thy fmart^ 
 Then now , that noble fuccour is thee by^ 
 That is the whole worlds commune remedy. 
 That chcarefull word his weake hart much did chearc^ 
 And with vaine hope his fpirits faint fupply^ 
 That bold he faid ^ 6 moft redoubted Perc^ 
 
 Vouchfafe with'mild regard a wretches cace to hcarc. 
 
 Then fighing forc^Itisnotlong (faidhcc) 
 Sith I enioyd the gentleft Dame aliuc ; 
 Of whom a knight, no knight at all perdcc^ 
 But (hamc of all , that doe for honor ftriuc^ 
 By treacherous deceipt did me depriue^ 
 Through open outrage he her bore awayj 
 And with fowle force ynto his will did driuc. 
 Which all good knightSjthat armes do bcare this day. 
 
 Arc bound for to reuengCjandpuniiliif they may. 
 
 And you mofl: noble Lord, that can and dare 
 Redreflc the wrong of miicrabic wight. 
 Cannot employ your moft vidorious Ipcarc 
 In better quarrell^ then defence of right. 
 And for a Ladic gainft a faithlcftc knight; 
 So fhall your glory be aduaunced much. 
 And all faire Ladies magnifie your might. 
 And eke my felfc, albe I fimple fuch. 
 
 Your worthy painc (hall well reward with guerdon rich. 
 
 With that out of his bouget forth he drew 
 
 Great ftore of trcafure,therewith him to tempt j 
 But he on it lookt fcornefuUy askew. 
 As much difdcigning to be fo mifHcmpt^ 
 
 Or
 
 ant.X. FAERIE OyEENE, 551 
 
 Or a war-monger to be bafcly nempt 5 
 Andfaid; thy offers bafe I greatly loth. 
 And eke thy words vncourteous and vnkempt 5 
 I tread in duft thee and thy money both. 
 That were it not for fhame , So turned from him wroth. 
 
 But Trompart . that his maifters hiupor knew. 
 In lofty lookes to hide an humble mind. 
 Was inly tickled with that golden vew, ^ 
 And in his eare him grounded clofe behind: 
 Yet ftoupt he not, but lay ftiil in the wind. 
 
 Waiting aduauntage on the pray to feafe ; 
 Till TrompArt lowly to the ground inclind, 
 Bcfought him his great courage to appeafe. 
 
 And pardon fimple man, that rafti did him difpleafc. 
 
 Biggc looking like a doughtie Doucepcrc, 
 At laft he thus ; Thou clod of vileft clay, 
 Ipardon yield, and with thy rudencflc beare j 
 But weete henceforth, that all that golden pray^ 
 And all that elfe the vaine world vaunten may, 
 I loath as doung ^nc deeme my dew reward : 
 Fame.is my meed, and glory vertues pray. 
 But minds of mortall men are muchell mard. 
 
 And mou d amiffe with maffie mucks vnmeet regard. 
 
 And more, I grauntto thy great miferic 
 
 Gratious refped, thy wife (liall backe be lent. 
 And that vile knight , who euer that he bee. 
 Which hath thy La^y reft, and knighthood ilient. 
 By SangUmoYt my fword, whofe deadly dent 
 The bloud hath of fo many thoufands fhed, 
 I (Wearc. ere long fhall dearely it repent; 
 Ne he twixt hcauen and earth lT:iall hide his hed, 
 
 But foonc he (ball be found, and ftortly docn be dcd.
 
 552 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CArjtx. 
 
 The foolilli man thereat woxe wondrous hlith^ 
 As if the word fo fpoken^vvere halfc donne^ 
 And humbly thanked him a thoufind fith 
 That had from death to life him newly wonnc, 
 
 . Tho forth the Boafter marching^braucbcgonnc 
 His ftolcn deed to thunder furioufly. 
 As if he heaucn agd hell would ouerronnc^ 
 And all the world confound with cruelty^ 
 
 That much MMbccco ioycd in his ioUity. 
 
 Thus long they three together traueiled^ 
 
 Through many a vvood^ and many an vncouth way 
 To feeke his wife^ that was farre wandered : 
 
 But thofe two fought nought, but the prefent pray 
 To wcete the treaiure, which he did bewray ^ 
 On which their eies and harts were wholly {q,x. 
 With purpofe, how they might it beft betray ; 
 For fith the houre,that firft he did them let (whet. 
 The fame behold ^ therewith their keene defires were 
 
 It fortuned as-tliey together far'd. 
 
 They fpide, where iP^r/W^// came pricking faft 
 Vpon the plaine , the which himfelfe prepar'd 
 To giuft with that braue ftraungcr knight a caft 
 Asonaduentureby thewayhepaft: 
 Alone he rode without his Paragone ; 
 For hauing filcht her bels, her vp he caft 
 To the wide world, and let her fly alone. 
 
 He nould be clogd. So had he fcrued many one. 
 
 The gentle Lady , loofe at randon left. 
 
 The greene-wood long did walkc, and wander wide 
 At wilde aduenture, like a forlorne weft. 
 Till on a day the Satyr e$ her cfpide 
 
 Straying
 
 Cmt.X. FAERIE QVEENE. 553 
 
 Straying alone withoutcn groomc or guide j 
 Her vp they tooke, and with them home her led^ 
 W'ith them as houfewife euer to abide. 
 To milke their gotes^and make them cheefc and bred. 
 And cuery one as commune good her handeled. 
 
 That fliortly Hie CMalhecco has forgot. 
 And eke Sir Pmdeli^ all were he dearc 5 
 Who from her went to feekc another lot. 
 And now by fortune was arriued here. 
 Where thofe two guilers with Malhecco were : 
 Soone as the oldman faw Sir Paridell , 
 He fainted^and was almoft dead with fearc, 
 Nc word hchad to fpeake, his griefc to tell. 
 
 But to him louted low, and greeted goodly welL 
 
 And after asked him for Helknorey 
 I take no keepe of her ( laid Farideil) 
 She wonneth in the forreft there before. 
 So forth he rode, as his aduenture felh 
 The whiles the Boafter from his loftie lell 
 Favnd to alight, fomething amiffc to mend ; 
 But the frcih Swayne would not his lealure dvvell. 
 But went his way ; whom when he palled kcnd^ 
 
 He vp remounted light^and after faindto wend. 
 
 Pcrdy nay ( faid Mdbecco ) fhall ye not: 
 But let him pafle as li ghtly, as he came : 
 For litle good of him is to be got,- 
 And mickle periU to be put to Hiame. 
 But let vs go to feeke my deareft Dame, 
 Whom he hath left in yonder forreft wyld : 
 For of her fafety in great doubt I am, 
 Leaft faluage beaftes her perfon haue dclpoyld r 
 
 Then aU the world is loft , and we in vaine haue toyld..
 
 554 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Csntx. 
 
 The all agree, and forward them addreft : 
 Ah but (faid craftie Trompart) wccte ye wcll^ 
 That yonder in that waftcfuU wildcrncflc 
 Huge monftcrs haunt, and many dangers Avv^lh^ 
 Dragons, and Minotaures, and feendes of helJ, 
 And many wilde woodmen, which robbc and rend 
 All traucUcrs , therefore aduife ye well. 
 Before ye enterprife that way to wend ; 
 
 One may his iourney bring too fbone to euill end, 
 
 {^Mecco {^o^t in great aftonifliment. 
 And with pale eyes faft fixed on the reft, 
 Their counfellcrau'd, in daunger imminent. 
 Said TYompAYt^ you that are the moft oppreft 
 With b urdcn of great treafurc , I thinke beft 
 Here for to ftay in fafctie j^ehind ; 
 My Lord and I will learch the wide forreft. 
 That counfell pleafed not Malbeccoes mind; 
 
 For he was much affraid, himfelfc alone to find. 
 
 Then is it beft (faid he) that ye doe leauc 
 
 Your treafure here in fome fecuritic, * 
 
 Either faft clofed in fome hollow greaue, 
 Oi buried in the ground from ieopardic^ 
 Till we returne againe in fafetie : 
 As for vs two, leaft doubt of vs ye hauc. 
 Hence farrc away we will blindfolded lie, 
 Ne priuie be vnto your treafures grauc. 
 
 It pleafed ; fo he did. Then they march forward brauc. 
 
 Now when amid the thickeft woods they were. 
 They heard a noyfe of many bagpipes fhrill. 
 And fhricking Hububs them approching ncrc. 
 Which all the forreft did with horror fill: 
 
 That
 
 Cnt.X. FAERIE aVEENE. 555 
 
 That dreadful! found the boafters hart did thrill^ 
 With fuch amazement, that in hafte he fled, 
 Ne euer looked backe for good or ill. 
 And after him eke fearefull TrompArt fped ; 
 The old man could not fly, but fell to ground halfe ded. 
 
 Yet afterwards clofe creeping, as he might, 
 He in a bufh did hide his fearefull hed , 
 The iolly Satyr es full of frefh delight. 
 Came dauncing forth, and with them nimbly led 
 Faire //^/e-^/^r^, withgirlonds all bcfpred. 
 Whom their May-lady they had newly made : 
 She proud of that new honour, which they red. 
 And of their louely fellowfhip full glade^ 
 
 Daunft liuely^ and her face did with a LawrcU ftiade. 
 
 The filly man that in the thicket lay 
 
 Saw all this goodly fport, and grieued fore. 
 
 Yet durft he not againft it doe or fay^ 
 
 But did his hart with bitter thoughts engorc. 
 
 To fee th vnkindnefTe of his Helienore. 
 
 All day they daunced with great luftihed. 
 
 And with their horned feet the greene grade worc^ 
 
 The whiles their Cotes vpon the brouzes fed. 
 
 Till drouping Phehus gan to hide his golden hed. 
 
 Thovpthey gan their merry pypes totruflTc, 
 And all their goodly heards did gather rounds 
 But euery Satyr e firft did giue a buflc 
 To Helienore : fo buffes did abound. 
 Now ean the humid vapour I'hed the ground 
 With'perly deaw, and th'Earthes gloomy fhadc 
 Did dim the brighmefTe of the welkin round. 
 That euery bird andbeaft awamed made, ( uadc. 
 
 To (hrowd thcmfelucs , whiles flcepe their fenfes did in-
 
 55<? THE III. BOOKE OFTHE C49if.Xl 
 
 Which when Mdhecco (aw, out of his bufh 
 Vpon his hand and fcctc he crept full h'ghr. 
 And like a Gote cmongft the Gotes did rurti. 
 That through the hclpc of his faire homes on hight 
 And mifly dampe of mifconceiuing night. 
 And eke through likenefTe of his gotifh beard^ 
 He did the better counterfeite aright : 
 
 So home he marcht emongft the horned heard. 
 That none of all the Satyr cs him efpydc or heard. 
 
 At night, when all they went to fleepe , he vewd. 
 Whereas his louely wife emongll them lay. 
 Embraced of a Satyr e rough and rude. 
 Who all the night did minde his ioyous play: 
 Nine times he heard him come aloft ere day. 
 That all his hart with gcalofie did fwcU ; 
 But yet that nights enfamplc did bewray. 
 That not for nought his wife them loued (b well. 
 
 When one fo oft a night did ring his matins bell. 
 
 So clofely as he could , he to them crept^ 
 
 When wearie of their fport to fleepe they fell, 
 And to his wife, that now full fbundly flept. 
 He whilpered in her eare, and did her tell. 
 That it was he, which by her fide did dwell. 
 And therefore prayd her wake, to heare him plainc. 
 As one out of a drcame not waked well. 
 She turned herj and returned backe againc : 
 
 Yet her for to awake he did the more conftrainc. 
 
 At laft with irkefomc trouble fhe abrayd ; 
 And then perceiuing , that it was indeed 
 Her old Malhecco^ which did her vpbrayd. 
 With loofencflc of her loue, and loathly deed. 
 
 She
 
 C4nt.X. FAERIE QVEENE, 557 
 
 She was aftonilTit with exceeding dreed. 
 And would hauc wakt the Satyr e by her fyde 5 
 But he her prayd, for mercy, or for meed. 
 To faue his life, nc let him be dcfcrydc. 
 But hearken to his lorc^ and all his counfellhydc. 
 
 Tho gan he her perfwadc, to leaue that lewd 
 And loathfomclifejof God and man abhord. 
 And home returnc, where all (houldbc renevvd 
 With perfc6l peace, and bandes of frefh accord^ 
 And iTie rcceiu d againe to bed andbord. 
 As if no trefpaffe euer had bene donne : 
 But fhe it all refufed at one word, 
 Andby no mcanes would to his will be wonnc. 
 
 But chofe emongft the iolly Satyrcs ftill to wonnc* 
 
 He wooe d her, till day fprings he cfpydc ; 
 But all in vaine : and then turnd to the heard. 
 Who butted him with homes on eucry fydc. 
 And trode downe in the durt, where his hore beard 
 Was fowly dight, and he of death afeard. 
 Early before the hcauens faired light 
 Out of the ruddy Eaft was fully reard. 
 The heardes out of their foldes were loofed quight^ 
 
 Andhe emongft the reft crept forth in fory plight. 
 
 So foonc as he the Prifen dorc did pas. 
 
 He ran as faft, as both his feete could bcarc^ 
 And neuer looked^ who behind him was, 
 Ne fcarfely who before : like as a Beare 
 That creeping clofe, amongft'the hiues to reare 
 An hony combe, the wakcfuU dogs efpy, 
 Andhim aflayling , fore his carkafle tcarc. 
 That hardly he with life away does fly, 
 
 Nc ftayes^ tillfafe himfclfc he fee from ieopardy.
 
 558 THE III. BOOKE OF THE dntX. 
 
 Nc ftayd he, till he came vnto the place. 
 Where late his trcafure he entombed had. 
 Where when he found it not (for Trompart bacc 
 Had it purloyned for his maifter bad ; ) 
 With extreme fury he became quite mad. 
 And ran away, ran with himielfe away : 
 That who fo ftraungely had him fecne bcftad. 
 With vpftart haire, and flaring eyes difmay. 
 
 From Limbo lake him late efcaped furc would lay. 
 
 \ 
 
 \M* ,'J 
 
 High oucr hilles and ouer dales he fled. 
 
 As if the wind him on his winges had borne, 
 Nc banck nor bufh could flay him, when he Ipcd 
 His nimble feet, as treading ftill on thorne : 
 Gricfe, and defpight, and gealofie, and fcornc 
 Did all the way him follow hard behind. 
 And he himfelfe himfelfc loath'd fo forlornc. 
 So ("haitiefully forlorne of womankind ; 
 
 That as a Snake, ftill lurked in his wounded mind. ' 
 
 Still fled he forward, looking backward ftill, 
 Ne ftayd his flight , nor fearefull agony. 
 Till that he came vnto a rockie hill^ 
 Ouer the fea, fu(pended dreadfully, 
 Thatliuing creature it would terrify. 
 To looke adowne, or vpward to the hight : 
 From thence he threw himfelfe difpiteoufly. 
 All dclperate of his fore-damned fpright. 
 
 That feem*d no helpc for him was left in liuing fight. 
 
 t 
 
 But through long anguirti, and felfe-murdring though 
 He was (b wafted and forpined quight. 
 That all his fubftance was confum'd to nought. 
 And nothing left, but like an aery Spright, 
 
 A.- :)(t ^li. That
 
 anhX. FAERIE QVEENE. 55^ 
 
 That on the rockcs he fell fb flit and light. 
 That he thereby receiu'd no hurt at all. 
 But chaunced on a craggy clifFto light ; 
 VVhcncc he with crooked clawcs fb long did crall. 
 That at the laft he found a cauc with entrance fmall 
 
 Into the fame he creepes, and thenceforth there 
 Refolu d to build his balefull manfion. 
 In drcry darkeneflc^ and continuall fearc 
 Of that rockes fall, which euer and anon 
 Threatcs with huge ruine him to fall vpon. 
 That he dare neuer fleepe, but that one eye 
 Still ope he keepes for that occafion ; 
 Ne euer refts he in tranquillity. 
 
 The roring biUowes beat his bowrc fb boyftroufly. 
 
 Nc euer is he wont on ought to feed. 
 
 But toades and frogs ^ his pafture poyfbnous. 
 Which in his cold complexion do breed 
 A filthy bloud, or humour rancorous. 
 Matter of doubt and dread fulpitious. 
 That doth with curelefife care confume the hart. 
 Corrupts the ftomacke with gall vitious, 
 Crofcuts the liuer with internall finart. 
 
 And doth transfixe the fbule with deathes eternall dart. 
 
 Yet can he ncuer dyc,but dying Hues, 
 
 And doth himfelfe with forrow new fuflaine. 
 That death and life attonce vnto him giues. 
 Andpainefullpleafure tumes topleafingpainc. 
 There dwels he euer, mifcrable Iwaine, 
 Hateful! both to him felfe, and cuery wight 3 
 Where he through priuy gricfe^and horrour vainc, 
 Is woxen fo dcform'd, that he has quight 
 
 Forgot he was a man, and Gcalofte is hight, 
 
 Nn
 
 5^0 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CamlXI. 
 
 Cant. Xl, 
 
 3ritomartchaceth0ll]phant , 
 findes Scftdamour d'ftrcft : 
 
 Ajfayes the houfe of*Btifyrane , 
 where Loues fpojles are exprefl . 
 
 OHatcfull hcllifh Snake, what ftiric fitrft 
 Brought thcc from balcfull houfc ofPrcJirp/nf, 
 Where in her bofomc fhc thee long had nurft. 
 And foftrcd vp with bitter milke of tine, 
 Fowle Gealofie, that turneft loue diuinc 
 To ioylcflc dread, and mak'ft the louing hart 
 With hateful! thoughts to languifh and to pine. 
 And feed it felfe with felfe-confuming fniart? 
 Of all the paffions in the mind thou yilcft art.. 
 
 O let him far bebanilTied away. 
 
 And in his ftead let Lone for euer dwell, 
 Sweet Loue, that doth his golding wings embay 
 In blefled Ne6lar, and pure Pleafures well, 
 Vntroubled of vile feare, or bitter fell. 
 And ye faire Ladies^ that your kingdomes make 
 In th'harts of men, them gouerne wifely well. 
 And of faire Britomart enfample take. 
 
 That was as trew in loue, as Turtle to her make. 
 
 Who with Sir Sdtyrane, as earft ye red. 
 
 Forth ryding from Uidatbeccoes hoilleflc hous. 
 Far offafpyde a young man, the which fled 
 From an huge Gcaunr^ that with hideous 
 
 And
 
 CmLXI. faerie QVEBNE. 5<^i 
 
 And hatcfull outrage long him chaccd thus ; 
 
 It was that OUyphant^ the brother dcarc 
 
 Oi^zi Argxnte vile and vitious^ 
 
 From whom the Squire of Dames was reft whylcrc ; 
 This all as bad as (hc^and worfc^if worfc ought were. 
 
 For as the fifter did in feminine 
 
 And filthy luft exceede all woman kind. 
 
 So he furpafled his fex mafcuhnc. 
 
 In bcaftly vfc that I did euer find ; 
 
 Whom when as BritomAtt beheld behind 
 
 The fearefuU boy (o greedily purfcw. 
 
 She was emmoued in her noble mind, 
 
 T'employ her puiflaunce to his reske Wj 
 And pricked fiercely forward^wherc fnc him did vew. 
 
 Ne was Sir Sdf)fra»e her far behindc. 
 
 But with like fierceneflc did enfc w the chace : 
 Whom when the Gyaunt faw, he (bone rcfindc 
 His former fuit, and from them fled apace 5 
 They after both, and boldly bad him bacc. 
 And each did ftriue the other to out-goc. 
 But he them both outran a wondrous Ipace, 
 For he was long, and fwift as any Roe, 
 
 And now made better fpeed, t'elcape his feared foe. 
 
 It was not Satyr dne, whom he did fearc, 
 
 But Britomart the flowre of chafti ty ; 
 
 Fox he the powre of chaft hands might not bcare, 
 
 But alwaycs did their dread encounter fly ; 
 
 And now fo fad his feet he did apply. 
 
 That he has gotten to a forreft neare. 
 
 Where he is ilirowded in fecurity. 
 
 The wood they enter^ and fcarch euer\' where. 
 They fearched diuerfcly, fo both diuided were, 
 
 Nn 2
 
 5^2 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cm.XI. 
 
 F;iirc Britomart (b long him followed. 
 
 That ilic at laft came to a fountainc (hcarc. 
 By which there lay a knight all wallowed 
 Vpon the grafly ground^ and by him nearc 
 His haberieon, his helmet, and his (peare ; 
 A little off, his Hiield was rudely throwne. 
 On which the winged boy in colours clearc 
 Depeinfted was, full cafie to beknownc. 
 
 And he thereby ,where euer it in field was ihownc. 
 
 His face vpon the ground did groueling ly. 
 As if he had bene flombring in the ihadc. 
 That the brauc Mayd would not for courtely^ 
 Out of his quiet flomber him abrade^ 
 Nor feemc too fuddeinly him to inuade : 
 Still as llie ftood, fhe heard with grieuous throb 
 Him grone, as if his hart were peeces made. 
 And with moft painefull pan gs to figh and fob, 
 
 Thatpitty did the Virgins hart of patience rob. 
 
 At laft forth brcakinginto bitter plaintcs 
 He faid , 6 foueraignc Lord that fit'ft on hyc. 
 And raignft in blis emongft thy bleflcd Saintcs^ 
 How fuffrcft thou fuch lliamcfull cruelty. 
 So longyn wreaked of thine enimy ?^ ' - 
 Or haft^ thou Lord.of good mens caufe no heed? 
 Or doth thy iufticc fleepe, and filcnt ly? 
 What booteth then the good and righteous deed. 
 
 If goodnefle find no grace^nor righteoufheile no meed? 
 
 If good find grace, and righteoufiieffe reward. 
 Why then is K^moret in caytiue band, 
 Sith that more bounteous creature neuer far'd 
 On foot, vpon the face of lining land? 
 
 Ot
 
 CAfit.Xl. EAERIE QVEENE. 5(^3 
 
 Or ifthat hcaucnly iufticc may withftand 
 The wrongfull outrage of vnrightcous mcn^ 
 Why then is Bufira»e with wicked hand 
 Suffredjthcfc feuenmonethcs day in fccretden 
 
 My Lady and my loue fo cruelly to pen? 
 
 My Lady and my louc is cruelly pcnd 
 
 In dolefuU darkencflc from the vew of day, 
 Whileft deadly torments do her chart brcft rend 
 And the fharpc ftecJe doth riue her hart in tway^ 
 All for flic Scudamore will not denay . 
 Yet thou vile man^ vile Scfsdamore art found 
 Ne canft her ayde/ie canft her foe difinay ; 
 Vn worthy wretch to tread vpon the ground. 
 
 For whom fo faire a Lady fecles fb fore a wound. 
 
 There an hugeheapc offingulfcs did opprcfTc 
 His ftrugling foulc^and (welling throbs empcach 
 His foltring toung with pangs of drerinefic. 
 Choking the remnant ofhis plaintifc fpeach. 
 As if his dayes were come to their laft reach. 
 Which when fhe heard, and (aw the ghaftly fit^ 
 Threatning intohis life to make a breach. 
 Both with great ruth and tcrrour iTic was fmit, 
 
 Fearing Icaft from her cage the wcarie foulc would flit. 
 
 Tho (looping downefhe him amoued light ; 
 
 Who therewith fomewhat ftarting,vp gan lookc. 
 And feeing him behind a (Iraunger knight. 
 Whereas no lining creature he miftooke. 
 With great indignaunce he that fight for(bokc3 
 And downe againe himfelfe difdaincfully 
 Abieding th'carth with his faire forhead (Irookc : 
 Which the bold Virgin (ecing, gan apply 
 
 Fit medcinc to his gricfe^and fpake thus courtcfly. 
 
 Nn 3 ^
 
 5^4 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cant.XI. 
 
 Ah gentle knight, whofe dccpc ccncciuccl gricfe 
 Well feemcs t'excccde the povvre ofpaticncc. 
 Yet if that h(5auenly grace (bine good rclicfe 
 You fend, fubmit you to high prouidcncc. 
 And cuer in your noble hart prepenfe. 
 That all the fbrrow in the world is lefle, 
 Thenvcrtucs might, and values confidence^ 
 For who nill bide the burden of diftrcfTe,' 
 
 Muft not here thinkc to Hue : for life is wretchcdncflc. 
 
 Thcreforc/aire Sir, do comfort to you takc^ 
 And freely read, what wicked felon fb 
 Hath outraged you, and thrald your gentle make. 
 Perhaps this hand may helpe to eafe your woc^ 
 And wrcakc your fbrrow on your cruell foe^ 
 And leaft it faire endeuour will apply, 
 Thofefeelingwordes fonearethequicke didgoc^ 
 That vp his head he reared cafily. 
 
 And leaning on his elbow,thefc few wordes let fly. 
 
 What boots itplainc,that cannot be redrefl^ 
 And fow vaine forrow in a fruilefTc eare, 
 Sith powrc of hand, nor skill of learned brefl^ 
 Ne worldly price cannot redceme my deare. 
 Out of her thraldomc and continual! fcare? 
 For he the tyraunt, which her hath in ward 
 By flrong enchauntments and blacke Magickc learc^ 
 Hath in a dungeon deepe her clofe embard. 
 
 And many drcadfuU feends hath pointed to her gard. 
 
 There he tormenteth her mofl terribly, ■ 
 
 And day and night afflifts with mortall paine^ 
 Becaufe to yield him loue flie doth deny. 
 Once to me yold^ not to be yold againc : 
 
 But
 
 Cm.xr. FAERIE QVEENE. 5(^5 
 
 Buty^tby torture he would her conftrainc 
 Loue to conceiue in her difdainfuU breftj^ 
 Till fo fhe do^fhe muft in doole rcmainc , 
 Nc may by liuingmeanes be thence reJeft; 
 ' What boots it then to plaine^that cannot be redrcfl? 
 
 With this fad herfall of his heauy ftrcfle. 
 The warlike Damzell was empafliond fore 
 Andfaid 5 Sir knight^your caufe is nothing leflc 
 Then is your fbrrow^ certes ifnot more j 
 For nothing fo much pitty doth implore 
 As gentle Ladies helpleflc mifcry. 
 But yet, if pleafc ye liften to my lore, 
 I will with proofe of laft extremity ^ 
 
 Deliuer her fro thence^ or with her for you dy. 
 
 Ah gentleft knight aliue3(faid Scudnmore) 
 
 What huge heroickc magnanimity (more 
 
 Dwels in thy bounteous breft ? what couldft thou 
 
 If fhe were thine, and thou as now am I? 
 
 O (pare thy happy dayes, and them apply 
 
 To better boot, butlet me dye, that ought; 
 
 More is more loflc : one is enough to dy. 
 
 Life is not loft,(faid flie)for which is bought 
 
 Endlcffc renowmjthat more then death is to be fought." 
 
 Thus fhe at length perfwaded him to rile. 
 And with her wend, to lee what new fucceflc 
 Mote him befall vpon new enterprifc ; 
 His armes, which he had vowed to difprofeflc. 
 She gathered vp and did about him dreflc. 
 And his for wandred deed vnto him got; 
 So forth they both yfere make their progrcfTc, 
 And march notpaft the mountcnaunceofa lliot. 
 
 Till they arriud^ whereas tlieir purpofc they did plot. 
 
 Nn 4
 
 <^66 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cant.Xl. 
 
 There they difmoimting^drcw their weapons bold 
 And ftoiitly came vnto the Caftle gate ; 
 Whereas no gate they found, them to withhold^ 
 Nor ward to wait at morne and cucninglate. 
 But in the Porch, that did them lore amate, 
 A flaming fire, ymixt with fmouldry fmokc. 
 And {linking Sulphure, that with griefly hate 
 AnddreadfuU horrour did all entraunce chokc^ 
 
 Enforced them their forward footing to rcuoke. 
 
 Greatly thereat was Britomart difinayd, 
 
 Ne in that ftownd wift, how her felfe to bcarc 5 
 For daunger vaine it were, to haue aflayd 
 That cruell element, which all things fearc^ 
 Ne none can fuffer to approchen neare : 
 
 , And turning backe to Scud^mour, thus fayd ; 
 What monflrous enmity prouoke we hearc. 
 Foolhardy as th*Earthcs children, the which made 
 
 Battell againft the Gods? fo we a God inuade, 
 
 Daunger without difcretion to attempt. 
 
 Inglorious and beaftlike is:therefore Sir knight^ 
 Aread what courfe of you is fafeft dempt, 
 And how we with our foe may come to fight. 
 This (quoth he) the dolorous dcfpight. 
 Which earft to you I playnd : for neither may 
 This fire be quencht-by any wit or might, 
 Ne yet by any meanes rcmou d away , 
 
 So mighty be th'enchauntments,which the fame do flay. 
 
 What is there elfe,butccafe thefc fruitleflcpaines. 
 And leauemetomyformerlanguifhing; 
 Faire Amoret muft dwell in wicked chaines. 
 And Scudamarc here dye with forro wing, 
 
 Perdy
 
 CMt.XI. FAERIE QlVEENE. ^6j 
 
 Pcrdy not fb ; (faid i'hc)for fhamcfuU thing 
 It were t abandon noble cheuifauncej 
 Forjliew ofpcrillj without venturing ; 
 Rather let try extremities ofchauncc. 
 Then enterprifed prayfc for dread to difauaunce. 
 
 Therewith refolu*dto proue her vtmoft might. 
 Her ample fhield fhc threw before her face. 
 And her fwords point direding forward right, 
 Ailayld the flame, the which eftfoones gaue place 
 And did it felfe diuide with equall fpace. 
 That through (lie pafled 5 as a thunder bolt 
 Perceth the yielding ayre, and doth difplacc 
 The foring clouds into fad fhowres ymolt ; 
 
 So to her yold the flames,anddid their force reuolt* 
 
 Whom \yh.cn.7iS Scudamourhvf paft the fire. 
 Safe and vntoucht, he likewife gan affay. 
 With greedy will, and enuious defirc. 
 And bad the ftubborne flames to yield him way; 
 But cruell ^4ulciber would not obay ^ 
 His threatfull pride, but did the more augment 
 His mighty rage, and imperious fvvay 
 Him forft(maulgre)his fiercenedc to relent. 
 
 And backe retire^ all fcorcht and pitifully brent. 
 
 With huge impatience he inly (welt. 
 
 More for great forrow, that he conld not pas. 
 Then for the burning torment, which he felt. 
 That with fell woodnefle he efficrced was. 
 And wilfully him throwing on thcgras. 
 Did beat and bounlc his head and brefl: full fore ; 
 The whiles the Championeffc now entred has 
 The vtmofi: rowme,and pad the formed dorc. 
 
 The vtmoft rowme^abounding with all precious fl.orc»
 
 5^8 THE III. BOOKE OP THE CafitXl. 
 
 For round abont^ the wals yclothcd were 
 Wirii goodly arras of great maiefly^ 
 Woiicii with gold and filke lb clofe and nerc. 
 That the rich mctall lurked priuily. 
 As faining to be hid from enuious eye 5 
 Yet here, and there^ and euery where vnwares 
 It {"hewd it felfe, and llione vnwillingly 5 
 Like a difcolourd Snake^ whofc hidden fhares 
 
 Through the grecne gras his long bright burnifht backc 
 
 (declares. 
 
 And in thofe Tapets wercn fafhioned 
 
 Many faire pourtraidsj and many a faire featc, 
 Andallof loue^and allof lufty-hed^ 
 As feemedby th<:ir femblaunt did entreat; 
 And eke all Cupids warres they did repeate^ 
 Andcruell battels ^ which he whilome fought 
 Gainft all the Godsj to make his empire great 5 
 Bcfides the huge mallacres^ which he wrought 
 
 On mighty kings and kefars^ iiuo thraldome brought. 
 
 Therein was writ^ how often thundring/^^^ 
 Had felt the point of his hart-percing dart^ 
 And leaning heauens kingdome, here did roue 
 In flraunge difguizc, to flake his fcaldingfmarti 
 Now like a Ram^ faire //^//cr to peruart. 
 Now like a Bull^ Europd to withdraw ; 
 Ah^ how the fearcfuU Ladies tender hart 
 Did liuely feemc to tremble, when fhe faw 
 
 The huge fcas vnder her t*obay her fcruaunts law, 
 
 Soonc after that into a golden fliowrc 
 ^ Him felfe he chaung'd hivcDame to vew. 
 And through the roofe of her flrong brafen towrc 
 Did raine into her lap an hony dcw^ 
 
 The 

 
 CAnt.XI. FAERIE QVEENE. ^6^ 
 
 The whiles her foolifli garde^ that little knew 
 Of fuch deceipc^kcpt th'yron dorc faft bard^ 
 And vvatcht^ that none fhould enter nor iflew ; 
 Vaine was the watch^ and bootlcfTe all the ward^ 
 VVhcnas the God to golden hew him fcifc transfard. 
 
 Then was he turnd into a fiiowy Swan ^ 
 To win faire Leda to his louely trade : 
 O wondrous skilly and fweet wit of the nian^ 
 That her in daffadilHcs flecping made. 
 From fcorching heat her daintic limbes to fhade: 
 Whiles the proud Bird ruffing his fcthers wyde, 
 Andbrufhinghis faire breft, did her inuade 5 
 She fleptj yet twixt her eyelids clofclyfpyde^ 
 
 How towards her he rufht^ and fmiled at his prydc. 
 
 Then fhcwd it^ how the ThehaneSemelee 
 Decciu'd of gealous //y/;<?,did require 
 To fee him in his foueraigne maieftec, 
 Armd with his thunderbolts and lightning fire^ 
 Whence dearely fhc with death bought her dcfirc. 
 But iiwyAlcmena better match did make^ - 
 loying his loue in likeneffc more entire ; 
 Three nights in one^ they fay^ that for her fake 
 
 He then did put^ her picafures lenger to partake, 
 
 Twife was he fecne in fbaring Eagles iTiapc^ 
 And with wide wings to beat the buxomc ^yrc^ 
 Once, when he with K^fierie did fcape^ 
 Againe, when as the Trounc boy (b fairc 
 He fiiatchtfrom idaXvSi^ and with him bare : 
 Wondrous dchght it was, there to behould. 
 How the rude Shcpheards after him didftarc^ 
 Trembling through fcare, lead down he fallen fhould 
 
 And often to him calling, to take furer hould.
 
 570 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cm.XI. 
 
 In Satyr es fhape Amiopa he fiiatcht : 
 
 And like a fire^ when he ^^egin' affay d; 
 
 A niephcard3\vhcncJ^/?^W(?/)fff he catcht : 
 
 And like a Serpent to the Thrackn mayd. (playd 
 
 Whiles thus on earth great lotic thefc pagcaunts 
 
 The wingedboy did thruft into his throne^ 
 
 And fcoffing, thus vnto his mother fayd^ 
 
 Lonow the heauens obey to me alone^ 
 
 And take me for their loue, whiles loue to ea rth is gone. 
 
 And thou, faire Vhachta^ in thy colours bright 
 Waft there enwouen^ and the fad diftrefle. 
 In which that boy thee plonged, for dcfpight. 
 That thou bewray'dft his mothers wantonneflTc, 
 When (he with CMays was meynt in ioyfulneflc; 
 For thy he thrild thee with a leaden dart. 
 To loue fairc Dafhne^ which thee loued lefle : 
 . Lcfleflie theelou'd^then was thy iuftdefart. 
 
 Yet was thy loue her death^& her death was thy ihiart. 
 
 So loucdft thou the lufty HyacinB, 
 
 So louedft thou the fairc CoronU deare : 
 Yet both are of thy haplcfie hand extinft. 
 Yet both in flowrcs do Hue, ^nd loue thee beare^ 
 The one aPauncc, the other a fweet breare : 
 For gricfe whereof, ye mote haue liuely feenc 
 The God himfelfe rending his golden hearc^ 
 And breaking quite his gyrlond cuer greene, 
 
 With other figncs of Ibrrow and impatient tccnc. 
 
 Both for thofc two, and for his owne deare fonnc. 
 The {bnne oiclimene he did repent. 
 Who bold to guide the charet of the Sunnc, 
 Himfelfe in thoufand pecces fondly rent. 
 
 And
 
 C^t.Xi. FAERIE QVEENE 571 
 
 And all the world with flafhing ficr brent -, 
 So like, that all the wallcs did iecrae to flame. 
 Yet criiell C«/>/^, not herewith content, 
 Forft him cftfoones to follow other game. 
 And louc a Shcpheards daughter for his deareft Dame. 
 
 He loued IJJe for his deareft Dame, 
 And for her fake her cattell fed a while. 
 And for her fake a cowheard vile became. 
 The (criiant oi^^dmetm cowheard vile. 
 Whiles that from hcauen hefuffered exiIc.\\^^•:: : , 
 
 Long were to tell each other louely fit, bii:;) jtril 
 Now like a Lyon, huntmg after (poile, ' 
 Now like a Hag, now like a faulcon flit ; 
 All which in that faire arras was moft liuely writ. 
 
 Next vnto him was A^^^r«»^pi(9:urcd,: ^ 
 In his diuinerefemblance wondrous lyke: 
 His face was rugged, and his hoarie hed 
 Dropped with brackilli deaw j^is three-forkt Pykc 
 He llearnly fliooke,andtherewith fierce didftrykc 
 The raging billowes, thaton euery fyde 
 They trembling ftood,and made a long broad dyke. 
 That his fwift charet might haue paffage wyde. 
 
 Which foure great HippodamcsdiA draw in tcmcwilc 
 
 i:/ ,iiyiLJ3 (tyde. 
 
 His fea-hor(csdidfeemetofhbrtamayne,. 
 
 And from dieir nofcthrilles blow the brynie ftreamc^ 
 That made the (parckling waues to finoke agayne. 
 And flame with gold^but the white fomy crcame. 
 Did (liine with filuer, and flioot forth his beamc. 
 The God himfelfe did penfiuc fcemc and fad. 
 And hong adowne his head, as he did drcame; 
 For priuy louc his brcft empierced had, 
 
 Ne ought but dcarc Bifaltu ay could make him glad.
 
 572 tHEIILBOOKEiOFTHE Cm.xr^ 
 
 He loucd ckc //>A/wr J/i dcarc J 
 
 And \^eoltts fairc daughter ^^rne hight. 
 
 For whom he tunid him felfe into a Stearc^ 
 
 And fed on fodder, to beguile her fight. 
 
 Alio to. win Deucaliofjs daughter bright3 
 
 Her turnd him felfe into a Dolphin fayre ; 
 
 And like a winged horfe he tooke his flighty 
 
 To (haly-lockc iMedufa to repayre. 
 On whom he got faire Pcgaps^^ that flitteth in the ayrc. 
 
 Next Siturnt\v^s^(^\xt who would euer weenc,. 
 
 That fullein Samfte euer weend to loire? 
 
 Yet loue is fullein, and Saturnlike (eene^ 
 
 As he did for £r/j^<?/?^ it proue.) 
 
 That to a Centaure did him (clfc tranfmouc. 
 
 So proou d it eke that gracious God of wine^ 
 
 VV hen for to compafic ?htllir/u hard louc^ 
 
 He turnd himfclfe into a fruitful! vine. 
 And into hertaircbofome made his grapes dedinc. 
 
 Long were to tell the amorous aflayes. 
 
 And gentle pangucSj with which he m^ed mcckc 
 
 The mighty tjMars^ to learne his wantoii playcs: 
 
 How oft for Venus ^ and how often eek 
 
 For many other Nymphes he fore did fhreek. 
 
 With womanifh teares^and with vnwarlike finarts^ 
 
 Priuily moyftening his horrid cheek. 
 
 There was he painted full ofburning darts, (parts. 
 
 And many wide woundes la unched through his inner 
 
 Ne did he fpare(fo cruell was the Elfe) 
 
 His owne deare mother,(ah why fhould he fb? 
 Ne did he fpare fometime to pricke himfelfc. 
 That he might taft the fwcc t confuming woe^, 
 
 . V^Tiich
 
 QMt.Xl.^ FAERIE QVEENE. 573- 
 
 Which he had wrought to many others ir.oc. 
 But to declare the mournfuUTragedycs, 
 And fpoilcs^ wherewith he all the ground did ftrow^ 
 More eath to number ^with how many eyes 
 High hcaucn beholds fad louers nightly thceuerycs. 
 
 Kings Queenes^Lords LadicSjKnights &Dam2els gent 
 Were heap'd together with the vulgar for t^ ■ ^ 
 
 And mingled with the raskall rablemcnt. 
 Without rcfped of perfon or of port. 
 To fhew Dan Cupfds powrc and great effort: 
 And roundabout a border was entrayld. 
 Of broken bowes andarrowesfhiuered iTiort^ 
 And a long bloudy riuer through them rayld^ 
 
 So liuely and lb like, that liuingfence it fayld, 
 
 And at the vpperendofthatfairc rowme, 
 There was an Altar built of prctious ftone. 
 Of palling valew, and of great renowmc. 
 On which there flood an Image all alone. 
 Of mafly gold, which witbhis owne lightilionc 5 
 And wings it had with fundry colours dight. 
 More fundry colours, then the proud Fnuone 
 Beares in his boafted fan, or /rir bright, (bright* 
 
 When her difcolourd bow fhe iprcds through hcauca 
 
 Blindfold he was, and in his cruell fiff -^ : 
 
 A mortall bow and arrowcs kcenedid hold, ■ 
 
 .: With which he (hot at randon, when him lift. 
 Some headed with fad lead, fbme with pure goldj 
 ( Ah man beVarc^how thou thofc darts behold) 
 A. wounded Dragon vnder him did ly^ 
 Whofc hideous tayle his left foot did enfold, S^ 
 And with a fhaft was fhot through either cyc,:iIV/ 
 
 That no man forth might draw^nc no man remcdye^
 
 574 THE III. BOOKE OF THE C4Ht.Xr. 
 
 And vndcrncath his feet was written thuSj 
 
 f^ttto the Ff5ior of the Gods this bee : 
 
 And all the people in that ample hous 
 
 Did to that image bow their humble knec^ 
 
 And oft.committed fowle Idolatrec. 
 
 That wondrous fight faire Britontart amazed, 
 rNc feeingcould her wonder fatisfic^ 
 
 But euermore and more vpon it gazed. 
 The whiles tliepafTing brightnes her fraile fences dazed. 
 
 Tho as fhe backward cafl: her bufic^ye,^ . ' i 
 To fcarch each fecret of that goodly ftcd 
 Ouer the dore thus written fhedid Ipye 
 Be bold ; iTic oft and oft it ouer-red. 
 Yet could not find what fence itfigured : 
 But what fo were thercinor writ or mcnt. 
 She was no whit thereby difcouraged 
 From prolccuting of her firftintent^ 
 
 But forward with bold fteps into the next roomc Went. 
 
 Much fairer^ then the former, was that roomc^ 
 And richlier by many partes arayd ; 
 For not with arras made in painefuU loomc, 
 Butwith pure goldit all was ouerlaydj (phy^j 
 
 VVrought with wildc Antickes^which their follies 
 In the rich mctall5as they lining were: 
 A thoufand monftrdus formes therein were made. 
 Such as faUcloue doth oft vpon him weare? ' 
 
 For loue in thoufand moftrous formes doth oft appearc. 
 
 And all about, the gliftring walles were hong g Tf '\i\ ) 
 WithwarlikefpoilcSjandwithvidoriouspraycSjA 
 
 Of mighty Conquerours and Captaines ftrong. 
 Which were whilome captiued in their dayes 
 
 To
 
 C4ntXh FAERIE QVEEKE. 57J 
 
 To crucll I0UC3 and wrought their ownc dccaycs ; 
 Their fwerds & fperes were broke,& hauberques rent; 
 And their proud girlonds of tryumphant baycs 
 Trodcn in duft with fury infolent^ 
 To fhcw the vidors might and mercileflc intent. 
 
 The warlike Mayde beholding earneftly , , 
 The goodly ordinance of this rich placc^ 
 Did greatly wonder ne could fatisfie 
 Her greedy eyes with gazing a long fpace. 
 But more iTie meruaild that no footings trace. 
 Nor wight appeared, biit waftefull erriptineffej 
 
 , Andlblemne filcnce ouer all that place : 
 Straungc thing it feem'd, that none was to poflefic 
 
 So rich purueyance^ne them kecpe with carefuInefTe. 
 
 And as fhe lookt about, fhe did behold, 
 i VioWousr that lame dore was likewifc writ. 
 Be bold, he hold^ and euery where Be bpld^ 
 . That much fhe muz'd,yet could not conftrue it 
 By any ridling skill, or commune wit. 
 At laft ilie fpyde at that roomes vpper cnd^ 
 Another yron dote^ on which was writ, ^ ^^^ ^ ^^ 
 Be not too bold-^ whereto though fhe did bend 
 Her earneft mind, yet wift not what it might intend. 
 
 Thus fhe there waited vntill cuciityde. 
 Yet liuingcreature none llie faw appcare : 
 And now fad lliadowes gan the world to hyde, 
 From mortall vew, and wrap in darkcnefTc drcare ; 
 Yet nould fhe d'offher weary amies, for fcare 
 Of fecrct daunger,ne let flccpe opprefle 
 Her heauy eyes with natures b urdein deare. 
 But drew her feffe afide in fickerneflc. 
 
 Arid her welpointcd weapons did about her drcflc. 
 
 Oo
 
 57^ THE in. BOOKE OFTHE Cm.Xlh 
 
 Cant, XI L 
 
 
 Themask^ of Cupid, andth^nchaunted 
 
 chamber are difpUyd^ 
 H^ hence 'Britomartredeemesfaire 
 
 Amoret^ thrdui^h charmes decay d, 
 
 THo wjicn as chearelcfle Night ycouercd had 
 Faire heauen with an vniuerlall cloud, 
 . That euery wight difmayd witKdarknefTe fad^ 
 In filence and infleepe themleiiies did fhroud ^ 
 She heard a ihrilling Trompet found aloud^ 
 Signeof nighbattelljOrgotvidorys :^-' . 
 
 Nought therevvith daunj^ed was her courage proy^^ 
 But rather ftkd to cruel! enmity, j^ 
 
 Expedingeuer^ when fome foe (he might delcry,. -\\ • 
 
 With that, ^n hideoi;s ftarnic or 'wfnde arolcj , ^ ,^[ ^f^ 
 With dfeadfull thunder and lightning atwixt,. , , ,\ 
 And an earth-quake ., as if it (Ireight would lofe 
 The worlds foundations from his centre fixt ; 
 Adircfull ftenchof fmoke and fulphure mixt 
 EnfcwdjwhofenoyancefildthefearefuUfted, '" . 
 From thefourth houre ofnightvntillthefixtj 
 Yet the bold Brit one [fc was nought ydred. 
 
 Though much emmou'd^, but ftedfaft ftill pe^ f^^ersd,, 
 
 ' . » » 
 
 All fuddenly a ftormy whirlwind blew 
 
 Throughout the houfe, that clapped euery dorc,. 
 With which that yron wicket open flew^,[ .^^,j^\y ^^^^iX 
 ^ As it with mightielc u9rs had bene tor^.: ' v// lot i b r r A 
 
 ■:"oO ^ ^ ' ■■' And
 
 Cmixn. FAERIE Q:«^EENE. 577 
 
 And forth ifle wd, as on the ready ifllorc 
 Of fome Theatre ^ a graue pcrfonage. 
 That in his hand a branch of laurcllborc. 
 With comely haueoiir and countenance fage, 
 Yclad in coftly ^arments^ fit for tragicke Stage. 
 
 Proceeding to the midft_,he ftill did ftand^ 
 
 As if in mind he fbmewhat had to fay^ 
 
 And to the vulgar beckning with his hand^ 
 
 In figne of filence, as to hearc a play^ 
 
 By huely adlions he gan bewray 
 
 Some argument of matter paffioned; 
 
 Which doen5he backe retyred foft away, 
 
 Andpaffingby^his namedifcouered, 
 Eafe^ on his robe in golde n letters cyphered. 
 
 The noble Mayd, ftill ftanding all this vcwd. 
 And merueild at his ftrange intendimentj 
 With that a ioyous fcllowfhip iflewd 
 Of Minftralsj making goodly meriment^ 
 With wanton Bardes^and Rymers impudent^ 
 All which together fungfull chearefully ^'^ 
 
 Alayof louesdelightj withfweet confcnt: Y 
 After whom marcht a iolly company. 
 
 In manner of a maske^ enranged orderly. 
 
 
 /The whife a m<5ft Helitions harmony^ 
 
 In full ftraunge notes was fweetly heard to ibund^ 
 
 That the rare fwcetneife of the melody 
 
 The feeble fenfcs wholly did confound. 
 
 And thcfraile (bulc in deepe delight nigh droutid : M 
 
 And when it ceaft^, fhrill trompets loud did bray. 
 
 That their report did f ^rre away rebound. 
 
 And when they ceaft, it gan againe to play, A 
 
 'The whiles the maskers marched forth in trim aray. 
 
 Oo 2
 
 578 THE III. BOOKE OFTHE Unt.XU. 
 
 The firfl: was FA^cy^^z a loiiely boy. 
 
 Of rare afpcft, and beaiitie without pearc ; 
 Matchable either to that ympe otTVt?;' 3 
 Whom hue did loue^ aiid chofe his cup to bcarc^ 
 Or that fame daiiitieUd , which was fo d^arc 
 To great Alcidcs^ that when as he dydc. 
 He wailed womanlike with many a teare. 
 And euery wood, and cucry valley wyde 
 
 He fild with /^7/^naities-the Nymphes eke By las crydc. 
 
 His garment neither was of filke norfay^ 
 But painted plumes, in goodly order dight. 
 Like as the funburnt /W/^/^i do aray 
 Their tawney bodies, in their prbuHcftpIighr t 
 As thofe fameplumes,fo feemd he vaine and Jighty 
 That by his gate might eafily appeare ; 
 For ftill he far'd as dauticing in delight. 
 And in hi&hand a windyian did beare^ 
 
 That in the idle aire he mou'd ftill here and there. 
 
 And him befide marcht amorous Defyre^ 
 
 Who feemd of riper yeares, then th'other Swaine3 
 
 Yet was that others fwayne this elders fyrc, 
 
 And gaue him being , commune to them twainc ; 
 
 His garment was difguiledvery vaine. 
 
 And his embrodered Bonet fat awry ; 
 
 Twixt both his bands few fparkes'he dole dfciftrainc^ 
 
 Which ftill he blew, an d kindled bufily. 
 
 That foone they li£ec<wceiu d , & forth iiifjaines did fly. 
 ,!. -■;■:'■• --!! ■■ ■ 
 
 Nextaftcr hiiai went ^oubt^ who vyas yc^^id 
 In a difcolour*d cote, of ftraunge diiguyfc. 
 That at his backe a brode Capuccio had. 
 And flecucs dependant Albmefe-yrj^z : 
 
 •irijRoIifl. ;Hc
 
 Cdfft.Xir. FAERIE QVEENE. 57^ 
 
 He lookt askew with his miftruftfull eyes. 
 And nicely erode , as thornes lay in his way. 
 Or that the flore to llirinke he did auyfc. 
 And on a broken reed he ftill did flay 
 His feeble fteps^which ilir unke^when hard theron he lay. 
 
 With him went Daunj^er^ cloth* in ragged weed. 
 Made of Bcares skin, that him more dreadfuU made. 
 Yet his ownc face was dreadfully ne did need 
 Straungehorrour^to deforme his griefly fhade; 
 A net in th'one hand^and a ruftie blade 
 In th'other was, this Mifchiefc, that Mifhap 5 
 With th'one his foes he threatned to inuade. 
 With th'other he his friends ment to enwrap : 
 
 For whom he could not kill , he prailizd to entrap. 
 
 Next him was Feare^ all arm'd from top to toe. 
 Yet thought himftlfe not lafe enough thereby, 
 'But feard each fhadow mouing to and fro. 
 And his owne armes when glittering he did Ipy, 
 Or clafhing heard, he faft a^ay did fly. 
 As afhes pale of hew, and wingyhecld 5 
 And euermore on daungcr fixt his eye, 
 Gainft whom he alwaies bent a brafcn fiiield. 
 
 Which his right hand vnarmed fearefuUy did wield. 
 
 With him went Hope in ranckc,a handfbme Mayd, 
 Of chearcfuU lookc and louely to behold 5 
 In filken famitc fhe was light arayd. 
 And her faire lockes were woucn vp in gold ; 
 She alway fmyld, and in her hand did hold 
 An holy water Sprinckle, dipt in dcowc^ 
 With which Ihe ^rinckled faiiours manifold. 
 On whom ihe lift, and did great liking fheowe, 
 
 Great liking vnto many, but true louc to fcowc. 
 
 Oo 3
 
 580 THE III.BOOKE OF THE Cant. XII. 
 
 And after them ViJfembUnee^ and Sujpect 
 Marcht in one rancke ^yct an vneqiiallpairc: 
 For ("he was gentle, and of mildc alpcd. 
 Courteous to all, and fceming dcbonaire. 
 Goodly adorned, and exceeding faire ; 
 Yet was that all but painted,and purloynd, (hairc: 
 And her bright browes were dcckt with borrowed 
 Her deedes were forged, and her words falfe coynd. 
 
 And alwaics in her hand two clcwes of iilke fhc twynd* 
 
 But he was foule, ill fauoured, and grim, 
 Vnder his eyebrowcs looking ftill askauncc 5 
 And c uer as DiffemhUnce laught on him. 
 He lowrd on her with daungerous eyeglauncc j 
 Shewing his nature in his countenances 
 His rolling eyes did neuer reft in place. 
 But walkt each where, for fearc of hid mifchauncc^ 
 Holding a lattice ftill before his face. 
 
 Through which he ftill did peepc^as forward he did pace- 
 
 Next him went Grlefe^ and Fury matcht yferc 5 
 Grief e all in fable forrowfully clad, 
 Downe hanging his dull head, with heauycherCj. 
 Yet inly being more, then leeming fad : 
 A paire of Pincers in his hand he ha(^ 
 With which he pinched people to the hart. 
 That from thenceforth a wretched hfe they lad^ 
 In wilful! languor and confuming finarr. 
 
 Dying each day with inward wounds of dolours dart. 
 
 But Fmywzs full ill appareiled 
 
 In rags, that naked nigh file did appearc. 
 With ghaftly lookes and dreadful! drerihed $ 
 For from her backc her garments (he did tcarc. 
 
 And
 
 CMf.XlL FAERIE QVEENE. 581 
 
 And from her head o^rcnt her fnarlcd he are : 
 In her right hand a firebrand flie did tofle 
 About her hcad^ ftill rom ing here and there \ 
 As a difinaycd Deare in chace cmboft. 
 Forgetful! of his fafety, hath his right way loft. 
 
 After them went D/jfleafire and Pleafance , 
 
 He looking lompifh and full fullein fad^ 
 
 And hanging downe his heauy countenance ; 
 
 She chearefuU freih and full of ioyance glad^ 
 
 As if no forrow fhe ne felt ne drad ; 
 
 That euill matched paire they feemd to bee : 
 
 An angry Wafpe th'one in a viall had 
 
 Th'othcrinhers anhony-ladyBecj 
 Thus marched tlicfe fixe couples forth in fairc degree. 
 
 After all thefe there marcht a mod faire Damc^ 
 Led of two gryfie villeins, th'one I>ejpighty 
 The other cleped Cruelty by name : 
 She dolefuU Lady, Hke a dreary Spright, 
 Cald by ftrong charmes out of cternall nighty 
 Had deathes owne image figurd in her facc^ 
 Full of fad fignes, fearefull to lining fight; 
 Yet in that horror lliewd a (cemely grace. 
 
 And with her feeble feet did moue a comely pace. 
 
 Her breft all naked, as net iuory, 
 
 Without adorne of gold or filuer bright, 
 Wherewidi the Craftefinan wonts it beautify. 
 Of her dew honour was defpoyled quight. 
 And a wide wound therein ( O ruefull fight ) 
 Entrenched dcepe widi knife accurfed kecnc, 
 Yet frefhly bleeding forth her fainting fpright, 
 ( The worke of cruell hand ) was to be leenc. 
 
 That dydc in fanguinc red her skin all fnowy clcene. 
 
 Oo 4
 
 582 THE III.BOOKE OF THE Cant. XI U 
 
 At that wide orifice her trembljpg hart 
 Was drawnc forth^ and in fihicr bafinlayd^ 
 Quite through transfixed with a deadly dart. 
 And in her bloud yet fleeming firefh embayd : 
 And thofc two villeins J which her fteps vpftayd. 
 When her weake feete could fcarcely her fuftainc. 
 And fadingvitall powers ganto fade. 
 Her forward ftill with torture did conftrainc. 
 
 And euermore encreafcd her confumingpaine* 
 
 Next after her the winged God himfelfc 
 Came riding on a Lion rauenous. 
 Taught to obay the menage of that Elfc, 
 That man and bead with powre imperious 
 Subdeweth to his knigdomc tyrannous : 
 Hii blindfold eyes he bad a while vnbind. 
 That his proud {poylc of that fame dolorous 
 Faire Dame he might behold in pcrfed kind ; 
 
 Which feene, he much reioyced in his cruell mind.. 
 
 Of which full proud, himfelfe vp rearing hyc. 
 He looked round about with fterne difdaine ^ 
 And did furuay his g6odly company : 
 And marfliallingthe euill ordered trainc. 
 With that the darts which his right did ftrainc^ 
 Full dreadfully he fhooke that all did quake. 
 And clapt on hie his coulourd winges twainc. 
 That all his many it affraide did make ; 
 
 Tho blinding him againe, his way he forth did take. 
 
 Bchindehunwas Reproch ^Repent Ance^Shame-^ 
 Reproch the firft. Shame next. Repent behind : 
 Repentance feeble ^forrowfull, and lame : 
 Reproch defpightfuU^ carelcfle^and vnkind 5 
 
 Sh4we
 
 ant. XI I. FAERIE QVEENE. 583 
 
 shame moft ill fauourd, bcftiall, and blind ; 
 Shnme lowrd, Repentance {x^i^^^eproch did Icould ; 
 R^r^r^r/^lTiarpc flings, Repent aficev^hi^s cntwind, 
 shame burning brond-yrons in her hand did hold : 
 All three to each vnlike, yet all madcin one mould. 
 
 And after them a rude confufed rout 
 
 Of perfbns flockt, whofc names is hard to read : 
 Emongft them was fterne Strife^ and Aftger ftout^ 
 Vnquict C^r^^and fond f^nthrtftiheaci^ 
 Lc\'vd Loffe of T/me^zndSorrow(ccm'mgdc^dj 
 Inconftant chaunge^2u^d falfe V/jloyaltie j 
 ConfumingR/^//y^3 and guilty Dread 
 Of heaucniy vengeance, faint Infirmitte^ 
 
 Vile ? oner tie, and laftly Death with infamie. 
 
 There were full many moe like maladies, 
 
 Whofe names and natures I note readen well ;, 
 So many moe, as there be phantafies 
 ' In wauering wemcns wit, that none can tell. 
 Or paines in louc, or punifhments in hell ; 
 And which difguized marcht in masking wife^ 
 About the chamber withthat Damozell, 
 And then returned, hauing marched thrife. 
 
 Into the inner roome^ from whence they firft did ri(cr»- 
 
 So {bone as they were in, the dore ftreight way 
 Faftlocked,driuen with that ftormyblaft^ 
 Which firft it opened , and bore all away 
 Then the braue Maid, which all this while was plaft^, 
 In fecret fhade, and faw both firft and laft^ 
 Iffcwed forth, and went vnto the dore. 
 To enter in, but found it locked faft : 
 It vaine {he thought with rigorous vprorc 
 
 For to cfforce, when charmcs had clofcd it afore
 
 584 THE III. BOOKE OF THE CavtXll. 
 
 Where force might not aiiailc^ their fleights andart 
 She caft to vfc, both fit for hard cmprize ; 
 For thy from that fame roome not to depart 
 Till morrow next, fhc did her felfc auizc. 
 When that fame Maske againc fhould forth arize. 
 The morrow next appeard with ioyoiis chearc. 
 Calling men to their daily exercize. 
 Then fhc, as morrow fireih, her felfe didrearc 
 
 Out of her fecret ftand , that day for to out weare. 
 
 AH that day llie outwore in wandering, 
 And gazing on that Chambers ornament^ 
 Till that againe the fecondeuening 
 Her couered-with her fable veftiment^ 
 Wherewith the worlds faire beautie fhe hath blent: 
 Then when the fecond watch was almoft part. 
 That brafcn dore flew open, and in went 
 Bold Br/tomarty2s fhc had late fcrecaft. 
 
 Neither of idle (hewes, nor of falfe charmes aghaft. 
 
 So foone as (lie was entred, round about 
 She caft her eies, to fee what was become 
 Of all tho(e perfons, which fte faw without: 
 But lo, they ftreight were vanillit all and fomc^ 
 Nc lining wight Ihe faw in all that roome, 
 Saue that fame woefull Ladie, both whofe hands 
 Were bounden faft, that did her ill become, 
 And her fmall waft girt round with yron bands, 
 
 Vnto a brafen pillour, by the which i"he ftands. 
 
 And her before the vile Enchaunter fate. 
 Figuring ftraunge charaders of his art. 
 With lining bloudhe thofe charaders wratc. 
 Dreadfully dropping from her dying hart. 
 
 Seeming
 
 CarJt.Xir. FAERIE QVEENE. 585 
 
 Seeming transfixed with a criiell dart. 
 And all perforce to make her hini to loiic. 
 Ah who can louc the worker of her fmart ? 
 AtKoufand charmeshe formerly did prone; (moiic. 
 Yet thoufand charmes could not her ftcdfaft heart rc- 
 
 Soone as that virgin knight he faw in placc^ 
 His wicked bookes m haft he ouerthrew^ 
 Notcaringhislonglaboiirs to deface. 
 And fiercely ronning to that Lady trew, 
 A murdrous knife out of his pocket drew. 
 The which he thought, for villeinous deipight^ 
 In her tormented bodie to embrew r 
 But the ftout Damzell to him leaping light. 
 
 His curfed hand withheld,and maiftercd his might. 
 
 From her, to whom his fury firft he ment. 
 The wicked weapon ralTily he did wreft,- 
 And turning to her felfc his fell intent, 
 Vnwarcs it ftrooke into her fnowie cheft. 
 That little drops empurpled her faire breft. 
 Exceeding wroth therewith the virgin grew, 
 Albc the wound were nothing deepe impreft. 
 And fiercely forth her mortall blade fhe drew. 
 
 To giuc him the reward for fuch vile outrage dew. 
 
 So mightily fhe finotc him , that to ground 
 
 He fell halfe dead; next ftroke him fhould haue flaine^ 
 Had not the Lady, which by him flood bound, 
 Dernelyvnto him called to abftaine. 
 From doinghim to dy.For elfe her painc -rXV 
 
 Should be remediledc , fith none buthcc. 
 Which wrought it, could the fame recure againe. 
 Therewith fhe.ftayd her hand, loth ftayd to bee y 
 
 'For life n:ic him cnuyde,and lon^d rcuaigc to fee..
 
 589 IHb 111. BOOKE OF THE Csnt.XIi^ 
 
 And to him faid^Thou wicked man, whofc meed 
 For fo huge mifchicfc^ and vile villany 
 Is death , or if that ought do death exceed 
 Be fure, that nought may fauc thee from to dy 
 But if that thou this Dame doe prefcntly 
 Reftorc vnto her health , and former ftate 5 
 This doc and liuc, elfc die vndoubtcdly. 
 He glad of life, that lookt for death but late. 
 
 Did yield himfelfc right willing to prolong his date. 
 
 And rifing vp, gan ftreight to ouerlookc 
 
 Thofe curfcd leaues, his charmes backe toreuerfcj 
 Full dreadfull things out of that balefull bookc 
 He red, and meafur'd many a fad verfc. 
 That horror gan the virgins hart to per/c. 
 And her faire lockes vp ftared ftiffe on end. 
 
 Hearing him thofe fame bloudy lines reherfe 5 
 And all thq while he red, (he did extend 
 Her fword high ouer him, if ought he did offend. 
 
 Anon file gan perceiuc the houfe to quake. 
 And all the dores to rattle round about ; 
 Yet all that did not her difinaied make. 
 Nor flacke her threatfuU hand for daungers dout. 
 But ftill with ftedfaft eye and courage flout 
 Abode, to weet what end would come of all. 
 At laft that mightie chaine, which round about 
 Her tender wafte was wound, adowne gan fall. 
 
 And that great brafen pillour broke in peeces fmalL 
 
 The crucll fleelc,which thrild her dying hart. 
 Fell f bftly forth , as of his owne accord. 
 And the wydc wound, which lately did difparc 
 Her bleeding brefl^and riuen bowels gor^. 
 
 Was
 
 CAnUXII. FAERIE QVEENE. 587 
 
 Was clofed vp, as it had not bene bor'd, 
 Andeuery part to fafcty full found^ 
 As flic were neuer hurt, was foone reftor'd : 
 Tho when flie felt her fclfe to be vnboiind^ 
 Andpcrfedhole^proftrate flie fell vnto the ground. 
 
 Before faire Britomart^ flie fell proftratc^ 
 
 Saying, Ah noble kniglit^ what wprthy meed 
 Can wretched Lady , quit from wofull ftate. 
 Yield you in liew of this your gratious deed ? 
 Your vertue felfe her ownc reward fhall breed^ 
 Euen immortall praifc, and glory wyde. 
 Which I your vadallj by your prowellefrcedj 
 Shall through the world make to be notifyde. 
 
 And goodly well aduance^that goodly well was tryde. 
 
 "But Br/Somarf vprearing her from ground. 
 Said, Gentle Dame^ reward enough I weenc 
 For many labours more, then I haue found. 
 This, that in fafety now I haue youfccne. 
 And meane of your dcliuerance haue beene; 
 Henceforth faire Lady comfort to you take^ 
 And put away remembrance of late teenc ; 
 In ftead thereof know, that your louin g Make, 
 
 Hath nolefle griefe endured for your gentle (ake. 
 
 She much was cheard to heare him mentiond, 
 Whomofallliuing wights flue loued beft. 
 Then laid the noble Ch amp ionede ftrong bond 
 Vpon th'enchauntcr, which had her diflrcll 
 So fore, and withfoulc outrages oppreft; 
 With that great chaine,vvherewith not long ygo 
 He bdund that pitteousLady prifoner, now rcicftj 
 Himfclfe (he bound , more worthy to be lb. 
 
 And captiuc with hct led to wretchednefle and wo.
 
 588 THE III. BOOKE OF THE Cm.XU. 
 
 Returning backe, thofc goodly roomcs^ which crft 
 She faw lb rich and royally arayd. 
 Now vanifht vttcrly, and cleanc fubucrft 
 She found, and all their glory quite decayd. 
 That fight of fuch a chaunge her much difmayd. 
 Thence forth defcendingtothatperlousPorch^ 
 Thofe dreadful! flames fhe alfo found delayd. 
 And quenched quite 5 like a confumed torch, 
 
 That erfl: all entrers wont lb cruelly to Icorch. 
 
 More cafie idew now^ then entrance late 
 
 She found ; for now that fained dreadfull flame^ 
 Which chokt the porch of that enchaunted gatc^ 
 And pallagc bard to all ^ that t^hither came. 
 Was vanillit quite, as it were not the fame. 
 And gaue her leaue at pleafure forth to pafle. 
 Th'Enchaunter felfe , which all that fraud did frame^ 
 To haue efforft the lone of that faire lafle. 
 
 Seeing his worke now wafted deepe engrieued was« ^ 
 
 But when the vidorelle arriued therc^ 
 
 Where late fhe left the penfife Scudamore^ 
 With her owne trufty Squire^ both full of fearc^ 
 Neither of them fiie found where ihe them lore : 
 Thereat her noble hart was ftonifhtlbre; 
 But moft faire Amoret^wlioQ: gentle fp right 
 Now gan to feede on hope, v/hich fhe before 
 Conceiued had, to fee her owne deare knight, 
 
 Being thereof beguyld was fild with new affright. 
 
 But he fad man ^ when he had long in dredc 
 Awayted there for Britomarts returne , 
 Yet faw her not nor figneof her good Ipccd^ 
 
 - His expeftation to defpaire did turnc^ 1 
 Mifdecming fure that her thofe flames did burne ; ^^ 
 
 And
 
 CMtXir. FAERIE QVEENE. 58^ 
 
 And therefore gan aduizc with her old Squire^ 
 Who her deare nourflings loflc no lefTc did moiirnc 
 Thence to depart for further aide t'cnquire: 
 Where let them wend at will^whileft here I doe refpire, 
 
 A Vifion vpon this conceipt of the 
 
 Faery Queeve^ 
 
 ME thought I faw the graue, where Lau^a lay. 
 Within that Temple, where the veftall flame 
 Was wont to burne , and pafling by that way, 
 To fee that buried duftof liuing fame, 
 Whofetombefaireloue, and fairer vertue kcpf^ 
 AH fuddenly I faw the Faery Queene : 
 At whofe approch thefouleof Petrarke wept, 
 And from thenceforth thofe graces were not feenc- 
 For they this Queene attended, in whofe ftecd 
 Obliuion laid him downe on LmHrm herfe ; 
 Hereat the hardefl: (tones wercfeene to bleed, 
 And groncs of buried ghoftcs theheauens did perfc* 
 
 Where Homers fpright did tremble all for griefe, 
 
 Andcurft thacceflcof thatccleftiall theife. 
 
 . Another of the fame. 
 
 THeprayfe of meaner wtts this worke hke profit hrings. 
 As doth the Cuckoes fong delight jt/j^w PhilumcnayT;?^/, 
 If tho'A hafl formed right true vertue s f nee herein : 
 Vert fie herfelfe can beftSfcerne^ to whom they rvritten bm» 
 JfthoH haft beaut ieprayfd^ let her fole lookes diuine 
 Judge if ought therein be amis^ and mend it by her eine. 
 If Chaflitie tcant ought ^ or Temperance her detv^ 
 Behold her Prince I) mind aright^ andrvrite thy ^^ueene anew, 
 iJiieanewhile flje%all percenie,howfarre her venues fore 
 ^bofic i '-"^^achofall that liue^ orjuch as wrote of yore: 
 ayind thereby mil ex^y _^ fauiKir thy goodwill: 
 Whfife vertue can not be^ exprejl, but Oj .,„ ^^^^/j qtiilL 
 Ofrre no lines are loudy nor letters are of price ^ 
 of all which j^cakeour Englipj ton^ue^ but thofe of thy d:uiee. 
 
 W.R. 
 
 . l>r!, .,
 
 a 
 
 5po To the learned Shepheard. 
 
 COllyn I fee hy thy nevfi taken taskfy 
 fome facredfury hath enricht thy braynesj 
 That leades thy mnfe tn h aught ie vcrfe to maske^ 
 and loath the layes that longs to loxi^ly Jwaynes^ 
 That lifts thy notes from Shepheardes vnto kl^gf. 
 So It^e the Ituely Larke that moHntingJtngs, 
 
 Thy louely Rofolinde feemes now forlorne^ 
 and all thy gentle flocI>es forgotten anight^ 
 
 Thy channged hart now ho Ides thy py pes wfiorne, 
 thofe prety pypes that did thy mates delight, 
 
 Thofe tr^iftie mates, that loaedtheefo well, 
 
 Whom thoHj^aiifi mirth : as they gaue thee the heU, 
 
 Tet as thoti earfhwith thy fweet roundelayeSy 
 dtdftfltrre to glee our laddes tn homely bowers : 
 
 So moHghtfi thou now in thefe refyned layes y 
 delight the dainty eares of higher powers, 
 
 Andfo mought'they in their deepe skanning shift 
 
 Alow and grace our CoHyns flowing quill, 
 
 tAnd fare befall that Faerie Queenc of thine ^ 
 in whofefaire eyes hue lincht with vertUffitsx 
 
 Snfufmg by thofe bewties fers deutnCy 
 
 Such high concettes into thy humble wits, 
 
 ty^s raifedhath poore pafiors oaten reede, 
 
 Trom rujiick^ tunes, to chaunt heroiqil'e deedes. 
 
 So mought thy Redcroflc knight with happy hand 
 vitloriom be in that faire Hands right : 
 
 VVhich thou doe ft vavle in Type of Faery land 
 Elyzts bleffedfeldfthaf Albion hight. 
 
 That fljieldes her friends, and warres her mi^htiefoeSy 
 
 Tet {lillwtth people, peace, andplentie flowes, 
 
 'But ( lolly Shepheard ) though with pleaftngflylcy 
 thoufeafl the humour, of the Court h - ' 
 
 Let not conceipt thy fetl^'^j^'*'- ^ ^^g^^^^^ 
 ne daunted 1 7 through enuy or dtfdaine. 
 
 Subie^i'thy dome 1 her Smpyrtngfprtght, 
 
 From whence thy Mnfe, and all the world t^es light. 
 
 .HobyncIJ.
 
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